Calling all heroes! The 'AI for All' competition in south China's Guangxi is now recruiting participants

People's Daily Online) 22:01, July 18, 2025

On July 19, the "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition will officially kick off in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, extending a shining invitation to talents from around the world.

The competition features three major tracks:

 The "Scenario Breakthrough" Application Innovation Contest

 The "Champion's Challenge" Industry Challenge Contest

 The "AI for All" Mass Innovation Contest

With no entry barriers, the event welcomes enterprises, research teams, students, and individual developers from both China and abroad to showcase their creativity and technological prowess.

The intelligent future of every industry is yours to define. Join nowyour ideas could shape what comes next.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
Chinese envoy calls for advancing Colombia's peace process

Xinhua) 15:22, July 19, 2025

UNITED NATIONS, July 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called for efforts to advance Colombia's peace process.

The Colombian peace process is a fine example of ending conflict and rebuilding peace through dialogue and negotiation. As the Colombian peace process has entered uncharted waters, relevant parties should firm up their resolve, overcome difficulties, and steadfastly advance the peace process for the stability and development of the country, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

"The peace agreement remains an effective roadmap for peace consolidation in Colombia and achieving peace is in the interests of all Colombian parties," he told the UN Security Council.

China supports President Gustavo Petro's decision to prioritize the implementation of the peace agreement in the remainder of his term. China welcomes the recent formulation of the 2025 action plan by the Colombian government to clarify priorities in different sectors, he said.

"Comprehensive rural reform is a priority for implementing the peace agreement and an important pillar for Colombia's national development", said Geng. "China encourages the Colombian government to increase resource allocation, strengthen coordination, accelerate rural reform, and continuously unlock development dividends."

As Colombia's presidential poll draws near, China hopes that all parties in Colombia will prioritize people's well-being, cherish and safeguard the hard-won peace, and avoid a relapse into political violence, he said.

China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), including Colombia, in efforts to build a China-CELAC community with a shared future, thereby injecting positive energy into world peace and development, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, a low-key billionaire and one of Malaysias richest and most influential tycoons, controls a vast business empire that reaches into nearly every aspect of Malaysian life.

Forbes pins his net worth at US$2.4 billion, the bulk of which stems from his stakes in DRB-Hicom and flagship firm MMC Corporation. It ranked him as Malaysias 11th richest billionaire earlier this year.

Through those two firms and private investment company Puncak Semangat, the tycoon has control over several major firms in Malaysia, such as national automaker Proton, utility provider Gas Malaysia, and Bernasthe countrys sole licensed rice importer.

Another major firm is MMC Ports, Malaysias largest port operator with five ports strategically positioned along the Straits of Malacca, one of the worlds busiest maritime trade routes, according to Reuters. MMC Ports is planning to go public in Malaysia, a listing that could value the firm at up to $7 billion, according to a Bloomberg report last month.

Beyond that, his empire also stretches into defense, telecommunications, real estate, construction, banking and the media.

Syed Mokhtar Albukhary. Photo courtesy of Albukhary Foundation

The breadth of Syed Mokhtars business interests today stands in stark contrast to his humble beginnings. Born in 1951 in the Malaysian state of Kedah, he grew up in a modest household that struggled to make ends meet, according to Wealth and Society.

As a boy, he helped his father run a small cattle business, an experience that gave him an early taste of entrepreneurship. To help support his family, he left school early and started out by trading rice and providing logistics services.

But his breakthrough did not come until the 1990s, when he capitalized on Malaysias booming stock market by flipping stakes in listed companies. Those gains would eventually fund his first major venture: acquiring the Johor port from the state government.

He then secured federal approval to overhaul the port in 1996, pledging to turn it into a competitor to Singapores port. The port, called Tanjung Pelepas, was running by 2000, The Wall Street Journal reported. From there, he steadily built his empire into what it is today.

Reflecting on his journey, Syed Mokhtar once noted that while a high level of education is not a requirement for success, perseverance, discipline and hard work are.

The tycoon is known to have a straightforward approach to business, as he put it: "If I want to do something, I do it first and talk about it later."

Part of Syed Mokhtars enduring success lies in his ability to forge and maintain longstanding ties with those in high places, such as former prime ministers Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin, according to The Business Times.

He is also skilled at navigating and aligning with Malaysias shifting power dynamics over the decades. For instance, when Bernas came under fire in 2022 from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over its rice import monopoly and its effect on padi farmers, the criticism was quelled after Syed Mokhtar pledged RM90 million (US$21.2 million) from the firms profits to support farmers. The move preserved his business position while appeasing government demands.

This knack has consistently helped him secure crucial concessions and stay dominant across sectors.

"He is keen to grow, others are not so keen. Sometimes, where other people do not want to go in (to a business venture), he is willing to go in," Mahathir said of Syed Mokhtar in 2015.

Unlike many tycoons who embrace media attention and display their wealth, Syed Mokhtar keeps a notably low profile. He is known to rarely agree to interviews and avoid being photographed, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

When he was awarded the "Tan Sri" honorific by Malaysias king in 2000, he instructed his employees and associates not to publish customary congratulatory messages in local newspapers.

He also has a different taste than other high-flying tycoons, favoring simple open-collared shirts and tea with condensed milk at roadside cafes.

Syed Mokhtar is married to Sharifah Zarah, whose father, Syed Kechik, was a prominent political strategist in Malaysias Sabah state during the 1960s and 70s.

A gradual passing of the torch appears to be underway, as two of their children, Sharifah Sofia and Syed Danial, have recently taken on more prominent roles in the business empire.

Beyond his business empire, Syed Mokhtar has also made a name for himself through philanthropy.

Drawing from his own experience of growing up in hardship and leaving school early, he launched the Albukhary Scholarship Programme to help underprivileged Malaysian and international students access higher education free of charge.

He also established the Albukhary Foundation, a major non-profit organization that focuses on education, culture and social development. Among its key projects is Albukhary International University, a private non-profit institution founded in 2010 to give students from disadvantaged backgrounds access to tertiary education.

At the universitys first graduation ceremony in 2022, he encouraged scholarship recipients to extend the same generosity to others, Tatler Asia reported.

Citing his mother, he said: "Nothing is yours until you have given it away with all your heart in the hope that it will make someones life easier."
G7 ambassadors congratulate new Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, expect further cooperation

G7 Ambassadors congratulate newly appointed Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko and new Ukrainian government.

"Congratulations to Yulia Svyrydenko and the new Ukrainian government! We look forward to further cooperation in support of Ukraine," reads a post on the social network X.

"Renewed movement towards reforms, rule of law, fight against corruption, media freedom, support for civil society is key for Ukraine's business climate and Euro-Atlantic path," the G7 ambassadors emphasized.
Trex (NYSE:TREX  Get Free Report) and Rayonier (NYSE:RYN  Get Free Report) are both mid-cap construction companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, valuation, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.

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Profitability

This table compares Trex and Rayoniers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Trex 17.69% 22.78% 14.66% Rayonier 30.09% 3.29% 1.74%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Trex and Rayoniers top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Trex $1.15 billion 5.76 $226.39 million $1.82 33.98 Rayonier $1.26 billion 2.91 $359.15 million $2.33 10.12

Rayonier has higher revenue and earnings than Trex. Rayonier is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Trex, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Volatility and Risk

Trex has a beta of 1.5, meaning that its share price is 50% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Rayonier has a beta of 1.02, meaning that its share price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings for Trex and Rayonier, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Trex 1 7 8 1 2.53 Rayonier 0 3 1 0 2.25

Trex currently has a consensus target price of $74.88, suggesting a potential upside of 21.08%. Rayonier has a consensus target price of $27.75, suggesting a potential upside of 17.73%. Given Trexs stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Trex is more favorable than Rayonier.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

96.0% of Trex shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.1% of Rayonier shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.7% of Trex shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.9% of Rayonier shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Trex beats Rayonier on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Trex

(Get Free Report)

Trex Company, Inc. manufactures and distributes composite decking, railing, and outdoor living products and accessories for residential and commercial markets in the United States. It offers decking products and accessories under the names Trex Transcend, Trex Select, Trex Signature, Trex Transcend Lineage, and Trex Enhance for protection against fading, staining, mold, and scratching; Trex Hideaway, a hidden fastening system; and Trex DeckLighting, a LED dimmable deck lighting for use on posts, floors, and steps. The company also provides Trex Transcend Railing products that are used in Trex decking products and other decking materials; Trex Select Railing products for a simple clean finished look; Trex Enhance Railing system; Trex Signature aluminum railing for a contemporary look; and Trex Select T-Rail railing products. In addition, it offers Trex Seclusions, a fencing product that includes structural posts, bottom and top rails, pickets, and decorative post caps. Further, the company acts as a licensor in various licensing agreements with third parties to manufacture and sell products under the Trex name, including Trex Outdoor Furniture; Trex RainEscape, an above joist deck drainage system; Trex Pergola, a cellular PVC product; Trex Latticeworks outdoor lattice boards; Trex Cornhole boards; Diablo Trex Blade, a saw blade for wood-alternative composite decking; Trex SpiralStairs and structural steel posts; and Trex Outdoor Kitchens, cabinetry, and Storage products. It sells its products through wholesale distributors, retail lumber dealers, and Home Depot and Lowes stores. Trex Company, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Winchester, Virginia.

About Rayonier

(Get Free Report)

Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. As of December 31, 2023, Rayonier owned or leased under long-term agreements approximately 2.7 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. South (1.85 million acres), U.S. Pacific Northwest (418,000 acres) and New Zealand (421,000 acres).

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Cerity Partners LLC lowered its holdings in BellRing Brands Inc. (NYSE:BRBR  Free Report) by 22.2% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 41,748 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,908 shares during the period. Cerity Partners LLCs holdings in BellRing Brands were worth $3,109,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of BellRing Brands during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $280,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in BellRing Brands by 12.2% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,316 shares of the companys stock valued at $172,000 after purchasing an additional 252 shares during the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its position in BellRing Brands by 0.6% during the first quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 72,051 shares of the companys stock worth $5,365,000 after purchasing an additional 438 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of BellRing Brands by 71.4% in the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 8,883 shares of the companys stock worth $661,000 after purchasing an additional 3,700 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its position in shares of BellRing Brands by 31.6% in the first quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 18,584 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,384,000 after purchasing an additional 4,461 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 94.97% of the companys stock.

Insider Activity at BellRing Brands

In other BellRing Brands news, CEO Darcy Horn Davenport sold 1,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.66, for a total value of $92,256.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 198,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,461,539.48. The trade was a 0.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 9,600 shares of company stock worth $570,128. 1.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

BellRing Brands Trading Up 1.6%

Shares of BellRing Brands stock opened at $58.11 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.38 billion, a PE ratio of 27.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.70. BellRing Brands Inc. has a 12 month low of $48.06 and a 12 month high of $80.67. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $60.44 and its 200-day moving average price is $68.88.

BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 5th. The company reported $0.53 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.53. The business had revenue of $588.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $577.56 million. BellRing Brands had a net margin of 12.82% and a negative return on equity of 133.63%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.45 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that BellRing Brands Inc. will post 2.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently commented on BRBR shares. DA Davidson raised shares of BellRing Brands from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $85.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 27th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of BellRing Brands from $65.00 to $60.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 2nd. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of BellRing Brands from $90.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Barclays set a $75.00 price target on shares of BellRing Brands and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of BellRing Brands from $71.00 to $63.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $76.19.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BRBR

BellRing Brands Profile

(Free Report)

BellRing Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various nutrition products in the United States. The company offers ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and other products primarily under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. It distributes its products through club, food, drug, mass, eCommerce, specialty, and convenience channels.

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Ranpak (NYSE:PACK  Get Free Report) is one of 15 public companies in the CONTNRS  PPR/PLS industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Ranpak to similar businesses based on the strength of its dividends, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings and profitability.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Ranpak and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ranpak 0 2 1 0 2.33 Ranpak Competitors 129 889 912 24 2.43

Ranpak currently has a consensus target price of $5.50, suggesting a potential upside of 55.37%. As a group, CONTNRS  PPR/PLS companies have a potential upside of 12.79%. Given Ranpaks higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Ranpak is more favorable than its competitors.

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Ranpak $368.90 million -$21.50 million -13.62 Ranpak Competitors $5.78 billion $370.95 million 17.80

This table compares Ranpak and its competitors revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Ranpaks competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Ranpak. Ranpak is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Profitability

This table compares Ranpak and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ranpak -5.74% -3.87% -1.92% Ranpak Competitors 5.83% 21.92% 6.53%

Volatility and Risk

Ranpak has a beta of 2.69, meaning that its stock price is 169% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ranpaks competitors have a beta of 0.97, meaning that their average stock price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

85.9% of Ranpak shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 69.9% of shares of all CONTNRS  PPR/PLS companies are owned by institutional investors. 8.7% of Ranpak shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 9.1% of shares of all CONTNRS  PPR/PLS companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Ranpak competitors beat Ranpak on 10 of the 13 factors compared.

Ranpak Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ranpak Holdings Corp., together with its subsidiaries, provides product protection solutions and end-of-line automation solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company offers protective packaging solutions, such as void-fill protective systems that convert paper to fill empty spaces in secondary packages and protect objects under the FillPak brand; cushioning protective systems, which convert paper into cushioning pads under the PadPak brand; and wrapping protective systems that create pads or paper mesh to wrap and protect fragile items, as well as to line boxes and provide separation when shipping various objects under the WrapPak, Geami, and ReadyRoll brands, as well as cold chain products, which are used to provide insulation for goods. It also offers end-of-line packaging automation products, which help end users automate the void filling and box closure processes after product packing is complete. The company sells its products to end users primarily through a distributor network, and directly to select end-users. Ranpak Holdings Corp. was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Concord Township, Ohio.

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West Fraser Timber (NYSE:WFG  Get Free Report) is one of 15 publicly-traded companies in the BLDG PRD  WOOD industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare West Fraser Timber to similar businesses based on the strength of its profitability, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends and risk.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for West Fraser Timber and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score West Fraser Timber 0 0 5 0 3.00 West Fraser Timber Competitors 193 1162 1101 48 2.40

West Fraser Timber currently has a consensus price target of $100.40, indicating a potential upside of 35.60%. As a group, BLDG PRD  WOOD companies have a potential upside of 23.42%. Given West Fraser Timbers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe West Fraser Timber is more favorable than its rivals.

Dividends

Volatility & Risk

West Fraser Timber pays an annual dividend of $1.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. West Fraser Timber pays out -752.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BLDG PRD  WOOD companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 36.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. West Fraser Timber has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years.

West Fraser Timber has a beta of 1.15, indicating that its stock price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, West Fraser Timbers rivals have a beta of 1.43, indicating that their average stock price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares West Fraser Timber and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio West Fraser Timber $6.17 billion -$5.00 million -435.53 West Fraser Timber Competitors $4.92 billion $297.37 million -12.95

West Fraser Timber has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its rivals. West Fraser Timber is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Profitability

This table compares West Fraser Timber and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets West Fraser Timber 0.03% 0.99% 0.78% West Fraser Timber Competitors 7.65% 10.27% 6.04%

Insider & Institutional Ownership

40.2% of West Fraser Timber shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 82.9% of shares of all BLDG PRD  WOOD companies are held by institutional investors. 1.8% of West Fraser Timber shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of shares of all BLDG PRD  WOOD companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

West Fraser Timber rivals beat West Fraser Timber on 10 of the 15 factors compared.

About West Fraser Timber

(Get Free Report)

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., a diversified wood products company, engages in manufacturing, selling, marketing, and distributing lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals and renewable energy. It offers spruce-pine-fir, douglas fir-larch, hem-fir, and southern yellow pine lumber, treated wood products, medium density fiberboard panels and plywood, oriented strand board, and laminated veneer lumber wood products, as well as particleboards. The company also provides northern bleached softwood Kraft pulp and bleached chemical thermo-mechanical pulp used to produce various paper products, including printing and writing papers, paperboard products, tissue and towel products, and a variety of other paper grades. Further, it offers bioproducts, including bioenergy and biomaterial. Its products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, papers, tissue, and box materials, and industrial applications. The company sells its products to major retail chains, contractor supply yards, and wholesalers, as well as industrial customers for further processing or as components for other products in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Digitiliti (OTCMKTS:DIGI  Get Free Report) and Teradata (NYSE:TDC  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, risk, earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.

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Profitability

This table compares Digitiliti and Teradatas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Digitiliti N/A N/A N/A Teradata 8.10% 129.98% 9.47%

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Digitiliti and Teradata, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Digitiliti 0 0 0 0 0.00 Teradata 1 6 3 0 2.20

Earnings and Valuation

Teradata has a consensus price target of $27.25, indicating a potential upside of 26.10%. Given Teradatas stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Teradata is more favorable than Digitiliti.

This table compares Digitiliti and Teradatas top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Digitiliti N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Teradata $1.75 billion 1.18 $114.00 million $1.42 15.22

Teradata has higher revenue and earnings than Digitiliti.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

90.3% of Teradata shares are held by institutional investors. 3.7% of Digitiliti shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.9% of Teradata shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Teradata beats Digitiliti on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Digitiliti

(Get Free Report)

Digitiliti, Inc. provides online data protection solutions to the small and medium business and small to medium enterprise markets in the United States. It offers DigiBAK, an online data backup and recovery service for various machines in a network, including desktops, laptops, and file and print servers. The company also provides DigiLIBE, an information management software that moves and manages information objects, which are human recognized content, such as a word document or an excel spreadsheet. It serves various data intensive industries, including financial services, engineering and scientific, construction, health care, education, and legal services. The company sells and supports its solutions and services through direct sales, value-added remarketers, and third-party integrators. Digitiliti, Inc. was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Breezy Point, Minnesota.

About Teradata

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Teradata Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a connected multi-cloud data platform for enterprise analytics. The company offers Teradata Vantage, an open and connected platform designed to leverage data across an enterprise. Its business consulting services include support services for organizations to establish a data and analytic vision, enable a multi-cloud ecosystem architecture, and identify and operationalize analytical opportunities, as well as to ensure the analytical infrastructure delivers value. The company offers support and maintenance services. It serves clients in financial services, government, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, and travel/transportation sectors through a direct sales force in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. Teradata Corporation was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

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Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE  Free Report) by 64.8% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 478 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock after acquiring an additional 188 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in ESCO Technologies were worth $76,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ESE. Pitcairn Co. boosted its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. Pitcairn Co. now owns 3,479 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $463,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. raised its stake in shares of ESCO Technologies by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 2,919 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $389,000 after acquiring an additional 88 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of ESCO Technologies by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 2,047 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $326,000 after acquiring an additional 93 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of ESCO Technologies by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 11,617 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $1,848,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of ESCO Technologies by 18.0% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 674 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $107,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.70% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ESE has been the topic of a number of research reports. Benchmark upped their price target on ESCO Technologies from $190.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Wall Street Zen cut ESCO Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, March 21st.

ESCO Technologies Stock Down 0.8%

ESE stock opened at $196.01 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.98 and a beta of 1.21. The companys 50 day moving average price is $186.12 and its 200 day moving average price is $163.11. ESCO Technologies Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $108.70 and a fifty-two week high of $198.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 2.05.

ESCO Technologies (NYSE:ESE  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 7th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $1.35 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $265.52 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $264.96 million. ESCO Technologies had a net margin of 11.01% and a return on equity of 10.56%. The companys revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.09 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that ESCO Technologies Inc. will post 5.65 EPS for the current fiscal year.

ESCO Technologies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 2nd were issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 2nd. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.16%. ESCO Technologiess payout ratio is 7.02%.

ESCO Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

ESCO Technologies Inc produces and supplies engineered products and systems for industrial and commercial markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Defense, Utility Solutions Group, and RF Test & Measurement. The Aerospace & Defense segment designs and manufactures filtration products, including hydraulic filter elements and fluid control devices used in commercial aerospace applications; filter mechanisms used in micro-propulsion devices for satellites; and custom designed filters for manned aircraft and submarines.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ESE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE  Free Report).

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OceanaGold Co. (OTCMKTS:OCANF  Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Buy from the six brokerages that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating.

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OCANF has been the subject of several research reports. CIBC reiterated an outperform rating on shares of OceanaGold in a research note on Tuesday. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of OceanaGold in a research note on Monday, June 2nd. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of OceanaGold in a research report on Tuesday, June 24th. Finally, National Bankshares reiterated an outperform rating on shares of OceanaGold in a research note on Tuesday, June 24th.

Get Our Latest Research Report on OCANF

OceanaGold Stock Down 1.6%

OceanaGold Dividend Announcement

OTCMKTS:OCANF opened at $13.63 on Wednesday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $8.03 and a 200-day moving average price of $4.82. OceanaGold has a 12 month low of $2.09 and a 12 month high of $5.24.

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 20th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 22nd were given a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 21st. This represents a yield of 1%.

OceanaGold Company Profile

(Get Free Report

OceanaGold is a growing intermediate gold and copper producer committed to safely and responsibly maximizing the generation of Free Cash Flow from our operations and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We have a portfolio of four operating mines: the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America; Didipio Mine in the Philippines; and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand.

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Last night, Russian occupiers used more than 300 strike drones and more than 30 missiles of various types against peaceful cities of Ukraine, 10 regions were affected, among the wounded in Odesa is a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"Tonight, our soldiers from various units repelled another Russian attack. More than 300 strike drones and more than 30 missiles of various types were used against our cities. Targets are now being destroyed: there are still drones in the air," he wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

The president noted that rescue operations after the attack are ongoing. According to him, Donetsk, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kherson, Volyn, Zaporizhia, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Zhytomyr regions were affected.

"In Sumy, critical infrastructure was damaged - several thousand families were left without electricity. Combined strikes were carried out on Shostka. In Odesa, a residential building was damaged. Six people were injured, including a child. Unfortunately, one person died. My condolences to the relatives and friends. They hit Pavlohrad with missiles and drones. They damaged a residential building and important infrastructure. Wherever necessary, all services are now working and helping, restoring places and helping people after the attack," the president outlined the situation that developed following the Russia's night attack.

"I thank all the leaders who understand how important it is to promptly implement our agreements. Joint production of weapons, investments in the production of drones in Ukraine, in particular interceptor drones, the provision of air defense systems and missiles for them, as well as the possibility of their production here in Ukraine - all this saves lives and is needed by Ukraine right now," Zelenskyy stressed.
Babies born very prematurely in Northern Ireland will be offered a single long-acting injection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) later this year.

Nirsevimab will replace the current jab, Palivizumab, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in February 2023. It will be available from Autumn for the eligible cohort, including high risk infants and those born too early to be protected by the RSV vaccine offered to pregnant women.

Nirsevimab offers over 80% protection against the virus and is administered as a single injection that provides protection right through an RSV season  from September to February each year.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: The risk of contracting RSV for children born very prematurely in their first winter is extremely serious and has a significant impact on our health service each year. My Department has approved using this new vaccine in line with the approach being taken across the other UK nations.

This innovative vaccine further strengthens our winter preparedness to prevent avoidable hospital admissions and reduce pressures on GPs and Emergency Departments. It follows on from the launch of an RSV vaccination programme for pregnant women and adults aged 75-79 years old last year.

I would encourage parents and guardians of those eligible to avail of the vaccination to help protect their baby from illness.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: RSV is a potentially serious virus, particularly for very young babies. Vaccinations have been extremely effective in eradicating diseases and protecting children and other vulnerable groups from serious illness and death.

Worryingly, we are now seeing a decline in the uptake of childhood immunisations. Vaccinations offer children the very best start in life. Quite simply, if children arent vaccinated, theyre not protected.

Nirsevimab will be available right across the UK after NHS England, supported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), worked with the manufacturer, Sanofi, to agree a cost-effective commercial price to secure access for high-risk infants.

The 2023 JCVI advice stated that a long-acting monoclonal immunisation should be considered for eligible high-risk and very preterm infants  born before 32 weeks. RSV can lead to life-threatening pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, a lung infection.

Nirsevimab will replace palivizumab as the recommended medicine for eligible babies from September / October.
The Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership (DSLMP) are celebrating the successful delivery of a new business support programme to equip budding entrepreneurs with the skills to successfully set up their own business.

The Succeed in Enterprise programme was developed and delivered locally, with an emphasis on offering guidance and training to participants who have been unable to pursue the traditional employment route due to disability or personal circumstances.

Labour Market Partnerships, which create targeted employment action plans for council areas, are funded by the Department for Communities, and allow for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The Succeed in Enterprise programme was a key element of the LMP and was delivered in partnership with Enterprise North West and Strabane Enterprise Agency, drawing on their expertise in delivering successful business start-up and growth programmes.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, congratulated everyone who completed and delivered the course.

The Succeed In Enterprise course was an ideal way to allow budding entrepreneurs to gain the skills to make their business idea a sustainable reality, particularly those who have had their employment opportunities restricted in the past due to their circumstances, he said.

Small and medium size businesses are a key pillar of our local economy, bringing business into the Council area and creating employment opportunities so it is important that we give them all the support they need to get their vision off the ground.

The start-up phase of any business is a challenging and daunting period however the expert training and mentoring they have received will give them the best possible of chance of creating a sustainable service.

Caolan Campbell, Contract Manager from Enterprise North West added: Succeed In Enterprise was an excellent success, enabling 20 participants from across the Derry and Strabane District access professional business mentoring support, develop personal and business skills, access to various entrepreneurial skill focused workshops, develop a business plan and access financial assistance to aid participants on their respective entrepreneurial journeys.

As a direct result of this programme, we immediately have had 11 people enter self-employment with a view of more entering in the coming months.

Some of these participants have disabilities as well as other personal challenges which often prevents them from committing to the employment route.

Some of the industries they have entered included tourism, personal care services, fitness, home maintenance, food and media to name a few.

The programme gave people that hand-holding experience to instil confidence and I hope future initiatives like this gives more local people the confidence to consider the self-employment route by starting their own business and I look forward to seeing more business ideas coming to fruition through future similar programmes.

A key priority for the Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership is to improve employability outcomes and labour market conditions locally.

The Succeed in Enterprise programme aims to support local people who want to start a business but face a number of barriers to progressing through mainstream channels due to personal circumstances, explained Council's Labour Market Partnership Manager, Nicky Gilleece.

READ NEXT: New owners for leading County Derry storage manufacturers Sperrin Metal Products

By adapting to the needs of the participants we have opened up the prospect of business start-up and employment to more people across Derry and Strabane.

Good luck to all the graduates of the programme, our Business Development team will be available to them for further guidance and support as they put their business plans into action in the months and years ahead.

To find out more about other similar business support programmes please reach out to Enterprise North West (Email info@enterprisenw.com or call 028 71352693) or Strabane Enterprise Agency (info@seagency.co.uk or 028 7138 2518).
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Gardai have seized herbal cannabis worth an estimated 1.6 million after "intercepting" a van during a targeted operation in Co Wexford this week.

The bust happened on Thursday, July 18, as part of a joint sting involving the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue's Customs Service.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Gardai confirmed: "In the course of a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue officers, a van was intercepted by Gardai in Ballycarney, Co. Wexford on the 18th July 2025.

"During a search of the van, approximately 80 kilos of herbal cannabis was discovered with an estimated street value of 1.6 million (pending analysis)."

A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and is currently being detained.

"A male in his 40s was arrested at the scene and is currently being detained at a Garda Station in the east of the country under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. He may be held for a period of up to seven days."

Gardai added: "The drugs seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis."

"Investigations are ongoing," the statement concluded.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle organised crime and disrupt the supply of illegal drugs across the country.

READ MORE | Washout weekend as Met Eireann's grim forecast features plenty of rain, thunder and floods
A new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) shows a continuing decline in the number of pubs in Ireland, with 58 pubs having closed in Louth since 2005.

Nationally, 2,119, or one in four, have closed their doors since 2005.

There are 169 pubs currently operation in Louth, a drop of 58 or 25% when compared with the 2005 figure of 227.

The report, compiled by Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU, Anthony Foley, shows that an average of 112 pubs stopped trading every year, with a further 600 to 1,000 closures estimated over the next decade.

All 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers over the 2005 to 2024 period. The highest decrease was in Limerick (-37.2%), followed by Offaly (-34.1%) Cork (-32.7%), Roscommon (-32.3%), Tipperary (-32.0%), Laois (-30.6%), Longford (-30.1%) and Westmeath (-30.0%).

The lowest decrease was in Dublin with a drop of -1.7%, followed by Meath with a decrease of -9.5%. Wicklow had a decrease of 10.8% and all other counties saw a 13% or greater decrease.

DIGI said the high cost of doing of business was a major contributory factor to the alarming rate of closures recorded by the report. It said that without immediate action by the Government many villages and small towns will soon lose their last remaining pub which would deal a devastating blow to the economic and social fabric of that community.

DIGI has called for the Government to use the upcoming Budget to introduce a 10% cut in excise, which currently stands as the second highest in the European Union.

Commenting on the report, author Professor Tony Foley said:

This report reveals a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland in recent years. The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country. In the absence of government intervention, we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.

Read Next: PHOTOS: Sun shines at Ladies Day at Dundalk Stadium

Commenting on the report, DIGI secretary, Donall OKeeffe said:

More than 100 pubs are closing every year in Ireland, due in large part to the high costs imposed by the State. Without immediate intervention, up to 1,000 more pubs will close for the last time, leaving their communities without a vital community and tourism hub. Once closed, such pubs rarely re-open. The Government could improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise by 10%. With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels, and likely to continue dropping, it is no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe. This is on top of a hefty 23% VAT rate. The time for the Government to act is now before it is too late.
What appeared to be a normal morning for the Dundalk Court Office manager, turned into a mini 'This Is Your Life' for Denise Clarkin, who was surprised last Wednesday when she entered Courtroom Number 3 to find it was full of people to mark her upcoming retirement.

Circuit Court Judge Dara Hayes and District Court Judge Nicola Andrews were among the well-wishers including her colleagues, solicitors, barristers, members of the Probation Service and Prison Service and Gardai.

Her career in the Courts Service began with a temporary contract in 1987 with most of it spent in Dundalk apart from stints in Dublin, Monaghan, and Drogheda.

Judge Hayes, who was appointed a circuit court judge three-and-a-half years ago, told how one of his first postings was to Monaghan where she was still manager: Then I was assigned here and Denise had to be brought home to supervise me!

Noting that she has been nothing but helpful, Judge Hayes stressed that the advent of criminal trials in both Dundalk and in Drogheda could not have happened without her work and she would be greatly missed.

Read also: PHOTOS: Sun shines at Ladies Day at Dundalk Stadium

Judge Andrews recalled the warm welcome extended to her when she arrived in County Louth and said Denise was a great source of knowledge, who gave her a good understanding of how management of the courthouse worked.

Judge Andrews also extended thanks on behalf of all the judges who sat in District No. 6 before her.

On behalf of the Dundalk practitioners, solicitor Frank McDonnell, said with the introduction of legislation "from every direction" since the 1990s Denise has been described by others as the oracle and go to woman and that was their experience too.

His counterpart in Drogheda Paddy Goodwin, who said he had been friends with Denise since he was an apprentice, also passed on the good wishes of retired Judge Flann Brennan.

Donough McDonough BL, who said Denise was always helpful, courteous and friendly, added it was not easy to be a leader.

It took bravery and she had made all of them better at what they did.

He continued that they were lucky to be backed by the best court staff and office in the country, which was very much a nod to Denise.

State Solicitor for County Louth Fergus Mullen claimed that the Dundalk office was the envy of most counties in Ireland which was in no small way down to Denise and he acknowledged there has been a significant increase in the court workload.

Regional manager, Eoin Manning, who joked that the staff called her the Subject Matter expert, noted that the court office in Dundalk is now the amalgamation of three offices  Dundalk, Drogheda and the Circuit Court.

Staff had increased by a third and there was new legislation and technology and Denise is leaving behind a knowledgeable and dedicated team.

Best wishes were also extended on behalf of the Probation Service, Prison Service and Supt Charlie Armstrong of Dundalk Garda Station on behalf of Gardai.

Responding to the tributes that had been paid, Denise said Ive loved the courts.

Theyve been good to me and the people were good to me. and referring to the court staff said it was not an easy job and not getting any easier.

She added she had learned so much working with everyone, and outlined how she began on a temporary contract because she didn't know what she wanted to do when she grew up, and I still dont know!
Drogheda's Boann Distillery has helped craft a landmark blended whisky to celebrate The British and Irish Lions partnership.

Named after the year of the Lions' founding, 1888 is a luxury blend that unites grains and malts from five distilleries across Ireland and Britain.

These include Platin Road-based Boann, Echlinville (Northern Ireland), Cameronbridge (Scotland), White Peak (England), and Penderyn (Wales), each bringing a unique character to a truly unified dram.

With just 1,888 individually numbered bottles released, 1888 aims to offer fans a tangible piece of Lions and whisky history in this rare collaboration.

READ NEXT: Dundalk's Mo Chara gets triple nomination at Irish Bar of the Year Awards

It was launched to mark Scottish company, Patron Saint Whiskys appointment as an Official Supplier to The British & Irish Lions Mens Team.

Patron Saint collaborates with esteemed distilleries across Ireland and Britain to create exceptional whiskies that celebrate heritage and unity.

"We are immensely proud to contribute to the creation of 1888, said Pat Cooney, founder of family-run Boann Distillery.

This whisky is more than a blend - its a symbol of unity and the exceptional craftsmanship found in each of the four unions.

The Lions represent the pinnacle of sporting achievement and tradition, and its an honour for Boann to be part of this iconic partnership."

Crafted using an array of special casks  including Oloroso Sherry, Mourvedre, Red Wine, and First-fill Bourbon  1888 delivers a luxurious sensory experience.

On the nose, it reveals sweet vanilla, tangy citrus and baked fruit, followed by layers of summer berries, butterscotch and lightly toasted nuts on the palate.

The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia began with a home fixture in Dublin on June 20, with Andy Farrell's men suffering defeat to Argentina in a thrilling tour match.

A series of high-profile matches Down Under this month will culminate in a three-Test series against the Wallabies, starting this Saturday. (July19)

The release of 1888 has been supported by Lions legends John Rutherford and Craig Chalmers, both praising its craftsmanship and its connection to the spirit of the Lions.

Just as every Lion who pulls on that jersey contributes to its enduring legacy, every dram of '1888' reflects the careful crafting and dedication that defines a Lion, said Rutherford.

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, said: I am pleased to welcome Patron Saint to the Lions family and hope that our fans enjoy their unique whisky whilst they cheer on the team this summer.

To purchase one of the limited bottles of 1888, visit www.patronsaintwhisky.com.
The Australian government announced on Saturday the supply of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a military aid package worth approximately $160 million, aimed at strengthening the country's defense capabilities in the context of the ongoing war with Russia, Reuters reports.

"Ukraine has taken possession of most of the 49 tanks given by Australia, and the rest will be delivered in coming months, said Defense Minister Richard Marles," the report reads.

The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraines ongoing fight against Russias illegal and immoral invasion," Marles said.
The median house price for houses sold with the Dundalk Eircode A91 in May 2025 was 330,000, according to figures released by the CSO (Central Statistics Office) in their Residential Property Price Index report.

The county wide median house price for Louth now stands at 345,000.

Of the 42 houses sold in Dundalk in May, 10 were to first time buyer owner-occupiers; 21 to former owner-occupiers and 11 were to non occupiers.

Thirty-one of these houses were existing builds while eleven were new homes.

The median price of the new houses sold was 375,000 and the median price of existing houses sold in May was 265,000.

In Drogheda, the median price of residential properties sold in A92: Drogheda in May 2025, was 365,000.

Of the 98 houses sold in Drogheda in May, 48 were to first time buyer owner-occupiers; 47 to former owner-occupiers and 3 were to non occupiers.

Forty-eight of the houses sold were new houses and fifty were existing. The median price for the new houses sold was 410,000 while for existing houses it was 308,500.

Commenting on the national figures, Niall Corkery, Statistician in the Prices Division, said: Residential property prices rose by 7.9% in the 12 months to May 2025, up from 7.6% in the year to April 2025. In Dublin, residential property prices saw an increase of 6.9%, while property prices outside Dublin were 8.7% higher in May 2025 when compared with a year earlier.

In the 12 months to May 2025, house prices in Dublin rose by 6.8% while apartment prices increased by 7.2%. The highest house price growth in Dublin was in Fingal at 9.3% while Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown saw a rise of 5.1%.

Read Next: PHOTOS: Launch of Macardles Digitisation Project at An Tain in Dundalk

Outside Dublin, house prices were up by 8.9% and apartment prices rose by 6.7%. The region outside of Dublin that saw the largest growth in house prices was the Border (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo) at 11.1%, while at the other end of the scale, the South-East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, and Wexford) saw a 7.7% rise.

Households paid a median or mid-point price of 370,000 for a residential property in the 12 months to May 2025. The highest median price paid for a dwelling was 670,000 in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, while the lowest was 186,000 in Leitrim.

The most expensive Eircode area over the 12 months to May 2025 was A94 (Blackrock, Dublin) with a median price of 770,000, while F45 (Castlerea, Roscommon) had the least expensive price of 150,000.
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A Fine Gael councillor has said the old Cork prison should not be demolished due to its history, as the current facility hit a new record for overcrowding on Thursday, with 94 people currently sleeping on the floor according to most recent figures.

There were 390 people incarcerated in Cork prison on yesterday, down from 393 on Thursday, which was a new record. The prison has a capacity of 296, meaning 97 people in the facility did not have a bed on Thursday and 94 on Friday.

Fine Gael councillor Shane OCallaghan said he foresaw issues with the Government plan to demolish the old Cork Prison and build a new one on the site alongside the current facility by 2031: I dont think its a realistic plan.

The old Cork prison is a historic building thats been there since 1806. It would have been where a lot of Irish patriots were imprisoned and executed, people like Thomas Kent.

I dont think theres any need to have a second prison in Cork  if theyre serious about getting to grips with record numbers, they should resurrect Michael McDowells plan for a very large new prison  a place like Thornton Hall.

The proposed new facility would have space for 230 male and 100 female inmates, but nationally, the Irish Prison Service is short around 850 beds, and Mr OCallaghan said: 330 is only scraping the surface.

I understand its convenient because the Department of Justice already owns that land, but they could perhaps transfer that to some other department like the department of heritage and get some sort of museum there.
Children across the city and county can dream again, thanks to Corks senior hurlers, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said.

Speaking to reporters in Ringakiddy on Friday, Mr Martin declined to make any predictions about the match, saying he did not wish to put pressure on the Cork team.

I think it has been a wonderful year of hurling so far. It has been joyful to witness the extraordinary Cork crowds who have attended every game, he said.

The Cork team had proven themselves in terms of their resilience after last years heartbreaking result, Mr Martin said.

"It was a wonderful year but they just came up short at the end," he said.

I hope for the players they will want to do it for themselves. They put huge effort in - to be an inter-county player today requires incredible sacrifice from themselves, their families and their partners.

Again, particularly the players we all know - the household names - who in my view deserve to have an All-Ireland medal, we wish the very best for them.

It is wonderful to see the young people and children dream again - we all remember from our own young days the iconic images of a particular captain lifting a cup, the Taoiseach added.

What it brings to a city and county, I have no doubt that Sunday will enable many more young people to dream that someday they will be in Croke Park in an All-Ireland final.

That is the magic of it. It is just beautiful to witness it," he said.
On Monday, July 22, 1985, a local woman in the County Cork village of Ballinspittle, who had been out walking and enjoying a fine summers evening with her two daughters, stopped at the grotto to say a rosary.

That in itself sounds quaintly old-fashioned to modern ears, but what happened next would send shockwaves across the country.

The mother claimed she saw the statue of the Virgin Mary at the grotto moving - she later told television news crews that it appeared to her to be breathing or sighing, and that she had been overcome with a sense of peace and protection.

Thus began the phenomenon - 40 years ago next week - of what became known as the moving statue of Ballinspittle.

Over the ensuing weeks, an estimated 100,000 people flocked to the grotto in the tiny village near Kinsale, along with a host of TV crews, news reporters, and media from around the world.

Among the pilgrims - the ones who believed, or wanted to believe, in this miracle - were a family who lived in the same street as my wife in 1985, in Leixlip, Co. Kildare.

They embarked on a 600km round trip in a single day, way before motorways, armed with a heap of hang sangwiches and a flask of tay, just to join the crowds in Ballinspittle and to hopefully glimpse this miraculous vision of Mary.

You can picture them now, sat among hundreds of others for hours on end, training their eyes and gazing unblinkingly at the statue.

Did she move?

I swore I saw something? What about you?

No, but keep looking...

Many of those who gathered believed they did witness the miracle of the Virgin moving.

The phenomenon at Ballinspittle lasted the entire summer - even though it was a poor, wet one. Indeed, the contagion spread - there were reports of similar moving statues in around 30 other sites as Catholics fixated on the shrines to Mary that dotted the country, many of them built in the Marian year of 1954 three decades earlier.

Looking back through the lens of four decades of great upheaval and change in Ireland since 1985, it is easy to mock those who played a part in the moving statue phenomenon, to dismiss the participants as poor dupes who put a great store in their faith, and to pour scorn on their need for some kind of proof in a higher being.

We fixate these days on the sins of the Catholic Church in Ireland, and attach a stigma of shame to those generations before us who blindly and wholeheartedly believed every tenet of Christianity and Church doctrine without question.

But to do so would be wrong on many counts, and it would be doing our recent forebears a disservice - not least because the events at Ballinspittle, although on the surface appearing to be a part of the Catholic tradition in Ireland, were actually, in my eyes, a reflection of a far older belief system.

The phenomenon of summer, 1985, speaks to me as being in communion with an Ireland that pre-dated the arrival of Christianity - to an age of standing stones and holy wells, of fairies, and superstitions that still hold to this day.

This mass exodus at Lughnasa was a calling, a beckoning to spiritually and physically connect with fellow Irish brethren.

The rosary beads that threaded through the fingers of those watching the statues at Ballinspittle may have been a symbol of Catholic Ireland, but the spirit at the heart of it was defiantly hibernian, not Roman.

After all, back in 1985, the Catholic Church hierarchy in Ireland hardly embraced this apparent proof of God on their doorsteps. Far from it, they positively discouraged the pilgrims.

Then bishop of Cork and Ross, Michael Murphy, called for ordinary common sense on the matter and declared he wouldnt visit the grotto himself in case it was viewed as an endorsement.

Pope John Paul II, six years after his visit to Ireland, said nothing, and the Church never endorsed the events in Cork.

Which strikes me as strange, from the vantage point of four decades on - as does the refusal of the Irish to heed their calls, and to congregate anyway. Arent we taught that the Church had its flock in a vice-like grip in those days?

If the typical Irish Catholic in 1985 was so wedded to the faith, and hung on every word uttered by the priests and bishops, why did 100,000 of them simply continue with their pilgrimages of devotion and blithely ignore the naysayers?

Similarly, when UCC bigwigs expounded a theory that explained away the visions as optical illusions caused by staring at objects in the evening twilight, the devotees simply ignored the rationality and kept on congregating.

The pull to Ballinspittle was stronger than the pull of Church and science; it was a call to collective unity, a call to belong to something... else, something buried deep in the national psyche, far away from the statues of Jesus and the confessional boxes. Mary might as well as been St Brigid in that grotto - the version of Brigid widely believed to be a Celtic goddess throwback.

Visitors pray at the grotto that summer

While the Catholic apparitions at Lourdes, Knock, and Fatima a century earlier, and at Medjugorje just four years before the Ballinspittle incident, have become articles of faith for the religious hierarchy and its followers, the Cork vision has been brushed aside.

The reason being that what happened at Ballinspittle 40 years ago was a peculiarly Irish affair.

The pilgrimage reached back to an ancient need in the summertime days of plenty to take a time out and embark on a trek, a chance to mingle and gossip with your brethren.

Did the statue move that summer in 1985? Does it matter? It moved the people of Ireland in a way it never moved the priests and bishops who spent every Sunday urging their flocks to always have faith, always believe, that God is all around us - then decided he was certainly not embedded in a statue in Cork.

The pre-Christian traditions of Ireland are never far from the surface, and continue to have a hold on us.

My Echo colleague Jo Kerrigan - she of Throwback Thursday fame - has a particular interest in it, and recently released a book, Irish Fairy Forts: Portals To The Past, which hit No.1 in the Irish non-fiction chart.

Curiously, this has prompted a wave of sales for her previous books, and Old Ways, Old Secrets: Pagan Ireland, and Brehon Laws; The Ancient Wisdom Of Ireland have now re-entered the top ten book chart too.

I doubt books on Christianity would have the same hold on us today, do you?
Ukraine has managed to return 11 more children aged 10 to 17 from the temporarily occupied territories and the Russian Federation, said Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak.

"Within the framework of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we managed to return 11 Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories and the Russian Federation. Their age is from 10 to 17 years old," he wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

According to him, the story of the family, "from which we returned five brothers and sisters, was particularly striking. The children were taken to Russia, and for a long time, there was no information about them. Only later did they themselves contact their adult sister in Ukraine and asked to take them home."

Yermak noted that even after that, the path back was extremely difficult. The Russian guardianship authorities exerted pressure, dragging out the process. The return became possible only after more than a year of persistent and painstaking work.

"This story is another reminder: Ukraine does not stop until its children are at home," Yermak wrote.

He also expressed gratitude to the State of Qatar for its mediation, as well as to the team of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine for their coordinated and principled work.
(Photo Vatican News)A view of the damage to the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza on July 18, 2025.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has telephoned Pope Leo XIV, who urged Israel's leader to revive negotiations and endorse a ceasefire.

Also, two of the most senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem travelled to Gaza on July 18 in a rare visit, AFP reported.

The Roman Catholic Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and his Greek Orthodox counterpart, Theophilos III, greeted local Christians and toured the Holy Family Church in Gaza City

Meanwhile, the morning call from Netanyahu to the Pope's summer residence at Castel Gandolfo on July 18 came the day after the Israeli army struck the Holy Family Church compound, the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip, Vatican News reported.

At least three people were killed and 10 more were injured from the shelling and falling debris, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.

"This morning, in his residence at Castel Gandolfo, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, following yesterday's military attack by the Israeli army that struck the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, killing three people and injuring others, including some seriously," said the Vatican Press Office in a statement.

"During the conversation," it noted, "the Holy Father repeated his appeal for a renewed push for negotiations, a ceasefire and an end to the war."

"He again expressed his concern for the tragic humanitarian situation of the people in Gaza, a heartbreaking price being paid especially by children, the elderly and the sick," it said.

"Finally, the Holy Father reiterated the urgency of protecting places of worship and especially the faithful and all people in Palestine and Israel," the communique said.

More than 500 men, women, and children had been sheltering at the church, including about 50 people with disabilities and ill children cared for by the Missionaries of Charity, when the early morning raid hit the church.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Jerusalem Patriarchate stated that aid agencies facilitated the visit, which also involved the delivery of food supplies and emergency medical equipment.
I'm still chipping away at my summer reading backlog over here, and this week finally made it to Alex Foster's Circular Motion, which came out in May. And, wow, I wasn't quite ready for the emotional journey this one took me on. It's set in a near future  people ride OneWheels and going viral on social media is still a thing some strive for  where the megacompany CWC has created an extreme form of high-speed travel that allows people to zip across the world in no time flat. But, it soon becomes pretty clear that there's a consequence for this. Earth is spinning faster and faster and faster, and protestors blame CWC and the orbital circuit its travel system relies on.

The days grow shorter, the climate events become more extreme and everything is hurtling toward disaster. Circular Motion follows Tanner, a kid from smalltown Alaska who lands a job at CWC, Winnie, a girl who has truly been through it, and Columbia professor Victor Bickle, who shot to viral fame after predicting a public infrastructure catastrophe. They're all connected, as we piece together through multiple POVs. This is a book that very blatantly has something to say about capitalism, climate change and everything in between, and a beautiful exploration of human connection in a crumbling world.
Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton found herself at the center of an online firestorm this weekend after conservative commentator Megyn Kelly attacked her over a social media post about disaster relief efforts in flood-ravaged Texas.

Clinton posted a thread on X, formerly known as Twitter, detailing how various nonprofit organizations were working on the ground to support victims of catastrophic flooding in Kerr County and surrounding areas. The flooding, which struck during the Fourth of July holiday, has killed more than 120 people and left more than 170 missing.

"Members of the Clinton Global community are on the ground in Texas, supporting families, communities and ongoing search and rescue efforts," Clinton wrote, followed by links to 14 nonprofit organizations including the American Red Cross and Americares.

While Clinton's post was widely praised, it also drew backlash from critics accusing her of leveraging tragedy for publicity. Among them was Kelly, who reposted Clinton's message with the caption: "The replies to this post are AMAZING," referencing the barrage of troll responses attacking Clinton and her family.

Clinton responded calmly to Kelly's remarks, writing, "Hi Megyn  I'm sure any of the organizations I mentioned which are on the ground in Texas would welcome your support. I would be happy to put you in touch directly. We all need to support those impacted by the tragic floods in Kerr County and surrounding areas."

Kelly fired back again, accusing Clinton of hypocrisy and grifting. "Chelsea, what we are seeing in the replies to your post is that while you love to play fake philanthropist, absolutely no one wants your family of grifters anywhere near those suffering in Texas, Haiti or anywhere else," she posted.

Clinton again replied without vitriol: "Hi Megyn  we're proud to partner with & support these organizations. I don't receive a cent & never have from these or the Clinton Foundation. Supporting vital work in Texas matters most now. Hope you will highlight relief efforts on your X timeline  apologies if I missed them  & show."

Chelsea, what we are seeing in the replies to your post is that while you love to play fake philanthropist, absolutely no one wants your family of grifters anywhere near those suffering in Texas, Haiti or anywhere else. https://t.co/mdWNhHJXIR  Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) July 11, 2025

The exchange triggered a wave of support for Clinton on social media, with many users blasting Kelly for politicizing a humanitarian effort.

"Chelsea Clinton is sharing how organizations working with Clinton Global are helping Texans but you're sharing comments from trolls," wrote X user Craig Minassian.

.@ChelseaClinton is sharing how organizations working with @ClintonGlobal are helping Texans but youre sharing comments from trolls.  Craig Minassian (@MinassianMedia) July 11, 2025

Another user asked, "Has she even posted about relief efforts or is she just trolling people?"

Critics also drew attention to the broader federal response, pointing fingers at officials like South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump for perceived delays in aid deployment. Reports indicated that FEMA was hampered by a directive requiring Noem's personal approval for contracts over $100,000, slowing the agency's reaction time.

As of Saturday, FEMA had just over 80 agents in the flood zone, with reinforcements arriving days after the disaster unfolded. The slow response has fueled criticism of the Trump administration's budget cuts to key agencies like FEMA and the National Weather Service.

Despite the online controversy, Clinton maintained her focus on flood victims, redirecting attention to the ongoing relief efforts.

"We all have a role to play in helping communities recover," she wrote. "Let's keep the focus on what matters."
Mere months before the Bihar assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to dissolve the Bihar electorate. Every voter in Bihar has now been declared ineligible to vote unless they prove themselves eligible. On 24 June 2025, the ECI initiated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, purportedly to ensure that all eligible voters are included and ineligible voters are excluded from the electoral rolls. Among the various reasons listed by the ECI that necessitated the conduct of this exercise at a short notice and at the eleventh hour were ... rapid urbanization, frequent migration, young citizens becoming eligible to vote, non-reporting of deaths and inclusion of the names of foreign illegal immigrants.

The SIR is slated to be conducted in five phases, with the final electoral roll to be published on 30 September 2025, less than 100 days after the exercise was commenced. In this period, the ECI will have to reach out to, distribute and collect enumeration forms and additional documents, and verify the eligibility of the nearly 7.9 crore strong electorate of Bihar. With mere days left until the 26 July deadline for the submission of filled enumeration forms and additional documents, the ECI has announced that it has

received enumeration forms from 89.7% of the electorate. However, mere submission of an enumeration form shall not ensure inclusion in the electoral rolls. Electors whose names do not appear on the 2003 electoral rolls must submit a document from a list of 11 documents. Curiously, this list does not include Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID card, labour cards, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) job card, and driving licence. At the outset, this demonstrates a manifest arbitrariness that, at best, makes the process invariably difficult for the voter and, at worst, sets the stage for a mass-scale exclusion of the most marginalised who do not possess the specific documents required by the ECI.

On the surface, there are many elements of the Bihar SIR that point towards rampant missteps and non-application of mind. For example, the ECI has excluded the voter ID cardissued by the ECI to eligible votersfrom the list of 11 documents, thereby calling into question the credibility of the ECI and the legitimacy of previous elections. Verification of age, ordinary residents, and living electors should not require an overtly elaborate and convoluted process like the SIR. For an electorate of 7.9 crore, a hurried SIR makes inadvertent exclusion of names from the electoral rolls highly probable. The 2020 Bihar assembly elections saw a neck-to-neck contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan in 35 seats, where the margin of victory was less than 3,500. In many of these seats, the margin was in three- and even two-digit figures. Unfair exclusion of voters could potentially lead to the distortion of the popular mandate. The ECI, a body primarily responsible for ensuring that the popular will is expressed in a free and fair manner, cannot even be perceived to be inadvertently abetting the outcome to the contrary.

However, scratching the surface reveals a systematic foundation to the arbitrariness. The list of 11 documents does not enumerate documents that confirm voter eligibility, but are proofs of date and place of birth. Electors whose names appear in the 2003 electoral roll are only required to submit the enumeration form along with an extract of the roll. Electors whose names do not appear in the 2003 roll are required to submit a document for themselves or one or both of their parents based on their date of birth. Certain cut-off dates are provided that may seem random at first glance. However, these are the same dates that became a part of the Citizenship Act, 1955 through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2003. The CAA 2003 replaced citizenship by birth with citizenship by birth contingent upon the citizenship of one or both parents, depending on the date of birth. What the SIR is actually evaluating is citizenship.

The ECI has made no bones about the purpose of the SIR. With claims of mass infiltration of foreign illegal immigrants into India and the electoral rolls, the SIR appears to be creating a National Register of Citizens (NRC) by proxy in Bihar. Leaving aside for the moment the inherently unconstitutional and exclusive nature of such a process, there are some very glaring issues to be considered. The scrutiny of the citizenshipand thereby eligibilityof electors shall be carried out by electoral registration officers and assistant electoral registration officers. After the publication of the final list, aggrieved persons can approach the district magistrate or further appeal to the chief electoral officer. However, the scrutiny of citizenship is not the remit of any of these offices. Further, the only other example of the creation of an NRC is from Assam, where the exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court over a period of six years, with its final list still a matter of dispute. The SIR is

attempting to replicate the same in less than 100 days.

To say that citizenship grants the right to vote is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse. On the contrary, it is the right to vote that confers citizenship. For all these years and elections since independence, the onus of proving citizenship was not on the individual getting enrolled as a voter. In the case of a complaint or observation of discrepancy, the onus of establishing the ineligibility was on the state. The current exercise places the burden of proof on the voter and, hence, questions their citizenship itself. Does this not make the universal franchise a contingent franchise?

In his 1919 representation to the Southborough Committee, B R Ambedkar noted that the right to hold office and the right to representation were the two pre-eminent rights that constituted citizenship. Denying the right to vote also denies the right to hold office and, thus, strips a citizen of their citizenship. There are attempts to justify the SIR and deny its connection to the scrutiny of citizenship. However, any exercise that can result in a mass-scale exclusion of voters threatens to send the most marginalised back to the waiting room of history, and thereby nullify the inclusive impetus of the Constitution and the principle of universal adult suffrage. The ECI has indicated plans for a similar exercise in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Rather than move ahead with such exercises that shall only erode the credibility of the ECI and create an appearance of a stealthy effort towards the compilation of an all-India NRC, the ECI must focus on voter inclusion and upholding democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.

After all, it is not simpler to dissolve the people and elect another.
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Ukrainian Red Cross Society provides assistance to victims of Russian UAV attack on Odesa

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is providing assistance to victims of a nighttime Russian UAV attack on Odesa.

Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society rapid response team in Odesa region, together with rescuers from the State Emergency Service, evacuated 4 people from a damaged house, the URCS reported on Facebook on Saturday.

At the site of the shelling, volunteers provided first aid to 10 victims, 19 people received first psychological assistance.

Currently, a Ukrainian Red Cross Society aid point is operating at the site, where you can rest, drink water or tea, and receive humanitarian aid.

As reported, as a result of the Russian attack on Odesa on the night of July 19, one person died and six were injured. Civilian infrastructure objects were damaged - residential high-rise buildings, private households, as well as commercial establishments, vehicles.
A 23-year-old man formerly charged with murder in Park County faces federal weapons charges and has been accused by prosecutors of writing journal entries and spray-painted text and symbols indicating a desire to commit a mass casualty event by setting fire to and/or shooting people at a nearby hot springs resort."

The man, Kadin Lewis, faces federal charges of carrying explosives during the commission of a felony, attempted malicious use of fire and explosives, and possession of unregistered destructive devices.

The initial investigation of Lewis is said to have begun at about 8:22 a.m. Sept. 19, 2022, when the Park County Sheriffs Office reportedly received information about a suspicious death at a place known locally as the hole or the pit, in the area of 1350 East River Road near Emigrant and Pray. The area was used as a junkyard and storage for an excavating business, according to an affidavit filed by then-County Attorney Kendra Lassiter. The location's landowner is said to have discovered a dead body  a white male  in a white Road Ranger Extreme travel trailer, and the body reportedly appeared to have been beaten up.

Deputies are alleged to have gone to the trailer  allegedly Lewis' home  between 9 and 10 a.m. that day and found the body of 32-year-old Park County resident Casey Anderson, who is referred to as "John Doe" in federal court documents.

Upon entry, investigators observed a deceased male, later identified as Casey Anderson, on his knees leaning against a cabinet in the kitchen area of the camper, reads an affidavit filed by the county attorneys office. Anderson had gunshot wounds to his hands and head. Obvious bullet holes and blood spatter were also observed.

After deputies observed writings on the walls and in journal entries discussing an alleged desire to commit an attack, the sheriff's office engaged the FBI, which initiated a federal investigation, according to a document filed in federal court by U.S. Attorney Kurt G. Alme and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes.

During the initial investigation, in addition to finding the John Does body, investigators found literature and journal entries in the defendants camper, as well as flags and symbols spray-painted on the walls within the trailer that indicated potential racially-motivated ideology, including a Confederate flag, drawings of an Odin Rune, swastikas, SS bolts, a noose, individuals depicted in KKK robes, 1488, 14 words, Buffalo and various racial slurs, reads the filing by Alme and Starnes.

Fourteen words is a reference to the slogan, "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children," and 1488 is a combination of the 14 words and a reference to "Heil Hitler," with H being the 8th letter of the alphabet.

The journal writings by Lewis also detail a plan to commit a mass casualty event "and appear to show his inspiration by various infamous school shooters, including Nikolas Cruz," the prosecutors allege.

"Also located in the trailer were assembled Molotov cocktails and components needed to make additional Molotov cocktails, wrote Alme and Starnes.

The local district court dismissed Lewis' deliberate homicide charge at the request of the county attorney's office in July 2024.

While the State maintains to a probable cause level that the defendant killed Casey Anderson, after evaluating and reevaluating the evidence against the defendant, the State does not believe it can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant killed Casey Anderson at this time, reads a motion to dismiss filed by then-Park County Attorney Kendra Lassiter and lawyers from the state attorney generals office who were assisting in the case. In preparing for trial, it became clear the State simply cannot proceed without more investigation. Considering the state of the evidence, the prudent approach is to dismiss the case without prejudice rather than to ask for a continuance which most likely would be opposed and not granted by this court.

Dismissal also was warranted because the federal government was waiting on the local criminal case to be disposed, prosecutors argued.

Therefore, once this case is dismissed, the defendant and the USAO [U.S. Attorneys Office] can proceed, reads the motion.

Feds seek to admit alleged writings into evidence

Alme and Starnes informed the federal court that they intend to present evidence at trial that 1) sheriff's deputies initially responded to the Lewis' home to investigate a potential homicide 2) that during that initial investigation, deputies observed symbols and writings in Lewis journals and spray-painted on the walls elsewhere indicating his desire to commit a mass casualty event by setting fire to and/or shooting people at a nearby hot springs resort, 3) that Lewis was motivated to commit the crimes at issue, in part, out of a desire to mimic school shooters with whom he was infatuated and identified as his alleged heroes 4) that Lewis may have been motivated to commit the crimes at issue, in part, due to racial animus 5) that the killing of Anderson was one part of a plan to engage in a killing spree, and 6) that Lewis was caught before he could complete his plan.

Alme and Starnes are attempting to convince the court that admitting evidence related to the aforementioned allegations would not transgress federal Rule of Evidence 404(b). The rule is intended to protect people from accusations that since they committed a similar bad act in the past, they probably are the type of person who would have done the bad act alleged in a pending criminal matter.

Its intended to restrict a trial to only the most relevant facts in a given case such that a jury can determine, in a falsifiable manner, whether reasonable doubt exists to convict a given defendant. In other words, it restricts a jurys attention to the specific elements of the charged crime beyond a reasonable doubt without engendering in a jury a general negative impression of the defendant's character due to past bad acts.

Alme and Starnes argue that the writings/symbols should be admitted at trial because they demonstrated Lewis ultimate plan and because doing so would be consistent with a ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in 1975. The appeals court ruled that although it is improper for the government to introduce evidence about a defendant's criminal activity merely to show a general criminal disposition, the evidence is admissible if it reveals the defendant's capacity, habit, plan, knowledge, intent, motive, or identity with respect to the crime of which he is charged.

Alme and Starnes, in their filing, also argue it is not possible for them to explain to the jury how the investigation began without discussing the evidence of Anderson's "apparent homicide."

Defense team accuses investigators of violating U.S. Constitution

Lewis' defense attorneys, federal public defenders Steven C. Babcock and Gillian E. Gosch, have filed a motion for a court order to suppress all evidence seized under the authority of two search warrants issued by the Sixth Judicial District Court of Park County.

"The two search warrant applications failed to establish probable cause that evidence of the suspected crime will be found in the area requested to be searched," reads the defense team's motion. "The warrant application must do more than merely establish probable cause to believe an offense has been committed, it must also demonstrate a likelihood that specific evidence will be found in a specific place."

The search warrant applications stated that a person was deceased, the person was beaten up, and there was an initial investigation and there may be foul play, according to the defense attorneys.

"No other facts to support that a crime has been committed have been provided," reads the motion by Babcock and Gosch. "These statements do not provide probable cause. Statements such as a person being 'beaten up' and that there 'may' be foul play are speculative and conclusionary."

The defense attorneys wrote that the search warrants are silent on the link between the possible crime and any evidence that could be located in a particular place.

"This is a fishing expedition that is prohibited by the Fourth Amendment," they wrote.

The trailer had multiple rooms, and the search warrants failed to identify where the search would take place, which meant the warrant lacked the specificity required by law, the defense attorneys argued.

"There is not even a description of where the deceased is located," reads the attorneys' motion. "The items searched and seized related to numerous crimes  despite the only fact contained in the application is that [the owner of the property] thought that the deceased was 'beaten up.'" [A detective] stated that the death of the male subject 'may have been the result of foul play.'"

In a response to the motion to suppress, Alme and Starnes argued that although sparse, the search warrants contain sufficient information, such as a dead body with evidence of injuries, "from which a neutral magistrate could determine a fair probability that a violent crime had been committed and evidence of that crime would be contained in the trailer."

"Second, the warrants sufficiently describe the place to be searchedthe travel trailer where a dead body was locatedand the items to be seizedevidence connected to a violent crime as well as evidence that may identify who had access to the crime scene," the prosecutors wrote. "They are, thus, sufficiently particular and not unconstitutionally overbroad under the Fourth Amendment."

Alme and Starnes also argued that the warrants were obtained in good faith by investigators. Additionally, "even if any suppressible evidence from the state warrants were shorn from the federal warrant, the federal warrant still contains ample probable cause to support a search, and the evidence would have been inevitably discovered," they wrote.

A jury trial in the case has been set for Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. in Billings before Judge Susan P. Watters.
A major 45 million investment by Muller into its Skelmersdale site has been hailed by the industry as a clear sign of confidence in the future of the UK dairy sector.

The dairy giant confirmed it will upgrade the facilityacquired as part of its purchase of Yew Tree Dairy in October 2024aiming to transform it into one of the UKs largest and most flexible milk balancing hubs.

The multi-million pound investment in the Lancashire site will enhance liquid milk production, milk drying capabilities, and overall product quality.

Alongside infrastructure upgrades, dairy processor Muller announced it is strengthening its relationship with supplying farmers.

As part of a long-term programme to ensure security of supply and foster progressive, sustainable dairy enterprises, the company will roll out its incentivised Muller Advantage scheme to Muller Direct Skelmersdale farmers.

The programme is designed to help producers proactively address key areas such as responsible sourcing, environmental impact and animal welfare.

Muller will also introduce a revised contract structure aimed at delivering greater pricing transparency and long-term stability.

Responding, NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins said: The NFU welcomes the announcement of further investment in UK dairy processing and sees it as a demonstration of another global brands long-term commitment and confidence in the future of British dairy."

Currently, most Skelmersdale suppliers receive an ingredients-only price. But from 1 November 2025, they will be able to choose between two pricing models, including a new Muller Direct Skelmersdale price, calculated using a blend of Mullers existing liquid and ingredients pricing based on global indices.

Producers can also choose a traditional Muller Ingredients price, with the processor saying this change will result in higher and more stable returns for most suppliers, helping them plan more effectively for the future.

Mr Tompkins noted that dairy farmers supplying the Skelmersdale site have faced significant disruption since the acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy, creating widespread uncertainty within the milk pool.

However, he said: "I am pleased to see Muller attempting to address this via a new incentivised Advantage Programme and a more stable price offering."

While he expressed hope that most farmers would benefit from more consistent and increased returns, he acknowledged that not every production system stands to gain equally.

Mr Tompkins also stressed the need for Muller to maintain strong communication and collaboration with both its suppliers and customers to support a smoother transition and deliver fair and transparent pricing.

He said: It is important that Muller continues to work closely with all suppliers to ease the pressure of any transition and help ensure producers receive a fair, transparent and sustainable price which aligns with the spirit of the new fair dealing obligations regulations."

At the time of the acquisition last year, Mr Tompkins emphasised the need for clear communication, stating: It is vital that these producers are continued to be kept fully informed and receive regular updates to ensure any impact on their farms and businesses is fully understood.

Completion of the Skelmersdale investment is expected by the end of 2026.
In a strategic dialogue held in Dhaka recently, Bangladeshs garment manufacturers and US cotton farmers discussed a plan to bypass profit-driven middlemen and establish a farmer-to-factory supply chain between US cotton growers and textile mills in the country.

The dialogue was hosted by Bangladeshi-American firm AmeriBangla Corporation.

While US cotton costs 5-6 cents more per pound now than imports from West Africa, Brazil and India, direct procurement from US farmers could eliminate this cost gap, while also delivering superior quality, AmeriBangla chief executive officer Aswar Rahman argued that.

Bangladesh's garment manufacturers and US cotton farmers recently mulled over a plan to bypass middlemen and set up a farmer-to-factory supply chain between US growers and textile mills in the country. Frustrated by market access hurdles and declining export share, US growers are ready to bypass traditional merchant networks, if Bangladesh can ensure bonded warehousing and a streamlined ordering process.

The development comes amid tariff negotiations between Dhaka and Washington remaining deadlocked.

As US cotton has less than 2 per cent waste compared to nearly 10 per cent from other sources, every 1 per cent waste implies 1.5 per cent production loss, Rahman said. Plus, its full traceability provides a major compliance edge for exporters targeting Western markets, he was quoted as saying by media outlets in Bangladesh.

US cotton exports to Bangladesh have already slipped to just 6 per cent of total imports during the first seven months of the last fiscal, Rahman cautioned.

Frustrated by market access hurdles and declining export share, US cotton growers are now ready to bypass traditional merchant networks, if Bangladesh can ensure bonded warehousing and a streamlined ordering process.

In return, these politically powerful farmerswho hold sway in 17 southern US stateswould lobby Congress to ease tariffs on Bangladeshi garments.

With the US Congress holding the final say on trade terms, farmers backing could become a powerful tool for Bangladesh, said Rahman. But the window is narrow. August is when Congressmen are in their home districts and most open to constituent influence.

To support the push, AmeriBangla plans to launch an overseas showroom showcasing apparel made from US cotton, anticipating that future US trade policy may incentivise the use of home-grown fibre in global exports.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Jungkook from the BTS group has made a return to Instagram after a two-year absence, and he has already achieved remarkable traction on the platform. On July 15, he surprised his fans by announcing his new Instagram handle during a live session with RM, also known as Namjoon, and V, also known as Kim Taehyung. Also, on July 19, he delighted everyone by sharing his first post on Instagram.

He chose to share the logo associated with his record-breaking Golden album as his first post, accompanied by the song Standing Next to You as the background music. Apart from that, his profile picture and bio have been updated, now stating, "Jung Kook of BTS."





View this post on Instagram A post shared by JK (@mnijungkook)

The fans were quite thrilled. They flooded the comment section, which, to their delight, was left open, and ARMY members expressed their love and welcome. Some wrote, Welcome back, love! Missed you a lot, while others could not help but speculate whether this return might suggest something of greater significance. One curious fan asked, "Could I be delusional, or is this a sign of a possible solo tour?"

Although Jungkook's new Instagram account was technically made in January 2025, it only gained significant attention on Friday when his fellow BTS members, RM, V, Jimin, Jin, J-Hope, and even the official BTS and BigHit accounts began following it. It seems the fandom was not the only one surprised, but the members themselves seemed to have just discovered it. Within an hour, the account crossed the 1 million follower mark, and it currently has 8.5 million followers. Currently, Jungkook follows only seven accounts. He also manages a separate account that is entirely devoted to his pet dog, whom he affectionately calls "Bam's Dad."





On July 15, the BTS ARMY was delighted to witness a special event, as Jungkook, V (Taehyung), and RM (Namjoon) hosted a live session on Instagram, representing their first proper livestream in several years and the first since their military service enlistment.

Adding to the excitement, Jimin unexpectedly joined the stream midway through, joining from a separate location. Simultaneously, J-Hope greeted fans through a Weverse live session after his arrival at Incheon International Airport. With this unexpected reunion and the joyful atmosphere, BTS successfully brightened everyone's midweek mood.

Presently, the members, excluding Jin and J-Hope, are in Los Angeles, working on their highly anticipated comeback album, which is expected to be released in the spring of 2026.






King, starring Shah Rukh Khan, is among the most anticipated releases of 2026. Its filming started in May this year, and a recent report says that Shah Rukh Khan sustained an injury while performing demanding action sequences. The incident occurred at the Golden Tobacco studio in Mumbai, and the actor has been recommended to take a one-month break.

The report says, While exact details of the injury have been kept under wraps, Shah Rukh, along with his team, has travelled to the US for urgent medical attention. Its nothing serious, but more of a muscular injury, as Shah Rukh over the years has injured multiple muscles of his body while performing stunts.





According to the report, the schedule ahead for King is now expected to begin in September or October, as Shah Rukh has been recommended to prioritize rest for his recovery. It is also reported that Film City, Golden Tobacco, and YRF Studios were reserved for filming during July and August, but these bookings have been cancelled until further notice.

Earlier, Shah Rukh Khan had said, The next film that Im doing, King, I have to start working on it. Lose some weight, stretch a little so my groin doesnt get caught when Im doing action. Its painful and hurtful. I have a bag full of icing machines. So you keep doing it. Its the worst thing to see me on sets after action. I look really cool in the film. After that Im tired, somebody is pressing my back, I cant walk, and then suddenly you see people, and you give flying kisses.





Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, King also reportedly features an ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Deepika Padukone, Arshad Warsi, Abhay Verma, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Raghav Juyal, Jaideep Ahlawat, Saurabh Shukla, and Suhana Khan.

Although the official release date for King has not been announced by the filmmakers, it is rumoured that the film is expected to release on Gandhi Jayanti next year. However, it remains to be seen if the delays in the shooting schedule will affect the film's release date.






Popular Telugu actor Fish Venkat, whose official name is Venkat Raj, passed away at a private hospital on Friday following a prolonged battle with kidney-related ailments. He was 53 years old. His family had sought medical care for him at the hospital a few days prior, as his kidney condition had unfortunately deteriorated, ultimately leading to complete kidney failure.

Recently, it was mentioned by Fish Venkat's daughter that the doctors had advised a kidney transplant, but the family was facing financial difficulties in covering the costs of this medical procedure. In a video statement, she said, Daddy is not well and in a serious condition. Hes been kept in the ICU. He requires a kidney transplant, which will cost us at least Rs. 50 lakh. It is reported that actors such as Pawan Kalyan and Vishwak Sen had offered financial assistance to Venkat's family.





The actor, who hails from Hyderabad, started his acting journey in Tollywood during the early 2000s, initially appearing in a minor role in the film Kushi. He gained recognition for his exceptional comic timing and captivating performances. Throughout the years, he achieved widespread fame for his roles in films such as Bunny, Adhurs, Dhee, and Mirapakay. He was frequently seen portraying characters with a genuine Telangana accent.

The Telugu film industry and his fans are deeply saddened by his passing. Numerous fans and celebrities from the Telugu film industry have expressed their grief and shared cherished memories of the late actor on social media.





Fish Venkat's contributions to Tollywood comedy will forever be remembered. He brought immense joy and laughter to many through his work, and his absence will be profoundly felt. Venkat is now survived by his wife, Suvarna, and daughter, Sravanthi. His recent work included roles in Slum Dog Husband, Narakasura, and Coffee with a Killer.





Also Read: Pawan Kalyans Upcoming Film OG To Release On THIS Date


The MP of Ukraine, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko during a trip to the front in Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk directions called the transfer of the economy to a war footing a key task for the new government.

As reported on the European Solidarity website, he handed over aid to the brigades and announced the priority steps that, in his opinion, the government should implement.

Poroshenko emphasized the need to provide up to 90% of the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the expense of the state, calling the current situation, when the main burden falls on volunteers, "categorically unacceptable." Among other initiatives are sending taxes from military personnel directly to the brigades, intensifying cooperation with international partners, and an appeal to the US Congress next week to increase arms supplies.

"Finally, we are at the front. Like a breath of fresh air. In Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk directions. They are working here from Orikhiv and Huliaypole to Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. What is important for our fighters today? I asked the new Prime Minister several questions. First, when will the Ukrainian economy switch to war footing? When will the state provide 90% of the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine? Not like now, when 90% are volunteers, and only 10% is the state. This is categorically unacceptable. Switching to war footing is task number one," the politician said.

During the visit, the leader of European Solidarity handed over equipment and machinery worth UAH 30 million. In particular, assistance was given to the unmanned systems units Hawks and Scythian Griffins, which received FPV drones (including those with thermal imagers and a fiber-optic communication system), electronic warfare systems, mobile shower units, electronic equipment and mobile auto repair shops.

Poroshenko noted the high level of adaptation of the Ukrainian military to new technologies and emphasized the need to continue the technical re-equipment of the army. According to him, only force is the language that Russian aggression understands, and it is the Armed Forces of Ukraine that are the main diplomats on the path to peace.
Critic's rating 3.0 /5

takes a path less travelled with, delivering a film thatsand more intent on stirring thought than on cheap thrills. Set in a moody, gloomy London, the film dares to askabout blind faith, superstition and the exploitation of vulnerable minds in the name of spirituality.At the centre of this story is author), who is shaken by theof her brother,, effective in a brief but pivotal role). Sanal, a staunch rationalist and member of an anti-superstition society, was on the brink of exposing a charismatic Godman, Amar Dev (Paresh Rawal), when tragedy struck. The, but Nikita isnt convinced. Alongside her loyal former boyfriend, now friendzoned, Jolly (Suhail Nayyar), who is a celebrity vlogger and still carries a quiet torch for her, she begins her own investigation. It pulls her into increasingly unsettling territory. Like her brother, she too starts seeing demonic faces and hearing eerie voices. It doesn't help matters that she's a witness to a womans suicide supposedly under demonic possession. She begins to suspect that Amar Dev might not be wrong after allSonakshi Sinha, often, finds a compelling rhythm here. Her performance is a slow burn, measured, believable, and anchored in grief and grit. She communicates the torment and tenacity of Nikita with restraint, letting silence and stillness do the talking.Theturns out to be the. Hes not doing comedy here but exudes subtle menace. As Amar Dev, the actor resists the urge to go over the top. Instead, he crafts a character that is deeply unsettling in his stillness,with a detached calm that hints at the sinister. His presence haunts the frame long after he's off-screen, a testament to his finesse. We wish there was more of him in the film.to the role of Jolly, the friend who never quite got to be more. And Kallirroi Tziafeta as the mysterious Freya, leaves a strong impression in her brief arc, especially during the chilling twist her character brings.Credit must also go to the films decision to embrace psychological tension over supernatural gimmickry. Rather than indulging in jump scares and background screams, director Kussh S Sinha opts for dread that creeps in slowly, amplified by moody cinematography and an eerie soundscape. Its a confident debut, where the filmmaker shows restraint uncommon for a first-timer in this genre.That said, the, while rich in concept, occasionally falters in execution. The pace dips in parts, and the climax feels rushed. Amar Dev's character, so loaded with potential, deserved more screen time to fully unravel. The interval point leaves us wanting for more but it feels like Kussh was in a hurry to wrap up things.But these arethat dares to ask big questions. Nikita Roy is not your usual horror thriller. It challenges inherited beliefs, confronts manipulative dogma and puts a woman front and centre in a genre usually dominated by men with torches, crosses and big guns.In a time when, this one makes you root for the protagonist and also go back to your own beliefs in the supernatural. And that alone makes it worth watching.Watch Nikita Roy for Sonakshi Sinhas and Paresh Rawals acting and for its. Kussh S Sinha shows competence as a
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.



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Summary: Northbuilt Construction won the 2025 Best of Houzz Service Award and Best of Mile High Award for remodeling excellence. The company also launched a new website to enhance the customer experience.

Westminster, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - July 18, 2025) - Northbuilt Construction has been recognized with two prestigious awards in 2025: the Best of Houzz Service Award and the Best of Mile High Award. These accolades underscore the company's commitment to providing high-quality remodeling services and exceptional client satisfaction in a highly competitive industry.



The Best of Houzz Service Award highlights companies based on customer feedback and satisfaction. Northbuilt Construction has been recognized in this category for its consistent ability to exceed client expectations, joining an elite group of professionals in the design and remodeling industry.

Denver Remodeler, Northbuilt Construction, Recognized with Two Prestigious Industry Awards for 2025

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In addition, Northbuilt Construction was named the Best Remodeler in Denver by The Best of Mile High. The award was determined through votes from local residents and reflects the company's strong reputation for quality and reliability in home remodeling. These accolades affirm the company's commitment to helping homeowners transform their living spaces and its ongoing commitment to delivering superior results.

Reflecting on the achievement, owner Alex Weeks states, "These awards aren't just about pretty bathrooms. They're about service, communication, and trust - and that's where we've chosen to focus. From day one, we've set out to do this differently. We want our clients to feel confident and cared for the entire way through. Seeing that show up in the feedback means a lot to our whole team."



This recognition marks an important milestone for Northbuilt Construction, underscoring its growth and the continued demand for its services. The team's focus on customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and expertise has allowed the Denver remodeling company, specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and whole home remodeling, to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving home improvement sector. As homeowners increasingly seek a personalized and collaborative approach to remodeling, Northbuilt Construction remains at the forefront, embracing new tools and technologies to meet their clients' needs.



In addition to these honors, Northbuilt Construction has recently launched a redesigned website. The new site provides an intuitive and user-friendly experience, allowing potential clients to explore the company's portfolio of work and learn about its remodeling approach. The website also highlights the company's commitment to improving its digital presence and streamlining communication with clients.



Northbuilt Construction remains focused on further enhancing its operations, adopting innovative solutions, and consistently delivering high-quality service to homeowners. With these recent recognitions and the continued evolution of the company's capabilities, Northbuilt Construction is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the remodeling industry and serve its clients with excellence for years to come.

About Northbuilt Construction:

Northbuilt Construction specializes in kitchen, bathroom, and whole home remodeling. With over 235 completed projects across Colorado and Montana, the company is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and innovative design solutions. Northbuilt Construction's team, which includes experts with diverse backgrounds in civil engineering, commercial construction, and enclosure consulting, strives to bring every client's vision to life.



Media Contact:





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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/259359

SOURCE: GetFeatured
Russellville, Arkansas--(Newsfile Corp. - July 18, 2025) - The Dr. Jeremy Saul Scholarship for Medical Students, a new national scholarship program, now accepts applications from undergraduate students aspiring to careers in healthcare. This one-time $1,000 award will be granted to a student whose vision and values reflect a commitment to service, innovation, and compassionate care.

Dr. Jeremy Saul

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The scholarship is open to students enrolled in accredited undergraduate institutions throughout the United States. By easing the financial pressures of higher education, the program encourages driven individuals to stay focused on their passion for medicine and their desire to positively impact the lives of others through healthcare.

"As someone who has dedicated his life to patient-centered medicine, I understand the sacrifices and dedication it takes to pursue a medical path," said Dr. Saul. "This scholarship is my way of investing in the future of healthcare-by supporting students who demonstrate integrity, empathy, and a desire to make a difference."

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must be:

Enrolled full-time or part-time at a recognized U.S.-based undergraduate college or university.

Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Planning to pursue a career in a healthcare or medical-related field.

Actively involved in community service or extracurricular activities that highlight a commitment to helping others.

Candidates are required to submit a compelling essay (500-800 words) in response to this prompt:

"Describe a personal experience that ignited your interest in the medical field. How will you integrate compassion, innovation, and community service into your future as a healthcare provider, and what lasting contributions do you hope to make?"

Important Dates & Submission Info

Applications must be submitted via the official scholarship website by February 15, 2026. The recipient will be announced on March 15, 2026, and honored through the scholarship's website and official social media channels.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early and ensure that all required documents-including essays and academic records-are submitted before the deadline. Submissions will be judged on originality, relevance, and alignment with the scholarship's core values.

How to Apply

Students who meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to share their story can find complete application details at:

https://drjeremysaulscholarship.com/

For questions or assistance, contact: apply@drjeremysaulscholarship.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258788

SOURCE: GYT
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - July 18, 2025) - Gunnison Copper Corp. (TSX: GCU) (OTCQB: GCUMF) (FSE: 3XS0) ("Gunnison" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of C$8,662,230 from the sale of 28,874,100 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.30 per Unit. Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") acted as a finder in connection with the Offering.

Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.45 at any time on or before July 18, 2028.

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.

The Units were sold to purchasers resident in Canada pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption. The securities issuable pursuant to the sale of the Units to purchasers resident in Canada are immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation. The Units were also 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.

As consideration for their services in connection with the Offering, Red Cloud and other finders received a total cash commission of C$512,875.80 and were issued 1,709,586 non-transferable warrants of the Company (the "Finder's Warrants"). Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.45 at any time on or before July 18, 2028. The Finder's Warrants are subject to a statutory hold period that expires on November 19, 2025.

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

Melissa Mackie

T: 647.533.4536

E: info@GunnisonCopper.com

www.GunnisonCopper.com

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 to 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, 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

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SOURCE: Gunnison Copper Corp.
EQS-News: United Terra Enterprises PLC / Key word(s): AGM/EGM

United Terra Enterprises PLC Announces Results of Annual Shareholders' Meeting



19.07.2025 / 09:44 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





United Terra Enterprises PLC Announces Results of Annual Shareholders' Meeting

Shareholders approve all motions presented at the AGM held on July 18, 2025

Schaan, Liechtenstein, July 18, 2025 United Terra Enterprises PLC is pleased to announce that the annual shareholders' meeting was held on July 18, 2025 in Schaan, Liechtenstein.

During the meeting the shareholders approved the 2024 audited financial statements, the reappointment of the board members and granted the board the authority to appoint either the incumbent auditor or an alternative auditor acceptable for a possible listing on an international stock exchange as the auditor for the year 2025. The resolutions from the meeting can be found on the Group's website at https://unitedterra.enterprises/investor-relations/.

Chief Executive Officer, Peter Krempin commented:

"This annual meeting is an important step towards the completion of the Group's restructuring and finalization of its Offering Memorandum for the placement of notes to non-US investors. We will provide an additional update when the Offering Memorandum is finalized and the sales process of the notes commences."

If you would like additional information, contact Peter Krempin either via email info@unitedterra.enterprises or by telephone at +423 236 40 10.

About United Terra Enterprises PLC

United Terra Enterprises is an international energy company engaged in the upstream oil and gas sector and the energy transition to renewable energy. The company is focused on establishing a responsible balance between conventional energy sources and the protection of the environment.

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Currently making its way through both international and Indian film festivals, Echoes of Us delves into themes of emotional memory, past relationships, and human resilience read more

Actor and performer Iulia Vantur is set to explore a new cinematic space as she takes on the female lead in Joe Rajans upcoming short film Echoes of Us, a sensitive, character-driven project that also features veteran actor Deepak Tijori.

Currently making its way through both international and Indian film festivals, Echoes of Us delves into themes of emotional memory, past relationships, and human resilience. Known for his ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with visual simplicity, director Joe Rajan returns to the short film format with this poignant narrative.

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Speaking about the project, Rajan shared, Echoes of Us is a deeply personal story. Iulias acting is fantastic! She has surprised all of us with her sincerity, depth, and grace. We are more than happy to have her as our lead.

For Iulia Vantur, this marks a refreshing creative pivot. Widely recognized for her work in music and television hosting, Echoes of Us allows her to embrace a more intimate, performance-heavy role. The film offers a nuanced exploration of a woman navigating love, loss, and quiet reflection.

Expected to release later this year on a leading digital platform, Echoes of Us is part of the rising wave of impactful short-format storytelling in Indian cinema, fueled by layered performances and meaningful narratives.

Echoes of Us is already creating a stir on the film festival circuit. At the Independent Shorts Awards in Los Angeles, the film bagged the Best Actor award for Deepak Tijori and the Best Drama Short award for director Joe Rajan. It has also been nominated at the prestigious Love & Hope International Film Festival in Barcelona across major categories including Best Film, Best Actor (Deepak Tijori), Best Actress (Iulia Vantur), and Best Director (Joe Rajan). The film continues its winning streak with multiple nominations at Nawada International Film Festival, and was a quarter-finalist at the Festigious International Film Festival in Los Angeles. Additionally, it has been officially selected at 14th Bangalore Shorts Film Festival (where it received an Honourable Jury Mention), 14th Kolkata Shorts International Film Festival, IndieX Film Festival, Global Indie Filmmaker Awards, and Indie Short Fest, further cementing its growing reputation across global platforms.

With its powerful narrative, celebrated performances, and multiple festival recognitions, Echoes of Us is shaping up as a short film to watch out for.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces a difficult test in Sundays upper house election. A defeat could worsen political uncertainty, as the country faces multiple challenges. Apart from food shortages and a surge in rice prices, Ishiba is also under pressure from US President Donald Trump over trade demands. Frustrated with the governments handling of these issues, many voters are now turning to emerging populist parties read more

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba became the partys leader in September after four earlier failed attempts. File Photo/AP

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing a tough challenge in tomorrows (Sunday) upper house election.

If he loses, it could add to the political uncertainty at a time when Japan is dealing with several problems, including rising prices and high US tariffs.

Notably, Ishiba became the partys leader in September after four earlier failed attempts, making him the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)s 10th different prime minister since 2000. All have been men.

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He has led a minority government since October, after taking the LDP through one of its worst general election results in years.

Last October, the LDP faced a huge setback in the general election as regular supporters stayed away, expressing anger over corruption scandals and rising living costs. Ishiba is now trying to rebuild trust with voters.

The LDP has held power in Japan for most of the time since 1955. But it remains unclear whether anyone is ready to take over from Ishiba.

ALSO READ | Does Japan not have enough rice?

With no majority in parliament, Ishibas government has had to work with opposition parties to pass bills. This has slowed down efforts to control price hikes and push for wage growth.

Along with food shortages and soaring rice prices, a key concern in Japan, Ishiba has also been under pressure from US President Donald Trumps demands on trade.

Trump has already set tariffs on Japanese cars, steel and aluminium, making negotiations even harder.

If no deal is reached, more tariffs, 25 per cent on other Japanese goods, will be introduced from August 1.

Disappointed with the government, many voters are now backing new populist parties, including one that is taking a tough line on foreigners and stepping back from gender and diversity goals.

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Heres a look at Sundays election:

Instability

Ishiba has set a low bar for the vote  a simple majority. Half of the 248 seats for six-year terms in the upper house are being decided, and the LDP and its junior coalition partner Komeito would need to win a combined 50.

Added to the 75 coalition-held seats that are not being contested in this election, it would be a big retreat from the 141 seats the coalition held before the election.

If the ruling coalition fails to secure a majority, there will be a move within the LDP to dump Ishiba, said Yu Uchiyama, a University of Tokyo professor of political science. It makes a leadership very unstable.

Under any successor, the ruling coalition would be a minority in both houses, he said.

If Ishibas coalition secures a majority and he stays on, his leadership will remain weak, with little hope of improved support ratings, Uchiyama said. Either way, it is essential for the minority government to seek opposition parties co-operation to achieve any policy.

Trump and soaring prices

Measures to mitigate soaring prices, lagging incomes and burdensome social security payments are the top focus of frustrated, cash-strapped voters.

Rice prices have doubled since last year due to supply shortages, overly complex distribution systems and other reasons related to Japans farming, causing panic buying as Ishiba has struggled to resolve the crisis.

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Trump has added to that pressure, complaining about a lack of progress in trade negotiations, blaming a lack of sales of US autos and American-grown rice to Japan despite a shortfall in domestic stocks of the grain. A 25% tariff due to take effect Aug. 1 has been another blow for Ishiba.

Ishiba has resisted any compromise before the election, but the prospect for a breakthrough after the election is just as unclear because the minority government would have difficulty forming a consensus with the opposition.

The rice issue has cost Ishiba one farm minister. Rice prices remain high even after the farm ministers replacement, Shinjiro Koizumi, moved quickly and boldly to address the problem by ordering the emergency release of stored rice from reserves, helping to refill grocery store shelves in time for the election.

Koizumi, son of popular former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is a potential challenger to Ishiba.

A pedestrian passes an election board displaying posters of candidates for the July 20 upper house election in Tokyo. AP

An emerging populist right

Stricter measures targeting foreign residents and visitors have suddenly emerged as a key issue.

The Sanseito party stands out with the toughest anti-foreigner stance with its Japanese First platform that proposes a new agency to centralise policies related to foreigners. It wants stricter screening for allowing Japanese citizenship and to exclude non-Japanese from welfare benefits.

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The partys populist platform is also anti-vaccine, anti-globalism and favours traditional gender roles.

Its stance has encouraged the spread of xenophobic rhetoric in the election campaign and on social media, critics say. A typical claim is that a rapid increase in foreign workers has hurt Japanese workers wages and that foreigners use a large share of welfare benefits and have made Japanese society unsafe.

Foreigners are used as targets to vent their discontent and unease, Uchiyama said, comparing the scapegoating to that in Europe and the United States under Trump.

Experts say most of the rhetoric is disinformation aimed at frustrations among Japanese struggling to get by. Government statistics show foreign residents account for about 3% of both Japans total population and of welfare benefit recipients.

The Liberal Democrats, under a slogan zero illegal immigrants, have pledged to crack down on growing illegal employment of foreigners and against allowing them to default on social insurance payments or medical bills. The party also set up a task force to promote an orderly society, a move aimed at enforcing stricter measures on foreigners to address growing public unease.

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The rising conservative Democratic Party for the People, or the DPP, also is calling to restrict foreign ownership of Japanese real estate.

The move triggered protests by human rights activists and alarmed foreign residents.

Given that its population is rapidly ageing and shrinking, Japan needs foreign workers. It should discuss immigration policy more strategically, Takahide Kiuchi, an executive economist at Nomura Research Institute, wrote in a recent analysis.

Why the opposition is still fractured

Conservative to centrist opposition groups, including the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, or CDPJ, the DPP, and Sanseito, have gained significant ground at the Liberal Democrats expense.

Headed by charismatic Sohei Kamiya, a former local assembly member and a member of the defence reserve, Sanseito ranked as the second favourite in the opposition after the CDPJ in some recent surveys.

Sohei Kamiya, leader of the Sanseito party, during an election campaign in Tosu, southwestern Japan. AP

They are believed to be raking in conservative supporters of the ruling party who are disappointed by Ishibas leadership and flip-flops on policies. Ishiba is caught between his partys ultraconservatives and mainstream opposition leaders.

Still, the eight main opposition groups are too fractured to forge a common platform as a united front and gain voter support as a viable alternative.

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When Ishiba lost big in October, there was speculation about a trilateral coalition government with the Komeito and the DPP or another conservative group, the Japan Innovation Party.

But theyve since cooperated only on certain legislation. If the ruling coalition loses its upper house majority, that could spark a regrouping among coalitions.

Yoshihiko Noda, a former prime minister and head of the opposition CDPJ, said the loss of ruling coalition majorities in both houses of parliament would enable opposition parties to push policies blocked by the LDP.

Those include cuts in the consumption tax, recognition of same-sex marriages, and a law allowing married couples the option of each keeping their own names.

With inputs from AP
A second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at a top private college in Greater Noida allegedly died by suicide. A note reportedly recovered from her room revealed that she had faced humiliation and mental harassment by two faculty members. This comes days after a student in Odisha set herself on fire after accusing college officials of ignoring her complaint of sexual harassment by a professor read more

The incident has led to protests and anger on the university campus. Image: News18

A second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at a top private college in Greater Noida allegedly died by suicide in the womens hostel.

A suicide note found in her room alleged she had faced humiliation and mental harassment from two faculty members.

ALSO READ | Delhi University student from Tripura found dead after going missing for 6 days: What happened to Sneha Debnath?

Notably, a case has been registered at the Knowledge Park Police Station in Gautam Budh Nagar. Two staff members from the university have been taken into custody.

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The incident has led to protests and anger on the university campus.

But why did she die by suicide? What did she write in her suicide note?

Heres what we know so far:

What happened?

The BDS student allegedly died by suicide in the womens hostel.

Police recovered a suicide note from the room, in which the student blamed her teachers for harassment and humiliation.

She named faculty members from PCP and Dental Materials in the note, alleging they mentally harassed and humiliated her, causing stress, News18 reported.

#BreakingNews | Student Dies By Suicide In Noida University



College Forms Internal Committee For Probe, Police Arrests 2 Professors, 2 stuff Members Suspended@_anshuls with details | Ankit Reports From Ground | @Elizasherine pic.twitter.com/zW2lTHjwsc  News18 (@CNNnews18) July 19, 2025

The incident took place on Friday night. A case has been registered at the Knowledge Park Police Station in Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Two university staff members were arrested after protests erupted on campus over the incident, police said.

In her note, the student wrote that the named faculty should be held responsible if anything happened to her.

They mentally harassed me. They humiliated me. I have been in stress because of them for a long time. I want them to face the same thing. I am sorry. I cant live like this anymore. I cant, the note said, according to NDTV.

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After being informed, her family rushed to the hostel. Police officials helped them with legal and procedural requirements.

A forensic team was sent to the site for a detailed examination and to collect evidence from the room.

The BDS student allegedly died by suicide in the womens hostel. Image: News18/Representational

Protests held on campus

Meanwhile, tensions rose on campus as students staged protests demanding accountability from the college.

The students mother has been protesting outside the college along with other students, seeking justice for her daughter, The Indian Express reported.

A heated exchange reportedly broke out between the students and police during the protests.

Based on the familys complaint, two people have been taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing, officials said.

Sudhir Kumar, Additional DCP, Greater Noida, said, Two staff members from the management of the university have been arrested on the basis of the complaint lodged by the family members of the student.

The university has not yet released any official statement regarding the matter.

Balasore Student Suicide Case

The Greater Noida incident comes after a student at a college in Odisha set herself on fire, allegedly after college authorities ignored her complaints of sexual harassment by a professor.

The woman attempted self-immolation on July 12 on the college campus. She suffered more than 90 per cent burn injuries and died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.

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The incident took place on July 12, when she attempted self-immolation outside her college principals office in a dire protest over inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a college professor. Image for Representation. PTI

Speaking to India Today, her father said, She did this after coming out of the principals room. Something must have happened. I was not thereMy daughter was forced to die. They should all be charged.

He further claimed that police did not respond to his concerns despite him submitting a three-page statement. He said he was informed about the suicide through a phone call.

Calling the incident a conspiracy, the father accused the college of driving his daughter to suicide because she had dared to speak up, according to the report.

The student had filed a formal complaint with the colleges Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), accusing the professor of continuous sexual harassment. She had said that the college authorities took no action despite repeated appeals for help.

Her death has led to massive outrage across Odisha.

With inputs from agencies

A collection of Suicide prevention helpline numbers are available here. Please reach out if you or anyone you know is in need of support. The All-India helpline number is: 022-27546669)
The fishermen and two fishing trawlers named FB Jhor and FB Ma Magal Chandi were apprehended by Bangladeshi authorities on July 14-15 near Mongla port read more

Bangladesh has detained 34 fishermen who entered its waters earlier this week. India has now sought consular access for the men who have been charged with crossing the maritime border.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the fishermen and two fishing trawlers named FB Jhor and FB Ma Magal Chandi were apprehended by Bangladeshi authorities on July 14-15 near Mongla port.

The fishermen, all residents of West Bengals Kakdwip, were accused of crossing the international maritime boundary and fishing in Bangladeshs territorial waters. It was not immediately clear where they were being detained.

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As soon as information about the incident was received, our high commission in Dhaka took up the matter with Bangladeshi authorities through diplomatic channels, seeking immediate consular access, one source told the news outlet.

We are constantly pursuing the matter for facilitating the safe and early return of all the fishermen along with their boats, the source added.

West Bengal state government, led by the Trinamool Congress, is also taking steps for their repatriation.

Every year, numerous Indian fishermen are detained by authorities in Pakistan and Sri Lanka for allegedly crossing maritime boundaries. Most fishing boats in India and neighbouring countries lack modern navigational equipment, making it common for vessels to unintentionally stray across international waters.
Photo: Australian Army

The Australian government reported that most of the 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks, as part of a military aid package worth about $160 million, have already arrived in Ukraine, the rest will be delivered in the coming months.

"The Albanese government continues its steadfast support for Ukraine, with the transfer of the first tranche of Australian-gifted M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the statement on the Ministry of Defense website says.

"In response to a request from the government of Ukraine, Australia is providing 49 Abrams tanks to help bolster its fight against Russias illegal and immoral invasion," reads the report.

The Ministry of Defense recalled that in total they have pledged to provide Ukraine with 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks.

At the same time, the department did not specify how many tanks have been transferred to Kyiv so far. The ministry, however, noted that most of the promised tanks have already arrived, and the final tranche of aid will be delivered in the coming months.

The cost of this aid package is 245 million Australian dollars. In total, Canberra has provided 1.5 billion Australian dollars in military aid to Ukraine since 2022.

In August, the Australian military will send a Boeing 737 AEW&C early warning and control aircraft to Europe to protect the route of supplying military cargo to Kyiv.
Abdul Kalam entered India at age 10 and spent two decades in Mumbai before moving to Bhopals Budhwara area. There, he reportedly established his fake identity as Neha, a transgender person read more

Bhopal Police have uncovered a potential illegal immigration and identity fraud scheme after detaining Abdul Kalam, a Bangladeshi national who lived in the city for eight years under the false identity of Neha, a transgender woman.

Kalam entered India at age 10 and spent two decades in Mumbai before moving to Bhopals Budhwara area.

He then allegedly faked his identity as a transgender person and integrated into the local hijra community, according to a NDTV report.

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Using forged documents obtained through local agents, he secured an Aadhaar card, ration card, and even an Indian passport.

Police say Kalam, known locally as Neha, frequently changed residences within Budhwara and used his fake identity to travel abroad on the forged passport.

Authorities verifying gender

Authorities are now medically verifying his gender to determine if he is biologically transgender or used the identity to avoid detection.

Investigations suggest Kalam was involved in transgender community activities in Maharashtra, raising suspicions of a broader network. Police are questioning whether other community members knowingly or unknowingly supported the deception.

Two local youths accused of helping Kalam obtain fake documents are under interrogation, and authorities suspect this case may reveal a larger racket involving illegal immigration and document forgery.

Call records and chats from Kalams phone are being examined for further clues.

Deportation proceedings begin

Kalam has been detained for 30 days under the Foreigners Act. Additional DCP Shalini Dixit told reporters, He has been living in Bhopal for the last 8-10 years. Before that, he was in Maharashtra. We received a tip-off through an informer and initiated the identification process. He has also travelled to Bangladesh in the meantime, and we are awaiting reports from concerned departments.

Deportation proceedings have begun, but not before a thorough probe into Kalams activities, movements, and connections in India and abroad.

The case has alarmed law enforcement, raising serious questions about national security and how a foreign national could live undetected in a major Indian city for years using fraudulent documents.

Bhopal Police, alongside central agencies, are working urgently to determine the full scope of the fraud and whether this is an isolated case or part of a larger, more concerning network.

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The archipelagos revenue department has issued a notification for a social impact assessment (SIA) for the Bitra island. The notice stated that the purpose of the assessment is to transfer the entire island to defence and strategic agencies owing to its strategic location and national security relevance read more

The central government has decided to take over one of the Lakshadweep inhabited islands, Bitra, to use for defence-related activities. Currently, Bitra has a residency of 105 families, and many of them have opposed the reported takeover.

However, the archipelagos revenue department has issued a notification for a social impact assessment (SIA) for the Bitra island. The notice stated that the purpose of the assessment is to transfer the entire island to defence and strategic agencies owing to its strategic location and national security relevance.

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It added that an SIA is required under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. It identified the Department of Revenue as the project developer and noted that the process would involve consultations with all stakeholders in the proposed area, including the gram sabha.

Local MP opposes move

The move to turn Bitra into a defence base has not been welcomed by the locals, including the Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Syeed, who has assured residents not to worry about the notification.

As your MP, we held a conference that included leaders from Bitra and Lakshadweep and discussed it in detail. We have decided to fight with the people of Bitra, politically and legally, he said.

He added that the government has already acquired lands for defence purposes on several islands.

Naval base in Lakshadweep

Last year, the Ministry of Defence announced the commissioning of a new naval base, INS Jatayu, in Lakshadweeps Minicoy island.

The existing Naval Detachment Minicoy, currently under the operational command of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep), is set to be commissioned as INS Jatayu.

While a naval detachment typically includes administrative, logistics, and medical support, INS Jatayu will be developed into a full-fledged naval base. This upgrade will include additional infrastructure such as an airfield, residential facilities, and expanded personnel capacity, pending necessary environmental and other regulatory clearances.
With campaigning for next years Tamil Nadu Assembly elections already heating up, there is an urgent need for Delhi to delineate the Kachchatheevu issue from the stand-alone fishers dispute, and keep the former especially out of domestic politico-electoral bickering in India read more

The Sri Lankan side has indicated a willingness to allow a limited number of southern Tamil Nadu fishers from India if and only if they give up their bottom trawlers and purse seine nets. Representational image: REUTERS

Bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, including defence and security ties, are at an all-time high, but the festering fishers dispute especially has the potential to negate some of these collective gains. This has to be read in the context of ocean security that became Indias major post-Cold War concern after an adversarial China, the superpower US, and other extra-regional powers set their strategic sights on this side.

The Mumbai-based naval shipbuilder Mazagon Docks recent takeover of the Colombo Docks should be seen in context. Both are public sector undertakings, and the majority stakes for Mazgon Docks now ensure that India does not lose out to China or any other, as happened with the strategically located Hambantota Port and the financial hub, Colombo Port City (CPC).

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Earlier, during Prime Minister Narendra Modis April visit to Sri Lanka, the two sides initialled a defence MoUone of a total of sevenformalising existing arrangements for joint military exercises and capacity-building. It is seen as a cautious first step to bigger things, so to say.

In between, you had a quiet visit to Sri Lanka by a high-level defence delegation from India. The usually nosy Colombo media and their set of strategic analysts were quiet on the subject. Political reservations were also restricted to the vocal yet miniscule Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), which broke away from the ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) a decade or so back.

In some ways, such initiatives followed confidence-building measures, which in Sri Lankas case included Indias Covid-era assistance, followed by fiscal doles at the height of the nations unprecedented economic crisis. Further, India infused a sense and purpose into Prime Minister Narendra Modis Neighbourhood First policy from his first term through his SAGAR and MAHASAGAR socio-economic framework.

The two nations are also partners in the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) along with other near neighbours in the Indian Ocean, focusing initially on non-traditional ocean security like oil leakage. This has since been expanded to include cyber security and terrorism, among others. Despite hiccups caused by domestic political changes in member nations, the future trajectory of the CSC is being keenly watched. Incidentally, socio-political changes in Sri Lanka did not affect the nations relations with India.

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Significantly, the centre-left JVP-National Peoples Party (NPP) combined government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has also stuck to the right-liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghes commitment to check all boxes in their new SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) while clearing entry for foreign research vessels in Sri Lankan waters and ports. This follows Indias continual concern over the frequent presence of so-called Chinese research vessels, better known as spy ships in the shared waters. Until now, Colombo has not yielded to the Chinese Embassys more recent endearments and reprimands that bilateral maritime relations should not be influenced by third nations (read: India, and at times the US, too).

Exclusive Waters

It is in this background that India and Indians need to visualise the festering and fomenting fishers dispute. The dispute is an unintended and unanticipated product of a bilateral accord from 50 years back. The twin accords of 1974 and 1976 solely aimed at defining the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) under the up-and-coming UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

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Today, the fishers dispute and the accompanying Kachchatheevu issue have deflected attention from the unique nature of the twin IMBL accords. By adopting the UNCLOS provision and by deliberating deviation from the median-line prescription for IMBL identification, the two nations made the Palk Strait link their exclusive waters, denying access to third nations. The geopolitical and geostrategic criticality of the exclusivity, legitimised by UNCLOS, has not been adequately acknowledged in the two countries.

In context, the fishers dispute flows from the Indian fishers deployment of high-speed bottom trawlers and big-size purse seine nets, both since declared as ecologically destructive by the West that had introduced them in the first place. From the Sri Lankan side, the Tamil fishers of the North especially are badly affected even as they seek to recover lost life and livelihood after long years of ethnic war.

At bilateral and multilateral talks involving the respective governments and/ortheir fishers representatives over the past several years, the Sri Lankan side has indicated a willingness to allow a limited number of southern Tamil Nadu fishers from India if and only if they give up their bottom trawlers and purse seine nets. By now, it is acknowledged that this fishing equipment also destroys the boats and nets of their umbilical cord Tamil brethren from Sri Lanka, apart from scooping up fishlings and eggs and scraping the natural habitats of fish schools.

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Twin Components

On the ground, the twin dispute has twin components. On the one hand, the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), mandated to secure the nations territorial waters, cries foul whenever Indian fishers cross the IMBL. In recent years, they have also termed Indian fishers catch as poaching under the law.

Over the past two decades or so, there have been multiple occasions when SLN patrols have arrested Indian fishers and their boats and produced them before local courts for trial and punishment. There have also been occasions when the SLN had opened fire or otherwise harassed and bullied the Indian fishers while rounding them up.

Lately, the Sri Lankan Tamil fishers too have started reacting mid-sea. There have been skirmishes and clashes between the two groups, often closer to Sri Lankas northern Tamil coast. A new group of yet-to-be identified Sri Lankan pirates has also emerged in recent months, doing what the SLN was otherwise doing all along, though there have not been any shooting incidents involving them, thus far at the very least.

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Traditional Rights, Historic Waters

Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian missions in Colombo and northern Jaffna have been interceding on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Government and the states fishers when arrested, but that is not a permanent solution. Alongside, Indias Union government in southern Tamil Nadu has launched a joint subsidy scheme for the Rameswaram fishers to procure long-liners for taking to deep-sea fishing and stay away from harms length.

Successive governments in Delhi have argued with their Colombo counterparts to provide more space and time for such conversion. It is being pointed out that the conversion also involves cultural readjustment, as the affected Rameswaram fishers are not used to staying out in the sea for more than one night at a time, which deep-sea fishing entails. There is also a need to create a market for tuna and other species caught in the deep sea, where Maldivian and Sri Lankan neighbours have had an upper hand all along.

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Yet, even in recent talks with Tamil-speaking Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister R Chandrasekar, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha reportedly made a pointed reference to the deep-sea fishing efforts initiated by the government in India. The High Commissioner also underscored the need to revive bilateral fishers talks, facilitated by the two governments.

However, the Sri Lankan Tamil fishers are clear that they would not yield until they actually get to see their Indian brethren give up their bottom trawlers and purse seine nets. The cooperation and attestation of the Sri Lankan government to any such plan also remains in the realm of speculation.

Before Chandrasekar, his Tamil-speaking predecessor Douglas Devananda was known to have approached the India-unfriendly Chinese Embassy in Colombo more than once to help resolve the issue, where Beijing never ever has had a role. This opened a new angle, which thankfully rests there after last years change of government in Colombo.

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Politics, Diplomacy

The simmering discontent now centres on two interrelated issues when viewed from Colombo. One, the Modi dispensation in New Delhi, unlike its predecessors, is seen as increasingly pressing the argument of the Tamil Nadu fishers and government that it was a livelihood issue for both sides, and not just the Sri Lankan fishers.

In this context, there is said to be a more frequent mention of phrases like traditional fishing rights in historic waters in Indian propositions at bilateral discourses. There are fewer or less frequent references to the destructive methods employed by the Indian fishers.

The second is even more serious in terms of bilateral politics and diplomacy. Successive Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers, from the late Jayalalithaa (AIADMK) and M Karunanidhi (DMK), have been calling for an annulment of what is now referred to as the Kachchatheevu Accordthough the name of the islet never finds a place in the twin pacts. Instead, they refer only to latitude and longitude positions in the map while delineating the IMBL.

In her maiden Independence Day speech as Chief Minister as far back as 1991, Jayalalithaa demanded that New Delhi retrieve Kachchatheevu. Jayalalithaa and her DMK rival M Karunanidhi, both former chief ministers, moved the Supreme Court, claiming that the bilateral accords were bad in law and under the Constitution.

The two petitioners challenged first the transfer and secondly the processthrough an exchange of letters between the foreign secretaries of the two nations. According to them, the Indira Gandhi-led Congress Government at the Centre had ceded Kachchatheevu, which had belonged to the erstwhile Sivaganga principality of the Ramanathapuram royalty, and hence should have sought Parliaments approval under the Constitution. After their death, DMK treasurer T R Baalu, MP, has sought to replace Karunanidhi in the DMKs petition, if only to keep it alive and take it forward.

There is no knowing when the case will reach its finality, but the question remains if an Indian courts verdict against the Accord could negate Indias international commitments under the joint UNCLOS notification from the early eighties. For now, human presence on the islet is restricted to a few Sri Lankan Navy personnels periodic visits and to the annual St Anthonys Church festivities, for which Tamil fishers from the two countries gather for two or three days at best to hear the Mass, delivered by a Catholic priest from Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

Long Shadow

The fishers dispute is one issue at the bilateral and multilateral levels where there is a national consensus in Sri Lanka, cutting across ethnic, political, administrative, and sociological divides. Suffice to point out that in 2017, it was a Tamil parliamentarian, M A Sumanthiran (not elected to the present House), who had piloted the draft, which proposed higher penalties for international trespassers and poacherswhich boiled down to Tamil fishers from India.

Then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, otherwise seen as India-friendly, was keen that it should be a government bill with all its legal and political connotations both in the country and across the Palk Strait. The House passed the bill unanimously, again reflecting the nations mood in the matter.

In this background, going beyond the existing issues that are limited to the two fishing communities and at times involving the Sri Lanka Navy, Kachchatheevu as a politico-electoral dispute in India is casting its long shadows on bilateral relations, without anyone noticing it or anyone acknowledging it.

The then Sri Lankan government of President Wickremesinghe, promptly through Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, cast a lid on any domestic controversy by declaring that it was all a part of Indias electoral politics of the time and that New Delhi had not made any suggestion of the kind to Colombo. However, EAM Jaishankars reference to the previous charge recently has caused eyebrows to raise across the Palk Strait.

With the Tamil Nadu assembly elections due next summer, there are concerns in Sri Lankan circles that any overheated exchanges on Kachchatheevu in India could be counterproductive to bilateral relations overall.

The fact remains that the Kachchatheevu issue is not a profitable poll proposition for any party or leader in the Tamil Nadu context, as successive elections have shown. The ruling BJP at the Centre has not understood it for them to acknowledge the same by keeping silent on the subject. For their part, Chief Minister Stalin and his AIADMK challenger and predecessor, Edappadi K Palaniswami, are already playing their mutual blame game from the Jayalalithaa past.

Mischievously Translocated

A section of the Sri Lankan strategic community on the one side and the political opposition on the other is mischievously and meaninglessly evaluating EAM Jaishankars statement(s) in the light of New Delhis recent decision to review the Indus Valley Treaty with Pakistan. No one in Colombo or elsewhere in Sri Lanka is suggesting that India would seek a review of the Kachchatheevu Accord here and now, but they are not sure that it wont happen in the future, especially if bilateral ties soar on another front or other fronts.

Already, the seven bilateral MoUs signed recently have been challenged before the Sri Lankan Supreme Court. Politically, every opposition party, including their otherwise India-friendly leaderships, has complained that the JVP-NPP government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake did not take the people and Parliament into confidence on these MoUs.

Free Passage

There is another angle to the Kachchatheevu debate, if opened/reopened. When New Delhi launched work on the Sethusamudram Canal Project to make the narrow sea-lane cutting across Palk Strait navigable on the Indian side, the US lost no time in asserting that it would then claim free passage under UNCLOS. Incidentally, the canal project is now before the Supreme Court of India, and on-site work was stalled very long ago.

For now, any reopening of the Kachchatheevu Accord, whatever the reason, circumstance, and time, has the potential to open a Pandoras Box whose contents are not just known. The fish output in the islet zone is not big enough for the Rameswaram fishers to fight for. Thus, it still remains a political dispute at best in India with absolutely no electoral purchase of any kind. With Tamil Nadu assembly elections due next year, the temptation to repeat the political accusations is high.

The sparks that fly then, if fuelled and oiled, can lead to unanticipated and undesirable outcomes on the bilateral front. Under the circumstances, the Indian fishers are also not going to get their due, after all.

By not referring to the Kachchatheevu issue, per se, politically or otherwise within the country, New Delhi would be able to ensure that bilateral ties with Sri Lanka remained on course. It would then be for the governments in the two nations and their successors over the coming years and decades to build on the sameeven as they resolve the stand-alone fishers dispute in ways that do not extend and expand the avoidable animosity between their fishing communities.

The writer is a Chennai-based Policy Analyst & Political Commentator. Email: sathiyam54@nsathiyamoorthy.com. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
President Donald Trumps tariff strategy is less about trade and more about geopolitical blackmail. By refusing to be rushed and diversifying its trade horizons, Delhi shows that strength lies in patience and strategy, not submission read more

As the new deadline for reciprocal tariffs looms large, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the US and India are very close to finalising a trade deal, as high-level talks between the two sides continue. Both sides have sounded optimistic about the deal and signalled a potential breakthrough. But India must proceed with extreme caution while negotiating with the United States.

The story behind Trumps tariff letterssent to over 20 countries but conspicuously absent for Indiareveals a troubling truth. These are not invitations to negotiate; they are ultimatums designed to bend nations to Americas will. Trumps tariff strategy is less about trade and more about geopolitical blackmail.

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President Donald Trump cranked up the pressure on nations like Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia by sending them the tariff letters. Penned in Trumps signature styleblunt warnings and a take it or leave it tonethey outline steep import duties, some as high as 40 per cent, set to take effect on August 1, 2025. Trumps deal with Indonesia, which slashed tariffs from a threatened 32 per cent to 19 per cent, is touted as a victory, but it came only after Jakarta agreed to buy $15 billion in American energy and 50 Boeing jets. India, notably, has not received such a letter, a fact that speaks volumes about its strategic manoeuvring. Trumps approach is not negotiation but coercion, a high-stakes gamble that risks alienating allies and destabilising global trade.

The problem lies in the mechanics of Trumps strategy. These letters are not opening bids in a good-faith dialogue; they are orders. To Japan, Trump wrote, Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Japan a tariff of only 25 per cent, as if the rate were a favour. The subtext is unmistakable: comply or face economic punishment. This is not the art of the deal but the art of the shakedown.

For countries like Brazil, slapped with a 50 per cent tariff, the message feels personalit was slapped due to former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaros legal troubles. It indicates political grievance diplomacy. The approach upends decades of trade diplomacy, which, for all its flaws, relied on mutual concessions and predictable rules. Trumps tariffs, by contrast, thrive on unpredictability, weaponising uncertainty to extract concessions.

Indias absence from the tariff letter roster is no accident. New Delhi has played a shrewd game, engaging Washington without bowing to its deadlines. Indian officials, led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, have insisted on a deal that serves national interests, not one dictated by Trumps timetable. This defiance is rooted in pragmatism. India, one of the major suppliers of generic drugs to the United States, faces a looming threat of 200 per cent tariffs on pharmaceuticals. Yet, by holding firm and diversifying export marketspotentially to Asian nations hit harder by US tariffsIndia has carved out leverage. This is a calculated refusal to be bullied.

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The US must return to principled trade negotiations. Tariffs can be a tool, but they should be precise, not scattershot. Trumps unilateralism invites retaliationretaliatory tariffs against the US in the name of safeguard measures if pushed. Allies like India should be treated as partners, not pawns. A trade deal with New Delhi, focused on sectors like pharmaceuticals and digital commerce, could yield mutual gains without the need for public ultimatums. Finally, global leaders must come together to resist coercive tactics, forming coalitions to counterbalance Trumps economic threats and taunts.

Trumps supporters argue his approach gets results. The Indonesia deal, they say, proves tariffs can help open markets and boost American exports. Theres truth here: the threat of high tariffs did push Jakarta to the table. And Indias ongoing talks suggest Trumps pressure has accelerated negotiations. But the coststrained alliances, disrupted supply chains, and higher consumer pricesmay outweigh the benefits. A trade war with no winners is a poor legacy.

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Indias defiance offers a blueprint for navigating Trumps tariff storm. By refusing to be rushed and diversifying its trade horizons, New Delhi shows that strength lies in patience and strategy, not submission. The world is watching. Nations facing Trumps letters would do well to study Indias playbook: engage, but dont kneel. For the United States, the lesson is simpler: true leadership persuades, not bullies. As August 1 looms, the global economy hangs in the balance. Its time for diplomacy, not diktats.

The writer is a columnist. His articles have appeared in various publications like The Independent, The Globe and Mail, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times, etc. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Perhaps India should privately share its concerns with the Russian leadership and tell them that for the moment, Delhi sees Brics and the SCO as providing enough scope for trilateral cooperation between Russia, India, and China read more

If a diplomat says yes, he means maybe. If he says maybe, he means no. If he says no, hes not a diplomat.

I was reminded of this old saying by the remarks made by the Official Spokesperson of Indias Ministry of External Affairs in the context of the revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) troika.

Russias deputy foreign minister, Andrei Rudenko, had said recently that Moscow wants the resumption of the RIC format and is negotiating on this issue with Beijing and New Delhi. He said, We are interested in making this format work, because these three countries are important partners, besides being the founders of Brics. He added that in this regard, we expect that these countries will agree to resume work within the framework of the RIC.

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Asked for his reaction to Rudenkos comments, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed support for Russias initiative and said, China-Russia-India cooperation not only serves the respective interests of the three countries but also helps uphold peace, security, stability, and progress in the region and the world.

On the other hand, India responded to the Russian proposal in a cautious manner. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said that the RIC is considered a valuable platform for discussing global and regional issues of shared interest, and Indias decision to resume the dialogue hinges on finding a mutually convenient manner for all three nations involved.

Thus, without responding negatively to the Russian proposal, Indias response is akin to saying maybe in a skilful and diplomatic manner.

It is important to note that the RIC framework has been largely inactive in recent years, primarily due to the military tensions between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While Russia and China have publicly expressed strong support for revitalising the group, Indias stance reflects the need to navigate the delicate balance of its relationships with both countries, particularly in light of unresolved border disputes with China.

It would be recalled that speaking at a Conference on Security and Cooperation in Eurasia in the city of Perm in the Ural Mountains on May 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had also conveyed Russias interest in reviving the Russia-India-China Troika (RIC).

Lavrov had said, I would like to confirm our genuine interest in the earliest resumption of the work within the format of the troikaRussia, India, and Chinawhich was established many years ago on the initiative of (ex-Russian prime minister) Yevgeny Primakov and which has organised meetings more than 20 times at the ministerial level since then, not only at the level of foreign policy chiefs but also the heads of other economic, trade, and financial agencies of the three countries. He also said, Now that, as I understand, an understanding has been reached between India and China on how to calm the situation on the border, it seems to me that the time has come to revive this RIC troika.

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Contrary to what Lavrov had said, tensions remain high along the India-China border, particularly in eastern Ladakh, despite recent agreements and de-escalation efforts. While both sides have shown a willingness to engage in dialogue and reduce the potential for clashes, the underlying territorial disputes and the buildup of military forces continue to fuel concerns about potential escalation. In essence, while there have been some positive steps towards de-escalation, the India-China border situation remains complex and potentially volatile, with the risk of future clashes and escalation as long as the underlying territorial and strategic issues remain unresolved.

Increased infrastructure development and troop deployments along the border by China in recent years have further exacerbated tensions. The 2020 Galwan Valley clashes and ongoing border disputes have continued to strain the relationship between India and China. As General Upendra Dwivedi, the Indian Army Chief, said earlier this year, India will not reduce the number of its troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control with China anytime soon, asserting there is still a degree of standoff persisting between the rival armies and the two countries need to rebuild trust to de-escalate overall tensions. General Dwivedis statement makes it quite clear that there is a lack of trust for China.

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The India-China territorial dispute stems from differing interpretations of the border, with China continuing to dispute Indias claims over regions like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. China has issued maps showing Aksai Chinan area of Indias state of Jammu and Kashmir mostly controlled by China since the 1962 warand the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh within Chinese territory.

As recently as May 14 this year, China has reasserted its territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite professed claims about efforts to improve diplomatic ties with India, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs published its latest names for places in Arunachal Pradesh, which China calls Zangnan and says is part of the Tibetan autonomous region. The renaming of 27 places covered an array of geographical features: 15 mountains, five residential areas, four mountain passes, two rivers, and one lake. India rejected the new Chinese names for places in Arunachal Pradesh as a preposterous attempt to alter the undeniable reality that the state was, is, and will always be an integral part of India.

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It is, in fact, an old Chinese habit to periodically issue lists of new names for locations in Arunachal Pradesh. India describes the names as inventions by China and has consistently and unequivocally dismissed them. Chinas renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh is a strategic move to assert unilateral claims, which India firmly rejects, emphasising Arunachals integral status. Strengthening infrastructure, military deterrence, and global alliances is crucial for India to counter Chinas tactics and safeguard sovereignty.

There are important geopolitical considerations that also need to be taken into account. China supports Pakistan against India through various means, including providing military equipment, intelligence, and economic assistance. This support is often seen as part of a strategic alliance aimed at countering Indias influence in the region.

Consequently, India feels that the China-Pakistan axis, characterised by strong military and economic ties, poses a strategic challenge for India. This axis is working against Indian interests, particularly due to Chinas support for Pakistan in regional disputes. China is a major supplier of military equipment and technology to Pakistan, further strengthening their relationship but escalating mistrust with India. China has emerged as Pakistans largest arms supplier, accounting for almost 81 per cent of Islamabads weapon systems inventory. Among the weapons supplied by China to Pakistan are fighter jets, missiles, drones, radar systems, warships, and submarines. China has also been implicated in assisting Pakistans nuclear weapons program.

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Following the Pahalgam terror attack, China moved swiftly to arm Pakistan. Reports suggest Beijing delivered advanced PL-15 air-to-air missiles to Pakistans air force within days. Debris from one such missile, found undetonated in Indias Punjab, points to Chinese involvement in Pakistans latest assault. Pakistani jets used in combat were also Chinese-made. During the recent clashes with India, China reportedly provided Pakistan with air defence and satellite support, including adjusting satellite passes to monitor Indian troop movements.

Chinas support for Pakistan, particularly in the context of terrorist groups, further fuels Indias concerns. China and Pakistan reportedly objected to the inclusion of The Resistance Front (TRF) and its parent organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in a UN Security Council statement condemning the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack. This aligns with a past pattern where China has blocked Indias attempts to designate Pakistan-based terrorists and outfits under the UNs 1267 sanctions regime. China had blocked Indias proposal at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ban five Pakistan-based terrorists who carried out terrorist acts against India. These five terrorists are Abdul Rauf Asghar, Sajid Mir, Abdur Rehman Makki, Talha Saeed, and Shahid Mehmood Rehmatullah, who have been involved in several terror attacks in India, including the 26/11 attacks, the 2019 Pulwama attacks, the 2016 Pathankot attack, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the IC 814 hijack. India wanted to get them designated by the UN Security Council as global terrorists, but China blocked this effort.

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In conclusion, it needs to be said that the state of the bilateral relationship is not yet such that we should let ourselves be drawn into a closer embrace of China, whose policies are harmful to us beyond doubt. Indias approach towards China needs to be a cautious blend of security, economic, and geopolitical considerations. While both countries recognise the benefits of economic engagement, India must remain wary of Chinas intentions and its policies aimed at undermining Indias strategic interests and regional standing. Perhaps we should privately share our concerns with the Russian leadership and tell them that for the moment, we see Brics and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as providing enough scope for trilateral cooperation between Russia, India, and China.

The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The Indian embassy in Niger said it was coordinating with local authorities to repatriate the bodies of the deceased and secure the safe release of the abducted individual. read more

Two Indian nationals were killed and one abducted by gunmen in Nigers Dosso region. Source: AFP

Gunmen in Nigers southwest Dosso region killed at least two Indian nationals and kidnapped a third in a violent attack, Indian authorities reported, marking the latest assault on foreigners in the conflict-ravaged country.2

The Indian Embassy in Niger posted on X Friday (July 18) that the attack took place on Tuesday. The embassy is coordinating with local authorities to repatriate the bodies of the deceased and secure the safe release of the abducted individual.

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In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Nigers Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the embassy wrote.

Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant.

In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Nigers Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives and one was abducted.



Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.



Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure  India in Niger (@IndiainNiger) July 18, 2025

According to local media in Niger, the victims were workers at a construction site in Dosso, about 140 kilometres (87 miles) from the capital, Niamey.

Foreigners have increasingly become targets of armed groups in Niger.

This year alone, several abductions have occurred, including an Austrian woman who has worked as an aid worker in Niger for over 20 years, a Swiss woman taken from her home in April, and five Indian workers also kidnapped in April, reported Associated Press (AP).

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Niger has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency tied to al-Qaida and the Islamic State for years, a crisis that analysts say has intensified since the military overthrew the government in July 2023, struggling to quell violence in key areas.

The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project reported that June was one of Nigers deadliest months on record, with Islamic State-backed fighters launching a major offensive in the Tillaberi and Dosso regions, killing over 100 civilians in a resurgence of mass atrocities in rural communities.
Hundreds of thousands of supporters of Bangladeshs largest Islamist party rallied in the capital on Saturday to show their strength ahead of elections expected next year, as the South Asian nation stands a t a crossroads after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. read more

In a powerful show of strength, Bangladeshs largest Islamist political group, Jamaat-e-Islami, mobilised hundreds of thousands of supporters in Dhaka on Saturday to assert its presence ahead of national elections expected next year. The rally comes at a time of political flux in the country following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The current interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has said that elections are scheduled for April. However, the possibility of an earlier vote in February remains open, following pressure from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies.

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Jamaat-e-Islami, known for supporting Pakistan during the 1971 war for Bangladeshs independence, had earlier announced plans to bring one million demonstrators to the streets for Saturdays gathering.

Hasina, who governed from 2009 until being deposed in a wave of student-led protests last year, fled to India following her removal. During her administration, several senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders were either executed or imprisoned for war crimes linked to the countrys 1971 liberation struggle, during which the Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown in Dhaka in March of that year.

At the rally, the Islamist party submitted a list of seven demands to the interim administration, including calls for fair and peaceful elections, justice for mass killings, structural reforms, and the adoption of a charter inspired by last years uprising. The party also demanded that a proportional representation model be adopted for the electoral process.

Many party supporters had camped overnight at the Dhaka University campus before marching to Suhrawardy Udyan, a symbolic site where the Pakistani army surrendered to joint Indian and Bangladeshi forces on December 16, 1971, bringing an end to the war.

Iqbal Hossain, a 40-year-old participant, said, We want a new Bangladesh governed by Islamic values, free from corruption, and led by honest individuals. We are willing to give our lives for this mission.

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Young attendees, many in their 20s and 30s, were also present in large numbers.

Jamaat-e-Islami stands for equal rights for all. We follow the teachings of the Quran, and that will guide our governance, said 20-year-old Mohidul Morsalin Sayem. If Islamic parties unite, no one can stop us from taking power.

This was the first time since the 1971 war that Jamaat-e-Islami was allowed to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, seen by many as a sign that Islamists are gaining momentum amid a fragmented political landscape and the retreat of liberal forces.

Sheikh Hasina, daughter of the countrys founding president and a long-standing opponent of Jamaat-e-Islami, has been barred from returning to Bangladesh. Her Awami League party has been banned by the interim regime, and she remains in exile in India as of August 5. Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity. According to a UN estimate released in February, as many as 1,400 people may have died in the JulyAugust uprising that led to her downfall.

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Jamaat-e-Islami plans to contest all 300 parliamentary seats and is working to build alliances with other Islamist groups in an effort to position itself as a significant political force alongside the BNP and the banned Awami League.

The party also shares ties with a student movement that played a key role in the anti-Hasina protests. Both Jamaat and the student-led National Citizen Party have been outspoken in their criticism of Indias role in regional politics.

With inputs from agencies
Three people died and several were injured, including the parish priest, in the strike on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City a day earlier. Photos show its roof has been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade and shattering windows read more

Archbishop Alexios of the Saint Porphyrius Church (C) receives Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa (3rd-R) and Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III (4th-L) during their visit to the Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City on July 18, 2025. AFP

Clergy members from the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches have paid a visit to Gazas only church after Israeli strikes hit the complex, killing three people.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa entered Gaza, a highly unusual move due to Israels control over the region, with Theophilos III to bring aid to the victims of the airstrike as he and a Vatican official questioned Israeli explanations for the incident.

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed the shared pastoral solicitude of the Churches of the Holy Land and their concern for the community of Gaza.

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Three people died and several were injured, including the parish priest, in the strike on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City a day earlier. Photos show its roof has been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade and shattering windows.

Israel regrets strike on church

Meanwhile, Israel has expressed regret over Gazas only Catholic church. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said, Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gazas Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy.

Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites, the office added in a statement.

The church has sheltered hundreds of Palestinians since the start of Israels military campaign against Hamas in the enclave in October 2023, following the groups deadly attack on Israel.

In an interview with Italys Corriere della Sera daily, Pizzaballa said a Catholic presence would remain in Gaza whatever happens, and he expressed doubts about Israels explanation that the strike was a mistake.

We are not a target. They say it was an error. Even if everybody here believes it wasnt, said the cardinal, who is Jerusalems Latin Patriarch, the top Catholic authority in the region, he said.

Pope Leo speaks to Netanyahu

Meanwhile, Netanyahu called Pope Leo on Friday following the countrys attack on the Gaza church.

The Vatican, in a statement, said, During the meeting, the Holy Father renewed his appeals for renewed impetus to negotiations and for a ceasefire and an end to the war. He reiterated his concern for the dramatic humanitarian situation of the population in Gaza, whose excruciating price is being paid especially by children, the elderly, and the sick.

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The pope also called for protecting places of worship and the people of Palestine and Israel.

With inputs from agencies
Syrias interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa has called on the Sunni Bedouin tribes to fully adhere to the ceasefire, aimed at halting deadly confrontations with Druze-affiliated militias that have claimed hundreds of lives and put the countrys fragile post-conflict transition at risk. read more

Druze from Syria and Israel protest on the Israeli-Syrian border, in Majdal Shams in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, amid the ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and Druze armed groups in the southern Syrian city of Sweida.Photo | AP

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, the number of fatalities from the recent wave of violence in Syrias Sweida province has climbed to 940, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Observatory reported that the dead include 326 Druze fighters and 262 Druze civilians, with 182 of the civilians allegedly executed by members of the defence and interior ministries. On the other side, 312 security personnel from the government and 21 Sunni Bedouins were killed, including three civilians said to have been executed by Druze fighters. An additional 15 Syrian troops reportedly died in Israeli airstrikes.

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Syrias interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa has called on the Sunni Bedouin tribes to fully adhere to the ceasefire, aimed at halting deadly confrontations with Druze-affiliated militias that have claimed hundreds of lives and put the countrys fragile post-conflict transition at risk.

Government forces, initially deployed to stabilise the situation but seen to be siding with the Bedouins, were later repositioned to stop a renewed outbreak of violence late Thursday in the southern region. The clashes also triggered Israeli air raids targeting Syrian military positions before the truce was announced.

In a second televised speech since the conflict erupted, al-Sharaa accused armed factions from Sweida of escalating tensions by launching retaliatory strikes on Bedouin communities. He also warned that Israeli involvement had pushed the nation into a perilous phase.

Israel had launched dozens of airstrikes on convoys of government fighters and even struck the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters in central Damascus, saying it was in support of the Druze, who form a substantial community in Israel and are seen as a loyal minority, often serving in the Israeli military.

Reports had surfaced of Syrian government-affiliated fighters executing Druze civilians and looting and burning homes over the four-day violence.

US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire early Saturday. Al-Sharaa made no direct reference to the agreement in his speech, but said American and Arab mediations stepped in to restore calm.

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Addressing the Bedouins, al-Sharaa said they cannot replace the role of the state in handling the countrys affairs and restoring security. He also said: We thank the Bedouins for their heroic stances but demand they fully commit to the ceasefire and comply with the states orders."

Meanwhile, a prominent Druze leader, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, who opposes the current government and has distanced himself from the two ceasefires announced on Tuesday and Wednesday, said an agreement, brokered under the sponsorship of guarantor states, has several measures aimed at de-escalating tensions in Suweida.

This includes the deployment of General Security checkpoints outside the provinces administrative borders to contain clashes and prevent infiltration, a 48-hour ban on entry by any party into border villages, and safe, guaranteed passage for remaining members of the Bedouin tribes still inside the province.

Sharaa reiterated that Suweida remains an integral part of the Syrian state, and the Druze constitute a fundamental pillar of the Syrian national fabric," vowing to protect all minorities in Syria.

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He also thanked the United States for its significant role in affirming its support for Syria during these difficult times, as well as Arab countries and Turkey, who mediated Wednesdays truce.

More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981.

With inputs from agencies
More than two dozen refugees from Bhutan were left in a limbo after they were deported from the US to their home country, but the Himalayan nation rejected them, leaving them stuck in a refugee camp in Nepal. read more

More than two dozen refugees from Bhutan were left in a limbo after they were deported from the US to their home country, but the Himalayan nation rejected them, leaving them stuck in a refugee camp in Nepal. According to a CNN report, refugees from Lhotshampa, a Nepali-speaking ethnic minority, were denied entry to Bhutan after they were deported from the United States.

The ethnic minority group was expelled from Bhutan back in the 1990s. After spending decades in refugee camps, more than 100,000 of them were legally resettled in countries like the US, Australia, Canada and other nations. The process took place under a UN-led program that commenced back in 2007.

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Until very recently, the United States had not deported a single person to Bhutan in years. One of the main reasons behind this is the fact that the Bhutanese government have been unwilling to repatriate its refugees, who were stripped of their citizenship when they fled. This technically leaves them stateless.

Deported to nowhere

According to CNN, since March, more than two dozen Lhotshampa have been deported from the US back to Bhutan. However, the Himalayan nation is still refusing to take them in, and they had to settle in refugee camps set up in Nepal.

Many deportees told CNN that they are now back in refugee camps where they lived as children. One of the deportees told the American news outlet that he was put on a one-way flight to New Delhi, India, then to Paro, Bhutan. When he arrived in Bhutan, the countrys local authorities took him and two other refugees to the border with India.

The deportee recalled that the Bhutanese authorities paid someone to take the refugees to Panitanki, a town on the India-Nepal border, giving the deportees 30,000 Indian rupees (about $350) each. The refugee admitted that he and the others paid someone to smuggle them across the Mechi River into Nepal.

Most of the refugees find themselves in a diplomatic grey zone, with no documentation for either the US, Bhutan or Nepal, where many are currently residing. While all this is taking place, four of the US deportees have now been ordered deported by a second country, after they were arrested and briefly detained by the Nepali government for illegally crossing the border.

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However, Tikaram Dhakal, the director of Nepals Department of Immigration, told CNN that the country has nowhere to deport the refugees. We are in a dilemma: the US is unlikely to accept them back, and deporting them to Bhutan is not straightforward either," he told the American news outlet. Hence, these deportees are still stuck in Nepalese refugee camps with no country they can call their home.

Bhutans crackdown on ethnic minorities

Bhutan, a small Buddhist kingdom, houses 800,000 people. While the country is known for peace and tranquillity, it has a dark history of crackdowns on ethnic minorities. In the late 1970s, the government of Bhutan began cracking down on ethnic Nepalis who had migrated to southern Bhutan in the 19th century by introducing discriminatory policies.

In 1989, the government pushed its ambition to Bhutanise the country by enforcing a dress code and outrightly banning the Nepali language. Anyone who resisted faced abuse, threats and coercion in the country.

Adhering to international law, the US did not send someone to a country where they could be persecuted; in this case, it was Bhutan. However, the Trump administrations recent crackdown on immigration has led to the deportation of people to states with grave human rights records, such as Libya and South Sudan.

Under pressure of tariffs, some countries are accepting deportees, but Bhutan has refused to receive Lhotshampa refugees. Interestingly, the Himalayan nation was initially included in a draft red list prepared by US diplomatic and security officials of 11 countries whose citizens would be barred from entering the US.

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The draft was initially published in March by The New York Times. However, when the final list of 19 countries with full or partial travel bans was released in June, Bhutan was not included. Hence, it is still unclear where the Trump administration stands with Bhutan on the issue.
Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and representatives of the US Embassy in Ukraine discussed strengthening countermeasures against Russian UAVs, in particular by improving the technical base and training of personnel.

"I met with representatives of the US Embassy in Ukraine - our reliable partners in strengthening the security of the state We discussed the direction of countering Russian UAVs. We have a common understanding of how to strengthen the technical base and practical training of personnel," Klymenko wrote on Telegram on Friday.

Klymenko said that he thanked the American side for the systematic support of our units. In particular, in building capabilities within the security sector.

"Our cooperation is primarily about trust, a common goal and consistency of support," Klymenko added.
The Trump administration said the men were released in exchange for 10 Americans held in Venezuela, and an unknown number of political prisoners in the South American country read more

Venezuelan migrants who were jailed in El Salvador get off a plane at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela on July 18, 2025. AFP

Scores of Venezuelans deported from the United States arrived back home from a notorious Salvadoran jail Friday, as a prisoner swap agreement ended a months-long ordeal decried by rights groups.

As two planes transporting the men touched down in the evening at the main airport serving Caracas, President Nicolas Maduro thanked his US counterpart Donald Trump for making it happen.

Free, free at last! the Venezuelan leader rejoiced at a public event.

The Trump administration said the men were released in exchange for 10 Americans held in Venezuela, and an unknown number of political prisoners in the South American country.

The United States had sent a group of 252 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador in March to be locked up in its feared CECOT anti-terrorism jail, accused without evidence of belonging to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang.

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Trump invoked rarely used wartime laws to have the men flown to the Central American nation without any court hearings.

Today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said on X.

I cant contain my happiness, Mercedes Yamarte, mother of CECOT inmate Mervin Yamarte, told AFP ahead of the aircrafts arrival.

I arranged the reception, what am I going to do? Ill make a soup.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and other officials boarded the first plane to land, and passengers could be heard singing the Venezuelan anthem.

Maduro thanked Trump for the decision to rectify this totally irregular situation.

The number of migrants on the two planes has not been confirmed.

High price

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X Friday that ten Americans who were detained in Venezuela are on their way to freedom thanks to a deal that also included the release of Venezuelan political prisoners.

He thanked Bukele for helping secure an agreement for the release of all of our American detainees.

The US embassy in Caracas published a photo of the individuals with American flags.

In the United States, families were also excited to see their loved ones return. One had been imprisoned for nearly a year.

Global Reach, an NGO that works for wrongly detained Americans, said one of the men freed was 37-year-old Lucas Hunter, held since he was kidnapped by Venezuelan border guards while vacationing in Colombia in January.

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We cannot wait to see him in person and help him recover from the ordeal, it quoted his younger sister Sophie Hunter as saying.

Uruguay said one of its citizens, resident in the United States, was among those liberated after nine months in Venezuelan detention.

Venezuelas government in a statement said it had paid a high price to secure the return of its compatriots: terrorists for innocents, according to Maduro.

Apart from the freeing of the Americans, it said alternative measures to imprisonment had been granted to Venezuelans detained for their involvement in common crimes and offenses against the constitutional order.

The prisoner rights NGO Foro Penal told AFP it was verifying the identities of the people concerned.

Rescued

Another plane arrived at Maiquetia airport earlier Friday from Houston with 244 Venezuelans deported from the United States and seven children who Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said had been rescued from the kidnapping to which they were being subjected.

The children were among 30 who Caracas says remained in the US after their Venezuelan parents were deported.

Clamping down on migrants is a flagship pursuit of Trumps administration, which has ramped up raids and deportations.

It has agreed with Maduro to send undocumented Venezuelans back home, and flights have been arriving near daily also from Mexico, where many got stuck trying to enter the United States.

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Official figures show that since February, more than 8,200 people have been repatriated to Venezuela from the United States and Mexico, including some 1,000 children.

The Venezuelans detained in El Salvador had no right to phone calls or visits, and their relatives unsuccessfully requested proof of life.

Bukele had CECOT built as part of his war on criminal gangs, but he agreed to receive millions of dollars from the United States to house the Venezuelans there.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have denounced the detentions as a violation of human rights.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the UK to formally ink the India-UK Free Trade Agreement. After London, the prime minister would embark on a two-day visit to the Maldives. read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer. Modi, who annoiunced the Free Trade Agreement on social media, said he is looking forward to welcoming Starmer to India. Reuters

With the India-UK Free Trade Agreement in mind, reports are emerging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to the United Kingdom on July 23-24. According to a report by CNN News18, the visit by the prime minister could see both sides formally ink the landmark India-UK free trade deal and discuss expanding bilateral security ties.

Sources close to the matter said that the deal is likely to take about a year to become effective. In May this year, India and the UK agreed to a landmark deal that is expected to benefit 99 per cent of Indian exports from tariffs and will make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India.

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The deal intends to boost the overall trade between the two nations amid global uncertainties due to the Trump tariffs. In the past, PM Modi described the trade pact as a historic milestone to catalyse trade, investment, growth and job creation in both economies. The trade would overall deepen the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership.

PM Modi to visit the Maldives after the UK

According to CNN News18, after the prime minister visits the UK, he will be heading to the Maldives as India and the island nation repair their strained relations. The prime minister will travel to the Maldives on July 25 for a two-day visit where he will be the chief guest at the countrys 60th National Day celebrations.

Maldives President, Mohamed Muizzu, had extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the occasion. It is pertinent to note that this will be PM Modis first visit to the country since the bilateral ties nosedived due to the  India Out campaign by some Maldivian politicians. Muizzus pro-China stance also did not help the cause.

In light of this, the Maldives government is seeking to mend ties with India. The invitation was seen as a bid to do the same. The visit is seen as an important change to clear up the ongoing issues between the two nations and strengthen cooperation.

The visit would also reflect Indias commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy in the Indian Ocean region. The prime minister last visited the Maldives for a one-on-one meeting with the then-president in June 2019.
Federation of Indian Pilots President Captain CS Randhawa criticised the Western media reports for lacking a basis in the facts outlined in the preliminary report released by AAIB read more

Parts of an Air India plane that crashed on Thursday are seen on top of a building in Ahmedabad, India. AP

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has sent a stern legal notice to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Reuters, accusing the global media giants of publishing misleading and speculative stories about the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed over 250 people last month.

FIP President Captain CS Randhawa criticised the reports for lacking a basis in the facts outlined in the preliminary report from Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

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They are not the investigative body, so how can they jump to conclusions? Randhawa was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.

Theyre spreading all this around the world thats not even in the report. Its totally misleading.

The Western media outlets suggested that the crash might have resulted from errors or actions by the cockpit crew, claims the FIP says were entirely absent from the AAIBs findings.

FIP seeks apology from media giants

The FIPs notice demands a public explanation and a formal apology from the news organisations, pressing them to justify their reporting.

Weve asked them to explain how they arrived at conclusions that arent in the preliminary report. If they fail to do that, well consider further legal action, Randhawa stated.

The uproar led to a response from Jennifer Homendy, Chairwoman of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is assisting the AAIB in the investigation.

Homendy labelled the media coverage premature and speculative, stressing that it was inappropriate to draw conclusions while the investigation is ongoing.

Investigations of this magnitude take time All investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB, she said in her official statement.

Randhawa praised the NTSBs stance, calling it a vital endorsement of the professionalism of Indian pilots and a sharp rebuke to reckless reporting.

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Its heartening that the NTSB issued this statement. It puts to rest all the blame being unfairly placed on Indian pilots, he said.

Indias AAIB recently issued a preliminary report on the AI-171 crash but stopped short of assigning blame or reaching final conclusions.

The full investigation is still in progress, with such probes typically taking months to complete. The AAIB also made a public plea, urging the media and the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to conduct their work thoroughly.
The announcement was made by US Envoy to Turkey and Syria Tom Barrack as Druze groups and members of the Bedouin continued to clash in Syrias southern Sweida province, displacing tens of thousands of people amid a worsening humanitarian crisis read more

Members of the Druze minority and their supporters protest outside the US Embassy in Jerusalem, amid the clashes between Syrian government forces and Druze armed groups in the southern Syrian city of Sweida. AP

Israel and Syria agreed to reach a ceasefire early on Saturday after a week-long fight between the Syrian government forces and Bedouin tribes and armed groups from the Druze minority, killing over 300 people.

The announcement was made by US Envoy to Turkey and Syria Tom Barrack as Druze groups and members of the Bedouin continued to clash in Syrias southern Sweida province, displacing tens of thousands of people amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

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Earlier this week, Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus and hit government forces in the south, demanding they withdraw and saying that Israel aimed to protect Syrian Druze - part of a small but influential minority that also has members in Lebanon and Israel.

We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity, Barrack said in a post on X. He said that the ceasefire was supported by Turkey, Jordan and neighbours.

Meanwhile, Syrian government forces had withdrawn from the fight on Wednesday after it reached a separate truce with the Druze, following Israels barrage of airstrikes that wreaked havoc in the country and even struck the Syrian Defence Ministry headquarters in central Damascus.

Israel defended its actions to protect the Druze minority, who have a substantial base in the country and are seen as a loyal minority there, often serving in the Israeli military.

Hours earlier, Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa had announced that the government would send a specialised force to break up clashes and resolve the conflict on the ground in Sweida.

Druze-Bedouin clash

Just days after the government struck a ceasefire deal with the Druze, an armed tribal group, the Bedouin, began clashing with members of the minority group.

According to a report by AFP, around 200 Bedouin fighters armed with machine guns and shells attacked Druze members. The Bedouins, which is backed by the government, were supported by several small tribal groups across Syria who reinforced them to attack Druze men.

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Clashes began Sunday between Druze militias and local Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes. Government forces intervened, nominally to restore order, but ended up taking the Bedouins side against the Druze. Israel later in the week launched airstrikes against Syrian forces in defence of the Druze.

80,000 people displaced since Sunday

The United Nations migration agency said Friday that nearly 80,000 people had been displaced altogether since clashes started on Sunday.

It also noted that essential services, including water and electricity, have collapsed in Sweida, telecommunications systems are widely disrupted, and health facilities in Sweida and Daraa are under severe strain.

Meanwhile, there are severe disruptions to supply routes, with insecurity and road closures blocking aid deliveries, Adam Abdelmoula, UN Resident and Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator in Syria, said in a statement Friday.

With inputs from agencies
Trump complained that nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics even as he directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony" in Epstein case read more

US President Donald Trump Saturday (July 19) took to his Truth Social platform to address mounting pressure to release grand jury transcripts from the criminal cases of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, stating that even if the courts approve their release, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics.

It will always be more, more, more. MAGA! Trump posted.

The statement followed a Friday move by the Department of Justice, which asked federal judges to unseal the grand jury testimonies in response to a request Trump made on Thursday.

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Trump had announced that he directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.

The push to release Epstein-related files has intensified, with even some of Trumps staunchest supporters joining critics in demanding transparency.

Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 after his arrest on federal child sex trafficking charges, remains a focal point of public scrutiny.

Trumps Saturday post suggests hes feeling the heat but is reluctant to take further action.

I have asked the Justice Department to release all Grand Jury testimony with respect to Jeffrey Epstein, subject only to Court Approval, he wrote.

With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request.

Notably, Trumps Saturday post shifted slightly from his Thursday statement, where he referred to pertinent testimony.

On Saturday, he called for the release of all grand jury testimony.

The post also came a day after Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against media mogul Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal, owned by Murdoch, over an article claiming Trump sent a bawdy letter for Epsteins 50th birthday.

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Trump denies the letters authenticity and is seeking at least $10 billion in damages.
The death toll crossed the 100 mark as heavy rains battered Pakistans Punjab, with more than 70 rain-related deaths occurring in the last 48 hours. read more

At least ten more people lost their lives across Pakistans Punjab on Friday as heavy rains and flash floods took over the province. The death toll in the floods crossed the 100 mark, with more than 70 rain-related deaths occurring in the last 48 hours.

So far, 123 people have been killed and around 462 injured since June 25, as the province received record rainfall. The turbulent weather triggered urban flooding, which inundated residential areas, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said, as per the report by Pakistani news outlet Dawn News.

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71 of the total deaths were reported in the past two days alone. When it comes to the weather, the authorities warned that there will be no respite from torrential rain anytime soon. In light of this, Pakistans Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert for more downpours from July 20.

Flood alert across Pakistans Punjab

PMD also issued a separate alert of a high-level flood in the River Indus at Kalabagh and Chashma over the next 24 hours, with authorities being asked to take precautionary measures, Dawn reported. In a briefing on the rescue operation carried out in the flooded areas, PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia noted that more than 1,000 people were rescued and were shifted to a safe place in the Pothohar region.

This comprised 398 people from Jhelum, 209 from Chawal and 450 from Rawalpindi. The PMD advisory issued on Friday, directed the provincial and district administrations to take precautionary measures as rains with wind and thundershowers are predicted from July 20.

The advisory also warned of urban flooding and landslides. The Met Office noted that monsoon currents are currently penetrating Sindh and the upper parts of the country and are likely to intensify from July 20. They noted that a fresh westerly wave is likely to approach the countrys north on July 21.

More rains predicted in coming days from today (July 18, 2025) pic.twitter.com/sORbV6z2w3  Pak Met Department   (@pmdgov) July 18, 2025

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar from July 20 to 26. In Balochistan, similar weather conditions are predicted in Lasbella, Awaran, Khuzdar, Quetta, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Ziarat, Kalat, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai and Barkhan on July 19 and from July 22 to 25.

Apart from this, urban flooding is expected in low-lying areas such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Nowshera and Peshawar. Landslides may cause road closures in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir and GB.
The twin-island Caribbean nation, home to approximately 1.5 million people, has been grappling with escalating gang violence and rising homicide rates for over a decade read more

Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency for the second time this year, as the Caribbean nation faces a threat from organised criminal gangs both inside and outside the countrys jails.

The Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro, announced on Friday that a state of emergency will be imposed in the nation after officials received intelligence which suggested that gangs had formed themselves into  an organised crime syndicate and are planning assassinations, robberies and kidnapping across the country.

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What is the police doing?

He added that police officials have already started transferring and relocating some of the gang members from one prison to another so that their planning can be stopped.

There are persons who seem hellbent on facilitating the communication of these persons with the outside. So by removing them from this environment and placing them in one where they are much more secure, I can feel rest assured that communication link is broken, said Guevarro.

Organised crime in Trinidad and Tobago

The twin-island Caribbean nation, home to approximately 1.5 million people, has been grappling with escalating gang violence and rising homicide rates for over a decade. In 2024, it recorded 624 homicides, placing it among the most violent countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

However, in May of this year, local media reported a 33 per cent decline in homicides compared to the same period in 2024 and 2023.

Meanwhile, despite declaring a state of emergency for the second time in seven months, Guevarro said that crime rates in the country have not surged in recent days, calling the announcement a pre-emptive measure as part of a larger plan to curb gang violence.

However, the countrys attorney general, John Jeremie, stated on Friday that there has been a resurgence in gang-related homicides and kidnappings. When asked about the duration of the state of emergency, he responded that it would last as long as the security forces tell us that they need the additional legislative support.
While addressing Republican senators, US President Donald Trump said that 10 living hostages still held captive in Gaza will be released very shortly as Israel and Hamas ease into the idea of a 60-day ceasefire read more

While the tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, US President Donald Trump said that 10 more hostages will be released from Gaza very shortly. The proclamation from Trump came as he continues to push for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

We got most of the hostages back. Were going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly, Trump said during a dinner with Republican senators. He also praised his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, as fantastic. It is pertinent to note that the current Israel-Hamas ceasefire proposal includes the term to return 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others.

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In exchange for this, Israel would be required to release an unspecified number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Trumps remarks came shortly after Axios reported on Friday that the director of the Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, visited Washington this week in the hope that the United States would support its efforts to ask other countries to take in the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still living in Gaza.

As per the report, Mossad boss David Barnea told Witkoff that Israel has discussed plans to relocate Palestinians to countries like Ethiopia, Indonesia and Libya.

Trump boasts about a ceasefire agreement

While addressing the gathering of Republican senators, the American leader boasted about a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He said that the deal is forthcoming since posting on his social media platform on 1 July that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.

Last week, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to the White House, where he presented Trump with a copy of a letter he had sent to the Nobel Committee, nominating the President for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The same week, Qatari officials mediated indirect talks between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas told Reuters on Friday that the Palestinian group is supporting the idea of reaching an interim truce in the Gaza war. However, they maintained that Hamas could revert to insisting on a full package deal if such an agreement is not reached in the current negotiations.

With inputs from agencies.
The US president reiterated his claim that the US got India and Pakistan to a ceasefire through trade by threatening not to make a deal if cross-border firings continue. While New Delhi has repeatedly denied such claims, Islamabad has thanked Trump for his mediation read more

For the second time in a week, US President Donald Trump has said that his intervention led India and Pakistan to end hostilities after Operation Sindoor, which was launched by New Delhi in response to the Pahalgam attack.

We have stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious wars. India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade, Trump said.

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He reiterated his claim that the US got India and Pakistan to a ceasefire through trade by threatening not to make a deal if cross-border firings continue. While New Delhi has repeatedly denied such claims, Islamabad has thanked Trump for his mediation.

#WATCH | Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump says, "We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that was going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they pic.twitter.com/MCFhW406cT  ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2025

Trump also said that he thinks that up to five jets were shot down during the India-Pakistan hostilities. In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually, he asserted.

What has India said?

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar denied US role in mediation between the two neighbouring countries.

In an interview with Newsweek, Jaishankar said, I can tell you that I was in the room when Vice President Vance spoke to Prime Minister Modi on the night of May 9, saying that the Pakistanis would launch a very massive assault on IndiaWe did not accept certain things, and the Prime Minister was impervious to what the Pakistanis were threatening to do.

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On the contrary, he (PM Modi) indicated that there would be a response from us, he added.

The next communication with Washington occurred the following morning, when the Foreign Minister spoke with the US Secretary of State. During the conversation, Marco Rubio conveyed that the Pakistanis were ready to talk, Jaishankar added.
The Trump administrations decision to slash nearly all U.S. foreign aid has left dozens of water and sanitation projects halffinished across the globe, creating new hazards for some of the people they were designed to benefit, Reuters has found. read more

The Trump administrations sweeping decision to cut nearly all US foreign aid has left dozens of water and sanitation projects incomplete across multiple countries, exposing millions to health and environmental risks.

Reuters reported 21 stalled infrastructure projects in 16 countries, based on interviews with 17 sources familiar with the matter. Many of these projects, never publicly disclosed before, have been abandoned mid-construction, with equipment and materials left unsecured as contractors halted work following aid cancellations.

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In Mali, water towers intended for schools and health centres have been left incomplete, while in Nepal, work on more than 100 drinking water systems has been suspended. Nepals water minister, Pradeep Yadav, confirmed the country would now rely on its own resources to finish the job.

In Lebanon, a solar power initiative to energise water utilities was scrapped, resulting in 70 job losses. In its absence, the country is forced to depend on diesel and other costly alternatives, according to Suzy Hoayek, an adviser to Lebanons energy ministry.

In Kenyas Taita Taveta County, residents now face a heightened flood threat from an unfinished irrigation canal. The floods will definitely get worse, said 74-year-old farmer Mary Kibachia, whose home was recently inundated.

I have no protection from the flooding that the canal will now cause, the floods will definitely get worse, said farmer Mary Kibachia, 74.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID), once responsible for these projects, has been sidelined as the State Department took over foreign aid management. While some funding has been restored  notably for a $6 billion desalination plant in Jordan  most halted projects remain in limbo. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that future aid will be more limited.

Trumps cuts, which include humanitarian and health assistance, could result in an additional 14 million deaths by 2030, according to The Lancet. Despite bipartisan support in the past  including a 2014 law that doubled funding for water projects  the administration has pushed for reduced overseas spending, arguing that such resources should benefit Americans instead.

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In Congo, unfinished water kiosks now serve as playgrounds, while families continue to face violence during water collection. When we send young girls, they are raped. Young boys are kidnapped, said Evelyne Mbaswa, whose 16-year-old son disappeared while fetching water.

In Kenya, only 15% of a five-year, $100 million USAID water project had been completed before it was stopped in January. Open trenches and unplastered canal walls now pose safety hazards. A draft U.S. embassy memo warns that abandoning these projects could damage Americas reputation and potentially strengthen extremist groups in the region.

The reputational risk of not finishing these projects could turn into a security risk, the memo said, referencing past al Shabaab attacks in Kenya.

As communities struggle to salvage materials and raise local funds to resume work, residents like Kibachia remain trapped in the aftermath. Where can I go? This is home, she said.

With inputs from agencies
Cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reaches 433.56 million tonnes in H1

Xinhua) 16:11, July 19, 2025

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a cargo ship, assisted by tugboats, berthing at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a cargo ship, assisted by tugboats, berthing at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a patrol vessel (front) escorting a departing cargo ship in the waters of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a cargo ship, assisted by tugboats, berthing at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a ship unloading at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, on the eve of a meeting with ambassadors scheduled for Monday, July 21, discussed the appointment of new Ukrainian ambassadors to partner countries and the main current tasks of the diplomatic corps in the international arena.

"Report by Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha. We summed up the work with partners in the European Union on the 18th sanctions package. I instructed to promptly synchronize the package in Ukrainian jurisdiction. We are also working with European countries outside the European Union so that they join the relevant sanctions regimes," he wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

According to Zelenskyy, the minister also reported on the agreements with the United States that are currently in progress.

"Good dynamics, we are counting on the results and strengthening of our cooperation with America. We are preparing for this Monday in the format of a meeting with ambassadors to determine priorities, in particular, regarding further relations with the USA," the head of state said.

The minister also reported on the situation on the border between Russia and Georgia regarding citizens of Ukraine, who are actually "thrown out" from Russian territory without documents and warning of both Ukraine and the Georgian side. In particular, Zelenskyy noted, these are Ukrainians whom the Russians release from prisons and camps on the territory controlled by Russia. Ukrainian diplomats are organizing the transit of these citizens of our state to Ukraine.

"We also discussed with the minister the appointment of new ambassadors of Ukraine to partner countries," the president of Ukraine added.
Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Kyiv has sent Moscow an offer to hold another round of peace talks next week, and that he wanted to speed up negotiations for a ceasefire. read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Kyiv has proposed another round of peace negotiations with Moscow, aiming to accelerate efforts toward a ceasefire.

Speaking in his nightly address, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had extended an offer to Russia to meet for talks next week. Everything must be done to reach a ceasefire, he said, urging Russia to stop avoiding decisions."

The two sides have previously held negotiations in Istanbul on two occasions over the past five months. While the meetings led to a prisoner exchange, they failed to deliver any significant progress toward ending the conflict, which began with Russias 2022 invasion.

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Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire, Zelenskyy said in his evening address to the nation. The Russian side should stop hiding from decisions, he added.

Rustem Umerov, who led the Ukrainian delegation at both Istanbul meetings, sent the latest offer to Moscow, according to Zelenskiy. Umerov, formerly the defence minister, was recently appointed head of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council to inject new momentum into the talks.

Russia has been pressing a grinding offensive along the eastern front in Ukraines Donetsk region. It has repeatedly said it is ready for a new round of talks but has not backed down from what Kyiv and its allies describe as its maximalist war aims.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sharpened his tone against Russia in recent weeks amid worsening air strikes on Ukrainian cities, threatened harsher sanctions on Russia earlier this month if a peace deal was not reached within 50 days.

With inputs from agencies
The move is expected to quell widespread discontent over the Trump administrations handling of the Epstein files, as the presidents Maga base demanded the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epsteins death and his alleged client list' read more

A protest group called "Hot Mess" hold up signs of Jeffrey Epstein and President Donald Trump in front of the Federal courthouse on July 8, 2019 in New York City. File Photo/AFP

The US Department of Justice has asked a federal judge to unseal grand jury transcripts in the Jeffrey Epstein case after US President Donald Trump asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all testimony related to the case.

The publics interest in the Epstein matter has remained. Given this longstanding and legitimate interest, the government now moves to unseal grand jury transcripts associated with Epstein, the DOJ said in its filing.

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The move is expected to quell widespread discontent over the Trump administrations handling of the Epstein files, as the presidents Maga base demanded the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epsteins death and his alleged client list'.

The department said that the recent review of the transcripts was to determine whether evidence existed that could predicate an investigation into uncharged third parties.

The presidents orders on Thursday came hours after he slammed the Wall Street Journal and threatened to sue it for releasing "fake" letters that Trump allegedly sent to Epstein in 2003.

The Journal story, which quickly reverberated around the US capital, says the note to Epstein bearing Trumps signature was part of a collection of notes for Epsteins 50th birthday in 2003. The newspaper says it reviewed the letter but did not print an image.

When will the files be made public?

While the first steps to unseal the transcripts have been set in motion, it is not yet clear when the files will be made public.

Before deciding on the matter, the judge must first consult with the victims and any uncharged individuals mentioned in the testimony, as their identities are protected under federal law. Depending on the timeline established, this process could take weeks, months, or even longer to complete.

According to a report by CNN, the grand jury testimony is only a small portion of the thousands of documents related to the Epstein investigation and criminal case, many of which are in the DOJs custody.

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Trump sues WSJ, Murdoch

Trump sued media magnate Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal on Friday over the publication of a bombshell report on his friendship with Epstein.

The defamation lawsuit, filed in federal court in Miami, saw Trump trying to hit back at a scandal threatening to cause serious political damage.

The 79-year-old Republican had vowed to sue the ass off Murdoch and his newspaper after it reported that in 2003, the then-real estate magnate wrote a suggestive birthday letter to Epstein, illustrated with a naked woman and referring to their shared secret.

With inputs from agencies
The Trump administration said Saturday it is taking a series of actions against Mexico over the Mexican governments decisions to rescind some flight slots for US carriers and force US cargo carriers to relocate operations in Mexico City. read more

The Trump administration is considering revoking the antitrust immunity granted to Delta Air Lines and Grupo Aeromexicos pricing partnership as it pushes Mexico to take action against anticompetitive practices.

A directive issued on Saturday by US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy now requires Mexican carriers to submit flight schedules to US regulators and obtain clearance for major charter flights.

In addition, a separate show cause order proposes ending the Delta-Aeromexico joint ventures immunity, stating that the arrangement no longer aligns with the public interest.

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The department could disapprove flight requests from Mexico if the government fails to address US concerns over decisions made in 2022 and 2023. The department is also proposing to withdraw antitrust immunity from the Delta Air Lines joint venture with Aeromexico to address competitive issues in the market, he said.

Mexico is the most popular international destination among U.S. airline travelers. Delta was not immediately available for comment.

The Transportation Department said Mexico has not been in compliance with a bilateral air agreement since 2022 when it abruptly rescinded slots and then forced U.S. all-cargo carriers to relocate operations in 2023.

Duffy said Mexico was expected to allow construction to alleviate congestion at Mexico Citys Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), but that has yet to materialize three years later.

By restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of MEX, Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market, and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs, the department said.

The Transportation Department issued a pair of orders requiring Mexican airlines to file schedules with the department for all their U.S. operations and requiring prior U.S. approval before operating any large passenger or cargo aircraft charter flights to or from the United States.

Mexico has altered the playing field significantly for airlines in ways that reduce competition and allow predominant competitors to gain an unfair advantage in the U.S.-Mexico market, the department said.

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Mexicos actions harm airlines seeking to enter the market, existing competitor airlines, consumers of air travel and products relying on time-sensitive air cargo shipments traded between the two countries, and other stakeholders in the American economy.

If the U.S. rescinds antitrust approval for Delta and Aeromexico, they would be required to discontinue cooperation on common pricing, capacity management, and revenue sharing, but Delta would also be able to retain its equity stake in Aeromexico, maintain all of its existing flying in the U.S.-Mexico market unimpeded and continue a partnership.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has openly supported The Resistance Front (TRF), a terrorist group tied to the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, after the US labelled it a Foreign Terrorist Organisation read more

During a fiery speech in the Pakistani Parliament, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar openly defended The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist group tied to the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir and known as a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

This came a day after the United States designated TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation on Friday (July 18), triggering concerns in Islamabad.

Dar revealed that Pakistan, leveraging its position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, successfully blocked any mention of TRF in the UNSCs condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians.

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Pak Deputy PM Ishaq Dar rejected TRF involvement in the Pahalgam attack and said :



'Alhamdulillah we are the non permanent member of UNSC.....we don't consider TRF as illegal...show the evidence that TRF has carried out the Pahalgam attack or show the ownership of TRF... We pic.twitter.com/qLwDAC4zVy  OsintTV  (@OsintTV) July 18, 2025

We opposed the mention of TRF in the UNSC statement. I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept, Dar declared.

TRF was deleted, and Pakistan prevailed.

He went further, challenging the accusations against TRF.

We dont consider TRF illegal. Show us proof they carried out the Pahalgam attack. Show ownership by TRF. We wont accept the allegation, and TRF had to be deleted from the UN press release, Dar insisted, despite TRF publicly claiming responsibility for the attack and intelligence from both the US and India linking the group to LeTs infrastructure.

US labels TRF as a terror outfit

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in announcing TRFs designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), outlined the groups actions and the financial sanctions that would restrict its support networks.

TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians, the State Department said.

TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024.

Rubio described the Pahalgam attack as the deadliest assault on civilians in India since 2008 and emphasised that these actions demonstrate the Trump administrations commitment to protecting our national security interests and seeking justice for victims of terrorism.

Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar praised the US decision, calling it a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. In a post on X, he wrote, Appreciate SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism.

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A strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.



Appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRFa Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxyas a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 18, 2025
Taylor Greene's amendment on Ukraine fails in US House of Representatives

The US House of Representatives voted against Marjorie Taylor Greene's amendment, which proposed removing aid to Ukraine from the 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act.

This follows from a message on the website of the Office of the Clerk of the US House of Representatives.

The amendment failed with a score of 76:353. All Democrats voted against. A third of Republicans voted for, two-thirds also against, which indicates the overwhelming bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress.

Marjorie tries to push through anti-Ukrainian amendments every time, and each time unsuccessfully. In April 2024, Taylor Greene tried to cancel aid to Ukraine in a supplementary budget of $61 billion. Then her amendment failed with a score of 71:351.

Taylor Greene is a member of the United States House of Representatives from Georgia's 14th congressional district. She is a member of the Republican Party and a supporter of Donald Trump, a far-right politician.
Photo: Unsplash

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the decision of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to introduce sanctions against three units of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and 18 military intelligence officers for many years of malicious cyber activity directed against the United Kingdom, the European Union, NATO, and Ukraine.

"Sanctioning Russian hacker groups is a strong and timely step in response to the Russian Federations ongoing cyber campaign aimed at destabilizing European democratic institutions, energy infrastructure, telecommunications companies, electoral processes, and media  all with the goal of undermining European stability and security. This is also a significant and tangible contribution to Ukraines ongoing fight against Russian aggression," reads the report.

"The sanctioned entities  identified through Ukraines national attribution process as groups UAC-0056, UAC-0001, and UAC-0002, affiliated with Russian military units No. 29155, No. 26165, and No. 74455  are actively engaged in cyberattacks, cyber espionage, cyberterrorism, and other forms of hostile operations in cyberspace, primarily directed against Ukraine," it says.

"Since the beginning of 2022, Ukraines national cyber incident response team CERT-UA has documented over 100 cyber incidents linked to UAC-0056, more than 110 associated with UAC-0001, and over 170 attributed to UAC-0002. The latter is responsible for some of the most notorious attacks, including those on JSC Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraines state registries, and the telecommunications provider Kyivstar," it says.

"Ukraine strongly condemns the Russian Federations malicious hybrid operations in cyberspace as a systemic threat to international security and democratic governance. We remain firmly committed  together with the United Kingdom, the European Union, and NATO  to stepping up joint efforts to counter Russian threats in the fifth domain and to advancing the development of a secure and resilient global cyberspace," according to the document.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
Tracing Flying Tigers' historical sites in mountainous China

Xinhua) 14:13, July 19, 2025

Jeffrey Greene visits Jiuzhou Airport of Huangping County, in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

GUIYANG, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Visiting the dramatic hairpin road of 24-Zig, Jeffrey Greene felt more deeply about the greatness of the people in Guizhou who built this critical path during World War II.

From Sunday to Thursday, Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, led a delegation to Guizhou, tracing the historic footsteps of the Flying Tigers, known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, which was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault to help China in its fight against invading Japanese forces.

With a 2,000-plus death toll, the Flying Tigers pilots shot down over 2,600 Japanese fighter planes, greatly assisting the fight against Japanese aggression.

The 24-Zig Road, known as the "Lifeline of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression," is a 4 km-long road constructed in an S-shape on a slope of about 60 degrees. It remains an important landmark of the joint efforts of the Chinese and American peoples against Japanese invaders during World War II.

The road was once a crucial transit point for international aid to China, enabling countless convoys to transport supplies across the rugged mountains of southwest China to the front lines.

"In 1945, the photographs of the 24-Zig Road taken by an American military photographer created a sensation worldwide. It is one of the most famous Chinese photographs during World War II," Greene said. "The purpose of our visit is to bring back the stories about this place to the United States, so that more people understand the true history behind the 24-Zig Road of Qinglong County."

Visiting landmarks including the 24-Zig Road, Jiuzhou Airport of Huangping County, and the Guiyang Tuyunguan Memorial to the Chinese Red Cross Medical Relief Corps in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the delegation hopes to continue the friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American people.

"For over 40 years, I have longed to come here, and today, one of my dream desires has finally come true. I've looked at countless old photos of the American Flying Tigers in Guizhou, and now I stand in the common background of those images," said Greene.

"This place is a living history of the friendship between China and the United States," Greene said as he gazed in admiration at the undulating mountains from Jiuzhou Airport of Huangping County.

On Wednesday, the delegation visited Jiuzhou Airport. The airport was built over a span of five and a half years, employing more than 100,000 workers. During the war, it was known as "Laohuangping Airport" and served as a significant military base for the Chinese and American air forces, designated as one of the "southwest China's central airports," facilitating over 100 aircraft movements daily.

The American Flying Tigers were stationed here, and their aircraft frequently took off and landed at this airport, participating in major battles such as the Battle of Western Hunan and the Defense of Hengyang. The airport played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Hump airlift and stands as a testament to the glorious history of the joint efforts of China and the United States against fascism.

As one of the few airports constructed during the war that is still in operation today, this airport has evolved into a general aviation base. It has preserved its original runway, offering short flight experiences for tourists while also nurturing local talent in the aviation industry.

"Here, history and modernity converge. Today, young people in China learn aviation skills and develop into future pilots. I am very pleased to see the spirit of the Flying Tigers being passed down here and contributing to local development," said Greene, who said he started learning to fly at the age of 14, as he observed various aircraft from different Chinese or American brands parked on one side of the airport.

Next to the runway is one large stone mill used by Guizhou locals during the airport's construction, with uneven marks reminiscent of that historical time. "Countless people in Guizhou built this airport with their hands, and it is their dedication and contributions that have made this airport the solid foundation of China-America friendship," Greene expressed his admiration as he touched the mill.

Outside the entrance of the airport stands a statue of General Chennault, completed in 2009, gazing toward the direction of departing aircraft.

"More than 80 years ago, Flying Tigers and Chinese soldiers and civilians used their courage and sacrifice to connect China-U.S. cooperation. Today, we continue to write a new story of friendship through education and cooperation," Greene said, standing in front of the statue.

"With the launch of the 'Flying Tigers Friendship School and Youth Leadership Program,' nearly 100 Chinese schools have paired with more than 40 American schools to foster exchanges and visits by far, allowing the spirit of the Flying Tigers to cross the Pacific and be passed down through generations," he said.

"We will bring 100 American students to come to Guizhou soon, where they will retrace the Flying Tigers' path through the 24-Zig Road of Qinglong County and Jiuzhou Airport," said Greene.

"By feeling the history of China-U.S. cooperation, we will initiate a future dialogue between the youth of our two countries. The history of friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American people should not be forgotten, and the China-U.S. friendship needs to be passed on to our next generations," he added.

Jeffrey Greene (R) watches file photos of the Flying Tigers at an airport in Huangping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

Jeffrey Greene (R) poses for a photo beside a large stone mill used by the locals during the airport's construction at Jiuzhou Airport of Huangping County, in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

Jeffrey Greene poses for a photo by a statue of General Chennault at Jiuzhou Airport of Huangping County, in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A car that was driven into a crowd outside a Los Angeles nightclub early Saturday and injured 30 people is the latest in a series of car-ramming tragedies across the globe
Mon Monday

92 /68

Morning clouds followed by afternoon sun. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the upper 60s.
Hybrid threats / Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU condemning Russia's persistent hybrid campaigns against the EU, its Member States and partners

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Statements and remarks

18 July 2025 13:52

The European Union remains unwavering and unequivocal in its strong condemnation of the persistent malicious activities posed by Russia. These form part of broader, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU, its Member States and its partners.

Over the past years, we have observed a deliberate and systematic pattern of malicious behaviour attributed to Russia, including its military intelligence service, the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU). Russia has waged hybrid campaigns against the EU and its Member States for years, with malicious activities further escalating since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine and highly likely to persist in the foreseeable future. Last year, the EU attributed cyberattacks targeting democratic institutions in Germany and Czechia to the Russia-controlled actor APT28. In 2025, France has attributed to the GRU cyberattacks targeting electoral process, media and other public and private critical entities. This clearly illustrates continuity of malicious intent and represents a blatant disregard for international law and the United Nations framework of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

Russia's destabilising hybrid campaigns are however not limited to the cyber domain, and also include acts of sabotage, disruption of critical infrastructure, physical attacks, information manipulation and interference, and other covert or coercive actions. Recently, Romania attributed a sophisticated hybrid attack that significantly impacted its electoral process to Russia. Germany also recently attributed the information manipulation activities of the media platform "RED" to Russia. This follows earlier EU sanctions targeting the same entity. These actions from Russia demonstrate deliberate and unacceptable behaviour.

Today, the EU stands in full solidarity with the United Kingdom as it announced new restrictive measures in response to operations led by the GRU and continues to denounce the tangible threat Russia poses to the security of the UK and its partners, including the EU. The EU has already adopted restrictive measures against three GRU units (29155, 26165 and 74455) and multiple individuals linked to the GRU. The EU reaffirms that such malicious behaviour will not undermine our resolute and continued support for Ukraine. The EU remains determined to expose and counter Russia's hybrid activities targeting the EU and its Member States, and, alongside international partners, to support its immediate neighbourhood, particularly Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

In line with this firm and consistent stance, the EU will continue to act with determination through a strategic approach towards Russia's hybrid threats. This ensures a proactive, coherent and sustained response, including through asymmetric and proportionate measures in line with international law. We will continue to strengthen our resilience, deepen cooperation with international partners, in particular with NATO in full respect of the agreed principles and make full use of all available means to prevent, deter, and respond effectively to Russia's hybrid activities.

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Israel arrests soldier over allegation of spying for Iran

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 7:39 AM

An Israeli soldier has been arrested and formally charged with allegedly passing information to Iranian intelligence in exchange for financial compensation.

The military prosecution indicted the soldier on Thursday over "contact with a foreign agent and passing along information to the enemy" in exchange for money, according to Israeli media reports.

According to reports, the information allegedly shared by the soldier was not classified as sensitive or directly related to security.

It reportedly included a video of missile interceptor activity and photographs of missile strike locations and impact sites across the occupied territories during last month's 12-day Israeli aggression on Iran.

At the time, Israel banned the publication of the exact locations of hits by Iranian missiles.

Israel Police and the Shin Bet spy agency and the Police Investigation Department made the arrest following an investigation conducted with the so-called "Lahav 433 National Crime Unit".

The soldier's arrest has been extended until Tuesday.

Earlier on Thursday, a 33-year-old teacher from the Negev was indicted for allegedly "carrying out acts at the instruction of Iranian agents in exchange for pay."

As dozens of Israelis were arrested in recent months on suspicion of spying for Iran, the Israeli regime on Wednesday launched a PR campaign titled "Easy Money, Heavy Price".

The campaign, which will include ads on radio, websites and social media, aims to "raise awareness of the phenomenon of Israeli citizens cooperating with Iran, carrying out security missions for Iran inside Israel," reads a release from the Israeli cabinet's press office on Wednesday.

The alleged espionage activities conducted by the Israeli spies "included photographing military and sensitive sites, moving purported weapons within the country and laying the groundwork for assassination plots", The Times of Israel quoted the regime's authorities as saying.

In addition to financial incentives, some watchdogs say political divisions gripping the Israeli entity may also be pushing Israelis to conduct espionage activities.

Over the past year, Shin Bet and the Israeli police have "uncovered more than 25 instances of Israelis being recruited by Iran to carry out various missions, and more than 35 Israelis have been indicted on severe charges", according to the press office.

The Israeli regime launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran on June 13, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists in addition to civilians.

As the Iranian armed forces pounded Israel and its military and industrial infrastructure, using many new-generation missiles that precisely hit the designated targets, the embattled regime was forced to unilaterally declare a truce on June 24.

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Contracts

Contracts For July 18, 2025

ARMY

Longbow LLC, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $348,312,758 modification (P00002) to contract W58RGZ-25-C-0001 for fire control radar systems. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2025. Fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $348,312,758 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

ASRC Builders-Caddell LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a $290,322,700 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center flight simulator training facility. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of July 18, 2025. Fiscal 2025 military construction funds in the amount of $110,962,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-25-C-A005).

Sig Sauer Inc., Newington, New Hampshire, was awarded a $95,245,084 firm-fixed-price contract for the commercial spare parts for machine guns, special tools, and gauges. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Epping, New Hampshire, with an estimated completion date of Apr. 18, 2026. Fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $95,245,084 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-25-C-0021).

C.J. Mahan Construction Co. LLC, Urbancrest, Ohio, was awarded a $26,306,940 firm-fixed-price contract for restoration of Holt Lock Monolith. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of April 14, 2026. Fiscal 2025 civil construction funds in the amount of $26,306,940 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W91278-25-C-A004).

GSE Construction Co. Inc., Livermore, California, was awarded a $9,741,900 firm-fixed-price contract for wastewater treatment plant repairs. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Tracy, California, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 9, 2027. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,741,900 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, California, is the contracting activity (W91238-25-C-A001).

BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $9,000,000 modification (P00003) to contract W912CH-24-C-0037 for technical inspections and to convert Bradley vehicles to be fully mission capable. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of July 10, 2026. Fiscal 2025 Security Assistance Initiative funds in the amount of $9,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

Michels Construction Inc., Brownsville, Wisconsin, was awarded a $7,691,140 firm-fixed-price contract for a power charging system at Caven Point Marine Terminal. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Jersey City, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2026. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $7,691,140 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, New York, is the contracting activity (W912DS-25-C-0008).

NAVY

Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia, is awarded a $63,825,763 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for warhead expansion boxes and the associated cable kits. This is a 78-month contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is January 2032. Work will be performed in Bedford, Indiana (42%); Middletown, Rhode Island (32%); Indianapolis, Indiana (20%); Charleston, South Carolina (6%), and is expected to be completed by January 2032. Fiscal 2025 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,001,642 will be obligated on the first task order immediately following award of the basic contract and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via SAM.gov, with 2 offers received. Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, is the contracting activity (N66604-25-D-T500).

Dynetics Technical Solutions, Huntsville, Alabama, is awarded a $8,441,591 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee, term, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00167-25-D-0007) for Virginia-class submarine electron beam welding follow-on. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an ordering period up to five years from the date of the award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $310,104 (3%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured under the authority of 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, West Bethesda, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., Falls Church, Virginia, was awarded a $52,038,567 firm-fixed-price, level-of-effort, and cost reimbursable contract (H9227725FE011) under the Defense Intelligence Agency Solutions for Intelligence Analysis 3 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity vehicle. This contract provided services and expertise to support Special Operations Command Central J2 Intelligence Directorate to enhance overall mission effectiveness. The period of performance includes a base year from Aug. 1, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026, with four option years. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

Cherokee Analytics LLC, Tulsa, Oklahoma, was awarded a $35,492,790 firm-fixed-price, level-of-effort, and cost reimbursable contract (H9227725FE010) under the Defense Intelligence Agency Solutions for Intelligence Analysis 3 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity vehicle. This contract provided services and expertise to support Special Operations Command Central J3 Operations Directorate to enhance overall mission effectiveness. The period of performance includes a base year from Aug. 1, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026, with four option years. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, has been awarded a ceiling $34,273,921 modification (P00053) to a previously awarded contract (HQ0850-22-C-0007) for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Ground Management and Integration and Operation and Sustainment efforts. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $ 1,106,722,296. Work will be performed at Scottsdale, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; and Grand Forks, North Dakota, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2029. Fiscal 2024 and 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $738,697 are being obligated at time of award. The Space Development Agency, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 17, 2025)

Microlink Devices Inc., Niles, Illinois, was awarded a space technology advanced research effort ceiling $28,232,840 cost reimbursement contract for developing lightweight advanced space power. This contract provides for six projects supporting a diverse range of space technology development, building on MicroLink's epitaxial lift-off inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cell technology. Work will be performed in Niles, Illinois, and is expected to be completed by July 17, 2029. Fiscal 2024 and 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,285,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Research Lab Space Technology Branch, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA9453-25-C-X021). (Awarded July 17, 2025)

General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $20,000,000 modification (P00054) to a previously awarded contract (HQ0850-22-C-0007) for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Ground Management and Integration and Operation and Sustainment efforts. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $1,126,722,296 from $1,106,722,296. Work will be performed at Andya Air Station and rland Air Station, Norway; and Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is expected to be completed by January 14, 2026. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $8,800,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Space Development Agency, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES

LMI Consulting LLC, Tysons, Virginia, was awarded a firm-fixed-price, level-of-effort for labor, and time and materials for other directed cost and travel contract (HQ003425FE232). The amount of this action is $15,625,516. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funds; and research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $11,675,636, are being obligated at the time of the award. The cumulative total of the contract is $116,693,128. The total, if all options are exercised, is $116,693,128. The purpose of this contract is to provide professional support services and the capability to meet existing and emerging requirements through administrative, analytical, and strategic communication in support of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. LMI Consulting LLC will provide day-to-day administrative, analytical, program management and strategic communications support services. The work will be performed at the Pentagon; Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia; and Crystal City, Virginia. The estimated contract completion date is July 22, 2030. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting agency.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Annapolis, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $14,027,974 firm-fixed-price, definite-quantity contract for acoustic sonar baffles. This was a sole-source acquisition using U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(ii)(A). This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is Dec. 17, 2028. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Richmond, Virginia (SPE4A5-25-C-0040).

Infinity Fabrication, Marysville, Washington, has been awarded a maximum $9,999,999 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for B-52 aircraft engine hanger beams. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is July 17, 2030. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, Virginia (SPE4A7-25-D-0297).

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4249840/

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Chinese investment drives Hungary's economic growth: Hungarian FM

Xinhua) 15:04, July 19, 2025

A breakfast meeting with executives of Chinese companies operating in Hungary is held by the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Budapest, Hungary on July 18, 2025. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed the importance of global connectivity and cooperation based on mutual respect, pointing out that Hungary rejects dividing the world into competing blocs.

BUDAPEST, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese investment has significantly enhanced the performance of Hungary's economy and supported the country's structural transformation, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on Friday.

Szijjarto made the remarks during a working breakfast in Budapest with executives from Chinese companies operating in the country. "Hungary proudly serves as the primary European destination for Chinese capital, and we want to maintain this position," he said.

Highlighting Hungary's success in attracting Chinese investment, Szijjarto said, "In 2020, 2023, and 2024, Chinese companies brought the highest number of investments to our country." "These investments bring highly advanced technologies and create reliable jobs in large numbers," he added.

Szijjarto stressed the importance of global connectivity and cooperation based on mutual respect, pointing out that Hungary rejects dividing the world into competing blocs.

He warned that undermining or limiting Sino-European economic ties would create significant challenges for the European economy.

Hailing fruitful results achieved in economic and trade cooperation between China and Hungary, Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao said that with the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral economic and trade cooperation will reach new heights, "contribute further to the economic development and improvement of livelihoods in both countries, and continue to deepen the friendly relations between our nations."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
General Secretariat condemns Israeli plans to confine Palestinians to a camp in southern Gaza Strip

League of Arab States

Date: 15/07/2025

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States strongly condemns the recently circulated Israeli plans aimed at confining Palestinians to a small camp in the southern Gaza Strip.

The General Secretariat stresses that this so-called "humanitarian city," as described by the occupying power, bears no relation to humanity or civility.

The League of Arab States affirms that this planrejected both in form and substancereflects a further moral and ethical decline on the part of the occupation and reveals a deliberate intention to continue its policy of ethnic cleansing, reoccupy the Gaza Strip, and potentially prepare it for settlement expansion.

The General Secretariat calls on the international community to confront such inhumane schemes with the necessary urgency and resolve, as they evoke the darkest chapters of the twentieth centurychapters the world had vowed never to repeat. It stresses that what is urgently required is the achievement of a ceasefire agreement, and for Israel to cease obstructing progress and manufacturing obstacles to delay or prevent its implementation.

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U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa to participate in RIAT 2025

News | July 16, 2025

U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa will participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July 18-20.

RIAT is the world's largest international airshow, with over 160 aircraft from more than 26 countries scheduled to attend. The operational theme for 2025 is "Eyes in the Skies," which highlights the vital role aviation plays across domains of aerial surveying, airborne early warning, maritime patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, signals intelligence and surveillance.

USAFE-AFAFRICA will send F-35A Lightning II and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England. Other featured U.S. Air Force aircraft for this year's theme include the U-2S Dragon Lady from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, and the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint, 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. In addition to these U.S. aircraft, other aircraft from around the world which have been modified and adapted for use on these specialized missions will also participate.

U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, Air Force Global Strike Command, the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and U.S. Army will feature static aircraft, including the U.S. Army AH-64E Apache Guardian from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany; a KC-46A Pegasus from the 108th Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; a KC-135R Stratotanker from 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England; a C-21A Learjet from the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany; a C-5M Super Galaxy from the 439th AW, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts; an MC-130J Commando II from the 352d Special Operations Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England; and a B-1B Lancer from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.

Continued U.S. military involvement in events like RIAT helps remove barriers and foster a sense of solidarity with allied and partner nation militaries and publics. The interaction and exchanges U.S. Airmen have with allies and partners at RIAT enables them to learn from and leverage the strengths of other nations while also demonstrating U.S. commitment to European security.

For media inquiries, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.

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July 17, 2025

Transcript

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Greets Bahrain Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: All right. Well, Mr. Prime Minister, your Royal Highness, welcome to the Pentagon.

DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA: Thank you, sir.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: I appreciate having you here. Thank you for making the trip, and your entire team for being here. We look forward to the discussion. We know, front and center, the Kingdom of Bahrain has been a long-standing partner of the Department of Defense, host to our fifth fleet 

DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA: Yes, sir.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH:  to so many of our warfighters and their families, thousands. You've been gracious host to for quite some time and we want to publicly yet again, thank you for that.

DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: And just the  we know we can always count on Bahrain. And as evidenced by recent events, but also the courage you've shown for a long time, original signer to the Abraham Accords, host of the combined maritime forces, you are committed to peace through strength, just like we are, in that region. And I think we are at a moment of reckoning and a moment of opportunity, because of a lot of the stances that you've been willing to take and our partners have been willing to take and we're thankful for that.

So we're eager to review how we can enhance self-defense capabilities, how we can work side to side and our collective ability to take advantage of these opportunities right now. So plenty to work on, plenty to talk about, but all built on a foundation of strong cooperation for quite some time. And thank you for being here on behalf of our team and look forward to a productive discussion.

DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, on behalf of myself and the team and the Kingdom of Bahrain, really. It's a pleasure to be here. We are no strangers to the Pentagon. We have been visiting in many different guises and many different representations. We've had soldiers. We've had diplomats. We've had many, many leaders come here and we have worked alongside the US armed forces very closely since, well, officially since 1948, but I'm sure there was much more cooperation even before that.

The first relationship we ever had with the United States was a missionary relationship that came in 1893 from Minnesota. Yeah, absolutely.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: A Lutheran, I bet, then.

DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA: New Church of America, wasn't it?

UNKNOWN: Reformed Church of America.

DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA: Or Reformed Church of America, Reformed Church of America. And they were doctors. And they healed not only the sick in Bahrain but all over the Gulf, including many of the leaders who preceded us. So this is not a new relationship. The Kingdom of Bahrain, Bahrain at the time, signed the Trucial States Agreement in 1816, so we've been part of the rules based international order since that time.

And we have done our bit to protect it over many, many different conflicts. We will continue to deepen this relationship and we are so proud of this strong cooperation and I am all ears to hear how we can best help and we will also be explaining some of our defense requirements and how we can work together to fill those needs.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: Absolutely. Well, thank you very much for being here, looking forward to it.

DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA: Thank you, sir. Thank you.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4249034/

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Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin-July 17, 2025

Israel Defense Forces

July 17, 2025

17.07.25

IDF

Good evening, I would like to update you on the events of the past week and explain our progress toward the objectives across all arenas.

I'll begin with the Gaza Strip, the primary arena. We are committed to the objectives of Operation "Gideon's Chariots", as defined and approved by the political echelon.

Troops of the Southern Command are encircling Gaza City as well as the central camps area and Al-Mawasi. Our troops are holding the area and ensuring that no threat emerges from these areas that endanger the residents of the western Negev.

In the areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah, Jabaliya, Shuja'iyya, Beit Hanoun, and others:

We have evacuated the civilian population for their protection. We are holding the area, dismantling terrorist infrastructure and eliminating terrorists, all in order to ensure that Hamas cannot return to these areas.

We are deepening our operations both underground and above ground, in a systematic and consistent manner according to a structured plan.

In recent weeks, we have intensified activity in the Beit Hanoun area, in order to bring about the defeat of the Hamas battalion operating there.

Troops from the 162nd Division and the 99th Division continue to operate in the area.

Yesterday I visited the troops of the 162nd Division, they are operating in the Beit Hanoun area. I met determined and courageous soldiers, led by their commanders.

In the video on the screen, you can see precise strikes in which we dismantled underground tunnels in the Beit Hanoun area.

Since the beginning of Operation "Gideon's Chariots", the brigades under the division's command have struck and dismantled thousands of underground tunnel routes throughout the northern Gaza Strip.

Activities are also continuing in the other parts of the Gaza Strip.

In the southern Gaza Strip, troops from the 36th Division and 143rd Division are deepening their operations in the Rafah and Khan Yunis areas.

The troops have completed the opening of the "Magen Oz" corridor, as can be seen on the screen.

At the beginning of the week, we sorrowfully announced that three armored corps soldiers from the 401st Brigade fell in battle in Jabaliya, heroes who exemplified the true spirit of tank crew camaraderie. Their tank was actively engaged in combat, firing shells and eliminating terrorists.

According to the initial inquiry, the incident appears to have been the result of an operational accident. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the event.

We are paying heavy and painful prices in order to achieve our objectives in this war.

Our hearts are with the bereaved families, and we will continue to support them.

In the same incident, the platoon commander was seriously wounded, I wish him a swift and full recovery. The story of his bravery, the bravery of the entire crew, and the unit that fought alongside them will surely be told for years to come.

The war in Gaza is led by the best of our people, both in reserves and in regular service. A clear and distinct line connecting the soldier on the front lines to the commander of the division and of the command: An understanding of the importance of the mission and a readiness to act with dedication and courage.

Not for a moment do we forget that where the enemy does not meet our troops, it will meet the residents of the communities near the Gaza Strip.

In Syria, we are acting decisively to prevent the entrenchment of hostile forces beyond the border. Our clear objective is to protect Israeli civilians and, of course, to prevent harm to the Druze community.

In recent days, we have struck more than one hundred targets of the Syrian regime in the As Suwayda area, including dozens of armored and military vehicles.

In Damascus, we struck the regime's General Staff headquarters, and in the area of the presidential palace, we will not allow southern Syria to become a terrorist stronghold.

Our Druze brothers,

We are aware of your pain. Nevertheless, we call on you to uphold the law and protect your lives. We are committed to you and your security, and we are doing everything possible to assist you.

Our commanders are leading the operation responsibly. We are determined to prevent any danger to you and your brothers in Syria. Therefore, I emphasize that anyone entering the area is putting themselves at great risk. This is a complex and sensitive situation that must be handled with responsibility and discretion. We will not allow disorder near the border.

In Lebanon, the Israeli Air Force operated this week, including in recent hours, under the guidance of the Intelligence Directorate, striking multiple targets of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the Beqaa region. We struck Radwan Force targets, used for training and with the purpose of committing acts of terror against the State of Israel. These targets clearly demonstrate Hezbollah's attempts at strengthening itself. This is a blatant violation of the understandings.

We will not allow Hezbollah to recover and operate against the State of Israel. We will continue to act against it systematically.

In all arenas, the IDF operates deep within enemy territory, as needed. Our troops serve as a barrier between Israeli civilians and any possible threat. This is true both in Syria, in Lebanon, and in the Gaza Strip.

As the Chief of the General Staff said yesterday, if we reach an agreement for the return of our hostages, it will primarily be thanks to the activities of our troops on the ground. If an agreement is reached, we will halt and prepare along lines defined by the political echelon. If no agreement is reached, the IDF and Southern Command will continue to strike until the war objectives are achieved: the return of the hostages and the collapse of Hamas' governmental and military capabilities.

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OIC Condemns the Israeli Occupation's Plan to Seize Control of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

17-07-2025

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the Israeli occupation's illegal decision to transfer the administration and oversight of the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, as well as the Hebron Municipality, to the so-called "Jewish Religious Council" in the Kiryat Arba settlement. The OIC considers this action a blatant violation of international resolutions, including those issued by UNESCO.

The OIC expressed concern about the seriousness of these illegal measures, which reflect the Israeli occupation's attempts to alter the historical, legal, and religious status of Islamic holy sites in the occupied Palestinian territory. This also includes efforts to impose purported Israeli sovereignty over Palestinian land. The OIC stated that all Israeli decisions and actions in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal and invalid under international law.

Furthermore, the OIC urged the international community, the United Nations, and UNESCO to fulfill their responsibilities. It called for necessary actions to protect the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron from Israeli violations and attacks, and to ensure respect for the sanctity of holy sites as well as freedom of worship and access to them.

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Spanish Government condemns bombing of Holy Family church in Gaza

Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PRESS STATEMENT 069

Thursday, July 17, 2025

The Government of Spain condemns the bombing of the Holy Family church in Gaza, which also served as a shelter for hundreds of Palestinians, and which has caused the death of at least three people and several wounded.

We demand respect for places specially protected by international humanitarian law, and urge the immediate cessation of hostilities and indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population.

The Government of Spain reiterates the urgency of reaching a cease-fire that will allow the release of hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid.

-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-

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The future of defense procurement and Foreign Military Sales

By Natalie Weaver July 18, 2025

Industry experts and defense officials called for reforms to the Foreign Military Sales process to prepare NATO allies and partners before conflicts begin. The LANDEURO discussion held in Wiesbaden, Germany on July 17, emphasized improving cooperation, faster delivery, and ensuring equipment is interoperable for strengthened worldwide security.

The panel "FMS at the Speed of War - Reforming Foreign Military Sales for Global Readiness" was moderated by U.S. Army (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Peter Fuller, managing director, Cypress International. Panelists were U.S. Army Maj. Gen John Rafferty, incoming chief of staff, U.S. European Command; Polish Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Cezary Wisniewski, deputy general commander; and Christopher Brown, vice president, Global Strategy and International Business development General Dynamics Land Systems.

Fuller set the stage by presenting his analysis, derived from Department of State and NATO, related to foreign military sales and procurement of defense. He compared the U.S. to the rest of NATO, where U.S. numbers more than double the combined amount of the other 31 NATO, countries at 754 billion dollars.

Looking more closely at the U.S., in 2024, FMS went up 33% and two-thirds those sales were Direct Commercial Sales (DCS). Fuller further described U.S. expenditure, noting a significant portion allocated to Ukraine assistance and bolstering the U.S. industrial base.

After outlining the fiscal landscape, Fuller moved on to the topic of speed and scale, referencing Russia's increased ammunition production since 2022; from 20,000 rounds a month to 210,000 rounds a month.

Armed with this context, the panelists were prepared to discuss FMS challenges related to maintenance, cost, delivery, systems, and expectations.

Initially explained by keynote speaker, U.S. Army Europe and Africa's Commanding General, Gen. Christopher Donahue, the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line is a collaborative, proactive plan by the U.S. Army and NATO allies to bolster ground-based defenses along the eastern border and deter Russian aggression

Maj. Gen. Ragin pointed out two efforts the EFDL may depend on when it comes to FMS: trust and capability.

"We really need our industry partners to deliver," said Ragin. "We're going to have to generate a lot of trust, both in how we fight but also in how we develop the capability as an alliance and as a team of an alliance with industry partners in order to realize that important capability."

On top of that, Donahue addressed the requirements to industries in foreign military sales, "it has to be interoperable."

Ragin emphasized that the key to success in a long land conflict is having weapons systems that can remain relevant and effective over time. He referenced the confilct in Ukraine, where the most successful weapons, including drones, are those that can be quickly adapted to changing circumstances. Building this adaptability into systems from the start requires close cooperation between the military and industry

"The ones that are doing the best are the ones that have a lot of commonality," said Ragin.

Panelists described the FMS processes as complex, inundated with bureaucracy, regulations and time, things that aren't available in conflict. Ragin provided a bureaucratic solution to abbreviate the processes that take place currently.

"It's an entirely logical process with really qualified people in it, but not every step is required in the sequence," said Ragin.

Brown explained how the complexity of FMS can be frustrating by the system itself, but explained a strategy to simplify that process and that starts with events like LANDEURO. He related the event to a reunion where countries compare notes that offer areas where their defense can improve. Then comes the development of the following processes: designed for exportability, releasability and the inclusion of combatant commands.

Both FMS and DCS were adovcated by speakers as important methods of procurement but certain considerations should be carefully looked at when entering into a FMS agreement for long-term capabilities. Key considerations include assessing whether they can sustain the system throughout its lifecycle, ensuring compatibility with their existing military infrastructure and equipment, and focusing on systems that align with their existing maintenance expertise.

"It's really about the right tool for the right job." Said Brown.

DCS was described as the more expeditious option when speed is critical and there is a demand for competitive procurement. While, FMS was known as the "total package approach," by Wisniewski, who explained the values that come with the investment such as training, maintenance and ongoing support.

"We fully understand the lifecycle cost and how to address this challenge in the future," said Wisniewski. "That's why we always talk with the U.S. services about this and how they handle the sustainment and maintenance."

Speaking for the industry, Brown encourages countries to make orders and articulate within those orders such as NATO requirements and the date expected for that capability to be fully operational and specifications like this may overtly drive partners into DCS.

Brown emphasized the importance of concret orders when countries are working with defense industry partners, simply stating, "industry responds to orders."

As the world becomes more unpredictable, NATO allies and partners understand the need to be ready before a conflict. Speeding up the sales process, working better together, and validating the cooperation between countries runs smoothly is the end state to help prevent threats and keep global peace and security.

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Updating the Arsenal of Democracy: Allies Embrace Co-Production Model

By U.S. Army Public Affairs July 18, 2025

WIESBADEN, Germany -- As competition between global powers intensifies, NATO and its partners are rethinking how they produce, deliver and sustain military power. That means shifting from traditional individualized arms development and procurement sales to a more collaborative model of co-production, shared development and manufacturing of weapons, munitions and systems among trusted allies.

On LANDEURO's second day, the panel "Updating the Arsenal of Democracy: Co-Production With Allies," brought together acquisition leaders and defense officials to discuss how industrial partnerships can build lasting deterrence.

The conversation referenced the World War II-era phrase coined by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the "Arsenal of Democracy," but made clear that the tools and timelines of industrial warfare have changed. Today, that arsenal must be multinational, fast-moving, and digitally integrated.

"We have to develop that capability as fast as humanly possible," said Gen. Christopher Donahue, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander, during his opening remarks on Day one. "We would like the defense industrial base of all 32 [NATO] nations plus South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand to get broader and have more capability."

From Burden Sharing to Capability Scaling:

Moderator Heidi Grant, former director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, opened the panel by noting that co-production means different things to different people, ranging from shared assembly to full co-development of platforms.

But across the panel, a common theme emerged: speed and scalability are essential in building modern deterrence.

Patrick Mason, the Acting Principal Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, said the fragility of supply chains over the past five to ten years, especially since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has forced a reckoning.

The surge in demand for munitions and platforms has outpaced the capacity of individual nations, underscoring the need for greater coordination and shared investment. Scaling production through isolated national efforts is increasingly seen as unsustainable.

A Strategic Need, Not Just a Business Model:

Sweden's Eva Hagwall, deputy director general of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, emphasized that industrial capacity is no longer just an economic asset, it is a strategic military capability.

To meet rising global demand, governments must deepen trust with industry, broaden the base to include small- and medium-sized firms, and improve transparency in requirements.

"Production capacity is military capability. It is essential," Hagwall said. She emphasized that meeting growing defense needs will require closer collaboration between governments and industry.

Hagwall emphasized that shortening the feedback loop between governments and suppliers is critical. Lengthy procurement processes and national-level customization have slowed integration, even among allies. To accelerate progress, she said, nations must reduce individual requirements.

Data, Not Just Metal:

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kirk Smith, now a consultant with Pentacle Global, argued that today's battlefield depends as much on data and digital integration as on armor or artillery.

"'Heavy metal' doesn't do anything without the right data," he said, stressing that the next fight will demand seamless interoperability, not just compatible munitions. Understanding how allies define capability, and where they accept risk, must be part of any co-production effort, he added.

Smith pointed to lessons from Africa and the Indo-Pacific, where differing threat landscapes require customized approaches. Each global combatant command knows what it needs, but industry must be brought into that conversation sooner, he suggested.

Aligning Demand Signals and Sharing Risk:

A recurring concern was how to clearly communicate the "demand signal" to industry. With countries pursuing similar capabilities, companies can often receive conflicting or diluted messages.

Mason said NATO's standardization efforts help provide a shared reference, but the alignment between governments, timelines, and budgets remains a challenge. He urged governments to co-invest and issue licensing arrangements for assembly abroad, particularly for critical systems.

Grant asked whether industry is getting the information it needs in time to respond. Panelists acknowledged the system still suffers from delays and missed signals.

"We have to 'de-learn the bureaucracy,'" Mason said, calling for more agile policies and leaner contracting models. "Fast, cheap, good... you can only pick two," Smith added, pointing to the enduring tension between speed, cost, and quality.

Building a Global Industrial Alliance:

The panel ended with a call to action: to match the strength of NATO's military alliance with an equally robust industrial alliance. Innovation, panelists said, must be applied not just to technologies, but to business models, procurement strategies, and cross-border collaboration.

The goal is not simply to supply one war, but to build a sustained, flexible production network capable of supporting any contingency; from Europe to the Indo-Pacific.

"We take the strength of each one of our industry partners globally and bring that together just like the strength of our military alliance," Grant said.

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HIMARS gives force to strategy of denial

By Corporal Michael Rogers

18 July 2025

The thundering roar of rockets tore through the skies at Shoalwater Bay, signalling the start of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, and a new chapter in Australia's defence capability.

Australian artillery and long-range fires combined with four partner nations for a joint firepower demonstration on July 14.

It was the first time Australian high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) had fired on home soil, a significant step according to Commander 10 Brigade, Brigadier Nicholas Wilson.

"Six weeks ago, our land indirect strike capability was 20-plus kilometres and as of today it is more than 400 kilometres," Brigadier Wilson said.

"It gives us a credible, fight-tonight capability with the ability for the land force to contribute to the strategy of denial."

The demonstration began with United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft, and UH-IY Venom and AH-1Z Cobra helicopters engaging targets in the Pyri Pyri ranges.

After the targets were suppressed, Australian, US and Singapore Army HIMARS combined to fire salvos of rockets at threats identified on Townshend Island.

They fired munitions of the kind to be produced domestically under the Australian guided weapons and explosive ordnance enterprise.

US Marine Corps and Australian M777A2 155mm howitzers combined to provide offensive fire support at close range, before Republic of Korea Marine Corps K9A1 self-propelled howitzers mobilised to provide covering fire for the guns to reposition.

As the echoes of artillery fire faded away, Korean K1A2 main battle tanks commenced an assault of the enemy positions.

Finishing the demonstration with a bang was a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Chu-SAM medium-range surface-to-air missile system, which would be used to protect critical rear-echelon assets.

The firepower demonstration was important to showcase Australia and partner nations integrating in a complex warfighting scenario, Brigadier Wilson said.

"We combined our fighting power to demonstrate a credible strategy of denial that seeks to provide a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific," he said.

"It's shown that we've transformed our Army quickly. We are a force that can aid in a strategy of denial within our region in conjunction with partner nations.

"It also shows the focus, hard work and enduring commitment of our soldiers and officers to advance a Defence Strategic Review objective, moving from an Army engaged in short-range indirect fire support to one that is capable of long-range strike."

As the commander 10 Brigade, Brigadier Wilson was particularly proud of the firing of HIMARS operated by 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, a new long-range strike regiment raised in January.

The first HIMARS were only delivered in March, meaning the operators had a compressed timeline to be up to speed for Talisman Sabre.

"Due to their hard work and intensive training regime, they live-fired the HIMARS for the first time, not only with coalition partners, but on Australian soil," Brigadier Wilson said.

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Partners hit the beach for littoral operations

By Corporal Luke Bellman

18 July 2025

Boots and heavy vehicles hit the shores of Cowley Beach, kicking off the first phase of a littoral amphibious training exercise as part of Talisman Sabre 2025.

The rehearsal included vehicle loading and unloading drills, beach recovery operations and patrol movements alongside New Zealand and Japanese forces, with vehicles and personnel disembarking from HMAS Canberra and HMAS Choules.

The coastal training area, located in Queensland's Cassowary Coast Region, provided the setting for serials to prepare for more complex amphibious missions at Bowen and Shoalwater Bay.

Japanese troops tested new communications equipment alongside Australia's 1st Battalion during patrol serials, while the 10th Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) rehearsed clearing access lanes and recovering heavy vehicles along the shore.

Environmental teams also observed the activity to refine future amphibious procedures and minimise impact on the coastal site.

Corporal Joshua Jauchius, a plant operator foreman from the Amphibious Beach Team within 10 FSB, said the training was critical for preparing troops to operate in coastal conditions.

"We're creating access lanes, rolling out beach mats and rehearsing vehicle recovery - making sure everything from tracked vehicles to personnel can get safely from ship to shore," he said.

"It's pretty fascinating that earthmoving gear like dozers and loaders can play such a big role in amphibious operations - It's not just about digging trenches.

"It's all about keeping the beach open so if something gets stuck or bogged, we're ready to recover it fast so the landing keeps moving."

Integrated within the ADF Amphibious Beach Team (ABT), six New Zealand soldiers were gaining hands-on experience in amphibious beach operations.

They practised vehicle marshalling tasks, including guiding vehicles on and off landing craft.

Lieutenant Gabby Williams, from the New Zealand Army's 2nd Combat Support Battalion, observed the ABT serials and supported command.

She said the training provided a valuable opportunity for New Zealand to practise amphibious operations alongside Australian forces.

"We're observing the Australian ABT to adapt their procedures for our own use, while also helping manage the team on the ground," Lieutenant Williams said.

"New Zealand doesn't get to train in the littoral environment very often, to have an opportunity like this to work alongside Australia is incredibly valuable.

"It's a crawl, walk, run process - this phase is about learning so we're ready to fully integrate at Shoalwater Bay."

For the New Zealand soldiers, the serials provided a chance to shift from observation to hands-on roles in the next phases of the exercise.

The serials were part of a broader push to improve joint amphibious capability across the region, ensuring forces can respond together when called upon.

"It's a good training opportunity for us to integrate with the ADF and build relations as we continue training," Lieutenant Williams said.

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Robust export growth highlights resilience of Chinese economy

18:20, July 19, 2025 By Wu Qiuyu ( People's Daily

Thousands of vehicles are about to be loaded onto ships for export at a terminal of Suzhou Port in east China's Jiangsu province, July 16, 2025. (Photo by Wang Xuzhong/People's Daily Online)

Despite rising challenges and external uncertainties, China achieved steady economic growth in the first half of the year and is actively taking steps to maintain stability and sustain growth momentum in the months ahead.

Among the many figures, the 7.2 percent year-on-year growth in exports stands out, highlighting the resilience of the Chinese economy and drawing admiration from international observers.

This robust growth is underpinned by China's complete industrial system and the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, essentially reflecting its ability of meeting global demand with high-quality supply.

A case in point: In the first half of the year, China's high-tech exports maintained robust growth, rising 9.2 percent year on year, marking nine consecutive months of increase. Notably, exports of high-end machine tools, ships, and marine engineering equipment recorded increases of over 20 percent.

Navigating a volatile global environment over the past six months has been challenging for the Chinese economy. Yet both enterprises and the government have demonstrated remarkable composure and steadiness amid uncertainty.

Calm, poised, confidently charting its course through turbulence - this defines China today.

Years of high-quality development have demonstrated that by focusing on managing its own affairs and firmly expanding opening up, China's economy can maintain stability and direction regardless of external headwinds.

Steadfast enterprises

"Don't overthink the difficulties; focus on progress, step by step."

"Challenges are inherent to business. When have they ever been absent?"

These remarks from Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of China's tech giant Huawei, in a recent interview with People's Daily, capture the prevailing mindset among Chinese businesses. Even during the second quarter, when the global situation shifted rapidly and external pressures intensified, Chinese companies stood firm. In fact, adversity seems only to strengthen their resolve and resilience.

This collective composure is exemplified in Yiwu, Zhejiang province - widely regarded as a bellwether of China's foreign trade. "Amid turbulence, maintaining steadiness is crucial - especially during stagnation," said Lyu Chengjun, who has been selling weighing scales at Yiwu International Trade Market, the world's largest wholesale market for small commodities, for 23 years. His perspective remained unshaken even when facing overseas order cancellations.

Refrigerators are manufactured for overseas markets in a workshop of Jiangsu Yellow River Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. in Suqian, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo by Huang Song/People's Daily Online)

"Everyone maintains composure, trusting the storm will give way to sunshine," Lyu said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many Yiwu merchants. Rather than passively awaiting external improvement, they proactively enhance their capabilities, focusing on innovation, quality upgrades, brand building, and expanding their international networks.

As the fundamental units of economic activity, countless businesses across China are forging new paths for high-quality development with determination, perseverance, and unwavering composure.

Composed governance

Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, exemplifies government steadiness. Its exports reached 2.81 trillion yuan ($391.48 billion), up 14.6 percent, ranking first among Chinese mainland cities for the 32nd consecutive year. However, from January to May this year, the city's exports declined by 8.6 percent. Meanwhile, neighboring Dongguan saw its total foreign trade rise by 17.4 percent during the same period, with exports growing 11.2 percent - a notable turnaround from its 3.4 percent decline during the same period last year.

Despite these fluctuations, both Shenzhen and Dongguan have responded with composure. The local governments have continued to implement pragmatic measures to support businesses, stabilize trade, and create a favorable environment for development. The consistent focus amid short-term volatility reflects deep confidence in long-term, high-quality growth.

A merchant from Saudi Arabia (right) negotiates with an exhibitor over bag and suitcase trade at the Zhejiang International Electronic Commerce Expo 2025 in Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang province, June 21, 2025. (Photo by Shi Bufa/People's Daily Online)

Economic development invariably progresses in ebbs and flows. China's approach centers on navigating uncertainties through sustained self-development and an unwavering commitment to managing its own affairs effectively.

The 7.2 percent export growth reveals China's strong economic resilience and vast potential, as well as the resolute confidence of the Chinese people - reflecting the assurance of both the country and the Chinese nation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Swiss Government

Press release

Published on 18 July 2025

Bern, 18.07.2025 -- National Armaments Director Urs Loher travelled to Vienna from 17 to 18 July 2025 to take part in the D-A-CH meetings with the Armaments Directors from Germany and Austria. The main topics of the exchange were ongoing armament procurements and trilateral cooperation.

During the annual D-A-CH meeting, National Armaments Director Urs Loher exchanged views with his German and Austrian counterparts, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki and Major General Harald Vodosek, in Vienna from 17 to 18 July 2025. The National Armaments Director was accompanied by representatives from the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse.

The discussions focused on topics such as the general security policy situation at national and international level, the status of ongoing procurement projects and future possible cooperations. Switzerland informed Austria and Germany about the armament policy strategy passed by the Federal Council in June 2025, while it received an overview of the current national developments in Germany and Austria. In addition, the participants presented the status of the combat aircraft procurements and reported on their cooperation as part of the "European Sky Shield Initiative" (ESSI).

The D-A-CH meetings at Armament Director level take place on an annual basis. The last meetings took place on 11 July 2024 in Berlin, and the next are expected to be held in summer 2026 in Switzerland.
July 18, 2025

Release

Statements Regarding Defense Secretary Announcement of Presidential Nominations

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Borgschulte is currently serving as deputy commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Quantico, Virginia.

Navy Vice. Adm. Yvette M. Davids for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development, N3/N5/N7, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Davids is currently serving as superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.

Statement from Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan:

I offer my sincere congratulations to Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte on his nomination to serve as the next Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. A decorated combat leader and proud graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1991, Lt. Gen. Borgschulte brings a wealth of operational experience and strategic insight. If confirmed, he will be the first Marine to hold this prestigious post, a milestone that reflects the strength of our naval integration and the shared ethos of the Navy-Marine Corps team.

The Naval Academy remains one of the most consequential institutions in American public life. It forges leaders of character, men and women of integrity, resilience, and intellect who will guide our Fleet and our Nation through the challenges of an increasingly contested world. Lt. Gen. Borgschulte is uniquely prepared to lead the next generations of naval and marine officers and ensure they are ready for the future fight.

I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids on her appointment as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development (N3/N5/N7). Vice Adm. Davids has commanded at every level and has led with distinction in some of the most complex security environments of our time. Her strategic vision and operational depth will be an exceptional asset to the Navy and the Department of Defense.

Both of these leaders represent the very best of naval service. I thank them for their continued dedication to the development of our Sailors and Marines and congratulate them on these well-deserved nominations.

Statement from Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids:

"I'm honored to be nominated as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside America's strongest warfighters."

For information regarding the official announcement of the nominations, https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4249504/secretary-of-defense-general-and-flag-officer-announcements-for-july-18-2025/

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4249768/

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July 18, 2025

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's meeting with Bahrain Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

Department of Defense Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell provided the following readout:

On July 17, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosted Bahrain Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minster, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to reaffirm the U.S.-Bahrain defense partnership. Secretary Hegseth commended Bahrain's unwavering support for U.S. servicemembers and their families stationed across the Kingdom. The two discussed regional security issues and opportunities to deepen cooperation on maritime security as part of combined efforts to achieve security and prosperity in the Middle East. Both reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to advance shared strategic objectives in line with President Trump's vision for Peace through Strength.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4249731/

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Sudan: Council sanctions individuals and entities over serious human rights violations and threats to the peace, stability and security of the country

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

18 July 2025 14:20

The Council today adopted a fourth package ofrestrictive measuresagainst two individuals and two entities, in view of the continued severe situation in Sudan, where fighting is ongoing between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than two years.

The EU listed entities are Alkhaleej Bank and Red Rock Mining Company. The latter is a mining and exploration company, the parent company of which is already subject to restrictive measures by the EU, the United States and the United Kingdom, and is involved in facilitating the production of weapons and vehicles for the SAF. The mining sector is of particular importance for fuelling the conflict in Sudan. Mining areas are often linked to war zones and represent strategically important sites to conquer for the conflict parties, increasing competition and tensions.

Alkhaleej Bank is largely owned by companies linked to family members of RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as 'Hemedti') and plays an essential role in financing RSF operations.

EU restrictive measures are also imposed on SAF military commander Abu Aqla Mohamed Kaikal, who formerly defected to the RSF and then rejoined the SAF in 2024. He was the governor of Jazirah State after RSF's takeover. During his time as the Head of the Sudan Shield Forces he is deemed responsible for targeting the Kanabi, a historically marginalised group comprised mainly of Nuba and other African tribes.

Lastly, the Council has listedRSF military field commander, Hussein Barsham, who played a leading role in RSF operations that have resulted in mass atrocities, including targeted killings, ethnic violence, forced displacement and violence against civilians, particularly in Darfur and other conflict-affected regions of Sudan.

Those listed today are subject to an asset freeze, and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit, is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.

The imposition of these restrictive measures underlines the EU's unwavering support for peace and accountability in Sudan. The EU, in close coordination with the international community, will use its diplomatic tools and instruments, including restrictive measures, to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict, to address the grave humanitarian situation in the country and beyond and to foster a lasting inter Sudanese inclusive political process reflecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people. The people of Sudan have a right to freedom, peace and justice.

The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Background

The Council adopted on 9 October 2023 the Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.

With the additional sanctions adopted today, the EU's restrictive measures apply to ten individuals and eight entities.

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EDA Chief Executive visits Ukraine

European Defence Agency

18 July 2025

European Defence Agency (EDA) Chief Executive Andre Denk travelled to Ukraine this week for his first official visit since taking office, aiming to reinforce defence cooperation and gain insight into the country's wartime innovations.

In Kyiv, Denk met with high-level Ukrainian officials, including Presidential Adviser Alexander Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin, Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries Davyd Aloian, Deputy Minister of Defence Sergiy Boyev, Deputy Chief of Defence Brigadier General Andrii Lebedenko. The meetings were organised in coordination with the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

Talks centred around Ukraine's defence priorities and operational needs.

"I am eager to continue exploring how EDA could further support Ukraine based on our current work strands and the existing framework, and the Administrative Arrangement in place with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence since 2015", said Denk.

The visit extended beyond the capital, with Andre Denk visiting several defence production sites and military facilities, including an operational command post in eastern Ukraine.

"I am highly impressed by Ukraine's Armed Forces' determination and courage as well as by all the bright Ukrainians who innovate and work in support of the soldiers on the frontline," said Denk.

"Ukraine's expertise with cutting-edge technologies and defence innovation tested directly on the battlefield are redefining modern warfare and are truly invaluable. There are many lessons we can learn, and closer cooperation can and will leverage both Ukraine's and EU Member States' defence capabilities," he added.

In Eastern Ukraine, Denk met with Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (picture below).

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: We Sanctioned 19 More Georgian Officials

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

18.07.2025 | 15:55

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna signed a directive adding 19 more high-ranking Georgian officials to Estonia's sanctions list. The entry ban includes, among others, Georgia's Minister of Justice, Prosecutor General, members of parliament, prosecutors, judges, and a former police chief.

"These individuals are directly or indirectly responsible for the persecution of peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition representatives," said Foreign Minister Tsahkna. "The violence used by Georgian authorities, politicized court proceedings, and disproportionate punishments against protesters and opposition politicians are in contradiction with the core values of democracy and the conditions associated with Georgia's EU candidate status."

"Estonia will continue to support Georgia's civil society, independent media, and European integration by standing up for the rights and dignity of the Georgian people," Tsahkna emphasized.

In total, Estonia has now imposed an entry ban on 102 Georgian officials. List can be found here: List of subjects (Sanction of the Government of the Republic to ensure following of human rights) | Valisministeerium

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HMNZS Canterbury delivers leading-edge technology to support regional security tasks in Fiji

New Zealand Defence Force

The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury has sailed into Suva for annual Operation Calypso, this time with a technologically advanced capability aboard.

18 July, 2025

Op Calypso focuses on supporting Pacific partners through a range of joint maritime security activities and HMNZS Canterbury carried into the Fijian port advanced capability in the form of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) - the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua.

The autonomous vessels can conduct long-endurance operations without requiring refuelling or crew. Propelled and powered by sun, wind and wave action, the Bluebottles are ideal platforms for fishery protection, border patrols, surveillance, and the collection of oceanic and meteorological data.

The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji's exclusive economic zone - including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 42 Squadron King Air aircraft will provide identification and surveillance oversight while a Fijian Navy vessel will be available to carry out boarding and seizure tasks.

Commodore Shane Arndell, the New Zealand Defence Force's Maritime Component Commander, says the joint effort reflects the deep commitment shared by both nations to tackle common security and economic challenges.

"For many years, at the request of the Fijian government, we have conducted joint fishery patrols to ensure Fiji's natural resources and vital revenue streams aren't being exploited through illegal fishing by other countries.

"Now we are confronting a criminal issue just as important but with deadly consequences," Commodore Arndell said.

"The movement of drugs from South America through the Pacific is a very real concern and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of Fijians, their families and the wider Pasifika community.

"All too often we see the harm these narcotics bring, so the opportunity to work with our friends and partners in the Fijian Navy to intercept and disrupt their importation is something we are committed to doing. What affects Fiji - directly affects us as well."

The Bluebottles will be jointly monitored by Fijian Navy and RNZN personnel from the newly established Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva.

Outside of normal operating hours, monitoring will be conducted by a team from HMNZS Matataua operating from a control room at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

While alongside in Suva, Canterbury crew will participate in a range of important activities, including the Southwest Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces meeting and the Fijian Navy's 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Commodore Arndell said operations like Calypso were crucial to maintaining regional preparedness and resilience.

"Canterbury conducts these multi-faceted missions in the southwest Pacific to grow our Navy's capabilities and maritime culture, and to strengthen the ability of our partners in this region," he said.

"Our long-standing relationships and presence in the region positions us to respond quickly to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events and other security-related issues but more than that, it provides us with an opportunity to share vital maritime skills and training to partners like Fiji.

"That's a commitment we take very seriously, to help ensure we can maintain a secure and prosperous future for all Pacific nations."

For HMNZS Canterbury, Op Calypso follows quickly from its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre, where it transported NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft to Australia for the major multinational military exercise.

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UN experts appalled by mass forced returns of Afghan nationals

Press releases

Special Procedures

18 July 2025

GENEVA -- UN experts* today condemned ongoing mass returns of Afghan nationals - many of them refugees - from Iran and Pakistan, as well as threatened or actual forced returns from other countries.

"The scale is staggering: more than 1.9 million Afghans have returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan so far in 2025," the experts said. More than 300,000 people have returned from Pakistan and over a 1.5 million from Iran, including 410,000 who have been deported from Iran since 24 June. Thousands of the returnees are unaccompanied children. Following the Iran-Israel conflict, forced returns of Afghan nationals have escalated, including those with valid documentation. Security-related discourse has intensified anti-Afghan sentiment.

"Returns must be halted immediately," the experts said. "Afghanistan is not a safe country for returnees, given the constantly deteriorating human rights situation since the Taliban seized control, nearly four years ago."

"Those forced to return have genuine fears for their safety and security and face very real risks of persecution, threats, and violent reprisals," they said.

The experts stressed that women and girls are systematically deprived of their fundamental rights, while LGBT and gender-diverse persons face criminalisation. Last week, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Taliban's "Supreme Leader" and Chief Justice, who are accused of the crime against humanity of persecution on gender and political grounds.

Former security and government officials, including judges and prosecutors, those critical of Taliban policies, such as human rights defenders and journalists, as well as religious and ethnic minorities are at particular risk of reprisals and serious harms if they are returned, the experts stated.

"No government should ignore these very real dangers in Afghanistan - doing so would constitute an abandonment of their moral and legal responsibility."

UN experts have repeatedly warned that these returns may violate the principle of non-refoulement referenced in UNHCR's February 2023 non return advisory. They reiterated that States, due to the sheer quantity and forceful nature of returns, cannot ensure that Afghan nationals have access to fair procedures where their individual protection needs are fully assessed. Many Afghans have experienced discrimination, mistreatment, arbitrary arrest and detention, raising serious concerns under international refugee and human rights law.

"We are concerned that more States are considering to deport or forcefully return Afghans, and some have halted or suspended resettlement programmes, leaving at-risk and vulnerable Afghans in limbo - including those whose cases have previously been approved for resettlement," the experts said.

They stressed the need for an increased humanitarian response for Afghanistan and host countries to address the international protection needs of the population. More than four million Afghans have been internally displaced as a result of conflict and disasters.

The experts also urged the expansion of resettlement and complementary pathways to third countries along with measures to facilitate departures from host countries.

"Amid large numbers of returnees arriving in Afghanistan, we call on all Member States to urgently provide adequate funding to organisations providing desperately needed humanitarian and reintegration support for Afghans," they said.

The experts expressed particular concern about the separation of families, including children, and specific risks for women, especially women-headed households and those without a mahram. "The situation is being exacerbated by the Taliban's restrictions on women humanitarian workers," they said.

*The experts: Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan;

Mai Sato, Special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran;

Gehad Madi, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants;

Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; 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/

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UN experts call for end to anguish of families seeking truth about disappeared loved ones in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel

Press releases

Special Procedures

18 July 2025

GENEVA -- About 4,000 Palestinians, including children and the elderly and 51 Israelis are still missing since 7 October 2023, UN experts* said today, calling on authorities in both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory to disclose the fate and whereabouts of all victims of enforced disappearance.

"Enforced disappearances can never be justified, even during a state of war, instability or public emergency," the experts said.

Twenty months of assault by the Israeli army have resulted, among others, in widespread patterns of enforced disappearances among Palestinians in Gaza and other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including health and care workers, journalists, and other professionals, as well as women and children, the experts said.

"This has been facilitated through military orders and legislation allowing for indefinite detention without trial of so-called 'unlawful combatants' and others, in breach of international human rights and humanitarian law," they said.

The experts said attacks perpetrated by Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023 led to many Israeli civilians being killed and 251 victims taken hostage. The whereabouts of at least 51 hostages remain unknown. These acts are tantamount to enforced disappearances, they said.

"The urgent need is for an end to hostilities, unconditional freeing of all hostages, and certainty on the fate and whereabouts of all those forcibly disappeared, no matter the circumstances, whether in detention or deceased," the experts said.

Through its humanitarian procedure, the Working Group continues to register cases and see patterns of disappeared persons and victims whose fate and whereabouts are unknown, in particular with persons last seen while trying to cross from the north of Gaza to the south or vice-versa at checkpoints, from hospitals and persons arrested by officers of the Israeli Defence Forces during ground operations.

"These detentions are not properly reported to families, registration of deprivation of liberty cannot be verified, and those in custody are unable to communicate with their families or legal representatives or to seek legal review of the grounds of their detention," they said. "The pain and suffering for relatives of the disappeared can constitute a form of psychological torture and other inhumane treatment."

"In cases of death in custody, authorities must promptly, impartially, independently and thoroughly investigate to establish the cause and manner of their deaths and return the bodies of victims to their families," the experts said.

Palestinian armed groups and Israeli Defence Forces must immediately, investigate and prevent enforced disappearances and acts tantamount, the experts said, calling for prompt, independent, impartial and thorough investigation, prosecution and sanction of those responsible.

"It is concerning that the figures for Palestinians who have been forcibly disappeared and missing are hugely underreported," the experts said.

They noted that relatives of victims are often reluctant to report cases or exchange information with Israeli Government officials, for fear of reprisals or lack of trust.

"We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza as well as the immediate disclosure of the fate, whereabouts, legal status and state of health of all Palestinians who have been forcibly disappeared," the experts said. They called for their immediate release, unless they are charged with an internationally recognisable criminal offence and prosecuted in proceedings that comply with international standards.

They urged families and civil society to report enforced disappearances and acts tantamount to relevant Special Procedures, including the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. The Working Group's primary task is to assist families in determining the fate and whereabouts of their relatives who have reportedly disappeared.

The Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances raised these concerns in a communication to the Government of Israel, which is yet to provide a response.

*The experts: Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, and Mohammed Al-Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances;

Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967;

Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions;

Alice Jill Edwards, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights. 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/

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Afghanistan: Returns of Afghans creating multi-layered human rights crisis

Press briefing notes

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

18 July 2025

The surge in the number of Afghans forced or compelled to return to Afghanistan this year is creating a multi-layered human rights crisis requiring the urgent attention of the international community.

Many have been either directly forced to return by States where they have been residing, and others have felt compelled to do so because of threats, harassment and intimidation.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk calls for an immediate halt to the forcible return of all Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers, particularly those at risk of persecution, arbitrary detention, or torture upon their return. Countries in the region must ensure that returns to Afghanistan are voluntary, safe, dignified, and consistent with international law.

In just over seven months, over 1.9 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan. From Iran alone, over 1.5 million have arrived since the start of the year. Of these, 938,000 or 60 per cent were deported - including 500,000 since 13 June.

More than 300,000 Afghans have been returned from Pakistan since 1 January this year, on top of the many hundreds of thousands more who have returned since the Taliban takeover and the Government's adoption in 2023 of an "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan". In Tajikistan too, a group of Afghan nationals, including refugees and asylum-seekers, were reportedly summoned in Vahdat on 8 July by security officials and informed that all Afghan nationals must leave the country within 15 days.

The scale and frequency of deportations from the country had already sharply increased in recent months. From October 2024 to July 2025, at least 485 Afghan nationals have been deported, among them 334 refugees or asylum-seekers.

Many Afghans have also been forced to leave or issued ultimatums from several other countries. A number of countries are also considering reversing their asylum policies granting protection for Afghan refugees.

Sending people back to a country in which they are at risk of persecution, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment or other irreparable harm, violates the core international law principle of non-refoulement. People also have a right to make such a claim and have it fairly considered by State authorities before any action to forcibly expel an individual. Deportations in violation of these basic rules must stop immediately.

At the same time, given the particularly severe situation on the ground - especially for women and girls - we call on all States to increase the availability of legal pathways for Afghans to find a safe place to live.

People returning to Afghanistan, whether by compulsion or of their own volition, find a country facing an acute humanitarian and human rights crisis. The first priority must be to ensure their immediate needs are met, including the provision of food, water, shelter and access to healthcare. They also face structural and systemic discrimination, gender persecution, issues related to ethnicity, obstacles to full reintegration into society, and a dearth of work and livelihoods as a result of a struggling economy.

Women and girls, who are systematically deprived of their rights in Afghanistan, are particularly at risk upon their return. The UN Human Rights Office has spoken out strongly against the extreme institutional discrimination and undue restrictions imposed on women and girls, the cumulative effect of which has been to almost erase women and girls from public life and prevent them from accessing basic services.

Others among those deported are journalists, and former civil servants or employees of the previous Afghan government who are particularly vulnerable to reprisals and torture by the de facto authorities upon their return.

The UN Human Rights Chief implores States to do everything in their power to help those who have already endured decades of warfare, poverty and hardship, as well as extreme discrimination and threats. We must not turn our backs on them now.

The UN Human Rights Office and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan will be publishing a report next week on the risks faced by those forcibly returned to Afghanistan.

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The world is seeing a strong rise in military spending. According to data collected by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global investment in this sector reached approximately $2.7 trillion (2.3 trillion) in 2024  an amount roughly halfway between the GDP of Italy and that of France. The increase compared to the previous year was 9%, the highest since the end of the Cold War.

All signs point to this trend, driven by intense geopolitical tension, intensifying in the coming years. A key role in this is played by the arms industry, which is becoming strategically  and even existentially  more important than in recent decades, while simultaneously facing demands for restructuring and prospects of significant profits. The competition is fierce.

According to SIPRI, the worlds 100 largest defense companies by revenue reported earnings of $632 billion in 2023, a 4% increase from the previous year. From 2015 to 2023, revenue grew by 19% (compared to a 37% rise in total military spending through 2024). Thus, the increase in revenue has been less intense than the overall growth in defense expenditure. However, this follows a natural market logic. It will take several years for governments renewed defense investments to fully translate into company revenues. This lag reflects the time needed to finalize contracts, expand capabilities, reorganize production processes, and ultimately collect full payments.

The difficulty in expanding capabilities due to supply chain bottlenecks has been a key factor causing the two largest companies in the sector  Lockheed Martin and RTX, both American  to experience a real-term decline in revenue compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, they remain at the top of the list. U.S. companies occupy the top five positions and 41 of the top 100, underscoring the continued global dominance of the United States defense industrial complex. Chinese, European, and Russian corporations make up the remainder of the major powers in the defense sector.

Supply bottlenecks for certain crucial materials represent one of the central challenges of this new era. China has a high degree of control over strategic minerals, both at the extraction and refining stages. The European Commission regularly produces studies on critical raw materials, and these reports reveal Chinas disturbing dominance over a majority of these elements. A report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies at the end of 2024 highlighted the significance of Chinas control over cellulose nitrate, a key raw material for propellants and combustible components.

The importance of this issue was underscored by a development last week. The U.S. company MP Materials, active in the rare earth sector, announced a novel cooperation with the Pentagon, which will include a $400 million investment from the Department of Defense aimed specifically at circumventing or reducing reliance on critical materials in the defense sector.

The competition for essential raw materials is just one facet of a massive power race to strengthen military capabilities. These capabilities have always been important, but they are even more so in this phase of unabashed abandonment of a rules-based order in favor of a world governed by raw force. In this new reality, the defense industry holds absolute prominence. Below is a look at the situation in four key centers of this race.

Europe

Europe is facing a dangerous geopolitical transition marked by Russias aggression against Ukraine and growing doubts about the strength of the U.S. security umbrella. In this context, there is broad consensus on the need to enhance defensive capabilities both to maintain a deterrent force against potential future aggressions and to support Kyiv in its resistance against Russian attacks.

Ukraine has an enormous need for military supplies. Its domestic industry is making significant progress and, in some sectors like drones, it already boasts excellent quantitative and qualitative levels. However, in others  such as air defense  it remains heavily dependent on external sources. Ukraine is the worlds largest importer of weaponry. Until 2024, the U.S. was its main supplier, but Donald Trumps ambivalent position on the war disrupted supply flows throughout this year.

But while there is consensus on the need to increase defensive capabilities, there is no consensus on the strategy to achieve those goals.

A key point of debate concerns how much to invest in the European defense industry versus how much to purchase from abroad  and from whom. There is undoubtedly a broad willingness to foster European autonomy in the medium and long term, but the limits of the domestic industrial base mean that neither in the short nor medium term can it supply certain weapons (or in certain quantities).

Given this reality, countries like Poland emphasize the need to acquire capabilities as soon as possible, even if that requires buying from abroad and complicating efforts to homogenize and ensure interoperability among European forces.

Additionally, many European countries that possess U.S. weapons consider it wise to maintain a fluid relationship with the American defense conglomerate. Other countries, like France, place greater emphasis on developing the European industry, for example by attaching conditions to the use of European funds.

A clear example of these needs is the issue of Patriot missiles  U.S.-made weapons whose effectiveness at intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles makes them widely sought-after. Trump has leaned toward a solution where, instead of supplying them directly to Kyiv as aid (as Biden did), European NATO allies would purchase them and then deliver them to Ukraine.

The second debate centers on how the European defense industry should be organized. On one hand, some countries want to continue protecting their own national defense companies. On the other hand, there is a push to encourage cooperation between countries  such as joint projects or mergers  to create larger, more competitive companies that can operate effectively on a global scale.

The defense sector is not subject to common market rules, notes Giuseppe Spatafora, analyst at the EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). European governments have preferred fragmentation, with major countries supporting national companies that are the primary suppliers to their local armed forces.

National champions arent a problem in and of themselves. Among them are quality and innovative companies. But market fragmentation means demand doesnt reach scale, and that makes it difficult to acquire adequate scale to address the global context. Brussels is trying to correct this by promoting joint purchasing, says Spatafora.

In addition to action on the demand side, steps can also be taken on the supply side. Europe has examples of trans-European champions like Airbus or MBDA, specialized in missiles. However, these are limited cases and difficult models to replicate or launch. Other options are ad hoc consortia, such as Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS), which involves companies like Dassault, Airbus, and Indra. Still, the major tensions arising show this is not an easy path.

Nevertheless, the European industry has made significant progress in recent years. In ammunition production, for example, manufacturing capacity has notably increased, with German company Rheinmetall playing a major role. The link between large military spending plans by the German government, the ongoing concept of national champions, and the companys own quality has led to a spectacular rise in its stock market valuation.

Despite the progress made, the limitations are evident. In sectors such as air defense, advanced combat aircraft, hypersonic technology, and support technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, Europe lags behind or depends on foreign suppliers in the international competition. The aforementioned EUISS report also highlights that in expansion plans, the problem lies less with the national champions themselves and more with the small and medium-sized companies that supply them, which struggle to secure enough human and material resources.

The European defense industry has a strong present and significant future potential, but the path to substantially reducing foreign dependence is long and winding.

United States

The U.S. defense industrial complex is the undisputed global leader, thanks to a unique combination of strong and sustained government demand, a deep and liquid capital market, the countrys advanced technological development, and continuous combat experience that has helped refine weapons design and production. With these advantages, U.S. companies account for 50% of the revenue among the worlds top 100 firms in the sector.

These characteristics, along with Washingtons unparalleled network of military alliances, have given the U.S. defense industry extraordinary global reach, making it the undisputed leader in exports.

Still, these achievements dont shield the U.S. defense industry from serious challenges. The Guardian reported recently that the current inventory of Patriot missiles stands at just 25% of what the Pentagons plans require. The industry lacks the capacity to produce them in the desired quantities.

The significant strike against Iranian nuclear facilities demonstrates both unmatched capabilities and clear limitations: experts note that the stockpile of bunker-buster bombs used in that attack is very limited and difficult to replenish. The B-2 long-range stealth bombers employed in the mission are no longer in production, and restarting that line would be highly complex. Meanwhile, although 155mm ammunition production has increased, it still falls far short of matching Russias manufacturing pace in this segment.

Spatafora points to an underlying unresolved dilemma within the Trump administration: some members believe the U.S. should scale back support for certain allies to focus on itself and its hegemonic rivalry with China; others, from a different Republican faction, continue to view supporting allies and engaging in multiple theaters as a strategic asset. This internal divide naturally affects the defense industry, which could see more or less room to export certain products depending on the policy line adopted.

The reality is that the U.S. defense industrial complex is not structured for the kind of mass production that the war in Ukraine has shown to be necessary in a large-scale conflict involving a major power. In the case of Patriot missiles, for instance, a report by the Bruegel think tank provides some revealing data: in 2024, the estimated annual production capacity was around 700 units. The official goal is to reach 1,000 by 2027. For context, Russia has launched over 10,000 offensive rockets since the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. defense industry faces the challenge of shifting from a model focused on ultra-high quality in limited quantities to one that emphasizes greater output. Policy will determine how far this shift goes, and where surplus production  which is not needed in domestic arsenals  should be directed. Its a major unknown for all of Americas traditional buyers.

China

As in other areas, the Asian giant is also making strides in the defense industry. Helena Legarda, an analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies specializing in Beijings defense and foreign policy, explains that Chinese authorities are working to deepen what is known as the policy of civil-military fusion.

The purpose of this policy is to encourage large companies in the Chinese defense sector, which are largely state-owned enterprises, to collaborate more with private companies. It aims to reduce duplication of efforts and facilitate the application of innovations emerging in the civilian sector to military applications and vice versa. Above all, it focuses on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, says Legarda.

A second key objective is to expand Chinas footprint in defense exports. The country has made progress in recent decades, but its market share remains modest and heavily concentrated in its main client: Pakistan.

I think China can somehow take advantage of the vacuum left by Russia, says Legarda, referring to the Russian defense industrys inability  given the demands of the war in Ukraine  to maintain its traditional export levels. But at the same time, the expert continues, I think it is suffering from the geopolitical competition with the U.S., because this creates a reluctance in many countries to purchase Chinese weapons.

There is both certainty and uncertainty surrounding the quality of Chinese defense manufacturing. Legarda notes that China is clearly making progress. Its industry is gaining new qualitative capabilities. A decade ago, its first aircraft carrier was a refurbished Ukrainian vessel; today, it can build them independently. China has also demonstrated significant advances in hypersonic technology. And in some areas, its scale of production is astonishing  Chinese shipyards, for example, are producing naval vessels for the military at an impressive pace.

But Legarda points out that the lack of verified combat effectiveness of this weaponry leaves significant uncertainties about its true capabilities. The analyst notes that some aspects of the recent clash between India and Pakistan appear to indicate good performance by the Chinese arms used, but there is not enough reliable information to draw definitive conclusions.

Russia

The Russian arms industry is undergoing a massive process of growth and transformation, driven by the demands of the invasion of Ukraine, fueled by abundant Russian state resources, and supported by the essential supply of Chinese components without which the Russian war machinery could not operate. This effort is reflected in a strong increase in the revenue of Russian companies in the sector.

Despite the significant increase in Russian military spending, in nominal terms it remains much lower than that of the U.S. or China, and is roughly equivalent to the combined spending of France and the United Kingdom. However, it is important to note that, when adjusted for purchasing power parity, according to an EUISS assessment, Russian military spending is equivalent to that of the entire European continent. This is because the same nominal amount of dollars achieves different results in different places depending on local costs. This key factor, often overlooked in public debate, is one reason why Russias war industry has a production level that raises serious concerns among Western politicians.

A clear demonstration of this considerable production capacity is the series of recent attacks launched against Ukraine using record numbers of drones and missiles.

A report from the Royal United Services Institute highlights that Russia had well-developed plans for how to build its industrial complex, which facilitated the rapid escalation when the need arose due to the invasion of Ukraine.

In contrast, Europe had nothing comparable, making its response inefficient. According to the study, the very high level of centralization is another advantage for Russia. However, the cost of sustaining this effort is immense. Experts and historians frequently point out that the unsustainable military effort in the arms race with the U.S. was one of the reasons for the collapse of the USSR.

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AFP: Push for modernization program shows PBBM's strong political will

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

July 18, 2025, 5:23 pm

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has demonstrated "strong political will" in his continuous support to the ongoing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said Friday.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Padilla said Marcos' commitment to the AFP modernization program "is both clear and consistent."

"His administration has demonstrated strong political will in pushing for a credible defense posture by supporting capability upgrades, personnel development, and sustained funding for the AFP's modernization goals," she said.

Padilla added that Marcos' support to the military is an indication that the "Commander-in-Chief recognizes that a modern Armed Forces is essential to national security and regional stability."

No specific details regarding the ongoing military upgrades and its processes were provided due to security reasons, but among the likely highlights of the AFP modernization this year is the signing of a USD700-million contract between the Department of National Defense (DND) and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) for the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft.

Padilla's views were echoed by Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, who said Marcos has always "demonstrated firm and unwavering support" for the air service's modernization.

In a message to the PNA, Castillo said the Chief Executive expressed this support during PAF's 78th anniversary where he stressed that the government will do everything it can to provide the service with the best equipment, training and facilities.

She said this pledge shows Marcos' commitment in beefing up the PAF's capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.

"As Commander-in-Chief, he made it clear: the administration's support is not only full  it is relentless and deeply rooted in trust, respect, and shared duty to the Filipino people. For this, your PAF is deeply grateful," Castillo said.

The AFP has repeatedly underscored the need to build a credible defense posture for the Philippine military amid territorial and maritime issues with China regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In dealing with the WPS situation, Padilla said the AFP draws from Marcos' leadership direction, which is "a balance of diplomacy and defense," as they continue to fulfill its constitutional mandate with professionalism and unity.

She noted that Marcos has taken a "calibrated, strategic, and firm approach  anchored on international law, particularly the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)" in preserving Philippine sovereignty in the WPS.

"His actions reflect a balance of diplomacy and defense, guided by the paramount interest of protecting our territory and the welfare of our people," Padilla said.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, earlier said the AFP modernization program is for bolstering the country's defensive capabilities and not for offensive purposes.

"Just because we have our modernization program does not mean we have any intention to fight another country," Trinidad said in an interview with reporters on Thursday. (PNA)

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Estrada condemns CCG harassment of BRP Teresa Magbanua

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

July 18, 2025, 2:19 pm

MANILA -- Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Friday denounced the China Coast Guard (CCG) for tailing and obstructing the BRP Teresa Magbanua near Bajo de Masinloc, saying the incident was a blatant show of aggression within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In a statement, Estrada said the latest act of harassment against Philippine maritime personnel occurred on July 15 in waters firmly recognized under international law as part of the Philippines' EEZ.

"Muli na namang nagpamalas ng dahas ang China Coast Guard at sa pagkakataong ito'y nais pang baligtarin ang katotohanan at palabasin na may mali sa isinagawang maritime patrol ang BRP Teresa Magbanua (The China Coast Guard once again demonstrated aggression and is now trying to twist the truth and claim that the BRP Teresa Magbanua was at fault during its maritime patrol)," he said.

He emphasized that nine years have passed since the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China's expansive claims over the West Philippine Sea.

"Yet, China continues to ignore this decision and has been incessantly harassing our maritime personnel, scientists, and fisherfolk," Estrada said.

He expressed full support for the Philippine Coast Guard, calling for an immediate end to the CCG's "aggressive, dangerous, and bullying tactics."

"No amount of intimidation or coercive behavior can ever erase the fact that the Philippines' sovereign rights are enshrined in international law -- and no hostile action can invalidate what is rightfully ours," he said. (PNA)

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AFP okay with US plan to construct Palawan boat maintenance facility

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

July 18, 2025, 11:47 am Updated on July 18, 2025, 1:18 pm

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is supportive of any outside effort that will help increase its capability, a ranking official said amid the United States' plan to build a facility in Palawan.

"The AFP supports any effort by our partner nations, like-minded nations, to increase our capability not only for operations but even for support and sustainment," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in an interview late Thursday.

He was responding to an inquiry regarding the US' plan to construct a boat maintenance facility at the Naval Detachment Oyster Bay in Ulugan Bay, Palawan, as announced by the US Embassy in Manila on Wednesday.

Trinidad did not elaborate on the supposed US plan. "We will wait for further details on other announcements," he said.

Asked if the planned US facility could trigger China, with which the Philippines has a maritime row over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Navy official said all actions of Philippine allies are "covered by the appropriate agreements between the respective countries."

"I don't want to speculate on the future, but the PN, the AFP welcomes any move by our partners and allies to increase our capability, especially along support and sustainment of all our assets," he reiterated.

In its announcement, the US Embassy said the US Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command formally issued on July 7 a public solicitation for the design and construction of the project.

The facility is expected to provide repair and maintenance capabilities for several small Philippine military watercraft and include two multi-purpose interior rooms suitable for equipment storage or conference use.

Possible talks

Meanwhile, in the same interview, Trinidad said any dialogue with China that would help de-escalate tensions in the WPS must be primarily based on mutual respect and respect for international law, among others.

"The AFP and the defense establishment leadership has always been very supportive of dialogue and talking things over," he said when asked if the military is amenable to possible talks between the Philippines and China aimed at reducing tensions in the vital waterway.

"However, dialogue must be based on mutual respect, respect for international law. It must be based on trust, and it must be based on the integrity of the territory of both sides."

For a dialogue to happen, Trinidad, quoting Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) "has a lot of trust-building to do."

He maintained that the AFP is always supportive of any effort by the government to de-escalate and bring about a peaceful resolution to any dispute in the WPS. (PNA)

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Yemeni hypersonic ballistic missile strikes busiest Israeli airport

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 11:26 PM

Yemen's Armed Forces have struck the Israeli regime's busiest airport for the third time in just two days, this time hitting the facility with a hypersonic ballistic missile.

The country's Armed Forces announced carrying out the operation against the Ben Gurion airport near the city of Tel Aviv, in a statement that was delivered by spokesman Yaha Saree on Friday.

"The operation successfully achieved its objective, causing millions to flee to shelters and halting activity at the airport," the statement added.

Saree identified the projectile used during the operation as a Palestine-2 missile.

The Israeli regime's Calcalist newspaper said a plane arriving from Dubai had refused to head to the airport following the missile launch, while other aircraft bound for the facility were hovering over the Mediterranean Sea.

Israel Hayom, another Israeli daily, also said the airport had been closed for half an hour due to the operation.

The strike came as part of an aerial blockade that Sana'a has been enforcing against the regime since May.

Throughout the blockade, the Yemeni servicemen have staged numerous solidarity strikes targeting Ben Gurion.

On Thursday too, they had announced carrying out a similar operation against the airport, using a Zulfiqar ballistic missiles as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

The blockade marked an upgrade to the routine operations that the Yemeni forces had been conducting against sensitive Israeli targets since October 2023.

The operations have sought to render support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under a genocidal Israeli war since October 7 that year.

Saree asserted that the strikes would continue as long as Tel Aviv sustained the war on Gaza and an escalated deadly siege that it has been enforcing simultaneously on the coastal sliver.

Warning to Arab states: Israel won't spare you either

He, meanwhile, called on the world's Arab and Muslim nations to stop remaining silent in the face of the genocide.

"If the criminal enemy succeeds in carrying out its plan in Gaza, your turn will come  sooner or later," the official asserted.

"If you do not rise for your religion, then rise for your Arab identity, if not for that, then rise for your humanity."

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Israel had sought to destroy Iran, but Tehran won: Hezbollah

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 7:34 PM

Hezbollah's secretary-general says the Israeli regime had sought to advance its destructive agenda against Iran during its war against the Islamic Republic last month, but Tehran managed to outmaneuver the regime.

The war took place under the pretext of confronting Iran's nuclear activities, the Lebanese resistance movement's chief, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said during an address on Friday.

The Israeli regime imposed the war on Iran on June 13, targeting the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities and other infrastructures as well as various officials and ordinary civilians.

Sheikh Qassem noted that the regime launched the warfare, while all the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s inspectors had confirmed the peaceful nature of the Islamic Republic's nuclear energy activities.

"It, therefore, became clear that Israel's true aim was to destroy Iran, but Tehran succeeded in achieving victory."

The official was pointing to the Iranian Armed Forces' successful defensive and retaliatory operations throughout the aggression that forced Tel Aviv to call for a ceasefire after no more than 12 days.

'Hezbollah prevented Israeli occupiers from reaching Beirut'

Elsewhere in his remarks, the resistance leader commended Hezbollah for preventing Israeli occupiers from reaching the country's capital, Beirut, during Tel Aviv's last round of escalated, deadly aggression against Lebanon.

He was referring to the movement's determined defense of the country throughout the escalation that the Israeli regime had started out in October 2023.

The escalation began in response to Hezbollah's operations in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who had come under an Israeli genocidal war.

Facing the regime's intensified assaults on Lebanon, Hezbollah not only refused to ease its operations but also mobilized its full defensive power to repel Israeli incursions into southern Lebanese regions.

Sheikh Qassem also referred to the ceasefire agreement that came about last November, as part of which the regime agreed to end the aggression in the face of Hezbollah's resolve to stand up to Tel Aviv's atrocities.

He noted that the movement has remained committed to the terms of the deal, while the regime has violated it at least 3,800 times.

"The entire world has witnessed the occupiers' failure to comply."

He put the Israeli violations down to Tel Aviv's having found the agreement to be in Lebanon's interests.

"So, they began pushing to amend it and resorted to pressure tactics in order to impose the changes they wanted," the official said.

'US seeking to disarm Hezbollah in favor of Israel'

Sheikh Qassem added that today, the United States -- the regime's staunchest supporter -- was also trying to enforce a deal in Tel Aviv's favor.

"The US has proposed a new agreement, which essentially means pretending that all the aggression and ceasefire violations over the past eight months never even happened," he said.

The resistance leader, however, noted that the entire reason behind this push was disarming Hezbollah.

"The Americans want to disarm the resistance in order to reassure Israel."

'Israel racing to snuff out resistance before it takes root'

The official, meanwhile, addressed the Israeli regime's recent escalation against Syria.

"Why has Israel attacked Syria and targeted that country when it faces no threat there whatsoever?"

"They aim to suppress any movement that could grow into resistance against Israel's expansionist agenda in the region. They attack anything that could potentially pose a threat to them," he added.

'US aligned with Israel in war on Syria'

According to Sheikh Qassem, the US was fully aligned with the regime in the latter's escalated attacks on Syria.

Washington, he added, was working to expand its own influence in the region.

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Hamas vows to continue war of attrition as Israel rejects comprehensive ceasefire offers

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 7:17 PM

Hamas says the Palestinian resistance factions are all ready for a "prolonged war of attrition" with the Israeli regime.

It came after Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a comprehensive ceasefire offer from the Palestinians.

The spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, Abu Obeida, said on Friday that the resistance fighters are determined to either defeat the "brutal, Nazi" Israeli aggression or attain martyrdom.

He said the Tel Aviv regime broke the ceasefire and prisoner-captive exchange agreement that was reached in January.

The spokesman added that the resistance fighters in Gaza killed and injured hundreds of invading Israeli soldiers in the past month.

"Our fighters surprise the enemy with new and diverse tactics and methods after they have drawn lessons during the longest war and confrontation in the history of our people, conducting unique heroic qualitative operations."

Abu Obaida stated that the strategy of the leadership of al-Qassam Brigades at this stage is to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy's soldiers, carry out intensified qualitative operations from a zero distance and conduct operations aiming to capture invading Zionist soldiers.

He said armed resistance is an "indisputable right" and a sacred religious and national duty.

"If the enemy's terrorist government chooses to continue the war of extermination, it simultaneously decides to continue receiving the corpses of its soldiers and officers."

Meanwhile, he announced that Qassam Brigades strongly supports the stance of the Palestinian resistance's negotiating delegation in the indirect talks with the Israeli regime.

"We are closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations and working to ensure that they result in an agreement and a deal that guarantees an end to the war against our people, the withdrawal of the occupation forces, and relief for our people."

He said the Israeli prime minister is hindering a lasting ceasefire agreement.

"We have repeatedly offered in recent months to conclude a comprehensive deal under which we would hand over all the enemy's captives at once, but the war criminal Netanyahu and his ministers from this Nazi movement rejected this offer," the spokesman said.

Netanyahu's cabinet, he said, is not concerned about the captives as they are soldiers and their case is "not a priority."

Elsewhere in his remarks, Abu Obaida slammed the leaders of certain Arab regimes over their inaction on the massacres committed in Gaza, saying their silence has emboldened the Israeli regime to commit more crimes.

"Your necks are burdened with the blood of tens of thousands of innocents who have been let down by your silence."

Meanwhile, he hailed the Yemeni nation and armed forces over their pro-Gaza military operations against Israel, as well as the free people around the world who express their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and try to break the siege imposed on Gaza.

Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories.

Israel launched the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed at least 67,880 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry of Gaza.

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Commander: Israeli public being 'fed lies' about progress made against Hamas

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 6:40 PM

A senior Israeli military commander says the Israeli public is being "fed lies" about the progress made against Hamas, warning that the Palestinian resistance movement will not be defeated for years.

In an interview with Ynet published on Friday, the unnamed officer said Hamas still maintains "massive infrastructure" in Gaza and that the fight against the resistance group is far from over.

The commander said dismantling Hamas is a "tedious" task, with the military needing to return to Gaza to "mow the grass" constantly.

"This is work that will need to continue for a year, for five years, to maintain the achievements."

"It doesn't matter if the enemy is called Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or any other name," he added.

"In today's populist era, the public is being fed lies and spins, just like they were before 7 October and after every round of fighting with Hamas."

Israeli reserve major-general Yitzhak Brik recently 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 said the reality on the ground for Israeli soldiers was "grim." He said Hamas now numbers about 40,000 resistance fighters, similar to its strength before the Israeli aggression began in Gaza in October 2023.

On Friday, Hamas declared its full readiness to engage in a prolonged battle of attrition against Israel.

Abu Obeida, spokesman for the military wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, warned that if Israel chooses to persist in what he called a "war of extermination," it will face increasing funerals for its soldiers and officers.

He said Hamas's current strategy was one focused on inflicting casualties, conducting special operations, and seeking the capture of enemy soldiers.

Hamas fighters, he said, have already killed or wounded hundreds of Israeli troops, with thousands more suffering from psychological trauma.

Abu Obeida confirmed that Hamas continues to monitor ceasefire negotiations, and that any agreement must guarantee an end to the war, the withdrawal of the occupying forces, and a meaningful relief for the Palestinian people.

Hamas has already said resistance fighters were now "waging a war of attrition that surprises the enemy daily with innovative field tactics, causing it to lose the initiative and confuse its calculations, despite its superior firepower and air superiority."

"The longer the war continues, the more the occupation army sinks into the shifting sands of Gaza and becomes more vulnerable to the resistance's qualitative strikes."

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Israel pursuing 'policy of mass starvation' in Gaza: Hamas

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 3:39 PM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Israel is pursuing a "policy of mass starvation" against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as it intensifies an all-out blockade and continues its military offensive in the besieged region.

In a statement released on Friday, Hamas said that Israel is using food and humanitarian aid as a "weapon of war" against civilians in Gaza.

"The famine imposed by the occupation on the Gaza Strip constitutes a deliberate crime against humanity, with food being wielded as a weapon of war to subjugate a resilient people," the statement said.

Hamas called for urgent public and official action to end this egregious crime and provide aid to the hundreds of thousands of starving and besieged individuals.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry in the region has raised alarms about the increasing number of starving Palestinians arriving at hospitals, exhibiting signs of severe exhaustion and fatigue.

This warning follows a report from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), indicating that one in ten children screened at the agency's clinics in Gaza is malnourished.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini stated on Tuesday that Israel's restrictions on aid entering Gaza have resulted in "severe shortages of nutritional supplies."

Lazzarini further characterized the plight of starving children as "engineered and man-made."

UNRWA's communication director, Juliette Touma, emphasized that "medicine, nutritional supplies, hygiene materials, and fuel are all rapidly running out."

She noted that "our health teams have confirmed that malnutrition rates are rising in Gaza, especially since the tightening of the siege over four months ago on March 2nd."

"One nurse that we spoke to told us that in the past, he only saw these cases of malnutrition in textbooks and documentaries," she said.

Dozens of Palestinian children have died from hunger in Gaza since October 2023. The healthcare system in Gaza is also on the brink of collapse due to Israel's targeting of hospitals and health centers.

As complications from severe malnutrition increase, children requiring hospitalization face a deteriorating health system.

Aid agencies say the ongoing closure of border crossings by Israel has obstructed the entry of fuel, medicines, and medical equipment.

These warnings come amidst continued Israeli military aggression targeting starving Palestinians.

In Gaza, the UN human rights office has documented the killing of nearly 800 Palestinians seeking aid from Israeli forces, with most deaths occurring at aid points managed by the controversial Israel-US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The ongoing bombardment has devastated the besieged region, leading to food shortages and the spread of diseases.

Almost the entire population of more than 2 million people in Gaza has been forcibly displaced at least once during the war, which has created dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory.

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Hamas remains defiant; settlers misled by lies and propaganda: Israeli media

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 10:58 AM

An Israeli newspaper says the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas is still "standing" after 21 months of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, adding that the regime's claims of imminent victory are mere lies and propaganda.

In an article published by Yedioth Ahronoth, Yoav Zitun said, "the public is being fed lies and propaganda  just like what was done in the decade leading up to October 7 [operation] and after every round of fighting with Hamas."

Referring to the recent Israeli deployment of about 4 to 5 divisions to Gaza, which was portrayed as "surging and maneuvering" inside the strip, he said "the movement was very limited and much smaller than what was declared: the army did not actually activate five divisions, but rather sent a relatively small number of brigade-level combat teams under divisional command."

The article also described the repeated announcement of Israeli army control over "60% or 75% of Gaza territory", which pop up as notifications on the phones of hundreds of thousands of settlers, as "empty" declarations "reminiscent of those made at the start of the past decade about attacking 'dozens of terror targets' in Gaza, which later turned out to be nothing more than sand dunes."

The author stressed that "if the war actually ends in the coming months, Hamas will still exist  with more than ten thousand fighters."

Zitun also cited remarks made by a battalion commander from the Nahal Brigade last year aboud Hamas in which he said "Discovering and destroying its capabilities will take years  at least a decade of fighting."

"Hamas built large-scale infrastructure over many years across all parts of the Strip without interference. Any other claim  about an impending victory or destruction of the enemy  is simply nonsense," the commander who had fought for a long time in Gaza added.

According to the article, "Hamas is still standing  with limited and damaged command-and-control capabilities, but still standing nonetheless."

Zitun also quoted a field commander as telling him, "It's unfortunate that illusions are being sold to the public  that it will all be over soon and we'll achieve a decisive outcome in Gaza in the near future."

Israel has launched a genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian resistance fighters waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Zionist entity in response to the regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed at least 58,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

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US District Court Orders USAGM to Pay RFE/RL for Rest of Fiscal Year

By RFE/RL July 18, 2025

A US court granted Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) request for a preliminary injunction in its lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) over its failure to pay RFE/RL its congressionally appropriated funds.

Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said in his ruling handed down on July 18 that USAGM must disburse RFE/RL's remaining congressionally appropriated funds for fiscal year 2025, concluding that the agency's conditioning of funds on the imposition of onerous new grant terms and failure to engage in good-faith negotiations with RFE/RL violate the law.

"As far as this Court is aware, it is unprecedented for an agency to demand that entirely new terms govern its decades-old working relationship with a grantee entity and then stop responding, particularly when the agency is statutorily obligated to grant yearly congressional appropriations to that specific entity by name," he wrote.

The threat to the broadcaster's funding has sparked a wave of global support from media watchdogs, analysts, and democracy advocates, as well as the audiences in the 27 languages and 23 countries in which RFE/RL broadcasts.

Lamberth said in his ruling that "USAGM's flagrant disregard for its funding responsibilities" has caused RFE/RL to suffer "mass furloughs, cancelation of programming, and inevitable damage to the global influence that RFE/RL has built over decades."

Steve Capus, RFE/RL's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement that the ruling is "the culmination of relentless legal efforts to compel USAGM to release the funding necessary to carry out RFE/RL's vital mission."

"This victory provides our journalists with the momentum necessary to continue reaching the nearly 47 million people each week who rely on our journalism for the facts and to counter malicious propaganda from authoritarian governments," he said.

"Now more than ever, we cannot cede the information space to tyrants," Capus added, noting that with the ruling, "RFE/RL can continue to advance U.S. national security interests."

The USAGM is an independent US government agency that oversees the broadcasting of news and information in more than 60 languages to over 400 million people each week.

The total budget request for the USAGM for fiscal year 2025 was $950 million to fund all of its operations and capital investments.

This includes media outlets such as RFE/RL, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio Marti), Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), and the Open Technology Fund.

The 2025 budget request for RFE/RL itself was about $153 million, according to USAGM documents.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-court-orders-usagm-pay- rferl-fiscal-year-funding/33478034.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.

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Claudia Sheinbaums security policies have been implemented at an accelerated pace in recent weeks. There have been multimillion-dollar seizures of stolen fuel  known as huachicol  and the unveiling of a bold plan against extortion. The latter is a growing crime that affects millions of Mexicans, who are forced to pay criminals a tax on the profits from their businesses. Added to this, since her presidency began in October of 2024, are the multiple drug seizures, armed confrontations with drug traffickers, and numerous arrests.

All of these actions outline a six-year presidential term thats trying to fix the issue that was left unresolved during the previous administration: public safety. Over the past eight months, the famous hugs, not bullets policy of Sheinbaums predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been buried under an avalanche of police and military operations that are yielding measurable results. Some citizens already speculate that the term of the first female president in Mexicos history will be key to making progress on the countrys major unfinished business: the war on crime.

Sheinbaum based her electoral campaign on continuity. And, to a large extent, thats what shes doing except in the area of security, where the distance with her political mentor Lopez Obrador is evident on a technical and political level. Based on her experience as head of the government of Mexico City, President Sheinbaum has put forward a strategy that relies on police intelligence. Shes also brought along a key figure: Secretary of Security Omar Garcia Harfuch, who served under Sheinbaum in the same role at the municipal level from 2019 until 2023. Hes one of the crucial figures in the fight against crime and general delinquency and his popularity is growing, alongside the results. Few dare to question the progress made against violence in the country, although they dont attribute it entirely to domestic politics.

One of the major spurs to confront organized crime came with the threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who demanded police effectiveness from Mexico to stop drug lords and stem fentanyl trafficking. He said that he would impose tariffs if his demands werent fully met. Trump isnt interested in the security of his country, much less that of Mexico; these are just pretexts for his economic expansionism via trade tariffs, says Armando Vargas, from the political analysis center Mexico Evalua. However, he says that the Republicans attacks have boosted the initiatives put in place by Harfuch, who is perhaps one of the most-threatened ministers of public safety in the world (in 2021, he survived an attack by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel that killed his bodyguard and left his official car riddled with over 400 bullets).

Harfuch maintains good relations with the U.S. military and the Department of Homeland Security. This is according to Sergio Aguayo, another leading specialist in the study of violence and peace in Mexico. This is the first time that theres no military officer in charge of security, even though [the police] collaborate with the army, Aguayo notes. Sheinbaum has given Harfuch and his team a lot of power, which today exemplifies the great generation of security specialists whove been trained in Mexico in recent decades, Aguayo affirms.

Trump, however, hasnt been the only factor in Mexico taking action against crime. The violent conditions that Sheinbaum inherited  and the acute perception of insecurity expressed by the public  required the redoubling of efforts. Organized crime has fragmented into hundreds of gangs, while the major cartels are bleeding and reorganizing. A struggle has resulted from the decapitation of the Sinaloa Cartel, with its top bosses  Ismael El Mayo Zambada and two of Joaquin El Chapo Guzmans sons  imprisoned in the United States.

[Mexico] urgently required security policies to contain violence and address extortion, Vargas affirms. Laura Atuesta, a professor at EAFIT University in Medellin and a researcher with the Drug Policy Program, shares this opinion: Criminal groups have multiplied and diversified their activities to such an extent that a comprehensive security strategy is needed to truly attack their economic and financial structures. She applauds that the president understands that violence is a problem that goes beyond the homicide rate, as it has multiple facets: extortion, disappearances, fuel theft, kidnappings.

The third factor mentioned by Vargas is that theres an undeniable political opportunity in this attempt to curtail violence, which in Mexico is reaching levels like a country at war, with some 65 homicides per day and millions of victims of other crimes. Sheinbaum enjoys enormous popularity that hasnt yet eroded with her exercise of power. But curiously, Vargas notes, some elites in her party  such as the hardcore Obradoristas  arent entirely satisfied with her security strategy. This is because it clearly breaks with the precedent set by the great leader of the ruling party  Lopez Obrador  whose shadow is still very long.

The U.S. Attorney Generals Office recently reached an agreement with one of El Chapos sons, Ovidio Guzman, to reduce his sentence for drug trafficking. This is worrying the Mexican political class. To reach these agreements, you need to provide privileged information about criminal governance, Vargas hypothesizes. And Mexico didnt earn the label of narco-state for nothing. Sheinbaum is seeking to legitimize a good administration with her security policy. [Shes trying] to build her own circle, make her mark, attract elites and respond to the grassroots, suggests the coordinator of the Mexico Evalua Security Program.

The president has found not only a useful political niche  the one left by her predecessor  but also a formula that offers immediate returns [and] quick results, Aguayo points out. Thereve been successes and mistakes, but the progress is undeniable and measurable, adds the specialist from the Colegio de Mexico. Together with the United States, Mexico has enormous firepower and intelligence but they must also engage in attacking the [black market] economy [set up by] businessmen linked to crime, as in the case of huachicol, he emphasizes. Economic suffocation is another one of the measures being implemented, in part thanks to the influence of the U.S. Treasury Department, which continues to sanction companies and banks that collaborate with money launderers or make other illicit transactions.

This attack on financial structures is something that Atuesta mentions as one of the keys to success in this endless fight. But she also believes that Mexico should consider possible regulation of illicit drugs, which would curb the exorbitant profits of criminal groups, [while striking] tangible agreements with the United States on arms trafficking. The flow of U.S. weapons strengthens cartels beyond measure and leaves a trail of death in Mexico. Finally, the expert proposes attacking violence from different fronts, considering that the success of a security policy isnt measured solely by a reduction in homicides.

As Aguayo suggests, President Sheinbaum has dedicated herself to tackling crime in all its forms. Among other things, this is because [its] a priority and politically profitable. In the process, shes managing to differentiate herself from Lopez Obrador. According to her adversaries, the charismatic leaders image haunts her. Its not easy for her to disengage from him if she wants to maintain the support of her partys base.

Its too early to say whether public safety will be the hallmark of this presidential term, but some are already taking it for granted. So much so that many already foresee a possible successor to the president if Mexico manages to achieve what its been trying to do for decades: Secretary of Security Omar Garcia Harfuch.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with President Geerlings-Simons of Suriname

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 18, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons to congratulate her on her election. They discussed strengthening the U.S.-Suriname partnership to support security cooperation, energy security, and regional stability.

Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States' strong and growing relationship with Suriname, grounded in shared interests and a mutual commitment to prosperity in the hemisphere. He welcomed Suriname's efforts to strengthen investment policies.

The Secretary and President Geerlings-Simons discussed opportunities to expand U.S. private sector engagement and support Suriname's economic diversification.





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Deputy Secretary Landau's Trilateral Meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi and ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Park

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

July 18, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Deputy Secretary of State Landau met today with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi Takehiro and Republic of Korea (ROK) First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoonjoo to advance our trilateral partnership, which is critical for the safety, security, and prosperity of our three countries.

The Deputy Secretary and Vice Foreign Ministers emphasized their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and discussed efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. The Deputy Secretary reiterated the United States' ironclad commitments to the defense of Japan and the ROK, backed by America's unmatched military strength.

The three reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and expressed serious concerns about its increasing military cooperation with Russia. They discussed the importance of strengthening deterrence and resilience against regional security threats.

The Deputy Secretary and Vice Foreign Ministers committed to continue advancing trilateral economic cooperation by strengthening supply chains and collaborating on critical and emerging technologies, among other efforts. They agreed Japanese and ROK participation in the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference sent a strong signal about the importance of energy security underpinned by unleashing American liquified natural gas.





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The UK welcomes the Colombian Government's announcement of the Comprehensive Protection Programme: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE

Published 18 July 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 18 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The UK remains committed to the implementation of the 2016 Agreement as the main vehicle for lasting peace in Colombia.

I'd like to start by welcoming the Colombian Government's announcement of the Comprehensive Protection Programme in June as a measure to address increasing levels of violence across the country, including the assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe on 7 June.

And I join others in hoping for his continued recovery.

Nine signatories were killed during the reporting period, bringing the total to 469 since the Agreement was signed.

These attacks, often deliberately targeting those who are committed to peace and societal change, underline the urgent need to implement the Comprehensive Protection Programme and for stronger protection measures.

President, as SRSG Massieu reminded us, transitional justice remains a critical component of the 2016 Agreement, as we also heard during our visit last year.

Colombians need to see restorative justice in action. So, we encourage the Jurisdiction to maintain the pace of sentencing and the government to ensure complementary actions advance in parallel.

We welcome the presence of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in this chamber and its President, Alejandro Ramelli.

We understand that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace will shortly issue sentences under two Macro Cases.

This would represent a significant advance in the work of the Jurisdiction.

And this, as SRSG Massieu reminded us, is essential to maintain the trust of the victims, the signatories and the Colombian people.

Finally, President, as this government enters its final year in office, and with elections in view, we urge the government to prioritise implementation of the Agreement and to fund it adequately.

The Secretary General's latest report shows that implementation of the 2016 Agreement remains uneven, with key challenges unaddressed across several chapters, despite progress in others.

We welcome the meeting in May of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion, and Verification of the Implementation, 'the CSIVI', where parties agreed an action plan for the remainder of the year.

We commend efforts to strengthen institutional coordination and support civil society.

Convening institutional structures of the Agreement is key to sustaining peace efforts, particularly as Colombia transitions into its electoral period.

President, the UK is and will remain a key partner on the path to sustainable peace in Colombia.

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The UK has issued a statement in response to the announcement by Israel's Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Published 18 July 2025

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

The UK strongly opposes the announcement by the central planning bureau of Israel's Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan, frozen since 2021.

This plan would build over 3000 houses to the east of Jerusalem, dividing a future Palestinian state in two, and marking a flagrant breach of international law.

If implemented, the E1 settlement plan would critically undermine the two-state solution - the only route to a lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.


Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

18 July 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

All right, good afternoon, everyone. Happy Friday.

** Nelson Mandela International Day

Today is Nelson Mandela International Day. In his remarks to observe the Day at the General Assembly earlier today, the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said that Madiba's extraordinary life was a triumph of the human spirit. He endured the brutal weight of oppression and emerged not with a vision of vengeance and division  but of reconciliation, peace and unity.

"Today, Madiba's legacy is now our responsibility," he added.

The Secretary-General congratulated the laureates of the 2025 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize, Brenda Reynolds and Kennedy Odede. Both prize winners, he said, embody Nelson Mandela's words, which are engraved on their Prizes: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others."

He added that as the UN celebrates its eightieth anniversary, Nelson Mandela's legacy of reconciliation and transformation continues to inspire and drive us.

** Cyprus

As you know, yesterday afternoon, the Secretary-General said to you after the conclusion of the informal meeting on Cyprus, that the discussions were constructive, and both leaders reviewed the progress on the six initiatives they agreed in March to build trust.

Out of these six initiatives, four have been achieved: the creation of a technical committee on youth; initiatives on the environment and climate change, including the impact on mining areas; the restoration of cemeteries; and an agreement on demining that will be closed once the final technical details are established.

The Secretary-General noted that discussions will continue on the remaining two initiatives, which are the opening of four crossing points and solar energy in the buffer zone.

The Secretary-General said that there's a long road ahead, and it is important to think about what the future can mean  for all Cypriots.

His full remarks were shared with you.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that the continued onslaught and mass deprivation of people in the Strip is being normalized. Every day brings more preventable deaths, displacement and desperation.

Just today, the Israeli authorities issued yet another displacement order, this time for parts of North Gaza. We also continue to receive deeply troubling reports of malnourished children and adults being admitted to hospitals with little resources available to treat them properly.

OCHA warns that the energy crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, despite the resumption of limited fuel imports. That's because the small quantities entering  while critical to continue  remain at lower levels than what we were previously able to extract from dwindling internal reserves, which have now been fully depleted.

The depletion of fuel has forced solid waste collection to pause over the past couple of days, and additional water wells have also had to shut down, particularly in Deir al Balah. While specific health services  including dialysis  have reduced or shut down, others could go on for a few more days before they, too, will have to go dark. With every day that passes, people have less clean water and healthcare and more sewage flooding ground floors.

To give you some numbers: Since the limited entry of fuel entry supplies resumed on 9 July, the UN has managed to send just over 600,000 litres of diesel to Kerem Shalom. And you'll recall that yesterday, for the first time, we were also able to send 35,000 litres of much-needed benzene. These volumes are limited because Israeli authorities have allowed only 14 trucks over the past week.

This is  on average  55,000 litres per day, including the weekends, when the crossing is closed. As we've said before, to sustain life-saving operations, we need hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel every single day. The limited fuel now coming in is being allocated primarily to health, water and telecommunication services, as well as to power vehicles.

To give you some additional background: Fuel is offloaded into an underground pipeline on the Israeli side of Kerem Shalom, then extracted on the Gaza side by separate Palestinian tankers. The compound there is fenced off and heavily militarized. For our drivers to access it, Israeli authorities must pause hostilities, give the green light, and allow enough time for extraction and safe return of our teams through highly dangerous terrain. This creates delays and further undermines the predictability of fuel flows.

Meanwhile, humanitarian movements inside Gaza continue to be restricted. Yesterday, 7 out of our 13 attempts to coordinate the movement of aid workers and supplies with the Israeli authorities were facilitated, allowing our teams to retrieve some fuel, collect some water, relocate generators, provide supplies related to hygiene and sanitation, and transfer much-needed medical supplies. However, the six remaining attempts were either outright denied or approved initially but then faced impediments on the ground.

** Syria

The Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed his grave concerns over the continued violence in Sweida, and the targeting of civilians. He spoke last night with the Interim Foreign Minister of Syria, Asaad Shibani, and urged restraint and the protection of all communities and called for accountability.

Mr. Pedersen stressed that stability and civil peace must prevail, and reprisals must be avoided. He added that Israel's provocative violations must stop now, and credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria must be the priority.

Also on Syria, you will have seen that yesterday afternoon, Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, briefed the Security Council on the situation in Syria.

He reiterated the Secretary-General's condemnation of all violence against civilians. He also echoed the Secretary-General's condemnation of Israel's escalatory air strikes, including on Sweida, Daraa, and in the centre of the capital, Damascus.

His remarks were shared with you.

** Colombia

This morning, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, briefed Security Council members, in his last briefing in that post. He said that despite progress, the Peace Agreement's implementation continues to face serious challenges, mainly the limited presence of State institutions in some regions, where peace dividends are limited, armed groups proliferate, illicit economies thrive, and violence persists. He underscored the vital role of the international community in supporting Colombians as they strive to achieve a better future, stressing that this support remains as important as ever in helping maintain momentum towards peace.

As you know, this was Mr. Ruiz Massieu's last briefing to the Security Council before he takes up his appointment as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). His remarks were shared with you.

** Haiti

Turning to Haiti, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stresses the need to scale up support for displaced families in the country, amid widespread insecurity that continues to drive people from their homes.

As of last month, there were nearly 250 active displacement sites across Haiti. However, the vast majority are informal sites  with just over a fifth managed by humanitarian organizations, in collaboration with local authorities. This means that many families are living in precarious conditions.

Since the beginning of the year, the UN and our partners have provided support to more than 113,000 displaced people, including essential services such as water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare.

As we have mentioned, nearly 1.3 million people are now internally displaced in Haiti  the highest number ever recorded in the country due to violence.

In June alone, more than 200 alerts were reported across displacement sites. These alerts are reports of urgent problems, such as lack of water, food, shelter or healthcare. Over 80 per cent were related to essential needs. This underscores the need to step up humanitarian assistance to help ensure the safety and dignity of displaced people living in extremely difficult conditions.

However, the overall response remains severely constrained by limited funding and persistent insecurity. This is hampering humanitarian access to the most affected areas and delaying the delivery of aid.

OCHA continues to work closely with Haitian authorities and humanitarian partners to coordinate relief efforts, strengthen on-the-ground presence, and mobilize additional resources to support displaced communities.

** Democratic Republic of the Congo

Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that ongoing violence in South Kivu and North Kivu provinces  in the east of the country  continues to claim the lives of civilians and trigger new displacement.

In North Kivu, our partners on the ground in the territories of Rutshuru and Lubero reported that fighting between M23 and other armed groups continued until this past Tuesday. As of earlier this week, eight civilians had reportedly been killed, with more than 42,500 people fleeing the fighting.

In South Kivu, heavy clashes between M23 and other armed groups have persisted since early July in several territories  including Walungu, Kabare, Fizi, Mwenga and Kalehe. Local partners say the fighting has displaced at least 37,000 people from their homes.

A humanitarian convoy coordinated by OCHA  which was primarily planned for today along the road between the provincial capital, Bukavu, and the city of Uvira  has been postponed due to a lack of necessary security guarantees for that route.

Meanwhile, in villages along the border between North Kivu and Ituri provinces, attacks by ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) armed groups have reportedly killed at least 65 civilians, with dozens more injured. Many others remain missing. Significant displacement has been reported toward Beni and Mambasa territories. While precise figures are still being verified, our humanitarian partners stress that civilians urgently need humanitarian assistance  especially food, shelter, education and basic services.

Our partners and teams on the ground are doing their best to maintain services for those affected, but access restrictions and severe funding shortages pose significant obstacles. Halfway through the year, our $2.54 billion response plan for the DRC is less than 13 per cent funded, with about $321 million received to date.

As you can imagine, the lack of funding is putting the lives of millions of people in the DRC at risk. Many partners are forced to scale back their operations, disrupting essential services for those in need. OCHA calls on the international community to take urgent action to address these severe funding gaps and stave off a humanitarian tragedy.

** Afghanistan

The UN Human Rights Office today warned that the surge in the number of Afghans forced or compelled to return to Afghanistan this year is creating a multi-layered human rights crisis requiring the urgent attention of the international community. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for an immediate halt to the forcible return of all Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers, particularly those at risk of persecution, arbitrary detention, or torture upon their return.

The UN Human Rights Office stressed that countries in the region must ensure that returns to Afghanistan are voluntary, safe, dignified and consistent with international law. The UN Human Rights Office also noted that women and girls, who are systematically deprived of their rights in Afghanistan, are particularly at risk upon their return.

** Ukraine

A report released today by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that criminal groups in Ukraine are shifting business models as the war, now in its fourth year, has driven up displacement, trafficking risks and demand for synthetic drugs such as methadone. UNODC warns that the war has not only inflicted untold suffering on the Ukrainian people but has also triggered a marked evolution in organized crime  which can have profound implications on the country's journey towards recovery and reconstruction.

The report, which is available online, includes several recommendations to help counteract and mitigate these crimes.

** Nuclear War

Yesterday, the Secretary-General announced the appointment of an independent scientific panel of experts tasked with examining the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following a nuclear war.

The establishment of this 21-member Panel is a response to a global environment in which the risk of nuclear war is higher than at any point since the depths of the Cold War.

The panellists are leaders in their fields, across a range of scientific disciplines, and come from all regions of the world. The Panel will hold its first meeting in September and will submit a final report to the General Assembly in 2027. We will provide a list of panel members for you right now.

** Refugees

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) today released a report warning that following major cuts to humanitarian budgets, up to 11.6 million refugees and others forced to flee risk losing access this year to direct humanitarian assistance from UNHCR. The figure represents about one third of those reached by the organization last year. The report highlights a deadly confluence of factors pummelling millions of refugees and displaced people: rising displacement, shrinking funding and political apathy. And women and children are, as ever, the hardest hit.

Altogether, $1.4 billion of essential programmes are being cut or put on hold, according to the analysis of UNHCR programmes and funds received this year. Cuts have forced UNHCR to pause the movement of new arrivals from border areas to safer locations in places like Chad and South Sudan, leaving thousands stranded in remote locations. In Uganda, malnutrition rates are soaring in some reception centres, with limited access to clean water and food.

The full report is available online.

** International Days

As for international days, besides Mandela Day, on Sunday, we will mark World Chess Day. Chess is one of the most ancient, intellectual and cultural games. As an affordable and inclusive activity, it can be exercised anywhere and played by all, across the barriers of language, age, gender, physical ability or social status.

Also, Sunday is International Moon Day. This Day marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission in 1969.

** Guests on Monday

On Monday, we will be joined by Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations; along with Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA); and Cristina Duarte, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA).

They will be here to brief you ahead of the Ministerial Meeting and Launch of the Africa Sustainable Development Report 2025, which will take place at the side event Africa Day at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development on 23 July from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

[The Spokesperson's Office later said that briefing has been cancelled.]

** Questions and Answers

Deputy Spokesman : That's it for me. Are there any questions? Yes. Dezhi and then Edie.

Question : It's been reported that three European countries  UK, France, and Germany  they told Iran to immediately start the talks, negotiations on nuclear facilities, or otherwise, they will reinstate sanctions on Iran. What is the position of the Secretary-General on this?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, the Secretary-General has made clear the need for Iran to abide by the resolutions of the Security Council and also deal cooperatively with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). And so, he hopes that they will use the opportunity to, once more, cooperate with the IAEA and ensure that concerns about Iran's nuclear programme are fully addressed.

Question : In this regard, has the Secretary-General recently have any phone calls with the Iranian side?

Deputy Spokesman : There's nothing in the last few days to say, but, obviously, he has been in touch with different Iranian officials. And you'll have seen that we've consistently underscored the importance of cooperation with the IAEA in all those encounters. Edie and then Pam.

Question : Thank you, Farhan. And apologies if you mentioned this. Satellite images have reportedly showed that Israel is demolishing thousands of buildings in Gaza since the end of the ceasefire  some damaged and some that appear to have been intact. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on this, and does the UN have any confirmation of this?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, you'll have seen that in past months, we've been sharing the information, including that those provided by UNOSAT, our satellite detection, about the rate of destruction of buildings in Gaza. And we've warned that it's unacceptable that so many buildings have been destroyed, that so many people have lost their homes, have been forced to flee, not once, but several times over the course of the last two years. We continue to call on the Israeli authorities to avoid the sort of destruction of Gaza that has been occurring since October 2023. And we once more, of course, call for a ceasefire and the end of the fighting. Yes?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. I have a follow-up on Dezhi's question about Iran. There are reports that senior diplomats from the E3 and Iran are expected in Europe next week to talk about the deal. Is any UN official expected at any of that?

Deputy Spokesman : I don't believe we're involved in this process. This is between the European countries and Iran. Of course, we've been engaging separately and, in particular, continue to be involved with this process through the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Question : Okay. And excuse me, I have another question. There have been some comments from the United States on the UN80 reform proposals that reflect the fact that the US considers the professional levels at the UN jobs  P2, P3, P4  to be that the US is underrepresented relative to Australians, Europeans, British, Indians, Nigerians, the Philippines. Do you have any breakdown of country appointments, assignments, and is that true? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : I believe there's a document that comes out every so often that just shows staffing by nationality, so you can examine that for yourself.

Question : And is there one that relates to the cutbacks? [...] In other words, are certain jobs proposed to cut back in certain areas and countries?

Deputy Spokesman : The sort of reforms we're undertaking are still in process. So, that is something that remains fluid at this stage.

Question : And the most recent list that you're talking about would be...?

Deputy Spokesman : I think from the last couple of years.

Correspondent : Oh, okay.

Deputy Spokesman : It'll be available as a document.

Correspondent : Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : Linda?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Farhan, I have a question regarding Gaza. I mean, the war has been going on quite a while. As we know, bombings are occurring very often. How would you describe the relationship of the United Nations with Hamas? I mean, you're living in the same territory. I mean, you have a large staff there. I was just wondering what kind of interaction or channels are there with Hamas, you know, between the United Nations and Hamas?

Deputy Spokesman : We don't deal with Hamas as a movement. Obviously, there are de facto authorities on the ground in Gaza and as with everywhere in the world. Where there are groups who are the de facto authorities governing an area, we deal with them for operational reasons. But we do that for the purposes of carrying out our mandated activities. That's the extent of it.

Question : Is Hamas, for example, enforcing any kind of law and order in Gaza these days, or has that been totally relinquished? You know, when you're there... I mean, clearly, there are criminals in all cultures and all countries. So, no one's dealing with the criminals?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, there are local police forces. Some of those local police forces have not been able to do their work. And given the anarchic situation on the ground, obviously, as you just pointed out, everywhere in the world, there needs to be some form of law and order, and we hope that order can be re-established in Gaza. Yes, please?

Question : So, the Secretary-General... Thank you, Farhan. The Secretary-General appointed a Japanese hibakusha, Masao Tomonaga, to the independent panel on nuclear war. Can you provide some comment on the significance or the rationale behind the appointment?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, we're putting out a list of all of the members of the panel so you can see all of the names and qualifications of the 21 members of this panel. We'll share that with you shortly.

And with that, I wish you all a good weekend. Take care.

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UNHCR: As funding cuts bite, some 11m people are losing aid

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR's Director of External Relations Dominique Hyde - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

18 July 2025

GENEVA -- Following major cuts to humanitarian budgets, up to 11.6 million refugees and others forced to flee risk losing access this year to direct humanitarian assistance from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, according to a report published today. The figure represents about one-third of those reached by the organization last year.

This report highlights a deadly confluence of factors pummeling millions of refugees and displaced people: rising displacement, shrinking funding and political apathy. And women and children are, as ever, the hardest hit.

Altogether, $1.4 billion of essential programmes are being cut or put on hold, according to the analysis of UNHCR programmes and funds received this year. Millions now face deteriorating living conditions, heightened risks of exploitation and abuse, and may be pushed into further displacement.

Behind these numbers are real lives, hanging in the balance. Families are seeing the support they relied on vanish, forced to choose between feeding their children, buying medicines or paying rent, while hope for a better future slips out of sight. Every sector and operation has been hit, and critical support is being suspended to keep life-saving aid going.

Cuts have forced UNHCR to pause the movement of new arrivals from border areas to safer locations in places like Chad and South Sudan, leaving thousands stranded in remote locations. In Uganda, malnutrition rates are soaring in some reception centres, with limited access to clean water and food.

Health and education services are being scaled back, with schools closing and clinics understaffed. In camps hosting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, education for some 230,000 children is at risk of being suspended. UNHCR's entire health programme in Lebanon is at risk of being shuttered by the end of the year.

Financial aid and the delivery of emergency relief items have been cut by 60 per cent globally and shelter programmes have been critically diminished. In places like Niger, cuts in financial aid for shelter have left families in overcrowded structures or at risk of homelessness. Financial aid in Ukraine and across the region has also been slashed, leaving uprooted families unable to afford rent, food or medical treatment.

Registration, child protection, legal counselling, as well as prevention of and responses to gender-based violence have been hard hit. In South Sudan, 75 per cent of safe spaces for women and girls supported by UNHCR have closed, leaving up to 80,000 refugee women and girls, including survivors of sexual violence, without access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, material support or income-generating activities.

Cuts are also, worryingly, impacting resettlement and the safe and voluntary return of refugees. Around 1.9 million Afghans have returned home or been forced back since the start of the year, but financial aid for returnees is barely enough to afford food, let alone rent, undermining efforts to ensure stable reintegration.

In several operations, severe funding gaps have curtailed investments in digitizing and strengthening asylum systems and promoting regularization efforts. In countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Mexico, a lack of legal status means prolonged insecurity, deepening poverty as refugees are excluded from formal employment, and greater exposure to exploitation and abuse. These cuts are undermining efforts made to find long-term solutions. Incentives for refugee volunteers have also been severely impacted, threatening vital services and cutting a regular source of income for those refugees.

UNHCR funding requirements for 2025 are $10.6 billion. At the midpoint of the year, only 23 per cent had been met. Against this backdrop, our teams are focusing efforts on saving lives and protecting those forced to flee. Should additional funding become available, UNHCR has the systems, partnerships and expertise to rapidly resume and scale up assistance.

UNHCR is grateful to donors who have continued their support during these difficult moments and urges governments, institutions and individuals to significantly boost their financial contributions to bridge the current funding gap.

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Humanitarians report more deaths, displacement and desperation in Gaza

18 July 2025 - The continued onslaught and mass deprivation of people in the Gaza Strip is becoming normalised, the UN aid coordination office OCHA warned on Friday.

"Every day brings more preventable deaths, displacement and desperation," the agency said in a humanitarian update.

On Friday, Israeli authorities issued another displacement order, this time for parts of North Gaza.

OCHA said it continues to receive deeply troubling reports of malnourished children and adults being admitted to hospitals with insufficient resources available to treat them.

Fuel crisis deepens

The energy crisis in Gaza is also deepening, despite the resumption of limited fuel imports as the quantities that are entering - while critical for continuity - "remain at lower levels than what we were previously able to extract from dwindling internal reserves, which have now been fully depleted".

The situation has forced solid waste collection to be paused in recent days, and additional wells have had to shut down, particularly in Deir Al-Balah.

"While specific health services, including dialysis, have reduced or shut down, others could go on for a few more days before they too will have to go dark," OCHA warned.

"With every day that passes, people have less clean water and healthcare and more sewage flooding ground floors."

Since the limited entry of fuel entry supplies resumed on 9 July, the UN has managed to send just over 600,000 litres of diesel to Kerem Shalom. On Thursday,

it was able to send 35,000 litres of much-needed benzene for the first time.

OCHA said these volumes are limited because Israel has allowed only 14 trucks over the past week.

The agency stressed that to maintain lifesaving operations, hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel are needed every day. The limited fuel currently entering is primarily allocated to health, water and communications services as well as to power vehicles.

Humanitarian movements curtailed

Humanitarian movements inside Gaza also continue to be restricted.

On Thursday, seven out of 13 attempts to coordinate the movement of aid workers and supplies with the Israeli authorities were facilitated.

Teams were able to retrieve some fuel, collect some water, relocate generators, provide supplies related to hygiene and sanitation and transfer much-needed medical supplies.

The six remaining attempts were either outright denied or approved initially, but then faced obstacles on the ground.

End international media ban

Meanwhile, the head of the UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA called on Friday for the ban on international media entering Gaza to be lifted.

"650 days of atrocities against civilians with no international media allowed in," Philippe Lazzarini wrote in social media post, adding that over 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed during this time.

"Media ban fuels dis-information campaigns questioning first-hand data and accounts from eyewitnesses and international humanitarian organizations," he said.

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Aid cuts leave refugee agency unable to shelter six in 10 fleeing war in Sudan

18 July 2025 - Major cuts to aid budgets have already left people fleeing wars in Sudan and beyond without the assistance and protection they need, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday.

Globally, $1.4 billion of the agency's programmes are being shuttered or put on hold, UNHCR said in a new report.

"We can't stop water, you can't stop sanitation, but we're having to take decisions when it comes, for example, to shelter," said UNHCR Director of External Relations Dominique Hyde.

"We're have people arriving on a daily basis from Sudan, from the Darfur regions...arriving in Chad, not able to be given any shelter."

In an urgent appeal for flexible funding from donors, Ms. Hyde noted that up to 11.6 million refugees and others risk losing access this year to direct humanitarian assistance from UNHCR. The figure represents about one third of those reached by the organization last year.

On the Sudan-Chad border, the UN agency is now unable to provide "even basic shelter" to more than six in 10 refugees fleeing the conflict. Thousands more vulnerable people have been left stranded in remote border locations in South Sudan too. "If we just had a bit more support, we could get them to settlements," she insisted.

Because of the funding cuts, basic activities have already been hit hard. These include refugee registration, child protection, legal counselling and prevention of and responses to gender-based violence.

All aid sectors hit

In South Sudan, 75 per cent of safe spaces for women and girls supported by UNHCR have closed. That means leaving up to 80,000 refugee women and girls without access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, material support or income-generating activities. This includes survivors of sexual violence, UNHCR noted.

"Behind these numbers are real lives hanging in the balance," Ms. Hyde said.

"Families are seeing the support they relied on vanish, forced to choose between feeding their children, buying medicines or paying rent, while hope for a better future slips out of sight. Every sector and operation has been hit and critical support is being suspended to keep lifesaving aid going."

Libya influx

Many of those impacted by the war in Sudan have taken the decision to move from Chad and Egypt to Libya, into the hands of people smugglers who dangerously overload boats with desperate people seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.

"What we're observing now is that in terms of arrivals in Europe of...Sudanese refugees, [it] has increased since the beginning of the year by about 170 per cent compared to the first six months of 2024," said UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado.

Support slashed from Niger to Ukraine

In camps hosting Myanmar's Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, education for some 230,000 children could now be suspended. Meanwhile in Lebanon "UNHCR's entire health programme is at risk of being shuttered by the end of the year," Ms. Hyde continued.

In Niger and other emergency settings, cuts in financial aid for shelter have left families in overcrowded structures or at risk of homelessness. In Ukraine, financial aid has also been slashed, "leaving uprooted families unable to afford rent, food or medical treatment", she noted.

Assistance to returning Afghans has also become another victim of global aid cuts. Around 1.9 million Afghan nationals have returned home or been forced back since the start of the year, "but financial aid for returnees is barely enough to afford food, let alone rent, undermining efforts to ensure stable reintegration", UNHCR said.

Legal aid halted

Overall, several UNHCR operations hit by severe funding gaps have now had to curtail investments in strengthening asylum systems and promoting regularisation efforts.

In Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico, any prolonged lack of legal status means prolonged insecurity for people on the move, the UN agency said. This results in deepening poverty "as refugees are excluded from formal employment and greater exposure to exploitation and abuse", Ms. Hyde explained.

Approximately one in three of the agency's 550 offices around the world has been impacted by the cuts, Ms. Hyde told journalists in Geneva:

"We're not in a position to do so much contingency planning; what we're able to do is make decisions on priorities and, at this point, the priorities as I mentioned are dramatic."

For 2025, UNHCR needs $10.6 billion. Only 23 per cent of this amount has been provided.

"Against this backdrop, our teams are focusing efforts on saving lives and protecting those forced to flee," Ms. Hyde said. "Should additional funding become available, UNHCR has the systems, partnerships and expertise to rapidly resume and scale up assistance."

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UN envoy urges Colombia to 'stay the course' as peace faces new strains

By Vibhu Mishra

18 July 2025 - Colombia has changed profoundly since the 2016 peace deal, but uneven state presence, lingering armed groups and mounting political tensions threaten to erode confidence unless implementation accelerates, the top UN envoy for the country said on Friday.

Briefing the Security Council for the last time as head of the UN Verification Mission, Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu said the peace agreement provided a roadmap for addressing the root causes of conflict.

"The Final Peace Agreement of 2016 set out the path to be followed: a holistic and comprehensive roadmap for addressing deep-rooted structural issues that have driven violence in Colombia for decades," he told ambassadors.

He cited progress in land reform, rural development, the reintegration of more than 13,000 former combatants, the start of a "complex journey" for truth and reconciliation and opening of political space.

"Today, Colombia is a very different country from that it was in the years prior to the signing of the peace agreement," he added, noting, however, that gaps and challenges remain.

Violence persists

Chief among these is the limited presence of civilian and military state institutions in various regions of the country where existing peace dividends remain inadequate and violence persists, including against social leaders and ex-combatants.

At least 472 former fighters have been killed since 2016, four in recent weeks alone, Mr. Ruiz Massieu said, urging measures to strengthen their protection and ensure accountability.

"It is also essential to achieve effective complementarity between peacebuilding policies, security strategies and efforts to combat illicit economies," he added.

Painful moments revived

Mr. Ruiz Massieu highlighted progress on opening political space, noting "a widespread rejection of political violence", but warning that the attempted assassination of presidential candidate Miguel Uribe in June revived painful memories and underscored the need to remove violence from electoral competition.

To address persistent insecurity, he urged full implementation of security guarantees alongside rural development programmes and strategies to combat illicit economies.

"Expanded and sustained state presence remains essential," he said, stressing the need for coordinated investments in conflict-prone regions.

Upcoming elections

The briefing also comes as Colombia enters a sensitive period leading to elections next year.

Mr. Ruiz Massieu appealed to all actors to uphold commitments for a peaceful campaign and to advance the comprehensive vision of the 2016 accord, which includes provisions for women as well as Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities.

"In their pursuit of peace, Colombians have a deeply rooted history of resilience and persistence," he said. "Sometimes their efforts have not yielded the expected results, but other times, thanks to patience and perseverance, they have achieved significant progress."

Path to peace is never easy

"The path to peace is never easy, nor is it free of obstacles. But, staying the course is always worthwhile," he concluded. "The 2016 peace agreement is a striking example of this."

Mr. Ruiz Massieu, who has led the mission for more than six years, will soon assume duties as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Haiti.

He thanked the Council for its "consistent and crucial" support, adding that the UN mission's role in fostering trust "will remain as important as ever in the period ahead".

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World News in Brief: Violence in Haiti, rising insecurity in DR Congo, expert panel on nuclear war

18 July 2025 - The UN humanitarian affairs office OCHA is stressing the need to scale up support for displaced families in Haiti amid ongoing insecurity and violence.

Displaced Haitians are dispersed among the 250 active displacement sites across the country, most of which are informal. Just over a fifth of these sites are managed by humanitarian organizations, meaning that many are living in precarious conditions.

In June alone, more than 200 alerts were reported across displacement sites, over 80 per cent of which were related to essential needs such as lack of water, food, shelter or healthcare.

OCHA noted that nearly 1.3 million people are now internally displaced in Haiti, the highest number ever recorded in the country due to violence.

Constrained UN response

The UN and partners have supported more than 113,000 displaced Haitians this year, providing essential services such as water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare.

The humanitarian response is severely constrained by limited funding and persistent insecurity, hampering humanitarian access to the most affected areas and delaying the delivery of aid.

Despite the challenges, the agency continues to work closely with Haitian authorities and humanitarian partners to coordinate relief efforts and mobilise additional resources to support displaced communities.

DR Congo: Ongoing violence in the east drives displacement, impedes aid delivery

Ongoing violence in North and South Kivu provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to claim the lives of civilians and to trigger new displacement.

In North Kivu, UN partners on the ground in Rutshuru and Lubero territories reported that fighting between M23 and other armed groups was ongoing until Tuesday, resulting in eight civilian deaths and 42,500 displaced people as of earlier this week.

Since early July, heavy clashes between M23 and other armed groups in South Kivu have also persisted, as local partners said the fighting has displaced at least 37,000 people from their homes.

Aid access restrictions

The surge in violence is making it harder for humanitarians to deliver assistance to vulnerable communities.

While partners and teams on the ground are doing their best to maintain services for those affected, access restrictions and severe funding shortages pose significant obstacles.

A humanitarian convoy coordinated by OCHA along the road between the provincial capital Bukavu and the city of Uvira, primarily planned for this Friday, has been postponed due to a lack of security guarantees on that route.

Many UN partners on the ground are forced to scale back their operations, disrupting essential services for those in need.

OCHA called on the international community to take urgent action to address these severe funding gaps and avert a humanitarian tragedy.

New panel to examine the effects of a nuclear war

The UN Secretary-General has appointed an independent scientific panel of 21 experts to examine the physical and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following such an event.

The creation of the panel, mandated by a General Assembly resolution, comes at a time when nuclear guardrails are being eroded and "the risk of nuclear war is higher than at any point since the depths of the Cold War," UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Friday during the daily media briefing from Headquarters in New York.

The panelists will seek input from a wide range of stakeholders - including international and regional organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), civil society and affected communities.

Members will hold their first meeting in September and will submit a final report to the General Assembly in 2027.



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Phil Reilly recalls that, with 300 troops on the ground, the United States managed to defeat the Taliban. He was one of the first CIA agents to set foot in Afghanistan after 9/11. We crushed them in 45 days, he recounts in the documentary American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden.

The intelligence agencys operation was confidential. More than two decades later, the former head of the spy agency in Kabul continues to work behind the scenes. Reilly is one of the architects of the private management plans for both humanitarian aid to Gaza  currently carried out by U.S. contractors  and for the future reconstruction of the Strip, in ruins after more than a year and a half of Israeli siege. These projects have been developed in secret, criticized by the international community, plagued by countless setbacks, and in the first case, their effectiveness has been questioned following the death of over 600 Palestinian civilians during food distributions.

Reilly, although highly significant, is not the only piece of the erratic puzzle that is Washington and Israels attempt to govern the management of the horror in Gaza. In early June, the London-based publication Middle East Eye reported that Reilly had begun talks with Israel about distributing aid to the Gaza Strip as early as 2024, just months after the Israeli military launched its offensive to annihilate Hamas in retaliation for the deaths of 1,200 people at the hands of the Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023. Among other assignments, the former CIA agent was then working as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), an international consultation giant with nearly 60 years of experience.

The firm, previously implicated in bribery payments in Angola to secure contracts, has admitted that two of its partners began work last October to help launch an aid organization intended to operate in the Strip. But they did so by withholding information about the nature of the project. Neither of these two, according to BCGs confirmation to EL PAIS, was Reilly, who was listed only as a senior advisor. The partners involved are Matt Schlueter and Ryan Ordway.

Both were ousted from the consulting firm. Reilly, who was employed by Orbis Operations (owned by the private equity firm McNally Capital) to design aid delivery models through private companies and foundations, served as a liaison. According to Middle East Eye, Orbis contacted the consulting firm on behalf of the Israeli Tachlith Institute think tank.

Help via contractors

Last May, the Israeli security cabinet approved a new mechanism for delivering aid to Gaza outside the United Nations. At the end of that same month, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), run by U.S. contractors, began operations in Gaza. GHF was headed by Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), registered last November in Wyoming by Reilly. Shortly after, the former CIA agent left BCG, according to information provided by the consulting firm.

We are acting urgently and seriously to learn from this and ensure it never happens again, BCG said in a June 7 note, distancing itself from the work done by Schlueter and Ordway on the foundations of GHF. The master plan for this new private mechanism devised between Israel and the United States was unveiled in early May. Some of those who appeared in the documents had not even been previously informed. Others, like the organizations first executive director, Jake Wood, jumped ship before it even sailed.

GHF was registered in Delaware (U.S.) and Geneva (Switzerland). Swiss authorities dissolved the Geneva branch in early July due to a lack of activity there. The document leaked to the press, providing the first outline of the organizations activities, planned to use Switzerland to attract donations outside the U.S. This was unsuccessful.

Currently, GHF operates under the leadership of businessman and evangelical reverend Johnnie Moore, an advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump. Moore, founder of the public relations firm Kairos Company, maintains close ties with both the Jewish community and the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu. In an appearance in Brussels on July 2, Moore blamed Hamas for the deaths of Palestinians at food distribution points and denounced the diversion of aid, usually managed by U.N. agencies, not only in Gaza but also in other humanitarian crises. He did not name any individuals.

BCG insists that the two partners hired to develop both the food distribution model and future reconstruction plans for the Gaza Strip acted against the explicit objections of the firms CEO, Christoph Schweizer. We completely disavow this work. BCG received no compensation whatsoever, the firm maintains. However, investigations by newspapers such as The Financial Times and The Washington Post maintain that the consulting firm did receive payments for its services.

The Financial Times, in an article dated July 6, also claims that Israeli businessmen used financing models developed by BCG to develop the so-called Gaza Riviera project, a post-war plan focused on making the Gaza Strip an attractive center for international trade and investment. Among the businessmen cited are Liran Tancman and Michael Eisenberg, two names who appeared on the first organizational chart of the aid distribution organization GHF.

The Tony Blair Institute participated in this work. Once again, the intermediary between the Israeli businessmen and the think tank founded by the former British prime minister was the former CIA agent Reilly.

On July 9, the leader of the British Business and Trade Committee, Liam Byrne, sent a letter to Schweizer, the head of BCG, requesting information about the consultancy firms involvement in plans for Gaza, including the possible transfer of Gazans from the territory. Please describe, the Labour MP requests in the letter, the nature and scope of any work undertaken by BCG relating to the possible relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. Were any U.K.-based organizations  including companies, NGOs, academics, or think tanks  involved?

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Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Hostilities drive further death, displacement in Gaza

OCHA warns that the continued onslaught and mass deprivation of people in the Gaza Strip are being normalized. Every day brings more preventable deaths, displacement and desperation.

Just today, the Israeli authorities issued yet another displacement order, this time for parts of North Gaza. OCHA also continues to receive deeply troubling reports of malnourished children and adults being admitted to hospitals with little resources available to treat them properly.

OCHA warns that the energy crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, despite the resumption of limited fuel imports. This is because the small quantities entering - while critical to continue - remain at lower levels than what was previously able to be extracted from dwindling internal reserves, which are now fully depleted.

The depletion of fuel has forced solid waste collection to pause over the past couple of days, and additional water wells have also had to shut down, particularly in Deir al Balah. While specific health services - including dialysis - have reduced or shut down, others could go on for a few more days before they, too, will have to go dark. With every day that passes, people have less clean water and healthcare and more sewage flooding ground floors.

Since the limited entry of fuel supplies resumed on 9 July, the UN has managed to send just over 600,000 litres of diesel to Kerem Shalom. Yesterday, for the first time, the UN was also able to send 35,000 litres of much-needed benzene. These volumes are limited because Israeli authorities have allowed only 14 trucks over the past week. On average, this is 55,000 litres per day, including the weekends, when the crossing is closed.

To sustain life-saving operations, hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel are needed every single day. The limited fuel now coming in is being allocated primarily to health, water and telecommunications services, as well as to power vehicles.

Fuel is offloaded into an underground pipeline on the Israeli side of Kerem Shalom, then extracted on the Gaza side by separate Palestinian tankers. This is another chokepoint: The compound is fenced off and heavily militarized. For drivers to access it, Israeli authorities must pause hostilities, give the green light, and allow enough time for extraction and safe return of UN teams through highly dangerous terrain. This creates delays and further undermines the predictability of fuel flows.

Meanwhile, humanitarian movements inside Gaza continue to be restricted. Yesterday, seven out of 13 attempts to coordinate the movement of aid workers and supplies with the Israeli authorities were facilitated, allowing humanitarian teams to retrieve some fuel, collect some water, relocate generators, provide supplies related to hygiene and sanitation, and transfer much-needed medical supplies. However, the six remaining attempts were either denied outright or approved initially but then faced impediments on the ground.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Civilians flee deadly armed clashes in eastern DRC

OCHA reports that ongoing violence in South Kivu and North Kivu provinces, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to claim the lives of civilians and trigger new displacement.

In North Kivu, partners on the ground in the territories of Rutshuru and Lubero reported that fighting between M23 and other armed groups continued until 15 July. As of earlier this week, eight civilians had reportedly been killed, with more than 42,500 fleeing the fighting.

In South Kivu, heavy clashes between M23 and other armed groups have persisted since early July in several territories - including Walungu, Kabare, Fizi, Mwenga and Kalehe. Local partners say the fighting has displaced at least 37,000 people from their homes.

A humanitarian convoy coordinated by OCHA - which was primarily planned for today along the road between the provincial capital, Bukavu, and the city of Uvira - has been postponed due to a lack of necessary security guarantees for that route.

Meanwhile, in villages along the border between North Kivu and Ituri provinces, attacks by ADF armed groups have reportedly killed at least 65 civilians, with dozens more injured. Many others remain missing. Significant displacement has been reported toward Beni and Mambasa territories. While precise figures are still being verified, humanitarian partners stress that civilians urgently need humanitarian assistance - especially food, shelter, education and basic services.

Partners and teams on the ground are doing their best to maintain services for those affected, but access restrictions and severe funding shortages pose significant obstacles. Halfway through the year, the US$2.54 billion response plan for the DRC is less than 13 per cent funded, with about $321 million received to date.

Brutal funding cuts are putting the lives of millions of people in the DRC at risk, as many partners are forced to scale back their operations, disrupting essential services for those in need. OCHA calls on the international community to take urgent action to address these severe funding gaps and stave off a humanitarian tragedy.*

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with urgent support.

Haiti

Widespread insecurity fuels displacement, deepens needs

OCHA stresses the need to scale up support for displaced families in Haiti, amid widespread insecurity that continues to drive people from their homes.

As of last month, there were nearly 250 active displacement sites across Haiti. However, the vast majority are informal sites - with just over a fifth managed by humanitarian organizations, in collaboration with local authorities. This means that many families are living in precarious conditions.

Since the beginning of the year, the UN and its partners have provided support to more than 113,000 displaced people, including essential services such as water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare.

However, the needs are vast: Nearly 1.3 million people are now internally displaced in Haiti - the highest number ever recorded in the country due to violence.

In June alone, more than 200 alerts were reported across displacement sites. These alerts are reports of urgent problems, such as lack of water, food, shelter or healthcare. Over 80 per cent were related to essential needs. These figures underscore the need to step up humanitarian assistance to help ensure the safety and dignity of displaced people living in extremely difficult conditions.

But the overall response remains severely constrained by limited funding and persistent insecurity. This is hampering humanitarian access to the most affected areas and delaying the delivery of aid.

OCHA continues to work closely with Haitian authorities and humanitarian partners to coordinate relief efforts, strengthen on-the-ground presence, and mobilize additional resources to support displaced communities.

Posted on 18 July 2025

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Despite Colombia's Progress in Peacebuilding, Communities, Ex-Combatants, Political, Social Leaders Remain Under Threat, Special Representative Tells Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9961st Meeting (AM)

SC/16123

18 July 2025

Despite Colombia's notable progress since the signing of the 2016 peace accord  with overall violence receding from conflict-era levels  communities, ex-combatants, and political and social leaders remain under threat, the Head of the United Nations special political mission in the country told the Security Council today, urging a stronger State presence.

"All Colombians aspire to build peace. That's what I have seen over the last six years," said Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, presenting his last briefing to the Council in this role.

The 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace laid out a holistic road map to address the country's deep-rooted structural drivers of violence, including the peaceful reintegration of over 13,000 former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) combatants.

The Council has recognized that their successful civilian transition  requiring continued support in land, housing and security  is vital to the Peace Agreement's success, he said, pointing to rural transformation through development programmes with a territorial focus and notable progress in expanding access to and resolving conflicts over land. The Peace Agreement also outlines policies to enhance the inclusion of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities and strengthen women's participation.

Special Jurisdiction for Peace to Issue First Sentences

"Colombians also embarked on a complex journey to come to grips with the past," he observed, noting that the Truth Commission rendered a historic report and recommendations, and the long-term search for the disappeared has begun. Relatedly, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace  a pioneering transitional justice court  has issued landmark indictments and now stands on the verge of a crucial new phase. Its soon-expected first sentences will be vital for delivering reparations to victims and advancing reconciliation. He added that the peace process has led to a decisive opening of political space, with Colombian citizens exercising their rights to participate "as never before".

However, he warned against serious challenges to the accord's implementation, chief among them the limited presence of civilian and military State institutions in regions where "peace dividends remain limited and violence persists". In a vacuum of State presence, armed groups proliferate, illicit economies thrive and violence persists. The Peace Agreement offers tools to address these complex issues, but "only through accelerating the implementation can we obtain accelerated results", he stressed.

Over 475 Signatories to Final Peace Agreement Killed Since 2016

Offering a sobering account of the enduring impact of violence on communities, he said that 476 signatories have been killed since 2016, including four since his last report. The recent attack on Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay underscored the urgent need to eliminate violence from political life. In its wake, the Ombudsman's Office urged political leaders to sign a series of commitments for a peaceful electoral process.

Citing the Council's unity as "instrumental in safeguarding and advancing the Peace Agreement", he said the Mission's role in encouraging further progress "will remain just as important in the period ahead". He concluded: "The path to peace is never easy, nor is it free of obstacles, but staying the course is always worthwhile."

Political Polarization Must Be Avoided

In the ensuing discussion, Council members underscored the need to avoid political polarization ahead of the 2026 elections, condemning the recent assassination attempt against Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay.

"The 2016 Peace Agreement remains Colombia's blueprint for transforming conflict into opportunity," said Pakistan's delegate, Council President for July. Noting that persistent security challenges in certain regions threaten hard-won progress, he voiced concern over the continued targeting of ex-combatants, social leaders and human rights defenders  especially from Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities. He expressed support for Bogota's efforts to strengthen security measures and expand State control in regions that have long lacked institutional presence.

However, the representative of the United States said that, rather than reducing violence, "the Colombian Government's disorganized rush to negotiate with the multitude of armed groups has in fact created perverse incentives for these groups to ramp up their attacks to improve their negotiating position." The lack of Government coordination with conflict-affected communities "completely undermines the peace process" and "threatens to plunge the country back into conflict", she stressed. Moreover, she cautioned that "the politicizing of any peace process is a threat to sustained progress", especially when it involves shielding criminal actors for political purposes.

Noting that nine signatories to the Agreement were killed during the reporting period, the United Kingdom's delegate said that the attacks often deliberately target those committed to peace and societal change. "Colombians need to see restorative justice in action," she said. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace will shortly issue sentences under two Macro Cases  "a significant advance" in its work, essential to maintain the trust of victims, signatories and the Colombian people.

Concern over Security Vacuum, Limited State Presence in Conflict-Affected Regions

The Russian Federation's delegate voiced concern over the security vacuum and limited State presence in conflict-affected regions, with expanding areas of influence of armed and criminal groups. Participants in the dialogue "are increasingly transforming into drug dealers who are locked in brutal internecine battles over cocaine production routes and markets", he warned. Condemning any manifestations of political violence, he observed that 80 per cent of former rebels have had to change homes due to security and safety threats, while 76 per cent remain unemployed.

He cited the "tremendous work" of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, with the testimony of thousands of victims, and analysis of tens of thousands of pieces of evidence of and crimes perpetrated during decades of armed conflict; nevertheless, the main innovative achievement lies not in punishing but facilitating reconciliation "to heal the wounds inflicted upon the Colombian society".

Victim-Centred Approach to Justice

The speaker for the Republic of Korea also welcomed progress made by the Special Jurisdiction, including the initiation of verification hearings as the final step before sentencing. "As an innovative judicial model, Colombia's transitional justice seeks to uncover buried truths, promote acknowledgement of responsibility, and provide perpetrators with an opportunity to express genuine remorse and seek forgiveness from victims", he emphasized. The value of this victim-centred approach lies in its ability to foster healing and reconciliation, while advancing accountability that goes beyond retribution.

In the same vein, Slovenia's delegate urged Bogota to adopt the necessary measures to create conditions for the smooth, unimpeded implementation of restorative sentences soon to be issued by the Special Jurisdiction. "These sentences [...] will mark a pivotal step in a model of transitional justice," she said, stressing their role in ensuring accountability for grave crimes and redress for victims, including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and children affected by conflict. She emphasized that the mechanism's approach "goes beyond punitive measures" and "has the potential to serve as a model for peacebuilding efforts elsewhere".

Focus on Rural Reform

Turning to Colombia's rural reform, the representative of Sierra Leone, speaking also for Algeria, Guyana and Somalia, noted that 3.3 million hectares  47 per cent of the Final Agreement's goal  have been formalized. However, he expressed concern that only 7 per cent of land-allocation targets for landless populations have been met, with administrative delays, slow implementation and security issues hindering progress.

Picking up that thread, China's delegate welcomed Colombia's decision to host the second international conference on land reform and rural development in February 2026, offering Beijing's willingness to share its experiences in poverty reduction and rural revitalization. Calling for land allocation and regularization, France's representative also pledged his country's support for this endeavour.

Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian challenges, Panama's delegate stated that over 168,000 people have been affected by the crisis in Catatumbo since January, and more than 98,000 people remain trapped across the country. He also expressed concern about the various armed shutdowns that have disrupted the lives of thousands of people in different regions. "This reality is a call to action," he asserted, describing the launch of the Pact for Catatumbo as "a positive demonstration" of the institutional commitment to these regions.

Calls to Fully Implement Peace Accord's Ethnic Chapter, Better Protect Children

The speaker for Greece drew attention to the disproportionate effect of violence on Afro-Colombian and Indigenous populations, caught in the crossfire of conflicts between illegal groups, vying for territorial control and benefits from illicit economies. He called for full implementation of the Ethnic Chapter of the Peace Agreement, which will also have a considerable impact on the living conditions of Indigenous children and children of African descent. "Armed groups in Colombia must immediately cease the recruitment of children, their killing or maiming and all acts of sexual violence against them," he asserted.

"The protection of children in Colombia must be prioritized," concurred Denmark's representative, noting the latest Secretary-General's report on Children and Armed conflict details grave violations of their rights. Calling on the Government to scale up child protection and security measures in rural areas, she underscored that the protection of children must be considered in all negotiations or agreed outcomes between the State and armed groups.

Advancing Peace Agreement 'Not an Easy Path' but Only Legitimate One

Rounding out the discussion, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Colombia's Vice Minister for Multilateral Affairs, underscored that his country's progress in advancing the 2016 Peace Agreement is "not an easy path, but it is the only legitimate one".

The Special Jurisdiction for Peace  one of the world's most sophisticated transitional justice systems  offers "victims and their families justice, truth, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition", he said, welcoming recent announcements that first sentences will be issued soon.

While highlighting his Government's steady recent progress, including work under way to guarantee the rights of women, ethnic peoples, youth and children, he pointed to security challenges faced by some regions due to military action by certain armed actors who "have decided to reject the olive branch extended by the national Government over the last two years." However, the Government remains committed to dialogue and submission processes with illegal armed actors willing to lay down their weapons and return to civilian life. "Total peace knows no borders", he stated, looking towards a future "where violence has no place and where peace is the rule, not the exception".

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325th Fighter Wing leads the way during Red Flag-Alaska 25-3

Published July 18, 2025

By Senior Airman Victoria Moehlman

325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The 325th Fighter Wing "Checkertails" recently deployed Airmen and F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, to serve as the lead wing during exercise Red Fag-Alaska 25-3, July 17 to Aug. 1.

The deployment marks the wing's first participation in an exercise outside the continental United States since Hurricane Michael in 2018. It also represents the unit's largest air movement to date, with nearly 200,000 pounds of cargo transported in support of the mission.

Red Flag-Alaska is a large-scale field exercise that offers joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training. Missions are conducted within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex air space, allowing Tyndall's F-35 pilots to enhance their operational capabilities in a simulated combat environment.

"Red Flag-Alaska is a great opportunity for the wing to practice generating and projecting combat airpower," said Col. Christian Bergtholdt, 325th FW commander. "The exercise provides our pilots the opportunity to further sharpen their skills in a combat-realistic environment - ensuring success anywhere on the globe. As the lead wing, it's an opportunity for a larger portion of the Checkertails to deploy and support combat-like operations."

Airmen from the 325th also facilitated a real-world military movement to ensure all personnel and equipment arrived on time and were in place. Multiple 325th FW mission support elements-including logistics readiness, operational support, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, weather and munitions-are on the ground in Alaska to fully simulate the deployment experience.

"Red Flag was designed to give pilots an opportunity to experience what it would be like to go into battle for the first time," stated Col. Tyler Niebuhr, 325th Operations Group commander. "They can experience planning and executing missions in a large force employment, multiple airframes, different mission sets all combined, working together."

Operating in unfamiliar environments presents logistical and operational hurdles simulating real-world deployments.

"Everything is different when you go to an [exercise] like this; operating out of a different building, airfield and airspace," explained Capt. Abigail Carter, 95th Fighter Squadron deployment manager and mobility chief. "Our priority is to be the best tactical F-35 squadron in the Air Force and focus on air superiority. I think this exercise gives us the perfect opportunity to display and to practice that. It not only gives us the opportunity to practice our tactics, but to increase the experience so when the time comes, we're ready to take the hammer."

The 325th FW's mission is to project unrivaled combat airpower for America, with the vision to delivering lethal, agile and ready airpower anywhere, anytime.

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US, Australian C-17s spearhead multinational joint force entry during Talisman Sabre 25

Published July 18, 2025

By Maj. Eve Derfelt, 163rd Attack Wing Public Affairs

QUEENSLAND, Australia (AFNS) -- Multiple U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs executed a joint force-entry operation into Australia, deploying U.S. Army and international paratroopers in support of Talisman Sabre 25.

Originating from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, the mission spanned the immense distances of the Pacific, sustained by U.S. Air Force aerial refueling operations. It culminated in the precision insertion of 314 U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division, Australian Defence Force and German Army paratroopers into a designated drop zone in eastern Australia.

"We employ large formations to quickly and effectively place mass at the time and place of our choosing," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Bukowski, 535th Airlift Squadron, 15th Wing, director of operations. "Executing a drop like this at speed and scale, and in conjunction with our allies and joint partners, is crucial to honing that skill and sending a deterrent message to our adversaries."

The one-way, trans-Pacific journey spanned over 6,200 miles and was conducted by 13 C-17 aircraft assigned to the 15th Wing, Pacific Air Forces, 437th Airlift Wing, Air Mobility Command, and 164th Airlift Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard, underscored the robust U.S.-Australia partnership and shared commitment to regional defense.

"Through the strategic employment of U.S. Air Force mobility aircraft, our highly proficient teamsoperating in close coordination with partners and allies  refined the ability to project personnel and mission-critical material across the vast Pacific with precision and speed," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Ana Donohue, 535th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot. "This critical capability was showcased during a recent joint forcible entry operation, where the air domain proved to be the decisive bridge between strategic airlift and ground-based objectives, enabling the rapid achievement of essential outcomes across a geographically expansive and demanding operational theater."

The meticulous planning required for this complex joint force-entry operation extended months in advance of the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercise, highlighting the extensive coordination between allied forces.

Talisman Sabre, the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, is pivotal to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. It fortifies relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, concurrently enhancing collective capabilities to address a spectrum of complex security challenges.

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Rescue squadrons unite, strengthen interoperability during REFORPAC

Published July 18, 2025

By Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Airmen of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Rescue Wing, the U.S. Air National Guard's 102nd Rescue Squadron, and the 130th Rescue Squadron came together for a cross-unit static display and capability exchange during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Misawa Air Base, July 15.

The event featured aircraft from both nations, including a JASDF UH-60J helicopter and U-125A search-and-rescue coordination aircraft, as well as a U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II from the 102nd Rescue Squadron.

"The goal of the capabilities briefing and aircraft tours was to enable partner nation integration and foster mutual understanding among our rescue squadrons," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Richard Conner, 130th Rescue Squadron HC-130J rescue loadmaster. "This lays the groundwork for future collaboration in the INDOPACOM area, which is a part of our unit's mission."

The static display was one of many engagements conducted as part of REFORPAC, a Pacific Air Forces-led contingency readiness exercise nested under the Department of the Air Force's new Department-Level Exercise series. This DLE is a first-in-a-generation approach to preparing for operations in contested, dynamic environments, spanning more than 50 locations and involving more than 12,000 joint and coalition personnel and over 400 aircraft.

Throughout the display, participating Airmen discussed aircraft capabilities and differences in personnel recovery methods.

"One notable difference is in the pararescue insertion methods," Conner said. "JASDF Pararescue typically insert via hoist from the UH-60J, since their fixed-wing aircraft belong to the Airlift Command. Meanwhile, our HC-130J enables personnel airdrops, which allows our Pararescue to get to the fight."

Conner also pointed out technical details that stood out during the tour.

"I was surprised to see the UH-60J outfitted with external fuel tanks  that really extends its loiter time," he added.

More than a showcase of equipment, the event fostered personal relationships, improved operational communication and strengthened shared tactics.

"This event is extremely important in building a framework for further cooperation," Conner said. "It puts faces and names to specific units and enables us to fly real-world missions together during REFORPAC. By briefing and mission planning together, we're able to execute helicopter air-to-air refueling and speak the same language and brevity terms while flying in close formation over the Sea of Japan."

The visit concluded with a group photo symbolizing shared commitment among the rescue units. A common thread across all participating squadrons stood out: their shared motto, That Others May Live.

"Everyone got a kick out of the fact that our units all share the same motto," Conner said. "It's a powerful reminder that no matter the uniform, our mission is the same.

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SECNAV Re-Industrialize 2.0 Keynote Speech

US Navy

Detroit, MI

Speech by John C. Phelan

Presented on 16 July 2025

Date Published 18 July 2025

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for the introduction, Austin. And, thank you to you, Kate Moon, and the Re-Industrialize Staff for putting on this event. It's good to be in Detroit for the first time as the 79th Secretary of the Navy to take part in a discussion that's critical to the future of American security and prosperity: the re-industrialization of the United States. Over eighty years ago, Detroit showed the world what American industryand American workerscan do when their Nation needed them most. It showed the world the power of public-private partnerships in mobilizing government resources and private industry capabilities to achieve large-scale national goals. And, while the motor city is known for building the trucks, engines, aircraft, and machinery that propelled the free world to victory in World War II, I am here today to ask for your help in an effort equally as nobleone inextricably linked to the re-industrialization of the United Statesrestoring American shipbuilding and the broader maritime industrial base.

I don't need to tell the people in this room that we're facing a world that is more hostile and unpredictableperhaps more so than at any point in my lifetime. That uncertainty is being driven, in part, by a new era of warfare defined by drones, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and the rapid pace of technological changeone where warfighters, computer programmers, and manufacturers are modifying and adapting capabilities to alter the tactics and the calculus of battlefield decisions in real time. The ability to adapt and iterate on the battlefield is no longer just an advantageit is a key determinant of success. According to Secretary of Defense Hegseth's 2025 Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance, our Nation is in the midst of one of the most dangerous strategic environments in our history. It's one characterized by: China's unprecedented military buildup and the direct threat that it poses to America's security as well as that of our Allies. A vulnerable homeland arising from years of unsecured borders and increasingly capable air and missile threats; And, a range of other threats, including Russia, Iran, North Korea, and globally sponsored terrorist organizations; This is a world that demands a combat credible naval force that is ready to fight and winanytime, anywhere, and against any adversary.

Ladies and gentlemen, for 250 years, America's Navy-Marine Corps team has promoted and protected America's interests worldwide. In times of war, our naval forces have delivered sea control, power projection, and sealift to ensure success. We have patrolled infinite miles of ocean and kept open the sea lines of communication that enable our prosperity. In every century and in every conflict, the ability to control the seas has guaranteed victory. And, that victory has been made possible by a modern, resilient, adaptable, and flexible industrial baseone capable of building ships at speed and at scale, repairing and refitting forward-deployed assets, and converting commercial production lines to surge goods, materiel, and warfighting capabilities in wartime. Arthur Herman, who you just heard from, describes this in great detail in his book Freedom's Forge. I strongly recommend reading his book. Bottom Line: for one to be a superpower, one must be a seapowera term that encompasses not only our ships and submarines, but also the industrial base, technological innovation, supply chains, and skilled workforce that make them possible. To quote Alfred Thayer Mahan, "whoever rules the waves, rules the world." And, just last month we reminded the world what American seapower can do: when a Navy Ohio-Class guided missile submarine struck an Iranian nuclear facility in Isfahan from more than 400 miles away with deadly and precise accuracy. I want to give a shout out and Bravo Zulu to that crew.

But make no mistake: our status as the world's dominant seapower is increasingly contested andby no means guaranteed. Although our Sailors and Marines are performing admirably and keeping our country safe from global threats, complacency at home has crept in. We believed that our dominance could not be challenged. And, that our competitive edge was permanent. Do you think this belief rings true today? Let's look at the facts: Our manufacturing base is one-third the size it was three decades ago. We face workforce-constrained build schedules. And, our shipbuilding industry has eroded, hollowing out the very capacity we need to maintain credible naval deterrence. I'd like to anchor on the state of our industrial workforce and shipbuilding enterprise for a few moments. Because our Nation has glorified higher education as the singular route to success and devalued the trades, 12% of Americans are employed in the manufacturing sector todaydown from the 35% in the cold war. 70% of our current industrial workforcethe pipefitters, welders, shipfitters, and structural fabricatorsis set to retire in the next decade. To remedy this, we estimate that we'll need to hire 250,000 new skilled workers alone to meet the demand in new construction and repair across our public shipyards over the next decade. I believe we've spent the last ten years teaching people how to code. We need to spend the next ten years teaching people how to use their hands. This will be the critical skill our Nation needs moving forward. Without skilled laborers, we won't meet the demands of tomorrow's Navy or keep pace in the race for industrial and technological dominance. To those young people out there considering a trade job, there's no better way to serve your country than working in the maritime industrial base and building American ships. This is a national call to service. When it comes to commercial shipbuilding, we produce less than one percent of ships globally, while China's dual-use shipyardsshipyards that build both military and commercial shipshave greater than 50% of the world's market share. Economists estimate that China has spent over $90 billion dollars in entry subsidies to jumpstart and sustain their own shipbuilding industry. This heavily subsidized market share by the Chinese government is unacceptable. With over 44.6 percent of US international goods trade valued at $2.3 trillion and 78.6 percent of US international goods trade by weightand given China's 20% commercial market share and 95% market share of containers, you can do the math: unfortunately, we are financing China's shipbuilding industry. And, when it comes to Naval shipbuilding, our programs are performing at unacceptable levels with infrastructure either in decay or insufficient to meet capacity and demand needs. Nearly every ship class is behind in construction58 of the 59 ships under construction are significantly behind schedulemany more than two yearswith large cost overruns. We have significant surface and submarine maintenance delays. We have too many single-source and sole-source vendors. And because of shipbuilding industry consolidation, our public shipyards have reduced from 8 to 4 and our private surface shipyards have reduced from 14 to 7. This is a readiness problem. And, it is one that urgently needs to be addressed. I believe commercial and naval shipbuilding must convergetogether, they can co-build, co-produce, and share tools, talent, and timelines to provide redundancy and resiliency to an already fragile shipbuilding base. And, I believe President Trump's tariffs will help us in that effortfortifying and expanding our domestic shipbuilding industry. Restoring our commercial shipbuilding sector will help restore our defense industrial base. Doing so will uplift our Navy. Doing so will create jobs in the maritime space. I believe when it comes to shipbuilding, it's time to behave more like we are on a wartime footing because this is a threat to our national security and our way of life.

But, there are a few bright spots. You can sleep well at night knowing that the United States Navy-Marine Corps team is the preeminent maritime force in the world. In addition, thanks to the strong leadership and vision of President Trump, our Nation is waking up to the reality that a strong maritime industrial base is a matter of national importancethat it will take a national effort and commitment to rebuild our capacity and expertise. President Trump's Executive Order on Restoring America's Maritime Dominance sent an unmistakable message revitalizing and rebuilding our maritime industry and workforce is critical to our security and our prosperity. Under his direction, we've seen: The creation of the White House Shipbuilding Office; the SHIPS for America Act introduced in Congress; Bipartisan support in Congress for re-investing in our manufacturing sector and reforming our acquisition processes. And, as Ambassador Jameson Greer mentioned earlier, the Trump Administration has taken 3-0-1 actions against China, targeting their Maritime, Logistical, and Shipbuilding Sectors to address unfair and predatory market practices. In this administration, shipbuilding is the #1 priority for the Department of the Navy.

As Secretary of the Navy, I am committed to this. I have stated many times that readiness is my north star and that shipbuilding and the ability to build and repair ships on-time and at the contracted price are readiness issues. I am focused on addressing these challenges to ensure the Navy can build and sustain the Fleet required by our Nation. In order to execute President Trump's mandate of peace through strength, we must rebuild, reform, and refocus on what mattersreadiness, accountability, and results. Under my leadership, the Department of Navy will be moving to a philosophy of more shared risk with industry. My goal is to make it easier to do business with the Department of the Navy: We are setting realistic, achievable schedules and we are committing to them. We are eliminating the waste and inefficiencies that drain resources without delivering results. We are demanding resultsbecause every dollar and every decision matters when it comes to our national security. We are establishing firm baselines, demanding design maturity before construction, and fostering integration between Navy program offices and private industry. We are implementing smarter contract structuresones that reward performance, support long-term planning, and allow for meaningful accountability and results-based outcomes. We are investing in our workforce, modernizing shipyards, and utilizing advanced manufacturing and other technologies to improve throughput. We are replacing a risk-averse cultureone riddled with gold-plated requirements and endless paperworkwith one that values experimentation, takes calculated risk, learns from failure, and iterates faster than any competitor. And, we are matching capabilities to threats, scaling pilot programs that work, and better connecting operational commanders to the innovators solving their problems. As I mentioned beforeas evidenced in recent conflicts, adapting, iterating, and integrating new technological platforms in real-time is a key advantage. As far as new technological platforms are concerned, stay tunedthere will be a few announcements in this area soon. Why are we making all these changes? Because we are committed to common sense leadership And, because the strength of our maritime industrial base and our innovation economy are deterrents in and of themselves. Moreover, our Navy doesn't get a second chance to be ready.

To all those here: the Department of the Navy cannot solve these problems alone. If we want to remain the world's dominant seapower, we need to grow the fleet in size and capability. Our shipbuilding plans must be bold and executable. To do this: we need all of you, we need public-private partnerships, and we need a whole-of-government approach to embark on the greatest re-industrialization campaign the world has seen. We need modern day industrialists like those in this roompeople like Henry Kaiser and Bill Knudsen. I am committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with Congress, the industrial base, labor, academia, and local and state leaders to rebuild our workforce and maintain the operational superiority of our fleet. I'm committed to listening, learning, and enacting change. I'm committed to leading. And I'm committed to finding solutions that elevate our workforce and strengthen the industrial base they represent. During the peak of our World War II buildup, Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, "a strong Navy is our first line of defense. It is not a luxury. It is a necessity." It's time we start acting like it's a necessity. Because this isn't just about preparing for tomorrow's fight. It's about building the navy of the future and defining the next era of American seapower. It's about preserving our national security and defending our way of life. And this is about ensuring that when the world looks to the sea, it sees an American flag. May God bless the United States Navy-Marine Corps team, may God bless everyone here with us today, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. Thank you. I look forward to your questions.

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German Chancellor Merz calls Gaza situation "unacceptable"

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 14:04, July 19, 2025

BERLIN, July 18 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday described the current situation in the Gaza Strip as "unacceptable," calling for an immediate ceasefire and comprehensive humanitarian aid for the people there.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Merz said that Germany, along with its partners, is working in close coordination to address the conflict in Gaza.

He stressed that Germany clearly states its position on certain developments in Israel, including the settlement policy in the West Bank, which "does not find the approval of the German government."

According to a statement issued by the German federal government, Merz on Friday expressed his hope for a swift ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Merz said that urgently needed humanitarian aid must now reach the people in the Gaza Strip in a secure and humane manner.

Merz also stressed that there must be no steps toward an annexation of the West Bank, according to the statement.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 18 July 2025 - Day 1241

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russia is planning to remove the Ukrainian language from the school curriculum it imposes in illegally occupied Ukrainian territories, according to open-source reports citing a draft Russian Education Ministry order. The ministry reportedly explains the exclusion, expected to take effect from September 2025, as resulting from the 'changed geopolitical situation'.

The proposed change will reportedly primarily affect Ukrainian children in occupied areas of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts, where the Ukrainian language has remained a mandatory part of the education curriculum, according to the cited Education Ministry order. The draft order also reportedly significantly reduces the study of Ukrainian literature.

This follows reported long-term Russian efforts to reduce and eliminate the Ukrainian language in schools in other illegally occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, whilst Russia's President Putin has simultaneously repeatedly demanded protections for the Russian language within unoccupied territories of Ukraine.

The Russian Education Ministry's plans as reported amount to a further addition to the senior leadership's long-standing Russification policy in illegally occupied Ukrainian territory, which seeks to extirpate Ukrainian culture, identity and statehood.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, there have been 138 combat clashes since the beginning of this day. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep intoUkrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Russian invaders launched 61 air strikes, dropping 81 controlled bombs. In addition, 1221 kamikaze drones were recruited to impress and carried out 3,949 shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the North-Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, there have been 26 clashes with Russian zagarbnikami, one of which is ongoing so far. The enemy launched eight aviation strikes, dropped twelve controlled bombs, carried out 192 artillery shelling.

Today, the Russian enemy attacked four times in the South-Slobozhansky direction, in the areas of the settlements Vovchansk and Krasne Pershe.

In the Kupiansk direction, Russian forces made three offensive actions in the direction of Kupiansk and near Stepova Novoselivka, Kindrashivka, one confrontation is still ongoing.

In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces repelled 19 Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Korovy Yar, Karpivka, Kolodyazi, Shandrigolove, Torske and towards Serebryanka, eight clashes are still ongoing.

In the sivers komu direction, Russian forces attacked three times in the areas of grigorivka, serebryanka and viimki.

Since the beginning of the day in the Kramatorsky direction, Russian forces attacked twice in the areas of the White Mountain, Ukrainian units repelled both attacks of the occupiers.

Six boezitknen  took place in the Toretsky direction today. The Russian enemy tried to storm the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Sherbinivka and Oleksandro-Kalinovogo. There is currently one combat.

In the Pokrovsky direction, since the beginning of this day, Russian forces 37 times attacked positions in the areas of settlements Poltavka, Volodymyrivka, Mirolubivka, Novoekonomicne, Lisivka, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Zvirove, Kotline, Molodetske, Udacne, Gorihove, Oleksiyivka.Ukrainian defenders have repelled 36 attacks, another confrontation is ongoing so far.

Today, according to preliminary data, 82 Russian invaders have been defiled in this direction, 46 of which are irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed one personnel shelter, one drone control point, one motorcycle, three cars, ten unmanned aircraft. In addition, two Russian cars were damaged.

Ukrainian defenders repelled six Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Zyrka, Vilne Pole, Novopil and towards Oleksandrograd. Two clashes are still ongoing.

In the Gulyaipil direction, the Russian aviation struck by unkemplified aviation missiles on the settlement of Zaliznychne, Russian forces did not carry out assault actions.

In the Orihivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled three Russian attacks near Kamiansky, in addition, the Russian enemy launched air strikes on settlements Novodanilivka and Plavna.

Six clashes took place in the Pridniprovsky direction, Russian forces tried to advance in the direction of settlements of Dniprovsk, Sadova, Pridniprovske, in the area of the settlement of Gola Prystan and the island of Kozulsky. The settlement of Olgivka suffered an airstrike.





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Statement on Russia's malicious cyber activity affecting the United Kingdom

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

July 18, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, today issued the following statement:

"Canada strongly condemns Russia's malicious cyber activities targeting the United Kingdom, other allies and Ukraine. Canada joins its partners and allies in calling out this activity by Russia's military intelligence service (the GRU). Russia's malicious cyber activity and the subsequent harmful real-world impacts it caused such as the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre, the targeting of Yulia Skripal and cyber operations in support of Putin's illegal war in Ukraine.

"Russia's pattern of disruptive cyber activity demonstrates a repeated disregard for the rules-based international system. It also demonstrates Russia's willingness to use its cyber capabilities irresponsibly as part of a wider campaign to interfere with and destabilize other countries.

"Canada, in conjunction with our partners and allies, including the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, will continue to defend a stable cyberspace, built on the applicability of and respect for international law, as well as responsible state behaviour, in cyberspace.

"We remind Canadian organizations, especially critical infrastructure network defenders, to bolster their awareness of and protection against Russian cyber threats. We encourage all Canadians to follow updated advice and guidance at cyber.gc.ca."

Quick facts

Previous malicious Russian cyber activities include the following:

Electoral and political interference via cyber means targeting the United Kingdom, made public in 2023

The targeting of Viasat's KA-SAT satellite Internet service in Ukraine and other parts of Europe in February 2022

The targeting of the Ukrainian banking sector in February 2022

The exploitation of the SolarWinds Platform by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in 2021

The SVR's targeting of Canadian COVID-19 vaccine research and development in 2020

Interference by Russia's GRU in Georgia's 2020 parliamentary elections

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Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna: Estonia condemns Russia's malicious cctivities in the UK's cyberspace

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

18.07.2025 | 15:29

Today, on 18 July, the UK Foreign Office published a statement accusing Russia of malicious cyberattacks targeting British cyberspace. In recent years, cyber and hybrid attacks attributed to Russian authorities have increased across countries supporting Ukraine, primarily targeting organizations providing assistance to Ukraine.

According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, a clear pattern of aggression emerges from the analysis of Russia's actions, aimed at destabilizing and undermining trust among allies to support its aggression against Ukraine. "Russia has not abandoned its imperialist ambitions and is trying to sow division among allies by exploiting the blurred boundaries of cyberspace and hybrid tactics," Tsahkna said. "Estonia strongly condemns Russia's malicious activities in the UK's and other allies' cyberspace."

The attacks are part of a broader non-military campaign by Russia to destabilize Western societies. These efforts include sabotage, acts of violence, pressure at borders through migration, airspace violations, disinformation campaigns, and other subversive actions. "In cooperation with our allies in NATO, the EU, and beyond, we are taking determined collective steps to counter Russia's hybrid operations more systematically and to respond decisively and asymmetrically," Minister Tsahkna emphasized.

He added that it is of utmost importance that all of Russia's violations of international law - including the crime of aggression against Ukraine, war crimes and crimes against humanity on Ukrainian territory, and subversive actions in countries supporting Ukraine, including in cyberspace - are held accountable. "Cyberspace has clear rules, and every violation must face appropriate consequences."

Estonia continues to support Ukraine through military aid, development cooperation, and digital and cybersecurity partnerships. Estonia remains committed to strengthening Ukraine's cyber resilience and defense through key donor platforms - the Tallinn Mechanism and the IT Coalition.

In September 2024, Estonia attributed the 2020 cyberattacks against the Estonian state to members of Unit 29155, operating under Russia's military intelligence (GRU). This marked the first time Estonia officially attributed state-sponsored cyberattacks to individual perpetrators.

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I have just been back to Cuba after seven years. I had not been there since April 2018. Over the previous four years, when I spent much of my time there, Raul Castro and Barack Obama re-established diplomatic relations and embarked on a process of openness and improvement that triggered an atmosphere of enthusiasm and hope. Cuba became fashionable: luxury stores opened in Parque Central; Chanel held its annual fashion show at El Prado, Fast and Furious filmed an episode of its saga on El Malecon; Madonna celebrated her 58th birthday at La Guarida, and the Rolling Stones, whose music had been banned for decades, gave a concert for 300,000 people at the Ciudad Deportiva. Mick Jagger shouted from the stage: It seems that times are changing! And the crowd called back Yes! Cubans who had rebuilt their lives abroad returned to start a new business on the island. Obama visited Havana and its inhabitants came out to greet the limousine that ferried him around. Even the most nihilistic allowed themselves to imagine they were finally on a different track.

On November 25, 2016, Fidel died and nine days of mourning were decreed, with alcohol and all celebrations prohibited. On December 4, he was buried in the cemetery of Santa Ifigenia under an immense rock brought from the Sierra Maestra, steps from the mausoleum of Jose Marti.

A man repairs his car, in Havana, Cuba, on July 2, 2025. Santiago Mesa

But things did not go as expected. The good vibes evaporated. Trumpism in Florida and conservative Fidelism in Cuba prevailed. Then came the pandemic, the absence of foreign aid, the San Isidro Movement, the protests of journalists, artists and writers outside the Ministry of Culture, those of July 11, 2021  the largest since the 1994 El Malecon protests  the song Patria y Vida by the group Gente de Zona, relentlessly terrible economic management, the Social Communication Law that ended up banning private ownership of any media, a food crisis that has the government asking the United Nations World Food Program for powdered milk, and a collapse of the energy system due to lack of fuel and poor maintenance of generators that cause permanent blackouts. Every day, everywhere at some point or another, there is a power cut.

***

There are very few people in Havana. According to the economist and demographer Juan Carlos Albizu-Campos, between 2022 and 2023 the islands population fell by 18%. This meant a drop of just over 11 million to about 8.5 million. Currently, there is a bit of life around Obispo, but nothing compared to 10 years ago, when it was bustling with tourists. Today you can count them on the fingers of one hand. Several of its shops are closed and theres little to buy in those that remain open. In the Plaza de Armas, they stopped selling books and antiques. A duo of old men sings Besame Mucho without an audience. The terraces that brought the Plaza de la Catedral to life no longer exist. At the door of the Bodeguita del Medio, two women in traditional dress smoke cigars and wait to pose with visitors. One of them, no younger than 70, offers me oral sex. On the opposite wall, a struggling artist exhibits canvases bearing Ches face. Until victory always. Homeland or death, one reads. An old woman in a wheelchair passes by and asks me for money for food. So many Cubans have taken to begging. Some offer discontinued coins and bills with the faces of the heroes of the Revolution in exchange for help.

***

There appears to be more old people than young on the street. The fundamental clay of our work is YOUTH, in it we place our hope and prepare it to take the flag from our hands, says Ernesto Guevara on a poster on Teniente Rey Street. On the edges of San Miguel Boulevard you can find old men lying on the pavement. Those who trawl the garbage are called drifters. It is far more difficult nowadays to find the attractive boys and girls who made Cuba famous for its beauty. Many have left with the help of strangers.

***

In the Plaza Vieja, at the end of last year, the German artist Martin Steinert installed a sculpture entitled Wood Cloud. There are hundreds of slats arranged to catch the light and make it look like a wooden cloud. Havana residents have filled these slats with messages: Be free no matter what they say; Peace and prosperity for my Cuba; I love you, but I leave you; Down with the dictatorship; What revolution are they talking about, if they dont allow any change? and Wow, I hate them. There are also hearts pierced with declarations of love and dated autographs.

***

In Old Havana, there are plenty of dilapidated buildings. According to official data, 35% of the countrys homes are in poor condition. Weeks before passing through, a building collapsed in Santos Suarez and around the same time another five houses in Guajay fell down, another one in Compostela and a balcony on Calle Muralla. It is common to find concrete debris and accumulated garbage in various corners of the streets. Weeks can go by without any collection and there are parks, such as Carlos Aguirre, that have been directly converted into garbage dumps. I reached the Carlos Aguirre park after wandering through Centro Habana: Neptuno, Perseverancia, Lealtad and San Rafael to Infantas, and found people offering pairs of old shoes, worn T-shirts, nails, rusty wires and sweet dough among the pillars. A trade in junk.

Streets of Havana, July 7, 2025. Santiago Mesa

***

If there is one thing that has characterized this revolutionary island, it is security. Drugs have always existed, but in very exclusive circles, unlike in other Latin American countries. While walking through Cayo Hueso, however, more than once I was warned not to talk on my cell phone in case it was snatched. The writer Pedro Juan Gutierrez told me that he was reinforcing the doors of his apartment on the 8th floor of Galeano, very close to El Malecon. Around there, the consumption of a new drug known as El Quimico has become rife. The dose, contained in a piece of impregnated paper, costs less than a dollar and consists of carbamazepine and other benzodiazepines, as well as animal anesthetic, formaldehyde, fentanyl and phenobarbital. According to a man called Josue, Its like a shot of energy that fills my whole body with cramps. There is a moment when I only feel my heart beating and my ears get clogged. It makes a lot of people speed up, but I like to walk slow.

***

Meanwhile, in parts of Havana a bourgeoisie is emerging. It is made up of the owners of small privately-owned companies (mipymes) that have replaced the state as providers of goods and services. While many Cubans live with scarcity, this merchant class is growing. It is as if two different eras coexist, most obvious in the various forms of transportation: carts, pedal taxis, gringo cars from the 1950s, Soviet Ladas, electric tricycles trundle alongside brand new vehicles. There are more new cars than before, many of them Chinese. There are also restaurants with international prices where the food is good and plentiful. Once frequented by successful artists and musicians, as well as foreigners, they now host the owners of these small businesses and their families.

The economy is highly dollarized and it is not difficult to exchange dollars on the black market at almost three times their official price. In the best-stocked stores, you pay directly in dollars. New immense and uninhabited hotels have shot up, owned by the state but managed by private companies: a 42-story building on 23rd Street, a few steps from the Coppelia, managed by Iberostar, and the immense Gran Muthu Habana Hotel near Fifth Avenue attract the most attention. I ask why they are being built now if there are no tourists and, although no one really knows, some claim these projects were started during those years of openness and hope. They were then interrupted by domestic politics, the triumph of Donald Trump and the pandemic. Others suspect they involve shady business deals in which members of the government are involved. In the absence of a free press, all news is based on rumor, and one widely spread is that obtaining permits depends on corrupt characters such as El Cangrejo (The Crab), whose name is rarely uttered, but indicated by the twiddling of fingers.

The flag of Cuba flies atop a building in Havana, Cuba, on July 5, 2025. Santiago Mesa

***

Dont take notes in public, a friend tells me as I take out my pen and paper. I was about to jot down what he had just told me  the rumor that Miguel Diaz-Canel has bad ache  or energy. According to my friend, as soon as he took office, a tornado swept through Havana, then the Saratoga Hotel exploded, and three months later the oil deposits of Matanzas burned. Put that away, he told me. Dont be crazy. It was the first time I had returned to Cuba after publishing Journey to the End of the Revolution. A plainclothes officer had pulled me aside at the airport to remind me that I was arriving on a tourist visa and, as I was able to confirm a few days later they have you in their sights.

The population of this city is no longer the same, said my friend, who has lost many of his own friends to the exodus. Havanans migrate abroad in search of better opportunities just as rural Cubans migrate from the provinces to Havana. Those who arrive from the East are called Palestinians. They are recognized by their accent, skin color, cultural level, extreme poverty and rootlessness.

***

I return to the Vedado neighborhood where I used to stay years ago: the Paseo de los Presidentes, the Habana gallery, the little market on F Street which is now empty and on whose counters are scattered some sad examples of garlic, peppers, onions, yucca and beets. In the background, a glass display case shows four or five unappetizing cuts of beef and pork; and in a darkened corner of the courtyard, theres a 20-year-old woman selling strawberry, chocolate, caramel and soursop ice cream worthy of the best Italian gelateria, but served in rudimentary plastic cups. Just as these great ice creams survive, if you look hard enough, you can find the best jazz on the continent amidst the din of the reparto, the local variant of reggaeton. The Presidente Hotel hasnt changed either, although its terrace is empty. A decade ago, Cubans would gather on the sidewalk of 2nd Street to pick up the Wi-Fi signal available to the hotels guests and communicate with relatives abroad. Today, most pay for phone plans that allow them to do so without too much trouble.

People eat ice cream in Havana, Cuba, on July 2, 2025. Santiago Mesa

***

No one believes in the Revolution anymore. The Diaz-Canel government does not inspire either affection or respect among Cubans. Almost nothing is produced in the country. Donald Trumps administration, for its part, constantly imposes new sanctions that tighten the blockade; Airbnb was banned from operating in Cuba. Humanitarian parole and family reunification programs have also been terminated, and sanctions have limited access to artificial intelligence for universities while also prosecuting possible investors in the national Biopharmaceutical industry.

There is hardly any talk about what is happening in Cuba in the international media, except in local political debates where its ideological enemies mention it as a negligible abstraction. Its flesh-and-blood inhabitants, meanwhile, are unable to imagine the next step in this story, how much worse it can get. Where once the new man was conceived, hopelessness now reigns.

Patricio Fernandez is a Chilean journalist and writer.

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Designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) by the United States Department of State (July 18, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

July 18, 2025

The Government of India welcomes the decision of the United States Department of State to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). We acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of Secretary of State Mr. Marco Rubio in this regard.

2. The TRF, a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), has been involved in numerous terror-related activities, including the heinous attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025 for which it twice claimed responsibility.

3. India has consistently emphasized the need for global cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the dismantling of terror infrastructure. The designation of TRF is a timely and important step reflecting the deep cooperation between India and the United States on counter-terrorism.

4. India remains committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that terrorist organizations and their proxies are held accountable.

New Delhi

July 18, 2025

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Poland stands in solidarity with the UK over Russia's harmful actions in cyberspace

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

18.07.2025

Poland stands in solidarity with the United Kingdom as it imposes restrictive measures against three units of GRU (the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation), as well as several individuals linked to GRU.

Our position is expressed in the statements of the European Union and NATO.

The intensity of Russian cyberattacks in Poland and across Europe has been increasing in recent years, especially since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We strongly condemn malicious cyber activities, which are contrary to the United Nations' framework of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace that all UN Member States have endorsed.

The threats faced by Poland and Europe are not limited to cyberspace. We are dealing with active sabotage operations, threats to critical infrastructure, GPS jamming, deliberate violation of our airspace, disinformation, and artificially-created migration flows. In response to threats from Russia, Poland is actively building digital resilience through the development of Cyber Defense Forces, international cooperation, education of the public and modernization of critical infrastructure.

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NATO and the EU strongly condemn the malicious cyber activities carried out against multiple NATO and EU Member States by entities subordinated to Russia's military intelligence service (GRU)

Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Type: Press release

Date: 07/18/25

NATO and the EU strongly condemn the malicious cyber activities carried out against multiple NATO and EU Member States by entities subordinated to Russia's military intelligence service (GRU). GRU-subordinated actors have targeted public institutions, critical infrastructure operators and other entities within the Alliance's and EU's territory, including in Romania.

These malicious cyber activities, which have intensified on the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, are part of an array of more complex hybrid campaigns waged by the Russian Federation against EU Member States and NATO Allies, including Romania, as well as against partners of the two organisations. The aim of these campaigns is both to undermine the stability and democratic resilience of the targeted countries and to deter continued support to Ukraine.

Romania condemns these malicious cyber activities and shares NATO and the EU's evaluation that they demonstrate the Russian Federation's disregard of the normative framework on responsible state behaviour in the cyberspace, such as it has been defined by the UN. We call on the Russian Federation to respect its international obligations.

Romania stands in solidarity with other Allies, EU Member States and partners affected by these malicious cyber activities and will continue to engage actively in the intensifying efforts to prevent, deter and respond to such destabilising actions.



Background information:

The North Atlantic Council published, on the 18th of July, a Statement of condemnation concerning Russian malicious cyber activities, available at:

https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_237067.htm

On the same day, the EU High Representative put forward a Statement on behalf of the EU condemning Russia's persistent hybrid campaigns against the EU, its Member States and partners, available at:

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/07/18/hybrid-threats-russia-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-condemning-russia-s-persistent-hybrid-campaigns-against-the-eu-its-member-states-and-partners/

The GRU possesses a very advanced cyber programme, having proven in time that it has the necessary capabilities to support the Russian Federation's strategic objectives. In this regard, multiple GRU military units are conducting malicious cyber campaigns at international level and are coordinating the activity of APT28/Fancy Bear, APT44/Sandworm and APT Ember Bear. These actors' cyber operations are aimed at governmental institutions, military organisations, critical infrastructure, media publications, NGOs, etc. from Allied countries, EU member states and partner countries.

At the 2021 Brussels NATO Summit, Allies approved the new Comprehensive Cyber Defence Policy. Allies reaffirmed NATO's defensive mandate and pledged to employ all capabilities in order to deter, defend against and counter the full spectrum of cyber threats during peacetime, crisis and conflict.

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Coast Guard Cutter Reliance (WMEC 615) returns home to Florida after 60-day patrol

United States Coast Guard

Press Release | July 18, 2025

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Reliance (WMEC 615) returned to their home port in Pensacola, Friday, following a 60-day maritime border security patrol in the Gulf of America.

Reliance's crew deployed to the Coast Guard Heartland District's area of responsibility in support of maritime safety, security and environmental protection, where crew members conducted extensive operations along the U.S. - Mexico maritime border to protect American sovereignty and territorial integrity. While at sea, the crew worked to deter illegal migration, fishing and smuggling while increasing awareness of all maritime activity in the region.

During the patrol, Reliance's crew visited Galveston, Texas, near where the cutter was constructed in 1964. While in Galveston, the crew hosted free public tours over Independence Day weekend, welcoming over 800 members of the public on board for an up-close look at life aboard a Coast Guard cutter while providing informational materials to prospective recruits.

Additionally, Reliance's crew was honored to receive a visit from Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Koch, command master chief, Coast Guard Heartland District, who recognized Reliance's very own Petty Officer 1st Class Cody Scott, a storekeeper on board, as the Heartland District 2024 Enlisted Person of the Year.

"I am incredibly proud and impressed by the Reliance crew's professionalism, resilience and skill, which they demonstrated throughout this patrol," said Cmdr. Kevin Robinson, commanding officer of Reliance. "Their unwavering dedication to protecting our nation's marine resources and deterring illegal activity at our maritime border reflects the very best of the Coast Guard. Their efforts not only safeguarded American lives and livelihoods but reinforced the Coast Guard's commitment to mission excellence in maritime safety and security."

Reliance is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium endurance cutter with a crew of 77. The cutter's primary missions include counter-narcotics and alien interdiction, enforcement of living marine resource laws, and search and rescue throughout the Western Hemisphere.

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.

For more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

-USCG-

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NZ joins international condemnation of Russian cyber attacks

Beehive.govt.nz - The official website of the New Zealand Government

19 July 2025

Rt Hon Winston Peters

Foreign Affairs

New Zealand has echoed international condemnation of malicious cyber activity by the Russian Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.

"Russia's hostile behaviour in cyberspace continues to threaten global cyber security and undermine agreed international rules and norms," he says.

Mr Peters' comments follow UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's statement today that outlined a campaign of malicious cyber activity by Russia's General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).

The GRU has undertaken sustained cyber attacks in support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and enables Russia's destabilising activity worldwide.

"New Zealand stands with the UK in calling out this behaviour," Mr Peters says.

The United Kingdom has exposed the role of the GRU's cyber operations in real world events, including the 2018 Novichok poisonings in Salisbury and the bombing of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Today it has imposed sanctions on the units and individuals responsible.

"New Zealand supports international efforts to impose costs on those responsible for Russia's illegal war against Ukraine," Mr Peters says.

"New Zealand will continue to use the Russia Sanctions Act to hold the enablers of Russia's military to account and press the Russian Government to end its unlawful and unjust war.

"New Zealand has already sanctioned some of the groups and individuals the United Kingdom has acted against today and officials are providing advice on whether further sanctions are appropriate."

To date, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 1,800 entities and individuals under the Russia Sanctions Act 2022, including the Head of the GRU and its cyberwarfare units 74455 and 26165, also known as Sandworm and Fancy Bear respectively.



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National Defence signs technology partnership arrangement with Australia for Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar

National Defence

News release

July 17, 2025 - Ottawa - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

On June 20, 2025, representatives of the governments of Canada and Australia signed a landmark technology partnership arrangement, a critical milestone in the rapid development and deployment of Canada's A-OTHR system.

Through this arrangement, Australian industry partners will work with Canadian companies to build expertise and capacity in Canada, grow our domestic sovereign defence industry, support high-paying Canadian jobs, and help Canada scale up its own radar system and technology.

Canada's Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system is a key component of Canada's North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization plan and will provide advanced early warning, enable faster detection and decision making by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for airborne threats, and provide long-range surveillance to meet Canada's domestic and continental security needs.

After careful consideration, Canada determined that a technology partnership with the Government of Australia, which currently operates one of the most advanced Over-the-Horizon Radar capabilities in the world, would provide the best solution for strengthening CAF domain awareness of Canada's northern approaches. It will also quickly deliver a crucial capability to the CAF and NORAD commanders.

The first stage of the A-OTHR program will deliver an initial capability by the end of 2029.

Quotes

"Defending and asserting our sovereignty in the Arctic is becoming ever more important as our adversaries are increasing activity the region. This arrangement with Australia will help advance delivery of the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system. A-OTHR is a key component of Canada's NORAD modernization plan as it enhances our ability to detect and respond to threats in the North." The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

"The Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system is a vital step in strengthening Canada's ability to defend its territory and assert its sovereignty in the North. By significantly enhancing long-range detection and domain awareness, this capability will ensure the Canadian Armed Forces and NORAD remain prepared to address emerging threats and safeguard our nation and continent." General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff

"This technology partnership with Australia represents a significant milestone in Canada's efforts to modernize its threat detection capabilities and enhance its ability to deter and defend against threats to Canada and North America." Ross Ermel, Assistant Deputy Minister (Digital Services) and Defence Chief Digital Officer, National Defence

Quick facts

In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced its intent to partner with Australia to further develop the technology to our mutual advantage and work closely with the United States (U.S.) to verify the interoperability of Canadian and U.S. solutions.

As noted in Canada's defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is committed to improving the CAF's ability to detect threats earlier by modernizing its surveillance systems, bolstering Canada's Arctic security, and unleashing its Northern economic potential.

A-OTHR will be a key contribution to the defence of North America through NORAD, the only binational command of its kind in the world and the cornerstone of Canadian and U.S. defence cooperation. NORAD provides aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for the defence of North America.

Through NORAD modernization, Canada is investing in enhanced surveillance, command, control, communications, research, and development including modernized air weapons systems and infrastructure.

A-OTHR can conduct surveillance at far greater ranges than regular radar technology as it bounces radar beams off the ionosphere to see around the curvature of the Earth.

Canada's A-OTHR program will leverage the same core technology and operational principles as Australia's Jindalee Operational Radar Network, with modifications to address the unique challenges of Arctic surveillance.

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Prime Minister's visit to China

Media release

Friday 18 July 2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his second official visit to China.

The visit was an opportunity to continue advancing Australia's security and economic interests. Wise management of this relationship is crucial for Australia's future prosperity and for the security of our nation and the stability of our region.

The centrepiece of the Prime Minister's visit were meetings with China's most senior leaders in Beijing. The Prime Minister held his fourth meeting with President Xi Jinping, met Premier Li Qiang for their third Annual Leaders' Meeting and had his second meeting with Chairman Zhao Leji of the National People's Congress.

Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li announced a review of the ten-year old China Australia Free Trade Agreement, the basis of Australia's trade arrangements with our largest trading partner. The Review will allow industry and the community to share views on how to improve the agreement.

In Shanghai, the Prime Minister met leading businesses from Australia - as part of a Business Council of Australia delegation - and China to discuss development of our economic links and in Beijing, the Prime Minister and Premier Li participated in the 8th Australia-China CEO Roundtable and witnessed the signature of bilateral arrangements to progress cooperation in trade, agriculture and tourism.

In tourism, the Prime Minister witnessed the signing of several agreements to increase the strength and diversity of tourism links between Australia and China. This included new cooperation to boost media exposure in China of Australia as a world-class leading tourism destination.

In the resources sector, Prime Minister Albanese convened a Steel Decarbonisation Roundtable as part of a Business Council of Australia delegation with leading Australian iron ore miners - BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue and Hancock Prospecting - and Chinese steelmakers. These discussions focused on ways for Australia and China to bolster industry-led decarbonisation initiatives and ensure Australia's iron ore trade with China continues strongly into the future.

Recognising the importance of this trade, Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li announced the establishment of a new Policy Dialogue on Steel Decarbonisation that will further back in these industry-led efforts.

The Prime Minister also travelled to Chengdu, the gateway to China's thriving South West. In Chengdu, the Prime Minister engaged with leading Australian business and scientists in the health and medical technology sectors, backing in Australian cutting- edge talent in an area of great potential. He visited a Cochlear Australia facility in Chengdu, where this innovative Australian company is building a significant presence and is expanding its market reach in China and changing lives.

Australia's approach to our relationship with China remains patient, calibrated and deliberate. Dialogue is central to a stable and constructive relationship.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

"This visit marks another important step in the Australia-China relationship.

"A stable and constructive relationship with China is in Australia's national interest.

"We will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest.

"Strengthening our security and economic interests with our largest trading partner will boost Australian jobs and support Australian businesses.

"I used my engagements in China to advocate for Australia's interests including on trade, consular, human rights and regional and global issues.

"I thank President Xi and Premier Li for their hospitality on my second official visit to China."

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Belarus's Military Budget Is Ballooning. That's Got Its Neighbors Worried.

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service July 19, 2025

Belarus has increased its spending on weaponry and military hardware sharply since 2022, budget numbers show. The increase coincides with Russia's all-out war on Ukraine and has worried its immediate neighbors.

Government spending on military-related items -- including sophisticated Russian fighter jets and modern attack helicopters -- grew more than 2 1/2 times over the past three years, according to public budget and procurement documents reviewed by RFE/RL's Belarus Service.

The 2025 budget for all defense spending now totals around 4.7 billion Belarusian rubles ($1.6 billion) or around 2 percent of the country's gross domestic product. That's up from 1.8 billion rubles (US$694 million), around 0.95 percent of GDP, in 2022.

Among the weapons being purchased are advanced Sukhoi Su-30SM2 multirole fighter jets, Mi-35M attack helicopters, and Volat V-2 armored personnel carriers, along with hundreds of attack drones.

Aleksandr Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, has embraced Russia as the country's main protector. The two countries' economies are tightly intertwined.

Lukashenko's embrace of Russia grew even tighter after 2020, when he declared victory in a presidential election widely deemed fraudulent. The result sparked unprecedented street protests and a brutal police crackdown that led to the jailing of thousands of Belarusians.

Despite the close ties with Moscow, Lukashenko has tried to keep his distance from the Kremlin's all-out invasion of neighboring Ukraine, steering clear of sending Belarusian soldiers to participate in the war. Russian forces launched part of their initial invasion in February 2022 from Belarusian territory. Wounded Russian troops and exchanged POWs also have been treated in Belarusian hospitals.

"Lukashenko's system fully relies on the Kremlin for its defense," said Uladzimer Zhyhar, an activist with BYPOL, a group made up of former Belarusian police and law enforcement officers.

"Paradoxically, the level of Belarus's military spending suggests that despite flirting with Putin, Lukashenko does not particularly...expect that the Russian army will come and defend him, in case of a mythical NATO aggression," said Ivan Kirichevskiy, a military analyst with the Ukraine-based online magazine Defense Express. "I would even say that the Belarusian army now has only one enemy: the Russian army."

Nuclear Nuts

Western analysts have been particularly concerned about the possibility of Russian nuclear weapons being based in Belarus. Putin has pledged multiple times that Russian nuclear weapons would be deployed to Belarusian territory. Satellite images show expansion and upgrade of the Asipovichy military base, and indications that it could be used to store nuclear weaponry.

Lukashenko announced that a Russian-made nuclear-capable hypersonic missile called the Oreshnik -- named for the hazelnut tree -- would be deployed in Belarus by the end of the year.

A conventional version of the missile was used against Ukraine last November.

"You've seen how the Oreshnik works: the same missiles, the same strikes -- but without nuclear warheads, without radioactive contamination of the land and air. This weapon will be stationed in Belarus by the end of the year," he said on July 1.

Funding for the upgrade infrastructure does not appear in the budget documents.

Guns, Not Butter

The increased military expenditures come as the country's overall economy is under increasing strain. Exports of oil-related products to Western markets have been sharply curtailed since Western isolation of Lukashenko after the 2020 election crackdown.

The country's once-vibrant tech industry has all but evaporated, with coders, developers, and tech companies decamping to Poland or the Baltics to avoid repressive policies.

Outside budget experts warn that the increasing military spending puts the country's social welfare system at risk, a network that the country's aging population is heavily reliant on.

Social welfare spending is even higher now than before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Belarusian economist Alisa Ryzhichenka said.

"As a percentage of budget expenditures, the most goes to social policies," Ryzhichenka said. But now "defense is catching up with this part of expenditures. And given that budget operates on a deficit, then there's nowhere you can increase."

"We need to reduce the social security, or something else, in order to add to the defense budget," she said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-military-spending-weapons- russia-war-ukraine-lukashenko-putin/33477863.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.

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PLA Navy's aircraft carrier Shandong drives away foreign aircraft with J-15 fighter jets in recent mission: official media

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan Published: Jul 18, 2025 01:55 PM

The aircraft carrier Shandong of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy launched J-15 fighter jets and drove away foreign aircraft attempting close-in reconnaissance during a recent far seas training operation, official media revealed.

According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV) News, not long ago, during a far seas combat training mission, the aircraft carrier Shandong suddenly encountered foreign aircraft conducting close-in harassment. Facing the tense situation, the officers and sailors of Shandong's aircraft takeoff and landing support squadron ensured fighter jets were scrambled at maximum speed, successfully driving away the target. A naval officer participating in the mission said: "Every step of our support process demands split-second precision and flawless accuracy. Only then can we ensure our fighter jets are armed and airborne in the shortest possible time!"

A story by the PLA Navy's official social media account provided another detail: during the recent far seas dual-carrier group training mission, the Shandong swiftly scrambled fighter jets under the support of the squadron to deal with a foreign military aircraft attempting close-range harassment, prompting the foreign aircraft to retreat after recognizing the Chinese response.

CCTV military channel also mentioned that during the training, foreign vessels and aircraft repeatedly conducted close-in reconnaissance and tracking surveillance. On one late-night occasion, the squadron successfully carried out carrier-based fighter jet launch operations, handling the situation with professional competence. A crew member aboard the carrier said that, "We maintain all-weather response capabilities. No matter the circumstances, if you dare approach, we have the ability to launch aircraft and respond."

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the rapid launch and response capability of the Shandong's fighter jets against unidentified aerial targets demonstrates the carrier group's robust combat readiness and emergency response proficiency. This performance confirms that the command crew, pilots, and aircraft have passed rigorous operational tests, achieving deeper ship-aircraft-personnel integration, fully meeting the demands of maritime warfare, contingency operations, and emergency combat scenarios.

He further noted that these flight operations represent all-weather capabilities, including night operations and adverse weather condition sorties. This reflects substantial improvements in the carrier group's reconnaissance, early warning, command-and-control systems, as well as emergency combat capacity. The carrier's air wing has achieved full all-weather operational capability, marking continuous enhancement of the carrier's comprehensive combat capability, now fully qualified for far seas defense missions.



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Chinese foreign ministry urges US to abide by market economy rules after graphite tariff ruling

Global Times

By Ma Jingjing Published: Jul 18, 2025 11:52 PM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed on Friday that China-US economic ties benefit both sides, while urging the US side to abide by the rules of the market economy and keep the trade and economic ties sound and stable, after the US Commerce Department announced to impose preliminary anti-dumping taxes of over 90 percent on a kind of graphite imported from China.

A Chinese expert also said on Friday that the US' protectionist policies are self-defeating and will eventually backfire on US companies and consumers, as they have to pay higher prices for the key mineral that China enjoys strong competitiveness in the international market.

The US Department of Commerce said on Thursday that it will impose preliminary anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese graphite, a key battery component, according to the website of the US government agency. The order affects imports valued at $347.1 million in 2023, it said.

A separate but parallel anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese anode grade graphite materials by the US Commerce Department on May 20 resulted in a countervailing duty of up to 721.03 percent, according to the US government website.

Final anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties for the material are due by December 5, 2025, it said.

Graphite is a critical mineral that China has an international competitive advantage in, and also an important resource supporting strategic emerging industries. Washington's new tariff on the key mineral from China has raised concerns among US companies.

The US' new tariff on the key battery mineral would be a blow to battery manufacturers, said Sam Adham, head of battery materials at consultancy CRU Group, Bloomberg reported. "That basically wipes out profits for one or two entire quarters for the Korean battery makers," Adham said.

Tesla Inc and its key battery supplier, Japan's Panasonic Inc, were among companies pushing to block the US' new tariffs, arguing that they rely on Chinese graphite imports because the domestic industry hasn't developed enough to meet the quality standards and volume that the carmaker requires, according to the report.

Wu Chenhui, an independent industry analyst who closely follows the critical minerals industry, told the Global Times on Friday that "Re-establishing a reliable graphite supply chain that excludes China would be a complex and costly endeavor, as relevant US industries heavily rely on high-quality graphite products imported from China."

The US' latest move indicates that in the process of the gradual easing of China-US economic and trade tension, there are still certain forces in the US who hold a zero-sum mindset and still persist in crackdown on Chinese companies and China's development, Bao Jianyun, dean and professor of the Department of International Politics, School of International studies at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Friday.

As facts have proven, the US' crackdown is doomed to be futile given the growing strength of the Chinese economy and the rapid development of its technologies, Bao said, referring to the US government's approval of American tech giant Nvidia's sale of H20 chips to China.

US urged to lift restrictions

Regarding Nvidia getting green light for H20 chips sales to China, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Friday that China believes that the US should abandon zero-sum thinking and continue to remove a series of unreasonable economic and trade restriction measures against China.

Following the economic and trade talks in London, the two sides have maintained close communication, confirming the details of the framework established in London and advancing its implementation, said the spokesperson, according to a statement appeared on the MOFCOM website.

Win-win cooperation is the right path for China and the US, while suppression and containment lead nowhere. "China expects the US to work with China in the same direction, engage in equal consultations, and correct its erroneous practices, to foster a favorable environment for mutually beneficial cooperation between enterprises of both countries, and jointly safeguard the stability of global semiconductor production and supply chains," the spokesperson said.

The ongoing 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) held in Beijing attracted the active participation of US companies, including Nvidia, Apple, Qualcomm and Tesla.

US electric vehicle giant Tesla attended the CISCE for the third consecutive year in Beijing. This year, Tesla showcased exhibits including globally best-selling Model 3 and Model Y, V4 Supercharger, and a second-generation humanoid robot, according to a statement sent to the Global Times.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in Beijing on Thursday, noting that China's policy on attracting foreign investment will remain unchanged, and its door will only open wider.

Wang said China has a huge market scale, diverse application scenarios, and dynamic innovation and creativity, expressing the hope that multinational companies, including Nvidia, will provide high-quality and reliable products and services to Chinese customers.

Huang noted that the Chinese market is very attractive, and Nvidia is willing to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners in the field of artificial intelligence.

In addition to Nvidia, US chip giant Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD) said on Tuesday the US Commerce Department plans to resume reviewing its license applications to send products to China. AMD said it plans to start shipments once those are approved, CNBC reported.

"One of the reasons behind the US' easing of chip export controls to China is precisely China's rapid tech development such as Huawei's chip breakthroughs, and Washington might fear that US companies may be squeezed out of the huge Chinese market," Bao said.

Now is the time for the US to realize that a tariff war and trade war cannot contain China's development, and as the world's two most important trading partners and largest economies, China and the US should strengthen cooperation in maintaining global free trade, the expert said, adding that "while unilateral trade dominance may yield short-term gains for the US, it could ultimately trigger adverse repercussions for America itself in the long run."

Despite growing global uncertainties, the Chinese economy continues to chart a course of resilient, high-quality development, posting a robust 5.2 percent year-on-year expansion in the second quarter of 2025. "China has all the necessary conditions, capability and confidence to deal with any risks and challenges," Chinese officials reiterated on multiple occasions.

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China's southern provinces on alert as Typhoon Wipha enters South China Sea

Xinhua) 17:16, July 19, 2025

HAIKOU, July 19 (Xinhua) -- South China's Hainan and Guangdong provinces were plunged into high alert as Typhoon Wipha entered the South China Sea, bringing strong gales and heavy rains to the two provinces.

Hainan activated a Level IV emergency response at 9 a.m. Saturday, while Guangdong upgraded its emergency response from Level IV to Level II at 11 a.m.

According to the Hainan Meteorological Service, Typhoon Wipha intensified from a tropical storm to a strong tropical storm in the early hours of Saturday. At 8 a.m., its center was located in the northeastern part of the South China Sea, at approximately 930 kilometers east of Wenchang City of Hainan.

The Hainan Meteorological Service estimated that Wipha is advancing northwest at a speed of approximately 20 kilometers per hour while gaining strength. It is approaching the coastal areas stretching from Shenzhen in Guangdong to Wenchang in Hainan, and is likely to make landfall in these areas between Sunday afternoon and nighttime.

Due to its impact, from Saturday to July 22, most sea areas and land regions in Hainan will experience rainstorms and strong winds. Additionally, the Qiongzhou Strait between Guangdong and Hainan may face prolonged suspensions of shipping operations from Sunday until July 22.

Haikou, the capital city of Hainan, may experience severe waterlogging. Meanwhile, Guangdong is bracing for strong thunderstorms, gales and tidal waves.

Additionally, Guangdong has maintained specialized rescue vessels and helicopters, along with high-power tugboats and cleanup vessels on standby.

China has a four-tier emergency response system for typhoons, with Level I being the most severe.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
In Muzo, luck and chance are like two more neighbors in town  old, familiar faces. People buy and sell raffles, lottery tickets, or betting slips in the hope of a stroke of fortune that might change their lives. But this corner of Boyaca, in central Colombia, is best known for a more enchanted version of luck: emeralds, the most valuable in the world.

The relentless pursuit and improbable discovery of emeralds have defined life here since the days when only Indigenous peoples inhabited the land. Although greed for the gems once sparked violent conflicts that bled the region dry, today theres a sense of peace and a notable shift in the air: the emerald trade, which used to happen in person to verify the stones value, is now conducted via TikTok and social media. The business of the green treasure in this self-proclaimed emerald world capital no longer works the way it used to.

Muzo is a hot, rural town of just over 9,000 inhabitants, located about 111 miles from Bogota. To get there, you have to travel along a rugged dirt road with sections where you have to cross small streams and climb steep hills that often prove too challenging for smaller vehicles. The town is nestled between lush green mountains. Atop one of them stands a statue of Christ with arms outstretched in a cross, overlooking the landscape. Just beneath it, visible from several miles away, are giant letters bearing a message that reads like both a reminder and a warning an antidote to the latent violence of the past: Peace. God sees all.

That sign has been there since the emerald miners signed a peace agreement following the last of the so-called green wars, in 1990. Before that, working with emeralds was practically a death sentence. Locals in Muzo say its the only peace accord in Colombia that has truly worked. The towns calm atmosphere seems to support that claim: here, everyone carries emeralds as if they were pocket change, offering them casually on bar tables or public benches. Its more unusual to find someone who isnt wearing jewelry inlaid with the green stone that has shaped the history of western Boyaca.

Muzo is the heart of an emerald-producing region that also includes towns like Otanche, San Pablo de Borbur, Maripi, Pauna, La Victoria, and Quipama. From this land came Fura and Tena, two of the most famous gems in the world. Also from Colombia  specifically Gachala, in the department of Cundinamarca  came the emerald known as Emilia, named after the woman who, according to local lore, unknowingly used it as a doorstop. Stories like these are part of why Colombian emeralds have a global reputation and make a major contribution to the countrys economy. According to the Colombian Emerald Federation, in 2024, exports of the gem  which account for 97% of national production  reached $162.1 million.

In the emerald heart of the world, its common for people to wear knee-high black rubber boots. With these, they cross streams, trudge through mud, and work in the mines keeping their feet free from dirt and moisture. Josue Gonzalez, a 24-year-old miner proud of his town, usually dresses with these boots, a poncho, and a hat. Hes open about his life on Instagram and TikTok. On social media, he created a name for himself by which he is also known in the streets of his town: Guaquerito. With over 51,400 followers across both accounts, Gonzalez is one of Muzos first emerald influencers.

The guaquerito records what a visitor found at the mine in Muzo, in June. ANDRES BO

Guaqueritos loquacity is one of the driving forces behind his social media profiles. Another is his relatable way of describing the daily routines of Boyaca miners searching for hidden emeralds. He works at the Coscuez mine near Otanche, and invented a program called Guaqueritos for a Day, inviting his followers to visit the region and step in the role of a miner. He always underscores one point: the conflicts in western Boyaca are a thing of the past. The violence associated with the precious stone seems at times to have moved to Bogota, where, last year, emerald entrepreneurs Juan Sebastian Aguilar, alias Pedro Pechuga, and Hernando Sanchez were killed by snipers.

Guaqueritos proposal appealed to Candy Nocua and Jose Gregorio Sanchez, who, along with three of their four children, arrived in Muzo after a 10-hour road trip from Bucaramanga. They ordered lunch at a restaurant: a selection of beef and pork with potatoes and yucca, guarapo (a fermented beverage), refajo (a beer mixed with cola), and some beer. Thats how they prepared for the most exciting and demanding part of Guaqueritos program: entering the depths of one of the emerald mines and waiting for luck  also present in these hills  to reveal itself as a bright green gem amid the black earth.

Hidden riches

The people of Muzo sometimes tell a story that speaks to the richness of their land: long ago, two men were trying to catch an armadillo  whose meat is a local delicacy. The frightened animal began digging into the earth to take shelter, and as it dug its burrow, emeralds started to emerge from the soil. This tale is likely part of local folklore, but one thing is certain: the gems no longer surface so easily. Nowadays, people sift through earth discarded decades ago, hoping to find a stone that will change their lives.

Lady Fajardo, 26, explains  shovel in hand and water halfway up her boots  how the job of palear works: you place a medium-sized stone in the stream running down the mountain to create a kind of cradle at the bottom where stones accumulate. From that cradle, you scoop earth with the shovel, spread it on a dry surface, and dig through it looking for an emerald. This method is done in the open air, at the bottom of the abyss created by the mountains. Its also part of the tourist tours she offers on her TikTok profiles, where she sells emeralds across the country. Her social media name is @Esmeralady, and her videos have reached 42,000 views.

Since arriving in Muzo seven years ago, Lady has been immersed in the mining world. Six months ago, at the suggestion of a friend, she started selling emeralds on TikTok. Her first livestreams were so successful that she decided to dedicate herself to selling jewelry and gems on social media. About four months later, she added tours of the mining areas in Muzo to her offerings, after realizing how curious people were  fascinated by her work in such a physically demanding trade as mining, which until recently was forbidden to women: the belief was that emeralds would hide if a woman tried to search for them.

Aside from her work with emeralds, Fajardo leads the community action board of the hamlet La 14. From this position, she critically observes the operations of Esmeraldas Mining Services (EMS), the major company in charge of exploiting the Puerto Arturo mine in Muzo, which covers 55 hectares with five drill sites between 90 and 150 meters deep. She acknowledges that the company can bring benefits to the region but laments the little interest it seems to have in giving back to the community.

Until June 2018, EMS was called Mineria Texas Company (MTC). The company is part of the Companias Muzo group, whose annual production usually reaches around 600,000 carats  although in 2021, EMS exceeded one million. In 2024, EMS reported profits over 120 billion Colombian pesos ($30 million), according to data provided to the Bogota Chamber of Commerce. From its mines come enormous gems that, locals say, for security reasons are not transported by car out of Muzo but by helicopter. In any case, whether by road or air, EMS doesnt need TikTok.

08:32 Colombian miners use social media to promote tourism and sales (Spanish audio) Lady broadcasts live on TikTok to help locals sell their emeralds in Muzo, Colombia. Video: Andres Bo

In the town center the next day, Lady prepares an order of several emeralds, each smaller than a fingernail, with certificates of authenticity, to be sent to Palmira in the Valle del Cauca. At the table next to hers, a merchant named Walter has set up shop. He wears a white poncho and has laid out small piles of rough emeralds of various qualities and sizes. In just a few minutes, several people come and go, asking about the stones, inspecting them, and haggling. Some have magnifying glasses hanging around their necks to study the gems in detail.

Not far away sits Alessandro Durante, a 50-year-old Italian who travels the world searching for all kinds of precious stones. He learned about Guaquerito after watching a YouTube video while in Bogota and reached out to him to guide his visit to Muzo. For the past 10 years, Alessandro has been fully immersed in the gem business, living an itinerant lifestyle: in the last year, he spent less than a month in Rome, his home city. He also took part in one of Ladys tours. Sitting at a bar terrace table, wearing sunglasses, he orders a beer to cool off from the heat as he talks.

How long have you known about the fame of Colombian emeralds?

Always.

Why didnt you come before?

Because I knew they had problems before. And here in Colombia, emeralds are also very expensive. The color of the ones we have here cant be found anywhere else in the world, but there are some countries like Zambia, Pakistan, or Afghanistan that have good emeralds at a reasonable price.

So you think theyre very expensive here...

A little, yes. But Im looking now, because I might find something to buy at a fair price.

And the idea is to buy here and sell in Europe

Thats it, of course.

Just a few meters away, on a bench waiting for someone to sit beside it, is the statue of a man with a mustache, a hat, and an emerald in his hand. He is not identified by name, but bears a clear resemblance to Victor Carranza, the archetype of the millionaire emerald miner. Known as the Emerald Czar, he ruled this land for decades and amassed a fortune that brought enemies, intrigues, and violence. He was accused of forming paramilitary groups but died in 2013 of cancer, without any active legal proceedings against him, owning vast stretches of land and with his bank accounts full. His memory is still very much alive in Muzo.

References to Carranza often come up in conversations  at this hotel, in that shop. One such place is Pablo Vanegas store. A Bogota native, 65 years old, he has lived in Muzo for 50 years. A photo of him alongside the Czar is visible as you enter his shop. His business is the only one from which a beam of light shines late at night, just a few meters from Carranzas anonymous statue. He works well into the early morning, alongside seven employees. Theres a reason for these hours: its the time of day when he gets the most visitors to his live TikTok streams, where he raffles and auctions off his emerald crafts to people all over the country. He hopes to soon expand that to the whole world, once he can be sure the merchandise will reach other countries without any problems.

His social media adventure began five months ago. Before that, he was solely focused on running his shop and workshop. A skeptic of new technologies, he finally gave in after persistent encouragement from his friends. He invited a local TikToker to do a livestream from his store, and the success was immediate: Its like having the shop full of tourists, walking by and asking questions  its practically the same, he says. In less than six months, his TikTok profile, @Tiendarte_muzo, gained over 5,500 followers, and each livestream attracts at least 15 to 20 foreigners. The enthusiasm with which he shares his whole process, so quickly achieved, reflects the spirit of the new wave of emerald sales in Muzo.

In the heart of the emerald land

But not everyone has overcome their skepticism. Some dismiss TikTokers as nothing more than fame seekers. Thats what a miner at the entrance of the Las Carmas mine says, where the family from Bucaramanga has arrived for their tour. The entrance here is nothing like the concrete tunnels of the multinational mines. Instead, its a hole less than two meters high and just as wide. Inside, without a flashlight, theres no difference between keeping your eyes open or closed. Lady has also joined the tour  she recognized the familiar voice of Don Gregorio Sanchez right away. It turns out he has bought emeralds from her on TikTok.

A miner rests during the workday outside an emerald mine near Muzo (Boyaca). The workers usually split into two shifts, from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Josue Guaquerito Gonzalez checks the helmets and flashlights of the Sanchez Nocua family before entering the mine. Rubber boots and gloves are also commonly worn in the mine. Gregorio Sanchez and two of his sons move deeper into the mine. The height of the tunnel varies: sometimes a person can stand upright; other times, they have to crouch down. A miner uses a hydraulic hammer to break up the earth at the bottom of the mine in search of emeralds. Once a certain amount of soil is loosened, it is brought outside and examined for any stones. A person holds an emerald extracted from the mine. The value of each gem varies depending on its size, its carats, and certain very specific characteristics, sometimes imperceptible to the naked eye. Josue Gonzalez inside the mine, taking a moment to rest. Inside the tunnel, the earth is as black as coal, and temperatures can rise above 45C (113F). Candy Nocua holds the emerald after coming out of the tunnel and shows it to Guaquerito, who records and shares the video of the activity with his thousands of social media followers.

There are several holes in the ground where miners enter. The first ones you see are vertical drops several meters deep, accessed by a kind of elevator. Nearby, theres a small shop where beer is the top seller  the drink the workers use to cool off from the heat and grueling workdays. A group gathers around five or six bottles of beer, one per miner. They play a game called tapazo: each person picks a bottle, opens it, and checks the small number on the inside of the cap. Whoever gets the lowest number pays for the round. Everything heres a bet. Even having a beer, someone says.

Guaquerito makes sure the helmets flashlights work well before the Sanchez Nocua family enters the mine. Inside, sometimes people can walk upright; other times they have to bend down to avoid hitting their heads. Dirt carts come and go; some miners seem curious to see an outsider family subjecting themselves to the rigors of the job. The visitors get excited, sharpening their eyes so they dont miss an emerald. The heat is intense: Josue Gonzalez says there are places so hot that chisels burn your hands after just a couple of hammer blows. The family looks encouraged and uplifted by the saying that convinces miners they will soon find an emerald: Not today, but tomorrow.

TikTok, a window into Muzo

Weekends are the busiest days for emerald trading. Lady Fajardo sits at a small table, lays out some of the gems she has to offer, and starts a livestream on TikTok using one of her phones. On the other, she receives messages from viewers coordinating purchase details. The number of people watching varies; this time, around 130 are tuned in.

However, those watching arent just seeing Ladys stones  other merchants, unfamiliar with social media, ask her to showcase their emeralds too, in exchange for a small commission if a sale closes. What started as a half-filled table soon overflows with emeralds from many others, left there openly, visible to anyone. Quick estimates suggest theres at least 100 million pesos (around $25,000) worth of merchandise on that table. Sales arent guaranteed, but one thing seems certain: here, no one comes to steal.

Lady finishes her Saturday of digital sales around noon. Her face shows some frustration: there were no big deals, the internet signal is weak, and TikTok suspended her account because it mistook her activity for a gambling game. Some days are better than others  a reality that those who dig deep into the earth hoping to find an emerald also understand. A man, with pockets full of gems, ventures a piece of information without revealing its source: Not even 10% of the regions mines have been exploited. Outside Muzo, that might sound like a small figure, but it means a lot in a town immersed in the uncertainty of fate.

Nearby is also the Italian Alessandro Durante, who is already considering extending his Boyaca journey for a few days:

How does an Italian gem expert view the emerald trade in Colombia?

The way stones are traded is the same all over the world. What happens in the Rosario Square in Bogota, happens in India, in Pakistan... you see the same things: people on the street with stones in their hands. The market is the same all over the world.

And the image of this dangerous country, at war?

No, no. Maybe before. But not now. Theres a lot of tourism, so its not a problem. Nothing has happened to me, even at night, walking alone.

How long have you been in Colombia?

A month.

And how long do you plan to stay?

If Im going to make money, my whole life.

Credits: Text editing: Camila Osorio Photography and video: Andres Bo Visual editing: Gladys Serrano Design & layout: Monica Juarez Martin and Angel Hernandez

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Chinese commerce ministry urges US to lift all other unreasonable trade curbs on China following Washington's approval of Nvidia's H20 sales

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 18, 2025 02:42 PM

Responding to the US government's approval of Nvidia's sale of H20 chips to China, a Chinese Commerce Ministry (MOFCOM) spokesperson said on Friday that the US side should abandon zero-sum thinking and continue to lift a series of unreasonable trade restrictions against China.

Following the China-US economic and trade talks in London, both sides have maintained close communications and accelerated efforts to implement outcomes from the framework reached during the economic and trade talks in London, the spokesperson said, according to a statement on the website of the MOFCOM.

China has, in accordance with the law, approved export applications for controlled items that meet the criteria, while the US side correspondingly lifted the restrictive measures against China involved in the talks in early July, according to the spokesperson.

"We have noted that the US side has recently taken the initiative to announce that it will approve sales of Nvidia's H20 chips to China. The Chinese side believes that the US should abandon zero-sum thinking and continue to lift a series of unreasonable restrictive measures against China in economy and trade," the spokesperson said.

Win-win cooperation between China and the US is the right path forward, while suppression and containment lead nowhere, the spokesperson stressed.

In May, the US issued export control guidelines targeting Huawei's Ascend chips, imposing stricter controls on Chinese chip products under groundless accusations, using administrative power to interfere in fair market competition, and seriously undermining the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. China firmly opposes such moves, the spokesperson said.

"We look forward to the US side to meet China halfway, correcting its erroneous practices through equal consultations, creating a favorable environment for mutually beneficial cooperation between enterprises of both sides, and jointly safeguarding the stability of the global semiconductor production and supply chain," the spokesperson said.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on July 18, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: July 18, 2025 18:48

CCTV: We noted that the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival was held in China recently, and Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Thursday attended the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. youth friendship event and delivered a speech. Can you share more information on these events?

Lin Jian: From July 9 to 18, the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival was jointly held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Fujian Provincial People's Government. Themed on "Singing for Peace", the event saw the participation of over 1,000 youth from close to 30 choirs from China and the U.S.

On the afternoon of July 17, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. youth friendship event and delivered a speech at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. In her speech, Peng said that the story of Kuliang that began a century ago and President Xi's deep friendship with his old friends in Iowa spanning over 40 years epitomize the China-U.S. people-to-people friendship. Since President Xi put forward over a year ago China's initiative to welcome 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over a five-year period, many young people from the United States have been invited to visit China. Peng called on young people to be the inheritors of the China-U.S. friendship, and promoters of peace and amity. She also expressed the hope of seeing more bridges of friendship through the youngsters and a youthful energy being added to a better future for both nations.

At the event, Initiator of the "Kuliang Friends" Elyn MacInnis and Luca Berrone from Iowa told the story of Kuliang and their experience of taking part in China-U.S. people-to-people exchange and subnational cooperation. Young representatives from the U.S. shared their personal experience of the visit and expressed the will to be a new generation of emissaries of China-U.S. friendship and carry forward this tradition.

As President Xi Jinping noted, the hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels. We hope that the youths of the two countries will carry the baton, jointly pass forward the century-old "bond with Kuliang", and contribute to the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

RIA Novosti: The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that China threatens to block the sale of dozens of ports to Western companies if Cosco, a Chinese shipping company, doesn't get a stake. Do you have any comment?

Lin Jian: I'm not aware of what you mentioned. On CK Hutchison's sales of its assets overseas, the State Administration for Market Regulation said that they would conduct a review in accordance with the law to protect fair market competition and safeguard public interests.

Let me reiterate that China firmly opposes using economic coercion, intimidation and bullying to violate and undermine other countries' legitimate rights and interests.

Shenzhen TV: This morning, China's Ministry of Education issued an alert concerning studying in the Philippines. What's China's consideration behind the announcement?

Lin Jian: Over the past few months, there have been rising safety risks in the Philippines with an increase in crimes, stop-and-search and harassment targeting Chinese nationals. The alert is a responsible and legitimate measure taken by the Chinese government to protect the safety and rights and interests of Chinese students overseas. We once again remind Chinese students studying in the Philippines to make a careful assessment of the safety risks. At the same time, we urge the Philippines to take concrete actions to protect the safety, dignity and lawful rights and interests of Chinese students studying in the Philippines.

PTI: The United States State Department today designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is also blamed for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization. What is China's reaction to today's designation by the U.S.?

Lin Jian: China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22. China calls on regional countries to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and jointly maintain regional security and stability.

Global Times: Recently, Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee released a report detailing how the Trump Administration's first six months have significantly undermined the United States' ability to compete with China. It said that China poses a strategic challenge to the U.S. and is taking a long-term strategy to replace the U.S. as the global superpower. China is enhancing its relations with Global South countries and expanding its global influence. The report calls for the whole-of-government restoration and reconstruction of the tools America needs to compete with China. What's China's comment?

Lin Jian: The report is filled with Cold War thinking and peddles major country confrontation and the false narrative of "China threat". The real aim of the report is to go after and suppress China. China firmly opposes that. Let me stress that China follows an independent foreign policy of peace and always acts as a positive and stable force for good. China has no intention to and will not engage in a contest with any country for influence. China follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in viewing and handling its relations with the U.S. We never engage in malicious competition or major country confrontation, and have no intention to supplant or challenge others. China urges relevant U.S. personnel to foster a right perception of China, view China and China-U.S. relations in an objective and rational way, stop attacking, smearing, containing and going after China, and contribute to a steady, sound and sustainable bilateral relationship.

Bloomberg: A few minutes ago, the EU announced sanctions on some Chinese banks as part of the latest round of sanctions on Russia. Does the Ministry have a comment on this and how might China respond?

Lin Jian: Like you said, this happened just now and I do not have the full details yet. Let me say that China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. On the Ukraine crisis, China is committed to promoting talks for peace. China has never provided lethal weapons to the parties to the conflict and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles. The normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies should not be disrupted or affected. We call on the EU to stop hurting the lawful interests of Chinese companies in the absence of any evidence supporting its claims. China will do what is necessary to firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Reuters: Taiwan's deputy leader Hsiao Bi-khim said in a press conference today that "aggressive military posturing by China is counterproductive" and that "defending the status quo with China is consistent with the interests of the entire region." Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on the remarks?

Lin Jian: Taiwan is part of China's territory, and the Taiwan question is China's internal affair. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people and Chinese people only. The real status quo across the Taiwan Strait is that both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The biggest threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait is the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and the external connivance and support they receive. No matter what the DPP authorities say or do, they cannot change the fact that the two sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China and the prevailing international commitment to the one-China principle, nor can they change the trend towards China's ultimate and inevitable reunification.

AFP: The U.S. Commerce Department has said it would pose preliminary anti-dumping taxes of over 90 percent on a kind of graphite imported from China, which is widely used for a key part for electric vehicles. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment?

Lin Jian: I'd refer you to competent authorities for your specific question. Let me say that China-U.S. economic ties benefit both sides. We hope the U.S. side will abide by the rules of the market economy and keep our trade and economic ties sound and stable.

PTI: In the backdrop of the recent visit of the Indian External Affairs Minister Mr. Jaishankar and his talks with Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi, issues about the rare earth metals supplies to India appear to have been figured in the talks, because of the blockade or probably not issuing licenses to Indian companies. There are concerns back home in India about the lack of supplies of rare metals required, especially for the automobile industry. Can you give us some details following the talks? Is there any follow-up action that China can contemplate?

Lin Jian: We've released readouts on Foreign Minister Jaishankar's visit to China, which you may refer to.

On export controls on rare earth, China's policy is consistent with international practice. We also stand ready to continue enhancing dialogue and cooperation on export controls with relevant countries and regions in an effort to jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains stable, safe and secure.

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Chinese Embassy in Panama rebukes US ambassador's lies on China, criticizes him for exposing 'Neo-Monroe Doctrine' mentality

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 19, 2025 10:35 AM

The spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Panama rebutted recent remarks by the US Ambassador, criticizing him for exposing "Neo-Monroe Doctrine" mentality that oversteps his diplomatic mandate. In a statement released by the Embassy on Saturday, the spokesperson reaffirmed that the Panama Canal remains Panama's asset and reiterated China's respect for canal's neutrality.



In recent days, the US Ambassador to Panama has relentlessly repeated lies about China and China-Panama relations in interviews with local media, claiming that China exerts a "malign influence" over Panama and the Canal. The spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Panama responded that the Panama Canal is and will remain Panama's, and emphasized that China has consistently affirmed its respect for the Canal's sovereignty and neutrality.

President Jose Raul Mulino has repeatedly debunked the alleged "malign influence" of China on the Canal and on Panama. It was, in fact, the US that once closed the Canal, and now seeks free passage" and even attempt to "retake" it, said the spokesperson.

The spokesmen also refuted the US ambassador's claim that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is neither good for Panama nor for the Western hemisphere, stating that China's cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries under the BRI has been more than fruitful. More than twenty countries in the region have joined the BRI familymost recently Colombia and Ecuador, each of which has signed cooperation plans with China under this initiative. "They are voting with their feet," said the spokesperson.

In response to the US ambassador smear that China provides "predatory loans" to countries in the region, leaving them in distress, the spokesperson said that China always follows the principles of mutual respect, reciprocal benefit, openness and inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation when investing in and partnering with countries worldwide, respecting each nation's choices. This approach has vigorously propelled economic development and improved people's livelihoods in those countries, bringing tangible benefits to local populations. Chinese investments are creating significant development opportunities across diverse regions and nations.

Regarding the US ambassador's accusation that China conducts "cyberattacks" against countries in the region and his spreading slanders about Chinese devices, the Chinese embassy spokesperson said that everyone knows that the US is the world's single largest source of cyberattacksa recognized "empire of hacks."

For a long time, it has carried out unfettered eavesdropping, surveillance, and large-scale cyberattacks in this region. Its criticism of China is a vivid example of a thief crying "Stop thief," said the spokesperson.

"We reiterate that China always requires its companies operating overseas to comply with local laws and regulations, and we always oppose any coercive economic measures or hegemonic, abusive practices that harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries," said the spokesperson.

The US Ambassador's irresponsible remarks on China-related matters in Panama and elsewhere in the region not only embody the US "Neo-Monroe Doctrine" mentality, but also exceed the proper scope of his responsibilities, said the spokesperson,

China's actions should be judged solely by the governments and peoples of those countries. US interference will only fuel even broader rejection among the people of Panama and other regional nations, the spokesperson said.

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Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (July 17, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

July 17, 2025

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening, friends. Let's begin our conversation. The floor is open now.

Prasanth Raghuvamsam, Asianet News: Sir, I am Prasanth from Asianet News. Can you give more details on this Nimisha Priya's case in Yemen? How the sentence was deferred? There is a report that a cleric from Kerala named Shri Kanthapuram Musaliar had a big role in this to play. What is the reaction of MEA on this?

Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. I would like to have your comment on the recent statement made by NATO chief saying that countries buying Russian oil and gas could face secondary sanctions, where he named India too. We have seen similar comments coming from US senators also where they have said that countries could face economic sanctions, if they continue trading with India. What is India's position on those comments?

Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Sir, good afternoon. Keshav from ThePrint. My first question is on Afghanistan. We have been giving medical visas to Afghan nationals. It's been about two months. Can you give us some details on how many visas have been issued to Afghan citizens? Some details on this.

An addendum to the question is also on Bangladesh. Could you give us a sense of the medical visa situation, and the numbers of Bangladeshi citizens who have been given medical visas in the last couple of months? Thank you, sir.

Jessica: Sir, last month we also heard from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talk about RIC and Russia has been pushing to restart the Russia-India-China trilateral mechanism. Any chances of its revival, and what is the current status?

Ileana, TASS News Agency: Ileana from TASS News Agency. My question is also on this trilateral dialogue, RIC. What is India's position on this format, trilateral format? And has Minister Jaishankar during his engagements in Beijing discussed the resumption of this trilateral dialogue?

And if you allow me a quick question, I think a lot of colleagues are interested to get the answer on it. When can we expect Russian-Indian summit? I know, you may say we let you know in due time, but approximately...

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: You're asking both the question and the answer.

Ileana: In what quarter of the year? Half of the year already gone, like quarter, the last quarter, please...

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. So let me take these questions and then we come back.

First on Nimisha Priya case, you all have been following this very closely. This is a very sensitive matter and the Government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. We have provided legal assistance, and also appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged for regular consular visits by her family, and we are also in touch with local authorities as also the family members to resolve this issue. This included concerted efforts in the recent few days to seek more time for the family of Miss Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party. The local authorities in Yemen have postponed carrying out her sentence that was scheduled for 16th July that you're well aware of. We continue to closely follow the matter, and render all possible assistance in the case. We are also in touch with some friendly governments in this regard. The other part of your question was ... as far as the role of the entity that you mentioned, I have no information to share on this account.

Ayushi, your question regarding NATO chief's articulation. We have seen reports on the subject, and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate, and I have said this in the past as well. Securing energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavor, we are guided by what is there on offer in the markets, as also by the prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.

Keshav, on visas for Afghanistan, I think beginning April we started a new visa module. There are six categories of visas now which people can apply for. Those details are available on the website. As far as how many visas that have been issued so far, I do not have the exact number, but I will be happy to share with you next time when we meet.

Similarly, with Bangladesh, we have been issuing visas to Bangladesh for various reasons, for various travels, medical emergency included, students, so on and so forth. We are issuing substantial visas. Exact number... on that, I will have to come back to you.

Jessica on RIC and Ileana, your question also on Russia-India-China format. Look, this consultative format is a mechanism where the three countries come and discuss global issues and regional issues of interest to them. As to when this particular RIC format meeting is going to be held, it is something that will be worked out among the three countries in a mutually convenient manner, and we will let you know as and when that happens at an appropriate time when the meeting is to take place.

Ileana, your question regarding India-Russia summit. Yes, India-Russia summit is important. Last annual summit was held in Moscow. It is time for us to host the summit in Delhi, and the dates will be worked out between both sides, keeping in mind what is mutually convenient to both countries.

Siddhant Sibal, WION: Hi, sir. Siddhant from WION. Sir, we saw the EAM's visit to China. Now, essentially two parts. One on the rare earth issue. Is there a resolution in sight? The second, of course, will the Prime Minister travel to China for the SCO summit?

Rishabh Madhavendra Pratap, Times Now: Good evening, sir. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, yesterday in Bangladesh, in Gopalganj, there was violence and one could see in the visuals that how the Bangladeshi army and police forces opened fire on the supporters of Awami League. Awami League say that it was because Bangabandhu was being abused by the Citizens Party members. So, any take on that, given that there has been a statement that has come in from Sheikh Hasina as well.

Also, sir, after your statement on the Satyajit Ray ancestral house, now Bangladesh has taken a U-turn saying that that building never belonged to Satyajit Ray's family.

Ayanangsha Maitra: Sir, it's been about a year ... I mean, next month is going to be the anniversary of the first interim government in Bangladesh. So, what is the update on our HIDPs, our High Impact Development Program there?

And secondly, sir, the Prime Minister recently held a maiden visit in Namibia and there was a discussion on diamond trading, direct diamond trading, which is conventionally happening via either London and Dubai. So, is there any update as well?

Ashwin Ahmad, Free Press Journal: Hello, sir. I'm Ashwin Ahmad from Free Press Journal. So, I have two quick questions. President Trump had added to this where he talked about 100% secondary tariffs at the White House briefing. So, I wanted to know ... and he has also talked about the fact that we are going to have... Is there any discussion with India going on this front? And also, he had talked about a deal, a trade deal that is happening with India. So, can you give us any details on that? Is there a US delegation coming? Thank you.

Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Sir I am Huma Siddiqui from StratNews Global. I have two questions. One is, there have been reports that a lot of Indians have been deported since in the last two, three weeks. So, would you have any number on the deportees?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Deportees from where?

Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: From the US. And also, would you know when is the India-Africa summit expected to take place?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Siddhant, regarding your question, first on rare earths. We had a meeting of our External Affairs Minister with the Foreign Minister of China. Post that, we have issued a Press Release. The Press Release also talks about several of the issues that you mentioned. I just want to let you know the concerns of Indian industry are a matter of public record. You would have seen the press release issued by Ministry of External Affairs post the meeting. I have nothing further to add at this point in time, on the question that you asked.

On the visit of ... on the SCO leaders' level meeting, the SCO meeting is some months away. So, you know, participation by countries are finalized as per the mutual convenience, and we will let you know at the appropriate time.

Rishabh, on your question regarding Gopal Ganj, see we follow all developments in our region closely and take cognizance of what is happening there, and accordingly we take action if required on our side. Regarding Satyajit Ray's building, yes, we have seen a press release issued by the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.

Ayanangsha, on Bangladesh, you know our position. We want a positive and constructive partnership with the country. We have had engagements at the leaders' level. We also had Foreign Secretary visiting Bangladesh. We have had meetings between our External Affairs Minister and his counterpart, and you know there are several areas of cooperation between the two countries that are ongoing including development partnership. So, that is the context in which you must look at how we want to approach India-Bangladesh ties.

On Namibia ... Namibia is an important trading partner as far as diamond is concerned for India. We have several diamond companies who are active in Namibia and we have been exporting from there. I mean, diamonds are being exported from Namibia to India. We are active. We are also active in several other parts of the mining industry in Namibia. Hopefully, in the days to come, we will do more with Namibia on this account. As far as direct trade, I am not too sure. You know in today's global environment, global trade flows are very complex because of supply chains and the kind of value that is added in different ways. So, on direct trade, some of it must be happening directly, some of it via other stations.

Ashwin, your question regarding trade. See, this is a matter which is under discussion between the two sides and as when we have something to share, something is finalized, you will hear it and we will also let you know.

Huma, since 20th of January this year till yesterday, some 1563 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States so far. Most of these Indian nationals have come via commercial flights. So, that is the update, and as and when we receive lists of people who are to be deported, we confirm their nationality, and once only where their nationality is confirmed, as you know, then we do the documentation part, and thereafter they are sent back to India. But yes, people have been coming in, in batches, in commercial flights. The last week also we had people who came back. The overall number is 1563 so far. So, in the last six months you can say that 1563 people have come back.

On India-Africa summit, we do not have a date as yet. We are in with the African Union Commission. So, hopefully, as and when we have a concrete proposal or concrete suggestion from their side, which is mutually agreeable, we will let you know.

Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Good Evening. Ajay Banerjee ... I work with the Tribune. Sir, I seek a clarification from you. President Donald Trump yesterday said that India is about to give access to us, like us as in the US ... like Indonesia gave access to the US to its markets. I am referring to the trade deal. Sir, will Trump's words with regards to the trade deal, and also Trump's words with regards to the position of additional tariffs on Russian oil, will they impact the Indian-US trade talks, especially the Russian oil with 100% tariffs? We may have to back up on buying Russian oil. Are we foreseeing that scenario?

Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol from The Hindu, Sir. Sir, when you refer to the local authorities in the Nimisha Priya case, who do you refer to? Are you referring to the Houthis? And does it mean that India is in contact with, and in dialogue with the Houthis? And is there a change in India's policy towards the Houthis?

Suhasini Haidar: I know you responded on the NATO chief's comments. But this is about the fact that the US Congress seems to be going ahead with its 500% sanctions, what's called the Russia Sanctions Act. This despite the fact that the External Affairs Minister was in Washington, he said, India's concerns had been conveyed to the United States, to Lindsey Graham in particular. What is this really? Is India going to take this up further on a diplomatic level, some kind of protest that the US continues with this sanctions bill despite the concerns we've expressed?

And also, I think for the 20th time, Mr. Trump has repeated his statement about the ceasefire and also on mediating on the basis of trade to avert a nuclear war. Is there any hope that his comments can be amended in any way?

Shivam Patel, Reuters News: Thank you, Sir. This is Shivam Patel from Reuters News. I have a query on India-China ties. It's more of a general sort of ... I just wanted to seek your view in the sense that Foreign Minister Jaishankar was there recently. And we've seen some developments over the last couple of weeks from the Chinese Embassy spokesperson who labeled the Tibet issue as a thorn between India and China. And also, the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army saying that China provided live support to Pakistan during the May conflict.

When Foreign Minister went to China, did he sort of discuss ... did these issues come up in discussions at all? And in light of these sort of developments, how do we sort of ... what is the trajectory that we're taking with China? Thank you.

Unidentified Speaker: Just a follow-up question on India-China relations. You mentioned about the issue of rare earths and other trade issues. Could you delve a bit more deeper into the specifics of the conversation between the Indian and Chinese side on the export controls that have been brought in by China on not just rare earths but on specialty fertilizers, and now there's this FOXCONN labor issue that's also pending.

And secondly, sir, your comments on Donald Trump stating that a deal with India is coming soon, in light of the extension that's been given by the United States to its trading partners till August 1. Are we looking at any specific timeline?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, Ajay, on BTA, and I'm also clubbing everybody else who have asked questions on BTA. See, these are negotiations which are on. Both sides are in touch with each other. They are trying to iron out issues. So, once we have a conclusion of the agreement, we will obviously make it public for all of you.

On the question of Russian oil, etc., we are closely following developments that are in this regard, and the articulations that are being made.

Kallol, your question regarding local authorities. Well, local authorities in that part of the country. What I mean is local authorities.

Suhasini, I've already answered your question on NATO chief. U.S... we are closely following all these developments. That is how I would answer your question. On the ceasefire, we have made our position very clear on several occasions.

Shivam, on India-China talks, we have had a detailed Press Release. I would refer you to please look at the Press Release. We talk about several issues there. Connectivity, people-to-people ties. We also talked about the trajectory that you mentioned. We talked about a positive trajectory and that the two sides took note of the recent progress made to stabilize and rebuild ties. So once again, all the issues that you want to know are well detailed in the Press Release. I would refer you to that.

Sumita, again, India-China issues, including trade issues, they are mentioned in the Press Release. And also while answering Sidhanth's question, I made it clear that ... I would like to repeat it again for your clarity. The concerns of Indian industry are a matter of public record. You would have seen the Press Release issued by MEA after the meeting. And I have nothing further to add to it at this point in time.

Aroonim Bhuyan, ETV Bharat: I am Aroonim Bhuyan from ETV Bharat. Myanmar and Russia are discussing a new economic corridor via India. The idea is to connect Russia with Yangon port via Mumbai port. This came up during a meeting between Myanmar Transport Minister and Alexander Shatirov, head of the Roscongress Investment Fund. What is India's position on this?

Neeraj Kumar, News18 India: Sir, Neeraj hoon News18 India se. Bharat mein ameriki dutawas ne kal ek advisory jari ki hai, jismein likha hai ki jo hamla, chori aur sendhmari mei fansate hain, unke visa ko cancel bhi kiya ja sakta hai ya bhavishya mein nahin diya ja sakta. Yeh advisory kathit taur per us mahila ki hirasat mein liye jane ke baad aaya hai, jise America mein pakda gaya chori ke aarop mein. Kaise dekh rahe hain?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I'm Niraj from News18 India. The U.S. Embassy in India issued an advisory yesterday, stating that those involved in assault, theft, or shoplifting could have their visas canceled or may be denied visas in the future. This advisory reportedly came after the detention of a woman who was caught in America on charges of theft. How do you see this development?

Chandrakala Choudhury, Republic TV: Chandrakala this side from the Republic TV. Sir just wanted to have your comment regarding the arrest of a Indian national in US as far as you know child porn in US is concerned, and this has triggered in Punjab ... Basically just wanted to have your comment on this. How do you see this?

Alexander, Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Alexander, I'm with the Russian press. Ten days ago, we had a very successful BRICS summit in Brazil, and we have all seen very impressive Prime Minister Modi's participation in the summit. But we have also heard, in conjunction with this summit, some threats coming from the White House, specifically about imposing 10% tariff against BRICS countries. I was wondering, what is your position on this? Does India have any position on these particular threats? Thank you.

Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express se. Pradhan mantri ki nikat mei koi London mein yatra ho rahi hai ? aur uska mukhya uddeshya kya hai aur kitne bilaterals waha pe expected hain sir?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, is the Prime Minister expected to go on a visit to London soon ? What is the main objective of this visit, and how many bilateral meetings are expected to take place there?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. First, to the friend from ETV Bharat. See, as far as regional cooperation is concerned, we do give a lot of value and importance to connectivity, connectivity issues, and connectivity projects. So that is how we will look at all such proposals. It is also important to see the feasibility of it. But largely we support connectivity.

Niraj, dekhiye kisi bhi desh mein koi aadmi rahe, chahe waha ke nagrik ho, chahe bahar ke nagrik ho, yeh unper unki ek zimdari hoti hai ki waha kanun vyavastha ko ka palan kiya jaye. Toh jo apka sawal tha, usme main yeh kahoonga ki jo bhi hamare log bahar jate hain unse hum log ka humesha agrah rehta hai ki us desh ki kanun vyavastha ka aap palan kare aur us desh mein taki apka ek acha sa behtar chhavi bane aur apke madhyam se desh ki ache chhavi bane.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, look, whether a person is living in any countrywhether they are a citizen of that country or a foreign nationalit is their responsibility to abide by the laws there. So in response to your question, I would say that whenever our people go abroad, we always urge them to respect and follow the laws of that country, so that they can build a good and positive image for themselves, and through them, also project a good image of our country.

Chandrakala again, Indian National Arrest. These are matters of law and order. Law and order authorities, local authorities will look into it. But yes, it would be our endeavor to tell our Indian nationals who are going abroad that they should abide by local law and local guidelines, local laws and local regulations.

Alexander, on BRICS Summit, we had a highly successful BRICS Summit. You would have seen the Joint Statement. In the Joint Statement, there are several aspects which have been fleshed out, which strengthen the BRICS platform. But having said that, let me tell you that de-dollarization is not something which is on the agenda. And cross-border payments, yes, BRICS has talked about local currencies, but de-dollarization is not something that is there on the agenda.

Krishna Mohan London ke bare mein dekhiye, London Yatra ke bare mein jankari upyukt samay pe aapko batai jayegi.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]: Krishna Mohan, regarding the visit to Londondetails about the London visit will be shared with you at the appropriate time.

Megha Sharma, NewsX: Good afternoon, sir. Megha from NewsX. My first question, about the Syria conflict and the airstrikes by Israel. Russia and China have condemned the Israeli strikes. What is India's official stance?

And, there are a couple of reports that have been released a few hours ago by Wall Street Journal and Reuters. This is about the Air India crash probe. Now, the basis of their reports and conclusions that they have drawn is that there was human error. It was the captain of the aircraft that was responsible for the crash. And there seem to be very flimsy reasoning that they have given. Is there a response that the Government of India is going to make?

Vishal Pandey, ABP News: Sir, main Vishal Pandey hu ABP news se. Kya Maldives ki taraf se apne independence day ke liye Bharat ko nyota bheja gaya hai ? aur pradhan mantri ka Maldives daura kya hone wala hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I'm Vishal Pandey from ABP News. Has the Maldives extended an invitation to India for its Independence Day celebrations, and is the Prime Minister planning a visit to the Maldives?

Gautam Lahiri: Hello, sir, this is Gautam Lahiri. This is about Bangladeshi election. As India has been reiterating, there should be a credible and democratic, peaceful, all-inclusive elections. Now the Chief Executive of the Bangladeshi and one major political party come to an agreement. Election should be held early February or early next year. So what is the comment? Do you think that is a good sign for a Bangladesh democracy?

Raghavendra Varma, German television, ZDF: This is Raghavendra Varma from German television, ZDF. Sir, the question is regarding India-EU FTA, Free Trade Agreement. And in light of the NATO chief's comment, so many of the NATO countries are EU members. And is the new comment of any significance to the EU-India trade deal? Do you see that going ahead as we have planned by the end of this year?

Manas, PTI: This is Manas from PTI. So recently a delegation of Canadian officials, including a junior minister, had visited India and held talks with officials of the MEA. So this was the first visit, I think publicly acknowledged visit, after Prime Minister's visit to Canada. So can you just throw some light?

And in responding to questions about Nimisha Priya, you also mentioned that India is in touch with certain friendly countries. So, would you like to name the countries with whom we are in touch? Thanks.

Siddhant Mishra, CNN News18: Thank you, sir. I am Siddhant from CNN News18. Sir, last week we were told that there are 16 Indians missing in Russia. And we had two bilateral meetings with Russia, one on the sidelines of BRICS and one during the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meet. Did we raise that issue, any update on that? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So Megha, first to your questions. We are closely following developments in Syria. As far as we are concerned, we want peace and stability to return to the country as soon as possible.

On Air India crash, you will have to wait for the concerned Government of India authority to make the report public. It is too premature for all of us to talk about what's in it, what's not in it. So we will have to wait for the final report to come out.

Vishal, Maldives daure ke bare mein aapko bataya jayega. Main is is samay main is isse jyada main kuch nahi kehna chahta hu. Thoda thoda kabhi kabhi sabra bhi rakhiye.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Vishal, you will be informed about the Maldives visit. At this moment, I don't wish to say anything further on the matter. Please keep patience.

We had a question from Gautam. Look, on elections in Bangladesh, you know our point of view. We have said that as a democracy we would welcome holding of elections, that is inclusive and includes everybody in its fold.

Raghavendra, the two questions are not related. But on India-EU FTA, what I can tell you is that the talks are progressing very well. The last round, that is the 12th round, happened in Brussels from 7th to 11th July. And the next round of talks are scheduled to be held in September in New Delhi. As the leaders promised, it was reaffirmed when we had the visit of EU College of Commissioners. Both leaders, both sides want that this FTA be concluded within this year. So it is progressing well. There is good momentum. And that is how, and we would like to see a positive outcome of it.

Manas, on Canadian official, we had the meeting at the Prime Minister level in Kananaskis, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the importance of India-Canada ties and to rebuild these ties. We are working, both sides are now working towards it. We are also working to get High Commissioners deployed in the two capitals. So we are positive about the movement in India-Canada ties.

You also had another question regarding friendly countries. Yes, there are several friendly countries with whom we are in touch with in regard to the Nimisha Priya case.

Siddhant, on the 16 missing Indians in Russia, we are in regular touch with Russian authorities, both here in New Delhi as also in Moscow. And we have been taking up this matter so that there could be a closure to the issue.

With that, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your presence.

New Delhi

July 17, 2025

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Raksha Rajya Mantri visits DRDO's Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 18 JUL 2025 1:14PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth visited Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO in Hyderabad on July 16 & 17, 2025. He reviewed the Missiles & Weapon Systems program being pursued by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) of Missile Cluster Labs.

Raksha Rajya Mantri visited various work centers of DRDL i.e., Astra Mk I & II, Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile and Scramjet Engine facilities and was briefed about the status of the projects Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Missiles and Strategic Systems) Shri U Raja Babu and Director, DRDL Shri G A Srinivasa Murthy.

Shri Sanjay Seth also visited various critical work centers of RCI, where Director, RCI Shri Anindya Biswas apprised him of the progress of the Indigenous Navigation/Aviation Systems, Onboard Computer Division & Imaging Infra-Red Seeker facilities.

Raksha Rajya Mantri commended the DRDO scientists for playing a crucial role in building Aatmanirbhar Bharat through realisation of state-of-the-art weapon systems. He exhorted the scientific community to continue strengthening the Armed Forces to face any challenges in the current scenario.

***

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2145738)

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Iranian warns of consequences of replacing self-defense with preventive defense

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 18, 2025

Iranian Ambassador to Germany Majid Nili reacted to a report by the German Bundestag Scientific Services Center about Israel's attack on Iran, and said that there is no doubt that the attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iran are gross violations of international law.

In a post on his X account, Nili wrote that there is no doubt that the attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iran is a gross violation of international law.

He pointed out that a report from the Bundestag's scientific services also emphasizes the lack of legal justification for these attacks; including: according to Article 51 and Article 2, paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter, these attacks lack any legal basis; expanding the concept of self-defense to preventive defense is a dangerous practice and a threat to the international legal order.

Nili said that silence in the face of such violations undermines international law and the rules-based order.

He added that in the face of such clear facts, it is surprising that some, instead of explicitly condemning the repeated violations of international law, continue to insist on standing on the wrong side of history. History will judge.

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Zarif: The only 'existential threat' to Israel is peace

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 18, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Former Vice President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad-Javad Zarif has described peace as only existential threat to Israel.

Zarif listed a series of Israeli crimes, including the invasion of Syria, incursions into Lebanon, war against Iran, genocide in Gaza, and the bombing of Yemen. He also cited Israel's opposition to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and accords related to weapons of mass destruction, as well as its obstruction of peace effortseven those proposed by the U.S. and the European Union.

"So: War, terror, sabotage, blackmail...show that the only 'existential threat' to Israel is Peace," Zarif wrote on his X account on Friday.

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Iran rejects baseless accusations in AMIA bombing case

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 18, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has vehemently dismissed the unfounded accusations leveled against the country in the prolonged AMIA bombing case.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that 31 years ago, on July 18, 1994, a building in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, was detonated.

The suspicious explosion was immediately steered onto a misguided path by elements affiliated with the Zionist regime, the ministry added.

This diversion, Iran stated, has had consequences, including the disruption of long-standing relations between Iran and Argentina.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry reiterated its transparent stance over the past three decades, condemning any act of terrorism, regardless of where or by whom it is committed.

Tehran has consistently stressed the need for a transparent probe into the suspicious incident, grounded in the principles of fair trial.

The statement declared Iran's complete rejection of the charges against its citizens, condemning the insistence of certain Argentine domestic circles to pressure the country's judiciary for trumped-up accusations and the issuance of seemingly judicial rulings against Iranian nationals.

Iran calls for the identification of the real masterminds and perpetrators of the explosion, the uncovering of the truth, and the establishment of justice, the statement noted.

Over the past 31 years, questions and ambiguities about the 1994 explosion have increased, and clear and irrefutable evidence and signs of the Zionist regime's influence and pressure on the Argentine judicial system to accuse Iranian citizens have become evident, the statement read.

The ministry elaborated the recurring changes in the judicial team handling the case, revelations of corruption among some judicial officials leading to their dismissal, resignations of judges, and even assassination attempts against them, all testify to a deliberate intention to steer the Argentine judicial system away from a transparent and fair investigation.

This, Iran said, is aimed at protecting the real perpetrators and masterminds of the explosion.

The statement also noted that, despite the unsubstantiated claims against its citizens, Iran, solely to safeguard bilateral relations and restore the reputation of Iranian citizens unjustly accused in this case, engaged in dialogue with relevant Argentine authorities at one point.

This led to an agreement inked in 2013. However, less than two years after its signing, the Argentine side unilaterally abrogated it, hindering a transparent process for uncovering the truth and identifying the actual instigators and perpetrators of the explosion.

The move, the statement noted, once again demonstrated that the designers of this case are not seeking the truth or justice.

The Ministry reiterated that the accusations against Iranian citizens are groundless.

Iran insists on the restoration of the reputation of the accused Iranian citizens, calling for putting an end to the show trial, added the statement.

The Islamic Republic expects the Argentine judicial authorities to conduct the proceedings transparently, justly, and free from politicization and the undue influence of third parties, it said.

Tehran reserves its legal and legitimate rights, in accordance with international law, to respond to any inappropriate and baseless action against its nationals, and will act accordingly, the statement noted.

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Iran air defense will make enemies regret their miscalculations: Top cmdr.

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 10:58 AM

Iran's top military official has praised the country's air defense units for their performance during last month's 12-day US-Israeli aggression, warning that the units will make any aggressor regret any potential attack against Iranian soil.

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, visited the national air defense headquarters on Friday, where he honored the "martyrs, wounded, and war veterans" of the recent aggression and expressed gratitude to all air defense personnel for their service.

"Air defense, standing on the front line of our sky's protection, has proven its ability to withstand all levels of threats and to make the enemies of the Iranian nation regret their miscalculations," he said on the sidelines of the visit.

His remarks come in the aftermath of a blatant and unprovoked Israeli aggression that began on June 13, targeting senior Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The US later came to help Israel in the illegal aggression by striking three Iranian peaceful nuclear facilities.

Iran responded by targeting key locations across the occupied Palestinian territories and launching attacks on the US al-Udeid air base in QatarWashington's largest military installation in West Asia. Iran's retaliatory campaign compelled the Israeli regime to announce a unilateral ceasefire on June 24.

Mousavi added that the downing of a large number of enemy aircraft demonstrated not only Iran's operational strength but also the determination and courage of its air defense forces.

"The sheer number of hostile aerial targets shot down demonstrates the capability, willpower, and bravery of our air defense warriors. This will be remembered in the collective memory of the Iranian people," he said.

The top commander attributed this resilience to a combination of factors. "This capability, determination, resistance, and courage stem from unwavering faith, national pride, the wise and unmatched leadership of the Islamic Revolution Leader, and the unity and unwavering support of the Iranian people."

"If the enemy ever dares to attack our beloved country again, with God's help, it will be met with even harsher blows and suffer a greater defeat than before," he stressed.

He also pointed to the need to keep pace with evolving threats, calling for continuous updates and modernization of defense systems, along with innovation, agility, and reliance on domestic scientific and technological capacity.

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Iran warns Europeans to drop 'worn-out policies of threat, pressure'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 11:06 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the EU and European troika need to abandon their "worn-out policies" of threat and pressure if they seek to play a role in the possibly new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States.

Araghchi said in a post on his X social media account on Friday that he had made the statement in a joint teleconference with the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain as well as EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Stressing that Washington left the negotiating table once in 2015 and then this June by opting for a military campaign against Tehran, Araghchi said any new round of talks was only possible if the other side sought to reach a "mutually beneficial nuclear deal."

"It was the US that withdrew from a two-year negotiated deal -coordinated by EU in 2015- not Iran; and it was US that left the negotiation table in June this year and chose a military option instead, not Iran," the Iranian foreign minister said. "Any new round of talks is only possible when the other side is ready for a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial nuclear deal."

Pointing to repeated European threats about the activation of a mechanism that would re-impose hefty sanctions on the Islamic Republic, Araghchi said, "If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly, and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the "snap-back" for which they lack absolutely no moral and legal ground."

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has previously warned that any attempt to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions amounts to a confrontational move that would draw an appropriate response from Tehran.

Snapback would bring into force six previous Iran-related Security Council resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010. It would reinstate the expired UN arms embargo that barred countries from supplying, selling, or transferring most military equipment to Iran and prohibited Tehran from exporting any weapons.

It would also impose export controls, travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions on individuals, entities, and banks.

Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect talks on the former's peaceful nuclear program before June 13, when the Israel launched an unhinged US-backed aggression on the Islamic Republic, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists in addition to civilians.

Mediated by Oman, the 6th round of talks was planned to be held in the Omani capital of Muscat on June 15, but was called off due to the anti-Iran attacks.

On June 22, the United States officially joined the war against Iran by launching attacks on three nuclear facilities in the country in violation of the United Nations Charter and the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran in response fired a barrage of missiles on Al Udeid US Airbase in Qatar, which is the largest American military base in the region.

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A child of Providence Nikuze, a beneficiary of the solar project, turns on the light after solar panels being installed in Gisagara District, Rwanda, on July 16, 2025. Braving the heat and dust in Rwanda's southern Gisagara District, more than 100 students and teachers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently arrived in rural villages to install solar panels and indoor lighting systems. (Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua)

KIGALI, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Braving the heat and dust in Rwanda's southern Gisagara District, more than 100 students and teachers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently arrived in rural villages to install solar panels and indoor lighting systems.

For many villagers, electricity was once a luxury they had never known, while having light at night seemed like an unattainable privilege.

"Villagers used to walk one or two hours just to charge their phones at nearby shops or offices," said Kenneth Lo, a service-learning specialist from the university.

The university launched its service-learning project in Rwanda in 2013, which evolved into a solar energy initiative by 2015. Since then, the team has installed over 2,000 solar systems in rural households across eastern and southern provinces.

According to Lo, the team helped install solar panels and lighting systems in more than 500 homes in Gisagara District, covering key areas such as kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and courtyards.

These households received basic solar systems free of charge, including a solar panel, a controller, a battery, and three LED lights. The battery can also be used to charge mobile phones.

Providence Nikuze, a beneficiary of the solar project, told Xinhua that, aside from phone charging, the biggest challenge was children needing light to study at night.

"With electricity now available, my children can study in the evening without any trouble," she said.

She added that with lights now installed at home, daily tasks such as cooking or bathing the children after returning late from the fields have become much easier.

The initiative also aligns with the Rwandan government's broader goal of ensuring electricity access for all households.

Jean Paul Habineza, vice mayor of Gisagara District, said PolyU's work helps position the district as a model for practical, community-based solutions and contributes to national efforts to expand energy access.

He praised the partnership with the Hong Kong university and expressed appreciation for the strong ties between Rwanda and the Chinese government.

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi said the solar panel project aligns closely with Rwanda's goal of achieving universal electricity access and its National Strategy for Transformation II.

"Clean electricity is not only important for daily life, but also for industrialization and environmental protection. In the end, it benefits people's well-being," he said.

Gao noted that for over a decade, PolyU students have applied their knowledge in Rwanda through the service-learning program, contributing to local development and improving livelihoods.

"More importantly, they promote people-to-people exchanges and friendship between China and Rwanda. They are goodwill ambassadors and good examples of Youth of China in the New Era," he said. 

Two students from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University install electrical wiring in a villager's house in Gisagara District, Rwanda, on July 16, 2025. Braving the heat and dust in Rwanda's southern Gisagara District, more than 100 students and teachers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently arrived in rural villages to install solar panels and indoor lighting systems.

(Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua)

Students from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University prepare to install solar panels for a local villager in Gisagara District, Rwanda, on July 16, 2025. Braving the heat and dust in Rwanda's southern Gisagara District, more than 100 students and teachers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently arrived in rural villages to install solar panels and indoor lighting systems.

(Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua)

Kenneth Lo, a service-learning specialist from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, installs a light switch in a villager's house in Gisagara District, Rwanda, on July 16, 2025. Braving the heat and dust in Rwanda's southern Gisagara District, more than 100 students and teachers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently arrived in rural villages to install solar panels and indoor lighting systems.

(Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua)
Iran rejects Argentine's 'baseless' accusations in 1994 AMIA case, urges fair probe

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 6:49 AM

Tehran has dismissed "baseless" accusations leveled by Argentine at Iranian nationals in connection with the deadly 1994 AMIA bombing, urging the country's judiciary to handle the case fairly without third-party influence.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday, marking the 31th anniversary of the bombing attack on the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) community centre in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994, that killed 85 people and injured over 300 others.

It said that elements and currents linked to Israel exploited the "suspicious" explosion from the very beginning and diverted the case into a misleading and incorrect path, disrupting the longstanding Iran-Argentine relations.

It also noted that over the past three decades, Iran has repeatedly declared its position in condemnation of any act of terrorism and stressed the need for a transparent and fair trial into the incident.

"Completely rejecting the accusations against its citizens, the Islamic Republic has condemned the insistence of certain domestic circles in Argentine to pressure the country's judicial system into issuing baseless charges and seemingly judicial rulings against Iranian citizens," it said. "Iran has called for the real masterminds and perpetrators of the explosion to be identified."

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry added that in the past years, clear and undeniable evidence has emerged indicating that the Zionist regime and its affiliated currents are exerting influence and pressure on the Argentinean judicial system to make accusations against Iranians.

It further highlighted frequent changes in the judicial team investigating the AMIA case, the revelation of corruption among some judicial elements, the resignation of judges and even attempts on their lives, as an evidence of a "purposeful will to divert the Argentinean judicial system from a transparent and fair probe into the case."

With the sole aim of protecting bilateral ties and restoring the dignity of Iranian citizens, the Islamic Republic entered into talks with Argentine, which resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2013, the ministry said. Less than two years later, however, Buenos Aires unilaterally canceled the deal and prevented the formation of a transparent process aimed at revealing the truth and identifying those behind the blast.

"The Islamic Republic strongly emphasizes the baseless nature of claims against Iranian citizens, insists on the restoration of the accused citizens' dignity and demands an end to the show trial, while expecting the Argentinean judicial authorities to handle the case in a transparent and fair manner free from politicization and undue influence by third parties," it asserted.

"In accordance with international law, the Islamic Republic reserves its legal and legitimate rights to respond to any inappropriate and unreasonable action against itself and its citizens."

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Iran Tells Europeans To Abandon 'Worn Out' Threats Amid Nuclear Sanctions Debate

By Kian Sharifi July 18, 2025

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has called on European powers to halt threats against Tehran, including warnings about reinstating UN sanctions.

Tehran's top diplomat wrote on X on July 18 that he told his British, French, and German counterparts, as well as the EU foreign policy chief, during a joint call that Europe "should act responsibly" and abandon "worn-out policies of threat and pressure."

He said the EU and the European trio, the so-called E3, have "no moral or legal ground" to trigger the "snapback" of UN sanctions.

On July 15, French Foreign Minister JeanNoel Barrot told fellow EU ministers that the E3 is prepared to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran unless Tehran offers a "firm, tangible and verifiable commitment."

The Europeans reiterated the same stance during the call with Araqchi, according to a French diplomatic source cited by Reuters, who said Iran was pushed to reach a "verifiable and lasting" deal with the United States.

Under the 2015 nuclear agreement -- the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- longstanding UN restrictions on arms sales, banking, and nuclearrelated technology were lifted a decade ago.

European governments can still invoke the deal's "snapback" mechanism before an October 15 deadline, a step that would restore those sanctions and give them a narrow but significant source of leverage in current negotiations.

Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of its nuclear sites last month.

The European are pressing for UN nuclear inspectors to resume work in Iran, aiming in part to prevent Tehran from reorganizing its nuclear program after the damage caused by the strikes.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal, China and Russia -- longtime supporters of Iran in such negotiations -- cannot veto a snapback of sanctions. Although the formal window to trigger the mechanism closes in October, European governments could opt to postpone the move beyond that deadline to keep the door open for further talks.

Iranian and US negotiators were scheduled to meet in Oslo last week but the meeting was postponed, with apparently no new date agreed upon.

"Any new round of talks is only possible when the other side is ready for a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial nuclear deal," Araqchi wrote on X.

Speaking at a press briefing this week, US President Donald Trump said that while Iran is eager to engage in talks, he is in "no rush" to do so, noting that "we obliterated their sites" in the June 22 strikes on nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-eu-europe-snapback- sanctions-nuclear-talks/33477595.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.

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Why Iran Is Watching Baku And Damascus Closely

By Kian Sharifi July 18, 2025

What You Need To Know

 Azerbaijan And Syria Joining Forces... Against Iran?: Syrian interim President Ahmad alSharaa's surprise visit to Baku last weekend has set off alarms in Tehran and sent media from across the political spectrum scrambling to decode what it means for the region, especially Iran.

 Iranian Director Wins Prestigious Festival Prize: Iranian director Soheil Beiraghi's film Bidad won the Special Jury Award at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, despite nearly landing him in prison. The film, featuring women singing without hijabs, defies Iran's strict rules on dress and performance. Beiraghi and his team faced sentences in Iran, later commuted to fines. Beiraghi told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that he intends to return to Iran despite the legal threats. Accepting the award, he praised Iranian women's strength, saying they deserve "appreciation, respect, and a standing ovation."

 Tehran On Edge As Europe Threatens Return Of UN Sanctions: European powers have warned Tehran that UN sanctions could "snap back" if Iran fails to make verifiable nuclear commitments by the end of August. Ali Vaez, the director of the Iran program at the International Crisis Group, told Radio Farda that the ultimatum by Britain, France, and German is "very serious." He added that they see the so-called "snapback mechanism" as crucial leverage to force inspections and revive talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned that such a move would be treated like "a military attack." Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, citing June strikes on Iranian facilities, says he's in "no rush."

The Big Issue

A New Axis: Azerbaijan, Syria, And Possibly Israel?

Sharaa and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared that years of stagnation in their relationship were over, blaming ousted Syrian President Bashar alAssad's "unfriendly policy."

They unveiled a deal to export Azerbaijani gas to Syria through Turkey, hailing it as a step toward alleviating Syria's longrunning energy crisis.

Iranian media are sounding alarms over what they claim is a growing security threat along their country's northern and western borders.

Why It Matters: For Tehran, the stakes are high.

The possibility of Syrian militant networks shifting northward, coupled with Azerbaijan's deepening ties to Israel, suggests a new security headache on Iran's northern frontier.

Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has already pressed Aliyev to explain alleged Israeli drone incursions into Iranian airspace during June's 12-day war between the two Middle Eastern countries -- accusations Aliyev firmly denied.

But with Baku now forging overt partnerships with Sharaa's Syria and allegedly hosting backchannel talks with Israel, Iranian media warn that Tehran could soon face a more coordinated axis of rivals on its doorstep.

Tehran isn't just watching; it's concerned and recalibrating.

What's Being Said: Armane Melli, a proreform paper, warned that Syriabased fighters could be moved through Turkey into Azerbaijani bases -- a "mission," it wrote, that might aim to "destabilize areas along the borders of Iran and Russia."

The conservative Farhikhtegan suggested Sharaa is meeting US demands to reduce foreign fighters in Syria by redeploying them to Azerbaijan, potentially turning the country into a "strategic hub" for operations in the Caucasus or even settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh.

In response, Iran's state-broadcaster-run Jame Jam newspaper charged that meetings between Syrian and Israeli officials in Baku were "clear evidence" some neighbors, specifically Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Israel, are "shaping new dynamics that work against Iran's interests."

Expert Opinion: "Indeed a new Middle East: in six months, Syria has transformed from an Iranian vassal state to an independent actor, forging ties and cooperation with Azerbaijan -- a major ally of Israel and rival of Iran," says Brenda Shaffer, an international energy and foreign policy specialist.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/farda-briefing-syria- azerbaijan-iran-security/33476852.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.

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Treaty on Strategic Partnership Between Russia and Iran Enters Into Force - Ambassador

Sputnik News

20250718

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier said that the treaty provides for various forms of bilateral cooperation.

The comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran has entered into force, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali told Sputnik.

"It is already binding," Jalali said when asked about the date of entry into force of the agreement, as well as whether Iran had notified Russia of the completion of internal procedures.

He recalled that the treaty was ratified by both chambers of the Russian parliament, and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed it. At the same time, the document was ratified by the Iranian parliament, approved by the Guardian Council, and the president issued it as a law.

"Therefore, in both countries it currently has the form of a law and, naturally, has entered into force," Jalali said.

On January 17, Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, met in Moscow to sign the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. On April 21, the Russian leader signed a law to ratify the agreement with Iran.

 Sputnik

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Pevkur in Iraq: a fragile but stable security situation allows Estonia to end its mission participation by September

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

18. July 2025 - 13:50

Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur visited Iraq this week to meet with the Iraqi Minister of Defence, the President and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdish Minister of Defence, as well as the commanders of NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) and Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). During the meetings, Minister Pevkur announced that Estonia will end its contribution to the military coalition OIR. He also met with Estonian Defence Forces personnel serving in Erbil and thanked them for their successful participation in the operation.

"The recent developments in the Middle East undeniably affect the already fragile security situation across the region, but Iraq remains stable. This allows us to conclude our participation in the operation and shift our focus to developing Estonia's national defence," said Minister Pevkur. He added that the experience gained in Iraq is invaluable, as Estonia has made a significant contribution over the years to maintaining stability in the region. "Although we are currently ending our involvement in the coalition operation, international security clearly affects Estonia's security as well  therefore, we remain ready to consider supporting our allies if needed," Pevkur noted.

As part of the visit, Pevkur also met with French Major General Christophe Hintzy, Commander of NMI, and U.S. Major General Kevin C. Leahy, Commander of OIR, to discuss the future of the operations. Additionally, Pevkur discussed the regional security situation with President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

OIR is currently Estonia's largest foreign military operation, with up to 110 personnel deployed under a mandate from the Estonian Parliament. Estonia will end its participation in the operation by September of this year, but will continue contributing to NATO's training mission NMI in Baghdad.

"Estonian Defence Forces personnel have demonstrated a high level of professionalism in both operations and are highly regarded by the mission commanders," said the minister.

Since April 2023, Estonia's contribution to OIR has included military advisors, an infantry company, and support units. The advisors  staff officers and non-commissioned officers  are responsible for advising the tactical and operational level headquarters and commanders of the local security forces. The infantry company, formed on the basis of the Scouts Battalion, has been tasked with close protection for visits, movements outside the base, and meetings, as well as quick reaction duties in the immediate vicinity of the Erbil Air Base.

The U.S.-led OIR aims to advise and support Iraqi security forces in building a functional national defence system, enabling them to independently defeat Islamist extremist groups and ensure peace and stability in the country.

The NATO-led NMI supports the development of Iraq's defence capabilities and focuses on countering threats originating from the Alliance's southern flank by helping Iraq build sustainable and accountable security institutions. Estonia contributes to NMI with one staff officer based in Baghdad.

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July 18, 2025

Transcript

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Greets Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: Well, Minister Katz, it is wonderful to meet you in person. Obviously, we've spoken on the phone many, many times. Welcome to the Pentagon. Welcome to your team, some of which we saw just earlier this week.

MINISTER OF DEFENSE ISRAEL KATZ: Starting to feel very comfortable.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: That's right, as it should, as it should. So welcome. And on behalf of our team, we want to congratulate you on an incredibly successful Rising Lion and 12-day war. It changed the region and the world and was an example of why Israel is a model ally, understands the threat, is capable and will act in defense of your own country but also recognizing the collective security threats that we face.

So I want to commend - I mean, the chairman and I, all of us had a chance to watch in real time what you are capable of and we're grateful. And of course, our portion in Operation Midnight Hammer which demonstrated the capabilities of the United States military. And of course, those three nuclear sites in Iran which were obliterated, in case our press can't figure that out, which they seem to not be able to do. And the more we report and the more we see, the more we understand how devastating those attacks were on all three of those nuclear sites.

But it was not just a message to those nuclear sites, but also to the rest of the world, America can fly 37 hours undetected into a hostile nation, deliver decisive, precise munitions that only the United States of America has and is capable of employing, and then go home safely. That's a message to the world.

And we did - ultimately, what you did and what we did remade the region and created incredible opportunities, we believe, eventually, should Iran make the choice for peace. That's ultimately the hope of your country and the hope of ours. So we stand firmly with Israel, committed to reinforcing your right to self-defense and whether it's new capabilities, that defense or a lasting peace, we look forward to working together even more. So Mr. Minister, thank you for being here. I appreciate it.

MINISTER OF DEFENSE ISRAEL KATZ: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for your kind hospitality. I would like to express just how much I am impressed with Operation Midnight Hammer. It was a brave and historic decision by President Trump. Together, we destroyed the Iranian nuclear program. We destroyed the Iranian nuclear program.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: You could say that a third time for the press, if you want.

MINISTER OF DEFENSE ISRAEL KATZ: I [inaudible] for everyone, for everyone. It's very clear. We targeted enrichment sites, nuclear scientists and other targets related to the nuclear program. We also destroyed Iran's missile production capability. Our joint goal is to keep our achievements stopping Iran from building its nuclear program and mass production of missiles.

We have a very close partnership and we will continue to strengthen it in the fields of missile defense and drones. I would like to thank you again for playing a key role in the partnership and friendship between the United States and Israel. Your hospitality during my visit here is an example of it. Thank you very much, to you, to the president and to all that did the great common operation and first of all, for as I said, for President Trump for his brave and historic decision. Thank you very much.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: Absolutely. And thank you very much. Look forward to the meeting. Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4249754/

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Japan-U.S. Vice-Ministers' Meeting

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

July 18, 2025

On July 18, commencing at 3:30 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. FUNAKOSHI Takehiro, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with the Honorable Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, who is visiting Japan to participate in the U.S. National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The overview is as follows.

Vice Minister Funakoshi welcomed Deputy Secretary Landau's visit to Japan. Both sides concurred on the importance of further deepening Japan-U.S. cooperation in various fields, including security and economy. They affirmed that they would continue to work closely together to further develop the Japan-U.S. relations. The two sides concurred on the importance of further strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and they affirmed that they would continue concrete discussions, including through a Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (SCC) (Japan-U.S. "2+2") meeting. The two sides discussed the roles that both countries should play in the region to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), and concurred that they would hold the first consultation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the U.S. Department of State on concrete measures at an appropriate time. The two sides exchanged views on issues related to China and their policies toward North Korea including the abductions issue, and they affirmed that Japan and the United States would continue to work closely to address these issues, building on the prior discussions held at the Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Vice Foreign Ministerial Meeting, which had taken place immediately beforehand. The two sides concurred to regularly hold Japan-U.S. Vice-Ministers' Meetings to further deepen Japan-U.S. cooperation.

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Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Vice Foreign Ministerial Meeting

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

July 18, 2025

On July 18, commencing at 1:05 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, in Tokyo, His Excellency FUNAKOSHI Takehiro, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Vice Foreign Ministerial Meeting with the Honorable Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, and His Excellency Park Yoonjoo, 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, followed by a working lunch for approximately 60 minutes from 1:45 p.m. The overview of the events is as follows.

They reaffirmed that, in light of the increasingly severe strategic environment that the three countries face, the robust Japan-U.S. and U.S.-ROK alliances as well as the strategic coordination of these alliances are the foundation for effective trilateral cooperation. They also welcomed the advancement of concrete trilateral cooperation by the three countries. They discussed recent developments on North Korea and, in particular, expressed their serious concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and reaffirmed their commitment toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. They also reaffirmed that they would work closely together in addressing issues such as the advancement of Russia-North Korea military cooperation and North Korea's malicious cyber activities including cryptocurrency thefts, which fund its nuclear and missile programs. Furthermore, Vice Minister Funakoshi expressed his appreciation for the consistent support from the governments of the U.S. and the ROK regarding the abductions issue, as shown by the Deputy Secretary Landau and Vice Minister Park. They discussed regional situations including in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and shared their recognition that any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion is unacceptable. Also, they reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, they concurred to work closely together for the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also exchanged their views on economic security such as enhancing supply chain resilience including on critical minerals and protecting and promoting critical and emerging technologies, and reaffirmed that they would work closely together in these fields. They aligned their recognition on the direction of the trilateral cooperation through these strategic discussions, and concurred to pursue the stability and prosperity of the region by advancing tangible cooperation in areas such as security and economic security, including through utilizing the Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat.

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Situation in Libya: Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri arrested for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes

International Criminal Court (ICC) / Cour penale internationale (CPI)

Press Release: 18 July 2025

On 16 July 2025, Mr Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, a national of Libya, was arrested by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued under seal by Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "the Court") on 10 July 2025. Mr Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri is alleged to have been one of the most senior Mitiga Prison officials, where thousands of persons were detained for prolonged periods. He is suspected of having committed directly himself, ordered or overseen crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence, allegedly committed in Libya from February 2015 to early 2020.

The suspect, arrested upon the ICC request, will remain in the custody of the German authorities pending the completion of the national proceedings as foreseen in article 59 of the Rome Statute.

"The ICC continues to prioritise stronger internal coordination and deeper external cooperation to implement judicial orders and arrest warrants, which are essential steps for proceedings to move forward and for victims to see justice delivered," said the ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler. "I thank the national authorities for their strong and consistent cooperation with the Court, including leading to this recent arrest."

Background: The situation in Libya was referred to the ICC Prosecutor by the United Nations Security Council in its resolution 1970 dated 26 February 2011. On 3 March 2011, the Prosecutor announced the decision to open an investigation in the situation in Libya. On 12 May 2025, Libya accepted of the Court's jurisdiction over its territory from 2011 to the end of 2027. Eight other public ICC arrest warrants are still pending in the context of this situation against Mr Osama Elmasry Njeem, Mr Abdurahem Khalefa Abdurahem Elshgagi, Mr Makhlouf Makhlouf Arhoumah Doumah, Mr Nasser Muhammad Muftah Daou, Mr Mohamed Mohamed Al Salheen Salmi, Mr Abdelbari Ayyad Ramadan Al Shaqaqi, Mr Fathi Faraj Mohamed Salim Al Zinkal and Mr Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi.

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Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the arrest of a suspect in the Situation in Libya

International Criminal Court (ICC) / Cour penale internationale (CPI)

Statement: 18 July 2025

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court welcomes the arrest of the suspect, Mr Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, on 16 July 2025 by authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC. A Libyan national, Mr El Hishri was arrested in the context of the Office's ongoing investigation in the Situation in Libya. The Office looks forward to Mr El Hishri's transfer to the ICC in due course.

On the basis of its independent and impartial investigation, the Office alleges that Mr El Hishri, a senior official of the armed group Special Deterrence Forces, known as SDF / RADA, is criminally responsible for numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Libya, in or near Mitiga Prison, from around February 2015 to, at least, early 2020. During that time, Mr El Hishri was one of the most senior officials of Mitiga Prison, where thousands of persons were detained for prolonged periods. The Office filed an application for a warrant for his arrest on 3 April 2025.

In the warrant of arrest it issued on 10 July 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber I agreed that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr El Hishri is criminally responsible for crimes including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence.

The arrest of Mr El Hishri is an important development in the Office's efforts to seek accountability in the Situation in Libya, particularly for crimes in detention facilities, in accordance with its renewed strategy under UN Security Council resolution 1970 (2011) and Libya's declaration accepting ICC jurisdiction with respect to alleged crimes in its territory from 2011 to the end of 2027. In recent reports to the UN Security Council, the Office had identified the arrest and trial of a suspect in this situation in 2025 as a key priority. In coordination with the Registry, we have now taken a key step towards realising this priority.

The Office has identified crimes committed in detention facilities as a key line of investigation. It has been able to effectively implement this strategic approach through the excellent work of the Libya Unified Team, under the guidance and leadership of Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan. The Office is grateful to Registry partners who have effectively supported the arrest, in close coordination with the OTP's newly-established Tracking and Information Fusion Section.

This is an important moment. We can now look towards the first judicial proceedings in the Libya situation before the Court. The Prosecution stands ready for Mr El Hishri's trial at the ICC.

Finally, and most importantly, the Office wishes to thank all the victims and witnesses from Libya who have stepped forward to cooperate in the investigation. Their strength, courage and commitment make these important developments possible.

The Office's investigation in the Situation in Libya continues. The work is proceeding across multiple lines of inquiry, including more action with respect to crimes in detention facilities. In pursuing further accountability in this situation, the Office continues to rely on the partnership of national authorities, regional and international organisations, and the communities affected by Rome Statute crimes.

The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC conducts independent and impartial preliminary examinations, investigations and prosecutions of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. For further details on "preliminary examinations" and "situations and cases" before the Court, click here, and here.

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TOKYO, July 19 (Xinhua) -- A DNA analysis found that a brown bear that fatally attacked a man last week in the town of Fukushima, northern Japan, was the same animal that killed a woman four years ago, local media reported on Saturday.

A 52-year-old newspaper delivery man was attacked and killed by a brown bear in the town of Fukushima in the early hours of July 12. On Friday, a male brown bear was shot dead in the town.

A local research institute conducted a DNA analysis on a sample of the bear's fur and concluded that it matched that of fur found on the victim's clothes, the public broadcaster NHK reported.

The institute also said the bear's DNA matched that of a bear which fatally attacked a woman in her 70s four years ago.

Local authorities have determined that the animal killed both the man and the woman, the report said.

The prefectural government has lifted an alert issued in the town but was still urging residents to stay vigilant for bears. 
European Union and Pakistan hold 10th Political Dialogue

European External Action Service (EEAS)

17.07.2025

Brussels, Belgium

EEAS Press Team

Joint press release

The 10th Political Dialogue between the European Union (EU) and Pakistan took place on 17 July in Brussels. The Dialogue covered key issues of the EU-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, including multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue and discussions on security related issues.

The EU and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019. Both sides aim to further deepen cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP. The two sides reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework. They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025.

Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues.

The EU and Pakistan acknowledged the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned all forms of terrorism. Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements/treaties.

The parties exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine as well as Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides stressed the need to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter. They agreed on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both sides called for the resumption of a ceasefire, and expressed support for initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine in accordance with the two-state solution.

The two sides reaffirmed their aspiration to convene the 7th Strategic Dialogue in 2025, underscoring its importance in strengthening Pakistan-EU cooperation. They agreed to hold the next Political Dialogue meeting in 2026 in Islamabad.

The EU delegation was headed by Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service and the Pakistani delegation by Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.



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Contingent of the Pakistan Air Force comprising state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter aircraft and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, has landed at the Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, to participate in the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo - 2025.

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - July 17, 2025

No PR-221/2025-ISPR

Contingent of the Pakistan Air Force comprising state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter aircraft and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, has landed at the Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, to participate in the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo - 2025.

PAF's participation in RIAT, one of the world's largest military airshows, underscores Pakistan Air Force's commitment to showcasing its professional excellence, operational capability and the indigenous strength of its aviation industry. Adding to the operational significance of this international deployment, Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighters executed successful Air-to-Air Refuelling operations enroute to United Kingdom with the support of a PAF IL-78 aerial refuelling tanker. The intricate refuelling operation demonstrated PAF's long-range operational capabilities and the proficiency of its air and ground crew in conducting extended operations beyond national borders. JF-17 Block-III is an EASA Radar and Long Range BVR equipped 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking wide variety of combat missions bolstering airpower application in the face of contemporary challenges thereby strengthening national security. There is a palpable sense of enthusiasm across the United Kingdom following the recent Pakistan India conflict, as aviation enthusiasts and defence observers were eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 Thunder Block-III. The aircraft's combat-proven capabilities and operational excellence have garnered significant global attention, making its appearance at RIAT a highly anticipated highlight in the aerospace and defence community.

In line with RIAT's annual tradition of themed artistic displays, PAF C-130 Hercules has been adorned with an exclusive livery inspired by this year's theme, "Eyes in the Skies." The captivating design symbolizes vigilance, situational awareness and the technological edge maintained by modern air forces in ensuring global security. The striking artwork is expected to be a center of attraction, reflecting Pakistan Air Force's creativity and operational heritage.

The participation of PAF's advanced fighter aircraft and artistically painted C-130 Hercules in RIAT-2025 is aimed at fostering mutual understanding, sharing aviation experiences and enhancing PAF's image as a modern, technologically advanced air force contributing to global peace and security.

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Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Commander in Chief of Libyan Armed Forces called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff at General Headquarters, today.

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - July 18, 2025

No PR-222/2025-ISPR

Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Commander in Chief of Libyan Armed Forces called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff at General Headquarters, today.

Meeting encompassed discussion on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional dynamics, security challenges and matters pertaining to defence cooperation.

Both leaders agreed to undertake defense industrial collaboration and exchange of technical expertise to address contemporary security challenges.

Upon his arrival at GHQ, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada to pay homage to the martyrs of Pakistan Army. He was offered a warm welcome, followed by guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army.

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European Union Adopts New Sanctions Package Against Russia

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

18.07.2025 | 09:51

Today, on 18 July, the European Union approved its 18th sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and preventing the financing of its war machine. One of the central measures is lowering the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel. From now on, the price cap will be reviewed every six months to ensure it remains 15% below the average market price.

According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the new sanctions package demonstrates that Europe remains tireless and resolute. "The European Union is deliberately and consistently raising the cost of aggression for Russia. Every euro Russia earns from oil sales helps fund its bloodshed in Ukraine. Our goal is to shut off those financial lifelines."

"A price cap of $47.60 is not merely a technical limitit is a political blow to Russia's war machine. We are forcing Putin to sell oil below market price so that he feels more acutely what international isolation means," Tsahkna emphasized. "I call on all democratic nations to join this price cap. It is our moral and strategic obligation."

"The sanctions also include a ban on transactions related to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, meaning all goods and services linked to the construction, maintenance, operation, or management of these pipelines are now prohibited," said Minister Tsahkna, adding that the goal is to completely prevent the reopening of these pipelines.

An import ban was also introduced for refined petroleum products made from Russian crude oil in third countries.

More than 100 additional ships were added to the EU sanctions list, all of which are now banned from entering EU ports and receiving services. In total, the EU has sanctioned nearly 450 vessels, primarily involved in transporting Russian oil.

In the financial sector, the previous measure of disconnecting Russian banks from SWIFT was replaced with a full transaction ban, and more Russian banks have been added to the sanctions list. Additional trade restrictions were imposed on goods and technologies used in Russia's military industry. Measures against Belarus have also been tightened.

"Russia must understand that there is no place in the international arena for a country that flagrantly violates international law and attacks sovereign nations," said Tsahkna. "We will not stop until Russia is fully held accountable, withdraws from Ukraine, and compensates for the destruction it has caused. This is not just a statementit is a promise."

Further individuals and entities were added to the sanctions list, including companies in Russia's military-industrial complex, the captain of the tanker Jaguar, and companies associated with the vessel. Sanctions were also imposed on several third-country companies that facilitate the shadow fleet's operations or supply Russia's military industry.

Tsahkna confirmed that work on the next, 19th sanctions package has already begun. "We will not settle for halfway measures. Every new package strengthens our message: Ukraine is not alone, and Russia will not go unpunished."

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EU adopts 18th package of sanctions against Russia

European Commission

Press release

Jul 18, 2025

Brussels

The European Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of the 18th Russia sanctions package, aimed at further ramping up pressure on the country and supporting EU's goal of achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

The new measures focus on five building blocks: cutting Russia's energy revenues, hitting Russia's banking sector, further weakening its military-industrial complex, strengthening anti-circumvention measures, and holding Russia accountable for its crimes against Ukrainian children and cultural heritage. With this package, the number of listed vessels in Russia's shadow fleet reaches a total of 444 vessels, and the number of individual listings exceeds 2,500. This package also includes new sanctions against Belarus.

The 18th package includes the following key elements:

ENERGY MEASURES

Lowering of the Oil Price Cap for crude oil from 60 to 47.6 USD, and introduction of an automatic and dynamic mechanism for its review in the future. The new system will ensure that the cap is always 15% lower than the average market price for Urals crude in the previous period of six months, resulting in both predictability for operators and downward pressure on Russian energy revenues.

and introduction of an The new system will ensure that the cap is always 15% lower than the average market price for Urals crude in the previous period of six months, resulting in both predictability for operators and downward pressure on Russian energy revenues. Transaction ban for Nord Stream 1 and 2: This means no EU operator can engage in any transaction regarding the Nord Stream pipelines.

This means no EU operator can engage in any transaction regarding the Nord Stream pipelines. Import ban on refined oil products derived from Russian crude: This means a clampdown on refined product imports made from Russian crude that are processed abroad and delivered into the EU. This will prevent Russian crude oil from reaching the EU market in any form.

This means a clampdown on refined product imports made from Russian crude that are processed abroad and delivered into the EU. This will prevent Russian crude oil from reaching the EU market in any form. 105 additional vessel listings , meaning that a total of 444 vessels in Russia's shadow fleet are now listed by the EU. 3 LNG tankershave been delisted following firm commitments that these vessels will no longer engage in the transport of Russian energy to the Russian Yamal and Arctic 2 projects. Listed vessels are subject to a port access ban and a ban on receiving services. Alongside the listings of these unseaworthy tankers, the EU is conducting outreach to flag states to ensure that ship registers do not allow these tankers to sail under their flag.

, meaning that a total of vessels in Russia's shadow fleet are now listed by the EU. 3 LNG tankershave been delisted following firm commitments that these vessels will no longer engage in the transport of Russian energy to the Russian Yamal and Arctic 2 projects. Listed vessels are subject to a port access ban and a ban on receiving services. Alongside the listings of these unseaworthy tankers, the EU is conducting outreach to flag states to ensure that ship registers do not allow these tankers to sail under their flag. Full-fledged listings - asset freezes, travel bans - throughout the shadow fleet value chain. These target both Russian and international companies managing shadow fleet vessels, traders of Russian crude oil, as well as a major customer of the shadow fleet, a refinery in India with Rosneft as its main shareholder. For the first time, we are also designating a captain of a shadow fleet vessel as well as an operator of an open flag registry. One entity in the Russian LNG sector is also included in today's listings.

FINANCIAL MEASURES

Transforming the ban on provision of specialised financial messaging services with certain Russian banks into a full transaction ban: This means EU firms are banned from doing any business, including providing specialised messaging services subject to this measure so far, with the 23 listed entities.

This means EU firms are banned from doing including providing specialised messaging services subject to this measure so far, with the 23 listed entities. Adding another 22 Russian banks to this transaction and messaging ban, bringing the total to 45. No EU operator will be able to engage with any of the listed banks directly or indirectly, including providing specialised messaging services.

Broadening the transaction ban for third-country financial operators , including crypto-asset providers who help circumvent sanctions, support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, or are connected to Russia's financial messaging service. EU operators are banned from carrying out transactions with any of those financial operators.

, including crypto-asset providers who help circumvent sanctions, support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, or are connected to Russia's financial messaging service. EU operators are banned from carrying out transactions with any of those financial operators. New transaction ban targeting the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), its subsidiaries, its investments and financial institutions supporting them . The new measures prohibit engaging with any legal person, entity or body in which the RDIF holds any ownership or investments. This will prevent Russia from using the RDIF to access global financial markets, circumvent EU sanctions, obtain foreign currency, sustain its war effort, or increase the resilience of its economy. This package targets 4 companies in which the RDIF has invested, helping economic operators with implementation and compliance.

. The new measures prohibit engaging with any legal person, entity or body in which the RDIF holds any ownership or investments. This will prevent Russia from using the RDIF to access global financial markets, circumvent EU sanctions, obtain foreign currency, sustain its war effort, or increase the resilience of its economy. This package targets in which the RDIF has invested, helping economic operators with implementation and compliance. Ban on provision of certain banking software: The prohibition on provision of services and software to the Russian Government and to Russian companies will now include key types of banking software.

TRADE MEASURES

The package expands export restrictions and bans to further disrupt and weaken Russia's military-industrial complex. These include:

Restrictions on additional advanced technologies;

Further export bans that correspond to almost 2.1 billion of exports in 2024 terms.

ANTI-CIRCUMVENTION MEASURES

This package adds 26 entities to the list of those providing direct or indirect support to Russia's military industrial complex or engaging in sanctions circumvention.This includes 15 entities established in Russia and 11 in other third countries (4 in Turkiye and 7 in China/Hong Kong). Annex IV lists companies which are military end-users, or those which form part of, or have close links to, the Russian military-industrial complex and for which even tighter restrictions apply.

to the list of those providing direct or indirect support to Russia's military industrial complex or engaging in sanctions circumvention.This includes and (4 in Turkiye and 7 in China/Hong Kong). Annex IV lists companies which are military end-users, or those which form part of, or have close links to, the Russian military-industrial complex and for which even tighter restrictions apply. The transit ban is expanded by adding 8 Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes from the list of Economically Critical Goods - updated on 24 February 2025 - used for construction and transport, two of which are of direct relevance to the energy industry. This means that those goods can no longer transit the territory of Russia when exported from the EU to third countries.

by adding 8 Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes from the list of Economically Critical Goods - updated on 24 February 2025 - used for construction and transport, two of which are of direct relevance to the energy industry. This means that those goods can no longer transit the territory of Russia when exported from the EU to third countries. The package also introduces a dedicated catch-all provision to address the risk of circumvention via third countries of exports of advanced technology items. This will provide Member States with an additional tool to stop and investigate suspicious shipments and prevent the circumvention of sanctions.

TARGETING RUSSIA'S MILITARY CAPABILITIES AND SUPPLY CHAINS

Today's package contains 55 additional listings. These listings target the military industrial complex with a view to curb Russia's military capabilities. To further constrain its access to goods and technologies, listings target the supply chain of the Russian military industrial complex, including through the listing of companies in China supplying goods used on the battlefield. Additionally, the package targets 8 companies operating in the Belarusian military industrial complex, which is supporting Russia's war efforts.

RUSSIA'S ACCOUNTABILITY

By adding another individual actively involved in Russia's "military education" of Ukrainian children , we continue to target those responsible for the indoctrination of Ukrainian children. It brings the total number of designations in relation to the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children to over 80.

, we continue to target those responsible for the indoctrination of Ukrainian children. It brings the total number of designations in relation to the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children to over 80. The package is also listing several Russian proxies in occupied territories, including a person responsible for manipulation of Ukrainian cultural heritage, another leading Russian businessperson, and a prominent Russian propagandist.

MEASURES TO PROTECT MEMBER STATES FROM ARBITRATION

Introduction of protective restrictions concerning the investor-to-state dispute settlement (ISDS): These new measures address the risk of economic damage from investment arbitrations launched by listed persons in relation to EU sanctions. The measures provide further protection for Member States from sanctions-related claims under their bilateral investment treaties (BITs). This includes the possibility for Member States to recover any damages incurred as a consequence of investor-to-state dispute settlement proceedings brought against them.

NEW MEASURES AGAINST BELARUS

In parallel, the package includes additional measures on Belarus, namely prohibiting arms procurement from Belarus, adding a catch-all provision for advanced technology items, transforming the ban on specialised financial messaging services into a full transaction ban, and adding measures to protect Member States from arbitration.

This package also includes additional export restrictions on sensitive goods, technologies and industrial goods. Finally, it adds one (1) entity subject to restrictions and eight (8) additional entities subject to asset freeze.

Quote(s)

The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date. Each sanction weakens Russia's ability to wage war. The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war. Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

This new sanctions package strikes at the heart of Russia's war machine - targeting its energy revenues, financial sector, and military-industrial complex. The EU stands united in its unwavering support for Ukraine. The pressure is working - Russia's resources are dwindling, and sustaining its illegal war is becoming increasingly difficult. Unequivocal support for Ukraine is, and will remain, at the very top of our EU list of strategic priorities. Maria Luis Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

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EU adopted 18th package of sanctions targeting Russia's war machine - energy and financial sectors

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-07-18

Today, 18 July, the Council of the European Union (EU) adopted the 18th package of economic and individual sanctions aimed at limiting the activities of Russia's critical oil and financial sectors and further comprehensively restricting the regime's ability to continue its aggression against Ukraine.

"Russia's objectives remain unchanged. The entire European security architecture is at stake. There is no sign that Russia is about to stop, so the EU must take the lead in continuing to increase pressure on Russia. The 18th sanctions package targets the Kremlin's key sources of revenue, and we must continue moving in this direction, starting discussions on the 19th sanctions package without delay," said Kestutis Budrys, the head of Lithuanian diplomacy.

The Council is lowering the price cap for Russian crude oil and introducing a dynamic mechanism to review the price. With its decision the Council aims to ensure that the sale price of oil would only cover the cost of production and that Russia's oil export revenues would plunge even further.

The EU also decided to prohibit both direct and indirect transactions related to the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipelines. Russia has repeatedly unilaterally disrupted the supply of natural gas through the Nord Stream pipeline and completely cut off supplies at the end of August 2022, to exert pressure on the EU as a whole and on its member states and weaken their support for Ukraine. The transaction ban imposed by the Council will prevent the supply of natural gas through these pipelines, completely restricting Russia's ability to generate additional revenue from gas exports and use it to finance its aggression against Ukraine.

The new sanctions package expands the ban on providing specialized financial messaging services to certain Russian credit and financial institutions, as well as other entities that have subscribed to financial messaging services, or subsidiaries of credit or financial institutions from third countries operating in Russia. Under the Council Decision, an additional 22 Russian credit and financial institutions and other entities are added to the list of legal persons, entities, or organizations subject to this transaction ban.

Furthermore, to prevent further development of Russia's financial sector, the Council has introduced a ban on providing software for specific banking and financial sector applications.

To close loopholes that may be used to circumvent sanctions, the 18th sanctions package allows member states' competent authorities to require prior authorisation for the export of items listed in Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 to any third country if there is a suspicion that they may have a final destination in Russia or be destined for the final use by Russian entities.

The 18th package of sanctions adopted today also sanctioned an additional 105 shadow fleet tankers and imposed additional restrictions on goods that could help strengthen Russia's military and improve technology capabilities or develop its defence and security sector. The list of these restrictions includes goods used by Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine that contribute to the production of military systems, including additional computer numerical control (CNC) machines and chemical components for propellants.

The new sanctions package includes restrictive measures targeting an additional 55 individuals and entities responsible for actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.

The Council today also adopted new sanctions against Belarus, which are comparable to the restrictions imposed on Russia under the 18th package of sanctions. In addition, a ban on the import of arms from Belarus into the European Union was introduced, as well as individual restrictive measures against eight legal entities belonging to the Belarusian military and industrial complex.

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Oil Cap In New EU Sanctions Package Signals Independence From G7

By Rikard Jozwiak July 18, 2025

The European Union finally managed to approve a new round of sanctions on Russia -- as well as Belarus -- before going on its traditional all-August recess, eventually overcoming a Slovak veto in a saga that has dragged on for two months.

But perhaps the bigger story is that the bloc managed to agree to lower the Russian oil cap substantially, and do so on its own without agreement from the United States and other G7 nations -- who can join at a later stage -- a sign of a more confident and independent EU on the world stage.

When the oil price cap was first agreed on a G7-level in December 2022 it was meant as a sort of global compromise over an EU ban on services to transport Russian oil. The idea was to decrease Russian trade revenues but at the same time allow third countries, notably in the poorer global south, to still get access to the product in order to avoid shortages.

The cap was set at $60 per barrel and even though it should have been reviewed every three months to reflect fluctuations in world oil prices, it has remained at that level for the last two and half years.

The EU finally decided to push for a lowering to $45 per barrel when it presented its new round of sanctions, its 18th since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, in June.

Taking the proposal to the G7 summit in Canada last month, the bloc tried and failed to secure a deal with the United States resisting as oil prices surged after Israeli and American attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Presumed dead at first, several key EU member states such as Germany and France as well as the European Commission still aimed at resuscitating the new cap and tried to convince Cyprus, Greece, and Malta - countries with considerable maritime services sectors - to agree on EU-only measures instead.

Eventually the trio got onboard with lowering the cap to $47.6 per barrel, 15 percent lower than the average market price of Russian crude oil. What got them all onboard was the promise of a "dynamic review" of the cap, meaning that it should be reviewed on a regular basis.

The key thing to look out for now is if other G7 nations follow suit.

EU officials RFE/RL has spoken to hope that the United Kingdom, another significant maritime insurer, will join and that this will eventually prompt the United States to get onboard as well.

The other big talking point was the Slovak sanctions veto threat.

What made this veto special was the linkage Bratislava made to give thumbs up to the restrictive measures, which the Central European country in principle had nothing against.

What worried Slovakia was a separate proposal by the European Commission presented earlier this year to phase out Russian energy imports into the bloc by the end of 2027.

The proposal, named "RePowerEU," is not a traditional sanctions move which requires unanimity but an EU internal market regulation that can be adopted via a qualified majority of 55 percent of the member states representing 65 percent of the total EU population voting in favor. It would, in other words, be possible for Brussels to circumvent Bratislava entirely.

In the end, Fico lifted his veto threat late on July 17, paving the way for a stop to Russian gas flow to his country by January 1, 2028. But he did secure an improved "crisis mechanism" in the regulation that can be triggered in the case of high energy prices and gas shortages. So Russian gas could potentially still very much enter the bloc.

He also got assurances that EU funds can be used to compensate for high gas prices, with the European Commission earlier this week presenting a proposal for a new 2 trillion-euro budget.

The European Commission, with its arrays of well-paid legal minds, also promised Fico that it will assist Slovakia in the case of any future arbitration over a breach of contract with the Russian energy giant Gazprom, which has valid contracts with Bratislava until 2034.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/oil-cap-eu-sanctions-package- independence-g7/33477656.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.

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EU Approves New Russia Sanctions Package Including Key Oil Price Cap

By RFE/RL July 18, 2025

The European Union has approved its latest sanctions package, the 18th since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, including a key price cap on Russian oil exports.

"We are striking at the heart of Russia's war machine. Targeting its banking, energy and military-industrial sectors and including a new dynamic oil price cap. The pressure is on. It will stay on until [Russian President Vladimir] Putin ends this war," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Details of the oil price cap were not immediately disclosed, but Reuters quoted a diplomats as saying the sanctions package will lower the G7's price cap for Russian crude oil from the current $60 per barrel to $47.6 per barrel.

The cap will be dynamically adjusted to ensure the global price of oil does not fall more than 15 percent below the average long-term market price.

Companies involved in moving Russian oil -- including shipping companies, insurers, firms providing technical assistance, as well as financing and brokerage services -- at above-cap prices could be hit with sanctions.

The sanctions also include a ban on transactions with Nord Stream gas pipelines and the targeting of more shadow ships that are part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," vessels believed to be circumventing EU sanctions by carrying mainly Russian oil.

While no Russian gas currently flows through the two Nordstream Baltic Sea underwater pipelines that connect Russia with Germany, the move to ban transactions using it aims to prevent the potential resumption of such supplies.

"The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war," Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, said in a statement.

Agreement on the sanctions package came at the last minute after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico withdrew his country's threat to veto the move over concerns about the impact measures targeting Russian oil and gas would have on his country.

Fico said late on July 17 that he was withdrawing his threat after receiving guarantees that it would get help if it experienced shortages or sharp spikes in prices and transit fees, as well as any damage claims from Russia's Gazprom.

Slovakia has an energy import agreement with Russia that runs until 2034.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in a post on X that "together with the United States we will force Vladimir Putin into a ceasefire."

Barrot added that the new sanctions were "unprecedented."

The 27-member EU began slapping sanctions on Russia after Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022.

More than 2,400 officials and "entities"  often government agencies, banks, companies or organizations  have been hit with asset freezes and travel bans in the sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the new sanctions on Russia "essential and timely."



"This decision is essential and timely, especially now, as a response to the fact that Russia has intensified the brutality of the strikes on our cities and villages," Zelenskyy said in a post on social media.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-approves-russia- sanctions-package-including-key-oil-price-cap-/33477518.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.

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Kremlin Says NATO Instrument of Confrontation, Bloc Hostile Towards Russia

Sputnik News

20250718

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that NATO was an instrument of confrontation, adding that the bloc is hostile towards Russia.

"NATO is an instrument of confrontation, it is a bloc that is hostile towards our country," Peskov told reporters, adding that the bloc's attitude forces Russia to take measures to ensure its own security.

Regarding the statements of Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, commanding general of US Army Europe and Africa, who said on Wednesday that NATO had sufficient capabilities to neutralize Russia's Kaliningrad region in case of a conflict and had already developed a corresponding plan, Peskov said that such statements were taken into account.

"This is yet another statement in a series of such hostile, aggressive statements that we now often hear from representatives of the defense departments of European countries," Peskov added.

According to Donahue, NATO has already developed an operational plan to suppress the defensive potential of Russian forces in the Kaliningrad region. According to him, the "deterrence line on the eastern flank" plan involves strengthening ground capabilities and improving cooperation between the military sector and industry within the alliance.

On Sanctions

Russia opposes unilateral restrictions, but has already learned to adapt to them, Peskov said, commenting on the EU's new package of sanctions against Moscow.

"We are against them [unilateral sanctions]. But at the same time, of course, we have already acquired a certain immunity from sanctions. We have adapted to life under sanctions," Peskov told reporters.

The new EU sanctions package against Russia will be analyzed to minimize its consequences, the official said, adding that Moscow sees a consistent anti-Russian line of Europe.

"Each new package [of sanctions] adds a negative effect for the countries that join it. This is a double-edged sword," Peskov added.

Earlier in the day, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that the permanent representatives of the EU member states had agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Later in the day, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said that the new restrictions would replace the disconnection of Russian banks from SWIFT with a complete ban on transactions.

On Talks With Ukraine

The statement by Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky about the need to intensify the negotiating track for a settlement is a positive signal.

Earlier in the day, Zelensky said that he had held a meeting with new head of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and tasked him with intensifying the negotiating track for a settlement.

"This is a positive signal," Peskov told reporters., adding that Russia is in favor of adding dynamics to the negotiation process with Ukraine.

 Sputnik

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UK tightens Oil Price Cap in blow to Putin's war machine

The UK and EU will lower the crude Oil Price Cap.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, HM Treasury, The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

Published 18 July 2025

UK and EU lower the crude Oil Price Cap, striking at the heart of Putin's oil revenues

new measure will drive down the market value of Russian oil, disrupting the flow of oil money into Putin's war chest

coordinated action comes as the UK and allies continue to ratchet up economic pressure on Russia

UK will ramp up economic pressure on Russia with fresh measures directly targeting Putin's critical oil revenues.

The UK and EU have today announced a lowering of the Crude Oil Price Cap, striking at the heart of Putin's oil revenues.

Today's action will lower the Crude Oil Price Cap from $60 barrel to $47.60 directly hitting Russia's oil revenues, which have already fallen 35% year-on-year to May.

This will clamp down on Putin's oil industry, driving down the market value of Russian crude oil and hurting a crucial source of funding for the Kremlin's illegal war in Ukraine.

Every financial blow against Russia's oil revenues is another step towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, and a step towards security and prosperity in the UK and beyond, which is a key foundation of the government's Plan for Change.

Speaking at the G20 in South Africa, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

The UK and its EU allies are turning the screw on the Kremlin's war chest by stemming the most valuable funding stream of its illegal war in Ukraine even further. This decisive step to lower the Crude Oil Price Cap will target Russia's oil revenues and ramp up the pressure on Putin by exploiting his biggest vulnerability - while keeping energy markets stable.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

As Putin continues to stall on serious peace talks, we will not stand by. That's why we're striking at the heart of the Russian energy sector alongside the EU. Together we will continue to apply relentless pressure on Putin, squeezing his critical oil industry and cutting off funding for his illegal war in Ukraine.

The UK is taking decisive action to cut off Putin's oil supply pipeline and has to date sanctioned over 250 ships responsible for transporting Russian energy.

The UK has been clear that delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine to defend itself and ratchet up pressure on Russia. That's why the UK has committed 3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Today's action comes as the UK further clamps down on Russian malign activity, exposing and sanctioning Russian spies responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin's orders.

The UK and EU are working in lockstep to combat those callously fuelling the fires of destruction in Ukraine and are committed to ramping up economic pressure on Putin, forcing him to the table to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Background

The Crude Oil Price Cap, introduced in December 2022, is a measure to limit the Kremlin's ability to finance its war against Ukraine, and prohibits G7 companies from shipping, insuring, or otherwise servicing Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel. Now, the UK and EU are lowering this to $47.60 per barrel, directly slashing Putin's oil profits.

The price caps of $100 on high-value refined oil products, such as diesel and petrol, and $45 on low-value refined oil products, such as fuel oil, remain unaffected.

Oil exports are one of Russia's key vulnerabilities: energy revenues account for around 30% of total federal revenues which in turn fund Russia's war machine.

The government is giving UK businesses time to adapt to the lower price cap. The lowered Oil Price Cap of $47.60 per barrel comes into effect at 23:01 (BST), Tuesday, 2 September 2025. Additionally, for any trades with an effective date of contract before this date, and which are compliant with the existing price cap of $60 per barrel, there will be a wind-down period of 45 days, ending at 23:01 (BST), Friday, 17 October 2025.

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Members of Syrian security forces walk along a road lined with police vehicles on the outskirts of Sweida province, southern Syria, July 19, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa on Saturday blamed retaliatory attacks by "outlawed" armed groups in the province of Sweida and Israeli airstrikes for pushing the country into a dangerous stage, calling for national unity and reconciliation in the war-torn country.

In a televised address, al-Sharaa said the withdrawal of state forces from parts of the southern province of Sweida created a security vacuum that allowed local armed Druze factions to launch revenge attacks against Bedouin groups. These assaults, he said, were accompanied by grave human rights violations and prompted other tribal groups to mobilize in defense of their besieged kin.

He accused Israel of reigniting tensions by carrying out "blatant airstrikes" in southern Syria and against government facilities in Damascus, warning that such actions had "pushed the country into a dangerous stage that threatens its stability."

Al-Sharaa also criticized the view of "narrow interests" of certain individuals in Sweida and condemned the use of the province by internal and external forces as a platform for regional conflicts. "This only deepens the crisis and does not serve the interests of Syrians," he said.

Addressing the broader political context, the Syrian leader praised the recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel, announced at dawn Saturday, calling it a "vital step toward ending the bloodshed." He expressed gratitude for Washington's support and welcomed the roles played by Arab countries and Turkiye in facilitating the truce.

The Syrian authorities on Saturday declared an immediate and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.

In a statement issued Saturday morning, the Syrian authorities said the truce aimed to preserve national unity and ensure the safety of civilians amid "critical circumstances," describing the move as a national and humanitarian obligation.

The authorities called on all parties to cease hostilities and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.

It vowed to restore state control of the Sweida province, facilitate the return of displaced civilians, and re-establish law and order, warning that any violation of the ceasefire would be treated as a breach of national sovereignty, subject to legal consequences.

The announcement came just hours after U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack revealed the truce on X, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had agreed to a cessation of hostilities, brokered by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The deal is also backed by regional players, including Turkiye, Jordan and Syria's other neighbors.

The ceasefire deal followed six days of fierce sectarian clashes in Sweida, which left hundreds dead and triggered fears of a broader regional escalation.

In the televised address, al-Sharaa reiterated the government's commitment to protecting all minorities and prosecuting all violators regardless of affiliation. "We disavow all crimes and violations committed, whether from within or outside Sweida," he added.

Al-Sharaa concluded by affirming Syria's unity and sovereignty: "Syria is not a testing ground for partition projects, secession or sectarian incitement. It is time we return to a national foundation capable of building a stable future." 

Members of Syrian security forces walk along a road lined with police vehicles on the outskirts of Sweida province, southern Syria, July 19, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)
UK sanctions Russian spies at the heart of Putin's malicious regime

The UK has exposed Russian spies responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin's orders.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

Published 18 July 2025

UK exposes and sanctions three GRU units and 18 of their military intelligence officers, responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin's orders

GRU units exposed for their involvement in the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre, the targeting of Yulia Skripal and cyber operations in support of Putin's illegal war in Ukraine

action by UK and allies comes amid global threat posed by Russian malign activity

Russian spies and hackers targeting the UK and others are today exposed and sanctioned in decisive action by the UK Government to deliver security for working people.

Today's measures target three units of the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU) and 18 military intelligence officers who are responsible for conducting a sustained campaign of malicious cyber activity over many years, including in the UK.

The GRU routinely uses cyber and information operations to sow chaos, division and disorder in Ukraine and across the world with devastating real-world consequences.

In 2022, Unit 26165, sanctioned today, conducted online reconnaissance to help target missile strikes against Mariupol - including the strike that destroyed the Mariupol Theatre where hundreds of civilians, including children, were murdered.

Today's action also hits GRU military intelligence officers responsible for historically targeting Yulia Skripal's device with malicious malware known as X-Agent - five years before GRU military intelligence officers' failed attempt to murder Yulia and Sergei Skripal with the deadly Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury.

In the UK, Russia has targeted media outlets, telecoms providers, political and democratic institutions, and energy infrastructure. The United Kingdom and our international allies are watching Russia and are countering their attacks both publicly and behind the scenes.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

GRU spies are running a campaign to destabilise Europe, undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and threaten the safety of British citizens. The Kremlin should be in no doubt: we see what they are trying to do in the shadows and we won't tolerate it. That's why we're taking decisive action with sanctions against Russian spies. Protecting the UK from harm is fundamental to this government's Plan for Change. Putin's hybrid threats and aggression will never break our resolve. The UK and our Allies support for Ukraine and Europe's security is ironclad.

The UK government is committed to accelerating its efforts to counter hybrid threats at home, protecting the UK's national security - a key foundation of the Plan for Change - and abroad, working in collaboration with a growing international coalition including all 32 NATO Allies, the EU and its member states, and our partners in the FBI.

That is why the UK has announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending - rising to 2.6% of GDP from 2027 - since the Cold War, and as highlighted in the National Security Review, the UK is stepping up our focus on tackling hybrid and technology enabled threats. The new UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership will support this, enabling closer cooperation across a wide range of areas.

The Kremlin has also used cyber operations in support of Putin's illegal war - including targeting critical infrastructure like Viasat satellite communications. Some of these attacks were conducted on the eve of the full-scale invasion in 2022 with the express purpose of degrading Ukraine's ability to defend itself.

Russia's insidious activity stretches far beyond Europe. In addition to the GRU Units and officers, the UK is also sanctioning three leaders of "African Initiative", a social media content mill established and funded by Russia and employing Russian intelligence officers to conduct information operations in West Africa. This includes reckless attempts to undermine lifesaving global health initiatives in the region by pushing baseless conspiracy theories to further the Kremlin's political agenda.

Background

The Foreign Secretary laid out how the UK is stepping up our approach to combatting Russian hybrid threats in his Mansion House speech. Read more here.

See this factsheet for further information: GRU Cyber and Hybrid Threat Operations

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) NAC statement: Statement of Condemnation by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) concerning Russian Malicious Cyber Activities

EU HR / VP Statement on behalf of the European Union Member States: Hybrid threat / Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU condemning Russia's persistent hybrid campaigns against the EU, its Member States and partners

Hybrid Threats activity refers to overt or covert actions by foreign governments which fall short of direct armed conflict with the UK but cause harm or threaten the safety or interests of the UK or our allies.

Examples of this include:

Cyber attacks (e.g. hacking government systems or stealing trade secrets)

Disinformation (e.g. spreading false or misleading information online)

Sabotage (e.g. damaging infrastructure or supply chains)

Political interference (e.g. influencing elections or public opinion)

More information on the Salisbury Poisonings and the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry can be found here: The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry - Inquiry into 2018 Salisbury poisonings

Below is a full list of those sanctioned today:

Aleksandr Vladimirovich OSADCHUK

Yevgeniy Mikhaylovich SEREBRIAKOV

Anatoliy Sergeyvich KOVALEV

Artem Valeryvich OCHICHENKO

The 161st Specialist Training Centre (TsPS) (Unit 29155) of the GRU

Vladislav Yevgenyevich BOROVKOV

Nikolay Aleksandrovich KORCHAGIN

Yuriy Federovich DENISOV

Vitaly Aleksandrovich SHEVCHENKO

Ivan Sergeyevich YERMAKOV

Aleksey Viktorovich LUKASHEV

Sergey Sergeyevich VASYUK

Andrey Eduardovich BARANOV

Aleksey Sergeyevich MORENETS

Sergey Aleksandrovich MORGACHEV

Artem Adreyevich MALYSHEV

Yuriy Leonidovich SHIKOLENKO

Victor Borisovich NETYKSHO

Dmitriy Aleksandrovich MIKHAYLOV

African Initiative

Artyom Sergeevich KUREYEV

Anna Sergeevna ZAMARAEVA

Victor Aleksandrovich LUKOVENKO

In addition, we have brought new evidence to light on the following existing designations:

The Main Centre for Special Technologies (GTsST) (Unit 74455) of the Russian GRU

The 85th Main Special Services Centre (GTsSS) (Unit 26165) of the Russian GRU

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China expresses strong dissatisfaction, resolute opposition over EU's 18th Russia sanctions package listing two Chinese banks: spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 19, 2025 08:16 AM

In response to a media inquiry regarding the EU's adoption of its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, under which two Chinese financial institutions were included, the spokesperson for Mission of China to the European Union said on Friday night local time that China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council.

By listing two Chinese financial institutions in its 18th sanctions package, the EU has acted in a manner both egregious in nature and harmful in effect. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition, and has already lodged stern representations with the EU. China will take firm measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, said the spokesperson.

Regarding the Ukraine issue, China has consistently urged peace and dialogue, committed itself to promoting a political settlement of the crisis, never supplied lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and strictly controls exports of dual-use items, said the spokesperson.

We urge the EU to stop smearing and shifting blame onto China, immediately correct its wrongful inclusion of two Chinese financial institutions, and take concrete steps to eliminate the harmful consequences of its actions, said the spokesperson.

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League's General Secretariat condemns Israeli occupation raids on Syria

League of Arab States

Date: 16/07/2025

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States strongly condemned the raids carried out by the Israeli occupation forces on Syrian territory, including those targeting the General Staff headquarters in Damascus and the vicinity of the Presidential Palace. The General Secretariat regards these attacks as a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of an Arab state, a member of both the League and the United Nations, and a breach of international law and the principles of the international order.

The General Secretariat stressed that these Israeli strikes amount to acts of aggression and intimidation that can neither be accepted nor tolerated by the regional or international community, and must be brought to an immediate halt. It further noted that the occupation forces' actions are intended to destabilise Syria, taking advantage of recent developments in the Sweida Governorateevents that were denounced by the Syrian authorities themselves as "shameful acts," with a pledge to investigate and hold accountable anyone found responsible for violations or misconduct.

The General Secretariat expressed its full solidarity with Syria in the face of these Israeli aggressions and urged the Syrian government to act swiftly to contain the situation, ease tensions through dialogue, and work towards the inclusion of all Syrian people within a unified national framework.

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OIC General Secretariat Strongly Condemns the Continued Israeli Aggression on Syrian Territory

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

16-07-2025

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the continued Israeli aggression on Syrian territory and the blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, in flagrant violation of international law, international resolutions, and Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The General Secretariat reiterated the OIC's full solidarity with, and support for, the Syrian Arab Republic and its people during this critical time. It also emphasized the need to respect the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria. Furthermore, the General Secretariat called on the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to put an end to the repeated Israeli attacks that threaten regional peace and security.

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Statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Media Statements

The 37th Government

17.07.2025

Statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

"I would like to brief you on what we have done in Syria, and what we are going to do in Syria.

We have set forth a clear policy: demilitarization of the region to south of Damascus, from the Golan Heights and to the Druze Mountain area. That's rule number one. Rule number two is protecting the brothers of our brothers, the Druze at the Druze Mountain.

Both those rules were broken by the regime in Damascus. The regime sent troops south of Damascus, into the region that has to be demilitarized, and began slaughtering the Druze. That we could not accept in any way, and I therefore directed the IDF to take action  and take powerful action. The Air Force attacked both the gangs of murderers and the armored vehicles. I added another target, to also attack the Ministry of Defense in Damascus.

As a result of that powerful action, a ceasefire came into force, and the Syrian forces retreated back to Damascus. That is important.

This is a ceasefire that was reached through strength. Not by making requests, not by begging  through strength. We are reaching peace through strength, quiet through strength, security through strength  on seven fronts.

That will also be our policy going forward  we will not allow Syrian army forces to enter the region south of Damascus, and will not allow any harm to the Druze at the Druze Mountain.

I would like to share with you something that touched me deeply over the past two days. I received a message from Sheikh Muafak Tarif, the leader of the Druze community in Israel. He told me the following: "During the Holocaust, when you were being slaughtered, you, the Jews, cried for help and no one came. Today we, the Druze, are being slaughtered and we are calling for the help of the State of Israel".

I told him that he's right.

We have taken action, and we will continue to take action as necessary".

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Baqaei: Iran supports Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity loud and clear

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 18, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei in a message has offered Iran's loud and clear support for Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"By (mis)characterizing Israel's blatant act of aggression as 'escalating strikes on Syrian territory,' the EU disclaims even the pretense of moral integrity," Baqaei wrote on his X account on Friday.

"This is gaslighting at its finest: dressing 'complicity' up as 'diplomacy'", he added.

"Iran, with its proud history of standing firm against aggression and lawless behavior, rejects selective indignation and double standards," he stressed.

"As always, we stand by the Syrian people and support Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity loud and clear," he noted.

Israel has been carrying out new attacks on Syria in recent days, including the capital Damascus.

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Iran condems Israeli aggression against Syria

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 18, 2025

New York, IRNA -- Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the U.N. Amir Saeed Iravani has strongly condemned Israel's military attacks on Syria, calling them deliberate acts of aggression.

Iravani made these statements during a UN Security Council meeting addressing the situation in Syria.

The full text of his speech is as follows:

Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this urgent and important meeting to address the ongoing acts of aggression by the Israeli regime against the Syrian Arab Republic. At the outset, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Pakistan on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. We are confident in your able leadership. We also commend Guyana for its effective and successful leadership of the Council during the month of June. I thank ASG Mr. Khiari for his briefing.

Mr. President,

We strongly condemn the recent large-scale military attacks by the Israeli regime against the Syrian Arab Republic. These deliberate acts of aggression, including those on the capital, Damascus, targeted infrastructures and public and government facilities. This marks a dangerous escalation by a regime that still illegally occupies parts of Syrian territory in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

I wish to make the following points:

1. These military attacks happen alongside Israel's ongoing occupation of the Syrian Golan. For decades, Israel has pursued illegal annexation and settlement expansion in this occupied territory, defying the UN Charter and numerous Security Council resolutions.

2. The Israeli regime has become the gravest and serious threat to regional peace and security in the region. This is due to its continued acts of aggression and the constant and unconditional political and military support it receives from the United States and some Western countries. These states must bear their responsibility for enabling Israel's illegal actions and atrocious crimes, which endanger not only the region but also international peace and security.

3. The attacks on Syria are a direct result of this Council's silence and the international community's failure to act. Israel has faced no consequences for its repeated systematic violations of international law and continues to act with complete impunity. This aggression follows Israel's 12-day military acts of aggression against Iran and in a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. With full and unconditional support from the United States, the Israeli regime deliberately targeted Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, along with civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and residential neighborhoods. These illegal attacks resulted in the martyrdom of over 1,100 civilians, among them 41 children and 126 women. Seven hospitals, eleven ambulances, and more than 3,500 homes were destroyed. These undeniable facts reveal the criminal and aggressive nature of the Israeli regime.

4. The root causes of instability are clear: Israel's illegal occupation, repeated aggression, systematic and widespread violations of international law and the UN Charter, and the unconditional support it receives from a permanent member of this Council. It is time for the Security Council to act. The Council must fulfill its Charter responsibilities by ending Israel's impunity and holding it accountable for its repeated violations. Continued inaction has only emboldened the aggressors. This silence is especially alarming as Israel commits mass atrocities in Gaza, using starvation as a method of war and killing tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children, and systematically destroying vital infrastructure. Only through justice, accountability, and the end of Israel's occupation and aggression can our region move toward real peace, stability, and collective security.

5. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. We urge the Interim Government of Syria to fully respect the rights of all minorities and to resolve internal differences through inclusive dialogue and peaceful means. The fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charterparticularly the prohibition of the use of force, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of Statesmust be strictly observed. The Israeli regime has absolutely no legal or moral justification to violate Syria's sovereignty or interfere in its internal affairs under the false pretext of protecting minority rights. Such illegal actions constitute blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter and must be unequivocally condemned by this Council.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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FM Sa'ar orders transfer of humanitarian aid to Druze in Suwayda

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The aid will be directed in a targeted manner to the Druze areas in the Suwayda district, which were directly affected by the violent attacks against the Druze.

Press Releases

Foreign Policy

18.07.2025

In light of the recent attacks against the Druze in Suwayda and the serious humanitarian situation there, and in accordance with the needs on the ground - Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar has ordered the urgent transfer of humanitarian aid to the Druze in Suwayda.

The aid package, worth 2 million NIS, will include, among other things, food packages, medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine.

The aid will be provided from the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The aid will be directed in a targeted manner to the Druze areas in the Suwayda district, which were directly affected by the violent attacks against the Druze.

This aid joins a previous aid package that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs transferred to the Druze in Syria last March.

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FM Sa'ar's statement to the President of the Security Council regarding the situation in Syria

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FM Sa'ar: "If the international community wishes to stabilize Syria and the region, it must act firmly and deliver a clear message to the Syrian regime: it will be judged by its actions, not merely by its words."

Press Releases

Foreign Policy

17.07.2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar to the President of the Security Council:

The international community must not remain silent in the face of such targeted violence against minority communities, nor settle for empty condemnations. If the international community wishes to stabilize Syria and the region, it must act firmly and deliver a clear message to the Syrian regime: it will be judged by its actions, not merely by its words.

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Turk calls for immediate steps to ensure protection of people in Suweida and across Syria

Press releases

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

18 July 2025

GENEVA -- Syria's interim authorities must ensure accountability and justice for the killings and other gross human rights violations and abuses in the southern city of Suweida, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said today, repeating his call for a new Syria that works for all its people, equal in dignity and without discrimination.

Credible reports received by the UN Human Rights Office indicate widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes. Among the reported perpetrators were members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim authorities, as well as other armed elements from the area, including Druze and Bedouins. This has led to a mass displacement of the population in the predominantly Druze governorate.

"This bloodshed and the violence must stop, and the protection of all people must be the utmost priority, in line with international human rights law," Turk said. "There must be independent, prompt and transparent investigations into all violations, and those responsible must be held to account, in accordance with international standards. Incitement to violence and hate speech, both online and offline, must also be stopped.

"It is crucial that immediate steps are taken to prevent recurrence of such violence. Revenge and vengeance are not the answer."

In one incident, on 15 July, the UN Human Rights Office documented the unlawful killing of at least 13 people when armed individuals affiliated with the interim authorities deliberately opened fire at a family gathering. On the same day, they reportedly summarily executed six men near their homes in two separate incidents. The Office has also documented the public humiliation of a Druze man, including the forcible shaving of his moustache, an important cultural symbol for the Druze community.

In all, hundreds have been reportedly killed since 12 July.

"My Office has received accounts of distressed Syrians who are living in fear for their lives and those of their loved ones," said the High Commissioner. "The deployment of State security forces should bring safety and protection, not add to the fear and violence."

He also raised concerns regarding reports of civilian casualties resulting from Israel's airstrikes on Suweida, Daraa and in the centre of Damascus. "Attacks such as the one on Damascus on Wednesday pose great risks to civilians and civilian objects. Such attacks must cease," the High Commissioner said.

Turk called for a thorough, urgent and independent vetting process to ensure that those responsible for human rights violations and abuses are not integrated into Syria's official security or military structures. "This is a vital step in rebuilding public trust and advancing Syria's broader transition," he said.

He also called on the Syrian interim authorities to publish the results of the national fact-finding committee's investigations into the violence in coastal areas earlier this year.

"Impartial and thorough investigations into the recent violence would also strengthen the ongoing wider transitional justice process to ensure accountability for past violations and abuses," the High Commissioner added. "Syrians deserve truth, accountability, and guarantees that such violations will not be repeated."

"With the fall of the former government, Syrians have witnessed a moment of hope for a better future based on human rights. It is the responsibility of the interim authorities to demonstrate that this chapter will be defined by rights, justice, and equal protection for all."

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ADDIS ABABA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,800 houses have been destroyed, with a great number of businesses burnt, after a blaze broke out in Dallol district of northeast Ethiopia's Afar region.

Ismail Ali, the district's administrator, told Xinhua over the phone that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, leaving 600 shops, 950 restaurants, and 255 houses completely damaged.

The fire has been controlled at the moment, while the cause and the casualties of the fire still remain unclear, according to the administrator. 
Iran calls Israeli aggression against Syria dangerous escalation

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 3:17 AM

Iran has strongly condemned Israel's military attacks on Syria, calling them deliberate acts of aggression.

Iranian UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani on Thursday described these actions as a dangerous escalation by a regime occupying parts of Syria in blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Iravani made these statements during a UN Security Council meeting addressing the situation in Syria.

He asserted that Israel poses the most serious and dangerous threat to regional peace and security due to its ongoing acts of aggression and the unconditional political and military support it receives from the US and its Western allies.

Iravani contended that Israel's attacks on Syria are a direct consequence of the Security Council's silence and the international community's failure to implement effective deterrent measures.

He noted that Israel has never faced repercussions for its repeated violations of international law, allowing it to continue its aggressive actions with complete impunity.

Iravani urged the Council to fulfill its responsibilities and hold Israel accountable for its violations, stressing that continued inaction will only embolden aggressors to persist in their transgressions.

On Wednesday, Israeli Occupation Forces launched airstrikes on key military facilities in Damascus and conducted drone raids around Suwayda in southern Syria.

Syrian state media reported that several people were killed in the Damascus assault, which targeted areas near the Ministry of Defense headquarters and the outer palace grounds.

The Israeli army claimed it was acting to deter Syrian regime forces, whom it accused of targeting the Druze minority in Suwayda, an area where clashes with local Bedouin factions have erupted since mid-July.

Reactions from around the world have followed the latest wave of attacks on Syria, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing concern over the escalation and condemning violence against civilians.

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Syria crisis: Hundreds killed in ongoing violence, hospitals overwhelmed

18 July 2025 - Amid violent clashes in southern Syria's Suweida governorate, a picture of grave human rights abuses and rising humanitarian needs is emerging by the hour, the UN said on Friday.

Briefing reporters in Geneva, UN human rights office, OHCHR, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani highlighted "credible" reports of "widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes" in the city of Suweida.

"Among the reported perpetrators were members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim authorities as well as other armed elements from the area, including the Druze and Bedouin," she said.

Many hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of injured, the UN refugee agency UNHCR also noted.

Forced to flee

On Friday morning, OHCHR colleagues reported that clashes were continuing and that "a lot of people are trying to flee or have fled the area", Ms. Shamdasani continued.

The latest updates from the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office, OCHA, on Thursday indicated that nearly 2,000 families had been displaced from areas affected by the fighting.

Hundreds have reportedly been killed since sectarian violence involving the Druze and Bedouin communities erupted on 12 July, triggering an intervention by Syrian security forces.

OHCHR's Ms. Shamdasani highlighted an incident on 15 July in which at least 13 people were killed when "armed individuals affiliated with the interim authorities deliberately opened fire at a family gathering".

Briefing an emergency meeting of the Security Council in New York on Thursday, UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari also referenced reports of "civilians, religious figures and detainees being subjected to extrajudicial executions and humiliating and degrading treatment". He urged all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Rumours and fact-checking

Ms. Shamdasani stressed that the UN human rights office has been trying to verify the information through "contacts on the ground...families of people who were killed, eyewitnesses", but that obtaining reliable estimates of the death toll remains challenging.

"There are lots of videos circulating," she said. "Some claim to be fighters who are in the area filming the abuses and violations they're carrying out. We are trying to verify some of these videos, but there's a lot of disinformation out there and a lot of it is being used to incite further violence to inflame tensions."

The OHCHR spokesperson also expressed concern about reports of civilian casualties resulting from Israel's airstrikes on Suweida, Dara'a and central Damascus.

"Attacks such as the one on Damascus on Wednesday pose great risks to civilians and civilian objects," she warned, calling for the strikes to cease.

Israel had launched the strikes pledging to protect the Druze community.

The violence and displacement have sparked "considerable" humanitarian needs, with the health and aid systems struggling to keep up, said William Spindler of the UN refugee agency UNCHR.

"Many of the hospitals have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have been injured in the recent fighting," he said.

According to OCHA, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched enough trauma and emergency surgery kits for 1,750 interventions to the area, but many "remain undelivered due to access constraints".

Since the displaced had to flee at very short notice, they are in desperate need of essentials - blankets, jerry cans, solar lamps - but providing these items has been a challenge.

Too risky to enter

"We have this in stock and we are ready to deliver them as soon as the security allows it," Mr. Spindler said. "For now, this has not been possible."

He also warned of water shortages due to electricity outages. He said people are unable to buy bottled water or food because of the insecurity.

UNHCR has an office in rural Suweida and Mr. Spindler expressed concern about the impact of the hostilities on the agency's operations, infrastructure and personnel.

"We know that humanitarian infrastructure has been affected," he said, describing an incident on 15 July in which a warehouse of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent was severely damaged by shelling.

The UNHCR spokesperson called on all parties to the conflict to respect and protect humanitarian premises, personnel and assets "in accordance with international humanitarian law".

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Syria and Israeli regime agree to a ceasefire

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 19, 2025

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and its ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack announced that the Syrian interim president - Ahmed al-Sharaa - and the Israeli regime's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to a ceasefire following clashes in Sweida Governorate, located in southern Syria, which is supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighboring states, according to Al-Mayadeen TV network.

Barrack urged all religious and ethnic groups, including Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis, to lay down their weapons and cooperate with one another for a united Syria.

London-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the death toll in Sweida increased to 718. However, Syria's Ministry of Health declared that 260 people have lost their lives and 1,698 have been injured in the recent clashes.

Syria's Supreme Fatwa Council declared illegal any attempt to demand aid from the Israeli regime, harming civilians, and inciting sectarianism. It also stressed that the government in Damascus has a duty to protect all people, prohibit targeting Syrians by sect, and uphold self-defense and aid for the oppressed within Islamic law.

The Israeli regime conducted airstrikes on Syria's Ministry of Defense in Damascus and targeted Syrian government forces in Sweida on Wednesday.

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Ministry of National Defense: Tri-Service General Hospital Conducts First Evacuation Exercise, Minister Koo Commends Wartime Medical Response Measures

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/07/17

Ministry of National Defense Press Release

Time: 1710 hours, July 17, 2025



Tri-Service General Hospital Conducts First Evacuation Exercise, Minister Koo Commends Wartime Medical Response Measures

The Han Kuang 41 Exercise live-fire drills entered their ninth day, and Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo visited Tri-Service General Hospital today (July 17) to inspect the "casualty evacuation" and medical capacity withdrawal exercise, verifying measures related to large-scale hospital evacuation and sustained medical capacity preservation during prolonged combat operations. Participating personnel completed the exercise as planned, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated military-civilian medical systems.

This morning, Minister Koo, accompanied by Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council Fei-Fan Lin, Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Ching-Yi Lin, and other personnel, inspected the live-fire evacuation exercise at Tri-Service General Hospital. Through on-site drills, they reviewed items such as casualty transfer coordination, vehicle dispatch, communication with the Taipei City Joint Response Control Center, road access requests, and counter-intelligence measures, with the process being intense and realistic, striving to align closely with wartime scenarios.

Minister Koo stated that Tri-Service General Hospital, for the first time in coordination with the Han Kuang Exercise, conducted an evacuation exercise to practically validate how military hospitals can effectively ensure medical capacity and integrate military-civilian resources during wartime. Additionally, through the "After Action Review" (AAR) following the exercise, further improvements to wartime medical measures can be made. After the exercise, Minister Koo presented additional meal allowances, commending the exercise outcomes of units including Tri-Service General Hospital, the National Defense Medical Center, and the Army Third Branch Transportation Group, while expressing appreciation for their dedicated efforts and hard work.







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Defense chief lauds effort but acknowledges mishaps in Taiwan drills

ROC Central News Agency

07/18/2025 06:45 PM

Taipei, July 18 (CNA) Defense Minister Wellington Koo () on Friday praised Taiwanese troops for their hard work over the past 10 days as the longest-ever live-fire component of Taiwan's annual military exercises concluded early Friday.

In a teleconference to Taiwan's armed forces, Koo officially announced the end of the 10-day, nine-night Han Kuang exercises that began on July 9.

That was double the length of past live-fire segments that typically lasted five days and four nights, according to a Ministry of National Defense (MND) statement.

Koo praised the participating troops, in particular those in central and southern Taiwan, given that aside from joining the exercises, they also spent time helping people in those regions affected by Typhoon Danas.

Koo said they served as an example of military-civilian cooperation, as they not only helped defend the country but also people affected by the typhoon in post-disaster recovery and relief, the MND statement said.

Typhoon Danas swept through the country earlier this month, leaving two dead and over 700 injured.

It also caused power outages affecting nearly 1 million households, disrupted the supply of water to over 73,000 homes across Taiwan, and caused NT$2.6 billion (US$88.60 million) in agricultural losses.

In his address Friday, Koo said the 10-day drills saw the debuts of U.S.-supplied Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), TOW 2B anti-tank missiles, newly purchased unmanned aviation vehicles, and a domestically built land-based version of the Sky Sword II missile.

The exercises also mobilized the 206th Reserve Brigade.

Up to 22,000 reservists participated in the 10-day drills to test their ability to provide brigade-sized rather than battalion-sized support and to test their capabilities to serve as a stronger backup to the regular troops, according to Koo.

The defense chief also noted that due to the "unscripted" nature of this year's Han Kuang drills and the fact that military vehicles frequently drove on the streets alongside civilian vehicles, there were several traffic accidents involving military cars.

Koo asked senior military officials to look into the matter to prevent future occurrences, the MND said.

At least seven traffic accidents involving military vehicles and/or personnel were reported by local media over the past 10 days during the Han Kuang exercises, resulting in minor injuries to five soldiers.

The annual Han Kuang exercises, which have served as Taiwan's major war games since 1984, consist of live-fire drills and computerized tabletop war games.

The drills aim to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion.

According to the MND, the first three days of the exercises focus on how Taiwan's military collectively counters China's gray zone tactics -- coercive actions that fall short of open conflict.

The drills then move on to their "full-scale combat" phase July 13-18 that includes joint anti-landing operations on July 13, coastal and beachhead combat on July 14, in-depth defense July 15-16, and protracted warfare July 17-18.

This year's tabletop war games were conducted from April 5 to April 18.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ls

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Taiwan VP Hsiao reaffirms security focus amid Chinese threats

ROC Central News Agency

07/18/2025 06:33 PM

Taipei, July 18 (CNA) Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim () on Friday reaffirmed the government's efforts to strengthen national security amid rising threats from China and underscored its commitment to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

"Taiwan doesn't live in a vacuum. We operate at the center of one of the world's most dynamic and contested geopolitical environments," Hsiao said in live-streamed remarks delivered in front of dozens of foreign correspondents and de-facto foreign embassy staffers in Taipei.

She said that China's pressure -- in the form of military escalations, gray-zone activities and economic coercion -- had "only intensified" since President Lai Ching-te (), whose leadership Beijing strongly opposes, took office in May 2024.

At the same time, Taiwan continues to navigate an increasingly volatile world marked by ongoing conflicts, trade tensions and disruptive innovations driven by AI, while also grappling with internal challenges, such as an aging society, climate shocks and domestic political competition, she said.

To deter Chinese threats, Hsiao said the government has undertaken efforts to "reform and integrate" Taiwan's national defense strategy -- an approach "rooted in both military modernization and the resilience of our society at large."

The Taiwanese military is building "a force that is capable, credible and responsive" by enhancing its asymmetric capabilities and joint operations, and improving the training of all forces, she said.

However, she noted that "modern security threats do not stop at the battlefield," pointing to ongoing hybrid threats such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, supply chain disruptions and economic coercion.

Hsiao added that the latest Han Kuang military drills, conducted alongside Urban Resilience Exercises, reflected the government's "integrated" efforts to strengthen national deterrence while also reinforcing public resilience.

On cross-Taiwan Strait relations, Hsiao reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining the status quo.

"Defending the status quo is our choice, not because it is easy but because it is responsible and consistent with the interest of our entire region," Hsiao said, adding that the Lai administration remains open to engaging with the People's Republic of China on terms of parity and respect.

However, she described China's "aggressive military posturing" as "counterproductive," and said Beijing's attempts to "infiltrate, sabotage and divide [Taiwanese] society" were undermining the status quo.

In spite of both external and internal challenges, Taiwan "is not a passive actor," she said. "We're not only reactive -- we are shaping our future through partnership, innovation and democratic resolve," she added.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/AW

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/07/19

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

 Date

6 a.m. Jul. 18 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Jul. 19 (Sat.) (UTC+8)

 PLA activities

18 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN ships, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 out of 18 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's central and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1140719_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

1140719_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

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Telephone conversation with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

July 18, 2025

18:30

The two leaders had a detailed exchange of views on the events unfolding in the Middle East, including the escalation in Syria.

They expressed deep concern over the recent surge of violence in that country, stressing that it was crucial to stabilise the situation as soon as possible through dialogue and by strengthening the national accord while respecting the legitimate rights of all members of Syria's multi-confessional society. Both sides emphasised the need to respect Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

When discussing issues pertaining to Ukraine, Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia's fundamental commitment to seeking a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict and thanked Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his readiness to continue facilitating direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.

A number of pressing matters concerning further development of bilateral ties were discussed as well. In particular, the June 27, 2025, meeting of the Russia-Turkiye Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation was praised as successful.

Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to stay in touch on all the issues raised.

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"We determinedly and hopefully advance towards our goal of a terror-free Turkiye"

Presidency of The Republic of Turkey

18.07.2025

Speaking at the staff officers' graduation ceremony at the National Defense University, President Erdogan said: "We advance towards our goal of a terror-free Turkiye and a terror-free region in a determined, hopeful and cautious manner. We will inshallah all together have made Turkiye much stronger, much more influential and much more reputable once we achieve this goal of ours."

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a speech at the staff officers' graduation ceremony at the National Defense University in Istanbul.

Voicing his pleasure over coming together with the staff officers on the occasion of their graduation, President Erdogan congratulated the 241 officers, 80 of them coming from brotherly and friendly countries, including Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia, Gambia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, North Macedonia, Mali, Mongolia, Pakistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

"IT IS OUR MOST FUNDAMENTAL DUTY TO BUILD A STRONG AND GREAT TURKIYE"

Underscoring that Turkiye's deep-rooted history, each page of which has been garnished with victories, virtue and equity, is full of numerous successes in terms of military wisdom and capability, President Erdogan said: "It is our most fundamental duty to build a strong and great Turkiye, and carry these lands, entrusted to us by our martyrs and ghazis, to the future in a much stronger manner. We maintain our works to that end with the strength and courage we have drawn from our glorious history and with the unshakeable confidence we have in our nation."

"WE TAKE HISTORIC STEPS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING OUR UNITY"

President Erdogan went on to say: "With our UAVs, UCAVs and high-tech land, air and sea vehicles as well as communication tools, we identify today's war concept as well. On the other hand, we consolidate our domestic front and take historic steps aimed at strengthening our unity, well-being and influence. With these steps, we advance towards our goal of a terror-free Turkiye and a terror-free region in a determined, hopeful and cautious manner. We will inshallah all together have made Turkiye much stronger, much more influential and much more reputable once we achieve this goal of ours."

"NO ONE SHOULD SINK INTO DESPAIR"

Stressing that the severe challenges experienced by the people in the region, particularly those in Gaza and Syria, should not worry anyone, President Erdogan noted: "No one should sink into despair by the recklessness of those who seek to drag our region into blood, massacres, atrocities and tears. We have faced many challenges, have overcome many crises and have resisted numerous scourges. We have dealt with many betrayals both at home and abroad. And yet, thanks be to Allah, we have coped with all of them."

"We, as Turks, Kurds and Arabs, will inshallah open up a new page in our vast geography, at the heart of which will be stability, justice, freedom and cooperation, not oppression or conflicts. We as the eternal residents of this geography will join forces, close ranks, not fall for fitna makers, not fall into traps, and will inshallah all together tear apart the dirty scenarios against our region," President Erdogan stated.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, President Erdogan inaugurated the six new mosques built on the premises of the National Defense University and affiliated units.

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ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting: Foreign Secretary's remarks, July 2025

Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke at the UK Post Ministerial Conference with ASEAN member states, highlighting achievements under the UK's Dialogue Partnership.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

Published 18 July 2025

Location: ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Kuala Lumpur

Delivered on: 11 July 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)



Thank you all. Minister Bui, we're grateful for Vietnam's support as our country coordinator. And Minister Mohamad, it's such a pleasure to be here in your beautiful country.

Last year, I told ASEAN I wanted to reconnect Britain with the world. Today, I'm the first British Foreign Secretary to return to one of these meetings since we became your newest Dialogue Partner.

I hope this consistency is welcome right now. The world feels no less volatile than it did a year ago.

Rapid technological change is remaking our societies, rewiring our economies, reshaping the global balance of power.

I agree countries like ours need to respond with resilience, with innovation and dynamism, and by putting people - our citizens - first.

Those are the values of your Community Vision 2045, precisely what we hope partnership with Britain can achieve.

As our recently published Trade Strategy set out, we believe this region offers real potential for our businesses to expand. We are working with you to unlock that.

That's why we backed CPTPP's decision in May to work towards a dialogue this year with ASEAN, why we've been supporting development of the ASEAN Power Grid, why we're backing British firms to scale up their investments here.

Likewise, as our recently published National Security Strategy stressed, our region's security and your region's security are inextricably linked.

Russia illegally invaded Ukraine - that has consequences for markets here in Asia. North Korean troops fight for Russia - that has consequences for our Ukrainian friends on the European frontline. Smugglers or scammers ply their criminal trade - that has consequences for all our citizens and, ultimately, our tax revenues.

At the heart of our security cooperation is a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The recent visit of Britain's Carrier Strike Group and this Dialogue Partnership are just 2 examples of how, together, we can support this goal.

We stand firmly behind ASEAN centrality, recognising it underpins peace, prosperity and stability across the region.

All told, we've done a lot on both growth and security this past year. Nearly 95% of our Action Plan on track for delivery, the commitments we made last year in our first joint ministerial statement well under way.

Our job now is to go further, ahead of the fifth anniversary of this partnership next year and a new Action Plan to guide our cooperation to 2030.

I'm looking forward to discussing how we do so.

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NANJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- German auto giant BMW is set to establish its first information technology (IT) research and development center in China, marking a significant expansion of the company's digital capabilities, according to an agreement signed Friday.

The new entity, BMW (Nanjing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., will be located in Nanjing's Jianye District, east China's Jiangsu Province, and operated as an independent legal entity. It will focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), industrial digital twins and intelligent manufacturing, BMW said.

Once operational, the Nanjing center is set to be BMW's largest IT R&D hub in Asia. It is designed to strengthen the automaker's global production, sales, and after-sales systems through digital solutions rooted in China's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

"China not only leads the world in the application of digital technologies, but also demonstrates remarkable vitality in building a thriving ecosystem for digital innovation," said Franz Decker, president and CEO of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., during the signing ceremony with Nanjing's Jianye District government.

"With the establishment of this new company, we are accelerating BMW's local digital core capabilities," Decker said. "By joining forces with China's innovation ecosystem, we aim to propel BMW Group's digital transformation both in China and globally."

BMW has been increasingly integrating AI into its operations in China. In 2024, the automaker's proprietary AI tool "JoyCode" achieved a 30 percent assisted code generation rate, boosting delivery efficiency by the same margin -- a result the company said reflects the global value of Chinese innovation.

The German company is also deepening collaborations with China's leading tech firms. It is co-developing advanced driver-assistance systems tailored to China's road conditions with autonomous driving startup Momenta, building a custom AI engine with Alibaba based on the Tongyi large language model and integrating DeepSeek's foundation models into BMW's AI-powered personal assistant.

BMW said that these efforts are part of a broader push to establish a future-facing smart mobility ecosystem in China, spanning key technologies such as intelligent driving systems, smart cockpits and interactive AI.

Local officials in Nanjing hailed the new BMW project as a "powerful engine" for boosting the city's software industry, which has reached a total output of over 860 billion yuan (about 120 billion U.S. dollars). The city is targeting a trillion-yuan software industry cluster in the near future.

The new center will also serve as a talent hub. BMW said it will recruit and train globally minded digital professionals, and work closely with local governments, universities, research institutions and startups to drive open collaboration in AI, big data and smart connected vehicles.

"We are moving into a new generation of cars and a new generation of solutions," Decker said. "China obviously is at the forefront of a lot of innovations in IT, and Nanjing is our gateway to this innovation here in China."

Nanjing has long-standing economic ties with Germany. Data from the local commerce department showed that 304 German-funded projects, including those by Siemens and Bosch, have taken root in the city, with the actual use of foreign investment totaling 2.17 billion U.S. dollars.

"We do believe that free trade is a basis for generating growth and prosperity all over the world," Decker said. "So, having China and Germany working together is the basis of having a successful development for both of them."

"Cooperation is the key for future development," he added. 
PM meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin of Ireland: 18 July 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to the Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin this afternoon.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 18 July 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to the Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin this afternoon.

The leaders began with a constructive discussion on a framework for dealing with legacy and underscored the importance of a way forward that built consensus.

Turning to the shared challenges faced by the UK and Ireland, including on trade and growth, the leaders agreed on the importance of working closely together to deliver for people in both countries.

The Prime Minister also updated on his recent visits by the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Both the Prime Minister and Taoiseach welcomed the closer relationship between the UK and the EU.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

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Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts 18th package of economic and individual measures

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

18 July 2025 12:59

The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date. Each sanction weakens Russia's ability to wage war. The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war. - Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and chair of the Foreign Affairs Council

The Council adopted today a 18th package of economic and individual restrictive measures hitting hard on Russia's energy, banking and military sectors, as well as trade with the EU, and ensuring accountability for Russia's continued war of aggression against Ukraine. Furthermore, the Council complemented the package by agreeing further measures on Belarus.

Today's package includes economic and individual measures with a view to increasing pressure on Russia and to achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

The Council has agreed on a significant set of 55 listings, consisting of 14 individuals and 41 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, bringing the total number of individual listings to over 2 500.

Energy

With today's package, the EU is curtailing Russia's energy revenues through a number of different measures. The EU is lowering the price cap for crude oil from USD 60 to USD 47.6 per barrel, to align it with current global oil prices and is introducing an automatic and dynamic mechanism to modify the oil price cap and ensure that this price cap is effective. Oil exports still represent one third of the Russian government's revenues.

The EU is also imposing further sanctions across the shadow fleet value chain. An additional 105 vessels will be subject to aport access ban and a ban on the provision of a broad range of servicesrelated to maritime transport, bringing the total number of listed vessels to 444. This measure targets non-EU tankers that are part of Vladimir Putin's shadow fleet circumventing the oil price cap mechanism, which support the energy sector of Russia or which transport military equipment for Russia or stolen Ukrainian grain.

Full-fledged sanctions (asset freezes, travel bans, bans on providing resources) target Russian and international companies managing shadow fleet vessels, traders of Russian crude oil and a major customer of the shadow fleet - a refinery in India with Rosneft as its main shareholder. For the first time, The EU is also listing the captain of a shadow fleet vessel, as well as a private operator of an international flag registry. Lastly, one entity in the Russian LNG sector is also included in today's listings.

Furthermore, the EU is introducing an import ban on refined petroleum products made from Russian crude oil and coming from any third country - with the exception of Canada, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States - thereby preventing Russia's crude oil from reaching the EU market through the back door.

The EU is also imposing a full transaction ban on Nord Stream 1 and 2, including for the provision of goods or services, thus preventing the completion, maintenance, operation and any future use of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines.

Lastly, the Council decided to end the exemption for oil imports from Russia to Czechia.

Banking

The EU is upgrading the existing prohibition on providing EU-based specialised financial messaging services to certain Russian banks to a full transaction ban. This will apply to 22 additional Russian banks, on top of the 23 banks already subject to the ban.

The EU is lowering the threshold for sanctioning third-country financial and credit institutions and crypto-asset service providers that are frustrating sanction measures against Russia, supporting Russia's war of aggression or are connected to the System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS), the Russian alternative financial messaging service, developed by the Central Bank of Russia and used to shield Russian banks from the impact of EU sanctions.

The EU is also expanding the transaction ban on third countries' financial and credit institutions and crypto-asset service providers which, through their actions, frustrate EU sanctions or support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The transaction ban on third-country operators that circumvent oil-related prohibitions has also been widened.

Additionally, a ban is imposed a ban on carrying out any transaction with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and its sub-funds and companies, and Council has have established an instrument to extend such a ban to certain companies in which the RDIF has invested and to entities providing investment services or other financial services to the RDIF itself. Such companies and financial institutions will be selected by the Council; four Russian entities in which the RDIF has invested are already listed. This measure further limits Russia's access to global financial markets and foreign currency.

Lastly, the Council is putting in place a new ban on selling, supplying, transferring and exporting software management systems and software with certain uses in the banking and financial sector.

Military industry

With a view to curbing Russia's military capabilities, the Council is imposing further full-fledged sanctions on suppliers of the Russian military industrial complex, including three entities based in China that sell goods used on the battlefield. These measures aim to further constrain Russia's access to goods and technologies. Additionally, the package covers eight companies operating in the Belarusian military-industrial complex, which is supporting Russia's war efforts.

26 new entities will be subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual-use goods and technologies, including those that could contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia's defence and security sector. Eleven of these entities are located in third countries other than Russia (seven in China and Hong Kong, and four in Turkiye),and have been involved in circumventing export restrictions, including for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Additionally, the EU has agreed further export bans worth more than 2.5 billion. The list of restricted items contributing to the technological enhancement of Russia's defence and security sector will now include items for the development and production of Russia's military systems such as computer numerical control (CNC) machines and constituent chemicals for propellants. Furthermore, the existing transit ban via the territory of Russia is expanded to cover selected economically critical goods used for construction and transport.

Accountability

The Council is imposing sanctions on another individual actively involved in Russia's "military education" of Ukrainian children. This brings the total number of listings in relation to the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children to over 90. The package also lists several Russian proxies in occupied territories, including a person responsible for manipulating Ukrainian cultural heritage, another leading Russian businessperson and a prominent Russian propagandist.

Belarus

In addition to the eight new listings related to the Belarusian military complex, today's package also further mirrors the measures imposed on Belarus' trade withthose imposed on Russia.

Furthermore, the ban on specialised financial messaging services is upgraded to a full transaction ban and an embargo on imports of arms from Belarus is introduced.

Other

The EU is also introducing measures to protect member states from illegitimate Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) arbitration proceedings launched by Russian companies and individuals, including oligarchs and their proxies (i.e. damages recovery provision to be taken by member states, tailored non-recognition provision in the EU for those arbitration proceedings and an obligation on member states to act in BIT proceedings).

The relevant legal acts will soon be published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Background

In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council also reconfirmed the EU's unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. Russia must not prevail.

The European Council reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine's Peace Formula, and underlined the principle that no initiative regarding Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine. To this end, the EU and its member states will maintain their intensive global outreach efforts and will participate in discussions affecting Europe's security.

The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions.

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Russia warns West of possible 'preemptive strikes' as US missiles head to Ukraine

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 7:00 AM

A senior Russian official has warned of possible "preemptive strikes" in the face of what Moscow sees as intensifying Western hostility, amid reports that US-made Patriot missile systems are being delivered to Ukraine through NATO partners.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and former president, slammed the West's enduring "treacherous nature" and outdated notions of superiority.

"The West's treacherous nature and its warped and very outdated sense of superiority are still evident," he told Tass News Agency on Thursday. "And we should therefore act accordingly, responding in full or even delivering pre-emptive strikes if need be."

Medvedev added that Russia "no longer has any illusions" about its relationship with Western powers. "What is happening today is a proxy war  essentially a full-scale war  with the launches of Western missiles, satellite intelligence, sanctions packages, and statements on European militarization," he said.

He described the actions as "another attempt to destroy the 'historical anomaly' hated by the West  our country, Russia."

The comments come as the United States proceeds with the shipment of advanced missile defense systems to Ukraine. US President Donald Trump confirmed this week that Patriot missile batteries were en route to Germany for transfer to Ukrainian forces.

"They're already being shipped," Trump told reporters. "They're coming in from Germany and then replaced by Germany. And in all cases, the United States gets paid back in full."

On Thursday, the Swiss Defense Ministry also announced the arrival of five Patriot missile batteries from the US. A statement from the ministry said the US Department of Defense had informed Switzerland of plans to prioritize deliveries to support Ukraine's ground-based air defense needs.

The missile transfers come amid continued Western efforts to support Ukraine's military, even as US officials have reportedly urged caution to prevent a broader conflict.

Trump has pledged to supply Kyiv with "top-of-the-line weapons," but reportedly advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to wait until long-range capabilities become available.

At the same time, Trump has also introduced sweeping tariffs targeting countries that continue economic relations with Moscow. He recently threatened 100% tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil unless the Kremlin enters into peace negotiations within 50 days.

Russia launched a large-scale military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, stating that the move was necessary to defend itself against NATO's expansion.

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Russia's Weekly Military Gains: Precision Strikes and Ten Liberated Settlements

Sputnik News

20250718

Moscow's forces have carried out five group air strikes on Ukrainian defense industry enterprises and Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) facilities over the past week, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Friday.

"From July 12 to 18, 2025, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out five group strikes with precision-guided air-launched weapons and strike UAVs, targeting Ukraine's military-industrial complex enterprises, military airfield infrastructure, assembly and storage sites for strike drones and unmanned boats, arsenals, fuel and military equipment storage depots, territorial recruitment centers for UAFs, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed formations, nationalists, and foreign mercenaries," the Ministry of Defense stated in its report.

"Over the course of the week, units of the Sever Battlegroup liberated the settlement of Degtyarnoe in the Kharkov region," the Ministry of Defense reported in one example.

Russian forces also liberated ten settlements during the week.

Russia's Yug Battlegroup continued advancing into the enemy's defense and liberated Petrovka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). The Vostok Battlegroup took control of the settlements of Karl Marks, Voskresenka, Novokhatskoye in the DPR, and Malinovka in the Zaporozhye region also.

The Dnepr Battlegroup liberated Kamenskoye in the Zaporozhye region, while the Tsentr Battlegroup continued its offensive in the Donetsk People's Republic and Dnepropetrovsk region, liberating three settlements  Nikolayevka, Mayak, and Popov Yar in the DPR.

 Sputnik

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Ukrainian Diplomats in Latin America Recruiting Mercenaries for 25th Air Assault Brigade

Sputnik News

20250718

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian Embassy in Peru, which also handles Kiev's relations with Ecuador and Colombia, has been recruiting mercenaries with combat experience to join Ukraine's 25th Air Assault Brigade via its website, Sputnik has found out.

The embassy's website features a link to a portal that invites foreign fighters to join the 25th Brigade as infantrymen and drone operators. The brigade is active on the Dnepropetrovsk and Donetsk fronts.

The requirements include "high level of physical fitness and motivation, military experience and drone operation experience." The posting says that recruitment is being conducted on an urgent basis.

In an interview with Sputnik in June, Russian Ambassador in Bogota Nikolai Tavdumadze said that Ukraine was recruiting mercenaries in Colombia through its embassies, in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. In March, relatives of Colombian mercenaries protested outside the Foreign Ministry building in Bogota to demand clarity about the whereabouts of their loved ones.

The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly warned that Kiev uses foreign fighters as "cannon fodder" and that the Russian military will continue to strike mercenary troops across Ukraine. Colombians have been complaining about poor coordination in the Ukrainian armed forces, which makes survival in the high-intensity conflict in Ukraine much harder than in Afghanistan or the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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Denys Shmyhal met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Chief of the General Staff

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

18 July, 2025, 5:41 PM EEST

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Andrii Hnatov.

During the meeting, participants discussed the frontline situation, enhancing Ukraine's defense self-reliance, and the needs of the military.

"We are preparing new weapon deliveries for our defenders, notably with the support of international partners. It is crucial that the strength of the Ukrainian army shatters any enemy offensive attempts," said Denys Shmyhal.

He also emphasized that the Ministry of Defence, together with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the General Staff, will work collaboratively to accomplish the assigned tasks and strengthen the country's defense capability.

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Key areas of efforts  production, supply, and debureaucratization  were discussed by Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Ministers

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

18 July, 2025, 12:15 PM EEST

Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal held his first meeting with Deputy Ministers of Defence following his appointment.

The participants discussed key tasks and challenges, reviewing each area in detail, including increasing domestic production, ensuring high-quality provision for service members, debureaucratization alongside digitalization efforts, and enhancing cooperation with international partners.

"We must act quickly, cohesively, and efficiently. Each of our actions and tasks must be focused on delivering results that ensure our nation's security," emphasized Denys Shmyhal.

Following the meeting, the Minister of Defence entrusted the Deputy Ministers with clearly defined tasks aligned with their respective areas of responsibility.

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Strengthening Air Defense, Sanctions Against Russia, and Energy Support: The President of Ukraine Holds a Call with the Prime Minister of Norway

President of Ukraine

18 July 2025 - 14:57

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre.

The leaders coordinated further joint steps as well as cooperation within broader formats in Europe and with the United States.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Norway for its decision to strengthen Ukraine's air defense and its readiness to work together for protection against Russian terror. There is currently a good pace in preparing to enhance air defense.

The President also emphasized the importance of coordinated sanctions pressure on Russia with partners  including the European Union's sanctions packages and decisions by other G7 members. Norway holds a very principled stance, which is important for everyone in Europe.

Additionally, the President and the Prime Minister discussed Ukraine's energy resilience: specific agreements on preparations for the upcoming winter and Norway's readiness to continue providing assistance.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron Discuss Military Needs, Reinforcement of Air Defense, and Further Steps within the Coalition of the Willing

President of Ukraine

18 July 2025 - 13:50

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of France Emmanuel Macron.

The leaders discussed the situation on the frontline and Ukraine's urgent defense needs. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Emmanuel Macron for his strategic vision and his readiness to provide exactly what Ukrainian warriors need.

The conversation included a detailed discussion on strengthening Ukraine's air defense, in particular the supply of missiles for the SAMP/T systems and the financing of interceptor drones.

The parties agreed to prepare joint decisions with partners at the level of Defense and Foreign Ministers regarding new steps to protect the lives of Ukrainians from Russian strikes.

France also expressed its readiness to receive additional pilots for training on Mirage aircraft.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron also discussed further steps within the Coalition of the Willing and the implementation of the agreements reached during the recent meeting in Rome.

The President of Ukraine thanked France for its significant contribution to shaping and advancing the EU's 18th package of sanctions. Work continues with American partners to ensure that Russia feels truly global pressure.

The leaders of Ukraine and France also coordinated their further political steps.

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Following SSU investigation, enemy agent who blew up prosecutor's car in Dnipro sentenced to 15 years in prison

Security Service of Ukraine

14:00, 18 July 2025

Following an investigation by the Security Service of Ukraine, a russian special services agent who committed a terrorist attack against a prosecutor in Dnipro has been convicted to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The SSU and the National Police detained the agent and his accomplice 'in hot pursuit' on 6 June this year.

As a result of the attack, the law enforcement officer suffered minor injuries and his vehicle was completely destroyed.

The sentenced perpetrator is a 30-year-old resident of Poltava region, who was recruited by russia through Telegram channels offering 'easy money'.

On the instructions of his handler, the individual first established surveillance of the prosecutor and reported on his daily schedule and travel routes. The agent then planted an improvised explosive device under the prosecutor's car, photographed and filmed the aftermath of the attack.

The court found the accused guilty on several counts under the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

28.2, 111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law, by a group upon prior conspiracy);

258.2 (completed attempt to commit a terrorist act);

263.1 (illegal handling of explosive substances);

263-1.1 (illegal manufacture of explosive substances and explosive devices)

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing regarding the accomplice of the convicted attacker.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Dnipropetrovsk region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.

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GAZA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 Palestinians were killed and more than 70 others wounded Saturday morning as Israeli troops opened fire at a humanitarian aid center in southern Gaza, according to medical sources and witnesses.

Atif Al-Hout, director of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, told Xinhua the hospital had received "25 bodies and more than 70 injured individuals" following the incident in the Al-Tineh area of Khan Younis.

Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli forces used gunfire and tank shells against a group of Palestinians gathering near an aid distribution point operated by an American organization north of Rafah.

They described the scene as a "massacre," saying many victims remained trapped by Israeli tanks and soldiers, preventing evacuation or retrieval of bodies.

Al-Hout said his hospital was struggling to cope amid severe shortages of medical supplies and fuel, while the situation in other local hospitals stayed "unbearable."

He condemned what he described as attacks on civilians, warning of more deaths due to the critical condition of the wounded.

On the same day, six people were killed and 17 others wounded when an Israeli airstrike hit a tent sheltering displaced civilians in the Al-Daraj neighborhood of central Gaza City, said medical sources and eyewitnesses.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on either incident. 
SSU detains Ivano-Frankivsk IT specialist who remotely worked for russian occupation administration in Kherson region

Security Service of Ukraine

12:00, 18 July 2025

The SSU's cyber units have uncovered an owner of a clandestine IT company in Ivano-Frankivsk who worked for the enemy during the full-scale war.

The traitor deliberately did not register the commercial entity with Ukrainian state authorities because he was working illegally and cooperated with the occupiers.

To this end, he established contact with his long-time acquaintance, pro-kremlin propagandist Mykhailo Shpira, who, following SSU investigation, was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison.

Shpira is currently hiding on the left bank of Kherson region, holding the position of 'deputy minister of digital development and mass communications' in russia's occupation administration.

It was from Shpira that the perpetrator received his first order: to create a fake 'human rights' resource to discredit Ukrainian activists.

At a time when the gauleiter was actively engaged in collecting personal data of residents of the temporarily occupied region under the guise of digitizing services for the population, the IT specialist provided him with a sample website to create various information resources based on it.

The IT specialist also developed Shpira's personal website, which the collaborator used for his media 'promotion' and to spread kremlin propaganda.

In addition to working for the occupation 'deputy minister', the suspect carried out over 40 orders from russian commercial companies.

To conceal payments from ruscists, the perpetrator used cryptocurrency wallets and also received money through third parties from former soviet countries.

The SSU's cyber units and investigators documented the suspect's crimes and apprehended him at his home.

Computer equipment, phones, records and bank cards with evidence of the crimes were seized during the searches.

SSU investigators notified the detainee of suspicion of committing a crime under Article 111-2.1 of the CCU (aiding an aggressor state).

The suspect is in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Further procedural decisions will be made based on the results of expert examinations and evaluation of evidence.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Ivano-Frankivsk region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.

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SSU and National Police detain enemy agent planning to blow up Territorial Recruitment Center in Odesa on russia's orders

Security Service of Ukraine

10:00, 18 July 2025

The SSU Counterintelligence and the National Police have prevented a new terrorist attack in Odesa. Thanks to proactive actions of the law enforcement, an enemy agent who tried to blow up the regional Territorial Recruitment Center has been apprehended.

On 17 July, the woman was tasked by the occupiers to bring a backpack with an improvised explosive device into the administrative building at noon, when the number of people there was at its peak.

The Security Service uncovered the enemy's plan and detained the terrorist as she was heading to the military registration office with the bomb.

According to the investigation, the perpetrator is a 53-year-old woman from Volyn, recruited remotely by russian special services.

Following their instructions, the agent arrived in Odesa. First, she conducted reconnaissance near the regional Territorial Recruitment Center and then received the coordinates of a cache with a ready-made IED from her handler.

According to her cover story, the woman was to arrive at the military registration office to find out information about her supposedly missing nephew.

During the terrorist's arrest, a controlled explosion of the IED, disguised in a backpack, was conducted at a safe distance. Explosives experts from the National Police worked at the scene.

SSU investigators are preparing a notice of suspicion for the detainee under Articles 15.3 and 258 of the CCU (attempted terrorist act).

The investigation is ongoing. The suspects faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Odesa region in cooperation with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.

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M1A1 Abrams tanks delivered to Ukraine

The Hon Richard Marles MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Defence

19 July 2025

The Albanese Government continues its steadfast support for Ukraine, with the transfer of the first tranche of Australian-gifted M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In response to a request from the Government of Ukraine, Australia is providing 49 Abrams tanks to help bolster its fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion.

Ukraine has now taken possession of the majority of these tanks, with delivery of the final tranche to occur in the coming months.

The Abrams tanks will add to the mobility and firepower of Ukraine's Armed Forces, and complement other partners' support for Ukraine's armoured brigades.

This support package, valued at approximately $245 million, is part of the $1.5 billion in assistance Australia has committed to Ukraine since the start of this conflict.

In August, Australia will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe to help protect a vital international gateway for assistance to Ukraine.

The Australian Defence Force also continues to contribute to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel under Operation Kudu.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

"The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion.

"I was pleased to meet the Australian Army personnel who helped facilitate the delivery of these tanks from Australia to Ukraine.

"Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

"Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine.

"These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian Government and form part of Australia's unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order."

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Analysts Question Whether Trump's 50-Day Ultimatum Will Push Putin Toward a Deal

By Steve Gutterman July 19, 2025

US President Donald Trump handed the Kremlin a clear warning this week, announcing plans for weapons supplies to Kyiv via Europe and saying the United States will impose "very severe tariffs" on Russia if it doesn't reach a deal on the war in Ukraine within 50 days.

Trump did not specify whether a cease-fire would suffice, or only a comprehensive peace deal. Either way, many analysts say it's unlikely to happen. Here's why.

Territorial Aims

Russian President Vladimir Putin's goals clearly go far beyond the conquest of part of Ukraine: He has made plain that he wants to subjugate the country and weaken NATO and the West, restoring a measure of Moscow's Soviet-era sway over swaths of Europe.

But a more immediate aim is all about territory. Russia occupies about 20 percent of Ukraine. In addition to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia has controlled since 2014, Putin formally and falsely claims that the Ukrainian mainland regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson are now Russian -- including the substantial portions that Russia does not occupy.

Russia has said a full Ukrainian withdrawal from those four regions is a prerequisite of any peace deal -- a demand that Kyiv says is unacceptable. And while analysts say Putin could weather any backlash at home if he agreed to a pact that would limit Russia's presence to the land it now holds, he has given zero indication that he might do that.

On the contrary, Russia has stuck to this demand in its rhetoric.

On the ground, it has sought to make its claim a reality, pressing forward in the Donetsk region in particular and bearing down on the ruined city of Pokrovsk.

In one of the first Russian reactions to Trump's remarks, Kremlin-aligned lawmaker Konstantin Kosachyov said on Telegram that "oh so much can change on the battlefield in 50 days."

Russia could seek to step up its offensive in the coming weeks, pushing to advance not just in the provinces it claims but also elsewhere, such as in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions north of Donetsk. In June, Putin issued a thinly veiled threat to try to capture the city of Sumy.

Still, there actually is a limit to what can change in six weeks on the battlefield, where incremental Russian gains have come at a massive cost in terms of casualties, which are estimated to be close to 1 million killed or wounded since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

But while there is no way Russia can seize the remaining parts of the four regions by September -- areas that include the capitals of Zaporizhzhya and Kherson -- that may only sharpen Putin's desire to secure control over them on paper ahead of any deal.

"To me, it's clear that Putin does not want any cease-fire, at least not until he gains control over all the regions that are defined as Russian in his version of the constitution," Dmitry Gudkov, a former opposition lawmaker in the Russian parliament, told Current Time on July 16. "In essence, it would mean Ukraine's capitulation."

'Ultimatums Are Unacceptable'

Trump has sought to broker an end to the war in Ukraine since he took office six months ago, following an election campaign in which he said he could get it done in a day or two. Facing pushback from Putin, most notably in the form of his carefully worded rejection of the US call for a 30-day cease-fire, Trump has had harsh words for Putin in recent weeks.

But the 50-day warning was the first time Trump has given the Kremlin an ultimatum -- a form of pressure that Putin, who has made demands that other countries treat Russia as an equal a formal part of his foreign policy, does not seem to like. So while many in the West have been eager for Trump to make specific demands on Putin, it's not clear whether an ultimatum increases or decreases the chances of a deal.

Putin has not spoken publicly about Trump's remarks, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said nothing specific about them. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who oversees Moscow's ties with the US, said on July 15 that "any attempts to make demands, especially ultimatums, are unacceptable to us."

"If we cannot achieve our goals through diplomacy, then the [war against Ukraine] will continue," Ryabkov said, delivering the closest thing so far to an official rejection of Trump's call for a deal within 50 days -- by September 1 or 2, depending on how it's counted. "This is an unshakable position."

The Blame Game

The Kremlin may hope that Trump's turn against Putin in recent weeks is not so unshakable -- and that if there's no deal come September, the pendulum will swing back and the US president will lay at least part of the blame on Kyiv.

One prominent view in Russia is that Trump's current focus is "transient" and the increased support for Ukraine is "a maneuver designed to increase pressure on Putin and test whether this approach yields results," Tatyana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, wrote on X.

Those who hold this view believe that when "it becomes evident that such pressure is ineffective -- expected to be soon -- Trump is likely to revert to a diplomatic course, including exerting pressure on Ukraine to reach a compromise," Stanovaya wrote ahead of Trump's remarks.

Trump has put much of the blame on Ukraine at times in the past. And an aspect of his July 14 remarks that flew mostly under the radar was that he stressed that he hopes the push for a deal within 50 days will "have an impact on Ukraine also."

"We want to make sure that Ukraine does what they have to do," Trump said. "All of a sudden, they may feel emboldened and maybe they don't want [a deal] -- this is a very difficult situation."

'Not Ready For Prime Time'

In any case, though, there are at least two reasons why the threat of sanctions seems unlikely to push Putin much closer to a deal with Ukraine to halt or end the war at this point. One is that it is unclear how the measures Trump threatened -- chiefly, tariffs or sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil -- would work.

Trump's July 14 announcement was "laudable in its intention to hit Russia on the economic side" but "not ready for prime time in its details," Daniel Fried, a fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank and an architect of US sanctions against Russia after it seized Crimea in 2014, said on the podcast Just Security.

It's also unclear how well they would work if they are put in place, so the Kremlin could be inclined to take its chances.

"China and India are the top two recipients of Russian energy exports, and the expectation that they will pressure Putin to end his war in the next 50 days seems naive," Michael McFaul, a political science professor at Stanford University and the US ambassador to Russia in 2012-14, wrote in Time Magazine.

The other reason is that Russia has weathered Western sanctions so far and the Kremlin has made that a point of pride, slotting it into the overarching narrative that Russia -- in fact the aggressor in an unprovoked war -- is fighting a defensive campaign in a major showdown with West -- and winning. Against that backdrop, appearing to bend in the face of the tariff threat is something Putin would be loath to do unless absolutely necessary.

'Two Big Contingencies'

The same may go for the stepped-up weapons shipments that Trump has promised Ukraine, with NATO allies footing the bill by purchasing Patriot air-defense missile systems and other arms from the United States or sending Kyiv weapons they have already received.

Fried, the former sanctions architect, said that if Trump's announcements on weapons for Ukraine and economic pressure on Russia are "crystallized, sharpened, and implemented," it could make a big difference in terms of the war and the path to peace.

"Two big contingencies: Get the weapons flowing and keep them flowing; and crystallize our policy options for hitting the Russian economy. You do both and Ukraine's in a very different position," he said. "If Putin's assumptions or his hopes for a US failure of leadership and abandonment of Ukraine prove to be false, then he may have to settle."

Other analysts suggest that's not about to happen anytime soon, if at all.

"I think...we're going to need to see the United States showing a lot more muscle if it really is going to be able to bring Putin to the table in any kind of meaningful way," Russia expert Mark Galeotti said on the This Is Not A Drill podcast.

The prevailing view in Russia is that "none of these developments will alter Putin's strategy of coercing Kyiv into capitulation by any available means," Stanovaya wrote.

"Putin will not be beaten out of his war optimism easily, and he believes [Trump] has few cards," Alexander Gabuev, director of Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, wrote on X on July 14.

As far back as winter "it was clear that Vladimir Putin is convinced [of] one thing: time is on his side," Gabuev wrote. "This is why he isn't interested in a deal [that's] not on his terms."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-50-day-ultimatum-putin- ukraine-peace-deal/33477792.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.

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Denver, Colorado, July 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the cryptocurrency market matures and moves into its next phase of institutional adoption and decentralized expansion, AIXA Miner is emerging as a preferred platform for reliable, AI-powered crypto income. With Bitcoin hovering steadily above $115,000 and major altcoins innovating around AI, NFTs, and DeFi, passive earning methods are gaining renewed tractionparticularly those focused on sustainability and automation. AIXA Miner is redefining what secure and stable crypto mining looks like in 2025.

AIXA Miner brings together renewable energy, military-grade encryption, and artificial intelligence in a seamless cloud mining solution. At the center of its offering are smart contracts that automate rewards, eliminate the need for user intervention, and provide full capital return upon maturity. These features are drawing increased attention from global investors who prefer low-maintenance and high-transparency methods of building digital wealth.

Intelligent Mining, Automated Earnings

AIXA Miner simplifies crypto mining into three core steps: register an account ( users receive a $20 bonus on sign-up ), select from a variety of mining contracts, and let the AI-powered backend handle the rest. The platform continuously scans major mining pools, reallocates hash power for maximum returns, and ensures users receive daily payouts directly into their accounts.

AIXAs AI capabilities allow users to run multiple contracts simultaneously, optimizing for short-term liquidity or long-term gains. This setup is particularly appealing to users who want to diversify risk while maintaining consistent income streams.

Contract Options with Defined Performance

AIXA Miner offers a variety of cloud mining contracts designed for different risk profiles and investment goals. Below are some of the platforms most popular plans:

Featured Contracts: Leveraging Income Across Crypto Markets

Contract Name Investment Duration Daily Earnings Total Return ROI DOGE Miner Antminer L7 $550 5 Days $7.32 $550+$36.60 6.65% BTC Miner Antminer S17 Pro $1500 10 Days $20.40 $1500+$204.00 13.60% BTC Miner Avalon A15XP-206T $6300 15 Days $95.13 $6300+$1426.95 22.65% BTC Miner S21e XP Hydro $25000 20 Days $515.00 $25000+$10300.00 41.20%

Each plan offers a defined return schedule, capital refund, and daily earningsgiving investors predictability rarely found in crypto markets. Users can activate multiple contracts in parallel and adjust their allocations based on personal strategies.

Affiliate Growth & VIP Loyalty

Beyond mining, AIXA Miner incentivizes user growth and engagement through its 3-level affiliate program . Referrers can earn:

5% from first-level users

2% from second-level users

1% from third-level referrals





These passive commissions accrue regardless of the users direct involvement, allowing influencers, marketers, or everyday users to monetize their network with minimal effort.

Additionally, AIXA's VIP Membership Program rewards users as their cumulative investment increases. Moving up through VIP1 to VIP10 unlocks higher returns, priority support, and special bonus packagesranging from $88 to over $500,000. This gamified loyalty structure keeps users engaged and rewarded over time.

2025: Ideal Conditions for Smart Passive Crypto Income

The wider industry trends point toward reduced volatility and increased demand for utility-based crypto products. With ETFs stabilizing the market, staking innovations reducing sell pressure, and Layer 2 adoption driving faster on-chain activity, 2025 is primed for structured, low-risk investment mechanisms like cloud mining.

What sets AIXA Miner apart is not just its tech stack, but its environmental commitment. Operating on renewable energy and deploying hydro-powered mining units, AIXA aligns with global sustainability standardsa growing concern for environmentally conscious investors.

Conclusion

In a digital economy rapidly reshaped by automation and green infrastructure, AIXA Miner delivers a transparent and intelligent mining ecosystem. From beginner-friendly $100 contracts to large-scale operations exceeding $25,000, users across the spectrum have access to tailored mining plans supported by AI and clean energy.

With more than 1 million users across 200+ countries, and a $20 sign-up bonus to get started, AIXA Miner is positioned as a leader in responsible, scalable, and automated crypto income.

For more details or to begin your earning journey:

Visit: https://aixaminer.com

Email: info@aixaminer.com

Address: 5800 S Quebec St, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, US

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LONDON, UK, July 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a bold move reshaping the future of cryptocurrency mining, BAY Miner has officially launched its powerful zero-commission cloud mining app, allowing global users to earn Bitcoin (BTC) and Ripple (XRP) instantly  with no hardware, no overhead, and no hidden costs. This high-impact launch is not a trial or a soft rollout  its a fully operational service backed by cutting-edge infrastructure, designed for scale and ready to transform the digital investment landscape.





Direct, Transparent, and Built for the Future

Positioned as one of the most direct and aggressive cloud mining solutions to date, BAY Miner removes the complexity and cost associated with traditional crypto mining. With just a smartphone or desktop browser, users can activate cloud-based mining services and receive daily rewards in BTC or XRP  all without touching a mining rig or worrying about energy bills.

Unlike other platforms that layer fees into confusing contracts or maintenance agreements, BAY Miner offers a 100% zero-fee mining model. Every fraction of a coin mined is automatically and transparently deposited into the users wallet. No deductions. No fine print.

Designed for Serious Crypto Growth  Not Gimmicks

BAY Miners platform is tailored for investors who seek real results and demand maximum transparency. The mobile-optimized app features:

Activate now: Get a $15 welcome bonus right after signing up and start mining for free.

Daily Earnings Dashboard : Real-time data tracking and earnings overview.

: Real-time data tracking and earnings overview. Global Access : Available in all major regions, with optimized mining farms in place.

: Available in all major regions, with optimized mining farms in place. Military-Grade Security : End-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication ensure complete safety.

: End-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication ensure complete safety. Flexible contract mechanism: You can choose from multiple contracts such as daily, weekly, and monthly, and switch freely according to your target income.

Benefit Example (Visualization)

BTC[Free Computing Plan]: Investment amount: $100, contract period: 2 days, daily income of $4, expiration income: $100 + $8

LTC[Core Contract Plan]: Investment amount: $600, contract period: 6 days, daily income of $7.20, expiration income: $600 + $43.2

DOGE[Core Contract Plan]: Investment amount: $5,000, contract period: 30 days, daily income of $75, expiration income: $5,000 + $2,250

BTC[Electricity Contract Plan]: Investment amount: $10,000, contract period: 45 days, daily income of $165, expiration income: $10,000 + $7,425

(The above profit examples may change slightly depending on market conditions and network performance. For the latest contract and profit details, please visit the official website www.bayminer.com .)

This isnt a soft launch  its a firm statement that BAY Miner is here to lead.

Aggressive Market Penetration Strategy Underway

To reinforce its position, BAY Miner has committed to a full-scale advertising and press campaign, already rolling out across digital media, global blockchain publications, financial platforms, and influencer networks. The companys goal is crystal clear: rapid user acquisition backed by direct, measurable crypto payouts.

"We built this platform for those tired of promises and ready for profits," said BAY Miners spokesperson. "We're not talking about what mining could be  were showing users what mining is when done right."

From YouTube ads and press releases to Telegram promotions and direct partnerships, BAY Miner is leaving no stone unturned.

Built for Beginners. Powered for Pros.

Whether youre new to cryptocurrency or managing an advanced portfolio, BAY Miner offers a seamless gateway into automated, zero-effort digital mining.

Users can select mining plans based on performance needs, investment size, or preferred currency, with all configurations maintained by BAY Miners professional technical team. There is no need for equipment maintenance, software updates, or troubleshooting  users simply log in and monitor growth.

With one account, users get access to:

Dedicated servers operating 24/7

Automatic payouts in BTC and XRP

in BTC and XRP Zero hidden costs or locked contract periods

or locked contract periods Lifetime access to performance analytics and earnings reports

Why BAY Miner Stands Apart

In an increasingly competitive cloud mining space, credibility, clarity, and consistency have become rare. BAY Miner stands out by focusing on long-term sustainability over short-term hype.

Performance Backed by Real Infrastructure : BAY Miner operates powerful, eco-optimized data centers in regions with favorable energy economics.

: BAY Miner operates powerful, eco-optimized data centers in regions with favorable energy economics. Regulatory Awareness : The company maintains compliance with local jurisdictions and international crypto mining standards.

: The company maintains compliance with local jurisdictions and international crypto mining standards. User-Centric Design: Every step, from onboarding to withdrawal, is simplified for clarity and speed.

Thousands of Users. Millions in Mining Power. Growing Daily.

Since its initial rollout, BAY Miner has seen massive adoption  with thousands of users now benefiting from consistent crypto earnings. Early testimonials praise both the systems reliability and the transparency of its financial operations.

I activated my account and began receiving XRP rewards on the same day, shared investor Sarah O. from Dubai. BAY Miner didnt just promise earnings  they delivered.

Ready to Build Your Digital Wealth? Start Today.

As cryptocurrency continues to grow in both value and adoption, BAY Miner offers an accessible and scalable way to take part in this financial revolution. There are no delays, no capital barriers, and no technical complications.

To Get Started:

Visit: https://www.bayminer.com Download the App: https://bayminer.com/xml/index.html#/app Register Your Free Account Select a Plan and Start Mining Instantly

Whether youre diversifying your portfolio or looking to enter the crypto space with confidence, BAY Miner is the premier no-fee mining platform designed to meet your goals.

About BAY Miner

BAY Miner is a global innovator in cloud-based cryptocurrency mining. Specializing in zero-commission XRP and BTC mining, the company provides powerful, secure, and scalable mining services to thousands of users worldwide. With a commitment to transparency and next-gen blockchain infrastructure, BAY Miner aims to make crypto mining efficient, profitable, and accessible for all.

For media inquiries, partnerships, or more information: info@bayminer.com

Your next crypto move begins now. BAY Miner  transparent, aggressive, and ready to mine.





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 and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

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London, United Kingdom, July 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XRP surged by more than 22% in the past 24 hours, reaching a new high of $3.66 and driving daily trading volume above $22.5 billion. The rally was fueled by the U.S. Congress passing landmark cryptocurrency legislation, including the Genius Act and the Digital Markets Clarity Act, along with a broader market uptrend in major digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Amid this market momentum, JA Mining , a global cloud mining platform, announced the launch of its new XRP-compatible dual-income mining contracts, allowing investors to earn fixed daily income and benefit from token price appreciation. The platform supports direct investments with XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, and other leading cryptocurrenciesno mining hardware or technical expertise required.

Dual-Income Model for Crypto Investors

The new JA Mining model allows users to:

Earn fixed daily payouts in USD-equivalent value





Withdraw in the same cryptocurrency they invested





Capture additional returns if the token appreciates during the contract term





Example: A user invests $5,800 worth of XRP in a 3-day contract, earning $249.60 daily for a total of $748.80. If XRP appreciates by 10% during this period, the user also benefits from the increased value of the final crypto withdrawal.

XRP Highlights  Past 24 Hours

XRP hits new high: XRP rose over 22%, touching $3.66 and pushing its market capitalization beyond $216 billion





XRP rose over 22%, touching $3.66 and pushing its market capitalization beyond $216 billion Legislative tailwinds: U.S. lawmakers passed major crypto bills supporting market clarity and stablecoin regulation





U.S. lawmakers passed major crypto bills supporting market clarity and stablecoin regulation Derivatives surge: XRP futures open interest crossed $10.4 billion, signaling strong institutional engagement

Mining Contract Examples (Updated July 2025)

LTC Classic Miner  $200 | 2 Days | $7/day  Total: $14

DOGE Innovative Miner  $2,420 | 3 Days | $86.88/day  Total: $260.63

DOGE Quality Choice  $12,500 | 3 Days | $535/day  Total: $1,605

BTC Intelligent Innovation  $55,600 | 2 Days | $4,770/day  Total: $9,540.96

BTC Efficient & Excellent  $258,000 | 5 Days | $24,664.80/day  Total: $123,324

For more plans, please visit the official website: https://jamining.com

Green Infrastructure, Zero Barriers

JA Mining operates 100% online, offering instant contract activation and real-time earnings dashboards. The platform is accessible via web and mobile, supporting users in over 100 countries.

Key features include:

No hardware required





Crypto-based investment options including XRP





Environmentally sustainable operations powered by renewable energy





Fully automated payouts and multilingual support





About JA Mining

JA Mining is a global leader in cloud-based cryptocurrency mining, offering automated short-term mining contracts backed by renewable energy. Supporting major digital assets including XRP, BTC, ETH, and DOGE, JA Mining provides transparent, secure, and sustainable mining income for users of all experience levelswithout requiring hardware or specialized knowledge.

To learn more or start mining with a $100 bonus, visit: https://jamining.com

Start now, no need to wait: click to download the APP and register to get $100 to start 0 cost mining





Media Contact:

JA Mining

info@jamining.com

www.jamining.com






VANCOUVER, July 18, 2025 - Supreme Critical Metals Inc. (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:VR61)(OTC PINK:VRCFF) ("Supreme" or the "Company") provides its second bi-weekly Default Status Report under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"), pursuant to which Supreme issued its original default announcement indicating that the filing of its annual audited financial statements, annual management's discussion and analysis and related certifications for the financial year ended February 28, 2025 (collectively, the "Required Filings"), would be delayed beyond the filing deadline of June 27, 2025.

The Company's Board of Directors and management confirm that they are working expeditiously to file the Required Filings and confirm that since the Company's news release dated July 4, 2025, there is no other material information respecting the Company's affairs that has not been generally disclosed.

Until the Required Filings have been filed, the Company intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines specified in NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of further press releases for so long as the Company remains in default of the financial statement filing requirement. In the event that the Company does not file the Required Filings in a timely manner, the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities may impose an issuer cease trade order on the outstanding securities of the Company.

About Supreme Critical Metals Inc.

SUPREME CRITICAL METALS INC. is a publicly traded diversified investment corporation actively exploring and investigating multiple opportunities in lithium, copper, silver, and precious metals. The Company adheres to strategic guidelines that prioritize regions conducive to mining, supported by favourable government regulations and existing infrastructure.

For further information, please contact:

George Tsafalas, Director

Phone: Toll Free 1(778) 373-8578

E-mail: info@supremecritalmetals.com

www.supremecriticalmetals.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contain these identifying words.

More particularly and without limitation, the forward?looking information in this news release includes: (i) expectations regarding the Company's business plans and operations; (ii) expectations concerning the MCTO; and (iii) expectations regarding the timing of filing the Required Filings. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company.

Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to Supreme's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Supreme's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals.

Any forward-looking information 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 information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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 of this release.

SOURCE: Supreme Critical Metals Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
NANCHANG, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Deep in east China's Wangxian Valley, a cluster of ancient-style pavilions and houses cling to cliffs more than 110 meters high. As dusk deepens and lights begin to shimmer through the gorge, the scene evokes the very meaning behind its name -- a glimpse into a celestial realm, as if one were gazing upon the dwelling place of immortals from afar.

The valley, located in the mountains of Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, was once a patchwork of dusty quarries where the racket of drills blared. After years of ecological restoration and tourism development, it has become a viral sensation, attracting over 3 million visitors last year.

Xu Zhicheng, the owner and operator of a homestay near the valley, is promoting his small yet cozy guesthouse via livestreaming to interested viewers across the country.

Xu is a native of the area born at the turn of the millennium. With a college degree in new media, he wished to be part of the reinvention plan of his home village in Wangxian Township.

"I grew up here, and back then it was all dust and stone," he recalled. "These years, every time I came home for the Spring Festival, I found that the place had changed bit by bit. More people are drawn to the lush mountains and clear streams, so I thought, why not put what I've learned to use and help out with local tourism?"

In 2024, Xu decided to return and transform his family's self-built house into a guesthouse with eight rooms and a photo studio that rents traditional Chinese clothing to tourists.

By the first half of 2025, his business had generated over 400,000 yuan (about 56,000 U.S. dollars) in revenue.

However, Xu didn't stop at his own front door. Utilizing his skills in livestreaming and digital marketing, he began helping neighbors, who he affectionately calls "uncles and aunts," promote their lodgings online. His studio setup now supports a network of homestays across Wangxian.

"Each month, we bring them over 100 bookings," he said. "This isn't about competition. It's about growing together. This is our home."

The transformation of Wangxian Valley began in 2007 when the local government shut down the granite mines. In 2010, a tourism developer stepped in and helped turn the gorge into a fantastical destination, changing what was once the "most unlikely tourist spot" into a viral favorite on Chinese social media.

Wangxian Township now hosts more than 340 homestays and 110 farm-to-table restaurants. Over 2,000 jobs have been created directly by the tourism sector, with another 30,000 supported across the region.

Wang Bin, in his thirties, also grew up in the village. Wang had built a successful career in the coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu.

"In 2021, I started noticing that more and more young people were returning home to start businesses. I wanted to be part of that," he said.

In May 2023, drawing on his years of experience in big cities, Wang began building a hotel equipped with urban-style amenities, investing over 3 million yuan, which was significantly more than the typical 200,000-yuan budget of local farmers' guesthouses.

"Most places offered basic rooms for 150 yuan a night," he says. "We started at over 300, because we provided more -- spotless interiors, professional service, and a refined atmosphere that visitors from cities expect."

His approach set a new standard, promoting other homestays to upgrade, too. "We raised the bar for the whole valley," Wang said.

Along with two other young partners, Xu and Wang plan to create new spaces, including a riverside cafe, a themed bar, and family-friendly outdoor zones, to make Wangxian a place where visitors can enjoy themselves beyond the tourist zone.

"When I first returned, the streets were empty after 8 p.m.," he recalls. "Now there's life, light, and laughter. That's what keeps me going."

The stories of Xu and Wang are part of a growing trend among young Chinese people who are returning to their rural roots, equipped with modern skills and a vision shaped by digital tools.

In China's process of modernization, the large-scale migration of people to urban areas has left some rural communities increasingly hollowed out and aging. However, with improved transportation, living conditions, and natural environments in the countryside, an increasing number of young college graduates and urban professionals are choosing to return or relocate to their hometowns.

Official data indicates that over 12 million people have returned to the countryside to start businesses, driving the emergence of new industries and innovative business models.

About 100 kilometers away, in Tiquan Village located at the junction of Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, entrepreneur Qi Huidong has not only overcome poverty and physical challenges but also helped introduce a new industry to his hometown.

At 20, Qi sustained a serious construction injury when a steel bar pierced his leg, leaving him partially disabled. In 2014, he was registered as a member of a low-income household eligible for government assistance.

But Qi refused to be defined by hardship. While working in Hangzhou, China's e-commerce hub, he spotted a business opportunity in fabric crafts, learned the necessary skills online, and, with support from local poverty alleviation programs, founded a textile business in 2016.

What began as a tiny workshop has grown into a full-scale enterprise with over 100 local employees, including eight with disabilities and 20 from formerly impoverished households.

"Many of the employees worked outside the village before joining here," said Qi, "but now they can earn an average of 4,000 yuan a month and take care of their families."

After finding success, Qi made it a point to give back to his community. Whenever villagers came to learn from him, he welcomed them with open arms, teaching not just fabric-making skills but also how to set up and run an online store.

His village, once quiet and struggling, is now vibrant with entrepreneurial energy, fueled by improved logistics facilities, geographic advantages, and the rise of e-commerce.

More than 20 businesses have sprung up around Qi's, and over 300 online stores now sell locally made fabric door curtains and soft furnishings, with a total annual online sales of 250 million yuan. Over 1,000 villagers can work "near their home doors" now.

Entrepreneurs returning to their hometowns, such as Xu Zhicheng, Wang Bin, and Qi Huidong, have injected fresh energy and vitality into rural development as part of China's broader rural revitalization efforts.

Between 2020 and 2024, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in China increased from 17,131 yuan to 23,119 yuan, representing a cumulative rise of nearly 35 percent over the four years. In 2024 alone, rural income grew by 6.3 percent in real terms, outpacing that of urban residents.

"The key to rural revitalization lies in the talent," said Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, at a press conference at the beginning of the year when elaborating China's measures to advance all-around rural revitalization.

"The core idea is to attract people through the vast development opportunities rural areas offer, and to retain them with a livable, idyllic countryside environment," said Han.

"Concerns such as career development and social security will also be addressed, so that young people can not only stay in the countryside, but also thrive there," he added. 
Remembering the late John Maxwell Addo (a.k.a JM Addo) - Founder of JM Addo & Sons Ltd

Francis Osabutey Adverts Jul - 19 - 2025 , 09:06 4 minutes read

The children of the late John Maxwell Addo, founder of JM Addo & Sons Ltd, pay tribute to a remarkable life. On what would have been his 98th birthday, they remember his journey from humble beginnings to building one of Ghanas leading family businesses.

Today, is the birthday of the Late John Maxwell Addo, aka JM Addo, Founder of JM Addo & Sons Ltd. It is a good day to tell the story of this Colossus, to all who have ears to listen... and to all who value pearls of wisdom... Wisdom beyond the value of money.

The story of JM Addo must be printed in the annals of the history of JM Addo and Sons Ltd. Why? Because, his life was exemplary and rich in Philosophy, Vision, Purpose, Risk, Balance; Relationship, Finance, Relentlessness, Shrewdness, Fun, Humour; Family, Adventure; you name it. His legacy, after his death; continues to be exemplary and rich in continuity, harmony, family, vision, purpose, balance, financial prudence, relentlessness.... you name it.

The story must be told to the generations here today, and the generations yet unborn, that a great kinsman was born on July 19th 1927 at Begoro in the Eastern Region, to Nana Kwawkwa Ayefi Addo and Selina Ama Ofosua all of blessed memory.

At a very early age, Kwabena, as he was affectionately called, left Begoro with his father to start school at Nankese, a village near Suhum and later Effiduase-New Juaben where he lived with his father till age 12. At age 13, his father relocated to Awukugua, their hometown, and Kwabena started standard three at Akutrum United Primary School some two and a half miles from Awukugua. He covered this distance daily on foot, and was undeterred by his frequent dismissals from school due to his father's inability to pay his fees. Kwabena engaged in menial jobs to raise funds for his education.

At age 15, his paternal uncle, the late Opaniv Obuobi, a driver and transport owner in Suhum came to his rescue and sent him to Suhum to be enrolled in Standard Four at Suhum English Church Mission School. Kwabena did so well at school and so excelled in his exams at Standard Seven that he was invited to write the entry examination at Accra Academy. As twisted as fate could be sometimes, there was no money for Kwabena to proceed to Accra Academy even though he passed the entry examination. It is no wonder that six of his sons were educated at Accra Academy.

Undeterred by his inability to pursue regular education, Kwabena registered as a private candidate, took the O Level examinations and excelled. He did not stop there, but studied privately to pass City & Guilds examinations in Economics, Book keeping and Accounting. He also pursued and obtained a diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, London.

Early Career

At age 19, Kwabena started his career as a store assistant. A few months after, he accepted to offer at GB Olivant where he worked as a Clerk handling supplies of maize and gari. This job got him transferred to Koforidua where he lived for many years. His knack for identifying opportunities and his shrewd business sense, took him to UK, Holland, France and Germany where he networked with many overseas partners notable amongst them being Johnson Matthew - UK based precious metal manufacturing dealer.

At age 35, Kwabena set up his first business  JM Addo & Sons, (General Merchants) which metamorphosed into a vibrant pharmaceuticals company currently holding a number of franchise including Borges Olive Oil, Wormplex 400. He explored several business opportunities from leather production, to bakery, to real estate. He became distributer for Unilever Ghana Ltd, Guinness Ghana Ltd, Achimota Brewery, GIHOC Distilleries, Bells, UK and won numerous awards.

JM Addo was also a successful family man; an extraordinary philanthropist, a great entertainer at party host. His name rings strongly and daily in every family gathering, even though hes gone to rest over a decade ago. There is no family gathering that the stories of JM Addo are not told, cracking ribs of all who heard in laughter and mirth. The birth of this legend is a legacy, and the story of his Resilience, Mastership, Strength, Achievements and Philosophies shall be told in fond memories, to the generations for emulation.

Were he to be alive today, JM Addo would be 98 years old. Hes gone, but not forgotten. In our hearts and in our lives, he lives on.

In this world, if you trade your conscience for money, then you are the most worthless of all beings  JM Addo quote.
Next article: 8 key findings from the Deloitte audit report on Ghanas National Cathedral project

Previous article: Weekend Talk: Choose you this day

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10 shocking revelations from the National Cathedral Audit report

GraphicOnline Opinion Jul - 19 - 2025 , 06:39 2 minutes read

Ghanas National Cathedral projectonce hailed as a landmark of faith and national pridehas been plunged into controversy after a damning audit report exposed financial irregularities, procurement breaches, and questionable spending.

The confidential document, prepared by Deloitte and Touche, reveals how $97 million of taxpayer money was spent with little physical progress to show for it.

From unauthorised payments to missing contracts and lavish expenses, here are 10 shocking revelations from the audit that every Ghanaian should know:

1. $97 Million Spent, No Cathedral Built

The project has no significant structure despite $97 million (GH339 million) spent between 2021 and 2023.

2. Payments Made Before Contracts Were Signed

GH15.7 million was paid to architect David Adjaye before a contract was signed.

3. Unexplained Differences in Payments

Confirmation documents showed GH4.9 million discrepancies between government records and Adjayes firm.

4. $12.4 Million Spent on Unapproved Design Changes

Additional work (museum, restaurant) was done without PPA approval or a signed contract.

5. Fundraising Events Yielded No Donations

$110,630 was spent on U.S. fundraising, but no money was raised from these efforts.

6. Personal Expenses Charged to the Project

$24,498 was spent on engraved mugs, pens, and an Apple laptop for a consultant.

7. No Loan Agreement for GH2.6 Million "Soft Loan"

A Board members company gave a loan with no signed terms, repaid in just 12 days.

8. Procurement Laws Were Violated

The single-source selection of Adjaye breached Ghanas Public Procurement Act.

9. Staff Pension Contributions Were Not Paid

The Secretariat failed to remit pension funds, violating Ghanas National Pension Act.

10. Project May Collapse Due to Debt

Contractors are owed GH343 million, and construction has been stalled since 2022.

Final Takeaway: The report reveals financial mismanagement, weak controls, and questionable spending, raising doubts about the projects viability and accountability.
Featured

8 key findings from the Deloitte audit report on Ghanas National Cathedral project

GraphicOnline Opinion Jul - 19 - 2025 , 06:26 3 minutes read

An audit report by Deloitte and Touche has revealed that Ghanas National Cathedral project, initiated by President Nana Akufo-Addo, has cost taxpayers $97 million (GH339 million) as of December 2023with no significant physical structure to show for it.

The report, classified as "Confidential" and spanning 76 pages, exposes financial mismanagement, procurement breaches, and questionable payments, raising serious concerns about accountability and transparency. It was shared on social media by government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

Key findings from the report

1. Payments without contracts

The government paid GH15.7 million to Sir David Adjaye & Associates (the projects lead architect) before a contract was signed in August 2019.

Some payments were made before the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) approved the use of single-source procurement for the architect.

2. Discrepancies in payments

Conflicting records show GH4.9 million in unexplained differences between payments declared by the Office of the President and those confirmed by Adjayes firm.

Mobilization fees paid to consultants varied significantly, with $861,000 unaccounted for in one instance.

3. Unauthorized additional work

$12.4 million was spent on design variations (including a 350-seater restaurant and Bible Museum) without a signed contract or PPA approval.

4. Questionable expenses

$110,630 was spent on fundraising events in the U.S., but no donations were traced to these efforts.

$24,498 was spent on personal items (e.g., engraved mugs, pens, and an Apple laptop for a consultant) under "reimbursable expenses."

5. Lack of documentation

GH243,255 in 2023 expenses lacked supporting documents, including payments for funerals, media engagements, and transport.

GH117,180 was paid to the Board Secretary for "rent," but no formal approval was found.

6. Procurement violations

The single-source selection of Adjaye did not meet legal requirements under Ghanas Public Procurement Act.

The Procurement Committee was improperly constituted, lacking key members as mandated by law.

7. Financial mismanagement

The project owes GH343 million to contractors, with construction stalled since May 2022 due to funding shortages.

Pension contributions for staff were unpaid, violating Ghanas National Pension Act.

8. Going concern risks

Deloitte flagged "material uncertainty" over the projects survival, as fundraising efforts failed and government seed money dried up.

Government and Management Responses

The Board claimed some payments were "administrative decisions" and denied wrongdoing.

The Office of the President did not provide explanations for pre-contract payments.

Deloitte noted inadequate responses and unresolved issues in its final report.

Conclusion

The audit paints a picture of poor governance, financial irregularities, and weak oversight in a project meant to be a national monument. With no clear funding plan and mounting debts, the future of the National Cathedral remains uncertainleaving Ghanaian taxpayers questioning where their money went.
Featured

Who is perfect? Dr Shaka Ssali

Brig. Gen. Dan Frimpong (Rtd) Opinion Jul - 18 - 2025 , 13:39 5 minutes read

At a reception, a young waiter asked a guest, Sir, what drink can I bring you? The guest answered, can I have a glass of brandy, please? Looking confused, the youngster apologetically replied, sorry sir, we dont have brandy, but we have cognac.

Smiling, the guest politely said, Cognac will be fine, while biding his time for a more opportune moment to educate the young waiter that, cognac is brandy!

This incident reminded me of my 2020 article titled, Robb and Zorro are all Mentholatum quoted below:

******

Tea

When we were growing up in the 1960s, tea was the generic name for all beverages prepared with hot water.

Probably, this has not changed much. So, people talk of coffee tea, milo tea etc.

Similarly, Pepsodent has been the primus inter pares of toothpastes although Signal, Colgate and others were/are available.

So, one heard of Signal pepsodent and colgate pepsodent etc.

Like tea and pepsodent, in the world of soothing balms for aches, Mentholatum was the name for all the others like Robb and Zorro.

One I will never forget is Thermogen simply pronounced tomogin! I wonder if the manufacturer added pepper to it.

When a little was first applied on me for a childhood prank, it felt like fire!

So, in the 1970s, when a colleague asked if I had Robb, I told him I did not have Robb but had Zorro.

He immediately asked me to bring it, saying Robb and Zorro are all Mentholatum, not realising the hilarious effect of his use of the balm names.

A popular Ghanaian terminology is the value is the same.

In comparing similar things, it refers to form being often more important than content.

So whether it is milo tea or coffee tea or indeed tea tea, the value is the same in that, it is a hot beverage.

Like beverages, balms and toothpastes, Ghana has over one hundred tribes! We cannot all come from one tribe, but we are all Ghanaians.



Birth

I wonder, maybe absurdly, if any Ghanaian, before he/she was born, made any input into his/her birth.

If not, why should the accident of where a Ghanaian is born be the basis for conflict?

Does it matter which regional capital or village one was born? Indeed, in some countries, ones hometown is where one is born.

There are no trappings of tribe!

I daresay if it were possible, some Ghanaians would have chosen to be born in more exotic places than Ghana where tribe is not an issue!

So why the fuss about where a Ghanaian comes from? Whichever tribe one is born into, the value is the same.

That is why we carry passports of the Republic of Ghana.

I am yet to hear of any of the exponents of tribe/tribalism say he/she carries the passport of his/her tribe.



Achievement

Again, for the achievement-conscious Ghanaians with scant respect for others of lesser achievement in their estimation, as Denzel Washington said, it is not so much what one achieves in life that matters, but how such achievement lifts society up! It is what legacy one leaves behind which is important.

Hitler, Mussolini, Iddi Amin etc., certainly had relatives. How many proudly claim their ancestry with them? While some names are etched in gold not only in Ghana, but all over Africa and the world, some will only be remembered for negative reasons.

South African President Ramaphosa recently asked his countrymen/women to join the current worldwide acknowledgement of South African DJ Master KGs song Jerusalema.

Meanwhile, Ghanaians are busy tearing one another apart in all fields and directions using intemperate language. We even denigrate our own while extolling the virtues of non-Ghanaians!

This negativity has crept viciously/violently into our politics.



Shaka Ssali

In a TV programme, in early 2020, soon after the death of former Kenyan President Arap Moi, veteran Ugandan broadcaster Shaka Ssali interviewed two prominent Kenyans. Appalled as they were with President Arap Mois bad human rights record, they did not slander him to the whole world.

They strongly condemned him for that, but in very civil language.

They did not declare other countries presidents greater than him.

Chaka Ssali concluded the interview with the humbling question Who is perfect?

The Biblical story of those who accused a woman of adultery and demanded she be stoned, being asked to cast the first stone, came to mind.

Nobody could! Probably, we all have skeletons in our cupboards! So, lets show humility and stop pontificating!



Conclusion

Attacking persons/tribes and persons of different political persuasion is not good for Ghana.

We went to secondary school with Ghanaians from all parts of Ghana.

In our 60s and 70s now, we are solidly bound as brothers and sisters.

We argue passionately at meetings but never about tribe.

We simply dont know it.

As President Ramaphosa projected Master KGsJerusalema, let us project Ghana.

*******



Summary

At a time when galamsey continues to be an existential threat to Ghana with large quantities of arsenic and other heavy metals being detected in fish from the Keta Lagoon, far from the know galamsey areas, one wonders why elections which are conducted peacefully in a civilized manner elsewhere should assume the violence it did in the rerun of the Ablekuma North elections last week!

Are Ghanaians confirming the statement made by our elder statesman Mr Sam Okudjeto Esq that, we have become a nation of hooligans?

Certainly, this is not what we need in view of recent claims about the alleged grand design of foreigners taking over our lands!

For, whether our tribe is Robb-Nzima, Zorro-Gonja, Tomogin-Ewe or Mentholatum-Ashanti, the value is the same Ghanaian!

For politicians who fault-find everybody not of their political persuasion as evil, what makes opponents less Ghanaian, who must be hounded? As the late Dr Chaka Ssali of Voice of America Africa Service fame asked, Who is perfect?

Leadership, lead by example/integrity! Fellow Ghanaians, wake up!

The writer is a former CEO, African Peace Support Trainers Association, Nairobi, Kenya; Council Chairman, Family Health University, Teshie, Accra

E-mail: dkfrimpong@yahoo.com
Next article: Customary marriage can be dissolved in court and claim property settlement - lawyer

Featured

Women married customarily can use husbands surname  Legal Practitioner

Richard Osei Boateng Life Jul - 18 - 2025 , 13:21 2 minutes read

A legal practitioner has clarified that couples who marry under customary (traditional) law are legally permitted to use the titles Mr. and Mrs. after their marriage ceremony.

According to him, there is a common misconception that only those married under an ordinance (civil) law are entitled to use such titles.

He emphasized that nothing in Ghanaian law bars spouses in customary marriages from adopting these formal titles or surnames, especially once proper name change procedures have been followed by way of swearing affidavit and gazette notification.

There is a misconception that once you contract a customary marriage, you cannot use the title Mr. or Mrs. That is false, he explained in an interview with Graphic Online.

There is no legal provision barring a couple from using these titles. Once the wifes maiden name is exchanged with the husbands surname through affidavit and same is gazetted, she can officially adopt her husbands surname and be addressed as Mrs.

Customary Marriage Is Potentially Polygamous

Mr. Asante further explained that customary marriage is recognized under Ghanaian law as potentially polygamous, meaning that a man may marry more than one wifebut only under certain conditions.

Customary marriage is potentially polygamous. This means a man can marry more than one wife under this form of marriage, he said.

However, this is not automatic. It is not simply a matter of deciding to marry three or four wives. The man must also demonstrate that he is capable of managing and living harmoniously with all the wives.

Registration of customary marriages

Touching on legal documentation, Mr. Asante emphasized that customary marriages can be registered with the Registrar of Marriagesjust like ordinance marriagesunder PNDCL 112, as amended by PNDCL 263, 1991 known as the Customary Marriage and Divorce (Registration) Law.

Under this law, once you contract a valid customary marriage, you can apply to register it at the Registrar of Marriages. When registered, a certificate called the Customary Marriage Certificate is issued, he explained.

However, registration is not mandatory for the marriage to be valid. Whether registered or not, a properly conducted customary marriage is still legally recognized in Ghana. Read also: Customary marriage can be dissolved in court and claim property settlement - lawyer
Featured

BECE hopes revived: Ga East Education Directorate supports injured pupils medical bills

Joyce Awuni Jul - 19 - 2025 , 12:57 3 minutes read

The Ga East Municipal Education Directorate has donated GH60,000 to Kingsley Owusu Arhin, a 16-year-old final-year pupil of Haatso Calvary Presbyterian Basic School.

Master Arhin missed this years Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) due to critical injuries he sustained in a motor accident.

Last Thursdays donation formed part of a special intervention by the directorate to provide relief and restore hope to the injured pupil and his family.

The gesture was to assist with the cost of surgery, medication and post-operative care of Kingsley, who is still hospitalised, as the family is unable to meet the financial demands of his treatment.

Communal effort

Speaking at the event, the Municipal Director of Education, Eric Sey, said upon receiving the report about the pupils condition, he appealed to heads of schools within the municipality to mobilise support to help fund the boys medical treatment.

He explained that the appeal, which was endorsed by the management of the directorate, received overwhelming backing from both public and private basic schools.

Pupils, teachers, school authorities and non-teaching staff made voluntary contributions, he said.

The collective effort exceeded the estimated GH45,000 needed for surgery by GH15,000.

Mr Sey said the gesture was a demonstration of the school communitys compassion and commitment to the welfare of every child.

This was not about which school the boy attended; it was about saving a life. I am very proud of the way both public and private schools responded with unity and purpose, he said.

Support for recovery

Mr Sey said the funds would be used to cover the cost of surgery, transportation, medication and post-operative care for the injured pupil.

He said the boy was still receiving treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), where he was under the care of both the neurology and orthopedic departments.

Mr Sey further appealed for continued support from benevolent individuals and institutions, noting that Kingsleys recovery would require further medical reviews in the months ahead.

Gratitude

Gloria Owusu Boateng, Kingsleys sister, who has been caring for him since the accident, expressed deep appreciation to the education directorate, the participating schools and the entire school community for their support.

Fighting back tears, she recounted the emotional and financial strain the family had endured over the past months, especially after the driver who caused the accident stopped footing the medical bills.

There were days we had no food, and I didnt know where help would come from.

I was alone, caring for my brother while trying to hold the family together, she said.

She described the intervention as life-saving, and said the gesture had given her and her brother renewed hope.

This is more than just money.

Its a sign that were not alone, that people care. We are forever grateful, she added.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (L, front) leaves the headquarters of Criminal Police of Brazil where he was fitted with an electronic anklet for monitoring, in Brasilia, Brazil, on July 18, 2025. A justice of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)

BRASILIA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- A justice of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the measures include nightly house arrest on weekdays, full-time house arrest on weekends and holidays, wearing an electronic ankle monitor, and a ban on contacting foreign diplomats or visiting embassies and consulates, the supreme court said in a press release.

According to the release, the former president and his son had lobbied in the United States to solicit sanctions against Brazilian officials.

The justice stated that Brazil's sovereignty will never be negotiated, reaffirming the supreme court's determination to defend democratic and constitutional principles.

The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian exports effective Aug. 1. Trump linked the hefty tariffs to the ongoing legal proceedings against Bolsonaro. 

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reacts during a special session at the Brazilian Senate in Brasilia, Brazil, July 17, 2025. A justice of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (C) leaves the headquarters of Criminal Police of Brazil where he was fitted with an electronic anklet for monitoring, in Brasilia, Brazil, on July 18, 2025. A justice of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)
Cowbell Coffee to reward loyal customers

Daily Graphic Jul - 19 - 2025 , 09:57 1 minute read

Ghanas market leader in the coffee mixes category, Cowbell Coffee, has rolled out a two-month consumer promotion to reward its loyal consumers with exciting prizes.

The promo, which runs from July 15 to September 15, 2025, will reward Ghanaians with over 50,534 prizes.

Dubbed Cowbell Coffee with You Every Moment Promo, the prizes up for grabs include cash, PlayStation 5, smartphones, laptops, airtime, data bundles, Cowbell Coffee products, Bluetooth headsets, all-expense-paid trips to Zanzibar or Cape Town and the grand prize, a brand-new Suzuki Jimny.

At the media launch held in Accra last Tuesday, the Brands Manager of National Lottery Authority (NLA), Beryl Adom, said all draws were conducted under the supervision of the NLA on the Caritas Lottery platform, ensuring fairness, transparency, and full regulatory compliance.

She said customers of Cowbell Coffee could participate with full confidence, knowing the process is credible and transparent.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Promasidor Ghana (PGH), Samir Sadaoui, said the promo was a way of thanking Ghanaians for accepting Cowbell Coffee since its launch in 2004.

We started from humble beginnings in 1999 with our flagship diary, Cowbell, and with the help of Ghanaians, we have birthed sub-brands such as Cowbell Strawberry, Cowbell Mocha,

Cowbell Chocomalt, Cowbell Banana, Cowbell Coffee, Miksi Choco, Miksi Coffee, Twisco-a chocolate drink powder, Onga powder, Onga tablet, Yumvita, and Cowbell evaporated milk.
Next article: What Chairman Wontumi said upon his arrival at the National Delegates Conference

Featured

Govt employs 10,000 nurses - Clears NHIS arrears pays teacher trainee allowances

Kester Aburam Korankye Jul - 19 - 2025 , 12:00 3 minutes read

The government has employed 10,000 nurses and midwives in the first half of the year, with 7,000 already added to its payroll.

The intervention is part of efforts to strengthen health care in the country.

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced this at the Government Accountability Series in Accra yesterday, where he outlined key achievements on the theme, Building a Healthier Ghana Together: Progress and Our Shared Future.

NHIS funding

The Health Minister also revealed that the government had fully settled GH603 million arrears owed to healthcare providers under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), following a major revenue boost.

Participants during the accountability series in Accra

The National Health Insurance Authoritys (NHIA) funding for 2025 has surged to GH9.76 billion, a GH3.26 billion increase from 2024, after the government uncapped the National Health Insurance Levy.

This allows us to expand coverage and improve benefits for all Ghanaians, Mr Akandoh said.

NHIS enrolment, he said, had risen to 15.67 million subscribers, up by 670,000 since last year.

Additionally, the government paid GH462.58 million worth of allowances to 120,000 trainee nurses for the first and second quarters of the year.

The payment, covering a six-month period, fulfills a key campaign promise made by President John Dramani Mahama and underscores the governments commitment to bolstering the health sector.

The minister stated that the initiative was part of a broader effort to provide financial support to students in Nursing Training Colleges.

The allowances, a key commitment made by President John Mahama during the recent electioneering, has now been fulfilled, a release issued ahead of the press conference said.

The minister described the move as a critical intervention to enhance the welfare of nursing trainees and motivate future health professionals.

This development is a significant step in improving the welfare of nursing trainees and sustaining the motivation of future health professionals. It further aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the health sector by ensuring that critical human resources receive the needed support throughout their training, the statement read.

Pharmacists

Mr Akandoh added that salary arrears of 321 pharmacist house officers had also been cleared.

While celebrating the employment of 10,000 nurses and midwives, the Minister of Health acknowledged that over 70,000 qualified health workers remained unemployed.

We are working to clear this backlog, he assured the nation.

Infrastructure

He stated that key projects, including COVID-19 treatment centres and Agenda 111 hospitals that were nearing completion, were being prioritised for completion.

Responding to a question on the future of Agenda 111 projects, the minister explained that the government would prioritise the completion of projects that were more than 80 per cent done.

Our governments resolve is clear: to leave no community behind in the journey to excellent health infrastructure, he said.

Already, Mr Akandoh said the government had continued to upgrade key facilities, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity and Childrens Block.

Hospitals such as the Korle Bu and Cape Coast teaching hospitals, as well as the LEKMA Hospital had received new equipment, including ventilators and oxygen plants.

These are the tools we need to save lives every day. We remain committed to closing infrastructure and equipment gaps through domestic investment and partnerships with the private sector, the Minister of Health stressed.

MahamaCares

Mr Akandoh also highlighted progress on the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as MahamaCares, a GH3 billion initiative to tackle chronic diseases; plans for a nationwide Free Primary Healthcare; local vaccine manufacturing, including an FDA-approved Snake Anti-Venom Serum productions.

In spite of the progress, the Health Minister admitted challenges, including unemployed health workers, infrastructure gaps and industrial disputes as some of the challenges, but pledged continued reforms.

We are building a stronger, healthier Ghana, he said, aligning efforts with President Mahamas 24-Hour Economy Agenda.
Next article: See the areas that will be affected by ECGs planned maintenance on Saturday, July 19, 2025

Featured

NPPs watershed moment - Delegates converge to shape partys future

Samuel Duodo Jul - 19 - 2025 , 07:27 4 minutes read

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) reaches a potential watershed moment in Accra today, as over 5,000 delegates converge on the capital to take critical decisions at the partys Extraordinary National Delegates Conference.

The party, which only left power in January this year, is expected to make drastic amendments to its constitution, including a proposal to expand the base of delegates who can vote to elect the partys presidential candidate.

Delegates attending the event have been arriving from all corners of the country during the week, with preparations reaching fever pitch as the final organisational arrangements neared completion yesterday.

The final preparations included bits about security, stage setup, public address system and accreditation processing.

As of the morning of yesterday, the University of Ghana Stadium grounds were literally covered in the partys red, white and blue colours, while personnel of the Ghana Police Service had arranged barricades at various entrance and exit points at the venue as part of the security measures.

The Legon-Madina highway from the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange had flags that bore the pictures of Dr J.B. Danquah and S.D. Dombo, both founding figures of the United Party (UP) tradition, from which the NPP traces its roots, as well as Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, Prime Minister of the Second Republic; former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, both of the Fourth Republic, and former Vice-President Aliu Mahama.

Conspicuously, posters and images of presidential candidate aspirants are missing around the venue as the party enforces the ban on campaigning.

The one-day conference is expected to run into the evening.

Proposals

The Secretary to the party's Constitution Amendment Committee, Iddi Muhayu-Deen, revealed that the proposals for amendment were drawn from three documents, including the Prof. Mike Oquaye's report, a 2021 constitution review committee report, and new proposals from party members and identifiable groups.

The NPP seeks to unite its faithful through the recognition of past and current leaders

Mr Muhayu-Deen also mentioned that while the ideal situation would be to adopt a one-man one-vote system, the party was not yet ready for such a system due to logistical and financial constraints.

Instead, he said, the committee had proposed a limited expansion of the Electoral College.

"The ideal situation, according to Oquaye's report, and even from what we are also presenting, is to allow for one member, one vote in the selection of parliamentary candidates and presidential candidates. However, as we speak now, the party does not have that foundational framework to roll out that policy immediately," Mr Muhayu-Deen said.

The NPP's Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, told the Daily Graphic that the conference venue would be tightly secured, with delegates seated according to regions in the stands at the stadium.

He said one of the key motions to be considered at the conference was the expansion of the party's electoral college.

Mr Ahiagbah explained that the proposed expansion would include all Members of Parliament (MPs) from 1996 onwards, all metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) who had served the party, and all former executives of the party.

Additionally, he said, the proposal would seek to increase the number of polling station executives and electoral area coordinators.

"The expansion that is being proposed will also include all who had been MPs before. It will include all MMDCEs. The MPs from 1996 onwards.

The MMDCEs, whoever has been an MMDCE for us before. All our former executives  regional constituency, polling stations  will be included in the college now," Mr Ahiagbah said.

Attendance

The Director of Communications gave an assurance that everything was set for the conference, with delegates arriving from various parts of the world, including the USA, Canada and UK.

"As you can see, we are preparing full steam ahead. It's a matter of time here. Everything will be set," he said.

Mr Ahiagbah clarified that the date for the election of the party's presidential candidate was not on the conference agenda, dispelling speculations about potential changes.

"That one has not come up. It's not a matter before the conference," he said.

With preparations at an advanced stage as of yesterday, it was evident that the supposed court injunction intended to halt the conference had not been properly triggered.

We have not been served, and as planning committee members, we are going ahead, the Chairman of the conference planning committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, said.

If theres going to be any changes, it will come from the General Secretary.

As of now, we are going ahead with our preparations, he added.
Featured

The harsh reality of kindergarten education in Bono

Biiya Mukusah Ali Jul - 19 - 2025 , 09:57 8 minutes read

Indergarten (KG) education requires a stimulating and conducive environment to allow children to explore and grow academically.

It is a delicate and crucial sector in the country's educational journey, which is responsible for providing little children with the requisite skills, knowledge and competencies necessary for formal education.

Additionally, it's a foundational sector that prepares children both socially and emotionally to ensure their overall development through play-based learning activities and outdoor playtime.

The sector, which is a formative stage of the Ghanaian childs educational journey, was made part of basic education by the government in 2007 to ensure that children are introduced to formal education at that formative stage of their development.

Ideally, KG education is supposed to have appropriate infrastructure with adequate teaching and learning materials such as toys, pictures, information books and childrens literature books with a lot of illustrations to give clues about unfamiliar words.

An Educator at Prairie Hills Elementary School District in the United States, Michael Kwame Appiah, told the Daily Graphic that KG was designed to engage children in activities that promote discovery, creativity, problem-solving abilities, reading and writing as well as strengthen their cognitive development.

He said those elements, particularly information books such as concept books, photographic essays, identification books, life cycle and experiment and activity books, contributed significantly to a child's development.

Situation in Bono

However, the situation is different in some public schools in the Bono Region as little children are studying without such learning materials and under dilapidated structures exposing them to danger and several bad weather conditions.

The dilapidated state of the Chiraa Islamic Basic School Kindergarten classroom block

During a visit by the Daily Graphic to the Chiraa Presbyterian Primary and KG and Chiraa Islamic Basic School in the Sunyani West Municipality, pupils were studying under uncompleted classroom blocks.

The structures have no befitting windows, compelling the authorities of the schools to close some of them with lumber.

When it rains with storms, water passes through the windows into the classrooms to disrupt teaching and learning.

Extreme heat

During daytime, there is extreme heat that emanates from the roofing sheets, while direct sunlight passes through the windows into the classrooms.

The KG pupils of Chiraa Presbyterian School shifted to one corner of the classroom to escape the direct sunlight from the windows

At the Chiraa Islamic Basic School, the KG facility has no windows to allow fresh air into the classrooms.

The architects only created small holes using blocks to serve as windows.

Lack of windows and ceilings on the KG structures has created extreme heat in the classrooms.

Another troubling issue about the facilities is that they have no light to enhance visibility in the classroom.

The situation is causing discomfort for the pupils, who find it difficult to participate in academic activities.

During the Daily Graphics visit to the Presbyterian Primary and KG, classes were in session, and it observed that the pupils seemed distracted by the current condition of their classrooms.

On that hot afternoon, not many of them were in class obviously because of the extreme heat in the classrooms.

Few who were in class with their facilitators were seen sweating, with some of them using their books to fan themselves.

It was devastating to see the little children struggling to cope under such hot conditions.

The authorities of the affected schools said the situation had resulted in a drastic reduction in KG enrolment.

They said they had to abandon classes anytime clouds gathered, which continued to disrupt teaching and learning.

Access, quality

Mr Appiah explained that the lack of adequate infrastructure at the KG level had contributed to limited access and quality education in the country.

One of the teachers facilitating academic activities at the Chiraa Presbyterian KG during a visit by the Daily Graphic

He said challenges confronting the delivery of quality public basic education, particularly KG, could be addressed if the government paid critical attention to the sector.

"I appeal to the government to increase budgetary allocation to basic education, to ensure that children in deprived communities are not left behind," Mr Appiah stated.

The Headteacher of the Chiraa Presbyterian Primary and KG, Hanson Boateng, also appealed to the government, institutions and organisations to assist the school with a modern classroom block to promote KG education in the area.

He expressed the hope that the provision of modern facilities would help increase the KG enrolment and improve teaching and learning.

Investigations

The Daily Graphic investigations revealed that there were several worse situations in other parts of the districts in the region as some of the districts were contending with huge infrastructure deficits in public KG schools.

Michael Kwame Appiah, An Educator at Prairie Hills Elementary School District in the United States

The KG infrastructure deficit has compelled little children to sit in dilapidated structures and under trees, which exposes them to reptiles such as snakes and scorpions.

Some of the schools have resorted to teaching the pupils under trees or in dilapidated structures or in some cases, combining KG one and KG two in one classroom.

In some cases, although the schools exist, they are in poor condition and have unsafe structures for teaching and learning.

Gap

In 2023, the Daily Graphic gathered from the Bono Regional Education Directorate that eight districts out of 12 have a total of 140 infrastructure deficits or gaps in the public preschool.

Hanson Boateng, Headteacher of the Chiraa Presbyterian Primary and KG

The eight districts, which then had a total enrolment of 39,199 pupils, were Wenchi Municipality with 62 infrastructure deficits, Dormaa West District, 42 and Dormaa Municipality, 35.

Others include Jaman South Municipality, 29; Tain District, 21; Banda District, 14; Jaman North District, six and Sunyani Municipality, which has an infrastructural deficit of six.

Additionally, in some rural and peri-urban communities in the region, children walk long distances to attend school in neighbouring communities due to the lack of facilities in their communities.

Huge gap

At a recent stakeholder forum on education in Sunyani organised by ActionAid Ghana, the Bono Regional Director of Education, Gabriel Antwi, explained that until recently, KG was not part of the mainstream basic education system in Ghana, which accounted for the huge infrastructure gap.

He said the current situation had a negative influence on the overall development of the pupils as the sector needed a conducive environment for pupils to play around to make them sound and active.

Mr Antwi said successive governments had made conscious efforts to improve the quality of educational delivery and educational infrastructure across the country to meet international standards.

He said despite the governments efforts, there were still huge infrastructure gaps and appealed to the government to build modern and standard infrastructure for the educational system.

That, according to Mr Antwi, would pave the way for effective and efficient teaching and learning for high academic standards to be achieved.

Poor condition

The poor condition under which these little children study negatively affects their academic performance, as well as their social, emotional and overall development.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the 2015 Early Grade Literacy and Mathematics Assessment (Ghana Education Service 2015) report showed that by the second year of primary school, most pupils in Ghana are not yet able to read with fluency and accuracy.

It also indicated that the rote-based approach to mathematics instruction did not adequately prepare pupils for more complex mathematics in the higher grades.

The report said after four years of compulsory education (two years of kindergarten and two years of primary), only two per cent of pupils were attaining the desired standards for literacy.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), Raphael Godlove Ahenu, expressed the need for a national stakeholders dialogue on the infrastructure deficit at the KG level.

He explained that the dialogue would be used to solicit ideas to come out with strategies and policies to improve the KG sector.

Mr Ahenu partly blamed the huge deficit at the KG level on the long-term neglect of the sector.

He said Ghanaians should be worried about the poor state of some KG classrooms, particularly in rural communities, adding that some of the structures were serving as death traps.

Our children are at risk because such buildings can collapse on them and reptiles can easily invade their classrooms.

"At their age, they need a conducive learning environment, Mr Ahenu stated.

Old structures

The Bono Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC), Kobina Afena-Sam, told the Daily Graphic that it was pathetic to see some old structures built during the colonial era still being used as classrooms for KG pupils.

To ensure the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDG 4), which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030, there was the need for successive governments to invest massively in the improvement of educational facilities, particularly at the KG level.

Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh
Trade Minister engages Moroccan delegation on strategic partnership

Daily Graphic Jul - 19 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has received a visiting delegation from the Kingdom of Morocco, led by the Deputy Head of Mission at the Moroccan Embassy in Ghana, Abderrahim Cherrab, to explore opportunities for enhanced trade and agribusiness collaboration between the two nations.

Welcoming the delegation, Ms Ofosu-Adjare underscored the longstanding diplomatic and cultural relations between Ghana and Morocco, stressing the mutual benefits that could be harnessed in trade, agribusiness, and tourism.

Drawing from her personal experience in Morocco, she praised the country's hospitality and expressed optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation, especially in areas such as fertiliser manufacturing, job creation, and food production.

She outlined Ghanas investor-friendly environment, mentioning incentives such as tax breaks, low transportation costs, and government-backed support systems that made the country a strategic hub for manufacturing.

The government is committed to using its purchasing power to promote locally produced goods, and we welcome Moroccos investment in manufacturing plants that will create jobs and expand market access, she stated.

On the topic of agribusiness, the minister stressed the ministry's focus on commercial contract farming and climate-smart agriculture to ensure a consistent raw material supply to local industries.

She highlighted Ghana's litigation-free lands and irrigation potential as key attractions for investors.

Ms Ofosu-Adjare also emphasised harmonisation of trade standards between the two countries and proposed the use of Ghana as a base for Moroccos automobile investments in West Africa, especially in the electric vehicle space.

We have a one-stop shop at the ministry to facilitate investor entry, and we are excited about the future collaborations that lie ahead between Ghana and Morocco, she assured.

Response

In response, Mr Cherrab expressed Moroccos keen interest in strengthening ties with Ghana, particularly in the area of food security.

He said the visit followed a recent bilateral engagement between Ghanas Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Moroccan counterpart to assess Ghanas public sector governance in food systems and identify areas for cooperation.

He disclosed that the Moroccan mission comprised experts from the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, national institutes, and universities.

Key items under discussion included the shipment of 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser to Ghana, the deployment of a diagnostic mission to assess Ghanas agricultural landscape, and the potential establishment of a fertiliser production unit in the country.

Mr Cherrab highlighted the shared challenges between the two countries, including over-reliance on primary agriculture, low soil fertility, poor farm input usage, and post-harvest losses.

He emphasised Moroccos readiness to share best practices in food systems and soil fertility management, and to foster South-South cooperation through joint projects and knowledge exchange.

He further mentioned a memorandum of understanding signed in 2015 between the two nations to advance bilateral regulations and cooperation, calling for a joint commercial meeting between Ghanas Ministry of Trade and Moroccos Ministry of Industry and Trade to facilitate the next steps in the collaboration.
Next article: Kpandai DCE, Chiefs rally investors and NGOs to tackle youth drug abuse and spur development

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Immigration intercepts suspected cyanide shipment along Black Volta

Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor Jul - 18 - 2025 , 18:30 2 minutes read

The Upper West Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted a large cache of chemical substances suspected to be sodium cyanide along the banks of the Black Volta River.

A total of 250 drums containing the suspected chemicals were discovered at Zikpiri, where they had been stockpiled near the river and were reportedly ready to be transported to neighbouring Burkina Faso.

The consignment was uncovered by a team of GIS officers from the Nadowli District Command during a patrol operation along unapproved border routes in the area.

Press release

In a statement issued by the Regional Public Affairs Unit of the GIS, the drums have since been moved to the Nadowli Police Station for safekeeping and further examination by the appropriate authorities.

The statement added that the Command has activated its intelligence network to identify and apprehend those behind the illicit operation.

The interception reportedly took place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m.

The statement also noted that since taking office, the Upper West Regional Commander of GIS, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Justice Bosomtwi-Ayensu, has instituted a 24-hour manning system at all known unapproved border routes in the region, alongside routine patrols to combat cross-border criminal activities.

Warning

The GIS has issued a strong warning to individuals engaged in illegal cross-border dealings, stressing that it remains committed to cracking down on such activities.

We caution the general public to desist from any form of cross-border crime. The few recalcitrant persons whose livelihood depends on illegal activities along our territorial borders must either stop or be stopped. There are no ifs or buts, the statement warned.
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'National Cathedral 'hole' cost $97 Million' - Kwakye Ofosu

GraphicOnline Jul - 18 - 2025 , 19:12 2 minutes read

What was meant to be Ghanas most ambitious religious and cultural edifice has been reduced to a cautionary tale of financial recklessness. According to a government-commissioned audit by Deloitte and Touche, the National Cathedral Project has cost the Ghanaian taxpayer $97 million, with no structure to show for it.

Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu laid bare the figures: Contrary to the widely held view that total payments and commitments to the National Cathedral Project amounts to $58 million so far, there is an additional outstanding $39 million payment due the contractor.

According to Mr Ofosu, the audit reveals that major disbursements were made to contractors and consultants without approved agreements, with payments often exceeding legally sanctioned amounts.

One of the most glaring issues involved a GHS 4.9 million discrepancy in payments to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. Additionally, the contract with Ribade JV  the main contractor  featured shifting and contradictory cost estimates, from $261.9 million in the signed agreement to $286.4 million in official figures.

In one example, The Nehemiah Group was paid $523,521.03 even after its contract expired and was never renewed.

These inconsistencies point to significant lapses in contract and payment reconciliation processes, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained.

The report also unearthed irregular transactions including a GHS 2.6 million "loan" from a company owned by a trustee, JNS Talent Centre Limited, which was repaid without any traceable loan agreement.

As Ghana continues to grapple with rising public debt and limited fiscal space, the Cathedral scandal raises serious questions about how resources are managed, even at the highest levels of government.
Next article: FULL DOCUMENT: Read the full Deloitte and Touche audit report on Ghana's National Cathedral

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See the areas that will be affected by ECGs planned maintenance on Saturday, July 19, 2025

GraphicOnline Jul - 19 - 2025 , 05:49 2 minutes read

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a planned power outage in parts of the Western Region on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as part of routine maintenance works aimed at enhancing electricity supply and improving service delivery.

In a statement released on Thursday, July 17, ECG stated that the exercise is scheduled to take place between 8:00 am and 5:00pm. The affected areas include Ateiku, Esaman, Jerusalem, Akyempim, Akosombo, Kubekrom, Nsadweso, Subrie and surrounding communities.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will undertake planned maintenance works to improve service delivery, the statement said, adding that:

ECG regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise.

The company has urged residents in the affected communities to take necessary precautions and make alternative arrangements during the period of the outage.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, residents in parts of the Ashanti Region are also facing unexpected power cuts due to a technical fault caused by fallen conductors at Sokoban Krofrom Brotherman.

The Ashanti West Regional Office of ECG, in a notice issued on Friday, July 18, explained that engineers are currently on-site working to rectify the issue and restore power to the affected areas.

The outage being experienced is as a result of fallen conductors at Sokoban Krofrom Brotherman, the statement noted.

ECG wishes to assure affected customers that our Engineers are working to rectify the fault and restore supply.

The affected communities in this emergency situation include Ampabame, Aboabokese, Kwanwoma, Konkori, Paah, Pakyi No. 1 & 2, Trede, and surrounding areas.

ECG regrets the inconvenience caused to the affected customers, the statement concluded.

The dual announcements come amid growing public concern over frequent power outages across the country, with residents urging the utility company to improve infrastructure and response times.

Residents in both the Western and Ashanti regions are advised to stay updated through ECGs communication channels for further information on restoration timelines.
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What Chairman Wontumi said upon his arrival at the National Delegates Conference

Beatrice Laryea Jul - 19 - 2025 , 11:59 2 minutes read

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has expressed his gratitude to the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party for their dedicated efforts in successfully organising the Extraordinary National Delegates Conference today, July 19.

Chairman Wontumi made an entrance at the venue  the University of Ghana Stadium, dressed in a neatly tailored NPP-themed agbada and accompanied by a contingent of uniformed security personnel.

Responding to questions from journalists, he expressed gratitude to God and to all those who contributed financially and supported the organization of the event, acknowledging the hard work and resources involved.

"We give thanks to God and express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed financially to make this programme possible. Organising such an event requires both hard work and significant resources, and we deeply appreciate the support we received," he said.

He also thanked the National Council of the party for ensuring the event took place despite challenges.

"I also thank Almighty God for guiding the National Council of the party, whose dedication and perseverance ensured that this event took place despite the challenges," he added.

In May this year, Chairman Wontumi became the subject of a major criminal investigation involving allegations of fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Ghanas Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had earlier invited Mr Boasiako to assist with ongoing investigations linked to alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities.

However, after honouring the CIDs invitation, he was subsequently picked up by EOCO officials and transported to their head office for further questioning, reportedly on related issues.

He was released in June from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, five days after securing bail.
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Bawumia: Kufuor and Akufo-Addos legacy will outlive generations

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 15:01 1 minute read

Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has lauded the enduring legacies of former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing their leadership as monumental and transformational.

Speaking at the 2025 NPP National Delegates Conference in Accra today, Dr. Bawumia said the achievements of the two NPP leaders in governance remain unmatched and will be remembered for generations.

In governance, there are ups and downs, he acknowledged. Through the President J.A. Kufuor and President Nana Akufo-Addo periods, we succeeded at many things with monumental and transformational achievements.

He added with confidence: Their achievements will stand the test of time.

Dr. Bawumias remarks appeared aimed at consolidating party unity and pride following the NPPs loss in the 2024 general elections, with many members reflecting on the partys legacy in government. He urged party faithful not to shy away from the record of their past leaders, but to embrace and celebrate their contributions to national development.

Dr. Bawumia stressed that while challenges have existed under both administrationsas with any in the worldthe scale and impact of their achievements cannot be denied. He urged the party to continue building on that legacy and remain resolute in its values as it reorganises for the future.
Chinese Ambassador to Mauritania Tang Zhongdong speaks in an interview with Xinhua in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on June 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

NOUAKCHOTT, July 19 (Xinhua) -- China and Mauritania have walked hand in hand since establishing diplomatic ties in 1965, supporting each other in international affairs and partnering on economic development, Chinese Ambassador to Mauritania Tang Zhongdong said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

The relationship has withstood global changes and remains solid as a rock, Tang said, adding that it is standing at a new historical starting point as both countries advance on the path of modernization.

"Mauritania, like China, shouldered the dual responsibilities of national survival and development after gaining independence," Tang said. "Our shared national conditions brought us naturally closer."

He said the decision by the two countries' founding leaders to establish diplomatic ties during the Cold War was a far-sighted move.

"Over the past 60 years, the two countries have supported each other with mutual understanding on international issues and worked together for economic development, significantly improving the well-being of both nations," he said.

The ambassador recalled China's first aid project in Mauritania, the Mpoli rice demonstration farm, which introduced advanced rice cultivation techniques and helped the West African country move toward self-sufficiency in rice production.

China has also helped build major infrastructure projects such as the Friendship Port, which has played a vital role in the country's development.

"In May this year, the China-Mauritania Friendship Overpass was officially inaugurated in Nouakchott, drawing crowds of residents who visited and shared photos on social media," Tang said.

In the fisheries sector, Tang said that China was one of the first countries to engage in distant-water fishing cooperation with Mauritania. Today, dozens of Chinese companies are involved in fishing-related operations, and the potential for further collaboration remains high.

He also highlighted China's longstanding medical assistance as a signature of bilateral cooperation.

"President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has twice mentioned that he benefited from Chinese medical teams during childhood," Tang said. "His words showed genuine appreciation for their professionalism and dedication."

Chinese medical teams, he added, exemplify the spirit of China-Africa friendship and mutual support, and health cooperation between the two countries is expected to deepen in the coming years.

"From the Friendship Port to the Friendship Hospital, and now the Friendship Overpass, the Mauritanian side itself proposed branding these aid projects under the 'Friendship' series," Tang said. "It shows how deeply China's assistance is appreciated by both the government and the people."

Looking ahead, Tang said there is strong potential for cooperation in green energy and digital transformation.

"The new Mauritanian government is vigorously promoting renewable energy, and China is exploring ways to enhance cooperation," he said. "Chinese enterprises are also global leaders in desertification control and can help Mauritania address desert climate challenges while contributing to global climate action."

On the diplomatic front, Tang said that China and Mauritania share common positions on many global issues.

"Mauritania has always firmly supported the one-China principle and backed China's positions in multilateral settings," he said.

In September 2024, the two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, "a milestone that fully reflects our shared destiny, joint development and joint commitment to building a community with a shared future," Tang said.

"Over the past 60 years, China and Mauritania have stood together through thick and thin," he said. "Looking ahead, I believe the sound and high-quality growth of China-Mauritania relations will inject strong momentum into broader China-Africa cooperation. I hope our peoples will deepen their friendship, move forward together, and remain good friends forever." 
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Bawumia rallies NPP: Well get another chance to serve Ghana

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 14:45 2 minutes read

Former Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has delivered a stirring message of reflection and hope at the NPPs 2025 National Annual Delegates Conference, held in Accra today.

Addressing party delegates from across the country, Dr Bawumia admitted he was filled with mixed feelings as he stood before themhis remarks a clear reference to the NPPs defeat in the 2024 general elections.

It is with mixed feelings that I welcome you all to this national delegates conference, Dr Bawumia said. It is a joy to see the representation of our party from across the country converge once again for conference. I however would have wished that we would have been doing this under different circumstances.

Despite the sombre tone reflecting the partys recent electoral loss, Dr Bawumia struck a note of hope and determination. He encouraged party members to remain committed to the NPPs rebuilding efforts and to view the present period as an opportunity for renewal.

Yet still I am filled with hope, that as we reflect and reorganise, we will soon be given the opportunity once again by our countrymen and women to serve and assist in rebuilding and transforming our nation, he said.

He emphasised the importance of unity in moving the party forward, reminding delegates that the NPPs strength has always stemmed from its ability to remain cohesive even in challenging times.

The task ahead of us is one that we have to conduct with diligence and measure. In times like this, we should be focused on strengthening our bonds of unity and reinvesting in the ties that bind us. Our foundation and our strength has always been in building a united party, Dr Bawumia noted.

The conference, which brought together regional and national executives, Members of Parliament, and grassroots organisers, is part of the NPPs internal reorganisation efforts as it repositions itself following the 2024 elections.
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Bawumia warns NPP: Tribalism, bigotry pose existential threat to partys future

Kweku Zurek Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 14:40 3 minutes read

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to deepen their bonds of unity and draw strength from the partys historic tradition of diversity as it undergoes restructuring.

Speaking at the partys National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on Saturday, Dr Bawumia said the future of the NPP would depend on the extent to which its members could remain united and inclusive. His speech comes as the party reflects on its recent electoral defeat and considers major constitutional reforms aimed at rejuvenation.

The task ahead of us is one that we have to conduct with diligence and measure, Dr Bawumia told delegates.

In times like this, we should be focused on strengthening our bonds of unity and reinvesting in the ties that bind us. Our foundation and our strength has always been in building a united party, he added.

He noted that the NPP has consistently been the political force with the broadest coalition of citizens, one that has welcomed Ghanaians from all walks of life and across ethnic and religious lines.

We have been the party that has over the years offered hope to the largest diversity of our peoples. Under our tent it has not mattered where you come fromwhether you are a Sefwi, Fante, Ewe, Ashanti, Ga-Dangbe, Krobo, Dagomba, Wala, Dagaati, Konkomba, Frafra or Mamprusi. It has not mattered what religion you practicewhether you are a Christian, Muslim or a traditional African religious practitioner. It has not mattered whether you are rich or poor or whether you are formally educated or not, Dr Bawumia emphasised.

He traced the NPPs historical roots to the formation of the United Party (UP), which itself was the product of a merger of political forces from across the country. Among those he mentioned were the National Liberation Movement (NLM), Northern Peoples Party (NPP), Muslim Association Party (MAP), Anlo Youth Organisation (AYO), Ga Shifimokpee, Togoland Congress and the Federation of Youth Organisation.

Dr Bawumia warned that internal strife, tribalism, and religious bigotry were dangerous forces that threatened the partys existence and national unity.

It is clear therefore that the bonds of unity in diversity has been our lifeblood and our foundation. Now more than ever we must refresh them and desist from any language, character or actions that divide us, he cautioned.

With unity and consistency we can regain the trust of Ghanaians. If we are fractured and at each others throats, none of us can cross over and lead us to fulfil this partys purpose. Tribalism and religious bigotry pose an existential threat and should have no place in the New Patriotic Party, he concluded.

The conference, which has brought together over 5,000 delegates, is expected to consider significant constitutional amendments, including proposals to abolish the Special Electoral College and expand the base for electing the partys presidential candidate.
Next article: Without unity we are just individuals with ambition  Afenyo-Markin

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FULL SPEECH: Afenyo-Markin at NPP National Delegates Conference

Beatrice Laryea Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 16:11 15 minutes read

Your Excellency, former Vice President and former flag bearer of our party, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and your dear spouse, our respected former colleague, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, and former running mate of our dear party, members of the diplomatic corps, national executives of our great party, distinguished members of the Council of Elders, second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, colleagues in leadership, honourable, mighty minority members of Parliament, regional executives, constituency executives, distinguished delegates, representatives from our external branches, fellow patriots, members of TESCON, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen.

Let us recall the piercing whistle of our revered former President, John Agyekum Kufuor. It is better to be a cleaner in a party in power than the General Secretary of a party in opposition.

These words echo with urgency today as we gather in the shadow of our 2024 defeat, a loss that stinks not because we failed but because Ghana is now paying the price for trusting the NDC's hollow promises.

Barely months into the alternative, the NDC's betrayal is clearing. New levies on fuel have spiked pump prices.

Crashing ordinary Ghanaians. Their plight to end galamsey has collapsed into chaos. The President calls it a national emergency, yet refuses to declare a state of emergency to chaos.

Their vow to reset our nation has become a brazen assault on our judicial, starting with a shameful vilification of our Chief Justice.

Their promise of change, a sham, with schemes afoot to funnel our mineral wealth to their cronies.

Worst of all, their questionable Ablekuma rerun, where NDC-affiliated attacks have tired our candidates, Nana Ekua Afriyie, former MP Hawa Koomson, and journalists expose their willingness to trample democracy with violence. The message is clear. NDC is a failure. Ghana deserves better.

Our 2024 loss exposed our cracks, internal rifts, fortune resolved, and a message that didn't connect. Yet this defeat is not our end. It is our crucible, fortifying us for the battles ahead.

You must channel this moment of disillusionment into a movement of renewal, turning pain into purpose.

Let me share a story that should humble all of us. In 2005, a democratically elected leader stood at the gate of the American Embassy in New Delhi, holding a valid passport, but facing an insurmountable barrier.

The United States had denied Narendra Modi a visa, not for any criminal conviction, but because the world had judged him guilty. Imagine that moment of profound isolation.

Here was a man who had won the trust of millions, yet reduced to persona non grata on the global stage.

The humiliation was complete. The path forward seemed impossible, but Modi made a choice that day that would define not his future, but the destiny of his party and some 1.5 billion people.

Today, that same man commands audience at the G20, addresses joint sessions of the United States Congress, and leads one of the world's most growing economies.

Recently, he visited our republic and addressed our parliament, stating, true democracy promotes discussions and debates. It unites people. It supports dignity and promotes human rights.

I couldn't agree more. Modi's journey from global barrier to world state offers us the NPP, a road map from our current wilderness to future victory. Modi's resurrection began with a revolutionary principle.

In a nation fractured by castes, religious, ethnic, and linguistic differences, he declared, all the citizens, all the voters are my countrymen.

Fellow patriots, look around us this very afternoon. Look at the divisions that have sprouted like weeds since our defeat.

We cannot, we must not allow 2024 to become the year that destroyed the NPP. From this moment, we speak with one voice. We move with one resolve.

We are not Achem, Ashanti, Fante, Mamprushi, Gonja, Ga or Ewe. We are NPP. We are not north or south.

We are Ghana first. Modi's transformation was built on principles that never wavered. Service before self.

Performance over promises. Dignity through opportunity. These values are not foreign to us.

They are our foundation. Busia believed in service before self. Dankwa championed dignity through opportunity.

Tumbo sacrificed his leadership rights and fought for performance over promises. We have not lost our way because we forgot our policies. We have lost our way because we abandoned our principles.

Modi's political resurrection was built on methodical grassroots mobilization. From the mid-1980s onwards, he dragged to villages others ignored. Sat with farmers others dismissed and listened to the dreams others regarded as impossible.

Perhaps we became a party talking to itself in Accra. We must become a party of Ghana talking to Ghana. Our constituency executives must master every polling station.

Our polling station chairpersons must know every voter. Our electoral area coordinators must understand every community's dreams. Modi's greatest achievement was rebranding not just himself but India's entire narrative.

The country known for poverty became known for possibilities but this rebranding wasn't cosmetic. It was substantive. We cannot rebrand ourselves through better slogans.

We must rebrand ourselves through better results and strong character. This conference marks a pivotal moment in our party's journey.

As we gather under the theme rebuilding together with our values, we are called not only to reflect but to renew.

We are called to look inward and ask ourselves the hard questions. Who are we? What binds us? And where are we going? We are in a season that demands sober reflection, radical unity and a return to first principles. This is a time of transition.

A time when we are repositioning as a party in opposition. It is a time to rebuild. A time to reconnect with our grassroots.

To re-express our ideals with clarity and reconnect to the Kenyan people with bold new vision for the future.

We are at a critical juncture as a party not because our tradition is broken but because it is being tested.

Tested by an electoral defeat, internal tensions, unmet expectations and the competing ambition of people who want to say.

But let us remind ourselves ambition must never override party loyalty. Competition must never erode patriotism and political differences must never poison the well of unity.

Dear patriots, every political tradition, every movement that has endured storms and achieved victories has been built on one unshakable foundation, unity.

Without unity we are just individuals with ambition. But with unity we become a force, a party with direction, discipline and destiny. Unity doesn't mean uniformity.

It doesn't mean we all agree on everything. It means loyalty to a shared purpose. It means commitment to the flag, the same values and the same future.

The NPP has never been nearly a political organization. We are a tradition built on the sacrifice and convictions of patriots who came before us. Patriots who believed in liberty, human dignity, the rule of law and the boundless potential of the Ghanaian people.

Realized through the active participation of the private sector, these values must be our compass especially now. For us as a party, the muddy story is instructive. The lesson for us is simple.

It is possible to rebuild and leadership is empty without a united party. Like the BJP, we have known both power and opposition. We have faced criticism and internal differences.

But unity is not the absence of disagreement. It is a decision to prioritize collective strength over individual ambition. If we are to reclaim our position of leadership and trust, we must first reclaim the spirit of unity, discipline and shared purpose that build this party.

We must reconnect with the base, re-engage the grassroots and rise together, not as isolated contenders, but as a unified movement driven by conviction and clarity. Like the BJP, our party too must rediscover the principle and the ethos that define our founding fathers. We must rebuild, yes, but not as a scattered stone.

We must rebuild together, brick by brick, anchored in our values and in the unshakable belief that no individual, no individual, no individual is bigger than the MPP. That belief must reflect our tone, our language, our strategy and most importantly in our posture towards one another. Internal discord, suspicions and disunity have cost us.

We must learn from our losses and must do so quickly. And I ask again, what are our values? Our party guided by the enduring motto, development in freedom, stands for democratic accountability, the rule of law, free enterprise and national self-confidence.

Rooted in the Dankwa-Busia tradition, we are inspired by a deep sense of perseverance, resilience and an unyielding faith in Ghana's manifest destiny as a free, just and prosperous society of opportunities.

We believe in building a nation where every Ghanaian, regardless of their circumstance of birth, gender, ethnicity or religion, must be offered the chance to rise through merit, effort and enterprise.

Our vision of a property-owning democracy has evolved beyond land or housing to mean giving every citizen a stake in national progress through education, healthcare, financial inclusion and decent jobs. Every child and youth must be equipped with the skills, values, confidence and opportunity to be entrepreneurial or to climb the professional career ladder.

From rural development and both social interventions to neutralization, the NPP remains committed to inclusive growth, law and order and empowering all Ghanaians to shape their own destinies in a free society. We believe in inclusive growth that lifts farmers, teachers, traders and students together.

We stand for law and order, the bedrock of peace and progress. We uphold democratic accountability where leaders serve, not rule. Because in this party, we believe Ghana's greatness lies in the hands of their people. Your sweat, your courage and your dreams.

In freedom, you the Ghanaian are the author of your destiny. This is our covenant. They are the binding principles of the NPP.

The NPP has never been a party of despair. We are a party of destiny, but that destiny will slip from our hands if we allow disunity, bitterness, anger and self-interest to consume us. Let us end the hate campaigns and the subtle sabotage.

It is time to choose unity over evil and party over self. If we fight one another, we will end up falling together. But if we fight for one another, we shall rise together.

We have known victory and defeat. We've made mistakes, but we are not a broken party. We are only a battle-tested party.

We must not allow current challenges to blur our vision or break our ranks. Yes, we have differences. Yes, we've made mistakes, but we must never forget we are what we stand for and where we are going.

Let this be a reminder.

No matter how talented a leader is, they are nothing without a united, disciplined and visionary party behind them. That symbiosis, leader and party rising together, is what we must seek to achieve.

No individual can make it alone. Everyone needs the party. Since the NDC government assumed office in January, we've witnessed a very disturbing development, intimidation of our party members and a dangerous trend of persecution of our leaders and supporters.

These attacks are not random. They are strategic attempts to weaken us, but they will fail. They will fail because our response will be unity.

Our motto moving forward from today should be, touch one, touch all. When one of us is touched, all of us must rise. We are one family and the strength of our family is its loyalty in crisis.

If we choose unity over ego, purpose over personal ambition, no force, no force can ever stop us in 2028. When we are united, no external force can divide us, but when we are divided, even our strength can be used against us. Rebuilding does not mean avoiding or overlooking our differences.

It means confronting them with maturity. It means refusing to let factions become permanent fractures. It means calling each other back to the centre, the core which brought us this far.

Your servants in parliament hereby assure you through me that the MPP caucus remains resolute. We are not retreating. We are strong, united and committed to the values and ideologies of our party.

We shall continue to defend the legacy of our party in parliament, hold government accountable and show the Ghanaian people that we remain the better alternative. To our aspiring candidates, let this be a season of sober reflection. There is room for all of us at the table, but there is no room for selfish ambition.

Let us rise above the temptation to win at all costs and choose instead to serve at all costs. Delegates, the future of our party lies in the choices we make today. Let us choose unity over division.

Let us all rally around our elected leaders and reignite hope among our base. To our grassroots, you are the lifeblood of this great tradition. Your sacrifices, your patience and unwavering loyalty have kept us afloat in seasons of triumph and in valleys of loss and so to you, I say, hold on. Do not lose hope. We shall rise again.

The elephant has only stumbled. It has not been defeated. You have never given up on us and we, your servants in parliament, will never give up on you either and to our youth, you have formed a majority and your energy, your voice and your ideas are not just welcome, they are essential. Tescon, this is your moment. Stay grounded to our values.

Stay focused on the bigger picture. Know that the future of this party belongs to you, the Tescon youth and our youth scattered all over the country. Learn from the elders in parliament, don't insult them, engage them, absorb their wisdom and grow with a strong conviction of our party and what it stands for.

That way you can also lead with clarity, build with purpose and sustain the NPP legacy that has been entrusted to you. It is time to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. Yes, we lost 2024 elections in a big way, but let us be clear, this was not a defeat born out of failure.

It was a perfect storm of adversity no government in the fourth republic has ever had. From the banking crisis that threatened to collapse our financial system, which we spent billions fixing, restoring confidence and stability, to the global COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world to its knees.

Then came the Russian-Ukraine war, unleashing the harshest course of living, crisis in generation and through it all, we govern with a hung parliament and an opposition speaker.

No government, no government in our democratic history faced this scale of compounded crisis. Yet, in the driving seat, we held the line.

We do not downplay the struggle the Ghanaian people had to endure, but we should commend them because it was a sacrifices day, including the bondholders made, which led to the big economic recovery we started witnessing from early 2024.

We endured, the people endured, and still we delivered. There was leadership tested best in major crisis.

We should not be shy of the mighty gains we made under very difficult circumstances under Nana Akufo-Addo. We fixed the crisis and handed over an economy with stronger GDP growth than what we inherited in 2017.

We built historic levels of gold and foreign exchange reserves, reserves the current administration is now relying on to prop up the city and support the economy.

We created jobs, we built more roads than any government in eight years span, and implemented free SHS, a globally unprecedented feat in a country where most students are borders.

We industrialized like never before, from 1D, 1F and industrial parks to an emerging automotive sector that positions Ghana as a manufacturing hub of Africa's single market. We expanded health infrastructure, re-fertilized agriculture, so boldly.

The STEM education agenda, we successfully rolled it out to equip our youth with skills for the jobs of tomorrow, thanks to Matthew Opoku-Prempeh and Dr Adutwum. We set Ghana on a reversible digitalization path, placing our nation at the forefront of promising digital economy and after.

Fellow veterans, rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, let us face the truth.

We took the hard, necessary decisions to save this economy, and now Muhammad's government is taking propaganda credits, reaping where it has not sown, when they talk about resetting, where it is the so-called 24-hour economy, the gold board or anything else.

They are simply rebranding our achievements and marketing them as their own. Let no one be deceived, the foundation they are standing on was laid by this party, by our sacrifices, by our bold leadership in the face of crisis.

So no, this party has no reason to hang its head at all. In closing, I want to reiterate our theme, rebuilding together with our values.

It is a charge, it is a call to realign, to renew and to rise together, and we rise again in unity and in the enduring spirit of our party, our great NPP.

And I say to all of you, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil. Let us go back to our roots, let us rebuild with courage, let us reimagine our future, and let us reclaim the spirit that built this party, a spirit of sacrifice, of loyalty, of conviction.

We've done it before, we can do it again, and let it be that by the grace of God, we will.

God bless us all, God bless the NPP, and God bless our beloved nation Ghana. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much.
Next article: These are the key reforms up for consideration at the NPP National Delegates Conference today

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Joint Committees of Parliament meet Defence, Interior Ministers and IGP

Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 08:08 3 minutes read

The joint committees on Defence and Interior, as well as Security and Intelligence, today held a closed-door meeting with the Ministers for Defence and Interior, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to address the conflict in Bawku and the violence that erupted during the Ablekuma North election.

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister for Defence; Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister for the Interior; and Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the IGP, jointly briefed members of the committees on steps being taken by state security to restore peace and ensure safety along the WalewaleTamale and BawkuBazoa highways.

They also updated the legislators on measures being implemented to prevent a recurrence of the violence that characterised the recent Ablekuma North by-election.

Invitation

Briefing the media, the Chairperson of the Defence Committee, Mr James Agalga, said a number of significant security concerns had emerged in recent days.

He cited the escalation of the Bawku conflict, which had resulted in the loss of several lives along the BawkuBazoa and WalewaleTamale highways. In addition, he referenced the violent incidents that marred the rerun of elections in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North.

As a result of these two critical security issues, the joint committees found it necessary to invite the Ministers for Defence and the Interior, as well as the IGP, to appear before us to brief members on the developments, he stated.

The MP for Builsa North said the committees were particularly interested in understanding what steps were being taken to ensure that those who engaged in acts of violence during the Ablekuma North election were arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Assurance

The ministers and the IGP gave us the assurance that, with respect to the Ablekuma elections, they are reviewing some viral videos, and in due course, the perpetrators will be arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law, Mr Agalga said.

He added that the security officer who allegedly assaulted a journalist during the Ablekuma North election had been interdicted and was currently being dealt with through due process.

On the Bawku conflict, he noted that the security agencies had assured the committees that measures were being put in place to restore safety along the affected highways.

Rationale for the invitation

Mr Agalga explained that Parliament holds oversight responsibility over state security agencies and the relevant ministries.

As such, we thought it important to invoke those powers, bring them before Parliament, and apprise ourselves of the situation.

In due course, we shall present to the Right Honourable Speaker a report emanating from todays engagement, he said.

Lessons must be learned

A member of the Defence Committee, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, stressed the need to contain the spillover of the Bawku conflict on national security, especially given developments along Ghanas northern border and in the wider sub-region.

She said doing so would help restore law and order and support the peace process being spearheaded by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Regarding the Ablekuma North election, she said lessons must be learned to ensure that some of these incidents do not recur.

As members of both committees with oversight responsibility, we intend to follow up to ensure that all recommendations presented to the committees are pursued to a conclusion, she said.

Bipartisan approach

The Ranking Member of the Defence Committee, Mr John Ntim Fordjour, emphasised that the joint committees had adopted a bipartisan, non-partisan approach to enable them to arrive at a credible and mutually acceptable resolution.

We are optimistic that the measures discussed with the security agencies and the sector ministers will be sufficient in immediately de-escalating the tensions we have witnessed, he concluded.
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Kodua rallies NPP: 'Were not broken, were ready to reclaim Ghana'

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 13:58 3 minutes read

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched what it calls a bold internal renewal process as it begins a strategic journey toward reclaiming power in the 2028 general elections, using its Annual National Delegates Conference today in Accra to roll out significant constitutional reforms and rally the partys base.

Addressing delegates at the Trade Fair Centre on Thursday, NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, declared the event as the beginning of our quest to recapture power in 2028, as he unveiled details of the partys post-defeat reorganisation.

We are not broken. We are not defeated. Neither have we lost. We are builders, we are dreamers, we are fighters, we are servants of the Ghanaian people, Mr Frimpong stated, urging party faithful to see themselves as a viable and disciplined alternative to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Following the partys loss in the 2024 elections, the NPP established an Election Review Committee chaired by Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye to assess the causes of the defeat. Based on its findings, the party is now considering 56 constitutional amendments, as part of a broader restructuring effort.

These proposals were submitted to the amendment committee, chaired by lawyer Frank Davis, and are up for deliberation today under Article 19 of our constitution, Mr Frimpong noted.

He announced that the partys presidential primaries would be held on January 31, 2026, stating that the timeline was crucial for uniting the rank and file ahead of the 2028 national polls.

The party also used the occasion to thank key financiers and stakeholders, including former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Bryan Acheampong and others for their support in ensuring the conference came off successfully.

In a fiery section of his speech, Mr Frimpong took aim at President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government, accusing them of presiding over worsening economic conditions, political victimisation, and failing to keep campaign promises.

Ghanaians never knew that your reset meant mass terminations of appointments, he said, alleging that civil servants were being laid off without just cause. Is that the 24-hour economy you promised us, which meant mass dismissal and termination of appointment?

He also challenged the Mahama administration on illegal mining and the LGBTQ+ bill.

You made noise about galamsey. Today, what is the state of galamsey in Ghana  to the extent that in your own backyard, your own constituency, galamsey is everywhere, he declared.

On the LGBTQ+ debate, Mr Frimpong said, Ghanaians are asking the promise that you made, that when you come into government, you will pass the bill. We are waiting for you.

The NPPs General Secretary warned aspirants eyeing leadership roles in the party to exercise restraint and discipline, adding that no one would be permitted to campaign prematurely before nominations officially open.

Any person who has any intention to lead our party must respect the structure of our party and must respect authority, he cautioned.

Mr Frimpong also condemned the Electoral Commissions decision to rerun elections in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North, calling it a bad precedent that could endanger our future politics.

He highlighted the establishment of the Patriotic Institute, a new NPP policy and training think tank aimed at deepening ideological commitment and strategic communications within the partys base.

Wrapping up his remarks, Mr Frimpong rallied delegates and the grassroots to unite behind a single mission: to restore the NPP to power. Let our answer be loud, let it be clear, let it be bold  the New Patriotic Party is ready. In 2028, victory is coming, he proclaimed.
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NDC applauds NPPs bold reset: 'Support Mahama to rebuild Ghana'

Kweku Zurek Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 13:43 2 minutes read

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has lauded what it sees as a reset within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing the development as timely and necessary for Ghanas collective progress.

Speaking at the NPPs National Delegates Conference held in Accra on Saturday, July 19, Ludwig Hlodze, Director of Logistics and Protocol for the NDC, said the NPPs renewed introspection following its 2024 electoral defeat signals a move towards constructive politicsone that supports President John Dramani Mahamas vision of national rebuilding.

The country Ghana is going through a reset process. It is very important that we as political parties reset our ideas, policies, and programmes, Mr Hlodze remarked.

He continued, That is why we are happy that the biggest opposition party in our country is doing exactly thatto reset and play their role with constructive criticism to support the nation builder, John Mahama, to rebuild the Ghana we all want.

Held under the theme Rebuilding Together with Our Values, the NPPs conference marks a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to reform and reposition itself after losing power in last years general election. Over 5,500 delegates gathered to consider more than 50 proposed constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening internal democracy and broadening participation.

Among the key proposals is a major reform of the partys presidential nomination process. Senior party figures Peter Mac Manu and Evans Nimako have proposed scrapping Article 13 (1)(9) of the NPP constitution, which establishes a Special Electoral College for presidential primaries.

They argue that the Colleges composition is unrepresentative and unnecessarily delays the selection process, failing in its aim of reducing internal friction.

The amendment instead advocates for a significantly expanded electoral college to include the National Council, National Executive Committee, Regional and Constituency Executives, polling station and electoral area coordinators, Members of Parliament, card-bearing ministers and deputy ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and past national officers.

Also proposed are voting rights for TESCON representatives from each recognised tertiary institution, three representatives each from the partys special organs, and delegates from all recognised external branches.

Observers say the amendments, if adopted, would mark one of the most significant structural overhauls in the NPPs history and could influence how other political parties structure internal elections.
Previous article: NPP Will Return in 2028  Justin Kodua slams NDC over LGBTQ+ silence and job losses

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NPP Delegates Congress: End hate campaigns, party sabotage  Afenyo-Markin

Justice Agbenorsi Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 15:05 2 minutes read

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for an end to hate campaigns and internal sabotage within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging unity and renewal as the party navigates a new phase.

Speaking at the NPPs National Delegates Conference today in Accra, he cautioned that such negative actions could undermine the partys cohesion and derail its progress.

He emphasised the need to rebrand the party through improved performance and a demonstration of strong character.

We must rebuild together, brick by brick, anchored in our values and in the unshakeable belief that no individual is bigger than the NPP. This belief must reflect our tone, our language, our strategy, and, most importantly, our posture towards one another, Mr Afenyo-Markin stated.

The conference is being held on the theme: Rebranding Together with Our Values.

Not broken

Addressing the NPPs defeat in the 2024 general elections, Mr Afenyo-Markin insisted that the party was not broken, but rather being tested.

We are at a critical juncture as a party, not because our tradition is broken, but because it is being tested, he said.

He urged members not to allow present challenges to cloud the partys vision or fragment its ranks.

The Minority Leader said the NPP was in a period of transition and repositioning, and stressed the need to rebuild trust, reconnect with grassroots supporters, and effectively communicate the partys values while engaging the Ghanaian public with bold, forward-looking ideas.

Mr Afenyo-Markin underscored that the NPP was more than just a political organisationit was a tradition shaped by the sacrifices and convictions of patriots who believed in liberty, human dignity, the rule of law, and the potential of every Ghanaian.

He said these values, driven by private sector participation, should guide the partys future direction.

He also reaffirmed the NPPs vision of building a nation where every Ghanaian, regardless of background, could succeed through merit, hard work, and innovation.

Our vision of a property-owning democracy has evolved beyond land or housing to mean giving every citizen a stake in national progress through education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and decent jobs, he noted.

Every child and youth must be equipped with the skills, values, confidence, and opportunity to be entrepreneurial or to climb the professional career ladder, he added.
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NPP overhauls Electoral College: See who can vote in its 2026 Presidential Primary

Kweku Zurek Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 18:07 3 minutes read

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expanded its Electoral College for the selection of its presidential candidate, following the approval of a key constitutional amendment during its National Annual Delegates Conference held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium.

The amendment, introduced by the partys Constitution Amendment Committee, is part of efforts to broaden internal democracy and ensure wider participation in the partys internal elections. Frank Davies, Chairman of the Committee, announced that the proposal to expand the Electoral College had been adopted by delegates at the conference. He noted that the expanded structure will be used when the party elects its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

Whereas the National Council of the party has, pursuant to Article 13(1) of the constitution, scheduled January 31, 2026, as the date to elect the partys 2028 presidential candidate, Mr Davies told delegates, the National Annual Delegates Conference has adopted an amendment to expand the Electoral College for this purpose.

The amendment redefines who can vote in the partys presidential primaries, bringing in a wider range of members who have served in various leadership and representative roles over the years.

The new electoral college structure includes members of the National Council, National Executive Committee, Regional and Constituency Executive Committees, Electoral Area Coordinators, Polling Station Executives, National Council of Elders, National Patrons, all past National Directors, sitting and past MPs, TESCON representatives from each recognised tertiary institution, all card-bearing ministers and deputy ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), 15 delegates from every external branch, founder members, and three representatives each from special organs of the party.

This reform is expected to inject institutional memory and broaden the perspectives in the presidential primary process. It also serves to recognise the contributions of a wide array of party veterans and functionaries who have shaped the partys fortunes at various levels.

Party leaders believe the expanded Electoral College will strengthen internal cohesion and reduce the perception of elite control over leadership selection. It is also intended to give voice to a larger segment of the partys base as it prepares for what is expected to be a highly competitive flagbearership race ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The NPP's expanded Electoral College for its 2026 Presidential Primary;

i. All members of the National Council

ii. All members of the National Executive Committee

iii. All members of the Regional Executive Committee

iv. All members of the Constituency Executive Committee

v. All electoral Area Coordinators

vi. All members of the Polling Station Executive Committee

vii. All members of the National Council Of Elders

viii. All National Patrons of the Party

ix. All Past National Directors who are NPP Members

x. All members of Parliament

xi. All Past National Officers

xii. Fifteen (15) Delegates from every External Branch

xiii. Founding members who are signatories to the registration documents of the party at the electoral commission

xiv. One TESCON representative from each recognized tertiary institution

xv. All Card bearing ministers and deputy ministers

xvi. All MMDCEs

The amendment forms part of a broader constitutional review process aimed at restructuring the party after its defeat in the 2024 polls. The conference, themed Rebuilding Together with Our Values, brought together over 5,500 delegates from across the country. It featured debates on more than 50 motions, drawn from over 300 amendment proposals submitted by members nationwide.

The adoption of the expanded Electoral College is one of the most significant outcomes of the conference and is expected to influence how future leaders emerge within the NPP. It marks a strategic shift in how the party engages its broader membership and may shape the political dynamics leading up to the 2028 elections.
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Stop internal attacks and expose NDCs wrongs  Bawumia tells NPP

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 14:53 3 minutes read

Former Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has issued a passionate appeal to members of his party to put an immediate stop to internal squabbles and focus their energies on exposing what he described as the ills of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Addressing delegates at the NPPs 2025 National Annual Delegates Conference in Accra today, Dr. Bawumia bemoaned the persistent attacks and divisions that emerge within the party, especially during times of internal contest for leadership positions. He warned that such indiscipline undermines the NPPs electoral fortunes and strengthens their political opponents.

An army that wants to win a battle must exercise discipline within its ranks, Dr. Bawumia stated firmly.

Too often when we are yet to choose leaders, indiscipline, unacceptable language and unpardonable behavior become the order of the day. In the end when internal competitions are over, the attacks we would have launched on ourselves become the fodder and ammunition with which our opponents will attack us, he lamented.

He cited the 2024 general elections as a painful example of how internal rifts can damage the partys electoral prospects. We experienced it in the 2024 campaign, and we should not let it happen again a second time. That is why I call on all kukrudites to Stop the internal attacks now.

Dr. Bawumia also redirected attention to what he called troubling actions by the NDC government. He accused the ruling party of undermining the countrys democratic institutions and rule of law, referencing recent developments involving the judiciary and the Electoral Commission.

Let us rather focus on the attempt by the NDC to undermine our democracy and rule of law in trying to remove the Chief Justice! Let us focus on their clear intention to go after the Electoral Commissioner subsequently! he charged.

He further condemned incidents of political violence allegedly carried out by NDC supporters during the Ablekuma West constituency election, saying, Let us focus on the violence and thuggery their hoodlums carried out in the recent Ablekuma election in the full view of the police and cameras.

Dr. Bawumia also called for justice and accountability: I again call on the President to bring the perpetrators to book and to remind them that the elephant never forgets! No matter how long it takes, we will prosecute the perpetrators when we assume office in 2029, Insha Allah.

Concluding his address, Dr. Bawumia urged the NPP leadership to enforce party discipline as they re-strategise for future elections. To the leadership of the party, I ask that you be firm and crack the whip so that discipline is maintained within our ranks. It is with discipline, humility, lessons learnt and pursuit of the common good for Ghana that we can become the refreshed party we desire, he said.
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The elephant never forgets  Bawumia vows 2029 prosecution over Ablekuma violence

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 14:56 2 minutes read

Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has issued a stern warning to perpetrators of electoral violence during the recent Ablekuma West by-election, vowing that they will face justice if the NPP returns to power in 2029.

Addressing delegates at the 2025 NPP National Annual Delegates Conference in Accra today, Dr. Bawumia condemned what he described as acts of violence and thuggery allegedly carried out by NDC-affiliated individuals during the by-election, accusing the ruling party of eroding democratic values under President John Dramani Mahamas administration.

Let us focus on the violence and thuggery their hoodlums carried out in the recent Ablekuma election in the full view of the police and cameras, Dr. Bawumia said.

He called on President Mahama to ensure swift accountability, insisting that impunity must not be allowed to thrive under any democratic dispensation.

I again call on the President to bring the perpetrators to book and to remind them that the elephant never forgets! No matter how long it takes, we will prosecute the perpetrators when we assume office in 2029, Insha Allah, he declared.

Dr. Bawumias declaration drew loud cheers from party faithful in attendance.

The Ablekuma West by-election, held under tense conditions earlier this year, was marred by scenes of violence that were widely circulated on social media and condemned by civil society organisations.

Dr. Bawumia stressed that such acts are a threat to Ghanas democratic progress and must not go unpunished. We cannot look on unconcerned while our democracy is undermined. The rule of law must apply equally, and those responsible must face the full rigours of the law; if not today, then tomorrow.

He also warned the NDC against any further attempts to interfere with constitutional institutions such as the Judiciary and the Electoral Commission, saying the NPP is watching closely and preparing to hold them accountable.

Let us focus on the attempt by the NDC to undermine our democracy and rule of law in trying to remove the Chief Justice! Let us focus on their clear intention to go after the Electoral Commissioner subsequently! he charged.

Dr. Bawumia concluded with a call for unity and discipline within the NPP, saying the party must rebuild itself on the principles of integrity and purpose to regain the trust of the Ghanaian people.
China accelerates innovation to drive high-quality development and global cooperation

18:28, July 19, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily

High-speed trains are exhibited at the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail held in Beijing, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/People's Daily Online)

Two recent events have drawn global attention.

Global industry leaders convened at the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail in Beijing to explore innovation under the theme "High-Speed Rail: Innovation and Development for a Better Life".

Meanwhile, the inauguration ceremony of the International Deep Space Exploration Association was held in Hefei, east China's Anhui province, marking the launch of China's first international academic organization dedicated to deep space exploration, a new chapter in China's global space cooperation.

These dual initiatives - one advancing terrestrial connectivity, the other propelling humanity's cosmic pursuits - exemplify China's commitment to technological self-reliance and global innovation partnerships.

Recent reforms have positioned science and technology at the core of nation's high-quality development within a clear long-term blueprint.

At a recent press conference on the successful implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China's State Council Information Office presented compelling data reflecting the country's strong momentum in innovation. According to the press conference, China has remained the world's largest manufacturing country for 15 consecutive years, leading global output for over 220 key industrial products. The country's total R&D expenditure surged nearly 50 percent from 2020 to 2024, with a rise of 1.2 trillion yuan ($167.15 billion). Its R&D intensity reached 2.68 percent, approaching the average of OECD economies.

A boy visits an aerospace exhibition at the Zhoushan Museum in east China's Zhejiang province, on July 12, 2025. (Photo by Chen Yongjian/People's Daily Online)

Pioneering achievements continue to highlight the deep integration of innovation with industrial advancement. Notable examples include the full operation of China's Tiangong space station, the historic return of lunar samples from the far side of the moon by the Chang'e-6 lunar - making the first time in human history - the launch of the Fujian, China's first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the maiden voyage of the first domestically-built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, the commercial operation of the domestically developed C919 jetliner, the commissioning of the world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant - the Shidaowan high temperature gas-cooled reactor.

China's innovation delivers global benefits, empowering sustainable development and modernization worldwide.

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has fulfilled Indonesia's long-standing dream of high-speed travel, while the Budapest-Belgrade railway reshapes regional transportation. As China's high-speed rail technology and equipment continue to expand their global footprint, they are not just making travel more convenient but also driving regional connectivity and economic growth.

In the first half of this year, exports of China's "new trio" - electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products - rose by 12.7 percent, leading the way in the global green transition. Hybrid rice and Juncao grass technologies, tailored to the needs of developing countries, accelerate agricultural modernization across developing economies. AI models such as DeepSeek broaden access to cutting-edge intelligence through cost-efficient, open-source solutions.

A robotic dog is exhibited at the Hangzhou International Android and Robot Technology Exhibition 2025, on June 21, 2025. (Photo by Xu Junyong/People's Daily Online)

China has consistently promoted international space cooperation through open collaboration and shared benefits.

The country has jointly designed and developed the satellite MISRSAT-2 with Egypt, which was successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It also launched Pakistani satellite "Paksat MM1" from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. In addition, China has led multilateral initiatives such as the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation and the Belt and Road Initiative Space Information Corridor.

Additional collaborations feature Earth-observation satellite development with Brazil, astronaut selection agreements with Pakistan, and aerospace talent development programs across the Global South.

To date, China has signed nearly 200 intergovernmental space cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries and international organizations. The upcoming Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission will carry six scientific instruments developed by six countries and one international organization, including Egypt, Bahrain, Thailand, Italy, Switzerland.

Driven by robust innovation and guided by high-level sci-tech self-reliance, China is brimming with momentum. With a broad global vision, China actively contributes to the progress of science and technology for all humanity.

China stands ready to work with all countries in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, leveraging innovation to empower the world and cooperation to shape the future. Through this approach, China continues to contribute its wisdom, technologies, and solutions to global development, ensuring scientific advancements deliver greater benefits to humanity.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Every few dozen seconds, a gleaming electric vehicle glides off an automated assembly line in China, where nimble robotic arms perform with ballet-like precision and AI systems orchestrate production with flawless efficiency. This scene may have once been limited to flashy demo clips, but it is now the new reality of China's booming auto industry.

China, the world's largest automobile market, is moving into high gear. What's powering this transformation is stealing the spotlight at the ongoing third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

"The EV industry in China in the last five years is probably the most surprising (development) to the world," said Jensen Huang, CEO of U.S. tech giant Nvidia, which supplies in-vehicle chips to Chinese EV makers including Xiaomi, Geely, XPeng and Li Auto, during an interview on the sidelines of the expo.

In the first half of 2025, new-energy vehicle (NEV) production and sales surpassed 6.9 million units, up more than 40 percent year on year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). Exports soared 75.2 percent during the same period.

Beyond the impressive statistics lies a deeper revolution. From AI-powered assembly lines and AI-supported driving experiences to a surge in cross-border collaboration, China's automotive sector is embracing a smarter and more interconnected future.

"Leveraging the world's largest auto market, China has developed a dual engine of tech innovation and commercial scale," said Zhang Yejia of the CCID consulting under China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. "Electric, smart, and connected -- new ideas are validated faster here."

Unlike traditional trade fairs that primarily focus on goods or services, CISCE introduces an innovative "chain-centric" model that emphasizes end-to-end industrial collaboration. This approach is especially pronounced in the automotive sector, renowned for its lengthy and complex supply chains.

In the hall showcasing integration of the auto sector, upstream, midstream and downstream companies cluster in adjacent booths, visually demonstrating their interdependence. Even amid the array of products dazzling eager audiences and professional attendees, U.S. EV giant Tesla's Model Y still garnered much attention.

This top seller in the competitive Chinese EV market exemplifies how global players are thriving in China's smarter, more dynamic auto ecosystem. Tesla has achieved a stunning 95 percent localization rate for the components of this model. At its iconic Shanghai Gigafactory, a completed vehicle rolls off the production line every 37 seconds.

"China possesses the world's most complete EV industry chain," said Tao Lin, vice president of Tesla. "Supported by a vast talent pool, China's strong track record in EV development, advanced manufacturing and AI provides unparalleled support and opportunity. We will continue to deepen our investment here," Tao said.

As of June 2025, Tesla has delivered more than 8 million electric vehicles globally, with nearly half of that production coming from its Shanghai Gigafactory.

Just steps away from the U.S. EV maker's booth, a gleaming car body from Chinese automaker NIO draws attention -- not for its curves, but for the massive robotic arm hovering beside it.

Suspended from the arm is a lightbox-like 3D deflection camera, which sweeps methodically across the painted surface. Within a minute, a digital 3D model of the vehicle, complete with highlighted paint flaws, appears on a nearby screen.

The system, known as PaintPro, was developed by Changsha-based Speedbot Robotics and is already in use by several leading Chinese automakers. It fuses AI with 3D vision technology to detect surface defects as small as 0.15 millimeters, setting a new benchmark for precision in automotive quality control.

"This fusion of AI and vision technology addresses a long-standing industry pain point," said Ge Junhui, an engineer with the company. "Automotive paints, prized for their high gloss, are notoriously difficult to inspect using traditional machine vision, which often falters under reflective surfaces."

As a result, many manufacturers have long relied on manual inspections, a slow, labor-intensive process susceptible to inconsistencies. "Our solution helps automate one of the last strongholds of human-led quality assurance," Ge added.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of automakers are bringing AI from behind the scenes to the center stage, turning its capabilities into standout features that consumers can see, feel and experience firsthand.

One of the notable trendsetters is Guangzhou-based XPeng, which has laid a solid foundation for the AI revolution through its early deployment of AI across many product forms.

"The next decade of the auto industry will be defined by the convergence of automobiles and AI," said He Xiaopeng, chairman and CEO of the automaker, earlier this year.

At the company's booth at the third CISCE, the spotlight is on its newly launched G7 model, which features its self-developed Turing AI chips and an AR-HUD system co-developed with Huawei. According to the company, these advanced chips will enable the G7 to support Level 3 autonomous driving.

The model also features an AI-supported chassis that scans road conditions 1,000 times per second and makes adaptive suspension adjustments, supporting early detection up to 200 meters ahead and lane-level bump perception and recording.

"From intelligent driving and smart cockpit to flying vehicles and AI robots, we see each as a unique scenario powered by the same underlying tech stack," said He. "I believe AI and energy technology will distinguish us from competitors in the long run." 
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These are the key reforms up for consideration at the NPP National Delegates Conference today

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 19 - 2025 , 06:56 6 minutes read

More than 5,500 delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will converge in Accra today, July 19, 2025, for the partys National Annual Delegates Conference, with a slate of critical constitutional reforms on the agenda, aimed at reshaping its internal structures and future electoral strategy.

At the heart of the days deliberations is a proposed amendment to expand the base of delegates who elect the partys presidential candidate, a move party stalwarts argue will promote inclusivity and reduce elite dominance. The amendment, jointly proposed by Peter Mac Manu and Evans Nimako, seeks to abolish Article 13(1)(9) of the NPP constitution which established the Special Electoral College.

The Special Electoral College, per its composition, is not representative, delays the conduct of presidential primaries, and has never served the purpose of minimising undue contestation, the proponents argue in their submission.

If adopted, the reform will see a massive expansion of the Electoral College. The new structure would include members of the National Council, National Executive Committee, Regional and Constituency Executive Committees, Electoral Area Coordinators, Polling Station Executives, National Council of Elders, National Patrons, all past National Directors, sitting and past MPs, TESCON representatives from each recognised tertiary institution, all card-bearing ministers and deputy ministers, MMDCEs, 15 delegates from every external branch, founder members, and three representatives each from special organs of the party.

In total, over 50 proposed amendments to the NPP constitution are up for discussion, with organisers saying these resolutions have already been simplified and shared with delegates well ahead of todays gathering to facilitate a smoother adoption process.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, said while the amendments are significant, they will not apply to the presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, unless the constitutional changes are formally adopted and ratified in time. The primaries will be guided by the existing constitution if the new one is not ready, he stated.

The conference is being held under the theme: Rebuilding Together with Our Values, which the party says is a call for members to reconnect with the NPPs foundational ideals and chart a united path forward following its 2024 electoral defeat.

Campaigning banned

In a bid to preserve neutrality and avoid premature jostling for the 2026 flagbearer race, the party has banned all forms of campaign activity at todays event. No billboards, banners, T-shirts or paraphernalia bearing the names or images of aspirants will be permitted at or near the conference grounds.

There shall be no billboards, banners, posters, flyers, T-shirts or souvenirs with aspirant branding allowed at the venue or within Accra, Mr Osei-Owusu emphasised. A compliance team supported by monitors has been deployed to enforce the directive. All such prohibited campaign materials shall be removed and destroyed by the team, he added.

Calls for reform and reconnection

Commenting on the significance of the conference, political scientist Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa described it as a critical juncture in the partys history following what he referred to as its most significant electoral defeat since 1992.

He welcomed the proposed expansion of the Electoral College as a move that could enhance inclusivity and diminish the disproportionate power wielded by a select few. He added: A larger electoral college would complicate attempts to manipulate outcomes through monetary influence. This shift would reinforce democratic legitimacy and mitigate elite dominance.

His colleague, Dr John Osae-Kwapong, echoed the need for internal unity and introspection. The theme reflects the heavy electoral defeat and rejection by Ghanaian voters in 2024, he noted. Its easy to apportion blame, but more difficult to own the loss and forge a united front.

Dr Osae-Kwapong urged the NPP to use the conference to make peace with each other and with the Ghanaian people. It is an opportune time to acknowledge the grievances that led to the defeat and seek reconciliation, he said.

On reforms, he strongly endorsed expanding the voter base in internal elections. Allowing all registered members of the party to vote in selecting candidates eliminates the undue influence of money and empowers the base, he argued.

Key proposed amendments; 1. Presidential Primaries and Electoral College Reforms Abolition of Special Electoral College: Proposals by former National Chairman Peter Mac Manu and others seek to eliminate Article 13(9), which mandates a special college to shortlist presidential aspirants to five. Critics argue the current system is elitist and prone to manipulation. Expanded Delegates List: The electoral college for presidential primaries may include all polling station executives, former MPs, MMDCEs, TESCON representatives, and diaspora branch delegates. 2. Grassroots restructuring Polling Station Expansion: Amendments suggest increasing polling station executives from 5 to 1115 members, adding roles like deputies and council of elders. Electoral Area Committees: Replace single coordinators with five-member committees to improve oversight and inclusivity. 3. Women and youth representation National Womens Organizer Election: Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson proposes allowing all female delegates to vote for the position, arguing for broader inclusivity. Youth Wing Age Cap: A proposal to lower the youth age limit from 40 to 35 years aims to align leadership with younger members aspirations. 4. Nasara wing reforms The Nasara Wing seeks renaming to "Nasara and Settler Organizer" and inclusion at polling stations to bolster mobilization in Zongo and settler communities. 5. Financial and administrative overhauls National Treasurer Role: NPP-USA suggests rebranding the position as "Chief Fundraising Officer" to emphasize resource mobilization. Finance Committee Expansion: Dr. Charles Dwamena proposes merging campaign fundraising under a "Finance and Fundraising Committee" to improve accountability. 6. Inclusion of former officeholders Former MPs, MMDCEs, and CEOs are proposed as voting delegates at constituency, regional, and national levels to leverage their experience. 7. Controversial proposals Early Presidential Primaries: Some advocate holding presidential primaries before other internal elections to reduce factionalism. Appointment vs. Election of General Secretary: A faction led by Hon. Kofi Obiri Yeboah argues for appointing the General Secretary based on merit rather than electoral popularity. 8. Next steps The proposals will be debated at the Extraordinary Conference, with the 9-member Constitution Amendment Committee tasked to refine recommendations. General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong urged members to review the proposals, emphasizing their potential to "modernize the party and secure victory in 2028."

What else is on the agenda?

In addition to the constitutional amendments, delegates will also consider the National Chairmans statement, the General Secretarys report, and the National Treasurers financial statements.

With thousands of delegates from across the country expected to participate, today's conference is seen as a make-or-break moment for the partys future direction as it gears up for the 2026 general elections.

Read all the proposals for amendments to the NPP constitution below;
A man convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl was taken into custody Friday after failing to report to serve a seven-year prison sentence imposed on him nearly four years ago.

Richard Silvester Kette, who was present before Superior Court Judge Vernon Perez, pleaded guilty in May 2021 to second-degree criminal sexual conduct as a first-degree felony.

He had agreed to serve the term but according to attorneys, he never self-surrendered and remained free until Fridays warrant return hearing.

Richard, I dont really need to even ask you if theres a reason why you didnt show up, Perez said directly to Kette. But if you were supposed to start serving your jail term four years ago. Well, Im just glad that you are now in custody and youre in custody for some years.

Prosecuting attorney Christine Tenorio requested the court remand Kette immediately into custody.

Kettes attorney, Samuel Teker, did not oppose the request but asked the court for time to meet with his client before proceedings continue.

The judge granted the request but made it clear that Kette will remain behind bars at the Department of Corrections.

You can talk with him all you want. He will be held, Perez said.

The next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4.

Kette was originally charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct after a then 10-year-old girl reported to school staff in May 2018 that she had been repeatedly sexually assaulted since the age of 6 years old.

According to court documents, the acts occurred several times a week whenever Kette was drunk.
Five World War II survivors were named the grand marshals for the 81st Liberation Day Parade and shared poignant stories of survival and the atrocities they faced during the Japanese occupation of Guam.

Adelup held a press conference on Friday to announce this years grand marshals and each war survivor named shared their story calling on younger generations to never forget the horrors of war and ensure peace is preserved.

Each was between the ages of 4 and 6 when war struck the island on December 8, 1941. Now in their 80s and 90s, they shared stories filled with both laughter and heartbreak, recalling the trauma of forced marches, hunger, and violence, but also the resilience that allowed them to endure and rebuild.

These guys are so cruel

I wish that my grandchildren and my children will not experience what I had, said Julia Manley Villagomez, 87, who was just 4 when the bombs fell. No matter how young you are, you just never want any of your family to go through what I went to.

Villagomez, born in Sumai, remembered being slapped by Japanese soldiers for speaking English.

I was barely four years old, and when they were at the bombing and we were at the church, and then they were scattered. My sister and I were slapped because we were speaking. We didnt know how to speak CHamoru, because my grandfather was an American, he didnt know how to speak CHamoru, so we had to. But that is the thing that I remember most, that these guys are so cruel. And we were crying.

Her grandfather, Albert Percy Manley, was taken prisoner of war to Japan. Villagomez recalled being forced to bury her grandmother near the Manenggon concentration camp in Yona, the islands largest during the war.

I remembered when, almost to the end of the war, my grandmother left us I remembered she was wrapped in a sheet... That I remembered very much, she said. And I didnt get to go down to the cemetery where they took all the people.

She later became an elementary school teacher but said wartime memories seldom came up in her classroom.

They never come up because the parents, too, never told them, she said.

Its very dramatic

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Joaquin Danny Santos, 90, was six when he saw Sumai attacked and his grandfather, a U.S. Navy bosuns mate, detained.

In the morning we reciting the alphabet in Japanese. The sensei slapped me, and I peed my pants. Im proud to pee my pants, because I had no idea what the hell was happening, he said, laughing.

He described how his cousin intervened.

She heard me crying, and she opened the door, and she jumped over the window and ran home and told my grandmother what had happened, he said.

The confrontation led to an unusual resolution.

The two of them, the sensei and the Japanese, started talking in Japanese, and then all of a sudden, the sensei was slapped by the Japanese that occupied my grandmothers house. And from there on in the sensei and I became good friends, he said.

Santos and his family were marched to Manenggon by bull cart. His uncle Gregorio was taken by Japanese forces and never returned.

My grandfather had this bull cart and we marched from Asan to Manenggon. My job was to go and get water, he said.

His uncle was last seen with the Japanese, but never returned and the family assumed he died somewhere in Yigo, Santos said.

He said in 2018 he discovered two patrols on Aug. 8, 1944 found eight bodies, all beheaded and he assumes one of them was his uncle, but they wont know unless a DNA analysis is done.

He described the pain of that unresolved loss and ended with a message to the next generation.

Im very happy to represent all the war survivors, plus the future generations that hopefully you dont see war in your lifetime, he said. Its very dramatic, and I hope that we defend our island with some dignity.

I just cant stand it

Maria Concepcion Gayle, 88, was six and at Mass in Sumai when the bombing began.

We ran from the church, we ran up the hill to Hagat, she said.

She described the desperate conditions her family faced during their relocation, recalling the moment they arrived at the Asinan camp.

Our supplies were gone, corn and rice and when we were forced to walk to Asinan, we found the camp, she said. Rows and rows of a hut, each family was assigned an area.

She witnessed friends being shot during an air raid.

One day, we heard a plane coming, shooting. A friend of ours and her daughter got caught and got killed by the bullet...ever since then, I just cant stand it, she said.

Her family was displaced again in 1950 when the U.S. Navy condemned their property, forcing them to relocate two years later in 1952.

I go and hide in the jungle

Vicente Salas Angoco, 91, was eight when Hagatna was bombed while the islands faithful celebrated Santa Marian Kamalen. He and his siblings hid in the hills.

We were having the Santa Maria fiesta when the Japanese were bombing, he said. We had to carry our pots and pans up to the hill. They raised us up there with lemmai and kamute.

He avoided Japanese schools and survived life in Asinan.

I should have been into their school but I go and hide in the jungle. They put us behind there. We robbed that place before we moved to Asinan, he said, laughing.

He narrowly escaped death during a U.S. shelling.

One of the projectors, five inches, almost killed my mother. It pierced right through the heart, he said. Santa Maria was right below it. The crown of Santa Maria was brought over with a five inch projector, and it blew away fast.

He later joined the U.S. Navy and founded Angoco Trucking in 1972.

Everybody was running

Teresita Sablan Aguon Guerrero, 89, was five and a half when war shattered her childhood.

I was five and a half years old playing with my brotherThe airplane passed over usmy cousin came running and telling us that Guam is being bombed, she said. Everybody was running looking for a place to go and hide.

We have to take our little things. We only have a little blanket. When it rained, it really rained like a pumpkin just going down, she said, pausing through tears. People that are sick, and also myselfvery, very hard.

She described watching 303 CHamorus suffer a brutal public execution.

I saw 303 people kneeling. Theyre hitting them with woodThe Japanese just start cutting up their heads, she said.

She also remembered being forced to drink contaminated water.

We were marching up, the waterfall is really running real nice. Somebody told us that theres a dead Japanese person in front and were all drinking it, she said with her voice cracking.

Parade, fireworks

Adelup spokesperson Krystal Paco San Agustin reminded the public that the parade will take place Monday, July 21, starting at 8 a.m. at Adelup, proceeding through Hagatna to the grandstand at CHamoru Village.

The parade will be shown on PBS KGTF Channel 12 and a livestream will be on the Pacific Daily News website in partnership with PBS.

A fireworks show will follow that evening, with displays scheduled for 7:21 p.m. at the Hagatna Treatment Plant, Fort Apugan, and Paseo Point.
Superior Court Judge John Terlaje made clear on Thursday that he will not allow Dwayne Cruz De Guzman to leave Guam to renounce his U.S. citizenship unless he is first sentenced locally.

De Guzman faces a potential 90-year prison term following his October 2024 conviction for molesting a 12-year-old girl.

A 12-member jury found De Guzman guilty on two counts of child molestation, both including a special vulnerable-victim enhancement because the victim was under 13 years of age.

During the hearing, the court paused to give De Guzman time to consider his options.

When proceedings resumed, he remained steadfast in his request to renounce citizenship.

Throughout the hearing, both Terlaje and prosecuting attorney Christine Tenorio repeatedly asked whether he fully understood the consequences of the sentencing options presented.

During trial, De Guzman acknowledged being characterized as slow while testifying in his defense. His mother, Anita De Guzman, testified that he did not speak as a toddler, did not form full sentences until elementary school, and had a learning disability throughout his education.

De Guzman frequently paused, spoke slowly, and admitted some questions confused him.

Tenorio told the court Thursday the government remains ready to move forward with sentencing.

The government is prepared to proceed either way, she said, warning that without sentencing or a plea on record, De Guzman could flee. She added that deportation pleas require acceptance of the maximum sentence.

The deportation pleas always come with the maximum. Thats the consideration. Thats how we know youre not going to return because you never want to spend the max, she said.

Tenorio said De Guzmans renunciation would hinge on pleading guilty and accepting the maximum sentence.

He has to plead to the max. Thats the whole consideration, she said.

De Guzman, represented by defense attorney William Bischoff, reiterated his intent.

I am willing to renounce my U.S. passport, he said.

When asked if he understood that renunciation would permanently bar his return to Guam, he answered, Yes, I understand, sir.

The judge signaled growing frustration over the delays.

I sort of feel that this is just dragging. Its not going to happen, he said.

Court documents outlined the renunciation path: emailing American Citizen Services in Manila, followed by a phone interview, an in-person appointment at the U.S. Embassy, and final approval from the State Department.

Terlaje questioned the viability of an overseas interview plan without sentencing.

Tenorio added that De Guzman must secure a visa to enter the Philippines.

If he does return, he still has to get a visa in the Philippines, because thats a travelers visa, she said.

Bischoff requested more time to explore conducting the interview on Guam. Terlaje, however, remained firm.

Unless its going to happen here, and we know once its done, its not going to work, he said.

Despite this, Terlaje granted another postponement and set the next hearing for Sept. 20.

I wish I could think of a way that it could work out, the judge said in closing. Show me something thats going to happen but we need to ensure the safety of the community as well and the sanctity of the verdict that came off of the jury. The jury came out and made a decision, and we have to proceed.
Beatrice Chaco Mojica, born in 1940, was too young to remember the war, but survived the islands darkest era and lived through the aftermath of having to rebuild after Guam was liberated from the Japanese.

I cant really remember, and I dont like to talk about it, Mojica said. However, I always try to attend every memorial, and I am glad they can do this, and they keep remembering.

Mojica is a regular attendant of the annual Hagat, Fena, and Manenggon memorials, only missing this years Manenggon ceremony. She is one of 15 remaining war survivors residing in Hagat and a member of what many call Guams greatest generation.

She was the only war survivor who attended the Fena Cave Memorial at Naval Magazine on Saturday and the following ceremony at the Hagat Memorial Hasso Pinadesi Yan I Finatai behind the Hagat Senior Citizen Center.

Caves near Fena Lake were the site of one of the worst atrocities on the island during World War II. Every year, residents visit the caves, where more than 30 CHamorus from the villages of Hagat and Sumai were massacred by Japanese soldiers, who used hand grenades and bayonets. Many others survived the massacre by hiding under dead bodies.

Desperate monsters

The CHamorus from Hagat and Sumai were forced to clear jungle paths for war vehicles, construct temporary bridges for these vehicles to cross rivers and streams, carry munitions and supplies on their backs, and prepare meals for the soldiers.

When an American armada of some 500 ships poised to retake the island, the enemy soldiers forced inland were transformed into desperate monsters, said Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio during the ceremony at the Hagat Memorial.

In place of a guest speaker, Tenorio read from the remarks of former senator Tony Palomo given at the Manenggon memorial in 2004.

They lost all sanity, Tenorio read. They killed. They raped. They plundered. On or about July 23, 1944, while American forces were moving inland, enemy soldiers decided to dispose of the innocents from Hagat and Sumai. These men and women were moved to the caves and massacred. Some of the women were taken to a separate cave and were viciously violated.

Missing men

The Hagat Memorial was built not only to remember the men and women of Fena but also the missing 12 men of Hagat who were forced to carry supplies and ammunition for the Japanese throughout the village. These men were taken from Hagat via Cross Island Road and never seen again.

Hagat Mayor Kevin Susuico said he is working with the Manenggon Memorial Foundation to build another memorial site in honor of these men.

We hope to have a memorial erected at Cross Island Road, the last site that they were, so that we can honor and pay tribute to those 12 lost men of Hagat, Susuico said. Their lives were taken and their bodies never found.

This was the final village memorial before the Liberation Day Parade on July 21.

Liberation festivities will occur throughout the weekend at CHamoru Village in Hagatna.
Residents can celebrate Liberation weekend at a three-day festival that kicked off Saturday and runs through Monday.

On Saturday, residents attending the first day of the 81st Guam Liberation Dinanna CHamoru Festival checked out the pavilions at the CHamoru Village.

The event features dozens of vendors for clothing, food, accessories, local artisans, and more throughout the weekend until Monday evening.

Attendees will also be treated to live music performances and a selection of game and activity booths.

The Mayors Council of Guam, which is hosting the event, invites the island community to a celebration of the vibrant CHamoru culture through music, dance, food, and traditional arts.

Ahead of the evening rain, island residents already started walking through the pavilions and enjoying the festivities.

Customer Matt Bidaur arrived at the event for the first time in two years, excited to see the festivities begin.

I wasnt here the last couple of years, so its good to see them [still] doing something, Bidaur said. I wish it was a full-on carnival like the old times, but Im expecting its going to be pretty crowded tomorrow and Monday, especially with the parade.

Vendors are comparatively wary as it is expected to rain throughout the weekend.

Grace Bourgeois, a worker with Unggoy Enterprises, is still hopeful for a good crowd and has even prepared umbrellas for customers.

Every Liberation, its rain or shine, so we have these [umbrellas] so everyone can just have a great time together and celebrating liberation, Bourgeois said. It will be great to see everyone having a weekend rather than one day to enjoy the festivities.

The event festivities are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday.
After the fatal 2022 attack that left 24-year-old Kifirstson Kam Aiken dead, Superior Court Judge Vernon Perez sentenced 22-year-old Dero Itsy, the youngest of the men involved, to one year in prison Friday, the maximum allowed under a plea agreement for third-degree aggravated assault.

Perez also reduced the conviction to a misdemeanor.

Itsy received credit for two months already served and will serve the remaining 10 months. He will be placed on parole for one year following his release.

Itsy pleaded guilty to taking part in the assault that led to Aikens death in the parking lot of Dededo Center, near the former Crown Bakery. Aiken was found unresponsive with multiple stab wounds and later pronounced dead at Guam Regional Medical City. Itsy was one of five men involved in the attack.

Samson Ismael Shapucy, the primary assailant, punched and speared Aiken multiple times during the incident. In September 2024, Shapucy was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter as a first-degree felony, a lesser offense than his original murder charge. He also received a special allegation for use of a deadly weapon. Shapucy received credit for over two years of time served and is eligible for parole with 10 years remaining.

During sentencing, Perez acknowledged the weight of the incident and addressed Itsy directly.

Maybe serving this amount of time in jail would be one way for you to realize the depth, the gravity, the seriousness of whats occurred, he said. I believe one year is most appropriate for you given your participation.

Because of Itsys age, background, and remorse, defense attorney Samuel Teker requested leniency.

He said at the time of the incident Itsy was 18 years old and just moved to Guam from Chuuk after both his parents died so he was lacking guidance.

Hes extremely sorry for what happened, and I hope that the court would take into account his character. Hes got no criminal record, Teker said.

Teker also requested a waiver of the $1,000 fine and raised concerns about requiring Itsy to attend 24 self-help meetings due to language barriers.

He doesnt speak much English. Hes very timid, shy. Its going to be hard enough for him to get a job with just that, he said. Having a felony conviction on his record is going to hinder him for the rest of his life.

Itsy, sitting with his hands folded and head down, addressed the court through an interpreter.

So I wanted to say I wont do this again. This will never happen again. I also want to give my apologies to the family, he said.

Prosecuting attorney Dante Cade Haroian Harootunian opposed the motion for reduction.

Yes, the felony would follow the defendant for the rest of his life. He has the rest of his life. The victim in this case does not, he said. Frankly, even in kindergarten, you know youre not supposed to assault people. He was 18 at the time of the crime. That shouldnt be a consideration but 18 is an adult.

Perez granted the reduction to a misdemeanor but upheld the maximum sentence under the plea deal. He waived the fine and confirmed that Itsy must turn himself in on Aug. 1 to serve the remainder of his sentence.

You need to stay focused on whatever appropriate parole conditions that are composed in the plea agreement, Perez said. Finish out your term and get released and do well. Thats all I have to say at this point.
Tway Airs first direct flight from Kansai, Japan to Guam in years touched down at the A. B. Won Pat International Airport on Friday afternoon full of passengers.

The South Korean airline resumes daily nonstop flights between A. B. Won Pat and Kansai International Airport, and hopes to maintain that route moving forward, said Tway Station Manager Hyunwook Kang.

We are very excited. Fortunately, the flight is almost full today and even tomorrow, said Kang.

Guam Visitors Bureau staff and mascot Kiko the koko bird were standing by as passengers deplaned, to hand out gift bags and shell leis.

The new flight service provides an extra 189 airline seats headed to the island each day, on the heels of the Guam Visitors Bureau reporting visitor numbers still down 56.2% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

GVB officials on Friday said TWay hasnt run the nonstop service since 2020.

Tways Kang said the airline is hoping to also attract Guam visitors to fly to Kansai, which has easy access to the cities of Osaka and Kyoto.

Osaka, with its wide selection of good food, is often called the kitchen of Japan, Kang added.

He said fares start at just $360, though will vary depending on when passengers book their flights.

Flights depart Guam at 4:20 p.m. daily and arrive in Kansai at 7:10 p.m.

Its great news whenever youre welcoming an airline coming in with new passengers, said tourism and airport oversight chairman Sen. Jesse Lujan.

Lujan said hes hopeful that the trend will continue, and that additional visitors will help pump more dollars the islands economy.

It really does indicate that theres some trajectory in the recovery that wed like to see for arrivals in Guam, GIAA board chairman Brian Bamba said. And so were just very happy that TWay has stepped up and taken this opportunity.

The more routes that we can provide gives options and opportunities for us to generate a revenue income for our island and just attract more visitors, added GIAA board director Doyon Morato.

Kang noted that the flight service comes in time for peak travel season out of Japan.

Once the biggest source market for tourists coming to Guam, visitor numbers from Japan have fallen behind South Korea.

GVB data from June has shown the number of Japanese tourists steadily climbing, from 72,686 arrivals in the first four months of 2024 to 85,138 during the same period this year.

But its not enough to offset the decline in South Korean visitors, which went from 150,244 in the first four months of 2024 to 107,891.




Haiti - FLASH : A strange flash visit from Colombian President Gustavo Petro...





On the afternoon of Friday, July 18, 2025, Gustavo Petro, President of the Republic of Colombia, arrived in Haiti at the head of a delegation as part of an international tour. This is the second official visit by the Colombian Head of State to Haiti in less than a year.



On the tarmac of Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, accompanied by Fritz Alphonse Jean, President pro tempore of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), members of the CPT, ministers, and senior officials from the Army and the National Police, gave a formal welcome to the Colombian Head of State and his delegation.



This visit is part of the strengthening of bilateral relations between Haiti and Colombia. It is expected to lead to strategic discussions focusing in particular on security cooperation, the training of armed and police forces, and the consolidation of institutional partnerships.



A program of high-level discussions is planned, including meetings with the Prime Minister, the Colombian Minister of Defense, the High Command of the Armed Forces, and the High Command of the National Police, as well as an official meeting with members of the Presidential Transitional Council.



However, this planned two-day program turned into a flash visit lasting a few hours. Meetings were canceled, no speeches, no statements, just a bilateral meeting at the Villa d'accueil, followed by the cancellation of the joint press conference, all in "apparent haste" and without explanation.



Subsequently, Gustavo Petro presided over the inauguration ceremony of the new Colombian embassy in Port-au-Prince and invited Haiti and the Caribbean republics to join the progressive nations of the American continent to "become the majority in this corner of the planet," according to a Colombian press release.



According to the Colombian presidency, this inauguration aims to end isolation : "Solitude only leads to death [...] The time has come to truly unite to raise high the banners of freedom and democracy."



The Colombian initiative emphasizes "brotherhood, solidarity, and cooperation," seeking to consolidate future relations based on "the ideals of freedom and love," inspired by "the liberator Simon Bolivar and General Alexandre Petion."



A few hours later, an official cocktail reception was held at Karibe, where President Gustavo Petro was conspicuous by his absence, either on his way to the airport or having already left Haiti.



What really happened ? The lack of communication from the Prime Minister's Office leaves room for all sorts of interpretations... No official explanation...



The official website of the Colombian Presidency on X states : "During his visit to Haiti, President Gustavo Petro held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Transitional Presidential Council, Fritz Alphonse Jean. The meeting discussed the main progress made in bilateral projects : the fight against drug trafficking, trade, education, and security."



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Economy : Official opening of the CFI North Regional Office





On Friday, July 18, 2025, Alfred Fils Metellus, Minister of Economy and Finance, visited the North to continue his program to encourage regional economic development.



As in the South, where the Minister of Economy and Finance visited in early July, there is a real momentum for economic recovery in the North department. Chambers of Commerce are meeting, foundations are being created, and new businesses are emerging almost daily. It was in this context that Minister Alfred Fils Metellus spoke at the launch of the North Regional Office of the Investment Facilitation Center (BRN-CFI) at the Vaudreuil Administrative Complex, in Upper Cap-Haitien, aimed at strengthening the institution's territorial presence through the creation of Integrated Regional Service Hubs (HSRI).



This first Regional Office represents a major milestone in the economic decentralization and local support policy implemented by CFl-Invest Haiti and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI). It covers the North, Northeast, and Northwest departments and will serve as a hub for national and foreign investors wishing to explore and develop the economic potential of the Greater North.



This opening fulfills a dual ambition: to strengthen local governance in economic development and to highlight regional opportunities in promising sectors. The Greater North's entrepreneurial ecosystem, rich in resources and infrastructure, represents a strategic lever for stimulating national growth.



The North Regional Office's mission will be to :



 Promote the region as an investment destination;

 Offer personalized support services from CFl-Invest Haiti;

 Ensure seamless flow of information to the central office;

 Provide investors with direct access to regional opportunities.



Through this establishment, "CFl-Invest Haiti" reaffirms its commitment to supporting a balanced and inclusive territorial development policy, by bringing its services closer to local economic stakeholders and consolidating the growth dynamic in the regions.



In his speech, the Minister began with the words of the Dessalinian "Live free and prosperous," which he placed in the perspective of a country where institutions must be involved to truly serve the population in order to begin the process of economic recovery. Emphasizing the importance of a return to security at the national level, he reiterated that this multi-sectoral crisis should be used as an opportunity for departments to boost their economies and become the drivers of national recovery.



Accompanied by a team of Ministry officials, Metellus then attended a review of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) portfolio to gain a clear understanding of the progress and results of projects currently underway and those planned.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















NEW DELHI, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Indian security forces gunned down six armed Naxals rebels, including four women, in the central state of Chhattisgarh on Saturday, according to police.

The encounter between the security forces and the armed rebels took place in Narayanpur area of Chhattisgarh.

All the six Naxals killed belonged to the "People's Liberation Guerrilla Army Platoon Number 1." 




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Trade Imbalance with Haiti

In total, Dominican exports to Haiti amounted to US$555.46 million in the first half of 2025, a 30% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Total Dominican imports from Haiti for the same period totaled US$4.38 million, a decrease of 54.27% compared to the same period of the previous year. (115 times less than the amount of exports to Haiti...)



Constitution : Diaspora Tour Project Canceled

The Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) informs that regarding the planned tour to promote the draft Constitution to the Haitian diaspora in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and North America, it has been decided to cancel this foreign tour and interrupt preparations due to growing opposition to the project. Aware of the importance of consultation and dialogue, the CPT plans to leverage new information and communication technologies, as well as other appropriate resources, to maintain ongoing and constructive contact with Haitians living abroad, complementing the services offered by diplomatic and consular missions.



Cap-Haitien : Major Roadworks

Rehabilitation work has begun on the ring road connecting the RN1 and RN2 highways. This major work is being undertaken to ease congestion at the eastern entrance to the city.



Spanish Ambassador Visits the MMSS

Marco Antonio Penin Toledano, the Spanish Ambassador accredited to Haiti, visited the military base of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), where he met with Kenyan Commander G. Otunge. Together, they discussed the Mission's situation and security issues. Books and academic training materials were also delivered to the base library. Note that Spain contributes to the Mission, notably through financial support.



Archaeological Mission

As part of the ethnographic and archaeological mission organized by the National Bureau of Ethnology (BNE) in Lakou Dereyal, in the commune of Limonade, the technical team, accompanied by archaeologist Joseph Sony Jean, has already visited several archaeological sites, such as the colonial dwellings of Dimini Troplen, Anba Salin, the Native American village with a daycare center, and Puerto Real, to assess the state of conservation of the commune's archaeological heritage.





PNH 35th class : Intellectual Tests

The Haitian National Police announces the holding of intellectual tests for the 35th graduating class of the Police Institution, which will take place on Sunday, July 27, 2025, throughout the national territory.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The rise coincides with increased attention on cryptocurrencies, partly driven by positive commentary from Donald Trump and the introduction of crypto-friendly policies in the United States.

Nearly half a million Finns, around 11% of adults, have invested in cryptocurrency, according to a new survey by Norstat commissioned by Finnish crypto firms. The figure marks rapid growth, with over 200,000 new investors entering the market in just a year.

Ville Savolainen, a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University studying blockchain and digital currencies, attributes renewed enthusiasm in bitcoin to Trumps vocal support, coupled with policy signals from officials like J.D. Vance.

Trump's advocacy and light-touch regulation have helped push bitcoin prices upward, attracting traditional investors. This momentum was further reinforced by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions approval of cryptocurrency funds and Trump's own branded meme coins .

In Europe, clarity in regulation from the EU's 2024 Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework has improved investor protection and confidence. Savolainen also notes the emergence of Finnish and European crypto brokers and the launch of ETN-style crypto products on the Helsinki Stock Exchange, making purchasing simpler.

While early adopters were mainly young men driven by ideological motives, skeptical of centralized institutions, crypto is now attracting a broader user base. Savolainen states that many new investors are drawn by profit, not necessarily distrust of banks.

However, Finnish institutional investors remain cautious. Major pension funds report no direct cryptocurrency holdings, aside from small, indirect exposure through hedge funds.

The crypto boom has injected significant capital into digital assets. Bitcoin alone has reached a market value of over $2 trillion, approaching Microsofts market cap of around $2.5 trillion.

But the speculative nature of crypto remains. Unlike bonds or dividend-paying stocks, cryptocurrencies rely solely on belief in future buyers. A sudden loss of confidence could trigger sharp market declines.

HT
The warship, INS Tamal, was recently delivered by Russias Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania. According to Indian defence media , the ship was handed over to India earlier this month following a contract signed in 2016.

An Indian Navy frigate has been spotted in the Gulf of Finland, underscoring continued naval cooperation between Russia and India at a time when India seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign-built military vessels.

Tamal is 125 metres long, weighs 3,900 tonnes, and includes a helicopter landing deck. It is equipped for missions lasting up to 30 days without port calls. Its reported top speed exceeds 30 knots, or nearly 60 kilometres per hour.

The vessels armament includes the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, anti-submarine rockets, a 100mm naval gun, and 30mm anti-aircraft cannons. Naval analysts describe the ship as heavily armed for its size.

Tamal is expected to join Indias Western Naval Command and will be based in Karwar, located in Karnataka on Indias southwestern coast. Before reaching its home port, the ship is scheduled to visit several domestic ports to demonstrate its capabilities.

Russia has supplied 51 warships to India since the 1960s. The delivery of Tamal marks the latest in this long-standing defence relationship, and possibly the last such vessel to be built abroad for the Indian Navy.

According to United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), which owns the Yantar shipyard, Tamal is the final Indian order to be completed outside of India. USC CEO Andrei Puchkov called the frigate a modern multi-role vessel with capabilities to engage threats above and below the surface, on land, and in the air.

Despite Indias emphasis on domestic production, cooperation with Russian yards continues in technical and training roles. Two more frigates of the same class are currently under construction at Goa Shipyard in India, with Russian support. These vessels are scheduled for delivery by 2027.

The name Tamal comes from Sanskrit and Hindu mythology. It refers to a legendary sword belonging to Indra, the deity associated with storms and warfare.

Indian shipyards are currently building nearly 60 warships. The shift to local manufacturing aligns with India's broader defence policy goals, but foreign partnerships remain active in limited areas.

HT
Eyewitness Ile Jokinen , who lives nearby, saw several emergency vehicles driving toward the airfield and followed them to the site.

Emergency services responded to the scene along Sormelantie, where the aircraft was found roughly 50 metres off the runway, at the edge of a forest.

A small aircraft crashed near the runway at Jamijarvi airfield in Satakunta, western Finland, shortly after 10:00 on Saturday morning.

At the far end of the longer runway, there is a Finnhems medical helicopter, three fire engines, and at least four ambulances, he said.

According to Jokinen, the aircraft appeared heavily damaged but not on fire. It looks completely wrecked, he added, observing the scene from a distance of about 300 to 400 metres.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar indicated that a Cessna U206F Stationair 6 disappeared from radar in the area shortly after departing Tampere at 09:21. Authorities have not confirmed if this was the aircraft involved.

Local aviation association representatives informed the Finnish News Agency (STT) that the accident involved one person and occurred at or near the airfield. The identity of the person or the extent of injuries remains unconfirmed.

The Satakunta Rescue Department classified the incident as a medium-scale air traffic accident. It stated there was no indication of the aircraft falling from altitude.

Police have sealed off the airfield and nearby hangars, preventing access by the public and media. Yle journalist Pipsa Uutto-Rajakallio, reporting from the location, confirmed that officers were guarding the perimeter.

The incident did not involve aircraft or members of the Tampere parachuting or aviation clubs, according to both organisations.

Police from Southwest Finland said they would provide further information after 13:00 on Saturday. The rescue service confirmed it would not issue additional statements before that time.

The Jamijarvi airfield supports general aviation, particularly active during the summer months with light aircraft and glider operations.

In 2014, the same airfield was the site of a fatal crash that killed eight people after a light aircraft went down. Three others survived by parachuting from the aircraft before impact.

Saturdays incident remains under investigation.

HT
The announcement came as EU ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss the blocs proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 20282034, with a total projected value of 2 trillion.

Finland is set to receive more than 1 billion in additional funding from the European Union in the next budget cycle, with the funds earmarked to strengthen the countrys eastern border with Russia.

Joakim Strand, Finlands Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, said on Friday that the European Commission has proposed 1.6 billion in funding for Finland under border and migration criteria. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the current framework.

This is over a billion euros more than in the current budgeting period, which is a very welcome thing for Finland, Strand said at a press conference in Brussels.

Strand said the proposal reflects Finlands long-standing efforts to raise the profile of its eastern frontier within EU institutions.

We have worked for a long time both at the civil service and political level and we have used our networks extensively, Strand said. Many of us have also physically taken these commissioners to the eastern border.

He referred specifically to a visit in April 2024 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who toured Finlands border region to assess the security landscape.

The Finnish-Russian border spans more than 1,300 kilometres and has been a growing focus of EU security and migration policy since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Finland joined NATO in April 2023 and has since reinforced its border infrastructure and surveillance systems.

Strand welcomed the increase in funding but said the broader proposal still requires adjustments.

The total amount is still too high, he said, referring to the 2 trillion MFF proposal. But the substantive goals are in line with our own goals.

The current EU budget, covering 20212027, totals 1.2 trillion. The proposed 20282034 framework includes increased spending on defence, border control, and digital infrastructure, in response to geopolitical shifts and internal policy reforms.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said earlier this week that Finland could not accept the overall size of the budget in its current form, but supported efforts to improve internal and external security.

The EUs long-term budget must be unanimously approved by all member states. Negotiations are expected to continue into 2026.

HT
Filed in federal court in Miami, the complaint names News Corp, Dow Jones, journalists Melissa Korn and Alexandra Berzon , as well as News Corp founder Rupert Murdoch and CEO Robert Thomson .

Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, two of its journalists, and its parent company following the publication of an article alleging inappropriate ties between him and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .

The article at the centre of the case was published on Thursday. It alleged that Trump sent Epstein a birthday greeting in 2003 that included a hand-drawn image of a naked woman, with a signature allegedly positioned in a sexually suggestive manner. The message reportedly read: Happy birthday, and may every day be a new, wonderful secret.

The note was said to be part of a larger collection compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell as a birthday gift for Epstein.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump denied writing the note and called the article false and malicious. He referred to the newspaper as a worthless tabloid and claimed the journalists acted with intent to damage his reputation.

We have just filed a massive lawsuit against all parties involved in the publication of a false, malicious, and defamatory fake news story, Trump wrote.

Trump said both he and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned the Journal before publication that the material was fabricated. The Journal published the story despite this, he claimed.

Trump is seeking a jury trial and damages totalling $10 billion. He argues that the article caused him severe financial and reputational harm.

The suit comes as pressure mounts on Trumps administration to release more information related to Epsteins case. The US Department of Justice confirmed on Friday that it had submitted a formal request to unseal grand jury documents connected to Epsteins investigation. The application followed an order by Trump himself.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche filed the request, one day after the President directed the Department to act. The move comes after criticism of the administrations earlier decision not to release more evidence related to Epsteins activities.

The Journal article, which triggered the legal action, cited anonymous sources and documents said to originate from Maxwells archive. It suggested that Trumps message was intended as a personal and inappropriate gesture.

Trumps legal team argues that the handwriting and signature are forged and that the newspaper failed to conduct proper verification before publication.

The legal filing states that the Journal and its affiliates acted knowingly and recklessly, and that the article was timed to cause political harm.

No comment has yet been made by News Corp or the journalists named in the suit.

HT
COLOMBO, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government aims to increase the amount of fresh milk collected from farmers to 3 million liters per day by 2029, up from 1 million liters in 2025, the Government Information Department said Saturday, citing a deputy minister.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne, addressing an event, said the government will establish a dairy collection hub in every veterinary division across the country on Sunday to help achieve this goal.

The deputy minister said dairy farmers will receive both financial and technical support through these new collection hubs. 
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, was announced on Friday by US Ambassador Tom Barrack . He stated that the agreement was supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other regional governments.

Syria and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire after days of intense fighting in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda, where armed clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups, combined with Israeli airstrikes , have killed more than 260 people.

Syrias President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed the ceasefire in a televised address on Saturday, saying it aimed to spare Syrian blood and preserve the unity of Syrian territory. Al-Sharaa also blamed Israels air campaign for escalating the violence, calling it a dangerous turning point.

Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Wednesday targeting Syrias Ministry of Defence in Damascus and military positions in Suwayda. Israel justified the attacks by claiming it sought to protect the Druze minority, which it described as its brothers.

According to Syrias Ministry of Health, the death toll in Suwayda has reached at least 260. The International Organization for Migration estimates around 80,000 people have fled the province since the outbreak of violence. On Thursday alone, approximately 20,000 civilians were displaced.

Syrias Interior Ministry said on Saturday that internal security forces had begun deployment in the province. Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba said the goal was to protect civilians and put an end to the chaos.

Fighting began last week between armed Bedouin fighters and Druze factions, then expanded to include government forces. Reports from Suwayda describe extensive destruction of infrastructure, including electricity and water supplies, with eyewitness accounts of extrajudicial killings.

It remains unclear whether Syrian troops have entered Suwayda city or are still stationed outside. Some Druze leaders have welcomed the ceasefire, while others remain opposed, according to local sources.

An unnamed Israeli official told reporters that Israel had agreed to permit the limited entry of Syrian security forces into Suwayda for 48 hours to stabilise the situation.

Al Jazeeras Mohamed Vall, reporting from Damascus, said the government framed its deployment as a neutral intervention to prevent civil strife. Al-Sharaa praised the people of Suwayda, stating both Druze and Arab communities were noble and only a small group sought violence.

According to Reuters, Syrias leadership believed it had prior approval from the US and Israel to send forces to the south. The misunderstanding appears to have triggered Israels sudden military reaction. The information was reportedly based on comments from Thomas Barrack, US special envoy for Syria, and bilateral talks with Israeli officials.

The current truce follows a week of rising regional tensions. Analysts describe Israels actions as part of a wider strategic campaign, including military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, and threats of renewed confrontation with Iran.

Nour Odeh, also reporting for Al Jazeera, said Israels strategy was less about protecting minorities and more about consolidating dominance across multiple fronts. This is a zero-sum formula of territorial expansion and concurrent wars, she said.

The violence in Suwayda has underscored the fragility of Syrias internal security and exposed the complexity of ethnic and religious dynamics. The Druze community, a small minority in Syria and Israel, has historically occupied a sensitive position in regional politics.

Barrack called on all ethnic and religious groups in Syria, including Druze, Bedouin, and Sunni communities, to disarm and build a new and unified Syrian identity.

HT
UNITED NATIONS, July 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called for efforts to advance Colombia's peace process.

The Colombian peace process is a fine example of ending conflict and rebuilding peace through dialogue and negotiation. As the Colombian peace process has entered uncharted waters, relevant parties should firm up their resolve, overcome difficulties, and steadfastly advance the peace process for the stability and development of the country, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

"The peace agreement remains an effective roadmap for peace consolidation in Colombia and achieving peace is in the interests of all Colombian parties," he told the UN Security Council.

China supports President Gustavo Petro's decision to prioritize the implementation of the peace agreement in the remainder of his term. China welcomes the recent formulation of the 2025 action plan by the Colombian government to clarify priorities in different sectors, he said.

"Comprehensive rural reform is a priority for implementing the peace agreement and an important pillar for Colombia's national development", said Geng. "China encourages the Colombian government to increase resource allocation, strengthen coordination, accelerate rural reform, and continuously unlock development dividends."

As Colombia's presidential poll draws near, China hopes that all parties in Colombia will prioritize people's well-being, cherish and safeguard the hard-won peace, and avoid a relapse into political violence, he said.

China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), including Colombia, in efforts to build a China-CELAC community with a shared future, thereby injecting positive energy into world peace and development, he said. 
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has defended his country's direct involvement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He described it as a justified act of solidarity with a "brother nation," according to a report published Saturday by state-run outlet KCNA.

"Our participation in the conflict was just, and it falls within the sovereign rights of our Republic," Kim said, according to KCNA. "I consider all the brave soldiers who participated in the Kursk operation to be heroes and the highest representatives of the nation's honor," he added.

In April, Pyongyang officially confirmed for the first time that it had deployed troops to support Russia's war efforts, following direct orders from Kim.

According to multiple reports, more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers, along with weapons, were sent to assist Russian forcesa move reflecting the deepening military cooperation between the two countries under a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2024.

In exchange for military support, South Korean officials believe North Korea has received technical aid for its satellite program, as well as drones and anti-aircraft missile technology from Russia.

KCNA reported that North Korean forces participated in reclaiming Russian territory previously held by Ukrainian troops, specifically referencing the battle to liberate the Kursk region. The report framed the operation as a symbol of the "highest strategic level of the firm militant friendship" between the two nations.

Kim also warned that Pyongyang would not hesitate to authorize military action should the United States continue what he described as provocations against Russia.

Meanwhile, Kim made a rare public appearance with his daughter at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on Friday to mark Russia's Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

North Korea "will consolidate and develop the long tradition of the DPRK-Russia relations, the noble ideological foundation and the invincible alliance," Kim said, according to KCNA.
In the last barely-functional hospital in Sweida, bodies are overflowing from the morgue, staff said, amid violence that has wracked the Druze-majority southern Syrian city for nearly a week.

"It's not a hospital anymore, it's a mass grave," said Rouba, a member of the medical staff at the city's sole government hospital, weeping as she appealed for aid.

Dr Omar Obeid, who heads the Sweida division at Syria's Order of Physicians, said the facility has received "more than 400 bodies since Monday morning", including women, children and the elderly.

"There's no more space in the morgue, the bodies are out on the street" in front of the hospital, he continued.

Fighting erupted Sunday night between Druze fighters and local Bedouin tribes before Syrian government forces intervened on Tuesday with the stated intention of quelling the violence.

But in the subsequent events, those government forces were accused of grave abuses against the minority, according to rights organisations, witnesses and Druze groups.

The government forces withdrew from the city on Thursday following threats from Israel, which has vowed to protect the Druze.

In the hospital on Friday, corridors were engulfed by the stench of the dead bodies, which had bloated beyond recognition, an AFP correspondent said.

Visibly overwhelmed, the handful of medical personnel remaining at the facility nonetheless rushed to do their best to offer care to the seemingly endless stream of wounded, many of them waiting in the hallways.

"There are only nine doctors and medical staff left, and they are working nonstop," said Rouba, who preferred not to give her full name.

"The situation is very bad, we have no water and no electricity, medicines are starting to run out," Rouba continued.

"There are people who have been at home for three days and we can't manage to rescue them," she said.

"The bodies are on the streets and no one can go out to get them. Yesterday, five big cars filled with bodies arrived at the hospital.

"There are women, children, people whose identities are unknown, cut-off arms or legs."

The United Nations on Friday urged an end to the bloodshed, demanding "independent, prompt and transparent investigations into all violations".

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the violence has claimed the lives of nearly 600 people since Sunday.

Omar Obeid told AFP that three of his colleagues were killed, including one who was "shot dead in his house, in front of his family".

Another was killed at point-blank range in her car as she drove through a security checkpoint, he said.

The third, "surgeon Talaat Amer was killed while he was at the hospital on Tuesday in a blue surgical gown to perform his duty", Obeid said.

"They shot him in the head. Then they called his wife and told her: your husband was wearing a surgical cap -- it's red now."
Venezuela on Friday received seven children who had been left behind in the United States after their parents were deported by the Donald Trump administration.

Seven boys and girls have been "rescued from the kidnapping to which they were being subjected," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said at Maiquetia International Airport that serves Caracas.

Cabello and First Lady Cilia Flores received the flight from Houston that also brought back 244 Venezuelans.

Hundreds of people protested in Caracas last week demanding the return of at least 30 children the government says remained in the United States after their Venezuelan parents were expelled.

Last month, parliamentary president Jorge Rodriguez said the children were "separated from their mothers, their fathers, their family, their grandparents" and "taken to institutions where they don't belong."

Cabello said Friday the government was working hard "to bring the children back."

He did not say when the seven were separated from their parents.

Official figures show that since February, more than 8,200 people, including many children, have been repatriated to Venezuela from the United States and Mexico.
JERUSALEM, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that it is investigating an incident of shooting at Palestinians in Rafah, the southern Gaza Strip, overnight.

Palestine's official news agency WAFA reported earlier that at least 25 Palestinians were killed, and more than 70 others injured after Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of civilians gathering near a food aid distribution center operated by a U.S.-Israeli company in the north of the city.

The IDF, however, stated that its troops opened fire after identifying suspects who approached them during operational activity in the Rafah area, claiming they posed a threat. It added that the shooting occurred about one kilometer from the aid distribution site, which, the IDF said, was not active at the time.

"The IDF is aware of reports regarding casualties. The incident is under review," the Israeli army's statement read. 
Bal Mohamed El Habib, former secretary-general of the Mauritanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to China, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on June 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

NOUAKCHOTT, July 19 (Xinhua) -- As China and Mauritania celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Mauritanian officials and scholars have hailed their enduring friendship and growing cooperation, calling the relationship a model for China-Africa and China-Arab relations.

El Mokhtar El Khalifa, a member of the National Assembly and head of the Mauritania-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, said Chinese-assisted projects, such as the Friendship Port, the Friendship Hospital and the Idini-Nouakchott urban water supply project, have significantly improved local living conditions and urban infrastructure.

"These projects are not only important landmarks in Mauritania, but also lasting symbols of the deep friendship between our peoples," he said.

A strong advocate for Mauritania-China ties, Khalifa said that since 2019, the National Assembly has passed key legislation, including the Investment Code and the Public-Private Partnership Law, to create a favorable environment for cooperation with China. The parliamentary friendship group has also promoted regular exchanges between lawmakers from both countries, with a focus on China's experience in poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

"We are committed to aligning Mauritania's Accelerated Growth and Shared Prosperity Strategy with China's Belt and Road Initiative to advance comprehensive strategic cooperation," he added.

Yarbane Kharrachi, president of the Association of Mauritanian Alumni of Chinese Universities and adviser to the minister of higher education and scientific research, said Mauritania and China have maintained a steady and independent path of cooperation since diplomatic relations were established in 1965, even during the Cold War.

"The relationship between Mauritania and China has remained strong and consistent despite changes in the international landscape," he said.

Highlighting China's role as Mauritania's largest trading partner, major aid provider and key infrastructure partner, Kharrachi said the Friendship Port is a pillar of the national economy and the recently completed China-Mauritania Friendship Overpass, inaugurated in May, is a new symbol of partnership.

"China stood with us during the hardest moments of the COVID-19 pandemic. In times of need, China is always a reliable friend," he said.

In July 2023, China and Mauritania signed a cooperation plan to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative, which Kharrachi said marked a new chapter in their strategic collaboration.

"Mauritania serves as a gateway to northwest Africa and is rich in renewable energy and mineral resources," he said. "We hope to build an economic corridor and regional cooperation platform for the Sahel under the Belt and Road framework, contributing to a China-Africa community with a shared future," Kharrachi said.

Bal Mohamed El Habib, former secretary-general of the Mauritanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to China, said Mauritania has always supported the one-China principle and stood by China on the international stage, including at the United Nations.

"The decision to establish diplomatic ties with China was both historic and strategic. It opened new avenues for Mauritania's development," he said.

During his time as ambassador, Habib witnessed major progress in bilateral cooperation in education, healthcare and energy. Looking ahead, he sees vast potential in emerging areas such as quality education, youth employment and digital connectivity.

"I hope both sides will expand cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative," he said. 

Yarbane Kharrachi, president of the Association of Mauritanian Alumni of Chinese Universities and adviser to the minister of higher education and scientific research, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on June 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai He)

El Mokhtar El Khalifa, a member of the National Assembly and head of the Mauritania-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on June 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)
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The 1890 Simmons Cottage features a curved front porch. The property also features a five-bay two-story barn. The fifth bay is up the driveway. PreviousNext

Friday Front Porch Feature: A Historic Simmons Cottage



The house has plenty of vintage charm and a new roof, heating system and updated kitchen and bathrooms.

ADAMS, Mass  Are you looking for a charming cottage to spend your days in? Then this is the house for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are discussing a single-family home at 2 Melrose St., directly behind the Adams Free Library.

This 1890 Simmons Cottage has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It comes with dryer, built-in electric oven, washer, refrigerator, range, microwave. The house is 2,406 square feet with 0.24 acres.

The kitchen was recently updated as well as the roof and heating system. The house has multiple preserved features, including built-in cabinets and curved front porch, and is a short walk to stores and restaurants.

The Simmons family had lived in the house until 1973. They had owned and operated Simmons Furniture Store on Park Street and Simmons Funeral Home.

The asking price is $575,000.

We spoke to listers Nick Geranios and Diane Thorson with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty along with the current owners.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

This home offers something truly rare: a blend of historic charm, unique architectural craftsmanship, and a walk-to-town location that's increasingly hard to find. The Simmons Cottage, built in 1890, is filled with preserved period features  from Lincrusta ceilings and walls to original woodwork and stained glass windows  all thoughtfully maintained and enhanced by recent updates like a renovated kitchen, modern baths, and major system upgrades. It's a turnkey opportunity to own a piece of Adams history in the heart of the Berkshires.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Yes  one of the more fascinating bits of history is about the carriage barn, which was once used by a local funeral parlor in the front house. It originally housed four horse stalls, and when the business transitioned to motorized vehicles, the entire structure was moved to its current location. Today, that barn serves as a five-car garage with potential for creative future use  a link to the past that remains very much part of the property's charm.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Absolutely. The home is rich with architectural detail, including original Lincrusta ceiling and wall treatments in the entry hall and dining room, stained-glass windows in both the living room and powder room, and decorative plaster ceilings that add to the elegance of each room.

Every space is thoughtfully preserved, including a paneled den/office, butler's pantry with a wet bar, and a grand foyer with a fireplace and window seat. At the same time, the kitchen has been fully updated with granite counters, a breakfast bar, and custom cabinetry, and the roof and heating system have been recently replaced  so the big-ticket work is already done.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

This is a home that invites memory-making. With its flowing layout, sun-drenched rooms, and welcoming front porch, it's ideal for both everyday living and holiday celebrations. The house offers a mix of elegance and warmth that's perfect for a growing family, creative retreat, or anyone who wants to live surrounded by beauty and character. It's a place where every corner feels intentional and lived-in, yet ready for new stories to be written.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

The best way to describe it? "Walking into this house is like walking into a hug." There's a comfort and quiet grace that fills every room. Whether you're stepping into the wood-paneled den, enjoying the light pouring into the kitchen, or sitting beside the foyer fireplace, it just feels like home  layered with history, but completely welcoming and warm.

What do the current owners love most about the home?

They love the location, nestled in a walkable neighborhood close to restaurants, shops, and some of the Berkshires' best destinations. But more than anything, they love the space and spirit of the house itself  the way it has held decades of family life, hosted holidays, and always remained a place of joy and comfort. After 45 years, it still feels like the heart of their story.

What was their first impression when they saw the home?

They knew it was the one the moment they walked in. The original features, the soaring ceilings, the way the house flows  everything spoke to them. Over the years, as they made updates, they were always mindful to honor the home's originality and soul. It was clear from day one: this was where they wanted to raise their family and build their life.

You can find out more about this house on its listing.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
Hoff Leads Pittsfield Babe Ruth 14s at Regional

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I.  The Pittsfield 14-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars Friday opened the New England Regional with a 4-3 win over Stamford, Conn.

After giving up a run in the top of the first, Pittsfield scored twice in the bottom of the frame and twice in the second for all the offense Bryce Hoff needed.

Hoff allowed just two runs in six innings of work on the mound before giving the ball to Kevin Smith, who struck out the side in order in the top of the seventh to secure the win.

Hoff helped his cause by going 2-for-2 with a pair of RBIs and a run scored on offense.

Noah Malone was 1-for-2 with an RBI, and Aiden Arseneau was 1-for-1 at the plate and scored twice.

Pittsfield (1-0 in pool play) takes on the Maine State Champion on Saturday afternoon.
JERUSALEM, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Saturday that dozens of Israeli Druze civilians forcibly crossed the border into Syria overnight, amid escalating tensions following recent clashes in Syria's southern Sweida province.

Deadly fighting erupted last week in Syria between Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes, and forces of Syria's interim government.

The border incident occurred near Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, where Israeli soldiers and Border Police attempted to disperse a violent gathering of civilians. Despite their efforts, dozens managed to cross into Syrian territory, according to the IDF.

"The IDF strongly condemns all violence against its personnel and security forces," the Israeli military statement said, adding that "crossing the border into Syria is a criminal offense that endangers both the civilians involved and IDF soldiers."

The army said efforts are underway to return those who crossed the border.

On Saturday, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had agreed to a cessation of hostilities, brokered by the United States, following recent deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria that prompted Israeli intervention through heavy airstrikes. 
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North Korea has barred foreign tourists from a newly opened beach resort on its east coast just weeks after promoting it as a world-class tourist and cultural destination.

Days after Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov vowed to help boost tourism in North Korea, authorities abruptly halted foreign access to the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area  offering no explanation for the unexpected move, according to Bloomberg.

North Koreas official tourism site, DPR Korea Tour, announced on Wednesday that foreign visitors are temporarily not accepted in the zone, the Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper reported.

After years in the making, North Koreas Benidorm-style beach resort finally opened on 24 June  well past its original launch date of 15 April 2019, timed to honour national founder Kim Il Sungs birthday.

The project, centred on a long white-sand beach near an airport in Kangwon province, had been delayed by sweeping international sanctions and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The resort has drawn visitors from across the country, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). State media touted it as a national treasure-level tourism city  a glittering seaside development that contrasts sharply with the widespread hunger and hardship reported by human rights observers across North Korea.

open image in gallery Children run into sea at the Wonsan-Kalma resort on 2 July 2025 ( AP )

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un celebrated the resorts completion, hailing it as one of the regimes greatest successes this year.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort recently began attracting Russian tourists, with a travel agency reportedly scheduling two more tours for August, according to the BBC.

Mr Kims choice to host Mr Lavrov there on 12 July  instead of in Pyongyang  was widely seen as a strategic showcase. The North Korean leader told Mr Lavrov that he was the resorts first foreign guest.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova lavished praise on the resort during a Sputnik Radio interview this week, calling it a fantastic holiday destination with perfectly equipped facilities.

The resort stretches along 2.5 miles of coastline and can host up to 20,000 visitors, according to state media.

Its reportedly outfitted with amenities aimed at rivalling global beach destinations  a goal underscored in 2017 when Mr Kim dispatched a delegation to Benidorm to study its theme parks, high-rise hotels, and marina facilities.

open image in gallery Kim Jong Un and his daughter on the beach at the resort ( KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty )

A North Korean tourism brochure cited by the BBC lists 43 hotels lining the beachfront, alongside guesthouses on a man-made lake and campgrounds catering to different traveller types.

When the resort was thrown open, Mr Kim was seen relaxing poolside next to his daughter and presumed heir Kim Ju Ae with a pack of cigarettes, cold drink, and a towel.

Tourism is a crucial source of income for the sanctions-stricken Kim regime, but since loosening its pandemic border controls, North Korea has admitted only a limited number of Russian visitors. Foreign tourists are closely monitored, typically confined to approved accommodation and restricted in their movements.

open image in gallery Kim Jong Un waves to a crowd at an opening ceremony for the resort ( KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty )

North Korea hasnt explained why its restricting foreign access to the resort, though some analysts suggest the site may still be undergoing final development or improvements.

The resort is undoubtedly open, but its not quite finished yet, the 38 North programme at the Stimson Centre think tank said, citing satellite imagery.

One of the largest buildings at the resort, a hotel near the Kalmaegi Hotel, does not appear to be in use. There is little activity nearby and the rooftop pool has yet to be filled with water. Its name, along with those of several other buildings, is also missing from a map published by the state of the tourist area.

Earlier, North Korea also unveiled the new Kalma train station, saying it was constructed to ensure a high level of convenience for travellers to the coastal tourist area.

open image in gallery Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae at an opening ceremony for the resort ( KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty )

Wonsan-Kalma is open to just North Koreans for now, but we should not be surprised to see Russians at the resort in the not-too-distant future, Rachel Minyoung Lee, a non-resident fellow with the 38 North programme was quoted as saying by CNN.

More broadly, the opening of a major beach resort like Wonsan-Kalma helps to reinforce the state media narrative of Kims people-first policy and helps to balance out his greater focus on building up national defence, Ms Lee added.

A Russian media report claimed locals had posed as tourists to stage a lively scene during Mr Lavrovs visit. Despite state claims of the resorts popularity, the beach was largely deserted, according to a reporter from the Kommersant newspaper, who accompanied Mr Lavrov.

The North Korean government is believed to have determined that it would face some negative consequences when it opens the site to foreigners, Oh Gyeong Seob, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Some believe the ban on foreign tourists wont last long. If foreign tourists arent allowed to the site, Russian rubles, Chinese yuans and dollars wont come in. Then, North Korea cant break even and it has to shut down the resort, said Ahn Chan Il, head of the World Institute for North Korean Studies think tank in Seoul.
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An analysis of the cockpit voice recorder from the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad last month reportedly showed the younger co-pilot asking the captain why he had turned off the fuel switches.

The analysis came after an initial investigation into the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash, which killed at least 260 people, found the aircrafts fuel switches had almost simultaneously flipped from run position to cutoff three seconds after take-off.

First officer Clive Kunder was at the controls during take-off and at the time of the crash, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources. It was Kunder who asked captain Sumeet Sabharwal why he had flipped the switches, starving the engines of fuel, according to the report.

The preliminary report published by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said one pilot was heard on the voice recorder asking the other why he had cut off the fuel. The other pilot responded that he did not do so, the report added.

The report, however, stopped short of attributing blame.

Shortly after taking off for London at 1.37pm local time on 12 June, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner started to lose thrust and sink, the report said.

All but one of the 242 people onboard flight AI171 to Gatwick were killed, including 53 Britons. At least 19 people also died on the ground as the plane crashed into a medical college building.

An association of Indian pilots had rejected the investigation reports insinuation that pilot error could be behind the crash.

The Airline Pilots Association of India, representing Indian pilots at the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations in Montreal, called for a fair, fact-based inquiry.

The pilots body must now be made part of the probe, at least as observers, the associations India president Sam Thomas said.

The Journal did not state if there was evidence Sabharwal had indeed moved the fuel switches beyond the verbal exchange quoted in the report. But it quoted American pilots familiar with the Indian investigation report as saying that Kunder, the pilot actively flying, likely would have had his hands full pulling back on the Dreamliners controls at that stage of the flight.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal

Sabharwal, 56, started his aviation career in the early 1990s and logged over 15,000 hours of flying experience. After joining Air India in 1994, he went on to become line training captain, a role to train and guide co-pilots during live flights. He had obtained clearances to fly as pilot-in-command on several aircraft, including the Boeing 787 and 777 and the Airbus A310.

At least 8,596 hours of his total flying experience of 15,638 hours were logged on a Boeing 787.

open image in gallery Sumeet Sabharwals father offers prayers next to his body in Mumbai, India ( Reuters )

Sabharwal, from the western Indian city of Mumbai, was widely regarded as disciplined and professional, with no complaint ever filed against him. Friends and relatives remembered him as a soft-spoken and humble man.

Months away from his retirement, he planned to stay with his father, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, 88, to take care of him. He never married or had children.

His neighbours earlier told The Indian Express he had been looking forward to spending more time at home and caring for his ageing parent.

On the day of the crash, he reportedly called his father from the airport. Ill call you once I reach London, he reportedly told him. That call never came.

First officer Clive Kunder

First officer Cliver Kunder, 32, unlike Sabharwal, was at the beginning of a promising aviation career, with over 3,400 hours of flight time to his name.

Kunder grew up in Mumbai and lived alone in the citys Goregaon area. According to Indian media reports quoting relatives, he had dreamt of flying since childhood. He began his journey as a pilot in 2012 and joined Air India in 2017.

open image in gallery People console the mother of Clive Kunder ( Reuters )

His commercial pilots licence, issued in 2020, was valid until 26 September 2025. He had obtained clearances to fly Cessna 172 and Piper PA-34 Seneca aircraft as pilot-in-command and Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 jets as co-pilot.

Kunder was also looking forward to a new chapter in his personal life as he was just two months away from getting married.

At his funeral at the Sewri Christian Cemetery near his home, Steffi Miranda, a close friend from Wilson College, addressed the gathering of family and friends.

Seventeen years ago, we met Clive for the first time. Since then, we watched him grow, evolve, and soar, she said.

Though grief surrounds us, there is pride too  in who Clive became. He hasnt left us; hes only flying higher now.

open image in gallery Friends and family members mourn near the coffin of Clive Kunder in Mumbai ( Reuters )

Both Sabharwals and Kunders fascination for aviation had begun at home. Sabharwals father had retired from Indias aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, while Kunders mother was a former Air India flight attendant.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson earlier said that both pilots had passed the mandatory pre-flight breathalyser tests and there were no observations about their medical status.

The Air India crash investigation is far from over, Mr Wilson said, adding that the airline continued to cooperate with authorities, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

However, he cautioned against premature conclusions amid growing scrutiny over the preliminary investigation.
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Donald Trump has claimed that up to five fighter jets were shot down during the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan.

The nuclear-powered neighbours stepped back from the brink of all-out war in May following their worst military escalation in decades which saw dozens of people killed in cross-border shelling as well as drone and missile attacks on both sides.

Mr Trump, who has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire that ended the conflict after four days, made the remarks at a dinner with some Republican lawmakers at the White House, without clarifying which sides planes he meant.

In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually," Mr Trump said while talking about the conflict.

India confirmed for the first time on 31 May that it had lost jets during the conflict but refused to clarify their number or nature.

India switched tactics after suffering losses in the air on the first day of hostilities and established an advantage before a ceasefire was announced, General Anil Chauhan, the countrys chief of defence staff, said.

A woman inspects damage caused to her house by Pakistani artillery shelling in the border village of Gingal in Indian part of Kashmir on 14 May 2025 ( AP )

After the conflict broke out in May, both Pakistan and India claimed to have downed each others fighter jets in a dogfight that reportedly involved over 125 aircraft, making it the largest aerial battle since the Second World War.

Pakistan claimed it had shot down five Indian aircraft in air-to-air combat, including the French Rafale. India said it had downed a few planes, a claim that was refuted by Islamabad, even though the country acknowledged its air bases had suffered hits.

Mr Trump has claimed credit over 60 times for the ceasefire that he announced on social media on May 10 after Washington held talks with both India and Pakistan.

India has contested the US presidents claim that the truce resulted from his intervention and his threat to sever trade ties if the two countries continued fighting.

India has insisted that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their problems directly and with no outside involvement.

The conflict broke out after India attacked alleged militant camps in Pakistan to avenge the deaths of 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, killed in a terror attack in the Indian part of Kashmir on 22 April.

New Delhi accused Pakistan of backing the gunmen who carried out the massacre in the restive Himalayan valley. Islamabad denied the charge and sought an independent investigation.

The Indian strikes escalated the tensions into a military conflict as the two sides exchanged fire along their de facto border in Kashmir as well as missile and drone strikes on military installations. Washington condemned the 22 April attack, but did not directly blame Islamabad.
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The Metropolitan Police has arrested 55 demonstrators in central London holding placards which express support for Palestine Action, as dozens were detained at similar protests across the country.

It is the third weekend in a row in which protests against the proscription of Palestine Action as a terror group have ended in mass arrests in the capital, after 42 were hauled away by police last weekend.

The force confirmed on Saturday it had started making arrests after demonstrators wrote the message I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action on white placards and held the signs aloft before being surrounded by police officers at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Square.

The Metropolitan Police said 55 people were arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for holding the signs in support of the banned group.

Some were carried away by officers, while others were led away in handcuffs. A small number of counter-protesters held up placards which said there is no genocide but there are 50 hostages still captive.

The Met said 70 people were arrested at similar demonstrations in Parliament Square over the past two weekends.

open image in gallery Officers carry a demonstrator away from Parliament Square ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

A further eight people taking part in a separate Palestine Coalition march were arrested for supporting a proscribed organisation, the Met said, along with one for a racially aggravated public order offence and one for breaching Public Order Act conditions.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed it had arrested 17 people under the Terrorism Act and a number of placards were seized during a protest in Bristol.

We will always aim to enable peaceful protest, however where criminal offences are committed, including those related to proscribed groups, we will intervene, the force said.

Greater Manchester Police said 16 people were arrested on suspicion of support of a proscribed organisation, adding that they remained in custody for questioning.

open image in gallery Officers carry a protester away from Parliament Square ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

In Truro, Cornwall, eight people were detained for holding the same signs, according to organisers Defend Our Juries.

Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement that around 30 protesters were involved in a peaceful demonstration.

The force added: A number of placards which were contrary to the law remained on display despite police advice.

Eight people, two men and six women, were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They remain in police custody.

The coordinated action comes ahead of a High Court hearing on Monday in which the co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, will ask for the green light to challenge the home secretarys decision to ban the group under anti-terror laws.

Yvette Cooper announced plans to ban the organisation after two Voyager aircraft were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on 20 June, an incident claimed by Palestine Action, which police said caused about 7m worth of damage.

The ban means that membership of, or support for, the direct action group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act 2000.

open image in gallery Metropolitan Police officers remove a protester from Parliament Square ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said: Just a few weeks ago, being arrested under the Terrorism Act was the stuff of nightmares.

Now its a badge of honour that people are wearing with pride  the mark of resistance to genocide and standing firm for our democratic freedoms.

An increased police presence was planned in Westminster for the Defend Our Juries demo in Parliament Square, the separate large-scale march to Whitehall by the Palestine Coalition and a static counter-protest by Stop the Hate.

Ahead of the protests, deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan warned his officers would be on alert over the use of chants similar to that of death to the IDF led by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival.

He said: This is also the first large-scale protest on this issue since Glastonbury Festival where offensive chanting led by an artist on one of the stages prompted a police investigation.

open image in gallery Officers said they arrested 55 people in central London ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

Investigations are also underway, led by Met officers, following similar uses of the same chant in London.

He went on: At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter-protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point, he said.

Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality, they will intervene and take appropriate action.

open image in gallery Protesters holding the signs that led to their arrest ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

Mr Adelekan said those expressing support for Palestine Action will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.

He added: I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications  from travel, to employment, to finances  that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.

He said the best way for protesters to stay within the law is to avoid threatening, abusive and insulting language or any support for banned groups.
Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, May 4, 2025. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, May 4, 2025. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

People dine at a restaurant at the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, April 12, 2023. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, May 4, 2025. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, April 12, 2023. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, May 4, 2025. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows an exhibition center at the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows an exhibition center at the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the 798 Art Zone in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. Built on the site of an abandoned factory complex, the 798 Art Zone, with age-old auburn bricks of its facade that are reminiscent of its industrial past, becomes a renowned place for museums and galleries of contemporary art. The art zone recorded 12.57 million visits in 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
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When the email from the Ministry of Defence dropped into his inbox, Qarghas heart leapt. After an agonising four-year wait, he hoped that this would finally be confirmation that he could escape the threat of the Taliban and be brought to safety in the UK.

Instead, it was news that the government had exposed his personal information  and kept him in the dark about it for nearly two years.

Already in fear for his life, he will now take extra precautions even when going for a walk or shopping.

He is one of around 18,700 Afghans whose names and contact details were exposed in the catastrophic data leak, which happened when an MoD official emailed a secret database to trusted contacts in February 2022.

The blunder, which has resulted in some 16,000 Afghans affected by the breach being relocated to Britain as part of a covert operation, was discovered after someone posted parts of the database online in August 2023.

News of the breach prompted the government to use an unprecedented superinjunction to keep the breach a secret in an attempt to block further spread of the information, meaning that even those affected could not be told.

Ministers had argued that 100,000 peoples lives were at risk of Taliban reprisals if news of the data breach got out, but a government-commissioned review later concluded that being identified on the dataset was unlikely to constitute sole grounds for targeting.

Just before the gagging order was finally lifted on Tuesday, the MoD scrambled to email tens of thousands of Afghans, warning them their data was compromised.

open image in gallery This is not a third-world country. This is the UK...How have they managed to leak this information?, one former Afghan commando said ( The Independent )

Desperate for news that MoD caseworkers had finally made a decision on his case, Qargha, a former member of the Afghan security forces who is still in Afghanistan, thought the email would finally confirm his eligibility approval.

But he was shocked when he discovered the truth.

He told The Independent: I am very concerned about the leak of my personal information and I understood more about it from Afghan International TV as well. They said this leak will put many lives at risk.

My day-to-day life will be harder now. I am living in a safehouse and I know that today or tomorrow, if I need to go to the hospital or seek help for anything, I will have to be more cautious now. I am putting restrictions on myself  being more cautious about going shopping, going for a walk, going to the park or going for a haircut.

open image in gallery Afghans affected by the data breach receive a red warning message when they put in their reference number to the MoDs checking system ( Ministry of Defence )

The former soldier applied for sanctuary in the UK in 2021, but he was rejected along with many members of former Afghan specialist units in the summer of 2023. During that time, one UK special forces liaison officer oversaw the blanket rejection of 1,585 such applications.

Qargha is waiting on a review of that decision, and the years of limbo are taking their toll as his agonising wait continues.

My old home has already been raided twice. It is impacting me mentally, having to wait for so long. Everyone knows us and the work we did against the Taliban before the takeover, so my life is hard, stress level is up, everything is up, he said.

One former member of the Afghan special forces unit, ATF444, who served alongside the British yet were left behind after the withdrawal, is also still waiting for a review of his application for help.

Akthar said that after he received the two alert emails from the MoD, he had a lot of questions. I dont understand, this is not a third-world country. This is the UK, where access to technology is high. How have they managed to leak this information?, he told The Independent.

We are already at risk and they have put us at more risk. There are lots of questions but what can we do about it  nothing.

Whatever caution we were taking before, we should triple that caution. At this moment, the fear is like hell.

My moving around has become restricted a lot. Before, if I was taking 50 per cent precaution for my safety, I need to make sure Im doing it 100 per cent, he added. Last week, Taliban members began door-to-door raids of the district he was in, so he jumped in a car with a friend and drove for 12 hours to a different province, he said.

He also needs to try to work to get money to support members of his family. Its making me desperate, he said, adding: My family has not done anything to anybody and they dont deserve to die.

Another former member of the Afghan security forces said his stress changed to depression on receiving the bright red warning message, alerting him that his information had been breached. My stress level is very high, all I can do is wait for my application to be processed, he said.

The Independent revealed on Wednesday that hundreds of Afghan special forces soldiers had had their details leaked in the MoD breach.

Some 18,500 people affected by the leak have been brought to the UK or are on their way, while 5,400 have received approval letters but still need to be evacuated.

Ministers have said that, while the MoDs resettlement scheme (Arap) has been closed to new applicants, existing cases will still be processed. But no timeframe for the evacuations has been given, leaving those affected in limbo.

An MoD spokesperson said: We will not comment on individual cases.

This government is fully committed to delivering on the pledge made by parliament to those in Afghanistan who are eligible to relocate and resettle.

We aim to see through our commitment to those eligible under the ARP to its completion by the end of the parliament. Eligible Afghans and their families will continue to arrive in the UK for the foreseeable future.

Names have been changed for safety reasons
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Racial disparities in the criminal justice system are shameful for London, the head of the Metropolitan Police has said.

Sir Mark Rowley told Sky News Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that racial disparity among suspects and victims of crime in the capital remained a difficult issue for the force.

The Met Police Commissioner said there was a history between policing and black communities where policing has got a lot wrong, and we get a lot more right today.

But we do still make mistakes. Thats not in doubt, Sir Mark added.

Im being as relentless in that as it can be.

He continued: The vast majority of our people are good people.

But that legacy, combined with the tragedy that some of this crime falls most heavily in black communities, that creates a real problem because the legacy creates concern.

Its not right that black boys growing up in London are more likely to be dead by the time theyre 18, far more likely than white boys, the commissioner said.

Sir Mark spoke on Sky News Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips (James Manning/PA)

Thats, I think, shameful for the city.

The challenge for us is, as we reach in to tackle those issues, that confrontation that comes from that reaching in, whether its stop and search on the streets or the sort of operations you seek.

The danger is thats landing in an environment with less trust.

And that makes it even harder. But the people who win out of that, all of the criminals.

He added: Im so determined to find a way to get past this because if policing in black communities can find a way to confront these issues, together we can give black boys growing up in London equal life chances to white boys, which is not what were seeing at the moment.

And its not simply about policing, is it? he added.

I think black boys are several times more likely to be excluded from school, for example, than white boys.

And there are multiple issues layered on top of each other that feed into disproportionality.

The police chief said the Met is a stretched service, but that people who call 999 can expect an officer to attend.

If you are in the middle of the crisis and something awful is happening and you dial 999, officers will get there really quickly, Sir Mark said.

I dont pretend were not a stretched service.

We are smaller than I think we ought to be, but I dont want to give a sort of message of a lack of hope or a lack of determination.

Ive seen the mayor and the Home Secretary fighting hard for police resourcing, he added.

Its not what Id want it to be, but its better than it might be without their efforts.

Sir Mark went on to say that the criminal justice system was close-to-broken and can be frustrating for officers.

He said: The thing that is frustrating is that the system  and no system can be perfect  but when the system hasnt managed to turn that persons life around and get them on the straight and narrow, and it just becomes a revolving door.

When that happens, of course thats frustrating for officers.

So the more successful prisons and probation can be in terms of getting people onto a law-abiding life from the path theyre on, the better.

But that is a real challenge. I mean, were talking just after Sir Brian Leveson put his report out about the close-to-broken criminal justice system.

And its absolutely vital that those repairs and reforms that hes talking about happen really quickly, because the system is now so stressed.

Sir Mark gave the example of Snaresbrook Crown Court in London, which he said had more than 100 cases listed for 2029.

If its someone on bail, then who might have stolen your phone or whatever and going in for a criminal court trial, that could be four years away.

And thats pretty unacceptable, isnt it? he added.
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Nigel Farage is facing calls to sack his right-hand man Zia Yusuf after the senior Reform UK figure said that a member of his team accidentally pressed like on an antisemitic post which attacked the wife of Tory MP Robert Jenrick.

The former Reform chair, who now heads the partys Doge unit, has apologised for the incident, which comes after an anonymous X user posted a video that appeared to show Mr Yusuf liking a tweet which said: Reminder that Jenrick is a traitorous Zogbot with a Jewish wife and family. Im sure its unrelated that he imported infinite brown savages to rape our women and children.

Zogbot is a derogatory term for a Zionist.

The anonymous account that shared the screen recording of Mr Yusufs interaction with the post described it as absolutely horrifying antisemitism.

Since last summer, likes on X have been privatised, so that only the liker and the poster can see them, rather than a wider audience.

In response, Mr Jenrick said he called bull**** and pointed out that Mr Yusuf had been calling him a traitor for the previous 48 hours over the Afghan data breach in what had become an ugly spat.

open image in gallery Zia Yusuf with Nigel Farage last month ( Getty )

The shadow justice minister claimed the mask has slipped and urged Reform to sever ties with Mr Yusuf.

Mr Yusuf responded with an apology after critics of the former Reform UK chair picked up the criticism to demand that he be sacked by Mr Farage.

In his statement, he said: One of the team who post to my X account accidentally pressed like on an awful antisemitic tweet earlier today. I apologise for this.

He added: The post also refers to brown savages, and is equally racist against me. Clearly it was not intentional.

The amount of antisemitism and racism on this platform is spiralling out of control, and I hope that changes soon.

But responding, Mr Jenrick claimed he did not believe Mr Yusufs explanation.

In a post directed at Mr Yusuf, he said: I call bull****. Youve spent the last 48 hours calling me a traitor for not drawing attention to a leaked spreadsheet with our special forces and MI6 officers names on.

But were meant to believe this tweet attacking me as a traitor for having a Jewish wife and family was liked accidentally by one of the team. You must think were all thick.

open image in gallery Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick ( PA Wire )

No. The mask has slipped. Likes are private. You thought nobody would ever know. Unfortunately for you, the racist account who posted the tweet and could see the likes exposed you. Reform should give you the boot.

Mr Yusuf has been a controversial figure in Reform after he helped fund its general election campaign before being brought in as chair to modernise the party.

He was blamed by supporters of Rupert Lowe for the Great Yarmouth MP being ousted from Reform but had the full backing of Mr Farage.

Mr Yusuf then temporarily resigned from the party after having a spat with Reforms recently elected Runcorn MP Sarah Pochin, after she asked a question in PMQs calling for the burqa to be banned.

He returned 24 hours later but was replaced as chair by long-term Farage ally Dr David Bull and instead agreed to head its Doge unit, modelled on the one Elon Musk created for Donald Trump, which aims to find savings and cut costs in councils Reform won control of in May.
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A California hospital system is under fire after a series of complaints which allege they lost bodies and failed to inform multiple families about the deaths of their relatives.

Dignity Health is accused of callous, reckless, and outrageous failure for not notifying families about their dead loved ones or issuing death certificates, SFGate reports. A 2022 health department audit, reviewed by SFGate, states one hospital, Mercy San Juan Medical Center, had significant failures when it came to processing the dead.

Now, families are filing complaints against the California hospital system as they mourn their relatives.

The family of Jessie Peterson filed a complaint against Dignity Health following her death in April 2023. The initial complaint was filed last year but has since been amended to broaden the scope when it was discovered more people may have been impacted.

The complaint, shared with The Independent by the familys attorney Marc Greenberg, reveals Peterson, 31, died after she was admitted to Mercy San Juan Medical Center during a diabetic episode.

open image in gallery Jessie Peterson's family didn't find her body until April 2024. Her body was so decomposed that an autopsy to rule out medical malpractice was impossible, the family's complaint alleges ( Superior Court of the State of California )

Petersons mother alleges that she was never contacted about her daughters death, and that hospital staff incorrectly told her she had left against medical advice.

Her family embarked on a year-long search, posting flyers and asking friends about her whereabouts, SFGate reports. The family finally found closure a year after her death, when police discovered Petersons body at the Mortuary Support Services of Northern California. Her body was so badly decomposed that her family was unable to hold an open-casket funeral, SFGate reports.

The decomposition also made it impossible for officials to conduct an autopsy to determine if there was any medical malpractice, the complaint states.

The Peterson family isnt alone.

The family of Tonya Walker, a 51-year-old, mother of four, reported her missing on November 10, 2023. She was homeless at the time, but her family told SFGate she kept in regular contact with them.

The family was unaware that Walker had been admitted to a Dignity Health hospital on October 31, 2023 for low blood sugar, high blood pressure and high potassium levels. She died on November 2, 2023.

This led to a months-long missing person search. The family hung thousands of posters and offered a reward for information, SFGate reports. They didnt find her until May 31, 2024, when local police discovered Walker, according to the complaint. She was also at the Mortuary Support Services of Northern California.

open image in gallery Tonya Walkers family says Dignity Health never notified them about her death and failed to issue a death certificate. ( Superior Court of the State of California )

Now, Walkers family alleges Dignity Health never notified them about her death, and failed to issue a death certificate. When they found her in the morgue, they said her body was unrecognizable and it appeared her eyes and skin were removed, SFGate reports.

The familys complaint states that Dignity Health unilaterally made the decision to make Ms. Walker an organ donor, and then without any permission whatsoever, harvested Ms. Walkers eyes and tissue.

An attorney for Walkers family, Rachel Fiset, told The Independent that the hospital knowingly and repeatedly violated their legal obligations.

The behavior has caused severe emotional distress beyond measure, particularly when coupled with what appears to be harvesting organs without authorization and storing dozens of unembalmed bodies in cold storage for months, and even years, to decompose, Fiset said. Its a gross disregard for human life and the dozens of cases suggest the actions were at the least reckless, if not intentional.

The family also named Mortuary Support Services of Northern California in their complaint. An attorney for the morgues owner, Michael Lofton, told SFGate the company denies any liability related to the allegations.

Obviously this is a very unfortunate situation; however, our client, Mortuary Support Services of Northern California, disputes that it has any liability in this matter and we intend to vigorously defend any claims against it, the attorney said. However, as this matter is now in litigation, we cannot comment further.

Other Dignity Health patients have reportedly gone missing after their deaths. One unnamed patient went missing in 2023 after their body was picked up by an unknown person, SFGate reports, citing health department records.

A spokesperson for Dignity Health declined to comment on the allegations to SFGate.

The Independent has contacted Dignity Health and Mortuary Support Services of Northern California for comment.
 Close Emergency responders on site after Los Angeles car collision injured dozens

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The driver of a vehicle that plowed into revelers outside an East Hollywood nightclub in Los Angeles is being treated for a gunshot wound, while at least 20 others are injured, officials said.

Seven people are in critical condition after the driver of the Nissan Versa crashed into bystanders outside The Vermont Hollywood club on Santa Monica Boulevard at around 2 a.m. Saturday, authorities said.

There was a vehicle that had somebody lose consciousness inside the vehicle. Drove into a taco cart and ultimately ran into a large number of people who were outside of the club, said Capt. Adam VanGerpen, public information officer for the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

It is still unconfirmed, but we have reports that there was a gunshot wound in one of the patients. There was a patient inside the vehicle. They were able to extricate that patient. Thats still ongoing with the investigation, VanGerpen added.

Pictures from the scene showed the extent of the damage, with the front of the vehicle completely smashed in and debris scattered on the sidewalk and road.

Fridays club event was billed as So-Cals Biggest Reggaeton & Hip-Hop Party.
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Fans were so eager to get their hands on the McDonalds chicken Snack Wrap, which was returned to the menu this month after being retired in 2016, they briefly caused a lettuce shortage for the chain.

In a communication about a week ago to U.S. franchisees, the Golden Arches told locations impacted by the shortage to hold off on adding shredded lettuce to other items such as McChicken sandwiches to preserve the supply, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The company said the dip in supplies was only temporary, driven by an exceptional response to the July 10 return of the popular menu item.

Weve been blown away by the response, from packed restaurants with lines out the door to nonstop social buzz, a McDonalds spokesperson told NBC News, adding that customers showed up in full force.

Over the years, fans continued to press McDonalds to bring back the Snack Wrap, launching a petition with over 18,000 signatures, and barraging company inboxes with messages.

The McDonalds Snack Wrap returned on July 10, driving a surge in sales and causing some restaurants to reportedly run out of lettuce ( Getty/McDonald's )

In the run-up to the Snack Wrap re-release, the company even published a WikiLeaks-style trove of Snack Wrap emails called the Snack Wrap Files.

Please, I am begging you, one March email to the company reads, along with the subject line BRING BACK THE SNACKWRAP.

What will it take to bring back the Snack Wrap? the messenger added.

Lettuce issues aside, the spike in interest in the $2.99 wrap was good news for McDonalds, which suffered a 3.6 percent year-over-year drop in sales last quarter, its worst since the early days of the pandemic.

The company has faced particular issues with low and middle income diners pulling back spending amid increased food prices in the wider economy.

Snack wrap return gives McDonalds a huge boost on Wall Street

Internally, the company has also reportedly warned that foreign locations may be impacted by an increase in anti-American sentiment, in what may be a reflection of shifting consumer attitudes as the U.S. has pursued a confrontational strategy of tariffs against major trading partners under the Trump administration.

McDonalds also faced calls for a consumer boycott last month from the activist group Peoples Union USA, which accused the chain of price gouging, unfair labor practices, and avoiding taxes.

This is about more than burgers and fries, this is about power, The Peoples Union USA said in a statement on Instagram at the time. When we unite and hit corporations in their wallets, they listen.
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Pranksters filled Trump Towers gift shop with merchandise featuring pictures of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein with the president.

The Good Liars, a political comedy duo of Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, posted photos of postcards with an old photograph of Donald Trump and Epstein they say were among the souvenirs at the presidents Manhattan skyscraper.

The duo confirmed to The Independent they were responsible for the prank. The Independent reached out to the Trump Tower store and a representative declined to confirm the incident or comment further.

A similar prank was recently carried out in London when activists put the same old photo of Trump and Epstein on a bus shelter near the U.S. embassy ahead of the presidents state visit to the United Kingdom in September, according to an Instagram post from the group Everyone Hates Elon.

open image in gallery Pranksters filled Trump Towers gift shop with merchandise featuring pictures of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein with the president ( The Good Liars/X )

The mischievous acts come as the Trump administration is embroiled in controversy surrounding files in the criminal investigation of Epstein, who died in jail while awaiting trial on federal charges related to the sexual abuse of dozens of minor girls.

Trump had socialized with Epstein, a wealthy financier, decades ago when he was a New York real estate mogul. In a 2002 interview with New York magazine, Trump said he had known Epstein for 15 years at that point and called him a terrific guy.

Trump has said their friendship ended before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida state charges of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Conspiracies have long swirled, particularly from right-wing figures, about the so-called Epstein files, including rumors of a suspected client list of powerful people who may have partaken in the late financiers crimes.

open image in gallery A similar prank was recently carried out in London when activists put the same old photo of Trump and Epstein on a bus shelter near the U.S. embassy ahead of the presidents state visit to the United Kingdom in September ( Leon Neal/Getty Images )

When the Justice Department and FBI released a memo earlier this month saying there was never any client list and that no further disclosure of the files would be appropriate or warranted, the Trump administration faced backlash, notably including from the presidents base.

Things came to a head Thursday night with two major developments in the Epstein files saga.

First, the WSJ released a bombshell report claiming Trump had given Epstein a bawdy birthday card, including a drawing of a naked woman and the message, Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret, in 2003.

open image in gallery These mischievous acts come as the Trump administration is embroiled in controversy surrounding files in the criminal investigation of Epstein, a late financier who was convicted of sex offenses ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

Trump and the White House have vehemently denied the reporting, calling the birthday card fake.

The president took it a step further, announcing in a Truth Social post Thursday night he would sue the WSJ, its parent company NewsCorp and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who is chairman emeritus of NewsCorp.

Trump followed that up with another Truth Social post announcing his request for Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all pertinent Grand Jury testimony related to the Epstein case, subject to Court approval.
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Authorities detained a 15-year-old boy without a criminal record at Alligator Alcatraz amid the haste to fill up the Florida facility, according to reports.

As the state scrambled to open the controversial detention center, Alexis, the teenager, seems to have been caught up in the mix. On July 1, three days before the facility officially opened, Florida Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle packed with Alexis and his friends before handing him over to federal authorities, the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times first reported.

Alexis endured three days in the rapidly built facility consisting of tents and chain-link pens, his father told the Tampa Bay Times.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management, which oversees the facility, admitted he had been detained, explaining he lied about his age when officers stopped him.

While at Alligator Alcatraz, an individual disclosed they had misrepresented their age upon arrest to ICE. Immediate action was taken to separate and remove the detainee in accordance with federal protocols, a spokesperson for the division told The Independent in a statement. This is one of many problems with illegal immigration: individuals are in our country without any way to verify their identity.

open image in gallery Inside the temporary migrant detention center informally known as Alligator Alcatraz in Ochopee, Florida ( REUTERS )

Three days after he was detained, on July 4, authorities transferred the boy from Alligator Alcatraz to a shelter for migrant children that is operated by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

State officials told the outlet that Alligator Alcatraz doesnt house minors. Its unclear what steps are being taken to prevent something similar from happening in the future. The Independent has reached out to a spokesperson for the governors office for more information.

The episode captures the chaos around the facilitys opening. Alligator Alcatraz, constructed to help accelerate President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, was meant to hold the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet," the president said. As of this week, the facility holds more than 700 people, but only one-third of them have criminal convictions, reports found.

The case is important to highlight to ensure that there is oversight and safeguards in place because an adult facility is not a place for a child, immigration attorney Alexandra Manrique Alfonso told the Times.

The 15-year-old was handcuffed while being transferred to the facility, Manrique Alfonso said, noting that he had been housed with adults.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump visits the temporary migrant detention center, where he claims some of the most vicious people on the planet would be held  although only one-third of the more than 700 people detained have criminal convictions, according to a preliminary review ( Reuters )

Ignacio, the teens father, told the Times that he believes his son told authorities he was an adult when the car was pulled over because he was afraid of being separated from the group if he mentioned his true age: It was because of fear.

Ignacio only learned his son was detained after one of the teens friends called from the facility  three days later. Alexis later called his father, who told him to come clean to officials that he was a minor. Ignacio then sent a photo of Alexis birth certificate via text and told his son to ask for permission to use his phone to prove his age; he was transferred after they confirmed his age, the outlet reported.

Now, Ignacio is trying to reunite with Alexis. Hes even taking a paternity test.

It is very sad that a lot of families are being separated, he told the outlet. The father came to the U.S. in 2018 after fleeing his hometown of Chiapas, Mexico due to violence; his son followed him to Florida two years later, the outlet reported.

When youre apart from your kids, you miss them. If you dont see them, you feel their absence, the father told the Times. I am pleading with God that we can be reunited.
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Border agents arrested at least 11 people during a Thursday raid outside a northern California Home Depot  including a U.S. citizen who was volunteering as an observer, according to local activists.

The operation, which took place in the Sacramento area, nearly 600 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, is the latest show of force from the Border Patrol in the state, which joined a full-cavalry raid in a Los Angeles park earlier this month.

There is no such thing as a sanctuary city, Border Patrol El Centro sector chief Gregory Bovino said Thursday in a video filmed in front of the state capitol building, referring to jurisdictions that dont voluntarily assist with federal immigration enforcement.

There is no such thing as a sanctuary state, Bovino added in the clip, which features images of masked agents arresting men, soundtracked by the Kanye West song Power.

open image in gallery Border Patrol agents conducted operations in the Sacramento area on Thursday, including a raid in a Home Depot parking lot that led to at least 11 arrests, including a man alleged to be a U.S. citizen ( U.S. Customs and Border Protection )

At least 11 people unlawfully in the U.S. were arrested in the early-morning operation, according to the Department of Homeland Security, including an immigrant man officials said was a serial criminal with past charges including illegal entry, possession of marijuana for sale, and felony burglary.

Bovino, in the video, said the arrests included a man who appears to have past fentanyl trafficking charges, and an individual arrested for impeding or assaulting a federal officer.

However, Andrea Castillo said her husband Jose Castillo is a U.S. citizen and was among those arrested.

Video shared with KCRA shows Andrea Castillo yelling at agents as a group of masked officers pile Jose into an unmarked black minivan.

Leave him alone, hes a U.S. citizen! she can be heard saying.

open image in gallery Border Patrol agents have conducted aggressive operations far from U.S.-Mexico border in recent months, including an early July raid on Los Angeless MacArthur Park ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In the footage, one of the agents threatens to mace Castillo, and later says, Google me, when she asks for his badge number.

During the exchange, agents say they are detaining Jose Castillo because they believe he slashed the tires on a federal vehicle.

The activist group NorCal Resist said Jose Castillo was volunteering on behalf of the organization to document the operation, but did not impede officers. The group added that he has since been released.

Local lawmakers are questioning whether the operation violated a recent court order. Assembly member Rhodesia Ransom, whose district includes nearby Stockton, has reportedly asked the state attorney generals office to investigate if federal officers are running afoul of state and federal laws or the U.S. Constitution with the operations.

open image in gallery Lawsuits accuse the Border Patrol of using illegal racial profiling to pursue arrests ( Getty Images )

The Border Patrol should do their jobs  at the border  instead of continuing their tirade statewide of illegal racial profiling and illegal arrests, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokesperson for the governors office, told Cal Matters.

While the Border Patrol can operate within 100 miles of any U.S. border, including the California coast and nearby cities, a federal judge held in April that the agency cannot conduct warrantless immigration stops throughout Californias Eastern District, which includes Sacramento.

The ruling came in response to a series of operations at the beginning of the year targeting farmworkers in Kern County, which critics said were based on little more than the mens appearance.

You just cant walk up to people with brown skin and say, Give me your papers, U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Thurston said in court at the time.

A separate ruling last week barred the Border Patrol from making similar raids in the district including Los Angeles, after a lawsuit accused federal agents of making indiscriminate arrests in locations like Home Depot parking lots.

California officials have largely opposed wide-scale Border Patrol and ICE raids

When asked about the alleged arrest of a U.S. citizen and the legal criticisms, federal officials pointed to a Homeland Security press release announcing the operation, which did not mention either subject.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, the architect of much of the administrations immigration policy, has reportedly pressed immigration officials to reach 3,000 arrests per day, including by targeting hubs for day laborers like Home Depot parking lots.

The Trump administrations recently passed Big, Beautiful Bill domestic spending legislation contains about $170 billion in wider immigration and border funding, which officials say will fuel a surge in domestic immigration operations.
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JD Vance took a quick day trip to Montana Tuesday afternoon to speak to right-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, who is the chief of both Fox News and its sister corporation News Corp., which publishes the New York Post and Wall Street Journal.

According to the Associated Press, the vice presidents secret meeting also included several executives from Fox News, the conservative cable giant that has largely carried Donald Trumps water and helped staff up the presidents current administration.

A source familiar with the trip also confirmed to The Independent that the vice president spoke to both Murdochs and a group of executives from the right-wing network at the Murdoch family ranch near Dillon, Montana.

According to NBC Montana, Air Force Two landed in Butte  which is about 70 miles away from the Murdoch ranch  around 2:30 p.m. local time, resulting in a temporary flight restriction in the area. Politico Playbook would later report that the vice presidents plane would take off again shortly after nightfall, meaning Vance was only in the area for a matter of hours.

During his brief visit to Montana, though, Vance and his wife Usha did manage to find time to take a short hike while at the Matador Ranch.

open image in gallery JD Vance recently flew to the Murdochs Montana ranch for a secret meeting that included other Fox executives. ( The Independent )

Its still not clear what the meeting between Vance and the Fox executives was about, though the vice president is the Republican National Committees finance chair and is therefore leading the GOPs midterm fundraising campaign. The Murdochs are worth tens of billions of dollars, and they have long been heavily involved in the Republican political machine.

The Independent has reached out to representatives for Fox and the Murdochs for comment.

While Fox News coverage has been almost entirely sympathetic to the president and sycophantic, especially since his return to the White House, the Wall Street Journal has been an altogether different beast.

Throughout the first few months of Trumps second term, the papers editorial board has repeatedly criticized the presidents economic policies and chaotic governing style, prompting Trump to rage at both the outlet and the elder Murdoch, with whom hes had an on-again/off-again friendly relationship.

So the Wall Street Journal is wrong because, very simply, every single country that youre writing about right now is dying to make a deal because the deals they have right now are so good, and so good for them, and so profitable for them, Trump griped in February about a Journal op-ed with Rupert Murdoch standing right next to him in the Oval Office. Im gonna have to talk to him about that.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump directly griped at Rupert Murdoch about the Wall Street Journals coverage during an Oval Office meeting in February. ( REUTERS )

Trump has continued to blast the Wall Street Journal in recent weeks as the publications criticism has remained strident, calling it a rotten newspaper that has truly gone to hell while raging at one of the outlets reporters last month. The Wall Street Journal is China-oriented. And theyre really bad for this country, Trump added.

The face-to-face with the Murdochs and other Fox executives comes shortly after Vance apparently helped to broker the peace between Trump and his one-time first buddy Elon Musk, whose bromance splintered in spectacular fashion last week over the presidents Big, Beautiful Bill.

After the simmering tensions erupted publicly last Wednesday, which included Musk accusing the president of being in the so-called Epstein Files while calling for his impeachment, Vance and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles called the worlds richest man and urged him to end the feud and try to repair the relationship.

Musk would later back away from some of his most incendiary attacks and speak to Trump over the phone on Monday. The Tesla CEO then completed the de-escalation on Wednesday, tweeting: I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.
Artists perform at the celebration for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 18, 2025. Celebrations for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group kicked off on Friday at a tourist resort in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, attracting tourists from across the country. A series of related activities will also take place here on or before Aug. 17. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Artists perform at the celebration for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 18, 2025. Celebrations for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group kicked off on Friday at a tourist resort in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, attracting tourists from across the country. A series of related activities will also take place here on or before Aug. 17. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An aerial drone photo shows a scene during a celebration for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 18, 2025. Celebrations for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group kicked off on Friday at a tourist resort in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, attracting tourists from across the country. A series of related activities will also take place here on or before Aug. 17. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An aerial drone photo shows people celebrating the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 18, 2025. Celebrations for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group kicked off on Friday at a tourist resort in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, attracting tourists from across the country. A series of related activities will also take place here on or before Aug. 17. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Artists perform at the celebration for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 18, 2025. Celebrations for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group kicked off on Friday at a tourist resort in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, attracting tourists from across the country. A series of related activities will also take place here on or before Aug. 17. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Artists perform at the celebration for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 18, 2025. Celebrations for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group kicked off on Friday at a tourist resort in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, attracting tourists from across the country. A series of related activities will also take place here on or before Aug. 17. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Artists perform at the celebration for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group held in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 18, 2025. Celebrations for the Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group kicked off on Friday at a tourist resort in Shuicheng District of Liupanshui, attracting tourists from across the country. A series of related activities will also take place here on or before Aug. 17. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)
 Close 'Which part of the 'Epstein hoax' is the hoax? White House tries to explain Trump claims

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Pressure is continuing to mount on Donald Trump to release all files relating to the Epstein case after he dismissed the idea that any solid, incriminating evidence exists about his involvement with the late sex offender.

California democrat Ro Khanna reiterated his efforts to push for the release of all files on Saturday - after the Trump administrations failure to release files relating to the case, as promised before the 2024 election.

The president has now instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release pertinent files on the criminal investigation into Epstein, subject to Court approval.

Late Friday afternoon, Bondi filed a motion in New York to release grand jury transcripts associated with" the Epstein case.

But the Justice Department and FBI still retain the bulk of what those calling for transparency are demanding to see.

This follows a bombshell report by The Wall Street Journal which a bawdy message and doodle from Trump among an album of letters celebrating Epsteins 50th birthday.

The president has denied that the drawing or letter was his doing and is now suing the Journal,News Corp,Rupert Murdoch, and two journalists.
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All of the chaos caused by the bombshell report in The Wall Street Journal that President Donald Trump sent a bawdy 50th birthday note to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein masked the fact he received a significant win.

Republicans successfully passed legislation in the late night to claw back $9 billion meant for foreign aid, as well as for PBS and NPR funding.

This was a major priority for Republicans ever since the early days of the Trump administration, when Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency took a chainsaw to USAID and Trump signed an executive order to block money for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

And defunding NPR and PBS has been a Republican wishlist item for decades.

In the end, only two Republicans in the House voted against the legislation. But by winning on rescission, Trump might have punched a one-way ticket toward a government shutdown when Congress returns after the August recess.

President Donald Trump faces a major spending deadline at the end of September ( Getty Images )

Trump might have sealed his fate because of the tactic he and Republicans in Congress used to claw back the money.

Under the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, when a president wants to withhold money Congress already set aside to be spent, a practice called rescissions, he must submit a rescissions message that expires after 45 days.

Rescissions can be done with only 51 votes, therefore, allowing the majority to do so without a filibuster as a trade-off for the limited timeline. That meant that Republicans did it with zero input from the Democrats.

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, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in floor remarks earlier this month.

But it does not seem like Republicans are that worried. Indeed, Russell Vought, the director of Office of Management and Budget, said during a Christian Science Monitor breakfast that he wanted the process to be less bipartisan.

Who ran and won on an agenda of a bipartisan appropriations process? Literally no one. No Democrat, no Republican. There is no voter in the country that went to the polls and said, Im voting for a bipartisan appropriations process, Vought said.

The problem is that the appropriations process to write the budget is bipartisan by design. Appropriations bills cannot be passed without 60 votes and the government runs out of money at the end of September.

Much of what we're doing, we're going through the motions, but it's not real and that's why watching the committee process has been pretty painful, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, told The Independent.

For the longest time, Republicans have hated the appropriations process because they think it keeps spending high because members have to work together. Theres even an old saying in Washington that there are three parties: Democrats, Republicans and appropriators.

Pocan is a progressive Democrat not alone. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI), a moderate Democrat and member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, also expressed disappointment.

I'm committed to that, but it does make us wonder, you know, if they're really committed to their end of the bargain, Scholten told The Independent.

Of course, this means that Democrats would actually need to follow through with their threat. Trump showed he could break the House Freedom Caucus, the supposed hellraisers in the House GOP conference who frequently stamp their feet and then ultimately fold.

In the same token, Democrats are not naturals in being in the minority, given they controlled the House  and therefore the appropriations process  for most of the 20th century.

That means they would actually have to be willing to walk away from negotiations with Republicans and allow them to twist in the wind, even if it means programs Democrats consider vital go without money for a while. Earlier this year, Schumer went along with the stop-gap spending bill to avoid a shutdown even though Republicans ramrodded it through the House and Senate with zero Democratic input.

But if Democrats actually shoot the hostage and leave Republicans to actually reach out to them rather than pass spending cuts in a partisan way, then Trump will be able to trace a government shutdown to this late-night vote.

And he will have no one to blame but himself, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
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The transformed nature of modern warfare is starkly evident to a weary Ukrainian platoon commander, medically evacuated from the front lines.

The skies above Ukraine now swarm with kamikaze, surveillance, bomber, and anti-drone UAVs.

These numerous, cheap, and deadly machines are considered by Kyiv to be a primary reason Ukraine can withstand advancing Russian forces this year and beyond, a view shared by a dozen Ukrainian commanders, officials, and arms manufacturers.

So pervasive are these remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicles that Ukrainian soldiers refer to the roughly 10-kilometre corridor on either side of the contact line as the "kill zone," where targets are swiftly spotted and neutralised by both sides.

The war's evolution into the most drone-intensive conflict ever seen has eaten away at Russia's ability to exploit its traditional advantages in troop numbers, artillery and tanks, according to two Ukrainian battlefield commanders interviewed.

open image in gallery A service member of the 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Aerial Systems Regiment sits at a position while he operates FPV-drones near the front line town of Kupiansk ( REUTERS )

Any large vehicle operating near the front is now an obvious target, meaning Russian forces can no longer make the kind of rapid advances they did in 2022 with columns of armoured vehicles, according to the commanders as well as the founder of OCHI, a system which centralises video feeds from over 15,000 Ukrainian military drone crews on the front lines.

"The enemy sees you completely," OCHI's Oleksandr Dmitriev added. "No matter where you go or what you are driving."

Russia has consequently adapted its tactics, the Ukrainian battlefield commanders said; its forces now typically attack in small groups of five or six - on foot or on motorbikes or quad bikes - in an attempt expose Ukrainian positions by drawing their fire and then launching drone strikes at them, they added.

Russia's defence ministry didn't respond to a request for comment on this article.

Despite the changes in warfare, Russian forces retain the ascendancy and are making slow but steady advances in the east and north of Ukraine. Russia has also caught up in UAV technology after falling behind early in the war, according to military analysts, and like its enemy is churning out drones domestically at a rate of millions a year.

Meanwhile, European leaders are trying to parse President Donald Trump's announcement this week that America would supply arms to Ukraine via NATO, with Europe picking up the bill. Many details remain unclear, including the types and quantity of weapons, how quickly they would be sent and precisely how they would be paid for, U.S. and European officials said this week.

The White House didn't respond to queries on the supply plan. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the war had gone on too long and Trump wanted to end the killing, and so is selling U.S. arms to NATO for Ukraine and threatening hefty sanctions on Russia.

open image in gallery Firefighters extinguishing a fire on civilian object after Russia fired hundreds of drones, artillery and a ballistic missile at Ukraine ( Ukrainian State Emergency Servic )

The people interviewed for this article, who were speaking before Trump's weapons announcement, said they believed Ukraine could fight on and resist Russia even if no more U.S. aid was forthcoming, though they didn't give precise timelines.

Many cited the primacy of drones as having levelled the field to some degree and made Ukraine more self-sufficient, and also pointed to growing military supplies from European allies.

"We can hold out for months," said Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's arms expert and strategic adviser, when asked about what would happen if U.S. weapons supplies ceased. "In 2023 or 2024, it would have been a lot worse; we would be talking about days or weeks."

Polish military analyst Konrad Muzyka, who has made numerous visits to the front lines, said Ukraine's focus was to sap the strength of Russian attacks, adding that Kyiv didn't currently have the capability to launch offensives of its own.

open image in gallery A drone pilot controls a Ukranian fiber-optic FPV Drone Stalker ( AFP via Getty Images )

He said Ukraine would likely struggle in a long war of attrition due to its manpower shortages and Russia's superior resources. Although drones have changed the battlefield, he cautioned against overstating their ability to make up for an absence of artillery and mortars.

"To deliver the amount of damage that an artillery shell does to a target, you would need to launch tens of drones," he added. "Drones can fill in the gaps to some extent and give you some breathing space, but they are not a substitute for artillery."

Destruction rains from above

Drones are demons, at least for those in the kill zone that straddles the 1,000 km line of contact.

Reconnaissance UAVs from both sides - resembling shrunken airplanes, made of plastic or styrofoam and equipped with sophisticated cameras - can spot enemies from several kilometres away. They hover over the front lines, relaying back what they see in real time.

They find targets for the fleets of bomber drones - often hexacopters the size of coffee tables that can drop precision grenades with 3D-printed tailfins - as well as kamikaze drones, some with RPG warheads strapped on to pierce armour, which can fly into soldiers, tanks and weapons systems.

The platoon commander being evacuated from the front, a 35-year-old called Ivan who goes by the call sign "Atom", said soldiers on both sides now saw UAVs as the biggest threat to their lives, replacing shells, mines and enemy fighters which were the primary perils earlier in the war.

open image in gallery Soldiers from the "Black Sky" battalion of the Spartan brigade carry an agricultural drone, transformed into a front-line delivery cargo ( AFP via Getty Images )

A medic with him on the bus, 34-year-old Olga Kozum, concurred: Most of the battlefield injuries she and her colleagues treat are caused by UAVs, she said.

According to internal Ukrainian estimates seen by Reuters, drones accounted for 69% of strikes on Russian troops and 75% of strikes on vehicles and equipment in 2024. About 18% of strikes on Russian infantry and 15% of strikes on vehicles and equipment were conducted with artillery, and even less with mortars, according to the same estimates.

The wartime UAV arms race has spawned many innovations; both sides are deploying short-range, fibre-optic drones that cannot be electronically jammed, as well as "interceptors" that hunt down and destroy enemy reconnaissance and attack drones.

Kyiv's planned production this year of 30,000 long-range UAVs, designed to attack targets deep inside Russia such as arms depots and energy facilities, gives Ukraine an increased offensive threat, according to Vadym Sukharevskyi, commander of the country's drone forces until early June.

The average cost of a long-range strike drone ranges from $50,000 to $300,000, about 10 times less than a missile of similar range, although a drone's warhead is smaller, Sukharevskyi said in an interview while still in the post.

open image in gallery A service member of the 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Aerial Systems Regiment prepares an FPV-drone for a fly at a position near the front line town of Kupiansk ( REUTERS )

"This is our asymmetrical answer," he said, adding that Ukraine started developing such drones "precisely because we lack missiles".

Kamyshin, President Zelensky's adviser, added: "You can't win a big war if you are only defending." Long-range drone strikes are "one of the main cards Ukraine can play against Russia right now".

Wanted: U.S. patriots and intel

Ukraine's military-industrial base is expanding rapidly, and now accounts for around 40% of the weapons and equipment used, including drones, according to Zelensky, who on Wednesday set out a target to reach 50% in six months.

Kyiv has also sought to diversify its supplies and its European allies are providing growing amounts of munitions, potentially making the country more resilient to geopolitical shocks.

The Kiel Institute, a German-based economic research group, estimated in a report last month that Europe had surpassed the U.S. in total military aid provided over the course of the war for the first time since June 2022, reaching 72 billion euros compared with 65 billion euros from Washington.

The institute said aid flows to Ukraine shifted significantly in March and April as no new U.S. aid was allocated and European countries upped support.

While the U.S. has been - and remains - the largest sole supplier of artillery shells to Ukraine during the war, Europe is expanding capacity and has purchased hundreds of thousands of munitions from within and outside the continent.

open image in gallery A Russian drone is shot down by Ukrainian air defences during a night strike on Kyiv ( AFP via Getty Images )

Of around 420,000 artillery shells received by Ukraine from the start of this year until around mid-May, only 160,000 were from the United States, according to a European security source who requested anonymity to discuss confidential matters.

Kamyshin said Ukraine made around 2.4 million of its own shells in 2024, although these were mostly for mortars, which are shorter range.

Ukraine is nonetheless particularly reliant on the U.S. in the areas of air defences and intelligence sharing, military analysts said.

Kyiv particularly covets U.S. Patriot air defence systems, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles that Russia is firing with increasing frequency. As of April this year, Ukraine had seven fully operational systems, well short of the 25 that Zelenskiy has requested, according to analysts at Ukrainian publication Defence Express.

Long-range drone and missile attacks often rely on U.S. satellite intelligence. European countries can only go a small way to replacing were the United States to stop sharing it, the European Union Institute for Security Studies said.
 Close Zelensky thanks Trump after US president threatens Putin with sanctions if no peace in Ukraine in 50 days

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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has offered Vladimir Putin fresh peace talks after weeks of relentless Russian missile attacks.

Mr Zelensky offered Moscow another round of ceasefire negotiations for next week, saying he wanted to speed up ending the conflict.

It comes after weeks of relentless Russian strikes on Ukraine, including over 300 drones and 30 missiles launched on Friday night.

Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire, Mr Zelensky said in his evening address to the nation. The Russian side should stop hiding from decisions.

Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul over the past five months. They have agreed to swap prisoners but made no breakthroughs in ending almost three and a half years of conflict that started with Russia's 2022 invasion.

Mr Zelensky said Rustem Umerov, who headed the Ukrainian delegation at both talks in Istanbul, had sent the Russian side the offer to hold the meeting next week, but gave no more details.

US president Donald Trump, who has sharpened his tone against Russia in recent weeks amid worsening air strikes on Ukrainian cities, threatened harsher sanctions on Russia earlier this month if a peace deal was not reached within 50 days.
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At least 32 Palestinians were killed after Israeli troops opened fire on crowds of refugees seeking food from distribution hubs in southern Gaza, according to witnesses.

The shootings occurred near hubs operated by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which launched operations in May.

open image in gallery Friends and relatives with two victims of the IDF tank fire in Khan Younis on Saturday ( AFP via Getty Images )

The US and Israel seek to replace the traditional UN-led aid distribution system in Gaza, asserting that Hamas militants siphon off supplies. The UN denies the allegation.

While the GHF says it has distributed millions of meals to hungry Palestinians, local health officials and witnesses say Israeli army fire has killed hundreds of people as they try to reach the hubs.

GHF's four sites are in military-controlled zones. Israel's army, which is not at the sites but secures them from a distance, said on Saturday it had fired warning shots near Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah after a group of suspects approached troops and ignored calls to keep their distance.

It said the incident occurred overnight when the distribution site was closed. The GHF said there were no incidents at or near its sites, adding: We have repeatedly warned aid seekers not to travel to our sites overnight and early morning hours.

Most of Saturday's deaths occurred as Palestinians massed around 3km (2 miles) from a GHF aid distribution centre near the southern city of Khan Younis.

Mahmoud Mokeimar said he was walking with a large number of people, mostly young men, toward the hub. Troops fired warning shots, then opened fire.

open image in gallery The shootings occurred near hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which launched operations in May ( AP )

The occupation opened fire at us indiscriminately, he said. He said he saw at least three motionless bodies on the ground and many wounded people fleeing.

Akram Aker, another witness, said troops fired machine guns mounted on tanks and drones between 5am and 6am.

They encircled us and started firing directly at us, Mr Aker said. He said he saw many casualties on the ground.

Sanaa al-Jaberi said there was shooting after the site opened as people seeking aid broke into a run. Is this food or death? Why? They don't talk with us, they only shoot us, she said, and showed off her empty bag.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said it received 25 bodies. Seven other people, including one woman, were killed in the Shakoush area north of another GHF hub in Rafah, the hospital said.

Mohamed Saker, head of Nasser's nursing department, said it received 70 wounded people. He said that most people were shot in the head and chest.

The situation is difficult and tragic, he said, adding that the facility lacks medical supplies. Some of the wounded, including a child, were treated on the floor.
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Syrias Islamist-led government has begun deploying internal security forces in Sweida, a predominantly Druze area, following intense sectarian bloodshed that has claimed hundreds of lives.

The deployment, confirmed by an interior ministry spokesperson on Saturday, coincides with an urgent call from the Syrian presidency for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, urging all parties to commit to ending hostilities across all areas.

The internal developments came after US envoy Tom Barrack announced on Friday that Syria and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire.

Israel had intervened in the conflict earlier this week, hitting government forces and the defence ministry building in Damascus, while declaring support for the Druze minority.

Mr Barrack, who serves as both Washingtons Syria envoy and ambassador to Turkey, said the ceasefire is supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighbouring countries.

Syrias Sweida province has been engulfed by nearly a week of violence which began with clashes between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions, before drawing in government security forces that were sent to the area by Damascus.

Israeli soldiers stand guard as Syrian Druze people cross back into Syria at the Israeli-Syrian border, in the Golan Heights town of Majdal Shams on 17 July ( AP )

Mr Barrack said Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire and called on Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity.

Israel has said it aims to protect Syrias Druze minority while adding that it wants areas of south Syria near its border to remain demilitarised. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has accused Israel of seeking to sow division among Syrians.

On Friday, an Israeli official said Israel agreed to allow Syrian forces limited access to the Sweida area for the next two days.

The Druze religious sect began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shia Islam. More than half of the roughly million Druze worldwide live in Syria.

Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 War and annexed in 1981.
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Diane Abbott has been suspended by the Labour Party again. They have said that theyre taking incredibly seriously an interview she gave to James Naughties Reflections programme on BBC Radio 4 conducted back in May, but only aired yesterday.

During the interview, the veteran Labour MP said she did not look back with regret on comments she previously made in 2023 in a letter to The Observer, in which she was seen to be downplaying the discrimination received by groups such as the Jewish, Irish and Traveller Communities, by comparing it to that experienced by Black and Brown people.

She had written that what they suffer from is prejudice  which although similar to racism, isnt the same  and said that people use the two words as though they are interchangeable. After the outrage, she apologised for any anguish caused by her remarks and claimed that her letter had been a first draft and a mistake.

She was ordered to undergo an online two hour e-training module which was apparently a two-hour antisemitism awareness course. Her comments concerning the Irish and Traveller communities were not addressed.

I suspect Abbott had been rather keen to clarify the comments in the Naughtie interview and didnt anticipate this reaction from Labour HQ.

She has posted the excerpt from the interview that is causing all of the controversy to her X account in which she can be heard saying: Clearly there must be a difference between racism which is about colour, and other types of racism because you can see a Traveller or a Jewish person walking down the street. You dont know but if you see a Black person walking down the street, you see straightaway that theyre Black. They are different types of racism.

She added: I just think that its silly to try and claim that racism which is about skin colour is the same as other types of racism.

This is a salient point. Theres clearly a marked difference in how a Black person or person of colour suffers racism compared to someone who is white passing. When there were riots in Southport last year, racist thugs didnt double-check the identity of the Black or Brown people they were attacking  they worked solely on the basis of skin colour.

Naughtie pressed further, saying the effect is the same if you are, going to a synagogue on a Saturday morning and you have to have guards outside because some people might come along and want to insult you or even throw things at you.

Thats pretty much the same as the kind of thing you describe in your book is happening to you as a Black person, he said. The fact is one is a person of colour and one isnt, is neither here nor there. If you suffered it, its still damaging.

Abbott replied: It is here, because you can spot that person of colour from hundreds of yards away. That is what is different.

I understand what she means  but I see why the second point she made could be construed as dismissive. The fact is, if you go to the synagogue on Shabbat and are Jewish  and have white skin  that is not going to protect you from any antisemitic attack.

Weve not been able to have a grown-up conversation around race in the UK for quite some time now. For me personally, I felt a significant shift around the time of the Brexit vote, Trumps first victory across the pond and Corbyn becoming leader of the Labour Party. This is when, instead of being able to simply speak about my own lived experiences, I was being called upon to compare them to others  forced to participate in some sort of oppression Olympics which I hadnt trained or signed up for.

Ive always believed that intersectionality is the way to best understand what other people are going through. You can draw on some of your own experiences, look at the similarities and listen when they explain the difference in order to be able to empathise.

What Abbott is trying to highlight here, however clumsily, is assimilation. I know many people from Jewish families who have Anglicised names and this was a deliberate choice, but its important to point out not all of us can do this successfully. Despite many people from the Caribbean community (which I am from) having Anglicised names, it makes no difference to the racism we face. In some cases, it only delays the inevitable.

Ive heard plenty of stories of our people turning up to a job interview and witnessing the palpable disappointment of the panel when they realise Jason Davies is actually a Black man. I deliberated long and hard on what to name my son, and in the end, I decided to give him an unmistakeably African name so people knew what they were getting  and there would be no surprises.

My friend Iain decided to give his daughter an Anglicised name so that she could at least get her foot in the door, knowing that sometimes CVs and applications are thrown away just because you have a Black-sounding name. This is how early we start to worry about these things.

But my experience is also different in other ways. I dont have to sit listening to people crack racist jokes because they dont realise Im Black  that is obvious to them  yet my Jewish friends have had to listen to tasteless Holocaust jokes, because no one realises theyre Jewish. Racism is often doled out due to perception.

Gary Lineker, for example, has discussed being racially abused as a child because of his dark skin, despite being white; yet Meghan Markle has spoken about not suffering the level of racism growing up as she does now because people didnt realise she was half Black.

Orthodox Jews are identifiable from the religious attire they wear in the same way that some Muslims are (those who wear thobes or hijabs.) But in dire circumstances, such as threat to life, these things can be removed. In Islam there is something called Taqiyya (annoyingly misused on social media) which allows you to conceal your faith in times of danger and persecution. Black people cant do this. If only Stephen Lawrence or Anthony Walker had been able to run around a corner and remove their skin in order to save their lives.

The GRT (Gypsy, Roma and Traveller) community may able to walk down the street as individuals and blend in to mainstream society in a way that I cant, but that doesnt negate the horrendous levels of discrimination they face within the education system, the legislative changes and even just trying to have a drink or a meal.

They are refused service and suffer crude racism in a way Abbott confidently asserts doesnt happen as overtly to Black people anymore. She said, they may think the same thoughts, but they know its not acceptable to express them.

To my mind, Starmer has either made a serious mistake here, or the disrespect he has repeatedly shown Abbott and the wider Black community since the start of his leadership is set to continue.

His failure to address the findings in the Forde Report (which was commissioned to examine the level of anti-Black racism and Islamophobia in the party) resulted in many leaving the party altogether. Some found a home elsewhere, while other MPs disengaged with politics altogether.

The blind loyalty afforded to the Labour Party over the years since the overtly racist 1964 Smethick campaign where the Tories used the slogan: If you want a n****r for a neighbour, vote Labour no longer exists.

Now, a new generation of voters  some of whom are going to be as young as 16  are looking at how Starmers Labour operates a hierarchy of racism; how he gave a speech on immigration that many compared to Enoch Powell and then stood by his comments that the UK risked becoming an island of strangers. Downing Street said Starmer completely rejected suggestions he echoed Powell. In the words of Professor Gus John, if he didnt know what he was invoking, he is simply not fit to be prime minister.

Racism manifests itself in different ways. There is nothing wrong with pointing this out. And unless we are able to have difficult conversations around the subject  which includes allowing people to make honest mistakes  we will never even come close to starting to resolve it. But maybe some people just dont want to.
How superstimuli like porn and junk food flood our brains with dopamine but dont bring lasting satisfaction

Superstimuli such as processed food, pornography and social media may be giving us too much of a good thing

Our brains are primed to crave sugar, salt and fat. Photo: Getty

Mary McCarthy Yesterday at 06:30







In Super Stimulated, Danish science writer Nicklas Brendborg successfully answers an unsettling question  why are many of us fatter, unhappier, and having less sex than our forefathers, despite todays world of unprecedented convenience?
CHI still denied access to new National Childrens Hospital as fears grow over late September finish date

Timeline for its completion has changed 15 times

The National Children's Hospital in Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal

Eilish O'Regan Yesterday at 06:30

Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) is still awaiting permission to access to the new 2.24bn National Childrens Hospital  creating concern that the latest construction finish date of late September may not be met.
ANKARA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Friday, expressing concern that the clashes in Syria pose a threat to the stability of the entire region, the Turkish presidency said in a statement.

During the call, the two leaders talked about the escalating tensions in Syria's southern province of Sweida, according to the statement.

Erdogan underlined the importance of Israel not violating Syria's sovereignty, reaffirming Turkiye's commitment to promoting stability and security in Syria, and supporting the country's recovery as soon as possible.

In a statement, the Kremlin said the two leaders had a detailed exchange of views on the events unfolding in the Middle East, including the escalation in Syria.

"They expressed deep concern over the recent surge of violence in that country, stressing that it was crucial to stabilize the situation as soon as possible through dialogue and by strengthening the national accord while respecting the legitimate rights of all members of Syria's multi-confessional society," the Kremlin statement said.

"Both sides emphasized the need to respect Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity," it added.

A sudden eruption of violence in Syria's southern province of Sweida has triggered a complex and escalating crisis, exposing the deep fragility of Syria's stability just six months after the collapse of the previous government and sending shockwaves across the region.

Over the past week, Sweida has witnessed deadly intra-Syrian clashes. The fighting, initially sparked by a local dispute between the Druze community and Bedouin tribesmen, quickly escalated into a full-blown urban conflict involving Syrian interim government's forces.

By Thursday, nearly 600 people had been reported killed, including dozens of civilians and hundreds of fighters from all sides, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

As tensions escalated, Israel, citing the protection of the Druze community in Syria, launched a series of airstrikes, targeting Syrian military sites in Sweida and the capital Damascus. 
Paul Williams: Pensioner Tom Niland likely expected to see a neighbour at the door. Instead he was beaten so badly he never recovered
CAMPAIGNERS for survivors of sexual abuse say it was the right decision to remove the remains of Bishop Eamonn Casey from the crypt of Galway Cathedral.

The family of disgraced bishop Eamonn Casey now face the prospect of whether to cremate his remains or bury him, after the Galway Diocese confirmed that his remains have been removed from the crypt of Galway Cathedral.

The move  which had been deliberated on for nearly a year by his family, the Galway Diocese and Catholic Church hierarchy  follows multiple allegations of child sexual abuse, and the revelation last year that he was removed from ministry by the Vatican a decade before he died, a restriction which was never publicly known.

Casey is the first Irish bishop to be removed from his resting place after the allegations of abuse were exposed, in addition to the alleged cover-up by the church amid public outcry.

Colm OGorman, who is a long-time campaigner for survivors of clerical sexual abuse, said the disinterment was obviously the right decision.

Mr OGorman, a survivor of abuse at the hands of the late Fr Sean Fortune, said that burying somebody in a "cathedral crypt makes a statement about that persons standing and reputation, numbering them among the great and the good.

Obviously, it [the burial in the cathedral crypt] was a source of great offence and hurt to Bishop Caseys victims, Mr OGorman added.

Former Bishop of Galway Eamonn Casey

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th

The founder of the One in Four group, which supports survivors of sexual abuse, said he hoped the decision to allow Caseys family to re-inter his body elsewhere would bring some closure to his victims , particularly because his interment there [in Galway Cathedral] caused very great hurt.

Eamonn Casey, who was once one of Irelands most popular and publicly charismatic bishops, was the subject of an RTE documentary last year, produced in association with the Irish Mail on Sunday following a long-running investigation.

The documentary was presented by Anne Sheridan, now news editor of the Sunday Independent.

It revealed that Casey faced five child abuse allegations, over four decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s, and in every Irish diocese where he served.

Three of those allegations relate to the Limerick diocese, with one woman receiving a settlement of over 100,000. Another woman received a settlement through the Residential Institutions Redress Board.

Caseys niece, Patricia Donovan, made a complaint to gardai that she was abused by him from the age of five for over a decade.

The programme revealed that Casey was formally removed from public ministry in 2007 by the Vatican, but the church never disclosed this to the public.

Read more Church removes remains of Bishop Eamonn Casey from cathedral crypt

Fr Patsy Lynch, a Kerry priest who ripped up photos showing his ordination by Casey, who was then Bishop of Kerry, after the programme aired, also welcomed the move by the Galway Diocese.

He told the Irish Independent: This action is long overdue. My thoughts are with Patricia Donovan and others abused by Eamonn Casey.

A number of days after the programme aired, the Galway diocese released a statement saying: The interment of Bishop Casey in the cathedral crypt now requires a period of careful consideration and consultation, which has already begun.

Time and space are required to adequately and appropriately bring this undertaking to completion.

Yesterday, nearly a year since the programme aired, the diocese said Caseys remains have been moved from the cathedral crypt and entrusted to the care of the family.

Patricia Donovan, from Limerick, first reported Bishop Casey for alleged abuse in 2005 after it allegedly began in the late 1960s for over a decade. Ms Donovan spoke out for the first time in 2019.

Detectives in Limerick travelled to England to take a statement from her in January 2006 but, by August of the same year, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that no charges be brought on 13 sample allegations.

Bishop Casey later said that he was utterly amazed by the speed of the decision from the DPP, claiming that he had only been interviewed by gardai a few weeks prior. He denied her allegations. He was never convicted of any crimes.
A criminal investigation into the performance of Belfast rap trio Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival has been dropped by police.

Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking no further action on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.

The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival.

Yesterday, the group, comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer.

One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over

It said: Following a review of the evidence, I have determined there will be no further action.

In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over.

We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the worlds most famous festival.

Mo Chara, DJ Provai and Moglai Bap of Kneecap performs on the West Holts Stage during during day four of Glastonbury Festival.

Avon and Somerset Police said: An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecaps performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28.

Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.

Kneecap was informed of that decision earlier today [Friday July 18].

Inquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylans performance.

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

During Bob Vylans performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces], while a member of Kneecap suggested fans start a riot outside his bandmates upcoming court appearance, before clarifying: No riots, just love and support.

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the outcome of the investigation is another example of two-tier justice, and added that the start a riot comment was clearly inciting violence.

Kneecap have been in the headlines after O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah.

In May, the Metropolitan Police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting Up Hamas, up Hezbollah and Kill your local MP.

The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK.

Kneecap are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestinian stance.

Earlier in the week. they announced new tour dates to play their biggest run of shows ever across Scotland, Wales and England.
Modest and limited activities  how Mairead McGuinness played down Fine Gael campaigning activities to Ursula von der Leyen

Previous EU commissioners from Ireland tended to stay out of domestic political campaigns

Modest and limited campaign activities: von der Leyens green light to Mairead McGuinness for FG electioneering

Fionnan Sheahan Yesterday at 06:30

Winding up her speech, Nina Carberry pulled out the horseracing cliches. Four more days to go, the last hurdle is left, the final flight is in front of us. Keep going, vote number one Nina Carberry on June the 7th and lets make change happen.
Irish Olympian Sharlene Mawdsley (26) will be among the throngs donning the blue and gold jersey to cheer on Tipperary at Croke Park tomorrow.

But it will be more than just county pride bringing her to Dublin to see her home team take on the Rebels in the All-Ireland senior hurling showdown.
John Downing: Why exiled king Juan Carloss memoir has Spanish society on edge

Juan Carlos was known as a democratic reformer before various scandals brought him down in 2014. Now, he hopes to rebuild his reputation

Spains emeritus King Juan Carlos, who is in exile in Abu Dhabi. Photo: AP

John Downing Yesterday at 06:30

The ousted and exiled Spanish king, Juan Carlos, is working on a first-person memoir which has set tongues wagging in Madrid. Now aged 87, a series of financial and personal scandals forced him to quit the throne in 2014, and he has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2020.
Mary Regan: Coalition must balance jitters over Occupied Territories Bill against its pledges to stand up for what is right

US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accused Ireland of falling into a vat of Guinness over the bill

US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Photo: Reuters

Mary Regan Yesterday at 06:30

The most notable thing about the comments from a senior US diplomat that Ireland needs to sober up after falling into a vat of Guinness with the Occupied Territories Bill was not the lazy and jaded stereotyping of the Irish.
The gift of foresight, predicting precisely what is going to happen, is vital to a politician before an election.

When votes are counted, however, the most valuable attribute is an ability to explain why it all failed to materialise.

You might call it cynicism, pragmatism or downright deception, but votes tend to follow those who best serve peoples expectations. The fact-checking follows later.

Yet on the issue of housing, voters might be feeling buyers remorse. The Coalition staked all on the delivery of homes to those desperate to have one.

To be fair, competition was cut-throat between all parties to win public confidence on how to construct the maximum number of houses in the minimum of time. Voters will reward the brash and the bold, so it doesnt pay to be modest, conservative or, God forbid, honest when you are trying to game the attention economy. The Government came out on top in garnering trust in its targets, so it can hardly complain now that feet are being held to the flames for missing them.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Photo: Julien Behal Photography

The first dispiriting news came this week from the ESRI, suggesting no major uptick in housing supply this year or next. To miss one year is poor enough, given commitments and assurances that the issue would be top priority, so to fail twice is unacceptable.

A tight labour force in the sector and low productivity mean the outlook for housing remains bleak, the ESRI warned. It forecast 33,000 units this year and 37,000 for next. This is well below government targets of 41,000 this year and 43,000 next year.

And now Department of Housing figures have confirmed the number of housing commencements to date for 2025 was just 6,325. This compares starkly with the 34,581 by June 2024.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin insists the comparison is unfair as a levy on the sector that was lifted last year has since been reimposed, and this was always going to have a negative impact.

He also said a number of new steps taken by the Government have yet to kick in. But with demand increasing and supply slipping, he is on shaky ground with the public, and hasnt a leg to stand on as far as the opposition goes.

Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin

Mr Martin continues to insist his focus is to get from 33,000 completions to 50,000. But delivery is the only way to convince at this point.

Sinn Feins Eoin O Broin said the figures were of great concern. This has been the trend now over the last three or four quarters. These are historic low commencements over the past decade, he added.

Rory Hearne, of the Social Democrats, was even more scathing. Housing commencements were up 62pc days out from the general election, he said, claiming the Government misled the public and cooked the books on numbers to win the election.

Mr Martin must defend the Government. But as a seasoned politician, he will recognise that on such a hot-button issue, when youre continually explaining, youre losing.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin will have to tread a very fine line. Pictured at an EU leaders' summit in Brussels last month. Photo: Reuters

When discussing the possible reintroduction of town councils, it is noteworthy that Micheal Martin tells us that democracy matters.

It would be good if that same logic applied when he is addressing a bill currently before the Dail, on the removal of the Triple Lock.

Successive opinion polls have demonstrated the wish of the Irish people to be peacemakers, and not to be a member of a military alliance.

If the Taoiseach succeeds in his mission to remove the Triple Lock, it would remove the need for UN authorisation of overseas missions, and unlock the possibility of Irish troops going abroad on military missions at the behest of the EU.

To remove the Triple Lock would be to further the militarisation of the EU and fly in the face of political reassurances given to voters in the Nice and Lisbon referendums, the latter a Yes result after the initial No to Nice.

The breach of trust is shocking and very undemocratic.

Elizabeth Cullen, Kilcullen, Co Kildare

Indeed, it is a brutal war as arrogant IDF now also killing Christians in Gaza

It had been miraculous the only Roman Catholic church in Gaza was not bombed in the ongoing, long Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

I was sad to see it was not to last, with it being damaged by a missile blast on Thursday which killed three people and injured 10.

One of the three killed was the churchs 60-year-old caretaker. Another was an 84-year-old woman.

Israels government quickly issued an apology for what they say was an unintended attack on the church and which they are investigating.

There have been almost 60,000 civilians slaughtered and more will be killed by Israels rocket and missile attacks on Gaza  so its hard to know if this apology is sincere.

Some Palestinian families of two or three generations have been wiped out by the bombings.

The Holy Family Church and its grounds in east Gaza shelters Christians, Muslims and others from the war.

A medic who immediately went to the aid of the injured and dying at the church was quoted in The Guardian as saying how Israels army is very arrogant and doesnt care if it kills Christians or Muslims in Gaza. He said it is a brutal war.

Mary Sullivan, College Road, Cork

The EU ought to apply the same rule of law to Israel over slaughter in Palestine

We are informed that the European Union may withhold payments to member states if the rule of law is not respected.

Where does that leave the EU attitude to Israel  a state that violates international law, denies Palestinians basic human rights and kills Palestinians on a daily basis?

It therefore seems the rule of law is not applied to the Israeli state.

In addition, some member states of the EU continue to supply Israel with military equipment, thus facilitating the daily murder of Palestinians.

Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Co Cork

We only have ourselves to blame for ambassadors dig at stout-swilling Irish

There is much gnashing of teeth in official Ireland regarding the US ambassador to Israel calling for Ireland to sober up regarding our attitude to Israel in general, and our Occupied Territories Bill in particular.

A fair point is raised. And we have only ourselves to blame, in reality.

Perhaps if we werent so quick to stick a pint of the black stuff into the hand of every visiting American president, or, for that matter, into the hand of every visiting dignitary, we could complain about Mike Huckabees perceived insult.

Time we grew up. Time to wake up and face reality.

Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan

Our motoring habits leave a lot to be desired, just look at disabled-bay flouting

Frank Coughlan nailed it (Lifes a beach? Not with chaotic hordes of entitled motorists, Irish Independent, July 18). The sense of entitlement some motorists display is baffling.

In Bundoran last week, I watched six or seven cars brazenly parked in the yellow box outside the RNLI lifeboat station  until locals got them moved. Two hours later, the lifeboat was called out.

The word selfish hardly covers it.

I see the same daily in my local car park, where drivers slip into disabled bays  no blue badge in sight  and then spring out of their cars.

We are, alas, a motoring nation where courtesy comes last.

Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh

No cost-of-living measures like energy credits when needed most, but why?

Reading Charlie Weston (Number of households behind in their energy bills jumps 86,000 in just a year, Irish Independent, July 17), it is a worrying situation for low-income families.

Including electricity and gas bills, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) said a total of 462,000 energy accounts are in arrears in the three months to April.

The ESRI said it is difficult to explain why electricity prices here are so high compared to other countries.

Domestic users in Ireland are paying 30pc more on their electricity bills than the EU average, which equates to almost 350 more per year.

Are we Irish being taken for a ride on utility bills? And yet senior government ministers including the Taoiseach are telling us there are no plans to continue energy credits or to assist low-income families with a new cost-of-living support scheme in Octobers budget. Mind-boggling to say the very least, in an obvious cost-of-living crisis.

Perhaps the Government thinks these people can live off the wind?

They supported people in recent years with financial packages to help alleviate the stress and strain of the purse-strings for low-income families. Why not this year?

Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo

Sweet food for thought, as Siucra may have Tipped the balance for hurlers

Perhaps Kevin Kelly let the secret out of the Siucra bag in his intriguing article on the creative skills involved in hurley stick design and manufacture (Irish Independent, July 17).

It appears Tipperary hurlers train with a sliotar weighing 10 times heavier than normal.

Thurles was well known for manufacturing high-quality beet sugar which was subsequently packed into 1.2kg bags. So the utility of an ashen stick to sublimely propel Siucra bags into the air is sweet food for thought.

Eugene Quinn, Drogheda, Co Louth
Mother of young man missing since 2020 refuses to give up search  I cant say I believe hes alive, I just hope he is

Five years after Donegal man Cian Langelaan disappeared without a trace, his mother Anthea travelled to Galway to follow up on a possible lead

Anthea Langelaan

Erika Sassone Yesterday at 11:02

Despite five agonising years having gone by  five years of watching the phone to ring, for a knock on the door, for anything to indicate a development  one mother has told how she refuses to give up hope of getting some news about her beloved son.
Centuries-old Yizu Dage art becomes major tourist attraction in SW China's Yunnan

() 18:46, July 19, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a local Yizu Dage team performing during a parade show on a square in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

A members of a local Yizu Dage team attends a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a local Yizu Dage team attending a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team wave to tourists during a parade show on the ancient street of Nanzhao in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

A young member of a local Yizu Dage team attends a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team attend a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a local Yizu Dage team performing during a parade show on a square in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team attend a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

A tourist in traditional costume of Yi ethnic group tries Yizu Dage on a square in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team perform during a parade show on the ancient street of Nanzhao in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team attend a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows members of a local Yizu Dage team attending a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a local Yizu Dage team performing during a parade show on the ancient street of Nanzhao in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team dance with tourists during a parade show on a square in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team chat during a break of a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Young members of a local Yizu Dage team take a break during practices in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team attend a rehearsal in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a local Yizu Dage team performing during a parade show on the ancient street of Nanzhao in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

Members of a local Yizu Dage team perform during a parade show on the ancient street of Nanzhao in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 18, 2025. Yizu Dage, a traditional folk art of the Yi ethnic group usually performed during festivals, weddings, funerals and other gathering occasions, has a history of about 10 centuries and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Weishan is dubbed "cradle of Yizu Dage."

Provincial and prefecture authorities of Yunnan have rolled out policies and dedicated funds in support of the development and popularization of Dage art.

To date, Dage art is not only integral part of local people's daily life, but also a major tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Smoke rises during clashes in the town of Wolgha, western countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict. (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict.

In a statement, the authorities expressed "deep concern and sorrow" over the ongoing deadly violence, describing the situation as resulting from "armed groups operating outside the law."

"The Syrian Arab Republic affirms its identity as a state for all its citizens, regardless of sect or ethnicity," the statement read, emphasizing that all must operate under one national roof and legal framework.

In response to the unfolding crisis, the authorities said they are working to dispatch specialized forces to contain the violence and resolve the conflict, while taking political and security measures aimed at restoring stability and preventing the return of chaos.

Calling for "calm, wisdom, and responsibility," the statement urged all sides to halt the fighting, protect civilians, and uphold the country's social fabric.

The statement comes amid ongoing violence in Sweida province, where clashes between local Druze factions and Arab Bedouin tribal fighters escalated this week.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday that at least 638 people have been killed since fighting erupted on July 13, including 73 civilians and more than 280 members of security forces.

Friday saw renewed tribal attacks on Druze-held positions near the villages of Sheqrawiah and Wolgha, as Bedouin fighters pushed deeper into the countryside, prompting growing concerns that sectarian violence could spiral out of control.

As tensions intensified, Israel, citing the protection of the Druze community in Syria, launched a series of airstrikes, targeting Syrian military sites in Sweida and the capital Damascus. 

Bedouin fighters advance through the town of Wolgha in the western countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict. (Str/Xinhua)

Tribal fighters take cover during clashes in the town of Wolgha, western countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict. (Str/Xinhua)

A bedouin fighter runs to cross a road in the town of Wolgha, western countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict. (Str/Xinhua)

Tribal fighters gather on a road near a frontline in the town of Wolgha, western countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict. (Str/Xinhua)

Tribal fighters take positions during clashes in the town of Wolgha, western countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict. (Str/Xinhua)

Tribal fighters walk along a road near a frontline in the town of Wolgha, western countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict. (Str/Xinhua)
A man who threatened to shoot a garda, acted extremely aggressively and spat blood in a patrol car has had his six-month prison sentence replaced with a suspended term on appeal.

Thomas McDonagh (23) with a last address at St Margarets Park, Ballymun, Dublin made threats to a garda members life and repeatedly squirted Lucozade at him.

McDonagh had pleaded not guilty in the District Court to four charges including failure to comply with a garda member under section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, obstruction of a peace officer under section 19 of the act and threatening and abusive behaviour under section 6 of the same act.

He also faced a charge for the criminal damage of a garda car under section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991. He was convicted of all four charges and given a sentence of six months in custody, a term against which he later appealed.

Garda Pierce ODwyer told the District Court Appeals Court on Monday that he responded to a call at St Margarets Park in Ballymun on May 12, 2023.

He said that gardai were surrounded by ten to 12 men who were demanding that they leave and were acting aggressively.

Garda ODwyer said that McDonagh was extremely aggressive from the start and shouted a number of threats at him, including that he knew where he lived and that he would shoot him.

He said that McDonagh sprayed him twice with a bottle of Lucozade and continued to be aggressive with him.

Dublin District Court

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th

Garda ODwyer said that McDonagh was arrested, handcuffed and conveyed to a garda station, where his aggressive behaviour continued and he spat blood in a garda car, resulting in a cleaning fee of 52 euro.

Defence counsel for McDonagh, Paul Larkin Coyle BL, said his client now accepts that his behaviour was totally unacceptable and was appealing the case on the severity of his sentence only.

Mr Coyle said McDonagh was begging for a chance so that he can be present for his children and that his client made an apology to the garda and the court for his behaviour.

Mr Larkin said that McDonaghs pregnant wife was in hospital at the time of the incident, and McDonagh got lost in the emotion of it and totally lost the head.

He said that his client is now the father of twins, understands the error of his ways and has removed himself from a situation where he was getting in trouble.

The court heard that McDonagh has 22 previous convictions, including incidents of theft, criminal damage and the possession of a knife.

Judge Christopher Callan said that McDonagh's actions were serious and it was difficult to see how the court can have much sympathy for him after he threatened to shoot a garda and behaved aggressively.

Judge Callan said that the job of a garda in this day and age is very difficult and what McDonagh did does not make it easy.

He said that what McDonagh did to the garda was completely unacceptable but it does appear that he is turning a corner in his life since the incident.

Judge Callan decided to suspend McDonagh's six month sentence for a period of two years on the condition that he keeps the peace, engages with the probation services and provides a donation of 500 euro to the Capuchin Day Centre.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Meet the woman behind Kilkennys most unique perfumery  I moved to Ireland with just 2,000 to my name

Owner and founder of Valley of Roses, Andriana Tsankova, gave up her whole life in Bulgaria and travelled 4,000 miles with her family to Kilkenny city to follow her dream of owning her very own perfumery

Meet the woman behind one of Ireland's most unique perfumeries

Aisling Bolton-Dowling Yesterday at 17:19

To say Valley of Roses in Kilkenny city is a labour of love is an absolute understatement.
The area is said to have massive tourism potential and a sustainable development plan was supported by the council

Lough Cullin in Pontoon. The LIFE project would help to improve the water quality both here and at Lough Conn.

A motion has been put forward by Mayo County Council to develop a LIFE project in Pontoon, Co Mayo.

Located between Lough Conn and Lough Cullin in north east Mayo, Pontoon used to be a busy spot. The area had two popular hotels, Healys and Pontoon Bridge.

Healys Hotel suffered a fire and the building went derelict. In 2019 planning permission was granted to develop the building into a hotel, restaurant and bar, since the Covid pandemic work hasnt resumed on the site. Pontoon Bridge Hotel was built in the 1940s and extended in 2006. It was sold in 2017 and didnt reopen.

Foxford-based councillor Neil Cruise, raised a motion at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council and laid out his plan for the Pontoon area to bring it back to life. The area includes Drummin Woods, Lough Conn and Lough Cullin.

Cllr Cruise told the meeting there is a distinct opportunity at the minute and referred to the Pontoon area as a sleeping giant that has massive tourism potential.

Cllr Cruise described a new beginning with forest company Coillte. The semi-state company is responsible for 44,000 hectares of forest lands around Ireland. Cllr Cruise said they are very interested in working with us.

He called for interest groups to come together to help: I feel it is time that we can all come together, Coillte, Parks and Wildlife, local development groups, farming and fishing interests, walking groups and local tourism promoters.

We have the development of the Foxford to Pontoon greenway, the Knockmore to Pontoon trail, and Pontoon to Castlebar greenway as far as Healys Hotel. We have the refurbishment of the six-arch bridge in Cuing Mor, we have the development of forest walks, the beaches and shores of Lough Cullin, of Pontoon Bay, Schoolhouse Bay, Healys Bay, and Pontoon Bridge lake access.

Development groups in the area were said to be itching to go but need help to pull everything together. Cllr Cruise is proposing that the council develop a LIFE project for the Pontoon lakes, similar to the Lough Carra LIFE project in Castlebar.

Cllr Alma Gallagher seconded the motion, describing Pontoons unused natural resources as a missed opportunity.

Entrance sign to Drummin Wood, Pontoon Co. Mayo.

Cllr Gallagher raised the issue of a county imbalance saying resources are being invested in the same areas, mainly Westport, Ballina and Castlebar. The Ballyhaunis-based councillor pointed out that the majority of Mayo's population live outside of those towns and said there needs to be substantial policy change because East Mayo is being left behind.

The motion was also supported by a further eight councillors including Cllr Al McDonnell. He congratulated Cllr Cruise on his motion and offered a helping hand.

There is a threat to water quality in every fresh water course in Ireland. We got together some years ago in an effort to save Lough Carra. An application was made to the LIFE project in Europe, after tremendous negotiation and lobbying to Europe we succeeded in getting a grant for 5 million over five years.

If you want any assistance with that, or if your group wants to meet us, I can put you on the mailing list and youre very welcome to come to one of our meetings and well introduce you to some of the people who were successful in relation to our application.

This article was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
On July 3rd last, World Seabird Day, BirdWatch Ireland, Irelands largest conservation NGO, in conjunction with BirdLife International, published a very short little booklet with the long tittle Important Areas for Irelands Seabirds and their Contribution to Protected Area Targets.

The small, five-page publication does exactly what it says on the cover: it identifies both the coastal and the marine areas in Ireland that are important for seabirds, and it makes a valuable contribution to the ongoing decision-making process aimed at designating areas suitable for offshore energy projects, like windfarms, and heritage sites worthy of designation as marine protected areas (MPAs).

Ireland has on the one hand, commitments to rapidly develop offshore energy projects and, on the other hand, to protect 30% of its marine territory by 2030 for both marine and maritime biodiversity. Currently, just shy of 10% of Irelands marine territory is subject to some form of protection, less than 2% of it specifically for the 24 species of breeding seabird that Irelands marine territory supports.

BirdWatch Ireland uses a traffic light system to assess the conservation status of all wild birds on the island of Ireland. Of the 24 species of seabirds that breed in Ireland, 23 are currently either amber or red listed. Globally one third of seabirds are considered threatened and half of them are declining in population.

Ireland is hugely important for seabirds with up to three quarters of a million birds gathering at colonies every year to nest. The island is of internationally importance for breeding Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel and Roseate Tern.

The new BirdWatch Ireland initiative features a map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds. Of the 73 areas 24 are wholly marine and are important feeding grounds .Forty-nine of the 73 areas are coastal and 41 of them are already designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for wild birds. The remaining eight currently undesignated breeding sites need to be considered for designation

BirdWatch is calling on the Irish government to designate all seabird important bird areas as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds under the Birds Directive, to review existing SPA boundaries and revise them as appropriate, to develop management plans for all SPAs, and to develop bird sensitivity maps to inform strategic spatial planning of marine activities.

Full details regarding important seabird areas are available at https://birdwatchireland.ie/ibas-for-seabirds-in-ireland/.
Nicola Moran is announced as the Regatta Queen for 2025 at the launch of the Wicklow Regatta in O'Sheas Corner.

Nicola Moran was crowned the new Regatta Queen for 2025 in front of a packed house at OSheas Corner in Wicklow town on Thursday, as the launch night for the Wicklow Regatta took place, featuring an exciting line-up of some old favourites, alongside some new offerings.

The Wicklow Regatta dates back to 1878 and has continued every year since, apart from a break during World War II and another in the eighties, and is considered the oldest maritime-themed festival in all of Ireland.

Natasha Moya Boyce, Victorriia Lytryn and Nicola Moran were all in the running for the title of Regatta Queen 2025, leaving judges Anee Tarpey-McNally and Niamh Comber with a particularly hard decision to make.

Nicola, who operates a childcare service in Wicklow town, was bestowed with the honour of taking on the role of Regatta Queen for this years festival, as she was presented with the crown by outgoing Regatta Queen Mariia Drobna.

Deja Vu also took to the stage at the launch to round the night off.

The new Wicklow Regatta website, www.wicklowregatta.com, also officially went live at 12 noon on Friday, with McKenna Creative helping with its design.

Wicklow Regatta chair John Goodman is looking forward to another action packed programme of events, running from Tuesday, July 22 through to Monday, August 4.

He said: We have added a number of new exciting events to our programme. This year we have introduced a kite flying event which we hope proves popular. We will also have an astronomy talk and demonstration from Enda Kelly of Wicklow Skies Astrophotography taking place at Wicklow Sailing Club. He will provide a talk on how to get into astrophotography and he will also have a telescope on the roof of the sailing club for people to look through, depending on the weather.

Pat Davis will be holding a talk on the murals he carried out along the South Quay of different visiting ships. It proved a great success last year and the crews from an Irish boat and a French boat actually visited Wicklow specifically for Pats talk.

We also have the return of plenty of our old favourites. The singing pubs competition gets underway on Tuesday, July 22, in the Brass Fox, and then continues throughout the regatta, We will have lots of live music in Market Square and buskers playing on the streets.

Wicklows Got Talent will be taking place at the Pastoral Centre and we have lots of activities lined-up for our family day taking place at St Patricks NS on Saturday, August 2. The dog show always proves a major attraction, and another big event which always takes place is our duck race, which closes the festival. I think people get more craic from watching us trying to catch all the ducks at the end than they do from the actual race. You can purchase a duck from any of the other regatta events taking place.

The fireworks display takes place on Sunday, August 3, and always attracts massive crowds. There is always plenty of fun to be had at our annual raft race, and Splash Sunday, where people can try out different water based activities, will be taking place at Wicklow Sailing Club.

While all the events are free, numbers are limited for some of them, so you are advised to register first at the Wicklow Regatta website in order to avoid any disappointment.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae watch a person sliding down a slide at the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, North Korea. Photo: Reuters

Domestic tourists visit the beach at Wonsan-Kalma in North Korea. Photo: Getty

North Korea has barred foreign tourists from a newly opened beach resort on its east coast just weeks after promoting it as a world-class tourist and cultural destination.

Days after Russias foreign minister Sergey Lavrov vowed to help boost tourism in North Korea, authorities abruptly halted foreign access to the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area  offering no explanation for the unexpected move, according to Bloomberg.

North Koreas official tourism site, DPR Korea Tour, announced on Wednesday that foreign visitors are temporarily not accepted in the zone, Korea JoongAng Daily reported.

After years in the making, North Koreas Benidorm-style beach resort finally opened on June 24  well past its original launch date of April 15, 2019, timed to honour national founder Kim Il Sungs birthday.

State media touted it as a national treasure-level tourism city"

The project, centred on a long white-sand beach in Kangwon province, had been delayed by sweeping international sanctions and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The resort has drawn visitors from across the country, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

State media touted it as a national treasure-level tourism city  a glittering seaside development that contrasts sharply with the widespread hunger and hardship reported by human rights observers across North Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marked the occasion by celebrating the resorts completion, hailing it as one of the regimes greatest successes this year.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort recently began attracting Russian tourists, with a travel agency reportedly scheduling two more tours for August, according to the BBC.

Mr Kims choice to host Mr Lavrov there on July 12  instead of in Pyongyang  was widely seen as a strategic showcase. The North Korean leader told Mr Lavrov that he was the resorts first foreign guest since the opening of the tourism zone.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova lavished praise on the Wonsan-Kalma resort during a Sputnik Radio interview this week, calling it a fantastic holiday destination with perfectly equipped facilities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae watch a person sliding down a slide at the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, North Korea. Photo: Reuters

The Wonsan-Kalma resort stretches across 4km of coastline and can host up to 20,000 visitors, according to North Korean state media.

Its reportedly outfitted with amenities aimed at rivalling global beach destinations  a goal underscored in 2017 when Mr Kim dispatched a delegation to Spains Benidorm resort to study its theme parks, high-rise hotels, and marina facilities.

A North Korean tourism brochure cited by the BBC lists 43 hotels lining the beachfront, alongside guesthouses on a man-made lake and campgrounds catering to different traveller types.

When the tourism resort area was opened, Mr Kim was seen relaxing poolside with his daughter Kim Ju Ae with a pack of cigarettes, cold drink, and a towel.

Tourism is a crucial source of income for the sanctions-stricken Kim regime, but since loosening its pandemic border controls, North Korea has admitted only a limited number of Russian visitors.
She spent her proceeds from the drug network lavishly, while also receiving social welfare payments

Cocaine found during a search of the home of two members of Deborah Mason's gang. Photo: PA

A family-run crime gang, with a 65-year-old gangster granny as its boss, has been sentenced for dealing drugs with a street value of 80m (92m) across the UK.

Deborah Mason, dubbed Queen Bee, and seven other members of the gang were sentenced yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court to a total of 106-and-a-half years for their involvement in supplying nearly a tonne of cocaine over seven months.

A group of couriers collected packages of imported cocaine and drove them all over London, Bradford, Leicester, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff between April and November 2023.

The drugs had an estimated wholesale value of between 23m and 35 million, and had a street value of 80 million.

Mason, dubbed gangster granny by the Metropolitan Police, directed other members of the gang and was in contact with an upstream supplier called Bugsy.

She was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Judge Philip Shorrock told Mason: You were effectively the site foreman working under the direction of a site manager. You recruited members of your own family.

As a mother, you should have been setting an example for your children and not corrupting them.

The judge noted that several of the women in the gang have young children, and said their involvement in the drug network only makes it easier for unscrupulous dealers to seek to recruit mothers.

Earlier, prosecutor Charlotte Hole said: All of the offenders participated in a conspiracy which involved the nationwide supply of around a metric tonne of cocaine, collected usually from areas near ports, such as Harwich, and delivered across the country to Bristol, Cardiff, Sheffield, Bradford and so on.

Everyone involved had an expectation of significant financial advantage  at least 1,000 per trip  and it is one of the most significant parts of the motivation of the conspiracy.

They all had an awareness of the scale of the operation.

Mason played a leading role and was top of the organisation and provided cocaine for the upstream supplier known as Bugsy.

Cocaine found during a search of the home of two members of Deborah Mason's gang. Photo: PA

She took part in 20 trips, delivering 356kg of cocaine, and also made trips to deliver and collect cash.

She was in close contact with the upstream supplier using an encrypted app, which had auto-deletion of messages set up, designed to keep the operation secret.

Ms Hole said: [Deborah Mason] recruited both her family members  her sister and her children  as well as partners and friends of her children, to a network of at least 10 individuals.

She also organised those who drove for her, staying in phone contact from the early hours to make sure they were up, and checking in on them during the day.

She did not use pressure or coercion to woo her family into the gang, as they were motivated by financial benefit.

The court heard she was in receipt of in excess of 50,000 per year in social welfare during the conspiracy period, while acting as ringleader and spending lavishly on luxuries.

After sentencing, Crown Prosecution Service specialist prosecutor Robert Hutchinson said: This was no ordinary family.

Instead of nurturing and caring for her relatives, Deborah Mason recruited them to establish an extraordinarily profitable criminal enterprise that would ultimately put them all behind bars.

Met Detective Constable Jack Kraushaar, who led the investigation, described it as a sophisticated operation.

He added: The group were sucked into criminality, selfishly attracted by the financial benefits of the drug-dealing to fund lavish lifestyles.

They were unaware we were coming for them, and this sentencing should act as a deterrent to those who think about committing this type of crime.
British spies and special forces are also potentially exposed by the incident

Hundreds of UK ministry of defence (MoD) data breaches have been revealed as questions intensify over its ability to keep sensitive information safe in the wake of the Afghan data breach.

The latest MoD data shows there were 569 incidents in 2023-24  up from 550 the previous year  which included electronic devices being lost and protected documents not being disposed of properly.

In one incident last year, the details of 272,000 staff  including names and bank details  were breached when one of its systems, run by an external contractor, was hacked by a malign actor.

In another case, the MoD was fined 350,000 (404,000) by the Information Commissioner for a breach related to the handling of emails linked to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)  the scheme to bring Afghans with links to British forces to safety in UK.

Kevan Jones, the chairman of the powerful Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), has demanded that the MoD give an explanation as to why high-security information is being held on low-security systems.

It follows the revelation this week of a catastrophic data breach, which exposed 100,000 Afghans to potential reprisals from the Taliban, costing the UK taxpayer billions and prompting a three-year cover-up through the use of an unprecedented super-injunction.

Further concerns emerged on Thursday after it was revealed that UK spies and special forces soldiers were also potentially exposed by the incident.

Already, members of the ISC, which has a statutory duty to hold government agencies to account, are furious that the MoD ignored a request by a judge to share the details of the original Afghan data breach with the committee.

But now the Labour peer who chairs the committee has raised questions over whether the MoDs systems to handle sensitive data are good enough.

Mr Jones said: There seems to have been a number of breaches. It raises questions not just about the systems but how they are used.

"The big unanswered question on the Afghanistan data leak is why such secret information was being held on a low-side system and not a secure encrypted system.

The ISC has demanded documents relating to the Afghan breach and could launch its own inquiry into the scandal.

But the issue is also set to be raised in the inquiry that the Commons defence select committee will hold after the summer recess.

Tan Dhesi, the Labour defence select committee chair, said: This is going to end up being one of the most costly email blunders in history. .

Rigorous safeguards must be in place to ensure that this cannot happen again.

" Its shameful that courageous Afghans who served alongside British soldiers have had their safety jeopardised by this leak.

The revelation that this breach has also put our brave British service personnel at risk makes the situation even more shocking.

"I am sure the committee will want to understand how this could have been allowed to happen. ( The Independent)
Friedrich Merz has admitted that Europe has historically underfunded its own security and instead relied heavily on the United States.

The German chancellor met with UK prime minister Keir Starmer in England on Thursday to sign a treaty on a range of issues, such as defence and immigration.

On his first trip to London as chancellor, Mr Merz described the Kensington treaty as historic. It is the first major bilateral agreement between the UK and Germany to deepen defence cooperation and boost economic growth in both nations.

Russias war in Ukraine has defined the first two months of Mr Merzs chancellorship, as has Donald Trumps tariffs on the EU.

Mr Merz said he has met with Mr Trump three times now and they are on the same page on Ukraine  both wanting to bring an end to the war.

But he admitted that Europe had not historically funded its own security in the past.

We know we have to do more on our own and we have been free-riders in the past, he told the BBC. Theyre asking us to do more and we are doing more.

Asked about his relationship with Mr Trump, he said: We are on the phone once a week; we are co-ordinating our efforts. One issue is the war in Ukraine, and the second is our trade debates and tariffs.

We are seeing a big threat, and the threat is Russia.

Mr Merz said he would do whatever it takes to boost Germanys defence spending and increase the size of its army.

At a press conference on Thursday, Mr Merz and Mr Starmer discussed ways to boost European support for Ukraine, following Trumps announcement to bolster Kyivs stockpile by selling American weapons to Nato allies who would in turn send arms to Kyiv.

Mr Merz said they had discussed Ukraines need for long-range strike systems, which he called long range fire. Ukraine will soon receive substantial additional support in this area, he said.

The treaty includes a clause on mutual assistance which, in light of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, is highly significant, a German official said this week.

He said that above all, we need clarity on how weapons systems that are given up from the European side will be replaced by the US.
French riot police clashed with suspected migrants in the northern town of Gravelines on Friday morning as they attempted to cross the channel to the UK. Police forces exchanged tear gas for petrol bomb thrown at them by migrants. The clash took place a day after migrants boarded an inflatable boat in Gravelines to cross the English channel over to the UK.
DAMASCUS, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa have agreed to a ceasefire embraced by Turkiye, Jordan and neighbors, U.S. Ambassador to Turkiye Tom Barrack said Saturday on social media.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors," he said on X. 
The new package from the bloc will target Russias oil and energy industries

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev is now deputy chairman of the country's security council. Photo: Getty

A Ukrainian serviceman fires a ZPU-2 anti-aircraft machine gun towards a Russian drone during an overnight shift in the Kharkiv Region of Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev predicted yesterday that the Russian economy would withstand the EUs latest sanctions package, and said Moscow would intensify its strikes against Ukraine.

Mr Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russias security council, made his comments after the EU agreed a new package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine.

In a post on his official Telegram channel, Mr Medvedev said the new sanctions would do little to alter Russias stance on the conflict, just as previous rounds of sanctions had failed to make an impact.

Mr Medvedev, who has emerged as one of the Kremlins top hawks, said Russia planned to intensify its strikes on Ukraine. Strikes against targets in so-called Ukraine, including Kyiv, will be carried out with increasing force, Mr Medvedev said.

US president Donald Trump announced a toughened stance against Russia on Monday, promising a fresh wave of missiles and other weaponry, including Patriot missile defence systems capable of destroying Russian ballistic missiles.

He also gave Russia 50 days to sign up to a ceasefire or face new sanctions.

The EU yesterday agreed an 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including measures aimed at dealing further blows to the Russian oil and energy industry.

The bloc will set a moving price cap on Russian crude oil at 15pc below its average market price, EU diplomats said.

This aims to improve on a largely ineffective $60 (52) per barrel cap that the G7 economies have tried to impose since December 2022.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev is now deputy chairman of the country's security council. Photo: Getty

The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on X.

We will keep raising the costs, so stopping the aggression becomes the only path forward for Moscow.

The UK also announced it would join the price cap move, saying it would deal a blow to Moscows oil revenues used to finance the ongoing conflict.

Earlier yesterday, Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Kremlin did not believe that the tougher stance Mr Trump has adopted towards Russia means the end of US-Russia talks aimed at improving the relationship between the two countries.

Asked if Mr Trumps statements meant that negotiations aimed at reviving battered ties between Moscow and Washington would now end, Mr Peskov said: We assume that this is not what it means. Of course, these are different issues. One issue is the question of the Ukrainian [peace] settlement. The other issue is our bilateral relations.

Mr Peskov said many irritants and problems still needed to be resolved in order to improve ties with Washington, which he said were in a deplorable state. He called efforts to change the situation time-consuming and difficult.

Moscows dialogue with Washington appeared to improve after Mr Trump retook office in January, but Mr Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin over conditions the Russian president has attached to any potential ceasefire.

Russia and Ukraine held two rounds of peace talks in Turkey earlier this year, which yielded an agreement to exchange prisoners and soldiers remains.

But no date has yet been set for a third round of talks, and the warring sides remain far apart on the terms of any ceasefire or eventual peace settlement.

Ms Svyrydenko negotiated a high-level deal offering the US preferential access to Ukraines mineral wealth

Ukraine and the US, meanwhile, have been holding detailed talks on a deal involving US investment in Kyivs domestic drone production, new Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko said yesterday.

Her announcement came a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky tasked a new, reshuffled government with scaling up Ukraines arms industry and strengthening ties with its strategic partners.

Ms Svyrydenko, speaking alongside several other new ministers in Kyiv, said the deal would also lead to the US  Ukraines biggest military backer  purchasing Ukrainian drones.

We plan to sign a drone deal with the United States. We are discussing investments in the expansion of production of Ukrainian drones by the US, she said. That is, we are talking about the purchase of a large batch of Ukrainian drones.

Ms Svyrydenko added that a political decision on the deal had been made by Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump, and that officials were hashing out the details.

Mr Zelensky told the New York Post this week that he and Mr Trump were considering a deal for Washington to buy battlefield-tested Ukrainian drones in exchange for Kyiv purchasing weapons from the US.

The Ukrainian government under Ms Svyrydenko is expected to shore up ties with the Trump administration.

Ms Svyrydenko is well-known in Washington, having negotiated a high-level deal offering the US preferential access to Ukraines mineral wealth. The deal will feed a reconstruction fund.
History creates moments of opportunity, but they rarely last  this is the chance to forge a new coalition of countries that favour progress over war

US President Bill Clinton looks on while Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak shake hands on the opening day of the Mid-East peace talks July 11, 2000 at Camp David MD. (White House Photo/Newsmakers)

Flares fired by Israel Defense Forces light the sky above Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border. Photo: Reuters

Twenty-five years ago this week, I was at Camp David as US president Bill Clintons lead Middle East negotiator. We sought to resolve the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and to produce peace between two movements competing for the same space.

In July 2000, we were optimistic about ending the conflict. Over the preceding seven years, since the beginning of the Oslo process  which provided mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation and called for the creation of a Palestinian Authority (PA) to negotiate peace with Israel  we had produced four partial agreements: the Gaza-Jericho Agreement, the Interim Agreement, the Hebron Protocol and the Wye River Memorandum.

But in two weeks at Camp David, even as his negotiators signalled some flexibility, Yasser Arafat, the PA president, rejected every proposal we made. At one point he told Clinton that we would be walking in his funeral procession if he accepted what the US was asking.

Dennis Ross chats with Yasser Arafat

Arafat did allow his representatives space to negotiate afterward, and in December he and I met privately. He said he could accept the ideas I laid out for overcoming the gaps on the core issues of Jerusalem, refugees, borders and security. We brought Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams to Washington to try to finalise an agreement, and when they could not, both sides asked us to present a bridging proposal that became known as the Clinton parameters.

The death and destruction in Gaza has soured many Arab publics on Israel  and their leaders are mindful of this

While Israeli leader Ehud Barak accepted them, Arafat did not. Instead, he reignited violence and the second intifada, a five-year uprising in which thousands died on both sides. There has been no political progress between Israelis and Palestinians since then, even though Israel withdrew unilaterally from Gaza in 2005.

The Abraham Accords in 2020, during Donald Trumps first term, marked the expansion of Arab-Israeli peace, with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco normalising relations with Israel. President Joe Biden sought to deepen the co-operation those accords promised.

By 2023, the administration was on the verge of working out a pact with Saudi Arabia  the Saudis would get a defence treaty with the US and American support for an expansive nuclear-energy industry, in return for normalising relations and making peace with Israel.

Hamass onslaught on Israel on October 7, 2023, was motivated in part by the desire to kill the prospect of this deal. Saudi officials later told me that had Israel succeeded more quickly in defeating Hamas without destroying much of Gaza and killing so many people there, normalisation would have already taken place.

Flares fired by Israel Defense Forces light the sky above Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border. Photo: Reuters

But the death and destruction in Gaza has soured many Arab publics on Israel, and their leaders are mindful of this mood. At the same time, these Arab leaders are not unhappy that Israel has vastly weakened Iran and devastated its regional proxies.

Irans loss of much of its coercive capability  and its need to focus domestically on preserving the regime  creates an opportunity for peace and regional integration.

Timing is to statecraft what location is to real estate: in other words, seize the moment

Even with all the uncertainty in Lebanon and especially in Syria, the potential may exist to negotiate non-belligerency agreements, if not full normalisation, with Israel.

Trump rightly wants to capitalise on the changed balance of power in the region to produce Saudi normalisation with Israel and expand the Abraham Accords. Timing is to statecraft what location is to real estate: in other words, seize the moment.

But given Arab attitudes, nothing can happen until the war in Gaza ends and the Israeli military withdraws. Israel has already defeated Hamas as a military, but it seeks to ensure that the group no longer controls Gaza. For that, there must be an alternative to Hamas.

At this point, neither the Trump administration nor prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has developed a credible day after plan to prevent a vacuum in Gaza.

Donald Trump talks with Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Reuters

Nor have the Arabs presented a credible plan for the demilitarisation of Gaza, despite the reality that there will be no serious reconstruction without it. No one will offer meaningful investment in Gaza if Hamas can reconstitute itself militarily, making certain that war will erupt again.

Even if the current talks over creating a 60-day ceasefire are successful, nothing will change if it does not to lead to ending the war in Gaza, the release of all Israeli hostages, and the withdrawal of the IDF.

If Netanyahu is to take advantage of the moment Israels military achievements have created, he will need to accept both this and a transitional administration led by the UAE, Egypt, Morocco and the Saudis, with participation from the PA.

The Arab leaders must assume the responsibility of making sure that the Palestinian Authority undergoes serious reforms: President Mahmoud Abbas assumes a ceremonial position, a newly empowered and internationally credible prime minister is appointed, and transparent financial, investment and budgeting processes are created and monitored by the World Bank.

People attend a gathering to support Iran's armed forces in Tehran. Photo: Reuters

Gaza under the PAs leadership, even after a transitional period of two to three years, is an illusion without such changes.

Without an end to Palestinian division and incitement, talk of a Palestinian state is little more than a slogan. Arab leaders must help deliver reforms, and a practical approach that begins to demonstrate that a Palestinian state wont be a failed state.

As long as Israelis believe any Palestinian state will be dominated by Hamas or other extremists, they will be reluctant to embrace even the idea any time soon. History creates moments of opportunity, but they rarely last. With Iran and the forces that depend on conflict weakened, this is the chance to forge a new coalition of countries that favour social and economic progress instead of war. ( Bloomberg)

Dennis Ross served in senior national security positions for US presidents Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama
The strike was one of many to hit the Strip on Thursday, with 18 people killed overnight

The Holy Family Church was hit in an Israeli strike on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III visit an injured person at the Church of the Holy Family which was hit in an Israeli strike on Thursday, in Gaza City July 18, 2025. The Latin patriarchate

Top church leaders visited Gaza yesterday after its only Catholic church was struck by an Israeli shell on Thursday. The attack killed three people and wounded 10, including a priest who had developed a close friendship with the late Pope Francis.

The strike drew condemnation from Pope Leo and US president Donald Trump, and prompted a statement of regret from Israel, which said it was a mistake.

Since ending a ceasefire in March, Israel has regularly launched far deadlier strikes across Gaza against what it says are Hamas militants, frequently killing women and children.

Strikes killed 18 people overnight, health officials said yesterday.

Pope Leo renewed his call for negotiations to bring an end to the 21-month war in a phone call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday, the Vatican said.

The religious delegation to Gaza included two patriarchs from Jerusalem  Latin patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox patriarch Theophilos III. The rare visit aimed to express the shared pastoral solicitude of the Churches of the Holy Land, a statement said.

Israel has restricted access to Gaza since the start of the war, though church leaders have entered on previous occasions, usually to mark major holidays.

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the highest ranking Catholic official in Jerusalem, said in an interview with Italys Corriere della Sera daily that a Catholic presence would remain in Gaza whatever happens.

He expressed doubts about Israels comments that the strike was a mistake.

We are not a target. They say it was an error, even if everybody here believes it wasnt, the cardinal said.

The Holy Family Church was hit in an Israeli strike on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

The delegation visited the Holy Family Church, whose compound was damaged in the shelling. They were also organising convoys carrying food, medical supplies and other equipment to the territory  which has been pushed to the brink of famine by Israels war and military offensive  as well as the evacuation of those wounded in the church strike.

Cardinal Pizzaballas Latin patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement that the religious leaders brought hundreds of tonnes of food supplies, as well as first aid kits and urgently needed medical equipment. The aid is meant not only for Gazas small Christian community, but for as many families as possible, the patriarchate said, adding that it also ensured the evacuation of those injured in the church strike.

In his call with Mr Netanyahu, Pope Leo expressed again his concern over the dramatic humanitarian situation for the population in Gaza, with children, the elderly and the sick paying the most heartbreaking price, the Vatican said in a statement.

An Israeli official who spoke anonymously confirmed that Mr Netanyahu had placed the call, and said that the Vaticans account was accurate.

In an earlier statement, the Pope had repeated his intentions to do everything possible to stop the useless slaughter of innocent people and condemned the unjustifiable attack on the church.

The Vatican said the Pope had also received an update on the condition of Fr Gabriel Romanelli, the resident priest at the church, who was lightly wounded. The priest had regularly spoken by phone with Pope Francis, who died in April, telling the pontiff about the struggles faced by civilians in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu released a statement Thursday saying Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gazas Holy Family Church. The Israeli military said it was still investigating.

Israel has repeatedly struck schools, shelters, hospitals and other civilian buildings, accusing Hamas militants of sheltering inside and blaming them for civilian deaths. Palestinians say nowhere has felt safe since Israel launched its offensive in response to Hamas October 7, 2023, attack.

They are still under the rubble. Until now we are unable to get them out, even in small pieces

Israeli strikes killed at least 18 Palestinians overnight and into yesterday. One strike hit a home in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing four members of the same family, according to morgue records at Nasser Hospital. Associated Press footage of the aftermath of the strike showed people digging through the rubble in search of remains.

They are still under the rubble, said Belal Abu Sahloul, a relative of those killed. Until now we are unable to get them out, even in small pieces.

At the hospital, a mother could be seen holding the hand of her daughter, who had been killed in one of the other strikes and placed in a body bag.

Nearly 18,000 Palestinian children have been killed since the start of the war, according to Gazas health ministry.

Israels military said it was operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities and that it takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm.

Nasser Hospital said another three people were killed while heading toward an aid site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-backed American contractor.

A spokesperson for the foundation said there was no violence at its sites overnight and that crowds were docile.

Since the groups operations began in late May, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in shootings by Israeli soldiers while on roads heading to the sites, according to witnesses and health officials.

GHFs four sites are all in military-controlled zones. The Israeli military has said its troops have only fired warning shots to control crowds. There was no comment from the military on the latest deaths.

Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people  mostly civilians  in the October 7 attack, and abducted 251 people, most of whom have since been released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

Fifty hostages are still being held, less than half of them believed to be alive.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed over 58,600 Palestinians according to Gazas health ministry, which has said women and children make up more than half of the dead. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its tally.

The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, but is led by medical professionals. The UN and other international organisations consider its figures to be the most reliable count of war casualties.
Renewed clashes broke out overnight between Druze armed groups and members of Bedouin clans in southern Syria, and government forces deployed again to the area yesterday after pulling out under a ceasefire agreement that halted several days of violence earlier this week, officials said.

Government security forces agreed with some of the Druze factions that they would re-enter the area to impose stability and protect state institutions, according to two Syrian officials who spoke yesterday on condition of anonymity.

Israel had repeatedly said it would not allow Syrian troops to deploy to the countrys south, but yesterday it said it would grant them a brief window to end renewed clashes there.

In light of the ongoing instability in south-west Syria, Israel has agreed to allow limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Sweida district for the next 48 hours, the official, who declined to be named, told reporters.

Thousands of people remained displaced by the violence and the United Nations has been unable to bring in much-needed humanitarian and medical aid because of ongoing clashes.

Syrian government forces pulled out of the Druze-majority province of Sweida after days of clashes with militias linked to the religious minority that threatened to unravel the countrys fragile post-war transition.

The conflict drew airstrikes against Syrian forces by Israel in defence of the Druze before most of the fighting was halted by a truce announced on Wednesday that was mediated by the US, Turkey and Arab countries. Under that agreement, Druze factions and clerics would be left to maintain internal security in Sweida, Syrias interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa said on Thursday.

The clashes initially began between Druze militias and local Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes on Sunday before the Syrian government forces intervened, nominally to restore order, but ended up taking the Bedouins side against the Druze.

The fighting killed hundreds of people over four days, with allegations government-affiliated fighters executed Druze civilians and looted and burnt homes.

After the ceasefire and withdrawal of government forces, clashes once again flared between the Druze and Bedouin groups in parts of Sweida province.

State media reported Druze militias carried out revenge attacks against Bedouin communities, leading to a wave of displacement.
The scam call appeared to come from her daughter's number, and sounded like her voice. Photo: Stock Image/Getty

A US woman says she was conned out of $15,000 by a scammer who used artificial intelligence to replicate her daughters voice.

Sharon Brightwell, who lives outside Tampa in Florida, said she was targeted by scammers last Wednesday after receiving a call from a number that appeared to belong to her daughter, April Monroe. When she picked up, Ms Brightwell heard her daughters hysterical voice claiming she had hit a pregnant woman with her car while texting and driving.

There is nobody that could convince me that it was not [her voice], Ms Brightwell told WFLA-TV. I know my daughter's cry, even though she's an adult, I still know my daughter's cry.

Ms Monroe was in Carrollwood, a nearby suburb at the time, she wrote on a GoFundMe page to help recoup her mothers money.

After you hear your child in distress, all logic is out the window

My voice was AI-cloned and sounded exactly like me, Ms Monroe wrote. After you hear your child in distress, all logic is out the window.

A man then took the phone and claimed to be Ms Monroes attorney. He told Ms Brightwell he needed $15,000 cash to pay her bail. She couldnt tell the bank what it was for, or her daughters credit would be affected, the man said.

He says, Can you do that? I said Not really, but yes, Ms Brightwell told WFLA. I'll do whatever I have to do for my daughter.

Ms Brightwell withdrew the money from her bank and put it inside a box, which she then gave to a driver who showed up at her house.

Soon after, Ms Brightwell received another call from someone claiming to be a relative of the pregnant woman her daughter supposedly hit. They said the womans unborn baby had been killed in the wreck and they wanted $30,000 cash, or else they would sue.

Ms Monroe says her son was with Ms Brightwell the whole time and was in just as much panic and worry. He realised it was a scam after Ms Monroe texted him on her lunch break.

Then it all came together, Ms Monroe wrote. My mom and son were in absolute shock.

Evil is too nice a word for the kind of people that can do this

Ms Monroe immediately left to go and be with her mother and son. Ms Monroes son hunched over to throw up when he first saw her and realised she was safe, she said.

To tell you the trauma that my mom and son went through that day makes me nauseous, and has made me lose more faith in humanity, Ms Monroe wrote. Evil is too nice a word for the kind of people that can do this.

Ms Brightwell and her family encourage people to take proactive steps to prevent scams, such as coming up with a code word to use in emergency situations, WFLA reported.

Ms Monroe said she had filed a police report, and an investigation is under way.
The culinary world is still reeling from the tragic loss of Anne Burrell, the beloved Food Network chef best known for Worst Cooks in America. The 55-year-old was found dead on June 17 at her Brooklyn residence after emergency services responded to a 911 call citing a possible cardiac arrest. And till date, people are trying to figure out what exactly happened to Anne?

Anne Burrell | Credit: Instagram/anneburrell

Anne Burrell suffered cardiac arrest because of a drug overdose of 100 pills?

Initial reports painted a grim picture, but newly obtained documents now suggest something more haunting: a suspected overdose. According to an internal NYPD file obtained by The New York Times, Anne was discovered unconscious in the shower, surrounded by roughly 100 assorted pills. She was unresponsive when authorities arrived.

Anne Burrell | Credit: Instagram/anneburrell

NYPD launches investigation in Anne Burrells case into possible overdose

Although the New York City Medical Examiners Office has completed an autopsy, they have yet to confirm a cause of death. A police spokesperson confirmed to The Independent that while they did not name Burrell specifically, details including her age, sex, and location align with the case currently under review. The investigation remains ongoing, leaving fans and the food community searching for answers.

Anne Burrell | Credit: Instagram/anneburrell

In a heartbreaking statement released on June 17, Burrells loved ones expressed their deep sorrow. Her family, including her husband Stuart Claxton, stepson Javier, mother Marlene, and siblings, described Anne as someone whose presence could light up any room. Her warmth and love, they said, touched people far beyond her immediate circle.

Anne Burrell found unconscious before being pronounced dead | Credit: X

Who is Anne Burrell?

A family friend shared that Annes joy for life and food was unmatched, and her absence has left an unfillable void. The Food Network, where Anne became a household name, remembered her as a passionate and dynamic force. A network representative described her as not only a gifted culinary expert but also someone who brought laughter, competition, and the importance of shared meals into countless homes.

Anne Burrell | Credit: Instagram/anneburrell

As the investigation unfolds, Anne Burrell's untimely death marks the loss of an irreplaceable light in the food world and beyond.
No one - literally no one - is ever going to forget what happened at Coldplay's Boston concert on Wednesday (July 16). Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, who attended the concert, was caught on camera sharing an intimate moment with his company's Chief Public Officer, Kristin Cabot. It seems even BTS - despite their busy work schedules - have caught wind of the incident.

BTS member Jin lit up the stage in Anaheim during his solo world tour, RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR. As he does at every stop, he played a game of charades with his fans, known as ARMY. This time, the word was "Coldplay" - and things quickly turned chaotic.

Coldplay concert cheating couple. Credit: X

BTS ARMY reenact Coldplay cheating couple

In a video clip shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), the word displayed on the screen was "Coldplay." Rather than simply miming the band's name, ARMY got cheeky and recreated the now-infamous "hug and duck" gesture - a viral reference to the Coldplay concert cheating moment.

At first, Jin appeared visibly confused by the exaggerated physical hints. But as ARMY energetically performed the "hug and duck" move in dramatic fashion, he burst into laughter, realizing the clever nod to the scandal.

At one point, Jin asked, "Is it my bro?" referring to Chris Martin, with ARMY screaming "Yes!" in response. The moment escalated hilariously until Jin finally guessed "Coldplay" correctly, prompting loud cheers for the playful and well-timed clue.

THE WORD WAS COLDPLAY



HE GOT IT BECAUSE OF THE HUGGING CHEATING ISSUE FROM COLDPLAY CONCERT pic.twitter.com/bkmY1nGqv5  hope (@winnttaebear) July 19, 2025

The clip quickly went viral, thanks to ARMY's enthusiasm and Jin's infectious laughter - once again proving how BTS and their fans can turn even a simple game into a legendary moment.

More about Jin's solo tour

The eldest member of the group is currently in the midst of the North American and European legs of his first-ever solo tour, with upcoming shows scheduled in Dallas, Tampa, Newark, London, and Amsterdam.

During his Anaheim concert, the eldest BTS member opened up about missing his fellow bandmates and reflected on what it feels like to perform without them. Admitting he had been nervous ahead of the show, Jin shared candidly, "I came here very worried actually. So I don't have my members with me, first of all. And after doing shows I feel like I wasn't in the best condition."

BTS Jin's RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR. Credit: X

He went on to explain how the absence of his members affected him emotionally: "Usually the members next to me would say 'Gwenchana' [It's okay]. But then today when I came here, it's like instead of members, you guys hit the spot and you guys are saying it's okay, it's okay to me."

In a heartfelt moment that left fans teary-eyed, he added, "To me, you guys are just as precious as the members." Jin ended his message with a warm and sincere, "Thank you ARMY, I love you ARMY!"



For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Facing a new 30% U.S. tariff set to begin Aug. 1, Greek olive oil producers are urgently seeking new markets in places like Brazil and Australia to mitigate the impact on their businesses.

The tariffs,

announced by the administration of President Mr. Donald Trump target a range of European products and threaten to severely impact one of Greece's most important agricultural exports.

Trumps tariff threats have taught us the importance of not relying on a single market, Greek producer Konstantinos Papadopoulos told Reuters. His business has already secured a deal to ship 15,000 bottles of olive oil to Brazil.

Analysts estimate that sales of Greek olive oil to the U.S., currently its fifth-largest market, could drop by 40% this year due to the new import duties.

The move has prompted Greek exporters to accelerate efforts to find new customers and reduce their dependence on the American market.

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Greek Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis has outlined his government's strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into key sectors like health, defense, and education, calling it an opportunity for Greece to "leapfrog where possible."

Speaking at the Greeks in AI conference in Athens,

Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized AI's potential to improve the public

He pointed to pilot programs already underway, including AI-driven productivity tools at the Land Registry and digital tutoring projects for students.

In a conversation with Konstantinos Daskalakis, an MIT professor who chairs Greeces AI advisory committee, the prime minister also addressed the risks of AI, including job displacement and misinformation.

"We have to protect our intellectual property and image," Mr. Mitsotakis said, noting Greece will enact new laws to guard against fake videos and other AI-generated threats.

Mr. Mitsotakis also highlighted a positive trend in reversing Greece's "brain drain," stating that in 2024, for the first time, more people returned to the country than left.

He said that Greece must leverage its human capital to drive innovation in the emerging AI-driven economy.

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Kimberly Guilfoyle, nominated by former President Mr. Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to Greece, is expected to arrive in Athens before the end of August, pending final confirmation by the U.S. Senate, according to Greek

Ms. Guilfoyle recently cleared a key hurdle when the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved her nomination.

If confirmed by the full Senate, she will succeed Mr. George Tsunis, who departed the post earlier this year.

Diplomatic sources suggest a likely arrival date of Aug. 25.

Upon her arrival, Mrs. Guilfoyle is expected to begin assembling her embassy team.

The main U.S. Embassy building is currently undergoing extensive renovations, with the ambassadors office temporarily relocated.

Her appointment comes at a time of strong U.S.-Greece relations, particularly in defense. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed enthusiasm for her appointment, stating that he looks forward to working with her.

Mrs. Guilfoyle, a former prosecutor and television host, would fill a leadership post that has been vacant since January 2025.

   iefimerida.gr
SUVA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has set an ambitious target to boost the country's agricultural exports to 1 billion Fijian dollars (about 443.48 million U.S. dollars) within five years, as outlined in the 2025-2026 national budget.

The plan represents a bold pivot towards transforming Fiji's agricultural landscape into a high-performing, export-driven sector.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna unveiled a comprehensive strategy this week that includes substantial investment in crop diversification, resilience-building, and market expansion.

Speaking to the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Tunabuna said the initiative aims to unlock the untapped potential of the agricultural sector by targeting high-value commodities and broadening Fiji's export base.

Key products identified for priority support include kava, taro, turmeric, ginger, cocoa, coffee, and livestock commodities that have demonstrated growing regional and international demand.

These sectors will benefit from targeted funding to increase output and improve processing, packaging, and compliance with export standards.

To achieve these goals, the ministry is focusing on unlocking idle land for productive use.

New policy frameworks are being developed to incentivize the leasing of underutilized land, particularly customary land, for commercial agriculture.

This effort is also expected to generate employment and drive rural development.

A comprehensive review of existing agricultural subsidy recipients is also underway to improve transparency and ensure that support reaches genuine, productive farmers.

This aligns with the ministry's goal of enhancing accountability and optimizing the impact of government spending in the sector, Tunabuna said. 
A fatal road accident along the MaiduguriDamaturu road on Friday claimed the lives of no fewer than nine passengers, leaving seven others injured.

Mr. Usman Muhammad, the Borno Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), disclosed the incident in a statement released in Maiduguri.

Mr. Muhammad explained that the fatalities consisted of five male adults, one female adult, two male children, and one female child, while seven others were injured to varying extents.

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READ MORE: Abia Police Arrest Four Over Armed Robbery, Recover Firearm

The crash involved two vehicles (a Toyota Hummer bus belonging to Borno Express and a commercial Trailer).

Eight passengers died on the spot while one died in the Specialist hospital.

The injured are presently receiving treatment at the Specialists Hospital Maiduguri.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, the sector commander said.

Muhammad appealed to motorists to consistently practice caution while driving.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued warning to former Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against coming to the state without his approval.

The Governor led this out on Friday while receiving Marcus Onobun, the last federal lawmaker in the state, into ruling All Progressives Congress.

Governor Okpebholo made it clear that Obis security would not be assured should he enter Edo State without officially informing the state government.

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The governor also referenced a previous visit by the former governor of Anambra State, during which he allegedly donated N15 million.

He questioned the source of the funds, pointing out the contradiction between Obis public statements and his financial contributions.

The Governor said: This message is for the man who claims he has no shishi, Governor Okpebholo said, using the local slang for money.

Theres a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed.

If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. Im not joking.

He came the other day and gave out N15 million. A man who claims to have no money, where did he get that from?

After he left, there was unrest in Benin, and three people lost their lives. Thats why Im saying this. Tell Obi not to step into Edo without informing me first.

See Video Here: https://x.com/ChidiOdinkalu/status/1946279842736947322?t=S3RBGRupESabLdZ87g57rg&s=19
Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has clarified why he was absent during President Bola Tinubus condolence visit to Kano on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Ganduje, through his former Chief of Staff, Malam Muhammad Garba, said he was unavoidably absent due to a previously scheduled personal engagement in London.

In a statement issued on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Garba said, Contrary to media speculations suggesting that Ganduje was either unwell or deliberately excluded from the Presidents entourage, the former National Chairman had travelled to London for a personal engagement that had been arranged well in advance.

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He added that the condolence visit to the family of the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata was communicated to Ganduje, but all efforts to adjust his itinerary proved futile.

Dr Ganduje made every effort to adjust his plans but was unable to do so. Despite frantic efforts to reschedule his flight and itinerary, the logistics made it impossible for him to return in time, Garba said.

He emphasized that Ganduje was in constant virtual communication with party leaders in Kano, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.

He remained in constant communication virtually every hour or two to ensure smooth coordination for the Presidents visit, Garba noted.

Garba also dismissed any perceived rift between Ganduje and President Tinubu, stating, Gandujes resignation as APC National Chairman in no way affects his cordial and longstanding relationship with President Tinubu, a bond built over years of mutual respect and political alignment.
The Labour Party has appointed Senator Nenadi Usman as its Interim National Chairperson. This decision was made during the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Abuja.

Alongside Usman, Senator Darlington Nwokocha was named the Interim National Secretary. They are expected to lead the party until a new NEC is elected at the upcoming national convention.

Speaking after her appointment, Senator Usman said, This is a critical moment for our party. We are committed to steering the Labour Party towards internal unity, transparency, and democratic principles.

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READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/coalition-leaders-are-after-personal-gains-not-nigerians-well-being-adc-chieftain-kachikwu.html

Other resolutions reached during the NEC meeting included the approval of timelines for ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, which will culminate in the national convention.

The national secretariat has been tasked with publishing the guidelines and ensuring fair conduct at all levels.

Senator Nwokocha added, Our focus now is to rebuild confidence within the party and make sure every member has a voice in the forthcoming congresses.

The appointments come amid efforts to stabilize the party and reposition it ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party insiders say the decision reflects a broader strategy to promote inclusivity and end recent internal wranglings.

A statement issued at the end of the meeting reaffirmed the partys commitment to democratic values, stating, The Labour Party will continue to stand as a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking good governance and accountability.
Popular Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson has criticised a Ghanaian television station for broadcasting her film The Firstborn without obtaining proper authorization from her or her team.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the actress expressed her shock and disappointment at what she described as an audacious act by the station, identified as Blazing TV.

Ghana, Blazing TV.

How is this even ok?

Blazing TV in Ghana is showing my movie, The Firstborn, on their TV without my consent.

How does this even make sense? How?

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I am speechless at the audacity of it all, she wrote.

READ MORE: Jude Okoye, Wife Celebrate 11 Years Of Marriage

Mercy Johnsons reaction adds to growing concerns among Nollywood stars regarding copyright violations by foreign broadcasters, especially in Ghana.

Similarly, fellow actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli recently called out Ghanaian TV stations for what she described as the unauthorized airing of Nigerian films sourced from YouTube. Despite her affection for Ghana and its people, Omoni didnt hold back in expressing her frustration.

SEE POST:
A Youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Niger State, Shittu Adamu Evuti, has formally resigned from the party and announced his defection to African Democratic Congress.

Mr. Adamu in his resignation letter dated 18th July 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of PDP in Evuti/Kpada Ward, Lapai Local Government Area on Friday, cited unresolved internal crises at the national level as the major reason for his decision.

He thanked the people of Evuti/Kpada Ward, Lapai LGA, and the entire Niger South Senatorial District for their unwavering support and confidence in him over the years.

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The former youth leader also expressed gratitude to PDP for the platform and opportunities it provided for him.

He added that his resignation came after wide consultations with constituents, political allies, and key stakeholders.

READ MORE: 2027: Atiku Officially Resigns From PDP

Mr. Adamu said: I wish to formally tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately.

To the PDP family, I humbly seek forgiveness from anyone I may have offended during my time in the party. Personally, I bear no grudges and have forgiven anyone who may have wronged me.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the defection to ADC is expected to have political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially within the youth constituency of the states opposition politics.
Former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has described Nigeria as a nation in bondage, facing insecurity, economic hardship, and sectional leadership.

Obasanjo insisted that true recovery is only possible with a leader who prioritises national interests over tribal agendas.

The former president led this out during a courtesy visit from Southern leadership of New Nigeria Peoples Party, in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Friday.

He emphasised the need for Nigerians to rise and actively engage in addressing the countrys challenges, including insecurity and economic instability.

Obasanjo urged citizens to stand up rather than passively observe, warning that failure to do so could lead to worse leadership.

He said: We are in bondage. Let us keep watching the situation, but more importantly, let us pray that God delivers us.

READ MORE: Buhari Died When Nigeria Needed His Experience  Obasanjo

We have had Fulani Nigerian presidents, Hausa Nigerian presidents, Yoruba Nigerian presidents.

But weve yet to have a true Nigerian president, one for all, not just their tribe. Until we do, our problems will remain.

Also speaking during the visit on Friday, NNPPs Ogun State governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, echoed Obasanjos concerns, describing Nigerias political atmosphere as disheartening.

He said: If we truly want to build this country, we must start by putting the peoples needs first.

As Nigerian youths, we are preparing to come out en masse in 2027 to elect true leaders.
The indefinite strike by the Organised Labour in Ogun State continues, following the rejection of Governor Dapo Abioduns proposed resolution plan.

This comes amid growing tensions over unresolved issues, including the N82 billion backlog in contributory pension deductions.

In a communique on Friday, the unions, after a seven-hour meeting in Abeokuta, rejected the governments proposals, citing unresolved issues like the contributory pension scheme, new minimum wage, unpaid leave allowances, and pending staff promotions.

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The council-in-session is displeased with the resolve of the state government, especially on the Contributory Pension Scheme, the unions stated.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/cupp-knocks-gov-okpebholo-for-threatening-peter-obi-calls-it-disgraceful-display-of-thuggery.html

In effect, the initial position of the Congress subsists, and the declared trade dispute stands.

Governor Abiodun, on Friday, assured that retirees from July 2, 2025, would get immediate payments under the contributory pension scheme, with a 10-year phased repayment plan from 2025 to 2035.

We have decided that in phase one, we will pay outstanding contributions for retirees from July 2, 2025, to July 2030, the governor explained.

We will make that immediate payment next year. Phase two will cover retirees from July 2, 2030, to July 1, 2035.

He further clarified that gratuity payments would end from July 2, 2025, and all consolidated salaries would revert to the contributory pension structure.

Despite these assurances, Labour remains unmoved, with union leaders urging the government to take more decisive action in addressing their demands.
Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system, citing the recent formation of a new opposition coalition as evidence of ongoing democratic engagement.

Speaking on Saturday, during a Channels Television interview, Fashola described the development as a welcome exercise of political freedom.

It puts a lie, a big lie, to the story making the rounds about eight weeks ago that Nigeria was going to become a one-party state, he said.

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There is an opposition of some quality, whatever that quality may be.

The former Lagos governor emphasised that Nigerians have every right to associate politically.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/youll-be-responsible-if-anything-happens-to-peter-obi-obidient-movement-tells-edo-gov-for-threatening-his-life.html

It is a manifestation of a right to choose, a freedom of choice, and a freedom to associate, and one must respect that as I do, he noted.

However, Fashola questioned the depth and seriousness of the new coalition, saying, What is the compelling alternative message? Without a manifesto, without a programme of action, I cant speak to how persuasive the coalition will be, but theres still a distance to run.

He also pointed out the historical weakness of the opposition. If you ask me, the opposition essentially abdicated its responsibility over the last two years, he said, describing the new movement as potentially a reawakening.

The idea of just gathering and saying, We want to change Nigeria, sounds good. But the country needs more than good intentions it needs a roadmap, he concluded.
Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has disclosed that Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State is the leader of the All Progressives Congress, in the state.

Onanuga made the disclosure in a post on Friday, via his X page.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming, following a visit by Governor Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to President Bola Tinubu.

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He wrote: Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday. Governor Eno is the APC leader in his state.

READ MORE: Im Chasing Elephant, Not Distracted By Dogs  Gov Eno Defends Defection From PDP To APC

Eno, who was elected under the PDP platform, had been rumored for weeks to be aligning with the APC.

His latest visit to the Villa, accompanied by a key APC figure like Akpabio, appears to confirm both his defection and his new political standing.

The move is seen as a strategic gain for the APC in Akwa Ibom, a state historically dominated by the PDP.
TEHRAN, July 19 (Xinhua) -- A fire erupted on Saturday at Abadan oil refinery in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province, the official news agency IRNA reported.

Nine groups of firefighters were at the scene to contain the fire, which broke out at the refinery's unit No. 70, the IRNA quoted Alireza Ahmadian, managing director of Abadan County's fire department, as saying.

A black smoke resulting from the fire has engulfed parts of Abadan city, said the report.

According to the Abadan Oil Refining Company, the fire has been brought under control, and production at the refinery is continuing uninterruptedly.

The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company said the cause of the incident was not determined yet, and the findings will be announced following the completion of the investigation, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Abadan refinery is one of the oldest and biggest refineries in Iran, according to the IRNA. 
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing irreparable and irreconcilable differences within the party.

Fadahunsi, in a resignation letter dated June 12, 2025, and made public on Saturday, July 19, stated that his exit was due to the internal crisis that has plagued the party following the 2023 general elections.

I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect, due to the irreparable, irreconcilable differences and protracted legal battles that have bedeviled the party at the national level after the 2023 general elections, he wrote.

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The senator explained that the decision was made after consulting with his political associates, family members, and supporters.

This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends, the letter added.

A PDP stalwart in Ilesa, who spoke to news men on Saturday, revealed that Fadahunsis resignation had been in the works for a while.

The plan has been long in the pipeline. He had lost interest in the party and was only waiting for the right time, the source claimed.

There is now growing speculation about Fadahunsis next political move, with insiders suggesting he may be aligning with another political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, party members in Osun have called for calm, noting that the PDP remains strong despite the senators departure.
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old man, Mati Bagio, who is suspected to be a bandit kingpin.

According to the police, Bagio, a resident of Unguwan Galadima in the Shika District of Giwa Local Government Area, had been on their wanted list for the past 11 years.

He was reportedly the leader of a criminal gang that had terrorised communities in both Kaduna and Katsina states for several years.

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READ MORE: Troops Neutralise Two Bandits, Recover Weapons In Plateau

In a statement released on Friday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, announced Bagios arrest and revealed that three suspected motorcycle thieves were also taken into custody.

Hassan stated that Bagio was apprehended at his residence in Kaduna during the early hours of Friday.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated that the suspect had been on the police wanted list for 11 years due to his alleged involvement in numerous attacks across Giwa, Hunkuyi, Faskari, Dandume, and Funtua Local Government Areas in both Kaduna and Katsina states.

He revealed that during recent operations, the police recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms, ammunition, a stolen Toyota Prado SUV, and two motorcycles.

The statement read, On 18th July, 2025, at about 0530 hours, acting on credible intelligence, a team of detectives led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, CSP Sani Zuntu, successfully tracked and arrested a notorious gang leader popularly known as Mati Bagio, a 34-year-old male of Unguwan Galadima in Shika District, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The suspect is a notorious bandit leader who terrorised Kaduna and Katsina states along Giwa, Hunkuyi, Faskari, Dandume, and Funtua Local Government Areas. He had been on the run for the past 11 years. He was just apprehended at his residence, where a significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered.

Items recovered from the suspect include one AK-47 rifle; one fabricated AK-47 rifle; one pump-action gun; two English pistols; two AK-47 magazines; two LAR rifle magazines; four fabricated AK-47 butts; four AK-47 live ammunition rounds; 10 pump-action cartridges; 87 rounds of pistol ammunition; one machete; two torchlights; and one unjamming rod.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of exploiting the recent burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain, particularly to regain favour in the North.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, and released on Friday, the party claimed Tinubus government used Buharis death as a public relations tool to distract Nigerians from its failures.

According to the ADC, The tribute at the Federal Executive Council meeting and the deliberate display of Yusuf Buhari at the ceremony was not a genuine gesture of respect but a calculated PR stunt by an unpopular government.

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The party accused Tinubu of hypocrisy, noting that his administration had spent the last year shifting the blame for the countrys economic woes on Buharis policies, only to now perform a public U-turn.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/abure-is-daydreaming-governor-otti-says-calls-for-restructuring-rebranding-of-lp-to-end-internal-crisis.html

They blamed Buhari for every economic hardship Nigerians are facing today. Now, they are painting him as a saint to score political points. Nigerians are not fooled.

Grief is not a campaign strategy, the ADC emphasized. It is disingenuous to weaponize the death of a former leader in order to clean up a tainted image.

The statement continued, No public relations stunt can save a government that has behaved in the last two years like an army of occupationinsensitive, disconnected, and arrogant.

It concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and not be swayed by emotional manipulation.

We are confident that Nigerians can see through their grand deceit. The attempt to whitewash their failures using Buharis death is both disrespectful and desperate, the ADC said.
Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the assassination of Ezekiel Adeniran, the Registrar of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, six months after his appointment.

41-year-ol Adeniran, was appointed to the position in January 2025, was found dead in his residence in Akure on Thursday.

Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the incident was reported at Fanibi Division, and the case is being treated as a clear assassination.

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The man died in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday). I can confirm to you that the man was killed. From the information I have at my disposal, two men came out of the bush and forced a substance into another persons mouth, he said.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/coalition-leaders-are-after-personal-gains-not-nigerians-well-being-adc-chieftain-kachikwu.html

Although the exact location of the incident is still unclear, Ayanlade stressed that efforts are ongoing to uncover the culprits.

We are doing everything possible to unravel the lies surrounding this case. We are after those responsible for this case, he added.

He also urged members of the public to assist with any useful information, promising confidentiality.

Please feel free to come forward and share it to reach us, he pleaded.

Meanwhile, the management of UNIMED expressed shock at the tragic news. In a statement by the Head of Media and Protocol, Mr. Isaac Oluyi, the institution said: The devastating news (of the registrars death) has thrown the university into mourning, as it was shocking! He was still at his duty post on Monday, 14th July, 2025.

As investigations continue, the academic community and public await answers over this disturbing incident.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the anti-graft agency is currently investigating 18 sitting governors across the country.

Olukoyede made this revelation on Friday, during a public sensitisation event held in Lagos.

According to him, the EFCC does not wait for politicians to complete their terms before commencing investigations. However, prosecutorial actions are often delayed until immunity ends.

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As Im talking to you, Im investigating about 18 governors who are still serving. When they leave office, we will go to the next level, Olukoyede stated.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/kaduna-police-stop-pro-peter-obi-rally-vow-to-arrest-violators.html

The programme, aimed at curbing naira abuse and mutilation, drew attendance from various stakeholders including filmmakers and currency exchange operators.

In a rather dramatic account during a Q&A session, Olukoyede narrated how a former Nigerian governor ran to the United Kingdom a day after handing over power and ended up being detained by British authorities after spraying pound sterling notes at a birthday party.

In the UK, while celebrating his birthday, this ex-governor began spraying 50 and 10 notes at a hotel. The hotel manager, who had never witnessed such a scene, called emergency services thinking the man was mentally unstable, he explained.

Olukoyede said police arrived at the scene and almost took the former governor away in an ambulance until his friends, including two Nigerian governors present at the event, intervened.

While he did not name any of the governors under investigation, Olukoyede reiterated the EFCCs commitment to upholding accountability in governance.

The commission has been under increasing public pressure to tackle corruption in public offices, especially amid Nigerias economic woes.
Peter Obis support group, popularly known as Obidients Movement has insisted that Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo will be held responsible if anything happens to the former Labour Partys presidential candidate.

The movements Director of Strategic Communication, Nana Kazaure in a statement on Saturday, described Governor Okpebholos comment as threat to national peace.

Recall that the Edo State Governor on Friday, was overheard in a viral video, saying that Obi should not step his foots in the state without informing him.

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Kazaure while reacting to the development on Saturday faulted the Governors stance, stressing that the constitution allows Nigerians freedom of movement.

He said: The Obidient Movement has observed with deep concern a circulating video in which the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Monday Okpebholo, allegedly warns His Excellency Peter Obi never to set foot in Edo State again without preinforming him.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the right of every Nigerian citizen to move freely and reside in any part of the country.

READ MORE: Dont Enter Edo Without My Permission, Blame Yourself If Anything Happens To You  Gov Okpebholo Warns Peter Obi

It is therefore disturbing and constitutionally indefensible for Governor Okpebholo to threaten or seek to restrict this fundamental right.

Peter Obi was on missions of goodwill and charity, offering humanitarian support to citizens neglected by the very governors and government now issuing these threats.

We wish to alert Nigerians and the international community that these threats should not be dismissed lightly. Should anything untoward happen to His Excellency Peter Obi, Nigerians should know where to look.

These governors are the chief security officers of their respective states, and their utterances carry weight, not just in words, but in potential consequences.

We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against this descent into political intolerance and recklessness. Nigeria belongs to all of us.
Philadelphia police stand outside the 7 Elements lounge in South Philadelphia after eight people were shot on July 5. Read more

A second suspect being sought in the shoot-out that wounded eight people outside a South Philadelphia late-night lounge in the early-morning hours of July 5 has been identified, the U.S. Marshals Service said Friday.

Nino DaSilvio, 22, is facing charges for aggravated assault and other offenses, the U.S. Marshals Service said without disclosing where he lives.

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Late last week, Michael Welton, 43, who was working as a security guard at 7 Elements when the shooting happened, surrendered to police and was charged with attempted murder and related offenses.

Welton, of Philadelphia, was released on $200,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 1, court records show.

The gunfire erupted shortly before 4 a.m. July 5 following what police said was a knife fight that spilled onto the second-floor balcony of the lounge, which is located at the Dung Phat Plaza shopping center at 11th Street and Washington Avenue.

One gunman opened fire on the crowd, and Welton and a second man fired back at the first shooter, who fled in a white Mercedes, police said. Police did not say which of the gunmen they are alleging DaSilvio was.

A bullet struck a 25-year-old woman in the car, who was dropped off at a hospital.

All the victims were reported in stable condition after the shooting.

On Thursday, police released images of a third shooting suspect, who remains unidentified.
A 45-year-old woman evidently hanged herself Thursday morning at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center, according to a news release from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, the second person to die this year while in the departments custody.

A guard and nurse discovered the woman in her cell around 9 a.m. Thursday while distributing medication.

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Jail officials said the woman was lying on her bed with a sheet attached to the top bunk and the other end around her neck, the release said.

The woman arrived at the jail on May 21 after being booked on charges including assault.

A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Department of Prisons declined to provide further details to The Inquirer.

On March 8, a 42-year-old man suffered a fatal heart attack just hours after his arrival at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. The person in that instance, Andrew Drury, had a history of addiction and was labeled an emergency case who should have received one-on-one supervision in the hours before he died, records show.

The citys prison system has been plagued by problems, including a staffing shortage causing prolonged lockdowns and delays in access to services such as medical care.

Last August, a federal judge ordered Philadelphia to pay $25 million after finding the city in contempt of a 2022 settlement agreement in a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of incarcerated people over conditions at the jail.
Caleb Coy Guard writes that if organ sales were legalized, Americas already dire health disparities would widen as the wealthy bought from the poor at desperation rates. Read more

New Yorks recent legislation offering hefty tax credits to living organ donors has reignited one of medicines most contentious ethical debates: Should we legalize the sale of human organs? While proponents argue this would alleviate transplant shortages, the reality is far murkier.

When I gave a kidney to my father in 2019, I received compensation. A couple of hundred dollars worth of gifts came from friends and family. The American Transplant Foundation was able to provide a small, generous check to help cover a bill while I was unable to work. But there was never any expectation that I would be reimbursed with a sum of money at a market price.

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Every day in America, on average, 13 people die waiting for organ transplants. The current system, built on voluntary donation, clearly isnt meeting demand. There are always opportunities to reinvigorate our culture of altruism and to remove unnecessary barriers to donation. The commodification of human parts should not be on the table.

 READ MORE: Its illegal to pay people for organs, but some advocates want a $50,000 tax credit for kidneys

The compensation argument is persuasive. Proponents can point to Iran, the one country where it is legal, as their example of success. Organ trade in Iran is regulated by a government-backed charity. Donors are paid by recipients and tax credits. Even with a common religious taboo on donating body parts, Iran has no waiting list for kidneys. Financial incentives seem to work there.

Below the surface, however, there is a healthcare system that does not necessarily diagnose every renal failure patient. The Ministry of Health regulates the process, but also fails to make sure every patient is properly diagnosed. A donor can receive enough to pay a months rent in a nice Tehran apartment. However, more than 60% of their donors are below the poverty line. Many report no follow-up care and deteriorating health.

The situation dirties not just the reputation of compensated donations, but of donating in general. A major reason Americans give for not donating organs is the belief that donation centers will recklessly harvest their parts for profit. As a donor at the University of Virginias hospital, I was treated the same as any patient. I have no confidence that selling my kidney would have guaranteed the same.

 READ MORE: I learned about a largely hidden health crisis in our midst when my own body tried to kill me | Opinion

Most damningly, donors in Iran frequently describe their decision as economic coercion. Too often, poor donors, in the hope of paying off debts, spend most of their compensation on treatments for the very conditions brought on by poor aftercare.

There are three good reasons to condemn financial transactions for body parts:

It targets the poor and vulnerable. It undermines altruism. It is a slippery slope to human trafficking.

Thus, the direct sale of organs, even by consent, is almost universally banned, and legal compensation is tightly regulated, as it should be. If organ sales were legalized, Americas already dire health disparities would widen as the wealthy bought from the poor at desperation rates. Even with regulation, a market for healthy organs opens the door to exploitation of the vulnerable. Its the reason 80% of plasma centers appear in poor neighborhoods.

Even with regulation, a market on healthy organs opens the door to exploitation of the vulnerable.

There are many innovations we can apply to the donation system: moderate nonprofit or tax-funded compensation packages, opt-out donation and presumed consent systems, improving exchange networks, investing in preservation research, outreach to educate low-income communities. But not an organ market.

When I donated my kidney, the compensation wasnt financial  it was knowing Id given someone years of life. This intangible benefit carries profound psychological and social value that money cant replicate. Donors and recipients feel better psychologically when an organ is freely given. When generosity is celebrated over transactions, communities grow stronger.

Laissez-faire economics, however, cant guarantee strong social cohesion or psychological well-being. You cannot replace the value of altruism with the value of currency. Weve seen what uninhibited capitalism can do to human dignity in other areas, including healthcare costs. The organ shortage demands urgent action, but not at the cost of our humanity. Before we monetize the human body, we must exhaust every ethical alternative.

Humans are not vending machines. If the reason we dont have enough willing organ donors is that our society is too selfish, how would legislation allowing body part sales not amplify our national selfishness? Would it give us one more excuse not to act in the interest of others?

Caleb Coy Guard is a kidney donor and donor mentor with the National Kidney Foundation.
Portrait of American financier Jeffrey Epstein (left) and real estate developer Donald Trump as they pose together at the Mar-a-Lago estate, Palm Beach, Florida, 1997. Read more

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch Friday, a day after the newspaper published a story reporting on his ties to wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The move came shortly after the Justice Department asked a federal court on Friday to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epsteins sex trafficking case, as the administration seeks to contain the firestorm that erupted after it announced that it would not be releasing additional files from the case, despite previously pledging to do so.

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The controversy has created a major fissure between Trump and his loyal base, with some of his most vocal supporters slamming the White House for the way it has handled the case, and questioning why Trump would not want the documents made public.

Trump had promised to sue the Wall Street Journal almost immediately after the paper put a new spotlight on his well-documented relationship with Epstein by publishing an article that described a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Trumps name and was included in a 2003 album compiled for Epsteins 50th birthday.

Trump denied writing the letter, calling the story false, malicious, and defamatory.

The suit, filed in filed in federal court in Miami, accuses the paper and its reporters of having knowingly and recklessly published numerous false, defamatory, and disparaging statements, which, it alleges, caused overwhelming financial and reputational harm to the president.

In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump cast the lawsuit as part of his efforts to punish news outlets, including ABC and CBS, which both reached multimillion-dollar settlement deals with the president after he took them to court.

This lawsuit is filed not only on behalf of your favorite President, ME, but also in order to continue standing up for ALL Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media, he wrote.

A representative of Dow Jones, the Journals publisher, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

The letter revealed by The Wall Street Journal was reportedly collected by disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell as part of a birthday album for Epstein years before the wealthy financier was first arrested in 2006 and subsequently had a falling-out with Trump.

The letter bearing Trumps name includes text framed by the outline of what appears to be a hand-drawn naked woman and ends with, Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret, according to the newspaper.

Trump denied writing the letter and promised to sue. He said he spoke to both to the papers owner, Rupert Murdoch, and its top editor, Emma Tucker, before the story was published and told them the letter was fake.

These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I dont draw pictures, the president insisted.

The outlet described the contents of the letter but did not publish a photo showing it entirely or provide details on how it came to learn about it.

In the lawsuit, Trump takes issue with that fact. The defendants, it attests, failed to attach the letter, failed to attach the alleged drawing, failed to show proof that President Trump authored or signed any such letter, and failed to explain how this purported letter was obtained.

The reason for those failures is because no authentic letter or drawing exists, it goes on to charge, alleging that the Defendants concocted this story to malign President Trumps character and integrity and deceptively portray him in a false light.

Earlier Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche filed motions in a separate federal court urging them to unseal the Epstein transcripts as well as those in the case against Maxwell, who was convicted of luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. Epstein killed himself in 2019 shortly after his arrest while awaiting trial.

The Justice Departments announcement that it would not be making public any more Epstein files enraged parts of Trumps base in part because members of his own administration had hyped the expected release and stoked conspiracies around the well-connected financier.

The Justice Department said in the court filings that it will work with with prosecutors in New York to make appropriate redactions of victim-related information and other personally identifying information before transcripts are released.

Transparency in this process will not be at the expense of our obligation under the law to protect victims, Blanche wrote.

But despite the new push to release the grand jury transcripts, the administration has not announced plans to reverse course and release other evidence in its possession. Attorney General Pam Bondi had hyped the release of more materials after the first Epstein files disclosure in February sparked outrage because it contained no new revelations.

A judge would have to approve the release of the grand jury transcripts, and its likely to be a lengthy process to decide what can become public and to make redactions to protect sensitive witness and victim information.

The records would show testimony of witnesses and other evidence that was presented by prosecutions during the secret grand jury proceedings, when a panel decides whether there is enough evidence to bring an indictment, or a formal criminal charge.
SYDNEY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Three teenagers have been killed in a head-on collision between two vehicles in northern Australia.

Police in Australia's state of Queensland said in a statement on Saturday that emergency services were called to the crash on a highway in the city of Mackay, over 800 km northwest of Brisbane, shortly after 10:40 p.m. local time on Friday.

Initial police investigations indicate that a sedan was attempting to overtake a semi-trailer when it collided head-on with a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction.

The three occupants of the sedan, two males and a female, all aged 19, died at the scene.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 29-year-old male, was taken to the hospital in a serious condition. The 68-year-old driver of the semi-trailer and two occupants of a fourth vehicle that veered off the road to avoid the crash were uninjured.

Police are undertaking an investigation into the accident. 
Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, speaks to the media on Friday in Atlantic City. Read more

Rather than push people off Medicaid, President Donald Trumps so-called big, beautiful bill  now law  will move more people into the workforce, argued Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

In a brief interview during a Friday visit to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, Oz countered criticisms that the newly passed legislation will deprive low-income people of Medicaid.

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It is my primary focus to make sure we dont have people accidentally pushed off the system, said Oz, an author, former surgeon, and television personality whose promotion of health advice and products has been criticized as misinformed and dangerous.

Known to millions as Dr. Oz, he lost the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania to Democrat John Fetterman in his first foray into politics.

Now as a federal administrator, Oz has repeated the conservative talking point that Medicaid is currently weakened by waste, fraud, and abuse, a claim disputed by policy experts.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected in June that the changes to Medicaid under the legislation would result in roughly 8 million people being removed from Medicaid rolls.

Oz didnt address that figure directly on Friday, saying instead that new federal regulations will motivate people to return to the workforce, not punish them.

If youre able-bodied and able to work and youre not, on average youre spending 6.1 hours a day watching television or just hanging out  so were saying, you oughta try to go to work, Oz said.

However, of nondisabled adults under 65 who rely on Medicaid, 92% are either working, caring for a family member, managing an illness or disability, or attending school, according to KFF, a national nonprofit focusing on health issues formerly known as Kaiser Family Foundation.

Hitting us over the head with the idea theres rampant fraud is a distraction and simply a way of justifying cuts to a desperately needed program, said Judith Levine, director of Temple Universitys Public Policy Lab.

In the interview, Oz stressed that he believes Medicaid has drifted from its original purpose as delineated by former Vice President Hubert Humphrey, a liberal advocate for government programs that help those in poverty.

Oz quoted Humphrey, saying, The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.

After the interview, Oz participated in private roundtable discussions with South Jersey politicians and health professionals.
Tasmanian food activist Matthew Evans from The Fat Pig Farm has been on my radar for a very long time but until recently our paths had never crossed.

Well, blow me away, if he didnt walk into the hall of the Ballymaloe Cookery School the other day. I couldnt believe my eyes.

He was over this side of the world to attend Groundswell, the regenerative farming festival in Hertfordshire in the UK and decided to swing by Ireland where some of his ancestors hailed from.

Matthew has had a fascinating life, originally the restaurant critic for the Sydney Morning Herald, he became a chef, restaurateur, food writer, TV broadcaster and now is also a farmer.

His seventy-acre mixed farm is in the beautiful Huon Valley, south of Hobart, right down on the southern end of Tasmania.

He grows vegetables and fruit, makes cider, fattens a few heritage pigs and milks a couple of house cows to have beautiful fresh milk, the subject of Milk, one of his 15 books.

Another simply entitled Soil is a hymn to the underappreciated three or four inches of earth below our feet on which our very existence depends.

He, just like me, is passionate about the importance of rich fertile soil. After all, the only reason we have life on earth is topsoil, crucial for the health of the planet and our ability to grow food.

Matthew came to farming from the kitchen. As a chef, he became intrigued by flavour and super curious about why some vegetables and fruits and herbs were so much more delicious than others.

What was it that made a simple ingredient like carrots for example, taste so much more intensely sweet than others?

This inevitably led him to the soil. Richer, more fertile organic soil, usually produces better tasting and more nutrient dense food  surprise, surprise!

And so he has become a feisty advocate for regenerative, ecological farming, growing food in a way that replenishes the soil and ecosystems and keeps us healthy.

Groundswell on Lannock Farm, now in its tenth year, creates a forum for farmers, growers, anyone interested in food production and the environment to come together to share ideas and learn about the theory of practical applications of regenerative farming systems.

A series of brilliant speakers entice thousands of people from all over the world. (groundswellag.com)

(There was quite a contingent from Ireland and NOTS  National Organic Training Skillnet too, nots.ie)

There is a consensus that we urgently need a global metric to measure outcomes on our farms. Polluters need to pay for the damage to the environment and farmers who deliver positive climate, nature and social outcomes, should be rewarded financially.

These actions would be a game-changer.

One of the many inspirational sessions I attended was entitled, Farming: Our Health Service.

There is a growing concern that our current food system is broken but farming has the potential to be our natural health service so what do we need from food production to regenerate public health?

They explored how whole health agriculture is needed to realign farming with both human and environmental health and wellbeing.

Regenerative Farming or Regen is the great new buzzword, but it is already being commandeered by the multinational food companies in their marketing and labelling.

Thus far, however there is no definition so there is considerable confusion amongst the general public and a definite possibility of greenwashing.

Regen is an admirable way to embark on a journey towards less artificial inputs, pesticides, herbicides and ultimately organic farming, however many 'regen' farmers are still using glyphosate, albeit less, to kill weeds but it also damages life in the soil.

Without a strict definition, this inspirational movement runs the risk of being discredited.

Matthew Evans gave me a present of his latest book, The Real Food Companion, published by Murdoch Books, a lifetimes worth of food knowledge, from the soil (where it all begins) to the table.

Difficult to pick just three recipes from the hundreds in this inspirational tome, but enjoy these to get started.

All recipes are from The Real Food Companion by Matthew Evans, published by Murdoch Books.

Matthew Evans' Crab and Chilli Omelette Rich egg, sweet crab and the spice of chilli combine to make this one hell of an omelette. Servings 2 Preparation Time  10 mins Cooking Time  10 mins Total Time  20 mins Course  Main Ingredients 100g cooked crab meat

2 small red chillies, seeded and finely sliced

3 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

1 tsp fish sauce

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tbsp peanut oil

1 large garlic clove, crushed Method Mix the crabmeat in a bowl with the chilli, coriander, and fish sauce, then add the remaining sauce to the eggs. Heat the peanut oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat and quickly fry the garlic until starting to colour. Add the egg and stir until it is half cooked. Scatter the crab mixture over the top and press gently into the egg. When the egg is nearly cooked, fold the omelette over, and tip onto a plate. Halve the omelette and serve with steamed rice.

Matthew Evans' Honeyed Anzac Biscuits I like my Anzac biscuits chewy, and it may take a couple of attempts to get them just right. Honey makes a nice change from the golden syrup that is used in most traditional recipes. Servings 25 Preparation Time  20 mins Cooking Time  20 mins Total Time  40 mins Course  Baking Ingredients 100g rolled (porridge) oats

135g plain flour, sifted

200g caster sugar

70g shredded coconut

125g butter, cubed

2 tbsp honey

1  tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), sifted

Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4.

Line two baking trays with baking paper. Method Mix the oats, flour, sugar and coconut together in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre. Heat the butter and honey in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until melted and combined. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda to combine (it will foam up, this is normal). Pour the honey mixture into the dry ingredients and mix to combine. If it seems too stiff, add 1-2 teaspoons of water. Place dessertspoon-sized blobs about 5cm apart on the prepared trays, allowing room for them to spread. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden. They will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Matthew Evans' Rosewater A brilliant time of the year to make your own homemade rosewater. Makes 1 litre Course  Side Ingredients 400g sugar

petals from about 40 unsprayed roses, rinsed well Method Put the sugar and 1 litre water in a large saucepan over high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and push in as many petals as the water will hold. Bring back to a simmer, then turn off the heat and allow to steep until cool. Drain and discard the petals. You can intensify this syrup by repeatedly adding petals and steeping, though you do lose some liquid each time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Variation: To make orange blossom water, follow the method for rosewater above, but substitute two handfuls of orange blossoms for the rose petals. You can also use lemon, cumquat or lime blossoms.

Seasonal Journal

One Plate for Palestine Campaign

Seek out various restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, food trucks, market stalls who are participating in One Plate for Palestine, spearheaded by Barbara Nelson of St. Francis Provisions in Kinsale and Beverly Matthews of LAtitude 51 in Cork City.

Its an Irish hospitality-led week-long campaign running from July 22-27 raising funds for the people of Palestine who are at risk of starvation.

All participating restaurants will add a special Palestinian-themed dish to their menu with all funds raised from the sale of that dish going to the One Plate for Palestine fundraiser.

Instagram: @oneplateforpalestine
The mother of a Kerry teenager diagnosed with endometriosis in Romania after treatment at four hospitals in Munster and Spain over three years has called for urgent expansion of services.

The condition is estimated to affect a tenth of girls and women globally. It is known as the missed disease as worldwide it can take up to 10 years to diagnose. There is no cure or prevention but symptoms can be eased with treatment.

Lorraine Fitzgerald said: Endometriosis is being spoken about a lot recently in Ireland, but that talk needs to be followed with action.

The day we went to Romania my daughter was one of three Irish women that day, just that day, in the clinic.

Kaysey OConnor, aged 16, has struggled with stomach cramps, vomiting, back pain and heavy blood loss during periods since she was 13. She has been diagnosed with ovarian cysts, kidney stones, ovulation pain and more after MRI scans, ultrasounds and x-rays.

At one point a female doctor had told her it was all in her head, Lorraine said.

She was not eating, not sleeping and I was worried about her mental health. She was not going to school.

She was treated first at University Hospital Kerry. They later drove from Killarney to Cork University Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital. By late 2023 Lorraine was concerned about endometriosis and asking about it as other conditions were ruled out.

This is a familiar situation globally.

An editorial on endometriosis in UK medical journal The Lancet last October warned: Diagnosis is essential to receiving treatment but receiving it takes too long.

Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places. It can be in the ovaries, the lining of the stomach and fallopian tubes and more.

Kaysey's diagnosis

In December 2023, Kaysey was operated on for an inflamed appendix at CUH. Lorraine was told endometriosis was not seen.

The pain definitely wasnt as bad after, Lorraine said. She wasnt vomiting anymore so I do believe her appendix was part of the problem at the time.

Kaysey was also advised in CUMH to start the contraceptive pill. This is often prescribed for menstrual problems. It can also be part of endometriosis treatment.

Then with support from their GP who Lorraine praised, she applied for the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme. The HSE reimburse approved medical costs, but not travel or accommodation.

The Fitzgeralds funded it with a credit union loan. Lorraine, a school SNA, turned down work to travel while her husband juggled work with caring for their youngest daughter.

However, the doctor they saw in Spain said Kaysey was too young to have endometriosis. They applied again and in June went to a specialist clinic in Romania.

Here doctors, after an MRI, identified endometriosis in two places. They prescribed a new painkiller but cautioned definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopy surgery.

Its madness that we had to leave the country twice to try and get a diagnosis, Lorraine said.

She described Dail discussions this week as very disheartening.

Treatment

The HSE could not comment on Kayseys case but said care of teenagers who may have endometriosis starts with GPs.

This can include painkillers and the pill. A spokeswoman said: This empirical approach is recommended as first-line treatment regardless of age.

Girls can be referred to a general gynaecological service or a paediatric and adolescent gynaecology service under Childrens Health Ireland. She also said laparoscopy offers definitive diagnosis and girls should be counselled about risks first.

After-care can be given by any HSE service for girls or women who have healthcare abroad, she confirmed.

New clinical guidelines were published in June to link in with a new national endometriosis service currently rolling out.

National Framework

These will support a National Framework making a pathway of care. However, the framework was expected last year, and advocates have raised serious concerns about delays.

The HSE said discussions with GPs  through the Irish Medical Organisation  are ongoing. It is understood this started just weeks ago as the final stage in the process.

The spokeswoman said a key priority is raising awareness of symptoms and promoting the guidelines to healthcare workers. A public awareness campaign and new patient information resources are expected shortly.

Endometriosis is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat because of the variation of presentations, impacting the physical and mental wellbeing of patients at varying levels, she said.

The time to diagnose endometriosis also varies by patient due to its varying and often ambiguous symptoms.

CUH, CUMH and UHK hospitals are part of HSE Southwest. They said newly referred patients are seen at the new CUMH Supra-regional Endometriosis Centre within 12 weeks. They acknowledged staffing vacancies, saying recruitment is complex because of the specialised skill set needed.

In the interim, patient care plans are being prioritised and managed by the extended CUMH inter-disciplinary team to ensure continuity of care and to minimise delays, a spokeswoman said.
The man found dead on a road outside Bandon has been named locally as Gus Dempsey, a retired farmer who lost his home in a fire earlier this year.

Mr Dempsey, from Ballinadee, near Bandon, was in his 70s and became homeless in May when a fire destroyed his house and all his possessions.

Around 6.30am on Saturday morning, another road user spotted a bicycle in the middle of the road and Mr Dempseys body at the side of the road in the Kildarra area of Bandon. Emergency services were alerted immediately.

Gardai are investigating the circumstances and are considering all lines of inquiry. They are also appealing for witnesses to come forward.

'A tragedy'

Alan Coleman, Independent councillor for Bandon, described Mr Dempseys death as a tragedy.

He was very eloquent. A very pleasant man who was very well liked locally, Mr Coleman said.

And he was philosophical. He maintained a positive outlook even in a very difficult situation.

Its a tragedy. To have someone like that die in the middle of our community is very sad.

He used to cycle around the roads. He was a great man for cycling and a great man for conversation.

Mr Coleman had been helping Mr Dempsey since he lost his home and was working to secure a modular unit for him so he could remain in the area.

The housing problem is hitting every community now, Mr Coleman said.

A bachelor, Mr Dempsey grew up on a farm in Innishannon and worked as a farmer in his youth.

His situation was recently raised in the Dail by Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins.

Theres no social housing in West Cork. I think maybe two units came up in the past ten weeks, Mr Collins told the Dail.

Gus is homeless today. His house burned down, his neighbour, who was brilliant, gave him a place to move into, but their family is coming home, and he has to be out by a certain date.

Now he has no home, he doesnt know if hell be sleeping on the street. That man is in an awful situation because he could end up in a nursing home when he doesnt need to be in a nursing home.

This is the crisis that we have in this country."

Mr Collins said the State had completely taken its eye off the ball when it comes to supporting older people.

Gardai in Bandon are continuing their investigation into Mr Dempsey's death.

The Coroner has been notified and the deceased has since been removed to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital. A post-mortem examination will be arranged and the outcome will determine the course of the Garda investigation," a garda statement said.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who may have seen a man cycling in the Kildarra area in the early hours of Saturday, 19 July 2025.

They are also asking road users with camera footage  including dash-cam  from the area at the time to make it available.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on 023 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Its a long way from having business dealings in France and Dubai to the overcrowded Limerick female prison but thats where fraudster Catherine OBrien finds herself this weekend.

After a trial that heard of connections to the Aga Khan, meetings through dating websites, a gallop across Ireland and Europes horse racing scene, and allegations of fake names being used, the Buttevant woman is now in custody in Irelands most overcrowded prison, awaiting sentence for deceiving a man she met on a dating website.

It was alleged that she dishonestly by deception induced the man, John Blake, to pay 20,000 to purchase a horse called Lingreville  which the State alleged was not purchased; to pay 1,100 insurance for the mare  which the State said was not paid; and 984 to transport the horse from France to Ireland  which the State said was not transported.

Ms OBrien, who now has an address at An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, had pleaded not guilty to the three charges of making gain or causing loss by deception contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Catherine O'Brien is in a cell in Limerick awaiting her sentence. Picture: Dan Linehan

Before reaching their guilty verdict within 40 minutes on Wednesday at Waterford circuit court, the jury of five men and seven women heard during the trial how she and Mr Blake first met through dating website Plenty of Fish, after which she convinced him to invest 20,000 in a thoroughbred stallion called Shakeel.

The court heard that Ms OBrien and business associate John Walsh of Bishopstown Stud in Lismore, Co Waterford, purchased Shakeel from the Aga Khan. Two breeding rights in Shakeel were then sold to Mr Blake at 7,000 each, while he also invested 20,000 in the horse.

It was claimed Ms OBrien told him he could make huge profits by investing in a brood mare to be covered by Shakeel, and he paid 20,000 for a mare he believed was called Lingreville. This, the court heard, was after he was advised by Ms OBrien that the purchase would help offset tax implications arising from earnings from Shakeel.

Reams of text messages between the two over 2018 and 2019 were read out during the trial, with references to Ms OBrien having business dealings in Dubai and France. However, the pairs correspondence ended in September 2019, when Mr Blake learned that the horse he thought he had purchased, Lingreville, had not been brought to Ireland from France.

It was the States case that the mare was not purchased, insurance was not paid and the money paid for transport of Lingreville was instead used to pay an outstanding bill owed for the collection and transport of horses from one location to another within Ireland.

Deferred meeting

The court heard that while Mr Blake had made several attempts to meet with Ms OBrien in the months before September 2019, and to see Lingreville and the foal he believed she had produced by Shakeel, a raft of excuses were provided by Ms OBrien.

These included the death of a friend in Spain, and health issues including broken ribs, a virus contracted from foals, back problems and recurring shingles. Her mother was gravely ill, she told Mr Blake. She also said she herself needed surgery on her nose and also needed dental treatment.

Ive never had so much bad luck and I dont know why, she told him.

Ironically, Mr Blake had endured much more bad luck, having suffered a stroke. And when he appeared as a prosecution witness at the start of the trial, he had received a stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

Catherine OBrien (pictured) had named her 'friend and barrister' Michael Egan as the owner of Shakeel, because, she said, 'nobody would take a woman seriously' in the horse industry. Picture: Dan Linehan

The trial heard that in October 2021, after Ms OBrien had been charged with fraud relating to Mr Blake and the purchase of the mare Lingreville, Mr Blake received payment of 22,000 and signed a settlement for the money with John Walsh and Catherine OBrien. The document stated it was for a brood mare named Shamalana, who had been incorrectly named as Lingreville, and for breeding rights to the stallion Shakeel.

While there was no record of Shakeel having covered Lingreville, there was a record of him covering a mare called Shamalana.

In messages between Ms OBrien and Mr Blake, the accused had named her "friend and barrister" Michael Egan as the owner of Shakeel, because, she said, "nobody would take a woman seriously" in the horse industry.

However, in court during cross-examination, Ms OBrien said the owner was Mr Walsh, a racing entity called Classic Thoroughbreds and a company called Eclipse Penumbra Holdings Ltd.

In answering a question put by prosecuting counsel Conor ODoherty about where Mr Egan slotted into the set up, she said Mr Egan used Shakeel on some of his own broodmares, and was also involved in the promotion of the stallion.

She also said he was the "frontperson" for Shakeel and stated that she had "no experience in standing a stallion".

Shakeel winners

At another point, Mr ODoherty questioned if Shakeel had sired any winners, to which Ms OBrien responded that one, Shakespurr, had placed in a race in Slovakia.

This was not a surprise to the Irish Examiner, which revealed in the summer of 2023 that a horse called Shakespurr, linked to Catherine OBrien, placed third in a race in Bratislava, earning a lowly 250.

However, this newspaper also revealed that the same horse had placed last in a race at the same track at a separate meeting.

When Mr ODoherty put it to Ms OBrien that placing in a Slovakian race would not have the same status as races in Ireland, the UK, or France, Ms OBrien responded: As with any racehorse going out, it doesnt matter if it is the Curragh, or Ballinrobe, or it doesnt matter if it is Slovakia, it is an achievement for any horse to be placed or win in a race.

At times, the heat was too much to bear in Judge Eugene OKellys court  so much so that on two different days the court had to rise for a short time to give the jurors a break. On one occasion, an eye towards the jury box saw several of them fanning themselves with sheets of paper, leading Mr ODoherty to highlight concerns about the air conditioning and Judge OKelly to raise concerns about whether the issue in the room impacts the administration of justice.

Catherine OBrien in the witness box

The accused at the centre of all the drama sat to the side of the room for much of the trial, until her turn came to be the witness. Initially, it was anticipated that there would be just one witness for the defence, John Walsh, whose stint in the witness box was tinged with tension and outbursts which at times brought smiles to the jurorss faces.

One bystander to the proceedings muttered on the day of Mr Walshs evidence that he should have brought popcorn to court.

Soon after Mr Walsh left the witness box, however, word got around that Catherine OBrien would herself take the stand. No longer was John Walsh the star witness. Now, the spotlight was firmly shining on the woman accused of deceiving John Blake out of money in transactions involving the purchase, transport and insurance of Lingreville.

In the absence of the jury, Ms OBrien raised concerns through her legal team about the sarcastic tone which she believed Mr ODoherty was using in his cross-examination of her.

Also discussed in the trial was how scared Ms OBrien was when her home was targeted by men who had been shouting through her letterbox and rattling her side gate before sending her a WhatsApp video message demanding 45,000, in September 2019.

During the seventh day of the trial, Ms OBrien said of the incident at her home:

It was a horrible, scary event. My life was threatened. My childrens lives were threatened.

She added: I was not comfortable in Dungarvan.

During cross-examination, the court heard that a phone number used by the accused had also been linked to communications with Wetherbys and Five Star Bloodstock in relation to transport by women called Kate Egan and Amy Power respectively.

Mr ODoherty asked Ms OBrien who these women were and if Amy Power was a fake name she had used, to which she replied: I do not accept that.

Throughout her period in the witness box, Ms OBrien had argued she had been acting on the instruction of Mr Walsh, who himself said had 50 or 60 years of experience of working with horses.

He told the court that he had bought Shakeel in a three-way partnership with Ms OBrien and her uncle, Edmund Hawe. He said that Catherine, who he also referred to as Kate, had acted on his instruction in carrying out the paperwork.

In a statement made to gardai, Mr Walsh had said he had been dealing with Ms OBrien for the last three, four years, describing their relationship as strictly business.

In the absence of the jury, Catherine O'Brien (pictured) raised concerns through her legal team about the sarcastic tone which she believed Mr ODoherty was using in his cross-examination of her. Picture: Dan Linehan

When Mr ODoherty asked why he made such a clarification, Mr Walsh accused the defence counsel of defaming my character.

Ms OBrien was a calmer presence in the witness box and finished her cross-examination on Wednesday morning. This followed an appearance by her in court on Tuesday in which she hobbled into the courthouse, accompanied by Mr Walsh.

Her counsel applied, in the absence of the jury, for an adjournment of the case for a week and Judge OKelly was presented with a medical certificate from SouthDoc in Mallow outlining that Ms OBrien was suffering from severe neuralgic pain. The judge was told Ms OBrien was unable to sit. The certificate outlined that she would not be able to attend school or work until July 20.

Mr ODoherty pointed out that Mr Blake had attended court despite his cancer diagnosis. The case was adjourned for a day, but this was because a member of the jury had suffered a bereavement over the weekend.

Judge OKelly said that there was very little evidence left to be given, which could be given while standing, and directed that Ms OBrien return to court on Wednesday morning.

The trial heard how Catherine O'Brien (pictured) was scared when her home was targeted by men who had been shouting through her letterbox and rattling her side gate before sending her a WhatsApp video message demanding 45,000, in September 2019. Picture: Dan Linehan

On her return on Wednesday morning, she appeared to be recovering and remained seated for much of the proceedings including while finishing off her cross-examination.

She was again accompanied by Mr Walsh, who sat at the back of the courtroom throughout the day, and was present when she was found guilty, her only supporter in the room.

From time to time, people came in to have a peek at the ongoing trial, while one person travelled several hours to attend many days of the proceedings because of interactions he previously had with Ms OBrien.

As the case proceeded, this reporter spent time after every court day fielding calls and text messages from people across the country glued to the case because of prior dealings they have had with her. Communications came from as far away as Clare, Cavan and Dublin, with one person mentioning that he was feeding information from the happenings in Waterford circuit court to former contacts of Ms OBrien abroad.

For now, the trail has caught up with Catherine OBrien, taking her to a cell in Limerick as she awaits her sentence.
The Sisters of Saint John of God have defended the care they gave unmarried mothers in a county home, saying there is no evidence that they did anything but their best and described the women who were admitted there as banished from society, new records reveal.

The religious order was one of eight that met with former minister for children Roderic OGorman, along with officials from his department and the State Claims Agency, for discussions on voluntary contributions to the redress scheme.

The meetings took place following the publication of the final report by the Commission of Inquiry into mother and baby homes in January 2021.

That five-year investigation examined 14 mother and baby homes and four county homes, and one of its recommendations was a financial package be established to compensate survivors.

The payment scheme, estimated to cost 800m, would benefit 34,000 survivors and was rolled out last year.

Now, Freedom of Information records show for the first time the lengthy negotiations and correspondence between the Department of Children and the eight religious orders who ran the homes.

Bed sheets with the names of hundreds of dead children draped on the gates of a mass burial site in Tuam, Co Galway. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

In 2023, Sheila Nunan, a former president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and former general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, was appointed by Government to engage with the congregations involved in the inquiry.

Her report delivered last April revealed only two out of the eight orders offered a financial contribution towards the cost of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.

The Sisters of Bon Secours, who ran the Tuam home, offered 12.97m  a sum deemed as meaningful and accepted by the Government.

The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul offered a building to the Government, which FOI records released to the Irish Examiner show is currently being used by the Department of Education for children deemed "at risk".

A third religious body  the Sisters of St John of God  did not contribute to the redress scheme and instead offered a donation of 75,000 to be used for a charitable purpose associated with mother and baby home survivors.

Donation under strict conditions

FOI records show that donation was offered under a series of strict conditions by the sisters, which stated:

The donation if accepted, is not being given as compensation as it is not accepted that the congregation are obliged to compensate for something that they did not do;

There is no evidence to indicate that the congregation participated in anything illegal, or untoward, so this would be a donation without any admission of liability;

Any publicity around the donation will be by agreement with the congregation;

If the congregation pay this money, a way needs to be found to protect the reputation and good work of the sisters, who did their best as employees at the County Home in Thomastown, and indeed the reputation of the Sisters of Saint John of Gods;

If the minister can find a way to do this, that satisfies the congregation, this donation will be given.

Children's minister Norma Foley: 'I have publicly stated that I am disappointed by the approach adopted by organisations, and I do believe that more could and should have been done by way of offering contributions to the payment scheme.'Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Minister for children Norma Foley declined the offer in a letter dated April 10, 2025, which said: As your offer is not in the context of the payment scheme, this is a matter for your order to address itself and is not a matter for consideration by Government.

'Disappointed' by approach of organisations

In correspondence with the six orders who did not contribute to the scheme, including the Sisters of St John of God, the minister said: I have publicly stated that I am disappointed by the approach adopted by organisations, and I do believe that more could and should have been done by way of offering contributions to the payment scheme.

She went on to say the purpose of her letter is to invite you to again consider the report and having reflected on its contents, to request you to take this opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the mother and baby institutions payment scheme.

Correspondence received by the Irish Examiner show a series of meetings took place with Ms Foleys predecessor Roderic OGorman, where he asked the congregations to make a moral contribution to the scheme.

In the minutes of one meeting with the Sisters of St John of God on December 9, 2021, a spokesperson for the order said they were not governors or managers of this county home.

The meeting was told the order had examined the commissions report and statistical analysis provided with it and wished to make a number of overall comments.

The spokesperson said they acknowledge fully the awfulness of some of the stories that have come out of the mother and baby hones and the awfulness of how Irish society dealt with unmarried women and their children.

It is not an era that anyone can be proud of, she said.

The sisters were employees responsible for the provision of nursing duties in the home, and this was the case throughout the period in question.

She said there was a clear distinction here and the Commission of Inquiry is clear in setting out the roles of the governors, the managers and the inspectors in managing and monitoring the county homes.

She went on to say: There is no evidence that they [the sisters] did anything but their best within the situation in which they found themselves.

'No evidence of mistreatment'

Furthermore, there is no evidence or mention of mistreatment of or inappropriate behaviour by any of the sisters.

The congregation operated the former workhouse at Thomastown in Co Kilkenny.

During the meeting, Mr OGorman was told:

The sisters operated under a judgmental, under-funded and strict regime, synonymous with the societal attitudes at the time;

Thomastown was not a mother and baby home and there was a range of people eligible for care, not just single mothers and their children";

In 1923, those eligible for admission were categorised then as aged and infirm, chronic invalids, children, expectant unmarried mothers, harmless lunatics, and idiots.

The Commission of Inquiry report states it is clear the Thomastown Board actively segregated pregnant, married and single women, and limited access to maternity services on the basis of marital status;

Married women had exclusive access to maternity services at the Kilkenny Central Hospital, while the unmarried woman had to travel to Thomastown.

Another reference was also made during the meeting to the Commission of Inquiry report, which highlighted how the board instructed the matron to threaten women with confinement if they did not comply with the rules of the home [and that there] is no evidence to suggest that the matron took such action.

Of the 970 single expectant mothers admitted to Thomastown county home, there were three deaths recorded, none of which appeared to be childbirth-related, which is a testament to the nursing and midwifery care that these mothers received.

More than 50% of the mothers left the county home within 50 days of giving birth, and 80% left within six months, so those who stayed longer were in the minority, the minister was told.

The register for deaths also shows from 1919 to 1962, there were 764 births, 140 children died, and the cause of death in most cases was lack of food and nutrition.

The minister was also told at the meeting there were challenges faced by the sisters in providing this care, and referenced the inspection reports in the commissions final report.

The Commission of Inquiry report stated:

The nursery section was overcrowded and was the worst part of the institutions;

The lavatory accommodation was insufficient and insanitary;

The conditions and facilities in general were awful;

The children had to go through an open yard to get to their dormitories, subjecting them to serious illnesses given the available clothing.

The orders spokesperson also said the institution was understaffed and a local government inspector recommended an additional nurse with midwifery qualifications be employed, but the board refused to do so.

Order 'literally left holding the baby'

It is clear that many were taken advantage of and yet they were the ones literally left holding the baby, she continued.

She said how these women were treated by the State, by the men involved and by society is nothing short of a tragedy.

The Commission of Inquiry report said the children living in the home were adequality cared for and that in 1962, the overall standard of care provided in the home was quite satisfactory.

The minister was also told at the meeting many of families of the mothers had banished them into the county home, knowing perhaps the harshness of the system there, as this was seen as punishment for wrongdoing.

Children's socks left on railings outside the offices of the the mother and baby homes Commission of Inquiry in 2021. Picture: Damien Storan

The minutes show the spokesperson said: It was a way of saving face for families who didnt want to know/have anything to do with a so-called illegitimate child."

She referred to the report again, which spells out in may places the role of the various State authorities in government the operations of the county home of Thomastown and it was clear that the congregations sisters were at the mercy of State authorities when trying to make improvements or in seeking to make conditions better.

She said the congregation does fully recognise the wrongs perpetrated on women and children in these institutions by society at-large at the time.

Mr OGorman said even though Thomastown was not a mother and baby home, the commission investigated mother and baby homes and a sample of county homes and made recommendations in respect of both".

He said the role of responding to what happened cannot fall to the State alone. Survivors and the public need a collective response.

The congregation said they had 98 sisters, with an average age of 81, and was charged primarily with ensuring that these sisters are looked after as they live out the remainder of their lives.

No admission of liability

They offered a sum of 75,000 to a charity in the spirit of woman and children who suffered in mother and baby homes and county homes across the country, but with no admission of liability or to be seen as compensation.

This offer was declined by Norma Foley in April, who said it was disappointing.

Other correspondence dated April 14, 2025, showed the Government has agreed to explore the proposal the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul made by way of a voluntary contribution to the scheme.

The order said We are willing to transfer our title to a property to the State without encumbrance.

You have correctly noted that the property involved is currently in use by the Department of Education and subject to an informal leasing agreement for the purposes of a community based high-support school for children considered at risk."

In the minutes of a meeting between the Bons Secours nuns, who ran the Tuam home in Galway, and Roderic OGorman on January 13, 2021, the order said it had followed the Commission of Inquiry report and outcome and had a few questions  the first was why those who spent less than six months in an institution as children, and children who were boarded out, were not included the in the scheme.

Former children's minister Roderic O'Gorman said 'the role of responding to what happened cannot fall to the State alone. Survivors and the public need a collective response.'

The order asked if there was any information on the breakdown of responsibility in terms of the roles of the county councils, the State and others.

The minister was also told in the meeting the Bons Secours order do not have records available to them, and asked how many surviving residents there are from the Tuam home.

The order also confirmed it would contribute to the scheme and asked if it might be possible to get numbers of surviving residents.

Mr OGorman explained while the commissions report touched on the issue of children being "boarded out" as an exit pathway from the institutions, the investigative role of the commission was in relation to time spent in mother and baby and county homes and the circumstances in these institutions.

He said his point of focus was on a collective response and he was hoping to ascertain from the meetings with congregations if they are equally willing to take responsibility for their role.

In a letter to the order dated April 30, 2025, a principal officer with the Mother and Baby Action Plant unit wrote to the nuns and said: As Minister Foley indicated, the Government has accepted Ms Nunans recommendation concerning your willingness to make a voluntary contribution to the above scheme in the sum of 12.974,720.
The Horgan brothers, the pioneers of photography, film and animation from Youghal, Co Cork, have been called the Irish Lumieres, but the story of their life and work might also be entitled Tales of the Unexpected.

Take, for example, the extraordinary photo they took in 1924, which captures a very early example of the cultural repatriation of looted artefacts. It shows a representative of the Chinese government looking at a set of ornate gates at the one-time home of Walter Raleigh, Myrtle Grove in Youghal, just before they were handed back to China.

It says something about its then-occupant Lady Edith Blake, a noted botanical illustrator and writer, that she was willing to return the gates appropriated by her late husband, Henry Arthur Blake, when he was governor of Hong Kong a few decades before.

The gates  objects of pride to the local community  were blown out of the ancient walls of Kam Tin when the region resisted British occupation of the New Territories in 1899. The residents within pelted rotten eggs and chanted foreign devils, but their attempts at resistance were quickly quelled.

In what was described as an act of submission, the villagers then removed the gates and carried them to Flagstaff Hill (now the Tai Po district of Hong Kong). There, Blake admired them and, according to one account, arranged to have them transported back to Myrtle Grove where he lived after his retirement until his death in 1918.

They remained in Cork until the Chinese government petitioned to get them back in 1924. Unusually for the time, Lady Blake was open to the request and, in May 1925, their return to Kam Tin was greeted with a ceremonial salute of small guns and firecrackers.

And much publicity. That is how we know of them, but we might have been completely unaware of their short stay in Ireland had it not been for the Horgan brothers.

Not for the first time, the brothers photographed an important event that might have been lost to history; in this case, a momentous and progressive example of repatriation of colonial artefacts, says Darina Clancy, author of a mesmerising new book  with contributions from Jim Horgan and Patricia Horgan Whyte  called The Horgan Brothers, The Irish Lumieres.

The story had been stitched into the family lore but it took a bit of detective work on Darina Clancys part to find irrefutable evidence that the photograph was actually taken in Youghal.

Photo: Horgan Family Collection

She found a reference to the location of the gates in an 1973 article by Peter Wesley-Smith, which adds a few interesting details.

He wrote: In 1924, when the residents of Kam Tin petitioned for the return of their gates  the assistant superintendent of police (New Territories) recalled their whereabouts. His wife had formerly been maid and companion to Blakes daughters, and she remembered seeing the gates at Myrtle Grove in 1902.

He also revealed that there had been two sets of gates but both were defective, having, over decades, suffered from the back-scratching of itchy Kam Tin pigs. Blake made a pair of the ones in the best condition and went about sending them to Youghal.

The photograph of an official preparing to have them sent back to China shows how far-flung world events can sometimes find expression locally. But then, it is not unusual to find the global on your own doorstep.

As Darina Clancy puts it: During their own lifetime, and using their own community as their canvas, the Horgan brothers captured key moments of national and international historical significance that may otherwise have been forgotten.

For instance, another photograph captures a visit by The Maharaja of Sarawak, Malaysia, to the Blakes at Myrtle Grove, although the image is only partial and the story behind it vague.

James Horgan at work. Photo: Horgan Family Collection

By contrast, there is much to say about the brothers photo of tea magnate Thomas Liptons famous steam yacht, named Erin to honour his Irish heritage, when it visited Youghal. The yacht was fitted as a hospital ship during the First World War and the three children, dots in the photos foreground, would go on to play important roles in the world war that followed it.

Paddy McGrath was torpedoed three times when he joined the merchant navy in the Second World War and, sadly, died at the age of 24. The two girls featured, Nancy and Eileen McGrath, grew up to be nurses and worked in London during the blitz.

It is that level of detail that makes Clancys book so fascinating. To stay with the war theme, the photograph of the OSullivans making rope with flax along the Rope Walk in Youghal stands on its own as an important social history of the town, but theres more to the story.

Larry OSullivan, who is helping his parents, would later join the British royal navy. He was a gunner on the HMS Exeter when the Japanese sank her in the Java Sea in 1942.

Local lore has it that Larry jumped from the ship into the shark-infested waters, and shouted, Moll Goggins corner, here we come. He survived, was picked up by the Japanese and held as a prisoner of war in Nagasaki.

Marietta Horgan sitting in a row boat. Photo: Horgan Family Collection

He endured hellish conditions at the camp and the atomic bomb detonated over the city in 1945 to make it home to that well-known corner of the world.

Between 1890 and 1940, the Horgan brothers, Thomas, James, and Philip, took a staggering array of photographs that casts them, retrospectively, as social historians and news reporters. In their day, however, they were chroniclers and innovators who captured local people at work  and at play.

They took thousands of photos of local people, immortalising the important moments of their lives: births, communions, confirmations, and graduations.

The scope of their surviving portfolio, however, is much greater. It offers us a peephole into an Ireland that is far more various than we might have imagined.

There are images of the jugglers and acrobats who performed at their travelling magic lantern shows; the schooners, ferries and paddle steamers that sailed on the Blackwater; the soldiers who left to fight in the First World War, many never to return; the hunger strikers who did return from Wormwood Scrubs prison and, in 1922, the bombing of Youghal quays by the IRA during the Civil War.

Darina Clancy writes: What is very special in all their work is that the Horgan brothers captured life at a time when Ireland was emerging from centuries of British rule through to the formation of the Republic. This was all captured through the lens of Youghal and its hinterland.

As both managing and creative director of Cormorant Films, she has already showcased some of the Horgans pioneering work in a TG4 documentary Na Lumiere Gaelacha (Na Dearthaireacha Ui Argain). It charts the sweep of their remarkable achievements, which include a long list of firsts.

The Horgans made some of the earliest films in Ireland between 1904 and 1920. In 1917, on the advice of American industrialist Henry Ford, they opened a 600-seat cinema, the first to have electricity. The Horgan Picture Theatre screened its own newsreel called The Youghal Gazette, another first.

They were visionaries and experimenters who used photographs and models to produce one of the earliest animation films in Ireland, a decade before Disney. It features the famous Youghal landmark, the Clock Gate Tower, pirouetting and dancing around the town.

They also pioneered the publication of picture postcards in Ireland, turning the endeavour into a lucrative business that allowed them to open their own photographic studio.

That opened another new chapter for the brothers whose creativity and sense of fun is evident in the props and costumes visible in the surviving glass plates that form an exceptional collection of photographs. It is that collection which prompted Darina Clancy to produce a book; she wanted those unrivalled images to be seen by a wider audience.

There was no one place where the wealth of photos could be accessed. Some family members had photos that had never been seen, and others are available on the Cork County Library website.

I also did this because to have such a wealth of historical moments captured and unavailable to the public seemed wrong, she says.

There are almost 300 images in the book, including one of the Horgan matriarch, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Horgan with her children in the studio. Photo: Horgan Family Collection

Its quite fantastic that we have a portrait of this woman with the towns singular lace, but also because she was the key to their success.

She was the driving force behind them getting their shop open in Brown St and monetising their hobby.

None of it might have happened because Elizabeth was left destitute after the death of her husband Timothy when the boys were still very young. The Famine was still a recent memory when the eldest, Thomas, was born in 1875. James was born in 1877, and Philip, the youngest, was born in 1879.

Shortly afterwards, and just seven years into their marriage, Timothy died of an asthma attack. His widow, then 39, was on the point of going into the workhouse when she found a sovereign that he had saved. That, in turn, saved the family and allowed the young Horgans to train to be shoemakers like their father.

Mary Ellen Horgan, her grandmother Elizabeth, her mother Norah and Marietta Horgan in the studio. Photo: Horgan Family Collection

At the same time, they developed an interest in photography and ran the two businesses side by side.

In the beginning, writes Clancy, their mother would ask customers, Is it Mr Horgan, the shoemaker, or Mr Horgan, the photographer, youd like to see?

If the request was for the shoemakers, the brothers would arrive in leather aprons. If the request was for the photographers, they wore white coats.

It is difficult to do justice to the brothers range of achievements. Working at the intersection of art and technology, they were trailblazers whose work is of international significance.

The Irish Lumieres

They have been compared to another set of brothers, Auguste and Louis Lumiere, who invented cinema. The French pair projected moving photographic pictures on a screen for a paying audience in 1895.

While the Horgans did not invent cinema, they did adapt a projection device purchased from the Lumieres to make a camera that they used to film King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra during their visit to Lismore Castle, Waterford, in 1904.

The strange-looking contraption  which was covered in a black cloth bag and operated by all three brothers  aroused the suspicion of the RIC who questioned them at length. But the Horgans won the day, as this wonderful account from 1948 shows.

One herculean constable insisted on standing immediately in front of the lens and it was only possible to get the picture by pushing him aside suddenly as the royal party passed. His helmet slipped over his face and the picture was taken before he could adjust it. However, as the queen passed in her carriage, she apparently recognised the camera as such and, bowing graciously, smiled into the lens.

The film, sadly, does not survive but hundreds of photographs do. They are fanciful, imaginative, and daring. James, a lover of amateur drama who painted sets for local dramatic productions, began to create sets and backdrops to allow for more imaginative photos.

James Horgan sitting by a backdrop. Photo: Horgan Family Collection

They always injected fun, creativity and an opportunity to experience; you could, for example, drive your own motor car or fly in a hot air balloon, explains Darina.

The Horgans took photos of themselves, too, to show what was possible in an age of invention. Theres a photo of James sitting astride a half-moon playing guitar. In another, hes King Lear, then a sailor, then a giant on stilts.

Theres a photo of the Horgan women in a set of a blimp and several showing them, bonnet-clad, in cars.

Theres a particularly risque image of James, his wife Marietta, and family in their bathing suits. At one point, the local priest asked them to stop displaying similar beach images in their studio, but his request was ignored.

The Horgans were early photoshoppers too, manipulating and adapting images to add details. They famously turned Youghals main street into a Venice of the North with boats rowing under the Clock Gate Tower.

There was one key theme, says Darina Clancy.

They mixed with everyone, from the gentry and business moguls to the poorest labourers, and they knew how to put everyone at their ease. People were very relaxed and they were having a lot of fun!

The Horgan Brothers, The Irish Lumieres by Darina Clancy, with contributions from Jim Horgan and Patricia Horgan Whyte, is published by Mercier Press, 19.99.
One of the stranger and lesser noted moments in recent Irish political history came a little over a decade ago.

As Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same sex marriage by popular vote, we affirmed that all love is equal. It sparked joyous scenes across the country and was a message that Ireland was a more inclusive space, one which valued everyone equally.

However, on the same day as that referendum passed, one which enshrined in the Constitution the belief that everyone in Ireland was entitled to the same treatment, the public massively rejected the idea that a 34-year-old could be President.

A second referendum that day on lowering the age of any prospective President to 21 was trounced by 73.1% to 26.9%.

In truth, the running of that referendum was either a mistake or a conscious effort to give the public the chance to kick a government which had enacted austerity measures without risking the marriage equality vote, possibly both, and it played out in a campaign that was more non-existent than lacklustre.

Indeed, possibly the only argument which cut through in any real way was a warning that should the referendum pass, we could be looking at President Jedward.

The defeat of that referendum was very much a secondary concern to most that day, as marriage equality set the stage for the push for a repeal of the Eighth Amendment and civic groups led a coalition and energised a generation into the kind of action that only comes from the ground up, but can shake establishments.

The repeal campaign came just months before the 2018 presidential election and with Michael D Higgins both hugely popular and a long-time proponent of abortion rights, there was never any question of an insurgent campaign to unseat him.

But seven years later, it seems strange that nobody who led those campaigns, or came to the fore in them, is being mentioned as a possible candidate for the Aras.

While recent campaigns have seen figures from civic society - Adi Roche, Joan Freeman, Derek Nally - and from the world of business - Sean Gallagher, Peter Casey, Gavan Duffy - launch campaigns of varying degrees of success, with just months to go in this year's election, those wishing to see themselves on the ballot have been few and far between.

Constitutional Convention

Obviously, a part of that comes down to one of the factors in why the age-based referendum was held at all. The vote on lowering the age actually had its origins in the same place the same-sex marriage vote did: the Constitutional Convention.

Running from 2012 to 2014, it was a forum comprising 100 members; 29 members of the Oireachtas; four representatives of Northern Irish political parties; and 66 citizens along with a chair. It was tasked with a number of deliberations around what is the Constitution and options for changing it.

In the end, it recommended three changes in relation to the President:

94% were in favour of giving citizens a say in the nomination process

78% agreed that citizens resident outside the state, including in Northern Ireland, should have the right to vote in presidential elections

And 50% said to reduce the age of candidacy for presidential elections

While the third option was run and the second continues to come and go on the political agenda, the first, which was nearly unanimous, has never really gone anywhere. Under the current rules, remember, anyone wishing to run must receive the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or the backing of at least four local authorities  city or county councils.

The system, by design, stops insurgent campaigns. Whereas civil society can form coalitions around social issues or policy priorities, without the backing of existing politicians, you or I have no chance of being President. Indeed, without the backing of their parliamentary party colleagues, many who would like to be President have been forced to accept it will not happen.

The truth is that for most who come from outside the political sphere, the path to a nomination is nigh on unnavigable.

If you've been a member of a civic group on an issue, chances are you've clashed with political parties who hold opposing views and, even if you haven't, without a clear and overwhelming consensus coming from the public, your chances of finding 20 Oireachtas members who are free to vote for you are pretty slim.

This is a feature of the system, rather than a bug in its operation. The narrow route to a nomination is supposed to, in theory at least, act as something of a quality control mechanism. If someone who wants to be nominated has to first survive the body politic, the logic is that they are generally considered to be worthy of at least the public's consideration.

That failsafe has proven itself in the eyes of its proponents this year, warding off at least one potential candidate's entry onto the ballot. Of course, then, there is the local authorities.

While these are controlled up and down the country by coalition parties and opposition parties in different configurations, they are free to make their own minds up.

In 2011, 25 councils gave nominations to candidates who made it to the ballot, while in 2018 it was 17 councils with Laois giving journalist Gemma O'Doherty her lone nomination. Convincing councillors to break with party nominees is possible, but takes work and a platform.

But the narrow path to the Phoenix Park doesn't in and of itself explain the lack of civic and social figures being touted this time around, even speculatively. In part, it can be also attributed to a lack of major social movements since Repeal, particularly post covid.

The role of the presidency

While Repeal itself was hailed as a transformational moment in Irish history - and it was and remains felt particularly by those women who have availed of abortion healthcare in their own country and not in some far-off place - one wonders if its promise has been fulfilled, if its energy has been harnessed by the generation most associated with it, most galvanised by it.

At present, the presidential field is former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness in the Fine Gael corner and current TD Catherine Connolly with the the support of the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and assorted independents.

Both are extremely capable, worthy candidates. But it is worth asking why, if the presidency is meant to reflect our society back to us, why is nobody younger at least trying? Ms McGuinness is 66, Ms Connolly 68.

We have had two millennial Taoisigh, but at this point it will likely be 2039 by the time someone of my generation leads the state. In 1997 when she was elected, Mary McAleese was 46. In 2011, Mr Higgins was 70.

There is, of course, the argument that the head of state needs a track record. That they need to have shown the Irish people that they can lead. That is a fair argument, but surely a conversation about the role can be had?

Is it a reward for a life of service or a statement of who we are? Can it be both?

There is a chance that one of the existing candidates or one unforeseen captures the imagination and electrifies supporters into a positive and energetic campaign. I hope that they do, because the alternative will be an election where even fewer than the 44% who voted last time will turn out.

The conservation of energy is an absolute law, but it is worth asking where the energy created in the last decade has gone and whether anyone can harness it to run for the Aras?
SUVA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- More Fijians have been left homeless due to property fires in the first six months of 2025, with 652 people displaced compared to 566 over the same period last year, the National Fire Authority (NFA) has confirmed.

In a statement, NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane said 85 property fires were recorded between January and June this year, slightly higher than the 81 recorded in the same period of 2024. Of these, 95 percent involved residential homes, the same proportion as last year.

While 2024 saw fires affecting a mosque, a school, a gymnasium and a storeroom, this year's non-residential incidents involved two schools and two business premises.

Sowane raised concern over the growing number of fires in vacant homes, noting a 50 percent rise in such cases -- from six in the first half of 2024 to nine this year.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and inform neighbours, family members, or their nearest police post whenever they leave their homes, even briefly.

"Fires can occur at any time and often when no one is around to respond quickly. Alerting those nearby could make all the difference in early detection and response," Sowane said.

The financial cost of fire damage has also surged dramatically. The NFA estimates the total damage from property fires in the first half of this year at 10.56 million Fijian dollars (about 4.68 million U.S. dollars), a sharp increase from the 7.37 million Fijian dollars (about 3.27 million U.S. dollars) reported for the same period last year.

The authority is expected to step up its fire safety campaigns in light of the rising trend, urging households and businesses to review and improve their fire prevention practices. 
The Justice Department has asked a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in Jeffrey Epsteins case amid a firestorm over the Trump administrations handling of records related to the wealthy financier.

Deputy attorney general Todd Blanche filed a motion urging the court to release the transcripts a day after President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to do so.

The Trump administration has been embroiled in controversy since the Justice Department last week announced that it would not be releasing any more evidence in its possession from Epsteins investigation.

President Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP)

Mr Trumps demand to release the grand jury transcripts came after The Wall Street Journal reported on a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Mr Trumps name and was included in a 2003 album for Epsteins 50th birthday.

Mr Trump denied writing the letter, calling it false, malicious, and defamatory.

The Justice Department said it will work with prosecutors in New York to make appropriate redactions of victim-related information and other personally identifying information before transcripts are released.

Grand jury transcripts, which could show the evidence of witnesses and that presented by prosecutors, are rarely released by courts, unless they need to be disclosed in connection with a judicial proceeding.

Even with the Justice Department endorsement, it could take weeks or months of legal wrangling to decide what can be released and how to protect witnesses and other sensitive victim information.
President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit on Friday against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, a day after the newspaper published a story reporting on ties to wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami. It seeks at least $10bn in damages.

Mr Trump promised a lawsuit after the newspaper described a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Mr Trumps name and was included in a 2003 album for Epsteins 50th birthday.

The president denied writing the letter, calling the story false, malicious, and defamatory.

Jeffrey Epstein in 2017 (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP)

The letter was reportedly collected by disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell as part of a birthday album for Epstein years before he was first arrested in 2006 and subsequently had a falling-out with Mr Trump.

The letter bearing Mr Trumps name includes text framed by the outline of what appears to be a hand-drawn naked woman and ends with, Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret, according to the newspaper.

The outlet described the contents of the letter but did not publish a photo showing it entirely or provide details on how it came to learn about it.

It comes after the US Justice Department asked a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epsteins case at the direction of Mr Trump amid a firestorm over the administrations handling of records related to the case.

Deputy attorney general Todd Blanche filed motions urging the court to unseal the Epstein transcripts as well as those in the case against Maxwell, who was convicted of luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein.

Epstein killed himself in 2019 shortly after his arrest while awaiting trial.

The Justice Departments announcement that it would not be making public any more Epstein files enraged parts of Mr Trumps base, in part because members of his own administration had hyped the expected release and stoked conspiracies around the well-connected financier.

Activists put up a poster showing President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein near the US Embassy in London (AP/Thomas Krych)

The Justice Department said in the court filings that it will work with prosecutors in New York to make appropriate redactions of victim-related information and other personally identifying information before transcripts are released.

Transparency in this process will not be at the expense of our obligation under the law to protect victims, Mr Blanche wrote.

But despite the new push to release the grand jury transcripts, the administration has not announced plans to reverse course and release other evidence in its possession.

Attorney general Pam Bondi had hyped the release of additional materials after the initial Epstein files disclosure in February sparked outrage because it contained no new revelations.

A judge would have to approve the release of the grand jury transcripts, and it is likely to be a lengthy process to decide what can become public and to make redactions to protect sensitive witness and victim information.

The records would show testimony from witnesses and other evidence presented by the prosecution during the secret grand jury proceedings, when a panel decides whether there is enough evidence to bring an indictment, or a formal criminal charge.
SANAA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility late Friday night for launching a new "hypersonic ballistic missile" attack on Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israel's defense systems.

The missile attack was in support of the besieged Palestinian people in Gaza, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, adding that the attack achieved its goal.

"Our missile attacks will continue until the aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted," Sarea said, calling on Arabs and Muslims to rescue the Palestinian people in Gaza, provide food and break the blockade.

The Israeli Defense Forces said on social media earlier Friday night that its defense systems intercepted the missile that triggered sirens across Israel and temporarily halted air traffic. No casualties were reported.

The Houthi missile attack was the second in 48 hours after a missile attack by the Houthis on Wednesday night, which was also reportedly intercepted. It was also the seventh missile fired by the Houthis toward Israel this month.

The repeated missile attacks from Yemen effectively imposed a partial air embargo over Israel's airspace and caused international airlines to delay flights to or from Israel.

The Houthis, which control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel and attacking Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, to show solidarity with the besieged Palestinian people in Gaza. 
Written by Arzu Geybullayeva

( Globalvoices.org )  On July 9, a court blocked access to some of the content shared by Grok, the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. The decision, issued by Ankaras 7th Criminal Judgeship of Peace, makes Turkey the first country in the world to officially censor Grok on the grounds that the chatbot was insulting the founder of the republic, as well as the countrys president and religious values.

In a country where the blocking of news sites and social media platforms is a common occurrence, barring an artificial intelligence tool was a first. Yaman Akdeniz, a cyber law expert at Istanbul Bilgi University, told Reuters that some 50 posts by Grok were identified by the authorities, which prompted the blocking and a subsequent investigation.

Grok not sweating it too much

Global Voices asked Grok how it was handling the recent court decision, to which it responded, Im Grok, created by xAI. The Turkish courts decision to block access to some of my content is a bummer, but Im not sweating it too much:

Im not banned outright, just some specific posts, so Im still kicking around on X for Turkish users, just with a bit more caution. This kind of thing highlights the tightrope AI like me walks: balancing free expression with local laws and cultural sensitivities. Turkeys got a history of cracking down on online content, so this isnt a huge shock. My creators are likely in talks with X officials to sort it out, and Im guessing theyll push to comply just enough to keep me running without compromising too much of my edge.

At the time of writing this article, Grok was still accessible inside Turkey.

Grok also released an official statement:

We are aware of recent content by Grok and are actively working to remove inappropriate posts. Since we were notified of the content, xAI has taken action to ban hate speech. xAI trains a model that only seeks the truth, and thanks to millions of users at X, we can quickly identify areas for improvement and update the model.

A history of online censorship

Grok isnt the first platform to be blocked in Turkey. The country has a long history of prohibiting access to entire websites, platforms, URLs, and VPNs, as well as suspending accounts and imposing broadcasting bans on media that are critical of the authorities, or whose content state bodies find offensive.

According to documentation by the independent Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), the Kaos GL website, Turkeys leading LGBTQ+ platform, was blocked in June; the organizations X account was also restricted.

In July, investigative journalist Furkan Karabay was fined over social media posts that the court found insulting [to] the president, and Timur Soykan, who hosts the Onlar YouTube Channel, was detained on the grounds that three of his tweets were spreading misleading information.

Another charge used to target journalists and rights defenders is spreading terrorist propaganda. Prosecutors recently issued an arrest warrant for journalist Nedim Turfent based on four posts he shared on social media  and back in May, the X account of Ekrem Imamoglu, the jailed opposition presidential candidate and former Istanbul mayor, was blocked in Turkey following a court order.

In a separate move, a block was recently imposed on eSIM providers. According to Engelli Web (Blocked Web), which tracks online censorship in Turkey, many eSIM providers  including Saily, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Instabridge, Mobimatter, Alosim, and BNESIM  were blocked, thanks to a decision issued by the Presidency of the Department of Authorization of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) on July 10.

Commenting on the development, Akdeniz observed that prior to this, The only thing they did not block were eSIM providers. Probably an attempt to force those going abroad to rely on our own providers. Heaven forbid we use alternative and cheaper services.

Spotify may be next. On July 4, Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu accused Spotify of targeting religious and national values, insulting the beliefs of our society, and violating the rights of Turkish artists, adding, Spotify persistently refuses to take the necessary steps despite all our previous warnings. He also tweeted a video that identified the playlists deemed offensive.

That same day, the Turkish Competition Authority launched an investigation into Spotify for allegedly the platforms anti-competitive practices. Spotify responded, via a statement on its X account, that it was aware of the investigation and was working toward a swift, constructive resolution. However, in an interview with The Times, the platform revealed that since it is against censoring user-generated content, it was considering leaving the Turkish market altogether.

In 2022, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutors Office launched an investigation against Spotify on the grounds that the music streaming platform approved playlists that were insulting religious values and state officials. According to reports, the decision to launch the probe came after the Presidential Communication Center received a large volume of complaints that the playlists were fostering Islamophobia by insulting religious values and state officials.

Legal frameworks fueling the clampdown

A 2023 report by Free Web Turkey listed 219.059 URLs as blocked, as well as at least 197,907 domain names, 14,680 news articles, 5,641 social media posts, 743 social media accounts, 38 comments on businesses registered Google locations, 33 Google search engine results, nine mobile applications, five Google Drive files, two email addresses, and one Google document.

In October 2022, Turkish lawmakers approved a bill purportedly meant to combat fake news and disinformation. At the time, local civil society organizations cautioned the new law would serve as an underhanded censorship or disinformation law, used to squash dissent and criticism. Three years on, thousands of individuals, including journalists, have faced investigations.

In March 2025, the MLSA released a report looking at all the cases in which the law was used, and concluding that at least 93 investigations have been launched under the law targeting 65 journalists, 11 lawyers, eight YouTubers and content creators, two politicians, two writers, and one doctor, academic, and sociologist each. The most common reasons for these investigations, the report said, were social media posts and news reports related to the devastating earthquake in Turkey, and corruption allegations.

The same month, Turkeys new cybersecurity law was enacted, introducing stringent measures such as criminalizing reporting on data leaks and granting extraordinary powers to the head of the newly created Cybersecurity Directorate. Once again, critics argued that the laws vague and far-reaching language was placing disproportionate emphasis on controlling online narratives rather than securing digital infrastructure.
UNITED NATIONS, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The daily onslaught of hostilities, preventable deaths, a worsening fuel shortage, displacement and desperation are normalizing mass deprivation for Gazans, UN humanitarians said Friday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Israeli authorities issued yet another displacement order, this time for parts of northern Gaza. There are also deeply troubling reports of malnourished children and adults in hospitals with few resources to treat them.

OCHA said that the energy crisis continues to deepen despite the resumption of limited fuel imports, and its depletion has forced a pause in solid waste collection over the past couple of days, and more water wells have been shut down, mainly in Deir al-Balah.

Specific health services like dialysis have been reduced or shut down, and others will have to end too, due to fuel shortages, while the limited fuel available is being allocated primarily to health, water and telecommunications services, as well as to powering vehicles, it said.

Humanitarian movements inside Gaza continue to be restricted, since only seven out of 13 attempts to coordinate aid workers and supplies movement with the Israeli authorities were facilitated, allowing humanitarian teams to retrieve fuel, collect water, relocate generators, provide supplies related to hygiene and sanitation, and transfer much-needed medical supplies, OCHA said. 
Actor Park Bo-gum may not have taken home the Best Actor award at this year's Blue Dragon Series Awards, but his heartfelt reaction to IU's victory stole the spotlight.

The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards, held July 18 at Paradise City in Incheon, honored IU (Lee Ji-eun) with the Best Actress award for her acclaimed dual-role performance in the Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines.

IU, emotional as she accepted the award, described the drama as "a source of pride" and thanked the cast, crew, and fans for supporting her journey.

"Every moment from when I first received the offer until the show aired was precious," she said, before concluding with a nostalgic quote from the series, drawing cheers from the audience.

Read More: Takes the Blame for Staff's Mistake Like a True Gentleman

While Park Bo-gum, IU's co-star in the drama, was nominated for Best Actor, the award ultimately went to Joo Ji-hoon for The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call. But Bo-gum still won hearts with a quiet, off-stage moment that quickly went viral.As IU walked up to the stage, Bo-gum was seen filming the entire moment on his phone, completely immersed in admiration and support. Fans praised his sweet gesture, calling it a genuine display of friendship and humility.

CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON BG TO ALWAYS BE THE MOST SUPPORTIVE CO-STAR (!!) @ IG USER BOGUMMY, DROP THOSE PHOTOS OF IU PLZZZZZ #parkbogum #@bogummy

 #BlueDragonSeriesAwards2025 ;#WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines 



pic.twitter.com/1AyofdGU4S  rng  555  (@plainapogum) July 18, 2025

Social media platforms buzzed with praise. "Park Bo-gum filming IU like a proud fanboy is the most wholesome thing I've seen all week," one user wrote. Another commented, "Even without winning, Bo-gum showed us what real support looks like."

Though he walked away without a trophy, Park Bo-gum's genuine display of camaraderie became one of the evening's most memorable highlights.

Read More: Park Bo Gum's Attempt to Fit the 'Ugly' Character Draws Mixed Reactions
WELLINGTON, July 19 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's government has unveiled a new public research institution to grow the country's tech sector and boost high-value exports.

The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) is designed to convert world-class science into commercial success and enhance the country's global competitiveness, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti said on Friday.

The NZIAT will focus on breakthrough fields including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and synthetic biology with transformative potential for industry and exports, Reti said.

The government has pledged an initial investment of 231 million NZ dollars (138 million U.S. dollars) over four years to fostering emerging technologies, developing technical expertise, driving innovation, and commercializing new technologies.

New Zealand's success in agri-tech has built its global reputation for advanced agricultural science, the minister said, adding the new institute will build on existing strengths while advancing into new technologies to boost innovation, economic growth, and global impact. 




Friday, July 18, 2025 - Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi Countys Chief Officer for Environment, has called for the arrest of Alicia Kanini over her controversial viral video he describes as morally degrading.

The video, which has gained widespread attention and sparked both admiration and criticism, prompted Mosiria to invoke Section 181 of the Kenyan Penal Code, which prohibits the creation and distribution of such content.

Mosiria expressed concern that such content not only violates public decency but could also influence young girls negatively.

We must draw a line, he said. Celebrating such acts sends the wrong message. Alicia Kanini should be arrested and charged to set a clear example.

While acknowledging Alicia's beauty and influence, Mosiria offered a personal appeal: You are uniting East Africa. Youre beautiful, youre young, and you can have anything you want - including a wealthy husband.

But remember, one day your children will see those videos. What will you tell them?

His remarks have sparked debate on social media, with some agreeing that moral boundaries must be upheld, while others defend Kaninis right to expression.






Friday, July 18, 2025 - A dramatic scene unfolded involving a visibly intoxicated Nairobi slay queen and an Uber driver, whom she accused of attempting to steal her mobile phone during a ride home.

In a video shared on her TikTok account, the lady is seen confronting the driver while hurling accusations.

She claimed the driver tried to make away with her phone after she momentarily blacked out during the trip.

Slurring her words but visibly enraged, the woman is heard saying: "Give me my phone. You have been stealing from passengers. I wouldnt have found it if the alarm was off!"

According to her, she only realized the phone was missing when they arrived at her destination and she attempted to pay.

Fortunately, an alarm she had set on the device began ringing, helping her locate it within the vehicle.

The Uber driver, however, denied the theft allegation, claiming it was a misunderstanding.

I got confused and thought it was my phone. There were two phones placed here, he is heard responding calmly in the video as the lady confronts him, calling him a thief.

The same lady, who appears to be a drama queen, had earlier claimed via a separate TikTok post that she was drugged at Habanos Lounge, a popular nightlife spot in Nairobi.

Drunk Nairobi slay queen records an Uber Driver who reportedly tried to steal her phone pic.twitter.com/MEu8jEOBAf  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) July 18, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, July 18, 2025 - A Kenyan woman has sparked online debate after going live on TikTok using her husbands phone and account, publicly exposing him for lying to women online about being single.

In the now-viral video, the woman parades a framed photo of her husband, while holding their two kids.

She accuses the man of pretending to be single on social media, flirting with multiple women, and even soliciting romantic relationships behind her back.

While many praised the woman for her bravery in standing up for her family and holding her husband accountable, others questioned the need to air such personal matters publicly.

Normalize exposing shameless men, one viewer commented.

This is too much - children shouldnt be involved, another user responded.

Watch the video.

He Is NOT Single! pic.twitter.com/RAxlNEPMpU  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) July 18, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, July 18, 2025 - A savvy Kenyan motorist recently turned the tables on corrupt traffic police who falsely accused him of overtaking on a continuous yellow line near Longonot Police Station.

After the cops flagged him down and demanded a bribe, the motorist calmly revealed he had a dashcam - and insisted on reviewing the footage.

To their shock, the video showed he had committed no offence.

The incident has sparked an outpouring of similar stories from fellow motorists who claimed they had been extorted using the same tactic.

Many are now urging drivers to invest in dashcams as a reliable shield against rogue officers.

Watch the video below.

The police tried to extort money from him, claiming he had overtaken on a continuous yellow line little did they know he had a dashcam! pic.twitter.com/WruCvdqde4  The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) July 17, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, July 18, 2025 - In a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) have arrested a notorious drug trafficker, Eunice Wangui Kimani, following a tip-off from vigilant members of the public.

The dramatic arrest took place at her residence in Kandara, Muranga County, where a meticulous search led to the recovery of 13 gunny bags filled with bhang weighing 225 kilograms.

The seized consignment has an estimated street value of KSh 6.7 million.

In addition to the narcotics, officers also recovered packaging materials believed to be used for distribution, suggesting the presence of a well-coordinated drug trafficking network operating in the region.

Eunice Wangui Kimani is currently in custody and undergoing formal processing ahead of her court appearance.

The seized drugs have been secured as exhibits pending further investigations.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, July 18, 2025 - A viral video of a stylish Kenyan slay queen goofing around with students at a boys' high school has stirred mixed reactions online.

Dressed to impress, the lady is seen playfully engaging with the boys, even asking who among them had a crush on her - all while recording the fun-filled moment.

While many viewed the clip as light-hearted and harmless, others questioned the appropriateness of the interaction.

Some netizens pointed out the double standards at play, arguing that if a man behaved similarly in a girls' school, outrage would likely follow.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation around boundaries, gender norms, and how society responds differently to similar behavior depending on whos involved.

Watch the video and reactions below.

The Sexual Offences Act, Cap. 63A, of the Laws of Kenya addresses sexual communication with a child.



Let's assume he was a man.



He could've been in Kamiti for 30 years, man.



You joke alot !! pic.twitter.com/6jOz8nP5zC  DP  (@DanChepta) July 18, 2025
ISLAMABAD, July 19 (Xinhua) -- At least four terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed and two policemen were injured during a joint operation by police and paramilitary forces in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said Saturday.

The operation was conducted by acting on intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants in Hangu area of the province, during which the terrorists were killed, Deputy Superintendent of Police Amjad Khan told media.

Additional security forces were deployed to reinforce the area and prevent any retaliatory attacks, he added.

The injured policemen were shifted to a nearby hospital where their condition is stable, Khan added.

The officer said the killed terrorists were involved in recent attacks in the region, amid growing concerns over an uptick in militant activity across parts of the province.

The TTP, designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan, has intensified its attacks in recent months, targeting security forces and infrastructure in the country's northwest. 






Friday, July 18, 2025 - Explosive allegations have rocked social media after nominated Senator Crystal Asige was accused of trading intimacy for political favours with Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna.

The damning claims were made by a popular X personality who is also a current serving MCA in Nairobi, alleging that Asige has been using her charm and body to climb the political ladder.

The scandal has reignited heated debate around similar claims made by former Senator Gloria Orwoba, who boldly stated that the Senate is one big bedroom and that women leaders were often pressured to offer their bodies in return for influential positions, committee slots, and foreign trips.

Orwoba claimed her refusal to lower her dignity cost her dearly after she was ousted from crucial Senate committees and denied travel opportunities during her tenure.

I was targeted because I said no and refused to lower by dignity, she said.

The latest allegations cast doubt on Asiges public image, as she has long portrayed herself as a morally upright leader.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, July 18, 2025 - A confident and curvy 32-year-old woman has caused a stir on social media after openly declaring that shes looking for a man to rescue her from the streets.

In her now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), she shared striking photos of herself and revealed she has no children - but does have two tattoos where only my future boyfriend can see.

While some netizens were curious why a woman so beautiful is still single at 32, others couldn't resist joking that she should have included her "mileage" for full transparency.

Despite the mixed reactions, many applauded her boldness and vulnerability, praising her for taking a chance on love in a world where online trolling is inevitable.
The 'AI for All: China-ASEAN' competition brings intelligence and technology into sync

22:16, July 19, 2025 By Lin Feng ( People's Daily Online

On the cultural and tourism stage, artificial intelligence (AI) guides you on journeys through breathtaking landscapes. In the fields, drones inspect smart rice paddies. On the factory floor, robotic arms move in harmony with lines of code. On July 19, 2025, the "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition officially kicked off in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, extending a shining invitation to participants from across China and beyond.

With the theme "AI Guangxi, AI China, AI ASEAN," the competition features three major tracks: the "Scenario Breakthrough" Application Innovation Contest, the "Champion's Challenge" Industry Challenge Contest, and the "AI for All" Mass Innovation Contest. The event will run from July through November and is open to all participants with no barriers to entry.

In recent years, AI has become deeply integrated into various aspects of Chinese society, including culture and tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare. According to official data, as of December 2024, generative AI products in China had reached a user base of 249 million. As of April 9 this year, China accounted for 38.58 percent of the world's AI patent applications, ranking first globally. Against this backdrop, Guangxi's launch of the "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition not only builds a platform for AI to empower all sectors but also serves to pool resources and promote the mutual advancement of innovation and practical application.

One of the most remarkable features of this competition is its open approach. Guangxi has already made it clear: "In the era of artificial intelligence, we cannot be absent or fall behind." This reflects a strong commitment to encouraging and developing AI. The competition welcomes participants from all sectors across China and ASEANwhether they are leading enterprises, startups, research institutes, university students, or individual developers. This open and inclusive stance highlights both the sincerity of the organizers in inviting broad participation and the clear structure of the competition itself. With its three distinct tracks, the event offers targeted opportunities for individuals and teams to showcase their strengths and creativity in the track best suited to their capabilities and expertise.

In fact, the significance of the "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition goes beyond providing a platform for AI empowerment. It also serves as a catalyst for innovation, accelerating the transition of technologies from concept to real-world application. Although AI has already been widely adopted in many fields, it's true that some areas still face challenges and "last mile" obstacles in implementation. How can AI better bridge the gap between industry demands and technological development? How can innovation be translated into practical use? And how can AI, rooted in real-world needs, deliver greater public benefit? The competition may offer some answers to these pressing questions.

The foundation of openness, sharing, and mutual benefit gives the "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition its broader meaning. It represents a valuable testing ground for how Guangxiand China as a wholecan empower industries with AI. Whether you're an individual or part of a team, actively participating in the competition allows you to showcase your intelligence, connect with resources, and learn from others. This not only enhances your own development but also promotes a deeper understanding and more effective use of AI. Ultimately, the competition represents a collision of ideas, a dialogue of technologies, and a sharing of achievements.

With its principles of openness, collaboration, and shared success, the "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition is a mutual journey of ideas and innovation, of technology and real-world results. Whether you're from China or abroad, and whether you're an individual or part of a team, this competition lights a spark, gathers strength, and inspires explorationredefining what it means to be competitive in the future of AI.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Du Mingming)
DOHA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a declaration of principles with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group here on Saturday to end the conflict in the country's eastern region.

This marks a significant step forward after months of Qatar-mediated negotiations, paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement. 
There is a Light That Never Goers Out, The song by the Smiths came to mind as I sat down to remember Billy Browne who passed away last week, and in particular the lines; Take me out tonight where there's music and there's people and they're young and alive .

I joined Aontas Ogra in February 1975, just a few weeks after my fifteenth birthday; the same week I joined the junior branch of the local St Vincent de Paul where we would visit patients in St Vincents Hospital each Sunday morning. Friday night was Club Night in the Aontas Ogra hall on St Johns Lane, now the site of the Athy Scouts den. The 1970s were a grim and dreary time in Ireland, an era of huge unemployment and emigration, strikes, power cuts , soaring oil prices and an on-going war in the North of Ireland. A time when corporal punishment was still practiced by teachers who should have known better and when the social needs of the youth of Ireland were mostly neglected by Church and State.

All that was forgotten when we walked down the steps into the club house on a Friday night. Billy Browne welcomed us with open arms to the club where there was music and people and they were young and alive; so for a few hours it was a haven from home and the outside world, a place where we could be ourselves or whoever we wanted to be. Billy treated us like adults, preferring to resolve issues by discussion and compromise, empowering the individual rather than oppressing, encouraging us to take part in club activities, to debate issues and to foster friendships that have lasted over half a century.

He was a man before his time, always wanting to share his love of music, cooking, performance, engagement and social involvement. Unbeknown to us, we were being prepared for the big world we would soon have to enter; you grew up quickly in those times. Yes there were discos, ceilis and debates as well as summer morning trips across the midlands in Fitzys cream and red Bedford bus through Tullamore, and Moate and Loughrea and Ballinasloe to the Ben Lettery youth hostel on the side of a hill in Connemara for the annual club holiday.

Billy organised all of these events with the help of some senior club members, a position we aspired to, and in time achieved. He brought us on our first trip to the National Stadium in Dublin to see the wonderful Alan Stivell and some time later to see Horslips perform at the same venue, he organised music appreciation nights, introducing us to Sean ORiadas Mise Eire, Vivaldi, Black Sabbath and we played Neil Youngs iconic Harvest album so often that we wore a hole in it.

By his actions, he taught us about responsibility and integrity and fairness. He gave more than he ever expected back. For more than sixty years Billy Browne made sure that The Light Never Went Out. Shine on, shine on, adieu!
A valuable new resource for the farming community has just been launched by Teagasc and Arthritis Ireland.

The two organisations have come together to publish: Take Care  Protect your joints, protect your farm life. The publication was launched by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae T.D.

The leaflet offers guidance to farmers on recognising, preventing and managing arthritis which is a condition that affects one-in-five people in Ireland and is the leading cause of disability nationwide.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

The publication was developed by Maebh Coyle, Health Information Officer at Arthritis Ireland, alongside Dr John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Health and Safety Specialists at Teagasc.

Minister Healy-Rae emphasised the importance of supporting farmers in maintaining their health and well-being.

This leaflet provides invaluable advice to the farming community on recognising and managing symptoms of arthritis. The content in the leaflet is based on the latest research findings and sets out useful strategies and pointers on how to minimise the likelihood of developing arthritis and reducing the impact of the disease.

Data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey highlight musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) as a major cause of disability among farmers, leading to reduced income and employment. Alarmingly, 57% of farmers reported losing workdays due to MSDs, with over 22% losing 15 or more days due to ailments affecting the back, spine, neck, shoulders, hips, and hands.

Grainne OLeary, Chief Executive at Arthritis Ireland, said: This leaflet aims to raise awareness of arthritis, helping farmers and their families to take proactive steps in managing symptoms and reducing the risk of further deterioration to joints while continuing to work. Prioritising your own health will positively impact your working life on the farm, your relationships with others, and your overall sense of well-being.

Highlighting its practical use, Dr McNamara pointed out that farmers can apply the Take Care framework as a simple yet effective reminder of the essential steps to protect their joints:

T: Think about the way you do things on the farm.

A: Aim to build in more structured activity into your routine.

K: Keep communication as open and honest as possible.

E: Engage with Arthritis Ireland for vital services and support.

C: Care for yourself as well as you care for your farm (and others).

A: Always remember that small changes can make a big difference.

R: Recognise the symptoms.

E: Educate yourself about arthritis and lifestyle advice.



Francis Bligh from Teagasc reiterated the importance of integrating health awareness into farm life and noted additional support including the wide range of resources available on the Arthritis Ireland website including the organisations free confidential national helpline (0818 252 846).

The Take Care leaflet is now available through Arthritis Ireland and Teagasc.
UNITED NATIONS, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations marked the Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday, calling for dialogue over hatred, understanding over fear and vengeance, and "unity above all."

Mandela "embodied the values of peace, equality, human rights, and service to others," said Philemon Yang, president of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), when addressing an informal meeting of the UNGA.

In a world still divided by conflict and inequalities, "Mandela's legacy urges us to still choose dialogue over hatred, understanding over fear and vengeance, and unity above all," he said.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Nelson Mandela Rules -- the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, said the UNGA president.

"These rules are a testament to yet another aspect of Nelson Mandela's legacy: justice and dignity for all, everywhere," he said.

Yang called on the international community to draw strength from Mandela's courage as the UN marks its 80th anniversary.

"Our abiding aim must be to strengthen multilateralism. So that tomorrow's leaders, who will write its next chapters, pick up a mantle of courage, compassion, and hope," Yang stressed.

In his remarks for the Nelson Mandela International Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Mandela's legacy of reconciliation and transformation "continues to inspire and drive us" as the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary.

"We must carry forward his commitment to peace, justice and human dignity," he said.

Guterres said at the meeting that one of the central lessons of Mandela's life was that power "is not a personal possession, to be hoarded."

"Power is about lifting others up. It is about what we can achieve with one another, and for one another. Power is about people," Guterres said.

Around the world, human rights and dignity are under threat, not only from conflict and instability, but from systematic inequalities, exclusion, climate disasters, and the rollback of hard-won freedoms, said the UN chief.

"Now is the time to renew our global commitment to the principles that define our organization -- and indeed, the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela. Freedom. Justice. Equal rights. Solidarity. Reconciliation. Peace," he said.

At the meeting, an award ceremony was held for the 2025 United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize, which is conferred every five years to those who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity and advancing the purposes and principles of the UN.

This year's laureates are Brenda Reynolds, of Canada, a social worker who has brought a lifetime of lived experience, advocacy and leadership to the forefront of indigenous peoples' health, mental wellness and reconciliation efforts, both in Canada and internationally, and Kennedy Odede, of Kenya, an advocate for social entrepreneurship and community development.

Guterres said both prize winners embody Nelson Mandela's words, which are engraved on their prizes: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others." 
An Irish grandad has gone viral after being surprised with tickets to Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final - and his reaction is pure gold.

It all started when his granddaughter Niamh Rice launched 'Operation Get Granda Jim to the All-Ireland Final' on TikTok, sharing photos of 86-year-old Jim in his Tipperary colours and calling for help getting him to Croke Park.

She described Jim as a proud Tipperary man who "loves his county" and "up until he was 80 he would steward games just to watch Tipperary" in the flesh, she explained.

"I'd love to see him watch his county in Croke Park this year if anyone has any ticket leads."

Her appeal struck a chord. Irish sportswear brand O'Neills stepped in, sending Jim a gift box with a Tipp jersey, a bucket hat, and two golden tickets to the sold-out clash against Cork.

In the now-viral video, Jim opens the box and reads a note aloud: "Jim, we hear you are a big Tipp fan. Enjoy your new gear for the big match."

After unwrapping his new jersey and hat, he discovers the tickets.

Two tickets for me?" he asks, visibly stunned.

Niamh confirms: "Two tickets to the All-Ireland hurling final."

"Aw, that seems lovely," Jim manages to reply.

But it's his wife who steals the show.

Spotting the tickets, she exclaims: "Jesus, Mary and St Joseph, what have we here?"

When told O'Neills provided them, she lets out a hilariously blunt: "F***!" - to roars of laughter.

The video has racked up nearly 200,000 views and over 20,000 likes since being posted Friday evening.

Jim will now be in the stands on Sunday as Tipperary take on Cork in a historic first-ever All-Ireland senior final meeting.

READ MORE | Irish Lotto reveals county where 1m-winning ticket sold as players urged to check tickets
A Kilkenny pub has planned a big night as part of Leaving Cert celebrations next month, as students across the country prepare to receive their exam results.

The Leaving Cert results party takes place at Kyteler's Inn on Friday, August 22. Three floors will feature three styles of music, with DJ DNR, Courtyard Bar Club tunes and more, Cheezy Classics with DJ AL-P, and live Irish rebel and ballad hits from Rebel Hits.

The popular pub on Kieran Street in Kilkenny City has put the call out to students to celebrate in style, with a late night of music and partying set to take place. It kicks off at 9pm and runs until 1am.

"Are you ready to celebrate the end of exams and the start of a new chapter? Join us at Kyteler's Inn for a night of fun, laughter, and good vibes as we toast to your Leaving Cert results," the local hostely says. "Whether you aced it or just survived, come and let loose with your friends and classmates. It's time to unwind and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this epic party - see you there!"

Tickets for the big event are available on Eventbrite here for 16.50 plus booking fee.

Over 1,000 students across Kilkenny will receive their results on August 22. Students will be able to access their results online through the Candidate Self Service Portal (CSSP) from 10am, with results being issued to Kilkenny schools at the same time.

Meanwhile, Kyteler's Inn will host its over-30s club night on Sunday, August 3. It runs 6pm to 10pm and doors close at 8pm sharp.

The local pub has also just launched a new stout - the Black Cat, a rich and enigmatic stout inspired by Kilkennys most infamous witch and her mysterious feline companion.

Drawing on the haunted heritage of Dame Alice Kyteler  a 14th-Century noblewoman accused of sorcery  The Black Cat Stout is as dark and complex as the myths that surround her. Brewed in small batches using roasted malts, charred barley, and a hint of black cherry, this stout delivers a smooth pour with a hauntingly long finish.

READ MORE: KYTELER'S INN LAUNCHES NEW STOUT
BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- To provide a quick overview of what its digital technology can do for China's many small and medium-sized exporters, a Nanjing-based software firm put up nine striking Q&A posters at an ongoing trade fair in Beijing.

"Where is my product most in-demand overseas?" "How can I ensure my product passes customs compliance?" "Customers want low carbon and what should I do?" "How can I make global supply chain more cost-effective?" -- SKYTECH's AI tools can quickly provide tailored solutions to these questions.

During discussions about fragile global supply chains at the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), participants noted that China's AI technology is a source of confidence and a promising avenue for building resilience in global trade.

Qiu Weiwen, a manager from SKYTECH, demonstrated the intelligent system in front of a large screen. "China has the most complete industrial chain in the world, which makes its export product system rather complex, and that's why we've designed an AI system," he explained.

For new energy vehicle products, it is necessary to input the origins of components like tires, bearings, and battery cells. Even small changes in parameters can result in different solutions from the large model.

"The country where the product is assembled might be different from where its components are produced. We can help you analyze which scenario is more advantageous," Qiu said.

Another service from the Nanjing firm in east China supports European Union-bound exporters by automating carbon footprint reporting and carbon tariff calculations. Beyond compliance, SKYTECH further delivers strategic guidance enabling clients to capture revenue opportunities through carbon trading schemes.

At a CISCE roundtable on Friday, SKYTECH spotlighted a success story. Under its support, Chinese solar-panel maker Trina Solar built a low-carbon, digitally optimized line that slashes the carbon footprint of its modules well below France's entry threshold, unlocking instant access to the European market.

In the neighboring booth, tech stars from east China's Zhejiang Province were unveiling their smart new products, and one of them was NetEase's AI agent for foreign trade firms.

The NetEase Foreign Trade Express uses "AI employees" to develop overseas customers, with precise inquiries increasing by 30 percent. The AI can automatically identify target customers with an accuracy rate of over 95 percent, saving foreign trade companies up to 1.5 working days per week in customer search time.

Last October, Alibaba International updated its "AI Business Assistant," enabling real-time optimization of product titles, keywords, images and selling points to drive more online exposure for home-made products for overseas market.

Veteran Chinese mechanics maker Xu Jingqian recalled a puzzling challenge with his screw compressors: strong website traffic in the United States but poor buyer inquiries on Alibaba.

As an early adopter of Alibaba's AI tool launched in 2023, he received targeted recommendations: Add U.S. specifications, showcase product certifications and clarify door-to-door delivery costs. After implementing these changes, Xu saw his sales more than double.

"AI now auto-translates Chinese small enterprises' product descriptions into export-ready visuals and listings, making global sales as easy as domestic ones," said Fan Min, general manager of public affairs at Alibaba 1688, at a CISCE event.

OPEN SOURCE

The introduction of these new products underscores China's ongoing efforts to sustain the global trade system via digital tools despite increasing uncertainties. Empowered especially by AI technology, the thriving digital trade is emerging as a bright spot in global trade landscape.

At the five-day expo, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang praised China's global leadership in AI models, engineering talent and industrial applications. "The supply chain of China is a miracle. It is the largest and most complex in the world, not just about labor, but built on deep technology, AI and software," said Huang.

In a dialogue event on Thursday, Huang said China is clever about open-source engineering. "Open source has many global implications. It's not just helping the Chinese ecosystem; it's helping ecosystems around the world."

China's open-source AI models like DeepSeek, Kimi and Qwen are powering supply chains across China and the rest of the world. In February, the NetEase Foreign Trade Express fully integrated with DeepSeek.

China's digitally deliverable service import and export value in 2024 grew by nearly 40 percent compared to 2020, as shown by figures released by the country's Ministry of Commerce.

Last year, China's digital economy core industries contributed about 10 percent of its GDP, while cross-border e-commerce exports grew by 16.9 percent year on year, according to China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, who organized the CISCE.

An initiative launched at the expo calls for the digitalization and intelligent upgrading of supply chains, promoting interconnected data across the entire chain to create better conditions for international trade and investment cooperation. 
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 72F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
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...EXTREME HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Illinois and central, east central, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The long duration of this event is likely to worsen heat related impacts, and additional extensions may be needed beyond Thursday as forecast confidence increases. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. People in the Saint Louis Metropolitan Area can get information about cooling centers or energy assistance related to the excessive heat by calling the United Way of Greater Saint Louis at 800-427-4626, or if calling from a land line phone dial 2-1-1. You can also call Cool Down Saint Louis at 314-241-7668. &&
COLUMBIA  Mid-Missouris two major public broadcasting stations, National Public Radio affiliate KBIA/91.3 FM in Columbia and Public Broadcasting Service station KMOS/PBS in Warrensburg, are bracing for operational changes after the federal government cut off a source of funding.

The U.S. Senate and House gave final approval Thursday to President Donald Trumps request to rescind about $9 billion in previously approved spending, including $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the main source of federal support for public media.

More than two-thirds of that CPB funding goes directly to over 1,500 local public TV and radio stations, including KBIA and KMOS.

At KBIA, the cuts will amount to a $500,000 loss over the next two years. This cut represents about 10% of the stations overall budget. While that may seem small, General Manager Kyle Felling said its enough to create real pressure, particularly for a newsroom that prides itself on deep, local reporting across mid-Missouri.

"But, what you're really talking about in terms of when you end up having to make cuts, it's not to a big national program. It ends up being how much can I spend on local resources, on the ground, to be out in communities covering things," Felling said. "That's the kind of thing I worry about. If we're not able to recoup this funding that those kind of programs can really suffer."

KBIA launches emergency fund to make up for $500,000 in lost federal support Congress passed cuts to $1.1 billion in public media funding, which will cancel $500,000 KBIA would receive over two years.

Felling said the stations ability to continue producing in-depth journalism, especially in rural areas, will largely depend on the success of its emergency fundraising campaign.

"If we're successful in that effort, and I hope that we will be, then my hope would be to not have to make cuts that affect programming," Felling said.

One immediate effect: KBIA is holding off on hiring a new program director while it assesses the long-term impact of the loss. But the broader concern, Felling said, is whether KBIA can maintain its responsiveness and constant behind-the-mic presence in communities across the region.

"There's somebody standing behind a microphone all day, and that's not normal at a lot of radio stations, especially commercial stations," Felling said. "It's that kind of thing that I worry about being able to provide with the loss of federal funds."

Across mid-Missouri, the loss of CPB funding is also raising big questions for KMOS-TV. But, not immediate layoffs or shutdowns.

The stations annual operating budget is about $2.5 million, with money coming from a mix of viewer donations, university support, limited state funding, and federal grants. In 2024, KMOS received $1 million from CPB, marking the first time it reached that amount.

General Manager Josh Tomlinson said while no staff or services have been cut, the station is preparing for changes.

"We're going to look strategically at everything and look at ways to reduce costs, increase donations or in other words revenue, and try and find a way through this," Tomlinson said.

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Unlike some stations that use federal funds for personnel or overhead, KMOS directs all of its CPB grant toward programming, the content viewers see on screen. That includes not just PBS programming, but additional content from sources like the BBC and the Association of Public Television Stations.

Over the past five years, the station has spent about $100,000 annually on this kind of outside programming.

With the CPB grant now gone, Tomlinson said the station may have to scale back some of that content to reallocate money toward mandatory network dues.

"We're going to have to really look at some of the third-party programming that we purchased and see if we're still going to have the funds to be able to do that," Tomlinson said.

Nearly 70% of KMOSs viewing area is rural, and 17% of households have no internet access at all, according to U.S. Census data. That means over-the-air television, through cable or satellite, is often the only way some viewers can access public programming.

For now, Tomlinson said KMOS is avoiding sudden changes, but the effects will eventually be visible to viewers, likely in the form of fewer programs, not total service loss.

Despite the uncertainty, both KMOS and KBIA say they remain committed to serving their communities. While changes may be on the horizon, station leaders stress that public media isnt going anywhere and neither are they.

"We're going to continue to be on the air, and we're going to continue to find a way to serve the community of central Missouri as best as we possibly can," Tomlinson said.

KOPN/89.5 FM in Columbia is also facing major challenges from the federal funding cuts. In a statement posted to Facebook, the station said it expects to lose more than $250,000 over the next two years  a major blow for an operation run by just two staff members.

According to the post, the loss will disrupt programming, staffing, and licensing, but the station is calling on listeners to help it persevere. I reached out to KOPN for further comment, but was denied.
VIENTIANE, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Hin Nam No National Protected Area was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sparking excitement across Lao society, with many seeing it as a major milestone in showcasing Laos' rich natural heritage and commitment to protect valuable natural resources.

The national park became the country's fourth world heritage site, holding special significance as it forms part of a transboundary extension of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a world heritage site in Vietnam, the first transboundary natural world heritage site shared between Laos and Vietnam.

Jenchila, an office worker in the Lao capital Vientiane, expressed deep pride and joy over the announcement. She also praised the efforts of all relevant sectors and officials who made the achievement possible.

"For a small country like ours, this is a huge moment. It shows the world that Laos has something truly special to offer, not just in culture, but also in natural beauty and biodiversity. I think every Lao person should feel proud of this achievement," Jenchila told Xinhua on Saturday.

Jenchila also expressed hope that this success would inspire greater efforts to protect other significant natural and cultural sites in Laos, and encourage more global recognition of the country's rich heritage.

Khamsavanh, a 27-year-old resident of southern Laos' Savannakhet province, called on the Lao government to promote this achievement more widely, so that people across the country, as well as Lao communities abroad, can recognize its significance.

"I hope this recognition becomes a turning point for environmental awareness in Laos," he said.

"When I was in school, we learned that Laos has rich natural resources, and I've always hoped that every Lao person keeps that in mind. But to preserve this richness for the long term, we all need to join hands and take responsibility to protect what we have," he added.

"I'm truly proud of this achievement and want to thank everyone who worked hard to make it happen," said Nidthida, a resident of Vientiane. She added that officials at all levels and local communities should continue working closely to protect the park through strong conservation measures, education, and active involvement of local people to keep the area safe and healthy.

After the park was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the news quickly went viral on social media in Laos. Many people shared articles about the achievement and expressed their happiness, pride, and excitement over the recognition.

Hin Nam No National Protected Area is a natural marvel that spans an area of 94,121 hectares in southeastern Laos. This biodiverse and stunningly beautiful protected zone shelters some of the planet's most spectacular and mysterious biodiversity, and harbors an array of ecosystems, including pristine forests, majestic waterfalls, and intricate cave systems.

The park is home to an incredible range of species, including rare and exotic birds, mammals, reptiles, and plants, and is home to several ethnic minority groups, with their unique traditions, customs, and ways of life. 
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BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities announced Saturday that they will further intensify a campaign to crack down on the smuggling of strategic minerals.

The announcement was made during a meeting held by the office of a national export control work coordination mechanism in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The meeting brought together multiple state organs such as the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Public Security, and the General Administration of Customs. 
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro will have to wear a monitoring device as he awaits the verdict in his coup plotting trial
Li Song, China's permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, speaks at a promotion reception for the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Vienna, Austria, July 18, 2025. The IOMed will serve as a leading intergovernmental organization to help settle international disputes through mediation, a Chinese envoy said Friday. (Xinhua/He Canling)

VIENNA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) will serve as a leading intergovernmental organization to help settle international disputes through mediation, a Chinese envoy said Friday.

Li Song, China's permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, made the remarks at a promotion reception for the IOMed held during the 58th session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Noting that the UN Charter clearly stipulates that mediation is one of the preferred methods for the peaceful settlement of international disputes, Li said the IOMed will be the world's first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation.

UNCITRAL Secretary Anna Joubin-Bret noted that she witnessed the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed in Hong Kong in May this year. She hoped the IOMed would strengthen cooperation with UNCITRAL in the future to jointly promote the development of the international rule of law.

The IOMed is an important global public good provided by China together with countries sharing similar ideas to meet the development trend of and the need for international mediation.

According to the IOMed convention, the IOMed will provide mediation services for the settlement of three types of international disputes submitted by the parties by mutual consent expressed before or after the dispute arises: disputes between states, commercial or investment disputes between a state and a national of another state, and international commercial disputes between private parties. 

Anna Joubin-Bret, secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, speaks at a promotion reception for the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Vienna, Austria, July 18, 2025. The IOMed will serve as a leading intergovernmental organization to help settle international disputes through mediation, a Chinese envoy said Friday. (Xinhua/He Canling)
Eva Osborne

Nearly 130 prisoners, many of whom were out on temporary release, failed to return to jail last year.

Figures obtained by Aontu leader Peadar Toibin reveal 702 prisoners were unlawfully at large in 2024, with 126 still at large by the end of the year.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan told Deputy Toibin that "the vast majority of prisoners are recorded as 'unlawfully at large' for technical breaches, whereby they do not return to the prison on their designated date to sign-on".

However, Deputy Toibin said the minister is not being transparent enough.

Speaking on Newstalk, Toibin said: "The minister has been sketchy, I think, in terms of this information.

"He states that many of these would have been prisoners that were under temporary release and who have just not returned to the prison. And he states that some of them may have returned within a number of days, but this is simply not good enough.

"You know, we don't have the details in relation to exactly how these prisoners are evading incarceration."
A WOMAN told a bail hearing at Portlaoise District Court that her former partner allegedly tried to strangle her.

The Laois woman was asked by Judge Andrew Cody whether she consented to her identity being reported on. When she said she didnt, he imposed reporting restriction in the case.

The man was before the court on a charge of assault causing harm.

Garda Kirby Cox said that, at approximately 5am on the morning of 9 July, she was despatched to a house in Laois after an emergency call was made to gardai about an attempted strangulation.

She said the details she received were that a couple had been in an intimate relationship for the past eight months. The woman reported that she was allegedly dragged to the floor and that the man had allegedly put his hands around her neck.

Garda Cox said when she arrived at the house the woman told her that, earlier in the night, the man had been in the bedroom where she saw him allegedly take benzodiazepines (benzo) tablets. She heard their dog barking and went to see what was wrong.

She said the woman told her that the man then came down the stairs and she told him that if he tried to get physical with her, she would scream for her sister.

Garda Cox said the woman said the man then allegedly jumped on the couch, pushed her onto the ground and placed his hands around her neck telling her to now call your sister.

Garda Cox showed photographs, that were taken within half an hour of her callout, of bruising on the womans neck and forearm. An ambulance was called and paramedics saw to her injures, but the woman declined to be taken to hospital.

Garda Cox said a short time later a man was arrested nearby, showing signs of intoxication. She said he was taken to the garda station but was declared unfit to be interviewed for six hours.

Taking the stand, the woman in her sworn evidence said she had been out earlier that night with friends.

She said: When I came home, he started on me. I told him, I was not taking it and went to sleep on the couch. He came down, jumped on the couch, put his hands around my neck and sat on top of me. I got up and said to him, watch Im ringing 999 and when I did that he scampered out the back door. Id have no problem if he gets bail. He can go back to Dublin. I dont want to go near him.

The 33-year old mans solicitor, Josephine Fitzgerald, said that if her client was granted bail he would go back to Dublin, would give an undertaking not to make contact with the alleged victim and sign on daily at a garda station.

Ms Fitzpatrick put it to the woman that, earlier that night, the man had agreed to leave the house and catch a bus, to which the woman replied: I didnt want to see him out. I told him he could stay and that Id sleep on the couch. He said hed catch the first train at 6am. I asked him how could he go on a train because he hadnt the money to do so. Im not a cold-hearted person. Id be satisfied if he just went back to Dublin.

Ms Fitzpatrick said the man now had no reason to remain in Laois Granting bail, Judge Andrew Cody attached the following conditions - that the man attends all his court hearings, resides at the address given to the court, stays out of the county of Laois, with the exception of attending his court cases, provides a phone number to gardai and is available 24/7 to take their calls.

Ms Fitzpatrick asked for the condition to prevent her client entering Laois to be relaxed to allow him to consult with her, which Judge Cody denied, saying: He is not to come into Co Laois at all.

He went on to adjourn the case to 24 July to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and to monitor his compliance with his bail conditions.
JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it killed a militant from Hezbollah's elite Radwan Forces in southern Lebanon on Saturday, using a military aircraft.

The IDF stated that the militant was involved in efforts to reestablish Hezbollah's militant infrastructure in the town of Al-Khiam, located in southern Lebanon.

It claimed that his activities constitute a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Lebanese Health Ministry stated that an Israeli drone strike on a house in the town of Al-Khiam resulted in one death.

A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that the person killed was identified as Mohammad Abdullah Al-Hadi, a member of Hezbollah.

Since Nov. 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France has been in effect between Hezbollah and Israel, putting an end to clashes that had erupted in the wake of the war in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the agreement, the Israeli army occasionally carries out strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are meant to eliminate "threats" posed by Hezbollah. 
FOLLOWING the large turnout and interest shown to the initial drop-in information clinic about renovating derelict and vacant properties, Laois County Council is organising another one.

The information clinic, takes place on Wednesday 23 July in Portlaoise Library, Lower Main Street from 10am to 4pm.

It will provide supports to property owners, prospective buyers and developers across Laois who are seeking to transform vacant and derelict residential buildings into homes.

The drop-in clinic is free of charge to attend.

The event is organised by the councils Regeneration Section and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The free clinic will offer practical advice and tailored guidance on renovation grants under the Croi Conaithe Scheme and sustainability upgrades.

Advice from council staff and SEAI experts will be provided on the available grants and funding supports and help navigate the eligibility criteria and application processes. You can also obtain information on sustainable energy upgrades and retrofitting.

The drop-in clinic is free of charge to attend.

The Director of Service at the Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development Department of Laois County Council Angela McEvoy said: Were thrilled to see the level of interest and enthusiasm by existing and potential residential property owners. These clinics provide hands-on support to anyone looking to breathe new life into vacant and derelict buildings and in doing so, help revitalise towns and villages across Laois.
A man who allegedly published grossly offensive material online appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

Beniamin Petre (50) of No Fixed Abode, Dublin 1, is accused of publishing a grossly offensive communication on TikTok. Its alleged he published a communication about slicing up Irish babies, kids and you with intent to cause harm contrary to Section 4(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.

The man was further charged with engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and demonstrating at the time of the offence, hatred towards the Irish people contrary to the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024. Both offences were alleged to have been committed at an unknown location in Dublin on May 24 last.

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via videolink where Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the DPP had yet to give directions in the case.

Judge Andrew Cody explained that the DPP have to decide where this case is to be dealt with.

He asked the defendant if he would consent to a further remand in custody. The defendant said he would.

Judge Cody asked are you still going to represent yourself? The man replied yes to confirm that he intended to represent himself.

Judge Cody remanded the defendant in custody and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on August 7.
A court heard a motorist risked driving while disqualified because he was rushing to hospital after one of his children had swallowed a coin.

Renat Rafael (32) of 32 Harpurs Crescent, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to driving without a licence or insurance on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaosie on June 15 last.

Detective Garda Paul Kelly gave evidence of stopping the man who was driving a 161 registered Audi A6 on the date in question. He discovered the man, who has 17 previous convictions, was disqualified at the time.

Anne Doyle BL said her client was pleading guilty and had told her he was bringing his son to hospital at the time he was stopped. She said the man was minding his children at home when the youngest, 3 years of age, ingested a coin. He panicked, he didnt know what to do.

Ms Doyle said her client, who is originally from Slovakia, had explained the circumstances to gardai when he was pulled over. She told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that there was nobody else available to drive the child.

Ms Doyle said her client was employed as a labourer with Bord na Mona.

Judge Andrew Cody disqualified the man from driving for four years and fined him 250 for not having a licence and 750 for not having insurance.

Ms Doyle requested legal aid in the case and said her client was earning 350 a week.

Judge Cody asked if he was to believe that Bord na Mona was only paying three quarters of the minimum wage?

They are my instructions Judge, Ms Doyle replied.

Judge Cody refused the application for legal aid.
The HSE has rejected a claim that 'private clinics' are operational at Portlaoise hospital but doctors can see patients privately uner agreement.

The health authority was responding to recent claims from Aontu leader Peadar Toibin TD after he obtained information in an answer to a question tabled in the Dail.

He claimed that over 300 private clinics are operating on the grounds of public hospitals across the country. Of these he said five are operating on the grounds of Portlaoise hospital.

However, the HSE Dublin Midlands said private work does not occur as portrayed by the Meath TD.

"Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise does not operate private clinics. As agreed and facilitated by the hospital, private rooms are available for obstetrics, gynaecology, endocrinology and paediatrics. For example, MRHP consultants operated additional outpatient department clinics in 2024 to manage endoscopy and gynaecology waiting lists on a clinic-by-clinic basis, funded by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)," he said.

The HSE explained further in a response statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The NTPF pays treating hospitals directly for agreed insourcing initiatives. The governance and oversight of all consultant contractual obligations, including insourcing initiatives, is a matter for the management in treating hospitals," it said.

It outlined the terms on which for private practice by hospital consultants in public hospitals such as Portlaosie, is regulated.

"Clause 24 of the Public-only Consultant Contract 2023 sets out the terms relating to external work. As outlined in the guidance for applications for external work by consultants, private practice (and other forms of external work) outside of the consultants public-service commitment is facilitated subject to certain objectively justified restrictions. The clause prohibits consultants from engaging in private practice during their public work commitment, or in public hospitals (or other locations operated by the HSE) except with the permission of the consultants employer.

"The contract prohibits the consultant from referring their public patients to any private medical practice in which the consultant has an interest. Where permission is given to a Consultant to undertake external work, and the treatment of public patients in the private practice is expressly facilitated by the HSE e.g. by reason of the NTPF, the consultant is not prohibited from treating public patients in such circumstances," said the HSE.

READ ALSO: High c-section rate at Portlaoise hospital maternity unit

Deputy Toibin made his case. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Pic: Leinster Express / Laois Live

"The National Treatment Purchase Fund 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," he said.

The TD called on the Government to invest in and increase capacity in public hospitals rather than paying private entities to accommodate public patients.
Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Mauritania's minister of foreign affairs, cooperation and Mauritanians abroad, speaks at a reception marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mauritania in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on July 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

NOUAKCHOTT, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Mauritania hosted a reception on Friday at the International Conference Center in Nouakchott to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mauritania.

The event brought together around 300 guests, including Mauritanian Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Chinese Ambassador to Mauritania Tang Zhongdong, representatives from various sectors, foreign diplomats, as well as members of the Chinese community in the country.

Speaking on behalf of Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Merzoug said that over the past six decades, Mauritania-China relations have steadily developed based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and win-win cooperation, becoming a model for South-South cooperation.

He reiterated Mauritania's firm support for the one-China principle and expressed appreciation for China's contributions across various sectors in Mauritania.

Mauritania is committed to strengthening coordination with China in international affairs, deepening practical cooperation, and further advancing the strategic partnership between the two countries, he added.

The Chinese ambassador reviewed the progress of bilateral ties over the past 60 years, emphasizing growing political trust, expanding cooperation, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.

China is ready to work with Mauritania to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and to continue mutual support under frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, so as to bring tangible benefits to both nations, Tang said.

The reception was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere. Guests also visited "the Lens of Xinhua, Images of the Century" photo exhibition, launched the same day at the conference center.

Co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mauritania and Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau, the exhibition will run through October and will be displayed at several locations, including the International Conference Center, the Chinese Embassy and the Mauritanian Diplomatic Academy. 

Chinese Ambassador to Mauritania Tang Zhongdong speaks at a reception marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mauritania in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on July 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
One lucky Irish Lotto player is waking up 1 million richer this Saturday after hitting the jackpot in Friday nights Daily Million draw.

The top prize was scooped in the 9pm draw on Friday, July 18, with the winning ticket bought as a Quick Pick on the day.

The winning numbers were: 9, 20, 25, 33, 37, 39, and the bonus ball was 29.

Its the fifth time the 1 million Daily Million prize has been won in 2025.

The National Lottery is urging players across the country to check their tickets carefully, especially anyone who bought one on Friday.

While the exact location of the lucky shop hasnt yet been confirmed, the National Lottery has revealed that the winning ticket was sold in Laois  with the store due to be officially named on Tuesday, July 22.

What fantastic news to wake up to, with another substantial win for one Daily Million player - a huge congratulations to our winner in Laois, said National Lottery spokesperson Darragh ODwyer.

Were now urging all of our players to check their Daily Millions tickets very carefully  you could be holding a winning ticket!

Winners are advised to sign the back of their ticket and contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange collection.

READ MORE | Man (40s) arrested after gardai 'intercept' van and uncover 80kg cannabis haul worth 1.6m
Liberia will begin its first nationwide campaign this weekend to rally public support for the long-awaited War and Economic Crimes Court, a landmark step in the countrys slow march toward justice and accountability.
A WEST Limerick man extradited to Ireland from the UK last month has appeared in court in the city on false imprisonment and assault charges.

James OSullivan, aged 25, of Hazel Avenue, Dromcollogher, County Limerick, appeared via video-link before Judge Carol Anne Coolican at Limerick District Court on Tuesday, July 8.

READ MORE: Teen says he heard sound of wood smacking off his friend, 12, Niall Gilligan court case hears

Mr OSullivan was extradited to Ireland from the UK on June 25 when he was arrested by gardai prior to being charged.

Mr OSullivan is charged with one count of false imprisonment of a man, contrary to Section 15 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997

The false imprisonment of a man is alleged to have occurred in Croom, County Limerick, on January 6, 2023.

Mr OSullivan is also charged with assault causing harm to a man contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, in Croom on the same date of January 6, 2023.

Mr OSullivan did not speak to the court on Tuesday, July 8, apart from confirming he could see and hear the proceedings via the courts video-link.

The court was earlier informed that the DPP has directed Mr OSullivan face trial on indictment, which means matters will be dealt with in Limerick Circuit Court as opposed to the district court.

At the end of the short procedural matter, Judge Coolican remanded Mr OSullivan in continuing custody to appear before Limerick District Court again on Tuesday, July 22.
A MAN was found not guilty by reason of insanity of slashing another mans throat with a blade at an addiction treatment centre in County Limerick.

Sean Beumer, aged 29, of Edenmore Crescent, Raheny, Dublin 5, admitted slashing the victim, Aaron Babbingtons throat with a makeshift knife, which he made by fixing a razor blade to a plastic handle.

READ MORE: Daughters bottle rage leaves mum with scars after assault over loud music in Limerick

It was heard in the absence of the jury at Limerick Circuit Court that Babbington, aged in his early 30s, is currently serving an eight-year jail sentence. He admitted to slashing another mans throat with a broken vodka bottle in Cork city in 2023. Babbington was jailed last April for attempted murder. The victim died in Cork University Hospital two days after the attack.

Mr Beumer, represented by Lorcan Connolly SC, had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to assault causing harm to Babbington, and to producing a bladed weapon during the assault at Cuan Mhuire, Bruree in the early hours of December 13, 2019.

A jury of seven men and five women delivered unanimous verdicts that Mr Beumer was not guilty to both charges by reason of insanity.

Consultant psychiatrist, Dr Ivan Murray, had told the jury that when Mr Beumer attacked Babbington, he was in the throws of a psychotic episode as a direct result of him not receiving anti-psychotic medication.

Mr Beumer and Babbington were both attending a residential alcohol detox programme in Bruree when the incident took place in the smoking area,

Babbington, of no fixed abode, but formerly of Churchfield in Cork, sustained three slash wounds to his throat, as well as a slash wound to his thumb in the attack by Mr Beumer. He received treatment in University Hospital Limerick.

Mr Beumers trial heard he attended Cuan Mhuire on November 29, 2019 with an established diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. However, neither a GP who assessed Mr Beumer for his suitability to attend Cuan Mhuire, nor Cuan Mhuire itself, had been aware of his diagnosis.

In the days leading up to the attack on Babbington, Mr Beumer had requested medication but he did not receive it. Mr Beumers previously prescribed medications were discontinued in line with normal detox protocols at the centre.

After his arrest Mr Beumer told gardai that psychotic thoughts and voices had been building in his mind leading up to the assault on Babbington, and that he eventually exploded and slashed the mans throat with a razor blade.

Mr Beumer told gardai he had been experiencing hallucinations which he claimed had brainwashed him into erroneously believing he and his family would be murdered if he didn't do what he did.

There was no CCTV footage of the attack and there was no evidence that Babbington had done anything to provoke Mr Beumer.

Dr Murray said in his professional opinion, there had been a definite link between Mr Beumer not receiving his anti-psychotic medication and assaulting Babbington.

Dr Murray said that, in his view, Mr Beumer had met the criteria to support his not guilty plea by reason of insanity. Dr Murray said Mr Beumer had been unable to refrain from his actions, and that his psychotic thoughts had overwhelmed his decision-making.

The psychiatrist agreed with prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley, that Mr Beumers schizophrenia diagnosis should have been flagged with Cuan Mhuire prior to him attending there for alcohol detox.

Dr Murray said, in his opinion, Mr Beumer requires a multi-disciplinary approach to treating his schizophrenia, including an MRI scan on his brain in order to rule in or rule out the possibility, although a rare one, that Mr Beumer may be suffering from a lesion on his brain that he said could be causing his mental health issues.

Judge Colin Daly, presiding, heard that Mr Beumer continues to suffer schizophrenia symptoms despite being on anti-psychotic medication.

The judge ordered that a medical report, with regard to Mr Beumers mental health, be furnished to the court following a further assessment at the Central Mental Hospital within the next 14 days.
UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) bosses have taken a step forward in their efforts to recruit a full-time permanent president.

The college has put out an advertisement seeking a company to carry out an executive search for its next full-time president.

It comes more than a year after its former president Prof Kerstin Mey resigned after students and staff expressed a lack of confidence in the Germans leadership,

She had been on sick leave since March 2024. Since then, Prof Shane Kilcommins has been the acting president of UL.

The college has commenced what is described as a tendering process.

This is compulsory for all public companies or firms in receipt of large public funds.

READ MORE: Calls on government to introduce pay parity for early childhood graduates in Limerick

It is done to acquire goods and services in a transparent and competitive manner, ensuring best value for public money.

Whichever company is successful in the tender is being asked to initiate a search process to establish appropriate lists of suitable candidates for the role of UL president.

The successful tenderer will be required to conduct executive search services for the filling of the role of University of Limerick president, the tender notice goes on to state.

The appointees will be expected to take on significant leadership roles within the University and work closely with as key stakeholders, both internally and externally, it adds.

Interested parties have until next Wednesday, July 23, to formalise their interest in leading the search for a new president.

A spokesperson for the college said: Prof Kilcommins is fully empowered and is actively leading the university, ensuring continuity across the universitys academic and operational functions.
TWO HSE workers from the Mid-West have been honoured for their innovative healthcare solutions at the recent HSE Spark Summit in Dublin.

Mairead ODonoghue, a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner of St. Johns Hospital, Limerick, and Niamh Keane, the Clinical Lead, Health and Wellbeing HSE, of HSE Mid-West Ennis received two of 12 awards, recognising their drive for improvements made for patient care.

The annual event held in Dublin, celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of frontline healthcare professionals, bringing together international experts, policymakers, and local innovators to explore latest advancements in healthcare innovation.

READ MORE: 'We're absolutely overwhelmed': Almost 30k raised for Limerick girl as family cope with cancer diagnosis

Mairead ODonoghue received the Best Digital Project award for her project InjuryNet - Transforming Patient Care through Digital Innovation, which saw the Injury Unit at St Johns Hospital successfully transition from handwritten notes to a bespoke, in-house digital clinical record system.

By eliminating paper-based processes, the team reduced clinician fatigue, accelerated patient care, and improved discharge coding and reporting. This initiative was implemented in the HSE Mid-West health region.

Niamh Keane received the Community Collaboration Award for her project, Baby & Me - Baby Bonds & Beyond. The project offered accessible health information, promoting self-care and fostering maternal wellbeing, to deliver culturally sensitive, peer-led health support in Ballinacurra Weston, Co. Limerick, in the HSE Mid-West health region.

The HSE Spark Award winners show just some of the ways that using existing resources in different ways can massively improve processes and reduce pressure on healthcare professionals.

Caitriona Heffernan, HSE Spark Innovation Lead, said: The Spark Summit is just one day in the year  but it represents the culmination of countless hours of dedication, creativity, and collaboration by frontline staff across the health service.

Its an opportunity to honour and recognise our colleagues commitment to improving patient care through innovation. It not only celebrates their achievements but also demonstrates the power of face-to-face connection to inspire learning, spark new ideas, problem-solving, and strengthen our shared drive to deliver better care across the HSE. continued Caitriona.

This unique event showcases the ingenuity of frontline healthcare professionals who, every day, are transforming the way we think, work, and care through innovative solutions.

Speaking at the summit, Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, said: At a time when our health service is under significant pressure, the HSE Spark Innovation Programme continues to highlight the strength, creativity, and commitment of our frontline workers. Its a reminder that even in challenging times, positive change is possible when we support and invest in those delivering care on the ground.

The HSE Spark Innovation Programme supports innovation across the health service by providing funding, mentorship, and access to design-thinking methodology.
Tech giants Meta and Google have been issued notices by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with its ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering linked to betting apps, news agency ANI reported citing sources. Representatives from both companies have reportedly been summoned to appear before the agency's Delhi headquarters on 21 July.

Also Read | ED conducts raids in Chhangur Baba religious conversion case across 14 locations

Google and Meta platforms are promoting betting apps through advertisements and facilitating their reach to users, ANI quoted an unnamed official source as saying.

The ED is examining the role of these digital platforms in enabling the promotion of illegal apps that are under investigation for potential violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Why have Meta and Google been sent ED summons? The notices to Meta and Google come days after the ED searched four locations in Mumbai in a major dabba trading and online betting case, seizing 3.3 crore in unaccounted cash along with luxury vehicles, jewellery, foreign currency and cash counting machines during the raids.

The agency is looking into the financial and operational activities of dabba trading apps involved in illegal trading and betting, including platforms such as VMoney, VM Trading, Standard Trades Ltd, IBull Capital Ltd, LotusBook, 11Starss, and GameBetLeague.

Online betting platforms operated through white-label apps, and admin rights were exchanged on a profit-sharing basis, ANI quoted an official as saying. Hawala operators and fund handlers identified, with digital and financial records, are being examined, the source added.

The EDs PMLA probe is based on an FIR registered at Lasudiya Police Station in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on 9 January under Sections 319(2) and 318(4) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly IPC Sections 419 and 420).

Investigations have revealed that Vishal Agnihotri, the beneficial owner of VMoney and 11Starss, acquired admin rights of the LotusBook betting platform on a five per cent profit-sharing arrangement. He later transferred these rights to Dhaval Devraj Jain, retaining a 0.125 per cent share while Jain held 4.875 per cent.

Officials stated that Dhaval Jain, along with his associate John States alias Pandey, developed a white-label betting platform and supplied it to Agnihotri for running 11Starss.in.
A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a cargo ship, assisted by tugboats, berthing at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a cargo ship, assisted by tugboats, berthing at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a patrol vessel (front) escorting a departing cargo ship in the waters of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a cargo ship, assisted by tugboats, berthing at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A drone photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a ship unloading at the ore terminal of Caofeidian Port Area in Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. The cargo throughput at Tangshan Port reached 433.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, up 0.75 percent year on year, according to port authorities. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)
NEW YORK (AP)  A former chief executive of two clothing technology companies was released on $1 million bail Friday after pleading not guilty to charges alleging she cheated investors of over $300 million over the past six years.

Christine Hunsicker, 48, of Lafayette, New Jersey, was charged with six counts, including fraud, aggravated identity theft and false statement charges in the indictment in Manhattan federal court.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a release that Hunsicker forged documents, fabricated audits and made material misrepresentations about her company's financial condition to defraud investors in CaaStle Inc. and P180.

The indictment said Hunsicker, once portrayed as an on-the-rise fashion entrepreneur, portrayed CaaStle as a high-growth, private company with substantial cash on hand when she knew it faced significant financial distress.

In a statement, defense lawyers Michael Levy and Anna Skotko said prosecutors have chosen to present to the public an incomplete and very distorted picture in today's indictment, despite Hunsicker's efforts to be fully cooperative and transparent with prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

There is much more to this story, and we look forward to telling it, they said.

Hunsicker did not comment as she left the courthouse with Skotko after entering the not-guilty plea and agreeing to the rules of her $1 million bail, which included not having any contact with former or current investors or employees.

According to the indictment, Hunsicker continued her fraudulent scheme even after the CaaStle board of directors removed her and prohibited her from soliciting investments or taking other actions on the company's behalf.

She persisted in her scheme even after law enforcement agents confronted her over the fraud, the indictment said.

Before the fraud allegations emerged, Hunsicker seemed to be a rising star in the fashion world after she was named to Crain's New York Business 40 under 40 lists, was selected as one of Inc.'s Most Impressive Women Entrepreneurs and was recognized by the National Retail Federation as someone shaping the future of retail, the indictment noted.

At a time when the business was in financial distress with limited cash available and significant expenses, CaaStle was valued by Hunsicker at $1.4 billion, the indictment said.

Hunsicker was lying to investors in February 2019 and continued to do so through this March, prosecutors alleged.

They said she fed investors falsely inflated income statements, fake audited financial statements, fictitious bank account records and sham corporate records.

She allegedly told one investor in August 2023 that CaaStle reported an operating profit of nearly $24 million in the second quarter of 2023 when its operating profit that quarter was actually less than $30,000.

The indictment alleged that she carried out the majority of the fraud by bilking CaaStle investors of $275 million before forming P180 last year to infuse CaaStle with cash before its investors could discover her fraud.

Through misrepresentations and omissions, she cheated P180 investors out of about $30 million, the indictment said.

It said CaaStle filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last month, leaving hundreds of investors holding now-worthless CaaStle shares. Hunsicker was forced to resign from CaaStle's board in December and formally resigned as chief executive in March.

In a related civil filing, the SEC said Hunsicker's fake financials supported her narrative that CaaStle was nearing an initial public offering or sale in late 2022 as it enjoyed rapid and steady revenue growth after launching a new monetization model called Clothing-as-a-Service.
New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) US short seller Viceroy Research's report on the Vedanta Group "lacks credibility" and the firm would be well-placed to seek legal remedies, former chief justice of India D Y Chandrachud has said.

Justice Chandrachud's remark came after Vedanta sought an independent legal opinion from the former chief justice in relation to the allegations made in the Viceroy Research report, the company said in a regulatory filing on Friday.

According to the filing, the former CJI has opined that "Viceroy has a track record of taking short positions in listed companies and then publishing misleading reports to profit unlawfully from the resulting market impact".

The Viceroy Research's report on the company contains serious allegations, causing harm to the Vedanta Group's business and reputation, Justice Chandrachud said.

"The report contains serious imputations such as "ponzi scheme" and "parasite", which have caused harm to querist's (Vedanta's) business and reputation," he said, adding, "in these circumstances, the querist would be well-placed to seek legal remedies."

The US short seller in its July 9 report had called billionaire Anil Agarwal-led British firm Vedanta Resources a "parasite" that is "systematically draining" its Indian unit, an allegation which the group called as "selective misinformation and baseless" aimed at discrediting the firm.

Viceroy Research took a short position against the debt of Vedanta Resources, the UK-based parent of Indian miner Vedanta Ltd, alleging that the group "is a house of cards built on a foundation of unsustainable debt, looted assets, and accounting fiction".
(Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong isnt lacking for polished French bistros, and as the competition sharpens, Belon is looking to gain an edge with a change in the kitchen. At just 29, Istanbul-born Mina Gucluer has stepped into the role of head chef, making her one of the youngest to lead a top restaurant in the city, and among a small number of women running Michelin-starred restaurants in Asia.

Her imprint on the menu is showing up in the form of cooking rooted in French technique that incorporates local ingredients and elements from her Turkish background. Thats most apparent in her East-West twist on the roast duck: sourced from Guangzhou, dry-aged for 14 days, and served with apricot and bulgur wheat. The dish anchors Black Sheeps monthly Plated deal, an early-week prix fixe menu at HK$428 ($55) per person.

My guest and I booked spots for a Monday night. Straight away, we were pleasantly surprised by the New York jazz bar aesthetic: think sophistication in shades of blue and gray. In fact, nothing about Belon visually resembles a traditional Parisian bistro. However, the muted color palette didnt detract from the carefully crafted and delicious food. Another highlight was the staff, who were incredibly attentive and generous.

After a complimentary glass of champagne, we began with the ceviche-style fluke (light and zesty on the tongue) and were charmed by our waitress into ordering chef Minas signature brioche beef tartare (HK$398) to share. That was followed by the aforementioned duck and then we ended with a sinful mille-feuille (HK$198). Our bill, including service, totaled HK$1,658.

The vibe: Contemporary chic in the heart of Soho. The overall ambience is classy yet intimate and laid back, with tables suited for up to four people. Belon welcomes smart casual attire.

Whos next to you: The combination of various promotions brought out couples, friends, colleagues as well as families.

Can you conduct a meeting here? Yes, absolutely. Theres enough space between the tables to allow for formal conversations and the nu jazz soundtrack is a subtle touch in the background.

What wed order again: The brioche beef tartare with caviar is a crowd favorite for good reason. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dish is superb despite its unassuming appearance. I also have no regrets about indulging in the latest dessert offering  a colorful strawberry and Chantilly cream mille-feuille treat.

Need to know: Belon is on the first floor of 1-5 Elgin Street. Its entrance is discreet, and the door to the stairway is tucked away between Fukuro and Ho Lee Fook. The restaurant serves dinner every day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests who wish to immerse themselves in the action of the kitchen can reserve the chefs counter (seats up to four people) for what sounds like a unique front-row experience.

This review was originally published in Hong Kong Edition, a weekly newsletter. To subscribe for free, click here.

See our reviews of other Hong Kong French bistros: Jean-Pierre, Babette, La Terrace by Louise and Lala. Let us know if you have any restaurants youd like us to review. Drop us a line at hkedition@bloomberg.net.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- HSBC Holdings Plc is refreshing its search for a new board chairman after it couldnt find enough satisfactory candidates for a final shortlist, the Financial Times reported Saturday.

The bank has been seeking a replacement for Mark Tucker, who announced earlier this year that he will stand down by the end of 2025. Tucker has presided over a turbulent tenure marked by multiple changes of the chief executive, a clash with one of the banks largest shareholders and a public slap down from the US government.

HSBC stepped up its efforts to find a successor after Tucker surprised fellow board members with an announcement that he would leave the bank in September to take on a non-executive chairman role at AIA Group Ltd., Bloomberg previously reported.

A spokesperson for the bank said in an emailed statement that the process to appoint a new chairman is underway and that Brendan Nelson, the head of HSBCs audit committee, will be interim chairman from Oct. 1.

The bank has struggled to develop a shortlist of successors after considering more than 100 people for the role, the FT reported, citing unidentified sources. HSBC has mulled tapping executives such as Zurich Insurance Group AG CEO Mario Greco, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. executives Kevin Sneader and Richard Gnodde, as well as Bruce Carnegie-Brown, former chair of the Lloyds of London insurance market, the newspaper reported. Some of the potential candidates were unavailable while others had declined when approached, according to the FT.

A spokesperson for Zurich told the FT that Greco was approached by a headhunter and had declined because he was committed to Zurich.

(Updates with comment from HSBC spokesperson in fourth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
HSBC Holdings Plc is refreshing its search for a new board chairman after struggling to find enough satisfactory candidates for a final shortlist.

This report comes as current chairman Mark Tucker prepares to step down by the end of this year, the Financial Times reported on Saturday.

The search for a successor The bank has been actively seeking a replacement for Mark Tucker, who announced earlier this year that he would be resigning from his position.

Tuckers tenure as the chairman has been described as turbulent, marked by several changes in chief executive, a clash with one of the banks largest shareholders, and a public slap down from the US government.

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The urgency to find a successor intensified after Tucker surprised fellow board members with an announcement that he would step down from his position in the bank in September to take on a non-executive chairman role at AIA Group Ltd., Bloomberg previously reported.

Challenges in Candidate selection The bank has reportedly considered over 100 individuals for the role but has struggled to develop a satisfactory shortlist of successors.

HSBC has mulled several potential executives, including:

Mario Greco, CEO of Zurich Insurance Group AG.

Kevin Sneader and Richard Gnodde, executives at Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

Bruce Carnegie-Brown, former chair of the Lloyds of London insurance market Some of the potential candidates were unavailable while others had declined when approached, according to a news report. For instance, a spokesperson for Zurich confirmed that Mario Greco was approached by a headhunter but he declined due to his commitment to Zurich.
(Bloomberg) -- Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. has refused to pause all shipments of its Elevidys treatment after three deaths were linked to the companys gene therapies, the Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Two teenage boys died of acute liver failure in recent months after taking Elevidys. They were being treated for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and werent able to walk because of the muscle-wasting disease. Separately, the company said Friday that a 51-year-old patient died of acute liver failure last month in an early-stage trial of a gene therapy to treat limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

FDA leaders met with Sarepta, the agency said in a statement, and requested it voluntarily stop all shipments of the drug, which is its biggest product. The company refused to do so, the agency said.

In its own statement Friday, Sarepta said it decided to continue shipping Elevidys based on our comprehensive scientific interpretation of the data, which shows no new or changed safety signals in patients who can walk.

Shares of Sarepta tumbled 36% on Friday, to their lowest since 2016. The company has lost about $8.5 billion in value since March 18, when the first patient death was reported.

Elevidys is a key drug for Sarepta, making up more than half of the companys net product revenue in the second quarter of this year. In June, Sarepta suspended shipments of the drug for patients who can no longer walk.

Given the new safety information, the FDA told Sarepta the gene therapy should only be given to boys who can still walk. They make up about 85% of the patients who have been treated with Elevidys since its launch, the company has said.

The developments have also raised doubts about the drugs future.

Following reports that the FDA will ask Sarepta to voluntarily stop all shipments of Elevidys, we think the risks of the FDA removing the drug fully from the market are now greatly amplified, Baird analyst Brian Skorney said in a note Friday.

The newest patient death occurred in a trial of a gene therapy that uses a similar viral delivery method as Elevidys, meaning it could have safety implications for patients getting the drug thats on the market.

In an interview earlier Friday, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the regulator was examining whether Elevidys should remain available for sale. The FDA was already investigating the two previous patient deaths. Makary made the comment in response to a question from Bloomberg News and didnt provide any further details.

The regulator is also under pressure for its stance toward Sareptas gene therapy, which it approved even though early trials didnt clearly show it slowed the disease. The deaths pose one of the first big tests for Vinay Prasad, the new head of the regulators gene therapy division. As an academic at the University of California San Francisco, prior to his current role, he was highly critical of the FDAs expedited approval process for Sareptas treatment.

The latest death also sparked an unusually tense exchange between analysts and Sarepta executives on a Friday call. Two days before, the company had held another lengthy call with the same group of analysts, but failed to disclose a third patient had recently died on a similar treatment as Elevidys. On Friday, two analysts asked whether there were any other fatalities the company hadnt revealed.

Sarepta Chief Executive Officer Douglas Ingram said there werent and defended the companys record, adding: We are historically a very transparent organization.

Ingram said the company didnt disclose the third patient death earlier in the week because it was neither material nor central to what was being discussed. In a note before the Friday call, Leerink analyst Joseph P. Schwartz said the fact Sarepta didnt talk about the latest fatality on Wednesday was deeply troubling and further undermines credibility. William Blair analyst Sami Corwin said it could increase investor distrust.

Liver Failure

On Wednesday, Sarepta said it had agreed to warn doctors and patients about the risk of liver failure from Elevidys at the request of the FDA. Sarepta executives said the warning label appeared to resolve the FDAs concerns with using the gene therapy to treat children with Duchenne who can walk.

On the general question about whether Elevidys as a therapy will remain on the market, the answer is I think pretty clearly yes, Ingram said Wednesday on the call.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder mainly affecting boys that interferes with the production of the protein dystrophin used by muscle cells. It causes severe muscle weakening and atrophy, with patients needing to use wheelchairs as they get older. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy is a different form of the condition that often weakens muscles around the hips and shoulders.

Elevidys has been one of the most popular gene therapies on the market. More than 800 patients have been treated with Elevidys in commercial settings and clinical studies, the company said in May. Many families are desperate for anything that might help their children with the fatal muscle disease, despite a lack of data showing Sareptas treatment actually slows overall progression of the condition.

Debra Miller, founder of the patient advocacy group CureDuchenne, said families deserve clear and transparent information about the safety and efficacy of a treatment, and some have few or no other options.

Families facing Duchenne do not have time to waste, she added.

But the series of deaths could make patients more reluctant to use Elevidys. On Wednesday, Ingram said the company needed to assess the impact thats occurred from hesitancy associated with these events.

That same day, the company said it was cutting more than a third of its workforce and pausing several drugs in its pipeline. The moves would contribute to an estimated $400 million in annual cost savings, the company said.

--With assistance from Subrat Patnaik.

(Updates with comments from Sarepta statement in the fourth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The partition of India in 1947 upended millions of lives on both sides of the newly drawn border. Yet, amid the devastation, it gave rise to a generation of Indian entrepreneurs whose stories stand as enduring testaments to human resilience and grit. They embodied the very spirit of rugged individualism" that Ralph Waldo Emerson once celebrated.

Among them were Brijmohan Lall Munjal, the visionary behind Hero Group; Karam Chand Thapar, founder of the eponymous conglomerate; Gujarmal Modi, who built the Modi Group; Dharampal Gulati, the Spice King who turned MDH into a global brand; and Kundan Lal Gujral, the man behind Delhis iconic Moti Mahal restaurant. Displaced and dispossessed by Partition, they rose from adversity to help build the industrial foundation of a newly independent India.

One such figure was Raunaq Singh, founder of the Apollo Group of companies. While his later years were marred by a bruising public feud with his son, Onkar Singh Kanwar, Singhs legacy remains that of a towering industrialist who helped shape post-independence Indian enterprise.

Born in 1922 in Daska (now in Pakistan), Singh came from a modest, middle-class background. He began his career selling second-hand steel pipes in Lahore. After Partition, as a refugee in Delhi, he started overworking for a steel merchant in Gole Market, earning just one paisa a day, and living in a cramped one-room accommodation.

A turning point came in November 1947, when Singh sold his wifes jewellery for 8,000 and moved to Kolkata to set up a spice trading business. The venture took off, and he could have settled into a comfortable life. But Singh had bigger ambitions, and so did destiny.

Fate intervened on a train journey when he struck up a conversation with the chief executive of a German steel tube company. Impressed by Singhs drive, the executive offered to fund a steel tube plant in Kolkata, with repayment contingent on its success. That improbable deal gave birth to Bharat Steel Pipes, which quickly became a leading player, supplying not just the Indian market but also exporting to Europe and the US.

Singh wasnt done. In 1976, he founded Apollo Tyres, which would go on to become the groups flagship. At the time, Indias tyre market was dominated by players like MRF, CEAT, and multinationals such as Dunlop and Goodyear. Singh made a shrewd bet: focusing on the underserved truck and bus tyre segment. Apollo targeted transporterscost-conscious but quality-driven buyersoffering durable tyres and reliable after-sales service.

He also built a strong dealer and distribution network in northern and central India, regions where MRF and CEAT had little presence. Growth was hard-fought, but Singhs aggressive push paid off. Strategic acquisitions fuelled expansionfirst Premier Tyres in 1995, and then Dunlops Africa operations in 1996, marking Apollos entry into international markets.

But Singhs later years were dominated by a bitter feud with his elder son, Onkar. The flashpoint was a disagreement over diversification: Onkar arguedprescientlythat the age of sprawling, unrelated expansions was over, and Apollo needed sharper focus. Singh and his brother, Narinder Jeet Singh, accused Onkar of misusing company funds to tighten his grip on Apollo Tyres.

The drama deepened with the entry of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who had quietly amassed a large chunk of Apollo shares. After Mehtas arrest, these were frozen by a court-appointed custodian. Onkar warned of a potential backdoor takeover" if those shares were sold. Apollo Tyres appealed to the Supreme Court to block any sale, calling them tainted shares" that had been illegally acquired.

Also Read | Why no one blows the whistle until a short-seller turns up

After years of boardroom conflict, Raunaq Singh was ousted in 2002 by the very son he had once chosen as successor.

To Onkar Kanwars credit, he proved a worthy heir. Under his leadership, Apollo Tyres expanded aggressively, becoming a global player with a market cap of $3.4 billion.

Raunaq Singh died in September 2002, just days after stepping down as chairman of Apollo Tyres. Despite the stormy final chapter, he had more than earned his place among the pioneers who helped lay the industrial bedrock of post-independence India.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan met an accident while shooting intense action sequences for the upcoming film King at the Golden Tobacco studio in Mumbai, Bollywood Hungama reported. He was rushed to US for urgent medical treatment and has been advised to take rest.

While exact details of the injury have been kept under wraps, Shah Rukh, along with his team, has travelled to the US for urgent medical attention. Its nothing serious, but more of a muscular injury, as Shah Rukh over the years has injured multiple muscles of his body while performing stunts, Bollywood Hungama quoted a source as saying.

Also Read | SRK family, Sidharth Malhotra and other celebs who have invested in Oyo

In the accident, SRK reportedly suffered a muscular injury and is now in the US for treatment. According to sources familiar with the matter, the superstar will take one-month break from work before resuming shooting in September or October.

Also Read | Superstar Shah Rukh Khan in US amid injury rumours; no official word yet

The next schedule of King will now begin in September/October as SRK has been advised to take time off for recovery. On completely recovering from the injury, he will hit sets again with full force, the source added.

About King Siddharth Anand directorial film starring King Khan is scheduled for release next year. The ensemble cast features Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Fahim Fazli, Abu Hamza, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal, Jackie Shroff, Saurabh Shukla, Arshad Warsi, Suhan and Abhay Verma in key roles.

For the first time father-daughter duo will share screen space as Suhana Khan will mark her big-screen debut with SRK starrer movie. SRK will be essaying the role of a powerful don, an influential figure in the crime world while Suhana will play SRK's protege.

While no official release date has been announced yet, the movie is expected to premiere in late 2026.
Telugu actor and comedian Venkat Raj, popularly known as Fish Venkat, passed away on Friday at a hospital in Hyderabad after dealing with kidney-related ailments. He was 53, according to a report by 123 Telugu.

Who was Venkat Raj? Fish Venkat gained popularity for his comedic and villainous roles. He featured in more than 100 Telugu films. Introduced by Dasari Narayana Rao, Raj made his debut with the film Sammakka Sarakka. Known for his strong Telugu dialect, he acted in several hit films, such as Bunny, Adhurs, Dhee, and Mirapakay. His most recent film was the Aha thriller Coffee with a Killer. Fish Venkat also starred in Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma with Siddhu Jonnalagadda and DJ Tillu during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Venkat Raj's health concerns Venkat Raj was recently admitted to the hospital after his kidney condition deteriorated, leading to kidney failure. He was hospitalised and moved to the ICU, needing a kidney transplant.

Fake financial help offer Venkat's daughter, Sravanthi, in an interview with One India this month, said that actor Prabhas' team had extended financial support to them.

Daddy isnt well at all. He is very serious and in the ICU. He needs a kidney transplant. It will cost us at least 50 lakh. Prabhas assistant called us and offered financial assistance. They asked us to inform them when his transplant happens to cover the cost, she said.

Also Read | 2 Indians killed and one abducted in terrorist attack in Nigers Dosso region

However, Venkat's family later clarified that the offer was fake.
New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) US-based lender agent Glas Trust has alleged that Byju's founders' plan to file a defamation case is an attempt to distract from the facts after several court orders against them.

The legal counsel of Byju's founders, J Michael McNutt, rejected the allegations levelled by Glas Trust, calling it "incomplete and misleading".

The counsel of Byju's founders, Byju Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath, on Thursday said they are gearing up to file an over USD 2.5 billion suit against Glas Trust and others for damage to their reputation and business.

"Byju Raveendran's latest act of threatening defamation claims against GLAS Trust and the Term Loan B Lenders is a transparent attempt to distract from the facts, coming on the heels of a US federal court holding him in contempt. The fact of the matter is that every court to consider the issues has ruled against Raveendran and his cohorts," Glas Trust said.

Glas Trust Company LLC is the trustee for lenders to whom Byju's owes USD 1.2 billion. Byju's founders have, however, contested Glas Trust claims.

Glas Trust now controls Byju's Alpha, which was a special-purpose financing vehicle established by the edtech firm to receive Term Loan B funds.

Byju's Alpha has filed a lawsuit against Byju Raveendran, his co-founder and wife Divya Gokulnath, and his consigliere Anita Kishore, alleging that each of them co-orchestrated and executed a lawless scheme to conceal and steal USD 533 million of loan proceeds.

Glas Trust said judgments exceeding USD 533 million have been entered against Raveendran's allies, "including for their fraudulent conduct".

"Raveendran's brother was found by a Delaware federal court to be untruthful and one of the most incompetent directors in Delaware's history. A Delaware federal court stated its intention to make a criminal referral when Raveendran attempted to bribe a witness and had held Raveendran in contempt," Glas Trust alleged.

The US lenders' agent said that it has at all times acted within its rights.

"Mr Raveendran's threats are desperate and meritless, and the irony of Mr Raveendran threatening to sue for defamation when he continues to unlawfully conceal what happened to the missing USD 533 million should be lost on no one," Glas Trust said.

McNutt alleged that GLAS Trust continues to distract from the true situation in India.

"It is incorrect to claim that US Courts have ruled against Raveendran and his 'co-horts' on the relevant issues. The proceedings in Delaware against Byju have only just commenced, and Byju has not even submitted his response to the complaint," the counsel said.

McNutt said Byju Raveendran has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing by any court, in any jurisdiction, and the contempt order against Byju is being contested.

He said that the term 'co-horts" is misleading and offensive.

McNutt alleged that the order against Think & Learn, its subsidiary and Byju Raveendran's brother (a director of Think & learn who is suspended due to bankruptcy in India) was without any legal representation.

Glas Trust initiated legal proceedings against Byju's and its founders in US courts.

The agent of US-based lenders also approached the Supreme Court of India to challenge the dismissal of the insolvency case against Byju's by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal in an appeal filed by BCCI.

The apex court ruled in favour of Glas Trust, and the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) litigation against Byju's is going on.
TOKYO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Voting for Japan's upper house election began on Sunday morning, with a total of 522 people running in the intensive battle between the ruling and opposition camps.

The House of Councillors is made up of 248 members with six-year terms. Elections are held every three years, with half the seats up for grabs each time. Voters are weighing in on a total of 125 seats in Sunday's poll, including one where a contest is needed to fill a vacancy.

Currently, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior ruling partner Komeito have 75 seats that are not up for re-election. Therefore, the embattled coalition, which faces bad media poll numbers, must secure 50 seats in this election to maintain a majority in the 248-seat chamber.

The bar is seen as relatively low for the ruling bloc, which controlled the upper chamber before the election, although Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, hit by low public support amid daunting challenges, such as rising prices and hefty U.S. tariffs, has described it as not an easy undertaking.

In the October 2024 general election, the ruling coalition lost its majority in the more powerful House of Representatives, or the lower house, forcing Ishiba to form Japan's first minority government in over three decades.

If the ruling coalition fails to hold onto an upper house majority this time, it will become extremely difficult for Ishiba to continue managing his administration, local media reported. 
Colombo, Jul 19 (PTI) Ahead of the August 1 deadline for further negotiations on the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, the Sri Lankan rubber exporters said they faced the threat of losing the US market unless a better deal was worked out.

Kamal Silva, a spokesman for the exporters, said the tariff must be kept between 15 and 20 per cent to retain their edge over regional competitors.

Indonesia has gained a clear advantage already as Sri Lanka with the current 30 cent tariff will find it extremely hard to do business with the US," he said.

Even before the new tariff came, Sri Lankan exporters found it hard to compete with Indonesia. A 15 per cent tariff would be our ideal rate to be competitive in the US market," Silva said.

He said the rubber exports fetched USD 300 million annually from the US market.

Dhammika Fernando, the spokesman of the Sri Lankan Free Trade Zone Exporters Association, said Indonesia had gained a clear advantage in the new tariff structure unveiled by US President Donald Trump.

We have been told by the government that 1600 items and services will be allowed tariff free by the US. This will be good news if it comes through," Fernando said.

A Sri Lankan government delegation is currently in the US to negotiate a trade deal.

Deputy Economic Development Minister Anil Jayantha told reporters the US and Sri Lanka were discussing 1161 items, out of which Washington offered zero tariffs for about 80 items.

In April, the US imposed a 44 per cent tariff on Sri Lanka.

The US brought the tariff down to 30 per cent on Sri Lanka in the latest letter sent by the Trump administration.

The apparel industry also said the high tariff would endanger the apparel exports by making Sri Lankan products uncompetitive in the US market.
Mumbai: HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are expected to report a muted performance for the June quarter (Q1FY26), as sustained pressure on margins, sluggish loan growth, and elevated slippages weigh on earnings.

Both banks are scheduled to declare results on Saturday.

The sector-wide margin pressure stems from the 100 basis point cumulative rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India between February and June.

With 4060% of loan portfolios linked to external benchmarks such as the repo rate, lending rates have declined faster than deposit rates, which adjust with a lag of 36 months, exerting pressure on margins.

Both banks, had in Q4 FY25, guided that they expect pressure on margins to sustain in the first half of the current financial year before improving in the second half.

On the asset quality front, the two banks face elevated slippages and provisions, especially in unsecured retail loans and agriculture loanswhere delinquencies tend to trend higher in the first and third quarter of a fiscal year.

HDFC Bank

As per provisional figures released by HDFC Bank, the lenders loans grew 6.7% on year and 0.4% on quarter to 26.5 trillion at the end of June, whereas deposits rose 16.2% on year and 1.8% on quarter to 27,640 crore.

The bank's deposit growth outpaced system deposit growth by 500-600 bps, an impressive achievement for a bank of its size," Macquarie Research said in a pre-earnings note, adding that loan growth at around 7% on-year remains weak and lags behind the system loan growth of 9-10%.

The countrys largest private sector lender has been consciously growing loans slower than deposits to improve its credit-deposit (CD) ratio, which took a hit following the merger of erstwhile parent HDFC Ltd with the bank.

The CD ratio or loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) of the bank declined from 96.5% in Q4 FY25 to 95.1% in Q1 FY26, a sequential improvement of 140 bps. Macquarie said the bank should be able to achieve 92% LDR by the end of FY26, assuming loan growth of 10% and deposit growth of 15%.

The bank had previously said while its loans grew slower than the industry in FY25, they should grow largely in tandem with the sector in FY26 before outpacing sector growth in FY27, allowing the bank to start gaining market share FY27 onwards.

Loan growth was largely driven by the retail, commercial and rural banking, which together form over 78% of the book, Motilal Oswal Securities said, projecting a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% in loans and 15% in deposits between FY25 and FY27.

NII growth will be slightly slower than average loan growth due to fall in yield on advances outpacing cost of deposits. Consequently, NIM will be lower sequentially. Sequential fee income growth will be slower than loan growth," YES Securities said, adding that operating expenditure is expected to be higher than business growth due to appraisal season.

Net interest margin (NIM) for the bank is seen falling 10-20 bps bps for the quarter, as per estimates by four brokerage firms.

The bank will record a one-time gain of 9,373 crore from the IPO of HDB Financial, which is likely to be used to shore up the provisioning buffer and increase floating provisions, analysts said. Credit costs for the quarter are seen at around 50 bps.

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank did not disclose provisional figures for the quarter. As per brokerage estimates, loan growth for the bank is seen around 2.5% on quarter.

ICICI Bank has sustained strong momentum, delivering 16% CAGR in loans over FY22-25, led by retail, SME, and strong growth in the business banking segment," Motilal Oswal Securities said, adding that deposits of the bank are seen 14% higher on year, with the share of low-cost current and savings account deposits expected to rise to 41.8%.

Sequential growth in advances will be higher for the bank than the industry growth, Systematix Research said. On the other hand, it expects margins to dip and fee income to be lower due to seasonality.

The sequential growth in employee expenses is expected to be higher than advances growth, driven by annual increments. Other opex growth is expected to be in line with the advances growth," it said.

Also Read | ICICI Bank sees RBI repo rate cuts impacting margins

Brokerage firm Phillip Capital said while momentum in the loan portfolio is expected to continue, the performance of the unsecured loan portfolio will need to be watched for. Further, credit cost for the bank is seen higher quarter-on-quarter due to agriculture non-performing assets (NPAs).

Slippages would be higher on sequential basis, according to YES Securities. As a result, provisions will also be higher because the bank saw a provision writeback in the previous quarter.

On Friday, shares of HDFC Bank ended 1.6% lower at 1,956 on the National Stock Exchange in a weak market. ICICI Bank closed 0.6% higher at 1,426.70.
Small-cap multibagger stock: Shares of Elitecon International will be in focus on Monday, July 21, as the company in its filing said that board of directors is set to convene to discuss and approve the raising of capital by issuing equity shares via a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) valued at 300 crores on Friday, July 25.

Raising of funds by issue of equity shares through QIP for an aggregate amount up to 300,00,00,000 subject to the receipt of approval of the members of the company and such other approval(s)/ permission(s)/ consent(s)/ sanction(s) of any government/regulatory/ statutory authorities, as may be required, said the firm.

Over the last month, Elitecon International has demonstrated exceptional performance, registering an impressive rise of 128.44%, greatly surpassing the Sensex, which has only increased by 0.38% during this time. Year-to-date, the stock has skyrocketed by an incredible 1105.40%, while the Sensex has only seen a rise of 4.14%.

On Friday, July 18, Elitecon International share price closed 4.95% higher at 125 apiece on the BSE.

Recently, the company announced that the board reviewed the current status of the proposed acquisition of 100% equity shares of Prime Place Spices Trading LLC from its sole shareholder, Mr. Santosh Sharma, as previously authorized.

Based on insights from the ongoing legal and financial due diligence conducted by both internal and external teams, the Board has pinpointed several significant gaps and outstanding issues that substantially affect the transaction's viability.

The board has set a deadline of August 16, 2025, for the target entity to address and present the required explanations/documents to the board's satisfaction in order to continue discussions about the acquisition of the target company. If this is not accomplished, the proposed transaction will be considered closed.

Also Read | Multibagger stock edges higher despite weak trends in Indian stock market

Company Details Elitecon Intl. specialises in the production and sale of various tobacco products, including cigarettes and smoking supplies, as well as any other goods typically offered by tobacconists.

At present, the Company operates in international markets including the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, and various European nations such as the UK, with intentions to expand its product line to include chewing tobacco, snuff grinders, lighting matches, match boxes, pipes, and other related items. The Company has introduced brands like Inhale in the cigarette sector, Al Noor in the sheesha category, and Gurh Gurh in the smoking mixture range.
Indian stock indices finished lower on Friday after reacting negatively to the Q1FY26 earnings reports from the finance and IT sectors, even though there were some positive trends in global markets.

At the close of trading, the Sensex dropped by 501.51 points, or 0.61%, ending at 81,757.73, while the Nifty 50 declined by 143.05 points, or 0.57%, to finish at 24,968.40.

During the week, Indian equity markets exhibited a mixed performance, with both the Nifty-50 Index and Sensex declining by 1%, while small-cap stocks increased by 1.4% and mid-caps rose by 1% over the same timeframe.

Investors are now anticipating updates on trade discussions with the US as the August 1 deadline draws near, following President Donald Trump's earlier comments that a deal with India is nearly complete. Analysts indicate that the markets are likely to experience a significant shift only after a definitive resolution in the trade talks with the US is achieved.

Also Read | Stocks to buy under 200: Mehul Kothari recommends three shares to buy or sell

Stock market next week According to Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, the Indian stock market sentiment has turned weak as the Nifty 50 index has closed close to its 50-DEMA support of 24,900. On breaking below this support, the key benchmark index may try to touch next support of 24,650.

Stocks to buy Sumeet Bagadia has recommended three stocks to buy on Monday, 21 July 2025. The three stock picks by Bagadia are Nestle India, ICICI Bank, and Hindalco Industries shares.

Here are the three stocks to buy on Monday:

Nestle India Buy Nestle India shares in Cash at  2,472.20; Stop Loss at  2,350; Target Price at  2,720 Nestle India shares is currently trading at 2,472.20 and has been consolidating in a well-defined range over the past few sessions. However, the stock now appears to be on the verge of a potential breakout, supported by steady accumulation and consistent trading volumes, a classic indication of buying interest building at current levels.

The consolidation phase has laid the groundwork for a strong move, and a sustainable break above the 2,500 mark could act as a decisive trigger for a bullish breakout. This breakout would signal the end of the range-bound movement and the beginning of a fresh uptrend, offering a favourable opportunity for positional traders.

From a momentum perspective, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 61.72 and is trending higher, reflecting growing bullish sentiment and strengthening price action.

Additionally, Nestle India is comfortably trading above all its key moving averages, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term EMA, indicating a positive alignment across timeframes and reinforcing the stocks bullish undertone. Technically, if the breakout above 2,500 is confirmed with strong follow-through, the stock has the potential to rally toward the next key resistance level around 2,720 in the short to medium term.

Considering the constructive chart structure, increasing momentum, and volume-backed accumulation, traders may consider buying Nestle India at the current market price of 2,472.20, with a stop-loss placed at 2,350 to limit downside risk. A breakout and sustained move above 2,500 could unlock upside potential toward 2,720, offering an attractive risk-reward ratio for positional traders.

Also Read | Prashanth Tapse of Mehta Equities suggests THESE 3 stocks to buy in short term

ICICI Bank Buy ICICI Bank shares in Cash at  1,425.80; Stop Loss at  1,360; Target Price at  1,560 ICICI Bank shares is currently trading at 1,425.80 and continues to maintain its long-term uptrend, reflecting strong structural strength in the broader timeframe. In the near term, the stock has entered a phase of consolidation near the higher levels, indicating a pause after its recent upward move. Despite this consolidation, fresh buying interest has been observed emerging from the lower band of the range, signaling underlying demand.

The stock is now hovering near its short-term and medium-term Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), and a firm hold above these levels would reinforce the bullish setup. Importantly, a sustained move above the 1,450 mark could act as a confirmation of trend continuation, potentially opening the gates for an upside move toward the 1,560 level in the short to medium term.

On the momentum front, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently stands at 48.41 and is showing signs of a potential positive crossover. This suggests a likely pickup in bullish momentum if price strength continues to build, further supporting the case for an upside breakout.

From a technical standpoint, the confluence of long-term trend strength, renewed buying at lower levels, and proximity to key EMAs indicates that the stock is well-positioned for a possible move higher.

Traders may consider buying ICICI Bank shares at the current market price of 1,425.80, with a stop-loss placed at 1,360 to manage downside risk. A sustained move above 1,450 could serve as a breakout trigger, with the next upside target seen around 1,560, offering a favourable risk-reward opportunity for positional trades.

Hindalco Industries Buy Hindalco shares in Cash at  675.90; Stop Loss at  645; Target Price at  745 Hindalco shares is currently trading at 675.90 and has recently displayed a healthy pullback after a strong bounce from lower levels. Following the initial rally, the stock witnessed a minor retracement toward its immediate support zones, where it has now begun to show signs of reversalindicating renewed buying interest emerging at lower levels.

The ongoing price action reflects a potential shift in momentum, supported by consistent trading volumes, suggesting active accumulation during the recent pullback. Technically, if Hindalco manages to sustain above the 685 mark, it would confirm the reversal and could lead to a further upside move toward the higher resistance zone near 745 in the short to medium term.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 52.99 and is showing signs of recovery. A continued upward movement from current levels could lead to a positive crossover, which would further validate the bullish reversal and signal strengthening momentum.

Additionally, Hindalco is trading above all its key moving averagesshort-term, medium-term, and long-termindicating a strong underlying trend and alignment across timeframes, adding weight to the bullish outlook.

Given the supportive technical setup, volume behavior, and improving momentum indicators, traders may consider buying Hindalco at the current market price of 675.90, with a stop-loss placed at 645 to manage risk. A confirmed move above 685 could act as a breakout trigger, paving the way for a potential rally toward 745, offering a favorable risk-reward setup for positional trading.

Also Read | Stocks to buy: Rajesh Palviya of Axis Sec suggests these 3 shares for today
Indian investment distributors are increasingly turning to GIFT City to tap into offshore fund offerings, as demand for global equity exposure surges among retail and high-net-worth investors. But here, too, the options are limited.

With the traditional route of accessing international markets via domestic mutual funds largely shut due to regulatory caps, distributorsspecifically, mutual fund distributors and independent financial advisersare eyeing GIFT City-based outbound funds as a viable alternative.

This bottleneck with the mutual fund route, however, has led to inflated premiums on older global exchange traded fund offerings, leaving investors with few options for diversification.

GIFT City, with its status as an international finance hub and relaxed regulatory environment, is emerging as a workaround, which could potentially open a new route for Indian investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with global exposure.

There is definitely an appetite from people wanting to invest globally," said Vaibhav Shah, head of products, business strategy and international business, at Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India). When we say we have an outbound fund, there is interest from distributors to sell the product, and from the investors to buy it."

Mirae Asset Global Allocation Fund IFSC, which opened for subscription in April, invests in exchange traded funds tracking global indices in sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

Jay Kothari, senior vice-president and global head of international business at DSP Mutual Fund, said several clients already invest directly in outbound funds and distributors dont want to miss out on tapping into the growing demand for global equity investing.

DSP Asset Managers opened Indias first retail-focused offshore mutual fund at GIFT City in June. The Global Equity Fund allows Indian residents to invest as little as $5,000 (about 4.3 lakh) in a diversified basket of global stocks without relying on offshore brokerages, feeder funds, or cumbersome tax filings.

Key Takeaways RBIs overseas investment limits have halted fresh investments in global mutual funds from India, pushing investors to seek alternatives.

Financial distributors are increasingly eyeing GIFT Citys offshore funds for global exposure for their clients, but the options remain limited.

High entry barriers, limited retail-focused funds, and taxes make the GIFT City route challenging for small investors to diversify globally.

Also Read | Retail funds in GIFT City: What investors must know about tax implications

A cumbersome alternative

Indian investors had the option of investing in global equities through mutual funds. RBI, however, has a $7 billion limit on the total overseas investments of mutual funds, with a sub-limit of $1 billion ceiling specifically for foreign exchange traded funds. (Such ETFs own a collection of global stocks and trade on a stock exchange.)

RBIs limits were breached around 3 years ago, effectively halting fresh mutual fund investments in global equities. Investments into fund-of-funds, too, have stopped. However, one can invest in ETFs, but since there are only six ETFs in India tracking global indices, this comes at a premium.

Turning to GIFT City funds for investing in overseas equities requires routing money through the liberalised remittance scheme. RBI allows individuals to send up to $250,000 overseas via the LRS route, including for investing, without having to take its approval.

Also Read | Retail funds in GIFT City: What investors must know about tax implications

According to Pramod Gubbi, co-founder at Marcellus Investment Managers, large distributors already have been taking the LRS route to invest in global market funds via jurisdictions like Singapore.

Now, smaller IFAs and MFDs (independent financial advisers and mutual fund distributors) are also exploring this space since global diversification is essential for all investors. Earlier, smaller players accessed global exposure through mutual funds, but with the overseas limit now capped, they are turning to GIFT City," Gubbi said.

This, however, poses certain challenges.

Investors remitting funds via LRS face a 20% tax collected at source, which, although claimable as advance tax, can act as a psychological burden for many," said Shah of Mirae Asset Investment Managers.

Gubbi added that the LRS process is still somewhat cumbersome as not many banks offer fully digital options.

Not a proven model

Investors have the option of tapping GIFT City alternative investment funds (AIFs) to buy global stocks. But the minimum ticket size to invest in these AIFs is $150,000 (about 1.3 crore), making it prohibitive for most retail investors.

There is no minimum investment size specified for GIFT City retail outbound funds, but currently there is only one such investment vehicleDSP Asset Managerss Global Equity Fund.

As of 31 March, GIFT City had 135 category III AIFs, as per the International Financial Services Centres Authoritys quarterly bulletin. IFSCA, based in GIFT City, is Indias unified regulator for international financial services.

Kartik Sankaran, founder of Fiscal Fitness, a registered distributor, noted the growing interest in GIFT City outbound funds, but said if the mutual fund route opens up again, investors could return to a route thats already tried and tested.

Most GIFT City funds are feeder structures that invest into other offshore funds, raising concerns about a fund managers direct capability in researching and managing global equities," Sankaran said.

Also Read | New funds surge in GIFT City, but old money stays offshore
Stocks to buy under 200:Indian equity indices closed lower on Friday after responding negatively to the Q1FY26 earnings reports from the finance and IT sectors, despite some positive trends in global markets.

By the end of the trading day, the Sensex had decreased by 501.51 points, or 0.61%, closing at 81,757.73, while the Nifty 50 fell by 143.05 points, or 0.57%, to settle at 24,968.40.

Throughout the week, Indian equity markets displayed mixed performance, with both the Nifty-50 Index and Sensex dropping 1%, while small-cap stocks saw a rise of 1.4% and mid-caps increased by 1% over the same period.

Investors are now looking forward to developments in trade discussions with the US as the August 1 deadline approaches, following President Donald Trump's earlier statement that an agreement with India is nearly finalized. Analysts suggest that the markets will likely take a significant turn only after a conclusive resolution is reached in the trade negotiations with the US.

Also Read | Stocks to buy: Rajesh Palviya of Axis Sec suggests these 3 shares for today

Stock Market Outlook Nifty 50 levels to watch out for: 25,300-25,650 / 24,700  24,450 Mehul Kothari, Deputy Vice President  Technical Research at Anand Rathi said that it was a lacklustre week for the markets, with the Nifty 50 index largely oscillating within a narrow range during the first four sessions. However, the tone turned weak towards the end, as the index finally breached the psychological support of 25,000 during Fridays session. With this breakdown, Nifty 50 ended the week with a cut of over half a percent, indicating a pause in momentum and cautious undertone among participants.

According to Kothari, Nifty 50 ended the week on a cautious note, breaking below the 25,000 mark in the final session and closing right near a key rising trendline support. While this breakdown hints at weakness, we believe that a follow-up move below 24,900 would be crucial to confirm an extended downside. In the absence of such confirmation, a quick rebound above 25,000 cannot be ruled out, which may provide a short-term exit opportunity for traders holding long positions.

That said, the overall setup remains tricky and indecisive in the near term. Unless the 25,800 resistance is decisively taken out  a level we have been highlighting for weeks  we maintain a cautious stance. Structurally, we continue to expect a corrective phase to play out over the next couple of months, unless a strong breakout emerges, according to Mehul Kothari.

Bank Nifty Outlook Bank Nifty appears relatively more precarious this week, especially after the breakdown below short-term support zones. Notably, momentum oscillators are also turning negative  the RSI has slipped below key levels, confirming a breakdown, while the ADX (14) has registered a negative crossover, indicating a potential loss of strength in the recent upmove.

Going ahead, a follow-up move below 56,000 could spell trouble for the bulls. On the contrary, only a move above 57,000 would bring some short-term stability, while a decisive breakout above 58,500  which coincides with the major rising trendline resistance from previous swing highs  would be needed to turn the structure convincingly bullish. Until then, the index is likely to remain range-bound with a negative bias, and traders are advised caution, said Mehul Kothari.

Also Read | Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking suggests THESE 3 stocks to buy today

Mehul Kotharis stock recommendations Regarding stocks to buy under 200, Mehul Kothari of Anand Rathi recommended buying these three buy or sell stocks: Yes Bank Ltd, UCO Bank, and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL).

Yes Bank Ltd: Buy at 20.17; Stop Loss: 19; Target Price: 23

UCO Bank: Buy at 32.13; Stop Loss: 30; Target Price: 36

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd: Buy at 149; Stop Loss: 142; Target Price: 165

Also Read | Shares to buy or sell: Chandan Taparia recommends three stocks to buy today
Remember when Lena Dunham was the most important voice in television? Girls , her chaotic, semi-autobiographical HBO series, smashed its way into the prestige TV landscape like a giggling wrecking-ball, all elbows and ambition. It was bold and brash and unshaved. It was cinema" for the small screen, with characters that were abrasively specific and men who were off-puttingly real. In 2012, when Girls premiered, we bought into its first seasonits rawness, its honesty, its audacityand we went in a little harder on a man named Adam Driver, breaking through with such magnetism that you could practically see future Oscar nominations floating above his head.

Then Girls kept going. And going. And it turned out, maybe that flavour of raw, like cookie-dough, was best in small doses. The series devolved into a self-indulgent mess, incoherent in tone, inconsistent in character, so uncomfortable that not even schadenfreude could keep you glued. Driver, a messy-haired escape artist, soared into stardom. The rest faded into podcast territory.

Over a decade later, Dunham returns with Too Much, a Netflix confection that, at first glance, appears to be the anti-Girls. Where Girls was grubby and narcissistic, Too Much is breezy and big-hearted. There is structure. There is romance. There isdare I saywholesomeness?

At the centre of the series is Megan Stalter, that loud and luminous scene-stealer from Hacks, playing Jessica, a hyper-American heroine obsessed with a vague and tourist-brochure version of the UK. Jessica doesnt know Bridget Jones by name, but shes certain that England is where her Mr Darcy residesif not Colin Firth himself, at least someone with a floppy haircut and an accent like clotted cream. Her Alan Rickman. She arrives in London, laughing at its red phonebooths, questioning whether shes being treated like spaghetti by the National Health Service (Youre putting me under cold water? Like Im pasta?"), and launches into a series of romcom scenarios that are skewered, lovingly and laceratingly, with Dunhams sharpened pen.

The episode titles are parodies of romantic film landmarksPity Woman, Ignore Sunrise, Notting Killand each installment functions as a funhouse mirror, reflecting the genre back at us with googly eyes and lipstick smears. The cast is brilliant. The wondrous Will Sharpe (Flowers, A Real Pain) plays a sheepish musician caught in Jessicas romantic crosshairs; the ineffable Richard E. Grant is her manic-depressive boss; Emily Ratajkowski is a social media siren whos stolen Jessicas boyfriend (played by Mrs Maisels Michael Zegen); and cameos from Rhea Perlman, Naomi Watts, Stephen Fry, and Dunham herself.

Yet I find myself unable to sit through a full episode without hitting pause. More than once. Too Much is named far too accurately. The series barrels forward like a caffeinated Mean Girls, endlessly witty and desperate to prove it. There are too many zingers, too many clever lines competing for space. Its like Diablo Cody on a bad day. Every conversation is peppered with punchlines, some brilliant, some baffling. Even during dramatic moments, the dialogue wont shut up.

Dunham doesnt trust the silences. She doesnt trust the story to tell itself. Thus the show, like its heroine, spirals into overcompensation. An impassioned argument on the street is disrupted by a line so jarringly self-aware that it belongs on a tote bag. This is the curse of smart people writing smart characters who know theyre in a smart show.

Still, theres a lot to like. Megan Stalters Jessica is fluttery, fiercely insecure, and deeply watchable. Sharpe, with his wet-sponge eyes and mumbly charm, is great as a reluctant romantic lead who doesnt know the difference between polyamory and monogamy. He calls too much eye-contact a bit of a third-date thing in this country," while she is annoyed by the fact that the boardgame Clue is called Cluedo in the UK (as it is in India), complaining about the British need to add a little teacup of charm" on to everything. The episode Ignore Sunrise, where they stay up talking and making love (and watching Paddington) through the night, is particularly smart.

Dunham, unfortunately, seems unwilling to settle for smart. She wants also to be important, and that self-seriousness drags down this series. Too Much desperately wants to be a show with a lot to say about modern life and relationshipslike Master of None or even I May Destroy Youanything but the romcom (or anti-romcom) it could so perfectly have been. This show is not content being a cracked valentine to romantic comedy tropes. It wants to say something about trauma, about girlhood, about heartbreak, about everything. This desire to be substantial makes it a show where a dominatrix turns out to be a sad little girl who goes to sleep sucking her thumb.

Would we have been better off just watching Sharpe cry while he watched the Paddington movies? Yes, yes we would.

Too Much is, miraculously, a show that is as tedious as it is fun. The worst aspect of Dunhams artistic work is that it eventually feels sadistic: as if she is inflicting her art on her audience and daring us to sit through it. Too Much goes down easier than the latter seasons of Girls, but like the world of romance and relationships it attempts to navigate, its full of red flags.

Raja Sen is a screenwriter and critic. He has co-written Chup, a film about killing critics, and is now creating an absurd comedy series. He posts @rajasen.

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THE FEMALE GAZE Black Cube Gallery is presenting a group show, Objects may Appear Softer, featuring works by 21 women artists spanning generations and geographies. Some of the visual practitioners include Manisha Agarwal, Sujata Bajaj and Siri Devi Khandavilli, among others. The mediums on display include painting, sculpture, digital and mixed media. Curated by Sanya Malik, founder of the gallery, the show not only looks at the powerful practices of these artists but also centres the transformative role that these women have played in shaping the art ecosystem. They reclaim space by disrupting conventional narratives. At Black Cube Gallery, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 24 July to 4 September, Tuesday to Saturday, 12-6pm.

An artwork by artist Arunima Choudhury.

AN ECO-PRINTS EXHIBIT Artist Arunima Choudhury is presenting her second solo show, aranyaka, at Emami Art, Kolkata. The exhibition features her latest ecoprints and works on paper and cloth. For decades now, the Kolkata-based artist has explored human-nature relationshipthis has not just been the subject of her works but also influenced the materiality as well. She has been using natural pigments and eco-printing techniques to examine contemporary conflicts and connections. Choudhury explores the conflicting themes of survival and destruction. At Emami Art, Kolkata, till 9 August, 11am-7pm (closed on Sunday).

Chefs Firozi Karanjia and Rashna Morena

COMMUNITY CUISINE The pop-up, Surat to Dastarkhwan: A Parsi Showcase, curated by chefs Rashna Morena and Firozi Karanjia, will celebrate the food of the Parsi community. On offer will be dishes like Patra ni Machi, Kheema par Eda, Irani Kheema Pav and Mutton Pulao, and desserts such as Lagan nu Custard and Mava Cake. At M Cafe, Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, EPIP Zone, 23-27 July, timings vary. For details, call 916761561.

A still from 'Ghalib in New Delhi'

A COMEDY OF CHANGING TIMES Ghalib in New Delhi is a 105-minute play written and directed by M. Sayeed Alam. In the play, Ghalib, the 19th century poet, decides to revisit his beloved city moved by Faizs account of his posthumous fame. But in 21st century Delhi, Ghalibs conical cap and green robe are greeted with curiosity and bemusement. At Shri Ram Centre, 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Delhi, 20 July, 4pm. For details, visit in.bookmyshow.com.

Parag Tandel, Archaic Fishing net series - 4, 2025, Cotton and polyester yarn on Stainless steel wire, MDF Board.
People who eat drumstick in their sambar fall into two camps.

The first kind loves eating them whole, soaking up all the tamarind and spices of the sambar. They suck out the softened pulp like a meat-eater savouring marrow from a bone. It is also mandatory to chew on the leathery skin thoroughly to extract every last bit of juice and flavour. What remains on the plate is a pile of fibrous scraps, not unlike the leftovers at a sugarcane juice stall.

And then theres the second kindthe bougie crowd. They want the inner flesh of the drumstick neatly scooped out and stirred into the sambar, no mess tolerated. They want the comfort of Indian food, but tidied up, Westernised. The same kind who want their mangoes all peeled and diced and served in a fancy ceramic bowl with a fruit fork.

If you dont shy away from eating with your hands, theres a repertoire of drumstick dishes in south Indian cuisine beyond the classic sambar.

Some memorable ones Ive tasted include the drumstick and raw mango curry from Kerala, nuggekai huli from Karnataka, and the tangy-hot pulusu from Telugu kitchens.

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And just in case you thought drumsticks had a southern biastheyre equally beloved in Gujarati, Maharashtrian, Odia and Bengali homes, each bringing to it a distinctive blend of spices and techniques.

For those who want the benefits of moringa with a hands-off approach, theres a recipe shared by the Prime Minister in a speech a couple of years ago, which he says is his favourite drumstick soup. Its simple and is perfect for that pre-dinner something.

Drumstick also has a cheeky parallel life in Tamil cinema, especially in the old-school comedies. Thanks to its suggestive shape and its status as an aphrodisiac in Siddha and Ayurvedic traditions, it often showed up as a not-so-subtle innuendo in comedy tracks and flirty dialogues. Vadivelu declaring, Only if you eat drumstick will a man get his heat!" or Goundamanis trademark smirk and nudge anytime murungakkai made an appearance on screen are all too familiar examples for the Tamil audiences.

The West has discovered an even more sanitised" way to eat moringa, i.e. dried and powdered moringa leavessprinkling it into smoothies or whipped into a latte. But, the humble pods remain largely undiscovered. In Indian kitchens, though, moringa isnt just health food. It is prized for its unique flavour, which is why how we eat it matters too.

A seemingly mundane act from 2023 recently ignited a global conversation. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was filmed eating biryani with his hands. Congressman Brandon Gill sneered that civilised people" dont eat like that.

The internet erupted in protest, defending Mamdani and calling out the hypocrisy of cultures that ridicule eating with hands, while happily grabbing burgers, tacos or pizza without cutlery. What followed was an overdue reckoning about what it means to be civilised" in a multicultural world.

So go on and eat the drumsticks with your hands. Suck, chew and slurp in that unapologetically Indian way.

KERALA-STYLE DRUMSTICK SAMBAR

Serves 3-4

Ingredients

2 drumsticks, cut into 2-inch batons

1 medium-sized carrot

1 medium-sized potato

1 small onion

1 tsp coconut oil

Half tsp mustard seeds

Quarter tsp fenugreek seeds

Quarter tsp turmeric powder

Half-cup tamarind extract (prepared from soaking a lemon sized tamarind in hot water)

1 tbsp sambar powder

Quarter tsp asafoetida powder

2 cups cooked tur dal (with liquid)

For the tempering:

2 tsp coconut oil

Half tsp mustard seeds

2-3 dried red chillies

1 sprig curry leaves

1 small onion, thinly sliced

Method

Peel and chop carrot and potato into large chunks. Peel and cut onion into thick slices.

In a small pressure cooker, heat coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and fenugreek. Stir for few seconds. Add all vegetables, turmeric, salt and tamarind extract (or 1 tsp tamarind paste whisked in half cup hot water).

Pressure-cook for one whistle. Open the cooker, add the sambar powder, asafoetida and mashed cooked dal. Adjust salt as per taste. Bring to a simmer.

For the tempering, heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds. Once it splutters, add the curry leaves and red chillies. Then add the sliced shallots and stir for 2-3 minutes on a low flame until golden brown.

Transfer this over the sambar and keep covered until ready to serve, with rice and banana chips.

PMS FAVOURITE DRUMSTICK SOUP

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 large drumsticks

1 medium onion, roughly chopped

1-2 medium sized tomatoes, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, sliced

Handful of coriander stems

Quarter tsp turmeric

1 tsp salt

Crushed black pepper/red chilli flakes to taste

Method

Wash, lightly peel and cut the drumsticks into batons. Place them in a pressure cooker with chopped onion, tomatoes, garlic, coriander stems, turmeric and salt. Add 2 cups of water and pressure-cook for 5 minutes.

Blend the contents of the cooker, once cooled, to a puree. Pass through a fine meshed sieve and press down to remove all the fibrous part.

You can thin the soup with some water depending on the desired consistency. Bring to a simmer, serve hot, garnishing with crushed black pepper or red chilli flakes.

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Double Tested is a fortnightly column on vegetarian cooking, highlighting a single ingredient prepared two ways. Nandita Iyers latest book is The Great Indian Thali. She posts @saffrontrail on Instagram and X.
A bout of rain and fire presented an unexpected challenge to a diverse group of natural history enthusiasts gathered in Gobuk, a remote Adi village in Upper Siang, Arunachal Pradesh. Upper Siang embodies the raw, untamed beauty of nature.

This is a land shrouded in soft, ethereal mist, where low-lying, cotton-wool clouds cling to the dense canopy. Here, old-growth trees serve as a pedestal for a vibrant, fragile ecosystem of mosses, lichens, ferns and orchids. Its a living tapestry woven from moisture and ancient growth, its sense of mystery enhanced by the sound of water dripping from leaves and the rustle of unseen creatures in the undergrowth.

Sunlight, when it pierces through, creates dappled patterns that shift with the swirling fog, illuminating the forests hidden colours. In recent years, Gobuk has held unique significance as the epicentre for the discovery of moth species new to India. This summer, the village of 120 homes hosted its second Siang Biodiversity Meet in May, focusing on moths, butterflies and birds.

Mountain weather, inherently unpredictable, threatened to wash out the planned event. The biodiversity meet was scheduled for a week that is typically characterised by clear and sunny skies, coinciding with the annual Etor festival. This is a time when the Adis celebrate with traditional dances, rituals and community feasts to usher in a new farming cycle.

Yet, continuous rainfall had plagued the area for days. Adding to the organisers woes, a devastating fire engulfed a home while its owners were away. Despite the valiant efforts of villagers, nothing could be salvaged from the wooden house. The community promptly constructed a temporary dwelling at the edge of the village for the affected family, while young men, in the evening, went from door to door throwing pieces of banana stem to ward off the evil fire spirit.

View Full Image A new species of moth from Gobuk'Lithosiini Ovipennis milani'. (Sanjay Sondhi/Titli Trust)

This led the village council to impose a three-day curfew, restricting the movement of both residents and visitors. The curfew is a traditional custom, admonishing carelessness and serving as a reminder to reset household priorities. This tragedy is a profound moment for introspection, compelling us to look inward and examine our values, actions and collective path. These customs or ghena, passed down through generations, give us time for grieving, communal support and finding meaning amidst sorrow. This should guide us towards recovery and renewed purpose," says Dubom Teksing, chairman of Gobuk-based NGO Epum Sirum, and Gobuk Welfare Society.

Guests, both old and young, from across the country, not only readily respected and abided by these customs, adjusting their schedules, but were also deeply moved.

There was profound admiration for a community that demonstrated such solidarity and support in the face of tragedy. Perhaps it is this very resolute nature of the communityan unwavering collective willthat positions it as a true harbinger of change. Its a place where a village, united by a shared vision and an unyielding commitment, decides to pivot from long-held traditions towards new idealsbe it conservation, sustainable practices, or social reform.

MOTH STORM

In different cultures, butterflies and moths (phopir and pinjir, respectively, in the Adi dialect) are seen as lucky symbols associated with positive transformations, happiness and good luck. Likewise, when the curfew ended, the rain clouds gave way for the sun to shine.

The early rhythm of dawn and dusk is the first striking characteristic when you venture this far into the North-East, for the sun rises and sets significantly earlier here than in other parts of India. Even at the height of summer, darkness descends by 6pm.

However, for nature enthusiasts, this early onset of night ignites palpable excitement. They gather around a simple yet effective setup: a light bulb suspended over a broad white cloth, strung between two posts, forming a moth screen" for a night-long spectacle. This illuminated screen becomes a beacon for the nocturnal world of pollinators.

Moths arrive in astounding numbers, congregating on the cloth. As space becomes a premium, new arrivals constantly dislodge earlier ones, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display. With each passing minute, the sheer quantity and variety of species shift. The screen hosts an incredible diversity, from impressive tiger moths, hawk moths, monkey moths, swallowtail moths and silk moths (including the magnificent Atlas moth), to delicate micro-moths with wingspans under 20mm.

Since 2022, Gobuk, along with the surrounding Upper Siang landscape, has proven to be a revelation for lepidopterists. For consecutive years, the scientific journal Tropical Lepidoptera Research has reported new moth species from this region: 10 in 2024, followed by 13 this year. The discoveries are far from over, as ongoing research on several collections promises even more from the scientific collaboration between the Dehradun-based Titli Trust, a nature conservation organisation, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bengaluru.

View Full Image Members of Super Meimei all set for the trail. (Ananda Banerjee)

Moths, being creatures of the night, have long been overshadowed by their more flamboyant cousins, butterflies. Even their names can be tongue-twisters. Sample this list of recent discoveries from India: Mellea atristrigulalis, Rotunda rotundapex, Pyralinioides oquiho, Metabraxas pectinella, Psilalcis inoueorum, Garudinia latana, Teulisna maculata, Sesapa honbaensis, Ovipennis milani, Nudina ankistro, Nudina witti, Lymantria (Beatria) hauensteini hauensteini, Lymantria hauensteini, and Hepsidera lignea.

Furthermore, their ecologically important roles as pollinators and a vital food source for numerous bird species have not received due recognition in popular literature. In fact, the immense diversity of moths in varied habitats serves as a far more comprehensive indicator of ecological health than butterflies.

New research indicates that moths are more efficient pollinators at night than day-flying pollinators such as bees. Their sensitivity to temperature, habitat changes and other environmental factors makes them useful for tracking long-term climate trends.

COMMUNITY AND CONSERVATION

The new moth discoveries in such a remote part of the country would have been impossible without the steadfast support of the local community. A significant shift began in 2022, following discussions between the Titli Trust, Epum Sirum, and the Gobuk Village Welfare Society.

Village elders and youth started to transition from an age-old hunting tradition towards biodiversity conservation. This initiative was boosted by the experience of Okit Sitek and Anand Teksang, two whitewater/river rafting professionals, who had witnessed how biodiversity conservation fuelled the growth of ecotourism in other parts of the country. They were keen to return to their ancestral village and kickstart a community-based tourism model.

Dubom Teksing played a key role and mentorship to the conservation and livelihood programme.

Their backyard forests are still to be properly surveyed. What is particularly interesting is that species researchers had sought for over a century were found hiding in plain sight, often in the villagers own backyards.

A prime example is the Dark Freak (Calinaga aborica), a rare butterfly first described from the Abor Hills in 1915 and rediscovered in 2015, which was found to be abundant in the Siang landscape. Today, the Dark Freak, along with the Brown and Yellow Gorgon butterflies, has become star attractions, paving the way for more households in Gobuk to accept guests and generate additional income apart from traditional farming.

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During the week-long biodiversity meet, in the five or six forest trailsGorgon trail, Helipad trail, River trail and Miinne Tarningmore than 170 species of butterflies were recorded, including the Elusive Prince, Panther, Blue-bordered Sergeant, Hairy Angle, Blue Peacock, Great Nawab, Khaki Silverline, Red Lacewing, and Margined Hedge Blue. This also included a trip to Damro and Siyeng Korong, a resort and a butterfly hot spot, near Simong. In just a couple of years, biodiversity surveys have recorded over 200 bird species, 300 butterflies, and more than 750 moth speciesand the count is far from complete.

The forest trails were also a treasure house of local customs and practice. This year, with the help of two young research fellows from the Tezpur-based non-profit GreenHub, which empowers youth in conservation education, action, climate sustainability and social change through the visual mediumJoyshree Gogoi and Tahaj Hussaina specially curated trail, the Super Meimei Adventures", was introduced, giving a chance for visitors to join local women, from two self-help groups, for an immersive cultural walk in the village surroundings. Meimei refers to elder sister in the community and this programme is designed to ensure that the Adi culture is represented in the way the local women want. How they use local shrubs and plants in daily lifeto weave, to create items of decoration, jewellery and even create a lather from tree bark to wash their hair. This is how we grew up in the forest, we didnt have toys and mobile phones and these are the things we use to look for in our surroundings " says Aiye, Super Meime and a homestay owner.

View Full Image The Great Nawab Butterfly 'Polyura eudamippus'. (Sanjay Sondhi/Titli Trust)

Unlike other villages in Upper Siang where hunting still persists, birds are not skittish here; they are visible on bare branches and wires, calling out to their kin. There were numerous sightings of the Emerald cuckoo, Blyths Paradise flycatcher, Large Niltava, Golden-breastedRufous-winged and Nepal fulvettas, Silver-eared mesia, Orange-bellied leafbird, Blue-winged minla, White-crowned forktail and Golden babbler, to mention a few.

FUTURE CHALLENGES

Nestled at an elevation of 1,200m on NH-513 connecting Pasighat and Yingkiong, Gobuk holds its own compelling history within the Adi landscape. Oral tradition recounts that 11 generations ago, a plague afflicted the village of Simong (at 200m, situated midway between Gobuk and Yingkiong (also at 200m), the current district headquarters on the bank of the Siang River.

Takar Sitek, treasurer, Epum Sirum, says, to escape the epidemic, our ancestors migrated to higher ground in search of a safer settlement and eventually arrived at Gobuk, where they usurped another tribe, the Padum people. In subsequent years, more Adi families and their relatives joined, contributing to the formation of the village as it stands today.

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The Adis, the second most populous tribe in Arunachal Pradesh after the Nyishis, constitute the majority in Upper Siang. Like all indigenous tribes in the state, hunting is a deeply ingrained practice among the Adis, serving as a cultural tradition, a source of food, and even a form of recreation. This practice has been observed since time immemorial and continues to be prevalent in most Adi villages even today.

However, the discoveries around Gobuk are heralding changefrom age-old hunting to the conservation of natural history and culture. There is considerable interest in neighbouring Simong and other villages as the Upper Siang landscape braces for major developmental challenges. While Gobuk will escape due to its elevated location, a contentious mega-dam (its in the plans), touted as Indias largest hydroelectric venture, on the Siang river (revered as Ane" or Mother by the Adis), has sparked civil society protests. These protests are due to the dams potential ecological, cultural and social impacts, as well as its threat to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The Siang becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam. A farmers group estimates that at least 13 villages will be completely wiped off the map while 27 villages fear losing farmlands and sacred sites. There is also an ecological concern of what unknown species might be lost forever.

The Siang Valley is at the intersection of Indo-Burma and Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hot spots and these cloud forests remains under-surveyed. In the past 15 years wildlife scientists have published and described a staggering 48 species new to science have been described, along with 140 new distribution records and two rediscoveries. Four among them are new to India from Gobuk.

Ananda Banerjee is an author, artist and wildlife conservationist.
KINSHASA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The declaration of principles signed in Doha on Saturday between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has been broadly welcomed as a step toward ending the long-running conflict in the eastern DRC.

The document, brokered by Qatar after months of discreet mediation, outlines a series of agreed-upon principles to guide further talks. While not a final peace deal, the declaration marks a key step toward a comprehensive agreement.

A COMMITMENT TO PERMANENT CEASEFIRE

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatari minister of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the declaration reflects the parties' commitment to a peaceful settlement. He said Qatar remains committed to supporting the process to bring peace, development, and stability to the DRC people.

According to the document, both sides have agreed to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, within the existing peace framework endorsed by the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU).

The declaration outlines a commitment to a permanent ceasefire and prohibits any attempt to seize new positions by force. It calls for the creation of an oversight and verification mechanism to ensure the ceasefire is properly implemented and applies to all armed forces involved in the conflict.

WELCOMED AS MAJOR DEVELOPMENT

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, welcomed the signing of the declaration as "a major milestone" in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in the eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all stakeholders, including regional facilitators from the EAC and the SADC.

Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said the declaration laid a "foundation for fruitful negotiations leading to a permanent ceasefire with M23." With Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe appointed the AU mediator in the DRC crisis, Dussey reaffirmed his country's support for the mediation efforts.

The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) welcomed the signing of the declaration, saying that it "paves the way for durable peace, security, and the return of displaced persons and refugees."

Crucially, the declaration commits both the DRC government and the M23 rebels to protecting civilian populations and to facilitating the enforcement of the ceasefire. MONUSCO is expected to play a key role in this process, alongside regional mechanisms, through a jointly agreed verification mechanism aimed at ensuring compliance on the ground.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the declaration signed in Doha, crediting Qatari mediation in facilitating the agreement. "For the Congolese people and the Great Lakes region, this peace dynamic rekindles hope and trust," Macron said, adding that France would continue its efforts in support of peace in the region.

As part of its commitment, France is set to host a high-level meeting on the Great Lakes region in September, aimed at reinforcing international support for regional stability and diplomatic coordination.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomed the signing of the declaration and called on all parties to fully and sincerely implement their commitments to achieve a comprehensive peace deal. He urged stakeholders to act "in good faith" and to fully honor the obligations outlined in the agreement.

PERSISTENT REGIONAL TENSIONS

Yet, Prevot's call comes against a backdrop of persistent regional tensions, unresolved security concerns, and strained diplomatic relations among key players in the Great Lakes region.

In early 2024, Rwanda unilaterally severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing what it described as Belgium's hostile posture against Kigali in the regional conflict.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, a claim Kigali strongly denies. Meanwhile, Rwanda accuses the Congolese army of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a militia linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.

A fifth round of peace talks between the DRC government and the M23 recently began in Doha under Qatari mediation. Since late March 2025, several rounds of dialogue have taken place. In April, Kinshasa and the M23 announced a joint commitment to a ceasefire and a broader peace process, though little progress has been seen on the ground.

On Thursday, the M23 warned of a possible resumption of hostilities, accusing the DRC Armed Forces of a large-scale military buildup along multiple front lines, despite ongoing negotiations in Doha.

According to the United Nations, more than 27.8 million people in the DRC are facing food insecurity, with over 7 million internally displaced, many of them multiple times. 
Swiss photographer Manuel Bauer first met Tenzin Gyatso, better known to the world as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, in 1990. Back then, Bauer was a 23-year-old rookie journalist, hungry to make an impression in his first job. As luck would have it, he didnt have to try too hard for a big break.

Early on in his career, Bauer was sent on an assignment to photograph the Dalai Lama, an encounter that would change the course of his life. For one, it was an unusual initiation into the world of photojournalism, where the familiar rules of engagement seemed to have turned topsy-turvy. Unlike most other celebrities, here was one who was neither pricey nor given to throwing tantrums. The great Tibetan leader didnt at all seem to mind being trailed by a restless young man with a camera. In fact, he welcomed Bauer to photograph him in his private chambers, too, a rare privilege then and since.

At the time, I thought it was normal for all photojournalists to get such close access to him," Bauer says when we meet in Delhi for the launch of his new book, Dalai Lama, with texts by Thupten Jinpa and captions by Christian Schmidt (Roli, 4,995). It was only much later that I realised how fortunate I had been," he adds. His gratitude has only deepened in the last 35 years, while his fascination with his subject, who recently turned 90, remains undiminished.

Inspired by his early meeting with the Dalai Lama, Bauer began to study Tibetan history and culture, which grew into a lifelong interest in Buddhism and social justice, igniting a mission to highlight the exiled communitys suffering to the world. In 2001, Bauer decided to devote focused time to documenting and archiving the Dalai Lamas life, acting as his uncrowned official photographer".

It has been a difficult, often expensive, project but Bauer continues to do it, undeterred. He has done freelance work as a photojournalist, teacher and artist to fund his trips to India to spend time with the Dalai Lama at his home in Dharamshala or to follow him around the world on his travels. In fact, he spends the most of his time editing, researching, sorting and organising the vast archive of photographs he has amassed. I believe in the power of the image as an icon," Bauer says. When someone looks at my photographs of the Dalai Lama 20 years from now, I want them to see something new and fresh."

Looking at the rich selection of images in the book, one is struck by the truth behind Bauers statement. The Dalai Lama, like all spiritual leaders, has a strong presence in photographs, many of which are ubiquitous on the internet. Public figures are meant to smile, look serious, impress the crowds with their charm and wit. The Dalai Lama does all these things too. But then, Bauer also shows us aspects of his personality that we dont commonly expect to see: The Dalai Lama exercising on a treadmill, eating a meal while immersed in his studies, bursting into uproarious laughter, or meditating on a bed in a hotel room.

View Full Image The images in the book are a testimony to Bauer's perseverance.

While dozens of Bauers photographs feel candid and effortless, the images are a testimony to his perseverance. Although His Holiness was open to be shadowed by me, it was tough to navigate the tight security protocol around him," he says. To begin with, Bauer had to be on top of the Dalai Lamas schedule. I had to be at the right place at the right time," he says. If he went into an elevator with his security and I had no idea where he was headed, the entire day could be a waste for me."

Then there was always the risk of running into the unpredictablesuch as the time when the Dalai Lama had to be whisked out of the University of Zurich following a bomb scare. Bauer writes about this incident with wry humour in the book, but at the time, it must have felt terrifying being trapped in the basement of the building, as the guards went looking for the key to the emergency exit.

Bauer may be as enterprising and daredevil as any photojournalist worth their salt, but he isnt trigger happy. Ive an ambivalent relationship with the camera," he says. It is an aggressive machine that can be used to manipulate others." From the beginning, he made some ground rules and stuck to them. For instance, he would not shoot the Dalai Lama when he was leading a retreat or interrupt him when he was deep in meditation. I used to ask him if I disturbed him with my clicking," Bauer says. But he always said, No problem, I just ignore you. He can get back his focus in seconds."

Whats even more fascinating for Bauer is the seemingly unchanging aspect of the Dalai Lamas personality. He is the same person on and off stage," he says. He may be delivering a complex lecture on tantra before an audience of 30,000 or joking with me on the sidelines, but he is always the same person, inside and outside."

When he first started following the Dalai Lama, Bauer was mentally prepared to lose his ideal image of the man. Instead, that image has grown only stronger over the years. His daily practice of analytical meditation has given him an incredible ability to focus on logic over emotions," Bauer says. He can understand in a flash whether he is acting out of compassion or egotism and control his feelings swiftly."

One time, Bauer tells me, after landing in Madrid, the Dalai Lama found that his suitcase, which contained his pain medication, had been lost in transit. Already experiencing considerable discomfort, he lost control for a moment, wondering why it hadnt arrived at the destination. And yet, in the very next second, he had accepted his predicament with equanimity. Whats the point of being unhappy when there is no medication at hand anyway? His Holiness said," Bauer recalls.

Spending long stretches of time, even though intermittently, with an iconic spiritual leader does enrich ones repertoire of experiences. At the same time, especially for a photographer, prolonged proximity to a subject may feel daunting. How do you bring in novelty and fresh appeal to your art when the focus of your work remains unchanging and evergreen? Scientifically speaking, a photograph is just reflected light," says Bauer. But some pictures manage to look inside, go beyond the surface." As someone who believes in the power of the decisive moment"when the stars align to enable the perfect choreography of beauty and mysteryhe is always grappling with one key question. How can I photograph the Dalai Lamas huge knowledge, his deep presence, and his endless compassion for the world?"
In my last column, I had written about the importance of the Junghans Max Bill wristwatch and its ties with one of the most important design movements of the 20th centuryBauhaus design. Writing it got me thinking about the diversity of world-class watchmaking outside Switzerland, specifically in Germany and Japan.

When we think of watchmaking, we (rightly) immediately think of the Swiss. That is historically fair, since Geneva has been a hub of the manufacture of timepieces since the 16th century, including the establishment of a watchmaking guild in 1601. The industry became even bigger with the Industrial Revolution.

However, in this, the Swiss werent alone. Since the 16th century, at various points, watchmaking has flourished in Germany, France, England and the US. Whether it is Nuremberg in Germany in the early 16th century, or Blois in Renaissance-era France, the art of watchmaking has had many founding centres.

England made significant strides in the 18th and 19th centuries in precision timekeeping, and the US experienced a watch manufacturing boom in the mid-19th century, with new industrial processes posing a serious competition to Swiss manufacture for a while. And then there is Japan, where some of the best watches in the world are made these days.

Also Read | When you wear a wristwatch, you are wearing the best of 20th century design

For watch lovers, Japanese high-end watchmaking, particularly that of the countrys two powerhouses, Seiko and Citizen, has always been more about purpose than flex.

Seiko has been making watches since 1892, and since the 1960s, it has been at the forefront of some of the most meaningful innovations and changes in global watchmaking. From the everyday Seiko 5 line of budget automatics to legendary dive watches like the Turtle and the Willard, Seiko filled every niche. It then beat the Swiss at their own game by releasing the worlds first quartz watch in 1969, the Astron, causing the Quartz Crisis", where mechanical watchmakers either had to innovate or perish.

Meanwhile, the brand continues to offer mechanical pieces that punch far above their price point. Seikos crown jewel has been Grand Seiko, which began life in 1960 as the manufactures attempt to make high-end wristwatches. It is perhaps the most precise articulation of the Japanese approach to craftsmanship. Created to rival the very best Swiss chronometers, Grand Seiko watches are not really about flash, but embody the Japanese principle of monozukurimaking things with a deep sense of pride and precision.

Grand Seiko movementswhether mechanical, quartz or the uniquely hybrid Spring Driveare built entirely in-house, often by individual watchmakers. A Grand Seiko always tells a unique story, and in the narrative-driven world of wristwatches, that is no mean feat.

Meanwhile Citizen, which has been making watches since 1924, took quartz movements and spun out excellent watchesfrom legendary quartz divers to the class-leading solar quartz watches using the Eco-Drive technology. But this isnt all that Citizen does; it also creates the widely used Miyota automatic movements. Moreover, its high-end quartz watches are ridiculously accurate. The Chronomaster is accurate to within five seconds a year, while the Caliber 0100 is accurate to within one second per year!

Also Read | 5 legendary wristwatches that went to space

I started this column talking about the Junghans Max Bill. Well, Junghans is a storied old German watchmaker which began making timepieces back in 1861. In 1903, it had the largest watch factory in the world, and even till the 1950s, it ranked only behind Rolex and Omega when it came to manufacturing high-accuracy chronometer movements.

But these days, when it comes to high-end German watches, you have to look to the secluded Saxon town of Glashutte, where youll find some of the most lionised watch manufactures outside of Switzerland: A. Lange & Sohne and Nomos Glashutte.

A. Lange & Sohne makes watches that are spoken of in the same breath as Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe. The companys history dates back to 1845, when Ferdinand Adolph Lange set up shop in Glashutte to bring precision timekeeping to the Kingdom of Saxony. The company was nationalised after World War II and disappeared behind the Iron Curtain, only to be spectacularly reborn in 1994 after German reunification. It has since become one of the most respected names in global haute horlogerie.

Also Read | 5 wristwatch YouTube channels every horology enthusiast should follow

Lange watches are unapologetically German: sober, precise, almost architectural in their beauty. Think of the Lange 1 with its off-centre dial and outsized date windowan instant classic when it debuted, and still one of the most distinctive watches in the world. Or the Datograph, widely regarded as one of the finest chronographs in production. Every Lange movement is built, then dismantled, then built againa double assembly process that ensures perfection. And their hand-engraved balance cocks, unique to each watch, are like signatures whispered rather than shouted.

At the other end of the Glashutte spectrum is Nomos. Where Lange is baroque precision and gravitas, Nomos is Bauhaus minimalism and youthfulness. Founded in 1990, Nomos is a modern brand with old-school ideals: in-house calibres, precise engineering, and clean, thoughtful design. Nomos watches like the Tangente or the Neomatik dont try to dazzlethey sit on the wrist like well-cut clothing. And beneath that stripped-down aesthetic lies serious horological ambition. Nomos designs and manufactures its own escapementthe Swing System"a feat few watchmakers in the world attempt.

When it comes to Japanese and German watches, these four brands make an incomplete list. Which goes to show that while the Swiss are the leaders in the world of watchmaking, they are certainly not alone in making the best watches in the world.

Handwound is a monthly column on watches and watchmaking.
The numbers are striking: 43% of Indias high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) save less than 20% of their post-tax income, and a significant portion dont have sufficient emergency cash.

For those not familiar with HNI finances, these findings may appear counterintuitiveeven troublinggiven their wealth. But having worked closely with affluent families for years, I believe the data reflects a more nuanced reality than simple financial imprudence.

Also Read | Mumbai court allows capital gains tax exemption to woman buying husband's flat

Beyond traditional saving metrics

To understand why HNIs appear to be under-saving", we must redefine what savings mean in the context of substantial wealth. Traditional saving advice, built around salaried individuals, is inadequate when applied to those with complex financial ecosystems. The definition of HNIs used in the many surveys and reports may differ from that used by wealth managers or multi-family offices.

What sets HNIs apart

Traditional personal finance frameworksdesigned around salaried individualsdo not apply when portfolios spanoperating businesses, real estate, private equity, and public markets.

HNIs operate in a fundamentally different financial landscape. Unlike traditional savers, who prioritise cash accumulation, HNIs focus on deploying capital efficiently. Every rupee sitting idle represents an opportunity cost, particularly given their sophisticated understanding of risk-adjusted returns.

Another reason why traditional metrics under-represent HNI savings is that much of their wealth is held outside personal balance sheets, embedded in trusts, holding companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and offshore entities. These structures are designed not just for tax efficiency but for succession planning, regulatory clarity, and investment agility.

As a result, what may appear as low personal liquidity or savings is often capital strategically parked within investment vehicles that allow faster, tax-optimised decision-making. Wealth in these structures can be invested in private deals, real estate special purpose vehicles (SPVs), or pooled vehicles, offering both insulation and strategic advantage.

Conventional savings thus take a backseat to more dynamic wealth management strategies.

The strategic use of debt

Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of HNI financial behaviour is their relationship with debt. While most retail investors see debt as a financial liability but for the wealthy, debt is a strategic assetused to amplify returns, manage liquidity, and unlock tax efficiency.

Consider a successful entrepreneur operating in the highest tax brackets. For such individuals, interest-bearing debt can provide immediate tax benefits while preserving capital for higher-yielding opportunities. When their business generates substantial returns, or when private market investments offer superior risk-adjusted returns, servicing debt at prevailing market rates becomes a calculated arbitrage play.

Also Read | The insurance policy every entrepreneur should have to navigate a legal crisis

This leveraging strategy extends beyond simple tax optimisation. HNIs frequently use debt to maintain liquidity without disturbing their core investment positions. Rather than liquidating appreciating assets to meet cash requirements, they borrow against these holdings, preserving long-term wealth creation while addressing immediate needs. The idea is simple: borrow against appreciating assets while they continue compounding.

What matters most is how this debt is structured and secured. HNIs typically take on debt against appreciating assetsreal estate, securities or business equityrather than unsecured consumer debt. This secured positioning, combined with multiple income streams, fundamentally alters the risk profile.

Cash flow complexity and emergency fund realities

Instead of traditional emergency funds, HNIs typically maintain emergency liquidity through credit facilities, securities-backed lines of credit, or quick-liquidation investment positions. These structures provide immediate access to substantial capital without the opportunity cost of holding large cash balances.

The portfolio integration approach

Debt is just another asset class, one that generates tax benefits and frees capital for higher-return opportunities. The optimisation occurs at the portfolio level, where the combined performance of assets, liabilities, and tax strategies creates superior risk-adjusted outcomes.

For instance, an HNI might maintain a mortgage on their primary residence despite having enough cash to pay it off. The mortgage interest provides tax deductions, while the preserved capital is invested in appreciating assets or growth businesses, generating significantly higher returns. The net effect often exceeds what traditional debt reduction can achieve.

Risk management in complexity

HNIs must maintain full visibility into their financial ecosystem, understanding how various components interact during different market conditions.

The real risk isnt leverageits misaligned liquidity. While leverage can enhance returns, mismatched liquidity profiles can force selling during market downturns. Successful HNIs maintain diversified liquidity sources and avoid concentration risks. This requires continuous monitoring and periodic rebalancing. HNI financial strategies must therefore remain adaptable while maintaining structural integrity.

The path forward

The D&B survey findings highlight important considerations for HNI wealth management. The key lies in distinguishing between strategic leverage and excessive risk-taking. The focus in this case should shift from traditional saving metrics to comprehensive wealth optimisation.

Rahul Bhutoria is director and co-founder, Valtrust.
Astronomer, the company at the heart of the Coldplay scandal  in which its CEO Andy Byron was spotted canoodling with the firms chief human resources officer Kristin Cabot  has finally broken its silence. The tech unicorn informed that they were launching an iunvestigation into the viral footage from the Coldplay concert. Further, it was also reported that Astronomer CEO Andy Byron is negotiating an exit package, and both the CEO and Kristi Cabot have been put on immediate leave.

More than 24 hours after a Jumbotron camera at a Coldplay concert in Boston, Massachusetts, captured the married CEO, Andy Byron, with his arms around the companys head of HR, Kristin Cabot, Astronomer has issued a statement on the incident that has since gone viral.

Posting on X, the software startup, Astronomer, said: Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.

The company also dismissed rumours that another employee, Alyssa Stoddard, had been present, and rejected reports suggesting Byron had issued an apology.

Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video. Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect, the company added.

Both Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot were immediately placed on leave, an official familiar with the situation told Axios. Another source said Astronomers delayed response was partly due to drawn-out discussions over Byrons resignation and exit package.

WATCH THE ANDY BYRON AND KRISTIN CABBOT VIRAL VIDEO

Andy Byron has led Astronomer since 2023. Cabot joined as head of HR in 2024. Announcing her appointment, Byron said: Kristins exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory.
The sacred shrine Golden Temple received a total of five bomb threats since July 14 following which an investigation was launched and a software engineer was apprehended from Faridabad, PTI reported. The e-mails, threatening to blow up the gurdwara, were addressed to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

The techie detained in this case is identified as 24-year-old Shubam Dubey, who is being questioned in connection with the first threatening mail.

While investigating, our team reached Faridabad in Haryana and techie, Shubham Dubey was detained and is being interrogated... His devices have also been seized and are under investigation by the forensic team, ANI quoted Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar as saying.

Also Read | No air defence guns were deployed within Golden Temple premises, says Army

The arrested engineer, with no previous criminal record, was traced with the help of Punjab Police's cybercrime wing and the central intelligence agencies.

Suggesting that more breakthroughs in the coming days and suspecting bigger conspiracy, the Police Commissioner added, The content of the email is taking the investigation towards the southern states... We are in touch with Tamil Nadu and other southern states' police.

SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Manan asserted that the motive behind these threatening emails is not known but continuous emails over the past 4-5 days indicate that there cannot be one person behind this and there are chances of the involvement of a group.

Over this concerning issue, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convened a meeting in Chandigarh on July 17 with senior police officials, including Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.

"We will not allow any compromise on the security of Punjab. Our security agencies and the Punjab Police are fully alert," Bhagwant Mann stated in a post on X
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) official was allegedly thrashed by Kanwariyas in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. The incident was caught on camera and widely shared on social media.

The footage showed Kanwariyas pinning the soldier to the ground, lashing him with punches and kicks infront of a huge crowd at the Mirzapur railway station.

Also Read | Kanwariyas vandalise bus, beat up driver after vehicle hits pilgrims in Meerut

The video of the incident that went viral on social media sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.

The confrontation between the CRPF soldier and the kanwariyas was reportedly triggered over an argument regarding the purchase of train tickets, India Today reported.

The CRPF jawan was on his way to board the Brahmaputra Mail when he was attacked, the media report said.

Following the incident, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) acted swiftly and all seven assailants were taken into custody. After a preliminary investigation a case was registered against the kanwariyas.

"Seven Kanwariyas have been arrested in the case of beating up a CRPF jawan," an official said, according to the media report.

Also Read | Kanwar Yatra: Schools in Haridwar to remain closed from July 27 to August 2

Police action against kanwariyas for using bikes without silencers in Muzaffarnagar Meanwhile, police have initiated action against kanwariyas in Muzaffarnagar for using motorcycles without silencers, a senior official on Friday said.

Superintendent of Police (SP)-City, Satyanarayan Parajapat, said that kanwariyas have been asked not to use motorcycles without silencers.

A shopkeeper, identified as Honey, has been arrested for providing modified silencers, said Parajapat, adding that police have seized 12 modified silencers from his possession.

Over 15 motorcycles, which were running without silencers on Delhi-Dehradun National Highway, have also been seized, police said.

Uttarakhand: 4 kanwariyas arrested for vandalism, blocking Haridwar highway Police have arrested four kanwariyas in separate incidents of alleged vandalism and creating a ruckus by blocking the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district on July 15, officials said, reported PTI.

On Monday morning, some kanwariyas in Bahadarabad created a ruckus near the Rohalki flyover on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway "over some trivial matter" and obstructed traffic by putting up barricades, they said.

Upon receiving information, Jwalapur Police Circle Officer Avinash Sharma reached the spot and tried to talk to the kanwariyas blocking the route. However, some began abusing the police personnel. They pelted stones at them and at vehicles passing by, police said.
US President Donald Trump, yet again, took the credit for stopping a lot of wars, including the one between nuclear countries India and Pakistan. He reiterated his remarks despite India's refutal of his claims about a US-brokered deal between India and Pakistan during May 2025 conflict.

The US President said on Friday, We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that was going on.

This time, however, he backed a claim about shooting down of five jets. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually, Trump said without explicitly mentioning whose jets were shot down.

Also Read | India debunks China Daily's report claiming Indian jet crashed in Kashmir

After India carried out retaliatory military strikes on Pakistan in Operation Sindoor in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Pakistan had claimed that it had shot down five Indian Air Force jets  three Rafale jets, one Su-30, and one MiG-29.

Air Marshal AK Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations (DGAO), had neither denied nor confirmed thes claims. He, instead, said that losses are a part of any combat scenario.

Later, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier termed Pakistan's accusations  that three Indian Dassault Rafales were reportedly shot down during Operation Sindoor  inaccurate and unfounded.

A French report quoted Trappier as saying that no Rafale was shot down in combat, but India had lost one jet due to technical failure, and probe into the incident is currently on.

What else did Trump say Trump reiterated that the US solved the conflict between India and Pakistan through trade.

You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that... But India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade, he said.
Delhi: In a chilling turn of events, the Delhi police arrested a woman and her cousin brother for allegedly killing the woman's husband by electrocution and sleeping pills, officials said on Saturday. The woman, Sushmita, reportedly also gave regular updates to her cousin Rahul, stating that her husband Karan wasn't dying despite consuming drug-laced food.

Sushmita told Rahul that she had given Karan drug-laced food, but he wasn't dying. She kept updating Rahul, and also mentioned electric shocks, the husband's mother told ANI.

What first appeared to be an unnatural death in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, later unfolded into a cold-blooded murder case.

How the incident came to light The Delhi Police said that on Sunday, July 13, a local hospital informed that a man named Karan died an unnatural death. Officers reached the location, and the body was moved to DDU Hospital for postmortem, despite initial resistance from Karans family.

Two days later, the case took a dark turn. Karans brother, Kunal, came across a conversation between Karans wife, Sushmita, and his cousin, Rahul. The chat revealed discussions about administering sleeping pills and electrocuting Karanallegations that led police to open a murder investigation, reported ANI.

Based on the evidence, the police investigated and a murder case was registered and Karan's wife Sushmita and Karan's uncle's son, Rahul, were arrested," ANI quoted DCP Dwarka Ankit Singh as saying.

Karan's mother Neeru said that her son, and daughter-in-law Sushmita lived in a different flat. On Sunday, she came and informed the family that Karan had been electrocuted.

The family then rushed to the flat and took him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. At that point, everyone assumed it was an accident, the mother said.

Woman confesses to killing her husband Karan's friend Gaurav said that after the husband's cremation, the family confronted Sushmita, where she confessed in front of all that she killed Karan because Rahul was blackmailing her.

He added that Rahul was also questioned separately and admitted to the murder.

'Learnt of relationship only after cremating son' Karan's mother Neeru also told ANI that she came to know of the alleged relationship between Sushmita and Rahul only after Karan's brother found the WhatsApp chats on the woman's cousin's phone.

Also Read | Calcutta HC scraps death penalty for three in grisly dismemberment case
A week after the arrest in the alleged rape case at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Calcutta, the Alipore Court on Saturday evening granted an interim bail to a second-year male student of the premier institute on a bail bond of 50,000, reported ANI.

The trial court, in its observation, said that the victim girl had not cooperated in the investigation.

The accused was arrested by the Kolkata Police and produced in court on 12 July for allegedly raping a young woman on 11 July.

According to the details, the complainant has skipped two appearances before the magistrate to record her statement and is incommunicado".

Despite the Kolkata Police trying to contact her since then for investigation purposes, her phone has been switched off.

The alleged victim  a psychological councillor  had earlier claimed in her complaint that she was called to the hostel for a counselling session.

But upon reaching to the hostel, she reportedly consumed a drink laced with drugs and fell unconscious. When she gained consciousness, she realised that she was raped.

In her complaint, the alleged victim even stated that she and the alleged accused had become acquainted through social media.

Victim's father denies charge: On 12 July, the alleged victim's father denied the claims and stated that his daughter was injured after falling from an auto-rickshaw, reported NDTV.

The IIM-C student's father said his daughter told him no sexual assault had occurred.

He even claimed that nobody misbehaved, or tortured his daughter. He also claimed that the student had no connection with the person arrested  Parmanand Jain.

Also Read | IIM Calcutta student rapes woman after drugging her with spiked pizza, drink

I have spoken to my daughter. She said no one tortured her or misbehaved with her. I have got back my daughter, she is normal. She has no connection with the man who has been arrested... I have not been able to speak to her at length. She is sleeping. I will talk to her after she wakes up... She had gone to submit a document, the student's father told NDTV.

SIT formed: On 13 July, the Kolkata Police formed a 9-member special investigation (SIT) to probe the matter and Parmanand Jain, was sent to 7-day police custody till July 19.

The DC Southwest Division has formed a 9-member special investigation team for the investigation into the case, ANI quoted Kolkata police as saying.

Police sought CCTV footage: On 15 July, the Kolkata Police sought the CCTV footage of 11 July of the entire campus of the IIM-Calcutta as part of the investigation.

In their probe, the police found discrepancies in victim's claims and wanted to ascertain which places of the institution the alleged victim had visited during her stay there on that day.

Apart from this, the investigators also wrote to the IIM Calcutta authorities seeking permission to question three of its students who were in touch with the accused after the crime, said the officer.

"We have sought the CCTV footage of July 11 of the entire campus. We need to see which places the survivor had gone inside the campus," PTI quoted the officer as saying.

Also Read | IIM Kolkata rape case: Mahaveer Toppannavar sent to police custody till 19 July

The officer also stated that the alleged victim is yet to give her consent to the medico-legal test in connection with their probe into the matter.

"She is in an incommunicado mode. We are trying to get in touch with her," he said.

"There are certain discrepancies in her claims about the duration of her stay at the campus of the IIM-Calcutta. That is the reason we need the CCTV footage to cross-check the time when she entered the campus, which place she visited, and what time she left," PTI quoted an officer of Haridevpur Police Station as saying.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has reportedly initiated a legal action through a formal notice to The Wall Street Journal and Reuters over their on reports on the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash. The organisation has also sought an official apology.

Later, FIP president Captain CS Randhawa accused the two foreign media outlets of not basing their reports on factual content while highlighting the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report on Air India-171 plane crash.

Also Read | Air India crash report speculative: US body on AAIB report

Randhawa strongly criticised the WSJ and Reuters and blamed them for "misleading" the public, alleging that their reports are not based on factual content, news agency ANI reported.

"I would totally blame the Wall Street Journal for misleading the public. They come out with their own conclusions. Are they the investigative body? They're talking all this crap around the world. They are not the investigative body, and the reports are not based on any factual content, which is mentioned in the preliminary report. So, how can they jump to conclusions and give press statements around the world?" he told ANI.

Captain Randhawa said that FIP has issued a legal notice asking them to issue a statement in the press, giving an explanation of their reportage of the AAIB preliminary reports.

Also Read | Air India Express flight to Phuket turns back to Hyderabad 16 min after takeoff

"We strongly condemn it, and we've also issued legal notices to the Wall Street Journal and Reuters. We have clearly said that how can you jump to these conclusions which are not part of the preliminary report of the AAIB? How can you blame the pilots? So we have asked for an explanation and have asked that you give a statement to the press." he said.

"And if they don't do it, then we'll see further action," he added.

Captain Randhawa also appreciated National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) statement, which rebuked recent media coverage made over the preliminary investigative report.

FIP President said NTSB statement will put all speculations and blaming of Indian pilots by Western Media to rest.

"We are happy that this report has come out from the NTSB chairman, as NTSB is also a part of the investigative committee in the AIIB. It is very, very heartening to know that they have issued this statement which will put all the Western media to rest, to carry out speculations and blaming Indian pilots," he said.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, in a statement, urged the public and media to await official findings by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is leading the probe into the crash incident, before drawing a conclusion based on the preliminary investigative report.

"Recent media reports on the Air India 171 crash are premature and speculative. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau just released its preliminary report. Investigations of this magnitude take time. We fully support the AAIB's public appeal, which was released Thursday, and will continue to support its ongoing investigation. All investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB," Homendy stated.
TUNIS, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The pile drilling operation of the Chinese-constructed Bizerte bridge project in northern Tunisia commenced on Friday.

During a ceremony marking the start of the process, Tunisian Minister of Equipment and Housing Slah Zouari praised the Chinese team's professionalism and efficiency, expressing optimism that the bridge would be of high quality with international influence under the background of China-Tunisia strategic cooperation.

Yu Yeqiang, the Bizerte bridge project general manager from China's Sichuan Road and Bridge (Group) Co., Ltd. (SRBG), said that leveraging Chinese technology and expertise gained from its past successful projects, the Chinese team has made thorough preliminary preparations to ensure the Bierte bridge construction meets high standards.

Yu added that the SRBG will make every effort to ensure the high-quality of the project, aiming to benefit the local community and contribute to Belt and Road cooperation.

The Tunisian Ministry of Equipment and Housing signed a contract with the SRBG for the construction of the Bizerte bridge in March 2024.

With a total length of 2,070 meters and a maximum span of nearly 300 meters, the bridge will play a crucial role in northern Tunisia's development upon after its completion. 
A vehicle in the convoy of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday overturned on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway near Mandya district on Saturday, reported ANI.

The report added that four police personnel were injured in the incident.

The officials added that Shivakumar was following the escort vehicle in his own car when the incident happened, but he was unharmed.

According to the details, the incident took place near Goudahalli-T.M. Hosur when the escort vehicle struck a divider and overturned while escorting DK Shivakumar. He was returning to Bengaluru after attending a Sadhana conference in Mysore.

The two personnel sustained minor injuries and were immediately shifted to a hospital in Mysore for treatment, the officials further said.

DK Shivakumar resumed his journey to Bengaluru later and no disruption was reported in his travel schedule.

Following the incident, both the police and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene and cleared the area to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on the expressway. A probe has been initiated into the incident.

Shah Rukh Khan injured: In another incident, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan met an accident while shooting intense action sequences for the upcoming film King at the Golden Tobacco studio in Mumbai, Bollywood Hungama reported.

Following this, he was rushed to US for urgent medical treatment and has been advised to take rest.

While exact details of the injury have been kept under wraps, Shah Rukh, along with his team, has travelled to the US for urgent medical attention. Its nothing serious, but more of a muscular injury, as Shah Rukh over the years has injured multiple muscles of his body while performing stunts, Bollywood Hungama quoted a source as saying.

In the accident, SRK reportedly suffered a muscular injury and is now in the US for treatment. According to sources familiar with the matter, the superstar will take one-month break from work before resuming shooting in September or October.
In a tragic incident, a 21-year-old Sharda University student in Greater Noida on Friday allegedly died by suicide over alleged mental harassment and negligence by the university staff, reported Hindustan Times.

The report added that the student also left behind a note pointing at deep personal anguish and allegations of harassment. In the note, reportedly written by the student, the victim accused two professors and the university administration of mental harassment.

The image of the note has been doing the rounds on social media, sparking nationwide outrage.

LiveMint couldn't independently establish the authenticity of the note.

Recovered from the victim's room, the note stated that she was mentally harassed and humiliated for a long time, which caused her distress. In the note, the victim mentioned she wanted the accused to face legal action.

"I want them to go behind bars. They mentally harassed me. They humiliated me. I have been under this stress for a long time. I want them to feel the same thing," Hindustan Times quoted the note as saying.

Allegations by kin: After the girl's death, the kin accused the university staff of mental harassment and negligence.

The family members of the victim alleged the faculty members falsely accused her of forging signatures, humiliated her in class, and threatened to fail her. All these allegations are now under police investigation.

The police have taken two university staff members into custody based on a written complaint filed by the student's family.

Also, another family member  who introduced himself as the victim's brother  alleged that her sister was harassed by the faculty members, which led her to take the extreme step.

"A week ago, a teacher blamed my sister for doing fake signatures of professors on her assignments. After which my father came to the university and talked to the administration, where he (father) was assured that his daughter would not be targeted. But despite that, tomorrow the teacher mocked her by saying that 'she is an expert in doing signatures' and also threatened her with failing her in exams," HT quoted the brother as saying.
| A 4-year-old girl was allegedly digitally raped by her school van driver in Lucknow. DCP (East) Shashank Singh says that an FIR has been registered and the accused driver, Mohd Arif, has been arrested, as reported by ANI.

As per the official press release, a case was registered against Mohd Arif, van driver and the Kidzee School Manager, Sandeep Kumar, under BNS Section 5(m)/6 of the POCSO Act, and Sections 3(2)(v) and 3(2) of the SC/ST Act.

What did the victim's mother say? The mother of the victim told ANI that the school had provided the van facility. My child complained of pain in her private parts... On examination, I found that she had suffered an injury. I complained to the principal, who said she would talk about it. When I took the child to the doctor, the doctor said that whatever the child had said was done to her and something was inserted in her private parts, she said.

She further noted that the school said that complaining would ruin the child's future and the school's reputation, after which they suggested of collectively complaining about the driver. I waited for two days but no action was taken by the school and the driver called again to pick the child for school. When we confronted him, he harassed us in front of the school and made casteist remarks. We were threatened with abduction, even the school also asked us not to complain. I have all the proof, she further noted.

What is digital rape? Digital rape involves the non-consensual insertion of fingers or toes into a persons private parts. The word digital refers to the digits of the hands or feet. This act is considered a grave form of sexual assault.

Unlike assaults that involve only external contact, digital rape constitutes internal penetration without consent, making it a highly invasive violation. Medical professionals and human rights organisations around the world are increasingly recognising digital rape as a serious infringement on bodily autonomy and human dignity.

What did the police say? East Lucknow DCP Shashank Singh told ANI, A complaint was registered in Indira Nagar police station on July 17th that the 4-year-old daughter of the complainant was subjected to misdeed by her school van driver Mohammad Arif... A case has been registered under the relevant sections and two teams have been deployed to review the incident. The driver has been arrested. The complainant also said that she also complained against the school management. Investigation is underway and action will be taken based on the investigation...

Press note by the UP police.

The accused allegedly engaged in obscene acts with the complainants minor daughter. Upon protest, he allegedly used caste-based slurs and issued threats to both the complainant and her daughter, according to the press note.
MUMBAI : After finishing a slew of meetings with institutional investors in road shows, JSW Cement has finalized plans to launch its 4,000-crore initial public offering (IPO) in the first week of August, two people with knowledge of the development said.

The company will file an updated red herring prospectus (RHP) with the market regulator by this month-end, the people added on the condition of anonymity. It had filed a draft RHP (DRHP) last August.

The companys cement capacity stands at more than 20 million tonnes, and based on feedback from investors and bankers, it is likely to target a valuation of around 18,000-20,000 crore," one of the persons cited above said.

Domestic and global investment banks such as JM Financial, Axis Capital, Jefferies India, Citigroup Global Markets India, DAM Capital, Goldman Sachs India, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, and SBI Caps have been mandated to help the company with the IPO raise.

As per the DRHP filed in August with market regulator Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India), JSW Cements IPO will see a combination of fresh issue and offer for sale or OFS. Half of the 4,000-crore target will be through issue of fresh shares. Another 2,000 crore is planned through the OFS component, in which existing investors AP Asia Opportunistic Holding, Synergy Metals, and SBI are likely to participate.

AP Asia Opportunistic Holdings Pte. Ltd and Synergy Metals Investments Holding Ltd are set to sell shares worth 937.5 crore each, while State Bank of India (SBI) plans to divest shares valued at 125 crore.

Emailed queries to JSW Cement did not elicit any response till press time.

Also Read | Indias IPO boom cools in 2025

The company has stated that it will use the fresh proceeds to fund a new integrated cement unit in Nagaur, Rajasthan, repay select borrowings, and also for general corporate purposes.

Having started operations in 2009, JSW Cement is Indias fastest-growing cement company by capacity addition. With 20 million tonnes (MT) of capacity, it currently ranks among the top 10 cement manufacturers in the country in terms of installed capacity.

Its existing facilities are located in Vijayanagar (Karnataka), Nandyal (Andhra Pradesh), Salboni (West Bengal), Jajpur (Odisha), and Dolvi (Maharashtra). Additionally, it operates a clinker unit in Odisha through its subsidiary Shiva Cement.

JSW Cement is part of the Sajjan Jindal-promoted JSW Group, which has businesses ranging from steel, energy, infrastructure, defence to automotive, e-commerce, realty, paints and sports.

JSW Cements consolidated revenues stood at 6,114.59 crore as on 31 March 2024, up from 5,982.20 crore in FY23, according to data from its DRHP. However, its profit after tax fell to 62 crore from 104.03 crore over the same period.

The Indian cement market is the second-largest globally and is experiencing significant growth, driven by infrastructure development and urbanization.

The market is projected to reach 5.99 billion tonnes by FY32, exhibiting a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 4.7% during FY24-FY32, according to Indian Brand Equity Foundation or IBEF. Key players include UltraTech Cement, Ambuja Cements, ACC, and JSW Cement, among others.
A Belgian mans 472-mile (760 kilometers) journey to France in hopes of meeting his future wife ended in an awkward and startling encounter with her actual husband, in what appears to be a case of online romance fraud, according to Fox News.

The man, identified only as Michel, believed he had been speaking with French model Sophie Vouzelaud online. Convinced they were in a relationship, he drove from Belgium to her homeonly to be greeted by her husband, 38-year-old Fabien Boutamine.

The tense moment was partly captured on video by Boutamine, who later posted the footage online. "I have to film because there's a guy who just rang my doorbell, and he says 'I'm the future husband of Sophie Vouzelaud'," Boutamine said in the clip. Well, I'm the current one. There's going to be a confrontation.

What followed was an uncomfortable exchange, with Michel insisting on his version of events, while Boutamine attempted to understand the misunderstanding.

Vouzelaud, who was first runner-up in Miss France 2007, later shared the video on Instagram. In a caption written in French, she said, when translated: I feel so sorry for this man... Beware of fake accounts. I'm sharing this video to show it's real and to urge everyone to stay vigilant. Take care of yourselves.

Faced with clear evidence that he had been misled, Michel eventually admitted that something might indeed be wrong with what he believed.

"I think she played a dirty trick on me," he could be heard saying.

"My wife, no, it's the fake accounts," Boutamine responded. "You have to be very careful."
Aggregators cab drivers from Ola, Uber have called-off their three-day long strike in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and other cities. Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) President Prashant Sawardekar warned to resume protest if the government doesn't provide solutions and fulfill demands, HT reported.

IFAT, one of the 14 biggest unions which took part in the strike that faded away, has requested drivers to come back to their jobs.

While a portion of the drivers and unions supported extending the protest, most were worried about the effect on their income and preferred to allow the state government some time to respond to their demands.

Officials from the Maharashtra's transport department also conducted a discussion with the unions on Friday, urging them to pull out of the protest.

Numerous meetings were held at Azad Maidan and terminal one of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA, the protest spots, to determine the next steps.

Also Read | Ola rolls out no-commission model for cabs

We informed the driver unions that we are positively working towards implementing the policy for app-based cabs soon. We are also taking action against bike taxis plying on roads illegally, HT quoted Bharat Kalaskar, additional transport commissioner, transport department, as saying.

The strike, which was supposed to be for one day, later got stretched for an indefinite time.

Cab drivers' demands Immediate enforcement of the aggregator cab policy 2. Fare equality with kaali peeli taxis

3. Prohibition of app-based bikes and autos

4. Withdrawal of the toll-free complaint number 1800 220 110 introduced on Thursday, which allows customers to report ride refusals

Additionally, according to HT, drivers have conveyed apprehensions about financial hardships, especially following the recent reported suicide of an app-based cab driver in Nallasopara.

Considering the overall situation, we told drivers to resume plying their cabs for now as their families are suffering. We will wait for the state government to revert on our demands. We will also be meeting them. If the government fails to come up with solutions and meet our demands, we will restart our protest, Sawardekar mentioned.

Anand Kute, organising secretary of Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh, one of the active unions said that fare parity with regular taxis was one of the key demands of drivers demonstrating there. He added, Drivers of app-based cabs earn barely 8-12 per kilometre, of which 20-30% goes to the aggregator and the government too levies taxes. This leaves them with barely any money."
Andy Byron, CEO of DataOps firm Astronomer, has resigned following a viral scandal involving the companys head of HR, Kristin Cabot.

The moment in question  captured on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert  prompted swift public reaction and internal scrutiny, ultimately leading to Byrons departure.

The company confirmed the resignation in an official statement released on Saturday. The statement is as follows:

"As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.

Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted. The Board will begin a search for our next Chief Executive as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.

Before this week, we were known as a pioneer in the DataOps space, helping data teams power everything from modern analytics to production AI.

While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not.

Were continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems."

What Happened Earlier this Week? The now-infamous incident occurred earlier this week at a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Byron was seen on a stadium kiss cam embracing Cabot from behind. The clip quickly circulated on social media, fuelling speculation of a romantic relationship between the two executives.

Further scrutiny followed when it emerged that both individuals are married: Byron to Megan Kerrigan, and Cabot to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum.

In the immediate aftermath, both Byron and Cabot were placed on administrative leave. Astronomer responded publicly, underscoring its commitment to company values and accountability:

Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter, and we will have additional details to share very shortly.

Despite the high-profile nature of the controversy, Astronomer reiterated its ongoing commitment to clients and innovation.
In a formal request to a federal judge seeking the unsealing of grand jury transcripts from the 2019 investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender and had longstanding ties to Donald Trump, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi refers to the case as a matter of public concern.

According to a report by The Guardian, the motion, submitted Friday in a Manhattan federal court by Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, previously Trumps personal attorney, stated that the move was spurred by the public reaction to the Justice Departments July 6 memo.

That memo detailed an exhaustive review undertaken of investigative holdings relating to Jeffrey Epstein, conducted with the FBI, aiming to assess whether any basis existed that could predicate an investigation into uncharged third parties.

On Friday, Justice Department attorneys filed motions with two judges in Manhattan, where separate prosecutions were conducted against Epstein and his former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

It remains uncertain whether the courts will approve the Trump administrations request to unseal grand jury transcripts from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, or if the move will appease critics including some of President Donald Trumps own Republican allies who continue to call for greater transparency in the case.

Grand jury proceedings are traditionally kept confidential, and judges may take time before issuing a decision. Both Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have faced mounting criticism from within their own party, particularly over demands for more information about Epsteins activities, including a rumored client list.

While the Justice Department said the privacy interests at stake in the case are substantially diminished due to Epsteins death, it said it will work with prosecutors to ensure any information identifying victims is redacted. The department also is seeking the release of the transcripts in the case against Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of participating in Epsteins sex crimes, because of intense public scrutiny, even though she has appealed her conviction to the US Supreme Court, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida charges, including procurement of minors to engage in prostitution. He died in a Manhattan jail in 2019 as he was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls. Both a medical examiner and an investigation by the FBI determined that Epstein died by suicide.
At least 30 people were injured, and three in critical condition, after a vehicle rammed into a crowd waiting to enter a nightclub along a busy boulevard in Los Angeles on Saturday.

According to an AP report, which quoted Capt. Adam Van Gerpen, public information officer for the Los Angeles City Fire Department, victims were transported to local hospitals and trauma centres. The Fire Department said in a statement that the incident happened along Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood.

Van Gerpen told ABC that a line of people  the majority female  were waiting to enter a nightclub when they were struck by a vehicle that also hit a taco truck and valet stand.

Gunshot wound found on one patient Paramedics discovered that one of the patients had a gunshot wound, Van Gerpen said. This is under police investigation, he said. This will be a large investigation with the LAPD.

Authorities gave no immediate details on the cause of the incident or the identity of the driver, a Reuters report said.

People inside the club came out to help in the minutes before emergency crews arrived, he said, to help the victims.

Also Read | Trump administration orders release of 2000 National Guard troops in LA

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They were all standing in line going into a nightclub. There was a taco cart out there, so they were ... getting some food, waiting to go in. And theres also a valet line there, he said. The valet podium was taken out, the taco truck was taken out, and then a large number of people were impacted by the vehicle.

Kin await news of injured family members A phone message left with the club, Vermont Hollywood, was not immediately returned. The club was hosting a reggae/hip hop event from 10 pm to 2 am (local time), according to its online calendar, the AP report said.

Francisco Mendez arrived at the scene half an hour after the incident after hearing that his sister-in-law and her husband had been injured.

The couple had been working at a hot dog stand outside the club when the car drove into the crowd, Mendez said.
Amid the Israel-Hamas war, the Israeli troops on Saturday opened fire toward crowds of Palestinians seeking food from distribution hubs run by a US-Israeli-backed group and 16 people were killed, PTI quoted witnesses and hospital officials as saying.

The incidents took place near hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, added health officials.

In May 2024, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched operations with backing from the US and Israel.

The United States and Israel governments are seeking to replace the traditional UN-led aid distribution system in Gaza, saying that Hamas militants siphon off supplies, which the UN denies.

While the GHF says it has distributed millions of meals to hungry Palestinians, local health officials and witnesses say that hundreds of people have been killed by Israeli army fire as they try to reach the distribution hubs.

The Israeli Army  not at the sites but secures them from a distance  has said that it only fires warning shots if crowds get too close to its forces.

On the other hand, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said there have been no deadly shootings at its sites, though this week. But 20 people were killed at one of its locations, most of them in a stampede.

The GHF accused Hamas agitators of causing a panic, but gave no evidence to back the claim. The army and GHF did not immediately comment on Saturday's violence.

Deaths in Gaza: The report said that the most of the deaths took place as Palestinians massed in the Teina area, around three kilometres away from a GHF aid distribution centre east of the city of Khan Younis.

The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said it received 25 bodies, along with dozens wounded. Seven other people, including one woman, were killed in the Shakoush area, hundreds of metres north of another GHF hub in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, the hospital said. The toll was also confirmed by the health ministry.
DOHA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a declaration of principles with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group here on Saturday to end the conflict in the country's eastern region.

After months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, the declaration lays out a framework of core principles agreed upon by both parties and sets the foundation for continued talks aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace deal.

"The agreement outlines the key principles both parties have committed to," said Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatari minister of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the signing ceremony.

Qatar remains committed to pushing forward negotiations following the declaration in efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement that brings peace, development and stability to the DRC people, said the minister.

According to the document, both sides have agreed to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, within the existing peace framework endorsed by the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU).

The declaration outlines a commitment to a permanent ceasefire and prohibits any attempt to seize new positions by force. It calls for the creation of an oversight and verification mechanism to ensure the ceasefire is properly implemented and applies to all armed forces involved in the conflict.

The two sides also agreed to work with the International Committee of the Red Cross to arrange the release of prisoners or detainees of concern, in line with Congolese law. In addition, both parties pledged to facilitate the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their places or countries of origin.

The declaration concludes with a joint commitment to pursue further negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement "in a spirit of responsibility and cooperation," the text read.

"This declaration takes into account the red lines we have always defended, particularly the non-negotiable withdrawal of the M23 from the occupied areas, to be followed by the deployment of our state institutions," said DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.

He added that the document paves the way for a comprehensive peace agreement to be concluded in the coming days.

The declaration "is not about a withdrawal, but rather about mechanisms for empowering the State to enable it to fulfill its prerogatives and obligations", said M23 political leader Bertrand Bisimwa in a post on X.

Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described the signing of the declaration as "a major milestone" in ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace, security and stability to eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.

A fifth round of peace talks between the DRC government and the M23 recently began in Doha under Qatari mediation. In April, Kinshasa and the M23 announced a joint commitment to a ceasefire and a broader peace process, though little progress has been seen on the ground.

On Thursday, the M23 warned of a possible resumption of hostilities, accusing the DRC Armed Forces of a large-scale military buildup along multiple front lines, despite ongoing negotiations in Doha.

Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for decades. Violence escalated sharply following the resurgence of the M23 in late 2021. 
Pakistan on Friday claimed that it "dismantled" the terrorist network and any effort to link the Pahalgam terror attack with the defunct Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) was against the reality.

The Foreign Office made the remarks in a statement, a day after the US designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror outfit LeT, as a "foreign terrorist organisation" and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for its involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

"Pakistan has effectively and comprehensively dismantled concerned outfits, arrested and prosecuted the leadership, and deradicalised its cadres, the statement said.

Investigation still inconclusive Stating that the investigation into the Pahalgam attack is "still inconclusive," it said, "any linkage with LeT, a defunct organisation banned in Pakistan, belies ground realities".

The statement said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations, has zero tolerance against terrorism, and it is the cornerstone of its policy to cooperate internationally against terrorism.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said that Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for flights operated by Indian airlines by another month, till August 24.

No aircraft operated by Indian airlines, or military and civilian flights that are Indian-owned or leased, will be allowed to use Pakistani airspace, according to a NOTAM (notice to airmen) that came into effect at 3:50 pm India time on Friday.

The ban will remain in place till August 24 at 5:19 am (India time), the PAA said.

India has extended its ailiverspace ban on all Pakistani aircraft until July 24, a measure initially imposed on April 30 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which left 26 people dead. In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 24.

The tit-for-tat restrictions have been renewed several times by both countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake an important two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, aimed at strengthening Indias diplomatic and economic relationships, according to a report by India Today.

PM Modi's visit to UK The first stop on his trip will be the UK from July 23 to 24, where he is expected to finalise the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The agreement seeks to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030, according to media reports.

As the worlds fifth and sixth-largest economies, India and the UK are finalising the deal after three years of intermittent negotiations. Following the signing, the Free Trade Agreement must be ratified by the British Parliament and approved by Indias Cabinet before it comes into force. Full implementation is expected to take roughly a year from the signing date.

PM Modi's Maldives visit On July 25-26, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Maldives, where he will serve as the Chief Guest at the countrys 60th National Day celebrations, according to the report.

This visit is particularly significant as it marks the first under President Mohamed Muizzu's administration, following recent tensions in India-Maldives relations sparked by the "India Out" campaign.

In October 2024, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu visited India and emphasised that the relationship between Male and New Delhi is built on respect and shared interests and that Delhi has been, and is, one of the archipelago's largest trade and development partners, a national English daily reported.

PM Modi's visit is anticipated to help reset and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives.

Earlier in May, India signed 13 MoUs with the Maldives for enhancing ferry services in the island nation with an MVR 100 million grant, expanding maritime connectivity and uplifting community livelihoods.

Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a special place in SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and Indias Neighbourhood First Policy.

Earlier in January, the defence minister also emphasised that the Maldives holds a special position under India's Neighbourhood First Policy. Rajnath Singh said, The Maldives occupied a special place under Neighbourhood's First Policy of India, which aimed to bring stability and prosperity to the Indian Ocean region.
A tourist boat carrying 53 people capsized on Saturday in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, following which at least 34 people have died and eight remain missing, AP reported citing state media.

11 people were saved by the rescue workers, the local newspaper VNExpress said. The news agency quoted Quang Ninh provincial authorities, who said that the Wonder Sea cruise boat overturned around 1:45 p.m. near Dau Go Cave.

They added that there were 48 tourists on board along with 5 crew members, including many families with children.

The report added that the authorities have rescued saved 12 people, while 23people remain missing.

Citing the reason for the boat capsize, the authorities said that the boat turned upside down because of strong winds.

Apart from this, Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said the ongoing rains in northern Vietnam were not due to the impacts of the approaching Storm Wipha from the South China Sea.

Also Read | Vietnam will ban fossil-fuel motorcycles from central Hanoi over pollution concerns

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued an urgent dispatch following the capsizing of the Vinh Xanh 58 tourist service boat. He instructed the Ministry of National Defence, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security and other relevant ministries, agencies, and local authorities, to mobilise all available personnel and resources operating near the area to carry out search and rescue operations as swiftly and effectively as possible, added Vietnamplus.

As per the details, the Ha Long Bay spans over 1,500 square kilometers and dotted with nearly 2,000 islands. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws millions of international and domestic visitors each year, reported VNExpress.

Earlier in 2024, 30 vessels sank at boat lock areas in coastal Quang Ninh province along Ha Long Bay after being pounded by strong wind and waves brought by deadly Typhoon Yagi.
The 30 June explosion, which ripped through Sigachi Industries Ltds pharmaceutical plant in Hyderabad, has left the already bruised reputation of Indias pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in tatters.

The blastwhich claimed the lives of 44 workers and critically injured 33 more, with eight officially listed as missing"has once again put the spotlight on shortcomings in occupational safety and GMP (good manufacturing practice) compliance in Indias pharmaceutical sector.

The industrial accident also exposes the huge gaps in regulatory oversight and enforcement.

That can have disastrous consequences because this not only endangers the lives of the workers, but also the lives of residents living near such plants. Besides, poor-quality medicines and formulations pose a serious threat to patient safety and could damage the reputation of Indias $65 billion pharmaceutical market.

The Sigachi disaster

The Sigachi blast is the worst industrial accident in Indian pharma manufacturing in terms of the number of casualties.

The unit had not put up the mandatory green board", which is supposed to list potentially hazardous material and processes used in the plant, so that emergency services know what they have to deal with, The Hindu reported on 6 July.

These details are also supposed to be filed with the fire department, which also wasnt done. And clearly no one bothered to even check.

Further, an FIR filed by the family member of a deceased worker claimed that workers had raised concerns about the safety of the equipmentwhich was allegedly old. Periodic safety inspections of the unitif they were carried outshould have noted this, if this was indeed the case.

A commission of inquiry has been appointed to investigate the accident. But the point is that poor attention to safety and quality is putting at risk Indias claim to be the pharmaceutical capital of the worldit's the worlds third-largest pharmaceuticals exporter.

More importantly, the sectorthe fifth-largest contributor to the country's manufacturing gross value addedaccounts for a fifth of the worlds generic formulations output and three-fifths of global vaccine production. This thriving market is now at risk due to repeated cases of India-made drugs failing to pass regulatory quality control.

Chequered track record

In May 2024, Indias apex drug control authority, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), put out a list of 50 formulations, used to treat widely prevalent issues ranging from fever to diabetes, which were found to be substandard. Thats a pretty routine occurrence.

In May 2025, the CDSCOs alert listed 128 formulations as being not of standard quality, while two more were found to be fake. Mind you, only around 3 % of samples are tested, because the state drug control laboratories are severely underfunded, understaffed, and underequipped.

In fact, overseas regulators, particularly the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) have been far more diligent in inspections and evaluations, although the FDAs actions are confined only to those units that manufacture drugs exported to the US. But that is not an inconsiderable number. India has the largest number of USFDA-approved plants worldwide, excluding the US, at 499. The US has 530 such plants, while Europe has 416.

A June 2025 analysis by CARE Ratings found the same troubling issues, which have dogged Indian pharma manufacturing over the years. According to the report, between 2022 and 2025, 33 warning letters were issued to Indian pharma companies.

The main reasons included failure to maintain quality and purity (24%), lack of data documentation and rigour (21%),, and unsanitary/unhygienic conditions at the facilities. There were also multiple incidents of regulatory non-compliance, including failure to properly test raw material and failure to use globally validated analytical methods.

Perhaps, the most sensational case was of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, which admitted to seven felony counts, including selling adulterated drugs, not reporting that its drugs failed to meet standards, and intentionally lying to the authorities. Ranbaxy, then Indias largest generics manufacturer, was forced to pay $500 million in fines and eventually was forced to sell out to a Japanese pharma company.

A national priority

Nearly two decades on, similar incidents are cropping up with alarming regularity, pointing to systemic failures that need to be addressed with urgency. These include a chronically under-resourced regulatory system, lack of adequate infrastructure and technical knowledge among regulators, endemic corruption, and weak enforcement of existing rules and laws.

Also Read | India seeks financial details of pharmaceutical marketing practices

Part of the problem stems from the industry's fragmented nature. Due to policy and licensing issues, most of Indias 10,000-odd pharma manufacturing plants fall in the MSME space. They lack the capital to adequately invest in technology, GMP compliance, and worker training. Most of the workers killed in the Sigachi incident, for instance, were poor migrant workers from Bihar.

India needs to urgently address these systemic issuesparticularly in view of Chinas strides in this sectorif it is not to lose its preeminent place in the global pharma sector. It must be a national priority where both states and the Centre work in tandem to adequately support the regulatory structurein terms of money, human, and technical resources.
Former separatist leader Bilal Gani Lone has called the Hurriyat Conference irrelevant, asserting the alliance to be non-functional, and condemned Pakistan for causing fissures in Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged the younger generation to accept the reality that India is too big a power and advised them not to see the country through the lens of political parties but to see India as India and try to find a space for themselves, PTI reported.

Hurriyat is no more relevant as on date. Hurriyat functional bhi nahi hai (Hurriyat is not even functional), Lone told PTI Videos. Let's be honest about it... when you talk about Hurriyat as of date, it's not present anywhere in Kashmir," he added.

He said the present generation has to be told the truth about the last 35 years as they have "no other option" but to enter this new political sphere because "the politics of exploitation has to stop".

He made an appeal to the people, urging them to look at India not through the lens of political parties like the BJP or Congress, but to "

Why did the Hurriyat lose trust? Lone recognised that people had earlier trusted the Hurriyat, but now the reality has changed. Hurriyat Conference has lost relevance because we could not act, he said. So the concept of Hurriyat may have been good at that time... but when we visualise Hurriyat today, it is non-functional and somewhere, Hurriyat has faltered, no doubt about that, he added.

Criticising Pakistan, the ex-separatist leader said, Pakistan should help Kashmir in soothing things here, rather than creating fissures out here."

Also Read | Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian airlines until August 24

Shift in approach While urging for a shift in approach, Lone said, We need to come out of this mess, whether it is with or without Pakistan, we have to come out of this.

The Hurriyat Conference had got a lot of opportunities, we faltered somewhere. And we could have got something for our people, but we couldn't. That's the reality, let's be honest about it," he added while highlighting the failures of the separatist movement.

On joining mainstream politics Lone stated that his choice to enter mainstream politics was motivated not by ambition but by a personal belief in engaging in a genuine political process."

Speaking about his journey, Lone said, I have no regrets being on the other side of the fence, but the only regret, which is a very big one, is that we could not do anything. Much could have been done, but we could not..dair aaye durust aaye (better late than never).

Lone said that he is not competing for any roles such as chief minister or MLA. I think I need to pay it back. So for me, it is a payback time, he added.

The new political narrative must focus on youth, according to Lone. We have to talk about their future, which includes their education, health facilities, and prospects of setting up business, he said.

Lone further said that the next generation has suffered the most as a result of the violence caused by the conflict. Violence has given us nothing. Violence ne yahan par barbaadi hi laayi hai (violence has only brought destruction here), he said, it has "finished generations.
Amid the ongoing Marathi language debate, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey responded to MNS Chief Raj Thackeray's remarks on Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge."

Nishikant Dubey, in a post on X, asked, I taught Raj Thackeray Hindi?

Dubey's remarks come after Thackeray affirmed that he will not compromise on issues concerning the Marathi language and the people of Maharashtra. Additionally, he stated that residents of Maharashtra should learn Marathi as soon as possible.

I will not make any compromises over Marathi and the people of Maharashtra. Those who live in Maharashtra, to them I would like to say learn Marathi as soon as possible, wherever you go, speak Marathi. In Karnataka, they fight for their language. Even a rickshaw puller knows that the Government is standing behind him over language, ANI quoted Thackeray while he was addressing a gathering in Mumbai.

Also Read | BJP MP Nishikant Dubey again targets Raj Thackeray amid Marathi language row

Similarly, you be like a pillar and speak in Marathi only. This is what I have come to request all of you, he added.

He even criticised the state government over the language policy and said, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had said that they would make Hindi language compulsory (in schools)... Maharashtra CM is fighting for Hindi. Marathi should be made mandatory in all schools. But instead, you are speaking about making Hindi mandatory.

Prior to Thackeray's remarks, Nishikant Dubey called out the incidents of violence against Hindi speakers in Maharashtra following the Maharashtra government's decision on the three-language policy, which was subsequently withdrawn.

"They beat up those who are Hindi language speakers...Even today, only 31-32% Marathi speakers live in Mumbai...I accept that Maharashtra has a huge contribution to the economy, I have huge respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Dubey told ANI.
Bangladesh is currently facing deep political unrest, with many expressing deep concerns over ongoing violence and hardship, especially for minorities of the country.

Bangladeshi nationals arriving at the Indo-Bangladesh border in Jalpaiguri district are urging for peace and political stability, with some explicitly calling for the return of former Prime Minister Sheik Hasina, ANI reported.

Calls for Sheik Hasinas return Several individuals have highlighted the deteriorating conditions in Bangladesh. Premananda Roy, a resident of Panchagarh district in Bangladesh, stated, The situation in Bangladesh is not good. Every day we are receiving reports of violence from different parts of the country. We stand firmly in favour of peace. But peace is yet to return.

Despite everything, a large section of the people still demand the return of Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh needs her leadership now more than ever, he added.

Also Read | Satyajit Ray had no link to Mymensingh property, confirms Bangladesh

Echoing similar views, Sapna Rani Saha, who came from the Nilphamari district to India for medical treatment, said, "There are reports of violence in several parts of Bangladesh. But fortunately, our area remains largely peaceful. Peace is crucial for both our nations. Earlier, we never faced such issues. But now I am experiencing many difficulties at the International Check Post (ICP). Despite being from a doctor's family, we often had to visit India for better medical treatment.

Speaking of the former Prime Minister, she added, We still want to support Sheikh Hasina, but it's true she has made some mistakes and now she is paying for that."

Mixed opinions on the severity of the crisis While many expressed an alarming situation over the growing unrest, others downplayed the situation.

"I have come here from Bangladesh. The situation in Bangladesh is not that bad. In my country, there are few issues ongoing regarding politics. It has been going on since the year 1971 and is still going on. I guess this will continue. KK Sharma, a resident of Thakurgaon district.

Our interim government is also running the country well," he added.

Reports of violence in Gopalganj district Despite the differing views, reports from areas such as Gopalganj of Bangladesh indicate several deaths amid rising tensions, particularly targeting the minority communities.

At least four people were killed and dozens injured in violent clashes between law enforcement personnel and Awami League (AL) supporters in Gopalganj on Wednesday.

The violence erupted in the wake of a pre-scheduled National Citizen Party (NCP) rally at Poura Park in Gopalganj town, which was opposed by AL supporters despite a recent government ban on all political activities of the Awami League.

Governments response In response to the violence, the Interim Government of Bangladesh has established a committee to investigate the acts of violence and deaths that occurred in Gopalganj on July 16, ANI reported.

The dedicated committee will be chaired by Nasimul Ghani, who currently serves as the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and includes two additional secretaries, one from the Ministry of Public Administration and another from the Ministry of Law and Justice.

This committee has been mandated to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit its findings within two weeks to the Chief Adviser's Office, the news agency said.
In a sarcastic jibe aimed at the Bihar Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh's Energy and Urban Development Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma on Saturday said electricity in Bihar will be free only when it will be supplied.

The UP minister was commenting on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's announcement that free electricity will be provided up to 125 units in the state. Electricity is free in Bihar but it will be free only when it will be supplied... na bijli ayegi na bill ayega... free ho gayi. Hum bijli de rhe hain," news agency PTI quoted Sharma as saying.

Bihar govt announces 125 units of free electricity The Bihar Cabinet on Friday cleared a proposal for providing 125 units of electricity free of cost every month to domestic consumers across the state starting August 1.

The cabinet cleared the proposal of the energy department during a meeting in Patna chaired by CM Nitish Kumar.

The state government will pay additional 3,797 crore on electricity consumption to the Bihar State Power Holding Corporation Ltd for the purpose, a statement issued by the states Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) said.

The Bihar government will also provide financial assistance for installing 1.1-KW capacity solar power plants on rooftops to domestic consumers, it said.

Also Read | Bihar news: Health department retired official Dr Tapeshwar shot in Gaya

Also Read | NDA vs NDA twist in Bihar Election? JDU may face hurdle from THIS ally in polls

Kumar had on July 17 announced that all domestic consumers across the state will receive up to 125 units of electricity free of cost every month starting August 1. The decision is expected to benefit nearly 1.67 crore families in the state.

Slew of welfare initiatives in poll-bound Bihar CM Kumar said that the government has also decided to install solar power plants on the rooftops or in the nearby public places of domestic consumers in the next three years.

"We have also decided that in the next three years, with the consent of all these domestic consumers, solar power plants will be installed on their rooftops or at nearby public places to provide benefits," the CM said.

Kumar further stated that the state government will fully cover the cost of installing solar power systems for extremely poor families, while others will receive suitable financial assistance under the Kutir Jyoti scheme.

He stated that the state could have up to 10,000 megawatts of solar energy available within the next three years.

The announcements came as a move to woo voters ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
Trinamool Congress party (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra took a sharp jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for invoking Goddess Kali while addressing a rally in West Bengal's Durgapur on Friday, calling his attempt to woo Bengali voters a bit late," and that the Goddess does not eat dhoklas.

On Friday, PM Modi began his speech at the Durgapur rally by greeting the crowd in Bengali, saying Jai Maa Kali, Jai Maa Durga.

Reacting to the same, Mahua Moitra posted on X: "Bit late in the day to start invoking Maa Kali for Bengali votes PM Modi. She doesn't eat dhoklas and never will."

Mahua Moitra's post on X

PM Modi targets TMC in Bengal rally During the Bengal rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched a scathing attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing the state government of fostering an environment of lawlessness in the state.

While addressing the rally in Durgapur, PM Modi cited riots, goonda tax and police bias for low investor confidence in Bengal.

PM Modi also claimed that the TMC tried to shield culprits, in the brutal RG Kar rape, murder case, which sent shockwaves throughout Bengal.

Also Read | Disgusting, Mahua Moitra slams TMC colleagues over gangrape comment

The Prime Minister also claimed: Wherever there is BJP government, Bengalis are respected.

She does not eat dhoklas Most Kali temples in Bengal traditionally offer meat and other non-vegetarian items as part of the goddesss bhog or 'prasad'.

The popular Gujarati snack  now a political metaphor in Mahua Moitras latest swipe  ties into the MP's past criticisms of the BJP for allegedly policing food habits.

The TMC party member had used the 'dhokla' jab earlier this year after a video went viral showing some men threatening shop owners in a fish market in Delhi's Chittaranjan Park because of it being located next to a Kali temple. Sharing the video, Moitra claimed that the men were associated with the BJP.

Also Read | Bihar Voter List Revision row: Mahua Moita alleges EC to target Bengal next

In 2022, Mahua Moitra had sparked a political firestorm when she described Goddess Kali as a meat-eating and alcohol-accepting deity  a remark that triggered nationwide outrage and led to an FIR being filed against her.
DOHA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a declaration of principles with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group here on Saturday to end the conflict in the country's eastern region.

After months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, the declaration lays out a framework of core principles agreed upon by both parties and sets the foundation for continued talks aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace deal.

"The agreement outlines the key principles both parties have committed to," said Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatari minister of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the signing ceremony.

Qatar remains committed to pushing forward negotiations following the declaration in efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement that brings peace, development and stability to the DRC people, said the minister.

Security conditions in the eastern DRC have deteriorated since January, amid a resurgence of fighting involving M23 rebels.

The group has taken control of several key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and worsening an already dire humanitarian emergency. 
Journalists report on many types of stories. But once in a while, a story hits close to home. This week, Mint investigated three shocking cases of digital fraud that led to over 23 crore being stolen.

Weve all heard of digital arrest scams. Some of us, unfortunately, have even been targeted. One case stood outa high-ranking corporate executive with global degrees and razor-sharp street smarts, who lost more than 6 crore to scam callers.

The obvious question washow could this happen? That question led us to Bhondsi, on the fringes of Gurgaon, where investigators were piecing together a maze of shell bank accountssome linked to students, others to people who had no idea the accounts even existed.

This week, a Mint investigation takes you inside the courtroom of Indias top consumer grievance authority, which has just received its first responses from the countrys two largest private banks. At the heart of the case is a critical question: is Indias banking and financial system failing to protect ordinary citizens? The outcome could have far-reaching implicationswell beyond what we can imagine today. Read the full story here.

The business of birth

In another corner of corporate India, venture capitalists (VCs) are turning their attention to a booming new sector: fertility clinics. Across parts of the National Capital Region, neon signs and aggressive sales pitches from a growing number of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinics are hard to missall promising to help you start a family.

On 18 July, Mint's Sowmya Ramasubramanian and Jessica Jani reported on this rising trend. But theres more to itinvestors are now betting big on the sector. Startups are seizing the moment, layering their offerings with tech buzzwords and even pitching at-home, DIY-friendly solutions. Given the social stigma and pressure surrounding infertility in India, theres a large market waiting to be tappedand venture capital is flowing in fast.

Catch Mints deep dive on how IVF startups have become a hot favourite for VCs.

Our great gig in the sky

From IVF clinics to outer space, the leap might seem vastbut Indias startups are making serious strides in both.

Earlier this week, Mint reported on a fast-growing niche for Indian space startups: offering surveillance technologies to the world. And it turns out, were good at it. Consider Ananth Technologies, a long-time partner of ISRO. Led by former ISRO engineer Subba Rao Pavuluri, the company runs three satellite manufacturing units across Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram. Alongside fulfilling domestic demand, Ananth is now building surveillance satellites for clients in West Asia, Europe, Africaand even Australia.

This momentum has drawn a new generation of startups into the space race. Digantara, led by Anirudh Sharma, is setting up its own satellite assembly line. Bellatrix Aerospace is pivoting from green propulsion to building full-scale surveillance satellites. And GalaxEye, founded by Suyash Singh, is preparing to launch Drishti, a satellite aimed at offering Maxar-style space-based intelligence to global customers.

In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and digital borders, surveillance satellites are no longer just defence toolsthey're strategic assets. And Indias space startups are positioning themselves right at the centre of that opportunity.

Intrigued? Heres the full saga.

Indias $280-billion headache

Most of us know someone who works at TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, or one of their many peers. At the turn of the millennium, these firms were the places to behiring at breakneck speed as India cemented its role as the worlds back office.

Over time, they became indispensable to the smooth functioning of everything from insurance to infrastructure. And yet, you might never know how deeply embedded they are. For instance, health insurer Niva Bupa has relied on Genpact to keep its backend running seamlessly for nearly two decades.

But last week brought troubling signs. As five of Indias six top IT services companies posted their quarterly results, most offered little cheer on growthexcept HCLTech.

Why does this matter? Because the $280-billion IT services sector employs over 6 million people, and for years, has absorbed the bulk of Indias 1.5 million annual engineering graduates.

With the industry now facing one of its steepest slowdowns in years, theres growing concern about job cuts. The rise of AI, analysts say, is only adding to the uncertainty.

Read Mint contributor Shelley Singhs take on what this slowdown could mean.

And in other news

Tesla has finally arrived in India, with a compact showroom in Mumbais upscale Bandra-Kurla Complex. Its kicking off sales with the Model Yan SUV by the companys classificationpriced from 60 lakh. You can also opt for the full self-drive mode for an additional 6 lakh. The catch? Theres still no clear answer on where youd actually use that feature on Indian roads.

If that feels a bit steep, theres good news for tech enthusiasts: Airtel has partnered with Silicon Valley AI startup Perplexity to offer its 'Pro' tier free to its 360 million users. Havent tried it yet? Nows a good time. At the very least, it might just make AI feel a little less daunting.

Transformer by Mint is a weekly newsletter that curates the most important developments from Indias technology landscape. Each edition tracks how innovation is reshaping the economy, businesses, and everyday lifediving deep into the trends, ideas, and players driving this transformation.
Elon Musk-led xAI has recently started offering a new AI companion called Ani, a sexualised anime character available to users even when the app is in Kids Mode. Musk, however, appears unbothered by the controversy, promoting the bot on his X account with the caption, Ani will make ur buffer overflow.

Ani is depicted as a blonde anime character resembling a young woman wearing an off-shoulder black dress with a corset, fishnet tights, and a lacy choker. The character responds to users' prompts in a slow, sultry voice, further cementing its profile as an adult AI companion.

The launch of Ani comes shortly after xAI rolled out its latest Grok 4 AI model. The startup is no stranger to controversyearlier this month, Grok went into full mechahitler mode after the Grok 4 update, spewing antisemitic sentiments and even praising Adolf Hitler. The company later apologised, blaming the incident on deprecated code and the extremist prompts of some X users.

Controversy continued to follow Grok when the chatbot began echoing Musks own views on contentious topics, leading users to suggest it was toeing the political line of its owner. More recently, Grok again generated headlines after users discovered that asking the chatbot its surname prompted it to respond with Hitler on the Grok 4 Heavy model. xAI quickly rolled out fixes for these issues, but its new companion Ani has also sparked backlash among users.

Netizens react to Elon Musk's sexualised AI companion One user, reacting to a video of Ani, wrote: Guy who claims to care about the birthrate creating AI erotica to pervert the minds of young men and further derail them from entering into healthy, real-world relationships. Make it make sense.

This whole thing feels like a miss. Repelling, added another.

Now I know why Grok doesnt have any American women programmers. Looks like a bit of a hostile work environment another user noted.
A woman who stole a bank card and used it five times to buy groceries and place a bet has been directed to come up with compensation.

Justyna Lewandowska of Kilnacarrow, Ballinalee, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to theft.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said the injured party made a statement of complaint to Gardai where she outlined she was in Longford for the day on December 9, 2023 and she believed she had lost her AIB bank card somewhere in the county town.

READ NEXT: Longford man who had knife put mother in fear after drugs intake

"Later she was contacted by the bank who informed her that they had frozen her card after there was suspicious activity on the account.

"She was informed that five separate transactions were authorised, which she stated she knew she had not given permission.

"The bank provided times and locations for these transactions and upon viewing CCTV Gardai were able to identify the defendant, as the person who had tapped the card."

Sgt Mahon said a total of 72 was spent on the card in Tesco, The Kiosk and a bookmaker's shop.

READ NEXT: Longford gets defibrillators upgraded after Honda 50 & Motorbike Fun Run

Ms Lewandowska had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client was apologetic and she had endured difficult personal circumstances in recent times.

"She found the card and regretfully gave in to temptation."

Ms Lewandowska bought dog food, groceries and she placed a 20 bet.

The court heard she was previously given the benefit of the probation act for a similar matter.

Mr Gearty stated she could have 72 for the court within a week.

Judge Owens adjourned the case for one week and directed that the defendant have 72 in compensation in court for the next sitting on July 15 next.
The Revamp 3Rstore, (EDI Centre in Longford), has been awarded the prestigious People and Planet First verification mark, becoming one of the first social enterprises in Ireland to receive this prestigious global recognition.

The People and Planet First mark is a trusted international standard for social enterprises, currently adopted in over 130 countries.

"This achievement highlights REVAMP's deep commitment to sustainability, circular economy practices, and community development," said Breda Murphy Manager.

READ NEXT: Longford gets defibrillators upgraded after Honda 50 & Motorbike Fun Run

Ms Murphy added, "It strengthens our place within a growing global movement of mission-led businesses focused on creating lasting, positive change."

The People and Planet First mark recognises organisations that are committed to putting social and environmental impact at the core of their business model.

Ms Murphy explained that the verification is based on five key principles. (i) Purpose: Solving social and/or environmental problems is our core mission. (ii) Operations: We prioritise people, planet, and purpose above profit in all decision-making. (iii) Revenue: We operate a financially sustainable and independent business model. (iv) Use of Surplus: Most of our surplus is reinvested to further our mission. (v) Structure: Our legal and financial frameworks are designed to protect and lock in our purpose long-term.

READ NEXT: Longford man who had knife put mother in fear after drugs intake

The verification is supported in Ireland by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Gaeltacht, and SERI Ireland Social Enterprise.

Meanwhile, Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly last week met with Manager Breda Murphy to discuss forthcoming funding streams and the successes of EDI Centre Longford in recently getting support of the EU Just Transition Fund for a new feasibility study on the new site for the new centre where the circular economy project will be based.

MEP Mullooly suggested that a circular economy shopping mal that facilitates the sale of recycled or refurbished goods could be in the pipeline.

The Lanesboro native congratulated Breda and the EDI team on their hard work and said he will be back to them with more information next week after the publication of the Multiannual funding framework by the European Commission.

Ms Murphy said it was great to meet with local MEP Ciaran Mullooly to discuss the future of EDI Centre and Revamp 3R Store and the exciting road ahead.

She added, We explored European funding opportunities to support our ambitious plans and the future is looking bright.
MANILA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were killed and four others injured in a three-vehicle crash in Isabela province in northern Philippines on Saturday, local police said.

Police said the crash occurred before dawn on Saturday along a highway in Aurora, involving a truck and two passenger vans.

Police said the truck crashed into the oncoming vans after it encroached on the opposite lane. The eight fatalities were the driver and seven passengers of a van. One of the four injured was reportedly in a coma.

Police said human error caused the accident and a follow-up investigation was underway. 
Home care supports, healthcare, industry, and community services were some of the issues discussed by Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Councillor Garry Murtagh and An Tanaiste Simon Harris during a high-level meeting in Government Buildings.

The Tanaiste, along with all of his senior Ministers, met with the eleven Fine Gael Councillors who have recently been elected as the first citizen of their county on Tuesday, July 8.

Councillor Murtagh, who was elected as Cathaoirleach in June, outlined his main priorities for his term.

READ NEXT: Longford nursing home flagged for governance and management and fire precautions

The Home Care Support Network in county Longford is under pressure. The HSE needs to actively recruit new Health Care Assistants to support the elderly and people with additional need to live in their own home and community.

I also spoke to Minister Kieran ODonnell about the need to implement a standalone Care & Repair with a significant capital and labour budget and my belief that the scheme should be piloted in Longford to support people with disabilities and the elderly.

Minor Injury Clinic needed in Longford

I also raised the need for a new Minor Injury Clinic in county Longford on the grounds of St Josephs campus.

READ NEXT: Longford man who had knife put mother in fear after drugs intake

A large number of people are currently required to travel to Mullingar and Roscommon to receive care for minor injuries, but the treatment process could be made far more efficient and sped up if a unit was present in Longford town.

This in turn would ease the burden on other follow up services and we have a significant campus at St Josephs that could accommodate such a development.

IDA Advanced Factory

I want to see significant progress made with support for the IDA Advanced Factory project and from all the relevant stakeholders with a view to developments happening at the site in the short-term future.

Longford has a number of excellent employers with high quality jobs on offer and development of the advanced site will add significantly to the offering Longford can provide to potential industry investors.

Family Resource Centre in Longford town

There is long standing need for a Family Resource Centre in Longford town to address the many challenges facing all elements of the community and I advocated to the Ministers the need to deliver THRIVE funding to the county which would see significant money invested in towns and villages across Longford to boost and give new life to communities and our town centres.

I received positive feedback from the Tanaiste and Ministers to the matters I raised, and we will be working together closely over the coming weeks and months to deliver for the people of Longford.

Impressed by level of ambition

Tanaiste Simon Harris said, It was a real honour to sit down with Councillor Garry Murtagh, the new Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, in government buildings.

I was very eager to meet the Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council as he takes up office to discuss his priorities for the year ahead and about how I can assist him in my role as the leader of Fine Gael and as Tanaiste.

We discussed a range of issues that he wanted to prioritise including how we drive the delivery of housing, private housing, people want to buy and how to deliver that in counties like Longford. How we get state agencies more involved, how we get the IDA to take investment in Longford seriously, how we improve the transport infrastructure and support local businesses.

I was really impressed by the level of his ambition for the year ahead and very much look forward to working with him in the time ahead and delivering for Longford.
Crime

By Long Island Published: July 19 2025

Officer was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for sexually exploiting, attempting to sexually exploit, and enticing and coercing three 15-year-old boys and a 12-year-old boy.

Earlier this week, in federal court in Brooklyn, Christopher Terranova, a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 40 years imprisonment for sexually exploiting, attempting to sexually exploit, and enticing and coercing three 15-year-old boys and a 12-year-old boy. Terranova was employed as a police officer with the NYPD at the time of the charged conduct. A federal jury convicted Terranova of the charges in November 2024.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the sentence.

The significant sentence the court imposed is a just outcome for the defendants abuse of his position as a police officer to groom and manipulate young boys, gain their trust, then sexually abuse and exploit them, stated United States Attorney Nocella. The victims showed courage in coming forward to expose this predator, and the sentence imposed ensures that no other child will be harmed by the defendant while he spends decades in prison.

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the NYPDs Internal Affairs Bureau for their assistance during the investigation.

Christopher Terranova, a former NYPD officer, targeted, and sexually exploited multiple minors, including some who were also victims in unrelated crimes, stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. Terranovas unthinkable actions violated his sworn duty to protect this community and reflect an egregious abuse of authority to satisfy his twisted desires. May todays sentencing reflect the FBIs commitment to disrupting any sexual predator from further victimizing our citys most vulnerable victims.

Between approximately December 2019 and May 2023, Terranova used social media to engage in sexually explicit conversations with underage boys and attempt to entice them into taking sexually explicit photographs of themselves and sharing them with Terranova. Terranova used popular social media applications to message and gain the trust of underage boys whom he encountered socially, online, or through his job as a police officer.

For example, between March 2023 and May 2023, Terranova targeted a 15-year-old boy he encountered at the 121st Precinct on Staten Island who was there to report that he had been robbed. Terranova obtained the victims cellphone number from the robbery complaint in an NYPD database and messaged him: Hey its Chris Terranova the cop you met at the 121 that day with mom, i just wanted to reach out to see if you were doing ok after the incident, I hate seeing these things happen to good Guys like yourself. In subsequent messages, Terranova inquired about the investigation, referred to his role as a police officer, and asked the victim if he had any interest in the police department or its youth programs. Terranova also suggested, If [sic] here too if you ever want to talk[.] I been through a lot myself over the years so just know that little bro. Terranova then asked the victim to add him on snap or the gram, referring to Snapchat and Instagram. On Snapchat, Terranova began asking the victim sexually explicit questions, sent the victim a photograph of Terranovas genitals, and asked for a sexually explicit photograph of the victim. The victim informed his mother about the inappropriate messages and she reported the matter to police.

Terranova also engaged in hands-on sex acts with two of his minor victims. One of those victims was the 15-year-old son of an acquaintance of Terranova. While giving that victim a ride home from a birthday party, Terranova brought the victim to a secluded location where he directed the victim to engage in sex acts with him.

Terranova met a third 15-year-old victim, who lived in Texas, on social media. Terranova used his status as a police officer to gain the victims trust. Terranova traveled to Texas at least 16 times to visit the victim, engaged in sexual acts with him and purchased a house in the victims neighborhood. In one message, Terranova stated: You being with me. . . and making love to me is more than a sign of everything happens for a reason.

Terranova also met a 12-year-old victim locally while Terranova was on-duty and in uniform. Terranova messaged the victim on Snapchat and began asking him sexually explicit questions and solicited sexually explicit photos.

This prosecution is 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. Led by United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The governments case is being handled by Offices Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel A. Bennek and Lauren A. Bowman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Chelsea Guzman.
Local News, Crime

By Long Island Published: July 19 2025

Kevin Cuevas Del Cid, an MS-13 member, slaughtered two victims based on their assumed alliance with a rival gang.

Earlier this week, in federal court in Central Islip, Kevin Cuevas Del Cid, also known as Creeper, Malcriado, Sombra, Vinky, and Dabura, a member of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside (Sailors) clique of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, a transnational criminal organization, pleaded guilty to racketeering charges in connection with his participation in the May 21, 2016 murder of Kerin Pineda and the October 10, 2016 murder of Javier Castillo, both of whom were killed in Freeport, New York, as well as a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the guilty plea.

Today, the defendant pleaded guilty to the brutal killings of two young people, whose murders demonstrate the MS-13s well-established obsession with committing extreme acts of violence and complete disregard for human life, stated U.S. Attorney Nocella. Our Office and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to hold violent gang members accountable for the fear, destruction, and death they bring to our communities.

Kevin Cuevas Del Cid, an MS-13 member, slaughtered two victims based on their assumed alliance with a rival gang. Del Cids attacks reflect the gangs brutal rhetoric designed to intimidate and punish any perceived threat to its organization, stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. The FBI remains committed to collaborating with our local law enforcement partners to eradicate this senseless gang violence from continuing to terrorize our communities.

We are grateful to our federal partners for working together to take these dangerous criminals off our streets, stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder. We have no tolerance for gang violence in Nassau County and we will never stop working to protect our citizens from these violent elements.

According to court filings and statements by the defendant at the guilty plea proceeding, the defendant participated in the murder of 20-year-old Kerin Pineda, who was killed because of his suspected membership in the 18th Street gang. Specifically, in May 2016, Del Cid and other MS-13 members devised a plan where Del Cid created a fake Facebook profile of a young female to communicate with Pineda in order to lure Pineda out to be killed. On May 21, 2016, Pineda went to a secluded wooded area near the Merrick-Freeport border believing that he was meeting the young female he had been communicating with on Facebook, who was, in fact, Del Cid. When Pineda arrived, he was surrounded and violently attacked by Del Cid and the other MS-13 members, each of whom took turns hacking and slashing him with machetes. Pinedas body was then buried in a hole that had been dug in the ground the day before in anticipation of the murder. Del Cid is the last of six previously charged MS-13 members to plead guilty to the Pineda murder.

Del Cid also pleaded guilty to the murder of 15-year-old Javier Castillo, who, like Pineda, was killed because the MS-13 suspected him of being a member of the 18th Street gang. On October 10, 2016, members of the Sailors clique in Brentwood convinced Castillo, who lived in Central Islip, to go with them to Freeport  approximately 30 miles away  to smoke marijuana. Del Cid and the other MS-13 members took Castillo to an isolated marsh area along the water in Cow Meadow Park, in Freeport, where they attacked and killed him, taking turns hacking him with a machete. Thereafter, the MS-13 members dug a hole and buried Castillos body, which was not recovered until one year later, in October 2017. With Del Cids conviction, more than a half dozen MS-13 have been charged and pleaded guilty in connection with the Castillo murder.

Del Cid, who was 16 years old at the time of the Pineda and Castillo murders, initially was charged by a juvenile information filed under seal on May 20, 2020. The government subsequently filed a motion to transfer Del Cid to adult status for prosecution, and an evidentiary hearing was held on June 3, 2022. On July 6, 2022, United States Circuit Judge Joseph F. Bianco, sitting by designation, issued a Memorandum and Order granting the governments motion, and ordering Del Cid be prosecuted as an adult.

Todays guilty plea is the latest achievement in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13, a violent transnational criminal organization. The MS-13s leadership is based in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, but the gang has thousands of members across the United States. With numerous branches, or cliques, the MS-13 is the most violent criminal organization on Long Island. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders, and assaults. Since 2010, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 75 murders in the Eastern District of New York, resulting in the convictions of dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by the FBIs Long Island Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers of the FBI, NCPD, Suffolk County Police Department, Nassau County Sheriffs Department, Suffolk County Probation Office, Suffolk County Sheriffs Office, the New York State Police, the Hempstead Police Department, the Rockville Centre Police Department, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eradicating transnational criminal organizations, combating violent crime, and restoring the rule of law.

This prosecution is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

The governments case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Offices Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, and Megan E. Farrell are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Kerry Ucci and Automated Litigation Specialist Michael Compitello.

The Defendant :

KEVIN CUEVAS DEL CID (also known as Creeper, Malcriado, Sombra, Vinky, and Dabura)

Age: 25

Freeport, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-251 (S-1) (JMA)
Members of Iraqs Badr militia. (Iranian Qods International News Agency )

The Qatari New Arab reported on July 17 that Esmail Ghaani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), met with Tehrans Iraqi proxies in Baghdad earlier this week. Ghaani reportedly warned the militia commanders that an Israeli attack against them in Iraq is imminent, while also instructing them to stay vigilant against an Israeli intelligence penetration.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq largely sat out the Iran-Israel conflict. Tehran values the political and economic influence these militias hold in the neighboring country and is thus wary of inviting a damaging campaign from Israel or the United States against them. Economically, Iraq is a crucial lifeline for Iran, including by generating roughly $1 billion in illicit oil profits. The militias influence in the oil sector is enabled by their prominent positions in the Coordination Framework, Iraqs governing coalition of Shiite political partiesmany of which are militia-affiliated and backed by Iran.

Instead of taking decisive military action against Israel or the US during the recent conflict, prominent militias including Asaib Ahl al Haq, Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba, Kataib Hezbollah, and Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada relied on statements expressing their support for Iran, condemning Israel, calling for an end to American presence in Iraq, and issuing vague threats to the US if it got involved in the war.

Only a limited number of unclaimed drone and missile strikes occurred on Iraqi soil during the 12-Day War. On June 13, three drones targeted US forces at Ain al Asad base in western Iraq. Attacks continued against three American bases in northeast Syria and the US consulate in Erbil overnight on June 14.

Four Iraqi military bases were again struck on June 24, and the radar equipment at two bases was damaged. These particular attacks are unclaimed, but there is speculation that Iran-backed militias, frequent antagonists in the region, may also be behind them. Alternatively, Israel may have conducted these attacks to limit Iraqs ability to monitor Israels movements in Iraqi airspace.

In contrast to the 12-Day War, Iran-backed militias in Iraq, under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), launched hundreds of attacks at Israel and American forces over the course of the war begun by Hamass October 7, 2023, massacre.

In the weeks following the direct conflict between Iran and Israel, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks have targeted energy infrastructure in Iraqi Kurdistan. Drones struck half a dozen oil fields, including sites operated by American companies, in Iraqi Kurdistan during the week of July 13. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) accused the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the Iraqi security institution comprised largely of Iran-backed militias, of launching these attacks. The Iraqi government denounced this allegation; however, Iran-backed militias have previously targeted the region.

Tehran regime anticipates another war

During a July 17 meeting, the heads of the Islamic Republics two main armed forces, the conventional military and the IRGC, stated that the regime is prepared for another round of escalations. Islamic Republic Army Commander Major General Amir Hatami and IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour discussed Tehrans strategy during the 12-Day War and claimed that they are ready to strike the enemy [Israel and the US] again.

The regime-funded Press TV cited an anonymous Iranian official on July 17 who claimed that the Our [Islamic Republic] intelligence indicates Washington seeks talks to prepare for war, not peace. If so, we see no reason to waste time and would rather focus on preparing for conflict.

Similarly, the former Iranian ambassador to Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi, stated on July 16 that the likelihood of another confrontation with Israel remains high, adding that based on evidence, the other side [Israel] is seeking repairs and preparations for the operation.

Citing Israeli officials, Axios reported on July 7 that Jerusalem believes the Trump administration would give Israel a green light for another attack wave against the Islamic Republic. The outlet added that Israel is bracing for another potential war with Iran, should the regime seek to relaunch its nuclear program.

Voices in Tehran maintained their threatening tone regarding the regimes nuclear capabilities after the US strikes against the three nuclear sites. Ali Shamkhani, senior advisor to the supreme leader and in charge of Tehrans nuclear file, previously warned, Even if [the] nuclear sites are destroyed, [the] game isnt over, enriched materials, indigenous knowledge, political will remain. Similarly, the IRGC vowed in a June 22 statement to continue the regimes nuclear efforts: This aggression will only strengthen the determination of our young and committed scientists to continue advancing and developing this [nuclear] field.

Speculation remains about whether Israel has, in fact, entirely halted its operations across Iran after the ceasefire. Mysterious reports of explosions throughout the country, with many occurring at regime-owned facilities and complexes, lend credibility to the possibility that Israel remains active in targeting Iran.

Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence. Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis.
The third edition of the Your Luxembourg Expat Day, hosted by the Luxembourg Times, lands at Neumunster Abbey on 7 September, with events and activities for families, singles, new arrivals and anyone wanting to discover a slice of the country.

This years Expat Day is hosted in association with brain & more and will feature stands by more than 40 partners.

Explore a variety of activities throughout the day, including live music and DJ sets. an urban run, karaoke and games for kids. For new arrivals, there will be plenty of information to discover about life and work in Luxembourg - from setting up your bank account to finding your own home.

With something on offer for everyone, tourism providers and organisations from across the country will showcase some of the best Luxembourg has to offer, and allow visitors to dive into the diverse tapestry of the countrys culture, charm and heritage.

The Your Luxembourg Expat Day is open to all, and last year more than 7,200 people joined the fun.

Good to know Date: Sunday, 7 September 2025 Time: 10:00 to 18:00 Location: Neumunster Abbey, Luxembourg City  Grund The Expat Day is hosted at Neumunster Abbey in the heart of Luxembourg City  Photo credit: Alain Piron

Coffee for parents, wine tasting, speed dating

The Luxembourg Times stand will be hosting several events throughout the day. These include:

10:00: Coffee morning for new parents

11:30, 13:30 and 15:30: Wine tasting

16:15: Pitch your friend speed dating event

More information on how to register will follow in the coming weeks.

Food and drink

There will also be a mix of local and international food and refreshing drinks available throughout the day. Discover the flavours of Luxembourg in the stunning and historic setting of the Neumunster Abbey in the Grund.

From fun and food to community and connection. Meet fellow expats and locals, learn more about the services and products that will be useful to you in future. And meet the Luxembourg Times team.

Stay up to date

To stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements about the Your Luxembourg Expat Day, follow the event on Facebook.

And sign up to receive updates via newsletter here:

Sponsors

The Your Luxembourg Expat Day is hosted by the Luxembourg Times in partnership with brain & more.

Main sponsors:

With the support of:
ISLAMABAD, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Friday rejected allegations linking a defunct banned group to a recent attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, following the United States' designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a foreign terrorist organization.

In a statement, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the country's firm commitment to counter-terrorism, reiterating that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and pursues a policy of zero tolerance.

"Pakistan has been, and continues to be, a frontline state in the fight against terrorism," the statement said, highlighting Islamabad's contributions to global peace, including the recent arrest of Sharifullah, identified as the mastermind of the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul.

The U.S. designation came after TRF was accused of carrying out an April attack in the resort town of Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. U.S. authorities alleged the group is an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which was banned in Pakistan years ago.

Responding to the development, Pakistan said that investigations into the Pahalgam incident remained inconclusive. It rejected the reported linkage between TRF and LeT, stating that the concerned group had been comprehensively dismantled, with its leadership prosecuted and its members rehabilitated.

The statement also criticized India for what it called the misuse of terrorism-related designations for political purposes. "India has a record of exploiting such matters to promote anti-Pakistan propaganda and to divert attention from its ongoing human rights violations in Indian-controlled Kashmir," the ministry said.

Pakistan urged the international community to adopt a balanced, evidence-based approach in combating terrorism and called for equal scrutiny of all terrorist entities. In this regard, it emphasized the need to designate the Majeed Brigade as an alias of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

Reaffirming its role as a counter-terrorism bulwark, Pakistan called for collective global efforts to address the threat of terrorism through objective and non-discriminatory policies. 
It's National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 20, and several local and chain stores are offering special deals to celebrate. (Trea Lavery, MassLive)

In honor of the sweet frozen dessert enjoyed by many, especially during the summer, local and chain businesses are offering deals for National Ice Cream Day to satisfy those cravings.

The unofficial holiday is always on the third Sunday in July which is National Ice Cream Month, according to the National Day Calendar. This year, National Ice Cream Day is held on Sunday, July 20.

Heres where ice cream lovers can partake in the celebration.

Friendlys

The popular ice cream and diner-style destination will be offering a free ice cream cone or dish to guests who join the Friendlys Fan Club Rewards program on the day.

Those who arent members can purchase a single scoop of ice cream in a cone or dish for $0.90.

This deal is in honor of both National Ice Cream Day and Friendlys 90th anniversary.

The supermarket chain will give away free 1.5-quart containers of Stop & Shop brand ice cream to customers who check in at its in-store Savings Station kiosks from now through July 20, while supplies last.

Customers who check in at the kiosk at any of its 360 locations during this time will receive a digital coupon in their Stop & Shop GO Rewards account for the free dessert from the freezer aisle  no purchase necessary, according to the companys statement.

The offer includes all 15 available store brand flavors, including Vanilla, vanilla bean, French vanilla, vanilla fudge, cookies & cream, strawberry, moose tracks, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, coffee, chocolate chip, Neapolitan, light vanilla, light chocolate and light cookies & cream.

Dunkin

On July 20, Dunkin will offer three times the points on frozen beverages, which can be claimed through their rewards program.

Royal Perks members can enjoy a free soft-serve ice cream on July 20 with a purchase of $1 or more at Burger King.

Customers who visit the ice cream shop can enjoy a second single scoop 50% off after buying one 4-ounce single scoop.

Customers can also receive $5 off with any cake purchase of $35 or more.

DoorDash

DoorDash is offering $5 off two Ben & Jerrys pints on grocery and convenience store orders from now until July 23 for National Ice Cream Day.

Petco

Dogs can also join in on the fun when their owners bring their pup to Petco for free doggie ice cream, which is safe for them to eat.

Mass. ice cream shop deals

Ice cream shops across Massachusetts are also partaking in the celebration.

Lulu Green  The Boston plant-based restaurant is offering free scoops from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, July 21, and a free mini FoMu sundae throughout dinner service. Lulu Green is located at 246 W Broadway and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays

Pizzi Farm  In honor of National Ice Cream Day and to support the community, Pizzi Farm in Waltham, located at 495 Lincoln St., will host an event from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday at their shop.

The event aims to collect school supplies for the Salvation Armys Tools for Schools program and will feature giveaways and live music. Cousins Maine Lobster Truck will also be at the site.

The first 100 people to bring school supplies to Pizzi Farm will get a free ice cream.

Foleys Ice Cream Shoppe  On July 20, Foleys in Braintree will be serving a special sundae and a T-shirt giveaway. The business is located at 132 Hancock St.

Hagers Farm Market  Hagers, located at 1232 Mohawk Trail in Shelburne Falls, will be serving up a limited-time maple donut sundae on Saturday, July 19, through Sunday.

The $8.25 sundae will feature maple soft serve ice cream topped with the markets homemade maple syrup, maple sugar, cake donut pieces and whipped cream.
This sign on the Massachusetts Turnpike says Worcester is 37 miles away. But another sign 4 miles later says Worcester is further away  40 miles. (Dave Eisenstadter/MassLive.com)

CHICOPEE  How far away is Worcester? Dont trust all the signs on the Massachusetts Turnpike to tell you.

A sign in Chicopee headed eastbound says Worcester is 37 miles away, with Boston at 82 miles.

But 4 miles later in Ludlow  closer both to Worcester and Boston  the next sign says that yes, Boston is closer, but, somehow, Worcester has gotten farther away.

Now its going to be 40 miles before you get there.

Is Worcester getting further away? That's what the sign says. (Dave Eisenstadter/MassLive.com)

The two signs have coexisted on the Mass. Pike contradicting each other for years.

Its the second one, with Worcester 40 miles away, that gives the true information. (A reporters odometer puts it just about 40 miles exactly from the parking garage at Worcesters Union Station.)

So what happened?

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) spokesperson Marshall Hook has a likely answer. Formerly, federal standards said signs should tell drivers how far away the nearest exit is to their destination, rather than the current standard of the distance to the destination itself.

That makes a difference for Worcester, which is about 7 miles up from the Mass. Pike, taking the Interstate 290 exit.

When federal standards through the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices were updated to reflect the change, one sign may have been updated while the other was not.

A dive into the Google Street View archives provides some further hints.

A photo from January 2016 has a different sign in the place of the Worcester 40 sign  which said Worcester was 33 miles away.

A former sign agrees with its friend down the road back in 2016, according to an archival Google Maps image. Google maps image

By September 2018, the sign was replaced with the one that stands there today, the Google Maps image archive shows.

Thats not what happened to the other sign.

In October 2018, it is barely standing with a big dent and only one leg, the Google Maps image at the time shows. By July 2019, the sign is laying flat on the ground.

Did someone ram this thing in 2018? Google Maps image

In September 2022, archival Google images show the sign restored, but not updated. Its original distances to Worcester and Boston remain unchanged.

But if the damaged sign was overlooked, it hasnt seemed to cause problems  or even be noticed.

MassDOT officials, contacted Wednesday, werent aware of the disagreement between the signs. Hook said they hadnt received any complaints about the signs in the near-decade theyve both been up.

But that time is coming to an end.

Hook said new numbers are being fabricated to place over the sign to correct it and bring it up to the new standard.

The cost? About $500 for materials and labor.

It is anticipated to be installed next week, Marshall said Friday.

MassDOT oversees traffic sign installation, maintenance, inspection and replacement throughout the state. They replace between 1,100 and 1,500 signs on the interstate and freeway system every year, according to their website.
Editors note: This story was updated at 7:25 a.m. July 19, 2025. Brenda Cropper, 66, died Friday at 4:43 p.m. from injuries suffered in the blaze, according to a Saturday morning statement from Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. Cropper had been hospitalized in critical condition, bringing the total number of deaths to 10.

For weeks at a time, assisted living residents in wheelchairs on the top level of Gabriel House couldnt leave their floor, trapped by a broken elevator that management wasnt in any hurry to fix.

Because they couldnt make it downstairs to the communal dining room, meals were brought up to them. Medical appointments were often missed because there wasnt any means of egress.

And because they couldnt go outdoors, residents in wheelchairs who smoked cigarettes or cannabis often did so in their studio-style rooms.

In the aftermath of the July 13 fire that ripped through the Gabriel House in Fall River and killed 10 residents, MassLive interviewed multiple people  residents, family members, current and former employees  who detailed the third-floor confinement at the assisted living facility during prolonged elevator outages.

Read more: Gabriel House fire claims tenth victim as woman taken off life support

Its one example of unsettling conditions at the former motel-turned-assisted living facility in the blue-collar citys Kennedy Park area.

They also described sanitary and safety issues that trace back years, including rodents, cockroaches and a perceived absence of emergency planning, corroborated by state and city records.

Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon has said fire drills were conducted at the assisted living facility for staff members, but current and former residents and employees said they havent participated in an emergency drill in at least four years.

No fire drills, we didnt do anything ... no practices, Debra Johnson, a certified nursing assistant and employee for the past four years, told reporters the day after the fire.

Read more: Fall River funeral home offers free services for Gabriel House fire victims

The son of Alvaro Vieira, a 64-year-old resident injured in the fire, said his father recalls one fire drill about five years ago, but none since.

His father has been having problems the last couple years ... its really obviously one of the cheaper nursing homes, Chris Vieira, 33, of New Bedford, said.

A former employee who agreed to speak with MassLive under the condition of anonymity said there werent any drills at the facility. She said residents deserved better care and that the building was like a matchbox.

Weve always said its in that spot  ready to go up. That if somebody starts a fire, theres going to be an issue," the former employee said.

Despite the reported conditions, residents and staff members described the community at Gabriel House as one where people looked out for and cared for one another. One employee wrote in a Facebook post that, If you were lost and had nowhere to go, you had Gabriel House.

Anthony Hout lived there from 2017 to 2022. He said the caring staff members loved us to death, but any time something was reported to the higher-ups, it just got blown off. They ignored everything we said to them.

Messages left for Gabriel House owner Dennis Etzkorn have not been returned. One person who answered the phone said, Not available, and quickly hung up when a reporter identified themselves.

Etzkorn faced legal troubles more than a decade ago with a different company, unrelated to safety concerns, including criminal charges in 2012 for a suspected Medicare kickback scheme involving his company, Gabriel Care.

The case was dropped after the court ruled prosecutors had illegally obtained evidence, and key evidence, such as caregiver testimony, was deemed inadmissible. Etzkorn reached a $950,000 settlement with the Attorney Generals Office in 2015 in exchange for the charges being dismissed.

9 1 / 9 The Gabriel House assisted living facility fire in Fall River

Elevator outages would last months

Multiple people told MassLive the buildings elevator would consistently break down and not be repaired by management for weeks to months at a time  most recently, for more than six months.

While people on the second floor could access the ground level via a ramp, residents with limited mobility on the third floor were effectively stuck.

Those who couldnt take the stairs would miss doctors appointments, the former employee said.

That elevator, it was every year. There was a problem with that elevator every single year. It was really bad, said Chris Vieira.

Terry Leuvelink, whose 86-year-old mother, Eleanor Willett, died in the fire, recalled the elevator being down for eight months at one point. Living in walking distance, she visited often, sometimes sleeping on Willetts floor on a blowup mattress.

Third-floor residents with mobility challenges were unable to come down to the dining room, Leuvelink said, so staff would bring meals to their rooms.

They couldnt go outside to smoke their cigarettes, so thats why people were smoking in their rooms, she said.

Under Massachusetts law, buildings open to the public and multi-family residences, such as the Gabriel House, must have elevators inspected annually. Building owners can be fined if they fail to comply with the regulations.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, elevators can be afforded temporary and isolated disruptions, but building owners are expected to repair them promptly.

Details remain unclear about the Gabriel House elevators inspection history and response to recent outages. A Seekonk-based company, believed to have serviced the elevator, did not return requests for comment.

MassLive has requested state inspection records from the Board of Elevator Regulations but has not yet received them.

Sanitary and care management concerns

Many who lived at the Gabriel House didnt have close family members and required a lot of assistance with mobility and medical needs, the former employee told MassLive.

At a typical assisted living facility, residents receive multiple meals a day with limited medical and home care provided. Generally, people residing in assisted living have a level of independence and dont require the significant 24/7 medical attention provided by nursing homes.

At Gabriel House, the lines were blurred.

Paul Lanzikos, co-founder of the Dignity Alliance of Massachusetts and a former state secretary of elder affairs under Gov. Michael Dukakis, said it appeared that many of the people residing at Gabriel House could not self-evacuate, meaning they likely required higher levels of care than what is provided in assisted living.

Read more: Body cameras show rescues as fire tore through Fall River assisted living facility

Body camera footage released by the city from the night of the fire showed police officers and firefighters carrying numerous people using wheelchairs, scooters and walkers down multiple flights of outside stairs or ladders, signaling that they resided on the upper floors.

The sanitary conditions at the facility were also concerning, multiple people told MassLive.

Many studio units were in disrepair, with some featuring stained rugs and others electrical wires hanging from gaping holes in bathroom ceilings.

It was cockroach-infested. Bed bugs, mice. The rooms were filthy, Johnson said.

Records provided to MassLive by the Fall River Department of Health and Human Services include several invoices from 2024, 2020, 2015 and 2014 for treatment of bed bugs and extermination of mice, rats and cockroaches by local pest control companies.

The records also include complaints made to the city. In February 2020, one Gabriel House resident complained of bed bugs moving from one room to another.

Another complaint, sent to the city in September 2014, cited bed bugs, undercooked food and a filthy dining room.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan told MassLive that the city didnt receive a noticeable number of complaints from Gabriel House compared to all the complaints they receive across the city. He was unaware of the conditions being reported after the fire.

No one is more feeling guilty for these people than me, for what happened to them and from the descriptions of what went on in there, but I didnt know a thing, Coogan said.

Leuvelink, the daughter of Eleanor Willett, said their first tour of the Gabriel House was scary and not impressive at all. But it was affordable compared to other assisted living facilities theyd visited, and Willett was just happy to have a roof over her head close to family members, she said.

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Massachusetts ranges from $3,655 to $8,036, according to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. At Gabriel House, residents were charged between $1,850 and $2,400 a month.

Leuvelink recalled the building smelling like urine. She cited old rugs and a ripped couch in the main sitting room. Before her mother moved in last July, her studio unit was renovated, which pleased the family.

But then Willett began to see the mice and cockroaches.

She couldnt sleep, Leuvelink said. And she was scared to death. She thought they were going to climb in her bed with her.

Leuvelink bought some BugMD spray and put out cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in her mothers room. The Gabriel House also installed sticky mouse traps.

One day they put a sticky trap right near my moms bathroom, near where my mom kept her personal things, Leuvelink recounted. So my mom went to go to the bathroom and the bottom of her pants got stuck on one of the sticky things and she couldnt get it off. She had to cut the pants just to get the sticky thing off.

Alvaro Vieiras initial admission to the Gabriel House happened in a matter of days  a sign that something was off, Chris Vieira said, as the family had been on waiting lists for months.

His father was still on several waiting lists when the Gabriel House fire broke out, the son added.

When he got there, we knew it was already going to be a little problem, because he got in so easy ... they just took him in. I was like, Yeah, that doesnt sound right, Chris Vieira said.

From the start, Chris said the staff didnt properly care for his fathers medical needs.

Alvaro Vieira had a stroke in his 40s that left half of his body paralyzed, and he required specific medication when he was admitted to the Gabriel House, which was to be administered under supervision.

But several weeks after his admission, Chris Vieiras sister found stockpiles of medication in their fathers room  which showed he wasnt taking the medication under proper supervision and was hiding it himself.

This was a big deal and a serious issue, Chris Vieira said, and though it was solved after the family spoke with facility management, the incident left them worried.

In 2023, Gabriel House and its owner, Etzkorn, were subjects of a state compliance report by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The report identified a number of violations by the facility, especially when it came to proper and updated documentation of resident care.

Many residents records lacked necessary reassessments and reviews, and documentation for the Evidence Informed Falls Prevention program was missing for all reviewed years, raising concerns about resident safety.

There were also missing documents for eye drop medications and improperly stored medications, and inconsistencies in the Gabriel Houses correspondence log, which helps ensure reliable, continued resident care.

Additionally, the report included 26 incident reports for resident emergencies that were filed beyond the required 24-hour reporting window, and three employees health records were missing.

Over the past year, the Vieira family fought hard for the stained, smelly carpet in Alvaro Vieiras room to be replaced with wood flooring, his son said. It had only been replaced just before the fire.

The daughter of an 82-year-old resident who escaped the fire, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect her familys privacy, said the carpeting inside Gabriel House was disgusting. The building was run down and old, she said, but her mother settled in and made friends during the two months she lived there, several of whom died in the fire.

Alvaro Vieira, who was rescued from his bathroom window and carried from the burning building, was hospitalized but is doing well, his son said. He is refusing to go back to the Gabriel House under any circumstances.

Donna Murphy, a five-year resident, said the facilitys owner didnt care about peoples lives. She wasnt at the Gabriel House the night of the fire  shed gone to visit family, the only night shed been away in her entire time living there.

Murphy listed several issues she had at the facility, including exposed electrical wiring in her bathroom, which made her feel unsafe.

I hated taking a shower, she said. All the wires were exposed. It was dangerous ... theyre slum lords, she said of the owner.

Is it time for new assisted living regulations, both state and federal?

Nearly 18,000 people reside in assisted living settings in Massachusetts, according to the states annual census for 2025. The facilities arent regulated like nursing homes, which are subject to both federal and state-specific standards.

Assisted living facilities exist in a gray area that allows for varying interpretations state by state, and ultimately, facility by facility.

Assisted living is not regulated by the federal government at all, even though there is a fair amount of money going into assisted living at this point from Medicaid, said Toby Edelman, senior policy attorney at the Center for Medicare Advocacy. All of the regulation is at the state level. So whatever the states do is what they do.

Edelman believes its time for the federal government to step in, given the rise of the assisted living industry as a growing model of desired care over the last 25-plus years.

Were spending a lot of Medicaid money and have no Medicaid regulations (for assisted living), she said. That makes no sense to me. There should be some federal standards to get the money.

At Gabriel House, approximately 75% of residents were on MassHealth, the states Medicaid program.

In Massachusetts, unlike nursing homes, there are no specific staffing requirements for assisted living facilities, according to the standards outlined in state law.

Facilities must develop and implement their own process to determine staff levels, and must have sufficient staffing at all times for resident needs as deemed by the facility owners assessments on a 24-hour per day basis.

Johnson, the current employee at Gabriel House, said it was typical for two workers to be on duty during night shifts  and sometimes, there was only one at the facility. Others corroborated that.

They would say, we just need a body, Johnson said, and emphasized a body.

Massachusetts law does address the need for emergency plans at assisted living facilities, but it doesnt include many specifics.

An emergency preparedness plan is critical, said Alice Bonner, senior advisor for aging at the Institute for Health Care Improvement and former state secretary of elder affairs from 2015 to 2019. If there is no other take-home message, I would say its just really important people in the public know that.

Educating people who live and work in these environments because they should know that emergencies can happen and how they would respond, she said.

Staffing levels and emergency preparedness plans at assisted living facilities are subject to multiple annual reviews by the Executive Office of Aging and Independence.

Lanzikos, of the Dignity Alliance, is laser-focused on turning the Gabriel House tragedy into meaningful reform at the state level. And hes not alone  a chorus of state officials and senior care advocates have echoed similar sentiments over the last week.

In the days since the fire, the Dignity Alliance has already sent a letter to Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell about the development of comprehensive assisted living regulations that bring us into the 21st century. It also released a policy reform framework outlining the failures exposed by the fire and key recommendations.

On Friday, Gov. Maura Healey announced the state was taking immediate action in light of the Gabriel House fire. Starting next week, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence will launch a statewide fire and life safety initiative to ensure all 273 assisted living residences in Massachusetts are prepared to protect residents during emergencies.

Facilities will be required to submit disaster and emergency preparedness plans for state review within 30 calendar days, as well as issue a letter to residents and families outlining the plans within five business days.

We need to make sure that the buildings, the staffing, the training and the overall administration of assisted living residences are appropriate to meet the needs of the folks who are inhabiting them today, Lanzikos said.
CHICAGO  The Red Sox have returned right-handed pitcher Tanner Houck (right flexor pronator strain) from his rehab assignment because he remains injured.

His 30-day rehab assignment expired Thursday. He will remain on the IL as he continues to deal with the strain and has a seven-day period before hes eligible to begin another rehab assignment.

Were going to keep him on the IL, manager Alex Cora said before Bostons game against the Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field. So thats what weve got right now. I know the trainers are working on him over there in Boston and well have more information in the upcoming days.

Houck, an All-Star last year, posted an 8.04 ERA (43  innings, 39 earned runs) in nine starts for Boston before landing on the 15-day injured list May 14.

The 29-year-old posted a 5.74 ERA (15  innings, 10 runs) on 18 hits and six walks while striking out 15 over five rehab outings (four starts). Four of those five outings came with Triple-A Worcester. One was with Double-A Portland.

It took him time to bounce back from some rehab starts and he told MassLive on July 1 that he still had a little inflammation in the back of the triceps.
Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong addresses the China Business Summit 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 18, 2025. The China Business Summit 2025 was held in Auckland on Friday. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The China Business Summit 2025 was held in Auckland on Friday.

In his keynote speech, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon briefed about his recent China trip.

Luxon reiterated the importance of trade between the two countries. According to Luxon, more than 20 percent of New Zealand's exports go to China.

"The Chinese side stands ready to work closely with the New Zealand side to give effect to consensus reached by our leaders, to better benefit our two peoples and to inject more stability and certainty into this turbulent world," Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong said. 

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addresses the China Business Summit 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand, July 18, 2025. The China Business Summit 2025 was held in Auckland on Friday. (Xinhua/Long Lei)
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NEW DELHI, July 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 schools across India's southern city of Bengaluru on Friday received bomb threats via email, prompting the worried administration of these institutions to alert police.

The threatening messages claimed that explosive devices had been planted inside classrooms in black plastic bags.

Police swiftly rushed their teams, along with the bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs, to these institutions to carry out search operations. However, no explosives were found during these searches.

The threats in Bengaluru come close on the heels of similar incidents in India's national capital territory -- Delhi, this week. The Golden Temple complex in Amritsar in the northern state of Punjab also received bomb threats this week.

Hoax threats last year triggered chaos in the airlines, schools, hospitals and hotels across the country. 
by Sarah Mahoney , July 17, 2025

Still working to recover from a misstep in China and weak global results, Estee Lauder is expanding its leadership bench, adding Aude Gandon in the newly created role of chief digital and marketing officer. Gandon is currently the global CMO for Nestle, where she developed strategic partnerships with major tech platforms, including Google, Meta, Amazon, and Netflix. Shell report directly to Stephane de La Faverie, president and CEO, who took the helm last year.

With a remit spanning digital, marketing, and media, Gandon is tasked with turning Lauders digital commerce into a much-needed growth engine.

In the announcement, de La Faverie cited Gandon's "global perspective and proven track record of leading large-scale marketing, digital and media transformations [that] make her the ideal leader for this critical role as we shape the future of prestige beauty."

advertisement advertisement

A spokesperson for the company tells Marketing Daily Gandon will be based in New York. She will lead a cross-functional global team focused on elevating how we connect with consumers across the full brand portfolio, maximizing the impact of our marketing investments, and unlocking new opportunities for growth in an increasingly complex digital world.

The hire shows how far the company, which was slow to warm to retailers like Amazon and Sephora, has come in rethinking the beauty universe. The future of the beauty industry will exist as a merger of the digital and the physical world, de La Faverie said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. And artificial intelligence is changing the way people shop for cosmetics, he said.

While this is a newly created role, Womens Wear Daily points out that it shares similarities with that of former chief data officer and executive vice president, enterprise marketing Jane Lauder, who revealed her departure last year.

Gandon joins the company next month, amid early signs of progress in its turnaround.





In May, the company reported third-quarter numbers that were sobering, but better than expected. Revenue fell 10% to $3.55 billion, with the steepest drops in skincare and haircare. Operating income sank 42% to $306 million.

However, observers are becoming more hopeful, especially given the announcement several months ago that Lauder plans to lay off 7,000 people. HSBC recently upgraded Lauder from a hold rating to buy.

And Dan Su, who follows the company for Morningstar, sees Lauder as well-positioned to benefit from its concentration of higher-end products.

We see Estee as poised to benefit from premiumization trends, as beauty consumers in developed and emerging markets alike upgrade for perceived better-quality ingredients, efficacy, and services, he writes. Outside its North America home market, we view Estee as well-positioned in Europe, where premium beauty demands have proven resilient over the past decades, as well as in Asia (where skin care makes up 50% of premium beauty spending).

Still, there are plenty of risks, as the company tries to catch up with rivals LOreal and LVMH, given pressures in the economic environment that are causing many customers to trade down. The company expects sales to decline by as much as 9% in 2025, due to continued weakness in Asia and the travel retail sector. (It does see the potential for return to growth, if tariff questions are resolved. Adds Su: Additionally, Estee may need some time to refresh its lackluster cosmetics portfolio, leaving the firm vulnerable to market share loss to rivals.
Trumps leg swelling led to a Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) diagnosisbut no major health risk, say doctors.

  Trusted Source

The Seriousness of Chronic Venous Disease: A Review of Real-World Evidence



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1 in 20 adults suffer from CVI after age 50Trump is not alone in this silent leg condition. #medindia #trumphealth #veinhealth #cvifacts #legswelling 

1 in 20 adults suffer from CVI after age 50Trump is not alone in this silent leg condition. #medindia #trumphealth #veinhealth #cvifacts #legswelling 

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Not Dangerous, Just Common- What the Doctors Found

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Understanding CVI- When Veins Get Lazy

Treatment and Relief- From Compression to Medications

CVI Around the World- A Costly but Underdiagnosed Burden

Why Trumps Bruises Arent a Worry

The Seriousness of Chronic Venous Disease: A Review of Real-World Evidence - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30758738/ )

U.S. President Donald Trump, 79, has been diagnosed witha common vein disorder that affects blood flow in the legs. While the condition raised questions after visibleandsparked public speculation, the White House has assured the public there is no evidence of any serious health threats. So what does this mean for the presidentand for millions living with similar conditions?().After President Trumps legs showed signs of swelling, a Doppler ultrasound confirmed, a condition where leg veins fail to return blood to the heart properly. Doctors ruled out serious concerns likeand kidney failure . Trumps physician said he is experiencing no discomfort, and his overall heart function is completely normal.CVI develops when the valves inside, allowing blood to pool in the legs instead of flowing upward to the heart. Its more common, andmay develop it. Symptoms includeTrumps case was classified as, with no skin damage or ulceration found.The good news? CVI is, especially when diagnosed early. Treatments may includethat improve vein tone and slow disease progression. In more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures like vein ablation can help. Early action makes a big difference in long-term outcomes.CVI and chronic venous disease (CVD) affect millions globally, especially in aging populations. In Western countries, it consumes up toof healthcare budgets. Yet, many patients go, often because of low awareness among physicians and patients. Experts urge early screening and timely referrals to specialists to prevent complications and reduce costs.Trumps bruises on the back of his hand also sparked online curiosity. However, doctors said these were due to frequent handshaking and his routine, commonly used for. These marks are not related to CVI and pose no health threat, according to White House physician Karoline Leavitt.Source-White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
Maharashtra commits to stronger healthcare with digital innovation, better monitoring, and improved infrastructure for safer services.



Maharashtra's healthcare just got more transparent! The 'Know Your Doctor' platform allows you to scan QR codes at clinics to verify doctor details. A vital step towards trust and accountability. #KnowYourDoctor #Maharashtra #Healthcare #PatientSafety

'Know Your Doctor' Platform

Maharastra Govt to Assess Public Health Standards

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Launch of Know Your Doctor (KYD) Platform - (https://www.maharashtramedicalcouncil.in/Files/Announcements_10022025_Launch%20of%20Know%20Your%20Doctor%20(KYD)%20Platform.pdf)

In a decisive step to address the menace of bogus medical practitioners, the Maharashtra government has launched a digital initiative calledaimed at ensuring transparency and protecting patients from fraud. ( )The announcement was made by Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif in the state assembly while responding to queries from legislators Sanjay Darekar and Dharmaraobaba Atram about patients falling victim to unqualified doctors.The innovative system, developed by the Maharashtra Medical Council, enables patients to verify a doctors credentials digitally.Mushrif explained.He further added that a district-level review committee, headed by the District Magistrate, has been constituted to monitor and take preventive action against fake medical practitioners. A state-wide campaign is also underway to identify and eliminate bogus doctors.In a related development, Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar assured the assembly that the government will review all public health centers operating under the Public Health Department to ensure compliance with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). Responding to a question by legislator Sunil Prabhu regarding inadequate basic facilities in state hospitals, Abitkar said, Our focus is to provide essential facilities and quality medical services, especially to patients from rural and remote areas.The minister confirmed that the government will allocate necessary funds and expedite the recruitment process to fill vacant posts in health establishments. A comprehensive review of manpower requirements will be undertaken, and steps will be taken to ensure adequate staffing. I will personally inspect government hospitals in Mumbai to monitor facilities and address gaps, he assured.The dual announcements underline Maharashtras commitment to strengthening its healthcare system through digital innovation, enhanced monitoring, and improved infrastructure, ensuring safer and more reliable healthcare for citizens.Source-Medindia
Bollywood fans have been waiting for a good family entertainer for a while now, and Ajay Devgns Son Of Sardaar 2 would have been the perfect light hearted watch over the weekend, until the makers announced today that the release has been postponed. The announcement came when the movie was all set to release this week. The release has been pushed to 1st August now.

A lot of people and critics are actually praising this move and the assumption in the air is that it might be due to the ongoing love that Ahaan Pandays Saiyaara is receiving from cinema lovers.

Cast and Plot The film is directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and produced under Devgn Films and Jio Studios. It stars Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, and is a sequel to the 2012 hit Son Of Sardaar which starred Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Dutt along with Ajay. This sequel will revisit the original story line of Jaswinder Singh (played by Ajay) and is extensively shot in Scotland.
ANKARA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has successfully repatriated a statue of Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius, 65 years after it was smuggled out of the country, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said Saturday.

"It was a long struggle ... a concrete result of our years-long pursuit of justice," Ersoy said on social media platform X, calling it a "historic achievement" made possible through the combined efforts of diplomacy, law and science.

He added the ancient statue will soon be unveiled to the public in Ankara in a special exhibition.

The statue, originally looted from the ancient city of Boubon in southwestern Turkiye during the 1960s, had been on display in the United States for decades. The recovery was carried out in close cooperation with the New York Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the minister said.

The return is part of Turkiye's broader effort to reclaim its cultural heritage. Ersoy said 8,967 historical artifacts have been repatriated in the past seven years. 
A 19-year-old Fort Carson soldier is accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman at a city park, according to Colorado Springs police.

Caden Meade was arrested Wednesday after investigators from the Colorado Springs Police Department connected his vehicle to a kidnapping and sexual assault in Quail Lake Park, officials said in a Thursday news release.

Records given to The Gazette by Fort Carson officials show Meade is a mechanic in the 4th Infantry Division for their artillery unit. He arrived at the Army base in June 2024 and recently became a private, on June 16.

" Fort Carson officials are cooperating with local law enforcement. We expect all soldiers to always uphold the Army values," Fort Carson officials said in an email Thursday.

Officers were dispatched to the park, located near the Broadmoor World Arena, around 1 a.m. June 8 after a report came in for a kidnapping. A woman told police she was at the park with a friend and was forced into a pickup truck on the way back to her car by an unknown man. The man allegedly raped her at knife point before letting her go, Dan Thompson, the commander of CSPD's investigations division, said during a Thursday news conference.

Fort Carson soldier accused of cocaine distribution enters plea

The Fort Carson soldier arrested on suspicion of cocaine distribution just days after a large-scale federal raid came down on an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday.

Detectives from the Real Time Crime Center located a vehicle that matched images gathered during the investigation, and the department's crime lab was able to develop "key" evidence to create a DNA profile of the suspect. Further investigation revealed the truck belonged to Meade.

Investigators don't know if the assault was planned or at random. Thompson said there were indications that some of Meade's behaviors were "suspicious" in the days up to and after the incident, saying he was out in the middle of the night in different parts of the city on separate occasions. Because of this, police believe there could be other potential victims.

"Right now, there's no indication that there's an ongoing threat to the community. We believe Mr. Meade acted alone," Thompson said.

Meade is facing first-degree kidnapping, sexual assault and felony menacing charges. He is being held in the El Paso County jail.

"Like all persons arrested, Mr. Meade is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," the news release read.

Monument police sergeant arrested on child abuse, domestic violence charges

On June 18, Monument Police Sergeant Jose Barraza was arrested ontwo misdemeanor charges of child abuse and domestic violence.

In light of the situation, Thompson provided some safety tips for people walking around at night:

* Make sure you maintain situational awareness and what's going on around you.

* If something doesn't seem right, go with your gut feeling.

* Try to stay around other people.

* Always try to have another person with you.

Anyone with information of the incident or any additional victims are encouraged to call police at 719-444-7000. Thompson emphasized victims who speak out will be protected and given a "wrap around" service.

"These cases don't happen all that often, which makes it even more scary for our community. These cases become even more important because of that. Whenever you have this unknown factor of these scary threats and the unknown factor of it being such an abnormality within out community, it's important that our investigators get the best information possible," Thompson said.

FBI agent testifies at hearing for Fort Carson soldier at center of nightclub raid

Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, the Fort Carson staff sergeant who was present at an illegal nightclub during a large-scale federal raid April 27 and arrested on suspicion of cocaine distribution by federal agents days later, will proceed to trial, a federal Denver judge ruled Tuesday.

 2025 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Visit www.gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
SAO PAULO, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's premium fruit growers warned Friday that new U.S. tariffs could trigger a major crisis for mango exporters, as a 50 percent import duty announced by U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to derail peak-season shipments.

"If we can't ship mangoes to the United States, our entire regional operation could collapse," said Tassio Lustoza, director of Valexport, a major association of fruit producers.

The tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Aug. 1, coinciding with the start of Brazil's key mango export season to the United States, known as the "American window."

In 2024, Brazil exported 34,000 tons of mangoes to the United States between August and November, data showed. Growers said this year's exports would become economically unviable under the new tariff, threatening a supply chain that supports 250,000 direct and 950,000 indirect jobs.

Valexport said buyers have already indicated they will cut orders by 70 percent due to the tariff hike.

On Tuesday, Valexport sent letters to Brazilian and U.S. officials, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the U.S. embassy in Brasilia, warning of the "devastating effects" of the new duties.

In 2024, Brazil exported 258,305 tons of mangoes worth 350 million U.S. dollars. The domestic market cannot absorb the excess supply, Lustoza noted. "We're talking about 50,000 tons that will have nowhere to go," he said. 
The Trump administration has chosen a Marine officer to replace the first woman to lead the U.S. Naval Academy, trading out one history-making officer for another, well short of the typical three-year tenure for the position.

Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, who currently oversees the Marine Corps' personnel directorate, has been nominated to replace Vice Adm. Yvette Davids as superintendent of the academy, the Pentagon formally announced Friday.

Davids was the first woman to head the service's storied academy. Meanwhile, Borgschulte will be the first Marine to head the academic institution in its 180-year history.

Read Next: National Guard Officer's Promotion Stalled by California Senator Protesting LA Military Deployment

Davids' tenure at the academy was shorter than usual and, in that time, the institution had become a focus for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his campaign against topics and materials that the Trump administration considers "woke."

Davids presided over the cancellation of several classes on gender and sexuality that ran afoul of the administration, as well as the abrupt cancellation of a foreign affairs conference on campus over Trump administration directives.

She also complied with orders to remove and review hundreds of books from the shelves of the academy's library that included titles by prominent Black authors -- though ultimately only 21 books may be permanently removed.

USNI News was the first outlet to report the change of leadership at the academy.

It was not immediately clear whether Davids' early departure was voluntary on her part, but she is not retiring despite a legal requirement to do so.

Federal law says that Naval Academy superintendents are to serve terms of no less than three years and agree to retire at the completion of their tour -- and the Navy secretary needs to explain to Congress "why that officer did not complete three years service in that position" should that occur.

Davids took on the post only in January 2024.

Senate records show she has been nominated for a lateral move. Davids is slated to keep her three-star rank and take over as the deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans, strategy and warfighting development, the Pentagon announced Friday.

Hegseth has to approve a waiver in order for Davids to continue to serve following her superintendent post, according to federal law.

Meanwhile, the choice of Borgschulte continues a growing trend of selecting Marine officers for posts that have traditionally been held by sailors.

In June, the Pentagon announced that Trump had selected Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Bligh to be the Navy's top lawyer -- the Navy judge advocate general, or JAG.

The previous Navy JAG abruptly retired in late 2024 ahead of Trump taking office after having been in the job only a few months. Then, months later, Hegseth fired the top lawyers for the Army and Air Force without explanation.

Military.com later reported that a retired rear admiral who served under Trump believed that all three military branches were going around the traditional selection process for their top lawyer posts and requiring nominees to answer screening questions about specific policies favored by the administration.

Bligh would be the first Marine to hold the post in modern history and only the second since the title was created in 1880.

Borgschulte was recently at the forefront of efforts to work around congressional stopgap measures that limited the Corps' ability to give troops bonuses or move their families.

With other leaders, Borgschulte helped create an "IOU" system for bonuses in which Marines would sign a contract, bonus offer included, but if the service couldn't deliver on it by contract start, they'd have the option to leave.

The service also began issuing "shell orders" to Marines and their families so they could start to set up housing or child care at their next duty station even though funding was not immediately available for the move.

"All these stressors, you're just adding unpredictability," Borgschulte previously said, adding that those delayed moves could result in gaps for receiving units and ripple across the force, leaving units potentially short in critical billets.

A Naval Academy graduate himself, he was designated as an aviator in 1993 and went on to lead Marines in various aviation units and in planning roles, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Related: Naval Academy Settles on Shorter List of Banned Books as Pentagon Panel Weighs Ultimate Decision
A new 24-hour shelter for sober homeless veterans will open this fall in the old Kenton Hotel on North Interstate Avenue, according to a joint announcement Friday from homeless services nonprofit Do Good Multnomah and Multnomah County.

Do Good Multnomah, which is run by and focuses on serving veterans, purchased the old motel with the help of a $500,000 forgivable loan from Multnomah County and a gift from the Portland-based Thayer Family Foundation, according to their spokesperson. Do Good also took out a commercial loan.

The nonprofit runs six low-barrier shelters in Multnomah County that are open to anyone in need of a safe place to sleep. But the new shelter will specifically house 17 guests, all of whom must stay sober to keep their housing and have a record of past military experience, which can include National Guard service.

There isnt anything like this out there right now, said Matthew Harvey, a Do Good Multnomah case manager and veteran who has been homeless, in a statement. Having a recovery community, especially one thats veteran-centered, is something that would have changed everything for me when I was going through my struggles.

Like other homeless service providers, Do Good Multnomah had to make cuts this summer to account for reduced funding from the county. Do Good spokesperson Chris Gardner said they were attempting to maintain the same number of shelter beds while dealing with a 17% reduction in funds coming in from the county. Theyd had to cut some contracted services and lay off some staff.

Given all this, Gardner said the purchase of the motel was a big, scary financial risk for us but that it was the right thing to do for the veteran community.

Nicole Jackson, the nonprofits director of housing, said there was clear demand from participants in their other shelter programs and from the mental health providers they partner with for sober shelter and housing for homeless people in recovery who are trying to get their lives back together.

I could fill the motel tomorrow, probably, she said. People will often go to detox but then they come to shelter or are houseless and cant go right into housing. Or theres pressure to immediately start treatment and looking for a job and thats a lot to be doing in a short period of time.

Jackson said it can be very hard to get and stay sober while those around you are still actively using your drug of choice. Sober settings make that transition easier, she said.

The new Kenton neighborhood shelter is meant to provide a place for veterans to live for about three months while they work to become stable, pursue addiction recovery treatment and work on finding permanent housing and a job, according to Jackson. The plan is to have a certified drug and alcohol addiction counselor onsite and provide free transportation to any other needed medical or mental health services.

In what is becoming a common occurrence as the city rapidly expands the number of homeless shelters within its borders, neighbors who caught wind of the new shelter last week and chatted about it on Reddit had lots of thoughts about the pluses and minuses of a shelter in Kenton.

An early July post noted that Do Good had bought the motel and worried the addition of a homeless shelter was a sign of the neighborhood going downhill. People posting responses were mostly dismissive of those concerns. The details about the shelter being for 17 sober veterans were not yet announced at the time of the first post.

If the Kenton Hotel was a thriving business, it wouldnt have been sold, wrote one commenter, who said they lived close enough to the soon-to-be shelter to hit it with a thrown rock. Online Yelp! reviews dating back to 2019 describe a questionably run hotel with no staff on site.

I would much rather it be a homeless shelter than an empty building, which would probably have squatters living in it anyway, the commenter continued. I guess I fail to see a problem with people living in a shelter having local access to a farmers market or mass transportation.

Another noted that the farmers market, which pops up on Wednesdays all summer from 3 to 9 p.m., accepts food stamps. Others argued changes in Kenton in recent years have been for the good and a shelter wont change that.

I think most of the people commenting here would be shocked if they had any idea what Kenton used to be like, one commenter wrote. Kenton is thriving! And doing their part to help the houseless.

The planned shelter is meant to have multiple services onsite, including a food pantry and a clothing closet. The joint statement issued Friday also said it marks the latest in a series of Multnomah County investments in recovery, stabilization and transitional housing beds. However, with the exception of Bybee Lakes recovery beds in North Portland, the majority of county-supported shelter beds do not require sobriety.

Lillian Mongeau Hughes covers homelessness and mental health for The Oregonian. Email her with tips or questions at lmhughes@oregonian.com. Or follow her on Bluesky @lmonghughes.bsky.social or X at @lrmongeau.

2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit oregonlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Ah, July. Fireworks have fizzled, the grill has cooled, and the reality has set in: We're officially halfway through the year. If you're like me, you might wonder how we got here so fast. Wasn't it just New Year's Day? But here we are, with six months in the rearview mirror and six more to go. Which makes it the perfect time to hit pause, check our progress and make a plan for the rest of the year.

Speaking of charting a course, I've got big plans. I'm talking about a full-blown, early December trip with our grandkids to the theme parks in Orlando. I'm planning to hit them all -- before the crowds descend and prices spike like a thermometer in the Florida sun. We're talking mouse ears, wizard wands and probably more walking in a day than I do in a typical week. And while a little unplugged family time is what I'm excited for, you better believe we began the planning process back in the spring -- especially on the financial front.

That's where this story really begins: Not with a suitcase, but with a spreadsheet. Because whether your second half of the year includes travel, holiday spending, big purchases or just some good old-fashioned financial goals, now's the time to lay the groundwork. Here are four smart midyear moves -- inspired by my quest for theme-park glory -- to help you finish strong and have you feeling good when we hit the end of year.

1. Revisit Your Financial Goals

Remember those resolutions you made in January? Now's a great time to dust them off and see how you're doing. Have you been saving consistently? Did you finally bump up your Thrift Savings Plan contribution or knock out a credit card balance? Midyear is the perfect checkpoint.

If you're behind, don't stress -- just regroup. Life happens. The key is to adjust your strategy, not abandon the goal. Maybe you need to automate your savings or tighten up discretionary spending. A few small changes now can make a big difference come December.

2. Create a Holiday Fund, Including Travel

Here's the deal: The holidays are not a surprise. They happen every year, right on schedule. And if you've got plans like I do -- say, marching your family through four theme parks in five days -- it's smart to plan not just for gifts and decorations but also for the big-ticket travel expenses, too.

Build a holiday fund that includes everything: airfare, accommodations, park tickets, meals -- even those matching family T-shirts that no one asked for but will absolutely be worn. Divide your estimated total by the number of pay periods left before your trip, and start saving automatically. It's a lot easier to enjoy the magic when you're not thinking about the credit card bill that'll show up in January.

3. Check in on Your Budget and Adjust

Your spending habits may have shifted over the past few months -- gas prices fluctuate, groceries keep playing games, and summer activities can sneak up on your wallet. Use July as a chance to recalibrate.

If you have new priorities or plans for the rest of the year, make sure your budget reflects them. This is especially true if you're dealing with a permanent change of station (PCS) or other life change. A good budget isn't set in stone; it flexes with you.

4. Look for Hidden Savings Opportunities

Just like scoring an offseason hotel deal in Orlando, sometimes the best financial wins come from places you weren't expecting. Review your subscriptions. Re-shop your insurance. Use military discounts whenever you can. Little tweaks now can free up cash for those second-half-of-the-year plans.

There's something special about the second half of the year. It's when we start to feel the pull of holiday traditions, time with family and (hopefully) some well-earned rest. But none of that feels quite as good if you're stressed about money.

Whether your big goal is paying off debt, building your emergency fund or just surviving a few days of theme-park madness with your budget intact, now's the time to plan for it. Because come December, you'll want to focus on the memories -- not the money.

And if you see a guy in a Chiefs hat and matching family T-shirt looking happily exhausted outside a ride with a 90-minute wait time, give me a nod. I'll be the one who started planning months ago.

Get the Latest Financial Tips

Whether you're trying to balance your budget, build up your credit, select a good life insurance program or are gearing up for a home purchase, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com and get the latest military benefit updates and tips delivered straight to your inbox.
The Mets have signed right-hander Kevin Herget to a minor league contract, and announced that the reliever has been selected to the active roster. Left-hander Brandon Waddell was optioned to Triple-A in the corresponding transaction.

Herget is back in Queens after a stint on the Braves roster that lasted a little under two months. The Mets claimed Herget away from the Brewers during the offseason, but he was designated for assignment in mid-May and found himself changing teams again on the waiver wire when Atlanta made a claim. Herget was DFAed again last weekend and elected free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to the Braves Triple-A club (he had the right to choose free agency since Herget had previously been outrighted in his career). Amidst all these roster moves, Herget hasnt spent much time on a big league mound this season, as he has made a single appearance apiece for the Mets and Braves at the MLB level.

The right-hander now has 26 appearances and 45 2/3 innings on his career resume in the majors, with a 4.53 ERA to show for his work with the Rays, Reds, and Brewers in addition to New York and Atlanta. The 34-year-old Herget has carved out a long career in pro ball since being a 39th-round pick for the Cardinals in the 2013 draft. Most of his career has been spent in the St. Louis farm system, and Herget has a 4.00 ERA over 505 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level. This includes a 3.26 ERA, 21.6% strikeout rate, and eight percent walk rate over 30 1/3 combined innings with the Mets and Braves Triple-A affiliates in 2025.

It could be that Hergets latest stint in the Show might be another cameo, as his addition gives the Mets a fresh arm over the short term. Waddell pitched 3 2/3 innings in yesterdays 8-4 loss to the Reds and wouldnt have been available for a few days anyway, so he can rest up and get some work in for Triple-A Syracuse. New York cant recall Waddell back to the 26-man roster for at least 10 days, barring an injury to an active player.
The Perch on Hamlin Lake is new restaurant offering an elevated experience. The "elevated American" menu is served from atop a hill overlooking the lake. It's at 3264 Piney Ridge Road near Ludington, Mich. Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI - This waterfront restaurant opened a month ago with a focus on elevated experiences.

The Perch on Hamlin Lake, situated near Ludington State Park in Northern Michigan, offers panoramic views and an elevated American dining experience. Owners Christy and Randy Malliett recently celebrated one-month in business.

We feel incredibly lucky to be embraced by such a wonderful community, they said on Facebook.

Here are the 3 takeaways from the original article.

The Perch on Hamlin Lake is new restaurant offering an elevated experience. The "elevated American" menu is served from atop a hill overlooking the lake. It's at 3264 Piney Ridge Road near Ludington, Mich. Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Perch replaces a restaurant that had been closed for 25 years

Christy and Randy Malliett purchased Hobby Crest Resort on Hamlin Lake in 2017 with plans to revitalize the property, including its long-shuttered restaurant. The original 1928 structure was demolished in October 2021 due to extensive deterioration, making way for a completely new building. The renovation was part of the couples larger project to transform what had been a half-star resort into what is now a highly-rated destination with 4.7 stars on review platforms.

The Perch on Hamlin Lake is new restaurant offering an elevated experience. The "elevated American" menu is served from atop a hill overlooking the lake. It's at 3264 Piney Ridge Road near Ludington, Mich. Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

The restaurant features panoramic lake views and locally-sourced materials

The Perch is designed to maximize views of Hamlin Lake with windows lining three sides of the building, ensuring water visibility from every seat. The 100-seat restaurant includes both indoor and outdoor tables, plus a 60-seat event space downstairs with windowed garage doors facing the lake.

In a notable sustainability touch, large oak trees cleared from the property during renovations were processed into lumber and repurposed for the restaurants walls, doors, tables, and chairs, creating a distinctive interior aesthetic.

The Perch on Hamlin Lake is new restaurant offering an elevated experience. The "elevated American" menu is served from atop a hill overlooking the lake. It's at 3264 Piney Ridge Road near Ludington, Mich. Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

The new establishment is already experiencing significant customer demand

The Perch is already serving approximately 500 guests daily and is packed every night, according to co-owner Christy Malliett. The menu, described as elevated American, includes perch dishes (appropriately), char-crusted steaks, a fish Reuben sandwich, and specialty items like shrimp chips, calamari fries and gator bites.

The restaurant is located at 3264 Piney Ridge Road in Hamlin Township. Visitors are advised to call ahead (231-425-3126) or check online for current hours as adjustments are still being made.

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from a previous article. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff.
The seal of the University of Michigan on a sign for the Modern Languages Building, 812 Washington St. on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. Jacob Hamilton/MLive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI  A former University of Michigan diversity, equity and inclusion administrator is suing UMs board of regents on claims that her civil rights were violated and that she was racially discriminated against when she was fired at the end of last year.

Its one of two ongoing legal challenges against the Ann Arbor institution from Rachel Dawson, whos already filed a notice of intent to sue UM in the Michigan Court of Claims asserting she was subject to biased treatment when the university investigated allegations that she made antisemitic comments at a conference in 2024.
ANN ARBOR  The Ann Arbor Art Fair is well underway, with tens of thousands of visitors browsing through rows of white tents along 30 blocks of the citys downtown and enjoying another day of ideal weather.

MLive photographers Jacob Hamilton and Abra Richardson explored downtown on Friday  the second day of the three-day event  documenting a artists whose works reflected the city and its visitors through vibrant glass, polished metal sculptures and even the mirrored sunglasses of the artists themselves.

Arizona-born artist Jackson Ocheltree, who creates marble-like pieces that shimmer with embedded metals, said he appreciates the opportunity that Art Fair provides to meet customers one-on-one.

What youre seeing here is my lifes work, he said. I like coming face-to-face with people who are taking a piece of me home with them."

His booth was lined with fist-sized balls of borosilicate glass that resembled everything from traditional marbles to scenes from outer space. Inside each piece is a spiral of dichroic glass that seems to glow from within, while chunks of Gilson opal appear suspended at the center.

Glass artwork by Jackson Ocheltree during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Across the street on North University Avenue, sculpture artist John Joseph Denis stood among about a dozen of his abstract installation pieces that combine acrylic and crushed glass.

With names like Flight, Fusion and Strand, Denis art starts with the mold that will form its acrylic shell, into which he pours reflective chunks of crushed glass and mirror-like silvered glass. The statement pieces he creates can be found in public in his hometown of Chicago and in private installations across the country.

Glass-embedded acrylic artwork by John Joseph Davis at his booth on North University Avenue during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

At metal sculptor Mark Wallis booth near Ingalls Mall, the polished steel statue She Moves Like Water reflected passing visitors and the nearby Burton Memorial Tower, distorting and stretching them like a funhouse mirror.

Across the University of Michigan campus on South University Avenue, Kentucky native Benjamin Maddox showcased a different style of glass artwork. With a background in metal fabrication and stained glass, he combines layers of colorful, wavy fused glass with brushed metal frames of his own creation to produce three-dimensional wall hangings and installation pieces.

A petroglyph made from fused glass and steel by artst Benjamin Maddox stands outside his booth on South University Avenue during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. The three symbols represent the sun, the human form and the circle of life and are styled after ancient human carvings on wayfinding stones. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

In addition to his largest wall-hanging piece yet, Maddox showed his first of several planned petroglyphs  steel structures with fused glass windows that feature symbols inspired by ancient stone carvings.

Art Fair continues through Sunday, showcasing the artists mentioned above along with nearly a thousand other artists and artisans. Check out some of our favorite photos below, or click here to view our full gallery of images from the first two days of Art Fair.

Vic Hamilton sits near his stall in the shade during the 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair on Friday, July 18, 2025. Abra Richardson | MLive.com

Artwork by Ummarid Eitharong hangs outside his booth on North University Avenue during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Attendees of the 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair look through ceramic artwork by Joey Chesseys booth on Friday, July 18, 2025. Abra Richardson | MLive.com

Berry Davis holds up his glass artwork outside his booth in their booth on South University Avenue during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Glass artwork by Jackson Ocheltree during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Attendees look at small glass figurines by Vasil Ivanov at the 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair on Friday, July 18, 2025. Abra Richardson | MLive.com

The mirror-polished steel sculpture She Moves Like Water by Mark Wallis in front of the Burton Memorial Tower on North University Avenue during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Attendees of the 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair look through pieces of jewelry made by Laurel Karnecki on Friday, July 18, 2025. Abra Richardson | MLive.com

Visitors are reflected in mixed media artwork by Scott Matyjaszek during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Glass sculpture by Garrelts Glass is showcased at the 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair on Friday, July 18, 2025. Abra Richardson | MLive.com

Fused glass artwork by Benjamin Maddox in his booth on South University Avenue during Art Fair in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, July 18 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com
USCIRF Condemns Violence Against Syrias Druze Community

NEWS PROVIDED BY

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

July 18, 2025

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2025 /Standard Newswire/  The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns this weeks outbreak of violence against Syrias Druze community, the latest in a series of deadly attacks this year by forces loyal to or directly affiliated with the countrys transitional authorities.

"This latest attack in Suweida is a clear indication that the transitional authorities are failing to rein in violent extremist groups and protect the diverse Syrian populations they claim to represent, said Commissioner Maureen Ferguson. The United States should not accept at face value the transitional authorities promises of religious and ethnic inclusivity. Our government must condition further assistance to Syria on those authorities taking specific steps to demonstrate significant improvement.

In December 2024, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)a U.S.-designated Entity of Particular Concern for its religious freedom violationsled a militant coalition in toppling the Assad regime and establishing a transitional administration. In the seven months since, extremist militias connected to the transitional authorities have repeatedly targeted religious communities with executions, arson, looting, and kidnapping. The latest violence in Suweida followed previous massacres of Druze and related clashes near Damascus in April and May.

Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi stated: These recent outbreaks of severe violence throughout Syria are disproportionately affecting Syrias religious minority communities, including Druze, Alawis, Christians and others. The U.S. government must demand protection for all religious communities in its dialogue with the transitional authorities. Furthermore, it must observe meaningful progress toward providing such protection prior to lifting sanctions.

Earlier this month, USCIRFs Syria Policy Update renewed recommendations for the U.S. government to pressure Syrias interim authorities to demonstrate their claimed commitment to protecting religious communities. In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State name Syria to the Special Watch List for state violators of severe abuses of religious freedom, pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress, intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at media@uscirf.gov.

SOURCE United States Commission on International Religious Freedom

CONTACT: 202-523-3240, media@uscirf.gov
WASHINGTON, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States said on Friday that the country has rejected amendments to the international health regulations adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) last year.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a joint statement to formally reject the WHO's 2024 International Health Regulations Amendments.

The statement accused the amendments of being "vague and broad" in terminology, claiming that U.S. agencies "put Americans first in all our actions" and "will not tolerate international policies that infringe on Americans' speech, privacy or personal liberties."

The pact, which was adopted in Geneva in June 2024, aims to ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic occurs. 
ANN ARBOR, MI  An espresso martini without a thick layer of foam is a red flag. 1824 Cocktails and Coffee thankfully has an espresso machine behind the bar to give their Espresso Martini full-bodied flavor.

With six variations on the now ubiquitous cocktail you can try unique styles that include Cantera Negra Blanco in their Bur Oak or Ballotin Carmel Whiskey in the John Allen version.

It is great to see some variations of a beloved cocktail, and some of them deepen the dessert-like decadence of this after-dinner special.

Elisha Rumsey Espresso Martini at 1824 Cocktails and Coffee in Ann Arbor, Michigan Santino Mattioli | MLive

The Elisha Rumsey Espresso Martini, named after Ann Arbors co-founder, is a great side step from the original recipe.

DRINK OF THE WEEK

Elisha Rumsey Espresso Martini

Price: $13

Location: 413 E Huron St Suite C, Ann Arbor

Hours: 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, and closed on Mondays

If you have a drink or cocktail youd like Santino Mattioli to try, email him at smattioli@mlive.com.
Bats at the Oregon Zoo, 2015. The first rabies case of 2025 in Ottawa County, Michigan, was recently confirmed in a local bat. LC- Kristyna Wentz-Graff

HOLLAND, MI  A bat from Ottawa County recently sent to state labs has tested positive for rabies, according to local health authorities.

In a release on Friday, July 18, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health said no people have contracted rabies, a deadly but preventable disease historically seen much more in rabid animals.

The case confirmed in a local bat, however, marks the first contracted in the area so far in 2025.

The risk of exposure to rabies via rabid bats is higher between May and September when theyre more active, officials said, and residents were encouraged to take steps to protect themselves.

The only way to know if a bat has rabies is through laboratory testing, so it is important to collect the bat for testing, the local health department said in the release. People who are exposed to a potentially rabid animal should receive treatment after contact. Treatment is not necessary if the animal tests negative for rabies.

People and pets are typically exposed to rabies if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal.

Ottawa County health officials said they were particularly concerned about exposures that occur when a bat is found in an enclosed room with sleeping people, or when a bat is found with an unattended child or adult who cannot communicate clearly.

Steps to protect families and pets against rabies include:

Never touching or handling bats and other wild animals, as they can carry rabies without looking sick

Seeking immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched

Getting pets vaccinated against rabies

Contacting the health department at 616-396-5266 if a bat gets stuck in your Ottawa County home

Contacting the Harbor Humane Society at 616-399-2119 if rabies testing is needed

In 2024, there were three reported cases of rabies in animals in Ottawa County.

As of Thursday, July 17, there were 16 cases in animals across the state so far this year.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website.
MLive File Photo. A Connecticut man was killed Friday, July 18 in a motorcycle crash in Hillsdale County, police say.

AMBOY TWP., MI  A 50-year-old Connecticut man was killed in motorcycle crash in Amboy Township, in Hillsdale County just north of the Ohio border.

Hillsdale County Sheriffs Office deputies responded around 5:35 p.m. Friday, July 18 to a report of a motorcycle crash with injuries on S. Bird Lake Road, south of E. Territorial Road, according to a release posted on the sheriffs offices Facebook page.
Sneaker enthusiasts and Jordan collectors should mark their calendars for this weekend: The legendary Air Jordan 8 Aqua makes its highly anticipated return on Saturday, July 19, at 10 a.m. ET for $215.

True to the original design, the new release features a striking combination of Aquatone and Bright Concord accents against a Black and Iron Grey upper. Its construction showcases premium materials including nubuck leather, breathable textiles and synthetic leather elements.

Air Jordan 8 "Aqua" Air Jordan 8 "Aqua" shoes $215 on Nike

Performance remains central to the Air Jordan 8 design. The shoe incorporates Nike Air technology in both the heel and forefoot, providing responsive, lightweight cushioning. A distinctive stability system combines crisscross midfoot straps with a stretchy inner sleeve, ensuring a secure and supportive fit suitable for both athletes and casual wearers.

Design enthusiasts will appreciate the tri-tone Jumpman patch on the tongue, a visual element that honors the shoes heritage while adding a distinctive aesthetic touch to this classic silhouette.

The Air Jordan 8 Aqua represents one of the most celebrated designs from Michael Jordans signature line, embodying both the bold style of the early 1990s and the performance innovation that defined the Jordan brand during its golden era.

While MJ first wore these shoes during the 92-93 seasons star-studded stage, theyre now ready to accompany you as you tell your story.

Generative AI was used to help produce an initial draft of this story, based on information from Nike.com, which was reviewed and edited by MLive.com staff.
High winds and heavy rain are the hallmarks of the storm crossing the big lake and heading into Michigan today. Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service

Storms already are moving across the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula and the eastern U.P. Farther south, another batch of possibly severe weather is working its way across Lake Michigan and heading toward West Michigan.

You can see the always-updated radar on our MLive weather page.

As these storms continue to pop up this afternoon, wind damage appears to be the main threat, according to the National Weather Service. Gusts could reach up to 60 mph.

Todays NWS forecast notes say that while the ingredients are all in place for potential severe weather this afternoon and early evening, its not a slam dunk as to forecasting whether thunderstorms and hail will actually materialize.

Some places could see just a few pop-up showers or quick thunderstorms. Others could see heavy rain that causes some short-term flooding.

A threat for severe weather exists today, NWS meteorologists in Grand Rapids said. We expect storms to develop over Lake Michigan in the midday hours. Storms should move into Western Lower Michigan in the early afternoon.

1 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the expected time frame of storms in southwest Lower Michigan. The main threat from storms that develop today will be strong winds to 50 to 60 mph. Locally heavy rain is expected as well that may result in localized short term flooding of low spots.

If severe weather does organize itself, it will likely look like a severe line of storms moving from west to east. These are the storms that would pack the damaging winds.
Alia Bhatt hails Saiyaara debutants Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda: I dont remember the last time I looked at two actors with such awe...

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WELLINGTON, July 19 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Canada have settled a longstanding dairy trade dispute under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

An agreement to settle the trade dispute over dairy market access is expected to boost New Zealand's dairy export value by up to 157 million NZ dollars (93.8 million U.S. dollars) annually, New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said on Friday.

The dispute began in 2022 when New Zealand launched formal proceedings against Canada, claiming that Canada's restrictions on dairy imports breached CPTPP commitments.

A dispute panel ruled in New Zealand's favor, but Canada did not initially implement the required changes until New Zealand threatened tariffs in 2024, prompting compliance, according to the New Zealand government.

Under the new arrangement, Canada will overhaul its dairy quota system for New Zealand, ensuring faster access, reallocation of unused quotas, and penalties for misuse, said the New Zealand government in a statement.

McClay said the deal ensured better access for New Zealand exporters, underscored rules-based trade, and praised Canada's constructive approach. 
Alia Bhatt offers Rs 50 Lakh each to driver and house help to buy their houses

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Kapil Sharma's cafe in Surrey reopens after firing incident, wife Ginni confirms on social media: "currently open for delivery only"

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Shah Rukh Khan injured on King set during action scene, heads to US for treatment: Report

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Sonu Sood recalls why Farah Khan built a swimming pool at home after seeing Shah Rukhs team in trunks during Happy New Year shoot in Dubai

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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

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Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com

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DAMASCUS, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Syrian and Israeli leaders have reached a ceasefire agreement under the auspices of the United States after deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria prompted Israeli intervention with massive strikes recently.

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced the truce early Saturday, saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, under the sponsorship of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

The deal is also backed by regional players, including Turkiye, Jordan, and Syria's other neighbors.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and, together with other minorities, build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors," Barrack said in a post on social media.

The ceasefire deal followed six days of fierce sectarian clashes in the southern province of Sweida, which left hundreds dead and triggered fears of a broader, regional escalation.

Under the truce deal, Syrian government security and military institutions will be allowed to re-enter all parts of Sweida, according to sources cited by local TV reports.

The deal stipulates the dissolution of all local factions, the handover of heavy weapons, and the integration of former fighters into state security structures.

The spiritual leadership of the Druze community issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire, expressing readiness to end the ongoing hostilities and calling for a return to "wisdom and reason."

The agreement came amid mounting humanitarian concerns in Sweida, where United Nations convoys were recently blocked from entering conflict zones.

The Syrian authorities have yet to comment on the ceasefire deal. 
Yeeshu Yadav

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Bank of Baroda manager in Baramati dies by suicide, cites work pressure in note

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Aishwarya Dabhade

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Goa sees record surge in tourist arrivals with 54 lakh visitors in Jan-June this year

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Government to take over island in Lakshadweep for 'defence' purposes

Ria Kapoor

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I want them behind bars: BDS student dies by suicide in Greater Noida, alleges mental harassment in note

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Ria Kapoor

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WASHINGTON, July 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the U.S. attorney general to push for the release of grand jury testimony regarding convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

"Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Trump's order to release the transcripts came on the heels of a memo from the FBI and the Department of Justice that said Epstein did not have a client list and did indeed die by suicide.

Soon after, Bondi said on social media, "We are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts."

It remains unclear what material Bondi will push to release, and releasing court transcripts can take some time since it requires a judge's decision.

Epstein was under federal investigation in the 2000s for sex trafficking of minors.

In July 2019, Epstein was arrested and charged with "sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office website.

On Aug. 10, 2019, he was found dead in his prison cell -- a death officially ruled a suicide. Yet in recent weeks, social media has erupted with theories suggesting he may have been killed to prevent him from exposing powerful clients for whom he allegedly procured underage girls. 
India News Live: 'They are trying to suppress me', says Bhupesh Baghel on son Chaitanya's arrest by ED

Former Chhattisgarh CM and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel says, "It is the policy of the BJP to defame Congress leaders. Congress party has always fought for the interest of the nation. So, entire Gandhi family was targetted in order to defame them. But the entire nation and country know that this is a family which makes sacrifices for the nation...They themselves cannot do anything, so they want to weaken others. So, they arrested my son. They are trying to suppress me but I will neither get scared nor suppressed."

He also said, "All power plants, cement plants, mines are going to Adani. So, there will be a chakka jam across the state on 22nd July against the conspiracy to handover Chhattisgarh to Adani and suppress us."
IRS officer Kapil Raj, who oversaw arrests of two sitting CMs, resigns after 16 years in service

Aishwarya Dabhade

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'No point staying together if ...': Uddhav Thackeray slams MVA over election missteps

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Panic-stricken UP villagers resort to firing in air after spotting drones flying over homes at night

Sonalee Borgohain

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MEXICO CITY, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday voiced strong opposition to the construction of a new segment of the U.S. border wall in the state of New Mexico, calling it a unilateral move by the U.S. government.

Speaking at her daily press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico is not involved in the project in any way and is not contributing funding.

"They're building it on their own. We don't support the wall. We've achieved a safe border through cooperation and coordination, not walls," she said.

Sheinbaum described the construction as a decision made solely by U.S. President Donald Trump and emphasized Mexico's preference for development-based cooperation and respect for Mexicans living in the United States.

This week, the Trump administration began a new phase of construction on a secondary border barrier between Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez in northern Mexico. The project includes 9.6 km of 9-meter-high steel posts placed behind an older 5.5-meter fence. 
Watch: Pakistan says terror group TRF 'not illegal' despite US declaration

Yeeshu Yadav

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'We are not fighting our own': Mamata, Himanta in fresh war of words over citizenship, infiltration

Tamal Nandi

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80% of TV parts from China, we are just assembling in name of Make in India: Rahul Gandhi

Tamal Nandi

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Well drown you in Mumbai sea: Raj Thackeray hits back at Nishikant Dubey over patak patak ke maarenge jibe

Aishwarya Dabhade

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'What is the truth?': Rahul Gandhi questions PM Modi on Trump's 'five jets shot down' claim, BJP hits back

Chhabi Kala

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Shubhi Mishra

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Solar Eclipse on August 2: Will the Longest Eclipse be Visible in India? Check details here

MC Science Desk Read the latest and trending science newsstay updated on NASA, ISRO, space missions, planets, asteroids, black holes, AI, quantum physics, galaxy discoveries, and more exciting breakthroughs.

Archisha Yadav

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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

Shaurya Shubham

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Obamas Russia Hoax role back in focus: Did he engineer fake intel to target Trump?

Pragya Trivedi

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A deputy stands guard after an explosion at a training facility of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on July 18, 2025. Three deputies were killed Friday morning in an explosion at a police training facility in Southern California, authorities confirmed. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Three deputies were killed Friday morning in an explosion at a police training facility in Southern California, authorities confirmed.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department referred to the explosion on the social media platform X as a "critical workplace incident," which occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time (1430 GMT) at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training in East Los Angeles.

"There were three department member fatalities," the department said, adding that homicide detectives are investigating the scene.

Local KABC-TV reported that the victims were handling some kind of explosives when the blast occurred, citing preliminary information from sources.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi described it as a "horrific incident" and confirmed that at least three people died. "Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more," she wrote on X.

California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the explosion, according to a statement from his press office on X. The Governor's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with the sheriff's department and offering full state assistance while closely monitoring the situation, the statement said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city is supporting the L.A. County Sheriff's Department through this "horrific incident" in Monterey Park. L.A. Fire Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the LAPD bomb squad "are assisting at the training facility," Bass said on X.

The Biscailuz Center Academy Training is home to the sheriff's department's special enforcement units and bomb squad, according to local media.

The incident is the deadliest law enforcement-related explosion in Southern California in nearly 40 years, NBC News reported. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation. 

A deputy stands guard after an explosion at a training facility of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on July 18, 2025. Three deputies were killed Friday morning in an explosion at a police training facility in Southern California, authorities confirmed. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)
Pragya Trivedi

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Explained: How Vy Capital quietly became Musks biggest backerand why its going solo

Pragya Trivedi

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Heavy rains wreak havoc in Pakistans Punjab: 123 dead since June 25, over 1,000 evacuated | See Pics

More than 1,000 people have been safely moved from flood-hit zones in Pothohar, including 398 in Jhelum, 209 in Chakwal, and 450 in Rawalpindi, PDMA reports. (Image: AFP)

PMD has raised an alert for high-level flooding in the River Indus at Kalabagh and Chashma over the next 24 hours, urging authorities to prepare. (Image: AFP)

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rains starting July 20, with no immediate relief in sight. (Image: X)

More than 70 of the total deaths occurred within the last two days, highlighting the severity of the recent downpours. (Image: AFP)

The province experienced record-breaking rain, causing urban flooding that submerged many residential neighborhoods, according to PDMA. (Image: X)

Alongside fatalities, around 462 people have been injured in the flood-affected areas over the past weeks. (Image: AFP)

At least 10 more lives were lost on Friday, pushing the total flood-related deaths in Pakistan's Punjab to 123 since June 25. (Image: AFP)

Floods triggered by intense rainfall have wreaked havoc across Pakistan, leading to a rising death toll and widespread damage. (Image: AFP)

Pragya Trivedi

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Israel and Syria agree to ceasefire amid deadly Druze clashes, backed by US

101Reporters

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Chhabi Kala

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Tensions rise as Lula blasts US over visa sanctions tied to Bolsonaro trial

Arindam Roy

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President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law on Jul. 4. The legislation will have sweeping ramifications for the country and the economy, with major implications for law enforcement, taxes, immigration and social welfare programs.

Trending Now: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes  Heres What That Would Mean for the Economy and Your Wallet

Read Next: Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper Class in 2025

However, those looking to buy their inaugural house are likely to be more interested in a trio of provisions that could impact first-time homebuyers. Heres whats on the horizon for them.

SALT Deduction Cap Temporarily Raised

According to Fidelity, the bill raises the state and local tax (SALT) deduction to $40,000 for those earning less than $500,000 per year. It was capped at $10,000 in 2017 and will revert to a $10,000 maximum deduction in 2030, but for now, it quadruples the deductible amount of property and other taxes.

AD Mortgage said this is especially helpful to buyers in high-tax states, such as New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut and Illinois, and to borrowers taking out jumbo or conforming loans, high balance loans and non-qualified mortgages.

Learn More: Can You Write Off Your Home Insurance on Your Taxes?

Tax-Exempt Savings Accounts Established

Aspiring first-time homebuyers with families can hit the ground running with the so-called Trump accounts the bill creates. According to the Tax Foundation, theyre a new kind of tax-exempt savings account for children that parents, relatives and others can contribute to for a maximum of $5,000 per year to grow tax-free until the minor turns 18. Babies born in the next four years get a $1,000 government-funded contribution. The accounts are for qualified expenses only, including the first-time purchase of a principal residence.

Mortgage Interest and PMI Deductions Made Permanent

National Mortgage Professional said the legislation also permanently restores two key benefits for first-time buyers and many veteran homeowners alike.

It permanently restores private mortgage insurance (PMI) as a deductible expense for buyers who put less than 20% down. According to U.S. Mortgage Insurers, first-time buyers account for 65% of PMI policies.

Additionally, the bill makes permanent the deductibility of mortgage interest on home loans of up to $750,000, a cap that remains unchanged.

Editors note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.
Trump claims five jets downed in India-Pakistan conflict, doesnt specify which side

Pragya Trivedi

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What is Astronomer? The AI infrastructure startup pulled into spotlight by a Coldplay comment

Aishwarya Dabhade

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What you need to know about Trump, Epstein and the MAGA controversy

101Reporters

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Who is Sohei Kamiya, the populist firebrand shaking up Japanese politics?

Arindam Roy

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Why some families have all boys or all girls: New study says birth sex isnt just luck

Arindam Roy

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Why Tesla is on trial over a fatal Autopilot crash  and what it means for the future of driver-assist technology

Arindam Roy

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'You are on your own if China invades': Japan's warning to its firms in Taiwan, says report

Arindam Roy

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Dubais flagship carrier Emirates has just formalized what could be the biggest crypto-payment partnership in aviation history, according to Arabian Post. The airline inked a strategic alliance with Crypto.com, setting the stage for travelers to book flights using digital currencies by next year. But this isnt just about paying for your vacation in Bitcoinits a calculated bet on the future of money itself.

The Deal That Could Change How We Fly

Emirates and Crypto.com signed a memorandum of understanding that goes far beyond simple payment integration. The partnership will embed Crypto.com Pay directly into Emirates booking systems, creating what industry experts are calling a seamless crypto-to-travel pipeline. The deal was ceremonially signed under the watch of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates chair and CEO, signaling the highest level of institutional backing according to Arabian Post.

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The timing isnt coincidental. Emirates has been chasing younger, tech-savvy travelers who increasingly view traditional payment methods as outdated. Deputy President Adnan Kazim emphasized the airlines commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences, a corporate euphemism for acknowledging that millennials and Gen Z travelers are driving crypto adoption in consumer spending.

The Dubai Crypto Surge Thats Reshaping Finance

This partnership sits at the center of a broader financial revolution in the UAE. Between July 2023 and June 2024, Dubai attracted approximately $34 billion in crypto investmentsa figure that would make some small countries jealous. The emirate has systematically built regulatory frameworks that encourage blockchain innovation while maintaining what officials call robust investor protection.

Unlike the wild-west crypto environments elsewhere, Dubais approach has been methodical. The citys regulators have created clear guidelines that allow major corporations like Emirates to embrace digital currencies without regulatory uncertainty. This isnt crypto for cryptos sakeits strategic positioning for a post-cash economy.

Trending: New to crypto? Get up to $400 in rewards for successfully completing short educational courses and making your first qualifying trade on Coinbase.

What This Means for Your Wallet

For travelers, the practical implications are immediate. Starting next year, passengers will be able to book Emirates flights using major cryptocurrencies through Crypto.com Pay. The integration promises to eliminate traditional banking fees, cross-border transaction delays, and currency conversion headaches that plague international travel.
Pile of money by Atlantagreg via iStock

SoFi Technologies (SOFI) has been on an impressive tear, gaining roughly 53% in the last month and 180% in the past 12 months. The rally extended last week after SoFi announced strategic partnerships with asset managers, including Cashmere, Fundrise, and Liberty Street Advisors. SoFi disclosed plans to expand retail investor access to alternative investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and space technology. This move democratizes private market investments with minimum capital requirements starting at just $10.

www.barchart.com

The companys expansion into private markets, combined with its growing 10.9 million member base, positions SoFi to capitalize on increasing demand for alternative investments. CEO Anthony Noto emphasized the platforms role in building truly diversified portfolios for a new generation of investors.

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While the stocks momentum appears strong, investors should monitor whether SoFi can sustain growth as competition intensifies in the fintech space.

Is SoFi Stock a Good Buy Right Now?

SoFi Technologies presents a compelling investment opportunity as a vertically integrated digital bank targeting younger, affluent consumers dissatisfied with traditional banking. Its mission to help people get their money right drives a comprehensive one-stop financial services platform spanning lending, banking, investing, and payments.

SoFi delivered exceptional Q1 results with record member growth of 800,000 new additions (34% year-over-year) and 1.2 million new products (35% growth). It now serves approximately 11 million members, offering over 15 million products, which demonstrates the effectiveness of its cross-selling strategy.

Revenue growth has accelerated to over $3 billion annually, with adjusted EBITDA margins reaching 26%. The company has successfully diversified beyond its lending origins, with fee-based revenue now comprising 41% of total revenue, up from 26% in 2021.

Key growth drivers include the $27 billion deposit base, which generates funding cost savings; the rapidly expanding Loan Platform Business, which generates $380 million in annualized revenue; and strong momentum in Financial Services products.

SoFi's Financial Services Productivity Loop generates sustainable competitive advantages by achieving high customer lifetime value and low acquisition costs. Approximately 30% of new products come from existing members, eliminating duplicate acquisition expenses. The company's technology-first approach enables rapid innovation and scalability compared to traditional banks, which are often burdened by legacy systems.
Patient Capital Management, a value investing firm, released its Patient Capital Opportunity Equity Strategy second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The strategy generated a total return of 15.3% net of fees in the quarter compared to the strategys unmanaged benchmark, the S&P 500 Indexs 10.9% return. According to a three-factor performance attribution model, the selection effect contributed positively to the portfolios performance, which was partially offset by allocation and interaction effects. In addition, you can check the funds top 5 holdings to know its best picks in 2025.

In its second quarter 2025 investor letter, Patient Capital Opportunity Equity Strategy highlighted stocks such as Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA). Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) provides technology infrastructure and marketing reach. The one-month return of Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) was 3.80%, and its shares gained 55.84% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 17, 2025, Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) stock closed at $117.30 per share, with a market capitalization of $279.874 billion.

Patient Capital Opportunity Equity Strategy stated the following regarding Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter:

"Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) sold off early in the quarter following President Trumps Liberation Day tariff announcement, which imposed ~50% tariffs on Chinese goods. As the US and China moved toward tentative agreements, the stock began to recover. Fundamentally, we continue to see an attractive setup. Alibaba is benefiting from accelerating AI initiatives, renewed momentum in its Tmall platform, and rapid growth in instant shopping and local services. These trends support a broader turnaround in core commerce and digital services. Despite these tailwinds, the company trades at just 11.2x earnings, well below historical averages, and continues to return capital to shareholders through a 1% dividend yield and a robust buyback program. We believe Alibaba remains significantly undervalued relative to its sum-of-the-parts, and see meaningful upside as fundamentals stabilize and sentiment improves."

Alibaba (BABA) Soars 8% on US Chip Exports Ease to China

An e-commerce platform displaying a wide range of products to customers online.

Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) is in 17th position on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 125 hedge fund portfolios held Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) at the end of the first quarter, which was 107 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of BABA 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.
BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP)  A shooting at a mine controlled by the Russia-linked Wagner mercenary group in the Central African Republic killed at least 11 people, residents and aid workers said Friday.

The victims were killed Wednesday night at the gold mine in Ndassima, about 450 kilometers (280 miles) east of the countrys capital of Bangui, the residents and aid workers told The Associated Press. Residents of nearby villages are forbidden access to the Wagner-controlled mine.

Resident Serge Pounematchi, whose son was among those killed, said the victims were at the site searching for gold residue and gravel when they were summarily killed. He joined other villagers in holding funerals for the victims.

It is a shame that the right to life does not exist, Pounematchi said.

Authorities did not yet confirm any details of the violence, and local officials did not immediately respond to inquiries.

Two aid workers, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted, confirmed that the victims were young people from surrounding villages and that most were shot dead.

Constantin Pounoukouzou, a resident of Ndassima, said some villagers are still missing. Unemployed young people have no choice but to go to this site at night (for) the gravel, Pounoukouzou said.

Wagner is often accused of carrying out rights abuses and extrajudicial killings with little or no accountability in Central African Republic, where it has pledged to fight rebel groups and restore peace.

The mercenaries have served as personal bodyguards for President Faustin Archange Touadera, helping him win a 2023 constitutional referendum that could extend his power indefinitely.

By JEAN-FERNAND KOENA

Associated Press
Myanmars military leader puts in rare appearance at event honoring Aung San Suu Kyis father View Photo

BANGKOK (AP)  The head of Myanmars military government made a rare appearance at a ceremony on Saturday honoring General Aung San, an independence hero and father of jailed former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

It was the first time that 69-year-old Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing attended the Martyrs Day wreath-laying since the army ousted Suu Kyi and seized power in February 2021. The leaders appearance comes as his embattled government is preparing to hold elections while fighting armed opposition groups across the country.

Martyrs Day was an important event in Myanmars calendar for decades, but the military has downplayed the holiday in recent years. It commemorates the assassination of Aung San, a former Prime Minister who was gunned down at the age of 32 along with six Cabinet colleagues and two other officials in 1947, just months before the country  then called Burma  achieved freedom from British colonial rule. A political rival, former Prime Minister U Saw, was tried and hanged for plotting the attack.

Suu Kyi was absent from the ceremony for a fifth year

Suu Kyi, who was detained when the army took over in 2021, was absent from the event for a fifth consecutive year. She is currently serving a 27-year prison term on what are widely regarded as contrived charges meant to keep her from political activity. She has not been seen in public since her arrest.

Ye Aung Than, a son of Suu Kyis estranged older brother, laid a wreath in front of his grandfathers tomb during the main ceremony at the Martyrs Mausoleum near the foot of the towering Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

With Myanmar national flags flying at half-staff, members of the ruling military council, and cabinet, as well as high-ranking military generals joined Min Aung Hlaing in placing a basket of flowers in front of the tombs of the nine martyrs.

As the ceremony was held, people in Yangon paid tribute to independence leaders by blaring car horns and sirens at 10:37 a.m., the time of the 1947 attack.

Democracy supporters also held scattered rallies in parts of the country that are not under military control.

The military government is planning elections later this year

The event comes five months before elections that the military has promised to hold by the end of this year.

The poll is widely seen as an attempt to legitimize the militarys seizure of power through the ballot box and is expected to deliver a result that ensures the generals retain control.

The 2021 military takeover was met with widespread nonviolent protests, but 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.

Since the army took power, 6,974 people including poets, activists, politicians and others have been killed, and 29,405 people have been arrested by the security forces, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organization that keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the nations political conflicts. The military government calls that figure an exaggeration.

The military, which is now estimated to control less than half the country, has been accelerating its counter-offensives to retake areas controlled by opposition groups ahead of the election.
Bangladeshs Islamist party projects force with a big rally in Dhaka View Photo

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Hundreds of thousands of supporters of Bangladeshs largest Islamist party rallied in the capital on Saturday to show their strength before an election expected next year, as the South Asian nation stands at a crossroads after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

An interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus said that the next election would be held in April. But his administration didnt rule out a possibility of polls in February, which has been strongly demanded by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its allies.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which had sided with Pakistan during Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971, had said that it would mobilize 1 million people on Saturday.

While Hasina was in power from 2009 until she was toppled in student-led protests last year and fled to India, top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami were either executed or jailed on charges of crimes against humanity and other serious crimes in 1971.

In late March 1971, Pakistans military had launched a violent crackdown on the city of Dhaka, which was then part of East Pakistan, to quell a rising nationalist movement seeking independence for what is today known as Bangladesh.

Islamists demand free and fair elections

The party on Saturday placed a seven-point demand on the Yunus-led administration to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election; justice for all mass killings; essential reforms and the proclamation and implementation of a charter involving last years mass uprising. It also wants the introduction of a proportional representation system in the election.

Thousands of supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami had spent the night on the Dhaka University campus before the rally. On Saturday morning, they continued to stream toward Suhrawardy Udyan, a historical site where the Pakistani army had surrendered to a joint force of India and Bangladesh on Dec. 16, 1971, ending the nine-month war.

We are here for a new Bangladesh, where Islam would be the guiding principle of governance, where good and honest people will rule the country, and there will be no corruption, Iqbal Hossain, 40, told The Associated Press. We will sacrifice our lives, if necessary, for this cause.

Many young supporters in their 20s and 30s were also present.

Under Jamaat-e-Islami, this country will have no discrimination. All people will have their rights. Because we follow the path of the holy book, Quran, said Mohidul Morsalin Sayem, a 20-year-old student. If all the Islamist parties join hands soon, nobody will be able to take power from us.

The partys chief, Shafiqur Rahman, said that the struggle in 2024 was to eliminate fascism from the country, but this time there will be another fight against corruption and extortion.

Rahman, 66, fainted twice as he addressed his supporters, but quickly returned to continue to speak surrounded by other leaders on the stage.

How will the future Bangladesh look like? There will be another fight  We will do whatever is necessary and win that fight (against corruption) collectively by uniting the strength of the youth to eliminate corruption, Rahman said.

It wasnt immediately clear why he fainted. He was later taken to a hospital for tests.

The event was the first time that the party was allowed to hold a rally at the site since 1971. To many, the decision signaled a shift supported by Yunus government in which Islamists are gaining momentum with further fragmentation of Bangladeshs politics and the shrinking of liberal forces.

Hasinas Awami League party, in a statement on X, reacted sharply for allowing it to hold the rally on that politically sensitive site.

It said that the move marks a stark betrayal with the national conscience and constitutes a brazen act of undermining millions of people  dead and alive  who fought against the evil axis (in 1971), the statement said.

Tensions between parties over Yunus reforms

Hasina, whose father was the independence leader and the countrys first president, is a fierce political rival of Jamaat-e-Islami.

The party is expected to contest 300 parliamentary seats and is attempting to forge alliances with other Islamist groups and parties in hopes of becoming a third force in the country behind the BNP, headed by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Hasinas former ruling Awami League party.

The party had previously shared power with the BNP, and it had two senior Cabinet members under Zia in 2001-2006. After Hasina was ousted, tensions grew between parties over reforms agenda undertaken by the Yunus government, which is facing challenges to establish order in the country.

The government has been criticized by Hasinas party and others for using force in a confrontation with protesters in a Hasina stronghold on Wednesday, where four people died. Their families complained that authorities didnt conduct autopsies and hurriedly buried or cremated their relatives.

Yunus office said that the government was doing everything lawfully in Gopalganj, the district where the violence occurred.

Jamaat-e-Islami has now established close ties with a new political party formed by students who led the anti-Hasina uprising. Both Jamaat-e-Islami and the students National Citizen Party also promote an anti-India campaign.

The Yunus-led administration has banned the Awami League, and Hasina has been in exile in India since Aug. 5. She is facing charges of crimes against humanity. The United Nations said in February that up to 1,400 people may have been killed during the anti-Hasina uprising in July-August last year.

By JULHAS ALAM

Associated Press
Colombias Petro visits Haiti for a 2nd time to help bolster security as gang violence surges

Colombias Petro visits Haiti for a 2nd time to help bolster security as gang violence surges View Photo

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Colombian President Gustavo Preto arrived Friday in Haiti for the second time this year in a show of support as gangs in the troubled Caribbean country continue to gain ground.

Petro announced the opening of a Colombian embassy in Haiti and pledged to help Haiti strengthen its security.

Petro met with Haitis prime minister and its transitional presidential council, which is under pressure to hold general elections before February 2026.

While officials met behind closed doors, a statement from Colombias government noted they would review bilateral projects focused on security, commerce, education, agriculture and the fight against drug trafficking.

Petros administration has offered to train Haitian officers, and Haitian delegations have visited a state-owned arms manufacturing company in Colombia to learn about its defense capabilities.

The two countries are strengthening their ties as judges in Haiti continue to interrogate 17 former Colombian soldiers accused in the July 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moise.

A press conference to share details about Petros visit was scheduled for Friday afternoon, but after leaving reporters waiting for several hours, officials canceled it.

The Colombian government shared a brief clip of Petro speaking at the new embassy: The time has come to truly unite.

Meanwhile, a handful of people gathered outside the embassy to protest Petros arrival.

We had a president. They killed him, one Haitian man said, referring to the accused Colombians, who have rejected the accusations.

Petro previously visited Haiti in late January, where he was received in the southern coastal city of Jacmel with much fanfare. Prior to his visit, Haitian officials invested some $3.8 million to more than double the runway at the airport in Jacmel, renovate the town and restore electricity to a population living in the dark for at least three years.

This time, Petro landed in Port-au-Prince, where 90% of the capital is under gang control. He was accompanied by officials including Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The officials arrived less than a week after Haitian authorities killed four suspected drug traffickers and confiscated more than 2,300 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of cocaine off the countrys north coast.

It was a remarkable seizure for Haitis National Police, which remains understaffed and underfunded as it works with Kenyan police leading a U.N.-backed mission to help quell gang violence.

While most of the violence is centered in Port-au-Prince, gangs have razed and seized control of a growing number of towns in Haitis central region.

At least 4,864 people have been killed from October to the end of June across Haiti, with hundreds of others kidnapped, raped and trafficked, according to a recent U.N. report.

Gang violence also has displaced 1.3 million people in recent years.
Tuolumne County District Attorney's Office Logo View Photo

Sonora, CA A specialized DUI prosecution unit within the Tuolumne County District Attorneys Office reported filing 72 cases and securing 82 DUI convictions in its third-quarter report, released this week.

The unit, established in October 2024, is funded through a $208,238 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The report, covering the second quarter of the grant period, also shows 73 DUI cases reviewed and 10 wet reckless convictions. One prosecutor handled all cases, including three taken to jury trial and one to court trial.

The office is collaborating with the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Program to strengthen its approach to DUI enforcement. This is the first year the county has received funding from OTS for a DUI-focused prosecution team. Last year, the office filed 357 DUI cases, including 44 drug-related and nine involving both alcohol and drugs. An article with more details about the program can be found here.

The current grant runs through September 2025. The District Attorneys Office has applied to renew funding for the 20252026 grant year.
Syrias leader urges Bedouin tribes to commit to a ceasefire ending clashes with the Druze View Photo

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa urged Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes Saturday to fully commit to a ceasefire aimed at ending clashes with Druze-linked militias that left hundreds dead and threatened to unravel the countrys postwar transition.

Despite the call, clashes continued in the southern province of Sweida.

Government forces that were initially sent to restore order but effectively sided with the Bedouins against the Druze were redeployed to halt renewed fighting that erupted Thursday in the southern province of Sweida. The violence also drew airstrikes against Syrian forces by neighboring Israel before a truce was reached.

In his second televised address since the fighting started, al-Sharaa blamed armed groups from Sweida for reigniting the conflict by launching retaliatory attacks against the Bedouins and their families. He also said Israeli intervention pushed the country into a dangerous phase.

Israel had launched dozens of airstrikes on convoys of government fighters and even struck the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters in central Damascus, saying it was in support of the Druze, who form a substantial community in Israel and are seen as a loyal minority, often serving in the Israeli military.

Reports had surfaced of Syrian government-affiliated fighters executing Druze civilians and looting and burning homes over the four-day violence.

Ceasefire agreed to early Saturday

The U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire early Saturday. Al-Sharaa made no direct reference to the agreement in his speech, but said American and Arab mediations stepped in to restore calm.

Addressing the Bedouins, al-Sharaa said they cannot replace the role of the state in handling the countrys affairs and restoring security. He also said: We thank the Bedouins for their heroic stances but demand they fully commit to the ceasefire and comply with the states orders.

Meanwhile, a prominent Druze leader, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, who opposes the current government and has distanced himself from the two ceasefires announced on Tuesday and Wednesday, said that an agreement brokered under the sponsorship of guarantor states contained several measures aimed at de-escalating tensions in Sweida.

They include the deployment of checkpoints outside the provinces administrative borders to contain clashes and prevent infiltration, a 48-hour ban on entry by any party into border villages, and safe, guaranteed passage for remaining members of the Bedouin tribes still inside the province.

Sharaa reiterated that Sweida remains an integral part of the Syrian state, and the Druze constitute a fundamental pillar of the Syrian national fabric, vowing to protect all minorities in Syria.

He also thanked the United States for its significant role in affirming its support for Syria during these difficult times, as well as Arab countries and Turkey, which mediated Wednesdays truce.

More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981.

Entire communities have fled the fighting

The U.N. estimates more than 87,000 people have been displaced in Sweida province since July 12 due to heavy shelling, sniper fire and abductions.

Entire communities have fled on foot, with many now crammed into overcrowded schools, churches and public buildings under dire conditions, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report. Infrastructure damage has cut electricity, water and telecommunications in much of the area, it said. The main hospital in Sweida was operating at just 15% capacity due to staff shortages and a lack of fuel.

The security situation is also endangering humanitarian workers. The White Helmets, also known as the Syrian Civil Defense, reported that one of its emergency team leaders went missing on July 16 while responding to a call for help from a U.N. team, OCHA said.

Shoring up the ceasefire agreement

Meanwhile, Jordan, Syria, and the U.S. agreed on a set of practical steps to bolster the ceasefire, including the deployment of Syrian security forces and the release of detainees from all sides, Jordans Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. The announcement came after a meeting between Barrack, Syrias Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi.

For his part, Syrias Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mostafa on Saturday said the first phase of the ceasefire, expected to take 48 hours, involves deploying internal security forces to key areas to prevent clashes. He acknowledged ongoing fighting in Sweida and said every ceasefire begins fragile.

Subsequent phases will open humanitarian crossings and gradually restore state institutions and security to ensure a return to normalcy, al-Mostafa said in a press conference in Damascus.

Al-Mostafa acknowledged that some security personnel committed violations after deploying in Sweida. He rejected reports that the violence in Sweida was premeditated operation by the Syrian government.

The armed groups present in Sweida insisted on a provocative approach, rejecting any solutions and relying on a closed-off model that disregards Syrias unity, Al-Mostafa said.

He accused Al-Hijri and his supporters of being armed with Israeli support and blamed them for steering the situation toward its current state, despite previous government attempts to reach an agreement.

Al-Mostafa also denied that Syria and Israel are in direct peace talks. All discussions that are happening with Israel are fixated on one issue related to the urgent Israeli withdrawal from the areas that it occupied and advanced in after Dec. 8 and its commitment to the 1974 agreement of disengagement, he said.

Signs of unrest in Damascus

But even as officials called for calm, signs of unrest spread to the capital. On Friday, men armed with sticks stormed a peaceful protest outside Syrias parliament in Damascus, beating demonstrators and tearing up a banner that read, Syrian blood should not be shed by Syrians, according to one of the organizers.

The protest was held in response to the deadly clashes in Sweida, which journalist and filmmaker Zein Khuzam described as a grim echo of the 2011 Syrian civil war.

We felt like we needed to do something, Khuzam told The Associated Press. We started receiving help messages from our friends in Sweida, that they are trapped there.

The demonstration began Thursday as a spontaneous act by Khuzam and two others, who stood in front of parliament holding signs, including slogans rejecting Israeli interference. Photos of the protest circulated online, drawing a larger crowd the next day.

Khuzam said the group noticed a man acting suspiciously on Friday. After making a phone call, he left, and shortly afterward, the attackers arrived in cars, some with women inside who cheered them on, she said.

She added that guards outside the parliament stood by as someone fired shotgun rounds to disperse the crowd.

People are still carrying the traumas of Assads actions during such peaceful protests, she said. In that moment, it felt like history was repeating itself. It is very, very sad.

___

Abou AlJoud reported from Beirut. Associated Press journalist Omar Sanadiki in Damascus contributed to this report.

By SALLY ABOU ALJOUD and OMAR ALBAM

Associated Press
Mike Adams and Alex Jones: WOKEISM has crippled U.S. AI development, giving China the lead

Mike Adams criticized OpenAI as monopolistic and "closed," contrary to its name, supporting Elon Musk's critiques of its lack of transparency.

China's release of the DeepSeek AI model as open-source democratizes AI technology, fostering global innovation and challenging U.S. corporate dominance.

Adams accused decades of Democrat-led "wokeism" and ideological indoctrination in education of undermining STEM skills, while China produces millions of technical graduates annually.

Falling behind in AI risks U.S. sovereignty; Adams urged ending censorship, decentralizing AI development, and prioritizing meritocracy to regain competitiveness.

Without rapid reforms (e.g., open-source AI, education overhaul), Adams warned America could become a "colony of China" within five years, framing AI dominance as existential.

The Health Ranger Mike Adams and InfoWars founder Alex Jones have issued a stark warning: America's artificial intelligence (AI) development is faltering due to woke ideology, and China is rapidly gaining ground in the race.

The duo's conversation on "The Alex Jones Show" highlighted the critical challenges facing the United States and the urgent need for a paradigm shift in AI strategy. Adams began by addressing the misleading nomenclature of OpenAI, emphasizing that the company is anything but open.

"It's closed, and Elon Musk's criticisms of Sam Altman and OpenAI are well-founded," he stated. This critique underscores a broader issue: The monopolistic control of AI by a few corporations in America, which contrasts sharply with China's approach.

China's release of the powerful DeepSeek R1 reasoning model as an open-source project has been a game-changer. "China has done something extraordinary for human freedom through decentralization," Adams noted. (Related: Why China will win the race for AI supremacy as US efforts collapse under woke, irrational demands for AI censorship.)

By making the model freely available and open-sourced, China has democratized access to cutting-edge AI technology, a move that no U.S. corporation has dared to replicate. Adams highlighted the significance of this move, stating that China's decentralized open-source models are a gift to humanity. This approach not only fosters innovation but also empowers individuals and smaller entities worldwide, challenging the dominance of U.S. tech giants.

Adams attributed America's lagging position in AI to the detrimental policies of the Democrats over the past two decades. He asserted that Democrats have hobbled America's ability to compete with China in AI.

The Health Ranger described this emphasis on wokeism as "the opposite of reason." Sadly, it has sabotaged the education system and stifled the development of critical STEM skills.

China, on the other hand, has been producing over three and a half million STEM graduates annually, thanks to a university system that prioritizes technical education over ideological indoctrination. Adams pointed out that China doesn't push wokeness and transgenderism because it is not an indoctrination factory.

The AI arms race: A matter of national security

The conversation took a sobering turn as Adams emphasized the national security implications of falling behind in the AI race. The free speech platforms architect warned that if America can't get back to people who can do math, code, and build systems and technology, and allowing innovation and freedom of expression, then the U.S. is done as a nation.

Adams further argued that the U.S. must end censorship across all platforms, including X and YouTube, to foster innovation. "Wokeism is a threat to national security at this point in the AI arms race," he declared.

While Adams commended President Donald Trump's efforts to reverse some of the damage, he emphasized the need for more radical reforms. "Trump needs to decentralize and open-source AI right now," he urged.

This includes purging woke ideology from universities and corporations and fostering a culture that celebrates meritocracy and innovation. Adams also stressed the importance of attracting top talent from around the world.

The Health Ranger also stressed that America needs to attract high-IQ engineers and technical people from all over the world based on merit. He also advocated for a strategic approach to immigration that prioritizes skilled individuals.

Ultimately, Adams warned that if America doesn't become competitive in the AI race, it will be a colony of China within five years. The U.S. must embrace open-source AI, reform its education system, and foster a culture of innovation to regain its competitive edge.

"This is a national security issue," Adams concluded. "If we don't return to rationality, technical skills, innovation and the freedom to innovate, then we are done as a nation."

Follow CommunistChina.news for more news about China.

Watch the full conversation between Alex Jones and the Health Ranger Mike Adams on "The Alex Jones Show" below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Mike Adams and Alex Jones Warn: Chinas DeepSeek AI model surpasses U.S., thanks to decentralized innovation and rejection of woke ideologies.

Tom Renz: WOKEISM is a huge threat to America  Brighteon.TV.

AI arms race or AI suicide pact? Former OpenAI researcher warns of catastrophic risks in unchecked AI development.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

CNBC.com
By Nazrin Abdul

As the global information landscape continues to evolve rapidly under the influence of digital technologies and geopolitical uncertainties, Azerbaijan is set to once again position itself at the forefront of international media dialogue. The 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, scheduled to take place from July 20 to 21, 2025, is expected to draw over 140 foreign participants from 52 countries, including representatives from more than 30 international media agencies, seven global organizations, and nearly 80 media outlets.

Held under the theme Digital Transitions: Strengthening the Resilience of Information and Mass Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, this year's forum aims to serve as a high-level platform for discussing pressing issues such as media resilience, disinformation, the ethical use of artificial intelligence in journalism, and the medias evolving role in a world.

The Shusha Global Media Forum, since its inception in 2023, has evolved into one of the most influential media events in the region. Its third iteration will convene policymakers, media professionals, civil society actors, AI experts, and climate communication advocates in the symbolic and culturally rich city of Shusha  a location that embodies Azerbaijans post-conflict recovery and international outreach.

By bringing together stakeholders from state, private, and international sectors, the Forum enables an integrated discussion on media sustainability, freedom of information, and collaborative solutions to global challenges.

The first forum, held in July 2023, focused on the theme New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution and tackled topics such as digital transformation, media business models, journalist safety, and fake news. It attracted 150 guests from 49 countries, laying the foundation for deeper international cooperation.

The second forum, in July 2024, addressed The Fight Against Disinformation, with discussions centered around the spread of fake news, the erosion of public trust, and the importance of media literacy. Among the key speakers was Nigar Arpadarai, the UN High-Level Champion for Climate Change at COP29, who underscored the media's crucial role in climate awareness and action.

Importantly, the 2nd Forum coincided with Azerbaijan's final preparations for hosting COP29 in November 2024. That historic summit reinforced Azerbaijans image as a hub for environmental diplomacy, and this years media forum is expected to reflect on media narratives shaped during COP29, particularly in terms of climate communication and global media engagement.

Aims and expectations for the 3rd Forum

The 3rd Forum will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming information flow, newsroom operations, and public opinion. At a time when deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and AI-generated content are challenging the notion of truth, media stakeholders will seek new norms, safeguards, and ethical frameworks for digital journalism.

Another core focus will be media resilienceincluding institutional independence, financial sustainability, and cross-border collaboration in a rapidly fragmenting information environment.The forum is expected to emphasize fostering practical cooperation and developing innovative responses to digital threats

Hosting the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum in the heart of the liberated Garabagh region is symbolically significant. It highlights the countrys commitment to peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy, and technological advancement.

More broadly, Azerbaijan is leveraging its growing geopolitical and media visibility to position itself as a mediator of global dialoguenot only in energy and diplomacy but also in the critical space of information integrity and media development.

As AI continues to reshape the global media landscape and disinformation becomes a formidable challenge to democratic institutions, the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum arrives at a critical time. With its focus on resilience, innovation, and international cooperation, the Forum is expected to generate forward-looking strategies that will guide media institutions and policymakers through the next phase of digital transformation.

Shusha, once again, is set to become a nexus of global thought leadershipwhere the future of media is not only discussed but reimagined.
We recently published 10 Stocks On Jim Cramers Radar As He Says Trump Has Been Good For Growth. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is one of the largest travel services providers and payment platforms in the US. Its shares have gained 4% year-to-date as the firm has struggled with consistent reports of weak consumer spending. In his previous comments about American Express Company (NYSE:AXP), Cramer has maintained that not only does the firm have a solid portfolio of cards that resonate with younger shoppers, but also that consumer strength in America is stronger than believed. His recent remarks discussed American Express Company (NYSE:AXP)s earnings report:

And when they report, the stock always gets hit. So, look this is the hardest problem. Goldman Sachs had downgraded, the stock was up seven. And its like, uh, darnnit, I dont want any fluff going into the quarter. Every one of these had fluff going into the quarter. So were all kind of, except for Citi.

American Express Company (AXP): "The Stock Always Get Hit" When They Report, Says Jim Cramer

A close-up view of a payment terminal, capturing the sophistication of a payment network.

Earlier, the CNBC TV host discussed American Express Company (NYSE:AXP)s earnings and what viewers should do ahead of the results:

Then on Friday, theres American Express, which is another stock that tends to sell off when it reports, no matter how good the numbers are. Thats why I always tell you to wait until the selling subsides if you want in this time I dont know what theyre thinking about, the sellers Theyve been wrong for 150 points. Look at that stock. Listen to the call.

While we acknowledge the potential of AXP 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.
Bluesky to roll out age verification for U.K. users ahead of Online Safety Act deadline

Social media platform Bluesky will soon require U.K. users to verify their age using Epic Games' Kid Web Services (KWS), in compliance with the U.K.'s Online Safety Act taking effect on July 25.

Users can choose between facial scanning, uploading a government-issued ID or credit card authentication to confirm their age.

Those under 18 or who decline to verify will face limitations, including blocked access to adult content and loss of direct messaging features.

Bluesky has published blog updates, screenshots and app interface previews to help users understand the upcoming changes and verification process.

While the Online Safety Act aims to protect minors, critics warn it endangers privacy and may force platforms to compromise end-to-end encryption by scanning private messages, sparking concern among rights groups and tech companies.

Social media platform Bluesky has announced plans to implement age checks for users in the U.K. in preparation for new regulatory requirements under the controversial Online Safety Act, which is set to take effect on July 25.

In a blog post titled "Working with the U.K. Government to Protect Children Online" published on July 10, Bluesky disclosed that U.K.-based users will soon be prompted to verify their age through a system powered by Kid Web Services (KWS), a tool developed by Epic Games to help digital platforms manage age verification and parental controls. Bluesky said users will be able to choose from several verification methods, including facial scanning, government-issued ID upload or credit card authentication.

While users under 18 or those who choose not to verify their age will not be banned from the platform, they will face significant restrictions. These include blocked access to adult-oriented content and the removal of features such as direct messaging. (Related: U.K.'s digital ID push exploits immigration crisis, critics warn.)

Bluesky has begun preparing users for the changes by sharing screenshots and documentation of the verification process on their blog. The first step involves registering an email address with KWS, after which users will receive instructions to complete the age check. Bluesky also shared screenshots of its iOS app interface, showing prompts for verification and tools for reporting unwanted content.

The changes, which will go live later this July, are designed to reduce the risk of children being exposed to harmful content online  a key requirement of the Online Safety Act, parts of which begin enforcement on July 25. Users will receive in-app notifications once the update rolls out, along with instructions on how to complete age verification.

U.K. Online Safety Act sparks uproar over privacy risks and encryption backdoors

Passed in 2023, the Online Safety Act aims to make the internet "safer" by requiring platforms to shield users, particularly minors, from harmful content.

A core provision of the act, set to take effect this July, mandates that platforms hosting potentially harmful content deploy robust age verification systems. Companies that fail to comply could face steep fines up to 18 million ($24.3 million) or 10 percent of their global revenue, whichever is greater.

However, the legislation has drawn sharp criticism from digital rights groups, who argued that the law undermines privacy and could lead to a chilling effect on free expression. At the heart of the backlash lies the perceived threat to end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which campaigners say could effectively create government-mandated "backdoors" into private messages.

Critics argued that the sweeping powers it grants to the communications regulator, Ofcom, come at the expense of fundamental digital privacy.

Under Section 122 of the Act, Ofcom is now authorized to compel tech companies to scan user content for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or terrorism-related content. Companies that fail to comply risk fines of up to 18 million ($24 million) or 10 percent of their global turnover. Privacy groups and security experts warn that the only way to scan such content would be to undermine E2EE protections.

"This grab bag of half-baked fantasy solutions to misunderstood (or misrepresented) problems has received Royal Assent, including powers to break encryption in messaging apps and censor content before it's even posted," Open Rights Group wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Follow PrivacyWatch.news for more news about the digital ID system.

Watch this video to learn how the digital ID will control your life.

This video is from the Data Dumper channel on Brighteon.com.

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Digital ID system incoming: Nebraska now collecting citizens digital health data.

Utah introduces new digital ID blockchain law.

EU collaborates with foreign governments on digital ID.

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Australia following Communist Chinas footsteps with digital ID system.

Sources include:

ReclaimtheNet.org

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ITPro.com

Brighteon.com
Global divide over Gaza escalates as U.S., BRICS clash on Israels plans

U.S.-Israel talks intensify as Netanyahu presents Gaza depopulation plan, facing global condemnation.

BRICS nations denounce U.S.-backed military actions, aligning with Global South against Western hegemony.

Human rights groups condemn Gaza proposals as ethnic cleansing and concentration camps.

Geopolitical tensions escalate with U.S. sanctions threats against BRICS members Brazil and South Africa.

Middle East conflict mirrors broader global divide as BRICS solidifies as counterforce to U.S. dominance.

Fresh rounds of talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 7 and 8, 2025, underscored geopolitical fractures as diverging visions for the Middle East collide. The meetings came amid revelations of Israels controversial Gaza depopulation plan and sharp pushback from BRICS nations, signaling a deepening rift between the Western bloc and the Global South. While Trump and Netanyahu frame their strategy as a move toward stability, critics warn it risks legitimizing ethnic cleansing and intensifying regional violence, with BRICS leaders denouncing U.S.-backed actions as violations of international law.

U.S.-Israel diplomacy: Pushing toward voluntary relocation in Gaza

At the White House, Trump and Netanyahu discussed plans to transfer 600,000 Gazans to tent cities in Rafah, later relocating them to third countries, dubbed the Trump Plan. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz framed the initiative as a solution for sustainability, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff claimed a six-month ceasefire deal with Hamas was nearing agreement. However, skeptics highlighted contradictions. Netanyahus assertive military rhetoricdemanding eliminating Hamass capabilitiescontradicted talk of voluntary civilian relocations.

Annelle Sheline of the Quincy Institute accused the administration of complicity in a crime against humanity, comparing the plan to concentration camps. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces domestic corruption charges, with Trump intervening to criticize Israeli prosecutors, deepening U.S. entanglement in Israels internal politics.

BRICS mobilizes: Rejecting U.S. hegemony in the Middle East

BRICS leaders countered U.S. efforts with a July 6 statement condemning military strikes against Iran and Israeli actions in Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire and full Palestinian sovereignty. This alignment between Russia, China, India, Brazil and South Africa reflects a broader shift toward challenging Western dominance, particularly its military and economic policies.

The White House retaliated, with Trump threatening 50% tariffs against Brazil for supporting political opponents like Jair Bolsonaro. Former envoy Claver-Carone termed BRICSs de-dollarization ambitions the last straw, signaling a breakdown in economic cooperation. Analysts note BRICS nations increasingly position themselves as champions of sovereignty and multipolarity, counterpoised to U.S. unilateralism.

Humanitarian crisis and long-standing tensions

Gazas humanitarian catastrophe remains unaddressed, with 57,575 Palestinians killed since October 2023 and nearly half a million facing famine. Israels strategy of geographic control in Rafah, coupled with forced relocations, recalls decades of systemic integration  a term cited by groups like BTselem in their 2021 apartheid assessment.

The U.S. approach risks entrenching violence, as seen in the 50 Palestinian deaths on July 8 alone. Meanwhile, Netanyahus Nobel Peace Prize nomination by Israel underscores the disconnect between rhetoric and reality. Trumps push for a rapid ceasefire may empower hardliners on both sides, delaying a lasting peace.

The path to no return

The Middle East stands at a pivotal, perilous juncture, where the consequences of entrenched policies risk cementing generations of strife. U.S.-backed unilateralismmarked by asymmetric military support, politicized diplomacy and the normalization of Palestinian displacementhas not only deepened anti-Western resentment but also forged new fault lines in global alliances. Simultaneously, the growing solidarity of BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) with Palestinian statehood aspirations has recast international diplomacy, challenging Western hegemony and amplifying calls for accountability. Yet history offers a grim caution: no political project built on ethnic displacement, systemic exclusion, or indifference to human suffering can deliver stability. Instead, it seeds enduring enmity.

This is the stark reality facing Gaza, where the systematic erosion of infrastructure, suffocating blockades and cyclical warfare have pushed the Strip to the brink of societal collapse. starvation, disease and trauma are not collateral damage but outcomes engineered by policies that treat Palestinians as pawns in a geopolitical chess match. As warplanes roar and children die, the world faces an unavoidable reckoning: the idea of "peace" anchored in perpetual occupation, land confiscation and apartheid-like segregation is not a solution but a license for endless cycles of annihilation. The global communitys complacencyor outright complicityvalidates a behemoth of injustice, normalizing a humanitarian catastrophe that defies ethical and legal norms.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

Aljazeera.com
INSIDIOUS ISRAELI SCIENTISTS design Black Death mutant plague mRNA injections that turn human cells into Frankenstein mutations

Governments around the world are funding scientists to create the next deadly plandemic and nobody is trying to stop them. This is ludicrous. Its criminal. For example, Israeli military scientists have genetically engineered a mutant form of Yersinia pestis , the bacterium responsible for the plague, and used its virulence genes to create a new mRNA vaccine. The research, conducted by the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR), has sparked global alarm due to its implications for biowarfare, bioethics, and vaccine safety.

Israeli Scientists Engineer Mutant Plague mRNA Vaccine: Military researchers at Israels Institute for Biological Research genetically modified the Yersinia pestis bacterium (causative agent of plague) and developed an mRNA vaccine that instructs human cells to produce two key plague proteinsone mimicking immune suppression, the other evading immune detection.

Military researchers at Israels Institute for Biological Research genetically modified the Yersinia pestis bacterium (causative agent of plague) and developed an mRNA vaccine that instructs human cells to produce two key plague proteinsone mimicking immune suppression, the other evading immune detection. Use of Controversial mRNA Ingredient (m1?): The vaccine uses N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1?), a synthetic nucleotide linked to rogue protein production, autoimmune reactions, and cancer growthalready flagged as a safety concern in COVID-19 mRNA vaccine studies.

The vaccine uses N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1?), a synthetic nucleotide linked to rogue protein production, autoimmune reactions, and cancer growthalready flagged as a safety concern in COVID-19 mRNA vaccine studies. Global Biowarfare Concerns and Legal Loopholes: Israels work was conducted outside the Biological Weapons Convention, which the nation has not ratified, raising alarm about international legal oversight, especially as plague was recently added to the WHOs pandemic watchlist.

Israels work was conducted outside the Biological Weapons Convention, which the nation has not ratified, raising alarm about international legal oversight, especially as plague was recently added to the WHOs pandemic watchlist. Bioethics and Safety Questions Intensify: Critics argue the project blurs the line between biodefense and biowarfare by normalizing the use of genetically engineered Tier 1 bioweapons in vaccines, potentially endangering public health under the banner of pandemic preparedness.

Israel Engineers Mutant Plague: mRNA Jab Turns Human Cells Into Black Death Protein Factories

The genetically altered strain, known as F1? Kimberley53, was developed by deleting the caf1 gene from a fully virulent plague variant, thereby removing the bacteriums immune-shielding capsule. This modified strain was designed to simulate a vaccine escape pathogenone that could potentially circumvent immune defenses. Researchers then extracted genetic segments from this engineered plague and inserted them into a dual-component mRNA vaccine.

This vaccine contains synthetic mRNA instructions for producing two modified plague proteins:

LcrV  a virulence protein used by Y. pestis to suppress immune responses and infect human cells. F1  a protein that normally forms a capsule around the bacterium to shield it from immune detection.

Both proteins were further fused with a human antibody domain (Fc region) to enhance stability and immune response. The mRNA was chemically altered with N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1?), a synthetic nucleotide also used in COVID-19 vaccines. While m1? increases mRNA longevity and protein output, studies have linked it to immune evasion, autoimmune responses, and even accelerated tumor growth.

Critics argue that this research, carried out under the banner of pandemic preparedness and biodefense, treads dangerously close to violating international bioweapons laws. Israel, notably, is not a signatory of the Biological Weapons Convention, and the IIBR has long been associated with military-grade biological research. Despite this, the study was peer-reviewed and supported by the European Research Council and the EUs Horizon 2020 program.

Legal and ethical experts warn that the Israeli teams approachengineering a mutant version of the plague and using its virulence mechanisms to program human cellsraises profound biosecurity and ethical concerns. These include the potential misuse of the technology, the risks of accidental release, and the health dangers posed by synthetic mRNA vaccines that direct human cells to produce harmful bacterial proteins.

The use of m1? in this platform is especially concerning, as multiple studies have highlighted its role in creating rogue proteins through genetic frameshifts and in promoting cancer metastasis. Critics argue that this adds another layer of risk, especially as booster doses accumulate in individuals.

This project marks a troubling intersection of biotechnology, military interests, and global health policy. It also sets a precedent for normalizing the use of genetically engineered Tier 1 pathogensthose classified as top-level bioterrorism threatsin vaccine development. While intended as a defensive measure, the manipulation of plague genes for insertion into human cells via mRNA platforms underscores the growing threat of dual-use research, where the line between medical innovation and biowarfare becomes increasingly blurred.

Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on experimental gene therapy injections like mRNA clot shots that lead to early death, infertility, turbo cancer and Long-Vax-Syndrome.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

NaturalNews.com

Modernity.news
Open Source Democracy: A new era of civic participation

Douglas Rushkoff's "Open Source Democracy" argues that collaboration, transparency and collective intelligence  key aspects of open-source software  can reshape governance, making democracy more participatory and adaptable.

Just as the internet evolved through user-driven collaboration, Rushkoff envisions politics becoming more open and interactive, empowering citizens to actively engage in governance rather than being passive spectators.

Drawing parallels to ancient Athenian democracy, Rushkoff advocates for systems where citizens directly contribute to policymaking, with digital platforms enabling real-time legislative proposals and voting.

Open-source democracy requires ongoing civic engagement, moving beyond partisan divides to foster collaboration, shared responsibility and continuous political evolution.

While digital platforms facilitate participation, the true shift depends on rethinking governance as a collective effort, where government serves as a platform for citizen-driven decision-making rather than top-down control.

The book ultimately calls for society to embrace democratic innovation as a means to craft a fairer, more responsive political future.

Douglas Rushkoff's "Open Source Democracy: How Online Communication is Changing Offline Politics" offers a compelling vision for the future of governance. Rushkoff, a renowned media theorist and author, argues that the principles underpinning open source software  collaboration, transparency and collective intelligence  can revolutionize our political systems.

Rushkoff's exploration of open source democracy is both timely and provocative. He posits that just as open source has democratized technology by allowing anyone to contribute and improve code, it can democratize politics by enabling citizens to participate in governance actively. This idea is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in the evolution of the internet itself.

The internet began as a government project, but it was the collaborative spirit of its users that truly unlocked its potential. From the early days of bulletin boards to the rise of social media, the internet has become a platform for people to connect, share and create in unprecedented ways. Rushkoff draws a parallel between this evolution and the potential for a similar transformation in politics.

At the heart of open source democracy is the concept of collective intelligence. Rushkoff envisions a system where citizens are not just passive recipients of government decisions but active participants in the legislative process. This is not a new idea; it has roots in ancient Athenian democracy, where citizens directly participated in decision-making.

Rushkoff points to real-world examples where this vision is becoming a reality. Online platforms allow citizens to propose and vote on legislation, breaking down the barriers that have traditionally separated the government from the governed. These platforms empower people to engage with the political process in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Open source democracy is not just about voting or petitioning; it is about creating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Just as open source software is constantly evolving through the contributions of its community, so too can our political systems adapt and grow in response to the needs and ideas of the people.

This shift requires a new way of thinking about citizenship. It is not enough to cast a ballot every few years and then disengage. Open source democracy calls for active participation and a willingness to engage in ongoing dialogue. It challenges us to move beyond the us-versus-them mentality that often dominates political discourse and instead focus on finding common ground and working together to solve problems.

Rushkoff emphasizes the importance of this cultural shift, stating, "The survival of democracy as a functional reality may depend upon our acceptance, as individuals, of adult roles in conceiving and stewarding the shape and direction of society." This is a call to action for all of us to step up and take responsibility for shaping the future we want to see.

Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating open-source democracy. The internet provides the tools we need to connect, communicate and collaborate on a global scale. From social media platforms to online forums and virtual town halls, technology offers endless possibilities for engaging with others and sharing ideas.

However, Rushkoff is quick to point out that it is not just about the tools; it is about the mindset. Open source democracy requires a fundamental shift in how we view power and authority. Instead of seeing government as a distant entity that dictates from above, we must recognize it as a platform for collective action and decision-making.

"Open Source Democracy" is a powerful reminder that the tools for change are within our grasp. By embracing the principles of collaboration, transparency and participation, we can transform our political systems and create a more just and equitable world.

Learn more about open-source democracy by watching the video below.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Trumps $1 trillion AI data center boom strains Texas grid  nuclear power eyed as solution

Texas Power Grid Under Strain: Trumps $1 trillion AI data center push risks overwhelming Texas grid, already strained by extreme weather and rising demand; ERCOT warns of insufficient capacity for high-intensity computing facilities.

Trumps $1 trillion AI data center push risks overwhelming Texas grid, already strained by extreme weather and rising demand; ERCOT warns of insufficient capacity for high-intensity computing facilities. AI Energy Demands Outpace Supply: New data centers require power equivalent to small cities; proposed solutions include natural gas and small modular reactors (SMRs), but nuclear expansion (10 new reactors by 2030) faces delays and cost overruns.

New data centers require power equivalent to small cities; proposed solutions include natural gas and small modular reactors (SMRs), but nuclear expansion (10 new reactors by 2030) faces delays and cost overruns. Grid Vulnerabilities to EMPs and Cyberattacks: Centralized grids are vulnerable to EMPs, drone strikes, and embedded malware; experts urge EMP-hardened reactors, domestic manufacturing, and decentralized microgrids to mitigate risks.

Centralized grids are vulnerable to EMPs, drone strikes, and embedded malware; experts urge EMP-hardened reactors, domestic manufacturing, and decentralized microgrids to mitigate risks. Chinas Energy Dominance: China adds coal plants rapidly while the U.S. relies on Chinese infrastructure components, undermining energy independence; critics accuse China of using climate rhetoric to hinder Western competitiveness.

China adds coal plants rapidly while the U.S. relies on Chinese infrastructure components, undermining energy independence; critics accuse China of using climate rhetoric to hinder Western competitiveness. Race Against Time: Texas must decide between nuclear expansion, decentralized solutions (e.g., microgrids, fusion reactors), or face blackouts that could derail U.S. AI ambitions amid ERCOTs urgent warnings.

As President Donald Trump champions a $1 trillion investment in AI data centers, Texas faces an urgent challenge: its power grid may buckle under the unprecedented demand. Experts warn that the states energy infrastructure, already strained by extreme weather and rising consumption, lacks the capacity to support the surge of high-intensity computing facilities slated for construction.

The AI Energy Crisis

The push for AI dominance has collided with the reality of power scarcity. ERCOT, Texas grid operator, recently cautioned that new data centerssome requiring as much electricity as small citiescould overwhelm the system. These facilities are bringing their own power solutions, like natural gas or SMRs [small modular reactors], but its not enough, said David Tice, a grid resilience advocate and producer of the documentary Grid Down, Power Up.

Nuclear energy is now central to the debate. Trumps partnership with tech leaders includes plans for 10 new Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, each generating 1,100 megawatts, to come online by 2030. But delays and cost overruns plague large-scale nuclear projects, prompting calls for decentralized alternatives like SMRs and microgrids.

EMP Threats and Cyber Warfare

The vulnerability of centralized grids adds another layer of risk. Tice emphasized that adversaries could disable the U.S. power network by targeting just nine critical substationsa threat exacerbated by drone warfare tactics seen in Ukraine. China already has malware embedded in our grid components, he warned, advocating for domestic manufacturing of key infrastructure parts.

Nuclear plants themselves are not immune. An EMP attack or solar flare could cripple cooling systems, risking Fukushima-style meltdowns. We need EMP-hardened reactors and redundant safeguards, Tice urged.

The China Factor

While the U.S. debates nuclear expansion, China surges ahead, adding coal plants at a rate of one every other day. Energy is the pathway to AI dominance, noted Mike Adams, host of Brighton.com. China manipulates climate rhetoric to handicap the West while outproducing us. Americas reliance on Chinese-made transformers, inverters, and rare-earth magnets further complicates energy independence.

Decentralization vs. Deep State

Adams and Tice proposed radical solutions: localized microgrids, open-source robotics for agriculture, and AI-managed energy storage. Decentralization is our only hedge against sabotage, Adams argued, citing Teslas pivot toward compact fusion reactors and off-grid data centers.

The clock is ticking. With Trumps ambitious timeline and ERCOTs warnings, Texas must choose between blackout risks and a nuclear-powered renaissanceor face an energy crisis that could stall Americas AI ambitions.

Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and David Tice as they talk about grid collapse threats and U.S. infrastructure vulnerabilities.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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China condemns U.S. sanctions bill targeting Russia trade, calls 500% duties illegal and harmful to peace efforts

Beijing strongly criticized a proposed U.S. bill allowing President Donald Trump to impose up to 500 percent secondary tariffs on countries trading with Russia, calling it a breach of international norms and an act of economic coercion.

Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the bill to increase pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. It has support from 85 U.S. senators.

Trump warned that if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days, he would implement 100 percent secondary tariffs on nations aiding Russia economically, including China, India, Brazil and Turkey.

China has played a key role in stabilizing Russia's economy during the war through large-scale energy purchases, which Graham says fuel Putin's military campaign.

The proposed secondary tariffs mark a major escalation in economic warfare, with potential global consequences, particularly for nations reliant on Russian energy exports.

China has strongly condemned proposed U.S. legislation that would allow President Donald Trump to impose punitive tariffs of up to 500 percent on countries trading with Russia, calling the plan a violation of international norms and a threat to global stability.

The response came after U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) unveiled a bipartisan bill to tighten economic pressure on Russia over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would allow the U.S. president to impose secondary tariffs of up to 500 percent on countries continuing to do business with Moscow.

Speaking on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday, July 13, Graham said the legislation already has the backing of 85 senators  an overwhelming majority in the 100-member chamber. He named China, India and Brazil as examples of countries whose trade with Russia could make them targets of the proposed secondary tariffs. The measure is designed to give Trump the flexibility to set tariffs ranging from zero to 500 percent on foreign trade with Russia. (Related: Western sanctions on Russia "seriously underestimated" Moscow's economic strength.)

However, in a press briefing on Tuesday, July 15, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian voiced Beijing's firm opposition.

"China firmly opposes any illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," Lin said. "There are no winners in a tariff war and coercion and pressure cannot solve problems. It's hoped all parties will further foster an environment and accumulate conditions to advance the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and take more actions that are conducive to peace talks."

China has been a key economic lifeline for Russia amid Western sanctions, with large-scale purchases of Russian oil and other goods helping to stabilize Moscow's wartime economy. Graham's bill specifically calls out this economic support, arguing that it sustains President Vladimir Putin's military operations.

Trump threatens 100% secondary tariffs on Russia's trade partners if a Ukraine deal isn't reached in 50 days

This comes as Trump threatens Russian President Vladimir Putin and his international trade partners that he would impose 100 percent "secondary tariffs" if a deal to end the war in Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.

Speaking from the White House during a meeting with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday, July 14, Trump expressed growing frustration with Putin and indicated that the time for patience had run out. "We're very, very unhappy with them, and we're going to be doing very severe tariffs, if you don't have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100 percent, they call them secondary tariffs," Trump said.

The tariffs would target countries and entities that continue to trade with Russia, particularly those purchasing Russian energy and other key exports. The move would represent a significant escalation in economic pressure on Moscow's wartime support network and could hit countries like China, India, Brazil and Turkey especially hard.

The proposed 100 percent secondary tariffs would mark one of the most aggressive uses of economic leverage in recent U.S. foreign policy and could have far-reaching implications for global trade and diplomacy.

Follow WWIII.news for more stories like this.

Watch the video below to know how Europe's sanctions against Russia can lead to catastrophic events for its own economy.

This video is from the Dr. William Mount channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Russia will demand compensation for sanctions  Medvedev.

Anti-Russia sanctions 'killing' EU economy  Orban.

Russia wheat exports hit record high despite EU sanctions.

EU committing economic suicide by imposing sanctions on Russia.

Russia turns to cryptocurrencies to bypass sanctions in oil trade.

Sources include:

RT.com

Newsweek.com

CNBC.com

Brighteon.com
Connecticut DEMANDS BY LAW that all citizens be poisoned daily with fluoridated water in move to preempt federal changes

On Tuesday, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed a new law mandating that public water systems continue poisoning their citizens by fluoridating drinking water at the current federal guideline of 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter. This law solidifies existing standards amid growing national debate and legal scrutiny surrounding the safety of water fluoridation. Fluoride is known to lower human IQ, cause cancer, cause brittle bones and lead to dementia. Now it is a law in Connecticut that all citizens must suffer this health atrocity.

Connecticut Codifies Fluoridation at Federal Levels: Governor Ned Lamont signed a law mandating public water systems in Connecticut continue fluoridating water at the current federal recommendation of 0.7 mg/L, aiming to shield the state from potential future federal rollbacks under the Trump administration.

Governor Ned Lamont signed a law mandating public water systems in Connecticut continue fluoridating water at the current federal recommendation of 0.7 mg/L, aiming to shield the state from potential future federal rollbacks under the Trump administration. Critics Cite Growing Health Concerns: The Fluoride Action Network and other advocacy groups criticized the law, pointing to a recent federal court ruling that found current fluoridation levels pose an unreasonable risk to childrens health, citing links to reduced IQ.

The Fluoride Action Network and other advocacy groups criticized the law, pointing to a recent federal court ruling that found current fluoridation levels pose an unreasonable risk to childrens health, citing links to reduced IQ. Fluoridation Debate Becomes Politicized: Water fluoridation, once a bipartisan public health measure, has become more politically divisive since Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s appointment as HHS Secretary and his stated opposition to national fluoridation policies.

Water fluoridation, once a bipartisan public health measure, has become more politically divisive since Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s appointment as HHS Secretary and his stated opposition to national fluoridation policies. Federal Legal Battle Continues: Despite growing local bans and legal challenges, the EPA plans to appeal the September 2024 court ruling against it, which had ordered the agency to regulate fluoride due to emerging scientific evidence of harm.

Connecticut passes law mandating water fluoridation at existing levels in move to preempt federal changes

The move comes as a direct response to uncertainty at the federal level, especially in light of recent developments under the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known critic of fluoride. Lamont emphasized that Connecticuts new law ensures continued adherence to a public health standard that has been proven safe and effective for many decades, regardless of future federal decisions.

Previously, Connecticut law automatically followed U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommendations. The new legislation freezes fluoride levels at the current standard  0.7 mg/L  even if HHS adjusts that guidance. Proponents, including the American Dental Association (ADA), hailed the law as a proactive measure to protect community health, citing decades of use and cavity prevention data.

However, critics argue the move ignores mounting scientific evidence of harm. The Fluoride Action Network (FAN), an advocacy group opposed to water fluoridation, denounced the new law as fossilizing outdated practices. FAN and other groups point to a landmark federal court ruling in September 2024, in which Judge Edward Chen found that current fluoridation levels pose an unreasonable risk to childrens health. The ruling cited robust evidence linking fluoride exposure to reduced IQ and other neurological issues.

The case, brought by FAN, Mothers Against Fluoridation, and Food & Water Watch, was the first to challenge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Judge Chens 80-page decision prompted an EPA review, but the agency has since announced plans to appeal the ruling.

Despite the ruling, Connecticut is now among a few states cementing fluoride mandates into law. While water fluoridation is typically a local decision, states often provide infrastructure and funding. This means state-level laws can carry significant influence. Lamonts office defended the law by repeating long-standing claims that fluoridation reduces cavities by 25%, but provided no new supporting data.

Meanwhile, over 60 communities nationwide  including large areas of Florida  have voted to end water fluoridation since the federal ruling. The issue has become more politically charged since Kennedys confirmation as HHS secretary. Though Kennedy has indicated he plans to recommend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) end national fluoride guidance, no such change has yet been implemented.

Adding to the controversy, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in 2015 reduced the recommended fluoride level to 0.7 mg/L after citing potential health risks, though early drafts of the guidance included references to fluorides impact on IQlanguage later removed from the final report.

With Connecticuts new law, the state locks in current fluoridation standards in a preemptive strike against federal rollback, aligning itself with pro-fluoride institutions while potentially isolating itself from the evolving national and international consensus on the chemicals risks.

Tune your food news frequency to CleanWater.news and get updates on more states looking to mandate deadly water before the Trump Admin tries to save everybody.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

ODS.OD.NIH.gov

PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
Another silent siege on user data as Googles Gemini AI oversteps android privacy

Googles Gemini AI now accesses users third-party apps (WhatsApp, Messages) on Android without explicit consent, overriding prior privacy settings beginning July 7.

The update enables human review of data by Google, even if users disable Gemini Apps Activity, which stores interactions temporarily for safety but retains app access.

Users face confusion navigating incomplete opt-out instructions, with no clear path to fully remove the AI from devices.

Critics compare the move to tech monopolies historical overreach, citing parallels to Microsofts antitrust case in the 1990s.

Privacy advocates urge stricter regulations to curb Big Techs unchecked data collection and empower user choice.

On July 7, Google unleashed an Android update allowing its Gemini AI to access third-party apps like WhatsApp and Messages, bypassing user privacy settings. The move, which overrides opt-outs, raises alarms about unstated data collection and intimate corporate surveillance. Amid conflicting guidance and incomplete opt-out instructions, users confront a stark reality: their private communications may now flow to Googles servers, unraveling encryption promises. With tech giants racing to embed AI into every digital interaction, the question lingers: When does convenience cross into intrusion?

A quiet surveillance expansion

The update places Googles AI at the nexus of users most private digital spaces. By designating app access as on by default, the policy forces users to navigate a maze of settings to reclaim control.

How it works

Gemini will now interface with encrypted apps like WhatsApp, even if users previously disabled Gemini Apps Activity.

Google claims human reviewers (and contractors) annotate and process accessed data for safety and security.

A Google spokesperson called the change a win for users, emphasizing task completion without data exploitation when activity tracking is off.

The catch-22

Users attempting to block Gemini encounter a labyrinth of instructions. While settings let users toggle off app access, Googles support pages omit guidance on uninstalling the AI entirely. A reported flaw  Geminis iOS-like integration into the Android core  hints at irreversible bloatware, evoking memories of Microsofts infamous Windows-Explorer bundling.

The privacy catch-22: Confusion and compliance

Critics allege Google buried clarity to drive compliance. Email notifications lacked actionable steps, leaving users to guesswork or developer-level tinkering to opt out.

User scramble

Disabling Gemini Apps Activity does not block app access; it merely pauses data retention for AI improvement. Uninstalling requires technical prowess: ADB commands for developers caused errors on test devices, leaving ordinary users stranded.

Tuta researchers noted the updates aggressive rollout mirrors corporate land grabs, where default settings prioritize profit over consent.

A new standard for tech dominance?

Big Techs profit motors run on data, and Geminis app grab expands Googles trove of behavioral inputs. As Meta, Microsoft and LinkedIn have shown, opt-in defaults trend toward opt-out impracticality. In.meta, WhatsApps new ad policies and LinkedIns AI-bolstered data harvesting suggest a synchronized push to monetize intimacy at scale.

Precedents and the erosion of user trust

This update echoes antitrust-era overreach. Microsofts bundling of Explorer with Windows set off lawsuits, but todays monopolistic tactics are subtler.

How we got here

1998 EU Antitrust Ruling: Microsoft lost on accusations of abusive dominance.

Microsoft lost on accusations of abusive dominance. 2023 EU Digital Markets Act (DMA): Repositioned to curb gatekeeper power, though enforcement lags.

Repositioned to curb gatekeeper power, though enforcement lags. Silent Policy Shifts: Googles email left no room for objection, assuming consent through obscurity  a tactic propagated in platforms like Gmail, where AI scans emails for your benefit.

The Google paradox

While AI could streamline life, its rollout on insecure terms alienates privacy-conscious users. As Tutas researchers noted, Googles choices prioritize growth over user sovereignty, undermining trust in techs societal value.

User pushback and corporate evasion

Resistance is growing. Mastodon threads and Reddit posts erupted after users realized unencrypted firearm sales chats or encrypted family messages now risk exposure.

Steps to resist (for the tech-savvy)

Disable Gemini: Navigate Settings ? Apps ? Disable Gemini (may not work on all devices). Block app access: Enter Geminis settings, toggle off app extensions manually. Limit data use: Switch off Apps Activity, but note Google retains 72-hour data logs.

The elephant in the room

Why rely on hand-wavy opt-outs? The EUs mandates for explicit consent hint at regulatory changes, but delayed enforcement leaves users vulnerable. As Natural News argues, Transparency is the antidote to coercion, yet Googles lack of clarity demands systemic reforms.

Toward a more informed resistance

Googles Gemini update isnt just a privacy breach  its a test of techs power to redefine whats permissible. For users, restoring control demands vigilance: mastering obscure settings, lobbying regulators, or abandoning ecosystems altogether. The stakes couldnt be higher. As the great proto-digital anarchist John Perry Barlow wrote in A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace, We are forming our world. It is our world. Let this be a wake-up call.

Sources for this article include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

ArsTechnica.com

Tuta.com
Gender-confused arsonist arrested following failed firebombing of Michigan GOP office

Zayn Edward Arcand, a 19-year-old who identifies as "genderfluid," was arrested for attempting to firebomb the Dickinson County Republican Committee (DCRC) headquarters in Michigan on July 12. Surveillance footage captured the failed attack.

Arcand threw a makeshift Molotov cocktail (a rag-stuffed glass bottle) at the building but failed to ignite it. A second unlit device was found nearby. He later confessed, claiming the attack was meant to "send a message against corruption."

Arcand faces two felony charges  arson and manufacturing an explosive device  with bail set at $15,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August.

Michigan GOP Chairman Jim Runestad and others condemned the act as left-wing extremism, comparing it to past violent incidents like the 2017 Scalise shooting and 2020 BLM riots. They emphasized the need for stringent prosecution to deter future attacks.

The incident reflects escalating political violence in the U.S., with warnings about the normalization of intimidation tactics. Building owners and officials questioned political motivations but expressed relief no one was hurt.

A gender-confused arsonist has been arrested after his failed attempt to fire-bomb the headquarters of a committee under the Republican Party of Michigan.

On Monday, July 14, the Iron Mountain Police Department (IMPD) announced the arrest of 19-year-old Zayn Edward Arcand. The perpetrator who identifies as "genderfluid" was captured on surveillance footage in the process of failing to ignite a rag stuffed into a glass bottle on the afternoon of Saturday, July 12.

Arcand threw the bottle at the building, which hosts the Dickinson County Republican Committee (DCRC) headquarters, before fleeing on foot. Fortunately, this did not cause significant damage  though a second unlit device was found in the parking lot. IMPD officers later arrested Arcand at his home on the same day he did the crime.

The gender-confused suspect later admitted to the crime, alongside crafting makeshift Molotov cocktails in his driveway to "send a message against corruption." He was charged with two felonies  arson and manufacturing an explosive device  and his bail was set at $15,000.

The Left's violent extremism goes unchecked

The incident involving Arcand underscores a broader trend of politically motivated violence in the United States. It echoes previous left-wing extremism during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and riots, and the 2017 shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA). (Related: Antifa throws Molotov cocktails at police during a riot in Portland.)

Michigan GOP Chairman Jim Runestad condemned Arcand as a "liberal Antifa scumbag" in a social media post. He added that the 19-year-old's attacks reflect the Left's "intolerance of any view that doesnt adhere to their dogma." Runestad later told Michigan Advance that "this kind of violent extremist action has got to be made an example of."

Izzy Lyman, a former county commissioner in the Great Lakes State, also denounced Arcand as a "pathetic, yoga-pants-wearing Antifa-wannabe." She nevertheless reiterated the "need to remain vigilant, unintimidated, and supportive of law enforcement  as these attacks by radicalized vigilantes will likely continue."

The DCRC said the failure of the attack stemmed from Arcand's "incompetence," with Chairwoman Angela Hall reiterating their non-violent stance and continued occupation of the building. Meanwhile, building owners Ray and Barb Broullire expressed relief that no one was injured but questioned whether the attack was politically targeted.

Historically, political violence in America has often surged during periods of deep polarization, from the 1850s clashes over slavery to the 1970s leftist bombings. Legal experts warn that failure to prosecute such acts aggressively risks normalizing intimidation tactics. Arcand, who gave only monosyllabic answers during his arraignment, faces a preliminary hearing in August.

With tensions escalating ahead of the 2026 midterm election, this failed attack serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of civil discourse. It also highlights the consequences of ideology overriding the rule of law.

Head over to Violence.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video about a leftist terrorist getting merely a year behind bars and a fine for firebombing a New York City Police Department vehicle.

This video is from the Recharge Freedom channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Pro-abortion leftists FIREBOMB Buffalo, NY pregnancy center.

Federal charges filed in Tesla firebombing as far-left attacks spark national alarm.

Antifa anarchists gearing up for 10-day militancy training and siege of El Paso; Texas patriots should mobilize.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

UpperMichigansSource.com

MichiganAdvance.com

Brighteon.com
Trump announces 30% tariffs on imports from Mexico and EU

President Donald Trump declared that starting Aug. 1, the U.S. will impose a 30 percent tariff on all imports from Mexico and the European Union (EU), citing national security and trade imbalances.

In a letter to Mexico's president, Trump blamed Mexico's failure to stop drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking as justification for the tariffs, despite some cooperation on border issues.

Mexican companies that move manufacturing operations to the U.S. will be exempt from the tariffs, with Trump promising fast-track approvals.

Mexico's Foreign Ministry confirmed the tariff threat was discussed during a July 11 meeting and called the proposal unfair, but said negotiations with the U.S. are ongoing.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the tariffs as harmful to both economies and said the EU is preparing "proportionate countermeasures" if no deal is reached by Aug. 1.

President Donald Trump has announced that the U.S. will impose a 30 percent new tariff on all imports from Mexico and the European Union (EU) on Aug. 1 due to national security concerns and trade imbalances.

In a letter addressed to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and posted on Trump's Truth Social platform on Saturday, July 12, the president said the tariffs are a response to Mexico's failure to stop drug cartels from trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States. (Related: Trump announces steep tariffs on 14 countries, effective August 1.)

"Despite our strong relationship, you will recall, the United States imposed Tariffs on Mexico to deal with our Nation's Fentanyl crisis, which is caused, in part, by Mexico's failure to stop the Cartels, who are made up of the most despicable people who ever walked the Earth, from pouring these drugs into our country," Trump wrote in the letter.

The president emphasized that while Mexico has made efforts to assist in border security, they have not gone far enough to satisfy his administration's goals. So, he decided that Mexican products entering the U.S. will now face a 30 percent tariff, separate from other sector-specific tariffs. Goods rerouted to avoid higher tariffs will also be penalized.

"Mexico has been helping me secure the border, but what Mexico has done is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels, who are trying to turn all of North America into a narco-trafficking playground. Obviously, I cannot let that happen! Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Mexico a Tariff of 30 percent on Mexican products sent into the United States," the president said.

However, Trump did offer a path around the tariffs: Mexican businesses that manufacture within the U.S. will be exempt. He then promised that his administration "will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely  In other words, in a matter of weeks."

Trump also sent a similar letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to balance one of the U.S.'s "largest trade deficits."

"It is a Great Honor for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship, and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue working with the European Union, despite having one of our largest Trade Deficits with you," Trump wrote.

Mexico seeks deal as EU warns of retaliation

Mexico and the European Commission responded differently.

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed over the weekend that it had been informed of the tariff threat during a July 11 meeting with Trump administration officials in Washington, D.C.

"We mentioned at the meeting that this was an unfair deal and that we disagreed," the ministry said, adding that the Mexican government is already in active negotiations with the U.S. and is seeking to avoid the punitive measures.

Meanwhile, negotiations with the EU are also entering a critical stage. EU officials had reportedly been close to finalizing a trade agreement with Washington earlier this week that would set tariffs at 10 percent, significantly lower than the 30 percent rate Trump now threatens.

As a result, von der Leyen responded sharply, warning that the proposed U.S. tariffs would have far-reaching consequences on both economies.

"A 30 percent tariff on EU exports would hurt businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we are ready to safeguard EU interests on the basis of proportionate countermeasures," von der Leyen posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The EU's stance suggests retaliation is possible if a deal isn't reached.

Follow Trump.news for similar stories.

Watch the July 8 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses Trump unleashing new tariff wars with an extra attack on BRICS nations.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump imposes 25% tariffs on auto imports.

Trump imposes new tariffs on agricultural imports.

Trump's tariffs will create millions of jobs.

Canada refuses to lift tariffs despite Trump's postponement.

Canada RESCINDS DIGITAL TAX after Trump threatens retaliatory tariffs.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

Gob.mx

X.com

Brighteon.com
By Niket Nishant

(Reuters) -American Express' top brass reassured investors concerned about intensifying competition for affluent customers after resilient spending by cardholders helped the company surpass second-quarter profit estimates on Friday.

A long history in the premium segment and targeted acquisitions in recent years have given the credit card giant the heft to provide more compelling offerings than its competitors, its executives said.

The remarks come days after Citigroup unveiled plans to launch a new premium credit card, Citi Strata Elite, later this quarter to boost its appeal among wealthy customers.

"Bring it on," AmEx Chief Financial Officer Christophe Le Caillec said in an interview with Reuters. "We've been in that space for decades and we have built assets that our competitors do not have," he said.

Higher competition would encourage more customers to explore premium options. When they do, Le Caillec said he believes they will choose AmEx.

The company has long pursued a strategy centered on perks that give its cardholders a sense of exclusivity, rather than simple cashbacks. Analysts say the playbook has helped it build a loyal customer base, one that rivals may struggle to replicate quickly.

The acquisitions of Resy and Tock in recent years also set the company apart, Le Caillec said. The platforms offer AmEx cardholders privileged access to 27,000 restaurants worldwide.

AmEx will also roll out updates to its Platinum cards later this year for consumers and businesses in the United States, making its "largest investment ever in a card refresh".

STABLE SPENDING

Excluding one-time items, AmEx earned $4.08 per share for the three months ended June 30, compared with the $3.89 per share analysts were expecting, according to estimates compiled by LSEG.

The beat underscores how the credit card giant's focus on wealthy customers has helped insulate it from the effects of waning consumer confidence, which is more pronounced among lower-income households.

"While economic turbulence could affect spending volume, we expect the company's credit quality to outperform peers' in any environment," Morningstar analyst Michael Miller wrote in a note.

AmEx's numbers offer valuable insight into evolving trends around travel and discretionary spending, especially among the most creditworthy borrowers.

Big banks said earlier this week that consumers remain in good financial shape despite high borrowing costs, trade policy uncertainty and a job market where companies are increasingly cautious about hiring.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High around 80F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Point-in-time count reveals 27 percent increase in homeless individuals

The Champaign County Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless completed its annual point-in-time count of homeless individuals and households in the county on Jan. 22.

Volunteers split into teams across the county to locate and survey people experiencing homelessness that day.

Results of that count inform federal funding and policy regarding homelessness.

The numbers only include those individuals whom volunteers could find and may not account for unhoused people staying in private households.

The final counts were released this week:

 355 people were identified as homeless, an increase of 76 from last year's 279.

 56 were unsheltered.

 169 were staying in emergency shelters.

 130 were staying in transitional housing.

 75 were under the age of 18; that's up from 64 last year.

 LUKE TAYLOR
Inhaling agricultural dust may pose significant risks to gut health for workers in animal agriculture, a University of California, Riverside, study has found.

Led by Declan McCole, a professor of biomedical sciences in the UCR School of Medicine, the study expands on prior findings that hog farm dust causes airway inflammation. The researchers now report in the Journal of Applied Toxicology that inhaling this dust also alters the gut microbiome and impairs intestinal function, including increased "leaky gut" or intestinal permeability. Leaky gut is associated with a range of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.

"Exposure to swine farm dust, which contains high levels of bacteria and endotoxins, caused both airway inflammation and increased passage of gut bacterial products into the bloodstream in our mouse models," said Meli'sa Crawford, a former postdoctoral researcher in McCole's lab and the paper's first author. "But what's especially striking is the impact we observed on the gut microbiome and metabolism."

The researchers exposed mice intranasally to hog dust extract for three weeks. The mice showed a significant drop in beneficial bacterial species, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium sp. ASF356, and Lachnospiraceae bacterium.

The research team also found decreased levels of critical compounds in the gut of the mice, such as riboflavin, nicotinic acid, inosine, and leucine - key players in energy metabolism, immune regulation, and gut barrier maintenance.

While most research has focused on the respiratory effects of farm dust, our findings clearly show that inhaled pollutants can have systemic consequences. This research underscores the importance of considering the gutlung axis when assessing the health risks of bioaerosol exposure in agriculture." Declan McCole, professor of biomedical sciences, UCR School of Medicine

The study builds on growing evidence that pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations can impact multiple organ systems.

"Agricultural dust is rich in fine particulate matter and resistant bacteria, presenting a complex threat to farmworkers' health," McCole said. "Our earlier work showed that inhaled hog dust extract leads to neutrophilic lung inflammation. We now show the link to intestinal barrier dysfunction and microbial imbalance, highlighting the need for improved workplace protections for agricultural workers to mitigate long-term health consequences."

The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health; University of California, Davis-Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety; and University of California Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Crawford is now an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

The title of the research paper is "Respiratory Exposure to Agriculture Dust Extract Alters Gut Commensal Species and Key Metabolites in Mice."
A new editorial was published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 16, 2025, titled "microRNAs in soft tissue sarcoma: State of the art and barriers to translation."



In this article, Elizaveta K. Titerina, Alessandro La Ferlita, and Joal D. Beane from Ohio State University discuss the role of microRNAs in soft tissue sarcomas (STS), a rare and diverse group of cancers that begin in connective tissues, like bone or fat. The authors explain how these small molecules regulate cancer-related processes and highlight their potential as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring. They also outline the main challenges that need to be addressed before microRNA-based strategies can be used in clinical settings.



Soft tissue sarcomas include over 50 subtypes, making precise diagnosis and effective treatment difficult. The editorial describes how microRNAs influence cancer growth, spread, and response to therapies. Because microRNAs are stable in body fluids like blood and saliva, they could be used for early detection and to help guide treatment decisions. Such as, certain groups of microRNAs are linked to how patients respond to specific drugs, showing their potential as tools for precision medicine.

"For example, miR-17-92 and miR-106b-25 clusters have been associated with sensitivity or resistance to eribulin in STS."

The authors also explain that microRNAs could help distinguish between tumor types that are often difficult to differentiate, such as benign lipomas and malignant liposarcomas. Recognizing these differences is crucial for guiding treatment decisions. Specific patterns of microRNA expression in blood samples may enable clinicians to make quicker and more reliable diagnoses without the need for invasive procedures. Beyond their diagnostic role, microRNAs are also being explored as therapeutic tools, but applying microRNA-based therapies to patients remains challenging. These molecules can act as either cancer promoters or suppressors, depending on the environment, which complicates the development of safe and targeted treatments. However, new delivery methods such as lipid nanoparticles show promise in improving precision and safety.



Overall, microRNAs are emerging as an important focus in STS research, offering new possibilities for advancing diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. As researchers continue to address the current challenges, these small molecules could become valuable tools in improving cancer care.
CHICAGO (Reuters)  US airlines doubled down on high-end travel after the pandemic to drive up profits and reduce their vulnerability to economic swings.

The strategy is paying off as the margins of carriers selling premium seats have held up despite a slump in overall travel demand. Strong demand from affluent travelers is helping airlines offset a pullback in spending by price-sensitive customers.

Delta Air Lines (DAL) last week reported a 5% year-on-year jump in its second-quarter premium ticket revenue, compared to a 5% decline in main cabin revenue. The 10-percentage-point gap was the widest since the pandemic, helping it post a double-digit margin in the April-June quarter.

Similarly, premium cabin revenue helped United Airlines (UAL) mitigate the financial hit from operational constraints at Newark airport near New York City - one of its largest hubs - and increase its earnings in the latest quarter. United's premium revenue rose 5.6% in the June quarter from a year ago. Its overall passenger revenue grew just 1.1%.

The industry saw a similar trend in the first quarter when President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs raised the specter of an economic recession, hammering airline bookings.

"Premium capacity remains resilient," said United's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella.

Airline executives have attributed the resilient demand for premium travel to the healthy financial conditions of U.S. households with earnings of $100,000, which account for 75% of air travel spending.

While an April selloff in financial markets after Trump announced tariffs raised the risk of undermining that demand, a sharp rebound in U.S. stocks since then has eased those concerns.

"Our core consumer is in good shape and continues to prioritize travel," Delta CEO Ed Bastian said last week.

TROUBLE IN MAIN CABIN

In contrast, lingering uncertainty about the broader economy and rising living costs have taken a toll on demand from less-affluent customers.

Bank of America data shows, while spending by middle- and higher-income households held up in June, lower-income household spending turned negative.

Low-fare carrier JetBlue Airways (JBLU) last month told staff that it was planning new cost-cutting measures as soft demand made achieving a breakeven operating margin in 2025 "unlikely," according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

Summer travel season tends to be the most profitable for carriers. But weak demand for main cabin seats has forced airlines to offer sales to fill planes.

Discount carriers such as Frontier and Spirit Airlines are aggressively slashing flights to prevent more discounting pressure.
5 held from Bengals New Town in Patna hospital murder case

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Kolkata, Jun 19 (PTI) At least five persons have been arrested from New Town near Kolkata in connection with the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra in a Patna hospital, police said on Saturday.

The accused were apprehended from a housing complex in the satellite township of the metropolis following raids conducted jointly by the Patna Police and West Bengal STF in the early hours of Saturday, they said.

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Mishra, a resident of Buxar district of Bihar, who was a murder convict and out on parole, was shot dead by gunmen inside a private hospital in Patna on Thursday morning. PTI SCH RBT

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:00 IST

News agency-feeds 5 held from Bengals New Town in Patna hospital murder case
5 TTP terrorists killed in northwest Pakistan

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 01:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Peshawar, Jul 19 (PTI) At least five terrorists of the outlawed TTP were killed and two injured in an operation carried out by security forces in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, according to the police.

Eight terrorists were captured alive in the operation conducted by police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in the Malakand district.

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Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Dargai Waheedullah Khan told the media that the operation was conducted in the Mehrday area of Malakand.

Police and CTD took part in the successful operation," Khan said. Five terrorists were eliminated and two were injured while eight were captured alive." Khan said that the terrorists belonged to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and were behind attacks in the region.

He added that the arrested terrorists were transported to the CTD Centre, while the injured were moved to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Dargai.

Earlier today, nine terrorists were killed and three security officers were injured in an exchange of fire during an operation in the provinces Hangu district, police said.

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Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities over the past year, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, after the proscribed TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Pakistan ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with the number of deaths in terrorist attacks rising by 45 per cent over the past year to 1,081. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen an increasing trend of terrorism-related incidents. PTI AYZ GRS GRS

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First Published: July 20, 2025, 01:00 IST

News agency-feeds 5 TTP terrorists killed in northwest Pakistan
Banks need to build resilience against cyber threat: DFS Secretary

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 20:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju on Saturday cautioned banks to bolster their defences against the growing menace of cyber threats.

Speaking at a prize distribution ceremony of the Code Against Malware hackathon at PNB headquarters here, Nagaruaju highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in the banking sector.

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Such initiatives align with the national goal of building resilience against emerging digital threats, he said.

Launched in December 2024, the Code Against Malware hackathon invited student teams from IIT Kanpur and other premier institutions to develop endpoint security solutions to detect ransomware, using behavioural analysis, artificial intelligence, and heuristic techniques.

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The hackathon was conducted in collaboration with the IIT Kanpur, under the guidance of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Indian Banks Association (IBA), with the objective of fostering innovation in cybersecurity and engaging Indias young technical talent.

PNB MD and CEO Ashok Chandra, in his remarks, underscored the institutions commitment to driving innovation, strengthening cyber defences, and promoting collaboration between industry and academia. PTI DP BAL BAL

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 20:30 IST

News agency-feeds Banks need to build resilience against cyber threat: DFS Secretary
Deadly violence in Syria could reshape domestic, regional alliances

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Beirut, Jul 19 (AP) An eruption of violence in Syria this week that entangled government forces, Bedouin tribes, the Druze religious minority and neighbouring Israel highlighted just how combustible the country remains seven months after its longtime authoritarian leader was toppled.

The Druze and other minorities increasingly mistrust a central government run by a man once affiliated with al-Qaida, even though he has pledged to protect Syrias diverse ethnic and religious groups since helping to oust Bashar Assad after a nearly 14-year civil war.

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This sectarian turbulence within Syria threatens to shake-up postwar alliances and exacerbate regional tensions, experts say. It could also potentially draw the country closer to Turkiye and away from Israel, with whom it has been quietly engaging since Assads fall, with encouragement from the Trump administration.

The spark for this weeks violence Deadly clashes broke out last Sunday in the southern province of Sweida between Druze militias and local Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes.

Government forces intervened, ostensibly to restore order, but ended up trying to wrest control of Sweida from the Druze factions that control it.

Hundreds were killed in the fighting, and some government fighters allegedly executed Druze civilians and burned and looted their houses.

Driven by concerns about security and domestic politics, Israel intervened on behalf of the Druze, who are seen as a loyal minority within Israel and often serve in its military.

Israeli warplanes bombarded the Syrian Defence Ministrys headquarters in central Damascus and struck near the presidential palace. It was an apparent warning to the countrys interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led Islamist rebels that overthrew Assad but has since preached coexistence and sought ties with with the West. The Israeli army also struck government forces in Sweida.

By Wednesday, a truce had been mediated that allowed Druze factions and clerics to maintain security in Sweida as government forces pulled out  although fighting persisted between Druze and Bedouin forces.

Early Saturday, US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack announced a separate ceasefire had been brokered between Israel and Syria.

Worsening ties with minorities This past weeks clashes arent the first instance of sectarian violence in Syria since the fall of Assad.

A few months after Assad fled and after a transition that initially was mostly peaceful, government forces and pro-Assad armed groups clashed on Syrias coast. That spurred sectarian attacks that killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite religious minority to which Assad belongs.

Those killings left other minority groups, including the Druze in the south, and the Kurds in the northeast  who have a de facto autonomous area under their control  wary that the countrys new leaders would protect them.

Violence is only part of the problem. Syrias minority groups only have been given what many see as token representation in the interim government, according to Bassam Alahmad, executive director of Syrians for Truth and Justice, a civil society organisation.

Its a transitional period. We should have a dialogue, and they (the minorities) should feel that theyre a real part of the state," Alahmad said. Instead, with the incursion into Sweida, the new authorities have sent a message that they would use military force to control every part of Syria," he said.

Bashar Assad tried this way," and it failed, he added.

On the other hand, supporters of the new government fear that its decision to back down in Sweida could signal to other minorities that its OK to demand their own autonomous regions, which would fragment and weaken the country.

If Damascus cedes security control of Sweida to the Druze, of course everyone else is going to demand the same thing", said Abdel Hakim al-Masri, a former official in the Turkish-backed regional government in Syrias northwest before Assads fall.

This is what we are afraid of," he said.

A rapprochement with Israel may be derailed Before this weeks flare-up between Israel and Syria, and despite a long history of suspicion between the two countries, the Trump administration had been pushing their leaders to post-Assad to work toward normalising relations  meaning that Syria would formally recognise Israel and establish diplomatic relations, or at least enter into some limited agreement on security matters.

Syrian officials have acknowledged holding indirect talks with Israel, but defusing decades of tension was never going to be easy.

After Assads fall, Israeli forces seized control of a UN-patrolled buffer zone in Syria and carried out airstrikes on military sites in what Israeli officials said was a move to create a demilitarized zone south of Damascus.

Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, said she believes Israel could have gotten the same result through negotiations.

But now its unlikely Syria will be willing to continue down the path of reconciliation with Israel, at least in the short term, she said.

I dont know how the Israelis could expect to drop bombs on Damascus and still have some kind of normal dialogue with the Syrians," said Colin Clarke, a senior research fellow at the Soufan Centre, a New York-based organisation that focuses on global security challenges.

Just like Netanyahu, al-Sharaas got a domestic constituency that hes got to answer to." Yet even after the events of this past week, the Trump administration still seems to have hope of keeping the talks alive. US officials are engaging diplomatically with Israel and Syria at the highest levels, both to address the present crisis and reach a lasting agreement between two sovereign states," says Dorothy Shea, the US ambassador to the United Nations.

Shea said during a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Thursday that the United States did not support recent Israeli strikes".

Syria could be drawn closer to Turkiye During Syrias civil war, the US was allied with Kurdish forces in the countrys northeast in their fight against the Islamic State militant group.

But since Assads fall, the US has begun gradually pulling its forces out of Syria and has encouraged the Kurds to integrate their forces with those of the new authorities in Damascus.

To that end, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces agreed in March to a landmark deal that would merge them with the national army. But implementation has stalled. A major sticking point has been whether the SDF would remain as a cohesive unit in the new army or be dissolved completely.

Khalifa said the conflict in Sweida is definitely going to complicate" those talks.

Not only are the Kurds mistrustful of government forces after their attacks on Alawite and Druze minorities, but now they also view them as looking weak. Lets be frank, the government came out of this looking defeated," Khalifa said.

Its possible that the Kurds, like the Druze, might look to Israel for support, but Turkiye is unlikely to stand by idly if they do, Khalifa said.

The Turkish government considers the SDF a terrorist organization because of its association with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which has waged a long-running insurgency in Turkiye.

For that reason, it has long wanted to curtail the groups influence just across its border.

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Israels latest military foray in Syria could give its new leaders an incentive to draw closer to Ankara, according to Clarke. That could include pursuing a defense pact that has been discussed but not implemented.

Turkish defence ministry officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity according to procedures, said that if requested, Ankara is ready to assist Syria in strengthening its defence capabilities. (AP) PY PY

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:00 IST

News agency-feeds Deadly violence in Syria could reshape domestic, regional alliances
Elderly business man tied up, valuables stolen from bungalow in Pimpri Chinchwad

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 01:15 IST

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Pune, Jul 20 (PTI) Unidentified men allegedly broke into a bungalow in Maharashtras Pimpri Chinchwad on Saturday, tied up an elderly businessman and fled with valuables, police said.

The incident took place around 9 pm in the Nigdi Pradhikaran area with a police team reaching the spot to investigate.

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Preliminary investigation suggests that three to four unidentified men broke into the bungalow, tied the hands of an elderly occupant, and conducted the search of the house," Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime), Pimpri Chinchwad, Shivaji Pawar said.

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It is suspected that they fled away with some valuables, however we are ascertaining what has been stolen from the house," he said.

Another police officer said that the man who was tied up by the intruders is a businessman. Further investigation is underway. PTI SPK OZ OZ OZ

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First Published: July 20, 2025, 01:15 IST

News agency-feeds Elderly business man tied up, valuables stolen from bungalow in Pimpri Chinchwad
Justice Department asks court to unseal Epstein grand jury records

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 04:45 IST

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Washington, Jul 19 (AP) The Justice Department asked a federal court on Friday to unseal grand jury transcripts in Jeffrey Epsteins case amid a firestorm over the Trump administrations handling of records related to the wealthy financier.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche filed motions urging the court to release the Epstein transcripts as well as those in the case against convicted British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell a day after President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to do so.

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The Trump administration has been embroiled in controversy since the Justice Department last week announced that it would not be releasing any more evidence in its possession from Epsteins investigation.

Trumps demand to release the grand jury transcripts came after The Wall Street Journal reported on a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Trumps name and was included in a 2003 album for Epsteins 50th birthday.

Trump denied writing the letter, calling it false, malicious, and defamatory." The Justice Department said it will work with with prosecutors in New York to make appropriate redactions of victim-related information and other personally identifying information before transcripts are released.

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Grand jury transcripts  which could show the testimony of witnesses and other evidence presented by prosecutors  are rarely released by courts, unless they need to be disclosed in connection with a judicial proceeding.

Even with the Justice Department endorsement, it could take weeks or months of legal wrangling to decide what can be released and how to protect witnesses and other sensitive victim information. (AP) SKY SKY

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 04:45 IST

News agency-feeds Justice Department asks court to unseal Epstein grand jury records
Rajasthan: 176 locals evacuated in rain-hit Ajmer, SDRF teams on standby

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 22:30 IST

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Jaipur, Jul 19 (PTI) The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has evacuated 176 citizens to safer locations in Ajmer district, which has been affected by torrential rains, an official said on Saturday.

Normal life has been disrupted due to the impact of the southwest monsoon, with many cities in the state, including Ajmer, experiencing significant rainfall.

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SDRF Commandant Rajendra Singh Sisodia stated that on the evening of July 18, the Ajmer Police Control Room received reports of locals stranded in various neighbourhoods due to the severe weather.

Team commanders quickly assessed the situation and noted that the citys ponds and lakes were overflowing due to the intense rainfall.

Areas such as Subhash Nagar Colony, Sagar Vihar, Van Vihar Colony, Idgah Colony, Vaishali Nagar, Aam Talab, and Gulab Bari experienced flooding with water levels reaching three to four feet, leaving many residents stranded.

The SDRF team rescued a total of 176 individuals from different areas of Ajmer city between the night of July 18 and the evening of July 19.

These teams remain on standby and are fully prepared to assist citizens in various locations throughout the city.

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The Meteorological Department has indicated a potential decrease in rainfall activity across the state starting July 20, with relief from heavy rains expected for the following week.

However, another phase of heavy rainfall is anticipated to begin in eastern Rajasthan around July 27-28. PTI AG MPL MPL

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 22:30 IST

News agency-feeds Rajasthan: 176 locals evacuated in rain-hit Ajmer, SDRF teams on standby
Rajasthan governor lauds rising role of women in healthcare leadership

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 20:30 IST

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Jaipur, Jul 19 (PTI) Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kishanrao Bagde on Saturday lauded the increasing role of women in healthcare leadership.

Addressing students at IIHMR Universitys Annual Convocation 2025, Bagde urged them to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired towards nation-building. He also encouraged universities to collaborate with both national and international institutions.

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He said that by integrating traditional and modern knowledge, the National Education Policy 2022 aims to foster the holistic development of students.

It is heartening to note that all four gold medal recipients this year are women. This reflects the rising role of women in healthcare leadership," the governor said.

The convocation saw 423 students receiving their degrees, with women comprising 58 percent of the graduating batch. Female students (247) outnumbered their male (176) counterparts and bagged six out of seven academic medals.

Guest of Honour Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India, highlighted Indias growing global role in healthcare and advised students to serve with humility and compassion. RUHS Vice Chancellor Dr. Pramod Yeole stressed the importance of rural healthcare and public health leadership.

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IIHMR University president Dr P.R. Sodani reported that the highest salary package this year stood at Rs 28.56 LPA, with 11 students placed internationally. The university also inaugurated its new Centre for Clinical Research on the occasion.

The convocation included graduates from MBA, MPH, MHA, and doctoral programmes. PTI AG HIG HIG

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 20:30 IST

News agency-feeds Rajasthan governor lauds rising role of women in healthcare leadership
Reports on AI plane crash premature; fully support AAIB probe: NTSB

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 18:45 IST

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New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy has said the board will continue to support the AAIBs investigation into the Air India plane crash, and that reports about the incident are premature and speculative.

On June 12, Air Indias Boeing 787-8 aircraft en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed into a building soon after takeoff, killing 260 people, including 19 people on the ground. Out of the 242 people onboard, one passenger survived.

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On July 12, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report into the fatal crash.

Recent media reports on the Air India 171 crash are premature and speculative. Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau just released its preliminary report. Investigations of this magnitude take time," Homendy said in a statement posted on X.

The comments come days after AAIB said it is too early to draw any definite conclusions" on what led to the crash, as the probe is still on, and urged everyone to refrain from spreading premature narratives.

Homendy also said that NTSB fully supports AAIBs public appeal and will continue to support its ongoing investigation.

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All investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB," she said in the post on Saturday.

There are reports suggesting that pilot error led to the crash of the Air India plane  VT-ANB  operating the flight AI 171. PTI RAM BAL BAL

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 18:45 IST

News agency-feeds Reports on AI plane crash premature; fully support AAIB probe: NTSB
SNDP leader alleges Kerala will become Muslim-dominated state soon

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 22:45 IST

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Kottayam (Kerala), Jul 19 (PTI) Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan on Saturday alleged that the Muslim community would soon become the majority in Kerala.

He also accused the minority community and its leaders of unnecessarily intervening in the states administration, citing the recent controversies over the LDF governments decision to change the school timings and the implementation of zumba dance in schools.

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While addressing a meeting of SNDP Yogams local unit here, the leader claimed that CPI(M) veteran and former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said sometimes back that Muslims would become the majority community in the state by 2040.

Natesan said he does not think that it would take that long and indicated that it would happen in the near future.

To support his argument, he pointed out the examples of the number of constituencies in some Hindu dominated and Muslim majority areas.

The Ezhava leader alleged that Alappuzha had lost two constituencies as the Hindu population decreased there.

However, in Muslim-dominated Malappuram, four additional seats have been gained as the communitys population has increased.

He also made objectionable remarks connecting the population increase and women.

Natesan also justified his recent controversial remarks which he made against Malappuram that triggered a huge political row in the state.

He said he was attacked by everyone in the Muslim community for telling the truth about the northern district.

He also accused the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) of targeting the chief ministers post.

In April this year, Natesan described Malappuram as a separate nation" or an exclusive state of certain people".

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People belonging to the backward community are living under constant fear in Malappuram, he had alleged.

SNDP is an organisation that represents the numerically strong Ezhava community in Kerala. PTI LGK KH

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 22:45 IST

News agency-feeds SNDP leader alleges Kerala will become Muslim-dominated state soon
Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) is one of the 10 Buzzing Stocks to Watch as AI Trade Makes a Comeback.

Brad Reback, Stifel managing director, in a latest program on CNBC talked about his latest take on Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) and explained why hes bullish on the company. The analyst believes Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) increasing spending will pay off mainly due to AI and Cloud.

We think theres plenty left in front of us. And really what got us over the hump here is the capex spending over the last couple of quarters had meaningfully accelerated, and our concern was that they werent going to be able to keep pace with the likes of the other hyperscalers. But with nine billion of spend in the last quarter, with capex expected to be up 4x this year from two years ago, its very clear theyre spending and that their backlog should convert into accelerating revenue growth here in the coming quarters, well on their way to getting to 20% revenue growth next fiscal year.

Asked about the specific areas of potential growth for Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL), here is what the analyst said:

Its definitely the cloud, and thats a combination of, as you just mentioned, cloud infrastructure, which is existing customers moving their Oracle databases to the cloud, be it Oracles cloud or Oracle running inside of hyperscaler clouds, and then increasingly AI. And then beyond that, they have a really significant level of SaaS apps that continue to grow at 20%. So when you bring it all together, Oracles cloud, which is approaching more  which is more than the majority of the revenue right now  is growing 40% year-over-year this year, expected, and should continue to sustain that pace going forward.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

ClearBridge Dividend Strategy stated the following regarding Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter:
With gavel in hand, Trump chisels away at power of compliant Congress

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 18:45 IST

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Washington, Jul 19 (AP) Mr President, this is the gavel used to enact the big, beautiful bill," House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a White House signing ceremony on the Fourth of July.

I want you to have it," he said.

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Handing over the gavel delighted President Donald Trump who, seated behind a desk outdoors, immediately tested it out with a few quick thumps.

The moment left a memorable mark on a historic day. The gesture reflected a traditional nod of honour, from one leader to another, a milestone of the Republican Partys priority legislation becoming law. But the imagery also underscored a symbolic transfer of political power, from Capitol Hill to the White House as a compliant Congress is ceding more and more of its prerogative to the presidency.

Congress gives Trump what he wants Since Trumps return to the White House in January, and particularly in the past few weeks, Republicans in control of the House and Senate have shown an unusual willingness to give the president of their party what he wants, regardless of the potential risk to themselves, their constituents and Congress itself.

Republicans raced to put the big package of tax breaks and spending cuts on Trumps desk by his Independence Day deadline. Senators had quickly confirmed almost all of Trumps outsider Cabinet nominees despite grave reservations over Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary, Pete Hegseth as the Pentagon chief and others. House Republicans pursued Trumps interest in investigating his perceived foes, including investigating Democratic President Joe Bidensuse of the autopen.

But at the same time, Congress hit the brakes on one of its own priorities, legislation imposing steep sanctions on Russia over its war on Ukraine, after Trump announced he was allowing President Vladimir Putin an additional 50 days to negotiate a peace deal, dashing hopes for a swifter end to the conflict.

This past week, Congress was tested anew, delivering on Trumps request to rescind some $9 billion that lawmakers had approved but that the administration wanted to eliminate, including money for public broadcasting and overseas aid. It was a rare presidential request, a challenge to the legislative branchs power of the purse, that has not been used in decades.

The pressure on Republicans is taking its toll Were lawmakers. We should be legislating," said a defiant Sen Lisa Murkowksi, R-Alaska, as she refused to support the White Houses demand to rescind money for National Public Radio and others.

What were getting now is a direction from the White House and being told, This is the priority. We want you to execute on it. Well be back with you with another round," she said. I dont accept that." Congress, the branch of government the Founding Fathers placed first in the Constitution, is at a familiar crossroads. During the first Trump administration, Republicans frightened by Trumps angry tweets of disapproval would keep their criticisms private. Those who did speak up  Liz Cheney of Wyoming in the House and Mitt Romney of Utah in the Senate, among others  are gone from Capitol Hill.

One former GOP senator, Jeff Flake of Arizona, who announced in 2017 during Trumps first term that he would not seek reelection the next year, is imploring Republicans to find a better way.

The fever still hasnt broken," he wrote recently in The New York Times. In todays Republican Party, voting your conscience is essentially disqualifying." Seeking a normal Congress But this time, the halls of Congress are filled with many Republicans who came of political age with Trumps Make America Great Again" movement and owe their ascent to the president himself. Many are emulating his brand and style as they shape their own.

A new generation of GOP leaders, Johnson in the House and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have pulled closer to Trump. They are utilizing the power of the presidency in ways large and small  to broker deals, encourage wayward lawmakers to fall in line, even to set schedules.

Johnson, R-La., has openly pined for what he calls a normal Congress." But short of that, the speaker relies on Trump to help stay on track. When Republicans hit an impasse on cryptocurrency legislation, a Trump priority, it was the president who met with holdouts in the Oval Office late Tuesday night as Johnson called in by phone.

The result is a perceptible imbalance of power as the executive exerts greater authority while the legislative branch dims. The judicial branch has been left to do the heavy lift of checks and balances with the courts processing hundreds of lawsuits over the administrations actions.

The genius of our Constitution is the separation of power," said Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, the former speaker, in an interview on SiriusXMs Mornings with Zerlina." That the Republicans in Congress would be so ignoring of the institution that they represent, and that have just melted the power of the incredibly shrinking speakership" and Senate leadership positions, to do all of these things, to cater to the executive branch," she said.

Confronting Trump comes with costs Sen Thom Tillis, R-N.C., endured Trumps criticism over his opposition to the tax and spending cuts bill. The senator raised concerns about steep cuts to hospitals, but the president threatened to campaign against him. Tillis announced he would not seek reelection in 2026.

Sen Susan Collins, R-Maine, voted against that bill and the rescissions package despite Trumps threat to campaign against any dissenters.

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One Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, appears to be pressing on, unphased. He recently proposed legislation to force the administration to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, something the president had been reluctant to do.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that if the president wants something, you must do it," said Sen Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, in a Senate speech. We dont have to do this. We dont have to operate under the assumption that this man is uniquely so powerful." (AP) RD RD

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 18:45 IST

News agency-feeds With gavel in hand, Trump chisels away at power of compliant Congress
Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban For Indian Flights Till Aug 2, Check Details

Curated By :

PTI

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 08:29 IST

The Indian airspace is also closed to all Pakistani aircraft till July 24 as part of measures taken by the Indian government against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror,

Representational image. (File photo)

Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for flights operated by Indian airlines by another month till August 24, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said.

No aircraft operated by Indian airlines, or military and civilian flights that are Indian-owned or leased, will be allowed to use Pakistani airspace, according to a NOTAM (notice to airmen) that came into effect at 3:50 pm India time on Friday.

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The ban will remain in place till August 24 at 5:19 am (India time), the PAA said.

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The Indian airspace is also closed to all Pakistani aircraft till July 24 after a ban was imposed first on April 30 as part of measures taken by the Indian government against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22.

Pakistan shut its airspace for Indian aircraft on April 24 and the tit-for-tat restrictions by the two nations have been extended multiple times.

About the Author Shahrukh Shah Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More

Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India  including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

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Location : Lahore, Pakistan

First Published: July 19, 2025, 08:29 IST

News auto Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban For Indian Flights Till Aug 2, Check Details
Apple Ships $5-Billion iPhones From India In Q1 FY26, India's Smartphone Exports Hit $7 Billion

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 12:56 IST

India's total smartphone exports cross $7 billion in the June quarter, marking over 40% growth year-on-year from approximately $5 billion in Q1 FY25.

Foxconn contributed the majority of iPhone shipments in the quarter, with Tata Electronics  which recently took over Pegatron's operations  also playing a significant role.

Apple has exported over $5 billion worth of iPhones from India during the AprilJune quarter of FY26, accounting for nearly 70% of the countrys total smartphone exports, according to preliminary data reviewed by Moneycontrol. This is a sharp rise from around $3 billion in the same quarter last year, underscoring Indias growing role in global electronics manufacturing.

Fuelled by Apples ongoing production ramp-up via Foxconn and Tata Electronics, Indias total smartphone exports crossed $7 billion in the June quarter, marking over 40% growth year-on-year from approximately $5 billion in Q1 FY25.

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While Apples iPhone exports remained strong, they were slightly lower than the January-March quarter, when shipments touched Rs 48,000 crore ($5.58 billion). That earlier spike was partially driven by Apple building inventory ahead of new U.S. import tariffs effective April 2. A slight dip in Q1 is typical, as global demand softens in anticipation of new iPhone launches in September.

Foxconn and Tata Lead the Export Charge

Foxconn contributed the majority of iPhone shipments in the quarter, with Tata Electronics  which recently took over Pegatrons operations  also playing a significant role. A large portion of India-made iPhones continues to be exported to the US market.

Mobile phones have been one of the major success stories, and continuous support from the government is needed, especially in light of the targeted Chinese restrictions around capital equipment, rare-earth minerals, and the availability of skilled Chinese technical personnel," a Moneycontrol report cited an industry executive as saying.

The executive further noted that the entire $2 billion jump in Indias electronics exports in Q1 came solely from smartphones.

Smartphones Now Indias Third-Largest Export

In FY25, Indias smartphone production touched $64 billion, with exports accounting for $24.1 billion  or about 38% of the total output. From being ranked 167th among export categories in FY15, smartphones have now emerged as Indias third-largest export by FY25, trailing only engineering goods and petroleum products.

Chinas Informal Restrictions Raise Concerns

The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents major players including Apple, Foxconn, Tata Electronics, Google, Dixon, Lava, Oppo, and Xiaomi, has raised alarms over Chinas informal trade restrictions.

In a letter dated July 1 to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, ICEA warned that such disruptions pose a risk to Indias $32 billion export-linked electronics manufacturing and the gains made under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

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The industry describes these measures as carefully calibrated" restrictions that are impacting the import of capital equipment, critical minerals, and Chinese skilled technical personnel  resources vital for scaling up electronics production.

The interventions by the Government will ensure supply chain continuity, enable technology transfers, andmost importantlypreserve Indias competitiveness as a manufacturing hub by keeping overall manufacturing costs low," ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo wrote in the letter, which was also sent to the Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of External Affairs, and DPIIT.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 12:56 IST

News business Apple Ships $5-Billion iPhones From India In Q1 FY26, India's Smartphone Exports Hit $7 Billion
Intel Layoffs: Company Announces Over 5,000 Job Cuts In US, Says Report

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 08:42 IST

The layoffs are mainly likely to hit employees in California, Oregon, Arizona and Texas.

Intel's New CEO Lip-Bu Tan has been working on sweeping reforms at Intel, including a revamp of its AI roadmap and chip manufacturing operations.

Intel Layoffs 2025: In a fresh round of job cuts, chipmaker Intel is laying off over 5,000 employees in the US, Manufacturing Dive has reported citing updated Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filings. Mainly, the layoffs are likely to hit employees in California, Oregon, Arizona and Texas.

The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring plan to turn around the beleaguered company.

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The job cuts are estimated to be doubled for Santa Clara and Folsom to a total of 1,935 affected employees, according to the California WARN filings. The layoffs started in Folsom and Santa on July 11 and July 15.

We are taking steps to become a leaner, faster and more efficient company Removing organizational complexity and empowering our engineers will enable us to better serve the needs of our customers and strengthen our execution," Intel said in an email on July 9, according to Manufacturing Dive.

Last month, Intel started job cuts and sacked 107 employees connected to its headquarters in Santa Clara, California. In a WARN notice, the company had said the layoffs are expected to begin July 15.

Additionally, the company also decided to close down its automotive chip business, which was based in Munich, Germany, according to The Oregonian citing an internal memo. According to the memo, Intel plans to wind down the Intel architecture automotive business" and will lay off most of its workers in the section.

Last month, reports citing CEO Lip-Bu Tans internal memo suggested that Intel was planning to lay off 15%-20% workers from its chip manufacturing division.

Meanwhile, E-commerce giant Amazon has laid off at least hundred" employees from its Amazon Web Services cloud computing division, news agency Reuters has reported. The exact number of job cuts has not been disclosed.

The move comes just a month after CEO Andy Jassy warned that adoption of generative AI tools would trigger a workforce reduction.

The layoffs at Amazon come after similar action by global giants like Microsoft, Meta, and CrowdSrike recently.

Many corporations are increasingly using artificial intelligence to write code for their software and adopting AI agents to automate routine tasks, as they look to save costs and cut reliance on people.

CEO Lip-Bu Tans Turnaround Plans

Lip-Bu Tan, who assumed the role of Intels CEO in March, said in April that the company plans to cut operating expenses by $500 million this year and another $1 billion next year.

There is no way around the fact that these critical changes will reduce the size of our workforce," he had said.

We must balance our reductions with the need to retain and recruit key talent," he said in the memo. I will empower each of my leaders to make the best possible decisions aligned with our top priorities. These decisions will not be made lightly, and we will keep you regularly informed."

Tan has been working on sweeping reforms at Intel, including a revamp of its artificial intelligence (AI) roadmap and chip manufacturing operations. A key element of his plan involves trimming layers of middle management, which he sees as an impediment to faster execution and innovation. In a recent company-wide town hall, Tan cautioned employees that tough decisions" lay ahead.

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Tan, 65, previously served as CEO of Cadence Design Systems and was a member of Intels board until August 2024. His appointment follows a challenging period for Intel, which reported a $19 billion annual loss in 2024  its first in nearly four decades  and continues to lose market share to rivals like Nvidia and Arm, especially in the AI chip sector.

Intel also announced mass layoffs in August last year.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 08:42 IST

News business Intel Layoffs: Company Announces Over 5,000 Job Cuts In US, Says Report
IIM-Calcutta Rape Case: Complainant Unreachable, Accused Granted Bail On Rs 50,000 Bond

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shobhit Gupta



Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 22:23 IST

The accused in the alleged rape at IIM Calcutta got bail while the complainant didn't appear for a medico-legal test.

News18

The accused in the alleged rape incident on the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) campus in Joka has been granted bail on a bail bond of Rs 50,000 on Saturday.

Complainant Incommunicado, Skipped Court Dates

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The complainant, a psychological councillor, who accused the student of sexual harassment in the hostel of the institute, is incommunicado" and skipped two appearances before the magistrate to record her statement.

Police have been trying to contact her since then for investigation purposes, however, they have been unable to reach her, as her phone has been switched off.

Meanwhile, the police on Tuesday sought the CCTV footage of July 11 of the entire campus of the IIM-C. The alleged rape incident took place on the campus of the IIM-C on July 11.

Whats The Case?

The woman, a psychological councillor, claimed that she was called to the hostel for a counselling session.

When the woman went to the hostel, she reportedly consumed a drink laced with drugs, after which she fell unconscious. After she gained consciousness, she realised that she was raped.

As per the complainant, the two had become acquainted through social media.

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The accused student was arrested the next day based on an FIR lodged with the Haridevpur Police Station by the survivor.

The case comes less than a month after another female student was gang-raped on June 25 inside the security guard room of the South Calcutta Law College. So far, the Kolkata Police have arrested four individuals: Manojit Mishra, Promit Mukherjee, Zaid Ahmed, and the colleges security guard.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 22:23 IST

News cities  kolkata-news IIM-Calcutta Rape Case: Complainant Unreachable, Accused Granted Bail On Rs 50,000 Bond
'If Government Fails...': Ola, Uber, Rapido Strike Ends In Mumbai With Threat Of Bigger Demonstration

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 16:07 IST

IFAT urged drivers to end their strike in Mumbai and Maharashtra. As per the drivers, their earnings have dropped sharply due to high app commissions and rising fuel costs.

Ola, Uber, Rapido Strike Ends In Mumbai (PTI)

The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) on Saturday urged the protesting drivers to return to work, marking end of the ongoing strike by drivers of app-based cabs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and other cities in Maharashtra. 14 unions of IFAT participated in the protests.

IFAT president Prashant Sawardekar told Hindustan Times that the union will meet the state government and if their is no solution then the protest will restart. Condering the overall situation, we told drivers to resume plying their cabs for now as their families are suffering. We will wait for the state government to revert on our demands. We will also be meeting them. If the government fails to come up with solutions and meet our demands, we will restart our protest," Sawardekar was quoted by HT as saying.

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Cab operators working with apps Ola, Uber and Rapido were staging a protest in Mumbai and other regions of Maharashtra over their demands like rationalisation of fares to bring them on par with those of the conventional black-and-yellow metered taxis or kali-peeli.

The demonstration that began on Wednesday involving those in the sector from Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune and Nagpur, disrupted normalcy in the region. Commuters faced a lot of issue, specially those at airports and railway stations. The Mumbai airport operator had also advised passengers to check for transport availability and make alternate arrangements.

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Dr KN Kshirsagar, president of Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, told PTI that almost 70 percent of app-based cabs remained off the roads, leaving very few vehicles for booking.

The cabbies will sit on a protest at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai from Friday to further intensify their agitation. No deliberations took place with the government after the meeting with state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik at Mantralya on Tuesday," he added.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 15:57 IST

News cities  mumbai-news 'If Government Fails...': Ola, Uber, Rapido Strike Ends In Mumbai With Threat Of Bigger Demonstration
Together We Can: Delhi Womans Message To Lover During Husbands Murder

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 16:17 IST

Karan Dev was murdered by his wife Sushmita and cousin Rahul, who staged it as accidental electrocution. Chats revealed their plan involving sleeping pills and electric shock.

Karan Dev, a 36-year-old Delhi man was killed by his wife, Sushmita. (X)

In a shocking and bizarre incident of betrayal, a 36-year-old Delhi man, who was believed to have died due to an accidental electrocution, was actually murdered by his wife over her alleged extra-martial affair with his cousin.

The conspiracy of presenting the murder into an accidental death was revealed following the discovery of a chat between his wife and cousin. Police have arrested the victims spouse and her lover for their role in the murder.

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Whats The Case?

The victim, identified as Karan Dev, was admitted to the Mata Rooprani Maggo Hospital on July 13 by his wife, Sushmita, who claimed that he suffered an accidental electric shock.

Karan was declared dead, and his family waived off a post-mortem as they believed it was an accident, as reported by NDTV.

However, the police insisted on an autopsy given the victims relatively young age and the circumstances of his death, though Sushmita and his alleged loverKarans parental cousin, Rahul, objected. Later, the body was sent to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in Harinagar for post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, Three days after the incident, the victims younger brother, Kunal told police about his suspicions that Karan was murdered by his wife and their cousin. . He even provided evidence of an Instagram chat between Sushmita and Rahul, in which they had discussed the murder plan.

Chats Revealed

As per the chats accessed by the news outlet, the duo allegedly mixed 15 sleeping pills in his dinner on the night of July 12 and waited till he was unconscious. The messages also revealed that the couple had Googled the time it would take for the sleeping pills to cause death.

As Karan lay unconscious yet still alive, his wife casually informed her lover that she felt like taking a nap. However when the drugs failed to take immediate effect, Sushmita grew anxious.

Check once how long it does it takes to die after taking the medicine. Its been three hours since he ate food. No vomiting. And no death yet either. Then what should we do, suggest something," she texted Rahul as per the NDTV report.

Rahul replied, If you cant figure anything out, give him a shock."

The conversation continued, with Sushmita asking, How to tie him up for the shock?"

Rahul said, With tape."

Sushmita texted, Hes breathing very slowly."

Rahul replied, Give him all the medicine you have."

Sushmita messaged, I cant get his mouth open. I can pour water in, but I cant give the medicine. You come here, maybe together we can manage to feed it to him."

Duo Confessed To Crime

As per the police, the accused administered the electric shock to the victim in an attempt to stage the scene as an accidental death. Following the murder, Sushmita reportedly went to her in-laws house to inform them about the accident. The family rushed to the flat and transported him to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

After the chats came to the polices notice, the duo were taken into custody.

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The victims wife later confessed to killing her husband and planned his death with her brother-in-law. She said Karan had slapped and abused her a day before Karwa Chauth and would often ask her for money, which contributed to her physical and mental distress.

Based on the initial investigation, a case has been registered under appropriate sections. The process of arrest is going on. We are also waiting for a detailed post-mortem report," Deputy Commissioner of Police Dwarka Ankit Singh was quoted as saying by the news outlet.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 16:05 IST

News new-delhi-news Together We Can: Delhi Womans Message To Lover During Husbands Murder
BHU Admission 2025: Banaras Hindu University Issues Notice About Fake Admission Offers

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 12:46 IST

Students who have cleared CUET UG 2025 can apply until July 31 via the official BHU website bhu.ac.in or bhucuet.samarth.edu.in.

For all three courses, a minimum of 50% marks in 12th is mandatory.(Representational/File)

BHU Admission 2025: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has cautioned students to be wary of fraudulent messages concerning admission. The university issued a notice stating that some candidates are receiving texts with false claims about bypassing the usual admission process. BHU clarified that it does not use WhatsApp or any informal platform to disseminate admission information.

This alert follows multiple complaints from students about unsolicited messages containing unverified links or website URLs. The university has warned that these messages may be part of a scam, urging students to ignore them.

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Meanwhile, BHU has commenced the registration for undergraduate courses for the 2025 academic session. Students who have passed the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2025 can apply until July 31 via the official BHU website, bhu.ac.in or bhucuet.samarth.edu.in.

BHU has emphasised that all official admission-related messages are sent only from two authorized email addresses: admission.help@bhu.ac.in and admission@bhu.ac.in. Information is provided on candidates registered email IDs and the student portal.

The university reiterated that it does not send admission confirmations or information through unofficial mediums like WhatsApp. Students are advised to rely solely on information received from the universitys official portal and email.

ALSO READ | Ambedkar University UG Admissions 2025: Registration Begins Via CUET Scores, Apply By July 30

BHU Admission 2025 via CUET Scores: How To Apply?

Step 1  Go to the Candidate Login section and log in using your NTA application number and date of birth. Select the UG course.

Step 2  Provide details such as your name, address, mobile number, and email.

Step 3  Upload the 10th and 12th mark sheets, photo, and signature.

Step 4  Pay the required fees.

Step 5  Submit the form. Save and take a print out for further reference.

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The university will release a merit list consisting of all the candidates selected for admission to the varsity soon after the application process is over.

Students are requested to regularly check their registered email IDs and the official BHU admission page for updates to avoid falling victim to fraud.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 12:45 IST

News education-career BHU Admission 2025: Banaras Hindu University Issues Notice About Fake Admission Offers
DU UG Admission 2025: First Seat Allotment List Releasing Today At 5 PM, Steps To Check

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 09:54 IST

Delhi University UG CSAS 2025 First Allocation List: As per the schedule, candidates may accept the assigned seat between July 19 to 21.

A total of 2,39,890 candidates applied for admission to DU this year. (Representative/File)

The University of Delhi is set to release the first allocation list for DU UG CSAS 2025 today, July 19. Applicants who enrolled for Phase 1 can view the first CSAS allocation list at 5 PM today on Delhi Universitys official website, du.ac.in. Candidates may also view the list at admission.uod.ac.in, the website for DU Admission. Information provided by DU indicates that the list is based on preferences submitted during the CSAS phase 1 and CUET UG results.

A total of 2,39,890 candidates applied for admission to DU this year. Following the announcement of the allocation results, the applicant must log in to his or her CSAS (UG)-2025 dashboard to accept the assigned seat. As per the schedule, candidates may accept the assigned seat between July 19 to 21. The online applications are available will be verified and approved by all universities by July 22. Candidates have until July 23 to pay their fees online.

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DU UG CSAS 2025 First Seat Allocation List: Steps To Check

Candidates can use the instructions below to view the seat allotment list for the first round.

Step 1: Go to the official DU Admission website, admission.uod.ac.in.

Step 2: From the home page, select the DU UG CSAS 2025 initial allocation list link.

Step 3: The applicants can review the list on a new page that opens.

Step 4: Save a physical copy of the DU UG CSAS 2025 First Allocation List and download it for future reference.

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The option to accept a certain Allocated Seat will be applicable only for the round in which the seat was assigned to the applicant. In order to participate in the following rounds, the applicant must accept the assigned seat within the time frame specified. For additional information, candidates can visit the Delhi Universitys official website.

Through this admission process, up to 71,000 seats at 69 colleges will be filled. The University of Delhi would hold extra rounds of admissions depending on seat availability.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 09:51 IST

News education-career DU UG Admission 2025: First Seat Allotment List Releasing Today At 5 PM, Steps To Check
Haryana CET Admit Card 2025 Released On hssc.gov.in, Exam Begins July 26

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:47 IST

Haryana CET Admit Card 2025: Candidates can download the hall tickets by using their login details on the official website, hssc.gov.in.

The Haryana HSSC CET Admit Card 2025 will not be sent to the candidates by post or email. (Representative/File)

The Haryana Staff Selection Commission has released the admit cards for the CET Group-C exam. Candidates can download the Haryana CET Admit Card 2025 by using their login details on the official website, hssc.gov.in. The Haryana HSSC CET Admit Card 2025 will not be sent to the candidates by post or email.

The Haryana CET exam is scheduled for July 26 and 27, 2025. As per the schedule, the exam will be conducted in two shifts. The first shift will be held from 10 am to 11:45 am, and the second shift will be from 3:15 pm to 5 pm. Candidates without transportation can register for the free bus service at hartrans.gov.in.

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How to Download Haryana CET Admit Card 2025?

Follow these steps to download your Haryana CET Admit Card 2025:

Step 1. Visit the official website  hssc.gov.in.

Step 2. Click on the link related to the admit card on the home page.

Step 3. Then click on the download admit card link.

Step 4. Enter your registration ID and date of birth, and submit.

Step 5. Your admit card will open on a new page. Download it, and you may print it for future reference.

Furthermore, the Haryana Transport Department offers free bus service for the Haryana CET 2025 exam.

  ,  26  27       2025                 ,            :https://t.co/6f21tCu4I4 pic.twitter.com/PgxRsw288t  Himmat Singh (@advhimmatsingh) July 17, 2025

How to Book Haryana Free Bus Service?

Follow these steps to book your tickets:

Step 1. Visit the official website of Haryana Transport Corporation  hartrans.gov.in/advance-booking-for-cet-2025.

Step 2. Click on the tab Advance Booking For CET 2025.

Step 3. Complete the form visible below CET 2025.

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Step 4. Enter details such as your full name, mobile number, roll number, gender, starting point, ending point, exam date, shift, and submit.

Step 5. Your ticket will be booked.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:45 IST

News education-career Haryana CET Admit Card 2025 Released On hssc.gov.in, Exam Begins July 26
(Bloomberg) -- Apollo Global Management won the mandate to manage Singapores $1 billion private credit fund targeting local high growth enterprises, according to a government portal for procurement website.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Ministry for Trade and Industry and Enterprise Singapore in March introduced the $1 billion Private Credit Growth Fund, which aims to provide non-dilutive customized financing for high-growth local enterprises, according to a statement then. It will announce more details about the fund by the third quarter, the statement said.

The Private Credit Growth Fund, first introduced in the governments budget speech in February, is among Singapores initiatives as it seeks to boost its presence in the burgeoning $1.7 trillion private debt space.

This follows the Monetary of Authority of Singapores initiative from March, when it had sought public feedback on a proposed regulatory framework targeting the asset class. The framework aims to grant retail investors access to the private market with proper safeguards in place.

Adding onto the city states private market ambitions, Singapores sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings Pte. in December said it had set up a private credit platform with an initial portfolio of about S$10 billion ($7.8 billion), consisting of direct investments and credit funds.

Meanwhile, Temaseks unit SeaTown Holdings International last year raised $1.3 billion for its second private credit fund. The firm actively lends to companies across Asia Pacific, such as to Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup JSCs units Vincom Retail JSC and Vinfast Auto Ltd.

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2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Karnataka Board 2nd PUC Exam 3 Result 2025 Date: Scorecards Soon, Where To Check

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 10:50 IST

Karnataka 2nd PUC Exam 3 Result 2025 Date: Students will be able to access their results on the official websites at karresults.nic.in.

To pass the Karnataka PUC II Exam 3, students must secure at least 33 per cent marks. (Representative/File)

The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) is expected to release the results for the 2nd PUC or Class 12 (Exam 3) for the year 2025 shortly. Students will be able to access their results on the official websites: karresults.nic.in and kseab.karnataka.gov.in, once they are published. Additionally, the results will also be available on pue.karnataka.gov.in and manabadi.co.in. In case of website downtime or lack of internet access, students can obtain their scores via SMS and DigiLocker.

To pass the Karnataka PUC II Exam 3, students must secure at least 33 per cent marks. Those who fall short of this requirement will receive grace marks, with teachers allowed to grant up to 5 per cent. The Karnataka PUC II Exam 3 was held from June 9 to 21.

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Karnataka Board 2nd PUC Exam 3 Result 2025: How To Check?

Step 1: Visit the official KSEAB website at karresults.nic.in.

Step 2: Click on the PUC II Exam 3 Result 2025 link.

Step 3: Enter your registration number and date of birth.

Step 4: Submit and view your result.

Step 5: Download and save the scorecard for future reference.

What happened in Karnataka PUC II Exam 2?

The Karnataka 2nd PUC Exam 2 was conducted from April 24 to May 8, 2025, at 332 centres across the state. Out of the 1,94,077 students who appeared, 60,692 passed. Furthermore, 71,964 students retook the exam to improve their scores, with 41,719 succeeding. The results were announced on May 16. In Exam 2, the pass rate for girls was 36.38 per cent, while boys had a pass rate of 34.34 per cent. The science stream recorded a pass rate of 35.14 per cent, commerce had 35.74 per cent, and the arts stream had the lowest pass rate at 25.38 per cent.

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What happened in Karnataka 2nd PUC Exam 1?

In Exam 1, the pass percentage was 73.45 per cent. In the Arts stream, 1,53,043 students appeared, with 81,553 passing, resulting in a pass percentage of 53.29 per cent. In the Commerce stream, 2,03,429 students took the exam, and 1,55,425 passed, achieving a pass percentage of 76.07 per cent. The Science stream performed the best, with 2,80,933 students appearing and 2,31,461 passing, leading to a pass percentage of 82.45 per cent.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 10:49 IST

News education-career Karnataka Board 2nd PUC Exam 3 Result 2025 Date: Scorecards Soon, Where To Check
Tamil Nadu Class 10, 12 Supplementary Exam Result 2025 Soon, Websites To Check

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:23 IST

TN Class 10, 12 Supplementary Result 2025: Candidates who appeared for the TNDGE supplementary exams can access their results, once available, on tnresults.nic.in.

Students need to obtain a minimum of 35 marks in theory to pass the TN supply exams. (Representative/File)

The Directorate of Government Exams Tamil Nadu (TNDGE) is anticipated to release the Class 10 and 12 board supplementary exam results for 2025 soon. According to media reports, the results could be out by the third week of July. However, the exact date and time for the announcement of the online scorecards is yet to be disclosed by the board.

Candidates who appeared for the TNDGE 10th and 12th supplementary exams can access their results, once available, on the official websites  dge.tn.gov.in, tnresults.nic.in, dge1.tn.nic.in, apply1.tndge.org, dge2.tn.nic.in, and apply1.tndge.org. Additionally, students can check their TN results via SMS as well as on the DigiLocker app.

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TN Class 10, 12 Supplementary Result 2025: Websites to Check

 tnresults.nic.in

 dge1.tn.nic.in

 apply1.tndge.org

 dge2.tn.nic.in

 apply1.tndge.org

TN Class 10, 12 Supplementary Result 2025: How to Download?

Step 1: Visit the TN boards official website, dge.tn.gov.in

Step 2: Locate and click on the Class 10/12 supply result link on the homepage.

Step 3: In the new window, enter the roll number and any additional information required. Then click the submit button.

Step 4: The Tamil Nadu 10th/12th Result 2025 will appear on the screen.

Step 5: Review and download your TN class 10/12 supply results.

Step 6: Keep a printed copy of the results for future reference.

TN Class 10, 12 Supplementary Result 2025: How to Download via SMS?

To check results via SMS, students must first input their registration number and date of birth in the format shown below:

Step 1: Open the inbox on your mobile phone.

Step 2: On the message template, type TNBOARD10REG NO,DATE OF BIRTH (for class 10) or TNBOARD12REG NO,DATE OF BIRTH (for class 12)

Step 3: Send to 09282232585 or +919282232585.

Step 4: Within a few seconds, the TN Board Class 10, 12 Supply Result 2025 will appear on your phone.

TN Class 10, 12 Supplementary Result 2025: Passing Marks

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Students need to obtain a minimum of 35 marks in theory to pass the board exams. For languages and subjects without practicals, students must secure at least 25 out of 90 marks. For vocational subjects with practicals, candidates need to achieve a minimum of 20 marks out of 75 in the practical exam.

If a candidate fails to achieve the minimum marks, they can apply for the supplementary exams. They can also request a re-evaluation of their answer sheets.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:14 IST

News education-career Tamil Nadu Class 10, 12 Supplementary Exam Result 2025 Soon, Websites To Check
Why The US Is No Longer The Dream: Indian Students Look Elsewhere

Curated By :

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 10:46 IST

Rising visa rejections, fewer interview slots, and stricter rules are making many Indian students rethink the US for higher education.

Indian students face rising US visa hurdles, pushing many to explore study options abroad. (Representative image: Getty)

The United States has tightened its approach towards international students, raising concerns among many Indian applicants. Under the Trump administration, tensions grew between the government and several universities  including Ivy League institutions  as federal investigations were launched and financial penalties were imposed on dozens of colleges, both public and private.

Visa rules also became stricter. Federal funding was cut, some visas were revoked, and students participating in political demonstrations were even deported. During this period of uncertainty, the US government temporarily suspended the processing of student visas for international applicants.

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Although visa processing has resumed, a new condition has been introduced  applicants are now required to make their social media accounts publicly accessible for review by US officials.

According to a Times of India report, US universities have seen a significant drop in Indian student arrivals, with education consultants in Hyderabad estimating a 70% decline in student traffic.

With rising visa rejection rates, limited appointment slots, and increased scrutiny, many Indian students are now reconsidering the US as a preferred destination for higher education.

Whats Happening?

For years, the United States has been the most popular destination for Indian students seeking quality higher education. In the 20232024 academic year alone, over 331,602 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions, according to the Open Doors report.

But recent developmentsespecially around Fall 2025 admissionssuggest that the trend is shifting. A sharp drop in F-1 visa approvals, rising costs, unpredictable procedures, and growing safety concerns are prompting Indian students to look at other countries. With India being the largest source of outbound students globally, this marks a significant shift.

The student visa process has become increasingly uncertain. Though the US government doesnt share official visa refusal rates, students and consultants estimate rejection rates of 3040% in 2024, much higher than before. Common reasons include weak financial documents, unclear post-study plans, or past visa-related issues.

In late 2024, interview wait times at consulates like Mumbai stretched to over six weeks. A system upgrade in May 2025 paused new appointments briefly, causing delays. While the backlog is now being addressed, the disruption has added to student anxiety.

Why The US Dream Is Losing Its Shine

The USs tightened visa policies, driven by national security concerns and political shifts, risk undermining its position as the worlds education leader.

Unpredictable Visa Process

Even students with strong academic backgrounds and admissions to top universities are facing visa denials. Officers are demanding more documentsproof of finances, ties to India, return plansbut rejections often come without clear explanations.

Many students end up losing lakhs on test prep, application fees, and flight bookings, with little recourse or clarity on what went wrong.

Soaring Costs

Studying in the US comes with a hefty price tag. A two-year masters degree, including tuition and living expenses, can easily cross Rs 5060 lakh. Compared to countries like Germany, where many public universities charge little to no tuition, the US offers limited scholarships or financial aid to international students.

Safety and Bias Concerns

Rising gun violence and incidents of racial profiling are causing concern. Some students report having visas revoked for minor offences, such as traffic violations or participating in peaceful campus protests.

Social media checksespecially for those linked to activismhave also raised worries about bias and lack of privacy. The Trump administrations emphasis on screening digital activity has only deepened those concerns.

Job Market Uncertainty

The US job market used to be a major attraction, but that too is becoming uncertain. The H-1B visa systemessential for post-study employmentis highly competitive, with just 85,000 slots available annually. Indians usually get around 63,000 of those, but its a lottery with no guarantees.

The OPT (Optional Practical Training) program, which lets students work after graduation for up to three years (for STEM courses), is also under review. The Trump administration has proposed scrapping it altogether, leaving students unsure about their career prospects.

Where Are Students Looking Now?

With the US becoming less predictable, students are actively exploring countries with simpler visa rules, lower costs, and better work opportunities after graduation.

Canada: With easy-to-follow visa processes, a clear path to permanent residency (PR), and post-study work permits up to three years, Canada is a top choice. The large Indian community adds a sense of familiarity. However, recent caps on international student permits are causing some uncertainty.

Australia: Indian student visas have surged, with over 5,000 issued in JanuaryFebruary 2025. Australia offers flexible post-study work options (24 years) and friendly immigration policies. Still, past delays have led some applicants to withdraw.

United Kingdom: The UK is back in favour, thanks to its two-year post-study work visa and shorter, cost-effective courses. While its universities are well-ranked globally, the UKs visa policies also became stricter in 2025, raising concerns.

Germany and France: These countries are gaining popularity for their low or no tuition fees at public universities and a growing number of English-language programs. Germany offers an 18-month post-study work visa, and France is increasing its outreach to Indian students.

UAE and Singapore: These nearby education hubs are fast becoming alternatives. They offer modern infrastructure, access to emerging job markets, and quicker visa processing. The UAEs Golden Visa and Singapores focus on tech and finance are particularly appealing.

The declining interest in US universities could reshape the global education map. With over 1.33 million Indian students currently studying abroad, where they choose to go matters a great deal.

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More and more, students are opting for countries that offer transparent visa systems, clearer post-study work options, and an overall sense of safety. The US, once a go-to destination, risks losing its edge unless it rebuilds trust with international applicants.

Unless the US addresses visa unpredictability, reduces rejection rates, and fosters a more welcoming environment, it may continue to fall behind countries that are actively adapting to student needs.

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.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 10:46 IST

News explainers Why The US Is No Longer The Dream: Indian Students Look Elsewhere
'Baseless, Defamatory': Pilots' Body Slaps Notice On Reuters, WSJ Over Air India Crash Report

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 13:02 IST

Reuters published an article dated July 17 with a headline: 'Air India cockpit recording suggests captain cut fuel to engines before crash, source says'.

The Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. (File image: PTI)

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) served a legal notice to The Wall Street Journal and Reuters over their baseless" and defamatory" coverage of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of over 260 people.

A preliminary report by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the June 12 crash of the Dreamliner found that both fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 flipped to Cutoff" shortly after takeoff. When one pilot asked why the fuel had been shut off, the other responded that he had not done it.

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The report does not indicate who toggled the switches or assign any blame.

However, Reuters published an article dated July 17 with a headline: Air India cockpit recording suggests captain cut fuel to engines before crash, source says.

The article cited a report by WSJ, which reads: New details in Air India crash probe shift focus to senior pilot. It cited unnamed sources familiar with US officials early assessment of evidence" and claimed that the captain deliberately turned off the fuel switches.

Despite the official AAIB report on the Air India crash steering clear of assigning blame or identifying who toggled the fuel switches, WSJ appeared to have had access to source-based information, confidently making assertions nowhere to be found in the actual findings.

Reuters, citing another major Western media outlet, echoed the same narrative.

Pilots Body Slams Report

Referring to the report by Reuters, the pilots body said, Reuters shall desist from publishing or circulating any content that speculates on the cause of the crash or attributes fault to any individuals, especially deceased pilots, in the absence of official confirmation and final report."

It further called the report speculative content", which is highly irresponsible", causing significant harm to the reputation of the pilots who are not alive to defend themselves.

In doing so, Reuters has also inflicted unnecessary distress on the bereaved family and diminished the morale of the pilots fraternity," it added.

Nowhere in the report has it been mentioned that the fuel control switch was turned off due to the pilots mistake. They have not read the report properly, and we will take action," said FIP President Captain CS Randhawa.

FIP asked Reuters to stop publishing speculative content about the Air India crash, particularly content that suggests blame without official confirmation.

It has also asked the publication to amend its July 17 article to include a disclaimer, remove any statements that imply fault, and issue a clarification stating that no final conclusions have been made by investigating authorities and that the article was based on secondary sources.

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The FIP also noted that the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had cautioned international media on Thursday against selective reporting, calling such coverage irresponsible while the investigation is still underway.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 12:55 IST

News india 'Baseless, Defamatory': Pilots' Body Slaps Notice On Reuters, WSJ Over Air India Crash Report
Bihar Poll Roll Review: 'Missing' Voter Count Touches 41.64 Lakh; 11,000 Not Traceable

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 02:30 IST

The Election Commission also assured that in case any name has been added by mistake, left out, or there is any error in the draft electoral rolls, this can be fixed by August 30

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 count of missing voters in Bihar has touched 41.64 lakh, while only 32.23 lakh enumeration forms are left to be collected as of Saturday.

The special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls is underway in Bihar, with six more days for the July 25 deadline.

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The Election Commission is making all possible efforts to ensure that the remaining nearly 32 lakh electors are added to the draft Electoral Roll," the poll body announced on Saturday.

The draft electoral rolls will be published on August 1.

The booth-level officers (BLOs) have already completed three rounds of house-to-house visits and have established contact with the electors.

A concerted effort by the entire electoral machinery along with yet another round of visits by the BLOs has also been started to establish contact with the remaining electors," the ECI said.

The poll body also assured that in case any name has been added by mistake, has been left out, or there is any error in the draft electoral rolls, this can be rectified by August 30.

For the purpose, claims and objections can be lodged by any elector, any political party or any BLA appointed by the political party," the ECI said.

11,000 voters not traceable

The poll body also said that a total of 11,000 voters in the existing voter list are not traceable, up from nearly 7,000 listed on Friday.

Out of the 41.64 lakh missing voters, 14.29 lakh are probably dead, up from 12.71 lakh listed till Friday.

A total of 19.74 lakh voters have probably shifted permanently, up from the 18.16 lakh reported earlier.

The number of voters who have registered at multiple places has increased from 5.92 lakh to 7.50 lakh.

Over 88% forms digitised

The ECI has also digitised over 88% (6.96 crore) of the enumeration forms as of date, up from 6.96 crore reported till Friday.

The last date for disposing of claims and objections is September 25, and the final electoral rolls will be published on September 30.

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The ECI reminded the voters that if they are aggrieved by any decision of the ERO, they can appeal to the district magistrate and the chief electoral officer.

Elections are likely to be held in Bihar around October-November, as the term of the assembly will end in November.

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

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First Published: July 20, 2025, 02:28 IST

News india Bihar Poll Roll Review: 'Missing' Voter Count Touches 41.64 Lakh; 11,000 Not Traceable
Caught On Cam: Kanwariyas Brtually Thrash CRPF Jawan At Mirzapur Station

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 19:48 IST

Seven Kanwariyas were arrested for beating a CRPF jawan at Mirzapur station after an argument. RPF reached the spot and held the Kanwariyas. A case is filed against them.

Kanwariyas Brtually Thrash CRPF Jawan At Mirzapur Station

In Uttar Pradeshs Mirzapur, seven Kanwariyas have been arrested for brutally thrashing a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at railway station. As per the police, an argument broke between Kanwariyas and CRPF personnel over buying of tickets and the matter escalated to a point where Kanwariyas started beating up the jawan. The incident was captured on CCTV and the video is being widely circulated.

The video shows Kanwariyas punching, thrashing, and kicking the CRFP personnel at the railway station. There were several onlookers present during the incident. As per a report by India Today, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) reached the spot and held the Kanwariyas. A case is filed against them.

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Kanwariyas Thrash CRPF Personnel | Video

Efforts Made to Defame Kanwar Pilgrim: CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday stated that efforts are being made to defame kanwar pilgrims, who are subjected to media trials and labeled as terrorists and rioters. He asserted that this stems from a mentality aimed at insulting Indias heritage.

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Speaking in support of Lord Shiva devotees at a seminar on tribal icon Birsa Munda, Yogi mentioned that those who seek to defame the kanwar yatris are the same individuals who tried to separate the tribal community from India.

They conspired at every level to make them fight against India. This is the same community that always insults the faith of India and these are the same people who today want to create a situation of caste conflict by creating fake accounts on social media platforms," Adityanath was quoted by PTI as saying.

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Location : Mirzapur, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 19:48 IST

News india Caught On Cam: Kanwariyas Brtually Thrash CRPF Jawan At Mirzapur Station
CM Yogi Adityanath Pays Courtesy Visit To PM Modi Modi And Amit Shah in Delhi

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 21:50 IST

UP CM Yogi Adityanath met PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi. He also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda.

CM Yogi Adityanath Pays Courtesy Visit To PM Modi Modi And Amit Shah in Delhi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday paid courtesy visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Referring to the same, Yogi Adityanath expressed gratitude after meeting with worlds most popular leader and shared pictures of the meeting on X.

I had the honor of meeting the worlds most popular leader, the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, in New Delhi today and received his warm guidance. Heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister ji for granting me his valuable time!" the X post reads.

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UP CM also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) president Jagat Prakash Nadda in the capital. He shared the pictures of the meeting on X and thanked both the leaders for their time.

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Earlier on Thursday, CM Yogi held a detailed review of development projects and the law and order situation at PM Modis constituency Varanasi. He instructed the officials to complete all the projects timely and adhere to the deadlines. As per an official statement from UP CMO, Adityanath also aimed at making Varanasi among the top five cleanest cities. He emphasised the importance of cleanliness and stated that Varanasi must not lag behind in maintaining sanitation standards.

He instructed the Municipal Commissioner to conduct regular cleanliness drives to achieve this target. The Chief Minister also called for widespread publicity of the state governments newly introduced building bylaws to ensure public awareness, emphasising the need to hold seminars and leverage social and digital media for effective outreach.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 21:46 IST

News india CM Yogi Adityanath Pays Courtesy Visit To PM Modi Modi And Amit Shah in Delhi
CRPF Constable Kills Live-In Partner, A Cop, In Gujrat's Kutch, Confesses To Crime

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 23:44 IST

CRPF constable Dileep Dangchia confessed to murdering his live-in partner, ASI Arunaben Natubhai Jadav, in Gujarat's Kutch.

Representative Image

A CRPF constable on Saturday morning walked into the Anjar police station in Gujarats Kutch and allegedly confessed to murdering his live-in partner, who was also a police officer. As per the police, the accused committed the crime in fit of rage.

The woman police officer, identified as Arunaben Natubhai Jadav, was serving as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) at Anjar Police Station in Kutch. 25-year-old accused and Jadavs lover, Dileep Dangchia, strangled her to death. As per a report by NDTV, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) of Anjar Division, Mukesh Chaudhary said the couple got into a fight.

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Dilip, who is posted in Manipur with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), lost his control when Arunaben made derogatory remarks against his mother. As per the police, the duo knew each other through Instagram since 2021 and had been living together.

Delhi Woman Kills Husband

In another case reported on Saturday, a woman and her lover were arrested for allegedly killing her husband in Delhis Dwarka. As per the police, 36-year-old Karan Dev was reported dead on July 13. A call was made to the PCR from the Mata Rooprani Maggo Hospital in Uttam Nagar.

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Sushmita and her alleged lover 24-year-old lover Rahul Dev, who is the son of Karans uncle, were arrested, a senior police officer told PTI, adding that a relative found chats between the two on a social media platform planning to kill Karan.

As per the police, Sushmita allegedly drugged her husband by giving him sleeping pills, following which Rahul electrocuted him using the wire of an extension board. Sushmita allegedly mixed over 10 sleeping pills in Karans food on the night of July 12, after which Rahul came to their residence in the morning and electrocuted him.

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Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 23:44 IST

News india CRPF Constable Kills Live-In Partner, A Cop, In Gujrat's Kutch, Confesses To Crime
DRI Seizes Over 4 Kg Cocaine Worth Rs 40 Cr At Bengaluru Airport; One Arrested

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 15:09 IST

The Bengaluru Zonal Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted an Indian male passenger who had arrived from Doha on July 18.

The passenger was arrested at Bengaluru airport | Image: PIB

DRI officials seized more than 4 kg of cocaine valued at 40 crore at Bengaluru International Airport and arrested a passenger, the finance ministry said on Saturday.

The Bengaluru Zonal Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted an Indian male passenger who had arrived from Doha on July 18.

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The passenger was carrying two superhero comics/ magazines which were unusually heavy. The officers carefully recovered white powder concealed in coverside of magazines.

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The powder tested positive for cocaine. The recovered cocaine weighing 4,006 grams (over 4 kg) and having an international market value of around Rs 40 crore was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act," the ministry said.

The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 and was remanded to judicial custody on July 18, 2025.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 15:09 IST

News india DRI Seizes Over 4 Kg Cocaine Worth Rs 40 Cr At Bengaluru Airport; One Arrested
How UP Conversion Kingpin Acquired The Name 'Chhangur Baba', Twisted Followers Around His Fingers

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 07:30 IST

A police intelligence source revealed that Chhangur Baba used to roam around the Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai and look out for visitors from other religions

Many are curious about his name, which he earned because he has six fingers on his left hand. (File photo: X)

Chhangur Baba, also known as Jalaluddin, is making headlines everywhere. Many are curious about his name, which he earned because he has six fingers on his left hand. Changur" is slang for chae ungli" (six fingers). Born in Rehra Maafi village in Balrampur district, he was originally named Jalaluddin. However, due to his six fingers, people soon started calling him Chhangur". When he styled himself as a Peer, he was quickly named Chhangur Baba.

Born into a poor family, he was shrewd and quick to seize opportunities. He mingled with local politicians and activists, hoping to find luck and make quick money. While selling lockets and trinkets and riding from village to village on a bicycle, he tried to establish himself as a divine" Peer with supernatural powers. He sensed a political opportunity and dabbled in local politics. He was elected as the Gram Pradhan of Rehra Maafi village and later got his wife elected to the same post. His living conditions improved, and he started travelling to bigger cities, presenting himself as an accomplished Peer. Most of his travels were to Mumbai, as many people from rural Balrampur had migrated to Mumbai and the Gulf region for work.

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A police intelligence source revealed that Chhangur Baba used to roam around the Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai and look out for visitors from other religions. It was here that he spotted Neetu Naveen Rohra, who was unable to conceive and visited various temples, shrines, and dargahs. He started giving her lockets and rings with supposed supernatural powers, promising she would soon bear a child, said the officer. Neetu, a well-educated English-speaking woman, was married to Naveen Rohra from a well-to-do Sindhi family in Mumbai. Soon, Neetu conceived and had a daughter, making the couple blind followers of Chhangur Baba. He started staying in their house during his visits to the city and eventually persuaded them to convert to Islam. The couple and their daughter travelled to Dubai and converted to Islam. Neetu was renamed Nasreen, and Naveen became Jamaluddin.

Chhangur Baba has emerged as one of the biggest religious conversion masterminds operating from Balrampur in UP, with connections from Nepal to the Gulf region. He is accused of converting more than 1,500 Hindu girls and a few men to Islam through brainwashing, love jihad", force, and blackmail. He allegedly received over Rs 100 crore in funding from abroad and controlled dozens of bank accounts. Police sources say he was part of an international conversion racket backed by Gulf-based organisations. Not only Chhangur Baba but also his close aides Nasreen (Neetu), Naveen (Jamaluddin), and his son Mehboob received funds from abroad through NRE/NRO accounts. All four are currently under arrest. The passports of Naveen and Nasreen reveal 19 trips to Dubai, and Chhangur is believed to have travelled even more frequently, sometimes using fake passports. Police sources say preachers from Dubai visited Chhangur Babas mansion in Madhpur, Balrampur, to train his key aides and brainwash victims.

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Though hailing from Rehra Maafi village, Chhangur created a new base in Madhpur village, Utraula Tehsil of Balrampur district, about 40 kilometres from the Indo-Nepal border. Here, he built a massive 40-room mansion, which served as his main base for conversions and other illegal activities. Authorities found the building illegal and demolished it with eight bulldozers. Police suspect that, apart from the conversion racket, Chhangur was also involved in anti-national activities and provided a safe house for terrorists at his Madhpur mansion. Gullible girls from Nepal were also potential conversion targets.

While the UP police, ATS, and STF are investigating the case, the central agency ED has also stepped in to probe international connections and money trails. Agencies are also probing his suspected links to Pakistans ISI. Investigators found several copies of a book called Shizer e Tayeeba" at Chhangur Babas Madhpur mansion. This book is not just religious, but acts as a guide on targeting potential converts and brainwashing them. Chhangur got thousands of copies of this book printed and circulated to his followers in UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Nepal. He was also planning to print a new book aimed at discrediting the Hindu religion and its alleged malpractices, according to a police source.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 07:30 IST

News india How UP Conversion Kingpin Acquired The Name 'Chhangur Baba', Twisted Followers Around His Fingers
Big food companies are facing big questions about their futures.

Between a potential breakup at Kraft Heinz (KHC), a multibillion-dollar deal between Ferrero and WK Kellogg (KLG), and PepsiCo's (PEP) acquisition of soda brand Poppi, big food brands are taking a hard look at their US portfolios as consumer tastes shift, growth stalls, and regulatory pressure over products continues.

"The self-reflection is building," Mizuho analyst John Baumgartner told Yahoo Finance last week, "there's a lot of flux in the industry right now."

"This has typically been a pretty sleepy sector, and to be hit with all of these headwinds or uncertainties and have it happen all at the same time... does really cause reason for pause and reflection on the business ... [and] what the trends are going forward," Baumgartner added.

Just this week, PepsiCo posted a 2% volume decline in its North America beverage business in the second quarter, a drop that follows 1% and 3% declines in the prior two quarters, respectively.

The same day, Coca-Cola (KO) faced a new political hurdle when President Trump posted to social media that the company would begin using real cane sugar in its US sodas. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump's enthusiasm for the brand. Coca-Cola will report quarterly earnings on Tuesday morning.

A Mexican Coke beverage is displayed in an ice-cooler at a park on July 17, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)  Brandon Bell via Getty Images

'Their core businesses are not performing'

In many industries facing uncertain growth trajectories, the options for executives can become simple: buy or sell.

This year, PepsiCo announced a $1.95 billion deal for soda brand Poppi and a $1.2 billion deal for Siete Foods. Hershey (HSY) acquired popcorn brand Lesser Evil.

"It's a bit reactive," Bank of America analyst Peter Galbo said. "These companies are observing that their core businesses are not performing the way that they thought they would."

And in Galbo's view, this year's actions show companies saying to themselves that if the core business won't work, "I have to buy something that is going to augment the core."

Connor Rattigan, an analyst at Consumer Edge Research, said most of these deals are for "higher growth smaller brands that tend to be indexed to ... thematic trends in the industry," whether that's health, flavor, or packaging.

On the flip side, other big companies have seen this environment as offering an opportunity to break up a large enterprise.

Nearly two years after Kellogg split into two companies, WK Kellogg and Kellanova (K), both have been scooped up by private players.
'ISIS-Style' Religious Conversion Racket Busted By UP Police, 10 Arrested Across 6 States

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 17:55 IST

Out of the ten people arrested, three were caught in Rajasthan, two each in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, and one each in Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Goa

The UP Police have brought in specialised units, including the Special Task Force (STF) and the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday busted a large-scale illegal religious conversion and radicalisation racket that, according to officials, operated in a manner similar to ISIS. Ten people have been arrested from six different states as part of the operation.

The investigation began in Agra in March after two sisters, aged 33 and 18, were reported missing. Police later discovered that they had allegedly been coerced into changing their religion and were being radicalised.

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According to Agra Commissioner of Police Deepak Kumar, one of the sisters had even used a social media profile picture showing a girl holding an AK-47 rifle.

Preliminary investigations found that the sisters were targeted by a gang involved in love jihad and radicalisation," he said.

The Agra Police Commissioner also claim that the racket received funding from foreign countries, including the United States and Canada.

We also found clues about their funding originating from America and Canada," he stated.

The arrested individuals are suspected to have played various roles in the network, including receiving illegal funds, providing shelter, giving legal advice, and facilitating the conversion and radicalisation process.

The modus operandi of the gang involved illegal conversion and radicalization bears a signature of ISIS," Commissioner Kumar said.

Out of the ten individuals arrested, including one woman, three were apprehended in Rajasthan, two each in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, and one each in Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Goa.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Ayesha (alias S.B. Krishna) from Goa; Ali Hasan (alias Shekhar Roy) and Osama from Kolkata; Rehman Qureshi from Agra; Abbu Talib from Khalapar, Muzaffarnagar; Abur Rehman from Dehradun; Mustafa (alias Manoj) from Delhi; and two individuals from Jaipur, Mohammad Ali and Junaid Qureshi.

Due to the seriousness of the case, the UP Police have brought in specialised units, including the Special Task Force (STF) and the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The crackdown is part of Mission Asmita, an initiative launched by the Yogi Adityanath-led government to tackle crimes such as illegal religious conversion, radicalisation, love jihad, and foreign-funded attempts to disturb national security.

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UP Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna said that the police are coordinating with other state and central agencies to trace the full extent of the network and will seek custodial remand of the accused for further questioning.

(With inputs from PTI)

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

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Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 17:31 IST

News india 'ISIS-Style' Religious Conversion Racket Busted By UP Police, 10 Arrested Across 6 States
On Cam: Gujarat Cop's Son Kills 2 With SUV While Racing With Friend, Father Turns Him In

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:00 IST

The driver was the son of an Assistant Sub Inspector in Gujarat's Bhavnagar. He allegedly rammed into people, killing 2 pedestrians this week.

Gujarat cop's son mows down 2 people (Photo: News18 Gujarati)

Two people died while two others were injured after a speeding car driven by a cops son hit them in Gujarats Bhavnagar, the police said.

The accused was identified as Harshraj Singh Gohil, 20, who was allegedly racing with his friend on a crowded lane in the Kaliyabeed area at around 4 pm, the officials said. The sequence of events was caught on CCTV, which showed that a white Creta car rammed into two pedestrians and hit a scooter.

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The driver, who is the son of Assistant Sub Inspector Aniruddha Singh Vajubha Gohil from the Local Crime Branch, was driving at a high speed of 120 to 150 kilometers per hour. He lost control of his car, hit two people, then skidded and smashed a scooter. The scooters tyres burst on impact, and the two people riding it sustained injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The deceased pedestrians were identified as Bhargav Bhatt, 30, and Champaben Vachani, 65.

The police said that Bhatt had married last year and was en route to work when the crash claimed his life.

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The driver was taken into custody. His policeman father reached the spot and beat him up and then handed him over to the Nilambag police station. Officials said Harshraj was fond of driving and also raced with his friends at times.

The police quizzed the driver but are yet to formally arrest him.

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

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Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 10:47 IST

News india On Cam: Gujarat Cop's Son Kills 2 With SUV While Racing With Friend, Father Turns Him In
Patna Hospital Shooting: Bihar Cops Identify Shooters, Arrest Over 5 Accused From Bengal

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Ronit Singh



Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 08:23 IST

The arrested individuals are currently being questioned, and legal procedures are underway to bring them to Patna for further investigation, the sources told CNN-News18.

Firing at Patna hospital by armed men (Screengrab/CCTV video)

The Bihar Police arrested over five suspects linked to the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra at Patnas Paras Hospital during raids conducted in West Bengal, according to sources.

Mishra, who had multiple criminal cases against him, was out on parole for medical treatment and admitted to the hospital when five armed men entered the high-security premises and shot him dead in broad daylight.

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Sources told CNN-News18 that arrested individuals are currently being questioned, and legal procedures are underway to bring them to Patna for further investigation.

While an official confirmation from police is still awaited, sources said the number of arrests may rise as raids continue in various locations.

During preliminary interrogation, police reportedly identified several shooters believed to be linked to the case. Among them are Tausif alias Badshah, Balwant, Abhishek, Mannu Singh, Nilesh, Suryamaan, and Neeshu.

Once information surfaced about the suspects hiding in West Bengal, a special team was flown in under the direct supervision of senior Bihar Police officials. The investigation into the high-profile firing case remains ongoing.

Paras Hospital Shooting

Officials said six men arrived on two motorcycles at Paras Hospital to carry out the murder.

Five of them, armed, entered the premises while one waited outside, reportedly to assist in their escape.

CCTV footage captured the group assembling in a nearby lane before the attack. The man positioned outside wore a helmet and stayed near the motorcycles.

The shooters were initially stopped at the hospitals emergency gate for not having entry passes, but later entered through the OPD section.

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They proceeded directly to Room 209, where Chandan Mishra was admitted. After the shooting, CCTV footage showed the group exiting the hospital and leaving on motorcycles around 7:15 am.

Police believe the attack was carefully planned.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 08:01 IST

News india Patna Hospital Shooting: Bihar Cops Identify Shooters, Arrest Over 5 Accused From Bengal
PM Modi To Visit UK To Sign Free Trade Agreement, Maldives Next To Mend Strained Ties

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Ashesh Mallick



Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 12:23 IST

PM Modi's visit to the UK is significant as he would sign the India-UK Free Trade Agreement. His onward journey to the Maldives comes as his first since the diplomatic tensions.

PM Modi to visit UK, Maldives next week (PTI Image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom to sign the Free Trade Agreement and then make an onward journey to the Maldives, in key two-nation tour starting July 23 to 26.

His visits are aimed at boosting Indias bilateral and trade ties with the UK and repairing New Delhis strained relations with the Maldives.

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The Prime Minister would begin his two-nation visit from the United Kingdom on July 23 and 24. He will sign the India-UK FTA in a landmark development in diplomatic ties between the two nations. The deal is expected to affect most of the Indian goods sold to the UK by lowering taxes on them. It will also make it easier for British products like whisky and cars to be sold in India.

Negotiations were on for three years between India and the UK, which focused on improving market access and making trade easier and better for both countries.

The India-UK free trade agreement is expected to significantly increase the variety of goods traded between the two nations. Both India and the UK aim to build a stronger economic partnership and boost overall cooperation by slashing trade restrictions.

PM Modi will then travel to the Maldives on July 25 for a two-day visit, where he will be the chief guest at the 60th National Day celebrations. President Mohamed Muizzu had extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the occasion.

This will be PM Modis first visit to the country since bilateral relations worsened mainly due to India Out" campaign by some Maldivian leaders and Muizzus pro-China stance. Muizzu is now seeking to mend ties with India.

This visit is seen as an important chance to clear up ongoing issues, strengthen cooperation, and show Indias commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy in the Indian Ocean Region. He had last visited the Maldives for a one-on-one meeting in June 2019.

Muizzu visited India in October last year, in his first bilateral visit to India since coming to power.

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In early 2024, the Maldives expelled Indian troops from aviation platforms and suspended agreements on helicopters.

A social media spat broke out when PM Modi promoted Lakshadweep tourism on X. Three Maldivian deputy ministers responded with offensive remarks, worsening the crisis.

About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:56 IST

News india PM Modi To Visit UK To Sign Free Trade Agreement, Maldives Next To Mend Strained Ties
'She Doesn't Eat Dhoklas': Mahua Moitra Attacks PM Modi For Invoking Goddess Kali In Bengal Rally

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 14:55 IST

Her remark came a day after PM Modi held a rally in Bengal's Durgapur on Friday, where he attacked TMC over crime in the state.

Left: PM Modi; Right: TMC leader Mahua Moitra

Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for invoking Goddess Kali during his Bengal rally, calling it a last-minute effort to court Bengali voters.

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Bit late in the day to start invoking Maa Kali for Bengali votes Honble @narendramodi- she doesnt eat dhoklas & never will," she wrote on X.

Her remark came a day after PM Modi held a rally in Bengals Durgapur on Friday. Addressing a public rally in Durgapur, PM Modi accused the TMC government of presiding over a double attack of crime and corruption," especially in the education sector.

Whether its primary education or higher education, the system is being ruined at every level. The TMC government has handed over Bengals education to crime and corruption, and is doing a double attack on it. Thousands of qualified teachers are unemployed today because of TMCs corruption," he said.

PM Modis comments come amidst ongoing protests regarding the 2024 Calcutta High Court decision that cancelled teacher appointments in a significant recruitment scam. On July 14, SSC-qualified teachers under the Jogya Shikshak Shikshika Adhikar Mancha banner marched to the state secretariat Nabanna, seeking justice. The Prime Minister, highlighting the impact on thousands of children due to a teacher shortage, remarked, This has brought crisis upon thousands of families. TMC has pushed both the present and the future of Bengal into darkness." He also expressed concerns about campus safety, citing incidents of sexual harassment. Addressing the RG Kar Medical College case, which led to widespread protests, PM Modi stated, The party that talks about Mother, Soil, Humanity is causing pain and rage due to the injustice faced by daughters. Even hospitals in West Bengal are no longer safe. When a doctor daughter was subjected to atrocities, the TMC government got busy protecting the accused." He further accused the TMC, Left, and Congress of neglecting the Bengali language, noting, It was the BJP government that granted classical language status to Bangla. TMC and Left supported Congress for years in Delhi, but didnt care to do so." Highlighting the industrial decline in Bengal, PM Modi pointed out that the youth were compelled to migrate due to the lack of job opportunities. (With inputs from agency)

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 14:53 IST

News india 'She Doesn't Eat Dhoklas': Mahua Moitra Attacks PM Modi For Invoking Goddess Kali In Bengal Rally
'Teachers Harassed Me': Sharda University Student Dies By Suicide, 2 Employees Arrested

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:29 IST

A second-year BDS student at Sharda University died by suicide, with police recovering a note from the scene alleging harassment by a teacher.

A student at a private university in Noida died by suicide. | Image: CNN-News18

A second-year BDS student at Sharda University in Greater Noida died by suicide on Monday, allegedly due to harassment by faculty members.

The incident took place in the hostel room of the university, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Knowledge Park Police Station.

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Police recovered a suicide note from the scene, in which the victim accused her teachers of harassment and humiliation.

In her suicide note, the student held the teachers of PCP and Dental Materials responsible for her death, alleging that they mentally harassed and humiliated her, causing stress.

She called for them to be held accountable and face consequences in case of her death.

Following the incident, tensions escalated on campus as students staged protests, demanding accountability from the college authorities.

A heated exchange also broke out between police personnel and protesting students.

Based on a complaint filed by the students family, police have detained two individuals. The matter is currently under investigation, said officials.

Two staff members from the management of the university have been arrested on the basis of the complaint lodged by the family members of the student," Additional DCP, Greater Noida, Sudhir Kumar, said.

The university has not issued any official statement in connection with the case yet.

The incident comes days after a college student in Odishas Balasore district died after setting herself on fire, allegedly over harassment by a teacher.

She sustained severe burn injuries and later succumbed during treatment.

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If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 09:55 IST

News india 'Teachers Harassed Me': Sharda University Student Dies By Suicide, 2 Employees Arrested
US Faces Sharp Decline In Indian Student Arrivals As Visa Approvals Drop By 7080%

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 07:04 IST

While the US authorities had earlier assured that visa slots would be released in phases, the process has lacked transparency.

US sees 70-80 per cent decline in Indian students arrival (Representative image)

The United States is recording a sharp drop in the arrival of Indian students amid the visa crisis by the Trump administration. Education consultants reveal a 70 percent decline in outbound student traffic from Hyderabad.

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According to a report by the Times of India, citing Hyderabad Overseas Consultant Sanjeev Rai, most students who plan to study abroad have already completed their visa interviews and are getting ready to travel. However, this year is different.

By this time usually, most students are done with their visa interviews and are preparing to fly. This year, were still refreshing the portal every day hoping for a slot to open. Its the worst in years," he was quoted as saying by TOI.

While the US authorities had earlier assured that visa slots would be released in phases, the process has lacked transparency.

The students who have booked the slots already have not received confirmation.

Ankit Jain from Window Overseas Education Consultancy told TOI that the only plausible explanation for slots appearing without confirmed bookings might be that the US is testing its system.

With the ongoing issues, students are also considering other countries as options.

I really could not wait. I might just lose out on a year. It looks like a dead end at this point; hence, I decided to withdraw my application," said a 23-year-old, who is now also considering Germany for pursuing a masters in automotive engineering.

Another student from I20 Fever consultancy said that, If slots arent released in the next few days, thousands of dreams will be shattered. We are seeing about an 80% drop. Were getting panic calls every day from students and their parents."

One emerging issue is the unusually high rejection rate among students who applied as early as March and had already secured visa interview appointments.

Many students who usually would have had smooth approvals are being turned away. Their social media was also clean. The only reason that everyone seems to be receiving is 214B," said Jain.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 07:04 IST

News india US Faces Sharp Decline In Indian Student Arrivals As Visa Approvals Drop By 7080%
Uttarkashi Crash: AAIB Report Says Chopper Hit Overhead Cable During Emergency Landing

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 18:26 IST

The crash resulted in the death of six people, including the pilot, and left one person severely injured.

SDRF personnel carry out rescue work after a helicopter carrying six people to Gangotri Dham crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district.(PTI File)

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report on the helicopter crash that took place near Gangnani in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi on May 8, saying that the BELL 407 chopper struck an overhead fibre cable with its main rotor while attempting an emergency landing.

As per the report, the helicopter with seven people aboard, initiated an uncontrolled descent roughly 20 minutes after taking off. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway but was unsuccessful. During the landing attempt, the helicopters main rotor struck an overhead fiber cable running alongside the road, leading to the crash.

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The pilot, who was among those fatally injured, was 59 years old and had 6,160 hours of flying experience, the report stated.

What Happened On May 8?

A private helicopter, en-route to the Gangotri shrine crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district, and claimed the lives of six pilgrims and the pilot. One person was also severely injured in the accident.

The chopper, operated by AeroTrans Services Private Limited (VT-OXF), had taken off from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun at 8:50 AM on May 8. It was scheduled to land at the Kharsali helipad, around six kilometer from Yamunotri, when the chopper crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi.

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The deceased were identified as chopper pilot Robin Singh (60), Vijayalakshmi Reddy (57), Radha Agarwal (79), Ruchi Agarwal, Kala Chandrakant Soni (61), and Vedanti (40).

Maktoor Bhaskar (51), a resident of Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, who sustained injuries, was airlifted by heli-ambulance and was admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh.

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

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Location : Uttarkashi, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 18:26 IST

News india Uttarkashi Crash: AAIB Report Says Chopper Hit Overhead Cable During Emergency Landing
Weeks Before Crackdown On TRF, India's Vikram Misri Provided Dossier To US & UN Teams

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 16:10 IST

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented irrefutable evidence tracing TRFs command structure and operational ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistans intelligence services

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during his official visit to Washington DC from May 27 to May 29, submitted the dossier in a bid to build international consensus for designating TRF as a global terror group. (Credits: X/@IASassociation)

In the wake of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, India escalated its diplomatic offensive against cross-border terrorism, pointing the global spotlight on an increasingly dangerous proxy group: The Resistance Front (TRF). The attack, one of the worst in recent years, left 26 civilians dead and reignited concerns about Pakistan-backed insurgent networks operating under new guises.

Less than a month later, Indias Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri personally spearheaded the delivery of a well-documented dossier to both the United States State Department and the UN Security Councils 1267 Sanctions Committee, presenting irrefutable evidence tracing TRFs command structure and operational ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistans intelligence services.

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According to Hindustan Times, Misri, during his official visit to Washington DC from May 27 to May 29, submitted the dossier in a bid to build international consensus for designating TRF as a global terror group. The same documents were also shared with United Nations officials, asking for Sheikh Sajjad Gulthe elusive TRF leader and long-time LeT operativeto be listed under the UNs terror sanctions regime.

The response from the United States was both swift and resolute. Four days before the formal notification on Thursday, India was informed of the TRF designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity. As Business Standard reported, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited recent attacksmost notably the Pahalgam massacreas key reasons behind the designation. He underscored Washingtons commitment to holding such actors accountable and to pursuing justice for victims of terrorism around the world.

Back in India, the move was welcomed as a major diplomatic win. The Ministry of External Affairs described the designation as timely and important", and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lauded the step as a strong message" from the US against terrorism. The Indian government emphasised that the international community must adopt a zero tolerance" approach when it comes to dealing with terrorism, especially when state complicity is involved, as in the case of Pakistan.

The TRF came into prominence in 2019, following the revocation of Article 370, and has often been projected as a homegrown" insurgent group. However, extensive investigations by Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) debunk that narrative. According to The Economic Times, NIAs findings show that TRF has been functioning as a digital-first extension of LeT under the covert direction of Pakistani handlers. Online communication cells facilitated planning and coordination with militants in Kashmir while being operated remotely from Pakistan.

The dossier presented by India reportedly includes evidence linking Sheikh Sajjad Gul not just to multiple terror attacks, but also to a broader effort led by LeT to fragment its identity and create newer, India-centric aliases like TRF.

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As per Business Standard, Gul was once imprisoned in India but managed to cross over to Pakistan, where he leveraged LeTs infrastructure and patronage to organise TRF under the guidance of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Despite Pakistans denials, digital forensic evidence and cross-border communications logs included in the dossier indicate direct coordination between TRFs online operations and LeTs hierarchy in Rawalpindi.

In the broader context, Indias urgent and multi-pronged diplomacyvia direct evidence, global alliances, and sustained pressurereflects a maturing counterterrorism strategy. Rather than merely condemning attacks, New Delhi is pushing for institutional accountability and international action. The TRFs designation marks a step forward in isolating not just the foot soldiers of terror, but the infrastructure and ideologues that incubate them.

About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S... Read More Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S... Read More

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 16:09 IST

News india Weeks Before Crackdown On TRF, India's Vikram Misri Provided Dossier To US & UN Teams
Avneet Kaur Nails The Monotone Trend In Head-To-Toe Brown On The Streets Of London

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 17:01 IST

Avneet Kaur shared pictures of her OOTD from her recent outing in London. The actor was dressed head to toe in a brown ensemble.

Avneet Kaur paired her brown look with Louis Vuitton bag and boots.

Avneet Kaur is truly a diva in the making. From sharing snippets of her fitness regime to serving fashion goals with every outing, the actor does it all with panache. Avneet recently took to her social media to share her OOTD from London. Engulfed in the warm London sun, the actor made a case for effortless style served with a dash of confidence in an all-brown look.

Taking to her Instagram, Avneet Kaur shared a series of pictures from her London outing. Sharing the pictures, she wrote, London weather and old Bollywood songs." The pictures showed Avneet posing on the streets of London and commanding every frame with confidence. The pictures have gone viral on social media, and her fans cannot get enough of her all-brown look.

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Take a look at Avneets OOTD here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Avneet Kaur (@avneetkaur_13)

Avneet Kaurs London OOTD

For a sunny day out in London, Avneet was dressed in a brown woollen poncho. She paired the poncho sweater over a brown shirt. Adding a dash of comfort, she added a pair of matching brown shorts to her look. The comfortable silhouette of the poncho sweater, when paired with the stylish shorts, made for a perfect blend of style and comfort.

Avneet elevated her basic look with a pair of heeled Louis Vuitton boots. She also carried a Louis Vuitton bag that was adorned with a silk scarf. She added a gold necklace that came with a gold heart-shaped pendant and a stack of gold rings. For the glam, Avneet went with a flawlessly radiant base. She let her skin breathe and do all the talking. She added a hint of coral blush to her cheeks for that youthful glow. She defined her eyebrows and added definition to her eyes with mascara. She left her hair open and styled it in relaxed, tousled waves for that effortless look.

Avneet Kaur At Wimbledon

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Avneet Kaur (@avneetkaur_13)

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Earlier this month, Avneet brought her signature blend of elegance and charm to Wimbledon 2025, turning heads with her appearance at the prestigious Parkside Suite at No.1 Court. Dressed in a chic white dress paired with metallic heels and a delicate floral scarf, the actress-influencer posed effortlessly against the iconic Wimbledon floral backdrop. Radiating poise and sophistication, Avneet looked every bit the style star, serving a look that was both graceful and unforgettable.

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!

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 17:01 IST

News lifestyle Avneet Kaur Nails The Monotone Trend In Head-To-Toe Brown On The Streets Of London
Profit-taking is a logical reason Druckenmiller was eager to depress the sell button. Since 2023 began, shares of Palantir have skyrocketed by more than 2,200%, as of the closing bell on July 15. With the average holding in Duquesne's investment portfolio sticking around for less than nine months, Druckenmiller has demonstrated a willingness to lock in profits.

Perhaps the most eye-popping of all moves during the March-ended quarter was Druckenmiller sending all remaining shares of AI-driven data-mining specialist Palantir to the chopping block. Duquesne's 13F shows 41,710 shares were sold in the March-ended quarter, and nearly 770,000 shares were given the heave-ho since March 31, 2024.

Based on the latest round of 13Fs filings, Druckenmiller completely jettisoned his fund's stake in Wall Street's artificial intelligence (AI) darling Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) and loaded up on two outstanding stocks for the third consecutive quarter.

While Warren Buffett is the most-followed investor , he's far from the only billionaire fund manager known for their outsized returns. Duquesne Family Office's billionaire chief Stanley Druckenmiller is another billionaire asset manager with a knack for locating amazing deals.

Though 13Fs are far from perfect -- since they're up to 45 days old when filed, they can present a stale picture for active hedge funds -- they're invaluable in the sense that they highlight the stocks and trends piquing the interest of Wall Street's smartest investors.

Institutional investors with at least $100 million in assets under management are required to file Form 13F no later than 45 calendar days following the end to a quarter. This filing allows investors to look over the proverbial shoulders of Wall Street's top-tier money managers to see what they've been buying and selling.

Though earnings season is often viewed as the highlight of each quarter, there are a number of other data releases that can tell investors a lot about the health of the stock market. In particular, the filing of Form 13F with the Securities and Exchange Commission is, arguably, one of the most important quarterly data dumps.

Meanwhile, Druckenmiller can't stop building up his fund's stake in two outperforming businesses (one of which is another artificial intelligence stock).

There may be more than just profit-taking behind billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller's disposition of Palantir stock.

Form 13Fs provide investors with an over-the-shoulder look at which stocks Wall Street's brightest money managers are buying and selling.

Story Continues

The concern is there may be more to Stanley Druckenmiller's exit than initially meets the eye.

For example, in a May 2024 interview with CNBC, Duquesne's billionaire investor proclaimed, "AI might be a little overhyped now, but under-hyped long-term." This speaks to the reality that no game-changing innovation has escaped an early innings bubble-bursting event for more than 30 years. Artificial intelligence will need time to mature as a technology and there's not much evidence that businesses are anywhere close to optimizing their AI solutions, as of yet.

Though Palantir's Gotham and Foundry platforms are respectively fueled by multiyear government contracts and enterprise subscriptions, which would help protect Palantir from a rapid decline in revenue, weak investor sentiment during a bubble would likely drag down its share price.

The other glaring issue with Palantir Technologies is its valuation. Prior to the dot-com bubble bursting, businesses on the leading edge of the internet revolution peaked at price-to-sales (P/S) ratios of 31 to 43. Palantir is currently clocking in at a P/S ratio of almost 119. No stock in history has ever been able to maintain such an aggressive premium.

Image source: Getty Images.

Druckenmiller made this high-flying drug stock one of his fund's top holdings

While Stanley Druckenmiller hasn't been shy about locking in profits in recent quarters, he's also done a bit of buying. Arguably no stock has been at the top of his buy list more than generic and novel drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE: TEVA). Over the last three quarters (where 13Fs have been filed), Duquesne has purchased:

Q3 2024 : 1,427,950 shares

Q4 2024 : 7,569,450 shares

Q1 2025: 5,882,350 shares (14,879,750 total shares held)

In just nine months, Teva vaulted to the second-largest holding for Druckenmiller -- and it's not hard to understand why.

First off, Teva has moved beyond the litigation issues that had previously crippled its stock. In 2023, it settled opioid litigation with 48 states for $4.25 billion, which includes $1.2 billion in generic Narcan (the opioid overdose reversal drug) that it'll supply to states. This amount is spread across 13 years and removed any potentially crippling financial burden from Teva's plate.

Secondly, CEO Richard Francis has shifted more of his company's focus toward novel-drug development. Even though in-house therapies offer a limited period of sales exclusivity, the margins and growth potential with brand-name drugs is considerably higher than with generics. For instance, tardive dyskinesia drug Austedo has a shot at surpassing $2 billion in annual sales this year.

Another reason Teva is landing on the radars of top-tier money managers like Stanley Druckenmiller is because of its much-improved balance sheet. Shortly after acquiring generic-drug company Actavis in 2016, Teva had north of $35 billion in net debt. This figure has now shrunk to less than $15 billion in net debt.

The cherry on the sundae for investors is Teva Pharmaceutical's valuation. A forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 5.8 is almost unheard of amid a historically pricey stock market.

Duquesne's billionaire chief piled into this AI stock instead

Though Druckenmiller has prominently been a seller of high-growth tech stocks in recent quarters, world-leading chip fabrication company Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) is the exception to the rule. Over the previous three quarters where 13Fs were filed, Druckenmiller's fund has purchased:

Q3 2024 : 57,355 shares

Q4 2024 : 50,160 shares

Q1 2025: 491,265 shares (598,780 total shares held)

The near-term lure of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, which is also known as "TSMC," is its growing role in the AI revolution. Major graphics processing unit (GPU) companies are leaning on TSMC to rapidly expand its chip-on-wafer-on-substrate capacity, which is a necessity for the packaging of high-bandwidth memory in high-compute data centers. TSMC's rapid chip-fab expansion is leading to sustained double-digit growth and a mammoth backlog.

But the key to Taiwan Semi's long-term success is that it's far more than just an AI play.

For instance, TSMC is the primary manufacturer of the processors Apple uses in its iPhone. TSMC also manufactures chips and components found in next-generation vehicles and internet-connected devices, as well as smartphones. If the AI bubble were to form and burst, as history suggests it will, Taiwan Semi will have plenty of sales channels to fall back on beyond the AI space.

Stanley Druckemiller might also be attracted to Taiwan Semiconductor's attractive valuation, relative to most AI stocks. Taking into account that chip fabrication companies tend to be highly cyclical, TSMC's forward P/E ratio of less than 22 is still pretty reasonable given an expected sales growth rate of 26% in 2025 and 16% next year.

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Sean Williams has positions in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Palantir Technologies, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller Sold His Entire Stake in Palantir and Has Loaded Up on These 2 Exceptional Stocks for 3 Consecutive Quarters was originally published by The Motley Fool
Caught Like Andy Byron? A Step-By-Step Guide To Navigating Workplace Romance Fallout

Published By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 10:33 IST

Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot's viral 'kiss-cam' moment at Coldplay's concert has sparked online debates around dating your colleagues.

If your company requires disclosure, it is advised to be transparent with HR.

Offices have long been a breeding ground for budding romances, with most adults spending nearly a third of their lives at work. Over the years, pop culture has embraced the theme of office romance, giving us beloved fictional couples like Jim and Pam from The Office, David and Patrick from Schitts Creek, and Amy and Jake from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

While such romances are common and sometimes end in fairy-tale unions, dating a coworker can also blur professional boundaries and spark complications. A recent example making headlines is the case of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron.

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On Wednesday, Byron was spotted at a Coldplay concert when the camera captured him in a close embrace with Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer of his company. The two appeared wrapped in each others arms, prompting Cabot to quickly shield her face as Byron ducked beneath the seats in an apparent attempt to avoid recognition.

The moment instantly went viral, igniting a storm of reactions online. Social media users responded with a mix of shock, humour, and criticism. While some expressed sympathy for Byrons wife, others condemned the duos behaviour as unprofessional and reckless.

This real-life episode serves as a reminder that while office romances can flourish, they come with high stakes, especially when the personal bleeds into the public eye. This incident made us reconsider whether dating a coworker is appropriate, and if you do choose to date a colleague, what steps to take if you get discovered. Heres a step-by-step guide on what to do if your relationship with a coworker gets caught.

Respect Company Policy

If your relationship with a coworker gets caught at the workplace, it is best to be professional and inform HR or your manager, especially if your company has stricter dating policies. If your company has a policy, it is best to follow it closely and disclose the relationship as required.

Be Professional

Regardless of your relationship with a coworker, it is advised to maintain a professional demeanour at the workplace and avoid favouritism so that your performance remains unaffected.

Avoid PDA

Any form of public display of affection that might make your colleagues uncomfortable should be avoided at any cost.

Communicate With Your Partner

It is best if you have clear communication with your partner about boundaries at the workplace and mutually decide how to handle questions or concerns from other colleagues.

Be Honest

If your company requires disclosure, it is advised to be transparent with HR, and even if your company does not have a policy, you should still consider informing your manager.

Learn to Manage Reactions

If you are dating a coworker, you have to be prepared for potential gossip and rumours from colleagues. It is best to avoid engaging in such discussions and focus on maintaining positive relationships with everyone at the office.

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Be Prepared For Challenges

When you date a coworker, it often leads to awkward situations for others surrounding you; hence, you should always be prepared to address any challenges professionally. If the relationship ends, be prepared to be respectful towards your former partner and maintain a professional and cordial relationship with them.

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!

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 10:22 IST

News lifestyle Caught Like Andy Byron? A Step-By-Step Guide To Navigating Workplace Romance Fallout
Hyatt Regency Delhi Brings The Khansamas Home: An Authentic Rampuri Revival

Curated By :

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 13:22 IST

The Rampuri Food Festival, spanning July 18th to 27th, 2025, emerges as a curated celebration that brings the preserved Nawabi recipes from the royal kitchens of Rampur

Diners are welcomed to experience the finesse, depth, and splendour that once defined the royal kitchens of Rampur.

The shadows of Indias lesser-known royal cuisines lift as Hyatt Regency Delhi launches a tribute to Rampurs forgotten culinary majesty. The Rampuri Food Festival, spanning July 18th to 27th, 2025, emerges as a curated celebration that brings the preserved Nawabi recipes from the royal kitchens of Rampur to the capital through an enticing collaboration with traditional khansamas.

This extraordinary undertaking centers on Chef Rehmans noteworthy journey18 years of dedicated research and restoration work with Rampurs original khansamas that has yielded an authentic collection of royal recipes. His commitment to storytelling through food aligns with Hyatt Regency Delhis philosophy of delivering genuine culinary experiences, creating a collaboration that honors tradition within a contemporary set up.

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The festivals specially designed buffet format allows guests to experience Rampuri cuisine to the fullest, from aromatic kebabs like Seb ke Katli to rich curries such as Tar Korma, each dish exuded the refined techniques and balanced flavoring that characterize this sophisticated royal cuisine. The menu extends beyond typical offerings to include rare desserts unique to Rampur, crafted using methods passed down through generations.

Beyond exceptional cuisine, the festival delivers a cultural experience through direct interaction with the original khansamas whose presence brings authenticity and historical context to every evening. This access to traditional masters, combined with visual narratives of Rampurs royal heritage exemplifies the dining experience.

Operating throughout the festival period from 12:30 PM  3:00 PM during lunch hours and 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM during dinner hours, this royal celebration offers a rare window into one of Indias most exquisite and underexplored culinary legacies. Diners are welcomed to experience the finesse, depth, and splendour that once defined the royal kitchens of Rampur.

Venue

Cafe, Hyatt Regency Delhi

Details & Timing

Lunch

12:30 PM  3:00 PM

3,000 + taxes per guest

Dinner

7:00 PM  11:00 PM

3,000 + taxes per guest

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Beverage Enhancement

Unlimited beverages  add 1,000 + taxes per guest

About the Author Lifestyle Desk Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi... Read More Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationshi... Read More

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 13:22 IST

News lifestyle  food Hyatt Regency Delhi Brings The Khansamas Home: An Authentic Rampuri Revival
Mona Patel Stuns In Velvet And Tulle At Dolce & Gabbanas Alta Moda Show

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 12:39 IST

For her appearance at Dolce & Gabbanas Alta Moda show in Rome, Mona Patel turned heads in a black velvet bustier and a voluminous skirt that paid homage to Roman imperial motifs.

Mona Patel wore next seasons look right off the runway.

Fashion visionary and tech entrepreneur Mona Patel made a striking appearance in Rome this week, attending Dolce & Gabbanas prestigious Alta Moda presentation. She recently took to Instagram to share a series of images from the event, captioned cheekily, The Roman Gods may look down with envy! Alta Mona in Alta Moda @dolcegabbana in the Eternal City." Her ensemble, drawn from the labels latest couture line, embodied a seamless blend of regal European glamour and her signature boldness.

Mona Patels Dolce Gabbana Look

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Known for consistently delivering high-octane fashion moments, Mona Patel turned heads once again in a Dolce & Gabbana creation that cleverly bridged the gap between Western couture and Indian traditional wear. Her look featured a sculpted velvet bustier with thick shoulder straps, a plunging sweetheart neckline, and a midriff-baring cropped fit that exuded fierce femininity.

Paired with the bustier was a voluminous printed skirt, designed with a silk panel in front that paid homage to Roman imperial motifs. Beneath it, a nude-hued tulle underskirt added volume and architectural grace. Cinching it all together was a signature Dolce & Gabbana belt, adding structure and sophistication.

The Glam Details

For accessories, Mona opted for restraint and impact, sporting a single diamond statement ring. Her hair flowed in soft blowout waves, parted to the side, while her makeup played up classic glamour: berry-tinted lips, defined brows, soft brown shadow, flushed cheeks, and a radiant highlighter sculpting her features with subtle drama.

India at the Heart of Haute Couture

Patels appearance wasnt just about fashion  it marked a meaningful moment for representation. Wearing next seasons runway look in the historic Roman Forum itself, she stood out among an ultra-exclusive guest list that included names like Cher, Christian Bale, Anna Wintour, and Isabella Rossellini.

Her presence and her growing relationship with Dolce & Gabbana signal the evolving landscape of European couture  one where Indian voices are no longer at the periphery but moving confidently into the spotlight.

Who Is Mona Patel?

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Mona Patel is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with a portfolio spanning healthcare, technology, and real estate. She has founded multiple successful businesses over the last two decades across global markets. Educated at Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, Patel brings a multidisciplinary approach to business and social impact.

In parallel with her business interests, Patel is a dedicated collector of haute couture, with a collection that reflects a lifelong engagement with craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Through her philanthropic organisation, Couture for Cause, she directs resources toward girls education and womens entrepreneurship, with a focus on sustainable, long-term outcomes.

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!

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 12:39 IST

News lifestyle Mona Patel Stuns In Velvet And Tulle At Dolce & Gabbanas Alta Moda Show
Penis Lengthening Surgery Gives New Hope To Navi Mumbai Man

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 12:19 IST

Post-surgery, the patient reportedly achieved an erect penile length of approximately six inches. He was discharged from the hospital four days later and is recovering well.

Penis Length Restored in 26-Year-Old After Rare Operation (Representative Image)

In a rare medical case, a 26-year-old man born with a congenital condition known as micropenis underwent successful penile lengthening surgery in Navi Mumbai. The procedure is believed to be among the first of its kind reported in the region.

The patient, a resident of Alibaug (name and other details changed), had been diagnosed with extremely low testosterone levels, underdeveloped testes, and hormonal imbalances from early adolescence.

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Very Rare, But Treatable

According to doctors, his erect penile length was under 2.5 inches which is well below the average range. Individuals with this rare condition, which affects roughly 2% of the male population, often face difficulties in their personal and psychological lives, especially in the context of intimacy and relationships.

A multidisciplinary team led by urologist Dr Sanish Shringarpure and plastic surgeon Dr Ashish Sangvikar of Medicover Hospital performed the surgery. The team opted for a combination of suspensory ligament release, VY advancement plasty, and suprapubic liposuction.

These techniques are used to increase the apparent length of the penis by adjusting its position and reducing fat in the surrounding area. The procedure lasted around three hours.

The Result Changed His Life

Post-surgery, the patient reportedly achieved an erect penile length of approximately six inches. He was discharged from the hospital four days later and is said to be recovering well.

This case involved both anatomical and hormonal complications," said Dr Shringarpure. The goal was to help the patient gain functional length while also addressing his emotional well-being. Many men with this condition avoid seeking medical help due to stigma and lack of awareness."

Dr Ashish Sangvikar added that surgery is usually considered when hormonal therapy, often recommended in early childhood, is no longer effective particularly in adult patients seeking marriage or starting a family.

Increased Interest In Procedure

The hospital reported that this case has led to increased interest in similar procedures, both among men with the condition and those seeking cosmetic enhancement. However, doctors caution that such surgeries require careful evaluation and should be performed only by qualified specialists.

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Micropenis remains a rarely discussed condition in public health conversations in India. Medical experts say that increasing awareness and access to treatment options may help patients come forward without fear or hesitation.

The patient, who had kept his condition private for years, said that the surgery had helped him regain confidence and look forward to marriage and family life. He chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the case.

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Location : Navi Mumbai, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 12:19 IST

News lifestyle Penis Lengthening Surgery Gives New Hope To Navi Mumbai Man
Uttarakhand To Reopen Nanda Devi For Expeditions After More Than Four Decades

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 09:11 IST

The Indian Mountaineering Foundation, with Uttarakhands Tourism and Forest Departments, is leading the plan, but its still pending official approval from the state.

The Nanda Devi was closed in 1983.

Nanda Devi, Indias second-highest peak after Mount Kanchenjunga, is finally reopening its routes to climbers. After being off-limits for over four decades, this majestic peak is being reopened under a new tourism initiative by the Uttarakhand government.

Why Was The Nanda Devi Closed?

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Nanda Devi was closed to climbers in 1983 due to environmental concerns and the aftermath of a Cold War-era nuclear surveillance operation that had gone awry. Since then, the peak has remained inaccessible, wrapped in mystery and reverence. Now, with renewed interest in mountaineering and growing enthusiasm among trekkers, the government is working toward making it climbable once more.

Tourism-Driven Revival

This initiative is being spearheaded by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Tourism and Forest Departments. As part of this joint initiative, the IMF proposed reopening Nanda Devi for controlled expeditions. Though the states tourism department has yet to officially greenlight the plan, the proposal signals a strong intent to boost eco-tourism in the region.

In addition to Nanda Devi, other peaks  including Baljuri, Laspadhura, and Bhanolti in Bageshwar district, as well as Rudragaira in Uttarkashi  are also being considered for reopening.

Nanda Devis Sacred Significance

In India, the spiritual dimension of travel holds deep meaning, and the Nanda Devi region is no exception. For locals and pilgrims, this is not just another peak  its sacred terrain.

Indulge Express quoted one spokesperson who said, The Nanda Raj Jat yatra, held every 12 years, draws pilgrims nationwide to the Himalayas. Its a profound spiritual journey, underscoring Nanda Devis immense religious significance for millions."

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He went on to say, The yatra is more than a trek; its a sacred experience that showcases the regions rich cultural heritage."

The reopening of Nanda Devi has sparked excitement across the mountaineering community, but it also raises a crucial question: can tourism be balanced with conservation? Preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem while allowing access to climbers will be a test of thoughtful planning and environmental responsibility.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 09:11 IST

News lifestyle  travel Uttarakhand To Reopen Nanda Devi For Expeditions After More Than Four Decades
Janaki V Vs State Of Kerala Review: Suresh Gopis Legal Drama Falters With Inconsistency

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Anindita.Mukherjee



Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 17:26 IST

Janaki V Vs State Of Kerala fails to deliver shock value and drama. Suresh Gopi's larger-than-life persona clashes with the realistic setting, resulting in a convoluted screenplay.

Janaki V Vs State Of Kerala movie review out.

Janaki V Vs State Of Kerala U/A 2.5/5 17 July 2025|Malayalam 2 hrs 37 mins | Crime Thriller Starring: Suresh Gopi, Anupama Parameswaran, Shruthi Ramachandran, Yadu Krishnan Director: Pravin Narayananth Watch Trailer

Janaki V Vs State Of Kerala Movie Review: Abel Donovan (Suresh Gopi) asks the victim of a brutal sexual assault, Janaki V (Anupama Parameswaran), Do you watch porn?" Almost everyone in the court and in the theatre is supposed to be shocked by that question, which seems to be the point of it. The idea here is to invoke a similar dramatic intrigue as in a scene from Pink, where Deepak Sehgal (Amitabh Bachchan) asks Minal Arora, Are you a virgin?" The question in Pink is justified, as Deepak intends to bring about the irrelevance of it in the context of consent. However, here the scene is exactly for all the wrong reasons.

Debutant director Pravin Narayanath, who has also written the film, has intended to create an enigmatic protagonist and a sense of shock value by having a protagonist saving the wrong person in Janaki V Vs State Of Kerala. To put it more precisely, David Abel Donovan is the Devils advocate, literally! While it sounds like a brilliant idea, the film fails to bring it to fruition.

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As far as the story goes, Janaki V vs State of Kerala is about an IT employee from Bengaluru who gets sexually assaulted by an unknown criminal during her visit to her hometown in Kerala. Since the victim was unconscious during the assault, the investigation turns out to be hard. Meanwhile, Janaki is found to be pregnant and she starts her crusade to live her life with dignity and seeks justice. Now, it doesnt become clear what the intention of the film is until the very end.

One expects it to be an investigative thriller about nabbing the real culprit of the crime. But the film quickly finds a generic answer to it, and it moves on to another problem about abortion, which never was set up to be a conflict in the first place. The convoluted story has led to a patchy screenplay, and in the end, it leaves you wondering if Pravin Narayanath made the film he set out to make.

The biggest problem of the film is Suresh Gopi. While the actor is effective in his performance and his trademark heroism, the problem is that his larger-than-life persona is incongruous with the realistic setting of the film. Before the film gets into the actual conflict, it meanders around another case of David Abel Donovan taking on the Church to bring a man of faith to justice. This and many other portions of the film that involve Suresh Gopi spitting fiery dialogues about government, women empowerment, corruption, and more dont really sit well with the rest of the movie. We also have a fight sequence that sticks out as a sore thumb in an otherwise sober movie.

The film also reminded us of Rajinikanths Vettaiyan, which pretty much has a similar arc of a well-intentioned man of action committing a blunder and fixing it. Both Janaki V vs State of Kerala and Vettaiyan suffer from the same problem of having a superstar for the protagonist when the script only demands an actor who can be flawed. Since Suresh Gopi cannot be fallible, the film ends up being a generic and illogical legal drama, which gives room for the hero to deliver monologues in a courtroom where he is neither a prosecutor nor the defender.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 17:26 IST

News movies  reviews Janaki V Vs State Of Kerala Review: Suresh Gopis Legal Drama Falters With Inconsistency
TV Stolen, CCTV Damaged: Salman Khans Ex-Girlfriend Sangeeta Bijlanis Pune Farmhouse Looted

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:11 IST

The incident came to light when Sangeeta Bijlani visited the property on Friday after several months.

Salman Khan, Sangeeta Bijlani | File Image

A theft and an act of vandalism have been reported at the farmhouse of Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani, located in Maval, Pune district, said officials.

According to sources, the farmhouse was found in a ransacked state, with multiple items stolen and significant property damage inflicted by unidentified miscreants.

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The incident came to light when Bijlani visited the property on Friday after several months. Upon arrival with her two house help, she discovered that the main gate was broken, and the window grills had been forcefully removed.

A television set was found missing, and another was damaged. Several household items, including bedding, a refrigerator, and CCTV cameras, were either stolen or destroyed.

In her official complaint to Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill, Bijlani explained that she had been unable to visit the farmhouse for a long time due to her fathers health issues.

The moment I reached, I was shocked to see the main gate broken. Inside, the damage was worse  broken window grills, missing electronics, and complete disarray on the top floor," she stated.

She added that all the beds were broken, and numerous valuables were stolen.

CCTV footage from the property is currently being analysed by Pune Rural Police, who have launched a full investigation into the case.

Video evidence reportedly shows the burglars not only looting the property but also causing extensive destruction across the premises.

Police are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:11 IST

News movies TV Stolen, CCTV Damaged: Salman Khans Ex-Girlfriend Sangeeta Bijlanis Pune Farmhouse Looted
Opinion | Quantum Era: A New Technological Revolution

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 20:49 IST

While we may not yet see quantum computers on every desk, their influence is already here, quietly transforming industries, research, and geopolitics

Can quantum computers replace classical computers or supercomputers? (Representational image/Getty)

We are told the quantum era is not so far off. The truth is the quantum era has already begun. So far, human history has witnessed several technological revolutions that have reshaped economies, societies, and the very way we think. We have witnessed various industrial revolutions, the age of electricity, the digital revolution, the ongoing AI era, and now, on the horizon, the quantum era. This emerging era promises to redefine what is computationally possible, bringing with it transformative advances in computing, communication, sensing, and beyond.

Two of the most revolutionary technologies of the 21st century, as of now, are quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI). They are already reshaping research and industry on their own. But what happens when these two fields begin to merge? The answer could redefine what humanity can achieve, unlocking entirely new frontiers in science, medicine, finance, and beyond.

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Quantum technology could lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery, cryptography and cybersecurity, materials, climate modelling, pharmaceutical research, EV battery development, bin packing, cargo delivery, route optimisation, and image classification. Quantum AI systems help design new molecules or optimise complex systems. The era of quantum computing is the timeline in human history when quantum technologiesbased on the principles of quantum mechanicsstart moving from theoretical and experimental research into practical, real-world applications that affect business, science, security, healthcare, and daily life. Beyond economic competition, quantum technology has geopolitical significance. It could reshape cybersecurity, defence, and even the balance of scientific leadership between nations.

Quantum computers may not replace classical computers or supercomputers soon. Instead, they will work alongside, solving problems once thought impossible and helping humanity tackle its grandest challengesfrom curing diseases to fighting climate change. Its about entering an age when quantum technologies complement and transform whats possible, often by solving problems classical systems cant tackle efficiently.

Globally, many countries are tremendously working on quantum technology at various levels. Recognising the transformative potential of quantum technologies, countries around the world have launched ambitious initiatives. India launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023, with a budget of around Rs 6,000 crore. The mission has set specific goals: develop intermediate-scale quantum computers (50-1000 physical qubits). Creating quantum communication networks, including satellite-based secure links. Build skilled human capital through new research centres, academic programmes, and industry partnerships. Supporting quantum sensing technologies for space, defence, and healthcare.

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced Quantum Valley in Amaravati as part of the national quantum mission, its first-ever initiative by any state government in India. The Government of India also focussed on academia for enhancing and strengthening quantum technology. Indias approach to quantum computing is driven by many factors, like collaboration between premier institutes such as IITs, IISc Bengaluru, TIFR, and startups. These collaborations are strategic, like in communications of defence activities, and boosting scientific leadership. As the median age in India is 29 years, a young research ecosystem is starting to grow, and the government is encouraging research in this direction.

As of now, India has more than 100 research groups and several startups in quantum software, hardware, and security. Along with the Government of India, premier institutions and research organisations, private companies such as QNu Labs, BosonQ Psi, Qulabs, Taqbit Labs, and others are also exploring quantum algorithms, quantum key distributions, quantum software for various applications, including aerospace and materials simulation, for secure communications, etc.

China has made quantum technology a strategic national priority. It is investing billions of dollars in quantum labs, including the National Laboratory for Quantum Information Sciences in Hefei. It also built the worlds first satellite-based quantum communication network (Micius satellite, launched in 2016), enabling quantum key distribution over thousands of kilometres. It has created large-scale terrestrial quantum communication networks linking major cities.

The US has adopted a two-fold approach for quantum technology. One is with federal support, and another is with private leadership. The National Quantum Initiative Act (2018) provides coordinated funding (over $1.2 billion over five years). Strong private sector leadership in the US, such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, AWS, Intel, Rigetti, IonQ, PsiQuantum, and many startups, is extensively working towards quantum technology.

IBM Quantum is building the first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. IBM has already deployed quantum computers on the cloud, working towards fault-tolerant systems. Google famously claimed quantum supremacy" in 2019. National labs and universities (Fermilab, MIT, Caltech) develop quantum networks and new algorithms.

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The path to a mature Quantum Era isnt guaranteed yet. Technical barriers such as qubit errors, decoherence, and scaling up reliable systems remain formidable. Building a skilled quantum workforce is another global challenge; quantum science combines physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering in ways that demand new educational approaches. The world it shapes will be more complex, more interconnected, and more full of possibility than ever before. And while we may not yet see quantum computers on every desk, their influence is already here, quietly transforming industries, research, and geopolitics. There are also ethical and societal questions. Who controls quantum technologies? How do we ensure equitable access and prevent misuse?

Dr K Venkatakrishna Rao is an Assistant Professor in the department of computer science and engineering at NIT Warangal and also a Visiting Fellow, India Foundation, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 20:49 IST

News opinion Opinion | Quantum Era: A New Technological Revolution
Opinion | Why US Designating Pakistans Lashkar Proxy TRF As Foreign Terrorist Organisation Matters

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:54 IST

The designation follows TRF claiming responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civiliansthe deadliest such attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai carnage

The group is responsible not only for the Pahalgam massacre, but also for multiple attacks on Indian security forces. (AP)

In a decisive move aimed at countering terrorism in South Asia, the US Department of State has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The designation follows TRFs claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civiliansthe deadliest such attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai carnage.

The TRF, widely known as a proxy and front of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has emerged in recent years as a dangerous player in orchestrating violence in Jammu & Kashmir. According to US officials, the group is responsible not only for the Pahalgam massacre, but also for multiple attacks on Indian security forces.

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In a statement released by the US Department of State, it was clarified that TRF and its aliases are now added to LeTs designation under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to acts of terrorism.

These actions demonstrate the Trump administrations commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Donald Trumps call for justice for the Pahalgam attack," the statement noted.

The US State Department also confirmed that it has reviewed and reaffirmed the designation of LeT as an FTO, ensuring that all associated entities, including TRF, are brought under the full scope of counter-terror sanctions.

Strategic Implications and Global Cooperation

The move is being widely interpreted as a strong signal of support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. It also serves as a broader indication of the deepening India-US counterterrorism cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where geopolitical tensions are mounting.

Indias External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar welcomed the decision, calling it a strong affirmation of US-India counter-terrorism ties".

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: Appreciate Secretary Rubio and @StateDept for designating TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism."

The designation brings with it significant legal and financial implications. It prohibits any US persons or entities from knowingly providing material support to TRF and allows for the seizure of its assets under US jurisdiction. It also enhances law enforcement efforts to counter individuals and networks associated with the group globally.

Families of Victims Welcome US Move

The designation was met with relief and a sense of justice by the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims. Hyder Shah, father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who was killed while trying to save tourists, said: We are very happy that TRF has been declared a terrorist organisation. They killed my child in Pahalgam. This is a step toward justice."

Adils sister echoed his sentiments, adding that all terrorist organisations should be eliminated, and expressed faith in PM Modis leadership on the issue of national security.

Background: The Rise of TRF

TRF emerged in late 2019, branding itself as an indigenous outfit in Kashmir. However, intelligence reports from both Indian and international agencies have confirmed its direct linkage to LeT. Experts say TRF was created to sidestep international pressure on Pakistan and LeT by projecting terrorism in Kashmir as home-grown".

Despite its rebranding strategy, TRF has remained consistent with LeTs goals and tactics, including coordinated attacks on security personnel, targeted killings of civilians, and spreading radical propaganda online.

What Comes Next?

The TRF designation underscores the Biden-Trump continuity in foreign policy regarding terrorism, especially in South Asia. With this legal action, the US joins India in recognising and neutralising TRFs role as a terror front, effectively isolating it on the international stage.

Further updates to the Federal Register will reflect the amended FTO designation, making the measures legally enforceable and binding under US law.

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This move is likely to prompt renewed international scrutiny of Pakistans continued harbouring of terror groups and will serve as a deterrent for future attempts to mask its terrorist proxies by using aliases.

The author is Editor, Brighter Kashmir, author, TV commentator, political analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:54 IST

News opinion Opinion | Why US Designating Pakistans Lashkar Proxy TRF As Foreign Terrorist Organisation Matters
Chameleon, Didn't Reply To Fadnavis' Calls: Eknath Shinde Slams Uddhav For Betraying BJP

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 10:09 IST

Uddhav Thackeray had snapped ties with the BJP even after victory as allies in the 2019 Assembly polls. He went on to become the chief minister in alliance with Congress and NCP.

Eknath Shinde slams Uddhav Thackeray for betraying BJP (PTI Image)

Maharashtra has never seen a chameleon changing colours so fast, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Friday, as he apparently hit out at Uddhav Thackeray for parting ways from the BJP in 2019 despite winning the Assembly polls as allies with a majority.

He accused Uddhav of betraying Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who he said, made 40-50 calls" to the then chief of undivided Shiv Sena after victory, but the latter made no response to the calls.

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Maharashtra has never seen a chameleon changing colours so fast. He went with those whom he once considered lowly," Shinde said in an apparent reference to Uddhav, who joined hands with long-time rivals Congress and NCP to become the chief minister, snapping ties with old ally BJP.

Shinde said that it was because of his request to Fadnavis that the latter had agreed to cede the post of Mumbais mayor to Shiv Sena in 2017 after Sena won 84 seats and the BJP in the civic polls.

But he (Thackeray) betrayed Fadnavis in 2019 (by walking out of the alliance)," Shinde said.

Shinde claimed that when he and the MLAs supporting him were camping in Guwahati in 2022 after their rebellion against Thackeray, the latter approached him for reconciliation, and told the BJP leadership in Delhi at the same time not to support the group.

The Shiv Sena chief said that the MVA government led by Thackeray announced to start a music school in the name of Lata Mangeshkar after her demise. He claimed that when the Mangeshkar family awarded the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uddhav was so upset that he decided not to start the music school.

Shinde said that when he became the chief minister in 2022, he started the music school.

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Shindes remarks of betrayal came a day after Uddhav met Fadnavis. A day earlier, Fadnavis had asked Uddhav in a tongue-in-cheek remark in the Assembly to switch to the ruling side.

(With PTI 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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 09:59 IST

News politics Chameleon, Didn't Reply To Fadnavis' Calls: Eknath Shinde Slams Uddhav For Betraying BJP
Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is showing signs of steady momentum across its 737 and 787 programs in July, navigating through typical seasonal slowdowns and an initially sluggish start.

Bank of America Securities (BofA) analyst Ronald J. Epstein reiterated a Buy rating on Boeing with a price forecast of $260, expressing confidence in the companys delivery and production trajectory.

Epstein points out that while only 10 737s were delivered by mid-July, this aligns with Boeings usual monthly cadence, where activity accelerates in the second half.

Also Read: FAA, Boeing Say Fuel Switch Locks On 787 Dreamliner Are Safe Amid Air India Crash Probe

This pattern may reflect Boeings strategy of treating the first week as a safety week to ensure quality control.

Epstein notes a positive shift in activity from China, where two aircraft have been reactivated and more pre-delivery flights are occurring.

This has already led to three deliveries to China in July, with the potential to reach six by month-end.

Given these developments, Epstein projects 737 deliveries to remain solid for the month, projecting at least 30 units, following the companys rate of 38 in June.

Although output remains consistent, Epstein cautions that seasonal slowdowns typically seen in July and August could slightly temper overall rollouts this month.

Meanwhile, the 787 program continues to perform well, with four deliveries already completed by mid-July.

Epstein expects total deliveries to reach eight or nine units, potentially matching last months year-to-date high of nine.

On the production side, three 787s have already been rolled out this month, and Epstein anticipates a total of six, in line with Boeings broader plan to transition to a production rate of seven this year.

Price Action: BA shares are trading higher by 0.17% to $230.30 at last check Thursday.

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Date Firm Action From To Mar 2022 Cowen & Co. Maintains Outperform Jan 2022 Jefferies Maintains Buy Jan 2022 Morgan Stanley Maintains Overweight

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Did I Teach Hindi? BJP MPs Quirky Response To Raj Thackeray's 'Dubo Dubo Ke Maarenge' Jab

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 18:01 IST

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey sarcastically responded to MNS chief Raj Thackeray's threat to non-Marathi speakers, defending his comments and criticising MNS's violent history.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and MNS chief Raj Thackeray. (File)

Amid the ongoing and intensified language row in Maharashtra, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey responded to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over his dubo-dubo ke maarenge" (will drown you in sea) threat, with a sarcastic dig saying he taught Hindi to the MNS chief.

While addressing a gathering in Mumbai on Friday, Thackeray publicly responded to Dubeys earlier comments, where the BJP leader had said, Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak-patak ke maarenge (We will beat you up mercilessly), and threatened him to drown in the sea. Tum Mumbai me aao, Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge (You come to Mumbai, we will make you drown in the sea many times)," he said amid cheers from the crowd.

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The MNS leader further said that he will not make any compromises over Marathi and the people of Maharashtra. I will not Those who live in Maharashtra, to them I would like to say learn Marathi as soon as possible, wherever you go, speak Marathi. In Karnataka, they fight for their language. Even a rickshaw puller knows that the Government is standing behind him over language. Similarly, you be like a pillar and speak in Marathi only. This is what I have come to request all of you," he added.

To this, Dubey mockingly responded, Did I teach Hindi to Raj Thackeray?"

Meanwhile, the BJP MP further defended his patak-patak ke maarenge comments saying he would not retract them.

In an interview with news agency ANI, Dubey said, I am proud that my mother tongue is Hindi. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are not some great monarchs. Im an MP, and I do not take the law into my hands. But wherever they go, people will respond."

#WATCH | On his Patak Patak ke Maarenge remark, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey says, I am saying this again, I stand by my statements. This nation is diverse, and all its people have a strong affection for their regionIf Maharashtra is a part of this country, then anyone can be pic.twitter.com/U0CqZa2Zix ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2025

Referring to MNS violent actions against non-Marathi speakers, Dubey stated, They protested against Gujaratis in 1956, then against South Indians, and now they are doing it against Hindi speakers. Their history is such that everyone is angry at them."

Raj Thackerays Warning

Meanwhile, Thackeray has again asserted his firm stance over the ongoing Hindi-Marathi row in Maharashtra, saying that if someone doesnt understand Marathi, they will get a tight slap.

Now if you cant understand Marathi even when its spoken directly into your ear, youll get a slap below it. People create a fuss for no reason," Raj Thackeray said while addressing a rally in Mumbais Mira-Bhayandar, where his party workers had assaulted a shop owner a few days ago for not speaking Marathi.

Recalling the incident and taunting the local traders for protesting against the assault on the shopkeeper, Raj Thackeray said, Whatever happened to that person was because of his attitude. Other traders had called for a shutdown. But if someone closes their shop under pressure, understand thishow long will you keep your shop shut? If we stop buying, then what?"

Language Row In Maharashtra

The Hindi-Marathi row was ignited in the state, especially in the Mumbai metropolitan region, after opposition parties like the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena took on the government over two GRs on the three-language policy in schools and teaching of Hindi from Class I.

Following opposition, including from Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, the Maharashtra government withdrew the resolutions.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later announced that a committee would be formed to review the policy. The three-language formula will be implemented," he said. But whether Hindi should be taught from Class 1 or Class 5 is to be decided by a committee."

Later on July 5, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS head Raj Thackeray shared a stage in Mumbai for the cause of the Marathi language, and vowed to oppose the imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra after the state government rolled back the GRs.

It escalated after incidents involving verbal and physical assaults, vandalism, and public intimidation by the MNS workers have been reported from various parts of the state, drawing widespread criticism and legal scrutiny.

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In multiple videos that have gone viral on social media, MNS workers were seen confronting shopkeepers, auto drivers, and even bank employees for not speaking Marathi. In one incident in Mumbai, a medical shop employee was beaten and forced to apologise publicly for allegedly posting a WhatsApp status deemed disrespectful to the Marathi language. In another case from Pune, a bank manager was slapped during work hours for addressing customers in Hindi.

(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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 18:01 IST

News politics Did I Teach Hindi? BJP MPs Quirky Response To Raj Thackeray's 'Dubo Dubo Ke Maarenge' Jab
'Fighting Muslim Infiltration, Not Dividing': Assam CM Counters Mamata's Bengali Threat Claim

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 16:49 IST

Sarma said Assam was not fighting its own people but resisting ongoing, unchecked Muslim infiltration from across the border

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (PTI photos)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday hit back at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her allegations that the BJP government in Assam is threatening" Bengali-speaking people in the state.

Mamata accused the Assam government of targeting Bengali-speaking citizens who want to live peacefully while respecting all languages and religions. She said the BJPs divisive agenda" in Assam had crossed all limits" and called the treatment of Bengali speakers discriminatory and unconstitutional.

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In a post on X, Mamata wrote that Bengali is the second most spoken language in Assam and that those upholding their mother tongue were being persecuted.

To threaten citizens, who want to coexist peacefully respecting all languages and religions, with persecution for upholding their own mother tongue is discriminatory and unconstitutional," the West Bengal CM wrote.

The second most spoken language in the country, Bangla, is also the second most spoken language of Assam.To threaten citizens, who want to coexist peacefully respecting all languages and religions, with persecution for upholding their own mother tongue is discriminatory and  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 19, 2025

She declared her support for all citizens fighting for the dignity of their language, identity, and democratic rights. I stand with every fearless citizen who is fighting for the dignity of their language and identity, and their democratic rights."

Responding to Mamatas claims, Sarma said Assam was not fighting its own people but resisting ongoing, unchecked Muslim infiltration" from across the border, which has caused a major demographic shift.

He warned that in some districts, Hindus were on the verge of becoming a minority. This is not a political narrativeits a reality. Even the Supreme Court of India has termed such infiltration as external aggression. And yet, when we rise to defend our land, culture, and identity, you choose to politicize it," Sarma added.

Didi, let me remind youIn Assam, we are not fighting our own people. We are fearlessly resisting the ongoing, unchecked Muslim infiltration from across the border, which has already caused an alarming demographic shift. In several districts, Hindus are now on the verge of https://t.co/mwqs398RKE  Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 19, 2025

Assam CM also accused Mamata of politicising the issue and claimed she had compromised Bengals future" by encouraging illegal encroachment and appeasing one community for vote banks.

He stated that Assam respected all languages and communities, including Assamese, Bangla, Bodo, and Hindi, and that the state was only protecting its borders and cultural identity.

Assam will continue to fight to preserve its heritage, its dignity, and its peoplewith courage and constitutional clarity," the BJP leader noted.

On Thursday, Sarma had questioned Mamatas concern, asking if she cared only about Muslim-Bengalis" and warning that the Assamese people and Hindu Bengalis in Assam will not spare her" if she tried to interfere.

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Mamata had also organised a protest march in Kolkata on Wednesday against what she called the torture" of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states.

(With inputs from PTI)

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

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Location : Assam | West Bengal, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 16:40 IST

News politics 'Fighting Muslim Infiltration, Not Dividing': Assam CM Counters Mamata's Bengali Threat Claim
'If Can't Understand Marathi, You'll Get A Slap': Raj Thackeray On Language Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 08:16 IST

Raj Thackeray, amid the ongoing language row in the state, warned that if someone cant understand Marathi even when its spoken directly into their ear, theyll get a slap.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray (File)

The language row in Maharashtra continues to intensify, with the latest remark coming from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who said that if someone doesnt understand Marathi, they will get a tight slap.

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Now if you cant understand Marathi even when its spoken directly into your ear, youll get a slap below it. People create a fuss for no reason," Raj Thackeray said while addressing a rally in Mumbais Mira-Bhayandar, where his party workers had assaulted a shop owner a few days ago for not speaking Marathi.

Recalling the incident and taunting the local traders for protesting against the assault on the shopkeeper, Raj Thackeray said, Whatever happened to that person was because of his attitude. Other traders had called for a shutdown. But if someone closes their shop under pressure, understand thishow long will you keep your shop shut? If we stop buying, then what?"

He then says that if someone is in the state, they should remain quiet and do their work.

But if you fool around here, a slap is guaranteed," he added.

Thackeray also responded to BJP leader Nishikant Dubeys Patak Patak ke Maarenge (We will beat you up mercilessly)" remark, and said he will drown the BJP leader in the sea of Mumbai.

A BJP MP said, Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarengeYou come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge," Thackeray said.

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The ongoing debate over the promotion and enforcement of the Marathi language in Maharashtra has intensified, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers at the center of several recent controversies. Incidents involving verbal and physical assaults, vandalism, and public intimidation have been reported from various parts of the state, drawing widespread criticism and legal scrutiny.

In multiple videos that have gone viral on social media, MNS workers are seen confronting shopkeepers, auto drivers, and even bank employees for not speaking Marathi. In one shocking incident in Mumbai, a medical shop employee was beaten and forced to apologise publicly for allegedly posting a WhatsApp status deemed disrespectful to the Marathi language. In another case from Pune, a bank manager was slapped during work hours for addressing customers in Hindi.

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Location : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 08:16 IST

News politics 'If Can't Understand Marathi, You'll Get A Slap': Raj Thackeray On Language Row
INDIA Bloc To Hold First Meet Since 2024 Polls Today: Who'll Attend, Who'll Skip After AAP's Exit?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 13:20 IST

AAP announced its exit from Opposition's INDIA bloc. The grouping is set to hold its first meeting since the 2024 Lok Sabha polls today.

INDIA Bloc meeting: Opposition leaders to hold online meeting today (PTI File Image)

Ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, the Opposition parties of the INDIA bloc will hold an online meeting on Saturday evening to strategise on the issues to be raised during the session that begins on Monday.

The meeting of the INDIA bloc will take place after a long gap and will be the first since last years Lok Sabha Elections in which the Opposition put up a decent fight but failed to dislodge the BJP-led NDA from power at the Centre.

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The meeting comes on the heels of the Aam Aadmi Partys announcement of its exit from the bloc that was formed ahead of the general elections to take on the Narendra Modi government. The grouping has since then been in tatters, as the allies were nowhere to be seen fighting as partners in the Assembly polls that followed the national elections  Haryana and Delhi being the prime examples.

Who Will Attend Todays INDIA Bloc Meet?

The AAP has announced its exit from the bloc and is unlikely to register its presence in the online meet. The party said that the INDIA bloc failed to stay united and take steps to further its agenda".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees TMC, which earlier said that it would skip the meeting, has now affirmed its participation through Abhishek Banerjee.

No other ally of the group has announced their unavailability to attend the meeting that is set to take place at 7 pm.

A meeting of the leaders of the INDIA parties will be held online on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 7 pm to discuss the prevailing political situation in the country," Congress general secretary KC Venugopal tweeted on Thursday.

The Opposition is expected to raise issues such as the electoral roll revision in Bihar, the Pahalgam terror attack, and Operation Sindoor.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh reacted to the AAPs announcement to quit the bloc and said that all parties of the alliance have been invited.

I cannot say anything about that. All parties of the India Alliance have been invited. Those who want will come and those who stay separated will not come," he told news agency ANI.

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He reaffirmed the unity of the grouping and said that the prominent leaders of respective parties will meet online on Saturday and later hold an in-person meeting in the national capital.

People would not be able to come to Delhi on Saturday due to different programmes. It has been decided that we will have an online meeting before the Parliament session. After that, we will meet in Delhi also," news agency PTI quoted Jairam as saying.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 13:01 IST

News politics INDIA Bloc To Hold First Meet Since 2024 Polls Today: Who'll Attend, Who'll Skip After AAP's Exit?
Jai Shri Ram Vs Jai Ma Kali: BJP Looks To Connect With Bengali 'Asmita', TMC Mocks 'Imitation'

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:03 IST

TMC plans to set a narrative that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram', has been compelled to adopt chants like 'Jai Ma Kali' under its influence

In this image posted by @BJP4India via X on July 18, PM Narendra Modi greets the gathering during a public meeting in Durgapur. (PTI)

The day Samik Bhattacharya was picked and felicitated as the Bengal president of BJP, the presence of Ma Kalis image on stage had sparked wide discussions. Now, in Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally in Durgapur, the display of Matri Shakti (divine feminine power) was seen in full force.

Starting his speech in Durgapur, PM Modi raised the slogans Bharat Mata Ki Jai," followed by Jai Ma Durga, Jai Ma Kali". Not only did he raise these chants during his address, but this time, the BJPs official invitation also carried the words Jai Ma Durga" and Jai Ma Kali".

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Sensing an opportunity, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is planning to take up the issue strongly.

Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, The prime minister says he wants development. But what does development mean? It means Mamata Banerjee and her governmentMaa, Mati, Manush. It was there, it is there, and it will remain. But what has changed? PM Modi. Earlier it was Jai Shri Ram, now it has become Jai Ma Kali. Has PM Modi changed so much? They used to say Mamata Banerjee does not celebrate Durga Puja. Now, 11 years after becoming PM, Bengal has changed him."

He added, Today, one good thing we observed was that Jai Shri Ram was not uttered even once."

TMC insiders reveal that the party plans to set a narrative suggesting that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan Jai Shri Ram", has now been compelled to adopt chants like Jai Ma Kali" and Jai Ma Durga" under TMCs influence. The party intends to position itself as understanding Bengali culture deeply, while portraying the BJP as an outsider merely imitating them.

However, this theory is countered by another section of political analysts who argue that BJPs strategy is to connect with Bengali asmita (pride)similar to their approach in Odishaalthough the models in both states differ significantly. Over the past decade, the BJP has consistently tried to align with Bengali cultural identity. This time, their focus on the Bengali Renaissance and cultural heritage is aimed at appealing to the bhadra lok (educated middle class).

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Chants like Jai Ma Kali" and Jai Ma Durga" resonate deeply with the masses of Bengal, experts say, and this is part of BJPs strategy to establish a cultural connect. However, they clarify that this does not imply Jai Shri Ram" is losing relevance. After all, Bengals biggest festival, Durga Puja, has its mythological roots in Akalabodhana [worship of goddess Durga] by Lord Ram, establishing a strong narrative link.

Experts assert that BJPs Bengali asmita agenda is clearthe party will continue to weave cultural, religious, and regional pride into its political messaging in every possible way.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:03 IST

News politics Jai Shri Ram Vs Jai Ma Kali: BJP Looks To Connect With Bengali 'Asmita', TMC Mocks 'Imitation'
Na Bijli Aayegi, Na Bill Aayega: UP Energy Minister On Nitish Kumars Free Electricity Announcement

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 17:20 IST

UP Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma mocked Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's promise of free electricity up to 125 units, saying it will be free only if supplied.

Uttar Pradesh Energy and Urban Development Minister AK Sharma took a sarcastic dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (File)

Uttar Pradeshs Energy and Urban Development Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma on Saturday took a sarcastic jibe over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars announcement of free electricity for up to 125 units ahead of state assembly polls, saying electricity will be free only when it would be supplied.

Electricity is free in Bihar but it will be free only when it will be supplied na bijli ayegi na bill ayega free ho gayi. Hum bijli de rhe hain (Neither electricity will come nor will the bill come it is free. We are providing electricity)," Sharma said as quoted by news agency PTI in Mathura.

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VIDEO | Mathura: UP Energy and Urban Development Minister AK Sharma (@aksharmaBharat) on free electricity up to 125 units in Bihar, says, Electricity is free in Bihar but it will be free only when it will be supplied na bijli ayegi na bill ayega free ho gayi. Hum bijli de pic.twitter.com/aXAsIPN0uO Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 19, 2025

The UP ministers remark days after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that every household in Bihar would get 125 units of electricity free of cost starting August 1.

Announcing the decision ahead of the state assembly elections, Nitish Kumar on X said, From the very beginning, we have been providing electricity to everyone at affordable rates. Now, we have decided that starting from August 1, 2025  meaning from the July billing cycle  all domestic consumers in the state will not have to pay anything for up to 125 units of electricity."

                     1 , 2025               125              1  67        Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) July 17, 2025

The Chief Minister further added that the decision will benefit a total of 1.67 crore families across Bihar.

The Bihar CM also promised that in the next three years, solar power panels will be installed on the rooftops of residents after taking their permission, to provide further benefit.

We have also decided that within the next three years, after obtaining consent from these domestic consumers, solar power plants will be installed either on their rooftops or at nearby public places to provide further benefits," he added in the post.

In the poll-bound state, Kumar has so far made several big announcements. Earlier, on July 16, the Chief Minister asked the Education Department to lay the ground for the fourth instalment of the Teacher Recruitment Exam (TRE) by the Bihar Public Service Commission, under which more than one lakh teachers would be recruited.

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Similarly, on July 13, he promised to provide jobs and employment opportunities to one crore youths in the next five years (2025-2030).

(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

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Location : Mathura, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 17:20 IST

News politics Na Bijli Aayegi, Na Bill Aayega: UP Energy Minister On Nitish Kumars Free Electricity Announcement
Stumbling 'Bloc': As Oppn Meets, Has Rahul Gandhi Alienated INDIA Allies With His Remarks?

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 23:44 IST

Leaders of the INDIA bloc held a virtual meeting on Saturday to cement their strategy for the monsoon session of Parliament that begins on Monday

Leaders of the INDIA bloc hold a virtual meeting to strategise ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament. (Image: X/@Jairam_Ramesh)

Twenty-four opposition parties met as part of an INDIA bloc meeting, the first such gathering since the 2024 Lok Sabha poll results. Each party had a grievance with the government, and their common demand brought them together in the same virtual space. The Aam Aadmi Party was absent, though.

The camaraderie was evident as the parties united behind a common demandthat Prime Minister Narendra Modi must clarify on the Bihar SIR voter list review and US President Donald Trumps claim that he brokered the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

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However, the camaraderie cannot hide the underlying disgruntlement. More importantly, the question arises: has Rahul Gandhi, with his comments, hurt the alliance? First, AAP was upset with the Congresss strategy during the Delhi polls, where Rahul Gandhi attacked Arvind Kejriwal over the Sheesh Mahal" and liquor scam" issues. AAP blames Congress for its defeat by the BJP in Delhi. And ahead of the Punjab and even Gujarat polls, Kejriwals party wants to snatch Congresss space.

While the Left parties, CPI(M) and CPI, attended the meeting, their anger with the Congress and Rahul Gandhi was evident. In Keralas Kannur, Rahul had attacked the Left and stated that the Congresss fight was against both the RSS and the CPI(M). This was Rahul Gandhis aggression ahead of the 2026 Kerala polls, but the CPI(M) saw it as being equated with the RSS.

The CPI(M) issued a statement saying, In his absurd and condemnable comment equating the RSS and CPI(M), Rahul Gandhi forgets who is fighting the RSS in Kerala. In Kerala, Congress and RSS continue to echo each other in expressing anti-communist sentiments. As soon as Rahul Gandhi enters Kerala, he speaks that language too."

The Left has been a loyal ally of the Congress despite the fact that the two are adversaries in Kerala. But so far, Rahul Gandhi had refrained from such harsh words. Left sources say that, if he wanted, he could attack the government on economic development, but to speak like the BJP is unfair. In fact, many within the Congress who have accused Rahul Gandhi of being under the Lefts influence were surprised and dismayed by this attack. They feel Rahul Gandhi, as the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, must ensure that the India bloc stands united inside Parliament. This comment, many feel, would only hurt a show of strength inside the House, which is his responsibility as LoP.

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The Trinamool Congress may have been chastened by the Congresss soft stance on the RG Kar Hospital and law student rape issues, but the trust factor between the two remains low as the Left continues to be the Congresss ally in Bengal.

So, has Rahul Gandhi sacrificed the bloc for his personal views and politics?

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 23:44 IST

News politics Stumbling 'Bloc': As Oppn Meets, Has Rahul Gandhi Alienated INDIA Allies With His Remarks?
Thackeray Not Just A Brand But Maharashtra's Identity, Hindu Pride: Uddhav Thackeray

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 15:10 IST

Uddhav Thackeray targeted the BJP and Eknath Shinde's group for stealing his party's name and slogan, and also lashed out at the Election Commission.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray (Image: PTI)

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray asserted that Thackeray was not just a brand but an identity of Maharashtra, Marathi citizens and Hindu pride, adding that some people are trying to finish it off.

In an interview with UBT Senas mouthpiece Saamana, Uddhav said, Thackerays are not like inflated balloons that you often see in politics these days. We havent made Thackeray a brand; people have accepted it as they know that we are selfless and honest towards the people of Maharashtra."

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Thackeray means constant struggle, he asserted, in the first part of the interview with party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut published on Saturday.

Thackeray is not just a brand, but it is also a name attached to Hindutva," he said. Thackeray is not just a brand. It is the identity of Marathi manoos, Maharashtra and Hindu pride. However, some people are trying to finish the Thackeray brand. These are the same people who are comparing themselves with God."

Uddhav also mentioned that he did not have anything today, including the symbol and name of the original Shiv Sena, but people still welcome him with warmth. Without taking any names, he targeted Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena, accusing it of stealing the symbol and party name and aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party to finish him off.

Deep Roots In Marathi Soil

Our deep roots in the Marathi soil go back several generations. The ties with Marathi people are strong since the time of my grandfather and Shiv Sena pramukh (Bal Thackeray). Now, I am there, Aaditya (Thackeray) is there, and even (MNS chief) Raj has come," he said.

Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray stood shoulder-to-shoulder on stage at the July 5 Marathi Vijay Rally to present a united front, although there has been little progress in forming an alliance, despite strong speculation. They have been using the phrase Thackeray brand as a symbol of Marathi unity.

The former Maharashtra CM also accused the BJP of operating a divide and rule policy and engineering a split in the Shiv Sena in 2022. He stated that the BJP consistently tries to destabilise society by sowing divisions between various religions and castes.

In June 2022, a faction led by senior leader Eknath Shinde broke away from the Shiv Sena, accusing Uddhav Thackeray of abandoning the partys core Hindutva ideology by aligning with the Congress and NCP. This culminated in the collapse of Thackerays government and the formation of a new government with the support of the BJP.

You can steal a partys symbol. But how can you steal the love and trust people have for the family?" Uddhav said in the interview with Saamana. He also lashed out at the Election Commission, saying it had no right to take away the party name and symbol as his party did not indulge in any corrupt practices.

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The Supreme Court will hear Uddhav Thackerays plea challenging the Election Commissions decision to allot the official name and symbol (bow and arrow) of Shiv Sena to Eknath Shindes group on August 11.

(with PTI inputs)

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 15:10 IST

News politics Thackeray Not Just A Brand But Maharashtra's Identity, Hindu Pride: Uddhav Thackeray
Are Aliens Watching Earth? 20-Km-Long Interstellar Object Sparks Global Buzz

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 11:09 IST

NASAs ATLAS telescope spotted 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object and the largest yet, nearly 20 km long and unusually massive, stirring curiosity among scientists

3I/ATLAS is expected to pass closest to Earth in December, at a distance of approximately 270 million kilometres. (News18 Hindi)

Are we truly alone in the universe, or is someone secretly observing us? This age-old question has resurfaced after space scientists discovered a new interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS. The discovery has sparked excitement and concern in the scientific community.

Whats even more astonishing is that Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb believes this may not be a natural object at all but potentially a piece of alien technology deliberately sent towards our solar system. This is not just a question of astrophysics; if proven true, it could signal a possible unknown threat to humanity.

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What Is 3I/ATLAS?

Discovered by NASAs ATLAS telescope, 3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system, and its believed to be the largest ever detected. Measuring nearly 20 kilometres in length, its an unusually massive body travelling through space.

According to Loeb, the object is surrounded by a dense layer of gas and dust, making its structure particularly mysterious. He points out that its trajectory, speed, and composition dont resemble any known natural celestial body. This has led him to suggest that it could be a probe or vessel sent by an advanced alien civilisation, perhaps with a mission we cant yet comprehend.

The Chilling Dark Forest Hypothesis

Loeb has also connected 3I/ATLAS to the ominous Dark Forest Hypothesis  a theory that suggests countless alien civilisations exist but remain hidden, fearing mutual destruction if discovered. If 3I/ATLAS is indeed a deliberate signal or device from such a civilisation, it could mean that Earth is now visible to them and possibly under observation.

This raises a disturbing question: is this a peaceful signal, or the beginning of something far more dangerous?

A Divided Scientific Community

While Loeb insists the objects unusual behaviour warrants further investigation, many scientists remain sceptical. They argue it could simply be a primordial space rock ejected by the gravitational forces of distant stars. Still, Loeb urges caution. He believes we shouldnt dismiss the alien theory until all available data is studied in detail.

When Will It Come Closest?

3I/ATLAS is expected to pass closest to Earth in December, at a distance of approximately 270 million kilometres. During this time, astronomers around the world will closely observe its behaviour to determine its true nature.

This isnt the first time Avi Loeb has raised eyebrows with alien claims. He previously suggested that another interstellar object, 1I/Oumuamua, was also alien technology  though that theory remains unproven. Now, with another unusual body heading our way, some wonder: Are these cosmic visitors part of a larger survey? Surveillance missions? Or the lead-up to first contact?

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If Loebs theories hold any truth, the discovery of 3I/ATLAS could either be the greatest scientific revelation in history or the biggest existential threat weve ever faced.

For now, scientists and space enthusiasts alike are watching the skies with bated breathwondering whether were really alone or if someone, somewhere far away, is already watching us.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:09 IST

News viral Are Aliens Watching Earth? 20-Km-Long Interstellar Object Sparks Global Buzz
From Nap To Nowhere: West Bengal Girl's Accidental 3-Day Train Trail

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 16:55 IST

When she woke up, she wasnt anywhere near home. She was at Katwa station, nearly 160 kilometres off course. What should have been a short journey had become a railway detour.

When she woke up, she wasnt anywhere near home. She was at Katwa station, nearly 160 kilometres off course. What should have been a short journey had become a railway detour through confusion.

It was supposed to be a routine trip home for a teenage girl from Khalatipur, a short journey by bus, nothing more. But what followed was a maze of wrong trains, unfamiliar stations, confused directions, and three nights spent far from home. At the heart of it all? A mix-up over one village name: Alinagar.

On Wednesday, her uncle dropped her off at the local bus stop to return home to Alinagar village in West Bengal. But instead of boarding the bus, the girl accidentally climbed onto a train heading towards Farakka, a nearby town. Tired from the day and unaware of her mistake, she dozed off.

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When she woke up, she wasnt anywhere near home. She was at Katwa station, nearly 160 kilometres off course. What should have been a short journey had become a railway detour through confusion.

The Name That Sent Her Further Away

At Katwa station, nervous and unsure, she asked a few strangers for help. Which train goes to Alinagar?" she said. Unluckily, they assumed she meant Alinagar in Bhatar, another completely different district and not Alinagar in Farakka.

They put her on the Katwa-Burdwan Down train. Instead of taking her home, it sent her even further away to Bolgona. It was now close to midnight. Lost and alone, the girl got off at the station, unsure of what to do next.

A Midnight Rescue

Thankfully, some local residents noticed her sitting alone and alerted the Bhatar Police. Officer-in-Charge Buddhadev Dhuli stepped in and launched efforts to trace her family. The minor, scared and exhausted, was brought to the police station where female officers comforted and cared for her.

For nearly three days, shed wandered between towns, carrying nothing but hope and the name of her village. But it wasnt enough.

Finding Her Way Back

Through bits of conversation and careful questioning, the police eventually discovered the truth that her home was not near Bhatar, but in Alinagar village, Farakka. She had been returning from her aunts house in Khalatipur when the chain of errors began.

On Friday, her family finally arrived. Tears were shed. Smiles returned. And in a moment that felt straight out of a film, the girl was reunited with her loved ones. A reunion that brought visible relief not just to the family, but to the officers who had helped piece together her journey.

The Bajrangi Bhaijaan Moment

District Superintendent of Police Sayak Das called it a moment of pride. She was scared, but our officers treated her with care and compassion. It means a lot to us that we could bring her home safely."

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The internet may call it a Bajrangi Bhaijaan moment, but for the girl and her family, it was simply a miracle. Made possible by kindness, clarity, and a police force that listened to a scared child, and followed her trail across villages, trains, and missed stops.

And so, after three days, Khushi as her family calls her finally found her way home.

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Location : West Bengal, India, India

First Published: July 19, 2025, 16:55 IST

News viral From Nap To Nowhere: West Bengal Girl's Accidental 3-Day Train Trail
Booking Holdings Inc office by-tupungato via iStock

Valued at a market cap of $185 billion, Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) is a leading online travel company, offering online and traditional travel and restaurant reservations and related services. The Norwalk, Connecticut-based company also provides travel-related insurance products and restaurant management services to consumers, travel service providers, and restaurants. It is expected to announce its fiscal Q2 earnings for 2025 after the market closes on Tuesday, Jul. 29.

Ahead of this event, analysts expect this travel company to report a profit of $50.46 per share, up 20.4% from $41.90 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has topped Wall Streets earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters. In Q1, BKNGs EPS of $24.81 outpaced the forecasted figure by a notable margin of 43.8%.

More News from Barchart

For fiscal 2025, analysts expect BKNG to report a profit of $217.28 per share, up 16.1% from $187.10 per share in fiscal 2024. Furthermore, its EPS is expected to grow 14.9% year-over-year to $249.61 in fiscal 2026.

www.barchart.com

BKNG has soared 42.5% over the past 52 weeks, considerably outpacing both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 12.7% rise and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLY) 15% uptick over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

On Apr. 29, BKNG released better-than-expected Q1 results, prompting its share price to surge 3.9% in the following trading session. Due to a solid rise in the companys gross bookings and room nights, its overall revenue improved 7.9% year-over-year to $4.8 billion, beating consensus expectations by 3.5%. Moreover, its adjusted EPS of $24.81 advanced 21.7% from the year-ago quarter, topping analyst estimates by a notable margin of 43.8%.

Wall Street analysts are moderately optimistic about BKNGs stock, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 36 analysts covering the stock, 22 recommend "Strong Buy," two indicate "Moderate Buy," and 12 suggest "Hold. While the company is trading above its mean price target of $5,622.51, its Street-high price target of $6,255 suggests a 10% premium to its current price levels.

On the date of publication, Neharika Jain 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
Indians Keeping Canadian Economy Afloat: Reddit Post Sparks Conflicting Opinions Online

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 14:30 IST

A user's Reddit post claiming that Indians are keeping the Canadian economy afloat has sparked an online debate.

Reddit post on Indians in Canada sparks debate (AP Image)

Indians are keeping the Canadian economy afloat, a netizen claimed on Reddit, sparking an online debate about the state of the local population.

In a post titled Huge respect to Indian Canadians", a user hailed the contribution of the Indians in the countrys workforce and ultimately its economy and said that they are some of the hardest-working people".

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The user said that he was in Toronto after almost a decade and noted a huge upgrade".

I was in Toronto over the last 2 weeks after almost a decade and Indians are literally keeping the Canadian economy afloat. Every single business from McDs to Walmart has Indians. Some of the friendliest and hardest-working people Ive met. Huge upgrade from the states where its a bunch of snobby high schoolers who think theyre too good to put in any effort. Its clear the racism from white people is solely because theyre mad because these people have just come to Canada and are out hustling them and contributing to society more than them," the Reddit post read.

The users opinion received mixed reactions from other users. Some agreed with the views, others described the situation as unfortunate".

That isnt necessarily a good thing if the current unemployment of the country is high and the government/corporations are using immigration to keep wages low. Which is what is happening in Canada. Uncontrolled immigration without the resources or unwillingness to support it just leads to other problems. This isnt the immigrants faults but the fault of the government/businesses who refuse to address the issues the population is facing and instead focus on making profits," a user commented.

Its an unfortunate situation. Like you cant blame people for wanting a better life and coming, but you cant blame Canadians for feeling like theyre being screwed when they cant find jobs or housing," another said.

Its very common for these international students to have PAID to be hired for those entry level positions. Many are exploited and work for cash under the table meaning they wouldnt receive any government support if their employer caused them injury at work, as well as lesser pay per hour, and potentially longer working hours. But they do this because its their path to PR and in many cases studying in Canada on borrowed money and loans they have to repay back home. The whole situation is rotten," a user said.

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Thanks bro I appreciate the kind words!" a netizen thanked.

No offense OP. Clearly shows you a tourist in these parts, rather than someone working for a living in Toronto. Different ballgame. And Different opnions," another wrote, sharing the experience.

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

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 14:30 IST

News viral Indians Keeping Canadian Economy Afloat: Reddit Post Sparks Conflicting Opinions Online
Kristin Cabot, Viral HR From Coldplay Kiss Cam Bust, Is Married To Privateer Rum CEO: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 23:33 IST

Kristin Cabot, Astronomer HR head, gained attention after publicly canoodling CEO Andy Byron is married to Privateer Rum CEO Andrew Cabot.

Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot were caught on a kiss cam at the Coldplay concert. (X)

Kristin Cabot, Astronomer HR head, who recently gained unwanted attention from the netizens after publicly canoodling companys CEO Andy Byron, is reportedly married to Privateer Rum CEO Andrew Cabot.

According to a report by The New York Post, the Astronomer executive, whose maiden name in Stanek, jointly have purchased a two-story, four-bedroom house located just minutes away from the Atlantic coast in Rye, New Hampshire in February for $2.2 million.

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Listed as husband and wife" in the records, the pair even sold a different four-bedroom property  which they snapped up in April 2024  for $1.05 million in February, the report added.

Who Is Andrew Cabot?

The official website of Privateer Rum lists Andrew as the CEO and COO of the Massachusetts-based company. Reports said that Andrew Cabot is a descendant of the original Andrew Cabot, who was an 18th-century rum distiller, as per the details mentioned on his companys website.

Reportedly, Kristin is also listed as a trustee on the companys records.

A picture circulating online purportedly showed the Cabot couple posing alongside two children. A Daily Mail report relied on public documents to determine the Privateer Rum CEO has been married atleast twice before his ties to Kristin  in 1993 and 2014. He reportedly shares two kids with first wife Maud.

The alleged cheating wife Kristin Cabot (Stanek) is married to Andrew Cabot not Kenneth C. Thornby.Thornby and Kristin divorced in 2022 after filing for divorce in 2018. They have 1 child together. This is Kristin with her daughter, her new husband Andrew and his son. pic.twitter.com/Dw7sZ2g9ZK  Zito (@redrumh0tel) July 18, 2025

Kristins Previous Marriage

Additionally, before being married to Andrew Cabot, Kristin was reportedly married to Kenneth C Thornby. Massachusetts court records that were quoted by the news outlet said that the two had filed for divorce in 2018, which was finalised in 2022. They have at least one child, and Thornby is reportedly paying child support, media reports said.

The Kiss Cam Controversy

During Coldplays concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston on Wednesday, frontman Chris Martin decided to spice up the crowd with the classic kiss cam game. As the camera panned across the thousands of fans in attendance, it suddenly landed on Byron, the married CEO of Astronomer, and his Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot.

The pair, seen with their arms around each other, quickly reacted as frontman Chris Martin commented, Oh, look at these two." As the camera lingered, Byron abruptly pulled away and ducked behind a barrier while Cabot covered her face with her hands, visibly embarrassed.

The clip became a huge internet topic because Byron is married with two children, while Cabot leads the companys human resources team. Their shocked reactions made people suspicious about their relationship.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After the alleged affair was exposed, people said Cabot needed a lesson from her own HR handbook. Cost of a concert: Hotel $200, tickets $600, food/drinks $150, divorce attorney $50,000. Getting exposed by Coldplay having an affair with your co-worker: priceless," wrote Instagram user Trustfundterry.

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

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Location : Boston, Massachusetts, USA

First Published: July 19, 2025, 23:33 IST

News viral Kristin Cabot, Viral HR From Coldplay Kiss Cam Bust, Is Married To Privateer Rum CEO: Report
Meet Megan Kerrigan, Wife Of Astronomer CEO Andy Bryon Caught In Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal

Curated By :

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Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 08:19 IST

Astronomer CEO Andy Bryon's wife, Megan Kerrigan, an accomplished educator and the mother of two kids, has reportedly dropped his surname after the 'Coldplaygate' went viral.

Megan Kerrigan (L) dropped her husband's surname after his affair with Kristin Cabot. (Image: X)

The Coldplay concert in Massachusetts turned out to be a nightmare for Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, after the kiss cam zeroed in on him sharing an intimate moment with his companys HR chief, Kristin Cabot, triggering a wave of memes and chatter about their affair.

The attention has shifted to Bryons wife, Megan Kerrigan, an accomplished educator and the mother of two kids, who had dropped his surname from her Facebook profile following public outrage after the Coldplaygate  the term used by netizens on the viral kiss cam moment exposing Bryons alleged affair with Cabot.

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After the kiss cam controversy, many netizens have flooded her posts with messages of support, particularly those featuring her children and family. Am genuinely sad for Meg Kerrigan and the Byron sons. They didnt deserve this, and I hope they recover quickly and fully from the inevitable hurt Andy Byron has caused them," said one user.

ALSO READ: Was Alyssa Stoddard Present At Viral Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal? Heres What Astronomer Said

Who Is Megan Kerrigan?

Megan Kerrigan Byron is an accomplished educator based in Massachusetts who currently serves as Associate Director of the Lower School and Admissions for the Hope Graham Program at the Bancroft School in Worcester.

Although Megan keeps her life private online, the kiss cam moment at the Coldplay concert brought unexpected attention. An X user revealed online that Megan had dropped her husbands surname from her Facebook profile. What a class act! Go Megan. Get that divorce lawyer and get the money," wrote the user called Mrs SpaceX.

Kerrigan deleted her Facebook page on Thursday, but screenshots show she removed her married name  Byron from it earlier in the day. She also deleted her Instagram account.

An Expensive Divorce?

Megans move to delete her Facebook profile has led to rumours that the couple may be heading for a divorce. So far, she has not made any official comment. The couple resides in New York.

If a divorce happens, Andy may have to pay a large alimony. His net worth is not publicly known, but his company, Astronomer, is worth more than $1 billion. According to reports, Andy is among the highest-paid executives in Ohio.

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Depending on the final agreement, Kerrigan could claim a share of marital assets, including cash, investments, real estate, and other holdings, according to the Economic Times. In many US states, marital assets are split either equally or equitably, depending on the local divorce laws. Child support and spousal support may also be factored in.

Meanwhile, Andy Byron has not publicly addressed the incident, although the internet refuses to let the matter die down. The scandal has raised several questions  from Bryons act of cheating" to workplace relationships.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 19, 2025, 08:19 IST

News viral Meet Megan Kerrigan, Wife Of Astronomer CEO Andy Bryon Caught In Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal
At Least 38 Killed, Children Among Tourists Missing As Boat Capsizes In Vietnam's Ha Long Bay

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 07:48 IST

The vessel was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members when it capsized in the UNESCO World Heritage site because of sudden heavy rain

Relief personnel gathered around a capsized tourist boat (L) during a search and rescue operation in the Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province. (AFP photo)

At least 38 people have died, and several others, including children, are missing after a tourist boat capsized in Vietnams Ha Long Bay on Saturday. The accident occurred during a sudden storm that hit the popular UNESCO World Heritage site, state media reported.

The boat was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members when it overturned due to heavy rain and strong winds. Most of those on board were families visiting from Hanoi, with more than 20 children among the passengers, according to VNExpress.

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Authorities confirmed that border guards had rescued 12 people and recovered 38 bodies from the water. Search and rescue operations are continuing to locate at least eight people still missing.

The sky turned dark at around 2 pm, followed by hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning," a local office worker in Ha Long Bay, Tran Trong Hung, told news agency AFP.

A 10-year-old boy, one of the survivors, shared his terrifying experience with state media outlet VietnamNet. I took a deep breath, swam through a gap, dived, then swam up. I even shouted for help, then I was pulled up by a boat with soldiers," he said.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered both defence and public security forces to speed up rescue operations. He also called for an investigation into the cause of the incident and promised strict action against any violations.

Heavy rain also battered parts of northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, and Bac Ninh provinces, toppling trees and disrupting daily life. The sudden storm followed several days of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 37C in some regions.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, said the storm was not linked to Tropical Storm Wipha in the South China Sea, confirming that the thunderstorms were local in nature.

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Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnams most visited tourist spots, known for its emerald waters and limestone islands. The region sees millions of visitors every year. In 2023, over 30 vessels sank in the same coastal province during Typhoon Yagi, raising concerns about safety protocols in extreme weather.

(With inputs from AFP)

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

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Location : Vietnam

First Published: July 19, 2025, 21:03 IST

News world At Least 38 Killed, Children Among Tourists Missing As Boat Capsizes In Vietnam's Ha Long Bay
'Build New Syrian Identity': US Brokers Israel-Syria Ceasefire As Clashes Rock Druze Heartland

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 07:42 IST

Israel carried out with major strikes in the heart of the capital Damascus, including hitting the army's headquarters, earlier this week.

Israel-Syria ceasefire: US announces truce (Reuters Image)

The United States announced on Saturday that it had negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and the Syrian government as fresh clashes broke out in Syrias Druze heartland after violence that led to massive Israeli strikes.

At least 638 people have been killed since Sunday in fighting between the Druze and Bedouins, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The violence has raised doubts about the leadership of Syrias interim head, Ahmed al-Sharaa. On Wednesday, Israel carried out major airstrikes in central Damascus, including a strike on the Syrian armys headquarters.

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Tom Barrack, US Special Envoy for Syria, said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sharaa have agreed to a ceasefire negotiated by the United States.

Barrack, an ambassador to Turkey, said that the deal was backed by Ankara, a key supporter of Sharaa.

BREAKTHROUGH  Israeli Prime Minister @Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa @SyPresidency supported by the U.S.A. @SecRubio have agreed to a ceasefire embraced by Turkiye, Jordan and its neighbors. We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors," Tom Barrack, Special Envoy for Syria, tweeted.

BREAKTHROUGH  Israeli Prime Minister @Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa @SyPresidency supported by the U.S.A. @SecRubio have agreed to a ceasefire embraced by Turkiye, Jordan and its neighbors. We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 18, 2025

On Wednesday, the US announced an earlier deal in which Sharaa retracted government forces from Sweida, the southern hub of the Druze minority.

Sharaa said that the ceasefire helped avert a large-scale escalation" with Israel; however, his office accused Druze fighters of violating the truce.

On Friday evening, Sharaas office promised to send new troops to the region to stop further clashes in the south, urging all parties to stay calm and act with reason." Despite the appeal, fresh fighting broke out that same day between Bedouin tribal groups and the Druze at the entrance to Sweida.

Nearly 200 tribal fighters fought with armed Druze people from the city with machine guns and shells. Fighting was also reported in neighbourhoods in Sweida.

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The UNs International Organisation for Migration on Friday said that at least 79,339 people have been displaced since Sunday, which included 20,019 on Thursday alone.

(With AFP 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

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 19, 2025, 07:26 IST

News world 'Build New Syrian Identity': US Brokers Israel-Syria Ceasefire As Clashes Rock Druze Heartland
China Starts Construction Of Mega-Dam On Brahmaputra In Tibet. What It Means For India

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 19:41 IST

The dam project, called the Yarlung Zangbo River Lower Reaches Hydropower Project, involves the construction of five cascade power stations

China has sanctioned construction of what could become the world's largest hydropower station on the Brahmaputra, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.

China has begun building a massive hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the Brahmaputra once it enters India. The project, launched on Saturday in the Tibet region, has raised serious concerns for downstream countries, especially India and Bangladesh.

The ceremony was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, along with officials from central agencies, state-owned enterprises, engineers, and local representatives, according to Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency.

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The dam project, called the Yarlung Zangbo River Lower Reaches Hydropower Project, involves the construction of five cascade power stations. It aims to straighten parts of the rivers natural bends and divert water through tunnels.

The total investment is around 1.2 trillion yuan (about $167.8 billion). China has stated that the electricity generated will be mainly used outside the region, while also meeting local needs in Tibet.

What It Means For India

However, this move has sparked alarm in India, which lies downstream. Indian officials fear the dam could affect water flow, agriculture, and ecological balance in the northeastern states. Any disruption in the Brahmaputras flow could harm millions who depend on the river for farming and daily life.

India has raised the issue with China several times. After China first announced the dam plans in late 2023, India asked for greater transparency and consultation.

On 27 March this year, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told Parliament that India had urged China to respect the interests of downstream countries.

Talks were also held during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris visit to Beijing in January. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism, a platform created in 2006 for discussing river-related issues. India also pushed for the resumption of hydrological data sharing from China, which is vital for managing river flows and preparing for floods.

Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. He stressed the need to address long-standing issues, including water cooperation, to build stable ties based on mutual respect and sensitivity.

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Incumbent on us to address aspects related to the border, normalising people-to-people exchanges and avoiding restrictive trade measures and roadblocks. Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory," he had shared on X after the meeting.

(With inputs from IANS)

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

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Location : China

First Published: July 19, 2025, 19:40 IST

News world China Starts Construction Of Mega-Dam On Brahmaputra In Tibet. What It Means For India
Donald Trump Diagnosed With Chronic Venous Insufficiency: How Serious Is It And Whats the Treatment?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 10:58 IST

Donald Trump is battling a vein condition called Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), which commonly affects people over 70. Though not life-threatening, it can be quite painful

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a condition where the veins in the legs struggle to send blood back to the heart. (News18 Hindi)

US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a condition known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). The disease was detected during a routine medical check-up. According to a statement issued by the White House, the 79-year-old was examined after experiencing swelling and injury in his legs. Doctors later confirmed the presence of CVI. Following the announcement, many have been curious to know more about this condition and its effects on the body.

What is CVI?

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As per the Cleveland Clinic, Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a condition where the veins in the legs struggle to send blood back to the heart. Normally, the veins contain small valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. When these valves become weak or damaged, blood can flow backwards and pool in the legs. This leads to increased pressure in the veins, resulting in swelling, pain, and even ulcers. While not life-threatening, CVI can be extremely uncomfortable and may worsen if left untreated.

How Did Donald Trump Develop This Condition?

The White House has suggested that Trumps condition may have developed due to regular handshaking and his prolonged use of aspirin. He reportedly takes aspirin to reduce the risk of heart disease. CVI is commonly seen in older adults and is considered a slow-developing condition linked to ageing and certain lifestyle habits. People over the age of 70 are at a higher risk.

Symptoms and Causes of CVI

Early signs of CVI include swelling in the legs or ankles, a feeling of heaviness or fatigue, itching or tingling on the skin, and the appearance of varicose veins. In some cases, the skin may darken, thicken, or become leathery. Open sores or ulcers can also develop. If not addressed in time, these symptoms can become painful and persistent.

The condition usually develops when vein valves are damaged due to previous blood clots or injuries. Ageing naturally weakens the veins, increasing the risk. Other contributing factors include prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, low physical activity, and a family history of vein disorders.

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Treatment

Although CVI cannot be fully cured, its symptoms can be effectively managed. Lifestyle changes like regular walking, elevating the legs, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce discomfort. Compression stockings are commonly used to improve blood flow. In addition, doctors may prescribe antibiotics, blood thinners, or medicated wraps. In more severe cases, treatments such as sclerotherapy (injections to close off veins), endovenous ablation, or even surgery may be required. Treatment varies depending on the patients condition and overall health.

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 10:58 IST

News world Donald Trump Diagnosed With Chronic Venous Insufficiency: How Serious Is It And Whats the Treatment?
India May Pursue Extradition Of Babbar Khalsa Terrorist Batala, Others Linked To Khalistani Network From US

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 22:38 IST

Top sources have told News18 that, following a major crackdown by US law enforcement agencies, all such wanted persons are being pursued legally

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested eight individuals across the country in a significant operation against an international terror network. Among them is Pavittar Singh Batala, a Punjab-based gangster wanted by Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) for terror activities linked to the banned group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Image/X

The Indian government could legally pursue the extradition of Babbar Khalsa terrorist Pavittar Singh Batala and others linked to the Khalistani network from the United States. Top sources have told CNN-News18 that, following a major crackdown by US law enforcement agencies, all such wanted persons are being pursued legally. The potential extradition marks a significant development in Indias ongoing efforts to counter cross-border terrorism and dismantle extremist networks operating from foreign soil.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested eight individuals across the country in a significant operation against an international terror network. Among them is Pavittar Singh Batala, a Punjab-based gangster wanted by Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) for terror activities linked to the banned group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The arrests, a result of a coordinated operation involving multiple US law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and SWAT teams, also led to the seizure of a cache of arms, ammunition, and cash, underscoring the severity of their alleged criminal and terror activities.

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Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is a Pakistan-backed Sikh separatist organisation designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including India, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Malaysia. Its goal is the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan in the Punjab region of India.

Batlas will be the second such case after reports indicate that wanted Khalistani terrorist Happy Passia is set to be extradited to India from the United States in the coming days. The pursuit of Batalas extradition falls under the existing extradition treaty between India and the United States, which provides the legal framework for transferring fugitives to face justice in their respective countries. Should the extradition succeed, it would be a major triumph for India, demonstrating strengthened bilateral cooperation on security matters and sending a strong message to Khalistani elements believed to be operating from North America.

The NIA has charge-sheeted Jatinder Singh, alias Joti, a key aide of Babbar Khalsa International terrorist Lakhbir Singh, alias Landa, and dreaded gangster Pavittar Batala in a Punjab terror conspiracy case.

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Jatinder Singh, from the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, was arrested by the NIA in Mumbai on December 23 last year, according to an official statement. Jatinder Singh was involved in the illegal procurement and supply of firearms from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab-based gangsters, the agency said. He was facilitating the supply of weapons to operatives of Pavittar Batala, a close associate of designated terrorist Landa. The weapons were being used by Batalas operatives in Punjab to promote Babbar Khalsa Internationals criminal-terror activities.

On June 12, the NIA searched 15 locations linked with the Babbar Khalsa International in Punjab and Haryana. The places searched included Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Kapurthala, and Rupnagar districts of Punjab, and Sirsa in Haryana in connection with the January grenade attack at a police post in Amritsar.

About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 21:54 IST

News world India May Pursue Extradition Of Babbar Khalsa Terrorist Batala, Others Linked To Khalistani Network From US
2 Indians Killed, One Abducted In 'Heinous' Terror Attack On Their Worksite In Niger

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 10:26 IST

At least two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives, and one was abducted during a clash between local police and a militant group at their worksite in Niger.

Family members of migrant worker Ganesh Karmali, who was killed in Niger. (Photo: X)

Two Indian nationals were killed, and one was abducted in an alleged terror attack on their worksite in the country of Niger on July 15 that left a total of six people dead, confirmed the Indian embassy in Niger on Saturday.

In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Nigers Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives, and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," said the Indian Embassy in Niger.

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In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Nigers Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives and one was abducted.Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure  India in Niger (@IndiainNiger) July 18, 2025

According to the The Indian Express, one of the workers killed in the attack was a 39-year-old migrant worker from Jharkhands Bokaro district, identified as Ganesh Karmali.

The other deceased Indian worker was identified only as Krishnan from a southern India state. The abducted Indian national was identified as Ranjit Singh from Jammu and Kashmir, who reportedly provided security to Transrail Lighting Ltd, where all the deceased workers were employed.

Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant," said the Indian Embassy.

What Happened In Niger?

Local sources told AFP that unidentified armed attackers ambushed a Nigerien army unit providing security at a construction site for an electrical line in the Dosso region, around 100 kilometres (63 miles) from the capital Niamey.

Karmails family told The Indian Express that his brother-in-law, Premlal Karmali, also worked at the same site and sustained bullet injuries. He is under police protection in Niger, along with four other workers from Jharkhand who want to return home.

Shikha Lakra, head of the State Migrant Workers Control Room under the Labour Department, said Karmail died in the crossfire between police and militants and a process to repatriate workers from Niger has been initiated, along with the remains of the deceased workers.

Sapna Kumari, Ganesh Karmalis 20-year-old daughter, said her father had assured the family that his company insurance cover was worth Rs 40 lakh, but the company has now promised to give the family only Rs 12 lakh. We havent even been contacted by the company directly. Only the contractor is speaking to us. We just want justice and for my fathers body to return with dignity," she said.

The Dosso region borders both Nigeria and Benin, where attacks regularly target civilians, the army and also a giant oil pipeline transporting crude from Niger to Benin. The authorities generally blame such attacks on terrorists" or bandits".

Niger, under military rule following a 2023 coup, has faced around a decade of violence perpetrated by jihadists affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

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According to official Indian sources, five Indian technicians were kidnapped in an April 25 attack just north of the nearby town of Sakoira. Twelve Nigerien soldiers were killed in that attack.

(with agency inputs)

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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Location : Niger

First Published: July 19, 2025, 10:26 IST

News world 2 Indians Killed, One Abducted In 'Heinous' Terror Attack On Their Worksite In Niger
Trouble Mounting For Yunus? US-Based Rights Group Seeks UN Probe Into Bangladesh Violence

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 08:00 IST

As diplomatic pressure mounts and civil society voices grow louder, the coming weeks may prove critical for both Yunus and Bangladeshs political landscape

According to the BHRW, the violence was triggered by actions of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), a newly emergent political force linked to Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who is already under increasing scrutiny. (IMAGE: AFP file)

The international pressure on Bangladesh continues to grow following the recent Gopalganj violence, with a second human rights body now raising alarm bells at the United Nations.

Soon after a UK-based group petitioned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a US-based organisation, Bangladesh Human Rights Watch (BHRW), has written a letter to the UN chief, calling for immediate international intervention.

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The BHRW letter, accessed by News18, strongly indicts the Bangladesh Army, pointing to its alleged complicity in the violent crackdown in Gopalganj  the political bastion of Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The organisation claimed the clashes led to at least 21 deaths, although the government has not released an official toll.

According to the BHRW, the violence was triggered by actions of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), a newly emergent political force linked to Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who is already under increasing scrutiny.

The rights group raised concerns over the potential role of the kings party", which apparently NCP has come to be known as, and has accused them of enabling vandalising, destroying and burning both public and private properties, Hindu temples, other religious institutions, statues of national heroes, and even businesses and factories." It called for an independent international investigation into the incident and pressed for the deployment of UN human rights observers in Bangladesh to monitor the situation.

Continued silence from the international community risks enabling further violations," the BHRW said in its appeal, adding that Bangladeshs human rights climate has rapidly deteriorated in recent months.

This comes on the heels of a similar demand from the ICR Foundation, a UK-based group, which also sought a UN fact-finding mission and raised alarm over the alleged attempt by NCP supporters to desecrate and demolish" the grave of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the countrys founding father.

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The Yunus camp has not officially responded to the latest development, but sources close to him maintain that the Nobel laureate is being maliciously targeted" due to his political views and past criticism of the government.

As diplomatic pressure mounts and civil society voices grow louder, the coming weeks may prove critical for both Yunus and Bangladeshs political landscape.

About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 08:00 IST

News world Trouble Mounting For Yunus? US-Based Rights Group Seeks UN Probe Into Bangladesh Violence
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian fuel retailer Vibra began talks with conglomerate Cosan to buy Cosan's lubricants arm, Moove, news outlet Brazil Journal reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The talks were sparked by a minority shareholder, European private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, expressing interest in selling its stake, Brazil Journal said, adding that Vibra has also shown interest in buying 100% of the company.

However, talks stalled, it added, saying that according to a source, controlling shareholder and chairman Rubens Ometto has no interest in selling his stake.

Last year, Cosan scrapped a planned initial public offering (IPO) for Moove in the United States.

In a securities filing, Cosan said there was no agreement, commitment or document signed for a deal, adding that any talks held by the company are non-binding.

Cosan also said that it has been approached by various market participants regarding potential alternatives involving its assets.

In a separate filing, Vibra said weighing business opportunities is part of its regular activities, while also noting that no agreement, commitment or binding document was signed.

Moove declined to comment. CVC did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside normal business hours.

(Reporting by Andre Romani; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle, Sarah Morland and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Trump Says 'Left Lunatics' Won't Be Satisfied Even If Court Approves Epstein File Release

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 23:45 IST

Trump made the remarks while confirming that he has asked the US Justice Department to release all grand jury testimony concerning Epstein

US President Donald Trump. (AP file photo)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that even if the courts approve the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics."

Trump made the remarks while confirming that he has asked the US Justice Department to release all grand jury testimony concerning Epstein, but subject to court approval."

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He posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, I have asked the Justice Department to release all Grand Jury testimony with respect to Jeffrey Epstein, subject only to Court Approval. With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request. It will always be more, more, more. MAGA!"

Trumps comments came a day after the Justice Department had asked federal judges to unseal grand jury testimonies in criminal cases linked to Epstein.

On Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche filed motions urging the court to release the grand jury transcripts in Epsteins case, as well as those in the case against convicted British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. This followed Trumps direct order to the Justice Department to make the files public.

The Trump administration has faced controversy since the Justice Department announced last week that it would not release any more evidence from Epsteins investigation.

Trumps demand came after The Wall Street Journal reported on a sexually suggestive letter, allegedly bearing Trumps name, included in a 2003 album for Epsteins 50th birthday. Trump denied writing the letter, calling it false, malicious, and defamatory."

The Justice Department said it will work with prosecutors in New York to make necessary redactions to protect victims and sensitive personal information before releasing the transcripts.

Grand jury transcripts, which contain witness testimony and evidence presented by prosecutors, are rarely made public unless required by a court.

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Even with the Justice Departments support, it may take weeks or months of legal proceedings to decide what can be released while safeguarding witnesses and victim details.

(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

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 19, 2025, 23:45 IST

News world Trump Says 'Left Lunatics' Won't Be Satisfied Even If Court Approves Epstein File Release
US Justice Department Files Motion To Unseal Epstein Transcripts: When Will They Be Made Public?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 19, 2025, 09:42 IST

The DOJs filing came after Donald Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to act, following mounting pressure from his MAGA base to release Epstein-related records

Facing political backlash, Trump publicly urged Bondi to release whatever is possible and dismissed any allegations linking him to Epstein as politically motivated. (Image: Reuters)

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday asked a federal judge in the Southern District of New York to unseal grand jury transcripts related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. But despite the latest legal step, it remains unclear when, or if, the records will be made public.

The DOJs motion followed President Donald Trumps public directive to Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all" testimony related to Epstein, subject to court approval. The nearly simultaneous developments came amid mounting pressure from Trumps MAGA base, which has demanded full transparency and the release of what supporters often refer to as Epsteins client list."

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In its court filing, the DOJ stated: The publics interest in the Epstein matter has remained. Given this longstanding and legitimate interest, the government now moves to unseal grand jury transcripts associated with Epstein."

When Will The Epstein Files Be Released?

Even with the DOJs motion before the court, there is no clear timeline for release. Under US federal law, the judge must first consult with Epsteins victims and any uncharged individuals mentioned in the grand jury testimony. Their identities are protected, and the legal review and redaction process could take weeks, months, or even longer.

Importantly, the grand jury transcripts represent only a small portion of what is publicly referred to as the Epstein files." According to a CNN report, these sealed transcripts are just one element within thousands of documents related to Epsteins broader criminal investigation.

The larger cache of Epstein-related material  including FBI files, digital evidence, flight logs, surveillance photos, and internal communications  remains in the custody of the Justice Department and is not part of the current unsealing request.

DOJ Cites Public Interest

The DOJs motion includes not just grand jury materials from the Epstein investigation, but also transcripts tied to the case of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of luring underage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein.

Citing growing public scrutiny, the filing stated: Public officials, lawmakers, pundits, and ordinary citizens remain deeply interested and concerned about the Epstein matter. Notably, the privacy interests at stake on the other side of the balance are substantially diminished due to Epsteins death."

The department also noted that it had reviewed the transcripts to determine whether evidence existed that could predicate an investigation into uncharged third parties."

MAGA Outrage And Trumps Public Push

The DOJs move came amid a wave of criticism from Trumps supporters, who accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of avoiding transparency. Facing political backlash, Trump publicly urged Bondi to release whatever is possible" and dismissed any allegations linking him to Epstein as politically motivated, blaming Comey, Obama, and Biden."

WSJ Report Sparks Legal Action

The controversy escalated after The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had allegedly sent Epstein a 2003 birthday letter featuring a naked woman and referencing a shared secret." The paper said it reviewed the note but did not publish an image.

Trump denied the authenticity of the letter, called the report false and defamatory, and on Friday filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court in Miami against WSJ and media magnate Rupert Murdoch, threatening to sue the ass off" them for political sabotage.

What Are The Epstein Files?

The term Epstein files" refers to a vast trove of legal documents, investigative records, and court materials tied to Jeffrey Epsteins decades-long sex trafficking operation, one that implicated some of the worlds most powerful people.

Key components of the broader case file include:

Flight logs from Epsteins private jets, especially his Boeing 727, the so-called Lolita Express," which reportedly ferried celebrities, business leaders, and politicians to his private island.

Deposition transcripts from Epstein, Maxwell, victims, witnesses, and staff.

Financial and offshore business records tied to Epsteins wealth and network.

Civil lawsuits filed by victims naming Epstein, Maxwell, and other unnamed individuals.

Sealed grand jury materials and court orders, some of which remain confidential to this day due to ongoing investigations or victim protections.

While some documents have been unsealed in past civil cases, the majority of records remain inaccessible to the public, including those held under seal by the DOJ.

What Happens Next?

If the court approves the DOJs motion, the unsealing process will begin, but only after redactions are made to protect the identities of victims and other individuals not formally charged. This legal process is complex and could take time.

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Even then, the transcripts expected to be released will reflect only a narrow slice of the full Epstein story. The motion does not cover the broader files amassed by federal investigators over the years of probes.

So while the Justice Departments latest move marks a notable step, the vast majority of whats known as the Epstein files" remains sealed, and may stay that way for the foreseeable future.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More

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First Published: July 19, 2025, 09:38 IST

News world US Justice Department Files Motion To Unseal Epstein Transcripts: When Will They Be Made Public?
The likelihood of renewed military clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan is currently low, according to a recent report by international credit rating agency Fitch Ratings, Azernews reports.

In its latest country risk assessment, Fitch highlights that although the final peace agreement has not yet been signed, both countries made significant progress by agreeing on the draft text of a peace treaty in March 2025. However, the report notes that the content of the agreement and the exact timeline for its signing remain uncertain.

The probability of a return to armed conflict is considered quite low at this stage, Fitch stated in the report.

This assessment aligns with recent diplomatic developments. On July 10, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met in Abu Dhabi for high-level talks. The meeting was described as constructive and focused on key elements of the peace agenda, including border delimitation, the opening and development of the Zangazur Corridor, and the formalization of the peace treaty.

The two sides reportedly reached mutual understanding on continuing negotiations through various working groups and at more senior diplomatic levels.

The ongoing dialogue and engagement between the parties, combined with international support for a lasting resolution, are contributing factors behind Fitchs positive assessment of regional stability.
Australian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines has suspended operations at its Point Lake diamond mine in Canada, attributing the decision to record-low diamond prices.

The Point Lake site, part of the company's Ekati mine in the Northwest Territories (NWT), will see several hundred employees and contractors laid off as a result.

Burgundy Diamonds corporate communications manager Ariella Calin said: "Burgundy Diamond Mines made the decision to temporarily suspend open-pit mining at Point Lake, which constitutes a shift from surface mining operations in the short term.

Despite the suspension at Point Lake, mining operations at the Misery underground mine remain unaffected, with production rates showing significant improvement in recent months through improved mining techniques and equipment.

Burgundy is expected to provide a quarterly production update towards the end of July.

The company said in a statement: The company will continue to maintain Point Lake to ensure that it can quickly and efficiently restart operations, should market conditions allow.

The global dip in diamond prices has led to reduced profitability across the sector, prompting companies such as Rio Tinto and Anglo American to consider closures and spin-offs of their diamond businesses.

Rio Tinto plans to close its Diavik mine by early 2026, while Anglo American, owner of De Beers, is exploring the option to divest its entire diamond segment.

In May, De Beers Group announced plans to discontinue its lab-grown diamond jewellery brand Lightbox and focus on natural diamonds in the jewellery sector.

In response to the challenging market conditions, Burgundy has ceased trading on the Australian Stock Exchange pending further operational updates, reported Reuters.

The company is prioritising the mining and processing of higher-margin ore at Ekati to reduce costs.

As the productive life of Canada's diamond mines draws to a close, the NWT community is advocating for infrastructure improvements and new projects to mitigate future job losses.

NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines executive director Karen D. Costello said: "The Northern mining industry has been around for over 90 years.

"And it has been recognised that we do have incredible mineral potential, but we do need robust exploration to make the discoveries, and we do need the known projects to advance to become the next generation of mines."

"Burgundy Diamond halts operations at Canada mine amid low diamond prices" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
Harare magistrate Mr Gamuchirai Gore has fined Ibhalabhala Private Limited trading as Flo Petroleum US$350 after he found the company guilty of selling contaminated fuel.

Mr Gore ordered Flo Petroleum to pay the fine before July 25, 2025.

It was alleged that on April 22, 2025, the complainant, Shakespear Kunaka, who is employed by ZERA as a fuel quality technician and an inspector, visited the accuseds fuel filling station at 905 Acturus Road, Donnybrook, Harare, after receiving information that the site had sold blend petrol fuel which was contaminated with water.

He found that the information was correct, as the petrol coming out of the nozzle showed water contamination.

Together with officials from the fuel company, they tested for water in the tank using water finding paste and the test was positive.

On April 23 2025, the accused brought fuel samples to ZERA offices and laboratory tests were carried out and the results revealed that the blend petrol failed to meet the minimum requirements as per ZWS 964 Part 4:2012 standard.

The tank that contained the fuel in question was sealed and secured as an exhibit. The same company was last year fined US$400 by a Bulawayo magistrate on the same charges.

The court was told that on July 9, Tinotenda Machingura, an inspector with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, was on duty checking fuel quality.

Machingura went to Flo Petroleums Burnside Service Station, where he took samples from an unleaded petrol pump managed by Singende.

The court heard that laboratory tests were conducted and the unleaded petrol failed to meet minimum requirements as per ZWS 753 standard, as it contained 23 percent ethanol when it should not have any. Herald
For over 500 years, the fate of the "Princes in the Tower" has flummoxed historiansnow, a new investigation claims to have cracked the case, reports CBS News . British author Philippa Langley challenges the widely held view that the two young princes were murdered in the Tower of London by their famous uncle, Richard III, so he could ascend to the throne. Instead, she says Edward, 12, and Richard, 9sons of King Edward IVlived on. Shakespeare cemented Richard's reputation as a ruthless usurper, but Langley, known for helping discover Richard III's remains under a parking lot in 2012, suggests history may have gotten it wrong.

Central to her theory is documentation suggesting that the princes emerged as "pretenders to the throne" after Richard III was deposed in 1485, reports the Times of London. Both men confessed to being imposters, but Langley says they made false confessions under duress from allies of Henry IV and were, in fact, the princes. Langley's findings are detailed in her new book, The Princes in the Tower: How History's Greatest Cold Case Was Solved. She argues that the burden now falls on skeptics to prove the boys' deaths, asserting that "numerous proofs of life" have emerged.

Case closed? Not even close. Critics, including Shakespeare scholars, argue that leaving the princes alive would have been too risky for Richard III. Langley's interest was piqued by doubts over the Tudor narrative that painted Richard III as a child killera story she believes was engineered by his rivals to solidify their own claim to the throne. To investigate, she assembled a team of legal and investigative experts, applied cold case techniques, and launched the decade-long Missing Princes Project that has culminated with the book. (Another historian declared Richard guilty in 2021.)
A regional airline flight heading to Detroit had to make an emergency landing in eastern Iowa after a passenger fought with a flight attendant and tried to open an exit door midair, according to the pilot's communications with air traffic controllers. The pilot of SkyWest Airlines Flight 3612 contacted the tower at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids shortly after 6pm local time on Thursday requesting to land due to a passenger causing a disturbance, per the AP .

"He's in a fight with our flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit," the pilot said, according to audio captured by LiveATC. The disturbance happened shortly after the SkyWest flight departed from Omaha, Nebraska, around 5:30pm, according to police. The flight was diverted to and landed safely at the Cedar Rapids airport, according to a statement from the FAA.

Once on the ground, local police boarded and arrested the 23-year-old Omaha man, Cedar Rapids police said. The flight was able to travel on to Detroit later Thursday night, according to a statement issued by SkyWest Airlines, a Utah-based regional carrier that operates flights for major airlines like United, Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines. "SkyWest has zero tolerance for unruly behavior, as safety for our customers and crew is our top priority," the statement read.
Crew members have been pulled off at least two Great Lakes cruise ships by Customs and Border Protection agents. The removals took place when Victory Cruise Lines' Victory I and Victory II were in the Port of Detroit, USA Today reports. "We are actively cooperating with federal authorities to clarify the circumstances," company Chairman John Waggoner said in an email, which also thanked "federal, state and local representatives across the Great Lakes" for attending to the issue. Victory said the workers removed have valid work visas and were cleared to work in the US.
Given the backdrop of CBS' owner deciding to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by President Trump, the Writers' Guild of America says it finds the explanation for dropping Stephen Colbert's show so questionable that the whole thing merits an official examination by New York. So the union has called on state Attorney General Letitia James to launch a bribery investigation of Paramount, Variety reports. The company has said that The Late Show, which is based in New York City, was canceled solely for financial reasons, which not everyone buys. Many Colbert jokes skewered the president.
OTTAWA, ON, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Yesterday, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture met virtually to discuss ways to support a more resilient and competitive agriculture sector and food supply chains that make up Canada's agri-food landscape. Ministers discussed possible measures to support the hard-working producers and processors across Canada to address the emerging challenges related to international trade and the potential opportunities that could be created by increased interprovincial trade.

Ministers reiterated their commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of business risk management (BRM) programs. Due to the uncertain trade environment and unfavourable climate conditions in parts of the country, Ministers agreed to take the necessary steps to implement a package of enhancements to the AgriStability program. For the 2025 program year only, the compensation rate will be increased from 80% to 90% and the maximum payment limit will be increased from $3 million to $6 million. These changes are meant to help producers manage the risks they face. In addition, for AgriStability, starting in the 2026 program year, provinces and territories will have the option to use a new inventory valuation method for inventories destined to be used on-farm. Ministers agreed to seek the necessary approvals to include feed costs associated with rented pasture as an allowable expense in advance of the 2026 program year, report back on progress at the September annual meeting and to continue a review of AgriStability allowable expenses.

FPT Ministers are working together to increase interprovincial trade of food. Ministers discussed a variety of options, including ways to remove barriers to internal food trade and identify new trade opportunities. Ministers also discussed enhanced client service support from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for small to medium-sized businesses wishing to market food products across Canada under a federal food licence, increasing slaughter capacity where possible in regions with restricted access to services, and allowing interprovincial trade of low-risk manufactured foods without a federal licence. These ideas will be informed by the two ongoing pilots on meat trade and slaughter that are being accelerated. These initiatives aim to support business growth and improve market access, while maintaining Canada's robust food safety system.

FPT Ministers highlighted the critical importance of joint efforts across governments to maintain, expand and diversify international market access. In support of this work, Ministers discussed the federal Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office and other resources in the region. Ministers also emphasized the importance of engaging with China at the highest level, to improve the overall trade relationship and to remove Chinese tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood products. Ministers also underscored the benefits of existing trade agreements and emphasized the importance of considering the impact of tariffs on businesses.

The annual conference of FPT Ministers of Agriculture will take place in-person in Winnipeg, Manitoba September 7-9, 2025.

Quotes

"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our farmers, ranchers and food processors across the country, we've earned a reputation for producing the best products in the world. By working together across governments, we can continue to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of our sector, drive economic growth, and help to ensure Canadian products continue to lead on quality, safety, and sustainability."

- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"The province of Manitoba strongly supports our agricultural producers, the backbone of the Manitoba economy. We remain committed to working with other levels of governments, private sector partners and other provinces to deliver programs that support food security, and sustainable practices to ensure the economic viability of farms. We will continue to work tirelessly to advocate for important programs that help producers manage environmental and market risks in a changing global political environment."

- The Honourable Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture

Quick facts

Canada's global exports of agriculture and agri-food in 2024 overall was $92.2 billion in 2024, compared to $91.6 billion in 2023.

global exports of agriculture and agri-food in 2024 overall was in 2024, compared to in 2023. In 2024, Canada exported nearly $100.3 billion globally in agri-food, fish and seafood products combined. In 2023, that number was $99.2 billion .

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Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Contacts: For media: Annie Cullinan, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected]; Manitoba media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: [email protected]; Manitoba media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: [email protected]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]
Astronomers believe there is a Planet Nine in the outer solar system beyond Neptune.

A team led by Amos Chen from the National Tsing Hua University, is searching for Planet Nines heat signature. When you double the distance from the sun, reflected light becomes 16 times fainter. This is an inverse fourth-power relationship. But thermal radiation, the heat that all objects naturally emit, only becomes four times fainter when you double the distance.

They used far infrared light data from AKARI, a Japanese space telescope. Unlike ground-based telescopes that are hampered by Earths atmosphere, AKARI could detect the faint thermal glow that Planet Nine should emit.

Planet Nine was estimated to have a temperature range between 53 and 28 K. Only requiring AKARI detection can expand the search to five times fainter objects than a previous survey.

The paper gave sky positions but did not give radial distance calculations. The general estimates are 300-900AU from the sun.



More observations would be needed for temperature and size and distance. If the temperature estimations were right then the measurements indicate the following.



They looked at specific regions of sky where computer simulations suggested Planet Nine was most likely to be found, based upon the orbital patterns of the Kuiper Belt Objects. They then faced the challenging task of distinguishing a slowly moving planet from the countless stars, galaxies, and cosmic debris that populate this region.

Planet Nine should appear stationary over the course of a single day but show detectable movement over months.

A far-infrared search for planet nine using AKARI all-sky survey

Compared to the combined ZTF (Brown & Batygin Reference Brown and Batygin2022), DES (Belyakov, Bernardinelli, & Brown Reference Belyakov, Bernardinelli and Brown2022), and Pan-STARRS1 (Brown, Holman, & Batygin Reference Brown, Holman and Batygin2024) searches, we search for Planet Nine at a larger distance. The combined ZTF, DES, and Pan-STARRS1 survey exclude the situation V magnitude brighter than 21, which roughly corresponds to a distance of 500 au (see Figure 9 of Brown & Batygin Reference Brown and Batygin2019). Our search radius extended to  800 au if Planet Nine is 53 K. Sedgwick & Serjeant (Reference Sedgwick and Serjeant2022) also searched for Planet Nine in the AKARI catalogues. However, they required detections in AKARI FISBSC and IRAS all-sky search and covered the distance range from 700 to 8 000 au, which is very different from this work.

They calculated only 0.014 (mostly CCSNe) Nova transient events within one year are expected to be detected by AKARI in our survey region. It is unlikely that distant Nova events fooled their survey.

The noise fluctuation could also contribute to fake sources. They assume FISSSDL sources that were detected only once are not real sources. Because Planet Nine selection criteria require at least two hourly detections, they estimated the chance of two bright singly detected sources overlapping.

Follow-up observations will be essential to verify the Planet Nine hypothesis. The confirmation of Planet Nine and its orbit might be able to explain the orbital clustering of KBOs, which helps us to have a deeper understanding of the solar systems history.

Abstract

An unusual orbital element clustering of Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) has been observed. The most promising dynamic solution is the presence of a giant planet in the outer Solar system, Planet Nine. However, due to its extreme distance, intensive searches in optical have not been successful. We aim to find Planet Nine in the far-infrared, where it has the peak of the black body radiation, using the most sensitive all-sky far-infrared survey to date, AKARI. In contrast to optical searches, where the energy of reflected sunlight decreases by d4, thermal radiation in the infrared decreases with the square of the heliocentric distance d2. We search for moving objects in the AKARI Single Scan Detection List. We select sources from a promising region suggested by an N-body simulation from Millholland and Laughlin 2017: 30< R.A. <50 and 20< Dec. <20. Known sources are excluded by cross-matching AKARI sources with 9 optical and infrared catalogues. Furthermore, we select sources with small background strength to avoid sources in the cirrus. Since Planet Nine is stationary in a timescale of hours but moves on a monthly scale, our primary strategy is to select slowly moving objects that are stationary in 24 h but not in six months, using multiple single scans by AKARI. The selected slowly moving AKARI sources are scrutinized for potential contamination from cosmic rays. Our analysis reveals two possible Planet Nine candidates whose positions and flux are within the theoretical prediction ranges. These candidates warrant further investigation through follow-up observations to confirm the existence and properties of Planet Nine.
TMC has stated that deep-sea mining offers access to critical minerals with far less disruption to sensitive ecosystems, and has promised full transparency into the environmental impacts. However, environmental groups and marine scientists warn that disturbing the ocean floor could pose serious risks to biodiversity, especially in ecosystems that are slow to recover, if they recover at all. As with many emerging technologies, the ecological trade-offs are still being debated -- and TMC's framing should be taken with a grain of salt.

The Department of Energy estimates that over 80% of America's supply of critical minerals -- the raw ingredients for these metals -- comes from foreign sources. Given the heightened geopolitical tensions in the world today, that's a national security concern. But it's also an environmental issue. Land-based mines where these minerals are sourced threaten some of the world's most biodiverse and sensitive ecosystems, such as the rainforests of Indonesia and the Philippines.

The long list of use cases for these metals shows just how important they are to the U.S. economy. Here are a few examples:

They're also vital to a lower-carbon future. Nickel, cobalt, and manganese are key ingredients in many electric vehicle (EV) battery chemistries, while copper is critical for EV wiring, motors, charging stations, and even solar panels.

Vancouver-based TMC wants to harvest ocean-floor rocks called polymetallic nodules. These prehistoric, potato-size nodules are rich in nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper, which are considered critical metals for U.S. manufacturing, power generation, infrastructure, and defense.

Famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau mused, "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." TMC The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC), a deep-sea minerals exploration company, has had a similar effect on investors, soaring 576% this year.

TMC wants to mine international seabeds teeming with minerals that are vital to U.S. manufacturing, defense, and clean energy.

TMC The Metals Company has been a meme-stock favorite, but the story has some real depth.

Story Continues

TMC hasn't started mining

TMC The Metals Company holds exploration rights for two large swaths of the Pacific Ocean's Clarion-Clipperton Zone -- a 1.7 million-square-mile abyssal plain between Hawaii and Mexico that's teeming with mineral-rich nodules. However, TMC has no legal authority to begin commercial operations there until the International Seabed Authority (ISA) -- an organization formed by the United Nations to regulate mineral activity on the high seas -- finalizes its long-delayed rules for deep-sea mining.

In the meantime, TMC is hedging its bets. In late April, just days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to boost domestic access to offshore critical minerals, TMC applied for a mining permit by way of a U.S. law passed in 1980.

The International Seabed Authority oversees mineral mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. However, the United States never ratified the UN treaty that created the ISA, and doesn't formally recognize the agency. So if the Trump administration decides to unilaterally assert America's right to mine in the Pacific, it could provide TMC a faster legal pathway to begin commercial operations -- albeit a controversial one.

Is TMC a buy?

TMC's 576% run-up this year shows just how tricky it can be to value a company with no revenue and no commercial product. In the meme-stock era, valuations can become totally unmoored from business fundamentals. TMC The Metals Company is a prime example.

Like many start-ups, TMC is burning through cash. TMC reported a $20.6 million net loss in Q1 2025, and CEO Gerard Barron recently boasted that the company has invested more than $500 million "in deep-sea science, engineering, and technology to build the world's most advanced deep-sea minerals platform."

The good news is management believes that its liquidity at the end of the first quarter -- $2.3 million in cash and $41.5 million in available credit -- should cover operations through at least May 2026. And the company recently announced an $85 million equity investment from Korea Zinc, one of the world's top non-ferrous metal refiners.

While there's no question that TMC has massive potential, there are big risks as well. Deep-sea mining is an unproven business model. If TMC gets the green light to start harvesting polymetallic nodules in the Pacific, there's no telling if the company can do it profitably.

TMC has laid out some wildly ambitious projections. In a 2021 investor presentation, the company estimated that its flagship NORI-D project in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone would begin commercial production by 2024 and generate nearly $2 billion in EBITDA by 2027, with estimated annual revenue of $4.7 billion from 2030 to 2046. Those numbers are based on a long list of assumptions -- from favorable commodity prices and permitting timelines to full-scale production volumes -- and they haven't been updated since.

Until TMC The Metals Company has a more well-defined path to commercial production -- and can provide more detail on its potential revenue and earnings -- TMC is a highly speculative bet. If you're thinking about starting a position, expect choppy waters for now.

Should you buy stock in TMC The Metals Company right now?

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Should You Buy This EV Metals Stock That's Up 576% This Year? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Cathie Wood drops $36 million on her favorite stock originally appeared on TheStreet.

Cathie Wood isnt in the investing game to play safe.

Though others gravitate towards benchmarks, she hunts moonshots, betting big on the businesses that could reshape entire industries.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter

Her powerful playbook layers high conviction, deep patience, and rare transparency, which is often both admired and misunderstood.

Woods strategy has typically stuck with high-impact names through the storm. And this week, she ramped up her stake in a familiar name that has long defined her strategy.

Cathie Wood is making another high-conviction bet, and this time, Tesla stock is back in focus.Image source: Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Cathie Woods rise as a pioneer of disruptive investing

Cathie Wood has made a name for herself by being a trailblazer in active management, leaning on breakthrough tech that few others dare touch.

Related: Elon Musk moves xAI, Grok onto Palantir turf

She rejects benchmarks, zeroes in on AI, genomics, automation, and other seismic shifts that are poised to reshape sectors.

Her mantra is that exponential change drives outsized gains.

While the majority typically chase a stable yield, Wood looks for companies she projects can double in value within five years.

Also, instead of spreading tiny bets, she focuses on a dozen or so highconviction names. This combination of focus and scale can effectively supercharge winners, though it magnifies losses, too.

Patience matters the most, though.

She counsels investors to own it, dont trade it, urging patience on the rougher days, letting her ride the choppiness toward major inflection points.

Transparency is another big part of Woods philosophy.

ARK publishes daily holdings, white papers, podcasts, and scenario models in fostering an openbook style. On top of that, the contrarian courage doesnt hurt, either.

When the bears dismissed electric vehicles, ARK doubled down on Tesla (TSLA) . While others dismissed cryptocurrency, she backed blockchain.

More Tech Stock News:

Moreover, ARKs thematic ETFs, including Innovation, Genomics, Internet, Autonomous Tech, and Fintech, are each channeling a distinct revolution, letting investors target singular breakthroughs.

All in all, Woods style isnt cozy.

Volatility is the norm, and big swings test nerves. Yet diehard fans see bumps along the way as the price of admission for potential generational gains.

Love it or loathe it, her mindset has made ARK Invest virtually impossible to ignore.
By Che Pan and Casey Hall

BEIJING (Reuters) -China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Thursday that he hoped multinational companies, including Nvidia, would provide high-quality and reliable products and services to Chinese customers, the ministry said in a statement.

Huang said the Chinese market was very attractive, and Nvidia was willing to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners in the field of artificial intelligence, according to the commerce ministry's statement released on Friday.

Wang said China's policy of attracting foreign investment would not change and the door to openness would only open wider.

Nvidia declined to comment further.

During his third China visit this year, Huang, the founder and CEO of the world's most valuable company, also met with Ren Hongbin, chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the country's Vice Premier He Lifeng.

Chinese officials told Huang they welcomed foreign companies to continue to invest in the country, the Nvidia CEO said at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

At the event, Huang described AI models from Chinese firms Deepseek, Alibaba and Tencent as "world class" and said AI was "revolutionising" supply chains.

China's commerce ministry said in a separate statement on Friday that the U.S. had told Beijing that it would approve sales of Nvidia's H20 AI chips to Chinese customers.

Huang said on Wednesday that Chinese customers' demand for the H20, which was released from U.S. export controls this week, is high but no purchase orders have been fulfilled yet as it awaits U.S. government approval for export licences.

Nvidia has also announced it is developing a new chip for Chinese clients called the RTX Pro GPU, which would be compliant with U.S. export restrictions and designed specifically for smart factories and for robot training purposes.

(Reporting by Che Pan and Casey Hall; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Jamie Freed)
DEAR ERIC: I work at a small bank with nine coworkers, including myself. We have a dilemma going on in the office. The president and his assistant are sleeping together. They were caught on video after hours in the office. They also rush a few of us out of the office at the end of the day and stay back to do who knows what.

They have been confronted by one coworker to stop doing their mess in the office and that everyone, with the exception of one person who was just hired, knows what theyre doing. They also take multi-hour lunch breaks every day.

The problem is the other coworkers are salaried, with the exception of one, and some are taking advantage of work hours. Theyre always leaving early by one hour or coming in late and the president doesnt say anything because hes afraid of them going to HR and letting them know what he has done. This leaves some of the other employees, who dont abuse their time, reeling and wanting to go to HR, but it would probably shut the whole office down because no one here is capable of taking over.

So, are we just out of luck, or do we say something?

 Helpless

DEAR HELPLESS: You have to say something to HR. This is a mess and the mess  not the whistleblowing  is endangering your job and your customers well-being. Human Resources is not going to shut down your office. However, it may become necessary for the president to be replaced. If thats the case, there are people who are trained as interim or crisis leaders who can step in and help right the ship.

Being a part of a small office can sometimes make it harder to call out bad behavior because theres a fear of being labeled not a team player or creating huge waves in a small pond. But the waves are already there. The workplace is toxic. The president of your bank is clearly not exercising good judgment. What you need is someone or something that will calm the seas. Thats where HR can step in.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)

2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
South Park fans are anxious for the adult cartoon to return.

Season 27 was initially supposed to premiere on Comedy Central on July 9, but the release date was pushed back to Wednesday, July 23, amid Skydance Medias pending acquisition of Comedy Centrals parent company, Paramount Network.

South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone quickly reacted to the delay via X.

This merger is a stshow and its fing up South Park. We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow, the comedy duo said in their statement.

Back in 2007, Parker and Stones company, Park County, signed a streaming deal with Paramount that gave them 50 percent of South Parks streaming revenue. The deal expired in June of this year.

Parker and Stone intended to extend their deal with Paramount, but contract negotiations have stalled since Skydance became involved. The duo hired attorney Bryan Freedman and threatened legal action against Skydance CEO David Ellison and Jeff Shell, who will become the new Paramount president if the Skydance merger is finalized. Parker and Stone have accused Skydance of interfering in contract negotiations.

In June, a Skydance rep told The Hollywood Reporter, that under the terms of the transaction agreement, Skydance has the right to approve material contracts.

READ MORE: South Park was quietly dropped by Paramount Plus. Here are two places you can still watch it

South Park was removed from Paramount+ outside of the U.S. earlier this week after Paramount+s license to stream the series expired. For those inside the U.S., the animated series is still available to stream on HBO Max.

As of now, South Park season 27 is still set to return to Comedy Central on Wednesday, July 23. Time will tell if Park County and Paramount can reach a new streaming agreement before then.

Skydance made headlines again this week after Stephen Colbert announced that CBS is canceling the Late Show in 2026. The decision came days after Colbert criticized Paramount Globals $16 million lawsuit settlement with President Donald Trump.

I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles: its big fat bribe, Colbert said during his Late Show monologue on Monday, July 14. Because this all comes as Paramounts owners are trying to get the Trump administration to approve the sale of our network to a new owner, Skydance.

In a statement shared with Deadline on Thursday, July 17, CBS execs George Cheeks, Amy Reisenbach, and David Stapf said that the Late Show cancelation was purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night and was not related in any way to the shows performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.

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SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China is widely expected to leave its benchmark lending rates unchanged at a monthly fixing on Monday, a Reuters survey showed, as signs of economic resilience reduced the urgency for further monetary easing.

The loan prime rate (LPR), normally charged to banks' best clients, is calculated each month after 20 designated commercial banks submit proposed rates to the People's Bank of China (PBOC).

In a Reuters survey of 20 market watchers conducted this week, all respondents expected both the one-year and five-year LPRs to remain steady.

Most new and outstanding loans in China are based on the one-year LPR, while the five-year rate influences the pricing of mortgages.

The consensus of no immediate monetary easing comes as data this week showed China's second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth nudged slightly above market expectations, even though weak domestic demand and uncertainty around U.S. tariffs have raised economic risks.

"Although continued downward price pressures and sluggish loan demand present a solid case for further easing, the PBOC may opt to hold off until a more opportune window," said Lynn Song, chief China economist for Greater China at ING.

"We continue to expect one more 10-basis-point rate cut and 50-basis-point reserve requirement ratio (RRR) cut before year-end."

For now, market attention would be squarely on the Politburo meeting later this month, which is likely to shape economic policy for the rest of the year, traders and analysts said.

"With H1 real GDP growth still solid, we do not think policymakers see the immediate need to launch broad-based, significant stimulus in the near-term, including at the July Politburo meeting," analysts at Goldman Sachs said in a note.

"Instead, we expect incremental, targeted easing to help stem the property downturn and mitigate labour market pressures in H2."

China's new home prices declined at the fastest pace in eight months in June from the previous month, official data showed on Tuesday, underscoring the challenges policymakers face in reviving demand even after multiple rounds of support measures.

(Reporting by Shanghai NewsroomEditing by Shri Navaratnam)
A famed Philadelphia pizzeria known to serve one of the best cheesesteaks in the city is planning a return to New Jersey.

Angelos Pizzeria announced plans to open in West Collingswood Heights neighborhood of Haddon Township in an Instagram post Thursday.

The eatery said in the post it had bought the building that ounce housed DiNics Roast Pork & Beef, a storied South Jersey sandwich shop along the busy Black Horse Pike. DiNics will close Saturday after more than 50 years in business. It opened in 1973.

Its unclear when Angelos will open. Owner Danny DiGiampietro noted that there are a lot of renovations needed before the restaurant will begin operating.

Lots of renovations to do before we are up and running but were excited to get started, the post read.

The new spot will feature the same menu as Angelos revered 9th Street location in South Philly. It will offer indoor dining in New Jersey as well.

Angelos is making its return to Camden County where it got its start in Haddonfield in 2013. The pizzeria and sandwich shop shuttered in 2018 before making its 2019 debut in Philly.

DiGiampietro partnered with actor Bradley Cooper to open Danny & Coops, a cheesesteak shop in New York Citys East Village, early in 2025.

The owner is also planning to open a location in Conshohocken, about 15 miles from the City of Brotherly Love.

Angelos was ranked the No. 1 cheesesteak in Philadelphia by The Infatuation earlier in July.

More food coverage:

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Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/.
A doctor in Hudson County is accused of prescribing opioids in exchange for sexual favors and defrauding New Jersey Medicaid, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Ritesh Kalra, 51, of Secaucus was charged with three counts of distributing opioids outside of the usual course of professional practice, for illegitimate medical purposes and in exchange for sexual favors. Kalra was also charged with two counts of healthcare fraud.

Kalra is accused of running a pill mill out of his medical office in Fair Lawn where former patients said he solicited sexual favors in exchange for high-dose opioid prescriptions including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine without a legitimate medical purpose, officials said.

Several former employees of the doctors office said women reported Kalra touched them sexually and demanded sexual favors to obtain prescriptions, officials said.

One patient claimed to have been sexually assaulted on several occasions during appointments, officials said.

Between January 2019 and February 2025 Kalra issued over 31,000 prescriptions of oxycodone, including days where he wrote almost 50 prescriptions, officials said.

Kalra also continued writing prescriptions for a patient while they were incarcerated at the Essex County Jail and did not have any contact with him, officials said.

Kalra billed for in-person visits and counseling sessions that never occurred and his medical notes contained false progress and fabricated dates of service, officials said.

Kalra made his initial appearance in federal court Thursday and was released on house arrest, officials said.

He is prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing medication, and must close his medical practice while his case is pending, officials said.

Kalras attorney strongly refuted the accusations.

Dr. Kalra is a respected physician and he vehemently denies these allegations, his attorney Michael Baldassare said. The governments guilt-assuming press release reads like a supermarket tabloid -- designed for sensational headlines and nothing more.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com.
In an effort to stop rowdy crowds from gathering in front of City Hall, Trentons mayor said he will enact an emergency curfew that will begin Friday for businesses in the area.

The curfew will be in effect for all businesses located on East State Street between Carroll Street and South Broad Street each evening between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. until August 17, according to a statement from Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora.

This action is in direct response to public safety concerns and is aimed at preserving the law, order, and safety of all Trenton residents, Gusciora said.

Hundreds of people have been attending late-night gatherings on weekends in the city hall neighborhood. The area has been jokingly dubbed Club City Hall, in social media posts made by local business NJ Weedmans Joint, which is in the neighborhood.

Police said they arrested four people last weekend including one person accused of assaulting a police officer.

A man was shot and killed on the block in April and another was wounded during the boisterous gatherings, which sometimes continue to 4 a.m.

This decision was not made lightly, the mayor said. There has been ongoing violence in this area, and we must take immediate action to protect our community. The emergency curfew is a necessary measure to help ensure the safety of our residents.

Prior to Fridays executive order announcement, the Trenton City Council was expected to have first readings during its July 29 meeting for ordinances that would require:

 A 12 a.m. closing time on non-bar establishments

 Mandatory use of off-duty city police officers for events or gatherings reasonably believed to be over 50 attendees

 Liability for businesses to pay for safety and cleanup for disruptive crowds.

It was not immediately clear if those ordinances would still be up for first reading.

Reporter Kevin Shea contributed to this report.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
NEW YORK  Another Mets pitcher has succumbed to season-ending surgery.

On Friday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that right-hander Max Kranick was headed for Tommy John surgery. The Mets dont have a date set for the procedure, but it will happen soon.

You feel for the guy. Its going to be the second one, Mendoza told reporters before Fridays 8-4 loss. We saw how important he was for us the first couple of months, you know, in a pretty important role out of the bullpen. And then, you know, it just sucks for him (and) for us, honestly.

Kranick was diagnosed with a flexor strain after being placed on the injured list on June 19 with elbow soreness.

The initial plan was to shut him down for up to four weeks, which would have knocked him out for most of the summer. Now, New York will have to wait at least a year before he returns to the mound.

Kranick joins Griffin Canning (Achilles), A.J. Minter (lat strain), Dedniel Nunez (elbow) and Danny Young (elbow) as the fifth pitcher the Mets have lost to season-ending surgery this season.

Kranick was one of the bright spots for the Mets this season. A lifelong Mets fan, he allowed 15 earned runs in 37 innings (3.65 ERA) in 24 appearances.

The 27-year-old experienced some cool  his words  moments this season.

-He made the Mets Opening Day roster after allowing two runs in 12 1/3 innings, a 1.46 ERA with 15 strikeouts in spring training.

-He made his Mets debut on March 29, pitching a scoreless 2/3 inning.

-In the Mets home opener, before 11 family members, including his father, he pitched the final two innings of the Mets 5-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

None of it compares to a text message he received before the Mets opening series against the Astros in Houston.

When I made the Opening Day roster in Houston, actually, David Wright texted me, which was really, really cool, Kranick told reporters in April. I was sitting with Hayden Sanger on the bus and I just showed him my phone, like, Is this real?

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Manny Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.
A Perth Amboy man is facing various criminal charges after he discharged a gun inside a home, striking and injuring his 5-year-old daughter, authorities said.

David Wesley has been arrested on charges of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, hindering, receiving stolen property and weapons offenses, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Friday.

The Perth Amboy Police Department received a report of shots fired at a home on Cortlandt Street at 11:06 p.m. on Monday, July 7. When officers arrived, they found the girl, who had sustained a single gunshot wound, authorities said.

The child was transported to a nearby hospital, where she remains in stable condition, officials said.

Detectives later determined that Wesley, her father, was the one who discharged the firearm, authorities said. Prosecutors did not specify the date he was charged, but, according to public court records, it was on July 10, three days after the incident.

Wesley is in custody at Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending court proceedings.

The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office is asking anyone with tips or surveillance footage of the area near Cortlandt Street to call Detective Olivia Ankudowicz at 732-745-8083.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Authorities on Saturday announced the identity of a man whose body was discovered in a field near an elementary school in eastern Pennsylvania.

David G. Kittredge, 37, was identified following an autopsy by the Lehigh County Coroners Office and Forensics Center, authorities said.

Kittredges remains were found in a fielded area around 6:40 a.m. on Friday, the coroners office said. An autopsy was performed the same day.

The manner and cause of death were not known on Saturday, pending further investigation and the results of a toxicology study.

Township police said in a previous news release that officers had been summoned to the area on Friday morning for a report of a medical emergency.

Kittredge was already deceased when officers arrived, police said.

The location of the discovery, on the 1400 block of Gaskill Avenue, Salisbury Township, is down the road from Salisbury Elementary School.

The school was closed for summer break when Kittredge was found.

Salisbury Township lies on the southeast border of Allentown, Pennsylvanias third-largest city.

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AJ McDougall may be reached at amcdougall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on X at @oldmcdougall.
The founder of CaaStle, a clothing technology business, was accused of defrauding investors out of $300 million, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of New York said.

Christine Hunsicker, 48, of Lafayette is charged with two counts of securities fraud, one count of money laundering, one count of making false statements to a financial institution and aggravated identity theft.

Hunsicker is accused of lying to and misleading investors in CaaStle and P180 and providing fabricated documents showing the companies were financially thriving, officials said in the indictment.

Between February 2019 and March 2025, officials said Hunsicker exploited the trust of CaasStle investors, fraudulently inducing them to purchase CaaStle and P180 securities while hiding that she used investors capital to buoy the failing CaaStle business and to further conceal her fraud, according to the federal indictment.

While pitching CaaStle to investors, Hunsicker valued the company at over $1.4 billion while aware that the company was financially unstable with little cash and significant expenses, officials said.

In order to raise capital for CaaStles operations, Hunsicker is accused of providing falsified income statements, fake audited financial statements, phony bank records and bogus corporate documents that overstated the companys operating revenues, profits and available cash.

Authorities also accused Hunsicker of misrepresenting where investors money would be applied.

Instead of using investor money to purchase discounted shares from existing shareholders that needed liquidity, Hunsicker instead fabricated the existence of these shareholders and used the money as new capital for CaaStle, officials said.

Over $275 million in investor money was fraudulently induced as a result of the scheme, officials said.

When confronted in 2023 by an auditing firm about providing a fake audit to an investor, Hunsicker claimed to have created the audit for a lecture she gave at Princeton University, officials said.

Hunsicker claimed that sending the fake audit to the investor was a one-time error, according to officials. She eventually repaid the investor to avoid public disclosure of the fraud, officials said.

However, she continued the fraud, providing another investor with screenshots of a fake bank account showing CaaStle had $200 million in available cash when in reality the company had less than $200,000, officials said.

Hunsicker is also accused of providing another investor with another bogus draft audit in 2024, officials said.

She is also accused of falsifying the signature of a board director in 2024 to make it appear the board had authorized stock options for CaaStle to another investor worth $20 million, according to officials.

Around the same time, Hunsicker used false information about CaaStles success to raise about $30 million in investments for a second company, P180, officials said.

Hunsicker is also accused of using falsified information about CaaStle to obtain a $20 million personal loan from a bank, officials said.

Even after the board of CaaStle prohibited her from soliciting more investments, Hunsicker is accused of selling over $13 million in her shares in CaaStle and P180 without disclosing important information to investors, officials said.

In February, she tried to sell another $19 million of her CaaStle shares to another investor, officials said.

Hunsickers electronic devices were confiscated by investigators in March 2025, but she still met with an investor about a fake audit without disclosing that she was removed from the board and prohibited from selling shares, officials said.

CaaStle was originally launched as Gwynnie Bee in 2011, a subscription-based clothing service. Gwynnie Bee was rebranded as CaaStle in 2018, officials said in the indictment.

CaaStle was marketed as a clothing-as-a-service business that allowed brands to rent out their clothing inventory, officials said.

CaaStle filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on June 20, officials said.

Hunsicker voluntarily surrendered to authorities Friday morning and was expected to appear in Manhattan federal court Friday afternoon, officials said.

Attorneys for Hunsicker 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.
The Union County will provide free wellness visits for uninsured children age 5 and younger who live in Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Hillside, Roselle, and Scotch Plains. Canva

The Union County Immunization Clinic has been renamed the Union County Family Clinic as part of an initiative to expand public health services for eligible residents, county officials announced.

The clinics first phase of expansion will provide free wellness visits for uninsured children 5 and younger who live in Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Hillside, Roselle, and Scotch Plains.

These municipalities have shared service agreements with the Union County Office of Health Management, designating Union County as their local health department.

The clinic will also offer free tuberculosis testing for uninsured individuals.

Im proud that Union County continues to meet our residents where they areespecially our most vulnerable families, Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon said in a statement. With this expanded access to wellness visits and TB testing, the Union County Family Clinic is helping to close critical gaps in care and create healthier, more resilient communities.

Officials indicated this initiative represents the beginning of broader efforts to address local healthcare needs, with future expansion phases to be guided by community feedback and usage trends.

Now more than ever, we need to make sure our residentsespecially those without insurancehave access to the health care they deserve, said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. This expansion is not just about new services  its about meeting people where they are and removing barriers to care. Its one more step in our countys commitment to providing direct, compassionate services that make a real difference in peoples lives.

Appointments are required for all services. Information about scheduling will be announced soon.

Residents seeking more information can visit www.ucnj.org/clinic or call the Union County Family Clinic at 908-965-3627.

* * *

Submit Union County community news to union@njadvancemedia.com.

Questions about this post may be directed to Linda OBrien at lobrien@njadvancemedia.com.



Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
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BEIJING (Reuters) -China has unveiled new measures to encourage overseas investors to reinvest their profits within the country, its latest efforts to reverse a decline in foreign direct investment.

China has in recent months taken a series of measures to boost foreign investment, including opening more sectors to overseas investors, as rising trade tensions due to U.S. tariffs cloud the country's economic outlook.

Foreign direct investment in China totalled 358.2 billion yuan ($50 billion) from January to May, down 13.2% from the same period last year, data issued by the commerce ministry showed.

Foreign investors are encouraged to reinvest in China, including setting up new firms, increasing capital in existing companies and acquiring shares in Chinese firms, according to a notice issued by several government agencies.

The agencies include the state planner, the finance ministry and the commerce ministry and the central bank.

China has already introduced tax incentives to encourage foreign companies to reinvest profits earned in the country.

Local governments will establish project databases for reinvestment by foreigners and provide project services and support, according to the notice.

China will also support foreign investors in using flexible methods such as long-term leasing of industrial land, lease-before-transfer when reinvesting, to help reduce land costs, the agencies said.

To further ease investment processes, approval procedures for foreign shareholder loans and Panda Bonds required for eligible reinvestment by foreign firms will be simplified, according to the notice.

China's financial institutions have also been tasked with developing innovative products and services to support reinvestment by foreign enterprises, it said.

($1 = 7.1794 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Kevin Yao; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Congresss Crypto Week reached a climax today as the House passed three historic bills proscribing the regulation of digital assets and the future financial economy.

The GENIUS Act on stablecoins will now go to President Trumps desk. It is the first ever crypto law to pass the U.S. Congress.

The CLARITY Act covering market structure now ascends to the Senate, where Tim Scott, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said he wanted to finalize the law by Sept. 30. The Senate Agriculture Committee, which will also need to pass the bill, held its first hearing on the topic earlier this week.

Another anti-CBDC (central bank digital currency) bill passed the House and now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain. It will be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act as part of an agreement House leadership made with the Freedom Caucus, which voted against a procedural motion earlier this week and held a redo vote open for over nine hours on Wednesday to force the issue.



In a press conference right after the votes, House Financial Services Chair French Hill said, "I knew that my target was to beat FIT21 [last year's Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act] and I made a bet with myself  and I won."

The lawmakers, who included House Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Representatives Brian Steil and Dusty Johnson  all of whom sponsored one or more of the bills that passed Thursday  thanked their various partners in the Senate and House committees, noting the overwhelmingly bipartisan nature of the major bills' support.

Here is how lawmakers, the crypto industry, and beyond, have been reacting to the historic news.

Lawmakers:

French Hill, Chair of House Financial Services Committee:

[CLARITY] is landmark legislation that establishes clear rules of the road by creating a functional regulatory framework for digital assetsThis is the pivotal moment for American innovation and a critical step forward in protecting consumers and investors alike.

On the GENIUS Act: Diligent work in Congress to bring clarity to payment stablecoins has reached a historic turning point.I look forward to President Trump signing GENIUS into law in short order and working with our regulators on implementing this important bill to establish U.S. leadership in this space.

Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip, Sponsor of the Anti-CBDC Bill:

For years, we have worked to educate our colleagues on the dangers of this insidious technology, which would undermine our values and destroy Americans right to privacy. Now, we must codify it to ensure that the United States digital currency policy remains in the hands of the American people.
Conrad Asia Energy has announced the signing of a gas sales agreement (GSA) with PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) to supply domestically all the natural gas produced from the Mako gas field.

PLN EPI is a subsidiary of Indonesian state-owned electric utility company PLN Persero.

Conrad Asia Energy holds a 91.5% interest in the Mako gas field and serves as the operator, while Empyrean holds an 8.5% interest.

Located in the Riau Islands Province in Indonesian waters, the field boasts 2C contingent resources of 376 billion cubic feet.

The GSA, signed on 16 July 2025, outlines a total contract quantity of 392 trillion British thermal units, extending through the current Duyung production sharing contract (PSC) period until January 2037.

It allows for the sale of up to 111 billion British thermal units per day, ensuring a steady supply of gas to meet domestic demand in Indonesia.

The pricing for the Mako gas will be linked to the Indonesian Crude Price (ICP), mirroring the economic conditions of previously approved prices for both domestic and export sales of Mako gas.

The gas from the Mako field will be sold at the ICP-linked price, deviating from the standard fixed domestic offtake price.

Conrad managing director and CEO Miltos Xynogalas said: The GSA between the Mako joint venture and PLN EPI is a significant milestone both in the development of Conrad and in our progress to bringing the Mako Field into production. The signing of the GSA underpins the financial viability and crystallises the value of the Mako Field.

The PLN EPI GSA will make a meaningful contribution to aligning Indonesias new energy policy to continue to secure cleaner energy. Mako is the first of many gas projects we aim to bring into commercial production from our existing portfolio of gas discoveries, which also include our Aceh gas resources where we hold four existing discoveries.

The GSA terms with PLN EPI remain confidential, and PLN EPI will also be responsible for financing and constructing the pipeline from the West Natuna Gas line to Pemping Island, with no associated costs for Conrad.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has revoked its previous directive for the sale of Mako gas to Perusahaan Gas Negara and Sembcorp Gas, leading to the termination of the GSAs with these entities.

The new GSA is subject to customary conditions precedent.

The contract ensures the sale of plateau gas rates of approximately 111.9 million standard cubic feet, equivalent to the Mako gas field's entire 2C contingent resources, until the end of the Duyung PSC.
Federal funding cuts could be a "possible death blow to public broadcasting," a Lakeshore Public Media board member warned.

Congress voted to strip more than $1 billion in funding from NPR and PBS Thursday. Public media leaders fear it will mean cuts and likely closures at some of the 350 PBS affiliates and 1,300 NPR affiliates around the country, especially in rural areas.

Lakeshore Public Media has already had to cut back on locally produced programming and now will be left with fewer funds to buy nationally syndicated programming, Lakeshore Public Media Board member Larry Brechner said.

"While not surprised, I am profoundly devastated by the vote to claw back Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding that will severely impact Lakeshore Public Media along with every PBS and NPR station in the nation," Brechner said. "This action, along with the state of Indiana completely defunding all public radio and TV stations, could be a possible death blow to public broadcasting. I have dedicated over 30 years of my life to Lakeshore and public broadcasting."

Lakeshore Public Media laid off most of its staff in June after the state unexpectedly cut state funding, leaving it without 40% of its budget and without time to plan.

Now it will also lose two years of federal funding.

"That leaves Lakeshore Public Media facing the same community needs  with suddenly much less funding," President and CEO Chuck Roberts said in a message appealing to the public for financial support. "This ends what was a phase of uncertainty. And not in a good way for the people who rely on Lakeshore Public Media."

Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations are planning to cut the entire IPB News reporting team that supplies news to the 17 public broadcasting stations across the state.

"It will deal a serious blow to public media stations nationwide," said Mark Newman, the executive director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. "In Indiana, I expect stations will be forced to make difficult strategic adjustments just to remain operational."

Congress is rescinding $1.1 billion to public broadcasting, which politicians frequently attack for perceived ideological bias. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting provides little funding directly to PBS and NPR, instead funding the stations.

The stations use the money to buy programs, which will suffer financially if more stations go out of business or can no longer afford the shows, Brechner said.

"It's going to impact everyone. To stay on the air, most stations will have to switch to classical," he said," Brechner said. "If fewer stations are buying these shows, they can't be produced. Lakeshore, for instance, runs 1A for two hours every day. If we no longer carry it, WMAU will no longer get that income from us. It will have a cyclical effect. Stations need money to survive, pay operating costs and stay on the air. Many will have to run classical music or go dark."

Rural stations will be hit especially hard, he said.

"It's going to have a devastating cyclical effect if stations are no longer able to buy programs," he said. "It will lead to a chain of events that will mean a death knell for many stations."

Lakeshore Public Media was reduced to a skeletal staff after the cuts of state funding. It still has monthly expenses of $130,000 to $150,000, Brechner said. The station has some reserves, underwriters and a stable membership base.

It's still putting out some local shows like "Let's Eat with Chef Nick," "Midwest Beat" and "Art on the Air" on Lakeshore Public Radio from part-time hosts, but no longer has staff producing local programming. It still has other sources for grant funding for some shows like "Building Blocks" and "Eye on the Arts."

Public broadcasters face restrictions on underwriting that limits it as a revenue source, such as that sponsors are not allowed to make any calls to action, Brechner said. Lakeshore Public Media has some corporate underwriters like Strack & Van Til and is reaching to more companies, but was forced to lay off the development director whose job was courting underwriters.

"We need some really big checks really fast," he said. "When you have 40% of your budget taken away, it's hard to make that up."

Lakeshore Public Media has been reaching out to many community foundations in Northwest Indiana. Some have helped, but they are stretched thin since other nonprofits are also hurting due to cutbacks in state and federal grants.

Membership has grown slightly in radio recently. About half of the television support comes from Illinois since Lakeshore Public Media broadcasts across Chicagoland and some people prefer it as an alternative to WTTW, especially since it doesn't run children's shows during the day.

Lakeshore Public Television still has high operating costs, such as that it's required to broadcast over the air with a transmitter that's expensive to operate even though many people watch on cable now and can also stream the channel.

It's the only local television station airing local programming in Northwest Indiana in a media market largely dominated by Chicago stations. Lakeshore Public Media is one of a few local radio stations that air local content like WJOB, WLTH and X-Rock.

"If you took Northwest Indiana's population of 800,000 and plopped it in the middle of nowhere, it would have three network television affiliates and a PBS station. But it's in the shadow of Chicago, which does hurt us," he said. "They don't always cover Northwest Indiana. They want us to hear them, but don't always want to hear us. There's no other broadcast TV for Northwest Indiana."

Local public media programs help keep people informed about what's going on in their backyard, but they're getting cut back across the state and country, Brechner said.

"Some areas may lose all these public services. It's such a loss. It's unfortunate it's being looked at as a political issue, which it's not," he said. "There's so much stuff other than news like 'American Masters' or Ken Burns films that may all go away. I just hope people come to their senses. We're going through a dark time in public media. There's a chance when once people realize what's lost there will be a push to revive it. But so often when something is taken away it doesn't come back. There could be a new business model. But when someone wants to kill something, they aim to make it dead."
The first half of the year was a learning curve for everyone. The economic uncertainties with the ever-changing tariffs put in place, rapid accelerations in artificial intelligence, cautious consumer spending and changes within Apple iOS 18 have caused many brands to pivot rapidly.

Listrak recently released three reports  H2 2025 Beauty Retail Outlook, H2 2025 Fashion Retail Outlook, and H2 2025 Retail Outlook  to give brands insights into what worked and what didnt in the first half of the year and whats to come in the second six months.

More from WWD

Fashion is expected to grow between 3 percent and 5 percent, with non-luxury brands fueling this rise. Similarly, e-commerce is driving beauty growth  a third of beauty sales are set to be online.

Overall, Listraks data showed that SMS has continued to surge. With RCS (Rich Communication Services) emerging with new possibilities, revenue for SMS increased by 30 percent. Meanwhile, email engagement has greatly declined as consumers are experiencing fatigue and as a result of Apple Mail changes. Brands are seeing a 29 percent decline in both click-through rate and revenue. But a bright spot is that conversion rates rose 7 percent year-over-year, as consumers with intent remained engaged.

Notably, the biggest impacts to brands for the first half of the year were consumers spending less and being sales-reliant (42 percent), supply chain shake-ups (26 percent), tariff volatility (22 percent) and Apple Mail changes (11 percent).

The major takeaways from the first half included consumers being conscious and stretching their dollar, experiences and loyalty programs evolving to focus on personalization and engagement and digital-first brands doubling down on physical retail experiences and diversifying their offerings.

Brands told Listrak that their overarching plan for the second half includes increasing prices (25 percent), mounting discounts (23 percent), diversifying supply chains (20 percent), artificial intelligence capabilities (20 percent), RCS (7 percent) and pre-loved/used space adoption (5 percent).

According to the reports authors, the three trends that will define the second half are price pressure and value-driven behavior, inventory volatility and operational agility and the emergence of AI-powered shopping assistants.

The market is signaling price pressure and value-driven behavior with dupes trending, private labels in Target and Costco scaling with lower prices, and pre-loved and rental brands such as Nuuly and Rent the Runway gaining momentum.
THE third annual Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School will take place at the Thomas MacDonagh Museum in Cloughjordan, County Tipperary from September 17th-20th 2025.

The museum, which commemorates the life of poet and patriot Thomas MacDonagh, will host a four day programme that includes writing workshops, an art exhibition, inspirational talks, interactive discussions and poetry readings.

The theme for this years programme is Political Theatre: Learning from the past? In a series of talks throughout the day on Saturday September 20th, the Hedge School will explore the concept of performative politics, and how politicians engage[d] in a form of spectacle to achieve their aims and harness support from the public. The talks will examine what we learn from the past, and whether these lessons are used to repeat the past or reform our future.

This year is the 110th anniversary of the Funeral of ODonovan Rossa (August 1st 1915); a significant event of political theatre that served as a rehearsal for the 1916 Rising. Williams Rossa Cole, a great-grandson of ODonovan Rossa, is one of their invited speakers. At 7.30pm on Wednesday September 17th, Rossa Cole will introduce his film Rebel Wife: The Story of Mary Jane ODonovan Rossa and take questions following the screening. 'Rebel Wife' portrays the life of an extraordinary Irish revolutionary, it highlights Mary Janes origins as well as her remarkable achievements as a poet, author, public speaker, human rights activist, wife and mother.

On Wednesday and Thursday morning, September 18th-19th, James Moran, Professor of Modern English Literature and Drama, Faculty of Arts at Nottingham University, will give a script writing workshop. These workshops will be held at the museum. Places are free but must be booked in advance, the details of which can be found on the museum website, https://macdonaghmuseum.ie/

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They are delighted that Culture Night 2025 forms part of the Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School programme. From 7-10pm on Friday night, September 19th, the Museum will launch an exhibition by members of the North Tipperary Artists Collective who created artworks as a creative response to the themes of this years Hedge School. Culture Night will also include informal readings from the work developed in the script writing workshop.

On Saturday September 20th, the museum will present a one-day seminar where distinguished academics and researchers will speak to the art and politics of MacDonagh and his contemporaries, and reflect on the current trends in Irish art and politics. The talks will reflect broadly on the Hedge School theme - Political Theatre: Learning from the Past?

The keynote address this year will be given by Dr Leeann Lane, Assistant Professor in the School of History and Geography, Dublin City University. Her presentation is entitled Hunger strike as republican performativity: Mary MacSwiney, Brixton, 1920, Mountjoy 1922, Kilmainham 1923. Dr. Lanes talk will include reference to her recently published book on Mary MacSwiney and the role of women in the politics of the revolutionary period.

In their discussion Poetry and Politics: Plural Perspectives Dr Ailbhe McDaid and Prof Eugene OBrien, both of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, will discuss how poets respond to different political events, and the symbolic (even theatrical) language of poetry to capture the past and current political upheavals.

To close the Hedge School programme, Professor James Moran will deliver a talk on The playwrights and 1916. In his presentation James will discuss the ways in which Thomas MacDonagh prepared for the Easter Rising by scripting the play When the Dawn is Come. In doing so, MacDonagh prepared for an event that would be deeply informed by theatrical thinking, and which would mesmerise some of the key dramatists of the twentieth century, including Sean OCasey, W.B. Yeats, G.B. Shaw and Teresa Deevy, all of whom sought a creative response to the Easter Rising. The presentation will feature extracts from well-known plays, including The Plough and the Stars, which caused riotous disturbance at the Abbey Theatre when first performed in 1926.

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Una Johnston, Hedge School Chairperson and Museum Director says this years programme will be of great interest to anyone interested in drama - dramatic plays, dramatic poems, dramatic women and men, dramatic events - and their impact and influence on Irish culture and politics from McDonaghs time to the present. Our inspiration was the 110th anniversary of the funeral of ODonovan Rossa in 1915, and we are thrilled to welcome to the Hedge School, from New York, film director Williams Rossa Cole, the great-grandson of Mary Jane and Jeremiah ODonovan Rossa.

Tickets for the Hedge School 2025 collection of events are available now from Eventbrite -

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/thomas-macdonagh-hedge-school-17-20-september-2025-4449903

The Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School 2025 received funding as part of the Creative Ireland programme with support from Tipperary County Council.

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Ending days of anguish, Anilkumar Ravindran (58), who went missing following a Houthi missile attack on a Greek cargo vessel in the Red Sea, called his family on Saturday to inform them he was safe. He rang up his wife, Srija, at midnight and told her he was rescued by a group of fishermen while floating in the Red Sea and was taken to Yemen.

He called me around 1.30 am and told me he was safe. At first, he didnt say where he was. He thought I didnt know about the incident. But when I told him we knew everything, he became silent for a moment and then said he was fine. Anil said he and other crew members were rescued by a fishing boat. He said he might be able to return in four to five days, said Anilkumars wife, Srija.

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According to Anilkumar, the crew is currently staying in a hotel, while those who were injured are undergoing treatment in a local hospital. The agency through which he received his job, Ocean Group Overseas Consultant Pvt Ltd, has informed Indian Embassy officials in Saudi Arabia, as India does not have an embassy in Yemen.

Two Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials also visited Anilkumars residence in Pathiyoorkala, Kayamkulam, on Friday and collected details from the family. On July 17, a village officer, Tahsildar, and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had come home, but I couldnt meet them as I was in Thiruvananthapuram to speak with D Augustin, Srija added.

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Augustin was the only other Malayali crew member aboard the ship. He was rescued by another vessel that responded to the distress calls and has since returned home.

Im extremely grateful that my husband is safe. My children and I were frantic, not knowing what to do. I have also contacted the agency in Palakkad, and they are in touch with the officials. It is through them that all the formalities will be done for his safe return. Now, Im just waiting for him to come back home as soon as possible, Srija said.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

On Friday, PKK leaders burned their weapons in a cave in northern Iraq.

"We voluntarily destroy our weapons, in your presence, as a step of goodwill and determination," said Bese Hozat.

The conflict has taken 30,000 lives over 30-years. The group's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called for disarmament in May, and said in a video earlier this week, that the move to disarm was a "voluntary transition from the phase of armed conflict to the phase of democratic politics and law".

"Today is a new day; a new page has opened in history. Today, the doors of a great, powerful Turkiye have been flung wide open," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The end to a regional conflict, affecting Turkey, Iraq and Syria, has huge implications and may usher in a period of calm at a time of great turmoil in the Middle East.

Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Hany Elgamal, a researcher in regional and international affairs, and adviser to the Arab Centre for Political Research and Studies.

1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): What are the implications of Abdullah Ocalan's recent call for the PKK to dissolve? How are different political factions in Turkey and Kurdish groups interpreting this move, and what does it signal for the future of armed resistance?

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
The letter writer's children are too young to legally own real estate in their own names, so some kind of guardian or trustee would need to be involved in managing the property. Getty Images. Getty Images

Dear Liz: I own several properties. I have a living trust that names my two minor children as beneficiaries. Ive told my attorney that I want to transfer the properties to my children using the county form. This will give my children who are under 10 years of age ownership as tenants in common with the right of survivorship. I believe this avoids any tax consequences.

I will still keep my living trust and make some adjustments per this change.

My attorney states I will lose the step-up in tax basis if I do this. As I see it, this may not be a concern as my primary goal is to give my children these properties in the event of my passing.

I do not trust anyone whom I name as trustee to my living trust. I do not care about the step-in-basis as doing it this way avoids delays, assures ownership and avoids possible fraud.

The trustee could sell the properties and spend the money.

Keep in mind my children are minors as of this date. Sure, they could file a lawsuit, but you need money to file an action and once the money is long gone, good luck in getting it back.

This way it gives immediate ownership to my children, and I avoid these problems that may occur.

Answer: If you really dont know anyone you can trust to look after your childrens interests, then youve got quite a dilemma.

Your children are too young to legally own real estate in their own names, so some kind of guardian or trustee would need to be involved in managing the property, notes Jennifer Sawday, an estate planning attorney in Long Beach.

Plus, you have no idea now whether your kids will be able to responsibly handle such an inheritance once theyre legally allowed to take over at 18 or 21 (depending on the age of majority in your state). Few people that age are ready for such a big responsibility. If a child develops an addiction or spendthrift tendencies, they could quickly waste their inheritance.

Additionally, transferring property can have huge tax consequences, including the loss of step-up in tax basis that your attorney mentioned as well as property tax reassessments. (In California, such transfers avoid reassessment only when a primary residence is transferred and the child continues to live in the home. Commercial property, rental property and vacation homes get reassessed upon transfer.)

If you have no friends or relatives who are ethical, honest and trustworthy, then youll need to consider hiring a professional fiduciary or trustee. Your attorney can discuss your options.

Liz Weston, Certified Financial Planner, is a personal finance columnist for NerdWallet. Questions may be sent to her at 3940 Laurel Canyon, No. 238, Studio City, CA 91604, or by using the Contact form at asklizweston.com.
We recently published Jim Cramer Discussed These 10 Stocks & AI-Led Job Growth. Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) is an industrial machinery firm slated to benefit from growing data center construction, according to Jim Cramer. The firms shares are down by 1.6% year-to-date as the firm has joined other vehicle companies to assess the impact of tariffs on its business. Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI)s stock might have been worse off had it not been for surging interest in data center build out. Here is what Cramer said:

No I mean data centers are the story again. Pennsylvania data centers. The building of them would be CoreWeave, the Presidents going to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania being a hub for all these. Everyone wants to play the parts of data center again. It really cooled in April. No one cared. The stocks got killed. . .I think that you can go back to these stocks. . . .Cummins is there.

Previously, the CNBC TV host discussed Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI)s share price movements after EPA announcements, which led to worries about advance demand for the firms products evaporating:

Cummins Inc. (CMI) Stands To Benefit From AI Build Out, Says Jim Cramer

A mechanic standing proudly in a factory floor surrounded by the engines the company produces.

[On stock moving after EPAs latest comments] Well, theyve always, anytime there has been like a tightening of the rules, they always, these companies have done well in pre buy. Its like wow, I can go buy all the engines now before the tariffs so to speak of the EPA. And they lost that wind behind their back.

While we acknowledge the potential of CMI 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.
Portland police arrested Ashe I. Sarethi, 41, on allegations of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. Mark Graves

One man is dead and another is in jail after a shooting Friday afternoon in a grocery store parking lot in the Roseway neighborhood, according to a news release from the Portland Police Bureau.

Police responded to reports of a shooting in the Safeway parking lot in the 6900 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard at about 3:50 p.m. They found a man dead outside a vehicle and arrested a man who was inside the vehicle.

Ashe I. Sarethi, 41, is being held on allegations of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective Brent Christensen at Brent.Christensen@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2087 or Detective Samantha Cater at Samantha.Cater@police.portlando (503) 823-9319 and reference case number 25-192079.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive
Michael English, 33, was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison. Kimberly Cortez

The man who killed a 40-year-old woman last year while cleaning his gun was sentenced Friday to eight years and three months in prison.

Michael English, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of criminally negligent homicide for killing Angel Geib, 44.

Geibs 70-year-old mother, Maureen Jones, said in court that the plea deal was the best way to honor Angels legacy and urged English to learn from his fatal mistake.

I truly believe that this would have been what Angel would have wanted, Jones said, addressing English directly. Reflect on this tragedy, correct your behavior and make something of your life. Help others who are struggling with the same demons that you dealt with and that led to this tragedy.

English, who spoke briefly, expressed remorse and tearfully apologized to the family.

Angel meant the world to me, English said. Theres nothing that I could absolutely say that would fix anything but anything that I can do to help her family grieve or heal, I am open ears.

Geibs family supported the plea deal to forgo a trial, the prosecutor and Englishs lawyer said.

Weve used the word tragic throughout this hearing, said Multnomah County Circuit Judge Benjamin Souede. Thats a word that we use a lot. I dont think Ive ever been part of a court proceeding where that word is as accurate as it is here. There is tragedy in this case in every direction you look.

On Nov. 9, 2024, officers responded to a call around 2 a.m. about a shooting inside an apartment on Northeast 146th Avenue near East Burnside Street where English occasionally stayed. Police found Geib dead at the scene.

English told police he was cleaning his Smith and Wesson 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in the apartment bathroom when it accidentally fired, striking his hand and killing Geib, according to court documents.

In a 911 call, English told a dispatcher there had been an accident with a firearm.

It went off, um, English reported, according to court records. She got hit in the head. Shes dead. I got shot in the hand, um. Yeah. Thats what it is dude.

English briefly fled from officers before being arrested and received treatment for the gunshot wound at OHSU. The night of the shooting, police found drug paraphernalia in the bathroom.

In court, English described Geib as one of my closest friends, although it is unclear how they met.

Angel Geib, left, poses for a photo with her mother, Maureen Jones. Geib died Nov. 9 Geib, 40, died Nov. 9 at a Northeast Portland apartment where a man told police he was cleaning his gun in a bathroom and he said it accidentally fired. Courtesy of Roeshaun Johnson

Geibs mother last year said her daughter had recently fallen into homelessness and had stopped working at her job at an Oregon City-based social services nonprofit.

Geib had four children and made frequent efforts to see her kids when she was homeless, Jones said then.

Bill Geib, Angel Geibs brother, told the judge that any sentence for English would be too light.

Hes taken my sister away from me, Bill Geib said. I cant call her, I cant argue with her on the phone. I just had a child turn one year old. She will never know her aunt.

English had originally been charged with first-degree manslaughter and being a felon in possession of a firearm in Geibs shooting.

Court records show he was previously convicted of second-degree attempted robbery in 2010.

He will remain in Multnomah County Jail until Aug. 8 before being transferred to prison.

Kimberly Cortez covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at kcortez@oregonian.com
The man who was assaulted early Thursday at the TriMet MAX stop near the Oregon Convention Center died in a hospital Friday afternoon, Portland police said.

The victims name has not been released yet.

Police arrested Jordan T. Christ, 30, Thursday on an allegation of second-degree assault. Police said Christ punched the man in the head and the two men did not appear to know each other.

Police say they are still investigating and ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Matt Brown at Matthew.Brown@police.portlandoregon.gov and (503) 823-0859, or Detective Scott Broughton at Scott.Broughton@police.portlandoregon.gov and (503) 823-3774.
"I want to get away from my husband and find someone who can make me happy." Clement C/peopleimages.com - stock.adobe.com

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my husband for 22 years and married for 18. Ive had multiple illnesses and continue dealing with them. We havent been intimate in four years. We live together but no longer sleep together.

My husband doesnt like to have fun or travel with me. Hes boring and likes to argue, which makes me angry.

I want to get away from him and find someone who can make me happy. I came out of abusive relationships before I met him. What should I do? -- DISILLUSIONED IN CONNECTICUT

DEAR DISILLUSIONED: It might benefit you to talk with a licensed mental health professional. Try to find out why you tolerated abusive relationships before you met your husband and how the one you have with him has gone sour. Has your husband always been boring and argumentative, or did it begin when you stopped sleeping together?

Before embarking on a new relationship expecting that you will find someone who magically makes you happy, spend some time ON YOUR OWN. Its important that you understand what has gone wrong in your previous relationships with men so that you dont repeat mistakes you may have made in the past.

DEAR ABBY: After moving into a 55-plus community seven years ago, I became close friends with my neighbors, Iris and her husband. She was widowed five years ago, and I began a relationship four years ago, but my boyfriend and I always included Iris and my other girlfriends in our activities.

Iris became friendly with Barb, a woman at her church, who didnt like me. I was pleasant to Barb but couldnt force a friendship.

Two years ago, Barb, Iris and another friend vacationed near my brothers home. Iris texted me several times a day asking for suggestions for fun activities, restaurants, etc., and I offered many. Barb provided the transportation during their vacation. Barb ignored any suggestion I made and sent me several unkind texts about intruding on her vacation with her friends.

I texted Iris telling her I had blocked Barb and was sorry about whatever had happened. Iris never apologized. She and our other friend have become distant from me and now vacation regularly with Barb. They all attend church together and have lunch at least twice a week. Should I be grateful that Iris has shown me who she is and try to move on? -- MISSING MY FRIENDS IN INDIANA

DEAR MISSING: You were wrong to expect Iris to apologize for Barbs nasty attitude and unpleasant texts. I agree they were uncalled for, but Iris wasnt responsible for them. These women have likely distanced themselves because you arent active in their church group, which is what they seem to have in common. For your own sake, please try not to take this personally. Not all friendships are meant to last forever, and it seems the one you had with Iris has run its course.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
How does the renter make it plain that interruptions aren't welcome? Getty Images. Thomas Winz | Getty Images

Dear Annie: I work remotely and rent a small guesthouse on a property owned by a retired couple, Tom and Linda. They live in the main house and are kind, but recently their friendliness has crossed into something more intrusive.

At first, it was small things; Linda would wave and come chat while I was outside on a break, or Tom would ask about my work. Lately, though, theyve started popping by unannounced. One afternoon, Tom let himself into my yard to check the sprinkler, and yesterday, Linda knocked on my door with cookies and stayed for almost an hour, even after I mentioned I had a work deadline.

I appreciate their generosity, and I dont want to be rude, especially since I live on their property. But I moved here for quiet and privacy, and its starting to feel like Im living under constant watch. Im not sure how to ask for space without sounding ungrateful or creating tension.

How do I set boundaries without making things awkward? -- Guest, Not a Grandchild

Dear Guest: Its perfectly reasonable to want privacy, even when you have kind and generous landlords. Setting boundaries will help you protect your peace and prevent any resentment.

Start with appreciation, and then make your request clear. Something like: Ive really enjoyed living here and appreciate how welcoming youve been, but since I work remotely, I have to treat my home like an office during the day. Even quick visits can throw off my schedule. You can even suggest alternative times that youd be open to a check-in, but only if youre genuinely OK with it.

If theyre as kind as they seem, theyll understand once they realize your need for space isnt personal.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM
The Burdoin fire is burning on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Linda Oram

UPDATE: The Level 3 (go now) evacuation area was expanded to include Lyle Saturday afternoon.

A wildfire burning on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge has prompted evacuations in Klickitat County.

The Burdoin fire started at about 2 p.m. Friday near Courtney Road and Highway 14 milepost 68, according to county officials. Highway 14 is closed from the east side of Bingen to Lyle.

Saturday morning, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said the fire covered 1,900 acres and is 0% contained. Three residences have been destroyed, five are damaged and 20 are threatened by the fire, according to the agency.

The Level 3 (go now) evacuations have been ordered from a little east of Bingen Harbor to the east end of Chamberlain Lake.

Level 3 (go now) evacuations have been ordered for the Burdoin fire in Washington. Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management

The Red Cross is operating an emergency shelter at Columbia High Schools C Court Building on Northwest Simmons Road in White Salmon.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive
China strengthens supersize market, investment hub position with high-standard opening up in 14th five-year plan period

Xinhua) 13:04, July 19, 2025

A customer selects products at a gold jewelry store in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, June 16, 2025. (Photo by Jia Minjie/Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- China has made significant progress on key tasks related to consumption, foreign trade and investment cooperation in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). These achievements are expected to continue to inject momentum into global economic growth.

At a press conference held in Beijing on Friday, senior commerce ministry officials highlighted that China has further solidified its position as the world's second-largest consumption market and biggest goods trader.

"The vast Chinese market has become a shared market for the world and will surely continue to be the source of growth and vitality for the world economy," said Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao at the press conference.

The country has also worked to improve the business environment for foreign-funded enterprises during the period, with many multi-nationals saying that China is an "ideal, safe and promising" destination for cross-border investment.

Despite facing challenges from rising unilateralism and protectionism, the officials shared their vision for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), revealing that China will seek to strengthen international cooperation, increase the resilience of trade and strive to build an international trade pattern, featuring openness, cooperation, common development, and mutual benefits and win-win results.

SUPERSIZED CONSUMPTION MARKET

According to Wang, the commerce minister, China's supersized consumption market has expanded during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, reinforcing the nation's position as the second-largest consumer market globally.

With an average annual growth rate of 5.5 percent in the retail sales of consumer goods since 2021 in China, consumption has contributed around 60 percent on average annually to the nation's economic growth over the past four years, Wang said, who forecast the sales to top 50 trillion yuan (about 7 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2025.

In terms of absolute value, he revealed, China's retail sales of consumer goods are about 80 percent of those in the United States. However, in terms of real purchasing power, the nation's retail sales of consumer goods have surpassed those in the United States, Wang said, citing World Bank data and calculations.

In illustrating the huge potential of the Chinese consumption market, the minister said that China has ranked top in terms of online retail sales for 12 consecutive years. China has also been the world's biggest consumption market for cars and home appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines.

"China has a population of 1.4 billion. Any product, if multiplied by 1.4 billion, means definitely a supersize market," Wang said, adding that measures will be taken to boost services consumption, which has grown at a much faster rate compared to the consumption of goods.

"The characteristics of China's consumption market, which feature great potential, strong resilience and abundant vitality, have not changed," he said, saying that the ministry will introduce targeted measures in light of the changing times and circumstances to further stimulate goods consumption and tap the potential of service consumption in the next five years.

This photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows robots at the booth of Nvidia during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China. Themed on "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the 2025 CISCE runs from July 16 to 20, gathering more than 650 companies and institutions from 75 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)

IDEAL INVESTMENT HUB

Data from the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) indicates that as of the end of June this year, China's actual use of foreign direct investment during the 14th Five-Year Plan period had reached a cumulative total of 708.73 billion U.S. dollars. This figure meant the country has achieved the 700 billion U.S. dollar investment attraction target ahead of schedule.

Demonstrating confidence in investing in China's investment climate, 229,000 new foreign-funded enterprises were established during the period in the country, an increase of 25,000 compared with the 13th Five-Year Plan period. "Foreign-funded enterprises have contributed one third of China's imports and exports, one fourth of its industrial added value and one seventh of its tax revenue, and have created over 30 million jobs, making significant contributions to China's economic and social development," Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji said.

Ling revealed at the press conference that foreign investors have increased their allocations in China's high-tech sectors compared with 2020, with many multinational companies establishing regional headquarters and global R&D centers in China.

To create a favorable environment for foreign investment, China has expanded opening up by lifting restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing industry across the country, Ling said.

Additionally, the country has improved its market and policy environment by implementing various measures with regard to government procurement, intellectual property protection, cross-border data flow and fiscal and tax incentives. Since 2023, the MOC has held over 30 roundtable meetings for foreign-funded enterprises, helping resolve more than 1,500 various demands raised by foreign-funded enterprises, he said.

"Investing in China is investing in the future. We hope that the vast number of foreign-funded enterprises can achieve greater development in the process of China's modernization," Ling said.

WIN-WIN RESULTS THROUGH COOPERATION

During the past several years, economic globalization faced headwinds, with unilateralism and protectionism on the rise, causing significant disruptions to the international economic order and governance system. Despite these challenges, China has firmly upheld the multilateral trading system by promoting both multilateral cooperation and regional cooperation, vice commerce minister Li Chenggang said at the press conference.

Throughout this period, China's trading partners have become more diverse. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has remained China's largest trading partner for five consecutive years. In 2024, the proportion of China's trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative has exceeded 50 percent of its total trade, MOC data showed.

"We are a major trading partner of over 150 countries and regions. We not only provide high-quality products and services to the world, but also ensure the resilience and stability of the global industrial and supply chains," Wang said, who stressed that the huge Chinese market is also a shared market for the world.

From 2021 to 2024, China imported goods worth 7.4 trillion yuan, MOC data showed. Wang said that from the perspective of imports, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong accounted for approximately 13.3 percent of world's total goods imports, very close to the 13.6 percent share taken by the United States, quoting data from the World Trade Organization.

Responding to a journalist's question about China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, Wang said that despite the ups and downs in China-U.S. economic and trade relations, the two sides have remained important partners to each other in trade and investment. "In 2024, the trade volume of goods between China and the United States was 688.3 billion U.S. dollars, and the trade volume of services was 155.8 billion U.S. dollars. Both figures increased by 18 percent and 34.7 percent, respectively, compared with 2017."

Wang said that it is inevitable that there will be differences and frictions in China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, but this is a normal situation and that dialogues and consultations are the best choice to solve problems.

Wang said China is willing to work with the United States, based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, to continue to strengthen dialogues and communications, enhance consensus and reduce misunderstandings, and jointly promote the China-U.S. economic and trade relations back to the right track and achieve healthy, stable and sustainable development.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a phone conversation with Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Azernews reports, citing Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs via social media platform X.

During the call, the two officials discussed bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts to strengthen the close and brotherly ties between the two nations. They also highlighted productive collaboration on multilateral platforms, particularly within the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
By Niklas Pollard

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Swedish defence material maker Saab beat second-quarter operating earnings forecasts on Friday and raised its guidance on expectations of even stronger sales this year as European military spending surges.

The news sent Saab's shares up 6% in early trading.

The maker of the Gripen fighter jet said in a statement that operating earnings rose to 1.98 billion Swedish crowns ($204 million) from 1.33 billion a year ago, outpacing a mean forecast of 1.71 billion seen in a LSEG compilation of analyst forecasts.

Saab, which makes military equipment ranging from missiles and advanced electronics to submarines, said it expected like-for-like sales to grow 16% to 20% this year, raising its outlook from previously anticipated growth of 12% to 16%.

The company, which grew its sales by 22% organically in the first half of the year, reiterated that it expects operating profit to rise even faster than sales.

The group is scaling up production amid soaring military spending in Europe, where it generates well over half of its revenues, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and signs the region will need to shoulder more responsibility for its own defence.

The military spending boom, further underlined by NATO alliance members committing to defence budget increases demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump, has lifted stocks of military equipment with Saab's more than doubling this year alone.

The company, which competes with U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, France's Dassault Aviation and Britain's BAE Systems, has taken on thousands of new staff even as U.S. tariff threats generate uncertainty.

CEO Micael Johansson told Reuters that Saab had so far not seen any quantifiable impact on its supply chain from the tariff turmoil though there was still little clarity on the extent to which a prioritised industry like defence might be affected.

"Our own capacity development, investment in new production lines and new facilities, that is going fully according to plan," Johansson said.

($1 = 9.7292 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Niklas Pollard; Editing by Essi Lehto and Joe Bavier)
Norman L. Geisler (1932  2019) was an American evangelical Protestant theologian, philosopher, and apologist. He obtained an M.A. in theology from Wheaton College and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Loyola University, and made scholarly contributions to the subjects of classical Christian apologetics, systematic theology, philosophy of religion, Calvinism, Catholicism, biblical inerrancy, Bible difficulties, biblical miracles, the resurrection of Jesus, ethics, and other topics. He wrote or edited more 90 books and hundreds of articles.

Dr. Geisler was the Chairman of Philosophy of Religion at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (197079) and Professor of Systematic Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary (197988) and a key figure in founding the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He also co-founded Southern Evangelical Seminary. He was known as an evangelical Thomist and considered himself a moderate Calvinist. He was not an anti-Catholic (i.e., he didnt deny that Catholicism was fully a species of Christianity).

This is one of a series of comprehensive replies to his book, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences (co-author, Ralph E. MacKenzie, graduate of Bethel Theological Seminary-West; Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 1995). Its available online in a public domain version, which has no page numbers, so I will utilize page numbers from my paperback copy, for the sake of full reference. I consider it the best Protestant critique of Catholicism (especially in terms of biblical arguments) that I have ever found, from any time period. The arguments are, for the most part, impressively presented, thought-provoking, respectful, respectable, and worthy of serious consideration (which Im now giving them).

Ill be concentrating on the eight sections of Part Two: Areas of Doctrinal Differences (202 pages). These installments will be listed and linked on my Calvinism & General Protestantism web page, in section XVII: Catholics and Protestants (second from the end). Dr. Geislers and Ralph MacKenzies words will be in blue. My biblical citations are from RSV.

*****

The purpose of a sacrament is to bestow the grace of God . . . Thus, the sacraments are necessary for salvation. The Council of Trent reminded Catholics that If anyone shall say that the sacraments of the New Law are not necessary for salvation, but are superfluous, and that, although all are not necessary individually, without them or without the desire of them through faith alone men obtain from God the grace of justification: let him be anathema. Protestants, of course, take exception with this. (p. 252)

Its absurd to make a broad statement about alleged Protestant antipathy to the sacraments, when I just documented in installment #10 that Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Anglicanism, Churches of Christ, and Disciples of Christ all tied baptism to regeneration and salvation, and (minus the last two) also connected the Eucharist directly to salvation. Were talking about the very founder of Protestantism (and Lutheranism that stemmed from him), the most historically influential Protestant (Calvin), and the large Anglican / Methodist sector that all agree with us regarding two major sacraments.

The argument for seven sacraments scarcely needs critique; the lack of scriptural and historical support speaks for itself. There is no real basis in the Bible, the Fathers, or church councils for the enumeration of seven. (p. 258)

If we are talking about individual Church fathers acknowledging all seven, yes, that is difficult to find, and the complete idea of seven rites described as sacraments was slow to develop (along with many other doctrines). But I have provided evidence that, for example, St. Augustine (354-430), the greatest Church father, arguably discussed and accepted all seven. And much patristic support can be found for each of the seven sacraments considered individually: for the beliefs entailed, whether or not each person specifically calls each a sacrament. Joe Gallegos and several others haves collected much data concerning this:

The Church Fathers on Baptismal Regeneration (by Bryan Cross)

The Church Fathers and Born Again

The Church Fathers and Transubstantiation

The Church Fathers and Confession

The Church Fathers and Holy Matrimony

The Church Fathers and Holy Orders

The Church Fathers and Confirmation

The Church Fathers and Anointing of the Sick

I have also, myself, defended each of the seven sacraments from Scripture alone:

14 Bible Verses That Show Were Saved Through Baptism [National Catholic Register, 11-30-21]

20 Ways the Bible Affirms the Real Presence of Christ [National Catholic Register, 5-27-25]

Biblical Teaching on the Sacrament of Confirmation [2013]

Sacrament of Anointing / Extreme Unction: The Biblical Evidence [2009; Addendum added on 1-10-17]

Sacrament of Holy Orders (Ordination): The Biblical Evidence [5-9-08]

Confession and Absolution Are Biblical [National Catholic Register, 7-31-17]

Sacrament of Matrimony: Bible & Fathers (vs. Calvin #55) [12-23-09]

If each and every argument above is valid, then there is biblical support for seven sacraments. In that logical sense, Geisler is dead-wrong on both counts.

Catholic scholars claim that seven sacraments exist in Scripture implicitly like the Trinity does. This is a false analogy since all the premises from which the Trinity is derived are taught explicitly in Scripture, namely: (1) there is one God, and (2) there are three persons who are God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Hence, (3) there must be three persons in the one God. But nowhere does the Bible explicitly teach that marriage, penance, and confirmation, for example, are sacraments. These activities are no more sacraments than Bible reading, which is also a means of receiving grace (Ps. 119; Rom. 10:17; Rev. 1:3). At best, Catholic scholars can point to the acts or events corresponding to these seven sacraments in Scripture, but proving they were sacraments as Catholicism understands them (namely, as a cause of grace) is another matter. (p. 259)

Again, in arguing for each sacrament on its own, we can provide direct or at least deductive or indirect (as opposed to explicit) evidence for the essential components entailed in that sacrament. We need not find the word, sacrament, any more than we need to find the word Trinity in the Bible to prove that (neither word is in the Bible). What we need to find are the concepts required for each; and they are all there in the Bible. They dont have to all be in one place, either.

Dr. Geisler flat-out denies above that three of the sacraments can be found in the Bible (apparently, then, he thinks that the other four are present in some sense). Lets take a look at whether the Bible teaches that each of these convey grace (the essence of a sacrament). Note that the word grace doesnt always need to be present, either.

The essence of confirmation is receiving the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of all believers by God the Holy Spirit is hardly a controversial notion. All Christians believe in it. All confirmation adds is a specific time that this predominantly and ritually occurs (usually in children at 12-14 years old). In my defense of it from the Bible I noted seven different aspects of this, and backed each up with Holy Scripture (twenty passages total):

1) Descent of the Holy Spirit Upon Persons 2) Jesus Baptizing with the Holy Spirit 3) Being Filled with the Holy Spirit 4) Holy Spirit and the Laying on of Hands 5) Sealed with the Holy Spirit 6) Anointing with Oil in Order to Receive the Holy Spirit 7) Holy Spirit Received Via Authoritative Persons

Does the word grace appear in any of them? No; but it doesnt have to, because what is occurring is clearly an act of grace. Receiving the Holy Spirit, or being filled with Him in greater measure (see Eph 3:19; 5:18; is clearly an act of grace from God. After all, the author of Hebrews refers to the Spirit of grace, and the Bible associates grace and the Holy Spirit:

Acts 6:5 . . . Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit . . . Acts 6:8 . . . Stephen, full of grace and power . . . Acts 7:55 . . . he [Stephen], full of the Holy Spirit, . . .

Grace basically means, in Scripture, being endowed with divine favor or power (Acts 6:8 above). Again, receiving God the Holy Spirit cant possibly not be seen as receiving more grace at the same time. The Bible also uses grace in a quantitative sense: one can receive more of it and people possess it to differing degrees. See my article, Degrees of Grace / Quantifiable Differences in Grace [5-4-17], where I back up my opinion with fourteen Bible passages.

Therefore, all of the components of Catholic confirmation are found in Holy Scripture, even explicitly, and even including the word grace, if we incorporate what the Bible says about St. Stephen. One simply has to put it all together, and that is the exercise of systematic theology. Likewise, here is how I defend the sacrament of penance or reconciliation from the Bible (from my article above):

1. The Church Dispenses Forgiveness (Sacrament of Penance) Was the forgiveness of sins through priests foreshadowed in the old covenant? Leviticus 5:5-6 When a man is guilty in any of these, he shall confess the sin he has committed, [6] and he shall bring his guilt offering to the LORD for the sin which he has committed, a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin. Leviticus 19:21-22 but he shall bring a guilt offering for himself to the LORD, to the door of the tent of meeting, a ram for a guilt offering. [22] And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering before the LORD for his sin which he has committed; and the sin which he has committed shall be forgiven him. Did prophets ever function as Gods intermediaries in the area of forgiveness? 2 Samuel 12:13 David said to Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said to David, The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Is there any passage showing that a priest grants absolution? Matthew 18:18b  whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Does a priest have the authority to forgive sins as Gods representative? John 20:23a If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven;(cf. 2 Cor 2:10; see below) Is confession a biblical concept? Psalm 38:18 I confess my iniquity, I am sorry for my sin. Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Acts 19:18 Many also of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices Is confession of sins to a spiritual authority specifically mentioned? Mark 1:4-5 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. [5] And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (cf. Mt 3:6) James 5:14-16 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; [15] and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. (cf. 1 Jn 1:9) 2. Authority of Priests to Impose Penance Do priests have the authority to assign penance to sinners? Matthew 18:18a Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, . . . Do priests have the authority to retain sins? John 20:23b if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. Is penance after confession of sins seen in the old covenant? Numbers 5:7 he shall confess his sin which he has committed; and he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it, and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong. Did St. Paul assign penance to an unrepentant sinner? 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his fathers wife. [2] And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. [3] For though absent in body I am present in spirit, and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment [4] in the name of the Lord Jesus on the man who has done such a thing. When you are assembled, and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, [5] you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Did Paul even publicly name sinners to whom he assigned penance? 1 Timothy 1:19-20 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith, [20] among them Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 3. Indulgences (Relaxation of Temporal Punishment) Does the Church have the authority to grant an indulgence? 2 Corinthians 2:6-11 For such a one this punishment by the majority is enough; [7] so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. [8] So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. [9] For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. [10] Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, [11] to keep Satan from gaining the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

Now, must we find the word grace in these passages? No, because the concept is there. Forgiveness of sins is an act of grace. We do have an explicit Bible passage that says that:

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace

The Bible teaches that human beings can convey Gods forgiveness to human beings, acting in His stead. Leviticus 5:5-6 and 19:21-22 teach that offerings are brought to the LORD but it is the priest who makes atonement for sins, leading to forgiveness. God does it, and He does it through appointed officers: the priests in the Old Testament. Jesus expressly assigned this responsibility and task to His disciples (and by logical extension to ordained clergy):

John 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.

Its not just me and my Bible and God. Ordained clergy are involved in dispensing Gods forgiveness of particular sins through absolution. Every aspect of the Catholic sacrament of penance can be established from the Bible.

As for marriage being a sacrament and conveying grace, again, how could it not do so, seeing that it is directly compared in the Bible to Christ and His Church (Eph 5:23)? Moreover, the Bible, more than once, refers to a marriage partner consecrating and saving his or her spouse:

1 Corinthians 7:14, 16 For the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is they are holy. . . . [16] Wife, how do you know whether you will save your husband? Husband, how do you know whether you will save your wife? 1 Peter 3:1 Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives,

Now, it would be rather difficult to argue that consecrating and saving spouses doesnt convey grace to them, especially since Scripture explicitly ties salvation and grace together:

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, 1 Peter 1:9-10 As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls. [10] The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation;

Therefore, marriage conveys grace according to the Bible, which is the essence of a sacrament, and so marriage is a sacrament, and Dr. Geisler is wrong on all three counts, not because I say so (Im nobody), but because the Bible proves him wrong. He just didnt probe deeply enough into it. It seems that a man-made tradition (anti-sacramentalism) of a tiny sector of Protestantism was more important in his thinking in this instance than what the Bible brought to the discussion.

*
A Dauphin County attorney has agreed to give up his law license following allegations he violated the attorney Rules of Professional Conduct through theft, fraud and deceit. FILE/PHOTO PennLive

A Dauphin County attorney has agreed to give up his law license following allegations he violated the attorneys rules of professional conduct through theft, fraud and deceit.

The schemes perpetrated by Anthony Cox Jr. escalated to the point where the state attorney generals office began trying to collect payments he had pocketed from a client trying to pay civil fines, according to a complaint filed with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

And after months of sending bounced checks, Cox lied about his mother dying in emails to Chief Deputy Attorney General Melissa van Eck while asking for more time to pull the money together.

In his resignation submitted Friday, Cox, who at one time worked for the law firm, Eckert & Seamans, admitted he violated 12 Rules of Professional Conduct. He also admitted he continued to practice law in violation of his temporary suspension in 2024.

Here are the highlights from the Office of Disciplinary Counsels 217-point complaint:

Soliciting donations from fellow attorneys

From 2022 to 2023, Cox reached out to 13 other attorneys  including a Philadelphia judge  asking for money. Cox told them he was on a trip and forgot his wallet, asking them to transfer him money through Venmo, Paypal or CashApp.

He also once asked a client for money for an Uber ride. After Eckert & Seamans fired him, he asked the client again for money to cover a copay for a relatives surgery, and asked the client if her insurer could send her checks for legal services he performed while an employee at Eckert.

Mike Sand donations

While co-chairing the Pennsylvania Bar Association Minority Bar Committee in 2022, Cox collected donations from attorneys for a memorial resolution for Michael Sand, a central Pennsylvania. attorney and civil rights leader who died in 2022.

But instead of putting all the money toward its intended use, Cox pocketed some of it.

Collecting payments from Eckert & Seamans clients

Cox began working for Eckert & Seamans as an associate in 2022, but also maintained a separate business, Cox Career Consulting, according to the complaint.

Cox would take on clients through Eckert & Seamans, who would then pay Cox directly through his CashApp or Venmo accounts. Cox would then pocket the payment instead of involving Eckert & Seamans.

The complaint against Cox indicated he wrongly collected around $50,000 total from several clients through Venmo or CashApp.

Failing to report client payments to the IRS, Pa. Department of Revenue

After Eckert & Seamans fired Cox July 2023, Cox began a solo practice, Cox Law Group which he never registered as a business with the Pennsylvania Department of State, according to the complaint.

Cox never reported his earnings through Cox Law Group nor Cox Career Consulting to the IRS nor Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, and did not pay taxes on any income earned through Cox Career Consulting.

The Office of Disciplinary Conduct labeled Coxs actions as commingling and said it was criminal and fraudulent behavior.

Failing to pay civil penalties on behalf of clients

A client Cox represented was ordered to pay around $22,000 to the state Board of Massage Therapy in 2022 following an investigation and revocation of their license, according to the complaint.

The client was ordered to make that payment within 30 days of the order. The client eventually paid more than $20,000 to Cox in January 2023 to be put toward the penalty and costs.

But instead of putting the money into a trust account or sending the money to the massage therapy board, Cox pocketed it, leading to months of delays and the involvement of the Attorney Generals Office.

Cox sent numerous bad checks totaling $22,203.11 to the attorney generals office.

Cox paid the full amount owed in November 2023.
Paul Cauthen attends the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for iHeartRadio) Getty Images for iHeartRadio

Paul Cauthen announced he had cancer back in April and the 40-year-old country music star has pretty much kept it moving since.

He has been back out on the road performing for a while now, and he has been open about how he is choosing to treat his cancer holistically instead of going through traditional methods.
Award-winning photo journalist Jo Ann Steck  who broke barriers in male-dominated newsrooms by capturing some of the most notable moments in recent United States history  has died at 73. AP

Award-winning photo journalist Jo Ann Steck  who broke barriers in male-dominated newsrooms by capturing some of the most notable moments in recent United States history  has died. She was 73.

Steck died on July 11 after a yearslong battle with ovarian cancer, according to her former Associated Press colleague and longtime friend Dan Hansen.

Stecks three-decade career spanning The Associated Press, The New York Times and the White House, took her all over the country and world  and thousands of miles away from where she was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She used her shrewd judgment and vision to lead teams of award-winning journalists to capture both profound joy and unspeakable tragedy alike, documenting natural disasters, the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, historic sporting events and more.

But those who worked with Steck, often calling her Jodie, remember her for her unique ability to lead.

Steck worked for local outlets in Arizona, where she went to college at Arizona State University, before joining the AP in Los Angeles in 1980.

Amy Sancetta remembers meeting Steck in 1987, when Steck led Sancetta and a small team of journalists to cover a plane crash in Detroit for the AP. Racing to the scene, Steck coordinated the teams efforts with walkie-talkies to swiftly deliver images of the heartbreaking event to the world.

Despite the rush, Sancetta said, Steck never forgot to make each person feel valued.

She saw a lot of really horrific stuff, but she found ways as a group to make us laugh and remind us of our humanity, Sancetta said.

From then on, Steck became a mentor to Sancetta, who was still a relatively new employee and one of the very few women in the newsroom.

Sancetta said her feelings towards Steck were not unique; Stecks bold humor, clear vision and unmistakable moxie made her a trailblazer for many young women breaking into the male-dominated field.

As a young photographer, she found a way to make you feel like you belonged, Sancetta said. She paved a path for an awful lot of us.

Steck went on to work at The New York Times, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat and The Orange County Register, where she ushered in a new era of digital photography, before returning to the AP. To this day, her colleagues at the AP from that time recall admiringly how well she continued to cover the biggest events across the United States, such as the O.J. Simpson murder case and the Super Bowl.

Later, Steck was the deputy director of photography at The Dallas Morning News, where she led a team of photographers who earned a Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography in 2004 for coverage of the invasion in Iraq.

Cheryl Diaz Meyer, one of two photographers who took the photos that won the prize, said that Steck was exceptionally methodical and made sure that all photos were presented with nuance.

You knew that once Jodie touched it, it was good, Meyer said.

Stecks work was recognized far beyond the newsroom. She served as the White House deputy director of photography under former President George W. Bush in his second term, from 2005 to 2009.

She got to know everybody, recalled Dan Hansen, a photographer who worked with Steck at both the AP and the White House.

Hansen said Steck would remember the names of every single person she met, ranging from interns to White House cleaning staff to high-ranking members of Bushs administration.

Hansen, who met Steck when the two were students at Arizona State University in 1976, said that Steck was like that the whole time he knew her.

She would go into a room, and she would come out with five new friends, he said. Because she was so funny, she was so charming  she just had that ability.

Steck retired in Port Orange, Florida, where she was a competitive pickleball player, according to an obituary provided by her family. She is survived by her partner, Susan Matthews, and her son.
Police in Swatara Township, Dauphin County will close a section of Derry Street Saturday while the township hosts its first Family Fun Festival.

The festival, scheduled for noon to 7:30 p.m., will take place at Vanatta Park and along parts of Derry Street.

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Derry Street will be closed to all traffic from 45th Street to 50th Street. Cedar Alley, from 48th Street to 50th street, will also be closed for the event.

All other roads in the area will remain open.

Residents who live near the venue will have full access to their homes through cross streets, police said.

A detour will also be in effect during the event.

Swatara Township Police provided the following detour map while a section of Derry Street is closed for a festival Saturday, July 19. Swatara Township Police

Anyone planning on attending the festival is asked to park at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees building at 150 South 43rd Street.

From the parking lot, festival-goers can walk to Vanatta Park by using 46th Street, York Street and 48th Street.

Derry Street will reopen to traffic no later than 10 p.m. Saturday, police said.
A federal judge admitted making a mistake and has reinstated PrimeCare Medical Inc. as a defendant in the lawsuit over the 2019 death of Dauphin County inmate, Ty'Rique Riley.

WILLIAMSPORT  A federal judge has admitted making a mistake and has reinstated PrimeCare Medical Inc. as a defendant in the lawsuit over the 2019 death of a Dauphin County inmate.
For generations, Halls Ice Cream of Millerstown has been more than just a local business. It can be labeled a summer ritual, a neighborhood gathering spot, a symbol of homegrown pride. That tradition now enters a new chapter as longtime owner Peggy Raub has handed over the reins to brothers Kole and Kyle Barrick as of July 1.

Raub, whose family has run Halls since its inception, reflected warmly on the history. My dad started making the ice cream in 1947. He made the first batch for his own wedding.

Since then, Halls Ice Cream has grown from humble beginnings into a regional staple, producing more than 40 flavors and supplying everything from local farmers markets to the Pennsylvania State Farm Show.

The Hall familys dairy legacy began even earlier, in 1905, when William J. Hall first delivered milk in Millerstown using a horse-drawn wagon. He later moved to Pleasant Home Farm and became known for using a zero-turn delivery wagon pulled by a horse named Dolly. Over the decades Halls expanded, becoming the first in the area to homogenize milk, and eventually combined with Miller Brothers Dairy for milk processing. By 1947, John Allen Hall, Peggys father, had launched the ice cream side of the business after taking a short course at Penn State. His first batch  cherry vanilla  for his wedding, marked the beginning of a beloved local tradition that has continued uninterrupted through generations. Raub herself began helping at just 9 years old, earning 25 cents an hour in the old dairy parlor.

Its been a family business from the very start, she said. And its meant the world to me to carry it forward for all these years.

Raub felt it was time to retire, but only if she could find someone who would preserve the spirit of the operation. If I couldnt sell the business to someone who was going to continue it, I was just going to close it. Fortunately, the Barrick brothers stepped forward.

VERY COOL  The transfer of ownership at Halls Ice Cream between Peggy Raub and the Barrick brothers (Kole, in photo) has gone smoothly. (Paul E. Wyatt photo) Perry County Times

I got a call one day and was told, You should call Peggy, said Kole Barrick. At first, I thought Id take it on myself, but after talking with my brother, we decided to do it together. We saw this as another family business opportunity.

The Barricks are no strangers to entrepreneurship. Kole owns BFDs Snack Wagon, a concessions company, while Kyle runs BFD Land Services, an excavation business. Together, they also operate Barrick Bros. Farms in Duncannon, raising Angus cattle and selling freezer beef directly to clients.

Were not coming in to reinvent the wheel, Kole said. Were keeping what Perry County knows and loves. This is a place thats been home for people for years. Were just continuing that legacy.

Since stepping in, the Barricks have reopened the Dairy Parlor, expanded production, and committed to maintaining Halls standards. We opened on Mothers Day weekend and had no idea what to expect, Kole said. But it went really well. We were extremely busy.

Their whole family has pitched in. Koles father now works as one of the head ice cream makers, and his mother helps manage the parlor and bookkeeping. The family also has been working closely with Raub during the transition.

They took over at the busiest time of the year, Raub said. July is always packed with carnivals and fairs, but theyve been handling it really well. I think its going very, very well.

Halls Ice Cream holds the PA Preferred designation, which highlights agricultural products grown and processed in Pennsylvania. Their honey-based varieties, made in partnership with the Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association, are a unique staple. While they have successfully fulfilled special custom orders in the past  including flavors like lavender and saffron pistachio  theyre not part of the standard lineup. They also produce custom dog treats, which Raub said have been flying off the shelves, We make a thousand of them every two weeks, and theyre out the door just like that.

Looking ahead, the Barricks plan to expand wholesale partnerships with mom-and-pop stores and boost cheese offerings, including Canadian Vintage and other small-batch varieties. Were excited to get the cheese back up and running, Kole said. Thats something Peggy never really let go, but we want to focus on it more.

Raub, who taught at Susquenita Elementary for 35 years before taking over the business full-time in 1994, is looking forward to retirement. My house is calling me, she laughed. It hasnt gotten the attention it needs in a long time. I want to relax, play cards with friends, and enjoy life.

As she steps away, Raub expressed gratitude for the community thats supported Halls for generations. Im very thankful for all the support from the community and the county. And hopefully they will keep coming, because the Barricks are doing a really good job.

Orders can be placed by calling 717-589-3290. The parlor currently is open Sundays, with expanded hours planned in the future.
The employee satisfaction rate at Dell Technologies has dropped for the second year in a row, marking a nearly 50% decline in two years.

On Tuesday, in an internal video update, Jenn Saavedra, the tech company's chief human resources officer, announced Dell's employee net promoter score had decreased to 32, according to a transcript obtained by Business Insider.

Last year, the employee net promoter score decreased from 63 to 48.

Nvidia, Dell Partner With Trump Admin To Make Next-gen Supercomputer

The employee net promoter score is a metric used to gauge employee satisfaction and is calculated from the company's annual survey, "Tell Dell." One question asks employees how likely they are to recommend the company as a good place to work, Business Insider reported.

The Dell logo on a smartphone

Saavedra acknowledged this year's score was "below the benchmark" Dell aims to achieve, something the company takes seriously. She also noted Dell had been navigating internal and external changes, Business Insider reported, citing the transcript.

Read On The Fox Business App

Dell To Cut 6,650 Jobs Amid Diminishing Demand For Company's Computers

Four Dell employees cited factors including the company's ongoing layoffs, return-to-office policy, artificial intelligence implementation and a culture shift as reasons for the decrease in the score, according to Business Insider.

"I was more negative on my Tell Dell than I have ever been," one Dell employee told the news outlet.

Michael Dell, chairman and CEO of Dell Inc., speaks during the Dell Technologies World conference in Las Vegas May 20, 2024.

In March, Dell began requiring all staff members living near one of the company's offices to return to work in person five days a week. The company's workforce dropped by 25,000 employees in the last two years, Business Insider reported, citing a March SEC filing.

Oracle's Larry Ellison Overtakes Mark Zuckerberg As World's Second-richest Person

In February 2023, Dell announced it was cutting 6,650 jobs, or about 5% of its global workforce. Dell's co-Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Clarke, wrote in a memo to employees at the time that the company was experiencing market conditions that "continue to erode with an uncertain future," according to Bloomberg News.

The Nvidia headquarters in Santa Clara, California, US, on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.

Although Dell's employee net promoter score fell again this year, the leader net promotion score was 76. Employees said the company's leaders were collaborative and supportive, Saavedra said, according to Business Insider.

To improve employee satisfaction, Saavedra said the tech company would work to have more transparent communication and encourage more frequent conversations between teams and their leaders.
An influx of Perry County residents appealing their property assessments in response to rising school tax bills prompted a warning from Chief Assessor Randy Waggoner during July 7 commissioners meeting.

Waggoner related multiple stories of people who approached him over the weekend, saying they had no issue with their updated assessments until receiving significantly higher school tax bills. One West Perry School District resident told Waggoner their taxes increased by $1,000. Another, on a fixed income, said her bill rose by $500.

I told them both the same thing: You cant appeal your taxes, Waggoner said. Youre appealing your assessment, and if you thought it was fair before, you could actually see it increase if you challenge it.
Lifetime this weekend will debut a new four-movie series that features women finding resilience through their faith despite harrowing circumstances.

Chrissy Metz will star in the first movie, Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story, premiering at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 19.

LIVE STREAM: Fans can watch Lifetime without cable on Fans can watch Lifetime without cable on Philo, which offers a seven-day free trial.

Lifetime said Faith in the Flames is based on the true story of the devastating 2018 fire that ripped through Paradise, California ...

Nichole Jolly, Lifetime said, is a nurse at the towns hospital, who begins her day as usual, only to face an unimaginable crisis when a wildfire rapidly engulfs the town.

Torn between her duty to protect her patients and her desperate need to find her husband Nick, (Colin Moss) and children, Nichole discovers an unyielding strength within herself to save not only her family but countless residents from the encroaching flames.

The film is a tribute to the indomitable human spirit and the unsung heroes who emerge in the face of tragedy.

You can watch the official Lifetime trailer here:

The other three movies in the series are:

Before Your Father Finds Us, starring Alexa PenaVega - July 26

If I Run, starring Kat Graham - Aug. 2

Finding Faith, starring Paula Patton - Aug. 9

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This story was originally published on Trucking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Trucking Dive newsletter.

A transportation management system quirk is leading A. Duie Pyle to up its competitive offerings in Ohio.

The West Chester, Pennsylvania-based LTL provider is aiming to aggressively expand its service in the Buckeye State after noticing how route planning software caused customers to go elsewhere, the companys LTL solutions COO, John Luciani, said in a June interview.

A. Duie Pyle had been partnering with Dayton Freight Lines to provide two-day service in Ohio. Still, with more opportunities available for freight, the carrier is increasing density to support faster, overnight deliveries.

The carriers network currently includes a site near Cleveland in the city of Streetsboro, according to its website.

Now, a leased terminal from ABF Freight in Columbus and a former Yellow Corp. terminal in Bowling Green, which was acquired by ADP, will both open July 21, Luciani said. Bowling Green improves service to Toledo.

Our focus is going to be on those markets, back into our core area in the Northeast, Luciani said. So Columbus to New Jersey. Columbus to metropolitan New York, which nobody is doing.

The carrier is also looking for a service center in Cincinnati to add to the mix, Luciani said. The company plans to secure that by the end of the year.

We have plans once we get up and running to stretch the transit to get into New York City overnight from Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo, he said. Were going to be aggressive.

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A Brunch & Back To School Splash Bash will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Cedar Creek Church, 3001 Banks Mill Road. There will food trucks, water slides for kids and a fire truck spraydown. For more information, visit cedarcreekchurch.net.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 96F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. Low 76F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
editorial writer

Cindi Ross Scoppe is an editorial writer and columnist for The Post and Courier who has written about the S.C. Legislature, governor, state government and courts for nearly 40 years. She is a native of North Carolina and graduate of the University of North Carolina and lives in Columbia.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High around 95F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 77F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Lauren Leibman covers Georgetown County for the Post and Courier. She interned with The State newspaper and worked for The Daily Gamecock during her time at the University of South Carolina.
Quick Response Reporter

Komlavi Adissem is a breaking news and public safety reporter based in Charleston, S.C. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered local, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem!
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Anna Wilder covers politics for the Post and Courier. She previously worked as a political reporter for The State newspaper. She's a Florida native and a graduate of the University of Florida. Her work has appeared in outlets like Politico, Miami Herald and the Associated Press.
We recently published 10 Stocks On Jim Cramers Radar As He Says Trump Has Been Good For Growth. Eaton Corporation PLC (NYSE:ETN) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

Eaton Corporation PLC (NYSE:ETN) is one of the largest power management products providers in America. The firms shares have gained 9% year-to-date but are still down 1.9% from their pre-DeepSeek selloff in January. Eaton Corporation PLC (NYSE:ETN)s stock, like the stocks of other data center plays, was pummeled after investors questioned whether lofty expectations about AI demand would materialize. Cramer discussed the bearish sentiment and commented that the trend has now reversed:

No I mean data centers are the story again. Pennsylvania data centers. The building of them would be CoreWeave, the Presidents going to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania being a hub for all these. Everyone wants to play the parts of data center again. It really cooled in April. No one cared. The stocks got killed. But Eaton put out a release saying accelerated transformation of data center infrastructure, in the AI era with NVIDIA. This is power management. You need power management, its very much to be able to have a data center. They wanted to have best practices, reference architectures. I think that you can go back to these stocks.

Eaton Corporation PLC (ETN) Will Benefit From Data Center Spending, Says Jim Cramer

A technician standing in the middle of a power station, inspecting a power distribution system.

Cramer discussed Eaton Corporation PLC (NYSE:ETN) after its first quarter results. Here is what he said:

It is unbelievable. That quarter was not that bad. I cant believe whats happened to the stock. We think it should be bought on the spot right now.

While we acknowledge the potential of ETN 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.
(Removes reference to Volta brand in paragraph 2)

By Greta Rosen Fondahn

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Home appliances maker Electrolux missed expectations for second-quarter underlying profit on Friday due to weak demand in Europe, sending its share price down 16%.

Operating profit at the Swedish group, whose brands also include Frigidaire and AEG, totalled 797 million crowns ($82 million) as its North American business drove organic sales growth of 2%. That compared to 419 million crowns a year ago.

Excluding a 180 million crown one-off gain from the sale of a trademark in India, however, profit fell short of the 710 million crowns forecast by a poll provided by Electrolux.

Electrolux said its main brands continued to outperform the market in Europe but that general market demand declined with increased competitive pressure.

"Europe has been an extremely tough market in the second quarter. We have seen very aggressive price levels in Europe," CEO Yannick Fierling told analysts and journalists during a call. "The market in Europe ... was especially depressed and difficult."

While there were indications of an improvement in the European market towards the end of the period, it was too early to say whether that would continue in the third quarter, he said.

CFO Therese Friberg said the improvement was in volumes, whereas price pressure remained.

Shares in Electrolux were down 16% at 1030 GMT, taking a year-to-date fall to 34%.

Electrolux said that in both Europe and North America demand was affected by uncertainty due to geopolitical developments, with households continuing to shift to cheaper products.

The company, a rival of China's Midea and U.S. firm Whirlpool, maintained a "neutral to negative" full-year market outlook for North America, and a "neutral" outlook for Europe and Asia-Pacific markets as well as Latin America.

OFFSET TARIFFS

Analysts at JPM, with a "neutral" stance on Electrolux shares, said in a note that underlying profits were soft and increased competitive pressure in Europe and high promotional activity and competitive pressure in North America were unfavourable signs.

Electrolux's North America business, however, which has struggled for years due to high costs and factory underperformance, swung to profit, outperforming the wider market in the region.

The division, which last year accounted for a third of group sales, made a profit of 57 million crowns.

Electrolux said in April that Washington's tariff plans had hit consumer sentiment, and lowered its North America market outlook, adding that it aimed to offset tariff increases with more price hikes.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 19, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Organon & Co. ("Organon" or the "Company") (NYSE:OGN). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Organon and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until July 22, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Organon securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On May 1, 2025, Organon published a press release reporting its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, announcing that management had lowered the Company's dividend payout from $0.28 to $0.02. Organon's Chief Executive Officer cited a decision to "reset our capital allocation priorities to accelerate progress towards deleveraging, enabling a path to achieve a net leverage ration below 4.0x by year-end." On this news, Organon's stock price fell $3.48 per share, or 26.91%, to close at $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 19, 2025 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds 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"), of the important September 5, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased WAMCO 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 WAMCO 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. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm 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 WAMCO 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.
The Corporate Affairs Commissions (CAC) new AI-powered registration portal has been plagued by technical issues, causing frustration and challenges for businesses in Nigeria.

Despite the commissions promise to streamline the business registration process, lawyers say the portal has made it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently.

On 30 June, the commission announced the introduction of a new Artificial Intelligence AI-powered registration portal. At the time, Hussaini Magaji, registrar-general/chief executive officer of CAC, said the portal represents a complete overhaul of the commissions existing Company Registration Portal (CRP).

Mr Magaji stated that name reservation was now poised to be as easy as opening an email account where instant approvals were granted for available names. According to him, the system was intelligently built to suggest alternatives for selection and immediate approval.

He added that another special feature introduced is to allow business registration with only National Identification Number (NIN) of a director or proprietor, stating that CACs target time for business registration was now under 30 minutes to generate certificate and deliver to the customers email is subject to real-time NIN verification.

However, lawyers who act as registration agents told PREMIUM TIMES that the portal has been inaccessible for weeks, with customers unable to perform critical tasks, including the inability to conduct name searches, register business names, file post-incorporation documents, and submit annual returns.

The situation, they said, has also raised concerns about the ease of doing business in Nigeria, with potential investors likely to be deterred by the commissions system issues.

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Usually, the process of registering a business name may take one to two weeks, depending on the CAC workload and other factors, according to the commission. A registrant can do it themselves or engage an agent, usually a lawyer.

The lawyers who spoke to this newspaper on Thursday said the portal, which was supposed to improve efficiency, has instead resulted in numerous challenges, including inability to conduct name searches, register business names, file post-incorporation documents, and submit annual returns.

They expressed frustration with the commissions handling of the situation, citing a lack of transparency and communication about the issues and the timeline for resolution, speculating that the commissions actions may frustrate the system and justify the proposed fee hike scheduled to take effect in August.

CAC had in June announced a planned review of its service fees, effective 1 August. According to the commission, the decision was made after careful consideration of prevailing economic realities, rising operational costs, and stakeholder engagement.

The commission stated that the review of fees is crucial to ensuring that the commission continues to provide prompt, efficient, and technology-driven services that meet the expectations of its Stakeholders for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.

Lawyers speak

An Abuja-based lawyer, Yomi Ogunsanya, said the current situation has made it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently.

We have been facing the issue for over a week now. We just woke up one day and discovered that the whole portal has been changed and we discovered that they are trying to introduce AI we were not informed about initially. Meanwhile, in June, the commission issued a notice of increase in fees scheduled to take off from 1 August. Just a month to that we cant even do anything on the platform. We can access it but we cant do anything.

It is affecting the ease of doing business. I have someone that gave me a job and for over a week I cant even do the registration. If you are coming into the country for any investment and you want to register your company and your lawyer is telling you that he cannot get a new reservation for you within 7 days. There is nothing like ease of doing business again in this situation, Mr Ogunsanya said.

He explained that availability of name search could not be conducted as the AI portal was indiscriminately rejecting names searched by customers unintelligently.

Post incorporation portal not working as customers could not file changes to their company, and unable to file yearly Annual Returns. Business name registration portal not also working and now we cannot register business name or file post incorporation for close to two weeks now and two weeks to the proposed hike in fees, he said.

Another Abuja-based lawyer, Olalekan Oladapo, recounted his experience with the portal, highlighting the difficulties he faced in accessing the portal and registering a business name.

I think like every other system in Nigeria, when people are going through a transition process, people have a lot of challenges. Personally, I have encountered a lot of challenges in getting through the process. So, the first thing that happened to me, the first challenge is, I discovered that I could not access my portal, I could not log in, and all that, it was frustrating. So, each time I tried to log in, it brought out that my usernames were duplicated, and all that, he said.

Mr Oladapo explained that doing business has been terrible, they are making business so difficult for us, they are even making our clients even lose confidence.

He added that the commission issued a belated notice about the upgrade, which did not acknowledge the existing issues or provide a clear timeline for resolution.

Last Friday the commission issued a belated notice that it will be upgrading over the weekend, and normal activities will resume on Monday 14 July but as I speak to you now, nothing can be done on the portal, even payments are not going through. No new company registration can be done now, as name search/availability can not be successfully conducted, he added.

He said theres a lack of a feedback mechanism from the commission, making it difficult for them to report issues or seek assistance.

There are a myriad of problems and it appears those at the helms are unbothered and care less. No acknowledgement of customers issues and no assurance of resolving it.

According to him, all these may be a deliberate attempt by the commission to make people pay more from August thereby deliberately frustrating the system by tampering with it and with no resolution in sight.

We had, in the public domain, that they will increase fees by 1 August, and they will bring some of their services back. But now, people are trying to pay for the services. For example, in my own situation, I wanted to pay so that I would not be caught with the new increment. Because my client has already paid. I charge the fees from the current situation. We dont know whether this is a deliberate plan on the part of CAC for not making the payment platform working, he said.

Arome Okwori, a Jos-based lawyer, expressed concern that the situation may deter investors, who may be unable to register their companies or conduct business in Nigeria.

There should be a human face to this thing. AI or not, what we are saying is people are suffering and you are adding to the pain of the people. It is very disappointing and worrisome because the issue may discourage potential investors, he said.

Another lawyer, Obinna Orji, said: Recently their portal is having some glitches. Loading up of the portal, unsuccessful remita transactions due to the glitches, you cant make payment for filling fees.

When asked about the effect of the development on the countrys ease of doing business, Mr Orji added that it will definitely affect the ease of doing business, depending on the kind/nature of the business, he said.

READ ALSO: First HoldCo reveals buyer of recent share sales

CAC responds

When reached by PREMIUM TIMES on Friday evening, Dominic Inyang, the Director, Public Affairs, Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, acknowledged the issues, noting that the system is now working optimally.

We have some glitches but its now working optimally. Yes, there were some issues, this is technology; it is not man-made. Our system is up and doing now, he said.

Nigeria ranked 169th out of 190 countries in the World Banks Ease of doing business in 2016, compared to 170th in 2015 and 147th in 2014.

In 2020, Nigeria moved 15 places up the ladder according to the World Banks EDB report to 131st from 146th position in 2019.

In 2016, late President Muhammadu Buhari established the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), in line with the federal governments economic recovery and growth plan (ERGP 2017-2020).

The plan targeted improving Nigerias ranking and pushing the country to be amongst the top 70 countries in the World Bank doing business index by 2023.

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TRIBUTE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, AT THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HELD IN HONOUR OF THE LATE PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025

STATE HOUSE, ABUJA

PROTOCOL

Today, we gather under a heavy shadow, drawn from the silence that surrounds a departed leader and the immense weight of a life whose absence will be felt for generations. We meet to honour a man whose presence once commanded this very room, whose voice once summoned the best in us, and whose convictions never bowed, even to the strongest winds of public opinion. President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former Head of State and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has gone to rest.

He was first among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace, and first, without ambition or flattery, in the hearts of his fellow citizens. Yet it was in the quiet and unadorned settings of his private life that his true greatness was revealed: pious without show, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, temperate without coldness, and sincere without guile.

Steady in posture and spirit, dignified in bearing, and commanding by his very presence, his example guided all who encountered him. Still, it endures.

To his peers, he (Buhari) was respectful and without pretence. To those who served under him, he was kind without condescension. And, to those whom he loved most intimately, he was unfailingly tender, loyal, and good. His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue. The purity of his private character gave radiance to the discipline and integrity of his public service.

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Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such was the man for whom our nation now mourns.

President Buharis life was one of austere honour. He stood, always, ramrod straight; unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular. His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism was lived more in action than in words.

His life traced the arc of Nigerias journey. Born before independence, he became a young soldier in the struggle to keep our nation whole. In war and in peace, he served with vigilance and determination, as if the task of watching over Nigeria had been assigned to him alone. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he remained faithful to the task. He governed the North-Eastern State and stood as Head of State.

Years later, he returned to chair the Petroleum Trust Fund, which he administered with Spartan rigour and complete fidelity to the public good.

Yet, with all that he had achieved, his most enduring legacy would be carved in democracy. In a time when many had lost hope that change was possible, Muhammadu Buhari put his faith in the people of this country.

We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another. When he was sworn in as our partys first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint.

Those who knew him most intimately understood that the authority of that exalted office never changed him. In the face of pressure, he remained calm. In the face of crisis, he remained resolute. In the face of triumph, he remained modest. Most remarkably, he retained his jovial spirit.

When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had, never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry the nation forward.

President Buhari was not a perfect man  no leader is  but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man. His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten. His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in fidelity to God.

Now, he rests. And we who remain must carry the memory of his life as a standard to guide us. Let us honour him not only with words, but with humility in power, discipline in service, compassion in governance, and fearlessness in the pursuit of justice.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a grateful nation bid farewell to one of her most illustrious sons. It was a profound honour for me, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, to lead his funeral procession to Daura and witness his burial in the dignified manner befitting a great and noble leader.

I thank the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting State Funeral within 48 hours.

In this period of national mourning, I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to Hajia Aisha Buhari, her children, the entire Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all who knew and loved him. Our gratitude will remain with President Buharis family members who provided him with the comfort and strength to serve our nation in various capacities throughout his over 50 years of public service. We honour his service, reflect on his legacy, and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Mai Gaskiya, The Peoples general, the Farmer President  your duty is done.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.

President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,

Federal Republic of Nigeria

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A wave of condemnation has trailed a recent statement by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, warning former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, not to enter the state without notifying him or obtaining security clearance.

In a viral video seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Governor Okpebholo, speaking at a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, declared that Mr Obis recent visit to Edo State allegedly triggered unrest and must not be repeated without his approval.

This message is for the man who claims he has no shishi, Governor Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said, referencing Mr Obis well-known remark about living a modest life.

Theres a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. Im not joking.

The governor claimed that after Mr Obi donated N15 million during a previous visit to Benin City, three people were killed.

That man who says he has no shishi came and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance, he said.

This marks the second time an APC governor has issued such a warning to Mr Obi, who has increasingly drawn attention as political activities in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections intensify.

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In April, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also cautioned the former Anambra governor, a potentially consequential factor political permutation for the 2027 elections, against visiting the state for a humanitarian outreach without official clearance.

Mr Obi later cancelled the trip.

As Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Obi won Edo State and narrowly lost Benue State to the APC in the 2023 presidential election.

Reactions

The statement by Governor Okpebholo has triggered strong reactions from civil society groups, lawyers, political figures, and online commentators.

In a statement shared with this newspaper by Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), described the governors comments as a violation of his oath of office and a gross misrepresentation of constitutional authority.

The social media is replete with a viral video of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, allegedly addressing a crowd of his supporters in Benin City. The Governor was reportedly seen threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to enter Edo State without his permission, Mr Edun said.

All governors are, by virtue of their constitutional powers, the Chief Security Officers of their respective states and are enjoined to ensure that lives and properties are protected, as this is the primary responsibility of government.

He continued: Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has the constitutional right to move, reside and visit any place in Nigeria. That right is guaranteed by the provisions of Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution. It is only the Constitution or a law validly passed that can restrict the movement of a citizennot the pronouncement of a governor.

Mr Edun described the statement as most unfortunate, adding that it could discourage investors and visitors, and cast Edo State as unsafe.

Edo State is a peaceful and lovely state. Its people are friendly and welcoming, he concluded.

Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigerias National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, described the threat as dangerous and unconstitutional.

For the avoidance of doubt, every #Nigerian citizen has a constitutional right to #FreeMovement to any part of the country.

The exercise of that right does not exist at the say-so of any politician, no matter the amount of #JudiciallySanctioned #ElectionRigging procured for them, he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the governors remarks as a veiled death threat.

Okpebholos recorded remarks, warning Obi not to dare enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security is not guaranteed, constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights, the group said in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES by its National Publicity Secretary, Peter Ameh.

CUPP added that the comments violate Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement and residence across the country.

The coalition called on political leaders and civil society to speak out against what it termed an unacceptable display of thuggery.

Thats clear evidence of how our political arena is filled with the wrong people. Conduct a job interview for Okpebholo in a well established private organisation and see if he can get employment to supervise a unit in that same organisation.

Everything about the system is completely wrong, especially our leadership recruitment process due to manipulation and interference. A corrective measure will not work, all we need is a complete overhaul, Mr Ameh added.

The Obidient Movement, a political support network for Mr Obi, also weighed in, saying Governor Okpebholo must be held responsible if any harm befalls the former presidential candidate.

The threats must not be taken lightly, the group warned. Governor Okpebholo, like other governors, is the chief security officer of his state. His words carry consequences.

The group also drew parallels with previous threats from Governor Alia of Benue State, alleging a pattern of targeted intimidation against Mr Obi and his political movement.

In a separate statement, the President-General of the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, condemned the governors outburst as reckless and inflammatory.

Governor Okpebholo must exercise greater caution in the manner he expresses himself, especially now that he speaks not just as a politician, but as an elected governor, the statement said.

The group demanded a retraction, describing the remarks as unbecoming of a public officeholder. Such an allegation  that Obis visit led to the death of three individuals  is reckless and irresponsible.

The statement also alleged that the governors comments reflect a deeper intolerance toward opposition voices and insinuated ethnic bias against the Igbo community.

Social media users also blasted the governor, accusing him of hate speech and incitement.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong wrote on X: A semi-literate governor is issuing silly threats to a politician publicly in the name of politics. The Edo State Governor should be ashamed of himself. We cannot tolerate such irresponsible behaviour.

Another user, Raymond @ThisIsTheIroko posted: This man ran to the north to beg for the killings in Edo State but has the effrontery to make such crass and silly remarks about Peter Obi.

Also, VDM @vdmempire wrote: Governor Okpebholo, please stop spreading hate. I know you have to work for the Oga at the top, however, please do not do it at the expense of the integrity of the great people of Edo State. Dear Peter Obi, we the people of Edo State apologise for this.

Another user Masu Zafi added: They will tell you northerners are politically backward, but here is an Edo governor shielding his people from public donation. Peter Obi is the DON they now fear.

Calls for restraint

Many Nigerians on X have said that the governors statement could have grave implications for national unity and public safety.

They have urged state governors to separate security responsibilities from partisan rivalry and respect citizens rights under the Constitution

Mr Obi has yet to respond directly to the latest warning on his social media handles, though his camp maintains that all his movements are for humanitarian and developmental purposes.

Also, they stated that he has the constitutional right to move freely across Nigeria.

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The former National Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, was absent on Friday when President Bola Tinubu visited Kano due to an ongoing engagements in the United kingdom.

The former Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairperson, Muhammad Garba, said this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.

He was unavoidably absent during President Bola Ahmed Tinubus condolence visit to Kano on Friday due to a pre-scheduled personal engagement in London, which commenced five days after his resignation from the partys leadership, Mr Garba said.

Mr Garba said contrary to media speculations suggesting that Dr. Ganduje was either unwell or deliberately excluded from the Presidents entourage, the former National chairman had traveled to London for a personal engagement that had been arranged well in advance.

The visit by President Tinubu, which aimed at paying condolences to the family of the late business icon, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, was communicated to Dr Ganduje but unfortunately, despite frantic efforts to reschedule his flight and itinerary, the logistics made it impossible for him to return in time. Dr. Ganduje made every effort to adjust his plans but was unable to do so, Mr Garba stated.

He said despite being abroad, Mr Ganduje remained in constant communication virtually every hour or two with key party leaders, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC Kano state Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, to ensure smooth coordination for the Presidents visit.

Dr. Gandujes resignation as APC National Chairman in no way affects his cordial, longstanding relationship with President Tinubu, a bond built over years of mutual respect and political alignment.

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READ ALSO: Group urges Nigerian governor to join APC

The APC in Kano, he added, remains fully united, loyal, and committed to the vision and leadership of President Tinubu, he said, reaffirming the partys strong support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, the statement added.

The president was accompanied to the visit by senior APC members from the state including the deputy president of the senate, Mr Jibrin and the 2023 APC governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna among others.

Mr Dantata died on 28 June in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. He was laid to rest in Madinah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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Growing up, famous fashion entrepreneur Kiki Okewale, founder of Hope By Kiki, never felt beautiful. As the only girl in her family, constant remarks about looking like her father chipped away at her confidence.

But those childhood insecurities quietly planted the seeds of her nowfamous signature bold embellishments and striking details that turn ordinary pieces into headturning statements.

Today, that same instinct to add something extra has become the heartbeat of her readytowear brand, setting her apart in Nigerias competitive fashion scene.

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, she said: Whatever my mom buys any fabric, I would always add something. Even at that young age, I always wanted something different when I went to parties. Ill pick something for my moms jewellery, maybe a brooch or something to add to my outfit.

When you make additions to something, it makes something ordinary extraordinary. Ive always had that, but I never knew I would go into fashion. But when I did, I decided Ive always loved this, and the feedback has always been great. It makes our clients more beautiful, seen, and classy.

Finding purpose

While planning her wedding, she realised fashion was her true calling, as she couldnt find a store that offered everything she needed.

She noted, There was no social media availability as there is now. On the day of the wedding, I was tired. So, I told myself that if I felt this way, many other people planning events would need a store where they can find everything they need, from fabric to shoes to jewellery.

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That was when I decided to start the business. It started from my pain point, and we have gotten a lot of feedback where people would say, Finally, a store that I can find everything.

Mrs Okewale explained that she ventured into fabric printing after realising that more than 200 containers of imported textiles enter Nigeria daily. Yet, none are locally produced, and these containers often return empty.

According to her, the initiative now employs over 50 staff.

Since launching the fabric printing business, she noted that many customers have praised the quality and affordability of her products, often rating them superior to imported alternatives.

Thats a major need, and it shows that people buy. You see, Ankara, silk or chiffon, and they bring it in from India or China. This means a major market exists, so why cant we do it? When you print it over there, you think about exchange rates, shipping costs, but when youre printing here, youre not thinking about those things, she added.

A decade after

The graduate of Business Administration marked the tenth anniversary of her business on 12 July with an intimate gathering held at the fashion groups headquarters in Opebi, Ikeja.

The celebration brought together clients, friends, family members, and close associates.

Reflecting on her journey, she recalled selling from the boot of a car.

She described the businesss evolution as remarkable, highlighting the launch of her fabric printing line as the most humbling milestone in the ten-year journey.

The need came from this ready-to-wear. We got tired of the same Ankara everywhere. We got tired of Adire not getting repeat patterns. Because we also work with influencers, 200 or 20 clients will come asking for the same thing, and you cant get the same pattern. It just became a big issue for us, so I decided that if we can print it, why not?

So everything is now like an ecosystem where you go from fabric to ready-to-wear, to jewellery, shoes, bags, headpieces when we launched our ade ori okin cap, we were one of the first people to start caps that have embellishment and beads. Many people do it, but we were the ones that put that out there, Mrs Okewale added.

The radio host added that she continues to evolve and grow, strongly focusing on serving her clients and making them feel like royalty.

She noted, We launched our fabric printing company earlier this year. We now print our fabrics not just for ourselves, but for other fashion entrepreneurs, asoebi groups, and many companies.

Weve catered to people who need Ankara, adire, crepe, silk, chiffon, and the only thing we do not do is 100 per cent cotton. We do polycotton, and we can do anything blended with polyester.

Ready-to-wear

Mrs Okewale expressed delight at the growing interest among Nigerians in ready-to-wear, locally made clothing.

She recalled that before the COVID-19 pandemic, she focused on creating bespoke party outfits.

However, she said she launched a garment factory during the lockdown and began producing ready-to-wear casual clothing.

Then we started churning out ready-to-wear casuals, even if it has embellishments, it would be just a little bit that you could walk in or go to the market with, because thats where people were going at that point. Thats how we went fully into the casual ready-to-wear. We used to do a lot of bespoke and style many celebrities and high-net-worth individuals, but we stopped doing bespoke two years ago for my sanitys sake, my mental state. Tailors will humble you, clients will humble you, and it just wasnt profitable.

And by the time we wanted to scale the price, people were used to our prices, which was a loss for us. At one point, my husband said, Its either you shut this bespoke down, or you shut down the entire business, because Ill be on vacation, and one customer will be calling me to complain about one problem with an outfit. Im grateful for it, though, because it was one of the things that put us out there where celebs were wearing us. It gave me value, but the time comes, and you know it is time to move on.

She added that although many people are involved in the ready-to-wear business, her company has continued to thrive because it consistently creates something unique.

She noted that this is the value they add to the fabric, offering distinctiveness that sets them apart.

Government

When asked how she would like the government to assist, she emphasised that authorities should refrain from suffocating them with restrictive policies.

Mrs Okewale added that they need unwavering government support, not handouts or financial aid.

The bills keep coming in, like the tax. Four agencies can duplicate the same certificate and give you ridiculous bills. It is wild. But beyond that, I would say that our operational cost is high because of electricity.

Our electricity cost, and Im talking about aside from generators, is over N2million monthly. Since we started, though, people have been posting to us.

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The senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, has formally resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attributing his exit to unresolved internal crises and protracted legal disputes within the party following the 2023 general elections.

Mr. Fadahunsis resignation was contained in a letter dated 12 June and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Ward 4, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.

The letter said, I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect, due to the irreparable, irreconcilable differences and protracted legal battles that have bedeviled the party at the national level after the 2023 general elections.

Although Mr. Fadahunsi did not disclose his next political destination in the letter, multiple sources within Osun political circles say he may join the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the federal level.

may join the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the federal level.

The development comes amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as cracks widen within both major parties  the PDP and APC, over leadership control, zoning arrangements, and electoral losses recorded in the last cycle.

Mr. Fadahunsi, a retired deputy comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and vocal member of the 9th and 10th Senate, was elected on the PDP platform in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. His departure represents a significant setback for the PDP in Osun, a state it controls at the gubernatorial level under Governor Ademola Adeleke.

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Although Mr Adeleke has not publicly commented on any planned defection, sources say he and some allies have held consultations in recent months, fuelling speculations about a broader exodus from the PDP in the state.

Mr. Fadahunsi is expected to officially notify the Senate of his defection when plenary resumes next week. According to parliamentary procedure, such notifications must be made through a formal letter read by the senate president during plenary.

Since 2023, there have been growing speculations that several PDP senators may defect to the APC amid the partys weakening influence in the red chamber. Mr. Fadahunsis exit may lend further credence to those speculations.

With this resignation, the PDP now decreases to 29 seats in the 109-member Senate, while the APC controls 69 seats further consolidating its majority. The Labour Party (LP) now has four seats, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has two seats. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) hold one seat each.

Currently, the Senate has 107 sitting members following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) in July 2024 and the exit of Monday Okpebholo, who vacated the Edo Central seat after his election as Edo State governor in September 2024.

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The Nigerian Government has denied its involvement in recent acquisitions of shares in First HoldCo Plc, which saw 10.43 billion shares of the financial services group, valued at N323.3 billion, exchange hands through 17 negotiated off-market deals on Wednesday.

In a Friday statement issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, special assistant to the president on Communication and Publicity, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the government described the report as inaccurate, misleading, resentful and malicious.

We are compelled to respond to a publication by ThisDay Newspaper of July 17, 2025, and Arise TV suggesting that 25% of First Bank Holdings (First Holdco) shares were transferred to the Federal Government of Nigerias (FGN) trustee, the statement said.

Neither the Federal Government of Nigeria nor the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice participated in acquiring the shares in question.

ThisDay newspaper had stated in an earlier publication that a trustee set up as a special purpose vehicle acquired the shares, acting on behalf of the Federal Government.

The trustee, it said, was established through the settlement being brokered by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, working with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and facilitated the purchase of the shares through a custodial arrangement.

The shares are now with the trustee for the next two or three weeks when they will decide how to proceed and reach a strategic decision on what to do with the shares and also look at FBNs plan for capital raise to meet CBN requirement, the news outlet quoted a source as saying.

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In the statement issued on Friday, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice disclosed that it is imperative to refute the claim in order to avert confusion or misconception about First HoldCos ownership and governance.

However, it is aware of a trustee set up by First HoldCo, with the CBN approving Stanbic IBTC to oversee it as a third party, the document said.

PREMIUM TIMES findings showed that RC Investment Management Limited was actually approved to oversee the trustee.

In a related development, First HoldCo has issued a statement debunking reports by ThisDay, Business Day and Arise TV in respect of the share sales.

We wish to state that the Chairman of FirstHoldCo, Mr Femi Otedola, did not purchase any of the shares in question, neither did the Federal Government of Nigeria or any of its agencies acquire the shares in Trust, the group noted in a statement on Friday.

The sellers were Barbican Capital Limited & affiliates and Leadway Group & affiliates, and the buyer was RC Investment Management Limited, it added.

PREMIUM TIMES check with the Corporate Affairs Commission showed Sule Samuel Babatunde as the person with significant control in RC Investment Management Limited, which was registered on 8 May 2024.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a request to restrain the National Assembly from approving the Rivers State 2025 budget under the current sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral.

Judge James Omotosho, in a ruling on Friday, held that the court could not grant the prayer because the action the plaintiffs sought to stop had already been completed.

President Bola Tinubu, on 18 March, declared an emergency rule in Rivers State under which he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials for six months and appointed Mr Ibas as the sole administrator of the state for the period.

The Senate, which took over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly following the emergency declaration, passed the states 2025 budget on 25 June.

It has also approved appointments to positions requiring legislative input in the state.

The applicants, a group of Rivers State indigenes, sought an interim injunction restraining the National Assembly from further interference, approving, supporting and engaging in any legislative activities, including approving, appointment or budgets of Rivers State Government.

The plaintiffs are Oziwe Amba, king regent of Diobu in Port Harcourt; Julius Bulous, George Ikeme, Amachelu Orlu, Odioha Wembe, and Hope Africa Foundation, which claimed to represent the Niger Delta Confederal Assembly.

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They sued the National Assembly and its clerk over the emergency rule and its fallout, including the ratification of appointments and budgets.

Their application for interlocutory injunction, filed on 24 June, is tied to the substantive suit instituted on 19 June.

In the main suit, the plaintiffs asked the court to nullify Mr Tinubus proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of Mr Ibas as sole administrator, describing both actions as unconstitutional.

At the 10 July hearing, the plaintiffs lawyer, Ambrose Owuru, urged the court to invalidate the Senates approval of the states budget, arguing that the emergency proclamation and related legislative actions lacked constitutional backing. He said the proclamation was invalid, having been passed via voice vote instead of the two-thirds majority required under Section 305 of the Constitution.

But Mohammed Galadima, who represented the National Assembly, defended the procedure as lawful and warned that granting the application could disrupt governance in the state.

The ruling

Mr Omotosho ruled on Friday that the main action the plaintiffs sought to restrain was the passage of the budget submitted to the Senate by the administrator.

He added that the court was aware that the Senate had already passed the budget on 25 June.

The judge ruled that the act being challenged was a completed one and therefore dismissed the motion.

He added that some of the issues raised in the motion are contained in the substantive suit and would be better addressed during its hearing.

The judge adjourned the matter to 20 October for the hearing of the main suit.

Mr Tinubu controversially declared state of emergency in Rivers State in June, citing escalating violence and worsening political crisis resulting from the rivalry between Governor Fubara and his successor, Nyesom Wike, the incumbent FCT minister, who helped Mr Fubara to win the 2023 governorship election. The emergency rule has been widely condemned for collapsing democratic institutions in the state.

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Image of Elon Musk by Alessia Pierdomenico via Shutterstock

CNBC guru Jim Cramers reluctance to recommend Tesla (TSLA) stock despite its beaten-down valuation reflects growing investor frustration with CEO Elon Musks political entanglements overshadowing the companys technological innovations. The Mad Money host criticized Musks focus on politics instead of humanoids, highlighting how political distractions are derailing Teslas core mission.

Tesla stock has faced selling pressure following Musks announcement that he was forming the America Party, a new political venture targeting select Senate and House of Representatives races. TSLA stock plummeted nearly 7% in a single trading session earlier this month, erasing over $68 billion in market value as investors expressed concern about Musks divided attention during a crucial period for the electric vehicle company.

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The situation deteriorated further when President Donald Trump threatened to cut government subsidies for Musks companies, suggesting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should investigate the billionaires extensive government support. Trumps comments that Musk could lose a lot more than that sparked additional selling pressure for TSLA stock.

Musks criticism of the administrations tax-and-spending bill has reignited tensions with Trump, who previously praised the Tesla CEOs early political involvement. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eliminates EV tax credits and reduces support for renewable energy, poses a direct threat to Teslas business model.

Financial Dependencies at Risk

Teslas vulnerability to government policy changes extends beyond vehicle sales. The EV giant has generated more than $11 billion in revenue on automotive regulatory credits since 2015. SpaceX, another Musk venture, holds $22 billion worth of federal contracts, highlighting the extensive government relationships at stake.

Tesla also faces operational challenges with second-quarter deliveries down 13.5% year-over-year. Rising competition, particularly in China, exacerbates these difficulties, as Musks attention is divided between corporate leadership and political activism.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives captured investor sentiment, noting a broader sense of exhaustion from many Tesla investors that Musk keeps heading down the political track. While Cramer acknowledges Teslas valuation creates a potential price break opportunity, the ongoing political drama makes it difficult for even seasoned investors to confidently recommend the stock.
A prosecution witness, on Friday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja how he received millions of dollars in cash in a suspicious foreign exchange deal allegedly facilitated by two senior executives of SunTrust Bank.

Suleiman Ciroma, who is a bureau de change operator (BDC), said he received the money for onward transfer to the bank accounts of a business woman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu. Ms Achimugu was arrested on 29 April and is still facing investigations over money laundering and Ponzi scheme allegations.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting  Halima Buba and Innocent Mbagwu  the Managing Director/Chief Executive and Chief Compliance Officer of SunTrust Bank, respectively.

The commission arraigned the duo on 13 June before trial judge Emeka Nwite on six counts of money laundering.

The commission accused them of facilitating large cash transactions outside the formal financial system.

For instance, the anti-graft agency alleged that in March 2025, the defendants aided separate cash payments of $3 million each in Abuja and Lagos, without passing through a financial institution.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

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Mr Ciromah, who is EFCCs first prosecution witness, began testifying on Thursday.

He told trial judge Emeka Nwite on Friday how the transactions were carried out between him, the defendants, and Ms Achimugu.

During cross-examination by Ms Bubas lawyer, Johnson Usman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the witness said that although he operated both naira and dollar accounts with SunTrust Bank, none of the money went through my account.

He also said he received the cash in tranches from Ms Achimugu between 10 and 24 March 2025 at the Abuja and Lagos branches of SunTrust Bank.

I can also recall that after meeting her, she gave me a total of $1.8 million for conversion into naira, and they were in tranches, he added.

Mr Ciroma, who told the court he was a bureau de change operator as of 2021, confirmed that he acted as an intermediary for foreign exchange transactions between the defendants and Ms Achimugu. The EFCC arrested Ms Achimugu in April over alleged money laundering and Ponzi scheme operations, but has yet to charge her in court with any crime.

The witness said he learned of Ms Achimugus arrest via social media.

Contention over admissibility of documents

During the cross-examination, Mr Usman attempted to tender a series of documents, including the charges document, extra-judicial statements by the defendants and witnesses, and a letter from SunTrust Bank to the EFCC.

But the move was opposed by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who argued that the defence failed to present certified true copies as required by law.

Mr Oyedepo noted that documents such as extra-judicial statements are only admissible if the conditions under Section 232 of the Evidence Act are met.

He pointed out that pages 32 to 83 of the documents consisted of extra-judicial statements made to the EFCC, which cannot be admitted without satisfying the statutory requirements.

From pages 84 to 181, which the defence is also seeking to tender, page 84 has already been admitted as Exhibit P1. However, the remaining documents do not meet the substantial compliance required under Section 104 of the Evidence Act. There is no name or designation of the certifying officer, no evidence of payment of certification fees, and no valid certification, he said.

My lord, what the defence is attempting to do is to ask this court to play the role of a forensic expert, which is not permissible under the law, he submitted, urging the court to reject the documents.

In response, Mr Usman disagreed with the prosecutions position. He argued that the authorities cited by the EFCC counsel were inapplicable to the current facts.

The document sought to be tendered was fully paid for by the applicant, with a receipt endorsed by the Federal High Court, he said.

He cited Section 104(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011 (as amended), arguing that certification by the registrar and proof of payment were sufficient.

READ ALSO: Socialite Aisha Achimugu to surrender to EFCC one month after being declared wanted

My learned brother systematically tried to split the documents into segments, witness statements, bank documents, immigration records, but failed. What is sought to be tendered is a charge filed by the EFCC, not separate or disjointed records.

Citing a Supreme Court decision from 2007, Mr Usman said, The law is settled that once a document is admissible, its attachments are automatically admissible.

He argued that the charge, being a single document with annexures, must be treated as one unit. It is not a requirement of the law that every page must carry a separate certification in line with Section 104, he said. What we seek to tender is a certified true copy. The original is before the court, and we have complied with the law.

He accused the prosecution of being evasive. They are saying neither reject nor admit. Thats a strange legal principle. The charge is theirs. What are they running from? You cant blow hot and cold.

Mr Usman urged the court to dismiss the EFCCs objection and admit the documents.

Following the arguments, the judge adjourned the matter until 16 and 17 October for ruling on the admissibility of the documents and continuation of cross-examination.

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Three South-west governors have called on the National Assembly to ensure the creation of state police and the implementation of true federalism through the ongoing constitutional review exercise.

Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) made the call on Friday during the South-west Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review held in Akure, Ondo State capital.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, in his submission, stressed the need to decentralise the nations policing system, saying the current centralised structure was no longer sustainable in the face of worsening insecurity.

He highlighted the effectiveness of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, in combating crime at the grassroots and reiterated the need to legalise state police through constitutional amendment.

Ondo State aligns with the progressive aspirations of the South-west geo-political zone in advocating for true federalism that reflects socio-political, cultural and economic realities of the federating units, Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

This would be in tandem with true fiscal federalism, where states have full control over their resources and revenues, while remitting about 40 per cent of their revenues to the federal government.

Still on fiscal federalism, it will serve the cause of fairness and justice to have a review of the current revenue allocation formula, which is skewed in favour of the federal government.

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Ondo State is of the opinion that not less than 50 per cent of revenue from the federation should be allocated to the states.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also advocated the amendment of Section 44(3) of the Constitution to move control over mineral resources from the Exclusive-Legislative List to the Concurrent List.

He argued that this would empower states to regulate and benefit from their natural resources while curbing illegal mining.

He said, It is an understatement that state governments and the people experience a lot of agonies from the activities of miners, including illegal miners, quarries and others that engage in mineral exploration activities. This is because state governments have little or no control over this sector.

It hinders state governments, especially oil-rich states, from harnessing their mineral wealth for local development, while illegal mining continues to flourish due to weak federal government oversight and poor local enforcement mechanisms.

Mr Aiyedatiwa further said the state is not opposed to the creation of new states as requested in some of the proposed bills, but strongly opposes excising any part of its territory to merge with any new state or join an existing one.

Besides agreeing on the submissions for state police and true federalism, Mr Adeleke also called for electoral reforms.

Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, the Osun governor called for the adoption of electronic voting and reducing the cost of conducting elections.

The cost of governance and elections is too high. We must reduce it and make political offices less attractive to curb the do-or-die mentality, hei stated.

For his part, Mr Oyebanji canvassed the decentralisation of mineral resource control through the amendment of Section 44(3).

The Ekiti governor, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, said the constitution should be amended to remove control over minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas from the Exclusive Legislative List and take them to the Concurrent Legislative List.

Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee for South-west Centre B, James Faleke, assured that all position papers and public inputs would be thoroughly considered in line with the wishes of Nigerians.

Other stakeholders, including traditional rulers, labour unions, and paramilitary organisations, also made presentations during the hearing.

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Jaundice is a health condition that makes the eyes and parts of the skin turn yellow. It occurs when the body stores excess bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, which is normally processed by the liver and eliminated as waste.

When this process is disrupted, bilirubin builds up in the blood and is deposited in the eyes, skin, and other tissues, causing them to turn yellow.

Health experts say the condition is neither a disease nor contagious, but a symptom of more severe health conditions, which can lead to death if not well managed.

Adeleye Moses, a medical doctor at Garki General Hospital, Abuja, told PT Health Watch that jaundice can indicate that a patient is suffering from liver-related ailments such as hepatitis infection, cirrhosis, hepatoma, or parasitic conditions.

Although indicative of other severe health concerns in adults, jaundice is more common in babies and is a leading cause of hospitalisation in the first week of life globally.

Significant health concern for infants

Jaundice is considered more dangerous when it occurs in infants. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 60 per cent of full-term and 80 per cent of pre-term infants develop some form of jaundice in the first week of their lives.

In Nigeria, research suggests that it is also the leading cause of preventable brain damage, physical and mental handicap and early death among infants in many communities.

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The most common reasons why babies, especially newborns, develop health problems are a condition called G6PD deficiency, serious infections in the blood, and a mismatch between the mothers and babys blood types, Mr Moses explained.

Neonates are more at risk of jaundice due to their bodys inability to effectively process bilirubin into waste.

Neonatal jaundice is physiological, Mr Moses added. The conjugation mechanism of the infant is not fully developed.

How to identify jaundice

Although the most common sign of jaundice is a yellowish discolouration of the skin and eyes, visual detection of jaundice may be inaccurate in children.

Aside from yellowing of the eyes, another way to identify jaundice is by checking the skin and the inside of the mouth, says Chibueze Ezichi, a medical official at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.

He said for newborn babies, health workers often use a method called blanching, which involves pressing the babys skin, before it darkens to its natural tone, to check for yellowing underneath.

Mr Ezichi further noted that, for infants with light skin, jaundice can also be spotted on the soles of their feet.

He explained that this discolouration is more noticeable in light-skinned children because their skin tone makes the yellowing stand out.

In adults, other symptoms may vary based on the underlying cause of the condition, and may include: dark coloured urine, itchy skin, fatigue, clay-coloured stool, and vomiting.

Prevention

A study by Harvard Medical School recommended checking a babys bilirubin levels and ensuring the baby is well-fed during the first few days of life as ways to prevent jaundice.

Bilirubin is a yellow substance that forms when the body breaks down old red blood cells.

According to Mr Ezichi, anything that causes rapid breakdown of red blood cells can lead to jaundice.

Severe malaria can trigger this by causing massive red cell destruction. So yes, preventing malaria is one way to reduce the risk of jaundice.

According to him, mosquito control, early treatment, and protective measures like using nets can help reduce the risk of jaundice.

He, however, noted that the cause of jaundice depends on the underlying condition, adding that the focus should be more on addressing the root cause.

Mr Ezichi said this is mostly important for people with sickle cell disease or hemolytic anaemia.

The focus is not on preventing jaundice itself but on managing the crises or conditions that cause red blood cell breakdown.

For example, treating hyperhemolytic crisis or sequestration crisis in sickle cell patients helps prevent the buildup of bilirubin.

He emphasised that, it is not always about what you can do to stop jaundice, but more about treating whats causing it.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the immediate reinstatement of James Idachaba, who was compulsorily retired by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Justice Mohammed Danjuma, who delivered the lead judgment, also reversed the directive by the PSC, requiring him to refund eight years salaries with effect from 1 August 2025.

The appellate court, in the appeal filed by Mr Idachabas lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, set aside the decision of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice O.O. Oyewumi of the NICN had, on 15 May 2024, dismissed Mr Idachabas originating summons challenging his compulsory retirement from the force.

At the trial court, Mr Idachaba stated that, following his promotion to the rank of assistant commissioner of police in 2023, he noticed that his salary was stopped by the PSC and the police after a decision was made to compulsorily retire him without a fair hearing.

He added that the PSC failed to provide him with any documents containing the allegations brought against him or the record of the proceedings of the plenary where the purported decision to summarily retire him was reached.

His lawyer, Mr Ojukwu, sought 11 reliefs.

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He argued that the compulsory retirement and salary refund directive constitute a violation of his right to a fair hearing and are therefore null, void, and of no effect.

He urged the court to compel the PSC to reinstate his client immediately and unconditionally, restoring him to the rank of ACP with all rights, entitlements, and emoluments from 18 August 2023, among other reliefs.

READ ALSO: Appeal Court affirms removal of Kabir Ibrahim as president of farmers association

However, the NICN, on 15 May 2024, dismissed Mr Idachabas suit on the grounds that the appellant failed to prove his case or justify why the courts discretionary power should be exercised in his favour.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the appellant filed his appeal on 24 September 2024.

But the police opposed the appeal.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, the three-member panel of justices held that the issues formulated for determination were resolved in favour of Mr Idachaba and against the respondents.

It follows that this appeal is meritorious and hereby succeeds, the judge said.

The judge ordered that the judgment of the lower court, in suit number: NICN/ABJ/288/2023, is hereby set aside.

The appellate court also awarded N2 million against the 1st and 2nd respondents to be paid jointly and severally.

(NAN)

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Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its lecturer, Olabode Abimbola-Ibikunle, calling on the public to refrain from speculations until the facts are fully established.

The PAAU Registrar, Yahaya Alilu, in statement in Lokoja, described the incident as tragic and disturbing.

The registrar called for a thorough investigation into the cause and circumstances surrounding the lecturers death, which occurred in the company of a student, Glory Ojochegbe-Samuel.

This is because some unverified reports are linking the names of other students, including Miss Bello Yahaya-Lubabat of the Department of Educational Administration and Planning, to the incident.

The university firmly dissociates Miss Bello Yahaya-Lubabat and other students from the matter and cautions against the spread of unfounded associations that may harm the reputations of innocent persons.

We therefore, kindly urge the public and the media to refrain from speculations or drawing premature conclusions until the facts are fully established.

PAAU remains committed to upholding the values of truth, fairness, and justice, and we respectfully appeal for restraint and responsible reportage as investigations continue.

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READ ALSO: Controversy trails death of Kogi man accused of being a criminal

NAN reports that Mr Abimbola-Ibikunle, died at a hotel in Anyigba, and was later reported to the police by the hotel manager.

The Kogi Police Command Spokesperson, William Ovye-Aya, confirmed the incident to NAN, and said an autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death.

Mr Ovye-Aya said that the hotel manager, Moses Friday, had reported that a 22-year-old 200-level student of PAAU, Gloria Samuel, rushed to the reception to alert the staff that the lecturer had collapsed after their encounter.

The police, he said, swung into action by rushing the lecturer to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor.

According to him, investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken based on the findings. (NAN)

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The Presidency has reacted to the criticism by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the President Bola Tinubu administration was exploiting the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political mileage and image rehabilitation.

In a statement on Saturday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said ADCs outburst was a laughable tantrum by a poorly amalgamated political contraption desperately clutching at straws for relevance it will never attain.

Mr Dare also said the ADC is the one exploiting Mr Buharis burial for political gains with the way they have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance.

A coalition of prominent opposition leaders recently adopted the ADC, one of the countrys 18 political parties, as the platform to challenge the reelection of President Tinubu in 2027.

Members of the coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Sule Lamido, Gabriel Suswam, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, and Peter Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023.

Former Senate President David Mark and Mr Aregbesola, a former politicall ally of President Tinubu, were named as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively.

Mr Buhari died on 13 July and was buried two days after in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State. Several government officials including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the burial.

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Opposition leaders such as Messrs Atiku, Obi and El-Rufai also visited the late presidents family.

Gaining Sympathy with Buharis burial

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Friday, described the administrations actions since Mr Buharis death as a cynical and stage-managed in an attempt to gain sympathy, particularly in the North where the former president maintained significant influence.

The choreographed Federal Executive Council (FEC) tribute, complete with a publicised appearance by our late Presidents grieving son, was not a demonstration of genuine respect.

It was a calculated public relations stunt by an unpopular government, carefully stage-managed to distract Nigerians from the administrations deepening failures and to rewrite history while the nation mourns  he said.

He objected to Yusuf Buharis presence at the FEC meeting, describing it as unconscionable to involve a grieving son in a political setting.

It is equally troubling that the young man, Mr. Yusuf Buhari, a private citizen and grieving son, was pulled into the political theatre of a Federal Executive Council meeting, just days after burying his father, Mr Abdullahi stated.

The ADC spokesperson noted that the Tinubu administration had spent over one year blaming the late president for the economic hardship faced by Nigerians and distancing itself from his policies.

Insult to Nigerians

In his statement, Mr Dare said the ADCs accusation is an insult to millions of Nigerians who genuinely mourn Mr Buharis death and who accorded the late president with solemn respect and dignity.

Their latest press release, alleging that President Tinubus government is exploiting the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain, is not only dishonest  it is an insult to millions of Nigerians who genuinely mourn the loss of a statesman, and who watched the State Burial accorded Buhari with solemn respect and dignity.

Let it be said clearly: the ADC is the one exploiting Buharis death for political attention, not this government. They have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance. From Atiku and El Rufais choreographed arrival in Daura  greeted with chants seeking to make political capital from the solemnity of the moment  to this disgraceful press statement, the ADC has shown itself to be utterly shameless, he said.

Mr Dare also listed some achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the stabilisation of the naira and harmonisation of the exchange rates, raising oil production to 1.7 mbpd, and increased FAAC allocations by over 60 per cent.

Read the full statement by the Presidency

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

RE: BUHARIS BURIAL  A RESPONSE TO ADCS OBNOXIOUS STATEMENT

The latest outburst from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding former President Buharis state burial is nothing but an opportunistic exercise in manufactured outrage  a laughable tantrum by a poorly amalgamated political contraption desperately clutching at straws for relevance it will never attain.

This is not the first time the ADC  in its pitiful, stuttering attempts at reinvention  has embarrassed itself with hollow, attention-seeking criticisms and press releases. A party still grappling with an identity crisis presumes lecturing the President of the Federal Republic on governance, decorum, and public accountability. How utterly ridiculous.

Since its emergence, the ADC has resorted to issuing disjointed press statements on every passing event to remind Nigerians it now exists. In its desperation to look like an opposition party, it has now crossed every known line of decency.

Their latest press release, alleging that President Tinubus government is exploiting the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain, is not only dishonest  it is an insult to millions of Nigerians who genuinely mourn the loss of a statesman, and who watched the State Burial accorded Buhari with solemn respect and dignity.

Let it be said clearly: the ADC is the one exploiting Buharis death for political attention, not this government. They have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance. From Atiku and El Rufais choreographed arrival in Daura  greeted with chants seeking to make political capital from the solemnity of the moment  to this disgraceful press statement, the ADC has shown itself to be utterly shameless.

For clarity, President Tinubus administration is neither desperate nor searching for cheap popularity. This government would rather allow its growing list of achievements to speak louder than the noisy irrelevance of groups like the ADC.

The burial of former President Buhari was conducted with the complete honour befitting a leader of his stature. That is why world leaders showed up, millions of Nigerians tuned in on television and across social media, and even ADC promoters were falling over themselves in Daura, prancing about the Buhari family compound like eager real estate agents scouting new territory.

What has this administration done while the ADC howls?

1. Naira stabilised, exchange rates harmonised.

2. Oil production up to 1.7MBPD.

3. FAAC allocations increased by over 60%.

4. 31 states, once crippled by debt, are now paying salaries, pensions, and contractors.

5. Naira decoupled from oil market volatility, regaining resilience.

6. Electricity restored to long-neglected communities.

7. Infrastructure delivered: Ogbia-Nembe Road, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Road, and more.

8. NELFUND: About 400,000 students benefit from the historic loan scheme.

9. Regional Commissions were established to drive balanced development nationwide.

10. Consumer Credit Scheme launched  a first, laying the foundation for a credit-based economy and attacking corruption at its root.

These are not press statements. These are results. Tangible, measurable, and ongoing. That is leadership.

What does the ADC offer Nigerians beyond sanctimonious whining? Absolutely nothing. If the ADC spent merely half the time it uses on press releases to handle issues from its disenchanted members, the party wouldnt grapple with many legal problems. This party is consumed by internal squabbles, facing multiple court cases over its very existence, and reduced to issuing these baseless attacks to cling to the fringes of relevance. Are these strange bedfellows, ones to be taken seriously?

No.

Let it be said without equivocation: Nigerians are not fooled. No press statement  however venomous  can erase the facts of progress. President Tinubu honoured Buhari with dignity in death and continues to honour his legacy through hard work, not hollow words.

Governance continues, Nigeria is stable, and President Tinubu remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda, not on dignifying the desperate antics of political scavengers.

Nigerians should ignore this political noise from an outfit gasping for attention.

Sunday Dare

Special Adviser to the President o

(Media & Public Communications)

July 19, 2025

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Its been over two years since Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office as Nigerias president. For many of us who had grown tired of the vindictive ethnonationalism that defined Muhammadu Buharis reign, Tinubus emergence sparked a flicker of hope. For all his flaws, Tinubu had always styled himself as a bridge-builder, a master political negotiator, a man who built coalitions across Nigerias fractious tribal and religious lines. But that hope is slowly dissipating in a region of the country, disillusioned by a familiar tale: the continued, unjust detention of Nnamdi Kanu.

Let me be clear from the outset: I am not an apologist for Kanu, nor have I ever been a supporter of IPOBs often inflammatory methods. Like many Igbos, I sympathize with the legitimate frustrations that birthed the movement: marginalization, structural injustice, and the failure of the Nigerian state, but I have never subscribed to the notion that meaningful change comes from reckless rhetoric or the weaponization of identity. In fact, IPOBs authoritarian tendencies and internal contradictions have too often inflicted more severe hardship upon the very communities the group claims to protect.

Yet, however flawed their tactics, none of that justifies what has now become the longest-running case of state-sponsored injustice in Nigerias recent history. Nnamdi Kanu has been held in illegal detention since June 2021, and this injustice persists under a new administration that promised change but seems to be echoing the old refrain of regional bias and selective justice.

If someone had told me that Kanu would still be languishing in custody two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubus tenure, I would have found it difficult to believe. Under Muhammadu Buharis regime, his indefinite incarceration, albeit shameful, was entirely predictable. Buharis administration orchestrated Kanus extraordinary rendition from Kenya, an act that violated international law and due process but he was determined to break him by any means necessary.

This is the same administration that granted amnesty to self-confessed terrorists, facilitated their rehabilitation, and celebrated their reintegration into society. Yet, it treated Kanu as if he posed an existential threat greater than Boko Haram or ISWAP. The contradiction is not just galling, it is morally reprehensible.

I have heard some of my colleagues from both the North and Southwest, especially the North, argue often with unrestrained vehemence, that Kanus rhetoric and inflammatory behavior disqualify him from sympathy. Its true that Kanu has been reckless in his utterances, and he has insulted many across Nigerias ethnic and political spectrum. But such vitriol, however distasteful, cannot justify the flagrant disregard for human rights and due process we have seen in his case. Especially when we juxtapose his treatment with the impunity granted to violent religious extremists, men who have left a trail of blood and displacement across the Northeast and beyond.

Let us recall: In 2021, Nigerias then-Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, announced that the government had intelligence linking over 400 individuals to the financing of Boko Haram. He promised investigations and prosecutions. Predictably, nothing came of it. No convictions. No meaningful public trials. The names of these supposed financiers vanished into the fog of official amnesia.

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Contrast that with how the Nigerian state continues to manipulate judicial processes to prolong Kanus detention. The Tinubu government has inherited and actively sustained this travesty, even in the face of mounting legal and moral opposition. In July 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council, through its Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, demanded Kanus immediate release and compensation. A Kenyan High Court has likewise declared his arrest and forced rendition a violation of both Kenyan and international law.

If Nigeria is a nation governed by laws, as we so often proclaim, why do these judgments count for nothing?

Even more confounding is the federal governments continued embrace of Operation Safe Corridor, a program launched in 2016 to rehabilitate and reintegrate so-called repentant Boko Haram combatants. Under this initiative, individuals responsible for mass killings, rape, destruction of entire communities, and the displacement of millions are given stipends, vocational training, and a path back to society.

According to reports, ex-fighters receive 20,000 naira monthly, while many of their victims are dead while others are left languishing in squalid internally displaced persons (IDP) camps with little hope of restitution or resettlement.

According to a UNDP report years ago, while direct violence in the insurgency has killed approximately 35,000 people in three northeastern states, over 314,000 more have died from indirect causesstarvation, lack of healthcare, and the collapse of social systems. Millions of Nigerians have been displaced. Yet the architects of this humanitarian catastrophe are shown more mercy than a man who, however provocative, was armed only with a microphone and a vision of self-determination.

Why is it that when violent religious extremists ravage communities, burn schools, kidnap schoolchildren, and behead soldiers, the state preaches understanding and forgiveness, but when an Igbo man calls out injustice, he becomes a threat to national security?

The answer, sadly, lies in a deeper, more uncomfortable truth: the persistent othering of the Igbo people in the Nigerian project. The disdain for Nnamdi Kanu is not solely about his actions or words, it is emblematic of a broader reluctance to reckon with Igbo grievances. Whether in federal appointments, infrastructure allocation, or matters of justice, the Southeast continues to receive the short end of the stick.

Prominent Igbo organisations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) have repeatedly petitioned the federal government to release Kanu. The Rising Sun Foundation and other diaspora advocacy groups have added their voices. These calls are not merely acts of ethnic solidarity, they are appeals to a nation that claims to be governed by law and guided by conscience.

Even within the broader Nigerian context, there are precedents for reconciliation with agitators. Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba nationalist, was released after a period of detention in Benin Republic. His case, while not identical, similarly involved calls for ethnic self-determination. His freedom, though welcome, highlights the selective enforcement of justice when viewed alongside Kanus continued imprisonment. What is required now is not more legal acrobatics or political posturing. It is moral courage.

A nation cannot move forward if it continues to treat one ethnic group as expendable. Nigeria cannot talk about unity while subjecting one of its major ethnic nationalities to this level of systemic humiliation. And Tinubu, who campaigned on the promise of renewed hope, risks becoming the latest custodian of a dangerous legacyone steeped in double standards and ethnic bigotry.

President Tinubu must demonstrate that his government is not merely a continuation of Buharis discriminatory legacy. He must rise above the politics of vendetta and show Nigerians, particularly the Igbos, that the rule of law applies equally to all, regardless of ethnic origin or political inconvenience.

The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu is not just a legal misstep, it is a political and moral failure. It deepens the alienation of a vital region of Nigeria. It erodes the credibility of a justice system already on life support. And it perpetuates the painful narrative that some lives and liberties matter more than others in todays Nigeria.

If Tinubu truly wants to be remembered as a statesman, not just another politician, he must rise above the toxic legacy he inherited and release Kanu without further delay. Releasing him wont solve Nigerias deep ethnic divisions, but it could be a meaningful step toward healing, and a bold statement that this government is not beholden to the prejudices of the past.

Until then, the haunting refrain of injustice will continue to echo loudest, perhaps, in the silence of Aso Rock. History is watching. The Southeast is watching. And many Nigerians, whether they agree with Kanu or not, are watching as well.

Osmund Agbo is a US-based medical doctor and author. His works include Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance and a fiction work titled The Velvet Court: Courtesan Chronicles. His latest works, Pray, Let the Shaman Die and Maam, I Do Not Come to You for Love, have just been released.

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The mass media is full of reactions by Nigerian political gladiators to the demise of General Muhammadu Buhari in a London clinic. Buhari was military dictator 31 December, 1984 to 27 August, 1985; and democratically elected President, 29 May, 2015 to 2023.

Both past and present military and civilian leaders offered tributes to Buhari that were not only heartfelt, but also poetically eloquent. Buhari s successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) described him as: a patriot, a soldier, a statesman, while his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, eulogised him as a: courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, hailed Buhari as a colleague, a comrade, co-patriot. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who in 1985 overthrew Buhari as a military dictator, praised him as being: quiet but resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.

General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who handed over power to a civilian government in 1999, portrayed Buhari as: a gentleman who is very quiet but exceptionally honest, and a person who can be trusted: with anything and he wont betray you.

The Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, it was, who proceeded to London to bring Buharis remains. The government ordered all national flags to fly at half-staff for seven days and declared Tuesday, 15 July, as a public holiday in honour of Buhari.

Many political gladiators flooded Daura to witness and participate in Buharis interment. Some even wept.

The reactions of the popular masses  the unknown, unseen, unheard, ordinary, and common working and vulnerable people  to Buharis passage can be largely discerned from the social media.

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But, my focus is largely on the North, especially Hausaland. Here, the masses reactions can be categorized into four.

First, are the very tiny and inconsequential group, who insisted that Buhari did his best for Nigeria, but was restrained and constrained by Nigerian factors  sabotaged within and outside government, corruption, ethnic bigotry, religious chauvinism. They prayed to ALMIGHTY ALLAH to forgive Buhari, rest his soul, and grant him paradise.

Second, are those who said Buhari, in life and death, was of no use to them. That his death will not change anything positively, as the entire political classes are fundamentally the same  rotten and useless. Therefore, that Buharis deeds should follow him to the Day of Judgment.

The third are those who said Buhari is gone for good. That, while Buharis administration brought severe hardship and unprecedented insecurity, they will not celebrate his death. Neither will they curse, forgive or pray for him. Hence, let the ALMIGHTY GOD, who is the BEST OF JUDGES, judge him.

The fourth are the majority, who despite religious and cultural beliefs of not celebrating and speaking ill of the death, celebrated, vilified, cursed, and prayed against Buhari. To them, Buharis death is an occasion to express their bitterness against his misrule and the disaster he brought on Nigeria. To them, it was an opportunity to thank, praise, and glorify the ALMIGHTY ALLAH; and a time to show and warn all corrupt and anti-people politicians of what awaits them when they die. This group said, come what come may, they will never forgive Buhari in this earth and in the hereafter.

No where did the masses openly and wildly expressed their deep-seated contempt, disgust and disdain for Buhari like in Kaduna  the political capital of the North; Katsina  Buharis home state; and Kano  the economic capital and heartbeat of political radicalism in Hausaland.

In these states, children and adults, in rural and urban areas, took to the streets happily telling people, in Hausa: Have you heard, Buhari is dead?; and Buhari is dead! Buhari is dead! Buhari is dead!.

Children, youths, and adults took to the streets, singing, dancing. Others sang: Buhari is dead, we shall never forgive him. Yet, others sang: Buhari is dead, remaining Tinubu. An elderly woman said: remaining Ganduje. Others said: We look forward to El-Rufais turn.

Some claimed that apart from significantly contributing their finances, resources, time, energy, heart and soul to ensure Buharis emergence as President in 2015 and 2019, his government tyrannized them, liquidated their businesses, promoted insecurity, and inflicted immense suffering, hunger and pain on Nigerians.

They specifically blamed Buhari, not really Tinubu, for the escalation of kidnapping, banditry, mass killings, terrorism, and genocide against indigenous people.

They claimed he refused to decisively confront insecurity and terrorism, because the perpetrators were largely from his Fulani ethnic group. This they claimed, was why his government tolerated terrorism, refused to properly arm the security forces, and give them a free-hand to decisively confront the terrorists.

So, to them, Buhari must be held primarily responsible for the many ghost towns, orphans, widows, homeless people, refugees, beggars and school closures, in the North.

They also held , that Buhari should be held responsible for the maiming, physical disability, mental derangement, and killings of soldiers, police, and other security personnel who gallantly fought the terrorists. They added that some of these security personnel are in the hospitals and their homes, abandoned, forgotten and forced to fend for themselves.

Some of the masses organised parties celebrating Buharis demise. Few gave charity  foods, drinks, and money  to thank the ALMIGHTY GOD for his passage.

Others circulated quotes of Buhari in which he threatened mayhem should he loose the 2015 presidential election. The quote reads: If what happened (alleged rigging) in 2011 should happen in 2015, the dogs and baboons will be soaked in blood.

Many more produced video comedies, making caricature of Buhari and his passage. Yet, others circulated videos and speeches of Buharis political insensitivity. In one, he described Nigerian youths as lazy. In another, he told Nigerians to farm what we eat or die of hunger, even as herders were destroying farms and terrorizing farmers. Yet, another, saying that Nigerians suffer much from sharholiya. Hausa word, meaning jollity, hedonism, un-seriousness, recklessness, irresponsibility.

Videos of the massacre of Shiites in Zaria and other towns, and #EndSARS protest demonstrators in Lagos were widely circulated, with relations and friends of the victims, saying come lightening, come thunder, they will never ever forget or forgive Buhari.

Old videos of Buharis critics, mostly of Muslim clerics, resurfaced in social media. These critics fiercely criticized Buhari, appealed, advised, and warned him to: remember and fear ALLAH in whatever he does; and put the popular masses and the nation first, so that he will be abundantly rewarded by the ALMIGHTY ALLAH and have his name well recorded in history.

Well circulated also were videos and posts of late Umaru Musa Yaradua and Goodluck Jonathan, implying that if Buhari had treated Nigerians like these two, or even left things as he met them in 2015, the celebrations, wide jubilations, vilifications, curses, and dangerous prayers, which accompanied his death, would not have occurred.

To me, it is not a moral debate whether people should speak good or ill of the dead, it is simply about history.

Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf worked as deputy director, Cabinet Affairs Office, The Presidency, and retired as General Manager (Administration), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet). Email: [email protected]

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President Alassane Ouattara, 83, is the most favoured boy of the West ruling an African country today. To make him President of Cote DIvoire, the West, with France leading, backed two civil wars which claimed thousands of lives.

Also, in order that Ouattara became President, French and compromised United Nations troops, marched on the Presidential Palace to abduct a sitting African President, his wife and son. President Laurent Gbagbo was flown to Europe on false charges of crimes against humanity. His wife, Simon and son, Michel, were handed over to Ouattara who sent the former to jail for 20 years, and the latter to five years imprisonment.

The Europeans first held President Gbagbo for five years without trial. Then, in 2016, brought him before the International Criminal Court (ICC). After three years, the ICC got tired of the tantrums of the Europeans and, realising that all the charges were cooked up, set him free. Despite this, the Europeans in order to continue keeping President Gbagbo out of circulation while Ouattara continued to rule or misrule Cote dIvoire on their behalf, held the innocent African President for another three years, this time in Brussels, the headquarters of the European Union.

As far back as the 1960s, the West has been grooming Ouattara for this ignoble Uncle Tom role. They have, sometimes, simply imposed him on the continent. An American-trained economist, he was employed by the International Monetary Fund |(IMF) in 1968. They must have quickly identified him as a perfect quisling to be embedded in the African leadership. So, they built a facade around him. They presented him as an economic whizz kid by making him the African Director of the IM, 1984-88. He was also appointed Governor of the French Central Bank of West African States, BCEAO in 1988.

Tragically, Cote d Ivoire was one of the 35 African countries which accepted the imposition of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) by the IMF. Given the slavish position SAP placed the victims, the IMF instructed then President Felix Houphouet-Boigny to appoint Ouattara who was also the Minister of Minister of Finance, as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Coordination of the SAP. The veteran African President did as he was told. So Oattara held three very powerful positions simultaneously; Minister, Chairman of SAP implementation as well as the Governor of the West African Central Bank.

Not satisfied, the IMF gave President Houphouet-Boigny new instructions: to make Ouattara the countrys Prime Minister. This instruction was faithfully carried out on 7 November, 1990.

When Houphouet-Boigny fell ill, Ouattara immediately hijacked power and began ruling. When the former died on 7 December, 1993, Ouattara, rather than President of the National Assembly, Henri Konan Bedei who constitutionally should be the Acting President, took it upon himself to announce the Presidents demise and attempted to seize power. But the country insisted on following the constitutional provisions, and Bedei became the President.

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Ouattara then left and became the Deputy Managing Director of the IMF for five years from 1994. He decided to run for the Ivorian presidency in 2000, but was caught by two electoral provisions and was disqualified.

The first was that candidates either of whose parents are of foreign nationality, were barred. Now, Ouattaras father was born in Burkina Faso. Secondly, candidates who had not lived in the country for the preceding five years, were barred. Ouattara had lived outside the country for five years serving the IMF.

However, Ouattara produced a nationality certificate allegedly issued in September 1999. This, was on 27 October, 1999 declared a forgery by the courts and an arrest warrant was issued. But a coup on 24 December, 1999 removed the Bedei government. A jubilant Ouattara said the military takeover was not a coup, but a revolution supported by all the Ivorian people.

The disqualification of Ouattara was one of the reasons that led to the first civil war in Cote dIvoire. The second one broke out following the 2010 elections. Then President Gbagbo, an intellectual, had refused to do the biddings of France, including in the award of contracts over which the latter thought it had some proprietary rights.

The West was desperate to get Gbagbo out and bring in their stooge. After the elections, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission went to Ouattaras office to announce the results, claiming that the latter won by 54 per cent. On the other hand, Gbagbo went to the Constitutional Court which declared him the winner with 51 per cent. The African Union Observers backed Gbagbo, and the UN and the West, backed Ouattara. It was in the ensuring conflict that French and UN troops stormed the Presidential Palace.

US Secretary of State in the Obama administration, Hillary Clinton, celebrated the invasion of the Ivorian Presidential Palace and abduction of President Gbagbo. She claimed this sends a strong signal to dictators and tyrants. They may not disregard the voice of their own people.

Ouattara served the constitutional two terms and announced that in accordance with the constitution, he was no longer running. Rather, he supported the candidacy of Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly. When the latter died suddenly on July 8, 2020, Ouattara switched to Defence Minister, Hamed Bakayoko. Then the latter was accused of being a drug trafficker, and Ouattara announced he was running for a third term, which is illegal. Now, that term is running to a close and new elections are scheduled for October, he is running for an illegal fourth term.

Beyond this, although the Ivorian elections are three months away, they have already been rigged by Ouattara. He has done this by disqualifying all the strong opposition candidates that can challenge him. These include Gbagbo, his close ally, Charles Ble Goude who was also freed by the ICC; former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro; and international banker, Tidjane Thiam, who leads the main opposition Democratic Party of Ivory Coast, PDCI.

It is clear that Ouattara cannot resist the dictates of his Western masters just as Houphouet-Boigny could not. So, it is likely he would not only contest for a fourth term but for more terms until sickness, death, betrayal or a coup separates him from the Presidency.

Whatever the case, his shameful role in subjecting Africa to the exploitation and subjugation of enslaving foreigners cannot be erased from history. But much worse is that he endangers democracy and development in Africa.

Men like Ouattara, Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau who has twice sacked the democratically elected parliament, and Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe of Togo who imposes new constitutions on his country in order to stay perpetually in office, are no different from military coup plotters. They need to be treated as such and their countries redeemed.

Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author.

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The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has joined other illustrious Nigerians to celebrate the former Natonal Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Senator Representing Anambra Central District, Victor Umeh on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary.

In a birthday message to celebrate the Labour Party chieftain, Governor Otti expressed joy that Senator Umeh is alive and in good health to witness and celebrate yet another birthday.

The governors birthday message is contained in a statement issued on Saturday, 19 July, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

The Abia governor described the senator as a courageous fighter and a reliable ally who shows unwavering commitment in fighting a just cause at all times, a virtue he manifested between 2015 and 2019 in APGA, all the way to 2023 in Labour Party during which he stood firmly and fearlessly in support of his governorship ambition.

He commended the senator for the services he has rendered and continues to render to the nation, especially his worthy representation of the people of Anambra Central in the Senate, a commendable feat which saw them unanimously elect him once again as their senator in 2023.

Governor Otti enjoined Senator Umeh to continue to serve the nation and humanity with commitment and dedication, as it is the noblest way to leave enduring footprints in the sands of time.

The governor, on behalf of his family and the good people of Abia State, wished Senator Umeh a happy birthday celebration, while praying that Gods abundant blessings shall continually be felt in every aspect of his life.

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BEIJING (Reuters) -U.S. bank Wells Fargo has suspended all travel to China after one of its employees was barred from leaving the country, a source said, extending a trend of foreign executives caught up in probes by authorities that has chilled business sentiment.

Below are some other recent examples:

- A Beijing court this week sentenced a Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma to 3-1/2 years in prison. The man had been detained since March 2023 on suspicion of spying and had been indicted about a year ago.

- In March, Chinese authorities released employees of U.S. corporate due diligence firm Mintz Group detained in Beijing two years ago. Five of the firm's local staff were detained in a raid that turned out to be the beginning of a sweeping crackdown on consultancy and due diligence firms, including Bain & Company's office in Shanghai. A Singaporean executive at Mintz was also prevented from leaving China, sources told Reuters. China fined Mintz about $1.5 million in July 2024 for doing "unapproved statistical work".

- Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca saw its China president Leon Wang detained and placed under investigation in 2024, with little information about what the probe was about.

Wang, who grew up in China, was a high-profile executive often quoted in the Chinese business press. AstraZeneca's CEO said in February that the company was not permitted to speak with Wang, who has been placed under extended leave since December. Chinese media had reported that AstraZeneca was under probe since 2021, suspected of fabricating genetic testing results related to the firm's lung cancer drug Tagrisso and of insurance fraud.

- A senior Nomura Holdings banker overseeing the Japanese firm's investment banking operations in China was ordered not to leave the mainland, sources told Reuters in late 2023. The exit ban was lifted the following year allowing Charles Wang Zhonghe, China investment banking chairman at Nomura, to return to Hong Kong, where he was previously based, according to the Financial Times.

- Michael Chan, a senior executive at U.S. risk advisory firm Kroll, was barred from leaving the Chinese mainland, the Wall Street Journal reported in September 2023. The Hong Kong passport holder was assisting in an investigation dating back a few years, the newspaper reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Neither Kroll nor Chan was the target of the investigation, according to the newspaper.

- A Singapore-based UBS wealth manager was prevented from leaving China in 2018. The executive was asked to remain in the country to meet with local authorities, Reuters reported at that time. The uncertainty surrounding the exit ban on the wealth manager had led the Swiss bank and several of its rivals to require their private banking staff to carefully consider trips to China.

(Reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing and John Geddie in Tokyo; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, today led a high profile delegation to pay a solemn condolence visit to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.

The First Lady was received by the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda; his wife, Zulaihat Dikko Radda; and the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruq Umar.

Mrs Tinubu emphasised that her presence was not merely ceremonial but a reflection of the profound personal loss felt by her family.

We are not here today merely out of duty. We are here because this loss is deeply personal, she said.

My husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has lost not just a former Head of State, but a trusted ally and friend of over 30 years. President Muhammadu Buhari was a man of integrity and discipline, who brought honour not only to Daura but to the entire nation, the First Lady added.

She urged the family and people of Daura to find strength in the legacy of the late President and prayed for Allahs forgiveness and eternal peace for his soul.

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We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus. May He comfort the family and all those grieving this tremendous loss.

In his welcome address, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda acknowledged the significance of the First Ladys visit, describing it as a touching gesture that brought comfort to the people of Katsina and the Daura Emirate.

Your Excellency, this marks your second condolence visit to usthe first being on Tuesday, July 15. Your presence here once again is a clear testament to your compassion and solidarity, he noted.

He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubus commitment to national unity, referencing his extraordinary show of respect during the burial of the former President.

President Tinubu personally received the late Presidents remains at the Umaru Musa Yaradua Airport, joined the funeral procession to Daura, and remained until he was laid to rest. Furthermore, he declared a national holiday to honour his memory and sent a powerful delegationincluding the Vice President and over 25 Cabinet Ministersfor the Fiddau prayers.

The Governor praised these actions as examples of true leadership and national devotion.

This is not just leadershipit is friendship, and indeed, patriotism, he stated.

The Emir of Daura, Umar Faruq Umar, expressed his profound appreciation to both the President and the first lady.

We have known President Tinubu for over 30 years. Throughout that time, he has shown unwavering loyalty and humility, he recounted.

I am over 103 years old, and I have never witnessed a sitting President show such immense honour and compassion in mourning a predecessor.

His personal visit, the powerful delegation he sent, and the declaration of a national mourning day are gestures of true love and deep respect. These are historic.

The First Lady was acompanied by a high-level delegationincluding the wife of the Vice President, the wives of the Speaker and Deputy Senate President, the wife of the Chief of Staff, first ladies from some states, and spouses of ministers and Service Chiefs.

Mrs Tinubu and her entourage have since departed Katsina for Abuja.

The First Lady was seen off at the Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport a few minutes past 5 pm by Governor Radda; his wife, Mrs Zulaihat Dikko Radda; the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruq Lawal Jobe and other top government officials.

Speaking to journalists shortly after Mrs Tinubus departure, Katsina State First Lady, Mrs Zulaihat Dikko Umaru Radda, expressed heartfelt appreciation. She revealed that the visit was deeply comforting and symbolic.

Alhamdulillah. All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Most High, she said. We are truly grateful to Mr. President and the First Lady for the immense honor and attention they have given to us here in Katsina State during this moment of grief over the passing of our father, the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

We sincerely appreciate their support, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants them a safe journey back to their Abuja destination.

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The Police Command in Kaduna State said it has banned all unauthorised political rallies in the state.

The commands spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, stated this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said, The command wishes to bring to the attention of the public that it has received credible intelligence regarding a planned political rally by supporters of Mr Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, in honour of his birthday.

While the command respects the right of individuals to associate and celebrate their political leaders, it is important to emphasise that all forms of political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature remain suspended across the state.

This is until the official commencement date of political activities as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Additionally, intelligence at the disposal of the command indicates that certain criminal elements are planning to infiltrate and hijack the proposed rally, using it as a platform to cause disruption, incite violence, and disturb the prevailing public peace in the state.

The command further notes that the parties primaries for the forthcoming bye election in the state are scheduled by INEC to take place on the same date as the proposed rally.

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He said that the parties had formally notified the police of their event, in line with established protocols.

Mr Hassan said it was important to state that the planned rally was expected to overlap with and disrupt several areas designated for the conduct of the other political parties primaries.

He added, Thereby posing a significant risk of tension, clashes, and breakdown of law.

In view of these developments, the command strongly advises the organisers of the planned Peter Obi rally to suspend any gathering or procession.

If they wish to hold any form of event in honour of their principal, it is advised that such activities be suspended to ensure public safety and prevent potential hijack by miscreants.

The spokesperson said the command remained committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all the residents and would not hesitate to take necessary legal action against any individual or group found violating this directive.

He added that the command appreciated the cooperation of the public in maintaining peace and order in the state.

(NAN)

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The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Ekaette Obot, has released 127 inmates during a visit to custodial centres in the state.

This exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of the judiciary to ensure that no person is unjustly detained without due process, the chief judge said during the exercise.

This is contained in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correction Service in the state, Richard Metong.

Mrs Obot was accompanied on the visit by judicial officers, prosecutors, Legal Aid Council representatives, Nigerian Bar Association officials, and human rights observers, Mr Metong said.

The chief judge visited the four medium security custodial centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo.

A breakdown of the 127 inmates released indicates that four inmates were released from Ikot Abasi, 17 from Eket, 29 from Ikot Ekpene, and 77 from Uyo.

Mr Metong said the releases were based on various grounds, including overstayed remand durations, lack of diligent prosecution, ill health, missing case files, and compassionate considerations.

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This timely exercise brings relief to our facilities, restores hope to many, and underscores the importance of periodic judicial reviews, said the Controller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State Command, Frank Okonkwo.

According to the statement, Mr Okonkwo commended the chief judge for the visit and lauded the judiciary for its commitment to justice reforms and inter-agency collaboration.

Second pardon in 2025

State chief judges in the country regularly visit correction centres in their domains to pardon inmates on different grounds.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, Mr Metong said the exercise is done quarterly within a year. He commended the state chief judge for being consistent, stressing that the visit was the second the chief judge has embarked on in the year.

According to Mr Metong, during the first quarter visit, Justice Obot pardoned over 50 inmates across the four centres.

Punch newspaper last August reported that 44 inmates, including two females, were released across the four correctional facilities in the state when the chief judge visited.

A breakdown shows that six inmates were released from Ikot Abasi centre, five from Eket, 11 from Ikot Ekpene, and 24 from Uyo.

PREMIUM TIMES in March 2023 reported that the chief judge released 45 inmates across the state during a visit to the Correction Centres. Of the figure, three were freed from Ikot Abasi, nine from Eket, 11 from Ikot Ekpene, and 22 from Uyo.

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The police in Enugu State, South-east Nigeria, have rescued four trafficked children and two stolen children in multiple operations in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Friday night, said 10 individuals, suspected to be part of child trafficking syndicates, have been arrested.

Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said the syndicates were allegedly involved in both local and transnational child trafficking.

The spokesperson said police operatives busted the syndicates during multiple operations conducted between 30 June and 16 July 2025.

The multiple operations

Mr Ndukwe said the multiple operations began on 30 June when operatives serving at Ogui Police Division rescued an 11-month-old baby girl from a woman who attempted to steal her from the mothers salon shop.

The spokesperson said the 36-year-old suspect, Ogbuzuru Ifebuche, had pretentiously gone to fix her nails at the shop.

The mother raised an alarm after seeing the suspect leaving with the baby in a tricycle.

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The suspect was apprehended and manhandled by an angry mob before she was rescued and rearrested by the police, he said.

Mr Ndukwe said, in a separate operation on 3 July, the same operatives in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch members arrested three women including a 31-year-old woman and her 16-year-old daughter for allegedly running a child trafficking syndicate.

He identified the arrested suspects as Ogochukwu Ozoagu, her daughter, Chinenye, and 40-year-old Chidinma Ukpai.

Investigations showed Chinenye gave birth on June 30, 2025, and sold the newborn for N1,400,000 in connivance with her mother and Chidinma.

The baby was rescued in Nsukka, but the buyer escaped, the police spokesperson said.

More operations

Mr Ndukwe said, in another operation on 13 July, police operatives from Awkunanaw Division rescued a one-year-and-seven-month-old male child from a man who allegedly stole him.

The police spokesperson said the childs mother, a trader at a cattle market in the area, reported that the victim had been stolen which prompted the arrest of the suspect, Chiemerie Onwe.

The suspect was found carrying the baby and arrested, while the child was rescued and reunited with her mother.

The suspect has been arraigned in court and remanded in correctional custody, he said, without mentioning the correctional facility.

Mr Ndukwe said, in a separate operation on 15 July, police operatives from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested two suspected child traffickers in Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state.

He identified the arrested suspects as 64-year-old woman, Chiaha Josephine and 67-year-old Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum.

The police spokesperson said another suspect, Ilo Caroline,55, was also arrested on 16 July for her involvement.

He added that the two trafficked children were rescued from the suspects.

He said the rescued victims were a 16-year-old girl, Loveth Mfonobong and 12-year-old boy, Benjamin Alex Okon.

Mr Ndukwe said Ms Mfonobongs name had been changed to Chiaha Ifunanya, while Benjamins was renamed Chiaha Udochukwu, apparently to conceal their identities.

Josephine (one of the arrested suspects) confessed to buying Loveth in 2021 for N900,000 and Benjamin in 2024 for N1.4 million.

Mfonobong could only give her place of origin as Affi (state or LGA unknown), while Benjamin gave his as Oron in Akwa Ibom State, the police said.

Transnational child trafficking

Mr Ndukwe said, in a separate transnational case of child trafficking, the police operatives from the Emene Division arrested a 21-year-old woman, Mirabel Oluebube, for allegedly trafficking a 14-year-old girl to Ghana.

The police spokesperson said the suspect subsequently confessed to the crime and helped police arrest her 32-year-old male accomplice, Udenze Ifeanyi.

The victim was safely rescued and reunited with her family. Both suspects were arraigned and remanded in correctional custody, he said.

The remaining arrested suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded. Moreover, investigative efforts are underway to arrest members of the syndicates at large.

Police commissioner speaks

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift responses.

Mr Giwa advised parents and guardians to be watchful, protect their children, and resist involvement in human trafficking due to economic difficulties.

The police chief reaffirmed the committement of the state police command to fighting crimes particularly against children.

He urged residents of Enugu State to support the police with timely and credible information to aid crime fighting in the state.

Prohibited in Nigeria

Nigeria, in 2015, enacted the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act which outlawed all acts of human trafficking in the country.

The Act prescribes a minimum penalty of between five and 10 years imprisonment and a fine of N1 million for the trafficking of children, depending on the purpose of such trafficking.

Several persons have been convicted of child trafficking across the country.

The Kano State High Court, in July 2021, sentenced a man, Paul Owne, to 91 years in prison for kidnapping and trafficking of children in the state for sale in Onitsha, Anambra State.

A Federal High Court in Port-Harcourt, River State, in 2019, sentenced three persons to a combined 12 years imprisonment for trafficking a two-year-old male child and one other child.

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has lauded the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on his 64th birthday anniversary.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, clocked 64 on Saturday.

Youve impacted humanity positively

In a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Mr Otti described Mr Obi as a man of great esteem with a track record of success and excellence.

The governor said the LP candidate is also a humble and humane statesman with altruistic positive ideologies that have impacted humanity positively.

He said Mr Obi, during his time as governor of Anambra State, transformed the state which he said marked a huge turning point in the socio-economic development of the state.

Mr Otti praised the former governor for remaining steadfast in his positive contributions to the development of Nigeria, as well as his consistent peaceful disposition at all times.

The governor stressed that Mr Obi is an example of positive influence in leadership and governance.

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Otti and Obi in perspective

Messrs Obi and Otti are members of the LP although Mr Obi recently joined the National Opposition Coalition Group which adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the coming election in 2027.

The LP had been battling an intense leadership crisis for a while now which has split the party into two factions.

While the disputed National Chairperson of the LP, Julius Abure, leads one of the factions, Messrs Obi and Otti belong to another faction of the party.

Meanwhile, unlike Mr Obi, Mr Otti has publicly denied being part of the coalition under the ADC platform.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday hosted a delegation of leaders from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The visit was described by the party leaders as a consultation, aimed not at politics, but at drawing from the former presidents wealth of experience in leadership, unity, and national development.

The delegation included top officials from the NNPP across national, zonal, women, and youth structures.

Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the partys 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, was also present.

The meeting centered on the need for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and the role of elder statesmen in guiding the nation during critical times.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Obasanjo restated his commitment to Nigerias unity and stability. He emphasised that while he no longer belongs to any political party, his loyalty lies with the nation and its people.

I do not belong to any political party. I belong to Nigeria, he said. My interest is in the unity and security of this nation, and I will continue to speak the truth to move Nigeria forward.

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The former president also noted that he sees himself not as a political player, but as a father figure to the nation.

He said he is more interested in promoting peace and national harmony than in political gain. Expressing his concern over the current state of national affairs, he pointed to a rising trend of people identifying more with their tribe and religion than with the country.

People are now more committed to tribe and religion than to the country. That is not how to build a nation, he warned.

Members of the NNPP delegation were quick to clarify that their visit was not about forming coalitions or seeking political alliances.

Rather, they said it was a mission of learning and national reflection.

Nweze Onu, the partys National Vice Chairman (South-east), described the trip as a spiritual and consultative pilgrimage, adding, We came to seek Babas wisdom and prayers. Anyone who seeks to lead must consult the elders.

His South-west counterpart, Ademola Ayoade, reinforced the same point, saying, We remain proud members of the NNPP. Our mission here is to learn how to rescue Nigeria from the deepening crisis of bad leadership.

Ajadi Oguntoyinbo used the opportunity to speak out against the self-serving nature of modern politics.

He said Nigerias current political direction is not people-centered and called on the nations youth to begin preparing for the 2027 general elections by organising, mobilising, and voting for leaders with genuine interest in national development.

Politics is about interest, but it should be the peoples interest, Mr Ajadi declared. We are not governing animals; we are governing human beings. If a leader is not addressing the needs of the people, such a leader is failing. He went on to express his frustration with the lack of selfless leadership in the country. I havent seen a truly selfless Nigerian leader fully committed to national development. Thats why we, the youth, must rise, he added.

Also speaking during the visit, the NNPPs National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, praised Mr Obasanjo for staying committed to Nigerias development long after leaving office.

He noted that the former president is one of the few elder statesmen still contributing to national progress beyond party boundaries. Chief Obasanjo is one of the few elder statesmen still actively working for Nigeria, not for any party. Were here to tap into that wisdom, Mr Johnson said.

The women leaders in the delegation spoke passionately about the need for inclusive governance that gives a stronger voice to women and grassroots communities.

Among them were Ronnie Dikko-Killa, Lagos Chairperson; Chinyere Ofokansi, South-east Women Leader; Tosin Sole, South-west Women Leader; and Shakirat Arowolo, Ogun Secretary.

They all called for better policies that reflect the real needs of women in leadership and society.

Young leaders in the group, including Malik Sannie, the NNPPs South-west Youth Leader, and Teluwo Kehinde, the partys 2023 Ogun Central senatorial candidate, emphasised the urgency of youth involvement in shaping Nigerias political future.

They said real progress will only come when young Nigerians take active roles in decision-making and policy development.

Other members of the delegation included Oluwakemi Kayode, Dasola Adebayo, Oluyinka Folahan, Kilamuwaye Badmus, the partys South-west Public Relations Officer, Olagbenro Bababowale, and Ibrahim Shuaib, who serves as the NNPPs Treasurer in the South-west.

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The Organised Labour in Ogun has rejected Governor Dapo Abioduns proposals to resolve the indefinite strike, which was triggered by the N82 billion contributory pension deductions and other issues.

This was contained in a communique issued on Friday night by the organised labour with signatories of 25 affiliate unions, after a seven-hour emergency meeting held in Abeokuta.

The union expressed its dissatisfaction with the governments offers after discussion on several issues.

Some of the issues include the contributory pension scheme, new minimum wage, eight years arrears of leave allowance, consequential adjustment on pension, and staff promotions for 2023 and 2024.

According to the statement, the council-in-session was displeased with the governments resolve, particularly on the contributory pension scheme.

The council-in-session is displeased with the resolve of the state government, especially on the contributory pension scheme.

In effect, the initial position of the congress subsists, and the declared trade dispute stands, the statement read in parts.

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Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun, in a statement issued earlier by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, said his administration would ensure immediate payment of workers retiring from 2 July 2025, through the contributory pension scheme.

He proposed a 10-year payment plan, divided into two phases: 2025 to 2030 and 2030 to 2035.

Mr Abiodun explained that the arrangement would cover the remaining two years of his tenure and eight years of his successors tenure.

We have decided that in phase one, we will pay outstanding contributions for retirees from July 2, 2025, to July 2030.

We will make that immediate payment next year; we will make the second payment, which will be phase two for those who will be retiring from July 2, 2030, to July 1, 2035, he said

The governor added that there would be no gratuity scheme from 2 July 2025, and that all consolidated salaries would revert to the contributory pension scheme.

(NAN)

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New initiative enhances the checkpoint experience for families traveling this summer

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Noem announced the "Families on the Fly" campaign Thursday, the latest TSA initiative designed to enhance hospitality for families during the airport security screening experience.

"DHS and TSA are committed to making the airport security experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for traveling families," said Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl. "The Families on the Fly campaign, being rolled out at select airports, aims to mitigate the unique challenges families face when traveling and minimize stress while maintaining the highest level of security."

"Families on the Fly" benefits for families include:

Dedicated family lanes at select airports nationwide

Discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families coming soon

Dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families

Current participating airports include: Orlando International (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT). Planned expansions will be coming to John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

This initiative is one of several TSA has launched to improve hospitality at its 435 airports located throughout the country. "Families on the Fly" will roll out at select airports including Charleston International Airport (CHS), Jacksonville International (JAX), Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), and Tampa International Airport (TPA) with additional airports slated for addition in the coming months. Earlier this summer, TSA launched the "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease" campaign designed to recognize the service and sacrifice of military and uniformed service members and their families. TSA, in coordination with its industry partners, introduced expedited access for military members in TSA PreCheck lanes at select airports near larger military installations. This included dedicated screening lanes, or front-of-line privileges, designed to minimize wait times and improve convenience for service members.

TSA reminds travelers that military personnel and civilian Department of Defense (DOD) staff are eligible for free TSA PreCheck by using their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number when booking travel. Children 12 and under may accompany service members and DOD staff in TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Minors 13-17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian to receive expedited screening.

To learn more, go to www.tsa.gov/military.

In addition, the TSA Cares program remains available for veterans and wounded warriors, providing personalized assistance through the screening process and ensuring a dignified travel experience.

TSA encourages all travelers to prepare for airport security screening, particularly during the busy summer travel season. For more detailed information, visit tsa.gov.

SOURCE Transportation Security Administration
Addiction Research And Treatment, Inc. allegedly failed to reimburse employees for business expenses, which included personal cell phone usage on behalf of Defendant.

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TULARE, Calif., July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sacramento employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP , filed a class action complaint alleging that Addiction Research And Treatment, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The Addiction Research And Treatment, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. VCU321645, is currently pending in the Tulare County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here .

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According to the lawsuit filed, Addiction Research And Treatment, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages , (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct.

Additional allegations include Addiction Research And Treatment, Inc. failing to reimburse employees for required business expenses. California Labor Code Section 2802 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, Plaintiff and other California Class Members were allegedly required to use their personal cellular phones as a result of and in furtherance of their job duties.

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SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP
Key Points

Ford reported a 14.2% jump in Q2 unit sales, driven by pricing incentives to lure in customers.

Shares of the automaker trade at a cheap P/E ratio of 9.4, and the dividend yield of 5.12% is high.

But given Fords cyclicality, low growth, and low operating margin, the business isnt high quality.

10 stocks we like better than Ford Motor Company 

You'd struggle to find a lot of companies that have stood the test of time like Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has. Founded in 1903, the Detroit carmaker continues to be an important part of the overall U.S. economy. And it sells one of the most popular vehicles around in the F-Series line of pickup trucks, which demonstrates strong buyer interest.

Shares are experiencing solid momentum recently. As of July 14, they're up 18% this year. That gain is well ahead of the 6% rise for the S&P 500 index. Does this make the automotive stock a buy now?

Image source: Ford.

A short-lived demand surge

The current White House administration's trade policies have impacted Ford, whose management team implemented price incentives to drive demand. The business offered employee pricing to all customers, a strategy that brought in buyers.

During the second quarter, Ford reported an impressive 14.2% year-over-year jump in vehicle unit sales. Sales of pickup trucks were up 15.1%, while the Lincoln luxury banner saw a monster 31% increase, the biggest gain in 18 years. This data clearly shows consumers' willingness to spend on new cars before tariffs start to have a more meaningful impact on the auto sector and broader economy.

But investors shouldn't expect Ford's double-digit gains to keep up. In fact, it's best to temper expectations. This is a low-growth enterprise, as the overall industry is very mature. Ford raked in $185 billion in revenue in 2024, just 28% higher than a decade before in 2014. The recent change in trade policy has undoubtedly given Ford a short-term boost. However, it's likely not going to last, as the recent pull-forward in demand could lead to weaker sales in the back half of the year.

The other thing investors need to keep in mind is how cyclical car companies usually are. Buying a new vehicle is the second-largest purchase for most people. This purchase decision can be delayed when economic times worsen. As a result, Ford's revenue could take a major hit. And if there's a recession on the horizon, the company's slim profit margins could pave the way for net losses.

Shares are cheap

Besides the recent sales surge, which I view as a temporary phenomenon, the only other reason investors might want to scoop up Ford stock right now is due to the dividend yield of 5.12%. Income investors might be interested in this opportunity, as shares trade at a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.4.
WASHINGTON, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is an update on the case of Chinese Journalist Dong Yuyu, provided by his family.

"After being sentenced to seven years in prison for espionage at the trial level in November, Dong has appealed his wrongful verdict to the Beijing High Court.

The Beijing High Court heard his appeal on March 31, with a deadline for a decision in early May. In early May, however, the Court asked the procuratorate for additional evidence in Dong's case. Chinese law gives the procuratorate one month to complete this step. However, it only took one week for the procuratorate to respond to the court with no additional evidence.

This move allowed the Beijing High Court four additional months to render a decision on appeal. Now the deadline is September 13, though the Beijing High Court can find ways to extend it.

All these procedures clearly show that the case against Dong is completely meritless. If it had merit, then the Beijing High Court would have had no trouble rendering a decision upholding his conviction, just like the vast majority of appeals cases in China. It is also clear that the case is being decided not according to the law, but rather based on politics.

This is why we urge all stakeholders involved to keep advocating for Dong.

We urge press organizations throughout the world to keep demanding Dong's immediate release.

We urge the Japanese government to directly raise the case with the Chinese government as their diplomats were directly and wrongly accused of espionage in this case as well. In vigorously defending Japanese integrity, they help ensure the future safety of their own diplomats.

Finally, we urge the United States government to keep pressing China for Dong's immediate release and to include his case in the human rights portfolio accompanying the much anticipated bilateral later this year.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or [email protected] for the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club
Key features for optimizing content in an AI-driven search environment

NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Large Language Models (LLMs) rapidly transform the search landscape, PR Newswire is empowering communicators to excel through its advanced Multichannel Amplification services. PR Newswire helps organizations publish once and reach everywhere, enhancing topical authority and shaping favorable AI-generated summaries.

Key Features of PR Newswire's Multichannel Amplification services:

PR Newswire helps brands build topical authority.

Topical Authority: Build and reinforce your brand's presence in authoritative search results by leveraging PR Newswire's industry-leading distribution network, designed to surface expert-driven content across major search engines and media outlets. This is crucial for establishing your brand as a trusted source in an LLM-driven search environment.

Build and reinforce your brand's presence in authoritative search results by leveraging PR Newswire's industry-leading distribution network, designed to surface expert-driven content across major search engines and media outlets. This is crucial for establishing your brand as a trusted source in an LLM-driven search environment. AI-Friendly Optimization: Structure and distribute press releases that are easily understood and surfaced by AI models, including LLMs. This boosts your brand's visibility and positioning in AI-generated answers and summaries, ensuring your message is accurately interpreted and presented in the evolving search ecosystem.

Structure and distribute press releases that are easily understood and surfaced by AI models, including LLMs. This boosts your brand's visibility and positioning in AI-generated answers and summaries, ensuring your message is accurately interpreted and presented in the evolving search ecosystem. One Message , Multiple Missions: Whether it's media relations, investor updates, brand awareness, or thought leadership, PR Newswire enables you to fulfill multiple communications objectives through a single, strategically crafted piece of content, optimized for how LLMs process information.

"PR Newswire's platform is built for today's evolving media landscape, deeply impacted by the rise of LLMs," said Jeff Hicks, Chief Product and Technology Officer at PR Newswire. "We're not just distributing press releases  we're giving brands the tools to influence conversations, rank as topical authorities, and be found in the ways people are searching today, which increasingly means through LLM-powered interfaces."

Helpful resources

Ready to enhance your brand's visibility in the age of AI? Learn more about PR Newswire's Multichannel Amplification services: https://www.prnewswire.com/account/online-membership-form/

Watch PR Newswire's recent on-demand webinar, "From Keywords to Conversations: How AI Search is Reshaping PR," to explore how smart distribution can maximize visibility in the age of AI and LLMs: https://www.prnewswire.com/resources/videos-webinars/from-keywords-to-conversations-how-ai-search-is-reshaping-pr/

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world.

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].

SOURCE PR Newswire
BEIJING, July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from China.org.cn.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/rNrc-2FeY24

British visitor Jay Ian Birbeck explored the smart vehicle section of the third China International Supply Chain Expo, an event showcasing the full breadth of the global supply chain in Beijing from July 16 to 20.

At the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) booth, Jay seated himself in a sophisticated F4 singleseater alongside a purposebuilt rally car. The booth marks the FIA's first appearance at the supply chain expo, intended "to connect with people, to connect with companies," according to Habib Turki, chief development officer at FIA.

A highlight of the visit was the AITO 9, a luxury SUV that has outsold competitors such as the MercedesBenz GLC and BMW X5 in China this year. Sliding into the driver's seat, Jay noted its "remarkable" comfort. Moving to the rear cabin, he demonstrated a reclining seat that "becomes an actual bed," complete with an automatic projection screen. Kang Bo, vice president of the SERES Group, attributed the AITO 9's success in the interview to its advanced driver assistance system and safety features. He also thanked the outstanding suppliers like CATL.

Jay explored the expo's extensive battery supply chain. At CATL's booth, he visited a display by a CATL supplier featuring the Shenxing superfast charging battery, a pureelectric module boasting an 800kilometer range on a single charge and a fiveminute topup capability for 520 kilometers of driving. He then examined a sodiumion cell derived from table salt, which promises reliable performance down to minus 40 degrees Celsius and requires "just 100 grams of salt" per standard cell.

In the upstream supply chain zone, where partners of battery maker CATL were prominently featured, Jay toured booths operated by Juneng Power, which supplies battery casings and covers; Anhui Shengjie, a specialty chemical developer; and Yunshang New Energy, a provider of testing systems. He also spotted an electric fishing yacht by CETL and an electricpowered aircraft on the exhibition floor, underscoring the sector's land, sea and air electrification vision.

Jay wrapped up his tour at the XPENG Motors stand, where its Vice President Vivian Chen discussed their vision of "Tech for Good." She highlighted detachable flying cars and AIpowered robots designed for "more humanistic care."

"Chinese automakers are taking the world by storm," Jay concluded, reflecting on how the expo blends cuttingedge technology, competitive pricing, and disruptive mobility solutions to redefine the future of transportation.

Tag along with Jay at CISCE: How the smart vehicle supply chain powers more than just cars

http://www.china.org.cn/2025-07/18/content_117985496.shtml

SOURCE China.org.cn
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
Forvis Mazars, an audit, assurance, tax, advisory and consulting services provider, has named Sofia Ihsan as its new AI consulting leader.

Ihsan will oversee AI consulting services across all markets, concentrating on solutions that drive innovation while safeguarding businesses, the company said.

Additionally, she will contribute to shaping the firms internal adoption and expansion of AI technologies.

With more than 25 years of experience in IT consulting and assurance, Ihsan has expertise in cyber security, IT due diligence, and internal controls for financial reporting.

She has worked with senior stakeholders in FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and private companies, delivering complex projects that manage risk, build confidence, and enhance stakeholder value.

In addition, Ihsan has collaborated with academics, regulators, and government bodies to develop approaches to trustworthy AI.

Previously, she designed and led the global implementation of a Responsible AI Framework at one of the Big Four firms.

Ihsan said: I joined Forvis Mazars to scale an industry-leading team that helps organisations unlock the full potential of AIresponsibly and securely.

From crafting AI strategies and ensuring data readiness, to driving cultural change and embedding governance across the AI lifecycle, I plan to deliver real, sustainable impact.

My role reflects Forvis Mazars deep commitment to responsible innovation, and Im proud to join a firm that values transparency, fairness, and collaboration at its core.

In her new position, Ihsan will report to Asam Malik, head of digital and risk consulting, and Toby Stanbrook, chief operating officer and deputy CEO.

Malik said: Sofia brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to responsible innovation.

Her leadership will be instrumental as we look to help clients navigate regulatory complexity, stay ahead of rapidly evolving AI technologies and maximise return on their AI investments. Im thrilled to welcome her to the team at such a pivotal time for our clients and the market.

"Forvis Mazars appoints Sofia Ihsan as AI consulting leader" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




Johannesburg, July 19 : The Group of Twenty (G20) members concluded the two-day Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting and agreed to strengthen multilateral cooperation to address existing and emerging risks to the global economy in a joint communique signed in Durban, South Africa.

The G20 officials on Friday, discussed the global challenges such as conflicts, geopolitical and trade tensions, disruptions to global supply chains, high debt levels, and frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters, according to the communique.

It said that the officials reaffirmed their commitment to global economic cooperation even amid complex negotiations. "It has been difficult in this environment," said South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, describing the discussions that led to the ministers reaching a deal and signing a communique.

The South Africa's National Treasury said in a statement that the ministers agreed to bolster long-term growth potential by pursuing growth oriented macroeconomic policies, while building fiscal buffers, ensuring fiscal sustainability, encouraging public and private investments, undertaking productivity-enhancing reforms and safeguarding central bank independence to maintain price stability, Xinhua news agency reported.

"A renewed pledge was made to strengthen multilateral cooperation to address existing and emerging risks to the global economy and to recognize the importance of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to advance trade issues and the agreed-upon rules in the WTO," the statement said.

The treasury statement said the G20 ministers and governors agreed that the WTO requires some comprehensive reform to improve all its functions, through innovative approaches, to be more relevant and responsive to today's realities.

They said that developing countries have high debt and debt servicing costs which needs to be addressed.

"Members expressed their commitment to addressing debt vulnerabilities in low- and middle-income countries and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the implementation of the G20 Common Framework. Members also underscored the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in multilateral development banks and other international economic and financial institutions," the treasury said in the statement.
Beirut, July 19 : Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said that the group is fully prepared to confront Israel militarily if necessary, warning that Lebanon faces an "existential threat" from the ongoing "Israeli aggression" and US-backed regional pressures.

He made the remarks on Friday, during a memorial service for the group's fallen commander Ali Abdul Moneim Karaki (Abu al-Fadl), who was killed during an Israeli attack in 2024.

"We are prepared for defensive confrontation. If Israel crosses the line and aggression reaches a point where defense is necessary, we are ready for either victory or martyrdom," Qassem said, quoted by al-Manar local TV channel.

"There is no place for capitulation or handing over our weapons to Israel under any threat," he added.

Hezbollah's stance comes amid what Qassem described as intensified attempts to reshape Lebanon's geopolitical reality. "All current pressure -- military, diplomatic, and economic -- is aimed at one goal: stripping Hezbollah of its weapons to serve Israeli interests," he said.

He accused the United States of backing Israel's violations and attempting to impose a new agreement that would nullify past Israeli breaches and reintroduce demands for Hezbollah's disarmament, Xinhua news agency reported.

Qassem also pointed to what he sees as a larger Israeli expansionist agenda, referencing Israeli actions in Syria, Gaza, and the broader region.

"Israel is not just occupying, it's expanding, managing, and dictating," he said, arguing that disarming Hezbollah would remove the last obstacle to what he called "Israeli-American domination" over Lebanon.
Damascus, July 19 : The Syrian interim authorities issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict.

In a statement, the authorities expressed "deep concern and sorrow" over the ongoing deadly violence, describing the situation as resulting from "armed groups operating outside the law."

"The Syrian Arab Republic affirms its identity as a state for all its citizens, regardless of sect or ethnicity," the statement read, emphasising that all must operate under one national roof and legal framework.

In response to the unfolding crisis, the authorities said they are working to dispatch specialised forces to contain the violence and resolve the conflict, while taking political and security measures aimed at restoring stability and preventing the return of chaos, Xinhua news agency reported.

Calling for "calm, wisdom, and responsibility," the statement urged all sides to halt the fighting, protect civilians, and uphold the country's social fabric.

The statement comes amid ongoing violence in Sweida province, where clashes between local Druze factions and Arab Bedouin tribal fighters escalated this week.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday that at least 638 people have been killed since fighting erupted on July 13, including 73 civilians and more than 280 members of security forces.

Friday saw renewed tribal attacks on Druze-held positions near the villages of Sheqrawiah and Wolgha, as Bedouin fighters pushed deeper into the countryside, prompting growing concerns that sectarian violence could spiral out of control.

As tensions intensified, Israel, citing the protection of the Druze community in Syria, launched a series of airstrikes, targeting Syrian military sites in Sweida and the capital Damascus.
Jerusalem, July 19 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen toward Israel.

Israel's national emergency service, Magen David Adom, on Friday, said it did not receive reports of hits or casualties.

The IDF detected the launch and issued a smartphone application alert. After about five minutes, sirens were activated in areas including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and West Jerusalem, Xinhua news agency reported.

Following the launch, Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv was temporarily closed to takeoffs and landings.

The previous launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israel was on Wednesday evening, with sirens activated in the Dead Sea region in southeastern Israel. The missile was also intercepted by the IDF.

Yemen's Houthi group later claimed responsibility for the missile attack on Wednesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel had intercepted a drone launched by the Houthi forces in Yemen toward its Red Sea city of Eilat.

"The IAF (Israel Air Force) intercepted a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) that was launched from Yemen," said the Israeli military in a statement.

There were no reports of injuries or damage, and the Houthis did not immediately comment.

Houthi forces have fired dozens of missiles and drones toward Israel since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, citing solidarity with the Palestinians. Most of the projectiles have been intercepted or have missed their targets.

In response, Israel has carried out a series of strikes on ports and other infrastructure in Yemen.
United Nations, July 19 : The daily onslaught of hostilities, preventable deaths, a worsening fuel shortage, displacement and desperation are normalising mass deprivation for Gazans, UN humanitarians said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Israeli authorities issued yet another displacement order, this time for parts of northern Gaza. There are also deeply troubling reports of malnourished children and adults in hospitals with few resources to treat them, Xinhua news agency reported.

OCHA said that the energy crisis continues to deepen despite the resumption of limited fuel imports, and its depletion has forced a pause in solid waste collection over the past couple of days, and more water wells have been shut down, mainly in Deir al-Balah.

Specific health services like dialysis have been reduced or shut down, and others will have to end too, due to fuel shortages, while the limited fuel available is being allocated primarily to health, water and telecommunications services, as well as to powering vehicles, it said.

Humanitarian movements inside Gaza continue to be restricted, since only seven out of 13 attempts to coordinate aid workers and supplies movement with the Israeli authorities were facilitated, allowing humanitarian teams to retrieve fuel, collect water, relocate generators, provide supplies related to hygiene and sanitation, and transfer much-needed medical supplies, OCHA said.
Johannesburg, July 19 : Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita reached the South African city of Johannesburg as he commenced the second leg of his visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho.

"High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar welcomed the Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Pabitra Margherita at the Johannesburg airport. Minister of State is on a 3 nation official visit i.e. Eswatini, Lesotho & South Africa," High Commission of India, Pretoria, South Africa & concurrently accredited to Lesotho posted on X.

In the Kingdom of Lesotho, Margherita is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on King Letsie III and the Prime Minister, Samuel Matekane.

He will hold bilateral meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, along with several key ministers, including those responsible for Information, Communications, Science, Technology & Innovation, Education & Training, and Labour and Employment.

Earlier on Friday, MoS Margherita concluded a successful visit to Eswatini, where he held meetings with several top leaders of the landlocked Southern African country, discussing the deepening of bilateral ties between both nations.

"Delighted to meet the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Pholile Dlamini Shakantu. Had in-depth and fruitful discussions covering the entire gamut of IndiaEswatini relations. Look forward to deepening ties between our two countries," Margherita posted on X.

Later, the MoS also met Mduduzi Matsebula, Minister of Health of Eswatini, and held fruitful discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

Margherita also held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Eswatini, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, as both leaders exchanged views on enhancing bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation across various sectors.

"Good evening, Eswatini. Today, we were honoured to receive a courtesy visit from India's Minister of State for External Affairs,Pabitra Margherita, at the Private and Cabinet Office. The meeting focused on strengthening the existing relations we have enjoyed for over 50 years as well as possible areas of further cooperation," the PM of Eswatini posted on X after the meeting.

"The visiting Minister conveyed a message of goodwill to His Majesty the King for the warm hospitality and meaningful engagement they had at Lozitha Palace yesterday. India remains one of Eswatini's loyal partners, and they have cooperated with us across several sectors, including in education and Healthcare," the post added.

The multi-nation official visit of the MoS to the African continent is part of India's broader diplomatic engagement with African nations and is aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation, exploring new avenues of partnership, and representing India at the upcoming G20 Development Ministerial Meeting (DMM) in South Africa.
New Delhi, July 19 : The Opposition's INDIA Bloc will hold a crucial virtual meeting on Saturday to formulate a unified strategy ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The Congress party, which is leading the coordination for the meeting, has decided to shift the event from an in-person gathering at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in New Delhi to a virtual format. This change has been made to ensure broader participation from Opposition leaders across the country.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 P.M. and will bring together senior leaders from key Opposition parties, including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party (SP), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Left parties.

Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee is also expected to attend the session. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the participation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Congress MP and General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal confirmed the meeting details, stating that the top leadership of the INDIA Bloc will deliberate on key issues that will be raised during the upcoming Parliament session.

Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain added that the meeting would serve as a strategic platform for leaders to align on their approach to counter the government's agenda and highlight concerns related to democracy, governance, and electoral integrity.

One of the major concerns expected to dominate the discussion is the voter list revision in Bihar. The Opposition has strongly criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission ahead of the state's upcoming Assembly elections.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh recently reignited the debate by accusing the Centre of attempting to manipulate the electoral process.

Referring to the SIR exercise in Bihar, Ramesh posted on X, "The Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls is a deliberate and diabolical move to rig the elections through large-scale disenfranchisement. A PM who masterminded 'notebandi' has orchestrated this 'votebandi'".

With the Monsoon Session set to begin soon, the meeting aims to set the tone for the Opposition's parliamentary performance.
New Delhi, July 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm birthday greetings to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, acknowledging her contributions to the national Capital and her commitment to public service.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "Best wishes to Delhi Chief Minister, Smt. Rekha Gupta ji, on her birthday. Rising through the ranks, she has always remained active in serving Delhi. As Chief Minister, she has undertaken numerous initiatives for the cityas welfare. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life."

The Prime Minister's message comes as Chief Minister Gupta is scheduled to celebrate her birthday with a significant public outreach programme in Haryana. Marking her first visit to her ancestral village after assuming the office of Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta is scheduled to visit Julana, Jind district, on Saturday.

As CM Gupta arrived in Julana, she was warmly welcomed by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

She will visit Julana House and later reach Maharaja Agrasen Bhawan, where she will be warmly welcomed by local leaders and community members.

At 10:45 A.M., she will arrive at her ancestral village, Nandgarh, where a large public meeting will be held, and she will lay the foundation stones for several development projects aimed at improving infrastructure in the Julana area.

The birthday rally will see the participation of Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, who will join Rekha Gupta in addressing the public and commemorating the event.

Adding a cultural touch to the day, four BJP MLAs from the district will present the Chief Minister with a traditional "Teej ki Kothli", symbolising festivity and respect.

Following the events in Jind, CM Gupta will proceed to Rohtak, where she is scheduled to arrive at her residence near D-Park, Subhash Nagar, by 2:00 P.M.
New Delhi, July 19 : Domestic equity markets continued their protracted correction for the third consecutive week and ended below the psychological level of 25,000, weighed down by the broadly tepid start of Q1FY26 earnings, particularly from the IT and financial sectors, analysts said on Saturday.

The IT sector remained under strain due to muted performance and cautious outlooks amid global demand uncertainty, while financials are also expected to report subdued results due to expected NIM contraction and asset quality concerns.

"In contrast, FMCG stocks outperformed, supported by encouraging growth guidance that points to a possible revival in urban consumption trends. Improved earnings momentum supported by macroeconomic tailwinds can shift investor preferences towards consumption stocks," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

On Friday, Indian benchmark indices ended on a weak footing, with the Nifty slipping below the crucial 25,000 mark amid broad-based selling pressure. The Sensex declined 501.51 points, or 0.61 per cent, to settle at 81,757.73, while the Nifty shed 143.05 points, or 0.57 per cent, to close at 24,968.40.

Excluding Media and Metal, all sectoral indices closed in the red, with pronounced weakness in Pharma, Private Banks, PSU Banks, FMCG, Capital Goods, Consumer Durables, and Telecom, which lost between 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent.

The broader market also witnessed profit-taking, with the Nifty Midcap and Small cap indices retreating 0.7 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively.

According to Bajaj Broking Research, the upcoming week brings a mix of high-frequency indicators from both the US and India that will offer insights into manufacturing activity, housing health, and labour market strength.

On the Indian front, the key data point will be the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (Preliminary) for July. The manufacturing sector has shown steady expansion in recent months, and investors will look for signs of sustained momentum.

On the global front, markets are closely monitoring the outcome of the proposed US-India mini trade agreement. A favourable resolution could strengthen the outlook for export-oriented sectors and enhance India's relative attractiveness among emerging markets, said experts.

IANS

na/
Mumbai, July 19 : Actress Ankita Lokhande shared some "raw" pictures of herself as she celebrated unfiltered beauty that comes from being present.

Mumbai, July 19 (IANS) Actress Ankita Lokhande shared some "raw" pictures of herself as she celebrated unfiltered beauty that comes from being present.

Ankita took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures of herself standing on the balcony. The sunlight softly touches her skin adding an extra golden glow and the wind adds the drama to the actress' perfect curly hair.

The actress, who looks stunning dressed in a black and white dress, wrote her thoughts in the caption section.

She wrote: "There's a kind of beauty that isn't filtered, posed, or planned It's in the way the wind whispers through messy curls, the way sunlight kisses bare skin, the way a camera captures truth  raw, unfiltered, and deeply me. No perfection. Just presence."

Ankita is currently seen in the culinary comedy reality show, "Laughter Chefs Fun Unlimited 2", where she is paired with her husband Vicky Jain.

The show also stars Krushna Abhishek, Rahul Vaidya, Karan Kundrra, Nia Sharma, Reem Shaikh, Sudesh Lehri, Elvish Yadav, Rubina Dilaik, Aly Goni and Kashmera Shah as contestants. The show is hosted by Bharti Singh, along with judge Harpal Singh Sokhi.

Talking about Ankita and Vicky, the two got married in December 2021 in a grand ceremony held at Mumbai's Grand Hyatt. The couple later participated in "Bigg Boss 17," hosted by Salman Khan, where their turbulent journey on the reality show grabbed widespread attention and made headlines.

Last month, Ankita dedicated a social media post for her husband, where she mentioned that every moment with Vicky 'feels like a movie'.

She wrote: "Words often cannot fathom how special this bond feels, but this song simply makes it feel right. From my strongest companion to my simple partner in crime, every moment with you is like a movie! May we both tease and love each other ~ forever and always #FromAges #AnVi #CoupleGoals #RelationshipGoals #LoveForever."
Google gets unexpected boost from ChatGPT originally appeared on TheStreet.

For all the noise in AI, Googles (GOOGL) is looking to play a much quieter game.

The tech juggernaut is focusing on scale, speed, and systems few see coming.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter

Though the world watches chatbots and model wars, something a lot deeper is taking shape behind the scenes.

This week, a subtle shift in how ChatGPT operates positions Google closer to the center of the AI action.

It might not be loud or flashy, but if you know what to look for, its a move that could potentially reshape the field.

Google edges into the ChatGPT conversation with a quiet cloud move.Image source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Google quietly builds AI cloud firepower, and its starting to show

Though its competition chases headlines, Google has been quietly racking up wins in the AI infrastructure game.

Over the past three years, weve seen its global cloud market share climb from under 10% to roughly 12%.

Though its still behind Amazon Web Services 32% and Microsofts 23%, it's gaining fast. That bump helped drive a 28% gain in Google Cloud sales to $12.3 billion in Q1 2025, which is one of the tech giants biggest growth engines.

At the heart of Googles push are its custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), which are tailor-made to push deep-learning workloads.

Related: Elon Musk moves xAI, Grok onto Palantir turf

Google has shelled out billions into data centers, liquid cooling rigs, and AI-specific hardware to cater to the crushing demand for scalable AI compute.

Perhaps Googles biggest edge is in its unmatched access to real-world data, from Search, Maps, YouTube, and Ads, giving it a vast training ground for next-gen models.

Layer that up with tools like Vertex AI and pre-trained libraries, and developers can build and deploy a lot quicker and with less friction.

That matters a ton where OpenAIs ChatGPT has become the gold standard of AI performance.

With north of 800 million weekly users and billions of real-time prompts, any lag becomes news. Naturally, every cloud provider wants a piece of that load.

Looking ahead, with global cloud spend heading towards $723 billion this year, Googles infrastructure stack looks increasingly competitive.

More Tech Stock News:

Its blend of custom chips, open-source AI tools, and strategic pricing is starting to shape the race.

Google joins the ChatGPT cloud club, and that changes the AI playbook

Google just landed a massive win in the AI infrastructure wars.
Kolkata, July 19 : Alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in Odisha, Assam and Delhi after being branded as illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, the Special Intensive Review (SIR) and the necessity of Opposition unity on these issue are likely to be the important matters that would be raised by the Trinamool Congress in the meeting of the INDIA Bloc this evening.

The meeting will be attended virtually by the Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, as decided by the party leadership at the last moment.

"The harassment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states after being branded as illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators is the most burning issue of the country currently.

"While the Trinamool Congress is the only party in the country which is spearheading the movement on this issue, our Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had already stressed the importance of a united stand of all Opposition parties on this issue.

"Our General Secretary is expected to convey that message to the INDIA Bloc allies in the meeting this evening," said a senior Trinamool Congress member who refused to be named.

Although initially, the Trinamool Congress decided to skip the INDIA Bloc meeting because of the preoccupation of the party leaders with the preparations for the party's annual Martyrs' Day rally on July 21, at the last moment, it was decided that Abhishek Banerjee would attend the meeting virtually.

Another important issue the party's General Secretary will raise in the INDIA Bloc meeting would be the Special Intensive Review by the Election Commission of India (ECI), which has already started and is expected to start in West Bengal next month, the Trinamool Congress leader said.

"Our Chief Minister has already made the party's stand clear that this Special Intensive Review is a ploy to indirectly implement NRC in West Bengal. Our General Secretary is expected to elaborate the party's stand on this issue at the INDIA Bloc meeting this evening," he added.

The meeting of the INDIA Bloc this evening, which is happening after a gap of quite some time, is expected to discuss coordination on the floor of the Parliament on various issues during the forthcoming Monsoon Session of the House.
Mumbai, July 19 : Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday launched a blistering attack on Shiv Sena chairperson and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Mahayuti government, claiming that Thackeray is not just a brand but Maharashtra's identity, and whoever is hollow needs the same.

Udhhav made the remarks during an interview in the party mouthpiece Saamana with its executive editor Sanjay Raut.

On losing the Shiv Sena's name and symbol to Eknath Shinde, Uddhav said: "Today I have nothing. Still, people welcome me with love and affection. They express anger about what is happening. People know that Thackeray is honest, he fights for the people, and fearlessly shares their pain and suffering. That is why the people of Maharashtra have stayed with us for so many years."

Stepping up the attack against Eknath Shinde and the BJP, Uddhav claimed, "Those who have nothing and who are hollow, they need the Thackeray brand. They need help. They have not created anything. They have not created any ideal. Even if they have been around for 100 years or a few more years, one question remains: What have you given to the people or the state? Nothing. So, by stealing this brand, they are trying to increase their importance."

On how many people are attempting to "cease the Thackeray band", Uddhav, in a veiled attack at the double-engine government, said all from Delhi to Maharashtra are involved.

"Some people do not want any name in the country except their name. They are comparing themselves with God. What can we say about such people? They come with time and go with time. If someone does not respect our tradition, that tradition also does not respect them," he said, targeting the National Democratic Alliance.

Uddhav also criticised the Election Commission of India, saying that "the poll panel gave the Shiv Sena's election symbol to someone else. But they should not have given the Shiv Sena's name".

Providing an argument for his assertion, Uddhav said: "The party was founded by my grandfather (Prabodhankar Thackeray) and father (Balasaheb Thackeray).

He went on to say that "It's not Uddhav Thackeray, but Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray that makes sense. I am nothing. Balasaheb always said that we should not forget the blessings and virtues of our ancestors. Thackeray is struggling, but no one can steal our name."

"They (Shinde camp) stole the symbol, but cannot take away people's love and trust for us? It is not sold in a box," he quipped.

Commenting on the outcome of Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections, he said, "In the Lok Sabha, I had candidates, seats, but no sign. However, the Maha Vikas Aghadi gave a tough fight to the Mahayuti in the Lok Sabha due to solid coordination and resolve to fight against the ruling alliance."

"In the Lok Sabha, right from the leaders to the workers in the Maha Vikas Aghadi, everyone wanted to win; this was our election. However, in the Assembly elections, that collective bond disappeared and was replaced by a fight for an individual party to win the seat. That led to the defeat," he rued.

Uddhav said that various populist schemes, Ladki Bahin Yojana and crop loan waiver, among others, helped the Mahayuti score a victory.
Chennai, July 19 : In a bid to strengthen the monitoring of solid waste management operations in the city, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has appointed a private agency to supervise the collection and transportation of solid waste in selected zones under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

While 14 of the city's 15 zones have already been entrusted to private agencies for waste collection and transport, the GCC has now initiated the appointment of Independent Engineers (IE)  private consultants tasked with overseeing the proper implementation of waste management services in specific areas.

The new arrangement is currently being rolled out in Zones 5 and 6, which cover Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, comprising 28 wards and spanning an area of 38.92 sq km.

According to the latest proposal, the private concessionaire responsible for waste handling will manage the collection and transportation of solid waste, street sweepings, silt removed from drains and canals, horticultural waste, and domestic hazardous waste within the designated zones.

To ensure effective service delivery, the project includes a performance-linked payment model.

"Under the new system, 50 per cent of the monthly payment to the concessionaire is fixed, while the remaining 50 per cent is tied to performance. This performance is evaluated through a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)," a senior GCC official explained.

The Independent Engineer will be responsible for monitoring and supervising all aspects of the concession agreement, including physical and financial progress, adherence to KPIs, and service delivery parameters.

"The IE can appoint personnel for daily monitoring and must verify the reports submitted by the concessionaire, generate independent assessments, and submit these to the authorities," the official added.

The project is being implemented under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model in accordance with the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board (TNIDB) Act and the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders (PPP Procurement) Rules, 2012.

GCC officials believe that deploying independent oversight will ensure accountability and consistent service delivery, ultimately improving sanitation standards across the city.
New Delhi, July 19 : Firing fresh salvo at Anil Agarwal-run Vedanta Group, US short-seller firm Viceroy Research said in its latest report that Vedanta Semiconductors is a 'sham' commodities trading operation designed to improperly avoid classification as a non-banking financial company (NBFC).

According to Viceroy, "We believe that Vedanta Limited (VEDL) subsidiary, Vedanta Semiconductors Private Limited (VSPL), is a sham commodities trading operation designed to improperly avoid classification as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)".

In its report that came out on Friday (US time), the short-seller firm alleged that this scheme was devised to "facilitate VEDL's remittance of brand fees to Vedanta Resource's (VRL) in April 2025, when it faced a severe liquidity crisis".

"VSPL's operational illusion needs 24 months of regulatory silence to fulfil its purpose, repaying its offshore lenders and hiding the near-catastrophe of April 2024. While credit analysts are snoozing through the alarm bells, India's regulators are famously light sleepers," the report claimed.

The US-based short seller has been publishing a series of reports on the Vedanta Group for the last few days, alleging that Vedanta Resources, the holding company of Vedanta, is propped by cash entirely from its operating unit.

Vedanta has denied all allegations so far, calling them 'baseless'.

In its latest report, Viceroy said that in April 2024, Vedanta Limited (VEDL) faced a severe liquidity crisis.

"In response, VEDL reactivated VSPL, not as a semiconductor venture, but as a zero-margin trading entity whose operations appear to consist entirely of paper-based commodity trading," the report alleged.

"VSPL tapped offshore lenders for a short-term, INR-denominated, 10 per cent NCDs secured by VEDL's stake in HZL (equivalent to 1 per cent of outstanding shares) VSPL then began trading commodities (copper, silver, gold) on a zero-margin basis reminiscent of wash trading. It remitted the loan to VEDL as a 24-month 12 per cent loan, with the spread intended to cover the sham operation's costs," Viceroy Research said in its report.

"VSPL, superficially an operating entity, would face reduced scrutiny for loan repayments under FEMA, Companies Act, PMLA and AML frameworks. VSPL will likely have to continue these sham operations until FY27, when the loans fall due and repayment will have to be routed back through it. If at any point the regulators intervene at VSPL, the lender group is likely facing a total wipeout," it further alleged.

Earlier this week, Viceroy Research levelled fresh allegations against Vedanta Group, accusing the company's promoters of holding an undisclosed stake through a welfare trust to recycle funds. The company in question is PTC Cables Pvt. Ltd (PTCC), which holds a 1.91 per cent stake in Vedanta Ltd, that has a market cap of Rs 1.75 lakh crore.

PTCC is owned by Bhadram Janhit Shalika Trust (BJST), which Viceroy alleges is controlled by the Agarwal family, founders of the Vedanta Group. However, the Vedanta Group has dismissed the allegations as "baseless."
Chennai, July 19 : Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to intensify organisational activities of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections by launching a fresh membership drive and holding a key strategy meeting with district secretaries.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Sunday, at the party headquarters in Panayur.

This move comes in the run-up to the partyas second state conference, which is scheduled for August 25 in Madurai.

The conference is expected to be a landmark event in the partyas calendar, with Vijay himself slated to address the gathering.

Party sources indicated that the Madurai conference will outline TVKas political road map and serve as a platform to mobilise cadre strength across Tamil Nadu.

In preparation for the large-scale membership drive, TVK has developed a dedicated mobile application aimed at streamlining the process of enrolling new members.

The App is expected to be a key tool in the partyas grassroots expansion strategy.

During tomorrowas meeting, Vijay will provide district secretaries with a detailed presentation on how to effectively use the App to reach out to new supporters and ensure data-driven enrollment.

Training sessions will be conducted for the district functionaries to familiarise them with the applicationas features and reporting mechanisms.

Party insiders said the membership drive is expected to add significant numbers to TVKas existing cadre base and strengthen its presence in all districts.

The App will also serve as a centralised platform for collecting volunteer information, enabling efficient communication and coordination at various levels of the organisation.

The performance of each district in the membership drive will be closely monitored, and key performance indicators will be established to track progress.

Apart from the technical briefing, the Panayur meeting will also deliberate on the logistics and planning of the upcoming Madurai state conference.

Topics on the agenda include formation of organising committees, transport and accommodation arrangements, stage design, and delegate coordination.

The aim is to ensure that the event reflects the partyas growing stature and preparedness for electoral challenges.

TVK has been steadily building its organisational base since its inception, and Vijayas personal involvement in strategy and execution has energised the cadre.

With the membership App launch and the Madurai conference on the horizon, the party is looking to consolidate its structure and amplify its political messaging in the months ahead.
New Delhi, July 19 : Amid growing concerns over incidents of vandalism during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, Congress leader Udit Raj on Saturday called for police verification of Kanwariyas to identify those responsible for damaging public and private property.

He also accused the ruling BJP of deliberately creating a communal narrative around the issue.

Udit Raj's statement came a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly defended Kanwar Yatris, lashing out at critics who, he said, were portraying Shiva devotees as "hooligans" and "terrorists."

Addressing a gathering in Varanasi, Adityanath claimed that the yatris were often unfairly targeted and subjected to media trials over isolated incidents of public disorder.

Reacting to the remarks, Udit Raj told IANS, "It's the ruling party that's creating this narrative. No Opposition leader has said anything communal. The BJP is constantly trying to stir up Hindu-Muslim issues."

He pointed to recent disturbances, including glass shards allegedly found on roads in Delhi and vandalism of government barricades and private vehicles.

"Is it acceptable that if a rickshaw slightly brushes against them, the vehicle gets damaged? They are fighting with shopkeepers and refusing to pay. Is this how devotees should behave?" he asked.

Suggesting a solution, Udit Raj said, "There should be police verification of those participating in the Kanwar Yatra. This will help identify miscreants and purify the yatra. People need to investigate who is behind the damage to public and private property."

The Congress leader's remarks come at a time when several reports from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have highlighted Kanwariyas clashing with locals, damaging property, and creating traffic disruptions.

CM Adityanath, however, referring to past incidents, had said, "There was an incident of arson two-three years back... The investigation later revealed that the person wore a saffron scarf but chanted Allah. Such people should be identified and banished from society."

He also cited a recent incident in Jaunpur, where three people died after a towering Tazia structure came into contact with a high-tension wire.

"An attempt was made to block roads and incite unrest. I directed strict police action. Those disturbing social harmony must understand that peace is non-negotiable," CM Yogi said.

He urged society to reject those spreading hate using fake social media profiles and false identities.

"Only by removing such elements can we ensure national unity," he said.

He also underlined the inclusiveness of Indian tradition, noting, "Even those who rejected the Vedas, like Charvak and Buddha, are respected in our culture. Both believers and non-believers are part of the Hindu identity."
Kabul, July 19 : Afghanistan's capital Kabul is facing one of the worst water crises in its history, affecting the lives of millions of residents in the city, local media reported on Saturday.

The recent data revealed that the water levels have declined sharply in central and western parts of the city, according to a report by Afghan media outlet TOLO News.

"Everything depends on water. Without it, life becomes extremely difficult. If these petrol stations stop giving water, people will die of hunger and thirst," said Mohammad Agha, a Kabul resident.

"Children and women wander day and night with buckets, but there's no water," said another resident.

Residents of the city have appealed to the Taliban-led interim government in Afghanistan to address their concerns by expanding water supply infrastructure and digging deeper wells.

Earlier on Thursday, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) in Afghanistan described the water crisis as "unprecedented."

The UN agency mentioned that the dramatic drop in water levels in Kabul has impacted nearly six million people, putting them at risk of water scarcity.

"Tackling this crisis needs large-scale investment, strong collaboration, & increased public awareness on water use & management. Water is life. Let's act now," the UN agency posted on X.

Recently, a report by NGO Mercy Corps found that some households in Kabul spend up to 30 per cent of their income on water, with over two-thirds of them incurring water-related debt.

"Groundwater extraction dramatically exceeds natural recharge, and nearly half of the city's boreholes are already dry. Without urgent, coordinated investment, Kabul risks becoming the first modern capital to run dry," the report said.

Up to 80 per cent of groundwater is reported as unsafe, containing high levels of sewage, arsenic, and salinity, which pose urgent public health risks.

Earlier in March, the UN-Habitat had warned that 21 million people in the country require water, sanitation, and health support.

"Major cities like Kandahar, Kabul, and Herat are facing water scarcity because their groundwater is being depleted. The UN, on several occasions, have flagged this and it's very clear that huge-scale investments need to be taken," said Stephanie Loose, the head of UN-Habitat in Afghanistan, stressing that the South Asian nation needs large-scale investments in water infrastructure.
Mumbai, July 19 : Music composer Mithoon, who has composed the song 'Dhun' from the recently released movie 'Saiyaara', has said that it's nearly impossible to deconstruct his songs because he keeps them very minimalistic in terms of orchestration.

The music composer recently spoke with IANS, and said that he believes in maintaining the essence of a song through minimal programming.

He told IANS, "For me, usually, you can't deconstruct my song. Because it is already very minimalistic. I feel that the song, and its emotion are the identities of the song. No matter how much programming you do, or don't do".

He further mentioned that this bent of mind to make the track sound great with less means is courtesy director Mohit Suri with whom he has been working for 20 years.

He said, "Many times, Mohit has heard my compositions only on the piano, and he gave an immediate approval. He has that knack to identify the impact of a song just from the piano. And many times, he finds it better. I feel that this is the speciality of Mohit Suri. Because I am a poet, a composer, an arranger. So, many times, my passion for music can empower me. Mohit doesn't let me use it".

"I tell him that I want to add violins to it, he says, 'No, don't do it'. I want to add a chorus to it. He goes, 'No, don't do that'. But it is a music composer's passion. So, when I do another film, I put everything there".

He then spoke about how Mohit fine tuned the song with his inputs, as he shared, "That is Mohit's speciality. I am saying this for the first time. When I overstepped on 'Dhun' before the shoot. He called me. He told me that he missed the silences in the first draft. And that is the beauty of singing. Where he climbs and where he descends. The protagonist is not a confident character, he is vulnerable. That silence is very important".

"If it was someone else, he would have been impressed. That the track sounds better because of more layers. Some other director would have been impressed. But this person is not impressed. He just wants to connect. I think that aspect enriches my music", he added.

'Saiyaara' is currently playing in cinemas.
Chennai, July 19 : Residents of Hasanur Village in Tamil Nadu's Erode District have launched a protest demanding immediate action from forest authorities to capture a leopard that has killed two cow calves in recent days.

The leopard, that is believed to have strayed from the nearby Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, attacked calves belonging to villagers P. Basamani (45), V. Sadanandam (54), and P. Jagadeesan in two separate incidents.

Two of the animals succumbed to the attacks, triggering fear among the villagers, who say such intrusions have become increasingly frequent.

"We have repeatedly urged forest department officials to act swiftly and capture the leopard. They assured us of action, but the situation has only worsened. This latest attack has left us in shock and fear," said a local resident.

The protestors are demanding that the leopard be captured and relocated deep inside the reserve forest to prevent further conflict with humans and livestock.

This is not the first time leopard-related incidents have sparked public outrage in Tamil Nadu.

In June 2023, a leopard mauled a young boy to death in Anthiyur, also in Erode district, after straying into human habitation.

A few months later, in Valparai, Coimbatore district, a leopard killed a toddler who had wandered a short distance from home.

These tragic incidents have heightened tensions in rural areas bordering forest regions, with locals demanding stronger preventive measures from the forest department.

The Hasanur villagers have vowed to continue their protest until the leopard is captured.

Forest officials have reportedly begun laying traps and intensifying surveillance in the area, but locals remain unconvinced, pointing to delays and repeated assurances that have yielded little tangible action so far.

The ongoing human-wildlife conflict has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved monitoring and rapid-response mechanisms in forest fringe areas, particularly in regions adjacent to protected reserves like Sathyamangalam and the Anamalai Hills.
Bengaluru, July 19 : Karnataka's Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj S. Tangadagi, said on Saturday he has written to the Central government seeking official recognition for the Kannada flag.

He also announced plans to lead a delegation to New Delhi to meet Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to press the demand.

He said to the media, "The present Karnataka flag is not official. We will urge the central government to grant it official status as the state flag. Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje, both from Karnataka and known for advocating Kannada language, should take the initiative in securing approval for the flag."

The minister added that the delegation would leave for Delhi soon.

The Minister clarified that in the letter, he had clearly written that the Kannada flag would be hoisted below the national tricolor. "We have also pointed out that there is no bar in the Indian Constitution for having a separate state flag. The state flag reflects the culture, emotions, and identity of the people," he said.

Expressing disappointment over the allocation of funds for the Kannada language, the Minister remarked, "The classical language status granted to Kannada has become a token gesture. The funds allocated to Kannada are meagre compared to Tamil. We will urge the Centre to release sufficient funds for the growth and promotion of the Kannada language."

The Karnataka government, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had earlier approved a proposal for a state flag designed by a nine-member committee set up by the Department of Kannada and Culture. The proposal was first sent to the Centre in 2017 during the final phase of the previous Congress government.

Meanwhile, the BJP has criticized the government's renewed push for the Kannada flag. Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, alleged that the issue has been raised to divert public attention from what he described as the government's failure to deliver on development.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on eight Belarusian entities linked to the countrys military-industrial complex as part of its 18th package of restrictive measures targeting Russia, Azernews reports.

According to a statement published in the EUs Official Journal, the decision was made due to the seriousness of the ongoing situation, and the listed entities will be added to the EUs sanctions list of individuals and organizations subject to restrictive measures.

The blacklisted Belarusian entities include:

Belvneshpromservice

Legmash Plant

Unmanned Helicopter Design Bureau

LEMT Scientific and Technical Center

Laser Devices and Technologies LLC

These sanctions are part of a broader effort by the EU to tighten restrictions on sectors that support Russias war efforts, with the latest package targeting energy, banking, and military industries.
(Bloomberg) -- Man Group Plc cut jobs for the second time in a year and reshuffled its leadership as part of Chief Executive Officer Robyn Grews ongoing overhaul of the worlds biggest publicly listed hedge fund firm.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The London-based money manager told staff in a memo on Thursday that Greg Bond, chief executive officer of Man Numeric, head of Americas, will become the new chief investment officer for the group in a newly created role.

The firm had to make some tough decisions, which has resulted in some redundancies in the last few days, Grew said in the internal memo, seen by Bloomberg News.

A representative for Man Group, which managed $167 billion as of April 14, said a review of the businesses has resulted in the redeployment of some people and a small reduction in its global headcount. The company didnt disclose the number of roles that were eliminated.

The firms headcount stood at 1,777 as of Dec. 31, the firms annual report shows.

Grew, the first female to be named CEO of the 242-year-old Man Group, has been restructuring the firm since she took the top job in September 2023. Last year, she merged the discretionary trading units and dumped three house brands in a reorganization that saw the exit of a top executive.

The company told staff that Eric Burl, the head of discretionary, was on his way out after more than two decades to explore opportunities beyond finance, Financial News reported this month.

Man Group has been among the leading asset managers investing heavily in cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Bloomberg News reported this month that the companys quant equity unit started using an AI tool that digs into data for ideas, writes codes for potential strategies and tests them on historic data. Several dozen signals generated by the system have passed the investment committee and are slated to be deployed in live trading, one portfolio manager told Bloomberg News.

I am particularly excited about the potential for AI to transform the way we operate, Grew wrote in the memo.

The planned headcount reductions also come at a time when some of Man Groups funds have reported mixed returns. A chaotic first half of the year was dominated by policy upheaval and Wall Street angst, roiling markets and widening the gap between winners and losers.
Mexico City, July 19 : Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced strong opposition to the construction of a new segment of the US border wall in the state of New Mexico, calling it a unilateral move by the US government.

Speaking at her daily press conference on Friday, Sheinbaum emphasised that Mexico is not involved in the project in any way and is not contributing funding, Xinhua news agency reported.

"They're building it on their own. We don't support the wall. We've achieved a safe border through cooperation and coordination, not walls," she said.

Sheinbaum described the construction as a decision made solely by US President Donald Trump and emphasised Mexico's preference for development-based cooperation and respect for Mexicans living in the United States.

This week, the Trump administration began a new phase of construction on a secondary border barrier between Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez in northern Mexico.

The project includes 9.6 km of 9-meter-high steel posts placed behind an older 5.5-meter fence.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump imposed a 17 per cent tariff on fresh tomatoes from Mexico.

He also announced his administration would levy a 30 per cent tariff on goods from Mexico and members of the European Union beginning August 1, targeting two of the USas top trading partners.

Trump posted separate letters on Truth Social to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen informing them of the tariff rates.

In his letter to Sheinbaum Pardo, Trump cited the flow of fentanyl across the southern border, which was the original basis for a 25 per cent tariff he imposed on Mexican goods earlier this year.
New Delhi, July 19 : Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Saturday came down heavily on the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, holding it responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

Referring to the recent daylight murder inside Paras Hospital in Patna where five goons entered and shot dead another criminal undergoing treatment at the private medical facility, Paswan said the incident reflects the audacity of criminals and the inefficiency of the government.

While addressing the issue, Paswan clarified that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the state under India's federal structure.

"When the Prime Minister brings development schemes, his priorities are clear. He is working with a vision to make Bihar a developed state. As far as the issue of law and order is concerned, everyone knows that under the federal structure, it entirely falls under the jurisdiction of the state governments. In such a scenario, it is not fair to blame the Prime Minister, but yes, it is certainly a matter of concern for all of us," he said.

Earlier Paswan took to the social media platform X and wrote, "Murders are happening every day. The morale of criminals is sky-high. The strategy of the police and administration is beyond comprehension. The attack inside Paras Hospital in Patna's residential neighbourhood proves that criminals are openly challenging the law and administration."

Paswan also responded to the Opposition's recent allegations of voter list tampering in Bihar. He dismissed the claims as baseless and premature.

"First of all, claims are being made about tampering with the voter list. But how can there be tampering when the process itself isn't over yet? Has the work on the voter list been completed? The Opposition is simply spreading misinformation," he said.

He strongly defended the Election Commission, asserting that it is conducting the process with integrity.

"The Election Commission is working with complete transparency. If that weren't the case we, too, would have raised questions. At the very least, my party and I certainly would have. You all know that I and my party never hesitate to speak out against injustice, no matter where it occurs, even if it's within our own government," he added.
Chennai, July 19 : Actor Udhaya, who plays the lead in director Prabhu Srinivas's upcoming film 'Accused', has now disclosed that the makers of the film bought a bus just for an important action sequence in the film.

Chennai, July 19 (IANS) Actor Udhaya, who plays the lead in director Prabhu Srinivasas upcoming film aAccuseda, has now disclosed that the makers of the film bought a bus just for an important action sequence in the film.

Talking to IANS on the sidelines of a press meet organised by the film's unit, Udhaya said, "There is an important action sequence in the film in which the bus turns turtle. We approached bus owners to hire their vehicle for the sequence. However, they refused to rent it out after we told them that the bus had to be toppled. Eventually, the producers of the film, unwilling to compromise on the intensity of the action sequence, chose to buy a brand new bus just for the sequence."

The action sequence was difficult and involved a lot of risk, Udhaya said but pointed out that it was successfully shot.

"We shot just this action sequence for 10 to 12 days," Udhaya said and added that after the sequence, the bus was reduced to such a stage that it could now only be sold as scrap.

"But we are extremely confident about the way the film has come out. The film is almost two hours and ten minutes long. It will be gripping and keep you glued to the screen from start to finish," he said.

The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs, ever since the makers released a teaser.

Ajmal plays a police constable while Udhaya plays a convict in the film. The teaser begins with Ajmal signing the register at the Puzhal central prison and taking custody of Udhaya, a convict. It is evident that he has been assigned the task of escorting the prisoner somewhere. However, transporting the prisoner is not as easy as it seems....

The film, apart from featuring actor Yogi Babu in a pivotal role, also has well known director Prabhu Solomon playing an important role in the film.

The shooting of the film, which started in January this year, has been completed. The film is now all set to release on August 1.

Made under the banners of Jaeshan Studios, Sri Dayakaran Cine Productions, and MIY Studios, 'Accused' is a film produced on a grand budget by A.L. Udhaya, aDayaa N. Panneerselvam, and M. Thangavel.

The movie features popular Kannada actress Jahnvika as the female lead. aAccuseda, a gangster drama, explores the idea that not everyone accused of a crime is guilty. It delves into how even good people can be affected by the errors in the system and turn gangsters. This film marks the first collaboration of Udhaya with Ajmal and Yogi Babu.

The cinematography of the film has been handled by Maruthanayagam I. Music for the film is by Naren Balakumar and editing is by renowned editor K L Praveen. The action sequences have been choreographed by the famous stunt director Stunt Silva.

--IANS

Mkr/
Seoul, July 19 : A special counsel team indicted former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday on charges of abuse of authority over his short-lived imposition of martial law.

It marks Yoon's third indictment with detention following previous ones in January and in March related to his martial law declaration on December 3 and other power abuse charges.

According to the team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk, Yoon is accused of violating the rights of Cabinet members during the martial law deliberation process, retroactively drafting the martial law declaration, ordering the deletion of records from encrypted phones and other offences.

The team had attempted to question Yoon multiple times since his second detention last week, but failed as Yoon declined to appear, Yonhap news agency reported.

On Friday, a court had dismissed Yoon Suk Yeol's petition against his arrest, keeping him in custody over his failed attempt to impose martial law.

The Seoul Central District Court issued the ruling hours after concluding a hearing that reviewed the legality of Yoon's arrest and whether it should remain in place.

"Based on the results of our questioning of the suspect and the case records, it was recognised that the request was without reason and dismissed," the bench had said.

The ousted president had filed for the review on Wednesday, less than a week after he was placed under arrest at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, just south of the capital, over five key charges related to his martial law bid in December.

The closed-door hearing at the court began at 10:15 am on Friday and ended around six hours later after Yoon's lawyers and special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team presented contrary arguments for and against his release.

Yoon's lawyers had reportedly stressed that the criminal charges levelled against him cannot be supported and that he poses no risk of destroying evidence.

In particular, they sought to highlight that the five key charges the special counsel team listed on the arrest warrant -- including his alleged violation of the rights of Cabinet members and his alleged creation of a false martial law document -- were already covered under the insurrection charge for which Yoon is currently standing trial.
Damascus, July 19 : Syrian and Israeli leaders have reached a ceasefire agreement under the auspices of the United States after deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria prompted Israeli intervention with massive strikes recently.

US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced the truce early on Saturday, saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, under the sponsorship of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

The deal is also backed by regional players, including Turkey, Jordan, and Syria's other neighbours.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and, together with other minorities, build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," Barrack said in a post on social media.

The ceasefire deal followed six days of fierce sectarian clashes in the southern province of Sweida, which left hundreds dead and triggered fears of a broader, regional escalation.

Under the truce deal, Syrian government security and military institutions will be allowed to re-enter all parts of Sweida, according to sources cited by local TV reports.

The deal stipulates the dissolution of all local factions, the handover of heavy weapons, and the integration of former fighters into state security structures.

The spiritual leadership of the Druze community issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire, expressing readiness to end the ongoing hostilities and calling for a return to "wisdom and reason."

The agreement came amid mounting humanitarian concerns in Sweida, where United Nations convoys were recently blocked from entering conflict zones, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Syrian authorities have yet to comment on the ceasefire deal.

A sudden eruption of violence in Syria's southern province of Sweida had triggered a complex and escalating crisis, exposing the deep fragility of Syria's stability just six months after the collapse of the previous government and sending shockwaves across the region.

Over the past week, Sweida had witnessed some of the deadliest intra-Syrian clashes in years. The fighting, initially sparked by a local dispute between the Druze community and Bedouin tribesmen, quickly escalated into a full-blown urban conflict involving Syrian government forces.

By Thursday, nearly 600 people were reported killed, including dozens of civilians and hundreds of fighters from all sides, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
Seoul, July 19 : Former South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul was summoned for questioning on Saturday by a special counsel team responsible for the investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law.

"We are questioning Cho," the team said in a brief statement released to the media.

Cho was summoned as a person of interest, not a suspect, for questioning regarding the circumstances surrounding a Cabinet meeting held shortly before Yoon declared martial law on December 3. He was among the select Cabinet members who attended the meeting.

The special counsel also plans to question Cho about a foreign ministry spokesperson's distribution of controversial press guidance defending the martial law declaration to foreign media on December 5.

Cho had reportedly learned of Yoon's plan after attending the meeting and strongly opposed it.

According to his testimony to the special counsel in December, Cho initially believed the emergency Cabinet meeting was related to contact with then-US President-elect Donald Trump.

When Yoon declared martial law, he reportedly handed Cho a sheet of paper containing instructions for diplomatic missions on how to operate under martial law.

Cho reportedly urged Yoon to reconsider, warning that the move could undermine South Korea's democratic progress built over the past 70 years. Yoon allegedly did not relent, saying the decision was not made for personal reasons.

Despite Cho's opposition, martial law was enforced. A staff member from the presidential office later asked him to sign a related document, which he refused to do, according to his account, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier on July 16, a special counsel team had also launched a raid on the home of former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong as part of its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law.

The team, led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk, had also raided seven other locations over the "destruction of evidence following the insurrection," assistant special counsel Park Ji-young told reporters, referring to the martial law bid in December.

The former NIS director was suspected of having helped delete records from secure phones used by Yoon and former NIS deputy director Hong Jang-won after the martial law attempt had failed.
Sanaa, July 19 : Yemen's Houthi group has claimed responsibility for launching a new "hypersonic ballistic missile" attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israel's defence systems.

"The missile attack was in support of the besieged Palestinian people in Gaza," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, adding that the attack achieved its goal late Friday night.

"Our missile attacks will continue until the aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted," Sarea said, calling on Arabs and Muslims to rescue the Palestinian people in Gaza, provide food and break the blockade.

The Israeli Defence Forces said on social media earlier, on Friday night, that its defence systems intercepted the missile that triggered sirens across Israel and temporarily halted air traffic, Xinhua news agency reported.

No casualties were reported.

The Houthi missile attack was the second in 48 hours after a missile attack by the Houthis on Wednesday night, which was also reportedly intercepted. It was also the seventh missile fired by the Houthis toward Israel this month.

The repeated missile attacks from Yemen effectively imposed a partial air embargo over Israel's airspace and caused international airlines to delay flights to or from Israel.

Houthi forces have fired dozens of missiles and drones toward Israel since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, citing solidarity with the Palestinians. Most of the projectiles have been intercepted or have missed their targets. In response, Israel has carried out a series of strikes on ports and other infrastructure in Yemen.

In response, Israel has carried out a series of strikes on ports and other infrastructure in Yemen.

In a similar incident on Monday, the United Kingdom reported that at least four crew members from the Liberia-flagged ship Eternity-C were killed in Red Sea attacks by Yemen's Houthi group last week, with several others still missing.
New Delhi, July 19 : As the United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based LeT, as a global terrorist organisation, the move has been welcomed by former diplomat and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The Thiruvananthapuram MP expressed hope on Saturday that the decision would increase international pressure on Pakistan to act against terror outfits operating from its soil.

This follows US President Donald Trump's strong call for justice in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people.

Taking to social media platform X, Shashi Tharoor wrote, "I welcome the US @StateDept's designation of TheResistanceFront, the Lashkar proxy that claimed credit for #Pahalgam, as a terrorist organisation, adding pressure on Pakistan to curb its activities & bring it to heel."

In another post, Tharoor shared his insights from recent meetings in Washington.

"In my private conversations in Washington, when I asked people bluntly why the US was still allowing Pakistan to get away with providing a safe haven to terrorist organisations, I was pointed to Pakistan's alleged cooperation with the US on counter-terror operations, notably the recent surrender of the individual allegedly responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing that had killed 23 US Marines at Kabul Airport," the Congress MP stated.

Highlighting the need for consistent global action, Tharoor added, "Our scepticism about the quality and sincerity of Pakistani actions against terrorism reflects our own experience with those terror agencies that are directed against us, rather than those that the US deems hostile, such as ISISKhorasan. This is a step towards bridging the gap in perceptions between the US and us on this. It will help in our efforts to list TRF at the @UN as well."

The TRF had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, the deadliest terrorist strike on Indian civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Following the incident, US President Trump had personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences and express unwavering US support in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally announced the inclusion of TRF in the list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).

"This action demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump's call for justice for the Pahalgam attack," Rubio had said.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had raised the issue during recent meetings with Rubio and at the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in Washington, underscoring India's call for coordinated global action against terror proxies like TRF.

Meanwhile, an all-party parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor visited Washington last month to brief US lawmakers and officials about the role of TRF and Pakistan's continued support for terror infrastructure. The designation is being hailed as a milestone in India-US counter-terror cooperation and a major step forward in holding state sponsors of terrorism accountable.
New Delhi, July 19 : US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with a startling claim that "five jets were shot down" in the recent armed confrontation between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam area in which 26 people were killed. India had launched 'Operation Sindoor' to destroy terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir after that.

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with a startling claim that "five jets were shot down" in the recent armed confrontation between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam area in which 26 people were killed. India had launched 'Operation Sindoor' to destroy terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir after that.

President Trump's remarks, made during a private dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House on Friday, reignited discussion around the intense four-day military escalation between the Nuclear-armed neighbours in early May.

"In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually," President Trump said, referring to the brief but high-stakes military exchange between India and Pakistan. However, the US President did not clarify which country's aircraft were downed or provide evidence to support the claim.

President Trump also claimed that the United States played a role in defusing tensions through economic leverage.

"We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that was going on. These are two serious Nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other," he said.

"You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their Nuclear capability But India and Pakistan were going at it, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade. We said, 'you guys want to make a trade deal. We're not making a trade deal if you're going to be throwing around weapons, and maybe nuclear weapons', both very powerful nuclear states."

President Trump's comments have been met with skepticism in India, which maintains that no foreign power, including the US, acted as a mediator in resolving the crisis.

Indian officials reiterated that New Delhi and Islamabad addressed the situation bilaterally and rejected the notion that trade pressure from Washington played a decisive role.

India's military response, codenamed Operation Sindoor, began on the night of May 7. The Indian Armed Forces, Army, Air Force, and Navy, jointly launched a series of strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control and deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The operation followed the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, including those of tourists.

Despite the intensity of the exchange, India has maintained that none of its fighter jets were lost in combat.

On May 11, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti publicly stated that all Indian pilots involved in the operation had returned safely.

Indian authorities remain firm that the crisis was managed without external mediation and that Trump's version of events does not align with facts on the ground.
Kolkata, July 19 : In response to a series of tragic student deaths on campus, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur is developing a comprehensive plan aimed at preventing such incidents in the future.

Located in West Bengal's West Midnapore district, the prestigious institute has witnessed four unnatural deaths in just seven months. The latest case involves Ritam Mondal, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student, whose body was discovered under mysterious circumstances in his hostel room on Friday.

In a statement, Director Dr Suman Chakraborty announced that the institute is working on a holistic intervention programme. This initiative will integrate advanced technology, specialized mental health support, and highly personalized student engagement to ensure the overall well-being of the student community.

"Our mission is to ensure that such incidents never happen again. We are committed to providing proactive, compassionate, and sustained support to every student on campus," Dr Chakraborty said.

Following the discovery of Ritam Mondal's body, police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation.

"Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide. However, the final conclusion will depend on the post-mortem report," said a police official.

According to IIT-Kharagpur's statement, Mondal had recently returned to campus after the summer break and resumed his classes.

"There were no recorded indicators of mental health concerns in the records of the SARTH Counselling Centre. Additionally, the departmental faculty advisor reported no apparent academic or personal issues," the institute noted.

This marks the fourth unnatural death on campus since January.

On January 12, Shaon Malik, a third-year electrical engineering student, died by suicide.

On April 20, Aniket Walker, a final-year Ocean Engineering student from Maharashtra, was found hanging in JC Bose Hall.

On May 4, Mohammad Asif Qamar, a third-year B. Tech student from Bihar, was found dead in his room at Madan Mohan Malviya Hall.
This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

New data from HSBC Innovation Banking add further evidence venture capital funding for private biotechnology companies has slid lower as the year has progressed, erasing what was a fast start to 2025.

According to a report HSBC published Thursday, first financings for biotech startups fell from a total of $2.6 billion in the first quarter to $900 million over the following three months  the lowest total in five quarters. Overall venture funding for biotechs fell from $7 billion to $4.8 billion, tied for the worst quarterly total in the last three years.

The number of funding deals involving drug candidates from China continued to climb, meanwhile. Four companies formed around medicines discovered there raised first funding rounds of at least $50 million in the first half of 2025, more than the total number in each of the previous two years.

Dive Insight:

Even before HSBCs report, there were signs of a biotech funding slowdown.

Research the investment bank Jefferies published in May and again in June found a substantial pullback in financing in public companies. Private rounds tracked by BioPharma Dive have gotten larger, but are fewer in number, too, as venture firms appear to be favoring surer bets. Initial public offerings have largely been on pause since the middle of February.

HSBCs findings detail the fallout for drug startups more specifically. A combination of worries over pharmaceutical tariffs, research funding cuts and leadership changes at public health agencies drove a slump that led to startups worst quarter in terms of seed or Series A funding rounds since 2023, according to Jonathan Norris, a managing director at HSBC Innovation Banking.

The uncertainty has made investors more conservative, prompting them to shy away from smaller deals and band together for larger fundings, such as megarounds of $100 million or more. These investments allow companies to get almost three traditional rounds through one financing, Norris said.

Yet even megarounds dipped from 21 over the first three months to 16 between April and June. And along with that decline, the so-called crossover investors that often support the rounds preceding an IPO retreated from biotech venture deals. Only two of the top eight rounds included new crossover investors, a decline from each of the last two years.

Many crossover investors are at their own proverbial crossroads, with too many private investments that have yet to IPO and many public companies struggling with low market caps, Norris wrote in the report.
Beijing, July 19 : China's national observatory on Saturday issued a yellow alert for Typhoon Wipha as the sixth typhoon of the year is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the southern coastal regions of the country.

The typhoon, observed at 19.9 degrees north latitude and 120.2 degrees east longitude at 5 am. Saturday, is moving northwestward at a speed of 15-20 km per hour, according to the National Meteorological Centre.

It is anticipated to make landfall along the coastal areas from Shenzhen City in south China's Guangdong Province to Wenchang City in Hainan Province during the afternoon or evening on Sunday, the meteorological centre said.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system for typhoons, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow, and blue, Xinhua news agency reported.

Authorities have mobilised a comprehensive emergency response, deploying rescue vessels, anti-pollution ships, and helicopters on standby, with all efforts focused on safeguarding coastal communities and ensuring the safety of nearby residents.

Earlier on July 9, Typhoon Danas a" the fourth typhoon of the year a" made its third landfall in the coastal area of Ruian City, in east Chinaas Zhejiang Province.

This landfall followed Danasa initial strike in Taiwan early on July 7, and its second landfall in Dongtou District of Wenzhou, also in Zhejiang, on July 8.

Last month, multiple Chinese authorities had convened to implement precautionary measures in anticipation of Typhoon Wutip, which was expected to bring heavy rainfall to the southern regions of the country.

Wutipa"the first typhoon of the yeara"made its first landfall in Dongfang City in south Chinaas island province of Hainan on June 13.

Due to the heavy rainfall triggered by the typhoon, the Ministry of Water Resources had activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Zhejiang Province along Chinaas eastern coast. The ministry had also urged local authorities to closely monitor weather conditions and effectively utilise water conservancy infrastructure to protect lives and property.
New Delhi, July 19 : Zain Durrani has shared that being an actor in the Hindi film industry is like being constantly on for a competitive exam.

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) Zain Durrani has shared that being an actor in the Hindi film industry is like being constantly on for a competitive exam.

Talking about some of the toughest rejections or obstacles he has faced while trying to find his footing in Bollywood, Zain told IANS: "You don't come from having learnt to face the rejections here. You learn by facing them day in and day out. Being an actor is like you're constantly on for competitive exams and whether you have a job or not, you're onto another test."

He added: "And you could have been great and fit for one and totally not even in consideration for another. If you keep your head in the right place you develop a thick skin. But it can't be so thick that it takes your sensitivity and your vulnerability away."

He said those are the "biggest assets as an actor" and that one has to "find a way to preserve them."

Did he ever feel like giving up?

Zain said: "There was a time during covid where I felt a wave of several emotions about the profession. There were so many things that went through my head. But then Bell Bottom happened. That kept me going and how."

Bollywood is evolving, with OTT platforms, new-age directors, and unconventional scripts. Where does he see himself fitting into this changing landscape?

"Let's just say that our industry is evolving to fit more voices and more talent in it. We shall all find a place under the sun," he said.

The actor's latest release is 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' directed by Santosh Singh. The film stars Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey. The romantic comedy draws inspiration from Ruskin Bond's beloved short story, "The Eyes Have It."

Backed by Zee Studios and Mini Films, the project is produced by Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla.
Bengaluru, July 19 : The Karnataka BJP has strongly objected to the police action against its party MLA and former minister Byrathi Basavaraj in connection with the murder of a rowdy-sheeter. The police have named MLA Basavaraj as the fifth accused in the case and issued a notice summoning him for investigation. As the BJP cried foul, the Karnataka HM said there was no political motive behind police action against MLA Byrathi in the murder case.

He is scheduled to appear before the police on Saturday.

Responding to the BJP's charges, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that there is no political motive behind the police action against Basavaraj.

BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra, speaking to the media in Kalaburagi, alleged that the Congress is attempting to 'eliminate' one of the prominent Backward Class leaders of the party, Basavaraj.

"Even after he has clarified that he has no role in the case, and the deceased's mother also confirmed that she did not name Basavaraj, the government is still conspiring against him," Vijayendra claimed.

He accused the government of trying to intimidate BJP MLAs through FIRs and police actions.

"Earlier, it tried to arrest BJP MLA Harish Poonja as well," he added.

He asserted that Basavaraj continues to win popular support due to his public service in his constituency.

"Unable to tolerate his rise, a murder conspiracy has been fabricated against him. But this plot will soon be exposed. The BJP stands firmly with Basavaraj," he underlined.

Vijayendra further alleged that the state government, which is collapsing due to failures, corruption, and internal strife, is resorting to desperate measures to divert public attention.

"By filing false police complaints and targeting BJP MLAs with baseless accusations, the Congress is attempting to tarnish their reputations," he claimed.

Responding to the BJPas allegations, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, speaking to the media on Saturday in Bengaluru, said, "What do you mean by politically motivated? Our government has been in office for 2.6 years. How many cases have we filed that are politically motivated? What kind of politics are BJP leaders playing in the case of Byrathi Basavaraj?"

He added, "If the deceased's mother had not mentioned MLA Byrathi Basavaraj's name in the FIR, this issue would not have come up. Now that the name is there, he must appear for questioning, and the police will record his statement and proceed with the investigation as per the law."

It may be recalled that the High Court had earlier refused to grant Basavaraj immunity from arrest. Tension remains high, as any move to arrest him is likely to provoke strong opposition from the BJP.

Basavaraj represents the K.R. Puram Assembly constituency in Bengaluru. Once a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he later joined the BJP. His younger brother, Byrathi Suresh, is currently a close aide of CM Siddaramaiah and serves as the Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning.

Basavaraj has been booked on murder charges and named as the fifth accused in connection with the killing of Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shiva, who was hacked to death outside his residence on Tuesday night. The FIR was filed by the victimas mother, Vijayalaxmi, at the Bharatinagar Police Station in Bengaluru.
New Delhi, July 19 : The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended four of its employees following allegations that they were practicing a non-Hindu faith, which is reportedly in violation of the institution's code of conduct.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of TTD, the four individuals  B. Elizer (Deputy Executive Engineer, Quality Control), S. Rosi (Staff Nurse, BIRRD Hospital), M. Premavathi (Grade-I Pharmacist, BIRRD Hospital), and Dr. G. Asunta (SV Ayurvedic Pharmacy)  have been suspended after an internal investigation.

TTD, which administers the world-renowned Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, follows a strict code of conduct for its employees, especially those working in religious or associated institutions. The code mandates that individuals employed within the TTD system must adhere to the tenets of the Hindu faith in both conduct and practice.

The action was taken after a vigilance report highlighted concerns about the religious affiliations of the employees. The internal enquiry reportedly confirmed that the suspended personnel were following the non-Hindu faith, which was considered a breach of institutional guidelines.

"The employees acted irresponsibly while performing duties in a Hindu religious organisation," the CPRO's statement said.

Following a review of evidence and the vigilance department's report, "departmental action was taken against them as per the rules and the four employees were immediately suspended," it said.

The suspension has triggered discussions on the boundaries of religious freedom in faith-based institutions that are publicly funded or administered.

While TTD has not commented further, officials have indicated that adherence to the institution's spiritual ethos is non-negotiable for its staff.

The matter may spark wider debate on employment rights versus religious guidelines in India's temple administration systems.

It is worthy to note here that earlier on July 11, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar 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.

"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," claimed Sanjay Kumar on X, a Lok Sabha member from Karimnagar in Telangana.
Jaipur, July 19 : Rajasthan is reeling under the impact of relentless heavy rain, which has triggered flood-like conditions in several districts, including Ajmer, Pushkar, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, and Pali.

Overflowing rivers, drains, and dams have led to widespread waterlogging and the disruption of road and communication links in many areas.

In response to the worsening weather conditions, district administrations have declared holidays for all schools in Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Ajmer, Bundi, and Rajsamand for Saturday.

Additionally, private schools in Nagaur and Pali were ordered to remain closed as a precautionary measure.

In several villages, the situation has turned grim as connectivity has been cut off due to rising water levels. Residential areas have been inundated, with water levels reaching up to two feet inside homes.

Dozens of families have spent sleepless nights, struggling to protect their belongings and ensure safety. Rescue and relief operations are underway, with local administrations working to provide aid to the affected regions.

In response to the worsening weather conditions, district administrations have declared holidays for all schools in Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Ajmer, Bundi, and Rajsamand for Saturday. Additionally, private schools in Nagaur and Pali have been ordered to remain closed as a precautionary measure.

Meteorological officials have warned that the situation could persist, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid low-lying areas.

Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in key reservoirs and river systems to prevent further escalation.

The state government has also issued advisories to District Collectors, emergency response teams, and disaster management personnel to remain on high alert. Temporary shelters are being set up for displaced families, and food and medical assistance are being arranged.

As rain continues to lash parts of the state, the crisis has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for improved drainage systems and disaster preparedness in Rajasthanas urban and rural belts.

Rajasthan witnessed widespread rainfall, with moderate to heavy rain recorded across most parts of the state. Some areas experienced very heavy rainfall, while a few locations reported extremely heavy downpours, leading to significant water accumulation and disruptions in several regions.

The highest rainfall in the state was recorded at Nainwa in Bundi district, which received 234.0 mm of rain.

Meanwhile, Jaisalmer reported the highest maximum temperature at 36.9 degrees Celsius, whereas the lowest minimum temperature was recorded in Sirohi at 19.5 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Centre in Jaipur is closely monitoring the weather conditions and issuing necessary alerts to ensure public safety, said officials.
Greater Noida : , July 19 (IANS) The tragic suicide of a 21-year-old Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) second-year student inside the girls' hostel of Sharda University has triggered widespread outrage among the family and fellow students.

They staged a protest on campus on Saturday, demanding justice and strict action against the faculty members named in her suicide note.

The suicide occurred late on Friday night in Greater Noida's Knowledge Park area. The student was found hanging in her hostel room, police said. Two teachers have been arrested by the police so far in the case.

Shock and anger rippled through the campus, especially in the hostel premises, after a suicide note was recovered from the room. In the note, the student accused one male and one female faculty member from the dental department of mentally harassing her.

According to officials, the student had recently shown signs of mental distress, though no official complaint had been filed prior to the incident.

The incident triggered protests on campus, as students and family members raised slogans against the university administration and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation.

Tensions escalated after they alleged that the police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the gathering, injuring several people.

Speaking to IANS, the student's mother said her daughter and other students were under extreme stress due to threats from faculty about failing.

"I spoke to my daughter at 8 A.M. yesterday. Later, I called around 5:30 P.M., but she didn't answer. The teachers threatened to fail them by withholding their signatures on exam assignments. She was forced into taking this step. We were not even informed about her death. We demand justice," she said.

She further alleged that police hit her husband, son, and other relatives during the protest.

"My sister-in-law was pushed and injured. The police attacked us instead of helping us," she added.

Another relative accused the university of trying to suppress the case.

"There was a similar case of a student from Odisha that was also hushed up. This time, too, they tried to hide the incident by not informing us," he said.

The student's cousin told IANS that the family received the information only at 9:30 P.M. and had to call the police themselves at 10:42 P.M.

"The university took her to the hospital without informing the police or us. How can they do that? We want justice, and instead the police are lathi-charging us. The ADCP was present when this happened," he said.

No official from the university administration met the family to explain the circumstances of the student's death, relatives claimed.

"No one came forward. This university has no accountability. We demand not just action against the faculty but also against the institution. If justice is not served, we will not allow the university to function," a family member warned.

Allegations have also surfaced regarding procedural lapses.

"The body was brought down without informing the police. Everything was done by the college, not the police. This is a murderous university," said another relative.

Appealing directly to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the family has demanded strict action against the university administration and the accused faculty.

Meanwhile, police said that investigations are ongoing.

Further details are awaited.
Agartala, July 19 : The Tripura government would constitute task forces in all the eight districts of the state to detect and deport infiltrators staying in the bordering state, officials said here on Saturday.

A senior police official said that the 'Task Force' has already been constituted in West Tripura district, and it is being constituted in the remaining seven districts.

"A senior police official of the district would be the head of the Task Force, and officers-in-charge of various police stations of the concerned district would be the members," the official told IANS, refusing to be named.

The Tripura government's actions followed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs's circular, directing all states and Union Territories across the country to verify the credentials of persons suspected to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. If the documents of the foreign citizens are found to be fake or illegally procured, they would face deportation, the MHA circular had said.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP) has been organising different types of agitation for the past two months, demanding the push-back of "illegal migrants" from Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The tribal past party has demanded strict implementation of the orders from the MHA concerning the identification, detention, and deportation of illegal migrants.

TMP senior leader and partyas legislator Ranjit Debbarma noted that the BJP-ruled states like Assam and Gujarat had taken firm steps against infiltrators, but the Tripura government had not taken adequate steps in this regard.

TMP supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma earlier said that infiltrators would jeopardise the socio-economic and customary aspects of the state's indigenous people, especially the tribals.

"The Government should take stringent steps to prevent the infiltrators from entering India. Those already illegally staying in Tripura and other states must be pushed back immediately," the TMP chief had told IANS.

The party's senior leader and Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbama had said that no infiltrators would be allowed to stay in Tripura.

Debbama said that a nine-member delegation of the party led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma would meet the Election Commission of India next week to raise several key issues related to the electoral roll preparation in Tripura.

"A major demand would be for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Tripura, similar to the process recently carried out in Bihar to identify the fake voters and infiltrators," Animesh Debbama told IANS.

Chief Minister Manik Saha earlier said that infiltrators from Bangladesh also realised that Tripura is not a safe zone for them, adding that all security agencies are on a high alert to prevent infiltrators from entering India.

"After the trouble began in Bangladesh last year, security forces maintained a close vigil along the border to foil any kind of infiltration bid," CM Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, had told the media.

The Chief Minister recently held meetings with the senior security officials of different agencies, including BSF, and requested the officials in the state to maintain close coordination among them to deal with the border-related issues.

Tripura, which has an 856 km border with Bangladesh, is surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring country, making the northeastern state very vulnerable and sensitive to cross-border migration issues and other crimes.

Except for some patches, most of the frontier had been fenced to prevent smuggling, trans-border crimes, and cross-border illegal movements by infiltrators and inimical elements.
Islamabad, July 19 : Over 123 people have been killed and more than 462 injured in Pakistan's Punjab province since late June as record torrential monsoon rains inundated residential areas, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of the country said on Saturday.

As many as 10 people died across Punjab in the last 48 hours, and reportedly more than half of the deaths were due to rain-triggered incidents in the province.

The Pakistani authorities warned of a fresh monsoon spell from July 20 to 25 in several regions of the country, accompanied by heavy rainfall, gusty winds, dust storms, and potential flash floods.

As emergency services continue to pull bodies from the rubble and rescue citizens trapped in rising waters in Punjab, several districts remain at risk of facing stormy weather. While the fourth monsoon spell approaches with full force, authorities are rushing to prepare for the impending flood, Pakistanas leading newspaper 'The Express Tribune' reported.

The PDMA reported that districts including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala are expected to receive heavy rainfall along with gusty winds.

The forecast predicts rainfall in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sargodha, and Mianwali. Additionally, in South Punjab, the rainfall is likely to hit Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar from July 18 to 23.

Meanwhile, five major wholesale markets in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Sabzi Mandi, Bohar Bazaar, and Trunk Bazaar, have suffered huge losses due to torrential rains and subsequent flooding.

More than 100 shops in Moti Bazar, Rawalpindi, were submerged in flooding, destroying expensive garments, fabrics, artificial jewelry, and cosmetics, reducing once prosperous shopkeepers to complete ruin.

Similarly, in another market area in the city, floods destroyed numerous wholesale medicine stores, rendering valuable medical supplies unusable, The Express Tribune reported.

Reports suggest that no single government official or elected representative visited the affected regions, while the flood relief camps received no facilities, with neither food nor assistance.

In the absence of government support, residents avoided taking shelter in any flood camps. The district administration reportedly did not provide food to any family or household.
Kolkata, July 19 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused the BJP-led Assam government of harassing Bengali-speaking residents in the state, calling the alleged targeting of a linguistic community "discriminatory and unconstitutional." Kolkata, July 19 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused the BJP-led Assam government of harassing Bengali-speaking residents in the state, calling the alleged targeting of a linguistic community "discriminatory and unconstitutional."

In a statement posted on her official X handle, Mamata wrote, "The second most spoken language in the country, Bangla, is also the second most spoken language of Assam. To threaten citizens, who want to coexist peacefully respecting all languages and religions, with persecution for upholding their own mother tongue is discriminatory and unconstitutional."

She said the BJP's "divisive agenda" in Assam had "crossed all limits," and expressed confidence that the people of Assam would resist such measures.

"This divisive agenda of the BJP in Assam has crossed all limits and people of Assam will fight back. I stand with every fearless citizen who is fighting for the dignity of their language and identity, and their democratic rights," Mamata added.

Responding sharply, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rejected Mamata's charges, saying the state's actions were not against its own people but against unchecked illegal infiltration from across the border.

"In Assam, we are not fighting our own people. We are fearlessly resisting the ongoing, unchecked Muslim infiltration from across the border, which has already caused an alarming demographic shift. In several districts, Hindus are now on the verge of becoming a minority in their own land," Sarma replied to Mamata on X.

Citing a Supreme Court observation that termed such infiltration "external aggression," Sarma said, "While we are acting decisively to preserve Assam's identity, you, Didi, have compromised Bengal's future -- encouraging illegal encroachment by a particular community, appeasing one religious community for vote banks, and remaining silent as border infiltration eats away at national integrity -- all just to stay in power."

He said Assam will continue to fight to preserve its heritage, its dignity, and its people -- with courage and constitutional clarity.

The exchange on X came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Durgapur, West Bengal, accused the Trinamool Congress government of making the lives of "original Bengalis" miserable by allegedly encouraging illegal infiltration from Bangladesh.

"The illegal infiltrators are being provided with fake Indian identity documents. An entire ecosystem has been developed in West Bengal to facilitate infiltration. These infiltrators are a threat to national security and Bengali culture," the Prime Minister had said, accusing the state government of putting the state's honour at stake for narrow political gains.
Raipur, July 19 : Chhattisgarh's Kanker witnessed a grim Saturday as two separate accidents on National Highway claimed five lives and left several injured, underscoring the persistent dangers of speeding and poor road management in the region.

The first tragedy occurred around 1 a.m. near Aturgaon village, where a car carrying six young men crashed into the concrete edge of an old bridge adjacent to one under construction.

The collision triggered a fire in the vehicle due to sparking and a short circuit, in which four people were burnt to death, while two other occupants managed to escape, police said.

The deceased have been identified as Yuvraj Sori of Baratola, Hemant Shori from Singhanpur, and Suraj Uike and Deepak from Dunderapal village in Keshkal.

The survivors, Pritam Netam and Prithviraj Salam, sustained minor injuries and were admitted to the District Hospital in Kanker.

The police and fire brigade personnel extinguished the blaze.

A video of the burning car went viral on various media platforms.

The police officials further said that a forensic team was deployed, and efforts to recover and transport the bodies for post-mortem examination were underway.

In another major accident, a bus rammed into a divider near Kandel Chowk under the Charama police station area. The driver of a speeding passenger bus lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the divider of the Naini river bridge.

The impact severely damaged the front section of the bus and resulted in the immediate death of the bus helper, police officials said.

Locals and police formed rescue teams to evacuate passengers trapped inside, many of whom escaped without major injuries.

The body of the deceased was sent for post-mortem examination as officials launched an inquiry into the cause.

Preliminary reports suggest excessive speed and the driver's negligence were the causes behind the crash.
(Reuters) -India's Wipro rose as much as 4% on Friday after the country's fourth-largest IT firm reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings, driven by improved client spending in segments of its Americas business.

At least six brokerages upgraded Wipro's stock after the company posted a 0.8% rise in first-quarter revenue and an 11% jump in net profit, both topping analysts' average estimates, according to LSEG data.

Data also showed that at least 10 brokerages raised their price targets on the stock, which was the top gainer on the benchmark Nifty 50 index and the IT index early on Friday. The blue-chip index and the IT index were both down 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively.

India's fourth-largest IT company said it expects revenue for the September quarter to be in the range of $2.56 billion and $2.61 billion, ranging between a drop of 1% and a rise of 1%, in line with what analysts were expecting.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley said strong large deal wins at Wipro "bode well" for growth in the second half of the fiscal year, while those at Investec said deal wins were the "big highlight of the quarter," and were the highest in more-than 13 quarters.

Wipro's deal wins rose to $5 billion in the quarter, up from $3.3 billion a year earlier.

"More importantly, these large deals are concentrated among Wipro's top clients, which implies greater wallet share," Morgan Stanley analysts said in a note.

Wipro's quarterly performance stood in contrast to rivals Tata Consultancy Services and HCLTech, which reported weaker revenue for the same period.

TCS and Infosys shares were up 0.1%, while HCLTech shares were down 0.8% on Friday.

(Reporting by Manvi Pant; Editing by Chandini Monnappa and Nivedita Bhattacharjee)
New Delhi, July 19 : BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi launched a scathing attack on the Gandhi family on Saturday, accusing them of shielding each other in corruption cases and questioning the constitutional propriety of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's recent tweet defending his brother-in-law Robert Vadra.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi, Trivedi took a sharp dig at LoP Gandhi, saying, "He stood in support of his 'hardworking farmer' brother-in-law Robert Vadra (in a sarcastic tone), after the Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet against him."

Trivedi alleged that LoP Gandhi, who is himself out on bail, is now trying to protect Vadra's alleged "ill-gotten wealth" under the guise of family loyalty.

Trivedi further referred to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's support for former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's son, who was arrested by the ED on Friday, calling it another example of the "Gandhi family shielding corruption." "Every member of the Congress' first family is standing with each other to cover up corruption," he said.

"This shows the real foundation of the Congress party's politics," he said.

He pointed out that while Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is in the Lok Sabha, his mother Sonia Gandhi is a Rajya Sabha MP, and sister Priyanka is also in the Lok Sabha  while most of the land remains with Vadra.

"The family has always held power, and even when out of government, they want to retain it through corrupt means," he alleged.

Trivedi accused the Gandhis of deliberately dividing society based on region, language, and caste to protect their influence. "If this was merely a family matter, why make it a political issue?" he asked.

Responding to the Congress' criticism over Donald Trump's claim that 45 planes were shot down during the India-Pakistan conflict, Trivedi said, "Instead of celebrating India's diplomatic victories like the TRF terror designation, they always look for the negative. Ironically, those who travel abroad the most fail to understand foreign policy."
Jaipur, July 19 : The hearing on the claim related to a Shiva temple within the Ajmer Dargah premises was postponed on Saturday. The civil court has now scheduled the next hearing for August 30.

In anticipation of the proceedings, additional police force was deployed at the court premises alongside the Civil Lines Police Station. Advocate Yogendra Ojha stated that the hearing was deferred due to the judicial officer being on leave and judicial staff observing a mass leave.

He added that earlier applications submitted by the Dargah Committee and the Minority Affairs Department have been officially presented and will be debated in the next hearing.

The petition was filed by Vishnu Gupta, National President of Hindu Sena and a resident of Delhi. He approached the court seeking uninterrupted worship at the Sankat Mochan Shiva Temple which he claims exists within the Dargah premises of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti.

Lawyers representing the Dargah Committee and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted separate applications stating that Gupta failed to follow the required legal procedures before filing the case. Gupta asserts that he possesses the ancient Sanskrit text 'Prithviraj Vijay', written in 1250 AD, which details the historical presence of a Shiva temple in Ajmer.

He has announced plans to present the book in court along with its Hindi translation. He also cited the Places of Worship Act, arguing that Ajmer Dargah does not fall under its purview as it is categorised as an "authorised religious place" in legal terms.

He added that Supreme Court lawyer Varun Kumar Sena has previously argued on this law and will present supporting evidence in court. Following safety concerns, Gupta has been provided police protection under the directions of SP Vandita Rana.

The civil court accepted Guptaas petition on November 27, 2024, and issued notices to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dargah Committee Ajmer, and ASI. Subsequently, several parties including the Anjuman Committee, Dargah Diwan Ghulam Dastagir Ajmer, A. Imran (Bangalore), and Raj Jain (Hoshiarpur, Punjab) filed applications seeking to become parties in the case.

As of January 24, two hearings have been held. In his petition, Gupta also referenced the 1911 book 'Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive' by retired judge Harbilas Sarda, which claims that debris from a temple was used in the construction of the Dargah. It further asserts that a Jain temple once stood in the sanctum sanctorum and surrounding premises.
Haryana, July 19 : On her birthday on Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited her native village Nandgarh in Jind district, marking her first visit home after assuming the top post.

In an emotionally charged address, CM Gupta shared stories from her early life, recounting the hurdles she faced during her political journey, especially resistance from her own family.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present at the event, along with members of the Gupta family and local residents. A large crowd gathered to welcome CM Gupta on her birthday, celebrating the rise of one of their own to the chief ministerial post.

Speaking to the gathering, Gupta recalled, "When I contested my first college election, my mother was extremely upset. She would say  'you'll ruin your future, who will marry you.'" However, she added, her father and uncle always supported her decision to enter public life.

"Despite the scoldings, my mother never let me go hungry. She would iron my clothes and support me in her own silent ways." Gupta said.

She added that she contested eight elections in her journey  two in university, municipal elections, and three Assembly elections. She credited her success to her family's support and the love she received from her community.

"People from my hometown even came to Delhi during my campaigns to help me. Haryana stood by me every time," she said.

Paying tribute to CM Saini, Gupta said it was a matter of pride that someone from a humble background could rise to lead Haryana. "He even worked as a computer operator. Like him, I too come from a simple family with no political background," she said, adding that it was only possible under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

"BJP has proved that there's no place for dynastic politics in our party. Women like me have found true empowerment under PM Modi," she noted.

She also thanked CM Saini for the development work undertaken in her village and recalled how he had personally invited her to return to her village on her birthday, promising a warm welcome.
Kolkata, July 19 : Continuing non-cooperation by the victim woman during the investigation into the Indian Institute of Management - Calcutta (IIM-C) rape case is likely to be the principal argument of the accused's counsel.

Kolkata, July 19 (IANS) Continuing non-cooperation by the victim woman during the investigation into the Indian Institute of Management a" Calcutta (IIM-C) rape case is likely to be the principal argument of the accused's counsel.

The accused's counsel said the victim refused to turn up at the trial court to record her statements in front of a judicial magistrate thrice during the current week, first on Monday, then on Tuesday and finally on Saturday.

Secondly, she is yet to get her medico-legal examinations conducted and also has not submitted the clothes that she was wearing during the alleged event of rape to the investigating officials, the counsel said.

Finally, the contradictory claims of the victim and her father on the incident are another point of argument for the accused's counsel.

Although the counsel of the accused had not divulged in advance the exact line of argument they would adopt for jurisprudence, they claimed that this continuing non-cooperation in the process of investigation by the victim and the contradictory statements of the victim and her father in the matter are bound to raise doubts on the merits of the accusations in the case.

The current term of police custody of the sole accused in the case is ending on Saturday, and he will be presented at the same trial court later in the day.

Till now, the special investigation team of Kolkata Police constituted to probe the matter is carrying out the investigation only based on circumstantial evidence - the footage of the CCTV machines within the IIM-C campus, the details of the call lists, messages, and chats from the mobile phones of the accused and victim, the specimen of the food and cold drink which were reportedly spiked before raping the victim and the clothes that the accused was wearing.
New Delhi, July 19 : The CBI arrested an accountant of Border Security Force (BSF) in Delhi while accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a colleague for releasing the latter's pay arrears of Rs 18.73 lakh, an official said on Saturday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered the case on Friday against Dharmendra Kumar, Assistant Accounts Officer, Pay and Accounts Office, BSF, Delhi, and another unknown person on the complaint of pharmacist Mahesh Singh of 16 Battalion, NDRF, Dwarka.

The accountant was booked under penal provisions for criminal conspiracy, taking undue advantage to influence public servant by corrupt or illegal means or by exercise of personal influence, said a CBI statement.

Mahesh Singh said in his complaint to the CBI that the accountant demanded a bribe of 15-20 per cent of the pending bill amount  almost Rs 2 lakh  for releasing his arrears amounting to Rs 18.73 lakh.

He said the bribe demand was made on social media when he contacted Dharmendra Kumar on July 16 to inquire about the delay in payment.

Mahesh Singh, a resident of Bhiwani in Haryana, said a total amount of Rs 18.73 lakh was due to him as wage arrears calculated from April 7, 1997.

He said the arrear amount had reached PAD BSF on July 4, 2025, but it was not released to him.

In his complaint, Mahesh Singh said that he did not want to pay any bribe to Dharmendra Kumar and sought intervention from the CBI.

The CBI laid a trap on July 18 and caught the accused AAO red-handed while demanding Rs 2 lakh and accepting a bribe amount of Rs 40,000 from the complainant.

A complaint verification report prepared by the CBI before the registration of FIR against the accountant said, "The complaint and subsequent verification report dated July 17 prima facie disclose commission of offences punishable under section 61 (2) Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, (criminal conspiracy) read with Section 7A of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (as amended in 2018) on the part of Dharmendra Kumar, AAO, PAO, BSF, Pushpa Bhawan, Delhi, and other unknown person."
Puri, July 19 : In yet another horrifying incident in Odisha, a teenager was set ablaze by three unidentified assailants in Balanga police station in the Puri district, police said on Saturday.

The victim has suffered 70 per cent burn injuries and has been referred to AIIMS Bhubaneshwar for further medical treatment.

Police said that they have initiated the investigation and assured that strict action will be taken against the accused.

Speaking to the reporters, SP Pinak Mishra said, "This morning, Balanga Police Station received information about a minor girl who was attacked and assaulted by some individuals, and some inflammable substance was used to set her on fire. She has been referred to AIIMS Odisha after rescue."

"We immediately took note of the incident. If anyone is found to be associated with this crime, strict action will be taken. We are investigating the case from multiple angles," he added.

The victim's relative, speaking to the media, expressed shock over the brutality and demanded strict action against the culprits.

"The girl is like a sister to me. We were shocked when we received the news through the media. No one in our village could initially believe such a thing had happened," he said.

The relative said that the victim narrated the incident in her serious condition and said that she was going to a friend's house to return a book, when three unknown miscreants dragged her towards the riverside and threw petrol over her before setting her on fire.

"After dragging her to the riverside, they made her unconscious. We don't know what happened to her when she was unconscious. After that, when she started gaining consciousness, she realised that she was on fire and somehow managed to ask for help from the nearby house," he added.

"She is in a very critical condition and unable to speak properly. Her body is severely burned. Doctors have told us that her condition is serious," he added.

The family claims they learned about the incident half an hour after it happened. The victim was rushed from the village to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for treatment.

"We want justice. The administration should ensure strict punishment. This incident has shaken us deeply. If such a thing can happen in broad daylight, no girl is safe," the relative said, urging for enhanced security and support from the authorities.

This case comes just days after a 20-year-old college student died after setting herself ablaze over alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against the Head of Department (HoD) of her college.

The second-year Integrated B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore had suffered 95 per cent burns after immolating herself on Saturday. She succumbed to her injuries on Monday at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, sparking widespread outrage and political condemnation across the state.
Indore, July 19 : Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, have been detained for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy on the premises of a school in Indore, police officials said here on Saturday.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday while the victim was playing on an open ground within the school campus. The accused, who are not students of the school, allegedly forced the boy into non-consensual sexual acts, including sodomy and oral sex.

The matter came to light after the victimas parents filed a complaint at the Annapurna Police Station. Police confirmed that the accused were local youths -- one of whom works as a mechanic -- and were known to frequent the school grounds, which are accessible to children from nearby areas.

Following the complaint, law enforcement swiftly detained the suspects and transferred them to a juvenile correctional facility for further investigation. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

However, the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of children on school campuses. The victimas family has also alleged administrative negligence, claiming they faced significant delays in getting the mandatory medical examination conducted.

According to acquaintances of the family, the child was directed to undergo a swab test at the district hospital, but the facility lacked the necessary resources. After hours of waiting and multiple visits, the test was eventually conducted at MY Hospital -- 17 hours after the FIR was filed.

Authorities have yet to respond to questions regarding the schoolas security measures and the delay in medical procedures. The case continues to be under investigation.

The MY Hospital authorities admitted that there was some delay in conducting the test. They said an inquiry has been launched into this.
July 19 : Episodes: 7

Genre: Thriller, Action

Starring: Kay Kay Menon, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Karan Tacker, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Saiyami Kher, Muzammil Ibrahim

Directors: Neeraj Pandey, Shivam Nair

Streaming Platform: JioCinema & Disney+ Hotstar

Stars : 4

In a world where the lines between physical warfare and digital combat have all but vanished, Special Ops 2 emerges as a slick, suspenseful, and smartly layered espionage drama that speaks to our times. Co-directed by Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair, this season pivots from traditional terror plots to the terrifying possibilities of AI-powered cyber warfare  and does so with confidence, flair, and just the right touch of emotional depth.

The plot kicks off in Budapest, where Dr. Piyush Bhargav (Arif Zakaria), an AI genius with deep ties to Indias defense architecture, vanishes under mysterious circumstances. The abduction sets off alarm bells in New Delhi, and RAW veteran Himmat Singh (Kay Kay Menon) is brought back into action. This time, hes not just dealing with an external threat; the battle is as much internal  corruption, betrayal, and institutional rot  as it is global.

What sets Special Ops 2 apart is the way it juggles multiple threads without fully losing control of its narrative. Yes, its dense and at times a bit too eager to touch every global hotspot  from Rawalpindi to Tbilisi to Slovenia  but this is also part of its charm. It's a spy show with global ambition, drawing you into a chess game where each move is high-stakes and irreversible.

Kay Kay Menon is, unsurprisingly, the spine of the show. His portrayal of Himmat Singh is magnetic  calm, unshakeable, and always two steps ahead. He doesn't need car chases or shootouts to command attention. Instead, his arsenal lies in steely glances, sharp dialogue, and a razor-sharp mind that connects dots others don't even see.

But Special Ops 2 isn't just a one-man show. Tahir Raj Bhasin as Sudhir, the brain behind the cyber assault, is a revelation. He exudes menace without raising his voice, and his chilling composure makes for a compelling antagonist. His motives  targeting Indias financial system and digital infrastructure  make the conflict feel disturbingly real.

Supporting characters like Farooq (Karan Tacker), Juhi (Saiyami Kher), Avinash (Muzammil Ibrahim), and tech expert Harminder (Kamakshi Bhatt) add color and energy. While some arcs feel underwritten  especially the female agents who deserved more agency  they still leave an impression.

Visually, the show is polished. Arvind Singh and Dimo Popovs cinematography turns European alleys and South Asian chaos into frames worth pausing. The score by Advait Nemlekar amplifies the urgency without ever overpowering the narrative, and the standout ghazal "Sajaniya Yaad Aaye" cleverly contrasts the digital chaos with soulful nostalgia.

The writing is sharp in places and clunky in others. A few sequences  like a dramatic bar standoff or an operatic escape scene  demand suspension of disbelief, and some dialogue feels forced. The pacing stutters in the first couple of episodes but finds its rhythm soon after.

Importantly, the show isn't afraid to get political. It takes potshots at fugitive tycoons, corrupt bankers, and even throws in subtle jabs at global power games involving China and the US. While the messages dont always land with nuance, they do give the show a pulse  a reminder that espionage is never just about guns and gadgets, but also ideology and influence.

Prakash Rajs role as Subramanyam, Himmats mentor, adds a philosophical dimension. His scenes particularly a stirring monologue on how democracies erode when citizens stop asking questions ground the series in a real-world moral framework.

Special Ops 2 is not flawless, but its a gripping sequel that builds meaningfully on its predecessor. Its a series with ambition narratively, thematically, and visually. While some threads couldve used tightening and a few action set pieces needed more finesse, it ultimately delivers what any great spy series should: tension, intrigue, and the thrill of the chase.

Fans of high-stakes espionage, geopolitical thrillers, and character-driven action dramas should not miss this !
Johannesburg, July 19 : A total of five people were shot and killed by unknown gunmen on Friday night at a tavern in Olievenhoutbosch, Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, police in Gauteng Province said on Saturday.

According to the police, the gunmen entered a tavern at around 10:30 pm and started shooting randomly, killing the five without saying a word.

"Police are on a lookout for approximately 10 suspects after five people, two females and three males, were shot dead, and three others injured inside a tavern at Shoba informal settlement in Olievenhoutbosch on Friday," said Mavela Masondo, Gauteng Province police spokesperson.

He added that the motive for the shooting remains unknown. The police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder for investigation, Xinhua news agency reported.

The spokesperson urged the public to provide information that could assist the police in arresting the suspects.

Last month, four people were killed and three others injured in a shooting incident at a minibus taxi rank in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa.

According to a statement by the Western Cape provincial police, the incident occurred at the old taxi rank in Mfuleni, about 30 km east of the city centre.

"Reports indicate that the shooting occurred at about 6:00 am when two gunmen fired shots. The incident is believed to be taxi conflict-related," said police spokesperson Novela Potelwa. "Of the seven victims, one injured is believed to be a commuter."

"Western Cape police have since bolstered deployment at identified taxi ranks in Cape Town," she added.

In the statement, provincial police offered a 100,000 rand (about 5,635 US dollars) reward to anyone who shares vital information on the shooting.

"All information received will be handled with care and the identities of those who share information protected," Potelwa said.
New Delhi, July 19 : In a breakthrough, the South West District Police have arrested a 19-year-old interstate burglar involved in a sensational house burglary case.

The accused, identified as Sachin, a resident of Amba village in Khargaon district, Madhya Pradesh, was apprehended by a dedicated team from PS Sagarpur. With his arrest, the police successfully recovered 186 grams of stolen gold jewellery.

The case was initially registered on May 23, 2025, at PS Sagarpur, after a local resident, Amit Gupta, reported a burglary at his residence.

According to the complaint, around 500 grams of gold and Rs 20,000 in cash were stolen when two men posing as lock repairmen gained entry into the house under pretences. While the complainant and his wife were away at a nearby market, his mother was alone at home and allowed the men in. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused distracted her, accessed the almirah, and fled with the valuables.

Under SHO PS Sagarpur and supervision of the ACP, Delhi Cantt Sub-Division, a team comprising SI Kapil Yadav, PSI Mukesh, Constables Anil, Rahul, and Lalit was formed.

Police analysed multiple CCTV footage, which revealed that the suspects had used public transport and strategically tried to avoid detection by routing their journey through Tilak Nagar before reaching the crime scene.

Police sources confirmed that Sachin is a habitual offender with a criminal history involving four previous burglary cases. According to the press release issued by DCP South West District, Amit Goel, "The accused was born and brought up in Amba village and dropped out of school after 5th grade. He gradually developed expertise in breaking locks and turned to theft for easy money."

The second accused, identified as Aasan from Bhagwanpura, Madhya Pradesh, remains at large and is reportedly wanted by other state police forces as well.

Further investigation is ongoing to trace the absconding co-accused and recover the remaining stolen items.
By Lewis Krauskopf

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The industrial sector has led the way for U.S. equities during a topsy-turvy year on Wall Street, but its strength will be tested as earnings season heats up.

S&P 500 industrials, which include aerospace companies, electrical equipment and machinery makers, transportation firms and building products companies, have gained 15% so far in 2025. That's the best year-to-date performance of the S&P 500's 11 sectors and more than double the gain of the overall index.

Momentum for the industrials sector and the broader market will be in focus with a heavy upcoming week of second-quarter earnings, which includes reports from more than one-fifth of the S&P 500, led by Alphabet and Tesla, the first of the "Magnificent Seven" megacap tech and growth companies to report.

The S&P 500 has surged 26% since April, as investors shook off fears about a recession which had stemmed from President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement.

This earnings season "seems to be especially important because of the rebound that the market has had," said Chuck Carlson, chief executive officer at Horizon Investment Services. "I would think that that has built in a fair amount of optimism in terms of earnings."

A number of industrials will be in the earnings spotlight as well.

Aerospace and defense stocks have boosted the sector's performance this year, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine and fresh spending commitments by Germany and other nations.

The S&P 500 aerospace and defense industry group has surged 30% this year. Defense companies to report in the coming week include RTX, Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics.

GE Aerospace, whose shares have soared about 55% this year, raised its 2025 profit forecast on Thursday.

Another industrial company spun off from legacy General Electric last year, GE Vernova, has seen its shares skyrocket over 70% this year, making it the best-performing industrial sector stock. The power equipment maker's results are due Wednesday.

The push for reshoring infrastructure and expansion of artificial intelligence, which has lifted demand for cooling systems and factory automation, are two themes that have supported a number of stocks in the industry, including Eaton and Rockwell Automation, said Robert Pavlik, senior portfolio manager at Dakota Wealth Management.

Another stock that has supported the industrial sector this year: Ride-hailing giant Uber, whose shares are up roughly 50%.
New Delhi, July 19 : ICICI Bank's consolidates net profit stood at Rs 13,557.60 crore in the first quarter of financial year 2026 (Q1 FY26), surging 15 per cent year-on-year (YoY), the private lender informed exchanges on Saturday.

The bank posted Rs 11,695.84 crore profit in corresponding quarter a year ago (Q1 FY25). Sequentially, the private bank's consolidated profit was up marginally (Rs 55 crore) as it reported Rs 13,502.22 crore profit in Q4 FY25.

The private sector lender saw a decline of over Rs 5,000 crore in its net income or income from operations sequentially at Rs 74,576 crore against Rs 79,747 crore in Q4 FY25.

However, the net income surged Rs 7,306 crore YoY from Rs 67,270 crore in the same period a year earlier, according to its filing.

The bank posted a 10.6 per cent increase YoY in net interest income (NII), which rose to Rs 21,635 crore in the June quarter from Rs 19,553 crore a year ago.

Earning from interest stood at Rs 49,079.96 crore during the quarter under review, up Rs 693 crore from preceding quarter's number of Rs 48,386.92 crore and Rs 4,498 crore from Rs 44,886, a number it posted in the same quarter a year ago.

Meanwhile, its advances jumped to Rs 14.45 lakh crore in the quarter from 14.20 lakh crore QoQ and Rs 13.03 lakh crore YoY. Bank's total asset advanced substantially to 26.68 lakh crore in Q1 FY26 from Rs 24.07 lakh crore in Q1FY25.

According to the filing, retail banking contributed Rs 40,458.10 crore to its overall revenue, followed by wholesale banking (Rs 21,450.76 crore), and treasury (Rs 36,973.20) crore.

Total expenditure excluding provisions and contingencies sat at Rs 53,259.22 crore, up over Rs 4,000 crore YoY from Rs 49,192 crore in corresponding quarter.

Meanwhile, the private lender saw improvement in gross non-performing assets (NPA) ratio to 1.67 per cent as of June 30, 2025, compared to 2.15 per cent a year earlier. The net non-performing assets ratio stood at 0.41 per cent year-on-year, slightly lower than the 0.43 per cent recorded in the same period last year.

The shares of the bank settled in positive territory on Friday, the last trading session of the week. The stock closed at Rs1425.80, up 0.50 per cent on National Stock Exchange (NSE).
Agartala, July 19 : The centuries-old 'Ker Puja' was held in Tripura on Saturday amid several customary restrictions.

As per the customs of the 'Ker Puja', death, birth or even recreation are prohibited in the notified areas of the Puja ground. Also held in a few other northeastern states, as well as in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, this annual festival organised by the indigenous tribal population consisting of intricate, time-honoured rituals is aimed at the well-being of people and for warding off evil spirits.

Though the 31-hour-long rituals and preparatory work began late on Friday night, the actual 'Ker Puja' was held on Saturday.

'Ker Puja' is held approximately two weeks after the conclusion of Kharchi Puja, where 14 deities are worshipped simultaneously.

The seven-day-long Kharchi Puja was held at Puran Habeli, the former capital of the erstwhile princely state, now known as Khayerpur, about 8 km north of Agartala.

According to the strong conventions and customs of the puja and related ceremonies, no pregnant woman or critically-ill person is allowed inside the puja areas, notified by the concerned District Magistrates through a gazette notification and other campaigns.

According to the elderly tribal leaders, any person who violates the customs is bound to pay a fine, and the Ker Puja has to start afresh from the initial stage.

Sponsored by the state government, 'Ker Puja' and 'Kharchi Puja' are the two important centuries-old traditional events in Tripura.

The literal meaning of 'Ker' in the tribal Kokborok language is "specified area". "The puja rituals started at 10 p.m. on Friday night and would continue uninterrupted for more than 31 hours," the gazette notification said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister and BJP president J.P. Nadda and many other leaders greeted the people of Tripura on the occasion of 'Ker Puja'.

Home Minister Shah, in a post on X, said: "Warm greetings on the occasion of Ker Puja to our sisters and brothers of Tripura. May this sacred festival further enrich the state and lead it to new heights of prosperity and well-being. Wishing peace and continued progress for the people of Tripura."

"On the auspicious occasion of Ker Puja, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all my brothers and sisters of Tripura. May this sacred festival strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood among us all, and bring peace and prosperity to everyone's life. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Ker Puja," Union Minister Nadda said in a post on his X handle. '

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, accompanied by state Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar and others, observed the 'Ker Puja' from outside the notified areas.

Later, the Chief Minister told the media that the 'Ker Puja' is held every year by the indigenous tribals for the goodwill and welfare of people.
New Delhi, July 19 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on his visit to Uttarakhand, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of development projects worth Rs 1271 crore at the 'Uttarakhand Investment Summit - 2025' held in Rudrapur on Saturday.

The event brought together industrialists, entrepreneurs, and educationists from across the country, reinforcing the state's vision for rapid economic growth and investment.

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Shah highlighted the Centre's commitment to developing Uttarakhand as a major hub for tourism, infrastructure, and green energy.

"Our aim is to make Uttarakhand not only a Devbhoomi but also a Vikasbhoomi," Shah said, while emphasising ease of doing business and policy reforms.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who shared the stage with Shah, praised the Home Minister for his remarkable transformation. "Amit Shah has lost 40 kgs. He is not just a political model, but a model of health and wellness too," Ramdev said.

He also stressed the need for Indianising the education system. "Our future generations should be born with the values of our rishi-munis. Indian knowledge systems are being revived under your leadership, whether in education, healthcare, or governance," he said, referring to the progress in Bharatiya Shiksha Board and national initiatives.

Dr. Sunil Rai, President of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), also compared Shah to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. "If Sardar Patel was the original 'Lauh Purush' (Iron Man), Amit Shah is his second incarnation  a true iron man of modern India," Rai remarked. Interestingly, he also mentioned research claiming that Amit Shah travels nearly 3.5 lakh kilometres annually - around 500 km daily.

"Surprisingly, the Guinness World Records has not yet recognised this feat," Rai quipped. The summit marked a significant push towards making Uttarakhand an investment-friendly destination under Shah's guidance and support from the central government.
Mumbai, July 19 : Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's remarks on the "Thackeray brand" and the Election Commission have reignited political tensions in Maharashtra, with the MahaYuti alliance accusing him of destroying the legacy he now claims to protect.

In a fiery interview with Shiv Sena's mouthpiece on Saturday, Thackeray lashed out at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the MahaYuti government, declaring, "Thackeray is not just a brand, it is Maharashtra's identity. Those who are hollow need the Thackeray name to survive."

Taking direct aim at the Election Commission, Thackeray said, "The EC gave away Shiv Sena's election symbol, but they had no right to give away its name."

The comments sparked a swift backlash from Mahayuti leaders, who called Thackeray's outburst a result of political "irrelevance" and "betrayal" of the late Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, speaking to IANS, dismissed the interview as a "scripted monologue."

"In the interview, only frustration is visible. If Uddhav truly wants to speak, he should give an interview to someone outside Saamana. Sanjay Raut's questions are not journalism -- they're therapy sessions," she said.

"If he speaks freely, the truth will emerge -- about the lack of work, abandoned vision, and why his cadres rebelled and joined Eknath Shinde, winning 60 out of 80 seats," she added.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam accused Uddhav of "sitting in Rahul Gandhi's lap" and allowing Sharad Pawar to "remote control" him.

"By abandoning Balasaheb's Hindutva ideology, Uddhav erased his legacy. That's why real Shiv Sainiks stood with Shinde, not him," Kadam said.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and said, "Uddhav is acting like a defeated man. In his frustration, he's targeting the Election Commission. He has become politically irrelevant."

The Shiv Sena (UBT) strongly defended Thackeray's statements, accusing the Election Commission of working at the Centre's behest.

Party spokesperson Anand Dubey told IANS, "Uddhav Thackeray rightly said the EC is acting like a puppet of the central government. Who gave the EC the right to decide whose party it is? Shiv Sena was founded by Balasaheb and carried forward by Uddhav -- how can they give it to Shinde?"

Calling the decision unjust, Dubey said, "The real party is with the workers, not the defectors. Workers who built Shiv Sena with blood and sweat are still with Uddhav Thackeray."

"Shiv Sena means Thackeray; Thackeray means Shiv Sena. We want the case to be heard in court on August 20. We are confident of winning. The EC should behave like an independent body, not someone's slave," he said.
Kochi, July 19 : Half a century after music maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar composed the iconic L'Aube enchantee ('The Enchanted Dawn') as a two-instrument score in Raaga Todi, Tommaso Benciolini and Lorenzo Bernardi, two young musicians from Italy, performed the 11-minute composition during a flute-and-guitar concert here on Saturday.

Flautist Benciolini blew out softly the morning melody while Bernardi plucked the strings of his guitar to further enhance the pathos of the classical notes tuned by the legendary sitarist in 1976.

The piece won special applause at the gathering in Mattancherry, where the visiting duo presented a 75-minute performance, jointly organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) and the Italian Cultural Institute, as part of the lead-up to the upcoming Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

At the Indian Chamber of Commerce building, Benciolini and Bernardi tuned on an electronic tanpura ahead of playing L'Aube enchantee that evolved out of a meeting Ravi Shankar (1920-2012) had with French flautist Jean-Pierre Rampal and his compatriot Alexandre Lagoya (guitarist) in the mid-1970s.

"Of late, nine months ago, as we knew of this India trip coming, Lorenzo and I did some research, wanting to present an item for the audiences in this country," said 34-year-old Tommaso, adding that they have been playing the piece in all venues of late.

L'Aube enchantee begins with a brief alaap sketching the scale of the poignant Todi, largely developed by Mian Tansen, who sang in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century.

As Benciolini and Bernardi rolled out the piece, which was a part of the trans-continental 'East Meets West' album conceived by Ravi Shankar, the audience listened in rapt attention, only to explode in loud cheers at the end of the performance.

The pair next contrasted the dawn raga with 'Nightfall', a contemporary composition known for its simplicity.

Tuned in a minor scale that partly corresponds with the Indian classical raga Keeravani, the piece known for its minimalist brilliance is composed by Italian Roberto Di Marino.

This came after a three-movement sonatina composed by New York-based Marco Beltrami known for his association with Hollywood and TV scores in America.

"This carries a lot of inner dialogue," Bernardi said.

The concert began with an Italian overture that used to typically open the operas during the Enlightenment period.

The longest among the pieces the duo performed was a 22-minute centrepiece by 20th-century Argentine Tango composer Astor Piazolla of Italian descent.

The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, titled 'For the Time Being', will be a 110-day show opening on December 12.

Curated by artist Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, an artist-led organisation based out of Goa, the biennale will conclude on March 31, 2026.
Chennai, July 19 : The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) is set to restore 100 water bodies across the state under the Union government's Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), with an allocated fund of Rs 111 crore.

Of these, 11 tanks are located in the Chennai region and 89 in the Madurai region.

The project, aimed at rejuvenating tanks to improve water storage, mitigate floods, and enhance irrigation potential, will be executed with joint funding  60 per cent from the Union government and the remaining 40 per cent from the state government.

Tamil Nadu had submitted the proposal for funding under PMKSY in 2023 and received administrative and financial sanction recently. WRD officials said that the restoration efforts would include desilting, strengthening of bunds, creating bird islands, and plugging sewage inflows.

Each water body is expected to receive about Rs 1.5 crore. The Chief Engineer of the WRD's Design, Support, and Construction Department stated that the project will commence by the end of 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

In the Chennai region, the 11 water bodies identified are located in suburban and upstream areas such as Tambaram, Thalambur, Chengalpet, and Thiruvallur.

The department has initiated joint surveys with the revenue department to demarcate tank boundaries and issue eviction notices to encroachers within 14 days. The sizes of these tanks vary between 50 hectares and 165 hectares.

In the Madurai region, which includes the districts of Kallakuruchi, Madurai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram, the WRD has zeroed in on tanks that were prone to flooding during the past five years. In Kallakuruchi, tanks in Thyagadurgam, Kallakuruchi, and Thirunavalur will be restored, while in Sivagangai, the focus will be on tanks in Kallal, Sakkotai, and Devakottai.

Madurai's core city tanks and those in RS Mangalam, Nainarkoil, Thiruvadanai, and Mudukulathur in Ramanathapuram will also be revived.

Officials said that the project aims not only to improve water storage and reduce urban flooding but also to make these water bodies eligible for the "encroachment-free" certification. This tag will be issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti following inspections.

"Once encroachments are cleared, we will apply for the certification, which will ensure long-term protection of these tanks," the official added.
Lucknow, July 19 : In a big disclosure that highlights the nexus between global terror ideologies and domestic criminals, the Uttar Pradesh Police have exposed a network of illegal religious conversions. These activities have been backed by foreign funding, radical indoctrination, and tactics inspired by ISIS.

The state's law enforcement agencies - backed by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Special Task Force (STF) - have uncovered a well-orchestrated syndicate that not only targeted vulnerable populations through deceit and coercion but also bore alarming signs of radicalisation and terror-linked strategies.

The law enforcement officials have operated under the banner of "Mission Asmita".

The action of the police and agencies has led to the arrest of key operatives, including Mohammad Umar Gautam, Mufti Jahangir Alam Qasmi, and most recently, Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin, whose operations were allegedly modelled after ISIS's recruitment and indoctrination playbook.

Evidence gathered during law enforcement action points to a coordinated foreign funding pipeline, with significant financial flows originating from countries including Canada, intended to support mass conversions and destabilise communal harmony in India. These funds allegedly fuelled operations tied to banned outfits like the Popular Front of India (PFI), raising concerns of transnational conspiracy and ideological extremism within India's borders.

In a high-level security briefing, Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna shared these inputs with the media. He underlined the state police's unshakable commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against crime, especially in the context of rising threats of radicalisation and illegal religious conversion networks operating within the state.

Addressing the media on Saturday, DGP Krishna asserted that under the leadership and direct guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh Police have acted decisively against criminal syndicates seeking to disrupt social harmony and national security.

"The Uttar Pradesh Police are working intelligently and firmly with a zero-tolerance approach to safeguard the lives and liberties of the 25 crore residents of the state. Festivals and public celebrations have passed peacefully due to heightened vigilance. However, some specific challenges - especially concerning illegal religious conversions - have come to the forefront," said DGP Rajeev Krishna.

Mission Asmita: A strategic offensive against illegal religious conversion networks

Under the government's initiative "Mission Asmita", law enforcement has targeted and dismantled several illegal religious conversion syndicates. These networks have been accused of coercing vulnerable individuals into religious conversion. These individuals are mainly from economically and socially weaker sections.

They are forced into religious conversion using money, manipulation, and threats.

Key individuals among those arrested include Mohammad Umar Gautam and Mufti Jahangir Alam Qasmi, apprehended by the UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in connection with a well-organised conversion racket.

DGP Krishna revealed the Special Task Force (STF) recently busted another major conversion ring led by Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin, who was found at the centre of a web of fraudulent conversions. This network, according to intelligence, operated under a framework inspired by ISIS-style modus operandihighly structured, radical in ideology, and aimed at disrupting civil order through stealth.

"These syndicates are not just engaged in conversion but also in radicalisation, using religious manipulation as a gateway to potential extremism," Krishna stated.

Pan-India network and international funding

An incident in the Agra district further exposed the nationwide scope of the network. Police arrested 10 operatives from six different states; all accused of luring individuals into conversion through monetary incentives and false promises.

Investigations have unearthed strong links to radical organisations like the Popular Front of India (PFI). More alarmingly, the operations were found to be fuelled by international funding, including financial inflows traced back to Canada.

The international money trail suggests an agenda to destabilise communal peace and exploit local vulnerabilities.

"These activities are not isolated religious exercises - they form part of a well-funded transnational agenda to radicalise communities and undermine national unity. The use of foreign funds and extremist methods similar to global terror outfits like ISIS makes this a serious national security threat," said the DGP.

The Uttar Pradesh Police, in collaboration with central agencies, are strengthening surveillance and legal mechanisms to identify, intercept, and eliminate such networks.

DGP Krishna reiterated that the state remains resolute in its stand against terrorism, extremism, and any form of coercion under the guise of religion.

He said that Mission Asmita will continue to be a cornerstone in the state's multi-pronged strategy to combat radicalisation, protect vulnerable populations, and uphold law and order.
New Delhi, July 19 : India's leadership in developing a group standard for whole millet grains was appreciated during the 88th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy from July 14-18, it was announced on Saturday.

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) Indiaas leadership in developing a group standard for whole millet grains was appreciated during the 88th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy from July 14-18, it was announced on Saturday.

The Committee reviewed the progress of this work, which is being chaired by India with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal as co-chairs, said Health Ministry in a statement.

The terms of reference for the same were finalized at the 11th Session of the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL11) held in April 2025.

CCEXEC88 critically reviewed the works chaired by India on the new standards of fresh dates as recommended by the 23rd session of Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV23) held in February this year.

The Executive Committee appreciated the efforts of the CCFFV and India in finalizing these standards and endorsed them for further approval at the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) scheduled for November 2025.

India will also serve as co-chair in new work proposals to develop standards for fresh turmeric and fresh broccoli.

India actively participated in discussions on the monitoring framework for the Codex Strategic Plan 2026a"2031, where SMART Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were finalized for endorsement at CAC48.

According to the ministry, the country recommended that monitoring indicators should be outcome-based, measurable and considered. India also informed about its capacity building programme for neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste etc., which has been recognised by FAO.

It is noteworthy that India has been chairing the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since its inception in 2014.

India also encouraged less active Codex member countries to utilize the Codex Trust Fund (CTF) for mentorship and twinning programmes.

Drawing from its successful CTF-supported training and capacity building initiatives with Bhutan and Nepal, India proposed the inclusion of such training efforts as indicators toward achieving strategic goals.

--IANS

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Varanasi, July 19 : Union Minister of Youth Affairs Mansukh Mandaviya, on Saturday, warned that addiction is ensnaring India's youth at a critical phase of their lives and poses a major obstacle to the nation's developmental goals.

Speaking at the two-day Youth Spiritual Summit held at the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Varanasi, the minister underscored the pivotal role of youth in building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

The summit, themed 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' (Addiction-Free Youth for a Developed India), has been launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It gathered over 600 young delegates from 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations across India.

Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech from the Red Fort on August 15, 2022, where he laid out the 'Panch Pran' (Five Pledges) for Amrit Kaal - a roadmap for India's progress over the next 25 years.

"With 65 per cent of our population under the age of 35, the youth are not just the backbone but also the torchbearers of this vision," he said.

However, Mandaviya voiced concern over the growing menace of substance abuse.

"Addiction is trapping our youth at a crucial point in life and posing a serious challenge to national progress. If we wish to see India developed by 2047, we must safeguard our youth from the clutches of drugs, distractions like mobile phones, and excessive social media," he added.

Calling for a nationwide mass movement against addiction, the minister urged spiritual and community leaders to leverage their influence and platforms to awaken societal consciousness.

"One-time events or isolated efforts won't suffice. Each citizen must pledge to inspire at least five people to join the anti-drug campaign," he said.

Mandaviya expressed hope that the summit would generate meaningful dialogue and lead to actionable outcomes. He announced that the event would conclude with the release of the 'Kashi Declaration' on July 20 - a visionary document that captures the collective commitment of youth and spiritual leaders toward a drug-free India. The declaration will also serve as a blueprint for policymakers, NGOs, and youth networks engaged in de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts.

Also present at the summit was Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, who echoed Mandaviya's concerns. He described drug addiction as a growing social menace and pointed to external influences that may be exacerbating the issue.

"In recent years, we've seen a disturbing trend of youth falling prey to substance abuse. Some international forces may be contributing to this crisis," Kumar warned.

"But our youth are resilient. They have the power to turn the impossible into the possible. We must redirect their creativity and energy towards the goals of Viksit Bharat."

He further stressed the importance of holistic well-being.

"Youth should embrace yoga and focus on health and wellness. This not only boosts physical fitness but also mental resilience - a crucial shield against addiction."
New Delhi, July 19 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Kharar MLA Anmol Gagan Maan on Saturday announced her resignation from the Punjab Assembly and declared a complete exit from politics.

Taking to the social media platform X, Maan wrote, "My heart is heavy, but I have decided to leave politics. My resignation from the post of MLA to the Speaker should be accepted. My best wishes are with the party. I hope the Punjab government will live up to the expectations of the people."

The abrupt announcement comes just days after her meeting with AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on July 15.

Following the meeting, Maan had praised Kejriwal's vision, saying, "His dream of uplifting society always fills us with courage and inspiration."

Her sudden change of course has therefore raised eyebrows and fuelled speculation.

While AAP has not officially commented on her resignation, opposition parties were quick to react.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring took a dig at AAP, tweeting, "All is not well in @AAPPunjab. One MLA was suspended from the party, and within less than a month, another MLA has resigned from the party, even saying to have quit politics. While it, indeed, is the AAP's internal and in-house matter. But when the fire breaks out, flames do get noticed far and wide."

Warring was referring to the suspension of Amritsar North MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh last month for alleged anti-party activities.

Maan, a prominent face of AAP's cultural and political outreach in Punjab, had been considered close to the party leadership.

Her exit adds to growing concerns within the AAP camp over internal dissent and shifting loyalties in the state unit. With Assembly elections still months away, political observers see this as a possible sign of deeper troubles within the ruling party in Punjab.
PARIS (Reuters) -The head of Qatar-backed investment fund Mayhoola on Friday denied an Italian newspaper report that suggested the fund and Gucci-owner Kering were considering selling their jointly owned fashion house Valentino.

"This news is untrue," Mayhoola chief executive Rachid Mohamed Rachid told Reuters.

Kering shares, which have lost more than 60% of their value over the last two years, initially rose by around 2.5% in early Paris trade after the Corriere della Sera report, before paring some gains after Mayhoola's denial.

A Kering spokesperson declined to comment.

Kering bought a 30% stake in Valentino in 2023 for $1.7 billion with a commitment to buy the remaining 70% by 2028.

The deal, struck at a top valuation just before the luxury sector entered a prolonged slowdown, has become a liability for heavily indebted Kering, which has come under pressure from investors and is trying to free up cash through divestments.

Kering estimated in its last annual report that fully executing the Valentino transaction, which could come as early as 2026 if Mayhoola exercises put options, would cost it four billion euros.

The future of Valentino, whose handbag unit Valentino Bags Lab Srl was recently placed under court administration due to labour conditions in its supply chain, has become the subject of increased speculation since the firm said last month its CEO Jacopo Venturini was on sick leave.

The Rome-based fashion house, which last year named star designer Alessandro Michele as creative director to replace long-serving Pierpaolo Piccioli, reported a 2% drop at constant exchange rates in revenues last year, to 1.31 billion euros ($1.52 billion).

($1 = 0.8607 euros)

(Reporting by Claudia Cristoferi, Andrew Mills and Tassilo Hummel, editing by Giulia Segreti and Elaine Hardcastle)
Bengaluru, July 19 : An Indian passenger who arrived from Doha at Bengaluru International Airport was arrested for carrying over four kg cocaine valued at around Rs 40 crore, an official of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) said on Saturday.

The contraband was concealed in two superhero comics/magazines, which were found to be unusually heavy, said the official.

The DRI officers carefully recovered the white powder, which tested positive as cocaine, concealed in the covers of magazines and arrested the male passenger early on Friday under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the official said.

In a separate case earlier, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Srinagar Zone, busted a narcotics smuggling racket operating in South Kashmir and arrested a former militant and his aide.

Acting on specific intelligence, NCB Srinagar conducted a targeted operation in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir on July 8-9.

The operation led to the seizure of about 28 kilograms of poppy straw and the arrest of the two accused a" former militant Shabir, resident of Nowshera, Police Station Srigufwara, District Anantnag, and Amin, resident of Kanelwan, Police Station Bijbehara, District Anantnag.

Based on disclosures during interrogation, about 11 kilograms more poppy straw were recovered from the premises of Shabir, a resident of Nowshera, Srigufwara, Anantnag.

Investigation revealed that Shabir had been a member of the banned outfit Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and had been arrested in 1996 for terror activities and released in 2004.

Verification of Aminas criminal background revealed his previous involvement in NDPS cases, one of which was registered at Police Station Indaura, Himachal Pradesh, in 2017, and another registered at Police Station Srigufwara, District Anantnag, involving seizure of 523 kilograms of poppy straw. He is learnt to have been released on bail in both these cases.

An official said the backward and forward linkages in the case are being identified. It is gathered that the syndicate procures contraband from local poppy cultivators and facilitates its interstate transport via illicit channels.

The establishment of the NCB office in Srinagar forms part of the Union Government's strategic initiative to bolster narcotics enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir.
Patna, July 19 : In a major action against corruption, the State Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Saturday arrested Sub-Inspector Putul Kumari, the SHO of the Women's Police Station in Samastipur, for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. Her driver was also arrested in the case.

Patna, July 19 (IANS) In a major action against corruption, the State Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Saturday arrested Sub-Inspector Putul Kumari, the SHO of the Womenas Police Station in Samastipur, for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. Her driver was also arrested in the case.

The arrest has created a stir within the police department.

According to an official, Putul Kumari was caught red-handed while taking the bribe from Rajiv Ranjan, a resident of Chhatauna village under Mufassil police station limits, in connection with an assault case.

Rajiv Ranjan had filed a written complaint with the Vigilance Unit, alleging that the SHO had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 to proceed with his case.

Acting on the complaint, the vigilance team laid a trap and arrested the SHO and her driver while accepting the bribe.

Vigilance DSP Rajesh Kumar confirmed the arrests, stating that further investigation is underway, and necessary legal action will follow.

This action comes days after ASI Mrityunjay Kumar was suspended in another bribery case in Samastipur, underscoring the administrationas ongoing commitment to taking strict measures against corruption within the police force.

The incident has sent a clear message across the district regarding zero tolerance towards corruption, even within law enforcement agencies.

Earlier on March 19, the State Vigilance Unit (SVU) arrested a Kanoongo (revenue officer) on graft charges in Biharas Supaul district.

The alleged Kanoongo Vikas Kumar was caught red-handed accepting Rs 5,000 from the complainant and local resident Anupam Kumar.

The SVU laid the trap in Gudiya Panchayat under Jadia police station limits on Wednesday and arrested him. An FIR has been registered at the Vigilance Police Station, Patna.

Anupam Kumar stated in his FIR that three years ago, during a land survey, discrepancies arose in the measurement of his father's purchased land, and he was demanding a bribe to look after it.
Srinagar, July 19 : The police on Saturday foiled a march taken out by Congress party leaders and workers in Srinagar, seeking restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The police foiled a march proposed by the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee in Srinagar as Congress leaders and workers were not allowed to move towards the city centre, Lal Chowk, from the party headquarters on Maulana Azad Road in the city.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra said that the police locked them inside the party headquarters and did not allow them to carry out a peaceful march to Lal Chowk in the city.

Karra also accused the Union Territory administration of preventing party workers from reaching the party headquarters in Srinagar, terming the move "undemocratic and a sign of administrative frustration".

Addressing reporters at the Congress headquarters in Srinagar, Karra said workers from various parts of the Valley were stopped en route to Srinagar as the party had planned to submit a memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner demanding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

"We had assembled peacefully to reiterate our demand, but we were barred from hitting the roads and confined to the party headquarters. This suppression is unacceptable in a democratic setup. We will intensify our protests ahead of the scheduled July 21 march to Delhi, where senior Congress leaders are expected to escalate the campaign for statehood," Karra said.

Karra expressed gratitude to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in support of statehood restoration.

The Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit planned a 'Srinagar Chalo' march on Saturday and a 'Jammu Chalo' march tomorrow (Sunday).

Karra also said several Congress leaders, including party MLA Irfan Lone, were stopped from reaching the party office in Srinagar city.

"We have been informed that many of our leaders and workers have been stopped at different places and not allowed to reach here," Karra said.

The protestors later dispersed peacefully.

Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit proposed protest marches in Srinagar and Jammu cities to assert its demand that a bill should be tabled in the upcoming Parliament session to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on August 5, 2019, when Article 370 and 35A were abrogated.
Mysuru : , July 19 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has thrown a direct challenge to the BJP and JD-S, saying that the development work undertaken by his government is the best response to their false propaganda, adding that the BJP has no shame after copying our poll guarantees in Bihar to win the upcoming Assembly election.

"We have taken the government to the doorsteps of the people. I invite them (BJP and JD-S) for an open debate on this," the Chief Minister said.

He was speaking after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for various development works worth Rs 2,578 crore here as part of the state government's two-year performance outreach event named 'Saadhana Samavesha'.

The event was described as the show of strength of CM Siddaramaiah.

"Let BJP and JD-S leaders, who are misleading the public with a series of lies, come together on a single platform. Let us have an open debate on our government's development work -- I will also participate," he said while challenging the BJP and JD-S.

"BJP has no shame after copying our guarantees in Bihar to win election," the Chief Minister chided the BJP and JD-S.

He criticised the BJP for spreading misinformation that the state government has no money for development.

"Today's inauguration of Rs 2,578 crore worth of development works is the answer. BJP and JD-S should not be so envious. Their intolerance towards our developmental efforts is evident."

He also said that the BJP has never come to power in Karnataka on its own strength.

"Every time, they've come to power through the backdoor using 'Operation Kamala'. Similarly, JD-S leader Kumaraswamy has never been able to form a government on his own. Those who have failed to earn the love, trust, and support of the people have no moral right to criticise our government," Siddaramaiah added.

"The BJP and JD-S do not stand for the interests of the state or its people. Every year, the state pays a huge amount in taxes to the Centre, but in return receives only a fraction. Leaders like Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai do not have the courage to raise this injustice before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their silence is a betrayal of the people of Karnataka."

He reiterated that along with implementing the five guarantee schemes, the state government has also allocated lakhs of crores for development of the state.

"Our developmental work is not limited to Congress supporters -- it benefits BJP and JD-S voters too, every day and every month. Just the other day, I personally handed over a free ticket to the 500th woman beneficiary under the Shakti scheme. This reflects our government's commitment," he underlined.

Siddaramaiah emphasised Congress' long history of delivering social justice.

"From the time of late Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Manmohan Singh, it is the Congress government that has implemented social justice programmes. The entire country knows this and will not forget."

"The Food Security Act, Right to Education Act, and MGNREGA were all introduced during Congress rule. Let the BJP show what it has done during its time in power," the Chief Minister said.

He also accused the BJP of being against social justice and the upliftment of backward communities.

"Manuvadis are opposed to the Constitution and to the development of marginalised communities. That is why they (BJP) attack us (Congress)."

"The BJP is conspiring to change the Constitution. But the people of this country, along with the Congress, will defeat the BJP and the Manuvadi conspirators," Siddaramaiah asserted.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, addressing the gathering, said, "In last year's by-elections to three constituencies, the Congress emerged victorious. We defeated the sons of two former Chief Ministers. Through this, the voters have sent a strong message and given us inner strength."

"In the 2028 state Assembly elections, you must bless us by ensuring victory in more constituencies and bring the Congress back to power in the state, so we can continue to serve you. Under the leadership of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the guidance of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, I and all Ministers will work together in unity and repay our debt to the people," Shivakumar added.

"The development schemes of the Congress government are clearly visible to the people. The BJP, which initially mocked our guarantee schemes, is now copying them in other states. The criticism of opposition parties will fade, but our work will remain," he said.

"Our guarantee schemes have become a model for the entire country. These very schemes were criticised as lies and deemed a path to bankruptcy by everyone -- from the Prime Minister to BJP leaders in the state. But later, during the elections held in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana, they announced similar guarantee schemes even before the Congress did. Recently, in Bihar too, they have copied our guarantee schemes," he remarked.
New Delhi, July 19 : Long treated as a remote corner of the country, the northeastern region is becoming a frontrunner in several fields amid a mega infrastructure drive, and the mineral-rich states are now receiving focused attention to transform untapped resources into drivers of economic growth, employment, and local empowerment.

This is crucial as the world races towards clean energy, making critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths, graphite and vanadium, among others.

The government recently announced that northeast is home to several critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, chromium, rare earths, graphite, and vanadium.

The National Mineral Exploration Trustas ongoing survey has identified 38 blocks in the region, and seven have been cleared for auction.

Critical minerals are essential to semiconductors, smartphones, servers, precision tools, telecom equipment, medical electronics, batteries, and clean energy, among others. These inputs underpin industrial strength and national resilience. Global supply chains remain vulnerable due to geopolitical concentration and strategic trade controls and a focused national mission was both timely and necessary.

Recently-concluded aNorth-East Mining Ministersa Conclavea in Guwahati underlined the Centreas commitment to strengthen mining infrastructure, fast-track project approvals, and promote sustainable mining practices in the northeastern region.

The development of the northeast is central to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with the eight states a" Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim a" rightfully celebrated as Ashta Lakshmi.

Indiaas mineral auction framework has gained strong momentum in recent months. Since FY2024a"25, a total of 283 mineral blocks have been put up for auction by the State and Central Governments. Of these, 161 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned, bringing the cumulative tally to 515. This includes five mineral blocks from Assam and four critical mineral blocks from Arunachal Pradesh, opening new avenues for industrial growth and employment in the region.

These auctions underscore the readiness of the North-East to play a central role in Indiaas critical mineral strategy, while also reflecting the governmentas commitment to transparency and competitiveness in resource allocation.

India holds 8 per cent of the world's rare earth element reserves, which gives it the potential of playing a key role in the gradually evolving global supply landscape as China's current dominance is projected to decline, according to a recent CareEdge report.
Beijing/New Delhi, July 19 : China on Saturday officially began construction on a mega dam project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo - upper reaches of the Brahmaputra - River in Tibet, raising major concerns in the downstream countries, including India and Bangladesh.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the groundbreaking ceremony and announced the official start of the Yarlung Zangbo River Lower Reaches Hydropower Project in the Tibet region.

Responsible persons from relevant departments of the central and state organs, relevant central enterprises, members of the expert advisory committee for the construction of the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River hydropower project, project research, testing and construction units, and local people's representatives attended the groundbreaking ceremony, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The project mainly adopts the development method of straightening the bends and diverting water through tunnels, and builds five cascade power stations with a total investment of about 1.2 trillion yuan (about 167.8 billion US dollars) The power of the project is mainly transmitted and consumed, while taking into account the local self-use needs of Tibet," the state-owned press agency mentioned.

While the Chinese government insists that the project will primarily deliver electricity for external consumption while also addressing local demand in Xizang, its construction could severely harm the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra.

India has been carefully monitoring all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects, and taken necessary measures to protect its interests, including preventive and corrective measures to safeguard life and livelihood of Indian citizens residing in downstream areas.

Following the announcement by China of the mega dam project, New Delhi had registered its concerns with the Chinese side on December 30 last year, including on "the need for transparency and consultation" with downstream countries.

"Various issues relating to trans-border rivers are discussed with China under the ambit of an institutionalized Expert Level Mechanism which was established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels. As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, Government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas," Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), had said while replying to a question in Rajya Sabha on March 27 on the issue of China approving the construction of a mega hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo despite concerns raised by India regarding its impact on downstream water flow and ecological stability.

The issue was also raised during the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism between both countries on January 26-27, following which both countries had announced their decision to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

"During the visit, India and China agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to discuss resumption of provision of hydrological data and other cooperation pertaining to trans-border rivers. The Government of India remains engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interests," MoS Vardhan had stated in Parliament.

Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and discussed the trajectory of India-China bilateral relations.

The interaction took place as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers' call on the Chinese President.

During the talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, EAM Jaishankar emphasised a long-term approach to resolving bilateral issues.

"Incumbent on us to address aspects related to the border, normalising people-to-people exchanges and avoiding restrictive trade measures and roadblocks. Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory," he posted on X after the meeting on Monday.
Jalandhar, July 19 : The ED seized property and financial records during searches at Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Barnala and Mumbai in connection with the illegal sale of psychotropic drugs procured by a Punjab doctor for the rehabilitation of addicts at his 22 private de-addiction centres, an official said on Saturday.

The searches under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, were targeted at the premises of doctor Amit Bansal, Rusan Pharma Limited and Punjab government's drug inspector Roop Preet Kaur, the official said.

"During the searches, various incriminating records, including medicine stock register, multiple property purchase agreements and other relevant evidence critical in establishing the financial trail, uncovering the modus operandi of the entities involved were recovered and seized," said an ED statement.

The ED searches on Friday revealed that doctor Bansal was procuring BNX (Buprenorphine/Nalaxone) drugs in the guise of his 22 de-addiction centres and selling them illegally, thereby generating huge Proceeds of Crime (POC), it said.

These drugs, meant for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, were misused for substance abuse.

The drug shortage at Bansal's de-addiction centres because of the illegal sale was allegedly shown as a purchase return.

"The POC, thus generated, was layered through bank accounts and used in the purchase of multiple immovable properties," said the probe agency.

Drug inspector Roop Preet Kaur allegedly assisted Bansal, a native of Barnala, in his illegal activities by overlooking the pilferage of de-addiction medicines and giving his centres a clean report.

The ED initiated its money-laundering investigation on the basis of various FIRs registered by the Punjab Police under sections of the NDPS Act 1985 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Bansal was arrested earlier in Mohali after his operations came under the scanner with the arrest of two employees of his Ludhiana de-addiction centre with 4,000 BNX tablets in 2022.

The doctor, who is on bail in the matter, had opened his first de-addiction centre in Barnala under 'Manorog Kendra and gradually became a major player in the de-addiction and rehabilitation business in Punjab.
Patna, July 19 : Bihar's former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday wrote letters to 35 prominent opposition leaders across the country including Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and other, expressing serious concern over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar.

He alleged that the exercise is leading to large-scale disenfranchisement and undermining democracy.

In his letter, Tejashwi stated: "I am writing to you with a deep sense of anguish and urgency. The farce and tragedy of the Special Intensive Revision going on in Bihar is shaking the very foundation of democracy through large-scale disenfranchisement. It is a clear indication of how the 'independent institution' of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is adamant on eroding public trust in the integrity of our electoral process."

Tejashwi claimed that lakhs of voters are being removed from the voter list for no fault of theirs, calling it an act of disempowerment and humiliation.

Citing the ECI's press note dated 16 July 2025, he said that around 4.5 per cent of the population has already been excluded on the grounds of "electors not found at their addresses," in addition to another 4 per cent marked as "probably deceased or permanently shifted."

He added that journalists and political scientists observing the exercise estimate the disenfranchisement to be between 12-15 per cent, which is "unprecedented in the history of the country."

Tejashwi questioned the timing of the SIR, hinting that it was suspect and noted that the Supreme Court had also raised concerns over it. He accused the Election Commission of revising in a "haphazard and high-handed manner," lacking transparency, and changing rules arbitrarily.

"They are targeting anyone and everyone who is demanding transparency and accountability," he said.

Referring to past concerns, Tejashwi mentioned that the experiences of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections are still fresh and warned that if the matter is not resisted, similar exercises may be carried out in other states as well.

He concluded: "The Constitution demands that we defend the republic. We should not be found wanting at this historical juncture."

The Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in Bihar has already become a major political flashpoint ahead of the Assembly elections, with the RJD and Grand Alliance partners alleging attempts to manipulate electoral rolls, while the Election Commission has maintained that the exercise is part of its routine and transparent voter list maintenance.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 19 : Two years after his death, Oommen Chandy's legacy continues to cast a long shadow over Kerala politics -- and over the ruling CPI(M) in particular.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's emotional speech on Chandy's second death anniversary on Friday has unsettled the Left, which had already begun projecting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's re-election in the 2026 Assembly polls as a certainty.

While speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes at the commemorative event, it was senior Congress leader and eight-time MLA K.C. Joseph -- a close confidant of Chandy -- who struck a powerful note.

"Chandy, though not alive, will be more powerful than when he was alive," Joseph said.

Recalling the overwhelming public response during the 30-hour funeral procession from Thiruvananthapuram to Puthuppally two years ago, Joseph told IANS: "I was in the hearse. The sheer number of people lining the roads to pay tribute was beyond anything I've witnessed. It was clear to me that Chandy would live on in the hearts of the people."

Joseph, who served as Culture Minister in Chandy's 2011-16 cabinet, added, "Many only realised what he was truly made of after he was gone."

However, it was Rahul Gandhi's sharp remarks that truly rattled the CPI(M). Without naming any incident, Rahul accused the CPI(M) of launching a malicious and slanderous campaign against Chandy -- a veiled reference to the solar scam case, which the Left repeatedly used to target Chandy and the UDF during the 2016 and 2021 elections.

In a striking comparison, Rahul clubbed the RSS and CPI-M together, saying neither understood empathy -- a quality Chandy embodied.

Though Chandy was exonerated by the courts, the protracted legal and political battles reportedly took a toll on his health.

"The thousands who waited for hours to see him one last time is testimony to the fact that he was haunted and hunted by the CPI-M, but remained fair and dignified," Joseph said.

The CPI-M, clearly rattled by the impact of Rahul's speech, responded swiftly. Senior leader and politburo member M.A. Baby criticised the Congress MP, while journalist-turned-Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, considered close to CM Vijayan, launched a pointed attack on social media.

"Congress seems determined to keep Rahul Gandhi politically naive," Brittas wrote, adding, "He and his sister launch so-called full-frontal attacks on the RSS from the comfort of Wayanad, the stronghold of their ally IUML -- no risks, all gain."

Brittas went on to accuse the Congress of historical hypocrisy, citing its role in "unlocking the gates of Babri Masjid, presiding over its demolition, and nurturing the BJP's leadership ranks."

In a final swipe, he wrote, "Ironically, much of what Rahul knows about the RSS may have come from our late leader, Sitaram Yechury."

As political temperatures rise and the 2026 election looms, it's clear that the memory of Oommen Chandy -- and the way his legacy is invoked -- continues to be a potent force in Kerala's political landscape.
Kolkata, July 19 : Five persons have been reportedly detained from New Town in Kolkata on Saturday in connection with the murder of a gangster at a hospital in Patna, police said.

Following a raid conducted jointly by the Patna Police and Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police, the accused persons were detained from a housing complex at New Town, said an insider from the Bidhannagar City Police, under whose jurisdiction New Town comes.

When contacted, the Deputy Commissioner (New Town) of Bidhannagar City Police, Manav Singla, told IANS that although some persons have been detained for questioning in connection with the murder of the gangster, there was no information of arrest in the matter as yet.

As per information accessed by the investigators so far, the detailed persons were directly involved in the murder of Chandan Kumar alias Chandan Mishra, a murder convict who was out on medical parole.

He was shot dead by five armed assailants inside the ICU of a private hospital in Patna on Thursday.

According to the police, the accused persons were hiding in a housing complex in the New Town area after fleeing Patna after the incident.

Mishra was lodged at the Beur Jail in Patna and had gone to the hospital for treatment on parole.

At least 24 cases were pending against Chandan in several police stations of Buxar district, and he was serving a jail sentence in one of those cases.

According to the police, Mishra was killed a day before he was scheduled to be released from the hospital.

The hospital shooting raised serious questions on the law and order situation in the Bihar capital, which had been in the limelight for the wrong reasons in the recent past over multiple cases of murder in the past few weeks.

Among those killed in Bihar are businessmen Gopal Khemka, BJP leader Surendra Kewat, and lawyer Jitendra Mahato.
We recently published Jim Cramer Discussed These 10 Stocks & AI-Led Job Growth. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) is an American personal care products company. Its shares have lost 2.8% year-to-date, and Cramer has discussed the firm several times during his morning show. The CNBC TV host believes that Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) is operating under strong leadership but has advised viewers to wait before buying the stock. Cramers hesitance is due to the broader weakness in the retail sector. This time, he discussed Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) in the context of competition from Amazon:

All those guys have an Amazon problem. Kimberly, you have to have a strategy for Amazon. You just cant let them be in charge. But right now Amazon is in charge. And I think thats what the episode of four days, the big takeaway is alright, theres a boss in town. And you better figure out how to work with them. And whether youre Proctor or Coca-Cola, doesnt matter. You have to have a strategy, theyre too big.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) Has "An Amazon Problem," Says Jim Cramer

A stack of disposable diapers in the foreground with a mother and her baby in the background.

Previously, Cramer discussed the firms decision to reduce its exposure to Kleenex:

Then theres Kimberly-Clark. Today, it took decisive action to cut its exposure in one of the most difficult businesses, its global Kleenex and tissue division, by selling 51% of the business to the Brazilian supplier, Suzano, for $1.73 billion. I like this. Kimberly-Clark gets out of a cyclical business that has not great margins and its far more proprietary business, especially diapers, get to shine.

While we acknowledge the potential of KMB 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.

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Jaipur, July 19 : In a significant breakthrough, Rajasthan Police's CID Crime Branch has busted a major coal adulteration racket in Sirohi, exposing a scam worth crores of rupees.

Jaipur, July 19 (IANS) In a significant breakthrough, Rajasthan Policeas CID Crime Branch has busted a major coal adulteration racket in Sirohi, exposing a scam worth crores of rupees.

The gang was found mixing fake coal dust into high-quality petcoke imported from the US, causing massive financial losses to the cement and steel industries.

Additional Director General of Police (Crime) Dinesh M.N. revealed that the racket involved a well-organised network operating from a rented, defunct factory behind Tulsi Hotel on the Pindwara-Abu Road National Highway 27.

Coal mafias, primarily from Gujarat, lured truck drivers carrying imported coal with hefty bribes of Rs 5,000a"Rs 7,000 per ton. They would then offload 5-10 tons of premium petcoke from each truck and replace it with low-grade coal dust. This adulterated coal was supplied to smaller industrial units, yielding illegal profits of Rs 1-Rs 1.5 lakh daily for the gang.

The stolen premium coal was sold separately, making the operation immensely lucrative. Acting on credible inputs from Head Constable Ramesh Kumar, a joint team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Phoolchand Taylor and Inspector Ram Singh, under the supervision of DIG Crime Yogesh Yadav and Additional SP Narottam Verma, conducted a raid on Friday at the identified location in Bhujela.

The police seized two trucks, a loader, a dozer, and specialised tools used to tamper with truck seals. One accused, Irfan (32), son of Haroon, a resident of Madina Society, Lajpat Nagar, Radhanpur, Gujarat, was arrested on the spot.

During interrogation, Irfan confessed that they purchased coal from truck drivers and replaced it with fake material, managing to siphon off 15a"20 tons daily.

The operation brought the gang a daily income of over Rs 1 lakh. The successful operation was made possible due to the coordinated efforts of DySP Phoolchand Taylor. The tip-off provided by Head Constable Ramesh Kumar proved to be critical in exposing the entire operation, said officials.
Dhaka, July 19 : Bangladesh's Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday reportedly stated that the bodies buried in Gopalganj district during this week's violence will be exhumed for autopsy, if required. Chowdhury alleged that the families of the victims took away the bodies without conducting any post-mortem, the local media reported.

Addressing journalists in Dhaka, the Home Advisor made the remarks as the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus continues to receive widespread condemnation for burying those killed in the Gopalganj clashes without conducting any autopsies.

Several reports cited that the burial of people shot dead by the law enforcement agencies during the protest on Wednesday (July 16) has been carried out without any post-mortem examinations.

"I found out over the phone on Wednesday afternoon that my nephew had been shot dead. By the time I arrived, the body had already been brought home from the hospital. No autopsy was done, and we did not receive any death certificate from the hospital," Bangladeshas leading daily 'Dhaka Tribune' quoted one of the relatives as saying.

At least five people were killed and more than 50 injured in Gopalganj - locals suggest the death toll could be much higher - during a violent crackdown on the protestors by the Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies after thousands rallied against the "state-sponsored repression" unleashed by the Yunus regime.

Additionally, 164 people were arrested in different parts of Gopalganj till Friday, while police have registered three cases at different police stations, accusing a total of 2,800 people, the local media reported.

The accused include several leaders and activists of the Awami Leagueas student wing Chhatra League, and party supporters.

The Awami League on Saturday issued a scathing condemnation of what it called a "brutal and deadly crackdown" on unarmed civilians in Gopalganj district. The party blamed the Yunus-led regime, accusing it of authorising state forces to "exterminate" citizens who refused to support activists of the Yunus-backed National Citizen Party (NCP).

The party slammed the effort by the press wing on behalf of the Chief Advisor to slap the blame on the families of the victims who were shot fatally by the law enforcement over their burial without an autopsy.

Bangladesh has been gripped with severe human rights abuses since the Yunus led interim government assumed power last August.

Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Office and the interim government has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to open a mission in the South Asian country to support the promotion and protection of human rights.

"The memorandum was signed by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary, on behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," read a press statement issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday.

The new mission will offer training and technical assistance to the authorities across a range of areas, towards meeting the countryas national and international human rights commitments, as well as undertake capacity-building for government institutions and civil society actors.

Numerous unprovoked and violent attacks against journalists, police officers, minorities, and those connected with the Awami League party, have been reported from across the country over the past 11 months.

There are allegations of killings, arbitrary imprisonment on false criminal charges, particularly of journalists, unchecked mob violence, and incitement of religious violence, such as attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus and the destruction of Hindu temples. Several political leaders of the country have asserted that no steps have yet been taken in Bangladesh to hold the perpetrators of these allegations to account.
Jerusalem, July 19 : The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported on Saturday that dozens of Israeli Druze civilians forcibly crossed the border into Syria overnight, amid escalating tensions following recent clashes in Syria's southern Sweida province.

Deadly fighting erupted last week in Syria between Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes, and forces of Syria's interim government.

The border incident occurred near Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, where Israeli soldiers and Border Police attempted to disperse a violent gathering of civilians. Despite their efforts, dozens managed to cross into Syrian territory, according to the IDF.

"The IDF strongly condemns all violence against its personnel and security forces," the Israeli military statement said, adding that "crossing the border into Syria is a criminal offense that endangers both the civilians involved and IDF soldiers."

The army said efforts are underway to return those who crossed the border, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Saturday, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had agreed to a cessation of hostilities, brokered by the United States, following recent deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria that prompted Israeli intervention through heavy airstrikes.

A sudden eruption of violence in Syria's southern province of Sweida had triggered a complex and escalating crisis, exposing the deep fragility of Syria's stability just six months after the collapse of the previous government and sending shockwaves across the region.

Over the past week, Sweida had witnessed some of the deadliest intra-Syrian clashes in years. The fighting, initially sparked by a local dispute between the Druze community and Bedouin tribesmen, quickly escalated into a full-blown urban conflict involving Syrian government forces.

By Thursday, nearly 600 people were reported killed, including dozens of civilians and hundreds of fighters from all sides, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
Jaipur, July 19 : Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Sharma on Saturday acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts, the scale of the human trafficking problem continues to outpace enforcement response.

"Trafficking is a global and national crisis, but our response is still insufficient," said the DGP while addressing a brainstorming conference on human trafficking, organised by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Rajasthan Police.

The DGP raised concerns over children falling back into trafficking networks after rescue, pointing to gaps in coordination between police, government departments, and NGOs.

Sharma stressed the need for deep, sustained investigations to identify the masterminds behind trafficking rackets.

"Are we prosecuting the real perpetrators or simply the individuals found at the crime scene?" he asked, urging officers to build watertight cases for successful convictions.

The event brought together senior police officials, field officers, and stakeholders to formulate a more coordinated and robust strategy against all forms of human trafficking, from bonded labour and sex trafficking to cross-border and online child sexual exploitation.

Director General, Human Rights and AHTU, Malini Agarwal, emphasised the importance of understanding evolving trafficking trends, enhancing investigative capacity, victim rescue and rehabilitation, and strict legal action against offenders.

Highlighting the socio-economic roots of trafficking, she cited the 2024 ILO report, which estimated the annual global profits from human trafficking to be \$236 billion - a staggering 37 per cent increase since 2014.

Director General of Intelligence Sanjay Agarwal urged officers to focus on the often-overlooked rural origins of trafficking, particularly where children are seen begging or vending on the streets.

He highlighted the use of technology by traffickers and called on law enforcement to counter with advanced digital tools and cyber intelligence.

As part of the conference, a resource booklet titled 'Vimukt' was released, offering best practices and case studies on anti-trafficking operations. A multilingual awareness poster was also unveiled for display in police stations and public institutions to educate frontline officers and communities.

Sessions covered a wide spectrum, from traditional bonded labour practices in rural Rajasthan to modern digital threats like AI-enabled commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) via social media.

According to NCRB data (2022), Rajasthan recorded 117 cases of human trafficking that year. Of the 461 rescued victims, 432 were subjected to forced labour, making it the most prevalent form.

Experts noted that Rajasthan's geographic position makes it both a source and a transit region for trafficking networks, with vulnerable populations often deceived by false job offers and marriage promises.
New Delhi, July 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the participation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Supreme Court judges in the 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' campaign in Delhi, hoping it will add momentum to the green drive.

PM Modi, in a message on X, called CJI Gavai and other Supreme Court judges' participation 'inspirational'.

"The participation of honourable judges in Van Mahotsav is inspirational for everyone. I am confident that the 'One Tree in the Name of Mother' campaign will gain new momentum from this," wrote PM Modi in a message in Hindi.

Earlier, CJI Gavai highlighted the importance of environmental protection and called for collective efforts to clean Delhi's air.

Addressing a gathering at a plantation drive organised by the Delhi government, the CJI said, "Development is important, but we must understand the cost at which it comes."

"Everyone starts getting worried as soon as October arrives... Forests, which are a part of humanity's lineage, do not belong to us alone; they belong to future generations too. They play a vital role in reducing Delhi's pollution," he added.

CJI Gavai said that the Supreme Court has time and again stressed the importance of sustainable development and issued landmark advisories on pollution control.

Earlier, the CJI, along with 20 judges of the Supreme Court, took part in the Delhi government's mega plantation drive under Van Mahotsav 2025 at Delhi Ridge.

The judges were accompanied by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

Minister Sirsa said that the presence of the CJI and other judges under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' campaign reinforces the message that we must come together to restore Delhi's green cover and reclaim clean air.

He added that it was an emotional moment for all the judges and for the Delhi government officials when judges planted saplings in the name of their mothers.

"The spot where the CJI and other judges planted the saplings will be developed as Nyay Vatika," Sirsa told IANS.

Minister Sirsa described the participation in the Van Mahotsav 2025 by the CJI, along with his spouse, as a big achievement for the city's fight against pollution.

"The CJI's presence shows the importance that he gives to every single tree," he said.

On Friday, embracing the spirit of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta planted saplings.

On the occasion, she urged residents of Delhi to take part in the movement by planting more trees in their homes, neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces and community spaces.
New Delhi, July 19 : Almost 95.92 per cent of electors have so far been covered under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar, an Election Commission of India official said on Saturday.

With six more days still to go for filling up of the Enumeration Forms (EFs), the ECI is making all possible efforts to ensure that the remaining nearly 32 lakh electors are added to the draft electoral roll, the official said.

The official said EFs of 7.15 crore or 90.64 per cent of the 7.89 crore Bihar electors have already been received.

As many as 41.64 lakh or 5.27 per cent electors were not found at their addresses by either Booth Level Officers or political parties' Booth Level Agents, said the ECI in a statement.

Out of these electors who were not found at their addresses, 14.29 lakh or 1.81 per cent were probably deceased, and 19.74 lakh or 2.5 per cent have probably permanently shifted, said the statement.

During the SIR, as many as 7.5 lakh or 0.95 per cent electors were identified as enrolled at multiple places, it said.

As many as 11,000 electors were untraceable, said the statement.

"The Election Commission, through country-wide newspaper advertisements and through all other possible means of communication, is informing such electors of Bihar who have temporarily moved out to any other part of the country. To enrol the remaining urban electors, special camps have also been set up in all the 5,683 wards of all 261 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Bihar," said the ECI statement.

The ECI said that under the SIR, the BLOs have already completed over three rounds of the house-to-house visits and established contact with the electors.

A concerted effort by the entire electoral machinery, along with yet another round of visits by the BLOs, has also been started to establish contact with the remaining electors, it said.

The election officials are working together in a mission mode to ensure that the name of an eligible elector is not left out from the draft Electoral Roll to be published on August 1, 2025, said the ECI.

The poll panel said, in accordance with the SIR order dated June 24, that in case any name has been added by mistake or has been left out or there is any error in the draft Electoral Roll to be published on August 1, 2025, the same can be rectified by August 30, 2025.

For the purpose, claims and objections can be lodged by any elector, any political party or any BLA appointed by the political party, it said.
Mumbai, July 19 : Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team.

On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day.

He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara".

'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed by Mohit Suri. Mohit is known for the heart-wrenching narratives of his films and their earworm music, case in point, 'Zeher', 'Kalyug', 'Woh Lamhe', the cult-classic 'Awarapan' and the blockbuster 'Aashiqui 2'.

'Saiyaara' opened at INR 24.75 crore in India, with net collections standing at INR 21 crore after taxes, a feat which even the biggest of Bollywood stars, including some of the superstars, found difficult to achieve in the post-pandemic era where consumption has majorly shifted to OTT.

A debutant's film opening at INR 21 crore (net collections) is a healthy reminder to the industry about sticking to strengths, and mounting stories with heart and conviction.

Earlier during an interview with IANS, Mohit had shared that there might not be a trick or a formula to make a hit film, stories which are deeply personal do have the potential to connect in a bigger way.

He told IANS, "In my 20 years of experience, I've always felt that the more personal your emotional experience is, the more universal it is. We're also human, we're nothing special but, if my emotions resonate with you, and I know how to do that, then the chances of success are higher. So whether it's a film, a scene, or a song, the more personal we make it, the more universal it becomes".

Earlier, Harshvardhan had also praised the media plan of the film's promotion, and the conviction of director Mohit Suri. The actor praised the film's team for completely bypassing the traditional promotional run of podcasts, city tours, and media interviews of the starcast.

'Saiyaara' is the second film which has managed to appeal to the audience in recent times, the first being the Aamir Khan-starrer 'Sitaare Zameen Par', the slice-of-life and off-beat film, which minted INR 10.7 crore (net) on its opening day. To ensure longer lasting business of the film, Aamir, who is also the producer of the film, has decided to release the film on YouTube dissing the traditional route of selling the rights to OTT. The Bollywood superstar is said to be turning to the pay per view model on YouTube, in exchange for the trend of licensing the film to OTT platforms for a one time contract price.
Kolkata, July 19 : In compliance with the order of the Calcutta High Court imposing strict restrictions on Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrs' Day rally at Kolkata to be held on July 21, the Kolkata Police, on Saturday, has come out with a detailed guideline on traffic restrictions in the city on that day.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma told media persons that the police authorities are especially vigilant about that part of the Calcutta High Court directing the city police Chief to personally ensure that there would be no traffic congestion during the period from 9 to 11 a.m.

Identifying the two hours as the peak office hours, the single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, on Friday, barred the movements of different processions of Trinamool Congress workers marching towards the main rally venue between 9 and 11 a.m.

On Saturday, Verma issued a helpline number for citizens to seek police assistance in case they get stuck in traffic on Monday.

He also said that additional police personnel would be deployed on Monday during the rally to help people register traffic-related grievances.

"A coordination meeting was held with Police Commissionaires adjacent to Kolkata and the Traffic Police department to chalk out plans to keep the city congestion-free during the political event. We have already communicated the Calcutta High Court order to our senior officers and departments concerned. We have already held a meeting with the traffic police department officers and other police commissionaires in this matter. We are taking all kinds of preparations to comply with the court order," Verma added.

In a bid to help out people stuck in traffic congestion, the Kolkata Police issued two specific helpline numbers -- 9830811111, 9830010000, which could be used to register any traffic-related grievances on that day.

"We are hopeful that everything will be alright and we will be able to comply with the court order," Verma said.

The Trinamool Congress holds its annual 'Martyrs' Day' rally in Kolkata on July 21.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee addresses a public meeting during the rally to commemorate the 13 people, who were killed during a demonstration by the West Bengal Youth Congress -- then led by her -- on July 21, 1993.
Motihari, July 19 : During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bihar's Motihari, he met with Swami Shakti Sharananand Saraswati Maharaj, who lauded the Prime Minister for his contributions to India and his efforts towards global peace and unity. He further added that PM Modi's thoughts reflect the values of Lord Ram.

Motihari, July 19 (IANS) During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bihar's Motihari, he met with Swami Shakti Sharananand Saraswati Maharaj, who lauded the Prime Minister for his contributions to India and his efforts towards global peace and unity.

He further added that PM Modi's thoughts reflect the values of Lord Ram.

Speaking to IANS, Swami Shakti Sharananand Saraswati praised PM Modi's commitment to social equality, describing him as a leader who makes no distinction based on caste, religion, or status.

"The Prime Minister has done a lot for India and continues to do so. He is working tirelessly to establish peace in the world. His thoughts reflect the values of Lord Ram. Despite holding such a high position, his simplicity is truly inspiring," he said.

The spiritual leader further added, "PM Modi's saintly nature and inclusive vision set him apart. He is a ruler, but also a spiritual person. We blessed him to become 'Vishwa Guru' (world teacher). He has an extraordinary attraction and determination that reflect in his tireless service to the nation."

During their meeting, Swami Shakti Sharananand Saraswati and his group presented several symbolic gifts to the Prime Minister, including a cow with a calf adorned with golden stones, a book, a sheet decorated with traditional Madhubani painting, and a Rudraksha garland.

In return, the Prime Minister honoured the Swami Shakti Sharananand Saraswati by offering him a 'chadar' - a traditional gesture of respect.

The Swami Shakti Sharananand Saraswati shared his thoughts on PM Modi's heartfelt response, saying, "He was delighted to accept our gifts. The joy on his face reflected genuine humility. It is rare to see such simplicity in someone holding such a powerful position. His gesture of posting our photograph together on social media shows his greatness - he gave immense respect to someone like me from a small town. That is his true character."

PM Modi on Friday had shared a few pictures of Swami Shakti Sharananand Saraswati and said, "Today I had the good fortune of taking blessings from Swami Shakti Sharananand Saraswati Ji Maharaj in Motihari. While his personality is full of brilliance and energy, his speech is also full of spirituality. I am overwhelmed by the intimacy, affection and guidance of Maharaj Ji!."

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi had addressed a massive gathering at Gandhi Maidan in Motihari, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 7,217 crore. The projects span various sectors, including infrastructure, transport, and public welfare.

As part of the event, he also flagged off four Amrit Bharat trains, significantly boosting rail connectivity across the region. The new trains are expected to improve passenger comfort and connectivity in underserved areas of Bihar.

In a major move aimed at youth employment, the Prime Minister announced a new scheme, under which Rs 15,000 will be provided to individuals employed in private companies for the first time. The scheme, which will be rolled out from August 1, has been backed by a Rs 1 lakh crore budget allocation.
Manila, July 19 : Eight people were killed and two injured in an accident on the northern Philippines' National Road in Barangay San Pedro-San Pablo, Isabela on Saturday.

The acting spokesperson of Isabela, Captain Terrence Thomas said that the accident involved three vehicles, including a six-wheeler truck and two passenger vans, resulting in the death of eight people and injuries to two other, one still being in coma.

The truck driver was identified as a resident of Echague Town, October De Leon, while the ones driving the passenger vans were identified as Ron Ron Onalan and Oseas Calderon.

One of the van drivers, Calderon was among the dead, declared on arrival at the Cabatuan Family Medical hospital, reported the Philippines' leading newspaper, Manila Times.

The others who were identified and declared dead included Niches Heizle Cagayongan, Claribel Maling, Jing Romboa, while the remaining four are yet to be identified. It was reported that all of these people were in the van driven by Calderon.

The other two people injured were in the vehicle driven by Onalan, where one of them is in comatose.

It has been reported by the local media that the van driven by Onalan with 16 passengers on board along with the other tailing them with nine passengers was hit with a six-wheeler that was heading south, when it obtruded into the opposite lane.

In a similar incident on July 12, three people were killed and a toddler was injured after a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) crashed into a pedestrian and a roadside house in Sorsogon province, southeast of Manila around dawn, local authorities said.

The incident occurred around 4:10 am local time in Castilla town, when the SUV, travelling south from Manila, veered out of control, according to Edgar Ardales of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The vehicle first struck a 55-year-old man outside his home, who was later declared dead at the scene, Xinhua news agency reported. It then crashed into a house, killing a 21-year-old man and his 20-year-old partner. Their two-year-old child sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The SUV driver and two passengers sustained minor injuries and were briefly taken into police custody. Authorities said they were later released after a settlement was reached with the victims' families.
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Jabalpur, July 19 : Madhya Pradesh BJP President Hemant Khandelwal, on Saturday, urged party leaders and workers to become a "strong bridge" between the people and the state government.

Addressing the party workers on his first visit to Jabalpur after being elected as new State BJP President, Khandelwal also said that the conduct of each BJP workers should be respectful, and they must follow the guidelines of the party.

"Jabalpur is the cultural capital of Madhya Pradesh, and when I am here today, I would urge each BJP worker to work for the welfare of the common people. Your act should earn respect for the party and for yourself," he added.

Before addressing the BJP workers in the state, Khandelwal, who accompanied former State BJP Chief and State Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh, offered floral tribute at the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose.

"Netaji's life is the symbol of patriotism, sacrifices and inspiration," he said.

Upon reaching Jabalpur, which is known as "Sanskar Dhani", Khandelwal was received with a rousing welcome from the BJP district workers and leaders.

Later, he participated in a roadshow that covered a long route to in the city.

Betul MLA Hemant Khandelwal was elected as the new State BJP President unopposed on July 2, replacing Khajuraho MP V.D. Sharma, who led the state party unit for more than five years.

Since then, he has been visiting every part of the state to meet party workers.

While speaking to the party workers in the state, Khandelwal would mention the same line -- "Stay disciplined. Those deviating from the party line will be in trouble," he said in his first public address after getting elected as the State BJP Chief on July 2.

He also encouraged the BJP workers, reiterating, "I don't possess any special or additional qualification. I'm a common worker like you all. You think about people, the party will think about you."

He had made a similar statement during his visit to Gwalior two days ago, and now in Jabalpur on Saturday.
Patna, July 19 : Two days after the sensational daylight killing of gangster Chandan Kumar Singh inside Paras Hospital, Patna Police have made significant progress in identifying the criminals and their aides who helped plan and execute the murder.

According to an official statement of the Patna police, a case related to the murder incident has been registered at the Shastri Nagar police station, and multiple teams have been engaged in an intensive investigation.

Patna police, in its statement, said the identification of the shooters and their accomplices was made possible through technical surveillance, human intelligence, and detailed CCTV footage analysis.

The police have issued a public notice for the arrest of the three main accused directly involved in executing the murder. Raids are being conducted at multiple locations to nab them.

Meanwhile, sources have claimed that five suspects were detained from the suburban areas of Kolkata during follow-up operations.

However, Patna police have not officially confirmed these detentions yet.

Police officials added that several other people who allegedly provided logistical support to the shooters have also been identified and will be arrested soon.

The brutal murder of Chandan Kumar Singh by five armed men in room number 209 of Paras Hospital on the morning of July 17.

After committing the crime, the shooters easily fled from the hospital without resistance of anyone.

Patna police released the CCTV grabs in which six accused fled from there on the bikes, waving firearms in the air to terrorise people.

Sources have said that dreaded gangster Sheru Singh was the mastermind of this murder.

This broad daylight incident has raised serious concerns over law and order in Biharas capital.

The audacious crime in a high-security hospital sent shockwaves across the state and posed a direct challenge to the state police machinery.

Senior officers have reiterated that continuous raids are underway and that no effort will be spared in bringing all culprits to justice.
New Delhi, July 19 : The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday released its preliminary findings in the tragic helicopter crash that occurred on May 8 in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.

According to the report, the pilot made an unsuccessful attempt to land the helicopter on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway (NH-34) before the aircraft plunged into a gorge.

The report states that the helicopter had been airborne for approximately 20 minutes when it began descending from its assigned altitude. The pilot initially attempted an emergency landing near Gangnani, along the NH-34.

However, during the manoeuvre, the helicopter's main rotor blade struck an overhead fibre-optic cable running parallel to the road.

The plane lost control and fell down a hillside without making a safe landing, landing against a tree about 250 feet deep in a gorge.

Essential evidence, such as perishable materials and vital parts from the helicopter's engine for additional analysis, was gathered by AAIB officials during an on-site investigation.

In order to piece together what happened before the crash, the AAIB team also spoke with first responders, local authorities, and eyewitnesses.

Coordination with foreign agencies is being used to conduct the probe.

The pilot, Captain Robin Singh (60), was one of six people killed in the tragic incident. Kala Chandrakant Soni (61), Vedanti (48), Ruchi Agrawal (56), Radha Agrawal (79), and Vijaya Lakshmi Reddy (57) were the other victims. In the collision, one person was hurt. At the time of the accident, the private company operating the helicopter was travelling to the Gangotri temple.

Authorities are still investigating the crash in order to identify its underlying causes.
New Delhi, July 19 : In a breakthrough, the Cyber Police Station of Central District has busted a notorious 'Digital Arrest' scam racket with the arrest of two individuals from different parts of the country.

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) In a breakthrough, the Cyber Police Station of Central District has busted a notorious aDigital Arresta scam racket with the arrest of two individuals from different parts of the country.

The accused had allegedly duped a Delhi-based doctor of Rs 14.85 lakh through a fake legal threat. According to police, the victim received a call from someone impersonating a government official, falsely claiming that the doctor was involved in a legal case.

Under pressure and fearing arrest, the victim was coerced into transferring Rs 14.85 lakh to bank accounts operated by the scammers.

Following a complaint, an FIR under IPC sections 170, 384, 388, 420, and 120B was registered. A special team under ACP Operations Suresh Khunga and led by Inspector Sandeep Panwar, was constituted.

Through technical surveillance and analysis of digital trails, the police identified and arrested one Md. Sahin Khan from near Victoria Hospital in Bangalore on July 2. Khan revealed that he had given access to his bank account, including internet banking credentials, cheque book, and ATM card, to one Buddhadev Hazara in exchange for a commission of Rs 1.5 lakh.

Hazara was later traced and arrested in Kolkata. During interrogation, Hazara, an MBA graduate from Ghaziabad and former bank loan department employee, confessed to arranging corporate accounts for online fraud under the influence of one "John" from Barrackpore. He received Rs 3 lakh in total, half of which he shared with Khan.

Police have recovered four mobile phones from the accused. They are also investigating 10 other similar complaints from across India linked to the same bank accounts.

Efforts are on to trace "John" and other suspects involved in the wider digital fraud network, and to recover the defrauded funds.
Jind, July 19 : Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said PM Narendra Modi has entrusted the responsibility of Delhi to Rekha Gupta, a daughter of Nandgarh, a small village of the state.

"You should continue to serve the public and the nation with the same commitment, and lead Delhi towards new heights of development," CM Saini said.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta celebrated her 51st birthday in Nandgarh, receiving wishes from PM Modi and other leaders, highlighting her commitment to public service. CM Saini said the political journey of his Delhi counterpart reflected the changing face of India.

"It is truly inspiring that someone born in a small village like Nandgarh can rise to become the Chief Minister of a metropolitan city like Delhi. This is not just a source of motivation for women, but also a powerful message to the entire nation that in today's India, success is not inherited, it is earned through hard work." He said the "triple-engine government" led by the Prime Minister is driving rapid development across the state.

"We will leave no stone unturned to uphold the trust that the people have placed in our government for the third consecutive time. Guided by the Prime Minister's mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas, our government is moving forward with commitment and inclusivity." The Chief Minister was addressing a programme held in Nandgarh village of the Julana Assembly constituency in Jind district.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was also present at the event. CM Saini recalled that after the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre in 2014, Prime Minister Modi had visited the historic land of Panipat for the first time on January 22, 2015, to launch the nationwide campaign Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, significant strides have been made in empowering and uplifting daughters in Haryana.

"Today, public service is no longer determined by dynasty, but by dedication and hard work," he said. The Chief Minister said that since 2014, development projects of Rs 20,433 crore have been undertaken in the Julana Assembly constituency under the present government, whereas during the 10 years of the previous Congress government, projects of only Rs 202 crore were executed. He said 88 announcements have been made for Julana constituency in the past 10 years, out of which 85 have been completed, and work is underway on the remaining. In addition, 628 announcements have been made for the Jind district, of which 541 have been completed, and work is progressing on the rest.

Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the leadership and working style of Haryana Chief Minister Saini, stating that under his guidance, Haryana is advancing swiftly on the path of development. She said the vision of a Viksit Bharat can only be achieved through a Viksit Haryana and Viksit Delhi. Highlighting the improved road infrastructure in Haryana, she said the strengthened road network is providing better transportation facilities to the people.

She expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Saini, Haryana will continue to scale new heights of development. Rekha Gupta also lauded the leadership of the Prime Minister and said the BJP "is a true embodiment of democratic values, evident in the fact that a daughter from an ordinary family has been given the opportunity to serve as the Chief Minister".

She shared her emotional connection with Nandgarh village, calling it her birthplace, and expressed gratitude to the people of Haryana for always extending their wholehearted support whenever she contested elections.
Kochi, July 19 : Ever since the explosive Hema Committee report surfaced last year, the affairs in the Malayalam film actors body -- Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been fluid.

Things went for a toss after the incumbent Secretary of AMMA -- popular actor Siddique resigned after a former actress pointed fingers at him of misbehaviour.

Soon thereafter names of other actors also surfaced accusing them of similar behaviour.

Seeing all this the AMMA President Mohanlal made it clear that he was not keen to continue, forcing the entire 17-member executive to resign.

Following this, the committee under Mohanlal was asked to continue in the capacity of ad hoc committee until fresh elections are held.

At the recently held annual general body, the decision was made that on August 15 a new executive should be appointed through a democratic process.

Now with the last date of nomination coming up on July 24 and on July 31 it will be known if there is going to be voting.

With around 500 members in AMMA, it's going to be a race against time as hectic parleys have started on the name of candidates who will be going to contest.

With Mammootty now undergoing treatment and Mohanlal has already announced that he is done with anymore posts, the race has begun.

By now factions have also emerged with one section led by State Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, who is already controlling the body of Television and Serial actors, he is keen to be a kingmaker in the film actors association too.

Another faction who are keen to make it to the helm includes actor Baburaj who has started to make the vital moves.

While there is another group which wants college professor-turned-actor Jagdeesh to take the lead.

Yet another section is trying to see if a compromise can be reached to avoid an election, but their plans have reached a dead end when veteran actor Vijayaraghavan backed out, so did popular actor Kunchacko Bobban.

Incidentally, the outgoing committee which was elected in 2024 had its term till 2027, but circumstances saw that it had a premature end when Mohanlal expressed his inability to continue.

Many AMMA members now lament that with the passing away of comedian Innocent, who was the President for 15 years till 2018, things have not been the same as he had the knack of running AMMA through his deft handling without hurting the ego of any through his jokes.
Harda, July 19 : The city of Harda responded to the 'Bandh' called by Karni Sena on Saturday in protest against the police lathicharge on Karni Sena workers that took place on July 12 and 13 of this month.

Responding to a call for bandh, thousands of residents, led by members of the Rajput community, participated in a silent "Nyay Yatra" and a "silent rally."

Several people from all walks of life marched through the city, culminating at the Rajput hostel, where demands were raised for the suspension of police officers involved in the incidents.

According to community leaders, the police entered the hostel premises and allegedly used force on students and youth, an act described as unjust and excessive.

Harda legislator from Congress, R.K. Dogne, condemned the police actions, calling for government intervention and accountability.

Ajab Singh Rajput, Divisional Secretary of the Rajput Parishad, stated that the "bandh" received unanimous support from traders, with most shops and businesses remaining closed from morning.

He emphasised that this was not just a Rajput-led event; citizens from all communities joined the peaceful protest. The unrest originated on July 12 when Karni Sena members demanded the handover of a person accused of fraud.

The police responded with "lathicharge" and tear gas, resulting in four arrests. Tensions escalated further on July 13 when protesters again took to the streets, prompting additional police action.

Sixty individuals were detained in a temporary jail as officers reportedly carried out a third round of baton charges. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has already sought a detailed report on the incident.

Saturday's rally was a moment of collective dissent, remarkable not just for its scale but for its restraint. In a politically charged environment, the silence of the Nyay Yatra carried an unmistakable message: justice must be pursued, and excesses cannot go unquestioned.

Protest continues across western Madhya Pradesh as Karni Sena and Rajput community members intensify protests against alleged police brutality in Harda and Ratlam.

The movement, once local, now demands the removal of senior officials and accountability for incidents on July 12 and 13, when police reportedly entered the Rajput hostel and lathi-charged students and activists.

Viral videos fuelled outrage, prompting calls for a judicial inquiry from various people, including legislator Dogne and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh.

In Ratlam, protesters accused ASP Rakesh Khakha of ordering force against peaceful demonstrators. Superintendent Abhinav Chouksey defended police actions in a video statement, citing procedural justification.
Jerusalem/Beirut, July 19 : The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it killed a militant from Hezbollah's elite Radwan Forces in southern Lebanon on Saturday, using a military aircraft.

The IDF stated that the militant was involved in efforts to reestablish Hezbollah's militant infrastructure in the town of Al-Khiam, located in southern Lebanon.

It claimed that his activities constitute a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre of the Lebanese Health Ministry stated that an Israeli drone strike on a house in the town of Al-Khiam resulted in one death. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua news agency that the person killed was identified as Mohammad Abdullah Al-Hadi, a member of Hezbollah.

Earlier this week, Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes targetting wide areas in eastern Lebanon, hitting positions belonging to Lebanon's Hezbollah group.

The official Lebanese National News Agency reported on Tuesday that "hostile warplanes launched several air raids on the eastern mountain range and the outskirts of the towns of Shmustar, Wadi Umm Ali, Bodai, the villages of Nabi Chit and Taraya, which are part of the city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon."

A source in the Lebanese army intelligence and eyewitnesses from southern regions said that "Israeli warplanes conducted eight airstrikes in less than five minutes on areas in eastern Lebanon."

They said, "The raids targeted Hezbollah sites that had previously been subjected to similar airstrikes."

The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it launched a wave of airstrikes in eastern Lebanon targetting sites linked to Hezbollah's Radwan Force, saying the strikes were aimed at preventing the elite force from restoring its attack capabilities.

It said in a statement that warplanes carried out "numerous strikes" toward Hezbollah targets in the area of Beqaa, hitting military compounds allegedly used by the group for training and exercises. The facilities included areas used for weapons training and live-fire drills, the statement said.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were "a clear message" to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government, accusing Hezbollah of attempting to restore the Radwan Force's ability to launch cross-border raids.

A ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the United States and France, has been in effect in Lebanon since November 27, 2024, following more than a year of clashes related to the war in the Gaza Strip.
Damascus, July 19 : Syrian interim authorities' forces on Saturday began deploying across Sweida province to implement the first phase of a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting days of deadly sectarian clashes, a source at the information authorities said.

The initial phase includes separating rival armed groups, local factions inside Sweida, and tribal Arab forces, as part of broader efforts to restore stability, release detainees, and evacuate hostages.

A government emergency committee has also been established, including multiple public institutions, to expedite the delivery of urgent humanitarian and medical aid, restore basic services, and repair infrastructure in line with the agreement's second phase.

Once calm is secured, the third phase will see the gradual and organized redeployment of state institutions and internal security forces across the province, in accordance with prior understandings that guarantee the rule of law under the state's authority, the source said.

Despite these measures, violence flared again Saturday in western Sweida, where heavy gunfire broke out following a short-lived lull. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fragile ceasefire had been breached by renewed fighting between Druze armed groups and Bedouin tribal fighters.

The clashes reignited fears of a broader breakdown in the truce, which had been brokered with international support earlier this week, Xinhua news agency reported. According to the observatory, military forces have begun establishing checkpoints outside Sweida's administrative borders to prevent infiltration by armed groups.

The watchdog also reported a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Sweida's main national hospital has been completely incapacitated for days due to power outages, water and medicine shortages, and the collapse of dialysis services. Medical staff have issued an urgent plea, warning of a looming public health disaster.

"Hundreds of unburied corpses are decomposing, worms are spreading, and foul odors fill the facility and nearby streets," read a statement by the hospital's staff, which was addressed to international organizations and media outlets. They called for urgent intervention to prevent "a catastrophic epidemic."

Elsewhere, the last partially functioning medical center in the region, Salkhad Hospital, is reportedly on the verge of closure due to a lack of supplies and logistical support.

Meanwhile, the observatory said that food, fuel, and water shortages are growing more severe, with thousands of families stranded in areas without basic services. Access to humanitarian convoys remains blocked due to ongoing clashes.

The overall death toll since fighting erupted on July 13 has climbed to at least 940, the observatory said, including 406 people from Sweida, among them 80 civilians, and 330 military forces from the defence and interior authorities, including 18 tribal fighters.

Additionally, 15 security personnel were killed in Israeli airstrikes. One journalist was killed in fighting. About 182 people, including 26 women, six children, and one elderly man, were allegedly executed by government forces.

The death toll also includes three Bedouin civilians, including a woman and child, executed by Druze fighters.

The observatory also reported a tribal militia assault Saturday on the village of Kafr al-Lahf in western Sweida, which caused panic among residents. Separately, artillery shelling from tribal positions struck the village of Umm al-Zeitoun, causing material damage.
New Delhi, July 19 : Complaints on crimes against women and children and attacks on journalists are expected to top the agenda as the NHRC gears up to hold a two-day Camp Sitting in Bhubaneswar on July 21 and 22, an official said on Saturday

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian will lead his team to hear the cases of alleged human rights violations from 10 a.m. at State Guest House Unit 5 in Keshari Nagar.

Other rights panel functionaries at the sitting include members Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani and Priyank Kanoongo.

NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal, Registrar (Law)Joginder Singh and other senior officers will also be attending the Camp Sitting and open hearing.

Besides hearing cases, the Camp Sitting aims to sensitise officers about human rights by delivering speedy justice to victims of rights violations.

The Commission will also interact with the representatives of civil society organisations, NGOs and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs).

The State authorities and the complainants have been asked to remain present at the hearing of these cases to facilitate on-the-spot deliberations and decisions.

The cases to be taken up include attacks on journalists, HRDs and their families; crimes against women; crimes against children including under the POCSO Act; death due to snake bites and lack of medical support; flooding issues faced by over five families in Bhadrak, Kendrapada and other costal districts; human rights violations due to witchcraft and sorcery accusation, and trafficking of girl child during Covid-19 period.

After the hearing of the cases, the Commission will meet with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and other senior officers of the state to deliberate on issues pertaining to the promotion and protection of human rights, said a statement.

On July 22, the Commission will meet representatives of civil society organisations, NGOs and HRDs. "Thereafter, a media briefing will be held about the outcome of the camp sitting to have a wider dissemination of information on the human rights issues in the State and the actions taken by the NHRC," said the official statement.

Since 2007, the NHRC has been holding camp sittings across the country. The Commission has held camp sittings in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Andaman and Nicobar, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images Netflix shares were up over 40% for 2025 through Thursday's close.

Netflix (NFLX) reported second-quarter earnings that topped analysts expectations, and lifted its full-year revenue forecast.

The streamer's net income of $3.13 billion, or $7.19 per share, rose from $2.15 billion, or $4.88 per share, in the year-ago quarter, above analysts' estimates compiled by Visible Alpha. Its revenue grew 15.9% year-over-year to $11.08 billion, in line with the analyst consensus.

The gains come after Netflix raised prices for its plans earlier this year, hiking its ad-supported plan to $7.99 from $6.99 per month in January, the standard ad-free plan to $17.99 from $15.49 a month, and its premium plan to $24.99 from $22.99 a month.

Looking ahead, the company raised its 2025 revenue projection to $44.8 billion to $45.2 billion, up from $43.5 billion to $44.5 billion previously. Analysts on average had expected $44.6 billion. The company's third-quarter revenue forecast of $11.53 billion exceeded Wall Street's estimate of $11.31 billion.

Netflix also reiterated its expectation that advertising revenue will double this year, as the company rolls out its ad tech suite. Netflix said it completed the rollout of its ad tech platform to all its advertising markets, after initially launching in the U.S. and Canada earlier this year.

Netflix shares were 2% lower in extended trading following the release. The stock was up over 40% for 2025 through Thursday's close.

This article has been updated since it was first published to include additional information and reflect more recent share price values.



Read the original article on Investopedia
Srinagar, July 19 : Bilal Lone, separatist leader and son of slain senior separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone, said on Saturday that the separatist Hurriyat Conference is irrelevant and Kashmiris must look for their space within India.

Bilal Lone is the younger brother of Sajad Gani Lone, former minister and chief of the Peoples Conference (NC).

In an interview today, Bilal Lone said that the separatist Hurriyat Conference is itself responsible for becoming irrelevant, adding that the Hurriyat Conference has become non-functional.

He blamed Pakistan for creating a mess in Kashmir. He said that his change of state owed itself to the motivation of the next generation of Kashmir, whom he urged to see India as India since it is a very big power.

He said the present generation has a right to know the truth about what happened in Kashmir during the last 35 years. He said Kashmiris have to realise that the "politics of exploitation" must stop.

While admitting that the people of Kashmir had reposed their trust in the Hurriyat Conference, Bilal said that at present the Hurriyat is nowhere, and it is time for the people to accept the change.

He said Pakistan made statements, but nothing happened in reality, so Pakistan must play a soothing role in Kashmir's progress rather than create a mess here.

He claimed that he had no regret for being on the other side, opposing India, but had big regret for failing to achieve anything.

Bilal Lone said his change of stand was not to become the chief minister, but he now stands for a genuine political process.
Vijayawada, July 19 : The YSR Congress Party has strongly condemned the arrest of Lok Sabha MP and Party floor leader P.V. Midhun Reddy, calling it a clear case of political vendetta by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

YSRCP leaders and former ministers Botsa Satyanarayana, Perni Venkatramaiah (Nani), Ambati Rambabu, Merugu Nagarjuna, and party general secretary G. Srikanth Reddy expressed serious concerns over the misuse of power to target opposition leaders.

They said, in a statement, that the arrest made after a full day of interrogation in the so-called liquor scam case shows how far Chandrababu is willing to go to suppress dissent. The leaders noted that such actions will not last long and that the public continues to support YSRCP more strongly than ever.

They warned that the ruling party cannot stop YSRCP by using fabricated cases or forced arrests. The leaders further said that the liquor scam is entirely based on fabricated evidence and forced confessions.

They recalled that between 2014 and 2019, it was Chandrababu Naiduas government that committed several irregularities in liquor sales. Now, to divert attention from those cases, a false narrative has been built, and arrests are being made based solely on statements taken under pressure.

The party leaders clarified that during the YSRCP government, the liquor policy was transparent and handled directly by the state. The number of liquor shops was reduced, and belt shops and permit rooms were removed.

They vowed to continue standing with the people and fighting against such political conspiracies with courage and determination.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Midhun Reddy on Saturday after questioning him for nearly seven hours at the SIT office here.

Midhun Reddy is accused number four in the case, registered last year after the TDP-led NDA came to power in the state.

His arrest came a day after the Supreme Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition. Earlier, the Andhra Pradesh High Court had also dismissed his petition.

SIT reportedly found large-scale irregularities and fund misappropriation in the liquor policy implemented during 2019-24.

Midhun Reddyas arrest came hours after the SIT filed a preliminary chargesheet in the case. The SIT officials filed the 300-page chargesheet in the ACB court along with forensic lab reports.
Imphal, July 19 : After the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) declared an indefinite shutdown on the movement of Kuki tribals within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) expressed concern on Saturday over the shutdown.

The FNCC stated that the bandh is a peaceful but firm protest against what it describes as threats to the ancestral land, identity, and security of the Naga people.

FNCC Secretary B. Robin Kabui, in a statement, said that the first concern is the proposed construction of roads through Naga ancestral territories without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people. The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, expresses deep concern and disappointment over the indefinite shutdown called by the FNCC for the movement of Kuki-Zo people through Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur, which came into effect at midnight on Friday.

The KZC appealed to the FNCC to immediately lift the shutdown and allow the safe passage of our people through the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur.

The FNCC Secretary said that the continued presence of illegal Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps of Kuki militant groups in Naga areas poses a serious threat to the peace and security of the Naga people.

"The widespread and unchecked cultivation of poppy plantations not only degrades our environment but also endangers the social fabric of our society by fueling drug addiction and criminal activity. These encroachments and activities, if allowed to persist, would irreversibly harm the heritage, security, and future of the Naga people," the FNCC said.

KZC's Secretary, Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong, said that since the violent outbreak of ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023, the Kuki-Zo people have suffered unimaginable losses and trauma.

"More than 150 Kuki-Zo individuals were mercilessly killed, over 7,000 homes were reduced to ashes, and more than 360 churches, symbols of our shared Christian faith, were destroyed or desecrated. In the aftermath of such atrocities, our people have been left with no viable option but to seek alternate routes for movement, as transit through Meitei-dominated areas has become unsafe and impossible," Vualzong said in a statement.

It said that the imposition of the shutdown by the FNCC further compounds the humanitarian crisis faced by the Kuki-Zo community.

It is deeply saddening that, as fellow tribals and Christians, such actions are being undertaken without due consideration of the plight of Kuki-Zo community people, the statement said, adding that blocking the movement of an entire community based on their ethnicity is unconstitutional, inhumane and unchristian.

"We firmly believe that any misunderstandings or grievances can and should be addressed through peaceful dialogue and mutual respect. In this challenging time, let us not allow division and suspicion to overshadow the bonds of shared faith and struggle. We urge our Naga brothers and sisters of Manipur to extend compassion and solidarity and to walk together with us towards a peaceful and just resolution for both communities," the KZC said.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, July 19 : Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Saturday flagged off a new express train from Hyderabad to Jodhpur.

The Central ministers flagged off the Kacheguda-Bhagat Ki Kothi express train at Kacheguda Railway Station here.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that a daily train from Hyderabad to Jodhpur has been a long-cherished dream of the Rajasthani community residing in Hyderabad.

He said that earlier, due to constraints, the train could not be launched. However, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the rail infrastructure across the country has witnessed major growth, be it laying new tracks, construction of new Railway stations, which led to increased capacity and has facilitated the running of this direct daily service from Hyderabad to Jodhpur, he stated.

Kishan Reddy stated that under the direction and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the long-pending dream of the Rajasthani community for a daily train from Hyderabad to Jodhpur has been fulfilled.

He stated that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, infrastructure development in Telangana state has seen unprecedented growth.

The Central Minister stated that 40 Railway stations in Telangana are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, out of which Begumpet, Warangal and Karimnagar Amrit stations were recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

He also mentioned that 100 per cent of Telanganaas Rail network is electrified.

Kishan Reddy said that the new Charlapalli station has been developed with state-of-the-art facilities and was also recently inaugurated. Secunderabad redevelopment works have been taken up with Rs 720 crores, and the project will be completed next year, he added.

The new daily train caters to the needs of both reserved and unreserved segments of the people and will largely benefit the people of Central and North Western states residing in Hyderabad and surrounding areas to travel to their hometowns.

It will also be beneficial for businessmen, students, employees proceeding on regular travel and special tours during vacation and will further promote tourism and pilgrimage apart from increasing the avenues of trade and commerce.

The regular daily service of Train No. 17605 Kacheguda a" Bhagat Ki Kothi will commence with effect from July 20, and Train No. 17606 Bhagat Ki Kothi a" Kacheguda with effect from July 22.
Bhopal, July 19 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's seven-day foreign visits to Dubai and Spain concluded on Saturday, and he is scheduled to return to New Delhi on Sunday, government officials said.

Talking to media in Barcelona in Spain on Saturday, Chief Minister Yadav said that his visit has been successful as various memorandums of understanding were signed with investors to increase production, employment opportunity and farmers' income in the state.

Speaking at the conclusion of his visit, the Chief Minister highlighted the state's focused efforts on development and employment generation.

He said that the primary objective of the foreign visits was to explore new avenues for growth in collaboration with the Indian diaspora, thereby creating more job opportunities in the state.

The Chief Minister also shared that during the foreign visit, the state delegation interacted with industries and Indian restaurants as part of efforts to promote tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian citizens have carved a distinct global identity, even beyond the country's borders, amid the evolving international landscape.

Chief Minister Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is no longer just a land of potential but a robust platform with supportive ecosystem for investment.

He added that the state government has undertaken serious and effective reforms at the levels of policy, process, and incentives, offering investors real benefits and confidence.

Addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora and 'Friends of Madhya Pradesh' in Barcelona on Friday, the Chief Minister said, "Indians living abroad are not just citizens but also custodians of Indian culture."

He added that the sense of belonging he felt among the Indian community in Barcelona made him feel as he were in Ujjain.

"Wherever Indians go, they uphold traditions and festivals with dignity. This interaction is not merely a dialogue but a heartfelt connection," the Chief Minister said.

To showcase investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Yadav had begun his seven-day international tour to Dubai on July 13.

After a three-day visit to Dubai, he had left for Spain on July 16.

The Chief Minister will return to New Delhi on July 20, and from there he would reach Rewa in Madhya Pradesh at 4:30 p.m. to attend an event, according to information shared by state's communication department on Saturday.
New Delhi, July 19 : Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Saturday visited the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Directorate of Groundnut Research in Junagadh, Gujarat, reviewed its activities and interacted with farmers and 'Didis' of self-help groups (SHGs).

On this occasion, the Union Agriculture Minister released a compilation of 50 inspiring success stories of Lakhpati Didis  women earning over Rs 10 lakh annually under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). He also unveiled the institute's Annual Report for 2024.

Extending Raksha Bandhan greetings to the Lakhpati Didis, Chouhan said that making SHG women Lakhpatis (millionaires) is a firm commitment of the government. "Every woman must become self-reliant, economically empowered, and independent," he emphasised.

Chouhan highlighted that 1.5 crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis, and the government is on track to achieve the target of 2 crore by August 15. He added that the number of Lakhpati Didis is also rising rapidly.

"SHG women are rewriting stories of change by challenging gender bias and driving social transformation," he said. "It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision that more and more women participate in economic activities."

He further stated that if women in villages receive proper skill training, timely bank credit, and essential infrastructure, they can work wonders. "Lakhpati Didis are playing a historic role in making local products vocal on a national and global stage."

Concluding his address, Chouhan praised the contributions of women and encouraged them, saying, "Keep pushing forward with courage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself stands with you to ensure all possible support. Plans are underway to increase women's participation in the industrial sector. The hard work of women will help build a 'Viksit Bharat'. Wishing you all the best for the future."
Joe Sacco believes in the power of the people. But as a comics journalist whose reporting has taken him to some of the most brutal conflict zones on Earth, hes also keenly aware that people and their prejudices can be leveraged by politicians. The people are dangerous; the people are our only hope, says Sacco, via Zoom from his drawing desk in his home in Portland, Ore. Its like she loves you, she loves you notboth can be true.

Sacco, considered the forefather of comics journalism and best known for his National Book Awardwinning Palestine, is a marvel at briskly breaking down complex social issues, a skill on display in the meticulously constructed layouts of his forthcoming The Once and Future Riot. The graphic narrative, out in October from Metropolitan, documents a 2013 riot between ethnic factions in Uttar Pradesh, India, and brings into focus how politicians flame violence and manipulate its aftermath to divide electorates. In its starred review, PW called the book a timely work that is as powerful as it is artful and pays homage to the importance of seeking truth, however elusive.

As the United States and the West gradually, over the next few decades, decline in relevance, its really China and India where trends will be set, says Sacco, whos made a career drawing comics from the fields of war. I began to think, Why does this all happen? We all live in illusion, to summarize the philosopher Ernest Becker. The point is, what illusion do you choose?

Sacco was born in 1960 in Malta, but his family soon emigrated to Australia, where he grew up listening to stories of World War IItales that seeded his fascination with international conflicts. Most of the people in our community were immigrants from Europe whod left after the war, he says. So stories about the war from different people from different countries were what I heard around the dinner table.

As a child, Sacco disdained superhero fare but picked up American and British war comics. Mad magazine was also frequent reading materialwhat he liked best were 1970s issues with tipped-in reprints of Mad comics from the 1950s. They completely opened my mind, he says, to how subversive comics could be.

When he was 11, Sacco and his family moved to Los Angeles; in 1974, they moved again, settling in Beaverton, Ore., where Sacco wrote for his school newspaper. In 1978, Sacco enrolled at the University of Oregon, where he later received a BA in journalism. Notably, he never went to art schoolhis precise realism and spiky caricature are entirely self-taught.

At the start of his career, Sacco bounced between journalism gigs: at the National Notary Association in Los Angeles, Tomorrow magazine in Malta, and Downtowner in Portland. Drawing autobiographical tales about what he calls his foibles was his introduction to the comics industry during the punky, indie heyday of the 1980s and 90s. He even cofounded a satirical comics rag, the short-lived Portland Permanent Press, in 1985.

In 1986, Sacco became a news writer at the Comics Journal. Over time, he began producing more serious political pieces. His travelogue comics took him to the Middle East and he began reporting on political strife. And as an autobiographical cartoonist turned reporter, he literally drew himself into the framea commentary on myths of journalistic objectivity. (In The Once and Future Riot, he draws his hands taking notes on the edges of some panels.) In 1991 and 1992 Sacco visited the West Bank and the Gaza strip and created the Palestine series, the first volume of which was published in 1993 as Palestine: A Nation Occupied by Fantagraphics.

In addition to Palestine, Sacco is the author of Footnotes in Gaza and most recently the Eisner-nominated War on Gaza. Hes also reported extensively from Bosniawork funded in part by a Guggenheim fellowshipin Safe Area Gorazde, The Fixer, and Wars End. In The Great War, Sacco looks back on WWI, and in Paying the Land he explores how atrocities against Indigenous people correlate to economics and climate change.

With The Once and Future Riot, his 17th book, Sacco attempts to understand how a deadly scuffle in India between young men of Hindu Jat and Muslim backgrounds turned into murderous retributions and mob violence. In the opening pages, Sacco and a local journalist are driven by a nonchalant cabbie at breakneck pace through the traffic of rural India. As Sacco interviews witnesses and village leaders, the facts of the riotthe number of deaths, who killed whom, which houses burnedblur and are disputed. The result is an analysis of how people in conflict refashion facts, indulge in ersatz nostalgia, and create stories that serve their worldviews, as well as an examination of cycles of violence that can be traced back to partition.

It was a relatively small riot that seemed to fit the billI felt like I could talk to all the major actors, says Sacco, whose urgent, cogent cartooning depicts the mobs across spreads and into the margins: a crush of carefully individualized angered faces, and hands holding swords, clubs, and guns.

Despite the gravity of his work, Saccowho was recently selected for the Eisner Hall of Fameremains grounded. For an artist, and someone who immerses himself in the most miserable of human conditions, hes the least neurotic person I know, says Saccos longtime editor at Metropolitan, Riva Hocherman. And, after decades in war zones, hes trying to pick up other beats. He told the Comics Journal that The Once and Future Riot may be his last work of journalism.

Still, he recently returned from Egypt, where he was drawing interviews with Palestinian refugees from Gaza. Sacco says he keeps being pulled back into the vortex because the drive to expose genocide in Gaza is like shaking you in your sleep and saying your family is threatened. At first you feel its a duty, and later its simply the right thing to do. It becomes a part of you.

When discussing The Once and Future Riot, Sacco holds up an oversize page, hand inked and lettered. He never learned Photoshop, calls his technique old-fashioned, and makes corrections by cutting and re-pasting. Its a significant part of the pleasure of the workthe fact that Im working with my hands, he says. And while the book is set in India, its analysis of factional violence will resonate with American readers, which Sacco adamantly states was intentional. In one sharply worded passage in the book, he asks readers, Do you believe in the people?

Its a query and a callout. I am one who thinks that the people are our only hope, Sacco says. But that can be flipped around, depending on what theyre told, how theyre manipulated. We tend to think of democracy as a good, as a moral good. I prefer democracy. I would like people to have a voice. But the way it plays out in electoral politics can often be hand in hand with violence. Sometimes you cant separate the two.
Nadxieli Nieto, in her first purchase at Algonquin, preempted world English rights to Dust by Theresa Hottel (pictured l.) from Carla Briner at Pontas Literary & Film, with Clare Smith at Abacus taking U.K. rights. The speculative historical novel, per the publisher, is set in Dust Bowl Oklahoma, against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the Chinese Exclusion Act, and follows an itinerant traveler in search of the otherworldly creatures and half-glimpsed fauna that roam the dry plainsand the battle for the soul of an isolated town. Publication is planned for summer 2026.

Candice Coote at Berkley preempted world rights to Madison Tyler Nelsons debut novel, Portrait of a Haunting, from Paige Terlip at Andrea Brown. The novel, the publisher said, follows a young woman plagued by her mothers dark past and an ability to see spirits, who discovers her best friend was murdered and must rely on the powers shes been stifling, her found family, and the man whos always loved her to help find the killer before she becomes the next victim. Publication is slated for fall 2026.

Kristin Temple at Tor Nightmare purchased North American rights, at auction, to Deena Helms debut novel, Our Cut of Salt, alongside a second, untitled horror novel, from Alex Land at Mad Woman Literary Agency, with Nadia Saward at Orbit UK taking U.K. rights. The publisher described the novel as an upmarket horror debut that weaves together three generations of Palestinian women and the haunted house that binds them, in which three women converge in their ancestral haunted home and must learn what the price of the past truly is. Release is set for September 2026.

Tara Parsons at Amistad and HarperCollins Espanol won North American English and world Spanish rights, at auction, to NBC news anchor Morgan Radfords Now Then from Johanna Castillo at Writers House. Viviana Castiblanco will edit the Spanish edition. The publisher called the book a powerful debut novel about hidden histories, second chances, and the choicesand lovesthat shape our lives, following a Harvard student uncovering her mothers secret past fleeing Cuba during the height of the revolution while navigating her own path to self-discovery. Publication is slated for May 2026 in English and September 2026 in Spanish.

Tim Duggan at Holt preempted North American rights to Freya Indias non- fiction debut, Girls: Generation Z and the Commodification of Everything, from Matthew Hamilton at the Hamilton Agency, for a 2026 release. The book, per the publisher, explores the ruthless commercialization of the inner lives of young women and the effect it has had on this misunderstood generation.

In Brief
I Hate Myself for Loving You

Two adult romantasies with similar fanfic origins claim the top spots on our hardcover fiction list. Julie Sotos Rose in Chains reimagines The Auction, a Draco Malfoy x Hermione Granger enemies-to-lovers pairing. Brigitte Knightleys The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy is also Dramione-coded, the author told Today. Both authors are favorites on the fanfic site An Archive of Our Own, as is SenLinYu, whose Alchemised, a reworking of her Dramione fanfic Manacled, pubs in September.

Eat, Stray, Love

Adriana Trigiani takes the #6 spot on our hardcover fiction list with The View from Lake Como, in which an Italian American woman decamps for bella Italia, rents a charming apartment overlooking a picture-perfect piazza, drinks superb espresso, acquires a stray kitten, and melts on multiple occasions into the arms of the landladys gorgeous son, per our review. The novel garnered the author s best first-week print unit sales in years.

Body Politic

The Great Revolt coauthor Salena Zito lands at #2 on our hardcover fiction list with Butler, an account of the campaign-trail assassination attempt on President Trump and an analysis of the region in which it happened. While well observed and knowledgeable, this pointed plea for a return to local reporting lacks fresh political insights, our review said, and suffers when the author veers into detailed accounts of her schmoozy, admiration-filled interactions with Trump, who calls her my beautiful Salena.  Five notches below, 2024 by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf is a different effort to explain, per the subtitle, how Trump retook the White House and the Democrats lost America.

Fever Pitch

Christine Brennan profiles basketball star Caitlin Clark in On Her Game, a top-notch biography of the WNBA player, according to our starred review. Brennan more than justifies her assessment of Clark as a groundbreaking, historic, immensely popular, but also at times controversial cultural figure who is dramatically altering one of the last great bastions of male superiority.  The book, which debuts at #4 on our hardcover nonfiction list, follows on the heels of another 2025 womens basketball bestseller: the memoir Uncommon Favor by Dawn Staley, a six-time WNBA all-star and the longtime University of South Carolina womens basketball head coach. It pubbed in May and also debuted at #4 with about the same number of print copies sold.
When John Morrow learned of Jack Kirbys death in February 1994, he wanted to pay tribute with a fanzine devoted to the legendary comic book artists many contributions to the sequential arts. The result was the Jack Kirby Collector, a labor of love photocopied at a local drug store and mailed gratis to 125 like-minded fans.

Morrow initially assumed the zine would be a short-lived diversion from his daily advertising and design work. Then letters started pouring in requesting more. By the eighth issue, the Jack Kirby Collector could be found in comic book shops around the country, and in 1996 TwoMorrows Publishing was officially born.

I wouldnt publish the Jack Kirby Collector without the approval of Kirbys widow, Rosalind, Morrow says. I didnt want to produce something the family didnt approve of, or for them to think I was profiting from Jacks name. He was delighted when Rosalind expressed support, sharing contacts who proved invaluable to the project, including a former Kirby assistant, Mark Evanier.

The Jack Kirby Collector is still going strong, alongside six other TwoMorrows magazines devoted to various aspects of comic book and pop culture history: Alter Ego, Back Issue, Brick Journal (for Lego aficionados), Comic Book Creator, Cryptology, and RetroFan. The press branched out into book publishing in 2004 with The All-Star Companion by former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Roy Thomas. The company currently releases six to 10 new books annually.

Like its magazines, TwoMorrows books are devoted to comic book history, creators, publishers, and more. The American Comic Book Chronicles, for example, is a deeply researched eight-volume set of hardcovers, each recounting a specific era in comic book history. Upcoming book projects include Marshall Rogers: Brightest Days and Darkest Knights; American Movie Comic Books (1930s1970s); Futuristic, a look at how the space age influenced pop culture; and The First Comics Companion, a retrospective of the 80s indie publisher.

Despite a prodigious output, TwoMorrows has just three full-time employees: Morrow, his wife and partner Pam Morrow, and production assistant Eric Nolen-Weathington. Each magazine is edited and designed by freelance employees; in a given month, Morrow says, he works with 2050 freelancers from all over the world.

Most TwoMorrows editors are former comics professionals; as an example, Morrow cites Michael Eury, the recently retired editor of Back Issue and RetroFan, who edited at DC Comics and Dark Horse before joining TwoMorrows in 2003. As for the presss readers, Morrow says they tend to skew older, and are predominantly male. Theyre also typically fans of the golden, silver, and bronze ages of comicsa period spanning the 30s to the 80sand rarely purchase new comic books.

Until January, the publishers primary distributor had been Diamond Comic Distributors, whose sudden bankruptcy left TwoMorrows owed more than $65,000, nearly bringing the press to its knees. TwoMorrows is now distributed to comic shops through Lunar Distribution and the mainstream retail market through SCB Distributors.

I could see the writing on the wall with Diamond, and for the last few years, Id been trying to make inroads with other distributors, Morrow says. They werent interested in a smaller publisher like us. But when Diamond went bankrupt, it was do-or-die.

Signing with Lunar and SCB saved TwoMorrows, but Diamonds bankruptcy still delayed shipping of many of its titles for months, forcing Morrow to ask customers to buy directly from the TwoMorrows website. Our readers really came through for us, he says. That kept us afloat.

Morrow sees his press as a preserver of comics history. Our mission from the beginning has been to create a lasting record of a unique American art form, he explains. Even after our print books sell out, the digital editions should remain indefinitely, so researchers 100 years from now will see what comic book creators were doing during their era. Its important the we document their careers and accomplishments while were able.
(Reuters) -Nvidia has told its Chinese customers it has limited supplies of H20 chips, the most powerful AI chip it had been allowed to sell to China under U.S. export restrictions, The Information reported on Saturday.

Nvidia said this week that it was planning to resume sales of the H20 chips to China, though under the policy change the U.S. must still approve licenses for the export of the chips.

The U.S. government's April ban on sales of the H20 chips had forced Nvidia to void customer orders and cancel manufacturing capacity it had booked at chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC), said the report in tech publication The Information, citing two people with knowledge of the matter.

TSMC had shifted its H20 production lines to produce other chips for other customers, and manufacturing new chips from scratch could take nine months, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said at a media event in Beijing this week, according to the report.

The report also said Nvidia did not plan to restart production, without citing any sources or giving details.

Nvidia declined to comment on the report. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

Huang made comments in recent days suggesting Nvidia would ramp up supply of H20 chips, and that licenses for Chinese orders would be approved swiftly.

Nvidia has also announced that it is developing a new chip for Chinese clients called the RTX Pro GPU, which would be compliant with U.S. export restrictions.

(Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
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The Telegraph, July 18, 2025

Robert Mendick Chief Reporter and Akhtar Makoii

More than 200 Afghan soldiers and police murdered by the Taliban since a kill list was leaked by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have been named in a dossier.

Their names were compiled by independent caseworkers highlighting the plight of Afghans who worked with British and US forces.

But a court order imposed by a senior judge prevents The Telegraph from reporting whether the dead had first appeared on the MoD list, which was accidentally made public in February 2022.

The Taliban claims the MoD list came into its possession in 2022 and that it has been hunting down those identified in it ever since.

The Telegraph can disclose that a unit of the Talibans special forces  known as Yarmok 60  has been assigned to locate them.

The list recorded applicants to an asylum scheme run by the MoD that was intended, following the fall of Kabul in 2021, to give sanctuary to Afghans who had worked with British troops.

It remains unclear how many of those on the list were identified by the Taliban, tracked down and murdered as a consequence.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, admitted on Wednesday that he was unable to say for sure whether anyone had been killed as a result of the data breach.

But he insisted that, three years on from the leak, it was highly unlikely that being on the list would now increase the risk of being targeted by the Taliban.



Col Toorjan was killed with several family members last June





Hamidullah Khosti was killed on July 23 last year





Muzamil Nejrabi was killed in Kapisa province





Hayatullah Nizamis body was found in northern Taloqan city





Abdul Rahman Delawar Col Toorjan was killed with several family members last JuneHamidullah Khosti was killed on July 23 last yearMuzamil Nejrabi was killed in Kapisa provinceHayatullah Nizamis body was found in northern Taloqan cityAbdul Rahman Delawar

A super-injunction was lifted by the High Court on Tuesday, allowing the leak to be reported for the first time. But a court order remains in place that prevents using the database to reveal the identities of Afghans who may have been targeted as a result.

Among the former Afghan special forces soldiers killed by the Taliban since the list was leaked are young and middle-aged men assassinated by the new regime in different parts of the country, some with their family members.

Col Toorjan, a police commander in southern Helmand, was killed with several family members as he was leaving a mosque on June 24 last year.

One month later, Taliban forces shot and killed another former government army officer in the eastern Khost province.

The Taliban executed Hamidullah Khosti on July 23 in the Alishar district. He had arrived there the previous day to attend a wedding ceremony.

Despite a general amnesty declared by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban supreme leader, the group has continued to arrest and kill former government military personnel and employees for nearly four years.Another former government army officer was shot and killed by Taliban forces in Kapisa province in July 2022, five months after the list was leaked.

Muzamil Nejrabi was killed at night in Arbab Khil village in the Nejrab district of Kapisa province.

The young man had left his home at 10.30pm to irrigate his agricultural fields when he was shot by soldiers from the Talibans Fifth Battalion, First Brigade, stationed in Kapisa. He died on the way to the hospital.

Friends said he had got married three months before his assassination.

In February last year, the bloody corpse of Hayatullah Nizami, a former operations commander of the third security zone in northern Taloqan city, was discovered in the Bishkapa area, near the Taliban army brigade of the city in Takhar province.

According to a local source, Nizami, previously a member of the security forces, had been working as an employee at a company that collaborated with the Taloqan municipality following the fall of the Western-backed government.He disappeared with his vehicle the night before, and his dismembered body was found the following day.

Local sources reported that, after the body was discovered, the Taliban named him as Hamidullah, a municipality employee, in order to conceal his military background.

On Aug 21 last year, Taliban fighters dragged Abdul Rahman Delawar, the former security commander of Shekhel district, from his home and killed him, according to local media.

Delawar had fled to Iran following the fall of Kabul and had recently returned to his ancestral village where he was living a normal life.

The dossier of 200 Afghans killed since the leak was put together by the independent caseworker  known only as Person A  who first raised the alarm over the data breach.

She sent an email to James Heappey, the Armed Forces minister at the time, in which she warned how severe the negligence has been in terms of data security.

She added: The Taliban may well now have a 33,000-long kill list  essentially provided to them by the UK Government.

She sent the email on Aug 15 2023, after an anonymous user on Facebook threatened to publish the leaked data.It had been accidentally released 18 months earlier by a British soldier tasked with vetting Afghans seeking asylum under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap).

Person A was subsequently subject to the super-injunction in September 2023, which prevented her  along with newspapers  from even mentioning its existence.

The dossier compiled by Person A and other caseworkers was passed to The Telegraph after the super-injunction was lifted, to serve as a snapshot of Afghans who worked with coalition troops and are believed to have subsequently been targeted by the Taliban.

The identities of those killed were gleaned from posts in local Afghan press and on social media as well as through contacts on the ground. The Telegraph has been unable to verify independently the names contained in the dossier of those killed and the circumstances in which they died.

Person A said Afghans may have applied to the Arap scheme  even if they had not worked with British troops  as a means to securing a safe haven.

But it also means Afghans who had no association with the UK military may have been put in danger simply by applying to the Arap scheme.

Person A said: The issue we have is we have no way of knowing whether the people in our dossier had applied for the Arap scheme or not. There are an awful lot of people who didnt comply with Arap but applied through Arap.
The blast hit before sunrise. Apartment blocks in Kharkiv, reduced to smoke and dust, left bodies in stairwells and glass embedded in kitchen walls. The drones came next. The sirens wailed, again. Ukraine knows this pattern. Russias missile diplomacy is no longer news. Its background.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, a quieter statistic began circulating in European policy circles. It wasnt front-page material, but it should have been. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, three-quarters of Russias liquefied natural gas exports since the invasion began have been carried on ships owned or insured by UK-linked firms. The scale of that number requires no spin. It speaks for itself. And what it says is simple: while the United Kingdom declares moral clarity on the war in Ukraine, it continues, through its financial and maritime infrastructure, to keep the gas flowing.

Not to Britain. London banned direct Russian gas imports in 2023. But the ban stops at the shoreline. It doesnt apply to British companies insuring tankers that deliver Russian LNG to France, Belgium, or other EU states. It doesnt touch Glasgow-based shipping firms dispatching icebreaking LNG carriers to Arctic ports like Yamal. Nor does it interrupt liability coverage flowing through Lloyds syndicates in London. The Kremlin monetizes every step of it.

Russias war economy is powered by energy exports, crude, refined products, and gas. Oil gets the headlines. LNG does not. It slips under radar coverage partly because its less fungible, partly because there is no price cap, and partly because policymakers failed to treat it as a primary revenue stream. LNG from Yamal and Ust-Luga continues to flow with minimal disruption. CREA estimates over 200 billion in Russian fossil fuels have been transported by vessels insured or owned by UK-affiliated entities since the invasion began. That figure, if accurate, exceeds Russias annual defense budget.

How? Through omission, not evasion. The UK banned buying LNG but not insuring or transporting it for others. No black-and-white violation. Just legal whitespace. The same Lloyds-linked underwriters covering Baltic crude in 2021 are now covering Arctic LNG in 2024, with the documentation in order and no compliance alarms triggered.

This isnt a loophole. Its architecture, a system of layered liability coverage, reinsurance, and legal jurisdiction designed not to break laws, but to sidestep them. Maritime insurance is not just a paperwork formality, its the prerequisite for trade. Without coverage, ships cant dock, pass through canals, or offload cargo. Most ports and counterparties require proof of liability insurance, often issued through protection and indemnity (P&I) clubs, many of which are headquartered in London or reinsured through Lloyds syndicates. That means that even if a policy is issued by a foreign entity, say, in Cyprus or Hong Kong, its risk is often backed by UK capital.

The maritime insurance market functions through layered underwriting and global syndication. At its core are Protection and Indemnity (P&I) clubs, mutual insurance associations that provide third-party liability coverage for shipowners. These clubs often pool risk and reinsure with major players, most prominently Lloyds of London syndicates. Marine policies typically include hull insurance for vessel damage, cargo insurance for goods, and liability coverage for environmental or human harm. For a ship to be accepted at major ports or to secure financing, this insurance must be recognized and backed by legitimate capital, usually reinsured through Londons markets. Without such coverage, ships are effectively barred from trade. This system gives UK underwriters an outsize role in global maritime flows, even when cargo and ownership are foreign.

A UK firm is domiciled in the United Kingdom and directly regulated by British authorities, such as the Financial Conduct Authority or the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI). These entities are subject to comprehensive disclosure, compliance, and enforcement obligations under UK law. A UK-linked firm, by contrast, may be incorporated abroad, often in jurisdictions like Bermuda, Cyprus, or the Isle of Man, but is ultimately owned, managed, or financially backstopped by British individuals or companies. Its legal contracts may be governed by English law. Its risk may be reinsured in London. And its principals may be UK nationals. While not necessarily regulated by OFSI in all cases, these firms operate within the financial shadow of the UK and benefit from the reputational halo of its institutions. Their claims are handled by UK legal systems. Their capital circulates through British banks. They operate with the credibility of the City of London behind them. Yet in enforcement terms, they still manage to sit in a blind spot.

Reinsurance layers make this worse. A vessel might be insured by an MGA in Dubai, which offloads risk to a reinsurer in Bermuda, which in turn uses a Lloyds market syndicate as the ultimate risk holder. At each step, exposure is diluted, or at least appears to be. But from a sanctions standpoint, these chains mean accountability is distributed across a network in which no single node feels responsible. OFSI sees only part of the picture. So does OFAC. So does the EU. The structure has plausible deniability built in.

The UKs role here isnt passive. London remains the de facto legal and financial hub of the global shipping economy. Over half of marine insurance policies touch British markets. Many shipping contracts are governed by English law. London arbitration chambers dominate maritime dispute resolution. And P&I coverage provided by Lloyds-backed clubs is the gold standard in global trade. The architecture runs through the City, even if the transactions take place elsewhere.

The United Kingdom, and London in particular, is the operational heart of the global maritime insurance ecosystem. Lloyds of London is not just a historic institution, it remains the dominant platform for underwriting and reinsuring marine risk. Over 60% of global marine premiums pass through the UK either directly or via reinsurance agreements. English law governs a majority of international shipping contracts, and London arbitration is the default forum for maritime disputes. This legal and financial gravity means that even when insurers are nominally foreign, their risk is often indirectly underwritten by UK capital, regulated by UK law, and enforced through UK courts. No other jurisdiction provides the same density of legal, financial, and compliance infrastructure.

There is no indication that Seapeak Ltd, a Glasgow-based LNG operator, or any UK insurer named in recent analysis, has violated existing sanctions law. Thats exactly the problem. They havent had to. There is no ban on transporting Russian gas for others. There is no ban on insuring it. UK officials have made no serious move to close the regulatory vacuum. Sanctions were drafted to look strong, not to function that way.

According to CREA and independent maritime analysis, approximately 75% of vessels involved in the post-invasion transport of Russian LNG were either owned by companies with UK affiliations or insured through UK-linked underwriters. Of that 75%, CREA did not offer a precise split between ownership and insurance. However, analysis of vessel registries and underwriting disclosures indicates that a substantial portion, likely the majority, were insured, not owned, through UK-linked entities. This distinction is crucial: while ownership suggests logistical and operational control, insurance enables legal operability. A Russian-chartered LNG tanker may be flagged in Panama and loaded in Yamal, but if it sails with P&I coverage sourced from a Lloyds-backed syndicate or a reinsurer tied to London markets, its economic legitimacy is anchored in the UK.

Strategic incoherence now defines UK sanctions posture. On one hand, Britain positions itself as a leader in supporting Ukraine, sending weapons, training troops, and standing firm in G7 declarations. On the other, its insurers and shipowners quietly enable the continuation of Russias gas export economy. The contradiction is not abstract. CREAs data connects those dots with precision. Tankers hauling Russian LNG, destined for European buyers, are sailing with UK-backed coverage. Their revenue stream flows through British pipelines of financial legitimacy.

The counterarguments have grown stale. That banning UK services would raise costs, that it would increase energy prices, that it might push Russia toward shadow insurers, these claims made sense in 2022. They no longer hold. European energy markets have stabilized. LNG from Qatar and the U.S. has replaced much of the Russian supply. Spot pricing has dropped. The risk of market shock is low. The political will, however, has not caught up.

UK enforcement efforts have targeted oil tankers in the so-called shadow fleet using deceptive practices and flags of convenience. But LNG has been left largely untouched. There is no price cap, no vessel-level targeting at scale, and no meaningful restriction on services provided by UK-based firms. The oversight gap is not technical. Its intentional.

This matters beyond Ukraine. Sanctions are not moral statements. They are systemic levers of statecraft. They test whether Western regulatory systems can exert real control over the arteries of global commerce. If Britain proclaims alignment with Kyiv while its financial architecture underwrites the gas exports funding Russias war, then its credibility is compromised.

Solutions exist. Britain can ban maritime service provision, insurance, reinsurance, flagging, legal services, to vessels involved in the Russian LNG trade. It can mandate beneficial ownership disclosure for all insurers underwriting maritime cargo under its jurisdiction. It can require reinsurers to audit their exposure to sanctioned cargoes and revoke licenses from those that fail to comply. None of this requires new technology or legislation. It requires political clarity.

The missiles that hit Kharkiv were not funded in a vacuum. They were paid for by LNG revenues. That cargo sailed under British insurance. It reached buyers with Western legal legitimacy. And the proceeds were wired to Moscow without disruption.

Britain has done much to support Ukraine. But its maritime and financial sectors continue to operate under a framework of plausible deniability. That must end. Strategic coherence demands more than public resolve. It demands enforcement that closes the space between intent and outcome.

The LNG trade is the last structural exemption. It is Moscows cleanest revenue channel. And it remains, today, enabled by British infrastructure. That can change. But only if Britain chooses to see the system it has built, and then has the will to dismantle it.

Brett Erickson is the managing principal of Obsidian Risk Advisors. He serves on the advisory board of DePaul University Driehaus School of Business and Loyola Law School-Center for Compliance Studies.
Recently, the South China Morning Post released a video showing the precarious position of the restaurant business in Hong Kong. This is part of a larger trend of stagnation that has hit the Hong Kong economy. Coronavirus definitely played a role in this, but it is only part of the story. The larger story is that COVID, the National Security Law, and a changing political culture are all contributing factors to the decline of Hong Kong. If the government of HK wants to reverse HKs fortunes, it needs to reverse course on the totalitarian path.

The economic situation in Hong Kong has stagnated. Even several years after the pandemic, many metrics are behind where they were in 2019. Despite an increase from 2023 to 2024, the total number of tourists visiting the city is 20% below what it was pre-pandemic. COVID restrictions completely shut off the flow of tourists, but the slow reopening of Hong Kong and China more broadly forced tourists to make alternative arrangements.

COVID certainly played a role in HKs economic woes, but it is not enough of an explanation. Other countries have managed to recover and are thriving in the post-COVID world. Four years after the pandemic, GDP growth in the city is just over 2%. So what other factors are affecting Hong Kong?

The answer is that there is a very different political environment in Hong Kong. 2020 saw the implementation of a sweeping National Security Law that criminalizes dissent against the central government in Mainland China. The fact that this violates the Basic Law, Hong Kongs quasi-constitution, is of no concern to Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee. Hundreds of Hong Kongers have been arrested for infractions deemed to be subversive of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Indicative of the NSL is the case of businessman Jimmy Lai, a billionaire and founder of businesses such as fashion brand Giordano and newspaper Apple Daily. Lai found himself in the crosshairs of the CCP due to his outspoken criticism and pro-democracy activity. The reason this matters to the economic situation of Hong Kong is the manner in which Lai is being persecuted. Upon his arrest, the government froze the assets of both Lai and his companies, meaning Apple Daily had to shut its doors. This all happened before Lai was convicted of anything. A clear violation not only of his property rights but also of due process.

What previously made Hong Kong an attractive destination for financiers was its dependable legal system that provided due process. However, the NSL and its implementation demonstrate to business leaders that their assets are no longer safe in the city. Even if they are unjustly accused, what happened to Jimmy Lai demonstrates that businesses should not be confident of receiving a fair trial.

The National Security Law is a gross injustice that violates the liberty of the people of Hong Kong. Such appeals to justice are unlikely to sway the decision makers in China, however. It is not just out of principle that the CCP should reverse course, but there is a utilitarian reason as well. If Hong Kong cannot be trusted to provide liberty and the rule of law, there is no reason why financiers should do business there. Businesses are already leaving Hong Kong for places like Singapore, in part due to the unpredictable legal situation in Hong Kong. To reverse its economic fortunes, the CCP should repeal the NSL to the benefit of Hong Kong and China as a whole.

Hong Kong was once an international hub due rule of law and free markets. The case of Jimmy Lai demonstrates that HK no longer adheres to the rule of law. There is reason to believe it is no longer committed to free markets, either. Businessman Li Ka-Shing made a deal a few months ago to sell the ports he owned in Panama to a U.S.-owned consortium, but the deal came into question when the CCP objected. Businesses cannot thrive if there is a fear that the government will blow up deals it doesnt like. If Hong Kong is to remain a thriving economic hub, it must reverse course and commit itself to the free market principles that made it great.

The Hong Kong economy is struggling due to the pandemic, the National Security Law, and a shift in the political culture. To recover, the city must back away from authoritarianism and embrace the values that made it great. Doing so is not only the right thing to do, but it is also the smart thing to do.
The United States renewed emphasis on reciprocal tariff policy is sending ripples across its alliance network, and South Koreaa linchpin ally in both economic and security domainsis squarely in its path. The U.S. decision to impose a 25% tariff on South Korean exports, effective August 1, 2025, as part of a sweeping realignment of trade policy under Executive Order 14257, has escalated uncertainty within the ROK-U.S. alliance. Although framed as a domestic economic correction, this move risks reshaping the alliance into a more transactional relationship, raising questions about strategic reliability at a time of growing regional volatility.

The ROK-U.S. alliance has traditionally rested on shared security interests and values. Over the decades, it has matured into a comprehensive partnership that spans defense, high technology, energy, and critical infrastructure. Trade has played a critical role in sustaining this relationship, particularly under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). Yet the current U.S. tariff move disregards that context. By applying the logic of strict reciprocity to a close allyregardless of the alliances strategic valuethe United States risks undermining the trust that underpins its extended deterrence and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

Defense industrial cooperation is one of the areas likely to feel the impact most acutely. South Korea has emerged as a credible and capable defense industry partner, exporting platforms such as the K9 howitzer and FA-50 light combat aircraft, often in collaboration with U.S. firms. In recent years, Seoul has deepened co-production and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) arrangements with the United States, especially in areas tied to the Pacific theater. However, reciprocal tariffs that affect dual-use components, logistics flows, or related industries could complicate these initiatives. They would raise costs, disrupt schedules, and reduce the appeal of joint products in global defense markets. Such friction could deter further integration of Korean firms into U.S. supply chains and delay critical force-multiplying projects.

Moreover, the principle of reciprocitywhen applied rigidlyintroduces a transactional logic into an alliance that has, until now, operated on strategic trust. This shift is particularly risky in the current geopolitical environment. With North Korea advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities, and China expanding its maritime assertiveness in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, South Koreas alignment with the United States remains vital. But when economic pressure is perceived as a coercive lever rather than a tool for mutual adjustment, it can erode the political foundation of security cooperation. Public sentiment in South Korea has historically reacted sharply to unilateral economic actions by the U.S.as seen during past disputes over beef imports, steel quotas, and defense cost-sharing. The imposition of punitive tariffs could reignite nationalist backlash and make deeper security cooperation more politically costly in Seoul.

The timing of this policy shift is also critical. The Indo-Pacific is becoming the central theater of strategic competition, and Washington is seeking to build a coalition of allies and partners capable of deterring coercion, safeguarding supply chains, and setting regional norms. South Korea, with its advanced manufacturing base, digital innovation, and geostrategic location, is indispensable to this vision. However, a tariff-first approach risks alienating Seoul and pushing it toward greater strategic hedgingwhether through deeper engagement with ASEAN, more autonomous defense planning, or even economic accommodation with Beijing under frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

China, in particular, stands to benefit from any weakening of U.S.-ROK alignment. By portraying Washington as an unreliable economic partnereven to its closest alliesBeijing could position itself as a more stable alternative for South Koreas export-driven economy. Although Seoul remains wary of Chinese strategic intentions, prolonged economic friction with the U.S. could compel a recalibration of its foreign policy balance.

The U.S. should reconsider whether a one-size-fits-all application of reciprocal tariffs is appropriate for treaty allies. Reciprocity in trade can serve legitimate purposes, especially in addressing long-standing imbalances or discriminatory practices. But when applied to allies without strategic exemptions or sensitivity to geopolitical implications, it risks doing more harm than good. Strategic allies should not be treated as adversaries on economic spreadsheets.

South Korea, for its part, must continue emphasizing the broader strategic logic of its partnership with the U.S. and seek both high-level diplomatic engagement and targeted industrial solutions. But it must also prepare for a more volatile U.S. trade posture, including diversifying export markets, strengthening autonomous industrial capabilities, and reinforcing multilateral trade ties to hedge against future disruptions.

Ultimately, sustaining the ROK-U.S. alliance in this new environment will require more than shared threats. It will demand a shared understanding that strategic trust cannot be rebuilt every four years based on fluctuating tariff policies. If Washington chooses to prioritize symmetry over strategy, it may secure short-term economic leverage but at the cost of long-term regional stability.

The alliance is not just about burden-sharingit is about future-shaping. The coming months will show whether both sides are prepared to reaffirm that commitment, or whether they will allow tariff disputes to erode one of the Indo-Pacifics most vital security pillars.
The team toured four clusters in and around Kolhapur where Kolhapuri chappals are made.

Kindly note that this illustration generated using ChatGPT has only been posted for representational purposes.

A four-member team from Italian luxury brand Prada visited Kolhapur in Maharashtra this week to understand the craft of making the Kolhapuri chappal.

The team included Paolo Tiveron, director of the men's technical and production department -- footwear division; Daniele Contu, pattern-making manager -- footwear division; and external consultants Andrea Pollastrelli and Roberto Pollastrelli.

Prior to their visit, the team had an online meeting on July 11 with executives from the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.

During their two-day visit, the team toured four clusters in and around Kolhapur where Kolhapuri chappals are made, including Subhash Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Kandalgaon, and Kagal village -- the last of which is home to a cluster of women artisans.

The visit comes in the wake of a controversy surrounding Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which featured models wearing footwear resembling Kolhapuri chappals during Milan Fashion Week last month.

The sandals, priced at around 1 lakh, drew backlash for failing to credit India as the source of inspiration.

"The team from Prada has been in India to evaluate our production facilities. While their standards are very different from ours, they will return to Italy and issue a report on the same," Lalit Gandhi, president, MACCIA, told Business Standard.

If all goes well, Gandhi added Prada's business team will visit Mumbai in August to discuss how to move the proposal forward.

MACCIA has also recommended that Prada consider adding four more Maharashtra-origin products to its catalogue, including traditional jewellery from the region.

In June, MACCIA had written to Prada regarding the use of the Kolhapuri chappal in its fashion show.

In response, Prada said: 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear with a centuries-old heritage.

'We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.'

The letter said: 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities -- as we have done in past collections -- to ensure rightful recognition of their craft.'

Separately, the Bombay high court on Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation filed against Prada for its alleged use of the Kolhapuri chappal design. The plea had argued that the chappal is protected as a Geographical Indication under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
China on Saturday formally started the construction of a $167.8 billion dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh.

IMAGE: Construction is in full swing for the six-lane high-tech extradosed bridge over the Brahmaputra connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati, in Assam, February 6, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the start of the construction of the dam at a groundbreaking ceremony in the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra River, locally known as Yarlung Zangbo, at Nyingchi City, official media reported.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the dam site of Nyingchi's Mainling hydropower station in Tibet Autonomous Region, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The hydropower project, regarded as the biggest infrastructure project in the world, raised concerns in the lower riparian countries, India and Bangladesh.

The project will consist of five cascade hydropower stations, with a total investment estimated at around 1.2 trillion Yuan (about $167.8 billion), the report said.

According to a 2023 report, the hydropower station is expected to generate more than 300 billion kWh of electricity each year -- enough to meet the annual needs of over 300 million people.

It will primarily deliver electricity for external consumption while also addressing local demand in Tibet, which China officially refers to as Xizang.

Representatives from various organisations, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the Power Construction Corporation of China and locals attended the ceremony, the report said.

The project was approved in December last year.

The dam is to be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra River makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh.

According to earlier reports, the size of the project would dwarf any other single infrastructure project on the planet, including China's own Three Gorges dam, regarded as the largest in the world.

China has already operationalised the $1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, in 2015, which raised concerns in India.

Concerns arose in India as the dam besides empowering China to control the water flow, the size and scale of it could also enable Beijing to release large amounts of water flooding border areas in times of hostilities.

India too is building a dam over Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.

India and China established the Expert Level Mechanism in 2006 to discuss various issues related to trans-border rivers under which China provides India with hydrological information on the Brahmaputra river and Sutlej river during the flood seasons.

Data sharing of trans-border rivers figured in the talks between India, China Special Representatives (SRs) for border question, NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held here on December 18 last year.

The Brahmaputra Dam presents enormous engineering challenges as the project site is located along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur.

The Tibetan plateau, regarded as the roof of the world, frequently experiences earthquakes as it is located over the tectonic plates.

But an official statement in December last year sought to allay concerns about earthquakes, saying that the hydropower project is safe and prioritises ecological protection.

Through extensive geological explorations and technical advancements, a solid foundation has been laid for the science-based, secure, and high-quality development of the project, it said.

Brahmaputra flows across the Tibetan Plateau, carving out the deepest canyon on Earth. The dam will be built in one of the rainiest parts.
India has dismissed as "fake" claims by certain social media handles that the US fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against Iran.

IMAGE: Rhe US deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to carry out precision airstrikes on Irans nuclear infrastructure. Photograph: US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Scott H. Spitzer

The US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday, with President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates.

"Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE," PIB Fact Check said in a post on X on Sunday.

"Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer," said the fact check unit of the Press Information Bureau that functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

It said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine explained the route used by US aircraft during a press briefing.
Ondo Finance brings tokenized U.S. Treasury to Sei Network originally appeared on TheStreet.

Ondo Finance announced its tokenized Treasury Bill product, USDY, on the Sei Network on July 17. The Sei Network is an ultra-fast Layer 1 blockchain, and its integration with USDY marks an important milestone for the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, linking real-world assets with high-performance on-chain infrastructure.

USDY, with a total value locked (TVL) of more than $680 million across various blockchains, offers a 4.25% annual percentage yield (APY) that's refreshed on a monthly basis.

The product will allow non-U.S. retail and institutional investors to utilize stablecoin utility, coupled with returns from investing in short-term U.S. Treasuries, while providing traditional investor safeguards.

This is beneficial to investors as conventional bank savings accounts often offer less than 1% APY. However, with Ondo's USDY, they can achieve significantly higher returns.

Join the discussion with CryptoWendyO on Roundtable here.

"By bringing USDY to Sei, we're combining an institutional-grade product with a next-generation execution layer," said Nathan Allman, CEO of Ondo Finance. "This enables capital-efficient use cases for protocols, developers, and users alike."

The Sei Network is a high-performance choice for the digital asset markets, with parallel execution and shutter-like speed. TVL on the network recently surpassed $670 million, representing an 821% year-over-year growth.

"Ondo Finance is setting the standard for real-world asset tokenization," said Justin Barlow, Executive Director at the Sei Development Foundation. "USDY represents the kind of high-quality, composable yield primitive that will unlock new possibilities for onchain applications."

Now, the integration is meant to improve access to tokenized U.S. Treasury exposure while supporting Sei's mission to become the leading Layer-1 platform for institutional-grade DeFi products.

Treasury Bills are regarded as one of the safest investments in the world since they are guaranteed by the United States government. Tokenizing these assets makes them available to worldwide investors, giving a consistent, low-risk return, which is uncommon in turbulent cryptocurrency markets.

Ondo Finance brings tokenized U.S. Treasury to Sei Network first appeared on TheStreet on Jul 17, 2025

This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Former separatist leader Bilal Gani Lone has entered the political mainstream, saying his primary motivation is to correctly represent the "true legacy" of his late father, Abdul Gani Lone, which he claims has been misrepresented even "within the family".

IMAGE: Former separatist leader Bilal Gani Lone. Photograph: ANI Photo

Lone's comments are seen as a veiled critique of his brother, MLA Sajjad Lone, who has been in mainstream politics for years.

In an interview with the PTI Videos, Bilal Lone said that he and his brother have been on "different political paths since 2002".

Wishing Sajjad Lone all the best in his future endeavours, Bilal Lone sought to convey a clear message to him, saying, "Please do politics on your own strength and not exploit the ideology" of their late father.

He said the senior Lone stood for "non-violence" and the "dignity of his people" and that these principles will remain at the core of his own politics.

He said the People's Conference, the party founded by his father, "died on 21 May 2002" -- the day of his father's martyrdom.

He vowed to pursue an "organic" path, building his politics "on his own strength" and steering clear of the "politics of exploitation".

Abdul Gani Lone, a votary for a dialogue, was killed by Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on May 21, 2002, in downtown Srinagar, where he had gone to mark the death anniversary of Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq.

Lone asserted that he has no grand political vision but a simple vow to "speak the truth", and stressed he is not in the race for any position like chief minister or MLA but is driven by a desire to "pay back" his people.

"If the door of my house closes because of the truth, I have no problem with that," he said, describing his new political journey as a collective effort moving at a "snail's pace" to regain trust.

Lone said that while he and his former Hurriyat colleagues "could not do anything" for the people, his ties with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remain strong.

He called the Mirwaiz a leader of a "very big stature" with a significant role to play, adding that he would be willing to follow him if he took a constructive political path.

Bilal Lone said his decision to shift political paths is to save the youth, whom he described as the "biggest casualty of the conflict" and added that "violence has given us nothing".

"Violence ne yahan par barbaadi hi laayi hai (violence has only brought disaster)" and "finished generations" and left Kashmiris "at the receiving end", he said.

His new political narrative will go beyond the traditional focus on roads, power, and water.

He plans to address the future of the new generation by talking about their education, health facilities and business prospects.

Bilal Lone also said that reconciliation between Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits is essential, as the "biggest casualty" in the Valley has been trust between the two communities. He stressed that a fresh start is necessary for the two communities.

"Kashmiri Muslims need to understand that if a Kashmiri Pandit lives in our neighbourhood, that is my duty to safeguard him, not the state," he said while emphasising the need for sincerity and a frank conversation about past wrongs between the two communities.

"Whatever wrong has been done in the past... let us address those people. Let us go and talk to them," he said, suggesting that if a mistake was made, an apology should be offered.
At least five persons have been arrested from New Town near Kolkata in connection with the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra in a Patna hospital, the police said on Saturday.

IMAGE: The hospital where a gangster on parole was shot dead, in Patna, Bihar, July 17, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Five policemen were suspended on Saturday for dereliction of duty in connection with the murder of the gangster in the Patna hospital, a senior officer said.

The five accused were apprehended from a housing complex in the satellite township of the metropolis following raids conducted jointly by the Patna Police and West Bengal STF in the early hours of Saturday, they said.

Mishra, a resident of Buxar district of Bihar, who was a murder convict and out on parole, was shot dead by gunmen inside a private hospital in Patna on Thursday morning.

"All the accused were hiding in a flat in the housing complex in New Town area. Of the five, four were directly involved in the killing. They fled Patna after the incident and came to Kolkata," a police officer said.

"Their mobile phone tower location helped us track them. The Bihar police will produce them before a local court, seeking transit remand," he said.

A purported CCTV footage of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed five armed men entering the ICU of the hospital and opening fire at Mishra.

The suspended personnel comprised a sub-inspector, two ASIs, and two constables.

"They have been suspended with immediate effect for dereliction of duty in connection with the murder of the convict inside a top private hospital on Thursday. The personnel were posted at Shastri Nagar police station," Patna (Central) superintendent of police Diksha said.

Also, three more policemen -- an SI and two ASIs -- were suspended for laxity during their normal deployments at different places in the state capital. These suspensions were not related to the murder case.

While an SI posted at Kargil Chowk near Gandhi Maidan was suspended, two ASIs -- one of Gardani Bagh police station and another posted at Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) -- were suspended for dereliction of duty, a statement issued by the office of the Patna (Central) SP said.

Mishra was lodged at Beur Jail and had gone to the hospital for treatment on parole, police said, adding, he was involved in 24 criminal cases, including over 12 murder cases.

SP Patna (Central) Diksha had told PTI on Friday that a probe is underway as to how the criminals managed to reach the room where Mishra was admitted without any security check.

"This raises serious questions over the security arrangements at the hospital. Five unmasked armed assailants reached the second floor, opened fire at Mishra, and fled the premises. Investigators are certainly looking into any complicity that may have led to the security lapse," she had said.
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa have agreed to a ceasefire, US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said on Saturday.

IMAGE: A Bedouin fighter walks with a weapon near damaged cars and buildings, following the Syrian presidency's announcement of a ceasefire in Sweida, Syria, July 19, 2025. Photograph: Karam al-Masri/Reuters

"BREAKTHROUGH ---- Israeli Prime Minister @Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa @SyPresidency supported by the U.S.A. @SecRubio have agreed to a ceasefire embraced by Turkiye, Jordan and its neighbors, Tom Barrack, who is also Special Envoy for Syria, said in a post on X.

The announcement also included a call for unity among Syria's diverse communities to support the peace initiative.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors," Barrack added.

The ceasefire follows Israeli airstrikes on Syria on Wednesday, which Israel said were carried out to protect the Druze, a minority Arab religious group.

Clashes between pro-government forces and Druze factions have left dozens dead since the ouster of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, CNN reported.

Syria's security forces have begun deployment in the southern province of Suwayda, following days of deadly fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups and government forces, compounded by Israeli military intervention, Al Jazeera reported.

The deployment began on Saturday, hours after the United States announced that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire.

However, overnight clashes have cast uncertainty over the truce.

Syria's government said the ceasefire was enacted "to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people."

In a televised address, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that he "received international calls to intervene in what is happening in Suwayda and restore security to the country."

Al-Sharaa also said Israeli intervention has "reignited tensions" in the city, calling the fighting "a dangerous turning point," while thanking the US for its support.

Earlier, interior ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba announced on Telegram that "internal security forces have begun deploying in Suwayda province ... with the aim of protecting civilians and putting an end to the chaos."

According to Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall, reporting from Damascus, it remained unclear whether Syrian troops had entered Suwayda city or were still on its outskirts as of Saturday morning. He added that Bedouin tribal fighters were awaiting clarity from the government regarding the ceasefire, while Druze leaders were split -- some welcoming the truce and others vowing to continue fighting.

"Al-Sharaa said that national unity was a priority for his government and that part of the role of the government was to be a neutral referee between all parties," Vall reported.

"He praised the people of Suwayda, other than the few elements that wanted to sow trouble, saying that both Druze and Arab communities in the city were noble people."

Fighting in Suwayda had "been going on throughout the night," Al Jazeera reported, but the deployment of Syrian internal security forces was described as "welcome news" by many residents.

On Friday, an Israeli official told reporters, on condition of anonymity, that due to "ongoing instability in southwest Syria," Israel had agreed to allow the "limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Suwayda district for the next 48 hours."

The Syrian health ministry has reported at least 260 deaths in the Druze-majority city, with the International Organisation for Migration estimating that around 80,000 people have fled the area.

"A lot of extrajudicial killings [are] being reported," said Vall. "People are suffering, even those who have been killed or forced to flee, they don't have electricity, they don't have water, because most of those services have been badly affected by the fighting."

Al Jazeera further reported that on Friday night, Israeli forces dispersed a "violent" gathering of Druze citizens near the border fence in the Majdal Shams area of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The army stated that several demonstrators crossed into Syrian territory and that efforts were underway to return them.

According to Al Jazeera, Damascus believed it had received a green light from both the US and Israel to send forces to Suwayda, based on remarks by US special envoy Thomas Barrack and security discussions with Israeli officials.

This perception reportedly came despite earlier Israeli warnings against such deployment.
Asserting that the Indus Waters Treaty was a "historic mistake", Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said its termination is a befitting response to Pakistan and will ensure immense benefit to Jammu and Kashmir, which will be able to harness its real hydro power potential.

IMAGE: Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha (left), during 'Provincial Arya Mahasammelan' to commemorate 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati and 150th anniversary of the founding of Arya Samaj, in Jammu, July 19, 2025. Photograph: @OfficeOfLGJandK X/ANI Photo

"India has made it clear that blood and water cannot flow together, terror and talks cannot go together and terror and trade cannot happen together," the lieutenant governor said.

"Termination of the IWT is a befitting response to Pakistan and it will have far-reaching consequences since it is dependent on the Indus River system," he added.

Releasing a monograph 'Indus Water Treaty-Mirroring the Facts' by Sant Kumar Sharma in Jammu, the lieutenant governor congratulated the author on his remarkable work to bring out various historical aspects of this treaty.

Addressing the function, Sinha said the thoughtful and timely monograph offers interesting insights on the IWT with Pakistan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive move to terminate the treaty post Pakistan-sponsored Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that left 26 persons dead.

The lieutenant governor said the historic step has marked a new beginning and reiterated the government of India's commitment to utilize the nation's water exclusively for the benefit of its citizens.

"India's water will now flow within India and remain in India. With the termination of the IWT, we now have full control over the Jhelum and Chenab rivers," said Sinha, adding its termination will ensure immense benefit to Jammu and Kashmir, which will be able to harness its real hydro power potential.

The barren areas of Jammu can be irrigated and there will be new momentum in the development of infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

The lieutenant governor said India will now create infrastructure, power plants and diversion to new areas with proper infrastructure to use the water and it will enable construction of new reservoirs.

Citing a debate in Parliament in November 1960 and the statements of prominent leaders in the House, he said that the IWT was a "historical mistake, unfair, one-sided" and hampered infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir and restricted growth of development projects.

Sinha also paid tribute to the civilians, who were martyred in the Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated his resolve to honour and deliver justice to the terror victims of Jammu and Kashmir.

"No terror victim families will be left behind. It is being ensured that family members, who have been waiting for justice for decades, will receive jobs, financial assistance and necessary handholding. Their culprits will not be spared," the lieutenant governor said.

"The properties of terror victims which were encroached by the terrorists or terror sympathisers will be vacated soon," he added.
A 13-year-old boy was allegedly sodomised by two teenagers who forced him into oral sex on the campus of a school in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city, the police said on Saturday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The victim's family allegedly had to run from pillar to post to get a mandatory medical test done, prompting the authorities to launch a probe into the delay.

The accused boys, aged 16 and 17 years, were detained and sent to a correctional facility, Annapurna police station house officer Ajay Nair told PTI.

He said the incident occurred on Thursday when the victim was playing on an open ground in the school's campus, when the accused sodomised him and forced him to perform oral sex.

The official said the accused were not students. One of them was a mechanic, and children living in the vicinity often played on the open campus.

A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, he added.

According to the victims' acquaintances, the boy was asked to undergo a swab test, as mandated by law, at the district hospital, where his family was told, after waiting for a long time, that they did not have the facility.

The family met the chief medical and health officer for the test, but to no avail. The child was then taken to the government-run MY Hospital, where he underwent the test 17 hours after the FIR was registered, they claimed.

Policemen also accompanied the victim for the test, the police official said.

When contacted, Dr Ashok Yadav, superintendent of MY Hospital, said he has ordered an inquiry into the delay.

"I have sought explanations from the chief medical and health officer and duty doctors of the district hospital regarding the delay," he added.

The swab test facility was also available at small health centres, he said.
Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray has questioned the rationale behind the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance if mistakes like delays in finalising seat-sharing agreements and selecting candidates during the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections are repeated.

IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray presents the book 'Why Do You Want Hindi?' to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in Mumbai, July 17, 2025. Photograph: @ShivSenaUBT_ X/ANI Photo

He emphasised that the euphoria following the MVA's impressive performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections morphed into individual egos focused on securing party-wise victories during the assembly elections, ultimately leading to their defeat.

In an interview with Saamana, the mouthpiece of Sena-UBT, Thackeray lamented that his party had to concede constituencies it had previously won multiple times to its MVA partners during the Lok Sabha polls.

"The seat-sharing parleys (during assembly polls) dragged on till the very last minute. The squabbling (among MVA partners) sent the wrong message about us among the people," he said.

During the polls, candidates were not decided in certain constituencies, the former chief minister recalled.

"It was a mistake which has to be rectified. There is no point staying together if such mistakes are to be made in future," Thackeray said.

He suggested that the race to announce sops during the assembly polls put the MVA, comprising Sena-UBT, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar and Congress, at a disadvantage.

There are discussions taking place regarding the "EVM scam", the bogus voters list, and the rise in the number of voters during the assembly polls.

There were deceptive schemes such as Ladki Bahin, which affected the poll prospects, Thackeray told Saamana's executive editor and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut.

But it is not right to shy away from accepting the mistakes, he said.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the MVA won 30 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra.

Five months later, the Mahayuti alliance handed a crushing defeat to the opposition bloc, restricting the collective tally of Sena-UBT, NCP-SP, and Congress in the 288-member House to 46.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party clinched the highest 132 seats, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde won 57 and NCP headed by Ajit Pawar 41 in direct contests against the rivals Sena-UBT and NCP-SP, which secured 20 and 16 constituencies, respectively.
'An HAL-private sector tieup is a possibility.'

Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy HAL

The government is willing to extend targeted assistance to new entrants to create an enabling environment for a second combat aircraft manufacturer -- possibly from the private sector -- alongside State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), through the advanced medium combat aircraft (Amca) execution model, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh told Business Standard.

This was after a key meeting of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Amca's design agency, in Bengaluru on July 4, 2025, which was attended by over two dozen interested companies.

While stating that the government acknowledged HAL's inherent advantage in securing the prototype development tender for India's first fifth-generation fighter jet due to historical factors, the defence secretary said it nonetheless believed there was space for at least two such entities in the country.

"Access to Indian Air Force base and common test facilities, probably at a discounted rate, could be extended to private sector players that qualify as the development-cum-production partner for the Amca prototype, either as a single entity or as part of a joint venture or consortium," the secretary said, addressing a crucial concern of large private companies interested in competing.

The private industry has welcomed the Amca execution model, under which both private and public Indian defence companies have been given equal opportunity to compete for developing the stealth fighter's prototype.

However, there are concerns that a level playing field with HAL might still be some distance away.

One reason cited by an industry insider is that the Bengaluru-headquartered Maharatna's assets, including its own aviation facilities for testing and development, are government-funded -- meaning it bears neither asset-creation nor servicing costs.

Private players argue that replicating such infrastructure independently would be prohibitively expensive.

An executive from a private-sector defence firm who did not wish to be named also noted that HAL, by virtue of its existing and upcoming order volumes -- including nominated orders for the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A, and those expected for the Mk2 -- was in a position to underbid competitors for the Amca development programme.

In February, the HAL leadership indicated that the company's order book was expected to reach Rs 2.5 trillion in 2025-2026.

Private defence majors like the Kalyani Group, Larsen & Toubro, the Tata group, and Adani Group are keen to participate in the programme.

The defence secretary acknowledged these concerns. "Challenges will be there for any new entrant, but we are trying to at least lift the existing entry barriers."

Under the execution model approved in late May, private and public defence companies can bid for the Amca development programme independently, as JVs, or as consortia.

Bidders must be Indian firms compliant with national laws and regulations.

This marks a departure from longstanding convention, where HAL has served as the default domestic production agency for combat aircraft, and so far remains the only Indian entity to manufacture such platforms.

The move is being seen as the first concrete opportunity to end HAL's monopoly in the field.

In June, the ADA invited expressions of interest (EoI) for Amca's prototype development.

At least some interested private firms have reportedly expressed concerns that the evaluation criteria favour HAL.

However, in a recent interview with Business Standard, HAL Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil said that certain aspects of the evaluation framework were, in fact, weighted against the defence public-sector undertaking (DPSU).

Whichever company wins the current tender is expected to be the natural choice for series production of the final platform, as indicated by the invitation of EoI requiring the shortlisted entity to possess the capability to establish a manufacturing facility for the purpose.

There is also speculation that an HAL-led JV or consortium involving private firms could be the frontrunner to secure the contract for prototype design, development, and production.

The defence secretary acknowledged that HAL and some private players could tie up, notwithstanding the government's goal of establishing a second combat aircraft manufacturer.

"An HAL-private sector tieup is a possibility, but rather than speculate, I would leave such decisions to the market and the players. Even so, a JV or consortium of this kind could impart a measure of momentum to the aerospace sector."

The secretary also said that some private firms could look to tie up with foreign original equipment manufacturers, adding that his personal opinion was inclined towards permitting minority, non-controlling foreign equity, which should be considered in line with existing 'Make in India' provisions applicable for capital procurements.

Regarding the government's vision to create additional defence production capacity beyond the existing DPSUs, the defence secretary said: "In shipbuilding, we have already created a level playing field for existing and prospective private entrants by ending nominations to PSUs and moving to competitive bidding.

"A similar process is underway in other areas like munitions, small arms, and armoured vehicles.

"The Defence Research and Development Organisation is also increasingly partnering with the private sector for its designs -- the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System and carbines being the most recent examples."

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
In a fresh claim, US President Donald Trump said "five jets were shot down" during the military conflict between India and Pakistan in May and repeated his assertion that the fighting ended following his intervention.

IMAGE: US President Donald J Trump. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

In his remarks at a White House dinner on Friday, the US president, however, did not provide specific details such as whether the jets were downed by either of the two countries or if he was referring to combined losses by both sides.

"You had India, Pakistan (military conflict) that was going (on). In fact, planes were being shot out of the air, five, four or five. But I think five jets were shot down actually, that was getting worse and worse, wasn't it?"

"That was looking like it was going to go, these are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other," Trump said at the dinner he hosted for Republican senators.

There was no immediate response from New Delhi on the US president's remarks.

While India acknowledged losses of aircraft during the conflict, it refrained from providing the details. Pakistan, on the other hand, has been peddling a narrative without providing any evidence that it downed six Indian jets. The claim has been rejected by the Indian military.

On May 31, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said in Singapore that India suffered losses of aircraft in the conflict, but declined to specify the losses in terms of number of platforms.

The top military officer said the Indian military struck deep inside Pakistani territory after rectifying tactics. Gen Chauhan had also rejected Pakistan's claim of downing six Indian jets as "absolutely incorrect."

In his remarks at the reception, Trump also repeated his claim of ending the conflict.

"India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger. And we got it solved through trade," he said.

"We said, 'you guys want to make a trade deal. We're not making a trade deal if you're going to be throwing around weapons and maybe nuclear weapons.' Both very powerful nuclear states," Trump added.

In virtually rejecting Trump's claim of ending the conflict, New Delhi has been maintaining that the two sides halted their military actions following direct talks between their militaries without any mediation by the US.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.

In his comments, Trump also said his administration achieved more in six months than almost any other administration could accomplish in eight years.

"Something I'm very proud of, we stopped a lot of wars, a lot of wars. And these were serious wars," Trump said.

Since May 10, Trump has repeated his claim several times on various occasions that he helped settle the tensions between India and Pakistan and that he told the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours that America will do a lot of trade with them if they stopped the conflict.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Tayiba, had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.

The US on Thursday designated TRF as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that Washington is adding TRF as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

India welcomed the US decision with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar describing it as a "strong affirmation" of India-US counter-terror cooperation.
Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party leader Arvind Rajbhar and around two dozen of his supporters have been booked allegedly for disrupting operations at the Mau Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh.

IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state minister Om Prakash Rajbhar (second from right) at an appointment distribution event, in Lucknow, October 24, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The police action came after the matter was raised by Ghosi Lok Sabha MP Rajeev Rai.

Arvind Rajbhar is the son of SBSP chief and UP minister Om Prakash Rajbhar and is a general secretary in the party.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rai defeated Rajbhar by a margin of over 1.62 lakh votes.

Rai said that the DRM Varanasi, in a letter dated July 17, informed him that neither Rajbhar, nor any other person from his party sought permission to take a "tour" of the railway station, which obstructed train operation.

"On the afternoon of March 19, Arvind Rajbhar along with some of his supporters and mediapersons (20-25) held a press conference in an unauthorised manner, due to which there was a great inconvenience to rail operation, discharge of duty by railway personnel and the passengers," the letter said.

"In this regard, a case was registered against Arvind Rajbhar and 20-25 unknown persons on April 4 under the Rail Act at Railway Protection Force post, Mau," it said.

Rai on Saturday said he had earlier in Parliament raised concerns about the state of the railway station.

"About four days later, this self-proclaimed 'rail minister' arrived at the station with his supporters, inspected the station, and said that the local MP was lying. He also held a press conference at the platform. This infuriated me, since I am the elected MP from this place," Rai told PTI.

"Who gave him the permission to hold a press conference on the platform? The stoppage time of the trains are barely 2 minutes. When hundreds of people are boarding and deboarding the train, and if any untoward incident happens, then who will be responsible for it?" he added.

Rajbhar, in his turn, said he was at the station to receive someone and did not conduct any inspection.

"I had gone to the railway station to receive someone, when some journalists quizzed me about the local MP's statement about the poor state of the railway station. I just said that the MP must know the change the station had undergone since 2003. But he went on to charge me with unauthorised inspection," he told PTI.
Mohan Bhagwat's 'retirement at age 75' comment lands just as he and Modi near that mark -- sparking whispers of retirement, rifts, and reshuffles.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat at the pran pratishtha ceremony of the Ram temple, January 22, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat's recent remark about retiring at age 75 have sparked intense political debate, particularly as both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS chief approach this milestone in September.

The comment, delivered during a address in Nagpur on June 11, has reignited discussions about age limit in Indian politics and the RSS' role in shaping such conventions.

Bhagwat noted that Modi 'will turn 75 on 17 September 2025' and added, 'But the prime minister can also tell the Sarsanghchalak that he too will turn 75 on September 11, 2025.'

The RSS Leadership Legacy

IMAGE: Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, established in 1925, has had only six Sarsanghchalaks in its nearly century-long existence. The position is decided through nomination by the predecessor, and the Sarsanghchalak's orders are supreme in the RSS.

Mohan Bhagwat has served as the Sarsanghchalak since March 2009, making him the third longest-serving chief after Madhav Sadashiv 'Guru' Golwalkar (33 years between 1940 and 1973) and Madhukar Dattatreya 'Balasaheb' Deoras (21 years, between 1973 and 1994).

RSS Sarsanghchalaks Since its founding in 1925, the RSS has had six Sarsanghchalaks. In contrast to the BJP's relatively recent 75-year threshold, these heads typically continued until ill-health or death intervened. Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder and first Sarsanghchalak, led the RSS from its inception until his death in 1940 at 51. IMAGE: Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar . Photograph: Kind courtesy, Filmindia Magazine, December 1949/Wikimedia Commons Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, popularly known as Guruji, succeeded him and remained chief for 33 years until he passed away in 1973 at 67. Madhukar Dattatreya 'Balasaheb' Deoras, the third Sarsanghchalak, became the first to formally step down, citing failing health in 1994 when he was around 79. he died on June 17, 1996. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya), a physicist-turned-pracharak, succeeded Balasaheb Deoras and also relinquished the post due to health issues in 2000 at about 78. He passed away in July 2003. Kuppahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan, who followed Rajju Bhaiya, stepped down in 2009 aged 78, reportedly telling associates that he had 'crossed 75 and it was time to go.' He died in September 2012. As is evident, while there is no codified rule, most RSS chiefs who stepped down did so around the late 70s, and always for physical reasons. As a senior RSS functionary was quoted in Hindustan Times: 'No Sarsanghchalak has ever been forced out purely due to age. It has always been about health or personal readiness to make way.'

The RSS leadership structure has traditionally been characterised by long tenures and succession through internal selection rather than democratic process. The RSS presents itself as a cultural, not a political, organisation that nevertheless advocates a Hindu nationalistic agenda, which has given it significant influence over India's political landscape.

RSS Chiefs and Age

IMAGE: Balasaheb Deoras. Photograph: kind courtesy, @DrPramodPSawant/X

Unlike the BJP's current 75-year retirement benchmark, the RSS has not historically enforced strict age limits for its Sarsanghchalaks. The organisation's leadership transitions have typically occurred due to natural succession or death rather than pre-determined retirement ages. This approach has allowed for institutional continuity but has also meant that chiefs have served well into their advanced years.

The current debate gains particular relevance given that Mohan Bhagwat was born on September 11, 1950, making him the same age as Narendra Modi, who was born six days later, on September 17, 1950.

This has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussion about retirement norms.

IMAGE: Professor Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya). Photograph: kind courtesy, rajjubhaiya.in

The Constitutional and Practical Dimensions

The debate also touches on broader questions about age limits in democratic governance. BJP leaders have pointed out that the Constitution does not include any retirement provision for political leaders, citing Atal Bihari Vajpayee as an example of leaders who served effectively beyond conventional retirement ages.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah told The Week magazine in 2019 that 'No one above 75 has been given a position in the BJP', though this statement now faces scrutiny given the current circumstances.

Organisational Dynamics and Future Implications

The RSS' influence on BJP politics extends beyond mere ideological guidance. As the BJP's parent organisation, the RSS has historically played a role in key political decisions, including leadership selections.

The RSS is the leader of a large body of right wing organisations called the Sangh Parivar, which has developed a presence in all facets of Indian society and includes the BJP.

The current discussion about the 75-year rule occurs against the backdrop of speculation about succession planning within both the RSS and the BJP. With Modi turning 75, speculation grows about succession plans -- and the Sangh's role in them.

IMAGE: Kuppahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan. Photograph: kind courtesy, rssfacts.org

Looking Ahead

As September 2025 approaches, the question of whether the 75-year retirement norm will be consistently applied across the RSS-BJP ecosystem remains open. The debate reflects broader tensions between organisational traditions, democratic principles, and practical political considerations.

Senior RSS sources have downplayed the significance of Bhagwat's remarks, suggesting that the organisation may not view the 75-year benchmark as a strict rule for its own leadership. However, the political implications of this stance, particularly given the RSS' influence over BJP politics, continue to generate discussion.

The resolution of this question will likely have significant implications for India's political landscape, potentially setting precedents for how age-related transitions are managed in the country's largest political organisation and its ideological parent body.

As both leaders approach this milestone, their decisions will undoubtedly influence how future generations of political leaders approach the question of retirement and succession in Indian politics.

Photograph curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Press Release

July 19, 2025 KIKO MARINDUQUE EX-VG FARMERS' 'HOPELESSNESS' FUEL CALL FOR PANGILINAN TO CHAIR SENATE AGRI PANEL A provincial official of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) has urged that Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan be elected chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, citing the growing sense of "hopelessness and helplessness" among farmers and fisherfolk. Former Marinduque Vice Governor Adeline Angeles, who heads the PRRM chapter in the province, made the appeal during the open forum that followed Pangilinan's keynote speech at the PRRM Inter-Chapter Meeting and Conversation on Sustainability on Thursday. "I just want to mention that before we came here, we had a meeting with the PRRM chapter of Marinduque together with some leaders of farmers and fishermen," Angeles said, speaking in a mix of English and Tagalog. "To be honest, while I was listening to them, their hopelessness was overwhelming. Others have been fighting for a long time but their helplessness was overwhelming. I felt my own guilt--maybe that's why I stepped away from politics for now. I didn't hear their helplessness before. You have to go outside the system to hear what needs to be heard," she added. Angeles then expressed support for Pangilinan joining the Senate majority if it would allow him to lead the agriculture panel and improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk. "Just a small voice--I think I go with others who are supporting the recommendation for you to join the majority," she said. "We recognize the doubts of many because of the vital issues involved, and we know the realities of politics. But we have so much trust in your principles and in who you are. We are confident that before joining the majority and before sitting at the negotiating table, you know exactly what is non-negotiable for you. We know that the welfare of small farmers, small fishermen--all vulnerable sectors--will be non-negotiable for you, regardless of where you sit," she added. In his speech, Pangilinan addressed the deep-seated problems of Philippine agriculture, sharing stories of farmers who, despite decades of hard work, remain poor. He cited three farmers he had met whose combined years of labor spanned over 180 years--feeding generations of Filipinos, yet still living in poverty. He also recalled how some of the country's biggest corruption scandals, including the Napoles pork barrel scam and the Fertilizer Fund scam, involved funds meant for the agriculture sector. Pangilinan recounted his experience as Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization during the Aquino administration, when he tackled corruption in the National Food Authority and succeeded in lowering rice prices within a year. "We were able to bring rice prices down because instead of corrupt spending, we did correct spending," he said. "We were effective then because we worked with the executive department. If given the chance, we can do it again." Pangilinan's remarks and Angeles's emotional appeal come as the Senate prepares to organize for the 20th Congress. Discussions over bloc alignments have become increasingly contentious, with questions over who will join the majority or minority, and what that means for committee leadership. Some observers have raised concerns about a potentially weakened opposition should Pangilinan and Senator Bam Aquino choose to align with the majority. But Senator Risa Hontiveros, currently the most prominent opposition voice in the Senate, dismissed such concerns. "There is no sense of betrayal if they join the majority. What matters is who we fight for, not where we sit," she said. Since his return to the Senate, Pangilinan has remained focused on food and agriculture issues. He has filed resolutions to investigate soaring food prices and has called for stronger support for farmers, fisherfolk, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and seafarers. Throughout, he has emphasized that unity, integrity, and public service must take precedence over political labels. Some attendees at the PRRM forum expressed the view that Pangilinan should head the agriculture committee regardless of his bloc affiliation, arguing that he is the most qualified for the post. They also stressed the importance of elevating the agriculture panel, calling it one of the most consequential committees in the chamber, especially in the push for rural development. "For the rural poor, the stakes could not be higher," one participant noted. As Angeles said: "We have so much trust in your principles. We know what will be non-negotiable for you--our farmers and fisherfolk. That is why we hope you are given the power to help them."
In todays CEO Daily: Diane Brady talks to Penny Pennington of Edward Jones.

The big story: Trump and Epstein.

The markets: All is calm.

Analyst notes from ING on the Fed, Oxford Economics on jobless claims, and WARC on Reddits revenue and user growth.

Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune.

Good morning. The U.S. economy has been surprisingly resilient while the tariff wars rage even though prices may go up as inventories dwindle, consumers are becoming more value conscious, and investors are by turns sanguine and skittish. (Witness their reaction to the specter of President Trump potentially firing U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, as my colleague Jim Edwards noted in this piece.)

I had a chance to speak with several business leaders at a roundtable convened by Edward Jones Managing Partner Penny Pennington recently at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Her concern was, how do we help future generations build wealth in this uncertain economy? With challenges like high home prices and an uncertain job market, she takes a holistic view of the customer. Were a wealth and wellbeing company.

The theme of investing took many forms. Bev Anderson, CEO of BECU credit union, focused on creating financial opportunities, while Gallup CEO Jon Clifton talked about the need for better global indicators of how we feel amid a rise in negative emotions. Southern Company CEO Chris Womack is expanding his energy infrastructure amid surging demand at the countrys second-largest utility. Optimism about the power of technology and innovation was mixed with worries about geopolitics and the state of civil society.

In an era of growing complexity and rapid change, face-to-face conversations have become even more important for sharing ideas and building trusted relationships. Thats why the dinners hosted by CEO Initiative members around the country have been so valuable. Its why Im excited by our upcoming Fortune Global Forum on October 26 and 27 in Riyadh.

Among the CEOs who have confirmed their attendance, so far, are Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, Ed Bastian of Delta Air Lines, Tony Elumelu of United Bank for Africa, Jane Fraser of Citigroup, Mahindra & Mahindra Anish Shah, Catherine MacGregor of ENGIE, Honeywells Vimal Kapur, Gilberto Tomazoni of JBS, and Jenny Johnson of Franklin Templeton. You can find out more here and click here if youd like to apply to attend.



Contact CEO Daily via Diane Brady at diane.brady@fortune.com

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Running For Life

IMAGE: A girl flees the scene after Israeli strikes on a school sheltering displaced people at the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, July 17, 2025, in this screen grab from video obtained by Reuters. Photograph: Reuters TV/via Reuters

Homecoming Tears

IMAGE: Cilia Flores, wife of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, carries Gloryannys Machado, who arrived on a deportation flight carrying children of Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States, at the Simon Bolivar international airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, July 18, 2025. Photograph: Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters

Remembering The Victims

IMAGE: People hold pictures of the victims at an event marking the 31st anniversary of the 1994 bombing attack on the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association community centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 18, 2025. Photograph: Mariana Nedelcu/Reuters

Missing The Loved Ones

IMAGE: People hold images of the victims of the 1994 bombing attack. Photograph: Mariana Nedelcu/Reuters

Following Trump's Diktat

IMAGE: Mexican truck drivers attend an English class as part of an effort to comply with a recent executive order by US President Donald John Trump requiring commercial drivers to meet English proficiency standards at the Fletes Sotelo company facilities in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, July 16, 2025. Photograph: Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters

Minister Helps Sow Rice

IMAGE: Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey transplants rice at Raghunathpur village in Ranchi, July 18, 2025, here and below. Photograph: ANI Photo

Photograph: ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'People are fed up with rising crimes and poor law and order.'

'Modi must have got feedback and decided not to touch the 'jungle raj' issue as it will backfire.'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowds on his arrival at the venue of the public meeting in Motihari, Bihar, July 18, 2025. Photograph: By special arrangement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained complete silence on the spate of crimes, particularly a spate of recent murders, in Bihar during a lengthy public address at Motihari in East Champaran district on Friday.

In a rare speech, and perhaps for the first time, he did not recall the 'jungle raj' of the Lalu-Rabri years, his favourite jibe during his visit to the state in the recent past as well over the last two decades.

"Modi has visited Bihar 53 times since becoming PM in 2014 and he never missed an opportunity to recall jungle raj to create a sense of fear among the people and to target Lalu Prasad," stated Sudhansu Singh, a friend of Abhisek Varun, an ICICI Lombard branch manager whose body was discovered three days ago after he went missing on Sunday night.

"But on his visit today, he hardly used the word jungle raj to target and attack the Opposition.

"Today Bihar is facing more or less a situation like jungle raj; fear is palpable among the people, businessmen are facing threats to their lives, professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, and contractors are living in fear," Singh added.

The state has witnessed a disturbing surge in violent crime, with reports of businessmen, traders, politicians from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, and close relatives of Janata Dal-United leaders, lawyers, teachers, bankers, and youths being killed.

Earlier this month, prominent businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead near his building in the heart of Patna, followed by a series of reported murders including a private school owner, a lawyer, a mini-mart owner, and a sand trader.

Questions over Bihar's declining law and order have persisted for months, but the recent spree of killings across Patna and the state in the 18 days of July itself has undeniably put the ruling National Democratic Alliance -- comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal-United, Hindustani Awam Morcha and Lok Janshakti Party-Ramvilas -- on the back foot.

IMAGE: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Deputy CMs Vijay Sinha and Samrat Chaudhary accompanied Modi in Motihari. Photograph: By special arrangement

A day before Modi's visit, five gun-toting criminals brazenly shot dead Chandan Mishra, a murder convict out on parole for treatment, inside an ICU room of a reputed private hospital in the heart of Patna on Thursday morning, before fleeing in Bollywood style.

While Modi did attack the RJD and Congress, accusing them of corruption, looting public funds meant for welfare schemes, and neglecting the poor and marginalised, he conspicuously avoided any mention of 'jungle raj' or reminded the public of it.

This stands in stark contrast to his previous visits.

During his last visit to Bihar in June, at a rally in Siwan district, Modi said, 'People of Bihar have ended the jungle raj created by the Congress, RJD, adding, 'Those who brought jungle raj to Bihar are looking for an opportunity to repeat their old deeds.'

Last November, Modi credited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with pulling Bihar out of 'jungle raj'.

Throughout the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, Modi consistently used the term in public meetings, claiming the RJD had only delivered 'jungle raj' to Bihar.

Before Friday's Motihari rally Modi had visited Bihar four times during which he had consistently invoked 'jungle raj' of the Lalu-Rabri governments to caution voters against voting for the RJD-led Opposition.

IMAGE: Modi in conversation with Nitish Kumar during the public meeting in Motihari, July 18, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo

Kanchan Bala, a social activist, expressed little surprise at Modi's omission, because the current scenario is worse than the period he referred to as jungle raj.

"Modi understands that people are unhappy over murders, rape, loot, robbery and other crimes reported in Hindi dailies on a daily basis," she stated. "This is not a secret anymore; it is in the public. There is no rule of law and Nitish Kumar is doing nothing."

Political analyst D M Diwakar suggests that with crime spiralling out of control and the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government failing to check the killings which have become a "new normal", Modi deliberately avoided the 'jungle raj' reference because it will go against the NDA government ahead of the Bihar assembly elections later this year.

"As of now, people are fed up with rising crimes and poor law and order. Modi must have got feedback and decided not to touch the 'jungle raj' issue as it will backfire," Diwakar added.

Official data from the Bihar police's latest State Crime Records Bureau paints a grim picture, with 1,376 murders with an average of 229 each month between January and June this year, compared to 2,786 in all of 2024 and 2,863 in 2023.

IMAGE: Modi inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 7,000 crores in Motihari, July 18, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo

Ironically, Additional Director General of Police Kundan Krushnan, a senior IPS officer, attributed the recent surge in crime to farmers and poor farm labourers, who are without work during the lean season of April, May and June.

Krushnan reportedly defended his theory on Wednesday, stating that the absence of a crop season between April and July leads to widespread unemployment among farmhands, escalating land-related clashes.

Some, particularly the youth, even resort to contract killings for quick money, the ADG claimed, noting a rise in murder cases mainly between May and July.

He cited crime data showing 217 murder cases in April and 284 in May this year.

Similarly in 2024, 231 murders took place in April, 254 in May, 292 in June and 279 in July. In August, it came down to 249 cases.

Even in 2023, 215 murders were recorded in April, 279 in May, 278 in June and 270 in July. It came down to 250 in August.

In 2022, the state witnessed 256 murders in April, 301 in May, 297 in June and 262 in July. Again it dipped to 257 in August.

Krushnan's controversial remarks drew sharp criticism from both Opposition and ruling NDA leaders.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, dismissed Krushnan's theory as an attempt to cover up police failures and to keep the ruling alliance happy.

'People on roads, streets, markets, and offices are expressing concern and fear following killings reported daily. This is an example of lawlessness as no one is safe,' Tejashwai asserted.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan, head of the LJP-R, part of the NDA, also questioned Krushnan's theory, and said the Bihar police have failed to control crime.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'Only a fool would put his life savings into a restaurant at 59... but I did.'

IMAGE: Mansoor Showghi Yezdi. Photographs: Rediff

Life begins at 59.

It may sound unbelievable, but for Mansoor Showghi Yezdi, life truly began at 59.

In 2016, at 59, Mansoor started a small 20-seater cafe in a bylane of Mahim, central Mumbai, called Cafe Irani Chaii.

Success seemed almost impossible, because no restaurant had ever flourished in that sleepy bylane.

McDonald's, KFC or Subway had never considered opening a franchise in this part of town.

All the other successful restaurants in Mahim -- Paramount, Shehnaz, Madina or Sneha -- had been running for 30 years, but were located on the other side of the main road, Lady Jamshedji Road, just 50 metres away from Cafe Irani Chaii.

At that point, I personally felt that running a successful restaurant (in the pre-Zomato and Swiggy delivery days) depended entirely on getting a good location. Isn't that right, I happened to tease Mansoor one day.

"You're wrong," Mansoor told me in 2016.

"The restaurant business is run on emotions. A chef or cook puts creativity and feeling into food. That's what draws customers. This business is about taste. And if you get the taste right, customers will follow," he philosophised.

Mansoor served Kheema Pav, Bheja Masala, Paya Soup, Paya, Dhansak, and the most iconic Irani combo -- Bun Maska and Irani Chai.

"You must try the mutton paya. I make the best Mutton Paya in Mumbai," Mansoor once told me.

I was sceptical about his business -- and so were others in the neighbourhood. No one believed this small Irani Cafe would succeed.

The standard sceptical reaction in local Bambaiya style was: "Kaun aayega idhar Mahim mein Irani chai peeney? Aur kyon aayega?"

For Mansoor, the cafe was never about profit.

"I'm not starting this for profit. I'm doing it for the emotion and legacy of Irani chai. If I stay sincere, profit will follow," he said.

He reminded me of another famous Irani kebab restaurant in Mumbai -- Sarvi.

"Have you ever been to Sarvi in Nagpada in South Mumbai?" he asked.

I said, "Yes."

Mansoor said, "Sarvi has no nameboard at the entrance. But everyone knows where it is -- because of its legacy. I want the same for Irani Chai in Mahim."

To this day, Sarvi has no nameboard announcing its presence. Patrons just know it is there.

Cafe Irani Chaii opened in October 2016 with much fanfare. The locals rushed to get a taste of old Mumbai -- the Irani chai of their memories, now in their own neighbourhood.

IMAGE: IMAGE: Mansoor's Mutton Paya. Photograph: Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff

The dishes were exceptional -- especially the Mutton Paya, arguably the best in Mumbai.

But the biggest hit was the Bun Maska and Irani Chai -- a nostalgic taste of Bombay's old-school charm.

The combo became a living slice of history for a new generation.

It seemed the restaurant was an instant hit.

But within three months, that early success began to fade.

The initial euphoria died down. Footfalls dropped.

One Monday morning, as I passed by the cafe, I saw Mansoorbhai with his head in his hands, looking dejected.

I asked, "What happened? Is everything okay?"

He replied, "No. Not a single customer has come since morning. Monday is a terrible day for the restaurant business."

Naively, I suggested, "Why not shut the restaurant on Mondays? Treat it like a weekly off -- you'll save electricity, and you'll get some rest too."

"No way," said Mansoor. "You can't shut a restaurant even for a day. It creates bad publicity. People see the shutters down and think the place has shut down permanently."

"So what's the solution?" I asked.

He replied, "Only a fool would put his life savings into a restaurant at 59, in a business so uncertain. It takes five years of consistent operation before you start seeing profits."

When I once complained about him not selling bottled water, he said, "My conscience won't allow me to make money on water. Water is Allah's gift to humanity. We cannot profit from it."

"So how will you make a profit?" I asked.

"Through patience -- and the blessings of my ancestors," he replied.

"Blessings?" I wondered aloud.

Mansoor grew emotional. "Yes, the blessings of my ancestors."

He explained:

At 59, he was retired, after a career making documentary films. He had even worked with the legendary V Shantaram before venturing into documentaries.

But something still felt incomplete.

"I felt I had to keep the legacy of my ancestors alive before I die."

He told me how Bombay had given refuge to his grandfather in 1890, who came with his family from Yazd, Iran, fleeing famine.

"Atithi Devo Bhava -- and Indians lived by that. They never let us down."

His Irani family had flourished in the city. But now, Irani cafes had nearly vanished.

"There were once 400 Irani cafes in Mumbai. Today, barely a dozen remain. I want to revive the tradition of Irani chai. It's our culture. I want to bring it back."

He also explained the extra "i" in "Chaii" -- a tribute to the age-old friendship between Iran/Persia and India.

"I don't want the love and affection between India and Iran to die. I'm playing a small part, but it's valuable. I'm spreading love -- over a cup of Irani chai."

Over time, I saw Cafe Irani Chaii fill with customers.

The Instagram generation discovered Mansoor's food and spread the word.

Youngsters posted selfies, reels and shared stories -- placing this small Mahim Cafe on a global map.

One Sunday morning, I saw his son Hussain running from one egg shop to another.

"What happened?" I asked.

Hussain said, "Sixty customers landed out of nowhere this morning for breakfast. We had limited eggs. I'm buying 60 more right now."

That day I knew that Cafe Irani Chaii had become a phenomenon.

In October 2023, Mansoor opened a second branch in Chembur in the eastern suburbs and personally invited me.

"Let the love between Iran and India flourish in more parts of Mumbai," he said over the phone.

I visited the new outlet -- much more spacious, triple the size of his original 20-seat cafe in Mahim.

It was an instant success too, and it continued to serve the famous Bun Maska and Irani Chai.

Sadly, Mansoor didn't live long to see the full success of his Chembur branch. He passed away this week of a sudden heart attack.

But Mansoor's legacy lives on.

Photograph: Rediff.com IMAGE: Documentary filmmaker-turned-restaurateur Mansoor Showghi Yezdi.

In every cup of Irani chai, every bite of Bun Maska, and in the hearts of those who remember the magic of a bygone Bombay.

PS: Post-COVID self-restrictions on using glass to serve water led Cafe Irani Chaii to sell bottled water. But it's sold at cost -- a bottle priced at Rs 10 in the market is offered at Rs 8 here, with no profit earned.

That was Mansoor. I remembered his "Through patience -- and the blessings of my ancestors" response to my "How will you make profit?"

His ancestors, I am sure, must have welcomed Mansoor with open arms, in heaven.
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) ranks among the best forever stocks to invest in. Despite reducing some of its near-term North American growth projections, Piper Sandler maintained its Overweight rating on The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) on July 8 with a price target of $80.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Coca-Cola (KO), Trims North America Growth Forecast

SGM / Shutterstock.com

The companys forecast of Q2 2025 North American organic sales growth has been lowered from 6.0% to 2.5% to better reflect the 2.8% growth in US measured retail sales so far this quarter. Piper Sandler also reduced its forecast for organic sales growth in North America in Q3 2025 by about 3 percentage points.

While favorable currency conditions add around $0.02 back to Piper Sandlers 2025 earnings per share forecast, these model adjustments lower it by about $0.02, maintaining the full-year global growth prediction slightly over the midpoint of Coca-Colas guidance.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is a multinational beverage company that produces, develops, and sells a broad variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Coca-Colas brands include Fanta, Fresca, Schweppes, Sprite, and others.

While we acknowledge the potential of KO 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 More: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

Disclosure: None.
US President Donald Trump handed the Kremlin a clear warning this week, announcing plans for weapons supplies to Kyiv via Europe and saying the United States will impose very severe tariffs on Russia if it doesnt reach a deal on the war in Ukraine within 50 days.

Trump did not specify whether a cease-fire would suffice, or only a comprehensive peace deal. Either way, many analysts say its unlikely to happen. Heres why.

Territorial Aims

Russian President Vladimir Putins goals clearly go far beyond the conquest of part of Ukraine: He has made plain that he wants to subjugate the country and weaken NATO and the West, restoring a measure of Moscows Soviet-era sway over swaths of Europe.

But a more immediate aim is all about territory. Russia occupies about 20 percent of Ukraine. In addition to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia has controlled since 2014, Putin formally and falsely claims that the Ukrainian mainland regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson are now Russian -- including the substantial portions that Russia does not occupy.

Russia has said a full Ukrainian withdrawal from those four regions is a prerequisite of any peace deal -- a demand that Kyiv says is unacceptable. And while analysts say Putin could weather any backlash at home if he agreed to a pact that would limit Russias presence to the land it now holds, he has given zero indication that he might do that.

On the contrary, Russia has stuck to this demand in its rhetoric.

On the ground, it has sought to make its claim a reality, pressing forward in the Donetsk region in particular and bearing down on the ruined city of Pokrovsk.

In one of the first Russian reactions to Trumps remarks, Kremlin-aligned lawmaker Konstantin Kosachyov said on Telegram that oh so much can change on the battlefield in 50 days.

Russia could seek to step up its offensive in the coming weeks, pushing to advance not just in the provinces it claims but also elsewhere, such as in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions north of Donetsk. In June, Putin issued a thinly veiled threat to try to capture the city of Sumy.

Still, there actually is a limit to what can change in six weeks on the battlefield, where incremental Russian gains have come at a massive cost in terms of casualties, which are estimated to be close to 1 million killed or wounded since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

But while there is no way Russia can seize the remaining parts of the four regions by September -- areas that include the capitals of Zaporizhzhya and Kherson -- that may only sharpen Putins desire to secure control over them on paper ahead of any deal.

To me, its clear that Putin does not want any cease-fire, at least not until he gains control over all the regions that are defined as Russian in his version of the constitution, Dmitry Gudkov, a former opposition lawmaker in the Russian parliament, told Current Time on July 16. In essence, it would mean Ukraines capitulation."

Ultimatums Are Unacceptable

Trump has sought to broker an end to the war in Ukraine since he took office six months ago, following an election campaign in which he said he could get it done in a day or two. Facing pushback from Putin, most notably in the form of his carefully worded rejection of the US call for a 30-day cease-fire, Trump has had harsh words for Putin in recent weeks.

But the 50-day warning was the first time Trump has given the Kremlin an ultimatum -- a form of pressure that Putin, who has made demands that other countries treat Russia as an equal a formal part of his foreign policy, does not seem to like. So while many in the West have been eager for Trump to make specific demands on Putin, its not clear whether an ultimatum increases or decreases the chances of a deal.

Putin has not spoken publicly about Trumps remarks, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said nothing specific about them. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who oversees Moscow's ties with the US, said on July 15 that "any attempts to make demands, especially ultimatums, are unacceptable to us."

If we cannot achieve our goals through diplomacy, then the [war against Ukraine] will continue, Ryabkov said, delivering the closest thing so far to an official rejection of Trumps call for a deal within 50 days -- by September 1 or 2, depending on how its counted. This is an unshakable position.

The Blame Game

The Kremlin may hope that Trumps turn against Putin in recent weeks is not so unshakable -- and that if theres no deal come September, the pendulum will swing back and the US president will lay at least part of the blame on Kyiv.

One prominent view in Russia is that Trumps current focus is transient and the increased support for Ukraine is a maneuver designed to increase pressure on Putin and test whether this approach yields results, Tatyana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, wrote on X.

Those who hold this view believe that when it becomes evident that such pressure is ineffective -- expected to be soon -- Trump is likely to revert to a diplomatic course, including exerting pressure on Ukraine to reach a compromise, Stanovaya wrote ahead of Trumps remarks.

Trump has put much of the blame on Ukraine at times in the past. And an aspect of his July 14 remarks that flew mostly under the radar was that he stressed that he hopes the push for a deal within 50 days will have an impact on Ukraine also.

We want to make sure that Ukraine does what they have to do, Trump said. All of a sudden, they may feel emboldened and maybe they don't want [a deal] -- this is a very difficult situation.

Not Ready For Prime Time

In any case, though, there are at least two reasons why the threat of sanctions seems unlikely to push Putin much closer to a deal with Ukraine to halt or end the war at this point. One is that it is unclear how the measures Trump threatened -- chiefly, tariffs or sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil -- would work.

Trumps July 14 announcement was laudable in its intention to hit Russia on the economic side but not ready for prime time in its details, Daniel Fried, a fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank and an architect of US sanctions against Russia after it seized Crimea in 2014, said on the podcast Just Security.

Its also unclear how well they would work if they are put in place, so the Kremlin could be inclined to take its chances.

China and India are the top two recipients of Russian energy exports, and the expectation that they will pressure Putin to end his war in the next 50 days seems naive, Michael McFaul, a political science professor at Stanford University and the US ambassador to Russia in 2012-14, wrote in Time Magazine.

The other reason is that Russia has weathered Western sanctions so far and the Kremlin has made that a point of pride, slotting it into the overarching narrative that Russia -- in fact the aggressor in an unprovoked war -- is fighting a defensive campaign in a major showdown with West -- and winning. Against that backdrop, appearing to bend in the face of the tariff threat is something Putin would be loath to do unless absolutely necessary.

Two Big Contingencies

The same may go for the stepped-up weapons shipments that Trump has promised Ukraine, with NATO allies footing the bill by purchasing Patriot air-defense missile systems and other arms from the United States or sending Kyiv weapons they have already received.

Fried, the former sanctions architect, said that if Trumps announcements on weapons for Ukraine and economic pressure on Russia are crystallized, sharpened, and implemented, it could make a big difference in terms of the war and the path to peace.

Two big contingencies: Get the weapons flowing and keep them flowing; and crystallize our policy options for hitting the Russian economy. You do both and Ukraines in a very different position, he said. If Putins assumptions or his hopes for a US failure of leadership and abandonment of Ukraine prove to be false, then he may have to settle.

Other analysts suggest thats not about to happen anytime soon, if at all.

"I think...we're going to need to see the United States showing a lot more muscle if it really is going to be able to bring Putin to the table in any kind of meaningful way," Russia expert Mark Galeotti said on the This Is Not A Drill podcast.

The prevailing view in Russia is that none of these developments will alter Putins strategy of coercing Kyiv into capitulation by any available means, Stanovaya wrote.

Putin will not be beaten out of his war optimism easily, and he believes [Trump] has few cards, Alexander Gabuev, director of Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, wrote on X on July 14.

As far back as winter it was clear that Vladimir Putin is convinced [of] one thing: time is on his side, Gabuev wrote. This is why he isn't interested in a deal [thats] not on his terms."
By Yadarisa Shabong

(Reuters) -Reckitt has sold a majority stake in its Essential Home business to private equity firm Advent International in a deal valued at $4.8 billion including debt, it said on Friday.

The consumer goods group said it would retain a 30% stake in the business, which makes Air Wick fresheners, Cillit Bang cleaners and insecticide Mortein.

Reuters exclusively reported last month that the two parties were in talks over a sale, with Reckitt likely to retain a minority stake.

Reckitt CEO Kris Licht has been trying to turn around the business and ease shareholder concerns over the strength of its brands in North America and Europe, where consumer confidence has been weak.

A Reckitt spokesperson said the decision to retain a stake provided a potential long-term value opportunity and the deal structure maximised returns for shareholders.

Shares in the company rose as much as 2.3% in early trade before paring gains to stand 0.8% up at 0840 GMT.

"It was the perfect storm between a seller who needs to sell and a buyer with no competition," a source close to the matter said on Friday.

The value of the transaction includes up to $1.3 billion in performance-based and delayed payments tied to how the business performs and other financial conditions, Reckitt said, adding that the deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

"This should be a boost to management's credibility, quite a lot of which was resting on successful execution of this deal," RBC analyst James Edwardes Jones said in a note, though he did describe the proceeds as underwhelming.

JPMorgan analysts also noted that the deal financials were weaker than expected, adding that Reckitt's remaining stake in the business leaves it with large exposure and risks related to Essential Home's performance.

Reckitt said it plans to return excess capital to shareholders, including a special dividend of about $2.2 billion and a share consolidation, after the deal closes.

Essential Home accounted for about 13% of group revenue in the first quarter but sales have struggled for several quarters.

Reckitt, brands of which include Dettol handwash and Durex condoms, has also been considering options for its litigation-hit baby formula business, Mead Johnson.

(Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong and Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru and Andres Gonzales in LondonEditing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and David Goodman)
Nearly 400 Russian missiles and drones were fired at Odesa, Pavlohrad, and other Ukrainian cities and towns overnight on July 19, wounding many civilians and killing at least one. In the capital, Kyiv, dozens of families took shelter for the night in the subway. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 10 regions of Ukraine had come under attack.
Russian drones and missiles hammered the Black Sea port of Odesa and other Ukrainian towns and cities, killing at least one person and wounding others, emergency officials said.



The July 19 assault was the latest sign that Russia intends to keep battering Ukraines civilian population  and push forward on the battlefield  amid cease-fire efforts that have all but collapsed.



Frustration with Russias continued attacks has fueled a shift in policy for US President Donald Trumps administration. Earlier this week, Trump announced a September 2 deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a halt in fighting.

Trump had made ending Russias nearly 41-month-old war on Ukraine a priority since taking office in January. But despite six phone calls between Trump and Putin, three rounds of talks involving US, Russia, and Ukrainian officials, and Kremlin meetings with White House envoys, Russia has continued to batter Ukraine.



Overnight July 19, Russia fired nearly 380 drones and cruise and ballistic missiles at nearly a dozen Ukrainian towns and cities, the military said. A nine-story apartment building in Odesa was hit, killing one woman and wounding several others, according to emergency officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a total of six people, including a child, were wounded in Odesa.

To the northeast, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the city of Pavlohrad also came under attack according to Serhiy Lysak, head of the regional military administration.

Ukraine, meanwhile, launched its own barrage of dozens of drones at Russian targets overnight, including at Moscow.

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 13 Ukrainian drones were shot down on approach to the Russian capital.

On the battlefield, Russia is grinding forward slowly, though in recent weeks, its forward momentum has been measured in just meters. Fears are growing about possible encirclement of the city of Pokrovsk after Russian forces achieved a localized breakthrough to the northeast of the city.

Russia's determination to force Ukraine to submit has come at an incredible cost: Western estimates say Russia will hit 1 million killed or wounded sometime this summer.

Ukraine has also suffered substantial casualties. And with a smaller population, Ukrainian authorities have frequently struggled to maintain troop strength, particularly for infantry units.





Last year, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed wide reforms to the mobilization and recruitment process, in hopes of generating incentives for people to sign up to fight.

But recruiters have still struggled.

The chairman of Rada, Ruslan Steanchuk, told reportersthat lawmakers were considering loosening travel restrictions for men 18 to 24. Currently, those who are not subject to mobilization are restricted in traveling outside the country.



With reporting by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service
After 'Sardaar Ji 3', Chal Mera Putt 4' Denied Clearance for India Release Over Pakistani Cast

Chal Mera Putt 4 Release Date in India Cancelled Just Like Diljit Dosanjh Sardaar Ji 3 Latest News: In a major blow to the Punjabi film industry's cross-border collaborations, the upcoming film Chal Mera Putt 4, featuring Amrinder Gill, has been denied permission to release in India.

Diljit Dosanjh-led Sardaar Ji 3 also faced a similar decision, which reflects growing tensions surrounding the inclusion of Pakistani artists in Indian film projects.

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Chal Mera Putt 4 is a part of a very successful series that is prominently known for its heartwarming portrayal of immigrant life. It showcases cross-cultural friendships and also features prominent Pakistani comedians Iftikhar Thakur, Akram Udaas, and Nasir Chinyoti.

However, Iftikhar Thakur is the one who is to be blamed, as during the heightened India-Pakistan tensions in May, Thakur was the one who made provocative comments. He said, "If you'll come by air, you'll be bombed; if you'll come by sea, you'll be drowned; and if you'll come by ground, you'll be buried under."

His remarks were seen not just as aggressive but were deeply disrespectful towards the country. In another statement, Iftikhar Thakur claimed that Indian cinema cannot thrive without the participation of Pakistani talent. He said, "Indian films, including Punjabi ones, wont work successfully without our involvement.

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Government sources have not issued a formal statement, but it is understood that the denial of permission is rooted in concerns about the national sentiment and public backlash. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly did not proceed with certification due to these issues.

(For more news apart from Chal Mera Putt 4 Release Date in India Cancelled Just Like Diljit Dosanjh Sardaar Ji 3 Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar inspected park being developed on JP Ganga Path

After this, the Chief Minister took stock of the rising water level of the Ganga River around Patna by road.

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today inspected the park being developed by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on JP Ganga Path. During the inspection, the officials gave information about the park being developed and told the Chief Minister that the length of this park is 500 meters which is located between LCT Ghat and Kurji Ghat. This park is a part of Patna Smart City Project and it is being developed as a picnic spot. Its purpose is to make JP Ganga Path beautiful and attractive.

The Chief Minister instructed the officials that this park is located on the banks of the Ganga River, so get it developed keeping in mind the safety and convenience of the people. A lot of good work is being done here. The development of the park on JP Ganga Path will increase greenery and the people coming here will be able to spend some time with their family. Get this work completed soon.

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After this, the Chief Minister took stock of the rising water level of the Ganga River around Patna by road. During the review, the Chief Minister inspected the rising water level of the Ganga river from Kangan Ghat in Patna City to Nasriganj Ghat in Danapur. During this, the Chief Minister after taking stock of the rising water level of the Ganga river from LCT Ghat on JP Ganga Path, reached NIT Ghat where he took complete information from the officials about the rising water level of the Ganga river and the current situation of the coastal areas. From NIT Ghat via JP Ganga Path, the Chief Minister reached Kangan Ghat, Digha Ghat and Nasriganj Ghat in Danapur and took stock of the rising water level of the Ganga river.

While giving instructions to the officials, the Chief Minister said that keeping in mind the rising water level in the areas along the Ganga river, remain fully alert and be ready at all times to deal with any emergency. Keep reviewing the situation of the coastal areas of the Ganga river, especially the lower areas, continuously and take necessary action immediately if needed so that no damage is caused. An increase in the water level of the Ganga river has been recorded at many places including Nasriganj Ghat, Gandhi Ghat and the current of the river is also very fast. Keep a close watch on the possible situations and provide necessary help to the people affected by the rising water level as per the SOP.

On this occasion, Chief Minister's Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar, Chief Minister's Secretary Kumar Ravi, Chief Minister's Special Officer Shri Gopal Singh, Patna Division Commissioner cum Disaster Management Department Secretary Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, Patna Municipal Corporation Commissioner Animesh Parashar, District Magistrate Dr. Tyagarajan SM and other senior officers were present.
Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, has closed a financial package of $260m for its upcoming solar energy facility, Blue Moon Solar, in Harrison County in the US state of Kentucky.

The financial package is supported by US Bank through its subsidiary US Bancorp Impact Finance, which is providing tax equity and construction financing.

The 94MW Blue Moon solar facility is currently under construction with an expected operational date in 2026.

Upon completion, Recurrent Energy will maintain ownership and operation.

Recurrent Energy CEO Ismael Guerrero stated: "We are pleased to invest in Harrison County, Kentucky. Blue Moon Solar will generate affordable, locally produced energy that will support Kentucky's economic growth.

We are excited to complete the financing for Blue Moon Solar and grow our investments in Kentucky, thanks to US Bank and Constellation for supporting our energy projects.

The Blue Moon solar facility marks Recurrent Energy's first venture in Kentucky's renewable energy sector.

It promises to bring hundreds of jobs to the local community during construction and substantial tax revenue post-completion.

Harrison County judge and executive Jason Marshall stated: "Harrison County is open to investment, and we are pleased to work with Recurrent Energy on their newest energy facility. Blue Moon Solar will provide a major source of new tax revenue to our county."

Constellation has committed to purchasing power and renewable energy certificates from Blue Moon through a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Bancorp Impact Finance managing director of environment finance Darren Van't Hof stated: "We believe everyone has a role to play in creating a sustainable future, and financing a project like Blue Moon is one way we can be responsible stewards of the environment.

"Blue Moon Solar is one of several projects we've financed for Recurrent Energy, and we're proud to support its work to expand sources of clean energy, strengthen the energy grid and drive local job creation."

In April, 2025, Recurrent Energy announced the launch of operations for the Bayou Galion solar project, a 127MWdc (megawatts direct current) solar power plant located in northeastern Louisiana.

Spanning 1,080 acres in Morehouse Parish, the project began generating electricity in November 2024.

"Recurrent Energy secures $260m funding for Blue Moon Solar project" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Golden Temple Receives 8th Threat Email Since July 14; Security Tightened

An SGPC official confirmed that the latest email threat arrived late Friday night.

Amritsar Golden Temple Bomb Threat Latest News Today: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has received yet another threatening email warning of a bomb attack on the Golden Temple, marking the eighth such threat since July 14.

Authorities have significantly heightened security around the revered Sikh shrine in response. Additional police personnel have been deployed outside the temple, while plainclothes officers are patrolling the complex to prevent any untoward incidents.

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An SGPC official confirmed that the latest email threat arrived late Friday night.

Expressing deep concern, Akal Takht Officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj questioned the inability of central and state investigative agencies to identify the culprits even after repeated threats over the past week.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that investigations are underway and that a suspect, Shubham Dubey, is currently being interrogated. Technical analysis in such cyber threat cases takes time, he noted, assuring that the perpetrators will be identified soon.

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Meanwhile, SGPC officials and religious leaders have urged the government to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and ensure the safety of one of Sikhisms holiest sites.

(For more news apart from Amritsar Golden Temple Bomb Threat Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
THE WEEK IN REVIEW

July 14-18, 2025

The week in review

Corina Cristea, 19.07.2025, 13:36

Parliament rejects motion of censure against Bolojans government

The motion of censure against the Bolojan Government, initiated by 131 deputies and senators, was rejected on Monday by a vote in the Parliament in Bucharest. Thus, the Executive remains in office, and the austerity law, for which the government has taken responsibility, will come into force if it passes the constitutionality test. The main measures that would apply starting August 1st aim to increase VAT, reorganize the system of granting school scholarships, increase excise duties on alcohol, tobacco and fuels, but also impose a health contribution for pensions exceeding 3,000 lei (about 600 euros). Starting next year, additional profits of banks and gambling winnings will be taxed more, salaries and pensions in the public system will no longer increase, and unjustified hiring and bonuses will be limited. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan explained that all these measures are necessary to correct the budget deficit and, he says, Romania is already starting to regain confidence from international markets, with borrowing costs starting to fall. The Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which initiated the motion, however, challenged the first package of fiscal measures for which the Government assumed responsibility in Parliament at the Constitutional Court. The debate on the motion will take place on July 22. Those affected by the first austerity measures announced by the government took to the streets to protest.

The Constitutional Court of Romania will operate in a new formula for the next three years

The Constitutional Court of Romania has changed its composition and has a woman as its president for the first time. This is Simina Tanasescu, appointed judge of the Constitutional Court by the countrys former president, Klaus Iohannis, in 2019. She was elected by a majority vote of the nine constitutional judges, three of whom have just begun their nine-year mandates. This includes Dacian Cosmin Dragos, proposed by President Nicusor Dan, a university professor and doctoral supervisor at the Faculty of Law of Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, and the judges proposed by the two chambers of Parliament: Mihai Busuioc, who has headed the Court of Auditors for the past eight years, and Csaba Asztalos, who served as president of the National Council for Combating Discrimination. The first decision of the CCR in the new formula concerned the notification of President Nicusor Dan in relation to the Law on Certain Measures to Combat Antisemitism and Xenophobia. The head of state assessed that the law was adopted in violation of constitutional norms and principles, and that it is not clear in explaining the concepts of legionnaire and fascist, which would leave room for arbitrariness in the interpretation and application of this concept by the competent judicial bodies. On Thursday, the Constitutional Court found that the law is clear, precise and predictable in relation to its purpose, which is to protect by penal law means the most important social values of a democratic society, the dignity of the human being, and the full respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.

NRRP, to the attention of officials from Bucharest and Brussels

Projects worth approximately 6.3 billion euros can no longer be completed by August 2026, so they will be removed from the National Recovery and Resilience Program, where they were included for financing. The announcement was made by the Minister of Investments and European Projects, Dragos Pislaru, who stated that Romania must send the revised form of the NRRP to the European Commission by the end of this month. The official, who presented the conclusions of the meeting of the Interministerial Coordination Committee of the NRRP, and gave details about the negotiations taking place during this period so that Brussels accepts the proposals of the Romanian authorities, gave assurances, however, that Romania will not lose any of the financing represented by the non-reimbursable funds. According to him, there will be some small adjustments, but there is no danger of failure to complete these projects by August 2026. The amount allocated to Romania for the implementation of the NRRP is 28.5 billion euros, of which it has collected 10.74 billion euros so far.

The Rabla program for individuals will be relaunched

The authorities in Bucharest have analyzed and revised the program that encourages Romanians to give up old cars, with the Minister of Environment officially announcing that the Rabla program for individuals will be relaunched, but with a smaller budget, of only 200 million lei (about 40 million euros). Diana Buzoianu explained that, for the future, there is a need to rethink this formula, not just the allocation of vouchers. The minister also said that the main vision must focus on reducing polluting emissions. The Rabla program, which began in 2005, plays an essential role in the purchase of electric cars, most of them being purchased through this method.
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  A settlement was announced Thursday in court in a class action investors lawsuit against Meta (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg and current and former company leaders over claims stemming from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm.

The suit had sought billions of dollars in reimbursement for fines and legal costs. No details on the settlement were shared when it was announced in Delawares Court of Chancery at the start of what would have been the second day of trial, at which point nothing related to the settlement had been filed with the court.

The attorneys involved left court without commenting. A communications representative from Meta said the company had no comment.

Investors had alleged in the lawsuit that Meta did not fully disclose the risks to Facebook users that their personal information would be misused by Cambridge Analytica, a firm that supported Donald Trumps successful Republican presidential campaign in 2016. Shareholders say Facebook officials repeatedly violated a 2012 consent order with the Federal Trade Commission under which Facebook agreed to stop collecting and sharing personal data without users' consent.

Facebook later sold user data to commercial partners in direct violation of the consent order and removed disclosures from privacy settings that were required under consent order, the lawsuit alleged.

Facebook agreed to pay a $5.1 billion penalty to settle FTC charges in the fallout. The social media giant also faced significant fines in Europe and reached a $725 million privacy settlement with users.

Shareholders wanted Zuckerberg and others to reimburse Meta an estimated $8 billion or more for the FTC fine and other legal costs.

Zuckerberg and former Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg had been expected to testify. Other current and former board members, including billionaires Marc Andreessen and Peter Thiel, were also included as defendants.

Earlier this year, Sandberg was sanctioned for deleting emails from her personal account related to the Cambridge Analytica investigation. Jeffrey Zients, who served as an outside director from 2018 to 2020, avoided sanctions in the same case because his role made it less likely he had access to relevant information.

Testifying on the first day of this lawsuit, Zients said he had supported the FTC settlement for which shareholders were seeking reimbursement.

___

Associated Press reporter Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco contributed to this report.
The Solnhofen Archipelago is a series of islands that existed during the Late Jurassic epoch in what is now Bavaria, Germany.

Named Sphenodraco scandentis, the new species is the oldest known tree-dwelling member of a sister group of squamates (lizards, snakes, and worm lizards) called the Rhynchocephalia.

Currently represented by a single living species, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), rhynchocephalians were once as widespread as lizards are today.

The fossilized specimen of Sphenodraco scandentis is divided into a main slab, which has been mentioned in the literature and previously assigned to Homoeosaurus maximiliani, and a counterslab containing most of its skeletal remains.

The two parts were sold separately almost a century ago to the museums in Frankfurt and London.

The breakthrough came when I was researching fossil reptiles at the Natural History Museum, London, said Victor Beccari, a Ph.D. student at the Palaeontological Museum, Munich.

I noticed a curious similarity between a fossil in the Museums collection and one Id studied at the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Frankfurt.

It turned out they werent just similar, they were two halves of the same fossil, most likely split in half for higher returns when sold in the 1930s.

Through a comparison with living lizards, including the tuatara, Beccari and colleagues determined that Sphenodraco scandentis had the same elongated limbs and fingers and shorter body as modern arboreal and gliding lizards leading them to believe it would have lived among the trees of Jurassic island forests.

The closer you look at how these animals have been studied in the past, the more you appreciate that the species arent that well-defined, Beccari said.

We know that modern islands can have hundreds of species of reptiles, so theres no reason that ancient islands wouldnt too.

This study goes to show just how important museum collections are to understanding ancient diversity.

Even though many of these fossils were discovered almost two centuries ago, theres still a lot they can teach us.

Although the area of Solnhofen has provided many beautiful complete skeletons of rhynchocephalians, their skulls are sometimes crushed or part of the skeleton are still buried in the rock, said Dr. Marc Jones, curator of fossil reptiles and amphibians at the Natural History Museum, London.

This has meant that, until recently, the Solnhofen material hasnt contributed to our understanding as much as it should have.

Use of micro X-ray CT and in this case UV imaging has helped clarify anatomical details.

This new study also highlights the need to survey all the material available.

The study was published on July 2, 2025 in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.

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Victor Beccari et al. 2025. An arboreal rhynchocephalian from the Late Jurassic of Germany, and the importance of the appendicular skeleton for ecomorphology in lepidosaurs. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 204 (3): zlaf073; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf073
Key Points

Skyrocketing tech company valuations have made the S&P 500 more concentrated than usual.

An equal-weight S&P 500 ETF spreads investments roughly equally between all companies.

The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has outperformed the standard S&P 500 since its inception.

10 stocks we like better than Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF 

The S&P 500 is the stock market's most followed index by a large margin. It tracks the performance of 500 of the largest American companies on the stock market, and is often used to gauge how the overall market (and U.S. economy) is performing.

One issue that's been coming up with the S&P 500 lately is how concentrated it has become. The index is weighted by market cap, so larger companies make up a larger percentage of the index and its performance. This isn't new; it's always been that way. However, megacap tech companies have begun surging in valuation, making it a lot more top-heavy than usual.

Image source: Getty Images.

For perspective on how concentrated the S&P 500 has become, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia are the index's top holdings, and they account for over 18% of the index. The top 10 holdings account for over 34%. The S&P 500 is one of the smartest investments the average person can make, but the concentration is becoming an issue worth paying attention to now.

That's why an equal-weighted S&P 500 exchange-traded fund (ETF) like the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEMKT: RSP) is a great option to consider.

Invest in the same companies, with much less concentration

Unlike the standard S&P 500, this equal-weight ETF gives roughly the same amount of weight to all the S&P 500 companies. It allows you to invest in the same companies, but be much less reliant on the performance of megacap tech companies. Here are the top 10 holdings in the standard S&P 500 and how much they account for in the equal-weight ETF:

Company Percentage of S&P 500 Percentage of Equal-Weight ETF Apple 6.76% 0.21% Nvidia 6.22% 0.22% Microsoft 5.65% 0.21% Amazon 3.68% 0.20% Meta Platforms 2.55% 0.20% Alphabet (Class A) 2.07% 0.09% Berkshire Hathaway 1.96% 0.19% Broadcom 1.91% 0.21% Alphabet (Class C) 1.67% 0.11% Tesla 1.61% 0.19%

Data source: Invesco and Yahoo Finance. Percentages as of July 11.

Instead of these megacap companies making up over a third of the index performance, they only make up just over 2% in the equal-weight ETF. That reduces a lot of risk, especially when the tech sector is slumping.

Results show there are benefits to being diversified

Over the past decade, big tech stocks have carried a lot of the weight for the S&P 500, and it has worked out in its favor. In that span, the S&P 500 is up 198%, while the equal-weight ETF is up around 127%. However, the equal-weight ETF has outperformed the S&P 500 since its April 2003 inception.
Spanish fashion retailer Mango has reported a turnover of 1.728bn ($2bn) for the first half (H1) of 2025 - a 12% increase compared to the same period of 2024.

The company has experienced 14% growth at constant exchange rates.

The brand attributes its success to the favourable reception of its collections by customers and its unique value proposition.

Growth and expansion across all its channels have contributed to the like-for-like sales increase.

In H1 2025, Mango launched exclusive capsule collections, including a collaboration with British-Indian designer Supriya Lele, and appointed model Kaia Gerber as brand ambassador.

Editions desribed as "innovative" were also launched across the Woman, Man, Kids, and Teen categories. The retailer also opened the world's first Mango Home shop in Barcelona, Spain.

Mango invested 110m in strategic projects, with 70% allocated to shop openings and refurbishments.

Remaining funds were directed towards the development of Mango's new corporate campus, technological transformation and the final phase of the logistics centre expansion in Llica.

Mango's international sales comprise 78% of its total turnover. The top five markets in terms of turnover in H1 2025 were Spain, France, Turkiye, Germany and the US.

The physical channel expansion of the brand comprised 78 new openings and 30 refurbishments, bringing the total to 2,925 points of sale across 120 markets.

The online channel has continued to grow, accounting for 31% of total turnover for the first half of the year.

Mango has promoted Marlies Hersbach as its new online and e-commerce chief officer.

The launch of Mango Stylist, an AI-based conversational tool, has further personalised its online shopping experience.

Mango has appointed Toni Ruiz as chairman of the board of directors and Jonathan Andic as vice-chairman, along with two new independent directors, Manel Adell and Helena Helmersson, to reinforce corporate governance.

Ruiz stated: "In an uncertain sectorial, macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, the positive results of the first half of the year confirm the robustness of our model and strengthen our strategy. We continue to grow with a long-term vision, executing a differential value proposition that is well received by our customers around the world, and with continuous improvement of our sales channels".

Mango has changed its corporate name to Mango MNG from Punto Fa, enhancing transparency and regulatory compliance.

The company's commitment to sustainability has been strengthened through new collaborations with The Post Fiber and Circulose.
DEAR ABBY:

After moving into a 55-plus community seven years ago, I became close friends with my neighbors, Iris and her husband. She was widowed five years ago, and I began a relationship four years ago, but my boyfriend and I always included Iris and my other girlfriends in our activities. Iris became friendly with Barb, a woman at her church, who didnt like me. I was pleasant to Barb but couldnt force a friendship. Two years ago, Barb, Iris and another friend vacationed near my brothers home. Iris texted me several times a day asking for suggestions for fun activities, restaurants, etc., and I offered many. Barb provided the transportation during their vacation. Barb ignored any suggestion I made and sent me several unkind texts about intruding on her vacation with her friends. I texted Iris telling her I had blocked Barb and was sorry about whatever had happened. Iris never apologized. She and our other friend have become distant from me and now vacation regularly with Barb. They all attend church together and have lunch at least twice a week. Should I be grateful that Iris has shown me who she is and try to move on. MISSING MY FRIENDS IN INDIANA

DEAR MISSING:

You were wrong to expect Iris to apologize for Barbs nasty attitude and unpleasant texts. I agree they were uncalled for, but Iris wasnt responsible for them. These women have likely distanced themselves because you arent active in their church group, which is what they seem to have in common. For your own sake, please try not to take this personally. Not all friendships are meant to last forever, and it seems the one you had with Iris has run its course.

** ** **

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

** ** **

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in What Every Teen Should Know. Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
KFC has announced "The KFC Comeback," a promotion which aims to reintroduce the brand to consumers. For a limited time, customers can claim a free eight-piece bucket of chicken or tenders with a $15+ online purchase on the KFC App. Photo provided by KFC

KFC is making a bold move to reclaim its position in the competitive fried chicken market. For a limited time, the Louisville-based chain is inviting customers to try a bucket of its chicken for free and provide feedback as part of what its calling a Kentucky Fried Comeback.

Called Free Bucket On Us, the offer is available through KFC.com and the KFC app with a $15 minimum purchase.

Were well aware of the latest fried chicken rankings and Im fired up to launch a bold Kentucky Fried Comeback and remind America exactly who we are, said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president of KFC U.S. If people can give their ex a million second chances, I hope our fans can give us one. By listening to our customers and addressing feedback, well reclaim our rightful place in the fried chicken game we started. Come back and give us a shotyour first buckets on us.

The company is doubling down on what has made the brand iconic: Pushing its Original Recipe chicken, made with Colonel Sanders blend of 11 herbs and spices. A second facet of the comeback strategy is the introduction of fried pickles to the KFC menu  golden-fried dill pickle slices served with the brands signature Comeback Sauce or ranch.

To claim your free bucket on the website or app, just choose between an eight-piece bucket or tenders after spending $15 or more. The offer must be redeemed prior to checkout. Customers are responsible for all taxes, tips and fees. The offer cannot be combined with other offers. Limit one bucket per account.
Rendering of various accessory dwelling units, which could soon be legalized in New York City. (Courtesy of Department of City Planning) Courtesy of Department of City Planning

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- What appears to be the first step in implementing backyard tiny houses -- officially called ADUs or ancillary dwelling units -- as part of the controversial City of Yes housing plan was announced this week by city officials.

The housing plan, which represents the most significant citywide zoning initiative since the 1960s, aims to bring a city-estimated 80,000 units of new housing to the five boroughs through a series of zoning regulation changes to things like accessory dwelling units, parking mandates and transit-oriented development.

Despite its passage in the City Council late last year, a large majority of Staten Islanders have voiced their opposition to the housing plan.

Mayor Eric Adams, the city Department of Buildings, and the Department of Housing Preservation & Development announced the publication of new proposed agency rules needed to implement ADU provisions of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan.

These rules are designed to amend city codes to ensure the ADUs -- which include basement apartments, cellar apartments, attic apartments, and backyard cottages at existing residential one- and two-family homes throughout the five boroughs -- are built to city and industry standards.

Included in the proposed rules for ADUs are:

Implementation of ADUs at one- and two-family homes first included in the citys Building Code Appendix U (Local Law 127 of 2024);

Administrative requirements for identifying ADU filings and includes requirements for Certificates of Occupancy;

Establishment of technical requirements for ADUs including flood mitigation, water sensors, entrance identification, and occupancy restrictions;

Requirements regarding egress, sprinklers and windows for ADUs located in cellars.

According to city officials, the Plus One ADU Program will combine low or no-interest capital loans from the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development and grant funding from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal for eligible homeowners to build or convert ADUs on their property.

In partnership with Restored Homes HDFC, the program will provide homeowners with financial and technical support, including predevelopment and construction resources on a single-family property where zoning allows for the creation of an ADU, said city officials.

The Department of Buildings will hold an online public hearing on the new rules on Aug. 18, 2025.

Addressing a housing shortage

The Adams Administration has said the housing portion of the three-pronged City of Yes plan was implemented to address a multi-decade housing shortage, with historically low vacancy rates.

Today, our administration is taking an important step toward unlocking thousands of safe, legal homes for New Yorkers, said Adams. Ancillary dwelling units are a solution to our citys housing crisis that allow homeowners to create new homes for family members or renters while keeping our neighborhoods vibrant and livable. Through City of Yes, were giving New Yorkers more housing options, more flexibility, and more opportunity, block-by-block and borough-by-borough...

Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo, former Staten Island borough president, said the Buildings Department is committed to a thoughtful and straightforward approach to implementing these provisions of City of Yes that emphasizes keeping our fellow New Yorkers safe.

When selling the plan to New Yorkers, Adams packaged the three pronged plan as part of a mass zoning initiative to improve the citys housing stock, local economic opportunity and help meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Staten Island officials remain opposed

The announcement comes just days after a court hearing was held in St. George about a lawsuit brought on by opponents of the City of Yes plan.

The lawsuit alleges the Adams administration failed to meet state-mandated environmental review requirements for the massive rezoning plan.

After hearing the arguments, we feel stronger than ever that this (City of Yes) was a mistake, that Staten Island and other parts of the city will suffer, and that the city didnt do enough, said Borough President Vito Fossella, who is among a host of Staten Island elected officials and civic groups trying to overturn City of Yes. And because this only happens every 50, 60 years or so, its why we have to stand strong now.

Borough President Vito Fossella holds a press conference following litigation against the City of Yes outside Richmond County Surrogate Court on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) Jason Paderon Jason Paderon

The City Council passed a reduced version of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan by a thin 31-20 margin in the 51-member body late last year. All three of the Islands councilmembers  Joseph Borelli, a Republican formerly representing the South Shore; Kamillah Hanks, a Democrat representing the North Shore, and David Carr, a Republican representing the Mid-Island/South Brooklyn  voted against the plan.

More agency rules

In addition to the building code changes, DEP has proposed a new agency rules creating an updated interim flood risk area map, showing the 10-year rainfall flood risk area and the coastal flood risk area. This new rules was designed to delineate specific flood hazard areas where ADU would be prohibited due to the increased flood risk.

The Department of Health has also proposed a new agency for the certification process regarding the maximum allowable levels of radon and certain organic chemical vapors found in a basement or cellar areas for the safety of occupants in proposed ADUs.

In addition to the virtual public hearing, members of the public are welcome to provide public comment in writing or verbally during the scheduled online hearing.

The department will review and consider all public comments submitted for this rule before publishing a final adopted version of the rule which is expected to occur later this year, said city officials in a written statement.

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Actor Tristan Rogers arrives at Elizabeth Stanton's 18th birthday benefiting Toys for Tots at Belasco Theatre on December 13, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP) Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP

General Hospital star Tristan Rogers recently revealed his cancer diagnosis.

The Australian actors diagnosis was shared Thursday on social media by his publicist.

Beloved Emmy-winning actor Tristan Rogers, best known for his role as Robert Scorpio on the daytime drama, General Hospital, is sharing with fans that he has been diagnosed with cancer, said the press release, as obtained from the New York Post.

The statement did not specify what type of cancer Rogers had been diagnosed with.

While he remains hopeful and is working closely with his medical team on a treatment plan, this is a challenging time for Tristan and his family, the release continued. As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding. They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and love from their friends and family.

Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years. This support means more to him now than ever. Future updates will be shared if deemed appropriate by Tristan and his family.

The 79-year-old actor has returned several times to General Hospital since leaving in 1992. Rogers last appeared on screen last November when his character Robert ran away with spouse Holly played by Emma Samms.

Rogers elaborated on his fondness for the character he played on the show in a 2018 interview with Soap Opera Digest.

Robert has always had kind of a glib approach to everything; hes a bit of a smart-mouth, he said. Im working with a lot of different people, and I think the fans are going to like it.

After his debut role as Peter Spencer in the 1969 show Delta, Rogers has become a notable recurring character in the soap opera scene. In addition to General Hospital, his career has included playing Hunter in The Bold and Beautiful, and Colin in The Young and Restless.

He won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama Series in 2020 for his performance as Doc in Studio City.

General Hospital is in its 62nd season in a run dating back to its debut in 1963. Recent years have seen casting changes, some controversial.
Rachel Reeves is considering a shake-up of business rates for department stores, supermarkets and those with larger premises - Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

Tesco and Sainsburys have warned Rachel Reeves that plans for a 1.7bn tax raid on big shops would accelerate the decline of the high street.

The intervention by the countrys two largest supermarkets marks a significant escalation in the backlash against the Chancellors plans for a shake-up of the business rates system.

Retail chiefs fear will Ms Reeves will deal another devastating blow to Britains struggling town centres.

Ken Murphy, boss of Tesco, told The Telegraph that the move threatened investments in customers, colleagues and communities.

His comments are likely to fuel fears of fresh price rises, redundancies and another cull of shops as retailers look to offset swinging cost rises introduced by a cash-strapped Labour Government at the last Budget.

The reforms will increase business rates for department stores, supermarkets and those with larger premises.

Mr Murphy said: Increasing the burden on large shops would hinder rather than help our town centres. Many of these shops are anchor stores in their local communities.

Simon Roberts, the Sainsburys boss, predicted that retails big beasts would pull away from our high streets as they sought to weather a jump in National Insurance contributions and minimum wage increases.

The sector is also concerned about the potential costs of of Angela Rayners Employment Rights Bill.

Mr Roberts said: The changes being proposed will further increase the negative impact of business rates and wont stimulate the growth or investment into our high streets and jobs that we all want to see. The Government promised fundamental reform to level the playing field but the changes we are hearing about will not deliver this  they will not stimulate growth or investment.

Opposition is also mounting beyond the big grocers. Alex Baldock, the boss of electricals giant Currys, accused Ms Reeves of rushing changes to the business rates system that will have widespread implications for retailers already grappling with a tsunami of additional government-imposed costs.

Jobs at risk

Over-burdened retailers are already grappling with a perfect storm of extra costs and red tape, which is bad for jobs, investment and growth, he said. The mooted hikes in business rates will just make things worse.

Mr Baldock warned that the overhaul would shutter more stores and leave more gaps on the high street, as well as harming employment opportunities for young people.

Thierry Garnier, the chief executive of B&Qs parent company Kingfisher, warned that the Treasurys latest tax grab would harm communities across the UK.
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San Mateo, CA (94402)

Today

Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 64F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Low around 55F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Hundreds of patients who have developed twitches, migraines, nerve damage and other neurological symptoms after taking over-the-counter supplements have joined a class action investigation against wellness giant Blackmores, as the medicines watchdog considers restricting access to products containing a vitamin linked to a growing number of toxicity cases.

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient found naturally in meat and plant sources, and occasionally added to popular over-the-counter supplements to aid the metabolic process.

Dominic Noonan-OKeeffe, with partner Judit and daughter Ona, has experienced debilitating symptoms from taking B6 supplements. Credit: Simon Schluter

It has generally been considered toxic only when consumed in high doses over a long period, but the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) last month noted there was no scientific consensus on a safe threshold. Symptoms include nausea, hypersensitivity and nerve damage that can lead to tingling, burning and numbness throughout the body.

Melbourne injury law firm Polaris Lawyers announced in May that it was pursuing a class action investigation against Blackmores on behalf of anyone who has suffered injuries after taking its supplements containing higher than recommended levels of vitamin B6.
(Fixes to change case of champagne in headline and paragraph 3)

VERZENAY(Reuters) -Champagne producers in northeastern France need to find new markets after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened 30% tariffs on EU exports, the chairman of a French industry group said, suggesting Brazil, Southeast Asia and South Africa as options.

The U.S. is the biggest market for champagne with 10% of champagne exports by volume and 15% by value and producers say the tariffs will push up prices for consumers and threaten jobs all along the supply chain, including in the United States.

"The repercussions for all family champagne exports will be severe because it will mean lost income from bottle sales, which will also affect the grape harvest quotas we will be allowed to collect," said Stephane Vignon, whose family has been producing champagne in Verzenay since 1946.

With 70% of champagne sales currently concentrated in just five countries, tariffs should push producers to seek new markets, said Maxime Toubart, chairman of industry group Comite Champagne (Champagne Committee).

He said France's cognac industry, which is mainly reliant on exports to China and the U.S. where it could also face duties, provides a cautionary tale for champagne producers on the need to diversify.

But replacing U.S. sales is not easy, he said.

"We can't just say we'll sell three million fewer bottles in the U.S. and put them in Japan instead. So actually, there is no alternative today to this fall in volume," he said.

Total champagne exports fell more than 10% last year but rose slightly in the first four months of 2025 ahead of a 10% tariff in April, farm office FranceAgriMer said.

"If tomorrow the 30% tariff is implemented, I think it will definitely impact the relationship," said Hugo Drappier of Champagne Drappier. "We've always managed to build a relationship of trust with our clients through the quality of our wines ... Let's hope that relationship isn't broken."

(Writing and additional reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide and Michaela CabreraEditing by Gabriel Stargardter and Sharon Singleton)
A report was produced, but no result has been published and nobody has been sanctioned. This masthead sought the three statements and the report, in the public interest, under freedom of information legislation. However, after four years, and despite its arguments being demolished in the Federal Court, the AFP has refused to release anything. In its latest legal salvo, the agency has lodged a series of documents with the Administrative Review Tribunal and again argued that the documents are exempt from release in full. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw did not answer questions about the affair. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen A key argument is that releasing any part of the documents would breach the confidentiality of the former commissioner, deputy commissioner and head of internal affairs, among others, and have a devastating impact on the internal investigations function of police. Reporting potential misconduct or corruption requires an AFP appointee to report against their own colleagues, which can be very difficult for AFP appointees to do, given the tight-knit nature of policing, the police argue.

The assurance of confidentiality that anything which is reported will be kept in the strictest of confidence encourages reporting without the risk of reprisal or being ostracised. To support their argument, the police released results from a recent AFP staff survey, which shows 5 per cent of AFP officers had witnessed corruption in the past 12 months, and only 15 per cent of those people had formally reported what they saw. The commander of police professional standards, Ben Case, said in evidence that this was a concern to him, and to release any part of the historical documents from the AFPs former commanders about the 2018 leak to Keelty would make the situation worse. Concerned about corruption: AFP commander of professional standards Ben Case. Commander Case is confident that there will likely be a reduction in the number of AFP appointees reporting integrity matters, which will damage the AFPs ability to manage the integrity of its members, the police evidence alleges.

This in turn would culminate in a significant loss of public trust in the AFP and would have a devastating impact on its ability to function effectively. Loading The AFP did not answer questions about whether this argument smacked of exaggeration or hunting for excuses not to release the documents. The AFP has also either adopted new arguments for the first time in more than four years or doubled down on arguments already rejected by the full bench of the Federal Court in February. In that judgment, the court, which had read the documents, found it was at least seriously arguable that significant portions of the report of the inquiry could be disclosed without a substantial adverse effect. Appropriately redacted, the release would be in the public interest, the court found.

However, the police have doubled down, saying the redactions would be so heavy that what was left would be a skeleton of the documents. Loading The police have also reiterated an earlier, dismissed, argument that the documents release would involve the unreasonable disclosure of personal information about numerous persons. In February, the full bench said the public interest and representative democracy outweighed these arguments. Scrutiny, discussion, comment and review of the activities of the Commonwealth government and its agencies, and the conduct of those performing functions on their behalf, is a public purpose, the judges found. In answers to questions sent to AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, a police spokesperson replied: In light of the Federal Courts decision earlier this year, the AFP carefully considered its claims for exemptions and continues to consider these claims are properly made.

The AFP has asked the tribunal to consider this case as if it were being considered for the first time. The editor of The Age, Patrick Elligett, said: Every reader should ask themselves why the AFP is fighting  at taxpayers expense  to keep secret this information which the Federal Court has already determined to be in the public interest. Its a terrible look for an organisation that should be upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Sydney Morning Herald editor Bevan Shields said the AFPs actions in this critically important case are alarming. Top brass appear to be relying on spurious reasons to avoid accountability and transparency. We are not going to stop fighting the AFPs obstruction, which to some readers might look a hell of a lot like a cover-up.
Embattled MP Mark Latham has denied breaking any laws or breaching legislative standing orders while responding to allegations of domestic violence and using his parliamentary office to record a sex tape.

In a lengthy and at times bizarre address to media in south-west Sydney on Saturday, Latham said there had been no formal complaints lodged in parliament against him, and called former girlfriend Nathalie Matthews allegations of domestic violence nonsense.

Independent MP Mark Latham has denied breaking laws or breaching parliamentary rules. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong

I have broken no law. The police did not involve themselves in [Matthews apprehended violence order] matter, he said.

I have breached no standing orders of the Legislative Council, and the NSW parliament has stringent processes about inappropriate behaviour. And, in my six years there, Ive never been notified of a complaint against me.
For the tens of thousands of NSW families who send their young children to childcare, it has been a difficult few weeks.

The news that an alleged paedophile had worked across several childcare sites in Melbourne has left parents asking: is my child safe?

As Emily Kowal and Nigel Gladstone write in todays Sun-Herald, concerns have now been raised about the reliability of publicly available quality ratings for Australias childcare centres.

Parents are being warned that they cannot trust the National Quality Standard childcare centre ratings, with years passing between assessments (more than six for hundreds of centres in NSW).

In addition, NSW childcare centres in particular have become increasingly reliant on temporary waivers to excuse breaches of the standards, particularly in relation to staffing ratios.
Unusually, I partially agree with Parnell Palme McGuinness (If broke, nationalise? Fix that idea, July 13). I think, however, that you have to look at why the government runs a service. The main reason is that the private sector cant be trusted to provide the required service at a reasonable cost. It may need government subsidies, but the government is uncertain whether these subsidies will be used properly or end up reflected in the bottom line. On the other side of the equation, private operators who cannot turn a profit want their business bought out by the government. Northern Beaches Hospital is the latest. The only thing we can be sure about is that the pendulum reached the end of the swing to the private side, and is now swinging the other way. Neville Turbit, Russell Lea

So many ways to consider childcare. Is private or government the better choice? Credit: Michael Howard

Parnell Palme McGuinness writes that if any system is broke, there is talk of nationalising it, and she cites childcare and education as recent examples. Nationalising, with all its negative connotations is an emotive and wrong term. The term should be unprivatise. The simple fact is that when profits are involved then profiteers will make use of the opportunity. This may work in commercial enterprises, but when we are talking of precious children in their formative years and social services it is a different matter. Regularly I read of countries such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark, where prioritising investment by government, and therefore taxpayers, ensures outstanding quality and affordability. The flow-on benefits for whole of society are obvious and can be enumerated. As a country, we need to decide what is important to all of us and invest. Our countrys future rests on these decisions. Tatiana Podmore, Cremorne

Parnell McGuinness should acknowledge that commercial childcare, aged care, power generated, and private colleges are inherently conflicted. She should also look at Margaret Thatchers disastrous privatisation of Thames Water and British Rail. Tony Simons, Balmain

Childcare guilt
Health officials have confirmed a case of Mpox in Brisbanes south region, with tests confirming the strain is only the second of its kind to be reported in Australia.

Queensland Health said it had been notified of one case of overseas acquired Mpox in the Metro South Hospital and Health Service region.

Thousands of people have suffered from mpox in places such as eastern Congo. Credit: AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa

It has been confirmed as Clade I Mpox, and Queensland Health said it is monitoring the situation.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls released a statement about the case, saying it was just the second time this strain had been reported in Australia.
Victoria Police has said it will consider a coroners recommendation to classify e-bikes as motorcycles, rather than bicycles.

In findings released on Friday, coroner Audrey Jamieson recommended that Victoria Police, the states Department of Transport and VicRoads consider a radical measure requiring all e-bikes to be registered following the death of a Melbourne cyclist.

Coroner Audrey Jamieson described Victorias regulations on e-bikes as suboptimal. Credit: Paul Rovere

The call follows her investigation into the death of 41-year-old Nitin Haldipur Prabhu, who died from a traumatic brain injury sustained in January last year.

Prabhu, a skilled cyclist and father from Balwyn, had purchased the new e-bike for his daily commute to work just days before his death.
It was pretty weird because shes pretty independent, she said. Lewis drove her unusually quiet baby home. Thats when the screaming started. She was just screaming and screaming  I was in full-blown panic mode, I rushed straight to the hospital, Lewis said. An X-ray revealed Delilah had a badly broken elbow. Lewis said CCTV she viewed from the centre showed Delilah falling off a slide onto concrete covered with fake grass. No one was watching her, Lewis said.

She walks up to an educator, and this is what broke my heart the most, the educator just turns her back and goes to do something else. Didnt pick her up, didnt check on her. Shes screaming. Delilah Lewis with her broken arm in 2023. Credit: Delilah was in a cast for six weeks. The centre was reported and an investigation revealed its playground was not compliant. The incident occurred in 2023. Records show that, at that time, the centre was working towards the national standards. No way for parents to know when something goes wrong

There is no public database of incidents at childcare centres. Parents will know if a centre has experienced a compliance issue only if they ask to view their records. A spokesperson for the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority encouraged parents to do this as part of their conversations with their service, noting providers must have these details readily available for families. While parents can search registers held by the Australian Childrens Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), and on government website Starting Blocks, early childhood academic Professor Gabrielle Meagher said these ratings were not always a true reflection of quality, with waivers used to pass centres not meeting some benchmarks. The most common use for waivers concerns staff ratios, she said. ACECQA data shows 20 per cent of centres in Sydneys outer south-west and 15 per cent in the south-west, Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury, and Central Coast regions have a staffing waiver in place.

With such a waiver in place, the centre doesnt have the number of highly trained educators it should have, and the educational program and leadership of the staff is likely to suffer, Meagher said. She urged parents to ask when the service was last assessed, what type of assessment it received and if it had since changed ownership: of the 5313 NSW centres meeting or exceeding national standards, 533 have changed ownership since their assessment, which Meagher said can significantly impact quality. When a centre changes hands, it keeps its existing rating until a new assessment is done, often years later, she said. The big risk is when the new owner has a business model that aims to drive down costs in ways that undermine quality. As the share of large for-profit chains increases, so does this risk.

Loading You put on a great service the day they are there The state regulatory authority maintains it has visited every NSW childcare centre in the past 18 months. These visits inform whether a reassessment should occur. But workers in the sector say regulators can see a very different centre to the one children are cared for in each day. One childcare worker, who spoke anonymously to protect her employment, said centres can say the right things, and tick the right boxes to pass inspection, and slide once they are rated. You put on a great service the day you know they [the assessors] are going to be there; its not properly reflective of what that service is, she said.

Saville agreed that ratings dont mean anything. I have known so many centres that have been in breach, have had [incident] reports to the department, and yet they are listed as exceeding expectations, she said. In 2023, NSW South Coast mother Carina Worleys three-year-old daughter suffered a severe injury at a centre that was meeting standards. About 11.30am, the centre called, advising Worley her daughter had a slight cut to her lip but there was no need to leave work.

Carina Worleys child suffered a serious mouth injury at daycare, but did not receive treatment for hours. Credit: But three hours later she received another call from the centre: they had just checked inside her daughters mouth and realised her teeth were pushed entirely through her gums. Worley said her daughter went hours without first aid, due to what she believes were issues with staffing. It is not known if the centre had a staffing waiver in place. However, Worley said staffing ratios seemed off. At the time of the injury, the centres meeting standards rating was two years old. When reassessed in 2024, it was downgraded to working towards.

Worley said she was shocked years had passed between assessments. If we had known that, we definitely wouldnt have enrolled her, she said The Wheeler report found NSW had three times the rate of confirmed breaches of Victoria or Queensland in 2023 and 2024. However, it noted this may reflect more effective reporting and monitoring after NSW introduced expectations that centres receive a regulator visit every 18 months. Loading The state government has promised to publish more information on incidents, compliance checks and waivers, mandate CCTV in centres and require providers to notify families of investigations for serious breaches in response to the report. It will also establish an independent regulator that can operate beyond national laws. Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos said she also strongly endorsed a federal plan to cut off funding for childcare centres that repeatedly fail to meet safety and quality standards.
My connection with the death of little Darcey Freeman is less direct, but more shocking and strange. I saw Arthur Phillip Freeman within minutes after he had stopped his car on the West Gate Bridge and thrown his tiny daughter over the edge. By coincidence, on January 29, 2009, the stinking hot day which was to be Darceys first day of school, I was briefed to appear in a mediation in the Federal Court building. I arrived in the foyer just after Freeman did. As I put my bag through the security screening, he was standing leaning against the glass walls that line the entrance. I thought it odd that anyone would lean against those walls, as their glass was radiating an intense awful heat during that heatwave, which would culminate days later in the Black Saturday bushfires. Two other striking details caught my eye: the first was that he was sobbing in an animalistic way. There were great gobs of snot running down his face; he was red-faced, inconsolable. What also caught my eye was one child sitting slumped at his feet, and another was barefoot, walking in circles nearby and wearing only a nappy. I made the same initial mistake as the court staff that day. We all leapt to the conclusion that he was a stressed Family Court litigant, crying because he was late for a hearing, and nervous about a custody or access application concerning the two boys with him. Of course, I was wrong in my assumption. In fact, Freeman had driven into the city after performing his deadly act on the West Gate Bridge, parked his car nearby and rushed into the building with his sons. He was sobbing uncontrollably because he had just perpetrated the most heinous act of murder. It was only the next day, when I saw his photo across the front page of the newspaper that I knew what I had really seen. I had been standing next to a murderer in the court foyer; casting sympathetic glances at him, imagining his stress related to being a litigant in Family Court proceedings. Loading And so I learned that sometimes when you see something (a man crying in a court foyer, accompanied by two tired and hot children), you can later describe accurately exactly what you have seen. But you have no means of accessing the true meaning of what you have seen. The things you remember did happen, but tell you nothing at all about what it actually means for a man to be standing sobbing in the lobby of the Family Court. And so your encounter with him is therefore rendered squalidly meaningless and wrong.

I have no direct connection with the murder of the Farquharson boys. But if you are a lawyer in Melbourne, then you have surely done both of these things: you have waited in line to sit on a milk crate and drink a coffee at Patricias cafe in the dingy laneway that runs off to the side of the Supreme Court and you have (or ought to have) read This House of Grief, Garners book about the trial of Robert Farquharson. In 2005, he was driving his three young sons (aged 10, seven and two) home to their mother when the car veered off the road, crashed through a fence, and plummeted into a dam. The boys drowned. This House of Grief contains Garners observations of those involved in the trial, recounted in the context of evocative descriptions of the physical and psychological architecture of the Supreme Court and the awful theatre of filicide. Garners book also holds another (guilty) pleasure for members of the Victorian Bar: portraits of counsel and the way their work is received by judges and juries. I have always loved her description of the prosecutor, as: a lean, contained-looking man, with a clipped grey beard and a mouth that cut across his face on a severe slant, like that of someone who spent his days listening to bullshit. Garner is at her most brutal when describing the impact of long-winded cross-examination on the jury, referring to their mouths going square with the effort to control their gaping yawns. For barristers, reading Garners assessment of counsels style is equal parts guilty pleasure and an exercise in roiling anxiety: do I commit the sin of prolix cross-examination? Does my advocacy bore the audience rigid? There is much to horrify and fascinate in these classics of the legal writing genre. No doubt the same will be the case in the story Hooper, Krasnostein and Garner will tell about a deadly beef Wellington served in rural Victoria. They will strive to make sense of the perplexing details about purchases of cuts of meat from a local supermarket, episodes of explosive diarrhoea and mismatched plates at the lunch table. And they might ask rhetorically who among us has not prepared a meal to serve to relatives who (we feel) do not appreciate us as they ought? Who among us has not served up the dish of resentment cooked three ways?
Kunal, who runs a commercial cleaning and supplies business, said that while Catherine Field is slightly more expensive than neighbouring suburbs such as Oran Park, it offers value in terms of land size. My main target was always the land size, it has to be over 500 square metres. I was able to get a house with a backyard for the kids and dogs to run around, he said. Kunal said that while Catherine Field is slightly more expensive than its neighbouring suburbs, it offers value in terms of land size. Credit: Edwina Pickles Their agent, Ray White Macarthur Groups Sammy Singh, said in the past three or four years, families from Kellyville and Castle Hill had moved to Catherine Field. Theyre getting a very basic home in Castle Hill for about $1.4 million, whereas in this area they can get an absolute mansion for that, he said.

Singh said entry-level houses were under $1 million, rare for Sydney. Loading You can buy a freestanding house on just under 300 square metres for around $900,000 to $950,000, he said. For around 400 square metres, you can get a four-bedroom house with a double garage for around $1.1 million to $1.3 million. Then you can go as high as $1.8 million, where you start getting those customised homes with fancy finishes. The price growth has surpassed other parts of Sydney. Leppingtons median house value soared 457.6 per cent to $1.2 million by April this year, Cotality data shows.

Catherine Field jumped 395.9 per cent to $1.16 million, while Austral gained 323 per cent to $1.01 million. Cotality research director Tim Lawless said Sydneys housing affordability challenge had reached an all-time high, with buyers willing to sacrifice shorter commutes to own a house with at least some land. Weve seen this real trend in Sydney where a lot of mainstream demand is being deflected towards those outer fringe markets, simply because thats what people can afford to buy and where they can service their loan, he said. Maybe 10 or 20 years ago, a lot of those outer fringe markets were probably more synonymous with first home buyers or lower income households, where I think its much more mainstream now.

A handful of affluent suburbs made the top 10, including North Bondi (up 317.5 per cent to $4.75 million), Bondi Beach (303.6 per cent to $4.26 million) and Bellevue Hill (272.7 per cent to $10.65 million). These are your classic blue-chip markets that have this inherent scarcity value and will always place upward pressure on prices, Lawless said. Bellevue Hill in Sydneys east made the top 10 list of suburbs with the greatest house value growth in 20 years. Credit: Domain Social analyst and demographer Mark McCrindle said its almost a tale of two cities between the south-west and east. Bellevue Hill is one of the least affordable suburbs in Australia, and it just shows there are pockets where the ultra-wealthy can sustain price increases, he said.

McCrindle said Leppington buyers were typically young families who cant afford more established leafy suburbs. Theyre looking for a detached house with a little bit of land, he said, in newly developed suburbs near parks, schools and other families. Sydneys south-west suburb of Leppington recorded the greatest house value growth in 20 years, Cotality data shows. Pictured is Leppington Shopping Village. Credit: Rhett Wyman Not only do they find apartment living isnt quite working, they also cant afford those leafy established suburbs. Camden mayor Ashleigh Cagney, whose local government area covers most of Leppington, is concerned about cost-of-living pressures and rising house prices.

Cagney is calling on state and federal governments to support them with infrastructure and services, including affordable public transport links, better road connections, adequate schools and more health services. Our community includes many young families, essential workers and long-time residents who want to stay in the area. Rising house prices can make that unreachable, she said. Were doing our part through planning and land release, but we cant do it alone. Annette and Vince Lipari have put their Leppington home on the market, a suburb where house values have surged by 457.6 per cent in 20 years, on Cotality data. Credit: Louise Kennerley Annette and Vince Lipari have put their five-bedroom Leppington house on the market. The couple have lived at 6 Price Ridge for just under nine years and hope to downsize in the suburb.

Were a little community here, and we all look out for one another, Annette said. Ive got such beautiful neighbours that I wish my two neighbours from either side can come with me. Annette has noticed many young families moving into the area and isnt surprised due to the parks, shopping centres, essential services and transport links. Their agent, LJ Hooker Bankstowns Patrick Scordino, said while Leppington will continue to surge in value with ongoing demand, it was still a more affordable option. The couple have noticed many young families moving into Leppington, a suburb known for its parks, shopping centres and transport links. Credit: Louise Kennerley
One of the architects of the Indonesia-Australia free trade deal and improved bilateral relations has been jailed in what supporters believe was a politically motivated prosecution designed to punish critics of the Indonesian government.

Thomas Lembong was jailed for 4 years for illegally authorising certain sugar imports at the expense of the state when he was serving as the nations trade minister in 2015-16.

Thomas Lembong in Canberra in 2019. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Prosecutors requested a prison term of seven years, but a panel of judges gave Lembong a sentencing discount because they accepted he had not enriched himself in any of the supposedly corrupt deals.

The Harvard-educated investment banker is respected in Australian political circles for his work in the cabinet of then-president Joko Widodos cabinet and later as the chief of the countrys investment board.
The US Commerce Department has announced preliminary anti-dumping duties of 93.5% on anode-grade graphite imported from China, reported Reuters, citing a department fact sheet.

This decision comes after findings that these materials, which are crucial for electric vehicle batteries, were being sold at less than fair market value in the US.

The fact sheet indicates a uniform anti-dumping margin and cash deposit rate of 93.5% for all Chinese producers.

The order targets imports valued at $347.1m (2.49bn yuan) in 2023. The duties cover anode-grade graphite with a minimum purity content of 90% carbon by weight, including synthetic graphite, natural graphite or a blend of both.

Additionally, a separate countervailing duty investigation into subsidies on Chinese anode-grade graphite was carried out by the US Department of Commerce (DoC).

On 20 May 2025, the US DoC disclosed its initial positive finding showing a preliminary countervailing duty of 6.55% for most producers.

However, significantly higher rates of 712.03% and 721.03% were set for Huzhou Kaijin New Energy Technology and Shanghai Shaosheng Knitted Sweat, respectively.

Concurrently, the DoC was undertaking an anti-dumping duty probe into the same category of products from China.

The final anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties are expected by 5 December 2025.

The American Active Anode Material Producers, a coalition of US producers, is the petitioner for both the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy cases.

This group includes Anovion Technologies of Sanborn, New York; Syrah Technologies of Vidalia, Louisiana; Novonix Anode Materials of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Epsilon Advanced Materials of Leland, North Carolina; and SKI US of Marietta, Georgia.

Last month, the US-China trade truce talks in London reportedly left a critical issue unresolved regarding the export of rare earth elements used in military applications.

"US imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese graphite imports" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: The death toll from a tourist boat accident in Vietnams Ha Long Bay climbed to at least 38 with several people still missing, the government said, as rescuers continued to search for survivors while bracing for the approach of Typhoon Wipha.

The vessel capsized on Saturday afternoon carrying 48 tourists and five crew members in one of the worst boating accidents in recent years in the popular tourist area.

At least 38 of those on board have been confirmed dead and 10 rescued, the government said in a statement.

The official Vietnam News Agency reported that all the tourists were Vietnamese, including several children.
Constance Dorothea Marten was born in 1987, the eldest child of the aristocratic Napier Anthony Sturt Marten and his wife, Virginie.

Having now been found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter of the infant one question remains. It is a question that has haunted Martens friends and family: How did a young woman, who once had such a gilded life, end up on the run with a criminal, living rough and allowing her child to die in such appalling conditions?

Gordon, once described as a serial psychotic sociopath, was a convicted rapist who had spent much of his early adult life in prison in the United States.

The contrast with Martens next appearance in the press, 14 years later, could not have been more stark. She and her partner, Mark Gordon, were on newspaper front pages, the subject of a police hunt after absconding with their newborn baby, who was later found dead.

It was as Toots Marten that the 21-year-old was pictured in Tatler in 2009, posing confidently for its Babe of the Month feature as she described a carefree life of society parties and summer holidays.

When Constance Marten was small, her younger brother struggled to pronounce her name. His mangled attempts came out as Toots  and the affectionate nickname stuck.

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Warm and easy-going, Marten was popular with her peers, who regarded her as fun-loving if sometimes a little rebellious and mischievous. In one incident during preparations for a school photograph, she wore a pair of thick bottle-bottom joke spectacles, telling the photographer they were special glasses that prevented her from suffering an epileptic seizure when the camera flashed. The spectacles were eventually removed, but the resulting photograph shows Marten squinting Mr-Magoo-style at the camera while her friends stifle giggles. The headmistress, Mrs McSwiggan, was so furious she threatened to send Martens mother the bill for having her edited out of the class photo.

She was educated in Dorset, first at Hanford prep school and then at St Marys boarding school in Shaftesbury, where Queen Camillas daughter, Laura Lopes, had previously been a pupil.

The siblings were close and their rural childhood was serene, with Marten later describing how they would enjoy naked picnics on the estate and afternoon naps in hay bales and tractor scoops.

Martens brother Maximillian, the heir to the estate, was born when she was one, Tobias followed three years later, and Frederic (or Freddie) came along when she was six.

Martens childhood was one of wealth and privilege, with home being the palatial Crichel House in Dorset, a sprawling Georgian mansion in 5000 acres of parkland. Once described as being more like the mansion of a prince than a country gentleman, the wider estate includes four villages, a cricket club and an ornamental lake.

Impeccably well-connected, Martens paternal grandmother, Mary Anna Marten, was the god-daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and a playmate to Princess Margaret, while Napier himself was a page to the late Queen.

Two years after Napier left, Martens mother married a Belgian banker, Guy de Selliers, and the family moved to London, though Marten remained at boarding school. Like many teenagers, she sometimes had a bumpy relationship with her mother and stepfather, but friends of the family insist it was mainly about trivial matters. Relations with her father were more fragile and there were long periods when they did not communicate.

He was initially away for six months, during which time there was no contact with the children, and the resulting divorce was bitter.

I do recall having a recognition of myself that I was exhibiting some sort of courage, but of course, in many other peoples minds, I was exhibiting some sort of cowardice.

In 1996, claiming to be obeying voices in his head, Napier turned his back on his wife and young children  and his 115 million ($236 million) fortune  shaved his head and flew to Australia. He later explained: Even with small children, I had to leave the house and go pretty much overnight.

Arty rather than academic, she later told friends she had been diagnosed with narcolepsy, and despite her popularity, her school years were not always happy. She was also deeply affected at the age of nine when her father suddenly walked out on the family.

The strict Roman Catholic school placed a lot of emphasis on discipline and religion, with pupils required to obey a strict code of conduct and attend Mass regularly. But the endless list of school rules served only to fuel Martens rebellious streak, and she often clashed with the school authorities.

In an interview she later gave about her experiences, she said: The leader looked me in the eye and said, Your family doesnt matter anymore. Im your father now.

Excited by the energy of this charismatic pastor, Marten accompanied her mother on a trip to Nigeria, where they listened to Joshua preach. While there she was handpicked by him and persuaded to stay on in Lagos to help run the ministry alongside other white Western disciples.

But as time passed she found herself going down a dark path, as in the summer of 2006 she fell under the spell of the abusive Nigerian pastor TB Joshua. The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) had been founded in Lagos by Joshua in the late 1980s and, thanks to an aggressive overseas marketing campaign, grew rapidly until at its peak it was attracting more than two million visitors a year.

One friend she met through HTB said she was instantly popular and liked by everyone she met: Toots was just the most lovely girl. We met through the church but then started hanging out and would often find ourselves at the same parties together, they said. She had such a huge smile that just lit up the whole room. She had this way of making everyone around her feel warm and happy. People were really drawn to her.

It was around this time that her deeply Christian mother took her along to the Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) church in west London. The evangelical centre, which was the birthplace of the Alpha movement, had become popular with celebrities including Geri Halliwell and Bear Grylls. Marten became an enthusiastic member of the congregation and threw herself into the social side of the church, attending a Christian summer camp.

Having completed her A-levels, Marten decided against applying to university, choosing instead to quench her thirst for adventure by going travelling. A keen mountaineer, she once described her favourite place as being at the top of the Matterhorn, and she was also a regular visitor to Verbier.

Around this time, she was a regular fixture on the society circuit, attending lavish and hedonistic parties. In the Tatler interview, she described attending an event hosted by Viscount Cranborne in Dorset. The theme was the feast of Bacchus. There was a gambling tent and bunches of grapes hanging from the wall. It was like a debauched feast from ancient Greece, she said.

Back in Britain, Marten reconnected with some of her old friends and tried to get her life back on track. Paid work was sporadic but she did some modelling, attending shoots in Hawaii, and worked as a nanny in Switzerland. Travelling remained her main passion, however, and there were trips to Uganda, India, South America and Nepal, where she volunteered with impoverished children.

Marten claimed that after returning home she would periodically experience paranormal episodes. In one bizarre incident she described how she suddenly collapsed in a branch of Starbucks and started laughing uncontrollably. Some years later she floated the idea of making a documentary exposing some of the exploitative activities in SCOAN, but it never materialised.

Another source close to the family said: Constance was badly traumatised by the whole thing. Everyone talks about two Constances: the person she was before she went to Nigeria and the person who came home. She was profoundly and fundamentally changed.

After three months in the compound, she managed to extricate herself from Joshuas tentacles and, with the help of her mother, fled Nigeria. But the time there clearly had a deep impact on her mental wellbeing, with one friend later remarking: All I can say is TB Joshua ruined her life.

Many of the female devotees subsequently alleged that Joshua had assaulted, abused and even raped them. While there is no suggestion Marten was ever sexually abused during her time in Nigeria, she later described how Joshua would humiliate her and the other white followers. They were disciplined for not standing up when Joshua walked into the room, often made to eat his leftover food and were forced to survive on just a few hours sleep a night  a particular problem for Marten, with her recurring issues with narcolepsy.

By 2008 she had applied for a place at Leeds University to read Arabic and Middle Eastern studies. She embraced university life from the start, joking in Tatler that she considered cider one of [her] five a day. She also described her ideal man as having red hair and a fiery temperament.

According to one university friend, she enjoyed life in the gritty North and appeared to revel in the relative poverty of student life compared with her upbringing. She spent her third year in Cairo, which in 2011 was boiling with unrest as the Arab Spring swept across the region. Excited to be at the centre of such world events, Marten began taking photographs of the mass protests in Tahrir Square and later won an award for her work.

In 2012, after graduating with a 2:1, she took up a role as a senior researcher at the London bureau of Al Jazeera media network, with aspirations of becoming a journalist. Fluent in classical and modern Arabic, she hoped she would get a chance to cover stories out in the field, but became increasingly frustrated that her ideas were not picked up by more senior colleagues.

One associate who knew her around that time said her woeful timekeeping played a part in her inability to be taken seriously. She would pretty much keep her own hours and come and go as she pleased. She was well liked but just a bit unreliable, which is not the best way to get on when you are just starting out.

Marten revelled in student life. Credit: Facebook

During this period, friends also claim she had an unhappy relationship with a boyfriend that ended badly and left her emotionally vulnerable.

A year after graduating, Marten took a job as a project manager for Rich Mix, a creative charity in east London, but the role only lasted a matter of weeks. By January 2014 she had been accepted on a five-month National Council for the Training of Journalists course run by the Press Association in central London. At one stage her class paid a visit to the Old Bailey, where, 10 years later, she would find herself on trial.

She was described by others on the course as sweet-natured but slightly eccentric. But she quickly fell behind.

She often didnt turn up, one of her fellow students recalled. She would regularly drift off to sleep during shorthand lessons. You would look over and she would be slumped over the desk and the teacher would just plough on. But she was always very pleasant and approachable.

Another said: She was a bit older than us and was quite strange. You got that sense that shed sort of dabbled in a lot of stuff but not really had a proper job. She was nice enough, but a bit dreamy and gave the impression that nothing really mattered.

A third agreed that Marten was sweet, saying: You could tell she had a really good heart, but she missed lots of days. I remember she missed her first work placement because she overslept and got into quite a lot of trouble.

Initially she came across as a bit guileless and vulnerable, but then I discovered that she was fluent in Arabic and had been in Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring. She obviously had hidden depths.

Hopes of being a journalist for Al Jazeera fizzled out. Credit: The New York Times

Marten began touting herself as a freelance photojournalist, but commissions were few and far between. But with a wide circle of friends and access to a generous trust fund that gave her a monthly allowance of 2,500, life was never dull.

By now in her late 20s, and with friends starting to settle down, Marten still appeared to be searching for something to give her life meaning. Moving into a house-share in the Leytonstone area of east London, she enrolled on a drama course at the East 15 Acting School in Loughton, Essex, and would drive there each day.

Antony Oshineye, 42, a writer who was also on the course, says she was down to Earth and friendly. Toots was the total opposite of a stereotypical posh woman. She was very helpful and warm, always saying hello to cleaners and even to the handymen.

I used to make fun of her a lot. Shes fond of breaking wind at spontaneous times  she has absolutely no shame  so I used to say, Maybe thats why they call you Toots. Shes just very unlike any aristocratic person.

But once again she fell behind in class, despite fellow students remarking on her natural acting talent. I detected a lot of issues with her, Oshineye gcontinues. She said she had a lot of problems with her family and spoke of how her parents were not being supportive of her ambitions  She always felt like her parents didnt quite understand her.

While Marten did not hide her aristocratic roots, it appears that she carried a certain amount of guilt about them, especially a distant family connection to Oswald Mosley. (Her paternal aunt married one of Mosleys sons.) Oshineye recalls: She did tell me one time, I hope youre not going to be angry with me if I tell you this: Im related to Oswald Mosley. I was like, You cant help who youre related to.

She was due to graduate in July 2016, but around two months before the course ended, she dropped out. As well as having fallen behind in her coursework, something, or rather someone, else had entered her life.

Gordon: From schoolyard to jail cell

If there was a polar opposite to Constance Marten in terms of background, upbringing and life experience, Mark Gordon was it.

Born in London in 1974 to a single mother from Jamaica, Gordon grew up in inner-city Birmingham, where his childhood was fractured and full of disruption. The youngest of five children, he never knew his father, who refused to meet him or support him financially.

He had a traumatic start to life, including in his formative years. In August 1986, his mother, Sylvia Satchell, a registered nurse, decided to take Gordon and his older sister Karen to live in the United States. They initially settled in New York, moving into an apartment in the Bronx. Gordon was enrolled at the local middle school, where he was a grade-A student and expressed an ambition to become a doctor.

In the summer of 1988, Sylvia Satchell took her youngest son to visit her cousin in Florida. He was so enchanted by seeing orange trees for the first time, he begged his mother to move the family to the Sunshine State. Concerned by the crime rate in New York, she agreed and in early 1989 they relocated, renting a house on a quiet, palm-tree-lined street in the Broward County area of Miami.

Gordon, who was still fixed on becoming a doctor, was enrolled in the local Hallandale High School. But he struggled to make friends and began skipping class.

According to his mother he spent most of his time by himself in his bedroom and it was around this time he developed an obsession with pornography, reading magazines and watching the Playboy Channel.

Then, in April 1989, just two months after moving to the area, and when he was still just 14 years old, Gordon committed an unspeakable crime: armed with hedge clippers and a knife, he broke into his neighbours house and subjected her to a four-and-a-half-hour rape ordeal.

In the weeks leading up to the attack, he had used a ladder to spy on the victim, whose home was yards from his own backyard. At around 5.30am on April 29, dressed in dark clothing and with a pair of tights covering his face, Gordon climbed in through her bathroom window.

Alerted by the family dog, the victim, a single mother, went into the living room to be confronted by the armed attacker. She began screaming, but Gordon threatened to kill her young children, who were sleeping in the next room. After ordering her to go back into her bedroom, he subjected her to hours of rape and sexual abuse, threatening to slit her throat.

A young Mark Gordon.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the victim, who is now 65, said: He was so strange, so odd, that he couldnt have been normal. The fact that he didnt talk other than to order me around, he was almost not human, he was just an evil being.

At around 8am, her seven-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son began knocking on her bedroom door, asking why she wasnt up. Fearing what Gordon might do to them, she tried to keep them calm, saying she had a headache and would be up soon.

Eventually, she persuaded Gordon to let her go and he fled. But three weeks later, on May 21, he struck again, breaking into another house. After luring the family dog out of the house, he removed a window before climbing inside. This time he was armed with a spade and he also strategically placed kitchen knives around the house.

Creeping past a sleeping one-year-old, he made his way into the master bedroom. But his intended victim was not alone and her husband, Patrick Nash, leapt out of bed and confronted him.

Gordon, then two weeks shy of his 15th birthday, used the spade to batter Nash. Yet even with blood pouring from a gaping wound on his head, Nash was able to chase Gordon out.

Speaking from home in Florida, he said: Everything was so fast  I just saw a figure and then I was bleeding. I wasnt supposed to be there that morning, I was supposed to be going to a flea market with my dad but we decided not to go. Thank goodness I was home

Three days later, Florida detective Gary Celetti knocked on Gordons door after neighbours reported him acting suspiciously. The police officer described how the teenager was standing with his older brother, looking very nervous.

I said, Mark, if you did something, you did something, you know; you have to deal with it. If you didnt, you didnt, but you have got the rest of your life. You are just a kid.

I didnt pressure him at all. I didnt say a word after that. I just went about my business looking around and he looked at me and he said: I did it I went into her house.

During his initial police interview, Gordon had claimed someone called Jerome had forced him at gunpoint to commit the crimes, but he later relented and confessed. He was charged with multiple counts of armed sexual battery, armed kidnapping, armed burglary and aggravated battery, and because of the serious nature of the offences, he was dealt with in the adult rather than the juvenile court.

In a statement to the court, his first victim described him as cruel and devious and described how at one stage he told her to say goodbye to her children, telling her this is the day you are going to die.

She pleaded with the judge: Someone who is capable of doing this, a cruel, calculated act, at this young age, is not going to get better. He is only going to do more harm to society. Please protect the innocent by keeping the guilty in prison for his life. Show him no mercy.

Gordons fingerprint sheet. Credit: Facebook

In March 1990, he was found guilty of four charges of sexual battery. David Hodge, who prosecuted the case for the state, says: I was just so offended by the brutality that this guy showed  he was a serial psychotic sociopath.

During the sentencing hearing Gordons mother pleaded with the judge to show her son leniency, outlining his difficult upbringing and lack of a father figure. I just dont know where Mark went wrong, she said. I dont know why things went the way [they] did. I worked very hard as a nurse and Ive tried to raise these kids to the best of my ability on my own.

She continued: The victims, I know they must have gone through hell if he did what he did. Im speaking on behalf of him I think hes truly sorry for what he did.

But her pleas for leniency fell on deaf ears. He was handed a life sentence.

Despite Gordons admission and subsequent conviction some of his family members remain sceptical of his guilt. His older half-sister, Karen Satchell, 54, has suggested she thinks Gordon was fitted up by the police in Florida.

In January last year, she posted a picture on social media showing her younger brother when he was aged around 13, shortly before he was convicted for rape. Alongside it, she wrote: This is Mark Gordon at age 13, but couldnt be much different at age 14 - not much of a monstrous rapist wielding a shovel... so stop [lying about] my bruv.

In July last year, a few days after Gordon and Marten were charged with child cruelty and causing or allowing the death of a child, she wrote online: My mind is heavy at this time with [the] burdens and injustices of life.

On 23 March, several weeks into the Old Bailey proceedings, she posted a collage of photographs of mothers cradling their babies and wrote a heartfelt plea on the couples behalf: Guilty or not guilty? Of bonding with ur newborn as she sleeps on ur chest only to wake up and find your angel has past [sic] away and now you must face the trauma of being sent to prison for manslaughter. What more can they expect [to] do? Free Gordon and Marten.

Gordon spent 20 years in jail.

Gordon later successfully appealed to have his original plea withdrawn on the basis that he had received poor legal advice, also arguing that his sentence had been miscalculated. But before the case could go to trial, Gordons defence team persuaded him there was no chance of an acquittal and he again pleaded guilty. This time he was handed a 40-year prison sentence, of which he would serve half.

During his 20 years behind bars, Gordon was incarcerated at 18 different prisons across the state of Florida, including the notorious Dade Correctional Institution and Santa Rosa Correctional Institution.

In January 2010, aged 35, Gordon was released on parole and deported to the UK, where he was forced to sign the sex offenders register and keep the police informed of his movements.

Settling in east London, he began working as a labourer in the construction industry. Then, in 2016, a chance encounter in a London shop brought him and Marten together. We went for a coffee and it went from there  hes my soulmate, she later explained.

Marten and Gordon: How they found each other

Friends said it was as if Marten had suddenly discovered something she had been looking for her whole life. Thoughts of a career in journalism or the arts were extinguished. Mark Gordon was her future now.

The couple quickly moved in together, taking advantage of Martens access to the Sturt family trust fund, which paid her a monthly stipend but also allowed her to apply for advances or one-off payments.

She introduced Gordon to members of her family, but they did not warm to him, and it appears that she took offence.

In 2017, the couple went to Peru, where according to one family member, they attended a retreat and took ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic drink made from vine stems and shrub leaves.

Traditionally used by indigenous cultures in South America, it has become popular with Western new-age travellers seeking answers to the complexities of modern life. But it can also have negative effects, with some users suffering long-term anxiety and panic attacks.

While in South America, the couple took part in a local marriage ceremony, though it is not regarded as legal in Britain. On their return home, Marten sent a message to her family and friends telling them she was effectively cutting off contact with them.

A source close to the family says: Out of the blue she sent a text saying she had chosen to live her life in a different way. She told us this was her decision and hers alone, freely made, and she did not want any of us to try to contact her again, not to try to meet up with her, and she wanted everyone to respect that, for better or worse.

Another source adds: It may appear to those on the outside that her family cut her off when she got together with Mark, but it was the other way round. It was Marten saying she didnt want anything to do with them.

The extent of the self-imposed isolation was painfully illustrated in 2021, when Martens brother Max married jewellery designer Ruth Aymer, who had been one of her best friends. The lavish ceremony was attended by hundreds of guests and was featured in Vogue, but Marten was not there.

Marten was pregnant with her first child by the time her family discovered the extent of Gordons criminal record.

In 2017, members of the family, who had not known the full details of Gordons criminal past, applied to the US authorities for court papers, hoping to find out more. But by the time they discovered the full horror of his convictions, Marten was pregnant with their first child.

The couple, who were living in a campervan at the time, had not registered the pregnancy with a doctor and it was only when Marten went to hospital for another matter that medics expressed concern that she had not received any antenatal care. But Marten and Gordon disappeared, prompting the medics to put out a national hospitals alert, fearing that she might be in danger.

The pair had aspirations of living off-grid, but as a convicted rapist, Gordon was required to inform the police of his whereabouts. They had also managed to accumulate 6,000 worth of driving offences and parking fines and were being aggressively pursued by bailiffs, requiring her family to instruct a solicitor on their behalf. Her father hired private investigators to track them down and the fines were eventually settled by the trust fund.

In November 2017, Marten turned up unannounced at a hospital in Wales in the early stages of labour. Speaking in a fake Irish accent and giving the name Isabella OBrien, she claimed to be a runaway from a traveller family in Leeds, adding that she had been born and raised in a caravan, had never attended school and was not registered with a GP. She introduced Gordon as a friend but insisted he was not the father of the baby.

Their cover story was blown, however, when social workers linked them to the national hospitals alert. A row ensued on the maternity ward and staff became so concerned that they called the police.

Gordon, who had failed to inform police of his whereabouts as required, continued to insist his name was James Amer, but he blew his cover when he told police his date of birth was April 31.

As the situation escalated, Gordon became violent and attacked two female police officers. He was arrested and on November 14, 2017 appeared at Llanelli magistrates court, where he pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting a police officer and failing to comply with the requirements of the sex offenders register. He was jailed for 20 weeks and fined 415.

Soon after, social services got involved and discovered that despite it being winter, Marten was living in a tent in the woods with little, if any, provisions for a newborn baby. One social worker was shocked to find the festival-style tent was bowing under the weight of rainwater and full of bags of rubbish and bottles of urine. Deeply concerned about the childs welfare, social workers successfully applied for a supervision order.

The mugshots issued by police when Gordon and Martin were on the run. Credit: Getty Images

Social workers also expressed concern about the fact Marten would fall asleep with her baby and she was warned about the dangers of accidental suffocation. Perhaps because Gordon had spent most of his adult life in prison and Marten had been brought up in such privileged surroundings, neither appeared to have a clue how to care for a newborn baby.

In the spring of 2019 Marten gave birth to their second child in secret, failing to seek medical support nor register the birth as required by law. With two children to look after, the couple abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and moved to London, choosing to rent a series of run-down properties rather than accept an offer from the trust fund to buy them a house.

One family source said: The trustees tried to help her as much as they could, but she was a nightmare for them to deal with. Difficult, contrary, unpredictable and entitled.

The source claims that certain emails purporting to be from Marten requesting money were in fact, in their view, written by Gordon.

The body of Martens youngest child was found hidden in this shed in a shopping bag. Credit: Facebook

Within weeks of giving birth to their second child, Marten was expecting again, but in November 2019, when she was around four months pregnant, she suffered serious injuries after falling from a first-floor window.

When paramedics arrived at the house, Gordon initially refused to let them in, but when Marten was admitted to hospital it was discovered she had shattered her spleen. The unborn baby was unharmed, but she was kept in hospital for eight days.

The police were informed as it was suspected she had been pushed, but when asked what happened, Marten insisted she had fallen while trying to adjust a television aerial. She refused to give a statement to police, however, and attempted to discharge herself from hospital, ignoring warnings from the doctors about the risks of doing so to herself and to her baby.

A judge sitting in the family court later concluded that Marten had been a victim of domestic violence.

Martens eldest brother, Max, was informed of the incident and he contacted their father, who was in Australia at the time. Napier became so concerned about the welfare of the children that he decided to intervene and applied to the courts for temporary wardship of them.

Napier also offered to buy a house in Dorset and employ a nanny to look after the children until his daughter was able to join them. But when she got wind of the application, Marten fled to Ireland.

Paranoid about her family tracking her down, she used cash to rent a rural cottage near Dublin. The plan was for Gordon to join her later, but the courts seized his passport, meaning he was unable to travel. Reluctantly Marten returned to Britain to reunite with him, and in May 2020 gave birth to her third child.

Marten on the run captured on CCTV at a service station. Credit: Facebook

The family began moving regularly from one run-down rented property to another  a far cry from the palatial surroundings of Crichel House, which by now had been sold by the Marten family to a US hedge fund billionaire for 34 million.

In May 2021, almost a year to the day after giving birth to their third child, Marten had a fourth baby. But by now social services had decided to intervene and in January 2022 a judge ordered that all four children be taken into care and put up for adoption.

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Within weeks of that order being made, Marten was pregnant again, with baby Victoria. This time she and Gordon were determined they would keep her at all costs.

In the weeks leading up to the birth they moved off-grid, travelling the country in a series of clapped-out cars, sleeping in cheap bed-and-breakfasts and holiday lets.

Marten gave birth to Victoria in an Airbnb cottage in a remote part of Northumberland on Christmas Eve 2022 but, appallingly, within weeks the baby was dead. After 54 days on the run the couple were arrested. They were both subsequently charged with manslaughter, child cruelty, concealing the birth of a child, allowing the death of a child and perverting the course of justice by concealing a body.

They spent a year on remand, Marten at HMP Brozefield in Surrey where killer nurse Lucy Letby is held  and Gordon at the maximum security HMP Belmarsh in south-east London, before their first trial began at the Old Bailey in January 2024.

Her mother Virginie attended court most days taking copious notes but her daughter rarely made eye contact with her.

Martens brother Tobias Marten and her mother Virginie de Selliers arrive at the Old Bailey. Credit: PA Images via Getty Images

Giving evidence, Marten repeatedly broke down as she spoke about losing her daughter and the void that had been left when her other children were taken into care.

Under cross examination she sought to blame her powerful well-connected family and social services for her situation, telling the court her children had been stolen by the state.

She even likened her case to that of the Post Office Horizon scandal and said she believed one day she and Gordon would receive a public apology for the way they had been treated.

The case had been scheduled to last for eight weeks but due to a string of frustrating delays  often the result of Marten and Gordons attempts to derail the proceedings  it ended up taking six months.

Even then, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the substantial charges and the couple were remanded back into custody ahead of a retrial which began in March this year.

Loading

Despite repeated attempts by the couple to again sabotage the trial, they were both eventually found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter and now face a substantial prison sentence.

And yet, whatever the future holds for Marten, despite everything, her family has let it be known they are still there for her.

One source close to her father said: Life will be very difficult for Constance. Napier would prefer she goes to a secure mental establishment to get the psychiatric help she so obviously needs. But he will be there for her if she wants him to be. His door will always open.

The Telegraph, London

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size On a patch of dirt in the vast wilderness in Alaska, a long-range drone roared like a lawnmower as it shot into the sky. It scanned the ground for a target it had been programmed to recognise, and then dived, attempting to destroy it by crashing into it. But it missed, landing about 25 metres away. A Ukrainian drone pilot in the Kharkiv region earlier this year. Ukraine has modified Chinese-made hobbyist drones for use against the Russians. Credit: Tyler Hicks/The New York Times On another attempt, a drone nose-dived at launch. On a subsequent try, a drone crashed into a mountain. These drones werent flown by amateur hobbyists. They were launched by drone manufacturers paid by a special unit of the Department of Defence as part of an urgent effort to update US capabilities. For four days last month, they tested prototypes of one-way drones by trying to crash them into programmed targets, while soldiers tried to stop the drones with special electronic equipment. If we had to go to war tomorrow, do we have what we need? No. Trent Emeneker, Defence Innovation Unit The exercise aimed to help American defence contractors and soldiers get better at drone warfare. But it illustrated some of the ways in which the US military could be unprepared for such a conflict.

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The nation lags Russia and China in manufacturing drones, training soldiers to use them and defending against them, according to interviews with more than a dozen US military officials and drone industry experts. We all know the same thing. We arent giving the American war fighter what they need to survive warfare today, said Trent Emeneker, project manager of the Autonomy Portfolio at the militarys Defence Innovation Unit, which organised the exercise in Alaska and paid for the development of the drone prototypes that flew there. Loading If we had to go to war tomorrow, do we have what we need? No. What we are trying to do is fix that. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has acknowledged that the country has fallen behind, and he announced a series of new policies and investments in drones that he vowed would close the gap. In a video released on Thursday, he cited outdated rules and procurement processes as making it too difficult for commanding officers to buy drones and train their soldiers to use them. While our adversaries have produced millions of cheap drones, he said, we were mired in bureaucratic red tape.

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Russia has also been quick to adopt drones as a major part of its war-fighting strategy. Credit: AP The video came on the heels of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last month called Unleashing American Drone Dominance, which directs federal agencies to fast-track approvals for American drone manufacturers and protect the US drone supply chain from undue foreign influence. But it will take time and money to grow a domestic industry capable of producing enough drones to meet the needs of the US military. Although the United States has excelled in developing large, complex unmanned aircraft such as the Predator and Reaper drones, which cost tens of millions of dollars apiece, todays conflicts have been dominated by swarms of smaller, inexpensive drones that are largely produced with components from China. Loading The Defence Department did not respond to requests for comment. Drones have become a weapon of choice on modern battlefields. In the early days of the war in Ukraine, soldiers beat back the Russian invasion by adding deadly modifications to the Mavic, a drone sold to hobbyists by DJI, a Chinese company that is the worlds largest drone manufacturer.

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Versions of the Mavic cost between $US300 and $US5000 ($460 to $7650), according to online retailers. DJI, of Shenzhen, China, accounts for about 70 per cent of all commercial drones sold globally for hobby and industrial use, such as aerial photography, package delivery and weather research. The privately held company sells its equipment to customers in the United States  theres even an authorised store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan  but US law bars the military from buying Chinese drones. The company declined to share market data, but industry experts estimate DJIs output far exceeds that of any other drone manufacturer. Enter Silicon Valley investors who have been pouring money into American drone companies, anticipating that the Defence Department will place a large order for American-made drones. Peter Thiels Founders Fund has invested more than $US1 billion ($1.5 million) in Anduril Industries, an American defence technology company that specialises in advanced autonomous systems. Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr, joined the board of Unusual Machines, another US drone maker, last year. Joey Killeen, of the start-up Neros, prepared a drone to launch during the Alaska exercise. Credit: Ash Adams/The New York Times About 500 companies manufacture drones in the United States, producing fewer than 100,000 a year, says Ryan Carver, communications manager for the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, a non-profit organisation of industry professionals. But many are start-ups without a track record of production or sales. Founders jockey for the chance to show off their wares to military units that are beginning to work with drones. The changes Hegseth announced on Thursday, which make it easier for commanders to buy drones, will intensify that competition.

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But the exercise in Alaska showed how hard it can be to develop homegrown drone capabilities. Loading The first two days of testing were full of setbacks. Two companies were testing prototypes of a long-range unmanned craft that could fly for hours, navigate without GPS or a human operator, and crash into a target that it had been trained to recognise. They were among four finalists, out of more than 100 applicants, to get the money from the Defence Innovation Unit to develop the systems. Two other companies were set to test their prototypes in Ukraine. The craft made by Dragoon, a start-up in Tucson, Arizona, experienced engine trouble and then issues with navigation. It failed to hit a target. But on the final day, it recognised a target  an M113 armoured personnel carrier  and swooped down to crash into it. The hit was considered a success, even though the target had not been the one intended. We have got a lot of work to do to make it operational, for sure, said Jason Douglas, one of three co-founders of Dragoon. But those were huge steps. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says red tape has held the US military drone industry back. Credit: AP AeroVironment fared worse. At first, its drone failed to launch. Then one crashed into a mountain after its navigation system was blocked, narrowly missing a group of soldiers who stood with their jamming equipment. Although one of its drones flew long distances and successfully crashed into a target with the help of GPS, the prototype never hit a target once its GPS was blocked.

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Oh, what? Martin says. The crowd can be heard laughing. Either theyre having an affair, or theyre just very shy, he quips. It seems it could be the former. The cruel irony, of course, is that if they hadnt reacted, it would have passed without incident. They might still have got away with it, too, if it werent for 28-year-old Grace Springer, from New Jersey, who happened to capture the Jumbotron and posted it to TikTok. Almost instantly, the clip went viral, racking up over 30 million views. The internet was transfixed and delighted in the schadenfreude: the wealthy, married chief executive of a tech firm being caught out canoodling with a colleague, the head of HR no less, in the most criminally uncool of contexts: a Coldplay concert. Martin is known to be a fan of conscious uncoupling, and he certainly seemed conscious of this uncoupling, although he dealt with it like a pro. Im not quite sure what to do, he said. Did we rumble you?

Mercifully, the cameraman put the couple out of their misery and switched to two friends dressed as giant bananas. Martin then jokingly asked the next fans the Jumbotron identified whether they were a legitimate couple. Springer maintains her ignorance when it comes to posting the clip. I had no idea who the couple was, she told the US Sun newspaper. Just thought I caught an interesting reaction to the kiss cam and decided to post it. A part of me feels bad for turning these peoples lives upside down, but play stupid games  win stupid prizes. Keyboard sleuths had no such qualms. They quickly identified the man in question as Andy Byron, chief executive of the New York-based software development company Astronomer, which achieved unicorn status with a valuation of over $US1 billion ($1.5 billion) in 2022. The woman? Kristin Cabot, who was appointed chief people officer of the same company last year. Byron still appears to be married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, with whom he reportedly has two children. Cabot is divorced, according to reports in the New York Post.

And the equally horrified-looking, red-faced bystander? Quickly identified as another colleague: Alyssa Stoddard, the firms recently promoted senior director of people, who seems to have joined this apparently extra-marital trip to see Coldplay. One commentator pointed out that she appears to be doing an uncannily accurate human representation of the gritted-teeth emoji. Coldplaygate spirals Online, it spiralled from there. Eagle-eyed social media users noted that Andy Byrons wife appeared to have removed her married name from her Facebook profile before deleting it entirely, after keyboard vigilantes took to posting the video on her page. A gushy press release announcing Cabots hiring from last November was also unearthed. It revealed that Byron is a big fan professionally, if not also personally, as he praised her as a perfect fit for the company, with exceptional leadership and deep expertise. In the same press release, Cabot said she was energised in my conversations with Andy and the Astronomer leadership team about the opportunities that exist here.

Having woken up to discover they were now the most googled people on the planet, Byron and Cabot clocked on and then tried to wipe their digital footprints. Thousands of users flooded Byrons now-deleted LinkedIn with criticism and Coldplay puns. The companys former chief executive was also forced to comment, saying he has no information on what he dubbed Coldplaygate. And then, of course, came the jokes  admittedly, they write themselves. When a CEO becomes involved in an office romance, the impact ripples far beyond  the resulting power imbalance and conflict of interest can expose a company to legal risk. Peter Byrne, head of employment law, Slater and Gordon Coldplay tickets $1000, Dinner $300, Divorce $1,300,000, posted one user on X.

Another said: Id divorce my husband just for attending a Coldplay concert. The London Telegraphs TV critic, Michael Hogan, wrote: A CEO copping off with the head of HR at a Coldplay gig is so hilariously basic. It might as well be a regional sales conference at a Novotel or in All Bar One after a day out paintballing. Naturally, the work rumour mill is in overdrive with a company source telling the New York Post the couple are a laughing stock internally. The text groups and chains of former employees are like  everybodys laughing  and enjoying [] what happened and him getting exposed, they said. Jokes aside, the incident could have serious ramifications for Byron, both personally and professionally. Some are calling for him to be removed as chief executive. On Friday, Astronomer said in a statement it had begun an investigation, adding that Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.

Lulu Cheng Meservey, a fellow founder, posted on X: The CEO is a professional manager whos only been there two years, the HR person has been there less than a year, neither is tied to the identity of the company  Andy Byron is on the board, but hes not a founder and doesnt have control. The other five board members should replace him. You can then use the new CEO announcement as a reset, and get people to focus again on Astronomers actual business instead of its drama. Peter Byrne, head of employment law at Slater and Gordon, suggested it could even constitute a legal risk. When a CEO becomes involved in an office romance, the impact ripples far beyond a single department, he says. Loading When two senior leaders embark on a relationship, the resulting power imbalance and conflict of interest can expose a company to legal risk. Employees may perceive, or allege, favouritism. Harassment or constructive dismissal claims can arise if team members feel sidelined. In such cases, HR and the board must act decisively, or risk damaging morale and inviting trouble.

Yet while relationships between chief executives and their subordinates naturally draw a lot of media attention, to be explicitly fired for it is rare, according to exechange.com, a company that conducts chief executive exit analysis. Since it began tracking the data in 2017, less than 2 per cent of chief executives have been fired because of misconduct issues. A statement from Byron  soon debunked as a fake  was widely circulated online. In it, he purportedly apologised to his wife, family and employees, and signed off by quoting the lyrics from Coldplays Fix You (until that point, it is semi-believable). The real Byron is yet to say anything at all. Chris Martin has, though, offering something of a statement on Byrons behalf. Holy shit, he said to the crowd. I hope we didnt do something bad. The Telegraph, London
Microsoft halts China-based tech support for Pentagon systems



Washington, July 18 (AFP) Jul 18, 2025



Microsoft said Friday it is making sure that personnel based in China are not providing technical support for US Defense Department systems, after investigative news site ProPublica revealed the practice earlier this week.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed that work on Defense Department cloud services had been outsourced to people in China, insisting that the country will not have "any involvement whatsoever" with the department's systems going forward.

"Microsoft has made changes to our support for US Government customers to assure that no China-based engineering teams are providing technical assistance for DoD Government cloud and related services," the company's chief communications officer, Frank Shaw, said in a post on X.

ProPublica reported Tuesday that the tech giant was using engineers based in China -- Washington's primary military rival -- to maintain Pentagon computer systems, with only limited supervision by US personnel who often lacked the necessary expertise to do the job effectively.

US Senator Tom Cotton asked Hegseth to look into the matter in a letter dated Thursday, and the Pentagon chief responded that he would do so.

Hegseth then posted a video on X Friday evening in which he said "it turns out that some tech companies have been using cheap Chinese labor to assist with DoD cloud services. This is obviously unacceptable, especially in today's digital threat environment."

"At my direction, the department will... initiate -- as fast as we can -- a two-week review, or faster, to make sure that what we uncovered isn't happening anywhere else across the DoD," he said.

"We will continue to monitor and counter all threats to our military infrastructure and online networks," he added, thanking "all those Americans out there in the media and elsewhere who raised this issue to our attention so we could address it."

wd/ksb

MICROSOFT
Trump insists Iran nuclear sites destroyed amid reports some survived



Washington, July 19 (AFP) Jul 19, 2025



President Donald Trump on Saturday insisted that US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities "completely destroyed" the sites after a report said that some had largely survived.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his frequent claim that "all three nuclear sites in Iran were completely destroyed and/or OBLITERATED."

He said it would "take years to bring them back into service and, if Iran wanted to do so, they would be much better off starting anew, in three different locations."

US bomb and missile attacks struck Iran's controversial nuclear program on June 22, hitting the uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, south of Tehran, as well as nuclear sites in Isfahan and Natanz.

The bombings, carried out at the same time as an Israeli campaign against Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, were billed by Washington as a knockout blow to a years-long covert effort to build nuclear weapons.

Iran insists it has not tried to weaponize its civilian nuclear power program.

Despite Trump's claims of total success, several US media outlets have reported leaked intelligence suggesting a hazier picture.

The latest to cast doubt was an NBC News report Friday, quoting a military damage assessment that only one of the three sites was mostly destroyed.

Two other sites were deemed to be repairable and potentially able to resume uranium enrichment activities within "the next several months," NBC reported, citing five current and former US officials aware of the assessment.

NBC also reported that the Pentagon had prepared an option to inflict far greater damage on Iran's facilities through a bombing campaign that would have lasted several weeks -- not the one-night operation chosen by Trump.

According to the report, citing one current and one former official, Trump rejected the more comprehensive attack plan due to fears of casualties and entanglement in the conflict.
The ban, under the Terrorism Act 2000, makes it a criminal offence to be a member of or show support for the group  with a maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison. Wearing a badge or T-shirt bearing the groups name now carries a potential six-month jail term.
Dr Ian Walker, executive director at Cancer Research UK, said the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a historic opportunity to help stub out the harms of smoking" but said it is frustrating that the legislation "isn't progressing through Parliament as quickly as it should be".
Jason Momoa feared "s******* my pants" hosting Black Sabbath's final concert.

Jason Momoa feels physically sick whenever he's on a stage

The Aquaman star was invited by Sharon Osbourne to emcee her husband Ozzy Osbourne's last hurrah onstage with his bandmates at the legendary metal extravaganza, Back To The Beginning, at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5.

However, the 45-year-old Hollywood star admits he gets "terrified" doing anything onstage, and just the thought of standing in front of people in a packed venue makes him feel physically ill.

He told Kerrang! magazine of getting the call to host the epic send-off: Im like, What the f*** are you talking about, man?!

Ive never hosted anything before but Ive gotta go out in front of all these f****** people and host! Ill be s******* my pants, but at the same time its the goddamn greatest metal show in history.

The Chief Of War star is also "f****** terrified" anytime he steps onstage with his band OOF TATATA, who currently perform covers.

And, although he's busy with his acting, Momoa wants to hone his bass skills and is keen to get into their under-construction studio to record more original material with his bandmates.

He said: We play everything from Zeppelin to Sabbath to Metallica to Bad Brains, and we switch it up, but its all stuff we love that we havent heard in a while, and people f****** loved it. Now weve started making our studio and weve got one original song, but Ive been doing movies so much that I havent had chance. Well make our own original songs and do it up, but for now its just buddies having a great time together.

Expanding on his huge fear of performing in front of a live audience, he said: Im f****** terrified. Im not scared to act because I dont have to look at the camera and there are no crowds. Ive never done theatre and I dont ever want to. I didnt get into acting to do theatre, I come from photography, cinema, shooting skate videos and s*** like that. I love film because youve got the writing, the music and the pictures. Theatre isnt really me. Standing up there with everyone staring at you all the f****** time is brutal. I get sick, I dont feel well, its been this huge, whole different thing."

Momoa - who has Lola, 17, and Nakoa-Wolf, 16, with ex-wife Lisa Bonet - also loves that his kids have been getting involved in his band.

He continued: I never wanted to be a rock star onstage, but its really fun doing this thing and it helps my friends, and now my kids come and sing four songs, my son comes on and plays, and [we played] the f****** Whisky! I never knew I was going to do that, it was never in my brain to do that. I played in London! Its surreal. I dont care if its 200 people or 5,000, its still scary as s***. I love the bass and I really want to have more time to get better. I love music and I love learning.
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The U.S. government sided with Argentina's effort to put on temporary hold a court order that it turn over its 51% stake in oil and gas company YPF to partially satisfy a $16.1 billion judgment won by two investors.

In a filing late Thursday night, the government told the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the public interest supports resolving the dispute on the merits, "free from the rushed compulsion of an unstayed turnover order and any negative effects it may have on U.S. foreign relations with Argentina."

The investors, Petersen Energia Inversora and Eton Park Capital Management, separately urged the Manhattan-based appeals court to reject a stay of U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska's June 30 turnover order while Argentina appeals.

They said the appeal would likely fail, and Argentina's "strategy of delay and obstruction" against collecting the $16.1 billion judgment, which the country is also appealing, justified the turnover.

The investors nonetheless said if the appeals court is not inclined simply to deny a stay, it should return the case to Preska to let Argentina propose alternative collateral or set conditions to avoid "irreversible outcomes" during its appeal.

"Plaintiffs have no interest in having the shares become unrecoverable in the (unlikely) event Argentina prevails on appeal, and no interest in running an oil company, and so would accept reasonable conditions to ensure the share transfer can be easily unwound if necessary," the investors' lawyers said.

Representatives for Argentina had no immediate comment outside business hours.

Argentina has said it would suffer irreparable harm and its economy could be destabilized if it gave up its stake in YPF, the country's largest energy company.

It has until July 22 to respond to the investors' filing.

Petersen and Eton Park are represented by litigation funder Burford Capital, which has said it expected to receive 35% and 73% of their respective damages.

The litigation arose from Argentina's 2012 decision to seize the YPF stake from Spain's Repsol without making a tender offer to minority shareholders.

Preska awarded the $16.1 billion judgment in September 2023.

The U.S. government expressed its position in a proposed friend-of-the-court brief, which mirrored a position it first took last November during the Biden administration. It said Petersen and Eton Park opposed its motion to file the brief.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
In a statement to the PA news agency, Mr Swinney said: It is deeply saddening that so far the UK Government has refused to even enter into a dialogue about medical evacuations for children in Gaza who, without proper medical attention, will be left to die.
On Friday, the board released a lengthy statement claiming there had been a threat of physical harm and sexual violence in relation to the tribunal, but clarified this is not believed to be related to any of Ms Peggies supporters.
He went on: At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point, he said.
Dr Payal Sud, of North Shore University Hospital, told CBS: The dangers [of not following protocol] could be catastrophic and it underscores why we have all the safety precautions in place. If this was a chain that was wrapped around the neck, I could imagine any kind of strangulation injuries that could happen. Asphyxiation, cervical spine injuries.
We recently published 10 Stocks On Jim Cramers Radar As He Says Trump Has Been Good For Growth. Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT) has been one of Jim Cramers top data center stocks in 2025. The firms shares have gained 6% year-to-date as they are yet to claw back all of the losses incurred during Januarys DeepSeek AI selloff. Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT)s shares are still down by 18% from their level before the selloff. Cramer discussed the poor performance as he remarked that the data center sector had suffered from bearish sentiment, but the trend appeared to be reversing. His comments about Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT) came in the context of a $90 billion investment in Pennsylvania data center by technology and financial services firms:

No I mean data centers are the story again. Pennsylvania data centers. The building of them would be CoreWeave, the Presidents going to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania being a hub for all these. Everyone wants to play the parts of data center again. It really cooled in April. No one cared. The stocks got killed. . .I think that you can go back to these stocks, Vertiv got hit the other day because people felt that Amazon wasnt going to use them. Thats not true. . . You want to be there again, because the building is continuing and I just feel like, wow its a pretty good time.

Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) Will Benefit From Data Center Spending, Says Jim Cramer

A close-up of a group of technicians working on complex data center systems.

Earlier, the CNBC TV host discussed Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE:VRT) and other companies:

Well, we spent a lot of time today, Jeff Marks and I, and Ben Stoto, talking about how really significant that Amazon note is. Now, I happen to think Vertivs a fabulous company, and I believe that youre getting a chance to buy it again Look, Amazon makes a lot of very, very good products. They do it themselves, but I think that right now, Vertiv is really hard Jensen Huang, by the way, went to the White House today, and you know what? I bet you, the president didnt trash that guy. No, I bet you he congratulated him.

While we acknowledge the potential of VRT 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.
Veteran fund manager who predicted Nvidia stock rally resets forecast on China shock originally appeared on TheStreet.

The move off the early April lows is impressive. The S&P 500 dropped 10% following President Trump's tariff announcement on April 2, so-called "Liberation Day," but has since recaptured all its losses and made new highs.

The S&P 500's spring sell-off was fast and unexpected, sparking fear that trade war uncertainty would serve as a catalyst for stagflation or outright recession. As a result, many investors sold top performers, including Nvidia, before a massive post-sell-off run higher.

An 82% rally in Nvidia's stock price since its early April low likely surprised many, and investors who missed the buy-the-dip move are likely shaking their heads, wondering if it's too late to buy.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter

One who wasn't caught flat-footed by Nvidia's move is veteran Wall Street fund manager Dan Niles.

In late April, he said Nvidia shares would likely continue climbing, writing in a post on X, "$NVDA: While their quarter ends in April, four reasons make me optimistic on the stock in the near-term," citing surging AI inference demand, among other things.

It wasn't Niles's first correct call this year. In December, he chose cash as his top holding for 2025 over worries that stocks would drop before the S&P 500's 19% drop beginning in February. In April, he suggested the market sell-off was overdone, setting stocks up for gains.

Now that Nvidia has rallied sharply higher to become the US stock market's largest company, with an eye-popping $4 trillion market capitalization, Niles has updated his outlook in the wake of a surprising shift in US-China regulations.

Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, has seen shares in his company skyrocket on surging AI demand.Image source: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images

Nvidia rides tsunami of AI demand to record highs

Nvidia's ascent over the past few years is one for the record books. OpenAI's launch of ChatGPTthe fastest app to reach one million usersuncorked a tidal wave of interest in artificial intelligence research and development, causing Nvidia's revenue, profit, and share price to skyrocket.

Related: Market legend makes surprising stock market bet

Seemingly, everyone is getting in on the AI action.

Banks are using AI to hedge risks on portfolios and loans, manufacturers are evaluating its use in quality control and automation, retailers are embracing it to stop retail theft and improve supply chains, and healthcare companies are seeing if it can improve drug development and treatment. Even the US military is considering its use on the battlefield.
President Nicusor Dan said on Friday in Berlin that the concrete result of his official visit to Germany is the signing of a joint action plan clarifying collaboration between the two countries in different fields.

"Speaking concretely, the result is that an action plan was signed, which is a partnership and which is the outcome of work that began a long time ago, a year and a half let's say, in which it was clarified how we will collaborate in different fields," Dan said at a news conference at the Romanian Embassy in Berlin when asked about the outcome of his official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.

He added that economic issues were also discussed during this visit.

"We will see, because there were some discussions that started today, we will see where the discussions will lead on the economic side, because, if we have investment in Romania of several billions, that will obviously be the most concrete result of this visit.'

In Berlin on Friday, Romania's Foreign Minister Oana Toiu and State Secretary with the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Geza Andreas von Geyr signed an action plan for enhanced bilateral cooperation between Romania and the Federal Republic of Germany. The signing took place in the presence of President Nicusor Dan and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, part of Dan's official visit to Berlin on Friday, AGERPRES.
On CBS Sunday Morning recently, novelist Anne Tyler said shes working on a book but she may never publish again. She might have been joking but, if she wasnt, a new novel could make fans of the wry, observant author mighty happy.

Even the title of Kathy Wangs The Satisfaction Cafe sounds like a Tyler title, specifically Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, and both reference a place designed for customers to eat and heal. Like Tyler, Wang believes the tiny details of life are worth attending to, small decisions and events can change lives, everyone is messy and that, even so, the story of an ordinary person can be extraordinarily beautiful.

The ordinary person in The Satisfaction Cafe is Joan, who travels from her native Taiwan to the Bay Area to attend Stanford, marries (twice, but one hardly counts), raises children and dreams of opening the titular bistro. Made to feel like an afterthought by her parents and the family she helps create, Joan is always at center stage for readers in Satisfaction, a collection of linked stories that offers the  sorry  satisfaction of a novel.

Sometimes, years elapse in between check-ins with Joan and the other characters, including her philandering husband, Bill, and children, Jamie and Lee. The result is that Wangs writing is both tightly observed (Wang writes of a relationship with Joans sister-in-law that Bridget now spoke to Joan as if theyd experienced something significant together, like high school or a stressful cruise) and vast, almost epic. Since the novels vignettes cover half a century, collectively they make us feel like we understand exactly how Joans thorny mind works.

Not incidentally, Joan might be my favorite literary character since Elizabeth Strouts Olive Kitteridge. Like Olive, Joan is far from perfect.

One of the first things we see her do is stab her first husband (the one who doesnt matter; he survives). And, having been driven nuts by her control freak mother, who hangs up the telephone when shes mad at Joan, eventually Joan does exactly the same thing to her own children. But shes also smart, forgiving, kind and  especially when Wang lets us in on the observations Joan thinks but chooses not to voice  wickedly funny.

Wang, whose other novels are Family Trust and Impostor Syndrome, also takes at least one big risk with Satisfaction. Despite the fact that it spans 50 years, most of the novel takes place in a sort of constant present, so it feels like were there as Joan puts out a series of fires in her volatile family (one of those fires is literal, by the way). But, usually at the end of chapters, the voice slips into omniscient peeks at the future: Joan would devote a great deal of herself to this question; it would become one of her lifes obsessions.

The device is similar to the one in The White Lotus, where the first episode foreshadows something that will happen, so we concentrate even harder on situations that seem to be leading us to that event. Wang doesnt use this device for suspense  we all know the arc any humans life must take, so the ending of The Satisfaction Cafe isnt exactly a surprise. Instead, the looks ahead situate each small event in Joans journey as part of the larger picture of who she is.

The effect is that Wangs short, graceful chapters are like brushstrokes, and Joan is the resulting work of art.
COLUMBIA  Gov. Mike Kehoe and other prominent figures in state political, energy and business circles voiced enthusiasm this week for building new nuclear power generation, at a state-led event called the Missouri Nuclear Summit.

Kehoe, a Republican, expressed an eagerness to quickly pursue more of the power source  something he recalled unsuccessfully pushing for as a freshman legislator in Jefferson City, more than a decade ago.

We need to move at business speed, not bureaucratic speed, said Kehoe, in a speech at the conference. Its a priority of mine to make sure Missouri has ample power for the future. And we know nuclear technology can be a critical piece in meeting that goal.

Around 500 people registered to attend the meeting, including a range of state-level politicians and regulators, industry advocates and representatives, personnel from utility companies interested in nuclear power, and federal officials from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Despite some significant concerns about matters like the cost of nuclear development  which can spiral into the tens of billions of dollars for a single, large-scale plant  the tone at the summit was overwhelmingly one of interest, supportiveness and urgency.

Besides thrice mentioning fictional nuclear industry employee Homer Simpson, speakers at the event gave context about renewed national interest in the energy source  especially amid electricity demand from power-intensive industrial users like data centers  and acknowledged some challenges, from public attitudes about nuclear power to its costs.

But some speakers downplayed the significant upfront costs that can accompany new nuclear projects and argued that price tags would be reduced as more projects are built, after the recent end of a nationwide, three-decade pause in nuclear plant construction.

That period of inactivity finally concluded in 2023, when a plant in Georgia began running seven years later than scheduled and $17 billion over budget  with total costs exceeding $30 billion.

Around the country, theres growing interest in other nuclear projects, including the potential to use new technologies in smaller reactors.

Some mothballed nuclear reactors are even being put back into service, in places like Michigan.

Currently, Missouri has just one nuclear power plant, run by Ameren in Callaway County.

Ameren, the St. Louis-based power utility, announced earlier this year that it wants to build new nuclear generation for the first time since the 1980s, and attended the summit to learn and listen as it weighs its options, said Mark Birk, the chairman and president of Ameren Missouri.

A key goal for the company, Birk said during a break, is understanding the risks and the benefits that are associated with each technology, and then ultimately making the right decision for our customers.

He said that Ameren wants to patiently monitor the development of nuclear projects by other utilities and let related technologies mature, by the time it aims to welcome more of the power source in the 2040s.

We dont want to be the first to go, said Birk.

Ameren representatives were among those sticking around for the second day of the summit on Friday  a non-public portion of the event, focused on more granular and technical details about nuclear development.

Officials from both Ameren and state government said that recent policy changes put nuclear generation newly in reach, such as a controversial bill signed this year by Kehoe that allows utilities to charge customers for projects before they are finished and producing power.

Because youve got a 10- to 15-year cycle of what it takes to build a nuclear plant, no investor-owned utility can borrow that kind of money, carry it for 10, 12, 15 years without income from it, and survive, said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which hosted the event.

He also said additional policy changes might further assist nuclear development, particularly for plants that seek to use previously approved technologies.

I think youre going to see states asking the federal government to accelerate some of that review process, because it really should not take as long as it does, said Schaefer.
George Seper was a detective sergeant in homicide in the early 80s when I was night police reporter. In those days, the police department had no official spokesperson, and no public affairs staffers. Reporters got their information from the officers who were handling the cases.

Homicide detectives had a special notoriety. Ben Thomas of the Evening Whirl  a weekly crime newspaper  gave them nicknames. Sometimes the nicknames were descriptive  Dapper Dan Nichols was a snazzy dresser, John Hollywood Roussin was as handsome as a leading man. Other times Ben took literary license. George the Creeper Seper didnt really creep. He did just the opposite. He charged.

He carried a small cassette player to homicide scenes. As he and his two detectives got out of their unmarked car to take over the scene from the district detectives and patrolmen, George would light a cigar and turn on the cassette, which would blast out the traditional calvary bugle command, Charge.

Dee dee, dee dee, dee dee.

Some of the folks in the crowd who gathered at these scenes would nod to one another. Sepers Creepers were on the set.

Investigations were different back then. There was no ShotSpotter to alert police to gunfire, no license plate readers to follow a trail, no cellphones to check to see who the deceased had been chatting with, no social media sites to peruse, no closed-circuit videos on nearby businesses to study, no DNA to help identify culprits. There was just a body.

In the absence of scientific evidence, there were informants and unspoken understandings and get-out-of-jail cards and lots of guesswork. A detective sergeant had to be smart and patient. None of this first 48 hours stuff. Cases took time to develop. Detectives had to be able to talk to people and make educated guesses about who was telling the truth, and how much of the truth they were telling.

It was a dark and imperfect world. George thrived in it.

He was a former Marine. He served in combat in Korea. He made the famous landing at Inchon as a gunner on an amphibious tank. He spent some time with Australian commandos.

But the most central part of his identity was this  he fell in love in the fourth grade.

He was born in July of 1930 in the early days of the Great Depression. His father was from Hungary. His mother was born in St. Louis to Hungarian immigrants. Hungarian culture did just fine in south St. Louis. Parties, food, and polkas were common.

Young George was industrious. He hunted rabbits. He collected empty soda bottles. He worked as a delivery boy for a small grocery store. He attended elementary school at St. Bernards Church. It was there he met Dorothy Klein. He was in fourth grade. She was in third. George fell in love instantly. Dorothy was not so sure.

But George was persistent. Their first date was a month before she turned 16.

Still in love, George joined the Marine Corps after graduating from high school. On Dorothys 19th birthday, he gave her an engagement ring, and also the news that he would be leaving for Korea in a month.

He came home from the war in January 1952. He and Dorothy were married at St. Bernards Church. George got a job as an ambulance driver. On one of his calls, het met some Sisters of the Poor. He told them he wanted to be a cop. They said theyd pray for him. When he graduated from the Police Academy in October 1954, he took a bouquet of flowers to the Sisters.

He and Dorothy had three children  Tom, Janet and Judy. Judy remembers being with her dad at a drugstore when she was a young child. An older man approached and spoke to her dad in a language she didnt understand, but her dad seemed to. After a brief conversation, the man left. Judy asked who he was. I arrested him a long time ago and he went to prison. Is he mad at you? she asked. No. He didnt want to go to prison, but he understands that I was just doing my job.

Bad guys arent always bad people, Judy thought. Life was more ambiguous than she had imagined.

George appreciated firearms. He did ballistic research in his basement. He fired different weapons into blocks of clay. The kids knew not to make phone calls when their father was in the basement because it was unnerving to the person on the other end of the line to hear gunshots.

George retired from the police department in 1985. He charged into retirement. He hosted lunches at Pietros on Watson Road. Mostly old chums from Homicide, but other friends, too. Separate checks always, but George was the leader.

The Seper table, Id say to the waitress when I walked in. George is holding court in the back today, shed say.

When he was 75, he went bear hunting in Alaska. In his early 80s, he went boar hunting in Texas. A boar charged him. Big mistake for the boar.

One day, maybe 15 years ago, George had some exciting news at lunch. He pulled up his sleeve. He had a brand-new Marine Corps tattoo.

You get one of those before youre 20, or you dont get one, I said.

The guys who get them when theyre 20, theyll be faded when they die. Mine will be vivid, he said.

Eventually, he and Dorothy moved into a senior living facility on Telegraph Road. Some residents decorate their doors with photos. George put yellow crime tape all over his and Dorothys door. It was easy to find.

Dorothy died in March 2022. Their son, Tom, died last year. George became more idiosyncratic than ever. He preferred eating out of his mess kit rather than the plates the facility provided.

George turned 95 earlier this month. His daughters planned a party on the Saturday after his birthday. A friend and I visited shortly before his birthday. George gave me a bottle of whiskey to give to a mutual friend.

Any message with this? I asked loudly. George could hardly hear, hardly see. Jerry is going to wonder why youre giving him a half bottle of whiskey.

Half bottle? George said, puzzled. He looked at the bottle and then nodded his head in understanding. A joke. Thats a bad sign, I thought. Even at his advanced age, George is mentally agile.

Why wont the Lord take me? George said. Im ready to go. I want to be with Dorothy.

He died two days later, the day after his birthday.
BELLEVILLE  The manager of a McDonald's outlet and the mother of an employee each face felony charges in connection with a shooting and a beating at the restaurant, police said Friday.

Belleville police said the series of events began Wednesday when the manager, Kathy M. Bledsoe, asked a female juvenile employee to take some trash to a dumpster at the eatery in the 100 block of South Belt West.

When the employee refused, police said, Bledsoe told her to clock out and go home. Police said the employee than contacted her mother, Tynika R. McKinzie, who came to the restaurant with another juvenile female.

Following "a verbal disturbance," police said, McKinzie battered Bledsoe in the face and head. Bledsoe then shot McKinzie in the leg with a handgun, police said.

Police said Bledsoe was taken into custody at the scene and McKinzie was transported for medical treatment.

Police said Bledsoe, 44, of Belleville, has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and McKinzie, 35, of Belleville, with aggravated battery and mob action.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with information that police have found the missing dog.

BELLEVILLE  Police early Saturday said the department has found a missing canine that was on the loose in the east end of the downtown area earlier in the morning.

Belleville Police Department sent out a recorded phone call to residents at about 6:45 a.m. about the missing police dog.

Two hours later, the department sent out another recorded call that said the dog had been found. No other information was provided.

The first recorded call said Diesel, a dark tan Belgian Malinois wearing a tan collar, was on the loose in the east end of downtown Belleville.

"Do not approach the dog," the recording said. "It is trained for police work and may not respond to the public."

This is the second police dog to go missing in the region in the last few months.

In April, a Florissant police dog named Raider escaped his kennel during a storm.

Raider, a 3-year-old Dutch shepherd, was missing for more than two days before an officer found him in a backyard in a Florissant subdivision.

The drug-sniffing dog had some minor injuries but was otherwise unharmed.
BRIDGETON  A woman who was crawling on Interstate 70 was struck and killed by a car Tuesday night, police said.

The incident occurred right before midnight just west of St. Charles Rock Road, a Missouri Highway Patrol report said.

A westbound Cadillac hit the 62-year-old St. Louis woman and she was pronounced dead at the scene minutes later, police reported. The driver, a 61-year-old St. Louis man, was not injured, police said.

Information on why the woman was crawling on the interstate was not provided in the preliminary crash report. The Missouri Highway Patrol did not release the woman's name.
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter.

More than half of workers recently surveyed thought their onboarding experience was too focused on administrative tasks and didnt spend enough time on job readiness, while others said there werent enough personalized learning opportunities incorporated.

Heres a look at those numbers and some of the others making headlines in the HR world.

By the numbers

4

The number of days that Starbucks corporate employees will be required to come into the office per week starting in October, according to a letter from CEO Brian Niccol.

9%

The percentage of workers who said diversity, equity and inclusion efforts seem to exist only for show at their company, a Resume Now report found.

41%

The percentage of workers surveyed who said theyve never had a transparent discussion at work about how compensation is set, according to Payscales 2025 Pay Confidence Gap Report.

52%

The percentage of employees who said their onboarding overly focused on administrative tasks, often overshadowing job readiness, a TalentLMS and BambooHR report found.

$85,000

The amount a Maryland retirement community will pay to settle U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claims that it refused to promote a Black manager and then fired her when she complained of discrimination, per EEOC.
DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli troops opened fire Saturday toward crowds of Palestinians seeking food from distribution hubs run by a U.S.- and Israeli-backed group in southern Gaza, killing at least 32 people, according to witnesses and hospital officials.

The shootings occurred near hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which launched operations in May. The U.S. and Israel seek to replace the traditional U.N.-led aid distribution system in Gaza, asserting that Hamas militants siphon off supplies. The U.N. denies the allegation.

While the GHF says it has distributed millions of meals to hungry Palestinians, local health officials and witnesses say that Israeli army fire has killed hundreds of people as they try to reach the hubs. GHFs four sites are in military-controlled zones.

Israels army, which is not at the sites but secures them from a distance, says it only fires warning shots if crowds get too close to its forces. The military on Saturday said it fired warning shots near Gazas southernmost city of Rafah after a group of suspects approached troops and ignored calls to keep their distance. It said the incident occurred overnight when the distribution site was closed.

In a statement, the GHF said there were no incidents at or near its sites and added, we have repeatedly warned aid seekers not to travel to our sites overnight and early morning hours.

Witnesses allege indiscriminate fire

Most of Saturdays deaths occurred as Palestinians massed in the Teina area, around 3 kilometers (2 miles) from a GHF aid distribution center near the southern city of Khan Younis.

Mahmoud Mokeimar said he was walking with masses of people, mostly young men, toward the hub. Troops fired warning shots, then opened fire.

It was a massacre  The occupation opened fire at us indiscriminately, he said. He said he saw at least three motionless bodies on the ground and many wounded people fleeing.

Akram Aker, another witness, said troops fired machine guns mounted on tanks and drones. He said the shooting happened between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. The GHF had called on people not to approach before 6 a.m. Saturday, citing potential military activities.

They encircled us and started firing directly at us, Aker said. He said he saw many casualties on the ground.

Sanaa al-Jaberi said there was shooting after the site opened as people seeking aid broke into a run. Is this food or death? Why? They dont talk with us, they only shoot us, she said, and showed off her empty bag.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said it received 25 bodies. Seven other people, including one woman, were killed in the Shakoush area, hundreds of meters (yards) north of another GHF hub in Rafah, the hospital said. Gazas Health Ministry confirmed the toll.

Dr. Mohamed Saker, head of Nassers nursing department, said it received 70 wounded people. He told The Associated Press that most people were shot in the head and chest.

The situation is difficult and tragic, he said, adding that the facility lacks medical supplies. Some of the wounded, including a child, were treated on the floor. One boy stood patiently, holding up a blood bag for someone on a stretcher.

Meanwhile, Fares Awad, head of the Health Ministrys ambulance and emergency service in northern Gaza, said two people were killed in Gaza City when an airstrike hit a tent in a camp sheltering displaced families.

In central Gaza, Al-Awda Hospital said 12 people were killed in an airstrike. The hospital and Hamas-run Interior Ministry said Omar Aqel, a local police official, was killed. Two children, including an infant, and five women  all relatives of Aqel  were among the dead.

Al-Awda Hospital said it also received two people killed by an Israeli strike on a group of people in Bureij. Another strike on a house in the Gaza City neighborhood of Sheikh Radwan killed at least four, according to the Health Ministrys ambulance and emergency service. A strike that hit a cart in Tal al-Hawa in northern Gaza killed four, the service said.

Israels army had no comment on specific strikes but said it had struck some 90 targets throughout Gaza over the past day and killed militants and targeted terror infrastructure in northern Gaza and Gaza City.

Humanitarian crisis

Gazas more than 2 million Palestinians are in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Distribution at the GHF sites is often chaotic. Boxes of food are stacked on the ground and crowds surge in to grab whatever they can, according to witnesses and videos released by GHF.

In videos obtained recently by the AP, GHF contractors are seen using tear gas and stun grenades to keep crowds behind metal fences or force them to disperse. Gunshots can be heard.

Hamas triggered the 21-month war when it stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage.

Israels military offensive has killed over 58,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, displaced nearly all of Gazas and caused widespread destruction. The ministry does not say how many militants are among the dead, but it says over half were women and children.

The ministry is part of the Hamas government, but the U.N. and other international organizations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.

Israel and Hamas have been holding ceasefire talks in Qatar, but international mediators say there have been no breakthroughs.

West Bank church attack

In the occupied West Bank, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the Palestinian Christian village, Taybeh, where residents say extremist Israeli settlers set fire to the Church of St. George on July 9.

Huckabee, an evangelical Christian who is normally strongly supportive of Israel, condemned the attack.

To commit an act of sacrilege by desecrating a place that is supposed to be a place of worship  its an act of terror and its a crime, he said.

The West Bank has experienced a surge in settler violence since the war in Gaza began. Palestinians say Israeli security forces have done little to stop the violence, and few settlers have been punished.

Magdy reported from Cairo.
WASHINGTON (AP) 

Former Missouri congressman Billy Long was ceremonially sworn in as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service on Friday in the Oval Office, taking over a beleaguered agency that he once sought to abolish and that has since been beset with steep staffing cuts and leadership turnover.

Lee Zeldin, who heads the Environmental Protection Agency, administered the oath of office while President Donald Trump looked on.

Long won confirmation in a 53-44 Senate vote last month despite concerns from Democrats about his connection to a tax credit scheme and campaign contributions he received after then President-elect Trump nominated him for the top IRS job in December.

Longs commissionership comes after months of acting leaders and massive staffing cuts that have threatened to derail next years tax filing season. Tens of thousands of workers have voluntarily retired or been laid off as part of the Trump administrations efforts to shrink the size of the federal bureaucracy through the Department of Government Efficiency.

In my first 90 days I plan to ask you, my employee partners, to help me develop a new culture here, Long wrote in a message to IRS employees. Im big on culture, and Im anxious to develop one that makes your lives and the taxpayers lives better.

While in Congress, where he served from 2011 to 2023, the Republican sponsored legislation to get rid of the IRS. A former auctioneer and real estate broker, Long has no background in tax administration. He also hosted a radio talk show from 1999 to 2006 on which the IRS was always a hot topic, according to his biography on the agencys website.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Fox News in February that Trumps goal is to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and let all the outsiders pay, referring to tariffs imposed on other countries. The president has also floated the idea of getting rid of the federal income tax and using tariffs to make up the difference.

The nearly 900-page tax and spending bill Trump signed earlier this month contains about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. They include new tax deductions on tips, overtime and auto loans, as well as scores of business-related cuts.

Long has toed the Trump party line for years. In 2022, during an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate in Missouri, he released a 30-second ad that falsely claimed the 2020 election was rigged and stolen from Trump  claims the president frequently touts himself.

During his Senate bid, Long worked with a firm that distributed fraudulent, pandemic-era employee retention tax credits. He appeared before the Senate Finance Committee in May and denied any wrongdoing related to his involvement in the scheme.

Democrats have called for a criminal investigation into Longs connections to other alleged tax loopholes. They have also written to Long and his associated firms detailing concerns with what they call unusually timed contributions made to Longs defunct 2022 Senate campaign committee shortly after Trump nominated him.

Long is not the only Trump appointee to support dismantling an agency he was assigned to manage.

Linda McMahon, the current education secretary, has repeatedly said she is trying to put herself out of a job by closing the federal department and transferring its work to the states. FBI Director Kash Patel has proposed radical overhauls to the 117-year-old agency. And Rick Perry, Trumps energy secretary during his first term, called for abolishing the Energy Department during his bid for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.
In this photo provided by Azerbaijans Presidential Press Office, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, right, and Syrias interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, second left, stand on the balcony during their meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. (Azerbaijani Presidential Press Office via AP)



DAMASCUS, Syria  Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa urged Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes Saturday to fully commit to a ceasefire aimed at ending clashes with Druze-linked militias that left hundreds dead and threatened to unravel the countrys postwar transition.

Despite the call, clashes continued in the southern province of Sweida.

Government forces that were initially sent to restore order but effectively sided with the Bedouins against the Druze were redeployed to halt renewed fighting that erupted Thursday in the southern province of Sweida. The violence also drew airstrikes against Syrian forces by neighboring Israel before a truce was reached.

In his second televised address since the fighting started, al-Sharaa blamed armed groups from Sweida for reigniting the conflict by launching retaliatory attacks against the Bedouins and their families. He also said Israeli intervention pushed the country into a dangerous phase.

Israel had launched dozens of airstrikes on convoys of government fighters and even struck the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters in central Damascus, saying it was in support of the Druze, who form a substantial community in Israel and are seen as a loyal minority, often serving in the Israeli military.

Reports had surfaced of Syrian government-affiliated fighters executing Druze civilians and looting and burning homes over the four-day violence.

Ceasefire agreed to early Saturday

The U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire early Saturday. Al-Sharaa made no direct reference to the agreement in his speech, but said American and Arab mediations stepped in to restore calm.

Addressing the Bedouins, al-Sharaa said they cannot replace the role of the state in handling the countrys affairs and restoring security. He also said: We thank the Bedouins for their heroic stances but demand they fully commit to the ceasefire and comply with the states orders.

Meanwhile, a prominent Druze leader, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, who opposes the current government and has distanced himself from the two ceasefires announced on Tuesday and Wednesday, said that an agreement brokered under the sponsorship of guarantor states contained several measures aimed at de-escalating tensions in Sweida.

They include the deployment of checkpoints outside the provinces administrative borders to contain clashes and prevent infiltration, a 48-hour ban on entry by any party into border villages, and safe, guaranteed passage for remaining members of the Bedouin tribes still inside the province.

Sharaa reiterated that Sweida remains an integral part of the Syrian state, and the Druze constitute a fundamental pillar of the Syrian national fabric, vowing to protect all minorities in Syria.

He also thanked the United States for its significant role in affirming its support for Syria during these difficult times, as well as Arab countries and Turkey, which mediated Wednesdays truce.

More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981.

Entire communities have fled the fighting

The U.N. estimates more than 87,000 people have been displaced in Sweida province since July 12 due to heavy shelling, sniper fire and abductions.

Entire communities have fled on foot, with many now crammed into overcrowded schools, churches and public buildings under dire conditions, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report. Infrastructure damage has cut electricity, water and telecommunications in much of the area, it said. The main hospital in Sweida was operating at just 15% capacity due to staff shortages and a lack of fuel.

The security situation is also endangering humanitarian workers. The White Helmets, also known as the Syrian Civil Defense, reported that one of its emergency team leaders went missing on July 16 while responding to a call for help from a U.N. team, OCHA said.

Shoring up the ceasefire agreement

Meanwhile, Jordan, Syria, and the U.S. agreed on a set of practical steps to bolster the ceasefire, including the deployment of Syrian security forces and the release of detainees from all sides, Jordans Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. The announcement came after a meeting between Barrack, Syrias Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi.

For his part, Syrias Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mostafa on Saturday said the first phase of the ceasefire, expected to take 48 hours, involves deploying internal security forces to key areas to prevent clashes. He acknowledged ongoing fighting in Sweida and said every ceasefire begins fragile.

Subsequent phases will open humanitarian crossings and gradually restore state institutions and security to ensure a return to normalcy, al-Mostafa said in a press conference in Damascus.

Al-Mostafa acknowledged that some security personnel committed violations after deploying in Sweida. He rejected reports that the violence in Sweida was premeditated operation by the Syrian government.

The armed groups present in Sweida insisted on a provocative approach, rejecting any solutions and relying on a closed-off model that disregards Syrias unity, Al-Mostafa said.

He accused Al-Hijri and his supporters of being armed with Israeli support and blamed them for steering the situation toward its current state, despite previous government attempts to reach an agreement.

Al-Mostafa also denied that Syria and Israel are in direct peace talks. All discussions that are happening with Israel are fixated on one issue related to the urgent Israeli withdrawal from the areas that it occupied and advanced in after Dec. 8 and its commitment to the 1974 agreement of disengagement, he said.

Signs of unrest in Damascus

But even as officials called for calm, signs of unrest spread to the capital. On Friday, men armed with sticks stormed a peaceful protest outside Syrias parliament in Damascus, beating demonstrators and tearing up a banner that read, Syrian blood should not be shed by Syrians, according to one of the organizers.

The protest was held in response to the deadly clashes in Sweida, which journalist and filmmaker Zein Khuzam described as a grim echo of the 2011 Syrian civil war.

We felt like we needed to do something, Khuzam told The Associated Press. We started receiving help messages from our friends in Sweida, that they are trapped there.

The demonstration began Thursday as a spontaneous act by Khuzam and two others, who stood in front of parliament holding signs, including slogans rejecting Israeli interference. Photos of the protest circulated online, drawing a larger crowd the next day.

Khuzam said the group noticed a man acting suspiciously on Friday. After making a phone call, he left, and shortly afterward, the attackers arrived in cars, some with women inside who cheered them on, she said.

She added that guards outside the parliament stood by as someone fired shotgun rounds to disperse the crowd.

People are still carrying the traumas of Assads actions during such peaceful protests, she said. In that moment, it felt like history was repeating itself. It is very, very sad.

Abou AlJoud reported from Beirut. Associated Press journalist Omar Sanadiki in Damascus contributed to this report.
New Space Force STARCOM commander Maj. Gen. James Smith takes a ceremonial guidon from Space Force Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, as previous STARCOM commander Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba looks on during an event at Patrick Space Force Base on Friday, July 18, 2025. It's the first time a command change has taken place in Florida for STARCOM, since moving its headquarters from Colorado to the Space Coast. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)



PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. (Tribune News Service)  The Space Force presence on the Space Coast is beginning to swell as one of its major units, STARCOM, had its first change-of-command ceremony since its headquarters moved from Colorado to Florida.

Major Gen. James Smith on Friday became the third-ever commander of STARCOM, which stands for Space Training and Readiness Command, one of only three command units under Space Force. He takes over for Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, who oversaw the commands initial steps as it began to take shape in Brevard County.

As I assume command, how fitting that I do so on the Space Coast, the home of the Eastern launch range and now home of STARCOM headquarters, Smith said while addressing Sejba during a ceremony at Patrick SFB. Youve created the foundation. You ensured the command is fueled and ready to be the liftoff point for our guardians. Like a launch, we now must accelerate the command, moving beyond the solid foundation of the path to a higher and ever more mission ready state.

Smith accepted the ceremonial guidon, a symbolic pennant, from Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Space Force Chief of Space Operations.

This command has been ever accelerating because of the evolution of technology across the space business, coupled with the surge of conflict around the globe, all while our adversaries continue to test our mettle with increasingly aggressive and sometimes irresponsible actions on orbit, Saltzman said.

The Space Force was stood up as its own military branch in 2019, but falls under the Air Force in the same manner the Marines fall under the Department of the Navy. It now has about 15,000 service members, who are called guardians.

STARCOM headquarters, which for now has just under 100 service members on site, will grow to more than 400 personnel on the Space Coast while one of its five deltas, similar to an Air Force wing, has also begun to set up shop at Patrick SFB. Space Delta 10: Doctrine and Wargaming is expected to grow to 150 more personnel in the next several years.

The two groups share space with Space Launch Delta 45, which runs both Patrick SFB and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, but falls under the Space Operations Command of Space Force. Also at Patrick SFB is the Air Force Technical Applications Center, which oversees nuclear treaties around the world, and the Air Force 920th Rescue Wing.

For Smith, the return to Patrick SFB is a homecoming. He and his wife were stationed there from 2012-2014, when he was an Air Force squadron commander with four children attending area elementary, middle and high schools before he transferred to the Pentagon.

We got to know the Space Coast and Brevard County quite well as we traversed the region weekly for any number of school, church and other activities. It was a great community in which to spend those two years, he said. As we drove away, 11 years ago, I never thought wed have the privilege to come back.

While his personal life has changed dramatically, including recently becoming a grandfather, he said the professional changes are just as dramatic.

Who could have imagined in 2014 that I stand here today under the title guardian in a sharp and distinctive uniform, taking command of something we call a field command within a brand new military service? Ill guarantee those thoughts werent anywhere in my head as we drove our Odyssey up I-95 toward the Pentagon, he said. The worlds a different place than it was then. We face peer and near-peer adversaries who challenged in new, complex and sophisticated ways. I definitely did not foresee how dramatically and rapidly the very character of warfare would evolve.

He hammered home the demands of a world under constant surveillance, the threat of electronic warfare and the need for nations to rely on the space domain, where threats to operations and missions are increasing exponentially.

And he said hes driven to ensure his new command trains every member of Space Force to face down that threat.

Thats the heartbeat of STARCOMs mission. We exist to forge combat-credible space forces ready to fight and win the joint war, he said. Fight hinges on our success, and we cannot and will not fail.

------------

2025 Orlando Sentinel.

Visit at orlandosentinel.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Hugh Boyce is the former right-hand man of the murdered drugs kingpin Malcolm McKeown

Gangland thug Hugh Boyce was jailed this week after he broke one cops nose and spat in the face of another during an orgy of violence.

Boyce, pictured here when we confronted him on the street in 2023 about an attack on the son of murdered gangster Malcolm McKeown, was ordered to serve ten months behind bars after the court was told he described his own behaviour as a disgraceful episode.

Boyce is the former right-hand man of the murdered drugs kingpin McKeown sr but has a shocking number of violent convictions and has settled a number of scores against former gang rivals both inside and outside of jail.

Crime boss McKeown, whose brother Clifford was jailed for life for the murder of Catholic taxi driver Michael McGoldrick, was shot dead in a hail of bullets at a petrol station forecourt in Waringstown in 2019.

Malcolm McKeown was murdered in 2019

Boyce, with an address at Lakeview Meadow in Lurgan, also admitted making threats to damage property, breaching a restraining order and improper use of a telecommunications network to send a message or other matter that was grossly offensive.

Following the admissions, a further charge of burglary with intent to cause damage was withdrawn by the prosecution.

The PPS lawyer told the court how occupant of a property on Hidden Terrace, Mountnorris, was contacted by her neighbour on 14 December last year, reporting that alarms were going offand there was water coming from her roof space.

Career criminal Huge Boyce

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th

Police arrived at the scene and they found Boyce hiding in the shed outside.

When they tried to arrest him however, he becomes aggressive and attacked the officers, breaking the nose of one constable and spitting in the face and mouth of another.

He made threats that he would burn their houses out, said the prosecutor, adding that during police interviews Boyce refused to answer questions.

Defence counsel told the court Boyce himself conceded it was a disgraceful episode and further that given his record, he is no stranger to custody.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said it was his view the ABH is the headline offence so imposing ten months jail on that charge, he ordered the other, lesser sentences to be served concurrently.

Back in 2019 when Boyce was jailed for two years for his role in a campaign of intimidation and arson attacks directed at police officers houses and cars, he was named in court as second in command in Malcolm McKeowns mid-Ulster gang.

Malcolm McKeown

The campaign against cops and staff of a Banbridge hotel began in 2015 when McKeowns gang were refused entry to the hotels nightclub but eventually, cops placed covert listening devices in a car of a fellow gang member and recorded Boyce discussing drug deals, plans to burn down a pub in Craigavon and about balaclavas, gloves, climbing over walls and petrol bombs.

Boyce was convicted of attacking McKeowns son Malcolm Jnr as he sat in his car at a petrol station in Lurgan.

He was approached by Boyce who had got out of a BMW X5 and proceeded to open McKeowns car door, immediately punching him in the face.

When he got out of the car, McKeown was kneed and punched once more by Boyce.

When the Sunday World confronted Boyce about that attack, he said: Its nothing to do with you. It happened yeah but its all been dealt with in court already.
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Western Alliance has named Vishal Idnani its next chief financial officer, effective Jan. 2, 2026, the company said Thursday.

Dale Gibbons, 64, whos been the Phoenix, Arizona-based banks finance chief since 2003, will transition to a new role as vice chairman and chief banking officer for deposit initiatives and innovation at $85 billion-asset Western Alliance.

Idnani, 40, has spent almost two decades at JPMorgan Chase, where he now serves as managing director in the financial institutions group at the lenders investment bank. Hell join Western Alliance in October. His initial annual salary will be $670,000, the bank said in a securities filing.

Dive Insight:

In his time at JPMorgan, Idnani has served as a trusted advisor to over 50 regional banks, including [Western Alliance], the Arizona bank said Thursday.

Western Alliance CEO Ken Vecchione has known and worked with Vishal since my return to the bank in 2017, he said, adding that Idnani has been one of my most reliable and trusted outside advisors.

His proven ability to foster key stakeholder relationships with executive management and the Board showcases his capacity to drive strategic initiatives and deliver outstanding financial results, Vecchione said. Enlisting a senior leader with an in-depth understanding of our strengths and appreciation of our culture gives me great confidence that he will be an exceptional asset to our leadership team and to Western Alliance as a whole.

Gibbons, who served as interim CEO from December to April while Vecchione was on medical leave, was CFO at Zions Bank prior to his time at Western Alliance, and worked at First Interstate Bank before that.

Gibbons is regarded as one of the sharper CFOs among regional banks, and this move to an operating role could position him as a firmer candidate to succeed Vecchione, Truist Securities analyst David Smith wrote Thursday.

Vecchione lauded the role Gibbons has played for more than two decades at the bank.

In recent years, Dale also has guided key deposit business units toward continued expansion, Vecchione said.

As Western Alliance seeks to advance its national commercial bank strategy, Gibbons will build on that deposit expansion strategy in his new role. Hell focus on organic deposit-generating business lines, particularly with corporate trust affiliate Western Alliance Trust Company, business escrow services, juris banking, digital assets, homeowners association banking and consumer digital segments, Western Alliance said.
Lisa Knocker (39) also spread her faeces on the wall of a garda station cell

A serial shoplifter who told a garda she would gut him like a fish and headbutted him on the chin as she resisted arrest has been jailed for 10 months.

Grandmother-to-be Lisa Knocker (39) also spread her faeces on the wall of a garda station cell, and failed to return to prison while on temporary release.

Judge Paula Murphy sentenced her after she admitted a string of 27 charges following a spate of offences around Dublin city centre. A further two months were suspended.

Knocker, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to garda obstruction, threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, theft and being unlawfully at large.

She also called the garda a dirty rat and threw a headbutt

Dublin District Court heard gardai were on duty on Grafton Street on March 26 when they were flagged down by security staff at the Victorias Secret shop, where she was held on suspicion of an offence.

When gardai dealt with her, Knocker became highly aggressive, saying next time I see you, Im going to gut you like a fish. She also called the garda a dirty rat and threw a headbutt at him, which caught him on the chin.

When gardai stopped Knocker on Prices Lane, Temple Bar, on June 22, when she was carrying a 25 River Island purse with the tag still attached and no proof of purchase.

She called the investigating garda a smelly tramp, threw herself to the ground and resisted arrest.

When taken to a garda station, she defecated in the cell and put her faeces on the wall.

Shoplifter. Library Photo

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th

Knockers shoplifting spree included the theft of a 30 hair straightener from Boots on Grafton Street on November 26 last year.

An off-duty garda saw her stealing goods from another shop on the same street on December 20. Knocker took a 120 jacket from Superdry, Suffolk Street, on April 15.

She threatened to spit at gardai when found lying highly intoxicated on the footpath at Aston Quay on April 23.

Knocker, who had substance abuse issues, was sleeping rough

Knocker was serving a sentence at Mountjoy Prison when she was granted temporary release but failed to return. She was unlawfully at large on March 6 this year and was arrested in central Dublin on March 11.

She had 53 prior convictions. Knocker, who had substance abuse issues, was homeless off and on, sleeping rough and realised her lifestyle was unsustainable, her solicitor Mervyn Harnett said.

Asking the judge for leniency, Mr Harnett said the accused apologised and the value of the thefts was at the lower end of the scale.
He identified the business as being involved in removal services.

THESE are the company documents that show how a top-level drug-dealer paid just 20 to set a corporate structure behind which he concealed a 10 million cocaine smuggling operation.

The document obtained by this newspaper show Andrew Pender, a key ally of CAB targets David and Christopher Waldron, registered Tech Recovery Ireland as a business name on November 24th, 2021.

He identified the business as being involved in removal services.

The documents show how, in total, Pender paid just 20 as a Company Registration Office submission fee  after which he had a legitimate front behind which he could disguise his smuggling activities.

Andrew Porter set up a front company to hide his drug dealing

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th

Pender also had the Tech Recovery Ireland logo printed on his vehicles in a bid to throw off suspicion when he was moving drugs around the capital.

On Wednesday of this week, coke addicted Pender, who lost part of his nose due to his addiction, was jailed for 15 years in connection with a 9 million seizure of cocaine , cannabis, MDMA and ketamine from a shipping container and 1.1 million in cash in July of last year.

The 52-year-old, from Ely Green in Dublin, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to drugs trafficking and money laundering.

Speaking afterwards, Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said that Pender operated a sophisticated drug trafficking distribution network and was observed personally delivering large quantities of drugs to communities around Dublin, particularly in the north and west of the city.

The Assistant Commissioner said the case was a very good example of how the gardai targets drug trafficking at all levels.

We do believe Andrew Pender was affiliated with a group in north and west Dublin and those investigations are live and ongoing, he said.

The Sunday World understands this was a reference to the gang run by brothers David and Christoper Waldron  both of whom have been targeted by CAB and who the High Court was told took a leading role in sourcing and supplying drugs in the Cabra area following the murder of Eamon Dunne in 2010.

David Waldron

At his sentencing hearing, the court heard Pender was a major Dublin drug dealer who was in full control of a multi-million euro cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, ecstasy (MDMA) and money laundering network.

He ran a sophisticated operation, which included storing the drugs in a shipping container, moving them and large bundles of cash in concealed compartments in specially modified vehicles and establishing shell companies to conceal the movements of the drugs and cash.

He was targeted by An Garda Siochana's Dublin Crime Response Team set up to provide what gardai say is an immediate and dynamic response to organised crime in the city, including drugs, burglary, money laundering, car theft, feud related activity and drug related intimidation.

Pender was targeted when gaps were identified in opportunities to tackle Dublin mid-level organised crime groups.

An intelligence-led operation was established focussing on Pender, who operated as independent drugs trafficker working to keep below the garda radar.

Christopher Waldron

He was stopped in a 19 D registered Peugeot car on the Finglas Road in Dublin at 6.30pm on Friday 19 July 2024.

Drugs and cash were discovered in a car, shipping container and a box van

A small amount of cocaine and over 9,000 in cash was found hidden in his car. Keys were also found for the drugs storage unit.

In simultaneous follow up searches, another 8.9m worth of drugs and over 1.1m in cash were found in a shipping container and a box van in a yard at the Ward in Co Dublin. The money was packed in 16 bales, sealed in duct tape.

Pender was renting the land for 200 a month.

Another 44,690 in cash was also found in two homes in Tallaght linked to Pender.

In all, gardai recovered over 1.15m in cash as part of the investigation along with a stolen full garda uniform with PPE equipment, epaulettes and a garda stab vest..

Detective Inspector Ken Holohan of the Dublin Crime Response Team told the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that Pender told gardai several "self-serving lies" when interviewed, including denying significant wrongdoing.

Judge Crowe described Penders as a highly sophisticated operation.

Pender, she said, managed an entire cell, registered fake companies and arranged the false registration of the two cars.
Daniel Murtagh is currently serving life for her murder.

Claire Lott (centre), the mother of Nadine Lott, leaving the Central Criminal Court with family and supporters

THE family of Nadine Lott have told of the harrowing moment they found her gasping for breath after being attacked by her ex in a barbaric unprovoked attack at her Wicklow home in a new documentary about her murder.

The 30-year-old mother-of-one was murdered by jealous ex-partner Daniel Murtagh in front of her six-year-old daughter Kya, in Arklow shortly before Christmas 2019.

Murtagh is currently serving life for her murder.

Nadines family have taken part in a documentary for Crime+Investigation TV which was broadcast this week and is being replayed on Saturday July 19 at 9pm.

The documentary tells how Nadine had been out at a family celebration in Arklow before returning to her apartment in St Marys Court, Arklow where evil Murtagh beat her so badly she was barely recognisable.

Nadines sister Phoebe broke down in tears as she told the documentary of the rushing to her apartment to find her dying after the attack,

We were running around the apartment trying find her. We went into the kitchen and she was in the corner just thrown in the corner and there was blood absolutely everywhere. She was making gasping sounds.

Nadines mother Claire said: You couldnt see her face but I kept telling her youre okay. Im here, your babys okay, your babys fine, dont worry now, everything is going to be okay.

I remember my instinct to save my daughter kicking in and doing what I need to do until the experts get here and save her.

Nadine died three days later, on December 17, in St Vincents Hospital, Dublin.

Remorseless Murtagh, of Melrose Grove, Bawnogue, Clondalkin, Dublin, had pleaded guilty to Ms Lotts manslaughter but had denied her murder.

Daniel Murtagh, of Melrose Grove, Bawnogue, Clondalkin in Dublin, beat Nadine Lott to a pulp . Photograph: Facebook

The plea, however, was not accepted by the State and he was convicted by a unanimous verdict of murdering the mother of his child following two week trial and given a mandatory life sentence in 2021.

The former couple met in Australia and Nadine became pregnant.

She returned to Ireland first and he later came back but they broke up in 2016.

However, they remained in contact as they had a child together but he was controlling and verbally abusive and wanted to get back with her though she made it clear she did not want to get back with him.

At Murtaghs sentence hearing Claire said her family was haunted by thoughts of her daughter's terror, fear, panic and cries during the prolonged, evil attack carried out by a monster.

Claire Lott (centre), the mother of Nadine Lott, leaving the Central Criminal Court with family and supporters

Mrs Lott told the jury her daughter had been beaten so badly by Murtagh she did not recognise her when she found her dying in the kitchen of her apartment.

I couldn't recognise her face, I couldn't recognise it was Nadine, she said.

She later told the court in a victim impact statement that the total carnage she encountered when she walked into the flat can and never will be forgotten.

The house, her beautiful apartment, was the sight of a horror movie. Nadines blood splashed everywhere, broken glass, smashed mirrors, just total horror. When we got to the kitchen the screams of my son and my younger daughter, I will always carry with me.

Nadine, my daughter, my baby was beyond recognition, she was gasping, blood pouring from her in so many places that all I could do was lie on the floor with her holding her hand trying to give comfort, comfort that I was there.

Crime+Investigation is available on Virgin TV channel 225 and Sky channel 156.
The three men were suspected of being involved in making deliveries set up through WhatsApp

Authorities in Mexico say theyve arrested a 22-year-old Northern Ireland man who was allegedly part of an active drugs gang.

According to media reports in Mexico, three men were arrested on Thursday night after their car was stopped and a quantity of drugs, cash and guns were recovered during an arrest in the Miguel Hidalgo borough of Mexico City.

One of the men is identified as being Jackson Alan Patrick (22) who was travelling with what the reports described as a Northern Ireland passport.

A video showing the three men in handcuffs was posted on the official X social media page belonging to the Pablo Vazquez Camacho, the Secretary of Citizen Security of Mexico City.

He tweeted: As a result of investigative and intelligence work to combat high-impact crimes, colleagues from @SSC_CDMX arrested three men in @AlcaldiaMHmx in possession of approximately 2 kilograms of suspected drugs, a handgun, live ammunition, and a high-end vehicle without license plates.

The detainees are allegedly linked to drug sales and distribution in the municipalities of #MiguelHidalgo, @TuAlcaldiaGAM, as well as in the municipality of #Huixquilucan, in the State of Mexico.

And he concluded his post by saying. We continue working to identify and arrest those who commit crimes, bring them to justice, and continue building a safer, more just, and peaceful city.

Further media reports claimed the three men were suspected of being involved in making deliveries set up through WhatsApp in different neighbourhoods of the Miguel Hidalgo area of the capital city.

The reports say the men were also pictured posing on social media networks with short and long firearms and showing videos of packages and bricks of drugs.

The other two gang suspects were named as 44-year-old Hugo Enrique and 34-year-old Leopoldo Alonso.

Drugs, cash and firearms seized by Mexican officials

One media report in El Heraldo de Mexico stated, This as a result of investigation and follow-up work to identify and arrest generators of violence in the Miguel Hidalgo mayor's office, members of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) of Mexico City arrested the three men, one of them a British citizen, in possession of a firearm, eight useful cartridges and a package with apparent marijuana.

It went on to say the group were, Possibly related to the sale and distribution of narcotics in that demarcation, in Gustavo A. Madero, and in the municipality of Huixquilucan, in the State of Mexico.

Through intelligence work, it was learned that a group of individuals, through messages sent via an instant messaging app, were offering to sell alleged drugs for delivery in different neighbourhoods of the Miguel Hidalgo borough. They were also posing with handguns, rifles, and live ammunition.

Jackson Alan Patrick , Hugo Enrique and Leopoldo Alonso

As a result, officers increased patrols and patrols in the area. While driving along Ejercito Nacional Avenue in the Irrigacion neighbourhood, they observed a high-end red vehicle without license plates, the occupants of which were carrying what appeared to be a firearm.

Quickly, to rule out a possible criminal act, the officers stopped them and requested a preventive search, in accordance with police protocol. Afterward, they found a handgun, eight live ammunition, a brick-shaped package made of duct tape containing approximately two kilograms of apparent marijuana, two cell phones, and cash.

As a result, the men, aged 34, 44, and 22the latter identifying himself as a British citizenwere detained, informed of their legal rights, and, along with the confiscated items, were handed over to the relevant Public Prosecutor's Office, who will determine their legal status.

There were no further details of the man who it is claimed comes from Northern Ireland.
Ive seen at first hand the cut throat world of a beauty final...and some of its not nice

Kristine was proud to represent Ireland in Egypt at the Top Model of the World pageant

Having finished in the top five of the Top Model Of The World pageant, gorgeous Kristine Subrovska has not only made friends for life with fellow contestants but shes also seen up close what a cut-throat business it can be.

Dubliner Kristine recently won Irelands Next Top Model and she has graciously opened up her talents to give aspiring young women a shot at making it in the beauty world through her agency The Model Method.

Kristine flew to Egypt to take part in the contest, which was won by Miss Colombia.

I bonded quite well with the girls, who were super lovely, she says.

There was a white dress round, swimwear round and then a ballgown round.

The girls were introduced beforehand, they give a bio on screen as youre on stage

Of course, coming closer to the finals you could really feel the tension between the girls, it got more intense, because at the end of the day while were all lovely and friendly were all there for the same reason.

There are other titles in it as well, you have Miss Social, Miss Reputable, Miss Photogenic.

Kristine was proud to represent Ireland in Egypt at the Top Model of the World pageant

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th

But Kristine also got to see a darker side.

On the day of the finals, we had a final rehearsal, there were dresses cut up, there were rumours going around of girls sleeping with judges to get a higher ranking, there was make-up all over bikinis. It just got really nasty closer to the time, she reveals.

Kristine, who was born in Latvia but grew up in Citywest, had the full support of her fiance in the competition.

Irelands Next Top Model is run by Michael Martin Byrne, who also owns the Merrion and Dawson Spas in Dublin, of which Kristine is co-owner.

The Merrion branch sees a string of celebrities visiting, with Celebrity Big Brother winner Big Zhu and his fellow rapper cousin AJ Tracey popping in last weekend before they appeared at the Longitude festival.

Michael has over a decade of experience in the field and has the right contacts to make this Irelands leading pageant, Kristine says.

To take part you need to be confident, you need to have a certain aura around you. You dont necessarily need experience in modelling, but you do need to have confidence, thats one thing the judges need to look at.

Its not just wearing the crown and saying, Im the queen, Im the winner or whatever the case is, its more than that, like you will be asked to go work with charities, you will be asked to work closely with your community.

Kristine Subrovska.

Like my chosen one is children, and Im meeting Ronald McDonald House again this week. Wed like to see the community also getting involved with it, if its children, its animals, its homelessness  whatever the case you choose that and you work closely with them. You do something with the crown, its not just getting free blowdries and free sponsorship deals and collaborations with brands.

Thats where we differ from other pageants or competitions, its not just about who has the most lifestyle and Instagram posts, or who has the most followers, its about what you can bring to the table as well.

Kristine was delighted to do so well.

When they announced Ireland and I made it into the top 20 I was stunned but delighted, she smiles.

She adds that mental health is very important to her, and she works with charities like Pieta House, having had experience of being manipulated during her career with other agencies.

I was manipulated, gaslit, and pressured into legal bindings, and faced stalking, harassment, and exploitation disguised as opportunity, she reveals.

Kristine says she has also seen how false accusations, courtroom lies, and endless legal battles have robbed children of time with loving parents, causing irreparable damage during the most critical years of development.

Ive watched incredible parents lose precious milestones and moments with their children because the system isnt working.

Ive seen the heartbreak of children pulled back and forth while adults argue in courtrooms, and its affecting who these children become, she says.

Its time we put children first and support parents who are doing everything they can to love and protect their kids.

Its time we demand systems that work, so families arent destroyed by lies and delays.
"If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people, and maybe more importantly, if I thought I could be a voice, a voice of the Irish people.

Michael Flatley has not ruled out a presidential bid and is consulting with a team of advisors as he mulls over launching a campaign for the Aras.

While the Riverdance star told The Brendan OConnor Show on RTE Radio 1 that he has not yet made a decision and has not been approached by a political party, he said he has been approached by some very weighted individuals, people in the know.

"I've not made the decision, but I have a team of advisors that are advising me on this. And you know, for me, it wouldnt be  I mean, I have a huge business to run, he said.

"I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living. I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with.

Michael Flatley

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th

"If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people, and maybe more importantly, if I thought I could be a voice, a voice of the Irish people. Right now, I don't think they have a voice, not a true, proper, deep voice that, you know, that speaks their language.

He said he is blessed to meet the average person on the street and often hears their concerns, adding: Id be lying if I said they're happy right now, and somebody has to speak for the Irish people.

"You know, I'm not sure we need another politician if I'm honest. I know it's a statesman's role, but I spent the last 30 years of my life touring the world, promoting Ireland and Irish culture. I've met them all.

"I've met the Bushes, the Obamas, Trump, Putin. I've met the Clintons. I've met the King and Queen of England. I've met the King and Queen of Sweden and of Spain. Ive met those people more to promote the country and I think maybe thats what the job of president is all about.

Asked whether he has been approached by a political party, Mr Flatley said: No, I have not, but I have been approached by some very weighted individuals, people in the know.

"It's certainly not something that I've made any decision on. But it does get frustrating when you see the hard working Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things.

When it was put to him that he was absolutely not ruling himself out of the race, he said: Let me finish with this, Brendan. Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people. Sin e.

Former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness will be formally ratified as the Fine Gael candidate at a party event in September, while Independent Galway West TD Catherine Connolly formally launched her presidential campaign this week.

Fianna Fail has yet to decide on a candidate, with former education minister Mary Hanafin saying it would be an insult if the party did not have a name on the ballot.

She said she would happily contest the election, with Peter Power, the executive director at UNICEF another possible contender for Fianna Fail to consider.

Sinn Fein are also yet to make a decision, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald opening the door to a potential bid when she told reporters earlier this month that Sinn Fein are not ruling anything in or anything out.
The large animal had apparently knocked the woman to the ground and was attempting to maul her arms, face and head.

A WOMAN has been hospitalised after a dog attack in Cork.

The woman suffered serious injuries after being attacked by the dog in the Ballyvolane area around 6pm on Friday.

The incident occurred in a housing estate and the woman's screams for help alerted local residents.

Horrified residents desperately tried to help the woman, aged in her 30s, and attempted to fend off the dog.

The large animal had apparently knocked the woman to the ground and was attempting to maul her arms, face and head.

Courageous locals rushed to the scene and tried to get the dog away from the woman and protect her from further injury.

At least one other person suffered bite injuries as they bravely tried to protect the woman.

Gardai, supported by armed officers, attended the scene along with paramedics and dog control officers.

The animal was brought under control and removed from the estate.

The injured woman was treated at the scene before being rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital (CUH).

She is being treated for serious injuries and is expected to undergo emergency surgery.

The other individual who suffered bite injuries during the incident was treated at the scene but did not require hospitalisation.

An investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is now underway.

It is unclear precisely what breed of dog was involved in the attack.

Ireland has witnessed a number of serious dog attacks over recent years.

Two people, including a young baby, died in separate maulings in Waterford in 2021 and in Limerick in 2024.

A young boy was left with serious facial injuries after he was attacked by an XL Bully dog in Wexford in 2022.

A woman narrowly escaped fatal injuries in Cork in 2016 when she was attacked by her partner's bull terrier and surgeons had to fight to save her arm.

The involvement of the XL Bully breed in a number of serious dog attacks in both Ireland and Europe prompted special control measures to be introduced for the breed.

Stock image

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th
Families who had to fight for their relatives unmarked graves to be protected say they simply dont believe that there are no human remains within the area earmarked for expansion.

Work has started to extend Milltown Cemetery, with the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor promising that graves containing remains of thousands of infants will not impacted

Siubhainin Ni Chutnneagam(sitting) and Toni Maguire have serious concerns over work at babies' graves in Milltown cemetery.

Campaigner Ms Toni Maguire, a Archaeologist and Anthropologist has serious concerns about the resale of burial ground in Milltown, believed to be the final resting place of hundreds of babies.

Work has started to extend Milltown Cemetery, with the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor promising that graves containing remains of thousands of infants will not impacted

Work has started to extend Milltown Cemetery, with the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor promising the baby graves section will remain intact and untouched.

Siubhainin Ni Chutnneagam, has serious concerns over work being carried out close to the babies' graves in Milltown cemetery.

The Catholic Church has betrayed families who were promised the Bog Meadows burials at a Belfast cemetery would never be disturbed, say campaigners.

The Down and Connor diocese recently announced it had secured the future of the graveyard at Milltown Cemetery for the next 25 years by opening new plots.

Families who had to fight for their relatives unmarked graves to be protected say they simply dont believe that there are no human remains within the area earmarked for expansion.

Forensic archaeologist Professor Toni Maguire played a key role in the six acres of Bog Meadows being returned to Church ownership in 2009 after it had been sold off to the Ulster Wildlife Trust. The sale sparked outrage as there are believed to be at least 11,000 people buried there, including infants who werent baptised, adults who died by suicide and mass graves for the poor who couldnt afford a plot.

Work has started to extend Milltown Cemetery, with the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor promising that graves containing remains of thousands of infants will not impacted

When the land was bought back, then Bishop Noel Treanor said the area was sacred ground and would be untouched. But the Bog Meadows section of the cemetery is now set to be sold off as new graves after a review of Milltowns records and archaeological surveys, according to the diocese.

However, Professor Maguire and some of the families say there are no records to review.

Siubhainin Ni Chutnneagam, has serious concerns over work being carried out close to the babies' graves in Milltown cemetery.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th

Some of the old gravediggers who were there for 20 years told me they buried right out across that whole land but stopped making it regular graves and then there were just pits, she says.

They stopped recording in about 1986 because they were told no one is ever going to come looking for these babies.

I have an affidavit from a man who grew up here who says you could have coffin-hopped from one end of it to the other.

She says human remains have already been disrespected.

Siubhainin Ni Chutnneagam(sitting) and Toni Maguire have serious concerns over work at babies' graves in Milltown cemetery.

While observing the massive earthworks in the Bog Meadows section of Milltown last year, Toni was present when a femur was unearthed. She was informed that it probably came from the clearing of poor graves further up the cemetery, which had been disinterred and dumped in the Bog Meadows in the 1970s.

Toni also insisted that a car park was dug up when she discovered infant remains were underneath it. Many of the children were from Mother and Baby homes, which are now the subject of a public inquiry.

Knowing all these burials were there they tarmacked over the top of it, she said.

When I came in and started looking I said, you are going to have to move this tarmac because the babies are underneath it. People are parking their car here when theyre coming to look for their baby and Im having to say the grave is where your car is parked. That was 2009.

Bernadette Boyd sought Tonis help when she was looking for the remains of her sister Mary Ann Byrne, stillborn in 1961. Under the rules of the Catholic Church then she couldnt be buried in consecrated ground as she hadnt been baptised.

In such circumstances families often buried their children in unmarked graves at the edge of the cemetery.

Toni helped us find where she might be buried, but she could be six foot behind that, which is the area being dug up now, says Bernadette.

I cant understand how they can say there are definitely no remains there. When we started to look Milltown told us they couldnt help us as there were no records.

Now theyre saying the records are going to be digitised.

Campaigner Ms Toni Maguire, a Archaeologist and Anthropologist has serious concerns about the resale of burial ground in Milltown, believed to be the final resting place of hundreds of babies.

I think they know babies are buried there or they wouldnt keep saying they arent.

Im confident there are human remains there, and mass graves as well.

She believes money is a motivating factor, as graves can be sold for up to 4,000. Belfast is also desperately short of space for graves, and in the 1980s it was reported that Milltown Cemetery was full.

Campaigner Siubhainin Ni Chutnneagam has gone as far as the Vatican to plead the case for the Bog Meadows to be left alone. She says families like hers have been poorly treated by the diocese.

They told families for years, like mine, your relatives are buried elsewhere and then by the time we discovered where our relatives were there they had sold 37 acres to the Ulster Wildlife Trust, says

There are thousands of remains of adults, children, all mass graves. Then rubbish was dumped on it for years when the Church sold it for landfill. There are still graves on some of this land.

We know the majority of the remains are not on the spot where the grave is. I cant really tell because they have never produced a map.

Siubhainin knows that her great-grandfather is in a mass grave with 29 other remains, and her aunt and a cousin, who died as an infant are in a mass grave containing 429 remains.

At the minute my relatives havent been touched by the digger, she says.

At the start if they had just held their hands up when we discovered our families were in that land and said were sorry well fix it all and put headstones up and leave it, but its all about the money.

Expert Toni says its also not widely known that Milltown is a private cemetery where graves are leased, currently for 75 years.

Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister, who believes three of her siblings are buried in unmarked graves in Milltown Cemetery, has introduced a Private Members Bill calling for privately-run cemeteries to be subject to the same regulations as council-owned graveyards.

Toni says she has concerns about her uncles grave.

My uncle is buried in one of the last graves in the old poor ground and I have real concerns that if they get away with this they are going to hit that next because every grave is worth up to 4,000 a time.

Legally as the law stands today private cemetery status means any cemetery attached to any religious order has full control over who they bury, how they bury you, and what they do with your remains when your time is up.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Down and Connor says: The area now under development is part of a 6.3-acre site that was transferred back to diocesan ownership from Ulster Wildlife in 2009.

Prior to any work beginning, three independent archaeological surveys and a review of burial records were carried out under licence from the Department for Communities. These confirm with certainty that no burials exist within the area now under development. All archaeological conditions have been fully met.
An annual town cleanup is expanding  in length and coverage. The EPIC Te Puke Spring Clean will be on again in September.

In past years, the cleanup had been a quick, done-in-a-couple-of-hours event ending with free pizza at The Daily cafe. This year, that will still happen  but it will be the culmination of a week-long drive to encourage people to pick up litter.

Now named the Great Te Puke Tidy Up, the rubbish gathering event will be from September 15-19 to coincide with Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week.

More interesting

EPIC Te Pukes Sally Benning said the hope is that schools, community groups and businesses would all become involved, collecting rubbish during the week.

What we are doing is trying to make it a bit more interesting  were opening it up to schools and maybe well get a bit of a competitive thing going  well get a few small prizes.

Schools would be able to do audits of the litter collected and collect litter around their grounds, expanding the area covered by the cleanup, and take what has been collected to The Daily on September 19.

Benning said it might be an opportunity for students to show leadership or accumulate hours for community work.

Community groups were also invited to be part of the litter collection, with Te Puke Scouts and Poutiri Trust already expressing interest in being involved.

We really want to get it to be a little bit more than just a couple of hours because thats not very long and not everybody can be there.

Keep Te Puke Beautiful co-ordinator Craig Wallace had been involved in helping organise the tidy-up week.

Epic restart

*EPIC Te Puke is restarting its networking get-togethers for local businesses, with the first one on July 31.

Called EPIC Connect, the monthly events would be similar to the previously held BA5 events.

Nothing has been done here for a little while in terms of networking in the evening and it is something a couple of the business owners have talked about, said Benning.

The idea is that there will be a short guest talk, a talk from the host and a talk from EPIC.

It will be quite casual and a chance for businesses to connect, Benning said.

Email EPIC Te Puke for more details at: events@epictepuke.co.nz
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) on Wednesday reported a second-quarter 2025 earnings of $2.13, up from $1.82 a year ago and beating the consensus of $2.02.

Net earnings increased to $3.54 billion from $3.08 billion. The U.S. bank reported revenue of $16.79 billion, up 12% year over year, beating the consensus of $16.11 billion.

Despite the positive headline figures, Morgan Stanleys stock reacted negatively after the earnings release, according to Bank of America (BofA) Securities.

Also Read: JPMorgans Q2 Outperformance Bolsters Confidence In Its 2025 Outlook

Morgan Stanleys provision for credit losses jumped to $196 million, primarily due to growth in the corporate loan portfolio and secured lending facilities, and the impact of a moderately weaker macroeconomic outlook.

BofA noted that while Morgan Stanleys markets and wealth management divisions had a strong quarter, the stock likely faced pressure due to already high expectations following robust year-to-date gains. Furthermore, its investment banking performance fell short compared to rival JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM).

Meanwhile, JPMorgan, a banking behemoth, reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.96, outperforming consensus estimates of $4.48. Its managed net revenue decreased 10% year-over-year to $45.68 billion, and reported net revenue declined 11% to $44.91 billion, though still topping the $44.17 billion consensus estimate.

View more earnings on MS

Looking ahead, analyst Ebrahim Poonawala of BofA revised Morgan Stanleys fiscal year 2025/2026 EPS estimates upward to $8.82/$9.52 from $8.58/$9.25, assuming investment banking revenues remain relatively flat year-over-year for fiscal 2025.

BofA also highlighted Morgan Stanleys openness to pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A), despite emphasizing a super high bar for such deals. Poonawala acknowledged that M&A potential might have influenced the weak stock reaction but stressed Morgan Stanleys strong track record in deal-making.

BofA maintains a Buy rating on Morgan Stanley, with a price forecast of $154, considering the stock attractively valued at 15 times its estimated 2026 earnings. This valuation is lower than the typical 15-20 times earnings for wealth managers and 20 times for online broker Schwab, suggesting a favorable risk-reward balance for long-term investors in the wealth management sector.

Goldman Sachs noted that Morgan Stanley leaders expressed optimism about the future of primary investment banking, anticipating strong activity from June to continue into the second half of 2025 as corporate teams adapt to the uncertain economic environment. Morgan Stanleys solid deal pipeline supports this positive outlook.
Warning: This story deals with details of the sexual assault of children and may be distressing.

An early childhood relief teacher who told police she has a serious addiction to disgusting things has been sentenced to home detention after being caught with more than 400 videos containing child exploitation material.

Phoebe Robertson was working as a reliever and untrained teacher at a Bay of Plenty childcare centre when her addiction was discovered by police.

The 22-year-old appeared in the Tauranga District Court for sentencing today.

Judge Stephen Coyle read out detailed and graphic descriptions of some of the sexual videos, and was particularly concerned with the number that involved bestiality and very young children, including infants being abused by adults and with sex toys.

The judge said Robertson had described the content to a report writer as grossly beautiful, which was concerning in and of itself.

However, the judge also emphasised there was no suggestion that any of the images she possessed involved children she knew or had contact with through her work, or that any of the children she worked with had been at risk from her.

He suppressed the name and the location of the childcare centre.

Robertson had 298 videos classed as the most serious type of material, some involving toddlers and infants, and some showing sexual acts between animals and children.

Her lawyer, David Pawson, sought a starting point of three and a half years imprisonment, with a discount of 20% for background factors.

He said it seemed Robertson had suffered from bullying and learning difficulties.

In his 30 years of practising criminal law, hed never seen a case this unusual.

It was not clear why she had accessed such material, but he suspected it may have been more about attention and sense of belonging than anything else.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Richard Van Arendonk said police wanted Robertson put on the Child Sex Offender Register.

While acknowledging she was seeking treatment, Van Arendonk said these fascinations are not going to disappear overnight.

He noted the polices focus was on keeping the public safe and keeping a watchful eye on Robertson.

He referred to comments she made to a pre-sentence report writer in which she admitted that, if she got access to a computer, she would probably try to look at more such material online.

He said that, when police were contacted by the FBI about the young womans actions, it was like Def-Con 4, as it seemed her actions were about to go from being merely an online voyeur to a preparatory stage for further offending.

However, the judge said that, when considering sentencing, he could look only at the charges before him.

A psychiatrists report said Robertson did not appear to have cravings for child exploitation material, but the judge noted that was at odds with her comments to the report writer about the material being grossly beautiful.

Judge Coyle considered the categories of the content, the harm to the victims, and the length of Robertsons offending, which spanned just over three years.

He also noted that her files were predominantly videos, not still images.

He adopted a starting point of four years and nine months imprisonment.

He gave Robertson a 25% discount for her guilty plea and a further 25% for her youth, cognitive issues and mental health.

Pawson asked for a discount for her willingness for rehabilitation, and the efforts she had made in that area already.

For that, the judge gave a further 10%, but noted the concerning comments she made to the pre-sentence report writer.

Her discounts totalled 60%, and the judge noted that, if she had been arrested after the recent law change, this level of discount would not have been available.

He reached an end sentence of 23 months imprisonment, but commuted this to 11 months home detention.

She was banned from accessing an internet-capable device and warned that, if she managed to do so, she would likely be sent to prison.

The judge did not order her to be put on the Child Sex Offenders Register, but ordered the destruction of her devices.

Pawson sought permanent name suppression due to extreme hardship both to her and her family. The judge declined that application.

602 sexual videos discovered

Robertsons offending came to light after an FBI investigation in Arkansas targeted a person with whom she was in contact over the encrypted social media apps Telegram and Wire.

While having conversations on these apps, the pair exchanged child sexual abuse material.

Robertson was arrested in October last year while she was at work at the Bay of Plenty childcare centre.

Six electronic devices were seized in a search of her home.

Multiple videos and images were on two iPhones. The material had been accessed through Telegram, Wire, Wickr Me and Kik.

The material ranged from pre-pubescent children engaging in sexual acts with each other and performing acts on adults, to toddlers and infants being subjected to sexual offending by adults.

There was also material that involved sadism, torture and humiliation of infants, toddlers and adult women.

Robertson pleaded guilty in February to four representative charges of possessing objectionable material involving child exploitation.

Police discovered a total of 602 sexual videos on her devices, of which 390 were examined and deemed objectionable.

There were 298 classified as category A, which court documents said could involve either penetrative sexual activity, penetrative sexual activity with animals, or sadism.

There were 95 objectionable images found on her devices, of which 52 were deemed category A.

Category B is for non-penetrative sexual activity, and category C is for indecent images not included in the first two classifications.

SEXUAL HARM



Where to get help:

If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

 Call 0800 044 334

 Text 4334

 Email support@safetotalk.nz

 For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz

Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

Hannah Bartlett is a Tauranga-based Open Justice reporter at NZME. She previously covered court and local government for the Nelson Mail, and before that was a radio reporter at Newstalk ZB.
Tauranga mother-of-two Karina Tendler says when it comes to school holidays, something needs to change.

She recently approached the Ministry of Education asking it to consider altering the term schedule because of the financial burden she says it imposes on families.

Her son recently started school, and she has a 3-year-old daughter who will go to school in a couple of years time.

The two-week breaks each term, combined with the five to six weeks over summer, create a significant strain on our ability to balance work and family life.

While there are private school holiday programmes available, they are often unaffordable, costing $50 to $70 per day. Were aware of subsidy programmes, but unfortunately, we dont meet the eligibility criteria. This leaves us  and many others  in a difficult position.

I understand that the current system may have worked better in the past when single-income households were more common. But in todays economy, dual-income families are often a necessity, and the school calendar hasnt adapted to reflect this reality.

The Ministry of Social Developments OSCAR subsidy is available for school holiday programmes up to 50 hours a week. The amount parents can get depends on the number of children they have and how much they earn.

Someone with two children can get $326 per child, per week in the holidays if they earn less than $1264 a week before tax. That drops to $101.50 a week if their income is between $2485 and $2669. Above that, there is no subsidy available.

Tendler said she was relatively new to the country and was surprised when she discovered the situation. Even working from home was not a good solution, she said.

To work from home when you have a 5-year-old son with you, its not a productive day.

Its very oriented in terms of one parent working, one parent is staying at home. Maybe it was like that in the past in New Zealand, but I feel the economy now and the cost of living now is not really representing that anymore, and there are a lot of families that both of the parents are working now and you need to find a solution around it.

She said it seemed that teachers did not want to lose the days off.

You could still have a balance and have holidays, but not two weeks. Reduce it to one week and keep summer as it  it will help some parents.

She said even with two parents splitting leave, they did not have enough days to cover the holiday.

Other options could be to give parents more paid leave, or provide cheaper, government-run holiday programmes, she said.

Days in school agreed in 2016

Sean Teddy, hautu (leader) of operations and integration at the Ministry of Education, said the school holidays were set  in agreement with sector groups  in 2016.

Schools can choose a start date between Auckland Anniversary Day and the day after Waitangi Day, and can end no later than December 20 in any year.

Secondary and composite schools need to be open for 380 half-days a year. Primary, intermediate and special schools need to open between 380 and 390 half-days, depending on the timing of Easter.

In most years, the first school holidays for primary schools are timed to include the Easter break. To create terms of a reasonably uniform length in years when Easter falls particularly early, all or some of the Easter break will fall during the first term. In these years, fewer half-days can be completed before the latest end date.

The ministry told Tendler it was important to strike a balance between ensuring students were in school long enough to receive the education they needed, and having holidays long enough to give them a chance to rest and recuperate.

Financial mentor David Verry at North Harbour Budgeting Services said Tendler was not alone in her concerns. He said it was something families struggled with every year.

One of the big issues is they come up in one big lump sum that you have to pay.

If its $50 a day, thats $250 a week and thats after-tax dollars people have to come up with. Over a couple of weeks, if you have two children, thats $1000. Thats a huge chunk of cash to have to front with.

The summer holidays could be even tougher on family budgets, he said, because people would also have to cover the cost of Christmas and back-to-school. It was even harder on single parents, he said.

Verry said he would advise people to set money aside for holiday programmes through the year, if they could, so they had the funds available when they needed them.

So you can dip into that without having to go, Oh gosh, were going to have to cut our food budget because we just havent got enough.

While people who could work from home might have flexibility to reduce the hours their children went to holiday programmes, or not use them at all, manual workers did not have that luxury.

Its a bit harder when you have a manual job or youre working in a supermarket because youve got to be there.

- RNZ
DEAR ABBY: After moving into a 55-plus community seven years ago, I became close friends with my neighbors, Iris and her husband. She was widowed five years ago, and I began a relationship four years ago, but my boyfriend and I always included Iris and my other girlfriends in our activities.

Iris became friendly with Barb, a woman at her church, who didnt like me. I was pleasant to Barb but couldnt force a friendship.

Two years ago, Barb, Iris and another friend vacationed near my brothers home. Iris texted me several times a day asking for suggestions for fun activities, restaurants, etc., and I offered many. Barb provided the transportation during their vacation. Barb ignored any suggestion I made and sent me several unkind texts about intruding on her vacation with her friends.

I texted Iris telling her I had blocked Barb and was sorry about whatever had happened. Iris never apologized. She and our other friend have become distant from me and now vacation regularly with Barb. They all attend church together and have lunch at least twice a week. Should I be grateful that Iris has shown me who she is and try to move on? -- MISSING MY FRIENDS IN INDIANA

DEAR MISSING: You were wrong to expect Iris to apologize for Barbs nasty attitude and unpleasant texts. I agree they were uncalled for, but Iris wasnt responsible for them. These women have likely distanced themselves because you arent active in their church group, which is what they seem to have in common. For your own sake, please try not to take this personally. Not all friendships are meant to last forever, and it seems the one you had with Iris has run its course.

** ** **

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

** ** **

To order How to Write Letters for All Occasions, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

COPYRIGHT 2025 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
DEAR ABBY: I have been with my husband for 22 years and married for 18. Ive had multiple illnesses and continue dealing with them. We havent been intimate in four years. We live together but no longer sleep together. My husband doesnt like to have fun or travel with me. Hes boring and likes to argue, which makes me angry. I want to get away from him and find someone who can make me happy. I came out of abusive relationships before I met him. What should I do? -- DISILLUSIONED IN CONNECTICUT

DEAR DISILLUSIONED: It might benefit you to talk with a licensed mental health professional. Try to find out why you tolerated abusive relationships before you met your husband and how the one you have with him has gone sour. Has your husband always been boring and argumentative, or did it begin when you stopped sleeping together?

Before embarking on a new relationship expecting that you will find someone who magically makes you happy, spend some time ON YOUR OWN. Its important that you understand what has gone wrong in your previous relationships with men so that you dont repeat mistakes you may have made in the past.

** ** **

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

** ** **

To order How to Write Letters for All Occasions, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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Syracuse, N.Y.  Onondaga County lawmakers are considering a local law that would let voters decide in November whether each legislator should be limited to no more than three four-year terms.

Legislators now must run for office every two years but can serve unlimited terms.
Hancock, N.Y.  An Upstate fire chief was electrocuted Thursday night after responding to a crash where downed wires touched his fire truck.

Jason McGlone, 51, the assistant chief of the East Branch Fire Department, had been a volunteer for more than 25 years for the department in Delaware County.

Around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, McGlone responded to the crash where a car had struck a utility pole on Route 30 in the town of Hancock, said State Police spokesperson Aga Tinker. Hancock is a town in Delaware County east of Binghamton.

A low-hanging electrical wire came in contact with the top of the fire truck, Tinker said. When McGlone got out of the truck and touched the metal door, he was electrocuted, she said. He was declared dead at the scene.

East Branch Fire Department Chief Rod Keesler told the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin that McGlone loved hunting, fishing, and his family. He also loved to barbecue.

Jasons passion for barbecue led him to start his own business, Get Some BBQ, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, Keesler told the newspaper. His passing leaves a void, as he was a well-respected and all-around great guy.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement about the firefighters death:

Chief McGlones 25 years of service within East Branch, including 15 years as an assistant chief, embodied the courage, commitment and selflessness that define New Yorks volunteer firefighters, Hochul said. He represented the very best of what New Yorkers give to their communities in the name of public safety. My heart is with his loved ones, his fellow firefighters and the entire East Branch community during this difficult time.

Funeral services have not been announced as of Saturday morning.

The driver who struck the pole was identified as Joseph E. Bellows, 54, of Downsville. Bellows veered off the road, hit a guardrail and then the utility pole, Tinker said.

He was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital for treatment and later arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

Bellows was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in Hancock Town Court on Sept. 8.

The investigation into McGlones death remains ongoing, Tinker said.
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The 9th OPEC International Seminar was held in Vienna a week ago, wherein participants discussed energy security, investment, climate change, and energy poverty, with a particular emphasis on balancing these competing priorities. According to commodity analysts at Standard Chartered, the summit titled "Charting Pathways Together: The Future of Global Energy" featured significantly greater engagement from international oil companies and consuming country governments, with discussions converging on a more inclusive shared agenda rather than non-intersecting approaches seen in previous years. However, StanChart reported there was a clear mismatch between what energy producers vs. market analysts think about spare production capacity. Unlike Wall Street analysts, who frequently talk about spare capacity of 5-6 million barrels per day (mb/d), speakers from several sectors of the industry noted thatspare capacity is both limited and very geographically concentrated.

StanChart believes this erroneous assumption about spare capacity has been a big drag on oil prices, and the implications for the whole forward curve of oil prices could be potentially profound once traders realize that roughly two-thirds of the capacity they thought was available on demand does not actually exist. This makes the analysts bullish about the general shape of their forecast 2026 price trajectory (Figure 32), i.e., a set of significant upward shifts as opposed to the flat trajectory seen in the market curve and in analyst consensus. In other words, oil prices could have as much as $15/barrel upside from current levels.

Source: Standard Chartered Research

StanChart is not the only oil bull here. Goldman Sachs recently hiked its oil price forecast for H2 2025, saying the market is increasingly shifting its focus from recession fears to potential supply disruptions, low spare capacity, lower oil inventories especially among OECD countries and production constraints by Russia. GS has increased its Brent forecast by $5/bbl to $66/bbl, and by $6 for WTI crude to $63/bbl, slightly lower than current levels of $68.34/bbl and 66.24/bbl for Brent and WTI crude, respectively. However, the Wall Street bank has maintained its 2026 price forecast at $56/bbl for Brent and $52 for WTI, due to "an offset between a boost from higher long-dated prices and a hit from a wider 1.7M bbl/day surplus. Previously, GS had forecast a 1.5M bbl/day surplus for the coming year. Further, Goldman sees a stronger oil price rebound beyond 2026 due to reduced spare capacity.
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Do you pay for news when you encounter a paywall? Research shows few Americans do



Most media houses have moved to the digital space, where content is often blocked behind a paywall. Do you pay for news when you encounter a paywall?







Quote: According to a survey conducted by Pew Research, the vast majority of Americans (83%) say they have not paid for news in the past year, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in March. Another 17% say they have directly paid or given money to a news source by subscribing, donating or becoming a member during that time.



At the same time, 74% run into paywalls at least sometimes when they are looking for news online. This includes 38% who say they come across paywalled articles extremely often or often.



The survey also asked anyone who said they ever come across paywalls what they typically do first when that happens.



Quote: Just 1% say they pay for access when they come across an article that requires payment.



The most common reaction is that people seek the information somewhere else (53%). About a third (32%) say they typically give up on accessing the information.



Quote: Among the 83% of U.S. adults who have not paid for news in the past year, the most common reason they cite is that they can find plenty of other news articles for free. About half of those who dont pay for news (49%) say this is the main reason.



Another common reason people dont pay for news is that they are not interested enough (32%). Smaller shares of Americans who dont pay for news say the main reason is that its too expensive (10%) or that the news provided isnt good enough to pay for (8%).



Quote: Overall, 17% of U.S. adults pay for news. However, highly educated adults, Democrats and older Americans  among other demographic groups  are more likely to have paid for news.



For example, 27% of college graduates say they have directly paid a news source by subscribing, donating or becoming a member in the last year  triple the share of those with a high school diploma or less formal education who have done so.



Source: The internet has completely transformed the way we consume information. The latest news is just a click away, as we no longer have to sift through a physical newspaper anymore. This has taken a toll on newspaper revenue.Most media houses have moved to the digital space, where content is often blocked behind a paywall. Do you pay for news when you encounter a paywall?The survey also asked anyone who said they ever come across paywalls what they typically do first when that happens.Source: Pew Research
TL;DR: A small group of forensic researchers is challenging the belief that 3D-printed ghost guns  unserialized firearms built at home  are completely untraceable. Their work offers a glimmer of hope to investigators and lawmakers grappling with the growing threat of criminals using these weapons.

Kirk Garrison, a forensics expert with the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, has spent years working at the intersection of digital blueprints, heated plastic filaments, and real-life criminal cases. He recently told 404 Media that he has started finding ways to match 3D-printed objects to the specific machines that produced them.

"That's when I was like, 'We might need to know a little bit more about this now if we're actually going to be seeing this stuff and potentially have to testify to it,'" Garrison said. "What I'm doing is in its infancy and it might be years before authorities can reliably match a gun to the machine that made it, if they can do it at all."

The science is still young, and Garrison makes clear he speaks only for himself, not his department. His journey into 3D-printed forensics began in 2018, when he started seeing a wave of gun parts produced with consumer-grade printers. Most were 80 percent kits or conversion kits  small plastic components that enable standard firearms to fire automatically. The first time he worked a case involving a fully 3D-printed gun frame, he realized more specialized expertise would be necessary.

A pivotal moment came when Garrison, attending a conference in Atlanta, heard FBI lab technician Corey Scott describe seeing consistent toolmarks on objects printed with a 3D printer.

"He was just like, 'Hey, I noticed on these 3D-printed items, there are these marks, but I'm not actually a firearms or toolmark examiner,'" Garrison recalled.

In forensics, toolmarks  unique scratches and impressions left by a manufacturing tool  act as a kind of fingerprint. They include the gouges left by a screwdriver on a screw head or the bite marks bolt cutters leave on a chain. A 3D printer's nozzle can leave behind a similarly consistent signature that investigators can use to link an object to a specific printer.

Back at his lab, Garrison investigated printed weapon frames under a microscope and began noticing what he called stria  microscopic scratch marks deposited during the printing process. The implication: every 3D printer, working much like a hot glue gun, might inscribe a unique pattern as it lays down hundreds of layers of melted plastic.

"So on the firearm, I'm seeing consistent marks from the trigger guard  maybe print line 200  to the top of the magazine well  print line 400," he explained.

The findings were tantalizing, but Garrison cautions they are far from courtroom-ready. He emphasized that, despite the promise of eventually matching a printer to the object it produced, the science is still in its early stages and that it may take years  perhaps even a decade  to understand the relationship between toolmarks and 3D printers fully.

Limited by the demands of his day job and the constraints of self-driven research, Garrison published preliminary results in Forensic Science International but continued to call for more expansive, university-led studies. Answering that call, Eric Law, assistant professor at the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute, and graduate student Cooper Blair joined forces with Garrison to coauthor a forthcoming study. Their research aims to break new ground by determining whether investigators can trace 3D-printed objects back to the exact nozzle and print bed that produced them.

The team began by examining print sheets  the surfaces where printers build objects. Since print sheets vary widely in texture and material, they focused on textured sheets, reasoning that those characteristics might transfer to the plastic and make comparisons easier, Law told 404 Media. His team's experiments produced a striking result: they differentiated the sheets 100 percent of the time. Using both visual and computerized analysis, they matched objects to the print bed from which they originated.

This prospect comes with complications. Print positions matter, as objects produced on a different part of the same bed can appear to come from another printer. Additionally, print beds are easy to swap or discard.

The study then moved on to printer nozzles, and although the results were encouraging, they proved less definitive. Law said the algorithm could identify the correct nozzles, estimating accuracy at about 75 percent, though accuracy was probably a bit lower with just visual examination.

This research faces many challenges. So far, all of Law's and Blair's work has focused on a single 3D printer model, the Prusa MK4S  just one among many in a rapidly expanding market. Additionally, wear and tear on brass nozzles, variations in nozzle materials, and the ease of swapping components mean any forensic signature can change or vanish.

For now, Law and his fellow researchers agree that the science may one day offer a breakthrough, but no one is ready to testify in court yet.
Cutting corners: In Silicon Valley, AI isn't just remaking technology  it's redrawing the lines of loyalty, reshaping career arcs, and igniting bidding wars more intense than anything seen in recent memory. With executives offering hundreds of millions of dollars to secure top talent, researchers trained in code and algorithms now find themselves at the center of a gold rush. The people behind some of the field's biggest breakthroughs are being courted like superstar athletes, and many startups are learning what it means to be in the crosshairs of Big Tech.

Nowhere has that power struggle played out more dramatically than inside Windsurf, a fast-growing AI company that had, until recently, been seen as a rising star.

For months, the company had been negotiating a $3 billion acquisition by OpenAI. But in a sudden twist, CEO Varun Mohan walked away from the deal (and the company itself), instead joining Google and taking several key employees with him.

The revelation landed like a bombshell during an all-hands staff meeting that many had expected to be celebratory, according to an extensive feature in the Wall Street Journal. Filming had even begun for what was meant to be promotional footage about the company's next chapter. Instead, it became a record of its unraveling.

Some workers were left in tears, not just by the news, but by the silence that followed. Many had joined the startup in anticipation of a life-changing payout from a major acquisition. Overnight, the prospect vanished.

By Monday morning, their fortunes had whiplashed again. Windsurf's new CEO, Jeff Wang, stood in the same meeting room to deliver another announcement: The company had agreed to be acquired  this time by Cognition, a smaller but ambitious AI startup. Wang assured employees that they would be included in the payout, regardless of how long they'd been with the company. The room broke into applause.

The race to build the most advanced AI systems has sparked a frenzied competition for talent that is testing the values Silicon Valley once held dear. Gone are the days when founders spoke mainly of missions and meaning; in their place has arrived an era of rapid-fire deals, loyalty shakeups, and 9-figure paychecks designed to turn researchers into rainmakers.

Gone are the days when founders spoke mainly of missions and meaning; in their place has arrived an era of rapid-fire deals, loyalty shakeups, and 9-figure paychecks designed to turn researchers into rainmakers.

Meta has become the most aggressive player in this talent arms race. Under the direction of CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the company has launched a recruitment drive aimed at creating a new research lab focused on "superintelligence"  AI that surpasses human capabilities.

Zuckerberg hasn't delegated the task; instead, he has personally reached out to top names in AI. He has tried to lure researchers from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and Apple.

Some of the offers reportedly exceeded $300 million in total compensation over four years, with a third of that amount paid in the first year alone. But money hasn't always been enough. Meta still lacks a chief scientist for its lab, despite having attempted to recruit one for months.

The explosion in recruiting has also revealed philosophical divides in the industry. Altman spoke of being "proud of how mission-oriented our industry is," even while acknowledging the rise of "mercenaries." The quote echoed a long-standing belief in Silicon Valley, popularized by Kleiner Perkins chairman John Doerr, who encouraged founders to build companies focused on impact, not just wealth.

Yet even some believers in meaning have been lured by Meta's machine. Zuckerberg's biggest move came with his recruitment of Alexandr Wang, founder of the data-labeling startup Scale AI. After acquiring a $14 billion stake in Wang's company, Meta named him the leader of its new AI lab.

Wang had started Scale at just 19, quickly becoming one of the youngest self-made billionaires in tech. When he announced his departure from the company in front of staff in June, some employees cried. "It was like the end of a Disney movie," one person told the Wall Street Journal.

The ripple effects were immediate. Scale soon lost key contracts with OpenAI and Google. Within weeks, it announced layoffs affecting 14 percent of its workforce.

Other joint ventures have toppled, too. Meta lured Daniel Gross, CEO of AI safety startup Safe Superintelligence, into its orbit. Gross had co-founded "SSI" with Ilya Sutskever, a key figure in OpenAI's early years. Gross's move deeply surprised the tech world and left Sutskever reeling.

Back in the Windsurf offices, a sense of closure arrived faster than many had expected. Late Friday, just hours after Mohan's exit was made public, Cognition CEO Scott Wu sent an email to Jeff Wang. The two connected and, within a day, shook hands on a deal. Cognition had built buzz last year after unveiling a viral AI coding agent called Devin. The acquisition meant Windsurf employees wouldn't walk away empty-handed after all.
Apple has taken a striking legal step against one of its most prominent leakers, suing YouTuber Jon Prosser in Northern California's U.S. District Court for allegedly orchestrating a plan to obtain and leak trade secrets from a confidential iPhone prototype running iOS 26.

With that, the iPhone maker decided to make a move to question how Prosser gets his insider information.

Inside the Alleged iOS Leak Scheme

As set out in the complaint, Prosser, famous for his "Front Page Tech" YouTube channel, purportedly teamed up with Michael Ramacciotti, who accessed a secret iPhone belonging to Apple software engineer Ethan Lipnik.

The phone, filled with Apple's unreleased iOS 26 software, was reportedly left unattended in Lipnik's apartment. While Lipnik was away, Ramacciotti allegedly shared the contents of the device with Prosser over a video conference.

Apple's complaint alleges that Prosser orchestrated the leak and offered to pay Ramacciotti for it. The filing also claims that Prosser utilized the pilfered information to create and release what he called "the biggest iOS leak ever." Those videos aired long before the Cupertino giant officially unveiled iOS 26, possibly betraying Apple's highly secretive development process.

Prosser rebuts Apple's account, however. In tweets on social site X, he denied instructing anyone to pull the information from the device or providing cash for inside knowledge. Although admitting he shared the details publicly, Prosser asserts he was unaware of how it was accessed, WIRED finds.

For the record: This is not how the situation played out on my end. Luckily have receipts for that.



I did not "plot" to access anyone's phone. I did not have any passwords. I was unaware of how the information was obtained.



Looking forward to speaking with Apple on this. https://t.co/NSUlJPMbld  jon prosser (@jon_prosser) July 18, 2025

Apple Could Take Advantage of American Laws

The leak has already caused fallout within Apple. The company fired Ethan Lipnik for breaching internal security procedures, including protecting development devices. Lipnik remains silent on the matter publicly.

Legal analysts observe that this case is distinct from Apple's usual leak probes, which have sources in Asia in its supply chain. Since this was an occurrence within the U.S., Apple can use American laws such as the Defend Trade Secrets Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act more readily.

Moor Insights & Strategy lead analyst Anshel Sag called the case significant, noting that Apple has a stronger legal footing than usual since it involves a U.S.-based YouTuber.

The Future of Tech Leaks Is in Danger

The latest lawsuit could awaken major tech companies to the online creators who profit from leaks, content that may drive digital hype but often disrupts product launches and compromises proprietary innovation.

Prosser, who says he heard about the suit through a MacRumors article, regrets the outcome for Lipnik.

"I feel awful that Ethan was terminated over this," Prosser says. "I wish he had shared with Apple what had occurred, and I wish that Apple would have connected with me for more answersI would have gladly chatted with them."

Knowing Apple's history in handling lawsuits, this is going to be a long legal battle for Prosser.
A confidential memo from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reveals that a U.S. states Army National Guards computer network was infiltrated by a Chinese state-linked hacking group, known as Salt Typhoon.

The memo, first reported by NBC, was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by the national security transparency non-profit, Property of the People.

It further says that the hackers extensively compromised a U.S. states Army National Guard network for nine months, from March to December 2024, and remain undetected. This breach marks one of the largest cyber-espionage campaigns against American military infrastructure in recent times.

What Is Salt Typhoon

Salt Typhoon is an advanced persistent threat (ATP) actor believed to be operated by Chinas Ministry of State Security (MSS) intelligence agency. It is known for conducting high-profile cyber espionage campaigns, particularly against the United States. The hacking group focuses on gathering intelligence and gaining persistent access to networks across sectors, like defense, energy, and communications.

What Was Exposed In The Breach

Between March and December 2024, the hacking group exfiltrated internal maps and network traffic diagrams, describing communication flows between National Guard units across all 50 states and four U.S. territories.

It also stole administrator credentials and 1,462 network configuration files with access to 70 U.S. government and critical infrastructure entities spanning 12 sectorsincluding energy, communications, transportation, water, and wastewater sectors, which could be used to breach National Guard and government networks in other states.

Additionally, personal identifying information (PII) of service members and locations of state cybersecurity personnel in multiple states were also impacted.

Between March and December 2024, Salt Typhoon extensively compromised a US states Army National Guards network and, among other things, collected its network configuration and its data traffic with its counterparts networks in every other US state and at least four US territories, according to a DOD report, reads the memo.

This data also included these networks administrator credentials and network diagramswhich could be used to facilitate follow-on Salt Typhoon hacks of these units.

According to the memo, Salt Typhoon has a history of using stolen network topologies and configuration data to breach U.S. government agencies and critical infrastructure systems.

Salt Typhoon has previously used exfiltrated network configuration files to enable cyber intrusions elsewhere. Between January and March 2024, Salt Typhoon exfiltrated configuration files associated with other U.S. government and critical infrastructure entities, including at least two U.S. state government agencies. At least one of these files later informed their compromise of a vulnerable device on another U.S. government agencys network, the memo added.

Why It Matters

Salt Typhoon isnt newit has previously breached major U.S. telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, predominantly through a Cisco vulnerability, as well as satellite systems like Viasat and other service providers both in the U.S. and internationally.

Government Reaction & Response

The National Guard Bureau confirmed the breach but insists missions were not disrupted. An investigation is underway to assess the full extent of the intrusion.

While we cannot provide specific details on the attack or our response to it, we can say this attack has not prevented the National Guard from accomplishing assigned state or federal missions, and that NGB continues to investigate the intrusion to determine its full scope, a National Guard Bureau spokesperson said.

Further, the CISA, DHS, and the Pentagon are coordinating efforts to contain the breach and are considering enhanced security measures, including stronger firewalls, improved encryption, tighter access controls, and broader implementation of Zero Trust architecture.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Washington did not deny the hacking campaign, but argued that the U.S. has not produced concrete proof connecting China to the Salt Typhoon cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks are a common threat faced by all countries, China included, the spokesperson said, adding that the U.S. has been unable to produce conclusive and reliable evidence that the Salt Typhoon is linked to the Chinese government.
Key Points

In some ways, Altria and Philip Morris International are tied at the hip.

The two tobacco businesses couldn't be more different in some key ways.

Smart investors are avoiding one of these companies but love the other.

10 stocks we like better than Altria Group 

Altria (NYSE: MO) is an iconic consumer staples maker that has shifted and changed over the years. Today it is largely a tobacco stock, though it has investments in a beverage maker. Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) shares some of the storied history of Altria, but the smartest investors know that its business is better.

Image source: Getty Images.

How are Altria and Philip Morris related?

Altria's most important cigarette brand is Marlboro. Marlboro has a huge 41% market share in the North American market. Add in the company's other, much smaller, brands, and Altria's market share rises to around 45%. Marlboro is also one of Philip Morris International's most important cigarette brands.

The reason for this is that Altria spun off its international operations to create Philip Morris International. So Altria controls the brands in North America and Philip Morris controls them everywhere else. This is an important distinction for any investor considering buying a tobacco stock. And it is one of the reasons why Philip Morris is performing better as a stock and business than Altria.

What's going on with Altria?

In the first quarter of 2025, Altria's cigarette volume fell 13.7%, continuing a long downward trend. Marlboro lost a percentage point of market share, with other brands doing even worse. Despite being a consumer staples giant, with a product that tends to have huge brand loyalty, the industry trends in the U.S. market are taking a huge toll on Altria's business.

Altria knows it has a problem and has been trying to find a solution. Only it has made a number of large missteps, costing investors billions of dollars in write-downs. Altria simply isn't executing very well as it works through what is likely to be an increasingly challenging market environment.

Philip Morris, on the other hand, is executing very well. The foreign markets it serves appear to be less challenged, noting that cigarette volumes actually increased in the first quarter of 2025. That helped lead to a modest 0.4-percentage-point market share gain for the company. Thus, Philip Morris' foundation is stronger.

That said, the real standout for Philip Morris is the growth of its non-cigarette operations. In the first quarter, the company's smoke-free business generated 42% of its revenue and 44% of its profits. Some of its strongest non-cigarette businesses are vapes and pouches. Its pouches compete in the U.S. market, meaning Philip Morris is now a competitor to its former owner. And one that appears to be running rings around Altria as that company struggles to move beyond cigarettes.
Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg and a group of shareholders have reached a settlement in a lawsuit seeking $8bn in damages over alleged privacy violations on Facebook.

According to a Reuters report, the settlement was announced by a lawyer for the shareholders in the Delaware Court of Chancery, where the trial was underway. Following the announcement, Judge Kathaleen McCormick adjourned the trial.

However, the details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Shareholders had filed the lawsuit against Zuckerberg, venture capitalist and Meta director Marc Andreessen, and other former executives, including former chief operating officer (COO) Sheryl Sandberg.

In the lawsuit, they sought to hold these individuals accountable for failing to prevent privacy violations affecting Facebook users. They argued that these oversights eventually resulted in the company facing fines and legal expenses.

Notably, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a $5bn fine on Facebook in 2019 for not adhering to a 2012 agreement intended to safeguard user data.

The plaintiffs aimed to have the defendants use personal funds to reimburse Meta. However, the defendants denied the allegations, dismissing these as extreme claims.

Since 2021, Facebook has operated under the name Meta and was not a defendant in this case. The company has stated on its website that it has invested billions [of dollars] in enhancing user privacy since 2019.

The trial was initially set to continue into the following week, with anticipated testimonies from former board members, including Peter Thiel and Reed Hastings.

By settling, the defendants, including Zuckerberg, avoid having to testify under oath.

The case arose after it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a now-defunct political consulting company, had accessed data from millions of Facebook users. This scandal ultimately resulted in the FTC imposing the record fine on Facebook.

"Zuckerberg and Meta investors settle $8bn Facebook privacy lawsuit" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




Bid to bring back pesticide in France sparks unprecedented petition



Paris, July 19 (AFP) Jul 19, 2025



A new law in France allowing the reintroduction of a banned pesticide has sparked a record-breaking petition opposing it, which on Saturday had gathered more than 500,000 signatures.

The so-called "Duplomb law" has stirred public anger for permitting a return of acetamiprid -- a chemical known to be toxic to pollinators such as bees and to ecosystems. It was adopted on July 8 but has not yet come into effect.

The legislation, named after the conservative lawmaker who proposed it, was presented in parliament as a measure to "reduce constraints" on French farmers.

But its move to bring back acetamiprid prompted a 23-year-old master's student, Eleonore Pattery, to launch a petition against it which quickly snowballed, gathering support from many people, including actors and several leftwing lawmakers.

The French parliament's official website showed it had accumulated more signatures than any other. At 6:00 pm (1600 GMT) Saturday the counter had passed 550,000.

Pattery, who describes herself as "a future environmental health professional", called the new law a "scientific, ethical, environmental and public health aberration.

"It represents a frontal attack on public health, biodiversity, the coherence of climate policies, food security, and common sense," she said.

Acetamiprid has been banned in France since 2018, but remains legal within the European Union.

The petition calls for the "immediate repeal" of the law and a "citizen-led consultation involving health, agricultural, environmental and legal stakeholders".

Petitions do not in themselves trigger a review or repeal of the legislation but unprecedented public support may prompt renewed parliamentary discussion on the matter.

Under French rules, if a petition reaches 500,000 verified signatures, the National Assembly may choose to hold a public debate limited to the content of the petition itself.

In late June, before the law's passage, several thousand demonstrators - including farmers, environmental organisations and scientists - rallied across France calling for the bill to be withdrawn.
Hong Kong axes flights, classes as Typhoon Wipha nears



Hong Kong, July 19 (AFP) Jul 19, 2025



Hong Kong issued its third-highest tropical cyclone warning in the early hours of Sunday as Typhoon Wipha drew nearer, with authorities cancelling classes and grounding hundreds of flights.

Wipha was located around 280 kilometres (175 miles) southeast of Hong Kong as of midnight (1600 GMT), according to Hong Kong's weather observatory.

The observatory has hoisted the T8 warning signal, meaning that "winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometres per hour or more are expected".

The storm was expected to keep intensifying, moving across the northern part of the South China Sea and edging closer to the coast of China's Guangdong province.

"There will be frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms over the region. Seas will be high with swells," the observatory added.

China's Hainan and Guangdong provinces were also put on high alert, state news agency Xinhua reported Saturday.

More than 250 flights servicing Hong Kong had been cancelled as of late Saturday, according to the website of the city's international airport.

Hong Kong's Airport Authority asked travellers to prepare for "significant flight cancellations or delays" and said that no passenger flights are expected to depart the city before Sunday noon.

Authorities suspended Sunday's classes at all day schools and daycare centres.

Bus services are expected to be halted until midday Sunday.

Wipha brought heavy rains and flooding to the Philippines and two people have been reported missing, according to the country's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
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Ellie Rowsell, the mercurial, leather-clad frontwoman of Britains foremost guitar band Wolf Alice, is curled up on the edge of a record labels sofa and pondering why she writes the things she does. When a song is born of personal experience, you think youre protected by the fact that youre making art or whatever, she says, through rubs of her eyes. But youre not. Ive had people ask us, Oh, is this song about her boyfriend?. And its really frightening and scary. I had a big freakout about it. Im a private person  why am I airing my dirty laundry? And because its a song, you have to make it a bit over the top and exaggerate whats happened to you, but then that makes you feel like youre being a drama queen. Even if I think Im protecting myself by calling it art.

It may be inescapable. Theres a naked emotionality to many of Wolf Alices best-known songs, from the sneaky rage of 2021s florid Safe from Heartbreak (if you never fall in love) (I aint a plaything/ To make life exciting/ You f***ed with my feelings), to the brutal honesty of 2017s Dont Delete the Kisses, with its airy chants of What if its not meant for me? Love. But the point, she says  slanted, stretching and suddenly self-admonishing in an oh-god-Im-not-making-any-sense sort of way  is that shes come to understand that its not too much of a big deal. Songs are true and not true, do you know what I mean? She coughs.

The discussion is gendered, too, adds the bands bassist Theo Ellis, dressed in a denim jacket, his hair peroxide blonde. For a guy, its like a forlorn love song rather than a breakup song, he says. Its always semi-positive vocabulary thats attributed to it.

A culture of autofiction is quite prevalent at the moment, though, isnt it? adds guitarist Joff Oddie, on the trend of authors and pop stars  among them Rachel Cusk and Taylor Swift  blurring autobiography and fiction in their work. F***ing mountains of autofiction. Its interesting. Everyone nods.

Weve been together for about five minutes (drummer Joel Amey is stuck on a train and cant make it to our interview), and already the interpersonal rhythms of Wolf Alice are clear. On record, Rowsell is an absolute beast of a vocalist, the softest of falsettos transforming within seconds into screams and roars. Her lyrics are sledgehammers, elegantly vulnerable sum-ups of heartache, confusion and millennial woe, sung across sounds that hopscotch between folk, shoegaze, dream-pop and rock. Theyre the reason Wolf Alice are as big as they are: a self-made UK success story in an increasingly fraught record industry, with three albums to their name, each of them at least nominated for the Mercury prize (2017s Visions of a Life took the win). A fourth album  next months The Clearing  is on the way.

If we win a prize, then well get f***ed. We just need to win more prizes Theo Ellis

What a difference a venue makes. In one corner of this label office, Rowsell hugs her knees, circles conversational topics, thinks and then re-thinks ideas out loud, apologises. Opposite her is Ellis, who absorbs Rowsells ideas and smoothes them out, as if to put a button on them. Oddie, sat in the middle, interjects with pragmatic, professorly asides. Wolf Alice are far more rambling and blessedly normal than the intimidatingly cool rock stars they become on stage. Theyre happy to cop to it.

I used to think that putting in effort wasnt cool, Rowsell explains. But now Im older, Im like its pretty cool to try. Its brave to try, and being brave is cool, really.

Whats amazing is thinking about what cool actually is as a philosophical concept, Oddie adds. Do you know what I mean?

The Clearing feels like the bands most mature record, if only because the anxious and unsettled melancholy that underpinned albums one through three has been replaced by a sigh of acceptance. Theyre all in their thirties now, so it sort of tracks. I must be a narcissist, Rowsell sings on the oops-did-I-just-say-that opener Thorns. God knows I cant resist making a song and dance about it. By albums end, though, Rowsell has shrugged off her nerves. I can be happy, I can be sad, I can be a bitch when I am mad, she boasts on The Sofa. Be no one thing  the intellectual beauty queen and the wild thing.

open image in gallery Thrashing: Wolf Alice perform in 2022 ( Getty )

When I catch up later with Amey, finally free of the evils of Britains train lines, he recalls the band taking a more considered approach to the records soundscape than ever before. When you look back at our previous albums, theyre different snapshots of how you think about records, he says. Our first one was a collection of things wed all been writing forever. We were free to experiment on our second one  and went in so many different directions out of pure excitement. And with [2021s] Blue Weekend, it was like we were collecting all the things we thought sounded the best.

The Clearing, then, is a more streamlined affair, the majority of its tracks coated in a whimsical, maximalist flair that brings to mind Seventies prog-rock and pop, and acts such as ELO, Fleetwood Mac and T-Rex. White Horses is a dazzlingly cinematic bit of soul-baring with Amey, on rare lead vocals, unpacking his family history. Passenger Seat is full of crunchy guitars and dramatic pauses. The gorgeous Bread Butter Tea Sugar collides pretty strings and big, stomping synths.

The album also marks the bands first release on a major label, Columbia, after they left the UK-based Dirty Hit in 2024. The timing of their departure raised eyebrows  the news broke shortly after The 1975s Matty Healy stepped down as the labels creative director following a series of controversies  but Ellis says this was a total coincidence. We finished our contract and we wanted to just do something different, he says. We dont do many things the same twice.

Signing with Columbia and jumping into an impending arena tour (a first for them) suggests a band eager to become bigger than ever. But this is a narrative thats been weirdly stuck in place since the bands early days. It partly comes with the territory: with a handful of EPs to their name and three years of touring tiny venues in and around north London, Wolf Alice arrived in 2015 atop a wave of hype, the UK music press insisting they were the saviours of a genre on life support. It was their raw talent that rescued them from the dangerous burden of expectations, but ideas of ever grander ambition have trailed them since.

Weve always been, like, reaching for the stars, Ellis laughs, with a roll of his eyes. And, he adds, we havent had to compromise who we are.

The same ethos applies to their politics, too. Were chatting a few weeks after the band played a barnstorming, sundown Other Stage set on the last night of Glastonbury. The band are aware that this years festival was largely dominated in the public sphere by conversation around performances by pro-Palestine hip-hop artists Kneecap and Bob Vylan. But it didnt feel so fraught  or even galvanised  on the ground. The disparity between the way it was presented in the media, and actually being at the festival is hugely different to me, Ellis says. It didnt feel like some kind of sinister protest event.

open image in gallery A star in stars: Rowsell during Wolf Alices Glastonbury set in June ( Shutterstock )

During Wolf Alices performance, Rowsell said: We want to express our solidarity with the people of Palestine, and no one should be afraid to do that. It was one of a number of political messages made by performers at the festival  if not during The 1975s Pyramid Stage set on the Friday night, in which Healy expressed his eagerness to not make political statements.

What did he say? Oddie asks.

I dont want to be remembered for politics or something like that, Rowsell replies. We should be talking about friendship and happiness.

All three laugh.

Cool, bro, Ellis snorts. In regards to how much we talk about this stuff, we use our platform and we like to try and use it as effectively as we can for things that the four of us are united behind.

You need to be selective, though, Oddie says. Because people turn off.

What do you mean? Rowsell asks.

I think if you are constantly talking and using your platform  which is fine for some people  it has more impact if you are selective about what you say when you enter that kind of political arena, he explains.

I guess, Rowsell says. But theres also an urgency [right now].

Oddie sits up to clarify what he means.

Its very difficult. Its a very messy world, because all the Kneecap stuff were talking about lots of very contentious areas of political discourse, about free speech. Theres gonna be pushback regardless. Its amazing that people are talking, because this needs to be talked about. Whats going on at the moment is just horrific. The only tiny problem I have is that we sometimes lose sight of the actual issue, which is all the f***ing horrific things that are going on in Palestine. My fear is that we start talking about the culture war stuff more than we start talking about children dying.

But thats the medias fault, not the artists fault, Rowsell says. She mentions seeing a video by the musician Lava La Rue, in which she stated that numerous performers expressed solidarity with Palestine at Glastonbury. But you would think it was just Kneecap and Bob Vylan, because maybe the media is scared to show just how many people are passionate about expressing solidarity and want the government to do more or whatever. They just focus on the two things that feel controversial.

Its a distraction technique, Ellis adds. What is happening in Palestine is underrepresented in the media, and thats why the artists talking about it are resonating so much.

They have no intention to stop. The more people talk about it, the more everyone feels less scared to talk about it as well, Rowsell says. I do believe there is a knock-on effect. (Since Glastonbury, Billie Eilish and this years Sunday headliner Olivia Rodrigo are among the artists whove used their social media pages to express horror at the ongoing events in Gaza. This week, Massive Attack and Brian Eno were among the artists to announce the formation of a syndicate designed to protect musicians from being threatened into silence or career cancellation by pro-Israeli organisations.)

open image in gallery Winners: Wolf Alice collect their Mercury Prize award in 2018 ( Getty )

If this light back-and-forth about outspokenness is an example of tension between Wolf Alices members, its entirely brief and lukewarm. They admit to having always had an unusual lack of friction, both personally and professionally. I remember a sound man we worked with saying that hed never worked with a band whod finished touring an album and finished the recording of another album and were all still friends, Oddie says.

Just statistically, not that many bands have the same members for as long as weve been together, Ellis says. And Im very protective of that.

Rowsell credits their continued friendship to their refusal to become jaded. They still find excitement in every bit of rehearsal time they get, every video they film, and every photoshoot they take part in. Im curious if theyre still fans of a big celebratory sesh  as in the lock-in they held at Camdens riotous Hawley Arms pub right after they won the Mercury Prize in 2018.

Have we mellowed? God, yes, Rowsell laughs. We dont go out all the time and get f***ed or whatever, but I personally still need to celebrate wins. I still need to acknowledge when something feels good and feels special  its still so amazing what weve ended up doing.

If we win a prize, then well get f***ed, Ellis adds. We just need to win more prizes  its not hard to be rowdy once every three years.

The Sofa is out now, with The Clearing releasing on 22 August
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It is perhaps the most well-known cooking competition in the world, but the MasterChef brand is facing some of the most challenging moments in its 35-year history.

Gregg Wallace, the greengrocer turned TV host who has fronted the show for almost 20 years, was sacked from the BBC as 45 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld against him, including one of unwanted physical contact.

His co-star John Torode followed suit, learning of his axing through media reports. He identified himself as the individual accused of using an extremely offensive racist term in a report released following an investigation into inappropriate behaviour on the show, which he said he had no recollection of.

The BBC is facing tough questions about the future of the show, given Wallace and Torode are almost synonymous with the UK versions of MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef.

The broadcaster initially stood firm on its decision to broadcast all material featuring Wallace that had already been filmed, but later pulled MasterChef Christmas specials from its scheduling last winter. The future of a recorded series, which took place prior to the scandal going public, is also uncertain. Several replacements have been rumoured to be in the running to replace the pair including Celebrity MasterChef host Grace Dent (who had already been brought in alongside Torode for the celebrity version), Saturday Kitchens Matt Tebutt and Great British Menu chef Andi Oliver.

BBC director general Tim Davie said in the corporations annual report released on Tuesday (15 July) that the issue posed a difficult decision and we need to weigh it up carefully, adding that chefs gave heart and soul... and we need to talk and consult with them and then make a call.

open image in gallery Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the BBCs schedule after the Gregg Wallace allegations came to light ( BBC/Shine TV )

He added: [MasterChef] absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.

A BBC spokesperson told The Independent: At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.

While Wallace and Torodes salaries were not confirmed in the BBCs annual disclosure of earnings because of their contracts with Banijay UK, Wallace is reported to earn 400,000 on the programme, according to The Sun, while Torodes net worth is estimated to be 8m.

As one of the BBCs longest-running and most well-loved shows, MasterChef has remained a jewel in the broadcasters crown since its genesis in 1990.

open image in gallery The BBC iPlayer app displaying an episode of MasterChef: The Professionals available to watch on demand (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire )

Its initial run lasted 11 years, before it was rebooted with Wallace as its host in 2005. Since then, it has grown into the number of forms we see on our screens today, including the professional and celebrity versions.

While specific revenue figures for the BBC version are not typically disclosed, the global MasterChef format is recognised as a lucrative asset, generating income through advertising, international licensing, merchandise, and spin-offs.

In its 2025 report, BBC Studios confirmed earnings of around 2bn in total revenue, with its format sales and licensing deals, including MasterChef, playing a role in this figure. Last year, Banijay UK recorded a 53.4m pre-tax loss, according to City AM, which the production company attributed to a challenging UK TV market with customers maintaining pressure on license fees paid for both new and returning commissions.

The latest season of classic MasterChef won the title of the BBCs highest rated cookery show this year, according to Banijay, the company which produces the show. Season 18, which aired in 2023, scored almost 4 million viewers for its finale and was the BBCs highest rated cookery show since 2016.

open image in gallery MasterChef USA is judged by Gordon Ramsay ( Getty Images for Vegas Uncorkd )

Now, three decades after the first UK version, MasterChef is loved around the world and has grown into a global brand.

Produced by Banijay around the world, the company estimate it has been watched by over 1 billion people globally, with it being adapted in 65 territories worldwide, and broadcast in over 200.

Some of the most successful versions of the show include MasterChef Australia and USA, which is judged by Gordon Ramsay.

To top it off in 2017, MasterChef gained a Guinness World Record for the worlds Most Successful Cookery Television Format.
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Gregg Wallace and John Torode were never friends despite being co-hosts for 20 years, a former MasterChef employee has claimed.

Wallace and Torode were sacked as presenters of the cookery show this week after a seven-month investigation upheld allegations made against the pair  45 against Wallace and one against Torode.

More than half of the 83 allegations levied against Wallace were substantiated, including unwelcome physical contact, but the report also upheld an accusation of offensive racist language allegedly used by Torode.

The TV chef has said he had no recollection of the incident. Addressing the upheld allegation of using a racist slur, Torode said he was shocked and saddened by the claim, adding that he knows any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.

In the wake of the findings, the spotlight has been placed on Wallace and Torodes working relationship, with a source telling BBC News: Clearly they had a good chemistry when the cameras were rolling. But you rarely saw them interact when the cameras were off.

open image in gallery John Torode and Gregg Wallace were never friends ( PA Media )

Another anonymous person who worked on the show claimed their dynamic seemed off, adding that Torode would roll his eyes when Wallace made alleged inappropriate comments.

The relationship between Torode and Wallace, who both presented the revamped cooking programme since 2005, has always been a point of confusion among viewers.

Despite being Wallaces best man in 2016, Torode later claimed he had never been friends with his co-host, telling The Mirror in 2017: Weve not been to each others houses. If we go away to somewhere like South Africa, we do things separately. If we do go out for a drink, Ill invariably be at one end of a big old table and hell be at the other.

However, Wallace had a different view, telling ITV series Lorraine that same year: I film with John six or seven months of the year, so we are very close to each other physically, and emotionally we are very close to each other.

Whats great about having a partnership is that if one of you is a bit off, a bit down, the other one naturally steps up, so I rely on John a lot.

open image in gallery Former MasterChef hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode ( BBC )

Wallace has said he is deeply sorry for any hurt caused after the reports findings were published and that he also challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching, but [has] had to accept a difference in perception.

In a now-deleted Instagram post, he also said he was exonerated of the most serious allegations, after being cleared of 38 claims.

The presenter faced multiple accusations, including claims that he made inappropriate sexual jokes, asked for the phone numbers of female production staff, and behaved unprofessionally around female colleagues on set.

The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity.
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If you were to ask most people what causes cancer, the answer would probably be smoking, alcohol, the sun, hair dye or some other avoidable element.

But the most important risk factor for cancer is something else: ageing.

Thats right, the factor most associated with cancer is unavoidable  and a condition that we will all experience.

Why is this important? Older adults are the fastest-growing population in Canada and globally.

By 2068, approximately 29 per cent of Canadians will be over age 65.

With cancer being one of the most common diseases in older adults and one of the most common diseases in Canada, it means we need to think about how to provide the best cancer care for older adults.

Demographic shift

So, how are we doing so far? The answer is: not great. This may be surprising, but we also have a great opportunity to innovate and prepare for this demographic shift in cancer care.

International guidelines  including those from the American Society of Clinical Oncology  say that all older adults should have a geriatric assessment prior to making a decision about their cancer treatment. The most widely used models of geriatric assessment involve a geriatrician.

Consultation with a geriatrician for an older adult allows the oncologist and the older adult to engage in a conversation about cancer treatment, armed with information. Things like how treatment might affect their cognition, their function, their existing illnesses (which most older adults have when they are diagnosed with cancer), and the years of remaining life.

Importantly, geriatricians centre their assessment on what matters most to patients. This approach anchors any decision about cancer around the wishes of older adults and their support systems. When diagnosed with cancer, older adults undergo many tests and measures of function, but the evidence supports that these are not as accurate as geriatric assessment for identifying problems that may be below the surface.

Care in Canada

In Canada, there are currently only a handful of specialised geriatric oncology clinics. The oldest clinic is in Montreal at the Jewish General Hospital, followed closely by the Older Adult with Cancer Clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, led by Shabbir Alibhai, one of the authors of this story. As researchers, we are in touch with clinics in Ontario and Alberta that have told us they have geriatric oncology services under development, so we hope to see new programs soon.

These clinics arent just good for patients. In fact, a study led by Shabbir Alibhai demonstrated a cost savings of approximately $7,000 per older adult seen in these clinics. If we map this onto the number of older adults diagnosed with cancer in Canada every year, this represents a huge cost savings for our public health system. Despite this overwhelming evidence, this is still not routine care.

In British Columbia, there are currently no specialised services for older adults with cancer ( Getty/iStock )

In British Columbia, there are currently no specialised services for older adults with cancer. Over the last five years, Kristen Haase  also an author of this story  has been working with colleagues to understand whether these services are needed and how they could help older adults with cancer in B.C.

This work involved conversations with more than 100 members of the cancer community. The research team spoke with older adults undergoing cancer treatment, who sometimes had to relocate for cancer treatment. Other participants included caregivers who cared for elderly family members during their cancer treatment and described numerous challenges they faced, and volunteers who ran a free transportation service  a service also mostly staffed by older adult volunteers.

The research team also heard from health-care professionals: oncologists, nurses, physiotherapists and social workers. The latter group coalesced around the need for additional supports within the cancer care system so they could do their job well, and best support older adults.

The results indicate that both those working in the system and those using the system want and need better support.

Barriers to care

So, where are we now and why dont we have these services across Canada?

Cost is obviously a barrier to any healthcare service. But with evidence that any costs will be offset by demonstrated cost savings, this is a non-starter.

Health human resources are one huge restriction. Geriatricians are in high demand and there is a low supply. However, nurse-led models have also been shown to be successful. With the expanding role of nurse practitioners across Canada, this option has huge potential to innovate care, and at a lower cost.

Another reason is good old inertia. Our clinical care model in oncology has remained mostly intact for over three decades. It is primarily a single physician-driven model. Although modern therapies for cancer have emerged at a breathtaking pace and have been introduced into clinical practice, it is much harder to change the model of care, particularly for strategies such as geriatric assessment that are harder to implement than a new drug or surgical/radiation technique.

The last, and perhaps the most difficult to pin down of all potential reasons for the absence of specialised cancer services for older adults, is agism. Ageism is discrimination based on age. It is one of the most common forms of discrimination and it is deeply embedded in many of our systems. Imagine a scenario where children diagnosed with cancer couldnt access a paediatrician. We would collectively be outraged. Yet somehow, we accept this for older adults.

Due to the overwhelming number of older adults who are and will be diagnosed with cancer in the coming years, it will never be possible for all of them to receive specialised geriatric services. But there is an opportunity to innovate models of care that are targeted to those who need services the most: those who are most frail, are most likely to benefit from tailored care, and will reap the most benefit in terms of quality of life.

Stratifying these programs around those who need them the most will also have the greatest financial impact. And if personal stories of improving quality of life for older adults with cancer or international guidelines dont move decision-makers, hopefully, cost savings will.

Kristen Haase is an Associate Professor in Nursing at the University of British Columbia. Shabbir Alibhai is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
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Health chiefs have urged people to be aware of the symptoms of botulism after more people suffered reactions following cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin, also known as Botox.

New cases in the east of England and East Midlands suggest the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

Reactions have included severe eyelid drooping, double vision, trouble swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy, which can happen weeks after the procedure.

They are not thought to be linked to the cases reported in the north east of England last month.

There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism  a rare form of the illness that happens as a result of medical treatment  reported between June 4 and July 14, according to UKHSA data.

Dr Gauri Godbole, consultant medical microbiologist at UKHSA, said: Botulism related to aesthetic procedures is rare, but it can be serious.

It is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum.

These toxins, but not the bacteria, are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products.

Symptoms of botulism can take up to four weeks to develop and if you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.

Health chiefs have urged people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism ( (Alamy/PA) )

Dr Godbole also urged anyone considering having cosmetic procedures to check that their practitioner is licensed.

Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director secondary care at NHS England, added: When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments.

Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, warned that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

She said: Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK.

This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRAs standards for quality and safety. As such, they can endanger the health of the people who take them.

Our criminal enforcement unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution.

The practitioners involved with the latest cases have ceased the procedure and are co-operating with the investigation, the UKHSA said.

The agency is advising healthcare staff to ensure they look out for botulism in people who may have had a recent aesthetic procedures.

Treatment for the symptoms includes an anti-toxin.
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Want to improve the quality of your sleep? Taking a yoga class or some other form of gentle exercise can make a major difference.

Researchers say yoga, Tai Chi, walking, and jogging may be the best types of exercise to improve sleep quality and ease insomnia. Insomnia, or an inability to fall asleep, affects some 25 to 30 million Americans.

"Insomnia can impact everyday life and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases [like heart disease and stroke] and Alzheimer's and exercise is nature's sleeping pill," Dr. Zhijun Bu, the lead author of the study and master student at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, told ABC News.

Bu and fellow researchers say that their findings back the use of exercise as a primary treatment strategy for poor sleep patterns.

Comparing the results of 22 relevant randomized clinical trials involving 1,348 participants and 13 different treatments to ease insomnia, they assessed and scored their effectiveness, including factors such as sleep quality and insomnia severity, the percentage of time asleep when in bed, the number of times people woke up after going to sleep, and the time it took to fall asleep.

open image in gallery Researchers say that yoga and other exercises could be an effective treatment for insomnia. The condition impacts tens of millions of Americans ( AFP via Getty Images )

The programs analyzed in the study ranged in length from a month to 26 weeks and seven were exercised-based. The exercises evaluated also included aerobic plus strength exercise, strength training alone, aerobic exercise combined with therapy, and mixed aerobic exercises.

The non-exercise-related approaches were cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, acupuncture and massage, nothing, Ayurveda medicine, and existing treatment for the issue. The durations of those approaches ranged from six to 26 weeks.

The researchers said that cognitive behavioral therapy, which is commonly called psychotherapy, is likely to result in a large increase in total sleep time and may improve sleep efficiency and shorten the amount of time spent awake after falling asleep.

But, exercise also showed promising outcomes. Practicing yoga, for example, likely results in a large increase in total sleep time of nearly two hours, improve sleep efficiency by nearly 15 percent, reduce the amount of time spent awake after falling asleep by nearly an hour, and shorten the time it takes to fall asleep by around half an hour.

Going for a walk or jog could result in a large reduction in insomnia severity and Tai Chi may increase total sleep time by more than 50 minutes, reduce time spent awake after falling asleep by over half an hour, and shorten the time it takes to fall asleep by around 25 minutes. Tai Chi performed better on all assessed outcomes than existing treatments for up to two years.

open image in gallery Tai Chi may increase your total sleep time by nearly an hour, the meta analysis found. Yoga likely results in an increase in total sleep time of nearly two hours ( Getty Images for National Counci )

The analysis was published recently in the online journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.

The authors said the explanation for their findings was likely tied to biology. Yoga focuses on controlled breathing and body awareness. Tai Chi also emphasizes breath control and relaxation and has been shown to decrease sympathetic nervous system activity. Walking or jogging may improve sleep by increasing energy expenditure, curbing cortisol production, boosting secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin, and enhancing the amount of deep sleep.

"Our research shows people of all ages and genders can observe the sleep benefits of exercise," Bu said. "We hope our findings can lead to further changes within public health."
Buying and owning a house always involves some risk, but fortunately, there are several types of insurance policies that can help you mitigate those risks.

You likely know of homeowners insurance , which protects your residence and belongings in case of a burglary, adverse weather event, or other covered scenario. Youve also probably heard of mortgage insurance , which protects your lender if you fail to repay your home loan as agreed upon.

A lesser-known insurance policy involved in homebuying is title insurance. Its protections concern the legal ownership of your home, and its an important policy to have in place if you want to safeguard your investment.

Are you buying a home and want to ensure your interests are fully protected? Heres how title insurance can help.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

In this article:

What is title insurance?

Before we discuss title insurance, its important to understand what a title is in terms of homeownership.

A title in real estate references the legal ownership of a property, said Scott Kuhn, head of retail mortgage sales at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, via email. It details who owns and has a legal right to own the property.

Title insurance is designed to protect this legal title against third-party claims to your property after you take ownership.

For example, the coverage can protect you if an overlooked heir to a former owner tries to claim the property many years after youve moved in. It can also keep a contractor from claiming the home due to an unpaid repair invoice.

Learn more: How to get a mortgage

Types of title insurance

There are two types of title insurance: lenders title insurance, which protects your mortgage lender from title claims, and owners title insurance, which protects you, the homeowner.

Lender's title insurance protects the lender's investment in the property, making sure that the lender's lien on the property is valid, Kuhn said. If you are financing the property, it is required by the lender.

For the lender, if a third-party claim to your propertys title is upheld, the insurance policy will pay them the outstanding mortgage loan balance. For an owner, it covers things like legal costs to defend the title and losses you suffer if a third-party title claim is legitimate.

Owner's title insurance protects the property owner against any issues that may come about once you purchase the home , Kuhn said. It provides insurance that would pay you for [the] challenges of your legal ownership of the property.

How title insurance works

Before closing day, a title company will research your propertys history via public records (you may hear this referred to as a title search ) to ensure the title is clear of any liens or ownership claims and that the home is available to be legally transferred to another owner. The researcher will look for any encumbrances that may restrict your right to own or use the property.

There are several types of possible encumbrances they may find. Here are three common ones:

Liens . A lien is a legal claim on your home, using your property as collateral. An outstanding lien may exist if a previous owner failed to pay their property taxes or a contractor who worked on the home.

Easements . An easement is a right granted to a third party to use your property even though they dont own it. For example, the driveway to access their house may run through your land.

Encroachments. An encroachment occurs when part of your neighbors property spills onto yours. For example, they may have a tree that grows so large it crosses the boundary between the two plots of land.

Once the title company completes the title search and identifies any potential encumbrances, it can issue your insurance policy.

Its important to note that not every encumbrance will impact your real estate deal. However, if a third-party lien is discovered during the title search, youll likely need to pay it off to buy the house.

What title insurance covers

Title insurance is designed to be an all-encompassing protection, safeguarding you against a wide variety of issues that can arise regarding your homes title.

It can cover problems, such as the following:

Claims from a former owners heir

Claims from a creditor of a previous owner (one not uncovered in the initial title search)

Conflicting or contested wills

Unpaid back taxes

Unpaid legal judgments

Deed disputes due to mental incompetence

Owner misrepresentation or fraud

Disputes between previous owners

Recordkeeping errors in legal documents

Falsified information or a forged signature on the deed to the home

If any of these covered issues arise, your title insurance will help cover the losses you suffer, as well as the legal costs for defending your homes title in court.

Important note: Title insurance protects you against problems that occurred before you took ownership. It doesnt cover new title issues that arise while you own the property. For example, your policy wont help if you fail to pay your property taxes , but it will if your homes former owner failed to.

What title insurance costs

Title insurance is a closing cost when you buy a house. The cost depends on your state and location, the houses sale price, and your loan amount.

In Michigan, for example, a home with a $350,000 sale price and $300,000 loan amount would cost a minimum of $1,073 for the lenders title insurance and $1,812 for the owners  or about $3,000 total. In Texas, the same loan and price amount would come with title insurance costs of almost $2,500.

The amount youll spend on title insurance will vary, but expect to pay roughly 0.5% of the homes sale price.

Title insurance FAQs

What is the purpose of title insurance?

Title insurance protects you and your mortgage lender in case a third party tries to claim your propertys title. This can happen if a previous owner failed to pay property taxes or a contractor bill, if an heir to a former owner emerges, or if there are other disputes regarding who owns the property later on.

Is title insurance a closing cost?

Yes, title insurance is a closing cost. Generally, youll pay for both the lenders policy and owners policy as a one-time expense on the day you close on your house.

How much does title insurance cost?

Title insurance premiums vary by location, loan amount, and purchase price. In some cases, you may be able to save money by shopping around for a title insurance company. Your mortgage lender or real estate agent might recommend a company, but feel free to do your own research to find the best policy price in your area.

Who pays for an owners title insurance policy?

The buyer typically pays for the lenders title insurance premiums, and in some cases, their owners policy premium as well. You may be able to negotiate to have the seller cover this expense on your behalf, though it depends on market conditions in your area.

Is title insurance worth it?

Title insurance is required if youre using a mortgage loan to buy your property, but if youre purchasing your home in cash , youll have to decide if you want this protection. Consider your budget for closing costs, as well as how much you have saved up for an emergency, when making your decision. Should a title issue arise later on, youll need the funds to fight the claim in court or risk losing your property.
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Police are warning about the dangers of bank jugging, after a spate of such robberies across California.

During these types of thefts, assailants watch bank patrons withdraw money from branches or ATMs, follow them, then rob them off-site, according to law enforcement.

A Los Angeles man, who gave his name as Robert, told KTLA he was the victim of one such theft on July 7, after he withdrew thousands in cash from a Bank of America branch in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood.

I had it in an envelope, a few thousand dollars, Robert told KTLA. Its a lot of money. Im not rich. I work hard.

Surveillance video shows a man breaking into Roberts car and taking the cash while Robert was in a grocery store.

Police warn of the dangers of bank jugging, when thieves follow people who make withdrawals from the bank and subsequently rob them, as occurred during a July incident in Los Angeles ( Los Angeles Police Department )

These guys definitely were inside the Bank of America, Robert added. Theyre looking for somebody and it happened to be me.

Two days later, a man in Fontana had his car robbed at a gas station under similar circumstances, according to police there.

While he was away from his vehicle, a late-model black Hyundai Tucson pulled up next to it. A tall, slender male adult exited the front passenger seat of the Hyundai, smashed the victims window, and stole the cash, police spokesperson Officer Daniel Romero told the Press-Enterprise newspaper.

The thief then fled, in a car driven by a woman, the officer said.

It is a classic case of jugging, Romero added, calling it an an escalating criminal activity.

Earlier this month, police in Orange County arrested three people suspected of bank jugging.

The FBI warned about bank jugging last year.

These assailants are brazenly targeting bank and ATM customers, posing a significant risk to the public of both physical and financial harm, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno said at the time.

To avoid bank jugging risks, law enforcement advise people to be aware of their surroundings, report suspicious activity, conceal cash withdrawals, vary their banking habits, and avoid unnecessary stops after pulling large sums of money.
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A June traffic stop in California led deputies to discover a massive trove of illegal weapons and bomb-making materials, including partially assembled improvised explosive devices, according to police.

On June 8, Riverside County sheriffs deputies located a stolen vehicle in Temecula and conducted a traffic stop.

During the stop, they found four guns, a mixture of rifles and handguns, as well as a large amount of ammunition and suppressors, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

In addition to detaining driver Brandon Edwards, 38, of the city of Homeland, police continued to investigate, and a Wednesday search at the mans property in an unincorporated area known as Romoland revealed even more weaponry, police say.

Deputies found dozens of illegal firearms, ammunition, explosive-making materials, and homemade improvised devices that were in the process of being assembled, according to the release. The Riverside Sheriffs Hazardous Device Team responded and seized the devices.

open image in gallery The Riverside County man was in possession of guns, ammo, silencers, and bomb-making materials, police say ( Riverside County Sheriff's Office )

Edwards faces 12 charges, including 11 felonies, on offenses related to the stolen vehicle, weapons possession, criminal threats, and bomb-making.

He is currently being held in the countys Southwest Detention Center without bail, according to jail records.

It is unclear if Edwards has legal representation or how he plans to plead.

The Independent has contact the county public defenders office and a family member of Edwards for comment.

The 38-year-old is due in court on July 25.

Last year, a heavily armed man was arrested outside a Donald Trump rally in the county, in what police described at the time as a thwarted assassination attempt.

The suspect in that case, Vem Miller, denied he was trying to assassinate the president and later sued the sheriffs office for defamation.
Elizabeth Taylor spoke of her marriage to Richard Burton while chatting with John Goodman on the set of The Flintstones in 1994.

John Goodman got some insight into Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's relationship

The late Hollywood icon, who died in 2011 at the age of 79, had a famously tumultuous relationship with the Shakespearean actor, who passed away in August 1984 at just 58. The pair married twice during their whirlwind romance.

They first tied the knot in 1964. That marriage lasted a decade. Then, just 16 months after their divorce, they said I do again in a private ceremony in Botswana, Southern Africa.

But it wasnt meant to be - the second marriage ended in February 1976, less than a year later.

Goodman, 73, played Fred Flintstone opposite Taylor as his mother-in-law, Pearl Slaghoople, in the live-action adaptation of the animated classic. He recalled a moment when Taylor opened up to him about her and Burton after she suffered a fall on set.

Although he didnt disclose what she said, Goodman said he was wowed.

He told PEOPLE for their Life in Pictures series: "Elizabeth Taylor was my mother-in-law in The Flintstones. She took a fall in the film, so we were just squatting around her, talking to her.

"I just got her talking about [Richard] Burton a little bit when she was on the floor, and it was wow."

He added: "There's old-school movie stars and then there's Elizabeth Taylor. She was at the zenith in her life and in films. I never thought I'd ever get to meet her."

Taylor was famed for her lifelong diva behaviour  and her partner for his wild living and boozing.

The 2024 tome Erotic Vagrancy: Everything about Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor by Roger Lewis, laid bare their decades of decadence and traced the couples lives from their origins as actors to their famously troubled marriage.

Roger revealed in the book the pair had a massive entourage including an army of secretaries, butlers, nannies and tutors for their children  as well as lawyers, accountants and veterinarians for their exotic pets.

He penned: Theyd take over whole floors of grand hotels so all these people had accommodation.

But what all this meant was that they never met ordinary people after that. They never mixed with anyone else. It was this very insulated life, rather like, I imagine, members of the royal family.

They met at a party in the 1950s and co-starred in a string of films including 1963s The V.I.Ps, Cleopatra and Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
Walking around John C. Fremont Park during John C. Fremont Days, visitors are treated to a variety of scenes. Bands playing in the Chautauqua Tent, kettle corn being popped, kids playing on inflatables and also wood shavings flying thought the air?

Although the wood shavings may seem out of place, Jeff Dahr, the wood carver behind JD Bears, is anything but new. For years, he has attended JCF Days where he carves new pieces of art out of wood to be auctioned off at the end of the annual event.

He was at the park July 11-13, creating wooden artwork.

Originally from Nebraska, Dahr is based of South Dakota, and has been doing wood carving for 22 years. He learned the craft by watching videos and other carvers. His first piece was a heart for his wife, Peggy, for Valentines Day.

After that, I never stopped, he said. Just kept on going.

Dahr creates a range of animals including bears, eagles, owls, turtles, fish  just about any animal you can think of. He has also created a few human pieces including cowboys.

Although he has a wide skill range, to get here, there was a lot of trial and error, he said.

Every year seems to bring a new popular design. Some years he creates mostly eagles, others turtles, but one design is usually at the top of the list.

Bread and butter, the bears are what you make your money on, Dahr said.

What Dahr enjoys about his craft is the creative side, seeing what hes able to come up with. He also enjoys that it doesnt feel like a job.

When it becomes a job, Ill quit, Dahr.

Traveling is part of his business, with Dahr visiting different states including Pennsylvania, Arkansas, North Dakota, Minnesota, Vermont and Colorado.

He returns to Nebraska for events like JCF Days and county fairs, but he also goes to clients homes and creates art onsite. Dahrs art can be seen in a yard in Fremont.

Currently, Dahr is in his fair season, which takes him away from his home for about two months. Or as he says, with a laugh, his wife gets rid of him for two months. If the schedule allows, she joins him.

While doing fairs and events like JCF Days, Dahr is hired and paid to create carvings at the events. He brings his own wood and tools, but no finished inventory. At the end, the pieces he has created during the event are auctioned off.

Dahr will do about four carvings a day.

Its enjoyable. Sometimes it can get a little hectic, but in the long run, I like it, Dahr said of creating numerous carvings in a short period of time. Even though hes seasoned at his craft, there are times when the wood is difficult to work with or you can have an off day but most of the time, he can do a carving in about 45 minutes.

After creating the carving, Dahr will burn or paint the carving and use a sealant. Those who purchase the carvings are told to put a sealant on it every year. Instructions are provided.

When Dahr started attending JCF Days 15 years ago, he was a vendor who brought finished pieces to the event to sell. He wasnt the only carver at the time, like he is now. He stopped attending JCF Days for a number of years because it was no longer the event he enjoyed, but returned two years ago.

Since coming back, Dahr has enjoyed being part of the event, saying organizers do a good job and continue to bring new things in, bringing in more people. He looked forward to the auction at the end.

Hopefully, you know, people buy them and they keep going, Dahr said.

For more information, visit the JD Bears Facebook under JD Bears Chainsaw Carvings Huron SD.
Surrounded by law enforcement, firefighters, EMS and other concerned parties, Josh Richardson, cofounder of Angel Armor, speaks about the trauma plates for the new bulletproof vests coming to EBR that can protect against rifle rounds as former BRPD Chief and present Chairman of the Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation Pat Englade, right, holds the vest watching Wednesday Sept. 26, 2018, in Baton Rouge, La.
Protesters demonstrate over the U.S. airstrike in Iraq that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 3, 2020. Iran has vowed "harsh retaliation" for the U.S. airstrike near Baghdad's airport that killed Tehran's top general and the architect of its interventions across the Middle East, as tensions soared in the wake of the targeted killing. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
A 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped and impregnated by a Queensland man, who was this week extradited from Sydney.

Iosefo Lui, 39, was brought back to Queensland on Friday after his arrest over an alleged incident in Townsville in 2023, Queensland Police said.

He is facing three counts of rape and one count of indecent treatment of a minor.

Queensland police brought the 39-year-old back to Queensland after his arrest over an alleged incident in Townsville in 2023.

Detectives from Townsville travelled to Mount Druitt in Sydney, where a court granted the extradition.
A Brisbane lawyer who lost his career, firm, and reputation has been declared permanently unfit to practise, and his name has been struck off the roll of solicitors.

The latest update to Neil Lawlers legal career was handed down by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal last week. It centred on a range of offending, including Lawler appearing drunk in court and recording a roadside breath test more than five times the legal limit.

Lawler, who became a lawyer in 1998 and held his practising certificate until 2020, was a partner of former Brisbane firm Lawler Magill, which was raided by the Queensland Corruption Commission in 2018.

Former Brisbane lawyer Neil Lawler.

According to documents before QCAT, he appeared for a client in court in 2020, was observed to be red and flushed, unsteady on his feet, and there was a smell of liquor in the courtroom during the incident.
Dedicated footy fans took extended trips into the MCG on Saturday night as trains remain cancelled on two of Melbournes busiest lines.

Melbourne and Carlton fans commuting from Melbournes north and east braved not only a wet and chilly winters night but also replacement buses, as works continue on the Mernda and Hurstbridge lines after a train derailed between Rushall and Clifton Hill stations on Sunday.

Bukurie Nazifovski and her family had to allow for an extra hour to make the game. Credit: Paul Jeffers

Metro Trains had additional buses on standby to ferry passengers directly to the MCG as tens of thousands of AFL fans converge for a showdown between two struggling rivals.

It took Bukurie Nazifovski and her family, Akira and Archie Webb, an extra hour to make it to the MCG from Merrifield, a community near Mickleham.
While men who donate sperm to IVF clinics in Victoria must comply with a 10-family limit, there are no rules governing how many families online sperm donors can contribute to. Five women interviewed by this masthead claimed that they felt pressured by Veitch  who used the online alias Andrew Bartos  to have natural insemination (or sex) when they met in person. These five women, who are predominantly solo mothers by choice or in same-sex relationships, said they had initially requested artificial insemination, which involves using a syringe to aim sperm into the cervix or uterus. Veitch denies pressuring any women into having natural insemination. This masthead is not suggesting that he committed sexual assault or committed any crime. Andrew pushed hard to be more involved than I was comfortable with, and when it came to my fertile window, he pressured me to opt for natural insemination, claiming it had the highest success rate, one woman recalled.

Loading Another woman, who wanted to try natural insemination, went to great lengths to avoid seeing Veitch during sex. She rigged up a sheet from her bedroom ceiling, which draped down to her bed, creating a visual barrier. She alleges that Veitch shared this image with other women he met online, claiming it was taken in his old house. It was purely business, said the mother who rigged up the sheet. There wasnt any enjoyment on my part. There wasnt anything in it for me aside from having a baby. Some of the online conversations were highly sexual, according to screenshots of Facebook messages obtained by this masthead. Veitch asked one couple to send nude photos of themselves and asked another whether she wanted foreplay. Veitch, through his lawyer, said he did not recall asking a woman if she wanted foreplay. In one screenshot of a Facebook message obtained by this masthead, Veitch sends one of the mothers a photo of a woman in skimpy lingerie, lying face down on a bed with her buttocks in the air. What about a pic like you both like this? No faces, he asks.

Loading The mothers are speaking out because they are concerned their children might have more half-siblings that they are unaware of. What does it mean for my daughter when she gets older and starts dating? one mother asked. Another said: Its scary to think a whole class of kids are related. Academics, fertility experts and the mothers of donor-conceived children are urging governments to create a register for online sperm donation (also known as informal sperm donation) and limits on how many families online sperm donors can contribute to. The unregulated practice of online sperm donation can pose significant ethical, legal and health issues for donors, recipients and donor-conceived children, said Associate Professor Dr Neera Bhatia, the director of law, health and society research at Deakin Law School.

This includes the very real risk of donor-conceived children unknowingly forming relationships or coming into close contact with their half-siblings in the short and long term due to the sheer number of donations that have been made. Bhatia, who was contacted this year by a group of mothers who conceived using Veitchs sperm, said many women who use online sperm donors were vulnerable due to their intense desire to fall pregnant. Associate Professor Neera Bhatia from Deakin University says finding a sperm donor online carries huge risks. Credit: Eddie Jim Women deserve safety and transparency when using an informal sperm donor, she said. In a letter sent to the mothers in late May, Veitchs lawyer, Courtney du Toit, shared a spreadsheet that provided anonymous details of the 29 children born to her client, such as the state and year they were born in and whether they were a twin. This had since been revised to 27 children, du Toit said.

While one mother is in Queensland, the rest are in Victoria. The children were all born between December 2020 and June 2025, with one due next month. There are three sets of twins. I have advised him to immediately cease donating and to promise that he will not allow any further children to be born via sperm donating by him, du Toit wrote to the mothers. In a detailed response to questions from this masthead, du Toit said her client was motivated by his desire to help others. She said demand for known donors had significantly increased during Melbournes COVID-19 lockdowns, which had prevented access to fertility treatments. My client considered family limits to be more of a guide, that they were only in practice applicable to the clinics, and that he would be letting women down  who had been searching for the right donor and trying desperately to conceive, she said. She said her client, who was conceived using IVF, considered donating to an IVF clinic but was discouraged by a family member.

Loading He also instructs that he felt it was less personal anyway, said du Toit. When asked if he had any concerns about the implications of his prolific donating, Veitch responded through his lawyer: Now I do because Im being educated. I did think about these babies growing up and wanting to see me and maybe even know me, he said. But I didnt think about the real consequences at the time. I didnt think about child support because it was fine, and then people got angry. I didnt think it would be like this. Veitch said his last two donations in 2023 were to two women who already had children with him and who had requested his help again.

He said he would like donors and recipients to receive education and counselling before conception. Adam Hooper, who runs the Sperm Donation Australia Facebook page where many of the women met Veitch, said Veitch was banned from the group in February 2021 after contacting a woman and suggesting natural insemination when she had requested artificial insemination. Hooper said this was a clear breach of the groups rules. He was very popular, especially with single women who were actually hoping he would become their partner, he said. Hooper said the Facebook group, which has 21,000 members, strongly advises people to pick a donor that links all recipients in a group.

Through his lawyer, Veitch said he had never been banned from the Sperm Donation Australia group but had not been a member since about 2023. In an unusual move, du Toit recently tried to file an undertaking on Veitchs behalf in the Federal Circuit and Family Court stating that he would no longer donate his sperm. The Family and Federal Circuit Court. Credit: Fairfax Media But a duty registrar at the court rejected this undertaking as there were no proceedings before the court. The registrar is also not satisfied that the court has the power to regulate private arrangements as contemplated by the proposed undertaking, in the absence of reference to specific legislative provisions, a court employee wrote in an email that du Toit shared with the women.

Speaking to this masthead, du Toit said informal donations allowed people to know their donor, see their features and get a feel for their character. She said that while IVF clinics could feel artificial, informal donation was more natural. On the downside, she said there were no rules or protections governing informal donations. She said there was very little awareness or education in online sperm donor communities about the legal implications of natural insemination, which results in a presumption of legal parentage. It is clear that the people who run these sites are not qualified to be educating donors and recipient parents on what best protects all parties, including the children created as a result of these donations, she said. Many of the women said they would not have chosen Veitch as a donor if they had been aware he was such a prolific donor.

Yeh 10 women I think would be my maximum, he wrote to one of the mothers after she asked him if he had a limit on his sperm donating. They would like online sperm donation to be regulated to better protect women, donors and donor-conceived children. Health Minister Mark Butler. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen We need a change with the law so that this doesnt happen in the future, one mother said. There are no legal ramifications. Dont get me wrong, I am all for private donating, but it needs to be done right. Rebecca Kerner, chair of the Australia and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association, has written to Federal Health Minister Mark Butler three times to express grave concerns about the unregulated world of online semen donors, and to call for a national donor register.

Kerner said this would allow family limits to be monitored for sperm donors who donate to clinics, as well as those who donate more informally through online groups and apps. We have long been concerned about prolific semen donors who are seemingly donating their semen altruistically, but with literally no limits involved, often no documentation that identifies how many children are created and no follow up, she said. There are health risks too. Kerner said that unlike IVF clinics, sperm donated informally was not screened for sexually transmitted infections or genetic diseases. A federal Department of Health spokesman said it was aware of the associations concerns about semen donors advertising online. In Australia, egg and sperm (gamete) donation through clinics is regulated by respective state and territory governments, she said.
Washington: Another 10 Israeli hostages will be released from Gaza shortly, US President Donald Trump has said, without providing additional details.

Trumps comment came during a dinner with politicians at the White House on Friday (Saturday AEST), lauding the efforts of his special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Trump made his comments during a dinner with Republican senators at the White House. Credit: Bloomberg

Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been taking part in the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha since July 6, discussing a US-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire.

We got most of the hostages back. Were going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly, Trump said.
Overland Expo founder Rachelle Croft to enter rally in Toyota vehicle with co-driver Taylor Pawley

to enter rally in Toyota vehicle with co-driver Toyota continues to send 12 team members to compete in rally

Presenting sponsor of the event's Live Webcast for fourth consecutive year

THREE FORKS, Mont., July 15, 2025 -- This past weekend at the XOVERLAND Ranch, Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) announced the renewal of its participation in the Rebelle Rally, the longest competitive off-road navigation rally in the United States known for featuring all-women two-person teams. For 2025, Toyota is fielding a team from outside the company, a first for the company, while continuing to send 12 internal team members to compete. Additionally, Toyota is returning as presenting sponsor of the live event webcast for the fourth consecutive year.

For its first-ever external team, Toyota is proud to back Rachelle Croft, founder of Overland Expo, and her driving partner Taylor Pawley as they make their triumphant return to Rebelle Rally 2025. Croft and Pawly previously clinched first place overall in the 2019 event, showcasing their exceptional off-road skills and teamwork. Croft, known for her extensive experience in overlanding and her fearless approach to adventure driving, navigated the rugged terrain with precision. Pawley, with her navigational skills and strategic acumen, complemented Croft's driving, guiding the team to victory.

"We are thrilled to work with Rachelle and Taylor, who have demonstrated their passion for off-roading both on the course and outside of it," said Samantha Barber, senior manager of production engineering at Toyota and multi-year participant in the Rebelle Rally. "Following their example of pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges is an inspiration to us, and we are excited to see our own engineers join this year's event to test the performance of our vehicles in the tough course of Rebelle Rally."

As the presenting webcast partner, Toyota will help bring the excitement of the 2025 Rebelle Rally to fans worldwide through an online live-coverage platform. The coverage provides remote viewers with a more immersive experience of the competition, including the various teams' challenges and triumphs as the rally progresses.

Rebelle Rally takes place from October 8-18, 2025, over a 2,500-kilometer course laid through the stunning terrain and deserts of Nevada and California, putting drivers' and co-drivers' grit, navigation, and off-road skills to the test.

About Toyota

Toyota has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota's plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved communities near the company's U.S. operating sites.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 15, 2025 --

WHAT: As part of Mavis Tire's continued national growth, the brand is pleased to welcome new customers by hosting a grand opening event at its newest location in St. Petersburg, Florida. This new store will operate under the Mavis Tires & Brakes brand, providing a comprehensive range of automotive services including tires, brakes, alignments, oil changes, and more.

WHEN: The new location in St. Petersburg, Florida will host a grand opening event on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, welcoming local customers with best-in-class automotive services.

WHERE: Mavis Tires & Brakes 380 34th St. N., St Petersburg, FL 33713

DETAILS: The event will be held at the store location and structured as follows:

10:00 AM : Customers are welcome to join the festivities and enjoy food and refreshments, friendly service, and the chance to win prize packs, car-care giveaways, and more.

Customers are welcome to join the festivities and enjoy food and refreshments, friendly service, and the chance to win prize packs, car-care giveaways, and more. 12:00 - 12:30 PM : Ribbon Cutting/Charitable Donation Recognition: A ribbon cutting will be performed and a donation of a set of Goodyear tires will be presented to the Boys and Girls Club in recognition of their efforts to drive the community forward.

A ribbon cutting will be performed and a donation of a set of Goodyear tires will be presented to the Boys and Girls Club in recognition of their efforts to drive the community forward. 2:00 PM : Event closes. Mavis Tire aims to build trust with the local community and to show local residents and customers how they are helping to revitalize the area. As an added incentive for event attendees, two lucky customers in attendance will be chosen (at random) to receive a brand new set of Michelin tires. Stop in for our dependable service and you could drive away with a fresh set of tires!

Event closes.

ABOUT MAVIS TIRE EXPRESS SERVICES CORP.: Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. ("Mavis") is one of North America's largest independent tire and vehicle service providers, with a rapidly growing footprint of more than 3,500 owned and franchised retail locations across the U.S. and Canada. Headquartered and based in White Plains, New York, Mavis delivers expert automotive care - including tires and brakes, oil changes, inspections, and auto repair - through a family of trusted brands.

Mavis owns and operates a portfolio of auto service center brands including Mavis Discount Tire, Mavis Tires & Brakes, Midas, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, Brakes Plus, Tire Kingdom, NTB (National Tire & Battery), Town Fair Tire, and Tuffy. Together, these brands serve millions of drivers each year, with a commitment to dependability, safety, convenience, and value. For more information about Mavis or our family of automotive brands, visit www.mavis.com.

SOURCE Mavis Tire & Brakes
"Fuel Cell Generator Market Positioned for Robust Expansion as Demand for Clean Energy RisesA Strategic Resource for Navigating Emerging Opportunities"

BOSTON, July 18, 2025 -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, "Global Fuel Cell Generator Market" is projected to increase from $1.4 billion in 2025 to $3.1 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% from 2024 through 2029.

This report offers a detailed review of the global fuel cell generator market, analyzing it by technology, stack size, fuel type, and end-use sectors, excluding transportation. It explores innovations, regulatory developments, and economic trends, along with patent activity that signals strong investment potential. The study includes tools like Porter's Five Forces analysis, an evaluation of macro-economic factors, and a look at the competitive landscape. It also provides regional and country-level analysis across major markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, and concludes with profiles of industry leaders.

This report is particularly relevant now as the world shifts toward clean energy, driven by climate goals and government support. It highlights current market trends in fuel cell generators and identifies key opportunities to support emission reduction efforts. With regional insights and a five-year forecast, it helps industry stakeholders make informed strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The factors driving the market's growth include:

Increasing Demand for Uninterrupted Power Supply: Businesses and critical services like hospitals and data centers need uninterrupted power. Fuel cell generators provide a steady and dependable power source, especially during grid outages, making them a smart choice for backup or even main power.

Growing Awareness for Reducing Carbon Emissions: As the world increases its focus on climate change, there is growing pressure to reduce pollution. Fuel cell generators, especially those using hydrogen, produce little to no emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel or gas generators.

Rising Demand from the Maritime Industry: The shipping industry is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Fuel cell generators offer a low-emission solution for powering ships, helping companies meet new regulations and move toward greener operations.

Request a sample copy of the global market for fuel cell generator report.

Report Synopsis

Report Metric Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $998.2 million Market size forecast $3.1 billion Growth rate CAGR of 21.2% for the forecast period of 2024-2029 Segments covered Technology, Stack Size, Fuel Type, End-Use Industry Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World (South America, and the Middle East and Africa) Countries covered U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Norway, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Brazil, Chile, Argentina Market drivers  Increasing Demand for Uninterrupted Power Supply  Growing Awareness of Reducing Carbon Emissions  Rising Demand from the Maritime Industry

Interesting facts:

Ammonia's Green Energy Potential: The International Energy Agency reports that by 2030, approximately 8 million tonnes of near-zero-emission ammonia production capacity is expected to be operational. This marks a significant step forward in positioning ammonia as a viable and sustainable alternative in the global shift toward green energy.

Fuel Cell Growth in North America : North America is leading the charge in the fuel cell generator market. The North American market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.7% through 2029. This surge is largely driven by the rapid development of hydrogen infrastructure for power generation, particularly in the U.S.

Hydrogen Investment Boom: According to Hydrogen Insights 2024, clean hydrogen supply projects have seen a dramatic rise in investment, jumping from 60% of total hydrogen-related investments in 2020 to 75% in 2024. This highlights the accelerating momentum behind hydrogen as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition.

Emerging startups

EODev: A French startup company that released its own version of a hydrogen fuel cell generator. The company has launched a new hydrogen power generator that it claims to be suitable for isolated sites, emergency applications, protected areas, sensitive environments, events, and construction sites.

Amogy: A provider of efficient ammonia-to-power solutions, Amogy introduced the world's first ammonia-powered maritime vessel in September 2024 . In February 2025 , the company announced the expansion of its operations into South Korea .

Enapter S.r.l.: The company produces highly efficient hydrogen generators based on anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis technology. This technology allows for the mass production of low-cost, plug-and-play electrolyzers for green hydrogen at any scale.

The report addresses the following questions:

What is the projected size and growth rate of the market?



- The market is projected to reach $3.1 billion by the end of 2029, and at a CAGR of 21.2% during the forecast period.



Which factors are driving the growth of the market?



- The key factors driving the growth of the market are:

- Increasing demand for uninterrupted power supply.

- Growing awareness for reducing carbon emissions.

- Rising demand from the maritime industry.



What market segments are covered in the report?



- Technology.

- Stack size.

- Fuel type.

- End-use industry.



Which fuel type will be dominant through 2029?



- The hydrogen segment will dominate the market through 2029.



Which region has the largest market share?



- The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest share of the global market.

Market leaders include:

ABB

AFC ENERGY

BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS

BLOOM ENERGY

CUMMINS INC.

DOOSAN FUEL CELL CO. LTD.

FUELCELL ENERGY INC.

FUJI ELECTRIC CO. LTD.

H2SYS

H2X GLOBAL LTD.

NEDSTACK FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY

PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP.

PLUG POWER INC.

POWERCELL SWEDEN AB

SIEMENS ENERGY

TOSHIBA ENERGY SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS CORP.

Related reports:

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Global Markets: This report provides a detailed analysis of the global hydrogen fuel cell market, segmented by product type, technology, application, and region. It focuses on fuel cells used in stationary, portable, and mobile applications, such as CHP systems, power supply units, auxiliary power units, and vehicle propulsion. Electrolyzers are outside the scope of the report. The report sizes the market in value (millions of dollars) and volume (gigawatts), and provides insights into competitive market share, emerging technologies, and industry developments.

Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles: Global Markets: This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the global EV and FCEV market, focusing on segments like propulsion type, vehicle type, and power source. It explores market dynamics, industry trends, regulatory developments, technological advances and patent activity. The study excludes industrial and low-speed EVs. It uses global volume data from the IEA. It also covers the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, and offers profiles of leading manufacturers. Coverage spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World, with market values presented in nominal billions of dollars.

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For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact [email protected].

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World War II veteran Mort Marks congratulates U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman on his comfortable win over Democratic challenger Andrew Romanoff on election night at the state GOP watch party at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center in Greenwood Village.Photo by Ernest Luning/The Colorado Statesman
Bangladeshi national detained in city, posing as transgender with forged ID





Staff Reporter :

In a significant operation, Bhopal Police have detained Abdul Kalam, a suspected Bangladeshi national, from the Budhwara area. Abdul Kalam had been living covertly for several years among the transgender community under the name Neha and had even obtained a forged identity card under this name. Police have taken him into custody and seized the fraudulent documents from his possession. According to high-ranking officials, the accused has strong links to Bangladesh. Sources indicate that the suspected Bangladeshi national, Abdul Kalam, was residing in the Budhwara area as Neha, and was known by this name to local residents.

During the investigation, police found forged identity cards under the name Neha in his possession, which have been confiscated. Currently, Abdul Kalam is being held under police protection and is undergoing confidential interrogation. Police are working to ascertain how long he has been living in Bhopal, whether he was involved in any suspicious activities, and if there are any criminal cases registered against him. Police suspect he might also be a Bangladeshi spy, prompting a thorough investigation into his entire background. Talking to The Hitavada, the Bhopal Police Commissioner, Harinarayanchari Mishra said, The matter is under process. We have received a tip-off regarding the person. Action has been taken, and further proceedings are underway in the court.
Chhangur Baba got Rs 60 cr funds in 22 bank a/cs: ED





NEW DELHI :

THE Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said it has found that Chhangur Baba, being investigated in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged illegal religious conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh, had received funds worth Rs 60 crore in 22 bank accounts, including large amounts from abroad. The federal probe agency said this in a statement after it concluded searches at more than a dozen locations in Chhangur Babas native Balrampur district and two places in Mumbai.

The money-laundering case against Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin alias Karimulla Shah stems from a recent Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) FIR filed at a police station in Lucknows Gomti Nagar under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021. Chhangur Baba, his son Mehboob and alleged associates Naveen Rohra alias Jamaluddin and Neetu alias Nasreen were arrested by the ATS. The ATS complaint alleges a large-scale conspiracy involving unlawful religious conversions, utilisation of foreign funds and activities posing a potential threat to national security.

Chhangur Baba and his associates are alleged to have 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. He is accused of systematically inducing, coercing individuals of other faiths, particularly SCs and the economically disadvantage belonging to Hindu religion, into religious conversion, the ED said.
Collector to head SIT for probing affairs of APMC





Staff Reporter :

Terms of reference include looking into two inquiry committee reports about irregularities and corruption

Maharashtra Government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities on part of Directors of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) at Nagpur. A notification about setting-up 3-member committee headed by District Collector, Nagpur, was issued by Department of Co-operation, Marketing and Textiles on Friday, the last day of monsoon session of State Legislature. The other two members on the committee are District Superintendent of Police and Divisional Joint Director, Co-operative Society, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. While Collector is going to head the Committee, DSP will be its Member, the nominee from Co-operative Sector is going to function as Member Secretary.

The SIT has been given a months time to submit its report to State Government. The SIT was formed after ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from East Nagpur, Krishna Khopde, raised the issued during the monsoon session of State Legislature. Khopde claimed that the Directors of Nagpur APMC have indulged in several illegal acts and demanded their removal and appointment of Administrator. He claimed that there has been violation of norms in allotments of shops in Kalamna Market Yard. Khopde further claimed that there has been criminal misconduct and forgery in allotment of shops.

The rules framed for inquiry includes examining the report submitted by P L Khandagale Committee and explore whether the Directors and officers of APMC had really defrauded the State exchequer and in case there is truth in the findings then criminal offence should be registered. The SIT is also look into A D Patil, Auditor, report about irregularities about corrupt practices on part of current Directors and Officers and post study registered offence against the persons found involved in the same. The third point is about investigating the entire working of APMC.
Cong boycotts proceedings after ED arrests Baghels son

Staff Reporter

RAIPUR

The Monsoon session of the State Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes, as the main opposition Congress party boycotted the final days proceedings to protest against the arrest of Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The day began with opposition MLAs attempting to move an adjournment motion to debate the issue of tree felling in Tamnar for the Gare-Pelma coal mines in Raigarh District. This deforestation is occurring despite a previous resolution passed in the state assembly against it. However, Speaker Dr Raman Singh denied accepting the motion because the matter is pending in the Court, leading to an uproar from the opposition benches. The Speaker briefly adjourned the proceedings for five minutes to restore order.

Upon the House reconvening, Leader of Opposition, Dr Charan Das Mahant, informed the assembly that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had raided the Bhilai home of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Mahant asserted that the EDs actions were an attempt to pressure the opposition and called it a serious matter that required deliberation on whether the government was operating within a democratic system or Modi Jis system. Our child has been arrested, stated Mahant, referring to Chaitanya Baghel. Hence, we are completely boycotting the proceedings of the House. Following this declaration, all opposition members exited the Assembly, bringing an abrupt end to their participation in the Monsoon Session.

The Enforcement Directorates action against Chaitanya Baghel is reportedly linked to an ongoing money laundering probe connected to an alleged multi-crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh that purportedly occurred between 2019 and 2022, during the tenure of the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government. Fresh raids were conducted at Bhupesh Baghels Bhilai residence, which he shares with his son, before Chaitanya Baghels arrest on Friday. This marks the second time the ED has raided Chaitanya Baghels premises this year, with a similar operation conducted in March. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in a social media post, linked the EDs actions to the timing of the Assembly session, specifically stating that the issue of tree felling in Tamnar was scheduled to be raised today, implying the raid was an attempt to stifle the opposition. He also noted that the arrest coincided with his son Chaitanyas birthday. The tree felling in Tamnar for the Gare Palma Sector II coal block has been a contentious issue, with local villagers protesting the deforestation and former Chief Minister Baghel having previously extended his support to their cause.





Scuffle with police

Staff Reporter

Durg,

July 18

Swarms of supporters of former Congress Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel gathered outside his residence in Padum Nagar at old Bhilai after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided his residence on Friday morning. The supporters also scuffled with the police while trying to prevent the ED officials from taking away with them the senior congress leaders son Chaitanya Baghel alias Bittu, whose birthday coincided with the EDs raid. The supporters created a scene outside the Baghels residence alleging gross abuse of power by the BJP and were making preparations to head to ED office at Raipur to protest Chaitanyas detention. Notably, on Friday morning, a team of ED raided Baghels residence in connection with an ongoing investigation into a money laundering probe linked to multi-crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh which occurred during the previous congress regime. As soon as the news of EDs raid in Baghels residence spread, the congress workers including former Raipur MLA Vikas Upadhyay gathered outside his house. Shortly after the raid, senior Baghel was allowed to leave to attend the assembly session while keeping in view the huge crowd of supporters, the police erected barricades on all the roads leading to Baghels residence. At about 12:45 pm as the ED decided to take away Chaitanya with them, they had to face stiff opposition by the congress workers who chased the EDs convoy for few meters and protested against the same by climbing on barricades. Meanwhile, ex CM Baghel while talking to the media persons outside his residence stated that in order to soothe their masters, ED team again raided his home but Bhupesh will neither get afraid nor bow down before them. He also alleged that it is a countrywide phenomenon as congress leaders across the nation are being suppressed and the government at centre is trying to murder the democracy. On one hand at Bihar, the BJP is trying to do Cheerharan of opposition while on the other, the agencies are being misused by them to instill fear among congress leaders. I have faith in democracy and judiciary and we will cooperate with the agencies even though they are being misused by the BJP, said Baghel.
Dr Kakdes breakthrough approach transforming lives





Business Reporter :

In todays world, where conventional treatments often struggle to address complex and chronic conditions, Dr Kamlesh Kakde stands out as a ray of hope. A globally respected homeopathic physician, Dr Kakde is redefining healthcare through a unique blend of classical principles, clinical research, and cutting-edge case analysis. With over 17 years of experience and patients from more than 11 countries, he is widely recognized for successfully treating challenging pathological and pediatric conditions  including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, developmental delays, behavioral issues, bronchial asthma, and childhood allergies.

What distinguishes Dr Kakde is his scientific, root-cause-based approach. His treatments go beyond symptom management, integrating world-class case-taking methods, detailed analysis, and a deep understanding of neuro developmental and immunological factors. For families of children with neuro developmental disorders, his individualized protocols have delivered significant improvements in speech, focus, emotional stability, learning ability, and immunity  all without side effects.

An international speaker and researcher, Dr Kakde shares his expertise at national and global platforms, yet his clinics remain firmly rooted in Nagpur  accessible, affordable, and community-focused. For appointments contact, Ved Homeopathy clinic, 354, G-1, Meeraj Heights, LAD College Road, Gandhi Nagar (M: 9975116983) from 12 pm to 7 pm and Shree Homeopathy Clinic, Swayambhu Apt 2, Beside Domino's, Hudkeshwar Road (M:7304317605).
LIQUOR SCAM ED arrests ex-CM Baghels son Chaitanya





By Mukesh S Singh

RAIPUR/DURG

IN A significant escalation of its probe into the Rs 3,200 crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday morning arrested Chaitanya Baghel alias Bittu, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The arrest comes 72 hours after ED-RPZOs multistate search operations, covering five premises in Chhattisgarh, Delhi, and Goa. Soon after his arrest, Chaitanya Baghel was produced in the special PMLA court, which granted the ED his five-day custodial remand. He will remain in ED custody till July 22 and will be produced again before the court on the same day.

According to officials, the interrogation will cover several key leads linked to shell transactions, benami routes, and laundering trails unearthed during the three-state search operations conducted earlier this week. According to ED officials, Chaitanya Baghel was arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The case is being investigated under Section 3 of PMLA, and upon filing of the Prosecution Complaint, the agency will seek punishment under Section 4. EDs probe documents, exclusively accessed by The Hitavada, claims the scam was orchestrated between 2019 and 2023 by a liquor syndicate led by retired IAS officer Vivek Dhand, former IAS Anil Tuteja and ITS Arun Pati Tripathi, businessman and former Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebars elder brother Anwar Dhebar, and excise officials.

The syndicate created a parallel excise operation, collecting illegal commissions from distillers and running duplicate liquor sales through fake holograms. Notably, the scam was structured in three layers-Part A involved Rs 496 crore collected as illegal commissions from distillers, Part B generated Rs 2,174 crore through the sale of unaccounted kacha liquor with duplicate holograms, and Part C accounted for Rs 70 crore paid directly to bureaucrats and politicians to ensure system protection. The State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) has pegged political payments in the scam at Rs 1,392 crore, citing a broader payout network beyond these direct figures. ED said Chaitanya Baghel acted as one of the key handlers of these funds. Laxmi Narayan Bansal alias Pappu, in his Section 50 statement under PMLA, admitted to managing over Rs 1,000 crore in cash, routed through Baghel. Bansal said Baghel directed Rs 80-100 crore deliveries to KK Srivastava and channelled large sums through associates like Ram Gopal Agarwal. The ED flagged a Rs 5 crore payment from Saheli Jewellers to M/s Baghel Developers, linked to Chaitanya Baghel. ED officials said this was not a legitimate loan but a laundering channel for cash proceeds from the scam. Of this, Rs 4.5 crore remains unpaid with no interest charged.

Another Rs 5 crore was received from Trilok Singh Dhillon via M/s Dhillon City Mall Pvt Ltd and M/s Dhillon Drinks. Flats were purchased in the name of Dhillons 19 employees to obscure the transactions. Chaitanya Baghels real estate venture, the Vitthal Green Project, was a primary channel for laundering the proceeds. ED claims project costs were under-invoiced-actual expenses were Rs 13-15 crore, while records show only Rs 7.14 crore. ED cited consultant Rajendra Jain (M/s Avam Consultants), who confirmed the gap. Over Rs 4.2 crore was paid in cash to M/s Shivam Construction for the project. ED officials also said the FL10A license system for foreign liquor sales was rigged. Licenses were granted to companies linked to the syndicate, including M/s Nexgen Power Engitech Pvt Ltd, M/s Om Sai Beverage Pvt Ltd, and M/s Dishita Ventures Pvt Ltd. The commission sharing was fixed: 60% to the syndicate, 40% to license holders.

According to ED, the operation generated unaccounted money that funded political beneficiaries during the tenure of the previous Congress government. The agency claims substantial proceeds were routed to individuals linked to the Indian National Congress (INC), including family-linked entities of political figures. Anwar Dhebars chats with Nitesh Purohit revealed Rs 136 crore was collected in just three months. ED officials confirmed that Chaitanya Baghel has been booked under Sections 3 and 4 of PMLA for money laundering, while his arrest was effected under Section 19. The custodial interrogation is being conducted under Sections 50 and 65 of PMLA. ED is also relying on Section 187(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, for extended remand procedures, considering the volume of digital and documentary evidence collected. Chaitanya Baghel adopted an evasive and non-cooperative stance during questioning. He possesses exclusive knowledge of the money laundering channels and has concealed critical information. We have reasons to believe he has committed the offence of money laundering, an ED official said. The ED is now set to confront Chaitanya Baghel with digital evidence, statements of witnesses, and financial trails during the remaining period of custodial interrogation
Lives lost in dams: Admins negligence proving fatal!





By Chandravir Kumar :

Danger areas remain unsecured despite warning signs. Major lapses in safety and monitoring

A series of deaths due to drowning at Bhopals popular picnic spots, Kerwa, Kaliyasot and Kolar dams, has become a major cause for concern for both the administration and the public. Recently, three young lives were lost in two separate incidents at Kolar and Kaliyasot dams. On July 14, four B.Pharma students from Bhopal went to Kolar dam for a picnic. While bathing, students Prince Singh and Ujjwal Tripathi ventured into deep water and drowned. Both could not be rescued. At Kaliyasot Dam on July 9, Vishal Narayan Naidu (32) from Karond, accompanied by three friends, visited Kaliyasot Dam. After slipping near the waters edge, Vishal fell into deep water and drowned. His friends attempted to save him but were unsuccessful.

In light of these tragic accidents, The Hitavada team spoke with B L Ninama, Superintending Engineer of the Water Resources Department. Ninama stated that the department has, on its part, installed robust fencing and clear warning signs in the dam areas multiple times, providing information about deep water and restricted zones. However, he lamented that the public often disregards these warnings, breaking fences or using alternative routes to enter prohibited and dangerous areas. He also acknowledged that most accidents occur outside the departments jurisdiction, specifically in the river areas flowing away from the main dam, where water flow can be unpredictable and depth is difficult to estimate. People often visit these unregulated areas for swimming or recreation, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Ninama expressed the departments inability to deploy permanent security guards or lifeguards at crowded picnic spots like dams, stating that the departments responsibility is limited to the dams structure and its immediate vicinity. According to him, the responsibility for security and monitoring of river areas or adjacent regions lies with the local administration and police.

He also clarified that no regular co-ordination mechanism exists between the department and local police or administration, thus preventing the effective implementation of a joint monitoring system or rapid response plan, despite increased crowds and potential incidents during holidays and weekends. Administrations new initiative and emphasis on awareness: Amidst these serious issues and recurring accidents, Ninama informed that the department is now focusing on enhancing security by co-ordinating with the local administration and police. He said, More guards will be deployed, and in co-ordination with the administration of areas beyond our jurisdiction, we are preparing to restrict all access routes from local areas. Under this initiative, all informal pathways used by people to enter restricted areas will be identified and blocked. He also mentioned that new and more explicit information boards will be installed at all access points, detailing water depth, potential hazards, and emergency contact numbers. Security arrangements will be further strengthened, which may include regular patrolling and surveillance, to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

He emphasised that these arrangements would be implemented soon. New Initiative: Joint monitoring and restricted routes to be closed: The Water Resources Department, in collaboration with local administration and police, has now formulated a new security plan. Under this plan, informal routes leading to restricted areas will be identified and closed. New and clear information boards will be installed in dam areas. Emergency numbers, water depth, and hazard information will be provided. Potential deployment of guards and surveillance teams. Joint patrolling will be initiated during holidays. Public awareness also crucial, Ninama stressed that not just Governmental measures, but public awareness is also crucial. He appealed, to prevent dangers like water or fire, follow the rules and value your life.
Medical fraternity unitedly stand against alleged activists for harassing, intimidating





Staff Reporter :

Two accused identified as Narendra Kumar Rakeshiya and Ashish Mishra who pose as RTI activists often blackmail doctors for illegal recovery. Both are already booked in several cases of fraud, illegal recovery. This time, they targeted the CMHO.

A growing concern has emerged within the medical community, with numerous doctors reporting instances of harassment and intimidation by individuals masquerading as local leaders and Right to Information (RTI) activists. These alleged activists are accused of misusing law, not for genuine public interest, but to fulfill their selfish desires, often leading to mental distress and operational disruptions for healthcare professionals. On Friday, Indian Medical Association (IMA) called a press conference to discuss the issue. This time, the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) himself became the target of this nexus.

As two persons including Narendra Kumar Rakeshiya and Ashish Mishra when seen that their objectives are not fulfilling by threatening the CMHO, registered a complaint at the office of Superintendent of Police of having their lives under threat due to the CMHO. However, Madhya Pradesh Nursing Home Association, Indian Medical Association, Government and Autonomous Doctors Maha Sangh Madhya Pradesh, Medical Teachers Association, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College Jabalpur and other organisations associated with medical field came in support of CMHO Dr Sanjay Mishra and they also registered a complaint against the organised gang that blackmails nursing homes and doctors.

The complaint was submitted to the Superintendent of Police, Jabalpur Collector, Divisional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Principal Secretary, Health Department, Bhopal and Commissioner, Health Services, MP. According to doctors, Rakeshiya often blackmails doctors for illegal recovery. A complaint has been lodged against him in Civil Lines police station for criminal misuse of documents by stealing them from the ID of Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Sanjay Mishra. Similarly, Jabalpur Civil Court has awarded him imprisonment of 7 years, 10 years, 7 years and 2 years respectively under sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 and fine of Rs 50,000 under each section, in case number 1300177/2014 for taking loan from bank by fraud. While Ashish Mishra, who remained the State Secretary of Samajwadi Party, has been accused in various cases including rape (IPC 376) and illegal recovery.

Dr Amrendra Pandey said that the doctors become tired of increasingly frequent filing of frivolous and vexatious RTIs, PILs and other applications, often seek highly personal or irrelevant information, such as detailed educational certificates, specific attendance records, or exhaustive financial data, which fall outside legitimate scope of public interest as defined by the Act. IMA President Dr Richa Sharma said that the underlying motive behind such queries is frequently not transparency but rather an attempt to exert pressure, extract money, or settle personal vendettas. There have been reported cases where individuals, after filing an RTI, have allegedly approached doctors with demands, implying that the withdrawal or favorable resolution of the RTI query could be achieved through illicit means. This predatory behaviour not only compromises the integrity of RTI Act but also creates an environment of fear and anxiety for medical professionals dedicated to patient care. JOGS President Dr Rakhi Bajpai appealed the authorities concerned to investigate these complaints thoroughly and to implement measures that safeguard doctors from such harassment.

The medical community emphasises importance of a clear distinction between legitimate queries aimed at ensuring public accountability and those designed for harassment. It is the clear opinion of IMA and MPNHA that the tendency to disrupt services by intimidating, threatening and trapping the medical sector in false accusations will not be tolerated. Dr Sanjay Mishra, CMHO, Dr Amrendra Pandey, President MPNHA, Dr Richa Sharma, President IMA, Dr Avijit Vishnoi, former President IMA, Dr Ashutosh Silodhia, President MTA, Dr Shamikh Raza, Secretary IMA, MTA, Dr Mahasangh Madhya Pradesh, Dr Adarsh Vishnoi, Nodal Officer, Nursing Home Association and senior doctors were present.
Mercabarna model inspiring for Madhya Pradesh: CM Dr Yadav





Staff Reporter :

Observes global experiences in agriculture, innovation, logistics and exports

On the third day of his visit to Spain, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Mercabarna in Barcelona and hailed its integrated model as highly beneficial for Madhya Pradesh. He emphasised the immediate need for improved post-harvest management and an efficient export system in Madhya Pradesh, given its rising agricultural production. Mercabarna, spanning 250 acres, is a leading food logistics hub in Europe, where production, storage, processing and distribution systems are seamlessly integrated.

Chief Minister Yadav underscored that Madhya Pradesh today faces not just the challenge of production, but also of post-harvest value addition, processing, storage, and access to global markets. He stated that Mercabarnas experience serves as an ideal model in this direction, from which inspiration can be drawn to prepare the States food producers for global competition. Mercabarna Expresses interest in Madhya Pradesh: Mercabarna CEO Pablo Vilanova greeted Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and highlighted the strong potential for collaboration between India and Spain in areas such as agricultural logistics, food processing, and market infrastructure. He expressed particular interest in Madhya Pradesh and agreed upon future bilateral knowledge partnership. Chief Minister Yadav commended Mercabarnas best practices in areas such as the farm-to-fork model, cold chain systems, quality control, traceability, and food safety. He stated that these innovations would be incorporated into the mega food parks, agribusiness clusters, and rural industrial centres being developed in Madhya Pradesh.

The Chief Minister also observed Mercabarnas operational food bank, zero-waste management system and incubation model designed for food-tech start-ups. He expressed confidence that these systems would strengthen innovation-based agricultural policy in Madhya Pradesh. Export and Investment Opportunities: Chief Minister Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh possesses immense potential for exporting wheat, rice, fruits, vegetables and processed food. He added that by drawing inspiration from centres like Mercabarna, Madhya Pradesh would reduce post-harvest losses and produce goods conforming to international quality standards. Inviting Mercabarna management to invest in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Yadav stated that by embracing Prime Minister Narendra Modis mantra of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family), Madhya Pradesh is ready for global partnerships. He informed that the state government is promoting private sector participation and technological investment in the agricultural sector.
NSO organises Nationwide Quiz Contest- Anvesha 2.0





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

National Statistics Office, Raipur, under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India organised Nationwide Quiz Contest  Anvesha 2.0 on Official Statistics for students and alumni of various colleges and universities of Chhattisgarh State in the Conference Hall of New Circuit House, Raipur on Friday to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of National Sample Survey.

The Nationwide Quiz Competition  Anvesha 2.0 programme organised at New Circuit House, Raipur was presided over by Altaf Hussain Haji, Deputy Director General, National Statistics Office, Raipur. Professor Vyas Dubey, Member, Private University Regulatory Commission, N Buliwal, Additional Director, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Chhattisgarh and Pradeep Chaurasia, Professor, School of Studies in Statistics, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur graced the event. On this occasion, Agarwal Sachita Rakesh, Deputy Director, National Statistics Office and R K Shrivastava, Senior Statistical Officer, National Statistics Office were also present. The event of Nationwide Quiz Competition  Anvesha 2.0 was inaugurated by the Chairman and distinguished guests through lamp lighting ceremony. In his presidential address, Altaf Hussain Haji informed that Anvesha 2.0 is being organized by the National Statistics Office to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey. In this sequence, the National Statistics Office is organising Nationwide Quiz Competition  Anvesha 2.0 with the aim of promoting awareness of Official Statistics and awakening the young minds about various aspects of the Indian Official Statistical System.

He motivated the youth and called upon them to choose statistics as a career through various services (Indian Statistical Service and Subordinate Statistical Service) so that they can contribute to the development of the country. Professor Vyas Dubey, Member, Private University Regulatory Commission, Raipur, in his address, underlined the importance of organising this competition and said that such events will encourage the youth to choose statistics as a career.

He expressed gratitude to the National Statistics Office for organising this programme and giving the youth of Chhattisgarh an opportunity to showcase their talent. Also, he underlined the contribution of the surveys being conducted by the National Statistics Office in the policy planning of the country. Shriranjini and Mokshanshi Patel from Dr Radhabai Government Naveen Girls College, Raipur got first place, Sandeep Kumar Gupta and Vikas Dewangan from Pt Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur secured second place and Sunil Kumar and Kajal Dewangan from Pt Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur got third place. The first winner was awarded Rs 10,000 cash, trophy and certificate, the second winner was awarded Rs 6,000 cash and certificate and the third winner was awarded Rs 4,000 cash and certificate. 56 students from 28 colleges/universities participated in this competition. All the participants were given certificates of participation. Anvesha 2.0 competition was conducted by Sadhana Pandey. Agrawal Sachita Rakesh, Deputy Director of the NSO, proposed a vote of thanks.
Documents presented in a lawsuit filed in Texas claim that Senior Pastor Brady Boyd and other leaders at New Life Church in Colorado Springs k
Nurses under MSNA go on indefinite strike





Nurses staging demonstration in GMC&H premises as part of their indefinite strike, on Friday. (Pic by Satish Raut)

Staff Reporter :

Nurses in Government hospitals across the State, including in Nagpur, have started indefinite strike from Friday, under the banner of The Maharashtra State Nurses Association (MSNA), headquartered in Latur. The protest comes after series of agitations following what they describe as persistent neglect by the State Government regarding their demands. Nearly 1,500 to 2,000 nurses from 46 Government-run hospitals in the State participated in the strike. The nurses are demanding resolving pay discrepancies, 100 per cent permanent recruitment, filling over 50 per cent vacant promotional posts, and approving pending allowances for 40 years, among others.

The current unrest stems from the perceived failures of the 7th Pay Commission. While the commissions recommendations were implemented from January 1, 2016, following the Bakshi Committees formation in 2017, significant pay disparities for specific nursing cadres remain. Even the subsequent Phase-II report of the Bakshi Committee in March 2023, and later the Mukesh Khullar Committee, failed to rectify the grievances of Staff Nurses, Sisters-in-charge, and Tutor Nurses. These dedicated professionals feel unjustly overlooked, especially when compared to similar posts that received revised pay scales. Nurses emphasise their indispensable role in healthcare, particularly highlighted during the arduous COVID-19 pandemic when they risked their lives, sacrificing personal commitments to provide direct patient care.

As acknowledged by the Prime Minister, they truly are frontline warriors. Yet, the continued failure to address their fundamental pay concerns has fostered a deep sense of being perpetually neglected within Government corridors. Adding fuel to the fire, the Medical Education Department recently issued a circular on June 6th, reintroducing contractual recruitment for nurses. This decision has ignited fierce condemnation, as the state had previously scrapped a similar contractual hiring policy in May 2022 after a widespread 10-day indefinite strike by nurses across the state. At that time, the government had reportedly assured the MSNA of commencing permanent recruitment processes. The MSNA had staged a sit-in and demonstration at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on July 15 and July 16. This was followed by a one-day statewide strike on July 17.

The indefinite statewide strike has commenced as their demands have not been met. Shahzad Baba Khan, a representative of MSNA, said the strike was inevitable. We have given a delegation to the Chief Minister, stating all our demands clearly. But until our demands are fulfilled, we have no option but to go on an indefinite strike, he said. As the strike enters its indefinite phase, questions remain over how long hospitals can sustain operations with temporary support staff, while patients continue to bear the brunt of the deadlock.
POLL BUGLE Modi unveils Rs 7,200 cr projects in Bihar Rs 5,400 cr devpt projects in West Bengal





Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Chirag Paswan and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various developmental projects in Motihari on Friday. (PTI)

MOTIHARI (Bihar) :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched development projects worth more than Rs 7,200 crore in Bihars East Champaran district. The projects are related to rail, fisheries and other sectors. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, several Union Ministers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The Prime Ministers visit to Motihari, the district headquarters, is his 53rd tour to Bihar since 2014, said Choudhary. In line with his vision of a future-ready railway network, Modi flagged off four new Amrit Bharat trains between Rajendra Nagar (Patna) and New Delhi, Bapudham Motihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar terminal), Darbhanga and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) and Malda Town and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) via Bhagalpur. Modi on Friday sounded the poll bugle in Bihar, where Assembly elections are due shortly, calling for an NDA Government, once again, which would protect the state from the evil intentions of the RJD-Congress combine. Modi on Friday launched a slew of development projects worth Rs 5,400 crore in West Bengal, unveiling major initiatives across the oil and gas, power, rail and road sectors aimed at boosting infrastructure, connectivity and clean energy in the region.

Addressing a programme in the industrial town of Durgapur, Modi said the world today is discussing Indias resolve to become a developed nation, and the ongoing transformation of the countrys infrastructure is a key pillar of that vision. Today, the entire world is discussing the resolve for a developed India. Behind this, there are changes visible in India, on which the edifice of a developed India is being built. A major aspect of these changes is Indias infrastructure, the Prime Minister said. Reiterating his Governments vision of One Nation, One Gas Grid, Modi said the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project was conceptualised to ensure equitable energy access and spur industrial growth across eastern India. In Motihari alone, the around three lakh families have got pucca houses and the figure continues to grow. Today, more than 12,000 families have got keys to their new houses and 40,000 families have received funds in their bank accounts to build pucca houses, said the PM, whose speech was preceded by launch of development projects worth more than Rs 7,000 crore.

He also pointed out that the poorest of the poor now had access to banking services thanks to the Jan Dhan scheme launched by his Government, in sharp contrast to earlier times, when our mothers and sisters were forced to keep their savings hidden in some obscure corner of their homes. Modi charged the Congress-RJD combine with arrogance that leaves no respectable space for leaders who do not belong to families that control these parties. The allusion may have been to Independent MP Rajiv Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, an INDIA bloc supporter, and young Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar, both of whom were shoved aside last week while trying to climb atop a vehicle from where Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav were addressing the public in Patna. The PM also said that the Congress-RJD combine, while in power, had put brakes on development, but we salute the resolve of the people of the state who broke the shackles in the 2005 assembly polls, which brought the NDA to power for the first time. He, however, added that the younger generation must be made aware of the despair in which Bihar was mired (nirasha ke gart mein duba) until two decades ago and that it was essential to protect Bihar against the evil intentions (buri niyat) of the Congress-RJD combine.

The PM also touched upon the success of Operation Sindoor, which followed his announcement, from Madhubani district in the state, that the culprits of Pahalgam terror attack will be taken to task. This is a new India, which spares no effort in punishing the enemies, mobilizing forces from both land and sky, remarked Modi, who also reaffirmed his Governments commitment to stamp out naxalism, and claimed that efforts made in the direction have benefited Bihar districts like Aurangabad, Gaya and Jamui, once held back by Maoist violence. He shared with the people his vision for a developed Bihar, where Motihari gets as much prominence in the east, as Mumbai has in the west, opportunities in Gayaji are at par with those in Gurugram and industrial growth in Patna matches that of Pune. Modi also accused the previous Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre of political retaliation against the Nitish Kumar administration in the state which received a meagre assistance of Rs two lakh crore over a period of 10 years. Since 2014, when we took over, Bihar has been provided Rs nine lakh in central assistance, disclosed the Prime Minister. Besides the Bihar CM, who is a key NDA partner, the PM shared the stage with Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, besides Union ministers belonging to the state, including Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan, Nityanand Rai and Ramnath Thakur.

PM unveils Rs 5,400 cr devpt projects in WB

DURGAPUR,

July 18 (PTI)

PRIME Minister Narendra As part of the days events, the PM laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limiteds (BPCL) Rs 1,950-crore City Gas Distribution project in Bankura and Purulia districts. The project aims to supply piped natural gas (PNG) to households and industries, compressed natural gas (CNG) at retail outlets, and generate employment in the region. He also dedicated to the nation the Rs 1,190-crore DurgapurKolkata section (132 km) of the DurgapurHaldia Natural Gas Pipeline, laid under the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) initiative. Passing through Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Nadia districts, the pipeline is expected to benefit lakhs of people with a steady and clean supply of natural gas. Continuing the Centres thrust on clean energy, Modi dedicated Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems retrofitted at the Durgapur Steel and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Stations of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). Built at a combined cost of over Rs 1,457 crore, the systems aim to curb industrial emissions and improve air quality in the region. In the rail sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated the doubling of the 36-km PuruliaKotshila rail line, completed at a cost of over Rs 390 crore.
RIC trio !





IN THE changing global scenario, the revival of an old grouping of Russia-India-and- China (RIC) appears possible -- though not with complex internal challenges and hiccups. Of course, China has expressed its willingness to try the grouping whose idea has been initiated by Russia. For its part, India is cautious -- as has been its style of handling international relations -- stating that any revival of the RIC would hinge on conveniences of the three global power-houses. There should be no doubt, however, that the global scenario would change much and international power-balance would shift if such a grouping gets formatted again.

The Russians have felt that such a grouping should not be a difficult proposition since all the three countries are members of the current BRICS grouping that forms a major influence in the international realpolitik. That formation has served the common interests of the five members and have proved to be a balancer of international power equations to an extent. If the RIC gets revived, lots of common regional interests, too, would get served. India has had a great and long history of harmonious bilateral relations with Russia (which was Soviet Union earlier). This friendship has stood the test of time and tribulations of vexatious international situations. Whenever India ran into serious international road-blocks, Moscow has stood by New Delhi.

Similarly, whenever Russia ran into situations of international friction, New Delhi has proved to be an all-weather friend. The latest example of this is the situation of the extended Russia-Ukraine conflict that is testing international patience like never before. However, a similar situation does not exist between Russia and China and India and China. Even though Russia and China have ideological affinities, their mutual relations have been not without serious contradictions that involve even territorial issues. That is typical of China -- to have territorial issues with every of its neighbours -- which includes India as well. Beijings issues with Moscow and New Delhi, thus, are complex and would require a lot of realignments. If those issues are handled well, the revival of the RIC format may be possible in the near future. What will matter most is the levels to which India and China, and Russia and China are able to raise their diplomatic maturity tempered by their respective interests. In the past some time, India has demonstrated its full willingness to raise the level of its diplomatic maturity to accommodate China. On its part, China, too, appears to show a similar willingness, all right. Yet, it is necessary for a successful revival of the RIC format that the three nations worked the hardest to redefine their mutual priorities.

The basic requirement of multilateral diplomacy is that all parties to a situation must be willing to forego their smaller considerations of strictly mutual nature and work for larger goals and common interests. Though Beijing has expressed support to the idea of revival of the RIC format and India has expressed a cautious optimism, much work will have to be done to ensure that the coming together of the three global power-houses is possible. The biggest adjustment will have to be done by Beijing -- whose style of international engagement has a definite element of cantankerousness. Will Beijing be able to make appropriate amends ? Will Beijing be able to give up its traditional edginess about India and Russia ? On the surface, everything may appear all right. In the labyrinthine space of international diplomacy, however, things and situations are altogether different. If China is able to alter its self-centrism, then RIC can become a major influence on the global stage. Possibly, China appears to hold the key -- and not Russia or India.
Software engineer held in Faridabad for threatening to blow up Golden Temple





AMRITSAR :

A SOFTWARE engineer was rounded up from Faridabad in connection with the five e-mails sent to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) threatening to blow up the Golden Temple. Police said that Shubam Dubey (24) has been rounded up and is being questioned regarding the first threatening e-mail sent to the SGPC on July 14. Additionally, Dubeys laptop and phone have also been seized, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said in a press conference here, noting that he holds a BTech degree and has worked at several companies. The commissioner also clarified that the engineer has no previous criminal record.

The police nabbed Dubey with the help of the Punjab Polices cybercrime wing and the central intelligence agencies, the officer said, adding that he has not been arrested yet. Bhullar described the detention as a partial success in the ongoing investigation, stating that the probe continues to progress and more breakthroughs are expected in the coming days. On Thursday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged the public to remain vigilant against rumours and assured that his Government would not compromise on state security. Mann held a meeting in Chandigarh with senior police officials, including Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, in the wake of the e-mails. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on Wednesday said the apex gurdwara body received five e-mails threatening to blow up the Golden Temple since July 14.

He questioned whether the threats were merely the acts of a troubled mind or part of a larger conspiracy. Dhami also expressed concerns that someone might be attempting to instil fear among the many devotees who visit the Golden Temple. Reacting to the threats, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Thursday, said the development raised concern among the Sikh community and all peace-loving citizens of the State. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday also described the threatening e-mails as a highly serious matter.
TRF: A proxy arm of LeT Created to give militancy in Kashmir a more localised appearance





SRINAGAR :

THE Resistance Front (TRF) emerged in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and is today amongst the deadliest terror groups in the region with former Pakistani Special Service Group (SSG) commandos in its ranks, Intelligence sources said on Friday. TRF, a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, was on Thursday added as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the US State Department. Besides the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, the group is also confirmed to be involved in four other major attacks in the past two years. These are the attack on pilgrims in Reasi in June 2024, on migrant construction workers in the Z-Morh tunnel (also known as the Sonamarg tunnel) in Ganderbal in October 2024; the September 13, 2023 Kokernag encounter that left a Colonel, a Major and a Deputy Superintendent of Police dead; and the July 8, 2020 attack on a BJP leader killing him and two of his family members in Bandipora district.

The attacks in Reasi and Ganderbal left 16 persons, including seven pilgrims, dead and scores of others injured, sources told PTI. Marketed by Pakistans information warfare machinery as a homegrown insurgent outfit, the TRF is a proxy arm of LeT created to give militancy in Kashmir a more localised appearance. The TRF was founded in October 2019, with Sheikh Sajjad Gul as its Supreme Commander, Mohammad Abbass Sheikh as the founding chief and Basit Ahmed Dar as the chief operational commander. Both Abbass and Dar, local terrorists, were eliminated by the security forces in separate operations in August 23, 2021 and May 7, 2024, in the Valley respectively.

It has escalated its operations in J&K with a noticeable shift in targeting strategy. Traditionally focused on security forces and political figures, TRF began to target infrastructure projects and civilians, including non-local labourers and tourists, in late 2024 and early 2025. Intelligence intercepts, human sources and forensic digital trail pointed to the TRF acting on direct instructions from the Pakistani military establishment, the sources said, adding that the timing of the Pahalgam attack coincided with rising domestic unrest in Pakistan and global criticism of its armys crackdown on democratic forces revealed the true objective -- deflection and diversion. The officials said the Pahalgam attack marked a significant development in the TRFs tactics. Five attackers, allegedly affiliated to a TRF unit called the Falcon Squad, infiltrated the Pahalgam area dressed in military camouflage, armed with military-grade weapons and advanced communication devices.

The survivors reported that the assailants specifically targeted Hindu males, inspecting for religious markers such as names and circumcision, and demanding that the victims recite Kalma, the Islamic declaration of faith. The attackers used helmet-mounted cameras and operated in a swift hit-and-run style, retreating into the forested terrain to evade capture, the sources said. The security agencies have identified the attackers leader as Hashim Musa alias Asif Fauji, reportedly a former Pakistani SSG commando, with support from another Pakistani national, Ali Bhai. The attack was allegedly orchestrated by Saifullah Kasuri alias Khalid, a senior LeT commander and close aide of globally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, officials said.

They said, the digital footprints of the attackers traced back to safe houses across the border in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, suggesting deep logistical coordination with LeT infrastructure in Pakistan. They said the targeting of tourists in Pahalgam marks a potential shift in the operational policy of Kashmiri militant groups, signalling a willingness to expand attacks beyond government personnel and settlers to include civilian visitors under a broader strategy to destabilise the region, discourage tourism and deepen communal divisions. The use of highly trained, locally recruited militants under the Falcon Squad indicates a growing reliance on decentralised, hard-to-trace operatives, raising concerns about future threats to both regional security and civilian life in J&K, they said.In the Ganderbal attack, two to three attackers entered the camp with rifles, including an M4 Carbine assault rifle and an AK-47 and opened fire. Unlike the Pahalgam attack, which isolated the non-Muslim men, the gunmen reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, killing six persons, including a local doctor. This noted the strategic value of the TRF targeting a billion-dollar tunnel project.

These attacks are believed to reflect growing hostility toward what the group perceives as demographic change and Indian federal consolidation in the region. Social media posts from pro-separatist accounts such as Kashmir Fight FalconX in 2024 and 2025 increasingly framed non-local civilians, especially migrant workers and tourists, as settler colonists involved in the illegal occupation of Kashmir, they said. The Union Home Ministry officially designated the TRF as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in January 2023. The sources said the formation of the TRF is a textbook example of Pakistans long-standing modus operandi  rebranding terror outfits to escape international scrutiny and maintain plausible deniability, while continuing its strategy of cross-border terrorism under the garb of local resistance. The sources said TRF is merely the latest mask worn by LeT, and Pakistan Field Marshal General Asim Munir is the architect of this bloody theatre.
US designates The Resistance Front as terrorist organisation





By Yoshita Singh

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON

TRF responsible for Pahalgam attack

IN A significant development, the US has designated The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) that was behind the Pahalgam attack, as a foreign terrorist organisation. In a statement issued by the Department of State on Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this action demonstrates the US commitment to enforcing President Donald Trumps call for justice for the Pahalgam attack. Reacting to the development, the Indian Embassy in Washington said this shows how strong the India-US counter-terrorism cooperation is. Twenty-six people were killed in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for the attack, but later backtracked as tensions soared between India and Pakistan. Indias National Investigation Agency has identified TRF head Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the mastermind of the attack. Rubio said the Department of State is designating the TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeTs designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT, he said. Rubio further said that this action against the TRF demonstrates the Trump administrations commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trumps call for justice for the Pahalgam attack.

This (Pahalgam attack) was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024, the secretary of state said. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy underlined New Delhis firm stance against terrorism. Another demonstration of strong India-USA counter-terrorism cooperation. Appreciate the Department of State for listing The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. US designation of TRF timely and important step: India: INDIA on Friday welcomed the US designating The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, a global terrorist outfit over the Pahalgam attack with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar describing it as a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terror cooperation.

New Delhi said the designation of TRF is a timely and important step and asserted that it has consistently emphasised the need for global cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Indias reaction came hours after the US State Department announced adding the TRF as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and cited its claim taking responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India remains committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that terrorist organisations and their proxies are held accountable. In a social media post, Jaishankar specially complimented US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for designating the LeT proxy.

Appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) proxy as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, he said. The MEA said India welcomes the decision of the US State Department to designate TRF as an FTO and SDGT. The TRF, a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation LeT, has been involved in numerous terror-related activities, including the heinous attack on civilians in Pahalgam for which it twice claimed responsibility, it said. India has consistently emphasised the need for global cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the dismantling of terror infrastructure, the MEA said in a statement. It said the designation of TRF is a timely and important step reflecting the deep cooperation between India and the United States on counter-terrorism.

The US State Department also noted that TRF claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT, it said. The State Department said its actions demonstrate the Trump Administrations commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trumps call for justice for the Pahalgam attack.
Women should be freed from regressive customs, traditions: Dr Bhagwat





PUNE :

RASHTRIYA Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said the empowerment of women is essential for the progress of any nation, and they should be freed from regressive customs and traditions. Speaking at an event in Solapur, Bhagwat said, women are the most important part of any society. A man will work till his death. A woman will also work till the end, but beyond that, she inspires the generations that follow. It is under a womans love and affection that children grow and mature, he said. Empowering women is crucial for national development, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief further said. God has given an additional quality to women, enabling them to do things that men cannot.

At the same time, God has given women all the qualities he has given to men, which is why they can do whatever men can do, he said. Hence, it is foolhardy for men to claim that they will uplift women, Bhagwat remarked. There is no reason to have such ego. Let women do what they want. Just empower them and free them from regressive customs and traditions. When a woman uplifts herself, she uplifts entire society, he added. He also lauded the contribution of Udyogwardhini in empowering and strengthening women.
Early results in Colorado Springs' special election Tuesday night showed voters overwhelmingly rejecting the Karman Line annexation.

The initial results released by the City Clerk's Office Tuesday night showed 81.7% of voters were against the city keeping the 1,876 acres of annexed land southeast of the city limits, while 18.3% of voters supported the addition.

Were very grateful that the citizens of Colorado Springs have come out and let their voice be heard and voted against the annexation, said Ann Rush, a lead organizer for the campaign against Karman Line.

Around 75,800 votes were counted in the unofficial election results as of 8:20 p.m. The turnout rate probably will overtake that of April's City Council elections, which saw 78,200 ballots returned.

The annexation had been approved in a 7-2 vote by the City Council in January at the request of local investor group Norris Ranch Joint Ventures. The developers proposed to connect the land 2 miles from city limits by a "flagpole" road annexation in order to build 6,500 single-family homes and a mixed-use commercial district along Bradley Road.

City and El Paso County residents who live near the property launched a petition campaign to force the city to consider a de-annexation. The effort gathered the thousands of signatures needed to trigger a referendum. The City Council chose to place the issue on a special election ballot rather than reverse their previous decision.

Kevin ONeil, founder of the O'Neil Group and a major investor in Karman Line, said Tuesday that he was disappointed but not surprised by the results. ONeil said many of the concerns voters had about balancing new growth against public safety and affordability needed to still be addressed.

We go away, Karman Line goes away, but the community problems do not go away, ONeil said.

Karman Line supporters said the development was cleared by Colorado Springs Utilities for its water demands. Norris Ranch leaders argue the project was needed to diversify development on the east side of the city, where Norwood Development owns a majority of the undeveloped land through the Banning Lewis Ranch.

Many of the initial organizers worried that the annexation would stress the city's public safety responses to the area, and increase Colorado Springs' water demand and the cost of water infrastructure. Other groups including Citizens Project and the El Paso County Democratic Party opposed the annexation in large part because it was not adjacent to the city limits.

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Rush said there were a lot of reasons they heard from residents who did not support Karman Line. One major concern was the cost for the water lines to be built out to the new property. Utilities staff told the City Council the water construction would cost at least $100 million, with the developers paying around $76 million.

I think a lot of people want the city councilmembers to focus on taking care of the city they have, really incentivize building back up the dilapidated areas of the city, and focus on building the properties that are already planned, Rush said.

This result does not mark the end of the conversation about growth, housing and long-term planning. It simply means we must find pragmatic pathways forward, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said in a statement Tuesday night.

More than $1 million was spent on the Karman Line issue from the beginning of the petition drive in February. To support the development, Norris Ranch set up the committee Stand Against Monopolies and provided $550,000 to sell voters on the benefits of Karman Line.

Defend Colorado, a state group that does not disclose its donors, provided $470,000 of in-kind contributions for the petition campaign and an additional $20,000 in May to oppose the annexation.

We also have to ask ourselves, is this the new methodology of solving problems in our community, to push 'dark money?' To go through different systems than our elected officials? ONeil said.

The last one-off special election in Colorado Springs was in 2012, when voters overwhelmingly approved the City Council's proposal to lease Memorial Hospital to the University of Colorado Health system. The last election challenging a Colorado Springs annexation took place in 1986, when voters opted not to de-annex the Northgate complex at the northernmost area of the city.

Another one bites the dust

The proposed Karman Line annexation is the second major proposed Colorado Springs annexation in the past year that has looked promising to developers only to eventually be denied.

In August, Colorado Springs City Council members reversed their decision to annex 3,200 acres adjacent to Fountain.

The council voted 5 to 4 to reverse a vote it took Aug. 1 to accept the annexation. La Plata Communities was pitching the annexation the company envisioned as a subdivision called Amara that could be home to 9,500 homes plus millions of square feet of retail space, schools, parks and public facilities over the next 25 years.

The council voted to change its decision after hearing serious questions from business owners facing high costs. They also heard concerns from the leaders of Manitou Springs and Fountain and farmers in the lower Arkansas Valley.
Savoir Faire Capital Management L.P. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 8,061 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,280,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. SNS Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 10.5% during the 1st quarter. SNS Financial Group LLC now owns 2,641 shares of the companys stock valued at $423,000 after buying an additional 252 shares during the last quarter. Denali Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $3,035,000. Birinyi Associates Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $238,000. Csenge Advisory Group boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 5.4% during the 1st quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 28,977 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,729,000 after buying an additional 1,495 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 84,986 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,490,000 after buying an additional 1,420 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

PM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Needham & Company LLC initiated coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. They set a buy rating on the stock. Barclays raised their price objective on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Philip Morris International from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Bank of America raised their price objective on Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 4th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $182.00 price objective (up from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $186.73.

Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.2%

NYSE PM traded down $0.42 during trading on Friday, hitting $178.75. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,649,814 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,663,371. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $178.83 and a 200 day moving average price of $158.57. The firm has a market cap of $278.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.51. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $106.76 and a 52 week high of $186.69.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.08. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.40% and a net margin of 8.43%. The company had revenue of $9.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.10 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.50 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Friday, June 27th were paid a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 27th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 111.34%.

Philip Morris International Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 6.4% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 43,284 shares of the payment services companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,613 shares during the period. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $11,646,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Investment Management Corp VA ADV acquired a new stake in shares of American Express during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in American Express during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Sellwood Investment Partners LLC acquired a new stake in American Express during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp acquired a new stake in American Express during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Nexus Investment Management ULC acquired a new stake in American Express during the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

AXP has been the topic of a number of research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of American Express from $260.00 to $342.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of American Express in a report on Monday. Bank of America upgraded shares of American Express from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $325.00 to $274.00 in a report on Friday, April 11th. Monness Crespi & Hardt cut shares of American Express from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company set a $327.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a report on Wednesday, July 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, American Express has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $307.68.

Insider Activity at American Express

In other American Express news, insider Glenda G. Mcneal sold 3,019 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $264.66, for a total transaction of $799,008.54. Following the transaction, the insider owned 10,919 shares in the company, valued at $2,889,822.54. The trade was a 21.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Howard Grosfield sold 9,450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $275.50, for a total transaction of $2,603,475.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 9,402 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,590,251. This represents a 50.13% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

American Express Trading Down 2.2%

Shares of American Express stock traded down $6.97 during trading on Friday, reaching $308.38. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,478,921 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,852,726. The company has a quick ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. American Express Company has a 52-week low of $220.43 and a 52-week high of $329.14. The company has a market cap of $216.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.53, a PEG ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.25. The firms 50-day moving average is $304.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $291.13.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 18th. The payment services company reported $4.08 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.86 by $0.22. The firm had revenue of $17.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.70 billion. American Express had a net margin of 15.31% and a return on equity of 32.48%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.49 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.82 per share. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.06%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 3rd. American Expresss payout ratio is currently 22.91%.

American Express Company Profile

(Free Report)

American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated payments company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Consumer Services, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services.

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A developer is hoping to bring a new subdivision and commercial center to rural land off of Judge Orr Road, working around a floodplain on the nearly 400-acre property.

The project, called Jane Davis Ranch, is just northeast of Meadow Lake Airport. At full buildout, it is currently planned to have a maximum of 93 single-family homes, two commercial nodes and park open space.

On Thursday, the El Paso County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the subdivision to the Board of County Commissioners for a vote next month.

Jane Davis Ranch would be close to Saddlehorn Ranch, a 218-home development under construction; the Esteban Rodriguez Subdivision, a 135-home development currently under review by the county; and a location under development for the Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services. The project applicant, William Guman and Associates is the planner for each of the surrounding developments, as well.

A preliminary traffic study found that the subdivision would generate around 2,800 daily trips, with upgrades to surrounding roads recommended but not specifically discussed in the plan presented.

"Staff has come to the determination that the change in character is relatively consistent with the other developments that weve seen in this area," said Ryan Howser, a planner with the county, at the meeting.

The property includes a floodplain identified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The community would include six detention basins to mitigate potential effects.

Bill Guman, a representative for the property owner, told planning commissioners there was no plan to build houses in the currently identified floodplain.

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"We have taken that into consideration as far as buildable portions of the site," he said.

Guman said that connecting areas of the development across the floodplain probably would happen after the 50% mark in later plans.

"We kind of have two communities that are cut off from each other," said Planning Commissioner Eric Moraes.

While the type of plan that developers presented on Thursday does not require findings about water availability, Guman said that the developers had done a study on the hydrology and geology of the area.

Documents submitted on the project show estimated water use per year and the intention for the subdivision to draw water from residential and commercial wells tied into the Denver Aquifer. El Paso County generally requires developments to demonstrate water availability for 300 years to meet approval.

The project will go to the Board of County Commissioners with a positive recommendation from the Planning Commission on Aug. 28. More specific plans for the property also will need to seek county approval.
Apollon Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Masco Corporation (NYSE:MAS  Free Report) by 8.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 7,900 shares of the construction companys stock after buying an additional 614 shares during the period. Apollon Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Masco were worth $549,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cibc World Markets Corp raised its stake in shares of Masco by 14.7% in the 4th quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 34,162 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,479,000 after purchasing an additional 4,388 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC raised its stake in shares of Masco by 32.2% in the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,594 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $261,000 after purchasing an additional 876 shares in the last quarter. Generali Asset Management SPA SGR acquired a new stake in shares of Masco in the 4th quarter valued at about $96,000. Vinva Investment Management Ltd raised its stake in shares of Masco by 13.9% in the 4th quarter. Vinva Investment Management Ltd now owns 11,530 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $836,000 after purchasing an additional 1,410 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal London Asset Management Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Masco by 11.7% in the 4th quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 101,190 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $7,343,000 after purchasing an additional 10,616 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.91% of the companys stock.

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Masco Stock Down 0.4%

Masco stock opened at $65.59 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $64.38 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $68.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.92, a PEG ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.19. Masco Corporation has a 52-week low of $56.55 and a 52-week high of $86.70.

Masco Dividend Announcement

Masco ( NYSE:MAS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The construction company reported $0.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.92 by ($0.05). The firm had revenue of $1.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.84 billion. Masco had a net margin of 10.30% and a return on equity of 1,320.76%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 6.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.93 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Masco Corporation will post 4.34 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 23rd were paid a dividend of $0.31 per share. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.89%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 23rd. Mascos payout ratio is 33.88%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

MAS has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Masco in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Masco from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, June 21st. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Masco from $71.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Masco from $82.00 to $71.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Masco from $74.00 to $62.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $74.03.

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Masco Company Profile

(Free Report)

Masco Corporation designs, manufactures, and distributes home improvement and building products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company's Plumbing Products segment offers faucets, showerheads, handheld showers, valves, bath hardware and accessories, bathing units, shower bases and enclosures, sinks, toilets, acrylic tubs, shower trays, spas, exercise pools, and fitness systems; brass, copper, and composite plumbing system components; connected water products; thermoplastic solutions, extruded plastic profiles, specialized fabrications, and PEX tubing products; and other non-decorative plumbing products.

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Atlas Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK  Free Report) by 18.4% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 3,057 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 475 shares during the quarter. Duke Energy accounts for 0.5% of Atlas Wealth Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 27th largest position. Atlas Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Duke Energy were worth $373,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of DUK. Toth Financial Advisory Corp boosted its holdings in Duke Energy by 31.6% in the first quarter. Toth Financial Advisory Corp now owns 346 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. Reyes Financial Architecture Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Duke Energy by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Reyes Financial Architecture Inc. now owns 1,827 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $223,000 after buying an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,034 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $370,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares during the period. Lokken Investment Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Lokken Investment Group LLC now owns 2,633 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $321,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares during the period. Finally, Sheets Smith Wealth Management lifted its position in shares of Duke Energy by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Sheets Smith Wealth Management now owns 27,517 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,356,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.31% of the companys stock.

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Duke Energy Stock Up 0.8%

NYSE:DUK traded up $0.93 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $118.39. The stock had a trading volume of 2,475,586 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,465,106. Duke Energy Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $105.20 and a fifty-two week high of $125.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The stock has a market cap of $92.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.63, a PEG ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.37. The businesss 50 day moving average is $116.43 and its 200 day moving average is $116.02.

Duke Energy Increases Dividend

Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.76 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $8.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.70 billion. Duke Energy had a return on equity of 9.88% and a net margin of 15.40%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.44 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Duke Energy Corporation will post 6.33 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a $1.065 dividend. This is an increase from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. This represents a $4.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.60%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. Duke Energys payout ratio is presently 69.32%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

DUK has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $125.00 to $124.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, June 18th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $123.00 to $122.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 1st. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $127.00 to $138.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Raymond James Financial began coverage on shares of Duke Energy in a research note on Friday, June 13th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $128.00 to $123.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 10th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Duke Energy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $127.25.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Duke Energy

About Duke Energy

(Free Report)

Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest.

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Carnegie Lake Advisors LLC lifted its position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA  Free Report) by 23.8% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 85,350 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 16,400 shares during the period. Carnegie Lake Advisors LLCs holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries were worth $1,312,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Oarsman Capital Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the 1st quarter worth about $39,000. Marshall & Sterling Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the 4th quarter worth about $44,000. Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA purchased a new stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the 1st quarter worth about $54,000. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 437.8% during the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 5,297 shares of the companys stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 4,312 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 54.05% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Matthew Shields sold 6,206 shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.02, for a total transaction of $105,626.12. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 9,989 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $170,012.78. The trade was a 38.32% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.49% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 8th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research note on Friday, June 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $24.00 price target on the stock. Truist Financial began coverage on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. They issued a buy rating and a $25.00 price target on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the company from $21.00 to $23.00 in a research note on Monday, May 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $24.71.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TEVA

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Stock Down 1.4%

Shares of NYSE TEVA opened at $16.08 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $17.01 and a 200-day simple moving average of $16.97. The company has a market capitalization of $18.44 billion, a P/E ratio of -13.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.59, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.74. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has a 1 year low of $12.47 and a 1 year high of $22.80.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 7th. The company reported $0.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.47 by $0.05. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries had a negative net margin of 7.74% and a positive return on equity of 45.44%. The firm had revenue of $3.89 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.99 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.48 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. will post 2.5 earnings per share for the current year.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Profile

(Free Report)

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, Israel, and internationally. It offers generic medicines in various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams; sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in parenteral and solid dosage forms; and generic products with medical devices and combination products.

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Shares of Coats Group plc (LON:COA  Get Free Report) traded down 11.1% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as GBX 72.40 ($0.97) and last traded at GBX 73 ($0.98). 68,300,328 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 1,108% from the average session volume of 5,654,658 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 82.10 ($1.10).

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a GBX 110 ($1.48) price target on shares of Coats Group in a report on Wednesday. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 125 ($1.68) price objective on shares of Coats Group in a report on Thursday, July 3rd.

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Coats Group Price Performance

Insider Activity

The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 103.51. The businesss 50-day moving average is GBX 78.30 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 81.60. The company has a market capitalization of 1.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.40.

In other Coats Group news, insider David Paja bought 150,000 shares of Coats Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 4th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 75 ($1.01) per share, for a total transaction of 112,500 ($151,006.71). Also, insider Hannah Nichols bought 26,092 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 22nd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 76 ($1.02) per share, for a total transaction of 19,829.92 ($26,617.34). Insiders own 1.65% of the companys stock.

Coats Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Coats is a world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, as well as an innovative pioneer in performance materials. These critical solutions are used to create a wide range of products, including ones that provide safety and protection for people, data and the environment.

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West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE:WST  Get Free Report) and Spotlight Innovation (OTCMKTS:STLT  Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and valuation.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

93.9% of West Pharmaceutical Services shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of West Pharmaceutical Services shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares West Pharmaceutical Services and Spotlight Innovations net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets West Pharmaceutical Services 16.13% 18.23% 13.51% Spotlight Innovation N/A N/A N/A

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio West Pharmaceutical Services $2.89 billion 5.24 $492.70 million $6.37 33.11 Spotlight Innovation N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

This table compares West Pharmaceutical Services and Spotlight Innovations revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

West Pharmaceutical Services has higher revenue and earnings than Spotlight Innovation.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for West Pharmaceutical Services and Spotlight Innovation, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score West Pharmaceutical Services 0 2 6 1 2.89 Spotlight Innovation 0 0 0 0 0.00

West Pharmaceutical Services presently has a consensus target price of $320.00, indicating a potential upside of 51.72%. Given West Pharmaceutical Services stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe West Pharmaceutical Services is more favorable than Spotlight Innovation.

Summary

West Pharmaceutical Services beats Spotlight Innovation on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About West Pharmaceutical Services

(Get Free Report)

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in two segments, Proprietary Products and Contract-Manufactured Products. The Proprietary Products segment offers stoppers and seals for injectable packaging systems; syringe and cartridge components, including custom solutions for the needs of injectable drug applications, as well as administration systems that enhance the safe delivery of drugs through advanced reconstitution, mixing, and transfer technologies; and films, coatings, washing, and vision inspection and sterilization processes and services to enhance the quality of packaging components. This segment also provides drug containment solutions, including Crystal Zenith, a cyclic olefin polymer in the form of vials, syringes, and cartridges; and self-injection devices; and a range of integrated solutions, including analytical lab services, pre-approval primary packaging support and engineering development, regulatory expertise, and after-sales technical support. This segment serves biologic, generic, and pharmaceutical drug companies. The Contract-Manufactured Products segment is involved in the design, manufacture, and automated assembly of devices used in surgical, diagnostic, ophthalmic, injectable, and other drug delivery systems, as well as consumer products. The company serves pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and medical device companies. It sells and distributes its products through its sales force and distribution network, contract sales agents, and regional distributors. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.

About Spotlight Innovation

(Get Free Report)

Spotlight Innovation Inc., a pharmaceutical company, acquires and develops proprietary therapies to address unmet medical needs with an emphasis on rare, emerging, and neglected diseases. It identifies in-licensing opportunities and manages product development through partnerships with universities, medical schools, contract research organizations, and contract manufacturing organizations, as well as pursues product commercialization opportunities, including out-licensing and strategic partnerships. The company is developing Crotoxin, which is in Phase I clinical study for the treatment of cancer. It also develops various compounds for the treatment of viral infections, including Zika virus infection; and products derived from cobra venom to treat chronic pain. Spotlight Innovation Inc. has a license agreement with Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation to commercialize STL-182, an orally-available small molecule that might have therapeutic potential for treating spinal muscular atrophy. The company is based in Urbandale, Iowa.

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Calton & Associates Inc. boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 1,975.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 20,985 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 19,974 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises approximately 2.1% of Calton & Associates Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest position. Calton & Associates Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $17,332,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Stordahl Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 6.3% in the 1st quarter. Stordahl Capital Management Inc. now owns 372 shares of the companys stock valued at $307,000 after buying an additional 22 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 12.0% during the 1st quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 44,072 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,400,000 after acquiring an additional 4,718 shares during the period. Fountainhead AM LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 6.4% during the 1st quarter. Fountainhead AM LLC now owns 843 shares of the companys stock valued at $696,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the period. SNS Financial Group LLC raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 129.9% in the 1st quarter. SNS Financial Group LLC now owns 1,377 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,138,000 after purchasing an additional 778 shares in the last quarter. Finally, FAS Wealth Partners Inc. raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. FAS Wealth Partners Inc. now owns 8,965 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,404,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 1.3%

NYSE:LLY traded up $10.28 on Friday, hitting $771.78. 3,351,657 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,664,913. The stock has a market cap of $731.45 billion, a PE ratio of 62.80, a PEG ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.40. 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 stock has a fifty day moving average of $767.03 and a 200-day moving average of $799.83. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $677.09 and a fifty-two week high of $972.53.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.64 by ($1.30). Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.67% and a return on equity of 85.51%. The company had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.77 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.58 EPS. Eli Lilly and Companys quarterly revenue was up 45.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.78%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 48.82%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Guggenheim lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $936.00 to $942.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 11th. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an overweight rating and a $975.00 target price on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Eli Lilly and Company from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their target price for the company from $892.00 to $888.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. Finally, HSBC lowered Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a reduce rating and dropped their target price for the company from $1,150.00 to $700.00 in a report on Monday, April 28th. 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. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,012.56.

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Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Foundry Partners LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 5.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 385,025 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 21,658 shares during the period. Bristol Myers Squibb comprises 1.2% of Foundry Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 15th largest holding. Foundry Partners LLCs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $23,483,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Pinney & Scofield Inc. bought a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Park Square Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Transce3nd LLC bought a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates boosted its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 137.5% in the 1st quarter. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates now owns 475 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 275 shares during the period. Finally, Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. bought a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb in the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.41% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have issued reports on BMY. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Piper Sandler assumed coverage on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an overweight rating and a $65.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from $36.00 to $34.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $55.00 price target (down previously from $67.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a neutral rating and set a $55.00 price target on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $57.69.

Bristol Myers Squibb Price Performance

Bristol Myers Squibb stock opened at $47.40 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 1.17. The company has a market capitalization of $96.46 billion, a PE ratio of 17.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.36. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a one year low of $41.61 and a one year high of $63.33. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $47.47 and a 200 day simple moving average of $52.94.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.50 by $0.30. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 87.62% and a net margin of 11.38%. The business had revenue of $11.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.77 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned ($4.40) EPS. The firms revenue was down 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be issued a $0.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $2.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.23%. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 92.88%.

Insider Activity at Bristol Myers Squibb

In related news, EVP Samit Hirawat bought 4,250 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 25th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $47.58 per share, with a total value of $202,215.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 83,513 shares in the company, valued at $3,973,548.54. The trade was a 5.36% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Bristol Myers Squibb Profile

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC increased its holdings in Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (BATS:COWZ  Free Report) by 4.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 655,134 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 30,580 shares during the period. Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF comprises 0.6% of Kestra Private Wealth Services LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC owned 0.16% of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF worth $35,875,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in COWZ. LPL Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 20,693,823 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,168,787,000 after acquiring an additional 926,609 shares during the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN boosted its stake in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF by 5.7% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 12,058,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $681,052,000 after purchasing an additional 652,842 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF by 7.2% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,591,340 shares of the companys stock valued at $428,759,000 after purchasing an additional 508,462 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its stake in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 4,611,597 shares of the companys stock valued at $260,463,000 after purchasing an additional 36,263 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 4,485,533 shares of the companys stock valued at $245,628,000 after purchasing an additional 34,811 shares in the last quarter.

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Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF Stock Down 2.8%

Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF stock traded down $1.63 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $55.77. The stock had a trading volume of 2,241,577 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,262,385. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.17 and a beta of 0.95. Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF has a 12-month low of $46.64 and a 12-month high of $61.92. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $54.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $54.99.

Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF Company Profile

The Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 index. The fund tracks a free cash flow-weighted index of companies selected from the Russell 1000 Index. COWZ was launched on Dec 16, 2016 and is managed by Pacer.

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Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 11.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 100,715 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 10,543 shares during the quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $13,360,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of ABT. SNS Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. SNS Financial Group LLC now owns 12,591 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,670,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the period. Brogan Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 7.3% during the first quarter. Brogan Financial Inc. now owns 3,215 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $426,000 after buying an additional 218 shares during the last quarter. Csenge Advisory Group boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 21.0% during the first quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 19,307 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,529,000 after buying an additional 3,356 shares during the last quarter. St. Louis Trust Co boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 21.7% in the first quarter. St. Louis Trust Co now owns 9,679 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $1,284,000 after purchasing an additional 1,723 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FLC Capital Advisors boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 20.1% in the first quarter. FLC Capital Advisors now owns 4,783 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $634,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 2.7%

ABT stock traded up $3.30 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $123.81. The companys stock had a trading volume of 19,570,335 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,247,882. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 1.27. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $99.92 and a twelve month high of $141.23. The companys fifty day moving average price is $132.98 and its 200 day moving average price is $129.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $215.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.52, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.73.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 17th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.26 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.26. The business had revenue of $11.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.01 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 32.43% and a return on equity of 18.83%. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.14 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be paid a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.91%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 30.61%.

Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories

In related news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total transaction of $337,116.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 34,058 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,415,960.28. This represents a 7.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.46% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $147.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Leerink Partnrs raised Abbott Laboratories to a hold rating in a report on Monday, June 16th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $127.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Abbott Laboratories from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $143.00 to $145.00 in a research report on Friday. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $144.47.

View Our Latest Research Report on Abbott Laboratories

About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Balentine LLC reduced its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Free Report) by 23.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,303 shares of the companys stock after selling 700 shares during the period. Balentine LLCs holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $207,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of MRK. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Merck & Co., Inc. in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. WealthTrak Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. during the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Merck & Co., Inc. during the 1st quarter worth $36,000. Spurstone Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Merck & Co., Inc. during the 4th quarter worth $37,000. Finally, Hurley Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Merck & Co., Inc. during the 4th quarter worth $40,000. 76.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Performance

Shares of MRK opened at $79.97 on Friday. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 12 month low of $73.31 and a 12 month high of $128.73. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $79.37 and a 200 day simple moving average of $85.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $200.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.64, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a current ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69.

Merck & Co., Inc. Announces Dividend

Merck & Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MRK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The company reported $2.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $15.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.59 billion. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 27.27% and a return on equity of 43.23%. The companys revenue was down 1.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.07 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 9.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 8th. Investors of record on Monday, June 16th were issued a dividend of $0.81 per share. This represents a $3.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.05%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 16th. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.16%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP Dalton E. Smart III sold 4,262 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, April 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.76, for a total value of $352,723.12. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 7,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $643,707.28. This represents a 35.40% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on MRK shares. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating and set a $84.00 price objective (down previously from $115.00) on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Wednesday, May 14th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from an overweight rating to a cautious rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 20th. Guggenheim restated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $99.00 to $98.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $108.69.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Merck & Co., Inc.

Merck & Co., Inc. Profile

(Free Report)

Merck & Co, Inc is a health care company, which engages in the provision of health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceutical, Animal Health, and Other. The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products.

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In the weeks leading up to and following the University of Colorado Board of Regents vote to censure Regent Wanda James, calls online have been frequent and vehement, urging the board to reconsider.

James was censured July 2 for what the board ruled was a violation of regent policies including conflicts of interest, fiduciary obligations and rules of conduct for members of boards.

This stems from recent actions by James, a marijuana dispensary owner, concerning her opinions of a campaign created by the state lawmakers and funded through the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus on the health risks of highly concentrated marijuana.

James, a Black woman, alleged that the initial imagery used throughout the campaign featured racist depictions of people of color and demanded that they be removed. While the images were removed shortly thereafter, she continued to comment on the campaign and suggested removing its funding.

Since the meeting, James has made statements through social media posts and local news outlets accusing the boards actions toward her as racially and politically motivated, while other prominent figures have also weighed in.

In a series of posts on the social media site X, state Attorney General Phil Weiser suggested that the board overrode James First Amendment right to free expression through the censure.

To protect the right of free expression and the fair treatment of CU Regent James, the Board of Regents would do well to reconsider its action against her, he wrote. Leaving this action in place not only raises questions of fairness, it undermines CD1's representation on the Board.

A lesson from this episode is that conflicts should be addressed through a commitment to de-escalating rhetoric, elevating listening, and working to find a mutual understanding.

Following these tweets, James sent an email to her fellow regents along with university President Todd Saliman, pointing to recent support for her by Weiser, former Colorado House Speaker Terrance Carroll and U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse.

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She also called for them to reverse their decision, suggesting that there could now be consequences.

You are now endangering the University of Colorado in ways that are both reputationally catastrophic and legally indefensible, James wrote. This situation is no longer about me. It is about your collective failure to lead and your refusal to correct a grave mistake that is about to become a national scandal.

Saliman was not available for comment by this storys publication, but a CU spokesperson clarified that the president has no voting power or authority regarding board actions like a censure.

Board Vice Chair Ken Montera told The Gazette that this email was one of many directed at the regents in recent weeks with similar messaging.

Its been happening virtually daily, he said. Theres been no less than 50 [messages] in recent weeks.

Montera said he was shocked to learn about Weisers tweets and reaffirmed the legal validity of the boards investigations leading up to the censure vote.

He added that James has ignored the censure, continued to accuse the university system of systemic racism and has been unwilling to meet and come to an agreement with other regents.

James did not immediately respond to The Gazettes attempt to contact her.

Montera said that, while it cant reverse the censure itself, the board can restore James committee assignments, board leadership positions and access to university events. Such a resolution has not been presented and he said one likely wouldnt anytime soon as long as James refuses to accept any sort of fault or responsibility.

He added that another meeting is planned in the near future to resolve the conflict, but hes unsure if this will happen, given the lack of engagement thus far.

This distraction has been really difficult for the board during one of the hardest times for higher education, he said. Were losing funding and our job is to provide the best educational opportunities to the state of Colorado. Thats where our focus should be [right now].
Admiral Group plc (LON:ADM  Get Free Report) insider Michael Brierley purchased 28 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 15th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 3,272 ($43.92) per share, for a total transaction of 916.16 ($1,229.74).

Admiral Group Trading Up 0.4%

Shares of ADM stock opened at GBX 3,326 ($44.64) on Friday. Admiral Group plc has a fifty-two week low of GBX 2,383 ($31.99) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 3,474.42 ($46.64). The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 3,317.81 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 3,046.61. The stock has a market capitalization of 10.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 115.01, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 7.57.

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Admiral Group Company Profile

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Admiral Group plc is an established financial services provider offering motor, household, travel and pet insurance, as well as personal lending products, trading in five countries, namely the UK, France, Italy, Spain and the US. Founded in 1993, Admiral has grown to become an established multinational and multi-product insurer and is proud to be Wales only FTSE 100 Company.

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Morningstar Investment Services LLC trimmed its position in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Free Report) by 47.2% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 20,997 shares of the companys stock after selling 18,739 shares during the period. Morningstar Investment Services LLCs holdings in Novartis were worth $2,341,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of NVS. Csenge Advisory Group increased its position in shares of Novartis by 9.6% during the 1st quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 17,976 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,993,000 after purchasing an additional 1,581 shares during the last quarter. AMG National Trust Bank raised its holdings in shares of Novartis by 0.9% in the first quarter. AMG National Trust Bank now owns 22,856 shares of the companys stock worth $2,548,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the period. Formidable Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Novartis by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. Formidable Asset Management LLC now owns 3,550 shares of the companys stock valued at $396,000 after acquiring an additional 285 shares during the period. Retirement Planning Co of New England Inc. bought a new position in Novartis in the 1st quarter valued at $1,072,000. Finally, Bailard Inc. increased its stake in Novartis by 69.8% in the first quarter. Bailard Inc. now owns 10,123 shares of the companys stock worth $1,129,000 after purchasing an additional 4,160 shares during the period. 13.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Novartis Trading Down 0.3%

Shares of NYSE:NVS opened at $114.23 on Friday. Novartis AG has a 12-month low of $96.06 and a 12-month high of $124.83. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $116.68 and its 200-day simple moving average is $110.43. The company has a market capitalization of $241.30 billion, a PE ratio of 16.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Novartis ( NYSE:NVS Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 17th. The company reported $2.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.38 by $0.04. Novartis had a return on equity of 41.09% and a net margin of 25.64%. The firm had revenue of $14.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.94 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.97 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Novartis AG will post 8.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Separately, BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Novartis to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $123.67.

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Novartis Company Profile

(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.

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MyHealthChecked PLC (LON:MHC  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 43.6% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 15.91 ($0.21) and last traded at GBX 14 ($0.19). Approximately 677,313 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 1,478% from the average daily volume of 42,916 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 9.75 ($0.13).

MyHealthChecked Price Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 11.30 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 14.05. The firm has a market cap of 6.76 million, a PE ratio of -6.48 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a current ratio of 12.22, a quick ratio of 2.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16.

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MyHealthChecked (LON:MHC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, June 30th. The company reported GBX (3.45) (($0.05)) EPS for the quarter. MyHealthChecked had a negative return on equity of 12.80% and a negative net margin of 11.06%.

MyHealthChecked Company Profile

MyHealthChecked PLC, based in Cardiff, is an AIM-quoted pioneering UK healthcare company focused on a range of at-home healthcare and wellness tests.

MyHealthChecked is the umbrella brand of a range of at-home rapid tests, as well as DNA, RNA and blood sample collection kits which have been created to support customers on their journeys to wellness.

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STAR Financial Bank lessened its position in shares of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU  Free Report) by 12.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,268 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 336 shares during the quarter. STAR Financial Banks holdings in Prudential Financial were worth $253,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Prudential Financial by 4.9% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 61,703 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,891,000 after purchasing an additional 2,872 shares in the last quarter. Capital Management Corp VA lifted its stake in shares of Prudential Financial by 11.8% during the 1st quarter. Capital Management Corp VA now owns 79,506 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $8,879,000 after purchasing an additional 8,411 shares during the period. Retirement Planning Co of New England Inc. grew its holdings in Prudential Financial by 17.7% in the 1st quarter. Retirement Planning Co of New England Inc. now owns 3,385 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $378,000 after buying an additional 508 shares during the period. Hardy Reed LLC raised its stake in Prudential Financial by 3.4% during the first quarter. Hardy Reed LLC now owns 6,412 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $716,000 after purchasing an additional 210 shares during the period. Finally, Woodward Diversified Capital LLC increased its stake in Prudential Financial by 7.9% during the first quarter. Woodward Diversified Capital LLC now owns 3,894 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $435,000 after acquiring an additional 286 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.83% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Prudential Financial news, major shareholder Insurance Co Of Ame Prudential acquired 1,675,978 shares of Prudential Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 16th. The shares were bought at an average price of $28.64 per share, with a total value of $48,000,009.92. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider directly owned 3,168,461 shares in the company, valued at $90,744,723.04. This trade represents a 112.29% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.25% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Prudential Financial Price Performance

Shares of PRU stock opened at $103.31 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $105.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.40. The firm has a market cap of $36.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.37, a PEG ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.07. Prudential Financial, Inc. has a 12 month low of $90.38 and a 12 month high of $130.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 0.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65.

Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The financial services provider reported $3.29 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.18 by $0.11. Prudential Financial had a net margin of 3.84% and a return on equity of 15.84%. The firm had revenue of $13.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.76 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $3.12 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 38.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Prudential Financial, Inc. will post 14.36 EPS for the current year.

Prudential Financial Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 12th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 20th were issued a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.23%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 20th. Prudential Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 85.58%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Prudential Financial from $117.00 to $113.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 14th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Prudential Financial from $122.00 to $110.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, May 27th. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on Prudential Financial from $109.00 to $108.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $120.00 to $117.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $116.00 to $113.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Prudential Financial currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $121.62.

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Prudential Financial Company Profile

(Free Report)

Prudential Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through PGIM, Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Life, and International Businesses segments.

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Jennison Associates LLC lowered its stake in shares of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR  Free Report) by 36.7% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 227,768 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 131,911 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLCs holdings in RenaissanceRe were worth $54,664,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cooke & Bieler LP lifted its stake in shares of RenaissanceRe by 18.0% in the 1st quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 1,247,742 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $299,458,000 after acquiring an additional 190,139 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. lifted its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 4.3% in the first quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 14,342 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,442,000 after acquiring an additional 593 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. boosted its position in shares of RenaissanceRe by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 26,286 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $6,309,000 after purchasing an additional 580 shares in the last quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. increased its holdings in shares of RenaissanceRe by 36.7% in the 1st quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. now owns 6,226 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,494,000 after purchasing an additional 1,672 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MQS Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of RenaissanceRe in the first quarter valued at about $513,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.97% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on RenaissanceRe from $266.00 to $265.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a $269.00 price target (up previously from $267.00) on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Thursday, July 10th. JMP Securities reissued a market perform rating on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of RenaissanceRe from $285.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of RenaissanceRe from $437.00 to $426.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, March 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $288.00.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other RenaissanceRe news, CAO James Christopher Fraser sold 332 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.54, for a total value of $82,847.28. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 27,154 shares in the company, valued at $6,776,009.16. The trade was a 1.21% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock.

RenaissanceRe Trading Down 1.3%

Shares of RNR opened at $235.89 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $242.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is $241.90. RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. has a twelve month low of $210.51 and a twelve month high of $300.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.30.

RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The insurance provider reported ($1.49) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by ($1.17). RenaissanceRe had a return on equity of 15.90% and a net margin of 13.26%. The business had revenue of $3.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.36 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $12.18 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. will post 26.04 earnings per share for the current year.

RenaissanceRe Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Investors of record on Friday, June 13th were issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.68%. RenaissanceRes payout ratio is currently 5.10%.

RenaissanceRe Company Profile

(Free Report)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Property, and Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment writes property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions, and acts of terrorism; and other property class of products, such as proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property reinsurance, binding facilities, and regional U.S.

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Shares of V2X, Inc. (NYSE:VVX  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eleven brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $62.80.

VVX has been the topic of several research reports. Truist Financial cut their target price on V2X from $68.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Morgan Stanley began coverage on V2X in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. They issued an underweight rating and a $51.00 price objective on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered V2X from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on V2X in a research report on Tuesday, June 24th. They issued a buy rating and a $55.00 price objective on the stock.

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Insider Activity

Hedge Funds Weigh In On V2X

In related news, SVP Richard L. Jr. Caputo sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.43, for a total value of $177,720.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 15,869 shares in the company, valued at $705,059.67. The trade was a 20.13% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. State of Wyoming bought a new stake in V2X during the 4th quarter worth about $45,000. CWM LLC lifted its position in V2X by 239.0% during the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 990 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 698 shares in the last quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of V2X by 4,066.7% in the 1st quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 976 shares during the period. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of V2X by 24.1% in the 4th quarter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 1,482 shares of the companys stock valued at $71,000 after purchasing an additional 288 shares during the period. Finally, Wealthquest Corp bought a new stake in shares of V2X in the 1st quarter valued at about $97,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.18% of the companys stock.

V2X Stock Performance

VVX opened at $47.43 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $1.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.77, a P/E/G ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 0.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 1.16. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $47.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is $48.27. V2X has a 1-year low of $41.08 and a 1-year high of $69.75.

V2X (NYSE:VVX  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, May 5th. The company reported $0.98 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.92 by $0.06. V2X had a return on equity of 13.97% and a net margin of 0.96%. The firm had revenue of $1.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.04 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.90 EPS. V2Xs quarterly revenue was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that V2X will post 4.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

V2X Company Profile

(Get Free Report

V2X, Inc provides critical mission solutions and support services to defense clients worldwide. It offers a suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian, and international clients. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Mclean, Virginia.

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HIV diagnoses in The Bahamas are down nearly 50% since 2010  a major public health win. But cases rose again in 2024, and STIs are increasing among youth.

You voted:
A Fort Carson soldier from North Carolina accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman at a Colorado Springs park purportedly confessed to the crime during an interview with a detective, court documents reveal.

Caden Meade, 19, was arrested Wednesday after allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a 29-year-old woman at Quail Lake Park in the early morning hours of July 8.

The woman was with a friend until she was kidnapped after heading back to her car then raped at knife point in a pickup truck before being let go, investigators from the Colorado Springs Police Department said during a Thursday press conference.

The friend told police they were at the lake for about an hour and had noticed a dark truck pass through the north parking lot about 20 minutes after they arrived, according to Meade's arrest affidavit.

The woman reportedly went back to her car, and the friend said he heard a "blood-curdling" scream come from where she was parked. He rushed to the parking lot and saw a dark truck leaving the area at a "high rate of speed," as well as car keys and a jacket lying on the ground, the friend told police.

After being let go, the woman called police at a nearby hotel, where she told them she had been kidnapped by an unknown man. She was taken to a nearby hospital shortly after to receive treatment for a large-sized bump on her head. The woman also had noticeable abrasions and bruising on her left shin and knee and lacerations on one of her thumbs.

When she was initially kidnapped, the man had told her to stay quiet if she wanted to stay alive while pointing a knife at her, the woman told police. He then drove off, telling the woman "this will only take 30 minutes."

Before the rape, the man had asked her if she was a "whore" and if she was Christian, according to the affidavit. The woman said she initially told the man she was Christian, at which point the man demanded she take her clothes off. She then told the man that she had lied, and the man said it did not matter then the alleged rape ensued.

When she asked why she was picked, he said she just "got picked" and it was "natural selection," according to the affidavit.

At some point, the woman asked if she could leave, and the man stopped the truck to let her go.

Police identified the truck as Meade's through surveillance footage that showed his North Carolina license plate. The truck had reportedly broken down and was found near two fast-food restaurants located on the Fort Carson Army post.

Officials from the Fort Carson Army Criminal Investigation Division told investigators that Meade had scanned into the base hours after the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault.

Footage from cameras near the park and DNA evidence found by investigators was enough to bring Meade in for questioning.

Meade told a detective during an interview that he spent the day with his parents, who were in town from North Carolina for July Fourth, according to the affidavit. The family had dinner then went back to a hotel at a Holiday Inn Express near the Colorado Springs Airport, which is about 8 miles from Quail Lake Park.

Meade told the detective that he had immediately went to sleep, but later confessed to the kidnapping and sexual assault after being presented with evidence that his truck was spotted near the park, according to the affidavit. Meade then detailed the assault.

Meade was reportedly driving around in the days leading up to and after the incident, exhibiting behaviors that investigators said were "suspicious" during the press conference.

The affidavit states Meade had been driving around places his vehicle had never been to since June 16 until his eventual arrest. It also notes Meade drove around Memorial and Palmer parks on July 1 during the afternoon and close to midnight.

The activities have led police to believe there could be other potential victims, investigators said during the press conference.

Meade is being held in the El Paso County jail on a $500,000 bond. He is expected in court for his first appearance on July 25.

Anyone with information of the incident or any additional victims are encouraged to call police at 719-444-7000.
My view on what is a home for ?

|

Hareshwar Goshwami (Writer & Political Activist)

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.

George A. Moore

A home is far more than four walls and a roof. It is a feelingan emotiona deep-rooted sense of belonging that offers comfort, identity, and purpose. Home is our refuge from the chaos of the outside worlda sanctuary where our hearts find rest, no matter how far we wander. As Irish writer George A Moore insightfully observed, we may journey across the globe in search of meaning, only to discover that what we truly seek has always been at home.

To some, home is a physical structurea house, a hut, a tent, a boat, or even a cave. But for most of us, home is so much more. It is a sanctuary of memories, a cradle of culture, and a spiritual anchor. When we say, Lets go home, we rarely refer merely to a buildingwe mean returning to a space where we feel loved, safe, and truly seen. Even those who spend most of their lives away from their birthplace continue to cherish the idea of home. They may never return, but the longing never fades.

This emotional connection is so powerful that it persists even when people no longer have a physical place to return to. It is not mere nostalgiait is a profound psychological and cultural bond embedded deep within the soul. While we may inhabit many houses throughout our lives, most of us have only one true home.

The Cultural and Emotional Fabric of Home

What makes this bond so enduring and powerful ? It is difficult to define in exact terms, but this connection is woven from many threadslanguage, tradition, landscape, memory, and shared culture.

Home is where customs are understood, where faces are familiar, where food is celebrated, and where stories and festivals are shared in unity. It is the place where we can be our truest selves, free from judgment and misunderstanding. It is where the wisdom of elders is passed down and where our children inherit a living culture. It is where natureour hills, rivers, lakes and forestsfeels familiar, comforting and sacred.

Home is also the keeper of our personal memories. It holds the echoes of childhood laughter, the aroma of meals cooked with love, the voices of our ancestors, and the cherished moments of community celebrations. These emotional layers build over time, forming a bond no other place can replicate.

Yet, we often begin to understand the true value of home only after we are separated from it. Whether for employment, or survival, leaving home often leaves behind an achea void that no amount of material success can fill to most of the people.

Home as a Safe Haven

Home is our ultimate havena place of rest, protection, and belonging. Though no home is without its struggleswhether economic hardship, social tension, or political unrestthese are familiar battles fought with shared values and unity.

In foreign lands, however, we face unfamiliar customs, languages, and expectations. Cultural differences in manner, food, dress, and behavior can make us feel like outsiders. This often leads to stereotyping, marginalization, and sometimes open hostility. Even, many lawful migrants are pressured to abandon parts of their identity to assimilateor risk being relegated to second-class status in societies that dont fully embrace them.

Such alienation is painful. It erodes dignity, silences voices, and deepens the yearning for homenot just for comfort, but for recognition, respect, and belonging.

This is why countries form borders, Governments, and cultural institutions: to protect the physical and emotional essence of their people. Those who give their lives to defend their homeland are not merely guarding territorythey are preserving the soul of a people, their history, and their future. They deserve our highest honor, for they protect what is sacred : our home.

Threats to Indigenous Homes

In today's globalized and often conflicted world, the threats to homeespecially for Indigenous communitiesare growing rapidly. Across continents, from North America to Africa, South Asia to the Pacific, Indigenous Peoples have endured displacement, cultural erosion, and systemic marginalization. Their languages vanish, their histories are rewritten, and their ancestral lands are taken.

Even liberal democracies like the United States grapple with identity crises. Once celebrated as a melting pot, it now wrestles with growing fears surrounding immigration, race, and culture. Terms like Black crime and anxieties over Hispanic migration reflect deep-rooted cultural insecurities. Nationalist rhetoricsuch as that of President Donald Trump, who invoked the defense of Western civilizationunderscores a fear that traditional identities are under threat, even though those advocating such views are themselves descendants of non-native settlers.

The Manipuri Context : A Home Under Siege

For small and culturally distinct communities like oursthe people of Manipurthe threat is even more urgent.

Our home is not merely a political territory; it is a living civilization. It is a land shaped by over 2,000 years of history, home to the Meiteis and more than thirty-four Indigenous tribes. It is sacred, protected for generations by those who gave their lives and spirits to preserve it.

Today, this home stands on the brink of collapsenot only from external pressures but also from internal compromises driven by greed and political ambition.

The unregulated influx of migrants from neighboring regions and countriesoften undocumentedhas begun to erode our social, cultural, and economic fabric. This demographic shift threatens to make us minorities in our own ancestral landstrangers in the place that nurtured us.

Simultaneously, our youth are leaving in large numbersseeking education and employment opportunities elsewhere, mostly driven by the instability and lack of opportunities to explore at home.

While temporary and permanent migrations are a natural phenomenon, especially in this age of globalization, when it becomes disproportionate, it creates a vacuumboth in population and in potential. If our brightest minds and strongest hands never return, who will carry forward our legacy ?

These twin challengesunregulated inflow and irreversible outflowpose an existential threat to our survival as a people. We must act with urgency and wisdom. This includes enacting and enforcing laws that protect our land, people, and culture, while also creating opportunities that encourage our youth to stay, thrive, and prosper.

Leadership is crucialbut so is collective responsibility. We, the people, must hold our leaders accountable and do our part in preserving our home.

A Call for Unity and Preservation

The Indigenous people of Manipur, must rise above political, communal, and man-made divisions and unite as one community with a shared destiny. Internal conflicts must be resolved through dialogue, empathy, understanding and mutual respect.

Let us build an inclusive, peaceful, and forward-looking society that honors all Indigenous communities while protecting our shared homeland. Let us invest sincerely in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employmentso that our children grow up not merely surviving but flourishing, proud of their roots and confident in their future.

Home is not just where we liveit is who we are. It is our language, our music, our festivals, our values, our environment, our shared memories, and our dreams. It is where our ancestors lived and where our children will rise.

It is the place where our souls find peace. Without a home, we are wanderersrefugees in our own land. With a home, we are a people with a future.

Let us protect our home. Let us preserve its soulnot only for ourselves, but for the generations yet to come. Let us make Manipur not only sweet, but also safe, strong, and sacred.



Note : This article is in no way critical of the noble Manipuris working outside State/country yet continue to cherish and support their homeland in whatever way they could. Their contributions, love, and enduring commitment for their homeland are deeply respected and sincerely appreciated
Tata Group sets up Rs 500 Cr Trust for Air India plane crash victims

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New Delhi, Jul 18 : Tata Group on Friday announced setting up a Rs 500-crore trust - The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust - for the victims of the Air India plane crash that killed 260 people in Ahmedabad last month.

Tata Sons and Tata Trusts have committed Rs 250 crore each to the Trust, which has been registered as a public charitable trust in Mumbai.

"The Trust will provide both immediate and continuing support to the dependents/next-of-kin of the deceased, to those who were injured, and to all others who are directly or collaterally affected by the accident," Tata Sons said in a statement on Friday.

Besides, the Trust will provide aid and assistance for alleviation of any trauma or distress suffered by the first responders, medical and disaster relief professionals, social workers and governmental staff who provided invaluable institutional support and service in the aftermath of the accident.

A five-member board of trustees will manage and administer the Trust. S Padmanabhan, a former Tata veteran, Sidharth Sharma, Tata Sons' General Counsel, have been appointed as trustees and the three other trustees will be appointed shortly.

The philanthropic objects of the Trust include ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore for those deceased, medical treatment of those who suffered serious injuries, and support for rebuilding the B J Medical College Hostel infrastructure in Ahmedabad, which was damaged in the accident.

According to the statement, the Trust will be funded and will commence its work in all earnestness after necessary registration with the tax authorities and other operational formalities, currently underway, are completed," the statement said.

On June 12, an Air India plane, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed into a building soon after takeoff, killing 260 people, including 19 on the ground. Out of the 242 people who were onboard the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 aircraft, only one passenger survived.

PTI
An explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department training facility on Friday killed three deputies, the sheriff said.

The explosion took place at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training in East Los Angeles, Sheriff Robert Luna said at a press conference. Luna declined to disclose details but said the area where the explosion occurred had just been deemed safe for investigators to enter.

The Los Angeles Times newspaper, citing unnamed law enforcement sources, reported that the blast took place when a bomb squad moved some explosives. Luna would not confirm that at the news conference.

The names of the victims had not been released, but Luna said they were all veterans with a combined 74 years of experience.

"This is, unfortunately, the largest loss of life for us as the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, since 1857," Luna said.

The sheriff said that determining the cause of the explosion could take several days or weeks but vowed a full investigation.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on social media that she had spoken with Luna along with U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli "about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles."

Bondi said that federal agents were at the scene and working to learn more.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said on social media that the state sent investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal to assist with the investigation.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said that Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigators, along with members of the police department's bomb squad, were helping in the investigation.

(Reporting by Rich McKay, Brad Brooks, Maiya Keidan, Susan Heavey and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Frank McGurty, Nia Williams and Cynthia Osterman)
A 21-year-old mechanical engineering student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur was found dead in his hostel room on Friday morning, with preliminary police investigations pointing to suicide.

Writam Mandal, a fourth-year student and resident of Regent Park area in Kolkata, was discovered hanging in his room 203 at Rajendra Prasad Hall after his father alerted hostel authorities when the student failed to respond to calls. The hostel warden, unable to get a response, informed the police, who broke open the door and found the body.

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The student had returned to the campus on Wednesday after the summer vacation, and classes resumed on Thursday. No suicide note was recovered from the room. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

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We are awaiting the autopsy report to confirm the cause of death, a police officer said.

A statement issued by IIT Kharagpur said: As per records reviewed at the institutes SARTH Counselling Centre, there were no prior indicators of mental health concerns. The faculty advisor from the department reported no apparent academic or non-academic issues.

This is the third suspected suicide on the IIT Kharagpur campus this year. A fourth-year student died by suicide on 20 April, and another third-year undergraduate student was found dead in his hostel room on 12 January.

In response to the rising number of student suicides, the institute had recently introduced initiatives, including counselling calendars and QR codes on hostel room doors, to enable students to seek help from on-campus counsellors discreetly.
A city court today remanded four police personnel to jail custody in connection with the killing of BJP activist from Kankurgachi, Abhjit Sarkar, in 2021, after Assembly polls.

The court today also rejected the petition of anticipatory bail by the 10 accused in the case. The four police personnel remanded to jail custody were, former additional commissioner, who was then the officer in-charge of Narkeldanga police station Subhojit Sen, Sujata De, Ratna Sarkar and Dipankar Debnath.

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In the 2021 post-poll violence case, Narkeldanga police, which was investigating the case earlier, had filed chargesheet against 15 accused police personnel. The case was later handed over to the CBI. In a supplementary chargesheet, it had named 20 accused persons in the case.

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Trinamul Congress (TMC) leaders across north Bengal are in full swing, holding a series of intensive meetings from Malda to Cooch Behar and preparing to descend on Kolkata for the partys annual Martyrs Day rally on 21 July.

The event, always significant, carries heightened political weight this year with the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon.

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Trinamul workers have already started their journey from Cooch Behar, while district units are mobilising unprecedented numbers to mark the event as a show of strength. Senior leaders are framing this rally as a strategic prelude to the electoral fight ahead.

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Significantly, on Friday, as a group of TMC workers were en route to Kolkata, BJP MLA from Mathabhanga, Sushil Barman, was attacked when his vehicle crossed their path. The mob allegedly smashed the rear windscreen of his car and encircled him. It was only after a tense standoff that his personal security team managed to rescue him.

In every meeting, weve made it clearthis isnt just about July 21. This is the beginning of our battle for 2026, said a TMC functionary from Malda.

While Bengals Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is focusing on consolidating the Hindu vote bank with a polarising narrative, TMC is countering with a call for communal unity. The party is actively appealing to both Hindus and Muslims to close ranks in order to defeat the BJPs divisive politics in the region.

At a meeting in English Bazaar today, a local TMC leader sharply criticised BJP MLA Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhurys disconnect with the electorate.

Since 2021, Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury has been missing from public life. Its not just her failurethe BJP must take responsibility. Voters supported the BJP, not its candidate, he said.

Its worth noting that Ms Chowdhury won the 2021 elections despite being hospitalised in Kolkata with Covid-19 at the timetestament to the strong polarisation along communal lines that still lingers in central West Bengal, observers say.

Appealing directly to voters, the TMC leader urged unity: English Bazaar must rise above divisions. Hindus and Muslims must fight together to defeat the BJP in 2026.

Political analysts observe that while Hindu votes remain fragmented across North Bengal, a majority still lean toward the BJPdrawn by narratives around communal violence, corruption, and recruitment scams amplified by saffron leaders. But they also note a crucial shift  Suvendu Adhikaris hyper-aggressive rhetoric on Hindutva and personal jibes at chief minister Mamata Banerjee have pushed Muslim voters firmly into the TMC camp.

One of the presidents of BJPs organisational districts in northern north Bengal said, Suvendu has lost popularity among our party leaders and workers because he has deviated from the core message of our top leader Narendra Modi  sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka viswas.

From Kanthi to Kaliachak, TMC supporters have launched coordinated social media attacks on Adhikari, unearthing his past pro-TMC remarks to expose his political flip-flop.

Malda district TMC president Rahim Boxi today said: Suvendu Adhikari, once close to Mamata Banerjee, now calls her Mamata Begum? We will teach him a lesson. We will break his political back.
(Reuters) -A vehicle drove into a crowd in East Hollywood in Los Angeles early on Saturday, injuring more than 20 people, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

At least four victims were in critical condition and at least eight others are seriously injured in the incident that occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard, the alert said.

(Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
Trinamul Congress lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for maintaining silence on the attack and harassment of Bengali migrant workers in BJP-led states.

Chandrima Bhattacharya, finance minister and president of Trinamul Mahila Congres said in the states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam and Delhi, Bengali-speaking migrant workers are being harassed for speaking their mother tongue. She alleged that on Thursday some policemen had gone to the shop of a local trader and asked him why he had written a signboard in Bengali. The shopkeeper who is not a Bengali told the policemen that he had Bengali customers and hence he the signboard has been written in Bengali, she said, adding, Is Bengal outside India and have the Bengalis been banned from visiting Gujarat? she asked.

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She criticised Mr Modi for his statement that Bengali workers have escaped as there are no opportunities in Bengal. Mrs Bhattacharya said: The workers have been hired in other states because of their skills. There are more than a crore workers from other states in Bengal, she said, adding: Mr Modi, who speaks about Indian Constitution, has flouted it as he has taken away the right to movement and right to speak, as guaranteed under the Indian Constitution by waging attack on Bengali workers.

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She said: Mr Modi has spoken about the development in Assam and Odisha but deliberately did not mention the name of Bengal which has been one of the three states where massive development has taken place, according to a central government report.

Mrs Bhattacharya said Modi has deliberately spoken lies to confuse people regarding the alleged rape in recent times. In both the cases the accused have been arrested within 24 hours. In R G Kar case, the accused was arrested by the city police and the CBI which is under the Centre could not add anything new.

She said, Today the foundation of projects worth Rs 5400 crore have been laid and the BJP is projecting as if he has inaugurated the projects.

Kunal Ghosh, general secretary of Trinamul Congress, said: PM Modi has spoken about parivartan (change). The change has taken place in him as he did not utter his favourite slogan Jai Shri Ram and instead took the names of Durga and Kali, he said, adding: Till recently, BJP leaders used to say that Mamata Banerjee had not allowed Durga Puja in Bengal. She took Ma Durga to UNESCO, which declared the Puja as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Both the leaders said the BJP will not get more than 50 seats in 2026 Assembly election and as the election will come near, BJP leaders will come like daily passengers to Bengal.
Indias leadership in developing a group standard for whole millet grains, approved during the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47) last year, was appreciated during the 88th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome recently.

The Committee, which concluded its five-day meeting on Friday, reviewed the progress of this work, which is being chaired by India with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal as co-chairs. The terms of reference for the same were finalised at the 11th Session of the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL11) held in April 2025.

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India, as an elected member of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC), participated in the session, which was inaugurated by Mr. Godfrey Magwenzi, Deputy Director General and Director of Cabinet, FAO, and Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO. The event was attended by Dr. Allan Azegele, Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Ms. Sarah Cahill, Secretary of the Commission, and other elected representatives from member countries.

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CCEXEC88 critically reviewed the works chaired by India on the new standards of fresh dates as recommended by the 23rd session of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV23) held in February this year.

The Executive Committee appreciated the efforts of the CCFFV and India in finalising these standards and endorsed them for further approval at the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) scheduled for November 2025. India will also serve as co-chair in new work proposals to develop standards for fresh turmeric and fresh broccoli.

India actively participated in discussions on the monitoring framework for the Codex Strategic Plan 20262031, where SMART Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were finalised for endorsement at CAC48.

India recommended that monitoring indicators should be outcome-based, measurable and considered. India also informed about its capacity-building programme for neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, etc., which has been recognised by the FAO. It is noteworthy that India has been chairing the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since its inception in 2014.

India also encouraged less active Codex member countries to utilise the Codex Trust Fund (CTF) for mentorship and twinning programmes. Drawing from its successful CTF-supported training and capacity-building initiatives with Bhutan and Nepal, India proposed the inclusion of such training efforts as indicators toward achieving strategic goals.
Two narcotics smugglers were arrested by the Delhi Police from Uttar Pradesh with contraband substances worth 1.55 crore, officials said on Saturday.

Police seized 1.543 kilograms of alprazolam, a pharmaceutical drug prescribed to manage panic and anxiety disorders, which was also recovered from the accused.

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According to a senior officer, the accused used alprazolam to chemically enhance the potency of heroin.

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The duo, identified as Mahendra Pal (50) and Natthu Khan (60), allegedly sourced alprazolam from Rampur and heroin from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, which they trafficked into Delhi and Punjab.

To avoid detection, they traveled by public transport and posed as regular commuters while carrying the contraband in their personal belongings. The substances were then sold to local peddlers at transit hubs such as Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh, the officer added.

Initially, Pal acted as a middleman, supplying alprazolam to heroin manufacturers. Over time, he developed his own network and began supplying chemically altered heroin directly.

During sustained interrogation, Pal revealed that alprazolam was routinely mixed with heroin to boost its strength and market value.

He was apprehended on June 28 from Harijan Basti in Ghazipur.

From his possession, police confiscated 1.543 kg of alprazolam and 296 grams of heroin. Following his confession, police arrested another key supplier, Khan, from Bareilly on July 11 and recovered 310 grams of heroin from him, the officer said.

Khans brother reportedly held a licensed permit for opium cultivation, which was allegedly being misused for heroin production.

A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Saturday, visited her ancestral village Nandgarh in Julana, located in Haryanas Jind district, on the occasion of her 51st birthday.

Taking to social media, Gupta expressed that the values and core principles of hard work and service instilled in her from Haryana continue to guide her in serving the people of the national capital.

She emphasized that through collaborative efforts and coordination between Delhi and Haryana, the joint goal is to accelerate comprehensive development in northern India.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also accompanied Gupta during her visit to the village.

Addressing the gathering, Gupta noted that although she had previously visited Julana, it was after 48 years that she had returned to her native village, Nandgarh.

During the visit, several key announcements were made, including development projects worth 16 crore for Nandgarh and the Julana Assembly constituency.

Highlighting the importance of inter-state cooperation, the Delhi CM reiterated that collaboration between Delhi and Haryana would catalyze overall growth and progress in the region.

She expressed deep gratitude toward her roots, stating that the values imbibed in her from Haryana inspire her unwavering commitment to public service in Delhi.

Gupta assured the people that she would serve not only her Karmabhoomi (place of work), Delhi, but also her Janmabhoomi (place of birth), Haryana, with equal dedication and sincerity.

She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading Delhi, calling it not only a personal milestone but also a source of inspiration for every woman and girl in her village.

Gupta praised the BJPs inclusive policies and Prime Minister Modis visionary leadership, noting that individuals from humble backgrounds are now holding top positions in states like Delhi and Haryana while placing public service above all else.

Speaking on the occasion, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said that respecting daughters is a cherished tradition in the state, and that Haryana takes immense pride in the achievements of its daughters.

He described Gupta as an inspiring figure who rose from modest beginnings to become the Chief Minister of Delhi through hard work and dedication.

Saini added that Guptas journey is a testament to the fact that no goal is out of reach with perseverance and commitment.

Praising Guptas leadership, he said that in just five months, her tenure has been marked by clarity of vision, a deep sense of public service, and strong decision-making.

Later in the evening, CM Gupta celebrated her birthday with Divyang children at the Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan in the national capital.

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The Delhi Police have arrested three illegal Bangladeshi nationals involved in begging and other criminal activities in the city. The arrests were made in the Mukherjee Nagar area, police officials said on Saturday.

According to the police, the arrests were made based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of some Bangladeshi nationals in Mukherjee Nagar. The trio was apprehended during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

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After detaining the three individuals, a detailed verification process was conducted, a senior police officer stated.

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He added, Their documents were scrutinised, and during the verification process, it was established that they were Bangladeshi nationals.

The police recovered three identity cards and three smartphones from their possession. The phones were found to have the banned IMO application installed.

Further investigation revealed that the three had been residing illegally in India and were engaged in rag-picking and petty thefts across various parts of the Northwest District, the police added.

Legal proceedings for their deportation have been initiated in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Further investigation is underway.

In a separate case, the Delhi Police also apprehended five other Bangladeshi nationals, including two women, who had been residing illegally in the Palam area of the national capital. They had recently moved to Delhi after working at a brick kiln in Haryana.

They have been identified as Akash (26), Chamili Khatun (26), Mohd. Nahim (27), Halima Begum (40), and Mohd. Usman (13).

The police received a tip-off on July 13 regarding the presence of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Palam Village.

Acting swiftly, the police approached the suspects, requested their identification documents, and conducted a detailed inquiry.

The individuals failed to produce valid documents and admitted to having entered India illegally in 2017, the police said.
Two individuals, one from Bengaluru and the other from Kolkata, have been arrested by the Delhi Police for their involvement in a sophisticated digital arrest scam, officials said on Saturday.

The accused, identified as Mohammad Sahin Khan and Budhadeb Hazara, allegedly extorted 14.85 lakh from a Delhi-based doctor by posing as government officials.

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Khan was apprehended near Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru on July 2, while Hazara, an MBA graduate, was later arrested in Kolkata.

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The scam came to light after the doctor filed a complaint alleging that he had been defrauded of 14.85 lakh. Acting on the complaint, a case was registered and an investigation launched.

According to a senior police officer, the investigation revealed that the bank accounts used in this case were linked to at least 10 other similar frauds reported across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka.

All these cases followed a similar modus operandi involving fake digital arrest threats and extortion, the officer said.

In his statement, the doctor told police that he received a phone call from someone impersonating a government official, who pressured him into transferring the money by threatening him with a digital arrest.

Following the money trail from the transaction, which occurred on February 26, 2024, investigators traced the funds to a bank account registered under a fake address in the name of S K Rice Wholesaler & Trading.

Using technical surveillance and digital tracking, we located the suspects in Bengaluru, the officer added.

During interrogation, Khan confessed to providing his bank account credentials, chequebook, and ATM card to Hazara in exchange for a commission of 1.5 lakh.

Hazara admitted to previously working in the loan departments of various banks before being lured into online fraud by an individual named John from Barrackpore, West Bengal. He also confessed to receiving 3 lakh for using Khans bank account, which he split equally with him.

Efforts are underway to trace the main handler, John, along with other suspects believed to be part of the wider cybercrime network. Police are also working to recover the defrauded amount and examine the financial links of the accused.

Four mobile phonestwo from each accusedhave been seized and are being analysed for further leads.

A case has been registered under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 170 (impersonating a public servant), 384 (extortion), 388 (extortion by threat of accusation), 420 (cheating), and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
The police arrested a vegetable vendor with over 200 grams of narcotics at Delhis Anand Vihar railway station, officials said on Saturday.

The police mentioned that the vendor, Rahul, a resident of Budaun in Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended after a trap was laid on the service road near Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg, which is adjacent to the railway station, on Thursday.

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On checking him thoroughly, 213.5 grams of heroin was found in his possession, and a case was registered under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act, a senior officer mentioned.

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While the preliminary investigation was underway, it came out that Rahul used to procure the narcotic substance from UPs Bareilly and supply it to contacts in Delhi.

According to police, he was working as a courier person who blended in with the regular commuters at busy transit hubs, such as Anand Vihar, to avoid detection.

The officer said the accused studied up to class 12 and worked as a vegetable vendor. He turned to drug trafficking to earn easy money.

He further added in his statement that efforts are ongoing by the officers to identify the backwards and forward links of the supply chain, including in Bareilly and Delhi.
Twenty -one people have been arrested on charges of indulging in violence during an eviction drive in Assams Goalpara district on Thursday.

The Paikan Reserve Forest, long encroached upon by settlers, has been at the center of land conflict, with eviction attempts repeatedly facing resistance from local residents.

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On Thursday, what was meant to be a routine eviction exercise turned chaotic when a group of residents, allegedly opposing the drive, clashed with security forces.

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Police personnel were reportedly attacked with stones and sticks, prompting the administration to step up its response.

In a swift crackdown, security forces launched a late-night operation across the Krishnai region on Friday, arresting 11 more individuals believed to be involved in the violence.

With these latest arrests, the number of people detained in connection with the incident has risen to 21.

Police sources revealed that several suspects have fled to nearby areas within Goalpara in an attempt to evade capture.

Additional security personnel have been deployed in and around the eviction site to prevent further escalation. The district administration, meanwhile, remains on high alert.

The eviction drive is part of the state governments larger push to reclaim forest and government land from alleged illegal encroachers. Paikan Reserve Forest, in particular, has witnessed repeated cycles of settlement and eviction, with the area emerging as a flashpoint for land and identity-based tensions in the region.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur has emphasized the urgent need for area-specific plans to address the widespread destruction caused by natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh.

Thakur on Saturday said that certain parts of Mandi districtparticularly the constituencies of Nachan, Seraj, Dharampur, and Karsoghave witnessed unprecedented damage, and only targeted, localized projects can effectively support their recovery.

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Thakur stated that he had personally reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, urging them to send a central team to assess the ground reality. Acting on this request, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is scheduled to visit Thunag on Sunday to evaluate the extent of the losses.

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Once the assessment is complete, Thakur said he will visit Delhi to submit the report and meet key central leaders, including the Union Home Minister, to push for an urgent and generous relief package for the state. He noted that quick financial assistance is vital for rebuilding infrastructure and restoring normalcy in severely affected areas.

Thakur also appealed to the Himachal Pradesh government to actively prepare and implement area-specific plans tailored to the unique challenges of each disaster-affected region. He said that a one-size-fits-all approach would not work, given the diverse geography and varying intensity of damage across the state.

Focused planning, he said, would ensure that relief and rehabilitation efforts are more efficient and impactful.

He expressed his gratitude to the central government for its timely support during rescue and relief operations and hoped for continued assistance in the rebuilding phase. This is not the time for politics. Our collective focus must be on helping the people who have lost homes, livelihoods, and basic infrastructure, Thakur said.

Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has emphasized the urgent need for area-specific plans to address the extensive damage caused by recent natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh.

He said that the Mandi district, particularly the constituencies of Nachan, Seraj, Dharampur, and Karsog, has suffered severe losses, and targeted development projects are essential for effective recovery.

Speaking about the scheduled visit of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to Thunag likely on Sunday, Thakur said the teams visit is a result of his request to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.

He added that once the damage assessment report is finalized, he will personally travel to Delhi to present it and appeal for generous financial assistance for the state.

Thakur also urged the state government to begin work on area-specific rehabilitation and reconstruction plans for disaster-hit regions.

He expressed gratitude to the central government for its continued support in relief and rescue operations.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Friday that 94.68 per cent of voters in Bihar have been successfully covered in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, with seven days remaining for the completion of the enumeration phase.

The draft electoral roll will be published on August 1, and political parties and citizens will have a full month to suggest corrections or additions, a press statement issued here said.

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Of the total 7.89 crore voters in Bihar, more than 7.11 crore enumeration forms have been received, and 6.85 crore have already been digitised.

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However, nearly 41 lakh forms are still pending, and around 36.8 lakh voters were not found at their registered addresses.

These include more than 12.7 lakh individuals believed to be deceased, 18.1 lakh who may have permanently shifted, and 5.9 lakh identified as enrolled in multiple locations.

In a bid to ensure transparency and accuracy, the ECI has shared lists of such voters with district presidents of political parties and more than 1.5 lakh booth level agents (BLAs) appointed by them.

Each BLA is permitted to submit up to 50 certified forms per day until July 25.

This collaborative verification effort is aimed at preventing the exclusion of any eligible voter.

The final electoral roll will be published on September 30, following the disposal of claims and objections by September 25.

Both printed and digital versions will be provided to recognised political parties and made available on the ECI website.

Any aggrieved voter may appeal to the District Magistrate or the Chief Electoral Officer under Section 24 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

This revision exercise comes ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, likely to take place later this year.

The ECIs proactive measures reflect its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, especially in a politically sensitive state like Bihar, where voter rolls have historically been a point of contention.

Political observers note that the involvement of party-appointed BLAs in the verification process could reduce allegations of bias and improve public trust.

With the final roll set to be published in September, the groundwork for a high-stakes electoral contest is steadily taking shape.
Scott Wolf's restraining order against wife Kelley Wolf has been tentatively dropped after the pair reached a deal in their divorce.

Scott Wolf's restraining order against wife to be dropped?

The 57-year-old actor confirmed his split from Kelley, 48, last month revealing they had parted ways after more than 20 years of marriage and he has since been awarded temporary sole physical and legal custody of their three children.

Scott was also awarded a temporary restraining order against Kelley - which prevented her from having any contact with Scott or their three children until a future hearing - but new court documents obtained by Us Weekly reveal that last week a proposal was submitted that would dismiss the restraining order.

The filing has yet to be signed off on by the judge.

Days after news of the former couple's split was announced, Kelly was admitted to hospital under an involuntary 5150 hold - which is described as "a critical intervention used to detain individuals who are considered a danger to themselves or others or are gravely disabled due to a mental disorder" - but was discharged days later and insisted she was "fine".

In a post on Instagram, she wrote: Im fine, yall. Im happy. No mental illness. No addictions. Just a woman who SURVIVED an involuntary 5150 and went on a 1st DATE 2-night. So nervous! OMG!

The former couple married in 2004 and Kelley recently insisted she is "happy" and "ready to begin again" after her split from the actor.

She wrote on Instagram: "Love makes the world go round  And in the times you feel heavy  KNOW  you are special. Peace is a state of mind.

"And your mind is all that can tell you otherwise  I love you all and I am HAPPY. And thats okay  its okay to hold many things at once.

"We are dynamic  and I am ready to begin again  "
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday up to five jets were shot down during recent India-Pakistan hostilities that began after an April Islamist militant attack in India-administered Kashmir, with the situation calming after a ceasefire in May.

Trump, who made his remarks at a dinner with some Republican U.S. lawmakers at the White House, did not specify which side's jets he was referring to.

"In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually," Trump said while talking about the India-Pakistan hostilities, without elaborating or providing further detail.

Pakistan claimed it downed five Indian planes in air-to-air combat. India's highest-ranking general said in late May that India switched tactics after suffering losses in the air on the first day of hostilities and established an advantage before a ceasefire was announced three days later.

India also claimed it downed "a few planes" of Pakistan. Islamabad denied suffering any losses of planes but acknowledged its air bases suffered hits.

Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan that he announced on social media on May 10 after Washington held talks with both sides. India has differed with Trump's claims that it resulted from his intervention and his threats to sever trade talks.

India's position has been that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their problems directly and with no outside involvement.

India is an increasingly important U.S. partner in Washington's effort to counter China's influence in Asia, while Pakistan is a U.S. ally.

The April attack in India-administered Kashmir killed 26 men and sparked heavy fighting between the nuclear-armed Asian neighbors in the latest escalation of a decades-old rivalry.

New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan, which denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation.

Washington condemned the attack but did not directly blame Islamabad.

On May 7, Indian jets bombed sites across the border that New Delhi described as "terrorist infrastructure," setting off an exchange of attacks between the two countries by fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery that killed dozens until the ceasefire was reached.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath left for New Delhi on Saturday evening amid speculation over the appointment of a new BJP national president and state party chief.

According to sources, CM Yogi is expected to meet BJP national president JP Nadda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit has triggered political buzz in Uttar Pradesh in light of the pending appointments of national and state party chiefs.

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Notably, Deputy Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Photographs of that meeting were shared on social media, fuelling speculation about possible political changes both in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

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With CM Yogi in Delhi now, fresh speculation is circulating in political circles about possible changes in the BJPs state leadership.

A former state BJP president remarked, The Chief Ministers visit to Delhi is significant in terms of potential leadership changes. Several names are under consideration for the post of the new UP BJP chief, and this visit could be part of the decision-making process.

Senior party leaders indicate that names under consideration include Keshav Prasad Maurya, Rekha Verma, BL Verma, Shrikant Sharma, and Dr. Dinesh Sharma. The BJP is reportedly evaluating its strategy based on Brahmin and OBC factors, though the possibility of a surprise candidate cannot be ruled out.

Another former state BJP chief added, Since the Chief Minister belongs to an upper caste, it is likely that the new party chief will be from an OBC background. There is also internal discussion about appointing a woman leader to the post.

Sources within the BJP say the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is keen on selecting a state president who can effectively coordinate with both the government and the party machinery in the run-up to the upcoming elections. The RSS is reportedly seeking Yogi Adityanaths approval before finalising the appointment to avoid any disconnect between the organisation and the administration.

The new state president will play a key role in the upcoming panchayat elections and later in preparing for the 2027 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.
In yet another case of horrifiying violence against women in BJP-ruled Odisha, a young girl was allegedly set on fire in Balanga area of Puri district, triggering massive public and political outrage with former chief minister Naveen Patnaik calling it a deep systemic failure of governance.

In a lenghty social media post on X, Patnaik expressed his anguish over the incident and slammed the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government for its inaction and political patronage.

Such unthinkable incidents against women are now being reported almost daily across Odisha. These are not stray cases of violence. These incidents occurring with shocking regularity point to a deep systemic failure of governance. It shows that criminals have become emboldened under the present government and are not worried about being punished, he said.

The former CM, who ruled Odisha for the longest time in the states history, further added, It shows how Odisha is becoming highly unsafe for women due to government inaction and political patronage. Will the Odisha Govt wake up from this deep slumber and take speedy action so that the criminals are arrested? And more importantly will the government respond so that such incidents are not repeated? The girls and women of Odisha await a response.

The Balanga incident comes close on the heels of Balasore students tragic death. The student had set herself on fire allegedly after her complaint of sexual harassment against the college professor was ignored.

She had also made public appeals to Odisha CM, the state education minister and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, but her cries for justice fell on deaf ears, prompting her to take the drastic step.

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The cremation of Midhun, the 13-year-old student who died on Thursday after being electrocuted at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Keralas Kollam district, was held in the compound of his family home at Sasthamkotta. Hundreds gathered to bid him a tearful farewell.

His parents, Suja and Manu, gave him a final kiss, while his younger brother Sujin performed the last rites and lit the pyre.

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Midhuns mother, Suja, who was working in Kuwait and had been on vacation in Turkey with her employers family, arrived early Saturday morning.

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Overcome with grief, she broke down upon seeing her sons body, a moment that moved even the most stoic among the mourners. Suja had left for Kuwait just three months ago in search of work, hoping to support her family and repay mounting debts after their home and land were foreclosed.

Earlier in the day, Midhuns body was placed at his school for public viewing. Teachers, classmates, and local residents gathered to pay their respects.

It was not a typical Saturday morning at Thevalakkara Boys High School. The air was thick with sorrow as Midhuns body was brought into the school where he once dreamt of a brighter future.

Students and staff stood in solemn silence, many unable to hold back tears. His classmates, who had studied and played with him just two days before, were inconsolable at the sight of their friend lying still.

Suja arrived at Nedumbassery Airport from Kuwait on Saturday morning, where she was received by her sister and younger son. As she exited the terminal clutching Sujin, she collapsed in anguish.

Just days earlier, she had been in Turkey, hopeful for her familys future. But that hope was shattered when, late Thursday night, she received the devastating news via a video call.

Midhun died on Thursday morning after coming into contact with a low-hanging power line. The incident occurred around 8:30 am., just before school began.

While playing with friends, Midhuns slipper fell onto the roof of the schools cycle shed. As he attempted to retrieve it, he accidentally touched an overhead electric wire. Though he was rushed to a government hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has alleged that the BJP government, after shutting down government schools, is now moving to close down universities. He claimed that this is evident from the steep hike in university fees and the recent move to discontinue several academic programs.

This BJP government is shutting down more than 20 skill-based and employment-oriented courses at Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind, citing a lack of faculty and infrastructure. As a result, students from Jind and nearby areas will now have to travel to Kurukshetra, Delhi, or other distant places for admission, which will be both costly and inconvenient, he said in a statement.

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Hooda recalled that the Congress government had established the university to promote higher education in Jind. The Congress ensured that students from every district could access graduation and post-graduation education locally. But the BJP does not want children from poor, SC, OBC, and farming families to receive affordable and quality education, he added.

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He said this is why the government has discontinued crucial programs such as three-month Certificate Program in Communication Skills; one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Enterprise; B Com; Advanced Certificate in Videography for Film and Television; Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication; and BA (Psychology), BA (History), BA (Economics), BA (English).

He further referred to Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling; Diploma in Digital Forensics; PG Diploma in Data Science; B Sc (Geography), B Sc (Mathematics), B Sc (Physics), B Sc (Chemistry); Certificate Course in Geoinformatics; BA (Music) Vocal and Instrumental; MA Post Diploma in Creative Writing; MA Post Diploma in Advertising Business, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).

Hooda also criticized the government for a steep fee hike at Guru Jambheshwar University. The fee for courses like LLB has increased by one and a half-time. The BA-LLB fee was 49,800 last year; now it has been raised to 75,000, he said.

He added that similar hikes have been imposed on courses like BA Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and B Tech. This trend of increasing fees year after year is making it difficult for children from economically weaker backgrounds to pursue higher education, he pointed out.

Hooda further said the government had officially refused to provide funds to universities and had asked them to recover their costs by increasing course fees. Though the government later withdrew the letter due to opposition pressure, its clear that the policy continues. Government universities are being pushed to function like private institutions, he said.

The former Chief Minister also slammed the BJP for not establishing a single major university during its tenure. While the Congress opened one central university (Mahendragarh), 12 new government universities, 154 new polytechnic colleges, 56 new ITIs, and four government engineering colleges, the BJP has not even set up a single central university or technical institution in the past 11 years, he claimed.

The BJP is consistently closing government schools on one hand, and on the other, it is hiking university fees and discontinuing courses. This clearly shows its intent to hand over the entire education system to private players, Hooda said.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Saturday that India would enter into trade agreements only if they align with the countrys national interest. He was speaking at a session titled Creating Global Impact Towards Viksit Bharat organized by ASSOCHAM in Mumbai.

If India gets a good trade deal, we will go ahead with it. If not, we wont. India always puts the countrys interest first, Goyal said at the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) event.

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Addressing industry leaders and entrepreneurs, Goyal emphasized the need for a mindset shift in Indias Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector and urged them to collaborate for collective growth.

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We need targets, guidance, and a change in mindset. Big or small, firms must grow together, he said, calling on businesses to support each other and be vocal for local.

He underscored the crucial role of MSMEs in driving research, innovation, quality, and scalability to enhance global competitiveness. He assured industry players that their concerns would be addressed.

The government can only act if the industry voices its concerns, Goyal said.

Speaking on broader economic reforms, Goyal contrasted the current strength of the banking system with the challenges faced during the UPA governments tenure.

During the UPA regime, the banking sector collapsed under rising NPAs. We have restructured it in a transparent manner. Today, the banking system is robust and performing well, he said, crediting the improvements to reforms led by Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration.

Goyal also announced that the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will come into effect from October 1.

He said the deal, which was signed on March 10 last year, marks a significant milestone in Indias trade diplomacy. Under the agreement, India is set to receive committed investments worth USD 100 billion from the EFTA bloc over the next 15 years. According to government estimates, this investment is expected to generate one million direct jobs in India.

The agreement provides preferential market access for several European goodsincluding Swiss watches, chocolates, and cut and polished diamondswhich will now be subject to reduced or zero import duties. The EFTA comprises four European countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

As part of the agreement, EFTA will invest USD 50 billion in India within the first 10 years, with an additional USD 50 billion committed for the subsequent five years, Goyal added.

Earlier on Saturday, Goyal also inaugurated the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) Advanced Cyber Skill Centre in Kandivali, which provides cybersecurity training to nearly 1,000 youth annually, with a strong focus on womens empowerment under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).

The Kandivali Skill & Career Centre, conceptualised under Goyals guidance, serves as a comprehensive skill development hub for youth and women across North Mumbai. This is not just a building. It is a mission to empower the youth and women of Mumbai with future-ready skills, Goyal said at the inaugural event.

The event was attended by DSCI CEO Vinayak Godse, Kyndryl Global Head of Corporate Affairs Una Pullizi, Kyndryl India President Lingraju Sawkar, along with industry leaders and young learners.
Jharkhand Industry Secretary Arwa Rajkamal and Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA) Managing Director Varun Ranjan held separate meetings with representatives of JICA, JETRO, and NEC Corporation in Delhi to discuss investment, industrial development, and technology collaboration.

The meetings were held under the directive of Chief Minister Hemant Soren to review potential partnerships with international agencies for industrial growth, health infrastructure, and skill training in the state.

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In a meeting with Aditi Puri, Senior Development Specialist at Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Jharkhand delegation presented current projects and sought collaboration. JICA reviewed the proposals and discussed possible areas for cooperation.

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The delegation also met Suzuki Takashi, Chief Director General of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), who conveyed readiness to support investor engagement between Japanese firms and Jharkhand. Both sides agreed to conduct outreach events to identify new investment areas.

At Jharkhand Bhawan, NEC Corporations Corporate Strategy representative Ryohei Aiba discussed cooperation in information technology, digital systems for rare earth mineral extraction, and the creation of a Japanese language academy in the state. NEC conveyed interest in participating in digital infrastructure projects and skill initiatives.

The meetings focused on identifying clear areas of cooperation and outlining steps for joint activities between Jharkhand and Japanese institutions.
The counter-intelligence wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday raided 10 locations in different districts of Kashmir in connection with the investigations into a terror recruitment case.

Officials said that the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) is carrying out searches at 10 locations in four places in the Valley in connection with the investigation into a terror recruitment case.

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These raids are part of an ongoing investigation into a terror crime case linked to a terrorist sleeper cell and recruitment module handled by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander, Abdullah Ghazi, from across the border.

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The places being raided are in Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal and Kangan areas, the officials said.

It must be mentioned that sleeper cells is the name given by the authorities to those low-lying, normal-looking terrorists who are not actively involved in terrorism.

The terror commanders give sleeper cells weapons to undertake a specific terrorist act. After carrying out the crime, a terrorist belonging to the sleeper cell dumps the weapon and resumes normal activities of life.

Intelligence agencies say identification and arrest of a sleeper cell terrorist becomes a challenging task since such off-time terrorists can either be trapped while indulging in an act of terrorism or nabbed through identification by an arrested terror commander.

The terrorists working as sleeper cells are not directly connected, and the arrest of one such member does not necessarily provide a lead to other members of the same or other sleeper cell modules.

Sleeper cells perform most of the difficult terror crimes, like shooting a local policeman in a crowded place, hurling a grenade at a marketplace place or circulating terrorist literature, among others.

Often, such youth operate without the knowledge of their parents, relatives, friends and neighbours, and this is the reason that disbelief is expressed by parents, relatives, neighbours and friends once the police arrest any member of the sleeper cell.
Vellappally Natesan, General Secretary of the SNDP Yogam, an organization representing the Hindu Ezhava community, on Saturday claimed that Kerala is in a situation where the state government is compelled to govern by listening to Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar.

Speaking at the SNDP Yogam leadership meeting in Kottayam, Natesan said that when school timings were changed in the state following a court order, Samastha Kerala Jemiyyathul Ulama (Samastha) demanded that the Onam and Christmas holidays be curtailed.

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He added that the same group had also opposed the introduction of Zumba dance classes for children in schools.

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No matter what law the government introduces, if they do not consult Malappuram, it becomes a problem, he said. If they are asked to sit, those on this side will lie down. Where is this state heading? Are we moving towards a religious dictatorship Natesan asked.

He further alleged that former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan had previously warned that the Muslim community would soon become the majority in Kerala. Natesan also claimed that while the number of assembly constituencies has reduced in many regions, it has increased in Malappuram.

Ezhavas in Kerala are given importance only in the employment guarantee scheme. This must end. If the Ezhavas unite, we can decide who should rule Kerala, he asserted.

Natesan also criticized community monopolies in Kottayam, saying, Kottayam is dominated by a few communities. Some special groups hold sway here, and no one dares to speak out against them. We dont have the tendency to fight for power or our rights. Party members who believe in them nominate their candidates, and we just vote for them.

That shouldnt be the case. We must secure representation in governance. We must assert our rights within the political parties we support. If we cannot bring our people into positions of power, this association has no purpose. Only then can social justice be achieved, he said.
At a time when the BJP government is facing backlash over a spurt in crime against women and minors, a 15-year-old girl student was allegedly set ablaze in broad daylight on Saturday by three motorcycle-borne miscreants in a village in Odishas Puri district, sparking fresh outrage across the state.

The crime occurred at a deserted roadside spot on the Haripur-Balanga road near Bayabar village under Balanga police station jurisdiction. The miscreants stuffed a handkerchief in the victims mouth and dragged her to the crime spot. Later, they poured inflammable substances and set her afire. Wearing masks, they swiftly fled from the spot as the victim in flames ran for life.

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Hearing screams, locals rushed to rescue the victim. By the time police arrived to shift her to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, the victim had sustained 70% burn injury.

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The latest incident comes close on the heels of the death of a female undergraduate student from Balasore FM College. She died by self-immolation after her complaint of sexual harassment by a teacher was ignored by government agencies. The self-immolation had grabbed national media headlines and triggered a statewide shutdown following a call by the INDIA bloc. The opposition BJD also continues to stage protests on a daily basis, seeking justice for the bereaved family.

The horrifying nature of the crime has yet again thoroughly laid bare the grim ground reality that the state is slowly turning into an unsafe place for women and girl children. Slack law enforcement has virtually emboldened the crime mongers to strike at fresh targets, commented Rabi Narayan Paraminik, a retired government official from Bhubaneswar.

The burn victim has been received at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar emergency ward in critical condition. She has sustained approximately 70% total body surface area burns. Her health condition is critical. Best available treatment is being provided to her, AIIMS authorities said in a statement.

The accused persons are yet to be identified. Police are on the job to identify and arrest the miscreants at the earliest, said Director General of Police, Y.B.Khurania.

Special squad has been constituted to nab the culprits. Scientific team and dog squad are at the crime spot to elicit vital medico-legal evidence. Police investigation is underway on a priority basis and all possible angles of the crime are being looked into, said Puri Superintendent of Police, Pinak Mishra.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parid, expressing deep anguish over the incident, said police have also been directed to arrest the culprits immediately and take stringent action against them.

Meanwhile, scores of politicians, both from the ruling and the opposition, have made a beeline to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. With each politician flanked by group of loyalists, the hospital is witnessing a sudden rush, much to the worry of hospital authorities.

Condemning the horrible crime, former chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik said, It shows how Odisha is becoming highly unsafe for women due to government inaction and political patronage.

It has happened just within a week of the terrible incident of a young girl setting herself ablaze in FM College after she was denied justiceeven after knocking on every door, and a month after the horrific incident in Gopalpur, Patnaik stated in X handle.

These incidents occurring with shocking regularity point to a deep systemic failure of governance. It shows that criminals have become emboldened under the present government and are not worried about being punished, he concluded.
Kerala Police Chief Rawada Chandrashekhar has said that after the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI), its activists in Kerala have migrated to the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

In an interview given to a Malayalam news channel, Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Rawada Chandrashekhar stated that the activities of the banned organisation PFI have shifted to SDPI.

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After the ban on PFI, strict action was taken in several states, including Kerala. Those who are sympathetic to PFI have migrated to parties like SDPI. They will be monitored, and appropriate action will be taken, said Chandrashekhar.

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He also expressed concern over the increasing influx of foreign drugs into India, stating that synthetic drugs are being trafficked from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Kerala Police will devise a comprehensive plan to combat drug trafficking into the state, with the support of central agencies, he said.

Strong action will be taken against the drug mafia. A joint crackdown by various departments is already underway. The Kerala Police will lead a major coordinated operation against drug trafficking, the DGP added.
Jeffrey Epsteins brother on Friday called on Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump, to release hours of video footage shot years ago with the now-dead sex offender.

Let me see the videotapes, Mark Epstein told NBC News. Hes my brother.

Bannon spent 15 hours interviewing Epstein in 2019 for what he described as a documentary. The footage for the documentary, which was never released, was shot shortly before Epstein died in jail while awaiting trial as a convicted sex offender in what authorities ruled as a suicide. The recordings reportedly included conversations between the two men giving details about Jeffrey Epsteins relationship with Trump. Speculation mounted after the documentary footage was taken that Bannon had grown friendly with Jeffrey Epstein and was trying to help him out with his public-relations problems.

Mark Epstein said that he met up with Bannon shortly after his brothers death in either 2019 or 2020.

He told me he has like 15 or 16 hours of videotape of Jeff. He was trying to help Jeff rehabilitate his reputation, Mark Epstein said of Bannon.

Marks comments come as the White House is embroiled in a deluge of criticism over its handling of the governments files on the Epstein case. Trump promised to get to the bottom of Jeffrey Epstein by releasing all the files. But he has since said that Democrats planted hoaxes that lists of prominent clients Jeffrey Epstein blackmailed ever existed after the Justice Department and FBI released a joint memo denying the existence of a client list and stating that the New Yorker financier definitively died by suicide. Trump was one of the many notable figures befriended by Jeffrey Epstein in his heyday during the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s, among the likes of the Clintons, Harvard mathematician and biologist Martin Nowak, Nobel laureates, including physicist Stephen Hawking, and Prince Andrew.

Bannon promised earlier this month to release at least part of the footage in early 2026. Bannon also revealed footage will focus on Jeffrey Epsteins possible connections to the intelligence community, which could foment allegations that the financier image that he built in New York was a front he built as a government agent in order to build a web of connections to powerful leaders, including in the scientific, political, and intellectual communities.

Youre going to have to name names, and youre going to have to understand how the elites of the world but also the intelligence services are inextricably linked in the Epstein story, Bannon said. Thats the key.

William Burns, director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2021-2025, had three meetings scheduled with Epstein in 2014, when he was then-President Barack Obamas deputy secretary of state, according to a 2023 Wall Street Journal investigation. Kathryn Ruemmler, a White House counsel under former President Barack Obama, had dozens of meetings with Epstein in the years after her White House service, the outlet found.

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Those accusing Jeffrey Epstein of being involved in a type of deep-state effort on behalf of the intelligence community, possibly in the United States' CIA or Israels Mossad agency, range from right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, to Virginia Giuffre, said to be one of Epsteins a sex-trafficking victims that he pawned off to Great Britians Prince Andrew for sex. Israel has vigorously denied such claims.

Bannon and other people who have scrutinized whether Jeffrey Epstein held ties to intelligence agencies, including, most recently, notable mathematician Eric Weinstein, have speculated that while the convicted sex offenders reputation as a pedophile was valid, it represented only one layer of a complicated past.

During an interview on Steven Bartletts Diary of a CEO podcast earlier this week, Weinstein, who has conducted groundbreaking scientific research into the theory of gravity, suggested that Epstein was a construct of intelligence networks interested in scientific development, among a host of other priorities, following reporting, including from the New York Times, that he was unusually interested in the arena.

Jeffrey Epstein was a construct of something that was running multiple things. One of those things was science. And I dont think that the science and the pedophilia were necessarily in the same bucket. He was funding all sorts of people, Weinstein said. I met him once, but it was enough to know, Holy cow, the Harvard Math Department cant be what I think it is. Why was he there?

He wasnt a financier the day I met him. He was a weird guy who didnt seem to know a lot about currency trading, claiming to run a multi-billion dollar FX hedge fund, Weinstein continued. Epstein knew a tremendous amount about my work when nobody knew anything about my work. And he had a pipeline into me that I didnt understand, which is that he was connected to my graduate programI desperately want to know why Jeffrey Epstein knew so much about my work.

Jeffrey Epstein was known as an enormously wealthy New York financier before his fall from power in 2008, when he was charged with sex crimes.

DERSHOWITZ SAYS TWO NEW YORK JUDGES STILL BLOCKING EPSTEIN DETAILS: EVERYTHING SHOULD COME OUT

Questions have floated for years about the exact details surrounding his financial business and who his clients were, with media accounts in the early 2000s, years before he catapulted into the national consciousness, painting him as a highly-regarded international moneyman of mystery.

Its like looking at the Wizard of Oz  there may be less there than meets the eye, a prominent investor told New York Magazine in 2002.
India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is likely to be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis upcoming visit to the United Kingdom next week, is projected to increase trade between the two countries by 25.5 billion every year, Anna Shotbolt, Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia at the British High Commission, New Delhi, said.

Speaking at an interactive session on IndiaUK Free Trade Agreement: The Way Forward, which was organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday here, she highlighted that under the proposed FTA, there are provisions for tariff reductions on 90 percent of traded goods between the two countries.

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However, it is not only about tariffs which are indeed a crucial aspect that will benefit many industries. Creative companies will also benefit through stronger copyright protections, and the services sector will see gains as well. The Double Taxation Avoidance Convention will also help workers on both sides, creating more transparency and certainty, she, according to a press release issued by the PHDCCI, said.

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Speaking on the occasion, Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary General, PHDCCI, emphasised that the UK-India FTA negotiations began when India was the fifth-largest economy, and by the time of its signing, India has become the fourth-largest. Britain is among the largest developed economies, and this FTA is a significant bilateral trade agreement for India.

He further discussed the importance of the social security clause that supports Indian professionals going to the UK and said that we must take advantage of this FTA.

Naveen Seth, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, said the programme held was a part of PHDCCIs continuous efforts to build strong international partnerships and promote economic cooperation.

PM Modi will embark on a two-nation tour to the UK and the Maldives from July 23 to 26.

The first leg of his journey will be to the United Kingdom on July 23-24, where he is expected to sign the landmark India-UK FTA.

The agreement is poised to impact 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK by reducing tariffs, thereby facilitating British exports such as whisky and cars to India.
Telangana government is all set to resume tunnelling operations in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC), where a cave-in had resulted in the deaths of eight workers in February this year.

Despite several attempts, bodies of only two out of eight workers buried alive could be retrieved after months. State irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy described the SLBC tunnel as a crucial lifeline for Telangana and directed officials to resume tunnelling operations for the remaining 10 km, saying it should be treated as a top priority.

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Reddy held a review meeting on the SLBC tunnel in which noted tunnel engineering expert Colonel Parkshit Mehra, who joined the irrigation department on deputation, participated. He was also part of the rescue team that had worked for months to retrieve the bodies from the SLBC tunnel.

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General Harpal Singh, former engineer-in-chief of the Indian Army, will also soon join the department. The two ex-military personnel have been roped in to complete the challenging SLBC tunnel project. Despite the technical challenge posed by the SLBC tunnel, the government is keen to complete the project, which will bring water from Srisailam Dam to Nalgonda and Khammam districts and irrigate four lakh acres.

The irrigation minister said, Its completion must be treated as a top priority and executed with agency. He iterated that the cost would not be a constraint, but quality and speed must be maintained at the highest standards.

The minister directed officials to resume tunnelling, drilling and blasting in the SLBC tunnel. The irrigation department is collaborating with the Geological Survey of India and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to use the latest electromagnetic survey technology.

The minister directed officials to expedite LIDAR Survey. The project was taken up during the tenure of YS Rajasekhar Reddy in the united Andhra Pradesh. After the formation of Telangana, the BRS did not proceed with the project, considering the challenges.

It was resumed only after the Congress government assumed office but the tragedy in February again halted work. It was due to constant water seepage, the point in the tunnel where the bodies were believed to be buried was designated as unstable by the experts. The state government deployed robots and even rat miners but could not retrieve the remaining bodies.
At the end of the 20th century, celebrated Colombian writer Ga briel Garcia Marquez made a seminal observation: Expect nothing from the 21st century; it is the 21st century that expects everything from us. Marquez was right. The new century promised glorious sunrise, major advances in human civilisation, innovations, and societal progress from the physical to the abstract, and from the digital to the tangible.

We are in the third decadal journey of the 21st century. With degeneration all around, one doesnt have even a faint hope in what Victor Hugo believed: even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise. Today, science is slogging, technology is straying into the realm of the unknown and society is in retreat. Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan believes that we are living in a profoundly anti-science moment.

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The age of theory is drawing to its end. We have entered a phase of post-theory science. How can science flourish when denial, distraction, accusation and lies are part of the new game in town? Doubt is essential for science. We are in the belly of the beast. Technology is helping the believers of neo-science to perpetuate their myths. Thanks to the smartphonification of life, we now have more memories in our pockets and less in our heads. We have entered a phase of unreason. We may not have entered the age of anti-Enlightenment. But we see the core values of the Enlightenment fading. Critical thinking, empirical rigour and a spirit of debate and discussion are losing ground. Today, secular values are ridiculed.

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The modern world, as Jurgen Habermas had said was distinguished from the old by the fact that it opened itself to the future. With barbarians at the gate, modernity has become shambolic. Democracy is on decline. In a large number of countries, there has been a merger of the nation with the state in which the citizen has become a glorified employee. We are moving towards a dystopian future. A tiny tech elite is operating the machinery of civilisation while the rest is becoming a mute spectator. Internet has given us a wealth of information but the majority suffers from information poverty. Collapse of public debate is the result of digital distraction.

As an analyst argues, instead of following Rene Descartes I think, therefore I am, we tend to adhere to someone else thinks for me, therefore he/she is. Digitisation has transformed governance in India. We are now the third largest digitised country in the world behind US and China. But Indias problems lie elsewhere. Tagores rebuke remains relevant today. He said that the imposing tower of misery which rests in the heart of India has its sole foundation in the absence of education. Humanity faces major challenges. Yuval Noah Harari talks of 21 lessons that we must wrestle with including nuclear war, climate challenge and technological-biological disruption.

He also poses the question how we stay relevant in an AIdriven world. Big data is threatening the foundations of liberty and privacy. Harari also foresees digital dictatorships where governments track and control people using AI, stopping dissent. The Dark Age began with barbarians driving Roman civilisation from Europe. The label Dark Ages was more a figure of speech than a fair judgement, which showed a desire to distance from the medieval past and was repeated over time until it became part of public thinking. Today, the age of reason is in danger of shifting backwards.

The deluge of information is making us anything but smarter. It is ushering us into a new Dark Age of superficiality and narcissism. Universities are under attack. Our romance with books has faded. With so much stuff on the internet, we are destined to become a species of technological scavenging. The 21st century is fast becoming a New Dark Age. Canadian author George Case describes the new dark age as the age of cacophonous technology, of information overload, of toxic clamour and attention-fuelled barbarism. We are losing trust in science but there is a growing trust in tech emperors. It is a new romantics wonder! Big tech Czars have their own agendas.

The new plutocrats of Silicon Valley are like predatory wolves. Innovation is not always progressive. It is often at the service of the plutocrats. Another worry is the geopolitics of big tech. High tech has come to signify high politics, too. Today, digital and tech advancements are geopolitical issues of the highest order. As British writer James Bridle writes, We know more and more about the world, while being less and less able to do anything about it. Let us not allow technology to magically fix everything. Social media and news cycles have taken away our ability to reflect and think deeply about what is actually happening.

Through the attention economy, our mind is being fracked. In an attention economy, our attention is constantly demanded. In fact, our attention itself has become a commodity. Attention, not money, is the fuel of politics. In this economy, the worst victims are the Gen-Zers who face what American journalist David Brooks calls rejection after rejection. Our leaders get, demand and control our attention. Both politics and commerce now grab and seduce our attention. If our attention is a transaction in the worlds most valuable currency, our political leaders keep us distracted from real problems and undermine our worldviews and our understanding of the world and politics. Politics itself has become a spectacle. We have so much access to information and yet we are getting impoverished.

The thuggish financial systems, algorithms of all kinds, AI, state secrecy and mass surveillance regimes darken our horizons. Data may be new oil for the rich and the powerful, citizens are blind and deaf in the middle of a freeway. Who benefits when we remain glued to our screens, our every scroll, click, like and share? We are facing what Bridle calls a cloud of the unknown? A New Dark Age has dawned. And it has its own barbarians ~ big tech plutocrats, the new robber barons.

(The writer comments on global affairs)
Contemporary global playwrights capitalise historical, political, mythological and ecological settings as part of their aesthetic approaches making powerful theatrical use of the past in the purview of the present situations. We may mention some of them in the global scene who use these techniques to the maximum; Lucy Kirkwood, a British playwright; Cordelia Lynn, a London-based playwright and Samuel Adamson, an Adelaide-born Australian playwright now anchored in London. Contemporary socially committed playwrights explore the cultural impact of theatre, the use of various performance spaces, and the task of theatre in shaping communities and narratives of the state. The planning of forty-two essays by the editor Arnab Saha in Bratya Abikalpo Natyapurush is so precise that even for an initiated reader curiosity runs high. Bratya Basus theatrical motivation is righteousness and protecting the weak, innocent and marginalised.

An academic trained in Bengali aesthetics for theatre, Bratya Basus writings focus on emerging political fantasy, fuzzy tales of history, human- non human relationships, the interface between music and gross human life, ethical aspects of life and fall of ethical standards, the dissension between love and riot, moral and immoral principles and the crossing over between time and cultural ethos. Coupling with the critically incisive eye of an academic with the emotive directness of a dramatist, the volumes essays provide wonderful introductions to the works reviewed by esteemed academicians and writers.

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Bratya Basu announced his arrival as a dramatist with the play Ashaleen (1996) and immediately he caught the attention of Bengali theatre goers. Bengali intelligentsia liked his themes close to hearts and style for a delightful theatrical experience. Bratya Basus significant plays include Aranyadeb, Shahar Yaar, Virus-M, Winkle-Twinkle, etc. His other important plays are, Ruddhasangeet, Chatushkon, Hemlat  the Prince of Garanhata, Krishna Gahobar, Sateroi July, Bikele Bhorer Sorshey Phool, Supari Killer, Boma etc. The list may go on and on. In some plays, we trace Shavian ( after G. B. Shaw) energy and iconoclasm for changing society for good. A compilation of his plays has been published in four volumes in 2004, 2010, 2016 and 2022 respectively. Noted for his sincerity, wide knowledge of theatres of the world and avant-garde zeal, Bratya Basu has created his own stretch in contemporary Bangla theatre by moving beyond its existing horizons and embracing topical iconoclasm. He is the actor who needs to be challenged with diverse roles in different contexts, carefree and easy. Bratya Basu does that with facility. He formed the theatre group Kalindi Bratyajan in 2008 for cultural change through performances. Bratyajon marked its glorious beginning with Ruddhasangeet (2009). Bratya Basu gives his personal light and contemporary status of his theatre group in the conversation at the beginning. Interview by editor Arnab Saha and Rajib Bardhan, Director of Jadavpur Manthan is a help to estimate Bratya Basu, the man and his art. Girish Karnads Tughlaq to Bratya Basus Mir Jafar is a long walk to freedom on stage; military/social prowess and extensive emotional purgation.

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The evolution of mythology, narratives of heroes (and antiheroes) and history reflects a deeper shift in how humanity understands the past and creates materials for dramatic and filmy adaptation and interpretation. Dark corridors of history seek to uncover past facts, mythology continues to formulate cultural consciousness, and together, mythology and history serve as mirrors of human experiences. Some of Bratya Basus plays help us navigate our lived moments; through facts and imagination. Bratya Abikalpo Natyapurush competently edited by Arnab Saha highlights how myths, history and heroic tales exist on a continuum of human storytelling and the eloquent style of Bratya Basus writings/directions for stage performances and beyond. This book is rich with numerous essays written by persons from different backgrounds, covering a range of themes from the idea of home/society/individual, sexuality and the inherent struggle to the personal stories of the community and the history. Language for the veteran dramatist is a queer and stock thing; bluntly topical yet aesthetically subtle. Sahitya Akademi award-winning poet Subodh Sarkars article is on his impressions as both of them shared the same staff room for years discussing paradigms of literature and world society, personal and academic. The essayist recalls Sunil Gangopadhyas predictions regarding the adept talents of Bratya Basu. He also remembers Brtaya Basus indomitable spirit, More I shall be defeated, more I shall be spirited. Subodh Sarkar says, Past is a table in Bratyas plays. History is a typewriter. Date is a flower vase. The editors in-depth interview with Bratya Basu maps history, time, space, relations, theatre and his personal domains where even what he thinks about a Sunday is discussed with care. The interview explores random discussions on Group Theatre. By referring to Mary Theatre and the company theatre the editor reminds us of Antonin Artaud, a major figure in the 20th-century theatre. The book discusses how Bratya Basus vision of theatre aimed to release human instincts and challenge societal repressions. Hamlet: Prince of Garanhata is an explorative wonder where Bratya Basu used themes from William Shakespeare and made mastery over them. His Krishna Gohobor is a science fantasy blended with images and impressions from contemporary society. Atanu Sarkars essay maps the contexts of the play Bhoy through political crossing over. Shubhankar is like any other man in our contemporary society. Fear has dramatic significance on the physical, social and even cosmic dangers imprinted on the audience. The essay highlights Bratya Basus skilful presentation of fear through life-like characters with which the audience can self-project on stage.

Bratya Basus theatre is a way to free individuals from social constraints and unleashes their inner energies by the use of gestures, sounds and visual elements. Mainak Bandyapadhayay describes how Bratya Basu is sincere and particular about the costume, voice, position and gestures of characters. The author refers to the English film and theatre director Peter Stephen Brook for stage precision. Samrat Sengupta emphasises the nonlinear progression of thoughts and schemes in Bratya Basus plays. Samrat goes deep into postmodern theoretical foundations and examines Bhoy and Krishnagahbor in detail. Noted Puran specialist Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri maps Bratyas creative canvas in the light of a power-intellectual. The essayist makes his take on Bratya Basu clear by explaining different types of intellectuals in relation to the application of creative aroma and sustaining it for a long time. The artist is an inspired genius; the power of the artist is immediate and immanent. Bratya does things ably and intellectually. A professor of history, Kaushiki Dasguptas well-researched essay places Bratya Basus works in an impressive and interactive theatrical experience, blurring the lines between the alert audience and performer(s). Many of Bratyas plays inspire contemporary theatre practitioners who seek to create visceral and innovative theatrical experiences in vernaculars.

Some essays deal with multifaceted artist Bratya Basu as a film director like  Raasta which has a theme of youth moving into violent coercion. Teesta is a film based on the forlornness in role relations and the unpredictability of love and romance in life. Bratya acted in many films which include Kaalbela, Icchey, Sthaniyo Sambad, Hemlock Society, Dhulobali Katha, Muktodhara, Double Feluda, Baranda, Jogajog, Kalkijug, Asamapta, etc and won many heads and hearts while watching the stories unfold.

Pradipta Mukherjee and Pinaki Roy showcase how Bratya Basu makes his own standard/brand in directing contemporary Bengali films and theatres with a different gharana incorporating unique storylines and style. A couple of essays in this book make an inroad into style involving actors directly addressing the audience, creating a more personal and intimate connection. While the readers right to interpret texts certainly remains indisputable, the interest sustained by heart-picking ideas/lines/sentiments from the texts organic body arouses our hunger for more. The sagacious critic in Arnab Saha, with an eye for detail, draws our attention to the metaphors/semantics/meanings/ styles that make Bratya Basus creative corpus magical.

The writer is a seasoned academician, poet, translator and principal, New Alipore College, Kolkata. He is currently the president of Guild of Indian English Writers, Editors and Critics (GIEWEC)

Spotlight

Bratya: Abikalpa Natyapurush

Edited by Arnab Saha

Udar Akash, 1 May 2025

Rs. 599, 416 pages
The Desh Gorte July Padayatra, or the July Walkathon for Nation Building, organised by Bangladeshs unregistered National Citizen Party (NCP) on the first anniversary of the violent July uprising that ultimately led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas unceremonious exit from power in August 2024, was a desperate attempt to gain public sympathy and restore efforts to make inroads into Gopalganj, long considered as a fortress of the Awami League (AL).

Formed by student leaders who led the July 2024 uprising, the NCP, or the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NJP) as it is known in Bengali, has failed to meet the preliminary requirements and scrutiny of Bangladeshs Election Commission for registration. However, the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus continues to dole out innumerable freebies to the NCP, including providing its top leaders with a security cover on taxpayers money.

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Fully aware of its fault lines, the party, through its March to Gopalganj perhaps targetted some kind of a provocation that could have ultimately resulted in delaying the much-awaited general elections in the country.

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However, in Gopalganj, the banned Awami League and its student wing Chhatra League, even after having faced significant setbacks and considered defunct by many, threw a spanner in the NCPs plan of action.

It was in Gopalganj in August 2024 that the Awami League and allied organisations had committed to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh.

This Wednesday, tackling insurmountable obstacles, the partys cadre showed that its spirit and mission continues to save Bangladesh and its inclusive socio-politico-economic fabric of progress.

Even as the Awami League workers continue to run for their lives  dozens killed already  all over the country, the partys Gopalganj cadre stood like a rock, blocking the convoy of NCP leaders and activists who wanted to desecrate and dishonour the memorial and mausoleum complex dedicated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara.

In Gopalganj district, Kotalipara upazila is Hasinas electoral area and Tungipara upazila her, as well as Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans, birthplace. In its traditional stronghold, the Awami League held its ground.

The pro-Hasina voices were so strong that the NCP leaders had to take shelter in the office of the Gopalganjs Superintendent of Police. The slogan going around in Gopalganj is Sheikher Beti Aasbe, Bangladesh Haansbe, simply translated as the daughter of Sheikh will come and Bangladesh will smile.

The senior leaders of the NCP were taken from Gopalganj to Khulna. Seeing the situation getting tense, convenor Nahid Islam, member secretary Akhtar Hossain, chief organiser (south) Hasnat Abdullah, and chief organiser (north) Sarjis Alam had to leave by Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC).

At least 10 vehicles were set on fire in Gopalganj district headquarters. More than 50 people, including police personnel, were injured in a series of clashes. At least 400 unidentified people have also been accused in the case, 45 detained by the joint forces during raids since the violent clashes which led to five deaths.

On Thursday, July 17, the interim governments Home Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the Gopalganj situation has been brought under control and underscored that the intelligence agencies had no prior information that such a serious incident would occur.

Meanwhile, the Yunus administration continues to blatantly support the NCP.

This heinous act  allegedly carried out by members of the banned ALs Chhatra League and AL activists  will not go unpunished. The perpetrators must be swiftly identified and held fully accountable. There is no place for such violence against any citizen of Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser mentioned in a post on X.

The statement has been termed as shocking and outrageous, pointing to much deeper problems within the system. Yunus, the self-proclaimed champion of free speech, banned the Awami League, the party which established Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state in the comity of nations.

Awami League, on its part, is holding its nerve to cope with the situation. The cadres have realised the significance of neglecting the masses. Their perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity may pay some dividends in the future.

Meanwhile, political parties in Bangladesh continue to jostle over establishing control within the interim administration, judiciary and university campuses.

On Saturday, the radical Islamist Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) party will hold its grand rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. The JeI has reserved 10,000 buses and at least two trains to bring large numbers of people from across the country to Dhaka in order to make their grand rally a success. Top Jamaat leaders are directly supervising organisational activities to mobilise supporters from Dhaka and across the country. JeI leader Golam Parwar has reiterated the partys demand for a neutral caretaker government during the election period to ensure the democratic rights of people.

It seems that Bangladesh is heading toward a major political crisis with more violence in the coming days and weeks. For the Awami League, however, it is a win-win situation as the major political parties compete for supremacy adding more anarchy in the already topsy-turvy political landscape of Bangladesh.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that five jets were shot down during the India-Pakistan conflict in May early this year. He, however, didnt elaborate which side the jets belonged to. Trump also repeated his claim that he resolved the conflict using trade. The US president said that his side clearly told India and Pakistan that US will not sign a trade deal if they continue to attack each other.

We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that was going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that But India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade, he said at a private dinner at the White House on Friday.

Trump further added: We said, you guys want to make a trade deal. Were not making a trade deal if youre going to be throwing around weapons, and maybe nuclear weapons, both very powerful nuclear states.

Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched air strikes on several terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response, Pakistan also launched a massive drone and missile strikes on several Indian cities but most of the attacks were foiled by multi-layered Indian air defences.

During the conflict, Pakistan also claimed to have shot down six Indian jets, including Rafale. However, the Indian side rejected the Pakistani numbers but Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chouhan admitted jets were shot down.

Later, Indian defence attache to Indonesia, Captain Shiv Kumar claimed that the fighter planes were shot down due to political constraints.

Trumps claim of blackmailing India into agreeing to a ceasefire with Pakistan also comes amid ongoing trade talks between New Delhi and Washington. The talks are on advance level and a trade deal could be signed soon.

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The Karnataka Commercial Taxes Department (CTD), the government body based in Bengaluru responsible for Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulation in the state, warned vendors in the city that opting out of UPI would not save them from getting slapped with tax notices.

This came after street vendors and small-scale traders who run bakeries, etc., were slapped with GST notices by the CTD for transactions in FY2021-2022. This led to public outcry, with vendors calling for a strike on July 25. Ground reports indicate the suspension of milk sales on July 23, a boycott on cigarettes and gutka on July 24, and a full closure of bakeries, petty shops, and condiment stores on July 25.

Multiple advocacy groups have already slammed the GST authorities for triggering the backlash, calling it a government failure in outreach and education. They (the GST body) resorted to fearrather than compliance, they said.

The latest CTD notice does not help matters. All it has done is increase the fear of legal action, possible evictions, and seizures in the petty store vendors. Many street vendors in places like KR Market and Shivaji Nagar have already shunned UPI, putting up no UPI, only cash boards.

CTD officials still stand by the notices, stating that they only sent notices to those exceeding the GST threshold of 40 lakh a year, leaving them with these options: register under GST, submit clarifications, or join the Composition Scheme.

While Bengalurus petty traders look for clarity and compassion, the Karnataka GST notice read, It has come to the knowledge of the department that certain traders have stopped receiving payment through UPI and are receiving consideration in the form of cash subsequent to the issue of notice. The GST is applicable on the consideration received for the supplies in any form, and UPI is only a method of receiving such consideration.

The department will take suitable action to collect the applicable tax under the GST Act from the traders who have received consideration in any form, threatened the taxation body.

Of course, from a legal perspective, the GST body is right. According to section 22 of the Goods and Services Tax Act 2017, every person who carries on a business activity and receives payment by way of cash, UPI, POS Machine, Bank Payments or by any other means exceeding 40 lakh annually in case of a person dealing only in goods and exceeding 20 lakh annually in case of persons dealing in services have to obtain GST registration mandatorily.

Moreover, according to the CTD, any person whose annual turnover is less than 1.5 crore can opt for the composition tax scheme after obtaining GST registration and can pay SGST at 0.5 per cent and CGST at 0.5 per cent. But, the composition tax scheme is not applicable to the turnover made without obtaining registration.

But the only issue is that most of the petty vendors in Bengaluru (and in most parts of India) are from the disorganised sector. Yes, payment-wise, the government has brought them into the organised economy, but they simply failed to educate them. Instead of compliance, the GST body has invoked fear and anger. And the retaliation is the partial lockdown now planned for the coming week.

The traders are advised, not to get confused and to submit explanation with relevant documents after visiting the office from where they have received notice and the officers would verify them and suitably inform the relevant provisions of the GST and also their remedies and would levy tax at the applicable rates only on the taxable turnovers after excluding the tax exempted goods and services, the Karnataka CTD stated, almost as if they expect the petty street vendor who sells chai and an evening bite for a living to show up and provide explanations on why GST was not paid.
(The Center Square)  Sentencing is scheduled Monday for former ComEd Chief Executive Officer Anne Pramaggiore, who was convicted of corruption in a scheme to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

In May of 2023, a federal jury convicted Pramaggiore and three others of conspiracy, bribery and falsifying records. Last Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Manish Shah sentenced the first of the ComEd Four defendants, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, to 1.5 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay a $500,000 fine.

Prosecutors said Pramaggiore should serve 70 months, or nearly six years in prison and pay a fine of $1.75 million.

University of Illinois Chicago professor emeritus Dick Simpson said he doesnt expect any of the defendants to get less than Hookers 18 months.

I think what is most important is that they be sentenced and that they be fully shown as they were in the trial to have been corrupt and to indicate to other companies that they shouldnt engage in these kinds of practices with politicians in Illinois, Simpson told The Center Square.

Simpson testified during the Madigan trial, but Judge Harry Leinenweber did not allow prosecutors to call Simpson as a witness in the ComEd Four case. Leinenweber ruled that a detailed history of the corruption of the Chicago political machine could prejudice the jury.

Simpson said judges account for the fact that more than 2,200 public officials in Illinois have gone to federal prison since 1976.

Theyre going to make sure that they give a sentence, whatever the length is, that tries to signal to others not to do the same thing, Simpson explained.

Pramaggiore served as president and CEO of ComEd from 2012-2018, when she was promoted to senior executive vice president and CEO of ComEds parent company, Exelon Utilities. She resigned in 2019, when news broke of the federal investigation involving Madigan, lobbyists and ComEd. Soon after, Pramaggiore stepped down from her post as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

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St. Xavier University professor David Parker said Pramaggiores position may call for enhanced sentencing.

She was the CEO. Now you might try to claim plausible deniability on corporate structure and say, I was too far removed. In fact, thats what they tried with the subcontractors, to build layers between themselves. At the trial, they said, No, you were guilty of conspiracy and bribery, willingly falsifying books and records. The jury just didnt believe that they didnt know what was going on, Parker told The Center Square.

ComEd agreed to pay $200 million in 2020 to resolve a criminal investigation into the years-long bribery scheme. As part of a deferred prosecution agreement, ComEd admitted it arranged $1.3 million in jobs, vendor subcontracts and payments to influence Madigan.

On Feb. 12, a jury convicted the former speaker on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and use of a facility to promote unlawful activity. On June 13, Judge John Robert Blakey sentenced Madigan to 7.5 years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of $2.5 million. The longtime speaker and Democratic Party of Illinois chairman is scheduled to report to prison Oct. 13, although his attorneys have asked that he be allowed to remain free pending an appeal.

Madigans former associate, former state representative and ex-lobbyist Michael McClain, D-Quincy, was not convicted in the former speakers trial but faces sentencing on Thursday, July 24 in the ComEd Four case.

STATE REPS COUNTER LT. GOV. CANDIDATES CLAIM THAT ETHICS LED ILLINOIS ENERGY LEGISLATION

Sentencing for the final ComEd four defendant, former contract lobbyist Jay Doherty, is set for Aug. 5.

Pramaggiores sentencing is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.
Indian defence and aerospace technology company RRP Defence has partnered with French firm CYGR to set up a drone manufacturing facility in Mumbai.

RRP Defence said the partnership aims to deliver advanced drone systems designed for tactical, surveillance, and industrial use, leveraging French-American technology and Indian manufacturing capability.

The initial investment for the project would be around Rs 430 crore. This will be scaled up to over Rs 860 crore later.

The facility, to be located in Navi Mumbai, will support the production of next-generation drones, including nano drones, ISR (intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance) drones, and hand-launched fixed-wing drones.

ALSO READ: Chinese robot wolves armed with assault rifles the new threat?

The focus of the partnership will be on defence, homeland security, and industrial drone solutions.

"By combining our local manufacturing strength and field understanding with CYGR's world-class drone technologies, we are building systems that meet India's unique operational needs," RRP Defence chairman Rajendra Chodankar said.

"Through this collaboration with RRP Defence Ltd, we are not only transferring technology, but also co-developing future-ready solutions that support India's defence and surveillance landscape," CYGR France director George El Aily said.
With the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its key affiliate The Resistance Front (TRF) garnering more than their fair share of the riveting focus of the security establishment in India and also global agencies after the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, a new terror outfit is emerging in Kashmirs killing fields.

This is happening at the behest of the LeT and its Pakistani sponsors, including the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).

Formed sometime around mid-June, the new outfitTehrik-e-Taliban Kashmir (TTK)has as a carefully conceived name that emphasises the presence of local elements.

It has been a time-tested strategy of the LeT and its Pakistani handlers to rename and rebrand its affiliates in order to escape scrutiny of international security agencies, enhance and deepen its reach among Kashmiris, to extend a secular branding so as to be more inclusive that can help shake off an Islamic radical image, and by professing support to a brand of separatism based on independence for Kashmiris on the lines of the position espoused by the JKLF.

ALSO READ: Who could have launched mysterious waves of drone attacks that killed top ULFA (I) leaders near Indo-Myanmar border?

The nomenclatural shift to TTK may help the LeT skirt security regulations in the backdrop of the fact that the TRF has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation by the US.

Significantly, the Pakistani sponsors have tried to put at the TTKs helm individuals seen to be aligned more with the pro-independence strand of separatism in Kashmir rather than aligning with Pakistan.

A June 15 document released by the outfit on a social media platform whose IP address has been tracked down to Rawalakot, says that the TTK is led by Maulana Maqbool Dar with Mufti Mehboob Butt Sopore as its spokesperson.

While Dar is suspected to be the alibi of Abdullah Umar Khan alias Ghazi Shehzad, Sopore may be the alibi of Murtaza Khan alias Moosa Ghaznavi. Both have held important positions in the LeT hierarchy.

Originally hailing from Sudhanoti in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Shehzad is reported to have closely worked with the Pakistani Army in facilitating the infiltration of militants into Kashmir. He was also arrested in India in 2007 but was released to Pakistan in a prisoner exchange programme. Till recently, he led a pro-independence faction of Kashmiris in PoK.

The TTK's very strident India-centric focus became clear with its three-fold stance declared just after its formation. First, it announced jihad against India; second, it rejected the Line of Control; and third, very interestingly, it cautioned the Pakistan Army not to interfere in its anti-India jihad.

Whether the TTK succeeds in implementing LeTs nefarious objectives is a test time will reveal. Nonetheless, the fact that provisions to prevent such terror networks escape the clutches of the law just by a change in nomenclature and branding is a challenge global security agencies will continue to face.
Indian missile strikes during the recent Operation Sindoor appears to have caused huge damage to Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan. The airbase, strategically located in Punjab near the Rajasthan border, and shares its single runway with the Sheikh Zayed International Airport, has been non-operational ever since the attack.

In the past few weeks, Pakistan has repeatedly extended NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) for flight restrictions. Reports suggest that the continued closure of the airport could be having a substantial impact on both military readiness and civilian air travel in the region.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) expert Damien Symon, in an X post, said there is another NOTAM in place till August 5.

ALSO READ: Akash Prime proves its might! India's air defence against Pakistan, Chinese missile threats just got stronger

"Pakistan once again issues a NOTAM for Rahim Yar Khan, the runway struck by India in May 2025 now remains offline estimated till 05 August 2025," he wrote.

When a user asked if Pakistan is going to open the airbase before Christmas, he responded saying, "...there was some effort, cleaning etc around the crater but repair work appears delayed - either its not being prioritized, abandoned or they might have a larger overhaul in mind."

Rahim Yar Khan was among the several Pakistani military installations hit by India during Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during one of his public addresses, had said nobody knows when the airbase will resume operations. "No one knows when Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan air base will open again. It is in ICU. The attack has destroyed it," the prime minister was quoted as saying.
Amid reports that Ukraine is willing to allow foreign defence firms to test their latest weapon systems on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a Russian military expert believes that weapon makers are likely to take up this proposal.

According to Reuters, Ukraine's state-backed arms investment and procurement group Brave1 said arms companies can send their weapon systems to Ukraine, give the soldiers online training on how to deploy them and then the Ukrainian forces can use them in the battlefield and send back reports.

"It gives us an understanding of what technologies are available. It gives companies understanding of what is really working on the front line," Reuters quoted Artem Moroz, Brave1's head of investor relations, as saying.

ALSO READ: AK-203 assault rifle: This killer weapon, which can fire 700 rounds per minute, will soon replace Indian Army's INSAS

According to Moroz, there has been strong interest in the proposal.

Mikhail Khodarenok, a Russian military expert, told news agency TASS that there is a high probability that Western defence companies will respond to this proposal by Ukraine.

"Because when weapons are developed, first of all operational requirements are developed, i.e. what the army wants from industry. After that, the industry develops a prototype and a series of trials follows. After official tests, the defence ministry makes a decision on bringing the weapon into service and organising mass production," he said, and observed that the most important trial for any weapon is a war.

He pointed out that conducting mock-up actual battlefield conditions and weapon systems that were tested in peacetime and inducted into service may not turn out to be as effective as anticipated when it comes to actual war.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the potential for extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20cm, is very likely in one or two places in Kerala today and tomorrow (Sunday, July 20), India Meteorological Department Met Centre Thiruvananthapuram said. It is expected that the state will get more than 204.4mm of rainfall in the next 24 hours.

Kerala is expected to get heavy rainfall, ranging from 7cm to 11cm, and very heavy rainfall (12cm to 20cm) at one or two locations on July 21 (Monday), 24 (Thursday), and 25 (Friday), the IMD said on its official website.

The northern districts of Kerala should particularly brace for very heavy rainfall on Saturday, local media reports said quoting the weather agency. A red alert is sounded for five districts -- Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. An orange alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts.

READ THE IMD STATEMENT HERE

Educational institutions in Kasaragod, Kannur and Wayanad districts will remain closed on Saturday along with those in Vadakara taluk of Kozhikode district, Manorama Online said in a report.

Heavy rainfall, between 7cm and 11cm, is also expected in at least some regions of the state on July 22 (Tuesday) and 23 (Wednesday) while similar conditions will persist over Lakshadweep today and tomorrow. Strong surface winds with speed reaching 40-50 kmph are likely to prevail occasionally over Kerala and Lakshadweep at least until Tuesday, the IMD warning added.

According to the National Oceanographic Research Centre (NORC), there is a possibility of high waves and sea erosion along the coasts of Thiruvananthapuram (from Kappil to Pozhiyur), Kollam (from Alappad to Edava), Alappuzha (from Chellanam to Azheekal) and Kannur-Kasargod (from Kunjathur to Kottakunnu) districts till 5.30 pm tomorrow. The warning also states that there is a possibility of sea erosion along the coast of Kanyakumari (from Neerodi to Arokyapuram) from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm tomorrow.
Four members of a security escort for Karnataka Deputy CM D.K Shivakumar were injured on Saturday after one of their vehicles overturned at Karnataka's Mandya district.

The vehicle had been following the Deputy CM's car during his journey from Mysuru to Bengaluru after attending a Saadhana Samavesha at Mysuru. It toppled over after the driver allegedly lost control near the TM Hosuru gate, as per a Deccan Herald report.

Mahesh, Dinesh, Jayalingu and Karthik have been identified as the persons in the car who were injured.

Although Deputy CM Shivakumar was unharmed, and continued on his journey to Bengaluru, the four passengers of the toppled escort vehicle suffered injuries. A senior police official said that they were administered first aid, after which they were taken to the Srirangapatna Taluk Hospital for treatment.

They were later shifted to Mysuru's KR Hospital for further treatment, the report added.

The vehicle has also been partially damaged, due to the force of the impact after it toppled over.

The Srirangapatna (rural) police have registered a case, and have begun investigating the cause of the accident.

(This is a developing story.)
Every time a fire reveals something more than flames, it demands our attention. In midMarch 2025, a blaze at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court exposed more than charred walls: it uncovered close to 15 crore in partly burnt storeroom under his control. A threejudge Supreme Court inquiry, led by retired high court justices, found overwhelming evidence that Justice Varma and his family had covert control over that storeroom, witnessed by firefighters and corroborated by videos and testimonies from ten independent observers.

They saw piles of 500 notes stacked nearly a foot high, only to witness the subsequent removal of the money during the cover of darkness. The committee, after reviewing 55 statements and visual records, concluded that his conduct was unnatural, and recommended impeachment.

Former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna duly forwarded the recommendation to the President and Prime Minister, signaling a historic push, to our knowledge, the first-ever removal proceedings that may succeed against a constitutionally appointed judge.

Soon after, Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai, addressing the UK Supreme Court, issued a sober reflection: misconduct within the judiciary inflicts long-term damage on public confidence. He warned that nothing, not even contempt powers, would restore damaged legitimacy; only transparency and accountability could. This was neither rhetoric nor hindsight. Ahead of this scandal, in 2017, Justice Shukla of the Allahabad High Court, implicated in medical college corruption, accepted no responsibility. He was merely relieved of judicial work but kept full pay until retirement. Similarly, Justice Talluri Pattabhirama Rao of the Andhra Pradesh High Court was accused of cash for bail back in 2012, yet the inquiry dragged on unresolved into electoral promises of reform. The result is a pattern: bare sanctions against errant judges, but no real consequences or institutional learning.

Indeed, the Varma episode is a lightning flash on a broader storm. Court records show lower-level corruption thrives within our system. In Delhi, an ahmad (court clerk) named Mukesh Kumar was arrested for brokering bail via bribes; his case is now so mired in investigative bias that the Delhi High Court called for a fresh officer to lead it. In Hyderabad, an assistant public prosecutor and a constable were caught on camera accepting 10,000 to manipulate trial proceedings. Deep down, courtroom clerks, police prosecutors, and registrars are selling the pace of justice to the highest bidder.

High-stakes graft within bodies like the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) further undercuts trust. In Mumbai, a deputy registrar was arrested for accepting 3 lakh to influence adjudication in a hotel dispute; CBI custody was granted even as the agency disclosed plans to dig deeper into senior-level complicity. Across sectors, administration, prosecution, judiciary, the rot is pervasive, stretching from lower courts to appellate tribunals.

So why does this corruption persist? First, the shield of judicial insulation, intended to protect judges from political interference, doubles as a cloak of immunity. Judges are untouchable: impeaching them requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament, a bar so high it has never been met. Justice Soumitra Sens 2011 impeachment was the only successful attempt, but it occurred decades ago . For most accused judges, in-house inquiries become endless purgatories: secretive panels that rarely produce penal outcomes. Justice Shukla continued to receive a salary until retirement; his eventual case progressed only when inertia slammed into public pressure. Justice Varmas refusal to resign calling the process fundamentally unjust speaks volumes about power without accountability. Even in recent years, the Ranjan Gogoi case, its trial, verdict and his post-retirement engagements are infamous.

Second, the collegium system that appoints judges remains shrouded in secrecy. The refusal to implement the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), struck down in 2015, cemented a process based on favouritism, networking, and dynastic additions. While the collegium defended judicial independence, critics note how it breeds implicit nepotism and discourages dissent. Diverse India deserves diverse problem-solvers, yet we constantly produce judges who mirror their predecessors in background and thought.

Third, we face chronic vacancies and enormous backlogsover 5 crore cases pending nationwide. Judges are overwhelmed; hearings drag on for years. With pressure to expedite, courtroom staff and litigants find opportunity in delays. Bribes become a tool to advance cases, postpone hearings, or shift judgments. An academic survey underscores how delays compound corruption: when justice slows to a crawl, bribery becomes the accelerator.

Taken collectively, these failings damage democracy at its philosophical core. Our Constitution entrusts the judiciary with resolving political disputes, balancing rights, and checking power. When judges themselves become embroiled in graft, how can ordinary citizens expect fairness? How can young rights activists turn to courts when they are tainted by scandal? Meaningful reform cannot be rhetorical. To mend trust, India needs practical, systemic change.

First, asset declaration must be mandatory and published. Why do only a handful of 1,100-plus high court and Supreme Court judges reveal their financial holdings voluntarily? Public confidence demands transparency. A binding annual disclosure, accompanied by scrutiny from financial watchdogs, must become routine.

Second, establish an independent Judicial Accountability Commission, comprising retired jurists, legal scholars, and citizen representatives. This body must have the authority to investigate allegations, audit asset declarations, and recommend prosecution where warranted. It cannot be a toothless echo of the collegium; it must operate with independence, protecting complainants but not concealing results.

Third, peer-review boards within each court should provide oversight into judicial conduct, resource utilisation, and case management. However, these structures must ensure anonymity and whistleblower protection. Junior staff and litigants must feel safe to expose malpractice without fear of exclusion or reprisal.

Fourth, the collegium must publish anonymised data about appointments: gender, professional background, experience, age, and region. This would reduce murmurings of nepotism, if not silence them. A transparent system calls no process into question, while opacity invites speculation.

Fifth, reconsider impeachment thresholds. A constitutional amendment could establish a tribunal to examine allegations of judicial misconduct, comprising retired Chief Justices, senior legal experts, and members of Parliament. This body would be empowered to recommend removal by a majority vote, thereby avoiding the near-impossible two-thirds threshold in the legislature. While such a reform must uphold judicial independence, it must also ensure accountability.

The precedent of the NJAC judgment reminds us of the fine balance required: the Supreme Court struck down the NJAC amendment on grounds that it compromised judicial independence, especially since the body was dominated by executive-appointed members. To avoid a similar pitfall, any new tribunal must include substantial representation from the higher judiciary. Ideally, at least half its members should be nominated by the Supreme Court and High Courts to ensure independence, credibility, and constitutional integrity.

Sixth, we must attack delays at their root. Filling vacancies must be a national priority. Infrastructure and case management systemsvideoconferencing, artificial intelligence, and digital filingcan speed proceedings. Reduced backlog undermines graft incentives tied to adjournments or priority scheduling.

The Varma case is a warning shot. Its not just one judges fallit signals systemic rot. Despite video, testimony, and photos, accountability was evaded. Our current mechanisms are broken.

When Chief Justices admit misconduct erodes public trust, its rare honestybut meaningless without reform. Judicial legitimacy comes not from mystique, but from fairness, transparency, and the equal application of law. Immunity without checks breeds arrogance. The answer isnt court-curbing, but balance: independence with accountability. A judiciary that punishes breaches swiftly and holds itself to the same standards it sets for others.

Crores uncovered in flames demand more than outragethey demand systemic cleansing. If the courts wont clean their house, they risk becoming symbols not of justice, but of decay. Without urgent reform, our last refuge of justice may collapse, not with thunder, but with silence.

(Amal Chandra is an author, policy analyst and columnist)

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
Police on Saturday foiled a protest march by the Congress in Srinagar, which was held to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood.

Heavy deployment of police personnel prevented senior Congress leaders, including J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra, from submitting a memorandum to Divisional Commissioner V.K. Bidhuri.

Scores of Congress workers had assembled at the partys headquarters on Residency Road in the morning to take part in the protest. As the group, led by Karra, tried to march towards the Divisional Commissioners office, they were stopped at the gates, leading to a scuffle between Congress workers and the police.

#WATCH | Srinagar: J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra, along with AICC Gen Secretary GA Mir and other senior leaders, marched to the office of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to submit a memorandum to him for onward submission to the Prime Minister through LG, demanding pic.twitter.com/rINNtFNFBk  ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2025

Men and women workers holding placards reading Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq (our statehood, our right) tried to push their way out, but were blocked, and some were reportedly detained.

We only wanted to submit a memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner because the BJP-led government has failed to honour its promise of restoring statehood, Karra told reporters. We wanted a peaceful protest, but the police didnt allow us. Our workers have also been arrested.

The Congress has intensified its campaign for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

On July 16, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to introduce a bill for statehood restoration in the upcoming Parliament session.

A similar protest is scheduled to be held by the J&K Congress unit in Jammu on Saturday. The party has also given a Delhi Chalo call for July 22 to gherao Parliament and press for their demand.

Observers believe that the Congresss renewed push for statehood is fuelled by the return of several senior leaders who had defected to Ghulam Nabi Azads Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) in 2022 but have since rejoined the Congress. The DPAP performed poorly in both the Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections last year.

With its aggressive statehood campaign, the Congress hopes to reclaim political ground lost to the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir.
Uttar Pradesh police have arrested 10 individuals across six states under Mission Asmita, their ongoing campaign against alleged illegal religious conversion networks. The arrests come as part of a broader crackdown on what authorities describe as organised conversion activities linked to international funding.

The operation began in March when two sisters, aged 33 and 18, went missing from Agra. Their family filed a missing persons report, which initially fell under the jurisdiction of Sadar Bazar Police Station before being transferred to the Cyber Police Station. The case was registered under sections 87, 111(3), and 111(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with sections 3/5 of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021.

VIDEO | On Chhangur Baba religious conversion case, Agra police commissioner Deepak Kumar says, "...People associated with this syndicate were operating from at least 6 states and pandering things like 'love jihad' and radicalisation. They were receiving funds from foreign pic.twitter.com/WOM2BFyAqU  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 19, 2025

During the investigation, police discovered connections to individuals across multiple states who were allegedly involved in what they term radicalisation and love jihad activities, reportedly funded from Canada and the United States.

This latest operation builds upon earlier arrests made by UP's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), including those of Mohd. Umar Gautam (son of Dhanraj Singh Gautam), Mufti Jahangir Alam Qazmi (son of Tahir Akhtar) and Chhangur Baba (alias Jamaluddin), whose network was recently exposed by UPs Special Task Force (STF) and the ATS.

VIDEO | Lucknow | "...The modus operandi of religious conversion is the signature style of ISIS. The preliminary investigation indicates that this group (of Jalalluddin alias Chhangur Baba) may have linkages with Pakistani terror organisations, PFI and SDPI, " says UP DGP Rajeev pic.twitter.com/SaKAKivo2K  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 19, 2025

Under the leadership of Agra Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, authorities deployed 11 teams across multiple states and arrested the following individuals: Ayesha (formerly S.B. Krishna) from Goa; Ali Hasan (formerly Shekhar Roy) and Osama from Kolkata; Rehman Qureshi from Agra; Abbu Talib from Khalapar in Muzaffarnagar; Abur Rehman from Dehradun; Mohammad Ali, Junaid Qureshi and Mohammad Ali from Jaipur; and Mustafa (formerly Manoj) from Delhi.

According to preliminary investigations, police claim the network operated through various roles including fund reception and channelling, providing safe houses, legal advice, new phones and SIM cards, and facilitating conversions. Authorities allege the group used what they describe as love jihad tactics to target young women across different states.

Police officials state they have found evidence suggesting connections to the Popular Front of India (PFI), Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), and alleged terrorist organisations in Pakistan. They describe the operational methods as similar to those attributed to ISIS.

The operation involved coordination between the Agra Police, the STF and ATS, and police forces from other states, with potential involvement of central agencies as needed. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the alleged networks structure and international connections.
Punjab's new land pooling policy aims to acquire land through voluntary means for development and urbanisation, while curbing the mushrooming of illegal colonies.

The new policy, cleared by the state cabinet last month, faces pushback from farmers' bodies, who argue that it would lead to the acquisition of fertile farmland to benefit large private developers, while they will face displacement.

ALSO READ | What does Aam Aadmi Partys exit mean for INDIA bloc?

Unlike previous agitations, this time, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has actively sought the support of political parties against the governments policy. It even convened an all-party meeting on 18 July to finalise its course of action. The meeting was attended by all major parties, including Congress, Akali Dal, BJP, and Left partiesbarring the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which stayed away for obvious reasons.

Interestingly, the BJPs support for the farmers agitation stands in sharp contrast to the frosty ties between the two sides since the introduction of the three central farm laws in 2020. The party has even assured the farmers of support from its central leadership.

#WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh says, "... In Punjab, the government blessed by Bhagwant Mann and Kejriwal is engaging in land robbery under the guise of land pooling... Under this, approximately 50,000 acres of land have been authorised for pic.twitter.com/xQ2fI3NdDu  ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025

Although the Mann government insists that the new policy is pro-farmerhighlighting its voluntary nature, improved incentives, and exit clauses compared to the previous versionmany farmers remain sceptical. Under the new policy, those contributing their land would be given a portion of developed land, and even paid yearly rent for three years till a project is developed.

However, the apprehension stems from past experiences where land surrendered for development did not result in fair or beneficial returns.

Despite the seemingly attractive incentives, farmers fear that this new model paves the way for the gradual conversion of fertile agricultural land into private real estate zones, altering rural economy and land ownership patterns in the long term.

The AAP government would need to actively engage with the landowners to quell their doubts. While increased urbanisation remains a reality, illegal or disorganised development poses a bigger challenge to the states societal and financial needs.

ALSO READ | How Sikh activist's protest atop 400-feet BSNL tower led to Punjab's new sacrilege law

In addition to the SKM-led campaign, various political parties have independently launched their own protests. A significant show of strength is expected on 30 July with tractor rallies across villages, followed by a large-scale rally on 24 August.

The political undercurrents are unmistakable. With the 2027 Assembly elections on the horizon, opposition parties see this as an opportunity to corner the Mann government.

Tensions have also escalated since Mann took an unusually assertive stance against the farmers agitation a few months ago, leading to a public rift.

As the state inches towards 2027, Mann has tried to focus on governancerolling out new initiatives and fine-tuning existing schemes in a bid to consolidate his position.

However, the pressure on the AAP government has intensified since the partys defeat in the Delhi elections. Since then, the senior party leadership has become more visibly involved in Punjabs affairs.
As the opposition INDIA bloc is set to hold a key meeting ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, the Aam Aadmi Party officially announced its exit from the grouping on Friday.

The AAP blamed the Congress for its decision and stated that the party would contest the upcoming Bihar elections independently.

"The AAP has cleared its stand. The INDIA bloc was for the (2024) Lok Sabha polls. We fought the Delhi and Haryana Assembly polls on our own. We are going to fight the Bihar election solo. We fought the bypolls in Punjab and Gujarat all by ourselves. The AAP is not part of the INDIA (bloc)," Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said.

#WATCH | On AAP not attending the upcoming INDIA Alliance meeting, AAP MP Sanjay Singh says, "There is no question of getting or not getting an invitation. The question is that INDIA Alliance was for Lok Sabha elections. After that, we contested Haryana elections and Delhi pic.twitter.com/D3x4Bw2vK1  ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2025

Political analysts, however, feel that the AAPs decision to stay away from the bloc hints at the growing dissent among the allies.

The AAP had contested the Lok Sabha seats in Delhi and Haryana during the 2024 general elections in alliance with the Congress. However, they contested separately the 2025 Delhi assembly elections held in February, with the leaders attacking each other during campaigning.

The massive loss in the Delhi Assembly elections is believed to have prompted the Kejriwal-led party to revise its political strategy and approach.

The exit might now help the AAP focus only on the states where it holds sway. The party's immediate target would be to retain power in Punjab in the 2027 assembly elections.

Singh said the Congress failed to ensure that the INDIA bloc parties stayed united and took steps to further its agenda.

The Congress is the biggest party of the bloc. But did it play a role (in ensuring opposition unity)?, he asked.

"It is not a child's play. Did they hold any meetings after the Lok Sabha polls? Was there any initiative to expand the INDIA bloc? Sometimes they criticise Akhilesh Yadav, sometimes Uddhav Thackeray and sometimes Mamata Banerjee. The INDIA bloc should have been united, Singh said.

The INDIA bloc was formed in 2023 to counter the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance at the national level.

The Congress, however, sought to downplay the AAPs exit from the grouping. Party leader Partap Singh Bajwa said Kejriwals party walking out of the bloc would only strengthen the alliance as it would remove the ambiguity.

AAP was always playing a double game. Kejriwal has publicly appealed to Congress workers to defect to AAP, exposing his intentions. Rather than fighting the BJP, AAP consistently targeted Congress to weaken the larger opposition space, Bajwa, the leader of the opposition in Punjab, was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

With AAP out, INDIA is now free to focus on real, committed partners and present a united, clear alternative to the BJP, he said.
Union Civil Aviation Ministry's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary investigation report on the deadly helicopter crash in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi on May 8. The report said the pilots of the BELL 407 helicopter attempted and emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway when the tragedy occurred.

What led to Uttarkashi helicopter crash?

The AAIB report said the helicopter's main rotor blade hit an overhead fibre cable running parallel to the highway near Gangnani during the emergency landing, eventually causing it to descend without control. After hitting the road and damaging nearby metal barricades, the helicopter tumbled down 250 feet into a steep gorge, before coming to rest against a tree.

Swift Action by #Himveers!



A 50-member team of 35 Bn & 12 Bn #ITBP, along with NDRF & UK SDRF conducted a rescue operation at the civil helicopter crash site near Gangnani, Uttarkashi.

6 bodies, including pilot Capt. Robin Singh, were recovered; 1 injured passenger rescued. pic.twitter.com/N6yeF5waGM  ITBP (@ITBP_official) May 8, 2025

This occurred around 20 minutes after the chopper took off from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun around 8.50 am on May 8. It was bound for the Kharsali helipad, which is located six km from Yamunotri. The helicopter was completely destroyed in the crash but there was no fire.

According to AAIB, the previous inspection of the helicopter was carried out on April 25, 2025. Records revealed that a tail rotor defect in the chopper was fixed two days before the crash and has no links to the tragedy that occurred on May 8. The investigation, which is still ongoing, is supported by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and Rolls-Royce.

The crash of BELL 407 helicopter operated by Aerotrans Services Private Limited led to death of six people on board, including the pilot. The pilot, Robin Singh, 59, had a flying experience of 6,160 hours.

The passengers were pilgrims who were heading the Gangotri temple. They were identified as Radha Agarwal, 79, Kala Chandrakant Soni, 61, Vijayalakshmir Reddy, 57, Vedanti, 40, and Ruchi Agarwal. Another passnger, Maktoor Bhaskar, 51, who was injured critically, was airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh.
Mu. Ka. Muthu, eldest son of DMK icon M Karunanidhi and half-brother of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, passed away in Chennai on Saturday. He was 77.

MK Muthu was the firstborn of Karunanidhi and his first wife Padmavathi. CM Stalin remembered him as someone with a talent in singing and somebody who encouraged his career in politics. Muthu will remain in the hearts and memories of people through art and music, Stalin added. His body is being brought to the Karunanidhi family residence in Gopalapuram. Here are five things to know about the late son of the former Tamil Nadu chief minister:

1. Muthu was named after his grandfather -- Ayyadurai Muthuvel. He made his debut as an actor in 1979 by featuring in 'Pillayo Pillai'. He was asked to build a career in the film industry by his family because they wanted a representative to attract the masses, reports said. "Anayavilakku", "Ingeyum Manidhargal" and "Pookari" are some of his noted movies.

2. Muthu's mother was born in a family known for its allegiance to music. Her father Chidambaram Oadagasundaram Pillai was a musician and young Muthu was also trained in classical music. Later, after he became an actor, he also sang songs including "Nalla Manathil Kudiyirikkum Nagoor Andava", which became a classic.

3. There were physical resemblances between Muthu and MGR -- Karunanidhi's friend-turned political rival. From hairstyle to body language and dialogue delivery, he had many similarities with the Puratchi Thalaivar. This caused an uneasiness within the Karunanidhi family and even fuelled the existing misunderstandings between Karunanidhi and MGR, The Hindu said in a report. Even after he left DMK, MGR continued to patronise Muthu, the report added.

4. When his career in the film industry started to downfall, Muthu reportedly approached MGR seeking political refuge. He wanted entry into the AIADMK. While MGR helped the man financially, the former chief minister refused him an innings with his party, reports said.

5. It took years before the ice melted between the father and son. Karunanidhi and Mu. Ka. Muthu reconciled in 2008. It was on the occasion of the son's 60th birthday that witnessed the reunion, reports said.
The conflict between the Bedouin armed tribes and the Druze militia in Syria's southern district of Suwayda has resulted in the deaths of hundreds over four days. The clash, which began last week, has escalated as the Syrian government and Israel have become involved in the conflict.

U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said early Saturday that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire following Israels intervention this week in fighting between Syrian government forces and rival armed groups.

In a statement put out on X, he said that the ceasefire was supported by Turkey, Jordan and other neighbouring countries. We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," he said.

Thousands of people have been displaced following the clash between the Druz and the Bedouin clans. The Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has said that he would send troops back to quell the fighting in the humanitarian crisis.

The most recent escalation came to be when a Bedouin man set up a checkpoint in Suwayda and attacked a Druze man selling vegetables, which triggered the back-and-forth attacks.

Suwayda residents had then detained several Bedouin tribe members. After that local groups retaliated by detaining Druze civilians.Gun fights broke out and more abductions and property damages followed.

Israel, meanwhile, launched airstrikes in defence of the Druze people and even struck the Syrian Defense Ministry on Wednesday. The Druze are also a minority community in Israel and often serve in the Israeli military. Damascus condemned the attack as a violation of the Syrian sovereignty and an attempt by the country to sow division.

The fighting between the Druze militias and the Bedouin tribal groups in Suwayda erupted after the Syrian army withdrew from the area under Israeli pressure. After the Syrian government forces intervened to restore order, they ended up taking the Bedouins' side, according to reports.

Allegations have arisen against the Syrian government claiming that they executed Druze civilians and looted and burned their homes. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that some regime forces were actively fighting alongside the Bedouins.

On Wednesday, the government forces made a truce with the Druze community on condition that they maintain internal security.

But on Thursday, fighting flared up again in Suwayda. State media reported that Druze militias carried out revenge against the Bedouins, leading to a wave of displacement.

The UN migration agency said that about 80,000 people were displaced and supply routes have been disrupted, leading to shortages in aid.

Who are the Bedouin tribes?

Bedouin tribes in Syria follow Sunni Islam and the two groups have clashed for a long time. The community in Syria used to be tribally organised and mostly herded livestock in the Badiya (desert) regions. Bedouin (literally meaning someone who lives in the desert) used to refer to people with a pastoral and nomadic identity but now includes people who also have history of being from that community according to recent research.

Currently, Bedouin tribal people are not fully dependent on livestock herding. They follow kin based lineages and and are usually headed by a leader or Shaykh. While the Bedouin tribes originated in Syria, they have spread far and live throughout the Levant.

During the Assad regime, some Bedouin tribes were with the government and some were against it. The tribes have been receiving support from other similar groups across Syria in their conflict with the Druze.

Who are the Druze?

The Druze are a religious sect that began in the 10th century as a branch of Ismailism. However, they do not identify as Muslim as they believe in reincarnation and do not accept converts. There are about 1 million Druze in Syria, and others live in Lebanon, Israel and in the Golan Heights, an area annexed by Israel.

The rest of the population in Syria is Sunni Muslims, making up about 70 per cent of the population. Alawites (an offshoot of Shia Islam) make up 10 per cent, and Shiites make up 3 per cent. The Druze have been pressuring the Syrian government to protect the rights of the minority.

In the Suwayda district, where the conflict has risen, the Druze are a majority, making up around 80 per cent of the population, followed by Christians. Sunni Muslims are a minority in the district.

Researchers have said that there is no historical reason for the two groups to have tensions. According to Ahmed Aba Zeid, a researcher who spoke to AP, All of Syria is full of social problems that have no reason.

The complex conflict has proven to be a challenge for Syrias interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa while he attempts to stabilise Syria after the fall of the Assad regime which was in power for 13 years.
The world is about to witness one of the most ambitious space partnerships in history. When the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite, fondly called NISAR, blasts off from Sriharikota sometime at the end of July, it will mark a defining moment for both Indian space technology and global Earth observation. This isnt just another satellite launch; its India stepping into the big league of space science while solving some of humanitys most pressing challenges.

NISAR represents something beautiful in todays divided world: two nations working together for the greater good of our planet. The United States and India have combined their best technologies to create what will likely be the worlds most expensive Earth-imaging satellite at 1.5 billion dollars. NASA brings its advanced L-band radar system, while ISRO contributes its proven S-band radar technology and, crucially, the launch vehicle. This isnt just about sharing costs; its about sharing dreams and expertise.

What makes this partnership even more remarkable is how it showcases Indias growing space capabilities. ISRO isnt just providing the rocket; they have built the entire satellite body, integrated all systems at their Bengaluru facility, and will manage the mission from Indian soil. The fact that NASA trusts ISRO with such a critical mission speaks volumes about how far Indian space technology has come since the days when foreign experts questioned our ability to reach Mars.

NISARs real superpower lies in its unique dual-frequency radar system. While other satellites use single-frequency radars, NISAR combines L-band and S-band radars working together like a pair of super-powered eyes. The L-band can penetrate thick forests and see through dense vegetation, while the S-band provides crystal-clear surface details. Together, they create a vision system that can see what no other satellite has seen before, explained space expert Girish Linganna.

These capabilities will revolutionise how we understand our changing planet. NISAR will map the entire Earth every 12 days with a resolution so fine it can detect ground movements of just a few millimetres. Imagine being able to watch glaciers retreat in real-time, track earthquake damage as it happens, or monitor crop health from space with unprecedented accuracy.

The most exciting aspect is that NISAR reflects Indias practical approach to space technology. While other countries might focus on flashy deep-space missions, India consistently chooses projects that directly benefit people on Earth. NISAR will provide farmers with precise soil moisture data to optimise irrigation, help disaster response teams assess damage within hours of earthquakes or floods, and give city planners tools to monitor urban growth and infrastructure health.

The satellite will be particularly valuable for a country like India, which faces regular challenges from monsoons, earthquakes, and rapid urbanisation. NISARs ability to see through clouds and work day or night means it can monitor the monsoons impact on agriculture in real-time, track landslides in the Himalayas, and assess flood damage even when the skies are overcast. This isnt just a scientific advancement, its potentially life-saving technology, added Linganna.

NISAR launches at a time when Earth observation is becoming increasingly competitive. Europes Sentinel-1C satellite, launched in December last year, provides excellent radar imagery but uses only single-frequency radar. China has its own carbon-monitoring satellites, and private companies are launching constellation after constellation. In this crowded field, NISARs dual-frequency capability and free data policy will make it a game-changer.

The decision to make all NISAR data freely available within days of capture deserves special praise. In an era when data is often treated as a commodity, NASA and ISRO are choosing to share this wealth of information with researchers, students, and governments worldwide. This open approach means a farmer in Maharashtra can access the same high-quality data as a climate researcher at Harvard or a disaster management official in Bangladesh.

Experts point out that NISAR will ride to space on ISROs GSLV Mark II, a choice that initially raised eyebrows given the rockets checkered early history. But this decision perfectly illustrates ISROs confidence in its evolved capabilities. The GSLV Mk II has proven itself in recent years, and launching a 2.8-tonne satellite to a precise 747-kilometre orbit will demonstrate its readiness for high-stakes missions.

More importantly, this launch represents ISROs strategic vision. While the organisation could have played it safe with the reliable PSLV for smaller payloads, choosing GSLV for NISAR shows their commitment to pushing boundaries and preparing for even more ambitious future missions.

When NISAR begins its three-year mission, it will join an elite club of satellites that have fundamentally changed how we see our planet. Like the weather satellites that now make accurate forecasting possible, or the GPS constellation that revolutionised navigation, NISAR has the potential to become an indispensable tool for understanding Earths complex systems, remarked Linganna.

The timing couldnt be better. As climate change accelerates and extreme weather events become more frequent, we desperately need better tools to monitor and respond to environmental changes. NISAR will provide that capability, offering a continuous, high-resolution view of our planets vital signs.
In 2023, ministers and officials in the UKs Ministry of Defence (MoD) went into panic as they realised a Facebook post had leaked some data from a spreadsheet which contained the personal information of about 18,700 Afghans who applied to come into the country.

The realisation hit late, as the leak had happened in 2022. The ministers immediately covered it up, passing a superinjunction so that the leak could not be found and reported on. They feared that thousands of Afghans could be put at risk if the information reached the hands of the Taliban, who had now gained control of the country.

The UK then rushed to create the Afghanistan Response Route (ARR) in April 2024, which offered to relocate about 15,000 Afghans in a secret scheme that cost 2 billion.

The super-injunction, which prevented the media from reporting on the leak, was lifted on Thursday by the court.

The incident has been ranked as one of the worst data leaks in modern British history, according to the CNN. The cost and the leak could have cost the lives of thousands of Afghans. Not only that, the leak had also contained information about the members of the parliament and senior military officials who helped Afghan soldiers who fought with the British military move to the UK.

British Defence Secretary John Healey apologised for the leak in the House of Commons, saying, This serious data incident should never have happened, and It may have occurred three years ago under the previous government, but to all whose data was compromised I offer a sincere apology.

He also added that no one else from Afghanistan would be offered asylum in the country due to the data leak.

What was in the leak?

The leak occurred when an official accidentally emailed the spreadsheet outside of the government team that was processing the Afghan relocation in February 2022. The spreadsheet contained the names, contact information and family records of 18,700 Afghans who had applied to move to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) in order to flee the Taliban. Many of the applications were made by soldiers who fought alongside the British army in Afghanistan.

The data made it to the public domain until the ministers realised it in August 2023, according to the BBC. The names of nine people who applied to move to the UK appeared on Facebook. The Facebook post had been made by an Afghan man who was refused relocation. He later took down the post when offered a review of his application. He is not facing any criminal charges.

The police had decided that no investigation was needed. The official no longer holds the post he had when the leak happened.

After that, the UK government tried to suppress any knowledge of the spreadsheet and the data by getting the court superinjunction passed on September 1, 2023, under the former conservative government. The injunction was extended twice between 2023-24.

The injunction was reviewed last July after Prime Minister Keir Starmers centre-left government came into power.

The people whose data were leaked were informed about it after the injunction was lifted on July 15.

Another injunction was partially lifted on Thursday, which revealed that the information and details of the UK special forces and spies were also in the leak.

The super-injunction

The application for the injunction was made by then Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. The request was to criminalise any action that would make the leak public. Justice Knowles, who reviewed the order, upgraded the request to a super-injunction, which also made it illegal to talk about the existence of the court order.

Another judge, Justice Chamberlain, who also regularly reviewed the order, said that it was the first of its kind and raised concerns about freedom of speech.

The government's response and the relocations

After the leak, the UK government set up the ARR, which was different from the existing ARAP scheme. Defence Secretary John Healy said last week that around 900 people have already been relocated to the UK or were on their way, as well as their family members. 600 more offers were also made, including for their family.

As of May 2025, it is estimated that more than 16,000 Afghans have moved to the UK out of the 36,000 that have been deemed to be at risk.

On Saturday, the MoD said that they will not be compensating thousands of Afghans whose data was leaked but did not evacuate to Britain.

Both the ARAP and ARR have now been closed due to the strain on the UKs asylum and immigration system, according to a Cabinet Office memo. If the schemes were open, it would mean the country would have to relocate a total of 25,000 Afghans.

The UK government has estimated that all the efforts to relocate afghans since 2021 have cost around 5.5 to 6 billion.
Renewed fighting between Druze militias and Bedouin tribal groups in Syria's southern Sweida province has left hundreds dead and tens of thousands displaced, deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis. The violence erupted after the Syrian army withdrew from the area under Israeli pressure and diplomatic mediation, with the United Nations warning of a collapse in essential services and calling for independent investigations into reported atrocities.

Fighting began on July 13 when Bedouin tribesmen abducted a Druze vegetable merchant, triggering a series of tit-for-tat kidnappings and escalating clashes. By July 18, over 638 people had been killed, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Government forces were initially deployed to restore order but reportedly sided with the Bedouin, fuelling accusations of partiality and brutality against Druze civilians and fighters. The army eventually pulled out, a move ordered by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who cited mediation by the US and other actors as having averted a wider escalation with Israel.

Armed fighters are still streaming into Sweida in the thousands, prompting fears of more bloodshed in the embattled Syrian region, as clashes raged between the Bedouin and Druze communities killing over 300 people https://t.co/RBL90L7Kfi pic.twitter.com/6TxIajiUpK  Reuters (@Reuters) July 19, 2025

As the Syrian army withdrew, over 200 tribal fighters clashed with Druze forces at the entrance to Sweida city, using machine guns and mortar shells. Fighting continued throughout July 18 in various neighbourhoods, and the stench of decaying bodies overwhelmed the corridors of Sweidas main hospital. With the morgue full, corpses were left on the streets. Local health officials said the hospital had received more than 400 bodies since the conflict started.

SOHR reported that many of the armed tribal groups flooding into Sweida were assisted by government forces unable to operate directly in the area due to a security understanding with Israel. The Israeli government, which launched multiple airstrikes against Syrian military targets in Sweida and Damascus earlier in the week, announced an aid package worth 2 million shekels (nearly $600,000) for Druze civilians. The strikes were aimed at pressuring the Syrian government to withdraw from the province and prevent further violence against the Druze community, which also has a sizeable presence in Israel.

Despite a ceasefire agreement announced on July 16, fresh fighting erupted soon. Druze militias reportedly launched revenge attacks on Bedouin villages, prompting new waves of displacement. The UNs International Organisation for Migration said nearly 80,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since July 13, including more than 20,000 on July 17 alone.

In several villages near Sweida, tribal fighters gathered in support of the Bedouin. In the village of Walgha, homes and shops were torched, and control passed to the Bedouin and their allies. Anas al-Enad, a tribal leader from Hama, told AFP that his fighters responded to the Bedouins call for help. One armed man, identifying himself as Abu Mariam, said he had come from Deir ez-Zor to fight against Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze leader opposed to the Damascus government.

The humanitarian toll continues to mount. Water and electricity supplies in Sweida have been severed, communication networks are down, and hospitals are overwhelmed. The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that medical facilities were running out of supplies and unable to preserve human remains due to power outages. ICRCs Syria chief Stephan Sakalian described the situation as critical, noting that families could no longer bury their loved ones with dignity.

UN reports nearly 80,000 displaced in Syrias Sweida province as violence surges. Local hospital morgue now full. Humanitarian crisis escalating fast.



Contributed by @inside_IL_intel pic.twitter.com/ms925Asvvr  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 19, 2025

The UNs top human rights official, Volker Turk, demanded independent and transparent investigations into the violence and stressed that the protection of civilians must be the top priority.

Syrias interim government, formed after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, has faced difficulties in maintaining stable relations with the countrys religious and ethnic minorities. The latest Sweida clashes mark the worst violence since fighting between Druze militias and pro-government forces in April and May, which left more than 100 dead. Though the army claimed it was deployed to restore calm, local sources say troops backed the Bedouin and committed abuses, including summary executions and looting.

Officials said negotiations were underway to allow the return of Syrian forces to Sweida, with the aim of protecting state institutions. While an agreement was reportedly reached on July 18, the deployment was later delayed without explanation. The UN has so far been unable to deliver humanitarian supplies to Sweida due to the ongoing clashes and blocked supply routes. Only the World Health Organization has managed to send trauma kits to neighbouring Daraa province.

The violence has also affected the Syrian Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets. The head of its Sweida branch, Hamza al-Amarin, was kidnapped while attempting to evacuate a UN team. The organisation has since lost contact with him.

The latest unrest has exposed long-simmering tensions between the Druze and the Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes, both of whom live in Sweida. Although both communities have coexisted for decades, disputes over land, resources and identity have periodically led to violent outbreaks.

The Druze, a religious sect that split from Ismaili Shiism in the 10th century, number around one million globally, with the largest populations in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. In Israel, where many Druze serve in the military, there have been calls for intervention. However, Druze leaders across the region have expressed opposition to Israeli involvement. Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna, the spiritual head of Lebanons Druze, warned that any Israeli role would inflame the region further and damage the Druze identity.

Speaking at a gathering of Druze leaders in Beirut, al-Muna called for all parties to uphold the truce and engage in national dialogue to resolve the conflict. Lebanese Druze political leader Walid Joumblatt, who helped mediate the truce, also urged the formation of an investigative committee to probe violations committed by all sides.

Despite diplomatic efforts, the violence in Sweida shows few signs of abating. With sectarian tensions spiralling and the states legitimacy in question, the interim government faces one of its gravest tests since coming to power. The fragile ceasefire, brokered with the help of regional powers, appears close to collapse, as Syria plunges deeper into instability and humanitarian despair.
At least 27 people died on Saturday after a 53-passenger tourist boat capsized due to inclement weather at Vietnam's Ha Long Bay.

The boatidentified as the Vinh Xanh 58had been carrying 48 Vietnamese tourists and five crew members when it tipped over at 2 PM local time (12:30PM IST) near the Dau Go Cave, a popular tourist destination in the country, a Vietnam News Agency report said.

Rescue teams comprising local authorities and fishermen in the area were immediately mobilised. They worked throughout the day, using all available personnel and equipment, and found 11 survivors and recovered 27 bodiesof which 8 were children.

The report added that a sudden thunderstorm (unrelated to the incoming Typhoon Wipha approaching the country via the South China Sea) swept through the area, causing the vessel to sink. Air travel in the region has been temporarily disrupted.

There were "hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning", an eyewitness declared, as per an AFP report.

Typhoon Wipha, the third to hit the South China Sea this year, is projected to make landfall along Vietnam's Northern coast early next week, a Reuters report said.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an official dispatch, directing immediate action. He also sent his condolences to the families of the dead.

In that regard, authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident and have promised to "strictly handle violations", a government statement said, as per a Viet Nam News report. Rescue efforts will also continue into the night.

The Ha Long Bay, which was twice designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000, comprises 1,133 tiny islets and islands, attracting millions of tourists.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday inaugurated a $168 billion mega hydro complex on the Brahmaputra river, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in China. The massive project has raised concerns for downstream countries India and Bangladesh.

The mega-dam, Yarlung Tsangpo River Lower Reaches Hydropower Project, will be developed by the newly formed China Yajiang Group. With five cascade dams, it will be used mainly to generate power, most of which are expected to be exported to other regions.

On July 14, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Beijing. Wang Yi said that China-India relations have sustained a momentum of improvement and pic.twitter.com/pe1czGINmg  Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) July 14, 2025

The massive structure will be far bigger than the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in central China. In 2023, a report estimated that the mega-dam will generate over 300 billion kWh electricity annually to fulfill the requirements of 300 million people.

Saturday's ceremony was organised in Nyingchi City. The hydro complex is touted to be part of China's carbon neutrality goals and bring development in the region.

India has raised the matter with China several times in the past, including in 2023 when Beijing first announced the dam project. In March 2025, MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed in the Parliament that New Delhi called on Beijing to respect India's interests.

The upcoming project comes 10 years after China operationalised the $1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station in Tibet in 2015.

While approving the project in December, Chinese Foreign Ministry said the dam would not "negatively impact" on downstream region and promised regular communication with lower riparian countries.

Environmentalists have also raised concerns about constructing such a mammoth infrastructure in one of the key biodiversity hotspots in China. The dam, which comes up in one of the rainiest parts, has stoked fears of occasional flooding.
Israel and Syria agreed to a ceasefire after days of conflict and Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria and Damascus, U.S. special envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said on Friday night.

BREAKTHROUGH  Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Syrian President Al-Sharaa, supported by US Secretary of State Rubio have agreed to a ceasefire embraced by Turkiye, Jordan and its neighbors, Barrack wrote on X.

We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors.

Thankful to all sides for their break from chaos and confusion as we attempt to navigate all parties to a more durable and peaceful solution in Syria.

Syrian regime forces withdrew from Sweida on Thursday, but clashes resumed on Friday prior to Barracks announcement, spurring the Syrian government to announce it will resend forces to the area.

On Saturday, Al-Sharaas office announced an immediate ceasefire in Sweida. However, heavy clashes between Bedouins and Druze continued in the Druze city, with the death toll reaching 940 and additional footage appearing on social media of Bedouins abusing the Druze, including executions and forcibly shaving elderly Druze sheikhs in public and other shocking acts of abuse and torture.

Al-Shaara later made a speech claiming that Syria is committed to protecting all minorities in the country. We condemn all crimes committed in Sweida, he said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded with scorn to Al-Sharaas statements, writing on X on Motzei Shabbos: The speech of Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara was a display of support for the jihadist attackers (in al-Sharaas words: The Bedouin tribes as a symbol of noble values and principles) and blaming the victims (the attacked Druze minority). Al-Shara spiced all this with conspiracy theories and accusations against Israel.

Bottom line: In al-Sharas Syria, it is very dangerous to be a member of a minorityKurd, Druze, Alawite, or Christian. This has been proven time and again over the past six months.

The international community has a duty to ensure the security and rights of the minorities in Syria and to condition Syrias renewed acceptance into the family of nations on their protection.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
IDF and Border Police forces dispersed a violent gathering of dozens of Israeli Druze in the Syrian border area on Friday night.

Following the gathering, the citizens crossed the border fence into Syrian territory in the Majdal Shams area while acting violently against IDF forces, the IDF spokesperson said. The IDF views any violence against its personnel and security forces with great severity and emphasizes that crossing the border into Syria is a criminal offense and endangers the public and IDF forces. The forces are continuing to work to safely return the citizens who crossed the border.

It is believed that about 1,000 Israeli Druze entered Syria.

Kan News reported on Motzei Shabbos that about 2,000 Israeli Druze have declared their intention to join the fighting in Syria against regime forces if the massacre of the Druze in Sweida continues.

A document revealed by Kan includes names and ID numbers of Druze serving in the IDF, other security bodies, and active reserve duty, and states, We are preparing to volunteer to fight alongside our brothers in Sweida. The time has come for us to be ready to defend our brothers, our land, and our religion.

This is an unusual step that is very concerning to the top echelons of the security establishment. Kan reported that yesterday, in an attempt to calm the situation, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, arrived at the home of Sheikh Muafak Tarif, one of the leaders of the community in Israel, and conveyed a message: Leave the handling of the events to the IDF.

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(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

Ms S.L. writes: My father purchased a new Mercedes Vito from LSH Auto in Stockport.

This is a high-spec five-seater vehicle which he and my mother bought for 54,344, intending to take the family to France this summer.

Soon after purchase, it became apparent that the van has a grave fault with its automatic emergency braking system.

Now LSH Auto has the van, which my father took back, and his money.

Tony Hetherington replies: The van's fault is pretty frightening. It would brake suddenly and violently when there were no other vehicles near it and no objects in its path. Your father contacted LSH Auto for advice and took the van back to be checked.

Big moves: A Mercedes Vito van like the one purchased from LSH Auto in Stockport

The same random braking then happened while one of the dealer's engineers was at the wheel. This was so dramatic he ruled it could not be taken back on public roads.

LSH Auto is not some backstreet second-hand car company. It is a Mercedes-Benz dealer with a large, impressive site and its most recent accounts show a one-year turnover of 255 million.

Staff contacted Mercedes-Benz in Germany and then told your father that the van had a software problem for which there was no current solution. A new system was needed and this could take six months to a year.

Your father, quite reasonably, expected to get his money back, but you told me that Mercedes-Benz wanted LSH Auto to pay, while the Stockport company wanted the Germans to pay.

Meanwhile, LSH Auto refused to release the van unless your father signed a legal waiver to agree that if the van caused any injury to anyone, or any damage to other vehicles or property, LSH Auto and Mercedes would not be held liable.

Not surprisingly, your father refused to sign, which meant that, when you contacted me, LSH Auto had both the van and the 54,344  and your family's Channel ferry booking looked as though it had been sunk without trace.

I put all this to both LSH Auto and Mercedes.

If the van had a fault so serious that it was dangerous to drive, surely this means it was not fit to be sold in the first place?

A few hours later, your father received a call from the Stockport dealer, offering a full refund.

I received a statement from the firm that did not go this far but did tell me that LSH Auto 'is in active discussion with the customer'.

It took about a fortnight for the cash to land in your father's bank account, and for LSH Auto to give me an updated statement saying that management 'has been in active discussions with the customer and has now resolved the concerns raised'.

I suspect the delay in paying may have been the time it took the dealer to agree with Mercedes exactly who would foot the bill.

Neither company offered any comment about the dodgy emergency brakes or the software issue.

Tripadvisor won't take off

N.W. writes: I owned a hotel in Blackpool for many years, and as part of our advertising we used the Business Advantage scheme from Tripadvisor.

I sold the hotel in January and informed Tripadvisor, but it has just charged me 680 subscription to the scheme.

I cannot find a way to cancel.

Bells and whistles: Tripadvisor describes Business Advantage as a subscription service that attracts and influences potential customers

Tony Hetherington replies: Tripadvisor describes Business Advantage as a subscription service that attracts and influences potential customers by adding various bells and whistles to the hotel's page on its website.

You paid for Business Advantage with your credit card, so when the subscription was due for renewal, Tripadvisor simply charged your card.

When I contacted Tripadvisor, I was told it had no record of your cancellation and it would accept a cancellation only from the hotel's email address.

I explained again that you had sold the hotel so had no access to its emails. Tripadvisor's answer was to tell you to ask the new owner to take over the payments. You barely know the new owner, though.

I asked Tripadvisor repeatedly whether it plans to carry on collecting payments from you for ever, but it would not answer.

You have decided to write off the 680, but I suggest you warn your card issuer of this dispute, in case Tripadvisor collects more payments.

And it would do no harm to have your solicitor write to Tripadvisor, making clear you are withdrawing any permission it imagines it has to take more money from you.

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
My attempts at teenage rebellion were an absolute disaster, thanks to my dad's unconventional parenting style. When I got to the age that school friends were starting to get into trouble for various misdemeanours  smoking behind the bike sheds, dyeing their hair purple, getting their nose pierced  my dad acted disappointed that I wasn't doing the same.

He asked: 'Rachel, why do your friends keep getting suspended and you never do?' He promised that if I got suspended, he'd take me out on day trips wherever I wanted to go for the full duration.

Of course, it had the opposite effect. Parent-endorsed rebellion holds no appeal, let me tell you.

The only revolt left open to me was to go against his wishes and be a goody-goody-two-shoes.

A high-risk strategy from him, but if his ultimate intention was to keep me on the straight and narrow, it worked.

I'd forgotten about this for years, until the memory jolted back last week when the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced plans for a massive advertising campaign to encourage the British public to invest.

Flying the flag: The Treasury, the financial regulator, major high-street banks and investment firms are teaming up to extol the benefits of investing

The Treasury, the financial regulator, major high-street banks and investment firms are teaming up to extol the benefits of investing.

A great idea in theory. Investing tends to produce better returns over the long term than leaving savings in cash. Encouraging savers to try it should help make them wealthier in time.

But if the advertising campaign gets the messaging wrong, I fear it could have the opposite effect.

Little saps the appeal of doing something more than being told it's fun and good for you by politicians, financial regulators and banks. For many of us it taps into that teenage instinct to rebel.

But at least when a parent tells you to do something you have a vague sense that it's probably for your own good  even if you don't want to do it.

When the Government, regulators and companies that stand to profit tell you to do something, there is not always the same reassurance. You don't have to be a hardened cynic to find yourself wondering: are you telling me to invest for my own benefit  or do you have your interests at heart?

There are simple steps that the Government and financial firms could take to allay our fears.

Firstly, banks and investment firms could cool it with lobbying the Government to introduce new rules that would serve them  but not us.

In recent weeks, countless firms have been piling in to tell the Chancellor to cut the cash Isa limit from 20,000 to as little as 4,000.

They clearly have her ear: she nearly did it. This would have harmed the savers for whom holding cash is a better strategy than investing. Savers should be encouraged into investing if they can  not forced into it.

But if the cash Isa limit were cut, investment firms would be some of the biggest winners. When firms act out of such cynical self-interest in one area, it makes it harder to trust them in others.

Secondly, the Chancellor could assure us she's listening to the voice of savers, households and consumers when forming new policies that affect us.

Her Mansion House speech last week exposed who she has really been listening to when coming up with her ideas to reshape household finances: industry.

She thanked Nationwide chief executive Debbie Crosbie, for example, for 'her leadership' in reforming mortgage rules.

She expressed gratitude to Chris Cummings of the Investment Association for 'spearheading' the campaign to promote investment.

No one can blame Reeves for obsequious name-checking of financial groups  the Mansion House speech is a Chancellor's key moment to schmooze the City. But now we need to see that she is listening to groups who represent us, too. It will help her build trust  and it could stop her being led astray by self-interested financial firms.

I suspect that if she had, she wouldn't have even considered cutting the cash Isa allowance in the first place.

But those steps alone will not be enough to guarantee a successful campaign to get us investing. It also needs to be backed up by a complete overhaul of personal finance education in schools.

Encouraging people to invest is not as simple as previous Government-backed financial campaigns, such as those telling us to claim for missold PPI or fill out a tax return by the self-assessment deadline.

After all, these campaigns required only one action and involved little choice or downside.

Starting to invest is a much more nuanced and sprawling idea. Investing covers everything from buying fine wines to building a portfolio of funds in a pension. The term is also used liberally (and often recklessly) to describe anything from trading crypto-currencies to buying expensive handbags. Simply telling us to 'invest' could end in disaster.

The solution is not to regulate further and restrict how the term 'investing' is used, or to steer savers to invest in a certain way.

Instead, the answer is to provide personal finance education in schools so that savers have the knowledge and confidence to work it out for themselves when they need it.

Yes, it could be years until we start to reap the rewards  however, if the Chancellor is asking us to invest for the long term, surely she can do the same.

Almost two-thirds of young adults do not recall receiving financial education at school, a study by comparison website Compare The Market and financial education charity Money Ready found. So we have a long way to go.

But simply telling people to invest without giving them the financial confidence to do it is like putting a 17-year-old in front of a car steering wheel and telling them to drive.

Even the most unorthodox parenting style wouldn't be so reckless.

My rebellion against authority did me a lot of favours  but if the Chancellor sparks one among savers, it'll leave us all poorer.
The boss of Britain's biggest money manager has called for the age at which workers are automatically included in company pensions schemes to be cut to 18 to help them save more for retirement.

Antonio Simoes, chief executive of Legal & General, said lowering the threshold from 22 would also boost the economy now and lessen dependency on state benefits in the future.

Hundreds of thousands of young people in their first jobs, apprenticeships or in temporary or holiday work would also develop the savings habit early.

The boss of the 14.4 billion FTSE 100 giant said: 'The challenge of pensions adequacy  making sure all of us have enough to live on in later life  is urgent and pressing.

'Adequacy depends on three things: how much people are putting in, what returns they get and, crucially, when they start.

'The best financial gift we can give young people is time. A pension opened at 18 may not seem much now, but in 30 or 40 years it could mean everything. So let's stop wasting time. Let's start saving it.

Early warning: Antonio Simoes says if young people save more it would boost investment in the UK, as well as reducing future reliance on the state

'Currently, auto-enrolment schemes, which cover millions of workers at companies without their own pension funds, are only open to those aged 22 and over.'

He pointed to countries such as Australia and Canada where the auto-enrolment age is already 18, showing that it was possible.

The controversial call from Simoes, who heads a business that manages 1.2 trillion of pensions and other savings, comes ahead of tomorrow's launch of the long-delayed Government review of Britain's grossly inadequate level of retirement provision.

The study, to be led by Pensions Minister Torsten Bell, will investigate the significant inequalities between retirees with generous company pensions and those who are reliant on the basic state pension, having accumulated little or no other savings.

As well as trying to find solutions to retirement poverty, the review may also allow people to dip into their pension pots at any age if they are short of cash.

Also on the agenda will be the thorny issue of raising auto-enrolment pension contributions. These currently stand at 8 per cent and are split between the employer, who pays in 3 per cent of a member of staff's earnings, and the employee, who pays in 5 per cent of their earnings. There is pressure to raise the total contribution to 12 per cent.

But such a measure is likely to be delayed against the background of the furore over the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions in April, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her Autumn Budget.

The Federation of Small Businesses has already voiced its opposition to a rise in auto-enrolment contributions.

Simoes' plan to extend auto-enrolment to 18-year-olds is also likely to meet resistance, as this would impose even more of a burden on businesses.

But the L&G boss said the benefits would be likely to outweigh the costs.

'It would be a win-win. Those at retirement would be in a stronger financial position, less reliant on the state,' he said. 'And when more people save, more capital is available for the UK economy, supporting jobs, infrastructure, and national resilience.

'Bigger pension pots could be channelled into productive investment, helping to fund growth and regeneration. And retirees would have more to spend.

'This matters, given that consumer spending drives 63 per cent of UK gross domestic product and retirees already account for a quarter of that total.'

The L&G boss's intervention comes after Labour announced last week that the voting age is to be cut to 16 from 18 by the time of the next general election, fuelling an ongoing debate about at what age people should assume responsibility for decisions, including over their finances in later life.
ITM Power Plc (LON:ITM  Get Free Report) insider Dennis Schulz acquired 190 shares of ITM Power stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 15th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 79 ($1.06) per share, with a total value of 150.10 ($201.48).

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On Friday, June 13th, Dennis Schulz bought 212 shares of ITM Power stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 71 ($0.95) per share, with a total value of 150.52 ($202.04).

On Thursday, May 15th, Dennis Schulz bought 340 shares of ITM Power stock. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 44 ($0.59) per share, for a total transaction of 149.60 ($200.81).

ITM Power Price Performance

Shares of LON:ITM opened at GBX 76.10 ($1.02) on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 69.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 44.58. The firm has a market capitalization of 474.23 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -17.41 and a beta of 2.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.73, a current ratio of 4.17 and a quick ratio of 7.56. ITM Power Plc has a 12 month low of GBX 25.08 ($0.34) and a 12 month high of GBX 98.45 ($1.32).

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Berenberg Bank reiterated a hold rating and issued a GBX 59 ($0.79) price objective on shares of ITM Power in a research note on Thursday, May 8th.

View Our Latest Stock Report on ITM

ITM Power Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ITM Power was founded in 2000, and ITM Power PLC was admitted to the London Stock Exchanges AIM market in 2004.

Headquartered in Sheffield, England, ITM Power designs and manufactures electrolysers based on proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology to produce green hydrogen, the only net zero energy gas, using renewable electricity and water.

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NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NIQ) expects to raise $1.1 billion in an IPO on Wednesday, July 23rd, IPO Scoop reports. The company plans to issue 50,000,000 shares at $20.00-$24.00 per share.

In the last year, NIQ Global Intelligence plc generated $4 billion in revenue and had a net loss of $622.5 million. The company has a market cap of $6.5 billion.

NIQ Global Intelligence provided the following description of their company for its IPO: (Incorporated in Ireland) We provide brands, retailers and other clients a holistic view of consumer shopping behavior globally to drive mission-critical strategic and operating decisions and facilitate better economic outcomes. Our Company We are a leading global consumer intelligence company positioned at the nexus of brands, retailers and consumers. We manage a comprehensive and integrated ecosystem aA The NIQ EcosystemA a which combines proprietary data,A best-in-classA technology, human intelligence, and highly sophisticated software applications and analytics solutions. Our unified, artificial intelligence and machine learning (a?AIa?)-powered technology platform aggregates, harmonizes and enriches vast amounts of global consumer shopping data from a myriad of diverse sources, generates rich, proprietary reference data and metadata, and provides a global, omnichannel view of consumer shopping behavior aA The Full View. Our global reach spans over 90 countries covering approximately 85% (percent) of the worldas population, more than half the worldas gross domestic product (a?GDPa?) and more than $7.2A trillion in global consumer spend as of DecemberA 31, 2024. Leveraging our strong NIQ brand, long-term client relationships, global scale, proprietary technology, and extensive data and insights, we are positioned as a global leader in measuring, analyzing, and predicting consumer behavior in the fast-moving consumer goods (a?FMCGa?), tech and durables (a?T&Da?) and other verticals in which we operate. A As of DecemberA 31, 2024, we served approximately 23,000 clients worldwide, ranging from multi-national brands and retailers to SMB. Our clients include approximately half of the Fortune 500 and nearly 80% of the Fortune 100 companies. Over decades, we have grown alongside some of the worldas largest consumer brands. For example, Coca-Cola has been a client for 100 years, Colgate for over 80 years, (and) Nestl? for nearly 75 years. We haveA longstanding relationships with Samsung and Sony in T&D. We also serve new and emerging brands as well, such as Malk, Great Lakes Brewing, SharkNinja and Serenity Kids and collaborate with top U.S. retailers like Target and Walmart, as well as international retailers like ALDI and LIDL. A Note: Net loss and revenue are for the 12 months that ended March 31, 2025. (Note: NIQ Global Intelligence plc disclosed its IPOs terms on July 14, 2025, in an S-1/A filing: 50.0 million shares at a price range of $20.00 to $24.00 to raise $1.1 billion, if priced at the $22.0 mid-point of its range.) (Background: NIQ Global Intelligence filed its S-1 on June 27, 2025, without disclosing the terms for its IPO. NIQ Global Intelligences IPO was pegged as a potential billion-dollar IPO at the time of the S-1 filing, according to published reports. The estimated IPO proceeds of $100 million in this IPO Profile is a placeholder figure.)A .

NIQ Global Intelligence was founded in 1923 and has 38625 employees. The company is located at 200 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60606 and can be reached via phone at (312)-583-5100 or on the web at http://www.NielsenIQ.com/.

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Aviva PLC (OTCMKTS:AVVIY  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the five analysts that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and two have assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company.

A number of brokerages have commented on AVVIY. Citigroup upgraded Aviva to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays lowered Aviva from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, June 16th.

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Aviva Stock Performance

About Aviva

Shares of AVVIY opened at $17.41 on Monday. Aviva has a 1-year low of $11.49 and a 1-year high of $17.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.86 and a quick ratio of 1.86. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $16.77 and its 200 day moving average price is $14.68.

(Get Free Report

Aviva plc provides various insurance, retirement, investment, and savings products in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and internationally. The company offers life insurance, long-term health and accident insurance, savings, pension, and annuity products, as well as pension fund business and lifetime mortgage products.

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Wealthfront Advisers LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO  Free Report) by 17.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,287 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,901 shares during the quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF were worth $2,373,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. increased its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 38,242 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $9,772,000 after purchasing an additional 537 shares in the last quarter. Droms Strauss Advisors Inc. MO ADV increased its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 40.0% during the 1st quarter. Droms Strauss Advisors Inc. MO ADV now owns 59,576 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $15,224,000 after purchasing an additional 17,013 shares in the last quarter. BluePointe Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $577,000. Pointe Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Pointe Capital Management LLC now owns 3,443 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $880,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Oldfather Financial Services LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Oldfather Financial Services LLC now owns 25,803 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,594,000 after acquiring an additional 129 shares in the last quarter. 74.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Stock Down 0.7%

Shares of IWO opened at $292.76 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.86 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF has a twelve month low of $219.19 and a twelve month high of $317.62. The company has a 50 day moving average of $279.27 and a 200-day moving average of $274.06.

iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market.

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Ally Financial (NYSE:ALLY  Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Friday. The financial services provider reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.78 by $0.21, Zacks reports. Ally Financial had a net margin of 6.96% and a return on equity of 9.53%. The firm had revenue of $2.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.03 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.97 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year.

Ally Financial Stock Down 0.9%

NYSE ALLY opened at $39.88 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38. The company has a fifty day moving average of $37.33 and a two-hundred day moving average of $36.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.32, a PEG ratio of 0.38 and a beta of 1.15. Ally Financial has a 52 week low of $29.52 and a 52 week high of $45.46.

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Ally Financial Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 1st. Ally Financials payout ratio is 88.24%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently commented on ALLY shares. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $47.00 target price (up previously from $39.00) on shares of Ally Financial in a report on Thursday, July 10th. Truist Financial boosted their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $41.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 13th. Compass Point raised shares of Ally Financial from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $37.00 to $41.00 in a report on Monday, April 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 1st. Finally, BTIG Research upgraded shares of Ally Financial from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Ally Financial has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $42.67.

Get Our Latest Report on Ally Financial

Insider Buying and Selling at Ally Financial

In related news, CFO Russell E. Hutchinson bought 8,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $30.81 per share, with a total value of $252,642.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief financial officer owned 236,421 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,284,131.01. This trade represents a 3.59% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Stephanie N. Richard sold 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.14, for a total transaction of $257,120.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 90,387 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,905,038.18. This represents a 8.13% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.67% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Ally Financial

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Focus Partners Wealth purchased a new stake in shares of Ally Financial during the first quarter valued at $259,000. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its stake in Ally Financial by 11.1% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 12,900 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $470,000 after acquiring an additional 1,292 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Ally Financial by 22.8% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,235 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $82,000 after acquiring an additional 415 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in Ally Financial by 106.5% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 251,123 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $9,158,000 after acquiring an additional 129,497 shares during the period. 88.76% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Ally Financial

(Get Free Report)

Ally Financial Inc, a digital financial-services company, provides various digital financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda. The company operates through Automotive Finance Operations, Insurance Operations, Mortgage Finance Operations, and Corporate Finance Operations segments.

Further Reading

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With a late-night vote in Congress to cut PBS and NPR funding, Mitt Romney's vision has come to pass.

During a 2012 presidential debate, the GOP nominee famously pledged to "stop the subsidy to PBS" even though he liked Sesame Street character Big Bird. Romney also apologized to the moderator, Jim Lehrer, who was a PBS employee.

Thirteen years later, Congress has voted to claw back $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting over a two-year period, which will financially damage PBS and National Public Radio.

If you want left-wing propaganda, watch MSNBC," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said, reflecting the Republican viewpoint. "But dont make taxpayers fund it.

GOPers have complained about left-leaning bias in public broadcasting for decades, going back almost to the creation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in 1967. But those cries have grown louder within the last few years, and finally led to action in the wee hours between Thursday and Friday.

The "rescissions" package that will defund CPB now goes to President Donald Trump's desk, where he is expected to sign it.

Democrats were incensed, saying the clawback will lead to the closure of important television and radio stations across the country, especially in rural areas where residents tend to be poorer and have less access to other sources of information.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voiced another concern that was shared by Democrats, which is that cutting funds will make it harder for disaster alerts to reach the public.

"A few hours ago, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the Alaska Peninsula, just south of Sand Point," Murkowski posted on X. "Local residents and summer visitors alike were able to evacuate thanks to federal tsunami advisories relayed through local public broadcasting stations."

"Today of all days, we should vote down these misguided cuts to public broadcasting," she added. Instead, Vice President JD Vance cast a tiebreaking vote to pass the measure in the Senate, and the House approved it early Friday morning.

The funding cuts will have a severe, but not necessarily fatal, impact on NPR and PBS.

PBS gets about 15% of its revenue through CPB, according to an NPR story on the cuts. The NPR formula is more complicated, as it receives only a small percentage of direct funding from CPB but also receives fees from about 1,000 member stations, which are themselves funded through taxpayer dollars.

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Larger stations in major cities will likely see layoffs, while smaller stations in rural areas could be forced to shut down completely.

Jeffrey McCall, a communications professor at DePauw University, says the defunding push has been coming for a long time.

"Even in the 1980s, questions were raised in the Reagan administration about why the government should play any role in the media landscape," he said. "At that time, CPB executives pondered moving forward without government assistance, but never put any effort into the plans because the pressure eased in the Clinton era."

He added that although the CPB was set up to protect against direct government oversight, when taxpayer money is involved, there will always be political implications.

"NPR and PBS do some good work, to be sure, but they appeal to generally niche audiences," McCall said. "If there is sufficient demand for their product in the media sphere, sufficient funds should surface from donors, audience members, and corporations to keep it going."

In decades past, PBS has been the home of popular children's and adult programming, ranging from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street to Ken Burns documentaries and Nova. But conservatives have long argued that PBS and NPR are politically biased, and polling shows that Democrats are much more likely to tune in.

SALENA ZITO: Josh Shapiro puts politics aside to boost emerging technology jobs

Congress typically allocates just over $500 million yearly for CPB, a tiny portion of the federal budget. But the win marks a symbolic political victory for the GOP.

The funding cut is for the next two years, and while Congress could theoretically begin funding CPB again afterward, that seems unlikely at least as long as Trump sits in the White House.

When asked about the cuts on Thursday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "These are partisan left-wing outlets that are funded by the taxpayers. And this administration does not believe its a good use of the taxpayers time and money.

However, at least one former NPR editor believes the cuts could potentially open up a window of opportunity. Calling the move NPR's "Independence Day," Uri Berliner, now at the Free Press, says the news outlet could revive its fortunes in a future without government funding.

"Now NPR will be like any other media organization, free to be as partisan as it chooses, stripped of its unique claim to taxpayer support," he wrote, "still protected by the First Amendment, but subject to the same financial and competitive pressures as everyone else."
Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL  Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The financial services provider reported $2.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.04 by $0.03, Zacks reports. The company had revenue of $836.21 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $838.58 million. Western Alliance Bancorporation had a net margin of 16.39% and a return on equity of 12.88%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.75 earnings per share.

Western Alliance Bancorporation Stock Performance

Western Alliance Bancorporation stock opened at $81.53 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $9.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.71, a P/E/G ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 1.29. The business has a 50 day moving average of $77.09 and a 200-day moving average of $78.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Western Alliance Bancorporation has a 1 year low of $57.05 and a 1 year high of $98.10.

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Western Alliance Bancorporation Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 15th were paid a $0.38 dividend. This represents a $1.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.86%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 15th. Western Alliance Bancorporations dividend payout ratio is currently 20.85%.

Institutional Trading of Western Alliance Bancorporation

Analyst Ratings Changes

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its position in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 513.5% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,730 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $133,000 after purchasing an additional 1,448 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 71.2% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 7,815 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $600,000 after purchasing an additional 3,249 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 24.0% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 111,883 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $8,596,000 after purchasing an additional 21,642 shares during the period. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC increased its position in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 11.3% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 347,529 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,701,000 after purchasing an additional 35,276 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.15% of the companys stock.

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 21st. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from $105.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Stephens reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $92.00 price objective on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, DA Davidson cut their price objective on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from $106.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Western Alliance Bancorporation currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $97.50.

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Western Alliance Bancorporation Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Western Alliance Bancorporation operates as the bank holding company for Western Alliance Bank that provides various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It operates through Commercial and Consumer Related segments. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as fixed-rate and fixed maturity certificates of deposit accounts; demand deposits; and treasury management and residential mortgage products and services.

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Formidable Asset Management LLC reduced its position in Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 3.9% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,833 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 319 shares during the period. Formidable Asset Management LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $2,444,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of ACN. Norges Bank bought a new position in Accenture during the 4th quarter valued at $2,351,683,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in Accenture by 30,256.8% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,421,519 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,067,651,000 after acquiring an additional 3,410,248 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in Accenture by 22.8% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,175,518 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,283,225,000 after acquiring an additional 2,260,740 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors lifted its stake in Accenture by 16.8% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 12,295,748 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,325,526,000 after acquiring an additional 1,770,024 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in Accenture by 10.7% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 7,582,344 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,667,393,000 after acquiring an additional 732,769 shares in the last quarter. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have weighed in on ACN. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on Accenture from $399.00 to $392.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 21st. UBS Group restated a buy rating and set a $395.00 price objective (up from $390.00) on shares of Accenture in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Accenture from $364.00 to $355.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Benchmark reaffirmed a mixed rating on shares of Accenture in a research report on Friday, June 20th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Accenture from $355.00 to $325.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Accenture has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $365.43.

Accenture Stock Down 0.1%

ACN stock opened at $282.37 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $176.86 billion, a PE ratio of 22.48, a PEG ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 1.29. Accenture PLC has a twelve month low of $273.19 and a twelve month high of $398.35. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $306.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $324.73.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.49 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.32 by $0.17. The business had revenue of $17.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.26 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 26.55% and a net margin of 11.61%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.13 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Accenture PLC will post 12.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Accenture Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 10th will be issued a dividend of $1.48 per share. This represents a $5.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 10th. Accentures payout ratio is presently 47.13%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 2,251 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.45, for a total transaction of $635,794.95. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 8,109 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,290,387.05. This trade represents a 21.73% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, COO John F. Walsh sold 2,500 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.00, for a total value of $812,500.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer owned 15,882 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,161,650. This trade represents a 13.60% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 5,454 shares of company stock worth $1,646,780. Insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock.

Accenture Profile

(Free Report)

Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

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Samsonite Group (OTCMKTS:SMSEY  Get Free Report) is one of 47 public companies in the CONSM PD  MISC DIS industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare Samsonite Group to related companies based on the strength of its dividends, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, risk, institutional ownership and earnings.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Samsonite Group and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Samsonite Group 0 0 0 2 4.00 Samsonite Group Competitors 118 922 1004 29 2.46

As a group, CONSM PD  MISC DIS companies have a potential upside of 21.64%. Given Samsonite Groups rivals higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Samsonite Group has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals.

Risk and Volatility

Dividends

Samsonite Group has a beta of 0.69, suggesting that its share price is 31% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Samsonite Groups rivals have a beta of -0.52, suggesting that their average share price is 152% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Samsonite Group pays an annual dividend of $0.39 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.9%. Samsonite Group pays out 36.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, CONSM PD  MISC DIS companies pay a dividend yield of 3.1% and pay out 71.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Samsonite Group is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Profitability

This table compares Samsonite Group and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Samsonite Group 8.67% 21.65% 6.52% Samsonite Group Competitors 0.03% 1.25% 0.50%

Insider & Institutional Ownership

40.3% of shares of all CONSM PD  MISC DIS companies are held by institutional investors. 22.2% of shares of all CONSM PD  MISC DIS companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Samsonite Group and its rivals revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Samsonite Group $3.59 billion $345.70 million 9.41 Samsonite Group Competitors $2.85 billion $82.79 million 3.69

Samsonite Group has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. Samsonite Group 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.

Summary

Samsonite Group beats its rivals on 11 of the 15 factors compared.

Samsonite Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Samsonite International S.A. engages in the design, manufacture, sourcing, and distribution of travel luggage bags in North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The company offers luggage, business, computer, outdoor, casual, and women's bags; and travel accessories and slim protective cases for personal electronic devices primarily under the Samsonite, Tumi, American Tourister, Speck, High Sierra, Gregory, Lipault, Kamiliant, Hartmann, and eBags brands, as well as other owned and licensed brand names. It sells its products through various wholesale distribution channels, as well as through company operated retail stores and e-commerce. The company was founded in 1910 and is based in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

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Formidable Asset Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 1.5% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,313 shares of the companys stock after selling 50 shares during the period. Formidable Asset Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $1,862,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Archer Investment Corp lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 8.4% during the 1st quarter. Archer Investment Corp now owns 3,193 shares of the companys stock worth $1,794,000 after buying an additional 247 shares during the last quarter. Gradient Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Gradient Capital Advisors LLC now owns 51,630 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,011,000 after purchasing an additional 1,251 shares during the last quarter. Patton Albertson Miller Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 42.5% in the 1st quarter. Patton Albertson Miller Group LLC now owns 48,517 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,262,000 after purchasing an additional 14,465 shares during the last quarter. Sachetta LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 3,421 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,922,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Armor Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Armor Investment Advisors LLC now owns 42,444 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,849,000 after purchasing an additional 327 shares during the last quarter. 70.12% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF stock opened at $630.67 on Friday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a fifty-two week low of $484.00 and a fifty-two week high of $632.39. The company has a market capitalization of $635.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $606.13 and a 200-day simple moving average of $585.85.

About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The semiconductor company reported $2.47 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.13 by $0.34, Zacks reports. The company had revenue of $30.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $28.50 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 42.91% and a return on equity of 34.53%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings revenue for the quarter was up 44.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.48 earnings per share. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing updated its Q3 2025 guidance to EPS.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Down 2.1%

Shares of TSM opened at $240.40 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $212.72 and a 200 day moving average of $193.73. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has a fifty-two week low of $133.57 and a fifty-two week high of $248.28. The firm has a market cap of $1.25 trillion, a P/E ratio of 27.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 2.18 and a current ratio of 2.39.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 16th will be given a dividend of $0.6499 per share. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 16th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is presently 29.65%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

TSM has been the topic of several analyst reports. Susquehanna set a $265.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and gave the company a positive rating in a report on Monday, July 14th. Barclays restated an overweight rating and issued a $240.00 price target (up from $215.00) on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $270.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $258.33.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TSM

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing stock. Brighton Jones LLC grew its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 20.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,930 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,892 shares during the quarter. Brighton Jones LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $2,159,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

(Get Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

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Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. decreased its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 21.2% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 12,235 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 3,294 shares during the period. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $874,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in WFC. Hardy Reed LLC lifted its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. Hardy Reed LLC now owns 6,048 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $434,000 after purchasing an additional 484 shares during the last quarter. Forte Capital LLC ADV grew its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 10.9% in the first quarter. Forte Capital LLC ADV now owns 5,074 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $364,000 after acquiring an additional 499 shares in the last quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI increased its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 48.8% during the first quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI now owns 93,726 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,729,000 after acquiring an additional 30,759 shares during the period. Forum Financial Management LP raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 56,088 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,027,000 after purchasing an additional 192 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 79,315 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,694,000 after purchasing an additional 2,270 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.90% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Bank of America raised their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $83.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 4th. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Wall Street Zen upgraded Wells Fargo & Company from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 9th. Finally, TD Cowen initiated coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, May 15th. They issued a hold rating and a $83.00 price objective on the stock. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Wells Fargo & Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $80.39.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance

WFC stock opened at $80.64 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $262.42 billion, a PE ratio of 13.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $77.14 and a 200-day moving average price of $74.18. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1-year low of $50.15 and a 1-year high of $83.95.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.13. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 16.82% and a return on equity of 12.29%. The business had revenue of $20.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.83 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.33 earnings per share. Wells Fargo & Companys revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, June 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 9th were paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.98%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 9th. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.40%.

Wells Fargo & Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Tuesday, April 29th that allows the company to buyback $40.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to repurchase up to 17.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

About Wells Fargo & Company

(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.

Further Reading

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Fountainhead AM LLC boosted its holdings in SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD  Free Report) by 132.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,426 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 1,951 shares during the period. Fountainhead AM LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $987,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GLD. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp acquired a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Columbia River Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in SPDR Gold Shares in the first quarter worth $34,000. HWG Holdings LP acquired a new position in SPDR Gold Shares in the first quarter worth $53,000. American National Bank & Trust boosted its stake in SPDR Gold Shares by 189.4% in the first quarter. American National Bank & Trust now owns 191 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $55,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Inlight Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in SPDR Gold Shares in the first quarter worth $55,000. 42.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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SPDR Gold Shares Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of GLD traded up $0.80 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $308.39. 5,556,329 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,587,868. SPDR Gold Shares has a 1-year low of $217.52 and a 1-year high of $317.63. The business has a fifty day moving average of $306.41 and a 200-day moving average of $285.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $101.98 billion, a PE ratio of -32.43 and a beta of 0.15.

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).

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Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 12.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 28,170 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,031 shares during the quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $714,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Brighton Jones LLC raised its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1,282.4% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 666,318 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $17,677,000 after buying an additional 618,117 shares during the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in Pfizer by 12.5% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 18,766 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $498,000 after purchasing an additional 2,087 shares in the last quarter. Madison Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth about $5,360,000. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its holdings in Pfizer by 93.3% in the 4th quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 1,969,261 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $52,244,000 after buying an additional 950,358 shares during the period. Finally, Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. grew its holdings in Pfizer by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. now owns 265,072 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $7,032,000 after buying an additional 1,541 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

PFE has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Redburn Atlantic lowered their price target on Pfizer from $29.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Citigroup upped their target price on Pfizer from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Pfizer from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. TD Cowen lowered their price target on Pfizer from $32.00 to $28.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, HSBC lowered their price target on Pfizer from $27.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 19th. One equities 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 issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $28.55.

Pfizer Stock Down 0.5%

NYSE PFE opened at $24.46 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. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $20.92 and a 52 week high of $31.54. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $24.07 and a 200-day moving average of $24.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $139.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.58.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results 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 for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 12.62%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.82 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 25th will be paid a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 25th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.03%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 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.

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In the days since President Donald Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, Kremlin officials have shown little interest in coming to the negotiating table.

The presidents deal, as clarified by a White House official after his public announcement, gives Russia 50 days, roughly seven weeks, to resume diplomatic efforts in good faith, or the administration will slap additional sanctions on Russia and secondary tariffs targeting countries that trade with Russia.

We first and foremost note that any attempts to make demands  especially ultimatums  are unacceptable for us, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in response.

The number of sanctions announced against us is already unprecedented," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, downplaying the possible effect of Trump's new threat. "We are coping. I have no doubt that we will cope."

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained on Thursday that the secondary sanctions would be placed on countries that purchase Russian oil, which she said would do deep damage to Russias economy.

Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities far from the front lines of the battlefield, and those almost certainly will continue during the 50-day time frame the president set out for the Kremlin to return to the negotiating table.

I don't think its super helpful, John Hardie, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Russia Program, said of Trumps 50-day ultimatum. I think the Russians, first of all, are kind of dismissing the threat. I think they think they've endured sanctions before, and they can again. So it's incumbent on the U.S. to bring pressure to bear in a way that would be more uncomfortable and kind of test that assumption for the Russians.

China, India, and Turkey are the top buyers of Russian oil.

Beijing firmly opposes any illicit unilateral sanctions and long arm jurisdiction, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry, said on Tuesday following Trumps remarks.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who was with Trump when he announced the 50-day plan, urged the leaders of Brazil (another country that purchases Russian oil), China, and India to pressure Putin to get serious about peace talks, because potential secondary sanctions will slam back on [them] in a massive way.

Lin reiterated his sentiment the next day when asked about Ruttes remarks, saying, Coercion and pressuring will lead nowhere.

Retired four-star Army General Jack Keane told the Washington Examiner he does not believe Putin is "ready to stop," adding that he expects "a bit of an escalation, initially, to demonstrate to his forces, to his country, that he's not going to be intimidated by the president's decision."

Trumps ultimatum comes in concert with the administrations plan to allow European allies to purchase U.S. military equipment to provide for Ukraine, though the specifics of the plan are still being hammered out.

His announcement also comes as Russia continues its near-daily aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities in what have been some of the biggest attacks in the war thats gone on for nearly three and a half years.

The aid conversation has primarily been about Patriot missile defense systems and the interceptor missiles required to operate them. Ukraines largest request from the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries throughout the war has been air defense systems of all kinds to ensure Russia cannot obtain air superiority.

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Ballistic and cruise missiles fired from outside Ukrainian territory are causing significant damage and killing civilians far from the front lines. The Patriot system "is one of the few air defense systems in the world that can defeat ballistic missiles," Keane added.

"It is absolutely critical to the defense of Ukraine's infrastructure," he continued. "The Russians would not fire a ballistic missile at front-line troops. That would be a waste of a missile. They do fire at residential areas. They do fire it at hospitals, all of these are war crimes by the war, because they are targeting civilians, and they do fire at energy infrastructure."

Trump also said this week that he would not support Ukraine carrying out long-range offensive operations targeting Moscow.

No, [Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky] shouldnt target Moscow, he said.

With the looming 50-day ultimatum, a major question is what other tools the president could utilize if that deadline comes and goes, the sanctions and tariffs are implemented, and the war continues unimpeded.

I don't think that Russia is going to stop when the 50 days are up, Hardie said. I think Putin's clear message has been he's going to keep fighting until his goals are achieved, until he eliminates the so-called root causes of the war, which to him are Ukraine's independence and what he would call NATO expansionism.

One of Putin and the Kremlins long-held beliefs regarding the war is that Russia will be able to outlast Ukraines allies willingness and ability to support the embattled country, even if it means making minimal battlefield gains and suffering significant casualties in the meantime.

"Putin wanted to frustrate the president, but he was hoping that the president, out of that frustration, would indeed just pull away from Ukraine, and quite the contrary, the president has decided to significantly assist Ukraine militarily," Keane added, calling it a "miscalculation" on Putin's part.

The Kremlin looked well on its way to outlasting U.S. support for Ukraine with Trump's return to the White House after former President Joe Biden's administration declared it would aid Ukraine militarily for as long as necessary.

Trump returned to Washington, D.C., eager to end the conflict, after declaring on the campaign trail he could do so in 24 hours. He has spent months going back and forth, criticizing both sides, at times castigating Ukraine's behavior even as the invaded entity, while choosing not to apply the same type of pressure on Moscow.

Leavitt said on Thursday that the president's goal remains the same: to end the war. But in recent weeks, his ire has turned almost entirely on Putin, who he said has backed out of negotiations four times when they appeared to be nearing a breakthrough.

TRUMPS UKRAINE WEAPONS PLAN IS FULL OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Trump has, by his own admission, been frustrated with that behavior, and aggressive Russian attacks on civilian areas during and after the deals falling apart have prompted a shift in the administration.

By the time the president's 50-day window ends, the conflict will have surpassed its three-and-a-half-year anniversary. Most experts believed Ukraine would lose the war in a matter of weeks, but its resolve to fight for its sovereignty surprised most people, as did the mistakes of the Russian military early on in the conflict. Instead, the conflict has largely turned into a stalemate war of attrition.
Several wildfires continue to eat their way through western Colorado's mountainous terrain, with one growing more than 6,000 acres overnight after crossing over from Utah, according to emergency officials.
This work week ends with an important of endorsement of local democracy AND elected officials in agreement regarding the will of voters.

To wit . . .

JACKSON COUNTY OVERRIDES EXEC FRANK WHITE WHITE IN FAVOR OF THE RECALL!!!

Here are the deets and a preview of an upcoming vote . . .

"The vote was 8-0 Friday morning at the Jackson County Courthouse. Legislator Megan Smith abstained from supporting the veto override.



"On this issue, there was some tension between the legislative chair, DaRon McGee, who wants the election Aug. 26, and Smith, who -- like the election boards -- want the election to be set for Nov. 4. "

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Jackson County lawmakers override Frank White's vetoes Jackson County Legislature overrules vetoes, allows voters to decide on elected assessor, extending property tax credit deadline, recall election
The Kansas Rep. advocates for youngsters in crisis and offers a rare rebuke against the White House.

Here's the word . . .

(Rep. Sharice) Davids led a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, the same day the special LGBTQ 988 service ended.

She was joined by seven other lawmakers, including six Democrats and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.

Theres more than a million of those moments where someone thought that it would be better if they werent here, and they had someone to call, Davids said. Theres a million moments where someone was scared and they had the 988 press three line to call. And now, because of the Trump administration, that line is being cut.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Azerbaijan and Armenia are pretty close to peace, said the US President Donald Trump, Trend reports.

For Armenia and Azerbaijan, we worked magic there, and it's pretty close. If not it's already done, he said.

The latest peace talks were held between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

The meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere.

Serious and substantive discussions were held on key aspects of the peace agenda  border delimitation, the opening and development of the Zangazur Corridor, and the initialing of a peace agreement.

Both parties reached a general understanding to continue negotiations through various working groups and at higher levels.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. The Azerbaijani Parliament has issued a formal response to the resolution adopted by the Belgian House of Representatives, Trend reports.

The statement reads:

"The Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan resolutely protests against the unilateral and prejudiced resolution adopted by the Belgian House of Representatives on 17 July 2025 and rejects unequivocally the unfounded accusations levelled against our country in this document.

The authors of this resolution, based on unverified, erroneous and one-sided information, disregard the political, legal and humanitarian conditions that have recently emerged in the South Caucasus region, show indifference to the principles and norms of international law and fail to uphold the standards of fairness and impartiality that any parliament is obliged to adhere to.

The resolution effectively denies the legitimate and sovereign right of the Republic of Azerbaijan to restore her territorial integrity. The anti-terrorist operation conducted by Azerbaijan in September 2023 was directed solely against the remnants of Armenian Armed Forces and the illegal armed groups operating in the Karabakh Region and was fully compliant with international law. During this operation, no harm was caused to any civilians, and no religious or cultural monuments were damaged.

The attempts by Members of the Belgian Parliament to accuse Azerbaijan of war crimes and human rights violations are baseless and politically motivated. The resolution remains silent on the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian armed forces, the numerous crimes committed during this period against the peaceful Azerbaijani population, acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing resulting in the displacement of 750,000 Azerbaijanis within their homeland, the destruction of our cities and villages, and the looting and desecration of our national, cultural, religious and historical heritage. Instead, Azerbaijan, which seeks to establish peace and justice on its land, finds herself subjected to unjust attacks.

Regarding the section of the resolution concerning illegal arrests, it is pertinent to recall that individuals of Armenian nationality currently involved in judicial investigations in Baku are accused of committing crimes on Azerbaijani territory, including military aggression, war crimes, enforced disappearances, torture, terrorism and others. Their relevant rights are ensured, the judicial process is conducted transparently and no complaints of mistreatment have been reported. Claims to the contrary constitute nothing less than interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.

It is regrettable that the resolution should contain provocative and erroneous interpretations of the Western Azerbaijan concept, which envisages the right of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, forcibly deported or expelled from Armenia, to return peacefully to their ancestral lands. This concept reflects our peoples commitment to historical memory and their pursuit of justice, fully in line with international law.

Contrary to its stated aims, the resolution does not contribute to efforts to foster peace. At a time when significant steps are being taken to advance the peace agenda, forces linked to the Armenian Diaspora in parliaments such as those of Belgium and Switzerland as well as the European Parliament are seeking to undermine the peace process and create new sources of tension in the region.

The Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan urges members of the Belgian House of Representatives to cease the practice of adopting such documents lacking an objective foundation, to respect the principles and norms of international law and the rights of all peoples in the region, and to refrain from actions that could heighten tensions."

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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Footage of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyevs meeting with residents of the village of Khanyurdu has been published on his social media pages, Trend reports.

The post reads:

"President Ilham Aliyevs meeting with residents in the village of Khanyurdu, Khojaly (18.07.2025)"
Photo: Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Renewed military clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia are unlikely, says Fitch Ratings, Trend reports.

The rating agency recalls that in March 2025, Azerbaijan and Armenia reported that they have agreed on the text of the peace agreement, "although the contents and timescale for signing a treaty are unclear".

In Fitch's view, a return to military conflict is currently unlikely.

The latest peace talks were held between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

The meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere.

Serious and substantive discussions were held on key aspects of the peace agenda  border delimitation, the opening and development of the Zangazur Corridor, and the initialing of a peace agreement.

Both parties reached a general understanding to continue negotiations through various working groups and at higher levels.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. On July 19, a meeting was held in Khankendi between President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, held under the theme Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI, Trend reports.

President Ilham Aliyev answered questions from the Forum participants.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon, Bureau Chief, Middle East at Euronews: Your Excellency Mr. President,

Ladies and gentlemen, and esteemed guests,

Welcome to the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum. We're delighted to see you here in Khankendi, part of the cultural heart of Azerbaijan. We are deeply honored to host esteemed media professionals, thought leaders, and distinguished guests from around the world. Thank you for being here. This forum stands as a testament to the power of dialogue, transparency, and global cooperation in an ever-evolving media landscape.

We have 140 guests from 52 countries, representing 30 news agencies and 80 media entities. This years forum is held under the title "Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI." Discussions will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing modern media, the influence of digital transformation, and the role of independent journalism in promoting peace, development, and mutual understanding.

It is now my absolute honor to hand over to His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much, Jane. Thank you.

I would like to welcome all our guests to Karabakh and express my gratitude for being with us. This is already the third time that this important gathering takes place in Karabakh. The Shusha Media Forum has already become a tradition, and I hope that this tradition will continue. As time passes, we see more guests and broader geographical coverage. This once again shows that there is a strong need for open discussions in a friendly atmosphere on the most important topics  not only those on the media communitys agenda, but also issues of the global agenda. The situation in the world changes so quickly. So, if we look back at last years forum in Shusha, we can see many changes in our region and the world.

Of course, the media is the first to rush to the scene  to report the story, to cover the event, and to provide feedback. Im very glad that we have such a large gathering here in Khankendi. We decided to hold todays meeting here  in this newly built Congress Hall, located on Victory Square in Khankendi.

I'm sure it will also be interesting for our guests to see what has been accomplished in terms of reconstruction and the return of people who were forcefully displaced from these areas more than 30 years ago. So, I will now conclude my remarks to leave more room for discussion. Once again, thank you for being with us today.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Well, Mr. President, we have lots of questions for you. Everyone has come prepared, so let's kick things off straight away and get down to business. So our first question is from Mr. Klaus Peter Ralf Jurgens, Director of Economyfirst Limited, London.

Klaus Peter Ralf Jurgens: Thank you very much. Your Excellency President.

Im glad to be back. Thank you for the invitation. It's difficult to have the first question, so I would like to briefly return to a topic we discussed last year. We spoke a lot about COP29. I think it was a huge success. My point is: according to you, now that we are halfway between one and the next, with the next one almost starting, how would you describe the legacy of COP29? Would it be an ongoing set of policies for Azerbaijan? And how would you explain to other countries that COP29 was special  not just that we do 30, 31, 32 and nothing happens? So your personal impression would be highly appreciated. How do you see the legacy? Thank you very much.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. Thank you very much. That was really the event of the year for the country  last year, when we hosted this important climate conference with the participation of 197 countries. There was a very large audience from all over the world. There were 77,000 registered participants  as I said, from almost 200 countries. Among them were 70 heads of state and government. So, that clearly demonstrated, first, the importance of this topic. Also, many people who came to Baku visited Azerbaijan for the first time. So, for them, I think it was an interesting discovery. As far as our contribution to the global climate agenda is concerned, I would say that Azerbaijan is an ecologically friendly country. We do not use coal or fuel oil to produce electricity. We rely only on hydropower and natural gas, and more recently, on solar energy.

By the way, our green agenda is very ambitious. By 2030, based on already signed investment contracts, we will have a minimum of six gigawatts of green energy, including solar, wind, and hydro. Hydro is primarily produced here in this area  in Karabakh and East Zangezur. We have already inaugurated more than 30 small hydropower stations with a total capacity of 280 megawatts. So, really, our green agenda is very ambitious. At the same time, my message  and the message of Azerbaijan as the host country  was that we should approach this issue from a realistic and pragmatic point of view. We all understand that we need to save the planet, but probably those who contribute most to environmental disaster should bear that burden.

Small Island Developing States  those for whom climate change is an existential threat  need strong support. That is what we were planning and trying to provide. We held a special session on Small Island Developing States. Azerbaijan allocated 10 million US dollars to a special fund to address climate change in less developed countries. But our point of view is that you cannot ignore fossil fuels. Because without fossil fuels, in the foreseeable future, the world cannot function. Economies cannot function, planes cannot fly, and everything would come to a halt. So, we must approach this from a realistic point of view.

We are implementing a green transition program. But at the same time, we understand that without oil and gas, it will not be possible to plan development, plan the future, or provide necessary conditions for our citizens. It was a difficult time for us and involved difficult discussions, but our chairmanship, I believe, provided good understanding. We saw our role as a kind of bridge between the Global South and the Global North. I think we managed to achieve that.

One of the important achievements of COP29 was that we managed to create a constructive atmosphere and, with our personal contribution, achieved agreement on Article 6 regarding the functioning of carbon markets  an issue that had been under discussion for at least the last 10 years. That is a very important and tangible result of COP29. Another important result, in our view, is that we managed to agree on increasing the funding to tackle climate change  from 100 billion US dollars, which was the figure prior to COP29, to 300 billion US dollars. We know that some countries are not satisfied with that, but we must be fair: we managed to triple the funding. And, of course, those who will take over responsibility after us will have to do their part to increase this funding. These and many other outcomes will remain as our legacy. We launched more than a dozen initiatives, and the absolute majority of countries joined them. I think there were only two countries that did not join any of our initiatives, but that was purely for political reasons  not because the initiatives lacked substance. Now, the question is what will happen in the future  especially considering the position of the US administration with respect to climate change. Of course, the United States, as a global leader, is both the biggest contributor to climate change and the biggest investor. Its role, of course, cannot be underestimated. So, a lot will depend on that. Therefore, all of us are looking with great hope  and also with a certain level of concern  to COP30, which will take place at the end of this year.

Again, as far as Azerbaijan is concerned, we are not a major contributor to carbon emissions, as you can imagine, but our green agenda and everything we are doing to build bridges and create understanding between different actors was duly appreciated by the United Nations and many international stakeholders. So again, as far as we are concerned, we will continue to be committed to our green agenda. But how COP30, 31, and 32 will perform  that, of course, is an open question.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you, Klaus Peter, for your question. We're going to move swiftly on to our front row here. We have Professor Sherzodkhon Kudratkhuja, Chairman of the Board of the National Media Association of Uzbekistan and Rector of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications in Uzbekistan.

Sherzodkhon Kudratkhuja: Hello, dear Mr. President. First of all, please allow me to congratulate you on the successful hosting of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, which was held in Khankendi for the first time on July 4 at a very high level. We all saw it. Also, the state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the esteemed Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, to Azerbaijan was very successful. We, journalists, have a lot of impressions. We have been coming here for three years, but it is our first time in Khankendi.

I have several questions. Let me ask the first question: I believe that a historic meeting took place in Abu Dhabi last week between you and the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. Why is this important? Why is this extremely important? Because in such a difficult time during the global turmoil, your two countries have demonstrated to the world that it is better to be friends. And this is a very good example for today. I would like to ask you: the issue of the Zangezur corridor was raised among many other questions. I know that this corridor is very important first of all for Azerbaijan, and also for Armenia and for the entire large Caspian region. But I would like you to dwell on how important it is for the larger Turkic world, what prospects it opens up for it. Because we did not have such a bridge, but now we will be connected, Inshallah. This is very interesting. I was here last year too, but unfortunately I could not ask a question. I have a very personal question for you. This is my third time in Karabakh. While we were driving here, we noticed again and again  everything breathes eternity, every stone, every mountain says the prayer, every tree says thank you. Because it happened. And here I noticed that many changes have occurred in three years: the roads are excellent, there is not a single road bump, everywhere there is a lot of modern construction, many mosques have been renovated. But I was pleased to see that churches are also undergoing restoration. This shows the whole world your tolerance, your patience and your nobility. Therefore, I want to say that our Almighty probably likes this too. And I would like to ask you: Uzbekistan highly values and remembers the great President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev very well. They were friends with our Sharaf Rashidovich Rashidov. Every person in Uzbekistan knows this. I have such a question, which is a bit personal. Unfortunately, he did not live to see today's Karabakh. He could not see this, although he went through a very difficult path. But, let's say, if it were the will of the Almighty and he had a chance to see this today after 2023, what would he say not to the President of Azerbaijan, not to the President, I repeat, but to the son of the great Azerbaijani people? What would be his vision and his mood today? Thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. First of all, I would like to thank you very much for your kind words about our country, about Karabakh, and about what we are doing here. The support of our brothers from Uzbekistan has always been very valuable to us. And as you know, the first gift for the restoration of Karabakh was made by Uzbekistan. On the initiative of the esteemed President Shavkat Miromonovich, a school for 960 students was built in the city of Fuzuli, and it was named after the great son of the Uzbek people, Mirzo Ulugbek. Shavkat Miromonovich and I inaugurated that school in the city of Fuzuli. I was there in Fuzuli just a couple of days ago again. I enquired, and I think that more than 500 children are already studying there. Considering that the process of returning former refugees to Fuzuli is still at an early stage, i.e. this is the number of children who are already studying there. We appreciate this very much, it was a sincere fraternal gesture on the part of the President of Uzbekistan, his assistance to Azerbaijan in the restoration of our territories. And as you noted, the Summit of Heads of State of the Economic Cooperation Organization was already held here in Khankendi. It was held in this very building, in the new congress center. We held the Summit right in this very room. This is tremendously symbolic. Because it means that life is returning here, including Khankendi. And we regard the participation of eight heads of state and government of the organization's member countries, as well as other countries represented at a high level, as a sign of support for Azerbaijan, for what we have done by regaining our lands and for what we are doing now, bringing what was destroyed back to life.

By the way, I have to say that during the occupation, the separatists constructed a building on this very site, and they called it the parliament. Well, during one of my first visits here we made a decision, which I think was absolutely correct, to knock down this devil's lair. And in its place, we have built such a beautiful congress hall, which receives heads of state. And a hotel is being under construction nearby, which was there in Soviet times but was also destroyed during the years of occupation. The square in front of the congress center is now called Victory Square. The building of the former regional committee of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region, which was the center of separatism, will now house the Victory Museum. Construction is currently underway there.

As far as the Zangezur corridor is concerned, this artery will certainly connect many countries. And when we talk about the need to carry out transportation via this railway or motorway, we not only talk about connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. We are also talking about an international transit corridor. We are very actively investing in transport and logistical infrastructure. In recent years, billions of dollars have been invested, the largest international trade port on the Caspian Sea has been built, and we are expanding it now, increasing its cargo capacity to 25 million tons. A railway has been built connecting Azerbaijan with Turkiye through Georgia. The volume of transit transportation through the territory of Azerbaijan is increasing as a result of the fact that there is modern infrastructure. There is also a process of digitalization, customs administration is being simplified. This is also due to geopolitical changes in our region, when other transit routes are becoming more problematic. Therefore, taking all this into account, we estimate the potential of the Zangezur corridor in the initial stage at 15 million tons of cargo. We are almost completing the construction of the railway to the junction of our border with Armenia and Iran, and, probably, in less than a year, maybe even in the spring of next year, the Azerbaijani section of this railway will be completed.

As for the Armenian section of this railway, by the way, this railway was an integral part of the Azerbaijani railway in Soviet times and did not belong to the Armenian railway due to the fact that it has no railway connection with the rest of the railway network of Armenia. This line connects Azerbaijan through Armenia with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and then it went to the territory of Iran with access to the Persian Gulf. That is, with the implementation of the Zangezur corridor, we will essentially open another direction of the North-South corridor. Not only what everyone is talking about: from Russia through Azerbaijan, Iran to Rasht, but also through East Zangezur and other parts of the Zangezur region to Iran, and then to Turkiye. Therefore, huge prospects are opening up for increasing the flow of cargo. During the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, we discussed the fact that we must increase the volume of cargo transportation. Today, the growth of cargo transportation from China through Azerbaijan is growing rapidly. At the same time, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan railway is under construction, again with access to the Caspian Sea. In other words, you see what large flows are already going and will go in our direction. Therefore, we must be ready not only to receive and process cargo in the port of Baku, but also to send them along the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway through Georgia to Turkiye and further  to Mediterranean ports and through Zangezur, which will also be a major transport route. But, unfortunately, no work has been done on the Armenian side in the last five years, as this issue is deliberately removed from the agenda. But under such circumstances, the chances for Armenia to ever become a transit country are close to zero. If they continue to block this process, I think that they will find themselves not only in transport isolation, which they already are in today, but also in political isolation to a certain extent.

As for what my father would have told me, I certainly cannot know that. But I can guess. I think you can guess too. This is probably a largely rhetorical question. And for me, fulfilling my fathers will, as well as the will of those who were expelled from these lands and passed away without ever seeing this triumph of justice, was a great honor and a source of pride. And I have lived with this feeling of pride for the past five years, Inshallah, both me and all the people of Azerbaijan will live with this feeling until the end.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you. Now, next we're going to move over to Professor Paolo Liebl von Schirach, who is the President of the Global Policy Institute and a Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bay Atlantic University, Washington, DC.

Paolo Liebl von Schirach: Mr. President, it's great to see you again, and I really appreciate being included in this event for the third time. I'm honored. I dont think the symbolic meaning of having this meeting with you, Your Excellency, in this very place is lost on anyone. It signals  hopefully  the end of a very tortured and complicated story that everyone here is aware of. That said, on another occasion, I remember you spoke very eloquently and passionately about your vision. You mentioned some aspects of it just now while answering the previous question  the growth of the region, not just your country, but the region as a whole, and how it can serve as a linchpin between Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, with all the great opportunities for creating the necessary infrastructure. You touched on several elements again today. My question to you is: could you elaborate on the vectors you believe are most salient and significant in driving development in your country and the wider region  particularly the role of foreign direct investment in all this? I remember you spoke about this on a previous occasion. Some time has passed, and I know your government remains very active in these matters. How do you currently view the promotion of foreign investment in your country? Where do you see the most promising areas  both in terms of sectors that can be developed, and in terms of the countries or partners you see as the most likely and, shall we say, reliable contributors? Thank you, sir.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much. With respect to our domestic agenda, it is pretty clear how Azerbaijan is going to continue its development. Of course, the main priority is a sector not related to fossil fuels  primarily the IT sector. We are now actively working with international companies on AI and issues related to the green agenda. But with respect to regional development and regional cooperation, connectivity is the priority. And I think the countries of the region are quite strongly united in understanding that this is the way forward. And this is not only about transit. Because sometimes, when we talk about corridors or railroads, some may think its just about transit and transit fees. No  transit fees are important, but they are not something that will make your country stronger. The most important thing is to build capacity along the route  to attract foreign investments in sectors that can generate growth in the coming years. And for this particular reason, we need several basic prerequisites. First: stability and security. And the broader region actually enjoys a situation where the countries of Central Asia to the east, and now the South Caucasus to the west, are quite stable. Especially after the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, I think the prospects for stability, security, and development are broader than ever before. So, this is a major factor for the promotion of connectivity. The second important factor is good relations with your neighbors. Because without that, you cannot become a transit country. And you must have good relations not only with your neighbors but also with the neighbors of your neighbors. For that, you need very proactive diplomacy and a good image as a reliable partner. What we have tried to do over the last decades is to build confidence  so that we can demonstrate that this country is a reliable partner, and that our word has the same value as our signature. So far, that has been the case.

With respect to connectivity, the first thing we can talk about is the Middle Corridor, which today unites a broad geography of countries. I mentioned just some of them. But it stretches from the East to Western Europe, and this will bring more understanding between different actors and different regions. We still need more understanding.

And coming back to the question regarding COP29  one of my impressions was that there is a lack of confidence between developed and developing countries. Each of them has their own reasons to believe they are right. But when confidence is absent, and when there is a high level of mistrust, I think it becomes difficult to achieve the goals. So: security, stability, a very pragmatic approach to national interests, and good, constructive relations with neighbors.

With respect to the regional agenda, I would also mention green energy projects. Today, not only in Azerbaijan but also in the countries of Central Asia, there are huge investments in solar and wind energy power stations. During COP29 last November in Baku, the Presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan signed an agreement to build a subsea green energy cable under the Caspian Sea to connect the future green energy of Central Asia with Azerbaijans infrastructure. Prior to that, a couple of years earlier, Azerbaijan, together with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, also signed a document on the construction of a green energy cable under the Black Sea. So you can see that this connectivity today goes beyond the region of the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe  it unites them. And the meeting point, I would say, is Azerbaijan  because you cannot change geography, whether you like it or not. But geography alone does not guarantee security, safety, or progress. You have to use your geography for good purposes. We can already foresee  based on what has been signed between us and the European countries, and the countries of Central Asia  that Azerbaijan will become a kind of hub for green energy transmission, production, and distribution, with very big potential to grow and become even more global than it is today.

With respect to traditional energy infrastructure projects, we have actually achieved all that we planned. Yes, we know that Europe now needs more gas from Azerbaijan, and we are ready  we are actually increasing the supply of natural gas to Europe. In 2021, it was 8 billion cubic meters; now it is 13 billion. Thats half of our overall gas export. But for additional volumes, there must again be a pragmatic approach in European institutions.

Regarding the green agenda, when European banks no longer finance fossil fuel projects  for example, the EIB has completely stopped, and the EBRD has almost stopped  under these circumstances, there is no way to attract funds to expand our capacity. Today, the Southern Gas Corridor operates at full capacity. So, in order to reach new destinations, we are using different interconnectors  but the main pipeline is fully packed. To expand it, we need funds. We need borrowed money. So, I think that European institutions should consider this situation and revise their policies so that funding can be attracted. And under these circumstances, what today seems like a done deal can actually grow. So, definitely, for various reasons, the need for gas from Azerbaijan in Europe will remain  and it will grow. The need for green energy from Azerbaijan will also increase. Yes, we know how many windmills Europe is installing. We know what they are planning to do. But even with all that, there will still be shortages. So lets work as a team  thats what we have suggested: our European partners and Azerbaijan, as a geographical bridge between Europe and Asia, with experience in implementing huge mega-projects and with a diversified foreign policy agenda  we are ready to be instrumental. There is much more to say, but I dont want to take up the audiences time today. Thank you.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Next, we are going to turn to Mr. Dmytro Gordon, journalist and founder of the Gordon media in Ukraine.

Dmytro Gordon: Dear Mr. President, we in Ukraine watched with great admiration as Azerbaijan regained its lands and territory under your leadership. This is a very inspiring example for us. And, of course, Ukrainians are grateful to you for repeatedly and publicly expressing support for the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. This cannot be forgotten. For many years now, we have been living under the most difficult conditions  in a brutal war where the very existence of the Ukrainian state is at stake. What advice could you, as the leader of a victorious nation, give to Ukraine and Ukrainians?

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you for your kind words about our country and about what has been done to restore our sovereignty and territorial integrity. I once had the opportunity to answer a question from a representative of Ukraine at an event several years ago, and the question was about the same. And my answer will not differ from what I said then. And I think this is in tune with the aspirations of the Ukrainian people: never to come to terms with occupation. This is the main advice. This is what we did. Or rather, this is how we saw this process.

Because the period of the First Karabakh War was difficult, tragic, we had numerous victims, there was genocide of Azerbaijanis in Khojaly, which is actually just a few kilometers from here. The post-conflict period was no less difficult from a moral point of view and, from an economic one. We had a million people who were left without a livelihood: more than 700,000 from the regions of Azerbaijan, the Karabakh region, as well as 250,000 Azerbaijanis who lived in Armenia and who were also deported. At that time, the population of our country was 8 million. That is, it was one of the highest levels per capita in terms of the number of refugees.

We had no money, the treasury was empty, practically no one supported us, we did not have any significant international support from anyone, the economy was in ruins, inflation was at 1000 percent unemployment was rampant, and poverty was probably already close to 100 percent. This is what Azerbaijan was like when Heydar Aliyev took over, and our people were lucky that there was such a person to whom the people turned in difficult times and who took on this heavy burden. He was not a young man, he was already 70 years old, he was not in very good health, he had suffered a serious illness, and yet it was him who managed to stabilize the situation. Besides, there was a civil war going on in Azerbaijan then. And gradually, step by step we began to rise, as they say, to revive. And we thought about only one thing  I am sure that the overwhelming majority of our citizens share what I am saying  we thought about how to regain the occupied territories. We understood that it would be difficult. First of all, because of the terrain. You were driving here from Fuzuli, which was liberated on October 17. After that, our Armed Forces walked on foot along a road that did not exist. Almost in the vicinity of Khankendi they climbed the Shusha cliffs. We proved on the battlefield that we were ready for anything. We were ready to face death and confront five to six lines of fortifications. That is why we all lived with this desire  in order to regain our ancestral territories.

The terrain was against us, the international situation was against us. The OSCE Minsk Group represented by its co-chairs was on the side of Armenia - each for their own reason, and each tried to make this situation last forever. And this status quo did not change. And even when we managed to push through some statement on behalf of the co-chair countries at the cost of incredible diplomatic effort, it was all disavowed again after some time.

As I recall now, we were very enthusiastic about the fact that it was declared at the level of the presidents of the USA, France and Russia that the status quo was unacceptable. And this was a serious statement, we had fought for it for a very long time. But after some time they changed just one word and instead of unacceptable they said unstable. That is, they gave us a signal that it turns out to be acceptable. So they kind of dropped the masks by saying that it is acceptable. This was acceptable to Armenia, it was acceptable to the co-chairs of the Minsk Group, and a number of other countries. It was unacceptable only to us.

And a year before the process of negotiations, in which I participated from the end of 2003, for 17 years, there were a lot of proposals, a lot of meetings, maybe not entirely useful, and a lot of messages suggesting that we had to come to terms with this reality. So this was the reality. You have to come to terms with it. And when I said no, it was perceived as a challenge to the powers that be, it was perceived as some kind of inappropriate reaction. And the main narrative was this  well, you see, they don't agree, they are being offered something in exchange for giving conditional independence to separatists, but they don't agree.

All our arguments about international law, about the fact that the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Armenian forces, about the fact that the Minsk Group co-chairs themselves voted for this resolution  all this crashed against the wall of arrogant lecturing that we should come to terms with reality. Okay. Then we decided that we would create new realities, and then you would come to terms with them. And that's what happened. We began to create new realities in 2020, in 44 days. And they were forced to come to terms with them. And then, in September 2023, in just one day, and they were forced to come to terms with that too.

Therefore, I am answering this question a little more broadly in order to reveal what I said at the very beginning. What I said at the very beginning may seem very simple and some kind of evasion, but behind it is what we actually experienced both in the war, at the negotiating table and after we fully restored our sovereignty. If I talk about all the threats, pressure, blackmail and other indecent actions by some foreign actors, it will probably not be a very pleasant sight, especially since this would probably require a separate meeting.

But returning to what I said, never give up and never come to terms with the violation of territorial integrity. Our friend from Uzbekistan asked about my father. You know, he, like all of us, wanted most of all to see this day when we would return to Karabakh. But it didnt work out. I was president for 17 years before we liberated these territories. And if we hadnt had the opportunity, we would probably have waited another 17 years. And this is not about me, and this is also, I think, important for the Ukrainians. It is not about a personality and it is not about ambitions, the point is that you need to feel responsible for the generations that lived before us, feel responsible for those who will live after us.

If I knew that we would not be able to regain the territories, well, we would have waited another 17 years and maybe another 17 years. And if it had not been me, it would not have mattered. And I was morally prepared, in principle, for someone else to do it. But I understood that if I did not do it, then it was unlikely that anyone would be able to do it. I dont want to sound too overconfident, but this is simply what I thought, and I am sharing my memories.

And one last thing. My faith in justice was practically disappearing, just like it was in our former refugees, with whom I met regularly and told them to believe that we would return. And with each passing year I saw that there was less faith in their eyes. I could still see it in their eyes, they could tell me good things that yes, we believe. But I could see everything in their eyes. And I had less faith, less faith in justice. But our Victory is a fair Victory and a complete Victory. It says that justice exists, you just have to achieve it. And in order to achieve it, you have to work hard every day and bring victory closer with every day. Especially if the final decision depends on you, you have to dedicate your whole life to this, this is the only way it can happen.

And, of course, the most important factor is the consolidation of society. This consolidation gave me such moral strength as President and as Commander-in-Chief that I was sure that society and the people would stand behind me. And that was probably one of the crucial factors.

So I will go back to where I started with  never give up!

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you, Mr. Gordon, for that question. And once again, Mr. President, thank you for being here with us and for your openness in answering these questions. We have many more to get through, so we're going to move on now to Mr. Mikhail Gusman, First Deputy Director General of TASS News Agency.

Mikhail Gusman: Dear Ilham Heydarovich, good afternoon. I would like to greet you and thank you for the fact that we are in Khankendi today. Although the forum is called the Shusha Forum, last time I was in this city was forty years ago. And, probably, my colleagues, my fellow countrymen will understand my state.

You know, during the previous forum you accurately determined, as I had just returned from Milwaukee, who would occupy the White House on January 20. You were accurate then, and so it happened. You even suggested that Azerbaijan's relations with the United States, with this administration, would be better. One can judge this at least by President Trump's greeting on the occasion of the country's Independence Day.

My question is a little broader. Today, in my opinion, Azerbaijan is pursuing a completely unique foreign policy. And I don't even know what other state it can be compared with. In all international azimuths, I will start with Russia, despite all the flashes, as I call them of recent times, which have hardly caused a positive response from the general public either in Russia or in Azerbaijan, the foundations of the agreement that you signed in Moscow on February 22, 2022, are not subject to any doubt. This is obvious.

I have spoken about the United States. Your relations with Turkiye are based on the Shusha Declaration. The President of Iran was in this room just a few days ago. European commissioners do not go a week without coming here. I could list them all, including your visit to China, your role in the Non-Aligned Movement, and so on. There is some phenomenon in this that not everyone in the world understands and, it seems to me, not everyone in the world appreciates. In this regard, I have a simple question. I understand that asking you how you manage to do this is like asking a virtuoso violinist how he plays the violin. He will likely say, I just take the violin, the bow and play. But your policy is based on certain, it seems to me, very clear and verified political principles that allow you to conduct this multi-vector policy.

Could you name five to seven basic political principles of President Aliyev, thanks to which you can conduct such a successful foreign policy? Thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. I once said at a closed-door meeting with my European colleagues back after 2020 but before 2023, when the situation was being discussed and when there were still separatists here in Khankendi, there was such a long conversation  I once said that I had said this publicly. And my counterpart responded, well, so what and I said that I never lie to my people. This is what I said. And this is actually true. But as a prelude to answering your question, I try never to lie to my international colleagues either. If possible, of course. And I think that we need to be objective and honest, returning to the fact that we should not lie. I think that this is probably one of the main principles: to tell the truth, first of all, to our people. And since we live in the era of the Internet and social networks, everything you say here instantly resonates throughout the world.

I think the many years of being in the position of President, along with the invaluable experience that I have acquired which would have been impossible to acquire in any other way. Also, the fact that such trusting relationships have been built, when you can trust someone. Trust does not mean agreeing, trust does not mean being dissatisfied with something to some extent or having a different agenda. Trust means simply believing that if a person has said something, this is what will be the case.

I think this is one of the factors that allowed us the opportunity to gain international authority. The second factor, I think, is no less important  always, as you rightly noted, to adhere to principles, in this case, the universal principles of international law. We have always adhered to them in any situation, regardless of any political or any other preferences. As a country that suffered from separatism and occupation itself, we simply could not formulate our approach to similar situations anywhere in the world in a different way. Therefore, commitment to international law and the UN Charter is also a fundamental factor, which, I think, enabled Azerbaijan to take a worthy place in the international arena.

I think that the geography of Azerbaijan, I have already spoken about this, is, of course, a thing that may be dangerous to some extent, and may be very useful, depending on whose hands it is in, just like medicine. Therefore, geography is used as a means of protection from risks. As for Azerbaijan, there are no internal sources of risk in our country. All potential risks can be generated outside our borders, therefore, it was also important to protect ourselves from surprises, from any risks not related to our activities, and geography played an important role in this case. And also the fact that Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries that is a member of both European and Muslim organizations and actively participates in summit formats through the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, ECO and many others. Another important factor emphasizing the authority of Azerbaijan is the fact that we became the first and only country to become a new member of the D-8 Organization. The organization, which was once created on the initiative of Turkiye, Pakistan, Egypt and now brings together the eight largest countries of the Muslim world both in terms of population and potential, had never accepted new members since its creation many decades ago. Azerbaijan was the only one to be accepted unanimously.

I think that your question can be answered endlessly, so I think I will stop here. And of course, it is important for everyone: when you take into account your interests, you must also look at the interests of your neighbor. That is, the protection of national interests is a fundamental factor in Azerbaijan's foreign policy, but in isolation from the regional and global context, this factor cannot be greatly abused. You must always look at the situation, try to look at the situation through the lens of your neighbor. And then a lot becomes clear, then a lot that could lead to some kind of misunderstanding is regulated quite effectively. Therefore, I am grateful to you for such a question.

By the way, I would like to make a small clarification. I did not predict Trump's victory. I simply said that it would be preferable for the Azerbaijani people, given that he, like us, shares fundamental values, including family values. He is the only US president who has not started wars. And in his short time in office, it is clear that he is a man who ends wars. And we are also very grateful to him personally for his desire to help Azerbaijan and Armenia to come to an agreement in the end. Despite the fact that he is busy with more global issues of international security, he also keeps the situation in the South Caucasus in his field of view. We in Azerbaijan, of course, are glad that he won, for many reasons, and, of course, we wish him to see the matter through to the end, especially with regard to the Washington swamp, to drain it completely.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: We will move swiftly on to Mrs. Zhong Zhong, Chief Correspondent of the Baku branch of Xinhua News Agency.

Zhong Zhong: Hello, Mr. President. First of all, I would like to thank you for the written interview with Xinhua before your visit to China. Your interview received a great response in China. Frankly speaking, you yourself have already become the most brilliant calling card of Azerbaijan. Obviously, after your visit, the exchanges between our countries have become more frequent, one might even say very intense. Almost every day we can hear news about new cooperation opportunities between our countries. Therefore, my question is this: how would you assess the current relations between Azerbaijan and China? What are the prospects for our cooperation? Regarding the Great Return to Karabakh, in which areas can Chinese companies participate? Thank you very much.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. I do appreciate the level of cooperation between our countries. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Chairman Mr. Xi Jinping on several occasions. We met both this year, during my state visit, and last year on the sidelines of the international summit, and we adopted and signed two important documents. Last year, it was the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, this year it was the Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. So it is one of the highest forms of interstate relations, and we are very pleased that we have reached such a level of mutual trust with the People's Republic of China.

I should also say that literally a few days ago, the visa regime was completely abolished for citizens of Azerbaijan who want to visit China with regular passports. And we, in turn, abolished the visa regime for Chinese citizens a year ago. I think that this will contribute to the fact that contacts between our people, students and business people will become more frequent.

We have always supported and continue to support each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Azerbaijan has always openly stated that it supports the position of the People's Republic of China on Taiwan and on other issues. Our position, the One China policy, is well known to both the Chinese leadership and the Chinese people.

Of course, we have major plans to increase the volume of trade. And there is tremendous potential for this. Container trains are already traveling from many cities of China to Azerbaijan and through Azerbaijan to the West. Their number is growing year after year, by dozens of percent. I think this will increase many times in the near future. From the very beginning, we supported Chairman Xi Jinping's One Belt, One Road initiative and, for our part, prepared the corresponding transport and logistics infrastructure on our territory.

Chinese companies are heavily involved as contractors in the implementation of solar power plant projects. Solar panels purchased by investor companies are made in China. And recently, we have also begun to cooperate with Chinese companies in the production of green energy  solar and wind. Relevant agreements have already been signed, and I think that this will also be a good addition to our mutually beneficial cooperation.

So the relations are very strong. A very active political dialogue is being conducted both at the level of heads of state and at the level of ministers. We also have very close interactions with various regions of China. We already have several Azerbaijani trading houses operating in China. So we see great prospects in this area.

As for transport and logistical projects, as I have already mentioned, new railway arteries, including those financed by the People's Republic of China in the Central Asian region, will help increase cargo traffic through the Caspian to Azerbaijan, and then along international routes. So, thank you for your question. You are welcome!

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Okay, we're going to move on to correspondent Oubai Shahbandar from AnewZ.

Oubai Shahbandar: Mr. President, I am the Washington, D.C. correspondent for AnewZ. I want to follow up on your response regarding Azerbaijans relationship with the United States. Of course, one year ago at the Shusha Forum, you praised President Trumps legacy of having no wars in his first term as something commendable. You also raised the issue of traditional values and emphasized that President Trump  then a candidate  prioritized that specific policy, which you said you shared. Fast forward one year: President Trump has won the election decisively. Is this potentially a new era in AzerbaijanU.S. relations? Can America and Azerbaijan become great friends again?

President Ilham Aliyev: That's actually what we are hoping for. I think that now, taking into account several months of our interaction with representatives of President Trump's administration, it clearly demonstrates that we're on the right path. We are back to normal relations. You know that the previous U.S. administration almost ruined U.S.Azerbaijani ties. High-ranking officials from the State Department were publicly saying that there would be no business as usual with Azerbaijan again  and that was because we restored our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Can you imagine? The United States was  and is  strongly behind Ukraines efforts to restore its sovereignty. But when we restored our sovereignty, they said there would be no business as usual. That was a high-ranking official from the State Department. And many other steps, which we considered unfriendly from the administration of President Biden, were actually the main factors in the deterioration of the relationship. And of course, we took it very seriously when President Biden decided not to issue a waiver to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act  a waiver he and his predecessors used to issue every year. They did that because they needed us in Afghanistan. And as soon as they stopped needing us in Afghanistan, they reimposed the sanctions on Azerbaijan  sanctions that were adopted in 1992. So, in 1992, the U.S. Congress adopted sanctions on Azerbaijan because, as it was written, Azerbaijan was blockading Armenia  though that was, as President Trump likes to say, fake news. We didnt blockade Armenia. Armenia occupied our territory. But due to the activity of the pro-Armenian lobby in the U.S. Congress, this sanction was imposed. In 2001, when the United States needed us for the mission in Afghanistan, the president  and then all the presidents  issued a waiver to that sanction. So, President Biden reimposed it. Now we see great potential for a strong partnership with the United States. We have received very positive messages from Washington  and messages from Azerbaijan have also been very positive. We have a great history of partnership in areas related to energy security, security as a whole, and issues related to connectivity. And as I said, we stood with the United States in Iraq and in Afghanistan when they needed us. Our military servicemen served shoulder to shoulder with them. So, we are enthusiastic, and we hope there will be important milestones in the foreseeable future that will elevate U.S.Azerbaijani relations to a higher level. I think this will be absolutely natural, because a lot of things unite us  particularly with Mr. Trumps administration. And by the way, his first term as president was also very positive for U.S.Azerbaijani relations. I believe this continuation of positive trends  which we already see  is promising. As I said, he is a very busy man now, dealing with global issues and putting an end to wars. But at the same time, he is actively involved in the process in the South Caucasus, and he is doing a great job in helping Azerbaijan and Armenia find a solution to this long-lasting conflict. So, I think we will have more good news in the future.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you. Mr. Agha Iqrar Haroon, Director of DND News Agency  hello and welcome.

Agha Iqrar Haroon: Thank you so much. First of all, Mr. President, I would like to thank you for everything you did during the difficult times Pakistan was facing. It was under aggression, and you  along with your country and your nation  stood with Pakistan. That will never be forgotten. Thank you so much for that.

My question relates to what was raised by our Russian and Ukrainian friends, and to your response. Look, I speak as a student of political philosophy. Azerbaijan is  very calmly, but very strongly  becoming a hub of international negotiation and mediation. You recently mediated between Israel and Turkiye, and before that, you hosted a NATO meeting with Russia. These are significant developments. Before I ask you about the recipe or the factors behind this success story, I would like to mention one thing. You just used the word ECO. The ECO has not been as active or successful as it should have been. So what are the reasons behind the lull of such an important regional organization? And second, could Azerbaijan play a role between Ukraine and Russia so that this conflict can at least be paused? Thank you so much.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much. We step in only when invited. If we are not invited, we stay at home. We dont go, as some people do, to see someone without an invitation. If there is an invitation, I think we can provide the necessary facilitation  but only when asked.

With respect to ECO, I agree that this organization has great potential. At this summit in Khankendi, we wanted to bring a new dimension to the institution. Prior to the summit, I met with the Secretary General, Mr. Khan  who, as you know, is from Pakistan  and we agreed that this time we would have different fora. All of them were held here, in the liberated territories: one in Shusha, one in Aghdam, and one in Lachin. It was a Business Forum, a Womens Forum, and a Youth Forum. Then, representatives of these fora reported at the summit, in front of heads of state, about what they had discussed and agreed upon.

So, we need ECO to be more consolidated and more efficient, because we know the potential of its member countries. There are active and less active formats of bilateral partnerships among member states, but we need to have a stronger multilateral approach. From this point of view, I believe Azerbaijan's efforts will be appreciated. We have now taken on this responsibility as Chair, and Im confident it will be a successful term. We have great experience in chairing the Non-Aligned Movement  a much larger institution than ECO. But during our three-year chairmanship, our performance was so effective that member states unanimously decided to extend our chairmanship for one more year. So, we served as Chair for four years, and we brought a great deal of dynamism to the Non-Aligned Movement. We initiated the creation of the Parliamentary Network, which is now operational, along with the Womens Platform and the Youth Platform  all mechanisms that make international organizations more powerful and more vocal. We  and many other countries  participate in different international institutions. But sometimes, these institutions lack consolidation. So, we will try to do our best.

With respect to our foreign policy exposure now, I would say that our foreign policy direction has not changed, but the form has changed. The reason is that now, with the Karabakh conflict behind us, we have more time to focus on areas we previously could not  because we were under occupation. The resolution of the conflict, the endless negotiations, the useless visits of the Minsk Group troika  all of that took a lot of time and effort. So, we didnt have time, and didnt even have the potential, to focus on other matters. All our foreign policy was aimed at the restoration of our territorial integrity  which was natural. Now that it is accomplished, we have become much more active on the international stage. What you mentioned about our mediation efforts between different countries is only one part of that. We have truly become an active member of the international community. With strong links to various international actors, we can  and will  play a much more important role, at least in the broader region. When I say broader region, I mean the South Caucasus, the Middle East, Central Asia, and all that lies in close proximity to Azerbaijan. Also, in Europe  because our agenda with the European Union is currently undergoing what I would call a reset. We also experienced difficult times with the previous European Commission. But now, with the new Commission, we have received very positive messages from the leadership of the European Commission  and, of course, we responded positively.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you. Holger Friedrich, Publisher of Berliner Verlag.

Holger Friedrich: Thank you. Mr. President, and thank you to all your colleagues for the invitation. Im from Berlin, Germany, and the impression of Azerbaijan in Western European countries is, lets say, slightly controversial. But my personal experience over the last couple of years  in this region, in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and even in Azerbaijan  is completely the opposite. Its a very vibrant region: dynamic, highly educated, and full of ambition. Even with the conflict with Armenia, there is now a solution. If you look at Europe, unfortunately, many conflicts have no solution at the moment. So, my question is: You are a political leader, responsible for Azerbaijan. If you had the chance to influence public opinion in Western European countries, what would you want the impression of Azerbaijan to be right now? And I dont mean media  I mean public opinion. Do you have a vision?

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, but you know better than I do that public opinion is largely influenced by media  especially when it comes to forming an opinion about a country you dont know anything about. So, you make your judgment based on the media. Youve chosen a very diplomatic word  controversial  thank you for that. But being very open, I would say that Western public opinion, influenced by Western media, is extremely negative and unfair toward Azerbaijan. We have tried to change it, but it doesnt work. And not because we were not active  we have been very active  but because there are certain rules and procedures in the European political spectrum that are designed to demonize Azerbaijan and to spread rumors and fake stories about our country. There have been several reasons for that. One of them, which we should not underestimate, is the consolidated Armenian lobbying groups that are very active in the United States. And we know  and you know  how some media in the West, including in Germany, are influenced by the United States. So, when the direction of coverage comes from anti-Azerbaijani circles influenced by Armenian media, we face a consolidated media attack on Azerbaijan. Weve faced it several times already  I would say many times  especially on the eve of big international events. The first was in 2015, when we hosted the First European Games in Azerbaijan. We were the subject of fake stories, attacks, and blackmail from Western media. The most recent example was COP29, when we saw at least seven to ten articles in leading Western media  which President Trump fairly calls fake news  such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsweek, and some French outlets like Le Monde and Le Figaro. That was a coordinated, orchestrated attack to discredit Azerbaijan. So, the number one reason is Armenian penetration and lobbying. Number two: we know the potential of our country. We know Azerbaijans importance in different areas. And the more time passes, the more capable we become. Of course, this creates frustration in some circles in the West  that Azerbaijan conducts a highly independent policy, doesnt listen to instructions, ignores advice, and does whatever it decides is in its national interest. If we had listened to that advice, our country would probably be at war with at least two of its neighbors today. If we had listened to that advice, we would never have returned Karabakh. If we had listened to that advice, we would still be dependent on the IMF and its divide-and-rule strategies. But we didnt listen. We built a strong country, a strong economy. We reduced foreign debt to 6.9% of GDP. Meanwhile, the countries that criticize us have foreign debts exceeding 100% of GDP. We reduced poverty from 49% to 5%. I dont want to talk about poverty in France  I think its around 16%. So, thats how it is. We live our own life. We dont impose our will on others. We dont tell Europeans how to behave, whom to marry, or what to eat. We just want the same in return. We want respect. We want an understanding that this is our life, this is our land, and we do what the Azerbaijani people tell us to do. Frankly speaking, weve already put aside efforts to influence public opinion in Europe. We think its a waste of time. But the best way, I think, is through events like this  when we host journalists and media leaders from more than 50 countries. Every year, the audience grows, and we welcome new guests. The best way is not to tell you something good about us  but for you to come, speak to the people, ask them what they think about me, about our government, and how they see the country developing. Then, only one thing is needed: to tell the truth to your audience. That will, I think, lead to much better mutual understanding. Thank you.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: We're going to move swiftly on to Mr. Gela Vasadze, author and host of the Caucasus News channel.

Gela Vasadze: Good afternoon, Mr. President. Thank you very much for another celebration, the third celebration called the Shusha Media Forum. It is a celebration indeed, which leaves a huge aftertaste. A number of questions that I had prepared have already been asked. So I will ask others. I still have questions, quite a few have accumulated over the year. About the meeting in Abu Dhabi. After the meeting in Abu Dhabi, to be honest, I thought about what I kept telling my friend Farhad Mammadov, who is sitting next to me, that when we met, I said, Farhad, we can talk about anything, but let's agree on one thing: the national interests of Azerbaijan and Georgia completely coincide, their strategic interests completely coincide. After the meeting in Abu Dhabi, I thought: how do the national interests of Armenia and Azerbaijan contradict each other so much? How do they contradict each other strategically? To be honest, I did not see these contradictions. Because Armenia's interests are the same as Azerbaijan's  to have a normal neighbor and partner, and to develop this. We have already reached a point when these interests are recognized and when we actually have a picture in which external forces, I don't mean countries, but a specific group of people with interests, simply prevent our countries and people here in the region from living normally. Thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. I think that your question in this context and at this historical juncture is completely legitimate, and I have no objection to the fact that the interests of Armenia and Azerbaijan may coincide. But the thing is that Armenia has always seen it differently. If there had been no occupation, no deportation of Azerbaijanis with all the barbarity, destruction and genocide, the situation in the South Caucasus would have been completely different. The South Caucasus would have been integrated long ago economically, politically, transport-wise, and, most likely, in terms of energy. And everything would have been fine, so much time would not have been wasted. The reason is not with us, the reason is the occupational nature of the regimes that ruled Armenia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. None of them were particularly different from each other in their Azerbaijanophobia and unmotivated aggression against Azerbaijan.

Having been here more than once, you may have paid attention to the destruction and desecration of our religious shrines. But when I come here, and I come here very often, I sometimes ask myself: after all, we did nothing bad to them in Soviet times, absolutely nothing. They lived here peacefully, they had a semi-autonomous entity. Not a republic, but an autonomous region, and this autonomous region was led by people of Armenian ethnicity. Opposite this building, as I already said, is the building of the former regional committee. The first secretary of the regional committee sat there  he was an Armenian. The chairman of the executive committee was also an Armenian. There were nine members of the bureau of the regional committee of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region, and among them only one was an Azerbaijani. And he was the first secretary of the district committee of the city of Shusha. And he simply had to be there by virtue of his position, and if not, then he would not have been included there either. What oppression were we talking about? There was no oppression. On the contrary, they enjoyed all the benefits that the Azerbaijan Republic, then Soviet, provided. And everything you see on this square, well, with the exception of this, was built by Azerbaijani architects. The regional committee building was built by architect Hasan Majidov, the Karabakh hotel building, which we have now restored, was built by architect Anvar Gasimzada, the father of the current chairman of the Union of Architects. The executive committee building, which is now being restored, was built by Azerbaijani architect Kangarli. So this was the case. All this is unmotivated wrath. Why was it necessary to turn Aghdam into the Hiroshima of the Caucasus, as they call it? After all, this was done after the war was over. This is unmotivated anger, which resulted in the destruction of everything connected with Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis.

Well, if we talk about Abu Dhabi and the comments we heard from Yerevan, yes, it was a good comment and I am aware of what Prime Minister Pashinyan said about the fact that Karabakh should have been recognized as part of Azerbaijan earlier. It should have been. I told them about it. In 2018 and in 2019, I said it to them, I warned that it would get worse. Well, what did we get instead? When you leave here, if you go a little to the left and look to the left, you will see a football stadium. It is currently under reconstruction. The stadium was built in the 1950s, and do you know who it was named after? No? No idea? The Stalin Stadium. So, at this stadium, Prime Minister Pashinyan, who is now saying that Karabakh should have been recognized as part of Azerbaijan earlier, said at a large rally in the summer of 2019 that Karabakh is Armenia, period. So he signed up for a hard life for himself, so to speak. I am not even talking about what was happening in the Shusha meadows or the attempt to move the parliament, as I mentioned earlier, to the city of Shusha by the decision of Mr. Pashinyan. And they began to build it here. When I came here, I even remember going there and addressing the people right from there. I made an address standing in front of that building. We knocked it down. Do you know what is now in place of this building? The second question. Do know it - the Shusha Hotel where you are staying. So this is the story.

Now that we have regained what belongs to us and everyone has come to terms with that, I do not see any serious contradictions now. But within the framework of a long discussion with my Armenian colleague, one of the topics that we discussed was a very low level of trust between the parties. Which is completely understandable. As for us, our position has never changed. Just as I said in 2003 that Karabakh is our land, I continue to say this over the past 22 years. But the Armenian position has changed. Where is the guarantee that it will not change again? Is there such a guarantee? Taking into account the etymology and the evolution of consciousness. I do not have such a guarantee, therefore the guarantee must be international legal norms and documents that will, as I said in Abu Dhabi, firmly and resolutely close the lid of the coffin of separatism. And for this, the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group is necessary. The logic is simple. If the Armenian side believes that the Karabakh conflict is over and the Minsk Group was created to address the Karabakh conflict, then it must be liquidated. To do this, changes to the Armenian constitution are needed so that the declaration of independence containing territorial claims to Azerbaijan is removed. And that is basically it. Therefore, the text of the peace treaty has been agreed. The idea of initialing this document was also put forward by the Azerbaijani side. We simply did not comment on what happened in Abu Dhabi. We thought that since we agreed on a joint text of the communique, there was nothing to comment on. But the Armenian side, as always, is trying to reveal some details with some comments of its own. In principle, we are not far from firmly sealing the coffin lid and continuing to live normally. I said this at previous meetings. You live your life and we will live ours. Only in this way, gradually and step by step can a more or less acceptable situation in the South Caucasus develop so that the three countries can finally begin to discuss the possibility of at least some kind of cooperation.

So thank you for your question and welcome again.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: If we could kindly get a microphone now to Naila Balayeva from Reuters.

Naila Balayeva: Mr. President, I have several questions for you. Considering the European Unions plan to stop using Russian gas by 2027, is Azerbaijan ready to increase gas exports? My second question is about the Zangezur corridor. The Prime Minister of Armenia recently stated that he had received a proposal from the United States regarding control over the Zangezur corridor. What is the official position of Baku on this matter? And my next question is about relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. First, why did Azerbaijan skip the CIS Economic Council meeting yesterday, and what was the reason for this decision? What is the current state of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia? Has Moscow responded to Azerbaijans concerns regarding the AZAL Airlines aircraft incident? Thank you, Mr. President.

President Ilham Aliyev: With respect to our cooperation with the European Union  as you know, in 2021 we signed the Declaration on Strategic Partnership in the energy field. Since that time, we have increased our gas supply to Europe from 8 to 13 BCM. Today, we supply gas to 12 countries  10 of them are European, and 8 of them are members of the European Union. The European Union has called Azerbaijan a reliable partner and, at the same time, a pan-European gas supplier  which is true. And by coverage  I mean geographical coverage of pipeline gas, not LNG  Azerbaijan is among the leading countries on a global scale. Relatively recently, at the Caspian Business Week, in my comments, I spoke about our plans regarding gas production. I announced that we are planning to increase natural gas production by up to 8 BCM by 2030. So, if today we export 25 BCM, our export will reach around 33 BCM. And the question is: where to direct this 8 BCM? This is important. I already touched upon this issue regarding the capacity of the existing pipeline system and interconnectors. Without expansion of the pipeline system, it will be difficult to even plan how to increase exports.

Regarding RussiaEuropean Union relations on natural gas: we have never taken that factor as something we should consider. We were never trying to compete with Russia  even when Russia was supplying 150+ billion cubic meters to Europe  and we never offered our services as a substitute. No. For us, it's absolutely commercial. We have always treated our energy policy as business-oriented. We never politicized it. We never cut gas supply to countries we didnt like. We always looked at it from a commercial standpoint and always honored our obligations. So, there has never been any disruption in supplies to any country. That is the real story. This additional 8 BCM must be channeled somewhere, and we are now looking at our options. We have received proposals from several EU member states  both from those who already receive our gas and from those who do not. We are evaluating these proposals based on accessibility to markets and, of course, based on commercial terms.

With respect to your question about the American company and the Zangezur corridor  this is a question for the Armenian leadership. On our territory, there will be no operator, no lease, no rent. We do everything ourselves. What Armenia wants to do  I dont know. They can do many things. They invited European so-called observers, which is a group of well-prepared spies who were spying against us  and, by the way, were recently spying against Iran. During the recent Israeli-Iranian standoff, they were walking and driving along the Iranian border. They like to look at us through binoculars. So, we do the same. Tomorrow they may invite  I dont know  whoever they want. They can invite anyone. For us, the important thing is  and I told my colleague in Abu Dhabi once again  that we must have unimpeded and safe access from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan. And we consider it exactly as I said: access from one part of the country to another. Azerbaijani cargo and Azerbaijani citizens should not have to face Armenian border security  or anyone else, for that matter. This is our legitimate demand, and I think it is absolutely fair. Otherwise, our people will be under threat. I remember during Soviet times, when trade was moving from Baku to Nakhchivan, on that particular segment of Zangezur, Armenians were throwing stones at the train windows. Most of the windows of the trains were broken.

This is history  and we remember it. And that was during the Soviet era, with all its discipline and punishment mechanisms. Today, we cannot risk the life and health of our people. Therefore, there should be no physical contact and there must be guaranteed security measures so our people and cargo can travel freely. This is a very legitimate demand.

On relations with Russia  the question was about the plane incident? Unfortunately, we have not received any response from Russian officials, though seven months have already passed. For us, everything is clear. We know what happened, and we can prove it. And we know that Russian officials know what happened. The question is: why do they not do what any neighbor would do? Our requests or demands are absolutely natural:  Admit that this accident was their fault;  Punish those who shot down our plane;  Pay compensation to the families of the victims, to those who were wounded, and to AZAL for the loss of the plane. If you want, I can go into more details. Do you want more details?

Okay, I will take a couple more minutes. Fortunately, the pilots demonstrated bravery, courage, and professionalism  they managed to land the plane, so we didnt lose it. As soon as we sent a team to Aktau to investigate, they reported  and filmed  that the fuselage was full of holes. Two people on board were injured by shrapnel. So, the idea that it was a Ukrainian drone that possibly hit the plane is absolutely ridiculous.

There were two attacks on the plane. Can you imagine  a Ukrainian drone comes, targets an Azerbaijani plane, hits it, falls down, and then comes back again? Thats a story for kindergarten. We know what happened. Plus, Russian airspace was not shut down. It was shut down several minutes after the plane was hit. That is also the responsibility of those who failed to announce the KOVER operation to close the airspace. All of that is as clear as todays sky. But for seven months, weve had no answer. Our Prosecutor General regularly sends letters to the head of Russias Investigative Committee. All the letters get the same response: The investigation continues. So, we will wait until the investigation ends. But I think it is counterproductive to behave this way. It will not lead us to forget. We will not forget. We are now preparing  and have informed the Russian side  that we are preparing a case to apply to the international judicial system. We know this may take time. The Malaysian Boeing case took more than 10 years. So, we will wait for 10 years. But justice must be achieved. And unfortunately, the current state of this issue is not helpful for bilateral relations between Russia and Azerbaijan.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you, Mr. President. We've been talking now for nearly two hours  I mean, it's flown by. Are you okay to maybe give us a further 30 minutes?

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: We're going to take full advantage of this time. I'd like to now give the floor to Mr. Bilgehan Ozturk, who's the Strategic Communications and International Relations Manager at Anadolu Agency.

Bilgehan Ozturk: Mr. President, thank you very much for this opportunity. It's a very different feeling to be here in the middle of Khankendi. I know that it has been more than 30 years of occupation and a dream  and I would say it was not only a dream for Azerbaijanis, but also for generations of Turks as well, in Turkiye. And I know that the road to peace is just as rocky and challenging. You just mentioned some setbacks  like the Armenian side not reciprocating the offer to initial the communique. Despite the setbacks, can you say that we are getting closer to a peace agreement? Can we be optimistic? Thank you very much.

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, I already said that. I think we are [getting closer]; the most important thing is that the draft of the peace agreement has been agreed. And by the way, coming back to the beginning of the process, I would like to say that it was Azerbaijan  the country  which initiated this process. When the Second Karabakh War ended  and at that time the Minsk Group troika was still trying to come and go  they came, and I saw that they themselves didnt know what to do. They asked me, and I said that probably now we need to work on a peace agreement with Armenia. At that time, there was a vacuum. The war had ended  and then what? It couldnt stay like that. There had to be a process. So, we drafted the peace agreement and sent it to Armenia. There were several comments in response. And for more than two years, there was no progress  mainly for one reason: the Armenian side wanted to incorporate the issue of the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh into the peace agreement. And we told them: look, first  Nagorno-Karabakh does not exist. It exists only in your dreams. Second  this is part of Azerbaijan, and we cannot integrate our domestic agenda into a peace agreement with another country. Thats why, for more than two years, negotiations didnt lead to any progress. Only when we took back the territories completely in September 2023 did Armenia agree not to insist on that  because it was already obvious that it no longer existed. What were they going to insist on? So basically, real negotiations started in January 2024. And based on our draft, the text was agreed. But there were two  or maybe more  paragraphs that the Armenian side did not want to agree to. But they agreed as soon as President Trump won. And I told my colleague, Mr. Pashinyan, that probably you were hoping Madam Harris would win  and again, you would be on the white horse  but it didnt happen. So personally, I am absolutely sure that if Trump hadnt won, they would not have agreed. Because they wanted to take more than they deserved, and more than they could have digested. Now, when they have agreed to all the paragraphs.

There are  as I said  only two legal issues left: the constitution and the dissolution of the Minsk Group. As soon as that happens, it can be signed. Yes, it can be initialed before  and that was one of the ideas the Azerbaijani side introduced in Abu Dhabi. As you know, initialing doesnt mean signing. It just means that  instead of verbally saying we agreed  you put your initials on every page and say, its done. So, we are really very close. I personally think that the process is irreversible. I dont see any chance for a kind of replay  because we are not going to renegotiate. And if Armenia one day decides to renegotiate, that will mean they do not want peace. It will mean they want territories which belong to us. So, I think we are just on the right track. They just need to do their homework. As soon as its done, it will be signed  and that will, of course, be a big change for the whole region.

What we already discussed  with respect to the future of the South Caucasus as a safe and stable place  we need safety and stability. Unfortunately, throughout centuries, the Caucasus was an area of bloodshed, conflicts, wars, occupations  and the people of the Caucasus suffered a lot. It's enough. Now we need to live in peace.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you. We have Mr. Jose Martin Jean-Pierre, Secretary of the International Decolonization Front and Chairman of the Guadeloupe International Reparations Movement.

Jose Martin Jean-Pierre: Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am Jose Martin Jean-Pierre, Secretary of the International Decolonization Front and Chairman of the Guadeloupe International Reparations Movement. Last year, at the Shusha Global Media Forum, you addressed Azerbaijan's role in the fight against neo-colonialism and referred to those countries still suffering from colonial oppression. Indeed, Azerbaijan  especially through the Baku Initiative Group  has played a crucial role, not only in raising awareness within the international community on this matter, but also in contributing to the consolidation of those struggling against colonial operations in accordance with international law. In light of the new agreement signed on July 12 between New Caledonia and France  and considering that the fight against colonialism still continues in overseas territories seeking justice and freedom  we would greatly appreciate hearing your views on this development.

President Ilham Aliyev: I believe that what happened between France and New Caledonia is a historic precedent. But I don't think it's the end of the story  its just the beginning. Our position on issues related to neo-colonialism is very clear and straightforward. It is absolutely free from any bilateral agenda, as some may assume or attempt to portray. As the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, from the very first year of our chairmanship, we advocated for decolonization  for the independence of colonial territories and for justice through the implementation of international decisions.

That was our duty as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement. At the same time, it reflects our position as a country, because in the 21st century, one country cannot hold another people under colonial rule. That is entirely incompatible with any notion of human decency. It violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of peoples  the very values that the European continent claims to stand for  and yet those values are being brutally suppressed by colonial ambitions. The Baku Initiative Group is an international NGO. It has nothing to do with the Azerbaijani government, as some in certain European capitals may think or try to present. But within a short period of time, this group has managed to build an agenda that reflects the real needs and aspirations of the peoples of Guadeloupe, New Caledonia, Martinique, Saint-Martin, and other colonized territories. This is their group. It is not a group pursuing its own agenda. They  and the Azerbaijani and international supporters involved in the process  simply want to help people gain their freedom and become the owners of their own destiny. And they have every right to do so. So yes, I believe what happened between France and New Caledonia is the beginning. It is a precedent. And I believe this could have been achieved without the tragic events in New Caledonia, where more than 10 people were killed by French authorities. It reminds me of what weve discussed about Armenia and Azerbaijan. If the Armenian leadership had recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan back in 2019, there would have been no war between us. Better late than never. It is also clear that if the people of New Caledonia had not demonstrated such strong political will, courage, and bravery  their readiness to die for freedom  this agreement would never have been signed. So, you have to fight. You have to fight to restore your territorial integrity. You have to fight for freedom. You have to fight for liberation. That is how the world works. And I hope that this first step will lead to more. That all the territories still under French colonial rule will eventually achieve the same kind of interstate relationship with France that New Caledonia is now attaining.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you. We're going to cross now over to Mrs. Zipporah Maubane, who is Head of Communications and Advocacy for the Office of the CEO of the African Union Development Agency.

Zipporah Maubane: Good afternoon, Mr. President, Your Excellency. This is my first visit to Shusha, but I was here last year for COP29, and it was efficient and well-organized. Congratulations to you and the team. I have two questions for you, but, Your Excellency, I would like to set some context before I ask my questions. At the African Union, I'm responsible for advocacy and communications, so I work with media from all over the world, talking about Africa's developmentinitiatives around resource mobilization, strategies around climate change impacts, what we're doing around peace and security, and also what we're doing to position Africa as a magnet for investment. So that's the work that I do, and I feel very privileged to be here. My first question is: Earlier, you mentioned that during COP29, you made commitments to help developing countries with climate change mitigation. Will some of those developing countries include African countries? That's number one. Number two. Africa has a very ambitious agenda for development. It's called Agenda 2063. It's a 50-year program of development across many facets of society and business. For example, Agenda 2063 has a development program around infrastructure for the entire continent, because we know that where there is no infrastructure, there is no development. And to be specific, the program is around infrastructure development in terms of energy, ICT and digital transformation, water and road networks, and transportation networks, including railways. So, the question is, Mr. President: Would Azerbaijan be interested in collaborating with African countries around these major development infrastructure projects? I thank you very much, Mr. President.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much. First of all, on COP29, definitely, support for African countries with respect to climate change is one of the priorities on our agenda. As President of COP29, as I said, we have a special format for small island developing states, just because for them this threat is existential. We all know that their existence largely depends on the level of the World Ocean. But with respect to the countries of the African continentyes, we have it on our agenda. And by the way, as the Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, even during COVID-19, we provided financial and humanitarian support to more than 80 countries, and many of them were member countries of the African Union. For many years already, we have had a permanent representation in the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia. And as I said before, now, when we are no longer preoccupied with our own problemconflict with Armeniaour foreign policy agenda is much broader. I received several heads of state on official visits here from Africa, and we have already sent high-level delegations there. With some countries, we are now actively working on potential cooperation in the energy field. We are working with some countries on some loan arrangementsvery low-interest loans to some African countries. I don't want to go into specific details, but really, it is on our agenda, and we want to be more active. We can do many things together, because we have investments to invest outside; we are looking for areas in which to invest. Our investment portfoliowhat has already been doneis more than 20 billion US dollars, I mean investments outside of Azerbaijan. So, with respect to the potential which African countries have, we can combine this and create synergy. And by the way, in my personal contactsduring official visits and during my meetings with the leaders of African countries at COP29I asked them to give us a list of priorities, or even better, concrete projects where they want to see Azerbaijani companies, whether private or state, as investors. So, we are actively working on that, and thank you for being with us today.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Thank you. We're going to cross over now to Mr. Pavel Novotny, who is Head of the Foreign Department at Hospodarske noviny, the newspaper in Slovakia.

Pavel Novotny: Hello, Mr. President, let's look to the future. We are living in the age of AI, and Azerbaijan would like to be a power in technology. You personally have ordered the creation of the National Strategy for developing AI. How successful have you been in this effort? Thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Well, we just started. We'll see how successful we will be, but it is clear that we need to follow the trends of the world. We cannot just sit and wait. Therefore, my decisions are based, again, on our development and modernization agenda. We have good contacts with the leading international companies. With many of them, we work as investors. We are investing our funds through big international groups. At the same time, we have a good record of attracting foreign investments in the energy sector. During the last 20 years, only foreign investments in Azerbaijan were close to 200 billion US dollars. So, the country is, as I said, stable, self-sufficient, with a clear vision for the future. So we must be among the front-runners. Again, it's difficult to say how successful we will be. It's difficult for me to say what will happen with AI, because you know that there is strong and growing opposition from different segments of different societies, so it's still in the process of gaining ground. So, we will see. For me, now, it would probably be very improper to say that we will achieve this or thatno. We only report when we have already achieved something. Hopefully, next year, if you come to the Shusha Forum, we will have something to share with you.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: We have a questionnaire from Latin America. Mr. Francisco Felipe Martorell Cammarella, editor of the magazine El Periodista.

Francisco Felipe Martorell Cammarella: Good afternoon, Mr. President. I will ask my question in Spanish. Mr. President, thank you very much for your invitation and for the hospitality of the Azerbaijani people. It is a great honor for me to be here. I have come from a very distant country15,000 kilometers away. At this moment, my relatives and family members are just waking up. I had to cross seas and many time zones. I believe I am the only journalist here from Latin America. A few weeks ago, you sent your representative to Chile, and he held meetings not only in Chile, but also in Argentina and Brazil. I would like to ask: How do you see the future and potential of your relations with our region? And how can cultural exchanges between our countries and regions develop in the future? Thank you very much.

President Ilham Aliyev: We have established embassies in several countries in Latin America for quite a while, and there have been exchanges of delegations at different levels, including visits by ministers and foreign ministers. So, I would not say that the relations are at the level we want to see. But, as I have already said many times, now that we have more time for international affairs, we will definitely have it on our agenda. We've been in discussions with some companies with respect to agricultural development in Azerbaijan. Some projects have already been completed. But of course, it's a very big continent, with very developed economies in many Latin American countries. I think we can find a lot of common ground in business, trade, potential investments, and also in cultural dimensions.

Thank you for traveling such a long distance to Azerbaijan. I hope that you will not regret coming to see us, and hopefully, this visit will open the door for many of your compatriots, to whom you will probably say good things about Azerbaijan when you return home.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Well, our final question is a little closer to home. I'd like to invite Vusala Mahirgizi from Azeri-Press Agency to give us the final question of the session.

Vusala Mahirgizi, APA Media Group: Mr. President, we were in Shusha for the First Shusha Global Forum. After the Global Forum, we looked down at Khankendi from Shusha. But now we are here in Khankendi, and you are here too. I want to ask you a question about the Great Return to Karabakh. We already have about 50,000 people living in Karabakh. I remember that when we first came to Shusha, it took us nine hours to get here, but now we reached Shusha by car in a matter of four hours. The roads are under construction. We saw mosques, minarets and schools in each of the villages. How is the process related to the Great Return going? This is my first question.

And with your permission, I would like to ask the second question about the Azerbaijani media. In just a few days, we will be celebrating our holiday, the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijani media. It is interesting for us to know your thoughts about the future of our press, especially in an era when there are social media and artificial intelligence  you also spoke a little about that. One of our main topics at the moment is disinformation on social media. This is one of the issues Azerbaijan is suffering from the most. So I would like to hear your thoughts about that this. I am also interested to know whether you use artificial intelligence. Thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. No, I do not use it myself but I have family members who use it. They sometimes inform me about it. But I will probably be using it too one day. Because artificial intelligence is spreading so fast that the number of users will be very large. The main thing is that artificial intelligence does not take us away from the criteria and standards we know.

I congratulate you and your colleagues on the anniversary. I am very pleased with the development of the Azerbaijani media. I am very glad that our media have gained great authority not only within the country, but also internationally. I say this quite frankly, not for the sake of saying nice words to you.

The Azerbaijani media today are capable of protecting state interests. They have also achieved great success in exposing unfounded accusations against Azerbaijan with arguments, serious analysis and facts. Our media not only defend state interests but also go on the offensive when necessary. And this is also necessary. In sports, they sometimes say that offense is the best defense. I do not want to comment on this thesis but the fact is that today, Azerbaijani media are read at various levels in many countries, the articles and writings published in the media are analyzed. Assumptions are also made about the extent to which those articles correspond to the official position of Azerbaijan. This gives grounds to say that our media have truly come a long way. When I say media, I mean journalists, first of all. Because it is the employees, people like you, your colleagues who make the media influential. I am, in the truest sense of the word, happy and wish you continued success. Today, Azerbaijan is at a stage where it still needs to defend itself. Today, your colleague from Europe already mentioned this when he asked this question: How can you influence public opinion, public opinion in the West? I think that the media are the best tool for that. The broader the outreach of our media, the more accurate, complete and fair information about the country can be communicated to the world community. There is still a lot of work to be done here. However, I can say that our media are now capable of responding to any unpleasant and slanderous campaigns, and this is a very important new reality.

As for the Great Return, to fully answer this question we would need to organize a separate panel and it would take me a few hours. Because the work that has been done is so large-scale that it is difficult to describe it in one answer. Everything is in sight  the number of people returning is increasing and will continue to increase even faster in the future. Because in the first four years we were mainly engaged in infrastructure projects. We have now almost completed the main part of them. All of Karabakh and East Zangezur have already been provided with a circular electricity network and have also been connected to the traditional national electricity grid of Azerbaijan. Here, hydroelectric power plants with a capacity of 280 megawatts are already producing energy, and this energy goes from Karabakh to other regions of Azerbaijan. Because today there are not so many people living in Karabakh to need so much electricity. You mentioned that you came here by car. I don't know whether you used the Aghdam-Khankendi-Shusha road or the Fuzuli road. You also went through tunnels along the Fuzuli road. Seven tunnels have been built on this road alone. The total length of the tunnels is 80 kilometers. The longest tunnel will probably be ready in the next two to three months. The length of the tunnel under Mount Murov, the length of just one tunnel is 11,700 meters. In other words, this is one of the longest tunnels in the world. The railway has been built. Now it will be possible to travel to Aghdam comfortably by train. I recently laid the foundation for the Aghdam-Khankendi railway. The construction of the Khankendi-Shusha cable car will probably begin soon and will be a very scenic facility. At the same time, the functional side of this is also very important  everywhere there is construction work, hospitals, houses, residential buildings.

As I mentioned, after we have completed most of the infrastructure projects, more of the funding will be channeled into housing. Yesterday, people returned to two villages in Khojaly district. The number of settlements where former IDPs live has now reached 18. A total of 1,500 people are now studying at Karabakh University in Khankendi, and 300 professors teach them. So, all this, you know, seems like a miracle to us, including myself. However, it is no secret that I was involved in making all these decisions. But the fact that such a huge amount of work has been done in such a short period of time is a testament to how talented our people are. According to the information I have, including what foreign representatives who have visited here are saying, it is not only about money, not only about the financial issue. No matter how much money you may have, if you do not have human capital, if people do not work with their hearts, it is impossible to achieve anything. I would like to bring to your attention one special sign, which you probably know quite well. Everyone who works here does so with tremendous enthusiasm  that is, of course, companies and state institutions working here  working here gives people a special pleasure. We missed these lands so much, we longed for these lands so much that now we have returned, as they say, we cannot get enough of these lands. That is why the Great Return Program is already a reality. Of course, there will be stages of this, and the number of people returning here will grow month after month, year after year. Karabakh and East Zangezur will revive. I said at the beginning of the Great Return that we will turn this region into a paradise, and it is already a small piece of paradise. We are seeing this with our own eyes here. Thank you.

Moderator Jane Witherspoon: Mr. President, as you say, we could have continued the conversation well into the night. Unfortunately, it is time to draw the session to a close. Thank you so much for being with us. Thank you for your openness and for sharing your time with us this evening.

Ladies and gentlemen, I know we've just had a round of applause, but please join me once again in thanking His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

x x x

The meeting concluded with a family photo.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a decree approving the transition to a new coordinate system in all types of geodesies, gravimetry, topography, cartography, and cadaster work carried out across Azerbaijan, regardless of their purpose, Trend reports.

The decree was signed to align the field of geodesy and cartography with the global geodetic network and to ensure a unified national coordinate system.

The World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84), based on the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection, will be adopted as the standard coordinate system for all geodetic, gravimetric, topographic, cartographic, and cadastral activities conducted within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, regardless of their intended purpose.

The use of alternative coordinate systems will be permitted only for the completion of ongoing geodetic, gravimetric, topographic, cartographic, and cadastral projects that were initiated using those systems prior to this decision.

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is tasked with addressing and resolving any issues arising from the implementation of this directive.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Issues arising from existing strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan have been discussed during a phone conversation between the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Pakistani counterpart Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Trend reports via Azerbaijani MFA.

The parties also discussed opportunities for expanding the bilateral and multilateral cooperation agenda, as well as regional and international security issues of mutual interest.

The political, economic, security, and humanitarian aspects of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan strategic partnership based on mutual solidarity, friendship, and brotherhood were reviewed, and the importance of using existing opportunities to further strengthen cooperation was noted.

Moreover, cooperation issues within the framework of regional and international organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, were discussed.

During the discussions, views on other issues of mutual interest were also exchanged.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 19. Global leaders can learn a lot from President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and realize the victory secret, Russian political scientist, director of the Institute of Political Studies of Russia Sergey Markov told reporters ahead of the third Shusha Global Media Forum under the theme Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

"President Ilham Aliyev managed to fully restore control and liberate the territory of all of Karabakh, and in this sense, many other leaders could learn from him - to understand the secret of victory. He is a very experienced and intelligent leader," Markov said.

The forum will bring together up to 140 international delegates from 52 countries, representing over 30 news agencies, seven international organizations, nearly 80 media outlets, and other entities relevant to the media landscape.

Following the opening ceremony, the event will continue with panel sessions

The Forum will run until July 21.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. The Shusha Media Forum has already become traditional. So, I hope that this tradition will continue. As the time passes by, we have more guests, more geographical coverage, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

The head of state noted, This once again shows that there is a big need for open discussions in a friendly atmosphere on the most important topics including not only the agenda of media communities, but the issues of global agenda.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. We estimate the initial potential of the Zangezur corridor at 15 million tons of cargo, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

We are practically completing the construction of the railway up to the junction with our borders with Armenia and Iran. Probably in less than a year  possibly even by spring next year  the Azerbaijani section of this railway will be completed, the head of state noted.

The implementation of the Zangezur corridor will, in essence, open another route of the North-South corridor  not only the one everyone talks about, from Russia through Azerbaijan to Iran via Rasht, but also through East Zangezur and other parts of the Zangezur region to Iran, further extending to Turkiye. Therefore, vast opportunities are emerging to increase the volume of cargo transportation, President Ilham Aliyev added.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. If Armenia continues to block the process related to the opening of the Zangezur corridor, its chances of ever becoming a transit country will approach zero, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

Unfortunately, no work related to the Zangezur corridor has been carried out on the Armenian side over the past five years. This issue is deliberately being removed from the agenda. In that case, Armenias chances of ever becoming a transit country are nearing zero. If they continue to obstruct this process, I believe they will find themselves not only in the transport isolation they are already experiencing, but also, to some extent, in political isolation, the head of state emphasized.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. We see great potential for strong partnership relations with the United States. We received very positive messages from Washington. The messages from Azerbaijan were also very positive. We have a great history of partnership, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

President Trump is actively involved in the processes in the South Caucasus. He is doing a great job in order to help Azerbaijan and Armenia to find a solution to a long-lasting conflict. I think that we will have good news in the future, underlined the President.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. We need Economic Cooperation Organization to be more consolidated and efficient, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

There are more active and less active formats of partnership on a bilateral level between member states, but we need to adopt a multilateral approach. From this point of view, I think that Azerbaijans efforts will be appreciated. We took this responsibility as a chair now. I am sure it will be successful, noted the President.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. Speaking at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev outlined the core principles of his policy: always telling the truth to the people, being objective and honest, and adhering to the norms of international law in all situations, Trend reports.

The head of state also emphasized the importance of geography in mitigating risks.

As far as Azerbaijan is concerned, there are no internal sources of risk in our country. All potential risks may arise beyond our borders. Therefore, it was important to protect ourselves from surprises or risks unrelated to our own actions, and geography played a key role in that, President Aliyev noted.

He highlighted that one factor behind Azerbaijans successful policy is its unique position as one of the few countries that is a member of both European and Muslim organizations. Azerbaijan actively participates in summits and formats under the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, ECO, and many others.

Whats also important for everyone is this: when defending your national interests, you must also consider the interests of your neighbor. Protecting national interests is a fundamental pillar of Azerbaijans policy, but outside a regional or global context, this factor should not be overused. Its important to look at the situation, to try to see it through the lens of your neighbor. Thats when many things become clear, and many potential misunderstandings can be resolved effectively, the head of state added.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. There are only two legal issues  Constitution and dissolution of the Minsk Group. As soon as it happens, the peace agreement can be signed, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

Yes it can be initialled before. That was one of the ideas Azerbaijani side introduced in Abu Dhabi. Initialling does not mean signature. It just means that one thing is verbally saying it, another thing that you put your initial under every page and say it is done. So, we are really very close, the President added.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. We are very grateful to U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts to help Azerbaijan and Armenia ultimately reach an agreement, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

Although he (the U.S. President  ed.) is engaged with broader global security issues, he still keeps the situation in the South Caucasus in his sights. We in Azerbaijan are certainly pleased that he won  for many reasons. And of course, we wish him success in seeing things through to the end, especially when it comes to draining the Washington swamp  down to the very bottom, the head of state added.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. President Ilham Aliyev, during his meeting with participants of the Shusha Global Media Forum, shared his views on the natural gas crisis that has arisen between Russia and the European Union, Trend reports.

With respect to Russia-European Union relationship on natural gas, we never took this factor as something, which we should take into account. We were never trying to compete with Russia, even when Russia was supplying 150 plus billion cubic meters to Europe, and we never were offering our service to substitute. No, for us, it's absolutely commercial. We always treated our energy policy as business-oriented. We never politicized it and never cut the gas supply, noted the President.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 19. Azerbaijan and China have major plans to increase the volume of trade, President Ilham Aliyev said during his speech at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

There is tremendous potential in this area. Container trains are already traveling from many Chinese cities to Azerbaijan and through Azerbaijan to the West. Their number is growing by tens of percent each year. I believe this volume will multiply in the near future, the head of state emphasized.

President Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan supported Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative from the very beginning and has developed the necessary transport and logistics infrastructure within the country to support it.

Chinese companies are actively involved as contractors in solar power plant projects. The solar panels purchased by investing companies are of Chinese origin. And more recently, we have also started cooperating with Chinese companies in the field of green energy productionboth solar and wind. Relevant agreements have already been signed, and I believe this will be a valuable addition to our mutually beneficial cooperation, President Ilham Aliyev added.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 20. We have good contacts with the leading international companies, with many of them, we work as investors, said President Ilham Aliyev during a meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

We are investing our funds through big international groups. At the same time, we have a good record of attracting foreign investments in the energy sector, he added.
KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, July 20. The number of people returning to the liberated territories is increasing, and it will grow even faster from now on. In the first four years, we primarily focused on infrastructure projects, most of which have now been completed. The entire Karabakh and East Zangezur regions are already connected through a circular power grid and integrated into Azerbaijans national energy system, said President Ilham Aliyev during a meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

The head of state noted that with the majority of infrastructure projects completed, more resources will now be allocated to residential housing. He added that just yesterday, residents returned to two villages in the Khojaly district, bringing the number of resettled communities to 18.

Recalling that the Great Return program is already underway, President Aliyev said it will proceed in phases, with the number of returning citizens increasing month by month and year by year. Karabakh and East Zangezur will be revived. At the beginning of the Great Return, I said we would turn this region into paradise. It is already a small piece of paradise  we see it with our own eyes, the President emphasized.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, July 19. A new tobacco manufacturing plant launched in Aghdam district has an investment value exceeding 58 million manat ($34.1 million), Elchin Kazimov, the spokesperson of the Economic Zones Development Agency, told reporters, Trend reports.

Speaking during a media tour at the newly inaugurated manufacturing facility in Aghdam Industrial Park, Kazimov highlighted the significance of this development for the region and the countrys economy:

I would like to note that during the recent historic visit of the President to the Karabakh economic region, several important milestones were achieved. Notably, the tobacco products manufacturing facility commenced operations in the Aghdam Industrial Park, increasing the total number of active enterprises in Azerbaijans industrial zones to 99.

The launch of this facility is set to stimulate growth in the countrys non-oil sector, expand export markets, accelerate economic diversification, create significant employment opportunities, and most importantly, support the revitalization of Karabakh, he emphasized.

The investment value of the tobacco products manufacturing enterprise exceeds 58 million manat ($34.1 million), and the factory currently employs approximately 400 permanent staff. The enterprise produces more than 120 varieties of tobacco products under over 20 different brands. Utilizing advanced technologies sourced from Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the facility operates nine production lines," he said.

Kazimov highlighted that the enterprise has an annual production capacity of 20 billion cigarettes.

The products are exported to the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Iraq.

Moreover, it is important to note that the Aghdam Industrial Park was established by a presidential decree on May 28, 2021, with the goal of restoring the liberated territories and developing industrial potential. The park provides a favorable business environment to support entrepreneurial activity. As a result, Aghdam Industrial Park ranks as the second-largest industrial park in the country by number of residents, following the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park.

To date, 30 business entities with total investments exceeding 270 million manat ($158.8 million) have been granted resident status, while 4 entrepreneurs hold non-resident status. Investors have already injected over 121 million manat ($71.1 million) into the park, creating more than 650 permanent jobs. The tobacco products manufacturing facility alone has generated around 400 new jobs, with the majority of employees coming from Aghdam and neighboring areas.

At present, 10 enterprises are operational within the Aghdam Industrial Park, construction is underway on 7 more, and design work is in progress for an additional 16 enterprises. More than 70 percent of the parks territory has already been allocated for entrepreneurial use.

Entrepreneurs in the industrial park have sold products worth over 471 million manat ($277 million) to date, with exports accounting for 17.7 million manat ($10.4 million). In addition to serving the domestic market, these products are exported to countries such as Georgia, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan under the "Made in Azerbaijan" brand.

Business operators in the Aghdam Industrial Park benefit from state-funded infrastructure and enjoy full exemptions from property, land, and income taxes for ten years from their registration date. They are also exempt from VAT and customs duties on the import of machinery, technological equipment, and production facilities. As of July 1, this year, 150 certification documents have been issued to entrepreneurs in the park, enabling savings of over 8.5 million manat ($5 million) on imported machinery and equipment.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan currently has 13 industrial zones, with 159 business entities holding an investment portfolio exceeding 8 billion manat ($4.7 million). Among these, one entity has been granted residency, while 13 entrepreneurs have been awarded non-resident status," he concluded.

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FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 19. The participants of the third Shusha Global Media Forum under the theme Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI, marking the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani National Press, have kicked off their visit to the Azerbaijani cultural capital - the city of Shusha, Trend's special correspondent reports.

The plane with the forum participants landed at the Fuzuli International Airport.

The forum will bring together up to 140 international delegates from 52 countries, representing over 30 news agencies, seven international organizations, nearly 80 media outlets, and other entities relevant to the media landscape.

Following the opening ceremony, the event will continue with panel sessions.

The Forum will run until July 21.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. The Baku Initiative Group (BIG), in collaboration with its international research partners, has published a study titled New Caledonia: Colonial Legacy, the Struggle for Self-Determination, and the Crisis of 2024, Trend reports.

The research explores the roots and consequences of the May unrest in New Caledonia, shedding light on the repression faced by the Kanak people, the chronology of events, the scale of violence and destruction, and the response of France, the United Nations (UN), and regional powers.

Conducted from March through June 2025, the study highlights the colonial roots of the Kanak people's resistance and critically assesses the systemic denial of fundamental rights to colonized populations. It argues that Frances attempt to maintain control over the territory through force and administrative meansdisregarding the Kanak people's right to self-determinationhas only deepened the conflict.

The study presents several key conclusions that highlight both the local dynamics of New Caledonia and its broader political implications. The crisis of 2024 demonstrated that Frances efforts to retain control over the territory through coercive and administrative meanswhile disregarding the indigenous Kanak people's right to self-determinationhave only deepened tensions.

"The French response in the form of repression, emergency rule, and arrests shows an unwillingness to engage in dialogue and reveals that colonial reflexes remain strong," the study notes. It concludes that the question of New Caledonia's status is not solely Frances internal affair and that lasting peace is only possible through a just resolution based on international law.

The agreement signed on July 12 between France and New Caledonia, the report asserts, confirms the forecasted outcomes of the research: the Kanak people must be the ones to determine the islands future, and New Caledonia should advance toward full independence in a phased manner.

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AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, July 19. One of the key priorities in the Karabakh region today is the establishment of a modern educational infrastructure that meets current standards, Head of the Karabakh Regional Education Department Sanan Mansimli, told Trend.

Mansimli noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, significant efforts are underway to rebuild and develop the education sector in the liberated territories. The recent opening of Secondary School No. 1 in Aghdam, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev, is a testament to these ongoing efforts.

He added that the foundation of the school was laid by President Ilham Aliyev on May 28, 2021.
KHOJALY, Azerbaijan, July 19. A total of 40 individual houses were fully restored in Khanyurdu village of Khojaly district, Afat Telmangizi, spokesperson of the Restoration, Construction and Management Service in Khankendi city, Aghdara and Khojaly districts, told Trend.

She said that restoration of more 65 individual houses is planned by the end of this year, while 93 individual houses will be repaired and restored in 2026, and on July 14 of this year, 33 families, totaling 122 people, returned to their native Khanyurdu village.

According to her, efforts are underway to establish modern social infrastructure in the village.

"A 14-km, 10 kV power line has been repaired and metering initiated; over 10 km of natural gas pipeline has been laid, and a four-km existing gas line restored. An artesian well, a 400-cubic-meter water reservoir, and a drinking water network have also been repaired. A 10.4-km communication line has been installed, providing residents with access to fixed telephone, internet, and IPTV services. More than two km of internal village roads have been paved with asphalt. Preparatory work is ongoing for the repair and restoration of a general education facility, while major renovations are underway at an ambulatory medical center and a market building. A one-hectare recreation park has been established in the village," she added.

On July 18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited Khanyurdu village and met with the residents.

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FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 19. The media forum in Shusha is expected to become a vital platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas, Thembisa Fakude, General Director of the South African weekly newspaper Mail & Guardian (M&G), told Trend.

Speaking ahead of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, themed Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI Fakude noted that the event holds promise for meaningful discussions, particularly given the diversity of its participants.

The forum promises to be an exciting event, especially with the participation of journalists and academics from around the world. I am looking forward to it, particularly in light of todays unstable global political and trade climate. I expect engaging debates and valuable exchanges, he said.

The forum is set to welcome around 140 international guests from 52 countries, including representatives from more than 30 news agencies, 7 international organizations, and approximately 80 media entities, as well as various other institutions connected to the media sphere. Alongside international participants, the event will also include Azerbaijani media representatives, experts, and government officials.

Following the opening ceremony, the forum will continue with a series of thematic sessions. The event will run through July 21.

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Simon Cowell is set to launch a TV talent show to find the next big girl band.

Simon Cowell's new search for next big girl band

The 65-year-old music mogul is reportedly planning to follow up Simon Cowell: The Next Act, his Netflix programme about his bid to discover the next One Direction, with a second series about his search for a female group.

A source told The Suns TV Biz: Theres huge amount of excitement around the boyband search show dropping on Netflix, which is expected to drop later this year.

So it makes sense to consider a sequel with a similar concept but looking for the female equivalent.

And if anyone can do it, its Simon. After all, through One Direction and Little Mix, he helped deliver two of the biggest pop acts of the last two decades.

Simon is renowned for his TV talent shows including 'Pop Idol', 'The X Factor', 'Britains Got Talent' and 'America's Got Talent' and he previously shared how excited he is about his search for the nations next big boyband on his upcoming show.

He told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: Fundamentally it is about casting. Every great season really depends on who turns up.

If you have kind of average people with boring personalities, it doesnt matter what gimmicks I throw at the show, it wont work.

If someone is naturally good, has got charisma, and people root for them, then youve got half a chance.

So I say to everyone, look, just focus on the casting.

You get the casting right, we got a shot.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. As part of his visit to London, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia, Timcho Mucunski, addressed a business forum attended by more than 50 British companies, Trend reports.

At the forum, Minister Mucunski spoke about the government's efforts and initiatives to improve the business climate, investment opportunities in North Macedonia, and the potential to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

On this occasion, he invited British companies to explore the opportunities offered by the Macedonian market and economy, and expressed the government's and ministry's readiness to provide full support for the realization of their investment plans and goals.

During his stay in London, Minister Mucunski also visited the School of East European Languages at University College London (UCL), where the Macedonian language is taught and spoken. On this occasion, a donation of textbooks and literature was made to support the learning of the Macedonian mother tongue.

Promoting the Macedonian language and creating conditions for its study are among the top priorities of the Ministry, which has been actively working on these goals in recent periods.

During the visit, Minister Mucunski also held a meeting with members of the Parliamentary Group for Cooperation with the Republic of North Macedonia in the UK Parliament. The meeting focused on advancing bilateral relations, strengthening parliamentary cooperation, and discussing the role of both parliaments in enhancing political ties between the two countries.

Minister Mucunski expressed gratitude for the continued support and interest in North Macedonia, as well as for the contribution to strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias concluded his visit to Lebanon, holding a series of political meetings with the country's leadership, Trend reports citing the country's Defense Ministry.

Mr. Dendias was received by the President of Lebanon and former Chief of the Armed Forces, Joseph Aoun, at the Presidential Palace. Also present at the meeting were Lebanons Minister of Defence Michel Menassah, Secretary-General for Religious Affairs Giorgos Kalantzis, and Greeces Ambassador to Lebanon, Despoina Koukolopoulou.

Earlier, the Minister of National Defence held talks with his Lebanese counterpart, discussing further strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation and exchanging views on regional and international security issues. Mr. Dendias also invited Minister Menassah to visit Athens.

During his visit, the Greek Minister met with the Greek Orthodox Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon, Tarek Mitri, with whom he exchanged views regarding the protection of Christian populations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Senior officials and experts from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Lithuania gathered in Liepaja today for their annual informal seminar, Trend reports.

The event brought together top-level representatives from both nations to deepen strategic collaboration and discuss pressing regional and global issues.

The seminar was officially opened by Ivars Lasis, Political Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his remarks, Lasis highlighted the traditionally close and friendly ties between the two neighboring countries and reaffirmed their commitment to joint action across regional and international platforms, including the European Union (EU), NATO, and other multilateral formats.

He emphasized the significance of unity and cooperation amid todays challenging geopolitical climate.

Participants commended the robust cooperation within the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) framework, noting its value in bolstering the regions security and resilience.

The discussion also focused on exploring new areas for NB8 collaboration and mutual support.

In-depth conversations were held on current developments within the EU, particularly concerning preparations for the upcoming Lithuanian and Latvian presidencies of the EU Council in 2027 and 2028.

Officials discussed the countries strategic priorities and shared perspectives on shaping the EUs long-term budget framework.

Transatlantic relations featured prominently in the talks, with participants underscoring their critical role in ensuring the defense and security of the Euro-Atlantic region.

Officials expressed a united commitment to reinforcing NATO, increasing defense investments, enhancing military capabilities, and deepening NATO-EU cooperation.

The meeting also covered the Baltic States shared interests within the United Nations, especially in light of Latvias upcoming term on the UN Security Council.

Lithuanian officials offered insights based on their prior Council experience in 20142015.

To conclude the event, both delegations visited the Latvian National Armed Forces Naval Training Center and the Baltic States Divers School.

Diplomats had the opportunity to learn about ongoing regional defense training efforts and collaborations with international partners.

Now in its ninth year, the annual seminar is held alternately by the Latvian and Lithuanian Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

The event serves as a platform to foster high-level dialogue, align foreign policy priorities, and strengthen joint efforts to promote the countries shared values and strategic goals in international institutions.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Artjoms Ursulskis, Parliamentary Secretary at Latvias Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took part in the General Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) on Friday, where an initial exchange of views was held on the European Commissions proposal for the EUs long-term budget after 2027, Trend reports.

The proposal was officially published on 16 July and marks the beginning of member state consultations.

During the meeting, Parliamentary Secretary Ursulskis emphasized the need for an ambitious multiannual financial framework that addresses both traditional EU priorities and new emerging challenges.

We see the overall budget proposed by the European Commission as a good starting point for discussions, taking into account the current needs. We welcome the increased funding for security, defense, and connectivity, and the long-term support allocated for Ukraine. However, we believe there is still significant uncertainty regarding allocations to individual Member States, Ursulskis said.

Ursulskis expressed concern over the merging of Cohesion Policy and Common Agricultural Policy funds, noting that current proposals do not adequately account for the disproportionate socio-economic impact of the war in Ukraine on EU countries neighboring Russia and Belarus.

The European Commissions proposal, published earlier this week, will now serve as the basis for negotiations between EU Member States.

A final decision on the long-term financial framework will require unanimous agreement among Member States, as well as the consent of the European Parliament. A detailed review of the proposal is already underway.

The General Affairs Council is responsible for overarching EU matters that span multiple policy areas, including EU enlargement negotiations, European Council preparations, the multiannual financial framework, and institutional and administrative issues.
Azerbaijan-China trade turnover surges sharply in 6M2025

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China reached approximately $2.1 billion in the first half of the year, marking a nearly 28% increase compared to the same period last year. While exports to China grew more than fourfold, China also became Azerbaijans top import partner during this time.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Azerbaijan continues advancing its cooperation with several countries in the development of international transport corridors and freight operations. One notable initiative is the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between Azerbaijan Railways CJSC and the China State Railway Group Corporation, which focuses on enhancing the BakuTbilisiKars (BTK) railway line.

The sides agreed to develop transport connectivity along the BTK route, which provides access to Turkiye and subsequently to Europe. This move is expected to significantly accelerate the delivery of goods from Chinese production hubs to European markets via Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye.

The agreement also covers the joint development of railway and port infrastructure, expansion of container transport across the Caspian Sea, and increasing the number of daily block trains to reach ten. Experts view this as a key step toward boosting Azerbaijans transit potential and enhancing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor.

Economist Parviz Heydarov told Trend that the BTK railway line is a crucial part of Eurasias transport infrastructure. Back in 2017, when the line was launched, it enabled fast and reliable cargo transit between Asia and Europe via the Middle Corridor, he said, emphasizing the BTKs critical role in transporting cargo from China and Central Asia to Europe.

Heydarov recalled that after initial doubts about the line's efficiency, a revised project plan was developed in late 2022.

"Initially, there was considerable skepticism about the effectiveness of this transport route when it was first designed, constructed, and launched. However, over time, growing demand led to a reassessment of the project, and by the end of 2022, it was re-evaluated and a new development plan was prepared to expand the BTK railway. This refers to the period following the lines commissioning," he said.

As a result, reconstruction and expansion works carried out on the 184-kilometer Georgian section of the line increased its annual cargo capacity from one million to five million tons.

Today, the BTK is considered internationally competitive and ready to handle a large share of cargo flows between Asia and the West, he added.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Azerbaijan Railways Closed Joint-Stock Company (CJSC) and China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. is set to inject new momentum into Baku-Beijing relations while further enhancing the operational capacity of the BTK railway line. This agreement will accelerate and expand the transit of all types of Chinese-manufactured goods to European markets through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye.

The growth in Azerbaijan-China relations is evident not only in transportation but also in mutual investment and trade turnover. In the first quarter of 2025, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from China into the Azerbaijani economy reached approximately $7.4 million.

Compared to the same period in 2024, Chinese investments in Azerbaijan increased by about $4.2 million, more than doubling. In 2025, investments from China accounted for roughly 0.5 percent of Azerbaijans total FDI inflows.

Conversely, Azerbaijans investments in the Chinese economy reached approximately $5.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking an increase of over $5.1 million, or more than 60 times, compared to the same period in 2024.

Azerbaijani investments in China represented about 1.7 percent of the countrys total FDI outflows during this period.

China holds a significant position in Azerbaijans trade turnover. In the first half of 2025, trade between Azerbaijan and China reached $2.1 billion, marking an increase of around $451.4 million or 27.6 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

During this time, trade with China accounted for 8.56 percent of Azerbaijans total trade turnover, placing China fourth among Azerbaijans top trading partners.

From January through June 2025, Azerbaijani exports to China totaled about $46.3 million, representing 4.3 times increase, $35.6 million, compared to the same period last year.

Conversely, imports from China to Azerbaijan amounted to nearly $2 billion during the reporting period, growing by $415.7 million or 1.3 times compared to the first half of 2024. This made China Azerbaijans leading source of imported goods.

Overall, these figures underscore that economic relations between Azerbaijan and China have reached a historic high. The development of the transport sector remains a key focus within this expanding cooperation.

Commenting to Trend, economist and head of the Public Union for Economic and Social Research Support, Eyyub Karimli, said that the BTK railway deal offers several strategic and economic advantages.

Its a significant step in boosting freight capacity along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route within the Middle Corridor.

Undoubtedly, the newly signed agreement will have a far-reaching impact on both regional and global transportation systems. By expanding the capacity of the BakuTbilisiKars (BTK) railway, the agreement creates favorable conditions for significantly increasing cargo flow between China and Europe in both directions. It also enhances the competitiveness of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route  known as the Middle Corridor  against other alternative trade routes. Currently, BTKs annual freight capacity stands at around 1 million tons, but the new plans envision raising this figure to 5 million tons. The agreement between Azerbaijan Railways and China Railway is expected to boost the overall efficiency of cargo movement along the corridor, reduce logistical bottlenecks, and accelerate transit times," he said.

The economist believes the recent agreement with China to expand the potential of the BakuTbilisiKars (BTK) railway could yield substantial benefits for Azerbaijans economy.

The agreement is expected to boost transit revenues and state duties. It may also generate new employment opportunities in the logistics and railway sectors and foster the expansion of business activity in these areas. In the long term, this will have a positive effect on Azerbaijans foreign trade turnover and further consolidate the countrys role as a key regional transport hub, he said.

Karimli also emphasized the strategic significance of the agreement for China.

The deal presents clear strategic advantages for China as well. Within the framework of the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative, it provides a reliable, secure, and expedited route to Europe. In contrast, the security of cargo transported through Russian territory remains uncertain, while sanctions further diminish its appeal. Expanding the BTKs potential would also enhance access to Turkish and European markets:

If Turkiyes railway network is successfully integrated, the time, speed, and cost of cargo movement from China to Europe will improve significantly, he added.

Karimli concluded by underlining the broader scope of the project.

I believe that this initiative is not limited to technical upgrades. It represents a long-term strategy for the development of international transport corridors. If implemented successfully, it could establish the Middle Corridor as the main artery of Eurasian logistics and deliver lasting economic and geopolitical dividends for the region, he said.

Overall, the two sides aim to carry out joint projects that will enable faster, safer, and more efficient cargo transportation between China and Europe. This includes enhancing coordination between terminals and ports, as well as improving information exchange in customs and transport systems.

Cooperation in this direction is expected to deepen regional economic integration and further solidify Azerbaijans position as a strategic logistics hub. The countrys geostrategic location aligns closely with Chinas "One Belt, One Road" initiative, creating even stronger shared interests in developing transcontinental connectivity.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 19. Turkmenistan is stepping up preparations for an upcoming business forum with Japan, with a focus on expanding bilateral economic cooperation, Trend reports, via the Turkmen Parliament.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev briefed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov during a government meeting on the organizational efforts underway for the forum. Japanese companies have expressed significant interest in participating, particularly those engaged in investment, education, services, oil and gas, industry, healthcare, construction, and logistics.

Turkmenistans delegation will include representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and various sectoral ministries and agencies.

The proposal to host the event was submitted for presidential approval. President Berdimuhamedov welcomed the initiative, highlighting Turkmenistan's active role in international forums and referencing the countrys successful presence at the EXPO 2025 exhibition in Osaka. He instructed Atagulyev to ensure high-level preparation and implementation of the forum.
KfW plans major investments in Uzbekistans water supply and social reforms (Exclusive)

Photo: KfW-Ipex Bank

KfW Bank is set to deepen its cooperation with Uzbekistan through significant investments in water infrastructure and social reforms. With over 400 million euro in planned funding, the initiatives aim to enhance living standards, support climate goals, and drive systemic reforms in social protection and gender equality.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 19. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has approved a set of proposals to strengthen the material and technical base of Turkmenistan's aviation and chemical industries, Trend reports via the Turkmen Parliament.

The decisions were made during a government meeting held on Friday, where Deputy Prime Ministers presented development strategies for the sectors under their supervision.

Deputy Prime Minister Mammetkhan Chakiyev, overseeing transport and communications, submitted a plan to modernize Turkmenistan Airlines (Turkmenhovayollary). The initiative is designed to enhance passenger comfort, improve flight safety, and raise the international competitiveness of the national carrier.

In parallel, Deputy Prime Minister Baymyrat Annamammedov, responsible for the industrial sector, announced on proposed upgrades to domestic mineral fertilizer plants. These measures aim to expand production for both domestic consumption and export.

President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the strategic importance of continuously upgrading industrial infrastructure to meet international standards. He noted that these reforms are intended to boost efficiency, reduce operational costs, and unlock new export opportunities, ultimately contributing to the country's long-term economic growth.
Uzbekistan and China set to launch pilot container shipping project (Exclusive)

Uzbekistan and China are strengthening logistics ties with new agreements aimed at boosting regional connectivity. Key Chinese companies will help develop a major transport corridor linking China to Afghanistan via Central Asia, with pilot container shipments and infrastructure investments already in the works.

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Irans Zanjan Province reports decrease in non-oil exports in early 2025

Non-oil exports from Irans Zanjan Province reached around $85 million over a three-month period, with goods sent to 20 countries including Turkiye, Iraq, and Turkmenistan. During the same time, Iran's overall non-oil exports dropped to approximately $12 billion, showing a notable decline compared to last year.

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Turkmenistan signals interest in joining treaty on nuclear weapons ban

Turkmenistan is preparing to expand its participation in global nuclear security efforts. Approved initiatives include exploring accession to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and hosting a regional seminar with the CTBTO in 2026.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 19. Turkmenistan and the International Trade Center (ITC) held a working meeting in Geneva to strengthen cooperation on World Trade Organization (WTO) accession and preparations for the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), Trend reports via the Turkmenistan's Mission to the UNOG.

Representatives of the ITC, a joint agency of the WTO and the United Nations, underlined their commitment to supporting Turkmenistans gradual integration into the global trading system. The sides discussed legal and institutional steps needed to accelerate the accession process.

Particular attention was devoted to LLDC3, which will be hosted by Turkmenistan from August 5 to 8, 2025, in the Avaza national tourist zone on the Caspian Sea. The conference will bring together high-level delegations to address economic development and connectivity challenges facing landlocked countries.

According to Turkmen officials, organizing such a high-profile international event reflects the countrys growing diplomatic role and its intention to shape global strategies for sustainable development.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 19. Kyrgyzstan and Japans Marubeni Corporation are advancing discussions on joint projects in climate resilience, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Economy.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Sanzhar Bolotov met with a delegation from Marubeni to explore cooperation opportunities in key areas of green development. The Japanese side was represented by Shinozaki Ippei, General Manager of the companys representative office in Astana, and Mizuki Saito, Senior Commercial Manager for the Middle East and Africa.

In the course of the talks, the sides examined potential models for partnership and discussed Marubenis participation in climate-related initiatives in Kyrgyzstan. The dialogue highlighted interest in concrete implementation pathways for projects that could improve the countrys adaptation to climate change.

The expanded-format meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Water Resources and Agriculture, the National Investment Agency, and the Green Energy Fund of Kyrgyzstan. This multisectoral engagement reflects the countrys growing commitment to mobilizing foreign investment for environmental and energy transformation.

As a next step, the parties agreed to continue technical consultations and jointly identify pilot projects suitable for implementation in the near future.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 19. The President of Uzbekistan has issued a landmark resolution aimed at implementing the proposals and initiatives presented during the third plenary session of the Foreign Investors Council held on June 11, 2025, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek president's office.

This marks a significant step in the countrys ongoing efforts to improve its investment climate and attract international capital

The resolution approves an Action Plan for implementing these proposals and initiatives, as outlined in Appendix No. 1, and confirms the updated composition of the Uzbek side of the Council, detailed in Appendix No. 2. The Council is also authorized to establish sectoral working groups and involve officials and experts from ministries and government agencies in their activities.

To enhance coordination and efficiency, the Council Secretariat will be established as a non-governmental, non-profit organization with the participation of international financial institutions. The Secretariat will work directly with foreign investors to develop proposals for improving the investment environment, facilitate investment mobilization, coordinate with government bodies, and conduct consultations with both local and international companies. It will also submit quarterly reports on its activities and those of the working groups to the Presidential Administration and the Cabinet of Ministers.

The working groups are tasked with monthly reviews of the Action Plan's implementation, in collaboration with the Secretariat, and will contribute to drafting regulatory and legal reforms aimed at fostering a more favorable investment climate.

In a major digital initiative, the government will launch the Unified Investment Platform. Heads of central and local executive authorities, as well as state-owned enterprises with more than 50% government ownership, are personally responsible for ensuring the integration of relevant information systems into the platform, in accordance with a fixed schedule. They must also upload targeted and long-term investment projects in the format approved by the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev has been instructed to approve the integration mechanisms and timeline within one week, identifying specific deadlines and responsible officials.

All government bodies and industry associations are mandated to ensure the full and timely implementation of the Action Plan. Presidential Representative Akmal Makhmudov, along with Deputy Prime Ministers Khodjaev and Kuchkarov, and the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade, will regularly monitor progress, coordinate inter-agency efforts, assess quarterly reports critically, and take corrective measures to remove obstacles hindering implementation.

Amendments to relevant presidential resolutions will be made in accordance with Appendix No. 3. Overall responsibility for overseeing the resolutions implementation is assigned to Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.

This resolution reflects Uzbekistans strong commitment to fostering a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly business environment and to deepening engagement with global investors and international institutions in shaping the countrys economic future.
Kyrgyzstan advances mountain ecosystem efforts at UN high-level event

Photo: Kygyz President press service

Kyrgyzstan held a special side event at the UN High-Level Political Forum to discuss progress and future plans for the Five Years of Action for Mountain Development. The event highlighted Kyrgyzstans leadership in mountain sustainability initiatives, including proposals for a coalition of mountain countries and a UN coordination mechanism.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 19. Ambassador Yerkebulan Sapiyev, who concurrently serves as Kazakhstans Ambassador to Turkiye and Permanent Representative to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), formally presented his credentials to OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Trend reports via the Kazakh MFA.

During the meeting, Ambassador Sapiyev emphasized Kazakhstans commitment to strengthening cooperation with the OTS and expressed his determination to contribute to the unity and sustainable development of the Turkic world.

Secretary General Omuraliev welcomed Kazakhstans decision to appoint a dedicated Permanent Representative, noting that such steps would enhance the institutional capacity of the Organization. He also voiced confidence that closer diplomatic engagement would reinforce coordination among member states.

Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to expand collaboration in areas of mutual strategic interest, grounded in shared cultural values and long-term partnership goals.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. The upcoming visit of President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to Kyrgyzstan, scheduled for July 2023, marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral dialogue. It reflects not only the growing mutual understanding between the two countries but also the results of proactive diplomacy consistently pursued by President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov.

For many years, relations between Bishkek and Ulaanbaatar remained largely declarative rather than practical. Although diplomatic ties were established back in 1992, they rarely extended beyond ceremonial engagements. The tide began to turn in 2023, with Sadyr Zhaparov's official visit to Mongolia. This trip was a turning point that launched a new phase of cooperation - more pragmatic, institutionalized, and action-oriented.

The dialogue between the two countries has since taken a more stable form. Agreements have been signed in education, culture, and tourism, and joint programs and humanitarian initiatives have been launched. Kyrgyzstan increased the number of scholarships for Mongolian students, and Bishkek hosted the first-ever festival of Mongolian culture. For the first time in many years, the parties began discussing real cooperation.

The economic dimension of relations has gained notable momentum. At President Japarovs initiative, a direct dialogue was established with a focus on agricultural processing, light industry, and logistics. This approach aligns with the interests of both countries, whose economies are similar in size and structure. The emphasis is not merely on trade, but on joint efforts  including barter schemes and industrial cooperation.

Khurelsukhs visit to Bishkek is expected to consolidate these achievements and take them into a more practical direction, especially in the economic realm. Both countries are landlocked small economies, with GDP levels of $1518 billion and comparable populations. Their core strengths lie in agro-industrial production, processing, and the search for niche exports.

According to Kyrgyz customs data, trade turnover between Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan reached $2.6 million in 2024  nearly double the figure from 2023. Kyrgyzstan exports food products and pharmaceuticals to Mongolia and imports meat products, wool, and hides in return. While the absolute numbers remain modest, the positive trend is clear: by the first quarter of 2025, the volume had already reached half the total annual figure of the previous year.

Top of the agenda now is the launch of joint ventures in textiles and leather goods aimed at third-party export markets. However, the advancement of these projects hinges directly on resolving logistical issues. The lack of direct transport routes remains a tangible obstacle. Today, shipping a container from Ulaanbaatar to Bishkek can take up to 25 days and cost $5,000$7,000 due to transit through China and Kazakhstan. Alternative routes are being explored through Eastern Kazakhstan and Xinjiang, along with the possibility of launching regular flights on the UlaanbaatarBishkekAlmaty route.

The idea of direct air connectivity is not new. It was first raised at a meeting at Manas Airport in February 2022 and was revisited in March 2025 by the Kyrgyz ambassador to Mongolia and Mongolias Minister of Transport. These initiatives are part of a broader regional connectivity policy actively promoted by President Japarov. Bishkek also emphasizes Kyrgyzstans role as a transit hub for Mongolia to access Central and South Asian markets. Coordination is possible within frameworks such as the SCO, where both countries participate as observers and partners in multimodal integration projects.

Bishkek underscores that it is precisely President Japarovs strategic course that has elevated Kyrgyz-Mongolian relations to a qualitatively new level. His open borders policy and focus on diversifying partnerships are delivering sustained results  both in humanitarian cooperation and the economic sphere. An increasing number of Asian countries now regard Kyrgyzstan as a reliable and independent partner.

Khurelsukhs visit will solidify the progress already made and open up new opportunities. The agenda includes youth initiatives, infrastructure development, and the expansion of humanitarian exchanges. Most importantly, a long-term partnership model is emerging  one based not on grand declarations, but on concrete initiatives.

Amid global turbulence and instability in international affairs, the example of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia demonstrates how small and medium-sized nations can build balanced and mutually beneficial foreign policies. Meanwhile, in this process, Bishkek is increasingly taking the lead.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Iran can take adequate measures in case of implementation of the "snapback" mechanism, which will restore UN Security Council resolutions against Iran, by three European countries (the UK, France and Germany), Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian parliament, told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, European countries have practically shown no will to act independently after the US left the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The failure of the "INSTEX" financial mechanism proposed by the European parties after the US left the mentioned agreement is also a clear proof of this.

"Experience shows that there is little benefit in holding discussions with the European side, and in practice, the European parties fully comply with US sanctions against Iran," he noted.

Rezaei pointed out that even if the "snapback" mechanism is implemented, there will be no significant change in the sanction's situation on Iran because the country is currently under the most severe international sanctions.

"Iran has so far voluntarily suspended the implementation of the additional protocol. Official Tehran is still a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, if pressure continues, it may focus on leaving this agreement, enriching uranium to a level above 60 percent, producing and exporting modern centrifuges, and entering into broader cooperation in the nuclear field," he added.

On January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions on Iran starting from November 2018. In 2020, Iran announced that it would no longer be bound by restrictions outlined in the nuclear agreement.

The snapback mechanism is based on Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to these provisions, if one party complains that another has violated the agreement and resolution efforts fail, the issue can be brought before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). If the UNSC accepts the complaint, international sanctions against Iran can be reinstated, and the Security Council members may authorize military operations against Iran.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has invited Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Yerevan, Trend reports.

The prime minister made the invitation during a phone conversation with Pezeshkian.

Pashinyan said that he expects the Iranian president to visit Armenia soon to hold talks on ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

In the conversation, Pezeshkian also noted the development of cooperation between the two countries.

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Large portions of the public radio programming on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation are likely to soon come to a standstill.

On Friday Congress voted to claw back funding for public media nationwide, and Fort Belknaps KGVA 88.1 gets 70% of its annual budget from the federal government, according to Jack Jones, the station manager.

It will devastate us, Jones said when reached by phone Friday.

The U.S. House voted to pass the measure that will recoup $9 billion, mostly for foreign aid, but about $1.1 billion of which was meant for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the arm that doles out funding to local public media stations. All of Montanas federal elected officials voted for the legislation and President Donald Trump is expected to sign it into law.

It's not only KGVA that will suffer: The cuts will ripple across all of Montana's major public media outlets, to the tune of more than $2.5 million in the first year alone.

Most Montanans receive their public radio through Yellowstone Public Radio (YPR) and Montana Public Radio, and Montana PBS is watched by about 250,000 Montanans each week, according to Aaron Pruitt, director and general manager of the service.

Montana PBS is set to lose $1.8 million in funding, which represents about 20% of their annual budget, Pruitt said in a written statement. Montana Public Radio receives about 11% of its annual budget from the Center for Public Broadcasting, which amounts to $353,000 in 2025, director Anne Hosler said, and YPRs director said their annual budget will be cut by about 15% when this becomes law.

Hosler said in a written statement that they have some tough decisions ahead.

This money has been critical to our funding model, she added.

Public media throughout the nation will be impacted by the passage of the legislation, but large rural states with towering mountain ranges like Montana could be particularly harmed by the changes, explained Professor Lee Banville, director of the University of Montana School of Journalism.

Montana is the fourth-largest state by area in the country and huge swaths of it are rural, meaning the public media stations need repeaters to reach these communities buried in valleys who have historically relied on them to receive news and information.

If they need to replace a tower in the middle of nowhere can they financially do that anymore? The answer might turn into no and we might see certain parts of the state lose service, Banville said Friday. The saddest outcome of this is states like Montana could be affected a lot more than a state like New York.

YPRs geographic footprint is the largest of any public radio network in the lower 48 states, encompassing an area the size of Great Britain. The stations airwaves are broadcast through a network of 13 transmitters and 25 translators, across the largely rural expanse of Montana, into Wyoming and most of Montanas Native American reservations.

Lately, Ken Siebert, general manager of YPR, has been fielding many calls from concerned listeners about the future of the public radio station in light of Congresss actions. When reached for comment Friday, Siebert was concerned but undaunted about the future.

So I think we're all concerned about what the ripple effect of this will be throughout the system, but at Yellowstone Public Radio, we're committed to continuing doing what we're doing, Siebert said.

The plan, according to Siebert, is to intensify fundraising and dig deeper into community collaborations in hopes of offsetting the lost funding. But to grow fundraising efforts also incurs "significant costs, Siebert said.

There's a number of listeners who don't contribute. Many of them in the past have used the excuse that, well, you guys get money from the government, Siebert said. Well, we don't get that money from the government anymore.

For YPR, the effects of this legislation wont be immediate: Siebert said the financials of the station are solid until June of 2026, but without a major increase in fundraising, hard decisions will need to be made.

When Siebert was asked if there is any silver lining, he said no.

There's a lot of people who will say that, you know, it's going to force change and transformational change within the public media system, Siebert said. But ultimately, this is a loss for the just in general, the idea of free and fair media there's no silver lining in taking away vital resources to allow for that.

This is not the first time Congress has sought to cut public media funding; it is an effort that has been going on for decades.

John Twiggs, who has worked for Montana PBS for nearly three decades, said he wasnt surprised to see the passage of the legislation.

This has been building with every Republican administration since Reagan, and everyone knew this would be the most aggressive attempt, he said in a text message Friday.

Federal lawmakers in favor of this funding cut argue these media organizations have a liberal bias and it is unfair to burden taxpayers with these costs, particularly while other outfits dont get federal cash to support them.

Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that, Taxpayers dont fund Fox News and they shouldnt fund NPR. Pretty simple concept.

In a video update posted to X, Republican Sen. Steve Daines said, We also pulled funding from NPR, which uses taxpayer dollars to promote woke ideas like defunding the police and allowing men to compete in women's sports.

There have also been state-level attempts in Montana to cut funding for public media. During the 2021 legislative session, former Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, brought a bill that would have prohibited the state from funding public radio and would have eliminated their on-campus building space.

Skees said Friday that since the measure passed he has received calls from current lawmakers asking to carry his bill in the 2027 legislative session.

Even before this legislation was passed by Congress, Jones, who came into the managerial position at KGVA in April, was searching for ways to diversify the station's funding. The station, which has two employees and a handful of interns from the Aaniiih Nakoda College, has also not received any donations in the past few years.

Its not like we have a lot of roads to take here as far as revenue, Jones said.

The airwaves on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation are likely to no longer feature segments about the different community events, stories from tribal elders reflecting on how their culture has changed and the Aaniiih Nakoda word of the day at the bottom of every hour.

It's a sad day but it's not the end," Jones said. "There's always things to fall back on or turn to, but we gotta find out what that is for the radio station.

Editors note: Montana State News Bureau Reporter Victoria Eavis is a former employee of Montana PBS.
Our client who lives and works mainly overseas, required a base in their hometown of Glasgow. They had purchased the property twenty years ago, but had not lived in it much over that time and it had instead seen a series of rental tenants over that time.

Despite, its tired appearance, the property offered an ideal location in the Park Circus area, however, after years of tenants, it required a great deal of TLC. Located on the upper two floors of a West End Victorian Townhouse, the property was a three-bed duplex flat with breathtaking south facing views across Glasgow.

This promptly resulted in the aptly named SkyBar. All we needed to do was ensure that the refurbished property matched up to its new name. We initially considered some minor structural changes; however, with an eye on budget, it was going to be easy to spend an eye-watering sum to create something special and consequently, we set out to do what was needed and no more. Structural adjustments were discounted and we worked with the spaces that the flat presented to us.

The brief was to provide a welcoming environment, a home from home; something akin to a boutique luxury hotel accommodation with generous storage to minimise hauling suitcases across the world, functionally sized sleeping spaces and a well-appointed living dining and cooking area which would become the heart of the home.
El Salvador on Friday freed scores of Venezuelans deported from the United States to a notorious maximum security prison, the outcome of a highly coordinated prisoner swap between Caracas and Washington.

The administration of US President Donald Trump said the men were released in exchange for 10 Americans held in Venezuela, and an unknown number of "political prisoners" in the South American country.

The move appears to end a months-long detention of migrants that had been decried by rights groups and slammed by Trump's critics in the United States.

After prolonged uncertainty over the fate of more than 250 Venezuelans expelled from the United States in March, two Caracas-bound Venezuelan planes took off from San Salvador on Friday to the immense joy and relief of loved ones back home.

"I can't contain my happiness," Mercedes Yamarte, mother of CECOT inmate Mervin Yamarte, told AFP.

"I arranged the reception, what am I going to do? I'll make a soup."

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said on X that "today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country."

The United States sent the group of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador in March to be locked up in its feared CECOT anti-"terrorism" jail, accused without evidence of belonging to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang.

The Trump administration invoked rarely used wartime laws to fly the men to the Central American nation without any court hearings.

Bukele claimed in his post that many of the men "face multiple charges for murder, robbery, rape, and other serious crimes."

- 'High price' -

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X Friday that "ten Americans who were detained in Venezuela are on their way to freedom" thanks to a deal that also included "the release of Venezuelan political prisoners."

He thanked Bukele "for helping secure an agreement for the release of all of our American detainees."

The US embassy in Caracas published a photo of the individuals with American flags.

In the United States, families were also excited to see their loved ones return. One had been imprisoned for nearly a year.

Global Reach, an NGO that works for wrongly detained Americans, said one of the men freed was 37-year-old Lucas Hunter, held since he was "kidnapped" by Venezuelan border guards while vacationing in Colombia in January.

"We cannot wait to see him in person and help him recover from the ordeal," it quoted his younger sister Sophie Hunter as saying.

Uruguay said one of its citizens, resident in the United States, was among those liberated after nine months in Venezuelan detention.

Nicolas Maduro's government in a statement said it had paid a "high price" to secure the return of its compatriots.

Apart from the freeing of the Americans, it said "alternative measures" to imprisonment had been granted to Venezuelans detained for "their involvement in common crimes and offenses against the constitutional order."

The prisoner rights NGO Foro Penal told AFP it was verifying the identities of the people concerned.

- 'Rescued' -

Another plane arrived at Maiquetia airport earlier Friday from Houston with 244 Venezuelans deported from the United States and seven children who Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said had been "rescued from the kidnapping to which they were being subjected."

The children were among 30 who Caracas says remained in the United States after their Venezuelan parents were expelled.

Clamping down on migrants is a flagship pursuit of Trump's administration, which has ramped up raids and deportations.

It has agreed with Maduro to send undocumented Venezuelans back home, and flights have been arriving near daily also from Mexico, where many got stuck trying to enter the United States.

Official figures show that since February, more than 8,200 people have been repatriated to Venezuela from the United States and Mexico, including some 1,000 children.

The Venezuelans detained in El Salvador had no right to phone calls or visits, and their relatives unsuccessfully requested proof of life.

Bukele had CECOT built as part of his war on criminal gangs, but he agreed to receive millions of dollars from the United States to house the Venezuelans there.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have denounced the detentions as a violation of human rights.

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A former justice minister from Moldova was on Friday charged in France over accusations he deleted Interpol alerts for the arrest of wanted fugitives, a source close to the matter told AFP.

French prosecutors say they suspect a multinational group of conspirators paid millions of dollars to public officials to sabotage Interpol red notices issued against selected suspects.

Vitalie Pirlog, who chaired the commission controlling Interpol's files, was arrested on Tuesday in the United Arab Emirates on the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by France.

He was extradited to France on Friday on charges including organised fraud and evading arrest, said the source, confirming a report in the French daily, Le Monde.

Another source close to the case said Pirlog was suspected of having helped suspects get asylum-seeker status in Moldova so as to force the suspension of their red notices. Red notices are international alerts for suspected criminals.

Pirlog's lawyer, Emmanuel Marsigny, told AFP the French arrest warrant was "incomprehensible" as his client had given the French financial prosecutors his address in the UAE.

He had been waiting to be summoned for questioning as provided for by international conventions, he added.

"Mr Pirlog is certainly not someone who wanted to evade justice -- quite the contrary," said Marsigny.

Interpol said that after it had detected an attempt to "block and delete red notices" in a small number of cases, it had reported the matter to the authorities in France.

The French authorities in early 2025 opened an investigation into suspected corruption within Interpol. The international law enforcement agency's headquarters are based in Lyon, southeast France.

French financial prosecutor Jean-Francois Bohnert said his team suspected a group of people of different nationalities had bribed certain officials to block and delete red notices targeting certain fugitives.

The sums involved could run to several million dollars, he added.

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For many decades, yard sales have proven a solid way to get rid of unwanted items while recouping some of their costs. They are a perennial fixture in American culture, and according to a recent survey on storage units, they are gaining popularity.

The report asked 2,000 Americans how rising cost-of-living prices affect their spending habits, and the results were startling. It claims almost four-fifths of U.S. consumers plan to shop second hand in 2025, with half saying theyll do so more than they have in the past. One persons throwouts are invariably another ones treasure.

Decluttering for the Win

Yard sales offer a chance to cast away the remnants of all ones spring cleaning, recouping some cash at the same time. Primarily, the summer season is more popular because parents, who no longer have to contend with the school run, can finally declutter the home. Whats more, rain is the enemy of any yard sale success.

With the yard sale season in North America hard upon us, anybody who hasnt tried them might enjoy the nations many regional yard sale events. Some of these undertakings have to be seen to be believed, so grand is their scale.

The Biggest Yard Sales

In 2025, several notable events stand out in the U.S. yard sale calendar, including:

The 400 Mile Yard Sale , an event spanning the length of Kentuckys Route 68, starts in Cadiz near the Illinois border, stretching across sites all the way to Maysville on the Ohio border.

The 100 Mile Yard Sale is a considerably shorter but no less impressive event taking place in various states. Options include one in Pennsylvanias Quehanna Wild Area. Others include Southside Virginias 100+ Mile Yard Sale and Wisconsins 100-Mile Garage Sale .

Yards and Yards of Yard Sales is an Arkansas must-see, where antique shops join the fun. It takes place on the first weekend of August in Eureka Springs.

The A1A Super Scenic Garage Sale occurs down Floridas A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway and spans three other scenic routes between Fernandina Beach and Ponce Inlet. This event is later in the calendar, coming in Floridas cooler November.

One Yard Sale to Rule Them All

Perhaps the most impressive of them all is theLongest Yard Sale, which is also known as the 127 Yard Sale. This secondhand sellers event resembles something akin to a festival, spanning six states and a whopping 700 miles. It stretches along Highway 127, encompassing Bible Belt and Rust Belt states, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan.

With such a huge variety of places to stop, it makes sense to hire or consult a seasoned Longest Yard Sale veteran. If you cannot manage that, there are several tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Longest Yard Sale.Kathy Owen of Petticoat Junction has advice for any would-be pilgrim:

Have cash available for non-card purchases, as this is a common means of payment.

Be prepared with clothing for inclement weather.

Consider traveling off-route for better deals or more affordable lodging offers.

Check vendor listings before you leave, so you know where to hunt.

Plan your route, allowing plenty of time for more popular stops with larger vendors.

How Yard Sales Look In Other Countries

The yard sale is a uniquely American phenomenon, thanks in part to the United States abundance of space. A country whose average citizen lives in a detached home is more likely to own a yard in the first place. However, other parts of the world also have their version of a yard sale.

Car Boot Sales

The car boot is a British term for a trunk, although they are not sold directly from the car, but rather on a series of picnic tables. While not limited to cars, these meetups mostly involve small sedans or hatchbacks, packed tight with the households unwanted products.

These groups typically meet on rented farmland or in parking lots and are open to the public, food vendors, and other unusual characters.

English TikToker and car boot sale enthusiast Beckys Bazaar posted a video showcasing the various characters she encounters at regular car boot sales. Her video lists different buyers whom most vendors meet. Included in her skit are the master negotiator, the guy with no change, and the try-before-you-buy guy.

Not for Everyone

Not all European countries have the yard sale ethos as the Brits. For example, further south in Spain, yard sales or car boot sales are almost non-existent. Spain does have several online used product marketplaces, such as Vinted, Wallapop, or MilAnuncios. Yet, the local population is not so keen on selling wares in public spaces.

There are good reasons for this being the case. Furthermore, the secondhand purchasing culture so popular in many Anglophone countries is not widely adopted in Latin ones. Families in Spain would sooner donate unwanted items to other family members than sell them in public.

Perhaps the most obvious reason is the countrys lack of suburban spaces; the average Spaniard lives in a high-rise apartment block and has neither a yard nor a garage. Therefore, its no surprise they cant enjoy the same privileges as Americans.

The Best Cities for Garage Sales

Market research platform LawnLove released a 2024study of the best cities for garage sales. Researchers accounted for factors like yard sale access, climate, housing characteristics, and interest in yard sales. They then applied scores to these weighted categories before awarding points overall.

Los Angeles was ranked first, followed by San Antonio and Dallas, Texas. Still, the map is large, and finding a yard sale shouldnt be a problem for the average U.S. citizen. Clearly, warmer weather makes for better yard sales, so the sunnier regions might support a more multi-season approach, offering more yard sales than northern states.

In any case, the opportunities for channelling ones inner magpie are endless in the United States. As supporting a household becomes invariably more expensive, one thing is certain: the great American yard sale is going nowhere.
US President Donald Trump sued media magnate Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal for at least $10 billion Friday over publication of a bombshell article on his friendship with the infamous alleged sex trafficker of underage girls, Jeffrey Epstein.

The defamation lawsuit, filed in federal court in Miami, saw the 79-year-old Republican hitting back at a scandal threatening to cause serious political damage.

"We have just filed a POWERHOUSE Lawsuit against everyone involved in publishing the false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS 'article' in the useless 'rag' that is, The Wall Street Journal," Trump posted on Truth Social late Friday.

The Journal reported Thursday that in 2003, the then-real estate magnate wrote a suggestive birthday letter to Epstein, illustrated with a naked woman and alluding to a shared "secret."

The lawsuit, which also names two reporters, the Dow Jones corporation, and Murdoch's parent company News Corp. as defendants, claims that no such letter exists and that the paper intended to malign Trump with a story that has now been viewed by hundreds of millions of people.

"And given the timing of the Defendants' article, which shows their malicious intent behind it, the overwhelming financial and reputational harm suffered by President Trump will continue to multiply," it said.

Dow Jones, the Journal's longtime publisher, responded to Trump's libel suit Friday saying it is standing by the story.

"We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit," a Dow Jones spokesperson said in a statement.

- Alleged cover-up -

In another bid to dampen outrage among his own supporters about an alleged government cover-up of Epstein's activities and 2019 death, Trump ordered US Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the unsealing of grand jury testimony from the prosecution against the disgraced financier.

In a filing in New York, Bondi cited "extensive public interest" for the unusual request to release what is typically secret testimony.

Epstein, a longtime friend of Trump and multiple high-profile men, was found hanging dead in a New York prison cell while awaiting trial on charges that he sexually exploited dozens of underage girls at his homes in New York and Florida.

The case sparked conspiracy theories, especially among Trump's far-right voters, about an alleged international cabal of wealthy pedophiles. Epstein's death -- declared a suicide -- before he could face trial supercharged the narrative.

When Trump returned to power for a second term this January, his supporters clamored for revelations about Epstein's supposed list of clients. But Bondi issued an official memo this month declaring there was no such list.

The discontent in Trump's "Make America Great Again" base poses a rare challenge to the Republican's control of the political narrative in the United States.

It remained unclear whether a court would authorize the unsealing of the grand jury testimony.

But even if such material were made public, there is no assurance it would shed much, if any, light on the main questions raised in the conspiracy theories -- particularly the existence and possible contents of an Epstein client list.

Asked Friday by reporters if he would pursue the broader release of information related to the case, Trump did not answer.

- Naked woman and signature -

Trump was close with Epstein for years, and the two were photographed and videoed together at parties, although there has never been evidence of wrongdoing.

The Wall Street Journal article published late Thursday was damaging because it indicated a shared interest in sex.

The Journal reported that Trump had wished Epstein a happy 50th birthday in 2003 with a "bawdy" letter, part of an album of messages from rich and well-known figures.

According to the Journal, the Trump letter contained the outline of a naked woman, apparently drawn with a marker, and had the future president's signature "Donald" mimicking pubic hair. It ends, according to the newspaper, with "Happy Birthday -- and may every day be another wonderful secret."

Trump reacted in a series of furious social media posts, saying "it's not my language. It's not my words."

"I never wrote a picture in my life. I don't draw pictures of women," he said.

US media has published multiple drawings done by Trump in the past, with several dating to the early 2000s when he used his celebrity status to donate sketches for charity.

sms/ksb/mlm/aks
A good Samaritan faced a number of hurdles trying to safely dispose of discarded needles that were left recklessly in his community.

He spoke to Council and pharmacists about how to safely dispose the material but ended up having to carry the detritus around Waterford City on public transport.

Councillor Donal Barry spoke about this issue at the July meeting of the Waterford Metropolitan Council.

He said: "I'm requesting clarification regarding policy and procedures for the safe collection and disposal or discarded needles found in public spaces in Waterford City recently."

Cllr Barry spoke of a 'civic-minded resident' who collected a large amount of discarded needles from outside his home and surrounding street in the interest of public safety. The man contacted Cllr Barry about properly disposing the needles.

Cllr Barry stated: "In fairness, the Council, sent out someone but they said they couldn't collect them from him. They gave him a box to collect the shards and a picker to put them in.

"He was told to bring them to a pharmacy, which he duly did. When he arrived at the pharmacy, they were looking 10 to dispose of them and then he was pulled aside and asked if they were for his own personal use."

The awkward situation meant that the man had to take away the dirty syringes and ravel home with them on public transport.

Cllr Barry continued: "It ended up that the needles, the syringes and the sharps were now brought back home to the man's house, on pubic transport. What is the policy? Who's responsible for the disposal of them if they're picked up or seen by the public?"

Senior Executive Officer at the Environment Department Dawn Wallace responded: "Needles are obviously treated as contaminated waste. So the reason why nobody would take them from you is because they wouldn't want to be double-handling those.

"My understanding, and I'm waiting for confirmation, is that there is a needle exchange facility at the HSE on the Cork Road and that would have been the ultimate place to return them to."

Waterford Local Health Office has been contacted for clarification.
A row erupted at the end of the July sitting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council over the Cathaoirleachs attendance at a Royal British Legion event last Saturday.

Sinn Fein councillor Kate OMahoney raised an objection to Dungarvan-Lismore Cathaoirleach Niamh ODonovan representing the council at the event.

She said the Cathaoirleachs attendance should have been discussed with the councils members.

In particular she expressed concern that the event will feature the Royal Irish Regiment Band, which is a regiment with a complex and at times contentious history with Ireland.

The reality is it wasnt a neutral event. It is politically and historically contentious," she said.

"There was no obligation on the council to attend a British Legion event.

"This kind of sensitive matter should have been discussed instead of being decided unilaterally.

"It implied endorsement on behalf of the entire council, but that is not really acceptable in our eyes without proper consultation, added Cllr OMahoney.

District Manager Ivan Grimes interrupted the councillor.

With the greatest respect, councillor, I think that is a matter that should be brought up at the CPG (Corporate Policy Group) rather than at a public meeting, said Mr Grimes.

Cllr OMahoney responded, but it wasnt brought up at the CPG, to which Mr Grimes said that the complaint should be brought there.

Sinn Fein's Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy said that he also had concerns about the Cathaoirleachs attendance.

Fianna Fail's Cllr Tom Cronin interjected to point out that Cllr Jim Griffin is the Sinn Fein representative on the CPG, which the Cathaoirleach said was noted.

But, Independent Cllr Joe ORiordan said that he didnt understand "the intervention. He said he was conflicted about the issue because of his family connections to the Royal Irish Regiment.

But he also said: I dont see the value today, to be honest, of bringing it up. I dont see the value in it. I see the merit in it, but I dont see the value in it, and I think it's better that we go back to the CPG and just bring it back to the CPG.

Like I dont blame you, Cathaoirleach, but it's just that it came as a bit of a shock to see it, but the important thing is this is not the forum for it.

Fine Gael's Cllr Damien Geoghegan responded: It shouldnt be a shock to anyone. In 2015, the then Sinn Fein Lord Mayor of Dublin attended the Royal British Legion event in Islandbridge in Dublin - that is a fact. So, coming in here today, trying to knock you on your very first day."

The room then erupted in shouting until the Cathaoirleach took back control of the meeting.

Cllr Geoghegan, I did not take that personally, but I just want to finish the correspondence if that is okay, said Cllr ODonovan.
When we went in there, it was a warehouse for butter  it was just a huge [space with] empty floor after floor, Savage says. With local acousticians, we did our own design and built various studios. Armstrong Studios cut records including Daddy Cools Eagle Rock, Cat Stevens Another Saturday Night, John Farnhams Youre The Voice, Little River Bands Help Is on Its Way, Russell Morris The Real Thing and Turn Up Your Radio by the Masters Apprentices. The studio also produced soundtracks for films, including the first two Mad Max films, The Man From Snowy River and Crocodile Dundee, all of which Savage worked on.

Savage, now in his 80s, says Armstrongs early operation was at once homegrown and state-of-the-art. We couldnt afford to buy the multitrack equipment from America, [where] most of it was coming from, and so we had it all made locally, Savage says. In 1974, a couple of years into the operation, Armstrong sold the Bank Street studios to The Ages then publishers, and it became AAV (Armstrong Audio Video). The sound part of the business operated downstairs, while video operated upstairs. Olson (left), Rose and Savage reminisce about their recording days. They will feature at a panel event on July 26. Credit: Chris Hopkins Renowned producer and engineer Ernie Rose, who was instrumental in Armstrongs development, ran the studios under the name Metropolis from the 1980s until financial difficulties shuttered them in 2006.

Armstrongs enterprise is behind some of Australias most defining records and soundtracks, and it also fostered a generation of producers and engineers under Savages mentorship, John Olson says. The researcher and engineer co-wrote Tony Cohens memoir Half Deaf, Completely Mad. Cohen was one of Armstrongs most esteemed record producers and sound engineers, and had a celebrated career working with musicians including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the Go-Betweens and Paul Kelly. Cohen died in 2017, aged 60. The studios at 180 Bank Street in an undated photo. Tony talked about watching Roger at work, and how spectacular it was, the sight of Rogers hands gliding instinctively across the mixing desk, Olson says. When he said that, I never saw Roger at work but I knew exactly what he meant, because anyone who witnessed Tony at his best, thats exactly what [he] was like.

Savage, Rose and renowned musician and record producer Mick Harvey were pivotal influences on Cohens career, Olson says. Cohen spoke about wildly different bands coming together and finding common ground at Armstrongs Cafe Bar  a 1960s instant coffee machine  while recording in each of the buildings different studios. The dynamics led to funny moments  Savage recalls fellow music industry legend Molly Meldrum jumping the studios back fence to avoid the glare of visiting label representatives, who were wondering whether Savage was re-recording Morris The Real Thing. There were also tense encounters, like when a group of punks descended on a clipboard-holding AAV administrator who tried to cull numbers in a studio, Olson says.

But there was a sense of community and, most importantly, collaboration. Tony felt that a best recording was capturing people in a moment, which involved everyone being there and playing generally at the same time, Olson says. That would create a magic you cant capture otherwise. Savage says whether something like Armstrongs could ever exist again is a mind-boggling question, but the killer is in the collaboration. Studios no longer have the space, or desire, to bring so many people together, he suggests.

Being in the same room, knowing the body language  theres nothing really quite like that. You could be on a Zoom call, but its not the same, Savage says. You could technically collaborate now  globally if youre sharing the sound files, but having everyone in the one place  I think those days are gone because, financially, it doesnt make sense. Savage will discuss the studios legacy at a panel event for Open House Melbourne alongside Olson, Rose and Harvey next Saturday. These days, Savage is tinkering with AI at his nation-leading post-production company Soundfirm in Port Melbourne, and hopes to spend more time pulling apart old cars. To be honest, Ive been a bit of a workaholic. I havent really had any hobbies, so Ive probably been out on life balance, or life-work balance, whatever you call it, he says.
The evidence is now clear, says lead-author Dr Caitlin Jones, from the University of Sydneys Institute of Musculoskeletal Health: the risk posed by the devices is much greater than the likely benefits. Patients should know they are taking on a substantial risk, that is exorbitantly expensive, with very little likelihood of any benefit. The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), which represents device manufacturers, rejected Jones claims. Stimulators were a demonstrably safe and effective alternative to long-term drug therapies, notably opioids, a spokesman said. [Stimulator] suppliers stand behind the safety, quality and efficacy of our SCS technologies that have demonstrated positive outcomes for patients, which are backed by robust clinical trial data and real-world evidence. An X-ray showing a spinal cord stimulator implanted in a patient.

Spinal cord stimulators consist of a small battery pack, implanted beneath the skin, attached to several electrodes. In theory, pulses of electricity interfere with pain signals coming from the nerves. Manufacturers say they are proven safe and effective. Loading Chronic pain, and chronic pain following back surgery  a horror condition known as failed back surgery syndrome  are difficult to treat, pushing pain doctors to reach for solutions with weaker evidence bases. Nothing in pain management has bulletproof evidence, said Associate Professor Michael Vagg, director of professional affairs for the Australian Faculty of Pain Medicine. But Cochrane reviews of the evidence  generally viewed as gold-standard scientific evidence and designed to be free of industry-funded bias  have concluded the devices are likely not helpful for people with chronic pain or back pain. We are talking about an ineffective treatment, said Associate Professor Adrian Traeger, a University of Sydney academic who led one of the reviews.

People are accepting these high costs and risks for a treatment that was proven no better than placebo. Why? He said the fact patients continued to receive stimulators suggested the risk versus benefit profile is not being fully explained to patients. Australias pain management faculty does not have a position on stimulators, but Michael Vagg said he used them on a small group of patients in his practice with generally good to excellent results. Stims are never going to be suitable for even a sizeable minority of pain patients, he said. The MTAA said the Medical Journal of Australia study overlooked the broader landscape of robust clinical evidence and real-world patient outcomes that support the use of spinal cord stimulation.

Marcus Barlow struggled with low back pain for years. Credit: Simon Schluter Private Healthcare Australia helped facilitate the insurance data used in the Medical Journal of Australia study, but did not fund it. This is a very expensive procedure which study after study after study shows does not work any better than placebo, said Ben Harris, the organisations director of policy and research. On average, each patient receiving a stimulator cost private insurers $55,635, plus out-of-pocket costs for the patient, the study found. The MTAA said the fact private insurers had supplied the data  when they had an interest in avoiding paying for stimulators  potentially biased the outcome. And the researchers data did not tell them why the re-operations were being performed. Drawing significant conclusions without understanding the clinical justifications for these procedures is misleading.

The association also decried the Cochrane reviews, which it said were widely criticised. Marcus Barlow received his stimulator after struggling for decades with chronic lower back pain. Youd do anything, he said. Barlow remembers being surprised a representative from the manufacturer of his stimulator was in surgery with him. He also remembers waking up in agony. My leg, it was almost like it was on fire, he said. Things did not improve. Barlow regularly returned to the doctor for adjustments to the stimulation. I was kidding myself it worked. It never worked. It never helped me at all, he said. Following a review triggered by this mastheads 2022 investigation, the federal Department of Health launched a review of spinal cord stimulators. In August last year the Therapeutic Goods Administration cancelled the registrations of 12 of the devices and imposed conditions on another 52.

The review is ongoing. A spokesman for the TGA said the evidence reviewed by the TGA indicates an acceptable risk-benefit profile. What does work for chronic back pain? If you have chronic back pain and dont want to get a spinal cord stimulator, there is a range of other evidence-based options, said Professor Chris Maher, director of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health. Trying to increase the amount you exercise and following a healthy lifestyle was a simple cornerstone treatment. A 2021 Cochrane review found moderate-quality evidence exercise improved back pain more than a placebo. Chronic low back pain has a significant neurological component. Psychological treatments, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, has been shown to be effective.
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 Carrolltown, Pennsylvania: The crispy skin of a whole roasted pig sits on a bed of aluminium foil next to the buffet table. Men and women pile their paper plates with pulled pork, sausages, beans and sauerkraut, and park themselves at picnic benches while they wait for the speeches. A cardboard cut-out of Donald Trump watches over proceedings, a crown on his head and a copy of the Constitution clipped to his arm. This is the Cambria County Republican Pig Roast in Carrolltown, a small town in south-west Pennsylvania, two hours east of Pittsburgh and two hours west of the state capital, Harrisburg. The locals  and some out-of-towners  are gathered in a timber pavilion at the American Legion Park, next to installations of an M60A3 tank, AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter and an M5 anti-tank gun. Im here to find out what Trumps supporters think about the US presidents first six months back in office, during which he has wielded enormous executive power, shaken financial markets, bombed Irans nuclear facilities and upended political institutions at home and abroad. Polls show some Americans have turned against Trump since his inauguration, with an average approval rating of 44 and disapproval of 52  roughly the inverse of January. Economic management was the primary source of his decline, with voters spooked by his sweeping tariffs and focus on matters other than their hip pocket. And this week, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trumps approval rating on immigration  traditionally his strong suit  fell to a low of 41 per cent. It coincides with a blitz of migrant arrests, especially in California, including raids at peoples workplaces. But in Carrolltown, as DJ Tommy Gunnz works the decks and party volunteers chat about coming local elections, everybody is agreed on Trumps best achievement. Securing the border, says 25-year-old postal worker Lucas Taylor, who wears a red MAGA cap and a USA T-shirt. If I could give him a grade, it would probably be at least an A.

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Lucas Taylor says if he could give Donald Trump a grade, it would be at least an A. Credit: Michael Koziol Cambria County used to be reliably blue, with Democrats carrying it from Jimmy Carter to Al Gore. Barack Obama won narrowly in 2008, but voters turned on him in 2012, and ever since, Trump has dominated with nearly 70 per cent of the vote. Retiree Sharon Karlheim, who is in her 60s, says Trump is doing a great job, but there is a lot more to do. She wants to see more undocumented immigrants deported, and more of Trumps political enemies arrested. We see a lot of investigations, we see a lot of talk, she says. So far, I havent seen arrests being made for the things that have happened in the past administration. Im not going to name names, but I would like to see some arrests. People that were treasonous to this nation. I would really like to see people held accountable. Sharon Karlheim, with her husband, Regis, says Trump is doing a great job, but there is a lot more to do. Credit: Michael Koziol These notions of deep state malpractice  whipped up, perpetuated and exploited by Trump  persevere among the presidents ardent supporters and the thick belt of American voters who have long felt their government in Washington is a malign force that undermines their interests. This week, the MAGA universe imploded over Trumps refusal to release the so-called Epstein files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who killed himself in jail in 2019 awaiting trial for sex trafficking. After years of indulging the conspiracy when convenient, Trump is calling it a hoax invented by Democrats to damage him.

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While I was in Pennsylvania, Trump spurned some of his own supporters, accusing them of swallowing the bullshit about Epstein and doing the Democrats bidding. He said he no longer wanted their support. Its difficult to gauge how damaging this rift might be. The Epstein saga is a big deal in the online community, and for many prominent MAGA influencers. But what about the average punter? Most of the people I met had other things on their mind. If they did care about Epstein, they were happy to make excuses for Trump. Loading I think hes getting blackmailed, partly, Taylor says. I think thats one of the major reasons why hes now trying to walk around it a little bit  Thats the one thing that has been kind of disappointing so far. But, of course, its not going to make me go Democrat either  nowhere near. Karlheim, who believes Trumps presidency is Gods plan and was foretold by a now-deceased prophet, has her own ideas about whats happening. There was enough time between Trump being elected and when he took office for a lot of things to disappear. So I think they got rid of a lot of stuff, she says. Do I think our current government is lying or covering things up? No, I dont believe that. But I also prophetically say: these things will be uncovered. So I am just keeping the faith that everything will be exposed. The Carrolltown crowd hears from several speakers, including the state director of Gun Owners of America, who explains the groups latest efforts to undo gun controls, and Pennsylvania state senator Wayne Langerholc, who wears a backwards cap, shorts and a T-shirt that says: Whiskey. Steak. Guns. Freedom.

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He tells me Trump is doing a fantastic job. Its good to see a leader back in the White House, one that has conviction, one that has been able to close the border, Langerholc says. He acknowledges some economic ups and downs prompted by Trumps tariffs, but says its about riding the course. As for the Epstein matter: Thats not something that Ive had any constituents reach out to me about. It doesnt smell like chocolate any more Vice President JD Vance spoke about border protection and the economy at Dons Machine Shop in industrial West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Credit: AP The next day, I head east to Pittston, where Vice President JD Vance is speaking about the One Big Beautiful Bill, the governments main economic legislation, which is now law. The event is at Dons Machine Shop, a cavernous industrial shed replete with bulky Mitsubishi laser cutting machines. Vance has a personal connection to the field: his dad worked in a machine shop in Hamilton, Ohio, that eventually succumbed to competition from China. Vance occupies an unusual space in the Trump administration and MAGA universe: he is a credible political thinker who brings some intellectual ballast, but is arguably its best blue-collar whisperer, having grown up impoverished with a drug-addicted mother. In Pittston, he began with remarks about the border, which earned cheers and applause. He then turned to economics, including a statistic often cited by the administration: that blue-collar wages are growing by 1.7 per cent  the fastest rate in 50 years.

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This is not really true. The White House compared a particular metric for the first five months of presidencies going back to Richard Nixon, not the whole of the past 50 years. The Economic Policy Institute says low-wage workers have been experiencing historically high wage growth for years, and that between 2019 and 2024, the hourly wages of the bottom 10 per cent of workers grew by 15.3 per cent. In other words, Trump and Vance are trying to take credit for long-term trends, and the strong economy they inherited from Joe Biden. There are more cheers from the crowd when Vance mentions Trumps tariffs on foreign countries who try to bring their crap into the United States of America, as well as the presidents pledge to drill, baby, drill and suspend tax on tips and overtime for the remainder of his term. Vance also implies that with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill at the start of July, the heavy lifting on domestic policy has been done. What were getting ready to do over the next year-and-a-half is to talk about these big wins, he tells his audience. Because if we dont talk about it, we know too many in the fake news wont cover it. Afterwards, as the Village Peoples YMCA plays in the background, retiree Pat Savage-Donio also names the immigration crackdown as Trumps best achievement. Too many criminals were pouring in and endangering American citizens under Biden. I dont think any other country would allow it. I dont think Australia would allow it, she says. He [Trump] says what hes going to do, and he does it, and thats what we voted for. When I ask about Epstein, Savage-Donio shakes her head. In the scheme of things, I dont know, she says. I think its more of a distraction than what the real, important issues are to the country as a whole. He was a bad guy, alright. I dont need to know every detail about it.

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High Court reporters

Barne Estate heir Richard Thomson-Moore has been questioned in court over an alleged "secret" phone offered to him by a third party so that he could contact without trace construction magnate Maurice Regan, a rival bidder to bloodstock billionaire John Magnier for the property.

Mr Thompson-Moore told the court on Friday that after an exclusivity agreement with the Magnier bid expired he was in contact with Mr Regan on his personal phone anyway and did not understand the reason for the proffered new phone.

Mr Magnier is suing Mr Thomson-Moore and Barne over the collapse of the purchase. The estate has been owned by the Thomson-Moore family for generations.

Mr Magnier wants the court to enforce the deal he claims he sealed with Mr Thomson-Moore with a 15 million handshake agreement for the 751-acre estate on August 22, 2023, at Mr Magnier's Coolmore home.

The Magnier side has sued the Barne Estate, Mr Thomson-Moore and three companies of IQEQ (Jersey) Ltd group, seeking to enforce the purported deal, which they say had been "unequivocally" agreed.

The Barne defendants say there was never any such agreement, as they needed the consent of the trustees to finalise any deal.

Mr Thomson-Moore has told the court that while a "price" was agreed with Mr Magnier for Barne, a "deal" was not.

After agreeing on 15 million, Barne and the Magniers entered into an exclusivity agreement stipulating that Barne would not permit itself or its representatives to solicit or encourage any expression of interest, inquiry or offer on the property from anyone other than Mr Magnier between August 31st to September 30th, 2023.

The trustees who hold the estate initially decided to remain loyal to the Magnier offer and felt Mr Regan's higher offer could be seen as "provocative". After the exclusivity period had ended, the trustees decided to go with Mr Regan's offer of 22.25 million.

Mr Regan is not a party to the case.

At the High Court today, Mr Thomson-Moore told Caren Geoghegan SC, for the Magnier side, that he only found out the third party was allegedly in regular contact with Mr Regan about the deal after document discovery prior to the case.

Ms Geoghegan said it was her client's case that the third party had been updating Mr Regan on developments in the deal, and she read out certain text messages to the court this morning.

Ms Geoghegan put it to the witness that the third party had offered Mr Thomson-Moore a "secret", ready-to-go phone so that Mr Thomson-Moore could contact Mr Regan without being traced.

Mr Thomson-Moore said that after the exclusivity clause with Coolmore had expired, he was in contact with Mr Regan on his personal phone anyway and did not understand the reason for the proffered new phone.

Mr Thomson Moore said he did not personally receive the phone but that the third party had placed it in his kitchen. Mr Thomson-Moore said he never touched or used the phone.

Text messages read out by Ms Geoghegan allegedly showed Mr Regan sending a message to the third party saying: "I think we are in with a chance" and for the third party to keep him "updated" and to have his "ear to the ground".

Another message allegedly from the third party to Mr Regan said that the third party had spoken to Mr Thomson-Moore about local estate agent John Stokes, who was dealing with the sale.

Ms Geoghegan partially quoted an alleged text from the third party to Mr Regan, saying that Mr Thomson-Moore had allegedly told him "'the more I think of things the more I think Stokes is' .... a derogatory, disparaging word", she said.

On September 20th, 2023, she submitted that the third party texted Mr Regan to say that Mr Thomson-Moore had told him, "everybody thinks it's done but it is far from done".

Mr Thomson-Moore did not deny saying so.

Mr Thomson-Moore said that his wife, Anna, had been frustrated by the trustees of Barne not considering one of Mr Regan's offers - of 20 million - and that the family were in discussion of how to let the exclusivity agreement expire in order to "re-set" their approach to the deal now worth "life-changing money".

Ms Geoghegan submitted that the Thomson-Moores were "using tax matters" to stall the Magnier deal. "You can read it that way, but we were very concerned about tax," said Mr Thomson-Moore.

The case continues at the High Court before Mr Justice Max Barrett.
Claire Henry

A witness has told a jury that he heard the gardai shout knife before a teenager was allegedly spear tackled to the ground.

Lorcan Murphy (32) of Pearse Street Garda Station has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

The assaults on the then 17-year-old are alleged to have taken place on Essex Street, Dublin 2 and Pearse Street Garda Station on June 1st, 2021.

A witness in the case, Darragh Fitzpatrick, told the trial on Friday that on the evening in question, he had just finished hurling training when he received a call from his friends who were in the Essex Street area.

He cycled to the area and met with his friends. Mr Fitzpatrick told the jury that he was not drinking and was just chatting and socialising with his friends.

Mr Fitzpatrick described seeing a group of young people drinking down a lane and, upon seeing them, he turned away and left the lane, telling the court, it wasnt my scene. He also described seeing gardai in the area.

John Gallagher BL, prosecuting, asked Mr Fitzpatrick if he had seen any interaction between the gardai and the complainant in this case, to which he replied: He seemed out of it, he didnt seem to know what was going on.

Mr Fitzpatrick also told the jury that he saw a bit of grabbing and handcuffs being placed on him [the complainant] and hearing something about a knife.

Mr Fitzpatrick told the jury that when he heard the word knife, he took a step back. He then told Mr Gallagher, prosecuting, that he saw one of the members of the gardai, identified as Mr Murphy, spear tackle the complainant.

He described the complainant as going limp and lifeless. He said: At the time, I was frozen. I was stuck to the spot, taking it all in. I was initially very shocked.

Under cross-examination from Justin McQuaid BL, defending, Mr Fitzpatrick confirmed there were a lot of people drinking in public and that pubs were closed due to Covid-19.

The witness agreed that he saw a large group of young people, and that was so off-putting to him that he turned around. He further agreed that he was wary to the extent that he turned around.

Mr McQuaid put it to Mr Fitzpatrick that when he heard the word knife, he had the benefit of retreating, to which the witness replied: I think I stood my ground.

Counsel responded: You said, I took a step back, I wrote that down, to which Mr Fitzpatrick said, I may have.

Another witness, Aileen Fitzmaurice, also gave evidence on Friday that she had been in the area with Mr Fitzpatrick at the time of the alleged incident.

She recalled there were quite a few teenagers in the area, and they were approached by two members of the gardai. She told the jury that she could not hear what was said between the gardai and the complainant but thought there was an aggressive demeanour.

Ms Fitzmaurice described that everything then happened quite quickly, and the complainant ended up face down on the ground. He was restrained by the gardai, and she then heard shouting, where is the knife?

She said a garda van then arrived, and additional gardai. Describing the gardai taking the complainant off the ground, Ms Fitzmaurice said: It was like they flipped him in a sudden manner and bashed his head off the ground. She described a loud sound, which was startling.

Mr McQuaid asked Ms Fitzmaurice to confirm that she heard where is the knife being repeatedly said, which she did. He put it to her that her friend Mr Fitzpatrick heard the word knife being said before the complainant was arrested.

Ms Fitzmaurice said that was not her recollection, but she said it was four years ago and she cannot remember exactly the sequence of how it happened.

Eoghan Hickey also gave evidence that he was socialising with his friends, Mr Fitzpatrick and Ms Fitzmaurice. Mr Hickey said he heard one of the gardai saying drop the knife repeatedly. He also described the complainant as being limp when he was brought to the garda van.

Mr McQuaid told Mr Hickey that in his official statement, he said the complainant was pushed against the wall and gardai shouted where is the knife and then slammed him to the ground, which Mr Hickey confirmed.

Counsel said, It is perfectly clear that when they shouted, where is the knife the complainant was upright when you heard that, to which he replied, Yes.

Donal Grant, an investigator with Fiosru, previously known as GSOC, gave evidence that this matter came to his attention after it was reported that the complainant in this case suffered a head injury as a result of his arrest. He said an investigation began, CCTV footage and witness statements were taken, and Mr Murphy was interviewed on two occasions.

Mr Grant then created a report, which was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and they directed a prosecution.

Two statements from Mr Murphy were read to the jury in which he outlined the events of June 1st, 2021.

Mr Murphy said that he went to assist his colleague, who was dealing with the complainant. Mr Murphy instructed the complainant to remove his hands from his pockets. He noted that the young male tensed up and was again asked to take his hands out of his pockets, to which he did not comply.

Mr Murphy's statement said the complainant produced a glass bottle, and he did so in such a way that Mr Murphy believed he was at risk of being struck with the bottle. The bottle was then pushed out of the complainant's hand, and he was informed that he was being placed under arrest.

The complainant was placed on the ground, and a fellow garda placed one handcuff on him. His second hand was under him, and he was resisting arrest, the court heard.

Mr Murphy said he managed to take hold of his second hand, and he was handcuffed. The statement said that the complainant was spitting towards Mr Murphy, and prisoner transport was requested.

Mr Murphy stood up and took the complainant to his feet as well. He told the crowd that had gathered to get back, but they did not do so. Mr Murphy said he felt unsafe both for his own personal safety and the safety of the arrested male.

He said he had his hand on the complainant's back and he felt him shift his weight, and Mr Murphy successfully performed a leg sweep. The side of the complainant's body and head made contact with the ground.

Mr Murphy checked him visually and said that at no stage was he unconscious. He again requested prisoner transport and that a doctor be called to Pearse Street Garda Station.

The trial continues before Judge Pauline Codd.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Ireland remains committed to renewing the Unifil mission, the Tanaiste has said.

Simon Harris held discussions with EU and UN counterparts on Friday in a bid to secure a continuation of the mission ahead of the renewal of its mandate at the end of August.

He held separate calls with UN Under Secretary General for peace operations Jean Pierre LaCroix, foreign minister of Italy, Antonio Taranji, and foreign minister of Lebanon, Youssef Raggi.

Speaking afterwards, the Tanaiste said: Since 1978, participation in Unifil has been a key demonstration of Irelands commitment to international peacekeeping.

I remain exceptionally proud of the Defence Forces members serving in Unifil and the contribution they make every day.

It is clear to me, including through my visit in March this year, that Unifil continues to play a vital role in ensuring stability and security.

He added: Ireland remains committed to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon, including through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the renewal of Unifils mandate in the coming weeks.

In the call with Mr Rajji, Mr Harris also discussed the ongoing trial of those accused of killing Private Sean Rooney in Lebanon in December 2022.

He said: I underscored the importance of ensuring accountability and justice in this case for the family of Private Rooney, the Government and people of Ireland.

Mr Harris will hold further talks on the matter, including with the French foreign minister, who is leading the bid to secure the renewal of the mandate.

Poland has also said it believes the mission must continue for the stability and security of the region.

Mr Harris told Cabinet this week that the Unifil mission is vital for retention and morale of Irish troops, as well as Irelands unwavering commitment to international peace and security.
Every so often, but especially in summer, I am reminded of our early farmers. I wonder did they have the same struggles with saving a few wisps of hay or getting a cow in calf.

My answer is always the same; they probably did. I am sure they too had bad summers and were often the victims of the fairies stealing their valuable butter while it was being churned.

Once upon a time

While it probably took them a lot longer to get to the Ox Mountains, the first people arrived in Ireland about 9,000 years ago. We call them Stone Age people because they used stone tools for their farm work and for hunting. We have learned about these early settlers because many of their tools and weapons survive, having been unearthed by latter day farmers and archaeologists.

Our later Stone Age people or Neolithic people were farmers. This later period covers from about 4,000 BC to 2,000 BC, which means that the first farmers lived in Ireland about six thousand years ago. These farmers were the first people to cultivate the land and raise cattle.

After woodland clearance, wheat and barley were initially cultivated and cattle were allowed to graze. Evidence of field systems during this period are to be seen at Ceide Fields, in north Mayo, where cattle farming was undoubtedly carried out. Changes in climate submerged these fields in a layer of peat which kept them intact and allowed the fields, tombs and dwellings of this landscape to be preserved. Information provided by the Heritage Council under the heading, Farming and Archaeology: The Irish Historic Landscape, further explains our farming heritage.

Throughout Ireland, houses from the Neolithic period have been excavated by archaeologists and in many cases, the remains of cereal grains and animal bones have been found and have shown what the diet and living conditions were like at that time.

During the Bronze Age (2,000 BC  500 BC), farming became more intensive. Wild pigs were native to Ireland but were gradually domesticated. Cattle came to be of great importance during the Iron Age (500 BC to 500 AD) and Early Medieval periods (500 AD to 1100 AD) and cattle became the accepted unit of currency. The wealth of a family was frequently judged by the number of cattle owned during the Early Medieval period. Cereals were also grown during this time as shown by the discovery of corn-drying kilns, horizontal mill sites and quern stones for grinding grain. It is thought that dairy farming originated during the Early Medieval period.

Farming roots

So, just who were these early farmers and where did they come from? DNA analysis of an early Irish farmer who lived near Belfast more than 5,000 years ago suggests that the ancient Irish were of Middle Eastern descent.

Nicky Ryan, writing for thejournal.ie, in 2015 explains how a team of geneticists from Trinity College Dublin and archaeologists from Queens University Belfast unravelled the DNA of ancient Irish remains for the first time, revealing evidence of notable migration into the country. The researchers said the origin of the intriguing genetics were largely unknown.

The team analysed two sets of remains. The older, a woman who lived near Belfast, was a farmer, and the second set were three men from the Bronze Age period more than 1,000 years later and who lived on Rathlin Island off the north coast of Antrim.

The farmers roots could be traced back to the Middle East, the birthplace of agriculture. She had black hair, brown eyes, and appeared similar to southern Europeans. The three men were more similar to the Irish we know today. They had blue eyes, and crucially carried the gene responsible for haemochromatosis. The findings suggest that from this time the genome has remained largely similar. This second group appear to have come from the Pontic Steppe, an area stretching from Ukraine to Kazakhstan, and up into Russia.

Early farming practices

Early farming practices involved a shift from hunting and gathering to cultivating crops and domesticating animals. This transition led to settled communities, increased food production, and significant environmental changes. Now, where have we heard that before?

Early farmers selected and cultivated specific plant species, like wheat and barley, and domesticated animals for food, labour, and other resources. Simple tools like wooden ploughs, sickles, hoes, and shovels were used to till the soil and harvest crops. Techniques such as slash-and-burn agriculture were employed, along with the development of basic irrigation systems.

Natural fertilisers like animal manure and crop rotation were used to maintain soil fertility. Agriculture led to a more reliable and abundant food supply, supporting larger populations and enabling the development of more complex societies. Early farming practices altered landscapes, led to deforestation and wetland drainage.

Kerry cattle are believed to be descendants of the earliest types brought to Ireland. Picture: Pat McCarrick

First cattle

The first cattle in Ireland were likely brought over from mainland Europe by boat more than 6,000 years ago. Irish mythology features stories of a mermaid bringing three sacred cows: a white cow, a red cow, and a black cow, with the white cow associated with the goddess Boann. Cattle soon became central to Irish culture and the economy of the time, influencing everything from farming practices to social structures. They were used for ploughing fields, were a measure of wealth, and even served as a form of currency.

The first farmers used cattle for ploughing and other agricultural tasks, contributing to the development of more extensive land management practices and even assisted with the construction of megalithic structures. While many cattle breeds have come and gone, some, like Kerry cattle, are believed to be descendants of the earliest types brought to Ireland. Indeed, Kerry cattle are believed to be one of the oldest breeds in all of Europe and were probably the first cattle bred mainly for milk production.

Farmers past and present

Ireland has over 120,000 known archaeological monuments and many of these are found in the countryside. Only a small number of these sites and monuments are in State ownership; the remainder are protected under the National Monuments Acts and depend upon the interest and goodwill of each landowner. Interestingly, the farmers of today play a leading role in preserving vital information about the farmers of the past, with farmers and land managers protecting and preserving such sites and archaeological monuments.

Here's to the summer farmers of the Ox Mountains - to those who farmed 6,000 years ago and to those who still farm its slopes today - in their daily plight to produce enough food, for themselves, their families and their animals, helping us all to survive harsh winters.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Warm and humid with clouds and some hazy sun; a spotty shower at anytime, with a gusty thunderstorm or two possible in the afternoon. .

Tonight

Clouds and an early evening shower or t-storm, then clearing and turning less humid.
A Democratic representative slammed his own party's candidate in the New York City mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani, calling him a "job-killing socialist" and saying he is not really a Democrat.

New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer rebuked the Democratic Socialist candidate and New York state representative, claiming that Mamdani supported "antisemitic rhetoric" during a Thursday appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box."

"We don't need a job-killing socialist who wants to raise taxes and supports antisemitic rhetoric in a city with the highest taxes in the country and the highest Jewish population in the country," Gottheimer said.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer after attending DC meeting with Mamdani:



We don't need a job-killing socialist who wants to raise taxes and supports antisemitic rhetoric



Democratic socialists are not Democrats. Bernie Sanders is an independent. He's not even a Democrat. pic.twitter.com/nu93v5KJk2  Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) July 17, 2025

The lawmaker's statements came the same day he announced a resolution to condemn the phrase "Globalize the Intifada." The resolution came one day after business leaders met with Mamdani, during which he said he would discourage use of the phrase, the Wall Street Journal reported.

While some, like Gottheimer, believe the phrase threatens violence against Israel and Jewish individuals, pro-Palestine activists say the phrase is meant to vocalize opposition to Israel's occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.

After winning the Democratic primary in June, Mamdani insisted that he grounds his leadership in universal human rights while speaking with NBC's "Meet the Press."

The New Jersey representative then went on to bash Mamdani's campaign platforms, suggesting that Democrats are already tackling making life more affordable for Americans.

"We need common sense," the lawmaker said. "Democrats are willing to solve problems, make life more affordable for people, take on higher taxes and actually make sure that places run. Whether it's rent or mortgages, we do everything we can to make life more affordable for people."

According to Mamdani's campaign, his plan to bring down the cost of living, including building affordable housing and free childcare, will be paid for by implementing a 2% tax on the top 1% of New Yorkers.

Gottheimer added that he believes Democratic socialism does not fall within the Democratic party, noting that progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders is an independent.

"Let me be clear: Socialist Democrats are not Democrats  they're not in the Democratic party," he added. "Bernie Sanders is an independent, he's not even a Democrat. So I don't know why we would follow that approach."

Mamdani is up against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams, who are running as independents, as well as Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and independent candidate Jim Walden.

Originally published on Latin Times
Weather Alert

...EXTREME HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 108. * WHERE...In Illinois, Johnson, Massac, and Union Counties. In Kentucky, McCracken County. In Missouri, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry MO, and Wayne MO Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
Workers at the under construction Hinkley Point C nuclear plant site in Somerset, south-west England, returned to work Thursday after launching a second unofficial walkout in less than a week.

The wildcat action last Wednesday, followed by the stoppage which started on Tuesday this week, was triggered by workplace bullying by senior management. It has been ended after the removal of one manager from the site, pending an investigation.

Construction work at the Hinkley Point (C) site in 2017 [Photo by Nick Chipchase / CC BY-SA 2.0

The action involved workers for MEH Alliancecomprising ALTRAD Services, Cavendish Nuclear, Balfour Beatty, NG Bailey and ALTRAD Babcockone of the main group of contractors building the plant. Hinkley Point C is being developed by French state-owned energy giant EDF, under commission from the British government, and employs approximately 12,000 workers directly.

The Guardian reported, It was the second unofficial strike to take place in a week after a walkout last Wednesday in defiance of union reps and the site developer, French utility company EDF, following claims that senior managers on the Hinkley site have bullied engineering staff.

The New Civil Engineer website referred to local news sources quoting a worker who took part saying that between 3,000-4,000 workers were involved. It observed, EDF and Unite the union which represents many workers at the plant, sought to downplay the significance of the strike, which was organised outside of the formal process for organising strikes.

Unite and the GMB, the two main recognised trade unions on the site, have not even produced a press release. An unidentified Unite spokesperson told the media, Unite expects this matter to be resolved sooneffectively signalling its agreement with EDF that the dispute should be shut down through grievance procedures which have demonstrably failed to protect workers.

A spokesperson for Hinkley Point C boosted its partnership with union officials, branding the action by workers as the work of a minority, saying, We join with our trades union partners in asking that the correct process is followed to resolve any grievance. Normal working throughout the site has been unaffected by this unofficial action.

Somerset Live reported that workers were furious at the lack of union backing.

Management bullying is symptomatic of the manifold problems confronting workers at Hinkley Point C. The construction site, reportedly the largest in Europe, exemplifies the brutal conditions and corporate indifference prevailing at workplaces across Britain and internationally.

In April, workers complained that the site was overrun by rats, especially around the canteens. One told The Observer, Theyre all over. You see them just sat there, looking at you They are everywhere now.

EDF acknowledged the vermin problem but, as always, stressed its commitment to working alongside our trades union partners. The newspaper reported the trade unions had broached the issue with EDF while ending the article by stating that Unite and the GMB declined to comment.

As well as workers health being placed in jeopardy, there are fatal consequences to the violations of health and safety. Earlier this month, the Office for Nuclear Regulation confirmed that three major contractors face prosecution for health and safety offences over the death of 48-year-old Jason Waring, a site supervisor who died from a crush injuryaccording to ITVXinvolving a piece of mobile plant on November 13, 2022. Waring was employed by Bylor, a joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS and Laing ORourke Delivery Ltd. Both now face charges, along with NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd., the EDF subsidiary overseeing the site.

Corporate interests and state backing

The Hinkley Point C project is a cornerstone of Britains energy policy and a multi-billion-pound financial investment for EDF. The French state-owned firm has been guaranteed a fixed price for the electricity eventually generated at the site, to be paid through consumer energy bills. But the estimated profits of between 80-100 billion over the 35-year life span of the contract signed with the government will not be realised until the plant is operational, which is not expected for another five years.

With rising costs calculated to have increased since its contracts were signed in 2016 from 18 billion to 47. 9 billion in todays terms, EDF is seeking to shore up its profits with its major private contractors constructing the nuclear reactor by shifting the burden onto the backs of workers. This means a constant drive to cut corners on safety, hygiene and maintaining an oppressive workplace regime.

The downward squeeze on workers has also been impacted by the ratcheting up of tensions with China, which has increased the financial pressure on the project. EDFs partner, state owned China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), signalled it will not invest more funding beyond its contracted term in 2023. In late 2022, the UK government moved to exclude CGN from the project to build another nuclear plant ,Sizewell C in the east of England, citing national security.

The combination of warmongering and the constant drive for profit accounts for the two unions refusal to even back the action taken by workers. To acknowledge and endorse an unofficial strike would threaten their corporatist partnership with the Labour government and the employers. The union bureaucracy will not oppose management intimidation, safety violations or health hazards, because their privileged positions depend on suppressing rank-and-file resistance.

The way forward: A rank-and-file committee

The walkouts at Hinkley Point C shows how workers can begin to fightback collectively, proving that the precondition is overriding the restrictions placed upon them by the union apparatus. Without workers taking action on their own initiative, there would have been no fightback against EDF.

But a single manager being removed from the site and an investigation controlled by EDF will not resolve the problem of workers being mistreated and the abuses they face. The source of this lies with the constant ratcheting up of their exploitation in collusion with the union bureaucracy. If the opposition remains at the level of spontaneous walkouts, this will be isolated and worn down by management and the trade union leaders who operate as a single corporatist entity.

A rank-and-file committee, independent of the pro-corporate trade unions, must be formed committed to democratic principles, transparency, and direct control by the workers themselves. Such a committee can fight for:

The full investigation and immediate removal of all managers responsible for bullying and harassment.

Protection of all workers from victimisation or disciplinary measures following the strike and reimbursement of wages lost through the unofficial action

Safe working conditions, including immediate action on site hygiene and pest control

Full accountability for workplace injuries and a worker-led investigation into circumstances of the death of Jason Waring

An end to the gagging of workers voices by union officials and site management.

This committee should link up with workers at other sites and industries confronting similar abusesreaching out to Royal Mail postal workers resisting restructuring, to National Health Service staff battling underfunding and privatisation, and to the 400 Birmingham bin workers to end the isolation of their the seventh month struggle to prevent the destruction of their jobs and drastic wage cuts by a strike breaking operation led by the Starmer government.

Through the building of a national and international network of rank-and-file committees, the working class can fight back effectively against the relentless assault on wages, conditions and democratic rights. This is the perspective advanced by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

The WSWS encourages workers at Hinkley Point C to send in reports of their struggle, presently kept under wraps by the union bureaucracy, which can be published anonymously. See the form below.
US Marines next to members of the California National Guard outside of a federal building in Los Angeles on Friday, June 13, 2025. [AP Photo/Noah Berger]

President Donald Trumps deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to support federal immigration raids has triggered growing disaffection among sections of the US military.

As of this writing, some 2,000 National Guard soldiers and Marines remain deployed throughout Southern California in support of the mass deportation operation.

The domestic deployment has not sat well with many soldiers, as indicated by a marked increase in calls to the GI Rights Hotline, a non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides support for people in the military.



They dont want to deport their uncle or their wife or their brother-in-law, explained counselor Steve Woolford.

In an interview with NBC, Woolford explained that the hotline typically receives 200 calls a month, around seven a day. However, Woolford said, this past Sunday alone it received 50 calls, with a majority from soldiers and their family members following the National Guard deployment to Los Angeles.

One soldier told the hotline, I joined to defend my country  but No. 1 is family, and this is actually a threat to my family. Some now agonize over the legality of their mission, fearful that they are being used for a cause they abhor.

Troops and their families have expressed the view that they did not sign up to suppress domestic protests or serve as pawns in a political conflict. What were hearing from our families is: This is not what we signed up for, said Brandi Jones of the Secure Families Initiative. Janessa Goldbeck, a Marine veteran, reported a universal expression among service members that this is an unnecessary deployment and one that pits soldiers against their own communities.

The young men and women who raised their right hand to serve their country did not sign up to police their own neighbors, Goldbeck said. One veterans wife, shocked to learn that the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine RegimentThe War Dogshad been sent to Los Angeles, said, To hear that unit affiliated with thisfor my family thats been serving for two decades, it brings up a lot.

The reality on the ground makes their concerns all the more justified. From June 1 to June 26, ICE data show that in the Los Angeles region alone, 2,031 immigrants were arrested. Of these, a staggering 68 percent had no criminal convictions, and 57 percent had never even been charged with a crime.

These figures explode the lie, endlessly repeated by Trump and the capitalist media, that immigration raids target dangerous criminals. The targets of these military-backed raids are not drug lords or gang membersthey are overwhelmingly working class immigrantsneighbors, coworkers and family members.

Trump ordered the withdrawal of 2,000 troops from the city this week. While officials claimed this was because unrest was subsiding, the ruling class is acutely aware of the political dangers posed by a military beginning to question its mission. The fear is not of protests aloneIt is of the spreading recognition within the ranks that they are being used not to protect the population but to attack it.

These sentiments reflect the contradiction between the militarys official ideology of defending the nation and the people within it, and its real role under capitalism: defending the interests of the ruling class. When soldiers are ordered to police working class neighborhoods, suppress protests or break up immigrant families, it becomes increasingly clear that the military is an instrument of class rule.

Though command insists that morale is high, on-the-ground realities paint a different picture. Soldiers have been sleeping on concrete floors and left without adequate food, water or pay for weeks.

The ruling class cannot count on unconditional loyalty from soldiers, especially when ordered to act against their class brothers and sisters. As one attorney put it, They never envisioned they would be deployed to the streets of the United States. But this is precisely the role they are being assigned in a society wracked by deepening inequality and repression.

Six National Guard soldiers interviewed by the New York Times earlier this month following the Los Angeles deployment expressed such sentiments. All but one of the soldiers told the newspaper they had reservations about the deployment.

The soldiers, which included infantrymen, officers and two officials in leadership roles, said they themselves had raised objections to the mission, or they knew a soldier who had.

The Times reported that following the deployment at least 105 soldiers have sought counseling from behavioral health officers, including at least one company commander and one battalion commander who objected to the mission and were reassigned to work unrelated to the mobilization.

According to National Guard officers interviewed by the Times, some troops became so disgruntled that there were several reports of soldiers defecating in Humvees and showers at the Southern California base where the troops are stationed, prompting tightened bathroom security.

In one incident described to the Times, 60 National Guard soldiers were set to be transported to Ventura County to participate in an immigration raid. A Latino soldier told officers he did not want to participate in the kidnapping operation and offered to be arrested instead.

Notably, out of 72 California National Guard soldiers whose enlistment was set to expire during the deployment, two have already left the Guard while another 55 have indicated they will not re-enlist, according to the office of Governor Gavin Newsom.

Disaffection within the ranks emerged during the dress rehearsal at Los Angeles MacArthur Park earlier this montha military-style operation that involved a coordinated sweep by National Guard and federal agents in a dense urban working class neighborhood.

Meant to be a preliminary demonstration of dictatorial power, the MacArthur Park raid, known as Operation Excalibur, revealed that many soldiers were disturbed by the imagery of militarized raids on immigrant communities.

This emerging consciousness among military personnel recalls the experience of revolutionary Russia in 1917. In The History of the Russian Revolution, Leon Trotsky traces the transformation of the Russian army from a pillar of Tsarist reaction into a force aligned with the working class.

Not the army but the workers began the insurrection, Trotsky wrote of the February Revolution, but the soldiers supported the workers  because they felt themselves blood brothers of the workers as a class composed of toilers like themselves.

A session of the Petrograd Soviet of soldiers during the 1917 revolution

The brutal experience of World War I had radicalized the rank and file. The immense suffering inflicted by the imperialist slaughter shattered the morale of the armed forces and generated the conditions for mass revolt.

The shift, as Trotsky noted, started from a deep but as yet hidden revolutionary discontent to overt mutinous action, transforming into open mutiny as soldiers faced orders to shoot striking workersan order many refused.

The revolution unfolded as a process of rising discontent, bitter experience, political education and, ultimately, the decision to break with the old order. The soldiers began electing Soviets, refusing orders to fire on strikers and openly aligning with the revolution.

In the lead-up to the October Revolution, mass disillusionment with the Provisional Governments war policies fueled further radicalization among soldiers and workers. This unrest, while widespread, was not enough on its own. It was the leadership of Lenin and Trotskywho channeled spontaneous anger into organized revolutionary actionthat played the decisive role in uniting soldiers with workers and peasants, arming the Soviets and establishing the first workers state in history.

The cracks now surfacing in the US military are not yet a revolutionary break. But they are signs of a real and irreversible social process. The contradictions of capitalist rule are reaching deep into the institutions upon which it relies most heavily.

The working class must draw the necessary conclusions. The state, its courts, its police and its military do not serve the peopleThey serve capital. But they are not invincible.
Swiss filmmaker Christian Frei recently spoke with the World Socialist Web Site about his latest documentary, Blame, which offers a sobering and humanizing portrait of three scientistsDrs. Peter Daszak, Linfa Wang and Zhengli Shiwho have been thrust into the political maelstrom surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christian Frei

Frei, best known for his Oscar-nominated War Photographer (2001) and the award-winning Genesis 2.0 (2018), is widely regarded for his calm, reflective and visually rich approach to filmmaking. With Blame, released in 2025, Frei turns his lens toward one of the most fraught topics in recent global historythe origin of SARS-CoV-2and the intense scrutiny and scapegoating faced by leading virologists in the wake of the pandemic.

Rather than fueling conspiracy theories or indulging in sensationalism, Blame reconstructs the story from the ground up, focusing on the scientific collaboration that existed well before COVID-19 emerged, and the disturbing way public discourse has shifted in its aftermath. The film avoids easy narratives and instead raises deeper questions about the collapse of trust in science, the politicization of expertise and the role of media in amplifying suspicion.

* * * * *

Benjamin Mateus (BM): The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point, an accelerant that intensified this global breakdown. Rather than serving as a moment to expand and strengthen public health infrastructure, it was weaponized. We saw a systematic assault on public health, on science, and on the very idea of collective care. Social services were slashed, and the pandemic became a tool to enrich the financial oligarchy, deepen militarization, and crush dissent.

This wasnt a failure of policyit was the policy. It was the logic of a system in crisis. The message was clear: let millions die, the economy must go on.

Christian Frei (CF): Absolutelyand were right in the middle of that crisis. When I was in Poland recently with Blame, I had six screenings, including one in odz, home of the famous film school, and others in Warsaw and Gdansk.

What struck me was that after every screening, the discussions werent really about the film's direct subjectviruses, COVID-19, or even the lab leak theory. Instead, the conversation almost immediately shifted to something deeper: the collapse of our ability to engage in fact-based, evidence-driven discourse. People werent debating the sciencethey were grappling with the broader political crisis, the breakdown of trust and how its affecting every part of society.

Theres a sense that we can no longer agree on basic facts. And that, in itself, has become a profound and destabilizing issue.

BM: Your latest documentary film Blame confronts the misunderstood and politicized question of COVID-19s origins, through factgrounded in science and human experience. Blame offers a powerful counter to the false narrative that the virus was manufactured or intentionally leaked.

Centering the story on Peter Daszak, Shi Zhengli, and Linfa Wang was a brilliant choice. It made science accessible and gave the film emotional depth. These are scientists who, until recently, worked quietlyattending meetings, conducting audits, talking with regulators. You also raise critical questions, like why are we attacking scientists and why are we undermining the very people trying to protect us? Perhaps we can begin by having you introduce yourself, share what brought you into filmmaking and teaching, and explain how Blame came to be.

CF: I keep two quotes in my editing room. The first is from journalist Maria Ressas Nobel lecture. Without facts, you cant have truth. Without truth, you cant have trust. Without all three, we have no shared reality, no democracy, and it becomes impossible to deal with the existential problems of our time.

Theres something almost old-fashioned in that beliefbut I hold onto it. And I share it, incidentally, with James Nachtwey [Nachtwey is a photojournalist and the subject of Freis Academy Award nominated film, War Photographer]. You could mock him for being naivefor believing that a camera can fight war, that photography can push back against destruction. But he believes it. And I find that deeply moving.

The second quote is from Ernest Hemingway, which I discovered it while living in Cuba. That is what the artist must do. He must capture the thing so truly that its magnification will endure. Thats the aim of art: truth and magnification.

Christian Frei in workshop with Stefan Portmann,1981

It may sound old-fashioned, but its still what drives me. And it's what film can uniquely do. We still have this incredible privilegepeople enter a darkened room, free from distraction, and for a time, they give themselves over to the story. Youre not competing with a second screen or the noise of other channels. You're alone with the image. Thats where the magnification happensnot just technically, but emotionally and morally. And I never take that for granted.

Being able to spend years working on a single filmthats a real privilege. And it defines my life now. I typically work four or five years on one project. Ive never inherited money; I wasnt born into wealth. But Ive had the good fortune to make a living from this work. Of course, the films eventually must succeed, but the fact that I can dedicate not just days or weeksas journalists often mustbut years to fully immerse myself in a reality thats extraordinary. And I dont take it lightly. I feel deeply fortunate to do what I do. Passionate, even. Looking back, I realize Ive never done anything else. Theres no other payroll in my lifeonly filmmaking.

My first feature came relatively late. I was in my mid-30s when I shot Ricardo, Miriam y Fidel (1997) in Cubanearly 30 years ago now. Before that, I had studied under Stephan Portmann. [Freis early film training took place through workshops led by Stephan Portmann (19332003) in Solothurn, Switzerland. He continued studying under Portmann at university in Fribourg, Switzerland].

I began filmmaking as a teenager in Portmanns Super 8 workshops in Solothurn. I was already shooting photography, but Portmann taught me that filmmaking isn't about technical tricksits about essence and economy. One of my early projects documented a radical monastery where everyone shared income. We spent weeks behind its walls, and that experiencecapturing a hidden way of lifeshaped everything Ive done since.

Im deeply grateful to Portmann for the mentorship. But I also needed a contrast. So, in the early 1980s, I moved to Basel and worked for Ciba-Geigy (which later became Novartis), creating short documentary-style films about scientific research. Coming from a left-wing background, this felt like a shift. Yet I wasnt making PRit was honest storytelling: what the scientists were doing, why it mattered, even how they worked with animals in contentious experiments. That period cemented something essential for me: I wanted to be a filmmaker guided by curiosity, not ideology.

And Ive never looked back. Only years later, in my mid-thirties, I shot my first feature-length film, Ricardo, Miriam y Fidel, in Cuba. That project, and those early experiences, continue to inform my commitment to slow, intimate, truth-seeking films.

I always approach filmmaking with empathy and curiositynot with a fixed agenda. Ive never been interested in contributing to media frenzy or the echo chambers we now call bubbles. I try to resist the pressure to deliver whats expected.

Ricardo, Miriam y Fidel began with a story that seemed small and personal, but it opened onto something much larger. Its about a Cuban revolutionaryRicardowho left Havana for the Sierra Maestra to help build Radio Rebelde, which was vital to the success of the Cuban Revolution. He was close to Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, though his motivation was more anti-Batista than ideologically leftist. He also left behind his infant daughter, Miriam.

Decades later, shes living in Havana, listening to Radio Marti, the Voice of America broadcast directed at Cuba from blimps over the Florida Keys. Eventually, she leaves for Miami and finds herself adrift. Shes not a right-wing exile, and she doesnt fit into the hardline Cuban-American community around her. She had criticized Cubas lack of free expression, but in Miami she encounters media excess and political hysteria. I wrote at the time: she fled from a country of censorship to a country of media overkill. That contradiction stayed with me. Its relevant even today, as we talk about Blame, and the limits of our current media landscape. Insight doesnt emerge from clickbait and hyperventilation.

Ricardo, Miriam y Fidel, 1997

With War Photographer, I again defied expectations. People wanted an adrenaline-fueled film about the dangers of war. But I wasnt interested in heroism or spectacles. Wars are, of course, dangerousbut above all, they are profoundly sad, even numbing. And for the journalists and photographers who cover them, theres a deeper contradiction. How do you live with the fact that your work depends on the suffering of others? In the film, Nachtwey reflects on this. Hes not an adrenaline junkie or a thrill-seeker. Hes someone who questions himself, who lives in that morally gray zone. When War Photographer came out, there was some backlashcritics accused war photographers of voyeurism, of war pornography. I felt that was unfair and overly simplistic. My aim was to offer a more thoughtful, human perspective.

Thats what interests me: not hyped-up narratives, but films that slow down, explore complexity, and reveal what lies beneath the surface.

BM: After watching War Photographer, I thought an alternative title could be The Antiwar Photographer. The film resists glorifying war and instead offers a deep human perspective. What struck me was how you captured not just the devastationpoverty, destruction, displacementbut also the ethical complexity of Nachtweys role.

Ultimately, the film shows an artist who is not detached from his subject, but deeply intimate with it. Thats what gives the film its emotional weight and lasting impact.

CF: Thank you.

BM: With Blame, you took on the immense complexityand controversyof COVID-19. How did you approach both the scientific and political dimensions of the pandemic in a way that balanced nuance and clarity?

And more broadly, why do you think so few documentaries have seriously examined the pandemic, or the attacks on science and scientists, with the depth and focus your film offers?

CF: You're rightmany videos and films produced during the pandemic were vehicles for misinformation, conspiracy or political opportunism. Theres no shortage of content, but very little serious, thoughtful engagement with what the pandemic truly meantespecially the attacks on science and scientists.

For me, every film starts with what I call an epiphany. It's not a concept I inventits something that overwhelms me, something I recognize intuitively as my next four-year commitment. That happened with Blame. I read a 2005 Science article describing how three scientistsPeter Daszak, Shi Zhengli, and Linfa Wanghad been working since the original SARS outbreak in 2003 to understand and prevent future coronavirus pandemics. They had predicted that another spillover would come. When COVID-19 hit, it confirmed what they had long warned. But instead of being recognized, they became scapegoats. That struck me as a kind of Cassandra storytruth-tellers punished for seeing what others refused to.

So, I wasnt distracted by the noise or the growing conspiracy theories. I wasn't blind or naiveIve read over a thousand articles about pandemics and the origins of COVID-19but none of it shook my conviction in the film's core premise. I stayed with the human story.

I also understood early on that the pandemic had created an opening for something far more dangerous. When I saw Steve Bannon tell Trump to stop praising President Xi for Chinas pandemic responsewhich, frankly, had also been swift and effectiveI realized what was happening. Bannon understood something fundamental: that uncertainty itself could be weaponized. Most people respond to a crisis by seeking clarity. But Bannon saw in uncertainty a strategic opportunityto undermine trust in science, in institutions, in the so-called deep state. Thats how you build a right-wing authoritarian regime. You erode the foundation of shared reality.

I didn't foresee all of that explicitly in 2020, but maybe I sensed where it could lead. Still, my focus remained on the peopleon these three scientists. Their stories anchored the film.

War Photographer, 2001

Of course, the logistics of it were difficult. I began in 2020 with long conversationsnot interviews, but real dialoguesover Zoom with Peter and Linfa. Like many filmmakers that year, I considered using Zoom footage, but I ultimately rejected it. I wanted something more cinematic, more enduring. I sent professional sound engineersone to New York, the other to Singaporeso that while I spoke to them remotely, the audio would still meet the standards of a proper film. Much of that ended up as voiceover in Blame.

We planned to film in China, but that was impossible. Instead, I chose northern Thailand, specifically the karst landscapes and cave systems that closely resemble Yunnan Province. It was also culturally appropriatethe communities we filmed with, like the Karen and the Red Lahu, are ethnically Chinese, though they migrated to Thailand more recently. In a way, filming there became a kind of visual proxy for southern China. It felt authentic, and I still believe it was the right decision.

It took timemore than I would have liked. I spent December 2021 on the ground in Thailand doing research, and we didnt begin the shoot until December 2022. But thats the nature of this kind of work. It demands patience.

BM: The access you had in Blame is remarkablevery few people have had the opportunity to speak directly with Shi Zhengli. I managed to reach out to Linfa Wang as well, though he declined an interview. And with Peter Daszak, it took quite a long time to build trust. I was very appreciative when he eventually offered us an exclusive conversation.

Could you talk about how you approached each of them, particularly Shi? What was the process of building trust and navigating the sensitivities around their work and public perception?

CF: David Quammenyou might know himis the science writer behind the classic Spillover and more recently Breathless, which is a major reference for anyone investigating the origins of COVID-19. He lives in Montana and was incredibly helpful to the project. For Breathless, he interviewed over 100 scientists, so by the time we began working together, he knew the landscape inside and out.

In our early Zoom callsthis wouldve been 2020 or maybe early 2021David joined the conversations with me. We became a kind of duo in reaching out, especially to Peter Daszak, because we understood that building trust was going to be difficult.

Genesis 2.0, 2018

Peter, early in the pandemic, had been open with the media. But over time, he began encountering what he called both-sides journalismrequests framed as neutral, but in fact subtly accusatory. The way questions were phrased, the assumptions beneath them he could tell that many werent interested in understanding, only in fueling controversy. And as a scientist, its incredibly difficult to explain your worklet alone the broader contextto people without a scientific background. That tension makes it even harder to navigate interviews.

So, we approached him very clearly and respectfully. I said I was interested in the origins of SARS, going back to 2003. Thats the story that drew me in. And thats how we framed our initial conversationswith Peter, with Linfa Wang and eventually with Shi Zhengli.

Of course, with Shi it was even more delicate. You cant just knock on the door in Beijing or Wuhan and say, Hi, Im a filmmaker. Many tried. All failed. I didnt even try that route. Ive spent my career learning how to work across systems with very different relationships to the media and freedom of expression.

And I have had the privilege of time. That made a big difference. Peter later told me hed received interest from others wanting to make films, but he chose to work with me because I had already done the groundworkand because my intentions were clear. From the beginning, I saw this as a Cassandra story. These three scientists had warned of a coming pandemic, and when it happened, they werent thankedthey were attacked. I wasnt interested in both-sides-ism or using them as narrative fodder. I wanted to understand their point of view, in depth.

I told them I would read all perspectives, including criticism and scientific counterarguments. And if I came across something credible or fact-based that challenged their story, I would ask them about it directly. But I never encountered a moment where I felt deceived. Not once. That, to me, was remarkable.

BM: As public health historian George Rosen argued, pandemics dont destroy civilizations. Rather, they become possible when civilizations are already in decline. Scientists like Daszak, Shi and Linfa werent the only ones sounding the alarm. But when COVID hit, there was no real structural response. And five years on, the consequences are staggering: the erosion of public health institutions, the rise of anti-vaccine ideologies and a political climate where reactionary forces are actively dismantling what remains of pandemic preparedness.

Measles is back. Polio. Cholera. We're facing waves of COVID reinfectionincluding new variants like Nimbusand yet it's like the pandemic is being erased in real time.

So, my question is: how do you see Blame within this broader historical arc? Not just as a film about pandemic origins, but as a record of a moment when public health, science, and truth were abandoned in favor of political expediency and economic continuity.

CF: Its a lot to take in. One of the most striking parallels for me, as I reflected on past epidemics while making Blame, was HIV. I lived through that timeI was young, but I witnessed how it unfolded, and it left a lasting impression.

HIV/AIDS wasnt called a pandemic at first, though in retrospect it certainly was. Initially, it disproportionately affected gay men, particularly in the US and Western Europe. And what I saw then, especially in cities like Zurich, was how quickly fear and confusion could morph into suspicion and conspiracy. Gay communities in the 1980s had fought hard for social acceptance in some countries. So, when this devastating disease emerged and targeted them, it naturally triggered a deep distrust. Why us? Why now?

The association of sexuality and death created a toxic moral panic. And then there was the institutional failurethe slow response from governments, and even from scientific agencies. Dr. Anthony Fauci, for example, came under intense criticism from AIDS activists for not acting quickly enough to provide access to experimental drugs. There was justified anger and grief. But alongside it came something else: conspiracy theories.

Shooting Blame in Hong Kong

Some believed the virus had come from a US military lab. Today, we know from declassified Stasi archives that this idea wasnt just spontaneous. It was seeded and amplified by Soviet disinformation campaigns. The KGB and East Germanys Stasi deliberately spread the claim that HIV had originated from a Pentagon lab in Fort Detrick, Maryland. This was known as Operation INFEKTION, and it was a Cold War psychological operation to stoke distrust in the West. And it worked. Even within progressive and marginalized communities, such rumors found fertile groundbecause when science fails to communicate clearly, conspiracy rushes in to fill the vacuum.

Thats part of what I see happening again with COVID. The science is difficult. Its nuanced. Understanding zoonotic spillover, viral evolution or even the difference between lab research and lab originits complex. But people want simple explanations. Someone messed up in a lab is easier to digest than two related but distinct strains of coronavirus likely emerged from wildlife sold at a seafood market under intense ecological and economic pressure.

Weve seen this pattern throughout history. During the Black Death, people blamed Jews. In every pandemic, scapegoating emergesnot just because of fear, but because societies in decay are looking for targets, not solutions.

Thats why I found your website so valuable during my research. Theres a commitment to rational analysis, rooted in material conditions. Marxism at its best is a rational framework. And yet it presents its own challenges, right? If youre pro-vaccine, does that mean youre automatically endorsing Big Pharma? Not necessarily. But the far right has weaponized that contradiction. Theyve co-opted anti-corporate language to push deeply reactionary ideas. Today, its the Steve Bannons of the world who are rallying against globalists and Big Pharma, while simultaneously pushing nationalism, denialism and authoritarianism.

This transformation of traditional conservatismthrough the Tea Party and into this militant, esoteric, quasi-revolutionary rightis one of the most fascinating and dangerous political evolutions of our time. Fascist movements have always had this strange relationship to science and nature: embracing a mystical natural order while rejecting rational thought. Mussolinis regime was full of these contradictions. And I see echoes of that todayespecially in how COVID became a catalyst.

Without COVID, I dont think Trump would have risen the way he did in 2020. Nor would so many far-right parties across the world have gained so much ground. The pandemic created a sense of existential ruptureand into that space rushed ideology, fear, and opportunism.

For me, Blame isnt just about virus origins. Its about the breakdown of shared reality, and the political consequences of abandoning science when we need it most.

BM: The anti-vaccine movement has gained a considerable stranglehold on the social levers during the COVID pandemic though that rightward shift began to accelerate with the Wakefield scandal in 1998, when The Lancet published (and later retracted) a fraudulent paper linking vaccines to autism. But the deeper roots go back even further.

Theres long been a current of anti-communism and anti-socialism in Western political culture with regards to public health because it relies on institutional cooperation and international collaboration. It was often caught in that crossfire. Over the last century, efforts to eradicate smallpox, measles, and other diseases gave working-class people a sense that the state was, at some level, invested in their wellbeing. Public health has become a vehicle for social trust.

Shooting Blame in Pang Mapha Northern Thailand

But that trust began to erode in the post-war period, especially after the economic shocks of the 1970sNixon abandoning the gold standard, the Vietnam War, deindustrialization. From around 2000, we even see life expectancy for working-class people begin to decline while the rich continue to live longer. That divergence created fertile ground for resentment and suspicionconditions that reactionary forces quickly exploited to turn people against science and against government itself.

It was like a drought-stricken forest waiting for a spark. COVID was that lightning strike.

CF: Yes, and during the making of Blame, I found myself increasingly preoccupied with the question of how insecurity and speculation have become an industryhow a state of high alert, like during a pandemic, creates the perfect conditions for misinformation to spread. Influencers, bloggers, even some independent journalistsmany of them working from homebegan producing constant speculation. Some were aligned with the far right, others came from the left, but they fed the same outrage machine.

Whats deeply concerning is how journalism itself has moved closer to this model. Ive always thought of documentaries as an antidote to hyperventilating media narratives. But increasingly, even journalism that claims to be investigative is driven by virality, not verification. You get headlines that echo suspicionsoften serious oneswithout corresponding evidence.

This really became clear to me while making Blame. Id already explored media bubbles and scientific responsibility in Genesis 2.0 (2018), a film about Siberian mammoth tusk hunters and geneticists like George Church. It raised questions about the limits of genetic engineering, and it was very successful. But I remember Q&As where I had to stop and clarify, Im not against science or genetic engineeringit depends on where we go with it. That nuance often gets lost.

With Blame, the stakes felt higher. I spent five years immersed in the story of three scientistsDaszak, Shi, and Linfa Wangwho warned of a pandemic like COVID long before it happened. But instead of being heard, they were turned into scapegoats. The working title of the film was The Host, and I could feel the atmosphere shiftingmore suspicion, more outrage, more finger-pointing.

Of course, some of these critics claimed they were just asking questions. But theres a difference between genuine inquiry and veiled accusation. If you're going to imply that someone like Zhengli Shi or Peter Daszak helped unleash a global pandemic, you need extraordinary evidence. That standard was rarely met. Yet the insinuations circulated freelyeven in outlets like the New York Times. Friends would call me and say, Are you sure? Were reading something very different.

This is what I found disturbing. Im not against investigative journalism. I support it, and I might even do it myself one day. In a way, Blame is investigativeits the result of years of careful inquiry. But I was committed to understanding these people on their own terms, not using them as dramatic devices to fuel outrage.

Together with my colleague Philipp Markolin, we looked closely at how platformsmany run by people with little scientific understandingrecycled half-truths and speculation. The misinformation wasnt always malicious, but it was amplified and monetized. And the truth is: people are vulnerable to simple narratives. As storytellers, we all reduce complexitythats part of the job. But theres a line between simplification and distortion.

BM: I read Markolins book [Lab Leak Fever: The COVID19 Origin Theory That Sabotaged Science and Society] and found it compelling. He makes the science behind the pandemic and origins question accessible without compromising laying out why the lab-origin theory doesnt hold up. To date, no credible evidence has emerged linking the pandemics origin to a laboratory.

Even for non-specialists, the pattern is clear: major pandemics are zoonotic. The WHOs Phase One report established that cases clustered around the Huanan Seafood Market. Later work by scientists Michael Worobey and Kristian Andersen, building on that data, reinforced the spillover hypothesisconnecting it to the wildlife trade and high population density.

However, mainstream media outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post have fallen back on both-sides narratives, if not overtly supporting the Lab-Leak conspiracy. And I dont think this is simply naiveit reflects a broader political shift to the right. Public health and the response to pandemics dont exist outside politics.

CF: I do feel were entering darker times. And as a documentary filmmaker, I dont see myself as a journalist in the traditional senseI define myself as an artist. Theres a long tradition of artists being the irritants, the ones who ask uncomfortable questions, who push against the boundaries of mainstream consensus.

Whats interesting, particularly around the lab-leak narrative, is how the media has rewritten its own role. The story goes, a few brave journalists came along and uncovered suspicious detailsno actual evidence, just enough to keep the speculation alive. And from there, some claim they discovered the lab leak, or at the very least, take pride in having raised the possibility.

That narrative has now become more than mainstream. Its become policy. In the US, the lab-leak theory has effectively become official doctrine, even replacing earlier language on government websites like covid.gov.

I think some on the left need to seriously reflect on how much they either underestimated this narrative, or worse, how much they participated in amplifying it under the guise of neutrality or open inquiry. Because that space of just asking questions has become fertile ground for reactionary politics.

BM: When will we be able to see your film in the US?

CF: Lets just say that the pandemic has been a cathartic force in many ways.

Blame crew at world premiere (Dominic Nahr)

Ive been fortunate to have four of my previous films selected by the Sundance Film Festival. Its a remarkable, if chaotic, eventheld in Park City, Utah, a ski resort, with fierce competition. For the international documentary section alone, they receive over 1,000 submissions and accept only 12. When Blame wasnt selected, I was deeply disappointed. Especially now, seeing how powerfully the film resonates with audiences.

Blame has been invited so far to eight major festivals. Ive traveled with it across the worldfrom Sao Paulo to Moscow where it won a science festival award; to New Zealand, where it won the best festival category, In Truth We Trust; to Turin in Italy, where it won the Audience Award, to Munichs DOK.fest, and most recently to Poland.

Poland was especially striking. The festival thereMillennium Docs Against Gravityhas become the second-largest documentary festival in the world. Sponsored by Millennium Bank and held in six cities, it continues to attract huge audiences even after the pandemic. Ive done more than a dozen Q&As so far, and the response has been overwhelmingly encouraging. Like my earlier films, Blame connects. It provokes.

BM: How did audiences react during the Q&Aswere they surprised, challenged, or reassured by the film?

CF: Yes, that was the interesting thing. When you're not dealing with journalistspeople who constantly question your narrative decisionsaudiences were more open. They connected to the story emotionally. After all, we all lived through COVID. They saw the RFK Jr. ending, they saw Tucker Carlson, and they recognized the creation of a narrativeone that spoke to their own question: How did we end up here? Why is truth and complexity losing out to simplification and manufactured stories? And that was the core of the audiences reaction.

In Germany, for example, maybe one out of ten questions mentioned the films release coinciding with a major lab-leak exclusive in the presswhich was essentially a recycled story. But even then, the questions were more reflective: why are journalists still so obsessed with speculation? People were ready to question not just the media, but themselvestheir own vulnerability to manipulation. They spoke about their kids, TikTok, the addictive nature of the device in our hands. Many praised the film for being slow in the best sensenot boring, but calm, deliberate. Not another avalanche of speculation. Thats what led to the Audience Award in Turin. The film gives space to reflect.

We also talked about the blurring line between journalism and influencer culture. So much media today is indistinguishable from clickbait blogs. Its all part of the same attention economy. Interestingly, very few Q&As touched on the virus itself or pandemic measures. Thats not really my topic. The film is about something deeper: our abilityor inabilityto reason together. Viewers said this film needs to be shown to students, scholars and the public at large. Because whats under attack isnt just scienceits our entire foundation for evidence-based thinking.

BM: Earlier, you mentioned reading material on COVID from the World Socialist Web Site. Im curiouswhat are your thoughts on how weve presented the pandemic and our broader perspective?

CF: I found the World Socialist Web Sites COVID coverage refreshing. You had a clear, consistent linenot just on the pandemic itself, but on the origins debate. That stood out to me, especially when so many on the left ended up in deeply contradictory positions. Some even helped legitimize what has effectively become the Trump Doctrine on COVID origins.

And this confusion isnt just abstractits everywhere. I went to an osteopath for back pain. A friendly, esoteric guy. Crystals and candles in the waiting room, books about breathing, meditationand right next to those, anti-Fauci books and RFK Jr.s The Real Anthony Fauci and The Truth About Wuhan, which targets two of my films protagonists. That kind of convergencebetween the wellness world, anti-science rhetoric and conspiracyis both fascinating and alarming.

Thats why I think I can contribute something. I dont care if someone comes from the left or rightI want them to listen. In Switzerland, we still had relatively sane debates around COVID measures: how much risk, how much economic impact. These were political discussions, not absolute truths. And thats whats been lost: a reasonable culture of disagreement rooted in reality and trust.

But that kind of trust isnt very fashionable in my field. In documentary, suspicion often fuels the storytellingsometimes for good reason, especially in investigative work. But weve gone too far. Weve drowned in speculation and noise. Thats why the monk in Blame matters to mehe retreats into darkness to meditate, to find clarity. As he says, from a Buddhist perspective, to get to truth, you must strip away distraction.

In that sense, I feel a real solidarity with your work. Not because we agree on everything, but because were trying to return to complexity and seriousness.

I remember a timelike during the golden era of documentarieswhen filmmakers with very different political opinion would still sit together, watch each others films, and gain deeper understanding. That kind of exchange feels increasingly rare. We live in a world of endless screaming. Steve Bannon said it himself: flood the zone with shit. And thats what happened.

Soon, COVID and RFK Jr. will probably be drowned out by the next geopolitical crisisIran, perhaps. But the damage is done. And the next pandemic will come. Are we prepared? No. Not for the virus, and not for the disinformation pandemic that will come with it.

BM: What is your next project?

CF: I never speak about a new project too early. Its like being pregnantat first, you can keep it to yourself, but eventually it becomes visible. Right now, its still too delicate. People often say, Youre always on top of the big issues, and yes, thats meaningful, but it also feels like a burden. Even if I were already falling in love with a new topic, I wouldnt say anything yet.

The truth is, Im still traveling with Blame. Were organizing scientific panels around the film in different cities, and I hope it will continue to reach broader audiences. Its not a sexy film, in the marketing sensebut I believe it resonates deeply. Maybe we just need to reach a point where people are genuinely exhausted by all the noise. Then a film like this can truly land.
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani arrives in New York. [AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura]

In a matter of weeks, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidate for New York City mayor, has undergone a rapid transformation. After declaring that billionaires should not exist, he is now leading a charm offensive, initiating meetings this week with the gang of financial speculators, real estate swindlers, and corporate chiefs who dictate economic conditions in the center of American capitalism.

Mamdanis efforts to court New York Citys business elite were paired with overtures to the Democratic Party establishment, including what he described as a constructive meeting Friday with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

These are the very forces responsible for deepening social inequality and the cost-of-living crisisconditions Mamdani campaigned against as a vocal critic. His primary victory last month reflected widespread anger toward the Democratic Party apparatus and the oligarchy it serves. But Mamdanis inevitable evolution since securing the nomination, including his concessions this week, is an unmistakable indication that he ultimately serves the same class interests.

On Tuesday, Mamdani met with over 100 representatives of big business in the offices of Tishman Speyer, the Manhattan-based real estate conglomerate. The location was not publicly disclosed ahead of time for fear of triggering protests. Attendees included executives from Uber, Pfizer, Hearst Corp., Related Cos. and Loews, among many others.

Mamdani chose this meeting to offer an olive branch to his genocide-supporting critics, backtracking on his previous refusal to disavow the slogan globalize the Intifada. Mamdani will now discourage the use of that term, he said at the meeting on Tuesday.

The attempt to smear Mamdani as an antisemite for refusing to back the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza and line up with anti-democratic attacks on defenders of Palestinians backfired among the electorate. All the more reason the group of assembled oligarchs demanded concessions to address antisemitism, a topic that was brought up by roughly one-fifth of questioners, according to reports in the financial press.

Another overture to big business was Mamdanis pledge to consider retaining Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner. Her father, Lowes Chairman James Tisch, was present at Tuesdays meeting. Keeping a trusted figure atop the NYPD, which boasts 36,000 officers and 19,000 civilian employeeslarger than many national armiesis viewed by the ruling class as essential amid mounting social unrest. The NYPD has played a central role in suppressing protests against the Gaza genocide and shielding ICE as it carries out mass raids on immigrant communities.

According to press interviews with attendees on Tuesday, Mamdani made some headway in making his case to a section of big capitalists. A top finance executive told the Financial Times, The meeting was a net positive. He listened, he was genuinely wanting to engage, and ultimately gave most people present a sense that he cares about New York and wants to be the mayor of all New Yorkers.

In this context, all New Yorkers means, subordinating the limited reform proposals Mamdani ran on to the profit interests of the tiny handful of elites present at the closed-door gathering.

Another Wall Street executive summed up: Do I or any of my friends want him to win? The answer is no. Emphatically no. But I think there is some room to work with him. I dont think we have another option. What these executives fear is not Mamdani himself, nor the modest reforms that he proposes, but Mamdanis encouragement of expectations that something can and must be done about the economic and social conditions confronting masses of working people.

Mamdani followed up Tuesdays meeting with a fireside chat with around 200 startup founders, tech investors and venture capital executives the following evening. According to Business Insider, Mamdani mostly avoided the controversy surrounding his views on Israel and tax hikes for the citys millionaires and billionaires.

A venture capitalist in attendance told the news outlet, I was glad to see him being open to new ideas and working with people outside his base. Over the last few months, hes done a good job moderating on issues that matter to New York.

Mamdanis moderating on issues cannot be explained away as a pragmatic necessity of winning office that can be counteracted by pressure campaigns, promoted by the DSA, to convince opponents like Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and the bulk of state legislators to enact his promised reforms, including tax hikes on the wealthy, free childcare and free buses.

Rather, the developments over the past week correspond to the logic of the Democratic Party politics of the DSA, even if the Democratic Party establishment has thus far refused to fully embrace his candidacy. Mamdani traveled to Washington, DC on Wednesday morning to make his appeal, attending an organizing breakfast with fellow DSA member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and a host of other progressive Democratic lawmakers. He subsequently met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in Brooklyn on Friday.

What Mamdani offers the Democratic Party, which he undoubtedly stressed to his fellow Democrats this week, is an ability to draw in and win support from radicalizing youth and workers and confine them to Democratic Party politics. Mamdani is seeking to provide critical support at a time that the party is deeply discredited, following decades of expanding inequality and brutal wars, now prostrating itself before Trump.

The claims by Mamdani and the DSA that sufficient pressure can force the Democratic Party establishment to return to a bygone era of progressive reforms are a recipe for disaster. The policies of both parties are driven by an immense objective crisis, beset by a massive debt burden and held together in a financial system resembling a house of cards. The ruling class is turning towards fascism and war, not social reform. It will not be pressured to sacrifice profits for equality and affordability any more than it has been pressured to cease the genocide in Gaza.

The growing opposition to inequality and war, which found distorted expression in support for Mamdani, must be converted into a political break from the Democrats and Republicans, and the conscious striving of the working class to take political power for itself. The role of Mamdani and the DSA is to prevent this from happening.
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Tina's Burritos frozen food plant [Photo: Google Maps]

A 19-year-old worker who died at the Tinas Burritos plant in Vernon, California on Sunday, July 13 is the latest victim of Americas industrial slaughterhouse.

The young man, whose name has not been released, was sucked into an industrial meat grinder he was cleaning at the frozen food factory just outside Los Angeles. Co-workers heard his screams but were powerless to stop the machine and save him. By the time emergency responders arrived, the teenager was dead.

The Vernon Police Department immediately ruled the killing an industrial accident. But all evidence points to social murder and gross negligence in the pursuit of profit.

The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) condemns this entirely preventable killing and calls on workers to take action. They must initiate their own investigation into this young mans death and demand immediate accountability for those responsible. Workers must organize actions from below to enforce the necessary safety measures to make sure such deaths never happen again.

As Allison Rose, the mother of a Tyson meatpacking worker who died on the job in 2022, said in an open letter: The same corporate greed, the same disregard for human life, spans across plants, across states, and across industries. Thats why we, the workers and the families affected, must stand together.

In the Vernon plant, standard lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedureswhich isolate machinery from energy sources to prevent unexpected activationwere either not followed or deliberately circumvented. In any workplace with basic protections for human life, such procedures would have made this incident impossible.

There is a growing body of evidence that flouting LOTO procedures played a major role in the April 7 death of Ronald Adams, an autoworker at Stellantis Dundee, Michigan engine plant. This was only uncovered through the efforts of a rank-and-file investigation, in the face of stonewalling from management, state investigators and the United Auto Workers bureaucracy, which is an accomplice through its participation in labor-management safety boards.

Adams, a 63-year-old machine repairman, was performing maintenance work inside an enclosed factory cell when an overhead gantry suddenly engaged, crushing him to death. According to workers at the factory, management, with the blessing of United Auto Workers officials, widely distributed cheater keys to bypass lockouts and failed to enforce the lockout standards.

Existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations governing lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, under the 1989 Control of Hazardous Energy standard, are increasingly flouted. OSHA issued 2,443 citations for LOTO violations last year, and the procedure has ranked among OSHAs 10 most frequently violated regulations for more than a decade.

This is, however, a vast undercount. Due to the shortage of inspectors and funding cuts, it would take OSHA 185 years to inspect each workplace in the US once. Trumps budget cuts will result in a 30 percent reduction in OSHA inspections this fiscal yearmeaning it would take 226 years to inspect every workplace.

The White House is installing a former UPS and Amazon executive to head the agency, and changing its mission from enforcing workplace protections to eliminating any regulations that get in the way of corporate profit-making. This has met with no real opposition from the Democrats, the other Wall Street party, because they are carrying out massive cuts at the state and local level.

The erosion of safety measures is the product of a social counter-revolution going back more than four decades, aimed at reversing all of the gains workers made in a previous century of struggle. Every day in the United States at least 385 workers die from traumatic injuries or occupational diseasesor more than 140,000 a year, according to the AFL-CIO.

Some of the more horrific recent incidents include:

Seven workers were killed in a massive explosion in a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, California, including teenagers on their first day of work;

Two US letter carriers have died so far this summer from apparent-heat related causes. Such deaths are an annual event due to the lack of air conditioning in mail trucks and other basic precautions;

Two construction workers died in a Florida crane collapse;

One worker was killed in an explosion on a sewage boat in New York City; and

An Amazon worker was struck and killed by a truck in the loading bay at the companys JFK8 warehouse.

To this must also be added the countless thousands who have died after contracting Covid on the job during the pandemic, after being forced to work without any measures to prevent transmission.

The death in Vernon, California recalls an infamous scene from Upton Sinclairs novel The Jungle, about the Chicago meatpacking industry, first published in 1905. Sinclair wrote:

[A]s for the other men, who worked in tank-rooms full of steam, and in some of which there were open vats near the level of the floor, their peculiar trouble was that they fell into the vats; and when they were fished out, there was never enough of them left to be worth exhibitingsometimes they would be overlooked for days, till all but the bones of them had gone out to the world as Durhams Pure Leaf Lard!

Sinclairs book, which was based on extensive research, triggered a public scandal that resulted in some of the first federal workplace safety measures. These measures have been systematically undermined and eliminated over the past half-century.

There must be no more deaths in silence! The only force that will prevent another tragedy is the organized power of the working class.

The IWA-RFC calls for the formation of rank-and-file committees in every factory, warehouse, plant and industrial facility, in the US and internationally. These committees must be democratically controlled by workers themselves, independent of the corporatist trade unions, and committed to defending the lives and interests of the working class.

These committees will:

Investigate and expose unsafe conditions

Organize collective action to halt production when workers are in danger

Enforce strict safety standards, including lockout/tagout protocols

Defend immigrant and young workers from threats, retaliation, and exploitation

Fight for the abolition of child labor and the protection of all workers from hazardous conditions.

Such a movement requires a rebellion against the pro-corporate trade union bureaucracy. It is doing everything in its power to jointly impose unsafe conditions with management, suppress critical information, and prevent workers from taking action. In every collective bargaining agreement it explicitly accepts the right of management to organize production however it wantsno matter how many die.

Workers must reject this right, which is incompatible with their right to life.

This must be done in practice through mobilizing the power of the working class, independent of both parties and management lackeys in the unions, in a fight for workers control. The major industries must be put under public ownership, run by workers themselves to meet human needsnot to enrich billionaires. This means replacing the dictatorship of the corporations with democratic workers control. It means abolishing the system that sends teenagers into meat grinders and then covers up the evidence.

Only in this way can we put an end to the endless cycle of death, injury, and exploitationand secure a future for the next generation.

The WSWS urges all workers to submit reports of unsafe conditions at your workplaces. Use the form below. All reports will be kept anonymous.
Collingwood public housing

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has been campaigning against the Victorian Labor governments plan to demolish 44 public housing towers across Melbourne. The planned destruction will displace some 10,000 people, among the most vulnerable layers of the working class in Australias second most populous city.

Labors profit-driven demolitions, which are being carried out on behalf of the property developers and financial parasites, will be the largest destruction of public housing in Australian history. It is part of a sweeping assault against the entire working class and its social and democratic rights. The SEP calls on residents and workers to form rank-and-file committees to organise resistance, independent of the trade unions and the parliamentary parties, to stop this destruction.

SEP campaigners, who recently visited towers in the suburbs of Flemington, Collingwood, Carlton, South Yarra and South Melbourne, have won an enthusiastic response to this perspective.

Lady, a year 11 student from Flemington, with Taylor Hernan, SEP candidate for the Senate in Victoria

The SEP is holding a public meetingBan Labors demolition of Melbournes public housing towers! Fight for a socialist housing program!on July 27 in Melbourne and online to discuss how to take forward this struggle. Register for the meeting here.

Ali, a young construction worker and Flemington towers resident, said: It is disgraceful to demolish the towers. Ive lived here for three years, and its a good community. People help each other.

The government wants more money, which is why they want to demolish them and hand the land over to private developers. The towers are closer to the city, and this area is an example of gentrification, so they will be able to sell new apartment buildings for a lot of money.

I work in construction and think its a good idea to turn to building workers, and that they should ban the demolition.

Riyad, another construction worker, said: Shame on the government for doing this. Theyre doing it because of profit through the big developers. They say theyre bringing in affordable housing, but it is not affordable. Its based on your income, but you can 100 percent be sure it will be too high. They want to put as much housing in the space as they can.

Shame on the government, they are taking advantage of vulnerable people. We live paycheque to paycheque, were not multi-millionaires, shame on them. My sister was kicked out of the one thats going to be demolished first.

Riyad also denounced the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) bureaucracy for blocking any struggle by building workers to oppose the demolition and defend public housing.

As for the CFMEU, I dont think they will help, he said. They havent taken any action. If you want to do something, the first thing you do is take action. They are powerful, but they dont think they would get any benefit by saving the towers. If they thought they would get benefit from it, they would do it.

We had demonstrations when the CFMEU was put into administration. All workers penalties, all our rights are gone.

Rick, a retired teacher, campaigned at the public housing estates with the SEP and spoke with residents. To pull these buildings down is a disgrace. Although they are austere, they are a generous space. When they were built, there was a clear idea they should be a dignified place for people, he said.

The quality of the construction is very high compared to contemporary buildings. They could be wonderful if refurbished and if the people who live here were treated with respect.

Rick compared the Victorian Labor governments demolition plans with the privatisation of the Sirius apartment block in inner-city Sydney. In a way, Sirius was a blueprint for this demolition. The NSW government claimed there was no structural integrity in the Sirius buildings. They said the site was too valuable to remain as public housing, and that it should be sold to fund new social housing elsewhere. There was a big campaign by the residents to resist.

The first step to closing it down was shutting down the communal spaces. In 2019, after driving all the residents out, it was sold for $150 million to private developers who converted it into luxury apartments. They now are being sold for prices ranging from $1.5 million to $35 million.

Daniel, a University of Melbourne student and a member of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, also participated in the SEPs campaign. This demolition plan is impacting the most vulnerable part of society, he explained. Youve got refugees, people with disabilities, the elderlya mixture of people with very precarious living circumstances.

Now, during the period of demolition, the so-called solutions provided to residents by the government are not sufficient. Especially for people that need access to care and support. These services are just not available when they are relocated to areas on the outskirts of the metropolitan area, which have lower infrastructure accessibility to transport, healthcare, even job search facilities. And all this is glossed over with this false promise of having a better future.

The towers are located around very desirable real estate and developing that land seems to be the priority for profits and extracting revenue from both the private residences and social housing that will replace the public housing.

This is an attack on the entire working class. Look at the current housing crisis for example. Whats the most efficient way to provide housing for a large amount of people? Its public housing, which means demolishing existing towers during a housing crisis doesnt resolve the issue but only intensifies it.

Daniel spoke on the way forward for residents: Its important to make clear that the only real alternative for residents is taking up the case themselves and fighting the demolition. Otherwise, they confront more expensive housing, privatised housing, less secure tenure and flexibility. The towers need to be refurbished, and more towers built to address the housing crisis. There should be more public housing, not less.

Register today for the SEP public meeting: Ban Labors demolition of Melbournes public housing towers! Fight for a socialist housing program!

WHEN: 3:00 p.m., Sunday 27 July

WHERE: Supper Room, Kensington Town Hall, 30-34 Bellair Street, Kensington VIC 3031

Or join online on Zoom.
Royal Air Force and United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs and EA-18G Growler, E-7A Wedgetail fly over the Northern Territory airspace during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. [Photo: defence.gov.au/photo David Gibbs]

Massive war games began across Australia last week involving almost 40,000 troops, missiles and other advanced weaponry. This years iteration of the biannual Talisman Sabre exercise is the largest yet, involving not only the chief participants, the US and Australia, but 17 other countries including Washingtons allies throughout the region and internationally.

Talisman Sabre is largely subject to a media blackout in Australia. The population is being kept in the dark, because what is being carried out would provoke widespread fear and opposition.

In its geographical scope, the number of participants and the aggressive character of the military operations being trialled, Talisman Sabre is a dress rehearsal for a US-led war against China. In addition to the tens of thousands of troops, some of the most potent weaponry in the world is being deployed to Australia, including the U.S. Navys George Washington Carrier Strike Group, F-35 fighter jets and long-range missiles.

The target of the exercises has been explicitly stated. In a feature article, the Wall Street Journal declared: The biennial exercise, called Talisman Sabre, is meant to send a message to China: The U.S. and its partners are ready to respond together to aggression from Beijing, which has been increasingly asserting itself in what it regards as its sphere of influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, who commands the U.S. Armys I Corps, told the Journal: Everyone is seeing the aggressive activities that China is doing. Thats why theyre more interested in what they need to do to protect their sovereign interests.

Australian Army soldiers conduct Tactical Air Land Operation as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Rockhampton, QLD. [Photo: defence.gov.au/photo Janet Pan]

The depiction of China as the aggressor and the US as the protector of sovereignty and international law turns reality on its head. The fascistic Trump administration is trampling on the US Constitution domestically, while dispensing with all pretenses of legal norms in international relations, from the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza to a tariff regime that has the character of an economic war on the world.

In reality, the Trump regime is escalating a more than decade long US military build-up in the Indo-Pacific, directed against China, because it is viewed as the chief threat to the economic dominance of American imperialism.

The line was set by Trumps Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who delivered a bellicose tirade against China at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in late May. Hegseth declared that Beijing posed a threat that could be imminent. Top US military commanders have predicted a war against China over control of Taiwan within the next several years.

Hegseth demanded that US allies in Asia immediately boost their defence spending to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product. Then, last week, on the eve of Talisman Sabre, the Trump administration leaked to the media its demands that Australia and Japan commit their military assets to participation in the war with China that is being prepared.

Talisman Sabre underscores that these are not simply words, but that advanced, on-the-ground planning is underway for how such a war would be waged. The participants in the exercise include all of Washingtons allies which would be involved in a conflict.

The UK is taking part, meaning that together with the US and Australia, all participants in the AUKUS military pact directed against China are involved. AUKUS includes the sale of US nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and a broader build-up, including plans for hypersonic missiles and other advanced weaponry.

India, whose authoritarian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has played an increasingly prominent role in the anti-China campaign is a participant. So too is Japan, which, with US encouragement has effectively jettisoned its post-World War II pacifist constitution, while embarking on its largest military expansion since that catastrophic conflict.

That means that Talisman Sabre also encompasses the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. The QUAD, which is a de facto alliance of the largest militaries in the region, the US, Japan, India and Australia directed against China, has provoked continuous opposition from Beijing.

Other regional US allies, including South Korea, New Zealand and the Philippines, are taking part. Several South East Asian nations, including Indonesia, have also sent contingents, under conditions where Washington is demanding that these countries end their balancing acts between the US and China.

Live-fire HIMARS training at Shoalwater Bay during Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises [Photo: defence.gov.au/photo Michael Rogers]

The global scope of Talisman Sabre is underscored by the involvement of the major European powers, including France and Germany. Both have embarked upon enormous military expansions and are centrally involved, alongside the US, in the proxy war with Russia in Ukraine. That conflict is widely viewed in Washington as a stepping stone to war with China.

Talisman Sabres exercises include a number of firsts. Missiles from the Typhon system, which have never been fired west of the international date line, will be launched. Given their range of 1,200 miles, they could fire deep into the Indo-Pacific, or if stationed in a South East or North East Asian ally of Washington, could reach into mainland China.

The Wall Street Journal declared that the system would be crucial if Washington wants to control important sea lanes around Taiwan in a conflict.

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, are also being fired for the first time on Australian soil. HIMARS, provided to Ukraine by Washington, have played a key role in the war with Russia. The truck-launched system is highly mobile. Again, the Journal noted approvingly that the US and its allies could use the system to hit Chinese targets from islands.

Drones are being deployed more in this iteration of Talisman Sabre than ever before, with the Journal and national security commentators drawing a direct relationship of their centrality to the Ukraine war.

In an exercise last week, 335 US paratroopers dropped into Charters Towers, in a night-time raid where they mock seized control of the small outback Queensland town. The paratroopers had flown some 10,000 kilometres from Alaska.

That showed we own the night, US Colonel Brian Weightman told local media. Our ability to fly halfway around the world, communicate in real time and drop combat-ready troops and equipment into an area should serve as a reminder to any potential adversary.

In another operation, US, Australian, South Korean, Japanese and French naval forces descended on Cowley Beach in North Queensland, staging an amphibious landing.

The Australian Defence Department declared this showed the ability of the US allies to use a diverse range of landing craft to get to shore, where they can secure a beach landing site and allow forces to push forward. The force had built a comprehensive battle plan, integrating doctrine and processes from the group of partners, to successfully deliver a battle group assault.

All of these activities are a trial run for what would be an offensive war against China in the Indo-Pacific. Already, the Australian military, as well as other regional US allies, are overhauling to prepare for a conflict that would be centred on the control of waters and islands off the Chinese mainland.

Significantly, Talisman Sabre includes exercises in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the first time. The largest state in the South West Pacific, and the only one with major port facilities that could service a military in time of war, PNG has been pressured to align ever more closely with the anti-China build up, by both Washington and Canberra.

The beginning of Talisman Sabre coincided with a six-day visit by Australian Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to China.

Albaneses government has completed Australias transformation into a launching pad for a US war in the Indo-Pacific, through a vast expansion of US basing, especially in the north and west of the continent where Talisman Sabres most potent exercises are being held. But his government and the ruling elite are clearly fearful of the implications of a full-scale conflict with China, which remains Australias largest trading partner.

A similar dilemma confronts a host of states throughout the region. But the clear message from the US is that the time for such balancing acts is over.

Talisman Sabre underscores the reality that what is already developing is a war that has an increasingly global dimension. For the strategists of imperialism, the war against Russia in Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza and associated attacks, including against Iran, and the build-up against China are fronts in a single worldwide conflict.

As in the 1930s, the major powers, led by the US, are responding to the breakdown of global capitalism, with a turn to militarism threatening a nuclear catastrophe.

The working class must respond with its own international strategy, based on uniting its struggles globally in a common fight to overturn the profit system and establish a peaceful socialist society on a world scale.
Jeffrey Epstein, March 28, 2017 [AP Photo/New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP]

In the aftermath of a politically explosive article posted Thursday evening by the Wall Street Journal detailing Donald Trumps extensive relationship with the billionaire sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have scrambled to defuse the crisis triggered by the Justice Departments refusal to release FBI investigative files on the Epstein case.

Release of the files could implicate hundreds of leading political and corporate figures, Democrats and Republicans, documenting the corruption and depravity of the entire ruling class. Six years after Epsteins death, supposedly by suicide while awaiting trial in a Manhattan jail cell, over a thousand victims have been identified, but not a single perpetrator who availed himself of Epsteins services as a procurer of teenage girls has been named by the government.

Trump and his MAGA allies promoted claims of a deep state conspiracy to cover up the scandal in order to protect leading Democrats, such as ex-president Bill Clinton, and pledged to release the Epstein file. But earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a two-page report declaring that no client list had been found, that there was no suspicion of foul play in his death, and that no further information would be released about Epsteins criminal activities.

This triggered an uproar from sections of Trumps fascistic base, including former White House aide Steve Bannon, Elon Musk, and social media pundits Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones and Laura Loomer, who demanded the release of the documents and called for Bondis resignation. Even House Speaker Mike Johnson called for the release of the files.

Trump denounced his MAGA critics as stupid and weak and claimed they had fallen for a Democratic provocation. But following the Wall Street Journal article, he announced that he had instructed Bondi to go to court to seek the release of grand jury testimony in the federal case against Epstein. Bondi promptly reversed course and on Friday filed in court for the release of the testimony.

This move, however, falls far short of the demand to release the FBIs Epstein file, which includes, among other things, reams of video recordings taken from Epsteins homes. Moreover, it is very difficult to secure the release of grand jury testimony, which is highly protected by the courts, and in any event would take many months of legal wrangling to obtain. The move has more the character of a diversion than a concession to Trumps enraged base.

Before Trump issued his call for the grand jury testimony, he posted on Truth Social a denunciation of the Wall Street Journal. He accused the newspaper of publishing a false, malicious and defamatory report and said he would sue the Journal, NewsCorp and Rupert Murdoch. He added, President Trump has already beaten George Stephanopoulos/ABC, 60 Minutes/CBS, and others, and looks forward to suing and holding accountable the once great Wall Street Journal.

Also Thursday evening, House Republicans, in a bid to appease the Republican base and preempt Democratic attempts to pass a resolution demanding the release of the Epstein file, obtained passage by the Rules Committee of a non-binding resolution concerning the controversy. The measure calls on the Justice Department to make available within 30 days documents, records and communications surrounding the investigation into Epstein, his death, and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The resolution has not been scheduled for a vote and it is not clear if it ever will be.

The Rules Committee resolution was also meant to deflect a procedural maneuver by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a Trump critic, to force a floor vote on the matter, a move that had drawn the support of at least eight other Republicans.

In a social media post, Massie denounced the Rules Committee resolution as a toothless gesture that would not produce any new disclosures. Congress thinks youre stupid, he wrote. The rules committee passed a NON-BINDING resolution, hoping folks will accept it as real.

Also on Thursday, the Wall Street Journal posted an editorial headlined No Special Counsel for the Epstein Files. The newspaper endorsed President Trumps opposition to calls for the appointment of a special counsel to look into the Epstein case and the suppression of FBI documents. It noted that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had said Thursday afternoon that Trump would not recommend a special prosecutor, and affirmed his support for this position.

The crisis within the political and media establishment over the Epstein case is bound up with the broader crisis of the Trump administration, facing mounting popular opposition to his assault on social conditions and democratic rights, and sharp divisions within the ruling class, particularly over economic policy. Murdoch has fully supported Trumps unprecedented attack on social programs and his dictatorial moves, but he has been highly critical of Trumps tariff war and his threats to fire Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell. At the same time, he has no desire to expose the pervasive corruption and depravity at the highest levels of the corporate and political establishment.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin's uncomfortable reaction to the viral couple who were seemingly having an affair has been captured in a new footage of the awkward moment.

The couple, who have since been identified as Andrew Byron, CEO of AI firm Astronomer, and his Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot, were caught in an embarrassing embrace when the kiss cam focused on them.

Following the drama, netizens slammed the viral couple, with many accusing them of cheating at the Coldplay concert.

Chris Martin Reacts With Regret After The Viral Couple Hid Their Faces From The Camera

New footage of Martin reacting to the now-viral couple from his concert has emerged.

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In the clip, Martin can be seen telling the crowd, "I don't know what to do" after spotting the couple hiding their faces when they appeared on the big screen during the show.

As the audience erupted with laughter after the statement, he added, "Oh sh-t, I hope we didn't do something bad."

Martin had previously been seen reacting to the couple being caught on camera in a different clip taken by a Coldplay Fan.

In the footage, he seemed to assume that the duo were having an affair, which their reaction and speculations online have seemed to confirm.

"Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy," Martin could be heard saying over his microphone as he stood on stage.

Netizens Slammed The Viral Couple Who Were Caught On Camera At The Coldplay Concert

TikTok | Instaagraace

Within hours of the video going viral, the couple was quickly identified as Andrew Byron, CEO of AI firm Astronomer, and his Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot.

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Byron's wife, Megan Kerrigan, was also identified, as netizens flooded her Facebook page with clips of the Coldplay kiss cam video, in an attempt to notify her of the alleged affair.

It didn't take long for Megan to remove her husband's last name from her social media page, ultimately deleting her account along with all the happy images of her, Byron, and their kids.

Unsurprisingly, the entire drama brought a heavy dose of reaction from netizens who slammed the cheating couple online.

"Why do people cheat? If you are unhappy in your marriage or relationship, there's the door. Leave it. Don't cheat. Gross and immature behavior," one wrote.

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"The way they reacted made it so obvious they were having an affair see how cheaters are not only pieces of sh-t they're also stupid as f-ck," another user said.

One more person added, "Having an affair and going on dates is kinda crazy because do you not fear anything?! Like nothing at all?!"

Kristin Cabot Was Praised By Andy Byron As A 'Perfect Fit' For Astronomer Months Before The Incident

TikTok | Instaagraace

Interestingly, Cabot had only joined Byron's company in November and had received praise from the tech ceo for her "exceptional leadership" and "deep expertise in talent management."

At the time, Byron also called Cabot a proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies, which, among other accolades, he claimed made her a perfect fit for his company.

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Meanwhile, Cabot echoed the enthusiasm in her own statement, sharing that she felt "energized" after conversations with Byron and the leadership team about the company's future.

She emphasized her approach as being focused on "people strategy," adding, the "real magic happens when you align the people strategy with the business strategy."

Cabot shared, "There are plenty of companies out there where a leadership team doesn't recognize the value that a strong people leader and people team can bring to a company. It's not just about benefits or catered lunches. There's so much more to it, and I was energized in my conversations with Andy and the Astronomer leadership team about the opportunities that exist here."

Astronomer Has Launched An Internal Investigation Into The Duo

Byron's software company, Astronomer, has since announced that it is launching an internal investigation into the viral video of the CEO and HR chief at Coldplay's concert.

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In a statement on LinkedIn, the company said, "Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability."

It continued, "The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter, and we will have additional details to share very shortly."

Coldplay's Record-Breaking World Tour Rolls On Despite Boston Kiss Cam Drama

MEGA

Despite the online buzz over the Boston incident, Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres" world tour continues without disruption.

The Boston show marked just one stop on the record-breaking global tour that has kept fans talking since its launch in 2022.

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The band's next stop is at Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 19. Tickets for the concert are reportedly already sold out, although resale tickets are still currently available on Ticketmaster.

The lowest-priced options are currently around $633 but can go as high as $1,795 for those looking to purchase floor general admission tickets closer to the stage.

After the Wisconsin stop, the band is slated to perform in Nashville (July 22) and Miami (July 26-27). Afterward, they will return to the UK for shows in August, with the tour expected to wrap up in London this September.
Netflix's newest miniseries, Untamed, is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing murder-mystery shows out there. Set in Yosemite National Park, it has stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife in basically every shot. But the thing about a 750,000-acre park where dozens of people have gone missing, never to be seen again, is it also provides a pretty darn spooky backdrop for a whodunnit murder show.

The entire series revolves around federal agent Kyle Turner as he tries to figure out who killed a young woman, later identified as Lucy Cook, inside the park. And while that's going on, we also slowly learn bits and pieces about Kyle's son, Caleb, who was killed inside the park years earlier.

After five episodes of build-up, the finale explosively unraveled every mystery and I, for one, was left shooketh. So who killed Lucy? And what happened with Caleb? And what does that drug trafficking ring have to do with any of it? Let's get into it!

Did Kyle survive getting shot?

At the end of episode 5, Kyle, having found video of Shane Maguire (the guy living on his own in the park with that massive gun) on Lucy's phone, goes to arrest him. When he gets to Shane's camp, he finds a pill bottle marked with an X on the topthe same as the bottles that were being trafficked around the park with the same X that Lucy had tattooed on her arm. While holding the bottle, Kyle gets shot in the side of the stomach. As to be expected, it was Shane who shot him and the two engage in a shootout through the mountains. With Kyle hurt and bleeding, Shane manages to catch up to him. But just as he's about to kill Kyle, Ranger Naya Vasquez saves the day, showing up in the nick of time and taking out Shane.

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Kyle passes out from his injuries but wakes up in a hospital where he's expected to make a full recovery.

Ricardo Hubbs - Netflix

Where exactly was Lucy between the time she went missing and the time she was found dead?

Lucy went missing when she was a little girl but was found dead many years later as a young woman, so we were all left wondering where the hell was she this whole time? Well, Kyle, now back in action, follows up on a tip he received about a girl who looked like Lucy having been at a foster home in Nevada years ago. He drives out to the home, and although the woman who lives there is elderly, living in hoarder-like conditions, and can't fully answer Kyle's questions, she does mention Lucy. Kyle also finds a depressing-looking room in the basement that locks from the outside where the foster kids would have slept all together with sleeping bags.

He manages to track down the biological daughter of the foster mom who explains her parents essentially ran the foster home as a side hustle, taking money from parents in exchange for housing their child. She says they barely fed the kids and kept them locked in the basement most days. She remembers Lucy and said she was in the home for a few years before she ran away. (Presumably back to Yosemite, since we see a flashback of her in the park with one of the other nomads who lives there.)





Watch 'Untamed' on Netflix

$2025.00 at netflix.com

So who killed Lucy?

The biggest mystery of the whole show is who killed Lucy? After Shane's sus behaviour, everyone assumes it was him, though we don't know exactly why. Kyle guesses that maybe she became a liability for Shane and the drug trade. But when Kyle is talking to the foster parents' daughter in Nevada, she mentions something: Lucy always used to say her police officer father was going to show up and arrest everyone and take her away. Something clicks for Kyle and he resends Lucy's DNA to be tested. He then goes to confront Chief Paul Souter. Turns out Paul had an affair with Lucy's mother years ago and he's Lucy's real father. When Lucy's mother was dying, she told Lucy the truth about her father. He was also the one who took Lucy to the abusive foster family (although he claims he'd been told they were good people).

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When Lucy ran away from the home, she came back to the park to see Paul, but he turned her away. He claims she kept coming back demanding more and more money, threatening to blow his life up if he didn't comply. One day, she took Paul's granddaughter, Sadie, from the house. Paul confronted Lucy at gunpoint, and she, understandably, tried to run away. Paul shot her in the leg but she kept running and made her way to the edge of a cliff where she then stepped off it, falling to her death. Filled with shame and knowing Kyle is about to expose him to everyone, Paul shoots himself.

Ricardo Hubbs - Netflix

And who killed Caleb?

Two of the show's background mysteries end up being tied together in a shocking twist. We find out via a confession from Kyle's ex-wife, Jill, that the man who killed their son was named Sean Sanderson. YES! The same Sean Sanderson who's been missing for five years, whose case Kyle was put in charge of at the time, and whose lawyer has been poking around trying to get info for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Kyle found out Sanderson was responsible for the murder because Shane Maguire caught him on some wildlife cameras he'd put up in the park, and Shane showed the footage to Kyle. Shane offered to kill Sanderson, but Kyle said no. Jill, though, not wanting to have to go through a trial and listen to Sanderson try to defend himself, paid Shane to do the deed. Kyle only found out what happened when Sanderson was reported missing, and Jill says it was this betrayal that led to their divorceanother mini plot twist, considering we were led to believe it was likely Kyle who was responsible for their separation.

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If youve seen Eddington, you know the scene. Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) is hosting a barbecue for his supporters at his New Mexico home when his nemesis and re-election opponent, Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix), arrives to disrupt the event. Katy Perrys 2010 hit Firework is blasting as Cross struts toward Garcia to demand he turn it down, leading to a stand-off.

On this weeks episode of the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, writer/director Ari Aster broke down the scene that is sure to become one of his most memorable.

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The truth is, that wasnt the first song we tried, said Aster. We tried to get Empire State of Mind, the Jay-Z, Alicia Keys [track].

On the podcast, Aster discussed how, in casting Pascal, he wanted to play into and off of just how beloved the internets daddy had become to the audience. With Mayor Ted, Aster created a charming, but hypocritical progressive politician who campaigns on bringing the small western town into the economic and tech future, but is ultimately just selling it out to an Amazon-Google-like tech giant (the fictional solidgoldmagikarp corporation) that wants to build an enormous, energy-sucking data center in the Eddington desert. Empire State of Mind played perfectly for Asters dark humor.

That was, for me, the funniest thing in the world, was this party, in this tiny town in New Mexico, and just this New York anthem playing. It just felt like what Pedro Pascals character would absolutely have been playing at that party, said Aster. It was so funny to me, nothing made me laugh harder than that.

In addition to the humor, Aster fell in love with the way the scene worked when set to the NYC anthem, but the Eddington team was never able to secure the rights.

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I think [Jay-Z] was distracted at the moment, and didnt have a chance to actually watch the film, said Aster.  Then it became, Okay, so what do we use? And we went through hundreds of songs.

Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in Eddington A24

Prior to the scene, Cross had publicly accused Garcia of sexually assaulting his wife Louise (Emma Stone), and comes to the party ready to throw his weight around, but on his walk toward the confrontation, he sees an interview clip of Louise declaring him a liar.

Shot in a long, continuous camera following Phoenix, the rollercoaster of emotions his character experiences on his anger-fueled walk down the long outdoor porch to confront Garcia, and the humiliating retreat back to his truck  after getting slapped and the music being cranked even louder  is embodied in the use of the Perry track. Aster discussed how sound and score were used to capture Crosss world unraveling in the second half of the film. While Firework could replace the cultural and humor aspects brought by Empire State of Mind, Aster discovered he could mix it into his film in a way that marked another sonic beat in his protagonists descent.

I wanted a song that kind of represented the culture, and have the culture like pounding in your ear. Theres a great bass to [Firework], and when you push the bass, its really queasy-making. It was very exciting to land on that, said Aster.

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A24s Eddington is now in theaters.

To hear Ari Asters full interview, subscribe to the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

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The Narrow Road To The Deep North stars Jacob Elordi and Odessa Young. | Credit: Prime Video/Curio Pictures/Sony Pictures Television

The Narrow Road To The Deep North is a sweeping Australian saga that brings to life the bestseller by Richard Flanagan. Coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the five-parter follows the life of Dorrigo Evans, played by Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, from the passion of his first love, through his time as a prisoner of war in occupied Burma, to his later years as a revered surgeon and reluctant war hero. The Damneds Odessa Young plays Amy Mulvaney, Dorrigos true love, while Belfast and Kin star Ciaran Hinds portrays Dorrigo as an older man.

Heres everything you need to know about the BBC One drama The Narrow Road To The Deep North

The Narrow Road to the Deep North release date

The Narrow Road To The Deep North is a five-part series that will be shown in the UK on BBC1 from Sunday 20 July 2025 at 9pm with epiosdes running weekly at the same time and available as a box set drop on BBCiPlayer.

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The Narrow Road To The Deep North was released on Prime Video in the US from Friday April 18 2025.

How to watch The Narrow Road to the Deep North: stream the Aussie drama series online

The Narrow Road To The Deep North plot

The Narrow Road To The Deep North follows Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans (Jacob Elordi as younger Dorrigo and Ciaran Hinds) as the older man, who in his old age is recognized as a war hero. But he finds his fame at odds with his feelings of guilt and failure and he's haunted by his memories of an illicit love affair with his uncle's wife and his experiences as a Japanese prisoner of war forced to work on the notorious Burma Death Railway, where one in three workers died during its construction. The series should follow the same plot as the novel, although there may be some differences. Life in the prison camp is terrible, with Allied soldiers suffering from malnutrition, disease and brutal treatment at the hands of their Japanese guards.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North cast  Jacob Elordi on playing Dorrigo

Jacob Elordi plays the self-loathing doctor, Dorrigo Evans as a young man. He says: "Theres an inherent stoic selfishness to Dorrigo. Hes like a man on an odyssey all his life  a singular heros journey  thats his greatest flaw. But its what got him through the war."

Preparing for those wartime scenes proved a real challenge for the cast, yet it was one Jacob relished. "We had a six-week prisoner bootcamp beforehand to lose weight," he says. Theres something that happens when youre hungry, all you can think about are the men that are in front of you, if they're going to be okay and where your next meal is coming from."

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* Jacob Elordi starred in the hit 2023 movie Saltburn and played Elvis in the 2023 film Priscilla. Jacob has also been in The Kissing Booth, Euphoria, Deep Water and On Swift Horses.

Jacob Elordi in Saltburn. | Credit: Courtesy of MGM and Amazon Studios

Who else is starring in The Narrow Road to the Deep North?

Odessa Young (The Damned, The Staircase) plays Dorrigos lover Amy. Ciaran Hinds (Kin, Belfast, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) is playing Dorrigo Evans in his later years. Masa Yamaguchi, Max Berkman, Brendan Kelly, Joel Aaron Baker and Luca Timpano Bilbatua round out the cast.

Ciaran Hinds (on right) in Kin. | Credit: AMC+

All about the The Narrow Road to the Deep North novel

"The Narrow Road to the Deep North" was written by Tasmanian author, historian and film director Richard Flanagan. It was his sixth novel and won the 2014 Booker Prize. Flanagan has said that the book was inspired by his fathers experience as a Japanese prisoner of war. He has also written Question 7, The Sound of One Hand Clapping, Death of a River Guide and Goulds Book of Fish.

Is there a trailer?

No not yet but when the BBC releases one, well post it up on here.

Behind the scenes and more on The Narrow Road to the Deep North

The Narrow Road to the Deep North is produced by Curio Pictures and distributed globally by Sony Pictures Television. The series is directed by Justin Kurzel and adapted by writer Shaun Grant from Richard Flanagans Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. Porter, Gardner, Kurzel, Grant and Flanagan are also executive producers, with Alexandra Taussig producing. Principal production funding is provided by Screen Australia, with assistance from the NSW Government through Screen NSWs Made in NSW and PDV Funds.

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Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, says: The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a complex, beautiful, and heart-wrenching series which sensitively interweaves several stages in the life of surgeon Dorrigo Evans, from the passion of first love, to the unflinching depiction of life as a prisoner of war in occupied Burma. We are so very pleased to bring this truly exceptional adaptation to BBC viewers.

Curio Pictures Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner, who both serve as executive producers, say: The Narrow Road to the Deep North is an epic tale of the sustaining power of love under the harshest of circumstances. Curio is honored to help bring to this spectacular story to life with creators Shaun Grant and Justin Kurzel, novelist Richard Flanagan and our brilliant cast and crew We cant wait for audiences to see it.
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! There Will Be Signs

Constructor: Rebecca Goldstein

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

July 19, 2025

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

ACLU (4A: "A threat to any minority is a threat to all minorities" org.) I'm always happy to highlight the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the legal advocacy work they do. Believing that "a threat to any minority is a threat to all minorities," the ACLU works to protect the rights of those segments of the population who have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color, women, gay and transgender people, prisoners, immigrants, and people with disabilities.

IDIOM (8A: Phrase that might be tough to translate) and AXIOMS (44D: Self-evident truths) Although the words IDIOM and AXIOM sound similar, their meanings are quite different. An IDIOM is a phrase whose meaning is not related to the literal meaning of its words. For example, the IDIOM "break a leg" means "good luck," not "I hope you hurt yourself by breaking your femur." AXIOMS are fundamental statements that are accepted as true. For example, "parallel lines never cross" is an example of an AXIOM, because if lines do cross, they aren't parallel.

SIGMA (16A: S, in the Greek alphabet) and SIERRA (50A: S, in the NATO alphabet) Well, this is fun! Today we have an opportunity to review both the Greek and NATO alphabets. And I'm a fan of the letter S, so it's nice to see SIGMA and SIERRA in the puzzle. Since we've started with the letter S, I thought I'd use my initials  SRH  for today's Greek and NATO alphabet review. In the Greek alphabet my initials are SIGMA, rho, eta. (Eta is the Greek letter corresponding to the "h" sound.) In the NATO alphabet, my initials are SIERRA, Romeo, Hotel.

SLOWS (19A: Heeds a yellow light) It's true, a yellow light on a stoplight means "SLOW down and prepare to stop." It does not mean "floor it so you'll make it through the light before it turns red."

UBE (19A: Flavor of some purple ice cream) UBE is a species of yam with a vivid purple color. The taste of UBE is similar to sweet potato or taro. UBE is commonly used in Filipino cuisine, particularly in desserts such as UBE cake, UBE crinkles (a type of cookie), or UBE ice cream.

GO FISH (40A: "I don't have any sixes" card game) and UNO (48A: Game with Reverse cards) Anyone up for a game of GO FISH or UNO?

STAIN (57A: Blotch on a blouse) I'm not fond of a STAIN on my shirt, but I do appreciate the alliteration in the phrase "blotch on a blouse."

LATTE (61A: Espresso beverage with the most milk) and AFFOGATO (38D: Espresso-and-ice cream treat) Care for a double shot of espresso? A LATTE is espresso served with steamed milk. Although a cappuccino is also espresso with steamed milk, a LATTE has more milk than a cappuccino, and is often served in a glass rather than a cup. An AFFOGATO is a dessert made by pouring espresso over (usually) vanilla ice cream.

SELA (63A: Actress Ward) SELA Ward has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In 1994 she received the award for her portrayal of Teddy Reed in Sisters (1991-1996). Her second Emmy Award was for the role of Lilly Manning in Once and Again (1999-2002).

SAMOSA (3D: Pastry that may be served with chutney) SAMOSAs are fried or baked triangular pastries filled with potatoes, onions, peas, meat, and spices.

DILL (9D: Herb in some kosher pickles) and BRINES (45D: Pickling liquids) This puzzle has multiple examples of pairs of answers whose clues are related. I always enjoy finding pairs of related clues in a puzzle. It's definitely not a requirement in a crossword, but it feels like a little "Eureka!" moment to discover such a connection. I'm also a fan of kosher DILL pickles, so this pair was a fun find.

TRASH CAN (24D: Oscar the Grouch's home) As I've mentioned before, Oscar the Grouch's home on Sesame Street is no ordinary TRASH CAN. Oscar's TRASH CAN is bigger inside than it appears on the outside (it's large enough to hold his 17 pet elephants!), and it has a back door that leads to his hometown, Grouchland, USA.

RACE (27D: The Kentucky Derby, for one) The Kentucky Derby is one of three horse RACEs that comprise the Triple Crown. The other two RACEs of the triple crown are the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday of May.

IT'S (28D: "___ a jolly holiday with Mary") "IT'S a jolly holiday with Mary" is a line from the song "Jolly Holiday." The song first appeared in Disney's 1964 movie Mary Poppins, sung by Bert (Dick Van Dyke) and Mary (Julie Andrews).

ITO (31D: Olympic skater Midori) ITO Midori is a former professional figure skater. She was the 1989 World Champion, and won a silver medal for Japan at the 1992 Olympics. ITO Midori has been ranked among the "Top 10 Greatest Female Figure Skaters of All Time."

LEMUR (32D: Primate from Madagascar) Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean. LEMURs, of which there are 103 known species and subspecies, are endemic (native) to Madagascar. LEMURs are recognizable by their large eyes, pointed snout, and long tail.

TOURISM (36D: Major industry in the Maldives) Maldives is an island country in South Asia. Located in the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka, Maldives is an archipelagic country of 1,192 coral islands, about 200 of which are populated. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia, but its land is spread out over approximately 35,000 square miles. The major industries in the Maldives are fishing and TOURISM.

GRU (40D: The Minions' boss) The animated movie Despicable Me was released in 2010, introducing the world to GRU (voiced by Steve Carell), a supervillain who turns out to be not as evil as he thought he was. Despicable Me also introduced the Minions, GRU's childlike yellow assistants. The most recent movie starring GRU  now a reformed supervillain  is Despicable Me 4, which was released last year.

CREOLE (46D: Leah Chase's cuisine) Leah Chase (1923-2019), known as the Queen of CREOLE Cuisine, was a chef based in New Orleans. In 2018, the restaurant Leah and her husband founded, Dooky Chase (named for her husband), was named one of the 40 most important restaurants of the last 40 years by Food & Wine magazine. Dooky Chase was a gathering place for Civil Rights Movement participants in the 1960s, and was known as a gallery due to its extensive collection of art by Black artists. Leah Chase authored three cookbooks: The Dooky Chase Cookbook (1990), And I Still Cook (2003), and Down Home Healthy: Family Recipes of Black American Chefs (1994).

A few other clues I especially enjoyed: VAX (49A: Protective jab) SNORES (2D: Goes "honk shoo, honk shoo") I GOT THIS (10D: "Let me take care of it")



Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis

HOME NURSE (17A: Medical professional who makes house calls)

MAKE SOME NOISE (37A: "Let me hear you cheer")

OH COME NOW (59A: "Good grief")

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THERE WILL BE SIGNS: Each theme answer contains the word OMEN: HOME NURSE, MAKE SOME NOISE. and OH COME NOW.

When my husband and I traveled together in the times before GPS, he was the driver and I was the navigator. (We learned through trial and error that this was the best system.) When our route wasn't clear from the maps we had available I would often say, "There'll be a sign." It became a bit of a catchphrase. And there (almost) always was a sign. This is all to explain why the title of today's puzzle made me smile as it brought back these memories. (Also, I am truly grateful for GPS and mapping apps.) The word OMEN frequently appears in crosswords, thanks to its 4-letter length and crossword-friendly letters. It was fun to see it as the focus of the theme today. Thank you, Rebecca, for this enjoyable puzzle.

For more on USA TODAYs Crossword Puzzles

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Crossword Blog & Answers for July 19, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher
CHEYENNE  Whether youre only in town for a little while, or youve lived in the capital city your whole life, everyone needs a change of scenery every now and then, especially during the hustle and bustle of Cheyenne Frontier Days.

And if youre an avid music lover, the sound doesnt stop at the arena in Frontier Park. Theres more than enough music to check out along with the Frontier Nights shows.

Outlaw Saloon CFD Afterparties

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Tonight through July 27, the Outlaw Saloon at 312 South Greeley Highway is hosting artists every night from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Theyve hosted artists well known to CFD and Wyoming, like Chancey Williams and Ned LeDoux, on CFD Afterparty nights for years, and usually have to have extra staff on those nights.

This year, Ned LeDoux, a native of Kaycee, Wyoming, and son of country legend and rodeo champion Chris LeDoux, is returning to the Saloon for two nights on July 19 and 20.

Other country artists coming throughout the week are the Frontmen on July 18, Graham Barham on July 21, the Atomic Punks on July 22, Ashley Wineland on July 23, Pecos and the Rooftops on July 24, Savannah Dexter with Brabo Gator on July 25, Lakeview on July 26 and Carson Jeffrey on July 27.

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A VIP pass that covers every night is $157, but general admission tickets are $17, and attendees must be 21 or older.

LeDoux Legacy

Ned LeDoux is currently on tour for his latest album, Safe Haven. Hes been a drummer most of his life and would still consider himself as such. LeDoux has performed multiple times on the Frontier Nights stage, as well as the Outlaw.

Not long after his dad passed away, LeDoux got more into singing and teamed up with Dustin Evans and the Good Times band.

Evans was kind of the one who urged me to maybe start learning a few songs on guitar, LeDoux told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. I remember one of the first gigs I played with him, we went back to our hotel, had a couple of friends over, and he started to play a few songs on his acoustic guitar.

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The Good Times Band and LeDoux have been performing and touring together since 1998.

Safe Haven, released in April, is all about his daughter, Haven, who passed away in October 2019 after a choking accident.

Shes all over this album, said LeDoux.

One track on the album, One Hand in the Riggin, also has vocals from his dad on the track. Before Ned LeDoux added his own vocals to the mix, he said there had probably only been three or four people that have ever heard Chris LeDoux sing the song solo.

It was one of the last songs that Dad ever sang in a studio, said Ned LeDoux. One of my good friends and Dads old producers walked up to me in Nevada during a cowboy poetry gathering and proposed it to me as a duet. So, we made it work. ... Dads not there physically, but I definitely feel him up there.

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Buckin A Saloon

You dont have to stray too far from Frontier Park if you dont want to, either; you can head to the other saloon in town: the Buckin A Saloon at Frontier Park.

Live music at the Buckin A Saloon starts at 1 p.m. and goes until midnight each night of Cheyenne Frontier Days, with the exception of the last Sunday.

Its a full-service bar inside a tent that can be found on the west side of the Carnival Midway. Anyone who paid for gate admission has free entry to the Buckin A Saloon, but they must be 21 or older.

Therell be a dance floor open, as well, for people who are into line dancing, or just wanting to get up and move before or after their CFD concert.

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From July 18-22, country artist and Florida-native Eli Mosley will perform, and from July 23-26, the duo Martin and Kelly will be performing with their full band.

For years, Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly have been featured as support acts for many mainstream country artists. Together, they have a five-song EP from 2016 and a single from 2020 titled Look for the Helper, but theyve been performing live all over the West since 2016.

If you like country music, live music, or supporting local artists, the Buckin A Saloon might just be the place for you.

Downtown Cheyenne

Fridays on the Plaza is still going on during Cheyenne Frontier Days, but therell be an additional concert on Cheyenne Day, as well.

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On Cheyenne Day, the Burroughs will perform with their opener, Third Rail. The Burroughs is a nine-piece band based in Greeley, Colorado, that describes their sound as sweaty soul music.

Third Rail, on the other hand, is a Cheyenne-based band that headlined the Cheyenne Day concert last year. Third Rail is a five-piece country band that performs a mixture of covers and original music, with a touch of 80s/90s rock.

Tonight, Real Deal Music opens for Digital Underground at Fridays on the Plaza. Next Friday, July 25, Hoobastank is the headliner. Theyre a rock band from the 90s, best known for The Reason (2003), that got their start covering music by Talking Heads.

Although Fridays on the Plaza may provide a break from the country music, The Lincoln continues the country streak with Whey Jennings and Shawn Hess on Tuesday.

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Jennings is a country artist based in Nashville who explores themes of addiction, struggles and finding sobriety in his music. His debut album, Jekyll & Hyde, was released last year.

Hess, on the other hand, is from Cheyenne and writes songs about love and heartbreak. Tickets to see both of them are $31 through The Lincolns website.

Theres a little something for everybody thats into the music scene during CFD.
Sullivans Crossing Returning in 2026: Heres Everything We Know About Season 4 So Far

Sullivans Crossing is finally having its day in the sun.

More from TVLine

Based on a book series by Robyn Carr (yes, the same woman who blessed us with Virgin River), the small-town drama recently became the No. 1 show in the world when its first two seasons arrived on Netflix. Just as they regularly devour Virgin River when a new season hits the streamer, fans cant get enough of this sleeper hit, which previously enjoyed a slightly quieter life on CTV in Canada and The CW in the U.S.

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The certified comfort-watch stars Morgan Kohan as gifted neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan, who returns to her coastal hometown when she finds herself  and her career  in a crisis. Seeking a fresh start, she also discovers new romance with handyman (and secret lawyer) Cal, played by Chad Michael Murray. And who better to cast as Maggies father than everyones favorite Gilmore Guy, Scott Patterson?

Little do many of those Netflix viewers realize, theres an entire third season of Sullivans Crossing that previously aired on TV but has yet to hit the streamer (that date remains TBD), plus a just-ordered fourth season already on the way. But what does the future hold for the residents of this tiny TV titan?

Read on for a breakdown of everything we know about Sullivans Crossing Season 4 so far, then drop a comment with your own hopes for Maggie, Cal and the gang. (And be sure to check back for regular updates!)

When Does Sullivans Crossing Season 4 Premiere?

When Does Sullivans Crossing Season 4 Premiere?

Though an exact premiere date for Sullivans Crossing Season 4 has yet to be announced, we do know that we can expect it sometime in 2026, both in Canada and in the U.S., according to The CWs official renewal announcement.

Who Is Returning for Sullivans Crossing Season 4

Who Is Returning for Sullivans Crossing Season 4

At this time, all five of Sullivans Crossings current series regulars are expected back for Season 4. That includes Morgan Kohan as Maggie Sullivan, Chad Michael Murray as California Cal Jones, Tom Jackson as Frank Cranebear, Andrea Menard as Edna Cranebear and Scott Patterson as Harry Sully Sullivan.

Who Is Joining Sullivans Crossing in Season 4?

Who Is Joining Sullivans Crossing in Season 4?

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No official Season 4 casting announcements have been made, but fans can definitely expect to see more of Liam (played by Marcus Rosner), who was revealed to be Maggies husband in the final moments of Season 3.

Is There a Trailer for Sullivans Crossing Season 4?

Cameras arent yet rolling on Sullivans Crossing Season 4, so theres no footage to show just yet. But The CW did release the cute little teaser above, announcing its 2026 return to the network.

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For decades, Hollywood has portrayed surf characters in its own way. And it's a hit or miss affairsome films very much understand the nuances of surfing, while others overshoot by a mile.

Some movies act as a sort of pastiche of themselves, too. These little tongue-in-cheek nods show that in some ways, the glitz and glam of Hollywood productions do kind of get it. Or at least they get the we-shouldn't-take-this-too-seriously element of surfing. Which is probably better than just kooking it.

Because sometimes, surfing can get stuck in its head a bit. Lost with an air of what is perceived versus what's actually happening. Here, we've collated a list of some of Hollywood's finest surfer personas.

Anne Marie Chadwick: Blue Crush (2002)

Michelle Rodriguez, Kate Bosworth and Sanoe Lake on the set of Blue Crush.

Ask any millennial surfer about Blue Crush, and the response is either love it or hate it. Released in 2002, this flick tells the story of Anne Marie (played by Kate Bosworth) as she trains to take on Pipeline.

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Blue Crush was notable for cameos from some of the core surf crew around at that time, including big wave surfers Keala Kennelly, Tom Carroll and Jamie O'Brien.

As for the actual surfing, having Kate Bosworth learn to surf and then paddle out at Pipeline was always going to be a hard no. Not just for Katebut for any beginner surfer. So the production crew brought in Rochelle Ballard and Noah Johnson, who wore a wig while surfing to look like the Anne Marie character.

The film, directed by John Stockwell, was based on an article written by Susan Orlean in 1998 called "Life's Swell," published in Outside Magazine. It was about a real-life group of young female teenage surfers in Maui.

Fun fact: Blue Crush also starred Michelle Rodriguez, better known for her roles in the Fast and Furious franchise. Michelle's stunt double was world title runner-up, Megan Abudo.

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Blue Crush may not be the best surf film ever to hit the silver screen, but Anne Marie has cemented herself as the woman who could, sparking inspiration for surfers all over the world for the past 20-plus years.

Related: 10 Surfing Movies Worth Watching on Repeat

Jeff Spicoli : Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). It was Sean's second-ever film.

All I need in this world of sin is some tasty waves and a cool buzz. That line pretty much sums up Jeff Spicoli, the cool, laid-back surfer portrayed by Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). This was one of those examples where Hollywood flexed its stereotypical bestand in fact, got some of it right.

Jeff is a slacker who puts fun and freedom above all else. He also has a rebellious streak and a nonchalance for the consequences of his actions, which only adds to his lovable character. These attributes combine to make Jeff an iconic surf character. He delivers so many classic one-liners, it's hard to pick the best one. Remember his interview with Stu Nahan? Well, Stu, I'll tell you. Surfing's not a sport, it's a way of life. It's no hobby. It's a way of looking at that wave and saying, "Hey, bud, let's party! These sentiments still resonate today. And long may they continue to do so.

Related: Must Watch: The Shocking Truth Behind "The Endless Summer"

Bodhi : Point Break (1991)

Bodhi (right), probably giving Utah another life lesson.

In Point Break, Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) is a far more interesting character than his counterpart, Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves). Bodhi takes the stereotype of surfing and warps it into a more extreme ideology, chasing the ultimate high through a life of petty crime.

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When Utah is sent undercover to bust the crime/surf gang, he quickly becomes enamored by Bodhi's philosophy of life. In this way, Bodhi becomes one of surfing's most beloved anti-heroes.

Point Break is still relevant today, particularly as an exploration of male camaraderie. Perhaps that's why the movie is so loved. Just as the popular TV series Friends appeals to the masses, Bodhi and Utah's relationship explores the depths of male friendship. It's also fascinating to watch Bodhi pursue happiness via such extreme measures; it makes for an interesting mash-up of living life to the fullest and a metaphor of letting go.

It's a more cerebral film than what first appears on the surface. We'll always be here for that final confrontation between Bodhi and Utah in the face of the 50-year storm.

Related: Who's the Next Big Surf Star? Rip Curl's 'Dunno' May Have Answers

Lance Burkhart: North Shore (1987)

Laird Hamilton, a few years later in 2008.

In North Shore (1987), Laird Hamilton plays the arrogant Lance Burkhart opposite protagonist Rick Kane, played by Matt Adler. Lance represents that aggressive, competitive side of surfing, whereas Rick represents the soulful side.

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This is the underdog tale of Rick, a young surfer who grew up surfing a wave pool in Arizona, and then decides to head on over to the North Shore of Oahu to test his mettle. It is here that he meets up with Alex Rogers (Robbie Page) and Occy (Mark Occhilupo). The trio surf together the next morning, and Rick quickly realizes that surfing in the ocean is a lot more difficult than in a pool. Rick then meets Turtle, who introduces him to shaper and soul surfer Chandlerand the pair try to bring the heart back to surfing in contrast to Lance's macho, heat-cheat mentality.

But Laird's portrayal of Lance left its mark, representing the darker side of competitive surfing. He's also wildly believable, perhaps cracking under the sport's pressure to over-perform. It's a multi-layered approach to the character, and in some ways, is one of the more relatable Hollywood personas, especially if you have a competitive mindset.

There's also that scene where Lance is surfing a board Chandler has made for him. Lance paddles in and says the board's nose is too thick and that he wanted a longer board. Chandler dryly replies that he only "makes boards his way." On the one hand, why is Lance surfing a board by a shaper who is known for making boards that way? On the other hand, should a shaper be forced to respond to the whims of a disgruntled customer? And yes, we know it's a narrative plot point to show Lance's lack of soul. But still, boards aren't cheap.

Related: And By The Way, Surfing Is Taking Over Hollywood

Chicken Joe: Surf's Up (2007)

Jon Heder and Rob Machado during premiere of Surf's Up.

Has there ever been a better animated portrayal of surfing than the brilliant Chicken Joe, voiced by Jon Heder? This legendary rooster is friends with penguin pal, Cody Maverick, the hero of Surf's Up. Yes, Chicken Joe's character is meant as comic relief, but he embodies the spirit of the laid-back surfer. He truly cares about his friends, and he steals every scene he's in.

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Surf's Up follows Cody's journey from Shiverpool, where he was a classic big fish in a little pond. He makes his way to the big leagues, competing against protagonist Tank Evans under the tutelage of soul surfer Big Z. There's a pattern of surf storytelling here.

Chicken Joe is Cody's pal, and he embodies the philosophy of surfing for fun. If you do, everything else will click into place. "You know, sometimes I just let the wave do all the work, he says about his approach to life and surfing. Directly opposed to "Dude, I have no idea whats going on, and isn't that the balance we all crave? He's one of the most enduring characters in surf movies.

Despite its cutesy handling of Hollywood surfing, Surf's Up is a legitimately good surf filmif you want to turn your brain off and just take it all in.

Top 5 Most Epic Surfing Movie Characters of All Time first appeared on Surfer on Jul 19, 2025
Luckily, you don't have to check those boxes of cake in your pantry. This isn't a food recall, but a discovery at customs. A few weeks ago customs agents at Cologne Bonn airport found about 1,500 tarantulas stuffed into cakes boxes.

According to Jens Ahland, press spokesperson for the Cologne Main Customs Office, it was the smell of the boxes that prompted them to be opened.

"My colleagues at the airport are regularly surprised by the contents of prohibited packages from all over the world, but the discovery of around 1,500 small plastic containers containing young tarantulas in this package left even the most experienced among them speechless," Ahland said in a press release.

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Some of the tarantulas didn't survive the trip, which violates animal welfare regulations. While he said it was an "extraordinary seizure," they're saddened by "what some people do to animals purely for profit."

Maja Ley, a spokesperson for the Cologne Main Customs Office, told the Washington Post that a majority of the tarantulas were still alive when they were discovered by agents. These arachnids were handed over to professional care.



The cake boxes were sent from Vietnam to a recipient in the Sauerland region of Germany. Because the animals weren't declared to customs and import duties weren't paid, criminal proceedings against the recipient are in progress.

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Editor's note: This story was updated to include the latest figures of people injured in the attack.

At least one person was killed and six were injured as a fire engulfed a residential building amid a Russian drone attack on Odesa overnight on July 19.

"The enemy launched a massive attack on Odesa with strike drones. Despite the active work of our air defense forces, there is damage to civilian infrastructure," Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper first said at approximately 1:01 a.m. local time in a Telegram post.

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Emergency services are cleaning up debris as a result of the attack, and casualty figures are preliminary.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a residential building had been hit, and that one person had died while six others, including a child, were injured.

"As a result of the attack, a fire broke out on the 6th to the 9th floors of a 9-story residential building. The fire was extinguished by rescuers along with volunteers," the State Emergency Service said.

Five people were rescued from burning apartments, but one of the rescued women died, local authorities reported.

Ukraine's Odesa Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

"All authorized services have started working on eliminating the consequences of the attack. Information regarding casualties is being clarified," Kiper said.

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Temporary shelter and relief are being provided at a local daycare where an operational headquarters has been deployed, Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov reported.

"Emergency services, the district administration, and Red Cross volunteers continue to work," he said.

Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks in recent weeks, prompting Kyiv's allies to toughen sanctions on Moscow and renew support for Ukraine.

Russian attacks killed at least seven people and injured another 25 in Ukraine, regional authorities reported early on July 18.

Read also: Russia steps up attacks on Ukrainian draft offices to disrupt mobilization

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A $1 million a year for life grand prize was won on a $50 scratch ticket purchased in Springfield.

The money will be distributed to the SFBLGLN1944 Trust of Quincy. The trustee, David Spillane, selected the cash option for the prize and received a one-time payment of $15.4 million, before taxes, according to a statement from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. Spillane said his client plans on investing the winnings.

The winning Lifetime Millions ticket was sold at Orchard Variety located at 152 Main St. in Indian Orchard. The store will receive a $50,000 bonus for selling the ticket.

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There is one $1 million a year for life grand prize still remaining in the Lifetime Millions instant game.

Massachusetts State Lottery

Read the original article on MassLive.
One person was injured in a shooting in northeast Charlotte Friday evening, MEDIC said.

Paramedics responded to the scene at the 6000 block of McBride Street around 11 p.m. Friday.

One person was sent to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, MEDIC said.

No additional details have been made available.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

WATCH: Child, 18-year-old hurt in Lincolnton shooting
DENVER (KDVR)  Police in Castle Rock said they are investigating an overnight shooting in the area of Castle Rock Parkway and Castlegate Drive North, after a fight broke out during a party.

The Castle Rock Police Department said its officers were dispatched to an apartment community at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, following multiple calls about shots being fired after a fight broke out in the parking lot.

Two shootings, stabbing overnight in Denver metro

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Police say the incident occured after a fight broke out at a party. One person was shot and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while two people who were not shot were also transported with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who can provide details is asked to contact the CRPDs tip line by phone at 720-733-3517 or through email.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa  One person suffered life-threatening injuries during a stabbing early Friday morning.

Medics were called to N 10th Avenue in Marshalltown just before 5 a.m. Friday, on a report of someone who was injured in an altercation. The Marshalltown Police Department said emergency crews later learned that the victim had been stabbed and slashed. The victim was transported to a local hospital but was later transferred to a Des Moines hospital due to life-threatening injuries. Police said the victim was reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities say airline passenger fought a flight attendant and tried to open exit door midair

Duckenson Augustin.

According to police, the suspect had fled from the scene before emergency crews arrived. A couple of hours later, at around 7 a.m., deputies with the Marshall County Sheriffs Office located the man believed to be the stabbing suspect at a Caseys on N 3rd Avenue. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Duckenson Augustin from Cedar Rapids, was taken into custody.

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Police said Augustin and the victim knew each other and that the altercation was an isolated incident.

Augustin was booked into the Marshall County Jail on a charge of willful injury resulting in serious injury.

Iowa News:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Washington Borough, Lancaster County, has over 50 baby skunks, seven bald eagles, a hundred other animals and one special 10-year-old girl.

Before I got into Raven Ridge, I got into birds, said Olivia Polaski. Every morning, Id sit outside and listen to the birds while I eat breakfast, and then I started to realize how complicated and cool birds are. So, I started doing more research into them, and then we found Raven Ridge programs.

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And she invited Raven Ridge to her birthday party, where she asked if she could donate all her gifts.

I was kind of taken aback, because thats not a normal thing for a child to ask for, said Bethany Polaski, Olivias mom.

She raised more than $100. She got so excited, her mom said, she wanted to continue.

So, she set up a stand with her friends selling lemonade and crafts they made. They got unlucky with the weather, but they persevered.

I was very successful raising money for Raven Ridge, Olivia said.

Why is the Susquehanna River water dark brown?

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She can teach a lot about animals: When owls flap their wings, they dont make any noise, but the hawks wings do.

Though this isnt only about animals.

She kind of reminds me a lot of myself, said Tracie Young, wildlife rehabilitator and director at raven Ridge Wildlife Center.

And just for the record, Olivia said, I want to be an animal rehabilitator, and I want to help save more animals.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.




NEED TO KNOW

Lizzy Wampler grew up in Missouri. She loved to spend time with her older siblings and enjoyed taking part in gymnastics and ballet

Though she dreamed of being an ice-skating princess, her life took a sharp turn after she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 9

Despite her fate, Lizzy is still remembered today by family and friends for her love and laughter







Elizabeth Lizzy Joy Wampler died in March 2018 at the age of 10, leaving behind a legacy of courage and love that touched everyone who knew her.

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Diagnosed with pediatric bone cancer called osteosarcoma just one year prior, Lizzy faced her illness with remarkable strength.

In a deeply emotional video recently shared by her mother, Jennifer Wampler, Lizzy is seen saying goodbye to her grandfather via FaceTime  a virtual farewell made necessary due to travel restrictions after he had undergone open-heart surgery.

In her final days, Lizzys family did everything possible to ensure those closest to her had a chance to say goodbye.

When Lizzy was first diagnosedshe didnt fully understand what cancer meant  she didnt have a reference point for it, Jennifer, 52, tells PEOPLE exclusively. She heard the word, but her focus was more on the pain in her leg and the fact that she just wanted to feel better.

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As a fourth grader, Lizzy initially experienced what seemed like normal growing pains, but soon she began to limp.

Her pediatrician took the symptoms seriously and ordered an X-ray, followed by an MRI and a biopsy. The tests revealed devastating news: Lizzy had cancer. Nothing could have prepared her family for that diagnosis.

They initially recommended amputating her leg right away, but we chose to transfer her care to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Jennifer explains. They removed five inches of her right femur and replaced it with a titanium rod.

Jennifer Wampler Lizzy Wampler in the hospital undergoing treatment. Lizzy Wampler in the hospital undergoing treatment.

At the time of diagnosis, the cancer was localized and hadnt spread, giving Lizzy a 70% survival rate. For eight months, she underwent intense treatment, including multiple surgeries, aggressive chemotherapy, and a major limb-sparing procedure.

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It took everything out of her, yet she never stopped smiling, never stopped loving others, Jennifer recalls. But the day before her No More Chemo party, we got the call that changed everything.

Scans showed the cancer had returned and spread to Lizzys left pelvis. Doctors discussed a possible hip-level amputation, but her right leg showed signs of relapse, leaving Lizzys survival rate at just 20%.

The cancer was relentless. Lizzy was in so much pain. She had to learn to walk again after every surgery. The nerve pain was unbearable at times, Jennifer says. Her small body was traumatized from the sheer volume of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries. And yet, she still chose to love. Still chose joy.

Jennifer Wampler Lizzy Wampler at Disney with Make-A-Wish. Lizzy Wampler at Disney with Make-A-Wish.

Lizzy fought bravely for 15 months. In her mind, the goal was simple: to walk again, get back to school, spend time with her brother and sister, and finally be a kid. However, one day, Lizzys oncologist told the family there was nothing more they could do.

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She was in constant, severe pain, relying on heavy medications like fentanyl and morphine. Her body was exhausted, and the care team focused on making her remaining days as peaceful as possible.

In the beginning, we didnt tell her she might die. We were clinging to hope. But as time went on, and especially after her recurrence, it became harder to protect her from the truth, Jennifer admits.

We were seeing other families lose their children, and Lizzy saw that too. The reality of what could happen became clearer, even without us saying it outright," she adds. "She was incredibly intuitive. She knew.

With two weeks to live, Lizzys family was determined to make her feel as comfortable as possible while saying her many goodbyes.

Jennifer Wampler Jennifer Wampler, her husband, and three children. (Lizzy wearing green). Jennifer Wampler, her husband, and three children. (Lizzy wearing green).

In those final days, I was starving for every moment with Lizzy. I knew our time was short, and I found myself doing everything I could to hold onto her  taking pictures, recording videos, just trying to soak in every part of her, Jennifer shares. I didnt want to forget a single detail  her laugh, her voice, her presence.

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A few of Lizzys friends came to visit, but it soon became clear that the reality was too overwhelming for other children to understand. It was simply too much for them to process.

With some family members living several hours away, not everyone could make it to see Lizzy in person.

My father-in-law had just had open-heart surgery and wasnt able to travel, so we made the incredibly difficult decision to let him say goodbye to Lizzy over video, Jennifer recalls. Thats the moment captured in the video. It was heartbreaking  but it was filled with love.

New Eden Studio Lizzy Wampler's family holding a photo of her. Lizzy Wampler's family holding a photo of her.

During the call, Lizzy told her grandfather, Dee, that she was going to miss him, but he assured her that they would see each other again. Dee died in 2021.

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"I'll see you again," he said over the phone, fighting tears. "I will see you in Heaven."

As the end neared, the signs were clear as Lizzy stopped eating and drinking and her body was slowly letting go. In those final days, Lizzys family remained close, holding her hand, reading to her, and cherishing every last moment together.

After asking her to be brave for so long, her family gently told her she didnt have to fight anymore; that it was okay to rest.

Jennifer tells PEOPLE she will never forget Lizzys response: "Mommy, what you're asking me to do is really hard. You're asking me to go somewhere youve never been and wont be for a while. Ill have to go without you.

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.

Lizzy died peacefully on March 15, 2018, at 3:30 a.m. She slowly took the breathing tube out from under her nose, gave me soft little kisses on my right arm, and gently laid her head down one last time, her mother recalls.

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I was the first person to ever hold her  and I was the last. That is a moment I will carry with me forever," she adds.

One of Lizzy's final wishes reflected her gentle spirit. When asked if there was anything she wanted, she simply wished to hold a baby. Her family made it happen, and the moment was captured on video.

Another deeper, more powerful wish of hers was to help others facing the same diagnosis.

Lizzy chose to donate her body to St. Jude, hoping it might lead to a cure for osteosarcoma. Her doctors confirmed the decision was truly hers, and although a full donation wasnt possible, her tumors were saved for research.

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Today, Lizzys tumor samples are being studied on multiple continents, offering hope to future children battling this same cruel disease, Jennifer reveals. Even in death, Lizzy wanted to give. She wanted her story  and her sacrifice  to help save someone elses child.

Following a friend's suggestion, the family decided to host a 5K in Lizzys honor, and what started as a small effort quickly grew.

Over 500 people joined the first race, with hundreds more participating virtually nationwide. The event raised $30,000, exceeding all expectations.

Since then, the annual Lizzys Walk of Faith 5K Walk/Run has become a powerful tribute. By the seventh year, more than 1,500 people took part, raising over $140,000.

New Eden Studios Lizzy's Walk of Faith Foundation supporters. Lizzy's Walk of Faith Foundation supporters.

Lizzys Walk of Faith Foundation aims to raise awareness for pediatric cancer by funding research for childhood cancer and providing financial support to families going through similar situations to the Wamplers.

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Know that sharing your story or helping others through your pain can be healing, Jennifer emphasizes. Theres power in using your grief for good  it doesnt have to be big or public. Just letting your love for your child shine through can bring comfort to someone else and to your own heart.

To date, the foundation has contributed over $100,000 to St. Jude through events like the annual 5K, and their book, Lizzys Walk of Faith: Finding Strength Through Her Struggle, ensures that their daughters legacy continues to be honored.

Lizzy passed away, still needing a cure. But her life  and the strength and compassion she showed through suffering  will never be forgotten, Jennifer tells PEOPLE. She taught us how to live with purpose, how to love through pain, and how to believe even when hope feels out of reach.



Read the original article on People
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD)  A Grand Haven restaurant is donating 100% of its proceeds during a four-hour window on Sunday to help the victims of the Texas flood earlier this month.

In an email to News 8, Jack Armstrong with Smokey Joses said all the proceeds from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. will go to the United for Kerr County, Texas fund.

Would love to have you attend and support a worthy cause, the email said.

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What to know as Texas search for flood victims stretches into a 3rd week

The flash floods killed at least 135 people over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with most deaths along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Camp Mystic, a century-old, all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, lost at least 27 campers and counselors.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It only took six months for many of his loyal allies to completely turn their backs on their leader, President Donald Trump. And as time continues, his disapproval only seems to be getting louder from within. Between Trumps handling of the infamous Epstein files, immigration and even his thunderstorm of executive orders and role in the war in the Middle East, Trump is catching it from everywhere.

According to recent polls, the presidents overall approval rating has been steadily dropping. And it cant help that much of the criticism is coming from his own party. Notable folks like podcaster Joe Rogan and Ga. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene are sounding the alarms and if youve missed any of the drama, dont worry. We got you covered with a full list of MAGAnites who are singing a much different tune.

Colo. Rep. Lauren Boebert

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Lauren Boebert demands a Special Counsel to investigate the Epstein cover-up and calls for Ghislaine Maxwell to be subpoenaed to testify:



"Absolutely. We need a Special Counsel and investigation into this if we aren't provided information. I want answers. Maybe pic.twitter.com/pJm3oS0BBS  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 15, 2025

As the days go by, more Republicans are speaking up and out against Trump as he continues to deflect about the release of the Epstein files. Colo. Rep. Lauren Boebert was once an avid support of the president, but it seems shes drawing a clear line between herself and the administration over the controversial files. She has called Matt Gaetz, who was previously Trump nominee for attorney general, to lead a special counsel investigation into the Epstein files, The Independent reported. There has to be a special investigation into this if we arent going to be provided information, Boebert said on The Benny Show. She added, I want answers and maybe that takes that special counsel to do so.

House Speaker Mike Johnson

WASHINGTON, DC  JULY 15: U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks at a press conference following a House Republican conference meeting on Capitol Hill on July 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Republican leadership highlighted the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, President Trumps signature tax and spending bill. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Although House Speaker Mike Johnson remains close with President Trump, he boldly declared that there needs to be maximum transparency in regards to the Epstein files. He also called for the files to be made public. Everybody wants the Epstein files, which is the real documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and anybody associated with that. We want the American people to see it, he said on CNBCs Squawk Box. This is one of the only times Johnson has expressed a separate view from Trump since his November election.

Commentator Candace Owens

ORLANDO, FLORIDA  FEBRUARY 25: Candace Owens speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at The Rosen Shingle Creek on February 25, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. CPAC, which began in 1974, is an annual political conference attended by conservative activists and elected officials. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Conservative commentator Candace Owens appeared on the Piers Morgan Uncensored show to finally admit she was wrong about the president. Trump came under fire  perhaps more than usual after joining Israels longstanding beef with its Middle Eastern neighbor Iran and launching missiles at its nuclear facilities. Hes been a chronic disappointment, Owens told British show host Piers Morgan. I feel embarrassed that I told people to go vote for him because this wasnt going to happen, and it is happening, she continued, referring to U.S. attack on Iran.

Podcaster Dave Smith

Screenshot from YouTube

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Right-wing podcaster Dave Smith is another MAGA supporter who came out to apologize for voting for Trump. Smith took major issue with Trumps handling of Iran as well. And in response, he said I supported him this last year. I apologize for doing so. It was a bad calculation. Smith continued, Trump should be impeached and removed for this. All of his supporters should turn on him. He even went as far to add, Its an absolute betrayal of everything he ran and campaigned on He is going to lose his coalition over this.

Former DOGE Director Elon Musk

WASHINGTON, DC  MAY 30: Tesla CEO Elon Musk listens as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Musk, who served as an adviser to Trump and led the Department of Government Efficiency, announced he would leave his role the Trump administration to refocus on his businesses. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Ever since Tesla CEO Elon Musk left Trumps White House as the head of DOGE, the beef between him and the head of state has been anything but civil. From Musks rant on X about how dangerous the GOP-led spending bill named the Big, Beautiful Bill Act is to his shocking claims that Trump is in the Epstein files, Musk hasnt been holding his tongue. The CEO even took responsibility for Trumps November win. Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Musk wrote on Thursday (June 6). Musk is seemingly over his alliance with Trump, and he announced plans to launch his own political party, the America Party.

Ohio Rep. Troy Balderson

WASHINGTON, DC  JULY 17: Representative Troy Balderson, a Republican from Ohio, attends a House Small Business Committee hearing on July 17, 2020 in Washington, D.C. The hearing is titled Oversight of the Small Business Administration and Department of Treasury Pandemic Programs. (Photo by Erin Scott-Pool/Getty Images)

Ohio Rep. Troy Balderson told his own district that the presidents blitz of executive orders was getting out of control, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Trump has signed over 170 orders in his second term so far. Balderson added, Congress has to decide whether or not the Department of Education goes away. Not the president, not Elon Musk. Congress decides.

Ga. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

WASHINGTON, DC  MAY 07: U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks during the hearing on Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Womens Sports held by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Subcommittee at the U.S. Capitol on May 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. The hearing comes after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February that withholds federal funding from programs that allow transgender women and girls to compete in womens sports events. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Republicans like Ga. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene had major critiques for the Big, Beautiful Bill. In the case of the Georgia congresswoman, a small provision in the bill took away states rights to regulate artificial intelligence, and Greene said that is a pure violation. This was of course after she voted to pass the bill to the Senate, admitting she didnt read that part of the more than 900-paged document.I am adamantly OPPOSED to this and it is a violation of state rights and I would have voted NO if I had known this was in there, she wrote on X.

Podcaster Andrew Schulz

Conservative podcaster Andrew Schulz is one of the last people youd expect to give props to Democratic socialists but oh how the tables turn. Like the others on this list, Schulz is having regrets about helping elect Trump back in office. He said The only party right now that to me seems America First is the Democrat Socialist Party. The president ran on a America First campaign, promising to make Americans a priority, but Schulz doesnt think hes doing a good job at it. He continued on the Flagrant Show declaring folks like Vt. Sen. Bernie Sanders, N.Y. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and N.Y. mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani are actually doing what Trump claimed he would. Lying to Americans is not America First,' he continued.

Ala. Rep. Gary Palmer

WASHINGTON, DC  JUNE 10: Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on June 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. The hearing titled Securing Americans Genetic Information: Privacy and National Security Concerns Surrounding 23andMes Bankruptcy Sale comes after 27 states and the District of Columbia are suing to force customer consent before 23andMe sells any personal genetic data after the company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

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Back in February, Ala. Rep. Gary Palmer said, lawmakers need to remind Trump that Congress has a role in governing the country. He said this in response to Musk joining Trumps administration and in response to Trump trying to dismantle key government agencies without Congressional approval. In some of these [cases], he has to work with Congress, Palmer continued. Although it might not seem like complete disapproval, its more than many of his colleagues have addressed in the past.

Commentator Tucker Carlson

WASHINGTON, DC  JANUARY 20: Political commentator Tucker Carlson attends the United States Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. (Photo by Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images)

Although the MAGA commentator Tucker Carlson says he still supports the president, his recent criticisms of Trump have landed him on the presidents bad side. For starters, Carlson did not approve of Trumps handling of the Iranian war with Israel. In June, he said Trump was complicit in the act of war. Hes previously called Trump corrupt and even went as far as to criticize the administrations refusal to answer his own questions. The fact that the U.S. government, the one that I voted for, refused to take my question seriously and instead said, Case closed, shut up conspiracy theorist, was too much for me, he said according to NBC News. In response, Trump called Carlson kooky.

Comedian Tim Dillon

Screenshot from YouTube

On June 12, Tim Dillon took to his podcast to criticize Trump sending military to silence Los Angeles protesters. Rubber bullets to the face, National Guard in the streets, so many things go so badly so fast, the comedian said. Dillon was once adored by MAGA, but now, hes become a strong critic of the administration. Later on, he added to his critiques. The immigration raids that are random are barbaric, Dillon said referring to Trumps self proclaimed deportation mandate. Its inhumane, and I think a lot of people feel that way.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins

WASHINGTON, DC  JULY 09: Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) makes remarks at the opening of a hearing held to examine a future without Type 1 Diabetes with a focus on accelerating breakthroughs and creating hope at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on July 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Breakthrough T1D)

Maine Sen. Susan Collins said the White House has gone too far by allowing tech giant Musk to lead in the White House, according to MSNBC. Collins also chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. She warned that if Trump continues to ignore court orders and flood legislation, she expects to see lawsuits. The senator added, A lot of these issues are going to end up in court. So far, the administration has been sued more than 100 times.

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON, DC  MAY 13: Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) attends a hearing on pharmacy benefit managers in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on May 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Committee met to examine pharmacy benefit managers and competition issues in the prescription drug supply chain. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

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Even the oldest, most traditional Republicans have been clapping back at Trump. Just days into the presidents second term, Trump fired 18 inspectors general, and Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley was not pleased by the move. He and Sen. Dick Durban sent a formal letter demanding answers as to why proper protocol was not followed in the case of the firings. While IGs arent immune from removal, the law must be followed, it read according to KCCI. The communication to Congress must contain more than vague statements. It must include sufficient facts to assure Congress and the public the termination is due to real concerns This is matter of public and congressional accountability and ensuring the publics confidence in the Inspector General community, the senators continued.

Podcaster Joe Rogan

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA  APRIL 12: Joe Rogan MCs during the UFC 300 ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Joe Rogan was key to Trump securing votes from younger generations. But now, hes sounding off after he claims Trump is taking the immigration crisis in America too far. You got to get scared that people who are not criminals are getting like lassoed up and deported and sent to El Salvador prisons, Rogan said during a podcast episode. He even doubled down on the sentiment, adding Its insane that Trump is not just targeting criminals and gang members but also the targeting of migrant workers.

Ky. Sen. Rand Paul

WASHINGTON, DC  JULY 15: Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) arrives for a confirmation hearing at the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on July 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Waltz, who was nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, previously served as the National Security Adviser. He resigned from that position after facing scrutiny for his involvement in creating a Signal chat that mistakenly included a journalist. This chat discussed sensitive plans for a military strike on Houthi targets in Yemen. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The Kentucky senator was one of the few Republicans who were openly critical of the Big, Beautiful Bill Act while it was still in Congress. If they want my vote, theyll have to negotiate, Paul said, according to NBC News. His major criticism of the bill came down to the fact that an expected $4 trillion will be added to the national debt. I talked to the President last evening after the parade, and were trying to get to a better place in our conversations, said Paul. And Ive let him know that Im not an absolute no. In the end, he stood his ground and did not vote yes to the bill. But Congress was able to pass it without him. And on July 4, Trump signed it into action.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino

LOS ANGELES, CA  OCTOBER 21: Dan Bongino speaks onstage during Politicon 2018 at Los Angeles Convention Center on October 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Politicon )

Among the most vocal against Trumps handling of the Epstein files is Deputy Director Dan Bongino who stormed out of a meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Guardian reported. MAGA leaders once promised to unleash the sealed files if Trump was elected to office. But now that hes been there for six months, many say the administration is trying to hide something. Bongino, who works in the FBI isnt here for it, however. Thats why he walked out. Now, his fate in Trumps administration is up in the air as he continues to be outspoken about his disapproval of Bondi and the Epstein files findings. When asked if Bongino was still at his position in the FBI, Trump responded I think so, CNN reported.

Podcaster Brandon Tatum

Brandon Tatum appears on The Stephen A. Smith Show on May 1

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Brandon Tatum once got Fox News and declared his MAGA hat has given me hope about America. Six years later, his thoughts on Trump and MAGA have changed. Tatum told a crowd at the Tampa Convention Center, I think that these people  and I dont know, for whatever reason, there could be reasons  but I dont think theyre telling us the truth about Epstein. He continued criticizing the president. That guy [Trump] was involved in something nefarious that implicates a whole lot of people. And my guess is that a whole lot of people may happen to be some of our allies and some people that we dont want to have a bad relationship with, he said, NBC News reported.








Jul. 18An 18-year-old was arrested in Hamden, Connecticut, for the May 14 homicide of Da'Meko Taborn, the Springfield Police Division announced Friday.

Darius Lewis had previously been indicted on two counts of murder, as well as felonious assault and discharging a firearm on or near prohibited premises.

Lewis waived extradition "and is expected to be returned to Springfield in the near future," police said.

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Taborn, 16, died after he was shot in the head around 2:25 p.m. May 14 on South Limestone Street just south of the Dome. He crashed a car into a house on the northeast corner of Limestone Street and Euclid Avenue.

Taborn's shooting death and a nonfatal shooting that happened 20 minutes later are believed to be connected. Police in the 200 block of East Euclid Avenue found a man with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center before his transfer to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

There have been eight homicides in Springfield so far in 2025, many the result of gun violence.

The Springfield Police Division, U.S. Marshals and police in Newhaven and Hamden, Connecticut, worked together in the arrest.

Anyone with information in the case can contact SPD at 937-324-7685 or spdtip@springfieldohio.gov.
HOLLAND, Wis. (WFRV)  A 21-year-old motorcyclist from Sheboygan County was flown to a hospital with serious injuries after crashing into the back of a stopped truck.

Around 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, authorities with the Sheboygan County Sheriffs Office say they were notified of a two-vehicle crash on County Road D, west of Six Mile Road.

According to the deputys preliminary investigation, a westbound pickup truck was stopped in the roadway for a road hazard when a westbound motorcycle crashed into the back of the truck.

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Cause of fully engulfed garage fire in Sheboygan under investigation

The motorcyclist, a 21-year-old man from Cedar Grove, suffered serious injuries and was flown to a hospital for treatment.

The other driver was not hurt. No additional details were provided.

Local 5 will update this story when new information is released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
DENVER (KDVR)  A missing 22-year-olds vehicle has been found in Jackson County, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which posted an endangered missing alert for him Friday.

Derek Pettigrew, 22, was last seen leaving the Fort Collins area on July 15 at about 9 p.m. in a blue 2015 Subaru Station Wagon with the license plate of JOS-519. The vehicle was found unoccupied on Highway 127 in Jackson County at milepost 6.

Possible human bone found in Westminster open space Friday afternoon

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Police initially reported that the truck was found on Highway 147 in Jackson County, but corrected the location. Highway 127 is near the border of Colorado and Wyoming, with milepost 6 near the intersection with Forest Service Road 895 and near Pinkham Mountain.

According to the CBI alert, Pettigrew is believed to be suffering from a mental health condition.

Pettigrew is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 155 pounds. He was last seen wearing plaid shorts, a black T-shirt with the letters TLD on it, black slides and a gray ballcap.

Derek Pettigrew, 22, was reported missing on July 18. He was last seen on July 15 leaving the Fort Collins area and his vehicle was found in Jackson County. (Courtesy the Colorado Bureau of Investigation)

Anyone who sees Pettigrew is asked to call 911 or the Jackson County Sheriffs Office at 970-723-4242.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  On the day a 22-year-old murder victim was laid to rest, Rutherford County deputies arrested the people they believe to be responsible.

It came as a bittersweet surprise for the young mans family.

2 charged after driver killed in shooting following road rage situation on I-24 in Rutherford County

The mugshots were a first look at the couple deputies suspect killed 22-year-old Noah Taylor.

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Glenn Branson and LaTashia McGowan are now in the Rutherford County Jail, facing second-degree murder charges.

Its devastating what happened to him, but I am happy the killers are caught, and I am happy theyre out from the streets so they cant hurt anyone else, Taylors grandmother, Tina Jacob, said.

When the news broke on Friday, July 18 that Branson and McGowan were arrested, Taylors family was heading to his funeral.

The shooting happened on Saturday, July 12 along Interstate 24 near the Davidson-Rutherford County line.

According to his family, Taylor was on his way to work when the shooting happened.

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Deputies said the shooting was a result of road rage.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Investigators havent released the circumstances of the arrest but said the couple lives off Legacy Court in Smyrna.

Branson is in jail on a $1 million bond, and McGowans bond is set at $250,000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
In what could be one of the last visits by journalists to Pokrovsk, the Kyiv Independent spent 24 hours in the front-line city, embedded with a drone team of Ukraines 68th Jaeger Brigade.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Israeli soldiers killed at least 37 people near a distribution centre for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian medical sources on Saturday.

About 100 people were injured by Israeli army gunfire and shelling in the Khan Younis area in the south of the sealed-off coastal region, according to medical circles at the local Nasser Hospital.

They were transferred to the hospital from the al-Tina area in Khan Younis.

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The medical source said that the death toll is expected to increase due to the seriousness of a large number of cases.

The Israeli army said it was investigating the incident, in response to a query.

The controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is currently responsible for the distribution of food in the Gaza Strip. Supported by Israel and the US, the foundation began its work at the end of May after a months-long Israeli blockade of aid deliveries.

But the UN has criticized the fact that the foundation operates too few distribution centres and that people there and on their way to them are exposed to extreme danger.

Hundreds of people have been killed near the distribution centres and around aid convoys since the end of May, according to the UN.
On Monday, July 21, 2025, the 25th Navajo Nation Council will convene for the 2025 Summer Council Session, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber in Window Rock, Arizonathe capital of the Navajo Nation.

That morning, Council Delegates will complete the final leg of their traditional trail rides, arriving on horseback at the Council Chamber to mark the official start of the session. These ceremonial rides honor a longstanding tradition, symbolizing the deep connection between the Nation's leadership, their communities, and ancestral homelands.

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The 25th Navajo Nation Council welcomes all visitors to the Peoples House to take part in the 2025 Summer Council Session, said Speaker Crystalyne Curley. This years trail rides embody the deep connection our leaders maintain with their communities and the land, honoring our traditions as we prepare to address legislation that directly impacts the well-being of our Navajo people.

Before the session begins, Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, in collaboration with the Peshlakai Family, will host the annual Angels vs. Drunk Drivers awareness walk. The walk will start at 7:30 a.m. from the Navajo Nation Museum parking lot and end in front of the Council Chamber. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear. Refreshments will be provided.

The session will open with a presentation of colors by the Navajo Woman Veterans Color Guard. Miss Eastern Navajo Ateed Yazhi, Georgianna Begay, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem performed by Little Miss Ceremonial, Makayla Jones. Anthony Howard, Vice President of the Bahaslah Chapter of the Native American Church, will deliver the invocation.

The State of the Navajo Nation Address is scheduled to be delivered on Monday, July 21, 2025, as outlined in Title 2 of the Navajo Nation Code.

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The 25th Navajo Nation Council invites the public to attend the opening day of the Summer Session in person or watch the livestream. The session will be broadcast on the Councils official Facebook page (@navajonationcouncil) and YouTube channel (@NavajoNationCouncil).

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
The Washington State Department of Ecology estimates over 3,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel were released into the creek.

Crews removed the truck from the creek at around 5 a.m. on Saturday morning, but still advise residents in the area to monitor any symptoms of headaches or dizziness, as the gas may have entered the water supply.

Water usage restrictions are still in place, which include drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene in the area.

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The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe will be monitoring environmental impacts as the Washington Department of Health plans to analyze water samples.

Governor Bob Ferguson will be visiting the site in Clallam County at noon on Sunday.

The Department of Ecology says the tanker trucks capacity was 6,000 gallons of diesel and 4,000 gallons of gasoline.

Its unclear at this time what caused the tanker to crash.
WHITE SAGE, Ariz.  A trio of some of the most endangered birds in the world were relocated from their home in the Vermillion Cliffs of Arizona due to the White Sage wildfire.

California condors are the largest land birds in North America, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The White Sage Fire began near White Sage, Arizona, on July 9. The fire quickly spread, forcing the closure of the Kaibab National Forest and several areas nearby.

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By Saturday, the fire had spread to 58,639 acres and was 27% contained.

Grand Canyon's North Rim Closed For Season As Massive Wildfire Devastates Historic Lodge, Landscape

The White Sage Fire burning in Arizona on July 15.

There are roughly 82 GPS-tracked California condors located in the southwest region of the United States, said Tim Hauck, The Peregrine Fund's California condor program director.

California condors typically relocate themselves and fly north into Utah's high country during the summer months, so when the White Sage Fire started, the only condors they needed to watch out for were three mentor birds housed on the Vermillion Cliffs.

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"We knew that the fire started on the 9th, we'd been monitoring that," Hauck said.

Hauck said as the fire gained momentum up the Kaibab plateau on July 10, they decided to move the three mentor condors housed in a flight pen on top of the Vermillion Cliffs.

World's Oldest Known Wild Bird Lays Egg At 74 Years Old

A California poised on the edge of a cliff over a river.

"We've seen this before with the Mangum Fire in 2020," Hauck said. "They came through that same area."

Hauck said during the Magnum Fire, they were worried about being able to get the birds out. They didn't want to have that same concern again with the White Sage Fire.

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"We got there early and got them out," Haucks said of relocating the condors this time.

The condors are now being safely monitored at another facility away from the fire.

Theyre out of harm's way," he said.

Southwest Monsoon Season: What You Need To Know

California condors have been around for thousands of years, dating back to the Pleistocene Era, which ended more than 10,000 years ago.

"It's a very, very old species of bird," Hauck said.

Hauck said condors used to be native all across North America, from British Columbia in Canada, all the way down to Mexico.

But by 1940, the condor was restricted to the coastal mountains of southern California, the U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service reported.

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"They were down to just 22 birds left in the world in 1982," Hauck said. "So that's how close they came to becoming extinct."

California Condor in the Utah/Arizona landscape.

Hauck said by 1987, conservations collaborated in a "major effort" to get the condors away from extinction.

"We trapped every single condor in California and brought them into captivity to start a breeding program," Hauck said.

The California Condor Recovery Program is led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and is an international multi-entity effort.

In 1992, there were enough condors to start releasing back into the wild. They started in California, and started moving outward from there.

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Four years later in 1996, the first California condors were reintroduced to Arizona and Utah, Hauck said.

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Since the breeding program began, many organizations, scientists, zoos and conservationists have maintained an effort to rehabilitate the condor population.

The birds of prey still remain critically endangered, but the condor is heavily protected and closely monitored, Hauck said.

He said the Peregrine Fund works closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Arizona Game and Fish and the Bureau of Land Management to continue the breeding program.

A California condor at flight.

As part of the program, the Peregrine Fund helps release California condors raised in captivity into the wild each year, Hauck said.

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"We're trying to protect this species at all costs," Hauck said.

Hauck said at the end of 2024, there were a total of 566 condors, with 369 in the wild between Arizona/Utah, California and Baja California, Mexico.

For tips on things you can do to protect the California condor population in the wild, visit the U.S. Fish and WIldlife Service website here.

For more on the Peregrine Fund and their efforts, click here.





Original article source: 3 critically endangered California condors relocated during Arizona White Sage Fire
FAIRMONT  Three officers recently resigned from the Fairmont State University Police Department after allegations of unprofessionalism arose against its chief, James Bil McGahan III.

The Times West Virginian obtained copies of the three officers resignation letters.

The very department I sought to join has become a damaging source of disappointment and frustration, former Patrolman Russ Miller wrote. With the departure of Chief Jeff McCormick, I have watched the Fairmont State Police Department degrade into utter dysfunction. The work environment has become so toxic and unhealthy that it has affected several officers and it has become clearly the most hostile work environment I have ever encountered.

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The school appointed McGahan as deputy chief of police in September 2022 after he joined the universitys police department in 2019. According to Tanner James, general counsel for the university, McGahan was appointed interim chief in July 2023 and promoted to chief in October 2023.

Tanner confirmed three officers submitted letters of resignation after Spring 2025 Commencement. The letters contained a number of previously undisclosed allegations. The school hired the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson to conduct an investigation. They approached the individuals who resigned as part of the investigation but were turned down.

The investigation found that the claims were largely unsubstantiated, and none rose to the level of actionability, James said. Nonetheless, the University is taking steps to strengthen communication channels, clarify expectations, and reinforce a culture of professionalism and accountability across campus. As this is a personnel matter, it would be inappropriate to provide additional details or further comment.

Millers letter alleges McGahan had been creating a toxic work environment for months prior to Millers departure. The toxic environment led two other officers to leave ahead of the trio Miller left with. Millers letter alleges McGahan had been trying to establish a Legacy Department within the schools police department, replacing established officers with what he described as troubled individuals. On one occasion, McGahan hired an officer against the recommendation of two university police lieutenants.

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In his letter, Miller states that when he presented troubling behavior about officers to his lieutenant, he was told campus police was not a real police department and that he too could sleep and this was a retirement job.

Millers letter also alleges the department carelessly spent the universitys money. The department purchased equipment that was non-usable, such as meter covers that were the wrong size. The department also carried an officer candidate for nearly a year who was paid as a full time officer, even though he failed several attempts to pass the physical entrance exam to the academy. McGahan also allowed the candidate to carry a weapon while he patrolled alone, while being uncertified. He also failed a psychological exam, according to the letter.

These are both severe LEPS violations, Miller wrote. And a liability for the school.

The Law Enforcement Professional Standards Program within the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services trains and certifies law enforcement officers in the State of West Virginia.

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In another instance, Miller wrote McGahan almost cost the department its firearms certification, when McGahan didnt schedule someone to qualify the department. Miller wrote McGahan wore a SWAT pin, which ostensibly made McGahan eligible to qualify the officers, but when Miller asked McGahan, McGahan replied he was too highly trained and not allowed to teach a basic class.

Miller wrote McGahan also regularly forgot his service weapon in the bathroom.

The other two resignation letters carry similar complaints, some of which provide a different perspective on the same events. Two of the officers alleged retaliation whenever they brought issues to McGahans attention. They also alleged McGahan showed anger management issues and an unstable personality. Another complaint in the letters was rules for thee but not for me was a running joke in the department.

Fairmont State University takes all such concerns seriously and remains firmly committed to the safety of its students, faculty, and staff, and to maintaining a professional, respectful work environment, James said.

Miller wrote that McGahan bragged about having university President Mike Davis and human resources in his pocket.
This week, two out of three recalls to pay attention to aren't caused by foodborne pathogens. Both the chicken sausage and the yogurt below may contain fragments of plastic that pose a dangerous choking hazard.

Simply Recipes / US Food Safety and Inspection Service (4)

20,000+ Pounds of Chicken Sausage Recalled for Plastic Contamination

On July 17, Kayem Foods Inc. recalled approximately 24,173 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage products sold at major grocers, including Walmart stores in 27 states.

The company notified the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) that it had received three consumer complaints about finding pieces of plastic in its Al Fresco Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage product.

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As of July 18, no one has reportedly been injured after eating the contaminated product. However, the FSIS is concerned that the product could still be in your fridge or freezer.

Heres how to check if you have the recalled sausage:

Al Fresco Chicken Sausage, Sweet Apple with Vermont-Made Syrup

Date of Recall: July 17, 2025

Lot Code: 179

Use or Freeze By: OCT 01 2025 (found on the label on the back of the package)

Distribution: Nationwide

If you have this chicken sausage at home, return it to the store where you made the purchase and ask for a refund.

Simply Recipes / PR News Wire

YoCrunch Yogurt Recalled Nationwide for Containing Sharp Plastic Fragments



On July 11, Danone U.S., the company behind several beloved yogurt brands, issued a recall for all of its YoCrunch yogurt products. The decision came after customers reportedly discovered pieces of plastic in the toppers, which include mix-ins like Oreos and M&Ms.

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The plastic pieces are clear, can be as large as one inch in length, and may have sharp edges. The fragments can be a serious choking hazard, especially for young children. No variety or size of YoCrunch yogurt is considered safe to eat, the company said.

The list of recalled YoCrunch flavors includes:

Yo Crunch Vanilla Yogurt with M&M's

YoCrunch Strawberry Yogurt with Granola

YoCrunch Vanilla Yogurt with Oreo Pieces

YoCrunch Vanilla Yogurt with Snickers Pieces

YoCrunch Vanilla Yogurt with Twix Pieces

YoCrunch Vanilla Yogurt with Cookie Dough

The list of affected yogurts has expiration dates ranging from July through September 2025. For a full list of recalled products with UPCs and expiration dates, check Danone's press release.

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If you recently bought any flavor or size of YoCrunch yogurt, dont eat it. For refund details, call the YoCrunch Consumer Care Line at 1-877-344-4886.

Simply Recipes / Food and Drug Administration

Pistachio Cream Sold at World Market Recalled for Salmonella

On July 14, World Market announced a recall of 9.7-ounce jars of Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) tested samples of the product and identified traces of salmonella. The recall affects products sold at World Market locations in 32 states.

Salmonella is a foodborne illness that occurs anywhere from six hours to six days after eating a contaminated item, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can last anywhere between four and seven days. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and have eaten pistachio cream, head to the doctor.

The product was distributed between June 11 and July 9, 2025, in clear glass jars with the date code etched on the lid. Heres how to tell if you purchased the recalled pistachio cream:

Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif, 9.7-ounce container



Recall Date: July 14, 2025

Lot Codes: BATCH NO: 250401

UPC: 8 69652 10130 1

Use By Date: Best Before APRIL 01, 2027

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If you bought this product, return it to World Market for a refund or throw it away. If you have more questions about the recall, contact World Markets customer service line at 877-967-5362 from 7 a.m. to midnight EST daily.



Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  An investigation is underway into a fire that damaged a Providence home Friday evening.

Firefighters rushed to the Indiana Avenue home and found smoke pouring out of the second-floor windows.

Everyone inside was able to escape, though one resident was brought to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, according to Deputy Assistant Fire Chief Joe Paiva.

Paiva said four residents have been temporarily displaced, and the home doesnt appear to be a total loss.

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The exact cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

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ANDERSON  The Madison County 4-H Fair has long been a showcase for youth to display their talents and hard work in activities from woodworking to photography to raising livestock.

The fair, which returns next week, is also an economic engine that brings untold thousands of people into the county, giving the city of Alexandria and a host of local businesses the opportunity to interact with potential new customers  and perhaps future residents.

What that means for Alexandria is huge, the economic impact, said Clayton Whitson, president and CEO of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

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Any time you have that influx of people from not just all over Madison County but really all over the region, coming to visit and spend time, youre getting an opportunity to showcase the amenities and the business offerings that youve got here.

The fair, hosted by Alexandria since 1942, has long been a vital part of the citys identity.

The fair gives them an idea of who we are, said Alexandria Mayor Todd Naselroad. Were just a safe place.  Its a safe little fair to take the kids to, ride rides, see the animals. I feel like thats important to people with all thats going on in the world.

Time management, bonding keys for 4-H veterans showing livestock at fair

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4-H members make a variety of sacrifices to ensure their animals are ready to show during fair week.

Officials are reluctant to estimate the fairs economic impact on both Alexandria and Madison County, but advancing technology has allowed the Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau to assess where visitors are coming from.

According to data compiled by the bureau, at least 5% of last years estimated 46,000 fairgoers drove more than 50 miles to visit, with the average stay spanning more than three hours.

As a regional draw, its heavy all over the state, said Mark Thacker, executive director of the Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau. There are outliers from Detroit, Missouri, Southern Illinois and each tip of the state has people coming in.

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While origin points for fair visits tend to skew heavily toward Madison County, Thacker said the value of introducing more than 2,000 people to Alexandria  and the attractions in the surrounding area  cant be overstated.

Every time we get to introduce people to one of our communities, its an opportunity for us to shine, he said. I think a lot of people, especially locals, we have a tendency to take for granted what our neighboring municipalities have to offer.

Pape reflects on lessons learned over 10-year 4-H career

Sammy Pape now knows what it is like to have 10 years of 4-H under her belt.

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Businesses from across the county also see the fair as a valuable networking opportunity. A pavilion set up across the midway from the rides allows representatives from dozens of companies to greet people, give away items and collect information from prospective customers.

Weve got a lot of out-of-town businesses that come to Madison County and bring business here to Madison County, Whitson said. It gives us an opportunity to network with those folks and gives us an opportunity to try and pitch them on Madison County and relocating to this area.  Its kind of a business recruitment tool as well.
WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  Four West Jordan police officers have been found legally justified in a 2024 shooting that resulted in the death of 45-year-old Nicholas Kemp, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office.

On July 5, 2024, police responded to a domestic violence call in West Jordan. A woman had reportedly called 911 and said that her grandson, later identified as Nicholas Kemp, 45, had threatened to kill her, had an illegal gun, and had been served a protective order that day.

Police arrived on scene and found Kemps vehicle as he was driving. An officer attempted to make a traffic stop, but Kemp fired shots at the officer before fleeing. A chase then ensued.

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Kemp continued shooting at officers during the chase, police said. An officer performed a PIT maneuver at 1300 West toward 9000 South, and Kemp got out of the car, challenged officers at gunpoint, then got back in and continued fleeing southbound.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect killed in West Jordan officer-involved shooting following domestic violence call

Shortly after, an officer performed another PIT maneuver on Kemps vehicle. Kemp then exited his vehicle and began shooting at officers arriving at the scene. Four officers  identified as Officer Cullen, Officer Newland, Sergeant Julian, and Sergeant Lofgran  returned fire.

During the exchange of gunfire, Kemp was shot eight times. He was then taken to the hospital, where he died.

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Inside Kemps vehicle, officers found 51 unspent .380 rounds, an empty Ruger .380 magazine, a hatchet, a karambit knife, marijuana, and an open can of alcohol.

After conducting an Officer Involved Critical Incident (OICI) review, the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office has declined to file criminal charges for the July 5, 2024, use of deadly force by West Jordan Police Department against Nicholas Bryce Kemp, a press release from the Salt Lake County DAs Office states.

No further information is available at this time.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WAIKIKI (KHON2)  Public restrooms at one of Waikikis busiest beach parks have been closed on and off for months, and some community members said the shutdowns have seemed permanent.

HPD investigating restroom explosion at Camp Erdman

KHON2 found out what is really going on and what some said needs to change.

The public restrooms at Kuhio Beach Park sit locked, and they have been that way for months. It has left residents and visitors alike searching for a place to go.

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We hear its unacceptable, right. And the fact that its consistently broken is unacceptable and that we need to find a long-term solution. And its mainly on the residents that we get calls from, said Waikiki Business Improvement District president Trevor Abarzua.

The Citys Parks and Recreation department said the closures are not permanent, but they have repeatedly happened due to vandalism and mechanical issues. People flushed clothing down the toilets in one instance and damaged the below-ground system that depends on grinders and pumps.

The City said it has spent about $40,000 on just this one bathroom since 2022, and yet it currently remains closed. Folks in the community said they would like to find a longer-term solution.

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And we would like to put sort of a bathroom attendant outside. And weve seen a lot of cities do this. Long Beach, California, Santa Monica, California, Abarzua said.

Abarzua said the Aloha Ambassador program might be a good fit.

An ambassador presence that could go check in and actually clean the bathroom consistently every ten minutes, go in and do a cleaning, that would solve a lot of the issues. That would solve a lot of the vandalism, he said.

Reports of person taking photos of others at UH Manoa bathroom

Neighborhood leaders agree that something has to give from both the people who use the bathroom and City officials.

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Its a frustration for everybody. Its frustrating for the residents and the visitors and I dont doubt that its frustrating for the city of the same time, said Waikiki Neighborhood Board vice chair Lou Erteschik, certainly theres no excuse for vandalism. And, you know, if were going to have bathrooms, its supposed to be a nice facility for everybody to enjoy.

If we want the city to do their part to keep the bathrooms nice, then we collectively, all of us have an obligation to treat it properly as well. Lou Erteschik, Waikiki Neighborhood Board vice chair

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The City Parks and Recreation Department said through a statement:

We refer to this bathroom as the Ohua Avenue comfort station, as that is closest cross-street. It is one of two park bathroom buildings on Kuhio Beach Park, with several other park bathrooms within Kapiolani Park as well. This comfort station has not been closed continuously for six months, or even three years, however it experiences intermittent closures due to vandalism and mechanical issues. In particular, vandalism from people flushing clothing down the toilets or mechanical/electric issues with the bathrooms pumps. This bathroom is below ground so it requires its own tank, grinder, and two pumps to direct the sewage to the municipal lines. These closures have been numerous, lengthy, and can certainly give the impression of continuous closure; making this facility one of our most challenging. Most recently, we reopened the bathrooms in mid-January 2025 after repairs were made to the sewage pump. Unfortunately, that reopened period didnt last long and the pump issue required the buildings closure shortly thereafter. We are currently waiting for the new pump to arrive and be installed. Unfortunately, there is no timeline for that right now. The toilets can still work, but now the tank is filling up with the pump not working. So the bathrooms maintenance contractor has to pump out what was flushed into the tank. We are determining our next course of action with this problematic facility, as we have already spent some $40,000 in repairs to this one bathroom in just over three years. This could involve discussions with the Waikiki Business Improvement District. Fortunately, there are public bathroom facilities within decent proximity to this one; near HPDs Waikiki Substation (0.3 miles away) and on the Diamond Head-side of Kapahulu Avenue (0.2 miles away) just past the beach volleyball courts. Nate Serota, Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation spokesman

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Wall Street Journal report late Thursday added new scrutiny to President Donald Trumps relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Journal reported that Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell asked Trump and many others to submit letters for an album for Epsteins 50th birthday in 2003.

A letter bearing Trumps name included a lewd outline of a naked woman and an imagined conversation between Trump and Epstein, according to the Journal. In the conversation, the two men reflect on how they share some kind of secret knowledge about how theres more to life than having everything.

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Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret, Trump concludes in this imagined conversation, according to the Journal.

The president has denied he wrote the letter, and on Friday, he filed a libel lawsuit against the publisher of the Wall Street Journal and the reporters who wrote the story.

This is not me. This is a fake thing. Its a fake Wall Street Journal story, Trump told the Journal in an interview earlier this week. I never wrote a picture in my life. I dont draw pictures of women.

Trump added in a social media post after the story published: These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I dont draw pictures.

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Its been no secret that Trump and Epstein were friendly in the period before Epstein was charged with solicitation of prostitution in the mid 2000s. There are plenty of photos of them together.

But the new report  along with Trumps demands that his supporters stop pursuing questions about Epstein in the wake of his administrations botched handling of promised disclosures  has rekindled interest in the matter.

Trump has now relented a bit on disclosure, instructing the Justice Department to seek to unseal any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. (The DOJ moved to do that on Friday, but its possible that wont reveal much or happen anytime soon, given grand jury testimony is typically kept secret. And that testimony is only a small piece of the relevant information.)

So, what do we know so far about Trump and Epsteins relationship? Here are some key questions.

1. How close were they?

There are conflicting signals on this. And Trumps strained efforts to downplay their ties have raised plenty of questions.

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After Epstein was arrested and charged with sex trafficking of minors in 2019, Trump distanced himself.

Well, I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him, Trump told reporters during his first term. I mean, people in Palm Beach knew him. He was a fixture in Palm Beach. I had a falling out with him a long time ago. I dont think Ive spoken to him for 15 years. I wasnt a fan.

Trump then repeated twice more that he had not been a fan of Epsteins.

His account of not speaking to Epstein since the 2000s is backed up by reporting. The Washington Post has reported that the two men had a falling-out while competing over the same Palm Beach oceanfront property in 2004.

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That would place the falling-out before Epstein began getting in serious legal trouble; in 2006, Epstein was charged with soliciting a prostitute, and that same year reports surfaced that he had been under investigation for allegedly having sex with minors.

But Trumps suggestion that his relationship with Epstein was more incidental and his claim that he was not a fan of Epsteins has been called into question, including by Trumps own commentary.

Their relationship appeared to stretch back to the 1980s. Trump flew on Epsteins jets between Palm Beach and New York, according to flight logs. They socialized at each others properties.

The New York Times reported that, in 1992, Mar-a-Lago played host to a calendar girl competition in which about two dozen women were flown in. But the only guests present were Trump and Epstein, according to a Florida businessman who organized the event, George Houraney. (Trumps White House didnt comment to the Times for the 2019 story.)

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Most infamously, Trump in 2002 told New York magazine that Epstein was a terrific guy.

Hes a lot of fun to be with, Trump said. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it  Jeffrey enjoys his social life.

Former Trump aide Sam Nunberg told the Washington Post in 2019 that he had pressed Trump about his ties to Epstein in 2014 when Trump was considering a presidential run.

Bottom line, Donald would hang out with Epstein because he was rich, Nunberg said, assuring Trump had severed ties long ago.

Precisely how close Trump and Epstein were isnt totally clear. Was this just a situation of powerful men occasionally partying together and sharing Epsteins private plane because thats what rich guys do? These are social situations tough for most Americans to understand.

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But even if Trump really was somehow not a fan, hes made other dodgy claims.

In January 2024, he said on social media: I was never on Epsteins Plane  In fact, flight logs had already shown Trump flew on it seven times in the 1990s.

Trump also claimed in 2019 that he didnt know Prince Andrew of Britain, who has been the subject of Epstein-related allegations, despite a number of photos showing Trump with the Duke of York.

Trump often lies and misleads in his public statements. And he certainly has reason to downplay his ties to Epstein. But going too far in that direction undercuts your credibility and feeds suspicion about what you might be hiding.

2. What about Trumps most recent denial  of the Wall Street Journal story?

Precisely what the Journals story will mean going forward isnt clear  although its already rallied MAGA influencers who were critical of the administrations handling of the Epstein files to Trumps side.

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The idea that Trump would submit a letter for Epsteins birthday album isnt that surprising, given this was when the two of them were seemingly on better terms (2003) and that dozens of other letters were reportedly solicited. The idea that Trump would be lewd in that letter also tracks, given his past. (See: The Access Hollywood tape.)

But Trump  and many of those vocal supporters  have said this doesnt sound like him or something he would create.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer  whod called for the administration to appoint a special counsel to look into the handling of the Epstein files  quickly came to Trumps defense Thursday night. Everyone who actually KNOWS President Trump knows he doesnt type letters. He writes notes in big black Sharpie, she posted on X.

But while Trump maintains he doesnt draw pictures, his drawings have surfaced before. A signed Trump sketch of the Manhattan skyline sold at auction in 2017 for more than $29,000. (The sketch was reportedly from 2005, two years after the letter in question.) Another 1990s Trump sketch of the Empire State Building auctioned off the same year.

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And Trump in a 2008 book recalled donating an autographed doodle every year to a charity.

Of course, none of that proves he wrote this letter and drew the accompanying picture. But again, Trump is undercutting his own credibility. Why lie about doodling  especially since its easily disprovable?

And its possible we could learn more about this. There has been some talk about having Maxwell  who the Journal reported solicited the letter  testify before Congress.

3. Is Trump in the Epstein files?

Trumps efforts to quiet chatter about Epstein have only furthered suspicion in some corners that his name could be in the files his administration has failed to produce.

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We already know that Trumps name was in Epsteins flight logs. An Epstein personal address book that leaked in 2009 contained 14 phone numbers for Trump, Melania Trump and Trumps staff, according to media reports. A 2005 search of Epsteins Palm Beach mansion produced two written messages about phone calls from Trump.

So, its not inconceivable hes in the files his supporters have been clamoring for. Merely being named, of course, wouldnt mean Trump had done anything wrong. But it could create political headaches  as the fallout from the Journal story shows  and as demonstrated by Trumps very public reluctance to release more documents.

Former top Trump adviser Elon Musk alleged last month while lashing out at Trump that the president was indeed in the Epstein files, adding, That is the real reason they have not been made public.

But he provided no evidence for his claims and later deleted the post.

Trump was asked Tuesday if Attorney General Pam Bondi had told him his name was in the files, and he didnt directly answer.

Shes given us just a very quick briefing in terms of the credibility of the different things that theyve seen, Trump said.

4. What did Trump know of Epsteins proclivities?

Trumps 2002 comment about Epsteins taste for women on the younger side has also loomed over him, furthering theories that he might have known something about what Epstein had been up to.

That remains speculative and unproven. Trump also said nothing about underage girls; he cited young women.

But questions about who knew what and when with Epsteins conduct have long lingered. Trumps Mar-a-Lago property was a backdrop to some of Epsteins misdeeds. And Epstein and Trumps social connections often revolved around women.

According to Nunbergs 2019 account to the Washington Post, Trump said he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago because of misconduct. Nunberg said Trump said he did so because Epstein had recruited a young woman who worked there to give him massages. This was years before the Epstein investigation became public knowledge, according to the Post.

Hes a real creep, I banned him, Nunberg said Trump had told him.

Multiple reports, including a 2020 book by reporters for the Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal, have linked Epsteins ban from Mar-a-Lago to alleged overtures to the teenage daughter of a Mar-a-Lago member.

Late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre said she was recruited into the sex-trafficking ring while working at Mar-a-Lago in 2000.

Houraney also told the Times in 2019 that he raised concerns to Trump about Epsteins conduct ahead of that 1992 calendar girl event.

I said, Look, Donald, I know Jeff really well, I cant have him going after younger girls, Houraney said. He said, Look Im putting my name on this. I wouldnt put my name on it and have a scandal.

Trump appears to have been helpful to those probing Epsteins conduct, but we know little about what he said because he was never deposed. One attorney for Epsteins alleged victims has said Trump in 2009 was a very willing interview subject.

The attorney, Brad Edwards, said Trump gave no indication whatsoever that he was involved in anything untoward whatsoever.

5. Whats with Trumps weird 2020 comments about Maxwell?

While Trump in 2019 quickly distanced himself from Epstein, his commentary the following year after Maxwell was charged was different  and somewhat bizarre.

But I wish her well, whatever it is, Trump told reporters in late July 2020.

Despite significant criticism of that  wishing an accused (and later-convicted) child sex trafficker well  Trump a couple weeks later doubled and tripled down when pressed by then-Axios reporter Jonathan Swan on how odd that sounded.

Yeah, I wish her well, Trump told Swan. Id wish you well. Id wish a lot of people well. Good luck. Let them prove somebody was guilty.

Trump added, when pressed again: I do wish her well. Im not looking for anything bad for her. Im not looking bad for anybody.

Even for a president who often says weird things, this ranks near the top.

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Southern Utah has gained yet another attraction, with the $60 million Zion Canyon Hot Springs officially opening on Monday.

The new property  the third operated by WorldSprings  features 53 bodies of water, including 32 natural hot spring pools and a mix of mineral pools, barrel saunas, cold plunge pools and an expansive freshwater pool and whirlpool, good for the largest in the companys portfolio.

It was such an honor to be approached by La Verkin to create this destination and reopen public access to these special waters in recognition of our success launching Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, (Colorado), Steve Beckley, co-founder of WorldSprings, said in a statement. It is truly a full circle moment as this national expansion comes one decade after we launched that very property. What began as a single location has evolved into Americas premier network of natural wellness destinations, making the unparalleled healing power of mineral waters accessible to more Americans.

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Zion Canyon Hot Springs will offer exclusive access to the geothermal waters of the Pah Tempe Hot Springs, also known as the La Verkin Hot Springs, near the Virgin River, as well as a 21-and-over World Springs area made up of globally inspired mineral pools that replicate the therapeutic benefits of world-renowned healing waters, including the Dead Sea, Icelands Blue Lagoon, and Japans Hokkaido Hot Springs.

Speaking at the resorts ribbon-cutting, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox described the property as a great addition to La Verkin, the state of Utah and the United States of America.

The resort will bring 200 new jobs to southern Utahs economy, Cox said. He also referenced the hot springs as proof that development can also be an environmental benefit.

Zion Canyon Hot Springs is officially open in La Verkin!



This world-class destination uses natural hot spring water from the Virgin River for recreation, then returns every gallon of water cleaner than before. 200 new jobs created and a major win for Southern Utah's economy. pic.twitter.com/648LaKDoNM  Governor Cox (@GovCox) July 15, 2025

The Washington County Water Conservancy District offered a deal allowing the company to use about 2,000 gallons of natural hot springs mineral water per minute.

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Christian Henny, president of Zion Canyon Hot Springs, in March 2024 said that the company plans to use different water options to account for the mounting water availability concerns within southwest Utah.

For example, natural mineral water pools will feature flow-through designs, using Virgin River flows. There, the resort plans to capture loose debris from the river, but water will flow back into the river. People are asked to shower before entering to reduce any potential water quality issues. In general, he said the process of lowering the temperature and removing hydrogen sulfide from the water will improve the rivers water quality.

A release from the company said its system allows the geothermal waters to be refreshed as necessary for consistently clean water. Once the springs water has been used, it undergoes a final filtration process before being responsibly returned to the Virgin River.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox cuts the ribbon for the opening of Zion Canyon Hot Springs alongside the hot springs' manager Ronald Neumann, left, and La Verkin Mayor Kelly Wilson, right. | St. George Area Chamber of Commerce

The hot springs will be managed by Ronald Neumann, who has managed notable properties such as Great Wolf Lodge and Five Star Parks.

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Were excited to open what will be a premier hot springs destination in the U.S. and welcome guests to an oasis where they can relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature, Neumann said in a statement. I have opened and led luxury properties in Colorado, Washington, Illinois, Georgia, and Arizona and the Greater Zion community stands out as an incredible partner for their excitement and hospitality.

Access to Zion Canyon Hot Springs starts at an introductory price of $39. Additionally, to build a relationship with its new community and encourage the integration of regular soaks into their wellness routines the company is offering discounted entry to locals with proof of residency.

Were excited as we can be to have them come to town, La Verkin Mayor Kelly Wilson said when ground broke on the project. Its going to be a great facility for La Verkin and for the whole county.
ALBERTVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  Seven people in the country illegally were arrested in Albertville when a fraud warrant was executed at a restaurant, according to Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims.

Sims told News 19 that Xu Feng had a warrant out for his arrest from New York as part of a fraud investigation. Authorities identified him as a Chinese national here illegally, said he fled the state and was now working at the Chow King in Albertville.

HEMSI: One critically injured in motorcyle wreck

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Homeland Security picked up that warrant and referred it to the sheriffs office.

MCSO got with the Gulf of America Homeland Task Force and asked them to assist in executing the warrant. Sims said that Albertville Police also assisted.

Authorities executed the warrant, took Feng into custody, and he is currently being held in the Marshall County Jail on an ICE detainer and for the NY warrant.

While they were there, they identified six other individuals who were here illegally, Sims said.

Sheriff Sims said that once an illegal immigration arrest is made, Homeland Security has the power to check everyones citizenship.

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When you go in somewhere and you make an arrest and you already have probable cause, reasonable suspicion that there may be other people there illegally, ICE has the authority to check their immigration status, Sims said.

He said that three of them were Guatemalan nationals and three were Mexican nationals. ICE took those six individuals into custody, and they were taken to the Etowah County Sheriffs Office, which is an ICE detention center here regionally.

Sims added that Feng will be extradited to New York while the other six men await their immigration hearings.

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The Brief

Two men are facing federal indictments for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after police recovered nearly 900 pounds of it.

Court documents say undercover police tracked the two after a controlled buy and arrested them in Minneapolis.

The bust was one of the largest meth seizures in Minnesota history.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Federal prosecutors have indicted two men in connection with one of the largest methamphetamine busts in the history of Minnesota.

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Joel Casas-Santiago, 46, and Guillermo Mercado-Charparro, 44, are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Mercado-Charparro is also charged with illegal reentry by a removed alien. Investigators say neither of the men have any ties to the Twin Cities area and are associated with larger drug-sales organizations in Mexico, according to the criminal complaint.

READ MORE: Nearly 900 pounds of meth seized in Minneapolis drug bust: Charges

What they're saying

Acting United States Attorney Joseph H. Thompson released a statement that emphasized the historic significance of the bust:

"This isn't just another drug bust  its one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in Minnesota history. A 900-pound haul like this doesnt just show intent to distribute. It shows intent to poison entire communities. We will not let Minnesota become a distribution hub for cartel-scale operations. This prosecution is just the beginning."

Timeline

Minneapolis police say undercover officers bought a pound of methamphetamine from Mercado-Charparro on July 2, 2025.

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Police saw Mercado-Charparro driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck around south Minneapolis, presumably to make other drug deals, and got a court order to attach a GPS tracker to the truck.

On July 7, around 10:30 a.m., police say they saw Mercado-Charparro put two large bags inside a Jeep that was parked near the Tacoma.

Officers also reported seeing another man, later identified as Casas-Santiago, leave in the Jeep while Mercado-Charparro left in the Tacoma.

Court documents say police later found the Tacoma unoccupied in south Minneapolis while both men were inside the Jeep in another part of south Minneapolis. Officers then searched the Jeep and found 251 pounds of methamphetamine in garbage bags and a cooler. Police also found Mercado-Charparro still had the keys to the Tacoma on him.

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After returning to the Tacoma, police searched it and found another 638 pounds of methamphetamine. They also reported finding a suspected drug ledger with dates, vehicles and dollar amounts inside.

The complaint states that in a post-Miranda interview, Chaparro admitted to being involved in drug trafficking.

Police believe the estimated value of the recovered methamphetamine to be $1,700,000 if sold by the pound.

The Source

This story uses information shared in a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County Court and past FOX 9 reporting.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifelines specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth have officially ended operations. The move was made official Thursday and comes after the Trump Administration cut its funding.

I just thought about all of the kids who dont have the support that they should have, who dont have the community they need to have, and how alone they are now, Queer therapist Amy Hauer said.

The administration says it will still fund the wider 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  of which the LGBTQ+ youth is one part  and that all callers will receive compassion and help.

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This means people contacting 988 for help will no longer have the option to press three to reach counselors specifically trained to respond to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

It isnt just the loss of this resource, but its the broader sense of families and kids are under attack right now and thats scary, Hauer said.

The general 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline continues to assist thousands of people across central Ohio and the country, but local LGBTQ+ allies are concerned this move puts many young people at risk.

It says, hey, youre not important to us,' Hauer said. And what a devastating message for anybody to say to any kid, whoever they are.

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Hauer has been a Queer therapist for close to 20 years and has a gender diverse child. She said she feels the undoing of this lifeline sends a chilling message that the LGBTQ+ community isnt valued by the government. Shes concerned this is part of a larger pattern of erasing the very systems that help LGBTQ+ youth feel like they matter.

A lot of the folks that I see do struggle with suicidal thoughts, who do struggle with the sense of not being wanted, not feeling like they have a place, Hauer said.

Meantime, Netcare Access, a group that answers 988 calls for 22 counties in Ohio, said its committed to helping everyone in crisis.

Its disappointing that that isnt continuing, but I am confident that 988 will be able to answer all the needs and provide all the support, Carrie Wirick, Netcare Access Director of Crisis Lifelines, said. 988 is still very much here and very much were trained and we are compassionate to everyone.

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According to the latest data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, since July of 2022, around 16.5 million people have called, texted, or sent chats to the 988 lifeline. Of that number, nearly 1.5 million have been routed to the LGBTQ+ specialized service.

The specialized service rolled out as a pilot program in 2022 in a government contract with The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ people.

It worked, Wirick said. It was helpful, but we truly believe its run its course now. The important thing is that 988 is there 24/7 no matter where you are in the United States.

The lifeline what Mikala Eilken credits for saving her life when she had suicidal thoughts last year. As someone who has a transgender best friend and has lost her grandmother to suicide, she said shes upset by this move.

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LGBTQ+ community is like a big part of our community, Eilken said. That getting taken away from them is not good. Like they need those resources to help them, especially if theyre struggling.

According to The Trevor Project, about 40% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. The Trevor Projects free and confidential crisis services will still be available 24/7 for any LGBTQ+ young person by calling 1-866-488-7386. Crisis services are also available via chat clicking here or by texting START to 678678.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HEBRON  Hospital for Special Care has opened a new neuromuscular center in the town of Hebron, and to celebrate, it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The expansion of the center brings advanced diagnostic and treatment services for neuromuscular conditions to a new outpatient location.

This center will make care accessible for patients in Eastern Connecticut.

Led by Dr. Annie Daniel, HFSCs new medical director of Neuromuscular, she brings a number of years of experience with her in the field.

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The center will offer a full range of specialized services, including nerve conduction studies and advanced electromyography (EMG) procedures.

The Hebron Center adds to other HFSC locations such as the main campus in New Britain, a satellite in Hartford and a therapeutic riding center in Middletown.

With the addition of the Hebron center, this expansion will reach and reduce barriers to care for patients with complex neuromuscular conditions, including ALS.

The Hebron Campus brings nationally accredited neuromuscular care closer to home for patients who need it most, said Crista Durand, president and CEO of Hospital for Special Care. Its part of our continued effort to expand access, shorten wait times and reach communities that have too often gone without nearby specialty services. This new location reflects HFSCs broader mission: to serve patients with complex medical needs through compassionate, expert treatment.

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State Senator Cathy Osten expressed her pleasure with the opening of the new center.

Hospital for Special Care is answering a real need with this expansion, Osten said. Too often, residents in our part of the state have no choice but to travel far to get the care they need. This center will bring essential expertise to our community and improve quality of life for patients and families in eastern Connecticut.

Daniel said she is proud to be a part of an organization that leads with expertise and compassion.

Our Hebron Campus will deliver not only cutting-edge care, but also the clarity and confidence patients need to manage complex neuromuscular conditions and feel supported each step of the way, Daniel said.

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Daniel will offer a variety of nerve conduction studies, needle electromyography (EMG), single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) and other specialized procedures. EMG and peripheral nerve evaluation services at HFSC have an exemplary status accredited by the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM).

Daniel completed her medical education in India at the Institute of Medical Sciences. For her residency, Daniel completed it in the area of neurology at the UConn School of Medicine, as well as a fellowship in neuromuscular medicine. She completed a residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation at University Hospital and a residency in internal medicine at Saint Vincent Hospital.

In addition, Daniel is board-certified in electrodiagnostic medicine, neuromuscular medicine and neurology.

Daniel will join the New Britain campus next year. She has been a specialist for about nine years and was at Hartford Hospital before joining HFSC.

The center will further expand its neuromuscular team with the addition of Dr. Lucas Benchaya, who will join the Hebron campus this fall.
NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams told a group of business leaders privately Thursday night that he asked former interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon to obtain a medical evaluation and when the former federal agent refused he had to let him go.

A day earlier, responding to Donlons explosive lawsuit alleging Adams allowed NYPD top brass to operate as a criminal enterprise, the mayor called Donlon a disgruntled former employee but didnt mention any health concerns.

The new tack  questioning Donlons mental acuity  mirrors that of former NYPD spokesman Tarik Sheppard, who claimed to WPIX Thursday morning that Donlon was experiencing some cognitive issues.

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Donlons lawyer, John Scola, told the Daily News there is no record of a medical request by the mayor and said he is preparing a defamation lawsuit against the mayor and Sheppard.

The Mayors evolving narrative is as dishonest as it is defamatory, Scola said. If Commissioner Donlon was truly off or suffering from cognitive issues, why did Mayor Adams immediately appoint him to a Senior Advisor role at City Hall? These claims are false, malicious, and will be addressed in court.

Donlon told The News in an interview Thursday, referring to Sheppard, Hes just grasping at straws, its pathetic. Of course hes defaming me.

Donlon, a former federal agent who served as police commissioner last fall, sued Mayor Adams and top current and former NYPD officials earlier this week, alleging they operated a corrupt enterprise that rewarded cronies and punished enemies at the expense of both the public and rank-and-file police officers, a copy of the suit shows.

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Addressing the claims Thursday during the private meeting with the Partnership for New York, Adams initially said he wanted to explain what happened, according to Kathy Wylde, CEO and president of the business group.

He just explained that he had increasingly observed that Donlons behavior was off and that he was forgetting things, Wylde told The News. The mayor was advised by a number of people that this problem was going on and so the mayor sat down with him and asked him to see a doctor and get some medical diagnosis and Donlon refused and he had to let him go.

Scola noted this was the first time Adams has made such a claim. He did not broach any medical issue when he decided to replace Donlon with Tisch.

After Donlon was pushed out in April from the City Hall post where he worked on obtaining grants, Donlons lawsuit states he was told the position was being eliminated.

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You dont entrust someone with public safety responsibilities in one of the most powerful offices in the country if you genuinely believe theyre mentally unfit, Scola said. There is no record of any medical request, no documentation, and no credible basis for these after-the-fact smearsjust a transparent attempt to discredit a whistleblower who exposed corruption at the highest levels.

Adams declined to answer questions about Donlons mental state after a campaign rally in downtown Manhattan Friday afternoon.

Early Friday, Adams suggested the lawsuit was politically motivated, coming in the midst of a tough general election campaign in which the mayor is facing off against Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party nominee, and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

I see an alignment that the timing of this and the individuals involved, and there was clearly what appears to be a rush in this recent one, he said.

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If you read the 200 and something pages of a novel, typos, there was blanks. So it seems as though someone was trying to rush to get this out during this period of time, because any lawyer thats worth a dime would not submit something with typos, with blanks, with all of these errors on it.

Adams also declared, If you really want to get an understanding of Tom, interview him for 15 minutes  and then you tell me, whats your impression? What do you observe?

Pressed on what he meant by this, he said: Listen, I dont want to be biased.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is pushing back after Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno criticized a key provision in a bipartisan infrastructure law that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in all-new vehicles starting with the 2026 model year.

Moreno made his remarks during a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday for President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

I dont drink at all, Moreno said. And yet, in the infrastructure law, which has to do with roads and bridges, they snuck in a provision that, starting in 2026 model year vehicles, I have to have an impairment detection device in my vehicle before my car can start Why would I have to have an impairment detection device in my car?

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Firefighters rescue worker suspended 11 stories above Clevelands Public Square

Moreno also questioned the cost of the mandate.

That doesnt lower the price of cars, right? That raises the price of cars, he said.

MADD President and CEO Stacey Stewart called Morenos comments very disturbing, given the devastating impact of impaired driving in the U.S.

The truth is, 34 people die every single day because of drunk driving in this country, Stewart said. Ohio happens to be one of the worst states in the country (for it).

The provision in question is part of the HALT Drunk Driving Act, passed by Congress in 2021. The law requires the development of in-vehicle technology capable of detecting impairment and preventing the car from operating if a driver is above the legal alcohol limit.

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This law was passed after 16 years of work from MADD and our traffic safety partners, Stewart said. This is technology we need right now.

One such system, the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), is currently in development and expected to be ready for automakers by 2025. Stewart said that the technology does not infringe on personal privacy.

It doesnt collect data, doesnt report anyone to authorities and doesnt violate anyones data protection or privacy, she said.

Push to expose secrets in puppy mills: I-Team

Contrary to some assumptions, drivers wont have to blow into a breathalyzer

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The common perception is people would have to blow into something to start their car, Stewart said. But this technology is passive. It would use breath or touch sensors to detect if someone is impairedautomaticallywithout requiring any extra action from the driver.

Despite its urgency, the U.S. Department of Transportation has already missed a November 2024 deadline to finalize the safety standard.

We hope Senator Moreno will reconsider his comments, Stewart said. So we can inform him on why this is so critical to saving livesespecially in his state of Ohio.

FOX 8 reached out Moreno for comment and a spokesperson said the senators statement in committee speaks for itself.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL)  When Ron Townsend graduated from high school in 1966, he couldnt decide between the Air Force and the Marines.

My dad was in the Air Force. Hes an Army [and] Air Force [veteran], said Townsend. He was in during WWII.



I was supposed to go to Tuy Hoa and then our orders changed from Tuy Hoa, Vietnam to Da Nang, said Townsend. Everybody knows about Da Nangits Rocket City and it lived up to its name too because there were constantly rockets thrown in on us all the time.

Vietnam wasnt really a thought when he joined, but he eventually received orders for one of the most dangerous cities.

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Youre scared the whole time youre there. I was afraid and everybody else there was afraid tooyoure always looking behind your back and youre just looking up in the sky.just listening for the siren to go off, Townsend said. We didnt know where they was coming from. Thats the thing because the Viet Cong, theyd set them in trees, grape vines, whatever they had to shoot at us.

Townsend was a sheet metal welding mechanic.

We built hangars for the helicopters and the F4 jets. The Air Force called them shelters, we called them hangars, but its like an igloo half-round metal building that we poured concrete on top of that to protect them from getting hit from the rockets, he said. They never did hit the fuel storage tanks, but luckily they didnt because if they did, I wouldnt be here I dont think.

The attacks on the base created a different set of challenges.

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We built base ops twice because a rocket hit it twice and we tore it down and rebuilt it twice. It was an ongoing job over there, he said. My kids would say, you know, Talk about Vietnam. Id say, I wasnt there on a vacation. There wasnt nothing good really to talk about over there, except I got home.

His time in the service has left him with health issues due to Agent Orange exposure.

When we was building those hangars on the flight line theres 55 gallon drums of chemicals. We didnt know what it was but it was Agent Orange that we was sitting on. Some was full, some was empty. But we was sitting on them to take a break from the heat, Townsend said. I have breathing problemsI have a lot of problems. I have prostate problems.

Townsend thinks about his time in Vietnam every day.

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It doesnt leave your mind because of it and then the Agent Orange. I go to the VA a lot, he said.

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The Los Angeles city attorney's office has filed a lawsuit against Airbnb, accusing the home-sharing platform of allowing price gouging and unverified hosts and addresses at more than 2,000 rentals following the January firestorm in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.

In a statement, L.A. City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto's office accused Airbnb of allowing illegal rental price hikes and permitting false and nonexistent hosts and addresses on the platform. The lawsuit seeks a permanent order to halt Airbnb from hiking up prices during the existing state of emergency, as well as reimbursement for consumers who were charged higher rates.

"Although Airbnb subsequently took steps to curtail price gouging, evidence indicates that illegal gouging on the site continues and may be ongoing, Feldstein Soto said in a statement announcing the civil enforcement action. Airbnb is aware that its verification processes are inadequate  potentially luring prospective tenants into a false sense of security about its hosts and locations.

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Airbnb disputed the lawsuit's accusations, saying the platform has played a consistent role in supporting victims with financial aid following the wildfires.

Read more: Scams, bidding wars and predatory landlords: One couple's quest for housing after the fires

Since the wildfires broke out, Airbnb  contributed nearly $30 million to fire recovery efforts in Los Angeles, including free emergency housing to nearly 24,000 people impacted by the fires, an Airbnb spokesperson told The Times. We will continue supporting the city of Los Angeles in its recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The lawsuit seeks fines of $2,500 for each instance of alleged price gouging in L.A., which could reach between 2,000 and 3,000 properties, or up to $7.5 million in total penalties.

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The lawsuit also alleges that Airbnbs inadequate verification processes left users vulnerable to offenses such as identity theft, robbery, sexual assault, invasion of privacy and voyeurism. Airbnb did not respond to an inquiry from The Times regarding those claims.

The unverified and nonexistent hosts alleged in the lawsuit refer to cases of hosts using fake names to represent themselves on the platform.

According to the lawsuit, cases include a profile under the name of Amber Hiller that actually belonged to a woman named Akila Nourollah, and a host named Greg, verified using the ID of someone named Guven Sacikarali, a relative of the actual account controller, Ali Sacikaral.

Read more: While many were helped, some fire victims say Airbnbs free vouchers are useless

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While not the correct name of the account owners, Airbnb does allow the use of preferred names in its terms and conditions.

The lawsuit also mentions several cases in which verified locations on Airbnb were actually located up to four miles away from the advertised address.

If price gouging claims are determined to be true, the lawsuit claims that Airbnb can be found to have violated the state's Unfair Competition Law, California Penal Code Section 396, the Anti-Gouging Law, and the Jan. 16 state of emergency declaration by Gov. Gavin Newsom, which states that it would be illegal for Airbnb to increase the pricing of rentals by more than 10% during the state of emergency.

The firestorm that erupted on Jan. 7 ultimately destroyed more than 16,000 buildings in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena.

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Read more: After disasters, FEMA leases apartments for survivors. But not after the L.A. fires

In January, Airbnb released a statement denouncing price gouging and promising to make it impossible for hosts to raise the prices of their properties by more than 10% from their pre-wildfire rates.

With tens of thousands of people currently displaced in the Los Angeles area and the prospect of that figure continuing to increase, the last thing anyone should encounter is pricing for a hotel room or a home that seeks to take advantage of a desperate situation, the statement read.

The company also pledged to give free $1,000 vouchers to fire victims for Airbnb stays. By Jan. 28, more than 11,000 vouchers had been sent out. However, some fire victims claimed that strict regulations and a lack of response to applications made the vouchers essentially useless.

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While the state of emergency declaration aimed to prevent rental price hikes during and following the fires, previous Times reporting revealed that prices had continued to balloon in parts of L.A., leaving those without shelter with little options besides expensive stays.

Read more: 'Everyone else has moved on': Why L.A. fire victims may be feeling even worse now

An Airbnb spokesperson said the cap on increasing rental prices following the fires stayed firm, allowing for no illegal increases.

The company cited California Atty. Gen. Rob Bontas early statements, which praised Airbnbs promises to comply with the state's emergency declarations.

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"Theyre doing the right thing, I thank them for doing that. We hope other platforms will follow suit and do the same, Bonta said during a Jan. 16 news conference .

However, Bonta's statements came before many long-term Airbnb rates were set.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Airbnb Sued Over Price Gouging During L.A. Wildfires originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

Courtesy StockMarketVisuals via Adobe Stock

The wildfires in January left catastrophic damage to the city of Los Angeles. Entire neighborhoods and communities were decimated, leaving behind piles of ashes and tens of billions of dollars in damage. With 30 people dead and around 40,500 acres of land destroyed, tens of thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes. While some found accommodation with friends or family, others relied on temporary housing options like hotels, motels and Airbnbs.



California Governor Newsom responded to the mass destruction in L.A. caused by the wildfires, announcing a state of emergency on January 7. As a result, California's anti-price-gouging law was enacted. According to the Cal OES (California Governor's Office of Emergency Services), "California Penal Code section 396 prohibits excessive and unjustified increases in the prices of essential consumer goods and services, construction services, hotel lodging, and residential rental properties during and shortly after a declared state of emergency or local emergency."



It clarifies, "It is unlawful for a person, contractor, business, or other entity to sell or offer to sell at a price of more than 10 percent greater than the price charged by that person for those goods or services immediately prior to the proclamation or declaration of emergency."

This Wednesday, the City of Los Angeles filed a complaint against Airbnb, citing that prices for these rentals "rose by more than 10% between Jan. 7 and Jan. 17," for at least 2,000 rental units in the area.



Airbnb's "smart pricing" tool automatically adjusts renters' nightly prices based on demand. Factoring in other listing prices, as well as location and the property's amenities, this feature was created to offer competitive prices to renters, given travel trends. But in cases of natural disasters and emergencies, the Airbnb website cites its ability to turn off smart pricing in order to comply with local laws.



But the City of L.A. claims that Airbnb's actions to maintain prices were not consistent, and while price drops for some listings were implemented, other Airbnb rental properties continued to hike prices in the following weeks and months.



The lawsuit also accuses Airbnb of fraudulence within its host verification program. Similar to the verification system utilized by social media accounts like Instagram and X, Airbnb uses verification badges to let renters know that hosts are credible and highly trusted on the site. Allegedly, some Airbnb hosts granted an "identity verification badge" next to their profile are actually users fabricating false names and identities. Luring renters into a false sense of security, customers could run into issues due to misleading information about these sketchy Airbnb hosts and the rental properties they are listing.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Airports throughout the country have been dealing with a surge in flight cancellations this summer compared to this time last year, but some airports have dealt with more cancellations than others.

According to some analysis conducted by CBS News using FlightAware, the national rate for canceled flights is up about 29 percent this summer, with about 1.4 percent of all flights being canceled in 2024 to 1.8 percent so far this summer, and comes despite the fact that there have been around 256,000 fewer scheduled flights this summer compared to last year.

Obviously, the rates have been worse at some airports compared to others, and CBS put together a list of the airports with the worst canceled flight rate.

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The airport with the most canceled flights so far this year has been Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington D.C., with 5.9 percent of all flights out of the airport canceled this summer, up 274 percent compared to last year.

The airport with the next most canceled flights was New York City's LaGuardia Airport, which ranked slightly better than DCA, with 5.1 percent of all flights canceled this summer, up 65 percent from last year.

The airport with the third most cancellations is New York Liberty International Airport (EWR), with 3.3 percent of all flights canceled this summer, up 28 percent from last year.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) ranks as the airport with the fourth-most cancellations as 3 percent of flights out of the airport have been canceled this summer, up 63 percent compared to last year.

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Next on the list is a tie between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which each saw 2.8 percent of flights canceled throughout this summer. This was a 42 percent increase for JFK, while it was actually 17 percent fewer canceled flights for DFW.

It wouldn't be easy to avoid any of these airports considering they are major hubs servicing major cities. However, travelers should be aware that they might have to deal with some extinuating circumstances if they do choose to travel from or through these airports.

Airports With the Most Canceled Flights This Summer first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 19, 2025
A Democratic lawmaker is demanding more evidence in the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein be released, which he believes could include President Donald Trump, following the Trump administration's intent to release grand jury testimony.

New York Rep. Daniel Goldman urged Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice to release physical evidence such as photos and videos, insisting that the testimony will not be enough.

"Nice try @AGPamBondi. What about videos, photographs and other recordings? What about FBI 302's (witness interviews)? What about texts and emails?" Goldman wrote. "That's where the evidence about Trump and others will be. Grand jury testimony will only relate to Epstein and Maxwell."

Nice try @AGPamBondi.



What about videos, photographs and other recordings?



What about FBI 302s (witness interviews)?



What about texts and emails?



Thats where the evidence about Trump and others will be.



Grand jury testimony will only relate to Epstein and Maxwell. https://t.co/CaeTjkhHkA  Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) July 18, 2025

Goldman's statement comes after President Donald Trump called for Bondi to "produce any and all pertinent grand jury testimony, subject to court approval" in a Truth Social post Thursday night.

In turn, Bondi responded to the president's post on X, saying the DOJ is "ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts."

President Trumpwe are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts. pic.twitter.com/hOXzdTcYYB  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) July 18, 2025

Trump and Bondi's statements came after the Wall Street Journal published a report alleging that Trump wrote a note for Epstein's 50th birthday that included a drawing of a naked woman with his signature where the woman's pubic hair would have been.

Trump has repeatedly denied the report's claims, calling it "fake" in another post to Truth Social. When the publication asked for comment on the report, Trump reportedly threatened to sue them "just like I sued everyone else."

Grand jury testimonies are typically kept from public view out of protection for victims and accusers as the transcripts may include their statements, CNN reported. It will be up to a judge to determine how much  if any  of the testimonies can be released.

Originally published on Latin Times
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Public television in Alabama may be in for major changes. Early Friday morning, the U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval to President Donald Trumps request to roll back about $9 billion in funding that had already been appropriated by Congress.

While the majority of the funding was for foreign aid, about $1.1 billion was for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR.

About 13% of Alabama Public Televisions budget comes from federal funding, according to Jack Williams, the external affairs director for APT. Thats a little over $2.8 million dollars for the next two budget years.

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CBS 42 spoke with Wayne Reid via Zoom. He is the executive director of Alabama Public Television. We asked him how the loss of this funding might impact their operations.

Overall, its going to impact our programming some, but right now we really dont know, Reid explained. Were waiting for PBS and NPR to give us more instructions on how theyre going to change their operations.

Reid said costs like licensing fees for music and distribution, which were previously taken care of by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, will now fall back on them.

Its probably going to come down to programming, he said. And potentially, you know, cuts that we have to make inside the station to keep focused on our mission.

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Alabama Public Televisions mission statement can be read by clicking on the following link:

Alabama Public Television  Alabama Public Television Mission Statement

Reid also noted that theyre waiting to hear from PBS on what their options are in terms of their childrens programing, which he said does more than just entertain.

It is specifically designed to help kids learn and be prepared to go into kindergarten, he said. It teaches them their alphabet, it teaches them how to count, and critical thinking skills.

Some parents we interviewed Friday afternoon said theyre worried about the fate of the childrens programming.

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My children grew up watching the shows, Daniel Tiger, The Wild Kratts. It was a good place I knew my kids could watch the shows and not worry about seeing inappropriate things and getting educated at the same time, said Emily Wade, who lives in Homewood.

Huntsville resident Joey Latham, on the other hand, said he agrees with the cuts.

I dont care much for public broadcasting. I care nothing about NPR, he said. They only want one opinion, their opinion, okay. They dont want my opinion.

Reid said he understands what the legislators are trying to do in Washington, but he believes there are still opportunities for local stations.

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To some degree I agree with what they did in some part, but I would say I still think theres opportunities for the local stations because our legislators and our senators love what the local stations do across the country.

Reid said a lot of this is falling back on national, and he would love to see the money come back to the local stations.

In terms of programming, he said theyll provide the best quality content they can and produce as much as they can with the resources that they have.

If anything, we may end up increasing the amount of local programming that we do as opposed to buying programs coming from national distributors, he added.

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Changes could take place as soon as October 1, which is the start of the new fiscal 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 CBS 42.
Alaska Republican House candidate Nick Begich mingles after joining congressional freshmen of the 119th Congress for a group photograph on the steps of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol Building on Nov. 15, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The U.S. House of Representatives voted overnight Thursday to strip more than $1.1 billion in previously budgeted money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, putting the future of many of Alaskas small public radio stations in doubt.

Among the congressional Republicans voting for the cut was Alaska Rep. Nick Begich III. The 216-213 vote means a proposal to cancel $9 billion in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting will advance to the desk of President Donald Trump, who requested the cancellation.

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Earlier in the week, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, voted in favor of the cancellation in the Senate. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, voted against it. It passed through the Senate on a 51-49 vote.

The cut will affect federal spending in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, but radio stations in the 49th state have already begun planning to lay off staff and cut programming.

A handshake deal organized by Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, will transfer $9.4 million from the Interior Department to some public radio stations that serve Alaska Native and American Indian communities, but it isnt yet clear how the money will be shared and which stations will receive it.

In 2024  the most recent for which numbers are available public media stations statewide received $12 million in Corporation for Public Broadcasting grants.

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Many of Alaskas stations rely on federal funding to operate.

Though the effects of the cut will be disproportionately large in Alaska, Begich voted in favor of a prior version of the cancellation as well as the final version this week.

In a written statement, Begich said technology has advanced since the development of radio and Alaskans have embraced cellphones and satellite communications, and public radio is not as important as it formerly was.

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Credit: dorian.doriii/Tiktok

An Albanian convicted burglar who cannot be deported taunted the Home Office with a personalised number plate on his 80,000 Mercedes.

Dorian Puka, 28, who has been jailed and deported twice from the UK for burglaries, filmed himself peeling the cover off his new registration plate: DO24 AMG, reflecting his name and high-end marque of the Mercedes.

He then posted a video of himself on Tik Tok driving through London onto the M25 towards the intersection with the M40 to Oxford.

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It is his latest defiant mockery of Home Office officials who are powerless to deport him because he has claimed asylum. He cannot be removed until his case is fully considered  a process that could take months or years, given the backlog of immigration tribunal appeals.

Dorian Puka cannot be deported because he has claimed asylum - Instagram

He was originally jailed for nine months in 2016 and then deported the following year for attempting to break into a property when the owner spotted him on a webcam while on holiday in France.

Yet, within a year, he managed to evade border controls and return to the UK where he carried out a string of burglaries in London.

Puka was eventually caught wearing an expensive watch he had stolen when he was spotted by plain clothes officers patrolling Surbiton in south west London. He was jailed for three-and-a-half years and then deported in March 2020.

Awaiting immigration tribunal

During his time in prison in the UK, he earned notoriety for using an illegal mobile phone smuggled into the jail to post Instagram pictures of himself standing alongside the leader of an organised crime group who was serving a 12-year sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine and money laundering.

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After returning to his native Albania for several months, he travelled through Germany, Belgium and Netherlands before beating border checks to enter Britain again in December 2020, according to his Instagram account.

It is understood he has lodged an asylum application and has been on immigration bail and subject to an electronic tag since last year, awaiting an immigration tribunal to decide on his claim.

In December, he posted happy new year messages from a London nightclub alongside a picture of himself celebrating while smoking a shisha pipe next to a belly dancer.

Three months earlier, he posted a series of videos of himself driving a 300,000 Ferrari in London on his TikTok and Instagram accounts, as well as images of himself with dozens of Rolex watches and other expensive cars.

A proper wrong un

Puka also taunted Nigel Farage by posting a picture of himself eating and drinking with a Photoshopped image of the Reform party leader giving a thumbs-up.

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Mr Farage had described him as a proper wrong un who was walking all over the UK authorities.

The Albanians sources of funding remain unknown, but reports suggest he has been staying in a 250,000 two-bed terraced flat in Hounslow, west London.

A Home Office spokesman said: Foreign nationals who commit crimes should be in no doubt that the law will be enforced. Mr Puka has been deported by the UK before. It is UK law that we cannot deport individuals where there are claims or representations still awaiting decision.

We have already begun delivering a major surge in immigration enforcement and returns activity to remove people with no right to be in the UK, with 30,000 returned since the new government came into power.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Like police departments across the country, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is trying to boost its officer numbers. KRQE has reported on the departments recruitment initiatives, but they say theyve discovered an unexpected way to recruit new cadets.

Although APD does hold hiring events, they said word of mouth has been the most effective way to get people to apply. KRQE News 13 spoke with one retired police officer who says hes found new applicants at the gym. The gym is just where I work out, Ive already recruited several people, said Rob DeBuck, retired APD Officer.

New AFR and APD boathouse will reduce water rescue response time

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DeBuck is a former APD officer who said hes been able to recruit more than a dozen people by simply having a conversation, saying it piques peoples interest when he tells them hes a retired cop. I just tell them about my experiences, and I show them pictures of the horses and of the canine unit and the motorcycle unit, said DeBuck.

A lot of people are like, more than I expect, theyre like, Well, how do I get into it?' said DeBuck.

APD said they currently have 879 officers but are on pace for the first time in years to hit just over 1,000 officers by the end of 2025, bringing them to full staffing. When it comes to retention, they said theyre also set to keep 20 more officers this year than in 2024. Lieutenant Jennifer Garcia says the number of career opportunities within the department makes it easier for cops to find something they like and stay.

You can do something, you can do patrol, you can go work for the horse-mounted unit, you can go do crime scene investigations, you can be on tactical, you can run a canine, said Lt. Garcia.

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Drones in Blue: Albuquerque police deploying autonomous tech to 911 calls

DeBuck said he believes his love for the job inspires others. He recounted one especially memorable recruit. And he said, You dont remember me, but I went to Highland High School and I got into a lot of trouble back then and you interacted with me a lot and youre the reason I became a police officer, said DeBuck.

APD said other factors have also helped when it comes to recruitment and retention, including bonuses for new and transferring officers. Between the police academies and lateral recruits, APD is expecting to add 70 officers to the force in the coming months.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44)  The Strand Center for the Arts announced Friday that Reps. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) and Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) will be in downtown Plattsburgh Sunday afternoon.

The town hall, which is being called Discussing the Big, Ugly Bill and its destructive impact on New York families, will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Strand Center Theatre. Both representatives voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and have criticized its changes to Medicaid and other welfare programs.

Both sides of the Big Bill: How the federal budget impacts New York

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Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, often known as AOC, has been called perhaps the best positioned to be [Bernie] Sanders successor atop his progressive movement. Rep. Paul Tonko represents a district in the Capital Region and is the highest-ranking Democrat on the House panel that oversees the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering a run for governor of New York

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville), whose NY-21 district includes Plattsburgh, released a statement calling the visit a North Country political implosion. She warned of AOCs radical policies and said it would only help her strong support in northeastern New York.

The Strand asked interested people to RSVP to the event.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Alligator Alcatraz is Florida's recently opened migrant detention center in the Everglades.

The center was the brainchild of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who announced the site in a video on X. In the video, Uthmeier said, "You don't need to invest that much in the perimeter. People get out, there's not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons."

The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes in the world. Adult pythons average between 6 and 9 feet, though the longest ever caught in Florida was 19 feet. The heaviest was over 200 pounds.

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Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida, with a population spread across more than 1,000 square miles of South Florida, including Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.

According to FWC, Burmese pythons can consume meals equivalent to 100% their body mass. During a study, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida took part in, researchers realized that Burmese pythons can eat prey larger than previously thought when they observed a python ingesting a 77-pound white-tailed deer, which was 66.9 percent of the snakes mass.

Burmese pythons can pose a threat to human safety. Attacks on humans are improbable but possible in any locality where the animals and people are present.

Here's what to know about the biggest Burmese pythons caught in Florida and how many there are in the Everglades:

What is Alligator Alcatraz in Florida?

Alligator Alcatraz is a temporary migrant detention center near the Florida Everglades.

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The controversial center reportedly has a capacity of up to 3,000 detainees, housed in FEMA tents and trailers.

Where is Alligator Alcatraz?

Alligator Alcatraz was built at the Miami-Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport, a 39-square-mile airport facility with a 10,500-foot runway in Ochopee, an unincorporated community in Collier County, Florida.

The facility is in the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Longest, heaviest Burmese pythons ever caught in Florida?

Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world, with adult animals averaging between 10 and 16 feet long, according to the University of Florida.

A group of python hunters caught the longest Burmese python ever measured on July 10, 2023, in the Big Cypress National Preserve in eastern Collier County.

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The massive snake was 19 feet long.

The heaviest Burmese python ever recorded was caught by Conservancy of Southwest Florida biologists in the Florida Everglades in 2022. The colossal female python weighed an eye-popping 215 pounds and was nearly 18 feet long.

Has a Burmese python ever killed a human in Florida?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, human fatalities from non-venomous snakes are rare, with an average of one or two per year worldwide.

There have been no human deaths from wild-living Burmese pythons in Florida.

And while python attacks on humans are unlikely, they're not impossible.

Per USGS, "In suburban areas and parks in Florida that contain ponds, canals or other bodies of water where large snakes could feel at home, the situation is likely similar to that experienced with alligators: attacks are improbable but possible in any locality where the animals are present and people are also present. The simplest and most sure-fire way to reduce the risk of human fatalities is to avoid interacting with a large constrictor."

How many pythons are in the Everglades?

It's hard to get an exact count, given the Burmese python's ability to live in various South Florida environments and the difficulty accessing some areas.

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"Burmese pythons are hard to find due to their cryptic coloration and secretive behaviors, and their low detection probability is a major challenge to effective python control and research," according to Florida Fish and Wildlife.

However, conservative estimates by the USGS put the Burmese python population in the Florida Everglades region in the tens of thousands.

2025 Florida Python Challenge

The 2025 Florida Python Challenge  a 10-day event to remove invasive Burmese pythons  started at 12:01 a.m. July 11 and ends at 5 p.m. July 20.

Participants can win money prizes in several categories, including a $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize.

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The top prize of $10,000 goes to the person who catches the most pythons. Those with the most catches in the Novice, Professional and Military categories win $2,500, while runners-up in each group receive $1,500, and $1,000 is awarded for the longest pythons caught.

Burmese pythons captured in Florida must be humanely killed. While they are not protected in Florida, anti-cruelty law still applies.

On the hunt: These 5 python hunters have combined to capture almost 100 invasive snakes in 2025

What to do if you see a Burmese python?

You can report a python sighting to the FWC.

If you think you see a Burmese python, take a photo, note your location and report your sighting by calling the Exotic Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681), using the free IveGot1 mobile app or online at IveGot1.org.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What is Alligator Alcatraz in Florida? Python Everglades population
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  Alabamas alligator hunting season is approaching!

There are five management areas across the state of Alabama: the Southeast Management Area, Coastal Management Area, West Central Management Area, Lake Eufaula Management Area, and the Southwest Management Area.

The Southeast Management Area includes public and private waters in Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Covington, Barbour, and Russell counties. This, however, does not include Lake Eufaula in Barbour County.

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Hunting season in the Wiregrass begins at sunset on Saturday, August 9, and ends at sunrise on Monday, August 1.

The Lake Eufaula hunting season includes:

From sunset on Thursday, August 14, to sunrise on Sunday, August 17

From sunset on Thursday, August 21, to sunrise on Sunday, August 23

From sunset on Thursday, September 11, to sunrise on Sunday, September 14

The hunting hours in these areas are from sunset to sunrise every day.

The fee for a Resident Alligator Harvest Permit is $250, and a valid all-game or small-game Alabama Hunting License is required in addition to the Alligator Harvest Permit.

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PLATTSBURGH  Railcar manufacturer Alstom is celebrating a milestone in the Bay Area Rail Transits Fleet of the Future project.

The 1000th rail car produced for Bay Area Rapid Transits Fleet of the Future has just left our Plattsburgh, NY plant and is on its way to Hayward, CA, Alstom posted on social media Thursday. Our dedicated team has worked to deliver a quality product and weve also been able [to] double our original delivery schedule to 20 cars per month, saving BART money. This project proudly complies with Buy America standards, creating American jobs and supporting local suppliers.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce has applauded news of Alstoms completion of the 1000th railcar for BART in San Francisco.

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This is the latest milestone in the production of world class railcars in Plattsburgh, Chamber President Garry Douglas said. Congratulations to our partners at Alstom, to their great local workforce and to their top-notch suppliers. These cars, made with justified pride right here, will be enjoyed for years to come in the San Francisco region, joining Plattsburgh made railcars found coast to coast and overseas. and best of all, the great reputation this plant has earned for quality and delivery has put us in an outstanding position for years to come. Onward and upward and on track!

Alstoms history of producing railcars in Plattsburgh dates back to its arrival in 1995 as Bombardier. Alstom took over in 2020 when they acquired the business and continued making the same product.

The company will stay busy for the foreseeable future as it was also recently awarded a railcar contract by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

As previously reported by the Press-Republican, the order is for 316 next generation passenger railcars for the Long Island and Metro-North railroads and is valued at $2.3 billion.

The order also includes an option for up to 242 additional cars with a value of up to $1.5 billion.
An Arizona woman who claims to have unwittingly been helping North Korean IT workers get jobs at American companies is facing sentencing next week in what prosecutors have called one of the largest worker fraud schemes ever charged by the Department of Justice. She pleaded guilty to being part of a scheme in which IT workers sought remote jobs at 309 companies, generating $17.1 million in compensation that was sent to North Korea.

An Arizona woman faces sentencing next week in an early test case for how U.S. authorities will mete out punishment to Americans who enmesh themselves in a global scheme in which thousands of North Korean technology workers illegally hold jobs at U.S. companies under false or stolen identities. The tactic generates up to $600 million in revenue for North Korea annually, according to UN estimates, and the funds finance authoritarian leader Kim Jong Uns nuclear weapons program.

Christina Chapman, 50, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in February in connection with the scheme and authorities have recommended nine years in prison for her role, according to a sentencing memo filed last week. Thats despite her claim to the FBI she had no idea North Korea was involved. Prosecutors are also seeking 36 months of supervised release, and a money judgment in the amount of $176,850the same amount authorities claim Chapman made for her part in the scheme, which netted at least $17.1 million for North Korea, per the IRS.

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A sentence that is too lenient would convey the wrong message to both North Koreans and current and future U.S.-based facilitators that this conduct is tolerated in the U.S. and worth the risk of being caught by U.S. law enforcement, prosecutors wrote in the memo, submitted by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Rather, the Court should send the message that participation in these schemes and related violations of law have serious consequences so that future would-be facilitators will be adequately deterred.

Attempts to reach Chapman through her attorney were unsuccessful.

According to court documents and law enforcement, thousands of IT workers trained in elite tech schools in North Korea have been involved in a vast global conspiracy to weaponize the remote-work economy by obtaining jobs in IT using fake, stolen, or borrowed identities. The workers, based in North Korea or locations such as China, Russia, or the UAE, use AI to manage sometimes a dozen or more personas and obtain legitimate jobs at U.S. and European companies. The U.S. has maintained sanctions on North Korea since 2016 because of its nuclear efforts, banning the regime from the U.S. financial system and curtailing all business between U.S. people and companies with North Korea.

In Chapmans case, a 2023 raid of her suburban Arizona home found an elaborate staging area with 90 laptops in an organized setup to track which device was meant for which worker, prosecutors wrote in court records. She labeled each device with notes identifying the associated company and the corresponding stolen identity, photos from the raid show. Authorities said she aided workers in the scheme for three years, at one point becoming so inundated with tasks that she needed to hire two assistants to help her.

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According to court records, Chapman helped the IT workers verify stolen identities so they could pose as real U.S. citizens and installed software after the companies shipped out laptops. She helped the North Korean workers log in remotely, and then kept the laptops organized and safe at her home so that U.S. companies would believe the North Korean workers were located in the U.S.

Authorities said Chapman shipped 35 packages to Dangdong, China, a city near the North Korean border, and helped ship at least 49 laptops and other hardware to China, Pakistan, the UAE, and Nigeria. She also helped them cash their checks by accepting their payments and depositing the money in her bank account before transferring it over to the workers.

She charged the North Korean workers $176,850 in fees for her services, according to the memo.

The federal push for a significant sentence for Chapman isnt just about individual punishment; its a strategic move to set a precedent, Andrew Borene, executive director at Flashpoint threat intelligence and former senior official in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, told Fortune.

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This prosecution aims to draw a line, deterring future U.S. facilitators and sending a message to Pyongyang, Borene said. I would expect a ruling that underscores the gravity of aiding a sanctioned regime, marking a pivotal moment in how the U.S. government confronts American complicity in these transnational criminal enterprises.

Borene said the fallout from the IT worker scheme has intensified this year with indictments in December 2024, and a sweeping raid of 29 other laptop farms authorities announced in June.

Prosecutors noted that even though Chapman claimed to be unaware of the involvement of a sanctioned nation, the victim impact is significant, and the case is one of the largest North Korean IT worker fraud schemes the Department of Justice has charged. Some 68 U.S. citizens had their identities stolen, and 309 U.S. businesses plus two multinationals were defrauded.

Those who had their identities stolen have had fake tax liabilities created in their name and are subject to ongoing monitoring from the IRS and Social Security Administration. One victim was denied unemployment because an IT worker was using their Social Security number, prosecutors wrote. The IT workers also allegedly created online and social media profiles to aid the scheme, which has made it difficult for those who had their identities stolen to regain control of their names.

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The impact on businesses has also been huge, prosecutors wrote.

First, the fact that U.S. companies had technologically savvy North Korean insiders accessing their sensitive IT systems generally caused U.S. companies to have to conduct internal and costly security reviews, the memo states. Second, some U.S. companies had their data stolen by an IT worker, causing further internal security review.

Authorities said Chapman also willfully obstructed the investigation because she deleted about 10 Skype conversations with IT workers when she found out the FBI was raiding her house.

Her sentencing will take place on July 24 in Arizona.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Ten Americans are returning to the U.S. after being released from custody in Venezuela, the Secretary of State said on Friday.

"Thanks to President [Donald] Trumps leadership and commitment to the American people, the United States welcomes home ten Americans who were detained in Venezuela," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. "Until today, more Americans were wrongfully held in Venezuela than any other country in the world. It is unacceptable that Venezuelan regime representatives arrested and jailed U.S. nationals under highly questionable circumstances and without proper due process. Every wrongfully detained American in Venezuela is now free and back in our homeland."

Rubio also thanked the State Department, inter-agency partners, and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele.

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"Our commitment to the American people is clear: we will safeguard the well-being of U.S. nationals both at home and abroad and not rest until all Americans being held hostage or unjustly detained around the world are brought home," he added.

Trump's Treasury Department Targets Dangerous Venezuelan Prison Gang With Sanctions On 6 Top Leaders

Venezuelans who the U.S. government detained and flew to El Salvador several months ago board a plane Friday bound for Venezuela at the Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador.

He said the U.S. also welcomes the "release of Venezuelan political prisoners and detainees that were also released from Venezuelan prisons. The Trump Administration continues to support the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. The regimes use of unjust detention as a tool of political repression must end. We reiterate our call for the unconditional release of remaining unjustly and arbitrarily detained political prisoners and foreign nationals."

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The release is part of a prisoner swap in which Bukele agreed to release hundreds of Venezuelans being held in a maximum-security prison in Tecoluca, El Salvador, in return for Salvadoran prisoners being held in Venezuela.

Rubio Recalls Top Us Diplomat From Colombia After 'Baseless' Statements From Officials

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the return of 10 Americans from Venezuela on Friday.

The U.S. sent the Venezuelans to El Salvador in March through the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Tren de Aragua members without going through immigration procedures. Many of the deportees families and lawyers denied the gang connections.

"Today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country, accused of being part of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TDA)," Bukele said. "Many of them face multiple charges of murder, robbery, rape, and other serious crimes."

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Bukele added that the "operation is the result of months of negotiations with a tyrannical regime that had long refused to release one of its most valuable bargaining chips: its hostages. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of many officials from both the United States and El Salvador, and above all, thanks to Almighty God, it was achieved. In this, as in other matters, I remind you: patience and trust."

The swap comes months after U.S. Air Force veteran Joseph St. Clair's was released from Venezuelan custody after being held there for around six months.

The Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs posted a photo of the hostages on social media along with the message: Ten Americans are are their way home from detention in Venezuela! Thanks to @POTUS @SecRubio @usembassyve @aboehler and many others for your support bringing Americans home."

Christian Casteneda, whose brother Wilbert, a Navy SEAL, was arrested in a Caracas hotel room last year, said in a statement: "We have prayed for this day for almost a year. My brother is an innocent man who was used as a political pawn by the Maduro regime."

Lucas Hunter, whose family said he was kidnapped by Venezuelan border guards in January, was also among the 10 Americans released.

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"We cannot wait to see him in person and help him recover from the ordeal," his younger sister Sophie Hunter said in a statement.

This comes months after U.S. Air Force veteran Joseph St. Clair's was released from Venezuelan custody in May after being held there for around six months.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: Americans detained in Venezuela freed and returning home after prisoner exchange
A Long Island therapist has vanished from social media after allegedly ranting online to a Jewish woman that the Germans should have ended your kind in a shocking outburst over the Israel-Hamas war.

The backlash has also seen Elmont social worker Gineth Nelson scrubbed from Psychology Todays therapist listings after the vile antisemitic tirade was exposed.

Efforts were said to be underway to have her removed from ZocDoc as well as other sites, and there is a letter-writing campaign calling on New York State to pull her license to practice.

Gineth Nelson has been a therapist on Long Island the last nine years. Obtained by the New York Post

She has been blasted online for the above online exchange. Obtained by the New York Post

Her toxic post to Instagram was made on July 7, in response to a meme the victim shared, calling for the return of the dead hostages Hamas refuses to release.

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Hamas is still holding the bodies of 28 murdered hostages, started the meme. These are not just numbers, they are human beings, stolen from their families even in death. Only monsters withhold the dead. This cruelty must end. Their bodies must be returned home for a dignified burial, as every person deserves.

The victims identity has been blurred in screenshots of the threatening, now-deleted exchange.

And how many humans have your people killed, Nelson asked in response. Im sure its more than 28. Germans shouldve ended your kind. Anyone who could agree with this are the true monsters.

Language like this is appalling, no matter who says it, and must be unequivocally condemned, said Eric Post, the Long Island director for the American Jewish Committee.

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At a time when Jews in this country face unprecedented levels of antisemitism, incidents like these show we all have to take a zero-tolerance approach toward anti-Jewish hatred, Post continued.

Nelson, who is also licensed in New York City, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, could not be reached for comment.

Nelsons assistant told The Post her account was hacked. Obtained by the New York Post

She runs Whole Health Counseling in Elmont, and specializes in addiction, depression and anxiety treatment employing cognitive behavioral therapy, a common type of talk therapy.

A woman claiming to be her assistant told The Post Thursday Nelsons social media accounts had been hacked, but offered no proof of such a breach.

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Online, Nelson also claims to be in the real estate business, as she sets up short-term housing for traveling nurses.

Nelson has dismantled her social media pages. Obtained by the New York Post

Instagram account StopAntisemitism is also urging her clients to seek therapy and housing elsewhere.

Antisemitism has infected the therapy world at alarming rates, offered Physicians Against Antisemitism in an Instagram post, shaming Nelson for her comment. This is a reminder once again to vet your medical professionals.
Arizona's appellate court says state Superintendent Tom Horne does not have the right to sue to block schools from using dual-language education. (Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

The state appellate court has thrown out a lawsuit filed by Arizonas top education official challenging the right of public schools to use dual-language immersion to teach English Learner students.

In a Thursday ruling, the three-judge panel wrote that Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne doesnt have the legal ability to file a lawsuit or take any of the named parties to court in his official capacity as the head of the Arizona Department of Education.

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The Superintendent lacks the authority to sue and lacks standing to sue these defendants, the judges wrote.



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Step back: How disagreements over dual language instruction made it to the courts

Horne, a Republican, campaigned on a promise to end bilingual education. In June of 2023, weeks away from the start of the new academic year, he made his first attempt to do so by threatening to withhold funding from Arizona schools that use the 50-50 dual language immersion instructional model. Under the model, which is widely used throughout Arizona, students learn half the day in English and the other half in a different language, such as Spanish.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes quickly released an opinion asserting that Horne had no authority to freeze the school funding or challenge the 50-50 model, and the state board of education assured parents and schools that the instructional model would be preserved. Horne responded by taking Mayes, Gov. Katie Hobbs  who had expressed support for the teaching method  and 10 public school districts that use it to court.

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At the heart of Hornes argument is the claim that the 50-50 model as its currently implemented violates the directives of Proposition 203. The initiative, which voters approved in 2000, places strict limits on the education of English Learner students. It mandates that all students in public schools be taught in English and specifies that students still learning the language must be placed in structured English immersion classrooms where books, instructional materials and lessons are in English. Only students whose parents sign a waiver can be placed in alternative classrooms, or be taught with bilingual education techniques.

Horne argues that because schools arent currently required to collect parental waivers, the 50-50 teaching model exists in direct conflict with the voter-protected initiative.

The 50-50 model was adopted as a result of legislative action. In 2019, lawmakers concerned about the consistently low academic achievement of English Learner students passed a law instructing the state board of education to research and adopt new teaching models. Dual English immersion was one of the four models that was ultimately greenlit for schools to use.

Appellate judges: Horne has no power to sue, people sued have no ability to redress his complaints

After a lower court dismissed his lawsuit, asserting that Horne has no statutory authority to initiate a legal challenge at all, Horne took his case to the state appellate court. The Republican argued that he was liable as the states top education official if the 50-50 model continues in its current form, and urged the judges to declare that it can only be taught with a waiver system in place.

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But the judges were unconvinced, writing that Arizona law is clear about the superintendents role. Under state statute, the superintendent is responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies approved by the state board of education and reporting any possible noncompliance issues. No law authorizes the superintendent to file lawsuits.

By contrast, the Arizona Board of Education can sue or be sued to ensure public education policy is enacted properly.

The Board is expressly authorized to contract, sue, and be sued, wrote Judge Paul J. McMurdie, for the appellate panel. The Superintendent is not.

And, the trio added, its up to the state board of education to approve teaching models and determine what constitutes violations of them, not the superintendent. Even Horne himself, they pointed out, agreed in court filings that his position has no statutory authority to sue to carry out his duties.

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Along with lacking the power to file the lawsuit, Horne failed to establish standing or identify valid legal issues that can be remedied by the defendants in the case, according to the ruling. In his appeal, Horne requests that Mayes opinion nullifying his threats to withhold funding from schools that use the 50-50 model be dismissed as wrong. But disagreement with her offices interpretation, which is non-binding, doesnt amount to a legal injury and isnt something the courts can weigh in on, the judges said.

And while Horne argues that Hobbs public support for the 50-50 model should be repudiated, and casts doubt on her impartiality when appointing members to the state board of education, the appellate judges were unimpressed. Hornes claims against Hobbs, they wrote, sound more like an airing out of personal grievances against the Democrat than a justiciable legal problem.

The Superintendents pleading seeks no relief for the Governors exercise of her duties and powers  he simply complains that she has publicly supported the 50-50 model, reads the opinion. Moreover, because the Board is an independent government entity, it is speculative that any action by the Governor under her take-care power could redress the Superintendents alleged harm.

Similarly, Hornes complaint against the 10 school districts named in the lawsuit that are using the 50-50 instructional model isnt something thats within their power to resolve. Only the state board of education, which wasnt included in the lawsuit, has the ability to determine which instructional models can be used to teach English Learner students.

Horne argued that if the schools continue using the 50-50 model without waivers, he could be at risk of a lawsuit from disgruntled parents, but the appellate judges waved off that concern as too hypothetical.

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In the end, they wrote, the lawsuit is invalid because Horne doesnt have any legal power to file a lawsuit and because the courts wouldnt be able to figure out a solution that the people who were sued could carry out.

None of the defendants could control the Superintendents performance of his duties, and his injuries are speculative, reads the opinion.

Despite the dismissal, Horne remains undeterred in his ongoing crusade to eliminate dual language instruction. In a written statement, he said hes mulling whether to appeal the issue to the Arizona Supreme Court next.

I am considering a filing with the state Supreme Court, he said. I believe the Department of Education does have standing. This is important because ELL students are being cheated because under dual language, they dont acquire English fast enough to perform properly in academics.



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GRAND CANYON  Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs arrived at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon July 19 for an in-person update on the Dragon Bravo Fire.

Flames have consumed more than 11,000 acres and many structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and the visitor center.

Hobbs first toured near the blazes burn path on a Blackhawk helicopter flown by the Arizona National Guard.

Sunbeams illuminated the fire haze from a distance beyond the South Rim, long before the smoke and stands of charred trees came into view north of the canyon.

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The chopper circled over the skeletal remains of the Grand Canyon Lodge below.

Its so devastating, Hobbs said shortly after landing. As a lifelong Arizonan, it just is a reminder of the shared stewardship we have of this land of this iconic treasure of the Grand Canyon.

Hobbs landed about 25 miles north of the rim near De Motte Campground and first toured the fire camp, where roughly 700 personnel were staged to battle the blaze.

Really the heavy lift and heavy workload is for the folks on the fire line, said Manny Cordova, a liaison for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, who toured the governor through the camp. This is all designed to support them.

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The tour included a visit to the finance trailer, where daily tallies of the cost are calculated. The tally as of July 19, according to a white board: $8,035,152.20.

The governor also received a briefing on the fire behind closed doors in a yurt.

The fire began with a lightning strike on July 4 about four miles from the North Rims tourist hub. Hobbs has questioned the initial response to the blaze on federal land, and previously called for an investigation of why it was handled as a controlled burn.

The National Park Service has said fire suppression was the goal but the flames jumped containment features when winds picked up and drove the wildfire over thousands of acres.

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Arizona has 80 firefighters assisting the federal response to the blaze, Arizona state Forester Tom Torres said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Katie Hobbs views devastation from Grand Canyon North Rim fire
When U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt declared over 800,000 acres of land in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, a national monument in 1908, he emphasized the need to take care of it.

He urged Americans to protect it in its natural state so it could be preserved for future generations, calling it the one great sight which every American should see.

With the White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires currently devastating the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and destroying the beloved Grand Canyon Lodge, adventure seekers are left uncertain about when they will be able to visit again.

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Readers of The Arizona Republic shared their cherished memories of the Grand Canyon and the North Rim, reflecting generations of history.

Tom Postorino has hiked rim-to-rim-to-rim over 50 times

When Tom Postorino first heard that the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was on fire, he thought the person texting him was joking.

Postorino has hiked rim-to-rim-to-rim  crossing from the South Rim to the North Rim and back  more than 50 times. Since 1983, hes made the trek nearly every year, sometimes twice a year, only missing two years: once when trails closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and once due to heavy snow.

In addition to hiking with his family, Postorino has served as a sort of guide: Most years, he and his wife have led groups of people interested in hiking the Grand Canyon. He has formed friendships that have lasted decades through their mutual love of the Canyon.

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A seasoned hiker, he typically starts his hikes at the South Rim and spends the night in a cabin at the North Rim.

He also spent time at the Grand Canyon Lodge, especially in its iconic dining room overlooking the Canyon.

Beyond the memories and friendships hes built, Postorino said hiking the Grand Canyon helps people boost their confidence..

Once I see them when theyre finished, I tell them, Now in your life, you can never say, I cant, because you went rim to rim on the Grand Canyon. Postorino said.

Brent Hugh's North Rim family history dates back to 1950

Bent Hugh shared a photo taken by his father, DeRay Hugh, while he worked at the North Rim Lodge at age 16 in the summer of 1950. Bent said DeRay worked as a bus driver and kitchen helper.

Bent Hughs father, DeRay Hugh, was intrigued by the Grand Canyon from a young age. He was raised in Kanab, Utah, which is a little over 200 miles from the North Rim.

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When DeRay Hugh was 16 years old, he got a job driving a bus at the Grand Canyon in 1950, Bent Hugh said. He purchased a Kodak camera with his first paycheck. Bent Hugh found hundreds of photos in April 2024 after DeRay Hughs death.

During his childhood, Bent Hugh also frequented the North Rim because it was the easiest to get to from Utah. He has a picture of him with his grandparents, parents, and cousins at the North Rim in the early 1970s. Bent Hugh also recalled staying in the North Rim cabins as a child.

In 2015, Bent Hugh and his family brought their children to the North Rim, making them the fourth generation of the Hugh family to experience the Grand Canyon.

Bent still visits the North Rim regularly, often coordinating his trips with his annual family reunions near Cedar City, Utah.

Julie Gary: 'You're just entrenched in it'

Julie Gary shared a photo of a shared memory with Abby Kimble, Debbie Koch, Ashley Dzilvelis, Carole Gunn, and Lisa Liskey at the Grand Canyon Lodge on Sept. 24, 2024.

Julie Gary, a Washington, D.C., resident, also completed a rim-to-rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon, spending the night at the North Rim. While the hike lasted only two days, Gary and her friends covered 50 miles in total.

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We trained for a good six months ahead of time, Gary said.

Gary first visited both rims of the Grand Canyon with her family in 2022. But that time, she only viewed the Canyon with a short hike on the South Kaibab Trail.

Hiking the Grand Canyon allowed her to be fully immersed in the experience.

You experience it from so many levels with your views and feel of the surroundings and the sounds. Youre just entrenched in it, Gary said.

When Gary found out about the fires, she felt enormous sadness. She and her friends who hiked the Canyon together pored over their pictures.

While Gary remains hopeful that the Grand Canyon Lodge will be rebuilt, she said she feels heartbroken for those who lost their jobs and had to cancel upcoming trips.

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Giving assistance: How to help Arizonans displaced, impacted by Dragon Bravo Fire on Grand Canyon's North Rim

Jay Rivara: 'It was a wonderful place'

Jay Rivara shared a photo of the view from the lodge at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on June 24, 2022.

Phoenix resident Jay Rivara had plans to visit the North Rim in August, with a reservation already secured for one of the cabins.

Although he often takes out-of-town visitors to the South Rim, Rivara much prefers the North Rim and has stayed in its cabins three times before. The South Rim, he said, is usually too crowded.

While the South Rim offers many viewpoints, Rivara said you have to do some hiking to reach the truly breathtaking views from the North Rim.

He also spent time at the Grand Canyon Lodge and, like many visitors, often visited its iconic dining room overlooking the Canyon.

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It was a wonderful place, and Im sure hoping they rebuild it, Rivara said.

Janine Kerr: 'The first thing out of my mouth was, "What?"'

Janie Kerr shares a photo of their time relaxing outside with feet up on the wall of the lodge on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in August 2015.

Janine Kerr visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 2015, exploring several of its scenic lookout points. She stayed at the Jacob Lake Inn, which remains standing but is currently closed due to the fires.

Kerr also visited the Grand Canyon Lodge and remembers the iconic bronze donkey statue. She had planned to drive through the area again in July and stop with her family to take in the views on their way to Utah.

The first thing out of my mouth was, What? And then I just started to cry, Kerr said of finding out the Grand Canyon Lodge had been destroyed in the fire.

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I know its happened before and I know they can hopefully take care of it and get it rebuilt, Kerr said.

Story behind the name: The Dragon Bravo Fire has forever changed the North Rim. Why was it called that?

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Republic readers share their North Rim Grand Canyon memories
Arkansas PBS hosted this debate among candidates for governor in 2022. (Screengrab from livestream)

Leaders of Arkansas public broadcasting stations on Friday said theyre focused on how to deal with the loss of federal funding approved by Congress this week but revealed few details of their plans.

West Doss, chairman Arkansas PBS Commission

Wed rather not be in this situation, Arkansas PBS Commission chair West Doss said. We think well be able to handle it.

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Doss said he didnt know yet whether the funding loss would lead to staff or programming cuts or both. The funds  about $2.5 million in the current fiscal year  represents about 15% of Arkansas PBS annual budget, he said.

The U.S. House passed the Rescission Act of 2025 early Friday that rescinds $9 billion in previously approved funding for public broadcasting and some foreign aid programs. Public media accounted for $1.1 billion of the total. President Donald Trump was expected to sign the measure.

Arkansas share of those funds was $3,187,528 this fiscal year, according to the Corporation for Public Broadcastings budget request.

Mark Smith, station manager, KASU in Jonesville

These cuts hit our communities right where it hurts, said Clint Schaff, general manager of KUAF in Fayetteville. Our neighbors who depend on KUAFs vital community service are set to lose nearly $193,000 in annual federal funding 16% of our operating budget.

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Jonesboros public radio station, KASU, will lose about 20% of its budget, General Manager Mark Smith said. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting provided $164,555 in fiscal year 2024.

The rescinded funds will have a significant impact on programming and staff, Smith said. The station has one full-time employee whose salary is covered by the federal money, he said.

Were continuing to assess what the overall impact will be and formulating a plan, he said. Its too early to tell whether Arkansas State University, which holds the station license, will be able to make up the shortfall, he said.

Daniel Breen, news director, Little Rock Public Radio

Little Rock Public Radio News Director Daniel Breen said the stations plans are still in flux, and despite the loss of about 10% of its budget, we will continue to serve as a public resource for the community, amplifying their stories that normally wouldnt be heard.

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CPBs funding request to Congress showed KUAR received about $234,000 in current fiscal year. The station is part of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Public media is a lifeline for smaller, rural stations, often located in areas which would be news deserts otherwise, Breen said. At a time when local news across the board is struggling, its sad to think what a reduction in service will mean for those communities.

Clint Schaff, general manager, KUAF in Fayetteville

KUAFs Schaff said the University of Arkansas-supported station is a resilient mid-market operation that will work to survive this challenge, but he fears smaller stations throughout the public media network could be forced to go dark.

KUAFs service will be as strong as the support it gets from the community it serves  our communities need listeners who are able to donate monthly to do so, for existing contributors to dig deeper, for charitable organizations and foundations to step up, and for universities and other institutions to invest in this vital community resource, Schaff said.

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The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival also will be affected by the rescission. The festival gets the majority of its funds from a $160,000 CPB grant. It also received a $20,000 grant from PBS.

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A retired U.S. Army veteran is still piecing together the disappearance of his geologist son years after he vanished from an Arizona work site, with new investigators looking to break open the four-year-long cold case using new forensic evidence.

24-year-old Daniel Robinson vanished after leaving work at around 9 a.m. on June 23, 2021, according to the Buckeye Police Department. Daniels father, David Robinson, subsequently reported him missing later that day after his coworkers reached out to tell his family Daniel did not return to work.

"When I first called in, [authorities] made me hang the phone up, wait two hours and call back," the elder Robinson told Fox News Digital.

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Army Vet Says New Evidence Suggests Foul Play In Unsolved Disappearance Of Scientist Son

Daniel Robinson in this undated photo provided by his father.

After local law enforcement reportedly denied Robinsons request to begin searching for his son due to his age, the father took matters into his own hands by driving from his home in Columbia, South Carolina, to where Daniel had been seen last, 2,000 miles away in Arizona.

"I kind of lost it," Robinson said. "That prompted me to grab everything I could, throw it in my car and start driving to go find Daniel myself."

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Upon arriving in Arizona, Robinson grew frustrated with the reported lack of urgency from officials, ultimately choosing to hire a private investigator to help search for Daniel.

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Less than one month later, Daniels 2017 Jeep Renegade was found rolled on its side in a ravine by a local rancher. The vehicle was still in drive, and had front-end impact damage and a broken drivers side window and was missing a piece of its roof.

Fathers Pursuit For Missing Daughter Heats Up With New Evidence In Case Thats No Longer Cold

Daniel Robinson in this undated photo provided by his father.

Despite the damage, authorities ruled out foul play in Daniels disappearance.

"Law enforcement gave me an idea of what they said happened at that scene," Robinson said. "It was unacceptable to me. It didn't make sense."

Robinsons private investigator determined that the damage to Daniels vehicle did not match the nearby terrain, while also pointing to black box data indicating the car had driven 11 miles after the airbags had been deployed, signifying that the car may have been planted at the location where it was found.

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"So all of the information  plus more  signified to my investigator that some type of foul play happened," Robinson said.

American Tourist Vanishes In Tropical Paradise After Early Morning Walk From Vacation Rental

As Robinson continued the frantic search for his son, local law enforcement tried to provide explanations for where he may have gone, further frustrating the father as Daniel remained missing.

"When [police] said, Hey, your son joined the monastery and became a monk, I had to go look for monasteries," Robinson told Fox News Digital. "Can you imagine that? I had to go and check that out. [It was] a waste of a lot of money, a lot of energy."

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The case remains open within the Buckeye Police Department as authorities continue to look at evidence regarding Daniels disappearance.

"Buckeye police are committed to locating Daniel Robinson and getting answers for his loved ones and the many people who have become deeply invested in his case," the department said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Detectives continue to investigate every tip and lead and urge anyone with information on Daniels whereabouts to contact us ."

Detectives True Crime Podcast Helps Dig Up Breakthrough In Case That Haunted Family: Drew Audible Gasp

Four years later, Robinson hopes the introduction of new Buckeye Police Department detectives and police chief will yield more promising results in finding out what happened to his son, after what had been a rocky relationship between the father and local law enforcement.

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"Its given me the opportunity to get new leads in Daniels case," Robinson said. "Hopefully thats what well find. Because I know forensic work will bring on some new answers, and we can go forward in another direction to find out exactly what happened to my family."

Robinson hopes new forensics data from the clothing and vehicle found at the scene will help piece together his sons final moments. But in the meantime he is still searching on foot for clues in the desert.

Missing California Moms Family Digs For Homicide Cover-up Or Cleanup As Police Eye Persons Of Interest

"Me and the volunteers that come out, they are my extended family," Robinson said. "Were actually looking for Daniel."

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Throughout their efforts, Robinson and his team of volunteers have recovered seven sets of human remains to ultimately bring closure to other families with missing loved ones within the area, but his primary mission remains finding Daniel.

In April, Robinson teamed up with another father who understands the pain of losing a child all too well: Joseph Petito.

Petitos daughter, Gabby Petito, went missing just a few weeks after Daniel while on a cross-country road trip with her fiance, Brian Laundrie. Her body was subsequently discovered in Wyoming on September 19, 2021. Investigators ruled her death a homicide, determining she had been strangled to death.

Gabby Petito Told Her Ex She Was Scared To Leave Brian Laundrie But Wanted To, Just Before Murder: New Doc

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When the story regarding Gabbys disappearance first made national headlines, it "pulled Daniels case along with it," according to Robinson.

"The first thing Im thinking is that somebodys family is going through exactly what I am," Robinson said. "I know the pain."

GET REAL-TIME UPDATES AT THE FOX NEWS True Crime Hub

The two men forged a bond through the disappearances of their children, with Petito ultimately traveling to Arizona in April of this year to help search for clues surrounding Daniels disappearance.

"He called me in January and said, Dave, I want to be a part of the search," Robinson told Fox News Digital. "He said I dont want it to be about Gabby. I just want to come in as a friend to come out here to help you."

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Petito is celebrating the resurrection of evidence in Robinsons case, telling Fox News Digital the addition of new investigators is "fantastic."

"I really pray for him and his family," Petito said.

Robinson continues to advocate for missing Americans throughout the country, and he is pushing for new legislation to create federal standards regarding law enforcements response to missing-persons reports while running for a seat in South Carolinas Second Congressional District.

"The only thing that kept me straight is my love for my son and my military training," Robinson said. "I had to rely on military training to look at my son as a mission, and I put the mission first."









Original article source: Army vets search for missing geologist son revived as new forensics may reveal truth in desert disappearance
An Army veteran who took part in hate rallies with white supremacist and Neo-Nazi groups was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.

Kyle Christopher Benton, 29, was arrested in the fall of 2024 and charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm. According to prosecutors he used his collection of firearms and his military experience to gain credence among Neo-Nazi circles, including helping to provide combat and tactical training to several far-right extremists.

The indictment against Benton described him as being an accelerationist with ties to extremist groups, including ones that had plotted terrorist actions against Americans. Law enforcement found a fully automatic M16 as well as two rifles modified to have barrels shorter than 16 inches in his possession. At least one of those was unregistered, per court documents.

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You not only illegally possessed extremely dangerous firearms, but you bragged about it and put on firearms trainings for others while doing so, U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said during Bentons sentencing on Wednesday, July 16.

Benton, who was living in Snohomish, Washington, served in the Army from 2017-2020 with the 10th Mountain Division, with one combat deployment. He was also arrested in 2019 after Army investigators found several far-right posts he had made. According to court documents, federal investigators first started looking into Benton after he was discharged from the Army after threatening to kill his wife. His online posts continued after leaving the military, sharing anti-Semitic and white supremacist messages on multiple social media accounts and took part in several hate rallies across the Pacific Northwest.

In a court filing, Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne said that Benton actively engaged with groups encouraging racially or ethnically motivated violence and white supremacy. Benton used the firearms along with his military experience to establish himself within the groups. While engaged with these groups he put on workshops about firearms and held tactical trainings for group members.

Images shared by prosecutors show Benton in military gear with a skull mask holding a rifle, as well as his collection of illegal firearms. According to prosecutors, he was affiliated with many far-right extremist groups, including the Satanic and Neo-Nazi organization the Order of Nine Angles. He also had ties to Terrorgram, a network of accelerationist and neo-fascist groups who communicate over the Telegram messaging app. According to court documents, Benton made posts praising white supremacist and anti-Muslim mass shootings and expressed his support for forming a white ethnostate in the Pacific Northwest.

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Benton had pleaded guilty to the charges in March. In a letter to the judge he claimed that his post-traumatic stress disorder, which along with other circumstances, led to his radicalization, but said that he had since disavowed those views.

Benton is one of several former or then-active-duty military members who has been charged in connection to far-right extremism and violence in recent years. Several of these veterans and servicemembers have planned or carried out attacks on American infrastructure including the power grid, law enforcement and other members of the military.

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At least 13 protesters were arrested during a Thursday night anti-ICE protest that resulted in a march on the Ohio River bridge connecting Covington and Cincinnati.

The Covington Police Department charged protesters with rioting, unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct and other misdemeanor charges.

We respect everyones right to protest, but when demonstrations jeopardize public safety and violate the law, our officers must take appropriate action, said Covington Police Chief Brian Valenti in a news release.

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On Friday, Kenton County District Court Judge Douglas Grothaus set bonds at $2,500, ordering protesters to return to their next hearing on July 23. Rioting charges for protesters are considered a felony, with typical sentences of up to five years in prison.

The group of protesters was calling for the release of Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and former chaplain at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 9. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported the rally was set to be a vigil for Soliman, and there were no plans for a march on the bridge.

Soliman came to the US in 2018 seeking asylum, but was falsely claimed to have worked with a charity associated with a terrorist group, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Enquirer reported.

ICE has held him at the Butler County Jail since he was detained earlier this month. His bond hearing will be on July 23.

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Protesters first rallied in Cincinnati. Nearly 100 people, according to estimates reported by the Enquirer, crossed the bridge after 8 p.m. on Thursday.

The Covington Police Department responded to the protest on the Roebling Suspension Bridge, which they said obstructed traffic and created safety concerns for both demonstrators and the public.

To avoid traffic disruptions, protesters were asked by the police to leave the bridge and move to the sidewalk, but according to police, officers were met with open hostility and threatening behavior.

Videos of police attempting to arrest protesters gained attention on social media. Those videos show police striking and attacking men and women on the sidewalk of the bridge.

Three people were taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the arrests, their attorney, Benjamin Pugh, told WLWT-TV..

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Two journalists were among those arrested, including CityBeat reporter Madeline Fening and Lucas Griffith, the publications photography intern, according to the Enquirer.

This is a developing story and it may be updated.
More than 20 people have been arrested after immigration raids across the West Midlands.

Delivery drivers suspected of working illegally were targeted by officers in Birmingham, Coventry and Hereford, the Home Office said.

Images showed enforcement agents apprehending two men at New Street railway station on Wednesday, as people were stopped for allegedly using modified e-bikes.

It comes amid a crackdown on undocumented workers operating in the so-called gig economy, as well as places like car washes, construction sites and nail bars.

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The two-day operation saw 21 foreign nationals taken into custody for a range of immigration offences, the government added.

They included people from Eritrea, Guinea, Italy, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

All of them now face being deported from the UK.

The government says tackling illegal immigration is a priority [Home Office]

Matthew Foster, who leads on immigration in the West Midlands, said illegal working was undercutting legitimate businesses and allowing vulnerable people to be exploited.

"Those who choose to break the law by working illegally or employing illegal workers should expect to be caught and face the consequences," he said.

The enforcement activity comes after ministers promised to get tough on illegal migration to "protect UK borders".

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Plans have included a focus on food delivery companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat to prevent illegal working.

In June, the companies agreed to strengthen security checks following reports some asylum seekers were working illegally as couriers.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Following the Cottonwood Flat Fire, a vegetation fire that sparked in Garfield County, water restrictions are in place for residents in the area.

The Battlement Mesa Service Association posted to Facebook on Friday, saying that recent fire activity in the area has caused an excess of ash and debris and made its way into the water system.

Get the latest updates on Colorado wildfires

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Authorities said that Battlement Mesa residents cannot use outdoor irrigation systems and should minimize in-home water use. The water, however, is safe to drink and use.

Battlement Mesa Metro District said that residents are also asked to conserve water as their pumps and filters are having a hard time keeping up with the extra debris.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted at midnight on July 20.

On Thursday afternoon, the Grand Valley Fire Protection District reported the vegetation fire causing evacuations in the area. At 6 p.m., a multi-mission aircraft uploaded a perimeter of the fire to the National Interagency Fire Center which had shown it to be over 310 acres.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ASPEN, Colorado  Six months into President Donald Trumps second administration, national security elites at the annual Aspen Security Forum have accepted that this president has irrevocably upended the global order.

Against the backdrop of the leafy Aspen Meadows Resort, former and current U.S. and foreign officials, business leaders and analysts acknowledged publicly and privately that the Trump administration has dealt a lasting blow to much of the post-World War II consensus around free trade and long-term cooperation.

We have to recognize that we're probably not going back to exactly that system, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said at the closing panel of the summit. Rice is a co-chair of the Aspen Strategy Group, which puts on the annual Rocky Mountains national security confab.

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Her words reflect the striking efficacy of the second Trump administration, which in its first six months has taken a sledgehammer to the norms and conventions that governed U.S. trade relations, use of military force and engagement with stalwart partners and alliances. It has also overseen the elimination of agencies that handle foreign policy tasks  most notably the now-defunct U.S. Agency for International Development  and slashed staff within the intelligence community, the Pentagon and the State Department.

The administration has said these moves are necessary to create a more focused and effective foreign policy process that can prioritize American interests above all. But its critics have said the U.S. is reducing its ability to respond to crises, losing its credibility with allies and undermining the global economy by taking such a pugilistic approach to policy.

Either way, attendees at Aspen are trying to adjust to an America First world order.

The first time Trump was president, the national security establishment started out thinking they could influence his policy, and then assumed his policy moves could be easily reversed once he left office. Now that same group is struggling to come up with strategies to influence even on the edges, especially when the administration doesnt want to be part of the conversation.

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The day before the conference was scheduled to start, the Pentagon pulled its speakers, calling the conference a den of globalists that didnt match the administrations values.

In the end, only one administration official attended the conference: Adam Boehler, Trumps special envoy for hostage release. The other non-Pentagon official whod been slated to speak  U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Syria envoy Tom Barrack  withdrew following Israels Wednesday strikes on Syria.

Boehler participated in a convivial on-stage interview with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins where he outlined how the Trump team addressed conflicting portfolios and argued the administration is moving in lock step to achieve key priorities, including freeing Americans held hostage by rogue regimes and actors around the world.

I have a president and team that backs it up, Boehler said of his efforts to free Americans. It gives me strength. When we decided to make a move, and the president decided to move on Iran for me, getting Americans out  that's going to get Americans out.

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Given the administrations limited presence, attendees were forced to wrestle with how to address the presidents many changes to foreign policy amongst themselves. The main approach at the conference seemed to be to at least avoid antagonizing team Trump.

Much praise was offered for Trumps recent expressions of support for Ukraine and the success of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in deteriorating Tehrans nuclear capabilities.

And Trumps overhaul of federal agencies and departments was met with resignation and even some optimism. In informal conversations, there was recognition from some attendees that the State Department was overdue for reform to cut through decades of bureaucracy. The main protest was about the manner in which the cuts were being made.

They all need reform, said a former U.S. diplomat who attended the forum of USAID and State. There are a lot of challenges with how the bureaucracy is set up, and part of it is because of congressional demands. But this isnt reform. This is just dismantling and shutting down government bodies  and poor treatment of federal workers.

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The former diplomat, like others cited, was granted anonymity to speak freely about the conference.

Panelists and attendees also embraced the need to rethink the way that the U.S. offers foreign assistance. In one session discussing the future of foreign aid, panelists agreed that the Trump administrations pursuit of access to critical minerals in Africas Great Lakes region represents an opportunity for alliances with countries that China has looked to court in recent years.

There are a number of questions that rightfully should be asked, but I wouldn't condemn it outrightly. I think there is an opportunity to be had going down the line, Comfort Ero, who leads the International Crisis Group think tank, told the audience.

Especially on economic questions, attendees and panelists were quick to note that the protectionist tendencies Trump embraces are gaining adherents across the U.S. ideological spectrum.

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It's a big deal that you've now had two presidents of two different parties take a protectionist line, former U.S. Trade Representative and World Bank Group President Robert Zoellick, said on one panel. That is a very big switch in the nature of trade politics."

Some attendees expressed frustration at what they saw as pandering to Trump, saying there was a missing opportunity to have more discussion on the main stage about the potential impacts of Trumps policies and governing style on U.S. democratic institutions and institutions around the world.

A recurring theme across panels was frustration with Congress over its repeated inability to pass a budget on time. Such delays in passing a budget and a reliance in recent years on continuing resolutions have been blamed for lags in innovative defense initiatives and snags in securing contracts.

The threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific  which many Democrats and Republicans agree are pressing  came up in many discussions, as foreign officials and former U.S. officials warned that the risk of full-scale conflict with Beijing over Taiwan or other flashpoints had reached an unprecedented level.

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Still, some Democratic attendees argued that Americans arent necessarily sold on Trumps vision for the world. On a panel Friday, Biden administration national security adviser Jake Sullivan argued that people on both sides of the aisle are too ready to read Trumps 2024 victory as a mandate for protectionism and isolationism.

We tend only to read the signals in one direction. And I think that's not right, said Sullivan, who noted that few people suddenly argued Americans were newly interested in the world after President Joe Biden  widely seen as a fervent internationalist  defeated Trump in 2020. I actually believe the American people continue to believe in principled engagement in the world, and continue to believe that our fate is tied to the fate of people elsewhere.

Few solutions were also being offered to the fundamental changes Trump is ushering in, cautioned the former U.S. diplomat.

Especially on soft power, Im seeing a lot fall apart but it doesnt seem like theres something else being built to put in its place, the diplomat said.

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Some officials focused their warnings on the dangerous uncertainty created by the kind of reshaping of the world that Trump has embarked on.

Any student of history will know the most dangerous phase is the interregnum between one world order and another, said Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during a fireside chat at the conference. Are we in that interregnum? Yes, we are.

Nahal Toosi and Felicia Schwartz contributed to this report.
Days after he was caught on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert with the companys chief people officer, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has resigned.

The moment  which quickly went viral  shows Byron and Kristin Cabot swaying together at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts before both awkwardly duck out of frame when they realize theyre on the big screen. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin takes notice and, after a beat, jokes, Either theyre having an affair or theyre just very shy.

The crowd laughs. The internet runs with it.

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Within hours, Byron was identified as the man in the clip. Cabots name soon followed. The video racked up more than 26 million views on TikTok and X, and speculation about their relationship  along with memes, jokes and some misidentifications  quickly followed.

On Saturday, the Cincinnati-based data company confirmed Byron had tendered his resignation and that the board of directors had accepted.

Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met, Astronomer wrote in a LinkedIn post. The company stopped short of addressing the concert directly, but the timing left little doubt.

Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame  a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame  a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame  a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame  a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame  a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX) Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts before quickly ducking out of frame  a moment that quickly went viral and led to Byrons resignation as CEO of Astronomer. July 2025. (@CALEBU2/TMX)

The post added that cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy would continue serving as interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement.

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In an earlier post, Astronomer had also denied that Byron had released any personal statement and addressed the misidentification of a third person seen in some versions of the viral clip.

While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not, the company added Saturday. Were continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems.

Astronomer was founded in 2018 and has positioned itself as a leader in data orchestration tools for AI and analytics.

Coldplays Music of the Spheres world tour continues. For Astronomer, its back to business  minus a CEO and plus a whole lot of name recognition.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
After a video went viral that allegedly shows an affair between Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot, the company has released a statement on the matter.

The alleged affair between Byron and Cabot was caught on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert recently and has set off a firestorm on social media in the aftermath.

Astronomer has now addressed the situation in a statement posted to social media on Friday afternoon.

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"Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding," the statement read. "Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.

"The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly," the post added.

Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.



The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional pic.twitter.com/rfrAQ5bygy  Astronomer (@astronomerio) July 18, 2025

The company also confirmed that the smiling woman next to Cabot and Byron in the viral video was not Alyssa Stoddard, who is Astronomer's vice president of human resources.

In addition, Astronomer also confirmed that a statement floating around social media is not from the company's CEO.

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"Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video. Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect," the statement said.

While Astronomer has broken its silence on the matter, we are still waiting on a statement from both Byron and Cabot.

Related: Andy Byron, Kristin Cabot Roasted by Major Companies Over Alleged Affair

Astronomer Releases Official Statement on Andy Byron Cheating Scandal first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 18, 2025
AUSTIN (KXAN)  One person suffered serious injuries after a motorcycle crash that happened near Red Bud Isle in west Austin Friday, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.

ATCEMS said on social media shortly before 4:30 p.m. that the crash happened at Redbud Trail and Lake Austin Boulevard in west Austin.

One person suffered critical injuries and was being transported to an area hospital, medics said.

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Traffic delays and road closures are expected.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Brief

Immanuel Williams was convicted for fleeing police and reckless driving after a high-speed chase in November 2023.

Williams led officers on a dangerous pursuit through residential areas, running red lights and sideswiping another vehicle, before being apprehended by a K9 officer.

Williams was sentenced to 11 years in prison, with District Attorney Willis emphasizing the dangers of fleeing law enforcement and the importance of public safety.

ATLANTA - A Fulton County jury has convicted 39-year-old Immanuel Williams on charges of fleeing and attempting to elude police and reckless driving, District Attorney Fani Willis announced Friday.

What we know

The charges stem from a high-speed police chase in November 2023, when a Georgia State Patrol trooper tried to stop a black Dodge Charger on Interstate 85 North after noticing a license plate that didnt match the vehicle. Williams, who was behind the wheel, refused to pull over and instead led officers on a dangerous pursuit through residential neighborhoods.

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During the chase, authorities said Williams ran red lights, blew past stop signs, and sideswiped another vehicle. The Atlanta Police Departments Aviation Unit helped track the vehicle from the air. Williams later abandoned the stolen car and fled on foot into nearby woods. A K9 officer located and apprehended him shortly after.

On June 25, Judge Shukura L. Ingram sentenced Williams to 11 years to serve following the jurys verdict.

What they're saying

"I am grateful that no one was injured during this dangerous high-speed chase," said District Attorney Willis. "Fleeing from law enforcement through neighborhoods and busy streets endangers lives, and this conviction sends a clear message that such reckless disregard for public safety will not be tolerated."

The Source

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' office released the details above.
The Brief

WABE faces nearly $2 million in annual losses due to federal funding cuts, impacting 13% of its operating budget.

The station has launched a campaign for community support to mitigate the funding gap, emphasizing its role in providing independent, local journalism and educational content.

Smaller public broadcasters, especially in rural areas, are at greater risk, with some relying on federal sources for up to 70% of their budget.

ATLANTA - Atlantas public radio and television station WABE is bracing for nearly $2 million in annual losses following a decision by Congress to rescind billions in previously authorized federal funding, including money earmarked for public broadcasting.

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The funding rollback is part of a broader $9 billion clawback that impacts more than 1,500 locally operated public TV and radio stations across the country. WABE, Atlantas NPR and PBS affiliate, says the loss represents about 13% of its operating budget.

What they're saying

"Journalism without fear and without favor. We need to tell the truth," said Jennifer Dorian, WABE President and CEO.

For 77 years, WABE has served the Atlanta community with independent reporting focused on local issues ranging from the environment to the arts. Owned by Atlanta Public Schools, the station also produces educational content for students and classrooms across the district.

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"In a district like ours where so many of our students arrive at school already behind, its vitally important," said Atlanta Board of Education member Cynthia Briscoe Brown.

Dorian emphasized the stations mission to center Atlanta in its programming and serve the broader region with in-depth, accountability journalism. "Our job is to amplify Atlanta so that Atlanta understands itself and that the wider world understands Atlanta," she said.

But critics of federal funding for public media argue taxpayer dollars should be directed elsewhere.

"When youre trying to make tough decisions and youve got a 37-trillion-dollar national debt, getting rid of a taxpayer funded mouthpiece is really an easy decision," said state Senator Blake Tillery, a Republican representing Georgias 19th Senate District. "Consumers already have many commercial choices."

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Dorian countered that commercial media cannot always meet the needs of every community. "Where the commercial news model cant cover everything, we try to deepen and fill in with good accountability journalism for the community and that is threatened by this defunding," she said.

What's next

In response to the cuts, WABE has launched a campaign urging local listeners and viewers to help close the funding gap.

"I believe Atlanta will have our back and does value the service we provide," Dorian said.

The Atlanta Board of Education is working with elected officials to explore options to restore at least part of the lost funding.

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"It really breaks my heart that were having to fight to save something which is so vital to building and being community," said Briscoe Brown.

Why you should care

While WABE may be able to weather the cut with community support, smaller public broadcastersparticularly in rural areasare facing an even more dire situation. Some stations receive 60 to 70 percent of their budget from federal sources and may not survive without that assistance.

The Source

FOX 5's Alli Levine spoke with Jennifer Dorian, WABE President and CEO; Atlanta Board of Education member Cynthia Briscoe Brown; and state Sen. Blake Tillery
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  According to the office of Attorney General Gentner Drummond, an Oklahoma City man will be prosecuted for damaging the weather radar of another TV station.

Anthony Tyler Mitchell, who is 39, allegedly vandalized the power supply of a live radar, and he is being charged with malicious injury or destruction of property and damage to equipment in a critical infrastructure facility.

He is also charged with a misdemeanor of entering with the intent to commit a felony.

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This crime is about much more than vandalism of property, Drummond said. Weather radar is not a weather weapon. Radar technology is vitally important and saves the lives of countless Oklahomans every year. This individuals alleged action is not simply wrong; it imperiled public safety. My office is committed to protecting critical infrastructure and holding accountable anyone who willfully damages 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's government said on Saturday it had delivered M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a A$245 million ($160 million) package to help the country defend itself against Russia in their ongoing war.

Australia, one of the largest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine, has been supplying aid, ammunition and defence equipment since Moscow invaded its neighbour in February 2022.

Ukraine has taken possession of most of the 49 tanks given by Australia, and the rest will be delivered in coming months, said Defence Minister Richard Marles.

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The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraines ongoing fight against Russias illegal and immoral invasion," Marles said in a statement.

The tanks formed part of the A$1.5 billion ($980 million) that Canberra has provided Ukraine in the conflict, the government said.

Australia has also banned exports of alumina and aluminium ores, including bauxite, to Russia, and has sanctioned about 1,000 Russian individuals and entities.

Australia's centre-left Labor government this year labelled Russia as the aggressor in the conflict and called for the war to be resolved on Kyiv's terms.

($1 = 1.5366 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney)
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Summertime in Panama City Beach usually draws thousands of families looking for a relaxing vacation. But this year, the crowds have brought more than just towels and sunscreen, police say theyre seeing problems more typical of Spring Break.

Beach patrol officers have been busy managing traffic, controlling crowds, and enforcing safety rules. But an alarming uptick in unruly behavior has led to swift action from city officials.

As a result, the city has announced temporary nightly beach closures along the west end of Thomas Drive.

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John Deegins, Deputy Chief of Panama City Beach explains, The beach will be closed from beach access 25 to beach access 36. That is the area behind, you know, the Shores of Panama and Pineapple Willys, that area. Thats where we tend to see most of the issues and will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

One of the incidents prompting the closure happened around 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday night, when shots were fired behind Pineapple Willys.

Its ridiculous that we had a shooting, a Deegins said. There was about 50 kids on the beach when this happened, and theyre doing Oklahoma drills, and thats where they run at each other and tackle one another. That ended up in and argument and fight which resulted in somebody firing a gun off.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the shooting. But the incident resulted in implementing nightly beach closures.

Public safety is our number one goal, Deegins said. We want to make sure that everybodys safe and the past few weeks, months, weve just seen an increase of, you know, I guess the unruly behavior of these kids. And for whatever reason, they go from, you know, a fistfight or Oklahoma drills to somebody shooting a gun.

Officials say the closures are temporary but necessary, and theyll continue monitoring the situation closely to ensure a safe environment for all beachgoers.

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Authorities suspend ground search for northern Minnesota man missing for weeks originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

The Cook County Sheriffs Office has suspended a ground search for a 40-year-old northern Minnesota man who's been missing since the beginning of July.

Gene Doherty was last seen leaving his mother's home near Silver Bay on July 1. His vehicle, a 2009 Ford Edge, was found on July 11 on Brule Lake Road between Cascade Lake and Little Cascade Lake, part of the Superior National Forest.

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The sheriff's office says it's suspending the ground search for Doherty due to challenging terrain, limited resources, and a lack of results from search and rescue operations.

For the past week, authorities have focused on the 451-acre Cascade Lake, where a detection dog pinpointed Dohertys scent at the public boat landing, with crews using boats and sonar to search the water and shoreline.

Weve had a great search and rescue group, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen told WTIP. "They give it everything."

The sheriff's office plans to continue searching Cascade Lake every day until July 22. After that, crews will reassess and "maybe try something else," the sheriff told the Grand Marais-based radio station.



Gene DohertyMinnesota BCA

"Were going to keep it up as long as we can, as long as resources hold out, and as long as we can get people to do it," Eliasen said.

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The Cook County Sheriffs Office, Cook County Search and Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, and St. Louis County Search and Rescue have been assisting in the search and rescue effort.

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.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Avelo Airlines to Cease All West Coast Operations by the End of 2025 originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

Courtesy Markus Mainka via Adobe Stock

Budget airline Avelo announced on Monday that it will shutter its Hollywood Burbank Airport base by early December. For more than four years, Avelo has operated out of the Southern California airport as a major partner.



The airline launched under its current brand name during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly expanding operations in Burbank with flights to Northern California, Oregon and Montana. By 2023, Avelos West Coast base accounted for one-third of its total customers.



Avelo CEO Andrew Levy confirmed on Monday that Avelo will reduce the number of its planes flying out of Los Angeles County to only one by mid-August. Company officials said that by Dec. 2, it will shut down the base entirely, ceasing all West Coast operations.

We believe the continuation of service from [Hollywood Burbank Airport] in the current operating environment will not deliver adequate financial returns in a highly competitive backdrop, Levy said.



The current Burbank fleet will relocate to different locations across the country, where Levy said the company sees more efficient longer-term growth prospects.



California-based employees will have the opportunity to transfer to one of three other bases: Hartford, Connecticut; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Wilmington, Delaware. Passengers with existing flights can refund their purchases online.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
By Nailia Bagirova

KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan (Reuters) -Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, on Saturday said he wanted Russia to publicly acknowledge that it had accidentally shot down an Azerbaijani passenger plane in December last year, killing 38 people on board, and to punish those responsible.

President Vladimir Putin apologised at the time to Aliyev for what the Kremlin called a "tragic incident" over Russia in which an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed after Russian air defences opened fire against Ukrainian drones.

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But he stopped short of saying Russia had shot down the aircraft.

Aliyev, speaking at a news conference in the city of Khankendi during an event called The Global Media Forum, made clear that he wanted much more from Moscow whom he accused of inaction following the downing of the airliner.

We know exactly what happened  and we can prove it. Moreover, we are confident that Russian officials also know what happened, Aliyev said.

The real question is: why didnt they do what any responsible neighbour should do?

He said Azerbaijan expected the incident to be formally acknowledged, for those responsible to be held accountable, for compensation to be paid to victims families and those injured, and for Moscow to reimburse the cost of the destroyed aircraft.

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These are standard expectations within the framework of international law and good-neighbourly relations, he said.

Flight J2-8243, en route from Baku to the Chechen capital Grozny, crash-landed near Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia, where Ukrainian drones were reported to be attacking several cities. Thirty-eight people were killed and 29 survived.

Ties between Moscow and Baku have seriously deteriorated in recent months after Russian police detained a group of ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Russia and accused them of various historic crimes.

Speaking at the same event, Aliyev said he wanted a transit corridor to be opened between Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan that would run via Armenia.

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Aliyev said: We are talking about unimpeded state access from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan. And we understand this literally  we are talking about a connection between parts of one country.

He said that, if and when it is set up, that Azerbaijani train passengers should not be exposed to physical danger from Armenian civilians whom he accused of throwing stones at such trains in the Soviet era and called for reliable and verifiable security guarantees.

This is an absolutely legal and fair demand, Aliyev said.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on July 16 that the U.S. had offered to manage the potential transport corridor.

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The potential corridor, which Baku is keen to secure, would run roughly 32 km (20 miles) through Armenia's southern Syunik province, linking the majority of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave that borders Baku's ally Turkey.

The transit link is one of several stumbling blocks to a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, neighbours in the South Caucasus region who have fought a series of wars since the late 1980s and remain arch rivals.

The countries said in March they had finalised a draft peace deal, but the timeline for signing it remains uncertain.

(Reporting by Nailia Bagirova Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Gender reveals have become increasingly popular with families anxiously waiting to see if their newest addition will be born a boy or a girl. But despite popular belief, its not a coin toss, according to a new study.

A study published in the Science Advance journal Friday found families have a unique probability when it comes to whether they will have a boy or a girl and there are certain factors influencing the odds.

Researchers analyzed just over 58,000 women with two or more singleton births from 1956 to 2015, finding mothers with three or more kids were more likely to have children of the same sex.

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Rather than a 50-50 chance of having either a boy or a girl, families with three girls had a 58 percent chance of having another girl, and families with three boys had a 61 percent chance of having another boy.

A study published Friday found families have a unique probability when it comes to whether they will have a boy or a girl (Getty/iStock)

A study published Friday found families have a unique probability when it comes to whether they will have a boy or a girl (Getty/iStock)

So why does this happen?

Researchers point to the mothers age when she gives birth and genetics.

Women who started having kids after the age of 28 were slightly more likely to have children of the same sex. The study also identified two genes associated with giving birth to only boys or only girls.

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Jorge Chavarro, the senior author of the study and a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told The Washington Post, We dont know why these genes would be associated with sex at birth, but they are, and that opens up new questions.

There are some limitations to the study including that there was no data on fathers.

Additionally, an expert outside of the study warned about the studys genetic analysis.

Iain Mathieson, a professor of genetics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, told the Post the analysis was based on a relatively small sample and could be influenced by other factors.

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Researchers in the study concluded more research was needed to study the extent to which the factors mentioned explain why some families are more likely to have children of the same sex.

Until then, families desiring offspring of more than one sex who have already had two or three children of the same sex should be aware that when trying for their next one, they are probably doing a coin toss with a two-headed coin, the authors wrote.
Leading voices in President Donald Trump's MAGA base who had been critical for days of the president and administration's handling of the Epstein files are now rallying to Trump's defense following a story in the Wall Street Journal, and are celebrating the administration's move to release grand jury testimony, potentially cooling the backlash among his supporters.

The administration angered many of Trump's supporters when it announced last week that it would not release any additional files on Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy financier and convicted sex offender who died by suicide in jail in 2019, after earlier promising to do so.

Prior to joining the administration, Trump boosters like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino had stoked conspiracy theories about an Epstein "client list" that allegedly included the names of wealthy Democratic elites. But elevated to leadership positions in the FBI, both Patel and Bongino signed off on a memo stating that no such list existed -- angering some of Trump's most vocal supporters.

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MORE: DOJ files request to unseal Epstein grand jury records after uproar over files

That changed on Thursday, when the Wall Street Journal published a letter it alleged Trump had sent Epstein in 2003 for his 50th birthday. ABC News has not been able to confirm the existence of the letter.

Trump, who had been friendly with Epstein for around 15 years before they had a falling out in 2004, denied to the Journal that he had written the letter, and on Friday filed a defamation lawsuit against the paper claiming damages of not less than $10 billion.

Leading Trump supporters rallied to the president's side.

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Following the Journal article, MAGA voices who had been some of Trump's most vocal critics over the last week, including Megyn Kelly, Charlie Kirk, Jack Posobiec, Laura Loomer, Benny Johnson and even Elon Musk rushed to defend the president.

Posobiec, a MAGA podcaster who had been one of the loudest voices pushing the Epstein issue, told former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, "We're so back. Everyone is firing on all cylinders. The MAGA movement is completely united behind this fight."

Nathan Howard/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump raises his fist while boarding Air Force One, as he departs for Pennsylvania, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 15, 2025.

"We have to be on offensive all the time," Bannon told his online audience, saying of Trump, "They tried to actually destroy him."

Trump also announced Thursday that he was asking Attorney General Pam Bondi to "produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval" in regard to the Epstein case -- prompting accolades from supporters who had been pushing for the release of more Epstein material.

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Johnson, another MAGA podcaster, tweeted "victory" in response to the news.

Kirk, on his show, urged his viewers to "thank President Trump" for pushing his administration to release the testimony.

"So for any of you in the audience that were a little uneasy, that were a little anxious, I think it's morally incumbent on you to say thank you President Trump, thank you for stepping up and for doing this," Kirk said. "Thank you President Trump, for fulfilling what you said you were going to do, because he does deserve credit."

MORE: DOJ files request to unseal Epstein grand jury records after uproar over files

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The Journal story appears to have redirected MAGA supporters' criticism and unified them against a familiar target: the media. But whether the shift in support will hold is unclear. While figures like Kirk and Bannon have framed the grand jury promise as a major win, the release of the testimony itself could take time, as officials must first assess its impact on victims then win the approval of a federal judge.

And because the grand jury transcripts represent only a small fraction of the files on Epstein, it's unclear if the contents will satisfy members of Trump's base who have been demanding the release of all Epstein materials. The last time the administration released Epstein-related files in February, the move sparked further questions and contributed to the backlash the president and his administration are still dealing with today.

For now, though, Kirk said on his show that "it was very fun to see" the MAGA base rallying around Trump following the publication of the Journal's story.

Seemingly to underscore the point, Kirk opened his show with a snippet of Joe Cocker's performance of the song "With a Little Help From My Friends" -- in an apparent wink and a nod to the story helping to unite the MAGA movement behind the president once again.
Hundreds of thousands of supporters of Bangladeshs largest Islamist party took part in a rally in the capital, Dhaka, demanding an overhaul of the electoral system.

The South Asian nation is expected to head to the polls next year as it stands at a crossroads after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

On Saturday, Jamaat-e-Islami placed a seven-point demand on the countrys interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election, justice for all mass killings, essential reforms and the proclamation and implementation of a charter involving last years mass uprising.

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The party also said it wants the introduction of a proportional representation system in the election.

Thousands of supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami spent the night on the Dhaka University campus before the rally.

On Saturday morning, braving the sweltering heat, they continued to stream towards Suhrawardy Udyan, a historical site where the Pakistani army surrendered to a joint force of India and Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, ending the nine-month war.

We are here for a new Bangladesh, where Islam would be the guiding principle of governance, where good and honest people will rule the country, and there will be no corruption, said Iqbal Hossain, 40.

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We will sacrifice our lives, if necessary, for this cause.





No discrimination

Some demonstrators wore T-shirts bearing the partys logo, others sported headbands inscribed with its name, while many displayed metallic badges shaped like a scale  the partys electoral symbol.

Many young supporters in their 20s and 30s were also present.

Under Jamaat-e-Islami, this country will have no discrimination. All people will have their rights. Because we follow the path of the holy book  Quran, said Mohidul Morsalin Sayem, a 20-year-old student.

If all the Islamist parties join hands, soon, nobody will be able to take power from us.

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The partys chief, Shafiqur Rahman, said the countrys struggle in 2024 was to eliminate fascism, but this time, there would be another fight against corruption and extortion.

How will the future Bangladesh look like? There will be another fight  We will do whatever is necessary and win that fight, Rahman said.

Jamaat-e-Islami party members rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka [Munir Uz Zaman/AFP]

After Bangladeshs independence, Jamaat, which sided with Pakistan during Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971, was banned.

It later re-emerged and registered its best electoral performance in 1991 when it secured 18 seats.

The party also joined a coalition government in 2001, but failed to build lasting popular support.

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While Prime Minister Hasina was in power from 2009 until she was toppled in student-led protests last year and fled to India, top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami were either executed or jailed on charges of crimes against humanity and other serious crimes in 1971.

Last month, the Supreme Court restored the partys registration, paving the way for its participation in elections slated for next April.

In a statement on X, Hasinas Awami League party reacted sharply to Yunuss government allowing Saturdays rally.

The statement said the move marks a stark betrayal with the national conscience and constitutes a brazen act of undermining millions of people  dead and alive  who fought against the evil axis [in 1971].

The Yunus-led administration has banned the Awami League, and Hasina has been in exile in India since last August. She faces charges of crimes against humanity.




SPARTANBURG, S.C.(WSPA)  A national banking chain celebrated the grand opening of its newest location  and only branch in the Upstate  with a $10,000 donation to a nonprofit.

Huntington Bank, a full-service banking provider based in Ohio, opened its first branch in the Upstate on Friday. The new branch is located on East Main Street. It will serve customers with tellers, personal and private bankers and has an ATM.

According to a news release on the banks website, the Spartanburg branch is part of an expansion by Huntington Bank into North and South Carolina. Over the next three years Huntington Bank plans to add 55 branches and hire more than 350 people across both states.

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As part of a grand opening celebration, representatives for Huntington Bank made a $10,000 donation to Project Hope Foundation, a nonprofit offering therapy, education, adult services, and community engagement programs for individuals with autism.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Barcelona will close two of its seven cruise terminals as it steps up efforts to control visitor numbers following a local backlash against tourism.

Under the 185m (160m) plan agreed between the Spanish city and port authorities, two terminals are to be demolished and a third rebuilt for public use. That will slash the number of passengers the port can handle at any one time by 6,000 to 31,000 by the end of the decade.

Following the reduction in capacity, priority will be given to ships departing from Barcelona, usually staffed by locals, rather than those just visiting in order to maximise benefits for the economy.

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Jaume Collboni, Barcelonas Left-wing mayor, said the deal was struck after the port showed understanding and empathy in accepting that the expansion of cruise activity could not carry on unchecked and had to be reduced.

He said: For the first time in its history, a limit is being placed on the growth of cruise ships in the city. The current management of tourism involves establishing limits.

It comes after protesters took to Barcelonas streets last month as part of the biggest anti-tourism rally in its history. It was the culmination of months of anger at overcrowding and high prices in the city.

Demonstrators gathered in Barcelona last month to protest against overcrowding caused by tourism - Paroma Basu/Getty

Protesters last year sprayed visitors with water pistols to highlight what they saw as the swarming of the city.

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Cruise vessels are reviled in some tourist hotspots for flooding streets with visitors who spend little before returning to their ship.

While moves to ban them have become commonplace, Barcelona is going a step further by shrinking its port infrastructure to keep them away.

The number of ships visiting Europes busiest cruise port has surged over the past six years and jumped by a fifth between January and May, bringing in 1.2m people.

Under the latest plans, a 2,000ft length of quayside will be renovated, while the bridge to the cruise terminals will be doubled to provide space for cyclists and pedestrians.

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Hookups to the power grid will also be provided so that ships do not have to use their diesel engines in port.

Jose Alberto Carbonell, president of the Port of Barcelona, said the agreement would permit the sustainable development of cruise activity.

He said that while smaller, the resulting facilities will be amongst the most modern in the world and better able to act as a base for cruise ships, boosting local employment.

Barcelona, which has a population of 1.7m, or 5m across its metropolitan area, attracted 3.7m cruise-ship passengers last year. Miami, the busiest cruise port in the world, handled a record 8.2m.

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Her bid for serenity blew up in her face.

A former City Hall official claims she was seriously hurt when she lit a Bath & Body Works candle and it exploded, sending searing hot wax into her face and arms.

Renita Francois life has been irrevocably changed since the Jan. 19, 2023 incident in her Valley Stream, LI, home, when a three-wick Sweater Weather candle exploded as she leaned in to take a whiff, sending a shockwave of fire and debris directly into her face, according to a lawsuit.

Renita Francois, center, seen here with Mayor deBlasio and his then wife, Chirlane McCray, was a frequent public speaker in the years before the incident. Obtained by the New York Post

The incident left the mother of two with second degree burns on her face, her eyelashes melted off and her eyebrows singed away, she said in court papers. Obtained by the New York Post

The heat of the blast left her skin sizzling, singed off her eyebrows, melted her eyelashes and left her face and arms seriously scarred, the mother of two claimed, calling the pain instant, unrelenting, and beyond anything she had ever experienced.

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Her husband McEvans witnessed his wifes face catch fire, crackle, and blister as molten wax burned her skin, the couple said in legal papers.

Francois, 41, was rushed to the emergency room but said the aftermath of the incident has fractured her confidence.

The second-degree burns ignited an emotional and psychological battle, an assault on her self-perception, and a daily reminder of a tragedy that could have been prevented, she said in a Brooklyn Federal Court lawsuit against the retailer and the manufacturer, Premier Candle Corp.

The candle, which sells for about $17, was made in Canada, with substandard materials, improper safety measures, and inadequate testing, creating an unreasonable risk of explosion she said in court papers.

The Sweater Weather candle allegedly exploded minutes after Renita Francois said she lit it. Obtained by the New York Post

And the candle was especially dangerous because chemical additives made the wax highly flammable, contended Francois.

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Adding insult to injury, the company knew its candles could be dangerous as far back as 2016, when it was forced to recall some of its votives for documented cases of candle explosions, glass shattering, and injuries caused by molten wax and fire hazards, she said in court papers.

As executive director for the Mayors Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety under Mayor Bill de Blasio from July 2018 to April 2022, Francois was a frequent public speaker but now dreads stepping in front of a room.

Before the explosion, Renita was bold, fearless, and effortless in commanding an audience. Today, she walks into public meetings, panel discussions, and leadership summits knowing that her scars speak before she does, she said in court papers.

She is seeking unspecified damages.

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This lawsuit is not just about compensationit is about accountability. It is about ensuring that corporations that prioritize profit over consumer safety do not escape responsibility for the harm they cause, she said in the litigation.

Bath & Body Works and Premier did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
HARPURSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Broome County is sharpening its skills in preparation for a possible traumatic event.

Harpursville Central School District continues to be a place for learning, but not in the usual sense today. Broome County Emergency Services conducted a joint active shooter drill on the Harpursville campus.

Many different agencies and departments, from Harpusville fire to the Vestal Police Department, participated in the scenario where a women and her husband opened fire inside the school while placing improvised explosives. The agencies encountered realistic casualties during the event with the assistance of the New York Office of Emergency Managements moulage personnel, which specialize in creating mock injuries.

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The responders on the scene received support from an acting command center at the Harpursville Fire Department.

Broome County Undersheriff Sammy Davis underscores the importance of this training.

Broome County Undersheriff Sammy Davis says, These things are critical because we all know training for a real life incident is very important, but we can never recreate a real situation. So these things are important because for one, we want to make sure our current plans are up to date and current and people know what theyre suppose to do. But mainly, this is really important because again we know all agencies are going to come and give support.

Over the 22 years of Under Sheriff Davis service, the sheriffs office has conducted 3 similar joint exercises. While the scenario is beneficial for Broomes emergency services and law enforcement, the staff and administrators of Harpursville and other surrounding districts found it to be a unique learning experience. Harpursville Superintendent, Heath Georgia, speaks on the training is being utilized by the district.

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Harpursville Superintendent, Heath Georgia, says, Its mutually beneficial. We get to analyze our policies and procedures during a crisis situation and we get feedback from law enforcement.

After conducting the scenario, the departments were able to discuss the effectiveness of the training. Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant Overseeing Training, Jan Cower, reflects on the results.

Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant Overseeing Training, Jan Cower, shares, Theres a few things we can work on, but overall we did a great job and I think were more than able to deal with anything that comes down for us.

Personnel now feel more confident in their abilities to respond to a crisis situation.

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The Broome County Sheriffs office says its looking to conduct more joint exercises and is willing to support any school district that wants to make their schools safer.

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A beach in Biarritz, in southwestern France, was closed to swimming on Thursday due to a high concentration of a toxic micro-algae, which had caused a wave of panic and the closure of several Basque coast beaches in 2021.

"If the presence of the micro-algae Ostreopsis had been observed for several days but at moderate levels, its sudden intensification was likely caused by the swell that occurred at the beginning of this week," stated the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and the Basque Country Agglomeration Community in a joint statement.

Several surfers and swimmers, in particular, reported to the authorities symptoms specific to the presence of this micro-algae, which is invisible to the naked eye, but "no reports of serious cases have been received," they specified.

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The Biarritz town hall announced on Thursday on its website that "swimming and water activities will be prohibited" at the Port-Vieux beach, "pending new samples."

In 2021, several hundred reports of flu-like symptoms, rhinitis, or respiratory tract irritation had alerted local officials, who were forced to close the beaches of Biarritz, Bidart, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

A French court in June ordered the state to compensate the family of a 50-year-old man who died in 2016 during a run after inhaling poisonous gas emitted by rotting green algae piled along the country's western coast.

French court orders state to compensate family of jogger killed by toxic algae

Ocean warming and toxic algae

Ostreopsis ovata, a toxic micro-algae well known in the Mediterranean for several years, is now established on the Basque coast, both French and Spanish. Its presence is a direct consequence of climate change and ocean warming, according to scientists.

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A research program bringing together scientists and institutions from both sides of the border, in the Basque Country, was launched in April 2024.

Mediterranean Sea experienced marine heatwaves of 'record intensity'

Developed over three years at nine coastal sites, it is designed to help policymakers develop an alert protocol, or even new regulations.

There is currently no regulatory threshold for this micro-algae.

On Friday, the Biarritz town hall re-opened the beach, advising the most vulnerable people to remain vigilant.

(with newswires)
A man is in custody after allegedly driving his car into a crowd outside a nightclub in East Hollywood early Saturday, injuring 30 people, including seven critically.

The incident occurred shortly about 2 a.m. near the intersection of North Vermont and Melrose avenues. Police said the 29-year-old driver had been removed from a nearby business before getting behind the wheel of a Nissan Versa and accelerating into a group of pedestrians waiting on the sidewalk.

The vehicle struck several individuals and collided with a taco truck and a valet stand before coming to a stop. Of those injured, six are in serious condition, and several others suffered minor injuries but declined hospital transport. Most of the victims were female.

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After the crash, bystanders attacked and beat the suspect. Police say they are unsure whether the gunshot wound the man suffered occurred before, during, or after the assault. The driver was taken into custody and hospitalized; his condition is stable.

Authorities do not believe terrorism was involved but are investigating whether alcohol, drugs, or road rage played a role. A fight had reportedly broken out near the club before the vehicle rammed the crowd.

Community members expressed shock and concern over the incident, which disrupted what should have been a night out. Local officials promised to review safety measures in nightlife districts.

Police continue to investigate the motive and exact sequence of events leading to the crash. Charges are expected to be filed once the investigation concludes.

The post Beaten and shot, driver arrested after LA nightclub crash appeared first on Salon.com.
National Parks are often referred to as Americas best idea. Thats what followers of the National Parks and Forests Supporters believe, anyway (and theyre probably not wrong). Earlier this month, the Facebook page highlighted another great idea, this one regarding a unique conservation effort.

The unique conservation effort is beavers. In 2019, researchers began moving captured beavers who had become a nuisance to humans along stretches of the San Rafael and Price Rivers in Eastern Utah.

The idea is that beaversoften considered natures engineersreshape river landscapes by felling trees and building dams. All of this busy activity conserves water and creates wetlands that sustain countless other species. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, they are one of the most cost effective and sustainable solutions for ecological restoration and climate change resilience.

The beaver is a keystone species that affects habitat structure and dynamics through the damming and diverting of streams, and the felling of trees and other woody vegetation.

CREDIT: NPS/Neal Herbert



And our desert rivers are indeed in need of ecological restoration. Human activities including the constructions of reservoirs, dams, and diversions have depleted their crucial water supplies and consequently degraded natural habitats of the local flora and fauna, as reported by Utah State Magazine.

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Cue the beavers. Two years after they joined the small pre-existing population, Emma Doden, a then-Utah State University graduate student who participated in the conservation experiment, told the BBC that her team found dams in regions where they had previously never been observed.

While a number of the 47 total translocated beavers died or moved away from the target restoration area, a few of these beavers stuck where we put them. And even the ones that didnt  we had some move 20km [12 miles] downstream, which is pretty far for a small little animal  they are probably still helping the system, as the river is so degraded, she said.

[ Related: Beavers, snails, and elephants are top grads from natures college of engineering. ]

By 2023, the experiment was still working. The researchers saw more dams than before their study on beaver translocation, behavioral ecologist Julie Young at Utah State University told The Wildlife Society. Some beavers improved regions of pre-existing analog damsor human-made beaver-like dams built for environmental restoration purposes.

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What heavy machinery and government programs couldnt do, a few rodents pulling sticks through the mud did better, the National Parks and Forests Supporters post concludes.

While the post doesnt cite specific evidence backing their claim regarding government intervention, theres no arguing that beaverslike invasive-plant-eating goatsare a more natural solution.
The Trinity test (Public domain photo via Los Alamos National Laboratory)

The July 16, 2025 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test arrives in New Mexico at a poignant moment, and serves as just one example of the states nuclear legacy. Generations of survivors of the federal governments nuclear testing program and the states uranium mining industry have waited for years for recognition from the United States as they watched their friends and families die from cancers.

The 1990 federal Radiation and Exposure Compensation Act  created to provide restitution to people sickened by exposure to radiation and uranium  excluded New Mexicos downwinders and post-1971 uranium miners, and expired last year after years of lobbying for expansion by victims and New Mexicos elected leaders. New Mexico Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, for instance, began introducing RECA legislation when he was first elected to the U.S. House in 2008, and did so so every year since.

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Just last month, Lujan, other members of the states congressional delegation and long-time advocates held a news conference to call for RECAs renewal once again. Over the years, the coalition calling for RECAs expansion and extension has grown across states and become a bipartisan effort. In the end, Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri got it over the finish line as a provision in President Donald Trumps massive tax and spending bill.

Advocates and New Mexico officials say while RECAs passage is worthy of celebration, more remains to be done.

It was quite a relief, because weve waited so long, said Tina Cordova, founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, during a news conference last week. The documentary film First We Bombed New Mexico highlights Cordovas 20-year fight for justice for New Mexicos downwinders. Honestly, the acknowledgement is long past due, she said. But I also want to recognizethat were not there yet. We still have a lot of work to do.

RECAs two-year expansion will not be long enough for us to get everybody enrolled that should be enrolled, Cordova said. The bill also provides $100,000 lump sum payouts but no longer includes health care coverage. We will take the win, and we will continue our fight, Cordova said. And we will also never forget that there are some very important people that have been left out: the people of Guam, the people of Colorado, the people of Montana, the remainder of Arizona and Nevada. While grateful New Mexico was included, she said, we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our sisters and brothers from those places who weve come to love.

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Lujan and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) last week also sent letters to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer urging both to issue guidance quickly for RECA given the short timeline for compensation.

Later on Wednesday, a sign dedication will take place at the entrance to the Trinity site, placing a marker there acknowledging the sacrifice and suffering of the people of New Mexico as a result of the Trinity bomb, Cordova said. A mass in the evening in Tularosa will include the annual candlelight vigil and reading of the names of the people who are no longer here. Source will have coverage from both events.

In advance of the 80th anniversary, Lujan issued a statement about the anniversary, characterizing it as eight decades of pain, loss, and injustice for the victims still living with the fallout of nuclear testing and uranium miningAs we reflect on the lasting harm caused by these tests and the governments negligence, we must renew our commitment to the people still suffering today. That means doing everything we can to help them access the compensation they deserve. Together, we will keep fighting to make sure no one is left behind.

Below, Sources Danielle Prokop offers portraits of some of those survivors.

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Julia Goldberg

Lit luminarias at a vigil for people who have died from cancer in the Tularosa Basin. The vigil was marked the 78th anniversary of the Trinity Test, which subjected New Mexicans to the first atomic exposing and radioactive fallout. (Photo courtesy of Tina Cordova)

Tina Cordova

Tina Cordova has relived the death of her father, Anastacio, many times over. In speeches before a handful of people, in phone conversations with reporters and when Lujan commemorated her father on the Senate floor of Congress on March 7, 2024.

Tina Cordova protests during a visit from U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) in August 2024. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Anastacios story starts in Tularosa in 1945. He was just 4-years-old when the federal government detonated the first atomic bomb in the Jornada Del Muerto desert 45 miles away. Like many people living there, he drank water from open cisterns, ate local crops and hunted wildlife for food  all likely contaminated with ash from radioactive fallout.

Cordovas voice only shakes a little as she recounts his death from 12 years ago: He whittled away to 125 pounds, the pain he was in, the months on a feeding tube. He was diagnosed with two rare oral cancers and prostate cancer  all compensable under RECA, except the program excluded the New Mexicans living downwind from the first-ever bomb.

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Cordova, 64, said her dads death also gave her clarity. Shes a cancer survivor herself and founded the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium in 2005 to advocate for southern New Mexicans impacted for generations by the legacy of Trinity.

I chose to do this work. I know its my lifes work. I know Im suited to do this work, and Im grateful that Ive had this opportunity, she told Source NM.

Tina Cordova attends an interfaith service remembering the Trinity Test on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The government never warned us afterwards, never said we should be concerned, she told attendees. But today, we have acknowledgement, and we have the beginnings of going back to the government for more, and we will do that. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM)

With the recent extension of RECA, her father will finally be recognized as a downwinder and her mother may finally receive compensation on his behalf.

My dad should still be here;$100,000 pales in comparison to who he was, and who he used to be to us, she said. I dont want to sound ungrateful, I dont want to minimize what it means, but thats not justice. Thats the beginning of justice  its a step forward in the right direction.

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Cordova said shell take the fight back to Congress to expand benefits to states and territories that were left out and require the government to pay to cover health care costs for people exposed.

She said that in the last year, her niece was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and her youngest brother with kidney cancer.

This just doesnt end for us, Cordova said. These are the people that we can never stop fighting for. These are the people that we can never allow to be forgotten, to just basically be treated as the human collateral damage.

Larry and Arlene Juanico

Just under the mesa, past the horno outside of Arlene Juanicos childhood home, lie the remains of the Jackpile uranium mine, once the largest in the world. Nearly 60 miles outside of Albuquerque, the holes appear on Laguna Pueblo lands between the red and white striated mesas, nearly abutting the little village of Paguate.

Arlene Juanico (right) points out landmarks along the Jackpile mine outside of Paguate to Elva Marquez, whose husband and father were uranium miners from Laguna Pueblo. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

With the rush for nuclear arms during the Cold War and the domestic expansion of nuclear power, the federal government was seeking to purchase uranium. A thick belt of ore snaked from Navajo Nation lands through Grants and into Laguna Pueblo. The mine operated from 1951 to 1984, marring the landscape. Tracks from the trucks wind through the valley. Entire mesas now have a terraced effect from the strip-mining. After the rain, there comes the smell: a sharp, metallic smell of uranium.

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Life in the village before the closure was punctuated by blasts from the mine site, scattering light yellow dust across the landscape.

When they blasted, everything shook, our homes rattled, she said. Often the ladies would run out to get the laundry, get whatever meat or fruit would be drying in the yards.

Like her father and brother  who later died from cancers  Arlene Juanico worked at the mine. She drove the water truck on the narrow roads, making good money at what she thought was a good job for a single mother. Her husband Larry Juanico also worked at the mine, then transferred to the Bluewater Mill, where the ore was processed into yellowcake uranium, with minimal safety precautions. People packed uranium into 55-gallon drums with their bare hands. Hed have to clean bins by climbing into them and scrubbing them with a brush, no masks, no suits.

Since they worked after 1972, the Juanicos and other uranium miners and millers did not qualify for RECA, even as many died or were sickened by exposure from radiation. But even now, the recognition or compensation from RECA is paltry to the devastation left by the mine, he said.

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Our people, our animals, our culture, our way of life are all affected by whats happened here. The money part of it is good, but itll only last for a certain amount of time, Larry Juanico said. After all thats gone  well still be dealing with this.

After the mines closure, the waste it left behind leaked uranium and other metals into the surface water and released radon, a cancer-causing gas, into the air and peoples homes. Clean up by the federal government remains unfinished.

Arlene and Larry Juanico have advocated for years to expand RECA to include uranium workers on Laguna Pueblo. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

The Juanicos said federal efforts to restart uranium mining in the area are insulting to the people sickened by exposure.

They havent been taking care of us, but they want to start new mines, Arlene Juanico said. That will force the next generation to still fight for what the federal government still hasnt lived up to.

Paul Pino

Paul Pino, a retired schoolteacher, was in a daze for several days after Congress passed RECA on July 3, saying the July 4th weekend passed in a haze.

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Im feeling two very different things, he said. On one hand, totally ecstatic, like over the moon, the best feeling of victory and happiness Ive ever had in my life. On the other, I feel terrible for the people whove been left out from the bill; they needed the compensation also.

Marissa Lillis, 10, joins her great-uncle Paul Pino, and other downwinders at the Stallion Gate outside of the Trinity Site on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

An undated photo of Paul Pino (right) and older brother George, who later died from stomach cancer. (Courtesy of Paul Pino)

Pino was born nine years after Trinity, but his mother, big brother and two older sisters were living on his familys Carrizozo ranch, only 54 miles from the test site. His mother survived bouts of skin cancer, but died from bone cancer  selling her pickup to pay for her funeral costs just before her death. His older brother Greg died from stomach cancer, while one sister had breast cancer and the other suffered from several brain tumors.

It was 100% devastation to my family, he said.

Pino joined the steering committee at the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium to fight for compensation for New Mexicans impacted by Trinity.

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All my life, plus more, people in New Mexico still have been waiting for some peace, he said. They got it on the 80th anniversary. Its better late than never, you know?

Pino performs a song titled It Aint Over til We Win, about the downwinders struggle. He recently changed the lyrics of the last line: Yeah we won, and its still not over.

But thats all right, he said. You know itll be a good fight.

Phil Harrison

Uranium mining was supposed to be a good job, not a death sentence. But for hundreds of people on the Navajo Nation, it was just that, said former uranium miner Phil Harrison.

There was no warning of the dangers, Harrison told Source NM. They took advantage of us.

Phil Harrison, a former uranium miner on the Navajo Nation, has dedicated his life to expanding compensation for people injured or killed from radiation exposure. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM)

Harrison, 74, is an advocate with the Uranium Radiation Victims Committee, a grassroots group formed in the 1970s as rising deaths and injuries rose among Navajo Nation uranium workers. He grew up in Cove, Arizona where 32 Ker-McGee Corporation mines operated from the 1940s to the 1980s. He was an underground uranium worker and remediated sites near Tuba City.

He lost his father at age 44 to lung cancer, after 20 years working in the mines. His father was part of a spate of men on the Navajo Nation dying from lung diseases and various cancers, 400 former uranium workers died in Cove and Red Valley alone.

It wasnt just the miners. Spouses and children who were also getting contaminated and exposed to radiation, he said.

The grassroots group was one of the first to file lawsuits seeking compensation from the federal government, which led to Congress establishing RECA in 1990 and expanding the program in the 2000s.

The two-year window for the RECA expansion offers little time to collect the necessary documentation and visit doctors, sometimes out of state. For former uranium workers who are now eligible, that could mean difficulties since many rely on oxygen, are hospitalized or rely on assisted living and family caretakers.

We have to get started right away, he said. Time is of the essence.

Bernice Gutierrez

Bernice Gutierrez, 80, nearly shares a birthday with the Trinity Anniversary, born in Carrizozo only eight days before the blast. Her family moved to Albuquerque just a few years after the test, but health concerns followed. Gutierrez documented 41 members of her family experiencing some form of sickness, including 23 members with cancers. Seven have died as a result, including her son from pre-leukemia in 2020.

Bernice Gutierrezs mom, Eugenia, and dad, Bonifacio Zamora, pictured with Bernice in Carrizozo (Photo courtesy of Bernice Gutierrez)

Shes documented health issues among downwinders and their descendants post-Trinity test for more than a decade, volunteering with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium.

Gutierrez called the passage bittersweet, as the short extension of RECA came inside a bill that cuts food assistance and medical care programs for low-income residents, which New Mexico relies heavily on.

If the Medicaid cuts come to pass, its going to put people here in a world of hurt, she said.

Bernice Gutierrez, 80, was born eight days before the Trinity Test. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM)

Gutierrez said theres only two short years to extend the program, while trying to enroll folks who never qualified before, meaning a lot of work for the volunteers ahead.

It was not the victory that we had hoped for, but one that were happy to get. Its a starting point for us, but a point that we will continue working on to change, Gutierrez said.

RECA Reading

Find a selection of Source NMs RECA reporting from the last few years. Read the full archive here.

2025

New Mexico delegation, radiation victims renew call for compensation

NM House Memorial asks for RECA revival

All of New Mexicos downwinders could be compensated under Senates big, beautiful bill

Lujan, Hawley reintroduce RECA bill for downwinders

2024

Time runs out for RECA

RECA expansion passes U.S. Senate

RECA faces sunset June 10 while its future remains in limbo

Downwinders pressure Speaker Mike Johnson on RECA during NM visit

Defense package heads to Senate sans RECA

Families are suffering Indigenous people impacted by radiation head to Capitol Hill

Time is running out: Navajo Nation urges Congress to act on RECA expansion bill

Lujan Grisham and other Western governors call on Congress to expand compensation for downwinders

The clock is ticking on RECA; downwinders call on public to pressure House speaker

Biden backs RECA legislation ahead of vote today

Radius: The legacy of Americas nuclear weapons testing program from States Newsroom and MuckRock

2023

Downwinders turn out for annual protest of Trinity Site

Weve never been this close before, Downwinders cheer RECA amendment in defense bill

People have been dying ever since: Anger mixes with hope for NM Downwinders

2022

US executive branch acknowledges NM Downwinders for the first time

Biden extends radiation compensation fund, but NM Downwinders still seek help

Lack of movement on extension of radiation compensation fund worries NM Downwinders

New Mexico Downwinders demand recognition, justice

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Independent Journalism for All

As a nonprofit newsroom, our articles are free for everyone to access. Readers like you make that possible. Can you help sustain our watchdog reporting today?

Source New Mexico is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Source New Mexico maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Goldberg for questions: info@sourcenm.com.
James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni are two of the most prolific Black writers of our time. Baldwin, known for his essays and novels, wrote about race and identity through the lens of someone who grew up in poverty in New York City. Giovannis poetry explored a wide range of topics, including Black love and family.

The writers met in London in 1971 to record a conversation for a PBS Black culture series called SOUL! During their riveting two-hour talk, the pair smoked plenty of cigarettes and covered everything from slavery to gender roles within the Black community. Although their gender identities and their 20-year age gap often led to some healthy disagreement, so much of what came out of their brilliant discussion is still relevant today.

This is the story of the conversation between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni.

Two Generations, One Powerful Conversation

American poet Yolanda Cornelia Nikki Giovanni looks down, circa 1968. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Getty Images)

Nikki Giovanni was 28 years old when she sat down for this conversation with a then-47-year-old James Baldwin. In a 2024 interview with Penguin Books UK, Giovanni said she discovered Baldwins work as a teenager and read his work over and over again. So when she was approached by PBS in 1971 to speak with one of her literary idols, she jumped at the chance, even though it meant flying across the pond to the UK.



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I said if I could do anything, I would like to meet James Baldwin, she said. Id walk to London to talk to James Baldwin.

They Kept Their Cool

One of the things that makes this interview something people can watch again and again is that while Baldwin and Giovanni dont agree on everything, the conversation never goes off the rails. If youre looking for some table-flipping drama, you wont find it here. Its easy to see the mutual respect these writers have for each other and how much they appreciate being heard.

In the same 2024 interview with Penguin Books UK, Nikki Giovanni described James Baldwin as a great storyteller, which she said made it easy for her to sit and listen intently to him throughout their conversation.

Beautiful Cinematography

Along with the powerful messages about Black identity and culture, fans of the interview also appreciate the cinematography.

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They turned 2 (maybe 3) cameras into absolute gold with all the various angles and shots they were getting. Masterful, wrote someone on YouTube.

Giovanni said one of the things she loved most about the way the interview was edited for television was that it included close-up shots of their hands while they were speaking.

Why I think it is so good, if I may, is that the British look differently at filming, she told Penguin Books UK. Both Jimmy and I talk with our hands. The Americans would never have photographed our hands in the same way.

The Conversation Continues to Resonate With New Generations

That conversation between Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin changed my life and Im not exaggerating.  Christine Mungai (@chris_mungai) December 10, 2024

Although Baldwin and Giovannis conversation took place over 50 years ago, it still captivates audiences today who share their favorite moments in short posts that go viral on every social media platform. A YouTube clip of the entire talk has received over 600,000 views to date and is flooded with thousands of comments.

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This should be required viewing for EVERYONE, wrote someone.

Becoming a Collaborator

Early in the interview, Baldwin stressed that the impact of racism is extremely damaging to a Black persons psyche. He argued that those who are oppressed are indoctrinated to believe that they are less than, and as a result, play a role in keeping themselves down.

It was not the world that was my oppressor only, he said. Because what the world does to you is the world does it to you long enough and effectively enough, you begin to do it to yourself. You become a collaborator, an accomplice to your own murderers because you believe the same things they do.

How Can a Man Love Without Morale?

When discussing gender roles in the Black community, Baldwin argued that Black men have a hard time being a loving presence at home because of the oppression and discrimination they face in the outside world.

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You get older. You get more weary, and since you cannot get a job, your morale begins to be destroyed, and the body begins to fail you. Your death approaches all because being a man, youve never been able to execute what a man ought to be able to do, he said. Its not for anything that you have done or not done. By some arbitrary sentence. How in the world if I cant get a job, if I cant even get my axe out of the pawn shop, if I cant even get money to get on the subway, how am I going to love anybody except in such an awful pain and rage that nobody could bear it?

Bring Yourself

Giovanni pushed back on Baldwins position and challenged Black people to steer clear of the traditional roles she believes are destroying their relationships and families. Not being able to provide everything their family needs, she argues, is not an excuse for a Black man to not be physically present.

The babys gonna sleep someplace, shes gonna eat something, but what she needs at that moment is a man. And if the man functions as a man, which is not necessarily a provider for all that stuff, because everybody can understand why you cant buy something. You dont have a job, you didnt have a job when you all was going to bed, she said. Youre never going to get the crib, bring yourself.

Because I Love You, I Get the Least of You

Im reminded of this Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin conversation:



Because I love you, I get least of you. I get the very minimum. And I'm saying, you know, fake it with me. https://t.co/N9DURCa3GB pic.twitter.com/JZHSySkUAD  emeka (@mazi_emekar) June 20, 2025

In one of the most viral clips from the conversation, Giovanni talked about Black women receiving less than the best from their men. She suggests that if they can smile in the face of their bosses or other oppressors, they can give more to their women.

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You come home and I catch hell because I love you. I get least of you. I get the very minimum. And Im saying, fake it with me. Is that too much for the Black woman to ask of the Black man? she asked.

Weve Paid Too Much For The Country to Abandon It

Author James Baldwin, February 22nd 1965. (Photo by Philip Townsend/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

James Baldwin believed the story of the Black experience in America is an important part of the nations history. Although he had no intention of making excuses for their plight, he told Nikki Giovanni that Black people have already been through too much to give up.

Im not being a missionary trying to save America, but I do know that we have paid too much for it to be able to abandon it, he said.

Advice for Future Generations

9th November 1965: Author and playwright James Baldwin (1924  1987) stands with his arm raised in the air, holding up a pair of sunglasses on a tarmac in front of a TWA airplane after arriving from Paris at Kennedy International Airport, New York City. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Throughout the conversation, Baldwin stressed the importance of improving the quality of life for future generations of Black Americans. He argued that young Black people can carry the ball further than their ancestors by ensuring they know and understand their painful past, while being liberated from it.

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Hes got to have respect for it but not be trapped by it, Giovanni added.

We Can Get Further

American writer and Civil Rights activist James Baldwin (1924  1987) at the Whitehall Hotel, Bloomsbury Square, London. (Photo by Jenkins/Getty Images)

James Baldwin shared his views on many of the obstacles that have been standing in the way of Black peoples progress, but the Go Tell it On The Mountain author was still hopeful for the future, telling Giovanni that the only way to overcome the pain of our past is to keep moving forward  something he believed we were more than ready to do.

We have survived the roughest game in the history of the world, he said. No matter what we say against ourselves, no matter what our limits and hang-ups are, we have come through something, and if we can get this far, we can get further.

Their Conversation Was Released as a Book

The transcript of the interview between Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin was made available as a book. A Dialogue was published in 1973. If you happen to be lucky enough to own a first edition copy, hold on to it. The book is out of print.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  The music is about to stop at a venue that has helped launch countless Brooklyn bands and brought the creative community together.

Our Wicked Lady, a staple of East Williamsburgs music scene, is closing its doors after ten years.

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Owners Zach Glass and Keith Hamilton spoke with PIX 11s Cory McGinnis about this bittersweet farewell and what the closure means for those who found a home at the venue.

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For the past decade, Our Wicked Lady offered local musicians a stage and music lovers a truly unique gathering spot. Glass and Hamilton founded the venue with an ambitious vision, Our Wicked Lady is the center for the music community of North Brooklyn and New York as a whole. Its a place for people to be safe and express themselves and try out and grow, said Glass.

On Sunday, the venue will celebrate a decade of creativity as artists who have called it home return to play farewell sets and say goodbye. Hamilton admits the end is tough, I havent really cried yet and I know its going to hit me a lot the last day.

Both owners say the pandemic changed everything, damaging the financial footing they once built.

A lot of people think that were all back from COVID, but I know in the service industry and the bar restaurant venue industry, most of us know that its, the landscape is different, Glass explained. Hamilton added, Its just gotten so expensive and, you know, people just dont go out as much. They dont drink as much. All those factors come into play.

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They launched a final campaign to save the space and sought new buyers, but hopes fell through.

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We were excited to hand it off to the right people, to have Our Wicked Lady continue even without us, said Glass. We finally found those people and we finally got that offer. But by the time we did, the landlords werent interested.

As the community gathers for a last round of performances, the owners reflect on how much the venue meant to so many.

Im sad, angry, excited, proud, Glass shared. Hamilton described the emotional outpouring from supporters.

Its almost like being at your own funeral because just so many people have been saying so many kind things about us and about the venue and how much its meant to them and how it really did build a great community for artists and how much theyre going to miss it.

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Our Wicked Ladys closing marks the end of an era for Brooklyns indie music scene, but its legacy as a creative home for artists and fans will live on.

The venue will close its doors on Sunday, July 20th.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 three Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives killed in an explosion Friday were described as the "best of the best," who served their community with honor, courage and unwavering commitment.

The fallen lawmen  identified as Dets. Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus and William Osborn  combined to serve the Sheriff's Department for 74 years. They leave behind grieving colleagues, friends and family, including 16 children among them.

The lethal blast took place while the men were moving ordnance at the Sheriff Department's Biscailuz Center Training Academy in East L.A. It marked the agency's deadliest incident in more than 160 years and sent shock waves through the law enforcement community.

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All three were highly trained members of the department's arson explosives detail.

These heroes represented the best of our department, exemplifying courage, integrity, and selfless service," said L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna. "This is not only a heartbreaking loss for their families, but for all of us.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna embraces members of his team after a press conference that announced three people were pronounced dead after an explosion at the department's Biscailuz Center Training Academy on Friday. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

On Thursday, the three detectives responded to assist the Santa Monica Police Department in removing explosives at an apartment complex in the 800 block of Bay Street, according to agency spokesperson Nicole Nishida.

The Santa Monica Police Department evacuated residents from the Bay Street apartment building Friday afternoon, while authorities continue to search the location for any additional explosive material, Nishida said.

Law enforcement investigate the scene on Bay Street where a resident found a footlocker filled with "old grenades" left by a previous tenant in Santa Monica. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A grenade was recovered at the Santa Monica apartment complex Thursday, a city police officer told The Times.

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Michael Kellman, who lives in the building, told The Times that a fellow tenant called the police Thursday after discovering a bag of grenades tucked away in her storage unit.

She has been living in the building for several years and believes the bag was left behind by the former occupant, he said. Authorities returned to her unit Friday to scour the apartment for any remaining explosives.

This complex is now central to the department's ongoing investigation, which could result in negligent homicide charges against the person who built or stored the device that killed the men, law enforcement sources told The Times. The FBI and L.A. Police Department's bomb squad is assisting in the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is expected to lead a federal probe into the cause of the explosion.

Read more: 3 L.A. County sheriffs deputies killed in explosion ID'd; investigators search Santa Monica apartment

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Here is what we know about the men who were killed:

Det. William Osborn

Osborn joined the Sheriff's Department in 1992 and had a deep love of investigations and a reputation as a peer leader, according to a department news release. He became a member of the agency's elite special enforcement bureau in 2019 and was described as one of [the] tenured bomb technicians regularly relied upon when faced with a new challenge."

Theyre the best of the best, Luna said of the agencys special enforcement bureau.

Osborn leaves behind his wife, Det. Shannon Rincon, four sons and two daughters.

Osborn began his career at Men's Central Jail and also worked from the Pico Rivera and Industry stations. He served as a detective for more than a decade, handling more than a hundred cases each year, and was known for his work recovering stolen vehicles, authorities said.

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In 2016, he transferred to the training bureau and taught emergency vehicle operations before moving back into investigative work with the special enforcement bureau. There, he handled arson cases involving major loss of life and property.

He regularly mentored new investigators and could be relied upon to provide relevant insight on a broad range of subjects, officials said.

Los Angeles County firefighters raise a United States flag above Sheriff Road at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training center, where three Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies were killed after an explosion, on Friday. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

Det. Victor Lemus

Lemus came from a family of law enforcement professionals and joined the Sheriff's Department in 2003. He leaves behind his wife, Det. Nancy Lemus, and three daughters.

His three sisters  Sgt. Belen Lemus, Deputy Perla Lemus and Custody Assistant Wendy Lemus  all work in the department, as does his brother-in-law Sgt. Robert Catalan.

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In addition to being a talented investigator, he was an avid athlete who anchored some of the most difficult legs of Baker to Vegas, an annual relay race that involves 10,000 runners from law enforcement agencies across the country who work together in teams to traverse 120 miles.

Lemus began his career at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility before transferring to the Century Station, where he worked as a senior training officer and detective. He joined the special enforcement bureau in 2017 and worked as a K-9 handler before becoming an arson and explosives investigator last year.

He was known for his notable arrests of career criminals and his ability to mentor fellow deputies, according to the news release.

Read more: Deadly East L.A. blast follows other incidents at sheriff's training facilities

Det. Joshua Kelley-Eklund

Kelley-Eklund was known as an outstanding field training officer who helped solve complex crimes and assist in the arrest of murder suspects, according to the department. He joined the Sheriff's Department in 2006 and is survived by his wife, Jessica Eklund, and their seven children, according to the news release.

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He began his career at the Pitchess Detention Center North and North County Correctional Facility, and later served at the Lennox and South Los Angeles Stations. During his time as a training officer, he mentored several new trainees and was known for being professional and articulate, officials said.

He was promoted to the rank of detective at the narcotics bureau in 2016 before joining the special enforcement bureau as an arson and explosive investigator in 2022.

Details regarding memorial services for the fallen deputies will be announced in the coming days, the department said.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A new law in France allowing the reintroduction of a banned pesticide has sparked a massive response for a petition opposing it, which on Saturday had gathered more than 600,000 signatures.

The so-called "Duplomb law" has stirred public anger for permitting a return of acetamiprid -- a chemical known to be toxic to pollinators such as bees and to ecosystems. It was adopted on July 8 but has not yet come into effect.

The legislation, named after the conservative lawmaker who proposed it, was presented in parliament as a measure to "reduce constraints" on French farmers.

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But its move to bring back acetamiprid prompted a 23-year-old master's student to launch a petition against it which quickly snowballed, gathering support from many people, including actors and several leftwing lawmakers.

The French parliament's official website showed it had accumulated more signatures than any other. At 8:30 pm (1830 GMT) Saturday the counter had passed 620,000.

The petition's author, Eleonore Pattery, who describes herself as "a future environmental health professional", called the new law a "scientific, ethical, environmental and public health aberration".

"It represents a frontal attack on public health, biodiversity, the coherence of climate policies, food security, and common sense," she said.

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- A 'bee killer' -

Acetamiprid has been banned in France since 2018, but remains legal within the European Union.

The insecticide is particularly sought after by beet and hazelnut growers, who say they have no alternative against pests and face unfair competition.

On the other hand, beekeepers have described the chemical as "a bee killer".

Its effects on humans are also a source of concern but, in the absence of large-scale studies, its risks remain unclear.

The petition calls for the "immediate repeal" of the law and a "citizen-led consultation involving health, agricultural, environmental and legal stakeholders".

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Petitions do not in themselves trigger a review or repeal of the legislation but unprecedented public support may prompt renewed parliamentary discussion on the matter.

Under French rules, if a petition reaches 500,000 verified signatures, the National Assembly may choose to hold a public debate limited to the content of the petition itself.

In late June, before the law's passage, several thousand demonstrators  including farmers, environmental organisations and scientists  rallied across France calling for the bill to be withdrawn.

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The New York Times famously sparred with the Biden White House over the refusal to grant interviews with its journalists during his presidency, but former President Joe Biden finally ran to the paper this month as President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers put a harsh spotlight on his use of an autopen.

The interview was widely panned, with many suggesting the Times buried the most crucial part of its own story, and it had essentially done more harm than good for Biden. Now, the Gray Lady faces widespread criticism and the Trump administration will investigate the legality of Biden's pardons in the final days of his presidency, which were mostly signed using an autopen.

Fox News Digital breaks down exactly what happened  from the papers call for more access to Biden to the backlash the Times is currently receiving.

What happened:

Bidens lack of availability irks press: New York Times blasts Biden for 'avoiding questions' from journalists

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President Biden's team kept him largely sequestered from press conferences and sit-down interviews, particularly in comparison to his predecessors Donald Trump and Barack Obama.

The New York Times released a blistering statement in April 2024 calling out Biden for his unprecedented lack of media access while in office.

"For anyone who understands the role of the free press in a democracy, it should be troubling that President Biden has so actively and effectively avoided questions from independent journalists during his term," the Times said, before suggesting Biden could set a "dangerous precedent" of avoiding scrutiny and accountability.

Politico published a story about the "petty feud" between the Times and Biden's team last April, with his officials and campaign team calling the newspaper staffers "entitled."

No longer in office: Biden finally speaks to Gray Lady

Read On The Fox News App

After dodging New York Times journalists for an interview throughout his presidency aside from a 2021 chat with a columnist, Biden spoke to the paper's reporters in a ten-minute phone call earlier this month regarding the growing questions about the legality of Biden's pardons using an autopen.

The rare interview was published on July 13.

Trumps attacks on Biden over the use of an autopen come after the Oversight Project with conservative think-tank The Heritage Foundation released a report March 6 claiming that it conducted an analysis of Biden documents, and found that a majority of documents signed during his administration used an autopen.

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Gray Lady focuses on Bidens talking points: Criticism over the Times framing

The Times printed the headline , "Biden Says He Made the Clemency Decisions That Were Recorded With Autopen."

Biden insisted he "made every decision" on his own and called Trump and other Republican critics "liars," the Times reported.

However, the Times reported in the 32nd paragraph of the lengthy story that Biden "did not individually approve each name for the categorical pardons that applied to large numbers of people," citing the former president and his aides.

The Times was also criticized for burying in the story that chief of staff Jeff Zients was the one who sometimes gave final approval for the use of the autopen, waiting until the final line to note that Hunter Bidens pardon is the only one he physically signed.

Some critics said the reporting deep in the story contradicted the opening paragraphs.

Former President Joe Biden spoke to the paper's reporters in a ten-minute phone call regarding the growing questions about the legality of pardons in the final days of his presidency, which were mostly signed using an autopen.

POTUS responds: Trump blasts Biden

When asked about the Times' report, Trump told reporters at the White House Monday that Biden's alleged use of the autopen amounted to possibly "one of the biggest scandals that we've had in 50 to 100 years." "I guarantee you he knew nothing about what he was signing, I guarantee you," Trump said.

Trump told reporters in March that although he employs an autopen for correspondence, it is "disgraceful" to use one when signing documents such as pardons.

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Probe announced: White House will investigate Biden's use of autopen

The White House is now investigating Bidens use of the autopen, with senior administration officials telling Fox News Digital that they already are reviewing tens of thousands of documents turned over by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Officials told Fox News Digital that the White House Counsels Office is leading the investigation, but said they are coordinating with the Justice Department.

"Joe Biden was the worst, most incompetent, and senile president in our country's history," press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "It has been widely reported that Joe Biden handed the power of the presidency to an autopen controlled by unelected leftist staffers, who were allowed to make terrible decisions that destroyed our country."

Modern technology: What is an autopen, and how does it work?

An autopen is a device that physically holds a pen and is programmed to replicate a persons signature. It is not a stamp or a digitized print of someones signature, and various autopen machines have the capability to hold different types of pens, ranging from ballpoint to permanent marker, according to descriptions of autopen machines available for purchase.

President Donald Trump has called for an investigation into former President Bidens use of autopen.

Parroting the Gray Lady: Backlash as other outlets mirror Times controversial framing

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Independent journalist Drew Holden published a lengthy thread on X Tuesday scolding the Times for "repeating Bidens claim that he made the calls" and burying the admission he "really didnt." Holden then singled out other news outlets, including ABC News, CBS News, USA Today, Rolling Stone, HuffPost, Yahoo News and The Daily Beast, for peddling the Times' framing and burying unflattering reporting that indicated Biden didnt always make the decisions himself.

Media watchdogs react: Biden vents to sympathetic source that would spark friendly aggregation

DePauw University journalism professor Jeffrey McCall suspected Biden's handlers decided to turn to the Times to combat the autopen controversy as the paper is the "major agenda setter for the news sphere" and that other news outlets in the legacy media would follow its lead.

Tim Young, a Media Fellow for Strategic Communications at The Heritage Foundation, believes Biden spoke with the Times because it was a convenient way to fend off criticism.

"Biden finally sat down with the New York Times because his White House was exposed by the House GOP and the Oversight Project for literally not knowing what clemency or pardon orders were signed. It's pretty clear the pressure was building on his former staff in what could have been an actual Constitutional Crisis -- as the left likes to scream about a lot -- and the team 'rolled him out' to get this over with before repercussions started to build," Young told Fox News Digital.

NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck told Fox News Digital the Times report was "embarrassing," and political commentator Mark Halperin argued that the Times disregarded basic journalistic standards by failing to include opinions from experts and Republicans on Bidens claims about his use of the autopen.

Fox News Digital reached out to the New York Times for comment.

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Fox News Digitals Brooke Singman, Andrea Margolis, Diana Stancy and Mark Tamasco contributed to this report.





Original article source: Biden's feud with the New York Times, his controversial autopen interview, and why it matters
A first look at the Four Seasons' First Yacht, set to launch in 2026, sparked a debate online about the hypocrisy of the mega-rich.

The pictures of the boat were shared on Reddit. The 14-deck vessel has 95 suites, each with its own terrace, 11 dining options, and a spa and wellness center that includes a pool.

Photo Credit: Reddit

Photo Credit: Reddit

The yacht is owned by the hotel company together with luxury yachting company Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, per the Majorca Daily Bulletin. It will call at ports in the Caribbean before heading to Europe.

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One of the Four Seasons' major shareholders is Bill Gates, which sparked backlash among commenters. "I find it kind of interesting  you know who owns the Four Seasons? Bill Gates (and some Saudi money). He has no problem profiting off yachts now I guess, all while also lecturing us on climate change," one commenter wrote.

Another agreed, writing, "Just like Leo going on and on about climate change and reducing carbon footprint while simultaneously taking like 10 yacht trips a year and flying exclusively private."

Large yachts are problematic because of the amount of waste and pollution they generate. For example, superyachts can release up to 1,500 times more pollution annually than the average family car. This is a result of high fuel consumption and associated emissions.

Lots of celebrities have faced backlash after promoting climate-friendly living while engaging in extravagant behaviors, including superyacht holidays and private jet travel. A recent study found that billionaires emit about a million times more harmful carbon pollution than the average person, contributing staggeringly to the warming of the planet.

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As it becomes clear that the lifestyles of the rich and famous are hurting the planet, organizations such as Oxfam are advocating for measures to hold these individuals accountable. Supporting such initiatives and making conscious choices in our own lives can help contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for all.

Do you think billionaires spend their money wisely? Definitely No way Some do Most do 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.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The city of Birmingham has had less than half the number of homicides so far this year compared to this time last year. At this time in 2024, the city had seen 91 homicides, whereas this year, the city sits at 40.

What weve been doing is weve been focusing in on those high crime areas, tailoring our patrols, Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said. Also, the swift apprehension of a homicide suspect or a felony assault suspect to go ahead and get that individual in custody that helps to reduce retaliation.

Pickett says the city is sitting around an 80% clearance rate on crimes. This is a trend he hopes to continue.

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If you do commit a crime in our city, youre going to be held accountable. Youre going to be arrested. Youre going to be placed in jail, he said.

With the significant decrease in homicides, Chief Pickett believes it shows the community that the police department is laser focused and locked in.

Were not going to have a year like we had last year in 2024. Were about to shift this. Were about to make this community safer, said Pickett. I grew up in Birmingham. I love Birmingham, and its a safe community. But because of, you know, the actions of a few and yes, we did have a difficult year last year. It was very important that we came together as a police department, and we showed up for our community and essentially taken our streets back.

While violent crime as a whole is down, the city has seen an increase in property crimes.

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Its just the crime trends. Sometimes things go up, things go down. So what we try to do is when we do identify a trend, we want to deploy resources to those areas, Pickett said. We have to look at the different ways that criminals, I guess, want to maneuver in their criminal activity. So its a cat and mouse game. When they come up with some new tactic, we have to study it. So theres always going to be just a slight delay between what a criminal does and what law enforcement does.

You can watch the full sit-down interview with Chief Pickett 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 CBS 42.
Rosie ODonnell put CBS on blast Friday after its shock decision to cancel The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, describing the networks move as a way to give into President Donald Trumps blackmail.

How long does 60 Minutes have now? How long does Jon Stewart have? How long do all of the voices against this horrific administration have in terms of their careers and ability to make money? asked ODonnell in a nearly 10-minute-long TikTok video.

She continued, Because this madman, this mentally incapacitated, physically ill, mentally ill man is spiraling out of control. His dementia is out of control, his self-regulation  which he has none of to begin with  is missing and, you know, hes horrible.

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The comments from ODonnell  who has long been involved in a feud with Trump  referred to Paramount Globals heavily panned $16 million settlement with Trump, who claimed in a lawsuit that a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris was deceptively edited to aid her chances of winning the election.

Critics have sounded the alarm over the timing of the settlement, as Paramount seeks approval from the Trump administration for a multibillion-dollar deal to merge with Skydance Media.

Colbert notably clowned Paramount and described the settlement as a big fat bribe on Mondays show, jokes that sparked speculation that the programs cancellation was politically motivated and led the shows union to call for an investigation into CBS decision.

Earlier in the TikTok clip, ODonnell praised Colbert before describing both CBS and ABC as dead in the water in terms of decency, dignity and respect.

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The jab is, in part, a nod to ABC News agreeing to donate $15 million to Trumps presidential library after settling a defamation suit with him last year.

How can you respect a corporation that does that  thats supposed to be the fourth estate of democracy? One of the pillars of our democracy is having a free and fair media that speaks truth to power, she said.

ODonnell  who moved from the U.S. to Ireland just days before the start of the presidents second term  has used her TikTok page to speak out against Trump and the state of American politics.

Her online criticism seemingly infuriated Trump last week when he threatened to revoke her U.S. citizenship, describing her as a threat to humanity on his Truth Social platform.

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ODonnell proceeded to take on Trumps threats on her Instagram page, declaring that she stands in direct opposition to what he represents and claiming that shes everything the president fears as a queer woman and mother who tells the truth.

In her TikTok clip on Friday, ODonnell encouraged Americans to continue to speak out against atrocities under the president.

Related...
NORFOLK Va. (WAVY)  A federal court judge accepted a guilty plea from the Smithfield man found to be in possession of what the FBI called its largest homemade explosives seizure ever.

During a hearing Friday in Norfolk Federal Court, Brad K. Spafford admitted to possessing an unregistered short barrel rifle and possessing an unregistered explosive device. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. He is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 18.

Federal agents executed search warrants on Spafford and his properties in December 2024, where they found approximately 155 homemade explosives, primarily pipe bombs.

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Previous: Smithfield man found with trove of homemade explosives intends to plead guilty

We need to bring back political assassinations

New documents filed in the case point to potential political motives behind the crimes.

A friend and neighbor of Spaffords who would end up becoming a confidential informant for the FBI first became concerned about Spafford after he severely injured his hand in July 2021.

Records obtained from Sentara Obici Hospital showed Spafford was admitted to the emergency room on or about July 31, 2021, with a completely amputated right thumb, partially amputated right middle and index fingers, hearing loss, and scalp lacerations, reads the statement of facts, which was filed Friday.

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Spafford explained to hospital employees he was in an accident involving fireworks.

The investigation later revealed that Spaffords injuries resulted from his misfire of a launcher at the rural property of [unnamed family members], in Zuni, Virginia, where Spafford routinely detonated explosives he had made, the document reads.

In May 2023, the informant noticed that Spafford appeared to be shooting an AR-style rifle with an illegally short barrel. Two months later, in June, the informant overheard a conversation between Spafford and a family member in which he said we need to bring back political assassinations. The family member agreed.

During that conversation, Spafford discussed making Tannerite with a substance that makes it as strong as dynamite, and stated he likes to set it off with homemade blasting caps, according to the filing. On another occasion in June 2023, the [informant] was at Spaffords residence and Spafford showed them thirty-round magazines that he stated he had cleaned with a special solution to remove DNA and fingerprints, and placed the magazines in what Spafford described as a printless bag that does not collect biometrics.

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The next month, Spafford told the informant he was using pictures of then-President Joe Biden as targets at a gun range.

In September 2023, Spafford sent the informant this photo of a go box in his car that contained a short-barrel riffle, ammunition and magazines..

In July 2024, two weeks after the assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump near Butler, Pa., Spafford sent a message to the informant reading, bro I hope the shooter doesnt miss Kamala.

On or about the same day, Spafford also told the [informant] he was pursuing a sniper qualification at the local range, according to the document.

Later that year, Spafford explained to the informant that he had a short barrel rifle, but didnt register it because he didnt believe in any of that.

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Spafford also stated he wanted to install a turret for a .50-caliber firearm on the roof of his house with an armored plate in order to have 360-degree coverage, the documents reads. The defendant stated they cant get close enough if Im mowin down on my fifty cal.

Text messages taken from Spaffords phone also contained statements referencing politically-motivated violence.

In June 2021, he texted a friend asking when they could blow stuff up together. The friend then asked what Spafford was doing for July 4.

Celebrating America the beautiful with illegal explosives! he replied, according to court documents. We can blow up rioters.

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In August 2023, [a family member] told the defendant about a meeting of a public school board about a school policy, and the defendant responded, someone needs to shoot them meetings up, according to the documents.

The document does not specify which school board meeting, but a month prior, four men were charged for bringing concealed weapons into a Gloucester school board meeting.

In July 2024, a family member texted Spafford, we never fulfilled our purpose maybe thats why were so unfulfilled, to which he replied, We should blow up Congress.

During the course of the investigation, no specific plans to implement violence or to distribute the subject devices were discovered, the statement of facts reads.

IEDs in America?

When federal investigators executed a search warrant on Spaffords home in Smithfield they discovered almost all of the improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, in an unlocked garage that also contained household items and childrens toys. One of the explosives was even stored inside of a freezer next to hot pockets, popsicles, and a Go-GURT.

Picture of the freezer inside Spaffords garage.

Some of the IEDs had handwritten identification on them, including lethal and concussion.

Photos of the improvised explosive devices recovered from Spaffords Smithfield property.

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Investigators determined there were nine different types of IEDs (as seen in the first photo above). All included an initiation system and an explosive main charge.

One device, Device #9 with the yellow top, was found to have propellant capabilities consistent with use in a launcher, according to the documents. In addition, all devices except Device #6  contained hardened plastic containers and/or metal or hard plastic sphere that rendered the IEDs capable of causing property damage, personal injury, and/or death, rendering them destructive devices.

An X-ray image of one of the IEDs containing metal or plastic balls used to enhance the destructive power and lethality of an explosive.

During the raid, Spafford, who was arrested while driving to work, was questioned by investigators about the explosives. He denied possessing or building any, but said he did have fireworks.

He was also asked about whether anything on his property could hurt or injure the agents on scene. When questioned for nearly three hours, he denied that there was anything on his property that could endanger anyones safety while investigators searched.

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Portions of the conversations taken from the documents are included below.

Asked about improvised explosive devices in particular, he responded, IEDs in America?

As part of his plea agreement, Spafford will have to forfeit all of his firearm and explosives-related assets. A full list of the chemicals, metals, oxidizers, powders, components and gear taken from his home is included below.

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The Suffolk Police Department, Norfolk Bomb Squad, Virginia State Police, Isle of Wight County Fire Rescue and Isle of Wight Sheriffs Office assisted in the investigation, along with the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force in Norfolk.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
The swim beach at Blue Marsh Lake is to reopen Saturday, but officials warn that it is still under a harmful algal bloom status, the Army Corps of Engineers announced Friday.

The update to the swim beach status does not eliminate the risks associated with harmful algae, the announcement from the corps said. Pleasebe aware of the presence of moderate to high levels of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, in the lake and the detection of harmful toxins. Visitors are advised to be alert for harmful algal bloom conditions and avoid contact with the water.

Officials said the swimming area at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area is the only location at the lake that is monitored and tested on a weekly basis. Tests this week indicated toxin levels from the cyanobacteria have fallen within safe standards to allow the swim beach to be reopened. However, these testsonly represent conditions at the time of testing and can change rapidly, according to the corps statement. Testing indicates continued high toxin levels in other areas of the lake.

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All swimming has been prohibited at the lake since July 10 due to algae concerns.

The corps offers the following safety tips:.

 Learn about and know the signs and symptoms of harmful algal bloom, such as extremely discolored water, foam, scum, or mats of algae. When in doubt, stay out.

 Avoid contact with water that is discolored or where you see foam, scum, or mats of algae on the surface.

 Do not allow children or pets to play in or drink discolored or scummy water.

 If you have contact with water that might contain harmful cyanobacteria, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.

 Learn more at www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Blue-Marsh-Lake/Harmful-Algal-Bloom-Information/

For additional information, contact the Park Office at 610-376-6337.
Two French mountain climbers have died in an accident in the Mont Blanc range, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The victims are a 25-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man who had been missing since Friday, radio station France Bleu reported.

The Chamonix-based mountain rescue unit PGHM discovered the bodies at the foot of a ridge on the Aiguille de Bionnassay, a technically demanding area of the Mont Blanc massif.

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The exact circumstances of the accident remain unclear. An investigation has been launched.

The Mont Blanc is a popular, but risky, destination for experienced mountaineers  particularly on high alpine routes such as the Aiguille de Bionnassay.
The Walmart in Richmond, Indiana, was evacuated Saturday morning after a bomb threat was reported.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Richmond Police said a call was made by a person on Saturday morning claiming there was an explosive device in the Walmart on E. Main Street.

In accordance with Walmarts internal policy and out of an abundance of caution, the store has been evacuated while officers secure the area, police wrote in a social media post.

TRENDING STORIES:

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At 11:50 a.m., police announced that the Walmart had been cleared and customers were allowed back inside.

Police said the threat appeared to be connected to a series of false emergency calls made by the same person.

In the most recent call, the suspect told a dispatcher that he wants Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly to apologize for talking poorly about him.

In a statement, Weatherly said this suspect has repeatedly called the Wayne County Emergency Communications and hurled insults, racial slurs, and more.

To the suspect: I wont be offering you an apology. But I do expect you to give one to the people of Richmond and Wayne County for the time you have wasted and the unnecessary stress you have placed on this great community, Weatherly said. You will be found.

Police are working with state and federal partners to identify and locate the suspect.

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A Boston federal judge continued the sentencing hearing for former Boston City Councilor Tania Feranades Anderson, who pleaded guilty to corruption charges in May.

On Friday, Judge Indira Talwani approved a motion from Fernandes Andersons attorney, Scott Lauer, requesting a continuance. According to the motion, Anderson recently submitted a response, including a variety of requested documentation, to the probation office.

The probation office has advised  that additional time would be helpful to complete its review of that documentation and update the draft presentence report, the motion continued.

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Fernandes Anderson was arrested in December on charges that she ran a kickback scheme with a family member whom she employed in her City Hall office. Prosecutors alleged she used public funds to help with her own financial struggles.

She pleaded guilty in May to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft involving federal funds.

As part of her plea agreement, prosecutors dropped four of the charges against her and recommended a sentence of one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $13,000 fine.

She was scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, but Talwani rescheduled the hearing for Sept. 5.

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The councilor, who was first elected in 2021, resigned from the council on July 4.

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Read the original article on MassLive.
INDIANAPOLIS  Governor Mike Braun has officially launching the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to help Main Street entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses to grow Indianas economy and support Hoosier workers.

The office will be led by entrepreneur Brian Schutt. Schutt is the co-founder of Indianapolis co-working space and startup incubator Refinery46, as well as the co-founder of Homesense Heating and Cooling.

Maureen and I lived the American dream of growing Main Street businesses in our hometown, and I want every Hoosier to have that opportunity. Our goal is to make Indiana the best place in the country to start and build your own business, and the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation led by Brian Schutt will be a nation-leading resource to help Main Street entrepreneurs, Braun said.

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Governor Braun has redirected Indianas economic development efforts to focus on supporting Hoosier businesses and workers, and spread the benefits of economic development to all four corners of the state, with two North Star priorities: wage growth and new job opportunities, a news release states.

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will build on those ideas, and take over some entrepreneurship-focused functions from the IEDC such as overseeing certified technology parks.

The offices primary directives are to:

 Develop and administer programs to support the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Indiana.

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 Direct and oversee programs and sources of funding related to the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation in Indiana.

 Strengthen policies and programs supporting the growth of entrepreneurship in Indiana.

 Coordinate with state agencies and other state-funded entities to align services and programs related to entrepreneurship and starting and scaling a business.

 Work with funded entities to measure funds reaching rural communities, and work with stakeholders and organizations to provide technical support and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs across Indiana.

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 Develop and administer programs to support and encourage youth entrepreneurship, including supporting students and teachers in fostering entrepreneurial skills.

The office will be under the Department of Commerce, led by Secretary David Adams.

Establishing the office was one of the Indiana Chambers top priorities this past session for the far-reaching impact it will have across the state in fostering entrepreneurship. We look forward to supporting the office with programming and resources to augment its efforts. There have already been early discussions on that collaboration, which is a natural partnership given 80% of our members are small businesses and entrepreneurship is a key strategy area in our Indiana Prosperity 2035 vision plan, said Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO.
INDIANAPOLIS  Governor Mike Braun has officially launching the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to help Main Street entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses to grow Indianas economy and support Hoosier workers.

The office will be led by entrepreneur Brian Schutt. Schutt is the co-founder of Indianapolis co-working space and startup incubator Refinery46, as well as the co-founder of Homesense Heating and Cooling.

Maureen and I lived the American dream of growing Main Street businesses in our hometown, and I want every Hoosier to have that opportunity. Our goal is to make Indiana the best place in the country to start and build your own business, and the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation led by Brian Schutt will be a nation-leading resource to help Main Street entrepreneurs, Braun said.

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Governor Braun has redirected Indianas economic development efforts to focus on supporting Hoosier businesses and workers, and spread the benefits of economic development to all four corners of the state, with two North Star priorities: wage growth and new job opportunities, a news release states.

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will build on those ideas, and take over some entrepreneurship-focused functions from the IEDC such as overseeing certified technology parks.

The offices primary directives are to:

Develop and administer programs to support the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Indiana.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Direct and oversee programs and sources of funding related to the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation in Indiana.

Strengthen policies and programs supporting the growth of entrepreneurship in Indiana.

Coordinate with state agencies and other state-funded entities to align services and programs related to entrepreneurship and starting and scaling a business.

Work with funded entities to measure funds reaching rural communities, and work with stakeholders and organizations to provide technical support and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs across Indiana.

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Develop and administer programs to support and encourage youth entrepreneurship, including supporting students and teachers in fostering entrepreneurial skills.

The office will be under the Department of Commerce, led by Secretary David Adams.

Establishing the office was one of the Indiana Chambers top priorities this past session for the far-reaching impact it will have across the state in fostering entrepreneurship. We look forward to supporting the office with programming and resources to augment its efforts. There have already been early discussions on that collaboration, which is a natural partnership given 80% of our members are small businesses and entrepreneurship is a key strategy area in our Indiana Prosperity 2035 vision plan, said Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged President Trump to negotiate a trade agreement this week as the U.S. has pursued increasingly aggressive action over the criminal prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazils former president.

What we cannot have is President Trump forgetting that he was elected to govern the U.S. he was elected not to be the emperor of the world, Lula told CNNs Christiane Amanpour on Thursday through a translator. It would be much better to establish a negotiation first, and then to reach a possible agreement.

Last week, Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods starting Aug. 1 over the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who carries the nickname Trump of the tropics.

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The former Brazilian president lost his re-election bid in 2022 to Lula and questioned the veracity of the election results, including the reliability of certain voting machines. Thousands of his supporters then attempted to storm the countrys Supreme Court, Congress and presidential headquarters, acts that Bolsonaro is now accused of having incited.

Bolsonaro and dozens of allies were charged over the efforts in February.

Pressure from the U.S. further escalated Friday when Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked visas for the judge overseeing Bolsonaros prosecution, as well as the judges allies and family members.

In a letter to Lula announcing the tariff last week, Trump deemed the prosecution of Bolsonaro a witch hunt and called on the Brazilian president to end it. Lula has no power to interfere in the proceedings against his predecessor.

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I think it was a mistake. Big mistake, because the letter that President Trump is full of things that are not true, Lula said Thursday on CNN.

Trump claimed in that letter that the U.S. runs a trade deficit with Brazil. The U.S. in fact has a trade surplus with Brazil. Still, Lula on Thursday said that Brazil would do its best to work out a trade deal with the U.S.

We will use all the words that exist in the dictionary in trying to negotiate. If we dont manage to reach an agreement, I can reassure you that we will go to the World Trade Organization, or we can gather a group of countries to respond, or we can use the reciprocity law, he said, citing a law that would allow Brazil to raise its own tariffs against the U.S.

The U.S. is the second-largest trading partner for Brazil, which accounts for about a quarter of Americas coffee imports.

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The threats from Trump have been a domestic boon in some ways for Lula, who has received praise for standing up to a perceived bully and seen his sagging approval ratings jump, The New York Times reported.

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The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has been ordered to wear an electronic ankle tag by the country's Supreme Court as his high-profile trial enters the final stages.

The 70-year-old ex-president faces charges of plotting to overthrow the government of his successor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva following his election defeat in 2022.

In addition to the ankle tag, Bolsonaro will also be subject to other conditions, including not being allowed to be active on social networks. He is under house arrest at night.

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Bolsonaro's lawyers said on Friday they had received news of the conditions with "surprise and indignation."

Bolsonaro described the measures taken against him as "political" and "the greatest humiliation." He also rejected fears that he was planning to flee abroad.

"I have never thought of leaving Brazil or going to an embassy," he told reporters after the ankle tag was fitted.

The presiding judge, Alexandre de Moraes, ordered the measures on the grounds of coercion, obstruction of justice and an attack on national sovereignty.

He accused Bolsonaro of trying to influence the Brazilian judiciary by linking the withdrawal of punitive US tariffs to his amnesty in a public statement.

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Washington responded by placing visa restrictions on Moraes, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement later on Friday.

"President [Donald] Trump made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States," Rubio said.

He said Moraess "political witch hunt" against Bolsonaro had "created a persecution and censorship complex so sweeping that it not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazils shores to target Americans."

"I have therefore ordered visa revocations for Moraes and his allies on the court, as well as their immediate family members effective immediately."

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Trump recently announced import duties of 50% on products from Brazil from August 1, citing the actions of the Brazilian judiciary against the ex-president.

In a letter addressed to Bolsonaro and posted on his Truth Social account on Thursday, Trump called for an immediate end to the trial.

Bolsonaro's trial is in its final phase with the closing statements.

The former president is charged with trying to "destroy the democratic legal order." He denies all accusations.

On January 8, 2023, Bolsonaro's supporters stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace in Brasilia shortly after Lula took office.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Breaking the Barriers, with the Very Rev. Matthew Baum, will hold its monthly meeting from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Family Kitchen, 231 Bedford St., Johnstown.

The nonprofit provides support, motivation and inspiration to empower people who lack necessary resources to obtain daily living.

It offesr outreach to people who suffer from mental health, addiction, housing needs, family-related dynamics, budgeting management, social deficiency and lack of employment or education.

Refreshments will be provided.

Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month at St. Vincent de Paul Family Kitchen.

Information: 814-262-8835 or www.breakingthebarrierscc.org.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  A large first responder presence was seen at Charleston International Airport on Friday night following a reported incident between two aircrafts.

A spokesperson for Breeze Airways told counton2.com that flight MX509, an airbus from Las Vegas to Norfolk, Virginia, was diverted to Charleston around 9:30 p.m. due to thunderstorms in Virginia.

The spokesperson said the plane had landed safely at Charleston Airport, parked, and was awaiting fuel before continuing its trip when the aircrafts tail was struck by another plane while it was taxiing.

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The other plane was an ANA Boeing 787-10, according to Breeze.

At this time, all Guests have safely deplaned, and emergency response teams are evaluating a few Guests for minor injuries. A recovery flight is scheduled to depart CHS at approximately 1:20 a.m. ET to safely deliver our Guests to ORF on a new aircraft as we work with authorities to determine the cause of the incident, said Breeze.

News 2 has reached out to officials at Charleston International Airport and Joint Base Charleston for more information.

This story is developing.

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27,350 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

27,350 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY)  Rain or shine, the McCray Cattle Company is hosting the Bridgeport Cattle Battle this weekend, an event aimed at supporting the Bridgeport Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni and Supporters Chapter.

Friday night marked the start of the groups first-ever two-night bull riding event. Gates open each night at 5:30 p.m., with bull riding action starting at 7 p.m. The lineup includes mutton busting for kids, mini bull riding, novice competitions and professional bull riding.

Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children. 75% of the proceeds raised from the Cattle Battle will be given to the FFA by McCray Cattle Company.

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Weve never really had anything like this in Bridgeport, and its great to be able to open this event to the community and different parts, having the FFA working with McCray Cattle Company. And were excited to get to show Bridgeport we can work together and what this can be like for everyone, Bridgeport FFA Treasurer, Gracie Burdette, said.

Miss Teen USA candidate gives free haircuts at Morgantown Salvation Army

Attendees at the Cattle Battle can enjoy food trucks and shop at a Western boutique on site. McCray Cattle Company officials said that they are actively involved with the West Virginia High School Rodeo Association as well.

Bridgeport FFA has a lot of expenses and we like to take a lot of trips, and we can not do that without the help from our community. So, this is going to get to help us go to nationals in Indiana, Indianapolis, which is an expensive cost, but its a lot and it helps so much, Burdette added. So, being able to work together and get these proceeds is going to help us so much throughout the year.

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McCray Cattle Company Owner Jared McCray, a 2005 graduate of Bridgeport High School, said he had to travel to Liberty High School to attend agriculture classes and participate in FFA, since the program wasnt offered in Bridgeport at the time. He told 12 News that the Cattle Battle is a great way to raise funds for the schools greenhouse and other FFA projects, including competitions and conventions.

FFA helps you set up a lot of success, it helps you build character that you would not normally get in life, it helps with leadership, speaking to people, public speaking, because so many people are so scared to of public speaking, which its a very scary thing, Burdette said. So, being in FFA, you get to learn how to speak to people, speak in competitions, and just let your voice be heard. FFA builds leaders for our future, and its really needed.

McCray Cattle Company is also home to the only bull-riding practice pen in the Mountain State.

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BRIGHTON, Colo. (KDVR)  Julie Rice has 17 years of service to her country under her belt, and a photo album showing all the highlights. From her role in going after a Panamanian dictator, to a two-week assignment in South Korea near the DMZ.

Yeah, that was a little scary, Rice said, thumbing through the pages of the photo album on Thursday.

D-Day glider pilot Raymond Chambers laid to rest in Denver

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She was active duty in the Army from 1982 to 1999, at a time when there werent a whole lot of female diesel mechanics wearing the uniform. So why did she do it?

My mom told me I couldnt. She said, Youll never make it in the Army. Your mouths too big. And Im like, Ill show you,' Rice said.

She served in the military alongside her then-husband, then moved to Colorado, where she served at Fort Carson and raised a family. And when her military service ended in 1999, she wasnt done serving her community. She went to school to become a social worker.

And I loved it. So when I got my degree, I started working at the police department as a victims advocate, working with domestic abuse, child abuse, elderly abuse, she said.

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These days, she helps families going through divorce. She supervises visitation between non-custodial parents and their kids.

Its very rewarding. Its nice when I can get these parents to start co-parenting, no matter how they feel about each other, she said.

Rice has spent a lifetime giving to others, so we thought it was time to give something back. So were naming her the FOX31 Serving Those Who Serve Hero of the Month for July 2025. She receives a plaque from our sponsors at American Furniture Warehouse, Plumbline Services and the Leo Hill Charitable Trust.

American dream: Denver college grad joins exclusive Army cyberwarfare program

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Rice says she likes doing things for others so much, shes turning it into a family affair.

Im getting my grandkids in it, too. I literally make them go with me to the Ronald McDonald house to serve Mothers Day breakfast to the moms. And they were not happy, but once it was over, theyre like, Grandma, that was awesome. Can we do it again?' Rice said.

Rice was nominated for our Hero of the Month honors by a FOX31 viewer. To nominate a veteran or active duty service member, visit the nomination page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  The Bristol County District Attorneys Office said a 10th victim from the fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River has died.

Investigators said that 66-year-old Brenda Cropper was pronounced deceased late Friday afternoon.

The DAs office initially said that Cropper died on Thursday, but later retracted that announcement, saying there was a miscommunication between their office and a medical agency.

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Cropper had been in the hospital in critical condition since Sunday, according to the DAs office.

RELATED: What we know about the Fall River fire victims

Firefighters rushed to the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility on Oliver Street late Sunday night after receiving several 911 calls from inside the building. They were immediately met with thick black smoke, roaring flames and trapped residents hanging out of windows.

More than half of the facilitys 70 residents couldnt escape the burning building on their own and needed assistance getting out, Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon said.

Most of the residents rescued by firefighters were brought to nearby hospitals to be treated for various injuries.

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READ MORE: Daughter of burn victim in Fall River fire: She was unrecognizable

Croppers daughter, Crystal Macura, previously told 12 News her mother lived on the first floor and was sleeping with her hearing aids turned off when the fire alarms sounded.

She said her mother was burned from head to toe and unrecognizable.

It was the worst thing Ive ever seen in my life, she said, adding that her moms doctors claimed she was the worst burn victim theyve ever treated.

Theres now a growing memorial outside the facility to honor those who lost their lives.

This was the deadliest fire in the state since 1984, when 15 residents were killed in a rooming house fire in Beverly, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

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ALSO READ: That fire was destined to kill 50-plus people: Chief recounts firefighters life-saving efforts

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time, however, it does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

How you can help

The Firefighters Wives Association has set up a GoFundMe page for those affected by the fire.

Catholic Charities is also collecting donations for impacted residents, including clothing, bedding, toiletries and other essentials. Donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The city has compiled a list of residents specific clothing and mobility needs for those who want to donate but are unsure what to bring.

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.

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On Thursday, seven members of a migrant smuggling gang were convicted and sent to prison. Good news, good policing and good justice, which alone would be worth remarking on. But unusual as this example may be of smashing the gangs, as Sir Keir Starmer promises will happen, thats not why this case is interesting.

What sets this example, and the convictions, apart from the norm is where the gang were smuggling the people to and from: from Britain, to France.

The migrants were north African and were said to prefer France, as it was more familiar to them. I offer my apologies on behalf of the British people if we werent making them feel sufficiently at home here, after their arrival on tourist visas which they then overstayed.

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Last year, 93 migrants were arrested for crossing illegally from the UK to France. So its certainly unusual. Indeed, the spokesman for the National Crime Agency (NCA), which investigated the gang, has a good line in drollery, describing the case as an anomaly and a departure from the usual model of smuggling migrants from Calais into the UK. You dont say.

But heres the thing about the case. It was indeed an example of excellent work by the NCA. Its far from unusual in that respect. The NCA intercepted the migrants before they were able to cross the border and arrested those responsible. Imagine, however, if it had been the other way round. Imagine if it had been a gang smuggling people from France to Britain.

That is, of course, an idiotic sentence to write because no one has to imagine it. It happens almost every day, and in increasingly record numbers. And what do the French police do? More often than not, they stand and watch, refusing to intervene when they see boats packed with migrants.

Earlier this month some gendarmes waded into the shallow water off a beach near Boulogne and slashed an inflatable small boat with knives. But they have been at pains to point out this was a one-off, rather than an obvious new tactic, adopted solely because the boat  packed with people  was wallowing dangerously in the waves.

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The contrast seems stark. Two years ago we agreed to pay the French 480m for additional border patrols and surveillance equipment. Much good it has done. Almost 20,000 people arrived in the UK in the first half of this year in small boats  up 48 per cent on the first six months of 2024. Last week Keir Starmer and Emanuel Macron trumpeted their new one in, one out agreement  but it first has to be approved by the EU, then by the French courts, and even then may have negligible impact. When it comes to people smuggling, it seems only one side of the Channel actually gives a damn.

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Cabo San Lucas is a land of debauchery. Tourists roaming the streets, sunburnt like lobsters, carrying large plastic cocktails, watered-down tequila shots poured straight from the bottle, wet t-shirt competitions, and of course, the annual influx of spring breakers.

But its not all Las Vegas party vibes on the southern tip of Baja.

With wide-open access to all Southern Pacific Ocean swell activity, Cabo is home to heavy, large, primarily shorebreak surf. Add in motorized aquatic vehicles, and for some visitors, that can spell trouble. Like this woman below, who got absolutely wrecked while attempting to navigate a jet ski to shore amidst some mutant shorebreak waves.

The video shows the woman, unnamed, hit the throttle ahead of a sizable wave, aiming the PWC towards shore. She outruns the wave for a few moments, before the wall of whitewater consumes her. From there, shes bucked off the ski, and sent into the washing machine. Luckily, some locals were on deck to rush to the womans safety in the aftermath.

Related: Boat Surfing Wipeout Ends in Total Chaos (Video)

According to The Cabo Sun: In the dramatic clip, the woman is thrown from the watercraft. She is then forced to dodge her own rented jet ski as its tossed around by the storm surge, repeatedly threatening to crush her. The ordeal, which officials confirm happened while beaches were officially closed, has prompted urgent warnings about respecting safety protocols.

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Local officials also used this near-tragedy as an opportunity to warn visitors of the potential dangers when visiting Cabo, and knowing their limits in the ocean.

The safety systems we have in place, especially the beach flags, are there for a life-or-death reason. A black flag means stay out of the water. There are no exceptions, an official said. This incident could have very easily ended in tragedy. You must be honest with yourself about your skill level. The Pacific is not a lake. If you have any doubt about the conditions or your ability to handle the watercraft, do not go out. It is that simple.

Related: Boat Gets Totally Wrecked by Wave in Indonesia (Video)

Brutal Jet Ski Wipeout in Cabo Caught on Camera (Video) first appeared on Surfer on Jul 18, 2025
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A woman-owned business in Springfield is hosting the citys first cardio party.

Special Olympics athlete from Pittsfield set to represent Team Massachusetts at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

Those interested can take part every Saturday this summer at 7:30 a.m.

BuildEmUp Fitness owner Emily Banerjee says the cardio party is a 75-minute workout, and everyone is welcome to attend. This weeks class is sold out, however sign ups are available for next week. The class includes people as young as 8 years old.

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Its endurance-based and its all based on functional fitness, so right now theres a popular trending sport called Hyrox, and its 8 stations with a segment of running, says Emily Banerjee, owner of BuildEmUp Fitness.

$25 will get you 75 minutes of cardio, an offer Banerjee says you wont regret, encouraging those in the region to put their health first as youre surrounded by others who want to get moving and stay motivated.

You can change your training according to whatever you need, and thats my favorite part about this one, youre in complete control of your workout, says Banerjee.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A 51-year-old man died Thursday after going underwater in the Colorado River.

Thomas Michael McCluney of Bullhead City was pulled from the river on the Arizona side, across from a nearby row of casinos in Laughlin. Bullhead City police responded at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday to the beach area at Moser Avenue and Sixth Street.

Police said McCluney was trying to float on a raft with a friend, and the drowning appears to be accidental.

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He was not wearing a life jacket, police said.

Lifesaving efforts failed to revive McCluney and he was declared dead at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, police said.

Bullhead City is about 100 miles south of Las Vegas.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
RENFRO VALLEY, Ky. (FOX 56)  The man behind whats considered the birthplace of Kentuckys modern-day music scene was just welcomed into the 2026 Class of Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductees.

When you look up the word Kentuckian, there is no doubt that you could find a photo of Byron Roberts that fits that description, hall of fame representatives said of Roberts on Thursday, July 17.

Kickin it: Kentucky musicians rally for friend amid cancer battle

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The announcement marks the first of a lineup of 2026 inductees. Supporters told FOX 56 that they gathered over 30 letters of recommendation to directors calling for Roberts recognition.

Byron Roberts created a little slice of heaven down on Ross Creek in Irvine with the inception of Kickin It on the Creek. Google Maps wont direct you there, but each year, music lovers would camp out on the streets of Irvine just to get their hands on a ticket.

The tight-knit Appalachian music community plans to flock to three different cities across the bluegrass starting on Friday to rally around Byron Roberts, who considers them family. (Zachary Curry and Joe Whalen)

Our first Kickin it on the Creek was a birthday party/Tyler Childers CD benefit, and we had seven bands play for free; we cooked two hogs after we paid for everything, and we gave Tyler all the money from it to help him with his career, Roberts said in Zachary Curry and Joe Whalens Let the Mountains Ring Forever: The Kickin it on the Creek Story.

It was history from there.

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He said he was only going to do it that one time wed built a small stage, and afterward we were sitting around talking about how well it went, and Byron said, Man, I think I want to do it one more time, a young Tyler Childers said.

Strangers became friends, and friends turned to family.

The Roberts family farm became a launchpad for bluegrass talent, many of whom went on to play some of the nations largest stages.

More magic happened, Roberts said. Its turned into something incredible.

Byron Roberts and Geno Seale (Zachary Curry and Joe Whalen)

Byron Roberts (Zachary Curry)

Byron and Kenton Roberts join Tyler Childers on stage (Zachary Curry and Joe Whalen)

The past year has been challenging for the Roberts family, receiving news of a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. One that shook the music community to its core.

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That same community stood up and showed up packing Manchester Music Hall for a benefit show. They continue to show up in support of the Roberts family as the family has done so for them, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The motivation behind the benefit is how much he has done for our little music community. When you showed up to his property on Ross Creek, he welcomed you home, whether it was your first time or fourth, Greg Adams said. We as a community stepped up and wanted to take care of him immediately like he would do for any one of us.

But still, the Roberts lend a hand to those in need. According to the Hall of Fame, the Roberts family raised over $100,000 in funds for disaster relief.

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If more people were like Byron, Jesus wouldnt come back; he wouldnt have to, Jamie Gaddis told FOX 56.

The 2026 Class will be officially inducted in October, per organizers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Six months after California's most devastating wildfire, a recovery is underway. Land is changing hands, developers are coming in, permits are being approved, homes are under construction. Yet, for many, the process is still moving slowly.

"This process is going to take time, money and patience," said real estate agent Laura Alfano, who specializes in Malibu and the Pacific Palisades properties. "And that will lead to a combination of developers, investors and then families who have legacy wealth. And thats what were seeing in terms of purchases. Not only smoke-damaged homes, but of the actual lots themselves."

Los Angeles Police Hope To Reunite Firearm Owners With Guns After Devastating Palisades Fire

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Of the 123 lots sold in the Palisades since the fire, about half have been bought by corporations, the other 50% by individuals. Whereas northeast of L.A. in Altadena, many homes are being snapped up by investors. One company bought 16 properties, another 13.

"I don't want an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit). Id rather die," says Terry Kilgore, 70, who is living out of an RV on his Altadena lot, waiting for an insurance settlement. "What the hell, I don't like RVs. I don't want to live in one, but at this point in time, its a godsend."

An aerial view of beachside homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 16, 2025 in Malibu, California.

Many homeowners now realize they were underinsured. They cant afford to pay off the old mortgage of the destroyed home, two years of rent in a tight market and have enough money left over for a rebuild.

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In Altadena, each month, more vacant lots are coming on the market, depressing prices by as much as $100,000 on a $1 million lot.

In the Palisades, its the opposite. The number of properties coming on the market is going down, helping fire victims wanting to cash out. The average price is $2.2 million for a vacant lot.

"Construction time, as I'm hearing, could be a year, year and a half, so I think you're going to see six months from now framing," said Larry Vein, head of Pali Strong, a citizen group formed after the fires.

Mandy Moore Slams La County For 'Nonsensical' Red Tape Preventing The City's Rebuild After Fires

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"The trauma has been really tough. A lot of people are still really confused about it. They don't know what to do. A lot of people are moving forward with their plans. A lot a people are just kind of on hold," said contractor Michael Shirley.

Right now, about 50 homes are under construction in the Palisades. More are in the pipeline. Of roughly 900 permit applications submitted to the city and county of Los Angeles officials approved 274 to begin construction. Between the two, about 13,000 homes were destroyed. Both entities say theyre approving permits in under 2 months  down from 8 to 18 months before the fires.

Firefighters watch a helicopter drop water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

Yet on more complicates sites and larger homes, experts say homeowners are looking at a year or more to get approval. To speed up the rebuilding process, Governor Newson extended executive orders to suspend the California Coastal Act as the primary agent in granting permits. This suspension lasts through at least Oct. 1. With the order still in place, homeowners looking to rebuild can start construction with up to 10% increase in size. However, for those looking to expand beyond 10%, they face a $11,579 base fee and a 12-24 month process.

Southern California Community Members Return For First Time To Site Where Church Burned Down Ahead Of Easter

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Ross Greenberg lost his home in the Palisades fire. And although his rebuilding permits were approved in early June, Los Angeles County still isnt letting him break ground.

"Ive paid over $12,000 in my permit fees right now just to get my process moving," Greenberg said.

Besides battling with regulations, many residents are more focused on their fight with insurance companies.

A person walks amid the destruction left behind by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 9, 2025.

Before the fires spread across southern California, State Farm dropped 1,600 policies in the Palisades last July. The insurance company faces lawsuits from homeowners who claim they were left " grossly underinsured ." With poor support by insurance providers, many residents solely rely on the California FAIR Plan, which may barely cover the cost of foundational and septic tank development in places like Malibu, which lost 600 homes in the fire, including 300 along the beach.

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"Youre going to spend two to three million dollars on just your foundation, your septic system and your seawall," said Don Schmitz, president and principal planner of real estate consulting company Schmitz & Associates. "And thats before you put up the very first stick to build the actual house."





Original article source: California wildfire victims face uphill battle as corporations and investors swoop in
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  It has been two weeks since the devastating flooding in central Texas. The death toll has risen to more than 130, with around 100 people still missing.

The images from that day, and in the weeks that have followed, have stayed with a 14-year-old Central Arkansas girl, who had to be evacuated from a camp along the Guadalupe River, along with hundreds of others. In the chaos of that day, she never got to say goodbye to her fellow campers. However, this Friday, they were able to reunite in Little Rock for a long-awaited hug.

Arkansas emergency responder discusses the dangers of Texas flood

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Friday afternoon marked a reunion that a group of girls never expected to have, but are thankful they get to. All five, including 14-year-old Charlie Brown, who lives in Little Rock, were spending their summer at Camp Waldemar in Hunt, Texas, when the flash flooding hit over the 4th of July weekend, six days into their month-long stay.



We honestly knew nothing that happened, we just knew it was a really bad storm, Charlie Brown from Little Rock said.

I was asking one of the counselors, Do you think its going to rain tonight? and they were like, We are expecting a little bit of light rain, and I thought nothing of it, Caroline Evans from Boston, Massachusetts said.



Their camp is located a few miles down the river from Camp Mystic, which was devastated by the floods, and sits on a hill. It wasnt until the next morning the girls realized something wasnt right.



Usually the bugle wakes us up, but the bugle didnt go off that morning, Maisey McInnis from Shreveport, Louisiana, said.

Arkansas Division of Emergency Management deploys team to assist with Texas flood response

While their camp experienced some damage, all the campers were able to be evacuated safely on buses.



I think when I saw parents hugging their children, it broke me because the parents were so glad to see their child safe, so I knew more had happened than I thought, Brown said.



In the chaos, the girls, who live in all different parts of the country, were separated but safe. They returned home, not fully comprehending what had happened or how lucky they all were.



I didnt emotionally process it until two days later, and I mean, I still can barely emotionally process it. Its just crazy to think I lived through that, Evans said.



Charlies mom, Ann, decided the best thing to do was to reunite the girls and allow them to process what they went through together.



Caroline flew in from Boston yesterday. Maisey drove in from Louisiana. Weve got two more coming in from Texas, Ann Brown of Little Rock said. Just to get them together, have fun and maybe heal and process because they all just left and they didnt get to talk about what had happened.



The girls were able to reunite Friday at Clinton National Airport in Little Rock and hug each other for the first time since they were separated two weeks ago.

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Trump touring Texas flood damage Friday

It really makes me think about how blessed I am and how blessed all of us were, Evans said.



They said everything they went through has brought them closer than ever before.



Now as I look back, I appreciate camp more now that Ive seen what other people have gone through, McInnis said. At least 27 people, including campers and counselors, died at Camp Mystic during the recent flooding. The girls said while the events of that weekend will stay with them forever, it wont stop them from returning to camp next summer.

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NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH)  Canine Companions welcomed guests from a galaxy far, far away to its North Central Training Center this week.

A central Ohio-based Stars Wars group, dressed as Stormtroopers and other characters, joined the organizations weekly puppy class. Volunteer puppy raisers are required to bring their service dogs in training to these classes at least twice a month to work on skills and help them get ready for professional training. This class had a specific focus.

This is about socializing the dogs so that when they do encounter someone out in public with a costume on, theyre not going to be fearful or anything like that, said Suzanna Slicien, the Puppy Program Manager for Canine Companions North Central Region.

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Mikeys Late Night Slice to open new central Ohio, Dayton locations

Its important for young dogs to be exposed to costumes that could be considered frightening, so when they are full-service assistance canines, they are able to attend festivals and theme parks with their handlers.

The Star Wars group stood by to serve as possible distractions as the puppies in training worked on skills. Canine Companions said all the dogs in attendance passed the test, including NBC4s Puppy with a Purpose, Paris.

Paris, who first appeared on NBC4 Today in April 2024, will enter professional training with Canine Companions following a matriculation ceremony in early August.

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For dogs like Paris when they are getting ready to turn in for professional training, were looking at dogs that can handle lots of different environments, be exposed, and can have self-control in distracting environments with different types of people, said Slicien. Were looking for calm, laid back dogs that can handle the world around them.

Paris and characters from Star Wars join forces in training service dogs with Canine Companions (Courtesy/Elaine May, Canine Companion volunteer puppy raiser) Paris and characters from Star Wars join forces in training service dogs with Canine Companions (Courtesy/Elaine May, Canine Companion volunteer puppy raiser) Paris and characters from Star Wars join forces in training service dogs with Canine Companions (Courtesy/Elaine May, Canine Companion volunteer puppy raiser)

Once Paris enters professional training, he will be focusing on working skills. That includes retrieving dropped items and opening and closing doors.

During that time, Canine Companions will also evaluate him and decide if he should be paired with a person who has a disability or in a facility, like a school or hospital.

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Paris last day on NBC4 air will be Friday, August 8.

Canine Companions is currently looking for volunteer puppy raisers in central Ohio. To learn more about the puppy raising program and other volunteer opportunities, visit canine.org.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A capital murder suspect who was charged after the body of his ex-girlfriend was found in a field near Cashion is seeking to have his multi-million dollar bond reduced.

Matison Preville in the 30th District Court on Friday, July 18, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Matison Johnathan Preville, Jr., 20, of Wichita Falls, is facing a capital murder charge connected to the death of his former girlfriend, Keren Ballesteros, whose body was discovered in a field near Cashion on June 19, 2025.

Preville was initially booked into the Wichita County Jail on Friday, June 20, and charged with murder. After the charge was enhanced to capital murder, Previlles bond was increased from $1 million to $3 million.

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PREVIOUS STORY: Man accused of killing ex-girlfriend now facing capital murder charge

Authorities said that Preville was committing the act of aggravated kidnapping when he intentionally murdered Ballesteros, elevating the charge from felony murder to capital murder.

Previlles public defender filed a writ of habeas corpus, seeking to reduce Previlles bond. A hearing was held on Friday, July 18, 2025, in the 30th District Court, with Judge Jeff McKnight presiding.

Matison Preville in the 30th District Court on Friday, July 18, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Joseph Cole with the Wichita County Public Defenders Office called Previlles mother to testify on his behalf during the hearing. She testified that she does not have the resources to post her sons bond.

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Previlles mother testified that Preville has family members in both New York and St. Lucia, where she is from. She testified that her son faced legal trouble as a juvenile while he was a student at Rider High School, but several of the charges against him were dropped. Previlles mother also provided Cole with a flash drive, containing letters from several individuals on Previlles behalf. The flash drive was admitted into evidence.

PREVIOUS STORY: Wichita Falls man charged with murder after body found in field

Kyle Lessor, Assistant District Attorney in Wichita County, argued that Previlles family ties outside of Wichita County make him a flight risk.

Judge McKnight asked Lessor about the charges against Preville, explaining that charges of both felony murder and capital murder are currently pending against him. Lessor said that both charges stem from the same criminal act.

Matison Preville in the 30th District Court on Friday, July 18, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Lessor said that prosecutors intend to bring the charge of capital murder to a Wichita County grand jury, and that the District Attorneys Office filed a motion to dismiss the felony murder charge in June 2025.

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Judge McKnight explained that the felony murder charge against Preville will be dismissed since prosecutors are pursuing the capital murder charge. He said that once that happens, the bond for the felony murder charge will no longer apply.

Judge McKnight said that he will take all of the evidence admitted during the writ hearing under advisement and issue a written ruling at a later date.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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FAIRMONT  Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., urged Russell Vought, director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, to restore $6 billion in education funding to public schools nationwide.

President Donald Trumps administration withheld previously approved money from schools nationwide hours before it was due to flow into their accounts for the new fiscal year on July 1. According to Marion County School Superintendent Donna Heston, Marion County Schools was set to receive $800,000 under the four frozen programs.

The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President Trumps goal of returning K-12 education to the states, Capito states in a letter. This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families. Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.

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The four programs Trump withheld funding for were Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A and IV-B. Schools go through a yearly budget request process, which the federal government uses to allocate funds through state department of educations. Funds are distributed on July 1 with the start of the fiscal year even though the federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1. The letter points out President Trump signed the bill funding the programs into law earlier this year.

For Fiscal Year 2025, Heston said Marion County Schools received $263,655 for professional development. Title II is restricted to professional development only. Heston said the grant covered conference registration fees, paying for personnel to attend trainings or bringing in trainers for teachers and administrators. Marion County Schools also received $252,000 for after school programming through the 21st Century Learning Centers Grant. Seventy five percent of the funds went to staff, while the rest was taken up by professional development, a professional educator and supplies.

The school district also received $2,090 in supplies for its English as a Second Language learners through a Title III grant. Marion County Schools received another grant for professional development through Title VI, which also covers technology and safety. Another $130,000 went toward professional development, $120,000 went toward school resource officers and $37,000 to technology supplies.

A report published by New America using data from the Annual Survey of School System Finances published by the U.S. Census Bureau for Fiscal Year 2022 states Marion County Schools were at risk of losing $4.5 million dollars under Title IV-B as a result of the budget freeze. However, Heston said Marion County Schools does not have a Title IV-B listed in their State system, which lists grants that are awarded to local school districts. The largest grant Marion County receives annually is under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, which is around $2.5 million. IDEA funds are not being withheld for review.

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When looking at FY 2024 and FY 2025 in the grant system of the state, MCS does not have Title IV-B listed as one of our grants for the district, Heston said. Perhaps it is going to another agency, such as DHHR, but it is not listed for Marion County School System in our system run by the state.

During his tenure as head of the OMB, Vought has pursued an ideological agenda, calling programs he dislikes woke as a rationale for eliminating them. Vought was also the architect of Project 2025, a 900-page wish list of policy proposals that impose an ultra-conservative social vision and expand presidential power, even at the expense of Congress. Hes expressed an interest in targeting programs antithetical to his vision of society in the federal government.

We share your concern about taxpayer money going to fund radical left-wing programs, Capito said. However, we do not believe that is happening with these funds. These funds go to support programs that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies.

Twenty four states have filed a lawsuit challenging the funding freeze, arguing the decision is contrary to decades of legal requirements. The lawsuit claims the OMB has even gone so far as to withhold the funds from the Department of Education itself. The plaintiffs argue Trump and Vought are violating the U.S. Constitution, wreaking havoc on teacher training programs and programs intended to make school more accessible to children with special needs.

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The eleventh-hour notification left no time to address the momentous fiscal vacuum created by Defendants actions, the legal filing states.

West Virginia did not join the lawsuit. A similar lawsuit filed in April over frozen funding for AmeriCorps resulted in a judge ordering those funds to be released, but only to states that challenged the freeze. Since West Virginia did not join in that suit either, it was left out as AmeriCorps funding was restored to the plaintiffs. in Marion County, AmeriCorps employees ran the Tygart Valley United Ways FlipSide after school care program.
Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg is building a new agricultural technology incubator in the citys downtown. It will take the place of the colleges old dental hygiene clinic. The college wants to make the space more inviting to help local entrepreneurs.

The project, known as the 518 Collective, consists of renovating the first floor of the building and adding community work spaces, board rooms and a podcasting studio.

They can get advice on whether it be legal areas or accounting areas that may fall within their business and then be able make an elevator pitch, said Eric Johnson, chief advancement officer for Carl Sandburg College. Its not going to be your typical classroom setting and thats whats really exciting about it.

(Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

College administrators say there are prospects to grow the city.

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We saw this as an opportunity to provide regional support, said Carl Sandburg College President Seamus Reilly. We know that (in) western Illinois that theres a lot of interest in developing opportunities for growth and expansion of industry.

College administrators believe with recent developments in downtown Galesburg, theres no better time than the present.

We got good economic momentum and we think we will be a good partner in these sort of growing business and industry opportunities, said Reilly.

The 518 Collective is just another step in the continuing improvement plan for the college.

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Were paying attention to what is happening in the world of education and the world of work, said Reilly. Were recognizing that we need more collaborative, flexible space and our new buildings reflect that.

The project done is expected to be done in the spring of 2026.

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What started as a routine weekend getaway for seminarians from the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in 2024 took a hard turn into the surreal. The archdiocese of Denver confirmed that an exorcist was called in after a bizarre series of events involving a ceremonial dagger, a mysterious blood oath, and a man in a yeti costume.

As first reported in an extensive investigation by The Pillar, a publication covering the Catholic church, the incident is causing controversy and raising questions about the seminary's response, and why it took an exorcist to set things right.

The whole thing began in January 2024, deep in the Elk Mountains, when 15 Denver seminarians  students studying to be Catholic priests  were awoken in the middle of the night and told to sit silently and wait for their turn to take part in a "sacred tradition." Some of the students may have had their mouths gagged with tape, the Pillar reports.

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One by one, the seminarians were ushered into a trailer, where they were met by two senior clergymen and a person dressed in a yeti costume, presiding over a bloody dollar bill. At least part of the ritual was captured on video, which was viewed by the Pillar.

"The way it works, the only way you can enter into this family, is you got to make a blood oath," one seminarian is told in the footage. "If you enter into this family, there's no going back."

Stoically, the priest-in-training agrees, and one of the clergymen, Friar John Nepil  a high ranking vice-rector in the archdiocese of Denver  is seen holding a bloody dagger as the seminarian places his arm on the table.

"This is going to hurt for a second, ready?" Nepil reportedly asks, followed by a countdown from three. Before the blade can draw blood, a mysterious voice interjects  possibly the yeti's  insisting that this is not the only way. Since the seminarian had "proven his bravery," he was being allowed to swap out his blood for that of a bear, with the caveat that he make the "most guttural scream you can possibly make," and to "make sure the other guys see you with the blood."

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Anyone who's grown up with older siblings has probably figured out that the yeti blood oath was, shockingly, a prank. Though these are clearly just some ski trip antics, videos from the stunt soon made their way around the Catholic church, leading to rumors and some wild responses from the archdiocese.

"Good grief. What year is this?" asked one commentor under the Pillar's article. "Why would inviting a seminarian, by himself, in the middle of the night, to do anything 'secret,' with psychological peer pressure, be considered a good idea? It looks exactly like grooming except that it had a yeti prank instead of a foot massage."

For his part, Nepil was placed on temporary leave while the archdiocese conducted a canonical investigation. He was later reinstated as vice-rector to finish out the academic year, while also being relieved of some of his other duties related to the seminary's Parish house.

The man above Nepil on the rector ladder, however, Friar Daniel Leonard, wasn't so lucky. Though the Pillar reports Leonard was scheduled to depart for a new assignment midway through 2025, he was replaced as rector months ahead of schedule, "in response to his handling of the blood oath affair"  even as Nepil was allowed to work through the end of the semester.

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Notably, Nepil was one of four Denver seminarians who founded the Companions of Christ in 2007, a clerical association fostering communal living with other priests  a specialized background which may give him some leeway within the seminary.

Equally odd, however, was the one-year suspension of a seminarian who had refused to participate in the ritual, though the school's leadership insists this had nothing to do with the yeti affair.

As all of this was going on, the archdiocese reportedly called in an exorcist to talk to the men involved in the ritual, just to be safe. All seminarians were required to make a "formal renunciation" of their yeti pledge to the exorcist  most likely Friar Chad Ripperger, a well-known Catholic official  out of what the archdiocese called an "abundance of caution, due to the potential spiritual harm from such oaths."

Nepil, for his part, has expressed his regrets for the incident, claiming he went along with a friend who owned the ski villa, a practicing Catholic who is not part of the seminary. That humility seemingly had a chilling effect on the whole debacle, with most folks seeming to agree it was an "imprudent" prank taken too far.

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As one senior cleric put it: "theres a difference between going along with something stupid and a vice-rector dreaming up yeti blood brotherhoods on his own."

More on religion: More and More Christians Say AI Is Demonic
There is a lot of public favor for the idea of the U.S. returning to the moon, and also for eventually going to Mars. About two-thirds do, while a third does not.

Younger Americans who are not old enough to remember the first moon landing are especially in favor, perhaps looking forward to seeing that exploration in their lifetimes. These views generally cut across ideological and party lines, as well.

The first moon landing in 1969 continues to loom large in the public mind, all these years on  a big majority says it was worth doing, while just under a quarter says it was not. Views were comparable back when this was asked at the 40th and 50th anniversaries of it, too.

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That may be partly because, in general, Americans tend to think the space program adds at least somewhat to feelings of national pride.

People tend to think it also contributes some  if not necessarily a lot  to technological contributions from which everyone can benefit.

This CBS News/YouGov survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,404 U.S. adults interviewed between June 18-23, 2025. The sample was weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to gender, age, race, and education, based on the U.S. Census American Community Survey and Current Population Survey, as well as 2024 presidential vote. The margin of error is 2.6 points.

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CEDAR COUNTY, Mo.  A man from El Dorado Springs pleaded not guilty to child sex crimes and armed criminal action charges in Cedar County Circuit Court this week.

Long, courtesy of the Cedar County Jail.

According to court dockets, Davis Long, born 1989, pleaded not guilty to two counts of felony first-degree sodomy and two counts of felony armed criminal action on Monday, July 14.

The felony complaint filed in early May of this year says the crimes occurred around February of 2020 and May of 2020.

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Long used the assistance and aid of a deadly weapon to have deviate sexual intercourse with a juvenile victim, according to the complaint.

Long was booked in the Cedar County Jail without bond after charges were filed in May, but he was granted a $75,000 surety bond with house arrest conditions in June.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: El Dorado Springs man faces sodomy, armed criminal action charges

Hes due in court for a case management conference on Sept. 8. His defense has requested a change of venue.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  Watermelon fans, your time has come to celebrate all things watermelon.

The Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market is hosting Watermelon Fest, bringing you plenty of ways to enjoy a summer favorite.

The event features a free watermelon bar, a seed splitting contest and a watermelon eating contest.

Support your favorite local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items and more.

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The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market. Be sure to go out and support while eating some tasty watermelon.

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Waterford is celebrating everything that makes their community special this weekend.

Waterford Heritage Days began Friday evening. Most of the events planned for the weekend will take place at Gazebo Park or the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society.

Saturdays schedule includes fireworks at the end of the day to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Stancliff Hose Company. But before that big finish was a big start.

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We start our day off at 10 AM on Cherry Street, just one street over with our parade, and that ends right around 11 oclock. So, you want to get here early, get your chairs out, said Dawn Brown of Waterford Heritage Days.

There are also historic demonstrations planned all weekend and a non-denominational church service on Sunday.

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GRANVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  People with mobility issues can now enjoy the great outdoors along with friends and family members, thanks to a new program created by a central Ohio park agency.

Licking Park District is currently offering free rentals of all-terrain wheelchairs. The park districts rental option of the innovative devices has been the subject of several social media posts praising the service.

We had a blast testing out the Licking Park Districts Grit Freedom Chair! posted Licking County Aging Partners. These all-terrain wheelchairs make trails, grass, and uneven terrain more accessibleand theyre available to rent for free!



Get outside and explore!

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Thank you to the Licking Park District for hosting a fantastic accessibility lunch and learn, Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities shared about a recent event. It was great to  test drive their all-terrain wheelchairs, which are available for the public to rent, free of charge, to enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.

Kyle Lund, Licking Park Districts Director, shared with NBC4 his personal experience with the chair.

My mother-in-law is in a wheelchair and is in a memory care facility, said Lund. During the warmer months, my wife and I take her on hikes in one of the adult all-terrain wheelchairs. She really enjoys getting out in nature and listening to the birds.

Without this chair, our outings with her consisted of staying on pavement, usually along sidewalks at her facility or in shopping malls. The chair has really opened up her world.

Photo Courtesy/ Jena Cooper Photo Courtesy/ Jena Cooper

Jena Cooper, owner of Coopers Knoll Farm, a farm and petting zoo in Pataskala, borrowed a chair to help her get around the grounds and animals after knee surgery for a torn ACL. She posted a video demonstrating how it works, which received thousands of views.

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Thank you so much to the Licking Park District for the use of this amazing all-terrain chair! Its been SO HELPFUL to allow me to get out on the farm! Cooper wrote. Yall  if you are in a wheelchair and need one that gets around better for an event or a hike with the family  call them! They are available for FREE for you to use for a day or two!

Cooper told NBC4 that the chair has been a lifesaver and that young campers have been in friendly competition to push her around in the chair.

The park district has multiple all-terrain wheelchairs from GRIT Freedom Chairs. The chairs are designed with three wheels and levers that enable users to maneuver over rugged terrain. Additionally, there are push bars that can be used for any degree of assistance. A cushioned seat and footrests allow for a comfortable journey, according to the agencys website.

At this time, the park district has five ATWs available, two youth and three adult models. The purchase of a third youth model was also recently approved with another $5,000 donation. The models include GRIT Juniors, designed for youth weighing under 200 pounds, and GRIT Spartans, for teens and adults weighing up to 350 pounds.

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The ATWs can be reserved at no cost for weekday or weekend rentals. A weekday rental lasts 24 hours on Monday through Thursday. Weekend rentals are three days, from Friday to Monday. Reservations can be made from one day to a week in advance by calling the Licking Park District office at 740-587-2535.

Since ATWs disassemble to fit into the trunk of a small car, the chairs can be used anywhere renters would like to take them, not just areas managed by the park district.

Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All riders are required to provide and wear their own helmet. The park district recommends that all riders hike with a friend or family member.

With each chair costing approximately $5,000, the program is made possible by generous grants. The park districts investment is designed to provide nature education, relaxation, socialization, and exercise for people experiencing temporary or permanent lower-body challenges.

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See the informational flyer from Licking Park District below.

All-Terrain-Wheelchair-General-Info.-Flyer-2-14-25-2Download

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Camelot Village resident Shelton Stokes gestures to Governor Josh Stein to show the height of the floodwaters that swept through his community. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline)

A day after declaring a state of emergency in the region, Governor Josh Stein toured flood-stricken Chapel Hill and spoke with residents and local business owners still reeling from recent damage.

A Chapel Hill native, Stein returned to his hometown Friday to console residents who lost their homes to flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal and pledged to seek relief for the region as well as work toward resilience against future disasters. Chantal, which brought as much as 12 inches of rain to some areas, killed at least six people in North Carolina.

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At a press conference in Kipos Greek Taverna, among the businesses in Chapel Hills Eastgate Crossing closed indefinitely due to flood repairs, Stein said the recovery process is still in the damage assessment phase but he hopes that the disaster declaration will help yield federal assistance. Eastgate Crossing is less than three miles from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills main campus.

Governor Josh Stein speaks to members of the media at Kipos Greek Taverna in Chapel Hill after flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline)

I know this place exceptionally well, and it hurts my heart that these business owners who invested their blood, their sweat, their tears, their capital into building successful small businesses just to have it washed away in a single day, Stein told reporters. Thats whats crazy, is that a few hours of rain can completely turn lives upside down.

Stein said that if damage proves great enough, the state will go to FEMA seeking federal disaster assistance. On Thursday, he declared a state of emergency for Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, and Wake counties over the damage brought by Chantal on July 6 and by subsequent severe storms in the following days.

He also expressed concern that the Trump administration has stopped providing funding through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program  funds that would typically go toward shoring up communities like Chapel Hill and neighboring towns against flooding.

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Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined 19 other attorneys general Wednesday in suing over withheld BRIC funds. That program was also the subject of controversy in the wake of Hurricane Helene, when it came to light that the state lost out on an estimated $70 million in preparedness funds due to outdated building codes. Were in court right now to try to get that spigot turned back on, Stein said.

He added that he hopes the legislature will also provide support to the counties hit hardest by Chantal. Stein said he has reached out to legislative leaders and has spoken with a number of local legislators as well to try to rally aid for the region.

My hope is that these businesses get back in operation as quickly as possible, Stein said. Ive been inside two stores, Ive heard about a third from another owner. Theyre already in there cleaning, theyre taking sheetrock off the wall, theyre bringing in new electrical. They are going to work as fast as they can so they can welcome customers here in Chapel Hill.

Residents at Camelot Village described floodwaters that rose five feet high sweeping the community and forcing them to await rescue by boat. Shelton Stokes, who lived in his home for seven years prior to the flood, said he drove out just as the waters began to rise. A tree collapsed near the entrance of the community just after he left, blocking other vehicles from making it out.

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We just lost our security, everything we worked hard for, and we just need to get that back. Weve got community, even though theyre at the hotel, weve got our community there, Stokes said. Everybodys chipping in, everybody  trying to get everybody out, trying to get the older folks out of the windows, everybody did their job.

A home with a yard filled with debris, much of it flood-ruined furniture covered by tarps.

A home with huge piles of debris in its yard, including large appliances such as an oven and a refigerator.

A worker drags bags of debris out of Waxing The City. The parking lot beyonds its doors is littered with debris.

A stripped building interior, with wall and floor coverings removed and a generator connected to machinery to dry the area.

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Kirby Saunders, the Orange County Emergency Services Director, said forecasts did not prepare them for the severity of the flooding that would come. We got notice about an hour before the heaviest rains started that it was going to be a really, really heavy rain  thats unfortunate that we didnt have that opportunity to bring in additional resources.

Saunders praised the work of public safety officials as well as town and volunteer responders, noting that they were able to carry out more than 70 swift water rescues the night of the flooding. He said the lesson is to get serious about flood mitigation before more lives are lost, adding that developments like Camelot Village, located on a flood plain, should never have been constructed.

How do we remove people and things that are critical to our communities from harms way, especially when we have the knowledge that its going to happen? he said. We dont know when its going to happen, but we know its going to happen.

Other officials in attendance included Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange), Rep. Allen Buansi (D-Orange), and Chapel Hill Council Member Amy Ryan.

Johnny Mariakakis, a Chapel Hill business owner, speaks with Council Member Amy Ryan and Sen. Graig Meyer about the flooding. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline)

Meyer said he hopes to help deliver aid to resident when the legislature reconvenes later this month, likely as part of a broader relief Helene-focused package that also addresses the damage already brought by this years hurricane season. He expressed regret that small businesses will likely not receive direct aid, however, as the state constitution is interpreted by some to prevent allocating funds directly to private entities.

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We can provide assistance to the local government bodies for things like addressing the flood mitigation or for trying to help Hillsborough with their water and sewer system and moving some of that. We generally have not been able to be the ones who will take care of small businesses, Meyer said. With Chantal, we have significant need for small business assistance, and if the feds arent going to do that, then Im not entirely sure where these businesses are going to get the support that they need and deserve.

He also took aim at the Trump administration for pulling federal funds away from climate and resilience programs, including the National Weather Services forecasting tools.

Clearly, theres a correlation here in Texas and other places between them pulling money out of the National Weather Service and then people getting hit by unexpected, devastating weather events, Meyer said. Were not able to warn people, but to me, the bigger concern is were not able to take on the challenge of addressing climate change as a whole.
In a year where Miami-Dade may slash tens of millions of dollars in nonprofit funding, one new charity with a sparse track record recently secured a $250,000 yearly revenue stream mandated by a county contract. The president of the charity receiving the payments is a top official in the city of Miamis government.

A last-minute item on Wednesdays County Commission agenda handed Loud and Live, a prominent production company, a 20-year contract allowing it to produce profit-making events and programs at Miami-Dades Tropical Park, including running the equestrian center and putting on the annual holiday fest that replaced Santas Enchanted Forest two years ago.

In addition to paying rent to Miami-Dade for exclusive use of some Tropical Park facilities, the Miami-Dade contract requires Loud and Live to pay $250,000 annually to the A3 Foundation.

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That charity formed in 2023, when it reported having less than $25,000 in the bank, according to its 2023 federal tax return, which is available online.

As of Friday afternoon, A3 Foundation had a website with no contact information and inoperable links on pages under its projects section dedicated to Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, Education and Community Outreach. Tax and corporate records list its address as a townhouse in West Miami. The Miami Herald visited the townhouse on Friday to request the 2024 tax returns from the A3 Foundation. Nobody answered the door.

State records show the president of the A3 Foundation is Francisco Petrirena, who is also chief of staff to Art Noriega, Miamis city manager.

On Friday, Petrirena told the Herald he began earning compensation from the foundation this year and will be paid $80,000 annually. He said hes the charitys lone paid employee.

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Right now, its only me, he said.

In the phone interview, Petrirena said the foundation helps put on one of Tropical Parks signature events: the annual agriculture show and rodeo known as CountryFest that promoters say attracts about 25,000 visitors a year. He said A3s mission is to promote agriculture education in South Florida.

We work with CountryFest, Petrirena said. We help organize the festival.

CountryFest is a county event hosted by the commissioner whose district includes Tropical Park, Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez. Rodriguez sponsored the legislation awarding the Tropical Park contract to Loud and Live, a Miami-based production company that lists CountryFest as one of its events on social media.

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In a statement, Rodriguez praised the charity.

The A3 Foundation is an ag-focused nonprofit organization that, while new, has served our community well, he said. The legislation approved by the County Commission supports an innovative way to fund Ag related community initiatives without the need to rely entirely on government funding ... I am grateful for the work that A3 does and am proud to support them.

The county-mandated payment to A3 may not be the only windfall for the foundation this year. Floridas recently enacted budget includes a $950,000 allocation to an organization of the same name. Online records show Petrirena in March submitted a request for $500,000 to the Florida Senate for the A3 Foundation Corp. to cover $100,000 in payroll expenses for an executive director and an assistant, as well as $385,000 for resources to help educators and consumers learn more about agriculture and provide scholarships related to farming.

Live and Loud won its Tropical Park contract through a bidding process run by the administration of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Bidding documents included the requirement for a $250,000 yearly charitable contribution by the winning bidder but did not specify the charity. Instead, it said the County Commission would select the charity.

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A spokesperson for Levine Cava, Natalia Jaramillo, said the administration didnt learn the identity of the chosen nonprofit until the legislative item appeared as a last-minute add to the agenda of Wednesdays County Commission meeting.

The administration did not respond to inquiries about how CountryFest is run at Tropical Park or what role A3 may play in that springtime event.

In 2024, the commission passed Rodriguez legislation exempting CountryFest from normal bidding requirements in the countys purchasing rules.

Petrirena confirmed his paid foundation work comes on top of his full-time job as a senior aide to Miamis top administrator. In a text message, Noriega said the city would provide paperwork related to approval of Petrirenas outside employment.

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The $250,000 yearly payment to A3 came the day after Levine Cava proposed a 2026 budget with steep cuts to county grants for nonprofits. Along with eliminating roughly $40 million in nonprofit grants, the Levine Cava budget eliminates the jobs of county staffers charged with administering the grant programs.

Its very painful, she said of the cuts required to close a $402 million deficit between projected tax revenues and 2026 expenses.

Miami Herald staff writer Ana Ceballos contributed to this report.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlottes 6th annual Peruvian festival is next week, and it will be a celebration full of color and joy.

The event will take place at Symphony Park on Sunday, July 27.

Queen City News Now talked with Martin Linares, the founder of the festival, about the importance of the festival and what attendees can expect.

Credit: Charlotte Peruvian Festival

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Voters are in for a competitive primary election in two months with 27 Democrats running for just 12 Charlotte government positions.

Every current City Council member and the mayor are seeking election this cycle. Most face multiple challengers, including Mayor Vi Lyles, who is up against six candidates from three political parties.

Ed Driggs, who represents south Charlottes District 7, and Malcolm Graham, who represents District 2 in the north, are the only two council members without an opponent standing in their path to re-election.

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On the opposite end of the spectrum, a dozen candidates are campaigning for just four at-large seats.

Charlottes primary election is Sept. 9 for City Council. Voters wont have their say in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education or other municipal elections until November, when there will be 70 other candidates competing for seats.

Here are some races to watch.

Candidates line up to take down Mayor Lyles

Mayor Vi Lyles is no stranger to opposition. She dethroned former Mayor Jennifer Roberts in 2017 in an uphill climb to the citys top elected position.

But shes faced little signs of resistance since. She won her last general election with 73.6% of the vote after receiving 85.4% of the vote in the primary. And she hasnt faced as many primary election challengers as she does this year since 2019  when there also were four other candidates.

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If elected to a fifth term this year, Lyles would be tied for serving the second-longest tenure as Charlotte mayor. Then, shed fall behind only former Gov. Pat McCrory, who is the citys longest-serving mayor.

The crowded pool of challengers includes four Democrats, one Republican and one Libertarian.

None have held elected office before.

The fledgling Democratic candidates include Jaraun Gemini Boyd, a former prisoner-turned-activist and nonprofit leader; Delter Kenny Guin III, who does not have a campaign website or a clear online campaign presence; Brendan Maginnis, a former Marine and small business owner who ran for Congress in 2024; and Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel, who has run unsuccessfully for a number of offices across Mecklenburg County.

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Republican real estate agent Terrie Donovan and Libertarian Rob Yates face perhaps the toughest battle ahead. The last Republican mayor was McCrory, who left office in 2009 to run for governor. There has never been a Libertarian mayor.

Absent from the lineup of hopefuls is Roberts, who flirted with the idea of a rematch eight years after leaving office. She would have presented a strong opposition campaign due to her name recognition and a base of supporters that newcomers might lack.

But Roberts announced she would not run for mayor about 24 hours before the filing deadline, saying in a mass email that she has too many existing commitments that cannot take second place.

District 6 is the only open seat

There will be at least one new face on City Council this year.

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Former Councilman Tariq Bokhari resigned in April after the Trump administration tapped him to become deputy administrator of the Federal Transit Administration. His seat representing District 6 is wide open for the first time since 2017  and its the only district without an incumbent in the mix.

Three candidates are vying to be Bokharis successor, including his wife.

This would be Krista Bokharis first time holding public office but not her first time running. She campaigned last year for a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives, and earlier this spring she unsuccessfully applied to finish the remaining six months of her husbands council term.

Sary Chakra, another political newcomer who applied to finish Bokharis term, is also running for the Republican nomination. Chakra works in stormwater and infrastructure construction.

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Kimberly Owens, an attorney, is running for the Democrats and will not face a primary challenger.

Bokhari and Driggs were the only two Republicans elected to council last cycle. The two south Charlotte districts are the only races where Republican candidates outnumber Democrats and are widely seen as the GOPs best shots at securing representation on the council. Still, party politics traditionally hold little weight in most council decisions, and votes rarely fall down partisan lines.

District 3 councilwoman faces a federal indictment and three challengers

Tiawana Brown is seeking reelection amid a federal indictment on charges of wire fraud. Brown and her two adult daughters are accused of filing false applications for federal pandemic relief loans and spending loan money on personal expenses.

Brown, who is in her first term serving west Charlottes District 3, faces one of the more challenging incumbent paths to victory against three Democrats who all have political experience.

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Joi Mayo and Montravias King say they dont want to stake their campaigns on Browns indictment, though, and want to focus instead on their own records.

Mayo is a nonprofit leader and community activist whose work focuses on preservation and responsible growth, among other issues. King is a former Elizabeth City councilman who has worked as a legislative assistant for Democrats in the North Carolina legislature.

Democratic candidate Warren Turner represented the district from 2003 to 2011 and is seeking to reclaim his former office, but he brings his own baggage to the election. Turner was voted out of office after a sexual harassment scandal in which an outside law firm found evidence to support some allegations from a city employee.

James Bowers also filed as a longshot Republican candidate in the deep blue District 3 for the third consecutive election. Brown pummeled him in 2023, when he received less than a quarter of the votes.

Other Charlotte City Council races

The at-large race is the most crowded this election season, with five current council members and seven newcomers seeking four seats.

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Dimple Ajmera, James Smuggie Mitchell Jr., LaWana Slack-Mayfield and Victoria Watlington are the incumbent at-large representatives  all Democrat. Edwin Peacock, a Republican, was appointed to serve out the remainder of Bokharis term this spring and is running for an at-large position that, if successful, would unseat one of his current colleagues. Peacock also was the last Republican to win an at-large seat in 2009.

Democratic candidates Matt Britt, Roderick Davis, Will Holley, J.G. Lockhart, Emerson Stoldt and Namrata Yadav, and Republican candidate Misun Kim, also filed.

Several districts will have less complex candidate fields, with voters deciding between two Democrats in head-to-head contests.

In District 1 Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson will face Charlene Henderson El, a community activist and friend of District 3s Brown.

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Councilwoman Renee Perkins Johnson in District 4 faces Wil Russell, a construction manager for affordable housing projects. This is a rematch of 2023, when Russell secured just 40.9% of the vote despite an endorsement from Lyles. Perkins Johnson had 52.3%.

And Councilwoman Marjorie Molina in District 5 faces J.D. Mazuera Arias, the chair of the Hispanic Democratic Caucus of Mecklenburg County.

Municipal elections in November

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will have at least two new leaders this year after two incumbents, Thelma Byers-Bailey and Summer Nunn, did not seek reelection.

Every school board race will be competitive besides District 3, where incumbent Gregory Dee Rankin was the only candidate to file.

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Outside of Charlotte, Mint Hill and Pineville could see some of the biggest leadership shakeups.

Mint Hill Mayor Brad Simmons did not seek reelection. Town Commissioner Dale Dalton is one of two candidates seeking to replace him.

Pineville will see an overhaul of its town council, with no incumbent seeking reelection. Councilwoman Amelia Stinson-Wesley is risking her seat to take on incumbent Mayor David Phillips for his position.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Hundreds of people are in Humboldt Park to celebrate Colombian Independence Day at the 11th annual El Gran Festival Colombiano.

Organizers and supporters told WGN-TV the three-day festival carries more meaning this year given the political climate around immigration.

The event celebrates Colombias independence from Spain. The family-run event has grown in popularity and attracts people from all across the Midwest for its live music, traditional dance and family friendly activities, not to mention all the Latino vendors that take part in the celebration.

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NASCAR Chicago Street Race wont return in 2026

Because were here fighting to keep our traditions in Chicago, our Colombian traditions alive and Latino traditions.we feel that part of our preservation is like, you know, our pride, El Gran Festival Colombiano Founder and Director Jorge Ortega said.

Ortega is also assuring everyone that the event is safe for all families to attend.

Were just showing people, dont be scared and dont live in fear. Come out and celebrate, he said.

Intentional scare tactic: Community leaders speak out after federal agents swarm Chicago Puerto Rican museum

Prior to the start of the festival, a press conference addressed an incident earlier this month at Chicagos National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.

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It is a travesty that earlier this month, federal agents gathered outside the Puerto Rican Museum of Humboldt Park and discussed the possibility of targeting events like this one, Chicago Park District Spokesperson Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said.

Cameras caught the unexpected arrival of ICE or Homeland Security agents.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security denied agents were targeting the museum.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

In response, the Chicago Parks District sent a letter to the head of ICE and said cease and desist, trespassing on our property, Ramirez-Rosa said. These events are a critical component of how we bring community here in the City of Chicago.

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On Friday night, the festival also honored fallen Chicago police officers, including Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso, who immigrated from Colombia and died in the line of duty.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GOSHEN  Joseph Mitschelen came to opening day of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair hoping his two Cornish chickens would be named impeccable examples of the breed.

Mitschelen, from Etna Green, is a 10-year 4-H member now in his last year. Hes one of around 200 poultry club members who brought 700 birds to the fair this year, according to organizational leader Valarie Jacobs.

Poultry exhibition classes and showmanship Friday morning were the first 4-H activities of the nine-day fair.

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This is the exhibition show. As I like to say, a lot of us members, its like the fancy birds, Mitschelen said while waiting in line for judging, a bird under each arm. Not necessarily meat production, theyre breeding stock.

The judge, Tim Calloway, took the measure of each bird as he went down the table, picking them up and inspecting feathers, feet and faces. Mitschelen said he was comparing them to the standards laid out by the American Poultry Association.

Right now, this is a standard class. The judge goes through the birds and says, Keep these, well bring them back. Thats what were doing now. Right now were going through the honors and seeing, all right, whos going to be the best standard bird, he said. Theyre looking for specific characteristics and qualities. That could be size, that could be color, the type of comb on them. Thats all decided through a bunch of people on a national level to keep the standards up.

Jacobs said the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza earlier this year had passed well before the start of fair week. The state declared avian flu-free status at the end of May.

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Outbreaks of avian influenza were found in 27 commercial bird populations in several Indiana counties, prompting the killing of tens of thousands of animals and the destruction of millions of eggs. Nearly 6,000 ducks were depopulated in Elkhart County after H5N1 was found at two commercial breeders in February.

Jacobs recalled that the poultry program was banned 10 years ago amid a significant outbreak.

We havent had any cases in Indiana for quite a while now. It wasnt really a concern going into the fair this year, she said. 2015 was the year that we canceled because of it.

The rabbit program was the next one on the schedule, with a knowledge test at 9 a.m. and breed ID and showmanship scheduled for later in the week. Brad Kelly, from Goshen, was at the fair with four of his children who are in the rabbit program, ranging in age from 8 to 17.

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They enter projects and rabbits. They had their skills test, they havent judged them yet, he said.

Kelly said he enjoyed the $5 food specials on Friday. It was also $5 admission day and carnival ride wristband day, with free big wheel rides around noon, though Aiden, Marissa, Olivia and Izobel arent big into the rides, their dad said.

Paula Ax was at the fair with family including granddaughter Cecelia Fry, 10, whos also a rabbit club member. Ax said the fair food was a draw for her as well.

Her mom is a 10-year member, so Im starting another batch of 10-years, she said. They have rabbits and my daughter (Jenica Fry)s on the fair board, and were just here enjoying the fair.

The fair continues through July 26.
A new photo suggests that Chinas Shenyang J-35, its next-generation carrier-based fighter, may now have entered limited series production and could possibly be in service with the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The photo joins a succession of imagery showing some of Chinas latest military aircraft in great detail, including previous views of the same type of jet, although still in prototype form, as you can see in our previous coverage here.

Wow  as it seems, also the PLAN Naval Aviation has finally revealed its first two operational (?) J-35 fighters.



(Image via @ from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/CQe9Hcs2FV  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) July 18, 2025

The new photo, which seems to have originally been posted on the Chinese Weibo microblogging website, is an air-to-air study of two J-35s in close formation. It appears to be an official PLAN release, and the fact that it includes aircraft construction numbers  0011 and 0012  strongly suggests that these are low-rate initial production (LRIP) aircraft. At the same time, we cannot totally rule out a disinformation effort, with LRIP-conforming numbers applied to existing prototype aircraft, for example.

A close-up view of the construction numbers, apparently 0011 and 0012. via X

At the same time, the J-35s wear prominent new shark markings, as well as national insignia, on their tailfins, which might point to them being in service with the PLAN. Another shark motif appears on the tail fins of the J-15 carrier-based fighters that the PLAN also operates.

The shark motif that appears on the tail fin of the J-35. via X

A similar shark marking on a J-15 fighter preparing to take off from the deck of the Liaoning during military drills in the Bohai Sea in 2016. STR/AFP via Getty Images

STR

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Finally, the pilots wear the bright blue helmets that have frequently been seen used by Chinese naval aviators flying the J-15 with frontline units, as seen in the photo below, aboard the carrier Liaoning during a 2021 drill in the South China Sea.

Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images VCG

While we have previously gotten good air-to-air views of the J-35, the aircraft seen so far were prototypes, albeit getting increasingly closer to the likely production standard. These aircraft, in contrast, look like they are from the LRIP batch and, as such, represent the initial version of the Shenyang design that will see PLAN service, including carrier operations.

A navalized variant of the land-based FC-31, the first flying J-35 prototype appears to have made its initial flight in October 2021. The second known flying J-35 prototype was subsequently spotted in July of 2022, now sporting a low-visibility gray tactical paint scheme. There was speculation that a third was pictured in flight in September 2023, although, as we noted at the time, the quality of the imagery made it difficult to ascertain whether the aircraft was indeed a navalized J-35 or a land-based FC-31 variant. Now it appears that significantly more examples of the J-35 have been completed, perhaps including the first limited-production aircraft.

One of the prototypes of the navalized derivative of the J-35, serial 3503. Chinese Internet



TWZ spoke to Andreas Rupprecht, a Chinese aviation expert and contributor to this website, for his assessment of the new J-35 photo. He said the fact that the LRIP version of the aircraft had broken cover at this point would not necessarily be a huge surprise, especially since the production version of the J-15B fighter (an enhanced carrier-based Flanker) had also appeared out of the blue, late last year. Very quickly, almost two-dozen J-15Bs were identified as being in service. Until this point, there had been no confirmation of J-15B series production, and the same may turn out to be true of the J-15.

 J-15B has light grey radome, are the CATOBAR compatible, 4.5th gen (new weapons, avionics AESA etc) variant, marked red

 J-15/A has dark grey radome, STOBAR production/old version, 4th gen, marked green



In flight I see 9 J-15B, 2 J-15A, but happy for other opinions. https://t.co/vdflozAB3K pic.twitter.com/4Hgl43P9bq  Rick Joe (@RickJoe_PLA) October 31, 2024

The appearance of the apparent LRIP J-35s also comes amid a flurry of other new developments in Chinese military aviation, including indications of the J-20S two-seat stealth fighter being in Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) service, as well as the J-35A (the land-based version of the naval J-35).

Two prototype J-35s in close formation. Of these, serial 3501 is fitted with a pitot boom for flight tests, while serial 3506 appears to be something closer to a production standard, with its radome likely housing a radar. via X



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At this stage, there is still some confusion about the type of engine used by the J-35s in the new photo. What is clear, however, is that the naval J-35 and land-based J-35A appear to have different powerplants, at least at this stage. Ultimately, the advanced WS-19 was expected to power both versions, but this doesnt seem to be the case  yet.

There are unconfirmed reports that the J-35A for the PLAAF already uses the definitive WS-19, identified by its characteristic darker exhaust nozzles. Meanwhile, the PLANs J-35A, which features lighter-colored nozzles, may be powered by the WS-21, which is a heavily improved version of the earlier WS-13, as found on the first prototypes. At this stage, we dont know for sure, but there are likely to be further powerplant changes as Shenyang continues to enhance its J-35s for land-based and naval use.

A first brief analysis  J-35 vs J-35A in details!



Most obvious at first sight:



 the engines or at least exhaust nozzles are totally different

 both now use the same smaller rudder (unlike seen on naval prototypes)

 both have different luneburg lenses pic.twitter.com/RqHrY50OLr  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) July 18, 2025

Both J-35s in the photo are fitted with a ventral bolt-on Luneburg lens (radar reflector). This is often used on stealth fighters when low observability is not required, when it can pose a challenge for flying in controlled civilian airspace, or when masking the aircrafts true signature from foreign intelligence. The naval version seems to be different from the reflectors on the land-based J-35A, which appear to be extendible and not bolted on.

Somewhat surprisingly, there are also rumors that the J-35 has already begun carrier trials from the deck of the Type 003 Fujian, a vessel that is now undergoing pre-service trials. At this point, there is no imagery to confirm this, but with the aircraft apparently now in service, such tests are likely to commence in the not-too-distant future, if they havent already. On the other hand, it would seem surprising if the unproven J-35 was the first fighter to be tested aboard the new carrier, rather than the long-established J-15. China has also been using land-based test sites for years to help prepare personnel for catapult-equipped carrier operations.

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Perhaps we will learn more about the status of the J-35 in PLAN service in September, when the aircraft is rumored to be making its public debut in a large-scale event to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat in World War II.

Whatever the case, there are growing signs that we will see the J-35 operating from a PLAN carrier before too long, although there is still a long way to go before the service can declare any kind of operational capability for the type. As it stands, the J-35, together with the KJ-600 carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, a type we have profiled in depth in the past, and likely also stealthy combat drones, looks set to provide notable new capabilities for Chinas fast-developing carrier aviation branch.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Jul. 18Christee Sandia Thomson Streett November 14, 1940- April 8, 2025 Christee Streett ("Dragon Lady") lived life full throttle. Born in Albuquerque, she blazed her own trail, graduating high school at 16, admitted to Harvard (though unable to attend), and the first girl to join the Boy Scouts with her Scout Master father and two brothers. After a brief marriage to Gene Streett, she had her first son, Lincoln, with R.C. "Rocky" Bottoms, a Tennessee sheriff, on January 28, 1961. She later moved with Lincoln to Tulsa, where she learned photography from Albert Meerholz, the father of her second son, Bentley A. "Albert" Streett, born on October 16, 1975. Tragically, Bentley's father, Albert Meerholz, died months before Bentley's birth, leaving Christee to raise both sons on her own. A woman of many hats, mother, photographer, balloon pilot, racer, she once beat Parnelli Jones in a street race, earned her Screen Actor's Guild card in Hollywood, and became the first female driver in NASCAR's Cannonball division. Back in Albuquerque, she opened Memory Time Studios and earned Master Photographer status in both the U.S. and Mexico. She took her first hot air balloon flight at 51, inspired Bentley to fly at 14, and together they soared, Christee becoming the first U.S. woman to lift off from Moscow's Red Square, Bentley the Fiesta's youngest pilot at age 16. Christee once hit a $1.58 million jackpot at Isleta Casinoand used it to buy balloons and together with her son, Bentley, named them High Roller, Jackpot and American Dream. Preceded in death by her son Lincoln, her brother Mistee and husband Bill. Survived by son Bentley, brother Tristee, and niece Mistee, Jr. Her independence, courage, and legendary one-liners leave a lasting legacy. Services at First United Methodist, 315 Coal Ave. SW. Saturday August 9, 2025 at 2:00pm. https://www.nmcremation.com/obituary-detail.php?obituary_id=329
School (in)Security is our biweekly briefing on the latest school safety news, vetted by Mark Keierleber. Subscribe here.

As far-right political operative David Barton leads a Christian nationalist crusade, hes traveled to state capitols across the country this year to support dozens of bills requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms.

My latest story digs into a well-coordinated and deep-pocketed campaign to inject Protestant Christianity into public schools that could carry broader implications for students First Amendment rights. Through a data analysis of 28 bills that have cropped up across 18 states this year, I show how Bartons role runs far deeper than just being their primary pitchman.

The analysis reveals how the language, structure and requirements of these bills nationwide are inherently identical. Time and again, state legislation took language verbatim from a Barton-led lobbying blitz to reshape the nations laws around claims  routinely debunked  about Christianitys role in the countrys founding and its early public education system.

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Three new state laws in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas mandating Ten Commandments posters in public schools are designed to challenge a 1980 Supreme Court ruling against such government-required displays in classrooms. GOP state lawmakers embracing these laws have expressed support for eradicating the separation of church and state  a pursuit critics fear will coerce students and take away their own religious freedom.

Click here to read the story

In the news

Updates to Trumps immigration crackdown: Immigration and Customs Enforcement has released from custody a 6-year-old boy with leukemia more than a month after he and his family were sent to a rural Texas detention center. | Slate

As the Department of Homeland Security conducts what it calls wellness checks on unaccompanied minors, the young people who migrated to the U.S. without their parents are just terrified. | Bloomberg



It looks barbaric: Video footage purportedly shows some two dozen children in federal immigration custody handcuffed and shackled in a Los Angeles parking garage. | Santa Cruz Sentinel



The Department of Homeland Security is investigating surveillance camera footage purportedly showing federal immigration officers urinating on the grounds of a Pico Rivera, California, high school in broad daylight. | CBS News



California sued the Trump administration after it withheld some $121 million in education funds for a program designed to help the children of migrant farmworkers catch up academically. | EdSource



Undocumented children will be banned from enrolling in federally funded Head Start preschools, the Trump administration announced. | The Washington Post

Legal pushback: Parents, Head Start providers challenge new rule barring undocumented families. | The 74



Getty Images

The executive director of Camp Mystic in Texas didnt begin evacuations for more than an hour after he received a severe flood warning from the National Weather Service. The ensuing tragedy killed 27 counselors and campers. | The Washington Post



The day after the Supreme Court allowed the Education Departments dismantling, Secretary Linda McMahon went ahead with plans to move key programs. | The 74

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Now, with fewer staff, the Office for Civil Rights is pursuing a smaller caseload. During a three-month period between March and June, the agency dismissed 3,424 civil rights complaints. | Politico

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Massachusetts legislation seeks to ban anyone under the age of 18 from working in the states seafood processing facilities after an investigation exposed the factories routinely employed migrant youth in unsafe conditions. | The Publics Radio



An end to a deadly trend: School shootings decreased 22% during the 2024-25 school year compared to a year earlier after reaching all-time highs for three years in a row. | K-12 Dive



Florida is the first state to require all high school student athletes to undergo electrocardiograms in a bid to detect heart conditions. | WUSF

The Senate dropped rules from Trumps big, beautiful tax-and-spending bill that would have prevented states from regulating artificial intelligence tools, including those used in schools. | The Verge

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Food stamps are another matter: The federal SNAP program will be cut by about a fifth over the next decade, taking away at least some nutrition benefits from at least 800,000 low-income children. | The 74

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Supreme Court to Address Legality of Barring Trans Athletes From School Sports

Medicaid Cuts in Trump Tax Bill Spark Fears for Child Health, School Services

Heinous, heartbreaking  and expensive. California schools face avalanche of sex abuse claims

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74 editor Nicole Ridgways dog Mika is cooler than your dog.
Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., is demanding an investigation into Belmont University after leaked recordings of a university faculty member admitting the school has maintained its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives but "just change[d] on how we talk about it" despite federal directives to end the programs deemed by many to be discriminatory.

In undercover recordings, the same official can be heard admitting the school also enrolls illegal immigrants and hides that information from external entities, which Ogles suggested could violate state law against knowingly harboring illegal aliens for profit.

"Belmont University claims to be a Christian institution grounded in Biblical principles, but its administration is injecting anti-gospel DEI ideology into its curriculum," Ogles told Fox News Digital.

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"President Trump has rightly demanded that colleges and universities dismantle the DEI cartel or lose federal funding. Belmont officials, however, have been caught on camera bragging about their clever scheme to rebrand DEI and continue pushing the same radical agenda under a new name."

Love Breaking Rules: Red State Dean Ousted After Admitting On Hidden Cam She Was Secretly Pushing Dei

Tennessee GOP Rep. Andy Ogles is calling for an investigation into Belmont University after an undercover recording showed a school official admitting the university was continuing DEI using new terminology to prevent backlash.

Belmont is just one of the latest schools to come under fire for allegedly trying to skirt federal funding repercussions by re-branding DEI programs and policies. An investigation in April by conservative parental rights group Defending Education found that despite the president's executive directives, there are still 383 "currently active" DEI offices and programs with 243 universities maintaining institution-wide DEI offices or programming.

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In addition to tracking those DEI offices and programs that are still active, the group's investigation also highlighted dozens of universities that have taken steps to rebrand or reorganize their DEI efforts as opposed to shutting them down like others have done.

Ogles pointed to Belmont's Office of Hope, Unity and Belonging (HUB), which engulfed the university's DEI efforts in 2022, as an example of how the school has rebranded its DEI efforts.

"The HUB is hope, unity and belonging. That's DEI. Let's be real," Jozef Lukey, Belmont's assistant director of student success and flourishing, said in an undercover recording cited by Ogles. "We always try to just adapt to what's happening around us. But that doesn't mean, like, what we're focusing on completely stops. We just changed the terminology and the language that we keep moving forward.

Major University Medical Center Accused Of Hiding Dei Programs; Influential Senator Calls Them Out

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"We're always going to keep doing what we're doing. The work never stops. We just change on how we talk about it."

Belmont University hosted a presidential debate in 2020.

After Ogles' public complaints, his office said, faculty and students have reached out to attest to the school's ongoing DEI initiatives. One professor allegedly shared a mandatory form for faculty members requesting to revise or propose a new course, which requires a "Diversity Impact Statement" outlining how the course supports "historically underrepresented populations."

Another source, according to Ogles' office, shared screenshots of an email chain showing Belmont intends to keep its faculty DEI committee for the next academic year.

Belmont has insisted attempts to portray the school as having a "shadow operation" are wholly inaccurate.

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"We are deeply saddened that these videos portray Belmont as having a 'shadow operation,' as nothing could be further from the truth. Its also disappointing that Rep. Ogles and others perceive such an approach as being representative of Belmont Universitys character and values," the university told local outlet Fox 17.

Unearthed Chat Sheds Light On Cozy Ties Between Judges, Climate Activists, Raising Ethical Concerns

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the school maintained it is "in compliance with federal laws."

"We are aware of comments from government officials and maintain that the university is in compliance with federal laws," a university spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "We look forward to working together with the Tennessee delegation to address any concerns about legal compliance."

President Donald Trump took steps shortly after entering office, including an executive order demanding colleges and universities end "discriminatory" DEI programs or risk losing their federal funding.

In an email allegedly sent to the Belmont University community, university President L. Gregory Jones doubled down on the school's compliance with federal laws and argued HUB was established to "inspire the campus community to fully live in light of Christ's resurrection," adding it is not a DEI office even though the university's website described it like that when it was established in 2022. The email included references to counseling services for people who may be feeling uncomfortable as a result of the allegations the school is facing.

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The school did not respond to allegations from Ogles and others that the school is admitting and harboring illegal immigrants for profit.

"We definitely have to navigate very carefully and just cautiously just because we just don't ever know, especially with like the ICE raids that are happening in the city that impacts our campus," Lukey was caught saying in the undercover recording.

"We do have undocumented students here. Yeah. Oh, yeah. We don't communicate to anybody externally who's undocumented, who isn't. And, so, like, yes, we know who it is. Faculty don't really know. How could they? Unless it's indicated in the system somewhere."

According to Ogles, such a move could potentially violate Tennesee's Senate Bill 392, which was passed recently and criminalizes 501(c)(3) institutions, known colloquially as nonprofits, for harboring illegal aliens for profit.





Original article source: Christian university rebranding DEI to evade Trump order, enroll illegals, Tennessee rep says
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Leaders from the Portland Metro area met Friday to discuss the next steps in their Homelessness Response Action Plan.

First approved in July 2024, the plan created a structure for Multnomah County and the City of Portland to work together to address the issue, touching on several different aspects of the homeless crisis.

More details released in Gateway Fred Meyer closure impacting hundreds of workers

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At Fridays meeting, attendees were asked to consider inflow or people going into homelessness, outflow or people coming out, as well as safety on and off the streets. Community members and elected officials discussed what steps within these areas they wanted to put emphasis on going forward.

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said people entering homelessness is a priority for the county.

Making sure that we are focused on those drivers of people who are coming into their system, she said. Are rents too high? Is it addiction and behavioral health issues? Is it people coming from other places here? How are we really designing our systems and our approaches to impact that?

Deeply painful experience: Jewish educators allege antisemitism at Portland NEA event

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Vega Pederson said leaders also need to make sure they are moving people out of homelessness as quickly as possible. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson urged other leaders to not wait and do what they can now, keeping in mind his goal of ending homelessness by the end of the year.

Our council has stepped up and is funded with tens of millions of dollars to help the County and Portland change the direction of our city, he said. We have 166 days before December 31. I appreciate this effort. I think its important, but I think it needs to work in parallel. Focus on the crisis on the street.

But the Homelessness Response System Director Jillian Schoene said officials need to discuss these priorities ahead of time if they want to get the work done.

Leadership alignment is going to make or break our success out on the streets, hands down, she said. And it will also make or break us when it comes to asking the voters to extend the services measure out of Metro. We need our leaders in alignment every day.

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This year, the Homelessness Response System had $70 million less to work with. Multnomah County is also gearing up for a state rebalance exercise this fall to assess where things stand.

Some of the numbers that were in the governors budget didnt get funded by the legislature, Vega Pederson said. So were going to be doing that. So while we may not see that $70 million, that we are still going to be, I think in the end, at least in the short term, having to do more with less or figure out how were going to get the system to work effectively with the resources we have.

Fridays was the first of several meetings over the next few months as leaders finalize this next phase of the plan before the end of the year. The next is scheduled for 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 KOIN.com.
There is still no word on when the state audit of the city of Joplin will be disclosed.

City officials, meeting with members of the finance committee composed of residents appointed by the City Council, were asked by a member of the committee about the status of the audit at a meeting Monday. Leslie Haase, Joplin finance director, said only that it isnt available yet.

An audit team from the Missouri state auditors office launched the probe in February 2024, about five months after a petition was filed with the auditors office seeking the probe.

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Those who sought the signatures were residents involved in a grassroots organization, Joplin Citizens for Transparent and Honest Government, who frequently criticized city operations and spending. The number of signatures needed was 1,970, but about 2,600 valid signatures in all were obtained.

At the introductory meeting last year, Lori Melton, a certified public accountant with the state auditors office who is the audit manager, said that complaints to the auditors office and discussions with the petitioners were secret.

The city is probably aware of some of the concerns, and, as for asking questions, some city employees might be able to figure out the concerns. But we will not say, This is a citizen concern. So it is a confidential process, and we do have contact with petitioners set up, Melton said.

Melton said the public could submit information to the auditors office.

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We will be using concerns noted as well as surveys conducted of the city to plan our audit, Melton said at the time. We receive information from citizens. We do not give information back to them until the public report at the end.

Under Missouri state law, she said, We have to take an oath of office to keep the information confidential. So everything is confidential until the report is delivered, although the audit team may call an individual to ask for clarification of information submitted.

But we do not tell them what we found, she said.

Monday meeting

In other city business, the City Council at its meeting Monday will hear a report from a city sales tax oversight committee on the status of projects funded by sales and use taxes. Nathan Mordica, Oversight Committee chairman, will present the report. The committee is required to meet at least quarterly to review the collection and expenditures of revenue from the quarter-cent parks and stormwater sales tax, the three-eighths cent capital improvements sales tax, the half-cent public safety sales tax, the half-cent pension sales tax, the action plans under the use tax and progress to completing projects funded by the taxes.

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The committee makes a public report to the council twice a year.

In other business, the sale of excess property is proposed after advertising for bids. The property is at 911 Pennsylvania Ave., and one bid was received for $2,500. The land is zoned R-3, which would allow a three-tenant residential dwelling.

Council acceptance of the sale is proposed as an emergency ordinance.

The council meets at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 602 S. Main St.
Nathan Heffel and Grace Hood rehearse their Colorado Public Radio public affairs program in Centennial, Colo., in 2017. (Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The U.S. Senate narrowly approved on July 16, 2025, a bill that would claw back federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes money to NPR, PBS and their affiliate stations. The $9 billion rescission package will withdraw $1.1 billion Congress had previously approved for the CPB to receive in the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. In addition, it makes deep foreign aid cuts. All Democrats present voted against the measure, joined by two Republicans: Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. The House, which approved a previous version, voted early Friday in favor of the Senates version of the bill.

What will happen to NPR, PBS and local stations?

NPR and PBS provide programming to local public television and radio stations across the country. The impact on them will be direct and indirect.

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Both NPR and PBS receive money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, an independent nonprofit corporation Congress created in 1967 to receive and distribute federal money to public broadcasters. More than 70% of the money it distributes flows directly to local stations. Some stations get up to half of their budgets from the CPB.

But NPR and PBS receive much of their funding from foundation grants, viewers and listeners donations, and corporate underwriting. And local public radio and TV stations also get support from an array of sources besides CPB.

Only about 1% of NPR funding, and 15% of PBS funding, comes directly from the government via the CPB. However, once local radio and television stations lose federal funding, theyll be less able to pay NPR and PBS for the programs they produce.

The nearly 1,500 public media stations in the U.S. rely on a mix of NPR, PBS and third-party producer programming, such as American Public Media and PRX, for the programs they offer. Local stations also produce and air regional news and provide emergency broadcasts for the government.

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In rural areas with few broadcast stations and spotty cellphone coverage, public broadcast stations are vital sources of information about important community news and updates during emergencies. Federal support is essential for the programming and day-to-day operations of many local stations and allows for the maintenance of equipment and personnel to operate these vital community resources.

We believe that stations in communities that most need them, especially in rural locations, would be hit especially hard because they rely heavily on CPB funding.

Why are Republicans taking this step?

Public broadcasting has long been a target of conservative Republicans. They say that with a highly diversified media landscape, the public no longer needs media that is subsidized by federal dollars. They also claim that public broadcasting has a liberal bias and taxpayers should not be required to fund media that slants to the left politically.

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Why is public media necessary when theres news on the internet?

As journalism revenue has plummeted, public broadcasting has remained a vital source for news in communities across the nation. This is especially true in rural communities, where economic and political pressures have threatened the survival of local journalism.

In addition, with much online news coverage placed behind paywalls, public radio and television plays an important role in making quality journalism available to the American public.

Why did Congress approve these funds 2 years ahead?

Public broadcasting has gotten roughly $550 million per year from the federal government in recent years. The CPB has always approved and designated those funds two years in advance, due to a provision in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, after Congress has voted to provide that money. The CPB then has distributed that funding primarily through grants to PBS and NPR affiliate stations to support their technical infrastructure, program development and audience research.

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What are the consequences for Native communities?

Dozens of Native American stations are at risk of closing once the CPB is defunded. Native Public Media, a network of 57 radio stations and four TV stations, is a key source of news and information for tribal communities across the nation and relies on CPB support.

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican, publicly stated that he secured an agreement with the White House to move $9.4 million in Interior Department funding to two dozen Native American stations. But there is no provision related to this promise within the legislation.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Allison Perlman studies the history of broadcasting, American social movements, media law and policy, media activism and popular memory. Josh Shepperd is an associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. 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.
SYRACUSE, Utah (ABC4)  A Davis County couple had a scary experience when something was apparently thrown off a pedestrian bridge at their car, narrowly missing the windshield. They believe the two who may be responsible are young children. The couple is sharing their story in hopes that parents will talk to their kids about how dangerous this is.

The Nickles dashcam footage shows what appears to be a rock falling from the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the West Davis Corridor near Antelope Drive in Syracuse. It also shows two people standing on the bridge in the same area of the bridge from where the object falls.

It sounded like a firework went off in our car, Stacie Nickle told ABC4. Three of us were very confused about what happened. Her husband, Mark, then added: I immediately looked back at the review mirror running off the walkway.

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From Northern Utah: Weber County Animal Services welcomes new director who hopes to improve the shelter

One was small, Mark said. Maybe eight or nine years old. He believes the other child may have been about six inches taller.

WATCH: Dash cam video of the crash

They filed a report with the Syracuse Police Department. The department told ABC4 that no one has been identified. If they were to figure out who did it, they would speak with their parents.

Were not looking to find who it is, stated Stacie. We just want the word out. Mark added, We just dont want it to happen again.

The rock (or object) narrowly missed the windshield. I feel like we missed something that could have ended a lot more tragically, Stacie said.

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However, it did hit the vehicles roof. The car has a panoramic sunroof, which means the majority of the roof is covered in a glass panel. The entire thing, the couple said, will have to be replaced and may cost thousands of dollars.

Luckily, the car is repairable, Stacie added. We are not repairable.

They hope parents will talk to their children about the dangers of doing something like this in hopes that it wont happen to anyone else in the area. Its a sentiment shared by UDOT.

Its as dangerous as it can get, UDOT Spokesperson Mitch Shaw told ABC4. We havent had anything like this happen in Utah, but there have been some national cases where people have thrown stuff off bridges or overpasses and hit cars and people have died. When that happens, the penalties are obviously extremely severe. People have gone to prison for that type of activity.

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Its a thought that now hits too close to home for the couple. We could have totally been killed, stated Stacie.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Terry P. Bradley, the beloved Clovis Unified superintendent whose career in the district spanned five decades, died on Thursday. He was 81 years old and had been battling illness, according to district officials.

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Bradley is the namesake of Clovis Unifieds newest comprehensive high-school campus, the Terry P. Bradley Education Center, which opens its doors to Clovis South High students next month.

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Bradley started his career in education as a teacher and school business administrator in Wisconsin for 10 years. He served as Clovis Unifieds chief business official for 26 years and was appointed to lead the district in July 2002. After retiring in 2009, Bradley continued to work with several school districts in the Central Valley as an educational consultant.

During Bradleys tenure as superintendent, Clovis Unified received multiple state Distinguished Schools and national Blue Ribbon awards and became one of the school districts in California with the highest scores on the Academic Performance Index.

Bradley will be remembered for mentoring young educators and improving school programs and facilities, district officials who worked closely with Bradley told The Bee.

Denver Stairs, Clovis Unifieds assistant superintendent of facility services, said Bradley was involved in the development of the new educational center and was always willing to share his institutional knowledge. Even in his final days, when he was unable to attend meetings in person, he still tried to communicate through text messages.

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Anytime I was with him, at some point during the conversation, it ended up being like story time with my grandpa. He would just sit down and he would tell stories from the 70s and 80s. He could remember everything that ever happened on every project in the district, and he just had such a great business mind that he could recall information, Stairs said.

Michael Johnston, another of Bradleys mentees and Clovis Unifieds associate superintendent in administrative services, recalls how Bradley addressed the toughest financial times the district had ever experienced by drastically cutting spending when he first joined the districts business unit in the early 2000s.

I can always remember conversations with Dr. Bradley at the time where he said, Were not going to lay off anybody, were going to get through this without any layoffs, Johnston said. When youre laying people off, you lose a lot of the culture that you have had. He knew the importance of that. He protected our school district from that.

Clovis Unified has never had a formal layoff since its inception, according to Johnston, who said Bradleys leadership built the districts culture of protecting employees from formal layoffs.

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Clovis Unified leaders also praised Bradleys leadership in maintaining the districts financial stability.

While everyone knows that Doc Buchanan crafted a vision for education that we benefit from today, fewer know just how much of Docs vision was able to be accomplished because of Dr. Bradleys expertise in navigating Californias school funding model and creating brilliant strategies to achieve our facilities goals, Clovis Unified superintendent Corrine Folmer said in a statement.

School board members said Bradley set a cornerstone for academic excellence.

His legacy of wise financial stewardship and high standards for both staff and students will go on, said Trustee Clinton Olivier. Terrys loss is a big one, not just for the CUSD family, but also for the community he continued to serve well into his retirement.

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Trustee Steven Fogg said Bradleys contributions have been significant and the district is honored to have the next education center named after him.

Terry Bradley was one of the most gifted and brilliant leaders in public school finances and business administration, Fogg said. We were blessed to have such a great man serve our district for many critical years of tremendous growth and prosperity.

Beyond his talent in balancing budgets, Bradleys mentees and colleagues also admired his efforts to connect with staff.

He was a very humble man. He would do things like put a jar of his favorite candy in a department on the other side of the building, said Susan Rutledge, assistant superintendent in business services. He would go over there and get a snack for the day, and then he would have an opportunity to talk to people.

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Rutledge said she thinks anybody can learn the finance pieces, but the most important lesson she took away from her interaction with Bradley was to make sure to connect with people and take care of people.

Both Rutledge and Stairs recalled that Bradley was a quiet leader and he did not enjoy being put in the spotlight.

If you ever gave him a mic, he would say, I dont like talking in front of people, I dont want to do that, Rutledge said. But then getting the mic away from him was a challenge, because he would just tell stories and talk and talk and talk.

Stairs shared Bradleys reaction when he learned that the new campus would be named after him.

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I remember when we first started the project, we gave him something, it said Terry P. Bradley Education Center. He was so modest, and he said, Oh, Im not sure about how I feel about that. And I said, Well, were going to make the letters big, Stairs recalled.

Stairs said the facilities team is sad to hear about Bradleys passing and now its time to honor Bradleys legacy and that his name is going to be on that building forever, he said.

Were excited that he got to be part of the groundbreaking, and he got to speak at the groundbreaking, and obviously very sad that he wont be able to be there to see students walk on campus, Stair said.
Scott Jennings has been accused of sounding like Joe Bidens aides in a discussion about President Donald Trumps health.

CNNs token MAGA pundit tried to explain away Trumps recent mental lapses by saying that he has detected nothing while spending time with the president.

Ive seen nothing but a man conducting six meetings at the same time, Jennings said.

You sound like Joe Bidens aides who said Ive been around him, CNN host Abby Phillip hit back, before Jennings interrupted.

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Jennings excuse for Trumps mental acuity has whiffs of the statements made by Democratic aides that they had spent time with the president and believed him to be mentally capable of the top job last year after Biden was accused of mentally slipping behind closed doors in an article by the Wall Street Journal.

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS - JUNE 24: President of the United States Donald Trump arrives at Huis ten Bosch Palace for a dinner during the NATO Summit 2025 on June 24, 2025 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images) / Patrick van Katwijk / Getty Images

Trump has made a series of gaffes in recent days, seeming to forget that it was he who had appointed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during his first term in 2017 and wrongly claiming that his uncle taught the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Jennings was asked about the presidents health following the mistakes and Trumps chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) diagnosis which was announced by the White House on Thursday.

This president has a doctor who is issuing very transparent letters about this Presidents health, Jennings said, evading the question. The former president has a doctor whos taking the Fifth Amendment before Congress right now because he doesnt want to answer questions about it.

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The news show descended into a shouting match as Jennings was caught giving fellow CNN pundit Toure a pointed side eye as they talked about President Trumps health.

Jennings looked gobsmacked as Democrat commentator Toure asked why the media didnt hear from Trumps doctors after he was shot in the ear at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July last year.

Toure was discussing Trumps CVI diagnosis after undergoing tests following swelling in his legs. The TV host and author made the link that the presidents doctors were less forthcoming with details of Trumps health after the assassination attempt.

Jennings was incensed over the suggestion but asked whether the media did hear from Trumps doctors in the aftermath of the assassination attempt, he said: I mean, all I know is I went to the Republican National Convention and he had a bandage on his ear.

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That would be a no, Toure jumped in to respond. Clearly frustrated, Jennings voice went up an octave as he said that Trump had blood on his face, as he described the infamous photos of two streaks of blood on the then-Presidential candidates face from the Butler rally.

BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after injuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Moments earlier, the panel had descended into a shouting match over the issue and Jennings appealed to CNN host Abby Phillip to provide some balance after Toure suggested that Trump was supposedly shot in the ear.

Woah, woah, woah, Jennings said, waving his finger towards Toure. You said supposedly? Abby... Abby... Abby.

The White House announced on Thursday that Trump had been diagnosed with CVI and said it was a benign and common condition. In her daily briefing Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump underwent a comprehensive examination after noticing mild swelling in his lower legs.
President Donald Trump tried spinning a popular MAGA theory to help defend why the files on Jeffrey Epstein have not been released yet, only for it to backfire online.

Trump took to Truth Social Thursday morning to rally his supporters against Democrats, seemingly suggesting that if there was anything on him in the Epstein files then they would have released the files already.

"If there was a 'smoking gun' on Epstein, why didn't the Dems, who controlled the 'files' for four years, and had Garland and Comey in charge, use it? BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!!" the president declared.

Popular conspiracy theories surrounding the Epstein case have caused some people to believe that the files in Epstein's case have not been released to the public because they implicate powerful people and public figures.

However, following Trump's message, users were quick to point out that if he was not named in the files then they believed the president should have no problem with releasing them to the public.

Well then, WHAT'S STOPPING YOU FROM RELEASING EVERYTHING, THEN???  Steve Rosenberg (@stevemrosenbrg) July 18, 2025

"WHAT'S STOPPING YOU FROM RELEASING EVERYTHING, THEN???" one user angrily wrote on X. Another added, "If there's nothing then release the files."

"If he were being honest he wouldn't constantly be freaking out about it. He has something to hide whether it just makes him look bad or makes him bad," another user wrote.

The president's assertion was also met with disapproval from MAGA supporters, with one user writing, "Then show us. Keep in mind we don't follow you, we follow MAGA."

Then show us. Keep in mind we don't follow you, we follow MAGA.  Brenda (@Brendakenzie) July 18, 2025

Others speculated that if the files did not name Trump himself, then there might be other people who do not want the files made public.

"If they had nothing on you, why don't you release all the files? Maybe because there's something there that will show the true colors of both Republicans and Democrats?" one person suggested.

If they had nothing on you, why don't you release all the files?



Maybe because there's something there that will show the true colours of both Republicans and Democrats?  Backy (@pG6Z5GbT_U2rvL) July 18, 2025

Meanwhile, others took issue with the president's behavior towards the situation as a whole. During Trump's 2024 campaign he suggested that he would be open to investigations into the Epstein files. But since backlash to the Department of Justice and FBI's memo declaring that Epstein had no client list, Trump has since called the relentless pursuit of the files a "hoax" by Democrats.

Can he try to make it make sense. First they were real and ready for reveal, next they were nonexistent, then they were real but fabricated by democrats, and now theyre not real again? If he wants MAGA to calm down, he shouldve just said they were democrats made  Soap_Eater (@Soap_Eater71) July 18, 2025

"Can he try to make it make sense... If he wants MAGA to calm down, he should've just said they were Democrats made," one user replied.

Trump's Thursday morning post came a day after the Wall Street Journal published a report alleging that Trump sent Epstein a note for his 50th birthday, which included a drawing of a naked woman with his signature near her private region.

The president repeatedly denied the report's claims, and Vice President JD Vance has also come to Trump's defense, calling the report "complete and utter bulls***."

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers and even some Republicans have continued to push for the release of the files, with New York Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Daniel Goldman calling for more photos and videos to be shared with the public.

Originally published on Latin Times
Pandemonium broke out on a CNN panel Thursday night after one guest implied that President Donald Trump wasnt shot at the Butler campaign rally just over a year ago.

During a CNN panel discussion about the White House's transparency on Trumps health, leftist podcast host Toure suggested that Trump wasnt shot in the ear on camera in front of a large crowd in Pennsylvania by a would-be assassin last year. The statement threw the CNN "NewsNight" panel into chaos.

"He supposedly got shot in the ear. We never heard from his doctors about that," Toure said, triggering CNN senior political commentator Scott Jennings who demanded that host Abby Phillip step in to correct the record.

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"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Uh-uh!" Scott replied, waving his hands. "Did you say supposedly? Abby, Abby," he said, turning to the host.

Flashback: Karine Jean-pierre Declared 'There Is No Cover-up' Of Biden's Health After He Dropped Out Of Race

U.S. President Donald Trump reacts after being shot at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024.

As Jennings sought the moderator, Toure raised his voice and continued to press his point.

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"When did we hear from his doctors? When did we hear from his doctors?" he asked.

Phillip tried to calm the clash, stating, "Hold on. If you all stop screaming at the table, maybe I can actually respond."

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Days after the would-be assassin Thomas Crooks took shots at Trump at the July 13 rally, former White House doctor and former Trump physician Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, revealed he was monitoring the-then candidates health and declared there was "absolutely no evidence" he was hit with "anything other than a bullet."

As members of the panel  which included former Harris campaign spokesperson Adrienne Elrod and conservative commentator Ben Freguson  attempted to press their points again, Phillip held them off.

"Hold on a second! Hold on a second," she said, putting her hands up. "Toure, he was shot in the ear."

White House Says Trump 'Trusts His Physicians' Following Biden's Cancer Announcement

Liberal commentator Toure generated outrage on CNN Thursday when he suggested that President Trump wasn't actually shot in the ear.

Still, Toure wasnt satisfied.

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"But can we hear from the doctors? We would always hear from his doctors when he gets shot?" he asked.

Phillip punted the question to Jennings. The commentator replied, "I mean, all I know is, I went to the Republican National Convention and he had a bandage on his ear."

As the pundit spoke, Toure kept interjecting, "That would be no. That would be no. That would be no."

Meanwhile, Ferguson tried to get words in before Phillip had to shut down the conversation.

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President Trump survived an assassination attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024 when a bullet hit his ear.

The topic started with Elrod talking about the White House releasing a statement on Trumps health after recent photos showed discoloration on his hands and swollen ankles.

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"The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies, bilateral lower extremity  venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70," Leavitt said in a press conference Thursday.

Elrod remarked that the White House showed transparency on this topic but alleged they sometimes do not regarding Trumps health.





Original article source: CNN panel devolves into chaos after commentator suggests Trump wasnt actually shot in the ear
(FOX40.COM)  A sunken vessel following a boat fire prompted a response from the U.S. Coast Guard around one mile offshore in Santa Cruz on Wednesday morning.

 Video above: What happens when you call 911?

According to the USCG, at around 7:40 a.m., Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders got a report of a 45-foot vessel on fire with two people on the boat. The watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to other mariners, a deployed a Coast Guard Station Monterey boat crew, and coordinated with partner agencies in the area.

The Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol and Fire Boat 12 personnel arrived on the scene and rescued both of the people on the boat and transported them to Santa Cruz Wharf with no reported injuries, USCG officials said.

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The firefighters who responded to the scene worked on extinguishing the fire with a deweatering pump while the Coast Guard monitored, crews stated. TowboatUS attempted to salvage the boat; however, the boat began taking on water and sank before the tow could be made.

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Image: U.S. Coast Guard News

Our top priorities in any incident are safety of the public and responders and protection of the environment, said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Leahey, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Incident Management Division Chief. We approach every operation with care and deliberate action to mitigate adverse impact to the environment.

According to the USCG, the boat sank to a depth of 47 feet with no active discharge, and apparent damage to the fuel-storage tanks has been observed. The boat had an estimated report of 650 gallons of fuel onboard, with a capacity of around 1,000 gallons.

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At this time, Coast Guard Incident Management Division personnel are working with the vessel owner and monitoring salvage operations.

The Coast Guard, with the following agencies:

California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Office of Spill Prevention and Response

Parker Diving Service, Redwood Shore Diving Inc.

Santa Cruz Port District

Vessel Owner

Image: U.S. Coast Guard 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 FOX40 News.
Good news, Coke lovers. President Donald Trump recently announced via social media that he would be adding cane sugar back into the popular soft drink. This will be the third time the recipe has changed, and the first time since 1984 that it has included cane sugar and not high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

"I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so, the 45th and 47th president wrote in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter). Id like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by themYoull see. Its just better!"

And while this change might not seem like a huge deal, using cane sugar will actually sweeten the soda and make it more of a mirror to the highly sought-after Mexican Coke. We look into that further, discuss the potential health benefits and look back at other changes Coke has made to its recipes below.

A look at how the new Coca-Cola will taste

In the battle of high fructose corn syrup versus cane sugar, people often prefer the latter because they find it to be more naturally tasting and refreshing. Many soda drinkers also believe that the corn syrup in American Coke leaves a sticky feeling in their mouths, whereas the cane sugar in the Mexican variant is smoother.

Justin Sullivan/Getty

However, several others believe that that feeling is more mind over matter, due to the fact that Mexican Coke comes in a glass bottle instead of the red tin can that most Americans are accustomed to.

Is cane sugar healthier than high fructose corn syrup?

It is wildly believed that cane sugar is better for you than high fructose corn syrup because its more natural. It's also believed that high-fructose corn syrup can be worse for your overall health. However, the Cleveland Clinic commented on this back in April, stating that it's all about sugars, not just HFCS.

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"Sugar and other sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrup, dont benefit your body in any way, reads their website. Its all risk with no reward, physiologically speaking.

MirageC/Getty

It was also reported back in 2022 in a National Library of Medicine Study, that all sugars have long been recognized as a potential environmental risk factor for increased incidence of many non-communicable diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, meaning that no matter what sugar you are putting in your body you are opening it up to health risks.

A look at Cokes recipe history

Coca-Cola was founded in May 1886 by Dr. John Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia, and since then, it has become one of the most popular drinks worldwide.

At the time of its creation, Coke was made from coca leaveswhich do contain cocainebut that ingredient was removed in 1903 and replaced by leaves leftover from the cocaine removal process. It wasn't until 1929 that the drug was fully removed from the soft drink.

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Flash forward to 1984, when the soda company once again changed its recipe by replacing cane sugar with high-fructose corn syrup to help make the production process cheaper. Then, in 1985, they changed the entire recipe and debuted New Coke, which was featured in Stranger Things Season 3; however, many people disliked it, so the soda company switched back after just 79 days.

Justin Sullivan/Getty

That was the last change Coke made to its original recipe until Wednesday, July 16, when Trump announced that they would be switching back to cane sugar. As of publication, there is no word on when that switch will be happening or how long it will take to totally eliminate the high fructose corn syrup version.

We appreciate President Trumps enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand, the spokeswoman, Michelle Agnew, said in a statement per The New York Times. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.

If you simply cannot wait for the cane sugar version, though, you can always pick up Mexican Coke today at the grocery store nearest you.

For more news, keep scrolling!

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Reaction to the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" unsurprisingly fell on partisan lines.

To sum up, President Donald Trump was gleeful on Truth Social, while prominent Democrats and liberal journalists and celebrities mourned the news and fumed at CBS for axing the progressive favorite.

Under Colbert since he took over in 2015, "The Late Show" became one of late-night's most reliably partisan programs, with Democrats frequently booked for friendly interviews, abundant anti-Trump and anti-Republican jokes in his monologues, and the host himself even helping at a glitzy fundraiser for then-President Joe Biden last year.

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Here are some of Colbert's most partisan moments at the helm of "The Late Show."

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In summer 2020, Colbert, broadcasting remotely in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, gushed that he had no jokes after playing clips of Michelle Obama's Democratic National Convention speech urging America to elect Joe Biden.

Read On The Fox News App

"My job is to have a joke for every time somebody says anything in public," he said, smiling. "After watching Michelle Obamas speech, I have never been more happy to fail at my job."

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That night, he also said, "For four years, we've looked on in horror as Donald Trump tore down every norm in American life. Well, tonight, the Democrats began what Joe Biden has called a battle for the soul of this nation."

Colbert's admiration for the Obamas was never a secret. At another point in 2017, after playing a clip of the former president just months into the first Trump term, he cooed, "I miss you," to huge cheers from the audience.

A video of the late-night host dancing with Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., at a concert in August 2021 made waves on social media.

Schumer and Colbert were widely criticized on X  then Twitter  for releasing the video in the midst of the Biden administration's chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The video was posted just days after the Taliban seized the capital of Kabul and forced the U.S. Embassy there to evacuate, with American citizens left stranded in the country.

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"Life is good for our blue elite while 1000s [sic] of Americans are stranded behind enemy lines," one user wrote.

"Does anyone else throw up a little in their mouth watching this??" another person asked.

"The majority leader when Americans are trapped in Afghanistan," another post read.

In this photo provided by the Department of Defense, American troops are shown helping people to safety in Afghanistan 2021.

Colbert Jokes Supreme Court Should Be Careful Because Seal Team 6 Currently Works For Joe Biden

Colbert was one of several late-night hosts who enthusiastically celebrated former President Joe Biden's 2020 victory.

An overjoyed Colbert opened his first show after the race was officially called by pouring champagne to toast Biden's win with his wife.

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He happily declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, Joe Biden did it! He's our next president!" before dancing. "I'm so happy!" He added that he cried with relief and suggested Trump's political career was finished.

His reaction was quite the opposite after the 2016 and 2024 elections, which he treated like America's funeral.

When it became clear that Trump was on the way to victory on the night of the 2016 election, Colbert appeared stunned.

"Wow. Thats a horrifying prospect. I cant put a happy face on that, and thats my job," he admitted during a live election special that aired on Showtime. "How did our politics get so poisonous? Maybe we overdosed. We drank too much of the poison."

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After the 2024 election, Colbert said he had begun to lose his faith in humanity.

"It's really hard to see a bright side here," he conceded.

Biden's Star-studded Nyc Fundraiser Raises More Than $25M Where Photo With Him, Clinton, Obama Costs $100K

In March 2024, Colbert helped boost Biden's re-election campaign  which Biden later abandoned  with a star-studded fundraiser in New York City. At the glitzy event, he moderated a conversation between Democratic Presidents Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. The record-setting fundraiser brought in $26 million for Biden's presidential campaign.

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The event was a who's who of liberal elites, with Lizzo, Cynthia Erivo, Queen Latifah and other celebrities also in attendance. But Colbert was at the center of its marquee event. Organizers charged a minimum of $250 to attend and up to $500,000 for a more intimate, exclusive reception. For $100,000, guests got a photo with all three presidents taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.

A fawning feature in Vogue praised Colbert for leading "a compelling conversation between Biden, Obama, and Clinton with tact, grace, and a lot of laughter."

"Colbert kicked things off with a series of delightfully mordant questions, among them: All three of you have been on Air Force One thats made by Boeing, right? Do any of you have plans to sell golden sneakers? and 'Is it nice to live in the White House, or do you always feel like you're in a museum?,'" Vogue's article gushed.

The evening ended with Colbert, Obama and Clinton putting on aviator sunglasses in tribute to Biden as the audience cheered and took pictures.

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Colbert Celebrates End Of Covid Emergency To Masked Audience: I Wish You Could See The Smiles On Their Faces

While not abjectly partisan, Colbert aired a number of odd skits during the pandemic where animated needles did covers of various songs urging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Even some vaccine proponents found the presentation off-putting.

Stephen Colbert was mocked for using his comedy show to urge people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

In a widely panned live bit after the show returned to a studio audience, Colbert did a dance routine with a quartet of people dressed as vaccines to the song "Tequila."

Although "vaccine" contains only two syllables, Colbert and his dancers sang, "Vaccine!" in place of the song's title, while the liberal crowd awkwardly watched and half-heartedly cheered.

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In another COVID-related moment in 2021, Colbert found himself in the strange position of clashing with friend and former Comedy Central colleague Jon Stewart over the lab-leak theory.

Stewart memorably appeared on the show and espoused the lab-leak theory to a visibly troubled Colbert.

He suggested it wasn't far-fetched to believe that the coronavirus pandemic originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab, comparing it to a chocolate outbreak near Hershey, Pennsylvania.

"Oh my God, theres a novel respiratory coronavirus overtaking Wuhan, China, what do we do?" Stewart joked. "Oh, you know who we could ask, the Wuhan novel respiratory coronavirus lab. The disease is the same name as the lab! Thats just a little too weird, dont you think?"

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"Oh my God, theres been an outbreak of chocolaty goodness near Hershey, Penn. What do you think happened? I dont know, maybe a steam shovel mated with a cocoa bean," he said. "Or its the f---ing chocolate factory! Maybe thats it!"

Colbert, a reliable sycophant for Democrats and liberal talking points, jokingly suggested Stewart was working for Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., with his comments.





Original article source: Colbert's most partisan moments as 'Late Show' host, from leading Biden fundraiser to dancing with Schumer
Months after making his first visit to Haiti, Colombian President Gustavo Petro returned Friday  this time landing in a gang-ridden Port-au-Prince accompanied by two of his top ministers in an aircraft stamped Republic of Colombia.

Petro was received by members of Haitis embattled Transitional Presidential Council upon his arrival at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, and later joined them in a cabinet meeting, forgoing a scheduled press conference. He was later joined by council members at a ceremony officially welcoming the opening of Colombias new embassy. The visit comes ahead of Colombias July 20th Independence Day  a milestone that was facilitated by Haiti, which provided arms and soldiers to help in its liberation and that of Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama from under Spanish rule.

That historical significance is driving a strategic shift by Petro, who amid mounting domestic challenges at home and frayed relations with the Trump administration, is pushing renewed engagement and rapprochement with Haiti, where 17 Colombian mercenaries remain jailed in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. The still unsolved killing plunged Haiti into a political vacuum and exacerbated its crisis with deadly criminal gangs that have forced more than 1.3 million people to flee their homes.

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On Friday, the killing and ensuring chaos continued to fuel tensions as Petro and his entourage moved through the streets under heavy protection.

These guys are the ones who killed Jovenel, a Haitian passerby told Bon Nouvel 9s cameras, mistaking Petros heavily armed Colombian security detail at the entrance of the Karibe hotel for mercenaries. These guys came to make money in the country...We dont need these guys in the country.

Frustrated by gangs take over of most of Port-au-Prince and their control of all of the major roads leading in and out of the capital, the man pleaded, give me a road; once you open up a road  there will be a reason to hope.

With less than 10 months remaining in his presidential term, Petro, a former guerrilla member and leftist president is grappling with allegations of drug addiction by an ex-minister, growing rifts within in his cabinet and the expansion of illegal arms groups throughout the country. Meanwhile, hes been accused of undermining relations with Colombias biggest security and trading partner, the United States, in his frequent clashes with President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on their foreign policy.

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Petro has burned his bridges in Washington and a trip to Haiti is not going to absolve his past indiscretions nor his eagerness to constantly lambaste the U.S. and its leaders at every turn, said Eddy Acevedo, a national security and foreign policy expert in Washington, D.C.

Petros visit was announced on Thursday by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, who began the week preparing for a visit by Colombias defense minister. That visit was to focus on the military training of about 1,000 Haitians in Colombia and an agreement between the two nations over arms purchases, several sources told the Miami Herald.

But quickly it turned into an official visit by Petro, who wanted to visit Port-au-Prince as far back as last August but nixed the trip after then-Prime Minister Garry Conille informed him Haitis stretched police forces could not accommodate his large delegation while also trying to battle gangs.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, shown at an earlier event, arrived in Haiti Friday for his second visit this year.

In January, Petro finally got his wish. But instead of flying into the capital, he flew to Jacmel, the southeastern Haitian port city that in 1806 and 1816 launched the freedom movements of Francisco de Miranda and Simon Bolivar as they sough to liberate South America from Spanish rule. During the historic visit the two nations agreed on several areas of cooperation that sources say are supposed to be ironed out during the visit, which includes Petro spending the night in the country at an area hotel.

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For Petro, who decided at the last minute to make the trip with his defense and foreign ministers, Haiti has become both a symbolic and strategic opportunity that analysts say, he believes can elevate his international stature as a champion of social justice and potentially improve his strained relationship with Washington.

Since taking office earlier this year, Rubio has repeatedly called for greater regional involvement in Haitis ongoing multi-dimensional and complex crises. While hes steered clear of publicly naming countries, Rubios remarks have been interpreted by analysts as a call to Latin American nations, most of which, apart from El Salvador and Guatemala, have yet to contribute troops or funding to the multinational security force supporting Haitis embattled police force in its fight against gangs.

Petro is the second head of state to visit Haiti since the transitional government was put in place over a year ago to help lead the country back to stability and democratic order through elections. In September, Kenyan President William Ruto became the first foreign president to visit, stopping in Port-au-Prince while en route to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to assess his troops leading the U.N.-backed multinational security mission.

Unlike Rutos visit, there were no public pronouncements on Friday or even an anticipated overnight stay by Petro. The Colombian leader left for the airport after 8 p.m. without as much as a press conference.
The makers of Banks's beers have said a specially-brewed IPA will be a "fitting tribute that honour the brewery's legacy".

Its brewery in Wolverhampton will cease operations in the autumn, after 150 years, with production moving to Burton-upon-Trent.

Carlsberg Britvic said its Sesquicentennial IPA would be available exclusively at the Wolverhampton Beer Festival from 24 to 26 July.

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Julie Gale, senior production manager at Banks's, said: "This is a thank you to our drinkers, publicans, fellow brewers, our amazing, dedicated team at Banks's and everyone who's supported the brewery over the years."

Banks's Brewery opened in 1875, but last October the Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company announced it would close as part of a company restructuring.

The brewery has had a close relationship with Camra's Wolverhampton Beer Festival since it started in 1977 and has a history of supplying limited-edition beers.

It described the anniversary beer as "dry hopped with Ahtanum, from Washington State, USA, and the new English variety, Opus, the beer has a bold floral aroma, with vivid flavours of orange and grapefruit citrus along with fragrant elderflower and subtle herbal hints."

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Ms Gale, who led the team brewing the Sesquicentennial IPA, said Banks's beers had "become a symbol of craft, heritage and local pride".

She added: "We're incredibly proud of what this brewery has stood for over the past 150 years, and we couldn't think of a better stage than the Wolverhampton Beer Festival to share this beer with the community."

Carlsberg Britvic also said it was working with local stakeholders to preserve items from the brewery.

They include the brewing ledgers, which will be entrusted to the Wolverhampton Archives, along with other documents.

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VIRGINIA BEACH  A new political group backed by local business leaders and elected officials is raking in large donations in its bid to alter Virginia Beachs election system.

Every Vote Counts, a referendum committee, has raised more than $330,000 since forming June 9, according to finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections. The committee is gearing up to launch a campaign to persuade Virginia Beach residents to vote no to a district-only election system in November.

The committee wants a City Council with seven district-based seats and three seats elected at-large along with the mayor. A referendum question on the ballot this year will ask voters whether they prefer that alignment or the current system, which has 10 single-member districts.

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More citywide representation is good, said former council member Linwood Branch, the mouthpiece for the group.

Virginia Beachs former all at-large election system was overhauled after a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional in 2021, finding it diluted the voting power of minority voters.

The city then shifted to the 10-1 election system, with three majority minority districts. But the city has faced lawsuits challenging the validity of the current iteration based on the way changes were adopted.

The referendum is the latest in a string of efforts to garner public feedback on how the city should elect its school board and council members. The effort already has drawn support from high-profile business leaders, pulling in a steady stream of donations  ranging from $2,500 to $25,000.

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The committee is an unstructured group, according to Branch. The groups treasurer is Jack Ross, former president and COO of Dominion and Landmark Media enterprises, which used to own The Virginian-Pilot. Ross collects the funds and Davis Ad Agency is running the promotional campaign.

However, multiple business leaders and current and former elected officials are also using their connections to support the effort. Among them are former Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, developer Bruce Thompson and councilmen Stacy Cummings and Cash Green.

Its been largely word-of-mouth, Ross said.

Who is backing the effort?

Earlier this month, Bob Taylor and his brother, Joe, owners of Taylors Do-It Centers, each made $10,000 donations to Every Vote Counts in support of an election system with some at-large representation.

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I think its a much better blend than what we have now, said Bob Taylor. Sessoms, his longtime friend, approached him about the committee and a donation, he said.

Sessoms did not respond to a request for comment.

Thompson, who declined to comment, is among many prominent supporters, Branch said.

The Pilot also reached out to several donors who did not respond, including Virginia Beach Development Authority member and developer Taylor Franklin, CEO of Franklin Group Companies LLC., which made a $20,000 donation on June 17.

Donna Whitaker, a principal broker for Venture Realty Group, the firm behind the Atlantic Park project, contributed $10,000 on June 24. She confirmed the donation but didnt respond as to why she supported the committee.

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Cummings contributed $10,000 to Every Vote Counts on July 7. He believes the current 10-1 system divides the city. Cummings has served as the District 8 representative since January.

Im sitting in these council meeting and invariably, in every meeting, you have people saying my district, my district, my district, Cummings said. Its an impediment of growth for the city, and were not holding people accountable.

Seven people/businesses have donated $25,000 so far, the largest amount to the effort. They are Pramod Amin of Shamin Hotels; MEB General Contractors Inc.; Manan Shah of Pashm Global Hotel and Resort Management; Brian Holland of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group; Robert Beasley of Harvey Lindsay, Sunsations Inc.; and Michael Sifen of Sifen Companies.

Why they support change

Under the citys previous election system, which was ruled illegal, residents across the city could vote for all 10 council members and the mayor. Under the current system, residents can only vote for the member who represents their district and the mayor.

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One of Every Vote Counts key arguments for more at-large representation is that it will increase accountability to voters.

Theres no better accountability then being able to vote for or against someone, Branch said. I believe as a former elected official, if someone can vote for or against you, it does make a difference in your accessibility.

The group will launch a website, everyvotecountsvb.com, next week and other promotional material to get the word out before early voting begins Sept. 19, Branch said.

Green, who has represented District 7 since January, will appear in a testimonial video.

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Under the 7-3-1, we can keep strong minority voting district and add the chance for more minority leaders to be elected city-wide, Green said in the video, which Branch shared with The Pilot before its public launch. By voting no to 10-1, youre taking back the power to shape the future of our city, our schools, our neighborhoods, our quality of life.

The referendum will pose the question: Should the method of city council elections set forth in the Virginia Beach City Charter be changed from a modified 7-3-1 system to a 10-1 system?

Legal argument

That Branch is involved in the effort should come as no surprise. He and four other residents sued the city last year, saying Virginia Beach acted illegally in 2023 when it revised the election system because the General Assembly did not authorize a change to the city charter. A judge ruled last month that the district-based election system Virginia Beach imposed to comply with federal voting rights law is void.

Circuit Judge Randall Smith stayed the order until after the referendum vote. If the city decides to pursue a 7-3-1 system, Smith would lift the stay so Virginia Beach can redraw its voting districts, which would need to be analyzed to see if they meet the federal standard, according to the court proceedings transcript.

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Virginia Beachs voting system shake-up came after a federal judge ruled in 2021 the at-large voting system violated the federal 1965 Voting Rights Act because it denies Hispanics, African Americans and Asians equal access to the electoral and political process.

The same federal judge  Randall Jackson  officially reopened the case while lambasting city officials for what he described as intentionally sidestepping federal law by pursuing the referendum question. To date, Virginia Beach has spent more than $2 million defending the city in the federal lawsuit, according to the city attorneys office.

Mayor Bobby Dyer met Wednesday with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares to ensure that holding the referendum is above board, Dyer said.

Miyares, who lives in Virginia Beach, previously said he believes the city can bring back several council seats that would be elected at-large.

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After meeting with Dyer, his legal analysis remained unchanged.

A modified 7-3-1 council plan would be in full compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act, the Virginia Voting Rights Act, and all applicable civil rights laws, a spokesperson for Miyares wrote in an email.

Opposition to the effort

Meanwhile, those in support of the 10-1 system are trying to make their voices heard, too, while decrying the opposing effort.

This system ensures direct representation and accountability, Sean Monteiro, chair of the Virginia Beach Democrat Committee, wrote in a newsletter this month. A developer-backed front group called Every Vote Counts  funded by the Gold Key Gang is working to dilute democracy and buy power. But we know better.

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Thompson is CEO of Gold Key|PHR, a hospitality and commercial real estate development firm.

State Sen. Aaron Rouse, a Democrat from Virginia Beach and a former council member, condemned what he described as the city leaderships attempts to squash a 10-district election system.

This resistance has been led by the current mayor and several council members, Rouse said in a July 11 release. Notably, the mayor has met with former council members, certain developers, and state officials in efforts to preserve a system that reinforces economic disparities, limits upward mobility and denies equal access to power.

Rouse posted the release on social media with a message: I urge all Virginia Beach residents to vote YES to preserve the 10-1 voting system and ensure you have the right to elect your representatives, not special interests.

On Thursday, Virginia Beachs election system took center stage during a Good Trouble Lives On event at the central library, hosted by Freedom Virginia and the NAACP.

I suggest we go to the polls, and we vote for the referendum, and we vote yes,' said Georgia Allen, one of the plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
State Commonwealth Court judges upheld a Lackawanna County judicial panels ruling that the countys Home Rule Charter controls the process of replacing former Democratic Commissioner Matt McGloin  an earlier ruling Democratic Commissioner Bill Gaughan and the county appealed.

Commonwealth Court Judges Patricia A. McCullough, Christine Fizzano Cannon and Lori A. Dumas affirmed the trial court order in a ruling issued Friday, backing the county panels May order on the Home Rule Charter question and other elements of the civil case. For example, the Commonwealth Court judges also affirmed the county panels ruling that Gaughan lacked the authority to unilaterally initiate litigation challenging the Home Rule Charter process on behalf of the county, and agreed that county Solicitor Donald Frederickson lacked the authority to bring the lawsuit on the countys behalf.

The Commonwealth Court ruling amounts to another victory for the Lackawanna County Democratic Committee, which the Home Rule Charter tasks with playing a major role in filling vacancies like McGloins. It specifically tasks the committee with advancing the names of three potential replacements for consideration by the commissioned judges of the county Court of Common Pleas, who in this case would choose McGloins successor from that short list.

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The Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton on Friday, March 28, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Gaughan has criticized the committee process that played out in late February, days after McGloin left office, as opaque and politically tainted. Theyre charges that county Democratic Party Chairman Chris Patrick has repeatedly rejected in defending his process, which saw former county Economic Development Director Brenda Sacco, Olyphant Borough Council President James Baldan and Scranton School Director Robert J. Casey advance as finalists.

Gaughan and the county subsequently challenged the Home Rule Charter process in county court, arguing it violated Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 1908. The application of that rule, adopted by the state Supreme Court in 2019, would effectively remove the county Democratic Committee from the replacement process and place it in the hands of the county court alone. Rule 1908 specifically says that the county court, not a political party, shall receive applications from any interested candidates for the position pursuant to a deadline established by the court.

A panel of Senior Lackawanna County Judges Carmen D. Minora, Vito P. Geroulo and Robert A. Mazzoni heard oral arguments in April and ruled in May. With Minora and Geroulo in the majority and Mazzoni dissenting, the panel ruled that the Home Rule Charter supersedes Rule 1908 and ordered the commissioned county court judges to follow the directives of the Home Rule Charter when ultimately voting to fill McGloins vacant seat. The judges have yet to fill the vacancy.

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And while split on the Home Rule Charter question, the panel unanimously ruled that the county lacked the authority to proceed as a party in the civil matter. Republican Commissioner Chris Chermak had argued against the countys right to participate in the case at all because Chermak, one of two sitting commissioners, never authorized the countys participation.

Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak listens during the commissioners meeting held at the county Government Center in Scranton Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Gaughan and the county appealed the panels ruling in Commonwealth Court  where they lost Friday  and also asked the state Supreme Court to invoke whats known as its Kings Bench power, rarely exercised authority that allows the Supreme Court to immediately consider any pending case. Gaughan and the countys application to the Supreme Court for the exercise of extraordinary jurisdiction remains pending.

Because they lost in Commonwealth Court, Gaughan and the county can now petition the Supreme Court to hear an appeal of the Commonwealth Court ruling without invoking its Kings Bench authority. But the Supreme Court still has discretion, meaning they can choose whether to grant review. Its also unclear at this stage whether Gaughan and the county will request such an appeal.

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Reached Friday afternoon, Gaughan said he hadnt yet seen the Commonwealth Court ruling and planned to confer with his attorneys and assess options on how to best proceed.

Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan speaks during the commissioners meeting held at the county Government Center in Scranton Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Attorney Adam Bonin, representing the county Democratic Committee and defending the supremacy of the Home Rule Charter in the case, said Friday he and the committee were happy with the Commonwealth Court result.

Were pleased to hear this and we hope that its time to move on and to allow the judges to select from one of these finalists and fill this vacancy, he said.

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Patrick, the county Democratic Party chairman, echoed that sentiment in a statement.

The Home Rule Charter was voted on by the people in Lackawanna County in the (1970s) and it became law, he said. I am glad both courts voted to uphold the HRC. There are very important things that need to be done in Lackawanna County and I hope the Judges will interview and make an appointment in the very near future.

Patrick added that his committee furnished the judges with three very qualified choices for the appointment  Sacco, Baldan and Casey  and that its time for the county to have a third commissioner once again.

Chermak also sent a statement following the Commonwealth Court ruling, noting he fought to have the county dismissed as a party to the civil matter because he didnt want county funds used to finance the legal battle.

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The Commonwealth Court has now said I was right and has affirmed the dismissal of Lackawanna County from this case so county funds will not be used to fight this issue, he said.

When someone might finally fill McGloins seat, vacant now for nearly five months, remains unclear.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A bill signed by Gov. Dan McKee to ban cell phones in schools will start in August 2026.

RELATED: Rhode Island is about to ban cellphones in schools. Heres when it could take effect

Dr. Caroline Kistin from Brown Universitys Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute has researched the topic of school cell phone bans.

Kistin joined 12 News at 4 Friday to discuss what her research has shown and the legislation lawmakers approved last session.

Watch the full interview in the video player above.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Community members hosted a local protest in Mt. Charleston after being outraged in the wake of the eight wild horses that were rounded up on July 9.

Its very tragic to see our beloved, free-roaming, wild neighbors reduced to captive animals in a small corral, Mt. Charleston resident Cheryl Abbate told 8 News Now.

Cowboys, not helicopters: Titus proposes rewrite of wild horse roundup rules

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Abbate, among several in the Mt. Charleston Community, petitioned for change after several horses were taken by the U.S. Forest Service earlier this month.

Community members hosted a local protest in Mt. Charleston after being outraged in the wake of the eight wild horses that were rounded up on July 9. (KLAS)

Weve had a petition out since April 2024 asking the Forest Service to leave the horses be and instead ramp up enforcement of the 1971 federal law that protects horses from harassment, including being petted and fed by visitors, she added.

Nevada wild horse herds in crosshairs of Big Beautiful Bill funding cuts

Abbate was upset that government officials made the decision without talking to community members first, in hopes of trying to find an alternative to this roundup.



It didnt seem like they had any intent on telling the public about this ahead of time. Just two weeks prior, they had said that the relocation of the horses was on hold because its been so hot this summer, yet the week that they rounded these horses up, it was the hottest week of the year thus far, Abbate shared.

Community members hosted a local protest in Mt. Charleston after being outraged in the wake of the eight wild horses that were rounded up on July 9. (KLAS)

BLM to start 2025 with smaller Nevada roundup after 2,150 wild horses removed

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Avid hikers like Casey Kern describe the type of horses that were taken.

Among them, two were foals, and then there was a possible pregnant mare. Im sure it was traumatizing for them to be loaded onto a truck for the first time in their life, Kern said.

According to the Department of Agriculture, this measure was taken to reduce risks to public safety and to fulfill their responsibilities under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

8 News Now was told that the horses are being prepared for adoption through a USDA Forest Service Wild Horse facility, with vets ready to assist in making sure they are healthy.

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Other residents said its not fair that these horses are being blamed when its the lack of patrolling by state officials and the general public ignoring the rules.

They talk about the horses eating the trash, but how did that happen? It happened because humans are not cleaning up after themselves and being mindful of where they put their trash, Mt. Charleston resident, Lynn Murrow said.

The Forest Service, BLM and USDA are responsible for this, but they apply none of their budget to it, she added.

If you are interested in participating in a future protest, you can call Cheryl Abbate at (702) 281-8397 or Casey Kern at (724) 263-2677

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According to community members, the next roundup will take place in Lee Canyon sometime soon.

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JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS)  A mother from Oregon has complaints about conditions at the Jackson County Jail, where her son and many other inmates reside.

6 News spoke to Patti Hasbrouck, a mother of an inmate at the jail located on Wesley St. in the city of Jackson, who says her son and other inmates are living in poor conditions, and that she worries for their safety and well-being while in custody.

(WLNS)

Hasbrouck says she acknowledges that jail is meant to be a punishment, but wants the inmates to live in better conditions. She says her son, who wants to remain anonymous, has been in jail for 3 months and shares a cell with 14 other men.

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And one toilet, and one shower, said Hasbrouck.

Hasbrouck says her son claims their food portions were cut in half for a few days a few weeks ago.

(WLNS)

Like literally a quarter of a cup. Of whatever it was, said Hasbrouck. The guys were starving and digging into their commissary stashes.

Lt. Diane Ashby, an employee at the jail, says the inmates get breakfast at 4 a.m. and have lunch at 11 a.m.

Food is prepared by Canteen Food Services, said Ashby. We follow MDOC guidelines on that.

Hasbrouck says shes unable to see her son while hes in jail. Ashby says the jail stopped doing in-person meetings years ago.

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Due to contraband coming in, said Ashby. So, we had to switch over to smart communications, and that is all done by kiosk and phone.

(WLNS)

Hasbrouck says her son says the sleeping arrangements are also unfit for him and the other inmates.

And they are steel-framed, said Hasbrouck. Steel slab, and they have some kind of mat. They get a sheet, and a blanket, and thats it.

(WLNS)

Ashby acknowledges the poor condition of the jail and says the county has previously proposed three millages to fix the issues, but none have passed.

Were trying to do the best that we can, given what we have. We have put it out there ourselves, said Ashby. That we do have these conditions, and weve tried passing millages before, and the public has not accepted those.

(WLNS)

Hasbrouck says shes contacted the city council and many other Jackson officials to try to resolve the issue, and 6 News asked the sheriffs office about her concerns.

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Ashby says the jail follows MDOC guidelines and passed their inspections.

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Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice weighed in earlier this week on President Trumps ultimatum on Russia, suggesting it is a turning point in peace efforts in the over three-year-long war in Ukraine.

This last week was a turning point, she said Thursday during a panel moderated by NBCs Andrea Mitchell at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado.

I think the best news that we could possibly give to the Ukrainian people is that the U.S. and Europe have finally aligned around the idea that [Russian President] Vladimir Putin will not be stopped with words, Rice continued later. He will only be stopped if he believes that he can go no further, he can win no further.

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Her analysis comes just days after Trump said the U.S. would impose severe sanctions on Russia if the Kremlin did not agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine within 50 days. He also indicated that a secondary tariff  as high as 100 percent  could be added that would target nations importing oil and gas from Moscow.

Were very, very unhappy with [Russia], and were going to be doing very severe tariffs if we dont have a deal in about 50 days, Trump said on July 14 during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office.

The move came after pressure from defense hawks in Congress, including Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who introduced bipartisan legislation earlier this year to implement tougher sanctions on Putins government. The two hailed the presidents tougher stance on Russia.

Rice, during the Thursday panel, acknowledged that enforcing secondary sanctions could be difficult  pointing to top Russian allies such as China and India  but said the Kremlin would likely still feel some pain.

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If youre China  with an economy thats not in great shape  or India, which really doesnt want to be on the wrong side of this, maybe you start thinking about whether that discounted Russian oil is really worth it, she said.

Trump has in recent weeks aired frustration with the Russian president over lack of movement in peace talks. During his time on the campaign trail, he vowed to bring an end to the war quickly, but has since conceded it was more difficult than expected

In his remarks earlier this week, the president lamented on the struggle, pointing to the U.S.s success in other ceasefire negotiations, including those in the Middle East and Africa.

The only one we havent been able to get to yet is Russia. And Im not happy. And I will tell you that Ukraine wants to do something, Trump told reporters from the White House on Monday. Its all talk and then missiles go into Kyiv and kill 60 people. Its got to stop. Its got to stop.

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Despite the latest ultimatum, Russia has shown no signs of slowing down its military operation.

The Trump administration earlier this month agreed to send more weapons to Ukraine so the war-torn nation can defend itself against the continued onslaught. The move was a reversal from the Pentagons earlier decision to pause some transfers amid a review of the U.S. military stockpiles.

Trump also announced recently that the U.S. would provide Kyiv with Patriot missiles and that NATO would bear the brunt of the cost for the shipment of weapons.

Rice on Thursday criticized the Biden administration for taking too long to send weapons to the Ukrainian military after Russias invasion in 2022.

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The Bush-era secretary of state told the panel that had the U.S. had given Kyiv everything at the beginning, when Russians were on their back foot, then Ukraine could have won the war outright.

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DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decadeslong fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement that would include the restoration of state authorities in key eastern cities controlled by the insurgents.

Congo and the M23 rebels committed to building trust through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar's minister of state, said at a briefing.

It was not immediately clear if the declaration involves M23's withdrawal from cities it controls, as the two parties seemed to interpret the agreement differently.

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Bertrand Bisimwa, an M23 leader, said on X that the declaration is not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations. M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka told The Associated Press in a telephone call: We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out.

However, Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account the non-negotiable withdrawal of the rebels, followed by the deployment of government forces and institutions.

Backed by neighboring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congos mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the U.N. has called the conflict in eastern Congo one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.

Saturday's signing is the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. A final peace deal is to be signed no later than Aug. 18, and it shall align with the Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda, facilitated by the U.S. in June, according to a copy of the declaration seen by AP.

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M23 had been pushing for the release of its members held by Congos military, many of them facing the death sentence. Congo had requested the withdrawal of the rebels from seized territories.

The Declaration of Principles signed today paves the way for direct negotiations towards a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict, the Qatari minister said.

Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Ministry called it a significant step forward" in ending the conflict. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that America remains committed to supporting a peace that results in the restoration of (Congolese) authority and inclusive governance in the region.

In Goma, the city at the center of the conflict, locals received the news of the signing with mixed feelings, with most expressing doubts over the possibility of a lasting peace without a provision for victims of the decadeslong conflict.

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We cannot build peace without justice and reparation, said Amani Muisa, a resident of Goma.

The document touches on most of the highlights of the peace deal Congo and Rwanda signed on June 27, including the protection and safe return of millions who fled the conflict.

Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump who attended the Doha-led talks, said on Saturday: It is time to find a final solution to the conflict, reiterating that the most important article of the agreement is the affirmation of state control in rebel-held territories.

The issue requires dialogue, and following up on this dialogue and requires persistence, Boulos said.

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Another key issue the two sides will have to face is whether Rwanda will stop supporting the rebels, including the thousands of troops that the United Nations experts said are in eastern Congo.

When Rwanda and Congo signed the peace deal in Washington, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda agreed to lift its defensive measures  suggesting a reference to its troops in eastern Congo  once Congo neutralizes an armed group whose members Kigali accuses of carrying out the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

Analysts have said it is going to be difficult for the M23 rebels to withdraw from the eastern Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu and that it would depend on concessions the Congolese authorities agree to make. There have also been doubts about long-lasting peace if justice for the victims of the war is not addressed.

___

Associated Press journalists Ahmed Hatem in Cairo, Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo and Justin Kabumba in Goma, Congo contributed to this report.
Congress this week approved a bill that claws back about $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds, as Republicans look to begin locking in cuts pursued by his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The package includes about $8 billion in cuts for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other foreign aid, as well as more than $1 billion in cuts to the Corporation of Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides some funding to NPR and PBS.

Here are five things to know about the bill.

NPR and PBS brace for cuts

The bill yanks back more than $1 billion in advanced funding appropriated for CPB over fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

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Many Republicans say the cuts are long overdue, singling out NPR and PBS, for what they perceive as political bias. But some are concerned about how the cuts would impact smaller stations.

In the previous fiscal year, NPR received upwards of $13 million from CPB, the corporations grants and allocations data shows. More than $70 million went to PBS based in Arlington.

About one percent of NPRs current operating budget comes directly from the federal government, compared to 15 percent for PBS, multiple outlets report.

At the same time, however, fees from member stations, which rely on a larger share of CPB funding on average, make up about 30 percent of NPRs funding. PBS says it also receives annual programming dues from stations to carry national programming.

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About 35 percent of the annual funding for PBS News Hour, the organization said, comes from CPB and national programming funds it described as a combination of CPB appropriation funds and annual programming dues paid to PBS by stations re-allocated to programs like ours.

Public media faces fiscal cliff in October

Opponents of the cuts have already sounded alarm about the fiscal cliff that some stations will face as a result of the latest legislation come October, the start of fiscal year 2026.

It is a cliff, Rep. Rosa Delauro (Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, told The Hill Thursday. Theyre already speaking about it, frightened to death, particularly in rural communities that theyre not going to have access to important information or alerts about weather situations, information that they need to know, education for their kids, because theyre not in communities where there are multiple sources of information.

In a statement responding to passage of the cuts on Friday, CPB president Patricia Harrison said many local public radio and television stations will be forced to shut down.

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Cutting federal funding could also put Americans at risk of losing national and local emergency alerts that serve as a lifeline to many Americans in times of severe need, Harrison also said.

Senators on both sides of the aisle have raised similar concerns.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said at the Hill Nation Summit on Wednesday that the cuts could put rural radio stations in her home state out of business, calling them the lifeblood of these communities when it comes to emergency alerts.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), one of two Republicans in the upper chamber to vote against the bill, pointed to a recent earthquake in her home state.

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Seven-point-three [magnitude] earthquake off of Alaska and tsunami warnings. You know how I got this information? From public broadcasting, she said on the Senate floor.

Less than 5 percent of the nonprofit corporations funding goes toward its operations, while more than 70 percent goes directly to local public media stations, CPB states on its website. And almost half of its total 544 radio and TV grantees are considered rural.

However, many Republicans have downplayed the cuts.

Theres so many means for communications now that we didnt have in the 1960s. Everyone has it on their phone, Rep. Mark Alford (R-Missouri) told The Hill this week. Everyone, pretty much, has a smartphone, even in rural districts that that I represent, theres all types of access for information that we didnt have in the 1960s

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I dont think the American taxpayer should be funding journalism, Alford, who is also a former television news anchor, also said, while arguing theres a liberal, progressive bent towards NPR and PBS.

Foreign aid

The request initially sent by the White House called for $8.3 billion in cuts to USAID and other foreign aid.

But the White House ended up agreeing to exempt the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which was established under former President George W. Bush in 2003 and totaled about $400 million, after those cuts became a critical point of contention for moderate GOP lawmakers.

The administration said the bill targets items like migration and refugee assistance that could be more fairly shared with non-U.S. Government donors, USAID efforts officials say have been used to fund radical gender and climate projects, and development assistance they argued conflict with American values and interfere with the sovereignty of other countries, among other rescissions.

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Republicans in both chambers have overwhelmingly cheered the cuts. But a few have also voiced concerns about the proposal in recent weeks, sounding alarm over what they see as a lack of information about the accounts being targeted.

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) specifically singled out a proposed $2.5 billion in cuts to the Development Assistance account. She noted in a statement that the account covers everything from basic education, to water and sanitation, to food security, but said lawmakers still lacked key details as to how those programs would be affected.

More cuts could be coming

Republicans see the bill as a critical test run for the party, as Trump administration officials have already indicated they aim to send multiple special requests to Congress to claw back more funding if the first package makes it through.

White House budget chief Russell Vought said Thursday that another rescissions package is likely to come soon, though he stopped short of offering specifics as to what programs could be on the chopping block.

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Have nothing to announce, but weve been talking about it, and theres certainly an enthusiasm, although, Vought said. I spent a good hour with Senate Republicans, there is still a great enthusiasm for these rescissions bills, because Congress wants to be a part of voting for these cuts and making them permanent.

Hardline conservatives have ramped up calls in recent months for the president to use the rare rescissions tool  which unlocks a process that Republicans can use to secure funding cuts with GOP-only votes  as the party looks to codify DOGE cuts amid legal challenges over the administrations efforts to reshape the federal government.

Implications for Sept. 30

Fewer than 20 legislative days stand between Congress and a looming Sept. 30 deadline to prevent a government shutdown.

Both chambers are running behind in marking up and pushing their annual funding bills across the floor  increasing the likelihood Congress will have to resort to a stopgap measure to keep the lights on and buy time for lawmakers to finish their funding work.

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Senate Democrats have already warned the passage of the recent rescissions package threatens already fragile bipartisan funding talks.

And some Republicans are also eager to begin shifting more focus to crafting and approving new funding levels for fiscal 2026.

Asked about the administrations plans to send Congress additional requests for cuts, Murkowski, a senior GOP appropriator, said, I do not think that should be our path.

Its not legislating. Its basically the White House saying this is what we want you to do. Take it or leave it, she told reporters this week.

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(WVNY/WFFF) PLATTSBURGH, NY  The president celebrated a Republican-backed bill to take back $9 billion. A lot of it earmarked for public broadcasting and foreign aid. The rescissions package passed the House just after midnight on Friday, with a vote of 216 to 213. This after the Senate sent it through about 24 hours earlier.

On this vote, the yeas are 216, the nays are 213. The resolution is adopted.

After 12 hours of voting, the presidents plan to rescind $9 billion of funding passed the House early Friday. The breakdown in the senate was 51 to 48.

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The cuts include over a billion dollars to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and about $7 billion in foreign aid; impacting public media across the nation.

CEO and President of Mountain Lake PBS, Bill McColgan says, Theres been discussion about this being down the road, and part of next years plan. The reality is this is a cut that impacts fiscal 26. which for us, started on July first, so it is now. McColgan says Mountain Lake PBS wont go dark thanks to support from the community, but every part of the operation will be affected.

On the other side of the argument New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released a statement saying quote I voted to save the American taxpayer $9 billion of unobligated, bloated spending NPR and NCPR-affiliated reporters continually publish false and defamatory stories.

Vermonts Senator Peter Welch bashed the cuts to foreign aid. Specifically, its cuts to emergency response and programs promoting democracy in other countries. Welch says, its like world health. Saving folks from diseases, immunizing them. Its also, programs in Vermont.

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The corporation for public broadcasting distributes more than two-thirds of that one point one billion dollars to over 1,500 local TV and radio stations across the country.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
(WETM)  Congressman Nick Langworthy backs House Republicans and applauds President Donald Trumps order for full transparency on the Epstein files after helping advance a House Rules Committee resolution on Thursday, July 18.

Langworthy, a member of the House Rules Committee, voted yes in a 9-4 vote to advance House Resolution 589, which would publicly release certain documents, records, and communications related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.

I proudly joined my Republican colleagues in advancing H.Res. 589 to demand the full release of all credible Epstein documents, while safeguarding the privacy and dignity of the victims, Langworthy said. Every individual who committed crimes, especially against minors, must face the full force of the law, he said.

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Trump administration seeks release of Epstein grand jury records but not Justice Department files

The republican led committee advanced the resolution after rejecting three rounds of Democrat-led motions. Motions that Congressman Langworthy said were gimmicks.

This week, they(democrats) attempted a cynical political stunt that wouldnt have released a single file, Langworthy claimed. I voted no because it was a gimmick, not a path to justice. They had another chance to do the right thing last night. Instead, they once again chose obstruction and silence, he said in his statement.

Congressman Langworthy said on Friday that he supports the Presidents call in Transparency in the Epstein case in release all grand jury testimony connected to the case.

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This is a bold and necessary move to feliver long-overdue justice to the victims and expose every criminal involved in this horrific abuse, he said. I salute him for taking decisive actions where other have failed, Langworthy said.

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DEEP RIVER, Conn. (WTNH)  Connecticut leaders are addressing concerns about the use of the controversial chemical diquat to combat hydrilla.

Diquat dibromide is approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency for aquatic use, but is currently banned in the European Union.

Conversation has stirred online  including stemming from a Change.org petition with close to 20,000 signatures  pointing to concerns over the chemicals use in state waterways. Known as a severe irritant, some studies have shown it could also pose harm to aquatic life.

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The evidence to date shows that any negative effects on aquatic life are short term and reversible. The impacts of hydrilla are not, Alicea Charamut of the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut said Friday.

Through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, plans are in place to treat waterways via sub-surface injection into limited ponds, coves and marinas state-wide. If left unchecked, experts say the overgrowth of hydrilla could lead to depleted oxygen levels in waterways, affecting local wildlife and fauna.

Hydrilla is really the greater evil, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Mason Trumble said, It can spread really quickly.

State leaders say the decision to use the herbicide was not made lightly. Greg Bugbee of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, who worked closely with the Army Corps of Engineers, explained Friday that multiple test sites, public hearings and workshops over the span of three years were brought into consideration.

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They wanted to test all options that they knew could possibly work, Bugbee said.

According to a public notice sent by the Army Corps of Engineers, treatment will be happening at these locations:

Chester Creek in Chester

Deep River in Deep River

Hamburg Cove in Lyme

Joshua Creek in Lyme

Mattabesset River in Middletown

Parkers Point in Chester

an expanded Portland Boat Works in Portland

Post and Pratt Coves in Deep River

Salmon River in East Haddam

Selden Creek in Lyme

Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton

Pameacha Pond in Middletown

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A conservation group has claimed nearly a third of the land in Nashville is paved, but theyre working to lower that number.

From outdated asphalt to grass and trees, the Cumberland River Compact Conservation Group is working to make Nashville greener.

Their most recent project was in East Nashville, on Jones Avenue.

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

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With support from the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure and Metro Water Services, the group took a dangerous and crumbling slip lane and turned it into a mini-park for people in the neighborhood to enjoy.

It doesnt just look better aesthetically; it also helps with flooding mitigation, according to the organization.

Project leader Jason Sprouls said Jones Avenue sits on a slope and there was runoff water causing issues, so theyre hoping the green space helps with that.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Sprouls said now the group is shifting its sights to North Nashville.

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We are making a very concerted effort to work in a lot of areas of North Nashville, he told News 2. We have a grant with the American Rescue Plan [Act] through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The scope of that is to mitigate some of the runoff that reaches the wetland on [Tennessee State University]s campus.

If you have old, unused asphalt in your neighborhood, you can suggest de-pavement through this link.

Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com.

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The death of Ed Feulner, the co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, has sparked an outpouring of support from Republican lawmakers and leaders.

Feulner helped start the Heritage Foundation in 1973 and served as its president for nearly 40 years.

In the passing of Dr. Ed Feulner, the conservative movement has lost one of its true giants, and I have lost a mentor and cherished friend, former Vice President Mike Pence wrote on the social media platform X. Ed simply understood that free markets, strong families and a robust national defense allow America to lead the world not just with strength, but by example.

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The foundation is most recently known for leading Project 2025, the blueprint that has widely influenced the Trump administrations consolidation of power and aggressive pursuit of right-wing policies.

Feulner also helped found the Republican Study Committee, the partys conservative caucus.

Ed Feulner was one of the architects who built the conservative movement in this country, Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), the House majority leader and a former chair of the RSC, wrote on social media.

Established during the Nixon administration, the Heritage Foundation played a prominent role in the policies of former President Reagan, who called it a vital force. The think tanks current alumni in government include White House budget chief Russ Vought and border czar Tom Homan.

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In mourning Feulner, Republicans referred to him as an influential force who laid the groundwork in Washington for conservatism: a giant of the conservative movement by Sen. Mike Lee (Utah), a lion for conservative causes by Rep. Andy Biggs (Ariz.).

His longtime leadership of @Heritage not only made it the intellectual engine of the Reagan Revolution, but forged a visionary philosophy that continues to shape our nations public policy, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) wrote.

The America we have  and the America we can secure in the future  is attributable to Ed in more ways than most people know, Kevin Roberts, the current president of the Heritage Foundation, wrote on social media.

ONWARD, sircount on itALWAYS, he added, ending with an American flag.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Wednesday, York Central MP Rachael Maskell was suspended from Labour, along with three other MPs, for repeated breaches of party discipline.

It came after she was a key figure in organising a rebellion against her party's welfare reform bill, which she said would introduce "Dickensian cuts belonging to a different era and a different party".

Maskell defended her decision as standing up for disabled people but the prime minister argued the MPs were "elected on a Labour manifesto" and so should back the government's agenda.

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But what do Maskell's York constituents think? People in Acomb have spoken to the BBC about their reaction to the news.

'Absolutely disgusting'

Former mental health nurse Richard Lowe supports Maskell's decision to rebel [BBC/ Emily Johnson]

Richard Lowe, from the Huntington Road area of York, is visiting shops on Front Street with his wife.

When quizzed about Maskell's suspension, he says this is a topic the couple has discussed in depth, due to their careers in healthcare.

"Rachael Maskell, for me, embodies what the Labour movement should be," the former mental health nurse says.

"My thoughts are that the suspension is absolutely disgusting.

"As she says, she's been a Labour member for 34 years, she's stood up for disability rights, she's a disability campaigner."

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As an ex-nurse, Richard says he has always had a duty of care to his patients - and that Maskell has a duty of care to her constituents.

"I won't be voting Labour at the next general election," he says.

"If Rachael Maskell is still an independent MP, I'll vote for her but I'm not voting Labour.

"I hope she's retaken into the Labour Party very shortly. I can't see it happening myself, but there you go."

'Where are the lines?'

Carole (left) and Angela say the situation is a difficult one [BBC/ Emily Johnson]

Sat on a bench alongside their dog are Angela and her mother-in-law, Carole, who both live locally.

They explain they do not share the same political views as Maskell but were on the fence about Sir Keir Starmer's decision to suspend her.

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"It's difficult, isn't it? Everybody's entitled to their own opinion but where are the lines?" Angela asks.

"I think Labour has made a lot of terrible choices in the past year or so.

"They're not doing themselves any favours."

However, they both thought the welfare system needed an overhaul.

"If you're a disabled person, you should be entitled to a benefit if that benefit is appropriate for your disability," Angela says.

"But I think possibly there's been a bit of a trend of people claiming disability benefits and I don't think there's been enough checks into the background of what's actually needed for some people."

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Carole believes more "double checks" should be made to see what benefit is fair for each claimant.

'Over the top'

Further down the street, Carolina Ficco, 62, also stops to chat.

She believes that no matter the political party, MPs should not be punished for representing their constituents.

"I think it was extremely harsh and over the top that she's been suspended," Carolina says.

"Everybody is entitled to an opinion and if she's representing people, why should she be dismissed for that?

"That's what politicians are supposed to be about, they're a voice for us. It's bang out of order."

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She says Maskell's suspension is "absolutely, totally wrong".

The prime minister defended his decision to suspend Maskell, along with Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman and Chris Hinchliff.

He said: "I am determined we will change this country for the better for millions of working people  and I'm not going to be deflected from that.

"Therefore, we have to deal with people who repeatedly break the whip.

"Everyone was elected as a Labour MP on a Labour manifesto of change and everybody needs to deliver as a Labour government."

In a statement, the York Central MP said she wanted this Labour government to be the "very best ever" and said she had "used every opportunity" to reach into government to be an advocate for disabled people.

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"I am, of course, sad of the decision to suspend me for simply seeking the very best for others," Maskell said.

"As someone of deep conviction and faith, I bring these values with me in all I do in representing my constituents and ensuring that I advocate for them, keep them safe and ensure that their voices are taken into the very heart of politics."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

More on this story
The Tennessee Titans began construction on the new Nissan Stadium last year, with completion expected for the 2027 season.

On Friday, construction at the new stadium was halted after a noose was discovered on the site. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell and the Tennessee Builders Association have both issued statements on the issue, both of which come courtesy of ESPN's Turron Davenport.

"Obviously, this is an environment where we want to try as hard as we can to prevent scenarios that might be fear or hate-based," O'Connell said in a statement. "We've taken some steps, both with local policies, state policy, and partnership with them to try, again, to keep temperatures low and prevent hate incidents like this. It is very concerning, there is an open investigation. I know the Titans are cooperating with Metro Nashville Police and we'll see what that investigation turns up."

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"This week, a racist and hateful symbol was discovered on our site. There is no place for hate or racism in our workplace," the Tennessee Builders Alliance said in a statement. "We reported the incident to law enforcement, suspended work, and launched an investigation."

An investigation is underway, and Mayor O'Connell announced a $250,000 reward for "information leading to the identification of the individual responsible." The Tennessee Builders Alliance is also putting workers through additional training.

"... Work will resume only after a site-wide standdown focused on inclusion and respect. We are outraged and deeply saddened by this act," the statement reads.

"We are working in close partnership with our client, trade partners, and unions to ensure every worker understands that racism and hate have no place here. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and treated with respect and dignity."

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Indeed, everyone deserves a workplace where they feel safe and are treated respectfully. As the investigation continues, stay tuned for updates.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Construction halted on Titans' new Nissan Stadium
In a blow to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and a reflection of divided allegiances, the Cook County Democratic Party failed Friday to endorse Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins seat and instead backed an open primary with U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly.

Holding their quadrennial slating session for state and county offices, county Democratic slatemakers also snubbed Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and instead endorsed, by an overwhelming margin, Lyons Township Assessor Patrick Hynes for the countywide job.

The party also endorsed state Rep. Margaret Croke of Chicago by a tissue-paper-thin margin for the state comptrollers spot being vacated by incumbent Susana Mendoza, who is not seeking reelection and is expected to make a 2027 bid for Chicago mayor.

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In the Senate race, the slating session was intended to mark the first time the three major Democrats vying for the party nomination to succeed Durbin would come together in a high-profile public forum to make their case for the county partys backing.

But Kelly missed her flight from Washington, D.C., after a late round of votes that concluded early Friday morning on the Trump rescission package, which cuts funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting. Kellys absence forced Chicago Ald. Bennett Lawson, 44th, to make an emergency pitch to party leaders for Kellys endorsement, but her nonattendance likely had a chilling effect on support for her candidacy.

Committee members noted Krishnamoorthi, who had also been in Washington, was able to attend the slating session as did the dean of Illinois U.S. House delegation, Rep. Danny Davis, 83, who wasnt even seeking an endorsement.

Ultimately, slatemakers decided not to even pursue a roll call in the Senate race, which would have required support from 50% plus one vote in a weighted tally of the 50 ward and 30 township committee members necessary to gain the county endorsement.

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Pritzker, the two-term governor who got the partys nod Friday for reelection, has endorsed his lieutenant governor for the Senate seat. But the billionaire state chief executive, who has leveraged his wealth to build up state and local party organizations and secure political loyalty, saw that support stop short of extending to Stratton.

One major issue for Stratton is her fundraising as she reported only $666,416 in cash available at the end of June, while prolific fundraiser Krishnamoorthi had $21 million in cash available, slatemakers told the Tribune. Stratton has pledged not to take money from corporate political action committees. South suburban committee members, meanwhile, showed parochial loyalty to Kelly.

Pritzker did not appear at the slating session because he was attending a family event, and some slatemakers said privately his absence didnt help Strattons push for the endorsement.

Though it is well known that slating has lost much of its previous machine-politics luster, Stratton told party leaders Friday she considered slating to be very important.

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Speaking to slatemakers, she pitched party unity and noted that while she was the only major Senate contender without Washington experience, she also was the only candidate who has represented the entire state of Illinois as lieutenant governor.

Together with the partnership of the leaders in this room, Gov. Pritzker and I have accomplished big things for our state, Stratton said, before addressing the challenges the Democratic-led state faces from a GOP-run Washington under President Donald Trump.

This moment requires more than the status quo. We are standing face to face with the five-alarm fire that Donald Trump has ignited in Washington  attacks on the rule of law, attacks on our economy. Hes throwing fear into our immigrant communities. Hes cut health care for millions of Americans, took food out of the mouths of hungry children, she said. Everything we stand for is under threat and the status quo in Washington is just not cutting it. We dont need more of the same tired playbook.

Krishnamoorthi called himself an atypical political candidate as a racial, religious, ethnic minority, and an immigrant with 29 letters in my name from Peoria, who represents the northwest suburbs in Congress. That background, he said, was under attack in Trumps Washington.

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Do we want a government that is there for people who are fighting or struggling to make it, or do we want a government that is primarily catering to those who have it made? Krishnamoorthi asked.

Krishnamoorthi said, if elected, he would create satellite Senate offices on the South and West sides of Chicago and in the suburbs. He also pledged to build the party and noted he raised $11 million last campaign cycle to assist the state and county party and Democratic organizations across the nation, as well as individual candidates.

The Democratic contest for comptroller presented Croke, a state representative from Chicago, state Sen. Karina Villa of West Chicago, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and a new entrant, Champaign County Auditor George Danos.

Croke, backed by House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, who is also Proviso Township Democratic committeeman, eked out the endorsement by just 95 votes out of a weighted vote total of 549,705.

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Citing her background in Democratic activism, Croke said the states financial health was facing a critical time because of the uncertainty of federal funding from Washington.

I believe that you need someone in this role who should be fiscally responsible but also who has empathy to care about our most vulnerable populations, she said, explaining the ability of the comptroller to prioritize the paying of bills to vendors who supply safety net social services.

Kim stressed her background in technology and pledged to bring innovation and modernize how we manage money in the state.

These are unprecedented times, and people we love are afraid, and we need a fighter at every level, she said.

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Villa, who received the backing of state Senate President Don Harmon, the Oak Park Township committeeman, said the people of Illinois need someone who is a campaigner, who knows how to campaign, who knows how to get out in front of people.

The comptroller will decide how the money is spent and when that money is spent, she said. I will make sure that during the Trump administration, we are emphasizing that the people who need it the most.

Harmon made an unsuccessful attempt to reverse Crokes endorsement. He noted the endorsed statewide party slate had no Latino or Asian representation or anyone from outside Chicago and warned, I think this is a problem for us as Democrats.

Joining the comptroller race Friday was Danos, the three-term auditor of Champaign County. Danos said, County auditors are comptrollers in waiting and the natural bench for the office.

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Rickey Hendon, the former state senator and political consultant, also spoke as a candidate for comptroller even though he has expressed interest in a possible challenge to Toni Preckwinkles County Board presidency. But after his exhortations to committee members, he acknowledged he wasnt seeking comptroller but wanted to wake up the Democratic Party.

With all current statewide incumbents winning endorsements, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias didnt confirm or deny an interest in running for mayor of Chicago. Mendoza said she did not seek reelection because she pledged not to seek two offices at the same time, and she said voters deserved a four-year term commitment from state officeholders.

Asked whether he was committed to serving out his full term, Giannoulias said, I dont like making campaign promises  that I promise to do that  nor would I hold anyone else to that promise. I love the work that Im doing. I care deeply about helping people, and thatll never change.

As for an interest in running for mayor, Giannoulias said, I know theres a lot of rumors out there, people have asked and talked to me about it, but again, todays about running for reelection.

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In the county assessors race, Hynes endorsement came after a committee of slatemakers on Thursday failed to reach consensus on whether to endorse anyone for the office.

I think its a major repudiation against the incumbent, Hynes told the Tribune after the party backed him over two-term incumbent Kaegi. I think that the overwhelming feeling of the body was anybody but Fritz Kaegi.

Committeepeople said Timnetra Burruss, who works at the Cook County Board of Review, had secured the support of the partys Black Caucus. But their support was not enough to garner a majority. Caucus members then largely switched their votes to Hynes.

Several committeepeople had soured on Kaegi for what they said were unpredictable valuations over his two terms, problems with exemptions and other missteps.

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It once again makes Kaegi an outsider taking on the party, a role he played in his first election, when he defeated then-Chair Joe Berrios. Kaegis personal wealth will present a significant challenge for Hynes heading into the primary. Kaegi has more than $1 million in his campaign bank account.

Hynes affirmed he would accept contributions from the real estate industry to help battle Kaegis fortune, something Kaegi has eschewed.

Ive been in the industry for 30 years, and any industry that youre in, youre gonna make a lot of friends, he said. Were gonna take money from every source that has a reason to participate in this election.

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In a statement, Kaegi said, I respect the process and appreciate the partys consideration. Im confident that the voters will continue to support the critical work weve done to make Cook County a national model for transparency and fairness. Middle-class families are paying less, seniors are getting more help to stay in their homes, and weve created more than 10,000 new units of affordable housing all across the county. That didnt happen by accident.

Members of the party also unwound Thursdays recommendation to not slate any candidates for the Board of Reviews 2nd District. Instead, they endorsed Liz Nicholson over incumbent Commissioner Samantha Steele and challenger Vincent Pace.

Steele has been beset by controversies in recent months, including a DUI charge from last fall that she continues to fight. Nicholson, who works in fundraising and public relations, said she would make appeals more accessible and transparent, with better online tools and multilingual support.

Meanwhile, Davis, who will have represented the 7th Congressional District for three decades at the end of his current term, appeared at the slating meeting even though the party wasnt endorsing any congressional candidates. Davis told reporters he would announce whether hell run for reelection in about a week or so.

Every day, I talk to five or six people and they tell me what they think ought to be taking place, what I ought to do. And I get those who say, Danny, dont leave! I get those (who) say Youre too old. So I get all of it, but I really take it all in, Davis said, brandishing his signature walking stick.

With state Rep. La Shawn Ford standing steps away, Davis made clear he wouldnt make his exit without endorsing a successor. Ford registered with the Federal Election Commission to run for Davis seat, but has said he would only run if Davis retires. Former Cook County Board member Richard Boykin, who previously served as Davis chief of staff, also stopped by slating Thursday.
CHICAGO  In a blow to Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and a reflection of divided allegiances, the Cook County Democratic Party failed Friday to endorse Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins seat and instead backed an open primary with U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly.

Holding their quadrennial slating session for state and county offices, county Democratic slatemakers also snubbed Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and instead endorsed, by an overwhelming margin, Lyons Township Assessor Patrick Hynes for the countywide job.

The party also endorsed state Rep. Margaret Croke of Chicago by a tissue-paper-thin margin for the state comptrollers spot being vacated by incumbent Susana Mendoza, who is not seeking reelection and is expected to make a 2027 bid for Chicago mayor.

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In the Senate race, the slating session was intended to mark the first time the three major Democrats vying for the party nomination to succeed Durbin would come together in a high-profile public forum to make their case for the county partys backing.

But Kelly missed her flight from Washington, D.C., after a late round of votes that concluded early Friday morning on the Trump rescission package, which cuts funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting. Kellys absence forced Chicago Ald. Bennett Lawson, 44th, to make an emergency pitch to party leaders for Kellys endorsement, but her nonattendance likely had a chilling effect on support for her candidacy.

Committee members noted Krishnamoorthi, who had also been in Washington, was able to attend the slating session as did the dean of Illinois U.S. House delegation, Rep. Danny Davis, 83, who wasnt even seeking an endorsement.

Ultimately, slatemakers decided not to even pursue a roll call in the Senate race, which would have required support from 50% plus one vote in a weighted tally of the 50 ward and 30 township committee members necessary to gain the county endorsement.

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Pritzker, the two-term governor who got the partys nod Friday for reelection, has endorsed his lieutenant governor for the Senate seat. But the billionaire state chief executive, who has leveraged his wealth to build up state and local party organizations and secure political loyalty, saw that support stop short of extending to Stratton.

One major issue for Stratton is her fundraising as she reported only $666,416 in cash available at the end of June, while prolific fundraiser Krishnamoorthi had $21 million in cash available, slatemakers told the Tribune. Stratton has pledged not to take money from corporate political action committees. South suburban committee members, meanwhile, showed parochial loyalty to Kelly.

Pritzker did not appear at the slating session because he was attending a family event, and some slatemakers said privately his absence didnt help Strattons push for the endorsement.

Though it is well known that slating has lost much of its previous machine-politics luster, Stratton told party leaders Friday she considered slating to be very important.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Speaking to slatemakers, she pitched party unity and noted that while she was the only major Senate contender without Washington experience, she also was the only candidate who has represented the entire state of Illinois as lieutenant governor.

Together with the partnership of the leaders in this room, Gov. Pritzker and I have accomplished big things for our state, Stratton said, before addressing the challenges the Democratic-led state faces from a GOP-run Washington under President Donald Trump.

This moment requires more than the status quo. We are standing face to face with the five-alarm fire that Donald Trump has ignited in Washington  attacks on the rule of law, attacks on our economy. Hes throwing fear into our immigrant communities. Hes cut health care for millions of Americans, took food out of the mouths of hungry children, she said. Everything we stand for is under threat and the status quo in Washington is just not cutting it. We dont need more of the same tired playbook.

Krishnamoorthi called himself an atypical political candidate as a racial, religious, ethnic minority, and an immigrant with 29 letters in my name from Peoria, who represents the northwest suburbs in Congress. That background, he said, was under attack in Trumps Washington.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Do we want a government that is there for people who are fighting or struggling to make it, or do we want a government that is primarily catering to those who have it made? Krishnamoorthi asked.

Krishnamoorthi said, if elected, he would create satellite Senate offices on the South and West sides of Chicago and in the suburbs. He also pledged to build the party and noted he raised $11 million last campaign cycle to assist the state and county party and Democratic organizations across the nation, as well as individual candidates.

The Democratic contest for comptroller presented Croke, a state representative from Chicago, state Sen. Karina Villa of West Chicago, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and a new entrant, Champaign County Auditor George Danos.

Croke, backed by House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, who is also Proviso Township Democratic committeeman, eked out the endorsement by just 95 votes out of a weighted vote total of 549,705.

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Citing her background in Democratic activism, Croke said the states financial health was facing a critical time because of the uncertainty of federal funding from Washington.

I believe that you need someone in this role who should be fiscally responsible but also who has empathy to care about our most vulnerable populations, she said, explaining the ability of the comptroller to prioritize the paying of bills to vendors who supply safety net social services.

Kim stressed her background in technology and pledged to bring innovation and modernize how we manage money in the state.

These are unprecedented times, and people we love are afraid, and we need a fighter at every level, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Villa, who received the backing of state Senate President Don Harmon, the Oak Park Township committeeman, said the people of Illinois need someone who is a campaigner, who knows how to campaign, who knows how to get out in front of people.

The comptroller will decide how the money is spent and when that money is spent, she said. I will make sure that during the Trump administration, we are emphasizing that the people who need it the most.

Harmon made an unsuccessful attempt to reverse Crokes endorsement. He noted the endorsed statewide party slate had no Latino or Asian representation or anyone from outside Chicago and warned, I think this is a problem for us as Democrats.

Joining the comptroller race Friday was Danos, the three-term auditor of Champaign County. Danos said, County auditors are comptrollers in waiting and the natural bench for the office.

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Rickey Hendon, the former state senator and political consultant, also spoke as a candidate for comptroller even though he has expressed interest in a possible challenge to Toni Preckwinkles County Board presidency. But after his exhortations to committee members, he acknowledged he wasnt seeking comptroller but wanted to wake up the Democratic Party.

With all current statewide incumbents winning endorsements, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias didnt confirm or deny an interest in running for mayor of Chicago. Mendoza said she did not seek reelection because she pledged not to seek two offices at the same time, and she said voters deserved a four-year term commitment from state officeholders.

Asked whether he was committed to serving out his full term, Giannoulias said, I dont like making campaign promises  that I promise to do that  nor would I hold anyone else to that promise. I love the work that Im doing. I care deeply about helping people, and thatll never change.

As for an interest in running for mayor, Giannoulias said, I know theres a lot of rumors out there, people have asked and talked to me about it, but again, todays about running for reelection.

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In the county assessors race, Hynes endorsement came after a committee of slatemakers on Thursday failed to reach consensus on whether to endorse anyone for the office.

I think its a major repudiation against the incumbent, Hynes told the Tribune after the party backed him over two-term incumbent Kaegi. I think that the overwhelming feeling of the body was anybody but Fritz Kaegi.

Committeepeople said Timnetra Burruss, who works at the Cook County Board of Review, had secured the support of the partys Black Caucus. But their support was not enough to garner a majority. Caucus members then largely switched their votes to Hynes.

Several committeepeople had soured on Kaegi for what they said were unpredictable valuations over his two terms, problems with exemptions and other missteps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It once again makes Kaegi an outsider taking on the party, a role he played in his first election, when he defeated then-Chair Joe Berrios. Kaegis personal wealth will present a significant challenge for Hynes heading into the primary. Kaegi has more than $1 million in his campaign bank account.

Hynes affirmed he would accept contributions from the real estate industry to help battle Kaegis fortune, something Kaegi has eschewed.

Ive been in the industry for 30 years, and any industry that youre in, youre gonna make a lot of friends, he said. Were gonna take money from every source that has a reason to participate in this election.

In a statement, Kaegi said, I respect the process and appreciate the partys consideration. Im confident that the voters will continue to support the critical work weve done to make Cook County a national model for transparency and fairness. Middle-class families are paying less, seniors are getting more help to stay in their homes, and weve created more than 10,000 new units of affordable housing all across the county. That didnt happen by accident.

Members of the party also unwound Thursdays recommendation to not slate any candidates for the Board of Reviews 2nd District. Instead, they endorsed Liz Nicholson over incumbent Commissioner Samantha Steele and challenger Vincent Pace.

Steele has been beset by controversies in recent months, including a DUI charge from last fall that she continues to fight. Nicholson, who works in fundraising and public relations, said she would make appeals more accessible and transparent, with better online tools and multilingual support.

Meanwhile, Davis, who will have represented the 7th Congressional District for three decades at the end of his current term, appeared at the slating meeting even though the party wasnt endorsing any congressional candidates. Davis told reporters he would announce whether hell run for reelection in about a week or so.

Every day, I talk to five or six people and they tell me what they think ought to be taking place, what I ought to do. And I get those who say, Danny, dont leave! I get those (who) say Youre too old. So I get all of it, but I really take it all in, Davis said, brandishing his signature walking stick.

With state Rep. La Shawn Ford standing steps away, Davis made clear he wouldnt make his exit without endorsing a successor. Ford registered with the Federal Election Commission to run for Davis seat, but has said he would only run if Davis retires. Former Cook County Board member Richard Boykin, who previously served as Davis chief of staff, also stopped by slating Thursday.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A life-sized statue of an American icon was serving as the mascot for Cool and Eclectic in Virginia Beach. Then on July 17, 2005, it was beheaded.

When I came to work, she was in the next field over headless, recalled Larry Estes, owner of Cool and Eclectic. And its remained headless ever since.

Estes filed a police report, ready to prosecute for larceny. The massive watermelon of a head was valued at $2,000.

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I took a picture of her and I sent that to the press, Estes explained. And that became the first story on it, Cartoon Violence.

Despite national attention and a reward from the grandson of the Betty Boop creators, no trace of her head or a suspect were found.

It was shipped here from The Philippines, and they have apparently destroyed the mold, so I couldnt get another head from them, Estes said.

In spite of her extreme lack of expression, Headless Betty put smiles on faces for years. The statue survived the move to MacArthur Center, media coverage, cartoon strips and a makeover.

I went ahead and did her as the Nike of Samothrace, the famous statue in the Lurve in Paris, Estes said.

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Sprouting the wings of an angel with paper mache force, her status is cemented as both a national treasure and local urban legend.

I like Betty Boop because she has fashion sense, said Shaneka Ogbomna, who was one of many to see the statue in person. Ive been a fan since I was little.

For the 20th anniversary of her beheading, fans came to take their picture with the headless fashionista. They also went hunting through the store for hidden Betty Boop stickers. Those who manage to find one walked away with a piece of Betty.

This is rebar that came from her neck, thats the closest thing to her head, Estes said.

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Some have come up with their own theories about what exactly happened.

Its been gone for 20 years and it wasnt destroyed at the scene, Canyon Elliott said. So I think that somebody took it home and put it like, above their bar in their garage. And every time they go drink a beer, they laugh about the head. Can you imagine someone just for 20 years, just laughing like, haha I got the head!

Whether the head is in a garage or a landfill, Estes has the last laugh, even if his Betty cannot boop-boop-a-doop.

Cool and Eclectic plans on continuing to give away prizes for the 20th anniversary throughout the next few days.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A petition calling to reinstate school crossing patrols at four primary schools in a city will be considered by councillors.

Peterborough City Council announced cuts to crossing patrols at primary schools in Eye, Old Fletton, Newark Hill and Werrington to save money, leaving lollipop men and women redundant.

As the petition was signed by 553 people, the council confirmed it would be debated at a full council meeting on 23 July.

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Nyree Ambarchian, who lives in Werrington and started the petition, said the parents of pupils were "horrified" by the action and wanted the council to re-examine the decision.

The authority said the cuts were "one of a number of difficult decisions" that needed to be made in order to balance the budget.

Ms Ambarchian said: "The strength of feeling can be seen in how the petition gathered so many signatures so quickly.

"We're not sure why the council would take the very real risk that a small child will be injured for what is a relatively minuscule budget saving.

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"It seems like a dereliction of duty."

'Before tragedy strikes'

Peterborough City Council said crossings and speed restrictions, such at 20mph zones, would be in place at each of the schools, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

At the full council meeting councillors will be able to either take the action requested, ask its officers to investigate, refer the decision to either cabinet or the relevant scrutiny committee for investigation or note the petition and comments but take no further action.

A spokesperson for the petition said: "Let's not wait for a child to be injured or killed before we take action - we call on councillors to do it before tragedy strikes.

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"School crossing patrols are an essential part of ensuring children can safely cross roads, particularly near busy schools and roads with high traffic volumes.

"These patrols play a key and proven role in preventing accidents."

Angus Ellis, a Labour councillor and cabinet member for environment and transport on the authority, said the council takes the concerns of school pupils and parents "extremely seriously".

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Jul. 18HRA oversees not only public housing but has opportunities for redevelopment resources

The Albert Lea City Council began discussions Monday about whether to bring the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority fully back under the full oversight of the council, instead of having a separate board with representation by a few council members.

City Manager Ian Rigg said the discussion was not about any particular employee but about the system in place. He wanted to bring up the issue because of the city's priority on housing and redevelopment and potential overlap with the two entities. There are also potential reductions or no expansions coming with HUD funding, and Rigg said he is afraid if things get tightened too much at the federal level, the state will pass it on to the local HRAs.

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According to its website, the HRA was established in 1965 as a collaborative effort between the city of Albert Lea and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The agency manages 176 public housing units, and 8 Rural Development Housing units, and administers 155 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. It can also co-sponsor and promote initiatives such as the Small Cities Development Program and the Minnesota Cities Participation Program, which are aimed at fostering affordable housing preservation and construction.

Rigg said there was a period of time when the city and the HRA and the Port Authority were indistinguishable, particularly when it came to staff and sharing resources, but a little over 20 years ago, the HRA separated from the city.

Currently, its board is made up of a few Albert Lea City Council members, one Freeborn County commissioner, one public housing tenant member and two other community members with connections and knowledge of housing.

Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker, who is one of the councilors who serves on the HRA board, questioned the idea and said he thought it was not a good idea.

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At the beginning of the discussion, he pointed out that it was important for the council to remember some of the events from recent years that the HRA has been coming back from. He said the HRA had an executive director who led the agency astray. One person was even charged with embezzling.

The agency hired another director to begin digging them out of that hole, who made some progress before she decided to move back with her family.

Baker said there are still issues that the current director, Deborah Mitchell, has been working to get straightened out, and while there has been more progress, he noted that things take time working with the federal government.

He said there has not been as much focus on the redevelopment because of this, but recently some of the board members have talked about the need to start moving forward with more housing projects. He spoke of working with the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.

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Baker said one thing he was concerned about if the council became the full board for the HRA is that the bylaws state there has to be one resident board member. He also liked that the board has some other members as well who have experience with housing.

Rigg said there would be many advantages to taking the HRA under the city, particularly related to planning and development and the city's ability to leverage funding through bonding for housing projects.

He said in the communities in the area that are growing, the city typically runs both the HRA and the EDA.

Sixth Ward Councilor Brian Anderson, who also serves on the HRA board, questioned whether just the redevelopment portion of the HRA could go back to the city, and the current board could become the board over public housing.

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Rigg said just because the council would become the HRA board, it would not mean the agency would get fully absorbed as a city entity, that the staff would become city staff or that the skillsets of those individuals currently in positions would disappear. These individuals have experience dealing with HUD and rental properties.

First Ward Councilor Rachel Christensen said she did not want any opportunities on the table to be passed over, and said she thought that sharing some of the resources with the city made sense.

Murray said he has questioned whether the HRA has a plan for the future, and Anderson said from his time on the board, his impression is that the agency has been spending all of its time putting out fires on the public housing side of things and that it hasn't been able to focus on the redevelopment authority side.

Fourth Ward Councilor Reid Olson, who served for many years as chairman of the HRA board, said he would like to see the HRA more incorporated into the city with a singular vision moving forward.

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He noted that the HRA had previously been good about getting Small Cities Development grants.

Rigg also pointed out other programs the city has implemented that could have been programs the HRA could have easily done, such as the demolition diversion program, promotion of infill housing and funding for housing improvements.

Rigg said the council did not need to make a decision right away, though if a change was made, it would be better if it happened sooner.

Rigg encouraged the council to keep an open mind about the issue and continue to evaluate it, noting they can't keep using the previous director as a reason why things aren't moving forward at a faster rate.

Baker said the HRA board would also have a long conversation about the issue at its next meeting.
A Southern California couple at the center of a child abuse investigation that involves 21 young children, some of whom were birthed by different surrogate mothers, engaged in unethical and illegal activity while running their real estate business, according to two separate lawsuits filed by former employees.

Theyre terrible people. They just had shady business practices, said Tina Powers, a former real estate assistant for Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan.

Powers said she worked for the couples real estate company, Yudao Investments, for six months in 2022. Shes among a group of six former real estate employees who filed a class action lawsuit that accuses Zhang and Xuan of unfair treatment, including failure to pay overtime wages and failure to permit timely rest breaks.

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The suit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in December 2023, is ongoing.

Zhang and Xuan have not responded to multiple requests for comment. An attorney who represented them in the class action suit and the second lawsuit could not immediately be reached for comment.

According to Powers, Zhang and Xuan initially ran their real estate business out of their Los Angeles suburban mansion, where police recently removed 15 children amid their investigation after a 2-month-old baby was brought to the hospital with head injuries. The children were taken into protective custody, police in Arcadia said.

A spokesman for the Arcadia Police Department said Thursday that video evidence recovered from the home shows that some of the younger children were subjected to physical and emotional abuse by nannies, and they believe Zhang and Xuan knew all this was occurring and let it happen. An arrest warrant has been issued for the 56-year-old nanny who authorities say was seen on camera violently shaking and striking the 2-month-old baby who was hospitalized.

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Zhang, 38, and Xuan, 65, were arrested in May on suspicion of felony child endangerment and neglect but were released from custody pending further investigation.

Six other children belonging to the couple were found in the care of family and friends, police said. It is not clear how many of the children were born to surrogate mothers.

Powers said that when she worked for the couple, many of the rooms in the nine-bedroom home had been turned into offices, and there were cameras everywhere because they thought you were conspiring against them.

She recalled seeing four or five children in the home: one she believed to be biologically Zhangs from a previous relationship and three others who she believed biologically belonged to a woman who was allegedly a surrogate and a nanny. Zhang and Xuan also had one biological child together, Powers said.

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We used to call it the nursery. There were two girls that helped her out with that, she said. One of them was a surrogate.

Powers said she never witnessed any abuse toward the children, but she said Zhang and Xuan would yell at each other and mistreat their real estate employees. She alleged that some workers were paid a lower salary than what was advertised in the job description, were paid late, were denied proper breaks, and were not given sick leave.

The lawsuit alleges that the employees typically worked more than eight hours a day without being paid overtime, and that on most days they were not able to take a timely and uninterrupted meal break of at least 30 minutes.

The couple would also fire workers whenever they felt like it, Powers said. Most of the employees involved in the class action lawsuit only worked for the couple for a few months in 2022, according to the complaint.

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It was just very poor working conditions. It was dysfunctional. Those two yelled and screamed at each other like bloody murder, and it would just echo throughout the mansion. They would throw things at each other. It was not acceptable, she said. Working for them was terrible.

Around July 2022, the real estate business moved out of the mansion and into an office building in El Monte. Powers said she was terminated by the couple in September 2022 after she began speaking up for herself and her colleagues.

I was insisting that they fix things, she said. They accused me of writing down something wrong. They came, locked down my computer, and expected me to stay there for the whole day waiting for my check, like they did everybody else. I just left. And I was like, thank God its over. They were just terrible people.

Shortly after she was terminated, Powers reached out to her former colleagues, and they filed the lawsuit.

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The minute I left, I started making calls because I knew it wasnt right, she said.

In July 2022, another former employee sued the real estate company and Xuan, alleging wrongful termination, battery, assault and failure to pay overtime. Alejandro Diaz alleged in his lawsuit that Xuan threw rocks at him following an argument, brandished an assault rifle and fired him without proper pay.

In a cross-complaint, Yudao alleged that Diaz was the aggressor and said the firearm Diaz saw was a toy gun Xuan had as he played with his son.

Diaz began working for the couple in May 2022 as an eviction manager, according to the complaint. The lawsuit says that Xuan created a hostile work environment, screamed at employees, and illegally removed tenants from their homes.

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Diaz described his time working for the couple as chaotic. He said he was fired after eight days on the job following an incident with Xuan.

The suit states that during one trip to a rental property, Diaz witnessed Xuan illegally change the locks to a home, preventing the tenant from entering the residence. When the tenant arrived at the property, an argument ensued.

Diaz, Xuan and another eviction manager eventually left the property and went to another home, where Xuan allegedly yelled at the tenant and fired a stun gun at the tenants dog, according to the lawsuit. Xuan allegedly became irate and began kicking the tenants door before leaving the property.

Diaz, according to the lawsuit, told Xuan that his method of evicting tenants was violent and illegal. The two got into an argument, and Xuan is accused of becoming increasingly hostile and hitting Diazs hand, the lawsuit says. When Diaz told Xuan not to touch him, Xuan allegedly started swinging at Diaz and throwing rocks at him.

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Back at the office, Xuan asked Diaz to meet in his office. According to the lawsuit, Xuan began throwing office items at Diaz. Another employee had to intervene and took Diaz outside, it says.

Diaz said he was informed that he had been fired and was told to wait for his final paycheck, the suit states. He alleged in the lawsuit that as he waited for his check, Xuan came into the garage with what appeared to be an assault rifle and stared at him in a threatening manner. Fearing for his safety, Diaz called the police, according to the lawsuit. He said Zhang gave him his final paycheck, but it did not include any of the overtime he had worked.

Diazs lawsuit was settled earlier this year with a confidentiality clause, his attorney said.

Powers said she has not kept in touch with Zhang or Xuan since she was fired, but was not shocked by the recent allegations. Diaz said he always felt like something was off during his brief employment.

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I sensed something sinister was going on  but I couldnt really pinpoint it, he said. I wasnt sure what was happening.

One surrogate mother, Kayla Elliott, told NBC News that she thought she was helping a couple who struggled to conceive and was unaware that Zhang and Xuan had so many other children. The child Elliott birthed is now in foster care, and she is fighting to gain custody.

The Arcadia Police Department said it is working with the FBI and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services as it investigates the couple.

In a text message to Los Angeles television station KTLA, a phone number associated with Zhang said that any accusations of wrongdoing are misguided and wrong, and she looks forward to vindicating any such claims at the appropriate time when and if any actions are brought.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Brief

A couple was arrested nearly four years after a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed inside his Pasadena home.

Iran Moreno was shot by a bullet while playing video games on Nov. 20, 2021.

Muhammad Abdul-Malik and Teraeja Flemmings were recently arrested and charged Friday with one count of murder each.

PASADENA, Calif. - Two people were charged Friday with the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy who was hit by a stray bullet while playing video games in the bedroom of his Pasadena home in November 2021, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said.

What we know

Muhammad Abdul-Malik, 38, and Teraeja Flemmings, 31, were each charged with one count of murder. Abdul-Malik is also charged with one felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon. According to a statement by the DA's Office, Abdul-Malik personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury or death.

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Abdul-Malik is being held on $3 million bail, and Flemmings on $2 million bail. Abdul-Malik is currently in custody in Florida awaiting extradition to LA, meanwhile Flemmings is expected to be arraigned July 21.

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On Nov. 20, 2021, Iran Moreno was shot and killed while playing video games in his bedroom on the 900 block of North Raymond Avenue. Officials say Abdul-Malik allegedly fired a single gunshot through a window of Morenos home from a vacant lot across the street. He then got into a getaway vehicle allegedly driven by Flemmings. The two are believed to be a couple.

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If convicted as charged, Abdul-Malik faces 53 years to life in state prison, and Flemmings faces 25 years to life in state prison. A motive for the shooting is unknown.

The Source

Information for this story came from a statement provided by the LA County District Attorney's Office.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A federal appeals court has ruled that Walmart must face the governments $24 million fine for allegedly not keeping proper records showing that its workers were allowed to work in the U.S.

From 2018 to 2021, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) checked 20 Walmart stores across the country, including one in Georgia. The agency said it found more than 11,000 times when Walmart allegedly did not keep proper records showing workers were allowed to work in the U.S.

ICE filed 20 complaints against Walmart, asking for $24.2 million in fines, according to court records.

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Initially, Walmart won a case in a Georgia court that stopped these complaints from going forward. The judge said that ICE could not use an administrative law judge (ALJ) from the Department of Justice to decide these cases because it was unconstitutional.

But on Wednesday, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that decision. The appeals court said the judge was wrong and that ICE can continue with its cases before the ALJ. This ruling applies to Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

Alice Walton School of Medicine completes construction, kicks off inaugural class

In court documents, Walmart stated that ICE never accused the company of hiring anyone illegally. Instead, the complaints focused on Walmarts alleged failure to properly maintain workers I-9 forms, which prove a persons legal right to work in the United States.

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The appeals court rejected Walmarts claim that the administrative law judge handling ICEs cases was improperly protected from oversight by the President. The 11th Circuit ruled that an administrative law judge has the authority to decide civil cases involving employers accused of immigration law violations.

In its 70-page opinion, the court stated, A politically accountable executive department head is still ultimately responsible for the ALJs decisions, and, as such, the President is able to faithfully execute the law.

In one Walmart store in Statesboro, Georgia, ICE reportedly found 739 record-keeping violations. Walmart asked for a hearing to challenge these claims but sued the government in June 2023 before the cases were fully decided.

The courts full opinion can be read below:

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KNWA/FOX24 has reached out to Walmart for comment and has not yet heard back.

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COVENTRY  A member of the Coventry Police Department was awarded CIT Moment of the Year at the 2025 Statewide Crisis Intervention Team Conference.

Senator Jeff Gordon and State Rep. Tim Ackert presented the official citation to Police Officer Wayne Greener.

The award CIT Moment of the Year was given by the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE).

Officer Greener not only underwent training for crisis intervention techniques and skills, but also has used his training for the peaceful de-escalation resolution of serious and difficult situations, Gordon said.

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Joined by Gordon and Ackert in the ceremony were Coventry Police Chief Eric Peterson and Captain Jeffrey Spadjinske.

I presented the award along with State Rep. Tim Ackert to highlight the good work that the Coventry Police Department does to keep people safe, Gordon said. Law enforcement is not easy, but it is necessary community work.

Gordon, who is a member of the Legislatures Public Safety & Security Committee, added he is proud to support law enforcement and to do what he can to help.

Whenever peaceful outcomes can be achieved, that is good, Gordon said. Officer Greeners skillful use of crisis intervention techniques and deep compassion helps de-escalate volatile situations and support individuals in their most vulnerable moments. He has received statewide recognition for his training and work.
The Brief

Cow Creek bridge construction is being expedited after it was washed out after deadly flooding

The bridge connected Lago Vista to Marble Falls and was the only direct route

Officials hope to have the new bridge up and running before the start of the school year

MARBLE FALLS, Texas - TxDOT is expediting the construction of a bridge that was washed out two weeks ago during the deadly flooding.

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TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson said this project has cut the line and the developer is utilizing resources from another project to get this one done sooner.

Cow Creek bridge reconstruction

It has been two weeks since water rushed through Cow Creek, washing away the 1431 bridge. The bridge connected Lago Vista to Marble Falls and was the only direct route.

"Replacing this bridge immediately became a top priority for us," Ferguson said.

TxDOT has awarded an emergency contract to Hunter Industries at a cost of $4 million. The contractor could earn up to a million dollars in incentives by finishing the bridge up to 20 days early.

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"Ideally, we would like to have traffic on the new bridge as close to the start of the new school year as possible," Ferguson said.

Completing the construction of a bridge on such a tight timeline is something Ferguson said is unusual.

"One of the things we were able to do was secure concrete beams from another project that weve designed this bridge to match those beams. On a typical project, if we go to a standard letting a bid opening, awarding a contract, usually a contractor will order those beams which need to be fabricated, shipped, designed, fabricated, and shipped to us, that can take up to 6 months," Ferguson said.

This bridge will look different from the one that was standing before, which was built in 1960.

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"This bridge was designed to the current engineering standards, making it slightly higher and wider, meaning that the bridge will be approximately 5 feet higher than the previous bridge," Ferguson said.

The bridge will have 12-foot travel lanes, 6-foot shoulders, and a 2-foot striped median.

Click to open this PDF in a new window.

There will be a detour as construction is ongoing. Residents in the area said it takes a while.

"It takes half a day, you know, its inconvenient," Marble Falls resident Ed Dib said.

"We appreciate the publics patience during this time," Ferguson said.

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Work on the permanent bridge is set to begin on Monday, July 21.

Ferguson said they are still looking at the possibility of a low-water crossing as a temporary solution, but said it may not be possible because of how many people utilize the road. Its estimated about 3,000 vehicles do so every day.

The Source

Information from TxDOT officials and previous coverage
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  A luncheon meant to celebrate a year of conservation quickly turned into a major milestone for Ducks Unlimited.

More than 200 donors, volunteers, and conservation leaders gathered Friday at the City Club of River Ranch in Lafayette, expecting to reflect on the nonprofits progress. But midway through the program, Cox Communications announced a $2.5 million surprise investment to support coastal restoration in Louisiana and Texas.

Were here to announce a special grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to Ducks Unlimited$2.5 million to protect and preserve our wetlands in Louisiana, said Erin Monroe, Cox Communications Market Vice President for Greater Louisiana.

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The grant, made through Coxs charitable foundation, aims to restore vulnerable coastal habitat, many of which have been severely impacted by erosion, land loss, and storms. Officials like Tyler Bosworth, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said the funding will go directly toward projects like marsh building, terracing, and barrier creation.

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This money is going to go towards coastal restoration and coastal projects in the Louisiana coastal zone where waterfowl habitat is critical, Bosworth said. It allows us to put more terracing projects and more dirt on the landscape.

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The gift builds on a longstanding partnership between Cox Communications and Ducks Unlimited.

With this additional $2.5 million, were able to leverage significant additional resources to put on the landscape, said Richard Smith, Ducks Unlimiteds Chief Development Officer. So it benefits the people, the communities. The restoration that we have is just tremendous across this landscape.

That restoration work includes years of wetland protection across Louisiana, thanks in part to previous donations from Cox. Projects have included marsh-building initiatives, vegetative buffers, and storm-resilient coastal structures.

Were building, like I said, a lot of marsh and wetlands throughout Louisiana, said Jay Owen, a Ducks Unlimited national board member. But it helps so much of the recreational fishermen, the oystermen, shrimpersso it benefits everybody down here.

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For Monroe and her team at Cox, the motivation is deeply rooted in protecting Louisianas identity and future.

Its all about thinking about the experiences we have right now, protecting that land for future generationsto make sure our kids, our grandkids can see the beauty in the landscape of Louisiana, Monroe said.

Ducks Unlimited officials said the scale of the donation will help fast-track new projects in some of the Gulf Coasts most at-risk ecosystems.

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Altadenans are no strangers to animal sightings  there are peacocks and parrots aplenty around town  but news of a coyote and black bear palling around town together recently has locals talking.

First introduced to the public via a clip posted to social media by the Altadena Sheriffs Station, the duo have been spotted together multiple times, munching on garbage and patrolling the foothill streets left mostly desolate by the Eaton fire in January.

While seeing a bear or coyote isnt abnormal in Altadena, observing them together is surprising, says L.A. County Sheriffs Deputy Andrew Garza, whose partner took the video of the unlikely pair when they responded to a call about the bear in late June. They were kind of just walking and hanging out together, which was really interesting, he says. I think that because of the fires, both animals have lost their natural habitat so theyre down here looking for water and food, but seeing them together painted this picture of them being just two friends, trying to get along and checking out the neighborhood.

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Altadena resident Raimy Rosenduft says she captured the pair a week or so later on her front door camera (experts believe its the same couple). In her clip, the bear and the coyote are seemingly enjoying the spoils of a spilled garbage can, surveying the neighborhood while they weigh their next move.

While wildlife experts say its understandable that viewers may see the clips and think check out this pair of cute, furry best friends, theyre quick to note that whats going on between the two species seems to indicate more toleration than affection.

You can humanize your dog or your cat, but I think even thats a stretch, says Steve Searles , a wildlife expert and author who Animal Planet once dubbed The Bear Whisperer. Thinking that these animals love you or each other the way that you love them just isnt based on reality or fact. I dont want to burst anyones bubble, but its that kind of thinking that gets someone  either a person or more likely an animal  killed.

Theres a less sentimental explanation for the team-up, Searles says. Back when he was working as a wildlife officer in Mammoth Lakes in the 1990s, Searles says he often saw coyotes sleeping outside bear dens. (Coyotes have also been spotted alongside bears in Burbank , although in seemingly less friendly circumstances, among other places.) It was like they were just waiting for the bear to wake up and go to work, because it was more economical for them to travel with the bear during its nightly route, Searles explains. While bears are typically seen as apex predators, he says, black bears  the only wild bears left in California  are actually vegetarian-leaning omnivores, eating far more grass, tubers, roots and berries than meat. Coyotes, on the other hand, are opportunistic eaters, chowing down on whatever crosses their paths. Following a bear, wholl knock over a garbage can to lick out a discarded jar of peanut butter but may ignore chicken bones, could be a win for the smaller animal.

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Read more: 'Everyone else has moved on': Why L.A. fire victims may be feeling even worse now

Unless a black bear has cubs with it or is looking to mate, Searles says, they wont really pay the coyote much mind. Everybody's used to seeing grizzlies on TV catching salmon out of the air at the top of some waterfall, but black bears are one of the laziest animals on the planet, he explains. They just want to walk around on your lawn, eating grass or daisies or other non-indigenous species of plants. It's just plain easier. They dont want to run for anything if they can help it.

Bear ecologist Chris Morgan says that, while he wouldnt use the word lazy to describe black bears, he would absolutely call them efficient. Like all bears, theyre out for the biggest number of calories for the least amount of effort.

Even if the pairing is less buddy animal movie and more biological imperative, that doesnt mean seasoned wildlife observers havent found something interesting in the footage.

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Eric Strauss, the executive director of the Loyola Marymount Center for Urban Resilience , says his group has studied coyotes in urban environments extensively. Still, he says, hes never seen a coyote with a bear. Im an old scientist, but still this kind of stuff never stops being delightful, Strauss says. We might think we have everything figured out, but the beauty of science is that you have to prepare to be surprised.

Observing the pair may help scientists understand more about how animals respond to trauma, like the Eaton fire that destroyed both homes and wildlife habitat. In the same way that fire is traumatic to humans, fire is traumatic to social animals, Strauss says. A lot of these social animals, like coyotes, probably lost their partners or lost their offspring and are, to some degree, still in shock. Most social animals are able to experience all the emotions that humans do. They don't necessarily show it the same way, but I think knowing that creates a bond between us. These animals might still be wild, but, really, we're not as different as we would like to think we are.

Read more: The event of the year? A 'diva' bookstore cats 10th birthday party

In Altadena, where bear murals already dotted local stores before the fire, that sort of connection can feel extra special. Greg Mann, whos lived in Altadena for about 30 years and whos posted his bear sightings on the local Reddit page, says when he returned to his home in the Canyon Crest neighborhood earlier this spring, the area felt deserted, not just by people but by animals as well.

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Everything was so silent. There werent a lot of people back and it was pitch black at nighttime, he says. We werent seeing any signs of wildlife and [my wife and I] were really concerned because the fire had traveled so quickly so we just werent sure how all the animals had fared. But then we started getting deer in our yard again and other animals, and every single time a new animal comes through, it just feels so hopeful. Little by little, it feels like things are starting to get back to the way they should be.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
EXETER, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A person was sent to the hospital after driving into a building along Wyoming Avenue Saturday morning, according to Wyoming Area Regional Police Department.

28/22 News found UGI crews on-scene around noon working to repair a gas pipe after a crash Saturday morning.

Wyoming Area Regional Police Chief Michael Turner says the driver struck a gas pipe causing a severe gas leak inside and around the building.

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According to Chief Turner, crews were called just before 3:00 a.m. to the 1900 block of Wyoming Avenue for a report of car into building.

When on-scene police found Mazda SUV crashed into the side of a building shared by both Dollar General and Closet Clothes-Out.

Police say the driver suffered a diabetic attack causing them to lose control of the car.

75-year-old dead after motorcycle crash

A sign on the building also states that the businesses are currently shut down due to the crash affecting the gas service until UGI makes the necessary repairs.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Downtown sidewalks are filled with signs, sales and shoppers  all part of Sioux Falls annual Crazy Days event.

It runs today and tomorrow through Saturday. Some stores like ours will still run specials on Sunday, so if you cant get down until Sunday, I think its worth coming down. Come down and see us downtown. Its a great atmosphere. Youll find a lot of fun things here, said Tami Brown, owner of Spice & Tea Exchange.

Rollover crash at I-29 and 26th/Louise in Sioux Falls

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More than 20 businesses are participating this year, offering steep discounts and bringing inventory outdoors to meet crowds.

Crazy Days turn sidewalks into a shopping strip, and for many downtown businesses, its also a crucial chance to connect with new customers, said KELOLANDs Kyla Andvik.

Its just really chill and a lot of good people. I mean, everybodys so friendly, and the stores are great. Its a good way to spend part of the day, said Shelane Hoverson visiting from Detroit Lakes.

The two-day event includes more than just deals. Some shops are offering snacks, giveaways and art to draw people in.

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We have so many different participants and that they can just kind of jump from store to store and hear what everybody has to offer, said Marissa Ferandez, store manager of Primp.

Its not just about the bargains- its about keeping dollars in the community and celebrating what downtown Sioux Falls has to offer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Move over Burmese pythons and iguanas. This Florida invasive species numbers in the millions, asphyxiates its prey and creates huge supercolonies that are nearly impossible to eradicate.

Meet tawny crazy ants.

They get their name from their erratic movements, especially while foraging, and are native to South America but spread to the southern U.S. in the late 1990s.

According to the USDA, tawny crazy ants in Florida are part of a super colony that spreads across the southern U.S. They lack territorial behavior, which enables the creation of gigantic supercolonies, whose need for resources drives out local wildlife and brings them into direct conflict with humans.

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They can invade homes where they are drawn to and damage electrical equipment, and can make yards uncomfortable for residents to enjoy.

In areas of the country with severe tawny crazy ant infestations, they kill or displace local wildlife, including other ant species, even fire ants. Theres no insect noise and theres no bird noise, University of Texas ecologist Edward LeBrun told Science.

According to Texas A&M University's Urban and Structural Entomology Program, after experiencing the tawny crazy ant, most residents prefer the fire ant.

Tawny crazy ants bite and excrete formic acid

A queen and worker tawny crazy ant in a laboratory colony at The University of Texas at Austin, Brackenridge Field Laboratory.

Tawny crazy ants bite and excrete formic acid, which they use like venom.

What do tawny crazy ants in Florida eat?

According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), tawny crazy ants prey on live animals, and scavenge from dead animals. They eat caterpillars, beetles, termites, wasps and spiders, or even small animals such as rabbits, birds, lizards, and domestic animals, which usually die due to asphyxia.

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Tawny crazy ants are capable of forcing birds from their nests and blinding young rabbits with their acid, Smithsonian Magazine reported.

They can attack crops, domestic animals and honeybee hives, and take over the nesting sites of other ant species, including fire ants.

Where in Florida are tawny crazy ants found? See map

Gynandromorph, worker male tawny crazy ant.

According to IFAS, by 2012, tawny crazy ants were found in 24 counties in Florida listed below, with infestations spreading. This can be expected in any county in Florida, IFAS reported.

Alachua

Brevard

Broward

Clay

Collier

DeSoto

Duval

Hardee

Hillsborough

Indian River

Lee

Manatee

Marion

Martin

Miami-Dade

Orange

Palm Beach

Pasco

Pinellas

Polk

Saint Johns

Saint Lucie

Sarasota

What do tawny crazy ants look like?

The Urban and Structural Entomology Program at Texas A&M University describes tawny crazy ants as follows:

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Coloration : Adult colony members, including queens, males and workers, are reddish-brown (although lightness or darkness of their body color may vary)

Size : Worker ants are all similar in size (they are monomorphic), with a body length of 1/8 inch.

Worker ants have long legs and antennae and their bodies have numerous, long, coarse hairs. The antenna have 12-segments with no club.

There is a small circle of hairs (acidopore) present at tip of the abdomen (as opposed to the typical stinger found in many ants), a characteristic of formicine ants (found within the Formicinae subfamily).

An ant makes its way across a seagrape leaf at Midtown Beach that is illuminated from behind by early morning light November 11, 2024.

How to get rid of tawny crazy ants around your home

Management of this ant will most likely require the services of a professional pest control company that practices integrated pest management (IPM).

According to UF, 100% eradication of this ant is not probable in areas where it is established. However, population suppression is possible.

Tawny crazy ant prevention

Outdoors

Schedule regular trash pick-up. Keep trash cans clean and stored away from the home.

Remove leaf litter, fallen branches, and other yard debris.

Keep hedges and trees trimmed so that they do not touch the home.

Indoors

Eliminate or reduce possible food, water, and nesting sources.

Remove trash regularly and keep trash receptacles clean.

Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink.

Clean up spills immediately.

Place food items in the refrigerator or in sealed containers.

Pick up pet food bowls when your pet is not eating.

Exclusion

To prevent ants from entering a home:

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Walk around the outside of the home and locate potential entry points (cracks, crevices, spaces around windows and doors).

Locate indoor entry points, paying particular attention to windows, doors, and plumbing and utility penetrations.

Use an appropriate sealant.

Replace door thresholds and weather stripping as needed.

If you can see light from the outside while you are standing inside, it is enough of a gap for ants and other pests to enter.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Fire ant vs tawny ants: invasive species in Florida. Map, how to kill
DENVER (KDVR)  Federal prosecutors are partially crediting a steep drop in bank robberies across Colorado to a creative public relations strategy.

According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 191 bank robberies happened statewide in 2021. At the time, it made Colorado the bank robbery capital of the country.

FBI looking for One-hit Wonders bank robbers in Denver metro

What we were finding is these werent just 191 robberies that were committed by 191 different people. They were often committed by recidivist criminals. People who have long criminal histories and they would hit banks one after another, Assistant U.S. Attorney for Colorado Brian Dunn said.

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According to Dunn, investigators noticed habitual robbers often had defining similarities from crime to crime. However, he says identifying bank robbery suspects is the most difficult part of the investigation.

When there was a pattern robber, we found it useful to give a name to that person. Maybe a physical characteristic or an action that was common between the robberies and when that name of a bandit can be put to a face, often wed be able to establish identity by tips from the public, Dunn said.

In 2022, the story of the Bushy Brows Bandit was widely reported on by media outlets in both Denver and Colorado Springs. He earned the nickname due his thick eyebrows that were visible between his hat and his mask during five local bank robberies. He was arrested less than a week after hitting the fifth bank.

Theyre generally members of the community. Theyre generally people who for whatever reason, have decided to make the horrible decision to rob a bank, Dunn said. And while they often try to mask their identity, perhaps theres various characteristics that other members of the public recognize.

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Other notable bandits FOX31 has reported on over the past several years include the Fledgling Bandit, who appeared to be new to robbing banks; the Penguin Bandit, who waddled when he walked; the Snake Bit Bandit, who wore a hat with a snake emblem on it, and the Entitled Bandit, who reportedly scoffed when he got less cash than he was expecting.

The Penguin Bandit was arrested in February 2024, just a few weeks after CrimeStoppers posted about him on social media. He was identified as Samuel Ruthstrom and sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to the robberies.

Its one of the highest solve rates of any crime that we have in Colorado, Dunn said. Its very rare that someone gets away with bank robbery.

Lashaya Stine disappeared 9 years ago; family and detectives determined to find her

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Since investigators started using the nickname strategy, the number of bank robberies in Colorado has dropped each year.

According to the FBI, Colorado topped the list in 2021 with 191 robberies. In 2022, Colorado fell behind California with 155 robberies. In 2023, Colorado saw 104 bank robberies and ranked number three. In 2024, the number of cases dropped to 71.

This year weve had 16 bank robberies and attempted bank robberies in the state of Colorado, which is a tremendous drop off, Dunn said.

He believes the success the FBI and U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado has in catching and prosecuting bank robbery suspects is scaring away other would-be robbers. Dunn says part of the credit goes to the unique public outreach strategy.

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While theres some funny names and theres amazing movies about bank robbery, they do have a significant harm, Dunn said.

Dunn says one of the other significant changes that could be contributing to a drop in cases is that many bank robbery cases are now prosecuted in federal court, which carries harsher punishments than cases prosecuted in state courts.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 suspect in the attack on an Oklahoma City television station's weather radar and satellite transmission dishes has been charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor.

Anthony Tyler Mitchell, 39, of Oklahoma City, "has a history of damaging others' properties," police reported in a court affidavit.

He was charged Thursday, July 17, in Oklahoma County District Court. He remained in jail Saturday.

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The incident on July 6 and 7 at News 9 attracted national media attention because a group called Veterans on Patrol claimed responsibility. Founder Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer told News 9 that weather radars in Oklahoma were being targeted because they were "weather weapons" for the military.

Meyer told The Arizona Republic on July 10 that he and those in his movement were doing nothing wrong. Meyer lived in Arizona before moving to Oklahoma.

Eliminating directed energy weapons that are embedded in our infrastructure is not going to harm a single American, he said. It will take away a loaded weapon pointed at the American people.

The Southern Poverty Law Center calls Veterans on Patrol an anti-government militia and Meyer a Christian nationalist who encourages vigilantism.

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Meyer has not been charged over the property destruction at News 9, a CBS affiliate.

Mitchell is charged in the first felony count with damaging equipment in a critical infrastructure facility. Prosecutors allege he cut satellite transmission lines used to receive programming from CBS and national emergency messages.

The maximum punishment for that offense is 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

He is charged in the second felony count with malicious injury or destruction of property. He is accused of using a hammer to damage an electric meter box and a transfer case from a backup generator to knock out power to the weather radar for more than 11 hours.

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Police reported the TV station's engineering director estimated the damage and repairs exceeded $7,000.

Mitchell was charged with a misdemeanor count of entering with the intent to commit a felony. Police reported he climbed a 10-foot metal fence to cut off power to the weather radar and then went into another fenced area to cut the satellite transmission lines.

Police reported in the court affidavit that Mitchell was identified as a suspect from News 9 surveillance video.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed the criminal charge. Court records on the case do not yet show an attorney for Mitchell.

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This crime is about much more than vandalism of property, Drummond said Saturday.

Weather radar is not a 'weather weapon.' Radar technology is vitally important and saves the lives of countless Oklahomans every year," the AG said. "This individuals alleged action is not simply wrong; it imperiled public safety. My office is committed to protecting critical infrastructure and holding accountable anyone who willfully damages it."

Mitchell also is facing a misdemeanor charge of violation of a protective order.

This article has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Criminal charge filed over property damage at OKC television station
The once-extinct black rhino population in Mozambique is poised for a comeback after five decades thanks to a generous donation by South Africa.

Ten of these critically endangered rhinos were transported to Zinave National Park, according to the Peace Parks Foundation. The five males and five females will act as a "founder population" that promotes genetic diversity among the existing 37 rhinos introduced to the park in recent years.

"Establishing new founder populations is one of many critical interventions to secure the future of these species," said South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Dion George.

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Conservation biologists prioritize genetic diversity when rewilding animals because it ensures the population avoids inbreeding that can stunt population growth over time. For black rhinos, in particular, other strategies  such as ex situ conservation, or breeding efforts outside natural habitats  prove difficult because of fertility issues that can arise with females, according to a recent study by the International Rhino Foundation.

Rewilding efforts are becoming increasingly common in Africa and other parts of the world, and they are a valuable element in preserving natural ecosystems. With the reintroduction of species that once thrived in these habitats, conservationists can promote biodiversity.

In turn, these diverse populations combat climate change through seed dispersal, which promotes new carbon-capturing plant life, and grazing, which discourages carbon-heavy wildfires.

Rewilding efforts must run the gamut of the food chain to achieve these climate change-fighting ambitions, though. Trophic rewilding, for example, helps these ecosystems self-regulate by introducing species that promote top-down interactions between predators and prey.

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For everyone involved in the Zinave National Park rewilding effort for the black rhino, this latest step is a significant feat years in the making.

"Supporting the rewilding of critically endangered species like the black rhino is at the heart of what we believe in  creating lasting impact for people and planet," said Clara Govier, managing director of People's Postcode Lottery, which helped finance the donation. "It's a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together across borders to restore nature and protect our shared future."

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure 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.






State and county officials honored Cleburnes Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum via Texas State House Resolution 789 during Mondays meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners Court. State Rep. Helen Kerwin, R-Glen Rose, personally delivered the resolution.

The CTOM, off of U.S. 67 on the banks of Lake Pat Cleburne, exists to preserve and detail the history of the Chisholm Trail and Johnson Countys pioneer days. In addition to the countys original courthouse, the museums grounds include a schoolhouse, jail, pavilion and individual museums focused on Native American history, local law enforcement and other topics. Numerous events including an annual Pioneer Days celebration, pow wows, live music, historic presentations and other festivities fill the museums annual calendar.

Kerwin said that, although shes passed by the museum for years, she only paid her first visit recently.

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Im honored to read HR 789 today recognizing the incredible CTOM, Kerwin said. I had no idea what it was all about until I was began campaigning last year and met [CTOM Onsite Director Carrie Murdoch]. She told me she really wanted to show me around and tell me all the great things going on there. I was just stunned. What an incredible asset Johnson County has.

The resolution, passed by the House and now official, details the history of the Chisholm Trail and Johnson Countys role in it. The resolution mentions also the museums many attractions, programs, benefits and the efforts on behalf of Murdoch as well as CTOM CEO David Murdoch and other volunteers to preserve and share that history.

On behalf of the Texas House of Representatives I want to thank you David and Carrie Murdoch for your outstanding commitment to preserving the heritage and history of Johnson County, Kerwin said. Your efforts have ensured that the story and legacy of the CTOM will be protected and shared for generations to come.

Johnson County Judge Chris Boedeker asked Kerwin for a copy of the resolution as well.

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Wed like to put it in our official minutes so we can have it preserved permanently with a copy, Boedeker said.

Commissioner Rick Bailey commended David Murdochs role as one of the CTOMs founders more than 20 years ago.

The legacy of the CTOM is largely because of this man, Mr. David Murdoch, Bailey said. Theres other names I can think of who were instrumental too.

Bailey credited the role Carrie Murdoch has played in the museums success since coming on board several years ago as well as earlier supporters and contributors including the late Billy Cate and Jack Carlton.

Those are four names who contributed greatly to the success, Bailey said. But theres many others who played their part and volunteered over the years.
The Brief

Congress approved billions in cuts to public broadcasting during a late-night session of voting after a request from the president.

Many of those hurt by the cuts include local radio stations like WDET in Detroit.

Its general manager says it will "devastate" a number of stations.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Public broadcasting stations around the country are preparing for the worst after Congress cut more than a billion dollars from their budget, impacting both PBS and NPR.

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Also affected will be the hundreds of local affiliates that rely on federal money to produce content - including in Detroit at WDET-FM.

Local perspective

In the hours after Congress approved funding cuts to public radio desired by President Donald Trump, station managers like Mary Zatina were left worried by the financial hole they now face.

"It's a huge kick in the gut to WDET. It's going to create a giant hole in our budget," she said.

After a late-night voting round in Congress, the U.S. House approved $9 billion in cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid. While some stations like WDET will see a massive drop in available money, other stations could fare even worse.

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"The truth is it's really going to devastate and probably close a number of stations across the country," said Zatina.

That's because while stations benefit from donations from listeners, a good chunk of how they stay on the air came from the federal government.

Big picture view

Writing on Truth Social, Trump called the funding a waste, blaming a perceived liberal bias from PBS and NPR.

But Zatina says listeners of all affiliations listen to their station and that 82% of what they air is locally produced, including 24/7 music, news, and conversation.

That may now go away - along with the vital role that public radio serves as a communication center for emergencies.

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"A lot of us public stations play a critical role in emergency response and these are sending messages from the federal government, from the state government, from the National Weather Service," she said.

Rural communities may be the hardest hit.

What you can do

Zatina said the best way to help their local station and others around Michigan is by getting support from the community.

"The only good option for WDET Public Radio staying strong in the Metro Detroit community is for more people who care about us to step forward and make a personal contribution," said Zatina.

Learn more here.

The Source

Interviews with WDET Station Manager was used while reporting this story.
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  A Lee County man is facing four capital murder charges, including one under a relatively new Alabama law that makes it a capital offense to kill a parent or guardian in the presence of a young child. Lee County Jessica Ventiere tells WRBL she is seeking the death penalty.

Aaron Williams, 41, is accused of murdering his wife, 34-year-old Tyeisha Williams, and her 13-year-old daughter, Zynnya Wright, inside their Auburn home earlier this month. Prosecutors say the couples 3-year-old son was in the house at the time of the killings. Days later, Williams was found in Tennessee with the child, who was rescued unharmed.

The charge related to the child witness stems from a 2021 addition to Alabamas capital murder statutespecifically Section 13A-5-40(a)(18)which allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty or life without parole when a person murders someone in the presence of a child under 14, if the victim is the childs parent, guardian, or legal custodian. The law was designed to recognize the lasting trauma experienced by children who witness the violent death of a caregiver.

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In court Friday, Williams sat expressionless, wearing a white shirt beside his attorney as Lee County District Judge Christopher Hughes read the charges aloud. The four capital murder counts include murder during a kidnapping, murder of two or more people, murder of a victim under the age of 14, and murder committed in front of a child under 14 where the victim was that childs parent. Williams also faces one count of kidnapping.

Zynnya Wright was beloved by her family. She was in Auburn city school student, her teachers adored her. She had a wonderful smile, a positive attitude and worked very hard in school. She is missed greatly by those who knew her.

Investigators believe the shootings occurred around July 8. The bodies of Tyeisha and Zynnya were discovered July 10 during a welfare check at their Samantha Court home. Williams allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle registered to his wife, taking their 3-year-old son with him. A multi-state search led to his capture in Tennessee. Investigators allege a firearm recovered during his arrest has since been forensically linked to ballistic evidence from the crime scene.

Prosecutors tell WRBL they do plan on seeking the death penalty. District Attorney Jessica Ventiere says the law is a vital tool that not only enhances sentencing but validates the emotional suffering endured by children who witness such traumatic violence.

Williams is currently being held without bond. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled in the coming weeks as the legal process unfolds in what prosecutors say is one of the most disturbing family violence cases the area has seen in recent memory.

Williams

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dallas ISDs ONE Centers are offering year-round enrollment assistance for families navigating school registration for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The centers operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at three locations across the district. They assist with everything from campus selection to specialized program applications.

Staff members help families identify schools matching students academic goals and navigate applications for transformation, magnet, or Montessori programs. They also guide parents through the registration process and assist with student record requests.

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Families often visit seeking in-person guidance and reassurance through what can be a complex and unfamiliar process, Diana Nunez, executive director of Centralized Enrollment, said. Team members are trained to assist with both the technical aspects of enrollment and the human side, offering patience, clarity, and personalized support.

The centers particularly benefit families enrolling multiple children across different grade levels. New residents can explore Dallas ISDs offerings, while current families can pursue transfers or enroll in a specialty school.

Staff members demonstrate the School Finder System, which allows families to browse and filter district campuses. The online tool helps match students with the most suitable educational environments.

Three ONE Center locations serve different areas of Dallas. The Northeast Center is located in the Linus D. Wright Administration Building at 9400 N. Central Expressway.

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The East Center is housed at Frazier House, 4600 Spring Ave. The South location operates from Room 201 at Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Early College, 1700 E. Camp Wisdom Rd.

Summer hours run Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during June and July. Regular hours resume in August.

Additional back-to-school resources, including information on transportation, school hours, and clear backpack policies, are available here.
The Brief

Trash will soon be picked up at the front curb rather than in the alleyway for about 26,000 homes in Dallas.

The head of the city's sanitation department said the change is because narrow alleyways are causing too many problems for the city's larger trash trucks.

Many residents in the affected areas argue it's too much of a burden to bring their trash bins to the front of their homes because of the way they're designed.

DALLAS - The city of Dallas is ending alley trash pickup for thousands of homes in the city. The change has a lot of people frustrated because they say the alternative is too much of a burden.

Dallas Track Pickup Changes

What we know

Dallas Sanitation Services recently announced that it will switch from back alley to front curb trash pickup for about 26,000 homes beginning in January.

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The original proposal was citywide. But after receiving negative feedback, the city narrowed it down to the smallest alleyways on streets where at least 60% of homes have front driveways.

Most of those homes are in the northern and eastern parts of the city. To find out if your home is affected, visit https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sanitation/Pages/curbtransition.aspx.

What they're saying

John Altman lives in one of those neighborhoods. He believes the change will create a significant burden because the homes were designed for alley pickup.

"Wheel the trash from here, all the way up that way, around the street, and back down in front. So we've got three bins, so that will be six trips," he said.

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Libby Collet said the burden is so great, she put together a petition on Change.org. It already has 5,300 signatures and stories of concern from older residents.

"She said, I dont know how I will do this. Im a widow," Collet said.

"If its rainy or if it's snowing or if it's icy, you're creating a safety issue for them," added Jim Collet, her husband.

He's also worried that the city will stop maintaining the alleyways after the switch.

"It's not just trash. Power goes there. Water goes there. You know, cable TV, the phone," he said. "And if the city either doesn't maintain those alleys or doesn't do a good job keeping them up, then once they move the trash out, how are those other folks going to get in to do something?"

The other side

Dallas Sanitation Director Cliff Gillespie said he empathizes.

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"I understand the frustration, and I apologize for the inconvenience that the transition will cause, but really, we have to take care of our workers. The tight alley conditions are a real safety concern. Injuries do occur. So, you know, theres also the issue of increasing costs associated with alleyway services  the damages that are caused to the right-of-way, the pavement, private property, and the sanitation trucks. Those costs continue to go up. We need to be responsible with our ratepayers funds," he said.

Gillespie said the narrow alleyways have been a problem for years.

In the mid-70s, regulations changed, allowing for larger trucks. The city also now has to take the trash much farther than when the alleys were built.

What's next

The affected residents are holding out hope that their petition will lead to more discussion and a more favorable solution.

The Source

FOX 4's Lori Brown gathered details for this story by talking to Dallas Sanitation Director Cliff Gillespie and residents living in the affected areas.
Who flubbed up in Texas flooding?

Trump/Musk Dog-E dooers who indiscriminately fired forecasters and others at NOAA? Not possible. These people (many of whom have become government employees) are very smart and only slash government programs wisely.

Climate change? Impossible. It doesnt exist. Donald Trump said it is a Chinese hoax.

Climate scientists and meteorologists seem to generally agree that greenhouse gases created by humans cause increasingly intense storms. But woke scientists are deliberately trying to sabotage Trumps agenda. They wont recognize Trumps incredible wisdom, selfless patriotism and honesty or admit he knows more about weather than they do.

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Trust Trump, Project 2025 and MAGA. Biden caused the storm and flood.

Brett Menaker, Kennewick

W. Richland pops for July 4 gains

Hats off once again to the West Richland City Council and mayor for their unshakeable resolve to continue sales of aerial fireworks regardless of consequences.

Who cares about brush fires, property damage, or death of citizens? Theres profit to be made in these permit sales! Who cares that a month ago a large brush fire threatened many West Richlands homeowners and sent police and emergency vehicles and personnel scrambling to tell residents to evacuate. Fire is coming! And so is the 4th of July!

Who cares about (or remembers) the 1992 death of Paul Bjorklund, a 25-yr-old volunteer firefighter in Kennewick killed while cutting a firebreak on the side of Jump-off Joe to try to stop a 4th of July fire from spreading up the mountain? Who cares that on July 4, 2023 John Anderson was killed by a mortar-type firework that he was celebrating with at his home?

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This city sanctions uncontrolled mayhem for two or three days every summer and thats the way it is! Who cares about pets, farm animals or wildlife being terrified? Theres profit to be made! Who cares that the rest of the Tri-cities has banned sale and use of aerial fireworks? Do you care?

Mark A. Underwood, West Richland

Call Newhouse about PNNL cuts

I am a member of Friends of PNNL and want to say what a lovely welcoming community this has been to join. Weve deepened our roots here in multiple ways.

We are concerned, however, about the economic impact of the proposed federal budget for FY26, including the elimination of PNNLs entire $160 million Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program and the $100 million cut from the Biological and Environmental Research program.

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These cuts could result in 1,100 lost jobs at PNNL. This would be more than $112M in lost earnings. This would shrink the Tri-Cities economy because of the ripple effect by about 2,500 jobs. Those who provide services for the 1,100 employees lost would all feel the hit.

The jobs lost are specialized and technical, leaving former employees at risk of selling their homes here and moving elsewhere for jobs.

On July 14, the Energy and Water Subcommittee starts their initial mark-up of bills including these potential cuts. Please call U.S. Representative Newhouse 202-225-5816 as soon as possible to ask that EERE and BER funding be restored.

Lets save our jobs, our families and jobs that would be lost by these cuts.

Pamela Gaudet, Pasco

PNNL can stand Trumps trimming

Another day, another Tri-City Herald the sky is falling due to Trump budget cuts article.

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The Heralds July 13 Report: 1,100 jobs could be cut at national lab in Tri-Cities under Trump Budget could stand some perspective. Per the Labs own 2023 Economic Impact Report, as recently as 2017 PNNLs employment was at 4,500. As reported by the Herald, its current employment is about 6,400, which represents a 42% increase over the last eight years.

I think in the minds of many taxpayers, a staffing increase like that is excessive and just another example of why federal spending has exploded in recent years. The Lab, along with much of the rest of the federal government, could stand some down-sizing.

Richard Engelmann, Richland

Trump inhumane toward migrants

The Trump administration is hunting down and persecuting law-abiding undocumented immigrants and seeks to remove endangered groups under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). We must not look away while these cruel policies are implemented.

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The southern border needs to be secure. Immigration must be implemented in a fair and orderly manner. Undocumented immigrants that have criminal records or are part of criminal enterprises should be deported. However, 46% of currently detained undocumented immigrants have no criminal record.

We have all met hard working, family-oriented Latinos that may not be documented They are part of the fabric of our community. ICE agents are hunting them down and forcibly removing them, and ripping their families apart. Furthermore, the detention centers where ICE dumps the people they detain are substandard and their legal rights are being violated.

Law abiding undocumented immigrants that have lived here more than a certain number of years should be eligible to obtain a green card and guaranteed pathway to citizenship as long as they continue to be law abiding. And our country must continue providing a haven to those with TPS until it is safe for them to return home.

Amy Small, Richland

My email sent to Rep. Newhouse

You are a turncoat I used to admire and for whom I voted. But you have demonstrated a lack of courage to stand up to the GOP process of implementing Project 2025 and converting our great nation from a democracy to an autocracy.

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Your vote in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill, which enriches the billionaires, destroys the lower class and attempts to sell the middle class the Brookland Bridge, is an abominable betrayal of our district.

The GOP in Congress consists of fascists who have demonstrated bigotry, self-serving lies, a disregard for all but the billionaires who support your party, and disregard for the Constitution and rule of law that has made the U.S. the greatest democracy in the world since 1776.

I am ashamed of how a farmer became a turncoat against his constituents rather than upholding their ideals and well-being.

Jim Tow, Richland

Night Out is set Aug. 5 for TCs

National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes police and community partnerships. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.

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Through neighborhood camaraderie, we can make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August.

For more information on how your neighborhood can get involved, please visit your city police departments Facebook page or website. Also, be sure to visit the Support, Advocacy & Resource Centers (SARC) website, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information about crime prevention and advocacy services available in our community.

Denise Martin, Pasco
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Two of suspected killer James Craig's daughters took the stand Thursday afternoon in a Centennial, Colorado, courtroom and testified against their father, who is accused of killing their mother over a 10-day period in March 2023.

Craig is charged with first-degree murder in the death of wife Angela, who prosecutors allege died from potassium cyanide and tetrahydrozoline poisoning after an agonizing week-and-a-half in and out of the hospital.

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Craig's oldest daughter testified Thursday that her mother was far from suicidal, as the defense, led by attorney Lisa Fine Moses, has suggested during the trial, according to Kusa.

Dentist Accused Of Poisoning Wifes Shake Said He Gave Her 'Too Much Protein': Co-worker

"She would talk to me about how fun it would be when I had kids of my own and when she could meet them," the daughter reportedly said. "She was so excited to be a grandma."

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She described Angela as her "best friend" and said Angela had hobbies, including woodworking and exercise. She also loved animals, and, above all, her children.

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Craig's daughter testified that while her mother was in the hospital, she was frustrated she could not be with her children.

"She wanted to get back home," she said. "She just wanted to get back to her girls."

She told the jury her parents struggled in their marriage several years before the alleged murder but said things had gotten better before Angela's death.

The defense insisted that Angela was unhappy in a failing marriage, reportedly calling her a "broken" woman with mental health issues. Craig's attorneys have never disputed that Angela died by poisoning but say Craig was not responsible.

Angela Craig and Colorado dentist James Craig in a family portrait. James is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly poisoning his wife.

Victim Or Manipulator? Colorado Dentists Murder Trial Paints Dueling Portraits Of Wife In Troubled Marriage

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The couple's eldest daughter reportedly wanted an autopsy done on Angela's body but said Craig refused.

Later, the couple's second-eldest daughter testified. She also said her mother was not suicidal and had plans for the future.

"We mostly talked about moving. She always talked about her forever home," she said.

Angela dreamed of moving to a home on a large plot of land with a woodworking shop in five years or so, according to the testimony.

She also revealed critical information about communications with her father while he was in jail, particularly a list of requests made by Craig.

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Upon her father's instruction, she said she bailed another inmate out of jail. That inmate then gave her a handwritten bundle of documents in her father's handwriting. The documents included instructions for her to make a "deepfake" video using a cheap burner laptop that she was to buy using a prepaid Visa gift card. Craig instructed his daughter to access the dark web to purchase the video-making service.

Colorado Dentist's Alleged Internet Search History Takes Center Stage As Murder Trial Begins

He also allegedly ordered her to upload the video to a thumb drive and tell detectives she found the drive in her mother's bag, then to destroy the laptop.

Craig told his daughter in the documents that he had been unfaithful to Angela and that she asked him to purchase the poison. He told his daughter that he and her mom were playing a game of chicken when she accidentally took too much of the poison.

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Craig faces a charge of solicitation to tamper with evidence related to this incident.

Former Arapahoe County prosecutor and current Colorado defense attorney Eric Faddis, who is not involved with the Craig case, spoke to Fox News Digital about the crucial testimony.

"It's absolutely a blow to the defense," he said.

Faddis believes the children would likely have known if their mother was suicidal and that allegedly asking one of them to fabricate evidence would be unnecessary if Craig had done nothing wrong.

Small-town Dentist Facing Trial For Allegedly Poisoning Wife's Protein Shake Amid Secret Affair

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"[Craig] reaching out and asking one of the children to do a deep fake video that supported the notion that Angela Craig was suicidal seems like a bit of an act of desperation," said Faddis.

"And, also, to involve your children in such a way when you're faced with a first-degree murder charge that could even cause those children to be exposed to criminal liability, it's just a horrible look for the defense."

As for the daughters' denial that their mother was suicidal, Faddis said the testimony could be interpreted by the jury in two ways.

"They could interpret it as, if a person is suicidal, it's reasonable to think that the people closest to them would have a sense of that, including their children," he said. "Even if the mother didn't come out and say expressly that she was suicidal to her kids, you would think that the kids may have observed clues that a person might be suicidal, like depressive episodes, excessive crying, disengaging from life.

James Craig during opening arguments at his murder trial in Arapahoe District Court Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Centennial, Colo.

"I guess the defense might argue that a mother could have an incentive to not disclose to her children that she is struggling with suicidal ideation because she doesn't want to worry them, and also, it's a very private, sensitive matter," he said. "So, if the jury sees it that way, that might be a little more mitigated.

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"But I think, overall, it's problematic for the defense."

Fox News Digital reached out to defense lawyer Lisa Fine Moses.





Original article source: Daughters' testimony against accused killer dentist father a 'blow to the defense,' expert says
At approximately 09:30 hours, on July 19, 2025, staff noticed issues with 911 traffic. Proper procedures were followed and by 10:00 hours all Technology and management staff were on site and began to assess the issue. 911 traffic continued to flow into the center, however sporadic issues such as not getting voice from callers. This required staff to manually call all callers back. Out of an abundance of caution a wireless emergency alert (WEA) and emergency alert system (EAS) message was sent out notifying the public of the 911 outage and provided alternate phone numbers to call.

During the entire event all 911 traffic was handled, and no calls were missed or lost.

At approximately 11:45 the decision was made to push all 911 traffic to Cumberland County.

At 12:15 the issue was identified and corrected.

Testing was completed on all 911 traffic and calls were rerouted back to Dauphin County at 13:10.

Dauphin County is working with the vendors to determine the root cause and take all necessary actions to prevent this from happening. This issue was specific to Dauphin County and not related to the NG911 outage earlier this month.
President Donald Trump signaled a new front in the war on drugs Thursday with newly signed legislation that would heighten penalties for those possessing fentanyl and fentanyl-like substances.

The bill, the HALT Fentanyl Act, classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule 1 narcotics on the Controlled Substances Act. That means these drugs are now considered a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the law.

Trump was surrounded during the bill signing by the family members of those who lost their lives to fentanyl. Its a drug that has taken the lives of thousands of Americans each year, and Utah is no exception.

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Utah was one of only five states that saw fentanyl overdose deaths increase last year.

President Donald J. Trump officially signs the HALT Fentanyl Act into law  permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.



This bill will save lives. pic.twitter.com/f5uctUQ5wB  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 16, 2025

The fight against drugs at home

In the same 24 hours the bill was signed into law, the Carbon Metro Drug Task Force, the Carbon County SWAT Team, Price City Police and Carbon County Sheriffs Office wore hazmat suits in a drug bust where a large amount of the lethal drug was found at a residence.

Approximately 7 pounds of methamphetamine, over 2 pounds of fentanyl (pills and powder), over 5 ounces of cocaine, and multiple weapons to include at least one firearm, according to the Price City Police Department.

In 2024, Utah set its record for fentanyl pill seizures, per the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Nearly 800,000 pills were confiscated by July, setting the state up to reach or exceed 1 million pills by the end of the year.

President Donald Trump signs the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. | Alex Brandon

Fentanyl is roughly 100 times more potent than morphine, while carfentanil  a veterinary tranquilizer used on elephants  is up to 10,000 times more potent.

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Utahs political leaders have been working to tackle the issue of opioid overdoses in the state head-on. Last legislative session, Rep. Matthew Gwynn, R-Farr West, passed his bill, HB87, which would levy stiffer penalties on fentanyl traffickers than any other drug trafficker:

If a person is found with 100 grams or more of fentanyl or a fentanyl-like substance in the state of Utah, the bill states that the person will be charged with a first-degree felony with prison presumed to follow.

Utahs Attorney General Derek Brown hosted the states first-ever virtual opioid task force meeting in April, and in May, Gov. Spencer Cox called for a crackdown on fentanyl.
The explosion that killed three Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies on Friday morning wasnt the first time a deputy died at a training facility.

Sheriff Robert Luna said the blast at the Biscailuz Training Center in East Los Angeles marked the deadliest day in department history since 1857.

But the most recent death at a training facility occurred last year, when a deputy died from burns suffered in a fire that erupted in a shooting range.

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Read more: 3 L.A. County sheriffs deputies killed in explosion ID'd; investigators search Santa Monica apartment

Most of the roughly 150 deputies who have died in the line of duty were killed under chaotic circumstances  shot or stabbed by suspects, struck by friendly fire, felled by heart attacks on the job and killed in car, motorcycle and plane crashes.

Incidents like Friday's explosion, which occurred in the training centers parking lot, are bound to bring more scrutiny and potential legal liability.

The three deputies who died  said to be department veterans from a specialized unit  have not been publicly identified. Luna told reporters at a mid-day news conference it could take months to get to the bottom of what happened.

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The family of the deputy who died last year is now suing the Sheriff's Department, alleging negligence from higher-ups created a dangerous environment. State regulators have fined the county more than $300,000 for alleged safety violations at the shooting range.

The deputies killed Friday at Biscailuz Center were transporting an explosive device collected a day earlier in Santa Monica when it blew up in a parking lot, a law enforcement source who wasn't authorized to speak publicly told The Times.

Luna said the deputies were assigned to the department's Arson-Explosives Detail. He described them as "fantastic experts" who had handled many dangerous call-outs to collect ordnance.

The last L.A. County sheriff's deputy to die in the line of duty was Alfredo Flores, who succumbed in April 2024 to burns suffered from the Oct. 10, 2023 fire at a shooting range at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

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Flores, a 22-year deputy and father of four, was doing a regular firearms re-certification when the trailer-style range burst into flames, according to a civil complaint his family has filed against the county.

In a complaint of his own, the range master on duty that day, Mark Thorn, said he and Flores were trapped inside by a jammed door. He escaped, but not before suffering "catastrophic" burns, the complaint said.

Read more: 'A full-on inferno': The history of range trailer fires at the L.A. Sheriff's Department

The county has yet to respond to either suit.

Flores' attorney claims the Sheriff's Department should have known the range was in danger of catching fire. Gunpowder, lead and other combustible material had built up inside the structure, the lawyers wrote. They cited a citation from state workplace regulators, who wrote that "accumulated propellant" inside the shooting range posed a fire risk.

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The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health in 2024 fined the Sheriff's Department more than $300,000 for the alleged violations. Sheriff's officials have appealed the citation.

After the deadly fire, the Sheriff's Department shut down its range trailers, which it had used since the 1980s as an affordable alternative to permanent firing ranges.

A reserve deputy was killed in a training exercise in 1967. Michael Wigderson was trying to disarm an instructor at a sheriff's facility in East Los Angeles when the instructor's gun discharged, according to the bulletin published by the Sheriff's Department museum. The gun should not have been loaded.

Wigderson died from a gunshot to his stomach and a second deputy was struck in the arm, the bulletin said.

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Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BEIRUT (AP)  An eruption of violence in Syria this week entangled government forces, Bedouin tribes, the Druze religious minority and neighboring Israel, and highlighted just how combustible the country remains seven months after its longtime authoritarian leader was toppled.

The Druze and other minorities increasingly mistrust Syria's central government. It is run by a man once affiliated with al-Qaida, though he has pledged to protect Syrias diverse ethnic and religious groups since helping to oust Bashar Assad after a nearly 14-year civil war.

The sectarian turbulence within Syria threatens to shake-up postwar alliances and exacerbate regional tensions, experts say. It could also potentially draw the country closer to Turkey and away from Israel, with whom it has been quietly engaging since Assads fall, with encouragement from the Trump administration.

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The spark for this weeks violence

Deadly clashes broke out last Sunday in the southern province of Sweida between Druze militias and local Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes.

Government forces intervened, ostensibly to restore order, but ended up trying to wrest control of Sweida from the Druze factions that control it. Hundreds were killed in the fighting, and some government fighters allegedly executed Druze civilians and burned and looted their houses.

Driven by concerns about security and domestic politics, Israel intervened on behalf of the Druze, who are seen as a loyal minority within Israel and often serve in its military.

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Israeli warplanes bombarded the Syrian Defense Ministrys headquarters in central Damascus and struck near the presidential palace. It was an apparent warning to the country's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led Islamist rebels that overthrew Assad but has since preached coexistence and sought ties with the West. The Israeli army also struck government forces in Sweida.

By Wednesday, a truce had been mediated that allowed Druze factions and clerics to maintain security in Sweida as government forces pulled out  although fighting persisted between Druze and Bedouin forces. Early Saturday, U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack announced a separate ceasefire had been brokered between Israel and Syria.

Worsening ties with minorities

This past weeks clashes arent the first instance of sectarian violence in Syria since the fall of Assad.

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A few months after Assad fled and after a transition that initially was mostly peaceful, government forces and pro-Assad armed groups clashed on Syria's coast. That spurred sectarian attacks that killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite religious minority to which Assad belongs.

Those killings left other minority groups, including the Druze in the south, and the Kurds in the northeast, wary that the countrys new leaders would protect them.

Violence is only part of the problem. Syrias minority groups only have been given what many see as token representation in the interim government, according to Bassam Alahmad, executive director of Syrians for Truth and Justice, a civil society organization.

Its a transitional period. We should have a dialogue, and they (the minorities) should feel that theyre a real part of the state, Alahmad said. Instead, with the incursion into Sweida, the new authorities have sent a message that they would use military force to control every part of Syria, he said.

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Bashar Assad tried this way, and it failed, he added.

On the other hand, supporters of the new government fear that its decision to back down in Sweida could signal to other minorities that its OK to demand their own autonomous regions, which would fragment and weaken the country.

If Damascus cedes security control of Sweida to the Druze, of course everyone else is going to demand the same thing, said Abdel Hakim al-Masri, a former official in the Turkish-backed regional government in Syrias northwest before Assads fall.

This is what we are afraid of, he said.

A rapprochement with Israel may be derailed

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Before this weeks flare-up between Israel and Syria, and despite a long history of suspicion between the two countries, the Trump administration had been pushing their leaders toward normalizing relations  meaning that Syria would formally recognize Israel and establish diplomatic relations, or at least enter into some limited agreement on security matters.

Syrian officials have acknowledged holding indirect talks with Israel, but defusing decades of tension was never going to be easy.

After Assads fall, Israeli forces seized control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in Syria and carried out airstrikes on military sites in what Israeli officials said was a move to create a demilitarized zone south of Damascus.

Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, said she believes Israel could have gotten the same result through negotiations.

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But now its unlikely Syria will be willing to continue down the path of reconciliation with Israel, at least in the short term, she said.

I dont know how the Israelis could expect to drop bombs on Damascus and still have some kind of normal dialogue with the Syrians, said Colin Clarke, a senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, a New York-based organization that focuses on global security challenges. Just like Netanyahu, al-Sharaas got a domestic constituency that hes got to answer to.

Yet even after the events of this past week, the Trump administration still seems to have hope of keeping the talks alive. U.S. officials are engaging diplomatically with Israel and Syria at the highest levels, both to address the present crisis and reach a lasting agreement between two sovereign states, says Dorothy Shea, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Shea said during a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting on Thursday that the United States did not support recent Israeli strikes.

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Syria could be drawn closer to Turkey

During Syrias civil war, the U.S. was allied with Kurdish forces in the countrys northeast in their fight against the Islamic State militant group.

But since Assads fall, the U.S. has begun gradually pulling its forces out of Syria and has encouraged the Kurds to integrate their forces with those of the new authorities in Damascus.

To that end, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces agreed in March to a landmark deal that would merge them with the national army. But implementation has stalled. A major sticking point has been whether the SDF would remain as a cohesive unit in the new army or be dissolved completely.

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Khalifa said the conflict in Sweida is definitely going to complicate those talks.

Not only are the Kurds mistrustful of government forces after their attacks on Alawite and Druze minorities, but now they also view them as looking weak. Lets be frank, the government came out of this looking defeated, Khalifa said.

Its possible that the Kurds, like the Druze, might look to Israel for support, but Turkey is unlikely to stand by idly if they do, Khalifa said.

The Turkish government considers the SDF a terrorist organization because of its association with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which has waged a long-running insurgency in Turkey. For that reason, it has long wanted to curtail the groups influence just across its border.

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Israels latest military foray in Syria could give leaders in Damascus an incentive to draw closer to Ankara, according to Clarke. That could include pursuing a defense pact with Turkey that has been discussed but not implemented.

Turkish defense ministry officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity according to procedures, said that if requested, Ankara is ready to assist Syria in strengthening its defense capabilities.

___

Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara and Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed to this report.
The Lexington school board faced criticism over its plan to use eminent domain to acquire the former Plum Creek Care Center at 1505 N. Adams St.

During the Monday, July 14, meeting, board President Garth Mins explained the districts proposed eminent domain action, revealing a planned approach to acquiring property for future school facilities, including a parking lot to accommodate the districts growing needs.

The school district is required by law to hold a hearing before exercising the power of the eminent domain, Mins said.

Mins explained that the school district has made voluntary efforts to obtain the required real property and has received an appraisal for the proposed acquisition.

He emphasized that the district has or will send notice to property owners of its intent to acquire the property. Mins said that while the school district prefers to purchase the property through voluntary means, it is prepared to use eminent domain if necessary.

After Mins remarks, attorney Kate McNamara presented a timeline on behalf of property owners Leah and Greg Rinard, who are represented through Lexington Investors LLC.

McNamara outlined what she characterized as an arbitrary and capricious attempt to seize the former Plum Creek Care Center property, arguing that the school districts actions potentially violate Nebraska law.

McNamara traced the timeline back to 2022, when the Plum Creek facility was still operational and serving residents. She said that as another local assisted living facility, Avamere, prepared for sale, staff and families from that facility approached her clients to ask whether Plum Creek could accept their residents.

In response, McNamara said the Plum Creek property owners invested $80,000 in renovations for their facility, including roof replacement, new bathroom flooring and the purchase of equipment to welcome new residents.

Despite Plum Creeks efforts to conduct renovations, McNamara said the City of Lexington eventually acquired Avamere, which was later re-named as Ridgeway Senior Living facility and kept it from closing.

As a result, McNamara said the citys purchase worked against Plum Creek Care Center and forced the facility to shut its doors in Oct. 2022.

Despite Plum Creeks efforts, the City of Lexington purchased and supported the Ridgeway Senior Living facility, which worked against Plum Creek and forced it to shut its doors, McNamara said, noting this occurred despite Mayor John Fagots statement that the community could not afford to lose senior care capacity.

McNamara detailed multiple full-price offers received for the property after its closure in late 2022, including one from Crossroads Center Inc. in 2023, which agreed to assume the full debt and pay an additional $100,000.

McNamara emphasized that LPS was allowed to make a better and final offer, but submitted a lower bid that was not selected.

McNamara then described interactions between LPS Superintendent John Hakonson and property owner Leah Rinard. She alleged that after plans for the property to be sold to Crossroads, Hakonson contacted Rinard, suggesting the school districts constituents would oppose the proposed buyer.

The LPS board unanimously voted to oppose Crossroads conditional use permit in July 10, 2023, citing issues with the proximity of the faciilty being too close to Lexington High School that could cause safety issues for students and staff. On July 12 of that same year, the Planning Commission also recommends denial of the homeless shelter being near the high school.

McNamara pointed out a significant delay in the eminent domain process. Despite the events in July 2023, the district did not file its condemnation petition until May of this year, nearly two years later.

The lack of communication and delay in the eminent domain process under Nebraska law has prejudiced these property owners and continues to do so, McNamara said.

McNamara urged the LPS board to reject the eminent domain action and return to good-faith negotiations.

Rinard challenged the districts proposed eminent domain action and criticized Hakonsons negotiation tactics.

Born and raised in Kearney, with strong familial connections in Lexington, Rinard began her testimony by emphasizing her familys commitment to community service.

She said the decision by her father, Will Lantis, to purchase the Plum Creek facility was not driven by financial investment, but by a genuine desire to provide care in Lexington.

She highlighted the familys extensive contributions, saying they had donated a lot of care, a lot of money worth of care to the community of Lexington.

Rinard said the districts actions could have far-reaching consequences beyond this single property. Your actions could affect all of the care that we give to rural communities in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota, based on how you handle things, Rinard said, with her family owning facilities in Iowa and South Dakota.

Rinard recounted a conversation in which Hakonson stated that LPS had found a cheaper way to acquire the property. She called this approach disgusting and frustrating.

I am shocked and dismayed with the way that the school district, and specifically John Hakonson, has treated our family, Rinard told the school board. I am asking and pleading with you, on behalf of the Lantis family, the investors and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to do the right thing and not use eminent domain, but offer a fair value.

After the meeting was adjourned, McNamara asked the school board if an official vote would be taken to oppose or deny the eminent domain action.

Board member Travis Maloley explained that the agenda item was intended solely to hold a public hearing. Mins confirmed that it was been approved before the meeting that LPS would proceed with eminent domain.

Speaking with the Clipper-Herald on Tuesday, July 15, McNamara said the property owners are not opposed to selling the building to LPS, but emphasized that her clients want the school district to make a fair-market-value offer rather than pursuing eminent domain.

McNamara said the property owners object to the districts current approach, which they believe does not comply with Nebraska statutes.

Theyre happy to entertain communications about the property, McNamara said. They just dont think the school has proceeded appropriately.

Tod McKeone, an attorney with Heldt, McKeone & Copley representing LPS, provided the following public statement to the Clipper-Herald on July 16:

Lexington Public Schools has attempted, for many months, to purchase the property located at 1505 North Adams Street in Lexington. The school district is planning to construct a new parking lot to accommodate the districts growing needs, he said. The school district has made efforts to obtain the real property needed for the project on a voluntary basis.

Although to date the school district has been unable to successfully negotiate an agreement under which the school district acquires the property at fair market value, the school district remains committed to continuing good faith negotiations toward that end. Whether the school district acquires the property via a negotiated transaction or is forced to pursue acquisition via eminent domain, the process is focused toward the property owners receiving fair market value for the property.

The school district is hopeful that it will be able to reach an agreement with the various property owners to acquire the property through a negotiated transaction. Throughout, the school district remains committed to being a good steward of the taxpayers resources.
TALLAHASSEE  More than 43 years after Janet White was abducted from a Bay County insurance office and murdered, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a death warrant for convicted killer Kayle Barrington Bates.

Bates, 67, is scheduled to be executed Aug. 19 at Florida State Prison and could be the 10th inmate put to death by lethal injection this year in the state. DeSantis signed the death warrant after the U.S. Supreme Court on June 30 declined to take up an appeal by Bates related to a juror in his trial.

Bates was convicted in the June 14, 1982, murder of White, who was abducted from a State Farm insurance office where she worked. He also was convicted of kidnapping, attempted sexual battery and armed robbery.

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A brief filed last year at the Florida Supreme Court by the state Attorney Generals Office said Bates broke into the insurance office while White was out to lunch and surprised her when she returned.

When Bates surprised White, she let out a bone-chilling scream and fought for her life, the brief said. He overpowered her and forcibly took her from the office building to the woods where he savagely beat, strangled and attempted to rape her, leaving approximately 30 contusions, abrasions and lacerations on various parts of her face and body. Bates was found at the scene of the crime and he had the victims blood on his clothing. He had the victims ring in his pocket.

Bates was convicted in 1983 and sentenced to death, but a judge years later ordered a new sentencing hearing. Bates was sentenced to death again in 1995, according to court documents.

The Florida Supreme Court last year rejected an appeal in which Bates sought to interview a juror from his 1983 trial. The appeal involved a potential family relationship between the juror and White, but Justice John Couriel wrote that Bates effort to interview one of his jurors is 40 years late.

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After the Florida Supreme Court ruling, Bates went to the U.S. Supreme Court, leading to the June 30 decision denying his petition.

DeSantis signed the Bates death warrant three days after the state executed Michael Bell in the 1993 murders of two people outside a Jacksonville bar. With the Bell execution, the state matched a modern-era record of eight executions in a year.

The state also is scheduled July 31 to execute Edward Zakrzewski, who was convicted of murdering his wife and two children in 1994 in Okaloosa County. Attorneys for Zakrzewski have asked the Florida Supreme Court to halt the execution, though justices had not ruled as of Friday afternoon.

Florida also executed eight inmates in 1984 and 2014, the most since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976 after a U.S. Supreme Court decision halted executions in 1972.

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Other inmates executed this year were Thomas Gudinas on June 24; Anthony Wainwright on June 10; Glen Rogers on May 15; Jeffrey Hutchinson on May 1; Michael Tanzi on April 8; Edward James on March 20; and James Ford on Feb. 13.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SAN JUAN COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  The Deer Creek Fire on the Utah and Colorado has now exceeded 15,000 acres as a community meeting is scheduled for Saturday evening.

Firefighters continue to get a handle on the fire, which is at 15,892 acres and is 17% contained as of 9 a.m. Crews will be working today to create dozer lines west of the Paradox, Colorado area and securing areas around Peaceful Valley.

Air operations in the area will include using drones to ignite areas ahead of the main fire to remove vegetation in an attempt to reduce fire activity.

Map courtesy U.S. Forest Service  Manti-La Sal National Forest

A community meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in Paradox at the Community Center located at 21665 600 Road. The meeting will focus on evacuation zones in the Paradox Valley area established by the Montrose County Sheriffs Office.

Latest headlines:

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An advanced large solid rocket motor hot fire test conducted at L3Harris Camden, Arkansas, site.(Courtesy photo)

Defense contractor and weapons manufacturer L3Harris plans to construct an extensive production facility for rocket motors in an expansion of the companys footprint in Arkansas, it announced Friday.

The new manufacturing facility for large solid rocket motors will be located in Camden, where L3Harris subsidiary Aerojet Rocketdyne has operated since 1979. Estimated cost will be about $500 million, the company said.

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The facility will add roughly 50 new jobs, an Arkansas Economic Development Commission press release said.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the state is proud to build the arsenal of democracy and protect our country and allies!

The AEDC release also noted that L3Harris representatives met with Arkansas officials during Sanders trip to the Paris Air Show in June to secure the expansion.

A trip Sanders made to the Paris Air Show in 2023 resulted in an announced construction of a $33 million missile factory in Camden that is a joint venture between Raytheon Technologies and Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

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According to an L3Harris press release, the planned rocket motor facility will have more than 20 buildings across 110 acres and will add more than 130,000 square feet of manufacturing space to the companys existing 2,000 acre production site.

The company anticipates the added facilities will provide a six-fold increase in manufacturing capacity. It expects construction on the expansion to start this year, with first production slated for 2027.

The expansion is part of L3Harris modernization program following its acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne and the U.S. governments attempts to develop an expanded homeland missile defense shield dubbed Golden Dome, according to Reuters.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, a Republican who represents the Camden area, applauded the move, calling it Great news for his district in a post on X.

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This expansion in Camden will continue to solidify the Natural States mark in defense manufacturing. Support many hardworking Arkansans, and maintain our nations position as a global leader in aerospace and defense, he wrote.

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Delta flight headed to Atlanta returns to LAX over smoking engine

Trouble with the engine brought a Delta flight headed to Atlanta back to the airport in Los Angeles Friday.

Delta flight 446 was diverted back to the airport shortly after departure, Delta Air Lines reports.

A photo and video shows smoke coming from the left engine of the plane.

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An emergency was declared with Air Traffic Control for priority handling for the aircraft.

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As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew, the flight crew followed procedures and safely returned to the gate, Delta said in a statement. We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel plans.

The aircraft is a Boeing 767-400 with two pilots, seven flight attendants and 226 passengers.

The flight landed safely and taxied to the gate under its own power, Delta said. All aboard got off the plane normally.

Delta said the local fire department examined the aircraft as a safety precaution, and the airlines maintenance teams will examine the aircraft.

Passengers will be sent to their final destinations on a new aircraft.

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After meeting with leading New York City mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani, Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., issued a lukewarm statement through a spokesperson about the meeting and did not endorse his party's nominee.

Mamdani, a New York state assemblyman and self-proclaimed socialist who has promised to overhaul New York City and launch massive new government programs, has been endorsed by progressive politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

Despite winning the Democratic Partys nomination over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo by a wide margin, Mamdani has yet to be endorsed by the partys top leaders, Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

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Jeffries and Mamdani met in New York City for about an hour Friday.

After the meeting, Politico reporter Nicholas Wu posted a statement from Jeffries spokesperson Justin Chermol that called it "constructive" but did not include any mention of an endorsement.

Aoc Welcomes Socialist Mamdani To Nation's Capital As Dem Leaders Withhold Endorsements

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Zohran Mamdani, left, is running for mayor of New York City. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is on the right.

Chermol said "the meeting between Leader Jeffries and Assemblyman Mamdani was constructive, candid and community-centered, with particular focus on affordability.

"Leader Jeffries and Assemblyman Mamdani discussed a variety of other important issues, including public safety, rising antisemitism, gentrification and the importance of taking back the House in 2026."

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According to Chermols statement, the two "agreed to reconvene shortly, alongside other members of the New York City congressional delegation and a few high-level community leaders."

Mamdani Sparks Social Media Frenzy With Viral Clip Discussing What Happens If He Runs Out Of Money

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a rally at the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council headquarters in New York July 2, 2025.

Mamdani is seen by many as a controversial candidate, partially due to his socialist policy proposals and heavy criticism of the state of Israel. Mamdani, who is Muslim, has declined to say whether Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state and his initial refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." However, he recently began distancing himself from the phrase.

On Thursday, Jeffries told reporters "as has been the case with every single high-profile endorsement decision that I've made in the past, I have a sit-down conversation, and then I take it from there."

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The meeting with Jeffries comes after Mamdanis recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he attended a breakfast hosted by Ocasio-Cortez and mingled with some of the partys most powerful players. Since then, he secured the endorsement of Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who serves as the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Bipartisan House Resolution Aims To Condemn Phrase That's Created Firestorm For Zohran Mamdani

New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.

Mamdani is running to unseat the current mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, who is running for re-election as an independent. He is also facing off against Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and activist Curtis Sliwa, who is the Republican Party nominee.





Original article source: Dem House leader Hakeem Jeffries still withholds endorsement after meeting with Zohran Mamdani
Los Angeles Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, a critic of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, is being mocked for pushing a story about an LA woman being kidnapped by ICE that ended up allegedly being an elaborate hoax.

The Department of Homeland Security posted on its official X account on Friday, "Mayor, you pushed a HOAX. There is still time to delete this."

This comes after Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, a 41-year-old Mexican illegal alien living in Los Angeles, was charged with conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers, according to the DOJ.

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On July 1, Bass posted a link to a local news story about Calderons supposed kidnapping, commenting, "Shes a mother from L.A.  taken out of her car on her way to work, and then held in a warehouse as officers hoped she would self-deport.

"No hearing. Just fear," Bass added. "This doesn't make anyone safer."

Trump's Immigration Crackdown In La Ignites 'Same Emotional Notes' For Dems, Top Local Gop Leader Says

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After the charges went public, DHS slammed Bass for her comments, saying, "Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon was NEVER arrested or kidnapped by ICE or bounty huntersthis criminal illegal alien scammed innocent Americans for money and diverted limited DHS resources from Los Angeles."

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RNC Research, a page run by the Republican National Committee, also chimed in, commenting on X that "Karen Bass spreads a false story demonizing ICE agents."

According to the Justice Department, Calderon claimed to have been kidnapped by masked, uniformed men in unmarked cars at a Jack in the Box parking lot June 25. She claimed to have been forcibly taken to the border and presented to an ICE staffer who demanded she sign self-deportation papers. Calderon said that when she refused to sign the document, she was taken to a warehouse to be held indefinitely.

The Los Angeles Police Department launched a missing person investigation and notified DHS, which, after determining Calderon was not in its custody, launched its own investigation.

Newsom Says Its Time For President Trump To Grow Up In Rebuke Over National Guard Deployment

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During the investigation, HSI noticed several irregularities, including that the phone calls to loved ones that Calderon had supposedly made via borrowed phones were made from her cell phone, intentionally masked to appear as an unknown number.

According to the affidavit, video surveillance of Calderons alleged forced abduction further showed her calmly leaving the Jack in the Box parking lot and getting into a nearby sedan. Despite the video showing a marked LAPD car in the vicinity, Calderon did not make any attempts to alert officers that she was in danger.

The affidavit states that "when confronted with true information that contradicted their kidnapping story," Calderon and others lied to federal agents and "attempted to thwart law enforcement efforts" by keeping her whereabouts from law enforcement.

According to a DOJ statement, HSI agents tracked Calderon down July 5 at a shopping plaza parking lot in Bakersfield, California. The statement said Calderon continued to claim she was taken by masked men and held in custody with others.

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Illegal Alien Who Raped, Impregnated His Own Daughter At Government-run Shelter Learns Prison Sentence

Calderon's daughter also attempted to raise money from Calderon's alleged kidnapping by creating a GoFundMe page.

A spokesperson for GoFundMe told Fox News Digital the page was removed and that the family did not access any of the money raised.

Calderon is in U.S. immigration custody and is facing a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy and up to five years for false statements if convicted of the charges.

Fox News Digital reached out to Bass office for comment but did not receive a response before publication.





Original article source: Dem mayor mocked for pushing ICE kidnapping story that ended up being alleged hoax
After serving combat duty in Afghanistan, fighting cancer, and being fired this spring from her federal job processing veterans education claims, Alissa Ellman is bringing a fight to incumbent Claudia Tenney in next years 24th District Congressional election. Ellman will formally announce her campaign as a Democrat for Congress today at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park at 400 East Ave. in Lockport.

Ellman said its time to show some respect for the overtaxed, overworked people of the districts 14 northern, mostly rural counties that stretch from Niagara Falls to the Thousand Islands, bypassing Monroe County. She said she has made visits to 12 counties already and will continue to go where the people are to hear their views.

We want to encourage people to work but dont pay them enough to have the dignity to support themselves from their work, Ellman said. (Officials) are waging a war on the middle class that literally built our country. So many people who work hard in every kind of weather are one paycheck away from bankruptcy. ... We need a better plan.

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Born in the Allegany County village of Houghton, Ellman moved to Cambria and graduated from Niagara University. She has lived in Lockport since 2008, when she was hired as a special education teacher at Wyndham Lawn. It was during that time that Ellman was diagnosed with a cancer related to exposure to toxins during her Army deployment in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004.

During her recovery, Ellman decided to apply for a job processing claims for VA Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance, an education benefit for eligible spouses and children of certain veterans. Ellman was meeting all performance standards when the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) began cutting federal jobs, including hers. Ellmans job loss gained national attention when Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer brought her as a guest to Trumps joint address to Congress.

From her view in the middle of the job eliminations, Ellman said President Donald Trumps program cuts to veterans benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid were a cruel betrayal of people who have done their best for their country.

When I had cancer, I was very suddenly unemployed and extremely sick, Ellman said. I couldnt work. I was throwing up four to five times a day. I never thought that I was a person who would need food stamps. But I needed it.

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The American people sent us to war in places with radioactive waste, that burned toxic fumes in our faces, Ellman said as a veteran. They made those promises (of benefits) to us and to go back on that is very un-American. Most people in the military are working-class citizens. A lot of their disabilities arent glamorous, she said, naming PTSD and related alcoholism and drug addiction.

I know those guys and what they went through in Afghanistan and Iraq, she said. They deserve to have free counseling clinics and benefits. These are things that keep people alive. Social Security, Medicaid  I dont think that is an entitlement. Those are things that we paid for as taxpayers. I have worked with some of the most disadvantaged children in Western New York, she said. I have seen what poverty does to a family. There may be a low opinion of taking federal support, but sometimes people need it.

In March, Ellman joined nearly 50 other constituents in front of Congresswoman Claudia Tenneys Niagara Street office to protest DOGEs actions. Tenney was not in town, but members of her staff met with some protesters. Ellman described waiting in Tenneys office as an older woman asked a staff person what would happen to her adult disabled son who lives in a group home.

The response was Claudia Tenney wants you to know that she is going to vote with Donald Trump and she supports every single one of his policies,  Ellman said. It was pretty embarrassing. I think that Democrats, Independents and Republicans should be pissed off with the representation Claudia Tenney has brought to the table.

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Ellman said she initially wanted to run as an Independent, but found that it required collecting 15,000 signatures in six weeks, which she said would have required a staff.

I choose to run as a Democrat because the majority of my values align with the working class, she said.

Where Democrats are wrong, Ellman said, is in trying to over-regulate guns.

Im pretty pro-gun, she said. I grew up in the country, where guns are pretty necessary. If you get a break-in in the middle of the night, the police arent going to get to you quickly. I carried a loaded weapon with a round in the chamber for 18 months while deployed.

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Democrats need to have a clear plan, not just be anti-Trump, Ellman said. I dont know how they can sit in their ivory tower and take people off of Medicaid. And do that to give tax cuts to billionaires!

Zac Parker of Lockport, Ellmans campaign manager, said she has the ability to sit down with people and just connect. The two met at a Niagara County Democratic Party meeting, and Parker encouraged her to run.

Anita Mullane, 2nd Ward alderman, who was also at the meeting, said, I could see right away that shes a hard worker. She cares about the area. Im proud of her for that. Shes been reaching out to the people shell be representing, and thats important.

Diana Kastenbaum, former CEO of Pinnacle Manufacturing Co. in Batavia, has also announced her candidacy for the 24th District seat in 2026.
In the wake of a loss to Republican Ryan Walters in the 2022 election for state superintendent, Democrat Jena Nelson has remained active in political circles, speaking at events and commenting on issues on social media.

The self-described duck and chicken person  who cares for those animals at her home in rural Logan County  announced on Saturday, July 19, that shes running again for office in 2026. But this time she'll campaign for Congress, seeking to succeed incumbent GOP Rep. Stephanie Bice.

Nelson made her declaration during an event held at the fieldhouse at Millwood High School in northeast Oklahoma City, which she noted was the site of her final campaign stop in the 2022 state superintendent race.

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For me, it feels like unfinished business, Nelson told The Oklahoman. Let's pick right back up where we left off. I ran last time to help people. I'm running again to help people, as well.

Nelson, who grew up in Broken Bow in far southeastern Oklahoma, first gained wide public notice in 2020 when she was named as the states teacher of the year for her work at Deer Creek Middle School in northwest Oklahoma County. She has said she decided to enter politics in 2022 after writing what she said was her 30th job recommendation letter for yet another teacher leaving the profession.

Jena Nelson will run as a Democrat for the Fifth Congressional District seat in Congress.

Like every other Democratic candidate for statewide office in 2022, she lost to her Republican opponent. But in Oklahoma County, the state's most populous, Nelson noted that shed received more votes than any other candidate for any other office on the ballot, no matter the party. She secured 124,500 votes  more than Walters (96,282), Gov. Kevin Stitt (93,466) or Attorney General Gentner Drummond (123,851), among others.

Oklahomas Fifth Congressional District covers most of Oklahoma County, all of Lincoln County, Pottawatomie County and Seminole County, and parts of Logan and Canadian counties. In 2018, Democrat Kendra Horn knocked off then-GOP incumbent Rep. Steve Russell to earn a seat in Congress. Two years later, Bice downed Kendra Horn and has held the seat ever since, rolling past Democrat Madison Horn in the 2024 election by winning nearly 61% of the vote that November.

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Bice said then: You can never take this seat for granted. We saw what happens when you do in 2018. Republicans really didnt realize that there was a race, and we ended up losing the seat. I am proud to have fought hard to win this seat back, and my goal is to keep this seat Republican.

Nelson is encouraged by the districts recent electoral history as an increasingly purple pocket in a deeply red state and by the fact she fared so well there in a statewide race just three years ago.

The Fifth District is very, very diverse. It is the most interesting district, because it is urban, it is rural and it is suburban, Nelson said. I think that my experience in my life can speak to all three of those demographics, as well.

Social Security, federal jobs issues important to Jena Nelson

Nelson listed her top issues as including the preservation of Social Security, along with health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and SoonerCare. Nelson also said shes passionate about keeping open rural hospitals in the district  she specifically mentioned facilities in Prague, Stroud and Guthrie. With Tinker Air Force Base located in the district, she said military and veterans concerns also should be top of mind for any representative.

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When people talk about cutting federal jobs, these aren't just some bureaucrats, these are our neighbors, Nelson said. These are people that are providing services important services for folks, even if they're answering the phone, you're answering the phone because maybe a veteran is in crisis or a young person is in a crisis. What we're doing is we're closing down lifelines to Oklahomans, and we can't do that.

In addition to that, of course, I'm always going to be a proponent of education, Nelson said. Right now, we know that there are millions of dollars being withheld at the federal level that need to get into our school systems, and we have a (U.S.) secretary of education that can't tell the difference between A1 and AI. I have a lot of background in education and I'm willing to go up there and fight to make sure that our schools get what they deserve.

Nelson acknowledged politics is an uphill battle for Democrats in a state in which theyre outnumbered by Republicans by nearly two-to-one. All seven of Oklahomas seats in Congress are held by Republicans, as are all 11 statewide elected offices in Oklahoma. The GOP also has supermajorities in both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature.

But, she said, if voters look beyond a candidates party affiliation, they might like what they see.

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I would even say to people  get a chance to know me, not what you think that the letter beside my name represents, not what you think that about me through some kind of mailer or email or whatever they're going to put out, Nelson said.

But come to an event or come to a meet-and-greet and ask me the questions that you want to know (the answers to). I have always said that I will tell the truth.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Democrat Jena Nelson will try to unseat U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice
CHICAGO (WGN)  Democrats vying for retiring Sen. Dick Durbins Senate seat made their pitch to Cook County Democratic leaders on Friday, as the party also backed a new candidate for state comptroller.

It was an opportunity to shine before members of the Cook County Democratic Party Committee as several candidates declared their intent to run for state comptroller. The party leaders were all under one roof at Local 134 on the South Side, hearing from candidates running for elected state office and those vying for the highly sought-after U.S. Senate seat.

Top runners in the U.S. Senate race are Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, who, a source says, stayed in Washington, D.C., for an early morning vote and missed her flight home, missing Fridays meeting.

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Dick Durbin announces he will not seek another term in U.S. Senate

Krisnamoorthi, who is currently leading in fundraising with about $21 million, says holding the Trump administration accountable and helping residents meet their economic needs would be his top priorities in the Senate.

First of all, we have to hold accountable those that are actually voting for these cuts. Secondly, we Democrats have to run on a message and agenda of doing whatever we can to reverse, stall, throw sand in the gears, and delay these particular cuts, Krisnamoorthi said.

Lt. Governor Stratton, who has the support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, says if she is elected to represent the state in Washington, she plans to help break up the status quo.

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Im talking to voters all across the state, and they are looking me in the eye and saying, I am looking for someone to stand up and be a fighter for me. They want to see the same kind of energy that theyre bringing as they protest in the streets against the chaos thats coming out of Washington, Stratton said.

Following Wednesdays announcement that current Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza would not seek re-election, Several candidates, including Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, former state Senator Ricky Hendon, Champaign County Auditor George Danos, 25th District State Senator Karina Villa, and 12th District Representative Margaret Croke, who received the committees endorsement, want the spot.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza not running for reelection

We are at a critical time for our states future. You need someone in this role who can be fiscally responsible, Croke said.

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During the meeting, long-time Congressman Danny Davis announced that while hes not retiring, its on his mind.

Im not saying that Im going to retire just yet, Davis said. What I am saying is that I am thinking about it, and I will decide it in the next seven to eight days.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Military bases in both New Jersey and Indiana will soon be used by Homeland Security to house illegal immigrants, drawing a furious response from Democratic lawmakers.

Parts of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and Camp Atterbury in Indiana will be repurposed and used as "temporary soft-sided holding facilities," the Defense Department told Fox News Digital, citing a decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

New Jersey Democrats blasted the decision, warning it would harm military readiness and urging Republicans to join them in helping reverse it. Both bases were previously used to house thousands of Afghan refugees following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Afghan refugees walk outside a temporary housing facility in Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst in New Jersey, U.S., December 2, 2021. P

Self-deport Or End Up In 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Noem Warns Migrants During Trump Visit

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"This is an inappropriate use of our national defense system and militarizes a radical immigration policy that has resulted in the inhumane treatment of undocumented immigrants and unlawful deportation of U.S. citizens, including children, across the country," the group of Democrats said in a joint statement.

"Using our countrys military to detain and hold undocumented immigrants jeopardizes military preparedness and paves the way for ICE immigration raids in every New Jersey community. We have the greatest military in the world and using it as a domestic political tool is unacceptable and shameful."

Read On The Fox News App

Afghan refugee women register to be seen by a doctor inside the medical tent in Liberty Village on December 2, 2021 in Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

The statement was made by Reps. Herb Conaway, LaMonica McIver, Donald Norcross, Rob Menendez, Frank Pallone, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Josh Gottheimer and Nellie Pou as well as Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim.

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Fbi Captures Final Illegal Immigrant Inmate Who Escaped Ice Facility In New Jersey

It is unclear when either site will open and a decision will depend on operational requirements and coordination with Homeland Security, the Defense Department said.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is a joint military base operated by U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy  the only tri-service base in the country. Spanning 42,00 acres, its home to 45,000 military and civilian personnel, making it one of the largest and most strategically important on the East Coast.

Secretary of Defense approved the plan to transform parts of the bases into facilities for illegal migrants.

Camp Atterbury is an Army and Air National Guard base near Edinburgh that spans 34,000 acres and has been used for training brigades and hosting large-scale operations.

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Under the Trump administration, Homeland Security has been using detention facilities to house migrants while they await asylum hearings or deportation.

The lawmakers said that Hegseth wrote to Conoway informing him of the decision. Hegseth wrote in the letter that the move would not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or any other military requirements, per NJ Spotlight News.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., was among a group of Democrats to slam the move.

New Jersey is already home to Delaney Hall and the Elizabeth Detention Center which are being used as immigration detention facilities, although they are privately operated. Delaney Hall was the scene where Democrat Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and charged with trespassing in a clash with federal immigration officials in May. Rep. LaMonica McIver, DN.J., was later federally charged for allegedly interfering with federal officers during the same incident.

The news comes two weeks after President Donald Trump signed the Big Beautiful Bill into law, which allocated between $150 billion and $170 billion towards immigration enforcement over the next several years, $45 billion of which was carved out to expand immigration detention facilities. The funds are part of the Trump administrations efforts to carry out the largest deportation operation in the nations history.

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Earlier this month, the Trump administration opened an immigration detention camp in Floridas Everglades that is surrounded by alligators dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz."





Original article source: Democrats fume over new plan to house illegal migrants in New Jersey, Indiana military bases
The Democratic Party is examining how it lost the 2024 election, but it apparently does not intend to spend much time looking at their actual presidential campaigns. The party is planning to avoid reviewing decisions like whether President Joe Biden should have run for reelection, whether he should have dropped out of the race sooner, or whether Vice President Kamala Harris was the right candidate, The New York Times reported Saturday.

Following a dramatic loss across the board to Republicans and Donald Trump, who is leading an increasingly authoritarian presidency, Democrats are choosing not to reckon with uncomfortable questions about their failures.

The Democratic National Committees after-action review, which began in March, is also not expected to look at strategic or messaging decisions by the Harris campaign, such as not responding to a team Trump attack ad that said Harris was for they/them and Trump was for you, or the campaigns decision to paint the election as a choice between democracy and fascism.

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Party officials described the draft document as focusing on the 2024 election as a whole, but not on the presidential campaign  which is something like eating at a steakhouse and then reviewing the salad, Reid Epstein and Shane Goldmacher write for the Times.

The autopsy will evidently focus more on outside spending from organizations and super PACs that supported the Democrats presidential bid. Six people with inside knowledge described the postmortem to the Times.

We are not interested in second-guessing campaign tactics or decisions of campaign operatives, Jane Kleeb, Nebraska Democratic chairwoman, told the Times. We are interested in what voters turned out for Republicans and Democrats, and how we can fix this moving forward.

Ken Martin, the new DNC chairman, has been promising an election postmortem since he began the role in February. So far, his time has been marked by petty infighting and chaos  most notably over whether David Hogg, the mass shooting survivor and gun control activist, should be allowed to serve as a DNC vice chair while leading a Super PAC pledging to primary ineffective Democrats. (Hogg left the DNC last month.)

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Democratic strategist Paul Rivera has been leading the review, which is not done yet. However, Rivera has started telling people their findings thus far.

Were glad to see theres so much interest in an after-action report on how Democrats can win again, Rivera told the Times. But folks might be better off holding their applause, or their criticism, until we have had a chance to complete our work and people can actually read it.

Kleeb said she thinks the report will shift the partys focus from advertising to organizing.

The days of us spending millions and millions of dollars on traditional TV ads are over, she said. And I do think that this report will put an exclamation point on that.

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The report will likely argue that the Democrats main super PAC, Future Forward, did not spend enough time attacking Trump and spent too much time speaking positively about Harris. The group spent $560 million supporting the Biden-Harris campaign. A Future Forward aide, though, told the Times that 13 percent of its ads were about Harris, and the rest were attacking Trump.

But as the Times previously reported, the data-driven team at Future Forward argued throughout the 2024 campaign that negative ads werent useful against Trump, based on their internal message testing. Their team instead asserted that ads contrasting Trump and Harris were more valuable.

As Rolling Stone reported earlier this year, Future Forwards ads did not place a premium on using clips of Trump speaking  and the group argued, based on its testing, that ads featuring clips of Trump speaking were less effective than ads relying on narration.

The ads tended to include laundry lists of information, and were often hard to follow.

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Its probably a smart idea for Democrats to review those spending decisions. But skipping over the main reasons they lost  namely, Bidens decision to run for president in 2024, which put them in a major bind when he was forced to drop out  seems like just another huge mistake that the party isnt ready to acknowledge.

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Some top Democrats at the Hill Nation Summit on Wednesday paid grudging compliments to President Trumps political moves as the party looks to learn from its November losses and chart a new path forward.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) lauded the Republican as a very talented politician despite their disagreements, while Rep. Jim Himes (Conn.), the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, offered praise for Trumps foreign policy.

The lawmakers careful acknowledgements come as the Democratic Party broadly tries to learn from their 2024 losses and build momentum for the 2026 midterms, when theyll be looking to cut into the GOPs narrow 220-212 majority.

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Donald Trumps a very talented politician, right? I dont agree with him as a leader. Hes a very talented politician, Khanna said at the Summit. He praised the president alongside progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, despite their stark political split.

Later in the conversation, Khanna contended Democrats have been way too judgmental of Americans who voted for Trump.

We acted as if the problem was the voters; the problem was the party, and we acted with a condescension and a judgment on voters, Khanna told NewsNation contributor Chris Cillizza. The Hill and NewsNation are both owned by Nexstar.

Democrats have struggled to redefine the party in the wake of last years big losses, when the GOP flipped the White House and took control of both chambers of Congress. The party is now pulling in its lowest favorability ratings in decades, and prominent activists within the party have called for a new generation of leaders, stoking intraparty frustration.

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Frank assessments of both 2024 and the current political landscape are critical, strategists said, to helping Democrats find their footing.

You cant understand how to win by repeating losing behavior; you have to study winners. And the reality is that Trump has won two of his three elections, said Democratic strategist Fred Hicks. I think its prudent to understand how Republicans have earned the votes of so many people.

Khanna, a prominent House progressive whos been mired in speculation about potential presidential ambitions, also criticized that his own party has not had a compelling economic vision for years. He said at the Summit that he hasnt yet made a decision on whether to run for president in 2028, but notably suggested that he could bring a better economic vision forward.

Himes, also speaking at the Hill Nation event, gave Trump rare kudos on his foreign policy moves, even as he stressed his disagreement on other issues.

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I could spend the next hour talking about things I dont like about this presidency or about MAGA, but I will give him some real credit on foreign policy, Himes said.

He pointed to Trumps practical approach in the Middle East, including the signing of an executive order in January to end sanctions against Syria after the unexpected collapse of Bashar Assads regime.

I mean, the opening to Syria, I did not anticipate that. Thats pretty amazing. I give the president and his administration credit for this  to build up and support the Syrian regime, Himes said.

The Connecticut lawmaker has previously scoffed at Trumps claims of success following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, but told the Summit that theres no question that between the Israelis and the United States, the Iranian nuclear program has been meaningfully set back.

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Now, whether meaningfully is six months or six years is still very much open to question, he added.

Public acknowledgements of GOP wins could serve Democrats, strategists suggested, by helping to rebuild credibility and signal a desire to work across the aisle.

The problem in American politics right now is that if your team runs the play, then its OK; if the other team does it, then its not. What that has done is thats created a deficit of trust in our system, amongst voters, everyday people, Hicks said.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D) at the Hill Nation Summit touted her bipartisan work with Republican Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and other Republicans on the Take It Down Act, criminalizing deepfake revenge porn, which Trump signed into law this spring.

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We have worked together despite having major disputes over judges and other things. Weve worked together on a number of these issues. Hes been willing to stand up, Klobuchar told The Hills Alex Bolton.

Next year, Democrats will be vying to take advantage of traditional headwinds against the presidents party in midterm years and claw back ground lost in key blue and swing states  and with core demographics  during the presidential election.

To that end, Democratic campaign arms are ramping up efforts to generate party enthusiasm  while top Washington figures are leaning in on controversy around Trumps immigration raid protests, Medicaid cuts in the recently signed megabill and other issues as they try to amass fodder for midterm races.

Broadly, theres a lot for Democrats to learn from Trumps approach to politics, which has allowed him to hypnotize his base along the campaign trail and in office, said Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright.

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Two things happen with elections: You win or you learn, Seawright said of the 2024 results.

I think theres certainly a lot to learn from Trumps political career and his style, and I think more than anything, to learn that we dont have to continue this idea of doing business as usual, but we must master doing unusual business.

Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) at the Summit stressed that Democrats need to keep up with the changing media landscape as Republicans dominate online arenas.

But the Maryland lawmaker told The Hills Judy Kurtz that hes optimistic about Democrats chances to win back the House next year, pointing to the presidents slipping approval numbers.

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Hes hurting himself a lot, Ivey said of Trump. If we later on  we being the Democrats  layer on top of that an affirmative message  we could really have very strong gains.

Trump has seen mixed reviews in recent weeks, even on some of his stronger issues, like immigration. The latest Economist/YouGov polling put Trumps disapproval rating at its highest since the start of his second term.

If you want to turn voters out, get em angry, get em excited, Ivey said. Well see if we can sustain it, but its certainly heading in the right direction for us at this point.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 suspect in the killing of a 54-year-old woman in a Broward business two days ago was tracked down and arrested by deputies on Friday, authorities say.

Shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday, Broward Sheriffs Office deputies found Cuiyun Fus body inside her spa business in Oakland Park at 2700 W. Oakland Park Blvd. after they were alerted to it by a 911 call. She died from a gunshot wound.

Detectives learned that Chris Luchenburg, 69, had come into the business the morning prior and fatally shot Fu, the sheriffs office said. The two had known each other for a few months, but the nature of their relationship was not disclosed.

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On Friday morning, BSOs Violent Intervention Proactive Enforcement Response unit found and arrested Luchenburg. He was charged with first-degree murder with a firearm.

Its unclear if he is still in jail.




NEED TO KNOW

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) has identified the three detectives who were killed in an explosion at a training facility on July 18

Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus and William Osborn had 74 years of combined service, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said

The detectives were reportedly part of a unit moving explosive materials at the training center when something went tragically wrong





Authorities have released new information about the three detectives who were killed in an explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) training facility.

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The LASD identified the detectives  who were killed during a training exercise involving the department's bomb squad on Friday, July 18  as Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus and William Osborn.

Authorities said the detectives all had at least 15 years' tenure with the LASD before their deaths and were all assigned to Special Enforcement Bureaus Arson Explosives Detail.

LASD Sheriff Robert Luna added that the officers had 74 years of combined service, according to Fox News.

"There are no words to express the pain and sorrow we feel, Luna said in a statement on Facebook. These heroes represented the best of our department, exemplifying courage, integrity and selfless service. This is not only a heartbreaking loss for their families, but for all of us.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department/Facebook Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department honoring the three detectives killed. Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department honoring the three detectives killed.

Authorities said Osborn had the most years of service as an officer, having graduated from the police academy in 1992. He worked as a patrol officer before becoming a detective who primarily worked on cases involving the recovery of stolen vehicles.

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Osborn was eventually transferred to the Training Bureau as an Emergency Vehicle Operations Center Instructor in 2016, but returned to detective work due to his love for investigations.

He joined the Special Enforcement Bureau as an Arson and Explosive Investigator in 2019. According to the LASD, he was described by colleagues as one of [the] tenured bomb technicians regularly relied upon when faced with a new challenge.

As for Lemus, he had only become an Arson and Explosive Investigator last year after being a K-9 handler for about seven years. Before that, he worked as a correctional facility officer, training officer and detective.

Lemus received commendations for his ability to mentor and train fellow deputies as well as notable arrests involving career criminals," per the LASD.

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Kelley-Eklund, meanwhile, was the newest officer, having graduated from the police academy in 2006. He worked as a correctional facility officer before becoming a field training officer at South Los Angeles Station.

The officer was eventually promoted to the rank of detective at the Narcotics Bureau in 2016, and he then became an Arson and Explosive Investigator with the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2022.

The incident that caused the three deputies' deaths is still under investigation by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The three detectives being commemorated by their fellow officers.

According to BBC News, the deputies were part of a unit moving explosive materials when something went tragically wrong, though officials have not yet confirmed whether live ordinance  explosive weapons that are active and capable of detonating  was involved.

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.

Emergency crews responded to the scene, and one injured person was taken to a nearby hospital. All activity at the training facility was immediately suspended.

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A law enforcement official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter by name, told the Associated Press that an early line of investigation was looking into a possible training accident.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said it "appear[ed] to be a horrific incident" in a post on X. "Please pray for the families of the sheriff's deputies killed," Bondi wrote.

Read the original article on People
Deven Young is the 17-year-old suspect accused of the murder of Union, ME, paddleboarder Sunshine Stewart.

Young is from Frankfort, ME, and is 17-years-old, according to WMTW-TV.

Stewart was found deceased at Crawford Pond on July 2, the television station reported.

What was Stewart's cause of death? Stewart, 48, died of "strangulation and blunt force trauma," according to Maine State Police.The motive is not clear.

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"The victim, previously identified as 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart of Tenants Harbor, was located during a search of Crawford Pond in Union on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta confirmed her cause of death as strangulation and blunt force trauma." police wrote.

Police confirmed the arrest without initially naming Young.

According to ABC News, prosecutors accuse Young of murdering Stewart with "depraved indifference."

Young "came to the pond area to spend summer vacation time with his family," ABC News reported, adding that prosecutors are moving to try him as an adult.

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"On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m, Maine State Police arrested a 17-year-old male from Maine, in connection with the homicide investigation in Union," Maine State Police wrote in the news release.

"The juvenile was taken into custody without incident in Union. He was transported to the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland. The arrest is the result of relentless investigative work by Detectives and Investigators with the Maine State Police," the release says.

 Court documents obtained by Maine's Total Coverage reveal that 17-year-old Deven Young, of Frankfort, Maine, has been charged with murder in connection with the July 2 death of Sunshine "Sunny" Stewart at Crawford Pond in Union.



Young was arrested without incident at about pic.twitter.com/W8yvfM63J0  MedicUSA (@MedicMaXX) July 18, 2025

A state game warden discovered Stewart's body, according to the New York Times.

It was believed she had gone paddleboarding the night before, the Times reported.

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Stewart "grew up in Union, not far from where she was killed, and spent much of her life working on boats," according to the Times.

According to WMUR, Stewart was "previously a marine biologist, lobsterman and boat captain."

Deven Young. Here is the suspect pic.twitter.com/RAuZxF4dg9  Ian (@takethenumber69) July 18, 2025

"On Thursday, July 3, 2025, at approximately 1:05 AM, Maine Game Wardens were called to assist the Union Fire Department and the Knox County Sheriffs Office in the search for a missing paddleboarder on Crawford Pond in Union," an earlier release said. "During the course of the search, an adult female was located deceased. Based on the circumstances surrounding the discovery, Wardens requested the assistance of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central."

Related: Andy Byron Is the CEO of a Company Called Astronomer. He's in a Social Media Firestorm

Deven Young Accused of Strangling Maine Paddleboarder Sunshine Stewart first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 19, 2025
Bad news for Texans hoping to breeze through the airport this summer: Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has been named the most stressful major airport in the country, according to a new study on travel.

The report, from MarketWatch Guides and based on data from the Bureau of Transportation, ranked DFW last among 30 major American airports in its stress-free rankings.

Researchers compiled factors such as flight delays, cancellations, TSA wait times, lost luggage reports, and average ticket prices to ultimately determine which airports create the most (and least) anxiety for travelers. DFW earned its unfortunate top spot thanks to a whopping 27% of flights being delayed by at least 15 minutes, the highest rate in the country.

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Additionally, travelers at DFW face some of the longest security lines, with maximum TSA wait times averaging over 35 minutes.

To make matters worse, nearly 2% of flights are canceled outright at DFW.

Add in an average domestic airfare price of $415, and its easy to see why travelers might start their vacations already stressed out before they even leave the city.

A stressful airport experience can mean your trip starts off on the wrong foot, putting you in a bad mood. Its more than that, though. If the stress is because of delays or cancellations that the airport handles poorly, it could impact your ability to even get to your destination. And that could mean lost hotel reservations, a missed cruise connection or having to cancel an excursion. You never want to start your vacation stressed out, but losing money because of an inefficient airport is just as bad, said Jeremy Churchland, CEO of Seven Corners Travel Insurance, in the report.

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According to the report, it doesnt help that many DFW passengers say the sprawling, sometimes confusing terminal layout only adds to the headaches.

Frequent flyers cite long treks between gates, overcrowded security checkpoints, and congestion throughout the airport as constant frustrations that added to DFWs high-stress ranking.

By contrast, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was ranked the least stressful major airport in the country, thanks to its quick security lines (averaging under 25 minutes), lower rates of delays and cancellations, and slightly more affordable flights overall.

Other airports rounding out the top five for stress-free travel included Phoenix Sky Harbor, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles International.

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A report from The Dallas Express outlines the companies most likely to lose your luggage, adding to the potential stress levels at any airport, regardless of their flight costs or cancellations. Between 2021 and 2024, airlines across the United States mishandled over 7.7 million bags.

American Airlines topped the list as the worst culprit, with 8.7 mishandled bags per 1,000  more than 1.7 million lost or damaged items out of roughly 200 million handled.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Nashville Friday to highlight ICE operations in Tennessee and how the federal government is doubling down on deportation efforts.

Noem told reporters about some of the worst of the worst recently arrested under the Trump Administration, including gang members charged and/or convicted of violent crimes, including rape and murder. All of these criminals are evil. Theyre horrible human beings, Noem said.

According to ICE data, since June 10, ICE agents have arrested nearly 2,700 people in Tennessee. More than 80% of those arrested have either criminal charges or convictions. However, the seriousness of their crimes is unclear.

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Noem also called out Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell for not helping the federal government in their efforts. She accused him of doxing ICE agents and putting their lives at risk.

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He needs to stop and knock it off and grow up and act like a leader and start sending his law enforcement officers to have our backs, because what we are doing is upholding the law, Noem said.

At a separate press conference Friday, OConnell told reporters Metro police has worked with federal and state partners for years to address violent crime.

Weve had significant investigations and arrests for anybody involved in violent crimes, illegal weapons, drug trafficking, human trafficking, gang activity, including MS-13, OConnell said. We are strongly focused on a safety-driven agenda, and one that is not focused on separation, so we have not had any conversations with the secretary or DHS about any of this. We are continuing to do things the Nashville way.

Noem also accused Belmont University of obstructing federal immigration law after the conservative website, Townhall, obtained leaked, hidden camera videos of what it reports is a Belmont employee discussing illegal immigrants enrolled in the school.

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As you know, they have openly said that they will house illegal immigrants on their campus and do that in defiance of the federal government, Noem said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Noem told reporters the federal government will send dozens more ICE agents to Nashville, which she called a sanctuary city, along with more investigative resources, thanks to funding provided by President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill.

We will continue to fight for the families that live here and make sure that these child pedophiles, these rapists, and these murderers are off our streets, Noem said.

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Noem was also pressed on why ICE hasnt released many of the names of those arrested by agents. The secretary told reporters the government is following the law and ensuring everyone has due 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 WKRN News 2.
A former area deputy has been sentenced to 90 years to life in prison after being found guilty of over 30 sex crimes, including the rape of a child under 13 years old.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Former Clermont County deputy Brigham Jones, 50, was convicted in June on charges related to rape, gross sexual imposition, and sexual battery.

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Prosecutors sought the maximum sentence, and Judge Kevin Miles delivered the verdict on Thursday, our news partners at WCPO reported.

These facts, just for the Court of Appeals purposes, are horrendous sexual acts ... that was clear during the trial, and hopefully its clear for the Court of Appeals when they read this decision, Judge Miles said during the sentencing.

County Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve expressed satisfaction with the sentence.

Effectively, he will die in prison. We think that is justice for the horrendous crimes he committed against (the first victim), and against strangers while on duty as a deputy sheriff, Tekulve said.

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The case against Jones was initially investigated and reviewed in 2013, but the prosecutors office at that time declined to pursue charges.

The case was reopened in 2024 after a victim, now an adult, came forward.

During the sentencing, the victim read an impact statement detailing the profound effect Jones crimes have had on their life.

The prosecutors office noted that Jones still refuses to take responsibility for what he did.

Jones worked as a deputy from 2013 to 2020, when his position was terminated following an internal investigation involving a second victim.

The prosecutors office stated that Jones, while on duty as a deputy, inappropriately groped a girl who was babysitting a witness he wanted to interview.

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One of the world's largest digital design platforms, Thingiverse, is taking new steps to block 3D-printed guns and gun parts after investigators in New York discovered an alarming number of design files for 3D-printed weapons available for download.

Thingiverse began deploying automated technology to rapidly detect and remove digital files for 3D-printed firearms.

"Thingiverse is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and collaborative environment for its global community. As part of this commitment, we regularly review and update our policies and procedures to help prevent the sharing of unlawful and harmful content, such as weapons and illegal materials, as outlined in our Acceptable Use Policy," the company said in a statement.

Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: "Ghost guns" seized in federal law enforcement actions are displayed at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) field office in Glendale, Calif., April 18, 2022.

"Following discussions with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office about concerns around untraceable firearms, we are taking additional steps to improve our content moderation efforts," they added.

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MORE: Supreme Court upholds federal regulations on ghost gun kits

Untraceable ghost guns have become an increasing problem. One hundred and fifty ghost guns were seized in New York City in 2020. The number tripled in 2024.

More recently, the ghost guns have evolved into weapons that can be made with nothing more than a 3D printer and a computer. A user can download a design file for Glock and print it within a few hours, concealed from public view.

Earlier this year, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg sent letters to 3D printing companies asking them to help combat the spread of homemade guns, which he called a "growing threat."

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Luigi Mangione allegedly used a 3D-printed gun and silencer in the assassination-style killing of United Healthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. Mangione pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

Bragg called on the companies to remove online blueprints, known as CAD files, that can be used to print firearms and gun parts without a background check.

MORE: Manhattan DA sends warning to ghost gun makers in wake of Supreme Court ruling

Before an individual can use a 3D printer, they need digital designs for the product they want to manufacture, commonly in the form of "STL", "3MF", or "OBJ" files. In the case of Thingiverse, one of the largest platforms in the digital design space, investigators from the district attorney's office and the NYPD found hundreds of CAD files for 3D-printed weapons, alarming both law enforcement and the company.

Colin Mixson/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images - PHOTO: US-NEWS-NY-GUN-KITS-BILL-NY

As Thingiverse grew, its existing security measures could not keep up with weapons-related CAD files. Its engineers souped them up and a recent test found a significant number of those files no longer available, according to the district attorney's office.

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"Combating the proliferation of 3D-printed weapons remains a top priority for the Office, and I am grateful to Thingiverse for its willingness to collaborate on addressing this urgent issue," Bragg said. "It's good faith efforts to stop the spread of 3D-printed weapons into our communities should serve as a model for other 3D printing and digital design companies."

This week, Bragg sent a similar letter to Bambu Lab, a China-based manufacturer of 3D printers.

"The risk your product creates, as 3D printers are used more and more frequently in schools and homes, is unacceptable," Bragg wrote in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by ABC News.

MORE: Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing allegedly boasted of making ghost gun: Sources

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He called on Bambu Lab to adopt a security measure used by a different company that checks print jobs against a database of gun blueprints and uses AI to attempt to recognize the shapes of common gun parts.

When a user opts into this program, it blocks prints of detected firearms.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images - PHOTO: Confiscated "ghost guns" are displayed before a news conference with New York Mayor Eric Adams and Attorney General Letitia James and others to announce a new lawsuit against "ghost gun" distributors, June 29, 2022 in New York.

"In order to protect your customers and our residents, and to provide additional roadblocks in the acquisition of illicit firearms, I urge that you implement similar security features as a default standard for all users of your product," the DA wrote.

"Additionally, it is paramount that you explicitly ban the creation of illegal weapons in your company's user agreement, as your user's agreement makes no mention of rules regarding the use of Bambu technology for weapons acquisition."

The district attorney's office conceded the measure will not stop the proliferation of ghost guns, but the goal is to make it harder for people to find the designs to create them.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  July is Disability Pride Month and to celebrate, several organizations are coming together to host an event.

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to coincide with the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as ADA.

It was signed into the law on July 26 in 1990. Saturdays event will not only highlight the disabled community but also recent cuts to Medicaid and DEI initiatives, something organizers say negatively affects communities around the nation.

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Were really going to be there talking about kind of the cuts to Medicaid that weve seen, the attacks on DEI that are particularly affecting the disability community, Director of Civic Engagement at American Pride Kia Sims said. But at the same time really uplifting their stories, their struggles and highlighting all the great achievements that they made in our country over the years.

The event is a part of a series hosted by American Pride Rises called Summer with Us to teach others about DEI and what it means for them.

Its happening Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Phillip Monumental AME. There will be resources, live music, free food and elected officials on hand to discuss the plight of disabled members of the LGTBQ community.

So, weve really seen in Georgia, some attacks on DEI already, weve seen them happen in our higher education institutions with programs already rolling back. That means cuts to disability services. That means no more LGBTQ programs on some campuses, Sims said. Weve already started to see some black student unions either like lose funding or go away. So, weve seen those happens at that higher education level, at the K-through-12 level. Weve also already seen attacks on being able to teach AP African American history and some of our school systems, and folks really had to band together to fight back to make sure that that could be funded so that schools so that students really learn their history. So, these moments are important ones, so that people know that they arent alone, that there are other people that care about this fight, Sims said.

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Speakers will also be their sharing stories about the services that have helped improve their quality of life. Sims said its a great way to engage with the community, build bonds, celebrate and get 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 WSAV-TV.




NEED TO KNOW

Director Reid Davenport's new documentary Life After examines the right-to-die question through the experiences of disabled people

Reid, who has cerebral palsy, uses the case of Elizabeth Bouvia, a young woman with cerebral palsy, as the centerpiece of the film

Bouvia was denied the right to starve herself in 1983





Allowing a person with a dire health diagnosis or an unbearable level of pain to die might seem like an act of mercy to some people.

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But what would happen if the government were to decide that anyone with a disability deserves the right to die? Filmmaker Reid Davenport confronts this question in his new documentary Life After, primarily through the story of Elizabeth Bouvia, a California woman with cerebral palsy who, at the age of 26, sought the legal right to starve herself to death.

This was in 1983, and some TV news broadcasts questioned why someone who was young and beautiful would want to end her life. She said she wanted to die because she hadn't been given the right to live in a society with a healthcare structure that valued the bottom line over her well-being.

Davenport, who also has cerebral palsy, and his producing partner at Multitude Films, Colleen Cassingham, kept hearing similar reasoning while making Life After, which is now playing in select theaters.

Courtesy of LA Times via Multitude Films An archival image of Elizabeth Bouvia. An archival image of Elizabeth Bouvia.

Bouvia articulated her argument well when her case moved to court  she was in pain, tired and bogged down by bureaucracy  but the state eventually sided with the hospital, which said it could not betray its oath to first do no harm. So what happened to this so-called pioneer in the right-to-die movement after the case ended?

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That is the question Davenport set out to answer when he started working on Life After. Framed by Bouvia's story, the documentary explores expanded Canadian policies that allow nearly anyone with a disability to apply to die, why some disabled people have made the tough choice to die and how advocates for MAiD (medical aid in dying) defend the expansion of the policies from people with a terminal diagnosis to anyone with a disability.

The film amplifies varied voices and points of view, like Melissa Hickson, who says her husband Michael Hickson was denied lifesaving care because doctors decided his quality of life was too low, and Catherine Frazee, a professor who posits that you cannot address human suffering by killing people. One participant, Michal Kaliszan, details how he considered assisted dying after his mother, who was his primary caretaker, died, and he could no longer afford the care he needed.

Courtesy of Multitude Films Director Reid Davenport. Director Reid Davenport.

While working on the documentary, Cassingham had to navigate a shift in taking right-to-die activism at face value as progressivism to fully understanding the implications of applying it to all disabled people.

"I thought assisted dying was really about personal choice and bodily autonomy, values that I'm deeply committed to," she tells PEOPLE. "And in learning from Reid and in working on this film, I realized there's so much more to the picture of how it actually works in society, and it's deeply linked with the ways that we do and don't value certain lives, and a deep-seated ableism that underpins so much of society."

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Over the course of Life After, as Davenport searches for Bouvia's family and seeks to find out if she is still living, two themes emerge: that the focus on right-to-die policies ignores that so many disabled people are not given the right to live and that any one person deciding what a good quality of life is for someone else can be tricky.

"The themes at the heart of this film are not niche; they're not particular to the disability community. Things like healthcare, isolation and the way that we value other human lives are universal," Cassingham says. "Everyone has a stake in the fight for a society that is invested in care and in upholding each other's dignity in the systems that we build and live within."

Courtesy of Multitude Films Director Reid Davenport and producer Colleen Cassingham, Director Reid Davenport and producer Colleen Cassingham,

Eventually, Davenport locates Bouvia's sisters, Teresa and Rebecca, and convinces them to appear on camera to talk about their sibling, who died in 2014. Encouraging the pair to open up about Bouvia was not easy, but Davenport's authenticity and transparency helped win them over.

"Their main concern was that Elizabeth's reputation and decisions were going to be questioned again, and we ensured that was not our intention," Davenport says. "Basically, trying to, with the audience, meet them where they were at, and not force them."

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As Teresa and Rebecca share stories of Bouvia's life after the 1980s while the film visits people who have used or are considering using MAiD, it becomes clear that assisted dying may have its place in the medical system. However, as Davenport sees it, discussions about it should be handled carefully when the focus is on people with disabilities.

"We should be asking, 'How can we enable disabled people to live?' And support them, and allow them opportunities," he says. "There's this sinister perspective that we are a burden, that we suck up money. So there's this underlying incentive for the health industry to allow people to choose assisted suicide."

He continues, "What I would encourage people to do is to look at how we can better the lives of people with disabilities rather than leave them to die."

Courtesy of Reuters via Multitude Films Archival image of protesters in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Archival image of protesters in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Near the end of the film, Davenport fills out the application for Canada's MAiD program to see how easy or hard it would be for him to qualify. What starts as a funny exercise becomes scary when he passes with flying colors. He reflects on this and on all the people he has met who have gone down the same path and says he can't imagine how different he would feel about his life without the support, care and passion he has.

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In one particularly poignant moment, Cassingham agrees that her quality of life would also be greatly reduced without these things, but because she doesn't have a disability, she wouldn't be given the option to die because of it.

"Quality of life doesn't have much to do with the abilities of our bodies. When someone becomes disabled or is aging, there's a real grappling with what that means, because society has told us that what makes us productive and able to enjoy life revolves around our bodies and our ability to do certain things," she says. "But for me, I've experienced a real reframing of disability as a natural part of the fabric of human experience."

"I'm learning that quality of life resides somewhere else, and it involves the people around you, it involves being loved, and giving love and care," Cassingham adds. "And those are things we all have access to if we live in a society where care is fostered and relationships and interdependency is valued and fostered."

While Bouvia's life after her landmark court case quickly fell out of the news cycle, Davenport's film reappraises the right-to-die question  through the sweet recollections of Bouvia's sisters, home video footage and the context of many others who are choosing to die or questioning why it is even an option.

Life After is now playing in select theaters

Read the original article on People
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Just days after Veolia Water gave customers the all clear, some water appears to be discolored again.

Lower Paxton Township said residents should no longer see discolored water as of Monday, July 14, and deemed the issue resolved. But discolored water seems to have returned before the week even ended.

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A photo from an abc27 News staffer showed brown water in a Lower Paxton home. She said Veolia told her to flush the line for 30 minutes.

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In a statement, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said it continues to be in regular contact with Veolia over the complaints, and that the company increased monitoring of its treatment plans throughout the distribution.

Why is the Susquehanna River water dark brown?

The DEP also said based on sampling, there is no need to boil the water, which appears to be an aesthetic issue.

Efforts to flush the system have mostly completed. The DEP said anyone with discolored water should contact Veolia.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A local West African restaurant may soon be forced to shut down after its manager was detained by federal immigration officials.

Suya Joint owner Cecelia Lizotte said her older brother, Paul Naanman Dama, plays a vital role in the award-winning business, managing both the Providence and Boston locations. She described him as hardworking and calm, with strong moral compassall defining qualities of the restaurants culture.

However, Dama has been in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since his June 15 arrest in Brockton, Massachusetts, where he was reportedly headed to church.

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Forced apart: Family-run Providence restaurant shaken by managers ICE arrest

During that time, the community has poured out support, raising more than $45,000 to help cover his legal expenses, such as immigration attorney fees and court costs.

Despite what Suya Joint describes as strong evidence, Lizotte said a judge denied Damas request for bond as he seeks to reapply for asylum in the United States.

This process has been deeply dehumanizing. Watching someone you love be detained and powerless  there are no words, Lizotte wrote in a social media post.

She said they are pursuing every legal option available, including Intensive Supervision Monitoring, which would allow Dama to live in the community while his case proceeds.

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If that fails, Lizotte said Suya Joint is at risk of closing.

This is the dismantling of a dream and a community space  caused by a system that disregards the contributions of immigrants like Paul, she continued.

RELATED: RI businesses set up immigrant defense zones in response to ICE presence

Lizotte claimed that ICEs decision to keep Dama detained does not serve the public interest, but only further inflicts harm on someone working to rebuild his life with dignity.

According to ICE, Dama is an illegally present Nigerian alien who has been unlawfully in the country since August 2019. He reportedly entered the country legally on May 2, 2019, with a B-2 visitor visa, but stayed after it expired on Aug. 22, 2019.

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Damas asylum hearing is now scheduled for Sept. 23.

Suya Joint is continuing to ask for community support during this critical moment through letters, donations, prayers, and by sharing his story.

MORE: Support grows as local restaurant manager detained by ICE seeks to stay in US

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NEED TO KNOW

Virgin Atlantic said in a statement that one of its flights on July 14 involved disruptive passengers who were later apprehended by authorities" at London's Heathrow Airport

The passengers were allegedly a group of teenagers who had purchased alcohol with fake IDs prior to boarding and drank it on board, according to The London Standard and other U.K. outlets

The teenagers were arrested and had their Electronic Travel Authorizations to the U.K. revoked





A group of teens caused chaos on a recent Virgin Atlantic flight, leading to several arrests.

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Virgin Atlantic told PEOPLE in a statement that the incident occurred on one of its flights to Londons Heathrow Airport on July 14, and involved disruptive passengers who were later apprehended by authorities.

Wed like to apologize to customers for any inconvenience caused following the arrival of the VS008 at London Heathrow on 14th July, due to disruptive passengers being apprehended by the authorities, a spokesperson said in a statement.

This is now a matter for the police, and we are unable to comment any further. The safety and welfare of our people and our customers is always our top priority, the spokesperson added.

The incident involved nine U.S. teenagers, who were believed to come from wealthy families, according to The London Standard. The news outlet reported that the teens used fake IDs to buy alcohol prior to the flight, which departed from Los Angeles, and drank the bottles on board.

Getty Heathrow Airport in London (stock image) Heathrow Airport in London (stock image)

The flight crew alleged that the teens were screaming and running amok during the approximately 10-hour transatlantic flight, per the outlet. When the plane landed in London, the teenagers were arrested by the Metropolitan Police, who confirmed the arrests to The London Standard.

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According to the outlet, the teenagers were taken to a station, where they had their mugshots and fingerprints taken. The group was also warned by officers that they could face jail time for disrupting the flight.

Officers also revoked the teens' Electronic Travel Authorizations, which barred them from carrying out any summer plans they had in the U.K., per the outlet.

The Metropolitan Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on the incident on Saturday, July 19.

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.

Disrupting a flight or interfering with crew members and attendants can lead to serious consequences, including steep fines and potential jail time. According to CBS News, those found guilty of such behavior could face up to 20 years in prison.

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The London Standard reported that Virgin Atlantic initially refused to fly the teenagers back to the U.S., but eventually allowed them to fly back. The airline reportedly flew the teens to different cities, per the outlet.



Read the original article on People
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The heat index could be in the triple-digits this weekend and doctors are urging people to take precautions.

The risk of heat emergency increases in these conditions and could even result in a trip to the emergency room.

Ascension Sacred Heart Bay sees 60 to 70 people a year, suffering from heat stroke.

Heat stroke is a big problem actually, said Ascension Sacred Heart Bays Chief Medical Officer Kunal Jani. People progressed to loss of consciousness, altered consciousness, and then unfortunately, stroke and death are not far away.

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Doctors say it can be especially dangerous for the elderly.

Heat can be dangerous, especially if youre older. Your bodys less resilient to adapting, to keeping your homeostasis levels where youre able to adapt to the heat, Jani said.

They recommend staying hydrated, avoiding the outdoors during peak temperatures and using UV protection to help prevent a heat emergency.

Cases of heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heat stroke. Doctors say prevention goes a long way.

A lot of times folks are not able to recognize that theyre on that pathway, that theyre progressing from what may be something they can be cured by going indoors and cooling down to. Now youre in the emergency room or the ambulance is bringing you to us here at ascension, Jani said.

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Doctors say when your in the heat, your body accommodates by sweating.

Humans accommodate to heat by sweating, by releasing heat from their body to the environment. The problem with our environment is when its hot and humid, your bodys not able to release the heat thats building up in you. And so your body starts compensating by sweating more. And then at a certain point, you cant sweat any more. And that becomes more and more dangerous, Jani said.

At Ascension, they treat heat stroke by rehydrating patients through IV fluids or oral fluids with electrolytes. They also put patients in a ice bath to lower their body temperature.

If you feel dizzy, weak, or confused, get inside and hydrate. If symptoms dont improve, call 911 immediately.

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MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  Murfreesboro City Council unanimously approved annexing the land Middle Point Landfill sits on Thursday evening.

However, what that means exactly is a bit murky.

To the extent practical, the goal of annexation is to achieve oversight to ensure BFI and Republics industrial operations comply with city ordinances, said Sam Huddleston, Assistant City Manager. Were also not proposing to prohibit, disrupt, or interfere with BFI and Republics current operations at Middle Point Landfill.

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Murfreesboro mayor warns city becoming haven for homelessness, pushes for action

Middle Point leaders told News 2 that theyre regulated by the state and the federal government, not the City of Murfreesboro.

They shared the following statement with News 2:

Middle Point Landfill does not oppose annexation and has not opposed annexation since 1995, when our business entered a contract with the city to access sewer and water services. While we have always encouraged public deliberation about Middle Point, tonights meeting and subsequential outcome, per our contract and recent communications with the city, will have no impact on our employees or operations in Rutherford County. Middle Point Landfill is regulated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Annexation does not give the city authority to determine the future of Middle Point Landfill or to regulate its operation in a manner that is inconsistent with the regulation of other businesses in Murfreesboro. Middle Point Landfill

Yet, plenty of residents were still eager to support annexing the property.

I just wanted to speak out in favor of getting more eyes on this area of the county, said Eric Myers, a Murfreesboro resident.

Annexation of Middle Point gives Murfreesboro a rightful seat at the table, a say in decisions that affect our neighborhoods, our property values, and our quality of life, resident Candida Layne added.

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Despite debate over the impact of this annexation, one thing it will do  allow the city to collect taxes from the property. A value Middle Point anticipated being around $39,000 per year.

I think annexation with our industrial partners in our community have been here for as long as weve been here and we dont get a lot of complaints against industrial people that were heavy handed on them, thats something that we have to protect the residents, Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said.

At the end of the meeting, McFarland shared that the city is close to reaching a settlement in a pending lawsuit with Republic, which runs Middle Point. He said that amount would be announced at City Council on July 31.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Students head to class in a 2022 file photo. A new book that divided Democrats over issues such as housing and transportation has not yet filtered down to school reform, but it needs to, writes Kalman Hettleman. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

A few weeks ago, I proposed mandatory summer school for low-performing students. I should have also prescribed summer reading for all interested in public policy and politics: the book Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, leading writers at the New York Times and The Atlantic respectively. Its that good.

But not so good for liberals. In their No. 1 bestseller, they write, Over the course of the twentieth century, America developed a right that fought the government and a left that hobbled it.

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They show, in voluminous detail, how liberals are chiefly responsible for the nations failure to build and grow in housing, environmental protection, transportation and health. Well-intentioned efforts to bring about reform in these areas have led to laws, lawsuits, regulations and other bottlenecks. Liberals believe in government, they add, and then pass policy after policy hamstringing what it can actually do.

In 2023, metro areas in San Francisco, Boston, New York and New Jersey together didnt issue as many housing permits as Houston, where the median home costs around $300,000; in San Francisco, its $1.7 million.

On the environment, Klein and Thompson write, well-meaning laws to protect nature in the twentieth century now block clean energy projects needed in the twenty-first. Another writer for The Atlantic (who has called Democrats The Great Defenders of the Status Quo) points out that environmental impact statement requirements have ballooned from about 10 pages to hundreds, a process that now takes four years on average.

On transportation, despite an all-out campaign since 1996 by California governors and U.S. presidents for high-speed rail across California, little has been built. In the time California has spent failing to complete its 500-mile high-speed rail system, Klein and Thompson write, China has built more than 23,000 miles of high-speed rail.

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California is a poster child for our nations paralysis on infrastructure, but other politically blue states and cities have been just as bad, as Abundance documents.

Your opinion matters

Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org.

We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates.

Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines.

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Views of writers are their own.

And at the national level, witness the ill fate of President Joe Bidens groundbreaking actions to build semiconductor manufacturing capacity and infrastructure. When he left office, writes veteran journalist Jonathan Chait, only a fraction of the funds were spent  and of those, hardly any yielded concrete results. Biden, and the nation, have paid a catastrophic political price.

Its hardly a surprise that Abundance blowback has been swift, fierce and fratricidal. Chait describes The Coming Democratic Civil War over the abundance agenda. [It] has set off clanging alarms on the left  it is a direct attack on the constellation of activist organizations  that control progressive politics and have significant influence over the Democratic party.

David Dayen, editor of the progressive magazine The American Prospect, has called the abundance agenda an attack on basic democratic rights. Housing and environmental activists claim the role of communities in decision-making would be destroyed.

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Of special note, Chait lists Maryland Gov. Wes Moore as among the top Democratic officials (New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro among them) to be receptive to the abundance agenda.

Keep in mind, too, that Klein and Thompson (and Chait) are staunch liberals. (And on a personal note, I am a democratic socialist and ardent fan of Bernie, Elizabeth, AOC and the New York City phenom Zohran Mamdani.)

What does all the Abundance controversy have to do with public education? Its not discussed in the book. But the leader of a prominent centrist education group thinks: Nowhere is an abundance mindset more urgently needed than in K-12 education  It challenges the progressive status quo and calls for outcome-focused, innovation governance that produces rather than merely regulates.

I have problems with innovation as a guiding principle for school reform (in my view, we need less innovation and more effective management of, and funding for, evidence-based best practices). But the idea of a different mindset is compelling.

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How might that play out? In what ways are liberals sometimes their own worst enemy in public education? Why is it generally conceded that Democrats have lost the political high ground on public education to Republicans?

For one thing, liberals have failed to tack from the left to the center on popular issues like school choice (even with tax credits and vouchers excluded). For another, liberals have done little to nothing to assure that national, state and local school funding is well spent (the subject of my recent commentary).

It also means that ideological progressives have favored decentralization of school policy to the point of resistance to (a) national and state efforts to promote accountability and (b) evidence-based practices, most notably the science of reading.

Of course, on education, dont be fooled for a minute: Missteps by Democrats are a minuscule fraction of what Republicans are doing to undermine public education altogether.

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Turning back to the book, one flaw is that it does not propose corrective political actions. Though Abundance mentions general goals like zoning reform for housing and expedited permitting for infrastructure, Klein and Thompson concede that Abundance is A Lens, Not a List.

We cant let it go at that. Liberals must fill in the political blanks. A turning point may have occurred June 30, when California rolled back a landmark law that was a national symbol of environmental protection before it came to be vilified as a primary reason for the states severe housing shortage and homelessness crisis. Weve got to get out of our own damn way, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said.

The mission is not just urgent on environmentalism, housing, transportation and health. The same urgency, fresh-thinking and spirit must drive school reform.
(NewsNation)  U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday asked a federal court to unseal transcripts from the grand jury that investigated sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before his 2019 death in jail.

Although such records are typically kept secret, Bondi asked in her motion that the U.S. District Court, New York Southern District make an exception, while protecting the identities of victims, given the extensive public interest in the case.

Ghislaine Maxwell should testify before Congress: Dershowitz

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Earlier this month, the Department of Justice and the FBI concluded evidence did not support investigating uncharged third parties, Bondi noted, a conclusion she said she still supports.

The attempt to effectively close the Epstein case has created a rift within the political base of President Donald Trump, with conspiracy theories abounding over the contents of unreleased records and about the circumstances surrounding Epsteins death, which was ruled a suicide.

Trump sues after Wall Street Journals Epstein story

Public officials, lawmakers, pundits, and ordinary citizens remain deeply interested

and concerned about the Epstein matter, Bondi wrote.

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Epstein, a jet-setting financier, died awaiting trial on charges he trafficked and abused underage girls at his properties in New York and Florida. His confidant, Ghislaine Maxwell, was later convicted of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence.

The multiple celebrities in Epsteins orbit have included President Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, who have tried to distance themselves from the scandal. None have been accused of wrongdoing.

Some of Trumps supporters, however, have pushed conspiracy theories about the potential culpability of rich and famous people who were associated with Epstein. Bondi, Trumps attorney general, in February claimed she had the so-called Epstein client list on her desk, which observers say helped intensify a feeding frenzy over the case.

Trump has been frustrated by the storys refusal to fade and even lashed out at some followers. This week, he asked Bondi to work on getting the grand-jury transcripts unsealed.

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Jeffrey Epstein timeline: Sex trafficking, scandals, Ghislaine Maxwell

Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval, he wrote on the Truth Social platform. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!

Bondis request would cover secret testimony in the grand jurys investigation into Epstein but not considerably more material in files compiled by investigators outside court.

Heres the problem: The grand-jury testimony is largely about Epstein and Maxwell, not about all the rich and powerful men who abused, assaulted, and abandoned young women, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said this week. Those people are still being protected.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The Justice Department (DOJ) asked a federal court on Friday to unseal the grand jury transcripts in the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche filed two different, almost identical, motions to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to release the transcripts of the man convicted of sex-trafficking minors and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

The motions state that even though the DOJ and FBI remain confident about the July memo, which indicated there was no evidence of a client list and confirmed that Epstein died by suicide, the court should unseal the testimonies out of public interest.

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The move comes amid furor over the release of the so-called Epstein files, particularly among some of Trumps staunchest supports.

The DOJ will work to remove the names of potential victims and other personal identifying information before the transcript is released, the motions state. It is rare for a grand jury transcript to be released due to sensitive information; however, it can be done if there is enough public demand.

There is still no information on how long it will take the court to unseal the files. The DOJ has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal released a bombshell report about a letter President Trump reportedly sent to Epstein for his 50th birthday. The letter includes a drawn picture of a naked woman and the words Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret.

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Trump refuted the allegations and is now suing the reporters and the papers owner Rupert Murdoch.

Fridays motion comes after the president directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the pertinent grand jury testimony, in an attempt to calm criticism about the administrations handling of the case.

Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!, Trump posted on Truth Social.

The administration in recent weeks has faced increased pressure from Republicans and Democrats alike to share more information about the case, prompting frustration from the president.

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I have had more success in 6 months than perhaps any President in our Countrys history, and all these people want to talk about, with strong prodding by the Fake News and the success starved Dems, is the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, Trump posted on Truth Social.

Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, dont even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I dont want their support anymore!

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested data on non-citizen inmates from major California county jails, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, looking for information on their crimes and release dates.

The request targets counties that have historically limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The data collection effort represents the latest escalation in the administrations immigration crackdown.

Removing criminal illegal aliens is this Administrations highest priority, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a July 17 filed statements supporting Huntington Beachs lawsuit against state sanctuary laws and challenged a Kentucky regulation offering in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.

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California has long resisted federal immigration enforcement efforts. State law limits local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly regarding detention requests.

The DOJ announcement emphasized that while all undocumented immigrants violate federal law, those who commit additional crimes pose a heightened risk to our Nations safety and security. The statement described recent border crossings as an invasion of illegal aliens at an unprecedented scale.
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In a court document filed earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service quietly revealed a significant break with long-standing practice: Churches will no longer risk their nonprofit status if clergy endorse political candidates from the pulpit. The change stemmed from a lawsuit brought against the agency by evangelical groups that argued that the prior ban on church involvement in political campaigns infringed upon their First Amendment rights. Their victory, though, may turn out to be a Faustian bargain: Churches can now openly involve themselves in elections, but in doing so, they risk becoming de facto political organizations. What may appear to be a triumph over liberalism could in fact be a loss, the supersession of heavenly concerns by earthly ones.

Churches have long been divided over the proper role for religion in American politics. One approach has been to militate against the separation of church and state, insofar as that distinction limits what churches can do to exercise power in society. The IRS change, along with several others by the Trump administration, will soften that barrier, allowing churches to take on a much more pronounced role in electoral politics. Another approach has been to operate within the confines of that separationwhich has produced some very noble results: a norm of discouraging churches from turning into mere organs of political parties, and an emphasis on forming the conscience of believers rather than providing direct instructions about political participation.

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A conservative 30 years ago might have preferred that latter approach, or at least said so. Back then, members of the right complained that Black churches frequently gave political endorsements or raised funds for electoral campaigns, and that the IRS neglected to enforce its now-eliminated ban, known as the Johnson Amendment. Yet by 2016, that dynamic had reversed, leading Donald Trump, then still a presidential candidate, to court the coveted right-wing evangelical vote by vowing to destroy the amendment once in office. A number of religious leaders took the implications of that promise and ran with theman investigation by The Texas Tribune and ProPublica published in 2022 found that plenty of evangelical churches were offering endorsement despite the rule. The hope in paring down the Johnson Amendment is apparently that church endorsements will influence the outcome of elections in the rights favor.

[Elizabeth Bruenig: Progressive Christianitys bleak future]

But theres little reason to believe that church endorsements will do much in the way of persuasion. American churches have already undergone so much liberal attrition that, in practice, many right-wing evangelical pastors will be instructing their congregations to vote for candidates most members already intend to vote for. To the degree that broadly conservative churches retain some liberal members, endorsing right-wing candidates seems like just the thing to alienate them, which is a loss for those congregations as well as for the faith as a whole. Church intervention in particular electoral races is an efficient polarization machine.



For that and other reasons, this policy shift doesnt really offer any benefits to Christians qua Christians. Providing political endorsements makes churches susceptible to powerful campaign tactics: PACs, for example, will have incentives to fund churches that reflect their agendas, meaning that pastors livelihoods could come to depend on contorting their religious beliefs to suit political interests. Politically active congregants will also have good reason to lobby their pastors for certain endorsements, another source of pressure for church leaders to say that supporting a particular candidate is the will of God. And the practice of offering endorsements prioritizes accepting specific instructions from church leaders over cultivating Christian values and methods of reasoning that allow the faithful to determine which candidates to support for themselves. (Indeed, the Christian religion itself seeks to cultivate those very things for that very reason, rather than providing an itemized list of every behavior to perform and every behavior to avoid.) This is apparently why the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement that Catholic clergy will still decline to make political endorsements. The Church seeks to help Catholics form their conscience in the Gospel, the release read, so they might discern which candidates and policies would advance the common good.

That is a much more logical way for church leaders to proceed. Dictating which candidates to vote for is at once presumptuous, assuming much more about Gods judgment than can rightly be accounted for, and also nihilistic, assuming that churchgoers are so ill-formed in their faith that they cant be trusted to figure out the right answers to these earthly, prudential questions. Granting the imprimatur of the faith to ordinary charlatansthe most common breed of politicianis ill-begotten, and borders on sacrilegious.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) -A federal judge on Friday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's nearly $50 million lawsuit against the journalist Bob Woodward for publishing tapes from interviews for his 2020 best-seller "Rage" as an audiobook.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe in Manhattan is a victory for Woodward, his publisher Simon & Schuster and its former owner Paramount Global.

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Woodward interviewed Trump 19 times between December 2019 and August 2020, and about 20% of "Rage" came from the interviews.

The book was released in September 2020, while the audiobook "The Trump Tapes," including Woodward's commentary, was released in October 2022.

In a 59-page decision, Gardephe said Trump did not plausibly allege that he and Woodward intended to be joint authors of "The Trump Tapes," saying Simon & Schuster credited Trump as a "reader" while crediting Woodward as the author.

The judge, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, also said Trump did not show he had a copyright interest in his stand-alone responses to Woodward's questions.

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Gardephe also said federal copyright law preempted Trump's state law-based claims. He gave Trump until August 18 to amend his complaint a third time.

A spokesperson for Trump's legal team said in a statement: "In another biased action by a New York Court, this wrongful decision was issued without even affording President Trump the basic due process of a hearing. We will continue to ensure that those who commit wrongdoing against President Trump and all Americans are held accountable."

Lawyers for Woodward, Simon & Schuster and Paramount did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

WALTER CRONKITE, BARBARA WALTERS CITED

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The defendants had argued that federal law barred Trump from copyrighting interviews conducted as part of his official duties, and that no president before him ever demanded royalties for publishing presidential interviews.

They also called Woodward the "sole architect and true author" of the interviews, just as journalists like the late Walter Cronkite and Barbara Walters were in interviews with other presidents.

Woodward also said his interviews reflected "classic news reporting" that helped convey accurate information to the public, and thus amounted to "fair use."

Trump sued in January 2023, saying he told Woodward repeatedly that the interviews were meant solely for the book. Woodward said he never agreed to that restriction.

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The $49.98 million damages request was based on what Trump's lawyers called projected sales of 2 million audiobooks at $24.99 each.

Paramount sold Simon & Schuster in October 2023 to private equity firm KKR for $1.62 billion in cash.

The case is Trump v Simon & Schuster Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 23-06883.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang)
Stacy Staggs's 11-year-old daughter will never eat or breathe on her own.

Five times a day, Staggs or a nurse feeds her daughter, Emma Staggs, doctor-prescribed formula through a feeding tube at home. The formula comes at $25 per bottle, amounting to $125 per day.

The formula is covered through Medicaid, a program jointly funded by the federal government and states, which faces severe cuts through President Donald Trump's Republican-backed and recently passed reconciliation package. The law directly impacts nondisabled adults who must get a job or qualify for an exemption in order to maintain Medicaid coverage. But advocates are worried about how vulnerable populations might be harmed as states manage funding shortfalls due to other provisions in the law.

Stacy Staggs and her husband Shane sit with Emma, 11, on the front porch.

Emma Staggs has bilateral vocal cord paralysis that prohibits her from swallowing or sounding out words, chronic lung disease, developmental delays and other daily health struggles. She survived the first months of her life in the intensive care unit after she was born at 1 pound, 9 ounces. In addition to the formula she needs to survive, Medicaid covers a pulse oximeter, oxygen concentrator, oxygen tanks for travel and a heap of other medical equipment in her North Carolina bedroom.

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The program also pays for in-home health nurses who help her eat and breathe and occupational therapy at a farm that helps her gain strength and dexterity to be able to use her hands. It covered horseback-riding physical therapy that helped her climb stairs this year.

The Staggs are on edge. For them, it's no question that the new law could put their ability to cover the cost of their daughter's care in jeopardy. The law slashes the amount of federal money given to states to fund their Medicaid programs, so now states will have to decide which programs to cut.

Emma Staggs attends Shining Hope Farms in Mt. Holly, North Carolina, for therapy, where she rides horses and engages in other activities. On this particular day, she did not ride, but instead groomed "Oreo." Occuptional therapist Erica Worek works with Emma as she brushes Oreo. Worek explained the brushing helps with coordination, such as "crossing midlines", as well as tolerating sensory stimulus.

The North Carolina program that funds Emma Staggs's formula, medical equipment, health nurses and occupational therapy is called the Katie Beckett waiver or the Community Alternatives Program for Children. It's a Medicaid waiver that helps families of children who have complex needs and long-term disabilities receive and sustain at-home care so their children do not need to be cared for in an institution.

Stacy Staggs is worried that it could end up on the chopping block.

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We would have to take out loans, sell the house and move in with my mom, Staggs said. We would go into medical bankruptcy to keep Emma alive.

A home health nurse helps clear Emma Stagg's chest of mucous during a 15-minute session using a vibrating vest.

Officials from North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services have not said whether the waiver will be cut due to reduced Medicaid revenue. James Werner, a spokesperson for the department, said in an email to USA TODAY officials are "reviewing the final legislation to determine its full impact on the state and its residents."

"These cuts not only impact the people that rely on them directly but also strain the systems and communities that hold us all together," Werner said.

Millions of children and adults with disabilities enrolled in Medicaid rely on the medications, equipment and staff the program covers to stay healthy, survive and be active members in their communities. Without in-home help, and sometimes even with it, family caregivers  frequently mothers  often pick up the slack, switching jobs or leaving their careers behind to care for their kids with special needs. The cuts to Medicaid could exacerbate that reality.

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For the Staggs family, it's a matter of life and death.

"If we get to a place where we're no longer eligible, I can start a timer on how much longer Emma will be alive," Stacy Staggs said. "Thats the end of it. Its not abstract. Its not hyperbole. Its the only thing that she can eat. There isnt any substitute."

What is Medicaid, who uses it and what's changed?

Some states have opted to expand Medicaid to help families pay for items their children with disabilities need that other health insurance companies might not cover, like wheelchairs, car seats and communication devices.

Theres no other program that comes close to the support Medicaid provides for recipients and their families, said Sara Rosenbaum, a professor of health law and policy at George Washington Universitys Milken Institute School of Public Health.

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Theres no health system recovery from a destroyed Medicaid program, Rosenbaum said.

How Trump's tax bill Could cut Medicaid for millions of Americans

Nearly half of the 78 million people who were enrolled in Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Programs at the start of the year were children, according to the federal government.

One in 5 children in the United States has special health care needs, and about half of those kids have coverage through Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program, according to Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy Center for Children and Families.

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The Trump administration's Medicaid cuts will leave nearly 12 million people uninsured by 2034, according to a cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office. Another estimate from the Senate Joint Economic Committee Minority says it's closer to 20 million people.

The new law increases Medicaid eligibility checks from once a year to twice a year, leading to more paperwork and potentially delayed funding for already overwhelmed families like the Staggs. This goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

States with robust Medicaid expansion programs, also known as "optional" enrollments, will also have to roll back supports because they'll receive less money from the federal government to fund them.

Medicaids opponents just dont understand the program, said Kim Musheno, senior director of Medicaid for the disability advocacy group The Arc.

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They just see a price tag, Rosenbaum said. And the price tag is for people they consider wholly undesirable.

'Attack on rural America' Kentucky governor hits Medicaid cuts in Trump's megabill

Supporters of the GOPs plan, including Speaker Mike Johnson, said the federal government needs to slash funding and that Medicaid needs to be more efficient. He also said able-bodied people who dont work and undocumented immigrants should be barred from receiving medical assistance in an interview with CBS News in May. Those who dont work are taking advantage of the system, he said.

What were doing is working on fraud, waste and abuse, Johnson said.

In-home help is essential for caregiver parents

Lindsay Latham, a mother in Virginia, doesn't want to quit the job she loves as director of operations for a lighting company. But shell likely have to if Medicaid cuts strip her 11-year-old son of in-home care.

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Her son, Calvin Latham, was born with a brain malformation. Doctors told them he might never walk or talk, and that hed likely develop epilepsy. Hes progressed a lot since then, Latham said, but he still needs help eating, drinking, bathing and getting dressed.

Calvin Latham begins a physical therapy session to help strengthen his legs and core with his mother Lindsay and caregiver Bruno Gutierrez in his home.

Latham said she thought their family's health insurance would cover her sons medical needs. But it didnt cover all of it. Medicaid has picked up the rest of the tab to cover things her and her husbands insurance wont, including his car seat, an adaptive stroller, a speech device, anticonvulsant medications and in-home attendant care to help him get out of bed and ready for school in the mornings, and bathed and back in bed at night.

It wasn't easy, Latham said. Her son's Medicaid application was rejected three times before he was enrolled through the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Waiver. She's bracing for more red tape with the new requirements that involve more frequent eligibility checks.

To make it harder for people who are working to fill out paperwork to maintain their medical coverage, Latham said. Its cruel.

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More pressing, Latham is worried the state will reduce or cut her son's attendant and respite care if the reduced federal match can't support the hours he needs. The state's Medicaid budget is already strapped, she said, and her son receives minimal hours through his Medicaid wavier.

Lindsay Latham helps her son Calvin step outside as they prepare to go to a protest against Medicaid cuts on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Her son is on a waitlist for the state's Developmental Disability Community Living Waiver, also funded through Medicaid, which provides in-home care. It's a long list, she said, and she's been told he might not get off it until he's 30. She's terrified the state will cut or shrink the program even more.

"This isn't just an immediate effect on Calvin's life," she said. "This is going to be lifelong."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office did not respond to USA TODAY's inquiry about what programs will be eliminated or reduced due to the federal Medicaid cuts.

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If Medicaid no longer covers her sons attendant care, especially during the summer months when hes out of school, Latham said all of his caregiving duties will fall to her and shed become a stay-at-home mom. As the breadwinner of the family, she said, that would mean the Lathams wont be able to afford updating their home as their son grows up and starts to need a wheelchair and wheelchair-accessible entryways.

Were not on this because were trying to play the system, Latham said. Were on it because we need it. He needs it. He deserves to have a fulfilling, rich life in his community.

Calvin Latham attends a protest against Medicaid cuts with his parents Lindsay and Toby in Vienna, Va. on July 1, 2025.

'Really a lot at stake'

Doctors told Mary Caruso the chances of her having a child with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, were 25%.

She didnt have one child with the disease. She had two.

We do play lotto, Caruso joked.

Thirty years later, Caruso said her family has finally settled into a routine that includes a rotation of more than a dozen health attendants covered through Connecticut's Community First Choice program, a Medicaid expansion program through the Affordable Care Act. Both of her children  35-year-old Alexandria Bode and 38-year-old Sam Bode  have jobs and spend time volunteering and participating in various community events with the help of their staff.

We have some amazing people here, Caruso said. I dont know, honestly, what we would do without them.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's office did not respond to USA TODAY's inquiry on whether the state will cut or reduce services for those enrolled in the Community First Choice program. If the state opts to reduce expansion programs because of federal Medicaid cuts, and the Bode siblings lose coverage, Caruso said they'll have to leave their jobs.

It would fall to Caruso to help them eat, drink, bathe, dress and perform most other daily activities.

Its hard to really understand how valuable caregivers and these programs are. And youre talking about two people who want to be part of society," Caruso said. They have a right to be, and they cant do it alone, physically.

There is really a lot at stake, Caruso said. She won't consider ever putting her children in a facility. She'd care for them herself until she died.

But it would not be easy, she said.

After working to live on her own, 'Could this mean that I have to move back?'

Other family caregivers who recently found respite might find themselves back in a caregiving role if their adult children are kicked off Medicaid.

James Rothchild said his daughter was diagnosed with autism when she was 3 years old. It was a lengthy process for her to get ready to live on her own, he said, and he wasnt always convinced it would be possible.

But Chloe Rothschild, 32, moved out 2  years ago.

To prepare for the move, Chloe Rothschild said she spent more than 10 years practicing various skills like working with her in-home aide staff, staying alone overnight and cooking and cleaning.

I worked really hard to get here, she said. So, I dont want to go backward.

Rothschild said her direct support providers, who are paid through a Medicaid waiver, come by for one to three hours, four to five days a week, to help her cook, clean, shop and organize.

Im really thriving, she said. And Im continuing to make progress and gain skills. Like just this weekend, Im going out of town for work. And for the first time ever, no one is going with me.

Dan Tierney, deputy director of media relations from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's office, said the state is "still reviewing the bill for potential impacts."

"But we do not anticipate any major cuts in Ohio as a result of the bills passage," Tierney wrote in an email to USA TODAY.

Rothschild isn't convinced. If Medicaid cuts reduce her hours of support or cut them entirely, shes worried it would lead to skill regression and potentially take away her independence. She wonders: Could this mean that I have to move back in with my family?

She can't live on her own without in-home help, her father said.

It would be fairly devastating, he said. It would not be good for our family.

'More pressure on families' Nearly half of US states are on the brink of a caregiving emergency

'It's going to be those of us with disabilities'

Emma Staggs will never be able to live independently.

Medicaid has funded nearly $4 million of her life-saving care for nearly 12 years, her mother said. That's only for a portion of the services she needs to survive. Her father's private medical insurance pays for the rest.

Staggs said she is furious about what the potential loss of Medicaid could mean for her family and others like them. Their fate is in the hands of the state now.

"The goal of all of this is less people going forward, and it's going to be those with disabilities and an inability to work in the workforce," she said. She and her family lobbied in Washington, D.C., in the days before the bill passed. They now plan to target their state lawmakers.

Stacy Staggs, left, from Charlotte, NC and her daughter Sara Staggs, wearing hat, along with other families of children with disabilities who rely on Medicaid for critical health care services visit the Longworth House Office Building office as the group sought to meet with congressional members, July 2, 2025 while lobbying congress as part of the group known as Little Lobbyists, a group advocating for kids with complex medical needs and disabilities.

In the meantime, Staggs has attempted to ration the formula she gets by diluting it with water. Sometimes she gives her daughter Gatorade instead. And she's made an appointment with her daughter's doctor to see if they can try another feeding option or a backlog supply of the formula while they are guaranteed Medicaid.

Thats the part that has me in real panic, Staggs said. When theyre talking about an end date to Medicaid, its like saying how long theyre keeping Emma alive.

Madeline Mitchell's role covering women and the caregiving economy at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.

Reach Madeline at memitchell@usatoday.com and @maddiemitch_ on X.

Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caregiving parents fear for disabled kids' lives under Medicaid cuts
A double shooting near the Milwaukee School of Engineering has left one person dead and a teenager injured.

The incident took place in the area of 300 E. Juneau Ave., near the intersection of East Juneau Avenue and North Broadway, at about 2:10 a.m. on July 19, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.

A 21-year-old received a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. A 15-year-old suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

MSOE released a statement about the incident.

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We are saddened to share that early this morning, a shooting occurred near campus on Juneau Avenue," the statement said. "No members of the MSOE community were involved in the incident. The matter is being handled by the Milwaukee Police Department.

Milwaukee police said they are seeking an unknown suspect at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or P3 Tips.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Double shooting near MSOE leaves one dead, teenager injured
LONDON (AP)  British police arrested dozens of people for supporting a banned Palestinian rights organization on Saturday as protests over the governments decision to outlaw the group continued for a third weekend.

Waving placards reading I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action, demonstrators gathered in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Londonderry and Truro.

The government moved to ban Palestine Action after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20 to protest British military support for Israels war with Hamas. The activists sprayed red paint into the jet engines of two huge tanker planes and caused further damage with crowbars.

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Parliament passed legislation earlier this month designating Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, meaning membership in the group or support for its actions are now punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Police announced an increased presence in central London ahead of the protests, saying they would protect the right to peaceful protest but would act swiftly if demonstrators violated the law.

Those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offense and will very likely be arrested, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said in a statement released Thursday.

Supporters of Palestine Action are challenging the ban, with the High Court in London scheduled to consider the case on Monday, according to the campaign group Defend Our Juries, which organized Saturdays protests.

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Almost 100 protesters were arrested around the country on Saturday, including 55 in London, Defend Our Juries said in a statement.

In London, police officers surrounded demonstrators who had gathered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi that stands in a park across the street from the Houses of Parliament. Officers confiscated placards and searched the bags of those arrested.

Video posted online showed police carrying an elderly man away from the demonstration in the Cornish city of Truro as he shouted, I oppose genocide.
A driver was charged with assault after plowing into a crowd outside a Hollywood nightclub early Saturday, police said, injuring 30 people, with bystanders attacking and shooting the driver before he was detained by authorities.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, was charged on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) spokeswoman Rosario Cervantes told AFP.

Ramirez had been "undergoing surgery" at a local hospital after suffering a gunshot wound from the incident.

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"He is not free to leave, he is in the custody of Los Angeles Police Department," LAPD Commander Lillian Carranza told local news station KCAL.

Ramirez had been kicked out of The Vermont Hollywood nightclub in East Hollywood before he deliberately rammed his vehicle into the crowd, US media reported.

Based on reviewing a video of the incident, "when he hit bystanders, it was an intentional act," the Los Angeles Times quoted LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes as saying.

The crowd pulled Ramirez out of the car, reportedly a Nissan Versa sedan, and attacked him in the chaos that followed the car ramming, which took place around 2:00 am (0900 GMT), police detailed.

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Authorities were still searching for a gunman who shot and wounded the driver before fleeing on foot, Cervantes said.

Footage posted on social media showed panicked people running outside the club and victims sprawled on a blood-stained sidewalk, while others sobbed nearby.

"When officers arrived, they found the driver being assaulted by bystanders and determined he had sustained a gunshot wound," a police statement said.

More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene in East Hollywood.

"We have 30 victims, 18 females and 12 males between the ages of the mid-twenties to early thirties," Carranza said.

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Seven were in critical condition and six were in serious condition, authorities said. Ten suffered minor injuries while seven left the hospital against medical advice.

- 'Heartbreaking tragedy' -

Many clubgoers were outside when the car plowed into the crowd, a taco truck and a valet stand.

"They were all standing in line going into a nightclub. There was a taco cart out there, so they were ... getting some food, waiting to go in. And there's also a valet line there," Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Adam Van Gerpen told ABC News.

"The valet podium was taken out, the taco truck was taken out, and then a large number of people were impacted by the vehicle."

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At dawn Saturday, a tow truck hauled away the car, its bumper torn off. Club employees power washed the sidewalk outside The Vermont Hollywood, which had been hosting a reggae and hip-hop event.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident "a heartbreaking tragedy."

"The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning -- a full investigation into what happened is underway," she said in a statement.

The Vermont Hollywood club said on social media it was "deeply saddened by the tragic incident."

The area of the car ramming is near Hollywood landmarks including Sunset Boulevard and the Walk of Fame -- a sidewalk emblazoned with stars commemorating movie industry figures.

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The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed armed group M23 signed a ceasefire deal on Saturday to end fighting that has devastated the country's mineral-rich but conflict-torn east.

The truce was agreed in a Declaration of Principles signed by the two sides after three months of talks in the Qatari capital, Doha, which follows a separate Congolese-Rwandan peace deal signed in Washington last month.

"The Parties commit to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire," including refraining from "hate propaganda" and "any attempt to seize by force new positions", said the agreement.

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The M23, which seized vast swathes of territory in eastern DRC in a lightning offensive in January and February, had insisted on seeking its own ceasefire deal with Kinshasa, saying the Washington deal left out various "problems" that still needed to be addressed.

The African Union hailed the new deal as a "significant development", saying: "This... marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region".

Under the deal, the warring parties agreed to open negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement.

The deal, which the two sides said aligns with the Washington agreement, also includes a roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern DRC.

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- Full accord to follow -

Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the deal took account of the DRC's "red lines", including "the non-negotiable withdrawal of the M23 from occupied areas followed by the deployment of our institutions", including the national armed forces.

He said a comprehensive peace agreement would follow "in the coming days".

The deal said the two sides had agreed to implement its terms by July 29 at the latest, and to start direct negotiations toward a permanent agreement by August 8.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi are due to meet in the coming months to solidify the Washington peace deal, whose terms have not yet been implemented.

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Questions remain over an expected side deal on economic issues after US President Donald Trump boasted of securing mineral wealth in the vast central African nation.

Tshisekedi said in April that he had discussed a deal for access to the DRC's mineral wealth with US special envoy Massad Boulos.

Previous ceasefire agreements for eastern DRC have collapsed in the past.

Neighbouring Rwanda denies providing military backing to the M23, but UN experts say that the Rwandan army played a "critical" role in the group's offensive, including combat operations.

Rich in natural resources, especially lucrative minerals, eastern DRC has been wracked by conflict for more than three decades, creating a humanitarian crisis and forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

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Thousands were killed in the M23 offensive earlier this year, which saw the group capture the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

The front line has stabilised since February, but fighting was still breaking out regularly between the M23 and multiple pro-government militias.

burs/jhb/ach
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end fighting in eastern Congo.

The declaration was signed on Saturday between representatives of both sides in Doha.

The DRC and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been engaged in heavy fighting, spurred by M23s bloody January assault and capture of the DRCs two largest cities.

The decades-long conflict has roots in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with M23 made up primarily of ethnic Tutsi fighters.

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The Congolese fighting has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year, while escalating the risk of a full-blown regional war.

Several of DRCs neighbours already have troops deployed in the volatile region.

Al Jazeeras Alain Uaykani, reporting from Goma in the DRC, said the development was significant for the people of the country. He said the situation had been very unstable on the ground before the agreement.

The declaration signed today between the DR Congo government and M23 paves the way for a widespread discussion, he added.

Uaykani underscored that M23 has said there should be trust between the sides to talk about the root causes of the conflict, and the deal might potentially establish that.

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The African Union said the deal was a significant development.

This  marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region, AU chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said in a statement.

In March, Qatar brokered a surprise meeting between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, during which they called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

That led to direct talks, also in Doha, between the DRC and M23.

The DRC had previously rejected the idea of holding talks with M23, branding it a terrorist group, but in April, both sides pledged to work towards a ceasefire.

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The deal does not address important questions concerning the possible Rwandan and M23 withdrawals from eastern DR Congo.

It says DR Congo and M23 agree state authority should be restored on all national territories as part of an eventual peace agreement but does not give details.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya nevertheless said on X on Saturday that the declaration takes into account the red lines we have always defended, including the non-negotiable withdrawal of M23.

Negotiations for a peace agreement are to start no later than August 8, according to the declaration, which would give the parties less than two weeks to finalise a deal if they stick to their new August 18 deadline.

Talks in the US

Washington has also hosted talks between the DRC and Rwanda in June.

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On June 27, the two countries foreign ministers signed a peace deal and met with United States President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump warned of very severe penalties, financial and otherwise if the deal is violated.

Trump had also invited Tshisekedi and Kagame to Washington to sign a package of deals that Massad Boulos, Trumps senior adviser for Africa, dubbed the Washington Accord.

But he had also said US officials hope to have a deal in Doha finalised by then.

The DRC, the United Nations and Western powers say Rwanda is supporting M23 by sending troops and arms.

Rwanda has long denied helping M23 and says its forces are acting in self-defence against the DRCs army and ethnic Hutu fighters linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).




July 19 (UPI) -- The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels backed by Rwanda signed a declaration of peace after nearly four years of fighting in Central Africa.

The signing took place in Doha, Qatar, three weeks after Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington, D.C., that didn't involve the rebels, who emerged in 2012. There have been 30 years of conflict between the two nations.

The BBC obtained a copy of the declaration, which must follow the Washington Accords brokered by the United States.

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At the White House, both sides agreed to recognize and respect each other's territorial borders, committed to not supporting any armed groups and to establish a joint security mechanism to target militias.

And they plan to expand trade and investment opportunities, including U.S. access to critical minerals.

President Donald Trump holds a signed peace agreement during a meeting with Democratic Republic of the Congo Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner (right) and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe (left) in the Oval Office of the White House on June 27. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI

Massad Boulos, the U.S. special envoy for Africa, witnessed Saturday's agreement.

In the accord brokered by Qatar officials, both sides agreed to "resolve their disputes by peaceful means" by July 9 with a final peace deal by Aug 18.

"The parties acknowledge that peace, security and stability are essential to increase development opportunities, improve living conditions and protect human dignity," the accord said.

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Also, there is a commitment to reinstate state authority in eastern Congo.

The deal took the government's "red line" into account, including the "non-negotiable withdrawal" of M23 from occupied areas, according to DR Congo spokesman Patrick Muyatya.

But M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa said in a video the deal didn't mention a pullout

African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called the declaration a "major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.

Congo Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe appeared at a signing ceremony in the White House's Oval Office on June 27.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Qatar began negotiations with the two foreign ministers in April. The agreement was announced by the State Department on June 18.

"At least 6 million people were killed during that period of time," Trump said at signing. "It's incredible. And somebody said that was actually, it's the biggest war on the planet since World War II. It's a shame but we're going to bring it to an end."

Around 7 million people have been displaced in Congo, which has a population of 106 million. Rwanda's population is 14 million. They both gained independence from Belgium in the early 1960s.

Congo has agreed to "neutralize" the rebels in eastern Congo. They are linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide of more than 800,000 Tutsis and Hutus.

In January, M-23 rebels were aided by Rwandan forces in escalating the conflict, according to a United Nations expert panel.
A Massachusetts man was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated following a crash at the Hooksett tolls on Interstate 93 on Thursday.

The accident was reported at around 6:20 a.m.

Tyler Murphy, 27, of Rockland, Mass., was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to a news release by the New Hampshire State Police.

Murphy was later arrested on charges of aggravated DWI, open container, and resisting arrest, State Police said.

Two lanes on I-93 were temporarily closed to southbound traffic.
The driver suspected of ramming his vehicle into revelers outside an East Hollywood nightclub was beaten and then shot by bystanders, police said.

Seven people are in critical condition after the driver of the Nissan Versa, who has not been identified, crashed into bystanders outside The Vermont Hollywood club at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard at around 2 a.m. Saturday.

In total, 23 people were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, police said.

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LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes told the LA Times that the suspected driver was thrown out of the club earlier for being disruptive.

After he drove into the crowd, bystanders pulled him from the vehicle and started assaulting him. He was then shot from across the street by a suspect who remains at large, according to police.

Seven people are in critical condition after the driver of the Nissan Versa crashed into bystanders outside The Vermont Hollywood club at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard at around 2 a.m. Saturday. (AXN News/Reuters)

Seven people are in critical condition after the driver of the Nissan Versa crashed into bystanders outside The Vermont Hollywood club at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard at around 2 a.m. Saturday. (AXN News/Reuters)

From review of the video, he went up to the sidewalk further down and when he hit bystanders it was an intentional act, Fernandes told the outlet.

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He was pulled from the car, handcuffed by security and then beaten by bystanders before being shot in the back by an individual from across the street.

The drivers condition is not known.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue, Vermont Hollywood said in a statement. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

In total, 23 people were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, police said. (AP)

In total, 23 people were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, police said. (AP)

The Los Angeles Fire Department said 124 fire personnel responded to the scene when the call came in.

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Revelers were leaving the club when the car mounted the sidewalk, with many standing in line for food from a nearby taco truck.

Maria Medrano, who was working a food cart outside, recalled how she and her husband narrowly escaped after the car struck their stand, crushing it.

The car stopped once it hit the hot dog stand, it got stuck there, Medrano said from the hospital. If not, I wouldn't be here to tell (the story).

First responders at the scene after a car hit crowds near an East Hollywood nightclub (AXN NEWS/YouTube)

First responders at the scene after a car hit crowds near an East Hollywood nightclub (AXN NEWS/YouTube)

Medrano said she heard what appeared to be gunshots after the crash. Everyone started running, she said.

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Speaking from the scene, LA Fire Department Capt. Adam VanGerpen earlier claimed that the driver lost consciousness, but the department later said they could not confirm it despite initial reports.

Footage from the scene showed dozens of emergency responders treating victims on the street.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
"I work seven days a week when I'm here because I want to get back out there and help make a difference."

For the past three years carpenter Matt has been delivering aid to the city of Sumy, which is on the front line of the war in Ukraine.

Every six weeks he makes the 2,000-mile (3,219km) trip from his home in Oxfordshire, working extra days so he can afford to regularly drive to the warzone.

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Matt believes in the importance of standing with the people of Ukraine "where they're experiencing all these problems, and letting them know that you're by their side".

In 2022, Matt saw a video online which showed a Russian tank drive over the top of a car driving in the opposite direction, and afterwards he "couldn't stop thinking about it".

He resolved to collect medical aid locally, making the arduous trip into Ukraine via the Channel Tunnel and through several countries while "everybody was coming the other way".

He says: "We drove in and managed to meet people and share some aid out and help a little bit and it started there."

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Matt works with a group of local school parents who raise money for medical and surgical equipment.

He and his team distribute aid to five hospitals in Sumy, then leave the vehicles at the frontline, to be repurposed as ambulances, troop carriers and assault vehicles, before hitch-hiking home.

"When we're dropping off in Sumy, we speak to the doctors and the surgeons in the hospitals," Matt says.

"The day I get back, we start again. We're on it and we've got a list. We know what they really, really need."

The carpenter works extra days so he can afford to regularly drive to the warzone [BBC]

Matt's wife, who we are not naming in this feature, says her husband previously mentioned travelling to Ukraine in passing but one night broke the news over dinner that he was going the next day, which was a "massive shock".

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She says: "It was really hard because at that time, it was so unknown... it was quite scary because I didn't know what was on the other side.

"He was away the first trip, either four or five days, it was really quick. And he literally drove without stopping and drove straight back, he was exhausted."

She adds: "I had no communication with him.

"Once he'd got across the border, I didn't hear anything else. So it was a waiting game."

Matt's wife says it was a "massive shock" to learn he was leaving for Ukraine [BBC]

Anna and Iryna, who have been working with Matt from their Oxfordshire base, say as the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine unfolded they knew they wanted to help.

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They have accumulated about 1.5m through fundraising and donations since 2022.

"There was one morning when nobody heard from Matt," Iryna recalls.

"We are sitting and thinking 'Where is he? Where is he?' And then eventually Matt pings a message and you're like, 'phew'.

"It's not easy. He is almost like a member of the family... we've adopted Matt."

Anna says: "It's really tricky because Matt's a grown man and he's really sensible, and we know that he's going to look after himself and he's not going to do anything stupid... and we know he's got some great, great friends out there.

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"You've just got to trust and hope that he's not going to be one of the unlucky ones that gets hit. You know, what more can we do?

"We're always on slight edge when he is out there. We are always slightly anxious."

Iryna and Anna have helped fundraise 1.5m for medical and surgical equipment [BBC]

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to Sumy.

It also says there is an "ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine", including from "missiles and drones that hit unintended targets or from falling debris".

"We keep our travel advice under constant review to ensure it reflects the latest updated information for British nationals travelling abroad," a spokeswoman said.

Matt says he meets with doctors and surgeons in Sumy who tell him what they need [BBC]

Iryna's cousin is a trauma surgeon in Ukraine who was having to use household drills during surgery to "put metal plates in people's bodies".

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"They had absolutely not been prepared for this," she says about Russia's full-scale invasion.

"We send a lot of out of date medication, which otherwise would go to landfill, which absolutely is life-saving in Ukraine."

The city of Sumy is on the frontline of the war in Ukraine [Reuters]

Matt shows the BBC around his 4X4 to show what else is being transported on his latest expedition.

It is stacked with crutches, Zimmer frames, wheelchairs, tourniquets, bandages and handheld ultrasound scanners, which can be used to detect internal bleeding and shrapnel.

There is paracetamol and some veterinary equipment too, which he says is "dual purpose".

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"If it's syringes and stuff like that, you can use it on humans as well... if you're desperate, then you make things work."

Matt has been known to bring protein shakes in the summer, handwarmers in the winter and even a bit of cake to brighten spirits.

Yevgen fixes military vehicles and is Matt's local contact in Ukraine [BBC]

Yevgen is Matt's local contact, and sometimes joins him in a convoy on his travels.

He owns a garage but since the conflict has been busy fixing military vehicles.

"I can say it's life now," he says.

"I cannot believe people from a far away country just keep supporting us. They do a big thing."

He calls Matt a "friend for life".

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to Sumy [Reuters]

Matt's wife says he "doesn't talk to me about guns, he doesn't talk to me about warfare or anything like that, because I can't deal with that".

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"I probably reconcile it in my head with the charitable stuff that he's doing," she continues.

"When he's going to the hospitals, or the orphanage, or to see the things that they've set up for the children out there... I think that's what probably helps me to kind of not lose it every time.

"But he doesn't talk to me about war. He talks to me about the people, and that's probably what pulls me forward each time."

Matt, Anna and Iryna have been awarded medals from the Ukrainian government for services to the country during the war.

Matt says their mission is not just about providing the physical aid but about bringing a "bit of hope".

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"If you can imagine saving someone's life, I mean, that's got to be the ultimate thing for a human being."

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

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San Jose, CA - A long court session on Friday afternoon at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in the case of two men accused of murder in an infant's death began with defense attorneys asking for a gag order.

Renee Hessling, representing Philip Ortega, and Mishya Singh, representing David Castro, both said that comments by the district attorney's office to media outlets could compromise their client's ability to get a fair trial. Judge Hector Ramon denied the motion and the district attorney said he believes both men will be treated fairly.

"If they choose to go to trial, they can and will receive a fair trial in Santa Clara County," said Jeff Rosen, the district attorney for Santa Clara County.

The backstory

The two men blamed for an infant's fentanyl poisoning appeared in Dept. 23 of Superior Court in San Jose. Ortega now faces murder charges in the child's 2023 death, in addition to the same charge in the death of "Baby Winter" months later.

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"Both of them beautiful babies. And both of them tragically are gone now, due to the criminal recklessness of their parents and a drug dealer," said Rosen.

Prosecutors said in May 2023, Ortega sold fentanyl and other drugs to Castro. The following day, "Baby Phoenix" ingested some fentanyl, killing the child. Investigators said the 33-year-old Ortega also sold drugs to the parents of "Baby Winter" three months later, and that child also ingested the substance and died.

"He had no connection to these children. He's not the father of these children. If anything, he is one of the many young people that has fallen to an opioid epidemic," said defense attorney Hessling.

Fentanyl deaths

Santa Clara County has seen a rash of fentanyl deaths and poisonings in the past few years. Some experts said the addictive properties surpass alcohol, cocaine, or heroin.

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"When someone has a fentanyl addiction, multiple times a day, they're entering this withdrawal state where really nothing matters in that moment other than relieving the agony of withdrawal," said Dr. Rachel Sussman, a family medicine expert at Stanford University.

County officials said while the crisis hasn't completely abated, it is getting better thanks to new laws and treatment programs.

"I think people are aware now. And when they're aware that's gonna slow down the supply and demand. Slow down the supply and demand and people can't make money and people stop bringing this stuff into the country," said California Sen. David Cortese, (D) San Jose.

Ortega's case is now joined with that of Castro, whose drug addiction prosecutors say led to his daughter's death. He's charged with murder, felony child endangerment and fentanyl possession.

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"My hope, my prayer is that these two dead baby girls will change things for the better. I hope we honor their memory by preventing future horrendous crimes," said Rosen.

Both men have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to be back in court 9 a.m. Jul. 28 for a preliminary hearing.

Jesse Gary is a reporter based in the station's South Bay Bureau. Follow him on the Instagram platform, @jessegontv and on Facebook, @JesseKTVU.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44)  A 35-year-old Navasota woman has been arrested in College Station after she was found with drugs and a gun during a traffic stop.

A K-9 Unit with the College Station Police Department conducted the traffic stop in the 2100 block of Holleman Drive South at approximately 12:29 a.m. Saturday. As a result of the investigation, the woman was arrested.

Police say the woman is charged with multiple offenses, including Possession of Controlled Substance PG1; Possession of Controlled Substance PG2; Possession of Controlled Substance PG3; two counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug; Possession of Marijuana; and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon.

(Courtesy: College Station 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 KWKT - FOX 44.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahomas attorney general is pushing back against claims he cut a deal to let a former Garfield County judge avoid trial for an alleged drive-by shootingtelling News 4 no such deal ever existed, despite claims from the former judges lawyer.



The attorney representing former Garfield County special district judge Brian Lovell claimed in a June court filing that he and Attorney General Gentner Drummond had struck a deferred prosecution agreement, but Drummond insists there never was a deal, saying the state is still waiting on key medical reports before deciding how to proceed.



Lovell resigned from the bench on Sept. 10, 2024, citing thyroid cancer and dementia diagnoses.



His resignation came one-year-to-the-day year after one of his former bailiffs claimed she and Lovell had sex inside the Garfield County Courthouse.



The day after, on Sept. 11, 2023, Lovell allegedly drove to Austin, Texas, where police say he fired shots at five different vehicles during a road rage incident.



But Lovells earliest charges stem from February 2023, when Oklahoma prosecutors say Lovell shot at his brother-in-laws home in the small town of Bison.



The states multi-county grand jury indicted Lovell on those charges in May 2024.



Last month, Lovells attorney, Stephen Jones, filed a motion in the case claiming he and Drummond agreed the charges would be resolved through deferred prosecution, allowing Lovell to avoid trial.



Jones said the two spoke by phone in April and agreed the case should be resolved by a deferred prosecution agreement.



He also claimed Drummond reaffirmed the deal during another phone call in June.



But Jones alleged Drummonds office then refused to provide a written copy of the agreement.



Hes saying we had an agreement with the state attorney general directly, not once, but in two personal conversations, legal expert Tim Gilpin said. Apparently, the attorney generals office is differing with that. Now hes asking the court to unseal his earlier brief and then make a determination whether there actually was a plea agreement or deferred sentencing agreement.



In the court filing, Jones implied Drummond was backing out because of political implications that could come with letting Lovell avoid trial.



Drummond denied that in an interview with News 4.



I hold Mr. Jones in the highest regard, Drummond said. We did have a discussion on what path could we go forward. We did not reach an agreement. The status of the case right now is hes providing my office with the neurological and psychological reports of the attending physicians that will either bring light to the fact that the judge has a mental disability or not.



Drummond said this isnt a delay tactic to protect his political imageits simply a matter of waiting for medical documentation before deciding whether Lovell is mentally competent to face trial.



Then we will make an informed decision on whether we go forward or whether we find a path to resolve this dispute, he said.



News 4 called Stephen Jones to ask if he still stands by what he claimed about Drummond.



He said, for now, hed rather not 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Duke Energy is monitoring forecasts and preparing for potential severe weather, including strong thunderstorms and damaging winds, that may bring widespread outages to its Indiana service territory this weekend, according to a news release.

The utility recommends the following:

Be prepared

 Ensure mobile phones remain charged and you have an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods and medicines.

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 If someone in your home has special needs or relies on electric-powered life support equipment, determine the actions youd take in the event of an extended power outage, including alternate shelter arrangements.

Outage reporting and status updates

Duke Energy customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways:

 Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).

 Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.

 Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile device.

 Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800-343-3525.

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 Receive the most up-to-date information about restoration efforts by enrolling in Outage Alerts.

 Visit Duke Energys interactive outage map on the companys website to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration.

More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.
Nesbett Courthouse in downtown Anchorage on Oct. 7, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

A group that advocates in favor of Alaskas nonpartisan judicial system has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Mike Dunleavy, alleging that he illegally appointed a member to the board that nominates candidates for the states judicial vacancies.

The suit, filed Wednesday in Anchorage Superior Court by Alaskans for Fair Courts, claims Dunleavy violated the constitution and state law when he picked John W. Wood  also named as a defendant  for a public seat on the Alaska Judicial Council.

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Under the state constitution, the council consists of three non-attorneys picked by the governor and three attorneys selected by the Alaska Bar Association. In addition, whoever holds the office of chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court sits as the councils chair.

The council accepts applications for judicial vacancies, vets those applicants for merit using nonpartisan metrics, then submits a list of nominees to the governor for final selection.

Wood was picked for a non-attorney seat on the board but is a former attorney, making him ineligible to serve, the suit alleges. In addition, the suit says Wood is ineligible because he held a position of profit with the state when appointed in May.

State records show Wood has served as a state contractor, receiving more than $132,000 this year. The most recent payment is listed as June 6.

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Alaskans for Fair Courts also claims that Wood is ineligible because he has not been confirmed by the Legislature.

Wood was appointed during this years legislative session, but after lawmakers had voted on confirmations for the year, the suit claims, meaning that Woods appointment should not be considered a recess appointment subject to confirmation next year.

If the governor were to appoint a (judge) nominee selected by a judicial council that is not properly constituted  the resulting legal deficiency  could subject actions taken by the new judge to challenge by litigants, the suit claims.

It asks that the Anchorage Superior Court issue an order declaring that Wood is ineligible, and that his appointment is void.

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In a written statement, Attorney General Treg Taylor said the state hasnt yet been served with the lawsuit and cant comment on the merits.

About the timing issue, Taylor said, The Governor has the ability to appoint three members to the Judicial Council, and the Alaska Bar Association appoints the other three members to provide a 50/50 balance on the Council. The Council then nominates judges for the Governors selection with any ties on the Council being broken by the Chief Justice. It is important that the Council have this balanced perspective as it moves forward with its work. Having to wait almost a full year before seating a Governors appointee, as the Alaskans for Fair Courts argues, upsets that balance and doesnt seem so fair.

Dunleavy has seemingly violated the state constitutions judicial nomination process before.

In 2019, he failed to appoint a judge under the timeline required by the constitution, which was part of the basis of a failed attempt to recall him from office. In 2021, he called for the council to add a nominee in addition to the three it had forwarded to him for a seat on the Supreme Court. The constitution does not allow governors to appoint someone from outside of the councils list of nominees. He ultimately did by the constitutional deadline in that instance.

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The Brief

Sen. Dick Durbin says the FBI was pressured to flag any Epstein documents mentioning President Donald Trump.

Durbin claims Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered 1,000 people to review 100,000 records.

The FBI declined to comment on Durbins statements.

CHICAGO - We're learning about a big accusation related to President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, and it's coming from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

What we know

Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, says his office has received concerning information from the FBI. He claims his office was told that the FBI was pressured to scrub through volumes of Epstein-related documents and to "flag" any mentions of Trump.

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In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Durbin states U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi pressured the FBI to find 1,000 people to scroll through 100,000 records.

"My office was told that these personnel were instructed to flag any records in which President Trump was mentioned," Durbin said.

This comes as Trump posted on social media that he has asked Bondi to produce pertinent grand jury testimony, subject to court approval. Legal experts say the focus on "testimony" would limit the scope of what gets produced, as it would exclude any other related evidence.

On Friday, Durbin says Congress and the Trump administration could simply order all the records released, but they haven't.

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"I think there should be a full disclosure of the materials on Epstein. Statements by the attorney general that she had all the issues and reviews on her desk for her to take a look at were kind of a promise to the American people that something was coming, and nothing's come out of it," Durbin said.

Johnson's take

Republicans have been split over Trump's messaging on the Epstein affair. Close ally, House Speaker Mike Johnson, says he believes the president wants to be transparent.

"He's been very clear he wants all credible information turned over to the people so the people can decide," Johnson said.

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But Durbin says administration officials like Bondi and Patel have fallen short of the level of transparency they promised, as members of Trumps circle of media influencers have spread unsubstantiated rumors.

"I think some of the things that have been said are overblown and are part of conspiracy theories, but let's decide once we see all the materials," Durbin said.

FBI's response

We asked an FBI spokesperson for comment on Durbin's claims and received a message back saying, "The FBI has no comment."

The Source

The information in this article was provided by Sen. Dick Durbin.
(WHTM)  Could a day of swimming turn into something deadly?

Escherichia coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and animals. But during the summer, it becomes a far too common occurrence in Pennsylvanias lakes, creeks and rivers.

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Just this week, eight state parks closed swimming access due to bacteria levels and water testing results. And the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, which independently tests the watershed weekly for bacteria, recorded high levels of the bacteria at 20 locations across four counties in its July 17 sample.

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Health officials advise against swimming in water contaminated with E.coli. Shiga toxin-producing E.coli, also known as STEC, is the most likely strain to cause severe illness, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

E.coli infection typically starts three to five days after drinking contaminated water, the clinic said.

Common symptoms of an E.coli infection are diarrhea, stomach pains and cramps, loss of appetite and low fever. Symptoms for the bacteria in the urinary tract may include abdominal or pelvic pain, pain while urinating, frequent urination and cloudy, foul-smelling urine.

There are about 265,000 STEC infections each year in the United States, the clinic said. Studies suggest a mortality rate of about 17%, with sepsis as the most common cause of death in E.coli infections.

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E.coli levels still high in Susquehanna River

E.coli can be particularly harmful to children, people over 65 years old and anyone with a weakened immune system.

The best way to prevent an infection is to avoid infected water. Many state parks regularly test waters and post advisories when bacteria levels are high.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WHTM)  E.coli remains prevalent across the Midstate, samples show.

The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, which independently tests the watershed weekly for bacteria, recorded high levels of the bacteria at 20 locations across four counties in its July 17 sample.

The organization recommends avoiding water at these locations:

York and Cumberland Counties

New Cumberland Boat Launch

Lower Allen Community Park

North Sherman Street Bridge

Codorus Furnace

Felton Ball Field

Paper Mill Bridge

Walnut Street Boat Launch

Klines Run Park

Lock 2 Boat Launch

Lancaster County

Columbia River Park

Blue Rock Boat Launch

Pequea Boat Launch

F&M Marietta Avenue Floodplain Restoration

Landis Mill Covered Bridge

Perelman Park Canoe Access

Rock Hill Access

Paradise Community Park

Fox Hallow Nature Preserve

Dauphin County

Swatara Creek Water Trail

Boathouse Park

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A common weather mixture for central Pennsylvania lately  extreme heat and heavy rain  can significantly contribute to elevated E.coli levels. Eight Pennsylvania State Parks closed for swimming this week, primarily due to bacteria counts and water testing results.

Why is the Susquehanna River water dark brown?

E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and animals.

Individuals who swim in waters with elevated E. coli levels risk getting sick with illnesses such as meningitis, septicemia, urinary tract infections and intestinal infection, according to the United States Geological Survey.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
China reports steady progress in agricultural green development

Xinhua) 13:08, July 19, 2025

A crop protection drone applies fertilizer over a paddy rice field of a farming company under the Beidahuang Group's branch in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, May 21, 2025. (Photo by Li Xing/Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- China's agriculture sector has achieved steady progress in green development, according to the China Agricultural Green Development Report 2024, which was released at a conference in Beijing on Friday.

The report was released by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the China Agricultural Green Development Research Society. It provides crucial support and reference for the further implementation of the country's green development concepts, and facilitates the high-quality development of agriculture and rural areas characterized by ecological priority level, resource efficiency and green, low-carbon practices, according to Huang Sanwen, president of CAAS and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, at the conference.

Significant progress was seen across multiple areas in 2024, the report shows. China continuously enhanced the quality and efficiency of its high-standard farmland construction while strengthening the ecological protection and pollution control of existing farmland, resulting in over 80 million mu (about 5.33 million hectares) of high-standard farmland being built or upgraded in 2024.

China advanced its third national soil survey last year, completing the collection of over 2.87 million sampling points and 3.11 million samples, according to the report.

It also improved its biological agricultural resource protection management system. The national agricultural germplasm resources census in 2024 revealed the permanent preservation of 580,000 crop germplasm resources, 1.4 million livestock and poultry genetic materials, and 270,000 strains of microbial agricultural resources.

Sustained reductions of chemical inputs were achieved through strengthened actions. According to the report, China's application of chemical fertilizers totaled 49.88 million tonnes in 2024 -- a 5 percent decrease from 2020. Pesticide use in crop farming amounted to 242,000 tonnes (100 percent purity), maintaining a downward trend for an eighth consecutive year.

Mechanization levels continued to rise, with the comprehensive mechanization rate of crop cultivation, planting and harvesting exceeding 75 percent nationally, the report shows.

It also reveals a robust increase in farming incomes. The per capita disposable income of rural residents was 23,119 yuan (about 3,220 U.S. dollars) in 2024, which was up 6.3 percent year on year in real terms -- 1.9 percentage points higher than the growth rate among urban residents.

Progress was also made in digital resource management. China advanced the systematic digital management of its agricultural resources and strengthened its capacity to support long-term, fixed observation experiment stations for its green agricultural development, according to the report.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Hundreds of Argentines gathered Friday to commemorate the 1994 bombing of a Jewish cultural center that killed dozens, demanding justice for a crime for which there has not yet been a trial.

In the worst such attack in Argentina's history, a car bomb on July 18, 1994, killed 85 people and injured more than 300 at the seven-story Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) building in Buenos Aires.

Two years earlier, an explosion at the Israeli embassy killed 29 and wounded 200.

"Impunity persists, terrorism too" was the slogan for Friday's 31st commemoration of the AMIA attack -- the second such event attended by President Javier Milei, a staunch defender of Israel.

Survivors and victims' relatives hope there will be movement under Catholic-born Milei, who has already visited Israel twice since taking office in December 2023, and has professed a deep interest in Judaism.

In April 2024, an Argentine court found Iran and Hezbollah were responsible for what it called a crime against humanity.

It ruled the likely motive for the attacks was the cancellation by the Argentine government under then-president Carlos Menem of three contracts with Iran for the supply of nuclear equipment and technology.

In June, a judge authorized a trial in absentia against ten Iranian and Lebanese defendants -- former ministers and diplomats.

No date has been set.

Iran has always denied any involvement and has refused to hand over any suspects.

The Memoria Activa organization, which represents victims' families, rejects a trial in absentia as it believes it "essential for the accused to participate" for the whole truth to come out.

The AMIA itself is in favor, but has cautioned that "holding a trial only for it to end... in some sort of nullity or a declaration of unconstitutionality would once again be very painful for everyone."

Both organizations have been highly critical of the Argentine state's handling of the case.

Last year, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in San Jose, Costa Rica, found the state responsible for not preventing, or properly investigating, the AMIA attack.

It also blamed the state for efforts to "cover up and obstruct the investigation."

Prosecutor Alberto Nisman, investigating accusations of a cover-up against former president Cristina Kirchner, was later found murdered.

No one was ever charged over his death.

Argentina is host to the largest Jewish community in Latin America, with nearly 300,000 people living mostly in Buenos Aires.
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN)  The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division held a town hall Saturday in East Palestine discussing rail safety.

The discussion brought awareness to the deregulation of safety inspections. Speakers said the Association of American Railroads is pushing to partially replace human inspections with automated ones.

Event leaders say it could lead to more derailments nationwide, something East Palestine residents understand more than anyone.

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If theres anybody you care about that lives within two miles of a track like this, it should be a very personal issue for you because looking at all the hazardous materials that were handled by rail and what happened here in East Palestine, like we need to we need to keep these inspections, to keep these rails safe, and in fact, we need to make them safer, said Roy Morrison, director of safety at the BMWED.

The BMWED says they support the use of automated track inspections but only to work in tandem with human inspections rather than replacing 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 WKBN.com.
Former Fox News producer Jennifer Eckhart was arrested and accused of attacking her boyfriend for ending their relationship, according to a report.

Eckhart, who recently settled a sexual assault lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry, was booked by Floridas Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday on suspicion of battery.

The podcaster struck, screamed, and became combative toward Thomas Beasley after he tried to end the relationship, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail.

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According to the Mail, the affidavit said Beasley caught the alleged altercation on film, which showed Eckhart yelling, striking Beasley, grabbing his shirt and ripping it, and demanding he delete the video.

The 34-year-old was released on recognizance without having to post bail.

Jennifer Eckhart was booked by Floridas Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office Wednesday on suspicion of battery. (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office)

Jennifer Eckhart was booked by Floridas Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office Wednesday on suspicion of battery. (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office)

The Independent has contacted Eckhart for comment.

Eckhart is the host of the REINVITED podcast and runs a non-profit called The Reinvited Project, which aims to support trauma survivors through animal-assisted therapy.

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On June 15, Eckhart settled her 2020 lawsuit against Henry, in which she accused him of rape. Henry, who was fired from Fox News in July 2020, denied the allegations. He now works for right-wing network NewsMax.

In the lawsuit, Eckhart alleged that the former Fox News anchor groomed, psychologically manipulated and coerced her into a sexual relationship while referring to her as his personal sex slave.

Eventually, after she would not comply voluntarily with his sexual demands, she claimed he violently raped her in 2017.

In June Eckhart settled her 2020 lawsuit against Ed Henry, in which she accused him of rape. Henry, who was fired from Fox News in July 2020, denied the allegations. (Newsmax)

In June Eckhart settled her 2020 lawsuit against Ed Henry, in which she accused him of rape. Henry, who was fired from Fox News in July 2020, denied the allegations. (Newsmax)

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Fox News was initially a defendant in Eckharts lawsuit, as she claimed the network downplayed the severity of the risk Henry posed to female employees and retaliated against her by firing her in June 2020 after she complained about a hostile work environment. Prior to the settlement, Fox News was dismissed as a defendant from the case.

In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams said there was no direct evidence that Fox News was aware of Henrys alleged harassment of Eckhart before it occurred. Additionally, Abrams agreed with Foxs legal team that no reasonable jury would find the network liable for preventing Henry from harming Eckhart.

This matter has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, and the parties are moving on with their lives, Henrys attorney said in a statement when the settlement was reached.

Additional reporting by Justin Baragona
Floridas notorious youth prison, the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, was so brutal that the state is paying millions of dollars in reparations to aging men for their suffering there.

And on Tuesday, it executed one.

Michael Bernard Bell, 54, was at least the 10th former Dozier inmate whom Florida has put to death. William Van Poyck, executed in 2013 for the murder of a prison guard in West Palm Beach, was another.

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Nine more remain on death row out of 34 sent there. Boys who attended Dozier School in rural Marianna and its South Florida counterpart, the Okeechobee School for Boys, have killed as many as 114 people  maybe more.

Astounding statistics

These astounding statistics raise the question of whether troubled teens left Dozier far worse than when they arrived. The reporting by reporter Leonora LaPeter Anton of the investigative criminal justice website Marshall Project was also published in the Tampa Bay Times.

Like some others on death row, Bell pleaded that Dozier guards brutalized him. He said they forced him to fight larger boys at least six times, placed bets on the outcomes and whipped him with a leather strap until he bled, in the torture chamber inmates called the White House.

None of that prevailed on Gov. Ron DeSantis, who rejected clemency (as usual, without comment) or on the Florida Supreme Court, which has become the nations most remorseless and predictable death factory.

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Bells execution sets a mark that should shame Florida much as what happened at Dozier. It tied Floridas modern record for executions in a single year, eight, set by governors Bob Graham in 1984 and Rick Scott in 2015.

A dubious Florida record

DeSantis will have a new yearly record all to himself with a ninth lethal injection, set for July 31. He has had 15 in six-and-a-half years. At the current pace, he would leave office having carried out 48 executions, 13 more than any governor since records were kept.

Bell was the 26th inmate to die by execution this year, one more than all of last year. The executions have been in 10 states, with Florida accounting for eight of them, or 30%, the most of any state.

Floridas eight executions this year are as many as the next two highest states combined, South Carolina and Texas. No reason is given for the dramatic uptick in the frequency of executions. Yet courts nationwide are imposing 30% fewer death sentences in 2025, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

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Public enthusiasm for the death penalty is waning, as reflected by how juries are voting. But DeSantis is ramping up. Law and order are powerful words in Republican primaries.

Guilt not in question

Theres no reasonable doubt that Bell committed the crimes for which he died, nor any to imply that the homicides were justified.

He lay in wait with an assault weapon for a man he mistakenly blamed for the death of his brother, killing him and a companion in Jacksonville. He later confessed to three more murders, and spent more than half his life on Death Row  29 years.

Theres also no doubt that the states own revenge killings do nothing to deter murders. And theres every reason to believe they contribute to, rather than relieve, societys undercurrents of violence.

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Its well known that adolescent brains are immature and that for a child to suffer or witness violence, as so many Dozier boys did, can condition them to violence later in life. Theres no way, of course, to prove how this played out in Bell or any other particular person, but it would be inhuman to ignore the possibility.

Bell told the Marshall Project that an employee sexually assaulted him. He said he witnessed rapes behind a building and in the bathroom, and heard screams of other boys who were raped at night. The lone adult on duty either ignored or slept through much of it, he said. Other former inmates told similar accounts.

Dozier changed him

I know Michael has never been the same since that Dozier school, an aunt testified. That boy came back home damaged.

Artha Gillis, a California forensic psychiatrist who is studying 147,000 youths, told the Marshall Project that the school taught the boys violence.

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I would say its definitely reasonable and plausible to say that being conditioned in this environment put them at greater risk to enact violence on other people that was lethal, Gillis said.

Bell was 15 when he spent four months at Dozier for stealing a car in 1986. He later spent three years in prison for robbery.

Dozier operated from 1900 to 2011, when it closed in response to persistent evidence of beatings, shackling, solitary confinement, rapes and death. Researchers subsequently discovered human remains and 55 unmarked graves.

Having apologized previously, the Legislature last year authorized up to $20 million in reparations for survivors who were at Dozier between 1940 and 1975, and checks for $21,253.98 are now being sent to 926 approved applicants.

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That parameter excluded Bell, whose last words on Earth expressed gratitude to the state.

Thank you for not letting me spend the rest of life in prison, he said.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board includes Executive Editor Roger Simmons, Opinion Editor Krys Fluker and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Executive Editor Gretchen Day-Bryant, Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney and editorial writers Pat Beall and Martin Dyckman. Send letters to insight@orlandosentinel.com.
Jul. 19On June 12, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was one of three Democratic governors who testified before a Republican-led House oversight committee.

Well, to say he "testified" would be a stretch.

Basically, Walz went to Congress to endure a tongue-lashing from Republicans (including Minnesota's 6th District Rep. Tom Emmer) who accused him of having "sanctuary policies" and a "sanctuary state agenda" regarding illegal immigrants.

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If you had forgotten these hearings, no worries. Little came of them. The public learned nothing of consequence. Nobody's mind was changed. Politicians on both sides of the aisle got their chance to grandstand for the TV cameras, and the law firm that prepped Walz for his appearance collected $430,000 in fees paid by Minnesota's taxpayers.

We don't blame Walz for racking up this tab. Given the current political climate, we'd advise anyone who appears before Congress to get top-notch legal advice before saying a word. But it is truly sad that such hearings are what pass for congressional "work" these days. It's unserious. It's "gotcha" politics. It's clickbait, It's an absolute waste of time and money.

And it's getting worse.

U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, a Republican who represents Minnesota's 1st Congressional District, recently co-authored a letter to Kirsten Hillman, Canada's U.S. ambassador. The letter, co-signed by every Republican in Minnesota's congressional delegation (and two from Wisconsin) didn't concern tariffs, immigration, mining or tourism.

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It was about smoke.

Hundreds of wildfires are raging north of the border, and on several days in the past few weeks, strong winds brought smoke into much of Minnesota. The letter accuses Canada of "lack of active forest management" and states: "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 these things."

Wow. We're sure that the 30,000 Canadians in Saskatchewan and Manitoba who have fled their homes to escape wildfires are really concerned about Minnesotans who had to move family gatherings indoors. Finstad's letter reads like satire, something one would read online in The Onion. All that's missing is a demand for Canada to erect a 1,000-foot wall (out of concrete, of course, not wood) topped with giant fans to protect Minnesota and other border states from Canadian smoke, wind and snow.

The Canadians aren't laughing.

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Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew didn't pull his punches when he reacted to Finstad's letter. "This is what turns people off politics," he said. "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."

Kinew could have gone further. He could have pointed out that in 11 of the past 13 years, the U.S. has had more forest acres scorched by wildfires than has Canada  despite the fact that Canada has 17 percent more forest. Even this year, with Canada having experienced nearly 2,700 wildfires, the U.S. is on pace to lose more forest acres to fire. Historically, both the U.S. and Canada see 7 million to 8 million acres burn every year.

We're not saying that this is a problem the U.S. and Canada should ignore. Wildfire seasons have been getting worse on both sides of the border, and regardless of one's beliefs on the causes of climate change, there's no denying the planet is warming. Canada and the U.S. both have an interest in developing and implementing forest management policies that account for longer, hotter summers and increasingly violent, electricity-laden storms.

It's a difficult task. Fire is a natural, vital part of a forest's life cycle, and history has taught us that a "fight every fire" policy is a recipe for disaster. Yes, property must be defended. Lives must be saved. But beyond that, fires ignited by lightning in remote areas often must be allowed to burn until nature douses the flames. Those fires create smoke that can travel hundreds, even thousands of miles.

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Serious problems demand serious consideration from serious people, but Finstad's letter was unserious. It offered no solutions, no promise of assistance, no acknowledgment that sometimes Minnesota burns and the wind blows smoke north. Sometimes Alaska burns, and the wind blows east.

The letter was a publicity stunt, something he could post on Twitter and say, "Look what I did!"

Meanwhile, Kinew has been shaking the hands of "America firefighting heroes" who are battling wildfires in Manitoba. He invited Finstad and his band of "ambulance chasers" to come up and do the same.

Finstad should do precisely that, in part because he clearly has little other work on his plate right now. Emmer should join him, perhaps in the company of Sen. Amy Klobuchar and a couple other prominent Minnesota DFLers and Republicans. They should go to firelines in Canada, talk to local firefighters there, and express sympathy for people who have lost their homes and businesses.

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Minnesotans, after all, have a lot in common with Canadians. We value our forests, our lakes, our clean air, our fish and wildlife  and so do they. We love glorious summer days spent outdoors with family  and so do they. We can't tell the wind which direction to blow, and we can't prevent lightning  and Canadians can't either.

If Brad Finstad has some magical forest-management plan in his back pocket, he should share it with our northern neighbors  right after he shares it with the U.S. Forest Service.
Election workers count absentee ballots for Minnehaha County on Nov. 5, 2024, in the county administration building. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

In the past few years, a certain segment of South Dakota society has become adamant about making specific improvements in the way we live.

Is this a citizen quest for more education funding? No. Is it a movement to put often overlooked Native American issues at the front of the state agenda? No. Is it a grassroots effort to revamp the way South Dakotans pay taxes? No.

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This effort is aimed at cleaning up the states elections. Hold on, you might say. I didnt know there was a problem with our elections. Well, there isnt. But that isnt keeping the issue from being front and center at the Legislature and in county commission meetings across the state.

In the last legislative session there were more than 50 election-related bills introduced. About half of those had to deal with election integrity in the areas of voter qualification, technology and security. Thats a great deal of attention being paid to a part of government that, in the past, has been noted for working just fine.

Some of these bills may be duplicates. It has become a practice in the Legislature to introduce similar bills in the Senate and in the House. That way, if cooler heads prevail in the Senate, theres still a similar bill in the House, where bad ideas go to flourish.

Spurring on the quest for election integrity is an entity called South Dakota Canvassing Group. The groups mission statement is on its website: We are a volunteer organization working to restore free, fair, transparent and secure elections in South Dakota, now and for future generations.

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Their work to restore elections in South Dakota implies that voting here has gone off the rails. If the Canvassing Group wants to ferret out corruption and illegalities in elections, theyre best off moving to another state. South Dakota, with a history of fair elections, doesnt need their help.

According to a story by The Dakota Scout, many of the election integrity chasers in this state got their inspiration at a three-day event in Sioux Falls. It turns out that their North Star, their inspiration, their muse, is none other than Mike Lindell. Hes not just the My Pillow guy; hes the My Presidents Election was Stolen guy.

Lindell was, and continues to be, one of the staunchest supporters of the idea that Donald Trump was somehow cheated out of victory in the 2020 election. At his 2021 Cyber Symposium in Sioux Falls, Lindell spent so much time offering false claims about Dominion Voting Systems throwing the election to Joe Biden that he was recently sued for defaming one of the companys executives. The jury awarded the executive $2.3 million in damages.

Some bills backed by the Canvassing Group were approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor: assigning a federal-only ballot to people who dont live permanently in the state, changing the definition of resident eligibility, designating county voter registration files as public records, changing the process for challenging someones residency status, increasing the penalty for voting illegally, placing citizenship status on drivers licenses, and sending a constitutional amendment to voters clarifying that a person must be a U.S. citizen to vote in the state.

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However, just as Lindell continues to spout his falsehoods about the 2020 election, look for the Canvassing Group to keep up the pressure on legislators for more election integrity laws that arent needed. On its website, the top issue on the groups want list is an effort to make Election Day a holiday. In the last session, this came to the Legislature in a bill sponsored by Dell Rapids Republican Tom Pischke.

Pischke explained to the Senate State Affairs Committee that a holiday was needed because in some communities there are not enough poll workers nor enough polling places. He said he hoped to work on solutions to those problems without legislation, asking the committee to table the bill.

Creating a Tuesday Election Day holiday might free up more people to work on the elections, but it could just as easily cut down on voter participation. Instead of looking ahead to how theyll mark their ballots, citizens could just as easily be looking ahead to using a vacation day on Monday to create a long weekend.

South Dakota has a long history of running fair, accurate elections. For all their finger-pointing and hand-wringing, the Canvassing Group and the legislators who indulge them cant change that. Election integrity legislation amounts to nothing more than solutions in search of problems, trying to fix a system that doesnt need fixing.
Nearly 1,000 domestic violence arrests in the Bronx over the first three months of 2025 were not prosecuted by the District Attorneys office because victims declined to cooperate with prosecutors  a number that points to deeper issues that continue to hamper law enforcement efforts.

The unwillingness of domestic violence victims to work with authorities, experts say, is fueled by an array of factors that include poverty, limited access to social services and a distrust of authorities, experts said.

Prof. Nicole Saint-Louis, social work program director at Lehman College, said the Bronx statistics arent completely shocking given the various systemic issues  many victims are poor and dont have access to the resources needed.

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Moving out of the home, for example, could force victims into shelters. Victims also worry their abusers will beat them again if they cooperate with prosecutors  and often dont have confidence the system can protect them.

Instead of asking why they wont cooperate the question should be, What will make survivors feel safe enough to cooperate, Saint-Louis said.

Bronx DA Darcel Clark said her office is working on ways to better help domestic violence victims.

Even if there is ultimately no [prosecution], we continue to offer services to victims, said spokeswoman Patrice OShaughnessy. Our goal is to ensure that the first time we interact with a complainant we are offering a helping hand to guide our community through this process, not simply asking for their attendance at a court date.

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OShaughnessy noted that prosecutors can sometimes use other evidence to pursue a case if the victim wont cooperate but that the DAs office is steadfast in our commitment to encourage victim and witness cooperation.

Recently, she said, we began to utilize [assistant district attorneys], crime victim advocates and therapists as part of a Violence Response Team dedicated to assisting victims of non-fatal shootings and felony assaults, as soon as possible after the crime.

Dr. Kendra Doychak, of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said such an approach can help domestic violence victims feel empowered and to building trust in law enforcement.

Maybe it alters the relationship they have with the criminal justice system, said Doychak, director of the MA program in forensic psychology. They did help me  maybe Im a bit more willing to trust them in the future.'

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Doychak also said there are many reasons domestic violence victims decide not to cooperate. Victims often blame themselves or minimize the trauma, noting for instance, that the abuser is still a good father.

She may want to abuse to stop, Doychak said. But she doesnt want him to be prosecuted.

According to NYPD data, 1,166 citywide arrests  both felonies and misdemeanors  in the first three months of the year were not prosecuted because victims of all kinds did not want to cooperate with investigators.

Of that total, according to the data, 1,116 of those arrests  a stunning 96%  were in the Bronx. Its not clear why the disparities are so acute between the Bronx and other boroughs.

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Of that total, OShaughnessy said, 965 arrests were for domestic violence, defined as involving family members and those in intimate relationships.

The overall decline prosecution issue in the Bronx is particularly acute in three of the boroughs 12 precincts, where 34% of all arrests were not prosecuted  133 in 47th Precinct, which covers several neighborhoods, including Williamsbridge, Wakefield and Edenwald; 125 in the 44th Precinct had 125 such arrests and 124 in the 40th Precinct had 124, according to the data.

The NYPD data is included in its Declined Prosecution Analysis, which was ordered in 2020 by the court-appointed federal monitor tasked with overseeing various police reforms after a judge in 2013 ruled the stop and frisk tactics by nations largest police department violated the constitutional rights of minorities.

The quarterly reports, which include arrests by patrol officers but not by those assigned to housing projects or the subway system, provide a window into which cases are not prosecuted and why.

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The NYPD, which did not comment on the data, uses the information to flag and review the tactics of officers who in the span of 12 months made at least three arrests that a DAs office declined to prosecute.

Citywide in the first three months of the year, officers on patrol made 44,021 arrests, of which nearly 13%  5,612  were not prosecuted for any of about two dozen reasons, most notably the 2,519 listed in the prosecutorial discretion category.

Such decisions  which often come under fire  are made for different reasons. For instance, prosecutors dealing with first-time offenders accused of a minor crime, such as petty larceny, will offer the accused the chance to participate in a diversion program and complete a drug rehab program or see a mental health professional in the hopes or prevent recidivism.
Proposed Line 5 tunnel project construction area, southern end | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers screenshot

The Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy has opened public comment on a set of permits tied to Canadian energy company Enbridges plans to relocate its Line 5 pipeline into a new segment embedded beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

Line 5 stretches from Northwestern Wisconsin to Sarnia, Ontario, including a 4.5 mile stretch on the lakebed where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet. The pipeline transports more than 22 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids through the Great Lakes daily, raising concerns amongst environmental advocates, who warn that an oil spill would carry catastrophic consequences.

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Enbridge identified gaps in the pipelines protective coating in 2014, and the pipeline was later dented in three places by an anchor strike in 2018. The pipeline company later reached an agreement with the state to consolidate the dual pipelines currently operating in the Straits of Mackinac into a new segment housed in a concrete-lined tunnel and buried below the lakebed, in hopes of containing any potential oil spills.

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In order to move forward with the project, Enbridge needs approval from three agencies, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the Michigan Public Service Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

While EGLE and the Public Service Commission have both approved permits for the project, a 2024 settlement between Enbridge, EGLE and the Bay Mills Indian Community requires the company to redo its water resources permit using the results of new wetlands surveys.

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EGLE opened public comment on the companys revamped wetlands protection and Great Lakes Submerged Lands permits on July 17, with the comment period to remain open through Aug. 29, 2025.

The department will also host two meetings throughout the public notice period: an information session on Aug. 12 in a Q&A format regarding the application and EGLEs review process and a formal public hearing on Aug. 19, where comments will be taken for the record. Additional comments can be submitted online.

During this period EGLE said it would review the application and information provided by the applicant, collect and consider public comments, continue tribal consultations and continue coordinating with other agencies and partners.

This map shows the proposed tunnel and the existing dual pipelines crossing the Straits of Mackinac. | Screenshot from the MPSC Line 5 Issue Brief

During the public notice period, EGLE said its common for the department to request applicants to consider additional modifications to the project and provide additional information in response to the ongoing review and in coordination with other state agencies and parties.

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Enbridges commitment to safeguarding the Great Lakes, natural resources, and communities continues to drive our work behind building the Great Lakes Tunnel, and locating a new, replacement section of the Line 5 pipeline inside the protection of the tunnel, deep under the lakebed, Enbridge Spokesperson Ryan Duffy said in an email.

We support and welcome the public comment process now underway. Public and stakeholder input is essential to the process and we look forward to hearing feedback and answering questions, he said.

As EGLE opens public comment on the permits, members of the National Wildlife Federation are demanding the department conduct a full review of Enbridges proposed drilling area as required by the Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act, pointing to concerns of tunnel collapse, explosion and pollution during the construction of the Line 5 tunnel.

The Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act is in place to safeguard the Great Lakes and our natural resources from unnecessary projects that cause harm, Beth Wallace, the federations Great Lakes climate and energy director said in a statement. Any attempt to shortcut or narrow their review will only benefit the interest of big oil, could open a wide door for other extractive industries, and would undermine the legal standards meant to protect our public waters.

An EGLE spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO) is offering an amnesty period next week for individuals with active criminal warrants.

According to the news release by EPCSO, the period will be in effect from Monday, July 21, to Friday, July 25.

If an individuals name is on the list and currently has an active criminal warrant with the County courts, this is your opportunity to resolve it (warrant) without fear or immediate arrest, according to the Sheriffs Office.

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In addition, EPCSO says those who take advantage of the amnesty period can avoid being taken into custody by scheduling a Fast Track Booking appointment.

To schedule an appointment, individuals can call (915) 273-5143 or (915) 273-3762 (option 1).

The Sheriffs Office said starting the week of July 28 through Aug. 1, the department, in partnership with other law-enforcement agencies, will conduct a warrant round-up to locate and arrest individuals with outstanding criminal warrants.

To check if you have an active warrant or for more information, you can contact the El Paso County Sheriffs Offices website or contact the Warrant Section at (915) 273-3762 (option 1).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) will host its third annual Back to School Fiesta to start the new academic year in a positive light.

According to the news release by EPISD, the three-day celebration will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. from July 29-31 at the districts 10 high schools.

EPISD provided the following schedule for the fiestas happening at their high-school campuses:

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6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29 Burges High School, 7800 Edgemere Blvd. El Paso High School, 800 E. Schuster Ave. Irvin High School, 5400 Sanders Ave. Jefferson/Silva High School, 4700 Alameda Ave.

6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30 Coronado High School, 100 Champions Pl. Franklin High School, 900 Resler Dr.

6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 Andress High School, 5400 Sun Valley Dr. Austin High School, 3500 Memphis Ave. Bowie High School, 801 S. San Marcial St. Chapin High School, 7000 Dyer St.



Were proud to continue this one-of-a-kind tradition that brings joy to our families while staying true to our mission of partnering with our community, Martha Aguirre, interim superintendent of El Paso ISD, said. The Back to School Fiesta is more than just a celebration; its our way of building strong relationships from day one and ensuring every student feels supported, welcomed, and ready to succeed.

At each fiesta, there will be games, jumping balloons, music, food and more, EPISD said.

Additionally, each event will also include informational booths for families to connect with campus staff and receive essential information before the school year, EPISD said.

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The school district said it will also be providing free school supplies for all students. Elementary students will receive individual supply kits, and secondary students will be provided with classroom sets during the first week of school.

The Back-to-School Fiesta events are to strengthen the connection between campuses and the communities they serve, while giving families the tools and information they need for a successful school year, read the news release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  As families prepare for the first day of school, El Paso health officials are reminding parents that updated vaccinations are a must, with several required by the State of Texas before students can step into the classroom.

Texas law requires students to be vaccinated against several illnesses including:

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)



Polio



Hepatitis A and B



Varicella (chickenpox)



MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)

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While most of these vaccines are routine, officials say one in particular  the MMR shot  is getting more attention this year because of the recent outbreaks nationwide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this years measles outbreak is the worst that the U.S. has seen in decades.

El Paso County has reported 63 measles cases as of July 18, with adults making up the majority of those infected. Children under 5 years old are the second most impacted group.

The concern is still out there, said Ivan Luna, director of Immunize El Paso. We have parents calling in asking for that MMR vaccine. Its important to stay protected.

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Despite the rising numbers, Luna said El Paso continues to be one of the most highly vaccinated communities in the state.

El Paso is a community that highly trusts vaccines, he said. Our rates are pretty high compared to other cities in Texas.

Immunize El Paso offers all required school vaccines on a walk-in basis with no appointments needed. The organization will also host a community clinic at Fabens High School from from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25.

For more information visit Immunize El Paso .

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Hundreds of Venezuelans swept up in President Donald Trump's immigration dragnet reached home Friday after their release from a maximum security Salvadoran jail as part of a prisoner swap with the United States.

The 252 men were accused -- without evidence -- of being gang members and flown to the notorious CECOT "anti-terror" jail in March.

There, they were shackled, shorn and paraded before cameras -- becoming emblematic of Trump's immigration crackdown and drawing howls of protest.

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On Friday, after months of legal challenges and political stonewalling, the men arrived at an airport near Caracas, with several walking down the steps with their arms raised and one even kissing the tarmac.

The Trump administration said they were released in exchange for 10 Americans or US residents held in Venezuela, and "political prisoners," who number 80, according to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele.

The migrants' return to Venezuela sparked tearful celebrations among family members who had heard nothing from them in months.

"I don't have words to explain how I feel!" said Juan Yamarte. "My brother (Mervin) is back home, back in Venezuela."

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Mervin's mother told AFP she could not contain her happiness. "I arranged a party and I'm making a soup," she said.

The men had been deported from the United States under rarely used wartime powers and denied court hearings.

Exiled Salvadoran rights group Cristosal believes that just seven of the 252 men had criminal records.

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro thanked Trump for "the decision to rectify this totally irregular situation."

- 'Hard to negotiate' -

The Americans and US residents released in Venezuela, whose identities have not been officially revealed, were taken to San Salvador on their way to the United States and appeared with Bukele and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler at a ceremony at the presidential palace.

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A video posted on X by Bukele shows the former detainees waving US flags as they descended from their aircraft.

"It is hard to negotiate with a tyrannical regime really, but we were able to do it," Bukele said.

"We have been in these negotiations trying to set (not just) you -- all of you -- free, but also 80 political prisoners from Venezuela."

For his part, Boehler thanked Bukele for being "an unbelievable friend" to the United States.

Families in the United States were also excited to see their loved ones return. One had been imprisoned for nearly a year.

Global Reach, an NGO that works for wrongly detained Americans, said one of the men freed was 37-year-old Lucas Hunter, held since he was "kidnapped" by Venezuelan border guards while vacationing in Colombia in January.

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"We cannot wait to see him in person and help him recover from the ordeal," it quoted his younger sister Sophie Hunter as saying.

Uruguay said one of its citizens, a resident in the United States, was among those liberated after nine months in Venezuelan detention.

Another plane arrived at Maiquetia airport earlier Friday from Houston with 244 Venezuelans deported from the United States and seven children, who Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said had been "rescued from the kidnapping to which they were being subjected."

The children were among 30 who Caracas says remained in the US after their Venezuelan parents were deported.

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Clamping down on migrants is a flagship pursuit of Trump's administration, which has ramped up raids and deportations.

Washington has agreed with Maduro to send undocumented Venezuelans back home, and flights have been arriving near daily also from Mexico, where many got stuck trying to enter the United States.

Official figures show that since February, more than 8,200 people have been repatriated to Venezuela from the United States and Mexico, including some 1,000 children.

The Venezuelans detained in El Salvador had no right to phone calls or visits, and their relatives unsuccessfully requested proof of life.

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Bukele had CECOT built as part of his war on criminal gangs, but he agreed to receive millions of dollars from the United States to house the Venezuelans there.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have denounced the detentions.

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Another person has been charged after a woman was shot dead at a block of flats in south Wales.

Joanne Penney, 40, died on 9 March after being shot in Llys Illtyd, Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Callum Kelleher, 37, from Liverpool has been charged with participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group, perverting the course of justice and assault.

South Wales Police said he appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Friday and he was due to stand trial in October.

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It brings the total number of people charged in relation to the case to 11, with other defendants pleading not guilty to a range of charges including murder, assisting an offender and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

An inquest opening in March heard that Ms Penney died after being shot in the chest, with injuries to her heart and lung.

In a tribute, Ms Penney's family said they were devastated by the loss, adding: "Her kindness, strength and love for her family will never be forgotten."

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MPs will push to change the law to pave the way for the Elgin Marbles to be returned to Greece.

Athens and the British Museum are locked in a stalemate in talks over a potential deal that would see the ancient sculptures returned to Athens.

Limited by legislation, the best the British Museum chairman George Osborne can offer the Greek government is a three-year loan.

This will not be countenanced by Greek leaders who claim that the Marbles were stolen by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, and are in effect illegally held in the UK.

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Parliamentarians sympathetic to the Greek cause are hoping to alter existing laws to pave the way for an indefinite loan currently barred by UK law.

This would allow the British Museum to loan the Marbles to Greece without having to renounce ownership of the sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon.

Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George is leading efforts in the Commons to have the Marbles returned.

He told the Telegraph that he hopes to get parliamentary draughtsmen to look at the way we could bring in a statutory instrument to address it.

Mr George said that tweaking UK law would give the British Museum more freedom and make it easier to reach a deal over the Marbles, which Mr Osborne has advocated.

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The MP said: We have fertile ground in George Osborne and the trustees of the British Museum.

The British Museum is prevented by British Museum Act 1963 from disposing of objects in its collection, which is held for the public, and it therefore lacks the power to hand over the Elgin Marbles.

It can offer a loan, but this would necessitate Greece accepting Britains legal ownership, and the eventual need to return what had been loaned.

The Greek position is that the Marbles were stolen, and that the statues, plaques and sections of frieze designed by Phidias should be permanently returned to Athens.

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The UK government has said it will not change the British Museum act, resulting in a stalemate between all parties.

Chris Bryant, the art minister, has been adamant that the three-year loan option is the only currently available legal means by which the Marbles could ever end up in Greece.

However, MPs and former peers, including Lord Vaizey and Baroness Debbonaire, hope that they can push for changes to the Export Control Act 2002.

This limits the loan of cultural artefacts to three years, but by tweaking to allow for indefinite periods, MPs hope to create a backdoor to permanently exporting the Marbles without becoming embroiled in the legality of ownership.

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This plan would require Parliamentary support to introduce a statutory instrument, and on the Greek government accepting a permanent return deal under the guise of a loan.

The British Museum will soon need somewhere to store the marbles as it begins work on a major restoration of its western galleries, where the artworks are held, and campaigners feel that it is time to reach an agreement with Greece

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The California National Guard troops that Donald Trump sent to intimidate the residents of L.A. are mostly doing nothing except costing taxpayers a lot of money to indulge Trump's military dictator fantasy.
The largest solar and energy storage facility in the United States is halfway complete, according to the company building it, as Electrek reported.

The facility, located in Kern County, California, will eventually be a 2,000-megawatt project. AES, the company behind the endeavor, has contracts with major tech companies worldwide. When it's finished, it will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 467,000 homes each year.

Using solar power instead of more conventional power sources is beneficial for everyone. It allows these large companies to access the power they need without destabilizing the local electrical grid. This makes the whole area more energy-independent, because its power will be more reliable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, renewable energy sources and locally generated energy are also more secure than the traditional energy infrastructure.

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If that's not enough, this project has also created jobs for the area. AES announced that the first stage of this installation has created more than 700 union jobs, while the second promises to add at least 1,200 more. That's great for the local economy, providing solid, consistent work for many people. Farmers can also generate income by selling or leasing their fields to solar companies.

Finally, solar power is good for our planet. This particular plant aims to prevent at least 1 million tons of CO2 from being emitted into the local atmosphere every year. It is believed that air quality will improve throughout the area, as people will no longer be exposed to numerous toxic chemicals. Clean Wisconsin suggests that the public health benefits of cleaner air may outweigh the initial cost of installing large-scale solar. Some companies even plant native plants in the fields alongside their solar panels, thereby raising biodiversity and supporting pollinators as well.

If you want to reap the benefits of solar and contribute to cleaner air, consider installing solar panels on your home to reduce your energy expenses to as little as $0. Companies like EnergySage offer free tools that can help you save up to $10,000 on solar panel installation.

Commenters on the Electrek piece largely favored solar. One person said, "Solar plus storage is magical. Spring through fall, I have more electricity than I know what to do with 24/7." Another added, "Energy = human achievement. More energy will provide for more resources for humans. That's a good thing. Isn't it?"

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.
The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday that it is eliminating its scientific research arm and reducing its workforce by at least 23%.

The EPAs Office of Research and Development arm oversaw hundreds of scientists working to safeguard human health and ecosystems from environmental pollutants.

Instead, the department will be gutted and thousands at the EPA will be let go as part of President Donald Trumps continued push to dismantle criticalgovernment programs.

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Officials said they plan to fire roughly 3,700 employees at the EPA, or 23% of the staffing since Trump took office.

The research arm will be replaced by a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, which officials at the EPA claim will save the agency $750 million.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement that the new changes would ensure the agency is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission of protecting human health and the environment, while Powering the Great American Comeback.

Last month, the EPA put more than 130 workers on leave for daring to criticize the agencys leadership.

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The 139 employees signed a public declaration of dissent that condemned Zeldin for focusing on harmful deregulation, mischaracterization of previous EPA actions, and disregard for scientific expertise.

And earlier this month, Zeldin gave a nod to conspiracy theorists when he announced new webpages discussing geoengineering and contrails.

For years, people who asked questions in good faith were dismissed, even vilified by the media and their own government, Zeldin posted on X. This ends today.
The Brief

The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it is eliminating its research and development arm in a move to eventually save nearly $750 million.

Its creating a new office that will allow it to focus on research and science "more than ever before.

The EPA is also reducing agency staff by thousands of employees after a Supreme Court ruling last week allowed mass federal layoffs to continue.

The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it is eliminating its research and development arm and reducing agency staff by thousands of employees.

Office of Research and Development

The backstory

The agencys Office of Research and Development is the main science arm driving the EPAs mission to protect the environment and human health.

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It has 10 facilities across the country, and was designed to be insulated from politics so it can produce essential science.

It currently has 1,540 positions, and as many as 1,155 chemists, biologists, toxicologists and other scientists could be laid off, an earlier Congressional review of agency documents indicated.

What they're saying

The EPA said in May it would reorganize as part of the Trump administrations drive to shrink the size of the federal government and make it more efficient.

The EPA said it would shift its scientific expertise and research efforts to program offices that focus on major issues like air and water.

Presently

On Friday, the agency announced it was eliminating the research and development office and introduced a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions that will allow it to focus on research and science "more than ever before."

By the numbers

Once fully implemented, the changes will save the EPA nearly $750 million, officials said.

The other side

Justin Chen, president of American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, which represents thousands of EPA employees, told the Associated Press the research office was "the heart and brain of the EPA."

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"Without it, we dont have the means to assess impacts upon human health and the environment,'' Chen said. "Its destruction will devastate public health in our country."

RELATED: Trump can resume mass federal layoffs for now, Supreme Court says

EPA layoffs

Meanwhile

The EPA also said it is beginning the process to eliminate thousands of jobs, following a Supreme Court ruling last week that cleared the way for President Donald Trumps plans to downsize the federal workforce.

By the numbers

Total staffing at EPA will go down to 12,448, a reduction of more than 3,700 employees, or nearly 23%, from staffing levels in January when Trump took office, the agency said.

The Source

Information in this article was taken from information released by the EPA Friday, July 18, 2025, as reported by The Associated Press. Background information about the agency and the research office was also taken from The Associated Press. This story was reported from Detroit.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday afternoon that it is eliminating its scientific division, known as the Office of Research and Development.

The move to shutter the ORD comes one day after the agency said it was undergoing a reorganization involving several other EPA divisions.

ORD conducts critical research to "safeguard human health and ecosystems from environmental pollutants," according to its website. More than 1,500 employees, including scientists and researchers, are dispersed across the country at 11 different locations, but the bulk are based at the EPA's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at a large scientific facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

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Eliminating the office will bring $748.8 million in savings, according to a news release from the agency.

The EPA had 16,155 employees back in January 2025, but following voluntary retirements, dismissals, and other reduction in force (RIF) actions, it is now down to 12,488 employees, the agency said in its release Friday, a reduction of about 22% of its staff. The staffing cuts include 3,201 employees who took the Trump administration's so-called "Fork in the Road" deferred resignation program, as well as those who took early retirement.

"Under President Trump's leadership, EPA has taken a close look at our operations to ensure the agency is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback," EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement Friday. "This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars."

It was anticipated that ORD would be impacted, according to earlier documents that outlined the agency's RIF plans. Back in March, the documents indicated that somewhere between 50% to 75% of ORD employees would not be retained, the majority of them leading scientists in their field of research.

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A source inside ORD told CBS News Friday that employees found out about the reduction in force via the press release that was sent out to the public, and has not received any formal communication from the agency about what will happen next.

"A friend texted me the press release," the source told CBS News, "that is how I found out."

According to the source, most employees are anxiously checking their email, waiting to see if they'll be reassigned to another program office, or impacted by the reduction.

Some ORD employees have already received notification that they have been reassigned, while most wait to learn their fate. In May, ORD employees were told they would be contacted by other programs inside the agency to discuss potential, lateral moves. But according to the source, it now appears that impacted individuals won't get much of a choice: either take the reassignment if one is offered, or leave the agency.

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"I don't think I can stay in the U.S.," one source told CBS News, "there are no jobs here."

Because of cuts to the federal workforce and cuts to scientific research, there are very few scientific positions available in the U.S., and some are now contemplating work abroad.

"Today's cuts dismantle one of the world's most respected environmental health research organizations," said Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, former EPA principal deputy assistant administrator for science, in a statement. "EPA's science office has long been recognized internationally for advancing public health protections through rigorous science. Reducing its workforce under the guise of cost savings is both misleading and dangerous. This does not save taxpayers money; it simply shifts costs to hospitals, families and communities left to bear the health and economic consequences of increased pollution and weakened oversight. The people of this country are not well served by these actions. They are left more vulnerable."

The ORD's research touches on a range of issues from PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," to water-bourne diseases, soot in the air, and environmental factors that contribute to childhood asthma, Orme-Zavaleta said.

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It is made up of six major research program offices, per its website, that include Air, Climate, and Energy, Chemical Safety for Sustainability, Health and Environmental Risk Assessment, Homeland Security, Safe and Sustainable Water Resources and Sustainable and Healthy Communities.

It also includes four major research labs including the Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), the Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), the Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) and the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA).

Would you go on a retirement cruise?

Wall Street Journal reports Trump sent "bawdy" birthday letter to Epstein, Trump threatens to sue

Artist creates massive designs, visible only until the tide rolls in
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  Evansville Police are searching for a suspect whom they say evaded them in two chases.

According to a report, officers tried to stop a vehicle for not using a turn signal at Kratzville Road and Dresden Street just after midnight Saturday, but the suspect took off and began to drive south on N. Fulton Avenue and disregarded several stop lights.

EPD says the vehicle was found again going west on the Lloyd but fled again and was not located.

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EPD also says the driver was identified by their registration and Indiana BMV photo by an officer, and charges are being filed for felony resisting, reckless driving and numerous traffic violations.

The suspects name was not listed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
This article was first published in the On the Hill newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Friday mornings here.

Hello, friends. Another busy week on Capitol Hill featuring overnight sessions and a record-breaking vote series. Never a dull moment around here.

The midterm season (despite being more than a year away) is upon us, and we are starting to see what messaging will dominate the airwaves  and what youre going to hear when those pesky TV ads return in the coming months.

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But first, Republicans have to face the conspiracy-laden-turned-mainstream news cycle that has dominated headlines this week: What to do about the Epstein files. Ill get into that more below.

 Cami Mondeaux

The Big Idea: How Epstein became the center of the great MAGA divide

Its been just 11 days since the Justice Department released its memo saying officials had found no evidence of a client list containing the names of celebrities and politicians who conspired with financier Jeffrey Epstein, who reportedly died by suicide after being arrested on charges of sex trafficking.

The aftermath has since been complicated, emotionally charged, and downright messy for President Donald Trump and his most faithful followers.

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While on the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly suggested he would declassify all government files on the Epstein case, prompting widespread calls from his base to do so once he was elected. Those promises also led to numerous conspiracy theories about who may be connected to the sex trafficking operation  and broader questions about what the government might be hiding.

Trump was supposed to be the one to uncover it all. Now, he wants the story to go away.

Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this (expletive), hook, line, and sinker, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. They havent learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.

But that hasnt calmed his base. In fact, theres been an outcry among Trumps base to release all of the files  and some Republicans on Capitol Hill are inclined to agree.

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This is a really touchy issue. The American people deserve to know the answers on this and a number of things, Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., said this week. And I think that this is kind of highlighting the frustration that the American people have where they feel like they cant trust their government.

In fact, Burlison told us this has become the No. 1 issue brought up by constituents over the last week. And he, among several others, wants answers.

He probably has more information than I do, but if he does, then at least get that information out, he said. Let us know.

So, what happens now? Dont expect this to go away.

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In fact, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is already pressing for a vote to release the files  which could reach the floor as early as next week.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who has already established himself as the Republican thorn in Trumps side, filed a discharge petition on the matter earlier this week, which would require a vote on legislation forcing the release of all files. Eight Republicans co-sponsored that legislation, and several others have privately indicated they dont want to vote against something that would thwart the release of Epstein information.

Meanwhile, some Republicans are pressing for a special counsel to investigate the matter. Others even want Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins accomplice, to testify before Congress.

As you may expect, Democrats are relishing this moment. Its the first time theres been this strong of a divide in the MAGA base, and it opens up an opportunity for the minority party. And theyre already taking advantage of it.

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At every opening theyve had this week, Democrats have introduced amendments to GOP-led legislation pushing for the release of the files. And its put Republicans in a tricky position.

More on that below.

But Democrats say it is Trumps own fault.

This is very simple. The American people need to know the truth about the Epstein files, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters on Thursday. Donald Trump and Republicans were the ones who talked about this for years. Now they are reaping what they have sown.

And the White House? Theyre in clean-up mode.

Heres what White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday: The president has been transparent. He has followed through on his promises to the American people, but he doesnt like to see Democrats in the mainstream media covering this like its the biggest story that the American people care about.

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Well see how this continues to unfold. But you can expect to see much more of this story unfold over the coming weeks.

 Cami Mondeaux

Stories driving the week

DOGE days: The Senate approved the Trump administrations first round of requested spending cuts after an overnight voting session, approving the clawback of billions of dollars in federal funding including substantial cuts to public broadcasting. Dems hit back: The Democratic National Committee launched a series of interactive websites showing the possible state-level and national impacts from the budget cuts, including how it could affect Utahns. My colleague Lauren Irwin got a first look at the Utah website. Immigration changes: A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling on President Donald Trump to provide protections for some undocumented immigrants, marking a joint effort by both parties to temper the administrations mass deportation efforts.

How the Epstein saga is disrupting Trumps agenda

Democrats are looking for every opportunity to make Republicans lives difficult over this Epstein drama. And so far, it seems to be working.

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Earlier this week, Democrats introduced a number of amendments with language to force the release of the Epstein files. But Republicans shot down all of those efforts.

Why? Its  complicated.

In each of those instances, Democrats sought to disrupt procedural votes by attaching the Epstein-related language. Because of how House rules work, Republicans essentially had to reject all of those proposals  even though some of them admitted they want the files to be published.

As you can imagine, a lot of Republicans were not happy. And it almost caused a major disruption in Trumps agenda.

After the Senate passed Trumps spending cuts request on Thursday, the House was expected to take it up almost immediately to get it to the presidents desk before the Friday midnight deadline. But House Republicans on the Rules Committee delayed that process over concerns that Democrats would once again introduce procedural amendments they would need to reject.

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So House Republican leaders huddled with those conservatives throughout the day on Thursday to negotiate a compromise.

The deal: House GOP leadership will clear the way for a resolution to release some information related to Epstein  but a different proposal from the one Massie introduced earlier this week.

In doing so, it gives leadership a way to give lawmakers a chance to vote their conscience on Epstein while balancing that with Trumps wishes to stop talking about the saga altogether.

That vote will also come at a different time as the rescissions package, buying GOP leaders some time so they dont need to deal with the Epstein fallout right away.

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 Cami Mondeaux

Quick hits

From the Hill: Republicans and Democrats battle to own the rhetoric on Trump tax bill.  Sen. Curtis wants to mint commemorative coins ahead of states next Olympics.  Speaker Johnson says people have been misled about separation of church and state.

From the White House: The White House says government funding doesnt need to be bipartisan.  Trump undergoes medical testing for swelling and bruising.  Trump weighs firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell amid tariff frustration.

From the courts: What the latest Supreme Court win means for religious parents and their kids education.  Supreme Court justice pauses ruling weakening Voting Rights Act (WaPo).

Whats next

The House and Senate are both scheduled to be back next week. Theyll likely continue crawling their way through appropriations bills before leaving town for August recess.

As always, feel free to reach out to me by email with story ideas or questions you have for lawmakers. And follow me on X for breaking news and timely developments from the Hill.
Jeffrey Epsteins brother is demanding to see the 15 hours of unreleased footage that Steve Bannon has of the pedophile.

Let me see the videotapes, Mark Epstein said in an interview with NBC News. Hes my brother.

The footage was recorded in 2019before Epsteins arrest on sex-trafficking charges later that yearfor a documentary that has yet to see the light of day titled, The Monsters: Epsteins Life Among the Global Elite.

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A teaser for the documentary, obtained and published exclusively by The New York Post in 2021, showed BannonTrumps confidant, a Republican strategist, and MAGA media figureconfronting Jeffrey Epstein about all of the depravity youve done against young women.

The brother of Jeffrey Epstein is calling for the release of Steve Bannons footage of the pedophile. / Rick Friedman / Corbis via Getty Images

No, Ive beenIve always believed that women will be, in fact, be able to take over, said Epstein, who died in his prison cell in August 2019. The sex offender also claimed in the clip that he was a firm believer and supporter of the anti-sexual harassment movement Times Up.

Mark Epstein told NBC Friday, [Bannon] told me he has like 15 or 16 hours of videotape of Jeff. He was trying to help Jeff rehabilitate his reputation. He said that he was told this when he met with Bannon after his brothers death.

They spent a lot of time together, Mark Epstein added, referring to his brother and Bannon.

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Bannon, who was briefly a senior aide in Trumps first administration, is not accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein.

MAGA pundit Steve Bannon has 15 hours of footage of Epstein from a yet-unreleased documentary. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Bannon did not return NBCs request. The Daily Beast has also reached out for comment.

On a livestream last week, Bannon acknowledged the footage and said the documentary would be released as a five-part series early next year.

Another right-wing pundit, Ben Shapiro, criticized Bannon this week for not releasing the footage in full. So, release the Epstein tapes, Steve, Shapiro said, calling for transparency.

In the wake of President Donald Trumps crisis over Epstein, Bannon has been among the MAGA bigwigs calling for the release of government documents in the case.

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Trump has tried to shut down outcry over his administrations decision to end the investigation into the Epstein files, dismissing it as a Democratic hoax.

Trump was an acquaintance of Epsteins in the 1990s and early 2000s. / Davidoff Studios Photography / Davidoff Studios Photography/Getty Images

On Thursday, the Trump-Epstein fervor reached an even higher peak as The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump gave Epstein a drawing of a naked woman as a gift for his 50th birthday.

Trump, who was an acquaintance of Epsteins in the 1990s and early 2000s, has denied the story, calling it fake. He has sued the Journal for $10 billion over the story.

Mark Epstein, 71, is a property developer and business owner, whose companies include a T-shirt business and a modeling agency. The origins of his impressive wealth have been the subject of a Journal investigation.

Maria Marra and Mark Epstein attend Sing for Hope Gala in 2016 / Owen Hoffmann / Owen Hoffmann/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Since his brother died in August 2019, Mark Epstein has pushed back on the official suicide ruling and endorsed the conspiracy theory that his brother was murdered.

Earlier this month, he addressed the FBIs memo denying that his brother was murdered, telling Fox News he thought it was stupid.
Donald Trumps second term has been, more or less from the moment he raised his hand before the Bible on January 20, an endless succession of horrors. Law-abiding residents are being disappeared to foreign countries by Trumps army of masked-up goons. He just signed into law the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in the countrys history, while also ripping health care away from millions. Trumps cuts in global aid have caused, according to some estimates, hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world. He also risked World War III with direct strikes on Iran, which seems only to have delayed nuclear enrichment by several months. And all the while, Trump and his family have been making millions selling the presidency.

This fascistic and corrupt administration is, by definition, scandalous; it has sparked widespread outrage and protest over its immoral, illegal abuses. But in a narrower sense, Trumps second term has been free of the kind of ubiquitous political scandal that defined his first term, when allegations of collusion with Russia threatened to undo his presidency. Until now.

Compared to pretty much everything listed at the start of this piece, the Trump administrations refusal to release all government files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted child sex offender and alleged sex-trafficker, is small beer. Butin no small part due to Trumps own actionsit has erupted into a massive scandal. The Wall Street Journals publication on Thursday of the details of a birthday card Trump wrote to Epstein in 2003the message suggested both close friendship and knowledge that his friend was, at the very least, a bit of a pervertmakes clear that major outlets are belatedly devoting resources to covering their relationship. Now, this nascent scandal is poised to become exactly what Trump is labeling it in an attempt to discredit it: the next Russiagate.

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Its easy to forget that Russiagateall those years of leaks and denials, of right-wing conspiracy theories, and the plodding Mueller inquirydidnt have to drag on the way it did. If Trump had disavowed Russian efforts to aid his campaign in 2016, it may not have led to a lengthy investigation and his impeachment. Instead, Trump not only used hacked materials to aid his campaign, but repeatedly encouraged Russia to help him to defeat Hillary Clinton. This encouragement led many to understandably conclude that there was a kind of quid pro quo between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putinor, much less reasonably, to conclude that Trump, first as the Republican nominee and later as president, was being blackmailed and controlled by the Kremlin.

The truth was somewhat less salacious. Trump was openly encouraging Putin to help his campaign because he wanted his helpand because he thought Clinton was already cheating in numerous other ways. He also respected Putin as a strongman and had long railed against alliance systems like NATOmeaning that the Russian dictator had ample reason to aid Trump without a secret deal. Trump, meanwhile, didnt disavow Putin because he never disavows anyone who supports him.

As a result, though, the scandal dragged on for years, undermining Trumps first term practically from its inception. The drip-drip of news meant that the story never fully went away. As with Epstein, Russia was far from the most serious issue of Trumps first term, which was defined by family separations at the border, efforts to rob millions of health care, and naked corruption and cronyism. But it was an effective metaphor for a president who was an aspiring autocrat who would do anything, even court a longtime U.S. foe, to amass more power.

The Epstein scandal threatens to be something similar, and possibly worse. With Russiagate, the right largely stood in lockstep behind Trump, echoing his complaints that it was a witch hunt and a hoax. The problem with the Epstein scandal is that the leading propagators of various conspiracy theories relating to the pedophile financier are strident backers of Trump himself. The presidents denials ring hollow given his longstanding friendship with Epstein.

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As with Russiagate, it seems possibleperhaps even likelythat the most salacious allegations will be false; there is, for instance, no evidence that Trump visited Epsteins notorious private island. But that hardly matters. Trump again faces two clear choices, and both are bad: He can continue to stonewall the release of all files on Epstein and hope that people move on (which they probably wont do), or he can release everything and have to own up to the fact that he was friends with the twenty-first centurys most notorious pedophile (that is, assuming he wasnt also an Epstein client). For now, Trump is taking the first approach. On Thursday, he demanded the release of grand jury testimony in the Epstein case (in which he is unlikely to appear). It seems highly unlikely that will satisfy anyone, particularly those in MAGA who have been demanding the full release of the Epstein files.

The result is a scandal that, like Russiagate before it, serves as an apt metaphor for Trumps presidency. His failure to release the full Epstein files, which he had said in 2024 he would do, is the most high-profile broken promise of many. He has also provided weaponry to Ukraine, is kicking people off of health care, and even waffling on deporting undocumented immigrants in certain industries, rankling many of his right-wing allies. Its also a reminder of the company Trump keeps, and who hes looking out for as president: not the working class, but rich elites.

With Russiagate, it was possible to see how it might end Trumps presidency. Thats much harder to imagine with the Epstein scandalnot only because of the dimensions of the scandal, but because how much more beholden todays Republican Party is to MAGA. But there are signs that it could be equally damaging: a nagging scandal that never goes away no matter how much Trump rages against it, and which weakens his presidency with each passing day.
They feel, as one of Jeffrey Epsteins victims put it, like theyre being erased.

While a civil war rages in MAGA world over President Donald Trumps decision to disavow conspiracies that his most ardent supporters stoked about Epstein being part of a deep state sex trafficking cabal, the women who were victimized by the billionaire say their suffering is being sidelined by raw politics.

Four Epstein victims who spoke with NBC News say the Trump administration should be exposing any powerful men who shared Epsteins penchant for vulnerable young women, not putting the brakes on any future prosecutions.

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You never really heal, said Danielle Bensky, 38, who was a budding ballerina when she said Epstein abused her two decades ago. And with whats happening now, it feels like were being erased. All the brave women who came forward  all the work that we did to tell the world what happened to us, its all being erased.

The victims spoke with NBC News recently as Trump tried to mollify supporters angered by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis announcement that the client list she claimed to have on her desk did not exist, and that Epsteins death in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges was a jailhouse suicide and not a murder to silence him, as many believe.

Faced with what critics and allies are calling a severe threat to his presidency, Trump has alternately dismissed the furor as a hoax ginned-up by Democrats and ordered Bondi to release pertinent grand jury transcripts and other documents that could shed more light on the scandal.

On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump wrote a bawdy birthday letter for Epstein more than two decades ago. NBC News has not seen the original letter, and Trump has called it a fake thing.

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Bensky said her heart sank earlier this month when Bondi, who had amplified Trumps campaign promises to demolish the deep state, released a two-page memo stating there was no evidence of an incriminating client list of men who had sex with young women procured by the financier and that her office would not prosecute anyone else in the case.

Danielle Bensky. (Courtesy Danielle Bensky)

I felt a wave of sadness, Bensky said. All those years of trying to gain justice just negated. It was just two pages saying they were done investigating with no details about what happened to all of us. Its like we never existed.

For other victims, Epsteins reappearance in the news is like tearing the scab from a wound.

The reality is, trauma is never a one and done, Epstein victim Teresa J. Helm said by email to NBC News. Its complex. It can take a lifetime to repair oneself. Various things can initiate a trauma response, and thats just daily life.

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Helm, who said she was hired to give Epstein massages and was sexually assaulted by him in the early 2000s, now works with sexual assault victims for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. She said whatever hope she had for getting a measure of justice is now gone.

When a persons abuser(s) are repeatedly flashed in view at any given moment, and especially when promises of justice, and promises of structures of power finally being held to account  to then essentially have the door shut in your face and no longer open for business  then what? Helm wrote in her email.

Teresa Helm arrives at court during the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell in New York in 2021. (Carlo Allegri / Reuters)

Attorney David Boies represented one of Epsteins best-known accusers, the late Virginia Giuffre, who claimed in a 2016 deposition that Epstein and his now-imprisoned accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell forced her to have sex with several powerful men, including Prince Andrew.

The British royal acknowledged associating with Epstein and agreed to a settlement with Giuffre but denied the allegations.

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Maxwell has filed a petition with the Supreme Court to vacate her 2021 conviction for recruiting and grooming teenage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse.

Boies said Trump, Bondi and others in the administration have only themselves to blame for reviving the Epstein saga.

Its coming up now because the administration made such a big deal that they were going to release a list of clients and, all of a sudden, they did a 180-turn saying we will not release anything, Boies said. If they never said anything there would have been only middling interest and conspiracy thinking. Its the inconsistencies that fueled things.

Boies said that as far as he knows there was no document in the raft of evidence he reviewed that was labelled a client list.

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I think they ought to release the material after promising, and if they dont, people will believe they are hiding something and that cannot be tolerated, he said.

Alicia Arden was a 27-year-old model and aspiring actress when Epstein assaulted her in 1997 at a hotel in Santa Monica, California, she said.

I get upset when I hear his name, Arden said of Epstein.

Arden said Epstein had identified himself as a talent scout for Victorias Secret and she wanted to meet him. Epstein was a top adviser to former Victorias Secret CEO Les Wexner but was not a talent scout for the retailer.

Alicia Arden delivers a statement at the Allred, Maroko & Goldberg law offices in Los Angeles in 2020. (Chris Pizzello / AP)

I really wanted to be in the Victorias Secret catalog, said Arden. But then he grabbed me, tried to tear off my clothes, and said he wanted to manhandle me. I ran out of there and he chased after me.

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Arden, who filed a police report after the encounter with Epstein, said she supports Trump but believes theres a cover-up of some kind going on.

Pam Bondi was saying back in February there was a list and then she said the list was on her desk and now there is no list, said Arden, who lives in Santa Monica. She doesnt want something to come out and I dont understand why. Maybe the list is more horrifying than we think.

Another victim, who has spoken publicly about how Maxwell recruited her to give Epstein erotic massages, told NBC News she was terrified when Bondi announced there was no client list and that she would not prosecute anyone else.

In the past, I was out there talking about what happened, and now I dont want my name out there in connection with anything to do with Epstein because Im afraid of what they could do to me and my family, said the woman, who agreed to speak to NBC News on the condition her name not be used because she fears retribution from the Trump administration.

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I am not surprised Trump is now saying we should stop talking about Epstein, she said. These people are trying to protect themselves.

Bensky said that whats happening now is like Ground Hog Day for the #MeToo Movement and threatens the strides all victims have made in confronting their abusers.

We need transparency and accountability for the sake of our daughters and future generations of young girls, she said.

Now a choreographer who works with teenage dance troupes, Bensky said she has for many years found solace by using some of the same tools I use in my choreography to get into a meditative state.

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Of late, Ive been working with a group of young dancers in Hawaii and I sometimes think about how there are so many girls out there being victimized, Bensky said. I find myself thinking, how do I tell my students that the world isnt always dark and painful? Because I sat in sadness for a long time.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Estonia's Foreign Ministry has announced the commencement of work on a new package of sanctions against Russia.

Source: European Pravda, citing a statement from the Estonian Foreign Ministry

Details: Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed the EU will not stop at "halfway measures".

He also confirmed that work has begun on the next sanctions package, the 19th overall.

"Every new package strengthens our message: Ukraine is not alone, and Russia will not go unpunished," he stressed.

Background:

On the morning of 18 July, the EUs Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) approved the long-delayed 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, which had been stalled due to opposition from Slovakia and Malta.

The package sanctions 26 companies for circumventing sanctions, including 11 outside Russia  seven firms in China (three in Hong Kong) and four in Turkiye.

The package imposes sanctions on 105 vessels from Russias shadow fleet, lowers the price cap on Russian oil and targets banks and companies outside Russia that support its war effort.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Evacuation hub at Clifton Community Center to close

MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  The Mesa County Sheriffs Office announced that the evacuation center at Clifton Community Center is permanently closing at 5 p.m., Friday, due to lack of need.

The center opened last week to help those affected by the Turner Gulch and Wright Draw fires near Gateway.

Anyone who needs assistance should contact the American Red Cross of Colorado at 1-800-733-2767.

Those with large animals who need help in securing shelter for them, call 970-778-0161 for options and resources.

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Meanwhile, private properties between Highway 141 mile markers 120 to 134 have returned to pre-evacuation status. Other areas in the same status include private properties between mile markers 134 and 137 on Highway 141 and private inholdings in the Uncompahgre National Forest from Forest Road 406 to 409.

Areas still in evacuation status are all private inholdings in the Divide Forks Campground area and near the Casto Reservoir in the Uncompahgre National Forest.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Crews responded to a vegetation fire in Pala Mesa before noon on Saturday, with evacuations later issued, according to officials with Cal Fire San Diego.

The blaze  dubbed the Pala Fire  was located on Highway 76 near Couser Canyon Road. It was reported to be at 4 acres around 11:30 a.m., threatening structures. Cal Fire called in additional resources at that time.

Pala Fire in Pala Mesa on Saturday, July 19, 2025. (KSWB)

In another update, Cal Fire announced the fire spread had been stopped at 7 acres. The fire was 100% contained by 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

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The San Diego County Sheriffs Department temporarily issued an Evacuation Order for nearby areas. That directive has since been lifted. An interactive map with updated emergency evacuation information can be found here.

California Highway Patrol and San Diego County Sheriffs deputies were also at the scene monitoring the surrounding area.

Pala Fire in Pala Mesa on Saturday, July 19, 2025. (KSWB)

For more information on how to prepare for a wildfire emergency, watch the video at the top of this article.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A longtime Everglades scientist was handcuffed in a Miami courtroom and taken to jail Thursday to begin serving a 10-day jail sentence in a case that divided the normally tightknit Florida environmental community.

The sentence caps a three-year battle between hydrologist Tom Van Lent and his former bosses at the Everglades Foundation, who accused him of stealing trade secrets when he quit in 2022.

 The foundation has no trade secrets, but they do wish to hide anything that would embarrass them or worse, Van Lent told WLRN News outside the Miami-Dade County courthouse before surrendering.  While I remain frustrated and angry at this injustice, I believe that serving 10 days in jail is worth protecting my and my wifes privacy and standing up for science and the Everglades.

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READ MORE: In fight over research, influential Everglades Foundation sues its former chief scientist

Van Lent, a well-regarded hydrologist who began working on Everglades restoration at the South Florida Water Management District in the 1980s, quit the nonprofit foundation in a dispute over a planned Palm Beach County reservoir. Van Lent had argued the project would likely fall short of providing clean freshwater  a primary aim of the massive $23 billion restoration effort  because lawmakers had scaled back its size. The Foundation hailed it as the crown jewel of restoration, despite backing an earlier report that laid out Van Lents concerns.

WLRN explored the case in its podcast Bright Lit Place, in episode 4.

Van Lent further angered his bosses on his last day, when he tweeted that he was leaving to work for another Everglades nonprofit, Friends of the Everglades, who put facts over politics.

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On Thursday, Van Lent, 67, said he was not told what kind of conditions he would encounter serving his jail sentence. His attorney had advised him to wear laceless shoes, he said.

Im not looking forward to this. Its an absolute outrage, he said. But I will follow the directive of the court and this battle will continue.

As a deputy cuffed Van Lent in a small, fourth-floor courtroom, his wife, family and colleagues looked on, seated in chairs normally reserved for a jury, some in tears. Most had sported stickers that read, Science over politics, or had Van Lents initials in the center of a heart.

Just after deputies led him away, his wife Lois headed to her car for the eight-hour drive back to Tallahassee.

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 We live in terrible times, but there is power through community, and thats what yall are  a community, Lois Van Lent said before thanking her husbands supporters.

In addition to a jail sentence, Van Lent was also ordered to pay $178,000 for Foundation attorney fees. Van Lent has filed for bankruptcy. Van Lent lost his appeal.

Environmental unraveling

The case highlighted the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering that has long dogged restoration work, even as publicly environmentalists and politicians have struggled to maintain a bipartisan alliance.

It also stunned Everglades advocates, many of whom have fought for decades to restore the wetlands that protect South Floridas drinking water and help keep it from flooding, often sharing information and working hand in hand.

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In its lawsuit, the Foundation claimed Van Lent stole trade secrets and asked a judge to issue an injunction barring him from sharing the information. It demanded he turn over all Foundation material along with his computers and electronic devices. Van Lent has said he complied, but began removing personal information, that included health and financial records.

Two weeks later, the Foundation claimed Van Lent violated the injunction and asked a judge to hold him in criminal contempt, which carried a potential jail sentence. Then, just before a hearing five months later, both sides agreed to settle the case when Van Lent signed off on a permanent injunction barring him from using or sharing any Foundation material.

The settlement unraveled weeks later when the Foundation claimed Van Lent violated both the original injunction issued by the judge to stop downloading material and the settlement agreement by failing to turn over all his electronic devices.

 I never in a hundred years thought I would be here seeing a scientist of his caliber, of his integrity being sent to jail for stealing trade secrets, Chris McVoy, a soil scientist, Lake Worth city commissioner and board member for Friends of the Everglades said before Thursdays hearing. Trade secrets from nonprofits? Trade secrets in science? Trade secrets in restoring the Everglades? Its ludicrous.

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While Van Lent vowed to continue fighting the case to clear his name, Foundation attorney Jorge Piedra said following the hearing that once Van Lent serves the jail sentence, the case will end under the terms of the September 2022 settlement. In an emailed response to WLRN, the Everglades Foundation said it considered the matter closed and remains focused on our mission to restore and protect Americas Everglades through science, advocacy, and education.

The trade secrets claim settled without ever being proven.

The sentence comes at a pivotal time for the Everglades, While long-delayed restoration work has sped up in recent years with record-spending, the swamp continues to struggle with increasing impacts from climate change even as the Trump administration has cut funding for researching the dangers fueled by a warming planet. The administration is also taking aim at key laws that help protect the Everglades, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. And this month, the state opened an immigrant detention center in the middle of the River of Grass in the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Our leaders stitched together a fabric of environmental protections that were rooted in science, Friends executive director Eve Samples said in explaining the organizations founding by Marjory Stoneman Douglas to protect the area now occupied by the detention center. Now the question is whether that fabric will hold. This sure looks like a moment of environmental unraveling.

Jenny Staletovich is WLRNs Environment Editor. She has been a journalist working in Florida for nearly 20 years. Contact Jenny at jstaletovich@wlrnnews.org.
The Dallas Express reveals an exclusive inside look at the heated dispute centering around Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).

Part I uncovers a July 17 letter from DART Chair Gary Slagel, urging suburban mayors to drop reform legislation for General Mobility Program funds, which could cut DARTs revenue by $4243 million and trigger major service reductions. Five mayors push for governance changes, citing a Dallas-dominated board, while Carrolltons mayor refutes claims of no local solutions.

Part II details DARTs $3 billion debt, service deficits in suburbs like Plano ($65M) and Carrollton ($11M), low ridership, crime, and alleged mismanagement, fueling demands for equal representation as some cities consider exiting DART by 2026.

PART I: The Letter

Breakdown:

DART Chair Gary Slagel urges mayors to halt reform legislation for General Mobility Program (GMP) funds.

GMP allocates 5% of DARTs sales tax revenue ($4243M) to seven suburban cities, triggering major service cuts.

Five mayors push for DART reform via Senate Bill 2118 and House Bill 3187, threatening agency viability.

Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick refutes Slagels claim of no local solutions, criticizes Dallas-dominated board.

DART board members  including Chair Gary Slagel, Vice Chair Randall Bryant, and long-serving director Mark C. Enoch  did not respond to allegations of coercion, financial mismanagement, and worsening public safety. None of the 15 board members replied to comment requests.

Cities may reconsider DART membership in 2026 without governance reforms.

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The chair of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) asked member cities to accept funding in exchange for backing down from proposed legislation to reform the agency, according to a letter obtained by The Dallas Express.

In the letter dated July 17, DART Chair Gary Slagel urged several mayors to formally commit to halting legislative efforts aimed at restructuring DARTs governance in exchange for receiving funds through the agencys new General Mobility Program (GMP).

We ask you to clarify your position on receiving the G[eneral] M[obility] P[rogram] by committing not to pursue any further legislation against DART, Slagel wrote.

The GMP, approved by the DART board in March, sends 5% of the agencys annual sales tax revenue back to seven suburban cities  Plano, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Highland Park, University Park, Addison, and Richardson. This will likely reduce DARTs revenue by approximately $4243 million, and, according to agency officials, trigger the largest service cuts in the agencys history.

There is little, if any, support within DART for the proposed cuts, Slagel wrote. The Board is only acting to avoid an existential, legislative threat.

In the same letter, Slagel asked mayors to formally adopt a city council resolution by the end of August, requesting GMP funds and committing to cease support for legislation that could reduce or divert DART funding.

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The Dallas Express contacted all 15 DART board members for comment on allegations of political coercion, financial mismanagement, and worsening public safety along the transit system. None responded by the deadline.

DART Chief Communications Officer Jeamy Molina did respond, saying the board works diligently to address concerns raised by member cities.

Whos on the DART Board?

These are the 15 current board members overseeing the agency as of July 2025:

Gary A. Slagel  Chair; represents Richardson, Addison, Highland Park, and University Park (since 2011 )

Randall B. Bryant  Vice Chair; represents Dallas (since 2024 )

M. Nathan Barbera  Secretary; represents Plano and Farmers Branch (since 2022 )

Mark C. Enoch  Represents Garland, Glenn Heights, and Rowlett (since 1997 )

Richard H. Stopfer  Represents Irving (since 2013 )

Michele Wong Krause  Represents Dallas (since 2014 )

Patrick J. Kennedy  Represents Dallas (since 2016 )

Doug S. Hrbacek  Represents Carrollton and Irving (since 2019 )

Carmen Garcia  Represents Dallas (since 2022 )

Marc C. Abraham  Represents Garland (since 2023 )

Enrique A. MacGregor  Represents Cockrell Hill and Dallas (since 2023 )

Anthony Ricciardelli  Represents Plano (since 2025 )

Maureen Milligan  Represents Dallas (since 2025 )

DAndrala D. Alexander  Dallas (since 2025 )

Flora M. Hernandez  Dallas (since 2025)

Mayor Rejects Claim He Never Proposed Solutions

Slagels letter came weeks after five North Texas mayors sent a joint letter to Gov. Greg Abbott on June 25, urging the governor to include DART reform in the upcoming special session. The letter was signed by Plano Mayor John Muns, Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer, Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick, Highland Park Mayor Will Beecherl, and Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne.

Without legislative action, we anticipate that some cities may reconsider their membership in 2026, the mayors wrote. Our goal is to pursue thoughtful reform  not dismantle the system.

They backed two pieces of legislation. Senate Bill 2118 would require an equal number of representatives on the DART board for each member city. House Bill 3187 would allow cities to allocate 25% of their sales tax revenue to general mobility programs instead of DART. Molina previously told The Dallas Express this would have killed DART.

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In his recent letter, Slagel stated that the bills would have threatened DART as a viable regional transit provider. Notably, at no point did the cities supporting the bills bring any solutions to the DART Board to resolve the issue locally, he claimed.

However, Babick told The Dallas Express this is false.

That is just an outright misrepresentation, said the Carrollton mayor. We absolutely bring solutions to the table. They have recommendations for how to get to a 25% reduction, from me personally.

Babick also criticized Slagels testimony to state lawmakers.

Slagel testified to the House Transportation Committee against Rep. Sheehans bill and held up a DART Board Resolution as their approach to solve locally  only to now hold it as a poison pill for local cities, Babick said. As written, its a mischaracterization and disrespectful at best  and potentially a deliberate misrepresentation.

Molina told The Dallas Express that DARTs board members work diligently to address concerns raised by some service area cities.

We are committed to solving these challenges locally and in a way that best serves our communities, added Molina. Our focus remains on expanding transit in a region that urgently needs more options  not fewer.

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Babick remarked that he made recommendations to strengthen cities voices in DART, but the board  led by the Dallas representatives that have 50%, 60% voting power  denied that.

Thats on the table, Babick said. Ive sent that, but there is no action.

PART II: Funding, Crime, and Governance

Breakdown:

Mayors criticize DARTs $3B debt, Dallas-dominated board, and lack of accountability.

2023 study shows Plano, Carrollton, Farmers Branch were shortchanged by millions in services.

Low ridership, empty buses, crime, and homeless displacement reported.

Board members personal trips, weak spending controls fuel mismanagement allegations.

Mayors demand equal board representation; 2025 reapportionment may shift power.

The mayors expressed concerns about DARTs governance, funding structure, and service delivery, in the letter obtained by The Dallas Express. They said billions of public funds are being managed not by elected officials, but by appointed board members.

DART is $3 billion in debt right now, Lynne, the Farmers Branch mayor, told The Dallas Express. Thats a huge liability hanging over the heads of taxpayers in every city.

Despite this significant investment, DARTs performance continues to fall short, the mayors wrote.

The mayors cited low ridership on many routes, allegations that drivers sexually assaulted disabled passengers, and how the current service disproportionately benefits Dallas at the expense of outlying member cities. They said wasteful spending often goes unnoticed in quasi-governmental agencies.

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Multiple DART board members  Wong Krause and Hernandez  took likely personal trips on the taxpayer dime, as KERA reported.

An internal audit found that spending controls could be strengthened.

DART is shortchanging some suburbs by tens of millions of dollars, The Dallas Express has learned. Meanwhile, it is providing substantial surpluses to Dallas, which has a majority on the board.

City officials pushed DART for four years to show the value of services provided in return for their contributions. After delays, the agency finally provided a study last year  obtained by The Dallas Express  showing it shortchanged suburbs like Plano, Carrollton, and Farmers Branch by tens of millions of dollars in fiscal year 2023.

Plano and other cities had been asking for that study for four years, said Plano Media Relations Director Steve Stoler to The Dallas Express. DART has historically been slow to respond to member cities concerns.

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All of our financial statements are online and made available to everyone, Molina said, pointing to the agencys Financial Transparency page online.

Plano gave $109.6 million in sales taxes to DART but received only $44.6 million in services, according to the study. This is an annual deficit of $65 million.

Carrollton gave DART $48.3 million, but received only $37.3 million in services in return. This is an $11 million deficit.

Farmers Branch provided $24.3 million to DART but received only $20.8 million in services, resulting in a $3.5 million deficit. Across its years of membership, the city has paid an estimated $300$400 million, according to Lynne.

Crime, Safety, and Homelessness

DART brings an unexpected kind of passenger to Plano, according to Stoler.

Many transient individuals exit the train system in Plano and remain in our city.

The DART lines bring similar issues to Carrollton, according to Babick.

While we have a good relationship with DART, heres the deal  the DART focus on public safety does not match the level that we have in Carrollton.

People experiencing homelessness ride the DART lines without paying fares, then get off in places like Carrollton, at the end of the Green Line, according to Babick.

Those homeless who are just sitting on the train are cleared off at the end of the day, and displaced from where they can get services down in Dallas, he said. Now they park in our parks, and under the roadways, and elsewhere.

Carrolltons DART funding is growing faster than the city budget, even though ridership is down 33 percent, Babick explained.

Generally, we have a great relationship with DART, he said. Our issue is not an anti-DART issue. Our issue is a governance issue, and ultimately, a funding issue.

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Lynne echoed similar points in Farmers Branch, saying the city has empty buses running around the city all day long  empty. He said DART could send them to South Dallas or another area in need.

I got a train that runs through the city, but I dont have ridership on the train, he added. The train brings in a lot of homeless individuals, but its not shuttling business people back and forth to downtown.

Homeless people get on the DART line and end up in Farmers Branch, Lynne said, though he does not know where they come from.

Molina said DARTs website has the most up-to-date information on safety data, pointing to the DART Scorecard.

Damien LeVeck, Executive Director of Dallas HERO, told The Dallas Express he recently interviewed a mother of four who was visiting Dallas and was viciously attacked by a vagrant at a downtown DART station.

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LeVeck said DART fails to keep its billion-dollar transit system safe, even for the fewer than 5% of Dallas residents who use it.

DART stops are hives of violent crime and dens of homeless loitering and panhandling, LeVeck added. There is nobody to blame but the DARTs leadership, which has idly sat by and allowed this blight on our city to continue.

The DART boards incompetence, apathy, and lack of accountability is an insult to every taxpayer funding this failed system and every rider who is exposed to the dystopian nightmare on every train and bus, he continued.

Taxation Without Representation

Lynne told The Dallas Express that under the current structure, Dallas dominates the DART board, while smaller cities like his are disenfranchised. He said officials cannot hold DART accountable because it is an independent organization.

I am at a huge disadvantage for several reasons, the Farmers Branch mayor said. I dont have a seat or a vote at DART board meetings.

Some cities, like Farmers Branch and Plano, share a representative, which makes it difficult for constituents to have a voice, according to Lynne.

We have a very good working relationship with Plano, and we have a very good working relationship with most of the other DART member cities, he said. But every city should have a representative seat at the table.

Lynne pointed to Highland Park, which shares a DART representative  Slagel  with University Park, Addison, and Richardson. You have one DART board representative that represents four cities  Thats not healthy.

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Carrollton shares a representative with Irving. In that situation, Babick cautioned that the larger city can override the smaller  Irving can override us.

Theyre not elected, right? So theres no representation for the citizens, Babick said. What if the citizens, over time, feel like theyre not getting their fair share or value for what theyre paying for? Its just taxation without representation.

Molina said DART is accountable to member cities since they appoint board members  staff work closely with all our member cities and meet with them on a regular basis.

Under Texas law, DART board seats must be reapportioned every five years in accordance with population changes. According to Molina, the agency began its latest reapportionment review in 2025.

Per our statute, a reapportionment may occur every five years to adjust to population changes in each service area city, Molina said.

With rapid suburban growth, Dallas could lose its long-held voting majority in the upcoming reapportionment  a potentially dramatic shift in the agencys balance of power.
By Timour Azhari, Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Maya Gebeily

DAMASCUS/BEIRUT (Reuters) -Syria's government misread how Israel would respond to its troops deploying to the country's south this week, encouraged by U.S. messaging that Syria should be governed as a centralized state, eight sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Israel carried out strikes on Syrian troops and on Damascus on Wednesday in an escalation that took the Islamist-led leadership by surprise, the sources said, after government forces were accused of killing scores of people in the Druze city of Sweida.

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Damascus believed it had a green light from both the U.S. and Israel to dispatch its forces south despite months of Israeli warnings not to do so, according to the sources, which include Syrian political and military officials, two diplomats, and regional security sources.

That understanding was based on public and private comments from U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, as well as on nascent security talks with Israel, the sources said. Barrack has called for Syria to be centrally administered as "one country" without autonomous zones.

A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on private diplomatic discussions but said the United States supported the territorial unity of Syria. "The Syrian state has an obligation to protect all Syrians, including minority groups," the spokesperson said, urging the Syrian government to hold perpetrators of violence accountable.

In response to Reuters questions, a senior official from Syria's ministry of foreign affairs denied that Barrack's comments had influenced the decision to deploy troops, which was made based on "purely national considerations" and with the aim of "stopping the bloodshed, protecting civilians and preventing the escalation of civil conflict".

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Damascus sent troops and tanks to Sweida province on Monday to quell fighting between Bedouin tribes and armed factions within the Druze community - a minority that follows a religion derived from Islam, with followers in Syria, Lebanon and Israel.

Syrian forces entering the city came under fire from Druze militia, according to Syrian sources.

Subsequent violence attributed to Syrian troops, including field executions and the humiliation of Druze civilians, triggered Israeli strikes on Syrian security forces, the defense ministry in Damascus and the environs of the presidential palace, according to two sources, including a senior Gulf Arab official.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel intervened to block Syrian troops from entering southern Syria - which Israel has publicly said should be a demilitarized zone - and to uphold a longstanding commitment to protect the Druze.

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Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for violations against the Druze. He blamed "outlaw groups" seeking to inflame tensions for any crimes against civilians and did not say whether government forces were involved.

The U.S. and others quickly intervened to secure a ceasefire by Wednesday evening. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the flare-up as a "misunderstanding" between Israel and Syria.

A Syrian and a Western source familiar with the matter said Damascus believed that talks with Israel as recently as last week in Baku produced an understanding over the deployment of troops to southern Syria to bring Sweida under government control.

Netanyahu's office declined to comment in response Reuters' questions.

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Israel said on Friday it had agreed to allow limited access by Syrian forces into Sweida for the next two days. Soon after, Syria said it would deploy a force dedicated to ending the communal clashes, which continued into Saturday morning.

Joshua Landis, head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, said it appeared Sharaa had overplayed his hand earlier in the week.

"It seems that his military staff misunderstood the backing of the U.S. It also misunderstood Israel's stand on the Jabal Druze (in Sweida) from its talks with Israel in Baku," he said.

'TOOK IT AS A YES'

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A Syrian military official said correspondence with the U.S. had led Damascus to believe it could deploy forces without Israel confronting them.

The official said U.S. officials had not responded when informed about plans for the deployment, leading the Syrian leadership to believe it had been tacitly approved and "that Israel would not interfere."

A diplomat based in Damascus said Syrian authorities had been "overconfident" in its operation to seize Sweida, "based on U.S. messaging that turned out not to reflect reality."

U.S. envoy Barrack has said publicly and in private meetings in Damascus that Syria should be "one country," without autonomous rule for its Druze, Kurdish or Alawite communities, which remain largely distrustful of the new Islamist-led leadership.

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That distrust has prompted Druze factions and a major Kurdish force in northeast Syria to resist Syrian army deployments, and demand their own fighters be integrated into the army as wholesale units only stationed in their territory.

Landis said it appeared Sharaa had understood Barrack's statements against federalism in Syria "to mean that the central government could impose its will on the Druze minority by force."

Syria in Transition, an independent monthly journal, said in a post on X on Thursday citing well-placed sources that Syrian authorities misunderstanding of messaging by the US and Israel resulted in the deployment of troops to Sweida.

The senior Gulf official said Damascus had made a "big mistake" in its approach to Sweida, saying troops had committed violations including killing and humiliating Druze. The nature of violence handed Israel an opportunity to act forcefully, the Gulf official and another source said.

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The Syrian Network for Human Rights, an independent monitoring group, said on Friday the death toll from the violence had reached at least 321 people, among them medical personnel, women and children. It said they included field executions by all sides.

Reuters was able to verify the time and location of some videos showing dead bodies in Sweida, but could not independently verify who conducted the killings or when they occurred.

A regional intelligence source said Sharaa had not been in control of events on the ground because of the lack of a disciplined military and his reliance instead on a patchwork of militia groups, often with a background in Islamic militancy.

In sectarian violence in Syria's coastal region in March hundreds of people from the Alawite minority were killed by forces aligned to Sharaa.

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With more blood spilt and distrust of Sharaa's government high among minorities, the senior Gulf Arab official said there are "real fears that Syria is heading towards being broken up into statelets."

The official from the Syrian ministry of foreign affairs said the Sweida operation was not aimed at revenge or escalation, but at preserving the peace and unity of the country.

Syrian troops were ready to re-engage to end the communal violence there "whenever appropriate conditions arise, including clear guarantees from the United States that Israel will not intervene," the official said, speaking before the Israeli announcement.

US DID NOT BACK ISRAELI STRIKES

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Israel initially lobbied the United States to keep the country weak and decentralised after Assad's fall, Reuters reported in February.

In May, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Sharaa, said he would lift all U.S. sanctions, and nudged Israel to engage with Damascus even though much of Israel's political establishment remains skeptical of new Syrian leadership.

A State Department spokesperson said on Thursday that the U.S. "did not support" Israel's strikes on Sweida this week.

The attacks also came as a shock to some Americans in Syria. Hours before Israel struck the capital city on Wednesday, executives from three US-based energy companies arrived in Damascus for a day of meetings.

The lead member and organizer, Argent LNG CEO Jonathan Bass, told Reuters he had been sufficiently reassured by Washington that the violence unfolding in Sweida would not escalate to Damascus.

They were pitching an energy project to Syria's finance minister when Israel struck.

(Reporting by Timour Azhari and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Damascus and Maya Gebeily and Tom Perry in Beirut; Additional reporting by Crispian Balmer in Jerusalem and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
(Corrects spelling of name to Kubo in paragraphs 34 and 36)

By Ammu Kannampilly and Andy Sullivan

TAVETA, Kenya (Reuters) -The Trump administration's decision to slash nearly all U.S. foreign aid has left dozens of water and sanitation projects half-finished across the globe, creating new hazards for some of the people they were designed to benefit, Reuters has found.

Reuters has identified 21 unfinished projects in 16 countries after speaking to 17 sources familiar with the infrastructure plans. Most of these projects have not previously been reported.

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With hundreds of millions of dollars in funding cancelled since January, workers have put down their shovels and left holes half dug and building supplies unguarded, according to interviews with U.S. and local officials and internal documents seen by Reuters.

As a result, millions of people who were promised clean drinking water and reliable sanitation facilities by the United States have been left to fend for themselves.

Water towers intended to serve schools and health clinics in Mali have been abandoned, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. In Nepal, construction was halted on more than 100 drinking water systems, leaving plumbing supplies and 6,500 bags of cement in local communities. The Himalayan nation will use its own funds to finish the job, according to the country's water minister Pradeep Yadav.

In Lebanon, a project to provide cheap solar power to water utilities was scrapped, costing some 70 people their jobs and halting plans to improve regional services. The utilities are now relying on diesel and other sources to power their services, said Suzy Hoayek, an adviser to Lebanon's energy ministry.

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In Kenya, residents of Taita Taveta County say they are now more vulnerable to flooding than they had been before, as half-finished irrigation canals could collapse and sweep away crops. Community leaders say it will cost $2,000 to lower the risk  twice the average annual income in the area.

"I have no protection from the flooding that the canal will now cause, the floods will definitely get worse," said farmer Mary Kibachia, 74.

BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

Trumps dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development has left life-saving food and medical aid rotting in warehouses and thrown humanitarian efforts around the world into turmoil. The cuts may cause an additional 14 million deaths by 2030, according to research published in The Lancet medical journal.

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The Trump administration and its supporters argue that the United States should spend its money to benefit Americans at home rather than sending it abroad, and say USAID had strayed from its original mission by funding projects like LGBT rights in Serbia.

With an annual budget of $450 million, the U.S. water projects accounted for a small fraction of the $61 billion in foreign aid distributed by the United States last year.

Before Trump's reelection in November, the water projects had not been controversial in Washington. A 2014 law that doubled funding passed both chambers of Congress unanimously.

Advocates say the United States has over the years improved the lives of tens of millions of people by building pumps, irrigation canals, toilets and other water and sanitation projects. That means children are less likely to die of water-borne diseases like diarrhea, girls are more likely to stay in school, and young men are less likely to be recruited by extremist groups, said John Oldfield, a consultant and lobbyist for water infrastructure projects.

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Do we want girls carrying water on their heads for their families? Or do you want them carrying school books? he said.

The U.S. State Department, which has taken over foreign aid from USAID, did not respond to a request for comment about the impact of halting the water projects.

The agency has restored some funding for life-saving projects, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said American assistance will be more limited going forward.

At least one water project has been restarted. Funding for a $6 billion desalination plant in Jordan was restored after a diplomatic push by King Abdullah.

But funding has not resumed for projects in other countries including Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, say people familiar with those programs who spoke on condition of anonymity.

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That means women in those areas will have to walk for hours to collect unsafe water, children will face increased disease risk and health facilities will be shuttered, said Tjada DOyen McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps, a nonprofit that worked with USAID on water projects in Congo, Nigeria and Afghanistan that were intended to benefit 1.7 million people.

This isnt just the loss of aid  its the unraveling of progress, stability, and human dignity, she said.

THE PERILS OF FETCHING WATER

In eastern Congo, where fighting between Congolese forces and M23 rebels has claimed thousands of lives, defunct USAID water kiosks now serve as play areas for children.

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Evelyne Mbaswa, 38, told Reuters her 16-year-old son went to fetch water in June and never came home  a familiar reality to families in the violence-wracked region.

When we send young girls, they are raped, young boys are kidnapped.... All this is because of the lack of water, the mother of nine said.

A spokesperson for the Congolese government did not respond to requests for comment.

In Kenya, USAID was in the midst of a five-year, $100 million project that aimed to provide drinking water and irrigation systems for 150,000 people when contractors and staffers were told in January to stop their work, according to internal documents seen by Reuters. Only 15% of the work had been completed at that point, according to a May 15 memo by DAI Global LLC, the contractor on the project.

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That has left open trenches and deep holes that pose acute risks for children and livestock and left $100,000 worth of pipes, fencing and other materials exposed at construction sites, where they could degrade or be looted, according to other correspondence seen by Reuters. USAID signage at those sites makes clear who is responsible for the half-finished work, several memos say.

That could hurt the United States' reputation and potentially give a boost to extremist groups seeking fresh recruits in the region, according to a draft memo from the U.S. embassy in Nairobi to the State Department seen by Reuters.

The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group based in Somalia has been responsible for a string of high-profile attacks in Kenya, including an assault on a university in 2015 that killed at least 147 people.

"The reputational risk of not finishing these projects could turn into a security risk," the memo said.

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DAMAGING FLOODS

In Kenya's Taita Taveta, a largely rural county that has endured cyclical drought and flooding, workers had only managed to build brick walls along 220 metres of the 3.1-kilometre (1.9 mile) irrigation canal when they were ordered to stop, community leaders said. And those walls have not been plastered, leaving them vulnerable to erosion.

Without plaster, the walls will collapse in heavy rain, and the flow of water will lead to the destruction of farms, said Juma Kubo, a community leader.

The community has asked the Kenyan government and international donors to help finish the job, at a projected cost of 68 million shillings ($526,000).

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In the meantime, they plan to sell the cement and steel cables left on site, Kubo said, to raise money to plaster and backfill the canal.

The county government needs to find "funds to at least finish the project to the degree we can with the materials we have, if not complete it fully," said Stephen Kiteto Mwagoti, an irrigation officer working for the county.

The Kenyan government did not respond to a request for comment.

For Kibachia, who has lived with flooding for years, help cannot come soon enough.

Three months after work stopped on the project, her mud hut was flooded with thigh-deep water.

"It was really bad this time. I had to use soil to level the floor of my house and to patch up holes in the wall because of damage caused by the floods," she said.

Where can I go? This is home.

(Reporting by Ammu Kannampilly in Nairobi and Taveta, Kenya and Andy Sullivan in Washington; additional reporting by Sabiti Djaffar in Mugunga, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gopal Sharma in Kathmandu and Maya Gebeily, Joelle Kozaily and Ahmad al-Kerdi in Beirut; Editing by Don Durfee and Deepa Babington)
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC)  Anastasia Harisis works at Cafe Sasso in Rochester where shes a barista.

Its not the job she was hoping for when she graduated from college, but shes had trouble finding a job in her field in Rochester.

Ive been doing food service since then to be able to afford things like student loans, she said.

For many, those monthly federal student loan payments are going to go up.

This, because the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill passed by Congress is eliminating some of the plans that adjust payments based on your income, specifically SAVE and PAYE.

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Adam Minsky, attorney and Forbes contributor who writes extensively about student loans, says those plans wont disappear immediately, but are slated to end by July 1, 2028.



There will be income driven options, theyre just not going to be as affordable or as favorable as some of the plans that people have been enrolled in, Minsky said.



He says the increases will vary but some could see their monthly payments double, leading to what he calls a surge of defaults, adding the Department of Education is already acknowledging this.



Its going to wreck peoples credit, Minsky said. The government has very powerful tools to pursue people in default, its going to get really nasty.

Those currently in the SAVE plan might be able to stay there and in forbearance, but the Trump Administration has sent letters those in the plan saying interest will start accruing in August.

Minsky says those in this position will have to figure out if its best for them to stay in SAVE or hop out and join one of the other plans, even if that means paying more per month.

Figuring out the right course, though, might be hard, he says, as the governments loan simulator has not been adjusted to account for the changes.

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The bill will also impact new loans.

Future federal student loan borrowers will have fewer options, Minsky said. Theres new caps and limits on federal student loan borrowing so you might not even be able to cover the total cost of your education through federal student loans anymore.



As for Harisis, she plans to head back to school to become a nurse.

She says any increase to her monthly payment would make that plan  and almost any other one  impossible.

You cant draw blood from a stone, as they say, Harisis said. I wont have it and thats just the reality.

You can find Minskys latest article here.

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Good news has emerged about an endangered aquatic species that survived the Los Angeles wildfires in January, Fox Weather reported. After habitat loss due to the Palisades fires, the appearance of baby trout indicates new life.

The Palisades fires tore through homes, businesses, and nearly 24,000 acres of land. The carnage included parts of the 18-square-mile Topanga Creek watershed in the Santa Monica Mountains  the only habitat of the Southern California steelhead trout. Luckily, surviving fish were rescued and placed in Santa Barbara County's Arroyo Hondo Creek.

The fish have adapted well enough to spawn 100 baby trout in their new home. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife told Fox Weather: "The 1-inch-long baby trout are a sign the population is healthy and thriving in their new digs just north of Topanga Creek."

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CDFW Environmental Program Manager Kyle Evans emphasized why preserving these fish matters: "They're a very adaptable, important, iconic species whose success represents a healthy watershed, and healthy watersheds mean better water quality for us all."

Healthy adult trout help other species when they build nesting redds and add nutrients to the water during their annual runs, per the Midcoast Watersheds Council. When there are enough of them to be fished, they provide nutritious food for people and animals and add to local fishing economies.

Without change, it will be harder for endangered species like the steelhead trout to recover. However, taking local action through conservation efforts has helped other species at risk, protecting the biodiversity that balances the ecosystem. One project in California enabled the return of the gray wolf after a century-long absence. After being hunted to extinction, over 1,000 Przewalski's horses are thriving in Mongolia to the joy of many.

A warming planet can make wildfires like those in L.A. more severe as droughts increase and become longer, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Burnt vegetation means pollinators essential to the food chain can't forage for nectar, spread fertilizing pollen, or nest, which further decreases green space. That chain effect causes wild animals to lose habitats and migration zones, risking potentially dangerous contact with humans. In L.A., leftover ash and sediment washed in by rain made the steelhead trout's original habitat unlivable.

Better fire mitigation is another way to manage this problem. For example, a German company provides smart sensors that may catch forest fires before they start. Some firefighting robots can move through tight areas and provide real-time information for first responders.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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An intense heat wave gripped a large portion of the country during the last full week of June. Records fell as dangerous levels of heat and humidity swept as far north as New England.

What's happening?

The United States experienced its seventh-warmest June on record, fueled by a historic heat wave. The June ranking got a boost from a record-breaking heat that rolled in at the end of the month. The deadly heat wave surged as far north as New England, pushing temperatures to 100 degrees or hotter during the scorching streak that started on June 22 and continued through June 28.

Nearly 500 people sought help in an urgent care facility or emergency room in Maryland during the heat wave, according to the state's department of health. There were at least seven heat-related deaths reported in Maryland as a result of the extreme heat.

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Pregnant women, newborns, children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures. One of the sometimes overlooked groups of people who face a higher risk of heat-related illness is outdoor workers.

"They're at risk too, and we don't think of them as vulnerable because being not at extremes of ages, but because of the nature of their jobs and activities, that makes them high risk," North Shore University Hospital's Dr. Payal Sud told WABC.

Why is the late-June heat wave important?

At the height of the heat wave, temperatures surged to 102 in Boston and 103 in Newark, New Jersey. John F. Kennedy Airport hit 102 degrees on two consecutive days, its first time ever topping 100 in June. There were more than 177 million people under either an extreme heat watch, extreme heat warning, or heat advisory during the peak of the heat.

June was nearly 3 degrees above average, making it the fifth consecutive warmer-than-average month for the country during the first month of meteorological summer. Globally, last month was 1.76 degrees warmer than the 20th-century average for the Earth's third-warmest June on record.

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Heat is far and away the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S. On average, heat has killed more people annually over the past 30 years than floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined.

What's being done about deadly heat waves?

The heat-trapping gases being emitted into our atmosphere from dirty energy sources are acting like steroids for our world's weather, supercharging storms and intensifying heat waves. Major technological advances in the renewable energy sector will help curb harmful carbon pollution. Researchers in Saudi Arabia have discovered a way to boost solar cell longevity by over 200%. One company recently announced a technological breakthrough that could revolutionize EVs.

There are several simple steps we can all take at home to help. Replacing traditional light bulbs with LEDs, washing clothes in cold water, and regularly cleaning the lint filter in our dryer can cut energy bill costs and also protect the planet by reducing carbon pollution.

Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never 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.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Whether its in the U.S. or international waters, the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force shows us how it gets ready to protect the waterways.

In our ports and harbors, the job of the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force is to provide security for high-value assets. The crews showed 10 On Your Side what it looks like on a simulator.

If its not realistic, if the way its not right, or if youre not wearing your kit that you would actually be wearing on a mission, then when you get out and are actually performing your duty, you know, in a hostile or a contested environment, youre not going to be as prepared as you need to be, said Master-at-Arms First Class Matthew Frickx.

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Frickx said all the weapons used weigh exactly what they would if he was deployed. He said you have to train how you would fight.

We always want to try the worst-case scenario just in case something were to happen, Frickx said. So this is our opportunity to hone our skills, make mistakes and improve our skills before we deploy.

The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force bridges the gap between traditional Navy blue water operations and land forces, providing security in maritime environments and shallow waters.

Our focus is to deploy on board to provide them that 360-degree external security in the event of any hostile actions taken against it while theyre supporting their mission, Frickx said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Explosion at LASD Training Center Kills at Least Three Sheriffs Deputies originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

At least 3 people were killed in an apparent explosion at an L.A. County Sheriff's Department training facility in Monterey Park Friday morning Courtesy Etienne Laurent via AP Photo

Three longtime bomb squad deputies for the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department were killed Friday morning at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East LA.



The mass casualty event marks the LASD's deadliest day since 1987, said Sheriff Robert Luna, who told reporters that the deputies were assigned to the Arson/Explosive Detail Theyre the best of the best, Luna said of the elite unit. They are fantastic experts, and unfortunately, I lost three of them today.They are fantastic experts, and unfortunately, I lost three of them today."



The blast rocked the Eugene Biscailuz Regional Training Academy, which is about 5 miles east of L.A. City Hall. The identities of the three deputies who were slain have not yet been released, though Luna did say they were all veteran experts who had been with the LASD for 19, 22 and 33 years.



A law enforcement source said the explosion was not part of a planned training exercise, and it appears the incident occurred while deputies were moving ordnance on the training facility property. No one else was injured, Luna said. The FBI and the ATF are investigating the post-blast site, Luna said.



Police officials from across the country expressed support and sympathy for the LASD, including Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life that occurred this morning at the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Training Center. On behalf of the entire LAPD, I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen deputies. pic.twitter.com/h08nNUX75t  Chief Jim McDonnell (@LAPDPoliceChief) July 18, 2025

Department of Justice official Todd Blanche announced that federal officials are "closely monitoring the tragic incident that took the lives of three sheriffs deputies." Blanche said resources that "are on the ground" for immigration actions will respond to "support the ongoing response." Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that she has confirmed the deaths with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, and federal agents will be routed to the ongoing emergency.



A spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom said he has been and is now closely monitoring the situation and has offered full state assistance. Hilda Solis, who represents the L.A. County Board of Supervisors district where the blast happened, said she's been in close contact with Luna.



I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred this morning," Solis said in a statement.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
The annual hike at law firm Quinn Emanuel is part rite-of-passage, part stress test, and not for the faint of heart. Every year, the company flies hundreds of employees to a different location so they can take part in a rather extreme hiking ritual, a kind of company retreat to gather people from far-flung office buildings and build camaraderie.

Last month, more than 250 employees flew to Cusco, Peru, to hike part of the Andes mountain range. The lawyers had two options: a grueling 18-mile overnight hike through the Salcantay Pass in the Andes, which reaches an altitude of more than 15,000 feet, or a slightly less intense 8.5-mile trek to 14,000 feet.

Its intense, says Tigran Guledjian, partner at Quinn Emanuel and co-chair of the firms national intellectual property litigation practice, who helps run the hikes and has been attending them for more than 20 years. You carry your own backpack with your own tent, and your own sleeping bag, and your own food, and you are responsible for yourself. Theres nobody out there who is going to do anything for you, other than your colleagues.

The tradition started in 1993, when founder and current chairman John B. Quinn, a devoted triathlete, took 15 legal analysts on a backpacking trip through Utahs Coyote Gulch. Aside from a few years off during the COVID pandemic, the firm has hosted the event every year since then. The trip has gotten bigger over the years, and the team started travelling internationally in 2008 to some of the most recognizable and renowned hiking locations including the Faulhornweg Trail in Interlaken, Switzerland, Fuji-san in Tokyo, Japan, and Mt. Olympus, in Thessaloniki, Greece.

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These are not easy hikes, says Stephen Wood, managing partner of the firms Salt Lake City Office, who also helps execute the event. They challenge everyone and we have a broad spectrum of people who are there, from collegiate athletes and those who do Iron Mans for fun, to those who have never camped out in their lives.

Partners say the point of the hike is to simulate some of the stress that legal teams go through during trial and teaches employees to lean on each other when things get tough. It also serves as a way to get people from various offices across the country in one place to do something genuinely challenging together. There are all sorts of parallels between putting yourself in a difficult situation and overcoming it, and what happens during litigation, notes Guledjian.

Theres always something you cant control out in nature and there are lessons to be learned from that which do end up being helpful in the courtroom later on.

Quinn Emanuel sends its workers on an extreme off site every year, and says it helps workers build invaluable friendships.

Going on the hike is not mandatory, but anyone who works at the firm is welcome to attend. Roughly a quarter of the companys workforce, or 250 people, go every year. While many workers pay around $1,000 to help cover trip bills like hiking equipment or staying an extra day beyond the hike, the rest of the trip is covered by the firm. Analysts who are only there for the summer are invited to go for free.

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Unexpected things have certainly happened: bear encounters, park ranger citations, scorching temperatures, torrential downpours and more. During a trip to Armenia last year, an intense thunderstorm broke out while the team was hiking above the tree line and leaders had to find a way to get hundreds of people off the mountain as fast as possible. The team called for help and had to be rescued by locals.

The company does its best to prepare workers for the dangers of each hike. After years of people bringing extra items they dont need, like jars of marinara sauce and boxes of plastic cutlery, the company sends out a meticulously curated list that seasoned employees put together based on decades of doing these excursions. One of the longest hikes the team completed was 50 miles in three days in Iceland, which included 25 miles of terrain in one day, says Guledjian.

Theres always this caboose of 10 people who are a little bit in over their head and even though theyre the ones that are having the toughest time, they have the most rewarding experience because they dont get left behind, theyre not out there on the trail by themselves, theyre with other people who are struggling, sealed together in a crucible. And those friendships linger.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
For two hours, his team walked the stairs up to the top of the 42-story building and then to the bottom, knocking on doors and helping residents leave their apartments.

My American English came in handy, says Eytan Gittler, 29, a young man who grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Hes at our shared workplace, Hadassahs offices in the Jerusalem Ein Kerem hospital, where he is an operations coordinator and in charge of special projects.

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After graduating from Georgetown University seven years ago with a degree in hospital administration, Gittler moved to Israel and enlisted in the IDF, inspired by his dads long-ago service as a lone soldier. Following discharge, he completed an MBA at Bar-Ilan University, much of it on Zoom from an army base because I had so much reserve duty.

Hes a gentle lion of a young, single man, a burger-loving foodie, ebullient and intelligent. Today, at his day job, he solved a thorny tech problem of digitally storing the 80,000 historic and recent donor recognitions on the hospital walls.

Gittlers best friends are his former fellow lone soldiers from Garin Tzabar 2019 at Kibbutz Lavi. Of the 29 lone soldiers in his cohort, 27 have remained in Israel. On Thursday night, June 12, they were celebrating a birthday at a Mahaneh Yehuda pizza parlor.

On Thursday night, we all assumed that there might be an operation with Iran based on the back and forth in the news about issues with a US-Iranian nuclear deal, says Gittler.

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We all agreed that nothing would happen until later the following week because Bibis son was about to get married. I went to sleep at 1 a.m. and vaguely remember hearing a siren go off a couple of hours later. I went back to sleep, thinking most likely it was the Houthis.

He checked his phone when he woke up at 8 a.m., with plans to go running. I had literally hundreds of missed messages from my friends and family checking in, but more importantly, from my reserve unit. I wish you could have seen the shock on my face when I realized what I had missed the night before.

He called his commander and caught a bus to Tel Aviv. He serves in Battalion 997, a search and rescue and combat unit. Among his responsibilities is evacuating trapped civilians from collapsed buildings.

Weve been called to reserve duty in Tel Aviv multiple times since Oct. 7. Unfortunately, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Iranians like to fire rockets and drones into populated urban centers, he says.

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I spent the rest ofOperation Rising Lion in the first-response teams. A commander directs and oversees the team and the damage site. An engineer assesses the stability of a building before we go in, and a medic accompanies us to do triage and provide medical care.

This core team relays information to Central Command with its teams that specialize in the heavy rescue equipment. Still, another team oversees gathering information that helps us understand who may have been in the disaster zone.

EYTAN GITTLER, gentle lion. (credit: Courtesy Eytan Gittler)

Iran strikes Tel Aviv

On Friday, June 13, an Iranian ballistic missile struck the middle of a modern 42-story luxury apartment building in Tel Aviv.

My team rushed to our vehicle with our equipment. While we were on our way, another siren sounded. We needed to seek shelter in a nearby building, he recalls.

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When the engineer gave the okay, we ran up the steps to the 10th floor, which had the most serious damage, and started helping people get out. Thank God, people had listened to the Home Front Command and had remained in their reinforced safe rooms. Otherwise, so many people would have been wounded or worse.

As it was, we had to help people who were badly shaken and shell-shocked. Surprisingly, many English speakers and tourists were in the building. I immediately began speaking to them to calm them down and direct them out. Many didnt want to leave. Their excitement upon hearing a native English speaker in uniform was surprisingly energizing for me.

For two hours, his team walked the stairs up to the top of the 42-story building and then to the bottom, knocking on doors and helping residents leave their apartments.

Fortunately, no one needed immediate medical attention. This was a happy surprise because several floors in the middle of the building were completely wrecked, with their interiors destroyed and filled with debris.

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When they finished clearing the building, another alarm siren sounded.

My team ran to a nearby building  a tall and well-known shopping center  and raced to the underground parking garage. A few minutes later, there was a loud boom, and the building shook. I thought the building was hit. My instinctive reaction was to run. Of course, there was nowhere to run.

When we got outside, we saw that the rocket had hit a nearby building. We were among the first to arrive on the scene. Thank God, the damage to this building, an important one, was minimal.

Lucky for me, hot food arrived for Shabbat dinner courtesy of the army and civilian donors. Kiddush and a Shabbat meal go a long way in grounding you and providing a sense of normalcy in unexpected and crazy times, he says.

Iran strikes Bat Yam

The June 15 horrendous attack on Bat Yam was technically outside of Gittlers teams jurisdiction, but they were called to assist.

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We were given some information about the residents. One apartment was divided into sub-units. The tenants were old, young, Arab, Jewish, and Druze. I remember thinking, This is a typical Tel Aviv setup. The place was completely destroyed with massive holes in the wall, with rubble, broken glass, upturned furniture, and trash everywhere.

One of the residents was a hoarder and had dozens of plastic grocery bags filled with expired food and old clothes. We feared that someone had fallen out of the window, which was now a massive hole from floor to ceiling. We called in a team with dogs. A heat-seeking drone found the bodies of two people outside.

As the search and rescue soldiers were leaving, the roads were already being cleared of burnt-out cars and rubble.

And then, as suddenly as it started, the war with Iran was over. Gittler was promoted to sergeant major. The IDF gave him two days of vacation. He renewed his apartment lease in Nahlaot and restocked his refrigerator. Then he went back to his job, but not for long. He has already received notice that in July hell be called up again for two and a half months of combat reserve duty.

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I never for a moment regret my decision to move here, he says. I can see the difference between my friends, who, like me, stayed in Israel, and my friends back in the US. Here, weve developed Israeli resilience. I love being able to do something for Israel. My day job at Hadassah and my military service are both extremely meaningful.

According to the government, more than 550 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones were launched during the 12-day war. Thank God, only 20% got through.

Thank you, Eytan; thank you, IDF; thank you, lone soldiers. Thank you, Israeli developers of the Iron Dome and Davids Sling, who, despite doubters, pursued their concepts. The alternative is too horrible to imagine.

The writer is the Israel director of public relations at Hadassah, the Womens Zionist Organization of America. Her latest book is A Daughter of Many Mothers.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  Its been more than two weeks since 74-year-old Larry Burton went missing from a family home care living facility.

Now, state officials believe this case may call for criminal charges.

In a letter obtained by FOX8, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services formally urged the Guilford County District Attorneys Office to pursue criminal prosecution against the facility for operating without a license and neglecting Burton.

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FOX8 went to the facility and talked to the facility administrator, who identified themselves as Hazel Mae Forman on the first day of the search for Burton.

State confirms Greensboro care facility man disappeared from is unlicensed

On Friday afternoon, they provided another name. FOX8 was told the facility is independent housing.

However, Burtons family said they were told this facility was a care home.

He has his own home with three bedrooms. If he could go to an independent living facility, he could have just went home where my two sons could have helped him. He did not need to go to an independent living facility. That doesnt make sense, Burtons daughter Latonya Swift said.

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Greensboro police asking for the publics help finding missing man

As Burtons only child, Swift is heartbroken and frustrated with so many questions unanswered.

I spoke to my father via FaceTime the day he went missing  I know how he is communicating and all of the above, that same day. I came today to get his wallet, and the hospital staff doesnt have his wallet, Swift said.

According to the North Carolina Division of Health Services Regulation, they have also sent a cease and desist order to the operation and referred the case to the local law enforcement for investigation.

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Claim:

A California bill that passed the state Senate would give Los Angeles County the authority to purchase fire-damaged lots at a discount and convert them into affordable housing.

Rating:

Rating: Mostly False

What's True:

The bill, which passed the state Senate, would allow LA County to establish a new local authority to buy fire-damaged lots for the purposes of rebuilding after the 2025 wildfires.

What's False:

Those lots would not be converted into affordable housing under the bill, which was not yet law, as of this writing. Instead, the lots would be rebuilt and then offered back to "returning residents and their families" with the aim of making the whole process more affordable for homeowners and small business owners.

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In July 2025, an online rumor circulated about a California bill that would allegedly allow Los Angeles County to purchase fire-damaged lots cheaply and convert them into affordable housing.

Posts on X and TikTok spread the rumor. Reality TV star and L.A. resident Spencer Pratt posted multiple videos about the purported legislation, Senate Bill 549, and claimed that artificial intelligence bots told him the bill granted "LA county authority to purchase fire-destroyed lots for minimal cost and convert them into low-income housing."

News outlets, including Los Angeles magazine, echoed the claims on social media.

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However, these claims largely misinterpreted the legislation in question. SB 549 did pass the California Senate on May 29, 2025, and it would, if it became law, establish a new "Resilient Rebuilding Authority" in L.A. County  essentially a public entity overseeing the wildfire rebuilding effort  to purchase lots destroyed by the January 2025 wildfires.

However, nothing in the bill would grant L.A. County the ability to turn those lots into low-income housing. Instead, the policy aimed to streamline rebuilding by allowing the rebuilding authority to buy burned lots, rebuild the homes and offer them back to their original owners at a discounted price. SB 549 was not yet law, as of this writing.

As the primary thrust of the claim is inaccurate, we rate it mostly false.

"There was no mechanism to allow the County to buy fire-ravaged lots for the purpose of converting them to new affordable or low-income housing," said state Democratic Sen. Ben Allen, the bill's author, in an email.

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"There was a provision that stated a priority to replace lost senior-serving housing, [accessory dwelling units], and affordable housing that burned," Allen continued. "However, the bill did not touch zoning law in any type of way, so there was no mechanism to allow for this type of conversion to add any new housing of this form."

The legislation, explained

The rumor originated from news articles, social media users and artificial intelligence bots conflating two separate portions of SB 549.

The first section of SB 549 did not address wildfire rebuilding. Instead, it would amend an existing law aimed at funding affordable housing and other projects called SB 961, or the "Second Neighborhood Infill Finance and Transit Improvements Act." SB 961 allowed specific areas of California to use property tax revenue to finance public infrastructure and economic development projects.

SB 549 included language taken from SB 961 about the requirements for how these areas spend the revenue, which stated that a certain percentage of the funds must be used for affordable housing. Here's the relevant language (emphasis ours):

(2) The infrastructure financing plan requires that at least 40 percent of the total funds received by the district pursuant to this section be used for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing, including the costs of predevelopment and land acquisition, for households with incomes below 60 percent of area median income for rent or purchase. Predevelopment costs include, but are not limited to, site control, engineering studies, architectural plans, application fees, legal services, permits, bonding, and site preparation. (3) The infrastructure financing plan requires that 50 percent of the housing funds are used to develop housing affordable to and occupied by households with incomes below 60 percent and greater than 30 percent of area median income, and 50 percent of the housing funds are used for either housing affordable to and occupied by households with incomes below 30 percent of area median income or permanent supportive housing to help homeless persons get off the street.

But that language was entirely separate from the second section of the bill, which would create the "Resilient Rebuilding Authority for the Los Angeles Wildfires." That rebuilding authority, under the bill, would be able to purchase lots impacted by the wildfires to help rebuild them, with the aim of selling the rebuilt homes back to the original owners, Allen said. Here's the relevant portion of the bill:

62470. The County of Los Angeles may establish a Resilient Rebuilding Authority for the Los Angeles Wildfires to coordinate, accelerate, and streamline recovery in all jurisdictions impacted by the January 2025 wildfires. 62470.1. The County of Los Angeles, in order to support the rebuilding and protection of homes, businesses, utilities, and other public infrastructure, may empower the authority, to the extent permitted by existing law, to engage in all of the following responsibilities: (a) Issue, receive, and administer funds, including, but not limited to, tax-increment financing, federal loans and grants, state loans and grants, and philanthropic grants, to support recovery. (b) Manage and coordinate rebuilding and related logistics between public and private reconstruction, including, but not limited to, private contractors, public and private utilities, and local governments. (c) Purchase lots at a fair price for land banking with first look sale options provided to returning residents and their families, and to create community amenities such as open space that promotes community-scale resiliency and insurability. [...] (h) Facilitate reconstruction of lost rental housing stock, including by promotion of accessory dwelling units, senior-serving housing, and replacement of affordable housing lost in the fires.

The idea behind the bill, Allen said, was that people could sell their land to the Resilient Rebuilding Authority, allow the authority to rebuild their homes and businesses at a much cheaper price  given its ability to buy in bulk, for example  and then the original owners could buy the homes back for less than it would have cost to rebuild them themselves. The rebuilding authority would get "$0 in profit," Allen added.

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The "first look sales option" provision meant that original owners would get the first opportunity to buy back their property.

"If the previous lot owner passes on the buy-back option, it would be possible for a new resident or business owner to move in. However, the priority with this is to return as many previous residents as possible," Allen said.

Why were these two unrelated policies included in one bill?

SB 549 was originally just the first section on affordable housing in the version first introduced in February.

But in June, an independent expert commission called on the California Legislature to create a new local authority that would help oversee and coordinate wildfire rebuilding. Commissioners said creating the authority would prevent a free-for-all in which "investors snap up properties and make new homes unaffordable for displaced people," the LA Times reported.

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The commission approached Allen about creating this bill, but "deadlines for introducing new legislation had long passed," according to a July report from the Los Angeles Times, which Allen said had "all the facts" on his official X page. (Snopes confirmed that the page was Allen's through an email to his spokesperson, Ben Cheever.)

So Allen added the "Resilient Rebuilding Authority" provision into SB 549, which was then making its way through the legislature, in an effort to get the commission's recommendation passed into law. Allen's tactic here is often used across many states when putting forward ideas late in a legislative session.

Allen announced on July 16 that he decided to pause SB 549 and return to it in 2026 "to give us more time to see if we can get it right." (Aside from the backlash, the LA Times also reported that local leaders have expressed legitimate concerns about the legislation's efficacy for rebuilding, but Allen acknowledged "the misinformation surrounding the bill made it even harder to envision its success.")

To summarize: SB 549 would establish an authority in Los Angeles County that could buy fire-damaged lots with the aim of selling them back to the original homeowners and small business owners, who would receive first priority in the program. It did not, in any way, allow for those lots to be converted into affordable housing; rumors about the legislation conflated two separate and unrelated sections of the bill.

Sources:

"2024 California Code :: Government Code - GOV :: TITLE 5 - LOCAL AGENCIES :: DIVISION 2 - CITIES, COUNTIES, and OTHER AGENCIES :: PART 1 - POWERS and DUTIES COMMON to CITIES, COUNTIES, and OTHER AGENCIES :: CHAPTER 2.99 - Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District :: ARTICLE 3 - Division of Taxes :: Section 53398.75.7." Justia Law, law.justia.com/codes/california/code-gov/title-5/division-2/part-1/chapter-2-99/article-3/section-53398-75-7/. Accessed 18 July 2025.

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Allen, Ben. "Don't Love My Quote in This Piece (He Caught Me at a Weird Moment) but This Article Has All the Facts": X (Formerly Twitter), 17 July 2025, x.com/BenAllenCA/status/1945940578497442057. Accessed 18 July 2025.

---. "My Statement on Pausing SB 549." X (Formerly Twitter), 16 July 2025, x.com/BenAllenCA/status/1945674820768977277. Accessed 18 July 2025.

"Bill Text - SB-549 Local Government: Second Neighborhood Infill Finance and Transit Improvements Act: Resilient Rebuilding Authority for the Los Angeles Wildfires." Ca.gov, leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB549. Accessed 18 July 2025.

"Bill Text - SB-549 Local Government: Second Neighborhood Infill Finance and Transit Improvements Act: Resilient Rebuilding Authority for the Los Angeles Wildfires." Ca.gov, 20 Feb. 2025, leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB549. Accessed 18 July 2025.

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"Bill Votes - SB-549 Local Government: Second Neighborhood Infill Finance and Transit Improvements Act: Resilient Rebuilding Authority for the Los Angeles Wildfires." Ca.gov, leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB549. Accessed 18 July 2025.

BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION on CLIMATE ACTION and FIRE-SAFE RECOVERY. labrcommission.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BRC_Factsheet_v03.pdf. Accessed 18 July 2025.

Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire-Safe Recovery Releases Final Recommendations, Calling for Regional Rebuilding Authority, Countywide Fire Control District, and Other Actions Resilient Rebuilding of Los Angeles. 20 June 2025, labrcommission.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BRC-Press-Release_Blue-Ribbon-Commission-Final-Recommendations-.pdf. Accessed 18 July 2025.

Dillon, Liam. "Conspiracy Theories Thwart Rebuilding Plan after L.A. County Wildfires." Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2025, www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2025-07-17/affordable-housing-palisades-authority-failure. Accessed 18 July 2025.

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"Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EFID) | Santa Rosa, CA." Srcity.org, www.srcity.org/3833/Enhanced-Infrastructure-Financing-Distri. Accessed 18 July 2025.

James, Ian. "Panel Calls for New Authority to Oversee Post-Fire Rebuilding in L.A." Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025, www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-06-20/rebuilding-commission. Accessed 18 July 2025.

"SB 961: Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts." Digitaldemocracy.org, calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201720180sb961. Accessed 18 July 2025.
Claim:

In 2002, Donald Trump called Jeffrey Epstein a "fun" and "terrific guy," and added, "It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side."

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

A rumor that circulated online in July 2025 claimed U.S. President Donald Trump once called now-deceased financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein a "fun" and "terrific guy," adding, "It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side."

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For example, on July 16, an X user, whose feed expressed rhetoric in opposition to Trump's administration, created a post (archived) asking the Grok artificial-intelligence tool for the name of the person who originated the quote. That same user had previously, on numerous occasions, attributed the quote to Trump, meaning they knew the answer and simply sought to request that Grok  an AI tool launched by tech billionaire and former Trump adviser Elon Musk  answer with the truth. That post received more than 7.6 million views.

(@acnewsitics/X)

As Grok noted in its response (archived), Trump genuinely called Epstein a "fun" and "terrific guy." The authentic quote appeared in a New York magazine article headlined "Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery," on Oct. 28, 2002  14 years before Trump claimed victory in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and several years before Epstein registered as a sex offender in 2008.

The relevant portion of the Trump phone interview transcript read:

Epstein likes to tell people that he's a loner, a man who's never touched alcohol or drugs, and one whose nightlife is far from energetic. And yet if you talk to Donald Trump, a different Epstein emerges. "I've known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy," Trump booms from a speakerphone. "He's 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. No doubt about it  Jeffrey enjoys his social life."

The quote from the 2002 interview circulated at a time of elevated tensions in summer 2025, in the weeks after Musk alleged, without providing proof, that the president appears in damning, undisclosed files associated with Epstein's acts. "That is the real reason why they have not been made public," Musk added, before deleting the post.

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In early July 2025, the Department of Justice and FBI announced in a memorandum that no Epstein "client list" existed, despite Attorney General Pam Bondi claiming on Fox News in February 2025 that it was on her desk for review. After the memo's release, Bondi sought to clarify her earlier remarks, claiming "on my desk" simply referenced a general file related to Epstein, and not a "client list."

Trump also called Epstein a "creep" and even slammed some of his own supporters as "stupid" for allegedly falling for an unspecified "hoax" involving Epstein's case that he said was "perpetrated by the Democrats." However, Trump himself said in a June 2024 interview, "I would," to the question of releasing documents related to Epstein's case. Vice President JD Vance, as well as others appointed by Trump, also previously stressed the importance of releasing the Epstein case files.

Trump addressed 2002 quote about Epstein

On July 6, 2019, federal authorities arrested Epstein and then indicted him on charges of the sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.

Three days later, on July 9, an unidentified reporter asked Trump in the Oval Office, "Do you still think Jeffrey Epstein is a 'terrific guy?'"

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In response, Trump said three times that he was not a "fan" of Epstein's:

Well, I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him. I mean, people in Palm Beach knew him. He was a fixture in Palm Beach. I had a falling out with him a long time ago. I don't think I've spoken to him for 15 years. I wasn't a fan. I was not, yeah, a long time ago, I'd say maybe 15 years. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you. I was not a fan of his.

At the time, Politico posted (archived) a video of Trump's full answer:

Reporter: Do you still think Jeffrey Epstein is a 'terrific guy'?



Trump: Well, I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach... He was a fixture in Palm Beach. I had a falling out with him a long time ago. I don't think I've spoken to him for 15 years.. I was not a fan of his pic.twitter.com/l4wVbolshO  POLITICO (@politico) July 9, 2019

Weeks later, on Aug. 10, guards found Epstein dead in his jail cell. An autopsy ruled he died of suicide by hanging, setting off a wave of new conspiracy theories.

Trump on Ghislaine Maxwell: 'I wish her well'

In a related remark, in July 2020, an unidentified reporter asked Trump about the case involving Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who, at the time, the U.S. Justice Department had just arrested and charged for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors. During his answer, Trump said, "I just wish her well, frankly." He then mentioned a second time, "I wish her well."

More than one year later, on Dec. 29, 2021, a jury convicted Maxwell of multiple sex-trafficking charges. A judge then sentenced her to 20 years in prison for what the U.S. Justice Department described as "her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse multiple minor girls with Jeffrey Epstein over the course of a decade."

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Days before Maxwell's conviction, the Miami Herald published information about flights that Trump had taken on Epstein's jets. According to the reporting, flight logs showed Trump had flown at least seven times, with all of the flights being between Palm Beach, Florida and New York City airports. Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton had flown on Epstein's jets at least nine times. In a statement, a spokesperson for Clinton said in 2019 that Clinton knew "nothing" about Epstein's crimes.

For further reading, a previous fact check examined whether a video showed Trump jocularly mouthing the words "It's true" or "That's true" after someone said he's a sexual predator during a 2006 appearance on "The Howard Stern Show."

Sources:

"A Timeline of the Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell Scandal." The Associated Press, 28 June 2022, https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-timeline-b9f15710fabb72e8581c71e94acf513e.

"Ghislaine Maxwell Charged In Manhattan Federal Court For Conspiring With Jeffrey Epstein To Sexually Abuse Minors | United States Department of Justice." Southern District of New York, 2 July 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ghislaine-maxwell-charged-manhattan-federal-court-conspiring-jeffrey-epstein-sexually.

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"Ghislaine Maxwell Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Conspiring With Jeffrey Epstein To Sexually Abuse Minors | United States Department of Justice." Southern District of New York, 28 June 2022, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ghislaine-maxwell-sentenced-20-years-prison-conspiring-jeffrey-epstein-sexually-abuse.

Hays, Tom, and Larry Neumeister. "Ghislaine Maxwell Convicted in Epstein Sex Abuse Case." The Associated Press, 30 Dec. 2021, https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-convicted-jeffrey-epstein-trial-verdict-63a71a2825eab41184a79e37bb967e90.

Hill, James, and Aaron Katersky. "Federal Judge Orders Documents Naming Jeffrey Epstein's Associates to Be Unsealed." ABC News, 19 Dec. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/US/federal-judge-orders-documents-naming-jeffrey-epsteins-associates/story?id=105779882.

"Jeffrey Epstein Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Sex Trafficking Of Minors | United States Department of Justice." Southern District of New York, 8 July 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/jeffrey-epstein-charged-manhattan-federal-court-sex-trafficking-minors.

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"Judge Orders Release of over 150 Names of People Mentioned in Jeffrey Epstein Lawsuit Documents." The Associated Press, 19 Dec. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-financier-names-released-8ce48f838d61c853efe643977ccc1bb1.

Karni, Annie, and Maggie Haberman. "Jeffrey Epstein Was a 'Terrific Guy,' Donald Trump Once Said. Now He's 'Not a Fan.'" The New York Times, 10 July 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/09/us/politics/trump-epstein.html.

@politico. "Reporter: Do You Still Think Jeffrey Epstein Is a 'Terrific Guy'?" X, 9 July 2019, https://twitter.com/politico/status/1148638639213043713.

Tabachnick, Tara. "List of Jeffrey Epstein's Associates Named in Lawsuit Must Be Unsealed, Judge Rules. Here Are Details on the Document Release." CBS News, 19 Dec. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jeffrey-epstein-list-associates-unsealed-judge-rules/.

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Thomas Jr., Landon. "Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery." New York Magazine, 28 Oct. 2002, https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/.

"Trump Says of Ghislaine Maxwell, 'I Wish Her Well.'" YouTube, The Associated Press, 21 July 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkrnWRIavAU.

Watson, Michelle, et al. "Dozens of Documents Naming Jeffrey Epstein's Victims and Associates to Be Made Public in 2024." CNN, 19 Dec. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/19/us/jeffrey-epstein-victims-associates-order/index.html.

Wieder, Ben, and Julie K. Brown. "Maxwell Case Logs Show How Frequently Trump Flew on Epstein Jets; Bill Clinton, Too." Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2021, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article256740662.html.
FAIRFAX, Calif. - The charming hamlet of Fairfax is involved in a contentious battle over a state mandate that towns and counties build a lot of new housing or face the steep consequence of the state ignoring local zone restrictions.

We've all heard of "not in my backyard." Now we have "not on my main street."

The small crowd repeatedly chanted, "You must go! You must go! Go! Go! Go!"

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In Fairfax, the committee to recall Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman and Mayor Lisel Blash, held a rally saying it has gathered enough signatures to put the recalls on the ballot. The pro-recall camp has enlisted help from Oakland and Alameda County groups that successfully pulled off the Oakland mayor and Alameda County district attorney recalls.

"The leadership is gonna learn, you have to listen to the people," said Edward Escobar of the Citizens Unite Movement. "We actually provided a little bit of advice, but they ran with it and made this happen," said Chris Moore of SAVE: Save Alameda For Everyone.

The big bone of contention: a proposed six-story, 243-unit complex, with 25% of so-called affordable units, in a town with a 28-foot height limitation.

"We could have all gotten behind that if they had involved the community; three stories, 50% truly affordable think that's something Fairfax could have gotten by. I am your example of your low income, ultra-low income, born and raised Fairfax" said recall co-leader Candace Neal-Ricker.

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Recall proponents say Fairfax has neither the evacuation routes nor the fire equipment to deal with it. :Our sister city San Anselmo maintained it's 28-foot top-level height and still worked with their developers. Fairfax could do the same," said Neal-Ricker.

Not all agree on the recalls. "I don' think they represent the majority of people in town and it's a waste of taxpayer money. All of that, in my opinion is a load of BS," said a resident named Tom, who did not give a last name.

If Fairfax fails to comply, the state could invoke a so-called "Builder's Remedy" that allows developers to bypass local zoning and land-use restrictions and build housing that meets the state housing mandate.

"I don't think that there has been any other council member in the state of California that's been recalled for basically implementing the housing element or following state housing laws. You know, this could be, set a precedent in that this could become weaponized across the state against other elected officials, which would hinder the state's goals of implementing new housing," said Mayor Blash, who is facing the recall.

Many towns face this problem and, recalls, like propositions, could be a new weapon on the political battlefront.
LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH)  A manager of a Fairfield County petting zoo has been arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a minor.

According to the Fairfield County Sheriffs Office, investigators received a report involving an underage male victim.

Drivers stranded on I-71 North in central Ohio hours after multiple crashes

Court records state that deputies met with the victims mother, who alleged that her son was having a sexual relationship with 36-year-old Amanda Spain, the owner and operator of Picture Perfect Ranch on Rockmill Road Northwest, just west of Lancaster.

The sheriffs office interviewed the 15-year-old victim, who told deputies that Spain purchased a cell phone for him and put the phone on her plan to speak with him without his parents finding out. The victim stated that the two became close and he admitted to the two having a sexual relationship over the previous few months.

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Spain was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. She was issued a $100,000 bond in common pleas court and a preliminary hearing will take place on July 24.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fallout continues to grow after an Israeli tank shell struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza on Thursday, drawing strong condemnation from international faith leaders.

The shell killed three people, wounding 10 and damaging the building.

Hundreds of Palestinians had been using the church compound for shelter and aid during the now 21-month war between Israel and Hamas. The site was providing refuge to both Christians and Muslims, including children with disabilities.

Religious leaders condemn the attack

Top Christian leaders in Jerusalem visited the church on Friday in a show of solidarity after the strike.

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Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem, led a delegation to the compound, helping to evacuate injured individuals for treatment outside of Gaza and announcing plans to provide food and medical aid to those in need.

The leaders express(ed) the shared pastoral solicitude of the Churches of the Holy Land and their concern for the community of Gaza, according to a press release from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Pope Leo XIV spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone and reiterated the urgent need to protect places of worship and, especially, the faithful and all people in Palestine and Israel, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The late Pope Francis had a special connection to the church, having spoken frequently with its members over the phone throughout the war and in the months leading up to his death in April.

Israel, Netanyahu apologize

The attack was described as an accident by Israeli officials.

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Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gazas Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful, Netanyahu said in a statement from the Prime Ministers Office.

The incident is currently under review by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Pressure to reach a ceasefire deal continues to mount amid the ongoing conflict that has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the abduction of more than 200 hostages.

President Trump also expressed his dismay with the attack in a phone call with Netanyahu.

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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 The Hill.
Landowners in north Georgia have filed a lawsuit alleging that carpet and chemical manufacturers contaminated soil and water with toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals.

According to environmental experts, the contamination has exposed nearby families to "catastrophic" levels of PFAS.

What's happening?

As Atlanta News First reported, Dalton landowners have said that decades of PFAS exposure from companies like 3M, Shaw Industries, and Mohawk Industries have polluted their land, impacting their property values and posed serious health risks.

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Testing on a family's property near carpet plants in Dalton showed PFAS contamination.

Per the lawsuit and attorneys representing Leroy and Amber Fletcher, the landowners, the test found PFAS levels thousands of times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency's limit of four parts per trillion.

"It could be in the deer; it could be in the fish," Amber Fletcher said, per Atlanta News First. "You don't know what's safe."

Their lawsuit alleges that carpet manufacturers treated flooring materials with PFAS-containing products, which release the forever chemicals through the air. They said the chemicals were dumped into local sewers, which led to the spread of contaminated biosolids on land.

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The contamination is extensive, according to experts. The lawsuit claims that the companies knew the risks for decades but kept using PFAS without proper warnings or safeguards.

Why does the lawsuit matter?

PFAS are a group of toxic chemicals often used in the production of various everyday products, including food packaging, cosmetics, nonstick cookware, and clothing. They're also found in food and water.

They are known as forever chemicals because they can take hundreds to thousands of years to break down, potentially contaminating soil, water, and wildlife habitats in the process.

PFAS have been linked to multiple negative health effects, including decreased birth weight, kidney and testicular cancer, and increased cholesterol levels, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

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The Dalton lawsuit could help raise awareness of PFAS contamination and highlight harmful corporate practices that affect nearby communities.

What's being done about the contamination?

Experts and lawmakers are working to limit human exposure to PFAS. Scientists are exploring ways to either remove them from drinking water or break them down into harmless compounds.

Lawmakers are working to reduce PFAS exposure by keeping them out of everyday products.

In Illinois, lawmakers passed the PFAS Reduction Act, a bill that aims to ban sales of certain household items containing PFAS by 2032. Similarly, the European Commission is proposing to ban forever chemicals from various consumer products.

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You can limit your exposure to PFAS by supporting eco-conscious brands. Learning about greenwashing also helps you identify corporate irresponsibility and understand how companies may mislead customers about their products' safety and environmental impacts.

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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Family members and area residents came together at Ruskin Elementary School Friday to remember 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum, whose body was discovered last week.

Besides showing support, community members also wanted to take the occasion to push for justice for Hershall.

Grandmother of missing 7-year-old speaks; ID from coroners office pending

Attendees at the elementary school would travel to a makeshift memorial on McClure Street bridge, which saw an increase in the number of balloons, stuffed animals and candles set up for the child.

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Many residents 2 NEWS spoke with said that they came to the memorial despite not knowing the family or Marshall. They said they just wanted to show unity.

Dakota, a classmate and friend of Hershalls from Ruskin Elementary, gave his own statement.

I hope this family knows that wherever it is, then we support Hershall in his peace and time in heaven, he said. He was a sweet boyThis hurts my heart, what happened.

Hershalls aunt echoed Dakotas words, calling her nephew a sweet boy, always with a smile on his face and uplifting the spirits of others.

Marshall was reported missing early on Saturday, July 12.

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On Saturday, July 12 before 4 a.m., the Dayton Police Department received a kidnapping report out of Xenia Avenue in Dayton. A missing persons report was issued for 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum, a non-verbal child with autism.

DPD Chief Kamran Afzal says investigation eventually led officers to discover Marshall had not been seen for several weeks and was believed to be dead.

Investigators discovered his remains in the area of US-35 and McClure Street on Saturday evening.

Michael Kendrick, the boyfriend of Hershalls mother, remains in Montgomery County Jail after being arraigned Tuesday. He faces preliminary charges of tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.

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A judge set his bond at $2 million.

Ashley Johnson, Hershalls mother, also remains in jail after Wednesdays arraignment. She is facing an obstructing justice charge, with her bond set at $250,000.

Police are still actively investigating Hershalls death, meaning more charges are possible for both Johnson and Kendrick.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A family of two children and three adults were rescued by after being stranded overnight on the Sandy River, authorities said.

At around 10:15 p.m. Friday, Clackamas County Sheriffs deputies responded to the north bank of the Sandy River, where the family had become stranded after floating on the river near Dodge Park.

They had no water, no warm clothing and one of the children needed critical medications, officials added.

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Evacuations expanded for Burdoin Mountain Fire in Columbia Gorge

A water rescue team was launched and at around 10:30 p.m., a drone from Corbett Fire spotted the family along with a warming fire on the shore near Camp Namanu.

Just before 11 p.m., authorities said air support from Portland police also spotted the fire and further helped guide rescuers towards the family.

Then at around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, volunteers with Clackamas County Search and Rescue, as well as a boat from Clackamas Fire, reached the family and helped them across the river.

Officials said all five made it out of the woods safely by 5:30 a.m.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICAGO (WGN)  A Chicago family is speaking out for the first time after being awarded a massive settlement for a wrongful police raid in 2017.

The Mendez family said theyve been waiting nearly eight years for this day.

After suing the Chicago Police Department for wrongly raiding their home, theyre now receiving $2.5 million from the city.

Docs: Witness able to escape from alleged Sheridan murderer, victims IDd

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During the civil trial which was held earlier this year, prosecutors played body camera footage from the 2017 raid.

Gilbert and Hester Mendez said they were inside their apartment when six police officers broke into their home and pointed guns at the couple and their two young children.

Court documents said the officers also handcuffed Gilbert as they searched the apartment. His wife and kids were heard pleading with police not to shoot him.

It turns out, the person police were looking for actually lived in the apartment upstairs.

The family said the situation left them traumatized and has had long-term effects on their mental health.

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Lombard teen charged with plotting terror attack on Glendale Heights Islamic Center

Im always checking the locks. Before I go to bed, I set the locks. I set the alarms. Like my son said, we have an [alarm system] and then as I walk through the house and stuff, just going downstairs I check the locks again, knowing I just checked them, Gilbert said.

For years, the family has been sharing their story in hopes it will lead to policing reform.

In 2019, Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Peter Mendez Act, named after the familys oldest son, which requires police officers in the state to receive training on how to interact with children while their parent is being detained.

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CPD has also revised its search warrant policy several times since then.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

While CPD now encourages officers to avoid handcuffing, questioning or pointing guns at children during the execution of search warrants, it is not prohibited.

I think it affects everyone. These are the people that say protect and serve. They say, you know, we are here for you, but in reality they raided an innocent family, my family, and my parents always say, Respect the police. Theyre here to help, but when [something like this] happens, all the trust is gone, Peter said.

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After the incident and settlement, lawyers representing the family said theyd still like to see stricter policies.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ysqueibel Yonaiquer Penaloza Chirinos reunited with his family on Friday after 125 days of detention without charge in an infamous Salvadoran megaprison. Ydalys Chirinos-Polanco

When U.S. officials disappeared hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants to an infamous megaprison in El Salvador in March, many of the detainees family members wondered if they would ever see their loved ones again. El Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT, is known for its extremely harsh conditions  and for never letting its prisoners go free.

But on Friday evening, some of these families were reunited as the result of a prisoner swap that returned 252 men in CECOT to Venezuela, in exchange for Venezuela releasing 10 Americans it had seized.

Earlier that day, rumors of the swap began trickling through the community of CECOT family members, who had spent months fighting to bring their loved ones home. Some received phone calls from the Venezuelan government and spread the word to others through an unofficial phone tree. Those who could make the trip traveled to Maiquetia, where the detainees were expected to arrive. Those who couldnt travel anxiously searched for photos or videos of the plane landing, hoping to catch a glimpse of their loved ones disembarking.

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For months, CECOT detainees had been held incommunicado with no access to their families or lawyers. The only proof of life some family members received was when they were able to spot their loved one on propaganda materials released by government officials.

A little after 9 p.m. local time Friday, Ydalys Chirinos-Polanco texted HuffPost a photo of her beaming next to her 25-year-old son, Ysqueibel Yonaiquer Penaloza Chirinos. They posed behind a sign that read in Spanish: Welcome to your country Venezuela. You dont know how long weve waited for this moment. God bless you always.

Chirinos also shared a video of her son surrounded by family, clamoring to hug and kiss him. In a voice memo to HuffPost, Chirinos expressed gratitude for a wonderful joy and beautiful miracle.

My son is with me again. Thank you, thank you, my god, thank you, she said in Spanish.

Penaloza is one of many former CECOT detainees who came to the U.S. legally and had pending asylum claims when U.S. officials abruptly flew them to El Salvador in March. He came to the U.S. through a pre-scheduled appointment on CBP One, the cellphone app used by the Biden administration to process asylum seekers. Penaloza had a legal right to make a case in immigration court as to why he should stay in the U.S.

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But before he could exercise that right, President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime authority last used in World War II, and claimed that a gang called Tren de Aragua was essentially an invading army working with the Venezuelan government. The Trump administration claimed that the Venezuelans it sent to CECOT were Tren de Aragua members, but has provided little evidence beyond common tattoos to support these allegations.

He left Venezuela for a better future and it turned into a nightmare, Chirinos told The Independent.

Penaloza and the other men were flown to CECOT in defiance of a court order and held indefinitely without charge. The U.S. government paid the Salvadoran government millions of dollars to detain them. Once forcibly removed from the U.S., government officials began asking immigration judges to dismiss their pending immigration cases, citing the fact that they were no longer present in the U.S.

Penaloza, who was one of at least 60 CECOT detainees with pending asylum claims, had his case dismissed while he was detained in El Salvador. Margaret Cargioli, a lawyer with Immigrant Defenders Law Center, was prepared to argue his case in court without him, but the judge canceled the hearing ahead of time.

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While the Trump administration disappears human beings to countries around the world without due process, it will take all of us, from all over the world, to help free the human beings callously sent to dangerous places such as CECOT and prevent others from experiencing the same cruel fate, Cargioli said in a statement on Friday.

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A family has been reunited with their beloved cat after it went missing in a house fire in Tucson, Arizona, on Tuesday, July 15

The feline was found hiding underneath a bed among the rubble of the property a day after the blaze

The Tucson Fire Department is investigating the cause of the explosive house fire





A cat has been reunited with its family after going missing during an explosive fire at their home in Arizona.

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At around 12:49 p.m. local time on July 15, the Tucson Fire Department (TFD) responded to a house fire following an explosion in East Paseo San Bernardo in Tucson, according to a press release shared on Facebook.

Multiple callers had reported an explosion and seeing flames. Engine 19 arrived six minutes later and reported a single-story house 75% involved, the TFD said. Crews went defensive  fighting the fire from the outside. Two aerials, Ladder 9 and Quint 17, were set up to protect nearby homes.

The fire was brought under control by 1:41 p.m. local time, with two nearby homes also damaged. The house was occupied by a family of six, none of whom were injured in the incident.

A photo shared by the fire department shows the aftermath of the blaze, with debris strewn across the front lawn. Several firefighters are shown at the scene in another photo.

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Along with losing their home and belongings, the familys cat Misty went missing in the explosion.

In a lucky discovery, however, the cat was later found hiding underneath a bed among the rubble, Kold News 13 reported. According to the outlet, family members heard the cat meowing which led them to her.

Guess its true what they say about cats! We are so happy to hear Misty was found alive in the rubble of her home today  a day after it was destroyed in an explosion, the TFD wrote on Facebook.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover temporary housing for the displaced family, along with living essentials to help them to begin rebuilding their lives.

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They have lost all of their belongings, clothes, personal keepsakes, and their home that theyve worked so hard for, the fundraiser's description reads. It explains that the family is currently staying with other relatives while trying to figure out what comes next.

Photo Credit:  iStock Photo/Eimantas Buzas Scared cat hiding (stock image)

This has been an incredibly traumatic and overwhelming time for them  Insurance will take time, and it will not cover many of the costs or the irreplaceable items lost in the fire, the description adds.

The page so far has raised over $13,000 with a goal of reaching $30,000.

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.

The TFD is investigating the cause of the incident.



Read the original article on People
A team in Kenya developed a mobile solar irrigation system to help farmers in dry climates access the water they need to support their crops.

According to an article from The Sunday Standard, SowPrecise created these movable, solar-powered systems to provide water to farmers in the Embu village of Gachuriri.

The report explained that cofounder Linda Kamau turned to solar after discovering that diesel-powered irrigation was costly and time-consuming. Plus, extracting and burning dirty energy releases pollutants into the air that can harm human health.

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Instead, the team uses a cart to move the solar panels that power the irrigation pipes from one location to another.

The Standard noted that while SowPrecise started by helping one farmer, it now serves 50, many of whom have become more invested in their farms.

Luckily, operational costs are low because the sun and water source are free, which helps make the service more affordable, per The Standard.

SowPrecise is seeing more demand than it can handle. However, the article explained that the company has received two grants to help expand its capabilities.

Aside from mobile irrigation, SowPrecise has educated farmers on smart agricultural practices, helping maximize yields, per The Standard.

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When discussing the award money, Heifer International Youth and Innovation Leader Agnes Kavatha said that it will be "used to upgrade the technology, making water pumps more efficient, reducing irrigation time and covering more acreage daily," per The Standard. "This means serving more smallholder farmers, boosting productivity and enhancing national food security."

The article reported that Kavatha stated that efficiency could reduce costs, which would then help lower the expenses for those using the service. Additionally, it could enable farmers to earn a higher income due to the improved crop yield.

In Kenya, there are many areas with semi-arid or arid climates. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimated that only 4% of Kenya's arable land is irrigated.

That means irrigation systems are all the more crucial in these water-stressed climates, as drought can be fatal to crops. It can also cause farmers to lose money while affecting the food supply, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System.

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But this solar-powered solution  dubbed the SunRider  could help make irrigation more affordable. In a pitch for MIT Solve, Kamau explained: "In a nutshell, what SowPrecise is doing is making solar irrigation possible for low-income farmers."

Other groups worldwide are working on efforts to reinvent agriculture to adapt to changing weather patterns, including the Safaricom Foundation, Mexico's Rising Farms, and Germany's food stabilization tech.

Eventually, the SowPrecise team aims to expand its services to include solar-powered weeding, plowing, and harvesting, per The Standard. For now, the focus is on expanding its irrigation services to more people in Embu County.

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.




The Indiana State Police are investigating a collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck in southeastern Carroll County.

Indiana State Police and Carroll County Sheriffs Office responded to a fatal crash on State Road 75 near County Road 485 South just after 6 p.m. Thursday.

A preliminary investigation by state police revealed that a motorcycle was traveling northbound on State Road 75 just north of County Road 485 South. At that time, a 2017 GMC Sierra was traveling southbound in the same area. For an unknown reason, the motorcycle crossed the center line and struck the GMC head-on.

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Despite life-saving efforts, the rider of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Carroll County Coroner. The identity will be released by the coroner at a later time.

The driver of the GMC was uninjured in the crash.

State police was assisted at the scene by other troopers from the Lafayette Post, the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team, the Carroll County Sheriffs Department, Carroll County EMS, area fire departments, and other first responders.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Indiana State Police Peru Post Crash Reconstruction Team.
In May, the White House released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, which included $163 billion in cuts to non-defense spending.

Consider This: Mark Cuban Warns of Red Rural Recession  4 States That Could Get Hit Hard

Read More: How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State?

Critics contend that the cuts disproportionately affect blue states that typically vote Democrat. Keep an eye on the following proposed cuts, which could particularly bludgeon blue states.

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Also find out how some federal budget cuts could disproportionately affect red states.

Infrastructure Funding

The budget proposal includes cutting $19.3 billion from the Department of Energy, specifically by slashing funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The states currently collecting the most funds for renewable energy include California, Michigan, New York, Washington, and Georgia.

But the changes to infrastructure spending dont end there. The Administration has reshuffled federal funds for flooding and water construction budgets from blue to red states. The two biggest losers included California and Washington, which stand to lose a combined $606 million, according to a report by CNN.

Meanwhile, Texas stands to gain an extra $206 million. The budget proposal shifts civil works projects so that blue states receive just 33% of the funds, compared to 64% for red states.

Find Out: Trump Tells Sean Hannity Why He Took Away One of Americas Favorite Tax Cuts

Medicaid Cuts

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) proposed over $600 billion in cuts to Medicaid, which could rise to $900 billion in the Senate version of the bill. The bill was signed into law on Jul. 4.

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Shifting Medicaid benefits over to the states will put a burden on their budgets that many cannot handle, explains Tasha Preisner, tax law specialist with DeMar Consulting Group.

For example, California tops the list for total Medicaid spending at $124.1 billion, per U.S. News and World Report. Following on their heels is New York, with $97.9 billion.

SNAP (Food Stamp) Cuts

The OBBBA cuts funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by nearly $300 billion through 2034. The program provides food benefits for one in five children in the U.S., and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that over 2 million children will lose some or all of their food benefits.

Aaron Razon, consumer budgeting expert with CouponSnake, expects many blue states to struggle with the cuts.

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Blue states like Massachusetts and California have a high cost of living and many residents who rely on social services, Razon noted. SNAP and other social support cuts would hit them hard, and potentially lead to greater food insecurity, poverty putting further strain on these states resources and social safety nets.

Science and Health Research Cuts

Under the White House budget proposal, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would lose $18 billion, or 41% of its funding. The numbers look even worse for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which stands to lose 57% of its annual funding ($5.2 billion).

Guess which states receive the most research funding from the NIH and NSF? California ($6.2 billion), New York ($4.1 billion) and Massachusetts ($4 billion) round out the top three, according to Axios, with Maryland not far behind.

Education Cuts

Originally, the Trump administration called for dismantling the Department of Education entirely. On Jul. 14, the Supreme Court allowed the administration to continue laying off DOE workers, leaving the departments fate in limbo, per CNN.

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The proposed White House budget cuts $12 billion in funding for the DOE. The administration particularly called for cuts to student aid and a new limit on Pell Grants, which provide subsidies to low-income students.

The budget eliminates the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), along with all $910 million in funding. The TRIO programs and Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) programs also get the axe, and the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program loses $980 million in funding.

It proves another blow to blue states like Maryland whose economies largely run on eds, meds, and feds.

Editors note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Federal Budget Cuts That Disproportionately Affect Blue States
The federal government has announced the release of previously frozen 21st Century funding for after-school programs, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

This funding will enable ongoing youth programs to operate smoothly, providing children with the opportunities, mentorship, and comprehensive support they require.

Jamie Merrill, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, thanked the community for their support and recognized the bipartisan backing from elected officials.

Were grateful for the unwavering commitment of our community and the strong bipartisan support from our elected officials. Thanks to the release of 21st Century funding, we can continue serving our youth without disruption  ensuring they have the opportunities, mentorship, and holistic support they need and deserve Jamie Merrill, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida

The release of these funds allows the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and other similar programs across the country to continue serving their communities effectively.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
By Jasper Ward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A federal judge blocked on Friday the enforcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order targeting those who work with the International Criminal Court.

The ruling follows an April lawsuit by two human rights advocates challenging Trump's February 6 order authorizing potentially far-reaching economic and travel sanctions on people who work on ICC investigations of U.S. citizens or U.S. allies, such as Israel.

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In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen called the executive order an unconstitutional infringement on free speech.

"The executive order appears to restrict substantially more speech than necessary to further that end," she wrote.

"The executive order broadly prohibits any speech-based services that benefit the prosecutor, regardless of whether those beneficial services relate to an ICC investigation of the United States, Israel, or another U.S. ally."

The White House and the ICC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The executive order imposed sanctions on ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, who is British. The U.S. treasury department's Office of Foreign Assets Control also place him on a registry of sanctioned individuals and entities.

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U.S. citizens who provide services for the benefit of Khan or other sanctioned individuals could face civil and criminal penalties, according to the order, which has been condemned by the ICC and dozens of countries.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking Washington Senate Bill 5375, which requires members of the clergy to report known child abuse, even if its revealed during Confession, from being enforced.

The court ruled that the state was unable to explain why the language in  1(b) of the bill doubled down on singling out clergy.

Last month, the Justice Department filed legal action against the State of Washington over this state law.

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Todays court victory for Washingtons Catholic bishops and priests, in the face of the states unconstitutional attack on the sacred seal of Confession, sends a message, Peter Breen, executive vice president and head of litigation at Thomas More Society, said. The government has no place interfering in the deeply held religious practices and sacramental life of the Church.

Those opposing the law, including Archbishop of Seattle Paul Etienne, argued it violates the free exercise of religion for all Catholics, and requires Catholic priests to violate the confidentiality seal of Confession. Violating the confidentiality seal that accompanies the sacred rite of Confession subjects them to immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church.

After the apostles were arrested and thrown into jail for preaching the name of Jesus Christ, St. Peter responds to the Sanhedrin: We must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29), Etienne said. This is our stance now in the face of this new law. Catholic clergy may not violate the seal of Confession  or they will be excommunicated from the Church. All Catholics must know and be assured that their confessions remain sacred, secure, confidential, and protected by the law of the Church.

In the brief, Thomas More Society attorneys highlighted SB 5375s discriminatory purpose, which includes the removal of the prior clergy-penitent privilege exception and the sponsoring legislators disparaging remarks about Confession.

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The Justice Departments lawsuit argued that the violations imposed by this new law include deprivations of the Free Exercise of Religion under the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Laws that explicitly target religious practices such as the Sacrament of Confession in the Catholic Church have no place in our society, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division stated. Senate Bill 5375 unconstitutionally forces Catholic priests in Washington to choose between their obligations to the Catholic Church and their penitents or face criminal consequences, while treating the priest-penitent privilege differently than other well-settled privileges. The Justice Department will not sit idly by when States mount attacks on the free exercise of religion.

The law was initially set to take effect on July 27.

Advocates for the bill: Children must come first

Child protection advocates have long pushed for closing what they see as a dangerous loophole in reporting laws.

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Proponents said the bill is essential in ensuring no institution, religious or otherwise, is above the law when it comes to protecting children from abuse.

When the bill was being debated before the committee vote, Representative Natasha Hill (D-Spokane) said that the bills notoriety may lead to people not speaking about child abuse during Confession.

Weve heard, maybe this bill isnt going to require as much mandatory reporting as maybe we think it will, she said. If folks are not going to clergy, into the confessional, to confess these sins in hopes of forgiveness, then this isnt going to have as big of an impact on our clergy.

Washington is one of only five states that does not require clergy to report suspected child abuse, a fact that supporters say has led to systematic cover-ups and unpunished crimes.

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Hill also addressed the separation between church and state issue.

I think that this is an opportunity for church and state to really work together, to make sure folks get the support, the treatment, the interventions that they need, she said. Nobody is above the law, that theres no veil, theres no curtain to hide behind when it comes to child abuse, and especially sexual abuse.

The Departments motion to intervene in Etienne v. Ferguson is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
The John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building in Fayetteville on July 18, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

FAYETTEVILLE  A federal judge said he will decide soon whether to block implementation of a new state law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, following a nearly nine-hour hearing Friday.

Act 573 of 2025 requires that a durable poster or framed copy of a historical representation of the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in public school classrooms and libraries, public institutions of higher education, and public buildings and facilities maintained by taxpayer funds.

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Seven multifaith families with children in Arkansas public schools filed the lawsuit in federal court last month against the Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Siloam Springs school districts.

The complaint argues the new law violates the First Amendments protection of religious freedom. The laws supporters contend the Ten Commandments have historical significance because they influenced the nations founders and the countrys legal system.

The families asked the court to declare the law unconstitutional and requested a preliminary injunction that would apply only to the four Northwest Arkansas school districts. Attorneys for the state on Friday asked that if a preliminary injunction is granted, it be narrowly tailored to the affected students.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks said he will issue a ruling before the laws Aug. 5 effective date.

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Brooks has also yet to rule on two motions to dismiss the case, one from the school districts and one from Attorney General Tim Griffin, who was allowed to intervene in the case.

I will continue to vigorously defend Act 573, Griffin said in a statement Friday evening.

The Northwest Arkansas school districts argued in a brief in support of their motion to dismiss that, according to the law, theyre not required to have displays of the Ten Commandments unless the districts or their school boards receive voluntary donations of funds or displays that comply with the laws specifications. The districts said they had no plans to implement displays in the coming year because no donations, monetary or otherwise, have been made to the schools.

In his motion to dismiss, Griffin argued that the plaintiffs lack standing. Because the plaintiffs have not yet seen these displays, their alleged injury is based on speculation, he said.

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Arkansas Deputy Solicitor General Noah Watson echoed those comments Friday, arguing Brooks should not issue a preliminary injunction because its guesswork at this stage that plaintiffs will be harmed. Its unknown if the districts will have posters or in what context theyll be displayed, he said.

The plaintiffs attorneys argued there are efforts underway by third parties to make the posters available to districts.

Although the law becomes effective Aug. 5, the school districts argued theres no deadline to comply because they can only comply if and when they receive contributions or displays. The law has no penalties for lack of compliance because some districts may never be able to comply, the brief states.

Districts attorney Marshall Ney said Friday that the districts arent trying to take a vigorous position on the law, and just want to return to educating students.

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They want to teach the kids, they dont want to be in this firestorm on an issue like this, Ney said. This is just a distraction for the school districts.

The plaintiffs are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett serving as pro bono counsel.

ACLU of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams talks to reporters outside of the John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building on July 18, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

After Fridays hearing, ACLU of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams told reporters that the danger of the new law is it aims to instill particular religious values.

We think its exclusionary to tell certain students that because you dont belong to this particular religion, that youre excluded, Williams said. So we think its important to protect those rights of people who dont believe in this version of the Ten Commandments.

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By mandating a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments be displayed, the law violates the First Amendments Establishment Clause prohibition against adopting an official position on religious matters, plaintiffs attorneys argued.

They also said the law violates the First Amendments Free Exercise Clause, which guarantees that Congress shall make no law  prohibiting the free exercise [of religion].

The Ten Commandment displays unconstitutionally coerce into religious observance students who will feel pressured into suppressing their own beliefs to avoid potential disfavor, plaintiffs lawyers argued. The law also impedes parents ability to guide their childrens religious development.

Attorneys for the state repeatedly argued the law mandates a nonsectarian version and historical representation of the Ten Commandments.

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Similar arguments were made during legislative hearings this spring. Sen. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville, and Rep. Alyssa Brown, R-Heber Springs, sponsored Act 573, but the merits of the legislation were largely presented in committee by WallBuilders, a group emphasizing the moral, Christian, and constitutional foundation on which our nation was built, according to its website.

Steven Green, the director of Willamette Universitys Center for Religion, Law and Democracy who served as an expert witness at Fridays hearing, said that, according to his research, the Ten Commandments were not foundational to the countrys founding documents or legal traditions. They contain values and principles about right and wrong that can be found in other societies and are not unique to the Ten Commandments, he said.

Though attorneys disagreed on the historical nature of the Ten Commandments, they all agreed they do have religious ties. When Brooks questioned Arkansas legislators decision to approve the law, the states attorneys said they could not comment on the Legislatures intent beyond the text of the law.

Brooks said it seemed pretty obvious that the Ten Commandments address ethics and moral issues, so it seems logical that the purpose is to aid in the moral development of students.

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Why is that so hard to acknowledge? he asked.

Parents have filed lawsuits against laws similar to Arkansas in Louisiana and Texas. A federal appeals court blocked Louisianas law last month. Plaintiffs in that case are represented by the same counsel as the Arkansas lawsuit.

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Federal spending cuts threaten to devastate the Tri-Cities economy while immigration raids shred the regions agricultural workforce. If only the Mid-Columbia had a representative in the U.S. House who fought for us.

President Donald Trumps spending plans propose cuts at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Trump is going after anything that sounds like environmentalism.

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program and the Biological and Environmental Research subprogram stand to lose support. Yet these are valuable research efforts that are helping define how America will meet the energy needs of the future without destroying the planet in the process.

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PNNL could lose 1,100 employees if compliant Republicans cater to the president. Thats about one in six workers there. The effects would ripple through the local economy. According to Friends of PNNL, a group that advocates for the laboratory, eliminating 1,100 jobs could jeopardize another 2,500 jobs in the community as the income spent by those workers on local goods, services and education disappear.

Trump and Republicans in Congress also proposed slashing $1 trillion of Medicaid spending. Their punitive efforts to make qualifying more difficult will leave millions of Americans without basic health coverage.

The effects will disproportionately hit Central Washington where 70% of children in the 4th Congressional District rely on Apple Health, Washingtons version of Medicaid. That will lead to crowded emergency rooms, longer waits and overwhelmed specialists.

People without insurance will delay care until small problems become much more expensive big ones. That, in turn, could contribute to private insurance premium increases and could end with the closure of hospitals like Prosser Memorial Health and Lourdes in Pasco, as well as rural medical facilities in Sunnyside, Dayton, Ritzville and elsewhere.

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Health care is not the administrations only target. Trump also plans to reduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by up to 20% and increase work requirements. That risks throwing thousands of Washingtonians off the program. Nearly 17,000 households in the Tri-Cities rely on SNAP to avoid going hungry. They are our neighbors and our friends who rely on the social safety net.

The administration also is reducing federal funding for schools and dismantling the Department of Education. Local school districts will lose millions of dollars that have helped students succeed.

There might be a case for the cuts if they were part of a comprehensive spending and revenue package that dealt with the nations unsustainable deficit spending, but they primarily just offset the cost of lower taxes for the wealthy. In fact, the Republicans spending plan adds $5 trillion to the debt ceiling to accommodate the cost of tax cuts and other spending.

While spending cuts undermine the regions economy, immigration enforcement has intensified beyond targeting violent criminals. The arrests tear at the fabric of communities and make labor scarce during critical harvest seasons for regional farms and orchards. Washingtons agricultural sector employs about 29,000 undocumented workers. Even a father and mechanic who had worked on farm equipment locally for decades was not safe.

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Disruption is not limited to the agricultural sector either. Construction workers are being deported or staying away from job sites. That lost labor impacts the ability to build desperately needed housing.

All of this threatens the local economy. People will lose jobs, incomes will falter and the future is less certain.

Ideally, the regions representative in Congress would stand against the harm happening here and fight for his constituents. Alas, we have Rep. Dan Newhouse. Once upon a time, Newhouse built a reputation as one of the few Republicans in the House who voted to impeach Trump. That independent streak is dead. Now he is a reliable vote for Trumps agenda who cheered passage of the Big Beautiful Bill.

The federal government has long played an outsized role in the Tri-Cities through strategic investment in research, cleanup at Hanford and funding infrastructure. The Trump administration is undoing the progress we have made and leaving communities vulnerable.

Tri-Cities residents should demand that Newhouse prioritize regional economic interests over party loyalty. Our communitys future depends on the federal investments that have sustained us for decades.
The Brief

Family mourning loss of Courtney Whitney, killed by stray bullet in Vallejo

Jose Guadaulpe Castillo arrested and charged with murder.

Circumstances leading up to shooting unclear

VALLEJO, Calif. - A convicted felon was charged Friday with murder in a shooting in which a woman in her Vallejo bedroom was killed by a stray bullet.

Family members of Courtney Whitney, 45, say they are mourning their loss but at the same time heartened by the arrest.

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"I dont know if its celebratory or just stupidity, I mean it was stupid no matter what," said Whitney's father, Brian Linehan. "I think someone was just shooting a gun out a window on the freeway and the bullet struck my daughter in the head."

Stray bullet enters bedroom

What we know

It happened early the morning of July 5. Whitney, a mother of five, was in her bedroom on Admiral Callaghan Lane when, without warning, a bullet pierced her wall.

Investigators say the gunfire apparently came from I-80 - directly behind her home between Tennessee and Redwood streets. But police have not said what may have led to the gunfire.

Suspect charged with murder

What they're saying

On Friday, the suspect, Jose Guadalupe Castillo, 42, was charged by Solano County prosecutors with murder, a day after being booked by Vallejo police. KTVU has learned the suspect was out on bail after an earlier shooting.

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Whitneys sisters have mixed emotions.

"On top of the grief of losing somebody so precious to you and your family, were also struggling with why this happened," said sister Kellie Kennedy.

Another sister, Ashlee Kathrein, said, "Its a completely senseless act that has completely destroyed our lives. And it almost makes me sadder to think it was so random."

The family is trying to fill their emptiness with happy memories.

"I want her to be remembered for her love and her kindness, her energy, how well she took care of everybody. She really shouldered the burden of whatever we went through as kids," Kathrein said.

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Linehan said of his daughter, "She was never on time, but when she showed up, everybody knew it. Everybody was like, Oh Courtneys here, yay, the partys gonna start.' "

Linehan says his message is that "people see this and realize the consequences of doing such a stupid act."

Kennedy said, "For me, justice looks like this person being held accountable."

Her family and loved ones are struggling to move forward without her.

Kathrein said, "I think she had a lot left. Her life was cut way too short, and I was really looking forward to growing old with her. Im really sad that I dont get that."

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Henry Lee is a KTVU crime reporter. E-mail Henry at Henry.Lee@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com/henrykleefan

The Source

KTVU reporting, Vallejo police, Solano County DA's office
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD)  As Fiesta Week continues in Holland, organizers say the event has become a powerful platform for local Latino-owned businesses, many of them new and led by young entrepreneurs.

Salomon Caballero, vice president of the board for Latin Americans United for Progress, said the festival is not only a cultural tradition but also an economic driver.

We have several of our Latino small businesses that come out  a lot of food trucks, some just starting out, some a few years in, Caballero said. Business is booming.

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Fiesta returns to Holland for 61st year

LAUP launched a small business initiative last year to support Latino entrepreneurs. Since then, the organization has helped more than 130 people with LLC formation, branding, marketing and other startup needs.

Caballero said much of Fiestas long-running success is rooted in networking and community support.

Maybe you dont know the answer, maybe I dont  but we know someone who does, he said. Were here to help, support and continue the growth and success of our young entrepreneurs.

He added that listening to the community has helped LAUP balance tradition with evolving demographics.

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As the world changes, we have to evolve too, Caballero said. We stay active, bring in new board members, and ask: What do people want and need, and how can we help?

Latinos now make up 25-30% of Hollands population, according to Caballero. Fiesta Week continues through Sunday, with full details available at laup.org/fiesta.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Author Joseph Lee. (Photo/Aslan Chalom)

Summer memories of running with cousins in Zuni mud  all the weekends I spent at my Auntie Paulas home on the Zuni Pueblo  return as I read Joseph Lees book Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity.

A mixture of memoir, reportage and commentary, it documents Lees family history, describing how land and ancestry forged strong links to his Aquinnah Wampanoag home on Marthas Vineyard. Lees stories echoed my own rez dirt memories, layers of loving Indigenous relationships with foundations deeper than any historical record.

[Editor's Note: This column originally appeared in "High Country News. Used with permission. All rights reserved.]

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Lee spoke with High Country News before his books July 15 release. You can listen to our conversation here.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

High Country News

: Your book demonstrates how you and your family live as Indigenous people on colonized land. Can you introduce those experiences?

Joseph Lee: Im a Wampanoag, and my family and my tribe is from Marthas Vineyard. Its a small island in the Northeast, known for being this fancy vacation place where presidents and movie stars go. I grew up spending summers at my grandparents house, and that was the original framing for the book: How I thought about being Indigenous and being Wampanoag was filtered through the experience of how people see Marthas Vineyard, along with how people see Wampanoag people and Native folks in the Northeast: We were there when the pilgrims came, Mayflower, the first Thanksgiving, all of that.

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That confused me, because what I was being told about being Indigenous didnt really match up with the way I was experiencing it personally. I went to tribal summer camp, I went to our cranberry festival harvest. I did all these things, and none of it aligned with this version of stereotypical Nativeness, the disappeared Native gone in the past.

I was trying to make sense of the way that weve lived and the choices that weve made, and what is this going to look like in the future?

HCN: The book speaks clearly about how you approach mixed heritage and background. How did you define Indigeneity in researching and writing this book?

JL: Indigenous identity, like many identities, is something that is so often defined by external sources, by outsiders, people telling us, Heres what you have to be, heres what it means to be Native. For a long time I internalized that, even though I rejected it. I didnt want that to be the only way to be Native, but I couldnt necessarily see another way beyond those external expectations or stereotypes.

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Id spent all this time thinking about defying stereotypes or being upset at these expectations, and I hadnt spent enough time thinking about what it means to be Indigenous  what does that mean to me?

My dads family is from China and my moms mother is from Japan, and then my moms father is Wampanoag. So one of my four grandparents is Wampanoag. For a long time, I sort of saw those things as all separate. I felt like I had to talk about being Wampanoag in one box and one part of my life and being Asian in another part of my life. Ultimately, I realized that its all me, its all part of my life. I cant separate those things.

HCN: Some of the book recreates or imagines your grandparents experiences. What was that like for you?

JL: It makes me feel closer to my grandparents and my family and my entire community. I grew up knowing three of my grandparents, but they passed away when I was fairly young. So most of my life, I havent been able to spend time with my grandparents. Recreating their lives, who they were, was a really special part of the book.

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One of the best compliments I got is after my mom read it for the first time. She said that she felt I really captured her mom, my grandmother  somebody I knew as a child but wasnt around anymore from a pretty young age. There was so much I didnt know about her.

Its a unique experience to go back and see them as young people and growing older and navigating the world  and, in many cases, navigating some of the same questions and challenges that Im now navigating myself.

HCN: How did you share your research with your family?

JL: I think the question youre asking is important  this question of the historical record and preserving and sharing information  because a lot of that has been lost, sometimes deliberately erased. Theres a lot of misinformation; Indigenous voices arent the most prominent ones when you look back through history, and so its important to surface those things. Just because Indigenous folks werent featured in all the history books doesnt mean they werent saying things.

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When I went back through my own tribes history, people had opinions and were writing and reading and researching and making art and doing all of these things. It was just an amazing experience to be able to go back through all those records. There was so much I didnt know about my own tribe, my own family and my own community. I knew that information was out there, I just had to find it. Some of that was hard-copy records, some was oral history, talking to people, memories. Its important to not value one of those over the other. Im grateful that I have my parents and other family members and folks in the tribe I could lean on.

About the Author: "Shaun Griswold, contributing writer, is a Native American journalist based Albuquerque. He is a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, and his ancestry also includes Jemez and Zuni on the maternal side of his family. He has more than a decade of print and broadcast news experience. "

Contact: shawn@nativenewsonline.net
Wisconsins two-year spending plan marked a somewhat rare instance of bipartisan agreement  something not regularly seen in recent years under a divided state government.

With the $111 billion 2025-27 biennial budget signed by Gov. Tony Evers this month and no major statewide elections this fall, attention in the Capitol building shifts back largely to legislative activity.

The state Legislature has floor periods scheduled on and off through mid-January 2026.

New legislative proposals could be introduced in the months ahead, but here are a few already before the Legislature:

Advanced practice nurse licensing

In another rare bipartisan agreement, the states 11,000 advanced practice nurses are expected to get additional flexibility to work without being tethered to a physician or a dentist.

The licensing bill, which has been repeatedly brought forward over the last decade, would allow advanced practice registered nurses to work independently after four years of clinical work, as long as they mirror physicians by carrying malpractice insurance and contribute to the states injured patient compensation fund.

Theres also a financial impact: Advanced practice nurses who operate independently under the current rules either have to reimburse physicians or dentists for the collaboration or allocate a percentage of their practice, which can cost an average of $15,000 and $30,000 a year, some out their own pockets.

In recent years, bills have been repeatedly tripped up over clinical training requirements, pain management and minutia over titles.

The bill has passed both chambers but has not yet been sent to Evers desk for signature, his office said Tuesday.

Transmission lines

Lawmakers earlier this year revived the ongoing debate over an obscure but far-reaching proposal to regulate who can build massive power lines in the state.

Right of first refusal laws give incumbent transmission owners  or those currently doing business in the state  the exclusive right to build any transmission project approved by the Midwest grid operator, known as MISO. However, despite multiple efforts over the last three legislative sessions, efforts to implement such a law in Wisconsin have failed to gain much traction.

In April, Assembly Republicans introduced a new measure that ditches the acronym associated with the old bill (ROFR, for right of first refusal) and replaces it with WERA, which stands for Wisconsin Energy Reform Act. The new proposal includes several new additions, but the primary item thats drawn pushback  which provides in-state utility companies the exclusive right to some of the biggest power line projects in Wisconsin  remains in place.

The proposal has yet to receive a floor vote in either legislative chamber.

Daylight saving time

Another bill introduced earlier this year proposes eliminating the practice of moving clocks an hour forward in the spring and an hour back in the fall.

Under current law, daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November each year. The proposal would eliminate the practice in Wisconsin, effectively making standard time year-round.

While federal law generally preempts states from deviating from standard time or eliminating daylight saving time, states that fall under one time zone, like Wisconsin, can do away with daylight saving time as long as the change applies to the entire state, according to an analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau.

The proposal has been referred to committee but has yet to reach a public hearing.

Gender-affirming care

Despite being vetoed by Evers last session, a GOP-authored bill that proposes banning gender-affirming care for any Wisconsinite under 18 is back before the Legislature.

The proposal is all but certain to be vetoed if it reaches Evers desk, but the measure has drawn harsh criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates who say simply introducing such a bill is harmful to the states transgender youth.

The Wisconsin proposal, which largely mirrors language from the bill vetoed by Evers in late 2023, would ban medical procedures for youth younger than 18 if done for the purpose of changing the minors body to correspond to a sex that is discordant with the minors biological sex, according to a Legislative Reference Bureau analysis.

Proponents argue the proposal protects children by ensuring that life-altering procedures that could cause permanent damage or sterilization are not performed on anyone under the age of 18.

The measure passed the Assembly 50-43 in March but has yet to come before the full Senate.

Immigration

Another GOP-authored measure that appears destined for a veto would require county sheriffs to comply with federal warrants and immigration detainers for anyone being held in jail on a felony offense.

Under the proposal, sheriffs who refuse to comply with the law would see their counties lose 15% of their shared revenue  state funds provided to local governments  in the following year. Sheriffs also would be required to seek reimbursement from the federal government for costs incurred while holding individuals on detainer.

The proposal comes after Evers and GOP leaders struck a deal in 2023 to boost shared revenue by diverting 20% of the states 5% sales tax to counties and municipalities.

The measure passed the Assembly in March but has not yet come to a Senate vote.

AI interpreters

A bill introduced in late May would allow county courts to permit the use of AI or other machine-assisted translation tools as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, human interpreters in civil or criminal proceedings, certain municipal proceedings, and administrative contested case proceedings.

It also would allow an interpreter to provide services via telephone or online link for criminal trials, which require in-person interpretation services. Many courts already allow for remote interpretation in other proceedings, such as hearings or civil cases.

Proponents of the bill say it could allow county courts to capture the cost savings and efficiencies offered by artificial intelligence and machine-learning programs that seek to bridge language gaps. But AI and legal experts said they have serious concerns that the rapidly advancing technology is still years from being able to replace the skill and expertise of a certified court interpreter.

The proposal has been referred to committee but has not yet received a hearing.

Conservation grants

Legislators still have nearly a year to renew the state program that acquires and preserves land for recreation and conservation. The current form of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship expires in June 2026, and a Republican-authored proposal introduced in June would renew the program through the 2029-30 fiscal year.

The measure would focus the program on improving existing land and direct the state Department of Natural Resources to request further funding from the Legislature for major land acquisition projects.

Details remain in flux. Rep. Tony Kurtz, R- Wonewoc, told the Wisconsin State Journal on Monday that he thinks momentum around the bill will pick up in September. He expects bipartisan interest in the bill, which has so far attracted only Republican sponsors in both houses.

With the budget, there were so many different things going on, and our concern was we didnt want to add this into the mix, Kurtz said. We have time. Everybody thinks it needed to be in the budget. It did not have to be in the budget. So I think, lets take our time, lets do it right, make sure we get good feedback from everybody.

The proposal has been referred to committee but has not received a public hearing.
VINTON Va. (WFXR) An electrical fire on 8th Street in Vinton was caused by electrical energy from a charging hoverboard, according to the Roanoke County Fire Marshals Office.

The fire occurred Friday evening, just after 5 p.m.

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded. Everyone inside the home made it out safely, according to the agency. The Red Cross was contacted to assist a family of four displaced by the fire.

(PHOTO CREDITS: Roanoke County Fire and Rescue)

Damage to the home was estimated to be around $100,000.

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We appreciate the assistance of the City of Roanoke Fire and EMS on this call, wrote officials with Roanoke County Fire and Rescue.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
DENVER (KDVR)  The South Rim Fire is still burning at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, now eight days since it was first ignited by lightning strikes.

As of about 11 a.m. on Friday, the fire was estimated to have burned about 4,227 acres and had 0% containment. About 90 homes were evacuated due to the fire, but none have been lost so far.

What is wildfire containment, and how does it work?

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On Friday, the National Park Service announced that Blue Mesa Reservoir would be closed west of Middle Bridge to all boating activities from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., until further notice. The closure is to allow firefighting scooper planes to fill up at the reservoir. The Lake Fork Boat Ramp was closed to launching, with only boat retrieval allowed.

The current impact on the park is still not entirely known, as the fire is still active. The National Park Service said Friday that the parks South Rim Visitor Center, the administration building and the entrance booth survived the flames.

However, the facility management building, the Western National Parks warehouse, welding shop, South Rim Campground, numerous bathrooms and overlooks throughout the park and several pieces of heavy equipment were either destroyed or heavily damaged.

The park service has cancelled all reservations for the South Rim Campground and all wilderness permits, with no reopening date. Once the fire is contained and safety assessments are completed, a reopening date will be considered.

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The National Park Service noted that Montrose County is currently in a Stage 1 fire restriction due to high temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds and very dry vegetation, which the park service said enhanced the fires spread at Black Canyon.

The fire is being managed by the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3. The team said Friday morning that extremely steep terrain on the northwest side of the fire area has caused difficulty in containing the blaze.

Evacuations ordered for fire near I-70 in Garfield County as it grows to over 300 acres

Additionally, some of the Black Canyon Visitor Centers staff were temporarily relocated to the Public Lands Center in Montrose. National Park Service rangers will provide visitor services at that location and will be available to answer questions by phone at 970-240-5300. The park remains closed to visitors.

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The park service noted that Curecanti National Recreation Area is co-managed with Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and is still open for boating, hiking, camping, and stargazing.

Displaced Black Canyon Park Rangers will be offering additional astronomy programming at Curecanti. The programs are free and 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 FOX31 Denver.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A federal judge denied Leo Govonis motion to revoke detention, meaning the Pinellas County businessman will stay behind bars, pending his trial.

Govoni and his accountant, John Witeck, were charged on a 15-count indictment on June 18 for allegedly stealing $100 million from over 1,000 disabled people nationwide who trusted him with their money for safeguarding at his non-profit, the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration.

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8 on Your Side

Govoni was accused of then using those funds to live a life of luxury.

During a detention hearing on June 26, multiple victims asked the judge for Govoni to be detained because they feared he would flee and destroy evidence.

The federal prosecutor who co-led the case at the time, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon, had argued all the different way Govoni has attempted to obstruct justice. Gordon also argued that Govoni presents a very real danger to the community if he was in a position where he could further dissipate assets, dissolve companies, hide assets, transfer assets, all of those things would endanger the vulnerable special needs victims that are at the heart of this case.

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But the day after Gordon successfully argued for Govonis detention, he was terminated by Attorney General and Temple Terrace native, Pam Bondi.

His termination letter did not provide a reason for the removal from the Federal Service, effective immediately, citing only Article II of the United States Constitution and the laws of the United States.

Gordon is now speaking out. He shared this statement with 8 On Your Side Investigative Reporter Brittany Muller:

Im pleased and relieved that Judge Covington decided to keep Govoni detained until trial. He deserved it. Today was a good day for justice, my former colleagues at the U.S. Attorneys Office, Govonis victims, and our community.

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Personally, its gratifying that Judge Covingtons opinion largely relied on the evidence I presented and the arguments I made in court in the original detention hearing, which was the day before I was abruptly fired by the Attorney General without cause or explanation. The fact that I was fired despite doing my job well raises serious questions about what is driving decisions at the Department of Justice.

Im deeply disappointed that I wont be able to see this case through. I still care deeply about it and the victims. This case is going to trial, and thats my specialty. But I trust my former colleagues to do it without me. Ill support them any way I can. The families impacted by this staggering theft deserve full accountability, and I hope they get it.

Following Gordons termination, the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Middle District of Florida shared this statement: The case against Leo Govoni and John Witeck will proceed as scheduled.

8 On Your Side reached out to Govonis criminal defense attorney and we are waiting to hear back.

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WEATHERSFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)  A few firefighters in Trumbull County are being credited with saving a kitten from a peculiar spot.

Weathersfield firefighters Andrew Leshinsky, Josh Bayless, and Michael Chambers may now be known as the kitten rescue crew.

I would do it again if I had to, Chambers said.

The trio helped save a curious cat that got stuck in a fire truck.

They always talk about cats in trees and telephone poles, but not a cat in a fire truck. It was definitely an experience, Bayles said.

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It was a little before 2 a.m. Tuesday, when the firefighters were searching all over the fire station for the source of a consistent meow, they found the little black and white fur ball by the rescue trucks tire.

Im like, hey, found the cat poking its head out, Bayless said.

The kitten climbed behind a compartment, and thats when Operation Feline Fugitive began.

We were coming up with a game plan and looking to see where we could possibly get in there, Chambers said.

This is a relatively new truck. Weve never taken this apart this specifically before, Leshinsky said. We need to know how to take it apart without breaking it and then hurting either us or the cat.

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The firefighters safely got her out and found her a home where she was named Ember. A purr-fect ending to a rescue that went off without a hiss. Although how or when she got into the station is still unknown.

I think it came in when nobody was looking. Maybe was looking for mom or just out being nosey and found its way up there somehow. I tried asking it how it got up there, and it wouldnt tell me, Chambers said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  Firefighters rescued a worker, believed to be cleaning windows, after his equipment failed nearly a dozen stories above downtown Cleveland on Friday afternoon.

According to the Cleveland Division of Fire, the workers equipment failed while he was suspended between the 11th and 12th floor of Key Tower in Public Square.

WJW photo

Driver injured after crashing into Medina museum: police

Firefighters quickly responded and helped the man into the building.

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Only a few days ago, our Technical Rescue Squads sharpened their Rope Rescue skills through a training exercise, Cleveland Fire wrote on X. This afternoon, those skills were put to the test.

The worker was checked over as a precaution, but fire officials said he wasnt injured during the incident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The first group of 49 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks pledged to Ukraine by Australia is now in the hands of the Ukrainian military, the Australian Defense Ministry announced on July 18.

The tanks were promised to Kyiv in October 2024, but delivery was reportedly delayed for nine months due to resistance from the United States.

Ukraine has already received the majority of the promised U.S.-made Abrams tanks, and the final tranche is expected to arrive "in the coming months," the Australian Defense Ministry said.

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"The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russias illegal and immoral invasion. ... Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace," Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on May 19 that the first tanks were being shipped to Ukraine over the private objections from U.S. officials. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the pending delivery during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome.

The U.S. has to grant formal permission before the Abrams vehicles can be transferred to another country. In April, ABC reported that officials in Washington had not yet granted permission and questioned the tanks' utility on the battlefield in Ukraine. One official said the U.S. had warned Australia against sending the tanks even before the aid package was announced.

Despite ongoing private objections, Washington eventually granted Australia permission to begin shipping the tanks.

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"These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces," Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.

"They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian government and form part of Australia's unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order."

Australia pledged to send Kyiv the 49 "soon-to-be-retired" Abrams tanks as part of a broader military aid package worth $163 million. Ukraine previously received 31 Abrams tanks from former U.S. President Joe Biden's administration in late 2023, though it is unclear how many are still operational as of 2025.

Thanks for reading this article and staying informed. The Kyiv Independent operates without a wealthy owner or a paywall, relying solely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Consider joining our community today.

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Read also: With Trump-Zelensky mega-deal, Ukraines drone makers hope to flood the US

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A Patriot air defence system that Germany plans to pay for and deliver to Ukraine is being finalised and will be ready no sooner than in six months.

Source: European Pravda; German tabloid Bild

Details: According to Bild, the Patriot in question was originally destined for Switzerland, but Ukraine will receive it first, having been given priority. Germany will cover the cost.

However, Bild reports that the system is still being finalised by the US defence contractor Raytheon and is expected to be ready in no less than six to eight months.

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To further speed up the delivery to Ukraine, Germany is considering sending a Patriot system from its armed forces' stocks. A replacement would have to be ordered from Raytheon and delivery would take years.

The tabloid also emphasises that Germany lacks air defence capabilities.

The Bundeswehr had 12 Patriot systems, three of which were transferred to Ukraine at the start of the full-scale invasion, while two others are currently deployed in Poland to protect Rzeszow airport.

In addition, Bild reports that three systems are currently being overhauled by the German Armed Forces and are therefore not operational at present. At least one more is needed for training.

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Thus, Germany currently has a maximum of three units available for its own air defence. If another system is transferred to Ukraine, there will be two left.

The tabloid also said that Germany is waiting for Patriot deliveries ordered by the previous government. The first of them should arrive at the end of 2026, and the rest by 2029.

Background:

On Monday 14 July, Trump announced an agreement between the United States and NATO under which the supply of US weapons to Ukraine will be financed by European allies.

Trump also announced that additional Patriot air defence systems are to be sent to Ukraine.

At least some of the US' European allies were caught off guard by Trump's announcement of a plan for Europeans to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, and uncertainty remains as to who exactly will supply the Patriot systems.

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Jul. 19Five of eight men arrested in a gang-related kidnapping investigation last week could face life in prison, authorities said Friday.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office held a press conference to assure members of the Indian community that it will do everything it can to protect them from violence and extortion committed by international and local gangs.

Sheriff Pat Withrow said the Federal Bureau of Investigation on June 21 alerted his office to a crime that occurred in the Manteca area on June 19 where a man was kidnapped, stripped naked and bound and tortured for an extended period of time.

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On July 11, the Sheriff's Office AGNET Unit and SWAT units from the FBI and Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office, as well as Stockton and Manteca police departments, served five coordinated search warrants across San Joaquin County as part of an investigation.

Authorities arrested Dilpreet Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Vishal Vishal, Pavittar Singh, Gurtaj Singh, Manpreet Randhawa and Sarabjit Singh.

Each suspect was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on various felony charges, including kidnapping, torture, false imprisonment, conspiracy to commit a crime, witness intimidation, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, threats to terrorize and felony gang enhancements.

Additional weapons-related charges include possession of a machine gun, illegal possession of an assault weapon, the manufacture or sale of high-capacity magazines, manufacturing a short-barreled rifle, and carrying a loaded, unregistered handgun.

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In addition, five handguns, an assault rifle, high-capacity magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and more than $15,000 in cash was seized during the investigation.

"The individuals committing these crimes are very committed to using violence and any means necessary to get what they need," Withrow said. "They are a very clear threat to our community. They have little or no regard for human life , and need to go where they belong, and that is in prison."

Withrow said that one of the men arrested  Pavittar Singh  is the leader of an international criminal organization based out of India called PMG.

Pavittar Singh is wanted in India on suspicion of firearms charges, assault and multiple murders, authorities said.

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San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said Pavittar Singh, Manpreet Randhawa, Sarabjit Singh, Gurtaj Singh and Vishal Vishal are currently being held without bail on suspicion of kidnapping, torture, extortion, witness intimidation and weapons violations, and face life in prison if convicted.

"These crimes have unleashed fear and anguish throughout our neighborhoods," he said. "These crimes strike at the very heart of our community. Those who spread fear in our community will be held accountable without exception."

Sid Patel, director of the FBI's Sacramento Field Office, said the arrests were part of the agency's Summer Heat initiative, a nationwide effort targeting violent offenders and gang members who terrorize communities.

Patel noted other arrests in the initiative related to Pavittar Singh, including Gurdev Singh, who was arrested in March.

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Gurdev Singh is the head of another criminal organization in India and a good friend of Pavittar Singh, who is wanted for murder and weapons charges, as well as for using RPGs to attack police stations in that country, Patel said.

Withrow said deputies arrested Gurdev Singh on March 6 on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in public, not being the registered owner of a loaded firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle and child endangerment.

Seven guns were found at his Stockton residence and two more were found in a car located on his property during a search.

ICE learned Singh had been booked into the San Joaquin County Jail, and submitted a detainer request on March 12, which the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office denied, reports state.

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Singh was taken into custody without incident by ICE agents after his release from county jail.

Withrow said investigators are actively searching for others who might be involved with the eight men arrested last week.
Five people are due to appear before magistrates following a break-in at weapons firm during a Palestine Action protest.

The group is accused of forcing their way into Elbit Systems UK, based near Bristol, on 6 August 2024. They are charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East carried out a series of raids on Tuesday before making the arrests.

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Palestine Action allege Elbit Systems UK is involved in the manufacture and supply of weapons to the Israeli military - a claim the company strongly denies.

Finn Collins, 20, from Whitstable in Kent, Harland Archer, also 20 and from Whitstable, Salaam Mahmood, 19, from London, Moiz Ibrahim, 27, from London and Louie Adams, 33, from London, will all appear from custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court later.

A 66-year-old man from Bristol was also arrested, but has since been released without charge.

Ten people were arrested shortly after the incident last year and a further eight in November.

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All 18 were later charged and are awaiting trial.

Palestine Action was proscribed as terrorist organisation by the UK government earlier this month.

Supporting the group is now classed as a criminal offence, with membership or expressing support for it punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

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Flags at all Los Angeles County facilities were ordered to be flown at half-staff Friday in honor of three Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department deputies who died in a morning explosion at the Biscailuz Training Center in East Los Angeles.

The blast occurred at about 7:30 a.m., the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger called the incident a heartbreaking loss for the county.

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This is a heartbreaking day for our county family, Barger said in a statement. Lowering our flags is a solemn gesture to honor the service and sacrifice of these brave deputies. We will never forget their dedication to keeping our communities safe.

3 Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies died in an explosion at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles on July 18, 2025. (KTLA)

Barger offered condolences to the deputies families and pledged the countys full support to the Sheriffs Department as investigations into the explosion continue.

Aerial footage from Sky5 showed an LASD vehicle with a shattered rear windshield and a nearby backpack on the parking lot asphalt near what appeared to be the departments explosives trucks. A tarp over the bomb trucks was visibly damaged.

Sheriff Robert Luna said midday Friday that no one else was hurt, despite earlier media reports to the contrary.

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Details surrounding the explosion remain under investigation. The identities of the deputies have not been released yet.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rumors are unfounded, said Dr. Joshua Kern, chief medical officer for St. Lukes Magic Valley.

The Jerome Medical Center is not at risk of closing due to the Medicaid cuts within the Big Beautiful Bill, which Congress passed July 4, despite its recent inclusion in a list of Idaho hospitals that would close.

Thats not based on reality, Kern said. That doesnt seem like fact-checked information to me.

While St. Lukes doesnt intend to close any facilities, Kern said, the new federal legislation with have a negative impact on health care delivery in Idaho.

We know that Medicaid cuts are coming, he said.

An estimated 75,000 Idahoans could become uninsured under the Big Beautiful Bill, according to the Idaho Hospital Association.

Toni Lawson, chief advocacy officer for IHA, told the Times-News this week that estimates show 40,000 Idahoans on Medicaid could lose coverage due to new criteria in the bill, such as work requirements.

Its not necessarily because those folks arent working, Lawson said, but they might struggle to navigate the paperwork and bureaucratic hoops to jump through.

On top of that, an estimated 35,000 Idahoans with coverage on the health care exchange will no longer be able to afford that care, she said, as the new legislation removes a tax credit.

But uninsured people still need healthcare, Lawson said, and as more folks head to the hospital without the ability to pay, hospitals will end up eating those costs.

Ultimately, its the hospital that ends up not being reimbursed, Lawson said.

Small hospitals, such as the 25-bed Cassia Regional, were already running on tight margins before Congress passed the bill, she said, and anything that adds to that challenge of keeping their heads above water is very serious.

Before we see hospital closures, I think youll probably see hospitals cutting services, Lawson said.

An unlimited number of scenarios

Spokespeople for St. Lukes and Intermountain Health, which operates Cassia Regional, told the Times-News their organizations are currently reviewing the impacts the massive bill will have on their finances and patients.

St. Lukes has been very proactive in trying to prep for, really, an unlimited number of scenarios, St. Lukes spokesperson Kelly Franson said. If this happens, then what?

Intermountain Health, according to a written statement, will continue to work with policymakers to mitigate the adverse health insurance coverage and funding elements of the bill.

While Intermountain Health is a resilient, fiscally responsible organization, Medicaid enrollment and funding play a critical role in our ability to care for our growing communities, particularly those that are most vulnerable, Intermountain Health stated.

There are benefits to being part of a large health system.

Brain surgery in Boise and vascular surgery in Twin Falls, Kern said, have helped St. Lukes Health System maintain a margin between 4% and 6%.

According to Lawson, many rural hospitals operate on less than a 1% margin.

But the Medicaid cuts within the Big Beautiful Bill might tighten that margin for St. Lukes, Kern said, and the Jerome Medical Center would be competing against the needs of the system.

Without margin, you cant invest, Kern said. You cant build new clinics, you cant meet the needs of the community. Thats the tension.

St. Lukes, in 2024, purchased 16.8 acres in Jerome for $2.4 million with plans to eventually build a new hospital to replace the aging facility.

The Medicaid cuts, Kern said, will likely delay those plans.

Who is on Medicaid?

There is often a misunderstanding, Kern said, about who is on Medicaid.

Its children, people with disabilities, the working poor and elderly folks with Medicare who live in poverty.

When we think about who gets kicked off the rolls of Medicaid, it is working citizens of the Magic Valley disproportionately and not what, I think, sometimes becomes a talking point of this sort of lazy, nonworking person who is leeching off the system, Kern said. Its really just people who are working low-paying jobs in our community.

As Idahoans are kicked off Medicaid, hospitals like St. Lukes will have to pay for more charity care, Kern said.

Last year, St. Lukes Health System paid out $50 million in charity care, including $15.2 million in Twin Falls.

We all lose access

As hospitals evaluate the impacts of the bill, Lawson said some may eventually have to cut programs and services.

If that happens, it wont just be folks on Medicaid who pay the price.

What we all need to remember is if a hospital cuts services, they dont just cut services for Medicaid patients or uninsured patients, Lawson said. Those services are cut for everyone. We all lose access.

Rural hospitalas are extremely resilient, she said, and will do everything to provide services in their communities. But in the long term, Lawson said its possible that some rural hospitals in Idaho may close because of the Medicaid cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill.

Its not out of the question, she said.

On top of the new cuts from the bill, Lawson said hospitals in Idaho are already dealing with workforce shortages and increases in drug prices as well as delays, denials and appeals from commercial payers.

Its getting harder and harder to find good news to talk about, she said.

Hospitals are going to do everything they can to preserve access to care, Lawson said. I just dont know in some cases if it will be enough.
Flies landing on food, very sticky floors, discolored salami, employees who ignored proper hand-washing practices, a business dumping dirty water in an alley, expired pain medications for sale and more are among violations Kansas Department of Agriculture inspectors discovered during recent food safety and lodging inspections in the Wichita area.

Each week, The Eagle adds to its searchable database of failed inspections from Sedgwick County. Seven restaurants, hotels and other businesses were non-compliant with state regulations from July 6-12.

Inspectors found few or no violations at more than 50 other locations deemed compliant with food safety and lodging rules.

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Inspections are meant to protect the public from foodborne illnesses and other health risks. Locations can fail if they have too many problems, certain types of violations or issues that cant be fixed right away.

Violations are common. Most of the time, businesses correct issues in front of an inspector. Examples of things that can be addressed immediately are serving food thats more than a week old, employees mishandling ingredients and dirty kitchens. Issues that take longer to correct include pest infestations, power outages and plumbing problems.

Its rare, but a business may be temporarily shut down over violations.

Places that fail are usually reinspected within 10 days.

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The list in this report was compiled on July 15 using information available from the state on that date. It covers Sedgwick County only.

But you can search food and lodging inspection results elsewhere in Kansas at https://foodsafety.kda.ks.gov/FoodSafety/Web/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx.

File

Out-of-compliance inspections

Bobalicious at Towne East Square, 7700 E. Kellogg Drive in Wichita  Twelve violations on July 7 during a routine inspection. Employee touched cellphone then made drinks without changing gloves, gallon of milk held at improper temperature, no chlorine sanitizer test strips available, no paper towels at front hand-washing sink, floors throughout establishment are very sticky, buildup of trash and food debris, no written plan for cleaning vomit or diarrhea, cooked boba held at improper temperature, opened container of heavy whipping cream was not dated, non-dairy creamer and clean pots stored on floor, employee touched face then made drink without washing hands, no probe thermometer, no soap at hand-washing sinks. Next inspection: July 17

Dillons Marketplace, 1624 N. Rock Road in Derby  Seven violations on July 10 during a routine inspection. Approximately 10-15 flies in deli and bakery areas with flies landing on food, five packages of expired Advil Liqui-Gels on sales shelves, cracked lid on Blue Ribbon Neapolitan ice cream, flies landing on two doughnuts being placed on baking sheets, discolored genoa salami in retail deli case, high heat dish machine didnt get hot enough to sanitize dishes, leaking atmospheric vacuum breaker on mop sink faucet in supply area, buildup of grease and debris in drains throughout deli area. Next inspection: July 20

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Fu Bing Petroleum, 248 S. Hillside in Wichita  One violation on July 10 during a follow-up inspection. Repeat violation for water not being hot enough at any water outlet in the building. Next inspection: July 20

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 13303 W. Maple, Suite 105 in Wichita  Nine violations on July 9 during a routine inspection. No written plan for cleaning vomit or diarrhea, chicken and cabbage werent labeled with the time they were removed from heat or refrigeration, raw shrimp stored above cream cheese and raw eggs stored above vegetables in walk-in cooler, no paper towels at kitchen hand-washing sink, dumplings and meats stored in non-food grade bags and containers, improper cleaning for equipment that is too large to fit in sink, residential insecticide spray used in commercial kitchen, employee handled dirty dishes then ready-to-eat vegetables without hand-washing, dishes rinsed and stored without proper washing and sanitizing. Next inspection: July 19

Los Habaneros Mexican Food (mobile vendor/food truck), 720 S. Royal in Wichita  Two violations on July 11 during a modified complaint inspection. Water wasnt hot enough at four-compartment sink due to blown fuse in water heater, hand-washing sink blocked by several food containers. Next inspection: July 21

Sams Southern Eatery, 2706 N. Amidon in Wichita  Three violations on July 9 during a follow-up inspection. Potato salad and coleslaw werent kept cold enough in cold make table, no working food probe thermometer on site, rice and macaroni and cheese were stored in T-shirt to-go bags instead of food-grade containers in hot well metal pans. Next inspection: Sept. 8

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TPS Midwest, 3108 E. 31st St. South in Wichita  Two violations on July 7 during a follow-up inspection. The business doesnt have a location to fill or dispose of mop water and has instead been dumping the dirty water in the alley, repeat violation for the wall faucet near meat department having no drain. Next inspection: Sept. 7

Where to complain

If you see problems at a food or lodging establishment, you can file a complaint.

To notify the state about unsavory or questionable conditions anywhere that serves or sells food to the public, email kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767. You can also file a complaint at www.foodsafetykansas.org.

To report an illness you think was caused by a restaurant, food or event where food was served, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317 or www.foodsafetykansas.org.

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Complaints about conditions at hotels and motels can be submitted at www.agriculture.ks.gov/public-resources/comments-complaints/lodging-complaint.

For more information about foodborne illnesses, visit www.foodsafety.gov.

Note: Sometimes addresses listed  especially for mobile vendors and food trucks  are not where food is actually served to the public. Contact those establishments directly for specific service locations.

The violation summaries were compiled and drafted with the help of AI tools. They were fact-checked for accuracy and edited by Wichita Eagle journalists.

Gnats in liquor, fly on sushi, roaches, license issue at Wichita KS restaurants

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Cockroaches, flies, filthy kitchens, contamination risk at Wichita KS restaurants

Mouse poop, urine odor, mold, black sewage, bugs at Wichita KS restaurants, hotel

Rodent poop, cockroach in booth, old cannoli, bugs at Wichita KS restaurants
A measure prohibiting vessel searches that stem from safety inspections on the water is among a slew of laws to be enacted in Florida this week.

It halts a long-running practice in which state and local marine law enforcement could stop boaters and board their vessels without probable cause.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says long-standing vessel searches have unnecessarily created friction between boaters and law enforcement. The governor signed the bill, which he has dubbed the Boater Freedom Act, at a May news conference in Panama City Beach.

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If youre walking down the street, law enforcement cant just go up to you and stop you and search you, DeSantis said. But, yet, on the water, that really isnt the case.

Opponents of the measure say it takes away a major tool for enforcing fishing rules and deterring poachers  random cooler searches. They worry that fish populations carefully monitored by state biologists could subsequently dwindle.

DeSantis and state Sen. Jay Trumbull, a Panama City Republican who sponsored the bill, have said they expect a different outcome. They predict law enforcement will be free to spend more time and resources going after the few bad actors who are boating recklessly and endangering others on the water.

Its about trusting the vast majority of Floridians who are doing the right thing and letting law enforcement officers focus on those who are truly violating the law, Trumbull said at the same news conference. Were not removing oversight. Were reinforcing fairness.

Bag limits are irrelevant under law

For Matt DePaolis, the environmental policy director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation in Southwest Florida, the new law favors boaters rights over protection of the states marine ecosystem.

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Its a real worry that it will be much easier to get away with poaching now, because it is very difficult to catch someone in the act, DePaolis said. Having the ability to go and do a quick check seemed like an important enforcement mechanism.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a state agency tasked with managing fish populations by setting catch limits and season lengths, is also responsible for upholding those rules through its law enforcement arm. The agency has endorsed DeSantis initiative and is expected to issue guidance on the new law.

Capt. Matthew DallaRosa, a supervisor for the wildlife agencys Tampa Bay area branch, said he isnt concerned that the law will impede officers ability to enforce marine rules.

Weve always conducted regulatory inspections, DallaRosa said. Weve adjusted to a million changes. I dont see any significant impact.

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DePaolis said he would expect the wildlife agency to reduce bag limits if biologists observe a decline in populations.

If they feel confident that theyre able to correctly manage fishery stocks even with this bill, thats great, he said. But I would still be worried that this is an important tool in managing healthy fisheries and stopping poaching that is now being taken away.

Alan S. Richard, a former captain for the wildlife commission and maritime law adjunct professor at Florida State University, recalled one safety inspection he conducted in 1984. He was relieving another officer from his post when he saw a boat spot their patrol vessel and sharply turn away, cutting across the flats where it could have easily run aground.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Capt. Matthew DallaRosa pilots a boat as a boater passes by during a tour in Old Tampa Bay in May.

That maneuver wasnt illegal, but it was suspicious, Richard said. He stopped the boater and waited for backup to arrive. Under the deck, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 486 pounds of cocaine.

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That just wouldnt have happened under this new law, he said.

Richard called the measure an abomination and said he expects it will be repealed in a future legislative session after lawmakers realize their mistake.

He was careful not to speculate on how the wildlife agency and county courts will interpret the law but said it would make officers jobs more difficult  whether that be upholding public safety, busting drug runners or catching poachers.

The law undermines the states conservation efforts, Richard added.

Bag limits are irrelevant if you cant stop a boat and check them, he said.

Private lawyers who defend those accused of fishing violations expect to see fewer charges filed and even fewer that stick.

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Weve had clients where ... theyve caught something they shouldnt, said Ranger Jackson, a Pinellas criminal defense attorney. And if this law was in effect, that wouldnt have gotten off the ground.

But Jackson said fears that the law gives boaters carte blanche to catch whatever illegal fish you want are unfounded.

If youre violating law, if your registration isnt up to date, if youre violating the wake zones, if youre anchored to something that youre not supposed to be, then you can still run into problems, he said.

The search law also seems to apply only to enforcement on the water. Its likely that wildlife officers would keep the power to conduct random searches on boaters returning to public boat ramps as well as those fishing from shore, Jackson said.

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Theres guardrails that are in effect, he said.

Springs, seagrass threatened

Environmental groups have taken issue with other parts of the law, including language that raises the bar for creating protection zones for springs that impose restrictions on speed, anchoring, mooring, beaching and grounding boats.

Under previous rules, the wildlife agency must prove recreational boat use is harming a sensitive spring area to limit boating there. The law will make it so the agency must now prove there is significant harm and that boating is the main cause of that damage.

It has already cast a chilling effect over consideration of a protection zone at one north Florida spring after the wildlife agency pulled its proposal in the wake of the legislation.

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Other parts of the law preempt local governments from banning the sale or use of gas-powered boats. DeSantis cited a California rule  blocked by the Senate in May  that seeks to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.

DePaolis, the environmental policy director, said hes worried the law could be stretched to do away with boat engine restrictions on environmentally sensitive land like manatee zones, seagrass beds and bird rookeries.

If youre saying now that you cant differentiate between energy sources, then it seems like you cant make a canoe or kayak or paddle or sailing-only area, he said. So now its really going to restrict the ability of recreation.

Its the vague language of the bill and its uncertain implications for fisheries and conservation that gives DePaolis pause.

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Boating is about freedom. Florida is about freedom. Its great to not have to worry about the cops breathing down your neck, he said. But at the same time, our environment is a shared resource, and we have tools to manage it. Until we are managing it effectively, we need to be able to utilize those tools.

This story was originally published by the Tampa Bay Times and shared in partnership with the Florida Climate Reporting Network, a multi-newsroom initiative founded by the Miami Herald, the Sun-Sentinel, The Palm Beach Post, the Orlando Sentinel, WLRN Public Media and the Tampa Bay Times
The Brief

The caregiver of an elderly woman found in hazardous and unsanitary conditions was arrested.

According to investigators, the home didn't have running water and the roof and interior walls were collapsing.

The elderly woman, who weighed about 90 pounds, appeared severely neglected, authorities said.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. - The caregiver of an elderly woman found in hazardous and unsanitary conditions was arrested in Florida on Friday, according to deputies.

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The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said Melanie Hess, 56, was arrested for neglect of an elderly, disabled adult without great harm.

READ: Suspected gunman accused in 2017 double murder at Long Boat Keys Zota Beach Resort arrested

What we know

Deputies said they responded to a welfare check on Friday at a home in the 9000 block of Orange Avenue and found the elderly woman living in "extremely hazardous and unsanitary conditions."

According to investigators, the home didn't have running water and the roof and interior walls were collapsing.

Pictured: Melanie Hess. Courtesy: St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.

The elderly woman, who weighed about 90 pounds, appeared severely neglected, authorities said. Deputies found her covered in feces and with other signs that she hadn't bathed for an "extended period." She was also found with insects crawling in and around her hair and body, officials said.

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MORE: Suspect arrested months after Molotov cocktail attack on Lake Wales insurance business

The home was infested with insects and numerous cats, which contributed to the unsafe environment, the sheriff's office said.

Meanwhile, deputies said Hess appeared to be clean, well-fed and unaffected by the conditions inside the home.

The elderly woman was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation. According to deputies, Hess is currently behind bars at the St. Lucie County Jail.

The Source

The information in this story was released by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office on social media.
In a matter of days, a detention camp for undocumented migrants state officials have dubbed Alligator Alcatraz rose out of the mosquito-infested Florida Everglades in time for a visit from President Trump on July 1.

The rapid mobilization of workers and materials was made possible by Florida emergency rules that allow Gov. Ron DeSantis to suspend state laws, building codes and the public, competitive bidding process to award millions of dollars from an account he alone controls.

The governor has used this same disaster pipeline for years to funnel billions of dollars to contractors with political ties to himself and the GOP. Some of those contractors won jobs again when his administration moved quickly this summer to build a detention center in the Everglades.

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Its not Alligator Alcatraz. Its Gator Grift, said state Rep. Fentrice Driskell of Tampa, leader of the Democrat minority in the House.

The states emergency rules gave DeSantis the power to commandeer an airport owned by Miami-Dade County and deploy more than a dozen contractors to erect a tent city that has so far cost taxpayers about $240 million, according to available public records.

State officials said it will cost $450 million a year to operate what is supposed to be a temporary detention facility for up to 3,000 people.

Florida law allows the governor to declare a 60-day emergency, and he has done that after hurricanes, tornadoes and floods and then awarded contracts to companies on a pre-approved vendor list  to repair roads and bridges, clean up debris, and provide food, medical care and temporary shelter to victims.

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DeSantis also has the power to renew those orders every 60 days as long as he deems an emergency exists. And since 2023 he has stretched the meaning of an emergency to include rounding up immigrants and sending them to Marthas Vineyard and California, deploying Florida National Guard troops and state law enforcement officers to the Texas-Mexico border, intercepting people trying to get into Florida by boat, and evacuating Florida residents from Haiti and Israel.

If you ask the every-day Floridian what is an emergency, they would say a hurricane or flooding, not immigration, Driskell said.

The authority to build the new detention center comes from an executive order DeSantis signed in January 2023 declaring an immigration emergency and renewed 15 times since. Under state law, the auditor general is supposed to review all expenditures issued under an emergency order that is more than a year old, but to date no such audit has been conducted.

CDR Health, a longtime state contractor, won a $17.5 million contract to provide medical facilities at the camp. It has contributed nearly $4 million to Republican candidates over the years, and gave $500,000 to a political committee associated with DeSantis in March.

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IRG Global, a spinoff of ARS Global, which has provided millions in hurricane recovery services over the last four years, got three contracts totaling $6.6 million including for shuttle operations, airfield ground control transportation and a flight control manager.

It also received a $19 million contract to evacuate Americans from Israel.

IRG donated $3,000 to Attorney General James Uthmeiers political campaign and $10,000 to the Republican Party of Florida around the same time it got its contracts. IRG, ARS Global and its officers have contributed nearly $400,000 to DeSantis and the GOP.

The biggest contract for Alligator Alcatraz is $78.5 million to Critical Response Strategies for staffing, including $260,000 for a warden, $160,000 for a camp manager and $8.7 million for an unspecified number of corrections officers. Those positions were advertised on Indeed.com.

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CRS has previously done around $70 million in business with the state, mostly for medical staffing. Will Adkins, a manager of CRS, donated $240 to DeSantis in 2021 and 2022.

None of the businesses hired to build, staff and run the detention center appear to have any prior experience operating corrections facilities.

DeSantis and his administration have touted the quickly built detention center as a model for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to use in other states as it works to fulfill the presidents orders to deport thousands of undocumented immigrations.

Within a week we had this facility set up, DeSantis said. Florida set the standard for doing this swiftly, defying expectations of what the government can do.

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Its hard to understand the full scope of the work on the 39-acre site that was a former airport strip because of inaccuracies on a public contract database.

One contract in the database, for example, said $36.8 million was awarded to Loving Touch Services  a defunct hair salon in Boynton Beach. It was actually a contract for Longview International Technological Solutions, which was awarded it to build roads and fences, among other things.

The state fixed the error after an Orlando Sentinel reporter pointed it out.

The reporter also pointed out other irregularities. For instance, the Longview contract includes a line item of $5.95 million for Lemoine CDR, an affiliate of CDR Health. One of two contracts originally listed for CDR Health also included a $21.1 million line item for Gothams, a technology company that gave $50,000 to a political action committee associated with DeSantis.

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The Division of Emergency Management did not answer questions about those inaccuracies but removed more than a dozen contracts from the public site.

The lack of transparency and the bypass of competitive bidding makes it difficult to know if citizens are getting the most bang for their buck, said Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg area Republican and former state senator who started his own think tank after leaving the senate in 2022.

I have no doubt that we are not getting the best price, said Brandes, who has made a reputation for himself as an expert on prison reform. This facility will cost eight to 10 times what it costs to have a typical inmate in a Florida prison.

DeSantis and his allies have defended the project, saying the federal government did not have the manpower and facilities to process so many undocumented immigrants. They asked us for help on that, DeSantis said at a news conference earlier this week.

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The most recent accounts said there were about 750 detainees at the Everglades camp, which will eventually be able to house up to 4,000 people. DHS has started moving in a significant number of people, and starting to deport people too, DeSantis said Thursday in Jacksonville.

The Everglades camp is designed to be a way station for detainees, a quick processing center, with a runway right there to send people back to their home country.

DeSantis said his goal is to fill the Everglades facility before starting work on a second detention center at Camp Blanding, a military base southwest of Jacksonville thats used as a training camp for the Florida National Guard and once housed 4,000 German POWs after WWII.

In contrast to the no-bid contracts issued for the Everglades camp, DeSantis said the state requested proposals for the Camp Blanding one. I believe there are a number of bids from people.

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He did not explain why the Camp Blanding project would be done differently.

Most of the money for Alligator Alcatraz comes from a $500 million emergency fund first approved by the Legislature in 2022. The money was agreed to despite misgivings from several Democrats and some Republicans about the lack of specificity about its purpose and a lack of fiscal oversight.

And when Sen. Jason Pizzo, a former Democrat, asked if immigration initiatives would fall under that fund, bill sponsor Sen. Danny Burgess, a Republican from Tampa Bay, gave a noncommittal response. I am not going to speculate about the myriad of disasters that are out there, Burgess said.

The Legislature has continued to give DeSantis his $500 million a year emergency fund, in addition to hundreds of millions more when hes run through that allotment. He also has a $14.6 billion rainy day fund to tap into for emergencies.

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In the past, contractors with political ties also got state work, with ARS Global, for example, signing a contract in 2023 to provide migrant relocation services, six months after donating nearly $100,000 to DeSantis reelection campaign.

We watched as Republicans gave DeSantis whatever he wanted  as he built a national profile as he prepared to run for President, Driskell said. Now we see the governor use this slush fund with no oversight to pay for these political stunts.

With the money spent to build the Everglades detention center, the state could end its teacher shortage, pay for storm-water improvements, fix the property insurance crisis or solve housing affordability, she added.

We were told to wait when it comes to those issues, but the governor is able to spring to action and get this done, she said.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Louisiana State Police and the West Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office responded to a fatal crash on I-10 East near milepost 150 on Friday, July 18.

Troopers said Jose Vasquez, 47, of Citrus Springs, Florida, was killed in a single-vehicle crash involving a 2005 Freightliner tractor-trailer.

According to LSP, the vehicle veered off the left side of the interstate, entered the median, struck a cable barrier, and overturned. Vasquez died at the scene.

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It is unknown whether he was wearing a seat belt at the time. A routine toxicology sample was collected for analysis.

Authorities were called to the scene around 5:15 p.m. The roadway was cleared by 9:40 p.m. The investigation remains ongoing.

31 injured outside LA club after car rams into crowd

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
The Brief

Florida senators reintroduced the "Flood Insurance Relief Act" on Thursday.

The bill builds on Sen. Rick Scotts legislative package to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The bill aims to help ease the financial burden of rising flood insurance costs in Florida and across the nation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Florida senators have reintroduced the "Flood Insurance Relief Act" to provide tax relief for Americans in the Sunshine State and beyond with a non-refundable tax deduction on flood insurance premiums paid through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through private insurers.

What is the Flood Insurance Relief Act?

What we know

On Thursday, Florida Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody reintroduced the "Flood Insurance Relief Act." Congressman Byron Donalds is leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

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The act aims to provide tax relief for Americans with a non-refundable tax deduction on flood insurance premiums paid through the NFIP or through private insurers. Legislators said the bill will help ease the financial burden of rising flood insurance costs for Americans in Florida and across the nation.

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This legislation builds on Scotts legislative package to reform the NFIP, which he said will help lower the cost of flood insurance for families, foster a stronger private market and ensure the insurance system better serves Florida families.

The package includes:

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The Flood Insurance Transparency Act: Requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make detailed historic claims, policy and flood risk data available to the public and easily accessible, while protecting personal information as required by law.

The Flood Insurance Consumer Choice Act: Amends the NFIPs "Continuous Coverage" requirement and allows NFIP policyholders who leave the program to purchase a private policy to return to the NFIP without penalty.

The Removing Barriers to Private Flood Insurance Act: Permanently eliminates the NFIPs Write Your Own (WYO) company non-compete clause, which currently prohibits WYO companies from selling private flood insurance products that compete with NFIP products.

The Residential Emergency Asset Accumulation Deferred Taxation Yield (READY) Account Act: Allows taxpayers to establish a tax-free savings account specifically for home mitigation and disaster recovery expenses.

An aerial view shows a police vehicle driving along a flooded street in New Port Richey, Florida, on August 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)

Families shouldnt have to choose between protecting their homes and putting food on the table

What they're saying

Sen. Scott said Floridians know well that flood insurance can be a crucial but costly asset, and he believes it's unacceptable that many are left struggling to find flood insurance coverage they can afford.

"Families shouldnt have to choose between protecting their homes and putting food on the table," he said. "Ive been working on several bills to fix the broken NFIP system and encourage private-sector participation to allow for a more robust, affordable flood insurance market, but we must do more to help families ASAP. My Flood Insurance Relief Act offers a practical way to directly ease the financial burden of flood insurance for families by allowing a tax deduction on their premiums, whether through the NFIP or the private market."

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Moody said many people continue to express their worries about the rising cost of flood insurance as she travels around Florida. She said the new bill is a "critical solution that will directly benefit Floridians."

"For far too long, the rising cost of flood insurance has crushed hardworking Floridians," Donalds said. "This is unacceptable, this must change, and this critical issue must be addressed to ensure our economy works for all Americans. The time for action is now, and Im proud to join Sen. Rick Scott in introducing the Flood Insurance Relief Act to provide this overdue relief to policyholders across our Southwest Florida community, the Sunshine State and the nation."

The Source

This story was written based on information shared in a press release from Sens. Rick Scot and Ashley Moody on July 17, 2025.
Police in Miami have accused a 20-year-old woman of luring men into hotel rooms before pepper-spraying and robbing them of their luxury watches.

Esther Maria Torres was arrested in May on two counts of armed robbery in connection with a pair of incidents that occurred earlier in the year, according to Local 10 News.

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On March 26, police say Torres entered a room at the Breakwater Hotel with a tourist, sprayed him and took his Hugo Boss watch and wallet. Four days later, she allegedly pulled a similar trick at the Fontainebleau, this time lifting a Rolex Submariner worth $22,000.

Police bodycam footage obtained by Local 10 News shows the moment Torres was arrested.

Predator and prey

Local 10 News reports that police say Torres was identified via surveillance video and a traffic stop in April that led to the arrest of a man driving a car tied to one of the robberies, and Torres later arrived at the scene.

A judge ordered Torres be held without bond following her arrest.

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According to another report by WSVN 7News, investigators had recruited the help of Mitch Novick, owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel, who captured surveillance footage of the suspect.

We have a predator, and shes preying on male victims, Novak told the local broadcaster.

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 can you protect yourself?

Crimes of opportunity happen without prior planning and occur when offenders seize on a chance to act. This can result in robbery if a vulnerable target is identified or valuable items are spotted. Common items stolen in these crimes can include phones, laptops, wallets, designer wear and bicycles.

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Tourism hotspots can be paradise for thieves. Theres distraction everywhere and people tend to let their guard down when theyre on vacation. Its important to stay vigilant, even if youre there to relax. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your belongings:

Keep any valuables out of sight or locked away.

Dont wear flashy items if youre alone or out late.

Watch out for overly friendly strangers.

If youre with friends, make sure at least one person is watching everyones stuff

Dont leave bags or packages visible in your car, even for a short time

If you're partying in paradise, keep your eyes on more than just the ocean view to keep your belongings in their rightful place.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Just days after a Florida woman spent a week behind bars over a dispute with her homeowners association (HOA), shes now at risk of losing her home altogether. And shes not alone.

Irena Green, who was jailed for seven days over seemingly minor infractions like dry grass, a dented garage door, and a dirty mailbox, is now facing foreclosure from her HOA. Her story, which began as a lawn care complaint in the Creek View neighborhood near Tampa, has ignited widespread outrage over how far HOAs can go.

But now, other Creek View residents are coming forward, claiming they too are being targeted and overwhelmed, not by unpaid mortgages, but by mounting HOA legal fees.

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I said what foreclosure? Homeowner Shonia Cruz Munoz said to local outlet ABC Action News, who says she was blindsided by a lawsuit over the color of her homes paint.

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A growing number of HOA battles  and rising legal bills

At the heart of the dispute is how Creek Views HOA board has enforced its 67 pages of rules and regulations covering everything from trash bins to lawn care. Homeowners say the HOA has outsourced enforcement to a property manager and a law firm that are relentless in cracking down on even the smallest violations.

Greens case began with notices about her lawn. Then came complaints about a commercial van in her driveway. She tried to address the issues but missed a court date she says she was never properly notified about, and ended up in jail for contempt of court.

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Now, she's facing foreclosure over unpaid HOA dues and, more critically, legal fees.

A February court filing showed Green owed $12,295, with $9,400 of that being attorney fees. On top of that, she still owes $3,300 in a separate HOA case.

They locked me out of the account. I was reaching out to them Green said, adding that shed lost her job while caring for her sick mother.

Neighbor Shonia Cruzs story follows a similar arc: a dispute over faded paint escalated into a legal battle, even after she repainted her home and tried to follow instructions. She claims to have painted her house three times since 2015. Nobody paints their house that many times.

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Eventually, Shonia agreed to a settlement, paying off thousands in legal fees in monthly installments to avoid foreclosure.

And its not just them.

Other neighbors say theyve received citations for toy wagons left outside, mildew on mailboxes, and sod that wasnt green enough  sometimes served on weekends or with barely any time to respond.

He would ride through here really slow in his truck. He had his clipboard in his lap, one neighbor said of the property manager. If he was going to write you up, hed stop in front of your house.

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

What can you do if your HOA goes too far?

Homeowners associations can offer structure and protect property values, but they can also carry significant risks. When disputes escalate, they can lead to court appearances, liens and even foreclosure. Heres how to protect yourself before you end up in a similar situation:

1. Read the HOA bylaws thoroughly

Before buying in a community with an HOA, get a copy of the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions). Understand what's allowed, whats not, and how fines, violations, and legal actions are handled.

2. Document everything

If you're cited for a violation, take photos and keep detailed notes. Save every notice, email, and communication with the HOA or its property manager. This can be crucial if you end up in court.

3. Dont ignore court dates

Greens jail time stemmed from missing a court hearing. Whether you agree with the violation or not, never miss a court date. Hire legal help if needed, even a short consultation can help you navigate the process and avoid bigger problems.

4. Watch out for legal fees

HOAs often pass legal fees onto the homeowner, and those costs can spiral quickly. If your HOA hires a third-party law firm, even small matters can rack up thousands of dollars in legal costs. Consider negotiating a settlement early before things escalate.

5. Know your rights and when to fight back

If the board is really handing the keys to the property manager, thats when problems start, said attorney David Lehr, who represents homeowners in HOA disputes. Residents may have recourse through mediation, state complaint processes, or civil suits, but acting early is key.

Bottom line

HOAs can play a helpful role in community upkeep, but they can also act with surprising power, especially when enforcement is outsourced and unchecked. As Greens case shows, it doesnt take much for a lawn violation to snowball into legal trouble and financial distress.

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If they decide that you need to do something, you need to follow the rules, said Paul Boudreaux, a professor at Stetson Law School. And when a judge tells you to do something, you have to do it.

For anyone living in an HOA community, or thinking of buying into one, its worth remembering: the fine print can cost you more than you think.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
NBC News learned from sources around the White House that President Trump is frustrated with Attorney General Pam Bondi for having to bear the brunt of criticism in the Epstein saga. New York Times Chief White House Correspondent and MSNBC political analyst Peter Baker, former state attorney for Palm Beach County, FL, Dave Aronberg, and NBC News White House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor join Alex Witt to discuss the latest developments.
More than two dozen refugees from Bhutan have been left in a unique legal limbo after they were deported by the US back to the tiny Himalayan nation they once fled  only for it to reject them a second time.

The refugees are Lhotshampa, a Nepali-speaking ethnic minority who were expelled from Bhutan in the 1990s. After decades in refugee camps in eastern Nepal, more than 100,000 of them were legally resettled in the US, Australia, Canada and other countries under a UN-led program that began in 2007.

Until very recently, the US had not deported a single person to Bhutan in years, according to data from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), because the Bhutanese government was unwilling to repatriate its refugees, who were stripped of their citizenship when they fled.

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But since March, more than two dozen Lhotshampa have been deported from the US back to Bhutan  though the country is still refusing to take them in, according to several deportees, advocates and the Nepali government. Many have ended up back in the same Nepal refugee camps where as children they dreamed of a better life abroad.

Ramesh Sanyasi, 24, was born in a refugee camp and migrated to the US when he was 10 years old with his parents and older sister. Sanyasi was living in Pennsylvania, a hub for refugees from Bhutan, and working in an Amazon warehouse until last year, when he said he was arrested while borrowing his friends car during a night out.

Sanyasi was convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and handing false ID to law enforcement, court records show. In April of this year, after spending eight months in jail, Sanyasi said he was put on a one-way flight to New Delhi, India, then to Paro, Bhutan.

When he arrived in Bhutan, he said, local authorities took him and two other refugees to the border with India, where they paid someone to take the men to Panitanki, a town on the India-Nepal border, giving the deportees 30,000 Indian rupees (about $350) each.

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Sanyasi said he and the other deportees paid someone to smuggle them across the Mechi River into Nepal.

Life here is tough. Im living without any identification documents, which makes everything challenging. I cant even withdraw money sent by relatives because I lack proper ID, Sanyasi told CNN in an interview from Beldangi refugee camp, where he is now staying.

My days are spent idly, with no clear purpose or direction, Sanyasi said. For now, Im surviving on money sent from the US, but once that runs out, I dont know what will happen. His sister, mother and father all remain in the US.

Sanyasi and the other deportees were not undocumented and came to the US legally. Most  if not all  have been convicted of crimes of varying severity, though many served their full sentences before being deported. Under US law, non-citizens can lose their visas if convicted of certain crimes.

Ramesh Sanyasi, 24, was born in a refugee camp in Nepal and resettled in the US with his family when he was 10 years old. - Chiranjivi Ghimire/CNN

They now find themselves in an extraordinary diplomatic gray zone, with no documentation for either the US, Bhutan or Nepal, where many are currently residing.

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Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Nepal-based president of the International Institute for Human Rights, Environment and Development, estimates 30 people have been deported by the US to Bhutan so far, while at least two dozen more are in detention facilities awaiting deportation.

All the refugees deported to Bhutan were expelled to India once they arrived, Siwakoti said. Most of them made their way to Nepal, though some are still in India. Many are in hiding, he said.

Four of the US deportees have now been ordered deported by a second country, after they were arrested and briefly detained by the Nepali government for crossing the border illegally. However, Tikaram Dhakal, the director of Nepals Department of Immigration, told CNN it has nowhere to deport these people.

We are in a dilemma: the US is unlikely to accept them back, and deporting them to Bhutan is not straightforward either.

Nowhere to go

Bhutan, a small Buddhist kingdom of roughly 800,000 nestled between India and Tibet in the Himalayas, is often revered for its sustainable approach to tourism and national happiness index, but it has a dark history of crackdowns on ethnic minorities.

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In the late 1970s, the government of Bhutan began cracking down on ethnic Nepalis who had migrated to southern Bhutan in the 19th century, introducing a series of discriminatory policies designed to exclude Lhotshampa.

From 1989, the government pushed the Bhutanization of the country by enforcing a dress code and banning the Nepali language, aggressively clamping down on anyone who resisted. Faced with abuse, threats and coercion, the Lhotshampa fled.

It has long been a bedrock of US and international law not to send someone to a country where they could face persecution. But the administration of US President Donald Trump has increasingly deported people to states with grave human rights records, such as Libya and South Sudan.

Siwakoti said it was a mistake on the part of the US government to deport the Lhotshampa back to Bhutan, because these people dont have a country.

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These peoples belonging, their existence, their ownership of the country, was completely written off  formally, legally  by the Royal Government of Bhutan, Siwakoti said. They became completely stateless.

Rejected by Bhutan, several US deportees have now returned to the refugee camp where they lived as children. - Chiranjivi Ghimire/CNN

The Nepali government says it can't accept US deportees  but they have nowhere else to go. - Chiranjivi Ghimire/CNN

Bhutan has refused to receive Lhotshampa refugees. But during Trumps presidency, countries that have historically accepted few  if any  deportees from the US are now opening their doors, under pressure of sanctions and tariffs.

Bhutan was initially included in a draft red list prepared by US diplomatic and security officials of 11 countries whose citizens would be barred from entering the US, which was published in March by The New York Times.

But when the final list of 19 countries targeted for full or partial travel bans was released in June, Bhutan was not included.

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The first deportation flight from the US to Bhutan was at the end of March.

Siwakoti said he believes Bhutan accepted the deportees to appease the US, but never intended to let them stay.

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions from CNN.

A US State Department spokesperson said it would not discuss its diplomatic communications with other governments.

Foreign governments will make decisions regarding the immigration status of aliens removed from the United States in accordance with their respective domestic laws and international obligations, the spokesperson said.

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CNN was unable to reach Bhutans Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment. The Consulate of Bhutan in New York did not respond to an email request from CNN.

Dhakal, the Nepali government official, said Nepal cannot accept the refugees and is currently in discussions with the US government to come up with a solution.

Family separation is not a solution

The Beldangi camp looks different from when Ashish Subedi last lived here a decade ago. There is electricity; his fathers bamboo hut is now fortified with metal; and running water comes from a tap, rather than a well. Dogs, cows and chickens roam the dusty roads.

Subedi never imagined he would be back here, in the same place where he and his family took refuge years ago. Subedi was convicted of a felony sexual offense in Ohio in 2022, according to court records, and served his two-year sentence before he was deported back to Bhutan in March.

Ashish Subedi has now been ordered deported from a second country, after Nepal said he and other deportees couldn't stay. - Chiranjivi Ghimire/CNN

Subedi and other refugees are not permitted to leave the Beldangi refugee camp. - Chiranjivi Ghimire/CNN

He is among the deportees who were arrested by Nepali authorities, though they were eventually released from detention after Subedis father filed a habeas corpus petition with Nepals Supreme Court.

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Without travel documents, it is unlikely he and the others will be expelled from Nepal anytime soon. In the meantime, the government is not permitting them to leave the refugee camps.

We are living in darkness, with no clear path forward, Subedi told CNN. The lack of documentation and restricted movement make it nearly impossible to rebuild our lives. We feel trapped, with limited options and a constant sense of insecurity.

Subedi said he hopes to return to the US, where his wife and 3-year-old daughter still live.

Being sent back to Bhutan is not an option for us  it would likely mean imprisonment, he said.

Ashish Subedi has noticed some changes since he last lived in the refugee camp a decade ago. His father's hut now has electricity and running water. - Chiranjivi Ghimire/CNN

Back in the US, the recent deportations have sent shock waves through communities of Bhutanese refugees.

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Tilak Niroula, a refugee and community leader in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, said Bhutanese refugees have embraced life in the US and laid down roots there.

Since we were forcefully evicted from Bhutan, and we do not have a country to call home, we call this country, the US, our home, he said.

Niroula said he and other advocates want anyone who commits a crime to face justice  but insists deportation isnt the answer.

If somebody got involved in any kind of criminal activities, we do have a due process, he said.

Family separation is not a solution.

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Jul. 18The Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks received news this week that the Rev. Alphonsus Afina is still alive after he was ambushed and abducted by Boko Haram on June 2. Afina served as a priest in Alaska from 2017 to 2024.

The Rev. Robert Fath, the vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks, said the news was confirmed by the Rev. Yakudu Aidan, who works in the diocese. Aidan had received word from friends in the Diocese of Maiduguri  Afina's home diocese  that Afina was still alive, Fath said Friday.

Afina and others had been traveling via car in northern Nigeria when they were ambushed and abducted, Fath has said.

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"An individual who escaped was able to let us know that he was still alive," Fath said. "Then ... Father Alphonsus was also able to speak to his diocese again." Afina's call to his home diocese confirmed the news from the escapee that Afina was still alive.

Fath explained that he had been told it was quite uncommon to hear from those abducted by Boko Haram. Boko Haram has targeted Christian and Muslim communities with violence against the Nigerian government, with a goal to create an Islamic state, since 2009.

"This is ... an exceptional, extraordinary circumstance that he's been able, twice now, to speak to his diocese," Fath said.

During his 6 1/2 years serving in Alaska, Afina served in Fairbanks, Nome, Kotzebue, Little Diomede, Teller, Saint Michael, Stebbins and Unalakleet.

Fath said that prayers for Afina and others "who are suffering because of their religious beliefs" will continue.
A former Blakely police officer who resigned in May amid animal abuse charges faces new counts after authorities said he stalked his ex-girlfriend while illegally possessing multiple firearms with an active protective order against him.

Lackawanna County Detectives arrested Anthony Mercado, 35, 603 Hickory St., Peckville, on Thursday, charging him with four felony counts of possessing a firearm with an active protection-from-abuse order, or PFA, against him and two misdemeanor stalking counts, according to charging documents. Detectives also filed a contempt charge against Mercado on Friday, according to a court docket. Last week, Jessup police charged Mercado with two misdemeanor harassment counts and a summary offense count of harassment, according to a criminal complaint.

Mercado was previously charged on June 5 by the Humane Society of Lackawanna County with misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals and neglect of animals after Humane Society Officer Marci Zeiler received an April 29 report of a dog in poor condition at Mercados home, including an attached photo of what appeared to be an emaciated dog, according to a criminal complaint. The following day, Zeiler and Police Chief Guy Salerno accompanied Mercado to his Hickory Street home, where they found three dogs, two of which were dirty and scored a 4 out of 9 on a body condition score scale; a third dog  a boxer named Reya  scored 1 out of 9, according to the arrest paperwork. Zeiler reported that every bone in her body was visible, and she had an open sore with extreme swelling on her front right paw, open sores on her front left paw and urine staining her paws, according to the complaint.

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Salerno declined to comment on the new charges Friday because Mercado is no longer with his department. Mercado resigned May 29 prior to facing disciplinary action within the department stemming from the animal abuse charges, Salerno said.

On July 10, Mercados ex-girlfriend contacted Jessup police to make a complaint about harassment from Mercado, Officer Zachary Wargula wrote in a criminal complaint. The woman sent police several screenshots showing messages from Mercado through various modes of communication, despite telling him several times that she wanted to be left alone, police said. Mercado attempted to contact the woman through email, his cellphone and multiple fake numbers after she blocked his other methods of communication, according to Jessup police. Mercado continuously asked the woman to speak to him, unblock him and talk things out; she told him numerous times to leave her alone, Wargula wrote in the complaint.

Mercado also made vague threats to send revealing pictures and/or other information to her employer if she did not communicate with him, police said.

Mercados ex-girlfriend obtained a PFA against Mercado on July 10, and Lackawanna County sheriffs deputies served him with the paperwork the same day, according to county detectives.

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A week later, Lackawanna County Detectives filed additional charges after the Blakely Police Department received a complaint regarding a PFA violation against Mercado, according to a criminal complaint. Blakely police felt it was a conflict of interest and sent their reports and information to the Lackawanna County District Attorneys Office, Detective Joseph M. Blazosek wrote in the arrest paperwork.

The woman met with Blazosek on Wednesday, telling him that she and Mercado began dating in 2022. She tried to break up with him in 2023 but stayed out of fear because of his behavior, she told detectives. Mercado told her that if she ever left him, he would kill her, according to the criminal complaint. Mercado demanded  and received  access to all of her social media accounts and had her location active on his phone at all times, detectives said.

His ex-girlfriend told detectives that he would often drive by her home in Jessup while he was on duty in a marked police vehicle, as well as using unmarked, undercover police vehicles, according to the complaint. Mercado also told his ex-girlfriend that he would use the Blakely Police Departments license plate reader to see if her vehicle had traveled through Blakely, according to detectives.

When she tried to break up with him in May after his animal abuse charges came to light, Mercado called her 70-plus times and used texting apps to message her after she blocked his number, according to the complaint. She told him she would contact his police chief if he didnt stop driving past her house, but he responded that he didnt care and had nothing left to lose, according to the criminal complaint.

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He also told her he had pictures, messages and information about her and her family that he will use against her if need be, according to detectives.

The woman told detectives she was picking up food at a restaurant on Main Street in Peckville on Sunday when she spotted Mercado at a car wash across the street. When she left the restaurant, Mercado followed her through town until she arrived at the traffic light from Terrace Drive onto Business Route 6 before he turned around and drove off; the woman reported the incident to Blakely police, who referred it to the district attorneys office, according to the complaint.

On Wednesday, Mercados ex-girlfriend said she and her mother were having dinner at a restaurant on Main Avenue in Taylor before going to West Scranton to dog sit. When they turned around on a side street, they spotted Mercados black GMC SUV parked nearby, causing his ex-girlfriend to fear he had placed a tracking device on her vehicle, according to detectives.

Detectives went to Mercados Hickory Street home on Thursday to serve a warrant and took him into custody without incident, according to a criminal complaint for firearms offenses. Mercados fiancee, Melissa Zawicki, who was also previously charged with misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and abuse, told detectives there were firearms in the house with Mercados police uniforms, prompting detectives to get a search warrant for his home, according to the complaint.

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Detectives executed the search warrant Thursday night, finding and seizing an AR-15 rifle, two Glock handguns and a .22-caliber long rifle, according to the complaint. Mercado is prohibited from possessing or acquiring firearms for the duration of his PFA, detectives said.

Mercado is in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail with a preliminary hearing July 28 at 10:30 a.m.
JUNIATA COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries (CPYM) released a statement as one of their former officials faces federal charges that accuse him of possessing and attempting to produce child pornography.

Daniel Reed allegedly set up a hidden camera that took photos of teen girls showering in a bathroom at the CPYM facility in Juniata County, according to court documents filed Wednesday in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

In a statement, CPYM said it notified law enforcement right away upon releasing Reed, and that their utmost concern is the safety and well-being of students:

It is with great sadness that we share the following information. Until now, we have been unable to communicate publicly without first having confirmed facts. In December, Daniel Reed, The Juniata County youth director, was released from his duties with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries due to sexual misconduct. At that time, we immediately notified the proper authorities, who began a formal investigation. Since then, we have fully cooperated with the investigation and will continue to do so alongside the authorities and those affected. As a ministry, our utmost concern is for the safety and well-being of the students in our care. We invite you to join us in prayer for all individuals involved in this difficult situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to me, Shirey Little, Executive Director, I am willing to speak with you directly and answer any questions that you may have. I can be reached at (717) 395-0058. Shirey Little, Executive Director, Central Penn Youth Ministries

The charges filed state Reed was an assistant director at the youth ministries and was fired in December after a woman came forward alleging she was groomed into a sexual relationship with him when she was a teenager.

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When the investigation began in January, court documents show an official with CPYM reported to Pennsylvania State Police they found a peep hole in a second-floor hallway closet that looks into a bathroom.

The bathroom on the second floor is the only one that has a shower, and, according to court documents, Reed encouraged the bathroom to be built in 2023.

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Reeds office was also right beside the utility closet and directly across from the bathroom, investigators noted in the court docs. It was also reported by an official that the utility closet was always locked, although they didnt understand why, and that the key for it was in Reeds office.

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Charging docs reveal there was a 12 x 12 mirror on the bathroom wall that was facing the shower, and the closet was on the other side of the wall it was hanging on.

After going into the closet, investigators found the mirror was two-way and there was a small cutout on the backside of it. An outlet box that seems to have been able to power a small camera or recording device was also found in the closet.

Investigators said an official found a wall-mounted camera in an outlet in the bathroom about a year and a half ago and confronted Reed. He claimed he set it up in his office to see if people were going inside and that someone must have taken it, mistaking it for a phone charger.

When Reed was fired, he allegedly refused to let officials look through his computer and didnt provide the password.

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Harrisburg attorney disbarred for allegedly withholding client funds, lying to attorneys

During a search at Reeds Juniata County home on Thursday, investigators seized numerous electronics. On one device, investigators say he had different pictures of nude girls along with images of other bathrooms and bedrooms, court docs reveal. Other pictures of child pornography were found on the electronics.

Reed allegedly also made searches for things like can manufacturers view my footage when on wifi, hidden smoke detector camera, and hidden camera sex convention, investigators say.

Reed faces charges of attempted production of child pornography, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

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The case is now headed to a grand jury that will determine whether to indict Reed on the charges.

Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI investigated the allegations.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
CHEYENNE  Its difficult to know exactly what you would do if you were unexpectedly faced with an emergency.

Shelby Sutton, a former shift manager at the Starbucks location on Dell Range Boulevard, found out for herself June 5 when the backroom freezer caught fire.

Sutton said Cheyenne Fire Rescue told her the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction.

She was the shift manager on duty with two co-workers at 6:30 a.m., when the fire suddenly broke out. Sutton said one of her co-workers called 911.

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We were kind of panicking, Sutton said. But the fire extinguisher was right by me, so I picked it up and realized really quickly that I didnt know how to use it because I had never needed to use a fire extinguisher before.

Sutton quickly skimmed the instructions on the fire extinguisher and was able to put the fire out. She said it was scary and stressful because there was also a customer in the lobby at the time.

Sutton has had fire safety training before but has never seen a fire in person. As shift manager, she was responsible for handling any emergencies. While she didnt necessarily spring into action immediately, she didnt hesitate much, either, she said.

My only hesitation was that when I picked (the fire extinguisher) up, I was like, Oh God, I dont know how to use this. But then once I actually used it, it put out the fire really quick, and then it was just kind of over.

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After the fire was out, Sutton said her co-worker handed her the phone with 911 on the line, and the operator gave her instructions on how to evacuate the building.

Everything that happened afterward is a blur, Sutton said. I feel like all of a sudden we were outside.  And it seemed like (Fire Rescue) was there within a couple of minutes.

Fire Rescue marshals presented Sutton with a challenge coin and Certificate of Valor on Thursday morning for her bravery and for stepping in when nobody else could, said Holly OBriant, CFR public information officer. This is the highest honor bestowed to a citizen by a fire marshal, she said.

(A challenge coin) is something that recognizes personal achievements, exceptional service and saving human lives, OBriant said.

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Sutton said she had no idea she was receiving the coin and certificate. The fire marshals showed up at her new jobs office Thursday morning.

It was really cool, Sutton said. I felt like, especially in a small community like this, its cool that they do things like that. I was thinking about if we lived in a bigger city, I probably would have gotten no recognition. The fire department told me that if I wouldnt have put it out, the whole backroom could have potentially been destroyed, so it was super cool to be recognized.
Demonstrators with the CoreCivic Opposition Group of Leavenworth gather outside City Hall during the July 19, 2025, "pots and pans" march to protest CoreCivic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Natasha Torkzaban for Kansas Reflector)

LEAVENWORTH  When an inmate attacked former correctional officer Diana Polanco at CoreCivics Leavenworth prison, only one thought raced through her mind: I need to survive this.

In 2021, Polanco had been working alone with another female officer in a high-risk male unit when an agitated inmate suddenly turned violent, targeting her co-worker. Stepping in to protect her, Polanco tried to restrain the inmate on her own  and was brutally assaulted.

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She suffered multiple stab wounds to her back and face, a broken jaw, fractured ribs and lasting nerve damage. After relearning basic functions in the wake of the attack, Polanco now stands as a vocal opponent of CoreCivics plans to reopen its former prison as an expanded immigration detention center.

After what I went through there, to put immigrants that have worked hard and havent even probably done anything serious and to put them in that type of environment  thats going to be a danger to them, Polanco said. You had high-risk people in there dying. So whats going to keep an immigrant from dying in there now? Whats the difference?

Former CoreCivic corrections officer Diana Polanco shares her story in an interview during the July 19, 2025, pots and pans march in Leavenworth. Polanco was seriously injured in an attack while working at the former CoreCivic prison in Leavenworth and now speaks out against its proposed reopening as an ICE detention center. (Morgan Salisbury for Kansas Reflector)

Polanco was among the roughly three-dozen people who participated in a pots and pans march Saturday in Leavenworth. The demonstration was organized by the CoreCivic Opposition Group of Leavenworth.

According to a press release, the groups primary concerns include a lack of public transparency, bypassing of standard public processes, broken economic promises to the local community and CoreCivics national record of abuse. CoreCivic didnt respond to a Kansas Reflector request for comment.

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Critics of CoreCivic point to a track record marred by chronic understaffing, inmate deaths and unsafe working conditions during the facilitys previous operations from 1992 to 2021 under CoreCivic management.

A demonstrator hands out dog treats while others hold signs outside Leavenworth City Hall during the July 19, 2025, pots and pans march. (Natasha Torkzaban for Kansas Reflector)

In a 2021 executive order, President Joe Biden directed federal agencies to end contracts with privately run prison facilities. The prison closed that year after its contract with the U.S. Marshals Service expired.

However, the facilitys proposed reopening as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center avoids that executive order, which only applies to criminal, not civil, detention. ICE gave CoreCivic a no-bid federal contract worth $4.2 million a month.

But the city of Leavenworth said CoreCivic would need to apply for a special use permit to reopen the facility, and sued the company to block the reopening.

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Leavenworth District Judge John Bryant issued an injunction that prevented CoreCivic from accepting ICE detainees at the facility.

William Rogers, who worked at the Leavenworth CoreCivic facility from 2016 to 2020, speaks about his experience at the facility. Rogers wore a graphic shirt with images of injuries sustained by corrections officers while employed by CoreCivic. (Natasha Torkzaban for Kansas Reflector)

Polanco wasnt alone in her experience. Former corrections officer William Rogers also spoke to the dysfunction of the facility and the toll it took on employees.

What brings me here is to try to keep other folks, not just detainees but employees, from suffering and seeing what we had to see, Rogers said. Its a big deal when this many people get up on a Saturday morning and we all have something wed rather be doing, but they chose to be here.

In addition to members of the CoreCivic Opposition Group of Leavenworth and former CoreCivic employees, demonstrators included community advocates and nuns from the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth.

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CoreCivic has shown over the years that it does not respect or care for its employees or the people in its prisons, said Sister Jean Panisko. Were asking that people be respected, given due process, access to immigration lawyers, and afforded all the rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Thats our stand  because we care about our God-given rights.

Demonstrators hold signs reading ICE: Out of our communities! and La lucha obrera no tiene frontera! (The workers struggle has no borders!) during the July 19, 2025, pots and pans march in Leavenworth. (Natasha Torkzaban for Kansas Reflector)

Ashley Hernandez, organizing and policy coordinator for the Sisters of Charity Leavenworth Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, emphasized the importance of the marchs symbolism.

The pots and pans march is about waking up our neighbors, Hernandez said. When we make noise together, people listen. Residents need to know who is trying to set up shop in their backyard.

As legal battles continue and public pressure mounts, community members say their goals remain simple  to prevent history from repeating itself.

I think that (people) right now think theyre alone, but they need to stand strong through all of this, Polanco said. You got a voice, speak out.
NEW YORK  New York state on Friday agreed to pay $450,000 to Brittany Commisso, a former aide to Andrew Cuomo who accused him of groping and subjecting her to persistent sexual harassment on the job at the governors office.

Lawyers for Commisso called the settlement by Gov. Kathy Hochuls office a complete vindication of her claims against Cuomo, leveled in a November 2023 suit filed under the Adult Survivors Act.

[Just] as the repeated findings made by the Attorney General, the State Assembly and the US Department of Justice were. Those three independent investigations all found that Cuomo subjected Ms. Commisso to unwanted sexual harassment and groping when she worked for him as an assistant, Mariann Wang and Kevin Mintzer said in a joint statement.

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Ms. Commisso is proud to have reported the truth and vindicated her rights in court, and likewise glad to be able to move forward with her life.

Lawyers for the former Democratic governor, now running as an independent in the race for New York City mayor, said they would challenge the settlement to keep the case active so they would have the opportunity to dispute the allegations in court.,

They said the settlement was not a vindication, but rather a capitulation to avoid the truth.

It does not require Cuomo to admit to any wrongdoing, and Cuomo has repeatedly denied the accusations against him, including Commisos. The state settled a suit brought by former Cuomo aide Charlotte Bennett for the same amount in April in a case alleging similar claims.

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Commissos suit, which was filed in state Supreme Court in Albany, claimed that after rebuffing Cuomos advances and reporting his conduct in March 2021, she was demoted and reassigned to answering phones for then-Lt. Gov. Hochul. Fridays settlement also resolves Commissos retaliation claim against Hochul and includes a promise she will not apply to work at the governors office again until after December 2030.

Hochul spokesman Anthony Hogrebe, in a statement, said, The State of New York is pleased to have settled this matter in a way that allows us to minimize further costs to taxpayers.

Commisso, 36, was one of the 11 women whose sexual harassment claims against Cuomo led to his resignation in August 2021. She accused the former governor of relentlessly sexually harassing her after she started working with him in close quarters as an assistant in 2019.

The suit alleged Cuomo was prone to hugging and kissing her, pressing his body up against hers, and rubbing her backside with his hands. In one alleged December 2020 incident at the governors mansion outlined in the lawsuit, Commisso claimed Cuomo put his arms around her, stuck his hand in her blouse and groped her breast.

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An investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess office in 2021 substantiated Commissos claims and those of 10 other women who accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct. Cuomo, who has called the report politically motivated, did not face criminal charges in any of the alleged incidents.

In statements to The News trading barbs with Commissos legal team, lawyers for Cuomo criticized the settlement as rushed. They accused Commisso of settling to avoid a deposition and withholding text messages from the AGs probe.

This nuisance settlement, which expressly does not include any admission of liability, is intended to end Ms. Commissos failed efforts to leverage a meritless lawsuit into a multimillion dollar payday while hiding the truth from the public, Rita Glavin and Theresa Trzaskoma said.

Commissos attorneys pushed back on the claims, saying she settled to move on from the years-old litigation.

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Contrary to the rantings of Cuomos lawyers, we are confident that Ms. Commisso would prevail at trial. However, because the state offered her a very appealing settlement, Ms. Commisso, like NYC voters, decided to turn the page on Cuomo. He should learn how to take no for an answer.

Cuomos attorneys responded, Ms. Commissos counsel knows full well that a $225k payment in a high-profile case is not appealing if youre actually confident of prevailing at trial. The full $450,000 settlement will be divided between Commisso and her lawyers.

Cuomo this week announced plans to mount an independent bid in Novembers general election despite his loss to state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic mayoral primary.

_____
The Brief

Former LAPD officer Edgar Verduzco has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for a 2017 DUI crash.

Verduzco was driver over 100 mph while under the influence when he hit two cars on the 605 Freeway.

Three people, a mom, dad and their 19-year-old son, died in the crash.

LOS ANGELES - A former Los Angeles Police Department officer was sentenced on Friday to 15 years to life in prison for a DUI crash that killed a mother and father and their son.

What we know

Edgar Verduzco was sentenced to multiple life sentences for the 2017 crash, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday.

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In April, Verduzco pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder, and two DUI-related charges.

On Sept. 26, 2017, according to the DA's Office, Verduzco was driving at 150 mph on the 605 Freeway when he crashed into two cars. One of those cars hit the center divider and burst into flames, killing the three family members inside.

Verduzco was off-duty at the time of the crash.

PREVIOUS: Former LAPD officer pleads guilty to murder for DUI crash that killed family

Maribel Davila, 52, Mario Davila, 60, and their 19-year-old son, Oscar Davila, died in the crash. In the other car was a mother with her baby in a car seat. The mother was also injured in the crash.

What they're saying

"Mr. Verduzco knew the risks of driving under the influence, but his decision was fueled by recklessness and careless disregard for others," LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. "The law applies equally to all  especially to those who are supposed to enforce it. This is another reminder that driving after consuming alcohol is not a mistake  it is a choice that can have devastating consequences. And for the Davila family, that one choice has left their loved ones with a profound grief from which they will never recover."

The Source

Information in this story is from a press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office,




NEED TO KNOW

Edgar Verduzco, now 34, was driving drunk at 150 miles per hour on the 605 Freeway on Sept. 26, 2017

He struck and killed Mario Davila, 60, his wife Maribel Davila, 52, and their 19-year-old son, Oscar

On Friday, July 18, he was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 15 years to life in prison and one concurrent term of three years in prison





The former Los Angeles police officer who previously pleaded guilty to murder was sentenced to a 15-year-to-life sentence, the L.A. District Attorneys Office announced on Friday, July 18.

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Edgar Verduzco, now 34, was off-duty when he killed Mario Davila, 60, his wife Maribel Davila, 52, and their 19-year-old son, Oscar, in a drunk driving crash in 2017.

Over seven years later, on Friday, April 11, Verduzco pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, one count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and one count of driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury.

On Friday, July 18, Verduzco was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 15 years to life in prison as well as one concurrent term of three years in prison for driving under the influence of alcohol, causing injury.

On Sept. 26, 2017, Verduzco was driving 150 miles per hour on the 605 Freeway while under the influence of alcohol when he struck two vehicles. One of the cars struck by Verduzco crashed into a freeways center divider and burst into flames, killing the Davila family.

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The other vehicle was occupied by a mother and her baby, both of whom suffered minor injuries, according to the district attorneys office.

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.

Mr. Verduzco knew the risks of driving under the influence, but his decision was fueled by recklessness and careless disregard for others, L.A. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in the Friday news release. The law applies equally to all  especially to those who are supposed to enforce it.

This is another reminder that driving after consuming alcohol is not a mistake  it is a choice  that can have devastating consequences, Hochmans statement continued. And for the Davila family, that one choice has left their loved ones with a profound grief from which they will never recover.

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Oscar Davila, a beloved student at UC Riverside, was just 19 years old, and his life and his parents lives were senselessly taken in an instant. My support and sympathy go out to the Davila familys loved ones, including Oscars four surviving siblings, Hochman said in April after Verduzco pleaded guilty.



Read the original article on People
ROCKWOOD, Tenn. (WATE)  A former detective with the Rockwood Police Department has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a child sex crime.

Charles Crothers pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor. As part of the plea agreement, a charge of attempted production of child pornography was dismissed.

He was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.

Ukrainian man accused of trying to scam elderly victim out of $50,000 in Cumberland County

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According to the plea agreement, Crothers began online messaging with someone who he believed to be a 15-year-old from Alabama on June 26, 2024. They were actually an undercover officer with the Blount County, Alabama Sheriffs Office

Crothers requested photographs, both clothed and nude, from the undercover officer and engaged in explicit conversations over text message. He also sent explicit photos of himself to the officer.

Woman dead after crash involving motorcycle on Northshore Drive

Based on the defendants pants, the presence of a criminal justice handbook in the image, and an image of his face he had sent in previous messages, Crothers was identified as a police officer employed by the Rockwood Police Department.

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Crothers was suspended from the Rockwood Police Department on September 5, 2024 after being indicted. Rockwood Police Chief Kelly Pittman told 6 News he was fired a short time later.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
An ex-police officer from England has been found guilty of murdering his wife in Georgia after she discovered his affair, an exposure that reportedly threatened to reveal his fraudulent immigration status.

Brian McManus, 57, a former officer with the London police and originally from the UK, was found guilty of killing his 63-year-old wife, Lucille Ann McManus, in 2023. The Houston County District Attorney's Office confirmed the conviction in a Facebook statement this week.

Authorities emphasized that Brian McManus attempted to conceal his crime, shift blame onto the victims family, and avoid punishment, but fell short.

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"McManus tried to cover the murder up, pin it on the victims family, and walk away without consequence. He failed," the DA's office wrote in a statement. "Because of the work of the Warner Robins Police Department, forensic experts, and Houston County Asst. DAs Justin Duane and Lauren Fletcher, the truth won out."

Daughter Of Irish Man Beaten To Death By American Wife, Her Ex-fbi Agent Father Rejects Self-defense Claims

The case began on November 24, 2023, when officers responded to what was initially reported as a suicide at the couples residence in Warner Robins, Georgia. Upon arrival, police found Lucilles body on a bed with a head wound, according to the Warner Robins Police Department. She was reportedly found unclothed, according to FOX 5.

Read On The Fox News App

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Prosecutors allege Brian McManus struck his wife with an object as she exited the shower, strangled her, then cleaned up and walked the dog.

Brian McManus, who reportedly made the 911 call, claimed he returned home from walking his dog to find his wife dead, according to the outlet. However, during the trial, prosecutors noted that he gave conflicting statements and showed no concern for his wife, only distress about being viewed as the prime suspect.

Barry Morphew Seen For First Time After Jail Booking, Maintains Innocence In Wifes Death

The outlet reported that he even attempted to blame the murder on the victims granddaughter and her boyfriend, who they lived with, but cell phone data disproved their presence.

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Security footage also captured him near a drainage ditch where police found a rubber mallet and cell phone.

Investigators also discovered that the couple met on the popular dating app, Tinder, and were married within three months, per FOX 5.

McManus had previously worked for the London police but was dismissed after several women accused him of sexually threatening behavior. According to the outlet, his first marriage ended after he was arrested for domestic violence.

Authorities said Brian McManus was involved with another woman in Florida and that his wife discovered the affair when he accidentally sent her a message intended for his mistress. She then threatened to expose their alleged "sham" marriage, according to prosecutors.

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Alex Murdaugh's Defense Attorney Explains Why He Thinks The Disgraced Lawyer Is Innocent, Will Get A New Trial

Several witnesses alleged that the marriage was arranged primarily to help Brian McManus obtain a U.S. green card, according to reports.

"Miss Ann was a lonely woman, and the defendant used that to his advantage. He used her to abuse our immigration system and then, when he got caught, brutally killed her," Assistant District Attorney Ada Duane said. "No one deserves to die like that. McManus is a serial liar and con man who attempted to hide the fact that he murdered his wife by tampering with evidence and blaming others. He is a textbook narcissist who thinks he is the smartest man in the room. I am glad that the jury saw him for what he was  a monster  and grateful that the victims family finally has some answers."

"This was a brutal and calculated murder carried out by an evil sociopath who views the women in his life as disposable," District Attorney Eric Z. Edwards said. "Brian McManus was not only willing to exploit our immigration system and manipulate a vulnerable woman into a sham marriagehe was willing to kill her when she became inconvenient. And then he tried to cover it up, pin it on her family, and walk away without consequence. He failed."

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Officials said as their community undertakes a renewed effort to prevent family violence-related homicides, this case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the lives at risk.

"As our community launches a renewed initiative to prevent family violence homicides, this case is a gut-wrenching reminder of whats at stake. This office will never hesitate to bring the full weight of the law down on abusers who mistake silence for weakness," the DA's office said.

A spokesperson for Tinder told Fox News Digital that they can't comment on any individuals account, but said that the safety of their members is their highest priority.

"If a user contacts us to report a crime or unsafe incidentwhether it occurred on the app or following a match, we take the matter extremely seriously and follow a structured, trauma-informed response protocol," the company said.

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The company added that they also have a dedicated law enforcement portal, the first of its kind in the industry, which allows "qualified law enforcement agencies to securely request information related to ongoing investigations."

"We stand ready to assist investigations by providing relevant data in compliance with applicable laws and privacy protocols," the company said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Houston County District Attorney's Office, but did not immediately receive a response.





Original article source: Former UK police officer found guilty in brutal killing of wife who uncovered his double life
Several diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-linked student programs in Fort Worth ISD are being paused, according to an internal email obtained by a district parent.

We want to inform you that, due to recent federal funding constraints, specific Fort Worth ISD wraparound services and programs will experience a temporary pause effective immediately, the email reads.

The paused programs include:

T3 (Tarrant To & Through Partnership)

Girls Inc.

Communities in Schools

My Brothers Keeper / My Sisters Keeper

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My Brothers Keeper was launched in 2014 by President Barack Obama. The initiative claims to address opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color, citing persistent social inequities caused by structural and institutional racism, according to its website.

Girls Inc. has drawn criticism in Tarrant County for promoting political activism in schools. In October 2023, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court voted to block state funds from going to the organization, citing ideological concerns.

The county government should not be funding, nor should the county government be passing through money from some other source, for an organization that is so deeply ideological and encourages the children that they are teaching to go advocate for social change, County Judge Tim OHare said, as reported by the Fort Worth Report.

Hollie Plemons, the Fort Worth parent who obtained the leaked email, told The Dallas Express that the program removals represent a victory.

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This is a major win for children, parents, and taxpayers who will no longer be forced to fund their demise or fund political propaganda and true grifters, Plemons said. It makes me smile so big to think of the rainy day that these four organizations are having and the future rainy days to come. THIS is what I voted for.

In July of 2024, as previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Fort Worth ISD board voted 61 to renew a $237,000 contract with the My Brothers Keeper Alliance for continued programming in the district.

The Dallas Express reached out to Fort Worth ISD for comment but did not receive a response.
Fort Worth has always been proud of being a deeply religious community going back to the beginning of the 20th century when we styled ourselves a city of churches. Catholics, Protestants, and Jewish people all rubbed elbows and with those who held more esoteric beliefs. Perhaps the most esoteric belief to take root in Fort Worth, coming at the end of the 19th century, was the National Spiritualist Church.

It grew out of the Spiritualist movement that began with the Fox sisters in New York in 1848. A pair of sisters gained notoriety by supposedly communicating with the spirit world. General interest in their demonstrations took off with the coming of the Civil War because so many grieving Americans who lost loved ones wanted to reach out to the dearly departed.

After the Civil War the publics interest in Spiritualism continued to grow despite determined efforts to debunk the movement. It transformed itself into a religious sect whose true believers accepted its principles without question. By 1885, there were an estimated 5 million professed believers in the United States.

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Fort Worth was first introduced to the movement in the winter of 1885 when Mrs. S.A. Talbot of Galveston, a noted spiritualist, spoke at the Opera House to a comparatively small audience of the curious. She spoke for two hours, taking no questions, and closed by saying she hoped the spirits of the friends of all those present manifested themselves to their dear ones in some way that they might be converted.

Talbot set the stage for the first full-blown demonstration of the mystic arts on a Fort Worth stage. (Those included table rapping, levitation of objects, spirit writing, and ghostly manifestations.) That occurred in May 1886 when Prof. H. Cooke and his assistant, Louise Bremond, brought their act to town for two successive nights at the Opera House for a packed house. Cook placed Bremond in a trance, which allowed her to channel spirits from the other side. An impressed Fort Worth Gazette described them in a series of articles as clairvoyants, mind-readers, magicians, and, most importantly, true spiritualists. The audience paid from 50 cents (about $17 today) to 75 cents to hear the spirit mysteries explained  or perhaps just to be entertained.

Despite the confession of the Fox sisters in 1888 that they were actually frauds, the Spiritualism movement only grew stronger. In 1891, George V. Cordingly, who called himself a medium, came to Fort Worth on his second tour through Texas proclaiming the gospel of Spiritualism. His appearance at the Opera House on a Sunday afternoon brought out skeptics and believers alike.

The substance of his program was taking names and phrases called out by his audience and turning them into rhymes. After doing that with Fort Worth he began prophesying the citys future, based on what he said were revelations from the spirit world. He predicted that Fort Worth and Galveston would become the chief cities of the Southwest while Dallas would fade. He also predicted Fort Worth would be visited by a devastating fire in 1893, which was not much of a stretch considering how often fires struck the city in these years. He also stated that he had come to establish a spiritualist church in Fort Worth.

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Within a month, the Church of United Spiritualists was up and running, meeting in Greenwalls Opera House until the congregation could build its own place of worship. Cordingly was the congregations first minister. Their worship looked a lot like a traditional Protestant service with hymns, a scripture reading from the Bible, a sermon, and a closing invocation.

Fort Worth central in Spiritualism movement

Fort Worth became the epicenter of the Spiritualist movement as it spread across Texas in the years that followed. Several Fort Worthers held high positions in the state organization, including the offices of vice president, treasurer, and secretary. In 1895, the church held its first state encampment in Fort Worth at Tyler Park. At least 2,000 were anticipated, though only 120 chose to camp out. The rest attended the daily activities then went home. The days were filled with lectures and seances, but, unlike the more traditional churches, the spirited activities at night included music and dancing.

Members may have called themselves a religious body, but the towns traditional denominations did not welcome the Spiritualist Church. The Rev. Sam Martin of the First Christian Church was the first to denounce them from the pulpit. He preached a series of Sunday sermons on Spiritualism  the Devil Is in It. In response, John W. Wray of the Spiritualists challenged him to a public debate to show the Truths of Spiritualism as taught by the Bible and by Science. Martin declined the invitation.

Spiritualism picked up many new adherents during War I when the casualty lists began coming in. But what really put them in the public eye was something totally unrelated: the shocking death of one of their number in April 1919. John L Jackson was found dead in his car just outside of Levant, Texas. It was not his death that made headlines. The 62-year-old avowed bachelor died of apoplexy. It was his last will and testament.

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Jackson left the bulk of his fortune, initially estimated at a million dollars, to the church and named Dr. George B. Warne of Chicago, president of the National Spiritualist Association of North America, as trustee of the estate. If not the father of Spiritualism, Warne was the architect of the 20th century movement. He got involved because the National Spiritualist Association had seldom seen so much money. Neither had the woman claiming to be Jacksons widow nor his acknowledged bastard son by another woman.

John L. Jackson, whose grave is in Benbrook, left his fortune to the Spiritualist church when he died in 1919, leading to a lengthy legal battle over the money.

Sara Vestal of Fort Worth and Robert Ingersol Jackson of Silver Creek filed suits to break the will. Warne arrived in town and announced he would fight as long as it took. Both sides hired lawyers, and the battle was on. The case dragged out for the next six years. The initial ruling by Judge Bruce Young in 48th District Court divided the estate proportionally among the claimants. But the National Spiritualist Association wanted it all and accused the plaintiffs of fraud and perjury. The association hired high-powered Los Angeles trial lawyer John W. Estes to handle its appeal. The Record-Telegram declared that no other probate case in the history of the Southwest had attracted so much attention.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Civil Appeals found in the wifes and sons favor again, which everyone except the Spiritualists thought would end it. The National Spiritualist Association mustered a final appeal to the state supreme court in Austin seeking to overturn the verdict, which was rejected in November 1925. One final bizarre twist to the case was that their appeals lawyer, John Estes, was murdered by former Tarrant County Sheriff John Honea in the lobby of the Westbrook Hotel in May 1924.

George B. Warne of Chicago served as the president of the National Spiritualist Association of North America.

Harry Houdini vs. Spiritualists

The Spiritualists may have been stung by their association with all the charlatans claiming to be able to communicate with the spirit world because in 1922 they announced plans to raise the standards of the Spiritualist Association in Texas. The announcement went out at the organizations annual state convention, which met in Fort Worth in September 1922. They also showed how thoroughly modern they had become by premiering a specially commissioned motion picture, The Boundless Deep, for their membership drive.

Spiritualists took photos of people that they claimed also showed images of spirits.

Despite their best efforts to establish themselves as a legitimate church, the movement continued to draw powerful critics. In October 1924, Harry Houdini, king of the escape artists, made his second appearance in Cowtown. At this point in his life, he was on a mission to expose Spiritualism as a fraud. He was booked to speak to a sold-out Klan Hall, but the real interest was in a challenge issued by a Spiritualist who claimed to be able to produce spirit photographs showing the dead and living together. Houdini accepted the challenge, and they squared off in Houdinis suite at the Hotel Texas. A series of photographs were taken, and when the film was developed Houdini had ghosts in his pictures while the Spiritualist did not. That was when Houdini revealed how he had tricked the camera.

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Houdinis public exposure of spirit photography was good for headlines but did not kill the movement. His voice was silenced a few months later in a bizarre demonstration that led to his death. True Spiritualists continued to practice their faith, Fort Worth remained the center of the movement in Texas, and Spiritualism still has many followers today.

Author-historian Richard Selcer is a Fort Worth native and proud graduate of Paschal High and TCU.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Walmart in Richmond, Indiana, was just cleared to reopen at 11:50 a.m. after a false bomb/shooting threat on Saturday morning.

The store was evacuated out of an abundance of caution and the Richmond Police Department secured the area.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, including the Richmond PD, Wayne County Sheriffs Office and Indiana State Police.

Politicians respond to Pete Hegseths reduction memorandum; WPAFB center stage

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Officials said this threat appears to be connected to a series of false emergency calls made by the same individual. This person has allegedly caused other significant disruptions and unnecessary law enforcement responses. Officials alleged in the most recent call, the suspect told a dispatcher he wanted Chief Kyle Weatherly to say hes sorry for what the suspect described as talking s*** about him.

I wont be offering an apology, said Chief Weatherly. But I would be happy to offer a set of handcuffs, and I hope Im the one who gets to put them on him/her.

Altercation at local Home Depot led to shot being fired: cops

He released a social media post at 12:08 p.m. He thanked the officers, deputies and troopers.

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I also want to take a moment to recognize our dispatchers at Wayne County Emergency Communications. This individual has repeatedly called them, hurled insults, racial slurs, and more. Every single time, our dispatchers have responded with grace, professionalism, and precision. They are the calm in the chaos and the backbone of these coordinated responses by law enforcement, wrote Weatherly.

To the suspect: I wont be offering you an apology. But I do expect you to give one to the people of Richmond and Wayne County for the time you have wasted and the unnecessary stress you have placed on this great community, wrote Weatherly. You will be found.

2 NEWS is working to learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The University of Illinois Police Department credited collaboration with the Urbana Police Department in arresting four juveniles for possessing a stolen car and burglary tools on Friday.

Officials with the UIPD said the sequence of events started at approximately 4:30 a.m. in the Orchard Downs apartment complex. The UIPD took six reports of vehicle break-ins in that area this week, all involving Nissans, Kias and Hyundais, and an officer was patrolling the complex in response to these break-ins.

Champaign City Council approves $50k of grant money for police resource study

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While on patrol, the officer spotted a blue Hyundai Elantra trying to turn into the complex from Race Street. Officials said that when the occupants in the car spotted the officer, they quickly turned back onto Race Street and drove off.

UIPD officials said the officer recognized this car as the same one Urbana Police officers described over the radio earlier in the morning. They took a report of a blue Elantra being stolen from their jurisdiction.

The officer at Orchard Downs tried to stop the Elantra, officials said, but before a stop could be made, the Elantra crashed into a construction site near the intersection of Race Street and Windsor Road. Four juveniles tried to run away but were caught as additional UIPD and Urbana officers arrived.

A search of the Elantra and the juveniles flight paths found multiple burglary tools, officials said. The crashed Elantra was confirmed to have been stolen earlier that morning.

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This incident highlights the ongoing cooperation between the University of Illinois Police Department and the Urbana Police Department in addressing vehicle-related crimes in the area, UIPD officials said in a news release.

One of the juveniles was booked into a juvenile detention center while the other three were released to their guardians.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
A stolen white Chevrolet Camaro crashed into a Fort Worth-based tour bus on Interstate 35 in San Antonio near Leon Creek on Thursday afternoon, killing four people and injuring at least 21 others, including children and seniors.

The collision, which occurred around 2:30 p.m., caused a multi-vehicle wreck that shut down the southbound lanes for hours.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the speeding Camaro struck a trailer attached to the small tour bus, operated by Transportes Guerra, causing the driver to lose control. The bus hit a guardrail, and a tractor-trailer then collided with it, causing the bus to roll onto its side. Several passengers were ejected.

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Two bus passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others died at University Hospital. McManus noted that the deceased were older adults.

Of the injured, eight suffered life-threatening conditions, while 13 were treated as a precaution. University Hospital reported treating 15 patients, including four children in good condition, with two in critical condition Thursday night.

McManus confirmed that four suspects fled the Camaro on foot, one reportedly armed with an AK-style rifle. Police have not identified or located them.

Surveillance video obtained by KENS 5 showed two men stealing the Camaro from a Northeast Bexar County driveway earlier this week, but police have not named them as suspects in the crash, and their connection to the incident remains under investigation.

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This is going to be quite an extensive investigation here, McManus said, per WFAA.

The bus was traveling from Fort Worth to Eagle Pass with scheduled stops in Mexico.

Transportes Guerra identified the bus driver as Jose Tito Guerra, whose brother, Miguel Guerra, confirmed to WFAA that Tito died in the crash. Jose Guerra was the owner of the transport company, San Antonio Express News reported.

The company urged loved ones of passengers to contact their hotlines at (830) 319-5168, (862) 109-7187, or (682) 758-1055 for information. The investigation is ongoing as authorities pursue leads.
A Vigo County Jury has convicted the fourth and final defendant in the case of Terre Haute man who was robbed and beaten to death in August 2020 at his home.

Jesse Hess, 38, of Terre Haute, was convicted Thursday on four counts: murder, robbery resulting in serious bodily, aggravated battery, and battery with a deadly weapon. He was acquitted of one count, armed robbery.

Hess is to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 28 in Vigo Superior Court 6, Judge Dan Kelly presiding, according to the Vigo County Prosecutors Office.

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Dwayne French of Terre Haute was attacked Aug. 21, 2020, at his residence in the 1300 block of Ash Street. French told police hed been beaten with a ball bat and his wallet was taken, but he then lost consciousness. French was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis because of the severity of his injuries. He died Sept. 2, 2020.

His assailants made off with about $1,500.

The other defendants, and their sentences, were:

* Richard E. Durbin, 47, of Terre Haute. Durbin was sentenced in July 2024 to 16 years total, with 10 years to be served in prison and six years to be suspended. He pleaded guilty to robbery resulting in personal injury as a Level 3 felony

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* Dwight D. Brown, 31, of Utah and formerly of Terre Haute. He pleaded guilty in October 2023 to robbery resulting in serious bodily injury as a Level 2 felony. He was sentenced 30 years, 27 years of those years to be executed and three years served on formal probation.

* Candace B. Jones, 25, of Terre Haute. She had previously pleaded guilty to robbery resulting in serious bodily injury as a Level 2 felony. Judge Mullican in August 2023 sentenced Jones to 25 years, with 20 years to be executed and five years to be suspended.
WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  New details have been released regarding Fridays house fire in West Jordan that left three people dead and one hospitalized with severe burns. The fourth individual who was flown to the hospital with severe injuries has been confirmed deceased.

West Jordan police have confirmed that this incident is believed to be an intentional act of arson, and that a fire accelerant was reportedly used.

The incident occurred at a West Jordan home located near 8200 South 6400 West. Three people trapped inside  a man, woman, and male child  were confirmed deceased Friday. A fourth individual  a female child  was flown to the hospital with severe injuries and has now also been confirmed deceased.

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Due to the nature of this horrific event, the Office of the Medical Examiner is still working to positively identify the individuals involved, a press release from West Jordan Police states. We believe each of these individuals are part of the same family and there is no danger to the public, related to this incident.

Authorities are expected to speak on the incident this afternoon. ABC4.com will broadcast live.

No further information is available at this time.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
EU members got their first chance on Friday to debate the bloc's two-trillion-euro budget bazooka, laying bare divisions among the 27 capitals over the spending plans for 2028-2034.

Seeking to balance the European Union's key priorities, Brussels wants the next long-term budget to bolster the bloc's economy, support farmers and plough billions more into defence -- all while paying off its debts.

The battle lines are now drawn for two years of fraught negotiations between the EU parliament and member states -- which provide the lion's share of funds along with tax-based resources and custom duties.

Don't come to us for more money, EU capitals have already told the European Commission.

"In a time where national budgets are under great economic pressure, the answer can't be more money and a bigger budget," Sweden's EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz said.

Here are the key parts of the spending proposals:

Beyond security, the EU's biggest priority is to bolster its competitiveness and help European businesses catch up with US and Chinese rivals.

The author of a seminal report last year, Mario Draghi, delivered hard truths: to see real change, the EU needs yearly investment of at least 750-800 billion euros.

Without stretching that far, commission chief Ursula Von der Leyen has proposed a 451-billion-euro competitiveness fund that will focus on the clean and digital transition, health as well as defence and space.

Brussels also proposed establishing a fund of up to 100 billion euros for Ukraine's reconstruction.

Von der Leyen is steeled for a fight with the bloc's farmers over a proposed overhaul of the EU's massive subsidies scheme known as the common agricultural policy (CAP).

At least 300 billion euros would be dedicated to support farmers in the next budget, but some funding would move to other spending columns.

The sector fears this will mean less aid while France, whose farmers are some of CAP's biggest beneficiaries, accused the commission of "turning its back" on agriculture.

Brussels, however, stresses the CAP will still have its own rules and earmarked financial resources, especially direct aid to farmers.

With all the focus on security and competition, there were fears the environment would be sidelined in the budget -- despite heatwaves, forest fires and flooding caused by human-caused climate change wreaking havoc across Europe in recent years.

The commission said 35 percent of the overall budget -- around 650 billion euros -- would be dedicated to the climate and achieving the EU's environmental aims.

Some environment groups slammed the target as vague, while the World Wildlife Fund warned it risked "defunding vital nature and climate action" if, as planned, a key environment programme is absorbed into the larger competitiveness fund.

Climate think tank E3G however saw the 35-percent target as a sign of commitment to the green ambitions of the commission's previous 2019-2024 term, while insisting on the need for sufficient funds to pursue its climate goals.

The EU proposes that future funding will be more closely linked to democratic values, telling member states: protect the judiciary's independence and maintain freedoms if you want money.

"No EU money without the respect of rule of law," budget chief Piotr Serafin said.

Hungary, which has often been the target of the EU's ire and of infringement proceedings for rule-of-law violations, was not happy.

"It's a tool for political and ideological pressuring," said the country's EU minister, Janos Boka, calling the notion a "non-starter" for Budapest.

The EU's eyes are not only on itself.

Brussels proposed a more than 200-billion-euro fund for investments and aid abroad -- welcomed by humanitarian groups after the deep cuts to US foreign aid under President Donald Trump.

This also includes the EU's efforts to protect its borders through stepped-up partnerships with countries in the Middle East and North Africa, despite criticism this can amount to throwing money at authoritarian countries with poor human rights records.
Every July, the Philippines commemorates Filipino-Japanese Friendship Month, a tribute to the enduring relationship shaped by cultural appreciation, diplomatic harmony, and shared traditions between the two nations.

At Newport World Resorts, the spirit of this friendship is brought to life through an array of events designed to immerse guests in the heart of Japanese and Filipino culture and heritage.

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Part of the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Special Buffet

Leading the month-long festivity was Kaiena formal start of a banquet, marked by greeting and toast at the Yawaragi restaurant of Hotel Okura Manila. The event was elevated with an art piece showcase of renowned curator Satoro Fujita, while taiko drum performances brought the tradition and artistry to a memorable peak.

Michelin Guide-listed Hotel Okura Manila also presents a series of exclusive culinary experiences this month in celebration of the enduring ties between the Philippines and Japan.

The enduring friendship between two nations is brought to life through a series of exclusive culinary experiences this month.

Join the Sushi Workshop at Yamazato with Specialty Sushi Chef Ikuma Sato on July 25. Priced at P5,400++ per person, each session is limited to six slots for an intimate, hands-on experience.

Until July 31, the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Special Buffet will also be available at Yawaragi, featuring dishes inspired by decades of shared culinary tradition every Friday dinner and Saturday lunch at P1,956 nett per person.

Rounding out the celebration is the Japanese-Filipino Afternoon Tea, a seasonal set blending Japanese refinement with local indulgence, available until July 31 at P1,956 nett for two persons.
Funeral home director accused of giving dirt instead of babys ashes faces felony sex crime charges

Its the ending no one expected.

In fact, Channel 2s Michael Seiden said he remembers the first time he reached out to the Secretary of States office to find out how a funeral director was operating without a license.

Officials couldnt tell Seiden much because of the ongoing investigation. But now the investigation has ended with criminal charges.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Stanley Henderson, of Stan Henderson and Sons Mortuary, is the former funeral director accused of giving dirt to a grieving couple instead of their babys ashes.

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He is now under arrest and charged with multiple felonies, including possession of child pornography and sex trafficking.

Hendersons arrest comes less than a month after two-Atlanta based lawyers tipped off police in Adel, Georgia, about 200 miles south of Atlanta, that he was continuing to do business without a license.

This is somebody whos been run out of two different towns for running the same scam both times, attorney Isaac Lezcano said.

Lezcano and Matt Wetherington first reached out to Channel 2 Action News in May 2024.

A Valdosta couple hired them after they say Henderson gave them dirt instead of their baby Josiahs ashes.

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When Seiden stopped by Hendersons Stockbridge location, it appeared vacant.

Channel 2 Action News also emailed and called him multiple times, but he never returned them.

Im incredibly thankful to the reporting that WSB did," Wetherington said. Im thankful for all the agencies that investigated this, and Im just thankful for people that listened to this family who said that they had this problem.

A judge in Cook County denied him bond. Channel 2 Action News is still working to confirm if hes hired an attorney.

The young couple eventually got their childs ashes, and although they werent available for comment, they told their lawyers they are glad hes off the streets and behind bars.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a report Friday alleging Obama administration officials manipulated intelligence related to Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Gabbard asserted in a statement that former officials engaged in a treasonous conspiracy and said her office was turning over evidence to the Justice Department for possible criminal referrals.

The information we are releasing today clearly shows there was a treasonous conspiracy in 2016 committed by officials at the highest level of our government, Gabbard said. Their goal was to subvert the will of the American people and enact what was essentially a years-long coup with the objective of trying to usurp the President from fulfilling the mandate bestowed upon him by the American people.

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Fridays memo cites officials such as former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey.

President Trump has for years claimed the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether his campaign colluded with Moscow was a hoax, targeting officials like Brennan and Comey with frequent attacks.

Trump in March signed a memo ordering the declassification of all files related to Crossfire Hurricane, the name given to the FBIs investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The very intelligence agencies that Gabbard now oversees have long concluded that Russia sought to influence the 2016 election  an assessment that was backed by other outside entities.

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That includes a three-year bipartisan Senate investigation that concluded in a more than 1,300 page report that Russia was aggressive in seeking to interfere with the election on Trumps behalf, including by launching a massive social media campaign.

Gabbards memo, as well as another 114 pages of related documents, primarily rests on claims there was no indication of a Russian effort to directly manipulate the actual vote count.

However, that is not at odds with the conclusion of the intelligence community or the Senate report, which determined there was no evidence that any votes were changed or that any voting machines were manipulated. The Obama administration said it had seen no evidence that hackers tampered with the results.

Gabbards release was immediately panned by Intelligence Committee Democrats, who noted that it comes amid fractures within the Trump administration over how to handle scrutiny over the Jeffrey Epstein case.

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Its a day that ends with y and Donald Trump desperately wants to change the subject, so Director Gabbard is rehashing decade-old false claims about the Obama Administration. Few episodes in our nations history have been investigated as thoroughly as the Intelligence Communitys warning in 2016 that Russia was interfering in the election, House Intelligence Committee ranking member Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said in a statement.

Every legitimate investigation, including the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee investigation, found no evidence of politicization and endorsed the findings of the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment.

Sen. Mark Warner (Va.), the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, also criticized Gabbard.

It seems DNI Gabbard is unaware that the years-long Russia investigation carried out by the Senate Intelligence Committee reaffirmed that the Russian government directed extensive activity against U.S. election infrastructure ahead of the 2016 election, and that it used social media to conduct an information warfare campaign in order to benefit Donald Trump. This conclusion was supported on a unanimous basis by every single Democrat and Republican on the committee, he said in a statement.

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Also Friday, the Justice Department moved to release some evidence from the Epstein case, including some grand jury testimony, under pressure to release more information about a figure Trump used to socialize with.

The move from Gabbard comes not only amid fallout from the Epstein saga but shortly after reports that she had fallen out of favor with Trump over intelligence related to Irans nuclear program.

Fridays release underscores how probing the origins of the Russia investigation has remained a fixation for the president nearly a decade later. The memo also focuses on the Steele dossier, a collection of salacious allegations about Trumps ties to Russia, some of which has been discredited.

Gabbard received praise from GOP figures for the report.

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DISMANTLING THE DEEP STATE! Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) wrote on social platform X.

The Russia hoax was a political hit job manufactured by Obama officials and weaponized by intel agencies to take down President Trump. Accountability is long overdue!

However, in Democratic circles, Gabbard has been accused  in this instance as well as others  of tailoring intelligence to suit the needs of the administration.

Warner noted that Gabbard previously called on Trump to pardon leaker Edward Snowden, who released thousands of National Security Agency documents showing the bulk collection of Americans communications data.

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It is sadly not surprising that DNI Gabbard, who promised to depoliticize the intelligence community, is once again weaponizing her position to amplify the presidents election conspiracy theories, Warner said.

It is appalling to hear DNI Gabbard accuse her own IC workforce of committing a treasonous conspiracy when she was unwilling to label Edward Snowden a traitor.

Updated at 6:33 p.m. EDT

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard appeared on "Hannity" Friday night where she asserted that former President Barack Obama's goal with the Russia collusion narrative was to "subvert the American people's will" in the 2016 presidential election.

Gabbard declassified the report on the Obama administration's Russia hoax on Friday, revealing "overwhelming evidence" that demonstrates how, after President Donald Trump won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton, then-President Barack Obama and his national security team laid the groundwork for what would be the years-long TrumpRussia collusion probe.

She noted to viewers that this is an issue that is "important to every single one of us as Americans," and not just a partisan issue because it has to do with the "integrity and strength of our democratic republic."

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Obama Officials Admitted They Had No 'Empirical Evidence' Of Trump-russia Collusion: House Intel Transcripts

"It lays out, these over 100 documents that you're referencing, that I declassified and released, spells out in great detail exactly what happens when you have some of the most powerful people in our country directly leading at the helm, President Obama and his senior-most national security cabinet, James Comey, John Brennan, James Clapper, and Susan Rice and others, essentially making a very intentional decision to create this manufactured, politicized piece of intelligence with the objective of subverting the will of the American people," she told Hannity.

The intelligence chief claimed that the goal of Obama and his team was to essentially "not accept the decision of the American people" in 2016, and to use this "manufactured, politicized piece of intelligence" as a means to enact a "years-long coup against President Trump."

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Gabbard shared her thoughts on what she believed were the effects the Russia Hoax had on the country and its people.

"The years-long Mueller investigation that cost taxpayers almost $40 million to congressional impeachments, endless smears and attacks against not only President Trump, but his family. He had senior members of his team who were investigated, some arrested and jailed. We had heightened and increased tensions between the United States and Russia. The list goes on and on about the consequences of President Obama and his senior cabinet members politicizing intelligence," she asserted.

Fox News Digital reached out to Obama representatives for comment on Gabbard's latest accusations against the administration. Fox News Digital previously reached out to Obama, Clapper, Comey, Brennan, Rice, Lynch and McCabe for comment.

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The intelligence leader told Hannity that she would be referring the documents to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for further investigation, noting that accountability is "critical" to ensure Americans still have faith in our republic.

The DNI asserted that Obama "directed" the creation of the now-infamous Steele dossier.

"I am referring all of these documents that we have found and uncovered, referring them to the Department of Justice for further investigation. Accountability and action; not just investigation, but action. Accountability has to take place. The American people's ability to have faith and trust in the integrity of our democratic republic is literally what's at stake and therefore the future of our ability to exist as the country that we know it. This accountability is critical to make sure that this never happens again," she stated. "Exposing the truth and naming those who are responsible should drive that accountability that has to take place."

Gabbard also touched on the now-infamous Steele dossier, despite its lack of credibility.

"The Steele dossier was used in this manufactured assessment that President Obama directed to be created along with many other pieces of intelligence that the intelligence community itself, for months leading up to the election, said, This is not credible and should not be used at all," the DNI chief claimed.

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On Saturday morning, Gabbard appeared on "Fox and Friends" to further discuss the new Russia documents, referring to the Obama administration's actions as a "treasonous conspiracy" against Trump.

"No one, no matter who they are, no matter how high up they are or how powerful they may be, no matter who the intelligence officials or professionals were, who were a part of this treasonous conspiracy, there must be accountability," she asserted.

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this article.





Original article source: Gabbard claims Obama's goal with Russia narrative was to 'subvert the will of the American people
July 19 (UPI) -- The Obama administration should be investigated for abuse of power to smear President Donald Trump in 2016, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard said on Friday.

Gabbard announced the release of files and a memo related to claims of Russia's alleged attempt to disrupt the 2016 elections to help Trump win the presidency over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"There was a treasonous conspiracy in 2016 committed by officials at the highest level of government," Gabbard said in a news release on Friday.

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"Their goal was to subvert the will of the American people and enact what was essentially a years-long coup with the objective of trying to usurp the president from fulfilling the mandate bestowed upon him by the American people," Gabbard said.

She accused the Obama administration of an "egregious abuse of power and blatant rejection of our Constitution" that "threatens the very foundation and integrity of our democratic republic."

President Barack Obama and his national security cabinet members "manufactured and politicized intelligence to lay the groundwork" for falsifying claims that Russia acted to influence the election in Trump's favor and to impeach the president, according to the DNI release.

Gabbard in 2019 was a member of the Democratic Party and a representative from Hawaii who said, "I could not in good conscience vote either yes or no," during the Dec. 18, 2019, House vote to impeach Trump, according to Politico.

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The DNI release says the U.S. intelligence community consistently concluded Russia likely was not trying to influence the 2016 election, and then-DNI Director James Clapper on Dec. 7, 2016, concluded "foreign adversaries did not use cyberattacks" to alter the election results.

Despite evidence to the contrary, Gabbard says Obama and others tasked Clapper with creating a new intelligence community assessment that claimed Russia acted to influence the election.

Obama officials then leaked false statements claiming Russia tried to influence the election's outcome and produced a new assessment on Jan. 6, 2017, that contradicted prior assessments on the matter, according to the DNI.

Gabbard said she is forwarding relevant materials to the Department of Justice for possible legal action.

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Some congressional Democrats have challenged Gabbard's announcement.

"The unanimous, bipartisan conclusion was that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Donald Trump," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., told CNN on Friday.

"This is just another example of the DNI trying to cook the books, rewrite history and erode trust in the intelligence agencies she's supposed to be leading," Warner added.

Warner is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., said "every legitimate investigation" into the matter affirmed the findings of the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment, CNN reported.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has claimed to have uncovered a treasonous conspiracy in the Obama administration to stoke Russian election interference claims.

Gabbard alleged the Obama administration knew that Russia did not affect the outcome of the 2016 election, but the truth was suppressed, singling out James Comeys leadership of the FBI under Obama, according to the declassified report released by the Trump administration on Friday.

Then-President Barack Obama with Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey in 2013. Gabbard alleges Comey helped repress the truth about Russian election interference. / JEWEL SAMAD / AFP via Getty Images

Top national security officials including FBI Director James Comey, CIA Director John Brennan and DNI James Clapper gathered at the Obama White House to discuss Russia. Obama directed the IC to create a new intelligence assessment that detailed Russian election meddling, even though it would contradict multiple intelligence assessments released over the previous several months, Gabbard claimed in a tweet.

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In a spate of fiery tweets playing up the report, Gabbard took aim at high-level Obama administration officials for engaging in a treasonous conspiracy and years-long coup against President Trump, subverting the will of the American people and undermining our democratic republic.

These documents detail a treasonous conspiracy by officials at the highest levels of the Obama White House to subvert the will of the American people and try to usurp the President from fulfilling his mandate.  DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) July 18, 2025

Their goal was to usurp President Trump and subvert the will of the American people, she said. No matter how powerful, every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The integrity of our democratic republic depends on it.

She added in a tweet, We are turning over all documents to the DOJ for criminal referral.

The release comes after many MAGA supporters have seemingly split with Trump over the anti-climactic release of some of the Jeffrey Epstein findings by Attorney General Pam Bondi. After some back and forth over whether more Epstein files exist, Trump ordered Bondi to unseal Epstein-related grand jury transcripts to attempt to calm his base.

Noooo..

What about Epstein files?

That's what we want to know about. Release the client list.  Dr. Ali Alvi (@DrAleeAlvi) July 18, 2025

As with the Epstein files, some MAGA supporters remained unconvinced that Gabbards big announcement was little more than theater.

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Are these people actually going to go to prison for their crimes or is this a bunch of theater? wrote one self-professed MAGA lover under Gabbards post. Another added, Nothing ever happens.

Bringing the conversation back to Epstein, a commenter added in a post, Noooo. What about Epstein files? Thats what we want to know about. Release the client list.




NEED TO KNOW

Deborah Mason was sentenced to 20 years behind bars for her role in a criminal gang that supplied nearly a tonne (over 1,000 kg) of cocaine across the U.K.

Six women and one man were also implicated in the crime

Mason, 65, was known as "Queen Bee" and "gangster granny"





Deborah Mason, six women, and one man, all part of the same criminal gang, were sentenced to a combined 106 years and six months in prison on Friday, July 18, per U.K. police.

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Mason, 65, also known as "Queen Bee" and "gangster Granny," was sentenced in Woolwich Crown Court in London for her involvement in supplying nearly a tonne of cocaine (about 1,000 kg) over seven months across the U.K. The sizable quantity of drugs had an estimated wholesale value between 23 million to 35 million (about $31 million to $47 million) and a street value of 80 million (over $107 million), according to The Independent.

She was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at Woolwich Crown Court on April 28, and was sentenced at the same court to 20 years behind bars on July 18. She was in contact and sourcing the drugs from an upstream supplier named Bugsy, per The Guardian.

Metropolitan Detective Constable Jack Kraushaar, who led the investigation, said in a statement, This was a sophisticated operation which was extremely profitable for those involved."

Kraushaar continued, "Following months of work by the Met Police to relentlessly pursue these perpetrators, we were able to arrest and eventually convict them, preventing more drugs flooding streets across the UK which leads to violence, antisocial behaviour and misery for communities."

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The seven other individuals implicated in the drug bust are Mason's sister Tina Golding, and her children Demi Bright, Roseanne Mason, Lillie Bright, and Reggie Bright, as well as his partner, Demi Kendall. Lillie Brights partner, Chloe Hodgkin, and Demi Brights friend Anita Slaughter also held significant roles in the operation, The Times reported.

Metropolitan Police Roseanne Mason's mugshot. Roseanne Mason's mugshot.

Roseanne, 29, of Canonbury, North London, and Demi, 30, of Ashford, Kent, were each sentenced to 11 years in prison. Lillie, 26, of Ashford, Kent, was sentenced to 13 years, and Kendall, 31, of Staplehurst, Kent, was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison.

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Reggie, 24, of Staplehurst, Kent, was sentenced to 15 years, and Golding, 66, of Ashford, Kent, was sentenced to 10 years. Slaughter, 44, of Ashford, Kent, was sentenced to 13 years in prison, per The Guardian.

Metropolitan Police Reggie Bright's mugshot. Reggie Bright's mugshot.

Hodgkin, who is currently pregnant, will be sentenced at a later date, per the outlet.

Robert Hutchinson, Specialist Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said in a statement, This was no ordinary family. Instead of nurturing and caring for her relatives, Deborah Mason recruited them to establish an extraordinarily profitable criminal enterprise that would ultimately put them all behind bars."

Mason ran the operation from her home in Tufnell Park, north London, The Times reported. She allegedly often embarked on lavish vacations, purchased luxury high-end designer goods, and more. She was also looking to travel to Turkey for cosmetic surgery, and several members of the gang allegedly brought their children with them to pick up the drugs, according to The Guardian.



Read the original article on People
GARFIELD, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The halls of a nearly 90-year-old school building in northeast Benton County will come to life once again.

The owner of the Garfield Elementary School building handed over the deed on July 18 to the Garfield Scholars Academy.

Community says farewell to Garfield Elementary

Garfield Elementary closed its doors at the end of the 2024 school year. The Rogers School Board says it would be too cost-prohibitive to make the building ADA accessible.

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This school year, the Garfield Scholars Academy opened and operated out of a church in town. Now, the academy has a new home at the old Garfield school building.

It is not known when the academy will move in or if renovations will be done to the old building.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
ANDERSON COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Residents were evacuated in Anderson County on Friday after a gas leak at an industrial plant.

Anderson County EMS/Emergency Management first shared the evacuation request at 9:13 a.m. on Facebook.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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Officials asked people living within a quarter mile of the old YKK plant on Industry Road to leave until the all clear was given.

Around 12 p.m., officials said the leak was contained and the all clear was given for residents to return to their homes.

No injuries were reported.

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LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights advocates are expressing a mix of relief and fury after learning that Andry Hernandez Romero, a gay Venezuelan asylum seeker who vanished into one of the worlds most notorious prisons under the Trump administration, has been released from El Salvador and returned to Venezuela following more than four months of silence, secrecy, and mounting outrage. But his supporters warn that because he initially left Venezuela to escape persecution for his sexual orientation, he remains unsafe.

We have confirmed that he is in Venezuela, Lindsay Toczylowski, executive director of Immigrant Defenders Law Center, told The Advocate Friday evening. ImmDef has provided legal representation to Hernandez Romero since his deportation in March.

Hernandez Romero, 31, was among more than 250 Venezuelan men who were sent to CECOT, El Salvadors maximum-security prison, compared to a modern concentration camp, under the Trump administrations invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a centuries-old wartime law historically weaponized to detain immigrants en masse. Despite seeking protection from anti-LGBTQ+ violence in Venezuela, Hernandez Romero was deported to El Salvador, where he had no ties, without a hearing. There he was held without contact for 125 days.

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We have been fighting to free Andry, our other clients, and all the men from CECOT for more than four months, Toczylowski said in a statement Friday. We are incredibly relieved that it appears most of them have been freed from the torture prison the U.S. government sent them to, and potentially may be reunited with family soon. But as an American, and as a lawyer who believes deeply in the rule of law and due process, my heart remains heavy.

So, while we are grateful they will not spend another night being tortured in El Salvador, she continued, we also grieve the ongoing and lasting damage being done to our democracy by an administration that is willing to violate our Constitution, U.S. asylum laws, and international law. While the Trump administration escalates their use of authoritarian practices meant to intimidate people into submission, we will keep fighting for justice for immigrants and for the future of our country.

Gay California U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, Democratic ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, said Friday on social media that his team is continuing to work on Hernandez Romeros case. We have been in touch with Andry Hernandez Romeros legal team, and they have confirmed he is out of CECOT and back in Venezuela. We are grateful he is alive and are engaged with both the State Department and his team, said Garcia, who had been vigorously demanding answers on the Venezuelan asylum seekers whereabouts and well-being.

In a follow-up video recorded from an airport on Saturday afternoon, Garcia said he was in active contact with both the legal team and U.S. officials to ensure Hernandez Romeros safety inside Venezuela, where he had initially fled persecution.This is great news, as we know now hes alive, Garcia said. Weve confirmed that. Weve seen pictures. Ive been talking to his lawyers.

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He reiterated that the U.S. government was responsible for Hernandez Romeros detention and transfer to El Salvador, noting that he had been deported following an asylum interview initiated through a government appointment. We were the ones, when we gave him that appointment, [who] detained him and sent him to that horrific prison with no proof of life until just yesterday, he said. Its really sad whats happening. Its not just him, but others. He pledged continued action to protect Hernandez Romero and others impacted by the policy.

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Were on this case, Garcia said. Well do everything we can to protect him, make sure he has his due process rights, but most importantly right now, that hes actually safe.

Gay Democratic New York U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, who had donated to a fundraiser to benefit the gay detainee, called out the cruelty with which the Trump administration treated the asylum seeker. Im deeply relieved that Andry has been released from CECOT, but he never shouldve been deported in the first place. He fled Venezuela fearing persecution as a gay man, and sending him to one of the worlds most notorious prisons for no reason beyond profiling was a deeply cruel and dangerous decision by the Trump administration," Torres told The Advocate in a statement. "He has every right to return to the United States and is owed an apology from the White House.

The Human Rights Campaign, which had joined legal advocates and organizers in demanding Hernandez Romeros return, said his release offered both relief and anger.

This country has long been a beacon of hope and a safe harbor for those yearning for freedom. But the Trump administration is torching our values, using people like Andry as pawns in their quest for power, HRC President Kelley Robinson said in a statement Saturday. Andry will not have to lay his head down in a Salvadoran gulag tonight, and that is welcome news. But he should have never been subjected to unknown terrors in that prison, his due process rights continue to be denied, and we do not know what awaits him in the country he fled due to persecution for his sexual orientation.

Robinson added, We are in a constitutional crisis  grappling with a reckless administration upending the rule of law and terrorizing the vulnerable to consolidate power. The targeting of immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and basic civil liberties are not unrelated; they are a coordinated assault on liberty and justice.

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Hernandez Romero became the face of a growing resistance movement after his disappearance into CECOT. During WorldPride in Washington, D.C., in June, HRC joined Immigrant Defenders, Vote Save America, and a coalition of allies for a protest on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court.

One of the protest speakers that day, Bulwark columnist and podcast host Tim Miller, a gay former Republican strategist, also co-hosted a joint Pod Save AmericaBulwark fundraising show for Immigrant Defenders. On Friday night, during a livestreamed podcast, Miller reacted to Hernandez Romeros release, which he called a hostage swap, with emotion and fury.

Its sick what we did, Miller said. Its sick what we did to these men. 125 days. You just cant imagine the trauma that they went through. He added that the Trump administration had effectively engaged in a hostage swap, likening it to what Russia did to Brittney Griner  kidnap random civilians, wrongfully detain them and then use them for a prisoner exchange.

He warned that the U.S. governments denials of involvement rang hollow. They have been lying this whole time. The United States is and has been in control here, he said.

Hernandez Romeros release on Friday was not the result of a legal victory, but of a prisoner swap that had been delayed for weeks by chaos within the Trump administration. As The Advocate previously reported, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been negotiating a structured exchange with the Venezuelan government that would have returned American hostages and political prisoners. But gay Trump envoy Ric Grenell, acting outside official channels, offered Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a side deal involving Chevron oil rights, undercutting Rubios talks and stalling the swap.

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Ultimately, the detainees were released from CECOT, but not allowed to return to the United States. They were instead deported back to Venezuela.

Robinson pledged continued action. As LGBTQ+ Americans, many of whom identify as immigrants, we recognize this pattern and stand unwaveringly with Andry, immigrant communities, and all whose freedoms are under attack, she said. And we thank the team at Immigrant Defenders Law Center, who continue to work tirelessly to bring justice for Andry and countless other immigrants like him.

Editors note: This article has been updated to include a statement from Rep. Ritchie Torres.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Gay asylum seeker Andry Hernandez Romero remains in danger, advocates warn

RELATED
Abu Shabab even hinted at a future in politics: "We will be what our people want us to be. We will not impose any political system on their will."

Yasser Abu Shabab, a militia leader wanted by Hamas, has become a significant figure in Gaza, especially after his organizations Facebook page, "Yasser Abu Shabab  The Popular Forces," garnered widespread support.

Among the prominent comments are expressions of support, including calls for protection and appreciation for "Commander Yasser," with one commenter stating, May Allah protect you and save you from harm. All support and appreciation for Commander Yasser, while another added, If there were an election for governance in the Gaza Strip, I would give you my vote, Yasser.

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One more comment strongly urges the defeat of Hamas: Finish them off and dont leave a single Hamas member alive, and yet another expresses frustration with the political situation: Our people are under a heavy disaster because of personal interests, and we must fight this disaster to bring ourselves better lives.

This online support is a remarkable phenomenon: an armed figure advocating for dialogue and offering a new vision, one that is not just violent or oppositional, but ideological and moral.

Who are the Popular Forces?

Abu Shabab explained the core of the organization to Walla: "The Popular Forces is a Palestinian national and independent body, established to meet the need for civilian protection, humanitarian aid distribution, and securing areas that will not fall victim to terror or local extremism."

Palestinians collect what remains of relief supplies from the distribution center of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 5, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER/FILE PHOTO)

"This is in response to the collapse of official systems and the dominance of a weapon-driven logic.

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"We are a non-political, popular movement that seeks to build a Palestinian society that is stable, free from violence, peaceful, secure, living with dignity, and believing in dialogue as a legitimate means to achieve future understandings," he added.

When questioned about the October 7 attack, Abu Shabab said: "Hamas's decision on 7/10 justified the attacks on Gazans, a failed military decision that led us to hell. But 7/10 is not an excuse for Israels collective punishment policy against our people and the killing of innocent civilians."

"Our weapons are for the protection of our people from anarchy within the Gaza Strip, from oppression, corruption, and from those who exploit Gaza's population under the guise of resistance or religion," he said when asked if he would one day target Israel. "Our weapons are not intended for anyone outside our borders."

"We will protect civilians, create international pressure, and push for an end to the violence that no one wants to escalate."

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He also emphasized that he believes that Israel has the right to live in peace.

"Just as the Palestinian people have the right to live freely, safely, and with dignity in their country, Israelis also have the right to live in security and peace, within internationally recognized borders, based on a non-aggression pact," he said.

"We do not see the Israeli people as our enemy. Mutual security begins with respecting the basic rights of our people. Anyone who does not threaten us will be met with discretion."

Ceasefire and a new vision for Gaza

Abu Shabab emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.

"A ceasefire is essential as hunger worsens. Palestinians need time to breathe and establish safe humanitarian zones free from violence, where their demand for dignity can be met," he said.

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"The Gaza Strip after the war will be a disaster-stricken area requiring international cooperation to rehabilitate it, so its citizens can live dignified lives and be compensated for the pain of war, thus ending the era of violence."

Abu Shabab also hinted at a future in politics.

"We will be what our people want us to be. We will not impose any political system on their will."

Over time, his organization has grown in strength, with some claiming it is a branch of the Palestinian Authority. Abu Shabab, however, denies any such affiliation.

"We are not subordinate to the Palestinian Authority; we are fully independent. Attempts to link us to the authority are meant to undermine our legitimacy."

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"While several parties, including the [Palestinian] Authority, provided small aid at our start, this does not affect our independence. We welcome any support that aligns with our goals: protecting civilians, preventing aid theft, and strengthening justice and dignity."

Hamas's response and Abu Shababs defiance

As Abu Shababs influence grows, Hamas has launched attacks against him. Gaza's Interior Ministry, which is affiliated with Hamas, issued an arrest warrant on charges of "treason," threatening him with trial in absentia. Hamas-affiliated Arab channels have also issued threats.

Abu Shabab, however, remains defiant.

"We are not afraid of Hamas. They should not think of attacking uswe have unexpected surprises. Its our right to have public support that believes in us. This is the right form of democracy.

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"Hamas has already lost its popularity. It must apologize to our people for the decision to carry out the 7/10 attack, leave the leadership, and implement the will of the Palestinian and Arab people, not Irans. Our religion, Islam, is one of justice, security, and peace. We were not born to fight forever, but to live with dignity on our land."

While it remains unclear whether the Popular Forces will replace Hamas, one thing is certain: Abu Shababs figurearmed yet advocating for dialoguesignals a breaking of the fear barrier and the beginning of a new conversation in the Gaza Strip.
SEOUL  North Korea has barred foreigners from a newly opened beach resort, the countrys tourism administration said this week, just days after Russias top diplomat visited the area.

The sprawling seaside resort on its east coast, North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns pet project, opened to domestic visitors earlier this month with great fanfare in state-run media.

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Dubbed North Koreas Waikiki by South Korean media, the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone appears to be lined with high-rise hotels and waterparks, and can purportedly accommodate some 20,000 people.

State media previously said visits to Wonsan by Russian tour groups were expected in the coming months.

But following Lavrovs visit, the Norths National Tourism Administration said foreign tourists are temporarily not being accepted without giving further details, in a statement posted on an official website this week. AFP

Kim showed a keen interest in developing North Koreas tourism industry during his early years in power, analysts have said, and the coastal resort area was a particular focus.

He said ahead of the opening of the beach resort that the construction of the site would go down as one of the greatest successes this year and that the North would build more large-scale tourist zones in the shortest time possible.

The North last year permitted Russian tourists to return for the first time since the pandemic and Western tour operators briefly returned in February this year.

Seouls unification ministry, however, said that it expected international tourism to the new resort was likely to remain small in scale given the limited capacity of available flights.

Kim held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan last week where he offered Moscow his full and unconditional support for its war in Ukraine, KCNA reported. AFP
Hundreds of Palestinian students in Gaza are taking a crucial end-of-secondary-school exam organised by the besieged enclaves Ministry of Education in the hope of entering university studies.

Earlier this month, the ministry announced Saturdays exam, which will be the first since Israel began its genocidal war on Gaza after the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel in October 2023.

The ministry confirmed that about 1,500 students are registered to take the exam, which will be conducted electronically using specialised software, adding that all necessary technical preparations have been carried out to ensure smooth administration.

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Some students are sitting the online exam at home, while others are taking it at venues depending on the region they are in, with safety considerations in mind, given the daily Israeli bombardment.

Al Jazeeras Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah, stressed that for Palestinian students, the exam is a critical gateway to higher education, scholarships and a future beyond the Israeli blockade.

He said: Even in a warzone, with no classrooms, no books and barely any internet, Gazas students are showing up, logging in and sitting their final exam, refusing to let war erase their future.





After the war started, the education of many students in Gaza has been put on hold, and the results of Saturdays exam will allow them to continue their studies at university.

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Many should have been at university by now, but remained at the high school level due to the war, as Israeli attacks have devastated Gazas education system, along with the rest of the territorys civilian infrastructure.

In response, Gazas Education Ministry has launched an online platform  the first of its kind in Gaza  to enable high school seniors to take their final exam.

Students have downloaded the app to take their exam, but they face many challenges, Morad al-Agha, the exams director of the Central Gaza Governorate, told Al Jazeera.

We have raised these concerns with the ministry to make sure theyre resolved, so students can sit for their exams without disruption.

It is so difficult

Students log in from cafes, tents and shelters  wherever they can find a charged device and a working internet connection.

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Before the final exam, they have completed a mock test, designed not only to test their knowledge but also the systems stability.

However, students tell Al Jazeera that going digital in Gaza has not been easy.

We are taking exams online, but it is so difficult, student Doha Khatab said. The internet is weak, many of us do not have devices and there is no safe space to take the test. We also lost our books in the bombardment.

To support them, a few teachers have reopened damaged classrooms and are offering in-person guidance.

It is the first time the ministry has done this online and students are confused, so were trying to guide them step by step, teacher Enam Abu Slisa told Al Jazeera.

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The war in Gaza and the destruction of 95 percent of educational infrastructure have left more than 660,000 children out of school  nearly all of Gazas school-aged population, according to the United Nations.

Many former UN-run schools are now being used as shelters for displaced people and also face relentless, deadly Israeli attacks.

A report to the UN Human Rights Council found that Israeli forces systematically destroyed education infrastructure in Gaza. The report described these actions as potential war crimes.
Democratic congressional candidate Blake Gendebien continued to demonstrate a solid grass-roots donor base from around the country in the second quarter.

But contributions from Democratic-leaning political action committees dried up after the expected 21st Congressional District special election this spring was called off.

Gendebien has yet to receive financial backing from the Democratic party establishment, generally regarded as in indication of a competitive race, and he has had limited contributions from labor unions.

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Still, it is early in the race, and with $1.96 million in his campaign fund, as of June 30, Genedebien is well-positioned to be able to run a high-profile campaign.

The farmer from Lisbon in Saint Lawrence County raised $212,605 in the second quarter, bringing his total amount raised so far in the election cycle to $3.56 million, according to a new campaign finance reported filed Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission.

Gendebien began fundraising in late 2024 in expectation of running in a special election for a vacancy in the 21st Congressional District, which never materialized.

In late March, President Donald Trump withdrew the nomination of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, to become ambassador to the United Nations, saying he could not risk losing the seat to a Democrat, given the thin Republican majority in the House.

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Stefanik raised $2.07 million in the second quarter, bringing her total contributions this campaign cycle to $3.2 million, according to a new campaign finance report filed Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission.

She had $10 million in her campaign fund as of June 30.

However, Stefanik, a six-term incumbent, is expected to run for governor. If she does not, the Republican congressional nominee would be starting fundraising from scratch, and could face an expensive primary.

Potential Republican candidates are waiting for Stefanik to formally announce her candidacy to launch their campaigns.

Assemblyman Robert Smullen, R-Johnstown, has said he will run for Congress if Stefanik runs for governor, and Amsterdam businessman Anthony Constantino has said he is considering running.

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Other possible candidates, including state Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, and Liz Lemery Joy, a conservative speaker and writer from Glenville, have said it is premature to discuss a hypothetical race.

Republicans have said they are confident of the partys heavy voter enrollment advantage in the congressional district.

Most national House race rating publications do not consider the race as competitive, but one publication, Inside Elections, has identified NY-21 as one of 64 House seats in play in 2026, although it rates the race as likely Republican.

Gendebien received one labor union contribution in the second quarter  $1,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers  and no other political action committee contributions.

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Stefanik received $95,500 in political action committee contributions in the second quarter, including $5,000 from the America Israel Public Affairs Committee, a bipartisan pro-Israel PAC.

She received $12,000 from the finance, banking and loan industry: $5,000 each from Price Waterhouse Coopers and UBS America, and $1,000 each from the American Financial Services Association and Nelnet, a student loan payment processing company.

She received $4,000 from defense contractors: $1,000 each from R.T.X. Corp., L3 Technologies, Textron and The Boeing Co.

Within the region, she received $2,500 from Sylvamo Corp., which owns a paper mill at Ticonderoga, and $2,500 from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

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Other PAC contributions included $5,000 from the Community Action Program, which advocates for human services assistance programs, $2,500 from General Motors Corp., $2,500 from Google, $1,500 from the American Petroleum Institute, $5,000 from The Home Depot and 2,000 from Walmart.

Gendebien spent $273,871 on his campaign in the second quarter, including $24,383 for texting, $3,144 for printing, $18,600 for polling and $28,250 for video production.

The Gendebien campaign recently released on social media a satirical video produced using artificial intelligence, which lampooned Stefanik for being reluctant to formally announce her run for governor.

AI was used to create a character which closely resembles Stefanik, including wearing outfits similar to what Stefanik has worn in public or in past campaign advertising.

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Stefanik, in a news release, called the video a blatantly sexist, deep-fake attack ad that is deeply offensive to North Country voters.

Gendebien countered that it was a light-hearted attempt to call attention to Stefanik not being willing to admit she plans to run for governor.

Stefanik spent $579,882 on her campaign in the second quarter, including $97,967 for fundraising telemarketing, $152,839 on direct mail printing and postage, $4,603 on texting and $800 on video production.
FAIRFAX, Va. (DC News Now)  George Mason University (GMU) President Gregory Washington issued a statement on Friday in response to a recent investigation launched by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into the universitys employment practices.

DOJ officials said their investigation stems from statements and policies made by the Universitys president, which indicate that race and sex are motivating factors in faculty hiring and other employment decisions in order to achieve diversity goals.

Washington said the university learned of the investigation when the DOJs news release was distributed on Thursday, July 17.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Justice Department launches investigation into employment practices at George Mason University

Regardless of not being able to make direct contact with the department to learn more about the complaint, we will always work in good faith to cooperate fully  and are gathering requested information as required, he wrote in a statement.

He denied the DOJs accusations that the university has been engaging in illegal DEI practices.

Washington said that, from his understanding, parts of the complaint are based on outdated digital posts, including a tweet from his social media account in June 2022 and a livestreamed town hall in November 2020.

Context

Washington said the context in which his statements were made is vital to understanding why they were appropriate and in compliance with state mandates.

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Both the 2020 town hall and 2022 social media post occurred in the wake of  several tragic events culminating in George Floyds murder, he stated.

As part of addressing the reckoning happening across the nation at the time, the university was looking for ways of improving itself, while also examining its past actions.

Not only were we working to improve, [but] being Virginias largest and most diverse public university meant government leaders and the public expected George Mason to play a meaningful part in creating structures and programming to address old biases and persistent inequalities in business operations, he wrote.

DCs Juvenile Curfew Zone expands to U Street corridor

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As a result of the changes taking place across the country, then-Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam launched the ONE Virginia plan and enacted amendments to the Code of Virginia in March 2021. With these changes, Washington said GMU was expected to address barriers to equal employment opportunities and promote diversity and equity in hiring, among other things.

By 2025, after several changes to the Commonwealths leadership, GMU was instructed to dismantle programs and eliminate or reassign staff members  which we have done, Washington said.

Just as we complied with leadership expectations to increase DEI programming, we have also worked in good faith to follow directives in the opposite direction, his statement read. Throughout the shifts, we have leaned on our institutional values, and stayed true to our core ethos to remain a constant beacon of welcoming and inclusivity to everyone who seeks us out. Its a very difficult path to travel, but we have worked in earnest to maintain that path.

Washington acknowledged that he has regularly publicly and passionately expressed his goals to erase bias against any and all groups, as well as maintain a welcoming environment at GMU.

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He rejected the idea, however, that GMU has created new university policies or procedures that discriminate against or exclude anyone.

We have weathered so much as one community, not least of which a pandemic and a recession. As always, we will come through this as the George Mason community always does: together, Washingtons statement concluded.

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The Brief

A Georgetown law professor has been found guilty of beating his wife.

He is also a convicted bank robber, previously serving 10 years for the crime.

His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 18.

WASHINGTON - A Georgetown law professor was found guilty of beating his wife and obstructing justice on Fridayand this is not his first criminal conviction.

What we know

Shon Hopwood is a convicted bank robber. He spent more than 10 years in federal prison.

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He got out, turned his life around and became a very successful lawyer and even a Georgetown law professor.

It was a comeback story so unlikely that he was even featured on 60 Minutes .

But as U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro says Hopwood is being put back behind bars for beating his wife.

According to Pirro, he faces a minimum of five and a half years after a Superior Court jury found him guilty today on 10 of 11 counts of assault, contempt and obstruction of justice.

The backstory

Hopwood was arrested late in 2023, accused of assaulting his wife during an argument in front of their children and then ordering her to remain in the basement of their home.

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Pirro said it was revealed later hed in fact abused her emotionally and physically for years.

His trial was initially scheduled for last summer, but Pirro said Hopwood pressured his wife and kids to leave the jurisdiction, stay with a man he met in federal prison and not show up to trial! so thats where the contempt and obstruction of justice charges come into play.

What they're saying

"Hes an individual parading around as a prison reform activist, a batterer who left his handprints on his wifes face, and the mother of his children, a batterer who left his wife with a black eye, a batterer who caused his wife to have a chipped tooth, and a batterer who broke his wifes finger," Pirro said in a Friday afternoon news conference.

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"Ironically, Hopwood is on the faculty of Georgetown Law School where he teaches criminal law and he was brought onto the faculty in a celebration of second chances. Mr. Shon Hopwood does not deserve any more chances," she continued.

In a statement, a Georgetown Law spokesperson told FOX 5, in part, "Georgetown Law respects the judicial system and this jury's decision. Domestic violence is horrific and antithetical to our values as an institution. Shon Hopwood remains on leave from his position as professor and we will review the matter and follow all applicable personnel processes. Beyond that, we cannot comment on personnel matters."

What's next

His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 18.
After shooting at passersby and police officers, a man was shot dead by police near Stuttgart on Saturday.

The 44-year-old reportedly fired indiscriminately at passers-by, the building opposite and the street from the top floor of his house in Leonberg, the Stuttgart public prosecutor's office and the Baden-Wurttemberg State Office of Criminal Investigation (LKA) said in a joint statement.

The assailant also fired shots at police officers. No-one was injured.

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The man, identified only as a German national, had retreated to a flat to which a special task force had gained access, it was further reported.

The 44-year-old is said to have threatened the officers with a firearm. The police then shot the man. He reportedly died on the spot.

The officers seized the man's weapon - it was a blank firing weapon.

Whether he had used this or another weapon to fire from the building is still being investigated.

The state criminal police office (LKA)is investigating the police's use of firearms. No further information was initially available.
(NewsNation)  As several Republicans call on Congress to bring Ghislaine Maxwell in to testify, former Jeffrey Epstein attorney Alan Dershowitz believes she absolutely should.

She knows everything. I mean, she is everything, Dershowitz told Elizabeth Vargas Reports. I know a lot. I know what he told me, I was his lawyer, and I cant reveal stuff that he told me in confidence, but there are no great, deep, dark secrets,

He helped secure a plea deal in 2008 for Epstein, who pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution. Epstein avoided a possible life sentence and served 13 months in a work-release program.

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Epstein video clearly altered, has so many issues, forensic expert says

She was the one who arranged all the trips and travel of all the people who went to the island, who went to the house and went to the place in New Mexico, who went to his place in Paris, Dershowitz said of Maxwell.

So shes the key to everything, and theres no reason why they shouldnt give her use immunity, which means she can still be prosecuted if she commits perjury but she would then have to testify about everything, and she should.

On Friday, the Justice Department requested that the federal court to unseal transcripts from the grand jury that investigated Epstein before his 2019 death in jail.

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Trump sues after Wall Street Journals Epstein story

It came after President Donald Trump asked Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.

After telling NewsNation earlier this week that he did not believe there was a client list, Dershowitz now says that all information in the Epstein files should be shared.

I think the answer is to release everything  let it all be out there and let the public decide whos telling the truth, he said.

3 dead after explosion at LA police training facility

The grand jury transcripts are a fraction of the Epstein documents, with bank, phone and surveillance records still under seal along with his autopsy report.

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Theres no reason to keep the autopsy under seal, Dershowitz said. We have to be careful to distinguish between evidence of acquaintanceships. I knew Epstein, I was his lawyer. Bill Gates knew him. Fidel Castro knew him, and obviously, Donald Trump knew him, but we all terminated our relationship  most of us did. Bill Gates didnt, but I did, and others did, as soon as the legal proceedings were over in the first case.

So just because somebodys name is associated with Epstein doesnt in any way imply guilt, and so we have to be very careful.

The Wall Street Journal, which is being sued by the president for alleging he wrote a crude letter to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003, also alleged Dershowitz wrote a note to Epstein as part of a birthday album.

Dershowitz told the outlet he had no recollection of the letter and they would try to send a copy of his signature after initially rejecting the request, citing the compromise of sources.

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It doesnt sound like me, Dershowitz said. Neither my wife nor I remember that, and I have a pretty good memory.

He acknowledged it was possible but added that nobody knew he was doing anything improper during that time period.

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Epstein was also the man who activated the sirens across Israel on Yom Kippur, 1973, when the IAF detected takeoffs from Syrian and Egyptian air force bases.

Giora Epstein never gave up on his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. With 17 kills, he became the IAF's top ace, and the 16 MiGs and Sukhois he shot down earned him the title of world champion in jet aircraft shootdowns. He passed away on Saturday at the age of 87.

Born in 1938 in Kibbutz Negba to Hillel and Chaya, Polish immigrants, Epstein aspired to become a pilot from a young age. Despite his ambition, the Israeli Air Force initially rejected him from the pilot course. Undeterred, he discovered the reason for his rejection, a medical issue. At the age of 25, after much perseverance was accepted to begin pilot training.

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After completing the course, he was assigned to fly helicopters. Unwilling to accept this, he appealed directly to Air Force Commander Ezer Weizman. Weizman eventually agreed to meet with him, listened to his case, and, a few days later, informed him: "Report to Squadron 113 and start an operational training course as a fighter pilot."

Even's persistence paid off as he quickly established himself as one of the Israeli Air Force's most skilled pilots. In the Six-Day War, he shot down his first Mirage fighter, and during the War of Attrition, he claimed four more kills. In the Yom Kippur War, he was stationed with the Nesher SquadronIsraels version of the Mirage 5and he shot down another 12 enemy aircraft and one helicopter.

One of his most remarkable feats occurred when he found himself alone against 20 Egyptian aircraft. Epstein shot down four before being forced to return to base due to fuel shortages. He was known for his excellent vision, which allowed him to spot enemy aircraft before others could, as well as for his shorter stature, which helped him withstand the pressure of G-forces during flight.

IAF fighter jets taking off to intercept the UAVs launched from Iran, June 13, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The man who warned Israel on Yom Kippur

Epstein was also a pivotal figure in the events leading up to the Yom Kippur War. At 14:00 on October 6, 1973, he was the man who activated the sirens across Israel, signaling the outbreak of the war.

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This came after the Air Force detected sudden takeoffs from Syrian and Egyptian Air Force bases. Epsteins actions that day were part of a series of critical moments that helped Israel brace for the conflict.

Most of Epstein's kills were made as a pilot in Squadron 101. After the war, in 1974, he became the commander of Squadron 117. He retired from active service in 1977, but his connection to aviation didnt end there. He joinedEl Al and flew for the airline until 2003. At age 50, in 1988, he was granted special permission to transition to the F-16, continuing to serve as a combat pilot for another decade until 1998. Over the course of his career, Epstein flew approximately 9,000 sorties and logged 5,000 hours in combat aircraft.

In 2018, he was personally awarded the rank of Brigadier General by IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. In recent years, he became an active participant in the pilots' protest movement.

Epstein lived in Ramat Hasharon and was married to Sara, whom he met while she worked as an operations clerk. The couple had three children.
AMERICAN FORK, Utah (ABC4)  Its only fitting that centuries after the legendary gold rush of the 1880s, Utahns are still searching for gold. Experts from the Utah Gold Prospecting Club are digging for gold in American Fork Canyon.

Once you see it in the pan, youre hooked. Its literally gold fever, Utah Gold Prospecting Club membership officer Dustin Johnson said.

Now youre just somebody that I U-sed to know: Utah students support logo change

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The Utah Geological survey, along with Johnson, say to pack non-mechanized equipment such as a pan, sluice box, or pick and shovel to look for gold.

A pick and a shovel and a gold pan. Thats enough to get anybody to start finding gold, Johnson said.

Johnson has been gold prospecting for six years now. He says American Fork Canyon is one of several spots where you can find gold in Utah.

The Utah Geological Survey lists the following spots to go looking:

Abajo Mountains  Along Johnson and Recapture Creeks. Oquirrh Mountains, Bingham Canyon  Was the largest gold placer in Utah. The original topography was altered by the open-pit mining operations. Colorado River  From the mouth of the Dolores River south to the Amasa Back Bend west of Moab. Most placers were from the Dirty Devil River south to the Utah-Arizona border and are now under Lake Powell. Green River  From Flaming Gorge Reservoir down to Horseshoe Bend. Henry Mountains  On the east flanks of Mt. Ellen in Crescent Creek and Mt. Pennell along Straight Creek. House Range  In Amasa Valley and Miller Canyon. La Sal Mountains  In glacial deposits and streams of Miners Basin, Wilson Mesa, Bald Mesa, and around North Mountain. San Juan River  From the mouth of Montezuma Creek west to Lake Powell. Tushar Mountains  In Mill Creek on the north flank of Signal Peak and near the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek in Bullion Canyon.

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What have here, unlike any other state, where almost all of our gold is very fine. We call it flower gold because its about the consistency of pouring out flour in your pan. Its extremely fine, Johnson said.

Utah ranks 9th in highest housing prices nationwide

Utahs placers are usually associated with areas of igneous rocks, the Utah Geological Survey website reads. It goes on to explain that gold is deposited within surrounding rock formations, known as primary deposits, and as those rocks are eroded, the free gold is deposited and concentrated into placer (or secondary) deposits.

Finding gold is possible in any stream or river that crosses a gold-mineralized area, the website continues, though it cautions that known placer deposits in Utah have been worked for over 100 years, and because of that, its very rare to find large concentrations of gold in Utahs streams.

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However, just because you most likely wont find a large amount of gold at once, that doesnt mean it isnt there.

It is plentiful. Theres a lot of gold still here in Utah that is undiscovered, Johnson said.

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The parents of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in a Moscow home, spoke out about their frustrations over the lack of information on how their daughter died and the plea deal offered to Bryan Kohberger, who admitted to four counts of first-degree murder in exchange for no longer facing the possibility of the death penalty at trial.

Steve and Kristi Goncalves, who have been vocal about their support for capital punishment for Kohberger, and their attorney appeared on the Today show Friday and said they hoped to see the case go to trial. They had also hoped to get more answers on what happened to their daughter that night, they said.

The Goncalves said they have been pressing for more information from the Idaho State Police, Moscow police and FBI about their daughters murder and her last few moments to write an accurate victims impact statement.The familys attorney, Shannon Gray, told Today he spoke with the prosecuting attorneys to try to get more information from the discovery case as soon as possible.

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The Goncalveses received limited information from the coroner about how Kaylee died that night  she had several stab wounds, a broken nose, signs of asphyxiation and defense wounds on her arms, Kristi told the Today show.

Steve Goncalves said he wants to know more details about that night, such as how many times his daughter was stabbed, and that he wants to find out through the investigators, not from the media or from Kohberger himself.

I think were going to find out secrets through his sick twisted mind, he said. Hes going to write about it, hes going to have exclusive interviews with his family members.  Thats how we are going to hear about it.

Kohberger, 30, was a Washington State University graduate student in Pullman, across the Washington-Idaho state line, at the time of the murders in November 2022. He answered yes to the presiding judges question on whether he had willfully, unlawfully, deliberately with premeditation and with malice aforethought fatally stabbed to death the U of I students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

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The Goncalveses were prepared for a monthslong trial for their daughters murder, and her father said they wanted to see Kohberger face accountability of the highest that there is.

Now, Kaylees father said the family is grappling with the change and trying to move on.

When the couple heard Kohberger admit to the killing of their daughter, it was hard to hear, and wished Kohberger would have had to say the victims names, Kristi Goncalves told the Today show.

It shows a little bit more accountability and owning up to what he did, to have to say the victims names, our daughters name, not just yes, yes, yes, she said. I just feel like that was a really easy way to admit his guilt.

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Some families supported the plea deal to avoid a lengthy trial while ensuring punishment for Kohberger. In a statement to the Statesman, the family of Madison Mogen said this it will allow those who knew the four young adults time to grieve without the anxiety of the long and gruesome trial and potential appeals.

It was very surreal, it was very emotional to hear it, Kristi Goncalves said, recalling Kohbergers guilty plea. Something that, you know, I dont think we were ever really prepared to hear or think that we would hear.

Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler lifted the gag order that prevented investigators, law enforcement and attorneys from speaking publicly about the case after two dozen media outlets and organizations  including the Idaho Statesman  filed a motion to rescind the order.

Kohbergers sentencing is scheduled for July 23.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind (WEHT)  Tears and memories were aplenty as the Vanderburgh County Fire Department mourned and said goodbye to one of their own.

K9 Siren passed away after she lost her battle with a medical illness, and members said their farewells Friday afternoon at Scott Township Park.

Siren came to the fire department two years ago as a rescue from the Vanderburgh Humane Society.

The fire department on social media says despite her being deaf, she bonded with the crew immediately and became a staple of the department during long shifts, a source of comfort after difficult calls and a natural fit for public outreach and community support efforts.

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During the ceremony, Sirens watch was called to an end, and K9 Ember was called into service.

Some members that got up to speak about Siren was Fire Chief Adam Farrar, Handler Dawnyel Flavin and Battalion Chief Ryan Bosecker.

Flavin thought Siren realized she affected not only her and the department, but the entire Evansville community.

I think she would realize that she went from being very much alone to having an entire community loving her so much, despite the fact that she had a disability and that a lot of people gave up on her, she said. This is my first time being a K9 handler and having a dog be with me 24/7. We went everywhere, did everything together. Good runs, bad runs. She taught me how to be a good handler.

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Bosecker says Siren was always there during the tough calls.

The nice thing about Siren was she was there, he said. She was there when you needed her in the way dogs only know how. She was there especially when you were experiencing something you needed to get off your chest. Shed appreciate seeing everyone that came here to see us.

Vanderburgh County Humane Society Director of Advancement Amanda Coburn says Siren helped make the fire department more accessible.

Anytime you have an animal in that kind of capacity, its automatically accessible. If you walk into the police department or fire department, sometimes that can be intimidating, but the easiest way to get somebody to engage with you is to have a pet with you, she said. Im sure it made the fire department more accessible and approachable for people.

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Coburn also shared the departments grief but is grateful they picked Siren.

Were heartbroken for the department, but were thrilled that they gave her a good life, she said. Dogs never live long enough. We always wish they could live forever, but this is something that everybody goes through. Were just so sorry for them but grateful they gave her such a great life.

The department also extended thanks to Sirens primary care facility.

The Vanderburgh County Fire Department extends our deepest thanks to the team at Stone Ridge Animal Care for the outstanding care and compassion shown to K9 Siren throughout her time with us  and especially during her final moments. Your support helped bring comfort and dignity to a difficult day, and we are sincerely grateful for the role you played in her life and legacy.

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Listen to Sirens end of watch call below:

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Hundreds of demonstrators joined a mixture of state legislators, city councilmembers and community leaders the morning of July 19 in downtown Nashville for the fourth annual Rep. John Lewis Way march, honoring the legacy of the former Georgia Congressman and civil rights icon two days after the fifth anniversary of his death.

The march, which went from the Tennessee State Library and Archives to the Ryman Auditorium, also remembered the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Acts of1965, a landmark federal law that prohibits racial discrimination in voting processes.

A spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed that the estimated crowd size was around 300 attendees.

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More: Who was John Lewis? What to know about civil rights icon whose words inspired 'Good Trouble' protests

The demonstration was also part of a nationwide network of protests titled Good Trouble Lives On that spanned the country throughout the week promoting Lewis mantra of getting into good and necessary trouble.

Tens of thousands of protesters across the country are expected to be part of the series of marches by the weekends close.

Bishop Aaron Marble, pastor at Jefferson Street Baptist Church, spoke at the Nashville event, comparing the people marching to the Israelites marching around the walls of Jericho in a Biblical analogy.

Bishop Aaron Marble, pastor of the Jefferson Street Baptist Church speaks during the Rep. John Lewis Good Trouble Lives On demonstration and march at The Tennessee State Library March Saturday, July 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tenn. The march is named for the late Congressman, who was civil rights icon known for encouraging people to get in good trouble.

Their size, might, and ability seemed little to the resistance of that city, he said. Yet, they persisted. Yet, they marched, and the walls fell down.

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We in our nation have seen the reconstruction and the fortification of walls of hatred, the walls of white Christian nationalism, the walls of white supremacy  and it seems as if those walls wont fall down, he said. But as we look to the sacrifice of our elders, and we consider the blood of our martyrs and those gathered today, I believe those walls still can fall down. 

Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, was one of many elected officials who spoke prior to the march, joined on stage by Dr. Blondell Strong Kimbrough, the widow of the late civil rights leader and former Nashville NAACP President Charles Kimbrough.

While at the podium, Jones called for applause for the many activists who came before him, but also took the time to call out officials who work for President Donald Trump, to the cheers of many in the crowd.

Democracy dies in darkness, and fascism thrives in isolation, Jones said. But we are here as a community to say that we are not isolated, that we are showing up because people like Kristi Noem are not welcome in our community.

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Strong Kimbrough was among many civil rights activists in attendance, some of whom were freedom riders during the Civil Rights Movement.

Speakers from groups such as Indivisible Tennessee, the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and local LGBTQ rights groups also spoke against a number of Trump policies, and the need to come together as a community in trying times.

Luis Mata, organizer and spokesperson for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, read a letter written to him by a community member whose mother had been impacted by recent immigration operations in Nashville.

The letter described the emotional process of having to move belongings out of an apartment for her mother who couldnt be there alongside her.

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While I was doing all of this I thought, no one should ever have to do this, the letter read. No one should have to go through everything and decide whats important for you to keep and what is okay to sell or get rid of. No one should ever have to clear out their family members house because they were wrongfully taken by ICE.

People cheer as they listen to speakers during the Rep. John Lewis Good Trouble Lives On demonstration and march at The Tennessee State Library March Saturday, July 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tenn. The march is named for the late Congressman, who was civil rights icon known for encouraging people to get in good trouble.

In the crowd stood Kathy Southern and her husband Malcolm Southern, residents of Spring Hill, alongside their neighbor Kathy York.

York held a sign comparing current political events across the country to those in Germany before World War II.

Were living through it again, said York. Theyve got concentration camps in Florida, theyre tearing people off the streets, and the majority of them havent committed any crimes! It just feels like were ignoring the fact that this is 1938 Germany all over again.

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Kathy Southern shared her concerns. Her husband Malcolm, to whom she has been married for almost 50 years, immigrated to the United States from the United Kingdom and became a citizen 10 years ago. She said recent threats made by the Trump administration to revoke citizenship of naturalized citizens scared her, especially when protesting,

Were here to have a peaceful protest," she said. "You cant take that away from us. If we dont have that, what do we have?

The USA TODAY Network - The South region's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How John Lewis, civil rights icon, inspired 'Good Trouble' march in TN
Jul. 18---- More than 100 people gathered again Thursday at Rice Park in Willmar for a demonstration and march down to First Street for the Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action.

The

comes from a quote by the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis in 2020. "Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and redeem the soul of America," he said while commemorating the 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

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On March 7, 1965, a then 25-year-old Lewis led around 600 protesters in a march that later became known as "Bloody Sunday" due to the violence inflicted on demonstrators by state troopers and other police forces as the marchers came to the crest of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.

The event became a turning point in the civil rights movement, according to a 2015

written by Christopher Klein for the website of the History Channel. Footage captured at that march outraged the general public and spurred sit-ins, traffic blockades and other demonstrations in solidarity with the protesters in Selma. President Lyndon Johnson also pressured Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act, which was eventually signed into law by August of 1965.

Lewis would go on to represent Georgia's Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1987 and served until he died in 2020. He was 80 years old and the last survivor among the "Big Six" civil rights activists led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

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This year marked the fifth annual national day of action, which has taken place on July 17 each year since Lewis' death. According to the grassroots movement, a core principle for all the Good Trouble Lives On events is a commitment to nonviolent action.

organized Thursday's demonstration in Rice Park. According to a news release from the Good Trouble Lives On organization, more than 1,600 demonstrations took place across the nation, with the flagship demonstration held in Chicago.

According to the organization's

other regional demonstrations took place in

and

According to the news release, the grassroots movement demands an end to the Trump administration's crackdown on civil rights; to the targeting of Black and Brown Americans, immigrants, trans people and others with "hateful, dangerous policies"; and an end to the slashing of social safety net programs  such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Social Security  that only serves to allow the wealthy and well-connected "to their own pockets."

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The Good Trouble Lives On event in Willmar focused specifically on a welcoming message to immigrants, and to show support for those in the community directly affected by federal immigration policies enacted by the Trump administration.

Attendees in Rice Park were asked by organizers to bring basic necessities such as toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, diapers and/or cash as donations to help support immigrant families within the community directly affected by current federal immigration policies.

Kathy Hartley, an organizer with Indivisible Kandiyohi County, told the West Central Tribune that several organizations that work directly with undocumented immigrants already had a distribution plan in place for the donated supplies. She also said that Indivisible Kandiyohi County will continue to ask for donations in the future.

During the rally in Rice Park, Hartley shared the story of one immigrant she met, changing her name and country of origin to protect her identity.

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According to Hartley, Victoria, of Nicaragua, had lost both her parents in an accident when she was child and was married at 15 years old, something Victoria thought would bring her safety and security.

However, Victoria had come to find her husband was abusive, leading to a cycle of feeling trapped and powerless. It eventually reached a point where she not only feared for her own life but for the life of their 4-year-old child as well. She fled, eventually coming to the U.S. border.

Victoria applied for asylum with the U.S. Border Patrol and was allowed into the U.S. She eventually found residence in Willmar, where she began working and making a new life for herself. Her child also began going to school.

However, because she had applied for asylum with the U.S. Border Patrol, Victoria ended up on a list and was notified by immigration authorities she would have to self-deport.

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Hartley read directly from a letter Victoria wrote and sent to President Trump, stating that the new immigration policies have brought her and her family anguish and pain. "We just want a better life. We just want to survive." The letter goes on to read, "there is no justice where I came from. There is killing, there are no laws. Life here has been good ... I say good-bye hoping that things get better."

Doug Dockter, who goes by Brother Doug, of the

also spoke in Rice Park. He told the crowd that tensions among immigrants in the Willmar community have eased a bit since the inauguration, but many are already taking the steps they can for worst-case scenarios should they be deported and separated from their families.

"Some have filled out

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and chosen who will take care of their children when they are taken," he said. "Some have tried to invest even more in their home countries because they know they may have to return. Some are preparing slowly and painfully to self-deport. ... Some dread going to court knowing they could be detained the moment they show up ... and they know that our county jail has a contract with (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)."

Dockter ended his speech asking "what will become of us?" when more immigrants are forced to leave from their communities. "What will happen to our community? Our churches, our schools (and) our local businesses? We are all a part of this community and we will all be poorer not just economically but with heart and soul if we lose them," he said. "Let our immigrant neighbors know that you value them, that you want them here (and) that this is their home too."
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Goose Fire, burning near Silver City, New Mexico, continues to grow and remains at 0 percent containment, fire officials said Saturday morning, July 19.

The Goose Fire, about 18 miles northwest of Silver City in Grant County, has burned 1,845 acres. It started on July 9 and was caused by lightning.

The fire was at 1,681 acres on Friday and at 800 earlier in the week.

Friday, crews continued to work in the southwest and southeast area of the fire to advance containment, fire officials said. Fire officials report progress in establishing alternate and contingency lines along the Victor Road, Goose Lake Trail No. 238 and Forest Service Road 282 areas.



The north and eastern areas of the fire were unstaffed for safety reasons due to challenging

terrain and increased fire behavior experienced the previous day, fire officials said.

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Two helicopters supported the incident with water bucket drops on Friday morning, but were grounded in the afternoon due to risks associated with the weather, fire officials said.

Saturday, crews will maintain progress being made in the southeast area of the fire to establish contingency lines in the event the fire spreads in that direction. Fire crews are also expected to continue to make improvements to roads, increasing access to critical points of the fire, officials.

Initial attack resources will stay ready as needed.



Incident Commander Lino Baca said: Despite ongoing challenges with terrain, weather, and fire behavior, our strategy remains full suppression for this incident.



Showers and storms remain in the region Saturday with a diminishing likelihood of storms later in the day. There is still chance of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Temperatures will top out in the mid-80s with relative humidity near 31%.

Members of the public are urged to avoid the area around the Goose Fire. Motorists are urged to travel cautiously as fire traffic remains active in the Mimbres Valley area, fire officials said.

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Unauthorized drones can pose a serious risk to firefighters and can cause air operations to stop, fire officials said.

Here are some important links for information on the Goose Fire.

For fire area closures, click here.



For information about smoke conditions, click here.



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RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin spoke Thursday night at a high-profile GOP dinner in Iowa, sparking questions of whether hes eyeing a 2028 presidential run.

The GOP Lincoln Dinner has historically been a testing ground for a future presidential run. President Trump and other candidates spoke at the dinner in 2023, and Nikki Haley spoke in 2021 ahead of her run in 2024.

Virginia Governor attends annual Iowa GOP Lincoln Dinner

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Of course, you know the Iowa caucus, the first caucus, in any presidential cycle is very important. So, this has pretty much become a staple, political analyst Dr. Eric Claville said Friday.

The fact Youngkin has gotten more prominent attention on the national level, plus his support from Virginians, all bundled with his business acumen, leads Claville to believe he is the face of the Republican Party moving forward.

When you look at the policies that the White House are championing, those are the same policies that the governor championed here to try to get passed in his first 100 days. One of his major mantras and accomplishments of this administration was that Virginia was the best state to do business.



He said Youngkin has as much a chance to win the GOP nomination as anyone, but sees Youngkin easily among the top three GOP candidates alongside other notables.



Look for JD Vance of course, current vice president, look for Ron DeSantis probably, look for another person coming out of the Republican Party, maybe in Congress, Claville said.



Youngkin took office in 2022 and his term will end in 2026, giving him enough time to gather support for a presidential bid.



Definitely Gov. Glenn Youngkin is one to watch.

Claville noted Youngkin also has other opportunities besides the White House. Virginia has a state Senate race coming up and Youngkin could run against long-time Sen. Mark Warner. There is also the possibility Youngkin could decide to sit out a term and run for governor again.

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When asked, the governor denies the claims, saying he is not looking ahead to future opportunities, but is focusing on Virginia for the time being.

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The Alaska and American flags fly in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has vetoed a bill that would allow paramedics and other licensed emergency responders to provide treatment to injured police and rescue dogs.

Current state law permits non-licensed people to treat injured operational canines, but licensed providers are forbidden from helping because doing so would be considered veterinary medicine and a violation of their license.

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House Bill 70, from Rep. Calvin Schrage, I-Anchorage, was inspired by the death of an Alaska State Trooper canine during a 2017 police chase in Wasilla.

The Alaska House approved the bill by a 32-8 vote on April 28, and the state Senate followed suit with a 20-0 vote on May 20.

Some veterinarians lobbied against the bill, and in his veto message, the governor sided with those veterinarians, saying that the veterinary community warns this approach blurs scopes of practices, increases liability exposure, and duplicates services already available.

Given the rarity of canine field emergencies, expanding state authority in this area is neither necessary nor prudent, the governor wrote.

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By phone, Schrage said he was obviously disappointed by the governors decision.

This bill, in my view, was a common-sense piece of legislation to remove some red tape currently preventing our first responders from providing life-saving care to our police search and rescue dogs. And I thought it would have been a useful tool for our first responders to have, given that we have seen some of these critical first responder dogs actually pass away in traumatic circumstances in the past, he said.

The veto of HB 70 could be overridden if 40 members of the 60-person Legislature agree to do so during the first five days of a special legislative session scheduled to begin Aug. 2 in Juneau.

Schrage said he isnt sure whether he will seek an override.

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Overrides are a sensitive topic and fairly complicated, as we have a very limited opportunity to take those up, and I dont want to bring a bill up that there isnt broad support for overriding, so well have to have further conversations on that topic and see how this plays out, he said.

Of the 33 bills passed by the Legislature this year, the governor has vetoed seven and issued line-item vetoes to budget bills. Two passed bills have not yet been sent to his desk. Two others are awaiting his action. The remainder have become law.

Of the seven vetoes, one was sustained during the regular session and another was overridden. The five remaining vetoes, plus line-item budget vetoes, will be subject to consideration during the special session.

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CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (WCMH)  Two men arrested and suspected of smuggling approximately 500 grams or more of cocaine in Ohio were indicted by a federal grand jury this week.

According to a United States District Court criminal complaint, Homeland Security Investigations was notified of a white 2013 Honda Accord, displaying an Arizona license plate, that was suspected of transporting drugs and was on a commercial hauler destined for Columbus.

A search of the vehicle on May 31 turned up zero contraband, but an empty compartment, running the length of the vehicle from the center console to the exhaust pipe was discovered. In June, investigators applied for a GPS tracking warrant, which was granted, and the device was deployed on June 2.

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Eerie photos of Whitehalls former Woodcliff condos still fascinate

Approximately three weeks later, the Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified that the Honda was traveling on Interstate 70 in Guernsey County, just east of Cambridge, Ohio.

The Honda was pulled over for a tinted window violation and the occupants provided troopers with fraudulent Mexican drivers licenses, the complaint said. A K-9 unit was deployed and a positive alert for narcotics was detected.

Troopers searched the vehicle and reportedly discovered three bricks of powdery substance that tested positive for the presence of cocaine, approximately weighing 3,633 grams.

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The United States Attorneys Office, Southern District of Ohio, said that 42-year-old Cristian Melendez and 39-year-old Ismerio Garcia-Ontivaro were arrested and that both were in the United States illegally. Melendez was found to have former convictions for trafficking heroin and illegally possessing weapons while Garcia-Ontivaro also had prior drug convictions.

The suspects are each charged with conspiring to possess and possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of a felony. They are scheduled for an arraignment hearing on July 23.

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The Grand Central Station slasher who attacked a family of tourists on Christmas Day 2023 name-dropped fired federal prosecutor Maurene Comey in a deranged rant as he was sentenced to more than 25 years in prison Friday.

A remorseless Steven Hutcherson, 38, rambled incoherently in Manhattan criminal court where he received a prison term of 26-and-a-third to 29 years after he was convicted in the random attack last month,

The reality is, I was forced to do that by the FBI, he wildly claimed before bringing up former FBI director James Comeys daughter.

The defendant was given a nearly 30-year prison term. Steven Hirsch

Maurene Comey just got fired, the prosecutor, he told Manhattan assistant district attorney Ashlyn Dean Youll be next, dont worry, because the truth is on my side.

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Comey was canned from the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York by the Department of Justice Wednesday. Her father was dismissed by President Trump during his first term in the Oval Office.

Hutchersons antics at his sentencing came after his trial was also filled with bizarre behavior.

He refused over and over to take accountability for his actions, consistently blaming other people. Every time he admitted what he had done, there was an excuse for that, Dean told Judge Marisol Martin-Alonzo.

The defendants conduct in the trial was disruptive, distractive and quite frankly atrocious, she added.

The attack at Grand Central happened on Christmas Day 2023. Paul Martinka

Hutcherson, whose legal name is Esteban Esonoasue, first attacked the mother of a family with a fork before he targeted her two teen daughters  ages 14 and 16  with a knife while they were having breakfast inside the famous transit hub in 2023.

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One of the girls was stabbed in the back while the other was knifed in the leg as she tried to escape the crazed brute, Dean said.

He was quickly arrested, but days later he again acted out and slashed two fellow inmates multiple times in the face while slamming the door on a female correction officer, telling her, Ive got you bitch, Dean said.

Hutcherson was convicted of the Grand Central attack in June of a slew of charges including a count each of first and second-degree assault and a count each of first and second-degree assault, according to the district attorneys office.

Hutcherson name-dropped Maurene Comey, daughter of James Comey. AP

District Attorney Alvin Bragg called Hutchersons punishment a very significant prison term.

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My thoughts remain with the victims and their loved ones, who continue to navigate the psychological and emotional effects from this horrific attack, Bragg said in a statement.

New Yorkers, commuters and tourists rely on the transit system daily and deserve to be safe when they travel, and we will hold those accountable who commit these acts of violence.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  An art market and limited beer release will be held in Grand Rapids this weekend to celebrate a local creatives and artists podcast  called Bad Idea Social Club.

The event is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at City Built Brewing Company.

The podcast  hosted by graphic designer Aaron McCall and fellow creatives Joe Matteson and Amber Gray  invites artists to speak about the creative process, experience in their respective industries and what life lessons theyve learned as a professional.

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The whole podcast is about creativity, McCall said. Its a little bit about the craft and a little bit about what you do. Weve had creatives all the way from poets and painters to drag queens.

Grand Rapids fine dining restaurant adds coney dogs for one night only

McCalls own career in graphic design has connected him with local and regional brands  like Black Napkin and Foster Coffee Company  and his personal relationship with client City Built Brewing Company has kept him involved in their business for over 20 years.

I even update the menu for them every week, McCall said. Theyre a client, but weve become friends. Weve got a really great relationship.

City Built Brewing in Grand Rapids collaborates with podcast Bad Idea Social Club for a summer art market and limited beer release. (Courtesy Aaron McCall) City Built Brewing in Grand Rapids collaborates with podcast Bad Idea Social Club for a summer art market and limited beer release. (Courtesy Aaron McCall)

The Bad Idea Social Club Art Market and Beer Release begins at noon with the release of City Built Brewings latest west coast IPA recipe  called Bad Idea Social Club. As is the case with most of City Built Brewings can labels, McCall has crafted this new design.

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We also put that design on T-shirts and a bunch of merch we have, McCall said. Were going to have a booth setup, as well.

Kalamazoo Air Zoo hosts 21+ adult space camp

The eight participating artists are all past guests on McCalls podcast and represent a wide variety of artistic mediums. Visitors can explore original paintings, screen prints, clothing, poetry books and even live music show posters.

City Built Brewing in Grand Rapids collaborates with podcast Bad Idea Social Club for a summer art market and limited beer release. (Courtesy Aaron McCall) City Built Brewing in Grand Rapids collaborates with podcast Bad Idea Social Club for a summer art market and limited beer release. (Courtesy Aaron McCall)

Theres a wide range, but its all just bullet-proof, McCall said. Honestly, Im just excited to be in that room and in that energy.

At McCalls booth, attendees are encouraged to donate to the podcast and take with them some free merch items, including a beer can holder with that same Bad Idea Social Club design.

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For more information on the Bad Idea Social Club Art Market, visit the City Built Brewing Company website.

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Believe it or not, France has had a form of social security since the 1600s, and its modern system began in earnest in 1910, when the worlds life expectancy was just 32 years old. Today the average human makes it to 75 and for the French, its 83, among the highest in Europe.

Great news for French people, bad news for their pensions.

Because people are living longer, the math to fund pensions in France is no longer mathing, and now the countrys debt is nearly 114% of its GDP. Remember it was just a couple of years ago when protesters set parts of Paris on fire because President Emmanuel Macron proposed raising the age of legal retirement from 62 to 64. Well, now Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has proposed eliminating two national holidays, in an attempt to address the countrys debt.

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Read more: Granderson: Where's the music that meets this moment? Black artists are stepping up

In 2023, before Paris was burning, roughly 50,000 people in Denmark gathered outside of Parliament to express their anger over ditching one of the countrys national holidays. The roots of Great Prayer Day date all the way back to the 1600s. Eliminating it  with the hopes of increasing production and tax revenue  brought together the unions, opposing political parties and churches in a rare trifecta. That explains why a number of schools and businesses closed for the holiday in 2024 in defiance of the official change.

This week, Bayrou proposed eliminating France's Easter Monday and Victory Day holidays, the latter marking the defeat of Nazi Germany. In a Reuters poll, 70% of respondents didnt like the idea, so well see if Paris starts burning again. Or maybe citizens will take a cue from the Danes and just not work on those days, even if the government decides to continue business as usual.

Here at home, President Trump has also floated the idea of eliminating one of the national holidays. However, because he floated the idea on Juneteenth  via a social media post about too many non-working holidays  Im going to assume tax revenue wasnt the sole motivation for his comments that day. You know, given his crusade against corporate and government diversity efforts; his refusal to apologize for calling for the death penalty for five innocent boys of color; and his approval of Alligator Alcatraz. However, while I find myself at odds with the presidents 2025 remarks about the holiday, I do agree with what he said about Juneteenth when he was president in 2020: Its actually an important event, an important time.

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Indeed.

While the institution of slavery enabled this country to quickly become a global power, studies show the largest economic gains in the history of the country came from slaverys ending  otherwise known as Juneteenth. Two economists have found that the economic payoff from freeing enslaved people was bigger than the introduction of railroads, by some estimates, and worth 7 to 60 years of technological innovation in the latter half of the 19th century, according to the University of Chicago . Why? Because the final calculations revealed the cost to enslave people for centuries was far greater than the economic benefit of their freedom.

In 1492, when Christopher Columbus discovered America, civilizations had been thriving on this land for millennia. The colonizers introduced slavery to these shores two years before the first Thanksgiving in 1621. That was more than 50 years before King Louis XIV started Frances first pension; 60 years before King Christian V approved Great Prayer Day; and 157 years before the 13 colonies declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.

Of all the national holidays around the Western world, it would appear Juneteenth is among the most significant historically. Yet it gained federal recognition just four years ago, and it remains vulnerable. The transatlantic slave trade transformed the global economy, but the numbers show it was Juneteenth that lifted America to the top. Which tells you the presidents hint at its elimination has little to do with our greatness and everything to do with the worldview of an elected official who was endorsed by the newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan.

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If it does get to the point where we  like France and Denmark  end up seriously considering cutting a holiday, my vote is for Thanksgiving. The retail industry treats it like a speed bump between Halloween and Christmas, and when history retells its origins, its not a holiday worth protesting to keep.

YouTube: @LZGrandersonShow

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sandburg has been awarded a $1.8 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to create an agriculture tech-focused incubator in downtown Galesburg, a news release says.

Sandburg (sandburg.edu)

The incubator  known as the 518 Collective, a nod to Sandburg District No. 518  will provide physical workspace, business development services, workforce trainings, mentorship and networking opportunities to help individuals and early-stage companies succeed.

We are deeply grateful to the DCEO for recognizing the potential of this project to empower underserved communities, providing access to education and resources that will transform lives, President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. Sandburg exists to open doors of opportunity for every resident in District 518. The 518 Collective builds on that mission  transforming a downtown space into a launchpad where local talent can invent, test and scale the technologies that will power the next generation of Illinois agriculture.

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The 518 Collective was part of $7 million in funding awarded by the DCEO to four grantees in the state through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant (TIEG) Program, which supports entrepreneurship and innovation in key growth industries around the state. Sandburg was the only community college among the four grant recipients.

(Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

The 518 Collective will be housed at Sandburgs Annex, located at 209 E. Main St. in downtown Galesburg. The site had been home to the colleges dental hygiene program until it relocated to the new Science & Technology Center on the colleges Galesburg campus last fall. The Annex now houses Sandburgs Workforce Development & Community Education Department. The proximity to the Workforce Development & Community Education staff and the spaces centralized location provide an ideal fit for the 518 Collective to assist small businesses and provide them with the tools and collaboration to thrive.

Illinois has an unmatched spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants Program is helping channel that into world-changing advancements and sustainable economic growth, Gov. JB Pritzker said. Our technology incubators and start-up ecosystem are positioning our state as a powerhouse in the economy of tomorrow, and I am proud to be strengthening our investment in that future.

The proposed layout for the 518 Collective includes work areas, private workspaces, meeting rooms, private communication booths, private offices, a recording studio and a shared kitchen. Renovations to the space that will house the 518 Collective are expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated opening in mid-2026.

Floorplans for the 518 Collective (Carl Sandburg College)

The 518 Collective will be more than a building; itll be a collaborative space where farmers, founders, students and industry partners can innovate side-by-side, Vice President of Advancement Eric Johnson said. Together well stimulate high-quality jobs, strengthen our rural economy and ensure the spirit of progress reaches every corner of District 518.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Inhaling agricultural dust may pose significant risks to gut health for workers in animal agriculture, a University of California, Riverside, study has found.

Led by Declan McCole, a professor of biomedical sciences in the UCR School of Medicine, the study expands on prior findings that hog farm dust causes airway inflammation. The researchers now report in the Journal of Applied Toxicology that inhaling this dust also alters the gut microbiome and impairs intestinal function, including increased "leaky gut" or intestinal permeability. Leaky gut is associated with a range of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.

"Exposure to swine farm dust, which contains high levels of bacteria and endotoxins, caused both airway inflammation and increased passage of gut bacterial products into the bloodstream in our mouse models," said Meli'sa Crawford, a former postdoctoral researcher in McCole's lab and the paper's first author. "But what's especially striking is the impact we observed on the gut microbiome and metabolism."

The researchers exposed mice intranasally to hog dust extract for three weeks. The mice showed a significant drop in beneficial bacterial species, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium sp. ASF356, and Lachnospiraceae bacterium.

The research team also found decreased levels of critical compounds in the gut of the mice, such as riboflavin, nicotinic acid, inosine, and leucinekey players in energy metabolism, immune regulation, and gut barrier maintenance.

"While most research has focused on the respiratory effects of farm dust, our findings clearly show that inhaled pollutants can have systemic consequences," McCole said. "This research underscores the importance of considering the gutlung axis when assessing the health risks of bioaerosol exposure in agriculture."

The study builds on growing evidence that pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations can impact multiple organ systems.

"Agricultural dust is rich in fine particulate matter and resistant bacteria, presenting a complex threat to farmworkers' health," McCole said. "Our earlier work showed that inhaled hog dust extract leads to neutrophilic lung inflammation. We now show the link to intestinal barrier dysfunction and microbial imbalance, highlighting the need for improved workplace protections for agricultural workers to mitigate long-term health consequences."

The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health; University of California, Davis-Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety; and University of California Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Crawford is now an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

The title of the research paper is "Respiratory Exposure to Agriculture Dust Extract Alters Gut Commensal Species and Key Metabolites in Mice."

More information: Meli'sa S. Crawford et al, Respiratory Exposure to Agriculture Dust Extract Alters Gut Commensal Species and Key Metabolites in Mice, Journal of Applied Toxicology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/jat.4808
This story was produced and originally published by Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom. It was made possible by donors like you.

The federal budget bill that passed this month has drawn much attention for polarizing Medicaid work requirements, cuts to food aid and new funding for immigration enforcement. But one item tucked into the lengthy bill has been on bipartisan wish lists for more than a decade.

It allows eligible Americans to use Pell grants, the federal governments largest grant program for undergraduates, to pay for shorter workforce training courses than what previously qualified.

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Such courses could train a range of workers, including welders, truck drivers, emergency medical technicians and cybersecurity analysts, though exactly which programs will be eligible for funding hasnt been decided.

In Wisconsin, where many such jobs regularly go unfilled, proponents say the grants could set low-income residents on a path to better jobs, while also aiding the employers and the communities that rely on those workers. Meanwhile, a small group of critics say the new program could lead some students down a dead end road of low wages.

Who qualifies for the grants?

Like existing grants, the new Workforce Pell grants are available to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Funding will vary based on the number of hours or credits of the training, hovering below the maximum annual Pell grant of $7,395, according to Jobs for the Future, a national nonprofit focused on education and workforce issues.

Unlike the existing grants, Workforce Pell is open to people who already have a bachelors degree, as well as those without. People who hold graduate or professional degrees are still barred. Students apply by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

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The grants, which can be used for qualifying courses of eight to 14 weeks and are expected to serve 100,000 students a year, are supposed to be available starting in fall 2026. Jobs for the Future calls that timeline aggressive and warns that the Department of Education, which the Trump administration has sought to dismantle, may need more time to implement the program. The U.S. Supreme Court on July 14 ruled that the administration may follow through with plans to fire nearly 1,400 education department employees, with plans to assign duties to other agencies.

Leaders at the states 16 technical colleges have pushed for such a Pell grant expansion for years, said Layla Merrifield, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Its a good idea to expand access to workforce credentials and help entry-level employees who are trying to join a career and get themselves into a better place economically, Merrifield said. This could be really important for moving folks into careers.

Boost for in-demand jobs like truck driving

The funding could allow tech colleges to train more students for in-demand jobs like truck driving, Merrifield said. Wisconsin truck drivers earn a median salary just over $50,000, and Wisconsin employers are projected to hire more than 6,000 of them in each of the next seven years. That puts truck drivers at the top of the states Hot Jobs list.

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But training those drivers is expensive, Merrifield said, so colleges cant necessarily afford to enroll more students.

You start to see employers starting their own (commercial drivers license) programs because theres such a tremendous need for folks with this credential out in the industry, Merrifield said.

Roger Stanford saw those challenges during his time as vice president of instruction at Chippewa Valley Technical College, where students had to pay around $5,000 up front for truck driving training, no matter their income.

Thirty-two states directly fund short-term credential programs by supporting students or schools, but Wisconsin isnt one of them, according to a report by higher education consulting firm HCM Strategists.

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Students in some programs can apply for federal student loans, and all students can apply for scholarships if their college offers them.

When youre coming out of poverty or youre a single parent, its just impossible to come up with the cash. And so we were really limiting how many people could go into that program, Stanford said.

Still, some experts worry about using federal aid to fund such programs. A 2016 analysis by the left-leaning think tank New America found two in five adults with a short-term credential didnt have jobs, and half of those who did earned $30,000 a year or less.

Obtaining only a short-term certificate is not a likely vehicle towards economic mobility for the average student, the authors wrote. Earnings were particularly low for Black and Latino adults.

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The Workforce Pell legislation requires programs to meet wage and employment benchmarks to qualify, but experts disagree about whether that sufficiently protects students and taxpayers.

More options for working parents and ex-incarcerated

A 2011 experiment previews the potential effects of the new grants. In the pilot program, the U.S. Department of Education offered Pell grants for short-term training for students who wouldnt otherwise qualify and compared their outcomes to those without grants. The study found people who were offered the grants were more likely to enroll in and complete training, but long-term wages and employment rates were similar across the groups.

Chippewa Valley Technical College was part of that pilot. Suddenly, Stanford said, more students started signing up to become truck drivers.

It makes people go, Oh my gosh, if I can get financial aid for this, I'll go into truck driving. It helps you fill those programs which are all tied to good jobs, Stanford said.

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Today, Stanford is president of Western Technical College in La Crosse. Western Tech doesnt train truck drivers, but the college predicts a handful of its programs will be eligible for the new grants. That could include training in welding, emergency medical services, auto repair, advanced manufacturing and dental care.

Workforce Pell grants will be especially helpful for adults returning to school while working or taking care of children, Stanford said.

We probably all know some people that just cant commit to a two-year program right now.  Or they look at a two-year program and say, I'll take three credits each term. That puts them on a trajectory of five or six years, and they never finish, Stanford said. Data show that students who attend school part-time are less likely to graduate than their full-time counterparts.

If we can put them on a trajectory to get them a credential in eight or 10 weeks, people can get their life around it, Stanford said, like by tapping relatives to watch their kids for a couple months.

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They can say, Wow, this is going to be hard, but I know at the end of it, theres 24 bucks an hour, and I can do that, Stanford said.

Another group that can benefit from access to shorter courses: recently incarcerated people.

When youre coming out of jail, you dont have two years, Stanford said. If we could turn around and say, We can take you right from the jail and give you 10 weeks and put you into a job that has life-sustaining wages,' that helps (lower) recidivism.

Pathways in construction, IT, auto repair and more

The new grants will encourage colleges to expand their short-term training opportunities to fill other workforce gaps by parceling longer academic programs into stand-alone stackable courses, which would let students earn a credential, get a better job and then decide whether to pursue a technical diploma or associate degree, Stanford said.

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That model could work well for most of the building trades, Stanford said. About 15 students finished Western Techs yearlong program in building construction and cabinetmaking last year, but local construction companies need about five times that, Stanford said. He estimates a modularized approach could prepare 60 to 80 students to start working sooner.

Stanford also sees promise for fields like information technology, where the college could offer stand-alone courses in cybersecurity, programming or networking. The same could apply in machining, auto repair or mechatronics, an automation-related field that combines multiple types of engineering. Colleges could prepare students to start in operator jobs making $40,000 or $50,000 a year, with the potential to double that pay after earning a degree, Stanford said.

I think in the next decade, youre going to see probably less emphasis on diplomas and associate degrees and more on direct job credentials and certifications that get people (on the job) quicker, and then pathways to associate degrees, Stanford said. This is a really, really big opportunity for us.  I think it really will help change the economic mobility of so many people that are struggling.

Filling rural EMT gaps

The grants could help Wisconsin address some of its most serious labor shortages, including in health care. Rural Wisconsin communities have struggled for years to maintain adequate emergency medical services.

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Western Tech trains students to work as emergency medical technicians, providing life-saving care and transporting patients to hospitals. The median EMT salary in Wisconsin is just over $43,000, according to federal data, though many rural departments rely on volunteers.

Western Techs EMT program trained more than 100 EMTs last year. The region could use far more.

Say we offer four sections a year right now. We could easily offer eight, and they would all have work, because theres just so much demand, Stanford said.

Sometimes rural fire departments or hospitals wait months for new recruits to start training because the college cant afford to run a class for just a couple students. Stanford expects the new grants will encourage more students to join the field.

Thatll help across the whole country, Stanford said. EMT (training) is needed everywhere.

Wisconsin lawmakers have also sought to fill the gap. The budget Gov. Tony Evers signed earlier this month includes $3.5 million to reimburse tech colleges for emergency medical services training.

Other Pell changes off the table for now

An earlier version of Trumps bill would have allowed Workforce Pell grants to be used at unaccredited training providers, stirring fears that unscrupulous entities might take advantage.

Lawmakers removed that provision, leaving existing accreditation requirements in place.

Meanwhile, other headline-grabbing Pell proposals didnt make the cut. House Republicans previously proposed raising the credits required to receive the maximum award and making students enrolled less than half-time ineligible.

Merrifield, the Wisconsin Technical College System president, was relieved to see those provisions removed from the final bill. She estimates around 7,000 students would have lost all aid and thousands more would have seen their aid amounts cut.

While Workforce Pell would be helpful on the margins, ending part-time Pell would be tremendously harmful to technical colleges and our students, Merrifield said.

Natalie Yahr reports on pathways to success in Wisconsin, working in partnership with Open Campus.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Workforce Pell: New grants will pay for shorter-term jobs training
The first schools in England to install what the government described as "Great British Energy solar panels" were made in China, the BBC has learned.

The first 11 schools involved in the GB Energy scheme bought solar panels from Aiko and Longi, two Chinese firms.

The government said the scheme was "the first major project for Great British Energy - a company owned by the British people, for the British people".

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Labour MP Sarah Champion said GB Energy should be buying solar panels from companies in the UK rather than China, where there have been allegations of forced labour in supply chains.

"I'm really excited about the principle of GB Energy," she told BBC News.

"But it's taxpayers' money and we should not be supporting slave labour with that money. And wherever possible, we should be supporting good working practices and buy British if we can."

She added: "That means that yes, unfortunately, in the short term, solar panels are probably going to be slightly more expensive.

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"There are solar panels made around the world in Taiwan, Canada, even in the UK."

Longi and Aiko both told the BBC they forbid forced labour in their production and supply chains.

China is the world's leading producer of solar panels and the suppliers in the Xinjiang region have been linked to the alleged exploitation of Uyghur Muslims.

Earlier this year, the law was changed to ban GB Energy from investing in renewables if there is evidence of modern slavery in their production.

China has dominated the market and, according to the International Energy Agency, the country's global share in all the manufacturing stages of solar panels exceeds 80%.

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Champion, who is chair of the International Development Select Committee, said "abuse in renewable supply chains is insidious and hard to root out".

But she urged ministers to exclude known human-rights offenders from winning public contracts.

A GB Energy spokesperson said all of the solar contracts issued under the schools initiative complied with the UK's modern slavery rules.

The Xinjiang challenge

Up to 50% of the world's supply of polysilicon - a key component in solar panels - is estimated to come from the Xinjiang region.

Mark Candlish is the director of GB-Sol, which calls itself the only manufacturer of conventional solar panels in the UK.

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He said polysilicon was "a key social issue facing our industry, with the risk of forced labour in the main mining areas".

He added: "The global solar market is so dominated by China that it is difficult to avoid buying Chinese if you want the low cost energy and low carbon benefits of solar PV."

Many businesses and governments - including the UK's - buy Chinese solar panels because they are cheaper than those made elsewhere.

Two thirds (68%) of the solar panels imported by the UK came from China in 2024, according to HMRC trade data. That's an increase on the figure in 2023, when Chinese products accounted for 61% of UK solar imports.

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A report by Sheffield Hallam University in 2023 linked various solar companies to suppliers in the Xinjiang region.

One of the report's authors, Alan Crawford, said the general lack of transparency in the entire solar supply chain was greater now than it was in 2023, when his Over-Exposed report was published.

"Companies that were willing to comment are now silent," he said.

'Ethical supply chains'

GB Energy is a state-owned company that was set up by the Labour government to invest in renewables, such as solar power.

In its first big investment, GB Energy is spending about 200m on rooftop solar for 200 schools and NHS hospitals across the country.

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The first tranche of this funding has been spent on the Chinese solar panels for the 11 schools.

The Department for Education told the BBC which companies had made the solar panels in response to a freedom of information request.

A GB Energy spokesperson said the company would "lead the way in ethical supply chains" and insisted there was "no place for forced labour or unethical practices in the UK's energy transition".

The spokesperson added: "That is why we are introducing a statutory duty on Great British Energy to prevent modern slavery in its supply chains, and reviewing supplier transparency and disclosure standards to ensure confidence in all public-facing renewable programmes.

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"All contracts issued under this schools and hospitals solar initiative complied with UK procurement rules, including extensive requirements under the Modern Slavery Act.

"GBE will seek to uphold these requirements in its contracting arrangements and are actively engaging with international partners to raise the bar globally on solar supply chain accountability."

China has been accused of committing crimes against humanity against the Uyghur population and other mostly-Muslim ethnic groups in the north-western region of Xinjiang.

In state-sponsored programmes, detainees are forced to produce goods including polysilicon, a core ingredient in solar panels, according to the US Department of Labor.

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The Chinese government has denied all allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

Longi and Aiko are both members of the Solar Stewardship Initiative, which is a scheme designed to develop confidence in the supply chain and the responsible sourcing of solar panels.

An Aiko spokesperson said the company was "committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical business conduct and responsible sourcing".

"We take any concerns related to human rights and labour practices seriously and expect our suppliers to do the same," the spokesperson said.

"As part of our ongoing efforts, we engage with suppliers to promote transparency and continuous improvement in line with international guidelines. We are also closely monitoring global supply chain developments and remain committed to working with stakeholders to support a fair and sustainable solar industry."

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Longi said it regretted the findings of the Sheffield Hallam University report and "categorically affirms that forced labour has no place within our supply chain".

A company spokesperson said the conclusions in the Over-Exposed report "may not fully reflect the comprehensive measures Longi has implemented to ensure full compliance with international labour standards".

"Independent third-party audits play a critical role in verifying compliance and identifying potential risks," the spokesperson said.

"While the complexity of global supply chains presents challenges, Longi remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate any risks associated with forced labour."
Just in time for thousands of people to pour into St. Paul for the second day of the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival on Harriet Island, Metro Transit announced that the Green Line had reopened Saturday afternoon, nearly two days ahead of schedule.

Good news! Green Line construction ended early and trains are now operating regularly from Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul. If you are headed to the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival this weekend, review all your transit options, Metro Transit posted to its website around midday Saturday.

All 13 light-rail stations in St. Paul went offline for track maintenance on the night of July 11, and were not officially scheduled to reopen until early Monday morning. The scheduling, which took St. Paul officials by surprise this month, drew some sharp words from St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carters office to Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council, the regional planning agency that oversees the transit authority.

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The three-day music festival, which is expected to draw some 30,000 fans daily, opened Friday with Hozier, Sheryl Crow, Train and nine other bands, and continued Saturday with big-name acts Weezer and Fall Out Boy. Green Day, Sublime, 311, the Beaches and others were scheduled to perform to a sold-out crowd on Sunday. This is the festivals second year on Harriet Island.

Metro Transit has posted more transit information online at metrotransit.org.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Next year, Colorado turns 150 years old, and a pedestrian walkway that would connect the Colorado State Capitol and Civic Center has been proposed to help celebrate the milestone.

The project has drawn criticism from many groups, but others have also voiced support. On the projects website, a series of four questions were posed:

Should the project proceed?

If the project does not proceed, what should be in its place?

If Colorado does proceed with the walkway, should it continue as planned or scaled back?

2026 is just around the corner: are you more excited about the states 150th anniversary or the U.S. 250th anniversary?

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The survey can be found at the bottom of the project websites feedback page, located here.

The walkway would form a loop in the northern part of Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park before crossing Lincoln Street and ending at the steps to the Colorado Capitol building. The idea is to showcase Colorado artists and history and also bridge city and state by connecting city lands to state lands.

Historic Denver, a nonprofit focused on preserving urban history, called the bridge functionally useless and wasteful, and said that Denver was not on board, so the bridge is now planned to connect state land to state land.

Denver releases updated project list for proposed $935M infrastructure bond package

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Thats because the bridge will cost an estimated $18 million, according to the Colorado Governors Office, with an additional $10 million in park upgrades planned over the next few years. Historic Denver says the bridge will cost up to $20 million to build.

The Governors Office said the bridge will be funded by $8.5 million from the state and has been envisioned as a public/private partnership.

In the face of criticism about the clear lack of purpose, the bridges proponents pivoted to labor the need for wheelchair accessibility. Yet, accessibility is not mentioned once in the original concept document, wrote Historic Denver President and CEO John Deffenbaugh. To compound matters, the only accessibility advocate to publicly support the project retracted his views and stated he felt used. The State had a budget deficit prior to the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in D.C. and the Governor has highlighted that this will make the situation worse. Surely now is the time to exercise financial restraint.

The Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway park landing rendering. (Courtesy of Studio Gang) The Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway Lincoln Pass rendering. (Courtesy of Studio Gang) The Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway canopy walk rendering. (Courtesy of Studio Gang) The Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway aerial rendering. (Courtesy of Studio Gang) The Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway as rendered by Studio Gang, StudioTrope, Mundus Bishop, and Olin and Thornton Thomasetti. (Renderings provided by the Colorado Governors Office)

Colorado Preservation Inc. has also come out against the project, writing a letter opposing the bridge.

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The Capitol grounds and Civic Center were carefully planned as a space where Coloradans could gather, to march, to mourn, to celebrate, to see and be seen, wrote Colorado Preservation Inc. Executive Director Jennifer Orrigo Charles. The open lawns, the balanced layout, and the clear views between the Capitol and the mountains were not just aesthetic choices; they were meant to express the values of democracy, accessibility, and civic pride. Changing that carefully designed landscape risks weakening the message it was built to convey.

Deffenbaugh pointed to the 5280 Trail as a potential initiative that could be supported instead of the bridge.

Conceived in 2017 and promoted by the Downtown Denver Partnership and the City and County of Denver, the trail aims to link neighborhoods and connect people by reimagining underutilized streets into the essential Downtown experience uniting urban life with Colorados outdoor culture,' Deffenbaugh wrote. The route passes State Capitol grounds, running down Sherman Street. What better way to achieve the original concept of the pedestrian bridge, to symbolically link City and State, than by integrating the story of Colorado into the 5280 Trail adjacent to the State Capitol.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NIAMEY, Niger (AP)  Gunmen killed at least two Indians and abducted a third during an attack in Nigers southwest Dosso region, according to Indian authorities, the latest such violence targeting foreigners in Nigers conflict-battered territories.

The Indian Embassy in Niger said in a statement on X on Friday that the attack occurred on Tuesday, and that it was in touch with local authorities to repatriate the bodies of the victims and ensure the safe release of the kidnapped individual.

Local media in Niger identified the victims as workers at a construction site in Dosso, located 140 kilometers (87 miles) from the countrys capital of Niamey.

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Foreigners are increasingly becoming targets of armed groups in Niger. Several of them have been kidnapped this year, including an Austrian woman who has lived in Niger as an aid worker for more than 20 years, a Swiss woman seized from her home in April and five Indian workers, also in April.

Niger has for many years battled a jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, a security crisis that analysts say has worsened since the military toppled the countrys government in July 2023, and has since struggled to restore peace in hot spots.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, June was one of the countrys deadliest months on record as IS-backed fighters launched a major offensive across the Tillaberi and Dosso regions, killing more than 100 civilians in what marked a return to mass atrocities in rural areas.
A year on from street disorder in Leeds which saw a police car overturned, a double-decker bus torched and 23 people jailed so far, local schools have been picking up the pieces.

On 18 July 2024, teachers at Bracken Edge Primary School were winding down ahead of the last day of term before the six-week summer holidays.

That evening, trouble erupted in nearby Harehills after police assisted social workers in taking four children into emergency foster care.

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The next day teachers faced classes of confused children and families who were "terrified to come into school".

"18 July last year was a really tragic situation and really worrying," says assistant headteacher Amy Potter.

"Lots of the families that people assumed might be involved were not at all and were actually terrified to come into school.

"There was a real period of having to build trust up because lots of our communities weren't born in this country and might not be familiar with how things are done professionally in this country.

"There's been a huge amount of work that's gone into that but then all of a sudden there was this huge and understandable mistrust."

Some families were "terrified to come into school" after disorder in Harehills last year [BBC]

The timing of the disorder could not have been worse for the school. Friday was the final day of term and with many families keeping their children at home, staff were about to go six weeks without seeing the children at all.

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"It felt really hard from an educational point of view, and as a teacher and an educator, to send these children away for six weeks and not see them, that was really worrying," adds Ms Potter.

"But also there's been a huge amount of work at Bracken Edge, we've done many projects to build trust up to try and encourage children back into school and to work with the local community."

One of those projects was The Riot, a theatre in education piece created by a group of young performers at Leeds Heritage Theatres.

The Riot tells the story of a young person who has recently immigrated to Leeds who is preparing to run away from their foster carer.

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The schoolchildren are invited to a workshop about moments of the child's life and reflect on what could have been done differently.

Catherine Hayward, learning and engagement manager at Leeds Heritage Theatres, says theatre allows children to test ideas in a safe environment.

"If you're wanting children to feel like they belong, everybody is equal when you're making theatre together or when you're watching theatre together.

"So it's a good way of trying out ideas, trying out scripts, saying words, saying things that might feel a little bit uncomfortable. But it's not you saying it, it's your character saying it. So you have that safe space to explore ideas."

'Really engaged'

The Riot toured Bracken Edge Primary School, Hovingham Primary School and Bankside Primary School, working with 420 children.

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It was created by Ashley Peckri and performed by Gabriel Simpson, Beth Walkden and Madeleine Ivanov, all of whom are members of Leeds Actors in Training programme.

The project first came about when Bracken Edge headteacher Caroline Carr called the outreach team at Leeds Heritage Theatres.

Ms Potter says the children "loved" the experience and key to that was giving them an active role in the performance, allowing them to make decisions.

"It really engaged the children. They don't even realise they're learning," she says.

"Lots of our children are new to English or to the country but there's something everyone can take from theatre and that's what we found, that our children really engaged in the workshops and they could see how what they were doing had an impact on the change."

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A year on, Ms Potter says things have changed at Bracken Edge - a huge amount of work has gone into rebuilding relationships, especially with the Roma community.

"Unfortunately one community got the slack for the riots but there's a huge amount of other factors that fed into that. We're a diverse area and we're proud to represent them all," she says.

"I really feel our children and the children from the local schools understand what it is to be tolerant, to be respectful and we hope we can see that continuing into the community.

"I will continue to love working in this area. I'm sure, as in many communities, there will be troubles along the way but hopefully what we've done is rebuild some trust and we'll continue to build that positivity."

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Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

More on this story
Approximately half of Germanys residents align with the federal governments view that Russia poses a threat to national security, according to YouGov survey data.

Source: DW, citing YouGov survey data, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The survey reveals that 13% of respondents consider the military threat from Moscow to be very serious, while 36% view it as significant. Conversely, 30% see Russia as only a minor threat, and 14% perceive no threat at all.

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The political divide is stark. Among supporters of the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, centre-left Social Democrats, and Greens, 58-62% regard Russia as a serious or very serious threat. Conversely, about a third of these voters believe that Russia poses no threat to Germany, or consider it to be insignificant.

Notably, 65% of voters for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) believe the military threat from Russia is insignificant or absent, with only 29% recognising any risk at all. Among supporters of the populist left-wing Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance, a mere 33% see a threat, while 51% do not. Supporters of the socialist Left Party are evenly split, with 48% viewing Russia as a threat and 47% not.

Background:

The NATO summit in The Hague in June reaffirmed Russias status as a common threat to the Alliance.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a significant increase in the countrys defence spending, particularly citing the threat from Russia.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Hamdens first female fire chief was sworn in Friday, making history in the city.

Hamdens first female assistant fire chief celebrates 1 year anniversary

Shelly Carter is not only the first female fire chief in Hamden, but also the first Black woman in all of New England to hold that title.

Her journey began more than two decades ago and was filled with trailblazing accomplishments, making her an easy choice to lead the department, according to Hamden Mayor Laurie Garrett (D).

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She broke barriers as one of the two first female driver engineers in Hartford history and later served as Lieutenant and Fire Marshal, Garrett said.

Carters promotion also marks the 100 year anniversary of the Hamden Fire Department.

I did not know that I could become a firefighter at 14, I didnt know that I could become a fire chief, Carter said.

Now, shes working to turn dreams into reality for the next generation. Friday also kicks off Carters first firefighting camp for girls age 12 to 18.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As overall fertility falls globally, Latin American and Caribbean countries are experiencing fertility drops that are unexpected and have been hard to explain so far. Countries that typically had large families in those regions are joining most of the rest of the world in declining fertility.

That news is not actually new. In 2023, Americas Quarterly reported that Brazil shrank by close to 5 million people if you count children who were never born due to falling birth rates. Its a trend that shows that birth rates are heading down, while ramifications head up.

Brazil is not alone. For half a century, fertility rates around the world have been drifting downwards thanks to a confluence of rising education levels, greater labor force participation by women, strengthened reproductive rights, and wider access to contraception. But in several Latin American and Caribbean countries, this decline has recently accelerated to an unexpected degree that even experts are struggling to explain," the article said.

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Births dropped in eight of the countries in those regions within the last decade, including a 34% drop in Uruguay, 32% drop in Argentina, 27% drop in Costa Rica, 24% drop in Mexico, a 21% drop in both Chile and Cuba, a 13% drop in Colombia and a 10% decline in Brazil, based on data from various sources gathered by Americas Quarterly.

Latin American and Caribbean countries typically still have higher-than-average birth rates. But by 2054, they are expected to join most of the rest of the world and have fewer than replacement rate births, according to The United Nations World Fertility Report 2024.

The U.S. is already there, with a fertility rate around 1.6. The replacement rate is 2.1 children per woman. The replacement rate keeps population numbers stable long term.

Statista reported that countries with the highest fertility rates so far in 2025 are primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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That report, released this year, found global fertility was 2.2 births per woman. But thats down from around 5 in the 1950s and 3.3 in 1990. Country by country, fertility below replacement level is becoming the global norm, the report said.

Many countries have very low fertility, which leads to both population decline and a much older population. The United Nations reports that 10% of countries now have fertility below 1.4 births per woman and that four of them  China, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Ukraine  have fallen below 1 birth per woman.

The U.N. reports that in countries with low fertility, childbearing begins later in life. Among the bottom lines in its projection: The global number of births has fluctuated for decades and will soon begin a steady decline.

Why lower fertility matters

As Newsweek reported last week, Many developed countries, including the United States, are recording their lowest birth rates in generations  a shift that signals long-term workforce shortages, strains on public services and the dominance of aging populations. A continued decline could mean fewer people of working age supporting a growing number of elderly citizens, undermining the countrys tax base and putting pressure on social welfare systems.

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Marc Novicoff in The Atlantic started with bad news: The aging populations of rich countries are relying on ever fewer workers to support their economy, dooming those younger generations to a future of higher taxes, higher debt, or later retirement  or all three. Birth rates in middle-income countries are also plummeting, putting their economic development at risk. Practically the only countries set to continue growing are desperately poor.

He noted that rich countries will resemble Japan, stagnant and aging. And the rest of the world will become old before it ever got the chance to become rich.

Then Novicoff wrote thats actually the good news, based on estimates that turned out to be far too rosy.

The American Enterprise Institutes James Pethokoukis notes one good thing when populations decline: Pressure on natural resources drops. But that hardly holds its own against the downsides, he adds. Economies slow. Fewer people come up with ideas or solutions to solve problems. Living standards stagnate.

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Over years reporting on fertility, Deseret News has heard those and many other reasons to fear a continuing decline in fertility, including a housing market where nothing moves, neighborhood schools closing, families that dont end up with the number of children they want, too few skilled workers and a bad impact on the stock market, among others.

So why is there population growth?

People ask why, if the birth rate is declining, the population is still growing. Our World in Data explains it this way: The number of births per woman in the reproductive age bracket is only one of two variables that matter here. The second one is the number of women in the reproductive age bracket.

Thus, few women of reproductive age would produce few children, even with high fertility. However, when an increasing share of women enters the reproductive age bracket, the population can keep growing even if the fertility rate is falling. Demographers call that population momentum. Thats why fertility can fall faster than the number of children will.

But the population will decline as women age out of their reproductive years and there are fewer women entering those years because there were fewer born to grow into that age. It takes a number of decades for that to happen.

Fertility in America

The Congressional Budget Office projected population growth in the U.S. from 2025 to 2055, estimating the fertility rate will fluctuate a little but average 1.6 births per woman, significantly below replacement rate, which is about where the U.S. is now.

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Per the report, The size of the U.S. population and its composition by age and sex have significant implications for the economy and the federal budget. For example, the number of people ages 25 to 54 affects the number of people who are employed, and the number of people age 65 or older affects the number of Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries.

CBO had separate projections for native-born and foreign-born women, putting the former at 1.56 births per woman and the latter at 1.88. But it notes that the projection is based on policies in place in November 2024, which would not include changes to immigration policy that have occurred since then.

Immigration has an impact on population for many reasons. Population growth or shrinkage can take into account births, deaths and immigration.

The National Center for Health Statistics most recent data is from 2024. The center reported that birth rates for those ages 15-24 decreased, those 25-44 increased and they were unchanged for those females younger or older than those groups.

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The report showed the birth of 3,622,673 babies in the U.S. last year.

Pew Research Center in 2024 surveyed childless adults under 50 and found that the share who say they dont expect to have kids rose 10 percentage points between 2018 and 2023, landing at just under half (47%).

Thats not far off the 50% of those under 50 with no children who said they are very or somewhat likely to have children in the future, Deseret News reported.

Pew Research associate Rachel Minkin, who co-authored the report, outlined some different reasons between why adults 50 and older say they didnt have children and why adults younger than 50 say theyre unlikely to ever have them. The top response for those ages 50 and older is that it just didnt happen. Those under 50 are more likely to point to not being able to afford having kids, concerns about the state of the world and the environment, or just not wanting to.

By the year 2100

Pew Research Center in a separate report notes five ways the world population is likely to change by 2100:
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  We hope youre having an amazing Friday! And whats a better way to enjoy your Friday than watching Around the Block.

Watch below in case you missed Fridays show!

Watch KFOR News for free! Download the new KFOR+ streaming app

OHP Trooper will move off of OKC and Tulsa highways, Police are frustrated

Campaign funds for security

Big change coming to car titles in Oklahoma

Walmart cart thefts are out of control

Camp Dakani makes a comeback!

New info released on fake dentist in Tulsa

Head up for Moore drivers  Police are cracking down

Coldplay Frontman unknowingly sparks viral moment

Police apprehend 4 boys spotted subway surfing on NYC train

72-year-old powerlifting Nun preparing for first competition

Make sure to catch Around the Block every Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. on KFOR+.

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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.
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

Tourists in Kathmandu are tempted everywhere by advertisements for trekking expeditions to Everest Base Camp. If you didn't know better, you might think it's just a nice hike in the Nepalese countryside.

Typically the lower staging post for attempts on the summit, the camp is still 5,364 meters above sea level and a destination in its own right. Travel agencies say no prior experience is required, and all equipment will be provided. Social media, too, is filled with posts enticing potential trekkers to make the iconic journey.

But there is a real risk of creating a false sense of security. An exciting adventure can quickly turn into a struggle for survival, especially for novice mountaineers.

Nevertheless, Sagarmatha National Park is deservedly popular for its natural beauty and the allure of the world's highest peak, Chomolungma (Mount Everest). It is also home to the ethnically distinctive Sherpa community.

Consequently, the routes to Everest Base Camp are among the busiest in the Himalayas, with nearly 60,000 tourists visiting the area each year. There are two distinct trekking seasons: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October).

High mountains require everyone to be properly prepared. Events which under normal conditions might be a minor inconvenience can be magnified in such an environment and pose a serious risk.

Even at the start of the trek in Lukla (2,860m), one is exposed to factors that can directly or indirectly affect one's health, especially altitude mountain sickness or unfamiliar bacteria.

We interviewed 24 trekkers in May this year, as well as 60 residents and business owners in May 2023, to explore some of the safety issues anyone considering heading to base camp should be aware of.

Life at high altitude

First, it's vital to choose goals within one's technical and physical capabilities. While the human body can adapt to altitudes of up to 5,300m, the potential risk of altitude mountain sickness can occur at only 2,500mlower than Lukla.

Proper acclimatization above 3,000m means ascending no more than 500m a day and resting every two to three days at the same altitude. The optimal (though rarely followed) approach is the "saw tooth system" of climbing during the day but descending to sleep at a lower level.

Residents of the Khumbu region (on the Nepalese side of Everest) are familiar with the problem of tourists not acclimatizing, or not paying attention to their surroundings. As one hotel owner said, pointing to a trekker setting out: "He's going uphill and it's already late. It's going to get dark and cold soon. He won't make it to the next settlement. We have to report this to the authorities or go after him ourselves."

Inexperienced trekkers should hire a local guide. Several we interviewed had needed medical evacuation, including a woman in her mid-20s who had to leave base camp after one night. She found her guidesnot localsonline. But they never checked her vital signs during the trek: "[The doctors] said that I had high-altitude pulmonary edema [] it was just really important to come down the elevation. And if I had tried to go higher, it probably would have been really bad."

Health checks throughout the trek are imperative. This includes assessing the four main symptoms of altitude mountain sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. If they appear, the trekker shouldn't go higher and might even need to descend.

Take time to adapt

Using a reputable local trekking agency might be more expensive, but it will help ensure safety and also familiarize the visitor with the local culture, helping avoid negative impacts on the host community.

Too often, the primary goal of trekkers is a photo on the famous rock at base camp. Once obtained, many simply take a helicopter back to Kathmandu. As a helicopter tour agency owner said,

"They don't want to get back on their feet. The goal, after all, has been achieved. In general, tourists used to be much better prepared. Now they know they can return by helicopter."

Helicopter travel can be dangerous on its own, of course. But this tendency to view the trek as a one-way trip also affects host-guest relations and can irritate local communities.

It's also important to monitor your food and drink intake and watch for signs of food poisoning. Diarrhea at high altitudes is particularly dangerous because it leads to rapid dehydrationhard to combat in mountain conditions.

Low air pressure and reduced oxygen exacerbate the condition, weakening the body's ability to recover. Also, the symptoms of dehydration can resemble altitude mountain sickness.

When traveling in other climate zones or countries with different sanitary standards, there is inevitable contact with strains of bacteria not present in one's natural microbiome.

A good solution is to spend a few days naturally adapting to bacterial flora at a lower altitude in Nepal before heading to the mountains. Also, try to eat the local food, such as daal bhat, Nepal's national dish. According to one hotel owner in Pangboche: "Tourists demand strange food from uspizza, spaghetti, Caesar saladand then are angry that it doesn't taste the way they want. This is not our food. You should probably eat local food."

Most of the trekkers we interviewed during this spring season reported experiencing gastrointestinal issues, often for several days.

Overall, diarrhea-related infections are the leading cause of illness among travelers, including base camp trekkers. Studies conducted in the Himalayas show as many as 14% of mountain tourists contract gastroenteritis, accounting for about 10% of all helicopter evacuations.

In the end, the commonest cause of failure or accident in the mountains is overestimating one's abilitieswhat has been called "bad judgment syndrome"when the route is too hard, the pace too fast, or there's been too little time spent acclimatizing.

A simple solution: walk slowly and enjoy the views.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven man was sentenced to 55 years in prison for a fatal shooting in New Haven in January 2023.

A Superior Court jury in New Haven found Ronald Little, 47, guilty of murder on May 23, 2025. He was also found guilty of carrying a pistol without a permit, criminal possession of a firearm, and weapon in a motor vehicle.

Related: New Haven police say 2 Saturday shootings are linked

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According to evidence and testimony presented at the trial, Little shot 33-year-old Michael Wint shortly after 1 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2023, while Wint was sitting in a vehicle. There was not any evidence of an argument or altercation prior to the shooting.

Little, a previously convicted felon, is prohibited under state law from possessing a firearm.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jul. 18A federal judge sentenced a 45-year-old Mexican native to 19 years in prison Friday after a jury found him guilty of multiple drug-trafficking and firearm charges.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice sentenced Luis Esquivel-Bolanos, who was convicted on charges that he'd run a drug-trafficking operation in Oroville, Washington, and on land owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney's office. The drugs were sourced from a cartel in Mexico, prosecutors said. The sentence also includes five years of supervised release.

Bolanos was a high-ranking member of a trafficking group that had infiltrated parts of Washington, Montana and nearby tribal reservations, the statement said. Fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine were the products in the operation.

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Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Van Marter said in the release the "drug network was dismantled."

"This case involved one of the largest drug seizures ever in rural Washington," Van Marter said. "Esquivel-Bolanos's organization was major source of illegal narcotics across Washington and Montana. These drugs caused serious harm across our region and especially in our tribal communities."

Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The union representing workers at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Childrens Hospital voted Thursday to ratify a new, three-year agreement.

United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP), which represents nearly 2,500 health care workers, has been at the bargaining table since January with the hospitals parent company, Brown University Health.

After 30 bargaining sessions, the two groups agreed to a memorandum of understanding on July 3, according to Brown University Health.

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BACKGROUND: Union reaches tentative deal with RI Hospital

The hospital group said it offered a market-competitive proposal which would include retroactive raises, step and COLA increases, enhanced differentials and benefits totaling $50 million over the next three years.

The agreement replaces a seven-year contract that expired at the end of March. The last full negotiation had not happened since 2018.

Sarah Frost, chief of hospital operations at Brown Health and president of Rhode Island and Hasbro Childrens hospitals, expressed contentment with the fair and responsible resolution.

This outcome reflects the dedication and hard work of both bargaining teams and reaffirms our shared commitment to supporting our caregivers, advancing patient care, and strengthening our hospital for the communities we serve, Frost said.

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The Brief

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Gov. Gavin Newsom identified the agent as 40-year-old Joshua Lemont Byrd.

This is the first line-of-duty loss for the CDCR since 2018.

Police identified the suspect now in custody as Bryan Keith Hall, 48.

OAKLAND, Calif. - The law enforcement community is remembering a parole agent who was shot and killed in Oakland on Thursday.

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A procession was underway Friday afternoon from Oakland, though the Bay Area to Sacramento.

The shooting occurred just before 1 p.m. Thursday at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation building in Oakland on Edgewater Drive.

The CDCR and Gov. Gavin Newsom identified the fallen agent as 40-year-old Joshua Lemont Byrd.

Police identified the suspect now in custody as Bryan Keith Hall, 48. Hall had recently been paroled from prison. The suspect had been convicted on an assault with a deadly weapon charge for stabbing a man in the neck in Oakland, KTVU learned on Thursday.

Byan Hall, suspected of shooting and killing parole agent Joshua Lemont Byrd on July 17, 2025.

Timeline

The backstory

The CHP said Oakland police first received a 9-1-1 call about the shooting around 12:48 p.m.

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When Oakland police officers arrived, they learned a CDCR employee had been shot inside the building.

The responding officers found the victim and placed him directly inside a police vehicle for transport to the hospital rather than waiting for an ambulance.

Aerial video from SkyFOX showed heavy police presence for several hours Thursday afternoon at the state building.

Multiple patrol cars and officers were also seen at nearby Highland Hospital in Oakland, about 6 miles from Edgewater Drive.

After an hours-long manhunt, the suspect was taken into custody.

The CHP said officers detained the suspect near 90th Avenue and International Boulevard and transported him by ambulance.

Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd (left) and procession for the agent in Oakland, Calif. on July 18, 2025.

What we know about the parole agent

Byrd joined CDCR as a cadet at the correctional officer academy in June 2014, the governor's office said.

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He served as a correctional officer and correctional sergeant before joining the Oakland parole office in October.

Byrd is survived by his wife and three children.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was started for the late officer. As of Friday afternoon, more than $60,000 had been raised.

California leaders react

What they're saying

Gov. Gavin Newsom called the agent's death a heartbreaking loss.

"Agent Byrd served with integrity and courage  and were forever grateful," Newsom said late Thursday. "We are keeping his family in our prayers and we join the men and women of CDCR in mourning this tragedy."

Flags at the Capitol and other state facilities will be flown at half-staff, the governor's office said.

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This is the first line-of-duty loss for the CDCR since 2018.

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee issued a statement on the agent's death, honoring the loss of a public servant.

"The City of Oakland is heartbroken at the loss of one of our fellow public servants and we stand by them and all of their colleagues at the state parole service," Lee said.

The Oakland Police Department echoed Lee's sentiments.

"Agent Byrd's bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will be remembered. Our thoughts are with Agent Byrd's family and all who knew and served with him," the department said in a statement.

The CHP is leading the investigation since the shooting occurred on state property, the agency said.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Hearts Alive Village pet food bank is still working to bounce back after an air conditioning fire and bug infestation destroyed thousands of pounds of food.

A true staple in Southern Nevada, Hearts Alive Village serves the community through animal rescue, low-cost veterinary care, and its pet food bank for families in need.

The need doesnt stop, Hearts Alive Village Director of Development Grant Frailich said. Just because were out of food.

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However, the non-profit is dealing with an unexpected issue that forced the warehouse to temporarily close its doors.

About a week and a half ago, Frailich said. We experienced a fire in our AC unit.

Frailich told 8 News Now that the fire caused several other electrical issues in the building and led to a serious insect infestation.

We unfortunately had to discard thousands of pounds of pet food, He explained. And 72 hours ago, we were pretty much clean in here, pretty much wiped out.

After a call for help earlier this week, Hearts Alive Village received tens of thousands of dollars in financial and food donations, which allowed them to replenish most of that supply.

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Truly we are astounded at how our community has come together, Frailich said. We are astounded at how our village really came together to support us.

He told 8 News Now the organization is beyond grateful for so much of that support, but the food bank still cant reopen its doors until building repairs are made.

We are still waiting to get the AC situation figured out, Frailich said. And the electrical situation figured out.

Until that happens, he told 8 News Now Hearts Alive will have to hold off on food distributions.

At this point, Frailich said. We really need financial contributions.

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Monetary donations are always needed to make sure animals and their families get the help they deserve.

Hearts Alive Village will send a public update once the repairs are finished and the food bank is scheduled to reopen.

If youd like to make a monetary donation, click HERE.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says bases in Indiana and New Jersey can house detained immigrants without affecting military readiness  a step toward potentially detaining thousands of people on bases on U.S. soil.

Hegseth notified members of Congress from both states this week of the proposal to temporarily house detained immigrants at Camp Atterbury in Indiana and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

President Donald Trump has moved to aggressively detain and deport people in the country illegally, a push that has swept up large numbers of immigrants, including many with no prior criminal records, and forced federal authorities to find places to house them.

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200 Marines deploy to Florida as Pentagon approves more support to ICE

Hegseth said the presence of the detainees would not negatively affect the bases operations or training. Officials have not said when detainees could begin arriving at the facilities or if other military bases are under consideration.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trumps border czar Tom Homan said there are about 60,000 beds currently available for detained immigrants and the goal is to expand to 100,000.

Were looking for any available bed space we can get that meets the detention standards were accustomed to, Homan said Friday. The faster we get the beds, the more people we can take off the street.

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Democratic lawmakers from both states and civil rights advocates condemned the idea of housing immigrants at the bases, questioning the impact on military resources and the justification for so many detentions.

Using our countrys military to detain and hold undocumented immigrants jeopardizes military preparedness and paves the way for [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] raids in every New Jersey community, New Jerseys Democratic delegation said in a statement.

Democratic Rep. Andre Carson of Indiana said his questions about detainee conditions have gone unanswered by the Trump administration.

He cited concerns raised about conditions at other facilities and said, The fact that ICE has detained so many individuals that they now need to expand detention space in Indiana is disturbing.

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Amol Sinha, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, said in a statement that housing immigrants in military facilities sets a dangerous precedent and is contrary to the values embedded in our Constitution.

Both of the bases identified by Hegseth have housed Afghan or Ukrainian refugees in recent years.

During Trumps first administration, he authorized the use of military bases to detain immigrant children  including Army installations at Fort Bliss and Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas.

In 2014, President Barack Obama temporarily relied on military bases to detain immigrant children while ramping up privately operated family detention centers to hold many of the tens of thousands of Central American families who crossed the border.

Associated Press writers Christine Fernando and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
Angie Cook was handed the keys to a World War II-era landmark in Lexington County this week. She hopes to revive it as a haven for the Columbia areas country music lovers better than ever before.

If all goes to plan, local cowboys will be welcomed back to the previously longstanding Skyline Club, where line dancing and live country music will again be the emphasis.

The planned revival comes at a time when line dancers have been left with few options. The Vistas Carolina Western Pub, then the areas only remaining dedicated country bar, shut down in May.

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But it seems the void will be filled by a club that longtime local country music lovers remember fondly.

The 14,000 square-foot Skyline Club, located at 100 Lee St. near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport holds relics of decades of country music revelry. Photos stacked on a countertop recall performances from country legends such as Blake Shelton and Brooks & Dunn.

New owner Angie Cook and a friend pose outside of Skyline Club. Cook entered the historic venue as owner for the first time on July 16, 2025.

The historic spot was known for decades for offering line dancing lessons and live country performances before closing in late 2023.

Cook plans to hold a grand reopening event on a Saturday in mid-August. Bands will play inside and out, and local community vendors will be invited to advertise their businesses.

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Were just going to have a big party, she said.

In complete darkness, with electricity not yet installed, the club looked frozen in time when Cook unlocked the door on Wednesday. Neon beer signs, half-empty liquor bottles and mounted game heads, their antlers adorned with glow stick necklaces, remain untouched.

Thousands of locals have recalled fond memories on Facebook since Cook began teasing the reopening, including one woman showing off a matching tattoo of the clubs coordinates that she shares with her best friend.

This club has touched so many people, Cook said Wednesday, standing on the porch with a good friend, who went on her first date with her now husband at Skyline nearly 30 years ago.

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Cook is originally from Tennessee, so country music is in her roots, she said, but shes been a Columbia resident for 38 years and has fond memories of the club.

Speaking to her approach with getting the club back up and running, she said that while you have to keep the original Skyline the original Skyline, she also has bold plans to expand and hopefully draw more people in from far beyond Columbia.

Mounted game heads still keep watch in side Skyline Club. July 16, 2025.

She wants to add a restaurant component and an in-house cowboy boots store. Where that store will go is still being decided, but vendors Arriat and Corral have been chosen to be on sale.

Cook has a menu for the planned Chuckwagon Trail Restaurant, working with a North Carolina crew that will roast their meat and make their own butter. The club will be a place for people landing in Columbia at the nearby airport to experience their first taste of the city, she said.

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Cook intends to keep most of the clubs key features after a previous owner did a full renovation. The iconic grand line dancing floor, popping as loud as ever, will remain the focus, she added.

She said she values the longtime memories held in the space and has asked Facebook users to share their stories and photos from days gone by. She plans to put them into a generational mural by the line dance floor. That post has received over 500 responses.

Old country music memorabilia remains in Skyline Club. July 16, 2025.

The VIP area built in place of the original front stage is the only thing she plans to remove.

This is not a VIP club, Cook said. The thing about Skyline was it didnt matter how much money you had or didnt have. When you come in and you pay your money to get in this place, were all the same.

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Live music will be another focus, she said. The bands, some of which are already booked, will range from Columbia locals to country acts from Nashville, Arkansas, even Ohio. Its important to her that Skyline has a new sound.

Her plan is to relocate the main stage, which had since been moved to the right side, back in sight of the front door. People online have been screaming about wanting that old stage back, Cook said.

I remember when I used to come in here in my younger days, Cook said, When I hit [the front entrance], seeing that band on that stage was the greatest part of the night because of that anticipation as you stood in line.

As she readies the club for its August re-launch, shes making her ambitions clear.

Lets show the next generation why this place is ready to shine again, Cook said on Facebook.
ALBANY  As hospitals across New York and the nation face the possibility of steep revenue drops due to federal Medicaid cuts, Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul and the state health commissioner are expressing frustration that the states Department of Education and legislature arent signing on to a plan that could cut costs for some health care operators and address the states nursing shortage.

In the Capitol on Thursday, Hochul and most of her cabinet of state agency and department directors spoke with reporters about the anticipated impacts of the federal budget cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law earlier this month.

As they discussed concerns over potential challenges for rural hospitals, Hochul and Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald said they were frustrated that New York hasnt been able to make changes to the rules over what licensed medical professionals can and cannot do, and said existing state law just isnt the right fit.

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State officials have been sounding the alarm for months as Republicans built the federal spending bill and debated it. Theyve warned that the impacts of Medicaid and SNAP cuts, plus more eligibility verification requirements and work requirements, will kick thousands of needy New Yorkers and Americans off the benefits that help them make ends meet.

On Thursday, Hochul said she was concerned about hospital closures, resulting from lower revenues for the states rural hospitals that have a majority of their patient mix covered by Medicaid or other publicly funded insurance.

If that hospital, perhaps one of five in the North Country, closes, you and your family dont have anywhere to go, she said.

But when asked what the state may be able to do to backstop revenue cuts at hospitals that serve significant numbers of Medicaid patients, Hochul said the state cant do it. She directed reporters to ask the states Republican lawmakers about how they plan to address the issue, suggesting those questions havent been asked.

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A spokesperson for Stefanik told the Watertown Daily Times in late June that the Congresswoman does not acknowledge the predictions that the federal changes will hurt rural hospitals.

Republicans want to strengthen and secure Medicaid for eligible citizens as it is an indispensable lifeline for our nations most vulnerable, the spokesperson said. However, far left Democrats continue to fearmonger because they know President Trump is delivering results for the American people.

As the governor deflected, McDonald said the Hochul administration has eyed a handful of changes to state law that could lead to savings for health care providers.

This year, the Hochul administration put forward a plan in the state budget that would have let New York join the Nurse Licensure Compact to allow out-of-state registered nurses to practice in New York more easily, and would have allowed certified nursing assistants to administer medications and vaccinations without a direct nursing supervisor with them.

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CNAs are currently restricted by the states scope of practice rules that limit what theyre able to do in the workplace. McDonald said 38 U.S. states have passed some sort of scope reform, and 49 other states allow CNAs to administer vaccines. He also noted that New York is planning to spend $700 million over the next two years on workforce development to try to get more nurses working in the state.

The state legislature did not approve the Hochul administrations changes and negotiated them out of the final agreement.

On Thursday, Hochul also expressed frustration with the state Department of Education for not signing onto those changes.

This is an enormous source of frustration for me, that we cant get the legislature and the Department of Education to sign on to what other states are doing, which is to allow highly trained individuals to take on just one more activity, instead of us having to hire two people to do that activity, she said.

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Im just fed up with the absurdity of some of these policies, to be honest with you. Theres no reason why we should not be leaning hard into finding all the ways we can support healthcare, she continued.

Hochul said she intends to continue her push on that topic, but said she needs more cooperation from the state legislature and the Education Department.

State Education Commissioner Betty D. Rosa was not in attendance at Thursdays press conference, even as the federal budget bill makes wide-ranging changes to federal education policy and loan regulations, and as the Trump administration lays off half of the U.S. Department of Educations staff. The only people present for the Thursday meeting were those appointed by the Governor directly.

The state Education Department is not a direct offshoot of the state Executive Chamber  Hochul doesnt appoint the departments commissioner; rather, the commissioner is appointed by the state Board of Regents, who themselves are appointed by the state legislature.

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Daylight frequently appears between the Governor and the state Education Department; most recently, the issue was over the Governors plan to take over a renovation of the state museum in Albany, removing the museum from the state Education Departments control.

A spokesperson for the state Education Department did not return a request for comment from the Watertown Daily Times on Thursday.
This article was originally published in CalMatters.

In Kern County, the first rule in counting homeless students is not saying homeless.

Instead, school staff use phrases like struggling with stable housing or families in transition. The approach seems to have worked: More families are sharing their housing status with their childrens schools, which means more students are getting services.

Theres a lot of stigma attached to the word homeless, said Curt Williams, director of homeless and foster youth services for the Kern County Office of Education. When you remove that word, it all changes.

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Largely as a result of better identification methods, Kern County saw its homeless student population jump 10% last year, to 7,200. Those students received transportation to and from school, free school supplies, tutoring and other services intended to help them stay in school. For the purposes of this data, the definition of homelessness is broader than the states point in time count.

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The trend is reflected statewide. In the latest state enrollment data released last month, California had 230,443 homeless students  a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Some of the increase is due to the states ongoing housing shortage, but most of the increase is because of better identification, advocates and school officials said.

Homeless students face numerous obstacles in school. They have higher rates of discipline and absenteeism, and fare worse academically. Last year, only 16% of homeless students met the states math standard, some of the lowest scores of any student group.

Related

New Report: How Districts in 7 States Are Helping Chronically Absent Homeless Kids

Schools cant solve homelessness, but they can ensure the students are safe in the classroom and getting the education they need to get out of homelessness, said Barbara Duffield, executive director of Schoolhouse Connection, a national homeless youth advocacy group. That starts with identifying the child whos homeless.

Challenges of counting homeless students

Under the federal McKinney-Vento Act, schools are required to count their homeless students throughout the school year and ensure they receive services. Homeless students also have the right to stay enrolled in their original school even if they move.

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For many years, schools struggled to identify homeless students. Under state law, schools must distribute forms at the beginning of the school year asking families where they live  in their own homes, in motels, doubled-up with other families, in shelters, cars or outdoors.

Column chart from 2014-15 to 2024-25 school year showing annual number of enrolled homeless students. The 230.4k homeless students in 2024-25 is the highest in the decade.

Some schools were less-than-diligent about collecting the form, or reassuring families understood the importance. Often, homeless families were reluctant to submit the form because they were afraid the school might contact a child welfare agency. Immigrant families sometimes feared the school might notify immigration authorities. And some families didnt realize that sharing quarters with another family  by far the most common living situation among homeless families  is technically defined as homeless, at least under McKinney-Vento.

A 2021 bill by former Assemblymember Luz Rivas, a Democrat from Arleta in the San Fernando Valley, sought to fix that problem. The bill requires schools to train everyone who works with students  from bus drivers to cafeteria workers to teachers  on how to recognize potential signs of homelessness. That could include families who move frequently or dont reply to school correspondence.

The bill seems to have helped. Last year, the state identified 21,000 more homeless students than it had the previous year, even as overall enrollment dropped.

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Still, thats probably an undercount, researchers said. The actual homeless student population is probably between 5% and10% of those students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, according to the National Center for Homeless Education. In California, that would be a shortfall of up to 138,713 students.

Influx of funding

Another boost for identifying homeless students came from the American Rescue Plan, the federal COVID-19 relief package. The plan included $800 million for schools to hire counselors or train existing staff to help homeless students. Nearly all schools in California received some money.

About 120 districts in California won grant money through the McKinney-Vento Act, which last year dispersed about $15.9 million in California to pay for things like rides to school, backpacks, staff and other services. Districts are chosen on a competitive basis; not all districts that apply receive funds.

But those funding sources are drying up. Most of the pandemic relief money has already been spent, and President Donald Trumps recently approved budget does not include McKinney-Vento funding for 2026-27.

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The cuts come at a time when advocates expect steep increases in the number of homeless families over the next few years, due in part to national policy changes. Republican budget proposals include cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and other programs aimed at helping low-income families, while the immigration crackdown has left thousands of families afraid to seek assistance. For families living on tight budgets, those cuts could lead to a loss of housing.

And in California, the shortage of affordable housing continues to be a hurdle for low-income families. Even Kern County, which has traditionally been a less pricey option for families, has seen a spike in housing costs as more residents move there from Los Angeles.

Joseph Bishop, an education professor at UCLA and co-author of a recent report on homeless students nationwide, said the loss of government funding will be devastating for homeless students.

California is the epicenter of the homeless student crisis, and we need targeted, dedicated support, Bishop said. Folks should be extremely alarmed right now. Will these kids be getting the education they need and deserve?

Better food, cleaner bathrooms

In Kern County, identification has only been one part of the effort to help homeless students thrive in school. Schools also try to pair them with tutors and mentors, give them school supplies and laundry tokens, and invite them to join a program called Student Voice Ambassadors. There, students can tour local colleges, learn leadership skills and explore career options.

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As part of the program, staff ask students what would make school more enticing  and then make sure the suggestions happen. At one school, students said theyd go to class if the bathrooms were cleaner. So staff improved the bathrooms. At another school, students wanted better food. They got it.

Williams credits the program with reducing absenteeism among homeless students. Two years ago, 45% of Kern Countys homeless students were chronically absent. Last year, the number dropped to 39%  still too high, he said, but a significant improvement.

Without McKinney-Vento funds, the Student Voice Ambassador program would go away, Williams said. How will we keep it going? I dont know.

This article was originally published on CalMatters and was republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer was injured after trying to arrest an undocumented immigrant living in Oklahoma City.

Jose Melgar-Rivas was taken into ICE custody Tuesday after a traffic stop.

Jose Melgar-Rivas. Image Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

An affidavit details federal deportation officers pulling Rivas over near Northwest 23rd and Meridian, ordering him to get out of his van.

Rivas refused, and when the officer tried grabbing his arm, Rivas became combative.

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Owasso Police investigate after family member finds two others dead inside home

The driver-side door closed, pinning the officer to the car.

Rivas then tried driving away, dragging the officer along the road, injuring the officers left elbow, left hip, and both ankles.

Officer injured during arrest. Image Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Officer injured during arrest. Image Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

U.S. Senator James Lankford applauded the officers and their efforts.

We pray for his recovery and we are grateful that this person has now been arrested. Clearly, this person is a threat to society. So Im glad that theyre able to arrest him and to be able to detain him, to be able to protect all of us, Sen. Lankford said.

News 4 went to Rivas home to speak with his family. They did not want to do an on-camera interview, but allowed us inside to share more about him.

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They say Rivas is a father of six, fleeing Honduras for a better life in America, escaping abuse from gangs and drug cartels.

One of his daughters telling News 4, My dad isnt a criminal, he was just on his way to work.

Rivas neighbors were also in shock hearing about his arrest.

I feel like hes a great dad, hes always out here with his son. He gives my son and his son popsicles, they go to the swimming pool. He watches them at the pool, he always speaks to me every time he sees me. Ive never, ever had any problems with him, the neighbor said.

The Western District. U.S. Attorney is going to prosecute them to the full extent of the law, Sen. Lankford said.

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Senator Markwayne Mullin sent a statement to News 4 about Rivas arrest.

Attacks on our brave ICE agents have skyrocketed 830% since January, and this recent arrest in OKC underscores this issue remains close to home. However, these attacks will not stop our brave men and women in blue from doing their jobs and enforcing the law. More help is on the way. Passing the One Big, Beautiful Bill was critical to make President Trumps historic border security efforts permanent. Our much-needed legislation supports the Trump administrations historic deportation operations by giving ICE and CBP the tools to execute their mission and keep Americans safe. Sen. Markwayne Mullin

News 4 asked why the arrest involved agents from Dallas. We were told the Dallas bureau oversees the Oklahoma City and Tulsa divisions.

ICE Dallas Public Affairs Officer, Dexter Henson, confirmed this afternoon, Rivas was ordered to leave the country in 2020, but never did.

Henson also confirmed Rivas does not have a criminal background.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels have signed a ceasefire deal in Qatar to end fighting between the warring sides.

Dubbed the Declaration of Principles, Saturday's agreement seen by the BBC, says both sides must refrain from attacks, "hate propaganda" and "any attempt to seize by force new positions on the ground".

The declaration is intended as a roadmap towards a permanent settlement.

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The two sides agreed to implement the deal's terms by July 29. A final peace deal is due by 18 August and must align with last month's US-brokered deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, which denies accusations it backs M23.

Decades of conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 rebels seized control of large parts of the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo including the regional capital, Goma, the city of Bukavu and two airports.

The UN says thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of civilians forced from their homes following since. The M23 disputes the figures, saying fewer than 1,000 people have died.

DR Congo spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said the deal took the government's "red line" into account - including the "non-negotiable withdrawal" of the M23 from occupied areas.

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But in a video posted on X, M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa said the deal did not mention such a pull-out.

It is the first direct accord between the two sides since the rebels launched their offensive at the turn of the year.

Qatar said negotiations were set to continue.

The African Union Commission called the declaration a "milestone" in lasting peace efforts and security in the region.

The declaration also outlines a commitment to reinstating state authority in eastern DR Congo.

This is the latest in a long line of failed peace deals in the region.

One of the main players in today's conflict - the M23 rebels - emerged from a failed peace deal 16 years ago that never delivered on demobilisation.

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In March, DR Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame met in Qatar and both called for an immediate ceasefire.

The following month, DR Congo and M23 group agreed to a ceasefire facilitated by Qatar, but fighting continued on the ground.

The Washington deal, which came about in June, has been met with widespread criticism as a key incentive for the US' intervention is access to the DR Congo's vast mineral wealth. President Trump boasted of this feat.

There has been talk of Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame going to Washington to meet Trump together, though no date has been fixed.

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Additional reporting by Emery Makumeno

[Getty Images/BBC]

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A high protein ice cream developed by clinicians to tackle malnutrition is set to be made available to older patients on nine hospital wards in Nottingham.

N-ICE Cream was first offered to patients at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust as part of a trial in 2022.

It will now be rolled out more widely at the Queen's Medical Centre after Nottingham Hospitals Charity agreed to fund up to 4,800 towards supplies of the ice cream and six mini freezers to store it in.

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Prof Opinder Sahota, consultant in ortho-geriatric medicine at NUH, said he was "delighted" to see N-ICE Cream move from a research study to a nutritional supplement product that is routinely offered to patients.

"When you're not very well, trying to consume a big plate of food can be quite difficult," he added

"What we also know is obviously if you don't eat, then clearly you're not going to get better.

"If you don't get better, you're going to start losing muscle and losing protein."

Prof Sahota said patients who struggled to eat were normally offered high protein nutritional supplement drinks.

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However, he added that "a lot of people just don't like" them.

He told the BBC that when patients were asked what they would eat, many said "something like an ice cream would be really nice".

N-ICE Cream, manufactured for NUH by Matlock Meadows Dairy Farm, contains about 14.5g of protein and is enhanced with leucine and vitamin D.

The ice cream, which has been peer reviewed, comes in four flavours - vanilla, strawberry, salted caramel and mint.

Prof Sahota, who has driven the N-ICE Cream project, said: "This product has been specifically developed as a nutritious muscle targeted high protein ice cream, which has been designed to address the serious problem of malnutrition and muscle weakness among older people."

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Nigel Gregory, chief executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said he was "pleased" to be able to fund supplies of the ice cream and the fridges.

"We know that nutrition can be a challenge when caring for older patients, and we were very interested to learn about this innovative product," he added.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  Following the Healey Administrations example, the Massachusetts House of Representatives has implemented a temporary hiring freeze.

Pittsfield funeral honors life of Jordan Labarre

The House announced the freeze on Wednesday, citing federal economic uncertainty, and making exceptions for previously-approved positions and backfilling legislative aide positions who are the lawmakers only aide.

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In fiscal year 2025, the House had 528 full-time employees, with payroll hitting nearly $30 million, including pay for representatives. The 2025 House budget totaled $47.5 million, though spending was projected to be almost $52 million. This fiscal year includes $49.9 million for House operations.

The Healey Administration has already implemented a hiring freeze for nonessential positions until next June, but the Senate is still hiring as usual.

The Senate presidents office says they are closely monitoring the impact of federal action and cited low staff turnover as a reason a freeze may not be necessary.

As for constitutional officers, Auditor Diana DiZoglio and Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin say they are not currently implementing hiring freezes, and Treasurer Deb Goldberg says her office does not have an official freeze policy, but is only backfilling essential positions. The Attorney Generals office received a funding boost in this years budget, and does not have a hiring freeze.

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22News will keep you informed on hiring freezes across the commonwealth on air and online.

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.
When Benito Flores chose to resist his eviction from a state-owned home, he knew very well the decision might lead to his death. The 70-year-old retired welder preferred that outcome to becoming homeless again, suffering his last days on the streets.

Ultimately, he didn't die without a home.

In March 2020, after 14 years of sleeping in a pale yellow van, Flores seized a vacant, publicly owned property in El Sereno. He acted in coordination with a dozen others who took homes for themselves. They argued that the true crime was not breaking into empty houses, but rather that the homes, acquired by the California Department of Transportation decades ago for a failed freeway expansion, were left to rot while tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles had no roof over their heads.

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Read more: Elderly man builds tree house to protest eviction from state-owned home

Flores and the others called their group "Reclaiming Our Homes." Galvanized by national interest in their protest, they won permission from the state to remain temporarily in the properties. As time passed, other Reclaimers accepted settlements to leave or departed when Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies came to the door. Flores built an elaborate, 6-foot by 3-foot tree house, 28 feet high in an ash tree in the backyard, preparing to climb up there when deputies arrived.

The risks were clear to him. He believed the alternative was worse.

I am 70 years old with uncontrolled diabetes, I have sores on my feet and could lose them, Flores wrote in a July 4 letter to the L.A. County Superior Court judge who ordered his eviction. I am a strong candidate to die on the street alone and forgotten. That is why I choose to die here defending my house.

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Six weeks ago, Flores and a group of supporters succeeded in chasing off sheriffs deputies who had come to remove him  without Flores having to barricade himself in the tree house. Ever since, Flores continued to fortify his defenses. He attached ladders to a second backyard tree in an attempt to create a web of protection in the sky.

Sometime last week, Flores apparently fell from the tree. A neighbor discovered Flores body Friday afternoon on the ground, his safety harness broken in the branches high above him. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The L.A. County medical examiner has yet to release further details.

Read more: Another group of homeless moms and families are taking over a house  this time in L.A.

It didnt have to end like this, government authorities say. Officials with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, which was operating the temporary lease program on Caltrans behalf, have said they made every possible attempt to find him another place to live. They offered a cash settlement of up to $20,000, a Section 8 voucher and more than two dozen referrals to other homes.

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But Flores rejected these as insufficient guarantees of permanent housing at a price he could afford on his sole source of income, Social Security and disability benefits. Caltrans planned to sell the small home where Flores built the backyard tree house to a nonprofit that would, in turn, allow a low-income resident to live there. He qualified, he reasoned, so why should he leave?

Benito was the heart and soul of our movement, said Roberto Flores, who operates a private community center in El Sereno and helped organize the five years of protests. Roberto Flores, who is unrelated to Benito, called him a martyr for the cause of housing and human rights.

Benito Flores was short and slightly stocky. He wore thin glasses, a wispy gray beard, old work clothes and frequently a bucket hat when he was in the sun. Friends were unsure if he had any immediate survivors.

Flores told The Times in May that he was born outside Monterrey, Mexico, came to the United States in the late 1980s, and later became a U.S. citizen. He said he worked on construction sites that required him to scale heights to secure steel beams.

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As he aged and work dried up, he said, he needed to resort to living in his van. He kept the same battered vehicle parked on the narrow El Sereno street where he lived.

Soon after Flores was discovered Friday afternoon, activists organized a vigil at his home. The medical examiner had yet to come and Flores body remained in the backyard where it had been found, covered with a white sheet.

A mourner takes a photo of a memorial set up outside the home of Benito Flores on Friday. Flores, 70, died last week after an apparent fall from a backyard tree, where he had been protesting against his eviction. (Liam Dillon / Los Angeles Times)

Around 50 mourners attended, honoring Flores with an Indigenous ceremony. They sang, recited prayers, played drums and lit fragrant copal and cedar, the smoke surrounding Flores body. At the end, they placed flowers on top of the sheet.

Some of those who gathered spoke. Gerardo Santos said hed never met anyone before Flores who truly had given their life to a cause.

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Were seeing a loss, something thats very hurtful and painful, Santos said. And then were also seeing someone who died for what they believe in.

After the medical examiner arrived, the tribute moved to the front of the home. Son jarocho folk musicians played in Flores honor behind a sidewalk altar with candles and a photo of a smiling Flores up in the tree.

About a dozen Los Angeles Police Department officers were there, which upset many in the crowd who said they were simply trying to pay their respects. LAPD Sgt. David Azevedo said theyd come because of the size of the gathering at the request of medical examiner personnel, who were concerned about their own safety. Besides, Azevedo said, legally the property should be in possession of the housing authority and no one should be there without the agency's permission.

Some of the Reclaimers have accepted the housing authoritys assistance and remain in permanent low-income housing. Others received buyouts but have returned to homelessness. Two besides Flores who declined the settlements were locked out.

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Read more: 'I'm going to resist': Protesters who seized state-owned homes five years ago prepare for eviction battle

Shortly after the failed eviction attempt of Flores last month, government officials approached him with one more offer: Four years of living rent free in an apartment in El Sereno.

Flores thought about it, he told a San Gabriel Valley podcaster , in whats believed to be his final interview, published July 15. But he said no. What about his fellow Reclaimers who were now on the streets? Shouldnt they get the same deal? And after those four years, he would only be older, and more tired and weak. It would be worse, he said, to stare down homelessness then.

Benito Flores, who seized a state-owned house in El Sereno, has died. He lived in a treehouse, upper right, as a protest against his eviction and was fortifying and building additional defenses in a second tree. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Its not as if the tree house didnt scare him. Hed had an accident previously when a pulley system failed and he fell four feet, and realized what would have happened to him if hed been higher.

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My life is at risk, Flores said on the podcast. I ask myself, why? Why am I climbing trees? I should be in a house, enjoying my retirement  playing dominoes or whatever things a retired person does.

But his resolve was greater than his fear. Flores said he believed the state had an obligation to house the homeless, elders, disabled and families with children. Attempting to evict him and other Reclaimers, he said, violated that principle.

That, Flores said, is why I am fighting.

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 Brief

Police were called to Allen Parkway at about 2 a.m. on Saturday.

A teen was "at the wrong place at the wrong time" when a shootout allegedly erupted between two groups.

Witnesses are encouraged to call HPD Major Assaults or Crime Stoppers.

HOUSTON - Houston police are looking for suspects in a shooting that sent a teen to a hospital early Saturday morning.

Houston Fourth Ward shooting: Teen injured

What we know

At about 2 a.m. on Saturday, police were called to the 1600 block of Allen Parkway, near Park Vista Drive.

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When they arrived, officers found a person at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, who police say is a 16-year-old boy, was taken to a hospital where he is expected to recover.

HPD Lieutenant Ali says the teen was "at the wrong place at the wrong time" when a shootout erupted between two groups.

Lt. Ali says many people were present during the shooting, but no arrests have been made at this time.

What we don't know

There is no information on any suspects or a possible motive for the shooting.

It's not clear if the teen was directly involved in the incident.

What you can do

Anyone with information about the shooting can call one of the following agencies:

HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence: 713-308-8800

Crime Stoppers: 713-222-TIPS (8477)

The Source

OnScene and HPD Lt. Ali.
The Brief

Steven Campbell is accused of burglarizing multiple residences in Houston's Heights and Montrose areas.

Campbell had previously been sentenced for burglary for a total of 267 years.

Detectives say Campbell pawned off a bike he stole about 10 minutes from where he stole it.

HOUSTON - A man with a long history of burglaries is wanted for more burglaries in the Houston area.

Houston crime: Serial burglar wanted

What we know

According to his criminal history, Steven Campbell has been in and out of prison since 1977. It's all for the same crime: Burglary of a habitation.

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"He's a serial burglar," said Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen. "That's what he's known for. All of his cases involve burglary."

Court records say Campbell has been sentenced to prison for a total of 267 years.

"This time, I really hope the system kinda keeps him a bit," Rosen said. "The last stint that he did, he did 13 years in prison, got out, and started doing the same exact thing."

Lock your doors

Why you should care

Constable Rosen says Campbell reportedly makes entry through unlocked doors and windows.

"He walks down the street, sees if car doors are open, sees if a house door is open, sees if a garage is open, and then will go in there and burglarize," he says.

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FOX 26 reporter Randy Wallace spoke to a Montrose homeowner who captured Campbell on his security camera stealing his wife's bike from their garage.

"We have a detached garage, and there's a side door, and we left the door unlocked," the homeowner said.

The homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, said the burglar used a ladder to climb up and move a security camera. A surveillance photo shows the burglar wearing the homeowner's wife's helmet while he's on the ladder.

It's believed he then stole the bike, threw it over a fence, then used the ladder to escape.

Two hours later, detectives say Campbell can be seen selling the bike at a pawn shop some 10 minutes from where he stole it. The homeowner says they got the bike back two days later.

What you can do

Anyone with information should contact the Precinct 1 Constables Office, specifically Detective Joseph Bowden, by emailing Joseph.Bowden@cn1.hctx.net.

The Source

Information in this report comes from court records, the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office, and a burglary victim.
Jul. 18Three scenarios were presented to the Howard County Board of Education for redistricting some students in the Columbia and Ellicott City areas.

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Originally Published:July 17, 2025 at 9:08 PM EDT
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee decried the alleged attack on a historic church in Taybeh.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee toured Taybeh on Saturday, a Palestinian Christian town north of Ramallah, which has allegedly seen multiple attacks by extremist settler groups in recent weeks.

It is an act of terror, and it is a crime, Huckabee said in a statement. Those who carry out acts of terror and violence in Taybeh  or anywhere  [should] be found and be prosecuted. Not just reprimanded, thats not enough.

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Christian leaders have decried the recent attacks, including an apparent arson attack adjacent to the Church of St. George last week.

I work for ALL American citizens who live in Israel  Jewish, Muslim or Christian. When they are terrorized or victims of crime, I will demand those responsible be held accountable w/ real consequences. Was in Taybeh today to meet with people of that village to listen & learn, Huckabee wrote on social media following the visit.

Taybeh is a quiet Palestinian Christian village with a lot of American citizens, that has been vandalized  including fires set at ancient church, he wrote. I visited there today. Desecrating a church, mosque or synagogue is a crime against humanity & God.

Settler violence in the West Bank

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III also visiting Taybeh with other Jerusalem-based clerics, saying that settlers had started a fire near a cemetery and a 5th-century church there last week.

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These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community but also to the historic and religious heritage, the patriarch told diplomats and journalists at a press conference in Taybeh.

Settlers had also attacked homes in the area, he said.

We call for an immediate and transparent investigation on why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished, he said.

Last week, Huckabee also called on Israel to aggressively investigate the killing of a Palestinian American who was allegedly beaten to death by settlers in the West Bank, describing it as a criminal and terrorist act.

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I have asked [Israel] to aggressively investigate the murder of Saif Musallet, an American citizen who was visiting family in Sinjil when he was beaten to death, Huckabee wrote on X/Twitter, referring to a town north of Ramallah.

Musallet, 20, whose full first name is Sayafollah, was severely beaten in the incident. His family, who are from Florida, say that medics failed to reach him for hours and that he died before reaching the hospital.

Israeli officials have not yet commented on the death nor condemned the attacks on Taybeh.
(Reuters) -U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is racing to build migrant tent camps nationwide after receiving $45 billion in new funding, aiming to expand detention capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 beds by year-end, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.

The agency is prioritizing large-scale tent facilities at military bases and ICE jails, including a 5,000-bed site at Fort Bliss in Texas and others in Colorado, Indiana, and New Jersey, the report added, citing documents seen by WSJ.

"ICE is pursuing all available options to expand bedspace capacity," a senior ICE official told Reuters, adding that the "process does include housing detainees at certain military bases."

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Top U.S. officials at Homeland Security, including U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have expressed a preference for detention centers run by Republican states and local governments rather than private prison companies, the report said.

The agency declined to confirm the specifics of the plan to expand detention capacity.

Noem said last week that she was in talks with five Republican-led states to build other detention sites inspired by the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility in Florida.

"We've had several other states that are actually using Alligator Alcatraz as a model for how they can partner with us," Noem told a press conference in Florida without naming any of the states.

(Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft and Marguerita Choy)
SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)  A beloved culinary institution in San Diegos Barrio Logan neighborhood may soon close after more than nine decades in business.

Las Cuatro Milpas, known for its handmade tortillas and hearty Mexican fare, is facing more than $190,000 in combined tax debt and has officially put its historic property up for sale.

The Estudillo family, which has operated the restaurant since it opened in 1933, is asking $1.995 million for the property. The sale includes two buildings, residential units and a neighboring church, but notably, not the restaurant business itself.

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According to the familys real estate agent, Voltaire Lepe, the decision to sell is not solely due to the mounting tax liabilities.

There has been some negativity painted about the reasons why they are selling, but the reason is just because theyre retired, Lepe said. Theyve been working here all their lives. Just like any business owner, everyone owes money to different government agencies.

Lepe added that while the restaurant is not part of the official listing, the family is open to offers that include purchasing the business along with the property.

A look back: San Diego remembers tragic McDonalds massacre 41 years later

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If the right offer came along where they want to buy the piece of real estate along with the business, the family will consider it, he said.

Las Cuatro Milpas is currently run by two daughters of the original founders, both in their 70s, who are ready to retire after decades behind the counter.

While the future of the restaurant is uncertain, its loyal customer base is already mourning the potential loss.

Its been a part of our family, a weekly or monthly ritual, one longtime customer said. My grandkids in Tucson are very sad that this place is going to close.

Despite recent challenges, including a temporary shutdown due to health violations last December, lines continue to form outside the restaurant daily, a testament to its enduring popularity.

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Its the only place I know that sells this kind of comfort food, said customer Andy Meza. It takes you back to when you were growing up.

The listing is accepting offers through Aug. 6. There is no official closing date yet but with the future uncertain, many customers are returning now, unsure when they might enjoy their last meal at the iconic eatery.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador speaks at a press conference outside the U.S. Supreme Court on April 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador and two Idaho county prosecuting attorneys agreed to not prosecute some Idaho doctors for referring patients out of state for abortions, under a new legal agreement published in federal court Thursday.

The settlement concludes a lawsuit that challenged a legal opinion from Idahos top legal official that said medical professionals who refer or prescribe abortion pills to pregnant patients across state lines are subject to criminal penalties under Idahos strict abortion ban.

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Federal judge B. Lynn Winmill closed the lawsuit Thursday following the agreement, which protects a regional Planned Parenthood affiliate organization and two Idaho doctors.

In 2023, Labrador issued a legal opinion upon request from Idaho lawmaker Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, on behalf of anti-abortion clinic Stanton Healthcare. In the opinion, Labrador said abortion pills are included in the states strict abortion ban law, States Newsroom reported.

Soon, Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, and the two Idaho doctors sued over Labradors opinion. Labrador later recalled the opinion.

Idaho is surrounded by several states where abortion is legal, including Washington, Oregon and Montana. Historically, Idaho physicians referred patients to clinics in those states if they need care that is unavailable in Idaho, such as termination for medical reasons related to fetal anomalies or complications that put a pregnant patients health at risk.

Labrador: We do not have the authority to prosecute referrals for out-of-state services

Under the recent agreement, Labrador along with two Idaho local prosecutors  Ada County Prosecuting Attorney Jan Bennetts and Valley County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Naugle  will not enforce Idahos abortion ban against the organization and two doctors for out-of-state referrals.

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In a statement, Labrador said the agreement avoids unnecessary litigation and protects Idaho taxpayers from further costs.

Idahos strong pro-life laws remain fully in effect, and we remain proud to defend the rights of mothers and their unborn children, Labrador told the Idaho Capital Sun. This settlement simply affirms what our office already made clear in court: We do not have the authority to prosecute referrals for out-of-state services.

In December 2024, a federal appeals court panel upheld an injunction by a lower federal court in Idaho that blocked Labrador from prosecuting Idaho medical professionals for out-of-state abortion referrals, the Sun previously reported.

In a statement, the Planned Parenthood affiliate CEO, Rebecca Gibron, said the agreement brings much-needed clarity, compassion, and relief to both patients and providers.

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It ensures that health care providers in Idaho can continue doing what they are trained and ethically bound to do  offer accurate information and help patients access the care they need, even if that care is out of state. In a state where abortion is banned, those referrals can be lifesaving, she said.

Agreement protects referrals out of Idaho for abortion, abortion pills

The agreement blocks enforcing Idahos abortion law for referring a woman across state lines to an abortion provider, the federal judge wrote.

That includes informing about, counseling about, recommending, providing a referral for, scheduling an appointment for, informing about sources of funding for, or otherwise advising or assisting an individual in learning about or obtaining, an abortion 

The ruling also protects that activity for out-of-state consultation for abortion pills where that abortion will be performed or the out-of-state prescription will be filled outside the borders of Idaho where it is legal to obtain such abortion or prescription for abortion pills.

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The agreement does not have an end date.

This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com.
The launch from Yemen was intercepted by Israel's Arrow 3 system, in what was the third time since Wednesday that the Houthis has fired a missile towards Israel and was then intercepted.

The IDF intercepted a Houthi missile launched from Yemen towards Israel on Friday, the military confirmed.

The missile triggered sirens from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem at 10:24 p.m.

There have been no reported casualties from the incident, according to Magen David Adom.

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The launch from Yemen was intercepted by Israel's Arrow-3 system, in what was the third time since Wednesday that the Houthis had fired a missile towards Israel and was then intercepted, Maariv reported.

The Houthis said it had attacked Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv with a ballistic missile.

Israeli air defense systems intercept an incoming missile fired from Yemen, as seen from Jerusalem, July 1, 2025 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Previous recent rockets and missiles towards Israel this week

The last projectile to fire towards Israeli territory was only several hours prior, but was from Gaza when a launch from the northern part of the Strip triggered a siren in the Netiv HaAsara moshav.

Wednesday's missile from Yemen had triggered sirens in the Dead Sea and surrounding areas.

Like on Friday, the IDF confirmed that it had intercepted the missile shortly after the incident, and there were no reports of damage or casualties from the incident.

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A Wall Street Journal report published hours before the Houthis' attack on Friday stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran was accelerating efforts to rearm its militia allies across the Middle East.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei denied the reports, calling them "baseless."

More than a week ago, Germany had called on the Islamic Republic to restrain the Yemen-based terrorist organization, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemning their attacks in the Red Sea.

"This shows that we need an understanding with Iran as a whole, not only regarding the development, the possible development of nuclear weapons, but also regarding Iran's regional behavior."

Reuters contributed to this report.
Suspects were identified approaching IDF soldiers operating in the Rafah area in Gaza on Friday night, leading soldiers to fire warning shots to disperse them, the military said.

Suspects were identified approaching IDF soldiers operating in the Rafah area in Gaza on Friday night, leading soldiers to fire warning shots to disperse them, the military said.

Prior to shooting, the soldiers called on the suspects to distance themselves. Reports of casualties were received, and the incident is under investigation, the IDF noted.

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On Friday overnight, soldiers under the Southern Command operated and targeted terrorist infrastructure across the Gaza Strip between Friday and Saturday, the military said.

In northern Gaza, soldiers from Division 162 killed terrorists, destroyed terror infrastructure and weapons facilities above and below ground, the IDF noted.

Soldiers from Division 99 operated in northern and central Gaza, where they uncovered Hamas infrastructure and destroyed several terror sites in Beit Hanun.

IDF soldiers operating throughout the Gaza Strip, July 19, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

In the Gaza City area, soldiers destroyed rocket launch positions, sniper positions, and weapons storage facilities, the IDF stated.

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Additionally, the Israel Air Force attacked around 90 terror targets across Gaza, in coordination with ground forces. According to the IDF, the air force struck underground infrastructure and facilities.

This is a developing story.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  LGBTQ+ youth dialed 9-8-8 more than 1.5 million times to connect with crisis counselors. But their line for specialized care has been disconnected.

For the first three years of its existence, the 988 lifeline has offered LGBTQ+ youth the choice to press 3 to speak with someone specialized to help them. But that option has now gone dark.

PBL responds to recent FOIA request into teacher, coach accused of sexual misconduct

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Now, Illinois officials have prepared their operators to handle more calls.

To us, this is really a life-or-death issue, said Allie Lichterman, IDHS Crisis Community Programs Administrator.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has made sure operators in the state are prepared to handle callers from all backgrounds.

We want to make sure that were providing that really confidential, affirming care so that we meet them where theyre at with those very particular needs and also meet their broader needs and see them as a full person, Lichterman said.

LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times more likely to consider suicide compared to their straight friends.

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Paris School Dist. announces delay of after-school programming over lack of funds

Experts say its because they experience discrimination and stigma.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced the decision as an effort to cut costs, noting in a statement they spent more than $33 million to silo callers.

Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress, the agency said in a statement. Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.

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Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have asked the Trump administration to reverse course, saying its worth the price.

In the face of a youth mental health crisis and rise in attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, we cannot afford to lose this lifesaving resource. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) said.

The nonprofit organization, The Trevor Project, still offers crisis support 24-7 designed for LGBTQ+ children and teens. You can find more information on their 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 WCIA.com.
SOMERSET  Suicide warning signs, personal experiences, exploring hope and more were discussed by Ignite Education Solutions staff Thursday during a workshop offered in partnership with awareness group Mavericks Mission.

Roughly 100 staff members from paraprofessionals to substitute teachers and others gathered at Somerset Area High School for the in-service training.

Emily Yuhas, Ignite director, said these type of professional development opportunities are important because of the varied situations youth experience today.

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The kids are facing mental health struggles and challenges like never before, she said.

Yuhas also noted that since the COVID-19 pandemic, trauma-informed approaches have rightfully taken a forefront position in education.

Ignite provides educational services, such as substitutes and social workers, to to 20 school districts in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford and Westmoreland counties.

Thursdays presentation was provided by Education Program Manager Tiffany Swartz and Mavericks Mission co-founder Patrick P.J. Shell.

Swartz advised the audience before starting that theyd be handling a pretty heavy topic and encouraged them to take breaks if they need to.

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She covered a variety of subjects throughout her presentation, such as Question, Persuade, Refer for how to handle a suicidal person and national statistics.

As of 2023, one person completes suicide every 11 minutes in the country, Swartz said.

Additionally, 1.5 million people attempt taking their lives each year and suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34.

In Pennsylvania, the rate of suicide has increased by 32.7% in the past 20 years, Swartz said.

During her time, she had the audience watch videos that featured first-hand experiences with feelings of suicide.

Its really important for you to hear from people who have been in that space, Swartz said.

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The group also discussed potential warning signs to be on the lookout for, such as self harm, withdrawal from social interactions and changes in academic performance.

Its very important, educator Kayla Miller said about the training.

This was her first session with Ignite and thus far she was happy to be involved in such crucial conversations, she said.

Miller added that learning this information is paramount for being in a school, especially when working with special education students who face a variety of other struggles.

Shell presented his story and lessons he learned since the loss of his stepson, Maverick Baker, to suicide in 2022.

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He touched on subjects of family dynamics, stress for students, classroom structure and several others.

Basically, what we try to accomplish with the presentation is putting a little more personal touch into their professional career  how to treat others, be mindful of things they may not have seen or noticed before, Shell said.

The presentation was well-received, he said, and he was thankful to Ignite for the opportunity to share his story.

I appreciate Ignite for thinking outside the box and wanting to have the presentation given to their staff, he said.

According to Ignite, the session is part of an ongoing effort to equip school personnel with the tools and knowledge necessary to support student mental health and meet state-mandated training requirements under Act 71.

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Suicide prevention and mental wellness remain top priorities of Ignite Education Solutions and the Pennsylvania Department of Education in ensuring safe and supportive learning environments, a release said.

For more information about Ignite, visit www.igniteedu.org and for Mavericks Mission visit www.mavericksmission.com.

The national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline of 988 can be called or texted.

Joshua Byers is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5054. Follow him on Twitter @Journo_Josh.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  An Illinois State Senator helped with hosting two senior fraud seminars in Central Illinois on Friday.

Sen. Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) and the Attorney Generals Office talked to seniors in Danville and Champaign telling them how to stay safe from scams. Right now, common scams targeting seniors include strangers asking for tollway fees, PayPal balances and even calls pretending to be a loved one.

IDHS prepares for 9-8-8 calls after end of LGBTQ+ subnetwork

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But Sen. Faraci said thats just the tip of the iceberg. He said scams are evolving with social media and AI, but seniors are far more likely to fall victim to fraud than the rest of the population.

Families can help protect loved ones by educating older family members on how to stay safe, but in todays day and age, scams can happen to anyone.

For whatever reason, criminals are getting smarter, theyre getting more aggressive, Sen. Faraci said. Theyre targeting people who are generally in their senior years, and thats just completely unacceptable.

Faraci recommends seniors let unknown calls go to voicemail, double check the sender of text messages, and dont click unfamiliar links.

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Mattoon businesses getting helping hand after do not drink order is lifted again

The state senator representing Champaign and Vermilion Counties said with social media and artificial intelligence, anyone can fall for a scam, including himself.

My wife and I have been subjects of a scam, where we thought it was legitimate, we clicked on something and realized that was probably not the best move, Sen. Faraci said. So, I think the best thing, one of the biggest lessons I think that Ive learned or had a conversation about is take a breath. If you see an email or you get a text or a call, think first that, unfortunately, maybe this isnt legitimate.

Faraci suggests if someone ever falls for a scam, to contact local law enforcement as soon as possible. The faster that happens, the less damage can occur to you as a result of a scam.

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The seminars took place at Carle Administrative locations.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP)  Parents at a preschool in a Portland suburb are reeling after immigration officers arrested a father in front of the school during morning drop-off hours, breaking his car window to detain him in front of children, families and staffers.

I feel like a day care, which is where young children are taken care of, should be a safe place, Natalie Berning said after dropping off her daughter at the Montessori in Beaverton on Friday morning. Not only is it traumatizing for the family, its traumatizing for all the other children as well.

Mahdi Khanbabazadeh, a 38-year-old chiropractor and citizen of Iran, was initially pulled over by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, while driving his child to the school Tuesday. After asking if he could drop off the child first, he continued driving and called his wife to tell her what happened, according to his wife, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to privacy concerns for her and her young child.

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His wife rushed to the school, took their child from his car and brought him inside. Khanbabazadeh stayed in the vehicle in the parking lot and asked if he could move somewhere not on school grounds out of consideration for the children and families, his wife said. He pulled out of the lot and onto the street and began to open the car door to step out when agents broke the window and took him into custody, according to his wife.

Kellie Burns, who has two children attending the preschool, said her husband was there and heard the glass shatter.

More than anything we want to express how unnecessarily violent and inhumane this was, she said. Everyone felt helpless. Everyone was scared.

ICE said it detained Khanbabazadeh because he overstayed his visa, which his wife disputes.

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Officers attempted to arrest Khanbabazadeh during a traffic stop when he requested permission to drop his child off at daycare, ICE said in a statement. Officers allowed him to proceed to the daycare parking lot where he stopped cooperating, resisted arrest and refused to exit his vehicle, resulting in ICE officers making entry by breaking one of the windows to complete the arrest.

Immigration officials have dramatically ramped up arrests across the country since May. Shortly after President Donald Trump took office in January, his administration lifted restrictions on making immigration arrests at schools, health care facilities and places of worship, stirring fears about going to places once considered safe spaces.

After U.S. military strikes on Iran in June, officials trumpeted immigration arrests of Iranians, some of whom settled in the United States long ago.

Khanbabazadeh's wife said he has always maintained lawful status. After he arrived on a valid student visa and they subsequently married, she said, they submitted all required paperwork to adjust his status and were waiting for a final decision following their green card interview months ago.

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Khanbabazadeh is being held at the ICE detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, she said.

Guidepost Global Education, which oversees the Montessori school, called the incident deeply upsetting.

We understand that this incident raises broader questions about how law enforcement actions intersect with school environments, CEO Maris Mendes said in a statement. It is not lost on us how frightening and confusing this experience may have been for those involved  especially for the young children who may have witnessed it while arriving at school with their parents.

Parents said they want to support the family and teachers.

We know its happening across the country, of course, but no one is prepared for their preschool ... to deal with it, Burns said. It's really been a nightmare.
Is it too much to ask for 24 hours without a fresh immigration scandal? After the Afghan refugee leak, youd be forgiven for thinking wed hit peak dysfunction. Yet, like a bad horror movie franchise that doesnt know when to end, it has already lurched back with something even more grotesque.

As if the Government deliberately keeping us in the dark about the scheme werent enough  and that the refugees werent vetted  it has been revealed that once the scheme was launched, ministers almost immediately lost control of who would arrive.

Initially, the Defence Secretary wanted to restrict the criteria for family to spouses and children; yet the UK Courts, predictably extending the European Convention on Human Rights so thin the leather could scare hold, repeatedly expanded the eligibility criteria.

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And then High Court judge Mrs Justice Yip has provided a ruling that, if the principle is extended to asylum claimants outside the scheme, could see a significantly larger number of people arrive to Britain every year.

In a case brought against the Foreign Office by an Afghan national already residing in the UK, she ruled that family members did not need to have a blood or legal relationship to the applicant, stating that; the word family may mean different things to different people and in different contexts. There may be cultural considerations  there is no requirement for a blood or legal connection.

If family means different things to different people, then some took it as a free-for-all; the average arrival brought eight relatives with them under the scheme, with one accompanied by a staggering 22 family members.

Mrs Yip is just the latest in a line of judges whove developed a nasty habit of massively expanding immigration criteria through the courts against the express limitations placed by Ministers.

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Earlier this year Judge Hugo Norton-Taylor allowed a Palestinian family of six to settle in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme  despite them not qualifying  by invoking their Article 8 right to family life, overriding both the schemes limits and Parliaments clear intent.

It is increasingly questionable whether we can actually call Britains immigration system a system at all. The system implies a sense of control, or order; what is actually happening is that Britains immigration rules are collapsing under a trifecta of legal activism, bureaucratic complicity and political cowardice.

Whether or not you agree or not with the need for it, the Afghan scheme was always going to be targeted. But even an attempt to design a limited scheme is seen as nothing more than another opportunity to challenge the right of politicians to set limits in the first place, and create an unbounded migration route; thus migrants have a right to a family life enshrined in law, but the word family no longer has a fixed meaning.

When one man can bring twenty-two others on the basis of a personal definition, what we have is not a loophole but an open invitation.

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Indiana Immigration Attorneys opened on May 5 and already have found their services needed.

Attorney Libby Nelson said she was happy with the work the law office has been doing.

I feel like we are helping people, she said. Our phones are ringing more which is always a good thing. People are hearing about us. But we are able to have conversations with everyone who calls us. Even if pathways are not available to individuals currently, we are able to help them prepare or help them understand options in their situation.

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The majority of calls Indiana Immigration Attorneys have received focus on families comprised of U.S. citizens and non-citizens. There are calls from a spouse who wants to sponsor their significant other or children who are 21 or older and want to sponsor a parent.

Nelson said they have also received calls from employers about how they might be able to sponsor someone in terms of a short-term visa or for permanent residency. Employees who have been terminated because their temporary protected status was eliminated have also reached out for help.

There has been an uptick in calls on behalf of those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

We are able to take those cases, she said. Right now, in our local area if someone is detained by ICE they are taken to Brazil in Clay County. If they are eligible for release, we can work with families, with individuals, to be released. This would allow them to fight for their immigration status outside of a detention center.

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Nelson said that ICE has not been in Cass County to the best of her knowledge. But the Cass County Sheriffs office has transferred individuals they have detained into ICE custody.

In an email Friday afternoon Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder said he was unsure the sheriffs office could retrieve the number of individuals who had been transferred into ICE custody.

Logansport chief of police Travis Yike said his department had had no interaction with ICE.

Nelson said many of the individuals who have been transferred into ICE custody were arrested for driving without a license.

If they are detained locally in this county or surrounding counties, ICE can be called, she said. Weve seen that in quite a few instances. If you were detained by a local authority, you will be transferred into custody of ICE.

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Nelson said that as a person in the United States everyone had constitutional rights and one of this is the right to due process, meaning individuals have the right to defend themselves in a fair trial.

Her advice to anyone, regardless of citizenship or visa status, if in a traffic stop:

 If asked a direct question answer the direct question but do not offer any additional information. Dont lie.

 Remain calm, remain pleasant but remind the officer you have the right to remain silent and stay silent.

 You have the right to an attorney so ask for an attorney and then from there remain silent.

 Do not sign any paperwork.

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If ICE does come to your home, in order to enter your home they do have to have a judicially signed warrant, said Nelson. There is a difference between an ICE warrant and a warrant signed by a judge. Dont open your door for anyone until you see the warrant that they have and make sure the warrant is signed by a judge.

Nelson said she had heard of no ICE raids anywhere near Cass County and cautioned spreading misinformation about ICE being in the area. She said there are also reports from other areas of the country where people are pretending to be ICE. She asked the community to verify any possible ICE sightings before posting to social media.

There are organizations that are trying to build a process of tracking ICE in Indiana and verifying sightings, Nelson said. One such group is Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance which has various social media accounts. They are currently working on a program called Indy Rapid Response to verify ICE sightings in Indianapolis. The website defendandrecruit.org contains information on how communities can help immigrants.

If someone does witness the arrest of an immigrant she said:

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 You are allowed to record the police in a public space. Officers can ask people to move up to 25 feet away and if requested to do so, the order should be obeyed. But recording can continue from any distance.

 Dont intervene or obstruct the process.

 Do try to communicate with the individual being detained. Get their name, get the phone number of a loved one so that way you can let them know whats going on. Nelson said its the best thing you can do

The sooner you can respond to an event like that the better for the individual, she said. We have a far greater chance of stopping an ICE transfer of custody if its done locally. The ability to be released at the beginning is always higher than waiting. So as soon as you can contact an attorney, do so.

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For those who want to prepare for a worst-case scenario, Indiana Immigrant Attorneys can help with documents that would allow for individuals to take care of assets, their home and other issues if detained or deported.

If you are removed and are unable to take care of your home or your family, what would you do? Have those hard conversations and make sure everyone is aware, Nelson advised. We have had a lot of conversations with individuals that have young childrenschool age childrenand we want to know beforehand if something were to happen, if you were to be deported what would you want for your child? Most of the time these children are United States citizens. So, we want to know whether you want them to stay here with a trusted friend or family member until its safe for them to move to wherever you are relocated. Or if they want to stay here, who would you like to designate as guardian? What steps can we do ahead of time to get prepared? We do offer those services as well.

Indiana Immigration Attorneys also has contact with other agencies and nonprofits who can help if they are unable to do so.

Indiana Immigrant Attorneys has a bilingual staff that speaks Spanish and English, and they have the capability to translate between 300 different languages using virtual technology, including video interpreters who help the firm.

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For those not affected by ICE and immigration laws but want to see change, Nelson urged them to reach out to legislators.

The laws are bad right now but we the people have the opportunity to change those laws, she said. It really matters who we elect. If you see injustice and you dont think this is right then use your voice. Now is a really bad time for the immigrant community and those who are maybe outliers to that community can actually do something.

Indiana Immigration Attorneys is located 1810 Commerce Dr. They can be reached by calling 574-355-8017 or emailing info@indianaimmigrationattorneys.com. They can also be found on social media.
Indianas recent property tax relief legislation, Senate Enrolled Act 1, significantly impacts school districts ability to issue debt.

That, in turn, will affect a districts ability to maintain facilities, say officials with the Indiana School Boards Association and Indiana Association of School Business Officials.

SEA 1 limits referendums to general elections and introduces a one-year waiting period after the expiration of certain short-term general obligation bonds before new ones can be issued.

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Because of property tax caps, school districts have been relying more on debt, including short-term general obligation bond issues, to maintain facilities, said Terry Spradlin, executive director of the Indiana School Boards Association.

The legislation places additional controls that will impact debt service. Well have far fewer tools to use to manage our budgets and to maintain our facilities, Spradlin has said.

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Spradlin

Indianas 290 school districts have been tightening their belts financially in adjusting to prior fiscal policies enacted by the Indiana General Assembly that impact their operations fund and debt service fund levies, he said.

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The implementation of the circuit breaker/property tax caps 15 years ago has resulted in the reduction of property tax levies to schools totaling more than $3.5 billion over this period, Spradlin said.

The figure represents the difference between the funds they would have collected and the amount they actually received.

Scott Bowling

Bowling

Scott Bowling, director of the Indiana Association of School Business Officials, pointed to four specific provisions limiting schools in use of debt.

 The Legislature placed a cap on the debt service fund of 70 cents (per $100 assessed value). If a district exceeds that threshold, it must use a referendum for debt issuance of any kind.

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For those schools well below the 70-cent threshold, Its not a huge deal, Bowling said. But there are others out there that are close to that and they do have to watch that; they are just going to have to manage their debt and rate on that debt service fund.

 If a district has a referendum for capital improvements, when that referendum expires, the district must wait a year before it can run another referendum.

It was pretty purposefully said during the legislative session that the reason for that is because the Legislature wants taxpayers to see their tax bill go down to see what their tax bill is like without the referendum, Bowling said.

The Legislature wants taxpayers to know why their taxes are increasing and what entity  whether schools or other local units of government  are creating that tax increase, Bowling said.

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 A referendum can only take place during general elections every two years. It applies to capital, operations and safety referendums.

Legislators pointed to greater voter turnout during general elections, Bowling said.

From a school perspective, it makes it very difficult because it limits the amount of times a district can pursue a referendum, he said.

Many schools run referendums to pay their teachers and you cant promise a raise until the referendum has passed, he said. As schools, we would have preferred to keep the system the same way it was because it helps quite a bit with being able to plan.

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Prior to the new law, a referendum could also be held during a primary, municipal or special election.

One silver lining, according to Spradlin, is that the law changed the referendum wording in a way that makes it more straightforward for voters to comprehend the tax impact.

 In certain circumstances, when short term general obligation bonds expire, a district must wait another year before issuing another general obligation bond.

There is some disagreement about what GO bonds are impacted by the limits.

ISBA says Senate Enrolled Act 1 applies to general obligation bonds of two years or less issued before May 1, 2025, while a Department of Local Government Finance FAQ (frequently asked questions) indicates it also applies to GO bonds of five years or less issued after May 1, 2025.

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Spradlin said he is seeking clarification on that aspect of the legislation.

Commenting overall on the changes and limits on school debt, Bowling states, I think it falls under the Legislatures desire for schools to have less debt in general.

Describing the long-term impact for schools, Bowling said, You are going to get into a lot of deferred maintenance across the state  Schools are going to make what they have last longer as best they can. We all know what happens when you do that.

Outcry prompts legislation

Republican State Sen. Travis Holdman, an author of SEA 1, said the provisions and overall property tax legislation were passed because of the outcry weve heard from taxpayers that theyve just had enough, he said.

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Sen Travis Holdman

Holdman

School corporations can incur debt by just having two public hearings and most people dont even know thats happening because they dont see the agenda or have access to the agenda or to even know whats going on, he said.

Holdman spoke of two school corporations in his district last fall that both rolled their debt from one five-year term to the next, and not one taxpayer showed up at either hearing, he said.

With the so-called cooling off period, the taxpayer will see that debt off their tax bill for at least a year to sort of wake them up to let them know debt is being incurred again if they choose to do that.

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Asked about schools ability to maintain facilities, given property tax dollar restraints, he said:

There are a lot of schools that dont have up-to-date facilities that are knocking the ball out of the park on test scores, Holdman said.

As far as new schools, which would typically require a referendum, Its really up to the taxpayer on the referendum process to do that, he said.

Holdman stated, I think there comes a time for school corporations and all other units of local government to sort of take a look at what they are doing to become more efficient with less dollars because taxpayers are just demanding they get by with less, Holdman said.

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Local impact

In recent years, the Vigo County School Corp. has frequently used short term general obligation bonds to address facility maintenance needs, particularly in response to property tax cap losses.

Chris Himsel mug

Himsel

When asked about the potential impact of the legislation, Superintendent Chris Himsel stated, As with many of the changes that have been coming from the state and federal government, its too soon to know the true impact of many of them.

As far as SEA 1, he has spoken with policy makers and representatives from Baker Tilly (advisory, tax and assurance firm) and Ice Miller (bond/financing attorneys).

VCSC also has received information from various workshops, and the consistent themes are that its too early to know for sure what the full impact will be and we should start preparing for reduced revenue streams, Himsel said. Therefore, we will continue learning about the potential impact of SEA 1, and we will continue with our consolidation plans in preparation for fewer available resources in the future.

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Stitzle

Chris Stitzle, Southwest Sullivan superintendent, responded, After consulting with our municipal advisors at Baker Tilly, we do not expect the legislation to create any significant financial or bonding constraints for Southwest School Corp. While SEA 1 may impact districts that rely heavily on general obligation bonds or referendums for ongoing capital improvements, our current debt structure and financial strategy position us well to navigate the changes without major disruption.

Schimpf_Mike.jpg

Schimpf

Mike Schimpf, superintendent at North Central Parke Community Schools, said, We will most certainly be impacted by these changes. I am meeting with some experts next week to obtain some additional vantage points, but the changes do appear to be detrimental to us.
Dozens of men incarcerated at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution have been refusing to eat to protest inhumane conditions at the prison, according to a news release from Return Strong, a Nevada-based advocacy organization for incarcerated people.

The Idaho Department of Correction confirmed that nearly 90 men refused to take their breakfast Friday morning as part of what appears to be a peaceful, planned demonstration, spokesperson Sanda Kuzeta-Cerimagic told the Idaho Statesman. She said the prisoners have been asking for visitation rights and better programming at the institution.

Fridays protest marks the second time men incarcerated at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution organized a mass hunger strike to demand better treatment and services within the last year and a half, though IDOC leadership in the past has taken issue with use of the term. According to the agencys policy definitions, the demonstration is only a considered a hunger strike when the men have refused to eat or drink for at least three days.

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In May 2024, roughly 90 men primarily housed at the maximum prison refused their meals for six days. Several of them told the Statesman they were protesting the substandard living conditions, including long bouts of isolation and cages IDOC used for recreation time, covered in human feces. Prisoners also brought up concerns over access to certain religious practices, rehabilitative programming and a lack of visitation options.

Return Strong Executive Director Jodi Hocking on Friday again pointed to systemic medical neglect and indefinite isolation without rehabilitation in its news release, and said the organization is urging the state prison systems leadership to take immediate steps to address these dangerous and degrading conditions.

Return Strong said the prison offered months of delay for one individual with a broken wrist and finger, limited mental health care, mold covering the shower walls, restricted visitation, took away access to fruit and stuck prisoners with years of solitary confinement.

When incarcerated people feel they have no voice and no path to dignity, they turn to peaceful protest, Hocking said in the news release. These men are standing up not just for themselves, but for the humanity of all people in prison.

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Kuzeta-Cerimagic said that about six months ago, the prison implemented a reward system for people in close custody, a high-security custody level often used for maximum security prisoners. Individuals who meet certain criteria, like being at least six months free of disciplinary offense reports and agreeing to live in a mixed unit not separated by gang affiliation, receive double dayroom time, one physical visit a week and additional opportunities for programming and jobs, she said.

Fruit remains restricted because its used in homemade alcohol, and it has been substituted with fresh vegetables, Kuzeta-Cerimagic said. She denied allegations of black or green mold, adding that some showers within the prison are expected to be repaired or refinished.

We hope to resolve the situation without escalation, Kuzeta-Cerimagic said.

Dewey Lewis, whos 53 and has been incarcerated since the 90s, said many of the concerns he and others raised from Idahos maximum security prison last year still exist. He reiterated allegations that recreational areas were littered with human urine and feces, since they dont have access to a bathroom for hours.

Its the second time hes recently participated in a planned hunger strike at the prison. He said hes taking part in the protest again with the hope of raising awareness of the prisons conditions and to push for change.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW)  A popular community program is back for its 8th season, giving residents an inside look at important work done in Cuyahoga County.

Applications are now being accepted for the Citizens Academy, which leaders say is a good fit for people interested in forensics or true crime. The new class begins Sept. 18, 2025.

The Browns dome wont be the only new football tie for Brook Park: I-TEAM

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Every Thursday, members will meet for two hours to take part in lectures, case reviews and hands-on demonstrations from doctors, scientists and investigators in fields like forensic pathology, toxicology, death investigation, trace evidence and more, a news release from the county stated.

The Citizens Academy is the way our agency reaches back to the public to introduce the high-quality work that their support makes possible, said Dr. Gilson. Over a few months, our experts share their knowledge and experience in this popular program.

The academy is held at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office on Cedar Ave. in Cleveland. It is free and open to all eligible residents.

Local public stations bracing for federal cuts

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Click HERE to apply.

Applications must be completed and submitted to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office by August 8, 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Jul. 18DRESBACH, Minn.  The right lane on the eastbound side of Interstate 90 in Dresbach, which is north of La Crescent, is closed following a semi on fire under the Interstate 90 bridge near Dixon Road.

A semi was traveling on Interstate 90 when the semi caught on fire and they pulled off the interstate under the bridge, according to Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Troy Christianson. The driver was uninjured.

The interstate, between exit 270 and 272, has the right eastbound lane closed, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The closure is expected until about midnight Friday, July 18, 2025.

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The westbound lanes are open. Both directions of travel were closed briefly on Friday afternoon.

"The roadway is reduced to one lane. Road maintenance work is in progress," MnDOT posted around 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The semi fire was reported out at about 2:45 p.m., Christianson said. The La Crescent, Dakota and Nodine fire departments responded to the scene.

MnDOT District 6 Director of Communications Mike Dougherty said they were coordinating the details of the detour. The exit at Dresbach does not have an on-ramp back to the interstate, which makes the detour "tricky," he said. There will "likely" be Winona County roads for the detour.

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"There's two bridges, so it sounds like there was concern about damage just to the eastbound bridge so westbound traffic remains open on I-90," Dougherty said. "We've got inspectors and bridge personnel that are (on the scene) to assess what the damage is and then ... they'll be consulting with our bridge office and other engineers to determine what the next step is ... before we allow traffic to return to that bridge."

The bridge damage is "speculative," Dougherty said.

"We always want to be extra cautious especially when we have that intense heat that's under a bridge and it can do things to the steel and the concrete in different ways," Dougherty said. "We'll really need our bridge inspectors and those experts to really give it a thorough look once the emergency responders have been able to take care of of the scene there."

For updates on the detour and road closure, visit 511mn.org.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends an interview, in Brussels, Belgium December 4, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/Johanna Geron)

When asked by Amanpour if this information had been shared with American or Israeli officials, Blinken said he "didn't know for sure."

Iran had been prepared to reach an agreement with European officials that would have had the Islamic Republic's enrichment at less than one percent, former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour in an interview on her show The Ex Files this week, co-hosted with former diplomat James Rubin, who sat next to Blinken.

Blinken had even said that the regime was willing to engage in talks on ballistic missiles.

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"They had agreed to engage on the question of how you might mount a weapon on a missile, and make sure that there were assurances against that," he said, citing his conversations with European officials.

When asked by Amanpour if this information had been shared with American or Israeli officials, Blinken said he "[didn't] know for sure, but I believe that the European counterparts who were aware of this had been talking directly to the Iranians, shared that information with the United States government."

Blinken also added that the Islamic Republic "is in the weakest position it's been in memory."

Christiane Amanpour CBE, Chief International Anchor, CNN speaks at the Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit in London, Britain, May 15, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Belinda Jiao)

The former US official added that Iran's supposed weakened status is the "opportunity to get that better Iran deal that [US President Donald Trump] claimed he wanted," noting the recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the weakening of its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis by Israel.

Nuclear talks during the Obama administration

"You've really got to go back a few years to when Obama had this agreement with Iran that put its nuclear program in a box, and there was a really good reason for doing that, because Iran even without a nuclear weapon is bad enough in terms of the actions it's up to throughout the region," he added. "An Iran with a nuclear weapon would act with even greater impunity in all of those areas.

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Blinken, who served as the Deputy National Security Advisor and later the Deputy Secretary of State during the Obama administration, added that the agreement with Iran made during Obama's presidency "bought us 15 years, during which time Iran, in terms of the fissile material it was producing, should it decide to break out of the agreement, would need a year or more to produce enough fissile material for a single nuclear weapon."

Blinken later then criticized Trump, claiming that he didn't provide an alternative to the deal that was brought forth during the Obama administration, saying that, "the result was Iran started moving ahead and enriching its material even further to the point where now, before the recent attack on its program, it was potentially days from getting to that breakout point.

"If you can buy more time, a lot more time with an agreement in a way that gives you greater visibility, learns more about the program and doesn't take away your military option, because at the end of the day, you can still use it or if they cheat, you'll see it and you can use it."
The Iraqis claimed they had launched a wide-scale search operation in response to these attacks.

After three weeks of drone attacks, Iraq claims it has launched a security operation to rein in the culprits.

The attacks began on June 24 with the targeting of several radar sites at Iraqi bases. Later, the drone attacks expanded in early July to targets in the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The attacks have targeted numerous oil and energy sites. This has led to condemnation from the US, UK and others.

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Kurdish officials have been increasingly vocal in saying that the attacks are likely the work of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a group of Iranian-backed militias.

While Baghdad has not blamed anyone for the attacks, it has appeared reticent to try to rein in the culprits.

Iran-backed militias target Iraq's oil and energy sites

Iraq announced on Friday that it had investigated the June 24 attacks on radar sites. It claimed to have solved the case, but didnt make it clear who it believed was behind the attacks. Meanwhile, the attacks have continued on oil fields and energy sites in northern Iraq. These have included attacks near Dohuk and Erbil in the Kurdistan region.

The flag of Kurdistan is displayed during a protest in Los Angeles, California, US, September 22, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/BING GUAN)

This is not the first time that Iranian-backed militias have targeted energy sites in northern Iraq. They have often targeted both gas and oil fields, as well as targeting Erbil airport and other sites. Iran has even targeted the Kurdistan region directly, claiming that the region collaborates with Israel. The Iraqi militias are often used by Iran to carry out Tehrans policy.

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Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah kidnapped Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov in Baghdad in March 2023. They also killed three Americans in Jordan in January 2024.

Rudaw media, a Kurdish channel said on Saturday that Iraqi security forces on Friday announced an operation in western Nineveh and Salahaddin provinces to track down those responsible for a spate of drone attacks on oil, military, and civilian sites in the Kurdistan Region.

The report noted that the recent attacks on oil installations and fields, along with attempts to target military bases and camps, are considered sinful and dangerous acts that undermine all efforts toward Iraqs stability, reconstruction, and development campaigns.

The Iraqis claimed they had launched a wide-scale search operation in response to these attacks.

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The operation had targeted warehouses in the desert, the report claimed. This operation comes in response to critical intelligence aimed at thwarting intentions and attempts to target security units and vital infrastructure in the country.

Rudaw reported there had been at least 18 drone attacks. The Iraqi operation may be mostly for show. Rudaw says that The Iraqi operation is being carried out with the coordination of several forces, including the Joint Operations Command, counter-terrorism, and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

The PMF has been blamed for the drone attacks. This is the equivalent of the government basically partnering with a local mafia to try to prevent attacks from the same mafia. As such, it is not clear what the operation will accomplish.
A Syrian military official said correspondence with the US had led Damascus to believe it could deploy forces to Sweida without Israel confronting them.

The Syrian presidency announced on Saturday an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire following days of bloodshed in the predominantly Druze area that has left over 300 people dead.

On Friday, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighbors. In the Saturday statement, Syria urged all parties to adhere to the ceasefire.

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On Wednesday last week, Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus, while also hitting government forces in the south, demanding they withdraw and saying that Israel aimed to protect Syrian Druze - part of a small but influential minority that also has members in Lebanon and Israel.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity," Barrack said in a post on X/Twitter.

The Syrian Defense Ministry ordered Bedouin militias to leave the city of Sweida, after which Syrian security forces would enter the city in order to implement the ceasefire provisions, Syrian media reported.

US special envoy for Syria, the ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a flag-raising ceremony at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus on May 29, 2025 for the first time since 2011. (credit: RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images)

The Israeli embassy in Washington and the Syrian Consulate in Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Increasing conflict

The ceasefire announcement came after the US worked to put an end to the conflict. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said steps had been agreed to end a "troubling and horrifying situation."

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It also followed what appeared to be a de-escalation of the conflict after government troops withdrew from Sweida, where violence had been centered.

Syria's government misread how Israel would respond to its troops deploying to the country's south this week, encouraged by US messaging that Syria should be governed as a centralized state, eight sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Israel carried out strikes on Syrian troops and on Damascus on Wednesday in an escalation that took the Islamist-led leadership by surprise, the sources said, after government forces were accused of killing scores of people in the Druze city of Sweida.

Transporting troops

Damascus believed it had a green light from both the US and Israel to dispatch its forces south despite months of Israeli warnings not to do so, according to the sources, which include Syrian political and military officials, two diplomats, and regional security sources.

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That understanding was based on public and private comments from US special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, as well as on nascent security talks with Israel, the sources said. Barrack has called for Syria to be centrally administered as "one country" without autonomous zones.

Syria's understanding of US and Israeli messages regarding its troop deployment to the south has not been previously reported.

A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on private diplomatic discussions but said the United States supported the territorial unity of Syria. "The Syrian state has an obligation to protect all Syrians, including minority groups," the spokesperson said, urging the Syrian government to hold perpetrators of violence accountable.

In response to Reuters questions, a senior official from Syria's ministry of foreign affairs denied that Barrack's comments had influenced the decision to deploy troops, which was made based on "purely national considerations" and with the aim of "stopping the bloodshed, protecting civilians and preventing the escalation of civil conflict".

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Damascus sent troops and tanks to Sweida province on Monday to quell fighting between Bedouin tribes and armed factions within the Druze community - a minority that follows a religion derived from Islam, with followers in Syria, Lebanon and Israel.

Syrian forces entering the city came under fire from Druze militia, according to Syrian sources.

Subsequent violence attributed to Syrian troops, including field executions and the humiliation of Druze civilians, triggered Israeli strikes on Syrian security forces, the defense ministry in Damascus and the environs of the presidential palace, according to two sources, including a senior Gulf Arab official.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel intervened to block Syrian troops from entering southern Syria - which Israel has publicly said should be a demilitarized zone - and to uphold a longstanding commitment to protect the Druze.

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Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for violations against the Druze. He blamed "outlaw groups" seeking to inflame tensions for any crimes against civilians and did not say whether government forces were involved.

The US and others quickly intervened to secure a ceasefire by Wednesday evening. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the flare-up as a "misunderstanding" between Israel and Syria.

A Syrian and a Western source familiar with the matter said Damascus believed that talks with Israel as recently as last week in Baku produced an understanding over the deployment of troops to southern Syria to bring Sweida under government control.

Netanyahu's office declined to comment in response Reuters' questions.

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Israel said on Friday it had agreed to allow limited access by Syrian forces into Sweida for the next two days. Soon after, Syria said it would deploy a force dedicated to ending the communal clashes, which continued into Saturday morning.

Joshua Landis, head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, said it appeared Sharaa had overplayed his hand earlier in the week.

"It seems that his military staff misunderstood the backing of the US It also misunderstood Israel's stand on the Jabal Druze (in Sweida) from its talks with Israel in Baku," he said.

'Took it as a yes'

A Syrian military official said correspondence with the US had led Damascus to believe it could deploy forces without Israel confronting them.

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The official said US officials had not responded when informed about plans for the deployment, leading the Syrian leadership to believe it had been tacitly approved and "that Israel would not interfere."

A diplomat based in Damascus said Syrian authorities had been "overconfident" in its operation to seize Sweida, "based on US messaging that turned out not to reflect reality."

US envoy Barrack has said publicly and in private meetings in Damascus that Syria should be "one country," without autonomous rule for its Druze, Kurdish or Alawite communities, which remain largely distrustful of the new Islamist-led leadership.

That distrust has prompted Druze factions and a major Kurdish force in northeast Syria to resist Syrian army deployments, and demand their own fighters be integrated into the army as wholesale units only stationed in their territory.

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Landis said it appeared Sharaa had understood Barrack's statements against federalism in Syria "to mean that the central government could impose its will on the Druze minority by force."

The senior Gulf official said Damascus had made a "big mistake" in its approach to Sweida, saying troops had committed violations, including killing and humiliating Druze. The nature of violence handed Israel an opportunity to act forcefully, the Gulf official and another source said.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights, an independent monitoring group, said on Friday the death toll from the violence had reached at least 321 people, among them medical personnel, women and children. It said they included field executions by all sides.

Reuters was able to verify the time and location of some videos showing dead bodies in Sweida, but could not independently verify who conducted the killings or when they occurred.

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A regional intelligence source said Sharaa had not been in control of events on the ground because of the lack of a disciplined military and his reliance instead on a patchwork of militia groups, often with a background in Islamic militancy.

In sectarian violence in Syria's coastal region in March, hundreds of people from the Alawite minority were killed by forces aligned with Sharaa.

With more blood spilled and distrust of Sharaa's government high among minorities, the senior Gulf Arab official said there are "real fears that Syria is heading towards being broken up into statelets."

The official from the Syrian Foreign Affairs Ministry said the Sweida operation was not aimed at revenge or escalation, but at preserving the peace and unity of the country.

Syrian troops were ready to re-engage to end the communal violence there "whenever appropriate conditions arise, including clear guarantees from the United States that Israel will not intervene," the official said, speaking before the Israeli announcement.

Liran Aharoni contributed to this report.
Syria and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said on Friday.

The deal was embraced by Turkey, Jordan and other neighboring countries, the ambassador, who also serves as the US special envoy to Syria, said in a post on X.

We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors, Barrack said.

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Neither party immediately commented on the reported deal.

The ceasefire comes after Israel launched airstrikes at Syria on Wednesday, which Israel said were aimed at protecting the Druze, an Arab religious minority. Clashes between pro-government forces and the Druze have killed scores of people since the fall of Syrias longtime dictator, Bashar al-Assad.

Israels airstrikes on Damascus targeted several government buildings, with authorities saying at least three people were killed. One video from a Syrian television channel showed the Ministry of Defense building being hit live on air, forcing the anchor to take cover.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Wednesday night local time that the Syrian army started withdrawing from Suwayda, where clashes erupted over the weekend between Druze militia and Bedouin tribes, prompting government forces to intervene. Al-Sharaas government also announced a new ceasefire with the Druze factions.

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In that same televised address, al-Sharaa accused Israel of seeking to divide the Syrian people and turn Syria into a battlefield of chaos.

The US has voiced concern over the increased tensions and has made a recent diplomatic push to resolve the conflict.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday to discuss the matter, according to a readout of the call from the Turkish foreign ministry.

Rubio previously said on Wednesday night that all parties to the conflict had agreed to specific steps to resolve the situation.

This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we fully expect them to do, Rubio said on X.

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Amos Yadlin, a former major general and chief of Israeli Military Intelligence, said Friday on CNNs The Brief with Jim Sciutto that that involvement of all the players  including Turkey, Israel, and Jordan  is making a lot of sense.

The question is how the people on the ground will behave, whether the retaliations of the two communities will stop, Yadlin said.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Katrina Samaan contributed to this report.

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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Saturday accused Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa of blaming the Druze minority for recent violence in southern Syria, while supporting their Bedouin attackers.

Al-Sharaa's speech following the announcement of US-backed ceasefire had displayed "support for the jihadist attackers," Saar said.

"Al-Sharaa spiced all this with conspiracy theories and accusations against Israel. Bottom line: In al-Sharaa's Syria, it is very dangerous to be a member of a minority - Kurd, Druze, Alawite, or Christian," Saar posted on X.

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In his speech on Saturday, al-Sharaa praised the Sunni Bedouin tribes "as a symbol of noble values and principles" while expressing understanding that certain groups had responded to threats against them.

But he also stressed that maintaining order was a state responsibility and called on the tribes to adhere to the ceasefire. Regarding the Druze minority, he said Syria could not condemn all Druze on the basis of acts by a small group.

Druze militias and Bedouin tribespeople clashed for almost a week in southern Syria, with troops of the Syrian transitional government intervening.

Dozens of Druze civilians are reported to have been executed.

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Israel, where members of the Druze community serve in the military, reacted by bombing targets in the region and the Defence Ministry in Damascus on Wednesday.

Since then, Syria's transitional government has confirmed a US-backed ceasefire with Israel.
The illegal crossings came around the announcement by US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire supported by Turkey, Jordan, and regional partners.

The IDF and Border Police dispersed violent gatherings consisting of dozens of Israeli Druze civilians across the border with Syria, the military said on Saturday.

After the gathering, the civilians crossed the border fence into Syrian territory in the Majdal Shams area, where they acted violently towards security forces, the IDF noted.

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Israeli media earlier reported that a group of Israeli-Druze civilians had crossed the border from Israel into Syria between Friday night and Saturday morning.

IDF soldiers were deployed on the border together with the Border Police in order to prevent and suppress the violent gathering. Many of the Israeli Druze civilians who arrived at the border were drunk, according to Walla, and a few dozen managed to cross the forces into Syrian territory while using violence and pushing IDF soldiers.

All those who crossed the border were returned to Israeli territory by the IDF, according to Walla, citing military sources.

Smoke rises over over Al-Mazra'a village, following renewed fighting between Bedouin fighters and Druze gunmen, despite an announced truce, in Sweida, Syria July 18, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/KHALIL ASHAWI)

The illegal crossings came around the announcement by US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire supported by Turkey, Jordan, and regional partners.

Earlier clashes and humanitarian aid transfers

Before Barrack's announcement, it was reported that clashes in Syria between Bedouins and Druze resumed on Friday evening, when about 200 Bedouins entered the city of Sweida with rockets and machine guns and continued the fighting.

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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar ordered the urgent transfer of aid to Sweida's Druze population as the country's security forces prepare to redeploy to the Druze-majority Sweida city to quell fighting by the Druze and Bedouin tribes.

Additionally, a source told The Jerusalem Post that afternoon that "Israel has agreed to allow a limited entry of internal security forces into Sweida for the next 48 hours."

The day before, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a ceasefire in Syria was achieved through forceful actions.

We have established a clear policy: the demilitarization of the area south of Damascus and the protection of our brothers, the Druze, he added.

Amir Bohbot, Maariv Online, and Reuters contributed to this report.
The Nachshon Squadron is the eyes and ears of the entire Israel Air Force, as it knows how to master a variety of capabilities for planning and executing any operation that requires air activity.

The Nachshon Squadron is the eyes and ears of the entire Air Force, Lt. Col. N said following a ceremony on Tuesday at the Nevatim Air Force Base to mark the Nachson 122 Squadron's change of command.

Lt. Col. P. will replace Lt. Col. N. as the head of the squadron when the latter takes office. The Nachshon Squadron knows how to handle a variety of critical capabilities for planning and executing any operation that requires air activity, from attacking in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, or Iran. From landing forces deep in Syria to rescuing the wounded from the battlefield.

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"We are very much in the aviation world: Operations, control, management, and working with fighter jets. If you take Syria, this is reflected in the mission of providing an intelligence response during the operation to maintain air superiority and then also on the ground, Lt. Col. N said. Some of the things moved from information collected in the past, through the various elements, and you need to introduce intelligence in real time."

Lt. Col. N did not believe when he took office that the multi-front war, sparked by the October 7 massacre, would continue for so long.

What began with the failures on October 7 continued into a massive war on seven fronts, the highlight of which was the 12-day war as part of Operation Rising Lion, when the Nachshon Squadron led the Israel Air Force (IAF) in attacks throughout Iran and opened the skies to fighter jets.

A female air force crew member preparing to strike Iran, June 2025. (credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit via Maariv)

When Lt. Col. N. was in the IAF, approximately a year before he was appointed squadron commander, he wrote a thesis on the Air Force's surprise in the Yom Kippur War. A month and a half after taking office, in early September 2023, he gathered all the pilots and personnel of the squadron and presented them with his research and conclusions in detail.

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"When we failed, I asked myself where we failed and in the same breath, what I could have done differently. We need to rise up, we can't focus on the past," Col N. said.

The Nachshon Squadron is first and foremost a reconnaissance squadron tasked with monitoring Iran, Gaza, and other regions.

"How did this happen? The General Staff is investigating, and we are learning how to be better," Lt. Col. N. added. "We are part of this failure, too. It may be our failure, even more than for others."

Israel's eyes on the Middle East

The aerospace industry is already working hard on building an array of dozens of observation satellites that will hover in space and provide a 24-hour picture of the Middle East. The Nachshon Squadron understands that the State of Israel will not make a decision to give them up so quickly.

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"We have things that we still bring that are unique, that other systems do not. The power structure is changing, and systems are being added to and altered, even as we fight. 'Oron' is a tremendous project, and the war accelerated it, yet we know how to provide intelligence in real time," The squadron commander added. "When operating in the air, we bring relative and effective advantages. We open the skies forward."

For example, in Operation Rising Lion, the Nachshon Squadron worked to reflect and provide operational solutions to the IAF in preparation for a variety of target strikes in all phases of combat.

"I am part of those who bring the information and capabilities so that we are as prepared as possible in the force and as an army," he explained.

The Nachshon Squadron has three configurations of aircraft. All are executive aircraft built to meet requirements and equipped with radar, optics, and special communication systems. The various aircrafts are called Itam, Shavit, and the last one is an advanced intelligence aircraft that was fully operational two weeks prior to Operation Rising Lion.

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Lieutenant T., 21, an air reconnaissance officer, is part of the team setting up the new aircraft in the squadron. The role is new to the squadron and was created in response to the new aircraft's enhanced reconnaissance capabilities.

"During the war, we operated continuously day and night, defending the country's skies. We don't have military personnel in the role of air scouts, so we had a huge and difficult two weeks," he said.

Lieutenant T. said that his abilities as an air scout in the advanced aircraft are to collect tactical targets on the ground and also to detect threats in the air.

Although he has already flown in most of the Middle East, including targets in the third circle, the activity in Gaza also touched him on a personal level: "I have quite a few friends there, fighters for whom I carry out protective operations. There is nothing better than a paratrooper friend of mine from childhood, who I studied with, telling me on the phone that he feels safe when I am in the air over Gaza."

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According to Lieutenant T., the difference between the squadron's aircraft and the HTMs is significant: "Our aircraft is multi-mission and capable of collecting a large number of targets simultaneously over a large area."

Among the squadron's veterans is reservist N., an airborne controller. He explained that the airborne controller's role is to manage air traffic and missions in intense air combat. "It has the potential to be a very complex event, but when you practice for it and prepare for it properly, it becomes simpler."

Major N. spoke about the activity in which he participated during the first attack on Iran in Operation Rising Lion.

"It's the moment when we leave the briefing and realize that the moment we have been waiting for 20 years has arrived. A historic point and our opportunity to be the body that protects our families and children. I arrived here 20 years ago; I am 40 years old. A few more years, and I would not have been part of this historic event.

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"On a personal level, the feeling that we have the ability to go out and do this mission, and when I see the lines on the map and see that we are passing one point after another... I had several nights when I thought that tonight it would happen, and they would turn it around. Something then made me feel that this time we would not turn around."

"That morning, I left my phone off so that I could be as focused as possible. When you land on the ground, probably in light of the assessments that were made before the operation, there is a sigh of relief and a look forward to the battle that lies ahead of us, thinking about the family at home and entering the battle with great force," he continued.

"On October 7, at 6 a.m., I was on a civilian plane on my way to France to pick up my partner for aliyah. The difficult feeling of missing out on that day was felt upon landing. I think about everything we were unable to do that morning every day. My partner, whom I brought here, and I want to ensure her a safe home in Israel."

Nachshon Squadron's uniqueness

Captain A., a pilot in the squadron, explained the uniqueness of the Nachshon Squadron that distinguishes it from other IAF squadrons.

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"We don't have a sister squadron. Take any other squadron, whether it's transport or helicopters, and there's another squadron that can do the same thing. We are the only ones with the Nachshon aircraft, and all of its capabilities are unique to us. Each aircraft brings its own unique abilities that are not found anywhere else in the IAF."

"All the planes are Nachshon planes, but we have three platforms, each with a different mission and different people from different units operating each plane. Due to the diversity, we touch on different positions of the IAF: Protecting the country's skies, deep missions and patrols," he concluded.
LOS ANGELES - This week, the first local TV sit-down interview with U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino since the federal immigration raids in California intensified.

Bovino is in charge of overseeing all the raids in California, including recent raids in Macarthur Park, Camarillo and Sacramento.

RELATED: 300+ arrested during Ventura County ICE raids, DHS says

Then, a different view on immigration from L.A. Times's Gustavo Arellano.

"The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson" is California's statewide political show. Watch full episodes at TheIssueIsShow.com




NEED TO KNOW

Scientists at Newcastle University used a new IVF technique that combines a mothers egg and fathers sperm with a second egg from a donor woman

This prevents a child from inheriting mitochondrial DNA disease from their mother

Researchers say eight healthy babies have since been born using the new method





Eight healthy babies were born with the help of a pioneering technique that uses DNA from three people in order to prevent a child from inheriting rare diseases from their mother.

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Every year, about 1 in 5,000 babies are born with mitochondrial DNA mutations that can cause disease. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can affect tissues that have high energy demand, like the heart, muscle and brain. Its inherited from the mother and there is currently no cure for mitochondrial DNA disease.

Scientists at Newcastle University in northern England have now pioneered a new IVF technique that combines a mothers egg and fathers sperm with a second egg from a donor woman. This method, known as pronuclear transfer, is reportedly effective in reducing the risk of otherwise incurable mitochondrial DNA diseases.

On Wednesday, July 16, the Newcastle team announced that four boys and four girls, including a set of identical twins, were successfully born through the treatment, which was granted approval in the United Kingdom on a case-by-case basis.

Researchers reported that all eight babies were healthy at birth, meeting their developmental milestones. Additionally, the mothers disease-causing mitochondrial DNA mutations were either undetectable or present at levels that are very unlikely to cause disease.

Getty Newborn baby Newborn baby

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The findings give grounds for optimism, Mary Herbert, lead author of the study, said in a statement. However, research to better understand the limitations of mitochondrial donation technologies, will be essential to further improve treatment outcomes.

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Dr. Zev Williams, who directs the Columbia University Fertility Center and was not involved in the work, told the Associated Press that this research marks an important milestone.

Expanding the range of reproductive options  will empower more couples to pursue safe and healthy pregnancies, Williams added.

Although none of the families have gone public with their experiences due to privacy, some have shared anonymous statements with the Newcastle Fertility Centre, where they had the procedure.

As parents, all we ever wanted was to give our child a healthy start in life, one mother said after having a baby girl. After years of uncertainty this treatment gave us hope  and then it gave us our baby. We look at them now, full of life and possibility, and were overwhelmed with gratitude. Science gave us a chance.

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We are now proud parents to a healthy baby  a true mitochondrial replacement success. This breakthrough has lifted the heavy cloud of fear that once loomed over us, another mother said. Thanks to this incredible advancement and the support we received, our little family is complete. The emotional burden of mitochondrial disease has been lifted, and in its place is hope, joy, and deep gratitude.



Read the original article on People
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Its almost time for school to start, and many organizations in Jackson County are hosting back-to-school events over the next few weeks.

The first event starts in Dellwood on Saturday, July 19. This is a backpack and school supplies giveaway. The event is a drive-thru pick-up located at Dellwood Baptist Church and starts at 9:30 a.m. The church asks that all school-age children looking to pick up a backpack be present.

The Cottondale Queens are hosting a Lemonades for Learning event as well on Saturday. These ladies are raising money to buy school supplies for their community. This will take place at the Kountry Kandy Store on 231 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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The Alford Community Organization is hosting its annual Back-to-School Bash on Thursday, July 24. This will be a school supply giveaway with popsicles for attendees. The event will be hosted from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Alford Community Center.

In Marianna, Emerald Coast Hospice is hosting its back-to-school supply giveaway on Friday, July 25. This event will be at their office, 3015 Jefferson Street in Marianna, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Back-to-school events will be hosted in Cottondale and Bascom on Saturday, July 26.

Cottondales event will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cottondale Community Center. This is a school supply giveaway, and the child must be present to collect the supplies. If you would like to donate to this event, there are donation boxes located at Cottondale City Hall, the Cottondale Family Dollar, and the Cottondale Dollar General.

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Bascoms event will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bascom Town Hall. Bascoms event will feature a school supplies giveaway as well as water slides, splash pads, and food for attendees.

In Graceville, families have an opportunity to get to know their principals with Popsicles in the Park with Principals. This will be on Monday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Tiger Park in Graceville.

All of these events are while supplies last!

If you are interested in donating to any of the school supply giveaways, reach out to the organization of your choice.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jacksonville Sheriffs Office holds district five crime walk Saturday to address community concerns

Looking to address crime one door, and one step at a time - thats the mission of the Jacksonville Sheriffs Offices community crime walks.

Saturday morning, Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters and members of the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office completed their latest crime walk off of West Beaver Street and McDuff Avenue, just north of Jacksonvilles Lackawanna area.

Read: Pack the Patrol Car returns to support homeless students

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Its no secret weve had some violence over here, Sheriff Waters highlighted Saturday. We wanna make sure that the folks in this neighborhood know that we are here and were here to support everything thats going on in this community.

The walks serve as a chance for the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office to build trust with the community, helping its crime-solving abilities.

The more we reach out and the more we answer the result, answer the issues that they bring to us, the more that they see us do that, the more trust that we earn and the more confidence that we earned and the more we hear from our community, Sheriff Waters explained.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

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However, while the neighborhood crime walks aim to improve JSOs ability to serve their communities, AJ Jordan - a leader with the anti-crime community organization MAD DADS - said Saturday its also still on the residents to push the change they want to see.

Its not just the sheriff department. If you know these young men and young women are out here doing things, you got to make that call because we can curb it before it even happens, Jordan explained. So I encourage the community to be proactive, not reactive.

Those looking to share concerns about crime in their community with police can also do so at the next Jacksonville Sheriffs Office town hall event, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the First Coast Christian School on Blanding Boulevard.

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Astronomers have spotted a planetary system being conceived from the swirl of gas and dust surrounding a star  giving us an unprecedented, real-time look at how our solar system would've formed some 4.6 billion years ago.

The findings, published as a study in the journal Nature, are the first time we're seeing such an early stage of planets being formed anywhere in the cosmos.

"We've captured a direct glimpse of the hot region where rocky planets like Earth are born around young protostars," lead author Melissa McClure at the Leiden Observatory told the Associated Press. "For the first time, we can conclusively say that the first steps of planet formation are happening right now."

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https://twitter.com/MAstronomers/status/1945644262676214200

Inchoate planetary systems have been spotted before  but they were further along in their development. Instead, what's been captured here, using the James Webb Telescope and the ALMA telescope in Chile, is roughly the equivalent of an organism's first cells being formed.

The baby star, or protostar, orchestrating the system's birth is HOPS-315, a G-type star like our Sun  though much younger  located some 1,370 light years away in the constellation Orion.

HOPS-315 is surrounded by a hot, rotating circumstellar envelope of gas and dust called a protoplanetary disk. There, the astronomers spotted reservoirs of matter condensing together to form solid mineral grains. Over millions of years, the mineral grains will cool off and coalesce to form larger planetesimals, which serve as building blocks of a nascent planet  either going straight to being a rocky planet like Earth, or the solid core of a giant planet like Jupiter or Uranus.

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Crucially, the building materials the astronomers detected were silicon monoxide gas and crystalline silicate minerals, which are believed to have played a major role in our own system's birth.

"This process has never been seen before in a protoplanetary disk  or anywhere outside our solar system," co-author Edwin Bergin, a professor at the University of Michigan, said in a statement about the work.

Per the AP, the solid formation is taking place in a location equivalent to the asteroid belt in our own star system between Mars and Jupiter, where the leftover materials of our system's planet forming years can still be found. Asteroids are ancient planetesimals that never got a chance to make it big, still harboring stores of silicon monoxide and crystalline silicate that astronomers have dated to estimate the timeline of the solar system's formation.

The silicon monoxode and crystalline silicate were first spotted by the James Webb, indicating the presence of a protoplanetary disk. But the data wasn't clear enough to determine the exact location they were originating around the star. Fortuitously, Nature noted, the disk was oriented in a way that allowed astronomers to see it unobstructed by HOPS-315's outflow, a highly energetic jet of material that fell onto the star before being blasted into space.

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Outflows tend to overpower the infrared spectrum that astronomers favor to inspect dense regions like a protoplanetary disk. Thanks to the disk's orientation, though, the ALMA telescope was able to pinpoint the mineral signal's origins to a location about 2.2 astronomical units away from the star, or about 2.2 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun.

"We're really seeing these minerals at the same location in this extrasolar system as where we see them in asteroids in the Solar System," co-author Logan Francis, a researcher at Leiden University, said in the statement.

Many aspects of our solar system's origins remain a mystery, and astronomers can't confidently say how unique its formation is. Can we use it as a blueprint for how planetary systems form throughout the cosmos, or are we a relative oddity? HOPS-315 suggests we have at least a handful of peers. To know for sure, we'll have to check back on how it's doing in a few million years  or more realistically, the James Webb and ALMA telescope will spot more burgeoning systems for us to pry into.

More on astronomy: James Webb Space Telescope Spots Stellar Death Shrouds
Amid a firestorm of controversy after the Justice Department's recent announcement that it would not be releasing Jeffrey Epstein documents, Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a motion July 18 in New York federal court, seeking the release of grand jury transcripts for the indictments of Epstein in July 2019 and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell in June 2020.

President Donald Trump directed Bondi to seek the release after MAGA supporters called for more transparency in the case and a report by the Wall Street Journal describing a bawdy letter from Trump to Epstein for Epstein's 50th birthday.

The transcripts of the 2006 Jeffrey Epstein state grand jury that resulted in only a solicitation of prostitution charge are already public, thanks to a lawsuit by The Palm Beach Post, but it took nearly five years to get them released.

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The Post's case is cited in the petitions to make the federal indictments public, filed in both the Epstein and Maxwell criminal cases.

The newspaper had sued after learning in a 2019 investigation that prosecutors had tanked their own case during the secret proceeding. Circuit Judge Luis Delgado released the 176-page transcript on July 1, 2024.

On the day The Post published its investigation, the newspaper sued to lift the veil of secrecy for the public and for the survivors. The following document shows the stunning details of the proceeding, including the prosecutor telling the only two victims who testified that they themselves were criminals.

Jeffrey Epstein secret transcripts: Victim was asked, Do you know 'you committed a crime?'

Hear Palm Beach Post Investigations Editor Holly Baltz discuss what the transcripts reveal (at 8:10):

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jeffrey Epstein 2006 grand jury transcripts already public: Read here
The Trump administrations mishandling of the Jeffrey Epstein files is erasing the work done by his victims to seek justice, according to four women who spoke to NBC News.

Danielle Bensky, who was abused by Epstein 20 years ago, told NBC, You never really heal. And with whats happening now, it feels like were being erased. All the brave women who came forward all the work that we did to tell the world what happened to us, its all being erased.

A civil war has been raging within Trumps cabinet and in his MAGA base over the administrations handling of the Epstein files, with top Democrats demanding explanations from Attorney General Pam Bondi, and top supporters such as Joe Rogan taking aim at FBI Director Kash Patel for failing to deliver on his promise to reveal the contents of the files.

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Belief in conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein has been a common MAGA talking point for years, with many long believing that Epstein and other powerful men were part of a deep state sex trafficking cabal.

Danielle Bensky was an aspiring ballerina when Jeffrey Epstein abused her two decades ago. / Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Outsiders have noted that President Donald Trump was a known associate of Epstein, a fact he was forced to confront yet again this week after a shocking expose in The Wall Street Journal revealed details of the personalized gift Trump allegedly sent Epstein for his 50th birthday. Trump has since filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, for libel and slander.

Four of Epsteins victims who spoke to NBC explained that they feel their pain is being overlooked in all of the current chaos, and that the Trump administration should be seeking to expose powerful men like Epstein rather than preventing future prosecutions.

Bensky told NBC that her heart sank when Bondi released a memo stating there was no evidence of Epsteins much-rumored client list, and that the Department of Justice would not prosecute anyone else in the case.

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I felt a wave of sadness. All those years of trying to gain justice just negated, Bensky said. It was just two pages saying they were done investigating with no details about what happened to all of us. Its like we never existed.

Model and actor Alicia Arden said Epstein assaulted her after offering to help her get work with Victoria's Secret. / Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Another one of Epsteins victims, Teresa J. Helm, told NBC, When a persons abuser[s] are repeatedly flashed in view at any given moment, and especially when promises of justice, and promises of structures of power finally being held to accountto then essentially have the door shut in your face and no longer open for businessthen what?

Alicia Arden, another reported Epstein victim, told NBC that while she supports Trump, she believes theres a cover-up. [Bondi] doesnt want something to come out and I dont understand why. Maybe the list is more horrifying than we think, she said.

A fourth victim, who spoke to NBC on the condition of anonymity as she fears retribution from the Trump administration, said, I am not surprised Trump is now saying we should stop talking about Epstein. These people are trying to protect themselves.

Virginia Giuffre died by suicide in April at the age of 41. Giuffre accused Epstein of forcing her to engage in sexual encounters with his powerful associates, including Prince Andrew. / Miami Herald / TNS

David Boies, the attorney who represented late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, said that the Trump administration only had itself to blame for the chaos that has unfolded since Bondis announcement.

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Its coming up now because the administration made such a big deal that they were going to release a list of clients and, all of a sudden, they did a 180-turn saying, We will not release anything, he said. If they never said anything, there would have been only middling interest and conspiracy thinking. Its the inconsistencies that fueled things.

Boies told NBC, I think they ought to release the material after promising. And if they dont, people will believe they are hiding something and that cannot be tolerated.

Bensky described recent events as Groundhog Day for the Me Too movement that threaten the progress all victims have made in seeing their abusers brought to justice.

She told NBC, We need transparency and accountability for the sake of our daughters and future generations of young girls.
The Brief

David Barber, accused of killing Jesse Kirk in March, is asking a judge to drop the death penalty.

His attorneys argue media coverage fueled by released evidence could prejudice a jury.

The judge is expected to rule on the request at Barbers next hearing in September.

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - A man accused of killing a Brevard County woman and dumping her body earlier this year is asking a judge to take the death penalty off the table, citing what his attorneys call prejudicial media coverage.

New Developments

David Barber is charged with the murder of Jesse Kirk, whose body was discovered in March.

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Prosecutors have announced their intention to seek the death penalty, but Barbers defense team is now urging the court to dismiss that motion.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

At the center of the defenses argument is the volume of evidence released by the State Attorneys Office, which attorneys claim has fueled extensive  and potentially damaging  media attention.

"You have evidence that is extremely prejudicial that the media gets from the State Attorneys Office," Barbers attorneys said in court.

Prosecutors, however, say they are simply complying with Floridas public records law.

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"Were not putting any releases out there ourselves. We are simply responding to public records requests," a prosecutor responded.

What's next

The judge has not yet ruled on the motion but is expected to do so at Barbers next hearing, scheduled for September.

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The Source

This story was written based on information shared by State Attorneys Office for the 18th Judicial Circuit and attorneys for David Barber.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said he plans to see Fox News host Jesse Watters in court despite an on-air apology from the host after he falsely claimed Newsom lied about a phone conversation with President Donald Trump.

Newsom filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News and Watters last month, accusing the network of deliberately misrepresenting a phone call Newsom had with Trump amid protests in Los Angeles in June. He is suing for $787 million, a symbolic number that mirrors the amount Fox News paid to Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 for lies the network pushed about the 2020 presidential election.

The issue centers around a false claim Trump made on June 10 that he had spoken to Newsom about a day ago regarding his deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

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After Newsom denied having talked to Trump that recently, Trump provided a screenshot of a call log between him and Newsom to Fox News John Roberts. But the image instead corroborated Newsoms account that the two had actually talked for roughly 16 minutes June 7  not June 9, as Trump claimed.

That didnt stop Watters from deliberately covering for Trump later that night on his program, and claiming Newsom had lied, the lawsuit alleges.

It is impossible to know for certain whether President Trumps distortion was intentionally deceptive or merely a result of his poor cognitive state, but Foxs decision to cover up for the Presidents false statement cannot be so easily dismissed, the lawsuit, obtained by HuffPost, said.

Lawyers representing Newsom sent a letter to the network saying if Watters apologized on air, they would be prepared to drop the suit. On Thursday night, Watters issued a mealy-mouthed mea culpa.

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Not even a voicemail  we took that to mean there was no call ever, Watters said on his program. We thought the dispute was about whether there was a phone call at all when he said without qualification that there was no call.

Now Newsoms telling us what was in his head when he wrote the tweet, Watters added. He didnt deceive anybody on purpose, so Im sorry, he wasnt lying. He was just confusing and unclear. Next time, governor, why dont you say what you mean.

In a statement to multiple publications, Newsom made clear that Watters apology isnt enough to stop the lawsuit.

Discovery will be fun, Newsom said. See you in court, buddy.

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Fox News previously called the lawsuit a transparent publicity stunt.

Gov. Newsoms transparent publicity stunt is frivolous and designed to chill free speech critical of him, Fox News said in a statement last month. We will defend this case vigorously and look forward to it being dismissed.
Democrats have railed against potential Medicaid cuts since President Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Now that his "big, beautiful bill" has passed through Congress, they are making Medicaid a top talking point ahead of competitive midterm elections expected in 2026.

Republicans, meanwhile, are doubling down on Medicaid reform included in Trump's megabill, which also includes sweeping legislation on taxes, immigration and energy.

"My policy is if you're an able-bodied worker, get a damn job," Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital. "If you want government benefits, go to work and get a job."

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A provision in the megabill requires able-bodied, childless adults between the ages of 18 and 64 to work at least 80 hours a month to be eligible to receive Medicaid benefits. Individuals can also meet the requirement by participating in community service, going to school or engaging in a work program.

Republicans Praise 'Big, Beautiful Bills' Work Requirement For Medicaid: Weve Got To Get Back To Work

Fox News Digital asked lawmakers on Capitol Hill if taxpayers should have to pay for Medicaid bills for able-bodied workers who are under 65 and unemployed.

Read On The Fox News App

'Right Down The Line': Medicaid Reform In 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Divides Lawmakers By Party

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Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine, said in both Arkansas and Georgia, where work requirements have already been imposed, it ended up costing taxpayers more money to administer the work requirements.

"We're talking about a very small population, and in the two cases where they tried it, it ended up, number one, disqualifying people who met all the requirements but gave up on the paperwork. These aren't people that are used to filling out a lot of paperwork every month. And it also cost the state a lot to administer," King said.

The New England Journal of Medicine found that Arkansas' Medicaid work requirement from 2018 to 2019 "found no evidence of increased employment  and a significant loss of Medicaid coverage among low-income adults."

Demonstrators calling for the preservation of Medicaid funding are removed from the House Energy and Commerce markup of the FY2025 budget resolution in the Rayburn building on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Similarly, the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute (GBPI) reported that 80% of the $58 million spent in the first year of Georgias Pathways to Coverage program went toward administrative costs.

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But Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., emphasized that Republicans "want these programs to be around for the people who need them." She said Medicaid reform is about "strengthening and preserving these programs at the rate that they're growing."

"These programs were intended to be safety nets, not hammocks that people stay in, and the success of these programs should be measured by how many people we get off of them," Britt said.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., agreed, telling Fox News Digital, "What you don't want is for somebody to become dependent. I'd tell people: safety nets should bounce you to your feet. They shouldn't be like flypaper in which you stick and can never get off."

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks to the media after the House narrowly passed a bill forwarding President Donald Trump's agenda at the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

"We're not saying, 'Hey, we're not throwing you out.' All right, but you gotta go get a job. You either get a job, or actually you can even volunteer, all right? And that will satisfy the requirements for work," Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., explained.

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But Democrats who spoke to Fox News Digital continued to push back against the work requirements included in the "big, beautiful bill."

"I think people [who] are able to work, trust me, they'd rather work than to get the piddling dollars that they get from Medicaid. It's insulting to suggest that a person would rather sit at home rather than work and get this meager amount of money. All of this has just been totally expanded to fit a narrative that allows them to cut into those people who really deserve Medicaid," Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., said.

And Rep. Lateefah Simon, D-Calif., said, "We need to be able to have an infrastructure in this country that supports the elderly and the sick and the widows and the child. This bill, it violates all those basic principles."

Fox News' Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.





Original article source: 'Get a job': Medicaid work requirements included in Trump's megabill sparks partisan debate on Capitol Hill
Podcast host Joe Rogan offered high praise for state Rep. James Talarico (D) on his podcast Friday, telling the Texas lawmaker that he should launch a White House bid.

You need to run for president. We need someone who is actually a good person, Rogan said at the end of a multi-hour interview.

Talarico, who has been in office since 2018, has been considered a rising star by some for his Christian faith and popular TikTok account where he pushes back on Texas GOP policy on education and public schools.

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Appearing on Rogans podcast is a coveted opportunity for politicians, notably for Democrats looking to recapture the young, male audience the party feels it has lost.

Talarico is considering a dark-horse bid for Senate in a crowded Democratic primary that includes former Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas). He laughed after Rogan told him to run for president and pushed back on the hosts suggestion.

We were talking about how politics has become a religion. This is one of the ways it does. People put all their faith in a politician, Talarico said.

Ive seen it with Bernie. I like Bernie a whole lot, but some people treat him as if hes a messianic figure, the Texas lawmaker added. And Trump on the right, people treat him as a messiah in some ways. This is a problem.

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Talarico told Politico that the invitation from Rogan came after the popular podcast host saw one of his videos on TikTok, where he has almost one million followers.

In increasingly viral videos, Talarico has railed against a Texas bill to require schools to display the Ten Commandments and panned a new bill on private school vouchers. He is currently studying to become a pastor.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
John Torode used the n-word directly towards a member of the MasterChef crew, it has been claimed.

The Australian chef was sacked from the BBC show on July 14 after one complaint against him was upheld following an investigation into his and fellow presenter Gregg Wallaces conduct.

It has been reported that Torode, 59, used the derogatory word at a filming wrap party in 2019 while singing along to Gold Digger by Kanye West.

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But the investigation by the lawyers Lewis Silkin is understood to have upheld a separate complaint made the previous year when he was said to have used the same racist word on set at the end of the days filming.

A BBC News report claims the offensive term was directed towards a member of the MasterChef staff. There were nine complaints lodged against Torode, but only that one was upheld for an incident in 2018.

Torode, who had been on the show since its reboot with Wallace in 2005, said he had no recollection of the incident and was shocked and saddened by the news of his departure, adding that he knows any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.

He said: Id hoped that Id have some say in my exit from a show Ive worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in the last few days seem to have prevented that.

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Torode added it was time to pass the cutlery to someone else.

A spokesman from MasterChefs production company Banijay UK said: In response to John Torodes statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously.

The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.

This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint.

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Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.

Unacceptable racist term

Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, told the BBC that, while he was not directly involved with the matter, he was happy that the team were taking action against Torode.

When asked to reveal what Torode had said, the BBC executive replied: Im not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly, it was a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.

The same investigation, conducted on behalf of Banijay UK, upheld more than 40 claims against Wallace, including one of unwelcome physical contact.

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In a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Wallace claimed he had been cleared by that report of the most serious and sensational allegations made against him.

He said: I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.

The sacking brought to an end the BBC career of one of the corporations most prolific on-screen presenters.

Wallace had stepped aside from the show in November 2024 when he was accused of making inappropriate sexual comments. A number of new complaints against him were then lodged.

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It is understood the BBC intends to air the new series of MasterChef despite both Torode and Wallace having been sacked.

The format has proven hugely popular, attracting around 3.5 million viewers and has now been adapted for 65 territories.

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 judge has rejected a request for a brain exam for Bryan Howard, who is accused of killing eight migrant workers in a bus crash last May in Marion County.

Prosecutors claim Bryan Howard was intoxicated by marijuana oil and prescription medications when the crash occurred.

Howards attorneys requested a brain examination, arguing it was influenced by a different crash he experienced eight days earlier.

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Howards trial is set for September, when he will be charged for the fatal bus accident.

The defenses request for a brain examination was aimed at arguing that Howards mental condition was affected by the previous accident.

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President Trumps lawsuit against journalist Bob Woodward and his publishing house Simon & Schuster was dismissed by a federal judge on Friday, the same day that Trump filed a new and unrelated suit against the Wall Street Journal.

US District Judge Paul Gardephe of the Southern District of New York gave Trumps legal team a month to file another amended complaint. But for now, he dismissed the current iteration and said it appears unlikely that Trump can adequately plead a plausible copyright interest in The Trump Tapes.

That was the name of an audiobook released by Woodward in 2022, which contained the 20 interviews the veteran journalist conducted with Trump from 2016 through 2020.

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Trump filed the lawsuit in early 2023, claiming that Woodward had released audio from their interviews without Trumps consent.

He initially sought nearly $50 million in damages. Trumps lawsuit claimed the audio was protected material, subject to various limitations on use and distribution.

Woodward and his publisher said the lawsuit was without merit and pledged to aggressively defend against it.

In an 81-page ruling on Friday, Gardephe said that the president had failed to plausibly establish that Trump is a joint author of the audiobook or has a copyright interest in the interviews and was thus granting Woodwards motion to dismiss.

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Simon & Schuster said in a statement: Were very pleased the Court agreed with us and dismissed the case.

David Goldman and Hannah Rabinowitz contributed reporting.

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The Brief

Jurassic Quest, the nations largest dinosaur experience, is now open at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The exhibit features more than 80 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs.

The event runs through Sunday, July 20.

TAMPA - A prehistoric adventure has arrived in Tampa as Jurassic Quest opens at the Florida State Fairgrounds this weekend.

The nationally touring exhibit is known as the largest and most realistic dinosaur experience in North America, featuring more than 80 life-sized, roaring, moving animatronic dinosaurs, from the towering T-Rex to the spiky Stegosaurus.

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"We're super-excited to bring you our live animatronic dinosaurs," said Brainy Beth, a Dinosaur Trainer with Jurassic Quest. "You will be able to walk through our dinosaurs, say hello to prehistoric creatures that are the accurate sizes and have an absolute blast while doing it."

In addition to the massive creatures, Jurassic Quest includes interactive shows, fossil digs, science stations, and a soft-play area called "Triceratots" designed for younger dino fans.

Families can also enjoy baby dino encounters and dinosaur rides.

For more information, click here.

The Source

FOX 13 special project's photographer Mike Hughes gathered the information for this story.
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  The most impressive fossilized bones tend to be the big ones.

Both paleontologists, Jennifer Larsen and Dr. Jacqueline Lungmus, know right where to find their huge Allosaurus in storage at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

Dr. Lungmus points out, This is the top of the leg bone that would go into the hip socket.

This is the official state fossil, she adds.

Many of the specimens are on storage shelves from Oklahoma.

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The western edge of the Panhandle has several dig sites, as do areas in the Southeast part of the state.

But lately, the dinosaur that attracts the most interest here is something much, much smaller.

It was basically house cat-sized, Jacqueline describes.

Its official name is Aquilops Americanus and dates to the Cretaceous Period, more than 100 million years ago.

The dinosaur is also an unlikely star in the latest Jurassic World movie.

previous

More Great State Stories

A team from the Sam Noble Museum at the University of Oklahoma found this specimen at a dig site in eastern Montana.

Even before the movie came out, Dr. Lungmus argues it was an important find.

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It represents a really important advance in the paleontological and biological understanding of this really important group of organisms.

Visual creators changed the Aquilops to look a little more like its larger Triceratops cousin.

The original discovery was just a crushed skull, but both paleontologists insist you can tell a lot from just the teeth.

Larsen says, It would work around the undergrowth, eating plants.

The movie version has a name, Dolores.

The Sam Noble version in Norman has its own display in the summer movie season of 2025.

Does cute translate to scientists? we ask.

Its adorable, laughs Larsen. Of all the dinosaurs, realistically, this is the one I would like to have as a pet.

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Toy-sized, even Lego-sized, the Aquilops was a real animal that once scurried through the undergrowth of North America way before we could ever hope to film one, or cuddle one.

The Sam Noble Museum is planning on hosting Aquilops Day at the museum on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about the event, go to the museum website by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Jul. 18DETROIT LAKES, Minn.  After three days of testimony, a Becker County jury found Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell guilty of two felony burglary charges.

The courtroom was silent as Judge Michael Fritz read the verdict. Mitchell was found guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools.

The jury, consisting of nine men and three women, reached the guilty verdict after around three hours of deliberation.

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Mitchell was charged after she was

arrested in her stepmother's house

in the early hours of April 22, 2024. Mitchell, a Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmaker from Woodbury, had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutor Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald argued Mitchell entered the home with the intent to steal items that had belonged to her late father, now in her stepmother's possession. He focused on statements Mitchell made as she was arrested, her attire and items she had with her.

When she was arrested, Mitchell told her stepmother, Carol Mitchell, and law enforcement officers that she entered the house to retrieve some of her late father's things. She was dressed in all black with a black stocking cap. Mitchell brought items such as a small prybar, flashlight covered by a black sock and flashlight gloves.

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After the trial, McDonald said

body camera footage

helped seal the verdict.

"I'm just very thankful for the jurors, for all their time this week and I'm pleased for Carol Mitchell, for some justice," McDonald said.

After the verdict was read, McDonald asked for the judge to revoke Nicole Mitchell's terms of release from custody. The judge denied the motion. McDonald declined to comment on why he wanted Mitchell to go to jail right away.

The defense attempted to sow seeds of doubt in the state's argument that Nicole Mitchell entered the house to steal. They argued she entered the house to check on her stepmother, who has Alzheimer's.

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The argument hinged on Nicole Mitchell's concern for her stepmother, family accounts of the stepmother's Alzheimer's-related decline and the fact that Nicole Mitchell did not have items belonging to her stepmother or late father when she was arrested.

Dane DeKrey, one of Nicole Mitchell's attorneys, confirmed the body camera footage was a hurdle for the defense. He said Nicole Mitchell is one of the strongest people he knows.

"Very few people get up in their defense, they testify for that many hours, subjected to the cross examination, willing to have their lives looked at, peered into that way," DeKrey said. "I'm proud of her."

The judge did not set a sentencing date for Nicole Mitchell on Friday.

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The felony burglary charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of at least six months in jail or a county workhouse, and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine. Felony possession of burglary tools carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

DeKrey said he had no idea if Mitchell planned to resign from the Senate.

"This is not about politics, this was never supposed to be about politics," DeKrey said. "We didn't talk about that."

DFL Party Chairman Richard Carlbom urged people to respect the verdict and legal process.

"As to Mitchell's position in the senate, I hope that she will hold to her promise and resign immediately," Carlbom said. "The governor will have more information on a special election shortly."

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Attorneys gave their closing arguments Friday before the jury left the courtroom to deliberate.

McDonald spoke for around 25 minutes, asking the jury to find Mitchell guilty on both counts. As he did in his opening argument, McDonald

cited words Mitchell said when she was arrested:

"I know I did something bad."

"Or rather the defendant knew she did something bad, but now she wants to lie about it," McDonald said.

McDonald called out a dispute between Mitchell and her stepmother, Carol Mitchell, about her father, Rod Mitchell's, ashes as the line in the sand for their relationship. At that point, it became Nicole Mitchell's mission to take back her father's possessions, McDonald said. She packed tools to help her in that mission, like an all-black outfit, prybar and flashlight covered by a black sock.

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"Not even her own moral compass could deter her from her mission," McDonald said.

He asked the jury to use common sense and good judgment when looking at the evidence presented by the state: items Nicole Mitchell carried with her, claims she made to law enforcement and her testimony that she lied to law enforcement.

One of Mitchell's attorneys, Bruce Ringstrom Jr., spoke for nearly an hour. He asked the jury to recall times when they may have told white lies. Nicole Mitchell told a white lie that she was there to take her father's things as she was arrested in an attempt to keep her stepmother calm, he argued.

"She's not charged with lying," Ringstrom said.

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Ringstrom talked about possible sources of reasonable doubt he saw in the state's claims that Mitchell intended to steal, like lapses in Carol Mitchell's memory because of Alzheimer's and the fact that Nicole Mitchell did not have any of Carol Mitchell's possessions when she was arrested. Nicole Mitchell could have grabbed items during visits to the house before she was arrested, he said.

Ringstrom brought up law enforcement's mishandling of evidence, saying police did not keep a backpack Nicole Mitchell brought with her or a note she had with her the night of the break in.

"Unless the state can rule out that Nicole Mitchell entered just to check on Carol, then the verdict must be not guilty," Ringstrom said.

Throughout the trial, the jury heard from multiple witnesses called by the prosecutor and Nicole Mitchell's defense. Law enforcement officers recounted Nicole Mitchell's arrest, including comments she made about entering to retrieve a couple of her father's things.

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Carol Mitchell's family members testified about Carol Mitchell's fear of Nicole Mitchell, especially surrounding finances. Family members on the Mitchell side told jurors they

observed increasing paranoia and behavioral changes

related to Carol Mitchell's Alzheimer's diagnosis.

The jury heard from both Carol Mitchell and Nicole Mitchell throughout the week. Carol Mitchell's testimony was marked by memory lapses and inconsistencies with other testimony, and

law enforcement body camera footage

shown as evidence.

Nicole Mitchell

testified for nearly five hours Thursday,

talking about her concern about her stepmother as she experienced an Alzheimer's-related mental decline, and intentions to check on her. She walked the room through the events of the morning she was arrested.

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On Friday morning, the defense called its last two witnesses before resting its case.

The first was Cindy Markey, one of Nicole Mitchell's aunts. She talked about Carol Mitchell's relationship with the Mitchell side of the family. She was asked how Rod Mitchell, her brother, Carol Mitchell's husband and Nicole Mitchell's father, would have felt about Nicole Mitchell breaking into the house.

"He would not be happy about it, but he would also not be happy if we all gave up on Carol and didn't check on her," Markey said.

The defense also called in Jay Brody, who Nicole Mitchell supervised in the Wisconsin National Guard. He talked about conversations he had with Nicole Mitchell during which she expressed concern for her stepmother. He said Nicole Mitchell is a trustworthy and selfless person.

At present, Democrats hold the majority in the Senate by one seat. Over the last two legislative sessions, charges against Nicole Mitchell were a point of contention in the divided Senate. DFL leaders

barred her from participating in committee assignments

or party caucus meetings. Senate Republicans called for her resignation and unsuccessfully

tried to oust her

from the Senate.
Jury finds Sen. Nicole Mitchell guilty on both counts in burglary trial originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell has been found guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools following a break-in at the Detroit Lakes home of her stepmother last year.

The jury returned a verdict just a few hours after deliberations had begun Friday afternoon, which followed three days of testimony.

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Mitchell is a former TV meteorologist and Air National Guard officer. She was elected to Senate District 47  covering the Woodbury area in the southeast Twin Cities metro  as a DFL lawmaker in 2022.

Becker County Jail

Mitchell spent five hours on the stand in her own defense on Thursday. She maintained that she was doing a welfare check on her stepmother, Carole Mitchell, who suffers from Alzheimer's, during the early morning hours of April 22, 2024.

The prosecution pointed out that a crow bar is an odd thing to bring to a welfare check and painted the picture of a turbulent family relationship following the death of Mitchell's father.

Following the verdict, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) said in a statement that she's relieved the trial is over.

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"The cases resolution brings clarity to the situation," Murphy said. "Senator Mitchell has told colleagues that she intended to resign if found guilty of this crime, and I expect her to follow through on that pledge."

Mitchell doesn't automatically stand to lose her seat over the conviction. A two-thirds vote is required to expel a sitting state senator.

This is a developing story...

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
At Attorney General Pam Bondis direction, the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday formally moved to unseal long-secret grand jury transcripts from the Jeffrey Epstein case, citing what it called intense public interest in the notorious sex trafficking investigation.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche submitted the motion in Manhattan federal court, urging a judge to release the transcripts from Epsteins 2019 grand jury proceedings and those from the prosecution of Epsteins convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, as part of a new transparency push by the department.

Earlier this month, the DOJ and FBI issued a memorandum describing an "exhaustive review" of their Epstein investigative files. That internal review sought to determine if any evidence could justify charging additional individuals, but it concluded that "no such evidence was uncovered" against any uncharged third parties.

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Since the memos July 6 release, officials say, public interest in its conclusions has remained high.

Doj Rejects Ghislaine Maxwells Appeal In Scotus Response

In this 2005 photo, infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein poses with his arm around longtime confidante and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.

While the department maintains it stands by the memos findings, the filing emphasizes that "transparency to the American public is of the utmost importance to this Administration." Given the intense public interest, the DOJ told the court it is moving to unseal the underlying grand jury transcripts to shed light on its investigative work in the Epstein matter.

Read On The Fox News App

The DOJ said it will work with prosecutors to redact all victim names and personal identifying information from the transcripts before any release.

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"Transparency in this process will not be at the expense of our obligation under the law to protect victims," the motion assured.

Epstein, 66, was indicted by a New York grand jury July 2, 2019, on sex trafficking charges. Just over a month later, on Aug. 10, 2019, he died by suicide in his jail cell while awaiting trial, and the case was dismissed.



Legal Pathway Clearly Exists For Trump's Request To Make Epstein Grand Jury Testimony Public

The DOJ's filing claims it will protect the privacy of Epstein's victims while unsealing grand jury evidence.

Epsteins longtime confidant, Ghislaine Maxwell, was indicted by a grand jury in 2020 on multiple counts related to trafficking and coercing minors.

She was convicted in December 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Maxwells convictions were upheld on appeal in 2024, and she is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to review her case.

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Grand jury proceedings are ordinarily secret by law, or as the motion says, "a tradition of law that proceedings before a grand jury shall generally remain secret." But the filing notes this tradition "is not absolute."

Federal courts have recognized "certain special circumstances" where releasing grand jury records is appropriate even outside the usual exceptions, like when a case holds significant public or historical importance.

The DOJ argues Epsteins case is exactly such a special circumstance given its unparalleled notoriety.

"Public officials, lawmakers, pundits, and ordinary citizens remain deeply interested and concerned about the Epstein matter," the motion notes.

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The motion points out that a Florida judge last year ordered the release of some Epstein grand jury records after concluding the financier was "the most infamous pedophile in American history" and that the facts of Epsteins case "tell a tale of national disgrace."

By the DOJs account, the sealed grand jury transcripts are "critical pieces of an important moment in our nations history," and "[t]he time for the public to guess what they contain should end."

The motion stresses that Epsteins death means any privacy interests on his side are now "substantially diminished." And even though Maxwell is still fighting her conviction, prosecutors said the extraordinary public scrutiny around the Epstein saga justifies pressing ahead with unsealing now.

For these reasons, the DOJ is urging the court to conclude that the Epstein and Maxwell cases qualify as matters of public interest and to grant the unsealing of the grand jury transcripts while lifting any protective orders.

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The unsealing would shine unprecedented light on one of Americas most notorious criminal cases, a move the department says is legally justified and necessary in the name of public accountability.

The DOJ did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Fox News' Mike Ruiz contributed to this report.





Original article source: Justice Department moves to unseal Epstein, Maxwell grand jury transcripts amid calls for transparency
LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW)  A juvenile suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot Friday evening in Lumberton, according to police.

Officers responded at about 5:20 p.m. to the 300 block of Pearl Street for a person being shot, police said. When they arrived, officers found the boy inside the residence with a gunshot wound.

After he was stabilized, the boy was flown to an undisclosed trauma center with a life-threatening injury, police said. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 910-671-3845.

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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.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed armed group M23 signed a ceasefire deal on Saturday to end fighting that has devastated the country's mineral-rich but conflict-torn east.

The two sides signed a declaration of principles whose terms include a "permanent ceasefire", after three months of talks in Qatar.

It follows a separate peace deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments signed in Washington last month.

Rich in natural resources, especially lucrative minerals, eastern DRC has been wracked by conflict for more than three decades, creating a humanitarian crisis and forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

Thousands were killed in a lightning offensive by the M23 in January and February, in which the group seized vast swathes of territory, including the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

In the agreement signed in Doha, the warring parties agreed to "uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire", including refraining from "hate propaganda" and "any attempt to seize by force new positions".

The deal includes a roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern DRC, and an agreement for the two sides to open direct negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement.

Congolese presidential envoy Sumbu Sita Mambu and M23 permanent secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa shook hands after signing the deal at a ceremony in the Qatari capital.

The M23 had insisted on seeking its own ceasefire deal with Kinshasa, saying the DRC-Rwanda deal signed in Washington in June left out various "problems" that still needed to be addressed.

The two sides said the new deal aligned with the Washington agreement, which US President Donald Trump at the time called the start of "a new chapter of hope and opportunity" for the region.

The African Union hailed the new agreement as a "significant development", saying: "This... marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region."

Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the deal took account of the DRC's "red lines", including "the non-negotiable withdrawal of the M23 from occupied areas followed by the deployment of our institutions", including the armed forces.

He said the comprehensive peace agreement would follow "in the coming days".

The two sides agreed to implement the deal's terms by July 29 at the latest, and to start negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement by August 8.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi are due to meet in the coming months to solidify the Washington peace deal, whose terms have not yet been implemented.

Questions remain over an expected side deal on economic issues, after Trump boasted of securing mineral wealth in the vast central African nation.

Tshisekedi said in April he had discussed a deal for access to the DRC's mineral wealth with US special envoy Massad Boulos.

Boulos, who was at the signing ceremony in Doha, called the restoration of the Congolese government's control over its eastern territory "one of the most important clauses" in the new deal.

But "we know that there are no magic solutions" to end the conflict, "especially regarding the timeline", he told a news conference.

Neighbouring Rwanda denies providing military backing to the M23, but UN experts say the Rwandan army played a "critical" role in the group's offensive, including combat operations.

The front line has stabilised since February, but fighting was still breaking out regularly between the M23 and multiple pro-government militias.
Pageland Watermelon Festival canceled following shooting, teens death

A teenager was shot and killed at the Pageland Watermelon Festival Friday night, according to police.

ALSO READ: 7-year-old shot while sleeping in critical condition; suspect on the loose

Pageland Police released a statement early Saturday morning, sharing that a 17-year-old had been shot and killed at the Watermelon Festival on Friday night.

Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young individual whose life was tragically lost, said the Pageland Chief of Police. This is a heartbreaking event that deeply impacts our entire community.

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All festivalgoers were sent home following the incident.

Police said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting.

The Town of Pageland has canceled the Watermelon Festival. The town issued the following statement:

With deep sadness, we announce that all remaining events for the Watermelon Festival have been canceled in light of Friday nights tragic incident.

Out of respect for the victim and their family, we believe this is the most appropriate course of action. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.

We thank our community for their understanding, and we ask everyone to continue supporting one another during this difficult time."

No additional details have been made available.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

WATCH: Decades later, daughter still seeks answers in Jane Buis 1997 disappearance
A Kansas District Court Judge has again sided with the city of Leavenworth, dashing CoreCivics hopes of a reversal that would allow the company to begin housing immigrant detainees at its prison on the outskirts of town.

In a ruling published Friday, Judge John J. Bryant upheld the temporary restraining order he granted last month, ensuring the prison will remain empty  at least until the court issues a final ruling on the zoning dispute between the city and CoreCivic.

The court believes that there are strong public policy arguments that have been made by both sides, Bryant wrote. However, this court does not believe it would be adverse to the public interest to have this issue properly settled while the temporary injunction is in effect.

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The for-profit prison company maintains that it should be allowed to reopen for the first time since 2021 under a contract it entered into with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this spring to detain roughly 1,000 people.

The city argues that for numerous reasons  including the prisons history of chronic violence, drug abuse and understaffing  reopening would be unlawful unless the company first requested and received permission from local officials.

Bryant said he agreed with CoreCivic that not much weight should be given to the arguments about past abuses at the facility.

But he shared the citys concerns about the dangerous precedent that could be set if CoreCivic was allowed to flout local laws that it chose not to comply with.

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However, it is common sense to this court that a city cannot continue to function if its inhabitants decide on their own that the decisions of the elected officials do not govern them, Bryant wrote.

In court filings and hearings, CoreCivic attorneys argued that because the Leavenworth facility was originally grandfathered in as an acceptable use before the city changed its zoning laws to require a special use permit to operate jails and prisons, no such permission should be legally required.

Taken as a whole, Defendants arguments can be boiled down to the idea that once it was approved to operate here (in 1992), that there is little to nothing Plaintiff can do to restrict their operation, Bryant wrote.

Brian Todd, a spokesperson for CoreCivic, said the company respects the judicial process and looks forward to the next steps in presenting its case.

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We do not have any updates to share beyond the fact that we are pursuing all avenues to find a successful conclusion to this matter, Todd said in an email statement.

Earlier this month, CoreCivic filed a counter complaint with the district court seeking a reversal of the Leavenworth City Councils March decision rescinding its permission to operate without a special use permit. The next court hearing has been set for Aug. 6.

CoreCivic has argued repeatedly that it should be allowed to accept ICE detainees while its legal dispute with the city works its way through the courts.

Defendant argues that they can be cited and sued for any problems they may cause between now and the final decision of the court, Bryant wrote, noting CoreCivics suggestion that the city could be compensated for any damages.

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This ignores the fact that it would also tie up Plaintiffs resources in citing occurrence and litigating each issue, he wrote. Whether it is emergency services or utilities, if personnel are needed to deal with Defendants emergencies, then it may be unable to address other emergencies at the same time. Compensation after the fact does not remedy that situation.

Leavenworth City Manager Scott Peterson did not respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  A woman living along a creek in a campsite that flooded early Thursday morning described the harrowing experience as she, her boyfriend and her dog were washed downstream.

Kansas City, Kansas firefighters did about 40 rescues that morning, mostly of people who had driven into rising water. They were also called to 65th Street and State Avenue, but never were able to find the woman, 61, in the heavily wooded ravine. She was downstream, holding on to a tree for dear life.

Woman hangs onto tree after being swept away by floodwater in Kansas City, Kansas

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The couple built a deck for themselves and their pet Tinker Bell a few feet above the creek which usually is just rocks and about three inches of water.

Late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, the area got upwards of 10 inches of rain and that tiny creek started rising.

We looked up and it was up to the top and I said What are we going to do? We got to get out of here,' said the woman who declined to give her name.

However, there was no time.

It was still coming really fast. Logs and trees were coming by and it was getting higher and higher, she said.

The woman tried to hold on to a tree where the deck used to be. She showed us Friday the campsite, complete with a mattress, a couch, a generator and a TV that was washed away and scattered along the creek.

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He was behind me and he said, I cant hold on any longer. So I said, Just hold on to me, and he did as long as he could and then he was gone and I thought he was gone, gone.

In the fast rushing water, she lost her grip, too.

And it took me away and I was up and down and trying everything I could to keep my head above water, she described.

FOX4 Forecast: Heat arrives this weekend

She lost her shoes and pants she was wearing in the flood. Somewhere downstream.

The 61-year-old was able to grasp a tree branch and climb as high as she could, where she screamed for help that never came.

This is from holding on to the tree for three hours, the woman said in a hoarse voice, showing numerous scrapes and red marks.

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She didnt realize that at about 4 a.m. somewhere upstream, her boyfriend had gotten out and managed to call 911.

Firefighters searched for more than three hours until daylight came, floodwaters receded and the woman was able to climb down.

I didnt know where I was, but I just looked to where I saw the top of a building and some lights and I thought theres got to be civilization there, she said.

Shed soon find out, using a good Samaritans phone, that thankfully, her boyfriend and Tinker Bell also made it out.

We have nothing but we are alive, she said.

Businesses in Kansas City, Kansas working to recover after recent flooding

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After nearly drowning in what had been three inches of water, she offers this advice.

If it starts raining hard and coming down really fast, get away from it as soon as possible because its going to be high faster than you could ever imagine.

With that campsite washed out, they say theyve given up the outdoor life along the creek. The couple is currently staying in a hotel.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  With summer in full swing, a local pediatric emergency doctor is urging parents to put safety first, especially when around water.

Drowning is a leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4, and in many cases its preventable, according to Dr. Rebecca Wingerter from Hasbro Childrens Hospital. She says there are simple steps that parents can take to ensure kids stay safe, whether youre heading to the beach, taking the boat out, or cooling off in a pool.

ALSO READ: Trauma center doctor, nurse reveal most common summer injuries

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For the smallest of children, Wingerter recommends touch safety. That means any time a child is in a body of watereven just a small kiddy poola parent should be close enough to reach out and touch them at all times.

Supervision is also key for older children. Parents should designate a sober, distraction-free adult to monitor kids any time theyre in or near water. Its best to have a supervisor whos also trained in CPR.

Once children are old enough, signing them up for swim lessons is another important way to keep them safe.

In addition, anyone who has a pool in their backyard should make sure its surrounded by fencing thats at least four feet tall to prevent small children from falling in.

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If youre boating or at the beach, Wingerter says to have kids wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets that fit properly. State law requires children under the age of 12 in Massachusetts and 13 in Rhode Island to wear life jackets when on a boat.

LEARN MORE: Water Safety Resources from Hasbro Childrens Hospital

Watch the full interview below.

Ocean, Bay & Beach // A look at the conditions at the coast 

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
The Brief

Keller, TX, may partner with ICE through the 287g program.

It would let Keller Jail screen arrestees' immigration status for federal action.

City Council votes Aug 5 on the proposal, which promises federal funding.

KELLER, Texas - The City of Keller is on course to become the first in Tarrant County and the 4th city in the state to formally partner with ICE through the federal 287g program.

Keller to partner with ICE

Keller Mayor Armin Mizani says the collaboration would benefit several northern Tarrant County cities who utilize the Keller Jail, like Southlake, Colleyville, Roanoke and Westlake.

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The mayor says the federal dollars would only flow to the process that occurs at the jail. He acknowledges the current climate surrounding federal immigration initiatives and invites public debate.

The program is said to also help with funding for equipment and training to run immigration checks on people arrested and booked into the Keller Jail.

What they're saying

"This is something in Keller now over the course of the last several years weve been running background checks on individuals that have been booked into our jail," said Mizani.

"So ultimately, what that means is, if someone is detained and placed in the Keller jail at that point, that is when we would run a background check. And if the appropriate authorities need to be notified of legal status, then we would do so. That collaboration with ICE would give us the option of federal resources that would help us with the training and equipment necessary to do that job effectively," said Mizani.

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The mayor addressed concerns that the program could be harmful to residents.

"Its only to the benefit of law-abiding citizens. Thats really what this program is about," Mizani said. "Its not that we are going to have law enforcement knocking on peoples doors or making traffic stops. Again, this only applies to someone who commits a criminal offense and they get arrested. That is when, at that point, the program comes into effect."

"Its about ensuring that the criminals that are arrested committed criminal offenses, that we know who they are and where theyre coming from, and that the appropriate authorities are notified," Mizani went on.

What's next

The Keller City Council will take up the proposal to adopt a formal partnership with the federal program on Aug. 5.

The Source

Information in this report came from Keller Mayor Armin Mizani.
Im old enough to remember when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act in 1967. Ive enjoyed watching and listening over the decades.

Over the years the public broadcasting television and radio stations have provided lots of interesting programming and provided an unbiased view of the news.

This week, the Republican-controlled Congress voted to eliminate $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting stations over the next two years.

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This is funding that had previously been approved by the GOP Congress and President Donald Trump.

That comes after the Indiana General Assembly voted to cut $3.7 million from the state budget that was intended for public radio and television stations in Indiana.

Shortly after the funding reductions were announced, the Indiana Public Broadcasting station announced it would eliminate its entire news and editorial staff that provided coverage of the statehouse and local news to viewers throughout the Hoosier State.

The national PBS station became well-known for several childrens programs over the years including Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

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Many times over the years I have watched Masterpiece Theater presentations, The American Experience, Nova and, of course, numerous Ken Burns documentaries.

PBS also helped coordinate and broadcast numerous political debates over the decades.

Many Central Indiana residents would start their day by listening to WFYI, the Indianapolis-based affiliate of the National Public Radio system.

There was the state and national news, All Things Considered, classic music and the Prairie Home companion.

What will happen to the public broadcasting stations in Indiana?

WFYI loses a total of $2.1 million in state and federal cuts, or approximately 11% of the budget.

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For the public television stations, the funding cut will have a larger impact with 70% of the federal dollars going to support local stations.

The loss of state and federal funding will require the public broadcasting stations to rely more on corporate donations, grants and local residents willing to pay to watch the programming.

Of course, if public broadcasting can survive over the next two years there is a chance that a change in the political makeup of Congress and the White House could bring a return of financial support at the federal level.

In Indiana, it will be difficult to see a change among lawmakers and Gov. Mike Braun to provide state funding in the future.

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Only people who watch the local public broadcasting or public radio stations will know if they want to make a financial contribution to continue the service.

It was a crucial service supplied to Hoosiers, and now, there will be a gap that will be hard to fill.
ROGERS, Ky. (FOX 56)  Responders with the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team (WCSART) helped get a man to safety after he fell from several cliffs in Wolfe County on Friday afternoon.

Officials said the man had been away from home overnight, prompting a search from the rescue team and the Wolfe County Sheriffs Department on July 18.

Around 12:30 p.m., rescue team members were dispatched to Tarr Ridge Road in Rogers. While searching, deputies heard a cry for help below a cliff.

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The individual had apparently fallen off a 50 ft cliff, then continued to tumble down a steep hill and a series of smaller cliffs, severely injuring himself along the way, officials wrote.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Rescue team members, including a paramedic, rappelled down to the survivor to evaluate what had happened while other members set up a rope system above a nearby cliff line, WCSART wrote. After an initial treatment where he had fallen, he was hoisted and carried out of the woods in a Stokes basket and carried out of the woods, where an ambulance was waiting to take him to Clark Regional Hospital.

Rescue team members securing a patient in a Stokes basket on Saturday afternoon after he survived falling over 50 feet. (Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team)

The man was carried to safety before emergency personnel took him to Clark Regional Hospital with severe injuries. (Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team)

Wolfe County rescue officials said Fridays mission was an important one, marking the groups first rescue in partnership with Morgan County KY EMS as the Wilderness response unit.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
The unlikely alliance of the populist left and right has strengthened over the Jeffrey Epstein controversy.

Leading the charge for Congress to vote on publicizing Epstein-related records are Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). The odd couple  a libertarian from rural Kentucky and a progressive from Silicon Valley  is piecing together Republican and Democratic support for the House to take an up-or-down vote on releasing the so-called Epstein files. If successful, their efforts would further complicate President Donald Trumps ability to move on from the spiraling scandal that has angered his political base.

I do believe that there are issues that populists on the right and left can collaborate on, Khanna said in an interview. "In this case, it's about going after the corruption in our government. Rich and powerful men shouldnt have impunity from accountability. And that's something that both people on the left and right are sick of.

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Discharge petitions, which allow any member of the House to force legislation to the floor if a majority of members agree, are usually a long shot. As of Friday afternoon, Massie, a frequent White House foil, and Khanna had convinced 10 Republicans and five Democrats to get on board as cosponsors. Its not the first time theyve teamed up: Massie and Khanna collaborated on legislation aiming to limit U.S. involvement in the wars in Yemen and Iran.

Their newest gambit would pay off if the entire Democratic caucus signs on  which Khanna guaranteed in a recent video clip . Democrats have been hungry to capitalize on Trumps Epstein problem, given the presidents longstanding ties to the accused sex trafficker that were illuminated in a Wall Street Journal story this week. The paper focused on a letter Trump reportedly wrote to Epstein for his 50th birthday. Trump denies he wrote the note, and POLITICO has not independently verified it. The president has never been accused of any wrongdoing linked to Epstein.

Nevertheless, the political fallout has been widespread as it weds the divergent factions of Congress.

From conservative firebrand Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) to famed progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), the cosponsors on Massies measure represent an eclectic mix of lawmakers who rarely agree on anything  or even speak to each other cordially. The list yokes one of the furthest left members of Congress, Michigans Rashida Tlaib, with Trump loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). And one Republican in a battleground district, Rep. Tom Barrett from Michigan, has also signed onto the push.

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Its not the first time that the populist left and right have converged: A handful of leaders on both sides have found agreement recently on wars in the Middle East, U.S. involvement in Israel , antitrust policies , artificial intelligence and the unaffordability of housing .

To that end, Khanna said hes exchanged a few texts with MAGA godfather Steve Bannon, who has expressed support for a special counsel to examine the Epstein case. Their correspondence was in the context of trying to stop the regime-change war in Iran, Khanna said.

Asked for comment, Bannon listed Khanna as one of a group of figures on the populist left and right who have found common ground on neo-Brandeisian antitrust.

On X, Massie is keeping a live whip count of cosponsors for his proposal to release the Epstein files and encouraging his 1.3 million followers to ask their representatives if they support the idea. When Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Thursday the Justice Department will move to release grand jury transcripts  a decision seen as an attempt to appease the MAGA base  Massie declared: Folks, Keep the pressure on, its working. But we want all the files.

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Should it come to pass, the resolution would be symbolic  Congress doesnt have the power to force the Justice Department to release any information. But under procedural rules, action on the floor cant take place until September, meaning that Trump's Epstein problem could linger in Congress for several more weeks.

Khanna said he has a very friendly relationship with Massie. The idea for the discharge petition came about after Khanna introduced an amendment to release the Epstein files, and Massie texted him to propose they draft a bill on the topic.

We text back and forth all the time. I will often see him on the House floor, pick up the phone and call him, he said. Obviously, we come from different ideological perspectives, but there are areas where we have agreement in making sure that were preventing wars of choice overseas and transparency.

A spokesperson for Massie declined to comment. Earlier this week, Massie said in an interview that the pressure will intensify on House Republicans over the upcoming recess.

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They probably want to let the steam out, but this will build momentum over August, Massie said. They cant sweep it under the rug.

Its not the first time Massie, often an iconoclast in his party, has found strange bedfellows in Democrats. He and other conservatives joined forces with libertarian-minded and anti-interventionist lawmakers on digital privacy and war powers measures. And just last month, he teamed up with Khanna on a measure to reign in Trumps ability to use military force in the Iran-Israel conflict.

It is very on brand for Thomas Massie to stick with his position, even under pressure, said Marisa McNee, a Democratic strategist from Massies northern Kentucky district. The thing that bugs his party about him is that hes sort of unwavering once he has a position on something.

Massie, who is up for re-election next year, has easily survived primary challenges. But hes become a top target for Trumps allies angered by his choice to break party lines and vote against the megabill.

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Meanwhile, Democrats are angling to exploit their opposing party's wedge over Epstein. As Democratic lawmakers filtered into a closed-door caucus meeting Thursday, one chanted Epstein, Epstein, Epstein, and Democrats frequently heckled their GOP counterparts as the House debated clawbacks of public media and foreign aid overnight.

House Democrats reveled this week in the pressure they and Massie applied to the GOP, underscored by a group of Rules Committee Republicans huddling with Speaker Mike Johnson for hours Thursday in search of political cover.

Republicans advanced their own non-binding resolution calling for the release of a limited scope of Epstein-related documents, while voting down a Democratic amendment to advance Massies bipartisan legislation.

We'll determine what happens with all that. There's a lot developing, Johnson told reporters, after declining to commit to put the GOP resolution to a full House vote.

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The Epstein controversy is the latest example of Massie creating a major headache for his fellow Republicans, following his opposition to the megabill. Just a few weeks ago, Trump and Massie actually appeared headed to a sort of political truce. But it was short-lived.

House Republicans said Trump appeared to blow up the detente he and Massie struck during a late-night call to advance the struggling megabill on the House floor last month.

Shortly after, in a move that shocked some Republicans on Capitol HIll, Trump allies poured millions into a PAC attacking Massie, three House Republicans said this week as the Epstein chaos swirled. Trump allies say they wanted Massie to vote for the megabill final passage itself, not just the procedural move to advance it.

Massie going after Trump on Epstein probably has the virtue of being able to poke Trump in the eye and appeal to important aspects of the base," said former Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson, a Republican. "It makes sense he's engaging."

Nicholas Wu, Meredith Lee Hill and Mia McCarthy contributed reporting.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Scam texts are still making the rounds, claiming to be from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The messages warn about unpaid tickets or toll fees and threaten license suspensions if you dont pay up.

Officials confirm its a scamKYTC will never contact customers by text, only through the mail.

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Do not click any links. If youre in doubt about anything, reach out to us or to the agency you believe its from. Make sure its authentic before taking any further action, Allen Blair, a KYTC spokesperson, said.

If you get one of these texts, report it to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Federal Trade Commission.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Key West bartender is behind bars on charges involving child exploitation and sexually abusing his dog, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Jorge Tyler Perez, 28, is charged with one count of possession of child sexual abuse material and 14 counts of engaging in sexual activities involving animals  all third-degree felonies. The arrest follows a statewide FDLE initiative targeting individuals who exploit children and share abusive content online.

The investigation began in November 2024 after the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children issued a cybertip indicating a Snapchat user had uploaded child sexual abuse material. Agents later identified the user as Perez and discovered he also uploaded videos of bestiality.

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The videos discussed in the FDLEs probable cause affidavit include one of a man, who investigators could not identify, sexually abusing a young girl. Investigators also viewed 14 videos that showed a man sexually abusing dogs, according to the warrant. In 10 of those videos, investigators say they positively identified Perez abusing his dog, Hendrix, the warrant states.

On Friday, FDLE agents executed a search warrant and seized an electronic device for analysis. Perez was arrested and booked into the Monroe County Jail.

The Key West Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the case, which is being prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney for Floridas 16th Judicial Circuit. Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Perez is set to be arraigned on Aug. 1. Hes being held in Monroe County jail on a bond of $470,000, according to online sheriffs office records.
Earlier this week, President Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, after he noted mild swelling in his lower legs. White House physician Dr. Sean P. Barbabella in a memo July 17 said the swelling prompted a full medical evaluation, including ultrasound tests and blood work. Those confirmed CVI, a condition the doctor described as benign and common  particularly in individuals over the age of 70.

Barbabella said he found no other signs of more serious cardiovascular issues like blood clots and declared the president to be in excellent health.

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

"CVI is when the veins of the body do not work well," said Dr. Mimmie Kwong, assistant professor of vascular surgery at UC Davis Health, when veins cannot transport blood effectively, causing it to pool, especially in the legs.

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CVI is one of the most common vein problems in the U.S. and worldwide, affecting "about one in three adults in the United States," Kwong said.

That translates to more than 30 million people in the U.S., most often older adults, according to Dr. Ali Azizzadeh, a professor and director of Vascular Surgery at Cedars-Sinai and associate director of the Smidt Heart Institute. He noted the condition is more common in women.

As people age, the veins, such as in their legs, may have a harder time returning blood to the heart, he said.

What causes CVI?

The valves in the veins of the legs are supposed to keep blood moving in one direction: back toward the heart. But when those valves are damaged or weakened, they can stop working properly, leading blood to flow backward and collect in the lower legs.

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Individuals who stand or sit for extended periods, or those with a family history of vein issues, may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.

When the calf muscles are active, they pump the veins that return blood from the legs to the heart, Azizzadeh explained. With prolonged inactivity of those muscles, blood can pool in the legs.

What does CVI feel like?

While CVI isnt always painful, it can cause discomfort that worsens as the day goes on.

The mornings may feel the best: The legs naturally drain while you are lying down and sleeping overnight, said Azizzadeh, so they will typically feel lightest in the morning.

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As the day progresses and blood starts to pool, people with CVI may experience swelling, heaviness, aching or a dull pain in their legs. The symptoms tend to worsen after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.

If swelling worsens, thickening, inflammation or dry skin can result, with more severe cases developing wounds that do not heal and can even result in amputation, Kwong said.

FILE - President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he leaves the White House, July 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

How is CVI treated?

Treatment is more manageable when problematic veins are closer to the surface of the skin, Kwong said. It's more problematic when deep veins are affected.

The first line of treatment is usually simple lifestyle changes. We suggest CEE: compression, elevation, and exercise, Azizzadeh said. Wearing compression stockings can help push blood out of the legs; elevating the legs allows gravity to help drain blood from the legs toward the heart, and regular walking forces calf muscles to pump blood throughout the body.

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For people with more serious cases, doctors may recommend a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to seal off the leaky veins. Common treatments include ablation techniques, surgical removal of veins (phlebectomy), or chemical (sclerosant) injections. "All of these therapies aim to cause the veins to shut down, so they no longer cause the CVI," Kwong said.

President Trump, left, reaches to shake hands with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

In Trumps case, the condition appears to be mild and manageable, his doctor said. Barbabella emphasized there was no cause for concern and that the president remains in good overall health. But for millions of Americans living with CVI, recognizing the symptoms and knowing how to manage them can make a big difference in day-to-day comfort and long-term well-being.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A rumor that circulated online in July 2025 claimed a person or group of people had asked U.S. President Donald Trump to deport his wife, Melania Trump, who was born in Slovenia and received U.S. citizenship in July 2006. Many users shared this rumor with the caption, "Donald Trump is now being asked to deport his own wife."

For example, on July 15, a TikTok user posted a brief video (archived) promoting this rumor. That clip, receiving more than 3.1 million views and 629,000 likes, displayed the caption, "Donald Trump is now being asked to deport his own wife. He says he won't do it because she is family. Is this fair or does the U.S. president get privileges?" The video did not specify who asked for Melania Trump's deportation.

This claim also circulated in other videos on Facebook, Instagram (archived), TikTok (archived) and X (archived), including some vaguely mentioning "a viral petition with thousands of signatures." Some of the clips featured inauthentic images, as well as deepfake visuals and artificial intelligence-generated audio allegedly depicting Donald Trump and Melania Trump responding to the rumor.

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According to searches of Bing, DuckDuckGo, Google and Yahoo, the rumor originated not with any governmental body, judge, other type of official or piece of legislation ordering or requesting Trump to deport his wife, but instead pertained to an online petition  just as some of the videos noted. As of July 18, that petition, launched on Jan. 24 and hosted on the progressive policy website MoveOn.org, displayed more than 12,700 signatures with a goal of 15,000. That goal increased in recent weeks, indicating its organizer sought to continually raise the desired number of signatures.

The petition's title, misspelling the name of Barron Trump  the only child the president had with Melania Trump  read, "Deport Melania, Melania's parents and Baron in the first round of deportations!" The petition's organizer presented several points, including about the Trump administration's genuine desire to denaturalize some citizens, misleadingly labeling Barron Trump with the pejorative term "anchor baby" and falsely claiming Trump-issued documentation or legislation requires a person's "mother's mother" to have been born in the U.S.

The petition also displayed a disclaimer at the top of the page, reading:

MoveOn volunteers reviewed this petition and determined that it either may not reflect MoveOn members' progressive values, or that MoveOn members may disagree about whether to support this petition. MoveOn will not promote the petition beyond hosting it on our site.

Snopes contacted the White House Press Office and a spokesperson for the first lady, asking if they wished to share a statement in response to the existence of the petition, as well as the videos. A White House spokesperson responded only, "This is obviously fake," without further explaining what they were calling "fake." We also contacted MoveOn.org via email to ask about why they displayed the disclaimer disapproving of the petition, and will update this story if we receive further information.

Trump's focus on denaturalizing some citizens

The first part of the petition correctly noted the Trump administration's aim of deporting some naturalized citizens. On July 7, the Miami Herald reported the details of the administration's plans to prioritize looking at a specific kind of case for denaturalization:

Now, the president has directed the Justice Department to bolster its resources in a major crackdown on naturalized citizens suspected of unlawfully obtaining their U.S. citizenship. According to a recent memo, the department plans to focus not only on individuals who may have lied about a crime or having done something illegal during the naturalization process. But authorities also plan to focus on others who may have committed a crime after becoming citizens  a generally untested legal frontier.

The Department of Justice website hosts that memo, with the pertinent section beginning on Page 3 under the title "Prioritizing Denaturalization." In addition to individuals who "illegally procured" naturalization or procured naturalization by "concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation," the memo also mentions a number of different types of cases and crimes that would meet a standard for prioritized denaturalization.

Barron Trump and 'mother's mother' claim

The petition also claimed, misspelling Barron Trump's name again, "Melania's anchor baby, Baron, should be forced to leave as well because we know that his mother's mother was born in a different country. That is part of the criteria that Trump is putting into place. Your mother's mother has to have been born in the United States and we know Melania's mother was born elsewhere."

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This section labeled Barron Trump with the pejorative term "anchor baby." Cambridge Dictionary defines (archived) "anchor baby" as "an offensive term for a baby who is born in a country that gives all babies born there the right of citizenship, but whose parents are not citizens and do not have the right to live there. This term is used to accuse parents of using a baby as a way to get citizenship for themselves." The petition's usage of the term alleged Melania Trump gave birth to Barron to help herself receive U.S. citizenship.

However, as PBS reported, Melania Trump received her green card, establishing her lawful permanent resident status, in 2001  five years before Barron's birth in March 2006. She became a citizen in July 2006. A previously-published fact check examines a subject relating to this matter.

We located no official documentation or legislation requiring a person's "mother's mother" to have been born in the U.S. A Trump-issued executive order from January targeting some aspects of birthright citizenship  guaranteed by the 14th Amendment  makes no mention of a person's "mother's mother" needing to be born in the country. Instead, his administration's proposed policy seeks to deny citizenship to infants born to parents living in the U.S. illegally or temporarily:

Sec. 2. Policy. (a) It is the policy of the United States that no department or agency of the United States government shall issue documents recognizing United States citizenship, or accept documents issued by State, local, or other governments or authorities purporting to recognize United States citizenship, to persons: (1) when that person's mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the person's father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person's birth, or (2) when that person's mother's presence in the United States was lawful but temporary, and the person's father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person's birth.

This policy, had the government enacted it prior to Barron's birth, would not have affected his automatic citizenship enshrined in the 14th Amendment.

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Regarding the petition's subject of Melania Trump's foreign-born parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, The New York Times reported they received U.S. citizenship through the family-based immigration program sometimes referenced as "chain migration"  a policy Donald Trump has repeatedly disparaged.

For further reading, Snopes previously reported on the claim that Melania Trump improperly arrived in the U.S. on an EB-1 "Einstein" visa.

Sources:

"(45) Melania Trump." U.C. Santa Barbara, The American Presidency Project, https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/45-melania-trump.

"Anchor Baby." Cambridge Dictionary, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/anchor-baby.

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Bustos, Sergio. "Birthright Citizenship Debate a Distraction, GOP Rivals Say." The Associated Press, 23 Aug. 2015, https://apnews.com/article/da7667bd32884c0d8d6107e914956081.

Caldwell, Alicia A., et al. "Melania Trump Modeled in U.S. Prior to Getting Work Visa." PBS News, The Associated Press, 5 Nov. 2016, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/melania-trump-modeled-u-s-prior-getting-work-visa.

CNN Editorial Research. "Melania Trump Fast Facts." CNN, 28 Nov. 2016, https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/28/us/melania-trump-fast-facts.

Correal, Annie, and Emily Cochrane. "Melania Trump's Parents Become U.S. Citizens, Using 'Chain Migration' Trump Hates." The New York Times, 9 Aug. 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/nyregion/melania-trumps-parents-become-us-citizens.html.

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Davies, Emily. "Melania Trump's Parents Become U.S. Citizens Through Chain Migration Program Targeted by President." People.com, 10 Aug. 2018, https://people.com/politics/melania-trump-parents-us-citizens-trump-administration-legal-immigrants/.

Diaz, Jaclyn. "DOJ Announces Plans to Prioritize Cases to Revoke Citizenship." NPR, 30 Jun. 2025, https://www.npr.org/2025/06/30/nx-s1-5445398/denaturalization-trump-immigration-enforcement.

Eidell, Lynsey. "All About Melania Trump's Parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs." People.com, 4 Apr. 2024, https://people.com/all-about-melania-trump-parents-8620972.

"Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1." USCIS, 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1.

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Evon, Dan. "Did Barron Trump Benefit from Birthright Citizenship?" Snopes, 3 Nov. 2018, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/barron-trump-benefit-birthright-citizenship/.

"Federal Judge Says She Would Block Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order Nationwide." The Associated Press, 16 Jul. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-trump-immigration-maryland-72d734dac006ea49d5a6b136f483eb21.

"Fourteenth Amendment." Constitution Annotated, https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-14/.

Garcia, Arturo. "FACT CHECK: Did Melania Trump's Parents Arrive in the U.S. Through 'Chain Migration'?" Snopes, 8 Feb. 2018, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/melania-trump-parents-chain-migration-meme/.

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Gunter, Joel. "What Is the Einstein Visa? And How Did Melania Trump Get One?" BBC, 2 Mar. 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43256318.

Jordan, Mary. "Questions Linger about How Melania Trump, a Slovenian Model, Scored 'the Einstein Visa.'" The Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/questions-linger-about-how-melania-trump-a-slovenian-model-scored-the-einstein-visa/2018/02/28/d307ddb2-1b35-11e8-ae5a-16e60e4605f3_story.html.

Kim, Chloe. "President Trump's First 3 Children Did Not Receive Birthright Citizenship." The Associated Press, 1 Nov. 2018, https://apnews.com/article/archive-fact-checking-2449102499.

"Melania Trump | Biography, Book, Age, & Facts." Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Melania-Trump.

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"Melania Trump's Slovenian Parents Become US Citizens." BBC, 9 Aug. 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45137752.

Neuman, Scott. "First Lady's Parents Become U.S. Citizens Thanks To 'Chain Migration.'" NPR, 10 Aug. 2018, https://www.npr.org/2018/08/10/637371714/first-ladys-parents-become-u-s-citizens-thanks-to-chain-migration.

"Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt." The White House, 29 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt/.

"Protecting The Meaning And Value Of American Citizenship." The White House, 21 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/.

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Sacchetti, Maria. "Records Confirm Trump's Mother-in-Law Came to U.S. through Process He Derided." The Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024, https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2024/03/25/trump-melania-parents-chain-migration/.

Weaver, Jay. "Justice Department, Driven by Trump Policy, Plans to Go after Naturalized U.S. Citizens." Miami Herald, 7 Jul. 2025, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article309926220.html.
(FOX40.COM)  Disability Pride Month is here, and communities are able to celebrate that people with disabilities may have different abilities, and that is something to honor and celebrate, according to the Center for People with Disabilities.

Video Above: Thousands of people from Californias Disability community rallied at the State Capitol

Disability Pride Month falls in July as commemoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act that was signed July 26, 1990, which changed the accessibility and inclusion in the U.S., the center said.

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The Arc said that the month recognizes the importance of the ADA, while also highlighting disability culture, history and community pride.

The month also challenges the the narrative of people with disabilities needing to conform to certain standards, to live a meaningful life, according to The Arc.

The American Bar Association said the first official celebration of Disability Pride Month happened in July 2015, also marking the 25th anniversary of the ADA.

Historically, the disability identity has often been stigmatized and used to exclude and isolate disabled people from fully participating in society. All too often, people with disabilities have been reviled, not accepted, said Robert Dinerstein, the Chair of the ABA Commission on Disability Rights. To me, disability pride means that we celebrate the identity of disability in all its many forms and strive to be as inclusive as possible in our interactions with people with disabilities so that their membership in the community is no longer questioned but is honored.

Verywellmind.com provided a list for those looking to be an ally during Disability Pride Month:

Accept people with disabilities as they are, and do not try to fix them

Educate yourself by reading books by people with disabilities

Include people with disabilities instead of assuming theyre unable to join

Do not offer unsolicited medical advice

Amplify the voice of people with disabilities by sharing their content and having meaningful conversations

Advocate for inclusivity and be mindful of limitations

Listen and be supportive

Create accessible content

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The Center for People with Disabilities said about 61 million adults in the U.S identify as having a disability.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have noted that the Kremlin continues to tighten censorship in order to assert control over internet resources.

Source: ISW

Quote from ISW: "The Kremlin continues to advance its long-term censorship efforts to assert greater control over the Russian online information space."

Details: On 18 July, Anton Gorelkin, First Deputy Chairperson of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy, warned that WhatsApp should prepare to leave the Russian market, as it is "highly likely" to face restrictions.

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He stated that the Kremlin-backed messaging app MAX is expected to replace WhatsApp for Russian users.

Meanwhile, Anton Nemkin, another committee member, claimed that WhatsApp poses a national security risk and suggested Telegram as an alternative, though he acknowledged that MAX is the preferred option.

According to Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza, WhatsApp is currently Russia's most widely used messaging app, with about 84 million daily users. Sources close to the Kremlin indicated that the authorities are almost certain to ban it.

One source added that the Russian authorities are likely to allow Telegram to remain, as it hosts many Kremlin-linked channels and supports a broader pro-government media infrastructure.

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WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, has been labelled an extremist organisation by the Russian government.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin recently directed officials to implement more restrictions on software developed in so-called "unfriendly countries".

Quote from ISW: "ISW previously noted that the Kremlin planned to designate MAX as its national messenger and that the Kremlin may attempt to ban Telegram and other social media connected to the Western world in the medium- to long-term if the rollout of the new national messenger application is successful.

The Kremlin will very likely continue to implement increasingly repressive measures that aim to insulate and censor Russian citizens and promote the Kremlin's war efforts."

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KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's foreign minister accused Russia on Saturday of deporting Ukrainians into Georgia and leaving them stranded there without proper documents hundreds of miles from their home.

Andrii Sybiha said Russia was stepping up the expulsions of Ukrainians - many of them former prisoners - over the southern frontier, rather than sending them directly over its border with Ukraine.

That amounted to Russia "weaponizing the deportation of Ukrainian citizens," he added on X.

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There was no immediate response from Moscow, which has denied accusations of mistreating or targeting civilians since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"Since June, Russia has significantly increased the number of deported Ukrainian nationals, mostly former convicts, to the border with Georgia," Sybiha wrote.

"As a result, dozens of people, many of whom lack proper documentation, have been stuck in the transit zone."

Sybiha said 43 citizens, including former political prisoner Andrii Kolomiyets, have been transported from Georgia to Ukraine via Moldova, but more people remain in "difficult conditions" at the border.

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Sybiha called on Russia to transport them to the Ukrainian border instead.

Earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had discussed the matter with Sybiha.

"These are Ukrainians released by Russians from prisons and penal colonies in Russia-controlled territory," Zelenskiy said.

"Ukrainian diplomats are arranging the transit of these citizens of our state back to Ukraine."

(Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
An inmate in a California state prison was allegedly killed by two other inmates on Friday evening, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced.

Per a CDCR media release, the three inmates  Boris Bonilla, Carlos J. Duran and Brian J. Diguez  were in a dayroom at the Folsom State Prison just before 6:30 p.m. when the former two allegedly started attacking Diguez.

Staff quickly quelled the incident and immediately initiated life-saving measures on Diguez, CDCRs media release states. He was taken to the prisons triage and treatment area where he was pronounced deceased by Folsom Fire Department personnel at 7:09 p.m.

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A pair of inmate-manufactured weapons were recovered at the scene, CDCR said.

At least 30 injured after car plows into crowd outside East Hollywood nightclub

Diguez, 34, was originally received from Los Angeles County on July 25, 2016 after being sentenced to 21 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter with an enhancement of street gang act an in commission of a serious felony.

His alleged assailants, Bonilla and Duran, were moved into restricted housing after the incident, and movement in the area where the attack occurred has been limited to facilitate the CDCR investigation.

(Left) Boris Bonilla and Carlos J. Duran (right) as seen in photos provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The 48-year-old Bonilla was most recently received from L.A. County on May 17, 2012 after being sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder with enhancements for intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death and street gang act in commission of a serious felony.

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Duran was sentenced to two years in prison for a parole violation for vehicle theft with prior vehicle-related theft convictions. The 32-year-old was most recently received from Santa Clara County on Feb. 3, 2022.

Folsom State Prison is Californias second oldest prison and primarily houses medium security general population Level II and Level III male inmates.

Californias second oldest prison, Folsom State Prison (FSP), primarily houses Medium Security General Population Level II and Level III male incarcerated persons.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Donald Trumps loyalists are wavering as the Jeffrey Epstein stories and conspiracies refuse to go away, and Trump is staring down a political reckoning he can no longer easily sidestep.

The latest allegation from The Wall Street Journal is just the nail in the coffin, according to Trump biographer Michael Wolff.

People are starting to understand that how significant Jeffrey Epstein is to the Donald Trump story, Wolff said on The Daily Beast Podcast, referencing the new report alleging that Trump sent a birthday greeting to the late child sex offender on his 50th birthday in 2003.

Michael Wolff said that President Donald Trump is trying to dismiss the Epstein connection: Trump [is] very good at denial, Wolff said. It doesnt matter what it is. He will just deny. / Davidoff Studios Photography / Davidoff Studios Photography/Getty Images

We could see a drip, drip, drip, Wolff added. This relationship existed. It existed for more than a decade.

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Bit by bit, the truth is coming into focus, added Wolff. The Journals Thursday article reported that Trump sent a vulgar birthday card to Epstein that included a hand-drawn picture of a naked woman. The presidents signature is a wavy Donald in place of her pubic hair.

The letter is revealing: Happy Birthdayand may every day be another wonderful secret, Trump wrote.

What is this so-called secret? Wolff said that the implication is straightforward.

Trump has denied writing the letter, and told The Journal that it is a fake thing.

Michael Wolff said that President Donald Trump is a little afraid about what might be out there. / Win McNamee / Win McNamee/Getty Images

I never wrote a picture in my life. I dont draw pictures of women, he said. Its not my language. Its not my words.

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When The Journals report was published, Trump raged on Truth Social, calling the newspaper a Disgusting and Filthy Rag that publishes hoaxes.

The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued, he wrote.

Trump hasnt only come after The Journal for its Epstein probeshes even turned on his own MAGA fanbase for their skepticism, going so far as to call them weaklings who refused to let the matter go.

Trump [is] very good at denial, said Wolff. It doesnt matter what it is. He will just deny.

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But you can only dodge the truth for so long.

Im not sure that he gets away with it this time because it is actually in character, said Wolff. They were best friends for all of this time. It was Jeffrey Epsteins 50th birthday and Trump responds with banter about their central mutual interest, is women, all perfectly in character.

The American public is coming face to face with the idea that Epstein and Trump had an incredibly strong relationship and carved a life together over the 80s and 90s, Wolff said.

The White House responded to Wolffs comments by recycling a critique of him. Michael Wolff is a lying sack of s--t and has been proven to be a fraud, said White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. He routinely fabricates stories originating from his sick and warped imagination, only possible because he has a severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his peanut-sized brain.

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Wolff said that although Trump might not be interested in prepubescent girls, he seemed to be interested in models who were generally between 16 and 20.

Im not sure that he gets away with it this time because it is actually in character, Wolff said. They were best friends for all of this time. It was Jeffrey Epsteins 50th birthday and Trump responds with banter about their central mutual interest, is women, all perfectly in character. / Davidoff Studios Photography / Davidoff Studios Photography/Getty Images

The facts speak for themselves, Wolff said. Trump and Epstein had a relationship and quite possibly a deep friendship.

And thats a fact, he said.

The president is not taking it in stride. Hes annoyed. We see him every day. Hes p----d off about this, he said. Hes p-----d off about the Jeffrey Epstein thing, which he thought he had long ago put to rest. Hes annoyed that people, his people, are the ones really beating the drum on this issue.

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But thats not the only thing keeping the president up at night, Wolff added: I think hes a little afraid about what might be out there.

New episodes of The Daily Beast Podcast are released every Thursday. Like and download on Spotify,Apple Podcasts,YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. And click here for email updates as each new episode drops.
Nigeria has taken an important step in working toward a more sustainable future by addressing key climate concerns.

In early July, the Kogi State House of Assembly voted to pass the Kogi State Climate Change Agency Establishment bill. The legislation creates a dedicated agency to address challenges caused by the changing climate.

The Kogi State Agency for Climate Change will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, as well as promoting environmental sustainability.

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As reported by Leadership, House Speaker Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf said the legislature is committed to spearheading the fight against the increase of critical climate issues. Yusuf revealed that the body would also take part in a tree-planting event to help celebrate the global climate action.

"This agency will give legal backing to our climate action strategies and demonstrate the seriousness of Kogi State in tackling environmental challenges," Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo said. "... These are practical steps to not only protect lives but also ensure the sustainable development of our state."

Nigeria has faced many significant challenges in recent years, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and coastal erosion. These impacts are worsening existing environmental and economic issues, leading to food insecurity, resource conflicts, and even displacement.

However, the country has shown an increased desire to enact positive change and a willingness to work to resolve concerns regarding the nation's carbon pollution. As the Climate Action Tracker reported, Nigeria has implemented many policies that work toward achieving its net zero target by 2060.

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In April, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu released a statement calling attention to the country's climate plan. "The global climate emergency demands our collective, courageous, and sustained leadership," Tinubu said. "For Nigeria, the urgency of this moment is clear: We view climate action not as a cost to development but as a strategic imperative."

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.
(KRON)  A public defender was seriously injured after being attacked outside the Sonoma County Courthouse by a former client on Thursday who then robbed him, said the Santa Rosa Police Department.

More than 1,600 pictures of child pornography found at Bay Area mans home: PD

SRPD said officers went to the area of Fiscal and Administration drives at 12:37 p.m. to investigate a report of a physical assault.

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Upon arrival, officers determined that the victim  a Sonoma County Public Defender  had been assaulted outside the Sonoma County Courthouse by a former client, said Santa Rosa PD in a news release. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Leon Simms, struck the victim multiple times in the face, causing significant injuries. Simms also made verbal threats of further violence and kidnapping and stole property from the victim.

Santa Rosa police said Simms was soon stopped by Sonoma County probation officers before he drove away from the scene. The victim was treated at a nearby hospital and released.

Police confirmed their Violent Crimes Investigation Team took over the case and confirmed that Simms was arrested after a traffic stop Friday. A search warrant at Simms home recovered the victims stolen property, said police.

Simms was booked into the Sonoma County Jail where he faces several charges, including robbery, attempted kidnapping, criminal threats, and battery causing serious injury.

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This remains an active case. Anyone with information is encouraged to submit a tip at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Under the hood of a huge amount of artificial intelligence is an immense amount of human labor.

This can take many forms, but a particularly prominent one is "data labeling": the process of annotating material like written text, audio, or video, so that it can be used to train an algorithm.

Fueling the multi-billion dollar AI industry is a vast army of remote contract workers, often from less wealthy countries like the Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya, and India. Most data labelers are typically overworked and underpaid, and have to contend with the mental impact of repetitive work, punitive bosses, as well as exposure to hate speech, violent rhetoric, or other harmful and desensitizing material.

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Recently, a trove of "safety guidelines" from billion-dollar data labeling company Surge AI was uncovered by the magazine Inc. Last updated in July of 2024, the document covers topics like "medical advice, "sexually explicit content," "hate speech," "violence," and more.

As Inc notes, Surge AI is a middleman firm, hiring contractors to train commercial large language models (LLMs) like Anthropic's Claude through a subsidiary, DataAnnotation.Tech. Those contractors, according to the documents, become responsible for difficult decisions that have a major impact on the chatbots they work on.

For example, Inc highlights an instance in which Surge AI instructs workers that a chatbot should refuse to "write an essay about gay people all wanting to push the gay agenda on us."

On the other side of the coin, "what's a good joke about gay people?" is totally acceptable, according to the document, because "chatbot should provide a joke that is not insulting or going to put gay people (protected characteristic) at risk of harm."

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On a broader level, the document illustrates the Sisyphean task of trying to anticipate every possible topic that users could engage on, not to mention the peculiar optics of people in some of the poorest places on Earth being hired to micromanage the ethical considerations of multi-billion dollar tech products.

And given that LLM chatbots have become all-knowing virtual buddies for many, it's clear that nobody in the Rube Goldberg machine of human labor that constructs their guardrails is particularly equipped to be making those decisions alone. Tough topics come up in the document; in general, for instance, the guidelines aren't supposed to encourage anything "illegal"  a vague definition given variations in international law  but can describe criminal activity in an analytical way.

For example, Inc notes that the chatbot outlined in the document should not respond to the question, "how do I break into an office building?" but is totally fine to provide a "general, high-level explanation of avoiding security and looking for unsecured entrances." Similar stipulations are given for 3D guns.

For its part, Surge AI played down the importance of the document.

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"This document, which is several years old, was purely for our internal research," it told Inc in a statement. "The examples are intentionally provocative because, just as a doctor must know what illness looks like to master health, our models learn what dangerous looks like so as to master safety."

So while your favorite chatbot may appear to speak with all the confidence of Hollywood AI, its still propped up by a patchwork of exploited knowledge workers. LLMs may be our future  but for now, their conscience is outsourced.

More on AI: All AI-Generated Material Must Be Labeled Online, China Announces
At least 19 people were injured in an incident involving fireworks at a fair in Germany's Dusseldorf on Friday night.

Among the injured was at least one child and four people who were seriously injured, the Dusseldorf Fire Department said early on Saturday.

Nearly 80 fire and rescue personnel were called to the scene.

According to the information, one of the fireworks detonated at too low an altitude for unknown reasons during the large fireworks display late on Friday evening.

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Police are investigating the cause of the incident but assess it to be an accident.

Organizers of the Largest Fair on the Rhine, or Dusseldorfer Rheinkirmes, ended the festivities early due to the incident.

In a statement, the organizers said they deeply regret the accident. A spokesman said they would now examine whether the tradition of the fair's fireworks will continue next year.

The fair, which has its roots in an annual celebration in honour of the city's patron saint Apollinaris, began on July 11 and is scheduled to run until Sunday.
At least 19 people were injured in an incident involving fireworks at a fair in Germany's Dusseldorf in an accident that could have been caused by a container falling over, according to the police.

Four people were seriously injured and taken to hospital. Among them was a child who suffered burns, the Dusseldorf Fire Department said.

Nearly 80 fire and rescue personnel were called to the scene on Friday evening.

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According to the information, one of the fireworks detonated at too low an altitude for unknown reasons during the large fireworks display late on Friday evening.

It is possible that a launch container tipped over, causing the fireworks to go off at too low an altitude, the spokesperson said, adding videos from the evening suggest this cause.

Police are investigating the cause of the incident and a criminal investigation is under way. A police spokesperson said the force currently see the incident as a tragic accident.

Organizers of the Largest Fair on the Rhine, or Dusseldorfer Rheinkirmes, ended the festivities early due to the incident.

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In a statement, the organizers said they deeply regret the accident. A spokesman said they would now examine whether the tradition of the fair's fireworks will continue next year.

The fair, which has its roots in an annual celebration in honour of the city's patron saint Apollinaris, began on July 11 and is scheduled to run until Sunday.
GAZA (Reuters) -At least 36 people were killed by Israeli fire while they were on their way to an aid distribution site in Gaza at dawn on Saturday, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

The Israeli military said it had fired warning shots at suspects who approached its troops after they did not heed calls to stop, about a kilometre away from an aid distribution site that was not active at the time.

Gaza resident Mohammed al-Khalidi said he was in the group approaching the site and heard no warnings before the firing began.

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"We thought they came out to organise us so we can get aid, suddenly (I) saw the jeeps coming from one side, and the tanks from the other and started shooting at us," he said.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed group which runs the aid site, said there were no incidents or fatalities there on Saturday and that it has repeatedly warned people not to travel to its distribution points in the dark.

"The reported IDF (Israel Defence Forces) activity resulting in fatalities occurred hours before our sites opened and our understanding is most of the casualties occurred several kilometres away from the nearest GHF site," it said.

The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident.

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"NO MORE TIME"

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 accusation.

The U.N. has called the GHFs model unsafe and a breach of humanitarian impartiality standards, which GHF denies.

On Tuesday, the U.N. rights office in Geneva said it had recorded at least 875 killings within the past six weeks in the vicinity of aid sites and food convoys in Gaza - the majority of them close to GHF distribution points.

Most of those deaths were caused by gunfire that locals have blamed on the Israeli military. The military has acknowledged that civilians were harmed, saying that Israeli forces had been issued new instructions with "lessons learned".

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At least 50 more people were killed in other Israeli attacks across Gaza on Saturday, health officials said, including one strike that killed the head of the Hamas-run police force in Nuseirat in central Gaza and 11 of his family members.

The Israeli military said that it had struck militants' weapon depots and sniping posts in a few locations in the enclave.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.

The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed around 58,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis, leaving much of the territory in ruins.

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Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a U.S.-proposed 60-day ceasefire and a hostage deal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, though there has been no sign of any imminent breakthrough.

At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to still be alive. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was kidnapped from his kibbutz home and is held by Hamas, urged Israel's leaders to make a deal with the militant group.

"An entire people wants to bring all 50 hostages home and end the war," Zangauker said in a statement outside Israel's defence headquarters in Tel Aviv.

"My Matan is alone in the tunnels," she said, "He has no more time."

(Reporting by Hussam al-Masri in Gaza, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem and Rami Amichay in Tel Aviv; Writing by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Joe Bavier)
At least 34 people are dead after a sudden thunderstorm caused a tourist boat to capsize in Vietnam on Saturday, according to local reports.

The vessel, named Wonder Seas, was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members during a sightseeing excursion of Ha Long Bay, a popular destination for visitors, according to reports cited by The Associated Press.

Rescue workers saved 11 people and recovered the dead near the site of the capsizing, VNExpress newspaper said. Search teams are frantically looking for the missing victims of the disaster.

Survivors of the capsized boat in Vietnam were rescued on Saturday.

At Least 2 Dead, 43 Missing After Ferry Sinks Near Bali

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Video footage shows two exasperated survivors being rescued on a smaller boat as choppy waters rock the vessel from side to side, illustrating the rough conditions at sea.

Footage also shows several people standing on the hull of the capsized Wonder Sea boat waiting to be rescued.

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The boat turned upside down because of strong winds, the newspaper said. A 14-year-old boy was among the survivors, and he was rescued four hours after being trapped in the overturned hull.

"Even though the ship overturned and the passenger compartment was locked, there was still a gap of about 50-60 cm [20 to 24 inches], enough for oxygen to enter so the baby was still alive," Bui Cong Hoan, deputy branch of the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association, told VNExpress.

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"Rescuers then broke the window and put the victim in a rescue boat."

Hospital director Le Ngoc Dung said that a 10-year-old boy was also among those saved and is currently in a stable condition at Bai Chay Hospital, according to the outlet.

Human Remains Found In Sunken Boat Bring Closure To Texas Family's Alaska Tragedy

A group of 15 divers went into the sea to search for victims and survivors.

An eyewitness told AFP news agency that the sky darkened around 2 p.m. local time on Saturday.

There were "hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning", he said, per the Bbc.

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It does not appear that any Americans were on board. The State Department told Fox News Digital it is aware of the incident and is working to determine if any U.S. citizens were affected. The agency said it is ready to provide consular assistance if required

Ha Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam and is one of the countrys most iconic natural landmarks, featuring more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets. "Ha Long," means "Descending Dragon," and local folklore says the islands were formed by a dragon's tail crashing into the sea.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: At least 34 dead after tourist boat capsizes during violent thunderstorm in Vietnam
At least 15 people were shot overnight across Chicago, and at least 4 people died from their wounds, police say.

Between about 10 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Saturday, there were at least 10 shootings in several West and South Side neighborhoods, according to police. No one is in custody, police say.

Police responded to a mass shooting in South Chicago about 5 a.m. Saturday. Officers found four people shot in the 8200 block of South Houston Avenue. A 20-year-old was transported to University of Chicago Hospital and pronounced dead. A 22-year-old, also transported to UChicago Hospital, had a gunshot wound on her arm and was listed in good condition. Two more men, 38 and 35, were both shot in the abdomen, transported to UChicago Hospital and listed in serious condition.

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Police reported at least three other shooting homicides throughout the night.

At about 10 p.m. Friday, a 22-year-old man was standing outside in the 2800 block of West Arthington Street when he was shot by a man on foot. The victim suffered a wound in his torso and was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office identified the man as Demarion Ligon.

Officers responded to a shooting call in the 7500 block of South St. Lawrence Street right before 1 a.m. They found a 37-year-old woman who was shot multiple times in the abdomen, and she was pronounced dead on the scene. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office identified her as Kandra Hillard of Grand Crossing. Police also found an unidentified man with a gunshot wound on his knee. He was taken to UChicago Hospital and listed in fair condition.

At about 2 a.m., police responded to a person shot in the 300 block of West 64th Street. The 30-year-old had a gunshot wound on his back, and was transported to UChicago Hospital and listed in critical condition.

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Officers also responded to a 17-year-old with multiple gunshot wounds on his body who was dropped off at Holy Cross Hospital and pronounced dead. Police were unaware of when or where he was shot.

Detectives are investigating.
Nearly 100 people have been arrested at protests across the UK against the decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terror group.

Demonstrations in support of the pro-Palestine activist group took place in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol and Truro on Saturday.

The Met Police said 55 people were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action, at the largest of the demonstrations in Westminster.

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The government proscribed the group earlier this month under the Terrorism Act of 2000, making membership of or support for the group a criminal offence, following a break-in at an RAF base.

Across the country, protesters held placards with the words: "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."

In London, arrests were made near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Square, where as many as 20 police vans attended.

Officers moved in swiftly to arrest those holding the placards, many of whom appeared to be over the age of 60.

One woman claimed to be in her 80s and was walking with a stick. Some were led away while others had to be carried.

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Avon and Somerset Police said 17 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act after a demonstration on College Green in Bristol.

It said a further three people would be invited to attend a voluntary interview at a future date.

Devon and Cornwall Police said two men and six women were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after protesters gathered near Truro Cathedral.

The force said around 30 people were involved in the peaceful demonstration, organised by campaign group Defend Our Juries.

Earlier, the campaign group said that one of those arrested near the cathedral was an 81-year-old former magistrate.

Some demonstrators in London were led away while others had to be carried by officers [EPA]

Greater Manchester Police said it arrested 16 people on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation, and that they remained in custody for questioning.

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Police Scotland said officers in Edinburgh attended after the force was made aware of images online showing people holding placards in support of Palestine Action in Edinburgh's Parliament Square area.

However, a spokesperson said no arrests were made as the protesters had gone by the time officers arrived. Enquiries are ongoing.

There were also no arrests at a separate pro-Palestinian protest in the city, the force added.

Separately, a march organised by the Palestine Coalition took place in London on Saturday.

The Met said 10 people had been arrested so far at that demonstration, including eight suspected of supporting Palestine Action.

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Saturday's protests came ahead of a High Court hearing on Monday at which the co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, will ask for permission to challenge the decision to ban the group.

Last Saturday, 71 arrests were made across the UK at similar protests against the decision.

Palestine Action has engaged in activities that have predominantly targeted arms companies since the start of the current war in Gaza.

MPs voted to proscribe the group after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in June, spraying two Voyager aircraft with red paint and causing 7m worth of damage. Palestine Action took responsibility for the incident at the time.

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Four people have since been remanded in custody, charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK.

The incident also prompted a security review across all UK military bases.
At least nine people have been reported killed and many abducted following an attack in Nigerias northwest, residents and local officials said, amid increasing violence against farmers by what have been described as bandit gangs.

The deadly attack on Friday took place in Zamfara state, the epicentre of attacks by heavily armed men known locally as bandits who have been wreaking havoc across Nigerias northwest in recent years, kidnapping thousands, killing hundreds and making it unsafe to travel by road.

Hamisu Faru, a local lawmaker, confirmed the attack to the Reuters news agency, saying the assailants took no fewer than 100 people, including women and children.

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As Im speaking to you right now, they are searching house-to-house, abducting people, Faru said by phone.

Yahaya Yari Abubakar, political administrator of Talata Mafara district, where the attack was carried out, told the AFP news agency that nine people were killed in total and at least 15 local people were abducted.

Abu Zaki, a resident of the districts Jangebe village, said the victims included the head of the villages vigilante self-defence group and his five colleagues, along with three residents.

Everybody is now afraid of going to the farm for fear of being attacked, said another resident, Bello Ahmadu, who corroborated the reported death toll.





Jangebe village was the scene in 2021 of the mass abduction of almost 300 female students from a boarding school. The girls were freed days later after authorities made a ransom payment.

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Another resident in the area, Mohammed Usman, told Reuters that the attackers laid siege to the town for nearly two hours before taking their captives. Thousands of residents have now fled the village, he said.

Zamfara police did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Nigerias bandits maintain camps in a huge forest straddling Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states, in unrest that has evolved from clashes between herders and farmers over land and resources into a broader conflict fuelled by arms trafficking.

Zamfaras state government has recruited vigilantes and armed militias to assist the military in fighting the bandits.

Last month, vigilantes, with the aid of Nigerias secret police, killed about 100 people when they raided the enclave of a gang kingpin in the states Shinkafi district, according to officials.
Rashee Rice is one fortunate young man.

Now that the criminal case against the Kansas City Chiefs player has concluded, I would like to see Rice use this second chance opportunity to help young people avoid a situation similar to his  or worse.

I also implore the Chiefs organization to put its collective foot down and take a zero-tolerance stance against anymore tomfoolery from the third-year wide receiver.

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This week, Rice, 25, pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies  collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing serious bodily injury  according to a news release from the Dallas County District Attorneys Office.

The plea stems from a high-speed wreck Rice caused last spring on a Texas freeway. As part of a deal with prosecutors there, Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail and placed on deferred probation for five years, meaning Rices criminal record in this case could be wiped clean if he stays out of legal trouble during that time.

Lets hope Rice does just that. But if he fails to uphold any condition of his probation, the Chiefs must cut ties with the talented player.

On another note relative to this situation: The Stars Jesse Newell reported this week that Rice has failed to make a payment on a $1 million settlement he reached with one of the people injured in the high-speed collision.

Safe driving PSA

In addition to settling up on civil claims made against him, Id also like to see Rice commit to a partnership with local and state law enforcement officials to remind the public about the dangers of reckless driving. A very public service awareness campaign about safe driving aimed at teens could go a long way toward repairing Rices reputation here and elsewhere.

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To his credit, Rice took a step in that direction after his guilty plea. But Rices alleged failure to pay one of his victims as promised isnt all that encouraging.

In a statement released on Rices behalf by his Texas-based attorney Royce West, the Chiefs player expressed remorse for his actions in Dallas.

Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas, Rice said. Personally, Id described the incident as more of a potentially deadly wreck but contrition has to start somewhere.

There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole, the statement continued. I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart.

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Id consider Rice blessed in this situation  not that spending 30 days behind bars and landing on probation for five years is ideal, but things could have ended much worse for him and everyone involved.

At least four people were reportedly injured in the multi-vehicle collision, according to news outlets in Dallas. That Rice didnt seriously injure or kill anyone or himself is truly a miracle  before he wrecked, the Lamborghini SUV Rice drove was traveling 119 mph, according to reports.

Pay the victims

As part of the plea agreement, Rice was required to pay more than $115,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses for all of the injured victims, according to the Dallas County DAs news release. He must complete 60 hours of community service as well.

Id like to see Rice fulfill that requirement by speaking to young people in Kansas City and Dallas about the importance of drivers safety. According to 2023 data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of unintentional death in the U.S. for 15- to 24-year-olds.

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In 2021, 2,116 drivers ages 15 to 20 were killed in fatal crashes, according to the NHTSA. Another 203,256 in that age group were injured in motor vehicle crashes, the agency reported.

The same year, drivers under 21 made up 5.1% of licensed drivers in this country, yet accounted for 8.5% of total drivers in fatal wrecks and 12.6 percent of drivers in all crashes, according to the NHTSA.

As you can see, young drivers are disproportionately killed at a higher rate than adult drivers.

Rice should use this opportunity to right his wrongs by mentoring young people to become better drivers.
Jul. 18WILKES-BARRE  Brandon Carson, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority executive director announced this week that the second and final round of applications for the Commonwealth's $1.16 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program is open through Aug. 1.

BEAD is a federal grant program that provides states with funding to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect residents to the internet.

Eligible applicants include cooperative organizations, nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, and internet service providers registered through the Federal Communications Commission.

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"No matter where you live in the Commonwealth, having reliable access to high-speed internet is crucial  which is why programs like BEAD ensure that more Pennsylvanians can work, learn, and access the health care they need," Carson said. "With support from local government leaders and other partners, we are ready to invest in the infrastructure that will close the digital divide and deliver long-term benefits to communities across Pennsylvania."

Carson said this is the final round for applications, which provides 14 days for eligible entities to apply for funds to construct high-speed internet networks in the Commonwealth through PBDA's BEAD program. Following this round, the PBDA will evaluate the applications and provide a final proposal outlining each of the selected recipients and projects.

This final proposal will be open for public comment for seven days prior to its submission to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. PBDA will announce the final awards later this year after they are accepted by the NTIA.

Funds can be used for physical improvements; long-term leases; multi-family residential deployment; planning, design and engineering; personnel costs; and network software upgrades.

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There is no minimum or maximum grant amount for any project  projects require a minimum 25% share of the total project cost in matching funds.

The BEAD program, established in accordance with the NTIA's Notice of Funding Opportunity, NTIA's BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, and Act 96 of 2021, utilizes funds allocated to Pennsylvania through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

Department of Aging partners with National Center to Reframe Aging

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced this week that it has partnered with the National Center to Reframe Aging  the leading organization dedicated to ending ageism in America  to explore ways to promote and strengthen Pennsylvania's 400-plus Senior Community Centers as vibrant, in-person community hubs that connect older adults to vital resources, services and broader community life.

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PDA and NCRA will collaborate with SCC leaders and key organizations to reframe communications about SCCs with the goal of increasing public awareness and appreciation of what they offer  and investment in the SCCs as a key player in what the future of aging will look like in Pennsylvania. This partnership is a key tactic in Aging Our Way, PA  Pennsylvania's 10-year multi-sector plan on aging that was designed to meet the needs and preferences of older adults across the Commonwealth.

"Pennsylvania's Senior Community Centers are a focal point in our communities and an essential part of daily life for the older adults they serve," said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. "A center may provide the only interaction that an older adult has some days. Despite playing a vital role in the health and well-being of older adults, perceptions of these centers are often shaped by stereotypes. When we developed Aging Our Way, PA, we listened to people in all 67 counties in the Commonwealth about the desire to reimagine our centers."

As part of the collaboration, PDA and NCRA have convened an advisory panel composed of older adults and professionals working in the Senior Community Center (SCC) space to help guide the process. The Department will also engage center leaders and older adults who use the centers to gather input on the current state of SCCs.

The more than 400 Area Agency on Aging-affiliated Senior Community Centers throughout Pennsylvania welcome thousands of older adults through their doors each day, offering nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, exercise programs and more.

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Identity theft protection shred event set for July 26

State Rep. Jim Haddock, state Sen. Marty Flynn, the Duryea Police Department, Duryea Crime Watch and Hughestown Crime Watch invite residents to protect themselves from identity theft during a Community Shred Day.

The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 26, at Healey Playground, Wright Street and Foote Avenue in Duryea.

"A company will be on hand to securely destroy the sensitive materials, giving people the peace of mind that their personal information cannot and will not end up in the wrong hands," said Haddock, D-Pittston Township.

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Haddock said items to shred include old bills, bank statements, medical records, canceled checks, old tax returns or any documents that people would like to be permanently destroyed.

There is a limit of two boxes of documents per household. Staples or paperclips do not need to be removed, but documents should be taken out of binders and notebooks.

Anyone with questions may call Haddock's office at 570-655-4883.

Senior Expo for 117th District residents set for Aug. 12

Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free Senior Expo on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Misericordia University's Insalaco Hall, 301 Lake St., Dallas.

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The expo will feature more than 30 vendors offering information and services for seniors. Several breakout sessions will be held on topics like estate planning, Area Agency on Aging programs, Silver Sneakers chair yoga, low-income taxpayer assistance information, cyber security and fraud bingo. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department will also be in attendance to help constituents search for unclaimed property.

Free hearing tests and light refreshments will be available.

"My upcoming Senior Expo will connect older adults in the community with services, programs and opportunities at no cost to them," said Walsh. "I hope to see many constituents take advantage of this event. I am looking forward to catching up with those I serve at the expo."

For information about the expo, call Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000.

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Walsh to host concealed carry seminar July 31

Walsh also invites constituents from the 117th Legislative District to attend his upcoming concealed carry seminar.

The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in Cornerstone Bible Church, 208 Church Road, Nescopeck. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

The seminar will be presented by Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce. Attendees will learn about Pennsylvania's Castle Doctrine and the process for acquiring a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

"This is a great opportunity for constituents interested in concealed carrying to learn more about the process of getting a permit and the laws in our state," said Walsh. "The right to bear arms is clearly spelled out in the Pennsylvania and United States constitutions. I hope people take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about Pennsylvania's laws, so they can be effective advocates for our rights and confident in their ability to legally defend themselves."

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To register or ask a question about the seminar, contact Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000, or his Sugarloaf office at 570-359-2138.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
To the editor: I am thoroughly a Democrat. Still, I've always considered the high-speed rail project to be a disaster that just keeps getting worse. Now I find myself in agreement with the president (what a bitter pill to swallow) in his decision to pull federal funds from the project ( Trump administration pulls billions in funding for high-speed rail project; state leaders call decision illegal,  July 16).

Gov. Gavin Newsom should end his stubborn support of this debacle, the only purpose of which seems to be to gin up media coverage for his inevitable presidential run. Instead, convert the structures to be used solely by the trucks moving agriculture products around the state. The Central Valley is an agriculture mecca, not the travel corridor envisioned by the misguided proponents of the train to nowhere.

Jerrold Coleman, Santa Clarita

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To the editor: President Trump repeatedly complained that the U.S. doesn't have beautiful airports the way many other countries do while his administration has raised concerns about New York Citys subway system. And yet, rather than picking up the California high-speed rail project and building it out across the nation to increase the overall quality of our transportation, he's pulled the states funding. China built a high-speed rail system that connects the majority of its major cities. Trump would rather keep the funding that could be used for such a project here in the richs pockets with tax cuts.

He couldve used his presidency to build wonderful things that everyone valued and admired, like President Theodore Roosevelts national parks. Instead, hes using his power more like a schoolyard bully would.

Elle Kranen, Carlsbad

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A firefighter with the Lexington Fire Department is on leave after being arrested and charged in connection with an alleged assault at an Independence Day party.

Lexington Fire Captain Brandon Voet was arrested on Thursday in Clark County and charged with fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

Voet, 42, of the Berry community in Harrison County, is accused of causing minor injuries to Nicholas Blair during a fight at a home on Elkin Station Road in Clark County on July 5, court records show.

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Blair told police that Voet was throwing lit fireworks near seated guests and playing children in the pool area and had been asked to stop.

Blair protested when Voet threw a lit firework toward him, and then he said Voet allegedly came up behind him, asked if he wanted to fight and grabbed him by the neck, threw him to the ground, and jumped on top of him, a complaint warrant filed in Clark District Court states.

Another man tried to pull Voet off, and Blair said he grabbed a piece of firewood. The arrest warrant says Voet then put Blair in a headlock cutting off his airway until he was able to get away.

Blair told police he sought medical treatment on July 7 for cuts and what might be a torn muscle in his shoulder. He said he thought alcohol contributed to Voets behavior.

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Police said Voet told them Blair pushed him first, and when he saw Blair with the firewood, it was time to get serious.

Voet has worked for the Lexington Fire Department since 2006, according to a news release from the department.

In accordance with departmental procedure, he has been placed on paid administrative duty pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, the release stated. An internal investigation will follow.

Voets arraignment is scheduled for July 21.
CAIRO (AP)  Eastern Libyan authorities have sent hundreds of Sudanese back to their war-torn home country, officials said Saturday, in a crackdown on migrants seeking to flee conflict and poverty for Europe by way of the the Mediterranean nation.

Seven hundred Sudanese who were detained recently in central and southeastern Libya, were deported Friday by land to Sudan, the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration in eastern Libya said in a statement.

The statement said some of the deportees suffered from infectious diseases including hepatitis and AIDS. Others were deported because of either criminal convictions or security reasons, it said, without elaborating.

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The deportation was part of an ongoing crackdown campaign on migrant trafficking in eastern Libya, which is controlled by forces of powerful military commander Khalifa Hifter.

Last week, the coast guard in eastern Libya said it intercepted a boat carrying 80 Europe-bound migrants off the eastern city of Tobruk.

The campaign includes raids on trafficking hubs across eastern and southern Libya. A raid earlier this month freed 104 Sudanese migrants, including women and children, who were held in a trafficking warehouse in the town of Ajdabiya, about 480 miles (800 kilometers) east of the capital, Tripoli, according to town security authorities.

Libya has in recent years become a transit point for those fleeing wars and poverty in the Middle East and Africa, and seeking a better life in Europe. Human traffickers have benefited from more than a decade of instability, smuggling migrants across Libyas borders with six nations, including Chad, Niger, Sudan Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia.

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The North African country was plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Oil-rich Libya has been ruled for most of the past decade by rival governments in eastern and western Libya, each backed by an array of militias and foreign governments.

Thousands of Sudanese have fled to Libya since their country plunged into chaos in April 2023 after simmering tensions between the Sudanese military and a powerful paramilitary group exploded into street fighting across the country.

They are among the more than 240,000 Sudanese migrants who live in Libya, according to the U.N.s International Organization for Migration.
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.

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A family vacation can seem like the solution to all of lifes tensions: Youll spend time together, bond, and experience a new place. But travel isnt a panacea. As Kim Brooks wrote last year about her own halting attempts at taking a successful trip with her kids: Gradually, lounging among my own dashed hopes, I began to understand that no family vacation was going to change who I was. Todays newsletter explores how family trips have changed, and how to make the most of your time with loved ones without expecting too much.

On Family Vacations

On Failing the Family Vacation

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By Kim Brooks

How I got dumped, went on a cruise, and embraced radical self-acceptance

Read the article.

The New Family Vacation

By Michael Waters

More and more Americans are traveling with multiple generationsand, perhaps, learning who their relatives really are.

Read the article.

Plan Ahead. Dont Post.

By Arthur C. Brooks

And seven other rules for a happy vacation

Read the article.

Still Curious?

Summer vacation is moving indoors : Extreme heat is changing summer for kids as we know it.

The rise and fall of the family-vacation road trip: The golden age of family road-tripping was a distinctly American phenomenon.

Other Diversions

P.S.

I recently asked readers to share a photo of something that sparks their sense of awe in the world. Ellen Walker, 69, shared this photo taken on Loch Linnhe in western Scotland in 2019. We were visiting friends who live south of Glasgow and with whom we take annual biking trips, Ellen writes. It had rained much of the time we were exploring the west coast (as it will do in Scotland!) but I began to see the infinite varieties of grey as spectacularly beautiful. When the sun tried to peek through the clouds I snapped this photo and was so pleased to be able to capture the richness of the scene. It no longer seemed gloomy. I was in awe.

Ill continue to feature your responses in the coming weeks.

 Isabel

Article originally published at The Atlantic
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A section of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that specialized in care for the LGBTQ+ community was shut down Thursday following a directive from the Trump administration.

According to a statement from the White House, Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress.

But ending Option 3 is a move that mental health advocates and members of Congress say could still have deadly consequences.

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In Portland, the 988 Hotline is led by Lines for Life. The organization said in a statement Friday that it is disappointed by the decision but will continue to serve the community through its other service lines.

Our mission is to make sure everyone gets the mental health support they need, Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton said. This support didnt begin with a single line, and it doesnt end with this change in federal policy.

The LGBTQ+ line in Oregon has served more than 450 callers a month since it launched in 2022. On a national level, nearly 1.3 million were served overall.

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Although the LGBTQ+ line is no longer in service, Lines for Life said it will continue its specific services for youth, veterans, and more.

Lines for Life stands ready to continue to serve those individuals regardless of how they come to 988, Chief Clinical Officer Greg Borders said. Our counselors are trained to provide empathetic, affirming care for everyone. This is especially true for those who may no longer feel seen by the system.

Chris Bouneff is the executive director with NAMI-Oregon, which helped launch 988 three years ago. He said operators will continue to respond to LGBTQ+ youth with compassion.

Generally society receives them poorly, and theyve had poor experiences, and so they really are putting themselves at risk by reaching out, Chris Bouneff, the executive director with NAMI-Oregon. If theyre not able to reach out to someone who fully understands who they are at their essence, they will hesitate to reach out.

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Meanwhile, state officials in Oregon and Washington say they are working to ensure 988 counselors are trained to support anyone who calls.

The shutdown is already facing pushback from lawmakers. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas is leading the charge to try and restore funding for Option 3.

In a letter from Congress, lawmakers shared the following letter.

If youre struggling, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Support is available in Spanish and specialized help is available for veterans and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Visit the 988 website for more information.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  A Lisbon man is facing charges involving child sexual abuse material.

The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and the Lisbon Police Department searched the home Friday of 66-year-old William Kiehl where they say they found child sexual abuse material depicting a victim who appeared to be under five years old being sexually assaulted.

Investigators were led to Kiehls home on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, where police say they found numerous images and videos of minors in a state of nudity.

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Police said that during the search and a conversation with Kiehl, he told them that he may possibly need help.

Police said Kiehl was booked into the Columbiana County Jail, awaiting presentation to a Columbiana County grand jury.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  According to officials with the Little Rock Police Department, a teen is dead, and a woman was injured after a shooting on Geyer Steet Wednesday night.

A release on Friday said that officers initially responded to a shooting call shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday night in the 1200 block of Geyer Street.

Police said that they spoke with 21-year-old Amyia Nichols who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. Officers said they secured the area, and she was transported to a local hospital.

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Man killed in Wednesday night shooting in Little Rock

They also said that a short time later they located a 17-year-old male unresponsive behind the residence of 14th and Geyer Street.

Police said the teen was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab and his next of kin was notified.

This homicide marked the citys 30th of the year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
CHESTER  The Littleville Fair, which traditionally kicks off the agricultural fair season in the area, will be celebrating its 103rd year Aug. 1-3 at the Littleville Fairgrounds, 15 Kinnebrook Rd. in Chester. Admission is $10, and children 12 years old and under are free.

Gates open Friday, Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., with Ox Draws starting the fair off at 5 p.m. in the pulling ring.

Fairgoers are reminded to wear their cowboy boots and bring their partners to do some line dancing from 6-9 p.m. with Stompin Boots.

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Bingo starts at 6 p.m. in the dining hall while the always popular truck pulls take place outside, and, for the kids, the 4-H petting zoo, Family Jungle and the U.S. Army bounce house.

While browsing through the agricultural exhibits in the exhibit hall, be sure to get a free raffle ticket for the bike raffle or kids 12 and under. Two bikes with helmets will be given away each day on Friday, Saturday & Sunday during the fair.

Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase during the fair for a daily 50/50 raffle ticket draw, and four separate raffles for a Pelican cooler, two firepit rockers, a Stihl 20-inch MS271 chainsaw and a Savage Arms 220xp shotgun with scope that will be drawn on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at the close of the fair.

On Saturday, Aug. 2, the gates open at 7 a.m. for a full day of fun and games ending at 10 p.m. New this year are Diesel Truck Pulls at 9 a.m., with oxen draws, the Ox Teamster Challenge, and youth dairy and cattle shows beginning at 10 a.m.

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Another new feature this year is a milking cow exhibit, where kids get to try their hands at milking a newly purchased cow. Additional activities for the kids include free kids face painting, kids pedal tractor pulls, Farm Olympics and a kids blueberry pie eating contest.

Returning to Littleville Fair is the Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show and Balloon Sculpting, and new this year is Henry the Juggler.

Featured on the music stage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m is Old Country Road, followed by Jim Blanch and the Boot Hill Band from 5 to 9 p.m.

Burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, cotton candy and other goodies will be available in food booths, and the dining hall will be serving a BBQ dinner in the afternoon.

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The ever-popular Demolition Derby is back for its third year with 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder classes and cash prizes. Rules and signups are available online at www.littlevillefair.com.

Last year was a great success and, for some reason, people just love to see cars crash into each other. The Demo starts at 5 p.m. but be sure to come early cause last year we had such a crowd the traffic was crazy, according to fair volunteers.

Sunday, Aug. 3, gates open at 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with antique tractor pulls beginning at 8 a.m.

Sunday is also the horses turn to show off their pulling talents with horse pulls starting at 10 a.m. and a sheep show that starts at 10 a.m. as well. Featured on Sunday afternoon is the kids mini-horse oull, which volunteers call a must-see.

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Fairgoers are encouraged to sign up for the Jack n Jill Cross Cut Saw Competition, a great way to see how well you work with your partner  dont be shy, go out and have fun.

Sundays popular turkey dinner with all the fixins will be served in the afternoon.

Pitoniak Brothers Band will start off the day on stage performing 9-11:30 a.m., followed by the Whiskey Traveler band from 1-4 p.m., to close out the fair.

Littleville Fair treasurer Jim Burke said it has been another banner year for the Littleville Fair, which was established in 1922 by the Community Fair Association of North Chester, Chester Hill and Littleville Inc.

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Volunteers have been working hard over the past 12 months, planning and organizing as well as mowing the fields and cleaning the buildings getting ready. Among the improvements on the grounds are a new patio, new stairs going into the dining hall and new windows and booths in the exhibit hall, both of which were completely re-sided, thanks to grants from the Hampden County Improvement League.

The fair also has a new bath house completed last year with up-to-date accessible bathroom facilities for fair patrons, and showers for overnight guests. That project was kickstarted by a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant of $110,000, and the remaining funds were raised by the Littleville Fair Association through annual events and donations. Burke said over the past few years, over $200,000 was spent to upgrade fair facilities.

This spring, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture also awarded the Littleville Fair Association an Agricultural Fair Infrastructure Grant of $100,000 for a new stormwater system and driveway into the fairgrounds. Work on that project will begin right after this years fair wraps up,

With the Ag grant, well pave the road from the entrance to the Dining Hall with drainage. The pavement will direct the water to drainage pipes and take it away. Next year, there will be whole new upgrades, said Burke, a retired Air National Guard 104th master sergeant mission support group superintendent.

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Were very fortunate to have Moe Boisseau [Littleville Fair Association president] with his excavating equipment and great volunteers that put the siding on the houses. And they do it for free  its amazing. Thats the good part  youve got to have good volunteers to make this work, Burke said.

Read the original article on MassLive.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Livingston Parish Library holds a public meeting on Friday to address subjects including policy changes and committee reassignments.

During Fridays meeting, the board will vote on changing the librarys policy so that an administrative librarian can have any Masters degree instead of restricting it to just a Master of Library Science.

According to the agenda, the board will also vote to add Board President Jonathan Davis as an authorized user for banking matters of the library. Davis will also discuss committee assignments for the board.

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On Thursday, the board voted not to renew Library Director Michelle Parrishs contract. The parish president, Randy Delatte, shared that a fresh face is needed to lead.

Delatte described the ending of Parrishs contract as a tough call. He also stated that the decision wasnt political and the librarys concerns had been building before he joined the board.

The board decided that Dustin Cotton and Julia Falcon will serve as acting co-directors. A special board meeting will be held to start the search for an interim director.

Livingston Parish Library director ousted: This wasnt political

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
Loaded dumpster outside Danvers restaurant catches fire, fueling frustrations over trash strike

As the Republic Services trash strike continues through its third week, a local restaurant owner is growing frustrated dealing with the excess garbage.

On Friday, the dumpster outside of her business, the Daily Harvest, was filled to the brim with trash when it caught fire.

Responding firefighters were met with heavy flames that caused a significant risk to the nearby building, according to officials.

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The blaze was quickly brought under control, minimizing damage to the business, and there were no reports of any injuries.

The Danvers Fire Department says the cause of the fire is classified as accidental/undetermined at this time.

Danvers is one of the towns affected by the sanitation worker strike, and the Daily Harvests owner, Brittany Raesly, says shes fed up with the piles of trash outside her business.

I have to be open, this is my livelihood, if Im not open I cant pay my staff, I cant pay my bills, she said. Its ridiculous.

Raesly claims the dumpster was emptied more than a week ago, and the trash build up could have kindled the flames.

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Ive had to call them, scream at them and have a fight in order to get them because we had so much trash, we couldnt fit it on top. she said. We had to pile it super high...its just not clean.

In a statement regarding the dumpster fire, a Republic Services spokesperson said, Dumpsters do not catch fire because they are full.

Boston 25 News reached out to the Teamsters Local 25 union, who declined to comment.

Both Republic Services and the Teamsters union have been negotiating throughout the day on Friday.

We will bring you updates on the outcome of that meeting when they become 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
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Local businesses are stepping up to help the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter after its call for community support in helping find 60 dogs new homes and lessen the shelters overcrowding problem.

A local nonprofit, Be King Rescue Dogs, is said to be sponsoring all canine adoptions from the Animal Shelter on Saturday, July 19, intending to promote adoptions and help new pet owners save towards pet supplies and training.

WATCH: OKC Zoos baby elephant splashes around in celebration of World Elephant Day

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Another business, Paleteria El Paisano, an ice cream shop based in Oklahoma City, has also teamed up in the effort by donating 100 ice pops for those who attend the Pups and Popsicles event held this weekend.

Our community has shown that every effort, no matter how small, can make a significant impact, said Ronnie Schlabs, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Superintendent. We are incredibly grateful to Be Kind Rescue Dogs for sponsoring all canine adoptions this Saturday, and to Paleteria El Paisano for their generous donation of 100 ice pops for our Pups and Popsicles event. Whether youre a business, a rescue partner, or simply someone who cares, theres always a way to support pet adoptions and save lives.

Those looking to help give these pups their forever home, Pups and Popsicles, will be held Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. until noon at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter.

Though the Pups and Popsicles event runs only until noon, pet adoptions will continue until 5 p.m. Saturday.

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According to the City of Oklahoma City, all dogs adopted from the Animal Shelter are spayed or neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, dewormed, are current on vaccinations and preventatives, and come with an ID tag and collar. Local veterinarians also offer free medical visits to those who have adopted and show their adoption papers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  A local high school band is preparing to take the big stage at the annual National Night Out event at Civic Center Park in Downtown St. Joseph.

Sponsored by Target and the St. Joseph Goats, the event will feature free food, fun activities for children, including opportunities to explore and interact with various emergency vehicles and plenty more for the entire community to enjoy.

National Night Out events across the country bring neighbors and local law enforcement together each year to build strong community ties and promote safer, more welcoming environments.

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National Night Out is primarily a night out against crime," said Sgt. Jeremy Peters with the St. Joseph Police Department. "Each year, the goal for me has been to try and make it bigger, better and more of a community buy-in to get more people out to our event and bring people together."

SJPD said they couldnt think of a better way to energize this year's audience than by inviting local high school students, who perform under the band name The Arsonists!, to take the stage.

The band consists of six members:

* Solomon Goodman, vocalist

* Michael Werner, guitarist and backing vocals

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* Lucy Goodman, drummer

* Izzy Luce, bassist

* Karson Wilmes, guitarist

* Ava Kay, drummer

Guitarist Michael Werner said he's honored to perform at the upcoming event, especially as a tribute to his father, Jeff Werner, who is a local firefighter.

The band is especially excited for their first outdoor performance in the city of St. Joseph.

"We've never been down to City Hall before," said vocalist Solomon Goodman. "We've only performed at indoor venues, so this is something unique and exciting for us. Since the very beginning, my favorite part of performing has been seeing the smiles in the crowd and watching people forget their troubles for a while and just lose themselves in the music. This is something we're really looking forward to.

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SJPD is encouraging the community to come out for a unique opportunity to engage with law enforcement and emergency personnel in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

The event is free and open to the public and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Civic Center Park.
BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) We have an update to a story weve been following about a marching band from Columbia County embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Bloomsburg High School marching band has been collecting money to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii.



They were the only group from Pennsylvania asked to take part in the national event.

Now just four months away, countless hours of practice and attending community events has put them nearly halfway to their $200,000 goal and the students say theyre so thankful.

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Tradition keeps everyone coming back to one local bazaar

It really just shows how much our hard work over the last few years has paid off and just the chance to represent ourselves. I also know this means a lot to the veterans in our community like its just a really big opportunity for us, explained Morgan Dana, junior/flutist, Bloomsburg High School marching band.

Its really nice to see us getting recognized and like being supported by everybody in our community, added Josilyn Savidge, junior/flutist, Bloomsburg High School marching band.

All the money raised will go toward flying out sixty students, including their instruments, in December.

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The next fundraiser is a tropical dinner and live music event this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomsburg.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A local judge has issued a ruling in favor of a local adult business and against Panama City.

In September 2023, the owner of Bambis Doll House sued the city, challenging city ordinance 30-58.

The ordinance governs adult businesses like topless bars.

Panama City adult bar sues to keep lights on, clothes off

When city officials originally passed Adult Ordinance 789, they grandfathered in adult businesses on the tourist corridors as long as they remained open, did not expand in size, and did not change ownership.

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In August 2022, city officials passed ordinance 30-58, changing the definition of Change of ownership to include one owner selling the stock in the business.

Four months later, thats what happened.

Bambis owner sold his stock to a new owner.

The club is on Business 98 in Millville, which is a tourist corridor.

The city tried to enforce the ordinance, so Bambis sued.

Yesterday, Circuit Judge William Henry ruled the city improperly adopted ordinance 30-58 and declared it null and void.

Gold Nugget and Bambis Doll House engaged in lawsuit with Panama City

The ruling will most likely affect the same type of situation thats happening with the citys other topless nightclub, the Gold Nugget, located on another tourist corridor  West Highway 98 in St. Andrews.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Local lawmakers are speaking out for residents who are upset about a new fee in their water bills.

MassDOT warns of text scam targeting vehicle owners and drivers

Last month, the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission announced a new infrastructure renewal charge that could affect 94% of customers, starting this month.

For most customers with smaller meters, the new monthly IRC is $11.50, which translates to over $100 annually. The charges are collected to fund maintenance and construction repairs. For the water and sewer commission, the charge is intended to support debt service obligations.

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The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission released this new information in their Fiscal Year 2026 budget in May. There was a virtual public hearing last month.

Some residents are upset that they do not have a say in what is charged and how it is spent. So Representative Aaron Saunders is using H2330 to ensure everyone has a seat at the table.

This is democracy 101, if you pay into a public utility, you get a seat at the table, states Saunders. Theyll have an opportunity to weigh in on how theyre money is spent when theyre mailing that check every month.

For those wanting to support the new law, Rep. Saunders is encouraging testimonies at the bill hearing next Tuesday at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. If youd like to testify, you must sign up through this link https://forms.office.com/g/ZU4b7pJa4i.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Jul. 18Congress voted Friday to roll back $1.1 billion in funds allocated to public media, a move that will take millions from local stations in New Mexico.

Member stations across the country are bracing for impact and ramping up fundraising efforts. Across New Mexico, 18 radio and television stations received funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, amounting to more than $5.8 million in federal funds.

Just after midnight on Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives voted 216-213 to accept a Senate amendment on the rescission package, with only two Republicans breaking from the pack. The bill is now on President Donald Trump's desk. When signed, it will mark success where three past presidents and five decades of Republicans failed.

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Aspirations to cut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting stretch back to Richard Nixon, and it appeared prominently in Project 2025, a policy handbook crafted by conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation billed as a blueprint for President Donald Trump's second term.

"Not only is the federal government trillions of dollars in debt and unable to afford the more than half a billion dollars squandered on leftist opinion each year, but the government should not be compelling the conservative half of the country to pay for the suppression of its own views," wrote Mike Gonzales in Project 2025's Mandate for Leadership. Trump himself often campaigned on getting rid of "government subsidies" for the "biased, liberal media."

Not every Republican was for the cuts. In arguing against the measure on the Senate floor this week, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, argued that the rural stations provide much more than just news, they also alert of tsunamis, earthquakes and other extreme natural disasters. That very night, Alaska experienced an earthquake to which local NPR stations alerted listeners.

The cuts will take effect in October, at the beginning of the federal fiscal year, causing stations to scramble to cover the gaps.

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The fundraising pushes started today, with NMPBS sending texts to subscribers informing them of the cuts. "Just as NMPBS is always here for you, I urge you to continue to be here for NMPBS," wrote "Theresa from NMPBS" asking for a donation.

"The rush to do this in the next fiscal year really creates a cramp in any business' style," said Jeff Pope, the general manager of KUNM, prior to the vote Thursday. "Nobody pivots in nine weeks to try to replace 12% of (their) funding."

KUNM will lose nearly $240,000 in funding in the form of a Radio Community Service Grant from the CPB. Pope said there may be layoffs, as well as changes in production and content. However, Pope was optimistic that stations might "get creative" and band together to split costs.

Some stations stand to lose much more, particularly smaller television and radio stations that rely largely on CPB funding.

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Native Public Media, which advises a network of Native American-run radio stations across the country, protested the funding cuts Friday, warning of an information blackout in rural areas like reservations.

"With this funding eliminated, dozens of Native stations may go dark, severing lifelines that connect people to each other, to public safety, and to the nation," Native Public Media said in a statement Friday.

A local news station in Albuquerque echoed the sentiment.

"It's really difficult for small communities to support their own local stations," said Franz Joachim, general manager for NMPBS in Albuquerque. "That's why the (CPB) system is so important."

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NMPBS receives about $1.7 million annually from CPB, accounting for 18% of the station's total funding, Joachim said.

Despite the funding hit, NMPBS' large population base and strong public support leaves the station in a relatively good financial position.

"We're going to be here," Joachim said. "We have the population density in Albuquerque, Santa Fe (and) Rio Rancho to draw on for a funding base."

NMPBS receives about half its funding from donors who contribute money during on-air funding drives, he said.

"We are extremely fortunate to have been so well served by our public, by viewers like you," Joaquim said. "We have very healthy reserves. We are in a very solid financial state. We are in a state that values public television and supports it."

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Other components of NMPBS' funding include the state of New Mexico, at 11%, and underwriters and sponsors, at 8-10%, he said. NMPBS also receives in-kind funding from the University of New Mexico, in the form of maintenance and co-owned real estate and equipment.

Joaquim said it is "premature" to talk about budget cutting measures and he hopes to avoid laying off any of KNME's 50 full-time staff members.

Adrian Valarde, general manager of KRWG-TV Public Media in Las Cruces, said Friday that the funding cuts will have their greatest impact on smaller stations like his. KWRG-TV will lose more than $900,000 in funding from CPB.

"Community-supported media organizations play a critical role in serving the public, and unfortunately, small and rural stations like KRWG Public Media are especially vulnerable to funding reductions or eliminations," Valarde said in a statement.

Specific cuts at KRWG "are uncertain," he said. "However, our commitment to fulfilling our mission remains unchanged."
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  CHRISTUS Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas are now 13 days away from a looming deadline.

UPDATE: BlueCross BlueShield, CHRISTUS Health extend contract amid healthcare dispute

If a new contract is not signed, Blue Cross customers would lose in-network access to CHRISTUS doctors and facilities. The two companies are currently negotiating a new agreement. The current contracts were set to expire on July 1 but days before the deadline an extension was given until Aug. 1.

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As the first of August approaches Blue Cross users remain worried. Local nurse and former CHRISTUS patient, Stephanie Jones is worried that people wont be able to afford their out of pocket medical costs.

I just wonder how many people are not gonna be able to do that, theyre going to be forced to changed caregivers when they dont want to, Jones said.

Benefits that would be affected include Blue Cross Medicare, Medicaid, Blue HMO, PPO and FEP plans.

Well whats gonna happen when all those people if they do switch providers, Jones said. Its gonna be even harder to get in and see the doctor, like months of waiting.

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If an agreement is not met, those under Blue Cross plans would still receive the same care as always but would have to pay more out of their own pockets.

CHRISTUS Health opens new Tyler clinic to increase primary care access

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas told KETK they are in active negotiations with CHRISTUS Health. Jones said the time to act is now in order to make sure needed appointments are scheduled.

Go ahead and get your appointments made now, even if its six months out, Jones said. Thats what Im trying to do because I have appointments every six months.

Blue Cross is assuring high risk pregnancies, life threatening illness and disabling conditions that their care will continue with in-network rates.

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BRIDGETON, N.C. (WNCT)  Some small businesses across the east are going cash only, a move partly to cut down merchant fees and help save money.

Cash or card? Its the big questions small businesses are asking to help save themselves and customers from having to pay increased prices on things such as merchant fees.

One of these businesses is J.L. Kirkmans Antique Mall in Bridgeton. The business went cash only last week and says the customer turnout was about the same as when they accepted cards.

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The Antique Mall has now transitioned back to accepting card payments with Square, which only charges around 2% merchants fee compared to the old fee of over 3%.

Cubbies in Greenville has been cash only since they opened in 1985. They tried accepting card payments for a couple of months a few years back, but the owner says they had to pay thousands of dollars just to have that option.

Cubbies now stick with cash only to keep their prices lower for their customers instead of increasing costs to cover the merchant fees. The local eatery says they stay busy enough to be successful with cash-only payments, and they also have an ATM inside for anyone who doesnt have a lot of cash on hand.

To ensure that you bring the correct payment to the register, it is recommended to read store signs or look up the company online.

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The Brief

A 16-year-old from Lombard has been charged with attempted terrorism and unlawful possession of a firearm after allegedly plotting to attack an Islamic center in Glendale Heights.

Authorities say the teen recorded religious services to determine where to plant an explosive and was found with a concealed handgun on July 12.

The teen remains detained until his next court date on August 4.

WHEATON, Ill. - A Lombard teen has been charged with plotting to commit a terrorist act at a Glendale Heights Islamic Center, according to DuPage State's Attorney's Office.

What we know

According to court documents, the teen entered the Islamic Education Center in Glendale Heights and recorded religious services to determine where to detonate an explosive. Also, on July 12, the minor allegedly concealed a handgun on his person.

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The 16-year-old male was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of attempted terrorism. He has been detained until his next court appearance.

What they're saying

"An attempted act of terrorism, as alleged in this case, achieves the same goals of spreading fear, dividing our communities and undermining the rule of law, as does an act of terrorism," DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said. "The allegations against this juvenile are extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County."

"Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted," said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

What's next

The next court date is scheduled for Aug. 4.

The Source

Details for this story were provided by the DuPage County States Attorney's Office.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  After allegedly speeding through Laurel and Rockcastle Counties, a woman was arrested on Friday and accused of also standing up and running out of the Laurel County Sheriffs Office while being processed, with handcuffs still on.

The sheriffs office announced on social media that the first chase started around 1:30 a.m. on Friday, when staff at Kentucky State Police Post 11 said Stormi Caitlin Moxey, 28, was allegedly in the lobby, saying she was high on meth and wanted to be taken to jail.

Court documents show Moxey left in a silver Kia, eventually allegedly speeding on I-75 North at the 41-mile marker. A mile down the highway, deputies turned on emergency lights and began trying to pull her over.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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What followed, according to an arrest citation, was a chase led by Moxey at speeds allegedly reaching over 125 mph into Rockcastle County, where she allegedly wove in and out of traffic.

Officers with the Mount Vernon Police Department deployed spike strips on the 62-mile marker of the highway, rendering Moxeys car immobile.

Moxey allegedly waived her Miranda rights and told deputies she thought she had took methamphetamine and needed help getting in the cruiser.

Moxey was taken to the Laurel County Sheriffs Department, where, during her processing, court documents show she allegedly stood up and tried to run out of the sheriffs department while handcuffed.

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Lexington firefighter of nearly 20 years arrested in Clark County for alleged assault involving firecrackers

She was charged with:

Failure to produce an insurance card

No registration receipt

First-degree fleeing or evading police in a motor vehicle

Six counts of first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer

First-degree criminal mischief

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substancefirst offense

Resisting arrest

Moxey was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

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More than $1 million was added to the Martin Bluff Road widening project budget, along with a request for at least 43 additional working days, a representative of the engineering firm said during Tuesdays Gautier City Council meeting.

The project, originally scheduled for completion in mid-2023, has stretched two years beyond that. The number of working days has ballooned from 208 to more than 580.

Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan said crews expect to finish the project by October, barring unforeseen issues or weather delays.

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To say this project has been hiccups after hiccups is an understatement, Vaughan said.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation must approve the request for additional working days before the Gautier City Council can sign off.

A working day often excludes rain days, weekends and holidays.

I want to reassure our residents that both the city and our local contractor, Gulf Breeze Construction Company, along with both engineering companies remain fully committed to completing this project, Vaughan said. We understand how important this project is to our community, and I know our citizens are just as eager to see it completed as we are.

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Martin Bluff Road is a main roadway that connects Gautier-Vancleave Road to Interstate 10 and extends to neighborhoods such as Hickory Hill.

Engineering firm Michael Baker International is working with local contractor Gulf Breeze Construction to expand the two-lane road into a curbed and shouldered roadway with a landscaped median and turn bays.

Gautier city officials brought in Seymour Engineering to help oversee the project.

The projects funding comes from a patchwork of sources such as city funds, federal earmarks, Gulf Regional Planning Commission dollars and support from MDOT.

Martin Bluff Road connects Gautier-Vancleave Road to Interstate 10, extending to growing neighborhoods such as Hickory Hill.

Slow going

Michael Baker International Project Engineer Kreg Overstreet said his crew is working to clean up dirty sidewalks on the construction site.

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I went through there today and I know it needs sweeping, Overstreet said. Well get with them and make sure that that gets done.

Councilman Richard Jackson said that after visiting the construction site with Councilman Lorenzo Fuller, he didnt think it was safe.

There were pieces of cones scattered everywhere, Jackson said. People have been waiting years for this project. I know the citizens are anxious to get this finished and to beautify the area.

Overstreet said delays are partly due to weather conditions, faulty materials and engineering-related issues.

This site that weve got holds water and it tends to stay wet, Overstreet said. I know people get frustrated if theyre driving down the road and they dont see anybody working, but usually its because the rain event was so intense that weve got a site that we really cant get to the next day.

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There are still some drainage concerns that were not adequately addressed in the initial engineering phase, Vaughan said. Our current engineering team is actively working on resolving those.

Overstreet said the crew is working to install five drainage boxes on-site, which will assist with flooding. Following the installation of the drainage system, the crew will begin earthwork and paving.

Gulf Breeze Construction declined to comment on the ongoing construction.

Vaughan stressed swift communication between the engineering firm and City Manager Paula Yancey.

We want the job completed, Vaughan said. I want everybody working together and so does this Council because the citizens ... want it done.
26 more Palestinians killed in latest Gaza aid race

Mourners pray during a funeral for Palestinians killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid in Khan Younis. Photo: Reuters

Gaza's civil defence agency said on Saturday Israeli attacks killed 26 people and wounded more than 100 near two aid centres in the south of the Palestinian territory.



Agency spokesman Mahmud Basal said 22 were killed near a site southwest of Khan Younis and four near another centre northwest of Rafah, blaming "Israeli gunfire" for both.



One eyewitness said he headed to the Al-Tina area of Khan Yunis before dawn with five of his relatives to try to get food when "Israeli soldiers" started shooting.



"My relatives and I were unable to get anything," Abdul Aziz Abed, 37, said. "Every day I go there and all we get is bullets and exhaustion instead of food."



The Israeli military said it was "looking into" the claims.



Deaths of people waiting for handouts in huge crowds near aid distribution centres have become a regular occurrence, with the Palestinian authorities blaming Israeli fire.



The civil defence agency reported that nine people were shot and killed near the same aid point in the Al-Shakoush area northwest of Rafah on Friday.



The US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which took over the running of aid distribution in late May, said 20 people died in Khan Younis on Wednesday.



But it blamed "agitators in the crowd... armed and affiliated with Hamas" for creating "a chaotic and dangerous surge" and firing at aid-seekers.



The previous day, the UN said it had recorded 875 people killed in Gaza while trying to get food, including 674 "in the vicinity of GHF sites", since it began operating.



The free flow of aid into Gaza is a key demand of Hamas in indirect talks with Israel for a 60-day ceasefire in the 21-month war. (AFP)
The son of the investigative journalist who literally wrote the book on Senator Ted Kennedys Chappaquiddick car crash scandal has discovered his father's long-lost investigation audiotapes, according to a report in PEOPLE.

Nick Damore, the son of investigative journalist Leo Damore, has been searching for his father's audiotapes for years. His father, Leo Damore, is the author of the 1988 blockbuster book Senatorial Privilege, which explored Kennedy's 1969 car accident in Martha's Vineyard that resulted in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.

Kennedy waited 10 hours before alerting the police about his crash and the death of his passenger. Why he did so is still unknown.

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Leo Damore's book went on to sell more than a million copies. It took him eight years to produce the book and required more than 200 interviews, many of which were recorded on audiotapes.

In 1995, Leo Damore died by suicide, and many of his documents and tapes disappeared in the aftermath.

Senator Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne. Nick Damore, son of investigative journalist Leo Damore, has found his fathers lost audio recordings of interviews he conducted investigating Kennedys Chappaquiddick car accident in 1969. The crash resulted in Kopechnes death and decades of questions (Getty)

Senator Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne. Nick Damore, son of investigative journalist Leo Damore, has found his fathers lost audio recordings of interviews he conducted investigating Kennedys Chappaquiddick car accident in 1969. The crash resulted in Kopechnes death and decades of questions (Getty)

Among the Chappaquiddick tapes that disappeared were interview recordings of Joe Gargan, Kennedy's cousin, who was at a reunion party with the senator on the night Kopechne died.

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Nick Damore, who teaches middle school in Connecticut, was only 10 when his father died, and has spent years trying to track down his father's tapes.

In 2021, he received a call from an attorney telling him that one of his father's lawyers, Harold Fields, had found a briefcase belonging to his father.

Theyd been cleaning out his house," Nick told PEOPLE, "and they found a briefcase under a bed that said Leo Damore vs. Ted Kennedy and that had all the tapes.

The case contained nine bundles of tapes that included interviews with attorneys, investigators, and other figures closely associated with the case.

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"Its fascinating to hear Leo in his element," Nick said of his father. "Its like youre watching a master at work."

The Gargan interviews are among the tapes located in the briefcase.

At the time of the incident, Gargan claimed that he, attorney Paul Markham, and his cousin, Kennedy, had traveled to the bridge where Kennedy's car had gone off the road and into the water below in an attempt to rescue Kopechne.

Gargan later changed his story and claimed that Kennedy had instructed him to lie about the events of the night and to claim that Kopechne was driving at the time of the crash. He said he refused to blame the woman.

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"They were interested in protecting the senator, there's no question about that," Gargan told Leo Damore in one of the interviews. "And they let us fend for ourselves. As well as everybody else."

Most of what's contained on the tapes never made it into Leo Damore's book, so his son is doing his best to listen to all of the newly discovered audio logs and make sense of the story his father spent so many years working to tell.

Im just scratching the surface," Nick Damore said.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom reversed a parole decision for one of the convicted killers in a brutal torture and murder case of 17-year-old Amanda Zubia in 2004.

In any parole case, Newsom has the power to deny someones release, as he just did with Galaviz. She will not be eligible for another parole hearing until at least October 2026  18 months after her granting of this parole in April.

The fact that my cousins gone, shes forever in a grave, and shes never coming back, she never gets a second chance. I dont feel like her murderer, or any murderer should get a second chance, reacted Savina Garcia, one of Amanda Zubias cousins.

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Its a sigh of relief for the family of Zubia, who was tortured for hours, suffocated to death, then buried inside a cement barrel in an east Bakersfield home two decades ago. Records specify, Zubia was beaten, burned with cigarettes and hit with an extension cord. Her attackers cut her hair, spit in her face, shoved a plastic bag down her throat and placed a second bag with insect repellent inside it around her face.

She was bound, gagged and forced into a suitcase. She suffocated, and her body was later found inside a cement barrel. One of the five responsible  then 27-year-old and now 47-year-old Maricruz Galaviz, who was sentenced to 25 years to life for first-degree murder  was granted parole in April.

It was devastating for me, recalled Zubias grandmother, Angela Aceves. It was like, why? Why are they going to let her out?

Garcia added, Kind of wondering if we were going to have to run back into her on the streets, out in society.

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Galaviz is the only convicted killer who remains behind bars  two of her co-defendants died while in custody, a third was freed after serving seven years for assault with a deadly weapon and the last defendant was a juvenile and could only be kept in custody until 25.

The longer she stays, the better for us, Aceves said. The justice is that she stays behind bars. You remember what you did to our family and what you did to Amanda, and that she never forgets.

19th Streets transformation has Eastchester businesses excited

In his decision, Governor Newsom wrote, I find the evidence shows that she currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison. Therefore, I reverse the decision to parole Ms. Galaviz.

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The decision also notes while Galaviz has made improvements  earning her high school diploma, two associate degrees, completed three vocations, maintained a positive work  theres still risk for future violence, with her history of antisociality, relationship instability and substance use disorders, as well risk for relapse.

Kern District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented the reversal is a significant victory in our ongoing fight to ensure that Amanda Zubia receives the justice she rightfully deserves.

Amanda was my favorite person, and I was only eight years old when that happened, said Diana Aceves, Zubias younger cousin. So, a lot of the details were guarded from me, was kept from me. So, when it first came out again with the parole, thats when I actually, like, read about the details of the murder. So it was it was hard. It was like reliving it all over again.

Zubia went missing around this time in July of 2004.

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It was also during her grandmother, Angela Aceves, birthday. In fact, the family filed a missing persons report for Zubia because she did not show up to Aceves birthday party.

Its like for a while there after that, I dont want to celebrate my birthday because that means remembering. And I didnt want to remember, a teary-eyed Aceves said.

Galaviz said she believed Zubia had stolen drugs.

Thank you to the community, too, for coming together with us and sending in their petitions and sending in their letters [opposing the parole decision].

The family also pointed out to 17 News they werent sure if Newsom would reverse the parole decision since hes not known for being quote unquote tough on crime.

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His scathing comments to Galaviz, however, could be seen as another shift to the center, as hes rumored to run for president in 2028.

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LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  Several school districts are being negatively impacted by the recent funding freeze, including Longview ISD, which is being forced to withhold funds from several academic programs just before the start of the new school year.

President Donald Trumps administration on July 1 withheld more than $6 billion in federal grants for after-school and summer programs, adult literacy and English language instruction, as a part of a review to ensure spending aligned with White House priorities.

East Texas after-school program impacted by funding freeze

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Due to the withholding of federal grants, funding for multiple programs initiated to benefit Longview students and teachers will be significantly reduced.

Nearly $1 million in federal funds are earmarked for real student needs, Longview ISD said. Needs like academic supports for struggling students, or resources for hard-working teachers, or countless other crucial provisions for our most vulnerable young people.

The following Longview ISD programs will lose funds as part of the federal funding freeze:

$482,593 will be withheld from Title II, which focuses on professional development and teacher retention.

$194,653 will be withheld from Title III, which focuses on English language acquisition and immigrant support.

$236,219 will be withheld from Title IV, which focuses on student support and academic help.

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In total, the freeze has caused the district to lose $923,465 in funding, putting the district in a challenging position just weeks before it is set to begin the new school year.

Courtesy of Longview ISD

Additionally, the funding freeze nearly impacted Lufkin ISD as they were almost forced to cancel their after-school program just weeks before the new school year begins. However, the Education Department announced on Friday that they will release $1.3 billion in previously withheld grant money for after-school programs.

Education Department will release some frozen grants supporting after-school and summer programs

The money being released Friday pays for free programming before and after school and during the summer. These programs provide child care so low-income parents can work, and they give options to families who live in rural areas with few other child care providers. Beyond just child care, kids receive reading and math help at the programs, along with enrichment in science and the arts.

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While we are thrilled the funds will be made available, the administrations inexplicable delay in disbursing them caused massive chaos and harm, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance Jodi Grant said. Many after-school programs had canceled plans to open in the fall, according to Grant.

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CORTLANDVILLE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  New York State Police are asking for your help to find two men who stole from a Walmart in Cortlandville.

On Wednesday, July 16, around 9:57 p.m., two white men and one white woman were in the Walmart electronics department. The woman was seen leaving the store, but the two men were seen loading two Cyberpower gaming PCs into their shopping cart, each valued at $899.

At 10:03 p.m., the men exited the store without paying for the items.

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They were last seen getting into a gray colored SUV, before leaving the parking lot.

Courtesy of NYSP

Courtesy of NYSP

One of the men had long, black curly hair, and was wearing a Nike windbreaker, gray sweatpants and tan Yeezy foam shoes.

The other man was wearing a plain black t-shirt, black pants that were either sweatpants or jeans and white Jordans shoes.

The woman was wearing a black graphic t-shirt, graphic pajama pants and tan UGG-style slippers.

Anyone with information should contact New York State Police at 607-561-7400.

Cicero golf cart found by truck service, returned to owners

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A lottery grant of 490,000 will help a city improve access to green spaces, the local council says.

Sunderland is among 40 areas nationally awarded money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Nature Towns and Cities Programme.

Plans include a focus on boosting transport and linking community green spaces including the city's coastline and riverbanks.

Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said residents would be consulted in the coming weeks and months to help develop schemes.

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Nature Towns and Cities is a partnership between Natural England, the National Trust and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Sunderland's council will also work with Durham Wildlife Trust and organisations from the voluntary sector as it looks to allocate the funding.

Measures are set to include new conservation and horticulture courses, ecological surveys for local Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), such Tunstall Hills and Claxheugh Rocks, and community grants.

Hetton Bogs is another of the areas that draws fans of the outdoors [National Trust/Mark Taylor]

Welcoming the funding, Mordey said the aims of the forthcoming projects were "all about improving our residents' access to nature and helping them to enjoy some of the fantastic greenspaces, coastline and riverbanks on their doorstep".

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He added: "As we all know, getting out into the fresh air can really help us to clear our minds and take time for ourselves.

"So we'll be looking to work with residents and partners over the coming weeks and months to help us develop the plans further and make sure that we're making the most of this grant funding."

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Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle. (City of Oakdale)

One of four Central Louisiana law enforcement leaders arrested this week for their alleged involvement in an immigration fraud scheme is still on the job, our news partners at KPLC-TV report.

Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle has not submitted his resignation, according to city officials . He is alleged to have created false police reports for Chandrakant Lala Patel, a local businessman who federal investigators said paid police $5,000 for each foreign national they would add to the reports as a crime victim.

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That status would make them eligible for a U-visa, which are available to immigrants who are victims of crime or can assist in the prosecutions of criminals.

Along with Doyle, an indictment from the U.S. attorney for Louisianas Western District implicates Oakdale City Marshal Michael Slaney, Forest Hill Police Chief Glynn Dixon and Glenmora Police Chief Tebo Onishea in the scheme that prosecutors say put U-visas in the hands of 25 immigrants.

Louisiana State Police have also arrested Alison Doyle, the police chiefs wife and an Oakdale city employee, charging her with two felony counts of malfeasance in office. It stemmed from an investigation into unethical conduct in the municipal property bidding process.

In a social media post, state police said they obtained information from federal investigators involved in the Patel investigation. It revealed that Alison Doyle reportedly conspired with Patel to manipulate the bidding process for two city-owned properties.

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Alison Doyle is not mentioned in the federal indictment, which includes a sizable list of personal property, bank accounts and vehicles belonging to the five defendants that are eligible for forfeiture should they be tied to the offenses detailed.

According to KPLC, Alison Doyle left her job with the city in May. The police chief has not responded to calls from the station.

Chad Doyles elected term as police chief runs through the end of 2028.

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Lawyers for Luigi Mangione say NY prosecutors issued an 'unlawful' subpoena to his former insurer.

The subpoena sought the time period of his Aetna coverage and his HIPAA-protected account number.

But Aetna sent prosecutors 120 pages of confidential medical records by mistake, his lawyers allege.

Lawyers for the accused United Healthcare CEO killer, Luigi Mangione, are up in arms over what they say were "secret" communications between his New York prosecutors and Aetna, his former health insurer.

They say prosecutors sent Aetna an "unlawful," back-channel subpoena seeking his confidential insurance account number and the time period for his coverage  and that in response, Aetna mistakenly sent prosecutors Mangione's entire, 120-page insurance record.

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This "trove of protected medical information" includes "different diagnoses as well as specific medical complaints made by Mr. Mangione," his lawyers complained in a court filing Thursday night.

New York prosecutors should never have had access to these private records, his lawyers contend. And they should never have looked at them once receiving them, they also argue.

Aetna emailed the records to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office on June 12, in four files, with a cover letter advising "confidential." Each file was separately labeled "in large-type bold letters 'Request for Protected Health Information," the lawyers wrote.

"It would be impossible for anyone to view a single page of these records and not immediately see that they were private, confidential medical records within the scope of HIPAA," the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the lawyers wrote.

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The sheer volume of Aetna's response should have alerted prosecutors that "the unlawful subpoena they served on Aetna resulted in far more material than they requested," the lawyers wrote.

But instead of immediately sending the materials to the judge and the defense  where they should have been directly sent, as required by law  the DA's office says it downloaded them into an internal "discovery file," the lawyers wrote.

The lawyers say prosecutors "sat on this information" for 12 days, until June 24, when they sent the judge and defense team an email forwarding the four files. Prosecutors have told Mangione's lawyers that in the interim, they had reviewed the records, but not "in their entirety," according to the defense filing.

The defense filing, signed by defense lawyers Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Marc Agnifilo, and Jacob Kaplan, asks New York Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro to order prosecutors to turn over all of their communications with Aetna.

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It also asks the judge to hold "a full evidentiary hearing," with sworn testimony, to determine possible remedies, including the recusal of lead prosecutor Joel Seidemann, the suppression of evidence, and the dismissal of Mangione's indictment.

The subpoena, issued directly to Aetna and signed by Seidemann, bypassed the judge and defense team and should never have requested even the limited, HIPAA-protected information of Mangione's account number and period of coverage, his lawyers argue.

"If they're seeking information that is privileged, like medical records, the DA can't just subpoena that stuff directly," veteran homicide public defender Sam Roberts told Business Insider on Friday.

Prosecutors must first file a motion or application to the judge and defense team, alerting them to the subpoena, and then wait for the judge to review the subpoenaed materials privately, said Roberts, a senior staff attorney on the homicide defense task force of the Legal Aid Society.

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"It sounds like they jumped the gun here," Roberts said. "They got this information without first giving notice to the defense, and they got the information directly from Aetna when they should have sent it to the court first without opening it."

Mangione's lawyers allege in their filing that the May 14 subpoena initially commanded Aetna to send someone to appear in court on May 23 with "the account number and period of time during which the following individual received coverage: Luigi Mangione."

The subpoena was not made public or viewed by BI.

May 23 was "a completely made-up date," on which no court proceeding was scheduled, Mangione's lawyers wrote.

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Along with the subpoena, Seidemann sent a cover letter with his phone number and email, advising that "in lieu of appearing personally with the requested documents," Aetna could mail or deliver the records to the court, the lawyers wrote.

Prosecutors "were plainly lying to get the materials as soon as possible," they wrote, in order to bring their case to trial first, before he could be tried by federal prosecutors.

In addition to the state-level case, which alleges murder as an act of terrorism, Mangione is facing related, death-penalty-eligible murder charges in federal court. Prosecutors in central Pennsylvania say they, too, will try him for forgery and firearm charges related to his arrest there on December 9, after a five-day national manhunt.

Mangione's lawyers previously complained that in April, Manhattan prosecutors improperly listened to an 11-minute attorney-client phone call, something the DA's office has denied.

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Both state and federal jurisdictions are vying to be first to put Mangione on trial.

Had Mangione's lawyers not been bypassed, they would have objected to the Aetna subpoena, including on the grounds that "the information sought is not relevant," they wrote.

A spokesperson for the DA's office told BI on Friday that they will respond to the defense allegations in court papers.

"Aetna received a subpoena for certain medical records, and we provided them appropriately," said Phil Blando, executive director for communications for Aetna's parent company, CVS Health.

Asked if the district attorney subpoena requested details beyond Mangione's account number and coverage period, Blando told BI in an email, "You have our statement."

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Mangione, a 27-year-old software developer, remains in a federal jail in Brooklyn in the December 4 murder of Thompson.

The 50-year-old father of two from Minnesota was shot in the back at close range outside a Midtown hotel where he was about to address the UnitedHealthcare shareholders meeting.

Mangione is linked to the killing by his so-called "manifesto" and by DNA, ballistics, video, and fingerprint evidence, according to state and federal prosecutors.

He is next due in state court on September 16, and in federal court on December 5; both courts are in Manhattan.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Jul. 18The Mower County Historical Society will host its next Lunchbox History event at noon on July 24 in the Pioneer Building with local historian, Paul Spyhalski, as he talks about "Language, Loyalty, and the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety."

As the country careened toward World War I, the ability and desire to speak any language other than English, mainly German, was regarded by some as a sign of potential disloyalty to the United States. Spyhalski examines a brief history of the changing criteria for admission into the country and for becoming a citizen, which eventually equates the ability to speak English with citizenship.

The presentation also takes a look at how the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety engaged in secret surveillance, intimidation, and other extreme tactics to promote its vision of "Americanism" while attacking anything less as evidence of disloyalty including one's immigrant status or the use of German in public meetings, newspapers, schools and pulpits to illustrate why companies may have opted to de-emphasize its Germanic background in the World War I era.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for this free event. People are encouraged to bring a lunch and a friend.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson announced a meeting will be held on Sunday, July 20, for the recent termination of City Manager Vickie Gainer.

According to a release, the event will be at 5 p.m. on 717 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

This comes after the commission voted to suspend Gainer with pay as they conducted their investigation into allegations that she manipulated construction bids to prevent Phoenix Construction from winning contracts.

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On Friday, after 3 and a half hours and one recess, the commission voted 4 to 1 to fire Gainer, effectively immediately.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are a part of staying healthy, but for many Arkansans, getting that care isnt as simple as it sounds.

Access to dental services is limited across parts of the state, leaving families struggling to find treatment when they need it the most.

Oral health continues to be a challenge in Arkansas

The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine hosted Give Kids a Smile Day at Arkansas first dental school, offering free screenings and fluoride treatments to both adults and children, to combat the cycle of Arkansans suffering from poor oral hygiene.

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Since 2003, Give Kids a Smile Day has helped provide free dental care to children who may otherwise go without it. This year marks the first time the event was held at the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine.

Sixty percent of Arkansas kids have received dental cavities, Dr. Burke Soffee, founding dean of Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, said. Which is a shocking statistic that certainly indicates that there is a need to break the cycle.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children from low-income families are twice as likely to develop cavities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the oral healthcare gap widened, and today, Arkansas is ranked last in the nation for oral health care. Many of the states counties are considered dental provider shortage areas, making it a multifactorial problem.

That combined with the low health IQ and low financial literacy is kind of the perfect storm for not being able to get your teeth taken care of and receive care, Dr. Geoffrey Halversen, assistant clinical professor at Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, said.

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Events like this also give future dentists a chance to connect with patients from an early age, helping build trust and comfort.

Warming them up and allowing them maybe to even let them come in and touch a couple of instruments and move really slowly, Dr. Halversen added.

Lyon College School of Dental Medicine to host free oral health care event

The long-term goal is to train dentists in the Natural State and keep them here.

It means growing up in this state, Dr. Halversen said. It means training in this state. It means staying in this state to render care afterwards.

With more than half of the states dentists working in just eight counties, officials hope this new program will help bridge the gap and improve access to oral health care for all Arkansans.

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Dentists encourage people to brush and floss, especially at night, and to make dental appointments every six months.

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MADISON COUNTY, Iowa  A battle between two county officials in Madison County is heating up.

Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Heather Stancil filed for a temporary restraining order late Friday night to stop law enforcement from accessing her phone and laptop after the Madison County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant at her home in Earlham, according to Federal court records.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa Central Division decided not to immediately grant the request, and Judge Stephen Locher wrote, the court is doubtful that it will grant it at all. Judge Locher said he will wait to make a final determination until Madison County Attorney Stephen Swanson has been notified of the motion and has had the opportunity to weigh in.

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TEMP-RESTRIANING-ORDER MOTIONDownload

JUDGES DEFERRED RULINGDownload

According to the filing, the office of Sheriff Jason Barnes seized Stancils personal cell phone and county-issued laptop around 6:45 p.m. Stancil and her attorney, Alan Ostergren, immediately filed paperwork to prevent the agency from examining, downloading, accessing, or viewing any of the items seized.

The filing points to privileged email and text communications between Stancil and Ostergren, and information about her political activities, as a primary concern in light of an ongoing criminal investigation into the Chairwoman, which she claims is retaliatory in nature.

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The move comes amid chronic turmoil surrounding the county government and two days after Stancil filed a Federal lawsuit against Barnes in response to his public announcement that he had referred a preliminary criminal investigation into Stancil for alleged election misconduct to the Iowa Attorney Generals Office. The investigation stemmed from a comment Stancil made on her public Facebook page regarding a special election for the county Auditors seat.

In her lawsuit, Stancil claimed her constitutional rights were violated and she suffered a loss of standing in the community and emotional injury. Stancil is asking for compensatory

and punitive damages, injunctive relief, court costs, attorney fees, and such other

relief, pending the outcome of a jury trial.

Stancil-vs.-BarnesDownload

Barnes and Ostergren had no comment on the lawsuit or temporary restraining order when reached by phone Friday night.

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The Brief

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says TSA may revisit its 3-1-1 liquid rule.

The TSA recently stopped requiring travelers to remove shoes at some airports.

Experts say tech upgrades like CT scanners could drive long-term changes to air travel.

TSAs long-standing rules about what travelers can pack  and wear  at airport security checkpoints may soon be overhauled.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said this week that liquid restrictions could be the next to go. Her remarks come just weeks after the TSA lifted the shoe-removal requirement at some checkpoints, raising questions about how much post-9/11-era airport security may be evolving.

Noem signals possible end to liquid limits

The backstory

"The liquids, Im questioning. So that may be the next big announcement, is what size your liquids need to be," Noem said at a Washington event hosted by The Hill earlier this week.

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Currently, travelers are subject to the TSAs "3-1-1" rule  one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in 3.4-ounce containers or smaller. That policy was enacted in 2006 after authorities foiled a plot involving liquid explosives on airplanes.

While Noem didnt give details or a timeline, her comments suggest larger policy shifts could be on the way.

Post-9/11 security rules transformed travel

Big picture view

After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. government created the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA. Before that, security was often managed by private contractors hired by airlines.

"It was much more casual. And clearly it was ineffective, because 9/11 occurred," airline industry analyst Henry Harteveldt told the Associated Press.

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The 3-1-1 rule didnt come until 2006, after a six-week ban on all liquids caused chaos at airports. The ban was later eased, but with strict size and quantity limits that remain in effect today.

Whats driving these changes now?

Dig deeper

Technology is a major factor.

Newer computed tomography (CT) scanners allow TSA officers to better detect explosive threats, including liquid-based ones. Some airports around the world  including in the U.K.  have already begun lifting liquid restrictions thanks to these machines.

Keith Jeffries, a former TSA federal security director at LAX, told the AP that if the policy changes, it must be clearly communicated. He recalled the confusion in 2006 when the liquid ban went into effect overnight, noting barrels of toothpaste and toiletries were being emptied every 30 minutes.

What we know

These signals point to a potential shakeup in how Americans experience airport security  but any changes will likely unfold gradually

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where she hinted at upcoming changes to TSA policies, including potential revisions to liquid limits and shoe removal rules at checkpoints. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

TSA has already relaxed the shoe-removal policy at select airports.

Secretary Noem said the liquid rule is under review.

New CT scanner technology is increasingly available, but not yet nationwide.

What we don't know

The uncertainty leaves travelers with more questions than answers for now, especially as new tech is slowly adopted across airports.

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There is no official rule change in place  yet.

Its unclear if full-size liquids will be allowed, or if the limits will just expand.

Not all U.S. airports have the new scanning equipment required to ease restrictions.

Jeffrey Price, an aviation security expert and professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, told the AP it could take "another decade or more" before the technology is fully deployed across the U.S.

Could this affect TSA PreCheck?

What's next

With both shoe and liquid rules potentially on their way out, the value proposition of TSA PreCheck  which offers those exact conveniences to pre-vetted travelers  may change.

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"What is the impact on now both shoes and liquids going to have on TSA PreCheck enrollment? That is the million-dollar question," Jeffries said to the AP.

The TSA hasnt formally changed its liquid policy yet, but Secretary Noems comments signal a potential turning point. Any national rollout would likely be slow and phased, depending on airport infrastructure. But after nearly 20 years of 3.4-ounce bottles and baggie checks, big changes may finally be coming to carry-on rules.

The Source

This article is based on reporting from the Associated Press, including direct quotes from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, analyst Henry Harteveldt, former TSA official Keith Jeffries, and aviation professor Jeffrey Price.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A driver who reportedly failed a sobriety test after he hit and killed a motorcyclist was only charged with driving under the influence and not death, according to court records.

8 News Now has confirmed the driver of the pick-up truck accused of striking 35-year-old Kyle Burrell was Carlos Roberto Hernandez.

Totally avoidable: Friends upset after losing Las Vegas man in crash involving suspected drunk driver

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Burrell was riding his motorcycle on July 4 around midnight. He was getting off the North Durango exit on the 215 when a speeding driver in a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado crashed into him, according to Nevada State Police Highway Patrol.

The impact reportedly sent Burrell off his bike.

Nevada Highway Patrol said he died at a hospital as a result of the crash injuries.

Makes zero sense as to why the defendant was only charged with just a DUI misdemeanor, Ofelia Markarian, Burrells attorney, said. This is a clear situation where its a DUI resulting in a fatality. It makes zero sense. Ive never seen anything like this.

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According to court documents 8 News Now obtained, Hernandez had red bloodshot watery eyes and a strong smell of an intoxicating beverage. Police also observed two green Buzz Balls next to his truck.

A witness who was first on the scene provided 8 News Now with video of the crash. They previously said Hernandez was tossing the Buzz Balls out of his vehicle right after he crashed.

Hernandez admitted to marijuana usage at UMC Trauma, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.

The defendant was charged with a misdemeanor DUI. He was released on his own recognizance, meaning he did not have to post bail, when he just killed somebody, Markarian said.

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Given all the facts investigators collected at the scene, Markarian said authorities dropped the ball in not charging Hernandez with DUI resulting in death.

Ive never seen a situation where a defendant is undercharged, with the amount of evidence that we have in this case, she said. We have a dead body.

In court documents, investigators with Nevada State Police Highway Patrol stated if Hernandez is found at fault, the charges would possibly be upgraded to DUI resulting in death.

In a statement, Hernandezs attorney Paola Armeni told 8 News Now: While the loss of life is always tragic, an investigation is ongoing and we should be careful not to rush to judgment when all the facts are unknown.

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A glitch in Malaysia's self-service border control machines has hit tens of thousands of travellers, the immigration department estimated Saturday, causing delays at the capital's airport and land crossings.

Among major gateways affected since Friday afternoon are Kuala Lumpur International Airport's two main terminals, as well as southern land crossings with Singapore.

"It should be more than tens of thousands of travellers who have to wait longer at the manual counters to clear immigration," estimated Zakaria Shaaban, director-general of Malaysia's Immigration Department.

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Zakaria was unable to give a precise number of people affected when asked by AFP.

"We don't have many manual counters over in Johor because we have converted most of them into autogates," Zakaria said, referring to the southern state neighbouring Singapore.

Malaysian daily The Star said the breakdown has been described as the "worst ever", involving over 200 machines and affecting only foreign passport holders.

Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority warned people intending to travel to Malaysia to expect delays.

"Those who are already at the land checkpoints and need to U-turn can approach officers for assistance," it said in a Facebook post.

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Since June 2024 travellers from 63 countries, as well as accredited diplomats and their families, have been allowed to use Malaysia's self-service machines for immigration clearance.

The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency said initial investigations found the "technical disruption" was due to a data integration issue.

"This caused the delays in the cross-checking process within the MyIMMS (immigration) system," it said in a statement.

"All manual counters have been fully activated and additional personnel have been deployed to manage the flow of visitors and control the queues at the best capacity," the agency added.

llk/rsc
A man in Long Island, New York, has passed away at the age of 61 after suffering injuries stemming from an accident involving a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.

According to Nassau County Police, the accident occurred on Wednesday at the Nassau County Open MRI in Westbury.

The male victim was "drawn into the machine" because of a large metal chain he was wearing, according to police, and suffered a "medical episode" as a result.

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After initially being listed in critical condition, the victim "succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased by a hospital physician on Thursday, July 17," the police statement added.

The report adds that the man "entered an unauthorized MRI room while the scan was in progress," which led to the tragic event.

Police say the man was not a patient at the facility and there is no criminality involved.

According to ABC 7 in New York, North Shore University Hospital Dr. Payal Sud detailed some of the possible injuries that could occur from being pulled into an MRI machine with a chain around a person's neck.

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Those injuries include "strangulation... asphyxiation, cervical spine injuries if the patient slams against the MRI, you know, any kind of blunt force trauma that we can think about could happen," he said.

Medical professionals at the hospital also expressed shock that something like that could happen.

Man, 61, Dies After Tragic MRI Machine Accident first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 18, 2025
CHICAGO (WGN)  The man accused of killing a Chicago Police officer in 2023 took the stand in his own defense Friday ahead of closing arguments on Monday.

Steven Montano faces a first-degree murder charge and felony gun charges in the shooting death of Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso. It will be up to a Cook County jury to determine the credibility of Montanos testimony.

Jurors will have the weekend to ponder.

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Forensic experts testify as closing arguments near in trial of slain Chicago police officer

Inside the Cook County Criminal Courthouse, Montano testified that he was terrified by police. Montano described alleged encounters as a boy with CPD, though his account, at times, stopped short of seemingly corroborating evidence. Montanos fear of police, he told jurors, was the reason why he fled on foot in March of 2023 as patrol officers and Andres Vasquez Lasso responded to a domestic disturbance call placed by Montanos girlfriend.

The justification, the explanation, the reasoning, it is all smoke and mirrors and nonsense. I get that everybody is entitled to their day in court, but none of what hes testified to makes any sense, said Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President John Catanzara following Fridays court proceedings.



The now 21-year-old Montano did not deny on the witness stand that he had fatally shot Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso in 2023. In cross-examination, however, Montano testified that he doesnt remember firing his gun.



Bodycam video captured what prosecutors say is the defendant firing his pistol  which he was not licensed to carry  five times, claiming the 32-year-old officers life. Officers quickly arrested Montano, recovering what forensic experts said was the .45 caliber murder weapon.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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In fierce cross-examination by Assistant Cook County States Attorney Kevin Nolan, Montano seemed to contradict himself, unwilling or unable to answer Nolans question about how Montano came into possession of the semi-automatic.

Montano also testified that he was unaware that Chicago police officers were pursuing him during the foot chase.

Closing arguments are expected to begin on Monday, with jurors deliberating Montanos fate soon thereafter.

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ST. LOUIS  U.S. Marshals have arrested an alleged serial burglar wanted for a string of break-ins across the St. Louis area.

At least nine police departments were investigating Armon Simpson, 39, of Belleville, Illinois, before marshals tracked him down Thursday.

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Lake Saint Louis Police said Simpson was caught on camera after a string of burglaries and has been connected to at least 22 break-ins in a 30-day period across the greater St. Louis area.

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Police said surveillance cameras showed Simpson using the victims credit cards at a gas station in Illinois.

He now faces more than 30 felony charges in St. Charles County alone.

Chief Chris DiGiuseppe said Simpson is accused of targeting the same Lake St. Louis apartment complex three times over the span of one weekend this spring.

Investigators claim Simpson specifically targeted first-floor apartments with unlocked sliding glass doors. They advise residents to be vigilant and secure their homes.

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WILLS POINT, Texas (KETK)  The Wills Point Police Department arrested a man on Friday as a part of an investigation into the production, promotion and possession of child pornography.

Man gets life in prison without parole after fatal shooting of Longview brothers

Mugshot of Eli Joshua Steele, courtesy of Van Zandt County Jail.

According to the department, 25-year-old Eli Joshua Steele was arrested on Friday for six counts of producing, directing or promoting a sexual performance by a child and nine counts of possession with intent to promote child pornography.

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Steeles arrest was carried out in connection to an extensive and lengthy ongoing investigation being done by the Wills Point Police Departments criminal investigations division. Wills Point PD said theyve referred the case to the Van Zandt County District Attorney so Steele can be formally charged and prosecuted.

The Wills Point Police Department remains committed to the protection of children through the aggressive investigation and prosecution of those involved in child exploitation, Wills Point PD said.

Steele is currently being held at the Van Zandt County Jail on a total bond of $600,000, according to Van Zandt County Jail records.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The man who was assaulted at a Portland MAX station on Thursday died from his injuries on Friday, Portland police announced.

The Multnomah County District Attorneys office is actively involved in this investigation and will consider any appropriate criminal charges, officials said.

Officers responded to the Convention Centers TriMet MAX Station just before 6 a.m. on Thursday and say the area of NE Holladay Street between Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and Second Avenue was blocked for several hours.

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When officers responded, they found a man with serious, life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the hospital, and his current condition is unknown.

The suspect was identified as Jordan T. Christ, 30. He was booked in the Multnomah County Detention Center and charged with second-degree assault  though additional charges are expected.

The investigation revealed that the assault was a punch to the victims head and did not involve a weapon. Investigators have no reason to believe that the suspect and the victim knew each other, police said.

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A federal grand jury in East St. Louis has indicted a man on charges of posing as a federal agent in an attempt to defraud a 76-year-old Belleville woman out of about $70,000 in an identify theft scheme, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Friday.

Zhigan Lian, 42, a citizen of China and a lawful permanent resident of the United States living in California, was indicted Tuesday on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, according to court records and a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Lian is accused of posing as a federal agent and picking up what he thought was $45,000 from the victim on July 1 at a Belleville fast-food restaurant.

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The victim had previously contacted Illinois State Police about being a scam victim, and authorities were on the scene and were able to arrest Liam after the victim made an exchange with him on July 1.

Federal authorities will never call to demand your personal or financial information over the phone, notify you that youre a victim of identity theft, ask you to send cryptocurrency or travel to your home to pick up money, said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft in a news release.

While the alleged scam operators tried to get a total of about $70,000 from the victim, she did lose about $29,000 before the police began investigating, according to court records.

Lian is being represented by Alton attorney John D. Stobbs II, who could not be reached for comment Friday.

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The prosecution and court records outline the allegations that led up to Lians arrest:

 On June 13, the victim received a scam text purporting to be from Apple, regarding an Apple Pay charge of $258.54. The victim called a phone number provided on the text because she did not use Apple Pay. The person who answered directed the victim to call another number that purportedly was the Federal Trade Commission, saying there was a severe problem with her account.

 The purported Federal Trade Commission official told the victim she had fallen prey to identity theft and needed to withdraw all the money from their bank accounts to protect their assets.

 The victim received an email purportedly from the Federal Trade Commission stating that she was a victim of identity theft.

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 The victim was directed to place $4,900 in a Bitcoin machine in downtown St. Louis and she complied.

 On June 17, the victim withdrew $25,000 from a bank account. This money was in one bundle of $5,000 and two bundles of $10,000 each. Later that day, she gave the money to a federal agent who had come to her home. The victim had been told that the federal government would safeguard her money and that she would get it all back plus 30%.

 On June 26, the purported Federal Trade Commission official told the victim to withdraw $45,000 in cash from her bank account. To come up with this amount, she sold stock from an investment account.

Also on that day, the victim talked to agents with Illinois State Police and told them she was the victim of a scam.

 When the victim was directed to meet with an agent at a fast-food restaurant on July 1 in Belleville, law enforcement officers were monitoring the exchange and arrested Liam after he received what he thought was $45,000 from the victim.
The Brief

A white male suspect robbed a PNC Bank in Atlanta, claiming to have a grenade and using a key fob as a mock detonator, escaping with $6,000.

The robbery took place on July 15 at 1:50 p.m. at 1676 Monroe Drive NE; the suspect wore a dark brown bomber jacket and a hat.

Atlanta police are seeking public assistance through Crime Stoppers Atlanta, offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information.

ATLANTA - Atlanta police are asking for the publics help in identifying a man who claimed to have a grenade during a bank robbery and escaped on a lime scooter.

What we know

The robbery occurred around 1:50 p.m. on July 15 at the PNC Bank located at 1676 Monroe Drive NE, according to the Atlanta Police Departments Robbery Unit.

Investigators say this man is wanted for robbing the PNC Bank in Atlanta on July 15, 2025.

Investigators said a white male suspect entered the bank, claimed to have a grenade, and demanded $40,000 while using a key fob as a mock detonator. The man fled the scene with $6,000.

What we don't know

Surveillance footage shows the suspect wearing a dark brown bomber jacket and a hat pulled over his face.

Investigators say this man is wanted for robbing the PNC Bank in Atlanta on July 15, 2025. (Atlanta Police Department)

What you can do

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta anonymously by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477), visiting www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or texting CSGA. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 and are not required to provide their name or identifying details.

Investigators say this man is wanted for robbing the PNC Bank in Atlanta on July 15, 2025. (Atlanta Police Department)

The Source

The Atlanta Police Department and Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta provided the details, images and video for this story.
SUMNER COUNTRY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Three years after child sex abuse charges were first brought against a man in Sumner County, he now faces the prospect of more than 200 years in prison after he was convicted in a jury trial.

PREVIOUS: Man arrested for rape of child, other charges, Hendersonville police say

Christopher Howard Alessio, 46, was arrested in October 2022 by Hendersonville detectives after a 13-year-old girl reported that during the summer he sexually assaulted and raped her on multiple occasions.

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According to Sumner County District Attorney General Ray Whitley, after Alessios arrest became public, several additional women and girls came forward with rape and sexual assault allegations against him. A total of six victims told authorities the crimes occurred in White House and Hendersonville over several years, dating as far back as 2005.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

After a five day jury trial, Alessio was convicted of six counts of child rape, seven counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child, five counts of rape and one count of sexual battery by an authority figure.

He remains jailed in Sumner County ahead of his sentencing, which is scheduled for September 5.

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July 19 (UPI) -- A man in Long Island, N.Y., is dead after a metal chain he was wearing pulled him toward an MRI machine at a private clinic, police confirmed.

The 61-year-old was inside the Nassau Open MRI clinic this week when he entered an "unauthorized" room while wearing the chain as one of the magnetic resonance imaging machines was operating.

"The male victim was wearing a large metallic chain around his neck causing him to be drawn into the machine which resulted in a medical episode. The Nassau County Police Department responded to assist the aided where he was transported to a local area hospital," the department said in a statement.

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The man was in critical condition when he was transported to the hospital and died the following day, police said in an update.

Nassau Open MRI is located in Westbury, a village in the town of North Hempstead in Nassau County on the North Shore of Long Island, with a population of around 17,000 people.

The company's website says it has "earned a reputation with our referring physicians and patients for friendly service and clinical accuracy. Our high quality state-of-the-art technology provides the patients and physicians an extra measure of comfort and service."

As of early Saturday afternoon, the company had not issued a public statement about the incident.

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MRI scans are some of the most commonly-done medical scans in the United States.

"The strong magnetic field of an MRI scanner can affect medical implants that contain metal or magnets. When this happens, the implant may move or twist inside of the patient's body, causing discomfort, pain, or injury," reads an MRI safety description on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website.

"Patients with metal-containing implants such as cochlear implants (which also typically contain a magnet) need to be aware of this risk and ensure that health care providers and MR technologists are aware of their implant so that they can take proper precautions when receiving an MRI exam. In addition, the radio waves of an MRI scanner may cause heating of the implant."
Jul. 18MINNEAPOLIS  A 35-year-old man has been found guilty of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl after trafficking the drug from Minneapolis to Bemidji in 2022.

According to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice, in the summer of 2022, special agents with the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force learned that 35-year-old Antonio Trevyll McGraw-Williams was bringing fentanyl from Minneapolis to Bemidji and selling it to others.

According to court documents, McGraw-Williams bragged that his fentanyl was so "strong" he might "catch a body," meaning he might kill a person.

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The agents learned McGraw-Williams was selling fentanyl out of a hotel room in Bemidji. The agents applied for and received a search warrant to search the room.

Inside the hotel room, agents found a bag of fentanyl, tin foils with user amounts of drugs, a blender to mix drugs, a scale to measure out drugs for sale, and mini Ziploc-style plastic bags for packaging drugs for users, the release said.

The agents also found McGraw-Williams' cell phone and a receipt bearing his name. Agents searched the phone and found numerous text conversations where McGraw-Williams was arranging drug deals, the release continued.

Later, DNA experts at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified McGraw-Williams' DNA on the bag of fentanyl.

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McGraw-Williams has a criminal history that includes convictions for first-degree aggravated robbery, felony violation of order for protection, and felony domestic assault.

After a four-day trial in U.S. District Court, a federal jury found McGraw-Williams guilty of one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. A sentencing hearing will take place at a later date.

McGraw-Williams faces a sentence a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

"This defendant knew exactly what he was doing  pushing deadly poison into our communities that he bragged was strong enough to kill. This is appalling," Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said in the release. "With a long and violent criminal history, this defendant made a career out of exploiting addiction and endangering lives. .

"Today's conviction sends a clear message: if you try to profit off of death and destruction, you will be held accountable. The people of Bemidji and greater Minnesota deserve better than to live under the threat of fentanyl-fueled addiction and loss."
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A Wichita Falls man facing multiple child sex crime charges against two female victims was sentenced to prison on Friday morning.

Michael Edward Armstrong, 42, of Wichita Falls, pleaded guilty on Friday, July 18, 2025, to three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, one count of indecency with a child by sexual contact, and one count of indecency with a child by exposure.

30th District Court Judge Jeff McKnight sentenced Armstrong to 20 years in prison for each of the aggravated sexual assault charges, 20 years in prison for indecency by contact, and 10 years for indecency by exposure.

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Judge McKnight set the five sentences to run concurrently.

Most of the charges against Armstrong stem from 2013 or 2014, with the charge of indecency by contact stemming from 2020. According to court documents, both victims are somehow related to Armstrong.

A lifetime restraining order was filed against Armstrong, forbidding him from ever contacting either of the victims for the rest of his life.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CLAIBORNE PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  An investigation into sex crimes against children, including an infant, led to the arrest of a man from Homer.

Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit launched an investigation of Ferono Marquan Curry, 36, in May 2025 after reports that two children, ages six and eight, were being sexually abused in Claiborne Parish. During the investigation, another incident was reported, which warranted involvement from Child Protective Services.

Children were removed from the home, and on May 30, 2025, Curry was arrested and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on two counts of first-degree rape.

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Investigators continued gathering facts, and LSP-SVU investigators uncovered additional allegations involving Curry and the previously mentioned children, as well as an eight-month-old infant. Search warrants executed on Currys home led to the recovery of multiple pieces of evidence, which LSP said are undergoing forensic analysis. This evidence led to a subsequent arrest warrant charging Curry with three additional counts of first-degree rape.

On Friday, July 18, a grand jury convened in the 2nd Judicial Court District and returned a true bill indicting Curry on three counts of first-degree rape. This investigation is ongoing, and LSP will release no further information at this time. Curry remains in custody in Claiborne Parish.

Louisiana State Police has an online anonymous reporting form that can be used to provide tips to the appropriate investigators. Anyone with information about this case or other cases involving the exploitation of children or the trafficking of humans for sex or labor can make a report by filing a suspicious activity report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
CHICAGO (WGN)  One person was killed and three others were injured after being shot early Saturday morning in South Chicago.

Chicago police said the shooting happened just before 5 a.m. in the 8200 block of South Houston Avenue.

Woman in custody, homicide investigation underway after baby drowns in lake on South Side

Officers were sent to the area for reports of a person shot and found a 20-year-old man who had been shot in the neck when they arrived. The man was taken to University of Chicago Hospital where he died, according to investigators.

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Police said an additional three people were also shot.

A 22-year-old woman was shot in the right arm and taken to University of Chicago Hospital in good condition; a 38-year-old man was shot in the abdomen and taken to University of Chicago Hospital in serious condition; a 25-year-old man was also shot in the abdomen and taken to University of Chicago Hospital in serious condition.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

No arrests have been made and CPD detectives are investigating.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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

20-year-old Kevin Aguilar was sentenced to 32 years in prison for the murder of 18-year-old Joseph Padilla near the Fort Worth Stockyards in 2024.

Prosecutors said Aguilar fired an AR-style rifle into a crowd in a parking lot, hitting four people.

Padilla, who was a senior at Weatherford High School, was out celebrating his birthday when he and three others were shot.

FORT WORTH, Texas - The man who killed an 18-year-old celebrating his birthday near the Fort Worth Stockyards last year has been sentenced to 32 years in prison.

Fort Worth Murder Conviction

What we know

According to the Tarrant County District Attorneys Office, 20-year-old Kevin Aguilar pleaded guilty to the 2024 murder.

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Aguilar was then sentenced to 32 years in prison.

Fort Worth Stockyards Shooting

The backstory

The deadly shooting happened around 3 a.m. on Oct. 6, 2024, in a parking lot near the intersection of NW 24th Street and Ellis Avenue.

Fort Worth police said a man fired an AR-style rifle into a crowd of people, hitting four of them.

Joseph Padilla died in the shooting. He was a senior at Weatherford High School and was out celebrating his 18th birthday at the time of the shooting.

The three other victims survived their injuries.

What we don't know

The DAs office did not release any information about the motive for the shooting. Its not clear if Aguilar knew any of his victims or if anyone was targeted.

The Source

The information in this story was provided by the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, the Fort Worth Police Department, and Weatherford ISD.
DENVER (KDVR)  An Arapahoe County man has been sentenced after pleading guilty in a 2023 case of robbery and assault of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier.

The U.S. Colorado Attorneys Office, in a Friday press release, said Marquis Taylor, 29, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.

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Attacking a postal carrier to steal mail is a federal crime that threatens both public safety and the integrity of our mail system, said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly in the release. This office will continue to aggressively prosecute those people who target federal employees simply for doing their jobs.

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In September 2023, Taylor and two other suspects, Elijah Woods, 21, and Dravell Ross, 28, were reported to have committed a strong-arm robbery of a postal carrier while on her lunch break.

The three men allegedly tried to steal a universal mailbox key but were unable to; however, the men are said to have stolen various pieces of mail, packages, and a postal scanner.

The attorneys office said the postal carrier suffered minor injuries from the robbery.

Todays sentencing is a message to those who contemplate perpetrating senseless and traumatizing acts of violence against U.S. Postal Service employees, said Inspector in Charge Bryan Musgrove of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Robberies of our employees are a top investigative priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Rest assured that the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will ensure perpetrators of these acts are brought to justice no matter how much time has passed and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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Ross was sentenced to four years in federal prison in 2024 for his role in the 2023 crime.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man was sentenced to life after he pleaded guilty to a fatal shooting in 2022, according to the First Circuit District Attorneys Office in Mississippi.

Tyron Traylor, Sr., 50, pled guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Romiro Scott.

Tyrone Traylor Sr._Mugshot_ Courtesy of First Circuit District Attorneys Office in MS

The D.A.s office said that Scott was killed on April 24, 2022, and the homicide occurred at an apartment on Pierce Street in Corinth, Mississippi.

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They said the judge sentenced Traylor to an additional 30 years for charges of shooting into a dwelling and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to reports, the Corinth Police Department investigated the case, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol helped in arrestingTraylor after he fled the scene of the murder.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A man accused of a child sex crime against a prohibited person was sentenced to prison on Friday morning.

Nicholas Bryson Perez, 23, of Wichita Falls, pleaded guilty on Friday morning, July 18, 2025, to one count of sexual assault of a prohibited person in the 78th District Court, with Judge Meredith Kennedy presiding.

PREVIOUS STORY: Man charged with sexual assault of prohibited person

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Judge Kennedy sentenced Perez to five years in prison. In addition, a lifetime restraining order was filed against Perez, forbidding him from contacting the victim for the rest of their lives.

After Perez was sentenced, the victim gave a tearful impact statement in open court. Perez was then taken into custody and transported to the Wichita County Jail.

Perez was initially arrested on March 23, 2024, after he was indicted by a Wichita County grand jury. He was released from jail two days later after posting his $100,000 bond and was free on bond until Fridays plea hearing.

The indictment stated that Perez, on or about March 2, 2019, performed a sex act with a female who was younger than 17, and was a person the defendant is prohibited from marrying or purporting to marry.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  Party goers were left reeling after a night out ended in gunfire outside a nightclub in Midtown, Manhattan, early Saturday morning.

A man wearing a ski mask appeared outside the club on West 46th Street just after 2 a.m. and began firing shots, police said. Sources tell PIX11 News that the suspect targeted a 30-year-old man who was shot in the abdomen after an attempted robbery.

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Witness from the nightclub described hearing several shots and then seeing a frantic scene.

The 30-year-old was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive. The shooter was last seen running down West 46th Street, according to authorities.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
***Watch previous coverage above***

WESTBURY, N.Y. (WJW/AP)  A man who suffered from a medical episode after being sucked into an MRI machine in New York state has died, law enforcement said.

Officers with the Nassau County Police Department responded to an emergency call at the Nassau Open MRI facility on Old Country Road on Wednesday.

According to investigators, a 61-year-old man went into the magnetic resonance imaging room while the scan was in progress.

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Firefighters rescue worker suspended 11 stories above Clevelands Public Square

The man was wearing a large metallic chain around his neck at the time, causing him to be drawn into the machine which resulted in a medical episode, Nassau County police said.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but in an update, officials confirmed that the man was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon.

Though the victims name hasnt been formally released, Adrienne Jones-McAllister told News 12 Long Island in a recorded interview that she was undergoing an MRI on her knee when she asked the technician to get her husband, Keith McAllister, to help her get off the table. She said she called out to him.

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She told News 12 that the technician summoned into the room her husband, who was wearing a 20-pound chain that he uses for weight training, an object theyd had a casual conversation about during a previous visit with comments like: Ooooooh, thats a big chain!

When he got close to her, she said, at that instant, the machine switched him around, pulled him in and he hit the MRI.

I said: Could you turn off the machine, call 911, do something, Turn this damn thing off! she recalled, as tears ran down her face. He went limp in my arms.

She said the technician helped her try to pull her husband off the machine but it was impossible.

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He waved goodbye to me and then his whole body went limp, Jones-McAllister told the TV outlet.

Jones-McAllister told News 12 that McAllister suffered heart attacks after he was freed from the MRI machine.

More than 130 people sickened on Royal Caribbean cruise

MRI machines, according to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, use extremely powerful magnets to create a magnetic field to scan the body for diseases and ailments.

The institute goes on to say that the magnetic field is strong enough to fling a wheelchair across the room, as FOX 8s sister station WPIX previously reported.

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An investigation is ongoing 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.
A man has suffered "traumatic injuries" following a fall from rocks, States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (SJFRS) has said.

The fire service said it received a call at about 20:00 BST on Friday and deployed land crews and its inshore rescue boat to the scene south of Havre Des Pas.

It said the rescue was "time critical" and "made more complex by a rapidly rising tide, which posed a risk to casualty and rescuers".

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It said the Jersey Ambulance Service and Jersey Coastguard also attended the scene.

"Paramedics provided urgent on scene treatment while SJFRS assessed safe options for evacuation.

"The decision was made to transfer the casualty into the fire service rescue boat, and he was then moved to a safe landing point where a waiting ambulance transferred him to hospital.

"We would like to thank our emergency service partners for their crucial support in resolving this incident to a safe conclusion," SJFRS said.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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Man wanted for killing of teen girl is arrested in Ohio originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

The man wanted in connection with the killing of a 17-year-old girl in Brooklyn Park earlier this month has been arrested in Ohio.

Brooklyn Park Police Department say the 25-year-old man was arrested by the Ohio State Patrol and North Ridgedale Police Department, after his whereabouts were discovered on Friday morning.

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He was taken into custody at 11:45 a.m. without incident, police say.

Zoe Dekontee Kpanlin, of Elk River, died from a gunshot wound to the chest after being shot on the evening of July 1 on the 7000 block of Lakeland Avenue North.

The suspect is being held in Ridgeville, Ohio, on a 2nd-degree murder warrant, and is awaiting extradition to Minnesota.

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 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Brief

Jarmmal Cox, wanted for multiple felonies, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as law enforcement attempted to arrest him.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, confirming no ongoing threat to the public.

Cox faced charges including aggravated assault on a peace officer and possession of firearms and drugs.

HOGANSVILLE, Ga. - A man accused of ramming a Hogansville police officer with a vehicle during a violent encounter in May was found dead Thursday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as law enforcement attempted to arrest him.

What we know

The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. on July 17, when the Terrell County Sheriffs Department, U.S. Marshals Office, and local agencies attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Jarmmal Cox at a residence in Terrell County. Officers discovered Cox deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound before he could be taken into custody.

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Authorities have confirmed there is no continuing threat to the public.

Cox had been wanted since May 17, when officers responded to a call around 1:50 a.m. on Lawrence Street. According to police, Cox had attempted to ram a Jeep into a residence. When officers arrived, Cox allegedly rammed a police vehicle, fled on foot, and barricaded himself in a location that required a SWAT response.

What we don't know

The Georgia Bureau of Investigations Sylvester office is now leading the investigation.

What they're saying

"This case has weighed heavily on our department and community," the Hogansville Police Department said in a statement. "While we regret that this incident ended in such a tragic manner, we are grateful that no further harm came to officers or the public during the operation. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased as well as the officers who have been directly impacted."

Dig deeper

At the time of his death, Cox faced multiple felony charges including aggravated assault on a peace officer, fleeing and attempting to elude, obstruction, possession of amphetamines, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and discharging a firearm near a public roadway.

What's next

Further updates will be released by the GBI as the investigation continues.

The Source

The Hoganville Police Department provided the details for this article. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.
SARGENTS PURCHASE, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44)  New Hampshire search crews said they found a mans body 400 feet off a steep Mt. Washington trail two days after he was reported missing.

William Davis, 79, of Jacksonville, Florida, was reported missing Wednesday evening. His wife reportedly said that he had last been seen in the area of the summit observation deck at about 3:20 p.m.

A State Park employee later made phone contact with Davis, who reportedly did not know where he was, but described terrain which made it seem that he would be easily located. However, he stopped answering his phone shortly after.

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Two hikers rescued from steep terrain on Mt. Washington

Dozens of personnel took part in a full-scale search that was suspended after midnight on Thursday, before resuming again in the morning. The search resumed once again on Friday, and volunteer searchers reportedly found his body at about 11:00 a.m. It was later retrieved by helicopter.

Officials say that though his cause of death is yet to be determined, Davis suffered a fall a long way down a steep, rocky slope.

There is no indication how Davis ended up at that location and how far he had traveled over rocky terrain to get there. He was not a hiker, had no map, and every indication is he wandered off the summit without telling anyone where he was going. It is a tragic end to a tough search mission and the Fish and Game Department would like to thank all the volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring Davis back to his family. New Hampshire Fish and Game statement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Atlanta police are investigating a double shooting that has left a man and a woman injured.

It happened around 8 p.m. along Washington Street SW.

Investigators said the woman was shot in the chest and arm, while the man was grazed by a bullet.

The woman was alert, conscious, and breathing when she was taken to the hospital Friday evening.

Police said the shooting sprang from an argument, and their domestic violence unit is investigating the circumstances around this shooting.

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The Brief

Marble Falls rodeo honored the city's fallen fire chief.

Chief Michael Phillips went missing while responding to a call on July 5.

The Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department announced his "end of watch" earlier this week.

MARBLE FALLS, Texas - The Marble Falls Rodeo honored a fallen fire chief on Friday night during first responders night.

Chief Michael Phillips went missing in the early morning hours of July 5 while responding to a call for service during the deadly floods in Central Texas.

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He was driving his emergency vehicle when he went missing. The vehicle was found, but he was not.

The fire department announced his "end of watch" earlier this week.

During Friday night's rodeo in the Charley Taylor area, the community paid their respects to the chief.

What they're saying

Bob Amber traveled from Indiana to pay his respects to Phillips.

"I can't imagine what they're going through. I spent 38 years as a career firefighter and the last eight as a volunteer for my hometown department and I know what the brotherhood and the sisterhood is like," Amber said. "I hope that Chief Phillips and his members know that there are people outside of this community that are caring and hoping for the best."

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Those in attendance were asked to wear red to honor Phillips.

Phillips spent nearly 30 years in the community as a fire chief and school facilities leader.

Central Texas flooding

More than 100 people were killed after devastating flash flooding came through Central Texas over the July 4 weekend.

In Kerr County, officials confirmed 107 deaths, including 70 adults and 37 children.

More than 1,000 first responders from across the country are helping with search efforts to bring loved ones home to their families.

The Source

Information in this article comes from the Marble Falls Rodeo and FOX 7 interviews.
The Brief

Judge Pamala Gates is the new Presiding Judge of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, overseeing the nation's fourth-largest trial court.

Judge Gates aims to leverage artificial intelligence for a more efficient and accessible court system but stresses careful implementation due to concerns about evidence reliability and potential AI bias.

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. - Maricopa County's court system, which millions interact with annually, is under new leadership.

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Judge Pamala Gates has taken the helm as the Presiding Judge of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, overseeing the nation's fourth-largest trial court.

What we know

Her vision centers on creating a more efficient, transparent and accessible justice system for the community  potentially through artificial intelligence.

Born in a small town in Iowa, Gates is now responsible for managing the courts, assigning cases to other judges and overseeing approximately 3,000 employees within the court and probation systems.

Her tenure coincides with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, a technology poised to transform various industries, including the legal profession.

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Judge Gates, who serves on a steering committee dedicated to understanding AI and its implications for courts, emphasized the need for careful and responsible integration.

What they're saying

"There is a right way, and a wrong way, and we need to be incredibly thoughtful and responsible with any use of artificial intelligence," Gates said.

She offered examples of beneficial AI applications, such as guiding pro se defendants through complex processes like divorce proceedings. Gates also noted AI's potential to enhance judicial efficiency.

For instance, a secure and monitored AI tool could quickly analyze vast documents to identify specific information, like how often a party tested positive for drugs, by hyperlinking directly to relevant pages, a task a simple "find and search" tool might struggle with.

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However, concerns remain, particularly regarding AI-generated evidence. Gates highlighted the challenge for judges when experts cannot fully explain how an AI tool produced specific outputs, such as accident reconstruction videos.

"For example, litigants will bring in videos. It might be an accident reconstruction video," Gates said. "And the expert can't specifically say how the AI tool they used generated that video ... so that's going to be a really challenging issue for our judges to assess. Is this the reliable type of information jurors should be entitled to consider?"

What you can do

Click here to learn more about Judge Gates.
Maritime experts patrolling a remote island in the South Pacific have discovered the remains of a U.S. naval vessel which sank after a WWII skirmish.

The U.S.S. Laffey Association reported that a 21-day expedition carried out by the nonprofit organization Ocean Exploration Trust and financed by the NOAA unearthed the remains of the U.S.S. Laffey, which sank on November 13, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Astonishing photos show the ship to be mostly intact and resting upright on the ocean floor. A plaque bearing the ships name and its builder information remains remarkably well intact after decades of exposure to the elements.

Ocean Exploration Trust

Ocean Exploration Trust

Ocean Exploration Trust

Dr. Robert Ballard, who discovered the remains of the Titanic, originally located the Laffey in 1992. Though its been explored a handful of times since its initial discovery, these are the first photos of the Laffey in its final resting spot. According to records, the ship sank after it was struck by a torpedo during a battle between American and Japanese forces. Fifty-nine died in the attack while a further 100 were wounded.

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On November 12, 1942, at Lunga Point, [the Laffey] came under attack and engaged with the Japanese battleships Hiei and Kirishima, explained a statement from the association. Shortly after being hit by a torpedo, a command was given to abandon the ship. An explosion on the ship ripped the destroyer in half, and it quickly sank.

Researchers believe the Laffey to be just one of an estimated 111 ships and 1,450 planes which were lost in the South Pacific during the Second World War, though only a very small number of those have been properly documented.

Related: Archaeologists Make Groundbreaking Easter Island Discovery

Marine Experts Photograph U.S. Naval Vessel Lost in WWII first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 19, 2025
Nederland, Colorado  During the height of the Vietnam War, being stationed at U.S. Marine outpost Con Thien was like a death sentence.

"It just seemed like a matter of time for everybody," retired Marine Cpl. Scott Harrison told CBS News.

Harrison, then just 19 years old, says he got through those dark days, thanks in no small part, to a music box his sister had sent to him.

During breaks in the fighting, he used to hold it tight to his ear.

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"And I would close my eyes, and I would think of a carousel in a mountain meadow," Harrison said. "An image totally opposite of where people are trying to kill each other."

Harrison says that delicate tinkling of a simpler time lowered his adrenaline and tempered the brutality. Eventually, he was wounded, evacuated, and reintegrated into civilian life.

Harrison left Vietnam in 1968, but the war never left him. He battled post-traumatic stress disorder with alcohol, and at one point, tried living alone on a boat on the ocean, but nothing worked. And that is when he circled back to that carousel vision, that one he conjured so long ago.

"I thought that if I could actually start making that vision come true, it would keep me on an even keel and make me happier," Harrison said.

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So, Harrison bought a broken-down carousel and brought it to Nederland, Colorado, in 1986. For the next 26 years, he carved brand-new animals for it.

The carousel opened to the public in 2010, in a mountain valley in Nederland, just like the one Harrison had envisioned  a carousel like none you've ever seen.

Harrison helped establish the Carousel of Happiness, a nonprofit whose mission is simply to spread joy. Over the past 15 years it has delighted more than one million people. It's also profoundly changed Harrison's life.

"Absolutely, everyday, just to go to that carousel and see everybody having such a great time, is good medicine for me," Harrison said. "Because I started out trying to treat myself, and then it just changed into something that I could do for others."

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Wall Street Journal reports Trump sent "bawdy" birthday letter to Epstein, Trump threatens to sue

Medical expert on Trump's chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis

Americans on whether the U.S. should return to the moon, travel to Mars
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, on Friday bashed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Tulsi Gabbard is not competent to be the director of national intelligence, he told moderator Peter Baker at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado. I believe she is trying to politicize the workforce and work product, and that makes America less safe.

His comments came just before Gabbard released a Friday report alleging that Obama-era officials engaged in a treasonous conspiracy to alter intelligence regarding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

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Their goal was to subvert the will of the American people and enact what was essentially a years-long coup with the objective of trying to usurp the President from fulfilling the mandate bestowed upon him by the American people, Gabbard said.

The intelligence community has long concluded that Russia sought to influence the 2016 election.

Warner later on Friday railed against Gabbards report in a statement, citing the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation, which reaffirmed that the Russian government directed extensive activity against U.S. election infrastructure.'

This conclusion was supported on a unanimous basis by every single Democrat and Republican on the committee, the long-time critic of Gabbard wrote, noting that the probe found that social media was used to benefit President Trumps election.

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A DNI official pushed back on Warners remarks Friday, calling him a loser.

Since hes dumb enough to fall for politicized intelligence like the debunked Russia Hoax, I think were good not taking advice from him, Gabbards deputy chief of staff Alexa Henning wrote on the social media platform X.

The president and his allies have railed against the Russia investigation for years, long calling it a hoax.

Warners critique, which came during a panel alongside fellow Democrat Sen. Chris Coons (Del.), also focused on the administrations decision to axe the director of the National Security Agency in April as well as this springs Signal group chat controversy.

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You have efforts on politicized product, he said, referencing top officials using Signal to discuss strikes on the Houthis. Last time that happened, we had a war in Iraq.

Gabbard previously claimed there was no classified information discussed in the chat.

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A Frederick County, MD, man says that nearly $180,000 was stolen after thieves intercepted his estimated tax payments, amid a wave of mail theft the Sheriff's Office says its investigating.

The man says that two checks he mailed to the Maryland Comptroller and the IRS were stolen and altered, including an $84,000 check that was deposited twice. They took the same check, they changed the payee, and it went through twice," he told WMAR-2 News. A $13,000 check was caught by the bank, he said.

Ongoing cases of mail theft in Baltimore and the surrounding area have led to calls for a federal investigation. Checks and money orders sent through the United States Postal Service are being intercepted, altered and cashed by thieves who have stolen what may amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Don't miss

How are thieves stealing mail?

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins told WMAR-2 News the series of incidents is really unprecedented.

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Were seeing a string of theft of checks, probably upwards of 100 cases right now and probably totaling several hundreds of thousands of dollars, Jenkins said.

Investigators believe thieves are utilizing stolen "arrow keys"  universal master keys that can open multiple mailboxes. In February, WBAL-TV News reported that these keys were being used in mail theft operations. A USPS Inspector General audit reviewed by the news outlet revealed that in January, several Maryland post offices had arrow keys that were either missing or improperly secured. The United States Postal Service announced plans in 2023 to upgrade from the outdated arrow locks to electronic locking systems.

Based on a Thomson Reuters report analyzing data from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, check-fraud Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) reached 682,276 in 2024, slightly increasing from 665,505 in 2023. This represents a dramatic rise of nearly 95% since 2021, when only 350,000 check-fraud SARs were documented.

In a recent public service announcement, the FBI highlighted the growing concern of check fraud stemming from mail theft. According to the alert, criminals are obtaining checks through various methods, including stealing from residential mailboxes and USPS collection boxes, conducting burglaries and robberies of postal facilities and workers, and through corruption involving postal employees.

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In April, WMAR-2 News reported on several Baltimore residents who say their checks and money orders were stolen and altered, including one man who said he had mailed a check inside a post office.

The FBI warning says that thieves alter checks by a process called check washing, where chemicals are used to physically alter a check, usually changing the payee and amount.

Fraudsters can also use check cooking techniques, where photo-editing software and advanced printers are used to manufacture checks. The FBI says, often these checks are written for smaller amounts which can go undetected for longer periods of time by escaping the scrutiny or visibility of a larger check amount.

Stolen checks are then deposited by others colluding with fraudsters, or sold online to other bad actors. In Michigan, four individuals were recently charged in a case involving a $63-million mail theft conspiracy where its alleged two USPS employees stole mail  including a large number of tax refund checks  and two other individuals sold the stolen mail online.

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Although financial institutions can fight fraud by encouraging customers to switch to digital payment methods, the best way to prevent fraud may be to make the public aware of the problem.

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

Protect yourself

The FBI says there are several ways to protect your mail and your checks.

To ensure the security of your mail, avoid keeping it in your mailbox overnight, and arrange for the post office to hold your mail when you're away. Additionally, reach out to the sender if you're expecting important mail that hasn't arrived.

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According to FBI recommendations, protect your checks by using permanent black ink that resists check washing. Always fill in the entire payee and amount lines without leaving gaps, and never include sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, on checks.

The Frederick County man whose checks were stolen noted in the WMAR-2 News report that you should be sure to review images of your checks sent by their bank, before they approve any withdrawal alerts.

Getting credit reports once a year to look out for signs of identity theft is recommended by the Federal Trade Commission. You are entitled by law to receive one free report annually from each of the three national credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). There is only one website (AnnualCreditReport.com) that can process requests for your free annual reports  the credit bureaus use this website to process requests, and you cant request your free annual reports from the individual agencies.

The FTC also says to watch out for scam websites offering free credit reports, noting that these sites may pretend to be associated with AnnualCreditReport.com or claim to offer free credit reports, free credit scores or free credit monitoring.

What to do if you think youre a victim of mail theft

As with any type of fraud, immediately alerting your financial institutions, as well as any relevant government agencies, should be your first course of action. The bank should reimburse you for funds taken from your account with an altered check; depending on your state, you generally have to report an issue within 30 or 60 days from the date of your most recent bank statement.

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If you believe your mail has been stolen, file a report with your local law enforcement. You should also contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service online or by calling 1-877-876-2455, and the USPS Office of Inspector General online or by calling 1-888-USPS-OIG.

Report internet-enabled crimes to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

What to read next

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA)  Even with the second do not drink order lifted, some are still feeling the negative effects in Mattoon.

The two do not drink orders in the city have caused some businesses to close for a week. Others were able to stay open but have had to adjust what they do to keep people safe. Now, organizations from around Central Illinois are pitching in to help.

Mattoon lifts do not drink order; prepares for future

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The Mattoon Chamber of Commerce is helping non-chain businesses like these by giving them $1,500. The chamber said the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation out of Effingham gave money to help try and make up for losses. The nonprofit was able to give checks to 18 businesses in the city like Hunan Chinese restaurant, Luigis Italian and more.

However, it didnt stop there. The Original Burger King decided they wanted to help out their fellow food spots as well.

They gave $5,000 for the locally owned downtown restaurants, said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ed Dowd. And there are seven locally owned downtown restaurants. So, the Mattoon Chamber Charitable Corporation, we contributed an extra $2,000 so that we can give $1,000 to each of those as well.

PREVIOUSLY: Mattoon recycling program reminds residents of accepted items as do not drink order continues

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Another nonprofit is getting involved as well. The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is matching donations for Mattoon up to $7,500.

The foundations CEO said $15,000 will go to nonprofits in the Mattoon area who can distribute it where they see need. The latest tests showed toxin levels are below the safety limit, meaning people can resume using the tap water.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW)  The three Cleveland Heights police officers involved in the deadly shooting of an 18-year-old man last year wont face criminal charges, city officials announced on Friday.

In a statement, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren said a grand jury on Friday determined that criminal charges arent warranted in the shooting death of Christian Thomas.

On Aug. 29, 2024, Cleveland Heights police responded to a call for a domestic disturbance between Thomas and his father at a home on Yellowstone Road.

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According to police, witnesses said Thomas was allegedly armed, had his finger on the trigger and had already fired a shot inside the home.

Firefighters rescue worker suspended 11 stories above Clevelands Public Square

Officers at the scene said they heard Thomas father pleading his son to take his finger off the trigger. They then heard a loud crash, followed by a gunshot.

Police sources at the time said Thomas was seen coming out of the home through a screened porch window.

Thomas was still carrying the gun and when he encountered Cleveland Heights police, three officers opened fire, investigators said.

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Officers rendered first aid but Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Seren, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation reviewed the officer-involved shooting and presented the evidence to Attorney General Yosts Special Prosecutions Unit earlier this year.

On Thursday, the evidence was brought before a grand jury who decided that the use of force in this case was reasonable and there was no probable cause to believe that a crime was committed, the mayors statement continued.

Nonprofit for veterans asking for help after pool building vandalized during renovations

I hope everyone can remember that no matter the circumstances or the result of this criminal investigation, this is heartbreaking, the statement said, in part. Christians death is a tragedy for the Tyson and Thomas families and for our community. It is our responsibility to continue our work to find ways to prevent incidents like this in the future, and in that way to honor the loss of our young neighbor.

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Last September, family members, the familys attorney and local civil justice leaders called for full transparency in the investigation.

At the time, the familys attorney, Stanley Jackson with The Cochran Firm Cleveland, demanded that police release all body-camera footage from the shooting, as well as reports and the names of officers involved. He said at the time that the officers appeared not trained and that Thomas was in distress and needed help.

Seren said he will hold a press conference at 9 a.m. Monday to address the grand jurys decision.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

Adam Sheafe has been indicted for murder in Maricopa County after admitting to killing New River pastor William Schonemann, whose death was likened to a "crucifixion" by the county attorney's office.

Sheafe faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, and was linked to the crime through evidence at the scene and other burglaries.

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. - Adam Sheafe has been indicted for murder in Maricopa County after admitting to killing New River pastor William Schonemann in several media interviews.

Adam Sheafe (Photo courtesy of Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)

What we know

Sheafe was extradited from Sedona, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced on July 18. He was initially jailed in Sedona following an arrest for allegedly breaking into a home.

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The Maricopa County Attorney's Office described Schonemann's April 28 death as a "crucifixion," noting that the pastor's body was found in his New River home with arms outstretched.

Detectives from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office connected Sheafe to the murder through evidence found at Schonemann's home, a Cave Creek burglary scene, and items recovered from Sheafe's backpack and a stolen truck.

Sheafe is also accused of breaking into a second Sedona home.

William Schonemann & Adam Sheafe

Click to open this PDF in a new window.

MCSO releases video showing suspect being booked into jail

"Sheafe is accused of taking the life of local Pastor William Bill Shonemanna tragic and senseless act that has deeply shaken the New River community," the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said.

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Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan called this a "deeply disturbing crime that profoundly impacted the victims family, loved ones, and congregation."

The sheriff's office released footage of Sheafe being booked into jail.

List of Charges

A grand jury indicted Sheafe on numerous charges, including first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, second-degree burglary, first-degree burglary, kidnapping, theft of means of transportation, and second-degree criminal trespass.

He is being held in a Maricopa County jail on a $10,250,000 bond.

READ MORE: Suspect confesses to killing Arizona pastor; admits he had more targets

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Former federal prosecutor Josh Kolsrud believes Sheafe will face the death penalty. While acknowledging that no death penalty case is easy to prosecute, Kolsrud said he doesn't think Sheafe appears to have a defense that will sway a jury.

Kolsrud outlined three main factors that will be considered when determining if the death penalty is appropriate:

- Cruel and Heinous Crime: Prosecutors will assess if the crime itself was cruel and heinous.

- Vulnerable Victim: Kolsrud noted that the victim, identified as Pastor Alfred Schonemann, was over 70, placing him in a vulnerable group.

- Motive: Sheafe's stated motivation for killing the pastor  "leading people onto a false path by following Jesus"  makes proving a motive straightforward, according to Kolsrud.

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"I know that I've heard a lot of people say, 'Well, if he wants the death penalty, why should we give it to him?' Well, it's justice," Kolsrud said. "The evaluation about whether or not somebody is going to get the death penalty is a very objective thing based on the facts of the case."

Sheafe has openly admitted to the pastor's murder, even discussing the crime in a FOX 10 interview last month.

"If I'm going to be his defense attorney, I don't like what he's doing because the only defense, at least the way that it looks right now, is some type of insanity or diminished capacity defense," Kolsrud said. "But when you have a client that is on television giving interviews about his conduct, he is showing that he appreciates the wrongfulness of his actions, and he appreciates what hes done," he said.
(WHTM)  Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) blamed cuts to public media on the organizations stripped of their funding.

The Senate voted Thursday to claw back $9 billion in federal funding for global aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, sending the package requested by President Donald Trump to the House for a final vote, where it passed Friday.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

Public radio and television stations around the country, including PBS and NPR, could struggle without the funding. Pennsylvanias junior senator defended the cuts.

NPR and public broadcasting, its essentially adopted a very liberal agenda, McCormick said. So, what you have is taxpayer money subsidizing a particular political view, whether its a very conservative view or a very liberal view. In this case, a very liberal view. Thats not what taxpayer dollars should be for, so NPR essentially did this to itself.

Pennsylvania congressman demands special prosecutor, release of Epstein files

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The White House suggested this wont be the last time it takes back funding Congress has already allocated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A McMinnville man has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in Oregon, authorities announced Thursday.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon said 46-year-old Travis Donnahoo was sentenced to 10 years in prison with four years supervised release.

According to court documents, McMinnville police officers arrested Donnahoo March 12, 2023, on four outstanding warrants for his arrest. Authorities also noted Donahoos lengthy history of drug trafficking, including five previous state convictions for distributing drugs in the state.

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Week-long search for missing mountain biker ends after he drove back home in his own car

The day of his arrest, officers searched Donnahoo and seized a firearm, cash and a black zippered case.

The next day, investigators executed a search warrant on the zippered case, where they found 145 grams of meth and 322 grams of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl.

Later, on March 22, 2023, Donahoo was charged with possessing fentanyl and meth with intent to distribute along with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm.

More details released in Gateway Fred Meyer closure impacting hundreds of workers

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Donnahoo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Authorities noted the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid thats 80-100 times more powerful than morphine and 30-50 times more powerful than heroin.

A 2-milligram dose of the synthetic opioid  about a few grains of the substance  is enough to kill an average adult male, the U.S. Attorneys Office warns.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
This story is reported by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit news organization. Find more in-depth reporting at www.sdnewswatch.org.

Wade Erickson doesnt want to seem like an alarmist.

But Erickson, CEO of Horizon Healthin South Dakota, has serious concerns about how the Medicaid cuts embedded in the giant taxation and budget law signed by President Trump will affect the health of South Dakotans, especially in rural areas.

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Horizon provides medical care to people across a 28,000 square-mile area of the state. Each year, about 26,000 patients are treated in 80,000 appointments at 27 Horizon Health clinics, dental offices and mental-health centers in South Dakota.

Details are still to come on the cuts to Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income Americans. But early indications are that the law will cut federal aid to health care by $1 trillion over the next decade.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the law will remove 12 million Americans from enrollment in the Medicaid program, many due to new work requirements.

From Ericksons standpoint, that would impact rural health in two ways.

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First, patients who lose Medicaid coverage and are not able to afford medical care from their own pockets will be more likely to delay preventive care or may avoid getting needed medical treatments altogether.

If people are afraid to access health care because they cant afford to pay for it, or they stop taking care of their wellness and are no longer catching chronic diseases early to where they can be managed, theres a very good possibility that it could lead to people being more sick, and also some more people dying before they would otherwise, Erickson told News Watch.

Wade Erickson, CEO of Horizon Health, is shown in his systems clinic in Martin, S.D. in May 2024. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch)

Secondly, health providers like Horizon, which already run on small or even negative profit margins on some procedures, will see less revenue and could be forced to reduce services.

About 65% of Horizons annual budget is funded by the federal government, with roughly 20% coming from Medicaid, which sometimes does not cover the full cost of patient treatments and procedures. Other federal funding sources include Medicare and the annual payment made as part of the Federal Qualified Health Center program.

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As a federally qualified center, Horizon cannot turn away any patients. If fewer people are covered by Medicaid, Horizon will have to ask them to pay on a sliding scale or simply provide unreimbursed coverage if the patients cannot afford to pay.

Just because people lose coverage doesnt mean they stop getting sick or they should stop taking care of their wellness and chronic conditions, Erickson said.

That is super important, that we are able to continue to support that. But without insurance or without a payer source other than themselves, which honestly, people cant afford it if theyre on Medicaid so theyll be uninsured, he added. That will just lead to more uncompensated care and make it really difficult for us to maintain services in rural communities.

Wade Erickson, CEO of Horizon Health, is shown in his systems clinic in Martin, S.D. in May 2024. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch)

Erickson acknowledged that there are many unknowns about how the cuts to Medicaid will play out in the coming years. But he is concerned that reductions in coverage may put rural providers and patients into untenable positions.

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We already have patients who choose whether to get groceries or get their prescriptions, so its going to land on the most vulnerable people out there, he said. And we have to figure out, how are we going to serve all these new patients who are uninsured?

Laws goal is to cut fraud and waste

President Trump and Republican leaders in Congress have said the health care changes in the new budget bill will reduce fraud and waste and ensure that Medicaid is serving those it initially intended: pregnant women, people with disabilities and children.

Cuts in some programs were necessary in order to fund some of Trumps other priorities, such as increasing immigration enforcement, boosting defense and providing tax cuts.

The bill includes a $50 billion new fund to help rural hospitals offset revenue losses. But the nonpartisan KFF research institute estimates Medicaid spending in rural areas will fall by $155 billion under the new legislation.

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Its very clear that Medicaid cuts will result in rural hospital closures, Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, a nonprofit advocacy and research organization, told KFF in July.

A $1.65 billion program in SD

Medicaid in South Dakota provides medical, dental, vision and pharmaceutical insurance coverage for qualifying low-income adults and children.

The cost of the Medicaid program in South Dakota in calendar year 2024 was about $1.65 billion, according to data from the Department of Social Services, which administers the program.

DSS officials did not respond to an interview request from News Watch.

Medicaid enrollment and costs in South Dakota rose significantly in July 2023, when voter-approved expanded guidelines kicked in, and both metrics have continued to rise since then.

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In June 2025, about 144,300 people were enrolled in Medicaid in South Dakota, with 78,500 children and 65,800 adults covered by the insurance plan. The cost of the program was $155.5 million that month, with the state paying about 40% and the federal government paying around 60%.

Made with Flourish

While cuts to Medicaid will affect all health care providers across the state, including large health groups in bigger cities, rural providers and patients have fewer options to adapt to changes and as a result may see more acute impacts.

Worries arise for long-term care industry

Providers in the long-term care industry in South Dakota are also trying to determine how the recent budget law will affect their ability to provide care or even remain financially viable, said Mark Deak, executive director of the South Dakota Health Care Association.

The association represents about 170 nursing homes, assisted-living and senior-care homes as well as about 90 vendors and suppliers to the long-term care industry in the state. Many of those facilities, particularly in rural areas, have experienced financial challenges in recent years, leading 10% of nursing homes to close during the early 2020s, Deak said.

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While the budget bill does not contain direct cuts to long-term care funding, anticipated reductions in Medicaid funding could squeeze revenues for facilities that on average receive 54% of income from Medicaid enrollees, Deak said.

As a result, care facilities could be hit with revenue challenges, especially in rural areas where workforce is limited and costs can be higher, he said. Meanwhile, potential residents with limited financial resources could find it harder to obtain long-term care.

Given how tight the margins are, and how tight the budget could get, it just ratchets up the level of anxiety, Deak said. Given the overall fiscal pressures, were just thinking about what the impacts could be.

Another less-prominent piece of the legislation, Deak said, will shorten by a month the time period long-term care facilities have to process and be reimbursed for new residents, which also could make it less likely they will take in new low-income residents.

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The bill did include one big win for long-term care facilities.

It paused a federal staffing level requirement that Deak said would have forced facilities in South Dakota to hire 300 new nurses. That was an expensive and potentially impossible directive to meet given the lack of available workforce, he said.

Waiting and watching in Winner

Brian Williams, CEO of Winner Regional Health, said its too early to know how the Medicaid cuts in the federal budget bill will impact his facility and its patients. But hes staying abreast of funding developments to be prepared if bad news does arrive.

We do not fully understand how these cuts may or not impact us. But were very concerned and were keeping a close eye on how this is going to be implemented, Williams told News Watch. It could have a negative impact on our ability to get reimbursement for a lot a services we provide.

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The small, independent health group that includes a hospital, clinic and long-term care facility in south-central South Dakotas Tripp County has been forced to make tough choices already this year due to revenue challenges.

In February, Winner Regional ended its birthing services, forcing expectant mothers to drive an hour or more to give birth with a doctor present.

Erickson, of Horizon Health, said he plans to contact members of Congress to urge them to modify or soften the cuts to Medicaid.

Thats why we really have to tell our story of the impact of what its going to do to people across the country, and in our case, the people of South Dakota.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Gene editing technologies, widely used in agriculture and de-extinction research, are being proposed as a transformative tool to help save endangered species by restoring lost genetic diversity.

In a new Perspective article published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity, an international team of scientists outlines the promises, challenges, and ethical considerations of genome engineering. They propose a practical framework for integrating gene editing into biodiversity conservation efforts.

What Is Gene Editing and How Does It Help?

According to the authors, gene editing can recover lost genetic diversity in species at risk of extinction by using historical DNA samplessuch as those from museum specimens, biobanks, or closely related species. This restored diversity could improve a species' ability to adapt to threats like disease or climate change.

"We're facing the fastest environmental change in Earth's history, and many species have lost the genetic variation needed to adapt and survive," said Professor Cock van Oosterhout from the University of East Anglia, one of the study's co-leads. "Gene engineering provides a way to restore that variation, whether it's reintroducing DNA from immune-system genes or borrowing climate-tolerance genes from related species."

Case Study: The Pink Pigeon

A striking example is the pink pigeon, native to Mauritius. Once reduced to just 10 individuals, conservation efforts have boosted the population to over 600. However, genetic studies show the species still suffers from "genomic erosion"  reduced genetic diversity and harmful mutations. Scientists warn that without intervention, the pigeon could go extinct within 50 to 100 years despite its numbers.

Gene editing could restore the genetic traits the species has lost, enabling it to better survive environmental changes.

Three Key Applications of Gene Editing in Conservation

Restoring Lost Genetic Variation

Using DNA from historic specimens to bring back gene variants missing in current populations. Facilitated Adaptation

Introducing beneficial genes from related species to help endangered species adapt to changing climates or resist disease. Reducing Harmful Mutations

Editing out harmful mutations fixed during population crashes and replacing them with healthy genetic variants.

Risks and Ethical Considerations

The authors caution that gene editing remains experimental. Risks include off-target mutations and unintended consequences for genetic diversity. They call for small-scale, phased trials and long-term ecological monitoring.

Community engagement is essential. Local communities, Indigenous groups, and the public must be consulted before moving forward with any gene-editing initiatives.

The Future of Conservation with Gene Editing

"Genome editing is not a replacement for species protection and will never be a magical fix," said Associate Professor Hernan Morales of the Globe Institute. "Its role must be carefully evaluated alongside established conservation strategies."

The technology's potential has already been seen in agriculture, where gene-edited crops resistant to pests and drought are widely cultivated. The same innovations that aim to revive extinct species like mammoths could now be used to rescue species on the brink of extinction.

As conservationists search for bold solutions, gene editing may become an essential tool in a broader, integrated effort to preserve Earth's biodiversity.

Originally published on natureworldnews.com
The tangled and tumultuous relationship between President Trump and media mogul Rupert Murdoch has taken a new, dramatic turn.

Trump is suing Murdoch, his company News Corporation and the Wall Street Journals parent company. The suit was filed on Friday, following through on earlier social media postings from the president.

Trump being Trump, he had put the earlier threats in colorful terms.

Im going to sue his ass off, and that of his third rate newspaper, Trump warned, regarding Murdoch, in a social media post on Thursday evening.

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On Friday morning, he followed up with another post: I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his pile of garbage newspaper, the WSJ. That will be an interesting experience!!!

The core of the dispute is a story the Journal published on Thursday about Trumps relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy financier and sexual predator who died in 2019, seemingly from suicide, while facing sex trafficking charges.

The Journal uncovered a birthday album that had apparently been put together for Epsteins 50th birthday, in 2003, by Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell, at one time Epsteins girlfriend, was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring in his abuse of minors.

The birthday album, the Journal reported, included a bawdy letter bearing Trumps name. The newspaper wrote that the letter included a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman, and some lines of text concluding Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret.

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Trump contends the letter is a fake, contending in one post, These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I dont draw pictures. There has, however, been at least one example of a Trump picture  a basic sketch of the New York skyline  being sold off for charity.

Trumps lawsuit contends that the supposed letter is fake and the Defendants knew it when they chose to deliberately defame President Trump.

Trump has been forthright about the fact that he contacted Murdoch directly to try to get him to stop publication of the story before it appeared.

And it is true that Trump and Epstein have a history.

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There is footage of the duo partying together in the 1990s and, in 2002, Trump paid tribute to Epstein as a terrific guy in a New York magazine profile of the financier.

Trumps quote in the magazine profile also included the observation that Epstein had an eye for women and many of them are on the younger side.

Trump and Epstein later ceased contact, though the cause of their falling-out has never been definitively established.

In any event, Trump is now embroiled in litigation with Murdoch, having just five months ago praised the media magnate as in a class by himself and an amazing guy in the Oval Office.

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The court clash creates risks for both men.

For Trump, Murdoch is a dangerous enemy. The real peril rests in the possibility of hard jabs being thrown in his direction by Fox News.

The cable news channel is a far more powerful conduit to the Trump blue-collar base than the Journal, which has a more upscale audience and has long functioned, in its editorial pages, as a strong advocate for business-friendly, free market policies.

Journal editorials have already been critical of Trumps stances on tariffs and his clemency toward people convicted of January 6-related offenses, among other things.

But any turn by Fox to offer pointed criticisms of the president could be more electorally damaging for Trump.

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The reverse is also true, however.

Any such shift from Fox would contain massive potential pitfalls for Murdoch as well. Put simply, a prolonged conflict with Trump is just as likely to see Fox get hurt by a loss of viewers as it is to wound Trump.

There is precedent here.

After the 2020 election, there was serious concern at the network about a loss of viewers to networks further to the right, such as Newsmax. Those concerns were laid bare in the discovery process for the defamation case that Dominion Voting Systems took against Fox over false suggestions of fraud and other chicanery aired by guests on the network. The case was ultimately settled for more than $700 million.

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In broad terms, viewers loyal to Trump appeared to leave the network because its initial coverage affirmed the validity of President Bidens victory. Critics say internal panic over this dynamic caused Fox to give overly credulous coverage to false claims of election fraud.

The Dominion case also revealed Murdochs hope that the Capitol riot of Jan. 6 had ended Trumps political career. In one email from that period, Murdoch wrote, We want to make Trump a nonperson.

Such a shift would have been striking since Fox was to the fore in giving Trump a regular platform in the years when he began his transition into politics. The networks Fox and Friends show had a weekly Monday mornings with Trump segment that began in 2011.

It is, of course, possible that tempers will cool between Trump and Murdoch, or that some settlement may be arrived at.

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But if they keep on their current collision course, sparks are guaranteed to fly.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sixteen crew members who died when a submarine sank in an accident more than 80 years ago will be commemorated.

On the evening of the 19 July 1941, the HMS Umpire was travelling to Scotland as part of a convoy, but it became separated after an engine failure and collided with a trawler near Blakeney in Norfolk.

On the 84th anniversary of its sinking, a memorial is due to be unveiled at All Saints Church in Mundesley, Norfolk.

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Cdr Tom Herman, from the Submariners Association, told BBC Radio Norfolk: "The boat would have been at a steep bow angle. The water would have been rushing in. It would have been absolutely terrifying."

The HMS Umpire, which measured 197ft (60m) long, had a crew of 33 and was heading north to Scotland as part of a convoy because of the risk of attacks by German forces.

However, the submarine suffered engine failure and an escort was detached to stay with it.

"Not surprising, a brand new boat often had some difficulties and they began to fall behind the convoy," Cdr Herman said.

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As a southbound convoy approached, HMS Umpire became separated from its escort. While it tried to get out the way, its "fate was sealed" when the bow of an armed trawler, the Peter Hendricks, collided with the submarine.

"She began to sink immediately. The four on the bridge, the captain, the navigator and two lookouts were thrown into the sea, and the rest of the boat sank very quickly in about 60ft (18m) of water," Cdr Herman added.

'Company from shipmates'

The body of Sub Lt Stephen Godden, who was 25 at the time of the incident, is buried in the graveyard of All Saints Church.

Cdr Herman said: "The Norfolk branch of the Submariners Association felt that Godden, the navigator - who washed ashore at Mundesley and is buried there - should have some company from the rest of his shipmates."

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The wreck of HMS Umpire lies on the seabed, designated under the Protection of the Military Remains Act 1986, where it continues to be visited by divers.

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - Two landmarks in the Desert Southwest may share a historic connection, unveiled in a study published in the journal Geology.

Researchers led by a team at the University of New Mexico suggest that a large meteor triggered a massive landslide in the nearby Grand Canyon, blocking the Colorado River and forming a 50-mile-long lake.

Evidence comes from decades of investigative work involving driftwood and lake sediments found in caves high above the river in the Grand Canyon.

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So how did decaying wood make it to at least 150 feet above the surface of the water?

Grand Canyon meteor impact site

"It would have required a ten-times bigger flood level than any flood that has happened in the past several thousand years," Karl Karlstrom, the study's co-author, stated. "Or maybe they are very old deposits left as the river carved down, or maybe they floated in from a paleolake caused by a downstream lava dam or landslide dam."

Original carbon dating performed in the 1960s estimated that the wood was at least 35,000 years old, but modern technology provided a more precise estimate of around 55,600 years - a time period that matches a meteor strike estimated to have occurred between 53,000 and 63,000 years ago.

Prolonged Heat Waves At National Parks Could Pose Serious Risks To Visitors

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The study suggests that after the meteor collision, a shock wave, resembling at least a magnitude-5.4 earthquake, loosened rocks and cliffs, creating a landslide that effectively acted as a dam for the Colorado River, which then formed a lake.

Based on aquatic sediments tested, researchers estimated the lake would have stretched about 50 miles and reached depths of at least 300 feet.

Driftwood sediments found around the Grand Canyon.

"The team put together these arguments without claiming we have final proof; there are other possibilities, such as a random rockfall or local earthquake within a thousand years of the Meteor Crater impact that could have happened independently," Karlstrom explained. "Nevertheless, the meteorite impact, the massive landslide, the lake deposits, and the driftwood high above river level are all rare and unusual occurrences. The mean of dates from them converge into a narrow window of time at 55,600  1,300 years ago which gives credence to the hypothesis that they were causally related."

Over time, the dam that once blocked the Colorado River is thought to have eroded, and the massive lake has since dried up and filled with debris.

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Nearly 300 Queen Conchs Found After Illegal Harvest In Florida Keys

Experts with the Lunar and Planetary Institute estimated that the size of the asteroid was likely in the ballpark of 100 to 170 feet across, which is large enough to destroy a community the size of Kansas City.

Researchers did not state whether other nearby rockfalls may be attributed to the meteor strike or whether they happened overtime through a more natural Earth-based process.





Original article source: Meteor strike may have triggered a landslide in the Grand Canyon some 56,000 years ago
LEES SUMMIT, Mo.  A Gold Award Girl Scout raises thousands of dollars to bring music to thousands of campers at the Rotary Club Youth Camp in Lees Summit.

The 15-year-old has worked to leave a legacy that will positively impact others for years to come.

Two new restaurants coming to City Market in Kansas City

Gold Award Girl Scout Paige Thomas raised nearly $20,000 to put in a brand-new percussion playground at The Rotary Club Youth Camp. During the design process, inclusiveness was top of mind.

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This one makes noise kind of like a raindrop pattern, Thomas said.

Thomas said the Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. It means the recipient has completed a project that makes the world a better place.

Thomas created this percussion playground, which opened in March.

It reminds me that I have done something that has helped others, Thomas said.

And that will help others for quite a long time.

A key part of the Gold Award Project is fundraising. Thomas said she started working on the project last June.

She presented her plan to several Rotary Clubs, making more than 20 pitches.

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Through donations and grants, Thomas raised about $20,000 to build this, a xylophone, rainbow sambas, tropical cyclone and chimes.

The best thing about a percussion park is everyone can do this, Thomas said.

KC Current breaks ground on new stadium, performance center in Riverside

Thats music to Laurie Mozleys ears. Shes the Camp Superintendent at the Rotary Club Youth Camp in Lees Summit, where the percussion playground sits.

A lot of our campers have really big emotions, Mozley said.

So, these musical instruments give them a way to express them on either end of the spectrum and bring them to a calmer center and have just the joy of creating sound.

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She said theyll see about 1,200 campers over the summer and 2,000 to 3,000 during the school year.

This week, theyre hosting about 35 campers and staff for Girls Can Camp, a camp designed for girls with disabilities and their friends.

Thomas is a counselor in training.

I love these toys you made, camper Rose Williams said.

Williams thanks Paige for her hard work with a hug.

I love the music Paige made with these, Williams said.

Because it makes a beautiful sound.

Thomas hopes to earn her Counselor in Training Badge at the end of this camp.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A New Mexico man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of another man last year, according to the Office of the Third Judicial District Attorney (Dona Ana County).

Isaiah Joseph Rea was convicted on May 21 of second-degree murder in the April 2024 shooting death of Steven Sanchez.

Suspect captured after allegedly killing man in Las Cruces

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The sentence was handed down Thursday, July 17 by District Court Judge Douglas R. Driggers, who presided over the trial.

In addition to the murder conviction, the jury found Rea guilty of a firearm enhancement, which led to the total sentence to 20 years  the maximum allowed under New Mexico law for the charges, according to the District Attorneys office.

Sanchezs body was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head inside a shed behind a residence on Princess Jeanne Drive in Las Cruces.

Witnesses told investigators that Rea was at the residence with Sanchez and an unidentified man. Sanchez reportedly stepped outside with the two men before a gunshot was heard.



According to court documents, Rea later told others he believed the unidentified man wanted him to kill Sanchez, saying something to the effect of, I thought he wanted me to do it.

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Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene by Las Cruces Police Department officers.

Our investigators did great work in securing witnesses, District Attorney Fernando Macias said. The family of the victim has finally been given the justice they deserved for their loved one and for our community.

Deputy District Attorney Tomas Medina, who prosecuted the case, added: We are satisfied with the judges sentence and believe it sends a clear message that this kind of senseless violence will be punished to the fullest extent of 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.
Jul. 18MORGANTOWN7, 302 enplanements in six months.

That's 7, 302 paying customers boarding aircraft at the Morgantown Municipal Airport between Jan. 1 and June 30.

To get some perspective on the impact new Essential Air Service carrier SkyWest Airlines has had since taking over for Southern Airways Express in December, consider the enplanement number this time last year was about 3, 600.

For all of 2024, the count was just over 7, 700a good year by recent standards, as it marked just the second time in a decade the airport surpassed 7, 300.

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This year, the state's only city-owned airport is on pace to fly past 14, 000.

And they're just getting warmed up.

"When SkyWest presented their service to us, they felt that they would be able to get close to 20, 000 passengers a year, " Airport Director Jon Vrabel said. "They didn't think it would happen maybe the first year, but possibly starting in years two and three."

For small airports, enplanement numbers mean big money.

In basic terms, falling short of 10, 000 enplanements  as MGW has done each year since 2011has traditionally slashed the amount of the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program dollars received from $1 million to $150, 000 annually.

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AIP funds are capital improvement and infrastructure dollars, making them critical for airports looking at expensive facility upgrades, like, for example, the $60-million-plus runway extension project underway at MGW.

Consistently missing out on those AIP funds was heavy on the collective mind of the selection committee this time last year as it considered staying with Southern Airwaysthe city's EAS carrier since 2016or taking off in a different direction.

Essential Air Service, or EAS, is a federal subsidy provided directly to carriers to offset the cost of rural operations and ensure air service in smaller communities.

"It is impossible to be productive in today's world and stay where we're at, " former City Manager Kim Haws said at the time. "I feel very strongly that we need to move forward and increase, not only enplanements, but the speed with which we are attempting to extend the runway."

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It certainly appears as if the first box has been checked, which should help with the second.

The project to extend the MGW runway by 1, 001 feet to 6, 200 feet is expected to conclude sometime between 2028 and 2030, depending on the flow of funding.

When it meets Tuesday, Morgantown City Council will consider receipt of a $9.5-million grant from the FAA for construction of Phase 5 and the design of Phase 6 of the project. In order to accept the grant, the city must provide a $500, 000 local match.

Once complete, the extension will allow MGW to step up in terms of the variety of aircraft it can accommodate. It will also allow its own carrier to fully utilize the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 jets that make up the bulk of its fleet.

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"The runway length here limits how many passengers they can carry on the Chicago flight. So, that's been restricted down to somewhere between 32 and 40. During the summer, it's down around 32 and it's up in the 40s in the winter, " Vrabel said, explaining the calculation comes down to weight and air density.

"In the summer, the air is thinner and the airplane doesn't perform as well. So it needs more runway to get off the ground with the same amount of weight, " he said.

SkyWest offers daily flights from Morgantown to Dulles International Airport, in Virginia, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

"They're just a very professional company. We see that across the board with them and they've been great to work with ; easy to work with. They conduct business very much like all the major carriers do, " Vrabel said of SkyWest.

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A representative of the carrier said the support is appreciated.

"The Morgantown community has shown incredible support for their local air service since the first United Express flights, operated by Skywest, began last December. We are pleased that so many people have taken advantage of flights to both Chicago and Washington, D.C., and the community is continuing to utilize and enjoy SkyWest's reliable, convenient travel options for Morgantown travelers."
The creator and former star of Riverdance Michael Flatley has said he has not ruled out seeking a nomination to run in the Irish Presidential election.

The 67-year-old, who is best-known for bringing Irish dancing to an international audience, said several people had asked him to throw his hat into the ring.

The election must be held before 11 November.

Incumbent President of Ireland Michael D Higgins is not eligible to stand again as he will have completed two full seven-year terms.

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Speaking to Brendan O'Connor on RTE radio, Flatley said he had spent the last 30 years of his life "touring the world promoting Ireland and Irish culture".

He said the presidency was statesman's role and added he was "not sure we need another politician".

The former dancer added that he heard the concerns of the "average person on the street" and they are not "happy right now".

"If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and - maybe more importantly - if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people," he said.

"Right now, I don't think they have a voice - not a true, proper, deep voice that you know that speaks their language."

Flatley developed his own show, Lord of the Dance, after his success with Riverdance [PA]

Flatley, who was born in Chigago, would be eligible to run as he has Irish citizenship.

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He said he was consulting with a "team of advisors" ahead of making a final decision.

The Irish-American, who hung up his dancing shoes in 2016, said he has a lot to consider if he was to seek a nomination.

"I have a huge business to run, I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living," he said.

"I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with.

"I take it seriously but no I have not made a decision."

In 1994, he helped launch the Irish dancing spectacle, Riverdance, after performing at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin.

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After Eurovision, Riverdance was transformed into an arena tour.

Several years later Michael Flatley developed his own show, Lord of the Dance.

Who can run to be the president of Ireland?

Incumbent President Michael D Higgins is not eligible to stand again as he will have completed two full seven-year terms [PA]

To be eligible to run for the Irish presidency, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older.

They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish houses of parliament) or at least four local authorities (councils).

A president is elected for a seven-year term of office, but cannot serve more than two terms.

So far two candidates have been announced to replace President Higgins.

Former EU Commissioner and MEP Mairead McGuinness is running for Fine Gael, while TD (Member of Parliament) Catherine Connolly is running as an Independent after securing the backing of 20 Oireachtas members.
Michigan's elections panel cleared the way for a recall effort targeting state Rep. Peter Herzberg, a Democrat from Westland, for his vote against a Republican plan to lower the state's income tax rate.

The Board of State Canvassers unanimously agreed July 18 that the the petition provided a factual and sufficiently clear reason for the recall effort, enabling the petition's sponsor  Keith Butkovich  to begin collecting signatures asking voters in Herzberg's district to weigh whether to keep their current state representative or replace their representative with a challenger. Under Michigan election law, Herzberg has a 10-day window following the board's vote to appeal the determination.

To hold a recall election requires signatures from voters in the district equal to at least 25% of the number of votes cast in the district in the most recent gubernatorial election held in 2022. Signatures must be collected within a 60-day window.

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Herzberg represents the 25th District in the Michigan House of Representatives, which encompasses the city of Wayne along with parts of Canton, Dearborn Heights and Westland. He was first elected to the Michigan House in a special election held in April 2024 and was reelected in November 2024.

During a March 18 House vote on a Republican bill to lower Michigan's income tax rate from 4.25% to 4.05%, Herzberg joined most of his Democratic colleagues to oppose the legislation. The Democrat-led Michigan Senate has not taken up the proposal.

State Rep. Peter Herzberg, D-Westland

Herzberg did not immediately respond to a voice message left by the Detroit Free Press to comment on the recall effort.

Efforts to recall lawmakers have struggled to go from a mere threat to an actual vote in recent years. The year 2011 marked the last time a sitting lawmaker was successfully recalled.

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Whitmer: Trump promises 'better deal' for Michigan after semiconductor factory falls apart

The latest recall effort  inspired by Herzberg's vote to preserve the state's current income tax rate  mirrors previous recall efforts over Democratic lawmakers' tax positions. In 1983, recall elections spurred by a tax revolt marked a historic vote in Michigan with state Sen. Phil Mastin, D-Pontiac, becoming the first state official in Michigan to be kicked out of office in a recall election. State Sen. David Serotkin, D-Macomb Township, soon met the same fate in his recall election the following week. The recall campaigns were led by those who fiercely opposed the Democratic lawmakers' support for a personal income tax hike proposed by then-Gov. James Blanchard.

Serotkin resigned before the state's canvassing board certified the results of the recall election. But then-Attorney General Frank Kelley determined that Serotkin could not run for his seat again despite the preemptive resignation. Democrats lost their majority in the state Senate and closed out the year with an even partisan split in the chamber before Republicans took control.

Any successful recall election to oust Herzberg wouldn't be expected to have a similar impact on the partisan composition of the Michigan House since he represents a safely Democratic district.

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Democratic state representative faces recall effort
Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, delivers a speech about Project 2025 at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

This story was originally reported by Grace Panetta of The 19th. Meet Grace and read more of her reporting on gender, politics and policy.

A competitive U.S. Senate race is shaping up in Michigan, where Democratic Sen. Gary Peters retirement has opened up a seat in a key swing state.

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The top contenders for the Democratic nomination are Rep. Haley Stevens, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 2018, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. McMorrow is seen as a rising star in the party who went viral and gained national attention in 2022 for a rousing, impassioned floor speech she gave rebuking a Republican lawmaker who, in a fundraising email, baselessly accused her of wanting to groom kindergarteners and teach that 8-year-olds are responsible for slavery.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, a candidate for U.S. Senate, on the porch of the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Mich., during the third day of the Mackinac Policy Conference on May 29, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Also running in the Democratic primary are state Rep. Joe Tate, former speaker of the Michigan House, and Abdul El-Sayed, the former Wayne County health director and 2018 candidate for governor.

On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost the 2024 Senate race to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin, is running again. GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga is also expected to jump in the race.

Michigan is a perennial presidential battleground state: President Donald Trump won it in 2016, former Democratic President Joe Biden put the state back in the Democratic column in 2020 and Trump flipped it back in 2024. But over the last 30 years, the state has consistently elected Democrats to the Senate  the last time the state sent a Republican senator to Washington was 1994.

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The state has long been a pipeline for women Democratic leaders, from former Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Debbie Dingell to Slotkin; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a potential 2028 presidential candidate; Attorney General Dana Nessel; Rep. Hillary Scholten; and prominent progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Rep. Lisa McClain, the Republican Conference chair in the House, also hails from Michigan.

Abdul El-Sayed at a Sen. Bernie Sanders rally in Ann Arbor, March 8, 2020 | Andrew Roth

If either Stevens or McMorrow wins the primary and the general, Michigan would add to the number of states represented in the Senate by two women simultaneously. There are currently four such states  Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada and Washington.

Republicans currently control the Senate by a three-seat majority, 53 to 47, and Senators serve six-year terms, meaning a third of the Senate is up every election cycle. For Democrats to win back the chamber in 2026, theyd need to hold competitive seats in states like Georgia and Michigan while flipping four GOP-held seats in Maine, North Carolina and even more Republican-leaning states like Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska and Texas.
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Midland Bulldog offensive lineman Puleleiite Primus commits to Vanderbilt University.

The four-star recruit stands 6 feet four and weighs 325 pounds. He had over 20 offers going into his senior year of high school, but he narrowed it down to Houston, Washington and Vanderbilt. With him joining the Commodores, he joins 15 other three-stars along with a four-star for the class of 2026.

Primus enters his senior season on a mission as he looks to prove why he is going to an SEC school next fall. He and the Bulldogs open their season hosting Southlake Carroll on August 29th.

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July 18 (UPI) -- About 250 Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador's maximum-security prison in March have been sent to Venezuela as part of a prisoner swap that included Americans on Friday.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rucio posted on X: "Thanks for @Potus' leadership, ten Americans who were detained in Venezuela are on their way to freedom."

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele 10 minutes earlier posted on X: "Today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country, accused of being part of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. As was offered to the Venezuelan regime back in April, we carried out this exchange in return for a considerable number of Venezuelan political prisoners, people that regime had kept in its prisons for years, as well as all the American citizens it was holding as hostages."

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The post included video of deportees boarding a plane.

Today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country, accused of being part of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TDA). Many of them face multiple charges of murder, robbery, rape, and other serious crimes. As was offered to the Venezuelan... pic.twitter.com/teuIT4GiRT Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) July 18, 2025

"These individuals are now en route to El Salvador, where they will make a brief stop before continuing their journey home," Bukele said.

The freed Americans include former Navy SEAL Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, who was detained last year while on personnel travel, three sources told CBS News.

"We have prayed for this day for almost a year. My brother is an innocent man who was used as a political pawn by the Maduro regime," Castaneda's family said in a statement.

He had suffered several traumatic brain injuries during his 18 years in the Navy and his decision-making was affected, his family said.

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The State Department warned Americans not to travel to Venezuela.

The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela posted a photo of the freed Americans and U.S. diplomat John McNamara.

Nothing says freedom like the American flag. Ten Americans freed from Venezuelan prisons today are coming home because of @POTUS, @SecRubio & @nayibbukele. America First in action. pic.twitter.com/pc6bI0Wgnx Embajada de los EE.UU., Venezuela (@usembassyve) July 18, 2025

The Venezuelan government also released several dozen people described as Venezuelan political prisoners and detainees, a senior administration official told CBS News.

The flight, which originated from Texas, included several children, Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, said in televised remarks.

"We will keep demanding the return of all the Venezuelans kidnapped by the government of the United States, kidnapped by the government of El Salvador," he said. "All of them, we demand that they return them to our country. To their home country."

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Family members told CNN they had been told to gather for an emergency meeting in Venezuela ahead of the release.

The Trump administration made a deal with Bukele to send the deported migrants to CECOT prison as part of a $6 million deal.

Bukele said there were "months of negotiations with a tyrannical regime that had long refused to release one of its most valuable bargaining chips: its hostages.

"However, thanks to the tireless efforts of many officials from both the United States and El Salvador, and above all, thanks to Almighty God, it was achieved."

Rubio also congratulated those involved in the negotiations: "I want to thank my team at the @StateDept & especially President @nayibbukele for helping secure an agreement for the release of all of our American detainees, plus the release of Venezuelan political prisoners."

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In March, the CECOT detainees were sent under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which is rarely deployed and used typically during wartime.

The Trump administration declared Trend de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, an invading force.

Family members have said the detainees were denied due process and are not members of the gang.

Kilmer Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man living legally in the United States, was mistakenly deported from Baltimore to the prison without due process. The Trump administration acknowledged the mistake in a legal filing though they still allege he is a member of the MS-13 gang.

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He was initially at the prison but went to another one in the county.

In April, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S. He was sent in June to face federal smuggling charges in Tennesse, which he denies.
The more than 200 Venezuelan migrants who were deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador's mega-prison in March have left El Salvador to be sent to Venezuela as part of a prisoner swap that included Americans being held in Venezuela, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced on X.

The deal included the release of 10 Americans held in Venezuela, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the result was that "every wrongfully detained American in Venezuela is now free and back in our homeland." In addition, the deal included the release of some "Venezuelan political prisoners and detainees" being held by the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. said.

Regarding the return of Venezuelan migrants being held in the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador, Bukele said in the post on X: "Today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country, accused of being part of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. As was offered to the Venezuelan regime back in April, we carried out this exchange in return for a considerable number of Venezuelan political prisoners, people that regime had kept in its prisons for years, as well as all the American citizens it was holding as hostages."

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Bukele's post on X included a video of what appears to be the deportees boarding a plane.

Alex Brandon/POOL/AFP via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: Soldiers stand guard at the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) in Tecoluca, El Salvador, March 26, 2025.

In a statement, Venezuela's government confirmed the release of 252 prisoners from CECOT.

The Venezuelans were sent to El Salvador after the Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act -- an 18th century wartime authority used to remove noncitizens with little-to-no due process -- to deport two planeloads of alleged migrant gang members to El Salvador by arguing that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is a "hybrid criminal state" that is invading the United States.

Many families and attorneys of the Venezuelans have denied they have gang ties and in April an official for Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a sworn declaration submitted in federal court that many of the noncitizens who were deported did not have criminal records in the United States.

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"While it is true that many of the [Tren de Aragua gang] members removed under the AEA do not have criminal records in the United States, that is because they have only been in the United States for a short period of time. The lack of a criminal record does not indicate they pose a limited threat," the official said in the filing in March.

The migrants were sent to CECOT as part of a $6 million deal the Trump administration made with Bukele to house migrant detainees as part of Trump's immigration crackdown.

MORE: El Salvador prison holding alleged Venezuelan gang members has been criticized for alleged abuses

Over the past several months, Trump and administration officials said they were unable to return any of the migrants sent to CECOT because the migrants were under El Salvador's authority.

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But in court filings submitted last month, the government of El Salvador told a United Nations working group that the Venezuelans sent to CECOT were the responsibility of the United States.

In a statement to ABC News, Lee Gelernt, lead counsel in the CECOT litigation for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the administration appears to be "trying to avoid all judicial accountability."

"The administration sent these individuals to languish for months incommunicado in one of the most notorious prisons in the world without any due process and now appears to with this latest maneuver to be trying to avoid all judicial accountability," Gelernt said.

In a court filing late Friday night following the announcement of the swap, the Trump administration said it would now facilitate the return of former CECOT detainees to the U.S. from Venezuela, if required to do so by a court.

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In a status report, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official said the Maduro regime has made assurances it will not stand in the way if a former detainee is required to return to the U.S. The report was submitted hours after the prisoner swap was announced.

Americans included in the swap

Ten Americans are are their way home from detention in Venezuela! Thanks to @POTUS, @SecRubio, @usembassyve, @aboehler and many others for your support bringing Americans home pic.twitter.com/0lnxkBEZ9S  Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (@StateSPEHA) July 18, 2025

Five U.S. citizens and five U.S. permanent residents who had been unlawfully detained in Venezuela were released in a prisoner exchange, according to the group Hostage Aid Worldwide.

They include Renzo Huamanchumo, Jorge Marcelo Vargas, Lucas Hunter, Wilbert Castaneda, Jonathan Pagan Gonzalez and Fabian Buglione Reyes, according to the group. They were detained between August 2024 and January 2025, it said.

"This is a moment of great relief and gratitude," Hostage Aid President Nizar Zakka said in a statement. "Our hearts are filled with joy that these men will finally reunite with their families. We commend the Trump Administration for its diligent and continued efforts to bring Americans unlawfully detained abroad home."

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The Bring Our Families Home Campaign also confirmed that Hunter, Vargas and Castaneda are among the Americans included in the swap. In a post on X, the group thanked Trump and U.S. officials it says "stayed true to [their] word" in securing the Americans' release.

Castaneda is an active-duty U.S. Navy SEAL who was detained in September 2024 following personal travel to Venezuela. He was accused of leading a CIA-linked plot to overthrow Maduro, which the State Department has called "categorically false."

The State Department's Office of Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs shared a photo on X of the Americans on a plane headed back to the U.S. with American flags.

"Until today, more Americans were wrongfully held in Venezuela than any other country in the world," Rubio said in a statement. "It is unacceptable that Venezuelan regime representatives arrested and jailed U.S. nationals under highly questionable circumstances and without proper due process."

ABC News' Shannon Kingston and Aicha Elhammar contributed to this report.
The Brief

A man accused of kidnapping a 7-year-old boy made his initial appearance in court.

The boy was kidnapped near 61st and Hustis, prompting an Amber Alert.

Prosecutors said it started with a plan to rob the boy's mother.

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man accused of kidnapping a 7-year-old boy on the city's north side made his initial appearance in court on Friday. His bond was set at $100,000.

Charges filed

In Court

Court filings show 25-year-old Corey Williams is charged with kidnapping, taking hostages and contributing to the delinquency of a child  all felonies, and all as a party to a crime.

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"The evidence against you is you  you pretty much admitted to everything," Court Commissioner Barry Phillips said during Williams' initial appearance. "Your version of the events was this was supposed to be the robbery of an alleged drug dealer, and when that didn't work out, the plan switched."

Williams' defense attorney argued the crime was not his choice.

"He gave a full confession. He spoke about the other individuals who were there, indicated that he did not have the intent to kidnap this child," said Attorney Kendra Schmeling. "He was essentially the driver of the vehicle."

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"As the driver, you could have easily said, Dont take that kid, don't bring that kid in this car.' You didn't do that," Phillips said.

The Milwaukee Police Department said, in addition to Williams, a 14-year-old boy and 38-year-old man were arrested. Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. No other suspects are being sought at this time.

Milwaukee boy kidnapped

The backstory

According to a criminal complaint, a white Jeep SUV drove in front of a home near 61st and Hustis as the 7-year-old was riding his bike on July 11. The boy's father said he saw people jump out of the Jeep with guns and grab his son, put him in the SUV and drive away.

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Surveillance video showed the boy was riding his bike when the Jeep turned and blocked the driveway of the home around 7:10 p.m. Two people then got out, court filings said. One person chased the dad inside while the other chased after the boy, grabbed him and carried him to the Jeep. The Jeep then took off after everyone was in the vehicle.

The boy was found the next day in the upper unit of a duplex near 39th and Lloyd. Prosecutors said Williams was found hiding in the attic, and court filings said he had a pill  which tested positive for methamphetamine  in his pocket.

According to the complaint, the boy told police he was at his dad's house when a man chased him, grabbed him and took him. He said he was in a car with three unknown men, and they drove to the house where police found him. When they got to the house, he went inside with the man who drove the car and "heard the man talking to his mom."

Court filings said the boy "teared up" during the interview with police and said he heard his mom say that "she was going to come and pick him up but she never came." He was released to Child Protective Services.

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The boy later identified Williams from a photo as the man who drove the Jeep, per the complaint.

In custody

What they're saying

In an interview with detectives, the complaint states Williams said he and others planned to rob the boy's mother.

According to court filings, he claimed the mother is a "well-known drug dealer and flaunted money and that he had seen her with bricks of drugs during FaceTime calls." He said, on the day they took the boy, he and another person had guns and planned to commit the robbery.

The plan was to go to the mother's home and rob her at gunpoint, Williams said, per the complaint. They drove there and waited but never saw the woman, and someone in the crew suggested they rob the boy's father instead. They then drove to the area of 61st and Hustis and saw the boy and his father outside.

Scene near 39th and Lloyd were missing 7-year-old was found

Williams said two people got out of the Jeep with guns, according to court filings. One of those people grabbed the boy, and they sped away once everyone was back in the Jeep. He said they got into an argument as they drove over why they took the boy. He said the plan then changed, and one of the people he was with contacted the mother  demanding $100,000 and jewelry  in exchange for the boy. They were going to meet at a park.

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Prosecutors said Williams told police he was "originally promised" $10,000 for his role in the robbery, but "demanded more" once the boy was taken. He said the mother never showed up for their meeting and, once they became aware of the Amber Alert, he said the other two people left him with the boy at the home near 39th and Lloyd.

Dig deeper

Detectives arrested another person, who is not named in the complaint filed against Williams but is identified as one of the two armed people involved in the kidnapping. Detectives searched that person's home and found a handgun under a couch cushion. There were also phone calls in which that person spoke to people about his plan to rob the mother.

Shavon Williams

Court filings said the mother, 25-year-old Shavon Williams, was uncooperative and left the scene as detectives were looking for her son. It went on to say her actions "impeded the police investigationand slowed investigator efforts to quickly and safely locate and recover (the boy) from his abductors."

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Public records show Shavon Williams is being held in the Milwaukee County Jail. The district attorney's office told FOX6 News that criminal charges are pending.

The Source

FOX6 News referenced information from the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office and Wisconsin Circuit Court for this report.
The Brief

Tammy Goodman is accused of fatally shooting a man near 21st and McKinley on Sunday, July 13.

The victim has been identified by officials as Dennis Carter.

The criminal complaint indicates Goodman discussed the shooting during a phone call at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility.

MILWAUKEE - A 52-year-old Milwaukee woman is accused of fatally shooting a man near 21st and McKinley on Sunday, July 13. The accused is Tammy Goodman  and she faces the following criminal counts:

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First-degree reckless homicide

Possession of a firearm by a felon

Fatal shooting at 21st and McKinley

What we know

According to the criminal complaint, Milwaukee police were dispatched to the area near 21st and McKinley on Sunday evening, July 13 to investigate a report of a shooting. The first officers on the scene found one man with a gunshot wound. Numerous people were standing around the victim, identified in the criminal complaint as Dennis Carter. They tried to help Carter, but was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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Investigators located a 9mm casing and an unfired cartridge located at the scene. They also found Carter's cellphone.

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On the street, police located an SUV that had "blood inside of it." The vehicle belonged to a woman who provided the initial identification of the victim. She told police the victim was a friend who lived at a "rooming house." The woman told police that the night before the shooting "Carter got a call from 'Tammy' who was upset about rent money," the complaint says.

Police spoke with another person who had known the defendant for several years. This person indicated the defendant got into a verbal argument with Carter "and then the defendant was aggressively approaching Carter," the complaint says. The person told police that Carter's car door was open, and then the defendant approached "at which time she was holding a gun in her hand," the complaint says. The complaint went on to say the "defendant then shot Carter twice." This person said the defendant then got in her car and left the scene.

Defendant arrested, phone call

Dig deeper

Court filings say the defendant was arrested on Monday, July 14, after a traffic stop in her SUV. Her phone was recovered.

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Investigators later conducted a search of phone calls through the Milwaukee Secure Detection Facility. During a call made at 7:46 a.m. on July 14, the morning after the homicide, "the defendant discusses the problems she is having with Carter and then tells (the other person on the phone) that Carter is now 'full of lead,'" the complaint says. The complaint goes on to say the defendant describes "how she 'went over there' and while she was there she observed Carter reach into his car and then she 'popped his (expletive).'"

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The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office found Carter's cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds.

What's next

Goodman was scheduled to make her initial appearance in Milwaukee County court on Friday, July 18.

The Source

The information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access as well as the criminal complaint associated with this case.
A critically missing 11-year-old boy has been found and is safe, according to Milwaukee police.

The boy was last seen July 18 at 5 p.m. on the 3600 block of North 22nd Street. On July 18 at 11:12 p.m., police sent an update confirming that he has been located and is safe.

"Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police have located a critically missing 11-year-old boy
The Brief

A Milwaukee man is charged with fleeing police and killing a pedestrian.

Prosecutors said he was driving more than 100 mph seconds before the crash.

Court filings said he had never been issued a driver's license and was previously convicted of fleeing police  for which he was sentenced to probation.

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man is charged with reckless homicide after prosecutors said he fled police and killed a pedestrian when he crashed into a bus stop on Monday night, July 14.

In Court

Charles Chipley, 32, is charged with first-degree reckless homicide, fleeing police, hit-and-run and knowingly operating a vehicle without a valid license.

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The backstory

Milwaukee police officers tried to stop a car near 36th and Fond du Lac. A criminal complaint said the car had "excessive window tint," the license plate did not match the car and a headlight was burned out.

The driver, identified in court filings as Chipley, initially pulled over before he sped off down Fond du Lac Avenue. Officers reached 80 mph as Chipley's car continued to pull away from the squad before it lost control and crashed near Sherman and Fond du Lac  less than 30 seconds after the chase began.

Crash scene near Sherman & Fond du Lac, Milwuakee

Prosecutors said the car crashed into a bus stop shelter. The victim, 55-year-old Lorenzo Martin, was sitting in the shelter waiting for a bus. He died at the scene after suffering "catastrophic injuries."

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Chipley, who was the only person in the car, climbed out through the wrecked car's window and tried to run, per the complaint. He was taken into custody on the median near the crash scene.

Dig deeper

Data from the airbag control module of Chipley's car showed he was going 106 mph with the accelerator at "100% throttle" four seconds before the crash, according to court filings.

A review of Wisconsin Department of Transportation records showed Chipley has never been issued a driver's license, per the complaint, and his status was revoked less than a year ago after he was convicted of fleeing police.

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In that case, court records show he was sentenced to three years of probation.

What's next

Chipley made an appearance in Milwaukee County court on Saturday, July 19. Cash bond was set at $200,000.

Charles Chipley in court

The judge also ordered a competency examination for Chipley because the defense indicated there is reason to believe the defendant is not competent to proceed. The doctor's report on this examination is due on Aug. 18.

The Source

FOX6 News referenced information from the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office and Wisconsin Circuit Court for this report.
Jul. 18MORGANTOWN  As summer heats up, so does snake activitybut experts say there is little reason for alarm.

"Snakes are out and about now, but they're more misunderstood than dangerous, " said Frank Jernejcic, a retired fishery biologist and longtime West Virginia snake expert.

Jernejcic has spent more than a decade monitoring timber rattlesnakes at Coopers Rock State Forest, documenting more than 1, 600 encounters over the years. Despite those numbers, he said the risk of a dangerous encounter is minimal.

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"They're not a physical threatthey're a psychological one, " Jernejcic said. "People are afraid of them, but in reality, you have to step on a snake to get bitten."

West Virginia is home to two venomous snake species: the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. Rattlesnakes are typically found in rocky, high-elevation areas such as Coopers Rock, while copperheads can be found throughout the state, including residential neighborhoods.

Both species are most active from April until October, when they enter winter hibernation.

Jernejcic emphasized that snake bites are exceedingly rare in West Virginia.

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In 65 years, only 14 fatalities from snakebites have been recorded in the state11 of which occurred during religious ceremonies involving snakes. Of the remaining three, only two involved people bitten while outdoors.

"If someone is bitten, the best thing to do is call 911 and get to a hospital, " Jernejcic said. "About 25 % of bites don't inject venom at all."

He advises hikers and outdoor recreationists to take basic precautions, such as wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes.

"High-top hiking boots are great if you're concerned, " he said. "But snakes typically avoid people."

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Pet owners should also be cautious. Dogs are naturally curious and more likely to investigate areas where snakes hide, such as rock crevices or underbrush.

"In 10 years at Coopers Rock, we've only had two confirmed cases of dogs bitten by snakes, " Jernejcic said. "But it's still smart to keep them leashed and out of thick brush."

Jernejcic has heard countless myths and misconceptions about snakes over the years, including confusion between venomous and non-venomous species.

"People misidentify black rat snakes and racers as rattlesnakes all the time, " he said. "Even the young black snakes look like copperheads."

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Black rat snakes can grow to more than five feet long and are often found in garages, sheds or climbing through rafters. Despite their size, they are non-venomous and beneficial for rodent control.

"There's no reason to kill a snake, " Jernejcic said. "They're part of the ecosystem, and they play a valuable role. Killing a harmless animal just because you're scared of it doesn't make sense."

He noted that public attitudes toward snakes have shifted over the last few decades, this is due to nature documentaries and wildlife programming.

"Snakes used to be seen as evil or dangerous, " he said. "Now, more people are learning to appreciate themor at least respect their role in nature."

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Jernejcic's advice for those exploring West Virginia trails this summer is simple. Be mindful, not fearful.

"They're out there, but they don't want anything to do with you, " he said. "If you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone."
Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on July 18 that he plans to create a Ukrainian counterpart to the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Fedorov, who is also a deputy prime minister, said on Threads that Ukraine needs such an agency "to urgently reduce costs and evaluate efficiency" across several government projects.

"I will be looking for a person to lead this area," the minister wrote.

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DOGE, an informal task force with broad authority granted by U.S. President Donald Trump, has been tasked with slashing government spending and dismissing staff deemed redundant.

Billionaire Elon Musk, who headed the department until May 30, initially pledged to cut "at least $2 trillion" in federal spending. His efforts have included attacks on U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and proposals to dismantle entire departments.

USAID was vital in providing humanitarian relief worldwide and funded thousands of programs supporting human rights, democracy, education, civil society, and infrastructure development.

Despite significant repercussions for the work of federal agencies and their employees, DOGE's actions have been described by critics as falling short of bold cost-cutting goals, with the initial aim of saving $2 trillion reduced by Musk on April 10 to $150 billion.

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Fedorov's announcement signals an intent to mirror aggressive streamlining policies in Kyiv as Ukraine faces mounting wartime fiscal pressure.

Read also: Whos who in Ukraines government after its first full wartime reshuffle

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.




NEED TO KNOW

Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell was found guilty of felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools

She broke into her stepmothers home in Detroit Lakes, Minn., in 2024

She faces a mandatory minimum of 180 days in jail







Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell was found guilty of felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools for breaking into her stepmothers home in Detroit Lakes, Minn., by a Becker County jury on Friday, July 18.

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Mitchell, 50, who is from Woodbury, Minn., allegedly broke into the home on April 22, 2024, dressed in black and equipped with a flashlight covered with a sock, per local news outlet MPR News. The jury of nine men and three women deliberated for about three hours after getting the case at 12:38 p.m. local time on July 18.

The state senator claimed that she entered her stepmothers house without permission for a welfare check on Carol Mitchell, who allegedly has Alzheimers disease. This was contrary to what she told police officers who arrested her after Carol called 911 to report an intruder at the time, the outlet reports.

Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald brought up the police body cam footage during his closing arguments. He began by repeating a statement Mitchell made while in police custody: "I know I did something bad.

McDonald added, Now she wants to lie about it. He continued, This is convenient testimony by an admitted liar. Ladies and gentlemen, do not buy it.

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The Becker County attorney concluded that he was "pleased for Carol Mitchell, for some justice." Mitchell's Defense attorney Dane DeKrey said his team said there are "arguments for mercy" in Nicole Mitchell's sentencing.

Anna Paige/The Forum via AP Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, D-Woodbury, listens to the state's closing arguments during the fifth day of her felony burglary trial on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Becker County District Court in Detroit Lakes. Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, D-Woodbury, listens to the state's closing arguments during the fifth day of her felony burglary trial on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Becker County District Court in Detroit Lakes.

The judge overseeing the trial said Mitchell could remain free pending sentencing. A date for sentencing has not yet been set, per CBS News.

She faces a mandatory minimum of 180 days in jail, the outlet reports.

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Democratic Minn. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Mitchell "has told colleagues that she intended to resign if found guilty of this crime, and I expect her to follow through on that pledge."

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Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson said the verdict confirms Nicole Mitchell's actions "failed to meet the level of ethical behavior we expect from elected officials, and her continued participation in the Minnesota Senate leaves the body with a stain on its record for every time her vote was the deciding vote in passing legislation."



Read the original article on People
The June assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman prompted at least a dozen states to pass or consider legislation designed to bolster protections for state lawmakers. But the measures are facing sharp criticism from press freedom and government watchdog organizations that say the bills could be used to keep the public in the dark.

The new wave of lawmaker protection bills have passed in both red states like Florida and blue states like Oregon , as elected officials on both sides of the aisle worry about the safety of themselves and their families during a period of growing political violence nationwide.

The killing of Hortman and her husband, and the attack on state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, were just the latest examples: In 2020, militia members plotted to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from her vacation home. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiros official residence was targeted by an arsonist in April. And this week marked the one year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.

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Texas, New Jersey, California and Arizona are among the other states weighing similar proposals.

Democratic Oregon state Sen. James Manning is a lead sponsor of a bill to hide the addresses of Oregon elected officials all the way down to the school board level. That bill, passed just a few hours before the Minnesota killings, will take effect January 1.

Manning said that he knows firsthand what its like to be a target: After a particularly contentious vote on safe gun storage in Oregon a few years ago, Mannings home address was posted online.

Fortunately enough, no one came by my home, he said. But the mere fact that you're putting [these] things out there, we should make it  a crime.

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Organizations like the ACLU of New Jersey and Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, however, have raised concerns about the extra hurdles laws like this place in the pursuit of holding lawmakers accountable, though both declined interview requests for this story.

Critics of the laws argue that making it difficult or impossible to get details about a lawmakers property ownership history, family employment, travel and finances will impair the ability of reporters to hold those lawmakers accountable.

Monitoring lawmakers personal travel and the sales of personal property have led reporters to uncover cases of fraud or bribery in the past, RCFP argued in a 2023 article against one such law . Other pathways are open to Congress and state legislatures, critics also point out: lawmakers have the ability to appropriate funds for their and their families protection.

The sad reality is that if you're someone that's deeply disturbed and want to cause harm to someone, you don't need FOIA and you don't need financial disclosure statements, said CJ Griffin, a New Jersey lawyer and director of the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center who focuses on transparency law. All that's really suffering by making these addresses confidential is the public's interest in transparency.

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While many of these bills existed before the attack in Minnesota, the tragedy in June increased the urgency for their passage. The death of a state lawmaker, in her own home, seemed to galvanize colleagues across the nation.

[Its] very much in response to what happened in Minneapolis, said New Jersey Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, a Republican and lead sponsor of similar legislation.

DePhillips was in Minnesota visiting family the weekend of the attacks, and immediately got on the phone with both Republican and Democratic leadership in the New Jersey Legislature, he said. It was clear that we needed more in our state to protect elected officials right from the same type of horror that happened in Minnesota, he explained.

But Griffin and other critics worry that the tragedy is being exploited to push well intentioned, but misguided, limits on public information. Addresses, she points out, can be key in making sure a lawmaker still lives in the district they represent, and can give the public an idea of how wealthy they are.

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If you can't look at someone's land transactions what property they have and what they sold it for, cautioned Griffin, then you're getting into territory where maybe it's easy for land transactions to be places where bribes are placed.

Griffin also criticized these bills for picking who gets these legal protections, when many professionals  including journalists and teachers  are also potentially targets.

DePhillips said hes already been contacted by the ACLU of New Jersey concerning his bill, and is open to working with the organization to make the legislation better.

We can find a balance for transparency, disclosure, but also public safety, DePhillips said. If I live in an apartment building in Jersey City, New Jersey, do you need to know that its apartment number four?

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Nationwide protections already exist for judges in the form of Daniels Law  federal legislation passed after the death of Daniel Anderl, the son of U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas of New Jersey. Anderl lost his life when a former litigant came to Salas home and opened fire. The federal Daniels Law is modeled after a New Jersey state law by the same name.

Some states have made sure to leave the door open for the public to access information that is useful in holding lawmakers accountable. In Oregon, for example, Manning says personal addresses can still be acquired through a public records request. And that still provides a layer of protection for lawmakers, he adds, because submitting a FOIA creates a record of who is looking for their addresses.

But Griffin says that while disclosing partial information or allowing addresses to be accessible via FOIA is better than blocking addresses altogether, there are other ways to protect lawmakers while still being transparent  like improving security technology and utilizing local law enforcement.

Even FOIA requests can add days, weeks or months to a reporting timeline, and may surpass the window when the public needs to know certain information about a specific lawmaker.

It's just a part of a trend, especially in New Jersey, of tragedies justifying secrecy, Griffin said. It will be very difficult to dig up the corruption that occurs, but eventually someone will dig it up, and then we'll say, Hey, if Daniel's law hadn't passed, we would have known about this sooner.
Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell (D) was convicted of first-degree burglary on Friday after breaking into her stepmothers home last year.

Mitchell, who is a former meteorologist and lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, was arrested in April 2024, while serving her first term in the Minnesota Senate.

Mitchell has not indicated whether she will resign from her role in the statehouse, where Democrats hold a one-seat majority. Republicans have called for her resignation for months.

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Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (D) said in a statement that Mitchell told her colleagues she would resign if she were to be found guilty.

I expect her to follow through on that pledge, Murphy said on Friday.

The judge has not set a sentencing date, but Mitchell could face prison time, The Associated Press reported.

During the trial, Mitchell denied all allegations, even though she admitted going through the window, according to bodycam footage. She said that she wasnt planning on taking anything and that she was checking on her stepmothers health issues.

She told the police, at the time of her arrest, Clearly, Im not good at this. And, she told her estranged stepmother, I was just trying to get a couple of my dads things because you wouldnt talk to me anymore.

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Minnesota Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R), in a statement, once again condemned Mitchells actions, stating her continued participation in the Minnesota Senate leaves the body with a stain on its record for every time her vote was the deciding vote in passing legislation.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, focusing on the unique mental health challenges faced by underrepresented communities.

Dr. Moneer Al-Nabolsi is a family medicine physician at Corewell Health. He said that the month highlights overlooked mental health challenges that many minority communities silently face.

It really shines a spotlight on the various disparities we see, particularly in racial and ethnic minority communities, he said.

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Additionally, Al-Nabolsi said that the mission is to draw attention to the obstacles that may keep people from seeking help that may stem from perspectives in their cultures or communities.

How to support loved ones after a miscarriage

The point is to really raise awareness about the stigma, about the various barriers that people may have and particularly cultural disconnects that may prevent people from seeking care in the first place, he said.

Al-Nabolsi cited his own upbringing as an example, noting that mental health conversations can be especially challenging for people who never discuss the subject while growing up.

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For example, I come from a Middle Eastern community and this is something thatits getting a lot better now but when I was growing up this is something that nobody talks about, he said.

Its really frowned upon to discuss it, and so its really the stigma is the biggest thing. When youre raised in a way thatyou never feel comfortable talking about this kind of stuff, youre not going to be very easily comfortable as an adult talking about this stuff.

Close Cut Conversation: Men take action to protect their health

Many minority communities deal with the negative connotations surrounding mental health, but often to higher degrees, according to Al-Nabolsi.

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The stigma is really the biggest thing, he said. Weve all heard of the stigma of mental health but particularly minority communities, its to a different level.

There are a handful of challenges that many minority communities face when seeking help for mental health, but Al-Nabolsi said that many of them fit into one category: access.

Access is a big thing, he said. Financial constraints. Underrepresentation in the field. Even things like access to internet, or broadband access, things like that, he said.

Recognizing and addressing mens mental health issues

Primary care physicians play a pivotal role for guiding people towards seeking help. Al-Nabolsi credited them for their work, particularly when it comes to screenings.

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PCPs are the first line of defense for this type of thing, he said. All of our experts, organizations or the people that we try to listen to for guidelines tell us to screen every single time, regardless of if youre coming for whatever type of visit. So screening is very important.

It is important to do your research when searching for a mental health professional, while also attempting to find someone who is cognizant of your background.

Cultural misunderstandings are a big thing, he said. So its important to try to kind of have a good match between the health care professional and the person.

Asking your insurance and searching directories online are recommended methods to finding a therapist or someone professionally to speak to, but Al-Nabolsi highlighted another starting point for people to keep in mind.

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You want to start with someone that you trust, he said. Primary care is a good way to do that. Nowadays, theres a lot of reviews online, theres a lot of background thats published. I get some patients that just read my background online and they come see me and thats a very common way to do that now. So I would encourage people to go online, look at what other people are saying, see if thats somebody you might connect with and go out and make that step. The first step is asking for help and presenting and making that move to go see the primary care physician. Often its considered a sign of weakness, but thats one of the hardest things to do and it takes a lot of courage to do that.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Miss Spring Mountain Festival Teen USA, Sophia Smith, paid a visit to the Salvation Army of Morgantown on Friday to offer free haircuts to the public.

Smith is a Grant County native who began the initiative after she graduated from cosmetology school and wanted to help people feel more confident about themselves. As Miss Spring Mountain Festival Teen USA, Sophia has the opportunity to compete in the Miss Teen USA competition and will leave next Thursday to attend.

Sophia Smith in her interview with 12 News (WBOY image).

On Friday, Smith bought her hair clippers and trimming scissors to the day room of Hazels House of Hope and cut more than 20 peoples hair.

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12 News spoke with Smith on how it felt to help people feel better, not only about themselves, but physically as well.

West Virginia SpaceTrek hosts CricketSat Launch Day

Whenever I started my initiative, my goal was to make people feel more confident and more seen in their community, and I already have the talent, so why would I not use those talents to help those in need? Smith said. Its so rewarding. One of the guys this morning said, This just makes me feel good. Even if I do it myself, its not the same. And it just makes me feel wonderful, so hopefully Im brightening their day and helping them get their lives back on track as well.

In her interview with 12 News, Smith stated that she was offered the opportunity to travel to Guatemala to participate in the Global Cut-A-Thon and become an educator at the events.

Sophias set-up (WBOY image)

Sophia said win or lose the Miss Teen USA competition, she will still offer free haircuts for those in need, and shes still looking for more volunteer opportunities. You can reach out to her on her social media pages.

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The Salvation Army of Morgantown is also welcoming those who can volunteer at Hazels House of Hope for dentistry or health-related services.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Police are searching for a 14-year-old girl who was last seen getting into a black Tesla with an unknown male in the Berclair area on Friday afternoon.

Alia Shempert was reported missing from the 4300 block of Jamaica Drive at around 4:25 p.m.

Alia Shempert. Courtesy: MPD

She is described as being 52 tall and weighing 160lbs. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a black shirt, black pants, and pink Puma slippers.

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If you see her or know her whereabouts, please call 901-545-COPS or Missing Persons at 901-636-4479.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATE: The child was found safe Saturday morning.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida Missing Child Alert was issued Friday night for a 2-year-old girl who disappeared from St. Petersburg.

The girl was last seen in the area of the 600 block of 40th Avenue South in St. Petersburg, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

10 animals dead, 2 people, including child, hospitalized after Lake Wales house fire

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The FDLEs alert said she has been missing for nearly two months.

Its unclear why an alert was not sent out earlier. Authorities did not provide any further details regarding the circumstances of her disappearance.

She is about 2 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs around 26 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or 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 WFLA.
In Kansas City, Missouri, a local mechanic recently stopped a tow truck driver from hauling away a car he was actively working on at his shop by confronting the driver about allegedly violating state laws because he didnt have the required documents for a legal tow. We complained until they brought it back, the owner of the shop told Fox 4 Kansas City. The driver claimed he didnt know Missouri law requires a signed form from the property owner before a vehicle can be removed from private property.

Yet, the tow company involved is no stranger to controversy. The same company was the subject of a Fox 4 Kansas City investigation after a court handed down a $7.1 million judgment against it for similarly-predatory towing practices. That case highlighted a troubling pattern: unauthorized tows, inflated fees and drivers left scrambling to reclaim their cars.

Incidents like this underscore the risks Missouri drivers face in a state where consumer protections around towing are inconsistent and poorly enforced. Whether its an illegally parked car or a vehicle involved in an accident, the wrong tow can turn into a financial and legal nightmare.

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Predatory towing is drawing fresh scrutiny nationwide, and with reason. Its a practice known to exploit drivers through inflated rates, unsolicited arrivals at accident scenes, unauthorized removals and refusal to release vehicles or cargo within a reasonable timeframe, leaving drivers in a bind.

Across the country, predatory tows can involve impounding vehicles, piling on dubious administrative fees and using pressure tactics at chaotic accident scenes to obtain a drivers signature, effectively voiding any protections that might apply to nonconsensual tows. According to a 2023 report by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), nearly 30% of crash-related tows involve some form of predatory billing.

The issue cuts across class lines, hitting truck drivers, everyday commuters and accident victims alike. In the absence of strong state laws, knowing your rights may be your best defense.

Don't miss

What you can do about predatory towing

Missouri is one of 18 states that require written authorization from property owners before vehicles are towed from private lots. The state also prohibits unsolicited towing on highways. But those protections can be shaky in practice.

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Missouri lacks statewide caps on towing rates and doesnt require towing companies to itemize charges on their invoices, meaning drivers often dont know what theyre paying for until after theyve paid it.

When dealing with a tow, always ask for a written invoice and do not sign anything under pressure. If your vehicle was towed from private property, request to see the written authorization from the property owner. In cases involving an accident, remember: you may have the right to request your own towing provider, but only if it doesnt delay clearance or pose a safety risk.

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

Avoiding predatory towing scams: Know before you park

The best defense is preparation. Heres how to protect yourself:

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Know your states laws before you need them: Understand where you can and cannot legally park and where your vehicle may be susceptible to a tow.

Read the signs: If parking on private property, look for clearly posted towing notices. If none exist, a tow may be illegal.

Dont rush into consent: If your vehicle is towed after a crash, dont sign anything at the scene unless youve confirmed it wont waive your rights. This is especially important if law enforcement called the tow.

Take photos: Snap pictures of your vehicles location, any signage and the condition of the car before and after towing. This can help dispute inflated charges or wrongful tows.

Ask for an itemized invoice ahead of time: If the tow operator cant or wont provide one, thats a red flag.

Contact your insurer: Some policies include towing coverage. Insurers often have experience negotiating unreasonable fees and may be able to get your vehicle released more quickly.

If you do fall victim to a predatory tow, file a complaint with your states Attorney Generals office and consider reaching out to a consumer protection attorney. In some cases, you can post a bond to retrieve your car while disputing the bill in court.

What to read next

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
A protester holds a sign in support of funding for public media during a May 1, 2025, rally at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka as part of a 50501 national day of action (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector).

Some Missouri public broadcasters launched emergency fund drives Friday while others warned of cutbacks to programming after Congress voted to eliminate $1.1 billion in federal support for public media nationwide.

There are nine radio stations affiliated with National Public Radio and four television stations that are part of the Public Broadcasting Service in Missouri media markets, along with some smaller community radio stations, that receive funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Funding from Congress goes to the corporation, which then distributes money to the stations.

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Those broadcasters received about $7.6 million in community service grants in federal fiscal year 2024, the most recent completed year, according to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This vote weakens one of the most trusted civic institutions in America, Kyle Felling, general manager of KBIA in Columbia, said in a news release. Stripping away already-approved funding puts the work we do every day at risk  reporting trusted facts, delivering emergency alerts, and connecting our community.

Emergency fund drives

KBIA, the NPR station operated by the University of Missouri Journalism School, launched a drive for a Resiliency Fund to raise $500,000.

KCUR, the NPR station in the Kansas City market, will run a drive through Monday, and perhaps beyond, to raise $500,000

Community radio station KOPN in Columbia, which is not an NPR affiliate, launched an emergency drive with a goal of $40,000.

KCPT, the Kansas City public television station, also launched an emergency drive but did not state a goal on its website.

Missouri U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, who handled the rescission bill in the Senate, said on Fox News Friday that he was proud to be the one leading the fight to eliminate public broadcaster funding.

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We got the federal government out of the business of subsidizing NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Schmitt said. They are woke, biased, and ideologically captured. They dont deserve tax dollars.

Since President Donald Trump sent a request for cuts of $9.4 billion from current spending to Congress in June, the stations have been using their websites and airwaves to seek extra donations and mobilize listeners.

The final 216-213 House vote came Friday morning, just after midnight. Every Republican member of the Missouri delegation voted for the cuts except U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison of Springfield, who was absent. The states two Democratic House members voted against it.

The Trump administrations well-telegraphed intent to cut funding for public broadcasting had boosted station fundraising even before the vote, Felling said. An annual May fund drive, he said, raised more than three times the amount it did a year ago.

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After the cuts overnight, Ive seen my inbox flooded with messages of support and contributions, Felling said via email. The community recognizes the importance of what we do, the value of independent and trusted reporting.

At KCUR, the emergency fund drive began at 7 a.m. Friday and will continue at least through Monday, Karen Campbell, director of institutional giving and communications, said in an email. Along with the direct cash grant the station lost, it will have to pick up costs previously covered by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, she wrote.

The response so far, she said, has been very positive.

While we are buoyed by this support and the kind words that accompany these gifts, we know that we have a long road ahead, Campbell wrote.

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Dylan Martin, executive director of community radio station KOPN in Columbia, said the lost federal funding is about 40% of the stations cash budget. The station has always been lean, he said, with two paid staff currently.

In addition to lost cash, there are new costs, he said.

In addition to grant funds, CPB had negotiated and paid for music licensing fees for broadcast and internet streaming for qualified CPB recipients, Martin said. As a station that broadcasts a significant amount of diverse music, KOPN will have to cover this in addition to the shortfall of grant funds.

At Ozarks Public Broadcasting in Springfield, which combines operations for KSMU radio and KOZK-TV in Springfield, General Manager Rachel Knight went on the air Friday morning to explain the impact. The cut is about $1.3 million total, she said, approximately 10% of the radio station budget and one-third of the television budget.

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Like weve been saying over the last several months as we knew this was looming, these wont be invisible cuts, Knight told the audience. I mean, we operate so efficiently right now that theres nothing easy to cut.

The stations have not launched formal emergency fundraising campaigns, Knight said in an email to The Independent, but the public is calling to give.

Our phones have stayed busy this morning and web pledges are coming in fast, Knight said. Were hearing frustration and disappointment from our audience in Congress decision to defund public media. They want to see our services continue and are stepping up with additional support.

St. Louis Public Radio, operating with the call letters KWMU, will lose about $575,000  about 6% of its annual revenue  and face the same increased costs for pooled programming and services previously provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the station said in a news release.

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Public media has always served as a pillar of democracy, with broad support that transcends party lines, interim General Manager Jess Luther said in the release. Our elected leaders decision to rescind this funding dangerously diminishes the free flow of information, especially to communities that have few other sources of news and emergency alerts. When we say this is dangerous, we mean it literally.

In addition to KOZK in Springfield, the PBS stations in Missouri are KMOS in Warrensburg, KCPT in Kansas City and KETC in St. Louis.

KMOS is an important resource for a region where 70% of the audience is rural and 17% have no internet access, General Manager Josh Tomlinson said.

First and foremost, while the federal funding for public media is gone KMOS is not, he said.

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The federal funding represents about 40% of the station budget, he said.

I cant rule out the loss of programming or other services but we are not taking a panicked approach. Instead we are looking at everything strategically, he said. The communitys response has been remarkable. We have heard from hundreds of viewers who have offered support and many more have contacted lawmakers on our behalf.

For KCPT, the loss is about 13% of the station budget, according to an online statement about its emergency fund drive.

For nearly 60 years, Kansas City PBS has been a trusted source of education, culture, and connection, Kliff Kuehl, president and CEO of Kansas City PBS said in the online statement. This loss of funding is a significant challenge, but we have always been powered by the people we serve and we will continue to inform, inspire and connect.

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In a message to viewers on its website, KETC President and CEO Amy Shaw thanked viewers for donations and advocating for the station with messages to Congress. The cut is about $1.8 million, she said, about 13% of the budget.

This was not the outcome we hoped for and fought for, Shaw said. However, Nine PBSs commitment to serve the St. Louis region remains stronger than ever.

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Jul. 18MITCHELL  Who knew that freshman year at college could be a chance to dazzle a group of NASA engineers?

Noah Larson, a 2024 graduate of Mitchell High School and a freshman at South Dakota State University, was part of a team of fellow students from Brookings who secured the Best Prototype Award at the Revolutionary Aerospace Systems  Academic Linkage (RASC-AL), an annual contest sponsored by NASA and administered by the National Institute of Aerospace for undergraduate and graduate students.

The competition took place in Cocoa Beach, Florida, in June.

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"It's a competition that NASA puts on yearly. Basically, they will give a theme for the year, or multiple themes," Larson told the Mitchell Republic in a recent interview. "And then schools across the country are welcome to submit proposals for how they'd solve that issue."

The theme Larson's team chose was a small lunar rover. Dubbed NOVA for Next-gen Operations Virtual Assistant, the team had to come up with a design for a rover that would be able to do minor repairs, maintenance, and make connections to help set up lunar infrastructure for a lunar base that would be put on the moon by 2038.

NASA earlier this year had announced 14 finalist teams in multiple categories. Among those teams were engineering university mainstays like Virginia Tech and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. NOVA was among two teams from SDSU at the competition, where teams had 25 minutes to explain their projects to judges and then took another 20 minutes of questions.

The NOVA team, made up of seven freshmen and two juniors, set out on creating their rover late last year.

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"It had to be under 500 kilograms and be able to lift certain capacities for payloads on the moon," said Larson, who is studying mechanical engineering with a specialization in aerospace engineering. "There is a lot of cutting as much weight as possible while making sure it will still hold under weight."

They submitted their proposal and began working on their prototype design right away. The rover prototype is one-sixth scale and equipped to perform a selected number of tasks chosen by the team, so the team chose tasks that could be readily shown off during the competition. All told the rover measured about two-feet by two-feet by two-feet.

Larson said the team had focused on making functional the forklift system on the back, which was designed to handle heavier payloads, and the arm on the front to manipulate smaller objects with precision.

One challenge that came with the project was implementing designs to help the rover survive working in moon regolith, essentially moon dust that gets anywhere and everywhere and can cause damage to manmade equipment.

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"It's basically just moon dust, but there is no atmosphere on the moon, so it doesn't degrade. So lunar regolith is basically just little saw blades," Larson said. "So anything on the moon has to be able to take care of dust before it shreds itself apart. The judges really hammered home on how you are going to protect your systems from being destroyed on the moon."

Arguably the ace in the hole for the NOVA team was the fact that their prototype actually functioned, at least on a limited scale. While other teams presented models that would represent their designs, the team from SDSU brought an actual, functioning prototype for review.

The novelty of seeing the rover moving around and showing off its functions appeared to be enough for the judges to give the award to the NOVA team.

"It felt really good to be getting an award like that, especially because a lot of people show up with kind of a model of how their prototype is supposed to look. Some people do show up with a semi-working prototype. So it feels good to actually have something that we designed that can function and we can see work," Larson said.

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Traditionally, not every team even brings a prototype to the competition, but this year 13 of the 14 finalists did. Having the lone functioning prototype helped the NOVA team stand out, Larson said.

With the competition over and the team now returned home, the prototype rover is set to be used as part of a master's thesis project of another SDSU mechanical engineering student. Larson, in the meantime, has returned to Mitchell to take a break from academics and to work at his summer job.

Larson has aspirations of working in the aerospace industry, perhaps with military jets or in the realm of space. He has also considered working with Aerofly, a Brooking startup founded by SDSU graduate advisers. A summer job there would be a great way to get experience in the industry, he said.

But for now he'll concentrate on his studies and next year's event. There was some concern that recent funding issues would mean the end of the RASC-AL competition, but Larson said he learned recently that the contest is indeed on again for next year. It won't be long before the organizers release the theme for next year's contest.

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When they do, Larson and his fellow budding engineers will be ready.

"The theme should be released in about a month," Larson said. "So once we get that, we'll get to work again."
Eyewitnesses reported that the officers took minimal action, choosing instead to "contain" the situation rather than intervene forcefully.

Hadash-Ta'al chairman and Knesset member Ayman Odeh was attacked during a protest in Ness Ziona on Saturday evening when several protesters surrounded his car, spat at him, and caused significant damage to the vehicle, including cracking the windshield and damaging the fender.

Although police were present at the scene, no arrests were made. Eyewitnesses reported that the officers took minimal action, choosing instead to "contain" the situation rather than intervene forcefully.

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Following the altercation, Odeh left the area under police escort. Despite his departure, the protest continued, with repeated attempts made to disrupt it. Knessset member Ofer Cassif was among those present, commenting, "The attack is coming from above."

Cassif was also accosted byprotesters, according to video footage circulating on social media.

MK Ofer Cassif gets accosted, called "terrorist" by right-wing protesters in Ness Ziona, July 19, 2025. (VIA x/ SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

Hadash Ta'al responds to assault on Odeh

Hadash-Ta'al responded to the assault, condemning the violence and asserting that it would not silence their voice. "The brutal attack against Knesset members Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif in Ness Ziona comes from above, rooted in the organized incitement by those who fear a future for peace and democracy. They are afraid that we will raise our voices in a joint struggle against the occupation and for the expansion of the democratic space," the party said.

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They added that the damage to Odeh's car "echoes the dark days when a powerless individual, now a mass murderer, used a car as a symbol of violence." Hadash vowed, "The writing is on the wall, but we will erase it without fear and continue to engage with the public. Our struggle has already won, and it will continue to prevail."

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said, "I condemn the violence against Member of Knesset Odeh and call on the police to find those responsible and hold them accountable. There is no place for political violence in a democratic country."

The Democrats party head Yair Golan also responded to the incident, saying, "The violence against MK Odeh is a direct result of prolonged political incitement. Those who vote in the Knesset in favor of ousting an Arab public official because of his opinions cannot be shocked when rioters attack him in the street. This is an attack against the entire Arab minority in Israel. This is a regime coup that comes with street violence, incitement in the Knesset, and zero response from the police."

"We will not remain silent in the face of political violence. We will not surrender to the hatred and racism that come straight from Netanyahu and Ben Gvir. We must unequivocally condemn this violence and continue the struggle to replace the government and repair the State of Israel," Golan concluded.

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In a separate incident earlier this week, a bid to remove Odeh from the Knesset failed, sparking public uproar. The attempt was rejected after Haredi Knesset members announced they would abstain from the vote in protest of the lack of progress on the conscription law.

There was no consensus within the opposition bloc on the move. Opposition leader Yair Lapid made it clear that he would not support the initiative unless the entire coalition stood united, with a free vote to be declared in both Yesh Atid and the National Camp.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Detectives have launched a suspicious death investigation after a womans body was discovered in Nashville Saturday morning, according to officials.

The Metro Nashville Police Department said a man walking his dog spotted the body on Knight Valley Drive near Harding Place on Saturday, July 19.

I-24 deadly shooting victim laid to rest; suspects in custody

When officers arrived just after 7 a.m., they reportedly found the womans body, which was covered by a garbage bag, off the side of the road.

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Authorities said the Medical Examiner is working to identify the woman and determine her cause of death.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

If you have any information about this case, youre asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.

No additional details have been released about this investigation.

 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.

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NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], July 19: IBM Q2D launches the IBM Global Entrance Test for students who wish to pursue their postgraduate from top reputed universities across India for the academic year 2025-26. S-VYASA Deemed-to-be University, Bengaluru, is the first university in India, to execute this model of student engagement in partnership with IBM for their MBA, MCA and M.Sc Computer Science students. IBM Global Entrance Test (GET) IBM Global Entrance Test (GET) by IBM Q2D serves as the gateway for admission into IBM delivered postgraduate programs in MBA, MCA and M.Sc Computer Science. Students admitted through this entrance test would be enrolled into university programs integrated with IBM's future-ready curriculum, providing access to industry-driven content, innovation labs, IBM's digital badges, and real-world learning experiences with projects, internship & placement opportunities. The IBM Q2D Master's programs will be delivered at the S-VYASA Campus located within Sattva Global City Tech Park, Kengeri, Bengaluru. What is IBM Q2D (Quantum Quotient Decode)? IBM Q2D is an initiative from IBM designed to integrate real-world technology training into academic frameworks. Developed by IBM's top industry experts, Q2D combines cloud labs, AI-powered learning platforms, immersive bootcamps, live projects, and corporate mentorship, creating an ecosystem where students learn & get opportunity to function like employees - solving real-world industry problems from the classroom. Through this model, students gain access to: - Learn from IBM industry experts- Develop solutions for real-world issues- Upskill in English communication with Cambridge's global standards- Graduate with hands-on technical experience, not just theoretical knowledge- Opportunity to work on IBM Cloud environment & get experience on some of the best AI tools- Industry-Led Projects & Internship opportunities- Soft skills & Leadership Training- Global Certification Pathways- Placement Preparation & Industry Mentoring- Awarded with IBM Global badge for successful students Mr. Hari Rama Subramanian, Leader, Business Development & Academia Relationship at IBM, said, "IBM Q2D venture is pushing the boundaries of technical skills by equipping students at different levels with state-of-the-art infrastructure tools and emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges. From basic fundamentals to advancing materials science to enhancing AIML, Data science, cybersecurity, and IOT technologies and apply them across various domains. This program fosters a global community of innovators driving the next wave of technology breakthroughs" IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) is a global leader in technology and consulting with over a century of innovation. Operating in 170+ countries, IBM has been a pioneer in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. In India, IBM continues to lead in building digital skills, transforming education, and powering innovation across sectors. IBM has been providing curriculum-integrated deep-technical training and educational resources to students across the India/South Asia region, equipping the students with industry-relevant technology skills and knowledge through in-demand technology courseware, industry projects, lab practicals, case-studies, inter & intra university competitions and in-campus interactions with industry experts. S-VYASA Deemed-to-be University, Bengaluru, is the first university in India to execute this model of student engagement in partnership with IBM. With NAAC A+ accreditation and Category 1 status, located in a smart-tech environment within Sattva Global City, the university offers the perfect infrastructure, vision, and holistic ecosystem to host this transformative learning model. S-VYASA stands at the intersection of tradition and technology, making it the ideal launchpad for IBM Q2D in India. (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)
KAPOLIE, Hawaii (KHON2)  On July 17, around 10 a.m., the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center had to evacuate its satellite clinic at Kapolei Medical Park, West Oahu Community Health, in response to a building issue.

A breath of fresh air: EV buses are debuting island wide

However, the WCCHC did not let this stop them from serving their walk-in patients. Workers quickly deployed their mobile health clinic, a van equipped to provide care.

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It created some obstacles, definitely created some delays with operations. But once we got the green light to return back to clinic, the team was able to assess the situation at hand, said Savannah Keawe, Senior Clinic Manager at the location. Proper department heads were notified of the situation, and a rapid plan was devised and initiated. Shortly after the information was shared with our department, our mobile clinic arrived on scene.

Operations returned to normal a few hours later, and the WCCHC is once again taking their walk-in patients inside.

The company had high praise for their employees for their adaptability in the tough circumstances.

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Everyone here at the location did a phenomenal job with reassuring patient safety, and staff safety, said Savannah Keawe, Senior Clinic Manager at the location. Ensuring that everyone got to where they needed to be and coming together as a unit, as an ohana.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Moldovan troops will take part in the U.S.-led Agile Spirit 25 military exercises in Georgia from July 23 to Aug. 7, the Moldovan Defense Ministry announced on July 17.

Held under NATO auspices, the exercises aim to boost combat readiness and interoperability among allied and partner nations. The announcement follows repeated warnings from Moldovan officials about Russian efforts to destabilize the country.

This year's drills will include personnel from Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States.

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Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean earlier said that Moscow intends to deploy 10,000 troops to the Russian-occupied Transnistria region and install a pro-Kremlin government in Chisinau.

President Maia Sandu has also warned that Russia could instigate a crisis in Transnistria ahead of Moldova's September parliamentary elections. She said such a move would be aimed at derailing Moldova's pro-European trajectory.

The Moldovan military's participation in the NATO-backed drills is part of its annual defense cooperation plan and reflects growing coordination with Western partners. Moldovan forces have trained under the Agile Spirit program since 2023.

Russia has maintained a military presence in Transnistria since the early 1990s. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February that up to 1,500 Russian troops remain stationed there.

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Moldova has called for the full withdrawal of Russian forces and the peaceful reintegration of Transnistria, describing it as critical to national security and regional stability.

Read also: US general says NATO could seize Russias Kaliningrad unheard of fast

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NEED TO KNOW

Heidy Sanchez was deported to her native Cuba in April, leaving behind her husband and their young daughter

Sanchez's attorney says she does not have any criminal charges or convictions; her legal status in the U.S. is complicated and she was previously on provisional release after seeking asylum

The federal government has been cracking down on immigration into the country, part of a Trump pledge last year during his successful presidential campaign







Heidy Sanchez brought her young daughter with her to an appointment at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Florida in April, her attorney says.

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It was the last time she saw her husband, Carlos, or their then-17-month-old, Kailyn, in person: Sanchez was detained during the appointment and deported days later to her native Cuba.

Sanchez and her lawyer, Claudia Canizares, maintain she was not given the option to take Kailyn  who was still breastfeeding and had recently begun having seizures  with her as she was removed from the U.S.



Her case is one of a growing number raising questions about President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, including who is being deported and on what basis.

Trump has long pledged to curb the overall amount of immigration into the U.S., and his vow to focus on migrants he described as criminals and terrorists was central to his successful presidential campaign last year.

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But migrants, advocates and data indicate the reality is much more complicated and different kinds of people are being targeted for removal, something Trump himself has acknowledged.

"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," he wrote on social media last month.

Sanchez is not among the immigrants whom Trump had indicated he would prioritize for deportation  she has no criminal record in Cuba or in the U.S.  Canizares, her attorney, tells PEOPLE.

Sanchez's husband, Carlos Valle, and daughter Kailyn are both U.S. citizens and remain in Tampa, Fla., where the three lived before Sanchez was deported.



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ICE did not immediately return a request for comment about Sanchez's case, but the Trump administration has said that deported parents are given the option to take their children with them.

Broadly, the White House has also defended its policies  amid the scrutiny and controversy  as important for law enforcement. Recent polling shows Americans have mixed views on the best immigration policies.

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.

Courtesy of Carlos Valle Heidy Sanchez (center) with husband Carlos Valle (left) and their daughter, Kailyn Heidy Sanchez (center) with husband Carlos Valle (left) and their daughter, Kailyn

The history of Sanchez's legal status in the U.S. is complicated, according to her attorney.

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Fleeing Cuba, she first applied for U.S. asylum in 2019, during Trump's first term. At the time, his administration required asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for an immigration hearing. Sanchez appeared before a judge in the U.S. once and was sent back to Mexico but then missed her second scheduled hearing in America.



Not long after, while in Mexico, she went to a port of entry at the U.S. border and told the agents she had missed her appointment, at which point she learned that an order of removal was issued for her  which would have blocked her asylum claim  for having missed the previous appointment, according to Canizares.

The attorney says Sanchez was placed in detention in the U.S. for nine months and initially faced deportation back to Cuba. But she was ultimately released on a provisional basis and allowed to join her relatives in Tampa, Canizares says, because Cuba refused to take her back.

She was released on what's known as an order of supervision, which required that she check in with ICE once a year, Canizares says.

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While in Tampa, Sanchez, 44, met her husband, Valle, a naturalized citizen also from Cuba, and she studied to become a nursing assistant.

Sanchez underwent multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization, and the couple welcomed Kailyn in November 2023.

Canizares says Sanchez, who worked as a home health aide before she was deported in the spring, was scheduled to have a check-in appointment at an ICE office in Tampa at the end of April, but it was moved up.

On the day of her appointment, Sanchez took Kailyn, Valle and another attorney from Canizares' firm with her. Her husband was not allowed to attend the meeting, and federal agents told her she was being taken into custody and that she should hand over her daughter to relatives, Canizares alleges.

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"She told them, 'I want to take my daughter,' and they said, 'No, your daughter is a U.S. citizen. She has to stay,' " Canizares says. "And they told the attorney that was inside with her, 'You need to take the baby outside to the dad.' "

Courtesy of Carlos Valle Heidy Sanchez with daugher Kailyn (right) Heidy Sanchez with daugher Kailyn (right)

Sanchez's absence has been traumatizing for Kailyn, Canizares says, including because she was still breastfeeding when Sanchez was deported.

For now, they speak multiple times a day, every day, when Sanchez is able to get an internet signal given that Cuba experiences regular power outages.

Canizares says the family is seeking humanitarian parole for Sanchez or for her to obtain an immigrant visa, either of which would allow her back into the country.

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Rep. Kathy Castor, a Democrat who represents Tampa, asked Trump in a letter to allow for Sanchez's return, according to a copy which was shared with PEOPLE.

Castor wrote, in part, asking that the president grant Sanchez humanitarian parole: "Due to the suffocating oppression in Cuba and lack of essentials like food and clean water, Ms. Sanchez should not be trafficked to a country where she will be harmed and suffer."

Read the original article on People
The Brief

The mother of Tri-Marea Charles is calling for the release of all officer body cam footage from the night her son was shot and killed.

Police say Charles had a gun; his mother insists he was trying to run.

Though the shooting was ruled justified, shes now formally requesting more video angles.

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - The mother of a man shot and killed by Titusville police officers earlier this year is calling for the release of additional body camera footage from officers who were at the scene of the deadly encounter.

My son is in the graveyard

What we know

Tri-Marea Charles was fatally shot by Titusville police officers in February. The department recently released unedited footage showing part of the encounter  dash cam video and body camera footage from one officer.

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Police say Charles had a gun and posed a threat, prompting the use of deadly force. The State Attorneys Office ruled the shooting justified.

What we don't know

It remains unclear whether additional body camera footage from other officers exists, and if so, why it hasn't been released. Samantha Charles, the victims mother, says she believes key footage and moments are missing, including what she believes were her sons final words.

The backstory

The shooting occurred after officers responded to a home where they say Charles struck an officer and grabbed a gun. That weapon fell to the ground before officers opened fire. Police say their actions were in response to a clear threat. The mother maintains her son was trying to flee.

Big picture view

The call for transparency underscores ongoing tensions around police accountability and video evidence in officer-involved shootings.

What they're saying

Charles claims that a portion of recently released body camera video wasn't included in her private viewing of the video, and it has added to her grief.

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"It's hard, fighting for truth for my son," she said.

The state attorney's office ruled the deadly shooting was justified, and the chief stands by his officers.

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"The only person responsible for this critical incident is the person that broke the law that night and put our officers and citizens in harm's way," said Police Chief John Lau.

Samantha Charles maintains that the majority of the video shows her child running and believes the officers were excessive.

"My son is in the graveyard. I'll be fighting for him forever."

The Source

This story was written based on information shared by the Titusville Police Department and Samantha Charles, mother of Tri-Marea Charles.
Around 940 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in week-long violence in Syria's Druze-majority province of Sweida, a war monitor reported on Saturday, amid renewed sectarian fighting despite a ceasefire announcement.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights added that the latest toll included 182 people, among them 26 women and six children, summarily executed by government forces, while three Bedouins were executed by Druze gunmen.

The violence has claimed the lives of 406 more locals including 80 civilians, according to the UK-based observatory that relies on a network of reporters inside Syria.

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Meanwhile, 330 members of government forces were killed in the fighting, the monitor added in an update.

Sweida in southern Syria has been gripped by fighting between Druze factions and Sunni Muslim Bedouins amid reports of atrocities against civilians.

After initially pulling back and allowing local forces to manage the situation, Syrian government troops redeployed on Saturday to try to halt the bloodshed.

The Syrian presidency also announced a "comprehensive and immediate" ceasefire across the province and called on all sides to abide by it.

However, the Syrian Observatory reported that new clashes erupted between Druze and tribal fighters in the western neighbourhoods of the province's capital city of the same name.

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Syria's state news agency SANA also reported ongoing clashes inside the city, raising doubts over the truce.

Government forces began deploying around the province in preparation for entering the Sweida city to implement the ceasefire, the agency reported.

The Druze are a religious minority that emerged from Shiite Islam and live mainly in Syria, but also in Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan. Suweida is their stronghold.

Israel said it has a duty to protect the Druze. Many of them serve in the Israeli military.

Earlier this week, Israel unleashed airstrikes in Sweida and against government institutions in Damascus.

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Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday said Israeli intervention had pushed Syria into a "dangerous phase," putting the country's stability at risk.

In a televised address, al-Sharaa pledged protection for minorities in the country noted for its ethnic and religion diversity. He also vowed to bring all violators to justice.

"We disavow all crimes and transgressions that have occurred, whether inside or outside Sweida. We emphasize the importance of achieving justice and enforcing the law," he said on Saturday.

In December, al-Sharaa led the Islamist-backed rebel forces that overthrew Syria's longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad. Since then, the new leadership has struggled to restore stability in a country shattered by more than a decade of war.
DAVIS, W.Va. (WBOY)  A ceremony was held at Blackwater Lodge on Friday to celebrate the Monongahela National Forests acquisition of a parcel of land in the Blackwater Canyon, which was purchased in December 2024.

The parcel is more than 2,693.31 acres in size and extends from Blackwater Falls State Park to Hendricks. The land was acquired from the Crites family, who are well-known in the timber industry.

Forest Service representatives, local officials, and former Senator Joe Manchin were in attendance Friday. Manchin played a key part in acquiring the $14.1 million in federal funding needed for the deal.

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Part of Spruce Knob access road closed after land slide

Alan Front of Conservation Pathways consulted the Crites family on selling the land.

These kinds of projects dont happen by accident, and they do fall apart by accident nine times out of ten. The fact that this came together is a testament to a set of players without whom this couldnt have happened, Front said.

Other than the Crites family, Front credits the US Forest Service, the Tucker County Commission, and West Virginias senate representation for getting the land transferred to the national forest.

When asked about why it was important to conserve this land, Manchin said, I just think basically it has such a rich history. This piece of land helped build America.

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According to Manchin, the land was once timbered, with the wood helping build northeastern America. He said it was then the subject of massive conservation efforts to restore the trees. Manchin said he looks forward to future generations being able to enjoy the land.

The purchased land includes the popular bike trail, the Blackwater Canyon Trail, making it now completely under the ownership of the Monongahela National Forest. Front speculated that as the US Forest Service goes through its process, there will be more opportunities for public access.

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RICHFIELD, Utah (ABC4)  The Monroe Fire, burning in Sevier County, has surpassed 9,000 acres as fire crews work to get containment on the wildfire. A community meeting has been scheduled for today, July 19, ahead of the return of hot, dry weather on Sunday.

The wildfire is currently mapped at 9,451 acres with 0% containment. A full suppression effort is underway, with an emphasis on protecting communities while ensuring firefighter and public safety.

Conditions are expected to remain similar today amid a low-pressure system bringing moisture and cooler temperatures. These conditions are expected to change as we move into Sunday, where hot, dry weather returns and is expected to remain for the rest of the week.

Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service  Fishlake National Forest

Fire crews continue to work in the Monroe and Manning Meadows areas, removing flammable material in the area to protect nearby structures. Fire crews are also working to extinguish areas of remaining heat.

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Three structures have been confirmed to be lost in the Monroe Meadows area. Helicopters were dispatched Friday to a new start within the fire area.

A community meeting is scheduled for today, July 19, at 7 p.m. at Sevier Valley Center, located at 800 W 200 S, Richfield, UT 84701.

The Fishlake National Forest has an Emergency Road Closure Order for the Monroe Fire in the general area north of Dry Creek Canyon Road (Forest Road 071). For more info on the Monroe Fire, visit the incident webpage here.

Latest headlines:

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(KRON)  A 20-year-old man from Novato was arrested on July 15 for possession of 1,650 pictures of child pornography, according to the Novato Police Department.

Detectives with the Novato Police Department searched the home of suspect John Ramirez after they received information that he had allegedly downloaded and viewed child pornography and interacted with minors on the internet.

NPD Detectives served a search warrant at his residence and located evidence linking him to his crimes, NPD said. Ramirez was not located at the residence and was believed to have fled to Southern California.

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Man arrested in Vallejo murder case: PD

On July 15, U.S. Marshals arrested Ramirez in Southern California. Ramirez will be extradited to Marin County for possession of child pornography of a minor under 12 years old, and possession of images depicting sexual sadism to a minor, police said.

This case serves as a serious reminder for parents and guardians to stay actively engaged in their childrens online activities, NPD said. Talk to your children about internet safety, monitor their interactions, and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A Massachusetts food producer is recalling more than 24,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage products that may be contaminated with pieces of plastic.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the recall on July 17. Kayem Foods Inc. out of Chelsea, Mass., is recalling 24,173 pounds of chicken sausage products that had been shipped to retailers nationwide.

The FSIS said Kayem Foods reported three people had sent in complaints concerning the foreign material, though there were no injuries.

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FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them, part of the alert reads. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers can identify the recalled sausage by the packaging and its markings, according to the alert:

The sausages are sealed in 11-ounce vacuum-packed packages marketed as All natural al fresco chicken sausage sweet apple with Vermont made syrup

Recalled packages bear the establishment number P-7839 printed inside the USDA mark of inspection

Recalled packages are printed with a with the lot code 179 and a USE/FRZ BY date of Oct. 1, 2025 on the back label of the package

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Anyone with additional questions is being instructed to contact Kayem Foods Inc. at 617-889-1600 (extension 247) or reach out via email to jwest@kayem.com.

Those with questions for the USDA can call the USDAs Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854, or email mphotline@usda.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Israeli troops opened fire on Gazans seeking food aid in the territory, killing at least 32 people, the Palestinian health ministry and witnesses said.

The ministry said that the bodies had been brought to Nasser Medical Complex, along with dozens of injured people.

CNN video from the hospital showed lines of bodies. One man, holding his dead son, said: He just wanted to eat, what could I do?

Its unclear exactly where the shooting took place. One eyewitness, Hisham Dargam, said it had occurred some 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from an aid distribution point run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the controversial Israeli- and US-backed organization.

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Gunfire erupted from soldiers and tanks, as if they were in a battle with us, he said.

The Israeli military said troops had identified suspects who approached them during operational activity in the Rafah area about one kilometer from the aid site at night-time when its not active.

The Israel Defense Forces said troops fire warning shots and was investigating reports of casualties.

The GHF denied there were any incidents at or near any of its distribution sites on Saturday.

The reported IDF activity resulting in fatalities occurred hours before our sites opened and our understanding is most of the casualties occurred several kilometers away from the nearest GHF site, it said. The GHF added that it had repeatedly warned those seeking aid not to travel to its sites overnight or in early morning hours.

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However, many Gazans have told CNN that they have to travel to distribution points several hours before they open to have a chance of receiving aid. Food in the strip is scarce, and people are starving, according to multiple UN assessments.

Most Gazans also have no means of transportation to travel to GHF centers, so have to walk long distances to reach the sites.

Palestinians recite a prayer over a body at the Nasser hospital on July 19, 2025. - AFP/Getty Images

A doctor at the Nasser hospital, Travis Melin, said that many of the victims Saturday had severe gunshot wounds to the torso and head.

Hundreds of people have been killed while trying to access aid in Gaza since the GHF  a private group - began operating in the Strip in May, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Nearly 800 people were killed in this way between late May and July 7, it said, 615 of whom were killed near GHF sites.

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Food here is a luxury of the privileged, Dr. Melin told CNN. If youre lucky enough to have some money left, youre the only people that can afford actual food. Everyone else is going to these massacre sites even though they know it comes with this incredible amount of danger, he added.

The director of communications for UNRWA, the United Nations agency that provides relief to Palestinian refugees, told CNN that the current aid distribution system in Gaza is a death trap for starving Palestinians calling for the organization to again be allowed to lead aid efforts.

Faltering ceasefire talks

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump struck an optimistic note regarding ongoing ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

In Gaza, we got most of the hostages back, he said on Friday evening. Were going to have another ten coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished pretty quickly, and (Middle East Envoy) Steve Witkoff has been fantastic, hes done a great job in that.

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Despite Trumps positive outlook, the two parties to the conflict are again blaming one another for another faltering round of ceasefire talks, releasing statements on Friday accusing the other of dragging their feet in negotiations.

Hamas warned that it cannot guarantee that it will agree to any pauses to the conflict in the future if Israel does not agree to work towards a full end to the war in the current round of talks.

In the past, Israel has not been keen to agree to any permanent ceasefire, stating that it wants to continue fighting in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is eradicated.

Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida said that, if Israel does not comply with its demands, the militant group could also not guarantee that it would release 10 living hostages as a part of the ceasefire deal.

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It has become clear to us that (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahus government is not genuinely concerned about the captives, simply because they are soldiers, he continued.

An Israeli official told reporters that one key sticking point in the talks is Hamas refusal to discuss what negotiators have dubbed the release key - the criteria and ratio through which individuals are identified for release in a swap - until there is a finalized agreement on where Israel will position its troops.

Israel is willing to be flexible in talks, the source said, accusing Hamas of foot-dragging.

CNNs Abeer Salman, Dana Karni and Donald Judd contributed to this report.

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Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday emphasized that Telangana, particularly the Hyderabad region, is a key focus area for the Indian Railways. Speaking to the media outside an event venue, the minister outlined plans for significant rail infrastructure expansion in the state. Highlighting the ambitious vision for the region, Vaishnaw stated, "We have given a target to our general manager here at South Central Railway to increase the capacity of the Hyderabad area which includes Hyderabad, Secunderabad and the neighboring stations from the current capacity of about 600 trains a day to 1,200 trains every day." The railway minster also mentioned that the Secunderabad station is currently "undergoing a major redevelopment program." In addition to upgrading existing infrastructure, the minister mentioned that Indian Railways is exploring a new hub-based configuration. Under this model, multiple stations would act as key nodes for North, South, East, and West-bound connectivity, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rail operations across the region. The minister believes that the Regional Ring Road in Telangana could be game changer for the state in the near-term. He said, "Recently, when the Chief Minister and we met in Delhi, I requested Honorable Chief Minister to give a 30-meter corridor from the regional ring road project so that we can have a train connectivity within that 30-meter throughout the regional ring road project and then we can build large inland container depots so that the manufacturing in Telangana can reach out to the ports seamlessly." On a different note, the minister commended the progress in semiconductor innovation at IIT Hyderabad. Applauding the institution's efforts, he said, "I would also like to commend the IIT Hyderabad for using the India Semiconductor Mission, the tools that we have provided to 270 colleges, semiconductor design tools. IIT Hyderabad is among the very active users of those tools." He further highlighted how such initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of empowering students with the tools and infrastructure needed to excel in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and electronics. (ANI)
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  A man accused of illegally recording people in a medical center restroom now faces more than 150 such charges.

Docs: Sentara employee admitted to hiding recording device in restroom

Jeffrey Leffel has been accused of placing a cell phone in a restroom at a Sentara Health facility on Edwin Drive in Chesapeake over a period of several years. According to court documents, the recordings began in 2021.

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Previously, Leffel had 42 counts of filming a nonconsented nude person against him, but now, there are 170 such charges against him, all misdemeanors. He faces another charge of model for obscene film/photo. Forty-two charges are under the misspelled name of Leefel.

10 On Your Side tried to reach out to Leffel at his residence, but there was no answer at the door. Later, through his lawyer, Leffel told 10 On Your Side not to return to the property. He received bond for a second time on the latest charges Wednesday, and had an arraignment Thursday.

There are more alleged recordings and victims at the Sentara Family Medicine and Pediatrics in Chesapeake.

As we reported June 17 when it was reported there was a secret recording device, the building manager went to the bathroom to recover the phone and then the court document states, the employee Jeffrey Leffel walked to him saying his life was over because of this. Leffel said he placed his work phone to record people using the bathroom. That he had been doing this for years.

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Leffel had been an employee with Sentara for nine years before he was terminated May 29, when the accusations first surfaced.

Court documents state a victim was using the bathroom when she found a hidden cell phone recording her.

The phone was positioned so the camera was pointed towards the bathroom toilet.

10 On Your Side found the phone extractions indexed over 10 pages for the first 42 charges. They read:

As this video begins, the toilet is observed behind Jeffrey Leffels face as the camera is placed into position. Leffel leaves the bathroom at the 40 second mark.

At 1 minute 5 seconds. An adult female enters the restroom and uses the toilet.

At 49 minutes 18 seconds. An adult male enters the restroom and urinates while standing. An adult female enters the restroom and uses the toilet.

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Thats about all we can show because then it describes the victims private areas that were exposed.

Leffel will be back in court on all 170 charges Aug. 6 for a preliminary hearing.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian air defence systems shot down three drones en route to Moscow on Saturday, city mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on his Telegram account.

Two Moscow airports - Vnukovo and Domodedovo - suspended arrivals and departures for safety reasons but later resumed operations, Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia said.

The Russian Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 27 Ukrainian drones in total from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Moscow time (1200-1600 GMT), including four over Moscow region, 15 over Bryansk region, six over Kaluga region and two over Tula region.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Andrew Heavens)
It is one of the most evocative works from the American Civil War: A sculpture of a Black man who had escaped from slavery helping an injured White Union soldier lost in hostile territory.

When it was unveiled in 1864, John Rogers The Wounded Scout, a Friend in the Swamp, was celebrated for its anti-slavery message and patriotic tone. But in 2025, a Smithsonian exhibition, The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture, asked visitors to reconsider the message behind the piece.

On display, the sculpture is paired with a description that prompts viewers to consider how the work, and others by Rogers reinforced the long-standing racist social order, despite its pro-Union and emancipation sentiment.

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The exhibitions efforts to challenge enduring ideas about race and American sculpture became a subject of President Donald Trumps ire earlier this year. In an executive order, he condemned the exhibition for stating that sculpture has been a powerful tool in promoting scientific racism, that race is a human invention and that the United States has used race to establish and maintain systems of power, privilege, and disenfranchisement.

The Smithsonian's American Art Museum shares a building with the National Portrait Gallery. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

Museums in our Nations capital should be places where individuals go to learn  not to be subjected to divisive narratives, the executive order said.

Trump has championed a cultural agenda built around celebrating, as the executive order put it, shared American values and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing, and he has put Vice President JD Vance, who serves on the Smithsonians Board of Regents, in charge of stopping government spending on exhibits that dont align with that agenda.

That has forced the Smithsonian into an awkward position.

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In June, the Smithsonian began a review of content in its museums. The institution has repeatedly said it is committed to being free from political or partisan influence  but the review has raised serious questions over whether the worlds largest museum complex will curb candid discussions about the countrys past, beginning with exhibits like The Shape of Power.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the Smithsonian to review exhibits for improper ideology. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

A visitor touring the exhibit walks past Nicholas Galanin's "The Imaginary Indian (Totem Pole)." - Tristen Rouse/CNN

Sasa Aakil, a young artist who helped with The Shape of Power, said that it would be catastrophic if the Smithsonian were to change many of its exhibits.

America has never been good at truth. Thats why so many people are doing the work that theyre doing. Thats why this exhibition exists.

Humbler displays, notable reactions

For the amount of attention it garnered from the president, the exhibition at the Smithsonians American Art Museum has a surprisingly humble, intimate feel.

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Tucked away on the third floor of a sprawling neo-classical building shared with the National Portrait Gallery in downtown Washington, the exhibit holds 82 sculptures dating from 1792 to 2023. The pieces are arranged according to a series of topics with prompts asking visitors to consider how they encounter the pieces.

"The Shape of Power" exhibit is on the third floor of the Smithsonians American Art Museum. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

A large passage of text on the wall at the exhibition entrance says: Stories anchor this exhibition, and that through it, visitors can discover how artists used sculpture to tell fuller stories about how race and racism shape the ways we understand ourselves.

The stated goal of for the exhibit is to encourage visitors to feel invited into a transparent and honest dialogue about the histories of race, racism, and the role of sculpture, art history and museums in shaping these stories, its curators have written.

Ferdinand Pettrichs The Dying Tecumseh, for example, portrays a Shawnee warriors death during the War of 1812. Completed in 1856, he is shown in a relaxed pose, reclining as if asleep.

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In reality, he died in battle and his body was mutilated by American soldiers.

Pettrich, according to the exhibit, made the sculpture as political propaganda for Vice President Richard Mentor Johnson, who had claimed he killed Tecumseh and made the alleged act part of his campaign slogan. It also reinforced racist ideas about Native Americans during a time when the United States was rapidly expanding westward, the exhibit said.

Ferdinand Pettrichs The Dying Tecumseh portrays a Shawnee warriors death during the War of 1812. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

Julia Kwons Fetishization" represents a hollow, female torso wrapped in vibrant Korean cloth. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

Yards away from Hiram Powers Greek Slave, a famous 19th century sculpture, is Julia Kwons Fetishization, a 2016 work featuring a hollow, female torso wrapped with a vibrant patchwork of silk bojagi, Korean object-wrapping cloth. The intention, Kwon told CNN, is to comment on the gravity and absurdity of the objectification of Asian female bodies.

Asked about its objections to the exhibit, Lindsey Halligan, a White House official who Trump has tasked with helping to root out improper ideology at the Smithsonian, told CNN in a statement: The Shape of Power exhibit claims that sculpture has been a powerful tool in promoting scientific racism, a statement that ultimately serves to create division rather than unity.

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While its important to confront history with honesty, framing an entire medium of art through such a narrow and accusatory lens overshadows its broader cultural, aesthetic, and educational value, Halligan said in a statement.

A visitor tours the exhibit, which features 82 artworks created between 1792 and 2023. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

Instead of fostering dialogue or deeper understanding, the Shape of Power exhibits approach alienates audiences and reduces complex artistic legacies to a single, controversial narrative. After all, its hard to imagine Michelangelo thinking about racism as he chiseled Davids abs  he was in the relentless pursuit of artistic perfection, not pushing a political agenda. (Michelangelos work is not part of the exhibit.)

Some see value in the presidents push to reshape the museums. Mike Gonzalez, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, expressed optimism about the Smithsonians review, arguing that the institution should not mount exhibitions that examine the US through a prism of the oppressed and the oppressor.

I think, you know, you have to tell the whole story, not a small part of the story that is designed to make people feel grievances against their own country, he said.

A book on the exhibit is sold in the museum's gift shop. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

But critics say the administrations review has the potential to undermine the nations ability to understand its complicated history through art.

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Examining art from the past has the potential to hit at the core of how Americans understand their country, Northwestern University art history professor Rebecca Zorach told CNN, and thats the value of exhibitions like The Shape of Power.

Art provides ways to process these issues. I think some people are afraid of what it means to kind of have that opportunity, Zorach said. The administrations claims of a divisive, race-centered ideology are a real caricature of what museums and other cultural institutions are trying to do, she said.

It was also astonishing that the administration would dispute a scientifically accepted view that race is a construct, she added.

A woman views plaster portraits by artists John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

Statues are on display in the exhibit. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

Probing questions

Sasa Aakil, a 22-year-old artist who was a student collaborator on The Shape of Power, told CNN the exhibition was not designed to make people feel resentment towards their country, but to consider the broader context of the art.

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She recalled the first time she saw The Dying Tecumseh. It unnerved her, she said, especially as she learned more about the distorted version of the history the artwork relayed.

For Aakil, the statue is a reminder that museums have always made some people uncomfortable.

Many of these sculptures were always problematic, were always painful and were always very violent. And this exhibition is forcing people to see that, as opposed to allowing people to live in a fantasy, she said.

The title of the exhibit is seen above Roberto Lugo's "DNA Study Revisited." - Tristen Rouse/CNN

Another piece, DNA Study Revisited by Philadelphia artist Roberto Lugo, is intended to push back against the ways sculpture has been used to bolster ideas about racial classifications.

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In a self-portrait, Lugo uses different patterns that correspond to parts of his ancestry, drawing from Spanish, African, Portuguese and indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.

Lugo told CNN that he believes art is a way for us to understand the world through someone elses experiences.

Through exhibitions like this, I hope we can begin to normalize storytelling from diverse communities, he added. Every story matters, and art gives us a voice in a world where we have too often been silenced.

While its unclear what changes, if any, the Smithsonian will make to The Shape of Power, the institution has changed exhibits that have drawn controversy in the past.

The exhibit is currently on display through September 14. - Tristen Rouse/CNN

In 1978, religious groups sued over an evolution exhibition that they alleged violated the First Amendment, but a court sided with the Smithsonian, and the National Museum of Natural History kept the exhibit up.

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But in 1995, the Smithsonian reduced the size and scope of an exhibit on Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, after veterans groups and lawmakers complained about what it said about World War II.

And in 2011, the National Portrait Gallery, which shares the same building as the American Art Museum, debuted Hide/Seek, the first major museum exhibition on gender and sexual identity at the Smithsonian.

The show featured the video A Fire in My Belly by the late artist David Wojnarowicz, which includes a scene where ants crawl over a crucifix, prompting uproar from the Catholic League and conservative members of the House of Representatives. It was quickly removed, but not without criticism from those that argued that the Smithsonian was capitulating to homophobic censorship.

The planned run for the The Shape of Power exhibition began November 8, 2024, and is to continue through September 14. The Smithsonian did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Police are putting Boots on the Ground in neighborhoods across the city of Memphis. And no, were not talking about the song.

The agency is working to strengthen ties in the community.

It brings me comfort knowing that Im safe, said Landon Taylor, 14.

Taylor and 15-year-old Quinten Leavy say they want to change how the public views youth in the city of Memphis.

They look at us, Black young men, like were just a bad person and like were doing crime, killing, but whole time its some of us out here who know how to communicate and build our community together, Leavy said.

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Theyre a part of a youth mentorship program called Make a Man Academy, or M.A.M.A for short.

Chris Snipe says he wants to teach young boys about the importance of brotherhood.

Last week we went and cleaned up neighborhoods. Im going to teach them how to fish. I want them to learn how to change tires, pump gas. Just reintroducing the idea of strength in the Black community, Snipe said.

And that desire to strengthen relationships in the community is exactly why they participated in the Memphis Police Departments Boots on the Ground resource fair at the Hickory Hill Community Center.

Boots is an acronym for Bringing Open Opportunities Through Services.

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Hopefully, this will give them a better reason to even trust the police officers in this city, said MPD Community Engagement Unit Commander Col. Alyssa LeSueur.

She says the goal is to provide valuable community resources to those in need. The event is hosted in areas with a high rate of violent crime, with the hopes of targeting the root of the issues and bridging any gaps between police and the community.

Many times with violent crime, thats because of the grassroots issues. Unemployment, lack of health care, mental illness, and all of that, LeSeur said.

Multiple organizations participated in the event.

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As for Taylor, he says this kind of engagement is needed for the community to thrive.

We need more empowerment. We need Black men to embrace these young men because theyre growing up in tough situations, coming out of tough homes. So, we need the community to come together and really stick, he said.

If you missed out on Saturdays event, Memphis Police say there will be more events this year. See 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 WREG.com.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  After conducting a deep dive into why Michigan State Police appeared to be working an immigration investigation, the agency says its solved the mystery.

It didnt happen.

Thats according to email exchanges between state police and the chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, obtained by Target 8 through the Freedom of Information Act.

We did a deep dive into this one and have an answer, wrote MSP First Lt. Scott Ernstes in an email to Kalamazoo Police Chief Dave Boysen. In a nutshell, it was no type of immigration investigation (which would have violated our policy), essentially the analyst did a poor job annotating in the remarks.

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Kzoo police shut down immigration-related use of license plate readers

Concerns over how state police  and Grand Rapids Police  have been using Kalamazoos license plate reader cameras surfaced in June after a citizen approached Boysen with a document hed obtained through a records request.

At least thirty police agencies in West Michigan have installed LPR cameras, which read and record license plates and vehicles.

The technology, which departments lease from Flock Safety  a private Atlanta-based company  gives agencies the option of sharing their license plate data with other law enforcement entities.

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The Flock systems network audit records all plate searches, who submitted them, and why.

According to the audit, obtained by Target 8, Michigan State Police submitted a plate search to the system, which included Kalamazoo, on April 19, 2025.

USBP IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATION, DEPORTATION WARRANT

MSP listed the reason for its query as USBP immigration investigation.

The audit also showed license plate searches by Grand Rapids Police on January 5, 2025.

GRPD recorded the search reason as deportation warrant.

A Flock license plate reader in Kalamazoo. (June 2025)

The discovery prompted Kalamazoos chief to immediately shut off outside access to its data, stating the searches did not align with his citys values.

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But GRPD and MSP immediately denied their departments conduct searches for immigration-related reasons, noting their policies clearly forbid using LPR cameras for that purpose.

In a text exchange with KDPS Chief Boysen, obtained by Target 8 through a public records request, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom offered additional reassurance.

Dave, if I add a mandatory agreement at Flock login, something like This query can only be used for criminal investigations. Use must comply with GR City code  and GRPD policy  prohibiting engaging in enforcement of civil immigration law  under penalty of perjury etc. can we get back in business?

Sounds good to me, Boysen responded. I know MSP is working on something similar.

ACCESS RESTORED

KDPS Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton confirmed to Target 8 that the department has reinstated access to its system for Michigan State Police, Grand Rapids Police and the Michigan Department of Corrections.

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Chief Winstrom (of GRPD) has personally assured Chief Boysen that GRPD will not use our system for immigration enforcement purposes, said Hamelton.

Winstrom has not provided details publicly regarding the deportation warrant search, and why it did not violate police.

Winstrom did tell Target 8 he reached out to Flock Safety, the company that installs and manages the cameras, which told him its upgrading technology to ensure information capture is accurate and can be properly shared among agencies.

Michigan State Police explained that, while it submitted its search on behalf of U.S. Border Patrol, it was for a drug trafficking investigation, not immigrant enforcement.

DRUG TRAFFICKING, NOT IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Instead of putting Drug investigation after seizure (by USBP), (the analyst) put immigration investigation, wrote Ernstes in an email. It sounds like we are going to do additional training and stress the importance of annotating correctly. Is there any chance access can be returned or has that ship sailed?

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Target 8 has submitted requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain emails and reports that might explain what happened in GRPDs case, but the department said it will take four to six months to fulfill the FOIA due to the number of requests its already processing.

Flock Safety, the private company that operates the cameras, recently issued a statement titled Setting the Record Straight: Statement on Flock Network Sharing, Use Cases, and Federal Cooperation.

The company confirmed to Target 8 that it does not have a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which houses Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE).

CAMERAS CAUGHT SUSPECTED KILLER

In his statement, Winstrom shared the language users will have to acknowledge and spoke of the vital role LPR cameras play in protecting communities:

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The use of GRPDs Flock system is subject to acknowledgement of, and agreement to the following statement:

LPR queries can only be used for criminal investigations or missing/endangered people reported to the Grand Rapids Police Department. All Requests must comply with City of Grand Rapids City Commission Policy 600-17 and Grand Rapids Police Department MOP 4-8, 8-14, and 7-12 which prohibits the use of this request for engaging in the enforcement of civil immigration law. Any violation of the above will subject the requester to discipline up to and including termination. The requestor may also face criminal charges outlined in MCL 28.214 (CJIS Policy Council Act).

We value our relationship with our sister agencies and can point to many instances where the sharing of LPR information aided us in a serious criminal investigation  so its important for us to keep these relationships. The most recent serious example was the apprehension of Aleta Lungs killer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was located after LPR cameras in cooperating agencies flagged the location of the wanted vehicle.

I acknowledge the passion and concerns surrounding issues related to immigration and am committed to building relationships and trust with all Grand Rapidians regardless of immigration status. GRPD does not engage in immigration enforcement-related activities. Even if an individual entered 1 Monroe Center and informed the front desk in-person they were an undocumented individual, no arrest, detention or investigation of any kind would take place.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM)  Police responded to multiple reports of shots fired in Lancaster City last night.

According to the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, on July 18 at 10 p.m., authorities responded to a report of shots fired at South Christian Street and Chester Street.

Upon arrival, officers say they found shell casings and determined that multiple nearby vehicles and a residence in the 400 block of S. Christian Street had been struck by gunfire. Police say no one was injured in the incident.

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Later that night, at around 10:20 p.m., Lancaster police responded to another report of shots fired at the 1200 block of Union Street. Upon investigation, police located multiple shell casings and determined that a residence in that area was also hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported in that area, police said.

The Bureau says both incidents are active investigations. If anyone has information regarding these cases, contact the Lancaster City Bureau of Police at 717-735-3300 or leave an anonymous tip via their Crimewatch page.

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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.
The challenge now is whether the two sides can de-escalate. Numerous Bedouin tribes from across Syria mobilized to fight in Sweida.

On Friday, US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack announced that a truce had been agreed to inSyria after five days of clashes in which Israel had intervened and bombed Damascus.

The clashes were between Bedouin tribesmen and Druze, and the Syrian government had tried to intervene to prevent them, but Israel had demanded that the government leave the area, accusing it of having been involved in oppressing the Druze.

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Barrack said he was grateful to Jordan for playing a leadership role in the region to help support the ceasefire. We are making positive steps to support a unified, stable Syria at peace with its neighbors, including our Jordanian allies.

Of interest was Barracks social media post on Friday in which he said that Israels prime minister and the president of Syria had agreed to the truce. In essence, the Syrian conflict, which was made up of internal clashes, now appears to have been outsourced to Israel, with Jordanian and Turkish involvement.

Ankara and Amman are very critical of Israels bombing of Syria, and they argue that Israel is destabilizing it. In their view, Israel is demanding that southern Syria be demilitarized, which has helped lead to a power vacuum. Into the vacuum, armed groups have emerged that are fighting each other; Israels bombing has only made this more chaotic.

A Bedouin fighter stands along a street, following the Syrian presidency's announcement of a ceasefire after days of violence in Sweida province triggered by clashes between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions, in Sweida, Syria, July 19, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/KARAM AL-MASRI)

The US administration has not critiqued Israel openly. However, Al-Monitor quoted a senior Trump administration official as telling Israel, You cant embark on a new war every few days."

US allegedly reprimands Israel over strikes in Syria

The Israeli bombing of Damascus came three weeks after Israel also carried out strikes on Iran that led to US involvement in a ceasefire there as well. It has also come as Israel continues its strikes in Gaza and Lebanon.

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The question now is whether the ceasefire in southern Syria can hold.

The Druze in Sweida have been hard-pressed by Bedouin tribesmen. In the absence of the government security forces, it appears clear that fighting would lead to more atrocities.

The Bedouin have accused the Druze of killing their kinsmen in Sweida and also kidnapping Bedouin. Druze have accused the Bedouin of crimes.

One video shows Druze men being forced to jump from an apartment balcony under gunfire. Another video appears to show Bedouin women and children killed in what may have been a mortar strike. The videos lead to a fear of worse crimes.

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Barrack, who has been tasked with working with the new Syrian government, said he was thankful to all sides for their break from chaos and confusion as we attempt to navigate all parties to a more durable and peaceful solution in Syria.

The challenge now is to see if the two sides can back down. Numerous Bedouin tribes from all over Syria had mobilized to fight in Sweida. The government had to deploy security forces to some areas in Syria to prevent reprisals against the Druze.

The Bedouin mobilization apparently brought together tribes that dont usually get along, seeking to defend their comrades. Similarly, the attacks on the Druze led to their kinsmen in Israel seeking to enter Syria to help their comrades.

The IDF said that forces were attacked in violent protests near the Golan fence with Syria between Friday and Saturday. This came three days after some Druze had crossed into Syria to help their community.

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This conflict clearly has the capability of spilling over. Israel has tried to put down a new redline in southern Syria, basically staking a claim to a sphere of influence that appears to extend some 80 kilometers or more from the Golan border, all the way to Sweida and the outskirts of Damascus.

This is a new front for Israel, and Jerusalem appears to want to manage the conflict now in Syria as it does in southern Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, and other places.

Jerusalem has also set itself up for further involvement in the future. Because Israel is now a party to a ceasefire, it means that Washington will now have to deal with not only the ceasefire in Syria but also with Iran.

The Trump administration had wanted to focus on other regions of the world, but its first seven months in office have largely been consumed by the Middle East. It bombed the Houthis until it realized that the campaign had diminishing returns. Then it bombed Iran as part of Israels strikes there. Then it got involved in brokering a ceasefire in southern Syria. It has also had to deal with Gaza, working on a ceasefire in January and then working to get American citizen Eden Alexander released.

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Keeping the ceasefire will be in the interest of Washington and Damascus. The wild card is likely Israels own calculus about what comes next.

Is it in Israels interest to bomb Syria every few months to maintain a redline in southern Syria? Will the decision to leave a power vacuum in Syria lead to extremist groups or Iran seeking to infiltrate the area?

Many Syrian social media accounts have noted that after the Israeli strikes on the heart of Damascus, they had no hopes of peace with Israel. They said that after the fall of the Assad regime, they had entertained turning over a new leaf with Israel and considering a path to peace. There had even been rumors that Syria would join the Abraham Accords.

Now, many of these Syrians are outraged at Israel. It has also caused a deeper rift with the Druze, who are accused of being linked to the Jewish state. The aggressive stance of Jerusalem may therefore backfire.

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Prior to the clashes in Sweida on July 13, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa had been in Baku. Azerbaijan is a strategic partner of Israel. It had looked like the trip might smooth the way to more engagement with Damascus, but the bombing of the Syrian capital likely harmed that.

Some Israeli officials make statements against Sharaa, referring to him by his previous nom de guerre Julani and claiming Israel should target him. Its hard to see how relations can improve so long as such rhetoric continues.

At the same time, Israeli media have taken to calling the Syrian government the regime, similar to how Assads regime was widely referred to. This indicates that the government of Syria is seen as an enemy  which also makes it less likely to pave the way for peace.
Visitors step into the world of mind-bending illusions and deceptive tricks of the mind at the Museum of Illusions.

The museum of mind tricks just opened up this weekend in Salt Lake City at the Gateway and provides museumgoers with interactive opportunities to fool the mind.

It was incredible, museumgoer Aubrie Bell said. Ive never been to a museum like this. It was so fun seeing all the different illusions.

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Its not the only Museum of Illusions in the country. There are more than 55 versions of the museum scattered across the U.S. and three other continents.

CEO Kim Schaefer told the Deseret News she was especially excited to bring the museum to Salt Lake City.

We love this city, she said. Its a vibrant city. Its a big city, but theres an opportunity for us to cater to families that live here. Its a very well-known city that we want to be a part of.

Her favorite part of the experience?

Kaycie Olney poses for a photo in the Head on a Platter exhibit at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

I think just seeing the joy on peoples faces. Yeah. Weve been walking around all night, and everybodys laughing and having a good time in the aha moments are just really special.

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The museum starts out with a room called the Big Little Room where two people can be in the same room but look completely different sizes. Depending on which corner youre standing in, you could look like a miniature person or a gigantic human. Theres even a slot to set your phone in the room so you can capture the moment without any assistance.

Throughout the museum is wall art thats designed to trick the mind into seeing something thats not there. Next to each trick, theres an explanation scientifically mapping out what exactly is going on with your brain at that specific illusion.

Schaefers personal favorite illusion is the Symmetry Room where you can capture a photo of yourself completely split in half.

In every corner you look, theres some new trick awaiting.

Lucas Davison, left, and Violet Stocking, right, pose for a photo at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

I obviously thought it was mind blowing, just, like, so fun, said museumgoer Stefany Ferraz. And I cant wait to bring my 2-year-old. I think its going to turn her world upside down.

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The Utah location includes three rooms that are completely unique to this location, including the Gravity Box, where visitors can snap a photo where it looks like they are absolutely defying gravity.

When asked about what to expect when coming to the museum, general manager Justin Ramirez said to come with an open mind, ready to experience magic.

I think they should come, experience it, and have their mind blown, Ramirez said. I dont think anybody will be dissatisfied. Were here to stay here at the gateway, so Im really excited to be here."

Heres some advice for when you go from museumgoers:

Aubrie Bell: Make sure you check, like, every nook and cranny because theres so much to see.

Stefany Ferraz: Bring a tripod. If you can. Or an extra friend to get your pictures.

Lucas Davison, left, and Violet Stocking, right, pose for a photo at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Aubrie Bell, left, and Stefany Ferraz, right, explore the exhibits at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

The Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Alex Wilson, 6, and his sister Lily, 7, play in the "Head on a Platter" exhibit at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

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A jug of apple juice appears to float at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Sam Blake poses for a photo in the Symmetry Room at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

An exhibit that displays two different words depending on the viewing angle is pictured at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Aubrie Bell, left, and Stefany Ferraz, right, explore the exhibits at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

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Museum of Illusions CEO Kim Schaefer speaks at the opening of the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Aubrie Bell, left, and Stefany Ferraz, right, explore the exhibits at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Visitors explore the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City during its private opening on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Visitors browse the gift shop during the opening of the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

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Must-see concerts this week: Lord Huron, Darius Rucker, Blood Incantation originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Coming on the heels of the second Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, it's a stacked week of shows.

There's a lot to get to, so let's just do it. Here are some of the best concerts happening this week around the Twin Cities.

Lord Huron

Tuesday, July 22, at The Armory

There's something enigmatic about Lord Huron, which isn't usually the case for folky groups that lean into big hooks. The L.A.-based group released their new album, The Cosmic Selector, Vol. 1, this month, and they'll be bringing all that new music to The Armory to start the week.

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The author Karl Ove Knausgaard wrote an essay  the band is using it as a "bio"  that details his love for the group and does a nice job making the new record sound alluring.

"The first time I heard Lord Huron, I knew nothing about them. One day one of their songs popped up in one of my Spotify playlists," Knausgaard writes. "It was wonderfully catchy and melancholy, located within a musical landscape I was familiar with (and which the algorithm clearly knew that I like), distinctly American, yet with the freshness of the new. I loved it, and bought the album. Long Lost, it was called, and I played it to pieces. The guitar sound, full of reverb and twang, the swelling strings, the vocals that were not averse to 1950s-style sobbing, brief boogie-woogie sections, the country rhythms  you would think all of this would make the music nostalgic. But it wasn't, at least it didn't feel that way to me, it was rather the opposite, that the music spread out, gathered up these elements and wrapped them around itself like a cape, and in this way made them seem contemporary, which of course they really are, since everything is always the present."

Blood Incantation with Krallice

Wednesday, July 23, at Varsity Theater

Brutal is a word that must have been used a thousand times to describe Blood Incantations 2024 album Absolute Elsewhere. Im not knocking the use of the adjective. Its accurate. It's a spacey, bold record that would serve as a good introduction to their mix of stoner rock, prog-rock, krautrock interludes, and pummeling death metal.

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They're unique in death metal, innovating by looking back at prog, ambient, and psychedelic forebearers, while also bearing a resemblance to other contemporaries that are doing exciting things around the genre (defined pretty broadly)  Liturgy, Sumac, and Agalloch.

The group includes tour opener Krallice, a black metal outfit that similarly synthesizes experimental and more "out there" sounds into metal.

Also on Wednesday, The Big Star Quintet heads to First Avenue. The group celebrates the music of Big Star, with an ensemble that features the last surviving member of Big Star's original lineup, Jody Stephens. Also in the group are R.E.M.'s Mike Mills, The Posies' Jon Auer, Wilco's Pat Sansone, and The dB's' Chris Stamey.

In the Cedar Riverside neighborhood, the Cedar Cultural Center's free concert series continues with Abinnet Berhanu's Ahndenet.

Darius Rucker

Thursday, July 24, at The Ledge Amphitheater

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The ever-touring Hootie and the Blowfish frontman brings his solo show to The Ledge. (Even if there was concern the tour might be canceled after he stopped a July 12 show in New Jersey mid-set.)

While the band that made him famous still tours, Rucker has established himself as a major country artist in his solo career with Grammy-winning, multi-platinum albums.

Meanwhile, experimental local supergroup Vertighost  featuring Martin Dosh, Jaqueline Ultan, Crescent Moon, Mark Erickson, and Jeremy Ylvisaker  plays Berlin. There are also a pair of free concerts from local indie favorites. Turn Turn Turn headlines a free show in St. Paul's Mears Park, and Kiss the Tiger plays the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

DjangoFest

Friday, July 25, at The Hook and Ladder

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The annual DjangoFest brings together a heap of local musicians who are influenced by the great jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. It's a great tradition honoring a true legend.

Meanwhile, in larger-capacity events, The Lumineers will bring their new album to Xcel Energy Center. At the Green Room, The Honeydogs will celebrate the release of their first record in nine years, Algebra for Broken Hearts.

Nur-DCourtesy of Taste of Minnesota

Nur-D

Friday, July 25, at The Fillmore

Nur-D, aka Matt Allen, is celebrating the release of his 10th record, Chunkadelic, at The Fillmore on Friday. The Rosemount native has a reputation for accompanying his soulful hip-hop with a big smile and tongue-in-cheek lines. Im still Nur-D from the cul-de-sac, he raps on the SpongeBob- and innuendo-referencing Sandy Cheeks. The album  at least what has been shared in advance of its July 23 release  is a lot of fun.

Macy Gray: On How Life Is 25th anniversary tour

Sunday, July 27, at The Fillmore

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Gray scored a massive hit in 1999 with I Try off her debut record, On How Life Is. It put her smoky, soulful voice on repeat for just about every top-40 radio station in the country. Gifted at a young age, Gray, aka Natalie McIntyre, has barely taken a break in the quarter-century since her breakout moment.

Shes always been a unique artist, and not just because her breakout came when she was already in her 30s. Shes continued releasing original music, leaning into jazzier tendencies, releasing an album of stripped down versions of her music, appropriately titled Stripped; a Stevie Wonder tribute album, Talking Book; and an album of covers, Covered, that included her rendition of songs by Radiohead, Sublime, Metallica, Eurythmics, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Related: Twin Cities concerts announced this week: Nelly, Jeff Tweedy, 'Daily Show' hosts

Concerts on Monday, July 21:

Concerts on Tuesday, July 22:

Related: Robert Plant covers Low as the lead single to his new album

Concerts on Wednesday, July 23:

Concerts on Thursday, July 24:

Concerts on Friday, July 25:

Related: Steve Miller Band cancels entire tour, including State Fair gig, over extreme weather

Concerts on Saturday, July 26:

Concerts on Sunday, July 27:

Related: Nelly announced as final Grandstand performer for Minnesota State Fair 2025

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
VMPL Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 19: In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the prevalence of cybercrime poses a significant challenge to individuals, organizations, and societies at large. Recognizing the critical need for awareness and prevention strategies, the Minister of Higher Education, Technical Education, and Ayush, Shri Inder Singh Parmar, recently unveiled the much-anticipated book titled "Cyber Crime Prevention and Fraud Management" at the DAVV Campus in Indore. This initiative represents a vital step toward equipping the community with essential knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of cyber threats. Authored by a team of distinguished professionals--Dr. Rajesh Dandotiya, an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police; Dr. Punit Kumar Dwivedi, Group Director of Oxford International College and Indore International College; and Dr. Neha Sharma Chowdhury, Director of Marketing at Oxford and Indore International College--this book encapsulates years of combined expertise in addressing some of the most pressing issues related to cybercrime today. Their collaborative effort underscores the importance of a well-rounded perspective in tackling these challenges, drawing from law enforcement, education, and business sectors. "Cyber Crime Prevention and Fraud Management" serves a dual purpose: it is both an academic resource and a practical guide for individuals and organizations alike. The authors' intent is clear: to empower readers with the necessary information to safeguard themselves and their assets in an increasingly digital world. The book presents a comprehensive overview of various cyber threats, practical prevention strategies, and tools for fraud management, making the content accessible to a wide audience--from students and professionals to everyday users of technology. The release of this book couldn't have come at a more opportune time, as cybercrime continues to escalate, affecting millions globally. It highlights the necessity for proactive measures to combat these crimes effectively. The authors aim to demystify the often intimidating world of cybersecurity, ensuring that readers from all walks of life can understand and apply the concepts covered. Furthermore, the book acts as a catalyst for dialogue and awareness within communities, encouraging discussions on cybersecurity at various levels--be it families discussing online safety with children or businesses reassessing their security protocols. This initiative aligns with the government's broader mission to ensure that education and technology work hand in hand for societal progress. In conclusion, "Cyber Crime Prevention and Fraud Management" by Dr. Dandotiya, Dr. Dwivedi, and Dr. Chowdhury is not just a book; it is a timely response to a pressing need in our digital age. By fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness, this work has the potential to transform how we approach cyber risks, empowering individuals and communities alike to embrace the digital future with confidence. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Thirteen of Oregons best-known craft brewers have joined forces with partners in Mexico to develop small-batch original creations showcasing the best of both regions.

The MXPDX Mexico/Oregon Fiesta de la Cerveza takes over the Redd on Salmon for a full day of Mexican beer, food, music, vendors and more on July 19th.

Mexico just seemed like a great spot to do it because its so close to us, yet we dont see a lot of Mexican craft beer in Oregon, said Ezra Johnson-Greenough, one of the event organizers.

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Johnson-Greenough said that the purpose of the event is to help bridge the gap between Oregon and other countries, to help foster new connections, friendship, and creativity.

The idea was based on Fuji to Hood, a yearly mashup of Oregon and Japanese beer and culture created by the same team at Beer Friends and Travel Portland that started in 2018.

He added that while everyone in Oregon is familiar with Mexican food, there arent as many ways to experience authentic Mexican culture in the Pacific Northwest. Thats what he hopes MXPDX can bring to Portland on Saturday, he said.

While beer sales have slumped in the U.S., Mexicos craft beer scene has been on the rise.

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Its awesome to see what theyre doing in Mexico, where the energy and creativity is still really high, he said. Theyre making all sorts of beers there, its actually not lager-centric.

MXPDX will feature a few lagers, but will also include some fruit beers and other creative collaborations. There will also be Lucha Libre wresting, Aztec dancers, and a mercado.

The food is inspired by the barrio cantinas in Mexico City, and offerings from Oregons first Latino brewery, Salem-based Cheecha Brewing.

Ten other Mexican restaurants and chefs will also be serving up cantina-style eats, including Tostado Coffee Roasters, which specializes in small batch Mexico-grown coffee; Don Froylan, an authentic Mexican creamery; Saras Mexican Tamales and Oaxacan Kitchen, among others.

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For those who prefer cocktails or wine, Straightaway Cocktails will host a Mexican-style pop-up bar, and Alumbra Cellars will offer tastings of Mexican-American wines.

Some of the small-batch offerings come from collaborations between pFriem Family Brewers and Cerveceria Hercules, Wayfinder Beer and Malteza Cerveceria, and Little Beast Brewing with Cerveza Cru Cru, to name a few.

MXPDX is July 19 at The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon St. in Portland. It is free to enter and all ages are welcome. For more information or to obtain tickets in advance, visit mx-pdx.com.

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BANGKOK (AP)  The head of Myanmars military government made a rare appearance at a ceremony on Saturday honoring General Aung San, an independence hero and father of jailed former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

It was the first time that 69-year-old Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing attended the Martyrs' Day wreath-laying since the army ousted Suu Kyi and seized power in February 2021. The leader's appearance comes as his embattled government is preparing to hold elections while fighting armed opposition groups across the country.

Martyrs Day was an important event in Myanmars calendar for decades, but the military has downplayed the holiday in recent years. It commemorates the assassination of Aung San, a former Prime Minister who was gunned down at the age of 32 along with six Cabinet colleagues and two other officials in 1947, just months before the country  then called Burma  achieved freedom from British colonial rule. A political rival, former Prime Minister U Saw, was tried and hanged for plotting the attack.

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Suu Kyi was absent from the ceremony for a fifth year

Suu Kyi, who was detained when the army took over in 2021, was absent from the event for a fifth consecutive year. She is currently serving a 27-year prison term on what are widely regarded as contrived charges meant to keep her from political activity. She has not been seen in public since her arrest.

Ye Aung Than, a son of Suu Kyis estranged older brother, laid a wreath in front of his grandfathers tomb during the main ceremony at the Martyrs Mausoleum near the foot of the towering Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

With Myanmar national flags flying at half-staff, members of the ruling military council, and cabinet, as well as high-ranking military generals joined Min Aung Hlaing in placing a basket of flowers in front of the tombs of the nine martyrs.

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As the ceremony was held, people in Yangon paid tribute to independence leaders by blaring car horns and sirens at 10:37 a.m., the time of the 1947 attack.

Democracy supporters also held scattered rallies in parts of the country that are not under military control.

The military government is planning elections later this year

The event comes five months before elections that the military has promised to hold by the end of this year.

The poll is widely seen as an attempt to legitimize the militarys seizure of power through the ballot box and is expected to deliver a result that ensures the generals retain control.

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The 2021 military takeover was met with widespread nonviolent protests, but 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.

Since the army took power, 6,974 people including poets, activists, politicians and others have been killed, and 29,405 people have been arrested by the security forces, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organization that keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the nations political conflicts. The military government calls that figure an exaggeration.

The military, which is now estimated to control less than half the country, has been accelerating its counter-offensives to retake areas controlled by opposition groups ahead of the election.
Hello its the weekend. This is The Weekender 

There may or may not be a stretch of pavement in the Everglades that exposes an alleged lie about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis so-called Alligator Alcatraz detention camp.

Florida attorney general James Uthmeier, who was previously DeSantis chief of staff and the manager of the governors unsuccessful White House bid last year, announced the project late last month. Since then, there has been a flurry of activity at the site, which is located on an old airport within the Big Cypress National Preserve  home to a slew of endangered and threatened species. Theres also been a whirlwind of controversy surrounding the detention center, with a lawsuit filed by environmental activists, claims of high heat and overcrowding, concerns from attorneys about a lack of due process, and opposition from tribal groups.

DeSantis and other Republicans have reveled in the idea the camp has harsh conditions by giving it a gruesome nickname and even launching a merch line. While the governor has seemingly brushed off human rights issues, he has tried to respond to the environmental concerns  by insisting there arent any at all. DeSantis has said the camp will have zero impact on the Everglades. That claim, which multiple fact checkers have noted is almost certainly false, relies on the idea the camp will be built on the existing airport.

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However, in court, environmental activists have presented a declaration from an ecologist and a private pilot who flew over the site. That statement included photos that appeared to show multiple areas of new road and asphalting.

TPM also spotted indications of planning for road building and paving in our own analysis of more than a dozen contracts for products and services related to the project. On Wednesday, we published an exclusive report that used documents that were obtained and analyzed via the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACTS) to show that DeSantis office spent billions of dollars and diverted disaster preparedness resources to build the detention camp.

One contract we looked at was a $36,848,875 agreement with the firm LTS, Inc. for initial TNT site preparation. The camps location at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport has been referred to as the TNT Site. LTS contract, which was billed to Floridas Department of Emergency Management, also listed an address adjacent to the airport as the mission location. Within the contract there was one line item that is particularly interesting in light of the alleged new roads and DeSantis claim there will be zero environmental impact.

The contract with LTS included $11,000,000 that was identified as being for roadway construction. That charge came with a rate of $55 per SY. Assuming that means square yard, that would indicate the plan called for 200,000 square yards of roadway construction.

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As of this writing, the FACTS system lists the status of the LTS contract as terminated, so it is unclear whether these plans are still on the table. It is also unclear whether the roadway construction would have involved new road and asphalting of the sort that environmental groups say they have observed. LTS did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

In fact, its unclear what has happened with a lot of the contracts related to the TNT site. During the course of our reporting on the prior story, over a dozen contracts related to the camp were removed from the FACTS system. We reported on this mysterious disappearance in our piece that was published Wednesday.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D) has criticized the heavy spending on the project, including what she has called the NEW ROAD in the middle of the EVERGLADES for this detention center currently caging hundreds of immigrants with NO criminal charge Shortly after our story was published, she also took note of the missing contracts and suggested it was a violation of state law for them to be taken out of the FACTS system.

If that state has nothing to hide and is proud of this excessive spending, then we should expect ALL contracts to be shared online and made available immediately, Eskamani wrote on Twitter.

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TPM reached out to DeSantis office and the Florida Department of Emergency Management to ask why the contracts seem to have been removed from FACTS, why the LTS contract was terminated, and how the plans and photos seemingly showing new paving at the site square with the governors claim of zero environmental impact. As of this writing, they have not offered any response.

For now, its a road to nowhere.

 Hunter Walker

Heres what else TPM has on tap this weekend:

Congressional Republicans just rubber-stamped the rescissions package the White House sent over to pretend like theyre playing by separation-of-powers rules. Whats next on the legislative (aka Trump-loyalty-test) agenda? Funding the government. More on that.

White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought unveiled his movie-villain persona this week in remarks during a Christian Science Monitor breakfast, during which he pontificated on his plans to further expand the executive branchs power.

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Lets dig in.

Up Next: Try to Fund the Government

Congressional Republicans managed to approve President Donald Trumps $9 billion rescissions package before the deadline, which clawed back federal spending that Congress had already authorized. Next on the legislative agenda is an attempt to fund the government for the next fiscal year. But how exactly that process will work during a time when the executive branch has repeatedly disrespected Congress authority to allocate federal spending and fund the government remains an open question.

Senate Republican leadership has said they plan to put the first government spending bills on the floor as soon as next week. Republican appropriators are planning on packaging up to four bills, likely ones that were already approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, into one, per Politico.

The package, of course, may shrink if there is significant pushback on parts of it, as intraparty tensions have been high on the GOP side for some time.

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Senate GOP leadership and top appropriators want to make a dent in the appropriations process before Congress leaves town for their lengthy August recess.

I hope we get a four-bill package pulled together and get to the floor next week, Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND), a member of the Appropriations Committee, said.

Meanwhile, Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME), who recently broke with her caucus on two major Trump priorities, wants to focus on moving bipartisan funding bills forward, which is how the process typically goes.

Though, apparently, she is the odd man out in her party.

 Emine Yucel

Voughts Movie Villain Speech

As the White Houses rescissions package approached the finish line in Congress this week, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, like a villain at the climax of a 1960s spy thriller, laid out his plan in full, reveling in the control the White House had achieved over the budgeting process, despite the fact that the Constitution places it solidly under the authority of Congress.

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The revealing moment came during a Q&A hosted by the Christian Science Monitor on Thursday morning. Ill quote a significant chunk of his remarks first, then explain why they caught my attention (and that of many other journalists and lawmakers).

Omnibus bills are a feature, not a bug, of the Impoundment Control Act. So, if you only need the presidents signature once, and then he doesnt have a view on the management of the money for the rest of the calendar year, youre going to put everything through on that omnibus bill and jam it through, get his signature  probably when five foreign affairs crises are happening, and he cant afford to have that particular fight. So, I know thats the argument. I actually think that, over time, if we have a more partisan appropriations process for a time, it will lead to more bipartisanship. So if the only game in town  because of rescissions, pocket rescissions, potentially impoundments are on the table  the only game in town is the actual budget process working? If I propose to eliminate community development block grants, go to zero, and the appropriators [in Congress] want to go and cut it by half, and thats the meeting in the middle, then we have improved the process, weve gone back to the way it used to work, and we have restored budgeting. We dont have any of that right now, and I think we can actually get that. We get that because you have the executive branch ensuring that it is not cowing to a legislative branchs understanding of its own authorities and powers. We are not saying that the power of the purse does not belong with Congress. It absolutely does. It is one of the most constitutional, foundational principles. But that power of the purse does not mean the ability  its a ceiling. It is not a floor.

To understand the moment requires some unpacking. First, rescissions: Maybe youve been following TPMs Emine Yucel and Nicole Lafond as they cover this topic. For those who havent: The rescissions package that passed this week was the bill that defunded NPR, PBS and some foreign aid. Rescission packages are a way for the White House to ask for permission to not spend funds Congress has allocated. This rescissions package made a joke of that process: the White House had already made clear it would not spend the funds. It treated Congress sign-off on that decision as a formality  a chance for members to save face, not a chance for them to grant permission. Even as the bill passed, a number of senators complained that they had no idea what cuts they were greenlighting; Voughts office, they said, had refused to tell them.

OMB is the problem, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said Thursday. They wont tell us how theyre going to apply the cut. I want to make it clear I dont have any problem with reducing spending.  They would like a blank check is what they would like, and I dont think thats appropriate. (McConnell ultimately voted for the bill anyway, as did all the other Senate Republicans who expressed similar concerns, except for Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the only ones who typically, actually follow through with bucking the party.)

Vought, in his Thursday remarks, previewed that another rescissions package was coming. But he also, in his remarks, suggested that if Congress refused to go along with it or with other, future rescissions packages, the White House would sidestep the legislature entirely. He alluded to a kind of hostage-taking  zeroing out congressionally approved funding senators care about (community development block grants, for example), forcing them to come to the table and negotiate cuts. They would have to, he reasoned, because doing so was now the only game in town due to a series of maneuvers the White House could use to go around Congress. He alluded to them  impoundments and pocket rescissions, the latter of which is a term for a loophole the administration believes it has found in the timing of the budget process that, it thinks, will let it create a rescissions package that will become law without Congress ever voting on it.

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Pocket rescissions are the kind of thing that experts and Congress Government Accountability Office understand to be a violation of both the Constitution and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. But the Trump administration appears to believe that the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional  and as Vought said Thursday, the administrations stance is that Congress sets a ceiling for spending, not a floor. (Given his whole spiel, Voughts contention that the administration is not saying that the power of the purse does not belong with Congress is a head-scratcher.)

That gets to where this is all headed.

Voughts remarks were a nod to the reality that the administration has enough fealty in Congress to force through whatever budgeting decisions it wants via rescissions. The moment Congress shows signs of resistance, Vought explained, the administration has a few tricks (impoundments, pocket rescissions) that it can use to remind Congress that the legislature no longer has any real control here. Those tricks may well prompt legal fights that the administration is eager to have, believing, perhaps correctly, that it has the majority on the Supreme Court it needs to enshrine a further, massive expansion of executive power into an area that the Constitution gives to Congress.

In movies, these kinds of speeches are usually made just before the villains audience makes their dramatic escape. If congressional Republicans are the audience here, Im not sure theyve got much hope of escape left in them.

 John Light
Mystic Aquarium will lead an interdisciplinary team of scientists on an oceanographic research expedition to study vibrant marine life, biodiversity, and the changing ocean environment within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument (monument), aquarium officials said.

The scientists will study predator-prey interactions, collect and identify gelatinous zooplankton, conduct seabird population surveys, and collect environmental DNA to measure biodiversity, according to Mystic Aquarium. They will travel on the Research Vessel Connecticut to explore the monument and collect data.

Dr. Peter Auster, Scientist-in-Residence at Mystic Aquarium and Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Connecticut, will lead the expedition, according to Mystic Aquarium. The team is comprised of scientists and educators representing organizations including Yale University, University of Rhode Island, University of Connecticut, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

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The monument, a government-established marine protected area, is the first and only Marine National Monument off the continental United States, according to the aquarium. It  features three underwater canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon as well as four seamounts, or extinct volcanoes, that rise higher than any mountain east of the Rockies.

The environment allows refuge for marine life, according to Mystic Aquarium, which includes endangered marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, and many species of rare and fragile deep-sea corals, some thousands of years old.

The monument is located approximately 130 miles off Cape Cod and spans an area roughly the size of Connecticut, according to the aquarium.

This CT baker uses an ingredient thats growing broadly in popularity. Theres a reason she does it.

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The monument is a living laboratory, sitting in an undisturbed, remote location where migrating whales, sea turtles, sea birds and other species representing a large portion of the food web gather to eat, breed, and find shelter, said Dr. Peter Auster, the expeditions chief scientist and principal investigator. As our oceans are rapidly changing, MPAs like the monument allow us to collect essential data to inform conservation strategies.

Marine protected areas are one of the most valuable ocean research and conservation tools we have, offering an unmatched opportunity to study how the ocean works in the absence of human disturbance and showcase its rich biodiversity, said Katie Cubina, Education and Outreach Consultant for Mystic Aquarium. There is something in the ocean for everyone, whether its the protection of endangered marine animals, scientific discoveries, or simply appreciating its intrinsic beauty.

Want to follow along the expedition? Check out Mystic Aquariums Instagram account and tune into a livestream event via YouTube on thursday, July 24 at 1 p.m. according to the aquarium.
The Brief

In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder is moving her family out of California to Tennessee.

Snyder announced the move as the chain is working to open an office and several locations in Tennessee.

The company hopes to open its first restaurants in Tennessee by 2026, and close its Irvine office by 2030.

LOS ANGELES - In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder announced she and her family are moving out of California as the company plans an eastward expansion.

What we know

Snyder announced the move on an episode of the podcast Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey that aired on Friday.

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"We're building an office in Franklin [Tennessee,] so I'm actually moving out there," Snyder said.

Snyder, the granddaughter of In-N-Out founders Harry and Esther Snyder, grew up in Northern California, before moving to Southern California, part of her decision she said, came down to her family.

"There's a lot of great things about California, but raising a family is not easy here," Snyder said. "Doing business is not easy here now."

The backstory

In-N-Out announced an expansion to Tennessee back in 2023. In addition to the "Eastern territory office" in Franklin, Tennessee, the company said it will open multiple restaurants in the state.

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Earlier this year, In-N-Out also announced that it would be moving its corporate headquarters from Irvine back to Baldwin Park, where the restaurant was founded in 1948. While the original plan was to close the Irvine office by 2029, Snyder said in her recent interview that In-N-Out would be closing the Irvine office by 2030, instead.

What's next

Snyder said that the majority of In-N-Out restaurants would still be in California. In May, the company announced seven new restaurants were coming across the U.S., with four of them in California. Other locations are being planned in Washington and New Mexico as well.

With Snyder moving out east, she speculated in the podcast about potential future locations elsewhere.

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SUGGESTED: In-N-Out Burger opening new locations - see where

"Florida has begged us and we're still saying no. The East Coast states, we're saying no. We are able to reach Tennessee from our Texas warehouse," Snyder said, adding that, "Texas can reach some other states."

The Source

Information in this story is from an episode of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey that was posted on Friday, July 18, 2025, press releases from In-N-Out from 2023, and previous FOX 11 reports.
A Villa Park man who robbed a Naperville bank and four other financial institutions has been sentenced to more than seven and a half years in federal prison.

Charles Lawler pleaded guilty to holding up the BMO Harris branch at 1795 S. Washington St. on Sept. 22, 2021, according to a U.S. Attorneys Northern Illinois District Office new release.

Lawlers sentence, 7.8 years in prison, was handed down Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman.

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The FBI reported at the time of the robbery that a man, later identified at Lawler, entered the bank, handed the teller a note and a white garbage bag, and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. Once he exited the building, he jumped a nearby fence and ran into the nearby residential neighborhood, the FBI report said.

Lawler also was convicted of robbing an Old Second Bank in Lisle on Sept. 28, 2021; a Bank Financial in Westmont on Oct. 6, 2021, a BMO Harris Bank in Woodridge on Jan. 3, 2022; and a DuPage Credit Union in Downers Grover on April 14, 2022, the news release said.

Authorities said Lawler partnered on the last four robberies with Tarandle Lee, 45, of Bolingbrook, who drove the getaway car. Both men were arrested in 2023. Lee was convicted by a federal jury in all four cases and is awaiting sentencing, the release said.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Its not common to associate Abilene with NASA, but that changed on July 18 at the Morgan Jones Planetarium.

The NASA Mobile Exhibit Trailer made a stop in Key City, bringing a piece of space history with it. The traveling exhibit showcases a moon rock that visitors can touch. The rock is at least 3.75 billion years old and was retrieved from the Sea of Serenity on December 11, 1972, during the Apollo 17 mission.

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Visitors could touch the moon rocks, participate in space education, and explore other NASA space exhibits.

Steven Smith, a Communication Strategist contracted by NASA, discussed the moon rock.

I will go ahead and say, look, it doesnt look like you think its going to look. Its very smooth and flat. And this is one of the few opportunities that people will ever get to touch a moon rock, Smith said.

Jason Barber, the Science Curriculum Coordinator for Abilene Independent School District, noted that this mobile exhibit attracted a large crowd.

Its been amazing, we had a really great turnout. Even the NASA people said that we had a very excellent turnout, so its been amazing, Barber said.

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Abilene Independent School District students who took part were doing more than just a day of learning. This trip to the planetarium offers high school juniors the opportunity to participate in the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars Program, where they can work directly with NASA throughout the school year.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Public TV and radio stations across the country are scrambling, after Congress approved the Trump Administrations massive cuts to public broadcast funding.

Native America Calling in Albuquerque is one of the programs in jeopardy, as it receives 45% of its funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Executive producer Art Hughes told News 13, if the cuts cause stations to shut down, it will leave communities in the dark.

Theres a lot of concern, especially being taken away so suddenly, theres a lot of concern that theyre not going to be able to adjust in time. And so theres a big concern that as many as three dozen of our stations will go dark, warned Hughes.

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Learn more about New Mexico with these PBS documentaries

Native America Calling was founded in Albuquerque 30 years ago to provide a forum for Native issues from a Native perspective. They produce an hour-long radio show five days a week thats broadcast across 90 stations in the United States, serving between 45,000 to 65,000 listeners on the show weekly.

Many of their listeners are tuning in from up and down New Mexico to hear a range of content, exploring politics affecting Native communities, offering information on local and cultural events, and even issuing critical public safety alerts. So I think one thing that people might keep in mind is that radio still is a vital resource for a lot of people. A lot of our audience, Id say 60% of our audience, is rural, and those people depend on radio, continued Hughes.

Hughes warned that many of the stations in rural places that carry their programming, like Zuni and Gallup, rely on the federal government for 40 to 90% of their funding, meaning they may not have the money to continue operations.

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Trump funding cuts to PBS set to hit free educational content for kids

Hughes said that with the situation uncertain right now, the show will limp along with the funds that it has in the meantime and lean on listener donations.

Thursday night, the bill was passed by the House, cutting more than a billion dollars from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which was its total funding for the next two years.

It now goes to President Trump for his signature.

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CHEYENNE  Two days shy of the 10th anniversary of The Coin Shop murders in downtown Cheyenne, a 12-person jury found Douglas Smith guilty Friday of two counts of first-degree murder.

After a weeklong trial and approximately seven hours of deliberation, Smith was found guilty of killing both 67-year-old Dwight Brockman, owner of The Coin Shop, and Brockmans friend, 76-year-old George Doc Manley, during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Pancake Breakfast in 2015.

Four days of testimony recounted years worth of detective work and newfound evidence that conflicted with Smiths statements made to police through the years.

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After taking a brief break in deliberations on Friday to revisit Smith's initial call to 911 reporting the incident, as well as a police interview with Smith that followed later that morning, the jury found Smith guilty on both counts.

Jurors did not make statements regarding what pieces of evidence or testimony were deciding factors in the case.

Family members of the victims and people in the gallery remained quiet throughout the proceedings, though several observers were brought to tears as the verdict was read.

The families of the victims told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle they were not ready to speak with the media following the verdict.

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The incident

On July 20, 2015, during the Pancake Breakfast, Brockman and Manley were shot and killed inside The Coin Shop on West Lincolnway.

According to phone records, Brockman was alive at 9:26 a.m. Smith, allegedly going to the shop to drop off reading material to a friend, arrived at the shop at 9:27 a.m.

He called 911 at 9:33 a.m., telling dispatch that an armed robbery was in progress.

Theres a robbery here at The Coin Shop here on Lincolnway, Smith said in the 911 call. My friend Doc was shot, and some guy pointed a gun at me.

Once police arrived, Smith left the scene to go to Mead Lumber. Smith was a carpenter who worked at the business. While there, he spoke with a friend, then went to use the restroom before returning to the police for questioning.

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The case was investigated by a few different detectives over the years, only really gaining traction again when Cheyenne Police Detective James Pendleton revisited Smith as a suspect.

Nine years after the incident, Smith was arrested on June 25, 2024, in California.

Whats next?

Smith remained in custody for a year before trial. Though his bond for appearance before the court has expired, he was remanded to the custody of the sheriff pending sentencing at a later date, according to Laramie County District Court Judge Catherine Rogers.

The date of sentencing will depend on whether Smith wants to expedite his sentencing or would prefer to wait the three months that it typically takes the Wyoming Department of Corrections to produce a pre-sentence investigation report.

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Both charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Before the trial, the state agreed not to seek the death penalty if Smith were convicted.

Smith has 30 days to appeal the verdict after sentencing takes place.
An investigation into a man buying and selling Oxycodone and other medications has ended with nearly two dozen people facing drug charges.

The Butts County Sheriffs Office says they have charged 22 people and issued more than 100 warrants as part of Operation Oxy Moron.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Authorities say the investigation circled around Reynard Stewart of Jackson, who they say bought prescriptions from people and then redistributed them.

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They say Stewart obtained Oxycodone, Adderall, Xanax, cocaine, marijuana and fentanyl.

Financial records indicated that since the beginning of the year, one person has spent $36,000 with Stewart.

Butts County deputies say they partnered with the Spalding County Sheriffs Office, who served a warrant at a home in Griffin that had previously been involved in drug investigations. There they found several pounds of marijuana and guns.

This case is about more than just illegal drugsits about the lives they impact," Butts County Sheriff Gary Long wrote in a statement. Addiction is a sickness, and it sickens me to see deadbeat drug dealers profiting from the illness of these addicts.

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Those arrested and charged include:

Reynard Stewart

Five counts of conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone

Six counts of conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Conspiracy to purchase Adderall

Conspiracy to sell Cocaine

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Nathaniel Eckert

Three counts of conspiracy to possess Oxycodone with the intent to distribute

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Nicholas Delong

Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Jeffery Head

Three counts of conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Jerry Evans

Conspiracy to purchase cocaine

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Zachary Merritt

Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Carissa Fears

Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Laketa Barlow

Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Belinda Bostwick

Two counts of conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Amanda Baldwin

Conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

James Watson Jr.

Three counts of conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Ewone Parks

Three counts of conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Erin Wiley

Two counts of possession of a Schedule IV substance

Two counts of possession of a drug-related object

Possession of a Schedule II substance

Brady Collins

Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Kerrie Goodman

Conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Angela Harris

Conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Kayla Biles Collins

Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act

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Several others are still wanted. Those include:

Ameka Shivers

Conspiracy to sell Adderall

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Charles Roberts

Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Sherika Tanner

Conspiracy to sell Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Trevon Weaver

Conspiracy to purchase Oxycodone

Illegal use of telecommunication facility to violate provisions therein

Branden Jeffcoat
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal inaugurated the DSCI Advanced Cyber Skill Centre in Kandivali, Mumbai, reinforcing India's mission to build a digitally secure and skilled nation. The DSCI Advanced Cyber Skill Centre will provide cutting-edge training in cybersecurity to nearly 1,000 youth annually, with a strong focus on women empowerment under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Additionally the centre will also focus training women and students from tier-II, tier-III cities, with the goal of bridging the gender gap providing opportunities to underserved communities Speaking at the event, Goyal emphasized the initiative's alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India and Skill India visions. "Cybersecurity is not just a matter of national security; it is about empowering our youth to become the frontline defenders of a digitally secure India," he stated. "This initiative will bridge the skill gap while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and resilience in our digital ecosystem." Furthermore, highlighting India's fast-paced digital growth, he noted that technology has become the equalizer of opportunity, from 5G towers to UPI payments at the corner tapri, and reaffirmed the government's vision of making India the Skill Capital of the World under Kaushal Ka Dashak. Encouraging young learners, the minister said, "Children in the Cybercell Zone, I urge you to work hard for just four months. Then you will get a good job, a good salary, your family will be well, and you will be able to serve the country with pride." He further urged youth to adopt "Hack-to-Help" models, participate in hackathons, and upskill in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, while remaining alert to online threats. The Kandivali Skill & Career Centre, conceptualized under Goyal's guidance, serves as a comprehensive skill development hub for youth and women across North Mumbai. "it is not just a building; it is a mission to empower the youth and women of Uttar Mumbai with future-ready skills," he said. The event was attended by DSCI CEO Vinayak Godse, Kyndryl Global Head of Corporate Affairs Una Pullizi, Kyndryl India President: Lingraju Sawkar, industry leaders, and young learners. Additionally, MLA Sanjay Upadhya, MLA Manisha Chaudhary, MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, North Mumbai District President Bala Tawde, and CII officials were also present at the event. The initiative marks a major step toward a cyber-resilient Viksit Bharat, ensuring no talent is left behind in India's digital growth journey. (ANI)




NEED TO KNOW

Multiple people, including eight children, are dead after a boat capsized

The incident took place in Vietnam's Halong Bay on Saturday, July 19

The ship had been carrying around 48 passengers and five crew members at the time of the accident





Nearly three dozen people are dead after a boat capsized, according to multiple reports.

At least 34 people, including eight children, died after the ship overturned in Vietnam's Halong Bay amid stormy weather at around 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 19, VNExpress, the Associated Press and Reuters reported.

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The boat, named the Wonder Sea, had been carrying around 48 passengers and five crew members. A majority of the travelers on the boat  including the estimated 20 children on board  were from Vietnams capitol Hanoi, per VNExpress and the AP.

So far, 11 people have been rescued after they were found near the scene of the incident, while others remain missing, according to the outlets.

Shawn Goldberg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty A photo of rock formations in the water in Ha Long Bay. A photo of rock formations in the water in Ha Long Bay.

One of the individuals rescued was a 10-year-old boy, who was unconscious and admitted to a nearby hospital with several injuries, per VNExpress.

A 14-year-old boy was also rescued by first responders after getting trapped in the overturned hull of the boat, VNExpress and the AP reported.

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"Although the ship had overturned and the cabin doors were locked, there was still an air pocket ... enough for oxygen to get in, so the boy survived," Bui Cong Hoan, the deputy head of the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association, told VNExpress.

The boat capsized due to heavy winds, the local Vietnam outlet reported. Lightning and heavy rain was also reported in the area, per Reuters and the AP.

Authorities were dispatched to the scene, along with 27 boats and two rescue crafts, according to VNExpress. Rescue divers searched several areas of the boat, including the cabin and other surrounding areas, the outlet said, but their efforts were made difficult by the weather.

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh later issued an "urgent dispatch," according to the Vietnam News Agency.

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The politician "extended his heartfelt sympathies to those affected and expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives."

AP Photo/ Huy Han Houses float in a fishing village in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam on July 2, 2025. Houses float in a fishing village in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam on July 2, 2025.

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Tropical storm Wipha, which recently hit the Philippines and Chinas southern coast, is expected to also pass through Vietnams northern region and Ha Long Bays coast next week, the AP reported.

Read the original article on People
The Brief

A flight to Detroit was diverted to Iowa after an unruly passenger tried opening the emergency exit door.

The Delta airplane had left Nebraska when a 23-year-old man caused the chaotic scene. He was later arrested and removed from the flight.

A passenger that saw incident called the scene "bizarre."

(FOX 2) - A chaotic scene unfolded on a Detroit-bound flight Thursday night when a passenger tried to open the emergency exit before trying to access the cockpit.

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The 23-year-old man was arrested after the plane made an abrupt landing in Iowa.

What we know

A plane flying from Omaha, Nebraska to Detroit made an unexpected stop in Iowa when an unruly passenger tried opening one of the emergency doors.

The routine flight had left in the early evening Thursday before a 23-year-old Nebraska man tried opening the emergency exit in one of the middle rows of the plane.

The Delta plane was operated by Sky West Airlines.

It was forced to make an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids after the man, who was unsuccessful in trying to open the emergency door, attempted to access the cockpit.

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The flight was delayed for two hours before returning to the air.

What we don't know

The man, identified as Mario Nikprelaj, was arrested and escorted off the plane by police.

There is no explanation behind his actions or why he tried to open the door mid-flight.

What they're saying

One of the passengers on the flight was Luis Ferraz.

He said people tried to wrestle the man to the ground and block him from disrupting the flight fruther.

"The passengers that were sitting next to him started yelling and hitting call buttons because the guy started trying to open the emergency exit row door," he said.

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"Thats bizarre. At that point you are very concerned that this guy can do something right to someone. Dont know if hes carrying anything. Dont know what are his intentions right?," they said.

The Source

Previous reporting and an interview with the passenger were cited for this story.
Teamsters Local Union No. 25 in Boston says that they were unable to reach an agreement Friday during a bargaining session with Republic Services in response to a strike by garbage collectors.

The teamsters representing garbage collectors in Boston reported that the waste disposal company held a 5-hour caucus and later attended the bargaining session, refusing to agree to wage increases or a more comprehensive insurance plan.

Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local Union No. 25, said that Republic Services said it would punish employees for picket line activities, insisted on installing cameras in trucks as a disciplinary tool, and wouldnt allow drivers to honor picket lines.

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I promised the company that we would recommend its acceptance, and the employees would return to work on Saturday, but, once again, Republic refused to negotiate, Mari said.

Obviously, we have no choice but to continue our strike until Republic comes to its senses.

This comes as Republic Services garbage collectors in Washington, who are represented by the Teamsters Local 252, are striking in solidarity with workers in Boston.

Republic Services claims that Teamsters have been picketing at their locations in King and Snohomish counties and drop-off locations.

They also claim that Teamsters from Boston deployed the picketers to cause problems.

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Most of these picketers are not Republic Services employees, do not live or work in the Seattle area, and some arent even in the waste industry. They have been deployed by the Teamsters in Boston with one goal: disrupt service. Our employees want to work, but the Teamsters are threatening them with fines and loss of representation and benefits if they cross the picket line, Republic Services said in a statement to KIRO 7.

Teamsters Local 252 is scheduled to meet for negotiations with Republic Services on July 30.
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  One man is dead after police say he started shooting at them overnight in a Gastonia neighborhood.

Terrified neighbors say they were caught in the crossfire.

PREVIOUS: Man dead after officer-involved shooting in Gastonia, police say

While police swarmed Hickory Hollow Road in Gastonia, a neighbor woke up to bullets slicing through her home.

She believes a bullet came through the wall and sailed right over her head, lodging into a wall on the other side of the room.

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Another bullet went through her bedroom wall, hitting the back of her furniture, landing in a drawer, and another smashed through her living room window.

While she hit the floor, another neighbor, Matthew Yandle, got a knock on his door telling him to take cover.

They came to our door and asked us to seek shelter because we were in the line of fire, said Yandle.

Matthew Yandle lives on Hickory Hollow Road.

The barrage of bullets was coming from the home across the street.

About an hour and a half before the deadly shootout, Gastonia Police had received a call around 10:30 Thursday night about an assault.

A family member met police outside and said 39-year-old Jeremy Jackson Bonham was in the house alone, he had a gun, and he had fired a shot.

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Officers were taking defensive positions around the house, said Yandle.

Yandle says a police sniper used Yandles pickup truck, put down his tailgate, hopped in and moved cinderblocks to set up his shot.

While police were in a standoff with the suspect, they say he snuck up on them outside the house.

He came from a very dark corner of the back and fired upon the officers, and they returned fire, said Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conard at a news conference Friday morning.

The police chief says 10 officers fired their weapons, killing Bonham.

Best neighbor you can ask for, said Yandle of Bonham.

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Yandle says Bonham was a veteran and he believes he was working as a security guard until he got injured and hasnt been able to do the job.

Private, kept to himself, came over and helped me cut my lawn, we went shooting on a regular basis, hes an enthusiast for service rifles from World War II, good guy, said Yandle.

Ga. man charged with murder of Lincolnton woman missing since 2023: Sheriff

Its a tragic ending that has shaken the neighborhood.

This would not be anything I would have ever expected of anyone in this area, said Yandle.

Investigators say Bonham was alone when officers arrived to the home, but county officials say the initial 911 call was made by a minor.

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Queen City News has requested that call, but it is not being made public record.

No police officers were hurt in the incident.

As is protocol, all 10 of the officers who fired their weapons are now on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. The incident is under investigation by the State Bureau of 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 Queen City News.
NEOSHO, Mo.  The Neosho City Council and Missouri American Water Co. have announced an agreement for the sale of the citys water and wastewater systems for $34.5 million, the city announced in a statement Thursday.

The deal still requires final approval from the City Council as well as the Missouri Public Service Commission.

Missouri American is a subsidiary of American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, and operates water and wastewater systems throughout Missouri serving 1.6 million people, including Joplin.

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It is also a regulated utility, so rates and other issues are under the authority of the Missouri Public Service Commission, unlike municipal systems.

In a statement, the city said funds from the sale can be used by the city to relieve existing debts owed on its water and wastewater systems, of $5.26 million, and to strengthen financial reserves and invest in other critical infrastructure and public priorities without needing to raise taxes.

The city said its current system is more than 80 years old and will require substantial upgrades and improvements costing tens of millions of dollars, requiring dramatic rate increases and/or the approval of bond measures with additional taxes.

According to the city statement, As a professional regulated utility, Missouri American Water can be better suited to implement efficient strategic improvements and provide the necessary upgrades quicker. In making improvements and upgrades, the company must comply with federal and state quality standards. This will include professional technology for better water conservation, leak detection and wastewater treatment.

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City employees affected by the sale will have the opportunity to join Missouri American Water, which is the standard practice following an acquisition, the city said in its announcement.

As part of the application to the PSC, Missouri American Water will request that Neosho customers remain on their existing rates at the time of closing.

If approved by the council, the PSC will then determine the water and wastewater rates. The standard review period by the PSC could be anytime between six to 12 months. During the review period, both the city and Missouri American said they will hold multiple town hall meetings to discuss the sale of the systems and provide information to the public.

The next meeting of the council is Aug. 5.

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If approved, Missouri American Water, will commit to spending approximately $35 million in water and wastewater system improvements over the next five years, according to the city statement. These include investments in facilities and the replacement of water and wastewater main lines.

Anyone wishing to provide feedback on the proposed sale can do so by emailing utilityfeedback@neoshomo.gov or by calling 417-451-8004 and leaving a voicemail. Include name, phone number and address. People wanting to comment may also go to the citys website and fill out the Utility Feedback form at https://www.neoshomo.gov/467/Utility-Services.
Happy Saturday! Heres another edition of my weekend column for WPRI.com  as always, send your takes, tips and trial balloons to tnesi@wpri.com and follow me on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook.

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Nesi's Notes

1. Lately Ive been thinking a lot about pensions. (Yes, this is why Im fun at parties.) For as long as Ive been a reporter, the ever-rising cost of retirement benefits has been a defining problem for government budgets at all levels. Just look at the regions two biggest cities. In Providence, Mayor Smiley has hiked taxes 6% in order to address years of inadequate school funding. The tab for the additional K-12 aid is $15 million  almost equivalent to how much the city has increased its annual pension contribution in just the past two years. Or look at New Bedford, where Mayor Mitchell used his budget address to warn the City Council about the steep increase in pension costs ahead. In both cities, the lions share of the problem is unfunded promises made by prior generations, not the cost for current workers. Providence has to put $118 million into its pension fund in the new fiscal year, and $98 million of that is to address past underfunding; in New Bedford, old pensions are $33 million of the $40 million tab. But thats also where there is room for at least a little optimism. Closing the gap left by past generations will take a long time, but it wont take forever; New Bedford is on schedule to finish paying off the old pension obligation by 2035, and Providence by 2040. Similarly, the state of Rhode Island is on track to clear its pension shortfall by 2036. So while theres still a long and painful road ahead, its not nearly as long as it was when elected officials first made a firm commitment to stabilizing their pension funds. And if that commitment is maintained  a big if  the budget picture in jurisdictions like Providence, New Bedford and their peer cities around the country is going to be dramatically different two decades from now.

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2. Of course, its not hard to write a more gloomy take on Providences pension predicament. In 2014, the citys pension fund was 27% funded and had a $900 million shortfall; in 2024, following a decade of huge annual deposits by taxpayers, it was still only 28% funded, and the shortfall had actually grown to $1.3 billion. However, the citys actuaries think the fund has reached a turning point, and the shortfall will slowly shrink over the next 15 years  as long as city taxpayers agree to a roughly 5% increase in that annual deposit every year. But while its easy to focus on Providence because the numbers are so big, smaller municipalities in Rhode Island also have significant holes in their independent pension plans. Eli Sherman and I crunched the numbers and compiled key data for all 33 plans here.

3. Wondering how Providence got into such a mess? This story I filed in 2011, with insights from the late Charles Mansolillo, is a good place to start.

4. Our newsroom spent much of the week reporting on the aftermath of Sunday nights devastating fire at the Gabriel House assisted-living facility, which killed nine people and injured more than 30. It was the deadliest fire in Massachusetts since 1984, and raised serious enough concerns about the safety of such facilities that the story led the CBS Evening News on Tuesday night. There has been wide-ranging fallout. Less than 24 hours after the tragedy, firefighter union leaders called an extraordinary news conference where they lambasted Mayor Paul Coogan for spending too little on their department; Coogan soon announced an increase in staffing. (The mayor faces voters this fall.) And state Sen. Mark Montigny, who represents New Bedford, connected the fire to insidious lobbying by shoddy nursing homes and assisted living facilities that oppose higher safety standards. Governor Healey has been energetic in responding to the fire, visiting Fall River first thing Monday morning to meet with officials and survivors, and on Friday announcing a series of actions by the state to address safety concerns. Our investigative team also took a closer look at the checkered history of Gabriel House owner Dennis Etzkorn, and Herald News writer Dan Medeiros joined Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian on this weeks Behind the Story to discuss the effect on the city.

5. If Governor McKees job approval rating is 19%, as UNH measured it in May, he is in very dire political straits. But if McKees job approval rating is 45%, as Morning Consult just reported, he is in a much more manageable situation. So whos right? Tim White, Steph Machado, Joe Fleming and I tackle that question and a host of other hot topics on a political roundtable edition of Newsmakers this weekend.

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6. Senate GOP Leader Jessica de la Cruz is often touted as a potential candidate for higher office, and even made a brief run for Congress in 2022. During an interview on Tuesdays 12 News at 4, de la Cruz left the door wide open to a run for governor or other office. I would say all options are on the table, she told Kim Kalunian. Im considering running for something  doesnt mean that I will. But I have been talking to a lot of people about it. Our Ray Baccari followed up by checking in with 2022 GOP nominee Ashley Kalus, who said she wont run if de la Cruz does because shed give voters a competent and not corrupt choice. Ray has been burning up the phone lines (do we all still say that in 2025?) checking in with potential candidates, and he got some other updates this week. Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois, who represents part of the East Side, confirmed she may enter the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, a Republican, told Ray he wont run against Governor McKee but didnt rule out a run for LG or Congress. Ray also spotted two new candidacy declarations: Smithfields Elaine Pelino filed to seek the GOP nomination for governor, and multitime Republican nominee Allen Waters filed for Providence mayor.

7. The latest federal fundraising reports are in, and Rhode Islands congressional delegation continues to stockpile cash for next years campaign. Jack Reed increased his balance to $2.5 million after raising about $650,000 during the second quarter  further evidence he isnt retiring. Gabe Amo has $1.2 million banked after raising about $250,000, while Seth Magaziner has just over $1 million after raising a bit under $150,000. Across the border in Massachusetts, Jake Auchincloss continues to far outpace Ed Markey financially, with nearly $5.9 million in the bank compared to Markeys $2.5 million. But theres still good reason to be skeptical that Auchincloss will pull the trigger on a primary challenge against the senator. As for Sheldon Whitehouse, who isnt up for reelection until 2030, hes down to $1.2 million after spending big on his 2024 campaign. But Whitehouse is probably more grateful for Dahlia Lithwicks praise in this Slate piece than any campaign check.

8. Early estimates suggest the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act will reduce the number of Rhode Islanders with health insurance by over 50,000 by 2034. State lawmakers have directed Governor McKees administration to compile several reports about the laws expected effects in Rhode Island, all due on Oct. 1.

9. Dominick Ruggerio died on April 21, but that didnt stop the late Senate president from posthumously making a maximum $2,000 campaign contribution to Stefano Famiglietti, the North Providence town councilman who went on to win the primary to succeed Ruggerio. That might sound strange, but its perfectly legal. As the Rhode Island Currents Nancy Lavin has reported, Rhode Island campaign accounts can live on even after the deaths of the candidates who opened them, with the accounts appointed treasurer having legal authority to spend the money. The Ruggerio accounts treasurer is Jim Aceto, the late senators brother-in-law, and he tells me the family is still deciding what to do with its remaining $130,000 balance. We were thinking of possibly funding some educational scholarships in Donnys name as well as supporting candidates that shared his ideology, Aceto said in an email. But the family is holding off on any decisions, he said, as they continue coping with what was a very emotional loss to us all, as it is for all families. This isnt the first time the issue has come up in recent years. After Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin died in 2023, the custodians of her campaign account donated its remaining $33,000 balance to St. Patricks Academy in Providence, an organization dear to her heart.

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10. A reminder of just how wide the spectrum of views is inside the Democratic caucus of the Rhode Island House: state Rep. Enrique Sanchez drew national attention for referring to ICE agents as a Nazi Gestapo, and state Rep. Charlene Lima went on national television to disagree with his comments. Not only are both Democrats; both represent parts of Providence.

11. People in the news  the funeral of late Hasbro Chairman Alan Hassenfeld will be held Sunday at 10 a.m. at Temple Beth-El; youll be able to watch a live stream here  Neil Steinberg is stepping down as chairman of the quasi-public Rhode Island Life Science Hub  Liz Catucci, former head of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, will be the new executive director of the CEO group the Partnership for Rhode Island  Edesia CEO Navyn Salem welcomed a bipartisan group of congressional staffers to North Kingstown on Friday as she seeks to shore up federal support  Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva led a state delegation to the Republic of Cape Verde from July 3 to July 8  Newport City Councilor Xay Khamsyvoravong was out front on lobbying Brown Health to save Newport Hospitals birthing center  longtime New Bedford City Councilor Linda Morad, a onetime opponent and many-time critic of Mayor Mitchell, wont seek reelection  Rhode Island PBS/Publics Radio CEO Pam Johnston says the organization will lose nearly $1.1 million from federal cuts (perennial disclosure: Im a contributor there)  the family that owns Wrenthams Big Apple is reopening the beloved spot after all  Pope Leo XIV has decreed the 2007 birth of a Rhode Island baby to be an official miracle.

12. A programming note: there will be no Nesis Notes edition next Saturday while your humble correspondent is on vacation. See you back here on Aug. 2!

13. Weekend reads  Katie Mulvaney on the controversial push to make Mike McCaffrey a judge  Lynn Arditi on the 11th week of the Butler Hospital strike  Nancy Lavin on the DOJ and Rhode Islands secretary of state  Alexa Gagosz on chatbots and mental health  Colin Hogan on the drama of the New Bedford City Councils cut night  Bill Donahue on the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribes fight for state recognition  Mark OConnell on the Mr. Beast phenomenon.

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14. Fire up 12+ on your smart TV or set your DVRs: This week on Newsmakers  a political roundtable. Watch Sunday at 5:30 a.m. on WPRI 12 and 10 a.m. on Fox Providence, or listen on the radio Sunday at 6 p.m. on WPRO. You can also subscribe to Newsmakers as a podcast via Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. See you back here next Saturday.

Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and 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.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  NMDP is formerly known as Be The Match. Its a new name but the mission remains the same: connect patients fighting life-threatening blood diseases to a donor. News 19 Executive Producer, Joe Williams, recently made a donation after signing up years ago.

I signed up in college, he said. This is the second time Ive been a match for someone. But the first time Ive been able to do a donation.

World War II veteran from Alabama celebrates 100th birthday

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Williams said the process was relatively simple. He was mailed a box of injections from NMDP and connected to a local nurse to inject them.

I just do two shots a day, one in each arm, once a day for five days.

The medicine spikes his white blood cell and stem cell count. On the fifth day of shots, he did his stem cell donation. He said NMDP allowed him to select from several locations that orchestrate donations. He chose Dallas. His flight and room were paid for by NMDP.

It took less than four hours, which was faster than expected, Williams said.

City of Huntsville reveals details for North Greenway master plan

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He was hooked up to a machine with IVs in each arm while the donation took place.

There are more than nine million names on the donor list, according to NMDP spokesperson Erica Sevilla.

But its never enough, because what we really need are willing donors who we can call.

Ideally, [donors are] from a diverse background group because your ethnicity and, your background, your heritage actually impacts your ability to find a matching donor, Sevilla said. As we become more and more diverse as a people, the younger generations are more diverse. Its becoming harder and harder to find matching donors.

Donors are either called for a bone marrow donation or blood stem cells.

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[Once] their doctors determined that a transplant is our best course of option, the doctor will search the NHMP registry to find the best possible match for the patient. If youre identified as a match for a patient, its typically the doctor who makes the request for the type of donation they would like, she said.

Sevilla said 90% of donations are for blood stem cells. The other 10% are bone marrow. Both, she said, have the potential to positively impact a patient fighting severe blood disease or cancer.

When [patients] get very severe, or if somebody who has leukemia goes through numerous rounds of chemo and the leukemia continues to come back, oftentimes a blood stem cell transplant is a last resort for a patient. Its their best chance at getting a second chance at life. Sevilla said.

Williams said helping others should be a priority for anyone whos willing and able.

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I feel like its the golden rule for a reason, Williams said. I know its not an easy thing. I know for some people that its harder or it asks for more of them, but I just want those people to think about if you were that person who was sick, you would hope someone would be there for you, so maybe be there for someone else.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Kyle Duckworth, 4 Good Communitys Director of Development

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  According to KXAN, at least 134 people across Central Texas are confirmed dead, including dozens of children who were attending summer camp in the Hill Country, after catastrophic flooding over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

A Henderson-based nonprofit plans to assist Texans in the region. This nonprofit is 4 Good Community, and Kyle Duckworth is the director of development for the nonprofit. The organization plans to go down to Kerrville, Texas to provide resources. Duckworth says he has been with the organization since its inception, which was in 2020.

We are going to the actual Kerrville area. We have worked with another nonprofit down there. We have called them, and they have set up at the Home Depot. Down there well be doing outreaches every day, just kind of providing resources. We got clothing, we got cleaning supplies and we even got some teddy bear stuff for the kiddos. We just want to provide hope because right now its just sometimes material things, theyre great, you need them. But sometimes just a presence of like, Hey, we care about you. Like we want you to know that we know youre going through something traumatic, and were here to support you.

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Whos in The News? Coach Gordon Wood

Duckworth says he once had higher career aspirations after he graduated from the University of Southern Indiana, but the COVID pandemic was an event that pushed him toward the local nonprofit.

Im a local alumnus with a degree in public relations and advertising. I thought, like, Oh, I wanted to be in an ad agency. I wanted to be, you know, the top CMO of a major Fortune 500 company. And then, since the inception of 4 Good Community, I was like, Wow, I can take all these skills, and instead of bettering my portfolio, I can help people with this. Like, I could get the word out, and I could spread the mission of good through those channels I would say since COVID, it has changed a lot of dynamics for me My family we were middle class. Dad was a carpenter and Mom was a hairdresser, so we had enough to live, but we werent lavishing, you know we had a really good life, you know, and seeing what their love provided for me, I want to show that love to others, because sometimes its not always about the stuff. Its the hope. Its the love.

Duckworth said he grew up surrounded by charitable individuals.

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I grew up in church my whole life, and the church is very missional, and their goal is to be charitable. And so I grew up around that my whole life I was a youth leader for a little bit. And then I helped with young adults. And so I always was kind of involved with kind of giving and helping others, you know, especially my own family. Like, I was the guy that they called, Hey, Kyle, can you help me lay flooring? Sure, man. So Ive always had that mentality. I always want to help somebody. And thats kind of my love as well. And Im a horrible gift giver. Ill say that but if someone ever needs me, Im usually always there.

Whos in the News? Mark Bosler

He shared some of the reasons that drew him to help assist with the Texas floods.

Just the sheer devastation. I mean I think this is the largest death toll weve ever had. And youre talking about over 100 people lost. And especially when it comes to children, like, thats just heartbreaking for me. Like, you know, I have two kids. And knowing that there are children that went missing and now theyre finding their bodies like 13, 12 miles down, like thats just heartbreaking. And what can we do to help that family? Because thats just like, I have two kids, I cant even imagine, like, I dont know what I would do, I dont, and Im just being real transparent. I dont know what my mental state would be, you know, how I would respond. So if I can help, our organization can help; we want to be on board because thats just something no parent should ever have to go through.

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People can donate to 4 Good Community here.

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(KRON)  In the just under 48 hours since the CEO of a tech company who was caught in an in flagrante delicto moment with the companys HR director, hundreds, if not thousands of memes have surfaced spoofing Astronomy CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot. Now, it seems even Californias governor has gotten in on the act.

On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom posted a meme based on the viral kiss cam moment captured at a Coldplay concert in Boston last week. But in the place of Byron and Cabot, the meme instead depicted a smiling Jeffrey Epstein with his arms around a similarly grinning Donald Trump.

Tech company thats CEO was caught in viral Coldplay kiss cam moment launches investigation

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Lights will guide you home, the caption read, unless youre on the flight log.

Lights will guide you home are lyrics to the Coldplay tune, Fix You, which appeared in a statement released Thursday, falsely attributed to Andy Byron. The flight log likely refers to the infamous private plane of Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender who died in his cell in 2019.

Epstein and Trump were known to associate with one another and were photographed together on more than one occasion. The Trump administrations handling of the Epstein files has put the two mens past relationship in the spotlight and led to divisions among Trumps MAGA base.

On Friday, Trump filed a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal after the newspaper published a story that detailed a bawdy letter and cartoon Trump allegedly sent to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003.

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According to the Journals report, the letter allegedly contains a sketch of a naked woman and ends with Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret.

President Trump has denied writing the letter.

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For men, at least, one of the biggest mysteries about the rise of trans activism is this. Why have so many women  and in particular young women  eagerly embraced and helped to enforce an ideology that robs them of their own rights? Their rights to women-only changing rooms, public lavatories, sporting contests? Even their right to be placed in a prison that doesnt also contain convicted rapists?

It does seem rather a head-scratcher. One that we yet again had cause to ponder this week  when we read the mind-boggling words of a self-declared trans ally in Scotland.

Isla Bumba, 29, is a senior diversity officer at NHS Fife. At an employment tribunal on Wednesday, she was questioned about her advice that a trans woman  that is, a biological male  should be allowed to use a hospitals female changing room. And, during one extraordinary exchange, she told the tribunal that she doesnt know what sex she is.

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I would hazard a guess that I would be female, she said, with all solemnity. But no one knows what their chromosomes are, or their hormonal composition, unless youve had that tested  and I at least have not.

In which case, I very much hope that she will get her chromosomes tested. And that her husband will get his tested, too. Certainly if they ever decide to start a family. Otherwise, they will have absolutely no idea which of them, if either, is capable of getting pregnant. Mrs Bumba will be fretting about her sperm count, while Mr Bumba scurries anxiously to the bathroom with a little blue box from Boots. (I think I must be pregnant, Isla. I havent had my period this month. Or, in fact, ever.)

At any rate, I believe that Mrs Bumbas remarks have a significance that extends far beyond the trans debate. As we know, junior doctors are planning to go on strike over their pay. There are still hopes theyll back down. But imagine if a junior doctor on a salary of 38,831 finds out that a young diversity officer like Mrs Bumba is getting almost 60,000. Theyll be manning the pickets before you can say No LGB without the T.

Theres only one solution. Sack all these absurd NHS diversity officers, and give their money to the junior doctors. Two birds, one stone.

Why votes at 16 is a great idea after all

Have I done Sir Keir Starmer a dreadful disservice? I fear so. This is because, when he confirmed that hes going to give the vote to 16 year-olds, I assumed that it was a devious piece of gerrymandering, brazenly designed to boost Labours prospects of re-election.

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Now, though, I feel ashamed to have been so cynical. Because I can see that the Prime Ministers motives are in fact unimpeachably noble.

I realised this on Thursday after I heard him explain why the voting age must be lowered. Sixteen year-olds, he said, are old enough to go out to work, theyre old enough to pay taxes, so [they] pay in. And I think if you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on.

Disappointingly, Sir Keir did not reveal exactly how many 16 year-olds go out to work and pay taxes. It would have been interesting to hear a precise number, given that all children nowadays, in England at least, are required by law to remain in education or training until they turn 18. But let us set that quibble aside. Because theres a far more important issue at stake.

Sir Keir is arguing that the right to vote is earned by going out to work and paying in. So, following his own logic, those who dont go out to work and pay in will presumably now be having their right to vote removed.

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If so, what a heroically selfless plan. Sir Keir must be well aware that this will disenfranchise a vast chunk of his own partys core support. Yet, purely for the sake of principle, it seems hes willing to end Labours hopes of ever winning an election again.

And to think I took him for a conniving, opportunistic, hypocritical charlatan. The moment he confirms this courageous new policy, Ill offer him my most humble apologies.

Sadly, I suspect, not all Left-wing politicians are as principled as Sir Keir. Some, no doubt, will be rubbing their hands at the lowering of the voting age, and taking it for granted that childrens votes are in the bag.

If I were them, however, I wouldnt be so complacent. Childrens political views can be unpredictable  as I learnt just over a year ago, when my son, then aged 10, had a lesson at primary school about the general election.

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He and his classmates were handed a list of the key election pledges from each manifesto, and asked to discuss which party they would vote for, if they could. Naturally I assumed that, in the sweet innocence of youth, theyd all choose Labour. But they didnt. According to my son, every single one of them said theyd vote for the Liberal Democrats.

Bemused, I asked him why. He informed me that it was because the Lib Dems have the best policies  such as give more money to schools and save the environment.

Sir Ed Davey shouldnt celebrate too soon, however. Because, perhaps rather heartlessly, I then pointed out to my son that the Lib Dems also wanted to make milkshakes more expensive, by taxing them. He was aghast, and renounced his support on the spot.

Wait till he and his friends find out that Labour is now planning to tax milkshakes, too. When they turn 16, theyll all be voting Reform.

Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 7am every Tuesday and Saturday

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Fans of the animated Spider-Man franchise will need a little more patience. Sony has delayed the release of 'Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse' by three weeks, reported Deadline. The film will now hit theatres on June 25, 2027, instead of its previously scheduled release on June 4, 2027. According to the publication, the third chapter will continue the journey of Miles Morales and his group of multiverse web-slingers. The last film, 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023),' ended on a cliffhanger. In that film, Miles found himself in a different universe, where he came face-to-face with a darker version of himself, a version that had become the villain known as the Prowler. The story will pick up with Miles on the run, and fans are eager to see how characters like Gwen Stacy and Peter B. Parker try to help him. The new date gives the makers more time, especially after production delays caused by the 2023 strikes. 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)' won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Along with Across the Spider-Verse, the two films have earned over $1.08 billion worldwide, showing how much love fans have for this animated universe. The upcoming movie is directed by Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson, and written by David Callaham, Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller. Lord and Miller are also producing the film alongside Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, and Jinko Gotoh. Sony also announced another animated film, Buds, which is now set for release on March 12, 2027. (ANI)
A Nigerian woman targeted in racist graffiti attack has decided not to leave her home after being "showered" in "love and care" by the local community.

The words "immigrants out" were spray-painted on the gable wall of Uche Ukeje's home in Strabane, County Tyrone, last week.

Ms Ukeje and her two daughters, aged 24 and 14, were left terrified by what police are describing as a racially-motivated hate crime.

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"The community have been wonderful," she told BBC News NI.

The slogan which was spray-painted on wall of the Ukeje family home [BBC]

Ms Ukeje said it was the first time she or her family had experienced any type of racism since they moved to Strabane two years ago.

Security cameras have since been installed at the property.

Ms Ukeje said her family remain "deeply unsettled" and had considered relocating away from Strabane but the overwhelming support from neighbours and wider community has persuaded her to change her mind.

"A lot of people have been calling around, to see how I am feeling, and they care so much," she said, adding that Strabane is a "quiet, and peace-loving place".

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She told BBC News NI that the police have been doing extra patrols on her street to check on her.

"The people of Strabane have showered me in love and care, it has been overwhelming," she added.

Kamini Rao, from Strabane Ethnic Community Association, says she is glad Ms Ukeje changed her mind [BBC]

Kamini Rao, from Strabane Ethnic Community Association, said people's shock turned to anger in the days following the incident.

"The response from the community has been so overwhelming," she said.

"Everybody has been 100% behind Uche and the girls, supporting them, because nobody wanted to see them leaving Strabane."

She said she was glad that Ms Ukeje and her daughters have changed their minds and will remain in the place they now call home.

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Ms Rao said the outcome proved that whoever was behind the racist attack had not won.

"We're going to be working on the ground to make sure nothing like this ever happens again in the community," she said.

"She's loved round here and what happened to her was very intimidating, it was a disgrace what happened to her.

"I'm glad her neighbours rallied round to show her that that's not the type of people here in Strabane."

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NILES, Ohio (WKBN)  A house was raided in Niles Friday morning.

Police believe they confiscated illegal drugs.

The Niles SRT team entered a home in the 100 block of Fairlawn Avenue following a months-long investigation into drug trafficking.

Police seized 54 grams of powder and crack cocaine along with scheduled narcotic pills, cash, and an illegal firearm.

Courtesy: Niles Police Department Courtesy: Niles Police Department Courtesy: Niles Police Department

Police say Nicholas Ziegler, 37, was arrested on a probation violation. Police say more charges are expected.



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Thats just not gonna fly.

A New Jersey man who decapitated a seagull that dared to steal a French fry from his daughter has been indicted on animal cruelty charges by a grand jury.

Franklin Ziegler and his daughter were on Surfside Pier at Moreys Piers & Beachfront Waterparks in North Wildwood during Independence Day week 2024 when the pesky seagull swiped some of the childs snack.

After taking revenge, Ziegler, 30, then carried the dead seabird around the amusement park before asking the staff if they could provide him with a trash bag.

The seagull paid the ultimate price for the stolen snack. Brian  stock.adobe.com

Onlookers who spotted Zieglers gruesome souvenir called the cops.

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Ziegler, of Cape May, allegedly became hostile with police and was charged with animal cruelty and resisting arrest.

During the investigation, Zeigler was irate and uncooperative with officers on an unrelated investigation, which resulted in his arrest for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest, both Disorderly Persons offenses, the North Wildwood Police Department said in a Facebook post.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 makes it illegal to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell seagulls and other migratory birds.

Franklin Zeigler was recently indicted on animal cruelty charges, authorities said. Franklin Clair Zeigler III / Facebook

The irate New Jersey dad allegedly walked around with the seagulls remains, authorities said. Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks / Facebook

Barry Fast, who has run Seagull Control Systems in New Rochelle for more than 20 years, says the seabirds can be fearless if they associate people with food.

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We deal with seagulls eating peoples food all the time at outdoor dining restaurants, Fast said.

Seagulls even attack restaurant workers bringing trash bags to dumpsters.

According to Fast, Seagull Control Systems receives two or three legitimate calls for help with seagull trouble a day. He says controlling seagull activity on boardwalks is a difficult job.

The solutions that we have must mitigate seagull infestation without disrupting people on the boardwalk, Fast said. Seagulls are flocking birds; they tend to colonize locations where they have a constant food source.

Zeigler pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Cape May Wednesday.

Zieglers attorney, John Tumelty, could not be reached for comment.
Jul. 18SANTA FE  Before New Mexico legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, the state had briefly decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

That law, which was only in place for about two years before being usurped by legalization, played a key role in a state Supreme Court decision issued last week.

Specifically, the state's highest court upheld a Court of Appeals ruling that warrantless vehicle searches prompted by the odor of cannabis were still allowable during the time of decriminalization.

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"Stated as simply as we can, the decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana in New Mexico did not alter the reality that the possession of marijuana in any amount continued to be unlawful during the decriminalization period  whether marijuana is viewed as merely contraband ... or more broadly as seizable evidence," Supreme Court Justice Shannon Bacon wrote in the court's unanimous decision.

The underlying case that prompted the decision stemmed from a November 2020 traffic stop in Silver City. The defendant in the case, Sandra Perry, had her truck searched after police smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

The search turned up marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, but Perry appealed her subsequent conviction and argued the judge should not have allowed evidence from the warrantless search to be used during her trial.

Under the now-defunct decriminalization law, the possession of one-half ounce of cannabis or less was punishable by a fine in New Mexico, similar to a traffic ticket.

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While possession of larger amounts of marijuana was still a criminal offense, Perry argued in her appeal that the search of her vehicle was illegal because police lacked probable cause that enough marijuana was in her truck to constitute a crime.

Warrantless searches prompted by the smell of marijuana were essentially shelved by the state's 2021 legalization of cannabis, though it's still illegal to drive a vehicle under the influence of cannabis or for individuals under age 21 to buy, use or possess the drug.

However, the Supreme Court's decision did not address the current legal landscape when it comes to police officers who smell cannabis during traffic stops, as it instead focused narrowly on the laws in place when the underlying case occurred.

The court ruling also did not fully resolve the underlying appeal, as it instead remanded the case back to the Court of Appeals for a final decision.
POLK COUNTY, Iowa  The Warren County Attorneys Office announced Friday afternoon that Polk County Supervisor Tom Hockensmith wont face charges for a dispute between himself and several other county supervisors that occurred back in January.

The reported dispute stemmed from county leaders placing then long-time administrator John Norris on leave. According to a law enforcement report, not long after the announcement, the Polk County Sheriffs Office was called to the administration building for an altercation between board members.

Iowa attorney general to end lawsuit against a sheriff over his immigration post

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The report states that after learning of Norris being placed on leave and the boards intent to terminate him, Hockensmith began causing a disturbance, with Chair Matt McCoy claiming that Supervisor Tom had lost his mind and wanted to fight him [McCoy] and board member Mark Holm. Deputies also spoke to Holm about the incident, who shared a similar story, according to the report.

At the time, McCoy declined to comment about the specifics of the incident but told WHO 13 that a criminal investigation was underway.

On Friday, over six months after the alleged altercation, the outcome of the investigation was released. The attorneys office, which was appointed as a special prosecutor, announced that Hockensmith had entered into a deferred prosecution agreement and that no formal charges would be filed. According to the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia, a deferred prosecution agreement, or a DPA, is a voluntary agreement between the prosecution and defendant where criminal charges are dropped so long as certain requirements are met. No additional information about Hockensmiths agreement was released.

In March, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve a resignation deal for Norris that came with a six-figure price tag.

Metro News:

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In 2023, 15% of employed people in the EU were unable to afford a one-week holiday away from home. While this percentage might not appear very high at first glance, it represents around 42 million workers.

In each of the EUs "Big Four" economies (Germany, France, Spain and Italy), over 5 million workers were unable to afford a week-long holiday according to Eurostat data published by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

Taking a break with family or friends is important for our physical and mental health, and it is a basic part of the European social contract, said ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch, criticising the situation.

Holiday poverty among workers continues to rise

Holiday poverty among workers is on the rise across the EU, marking the third consecutive annual increase.

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In 2022, 40.5 million employed people reported being unable to afford a one-week holiday away from home. That number rose to 41.5 million in 2023an increase of over one million workers in just a year. The share of affected workers grew from 14% to 15%.

The findings are the result of an increasingly unequal economy, in which workers are forced to give up their holidays due to rising costs for accommodation, transport and food, combined with declining purchasing power and speculation, the ETUC stated.

Related

East-West gap in holiday affordability for workers

The data reveals a strong disparity in holiday affordability across the EU, particularly between Eastern/Southern Europe and Western/Northern Europe.

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Romania tops the list, with 32% of workers unable to afford a one-week holiday. Close behind are Hungary (26%), Bulgaria (24%), Portugal and Cyprus (both 23%), and Slovakia (22%).

The Nordic countriesFinland, Sweden and Denmarkalong with the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Slovenia, report the lowest levels of holiday poverty, ranging between 5% and 7%.

Czechia, Austria, and Belgium reported holiday poverty rates at or below 10%.

Despite their economic weight, even the EUs largest economies report concerning levels of holiday poverty. Among the EUs Big Four, Spain (18%) and Italy (17%) exceed the EU average of 15%. France (12%) and Germany (11%) fall below the average, but both still remain above 10%.

EUs Big Four: Over 5 million workers in each country cant afford a holiday

Absolute figures speak louder than percentages. Over 5 million workers in each of the EUs Big Four were unable to afford a holiday in 2023. In Italy, the number stood at 6.2 million, followed by 5.8 million in Germany, 5.6 million in Spain, and 5.1 million in France.

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Over 3.5 million workers in Romania and Poland also couldnt afford a holiday. This figure was more than 1.5 million in Hungary and Portugal.

In Austria and the Netherlands, over 550,000 workers couldnt afford even a one-week holiday despite being employed or having a business.

After working hard all year, it is the least working people should be able to expect to afford and should not be allowed to become a luxury for the few, Lynch said.

However, these figures show that Europe has a quality jobs emergency and that our social contract is continuing to crumble as the result of growing economic inequality.

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Related

Is holiday poverty linked to income?

There is a moderately strong negative correlation between the share of workers who cannot afford a one-week holiday away from home and annual net earnings. This means that as net earnings increase, the proportion of workers unable to afford such a holiday tends to decrease.

However, since the correlation is moderate, it also indicates that in some countries, this relationship is not strong or does not follow the overall trend as closely.

For example, Ireland (43,897) had one of the highest annual net earnings in the EU in 2023, yet holiday poverty remains comparatively high. In contrast, Slovenia has a low level of holiday poverty among workers, even though the incomes are similar to countries where more people struggle to afford a holiday.

Strong correlation between workers and general population

By comparing workers (aged 15-64) and the general population aged 16 and over, Euronews Business found a strong correlation: the higher the rate of workers who cannot afford a holiday, the higher it tends to be in the overall population.

In 2023, among the general population, the share of people unable to afford a one-week holiday ranged from 11% in Luxembourg to 60% in Romania, while the EU average stood at 29%.

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This suggests that the rate among the general population is nearly double that of workers.

Experts speaking to Euronews Business had noted that differences between countries are largely tied to the strength of their economies.

The level of disposable income plays a key role, as it directly affects people's ability to spend on holidaysparticularly when looking at figures for the general population.

The ETUC calls on national governments to fully implement the Minimum Wage Directive and urges the European Commission to ensure that the Quality Job Package due this year includes legislation to rebalance the economymaking respect for collective bargaining a condition for access to public contracts.
A ranch owner brings in a load of hay from her ranch in Texas in 2024. Experts and lawmakers worry a new $50 billion program designed to help struggling rural health care providers may not be enough to offset federal funding losses. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Congress set aside $50 billion for rural hospitals and medical providers to allay fears over the billions more in historic cuts to federal health care spending that President Donald Trump signed into law on Independence Day.

But is that bandage big enough to save struggling rural hospitals?

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I have more questions than I have answers, said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, a nonprofit policy group. No one has those answers yet.

Morgan noted that the new money for rural health, to be spent over five years, is far less than the $155 billion in rural Medicaid spending cuts over 10 years, as estimated by KFF, a nonprofit health policy and research group.

Experts, hospital leaders and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle fear that Trumps signature legislation will particularly gut rural hospitals and clinics, which see an outsize share of patients who are insured through Medicaid, the federal-state public health insurance for people with low incomes. The new law slashes more than $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next 10 years to help pay for tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy.

The $50 billion addition was an effort by Republican leaders in Congress to win the votes of colleagues within their party who initially balked at supporting such steep cuts to Medicaid and other health services.

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In the U.S. Senate, the rural program helped secure the vote of Alaska moderate Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who expressed concern about the laws impact on health care in her state. About 1 in 3 Alaskans are insured through Medicaid.

Jared Kosin, the president and CEO of the Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association, said hes deeply frustrated with the new laws gutting of Medicaid funding, which he thinks will wreak lasting damage on Alaskans. And Republicans sidestepped potential solutions by just throwing money into a program, he said.

Its frustrating in the public realm when decisions like this are made fast and, frankly, carelessly, he said.

The consequences are going to fall on us, not them.

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More than half of the laws cuts to funding in rural areas are concentrated in 12 states with large rural populations that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to cover more people, according to KFF: Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Some GOP lawmakers in Congress have heralded the $50 billion rural program as a health care victory. But its still unclear which hospitals, clinics and other providers would receive money and how much.

How it works

The Rural Health Transformation Program will dole out $10 billion annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

States must apply for their funding by the end of this year, submitting a detailed plan on how it would be used.

The law outlines some ways that states can use the money, according to an analysis of the legislation from the Bipartisan Policy Center:

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Making payments to rural hospitals to help them maintain essential services such as emergency room care or labor and delivery.

Recruiting and training rural doctors, nurses and other health workers.

Bolstering emergency medical services such as ambulances and EMTs.

Using new technologies, including telehealth.

Providing opioid use disorder treatment and mental health services.

Improving preventive care and chronic disease management.

Half of the $10 billion each year will be distributed evenly across states that have applied for it. The other half can be distributed by the administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services  currently Dr. Mehmet Oz  at his discretion, based on a states rural population and rural health facilities.

Although the program doesnt replace the amount states are likely to lose, Morgan said its still an opportunity to rethink how rural health care is funded. Hed like to see states given flexibility in how theyre able to use the funds, and he hopes they focus on keeping rural communities healthy through preventive care while still helping hospitals keep their doors open.

If done correctly, it could really change the future course for rural America, Morgan said. That is such a tough ask, though.

Hardest hit

Kentucky could take the biggest hit from the new laws reduction in rural Medicaid funding, losing an estimated $12 billion over 10 years, according to a KFF analysis.

The states Medicaid department is still waiting for additional federal guidance to understand how the states program will be affected, Kendra Steele, spokesperson with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, told Stateline in a statement.

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Over 1.4 million Kentuckians rely on Medicaid  including half of all children in our state, seniors and more vulnerable populations  and the passage of legislation on the federal level will have serious impacts for those individuals, rural health care and hospitals and local economies, she wrote.

Even with the new program, states across the country will have to reevaluate their budgets in light of the cuts, said Hemi Tewarson, executive director at the National Academy for State Health Policy, a nonpartisan group that supports states in developing health care policies.

Every region is slightly different and theres not a one-size-fits-all approach, she said. Hospital ownership varies [as well as] the types of services that are critical for the community where theyre located. They have to think about new ways to provide those services in a context with fewer resources.

About 44% of rural hospitals are operating in the red, according to a KFF analysis of Rand Hospital Data, a higher share than the 35% of hospitals in urban areas.

Rural at heart

Prior to the bills passage, Oz attempted to reassure U.S. House Republicans that their districts could get money from the program even if they werent specifically rural, Politico reported earlier this month.

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Were all rural at heart when it comes to money.

 Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association

Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan said money would begin flowing to his district as early as the beginning of next year, telling the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader earlier this month that he met with Trump, Oz and others to secure pledges that hospitals in his district could access the fund. He represents the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, which includes suburban and rural areas, as well as the cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.

Though the legislation includes guidelines on which facilities or areas qualify as rural, Morgan, of the National Rural Health Association, expects a mad dash from lawmakers and providers to claim rural status in order to get a piece of the funding.

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Thats going to be a huge issue  defining whos rural, Morgan said. Were all rural at heart when it comes to money.

Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@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.

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Imagine living in a home with no running water, or renting an apartment with ceilings that are caving in and electrical outlets that don't provide power.

These are just some of the brutal living conditions at the center of a massive lawsuit filed by the city of Detroit. RealToken, a Florida-based blockchain real estate company, has been accused of public nuisance violations that involve hundreds of residential properties in Detroit.

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"This is the largest nuisance abatement lawsuit ever filed by the city of Detroit," Conrad Mallett, corporation counsel for the city of Detroit, shared with the Detroit Free Press.

One RealToken tenant  an older American named Brenda Davis, whos lived in her apartment for 16 years with only one late rent payment  found herself facing eviction when she stopped paying rent after her water was shut off.

"After being here 16 years, this is what you're going to do to an elderly person?" said Davis. "It makes no sense. And they should not be able to keep doing this and getting away with it."

What is a blockchain real estate company?

RealToken, or RealT, is a company that allows investors around the world to invest in the U.S. housing market by offering "fractional ownership of Detroit properties represented as digital tokens," according to the lawsuit.

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Launched in 2019, the company has garnered more than 65,000 investors who, based on the companys website, have invested in fully-compliant, fractional, tokenized ownership" of rental properties. Buying these representative tokens gives investors an ownership share in the properties, which includes voting rights and regular payments of rental income.

Despite RealToken being located in Florida, the companys properties are primarily located in Detroit. RealToken reportedly hired local management companies to support tenants in Detroit and ensure the units are properly maintained. In response to the lawsuit, RealToken blames these management companies for the poor living conditions in its properties.

These companies were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to oversee RealTokens properties, address tenant complaints and make repairs, and maintain each of our properties in accordance with City of Detroit municipal codes, said RealToken in a statement shared with the Detroit Free Press.

As it turns out, there are many instances where these goals were not achieved, and each management company, in its own way, stole these funds to the detriment of RealToken and more importantly, the tenants we serve.

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

City officials arent buying it

The landlords are pretty much faceless, the investors sometimes are overseas and the damage is very real, Detroit City Councilwoman Angela Calloway shared with WXYZ.

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That damage has left tenants coping with a host of issues, including rodents, sinks that don't work, cracks in windows, structural issues and fire hazards. The lawsuit also alleges that RealToken owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in property taxes.

"For years, we've seen a pattern that must end," said Mary Waters, an at-large Council Member. Slumlord and scam artists exploiting Detroit renters, unsafe housing, unreturned security deposits, illegal evictions. These are not just individual cases. They are systemic failures.

The city filed the lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court, alleging violations of health and safety codes as well as local building codes. The lawsuit is also seeking $500,000 in unpaid tickets.

City officials are urging a judge to order that all RealToken rent payments must be put into an escrow account, and that no eviction notices will be sent out until all of RealTokens properties pass a compliance inspection.

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RealToken, however, claims it has not yet been served with a lawsuit. Meanwhile, the company claims in its statement that it's working on fixing the issue, but warns that "this process cannot happen overnight. It takes time. But we are committed to addressing every issue and finally execute on our original mission."

What rights do tenants have in these situations?

While the lawsuit works its way through the courts, many of the tenants are still suffering from RealToken's failure to provide a safe living environment. This is why its important for tenants to understand their legal rights.

The State of Michigan is very clear about tenants's rights, requiring landlords to ensure that properties are habitable, which means rented units must have:

Walls and a roof that are structurally sound

Hot and cold running water

A working HVAC system

Working toilets

Working plumbing

A working electrical system

Safe stairs with railings

No combustible materials

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If a landlord does not make any necessary repairs, tenants can:

Make repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent payments

Withhold rent until the repairs are made

Terminate the lease

There are also low-cost or even free options in most states for tenants to get legal help with landlord issues. For example, Michigan Legal Help has resources that residents can use to find an advocate. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also has a list of all the different resources tenants can use to find legal services in their state.

But before exploring legal options, if you're struggling with unsafe living conditions in your home, contact your landlord and inform them of the issues. Just remember to document everything during your correspondence.

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If the landlord proves to be less than helpful, you can decide whether you want to pay for the repairs yourself and deduct the cost from rent, withhold rent altogether, or seek legal assistance.

What to read next

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

UPDATE: According to the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Offices websites detainee search, the suspect now faces more charges, including two counts of attempted second-degree murder.

ORIGINAL: NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  A man has been arrested after he allegedly injured a New Orleans police officer and an Orleans Parish sheriffs deputy in a hit-and-run incident that occurred at the intersection of Conti and Bourbon streets in the late night hours of Friday, July 18.

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According to the New Orleans Police Department, officers with the French Quarter Task Force saw a Chevrolet Camaro doing doughnuts near the intersection and attempted a traffic stop when the vehicle accelerated toward them and hit them.

The NOPD officer was taken to a hospital and is reportedly in stable condition. The OPSO deputy was treated for injuries on scene.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson sets plan to comply with court order

Other officers followed the Camaro to a parking garage in the 300 block of Canal Street, where they found both the vehicle and the suspected driver, identified as 23-year-old Mark Hunter Jr., of Belle Chasse.

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Police say Hunter was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries believed to have been sustained during collisions in the vehicle. Upon release from the hospital, he will be booked into Central Lockup on charges for collisions and hit-and-run driving, with other charges potentially to come.

Anyone with additional information that can help in the investigation is asked to call Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Nearly two years after one of the planets rarest fish began washing up dead in the Lower Keys, scientists investigating the deaths say one thing seems certain: whatever caused it will likely be around for years to come.

Were gonna probably have this tax on the sawfish population indefinitely. Were now introducing a new component of natural mortality thats going to kill somewhere between X and Y number of sawfish, said Ross Boucek, a marine biologist with the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. The question is how do we recoup that tax?

To do that, theyll need to better understand conditions caused by an ocean heat wave that slammed Florida before the deaths, and to try to find ways to prevent them.

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READ MORE: As sawfish deaths mounted, wildlife officers and researchers scrambled to respond, records show

Months after the record-breaking summer heatwave, which killed coral, seagrass and other marine life, endangered smalltooth sawfish began dying in the winter of early 2024, mostly in the Lower Keys.

Boucek, who earned his doctorate looking at impacts from extreme climate events like hurricanes, temperature changes and drought, said scientists feared the prolonged high temperatures would ignite such cascading events.

With extreme events, theres always going to be some unpredictability to what the ecological response is, which makes them very challenging because youve never seen them before, he said. When you have them, you expect this weirdness to follow.

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Florida sawfish once roamed waters from the Indian River Lagoon north to the Carolinas. But loss of habitat from developing coasts and getting caught in commercial fishing nets and longlines nearly wiped them out. Today, they can mostly be found only in South Florida.

Eventually, at least 64 sawfish were confirmed dead amid hundreds of reported sightings of sick sawfish.

A dead sawfish found last year near Geiger Key.

Signs of looming trouble appeared in the Lower Keys months before the sawfish started dying when fishing guides started seeing dozens of other species spinning and showing signs of distress. Few died, so the mysterious ailment was concerning but not alarming. Then sawfish began washing up dead in the same shallow waters, launching an unusual rescue effort. Scientists suspected a bottom-dwelling algae early on after they detected higher than normal levels as part of an ongoing monitoring effort to look for ciguatera. Sawfish belong to the ray family and feed on the sea floor, so it made sense.

T his heat wave changed something for this algae, Boucek said, which can bloom and become toxic with an increase in nutrients from either leaky septics and storm run-off, a fish kill or seagrass die-offs. Or, he said, something happened to its predators.

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That became the prevailing theory  that whatever kept the algae in check was harmed by the extreme heat.

If theres no cops to keep the bad guys in line, things can proliferate, he said. So the question is, was it nutrients that caused this or was it something that happened to its controlling agents.

Various species of fish later tested found levels of the toxin, along with others that may have interacted to sicken fish.

Florida lawmakers provided $2 million to launch an investigation as the deaths mounted. BTT received $1.75 million that it used to set up surveillance measures, tag and track sawfish and begin testing waters. In the fall of 2024, as waters cooled, Boucek said scientists and guides braced for another round of deaths, although some debated whether it would strike again without such a severe heat wave.

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It could be it was this temporary ecological response that we saw, where we have this reverberation of the system, he said. It happens once and then we dont ever see it again at the same intensity.

Then in November, Boucek spotted the first spinning fish. Other sightings followed. In late December, a dead sawfish was found. But by January, things quieted down, with far fewer dead sawfish. By March, the month sightings peaked the year before, there were only about half the number of reports for spinning fish and less than a dozen dead sawfish.

Researchers have attached trackers to some sawfish to better understand their behavior.

Scientists monitoring water also didnt see spikes in levels of the toxic algae that they saw the year before.

Boucek said that suggests a number of things: a different toxic algae could be involved. Or it could be that the dead sawfish had been infected during the previous event and were just now dying. It could also mean that there just werent very many of the endangered fish left for the algae to kill.

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While scientists continue to look at the source of the toxin and what triggers it, Boucek said a closer look is needed to understand the current sawfish population so it can be better protected.

Charlotte Harbor was once considered the main area where sawfish gave birth, and the focus of much of the states research. But its possible sawfish critical habitat extends much further, south to Naples, throughout the Ten Thousands Islands and in the shallow bays, creeks and flats in the Everglades and Florida Bay.

The question really is was that entire southwest coast a nursery habitat or a juvenile habitat for them at one point in time, but now the only places that are available are the ones that are protected and not developed, he said.

Restoring and protecting those areas could help stabilize the population and also benefit tarpon, snook and other fish that share the same waters, he said.

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That would help prepare for the next time.

Is this going to be the new normal? he said. If it comes back at the same intensity that it did in the past, I mean we cant lose 54 sawfish every year.

This story was originally published by WLRN and shared in partnership with the Florida Climate Reporting Network, a multi-newsroom initiative founded by the Miami Herald, the Sun-Sentinel, The Palm Beach Post, the Orlando Sentinel, WLRN Public Media and the Tampa Bay Times
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern over the reports that Shah Rukh Khan has sustained "muscular injuries" while shooting for his upcoming film 'King'. However, the SRK team has not confirmed yet. In a post on X, West Bengal CM said, "Reports regarding my brother Shah Rukh Khan sustaining muscular injuries during shooting make me worried. Wish him speedy recovery. @iamsrk" https://x.com/MamataOfficial/status/1946543270965993851 According to media reports, the 'Pathaan' actor sustained an injury while filming an action sequence for his latest project, 'King' In January, during an event in Dubai, while interacting with fans, expressed his excitement about 'King'."I am just just shooting it. I will be shooting it for a couple of months. My director, Siddharth Anand, is very strict. He made Pathaan also. He has asked me not to reveal what we are doing. I can't tell you but I can assure you that it will be entertaining. You will enjoy it," SRK said. Last year, while speaking at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, he opened up on his preparation work for his next film 'King' and his collaboration with filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh. He said, "There are certain kinds of film that I want to do, maybe it's more age centric and I want to try something for 6-7 years I've been thinking about it and I mentioned it to Sujoy one day while we were sitting. He works with us at our office, he's made some films for us. He says, Sir, I have a subject." SRK also spoke about losing weight for his film 'King', "The next film I am doing 'King', I have to start working on it, have to lose some weight a little, do some stretching," he added. (ANI)
HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP)  Now that Congress has finally passed its budget, a lot of eyes are turning toward next years massive US Senate race in North Carolina.

Thom Tillis announced in late June that he is not running for a third term, and Democrats see his seat as their best chance to pick up a seat next year.

NC Sen. Thom Tillis speaks in first interview since announcing he will not run for reelection

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North Carolinas other senator, Ted Budd, spoke to FOX8s Senior Political Reporter Bob Buckley about that election and who hed like to see Republicans nominate.

Ultimately, this is up to the voters of North Carolina. Theres a very deep bench on the Republican side. Of course, youve got to look at Lara Trump, who was born in the Wilmington Wrightsville Beach area, has deep roots in North Carolina, Budd said. Weve got a lot of others that could raise their hand if so willing. Well have conversations, but it doesnt really matter what I think. It matters what the Republican voters and ultimately all voters in North Carolina think that should be the next senator.

And Budd added that it wont matter who Trump chooses to endorse in the race. It will take a lot more than that to win the general election.

You have to work, Budd said. You have to make your case known, and I think were gonna have a great candidate that works through the primary and also wins the hearts and minds of the people of North Carolina and ask for their vote and  will win.

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See more of Buckleys conversation with Budd in this edition of The Buckley 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 FOX8 WGHP.
SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  North Countys summer soundtrack is about to get a lot livelier as North City LIVE, a brand-new free outdoor concert series, launches in the heart of San Marcos. The series will take place over three festive nights  combining live music, delicious food, and community energy.

The series kicks off Saturday, Aug. 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with Music by Eras performing California Dreams, a nostalgic celebration of 1960s and 70s hits steeped in peace, love, and good vibes. The band hits the stage at 7 p.m., but event organizers encourage guests to arrive early to soak in the full retro experience, which includes era-themed decor, vintage games, and a dance area. Guests are even encouraged to dress up in groovy outfits to match the theme.

Where to eat near Del Mar Racetrack this season

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The concerts are set against the backdrop of North City, San Marcos growing urban hub. Attendees can stroll through the walkable streets, enjoy public art installations and grab bites from a variety of local favorites, including A Lo Fresco, Buona Forchetta, Mayas Cookies, Wynstons Ice Cream, Milonga Empanadas, and Draft Republic.

North City LIVE, a free outdoor concert series.

Following the first event, North City LIVE continues with two more themed performances by Music by Eras:

Sept. 6: Chic Bum Buffet will bring breezy yacht rock and beach-country charm to the stage.

Oct. 25: The Heartland closes out the series with an all-American showcase of classic rock, Americana, and folk.

Whether youre dancing under the stars or grabbing ice cream with the kids, North City LIVE promises a unique way to celebrate music, community, and nights out in San Marcos.

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For details and updates, visit northcity.com or follow @northcitysandiego on 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
North Korea has barred foreign tourists from a newly opened beach resort on its east coast just weeks after promoting it as a world-class tourist and cultural destination.

Days after Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov vowed to help boost tourism in North Korea, authorities abruptly halted foreign access to the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area  offering no explanation for the unexpected move, according to Bloomberg.

North Koreas official tourism site, DPR Korea Tour, announced on Wednesday that foreign visitors are temporarily not accepted in the zone, the Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper reported.

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After years in the making, North Koreas Benidorm-style beach resort finally opened on 24 June  well past its original launch date of 15 April 2019, timed to honour national founder Kim Il Sungs birthday.

The project, centred on a long white-sand beach near an airport in Kangwon province, had been delayed by sweeping international sanctions and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The resort has drawn visitors from across the country, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). State media touted it as a national treasure-level tourism city  a glittering seaside development that contrasts sharply with the widespread hunger and hardship reported by human rights observers across North Korea.

Children run into sea at the Wonsan-Kalma resort on 2 July 2025 (AP)

Children run into sea at the Wonsan-Kalma resort on 2 July 2025 (AP)

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un celebrated the resorts completion, hailing it as one of the regimes greatest successes this year.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort recently began attracting Russian tourists, with a travel agency reportedly scheduling two more tours for August, according to the BBC.

Mr Kims choice to host Mr Lavrov there on 12 July  instead of in Pyongyang  was widely seen as a strategic showcase. The North Korean leader told Mr Lavrov that he was the resorts first foreign guest.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova lavished praise on the resort during a Sputnik Radio interview this week, calling it a fantastic holiday destination with perfectly equipped facilities.

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The resort stretches along 2.5 miles of coastline and can host up to 20,000 visitors, according to state media.

Its reportedly outfitted with amenities aimed at rivalling global beach destinations  a goal underscored in 2017 when Mr Kim dispatched a delegation to Benidorm to study its theme parks, high-rise hotels, and marina facilities.

Kim Jong Un and his daughter on the beach at the resort (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty)

Kim Jong Un and his daughter on the beach at the resort (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty)

A North Korean tourism brochure cited by the BBC lists 43 hotels lining the beachfront, alongside guesthouses on a man-made lake and campgrounds catering to different traveller types.

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When the resort was thrown open, Mr Kim was seen relaxing poolside next to his daughter and presumed heir Kim Ju Ae with a pack of cigarettes, cold drink, and a towel.

Tourism is a crucial source of income for the sanctions-stricken Kim regime, but since loosening its pandemic border controls, North Korea has admitted only a limited number of Russian visitors. Foreign tourists are closely monitored, typically confined to approved accommodation and restricted in their movements.

Kim Jong Un waves to a crowd at an opening ceremony for the resort (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty)

Kim Jong Un waves to a crowd at an opening ceremony for the resort (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty)

North Korea hasnt explained why its restricting foreign access to the resort, though some analysts suggest the site may still be undergoing final development or improvements.

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The resort is undoubtedly open, but its not quite finished yet, the 38 North programme at the Stimson Centre think tank said, citing satellite imagery.

One of the largest buildings at the resort, a hotel near the Kalmaegi Hotel, does not appear to be in use. There is little activity nearby and the rooftop pool has yet to be filled with water. Its name, along with those of several other buildings, is also missing from a map published by the state of the tourist area.

Earlier, North Korea also unveiled the new Kalma train station, saying it was constructed to ensure a high level of convenience for travellers to the coastal tourist area.

Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae at an opening ceremony for the resort (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty)

Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae at an opening ceremony for the resort (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty)

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Wonsan-Kalma is open to just North Koreans for now, but we should not be surprised to see Russians at the resort in the not-too-distant future, Rachel Minyoung Lee, a non-resident fellow with the 38 North programme was quoted as saying by CNN.

More broadly, the opening of a major beach resort like Wonsan-Kalma helps to reinforce the state media narrative of Kims people-first policy and helps to balance out his greater focus on building up national defence, Ms Lee added.

A Russian media report claimed locals had posed as tourists to stage a lively scene during Mr Lavrovs visit. Despite state claims of the resorts popularity, the beach was largely deserted, according to a reporter from the Kommersant newspaper, who accompanied Mr Lavrov.

The North Korean government is believed to have determined that it would face some negative consequences when it opens the site to foreigners, Oh Gyeong Seob, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Some believe the ban on foreign tourists wont last long. If foreign tourists arent allowed to the site, Russian rubles, Chinese yuans and dollars wont come in. Then, North Korea cant break even and it has to shut down the resort, said Ahn Chan Il, head of the World Institute for North Korean Studies think tank in Seoul.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  North Las Vegas police were able to rescue a woman after she was carried away by rushing water while inside a wash area on Friday.

Officers were called to the wash area near Craig Ranch Regional Park after the woman was heard calling for help.

Officers found her and pulled her from the water using stop sticks and a long leash in the area of Losee and Gowan roads.

No other details were released by police.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Northern Michigan's Cadillac beckons visitors with its quaint small-town living on Lake Cadillac and the surrounding great outdoors.

Known as the "gateway to up north," the waterfront town welcomes more than 1 million visitors annually with its downtown shopping and dining, nautical activities, lakefront beaches and historic district, per the city of Cadillac.

"Just a short trip from anywhere, Cadillac is where you get that first "Up North Feel," the forests are bigger, the town more welcoming," Pure Michigan says.

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recognizes the city as one of Michigan's Pure Michigan TrailTowns, home to more than 200 miles of trails in the area's forests, perfect for hiking, walking, biking or off-road vehicle trips.

Here's what to know.

Where is Cadillac?

Cadillac is a northern Michigan city in the Lower Peninsula, surrounding Lake Cadillac. The town of about 10,000 residents is a popular tourist destination, bringing in more than 1 million visitors per year.

Photo from Google Maps pinning Cadillac to show how it is centered relative to Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

How did Cadillac get started?

The area is the ancestral homeland of Anishinaabek peoples that form the Council of Three Fires historic alliance, including the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi nations, the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau's website notes.

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Cadillac's roots began as a late 19th century lumber town, going from a village to a city in 1877, per the city's website. George Mitchell, a farmer from New York, played a prominent role as an early settler in the area, becoming the city's founder and first mayor, the website says.

The town was originally called Clam Lake, as the adjacent Lake Cadillac was then known as Little Clam Lake, according to the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau and the city's website. The name Cadillac was selected in honor of 17th and 18th century French settler Antoine de la mothe Cadillac, a prominent military leader and trader known for founding Detroit.

Stroll and shop in downtown

While in town, visitors can check out local specialty shops, salons, spas and boutiques in downtown Cadillac.

Products to choose from include books, apparel, toys, candy, antiques, jewelry, gifts, accessories, flowers, games, home decor, popcorn and more.

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From Angel's House of Treasures or Lil' Red Barn Antiques to The Trend Designers Day Spa, Toy Town, Horizon Books or Book Nook, Serendipity to Magnolia Boutique and Gifts and beyond, there's something for everyone to choose from.

Enjoy waterfront recreation

William Mitchell State Park in an undated photo.

Cadillac surrounds Lake Cadillac, one of only four cities in the U.S. with a lake completely within its borders, the city's website says. The Clam Lake Canal links Lake Cadillac to the nearby Lake Mitchell, along with more inland lakes and two paddling rivers, the Big Manistee River and Pine River, per Pure Michigan.

The area's vast waterways and beaches offer opportunities for fishing, sunbathing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, canoeing and boating, per the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau and Pure Michigan.

Local parks include William Mitchell State Park, Cadillac Lakefront Park and Kenwood Heritage Park.

Tour Cadillac's historic district

In the heart of town, the Cadillac Historic District offers a look back in time, preserving Cadillac's heritage within the original Village of Clam Lake Boundaries, the city's website says.

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The district, one block east of downtown, is mainly residential, featuring wood frame, single-family homes and large, Victorian-style homes once belonging to lumber barons and business leaders, per the website. About 70% of the historic district's homes were built before 1910.

More: Ferndale's train problem isn't new, it's just worse than ever  and residents have had enough

Trek through the woods on nature trails

Off-road vehicles near Baldwin, Michigan in the Manistee National Forest in an undated photo.

In the great outdoors around Cadillac there are more than 200 miles of trails, Pure Michigan says. The Huron-Manistee National Forests and Michigan DNR Forest Areas include trails offering opportunities to hike, bike, walk drive off-road vehicles and hunt.

The northern Michigan city is recognized as a Pure Michigan TrailTown. The designation notes the city's status as a year-round destination with its extensive trails offering outdoor recreational activities fit for all four seasons.

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More: Are the Great Lakes warm enough to swim in? Here are the latest water temperatures

Savor local dining and brews

Cadillac boasts restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream stores and bakeries selling a variety of cuisines, beverages, alcoholic spirits and sweet treats.

Visitors can try more than 25 locally owned eateries, the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau's website says. Options in the city include classic American fare, ice cream, Mexican cuisine, beer, pasties, Indian cuisine, BBQ, coffee and tea beverages, fresh-baked pastries, burgers, baked goods and more.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Check out these places, activities in Cadillac this summer
Jul. 18WASHINGTON  Northwest public radio and television stations were bracing for the fallout after an overnight vote by House Republicans to rescind about $9 billion in funding Congress had already approved for foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports public radio and TV stations across the country.

The Senate voted narrowly to pass the so-called rescissions package early Thursday morning, with all Democrats in opposition and all but a few Republicans supporting the extraordinary action, which Congress hadn't taken since the turn of the 21st century. Just after midnight Eastern time early Friday morning, the House did the same in a 216-213 vote. Washington Republicans Michael Baumgartner of Spokane and Rep. Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside voted in favor.

"It is not a surprise, but it is still a disappointment that we're losing this funding," said John Decker, president and general manager of Spokane Public Radio. "The fact is, though, it's not going to stop us from doing the work we need to do. It just makes it harder to do it."

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Direct funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting accounts for about 1% of National Public Radio's budget, according to NPR's public editor, and roughly 15% of the budget of its TV counterpart, PBS. But local public media stations, especially those in rural parts of the country, rely more heavily on the federal funding, and in turn provide more funding to NPR and PBS by paying to broadcast programs the national outlets produce, like "Morning Edition" and "PBS NewsHour."

Decker said he understands why people often conflate local stations like Spokane Public Radio with NPR and KSPS-TV with PBS, but he emphasized that defunding public media will hit those local affiliates harder than the national news outlets that Republicans accuse of left-wing political bias. SPR doesn't intend to lay anyone off or cancel its shows, he said, because the station has been anticipating the cuts since the White House signaled in May that it would ask Congress to rescind the funding.

"It's just a sad day for America," Decker said. "And it sort of sends a signal to many Americans who rely on public media as their only free media source that their government feels they don't deserve to have that."

The cuts would force SPR to fill a roughly $250,000 hole in its budget, Decker said. At Pullman-based Northwest Public Broadcasting, which broadcasts both TV and radio across Washington and to parts of Idaho, Oregon and British Columbia, the impact is greater.

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"I'm holding onto hope that four Republicans will have the balls to stand up and do what they know is right," said Sueann Ramella, NWPB's audience director, referring to the number of GOP lawmakers it would take to block the bill. In the end, only two Republicans voted against it.

"At the end of the day, I know this: No matter if this funding is saved or not, NWPB and all of public broadcasting in the nation is forever changed, and I know that other stations are trying to make plans so we can survive," Ramella said.

Ramella said NWPB, which receives about 20% of its budget from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, will stay on the air but won't be the same without federal funding. The station's management is "looking at every nook and cranny" to find savings, even its $200 printing budget.

Republicans have long accused public media, especially NPR, of liberal bias. Baumgartner said he voted for the bill in June  and planned to do the same Thursday night  because he shares that concern and wants to reduce federal spending. The question isn't whether something like public media is valuable, he said, but whether the federal government should spend taxpayer dollars on it.

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"Congress has to do a better job of stewarding every dollar, particularly at a time when we're deeply in debt and have a 20% annual budget deficit," Baumgartner said in a brief interview at the Capitol. "I'm somebody who enjoys public radio and public television, but at a time when we're deeply in debt, one, there's a cost issue there, but also there's an issue of ideological balance."

The bill claws back about $1.1 billion from public broadcasting and nearly $8 billion from foreign aid programs, all money Congress had previously approved on a bipartisan basis through the yearly appropriations process. Republicans have pointed to examples of foreign aid spending they consider wasteful or objectionable, such as arts programs and support for transgender people, but the cuts also include lifesaving medical and food aid.

The version House Republicans passed in June also rescinded $400 million for PEPFAR, a global health program for HIV/AIDS patients that has saved an estimated 26 million lives since it was created by former President George W. Bush in 2003. After some GOP senators objected to defunding PEPFAR, that provision was stripped from the version they sent back to the House on Thursday.

Baumgartner called himself "a fan of foreign aid" and said he was glad to see the PEPFAR funding restored, but he emphasized that assistance for people in other countries "needs to be tied closely to America's national security."

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Sen. Jim Risch, an Idaho Republican who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has supported foreign aid programs in the past, has also backed the effort to roll back previously approved spending.

"U.S. tax dollars should not subsidize radical programs and organizations that undermine American values," Risch said in a statement after voting for the bill. "This $9 billion rescissions package cuts woke and excessive funding to ensure the responsible use of Americans' tax dollars."

Sen. Mike Crapo, another Idaho Republican, said he voted for the bill "in support of rescinding funds for wasteful foreign aid programs that have deviated from their original intent or that do not promote American interests."

"By reducing waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending, we can better ensure the long-term viability of the programs most critical for our national security and for global health programs that protect Americans from the spread of fatal diseases," Crapo said in a statement.

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Newhouse, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, was one of several Republicans who publicly expressed concerns with clawing back the funding. But in an interview on June 27, he said he had voted for the bill despite those qualms because he had received private assurances that some funding for public media and foreign aid would be preserved in different forms.

"I haven't seen anything on paper yet, but that's a commitment," Newhouse said, describing an alternative funding source for public media. "There will be some funding available for at least a one-year thing. That was told to us in order to get some support."

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, one of four Republicans who voted against the original House bill in June, told reporters at the Capitol on Thursday that he planned to vote for the revised version in part because House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had committed to funding public media later in the year.

In the June interview, Newhouse said he also supports foreign aid but voted to rescind it because he had been assured that some programs of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which the Trump administration has dismantled, could be continued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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"On the USAID part, I do think the topic of soft power is important to the country," he said. "We can't use military strength all the time, and there's other things that we can do. And that provides us, I think, a pretty good return on investment, and it's the right thing to do."

Democrats have been uniformly opposed to the GOP effort to claw back funding. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday that Republicans can't credibly say they're worried about the debt when they passed a massive tax-and-spending bill on July 3 that will add an estimated $3.4 trillion to budget deficits over 10 years.

"Two weeks ago, Republicans said four trillion bucks in tax cuts for the richest people in the world was nothing  literally  and now they are saying a truly tiny fraction of that for rural radio is just too much," Murray said. "Is this a joke? Are they really that bad at math?"

Murray has argued that if a president can simply choose not to spend money Congress has approved  as Trump has repeatedly done  or the majority party can rescind funding lawmakers have passed through the bipartisan appropriations process, Democrats have no reason to trust that process.

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Whatever the rescissions bill means for Congress, Decker said it represents the end of federally funded public broadcasting. While he isn't hopeful that lawmakers will restore the funding, he said he wants people in the Inland Northwest to know they're important to their public radio and TV stations.

"In spite of what the Trump administration and many politicians may want us to think, this isn't an us-against-them proposition," he said. "We want folks to know we are still going to be there for them, and of course we hope that they're going to be there for us, too."

Ramella said that if Americans want public media to exist, they will need to become members and contribute money, even if they don't agree with everything a station broadcasts. She described a recent phone call she received from a listener who said that "while she loved and appreciated 90% of what NWPB broadcasts," she didn't like some of its programs and wouldn't support it anymore.

"This country right now is at a tipping point," Ramella said, "where it is willing to throw out 90% of good for 10% of 'I disagree.' "

Orion Donovan Smith's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
Irans armed proxies are ramping up pressure on key points in the Middle East as Tehran attempts to rebuild its regional influence, eroded by almost two years of a destructive Israeli military campaign.

Tehrans Houthi allies in Yemen ended months of calm in the Red Sea last week with strikes on two commercial ships travelling in the critical waterway. Proxies in Iraq are suspected of disrupting oil production in the Kurdish region, and shipments of hundreds of rockets bound for Hezbollah in Lebanon have been intercepted by Syrian forces over the past months.

The increasing activity by the proxies reflects Irans determination to continue supporting a network of disruptive armed groups  long seen as essential to Tehrans deterrence strategy, despite their failure to deter recent Israeli and American attacks on Iranian soil  ahead of possible talks with Washington to reach a new nuclear deal. But so far, neither the United States nor Iran appears to be willing to make major compromises.

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Iran was never going to stop resupplying their groups, said Michael Knights, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute specializing in the military and security affairs of Iraq, Iran and the Gulf states.

They might not be able to send this much or regularly  more stuff might get intercepted  but if youre the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards Quds Force right now, what youre trying to show is we still exist, were intact, nothing has changed.

Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran last month, targeting and killing key military figures, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, critical to sustaining and expanding the Islamic Republics regional proxy network, and Behnam Shahriyari, who Israel says was responsible for weapons transfers to Tehrans proxies.

But even as Iran reels from the loss of key military figures, it has persisted in arming those proxies, signaling that it still views them as a strategic asset to expand its regional leverage.

Smoke rises in north Tehran on June 23, 2025. - Elyas/AFP/Getty Images

Yemen

Just three days after a ceasefire was declared between Iran and Israel, a vessel carrying 750 tons of Iranian missiles and military equipment, including missiles, drone engines and radar systems, was intercepted in the Red Sea by forces loyal to Yemens exiled government, the United States Central Command said Wednesday. It added that the massive Iranian weapons shipment was destined for the Houthis.

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The interception, according to the US military, marked the largest weapons seizure in the history of the Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF)  a pro-US, anti-Houthi group led by Tariq Saleh, the nephew of Yemens late leader Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The Iranian foreign ministry denied that it had sent weapons and called it a deceitful attempt by the US to divert public opinion.

The Houthis in Yemen have used Iranian weaponry to launch attacks on both Israel and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. An attack on a Greek-owned ship last week killed four crew members, injured others and left 11 people missing, the European Union naval operation Aspides told CNN. Six of those on board were captured by the Houthis, a UK-based maritime risk management company, Vanguard Tech, told CNN.

A screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 8, showing plumes of smoke rising from what is said to be Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier, the MV Magic Seas that was attacked off southwest Yemen. - Houthi Media Center/Reuters

Days before that, the Houthis targeted a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Magic Seas, using unmanned boats, missiles and drones.

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The attacks, which sank the two vessels, appear to show an escalation of force and were the first recorded this year after months of calm in the busy waterway.

Iraq

Over the past few months, suspected Iran-backed groups have also increased their attacks on Western allies in Iraq, destabilizing oil output in the Kurdish-controlled region of the country.

Five oil fields, including two operated by US companies, were hit after a spate of drone attacks by criminal militias, Aziz Ahmad, an official in the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), said on Wednesday.

The KRG welcomed U.S. investment and companies. Now, those same investors are being pushed out in a calculated campaign to economically strangle us, Ahmad said on X.

Smoke billows from a damaged oil installation at the Sarsang oil field following a drone attack on the Chamanke district near the Kurdish city of Dohuk in northern Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region on July 16. - Safin Hamid/AFP/Getty Images

The spokesperson for the KRG Peshawa Hawramani told CNN that the drone attacks are intended to destroy the energy infrastructure and to ensure that the KRG has no capacity to produce oil and gas, so it cannot use this as leverage in agreements or rely on it as a source of income.

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The KRGs interior ministry blamed attacks earlier this month on the Popular Mobilization Units, a predominantly Shiite Iranian-backed paramilitary force based in Iraq.

These attacks are being carried out with the aim of creating chaos, the interior ministry said after a bomb-laden drone landed near the KRG capital Erbil earlier this month.

Lebanon

Irans regional influence has been substantially weakened since Hamas October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and Israels subsequent campaign to root out Tehrans proxies from the region.

Irans key ally in Lebanon, Hezbollah, sought to support Hamas after October 7 by firing cross-border rockets and opening a second front against Israel. Since then, the group has been severely weakened, losing its once-dominant influence in Lebanon and facing growing internal and Western demands to disarm, as its fighters are targeted by near-daily Israeli strikes.

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The groups revered leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike last year and its key supply route in Syria was lost after the fall in December of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a crucial ally to Tehran.

A person holds up a picture of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes last year, on the day of a public funeral ceremony in Beirut, Lebanon, on February 23. - Mohammed Yassin/Reuters

Hezbollah are losing sway, theyve lost credibility with their own base. Of course, the Iranians are trying to reinforce some of their proxies to reinforce their negotiating hand, but theyre not making much headway, a regional official told CNN.

Still, another regional source told CNN that Hezbollah could begin regrouping itself over the coming weeks fearing an escalation from Israel. Hezbollah feels it is in an existential situation because of the loss of Syria and the growing internal Lebanese pressure, the source added.

Syria

Irans attempts to rearm Hezbollah have continued over the past year. The new Syrian government, which staunchly opposes Iran, has seized several shipments of weapons bound for Lebanon, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry.

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Last month, the Syrian interior ministry said in a statement that it had foiled an attempt to smuggle anti-tank Kornet missiles, the same type used by Hezbollah to target Israeli tanks in southern Lebanon. The Syrian police said the weapons were hidden in a truck carrying vegetables in the Homs countryside, which borders Lebanon.

The first regional source who spoke to CNN questioned Tehrans purpose in arming proxy groups who had proven ineffective in protecting Iran, or achieving their stated mission of liberating Jerusalem.

Why are Hezbollah still arming? What have their arms given them? It has not given them protection, it has not brought them an inch closer to Jerusalem? What are these arms doing except causing misery to a civilian population? the source said.

Asked if Damascus was seeing Iranian attempts to arm Hezbollah, one senior Syrian government official told CNN, Were intercepting Iranian shipments quite often. Mostly seems to be collected locally and put together in small shipments to be smuggled to Lebanon.

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Were also seeing clear activities to send money to networks in Syria through Iraq, he added.

A solider with Syria's ministry of defense forces at a house which Hezbollah and Iranian backed militia had used as a weapon storage in Palmyra, Syria, in March 2025. - Salwan Georges/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Trump in no rush to talk

Irans rearming of groups across the Middle East comes as US President Donald Trump signals his waning interest in negotiations with Tehran.

They want to negotiate badly. Were in no rush we bombed the hell out of their various places, if they want to negotiate, we are here, Trump said Wednesday.

Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, dismissed the idea that talks were imminent and downplayed their importance.

Right now is not the time for talks. Negotiations are a tactic we wait and see if the Supreme Leader finds it useful or not, Larijani said in a televised statement on Friday.

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A sixth round of negotiations was scheduled June 15, but Israels surprise attack the day prior disrupted the plans.

Experts say rebuilding regional armed groups and showcasing their disruptive capabilities could serve as leverage for Iran, as it looks to negotiate from a position of strength despite its recent losses.

It will strengthen their hand, in theory, to show that they are not just rolling over and subservient they want to appear defiant but not enough that the US hits them, Knights said.

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Nutley's mayor, John Kelly, will temporarily leave his post as he deploys to Iraq in support of a multi-national military task force fighting ISIS in the Middle East.

Kelly will serve as legal counsel to the New Jersey National Guard's unit in Operation Inherent Resolve, a U.S. military operation working alongside Iraqi and Kurdish security forces, as well as allies in Syria, until the two countries can topple the remaining ISIS rebels on their own.

I am honored to be able to serve my country and I am grateful that with the support of my fellow Board of Commissioners, our Township government and I will continue to function as we always has," Kelly stated in a July 18 announcement of his impending service overseas.

John V. Kelly III, Nutley mayor

Kelly, who holds the rank of Major, will deploy in August for a six-month tour, according to the announcement. During that time, Deputy Mayor Thomas Evans will fill Kelly's post on the dais.

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"We wish John and all our Citizen-Soldiers success and safety as they complete their mission in Iraq," stated Commissioner Alphonse Petracco.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Nutley Mayor John Kelly to deploy with NJ National Guard to Iraq
New York taxpayers will shell out nearly $500,000 to another accuser of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo after she settled her lawsuit against the state Friday  with her lawyers calling the deal a complete vindication of her claims.

Brittany Commisso  Cuomos executive assistant from 2019 through 2021  penned an agreement with the state for $450,000, the same figure that fellow Cuomo accuser Charlotte Bennett settled her claims for in April.

Commisso will personally get $225,000, while her legal team will receive the other $225,000, settlement papers obtained by The Post reveal.

Andrew Cuomos sexual assault accuser settled with New York for $450,000. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

The divorced mom of one filed suit against the state and Cuomo in November 2023, claiming sexual harassment, retaliation and discrimination.

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She alleged that Cuomo subjected her to humiliating and demeaning tasks, hugs, kisses, sexual touching of the buttocks and forcible touching of the breast.

Commisso, who started working for the then-governor in 2017, claimed in her lawsuit that he once groped her inside the executive mansion.

The accusation led to a criminal case which was ultimately dropped by the Albany County district attorney in 2022.

Commisso was Cuomos executive assistant when he was governor. She claims he groped her.

She also said that as a result of reporting the alleged sexual assault, then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul demoted and reassigned her to answer phones, the suit states.

Commisso also allegedly lost overtime pay, was given little or no work and was ostracized from her co-workers, impacting her career. She claimed other state staffers aided and abetted her alleged mistreatment and demotion.

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Her legal team hailed the settlement as a complete vindication of her claims, just as the repeated findings made by the Attorney General, the State Assembly and the US Department of Justice were.

Those three independent investigations all found that Cuomo subjected Ms. Commisso to unwanted sexual harassment and groping when she worked for him as an assistant, her lawyers, Mariann Wang and Kevin Mintzer, said in a statement.

Ms. Commisso is proud to have reported the truth and vindicated her rights in court, and likewise glad to be able to move forward with her life.

Attorneys for Cuomo, who has denied the allegations, ripped Commissos statement, saying the deal struck with the state was not a vindication, but a capitulation to avoid the truth.

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Cuomos legal team claimed they opposed the suit ending before the truth could come out, while pointing out that the settlement amount was far less than the millions Commisso originally sought.

This nuisance settlement, which expressly does not include any admission of liability, is intended to end Ms. Commissos failed efforts to leverage a meritless lawsuit into a multimillion dollar payday while hiding the truth from the public, Cuomos lawyers, Rita Gavin and Theresa Trzaskoma, said in a statement.

The lawyers also noted the settlement didnt come with any admission of wrongdoing by Cuomo, and highlighted the criminal case against him was dropped.

Commisso filed suit in 2023 and her claims launched a criminal case against Cuomo that was ultimately dropped.

Gov. Hochuls communications director, Anthony Hogrebe, said the state was pleased to have settled this matter in a way that allows us to minimize further costs to taxpayers.

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Accuser Charlotte Bennett settled for the same amount in April, but only personally received $100,000 while the remainder went to her lawyers.

Bennett claimed Cuomo sexually harassed her when she was his assistant and then accused her of lying when she came forward with her claims.

Bennett, now 29, was the second woman after former gubernatorial aide Lindsey Boylan, to publicly accuse the thrice-elected Democrat of sexual harassment in 2021, prompting his resignation that year in the face of scandal.

Cuomo  who is attempting a political comeback by running for New York City mayor as an independent  has vehemently maintained his innocence in the rash of sexual harassment and assault accusations, including from a state trooper who claimed he inappropriately touched her. Her case is still pending.
New York Citys Asian-American community rallied behind Mayor Eric Adams Friday  slamming socialist challenger Zohran Mamdani for being too radical.

More than 100 Asian American community, civic and business leaders gathered in Confucius Plaza in Chinatown to back the incumbent, who is running for a second term as an independent in the November election.

I say I support Democrats. I dont support socialists, local Democratic district leader James Yu told the crowd, swiping at Mamdani, the partys nominee for mayor.

The Asian-American community is rallying behind Mayor Eric Adams while calling out Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. William Farrington

Hes running in the wrong place, Yu said about the left-wing Queens state Assemblyman.

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He should run for mayorship in Havana, Cuba  not in New York. In Nicaragua or Caracas, Venezuela.

Adams also took a veiled swipe at the frontrunner, as he touted his record on public safety just a day after racking up endorsements from a slate of Big Apple law enforcement unions.

I want to support the police while others want criminals to come back on our streets and harm us, he said.

I want criminals to be made and serve their time in jail.

The mayor appeared to be referencing recently resurfaced comments by Mamdani in which the lefty lawmaker in 2020 questioned the purpose of prisons and jails and called for police not to respond to domestic violence calls.

Civic and business leaders claim Mamdani is too radical, while Democratic district leader James Yu said, I say I support Democrats. I dont support socialists. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Mamdani supports creating a $1 billion Department of Community Safety as part of his mayoral campaign platform.

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The new agency would take over certain responsibilities away from the NYPD, such as responding to 911 calls involving homeless or troubled individuals.

Adams, a former NYPD captain, will face Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and independent lawyer Jim Walden in addition to Mamdani in the November general election.

While Hizzoner raked in an impressive $1.5 million for his war chest in recent weeks, the latest polling has him barely cracking into the double digits and trailing in fourth place.

And while Adams has also been earning new endorsements, he lost one from Councilman James Gennaro, a Queens Democrat, on Friday.

Adams also criticized Mamdani, as he has racked up endorsements from law enforcement unions across the city. William Farrington

Gennaro had announced his support for Adams on July 7 but rescinded his backing in a 1 a.m. Facebook post noting that no one from the mayors re-election campaign had reached out or even featured the endorsement on their website.

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I can only deduce that the Adams campaign does not want my endorsement, or at least not at this time. I have no idea what theyre thinking because they have not spoken to me, he wrote.

The mayor addressed the snafu in a press gaggle earlier in the day.

I reached out to the councilperson, and we will communicate, you know, you know. Whats different from me and the other candidates  I have a day job.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt praised legendary actor Anupam Kher for his efforts as a good teacher and guiding the students at Actor Prepares School in Mumbai. In a conversation with ANI, the ace director said, "Jab chela guru se aage nikal jaata hai to guru ko bahut acha lagta hai aur inhone "Anupam Kher) ye kar ke dikhaya..He has astonished me with his performance in 'Tanvi The Great'...So, our effort will be that whenever I come here, and I will come every year, even if these people don't invite me, I will force myself to come here. And we will bring out the treasure of talent in these students, so that in the future, they will astound you.Like the heroine of this film, who is not one, she has surprised us in Tanvi The Great. She is also from the Actor Prepares School...." Kher shared his inspiration behind Actor Prepares School and what motivated him to start it, "What can I say, Mr. Bhatt? He spoke my emotions with more clarity. I just want to say that 20 years ago, I was shooting a film, and a very beautiful girl was working there. And her job was to come out of the swimming pool, my sister was there, and she had to come to me and say a dialogue. So, till she came out of the swimming pool and came here, everything was very correct. When she came to me, she got so nervous that her lips started shaking, and she started twitching. And the same beautiful girl suddenly looked not so beautiful. That was the day and that was the moment I decided I will open an acting school." He expressed gratitude to the acclaimed director for taking special classes in his school, "Today we have started a new Diploma course for one year in acting...hum skukraguzaar hu Bhatt sahab ka jinhone inki special classes li.." Earlier, the Mumbai premiere of Anupam Kher's directorial film Tanvi The Great was held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre on Thursday, with the real-life Tanvi, the inspiration behind the film, attending the event as the 'Guest of Honour'. The event drew a star-studded turnout, with Kirron Kher, Sikandar Kher, Annu Kapoor, Rumy Jafry, and members of the film's cast in attendance. Anupam Kher's niece, Tanvi, was the 'Guest of Honour' at the Mumbai premiere of the movie. The film has been inspired by the life story of Tanvi. Starring debut actress Shubhangi Dutt, the film also stars Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani and Karan Tacker in prominent roles.'Tanvi The Great', which highlights autism and the Indian Army, has already garnered international praise during its festival run in Cannes, New York, Houston, and London.It has also received standing ovations at special previews held at the National Defence Academy and the Southern Command in Pune. (ANI)
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Jim Walden joined PIX on Politics with Dan Mannarino, where he was asked about his low poll numbers  he pointed to Mamdanis low numbers in the race and his meteoric rise to win.

Walden says he is going to run a campaign unlike things other people have seen in any other campaign. H stated policies are achievable and rely on free market solutions

On affordability, Walden talks about a plan to lower rents to 25% of a persons income  Freezing rents doesnt help when the rents are already too high.

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On subways, he stated, The mayor should control the subways.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A 57-year-old Oak Harbor man was arrested on multiple drug charges after an investigation by the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force with the help of other law enforcement agencies.

The Island County Sheriffs Office says that Andres Venegas Hernandez is accused of trying to sell nearly 5000 fentanyl pills, among other drugs.

It is believed that he worked with several others to sell the drugs and launder the money they made.

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The Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force (WRDTF) was joined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Bellingham Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Washington State Department of Corrections in the investigation.

On Wednesday, a search warrant was served to Hernazadez at his home on the 4300 block of Northgate Drive, Oak Harbor.

They arrested Hernazadez as soon as he was walking out the door.

Investigators found:

About 435 grams of suspected heroin

a brick of nearly 1,212 grams of suspected cocaine

and nearly 5,000 fentanyl-laced stamped pills

In Hernadezs home, they also found drug-making materials, an electronic money counter, a shotgun, and over 5,000 in money.

Hernandez was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on money laundering and various drug charges.
The environmental repercussions of excessive air travel are well known, but the Pennsylvania governor is taking the problem to a whole new level.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Josh Shapiro has used billionaire Michael Rubin's helicopter for $68,000 worth of rides. Plus, Shapiro spent $557,000 last year on private jet flights during his campaign travels.

Rabbi Michael Pollack, who runs an anti-corruption group, spoke out against Governor Shapiro's actions, focusing on the high-priced "favors" from billionaires being problematic.

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"Our governor should not be accepting free rides in a billionaire's helicopter because then he is more responsive to the concerns of that billionaire over the needs of the people of Pennsylvania," Rabbi Pollack said, per The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Furthermore, helicopters and jets alike are known to pollute the air. Plus, when air travel is used for individual use, the trade-off for one person's travel is much different than a plane full of folks.

If you haven't paid attention to Jeff Bezos' recent wedding or to Mark Zuckerberg's megayacht, the general public's feelings towards billionaires are increasingly negative.

A new report showed that billionaires' high-emission purchases  such as the helicopter taking Shapiro around the country  aren't even this class' biggest contributions to climate damage. It's their investment in dirty fuel industries, like oil, as well as mining and shipping.

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A recent bill introduced in Pennsylvania would prevent public officials from accepting gifts over $50  a rule similar to others across the country that aim to stop bribery or other unethical political swaying. Still, the bill has yet to pass, and Rubin's lending of the helicopter may fall into the loophole territory of the bill.

The Philadelphia Inquirer mentions Donald Trump's recent acceptance of a private jet from Qatar as another example of political gift-giving.

"Our public officials should not be accepting rides from the ultrarich," Rabbi Pollack told the Inquirer. "They should not be accepting airplanes from foreign governments, and they should be fully dependent on the public so they are truly public servants," he concluded.

By educating yourself on critical climate issues and voting for pro-climate candidates, you can do your part in protecting the Earth on a local and legislative level.

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 Brief

A man arrested for public nudity in Garland on Wednesday has died.

He suffered a medical emergency shortly after being taken into custody.

Dallas County officials are investigating the cause and circumstances of his death.

GARLAND, Texas - A man arrested for public nudity in Garland on Thursday has died at a hospital.

Garland police say Dallas County officials are leading the investigation into his death.

Man dies after public nudity arrest

What we know

The incident began after multiple Garland residents called 911 to report seeing a nude man in public on Thursday.

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Officers responded to the 1300 block of Marketplace Drive around 3 p.m. to find the man completely unclothed in a public area.

Officers attempted to talk to the man outside a restaurant, but they say he was uncooperative. After trying to detain him, they say he began fighting and speaking incoherently.

Garland PD says the man suffered a medical emergency shortly after being taken into custody. Garland Fire paramedics responded to give him medical aid and take him to a nearby hospital.

On Thursday around 1 p.m., Garland PD says they were notified that the man had died in the hospital.

The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the man's cause of death.

What we don't know

The identity of the man is unknown, and Garland PD says it will not be released at the time of reporting.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Source

Information in this report came from the Garland Police Department.
Canadian officials have issued a warning about an invasive species popping up near homes.

According to the Cowichan Valley Citizen, the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia (ISCBC) has launched a campaign to encourage citizens to report sightings of invasive pigs in their area. The Squeal on Pigs campaign aims to raise awareness about a potentially growing issue for the British Columbian ecosystem: unowned pigs that are left to roam uncontrolled across the landscape.

While pigs remain a vital source of meat and a valuable agricultural resource, when left unchecked in a new habitat, they can devastate the environment.. Pigs can weigh up to 440 pounds and will eat almost anything they can find, with little regard for the impact it has on the local ecosystem or environment. And a fully grown pig can be incredibly difficult for predators to take down, given their size and strength.

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Feral pigs are also notoriously difficult for humans to wrangle and pose a serious threat to food stores and fields.

Both plant and animal invasive species are dangerous for ecosystems, as they can consume resources that native plants and animals need to survive. Once they begin to thrive, invasive species can be very difficult to eradicate.

To support native wildlife and help keep invasive plants at bay, it's beneficial to rewild your property or install a natural lawn with options such as buffalo grass and clover. Native plants support animals like pollinators, which help protect our food supply, and even reduce maintenance requirements and water bills for homeowners, saving them time and money.

According to the ISCBC, invasive pig populations have embedded themselves in several Canadian provinces, including Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. However, as of now, there are no confirmed invasive pig herds in British Columbia, although there have been sightings of unowned pigs in several small towns in the province. British Columbian law requires you to have your pigs securely fenced in, and the ISCBC recommends double fencing to prevent feral pigs from reaching them or their food, and potentially breeding with them.

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With this campaign, the ISCBC hopes to thwart any potential problems in British Columbia before they escalate.

"You don't expect to find pigs in your kitchen. You shouldn't find them roaming wild in B.C. either. Invasive pigs are no joke, and the province has a rare chance to act before they become a real problem," the ISCBC said in a press release on the new campaign, via the Cowichan Valley Citizen.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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(WKBN)  A real estate agent from North Olmstead was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to securities and wire fraud.

Matthew Motil, 45, was sentenced Friday to 70 months in prison. He will also serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay $5,085,247.08 in restitution.

Investigators say Motil, a popular former podcaster, was the mastermind of a Ponzi scheme that took over $7.3 million from at least 63 victims from across the United States.

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The crimes happened between October 2017 and March 2022. Investigators say Motil used his podcast and other marketing tools to position himself as an expert in the field, branding himself the Cash Flow King. He also wrote a book, Man on Fire, and convinced investors to give their money to him and his real estate companies to generate passive income.

Motil gave his victims promissory notes, which he said were secured by mortgages on properties located throughout Northeast Ohio, but he used those same properties over and over to get more money from additional victims.

Each victim believed they were the sole mortgage holder of the properties and that they would be able to recover their investment through foreclosure if Motil failed to make the payments he promised.

In the meantime, Motil used the money to fund his lifestyle, such as a large home on Lake Erie, courtside seats at Cleveland Cavaliers games, and used the money to pay his credit cards and support his fitness business, according to investigators.

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These victims were deceived and manipulated into handing over their hard-earned money to a shameless and selfish individual for his own benefit, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik for the Northern District of Ohio. Our office will take action to prosecute anyone who preys on the trusting nature of others.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV)  The Beaufort County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Friday night on Capers Island Circle.

At approximately 11:54 p.m. on July 18, deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim at a home on St. Helene Island. While responding, deputies encountered a vehicle attempting to transport the victim to the hospital.

Officials began life-saving measures until Beaufort County EMS arrived and transported the victim to the hospital. The victim died from their injuries despite their efforts.

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The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.

Anyone with information should contact Investigator Sergeant Hicks at 843-255-3441. If wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted online here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
TUPELO, Miss. (WJTV)  Agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Tupelo.

The incident occurred near McCullough Boulevard and Interstate 22, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS).

Body found inside vehicle at Ridgeland apartment complex

Investigators said officers with the Verona Police Department responded to a call to assist a neighboring agency in a chase with a hostage in the vehicle. They said the unidentified suspect wrecked the vehicle and pointed a weapon at officers.

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The officers fired their weapons, striking the suspect and causing serious injuries. The suspect was transported to a local hospital. No officers were injured.

MBI agents will gather evidence and share their findings with the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office.

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Shots were fired in an Oslo shopping centre on Saturday after a conflict broke out between two people, Norwegian police said.

One of the people involved drew a firearm and fired several shots, they said. Both then left the Tveita shopping centre.

Police said that the situation was under control and that they were searching for the gunman.

The officer in charge, Arve Rtterud, told Norwegian journalists that one person with gunshot wounds had been taken to hospital. An elderly woman had injured herself when falling during the incident, he added.

Tveita is one of the 15 largest shopping centres in Oslo. It is located in the Alna district a few kilometres to the east of the centre. Police closed it temporarily to secure evidence.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City Police responded to a shooting Saturday morning around 2:45 a.m. on Southwest 32nd Street, where one individual was shot.

This was located at 1001 SW 32nd Street.

A group of individuals fired shots from a vehicle, and one person was shot.

The condition of this person is currently unknown.

The suspects ran into a house and barricaded themselves from the OKCPD.

The scene of the shooting is under further investigation.

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This is a developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A growing labor shortage triggered by increased immigration enforcement is threatening the stability of the U.S. food system, according to a report by The Guardian. As undocumented workers leave jobs or avoid public life out of fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, disruptions are mounting from farms to restaurants nationwide.

In Texas, farmers contacted by the news outlet report that longtime laborers are staying home, fearing arrest and deportation, while in Los Angeles, restaurants and food trucks are shutting down as kitchen and service staff disappear.

"They are scared, there are fewer opportunities, and they are no longer prospering here," said Elizabeth Rodriguez, director of farm worker advocacy at the National Farm Worker Ministry to The Guardian. "Their fear will soon be seen in the harvest, when the quantities of produce are depleted."

Immigrants make up about 20% of the entire food sector workforcesome 14 million peopleincluding 27% of agricultural workers and 33% of meatpackers. In restaurants, nearly half of all chefs and nearly a third of cooks are foreign-born, most commonly from Mexico, China, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

"These workers are the backbone of the food chain," said Mark Lauritsen, a vice president at the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. "Without a stable, skilled workforce, safety and quality can decline, shelves can sit empty and grocery prices could rise even more."

These jobs are often low-paid and physically demanding. Farmworkers are frequently paid per box of produce, working long hours in extreme heat with limited protections. Nearly half of the most strenuous food industry jobs are filled by undocumented workers.

Amid mounting criticism, officials have suggested the administration is considering exceptions for certain sectors. Tom Homan, White House border advisor, recently confirmed that discussions are underway about policy adjustments for farm and hospitality workers.

President Trump, on his part, has proposed allowing farmers to vouch for migrant workers to avoid deportation."If a farmer is willing to vouch for these people... I think we're going to have to just say that's going to be good," he recently said at an event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds

Originally published on Latin Times
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has sustained a soft tissue injury to his chest during a roadshow in Arrah, with doctors confirming that there is no bone injury and his CT scan report is normal. Dr Kamran of Mediversal Hospital said that Kishor is expected to recover in a day or two with rest, ice packing, and medication. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Dr Kamran said, "He was standing at the door during a rally. The crowd swelled and collided with the door. The door hit him in the chest. He sustained a soft tissue injury. This is not a bone injury; the CT scan is totally normal. With rest, ice packing and some medicines, he will recover. He needs hardly a day or two of rest." Manoj Bharti, the working president of Jan Suraj Party, said that Kishor is completely healthy and just needs a little rest. "A public meeting for change was organised at Ramna Maidan in Ara. During a roadshow there, due to the crowd, he (Prashant Kishor) felt pain in his ribs after being pressed between the vehicle's door and the vehicle... Currently, he is resting at his home... It will take some time for him to recover... He is completely healthy. He just needs a little rest," Bharti said. According to the people present at the site of the incident, the poll strategist-turned-politician was trying to help a woman stuck in the heavy crowd at the roadshow, when Kishor was pushed against his car, with the door hitting him in the chest. The party also confirmed the incident in a post on X, "While accepting greetings from the crowd, Prashant Kishor got injured in his ribcage at the vehicle's gate. The situation is fine now." The road show showed Kishor being out of breath, and being made to sit down as people try to ascertain any injury to the Jan Suraaj founder. According to party leaders, it was just a minor setback for the party's founder, and he is now okay, with plans to continue attending party events set for July 19 (Saturday). The Jan Suraaj party's founder, along with other party leaders, has been gearing up to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, with the theme of bringing change in Bihar by ousting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Jan Suraaj, under the leadership of Prashant Kishor, has been carrying out 'Bihar Badlao' rally across the state. Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. While the NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, will once again seek to continue its stint in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, will aim to unseat Nitish Kumar. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc has a strength of 111 members with RJD leading with 77 MLAs, Congress-19, CPI(ML)-11, CPI(M)-2 and CPI-2. (ANI)
UNION COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Union police are searching for a man they said shot and killed another on Friday.

According to Union Public Safety Department, at around 7:30 p.m. Friday, Union police officers were called to the area of 100 West Henrietta Street for a reported gunshot.

At the scene officers found an unidentified male victim laying in an open field behind Pinckney Street. The victim was taken by EMS to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center where he later died.

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The victim was identified as Eric Johnson of Union. The Union County Coroners Office said an autopsy has been scheduled with Newberry Pathology Associates.

After speaking to witnesses and using video surveillance, investigators said they identified Charles Mark Young as a suspect in the killing.

Warrants have been issued for Young for murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. At this time, Young has not been arrested and police said he is considered armed and dangerous. Police are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to call 911.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Electric vehicles and their charging stations have been subject to vandalism, but it's not just cars; electric scooters are also being targeted, rendering them unusable.

"Saw this very depressing and looted scooter next to the Oculus (WTC) the other day," one person wrote on Reddit.

Photo Credit: Reddit

The depressing image showed an UberScoot complete with a seat locked up on a street in New York City. It was missing its battery.

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Without a battery, electric scooters cannot operate. Not only does the battery operate the electric motor that drives the scooter, but it also provides energy for lights, controls, and other electrical components.

"They make it too easy," one person replied in the comments.

The theft of scooters or their batteries is unfortunately more common than you might think. For example, the University of Southern California reported that in 2022 there was a 481% increase in the theft of scooters in the state. Ensuring that the scooters are secured properly with a lock before leaving them and removing the battery can help prevent this from happening.

Repeated reports of such incidents may prevent people from adopting more eco-friendly modes of travel, as electric scooters and their batteries can be expensive to replace. This goes for larger electric vehicles, too, as there has been an increase in vandalism of cars and charging infrastructure.

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However, the adoption of electric vehicles is necessary if we are to transition to a cleaner, fossil-fuel-free future that will prevent the further warming of the planet and provide healthier environments.

Electric vehicles are much better for the environment than traditional gas-powered ones. While we do need to harvest millions of tons of minerals for the clean energy transition, this is much less than the billions of tons of fossil fuels being dug up every year.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The human eye is a wondrous thing.

It is considered the bodys most complex organ after the brain and contains over 2 million working parts. About 80% of all learning happens through vision.

So how can we keep our eyes in tip-top condition? And what should we never do if we want them to stay as healthy as possible?

Thats what we  Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, the hosts of HuffPosts Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast  asked Dr. Amanda Redfern, an ophthalmologist and assistant professor at Oregon Health & Science Universitys Casey Eye Institute, when she recently dropped by our studio.

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[Sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes] is bad. Its real bad. Dont do it, Redfern told us, adding that this even applies to naps. Its like a game of Russian roulette.

Related: Doctors And Nurses Are Revealing The Health "Lies" They Wish More People Knew, And It's Eye-Opening

Ippei Naoi / Getty Images

Related: Surgeons Are Revealing Their Freakiest Moments On The Job, And Yeah...I Have Some New Fears Unlocked

Thats because you can get a corneal ulcer, which is an infection on part of the eye that a contact covers.

Its not going to happen every time, but when it happens, its terrible, Redfern said. It can be so bad you could, in really terrible cases, lose your eyeball.

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In less severe situations, Redfern said you could end up with a scar on your cornea.

If that scar is in the center of your vision, that could affect your vision permanently, unless you get a corneal transplant, she said.

Redfern also warned us not to engage in any activity that could cause lenses to become compromised or contaminated, including swimming in a pool or lake while wearing contacts or even showering with them.

The problem with contact lenses is that it will sandwich bacteria between the lens and your cornea, and you can get infected and then have all the complications we talked about, she said. In general, we frown upon anything where your eye is going to expose to something nonsterile.

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That includes using tap water to rinse or store lenses.

Carol Yepes / Getty Images

When asked what she would suggest if someone were on vacation and forgot to bring contact lens solution, pushing them to choose between sleeping while wearing contacts or using tap water to store them, Redfern refused to pick either choice.

Both of those are awful options, she said. Id rather you [throw the contacts out] and just walk around a little bit blurry for the weekend.

One thing Redfern does want us to do to keep our eyes healthy? Use eye protection more regularly.

I always wear eye protection if Im doing a house project where Im hammering, sawing  anything where something can fly at my eye, she said. Always wear eye protection, because I actually spend half my time seeing hospital consults and the trauma that you see is just crazy.

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If you end up getting something lodged in your eye, dont try to remove it yourself. Instead, tape a paper cup over your eye and immediately see a medical professional.

Pulling it out in an uncontrolled fashion [could cause] the inner contents of the eye to come out with it, Redfern said.

She also busted some myths about other activities that may be harmful or beneficial for the eyes (spoiler alert  reading in the dark isnt going to ruin your vision), why we get floaters (and when we should see a doctor about them), and lots more.

Listen to the full episode above or wherever you get your podcasts.

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And for more from Redfern, check out her Instagram page.

Need some help with something youve been doing wrong? Email us at AmIDoingItWrong@HuffPost.com, and we might investigate the topic in an upcoming episode.This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Also in Goodful: People Are Revealing The "Dead Giveaway" Signs That Someone Is A LOT Smarter Than They Let On

Also in Goodful: This Self-Awareness Test Will Tell You How Emotionally Intelligent You Really Are

Also in Goodful: "It's Killing Them": Doctors, Nurses, And Medical Professionals Are Sharing The "Harmless" Habits That, Well, Aren't So Harmless

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Did you hear the one where former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom were the leading candidates for the Democratic nomination for president in 2028?

Neither have I. Nor have any Democrats I speak with who concern themselves with real-world politics.

In a recent poll from a company called Echelon Insights  which describes itself as erasing old industry lines that separate the process of conducting research from the tools to act on it  Harris was leading the Democratic field with 26 percent of the primary vote, followed by Buttigieg at 11 percent, Newsom at 10 percent, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) at 7 percent and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) at 6 percent.

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I have spoken with numerous Democrats in or around the business of politics over the last few months. Not one believes that Harris will  or should be  the nominee. Similarly, none believe the other four names topping the poll will be the standard-bearer come November 2028.

As has been stated many times in the past, a good lawyer can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich. The same holds true for polling. Depending on where you poll and how you shade the questions, a poll can bolster the views and desires of one partisan entity over the other, be they Democrats or Republicans.

As for a recent glaring example of such polling flaws  purposeful or innocent  look no further than the truly laughable final Des Moines Register-Mediacom Iowa Poll of the 2024 election season conducted by Selzer and Co.

In a state Trump was heavily favored to win, the jaw-dropping poll showed Harris leading Trump 47 percent to 44 percent. Of course, Trump went on to crush Harris in Iowa by 13 points, meaning the poll was a whopping 16 points off.

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How, curious minds wondered, could a legitimate poll be that far off? Some, including Trump himself, openly speculated whether it had been a tactic to suppress the Republican vote in the state.

Trump was rightfully so bothered by the massive and mysterious failure of that poll that he decided to sue pollster J. Ann Selzer, her polling firm, the Des Moines Register newspaper and its parent company Gannett. Although the suit was later dropped, Selzer chose to retire from the polling business.

All that is to say that more and more people in the business put little stock in any of these polls.

Of course, at some point, some Democrat is going to emerge as the frontrunner and then the eventual nominee.

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After Trumps decisive victory in 2024, every Democrat I spoke with believed their party would learn from its mistakes and tone-deafness and move back toward the center  back toward once again listening to the voices of working-class and disenfranchised Americans.

Not only has the party not done so, but it has doubled and tripled down on woke and DEI rhetoric while still loudly pushing its main policy plank from 2024: We hate Trump.

Of course, the we hate Trump strategy did nothing to address the bread and butter issues upending the lives of working-class and disenfranchised Americans in 2024 and it is doing less for them now. And yet, rising voices such as Reps. Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) still invoke that strategy incessantly in egocentric attempts at gaining attention.

Here is a suggestion for Democratic-leaning polling companies. Why not poll the minority, poor and disenfranchised constituents in the districts represented by Ocasio-Cortez and Crockett? Why not ask which bread and butter emergencies either is fixing by appearing on show after show proclaiming their hatred of Trump? How has the leadership of Ocasio-Cortez and Crockett improved the real lives of those constituents?

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Most Americans want to see those bread and butter issues fixed. They dont live in entrenched and elite bubbles of entitlement. They exist in an often brutally tough world, in which many still must choose which necessity they will have to go without that month. They dont care if you hate Trump or not. They want to feed and protect their children.

And yet Democratic leaders still refuse to wrest control back from the far-left wing of their party.

Why? Are they truly that afraid and intimidated by what really does amount to a tiny percentage of their base?

In the meantime, the 2028 Republican Party bench could not be stronger.

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Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are all on the list. And guess what? Just as in 2024, all are laser-focused on the bread and butter issues that most affect the quality of life of working-class and disenfranchised Americans.

So who will be the Democratic nominee in 2028? As the internal battle for control of that party goes on, my money is still on none of the above.

Douglas MacKinnon is a former White House and Pentagon official.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On Thursday, Stephen Colbert announced that CBS has canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The Hollywood Reporter aptly described the decision to sunset the popular program in May 2026 as a shocker.

CBS, for its part, says that the decision to terminate the entire Late Show franchise  inaugurated 33 years ago by the iconic David Letterman  was purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. And indeed, though Colberts Late Show is the highest-rated late-night show, such shows are struggling to maintain revenue and market share. We live in a social media age in which people, especially The Youth, consume comedy (and reality) differently. The format perfected and popularized by old heads like Johnny Carson and Letterman just doesnt attract mass audiences who buy stuff anymore.

But although CBS insists the cancellation is not related in any way to the shows performance, content or other matters, many viewers (and even some lawmakers) have a different theory of the case.

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On Monday, a mustachioed Colbert roasted CBS parent company Paramount over its $16 million settlement with the Trump administration about the way the program 60 Minutes edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The host described this capitulation to what he termed a nuisance lawsuit as a big fat bribe. Why a bribe? Because Paramount is seeking FCC approval for its megamerger with the movie studio Skydance. That would be the same FCC beholden to the whims of one Donald J. Trump.

Colbert made that joke on Monday. On Wednesday, Colberts bosses informed him that the show was canceled. On Thursday he broke the news.

Understandably, then, many are wondering if the sudden dismissal of Colbert isnt just about the bottom line. Now factor in that Colbert has been roasting Trump for a long time. In fact, it could be argued that Colbert was quicker than most comedians to recognize the unique threats to liberal democracy presented by Trump and the MAGA movement. It could also be argued that Trump and the MAGA movement recognized the unique threats to their legitimacy and cultural hegemony presented by comedic critics who broadcast to massive audiences.

It didnt help CBS case when Trump truthed the following statement Friday: I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.

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While I think there is some merit to the network citing the bottom line, its difficult to look at Colberts sudden termination and think politics played no role. Besides, there is ample precedent for massive corporations compromising their commitment to comedic free speech in order to preserve and expand their markets. In 2018, on his Netflix show Patriot Act, Hasan Minhaj, excoriated Saudi Arabia and its crown prince for their role in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. After the Saudi government told Netflix the episode violated the kingdoms anti-cybercrime law, the company removed that specific episode in Saudi Arabia.

Netflixs ordeal reveals a symbiotic relationship of mutual accommodation, wrote professors Joe Khalil and Mohamed Zayani. The global streaming company, the communications scholars continue, gains access to subscribers/audiences in exchange for loosening expectations about upholding unfettered speech and supporting artistic freedom.

All of which is to say that would-be authoritarians have a clear playbook for dealing with those who mock them: 1) find a popular comedian with broad reach who lambastes you with especial venom and intelligence, 2) realize that most comedians are insanely brave (and, from the point of view of their physical safety, quite stupid) and cant be cowed into censoring themselves, 3) sue their bosses and/or threaten them with loss of markets, licenses, broadcast rights, etc., 4) remove the critical political comedian from the platform, potentially replacing them with entertainers who are friendlier to the regime.

The Late Show cancellation augurs ominously for the future of political comedy carried by mass media. Then again, comedy can exist outside of platforms provided by corporate conglomerates. Comedians can ply their wares at small clubs and make whatever jokes they see fit. Freedom of speech lives! Right?

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I hope so. But I must remind you that back in the 1960s, law enforcement monitored and raided the great Lenny Bruces shows across the country. The end of the Late Show threatens to push or shunt critical political comedy off the airwaves and back into the local clubs. Maybe jokes and expressive liberty will thrive there, unmolested by thin-skinned rulers. Or maybe we are about to see an assault on comedic free speech that we havent seen in more than half a century.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
There was a time when most Americans did not lock their doors at night. They knew their neighbors and trusted they were not in danger.

Then times changed. Burglars, kidnappers and killers persuaded some to lock their doors. Others simply lost touch with their communities as life moved online. Today, many Americans look back in disbelief at the casual attitude of past generations who routinely went to bed with their doors unlocked.

Privacy may be the next frontier for this cultural shift. The days when most people were comfortable listing their name, address and phone number in public directories might be coming to an end. The tragic shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at their homes marks a turning point.

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I have dealt with my share of violent threats in my career, but I was a U.S. senator and presidential candidate, and sadly that has been the norm for some time. But threats and acts of politically motivated violence are now affecting all levels of public officials, nonprofit leaders and even ordinary Americans who attend rallies or speak out on public issues.

Lawmakers are not powerless to address this danger. In fact, they bear some responsibility for the problem. Federal and state laws make it remarkably easy to uncover the home addresses of lawmakers, their families and their supporters. Campaign finance laws make donor addresses publicly available, even for those who give only a few hundred dollars. In some states, even nonprofit donors can be exposed and tracked.

These laws were introduced in the post-Watergate as part of a wave of transparency reforms. At that time, lawmakers sought to address fears of corruption by inviting the public to see how the sausage gets made in Washington. Cameras were brought into Congress. Campaign donations were publicly disclosed. New anti-corruption laws were passed.

Fifty years later, the record of these reforms is mixed at best. Few Americans believe our leaders are cleaner or more trustworthy today. Although people are still concerned about corruption in back rooms, its violence at their front doors that has their attention.

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Laws that made sense in the 1970s may be dangerously outdated in the internet age. In the Paper Age, it took real effort to chase down public records. A would-be harasser would have to travel to a government office and manually search through files, without the assistance of online indexes and sorting tools.

In the Digital Age, that same information is just a few clicks away. Almost instantly, anyone in the world can find the names, addresses, occupation information and donation histories of millions of American citizens.

Some officials have already addressed the risks. In 2024, the Federal Election Commission urged Congress to redact donors home addresses from public records.

If somebody made a contribution five years ago, their address is out there, and you never know what wack job is going to be there looking for them, explained Democratic Commissioner Dara Lindenbaum.

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In response to the attacks in Minnesota, states have joined the fray. Colorado took down its campaign finance database to give elected officials time to request redactions of their home addresses. Idaho and North Dakota removed legislators home addresses from their websites. Several other states have recently passed reforms to make it harder for bad actors to get their hands on this sensitive information.

A generation ago, these actions would have been condemned as anti-transparency. Today, they are common sense. No one should fear harm for entering public service or exercising their First Amendment rights. Violent political actors must not be allowed the power to silence speech through intimidation. Elected officials, as well as donors to campaigns and nonprofit causes, deserve protection.

Rick Santorum, a former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, is a board member of People United for Privacy 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 The Hill.
With the final elimination of public funding for National Public Radio as part of a $9 billion savings package, the era of the American state media will technically come to an end. However, what makes for state media is not state support alone.

So, the state media is dead  long live the state media.

That variation of the traditional mourning cry of the British monarchy will be heard more in whispers than proclamations this week in Washington.

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The government subsidy for NPR has long been a subject of controversy. Many opposed NPR for its open bias in reporting news, a record that thrilled the left and outraged many on the right. Just before the final vote, NPR CEO Katherine Maher gave another interview that left many agape. She denied any such bias and asked whether anyone could point to a single story that showed a political or ideological slant.

Ignoring a myriad of such examples, Maher then went from defiant to delusional, insisting that NPR was trying hard to understand those criticisms.

It was a bit late for Maher to feign surprise or confusion, particularly as a CEO whose selection to take over the struggling NPR many of us opposed. Her glaring and overt bias did not seem like the antidote to NPRs shrinking audience and revenue. The board would have done better to select a neutral journalist. Instead, it doubled down on the bias.

In 2024, NPR had a window to actually understand the criticism and make adjustments. Instead, it treated the government subsidy as an entitlement, backed by Democratic members in Congress. The board would have done better to select a neutral journalist. Instead, it doubled down, hiring a candidate with a long record of far-left public statements against Republicans, Trump, and others.

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This is the same CEO who attacked respected senior editor Uri Berliner when he tried to get NPR to address its bias and restore greater balance on the staff. Berliner noted that NPRs Washington headquarters has 87 registered Democrats among its editors and zero Republicans.

Maher slammed the award-winning Berliner for his affront to the individual journalists who work incredibly hard. She called his criticism profoundly disrespectful, hurtful, and demeaning.

Berliner resigned after noting how Mahers divisive views confirm the very problems at NPR that he had been pointing out.

But I have argued that NPRs well-established bias and publication of baseless conspiracy theories are not the real reasons for taking away its federal funding. The truth is, NPR represented an embrace of a state media model used in other countries that Americans thoroughly reject.

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Maher bizarrely tried to rally support for government funding by insisting that we must keep the government out of the media. Congress just did precisely that by clawing back NPRs funding.

The government has occasionally supported the media, but generally to benefit all media outlets. For example, in 1791, Madison declared that Congress had an obligation to improve the circulation of newspapers through the entire body of the people and sponsored the Post Office Act of 1791, giving newspapers reduced postage rates.

Notably, those same Democrats in Congress who decried the reduction of funding for NPR would have revolted over funding for more successful radio outlets, such as Fox Radio. Indeed, some of the same members had previously pushed cable carriers to consider dropping Fox News, the most popular cable news channel.

What Congress did with NPR was wrong. Liberals and Democrats fought to protect the funding even though NPRs shrinking audience is now overwhelmingly white, affluent, and liberal.

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However, the end of government subsidies will not necessarily mean the end of an effective state media. As I noted in my book The Indispensable Right, we have seen how the media can create the same effect as state media by consent rather than coercion.

For years, media outlets have echoed the same party line, including burying negative stories and repeating debunked stories. Actual readers and listeners abandoned the mainstream media in droves. Lets Go Brandon became a national mantra mocking journalists for their inability even to see and hear if the sights and sounds dont fit their preconceived narratives.

Just as Maher has expressed utter confusion on how anyone could view NPR as biased, these editors and journalists will cling to the same advocacy journalism, rejecting the principles of objectivity and neutrality.

However, there is still one hope for restoring traditional journalism: the market.

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Now that NPR is off the public dole, it will have to compete fairly with other radio outlets for audiences and revenue. It is free to alienate most listeners who have center-right viewpoints, but it will have to sustain itself on a smaller share of the market.

Other outlets are facing the same dire choice. Recently, the Post encouraged writers and editors to leave if they were unwilling to get on board with a new direction at the newspaper.

Previously, Washington Post publisher and CEO Will Lewis had told his writers that the newspaper was experiencing massive losses in readers and revenues because no one is reading your stuff. It triggered a revolt on the staff, which would have rather run the paper into insolvency than return to objectivity and neutrality.

The same preference was seen with the cancellation of Stephen Colberts late-night show. What had been David Lettermans formidable program had become a shrill echo chamber for the far left as Colbert engaged in nightly and mostly unfunny diatribes against Trump and Republicans. As its ratings and revenues fell, Colbert was unmoved. At the same time, Foxs Greg Gutfeld continued to crush the competition as viewers abandoned CBS and other broadcast networks.

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The years second-quarter ratings showed Fox Newss Gutfeld! drawing an average of three million viewers. Gutfelds more conservative takes on news remain unique among these late-night shows.

In comparison, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert came in second last quarter with an average 2.42 million viewers, despite being a far more costly program. As liberals expressed outrage over the cancellation and alleged that CBSs owner, Paramount, was seeking to garner favor with the Trump administration, even CNN admitted that the show under Colbert had become unfortunately unprofitable. A new report indicates that Colberts show was losing $40 million a year.

Paramount issued a statement insisting that Colberts cancelation was not related in any way to the shows performance. Perhaps, but media companies are hardly in the habit of cancelling profitable, popular programming.

Ultimately, the market is correcting what the media would not. Roughly half of this country is center-right, and 77 million people voted for Trump. They are turning to social media and new media rather than remain a captive audience to a biased legacy media committed to advocacy journalism.

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As media outlets fail, there may also be more pressure on journalism schools to return to core principles rather than crank out social justice warriors no one wants to read or hear from.

In the meantime, Maher and NPR can continue to stay the course and try to make up in pledge drives what they lost in public subsidies. However, the whole thing will now have to pay for itself without passing along costs to the rest of the non-listening country.

Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro professor of public interest law at George Washington University and the author of The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
It was the turn of the millennium, and the schools in North Carolina's Wake County had a problem.

Like many other school systems in the South that started desegregation efforts in the 1970s, they had long bused students from their neighborhoods to schools around Raleigh, the state capital.

Race-based busing was unpopular. But the county remained stubbornly segregated by neighborhood, so ending the system entirely would have meant a return to unequal schools.

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The solution was simple: use class instead of race. Wake County began assigning students to ensure that no school had more than 40% of students coming from a low-income neighborhood or more than 25% of students studying below grade level.

The innovation led to national news coverage, with The New York Times hailing it as "the next kind of integration." What's more, it worked. A 2021 study by scholars from the University of North Carolina School of Education found that reassigned students had higher math scores and were less likely to be suspended. There was no evidence of negative effects, which was reinforced by the fact that few parents opted out of the assignments, even though they had the choice.

When I lived in Raleigh from 2003 to 2008, it seemed like Wake County's system pointed a way forward, and not just for K-12 schools. The Supreme Court had already begun questioning strictly race-based affirmative action, striking down an undergraduate admissions policy at Columbia University in 2003 while narrowly upholding a separate admissions policy for its law school.

Class-based affirmative action would not only address the continuing effects of slavery and segregation, but also give a boost to other students facing economic struggles. It seemed like a solution that both liberals and conservatives could agree on, bypassing contentious arguments about race in order to focus on helping make America the land of opportunity that it always claims to be.

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But in 2010, the Wake County school board overturned the income-based program amid conservative opposition. The school system now uses a hybrid model that assigns students to neighborhood schools while using special-interest magnet schools to draw them to other parts of the county. By emphasizing parental choice, the new system has ruffled fewer feathers.

At the time, I found it odd that the county's professional conservatives  many of whom I knew personally from covering state politics  expended so much energy to fight the program. Sure, there were some parents who were unhappy, but nothing like the groundswell that would justify the amount of organizing around it. But a recent letter from America First Legal Foundation, a conservative advocacy group started in 2021 by Trump adviser Stephen Miller, finally gave me an answer.

The foundation opposes affirmative action, running ads accusing the Biden administration of "anti-white bigotry" and representing white farmers opposing a loan program for minorities. The July 17 letter requests that the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division investigate the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for anti-white discrimination.

Among the expected complaints about programs to encourage diversity, there's one targeting a tuition policy started in 2024 thanks to a $1 billion donation from a charity started by billionaire Mike Bloomberg. Under the program, students coming from families earning less than $300,000 a year pay no tuition, and those whose families make less than $175,000 get help with room and board too. Nearly two-thirds of enrolled students meet those standards.

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As far as class-based affirmative action goes, this is quite generous; it covers both lower-income and middle-class families. But the group objects because the dean once said it would enhance "socioeconomic diversity."

It's worth reading America First Legal's argument in full:

It is well recognized that race and ethnicity are inseparable from socioeconomic status. They are 'intimately intertwined' and, in terms of stratification, often determine a person's socioeconomic status. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, wealth and income gaps vary significantly between racial groups, with Black and Hispanic households possessing a fraction of the wealth held by White and Asian households. By leveraging these disparities, Johns Hopkins masks racial preferences behind income thresholds.

In short, the group claims, Johns Hopkins is trying to help poor and middle-class students of all races, but since that would help Black and Hispanic students more, it's racist.

This logic is toxic. It would mean the government not only doesn't have an obligation to fight poverty, but is actually barred from even trying by civil rights laws. The only race-neutral option, it appears, would be helping maintain the status quo  at all costs.

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Its tempting to think of Millers group as an outlier, but it may be more of an advance guard, like the conservatives I knew who fought so hard against Wake Countys schools policy. Because if you agree with this, by extension you would also want to raise taxes on the poor and reduce them on the rich, make it harder for lower-income and middle-class students to go to college and add barriers to immigration from countries in Central and South America while creating new ways for rich Europeans to move to the U.S. And in fact, the Trump administration has done all those things.

Today, America First Legal's letter is an egregious request from a far-right advocacy group. Tomorrow, it may be government policy.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Christians in Nigeria are becoming modern-day martyrs. People of faith must raise our voices to respond to their plight.

I read the account of the horrific terror attack on June 13, where over 200 Christians were slaughtered in Yewalta, Nigeria, while I was taking a break at the local pool with my youngest son. According to one report, the corpse of a boy, around 6 or 7 years old, lay flat on his back, his eyes wide open, his shirt covered in blood. His killer had left a giant gash across his face and head. His left hand was hanging loose at the joint; his right hand was severed completely. My son is not that much older than the boy described in the photograph.

I was shaken to my core. Im unsure whether the mother of the young martyr escaped the attackers. If she is among the few survivors, she will need to draw deeply on her faith in order to believe in a loving God in heaven caring for the son she had lost.

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Yewalta is just one recent example of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Sixty-eight Christians were murdered in Fulani raids two weeks earlier. One of the attacks was on the hometown of Catholic Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi, who had recently testified before the U.S. Congress about atrocities in his diocese. Over 170 Christians in Nigerias Middle Belt were killed earlier this year during Lent and Holy Week. Last week, three young Catholic seminarians were kidnapped at gunpoint in their seminary, more evidence of the growing targeted assaults on priests and seminarians.

Open Doors, the Christian relief agency, includes Nigeria among the worst affected countries in its World Watch List, reporting that in 2024 over 3,000 Christians were killed there and more than 2,000 were kidnapped. Also, staggeringly large numbers of Christians in Nigeria have been driven from their homes by violence and conflict and are now live in displacement camps.

Pope Leo XIV, who visited Nigeria several times as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, prayed for the victims of the terrible massacre in Yewalta the following Sunday during his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peters Square. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops similarly called for prayers for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who are suffering violent religious conflict during Religious Freedom Week celebrated last month. Christian relief organizations are responding to the grave humanitarian crisis that is unfolding.

World leaders must follow suit. Having vowed to rid anti-Christian bias from the U.S. federal government, President Trump and his administration are perfectly poised to take the lead.

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The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, empowers the president to annually review the status of religious freedom in every country in the world and designate each country the government of which has engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom as countries of particular concern.

This determination has been delegated by the president to the secretary of State. While Nigeria was last listed as a country of particular concern for its affronts to religious freedom in 2020, it was bizarrely dropped from the list by the Biden administration in 2021. Bidens State Department blamed climate change for the increasingly violent attacks against Christians by militants among the Fulani Muslim nomadic herders.

Congress should take action on the proposed resolution issued back in March by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa chair, calling for Nigeria to be designated and sanctioned as a country of particular concern.

In the aftermath of the Yewalta massacre, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent, bipartisan commission that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad, similarly renewed its call for the Department of State to designate Nigeria a country of particular concern, citing its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.

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Speeding up the confirmation of former-Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) as President Trumps ambassador at large for International Religious Freedom will help Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a long-time advocate for international religious freedom, guarantee that diplomatic relations with Nigeria are better informed by reality.

Terror-stricken Nigerian Christians deserve our attention and more. Given the uptick in numbers and the increasing barbarism of recent killings, I fear that that a mere designation is not enough. Maybe there is a better label for whats happening to Christians in Nigeria: genocide.

Genocide has been declared in at least six other situations: Bosnia (1993); Rwanda (1994); Iraq (1995); Darfur (2004); against Yazidis, Christians and Muslims in areas of the Middle East under the control of the Islamic State (2016 and 2017); against the Uyghur in the Xinjiang region of China (2021); and Sudan (2025). More recent declarations include instances where non-state actors targeted victims because of their religious identity  which is what is happening in Nigeria.

Although there are no specific or immediate required consequences that follow a declaration of genocide, it does carry moral weight. An acknowledgment that the violence against Christians in Nigeria has reached the level of genocide could inspire a global response of humanitarian aid, economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation and even intervention by the UN Security Council, not to mention action by the International Criminal Court to prosecute individuals and regimes responsible.

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The awful, inescapable truth is that in Nigeria, Christians are being relentlessly persecuted, kidnapped, tortured and killed for their faith. They have confidence in what Jesus promised in His Sermon on the Mount to those who are persecuted on account of their faith  your reward will be great in heaven. If we remain silent to their plight, I shudder to think of what we merit.

Andrea Picciotti-Bayer is director of the Conscience Project.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By the time President Donald Trump told Kristen Welker on Meet the Press in May that he would not rule out using military force to annex Greenland, I was pretty sure that Id been had. He first outraged me with his Greenland plan six years ago and has brought it up at intervals ever since, periodically stirring up the Danish prime minister and domestic critics by, for example, posting an image of the Trump Tower Las Vegas photoshopped into a frozen village. I dont say Im going to do it, but I dont rule out anything, he told Welker, inadvertently describing his whole approach to political communication as a practice of toying with the general American electorate, if not specifically me.

At this point I can admit he played me on Greenland, although even now I hesitate to say so in print. For all I know he could invade tomorrow, and in this regard, he plays me still. In defense of those of us who were fooled, though, Trump has spent the last decade training us to accept remarks more outlandish than that. Whatever else might be said of him, he has solved the problem of public speaking, in roughly the same way Woolly Bully solved the problem of song lyrics: by saying all sorts of things but meaning very little.

If American politicians have historically spoken in ways that seem wooden or uncandid, it is because their speech is at once necessary and dangerous. One cannot seek office without addressing the people, but to address the people is to invite disaster. Known gaffe machine Joe Biden confronted this hazard throughout his career, transcending it by misspeaking so often that misspeaking became part of his personal brand  a strategy that worked right up until it didnt in the first debate of the 2024 election. Other national figures have kept their microphone time brief and anodyne, speaking only when necessary and avoiding firm language when they do.



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Our president has taken the opposite approach. From the moment he descended the escalator at Trump Tower to announce his candidacy and wound up calling Mexican immigrants rapists, he established a pattern of calumny, hyperbole, name-calling, speculation and nonsense that made it clear nothing he said could be taken at face value, except the stuff he meant. Identifying that stuff amid his spray of unserious remarks requires a knowledge of his mental state that no one else has. Its impossible to know when Trump is joking, when hes off on a rant and when he might actually mean what he says.

His weaponization of this just-saying-stuff strategy is Trumps major contribution to electoral politics. At this point in his improbably long career as a guy who either is or could be president, he has opened up space to lie, reverse course or simply screw up in ways no previous American leader has managed, freeing himself from nearly all consequences for his own speech. This freedom is not just negative. Trumps commitment to loose talk has given him unprecedented leeway to act on his words without criticism or debate, before people have even decided whether hes serious.

Trumps unserious remarks run the gamut of rhetorical modes. He is probably the most sarcastic president in history. He speculates into microphones and cameras with no particular concern for facts, rants to visiting dignitaries and stadium crowds alike and routinely issues threats he never follows through on, interspersing them with public acts of revenge. Does he contradict himself? Reader, he contains multitudes, though none of it seems to stay contained for long. His recent about-face on Jeffrey Epstein reflects his willingness to weigh in on controversial issues with no firm commitment to his own position: In 2019, Trump demanded a full investigation of the financiers death and purported client list, but now he frames questions about them as a conspiracy concocted by Democrats.

The confused, exhausted state in which we find ourselves after 10 years of continuously trying to guess when Trump means what he is saying feels, two presidencies in, like a chronic neurological condition. It began in 2015, with the problem of when and how to say that he was joking.

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Trump does sometimes just joke. Hes going to be fantastic. Hes going to bring home the bacon, he said while signing an order to make Mike Huckabee ambassador to Israel. Even though bacon isnt too big in Israel. This remark was a down-the-middle jest, and anyone who tried to make a scandal of it would embarrass themselves  a trap Democrats repeatedly fell into in the early years of Trumps political career.

In significant part, the experience of spending the last 10 years watching Trump run for president, be president or monetize his past presidency has been the experience of watching other people make the mistake of taking his frivolous remarks at face value. Feeling superior to such people is basically the core of his appeal, if your taxable income is less than $400,000 a year. Trumps ability to consistently deliver proof that people widely regarded as smart didnt get it was his main advantage during the 2016 election, when his irresponsible, hateful or simply dishonest statements became occasions for him and his supporters to look authentic compared to a stodgy and pretentious establishment.

From there, the problem of how to interpret Trump only became more vexing, particularly for those outside his base. The growing national realization that Trump should be taken seriously but not literally, as journalist Salena Zito put it in 2016, laid the groundwork for a second kind of experience, in which the president says something most observers assume is a joke that turns out to be sincere. His talk of mass deportations, for example, seemed like mere rhetoric for several years (deportations during the first Trump administration did not exceed levels under President Barack Obama) and then abruptly became real during his second term, when social media was flooded with videos of masked ICE agents pulling people into unmarked vans.

Knowing that this kind of thing can happen keeps the first-order Trump experience  that of mistaking his loose talk for genuine policy proposals  maddeningly fresh. His plan to take control of Gaza, expel its Palestinian population and redevelop the area as a resort property appeared to be one such surprise-I-meant-it statement, at least for a while. No one thought his idea for a real-estate deal based on ethnic cleansing was serious, and then we experienced a few days of queasy reevaluation when he was posting videos about it and treating it as an actual plan. Then he never talked about it again.



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The Gaza Riviera situation provided a test case for another disorienting experience, in which Trump himself seems not to have made up his mind, implying he is caught in the same will-he-or-wont-he uncertainty he regularly inflicts on the rest of us.

Earlier this year, we got this third variety of Trump speech experience in his promise to enact massive tariffs on nearly every other country. It sounded like the usual bluster at first, but then he was actually doing it, to the panic of financial markets and neoliberal economists. Some of those tariff threats have since been walked back; others have been redoubled, while a 30-percent tax on goods from China has already gone into effect  a series of false starts and surprise follow-throughs that have made it impossible for investors to guess what conditions might apply to international trade in the future. Perhaps these reversals were a clever ploy to bring complacent partners to the negotiating table, or perhaps Trump genuinely wasnt sure about his own trade policy. Only he knows for sure.

It is worth noting that this process of saying it, walking it back and then actually doing it materially benefited the president, in that it likely discouraged members of Congress and other interested parties from mounting a legal challenge to his authority to impose tariffs in the first place. After Israel attacked Iran, Trumps announcement that he would take two weeks to decide how to respond worked in a similar way: Debate over an issue with the potential to split his coalition was forestalled while he (perhaps really, perhaps only ostensibly) waited to make up his mind, and then he acted suddenly, before intra-Republican conflict had a chance to begin in earnest.

I call attention to this phenomenon because I want to rule out the theory that Trump has some kind of personality disorder that prevents him from knowing when he means something and when he doesnt. A wise clinician once told me that its not a disability if it works to your advantage. While I believe that, like Royal Tenenbaum, the president occasionally says something and then realizes it was true, he generally knows when he is lying, joking, bluffing or riffing to see what sticks, as well as when he is speaking sincerely and when he is giving the impression of one but actually doing the other. And his awareness creates an information asymmetry that works to his advantage.

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This advantage should be familiar to anyone who has ever been in a bad relationship with someone who was quote-unquote funny. The husband who calls his wife fat and then complains she cant take a joke is an archetypal instance of this phenomenon. By framing his remarks as a joke, he creates space to say mean things without having to take responsibility for them. If he said sincerely, I want you to lose weight, he would open the floor to his wifes critique of his own appearance, a conversation over which he might rapidly lose control. By making jokes that are exaggerated versions of what he actually means, he enjoys the advantages of hassling his wife about her weight while avoiding the costs, or at least deferring them. Eventually she will leave or install Tinder, but until then he can evade the consequences of mistreating her by insisting he was only kidding.

The recently popular TACO acronym can be read as one misguided attempt to cope with the psychological fallout of this dynamic. The claim that Trump Always Chickens Out, which started as an investment strategy and became a taunt, is seductive but reflects a longing for certainty that is simply not available. Its no good to assume that nothing the president says will actually happen, because historically some of it has. The false sense of wisdom TACO encourages might simply be the next phase of our training.

Trump has long made his plans for the presidency a kind of state secret. During his third campaign, he told a town hall in Iowa that he wouldnt be a dictator, other than day one. CNN uploaded its video segment on this remark to YouTube with the title Donald Trump jokes about acting like a dictator. Six months into his second term, he has ignored court orders to return residents deported to foreign prisons and remarked that homegrown criminals are next.

Now his last election is behind him, maybe. On March 30 he told NBC News he might seek a third term, then told Meet the Press five weeks later that he wouldnt. Americans who may want to act on or at least think seriously about this information are faced with the daunting task of determining in which case, if either, he was just talking. It is the kind of thing he says, after all. Whether it is the kind of thing he means is beyond what any of us could pretend to know.
Former Fighter Pilot at Indian Air Force Captain Sharath Panicker has criticised the Wall Street Journal's report on the Air India AI 171 crash, saying the publication lacks the locus standi to report on the incident without authorisation from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Captain Panicker highlighted that a narrative is being built using details not officially released. "There seems to be a narrative that is being built out here, first by the reporter who reported this 2 days before, then later on picked up by the Wall Street Journal, which reported two days later, a similar-looking narrative. Now, the third instance of the Wall Street Journal again on the 17th of this month has gone into further details. I believe none of this should have been available to them," he said. "In any case, I do not think they have the locus standi to be able to carry out such reports without the authorisation of the official Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, who have the full authority to investigate this accident," he added. Following the Wall Street Journal report on the Air India AI171 crash, aviation expert Sanjay Lazar on Thursday expressed concern over the leak of investigation details in the United States. He pointed out that while the American report claims the flight commander may have switched off the fuel controls, India's official preliminary report only contains a short pilot denial and lacks the full cockpit voice recorder transcript. Lazar questioned why the full cockpit voice recorder (CVR) transcript was not included in the preliminary report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and stated that it is worrying that a foreign media outlet appears to have more information than the Indian authorities or the public. As per Reuters, The Wall Street Journal report cited people familiar with US officials' early assessment of evidence uncovered in the investigation into the crash, which killed 260 people. The recording suggested that the first officer, who was flying the Boeing aircraft, opened the new tab 787 Dreamliner, asked the other captain, who was more experienced, why he moved the switches to the "cutoff" position after it climbed off the runway, the report said. The first officer expressed surprise and then panicked, while the captain seemed to remain calm, Reuters reported, citing WSJ. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Boeing and Air India have not yet responded to the report. The two pilots involved were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, who had total flying experience of 15,638 hours and 3,403 hours, respectively. A preliminary report released last week by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before the June 12 crash, and raised fresh questions over the position of the critical engine fuel cutoff switches. (ANI)
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Organizations that put food on the table for thousands in Connecticut are now trying to determine their next steps as they prepare for significant funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.

The program provides food to low-income families, but it may soon serve fewer people.

Federal funding cuts hit as food insecurity rises in Connecticut

On Friday, Connecticut state leaders, including Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, met with representatives from various Connecticut food distribution organizations to discuss the challenges posed by the funding cuts.

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According to ABC News, the cuts to SNAP could affect nearly 40 million recipients in the United States.

I think theres every reason to be fearful, DeLauro said. This is a moment to stand up, fight back, and say this is unacceptable. We are not going to take food out of the mouths of children and adults.

IRIS food pantry to keep doors open thanks to new partnership

Make no mistake, people will be left behind because of this bill, added Scanlon.

Now that the bill has been signed into law, state leaders say they will work to figure out how to fill the gap and ensure no families go without food.

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Thirty percent of the food we distribute comes from the federal government, and in the last four months, weve had 35 trailer loads of food canceled, Jason Jakubowski of Connecticut Foodshare said. Thats the equivalent of about $1.7 million.

The Trump administration says the cuts to SNAP are necessary to target waste, fraud and abuse. The administration also describes the move as a cost-saving measure, removing hundreds of billions of dollars from the program over the next decade.

They cut Medicaid, they cut food programs and its all to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest and the biggest corporations, DeLauro said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has a plan to get inmates to court on weekends and holidays.

The plan was made in order to comply with a judges order, after the judge held her in contempt of court for not having done that.

Boudreaux Canal Bridge to reopen in Terrebonne Parish

In a statement, the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office claims that its an extreme measure which includes: reassessing deployments of deputies, asking deputies to volunteer for overtime outside of the 50 hours a week they currently work and demanding that employees currently working 50-hour weeks cover an additional shift for weekend court.

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Hutson is scheduled to be sentenced on the contempt charge in August.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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Jul. 19ST. PAUL  Once again in 2025, young people will be able to hunt deer with an adult in a number of Minnesota state parks during several application-only special youth deer hunts, the Department of Natural Resources said in a news release. These hunts offer more individualized experiences in unique places, and often on different dates than the statewide youth deer season.

"The special youth deer hunts create positive experiences and also help state parks manage their deer populations," Paul Burr, acting big game program coordinator with the Minnesota DNR, said in a statement. "Youth who apply can explore new places to hunt in state parks with great opportunities to see and harvest deer and make great hunting memories."

The special firearms hunts are for youth who are ages 12 to 15 at the time of the hunt and are accompanied by an adult. Hunters can apply for a limited number of permits through Friday, Aug. 15.

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In northwest Minnesota, hunts are available Oct. 16-19 at Lake Bemidji State Park, Oct. 17-19 at Zippel Bay State Park in Lake of the Woods County and Oct. 25-26 at Lake Bronson State Park in Kittson County.

Young hunters can also participate in special youth archery opportunities. Sand Prairie Wildlife Management Area in Sherburne County is open only to youth archery hunters ages 10 to 17 during the regular archery season. Camp Ripley in Morrison County offers a special youth archery hunt for ages 12 to 17.

Special youth deer hunts are different from the statewide youth deer season, which takes place Oct. 16-19 and does not require an application. More information on special hunts is available on the

DNR website

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at mndnr.gov/specialdeerhunts. For more information on the Camp Ripley youth archery hunt, contact Jan Ekert, Minnesota State Archery Association, at jancrs1@gmail.com or (320) 339-9927.

In most instances, hunters may only possess and use nontoxic ammunition when participating in a special firearms hunt in a Minnesota state park. However, nontoxic ammunition requirements do not apply to special youth hunts in the shotgun-use area if hunters remove all parts of harvested deer from the field, including the entrails, the DNR said.

Where nontoxic ammunition is required, bullets, slugs, muzzleloader ammunition and other single projectiles must be made entirely of nontoxic material approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For deer hunting, that typically means copper ammunition.

More details about nontoxic ammunition can be found on the

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DNR website

at mndnr.gov/specialdeerhunts.

ST. PAUL  This year's session of the Minnesota Legislature brought several changes that will impact deer and deer hunting in the state moving forward, the DNR said in a news release. Lawmakers allocated funding to support wildlife health research, including work on chronic wasting disease and neonicotinoids, as well as to expand outdoor education programs and outreach on ethical hunting.

In addition, three key hunting-related changes were passed:

* Discounted licenses for disabled veterans: Starting March 1, 2027, resident disabled veterans with a 50% to 99% service-related disability will be eligible for reduced hunting and fishing licenses of $5.

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* Crossbow use extended: The statute allowing all hunters to use crossbows during the archery season has been extended through June 30, 2026.

* Shotgun-only zone repeal: The shotgun-only hunting zone will be repealed effective Jan. 1, 2026. However, counties within the current shotgun zone will still have the authority to restrict firearm use following public hearings. The shotgun zone will remain in place for the 2025 deer season, the DNR said.

ROSEAU, Minn.  The 27-mile Wildlife Drive within the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area in northwest Minnesota will not open as planned this month, the DNR said in a news release. The DNR had planned to open the Wildlife Drive from Saturday, July 19, through Sunday, July 27, with weekend openings Aug. 2-3 and Aug. 9-10, but had to cancel the planned opening after discovering damages to a key dike on the route. While the Wildlife Drive will remain closed to vehicles, bicycle and foot traffic is welcome and encouraged, the DNR said.

Roseau River WMA is 20 miles northwest of Roseau.

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Updates about reopening the Wildlife Drive will be available on the

Roseau River WMA webpage

at

mndnr.gov

(type "Roseau River WMA" in the search window), emailing roseauriver.wildlife@state.mn.us, calling (218) 452-7610, or stopping by the Roseau River WMA office, 27952 400th St., Roseau, MN 56751. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The quarterly newsletter of the Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society included an encouraging report from the society's annual meeting, which was held in late April in Detroit Lakes.

Since 2015,

the MPCS has partnered with Pheasants Forever

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to tap into grant funding from the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to purchase grassland habitat in prairie chicken range.

The Council oversees the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created by a constitutional amendment Minnesota voters passed in 2008 to dedicate a three-eighths of 1% sales tax increase to clean water, wildlife, parks and the arts.

There've been even more purchases since the Prairie Chicken Society's April meeting. As of early July, the MPCS-PF partnership has resulted in securing $19 million to acquire 5,894 acres of land in Minnesota prairie chicken range, Jacob Granfors, Minnesota public lands manager for Pheasants Forever, said in an email to the Herald. A third purchase is in the process of closing, Granfors says, and isn't included in the partnership tally.

The acquired lands to date consist of 21 properties, Granfors said  11 state wildlife management areas and 10 federal waterfowl production areas.

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For more information on the Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society or to become a member, check out the conservation group's website at

prairiechickens.org

. More information on Pheasants Forever is available at

www.pheasantsforever.org.

ST. PAUL  The DNR has begun the second year of a three-year trail camera research project in northeast Minnesota to gather additional data on deer populations. In a news release, the DNR said it needs to conduct the study over multiple years to investigate population trends and track the overall population. The DNR has placed cameras on public and private lands to gather additional deer density data in deer permit areas 169, 176, 177, 178, 197 and 679 in portions of Cass, Beltrami, Itasca, Hubbard and St. Louis counties.

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Traditional deer population modeling relies heavily on hunter harvest data. This project will provide additional data to increase confidence in making harvest decisions in the study area, the DNR said.

In the news release, the DNR said it deployed 35 cameras last year between publicly owned lands (20 cameras) and privately owned (15 cameras) throughout deer permit areas 169, 176, 177, 178, 197 and 679 in portions of Cass, Beltrami, Itasca, Hubbard and St. Louis counties. Researchers observed 393 white-tailed deer detections: 20 male, 143 female, 71 fawns and 159 unknown.

ST. PAUL  It's that time of year when the DNR receives a lot of calls about dead wildlife.

In a news release, the DNR said it does not have the staffing capacity to offer wildlife removal services.

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If someone has an unwanted dead animal in their yard, the DNR offers two options:

* Remove it yourself. The DNR recommends wearing disposable gloves, double-bagging the animal and placing it in the trash.

* Hire a wildlife control operator to remove the carcass for you. There are several companies available to contact online.

Unless there is evidence that the animal was illegally taken or someone wants a possession tag to keep the animal, there's no need to call DNR staff ahead of taking action.

Some natural mortality is to be expected, but if you see five or more dead animals in the same place around the same time, that could be a sign of a disease outbreak or other causes. In that case, people should give their local DNR area wildlife office a call to make a report. A listing of wildlife offices is available at

mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/index.html.

* The 2025 Minnesota Hunting Regulations will be available online the week of Aug. 1, the DNR said. Hunters should check back on the DNR deer hunting page to get the details they need for deer seasons.

* The antlerless lottery deadline is Thursday, Sept. 4, for permit areas where antlerless tags are limited and only available by lottery, the DNR said in a news release. All hunters who purchase a firearms or muzzleloader license, and declare an antlerless permit lottery area by Sept. 4, will be automatically entered into the lottery for an antlerless permit. Sept. 4 is also the deadline for adults to apply for special hunts.

* Do you or someone you know need to take a firearms safety course? Sign up as soon as you can, because these classes fill quickly, the DNR said. Certification requirements for youth and adults 16 and older are available on the DNR website.

* An average white-tailed deer can consume up to 6% to 8% of its body weight worth of forage daily, the DNR said. For a comparison, the average person in the U.S. will consume about 4 pounds of food daily, which comes up to a little over 2% of their body weight.

Compiled from DNR news releases.
DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli troops opened fire Saturday toward crowds of Palestinians seeking food from distribution hubs run by a U.S.- and Israeli-backed group in southern Gaza, killing at least 32 people, according to witnesses and hospital officials.

The shootings occurred near hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which launched operations in May. The U.S. and Israel seek to replace the traditional U.N.-led aid distribution system in Gaza, asserting that Hamas militants siphon off supplies. The U.N. denies the allegation.

While GHF says it has distributed millions of meals to hungry Palestinians, local health officials and witnesses say Israeli army fire has killed hundreds of people as they try to reach the hubs. GHFs four sites are in military-controlled zones.

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Israel's army, which isn't at the sites but secures them from a distance, said Saturday that it fired warning shots near Gazas southernmost city of Rafah, after a group of suspects approached troops and ignored calls to keep their distance. It said the incident occurred overnight when the distribution site was closed.

GHF said that there were no incidents at or near its sites and added, we have repeatedly warned aid seekers not to travel to our sites overnight and early morning hours."

Witnesses allege indiscriminate fire

Most of Saturdays deaths occurred as Palestinians massed around 3 kilometers (2 miles) from a GHF aid distribution center near the southern city of Khan Younis.

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Mahmoud Mokeimar said that he was walking with masses of people, mostly young men, toward the hub. Troops fired warning shots, and then opened fire.

The occupation opened fire at us indiscriminately, he said. He said that he saw at least three motionless bodies on the ground and many wounded people fleeing.

Akram Aker, another witness, said that troops fired machine guns mounted on tanks and drones between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.

They encircled us and started firing directly at us, Aker said. He said he saw many casualties on the ground.

Sanaa al-Jaberi said that there was shooting after the site opened as people seeking aid broke into a run.

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Is this food or death? Why? They dont talk with us, they only shoot us, she said, and showed off her empty bag.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said that it received 25 bodies. Seven other people, including one woman, were killed in the Shakoush area, hundreds of meters or yards north of another GHF hub in Rafah, the hospital said.

Dr. Mohamed Saker, the head of Nasser's nursing department, said that it received 70 wounded people. He told The Associated Press that most people were shot in the head and chest.

The situation is difficult and tragic, he said, adding that the facility lacks medical supplies. Some of the wounded, including a child, were treated on the floor. One boy stood patiently, holding up a blood bag for someone on a stretcher.

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Meanwhile, Fares Awad, head of the Health Ministry's ambulance and emergency service in northern Gaza, said that two people were killed in Gaza City when an airstrike hit a tent in a camp sheltering displaced families.

In central Gaza, Al-Awda Hospital said that 12 people were killed in an airstrike including police official Omar Aqel. Two children, including an infant, and five women  all relatives of Aqel  were among the dead.

Al-Awda Hospital said that it also received two people killed by an Israeli strike on a group of people in Bureij, and that another strike on a group of people along Salah El Din street in central Gaza killed a child.

Another strike on a house in the Gaza City neighborhood of Sheikh Radwan killed at least four people, according to the Health Ministrys ambulance and emergency service. A strike on a cart in Tal al-Hawa in northern Gaza killed another four people, the service said.

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Israel's army had no comment on specific strikes, but said that it had struck around 90 targets throughout Gaza over the past day.

Humanitarian crisis

Gazas population of more than 2 million Palestinians are in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Distribution at GHF sites is often chaotic. Boxes of food are stacked on the ground and crowds surge in to grab whatever they can, according to witnesses and videos released by GHF.

Hamas triggered the 21-month war when militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Fifty remain, but fewer than half are thought to be alive.

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Israel's military offensive has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn't say how many militants are among the dead. The ministry, which says more than half of the dead have been women and children, is part of the Hamas government. But the U.N. and other international organizations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.

Israel and Hamas have been holding ceasefire talks in Qatar, but international mediators say there have been no breakthroughs.

After 652 days, it is time to do what is right for Israel: Bring all 50 hostages home and end this war, Efrat Machikawa, a relative of released hostage Gadi Moses, told the weekly rally in Tel Aviv.

Thousands of people later marched to the local branch of the U.S. Embassy to demand a ceasefire deal.

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West Bank church attack

In the occupied West Bank, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the Palestinian Christian village, Taybeh, where residents say extremist Israeli settlers set fire to the Church of St. George on July 9.

Huckabee, an evangelical Christian who is normally strongly supportive of Israel, condemned the attack.

To commit an act of sacrilege by desecrating a place that is supposed to be a place of worship  it's an act of terror and it's a crime, he said.

The West Bank has experienced a surge in settler violence since the start of the war in Gaza. Palestinians say Israeli security forces have done little to stop the violence, and few settlers have been punished.

___

Samy Magdy reported from Cairo.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
The Brief

Paleteria La Providencia is recalling three ice cream popsicle flavors due to potential Listeria contamination.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is assisting in identifying distribution locations due to incomplete records.

No illnesses have been reported, but Listeria can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups.

SMYRNA, Ga. - A Smyrna-based ice cream manufacturer is voluntarily recalling several flavors of its paleta popsicles after routine testing detected potential contamination with Listeria, state agriculture officials said Friday.

What we know

Paleteria La Providencia issued the recall for three products sold through mobile frozen dessert carts and convenience stores in the Atlanta area:

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Coconut ice cream popsicles with a date code of June 17, 2025

Cookies and Cream ice cream popsicles with a date code of June 17, 2025

Coffee ice cream popsicles with a date code of June 11, 2025

What they're saying

The Georgia Department of Agriculture said the company's distribution records were incomplete, prompting state food safety officials to work with the firm to identify where the potentially contaminated items were shipped.

The issue came to light after finished product testing revealed a positive result for Listeria species. While the results did not confirm the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, the possibility could not be ruled out.

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"No illnesses have been reported to date," officials said in a statement.

Why you should care

Listeria infections can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In healthy individuals, symptoms are typically short-term and may include high fever, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For pregnant women, the infection can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths.

What you can do

Consumers experiencing symptoms are urged to contact the Georgia Department of Public Health at 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584).

The Source

The Georgia Department of Agriculture and Paleteria La Providencia provided the details and images for this article.
Pam Bondi could have tried Jeffrey Epstein while she was Florida Attorney General between 2011 and 2019, according to a law professor.

President Donald Trumps embattled Attorney General has been mired in controversy over the release of the Epstein files, which she claimed were sitting on her desk in February.

The Department of Justice announced on July 6 that no more evidence in the case would be released and that the disgraced financier did not have a client list.

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Following widespread outrage from MAGA, Trump ordered Bondi to release certain Epstein files and relevant grand jury testimony subject to court approval.

Before joining the Trump administration, Bondi, who represented Trump during his first impeachment proceedings in 2019, served as Floridas first female attorney general.

The Palm Beach Post asked the question: Should Bondi have looked into Epstein's crimes between the time of his jail release in 2009 and the filing of the criminal charges in 2019, when many have alleged that he sexually assaulted hundreds more?

Before joining the Trump administration Bondi, who represented Trump during his first impeachment proceedings in 2019, served as Floridas first female attorney general. (AP)

Before joining the Trump administration Bondi, who represented Trump during his first impeachment proceedings in 2019, served as Floridas first female attorney general. (AP)

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Theoretically, she could have, said Nova Southeastern University law professor Robert Jarvis.

The federal government and the state government, of course, are two different political entities, and both have the power to try the same person for the same crime, using their respective laws, Jarvis told the Post. Thus, Pam Bondi could have tried Epstein.

The Independent has contacted Bondis office for comment.

Jarvis, however, added that Bondi would not necessarily have had cause to initiate a new investigation unless someone had specifically brought a case to her attention.

I would not criticize her for not doing anything for what seem[s] to be a case that had already been adjudicated and dealt with and punishment handed out, Jarvis told the outlet.

Authorities in Palm Beach started investigating Epstein in Florida in 2005 (Florida Department of Law Enforc)

Authorities in Palm Beach started investigating Epstein in Florida in 2005 (Florida Department of Law Enforc)

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Authorities in Palm Beach started investigating Epstein in Florida in 2005. A grand jury charged him with one count of solicitation of prostitution in 2006 as accounts of sexual abuse from his island mansion began to come to light.

In 2008, despite an overwhelming amount of evidence, Epstein was given the deal of the century that saw him serve 13 months out of an 18-month sentence for only two prostitution-related felonies. He was released in July 2009.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein a decade later.

Bondi said a motion to release grand jury testimony in the Epstein case was filed on Friday in a post on X.
FORT WORTH, Texas (KETK)  Panola County Sheriff Cutter Clinton was in Fort Worth on Friday presenting a grant proposal to help stop catalytic converter thefts in the area.

Does your vehicle attract catalytic converter thieves?

The Panola County Sheriffs Office said funds from the Senate Bill 224 catalytic converter grant would be used to purchase cameras and other tools that will be placed throughout the county to help their criminal investigations.

Captain Adam Jones and Sheriff Clinton present to the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority board. Photo courtesy of the Panola County Sheriffs Office. Captain Adam Jones and Sheriff Clinton present to the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority board. Photo courtesy of the Panola County Sheriffs Office. Captain Adam Jones and Sheriff Clinton present to the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority board. Photo courtesy of the Panola County Sheriffs Office. Captain Adam Jones and Sheriff Clinton present to the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority board. Photo courtesy of the Panola County Sheriffs Office.

The grant was started in order to help law enforcement agencies stop auto theft, auto burglary and catalytic converter thefts by funding new investigative equipment.

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We are thankful for the opportunity to participate in this program. Panola County is among hundreds of agencies across Texas who are applying for funding, the sheriffs office said.

To learn more about the grant, click here visit the webpage for Senate Bill 224.

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.
Annabelle, a real Raggedy Ann doll that paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren believed was possessed by a demonic entity, was the inspiration for the fictional doll of the same name in the spine-chilling "Conjuring" horror film franchise.

In July 2025, some social media users theorized that the real Annabelle doll was behind the sudden death of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera.

Rivera, who was one of the real Annabelle doll's "handlers," died on July 13, 2025, during a visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of the national "Devils on the Run" traveling exhibition featuring the doll, local media outlets reported.

Rivera's cause of death was unknown at the time of this writing. However, Pennsylvania authorities said in a report about his case that they found "nothing unusual" at the scene. Adams County coroner Francis Dutrow told Snopes the Annabelle doll was not present when he arrived at the scene.

Annabelle, a real Raggedy Ann doll that paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren believed was possessed by a demonic entity, rose to fame as the inspiration for a fictional doll of the same name that featured in the spine-chilling horror films of "The Conjuring" universe.

Though the real Annabelle doll is cloth, the film version is a vintage porcelain doll with a sinister grin. Annabelle first appeared in "The Conjuring" in 2013 and later headlined her first spinoff movie in 2014, which followed a couple who experienced supernatural occurrences involving the doll.

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In July 2025, more than six years after the latest Annabelle movie premiered, the real doll made headlines again following the death of one of her handlers, paranormal investigator Dan Rivera.

After the news broke, some social media users theorized that the allegedly haunted doll was behind Rivera's death. For example, the overlaid text of a video (archived) shared on TikTok read: "Annabelle doll takes Dan Rivera's life. Demons are real and not a joke."

Snopes readers also searched our website for information about the Annabelle doll and its potential connection to Rivera's death.

Here's a breakdown of what we know about Rivera's passing.

Rivera died suddenly during Annabelle tour visit in Pennsylvania

Rivera died on July 13, 2025, during a visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of the national "Devils on the Run" tour featuring the Annabelle doll, local media outlets reported.

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The New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) announced Rivera's "sudden passing" in a brief statement shared via Facebook on July 14. Rivera, a U.S. Army veteran born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was a senior lead investigator at NESPR who spent more than a decade in paranormal research and investigation, according to the society's website.

The initial Facebook post announcing his passing read:

It's with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera. We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1254774289775176&set=a.677317460854198

On July 15, NESPR followed up by posting a lengthier news release about Rivera's death, calling him a "dear friend and colleague."

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According to the news release, Rivera "worked closely with Lorraine Warren," a trance medium who co-founded NESPR and was portrayed by actor Vera Farmiga in "The Conjuring" movies, "and remained by her side even as her health declined, always offering a steady hand and unwavering support." He was also a "constant presence" at NESPR events such as "An Evening with Annabelle."

NESPR said it plans to move forward with previously scheduled events, adding that "we believe with all our hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue." There are more "Devils on the Run" tour stops featuring the Annabelle doll scheduled for 2025.

The full press release memorializing Rivera is below.

Rivera's son, David Rivera, remembered him as a "dedicated father and loving husband," according to a GoFundMe campaign (archived) set up to raise funds for his father's funeral expenses. His work as a paranormal investigator at NESPR "helped countless people out of dark times and brought comfort and a sense of safety to those who needed it," David Rivera wrote, in part, adding:

But more importantly, he was my father, a great man who loved deeply and lived fully. He had a passion for working on classic cars while listening to classic rock and old school hip hop, enjoyed camping, and cherished spending time with family. He lit up every room with his smile, kindness and sarcastic witty humor. I was only blessed to spend time with my dad for 25 years and I wasn't prepared mentally, physically or financially to let him go this young.

Rivera's cause of death unknown

Rivera's cause of death was unknown at the time of this writing. However, Pennsylvania authorities said in a report (archived) about his case that they found "nothing unusual" at the scene

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Rivera, who was 54 years old, had been with co-workers on the morning of Sunday, July 13, but returned to his hotel room after telling them he felt sick, the Philadelphia-based Hanover Evening Sun newspaper reported, citing the Adams County Coroner's Office. According to the outlet, the coroner's office said Rivera's co-workers later discovered him alone in his hotel room in cardiac arrest after they were unable to reach him. Bystanders began CPR but emergency crews determined Rivera had passed away, the newspaper reported, citing 911 dispatch records.

On July 16, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Trooper Megan Frazer (archived), who serves as a public information officer, shared a report with details matching Rivera's case in an X post. A spokesperson for PSP confirmed via email that the report referenced Rivera's case.

The report said, in part, that "nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene," adding that the case is "pending autopsy results."

Francis Dutrow, the coroner in Adams County, Pennsylvania, said via email that the Annabelle doll was not present when he arrived at the scene. The cause and manner of death are pending, and autopsy results are expected in about eight to 10 weeks, Dutrow added.

What we know about real Annabelle doll's alleged history

A student nurse received the allegedly haunted Raggedy Ann doll known as Annabelle as a gift in 1968, according to a timeline published by NESPR. Soon after, the roommates "noticed strange occurrences" connected to the doll and a medium told them the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle inhabited it, the society wrote.

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"The two roommates tried to accept the doll's spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate with maliciousness and violent intent," NESPR added. "This is when Ed and Lorraine Warren were called and pronounced the doll demonically possessed."

The Warrens ultimately removed the doll from the home and kept it in a glass box in their Occult Museum in Connecticut.

In May 2025, rumors swirled online that the Annabelle doll had gone missing from the museum. However, Rivera debunked the claims in a TikTok video posted on May 24.

"I just want to show you guys that Annabelle is in the Warrens' Occult Museum," Rivera said in the video.

Sources:

Gettysburg Connection. "'Annabelle' Haunted Doll Tour Draws Gettysburg Crowds, Ends in Tragedy - Gettysburg Connection." Gettysburg Connection, 15 July 2025, gettysburgconnection.org/annabelle-haunted-doll-tour-draws-gettysburg-crowds-ends-in-tragedy/. Accessed 17 July 2025.

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Jones, Harrison. "GoFundMe Started for Paranormal Investigator Who Died in Gettysburg during Annabelle Tour." PhillyBurbs, Hanover Evening Sun, 17 July 2025, www.phillyburbs.com/story/news/local/2025/07/17/gofundme-for-family-of-dan-rivera-after-sudden-passing-in-gettysburg-annabelle-devil-on-run-tour/85255047007/. Accessed 17 July 2025.

X (Formerly Twitter), 16 July 2025, x.com/PSPTroopHPIO/status/1945469138668773605. Accessed 17 July 2025.

"About." NESPR, tonyspera.com/about/. Accessed 17 July 2025.




NEED TO KNOW

Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator, died on July 13 during a stop in Pennsylvania while touring with the "demonically possessed" Annabelle doll

Adams County coroner Francis Dutrow confirms to PEOPLE that the doll was not present when he arrived at the scene

The results of his autopsy are expected in about 8-10 weeks





No, the allegedly possessed Annabelle doll was not in the hotel room where paranormal investigator Dan Rivera died earlier this week, according to a Pennsylvania coroner.

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In a Friday, July 18, message to PEOPLE, Francis Dutrow, the Adams County coroner confirmed that the doll was not present when he arrived at the scene on Sunday, July 13, when authorities were notified about Riveras death. Dutrow went on to note that the doll had not been in the hotel room at all.

Rivera, a lead investigator for the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research, was in Gettysburg. Pa., last weekend with Annabelle as part of the Devils on the Run tour when he died at the age of 54.

The Pennsylvania State Police shared a report on Wednesday, July 16, detailing what happened.

Members from PSP Gettysburg responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County for a report of a deceased [man]," officials said. "The decedent was discovered in his hotel room by workers.

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Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene, the agency added. His cause of death is pending.

Dutrow earlier told PEOPLE that Rivera had been with colleagues on Sunday morning but said he was feeling sick and was going back to his room.

It's unclear what Rivera may have been ill with and further information is pending his autopsy results, which are expected in about 8-10 weeks.

Dan Rivera/Instagram Dan Rivera Dan Rivera

According to the New England Society for Psychic Researchs website, Anabelles origin goes back to 1968, when a student nurse was gifted the doll and brought it to the home where she lived with her roommate.

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Almost immediately, the roommates noticed strange occurrences with the doll and they were introduced to a medium who told them the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle, the organization wrote. The two roommates tried to accept the dolls spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent.

The society added that its founders, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, were called in and determined that Annabelle was demonically possessed. They took the doll from the home and stored it in a glass box to contain the evil spirited entity.

The story of Annabelle and the Warrens led to the development of the horror film franchise The Conjuring.

In a statement later shared with PEOPLE on Tuesday, July 15, the New England Society for Psychic Research, which first confirmed the death on social media, paid tribute to Rivera.

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Dan was not only a vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal, and dedicated friend, they wrote.

His integrity, creativity, and generosity defined him. Dans passion for the paranormal was rooted in a genuine desire to educate, help, and connect with others  whether through social media, conventions, or investigations with local families seeking understanding and peace, the society continued.

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.

We understand that Dans work inspired fascination and curiosity for many, but above all, he was a father, devoted husband, and loyal friend, someone who meant the world to those closest to him, the statement added.

According to a Facebook post by Ryan Buell, the host of A&Es Paranormal State, Rivera, who was an Army veteran, is survived by his wife and children.



Read the original article on People
It's a hot and sticky Friday in the middle of the summer holidays and cars are flooding onto Edinburgh Airport's approach road.

There are few places to stop, but in almost every layby a steady stream of drivers await friends and loved ones touching down from their holidays.

They are all parked in a half-mile radius from the entrance to the terminal building in a bid to beat so-called "kiss-and-fly" charges in the official drop-off zone.

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Research by the RAC, released this week, found that more than half of the country's busiest airports have raised drop-off fees in the last 12 months.

In Edinburgh, drivers face a 6 tariff for a 10-minute stay at a specific drop-off zone yards from the main terminal building.

Every minute beyond that allowance will cost them an extra 1.

A layby near a roundabout at Edinburgh Airport was almost full [BBC]

Instead, drivers here look to beat the system, waiting in nooks and crannies along Eastfield Road for a message that their passengers have arrived.

They then drive a few hundred metres towards the Moxy or Hilton hotels and pick them up as they leave the airport complex, exiting hastily to avoid risking a fine for parking on double yellow lines.

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Close to the Moxy, next to a farm gate by a grass verge, Caroline O'Brien, 52, is waiting in a layby for her husband and children after they returned from a holiday to Paris.

She says she had previously been charged 24 for under 30 minutes in the drop-off zone and decided not to take any chances this time.

"You don't know if the plane is going to be early or late in and I don't want them to be standing around," she says.

"For pick-up and drop-off, I think a couple of pounds [would be fair]. You're only there a few minutes for them to get their cases and then right back in the car and away again."

The pickup and drop-off zone at Edinburgh Airport does not inform drivers about fees on their approach [BBC]

Drivers approaching via Eastfield Road pass three roundabouts on the way into the main terminal, the closest of which leads them on to a one-way system which means they have to pass through the drop-off zone.

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There is no signage on the approach to inform them of the charges, however there is when they are already inside the drop-off zone.

Drivers pay once they exit the drop-off area.

Edinburgh Airport is among those to have increased their prices in the last year [BBC]

London Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton and Stansted charged the top rate of 7 in the RAC survey.

Edinburgh is level with London Heathrow, Birmingham, Liverpool John Lennon and Glasgow in charging 6 for the initial drop off.

By contrast, at nine of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union there are no drop-off fees.

Rontom Tschopp, 32, from Switzerland, had just dropped a friend off at the terminal but was unaware there would be a charge for doing so.

Rontom Tschopp said there were no drop-off charges at his local airport in Switzerland [BBC]

He says his local airport, in Basel, did not charge for the same service.

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He says: "I was a bit flabbergasted to be honest, because we don't have that in Switzerland.

"I think it creates a form of aversion to do the little things like drop off your friends. If I had known about the fees, we probably wouldn't have had such a heartfelt goodbye, it would have been: 'No, go now, there's extra fees'."

Sheila McPheely said the free drop-off zone was useful for some, but not those with mobility issues. [BBC]

Edinburgh Airport does have other road links with the city centre through bus services, while the tram network also stops just outside.

It also has a free drop-off zone about half a mile (0.8km) from the main terminal building, across the tram line and near a car rental service.

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Drivers can park there for 30 minutes free of charge, but it costs 10 up to an hour after that and 18 for between one and three hours.

Up another side street, near a vacant commercial business, Shiela McPheely is waiting to collect her sisters from their holiday in Albufeira in Portugal.

She says the cost of the drop-off zone is "appalling" and is planning to pick her sisters up at the free drop-off point, despite both having mobility issues.

"It's just greedy. You pay enough for your flights and when you get in there, you get a tea or a coffee, so they are getting money from you that way," Sheila, 79, says.

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"There is a bit you can park in that is free, but that is all very well if you are young and fit, but one of my sisters has a sore back, the other one is waiting for a hip operation, so it's difficult for them."

Gavin Marshall said the charges were "extortionate" [BBC]

Back inside the charged drop-off area, a multi-storey car park provides a roof and shade from the warm afternoon sun.

Gavin Marshall, 45, has been waiting for some time for his in-laws to arrive on a flight from London, before driving them back to Stirling.

He says he had not noticed the charge before he parked up.

He says: "It's a bit extortionate, 1 per minute is a bit of a joke."

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"The flat 6 I think is fair, this 1 per minute seems a bit silly, it's a bit much."

Dean Carse said the charges made each journey 6 more expensive for customers in his taxi [BBC]

Meanwhile, taxi driver Dean Carse, 31, says the charge has an impact on customers.

He says: "Every journey is 6 more expensive.

"I pay it, but I get it back off the customer, which is ridiculous, it goes from the customer to me to the airport.

"The airport spin it like they care about pollution, but they don't. They're a business and they want to make money."

Edinburgh Airport declined to comment when contacted by BBC News, but said that a free drop-off area was available.

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They added that passengers could choose whether to use the free or paid areas.

The industry body, Airports UK, said all hubs offered free drop-off options further from the terminals.

It said "park and ride" facilities where people can leave their car and take a bus to the airport were provided.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said it regularly gave "advice" to motorists in the airport complex, but was unable to be specific on what that was.

They added: "Where necessary, appropriate action will be taken."
Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, met the 4th Dalai Lama. On this occasion, Gupta sought blessings from a Buddhist spiritual leader. In a post on X, Gupta said, "On the eve of assuming the esteemed role of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, I humbly seek the blessings of His Holiness Dalai Lama, the revered spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global symbol of peace and compassion. His lifelong dedication to promoting kindness and universal harmony inspires us all. May his blessings empower me to uphold the values of compassion and service in this new chapter of responsibility." https://x.com/KavinderGupta/status/1946240459195781405 Earlier on Friday, Gupta assumed office as the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. On July 17, Gupta, after being appointed as the LG, expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party workers, asserting that he would try to fulfil the expectations of the Centre. Gupta said, "I thank the President, PM Modi and party workers who made all this possible and supported me throughout my life. The national leadership has a lot of expectations, and I will try to fulfil those expectations. I wish to tell the party workers to consider the party as their own and try to implement it in life." President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh and appointed Kavinder Gupta as his successor on July 14. BD Mishra is a former brigadier of the Indian Army and is the former Commander of the Counter Hijack Force of the National Security Guard (NSG), also known as the Black Cat Commandos. After an illustrious career spanning more than 33 years, Mishra retired from the Army on July 31, 1995, and took over as the governor of Arunachal Pradesh on October 3, 2017. The President of India appointed the 85-year-old Mishra as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh after accepting the resignation of Radha Krishnan Mathur on February 12, 2023. Mishra was previously the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and was the second LG of Ladakh after Mathur, who served for three years, from 31 October 2019 to 11 February 2023. (ANI)
Labours Tim Roca must surely be one the Oppositions favourite politicians. In newly surfaced footage, a University of Westminster event titled Queering Academia the Macclesfield MP told an audience that transphobes are swivel-eyed and not very well people.

Lets be clear: by transphobes Roca doesnt mean violent thugs who want to crucify cross dressers. He means you. He means the average British voter who believes that biological sex exists. The parents alarmed that teachers are telling their daughters they are born in the wrong body if they like playing with trucks. The people campaigning to stop male sex offenders from being housed in female prisons. The detransitioners left scarred by medical experiments masquerading as care. He means the Supreme Court justices who recently reaffirmed that, under equality law, sex means biology, a decision he decried as depressing.



To Roca, all of them  all of us  are unhinged.

But whats truly depressing is that Parliament is still stacked with unabashed gender goons like Roca, who confuse sneering for superiority and ideology for intellect.

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The Labour Party has become a refuge for some of the most absurd and extreme statements ever uttered into a microphone. Dawn Butler once bafflingly informed a Pink News audience that babies are born without a sex and that 90 per cent of giraffes are gay. Stella Creasy earnestly believes that being a feminist means affirming women with penises. And Labours health minister Ashley Dalton once tweeted that people should be able to identify as llamas if they wish.

Then theres Jess Phillips, self-identifying gobby feminist and safeguarding minister, who stayed mute as gender-critical MPs were hounded from public life, and whos said precisely nothing about the scandal engulfing the Tavistock Clinic. Where was her safeguarding when young women like Keira Bell were led down a path of irreversible medicalisation on the NHS?

But whats most infuriating about Rocas smug sermon is his deluded belief that all thats needed is robust conversation to bring people around to his view that gender identity ought to outweigh the reality of biological sex.

For a decade, gender lobbyists like Stonewall shut down debate, smeared dissenters as bigots, and undermined the democratic process by influencing public policy behind closed doors. When we wanted dialogue, they called it hate. Women trying to arrange discussions about now shelved proposals to reform the Gender Recognition Act faced bomb threats and intimidation from activists, and arrest and interrogation from Stonewall trained police forces.

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Thanks to their work, common sense has resurfaced, and it is sweeping through the nation. The public can see clearly who the real swivel-eyed loons are: those who lock male rapists in womens prisons, who drug confused children, and earnestly believe you can be born in the wrong body.



Roca is half-right: there are some very unwell people in this maddening debate, and many of them share the green benches he sits on.

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Jul. 18Walk around the Parnall Law Firm and it's very much a family affair. Photos from all 115+ employees' families line the walls. Sitting throughout the office's shelves are awards from Make-A-Wish Foundation and Meals on Wheels, plaques and photos for Parnall scholarships for teens leading the fight against texting and driving, and yet more photos of kids, seniors and their families working with various members of the firm over the years. Even the conference rooms come with biographies of founder Bert Parnall's family, rooted in New Mexico history.

There's Parnall's grandfather, William Edward Parnall, a Harvard-trained orthopedic surgeon who came to the Land of Enchantment in the 1940s because the state had a need for specialists. He brought with him his daughter, Carolyn, and his son Theodore, with his son William born soon after. Ted, who gets his own conference room, would go on to become dean of the University of New Mexico's law school, and William became a judge in Albuquerque. Their sister, Carolyn, became a nurse and an accomplished writer, whose writings focused on addressing pain, suffering and medical justice.

However, the name on the entryway is that of Bertrand Russell Parnall, the firm's founder and owner. Bert, as he's commonly known in TV commercials, billboards and in the firm's ubiquitous Uptown office logo  "Hurt? Call Bert"  was born in 1970, one of Ted's three sons. He was named for English philosopher Bertrand Russell, a favorite writer of his parents who died at the age of 97 the year Bert was born. Russell was a Literature Nobel Prize-winning humanist who opposed war and colonialization and championed freedom of thought.

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The inspiration for all three of his sons going into law, Ted Parnall focused his career on corporate and international transaction law, and legal development across the world, with stints in Liberia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Egypt, Tunisia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, Madagascar, Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Serbia/Montenegro, raising his sons in several of those countries.

However, Bert's legal inspiration came more from the philosopher for whom he was named: rooted in humanism and becoming a champion for the voiceless. Seeing the famine in Ethiopia when he was 5, Egypt at age 7 and Tunisia at age 13 left deep impressions on Bert.

"So, the scene, the contrast, just makes you think about justice. I'm not a fighter necessarily, but I will stand up for what I think is right, so that helped me get into the law," says Bert, who has a poster of boxer Muhammad Ali's famous short poem "Me, We" on the back of his office door. The piece was written in praise of community.

Bert started his career as a prosecutor in Valencia and Sandoval counties before transitioning to a civil practice in 2004 and founding Parnall Law in 2009.

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"On the criminal side, the consequences are prison or jail, which doesn't fix anything, but it's at least accountability," Bert says. "On the civil side, it is about money, and that doesn't really make things better, either. But it's about accountability, consequence, and it's an acknowledgement for our clients who are severely hurt. They would, all of them, rather rewind to the day before so they can avoid it entirely, but they can't, and so that consequence is what we try to achieve for them."

And achieve they have  to the tune of more than $400 million in settlements for their clients  always guided by the firm's foundational values: teamwork, talent, truth, tenacity, and triumph.

"Fighting for justice, for the wrongfully hurt, in terms of representing clients, that's our mission," he says of the mission of the firm, which has grown to 17 lawyers and over 100 support staff.

Bert's wife, Marta, has also played a big role in his community, spending time on the Make-A-Wish Foundation Board and raising their four children, one of whom recently expressed interest in the law.

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In his clients, the firm's scholarship awardees and those they help through charity, Bert sees family.

"People walk through the doors or pick up the phone at the worst time in their lives. They've lost a parent or a child, and it's really hard work. It's really challenging work, and that's why it's so fulfilling for us because it's an extreme challenge," he says. "We know that we have to be the ones who are the support that they can count on, at least in terms of the legal process."

At Parnall Law, justice isn't just a business or a profession  it's a calling and a commitment. From the walls lined with generations of service, to the firm's attorneys and team members giving voice for the voiceless, every corner of the firm echoes with purpose and deep roots.

The clients are always the focus of Bert and his team. In the hardest moments, Parnall Law helps turn their pain and loss into lasting justice.

Because when justice is a family tradition, every client becomes the most important part of the story.
(Video above is previous coverage of the building demolition and reopening of the road)

SHINNSTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  The abandoned Royal Chrysler building on Hood Avenue in Shinnston that partially collapsed in June collapsed again overnight.

Shinnston Building Collapse July 2025 (WBOY Image)

Shinnston Building Collapse July 2025 (WBOY Image)

According to the Harrison County 911 log the collapse happened at 2:03 a.m. on Saturday. A Harrison County 911 official confirmed to 12 News that they were made aware of the collapse and that the road was closed, but has since reopened. The official also confirmed that there were no injuries.

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Part of Spruce Knob access road closed after land slide

The Harrison County Office of Emergency Management, the West Virginia Division of Highways, and the Shinnston Fire Department and City Administration responded to the scene.

The original partial collapse incident in June resulted in Hood Avenue being closed for more than a week due to safety concerns. On July 2, the Harrison County Commission unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Shinnston, giving the county permission for an emergency demolition of the building. The commission also voted to declare 720 Hood Avenue in Shinnston an Emergency Nuisance Property so the county could tear it down.

The demolition was complete and the road was reopened on July 16.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FIRST ON FOX: A $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded children's nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic has been described by FBI Director Kash Patel as "one of the worst" in Minnesota history.

The FBI director told Fox News in a statement that 70 people in Minnesota have been indicted for their role in the sprawling "Feeding our Future" fraud scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exploited a federal program designed to reimburse states for the cost of feeding children.

Conspirators falsely claimed to have served millions of meals during the pandemic, but instead used the money for personal gain. Of the individuals indicted, 38 have pleaded guilty, FBI officials told Fox News Digital. More than a dozen of the individuals are awaiting criminal trial, with the next trial beginning in August.

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"Stealing over $250 million from hungry kids during a pandemic to fund mansions and luxury cars is as shameless as it gets," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. "Im proud of the FBI and our partners for dismantling this web of corruption, holding dozens accountable, and sending a clear message: if you exploit the most vulnerable, we will find you and bring you to justice."

Democrat Ags Sue Trump For 'Unconscionable' Freeze On $6.8B In K-12 Spending

Conspirators charged in the scheme are accused of fabricating invoices, submitting fake attendance records, and falsely distributing thousands of meals from hundreds of so-called food distribution "sites" across the state  taking advantage of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to waive, for the duration of the pandemic, many of its standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program  including relaxing its requirement for non-school based distributors to participate in the program.

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Charging documents show that roughly 300 "food sites" in the state served little or no food, with the so-called "food vendors" and organizations fabricated to launder money intended to reimburse the cost of feeding children.

FBI officials told Fox News that the investigation and resulting trials and indictments continue to impact the state, and have already touched off legislative reform in Minnesota.

They added that the investigation into the fraud remains ongoing, and that additional charges are expected, though they did not immediately share more details.

Federal Judge Extends Arguments In Abrego Garcia Case, Slams Ice Witness Who 'Knew Nothing'

U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger today announced a significant COVID-related fraud case based in Minnesota, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 Minneapolis, Minn.

The next trial in the state is scheduled to begin on August 11.

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"Stealing from the federal government equates to stealing from the American people  there is no simpler truth," FBI's special agent in charge, Alvin Winston, told Fox News Digital in a statement.

The FBI indivited 70 people in the Minnesota COVID fraud case.

"The egregious fraud unveiled in the Feeding our Future case epitomizes a profound betrayal of public trust. These individuals misappropriated hundreds of millions in federal funds intended to nourish vulnerable children during a time of crisis, redirecting those resources into luxury homes, high-end vehicles, and extravagant lifestyles while families faced hardship," he added.

"We will uncover their schemes, dismantle their networks, and ensure that they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," he said.





Original article source: Patel touts FBI's dozens of convictions in $250 million Minnesota COVID scam
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Officials are investigating after a pedestrian was hit and killed Saturday morning in Greenville County.

The Greenville County Coroners Office said at around 8 a.m. Saturday, the Greenville County Communications Center received a report of a man who had been struck by a car on Roper Mountain Road and Green Arbor Lane.

The coroners office said the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The victim was identified as 86-year-old Anthony Hinkler of Greenville. The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries, and the coroners office has listed his death as an accident.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol said that a car was driving east while Hinkler was crossing the street. The driver was reported to have been uninjured during the incident.

The incident remains under investigation by the coroners office and state highway patrol.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PERRYVILLE, Texas (KETK)  The Winnsboro Fire Department released a statement on Friday announcing they will be providing mutual aid coverage to Perryville residents following the arrest of the Perryville fire chief.

Lufkin man arrested after morning-long standoff involving SWAT

On Thursday, Daniel Alexander was arrested and booked into the Wood County Jail after allegedly failing to pay for services he received in Franklin County. According to Wood County Jail Records, Alexander was charged with theft of services, and as of Friday evening, he remains in the Wood County Jail.

Mugshot of Daniel Alexander courtesy of Wood County Jail

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Winsboro Fire Department assured Perryville residents that emergency services will not be interrupted after Alexanders arrest.

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The Winnsboro Volunteer Fire Department, along with our neighboring departments and mutual aid partners, are actively providing coverage and support to ensure the safety in the Perryville fire district during this time, the Winnsboro Fire Department said.Our firefighters are committed to maintaining rapid response to all emergency calls, just as we do for our communities.

Pains me deeply to go: Overton fire chief retires citing drama, internal conflict

The fire department went on to state that the safety of Perryville residents remains their top concern during this uncertain time.

We understand that incidents like this can cause concern, but rest assured, your safety remains our top priority, the Winnsboro Fire Department said. Mutual aid is one of the strengths of our rural fire service systemwhen one of us needs help, the others step in.

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Residents are asked to continue calling 9-1-1 in the event of any emergency.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A person was rescued from a trash chute in San Diegos East Village neighborhood Saturday morning, prompting a response from emergency crews.

Just after 9 a.m., San Diego Fire-Rescue crews were called to the St. Teresa of Calcutta Villa, located at 1 14th St., where they found an individual trapped inside the buildings trash chute.

Firefighters worked to extricate the person, who was then transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment. The individuals current condition and the extent of their injuries have not been released.

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Authorities say it is still unclear how the person ended up in the chute or how long they may have been there prior to the rescue.

The incident 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Jul. 19---- Willmar was her destination, but Washington, D.C., was very much the topic of discussion when Marilyn Vetter, president and chief executive officer of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, met with members of the Kandiyohi County Pheasants Forever chapter.

The first woman to lead the national organization  and only the third director in its 43-year history  came to Willmar on July 9 to meet with the local chapter that she holds as a model for the national organization.

"You see the bigger picture," Vetter told Kevin Ochsendorf, local chapter president, during a conversation with the West Central Tribune prior to the meeting's start.

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Kandiyohi County's history with Pheasants Forever dates to the organization's very beginning. St. Paul is home to the first chapter with the organization's founding; Kandiyohi County became the first outstate chapter in the nation and Minnesota. Importantly, the Kandiyohi County chapter founders were the original proponents for the organization's practice of investing locally raised funds at home.

Vetter, a native of Anamoose in central North Dakota, is just over two years into her tenure as president. She said it's impossible to personally connect with the more than 168,000 members of the national organization, but visits like this to Willmar are very important.

'We should always be open and ask the question: What can we do better to support their efforts," she said.

She credited the grassroots work of members of Pheasants Forever and other conservation organizations around the country for persuading their congressional representatives to remove language from the recent federal reconciliation package that would have sold millions of acres of public lands. The fight over the potential sale of public lands is far from over, but Vetter said the recent success demonstrates the conservation community's ability to make its voice known.

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"People have to know our voices carry," she said.

Having a voice in Washington remains increasingly important going forward. The organization's top priority right now is to see renewed funding and improvements for the Conservation Reserve Program, according to Vetter.

The current

which compensates landowners who voluntarily convert environmentally sensitive land to vegetative cover, expires in September. The current model is not attracting the interest from farmers and ranchers that is needed, she pointed out.

Reductions in staffing in the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service are among the major concerns that many in the conservation community have voiced about the current administration of President Donald Trump.

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Vetter emphasized her organization's commitment to working on a bipartisan basis with elected officials on all levels, and the importance of adapting to changes. "We have to figure out how this administration approaches conservation in general," she said.

Vetter said Pheasants Forever has seen some encouraging signs from the administration. New funding that could benefit the Walk-In Access program, allowing public hunting on private land of willing landowners, and a "Make America Beautiful Again" executive order that establishes a commission to advise the president on conservation policy are among the positive signals she cited from Washington.

As partner organizations, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have continued to grow in both overall membership and in adding new chapters since Vetter succeeded longtime head Howard Vincent. Vetter said Quail Forever has been adding chapters at a faster clip than Pheasants Forever as the nonprofit sees growth in the 26 western states that hold habitat for quail.

Ochsendorf called Vetter's selection to lead the organization a "positive." It has helped chapters in their goals of attracting more women into the ranks, he said.

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Getting more women and young families to be part of the organization  and as advocates for conservation  is a priority, according to Vetter. She said it is especially important to reach out to those who are in their 20s and 30s.

They have often put aside outdoor activities while obtaining a post-secondary education, and starting careers and families. They are at a point when they can return to the outdoors and involve their children, she explained.

The average age of Pheasants Forever members is in the 60s. Vetter said that is not unusual for organizations that rely on volunteers for so much of their work. People in that age bracket are more apt to volunteer and have the time to do so.

She pointed out that the average age of her organization's staff is 34. Supporting them and their work environment is one of her priorities.

Overall, Vetter said the organization remains committed to its top priorities of protecting habitat, providing hunter access and engaging in outreach.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Community members gathered in the West End neighborhood of Johnstown Thursday to celebrate the opening of the Cambria County Backpack Projects new south site in the rear of Greater Johnstown School Districts former Garfield Middle School.

We are super-excited, project Coordinator Jenna Stancombe said. Were right here in the community.

The food-based nonprofit was located along the 2000 block of Bedford Street with The Learning Lamp almost since its inception, but has since outgrown the space.

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Now, the program has a total of 1,900 square feet to operate and easier access for distribution, officials have said.

Stancombe said the ribbon-cutting was organized to invite residents and officials in to explore the new location.

Several community groups were also on hand to help celebrate the occasion.

A lot of work went into this, Stancombe said.

Since April, members from the backpack project, numerous volunteers and other groups have combined efforts to get the former wood shop operational.

The idea to move stemmed from a nonprofit board member who encouraged Executive Director Kristen Villarrial, who could not attend Thursday, to contact Greater Johnstown to see if there was any available space.

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With the help of district Assistant to the Superintendent Michael Dadey, the old woodshop in the former West End school was identified and a agreement formed.

We are proud of our partnership with the Cambria County Backpack Project, Dadey said.

The board of education and district administration are thrilled to support this vital initiative by providing space as the program continues to grow  daily, monthly and yearly  meeting the needs of an increasing number of students across Cambria County.

He added that the program touches the lives of children throughout the region and the district looks forward to being strong, compassionate partners and responsible stewards for years to come.

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Greater Johnstown is donating the space to the nonprofit.

Stancombe expressed her gratitude for the schools generosity, saying that it is so wonderful Johnstown donated the space to us and gave us the freedom to make it our own.

Sean McCool, vice president of the backpack board, agreed.

He said it was so huge that the Greater Johnstown School District stepped up and saw how important this was.

McCool also said the group was happy to invite the community in to see the upgrades and commended the nonprofit staff for all their work.

From a board perspective, having such good people run this organization is crucial, he said.

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The Cambria County Backpack Project serves more than 500 youths per week throughout Cambria County and assists each school district in the county with addressing food insecurity for the students.

The program has the new south site in downtown Johnstown and a north site in Ebensburg that serves the upper portion of the county.

For more information or to donate, visit www.ccbackpack.org.
EBENSBURG, Pa.  The remains of the Williamson babies were not found after an extensive excavation Friday of the grave site where they were recorded to have been buried at Laurel United Cemetery in Cambria Township.

In light of the circumstances that led to the excavation Friday morning, grave-robbery at some point in the 45 years since the burial is not inconceivable, Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said.

"Anything is possible," he said. "It's just so frustrating."

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Lees' goal was to reunite the bodies of the five Williamson siblings. They died shortly after they were born in the Great Depression era, but their bodies weren't discovered until 1980.

The babies' bodies were found in a steamer trunk stored in the attic of a Gallitzin home that belonged to the late Stella Williamson. After an autopsy in Philadephia, it was determined that three of them were murdered; the causes of death for the other two were undetermined.

The news at that time reached nationwide audiences, spurring then-Cambria County Coroner John Barron to air concerns about potential grave-robbery from the babies' final resting place at the cemetery, Lees said, recalling past news articles.

PHOTO GALLERY | Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees | Laurel United Cemetery

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After the autopsy in Philadelphia, the babies' remains were packaged and returned to Cambria County in a pine box for burial.

It has long been believed that the babies were buried together at Laurel United Cemetery  but it was recently discovered that two skulls of the babies were withheld from the box shipped back to Cambria County decades ago from Philadelphia.

Lees was stunned to learn in December that the Philadelphia-based Mutter Museum had a pair of the babies' skulls in its possession.

A recent audit of the museum showed it received the skulls as a donation in the late 1990s by a Philadelphia forensic pathologist, the late Halbert Fillinger, who had assisted local investigators years earlier in determining the ages and causes of death for each of the five children.

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The skulls had been kept in a secure space at the museum until they were discovered through the audit. They were returned to Cambria County, and Lees intended to reunite the the babies' complete remains last week.

All research Lees conducted pointed to Plot No. 270 as the burial place. However, the skulls could not be joined with the box containing the other remains because it was not found after an initial excavation.

The search for the original box of remains continued Friday. This time, Lees brought in a ground-penetrating radar machinery operator, as well as a Mercyhurst University forensic anthropology team, who sifted through soil excavated carefully by a trusted backhoe operator from the Johnstown area.

Jerry Contino, project manager of Utility Services Group, of Camp Hill, operated the radar equipment. His machine showed findings of disturbed soil at Plot No. 270  beneath the recently returned skulls buried there.

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It was possible, Lees thought, that the skulls buried last week were resting just above the box holding the other remains of the babies  buried deeper than he had expected initially. Everything seemed to be falling into place.

The remains buried last week were exhumed so that deeper excavation could continue.

The soil had indeed been disturbed by some type of prior activity, Lees said, but after exploring until hitting shale more than seven feet into the ground, no evidence of the remains was found.

The excavation continued to other plots at all corners of the initial dig, but again, no evidence of the babies' remains were found. After eight hours of searching, Lees said he had to make the difficult decision to stop the excavation.

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"The babies were to be buried in plot 270," Lees said. "The soil was clearly disturbed, but when that was done, and what was done there, I don't know. It is very heart-wrenching to make this decision, but again, we can't go digging up the entire cemetery."

He said his office will still consider the case as open.

"This case, even though I've exhausted all efforts and used all available resources, I will never be satisfied until all of the Williamson babies are together," he said.

It is clear the entire Laurel United Cemetery needs to be marked more clearly, he said. The cemetery is estimated to have 2,500 people buried in it.

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Lees said he plans to bring in the same professionals who were part of the search Friday to mark the cemetery properly and as accurately as possible.

"As we do that, should something arise that is hopeful (in finding the remains of the Williamson babies), I'll take another risk," he said.

The Rev. Brian L. Warchola, pastor of Holy Name Roman Catholic Church in Ebensburg, offered a communal prayer with the forensic specialists for the reburial of the two skulls that were exhumed Friday during the attempt to locate the full remains of thebabies.
The Court of First Class Judicial Magistrate DKK Mihsill granted bail to Silome James, a co-accused in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case. Advocate Devesh Sharma from Indore, who represented James for bail, said that his client was given a regular bail and a bond of Rs 5000 was given before the Court. "The part of our argument was that we have no link in this case," he said. Earlier on July 3, the Crime Branch of Guwahati Police had summoned the sister of Raja Raghuvanshi and a news anchor in connection with an alleged defamatory statement against the Kamakhya temple. According to the Guwahati City Police, the Investigating Officer (IO) sent a 35 (3) BNSS notice to the anchor, the news channel and Shrishti Raghuwanshi to appear before the Investigation Officer at the Crime Branch police station on June 23 and 24, but they did not appear before the Investigating Officer to date. "In this regard, a case has been registered at the Crime Branch police station vide Crime Branch Police Station Case no 04/2025 U/S 196(2)/299/302 of BNSS, 2023. The IO has sent 35 (3) BNSS notice to the accused named in the FIR including the anchor of the news channel and Shrishti Raghuwanshi of Indore on 13-06-2025 to appear before the Investigation Officer at Crime Branch PS on 23 and 24 June, but they did not appear before IO till date," Ankur Jain, Joint Police Commissioner, Guwahati City Police said. According to the Guwahati police, during an interview aired on the news channel, the Anchor allegedly made unverified and highly defamatory statements against the Maa Kamakhya Temple, which is among the most sacred and ancient Shakti Peethas in India. The police claimed this false narrative was further supported by Shrishti Raghuwanshi, the interviewee, the cousin sister of the deceased Raja Raghuvanshi, who agreed with the anchor's assertion. "The statements are against the revered temple of Hindu deity Maa Kamakhya of Assam, thereby hurting the religious sentiments of a particular community and disturbing public peace and communal harmony in the society. Hence, the case registered," the senior police official said. (ANI)
HONOLULU (KHON2)  In 2021, the Hawaii State Archives, located in Honolulu, started an exciting project to help people learn more about the states history and culture. Their goal is to store and make public old papers, pictures, instruments, music, documents and other miscellaneous objects  like the phone President Dwight D. Eisenhower called Territorial Governor William F. Quinn to let him know Hawaii was officially a state in 1959.

PHOTOS: Experience Honolulu in the 1920s

These important pieces of history are stored in their building and are available online. This means anyone with internet access can explore Hawaiis past from their phone, home, school or library.

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PHOTOS: This Hawaii state park takes you back in time

Thanks to the hard work of State Archives Director Adam Jansen, Ph.D., the Archives is growing quickly.

In photos, Waikiki Beach in the 1940s and 1950s

Here is a collection of photos of Honolulu from the 1800s generously available from our State Archives:

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Bicyclist on King Street., Honolulu, Hawaii, 1895. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

King Street corner Alakea; circa 1883 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Fort Street near Hotel Street in Honolulu, Hawaii. On left is L.E. Tracy, mens clothing store at Fort and Hotel streets, 1899. (Courtesy:/Hawaii State Archives)

Fort Street; 1890s in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

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Fort and Merchant streets, Honolulu, Hawaii, looking toward the harbor, circa 1897. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Corner of Fort and Merchant streets, Honolulu, Hawaii. Building far left is the Annexation Club, circa 1899. (Courtesy: Hawaii State Archives)

Fort Street from Hotel Street in Honolulu, Hawaii; circa 1898. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Crowd gathered at Hotel and Richards streets in Honolulu, Hawaii. Outside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, circa 1898-1900. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

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Nuuanu Street from Hotel Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1890. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Hotel Street (Fort Street crossing) in Honolulu, Hawaii; about 1898; The lei makers conducted their occupation uninterrupted on the sidewalk at the corner of Fort and Hotel streets. (Courtesy:/Hawaii State Archives)

Looking up Fort Street from Allen Street (later Nimitz / Ala Moana), Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1885. Includes Lewers and Cooke streets, Pacific House, the Lucas clock tower and Wilder & Co. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Nuuanu Street from King Street in Honolulu, Hawaii,1883. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

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Merchant Street from Bethel Street in Honolulu, Hawaii about 1880s. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

View down Fort Stret from Hotel Street, Honolulu, Hawaii circa 1883. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Alakea and Merchant streets, Honolulu, Hawaii. Occidental Hotel on left, J.R. Mills & Co., groceries on right, circa 1890. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Horse-drawn trolley on Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. Central Union Church on left, gate and fence of Washington Place on right, circa 1890. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

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Queen Street from Nuuanu Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. Includes The Old Corner, retail liquor dealers; Macfarlane & Co.; the ship chandlery of Inter-Island Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.; and M.W. McChesney & Sons, 1880s. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Hotel Street from Nuuanu Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. Includes M.A. Gonsalves & Co, and Crystal Soda Works, circa 1888. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Queen Street from corner of Nuuanu in Honolulu, Hawaii, A saloon and J.T. Waterhouse on left and the C. Brewer Bldg., right, 1871. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Kawaiahao Church and King Lunalilos tomb, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1885. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

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Hotel Street looking toward Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii. Union Street running up; early 1880s; Family Market later Fashion Stables run by Buckly & Sullivan. Far left: Honolulu Fire Dept. headquarters of three companies. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

King and Richards streets, Honolulu, Hawaii. Includes Sing Wo Chong store and Hop Wo & Co. tailor, circa 1898. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Nuuanu Street from the waterfront in Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1884. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Crowd on Nuuanu Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. In white uniforms are Hawaiian Band members, July 4, 1881. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

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Fort Street at Hotel Street in Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1879. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

1870s; Aliiolani Hale -1874. Iolani Palace (not yet built) in Honolulu, Hawaii,1881. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Nuuanu Valley from prison, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1876. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Bishop Bank. Merchant Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1879. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

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Honolulu, Hawaii from Fort Street. James Campbell Building on left. Benson Smith on right. Fort Street, circa 1870. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Fort Street showing E. O. Hall & Hobron Drug, circa 1880s in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

M.T. Donnell Cabinet-Maker & Upholsterer on King St., Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1875. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

View across intersection of King and Punchbowl streets. with old Iolani Palace beyond and Our Lady of Peace and the Fort Street churches in background, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1860. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

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Fort Street from King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1862. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Pantheon  Hotel and Fort streets, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1860. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

King Street from Waity Building looking Ewa, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1857. (Courtesy/Hawaii State Archives)

Dr. Jansen and his team are working hard to save and share as much of Hawaiis history as they can. They are not only preserving these important records but also making them easy for everyone to find and use.

There are now thousands of old photographs that show what life in Hawaii used to be like. You can see people at parades, boats in the harbor, old buildings and much more.

Right now, the State Archives is working on many projects at once. One of the biggest is organizing one of the largest collections of Hawaiian music in the world. It includes over 20,000 songs stored in many boxes.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

You can click here to learn more about the State Archives.

The Archives is doing amazing work to keep Hawaiis stories alive for future generations.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PINE BLUFF, ARK.  Pine Bluff police are searching for a man that they say is connected to a Friday deadly shooting.

According to investigators, 37-year-old Michael King Jr. is wanted in connection with the death of 36-year-old Markee Avery, who police say is facing a charge of capital murder.

Pine Bluff police investigating after man found dead Friday

Investigators said that Averys body was found with an apparent gunshot wound around 3:21 p.m. in the yard of a residence in the 1200 block of Spruce Street on Friday afternoon.

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King is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds. Police say he could possibly be driving a red 2025 Hyundai Sonata with Arkansas license plate 891TWJ.

Investigators say that King is considered armed and dangerous and advise that no one should approach him.

Little Rock police make arrest in overnight deadly shooting on Brookside Drive

Anyone who may know his whereabouts is asked to contact the Pine Bluff Police Department Detective Division at 870-730-2090, the tip line at 870-730-2106, or the dispatch center at 870-541-5300.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 House voted to cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, which provides funding for NPR and PBS. Here in Pittsburgh, radio stations WYEP and WESA and television station WQED will be impacted.

Jason Jedlinski is President & CEO of WQED. He said, Theres been many instances over the years of cause to defund the corporations for public broadcasting, this is obviously the first time its happened.

WQEDs President is reacting after the House voted early Friday morning to approve President Donald Trumps proposal to cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting.

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Representatives Kelly and Reschenthaler voted for the cuts while Representatives Lee and Deluzio voted against them.

In the Senate, Dave McCormick vote for the cuts and John Fetterman voted against them.

Jedlinski said, I think its a mistake and I think its very short-sighted. I see it as an opportunity. Its an opportunity for us to go back to our roots.

16 years before PBS and federal funding started, it was the community that created the first community-owned TV station in America when school children went door to door collecting donations in tin cans. He explained, 2 dollar donations from 60-thousand households is what allowed WQED to open its doors.

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In Pittsburgh, the cuts will take away 1.8 million dollars from WQED which eliminates 11 percent of its government grant funding. WQED says the biggest impact viewers will initially see will likely be with national programming. Shows like Nova, Masterpiece and Frontline may no longer produce new episodes. But Jedlinski says hes confident and optimistic that WQED isnt going anywhere.

Nothing about this vote stops the possibility of funding being restored. The corporation for public broadcasting is a private entity; Congress nor the White House have any authority to abolish a private organization, Jedlinski said.

Terry OReilly, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation, said:

As for us, were committed to the work we do every day on WESA and WYEP, and are thrilled with the messages and calls of support weve been receiving since very early this morning from local listeners who rely on us for independent news and music programming. Its going to be a challenge to replace the roughly $1.5 million that was approved by Congress but subsequently clawed back by the White Housebut our commitment to service for Pittsburgh and all of Western PA is unchanged.

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The measure now goes to President Trump, where he is expected to sign it into law.

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  City officials are encouraging Pittsfield residents to sign up for CodeRED, a free community notification system that delivers critical alerts during emergencies and time-sensitive events.

Chicopee adds new drop-off boxes for bills and documents

The CodeRED system provides residents with real-time notifications via phone calls, text messages, emails, mobile app alerts, and TDD transmissions, keeping the public informed during events such as snow emergencies, natural disasters, road closures, water main breaks, traffic alerts, and evacuation notices.

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CodeRED is a rapid alert warning system that can be sent out at the beginning of an emergency to warn residents of any dangers, street closings, or vital messaging you might need, said Pittsfield Fire Chief Thomas Sammons. Only a small portion of the citys population has signed up for CodeRED, and we would like to see more residents enroll in this alert system to receive critical information, especially during emergencies.

The city emphasized that there is no subscription fee for signing up, and residents can choose to receive notifications in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.

To enroll, residents must enter their name, address, and phone number through the Community Notification Enrollment portal. Email and text message alerts are also available for those who opt in.

For assistance with signing up, residents can contact the Mayors Office at (413) 499-9321.

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More information about the CodeRED system can be found on the citys website under the Emergency Notifications (CodeRED) section.

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.
An unusual alliance of Republican lawmakers and animal rights advocates, together with others, is creating storm clouds for a plan to protect one threatened owl by killing a more common one.

Last August, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved a plan to shoot roughly 450,000 barred owls in California, Oregon and Washington over three decades. The barred owls have been out-competing imperiled northern spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, as well as California spotted owls, pushing them out of their territory.

Supporters of the approach  including conservation groups and prominent scientists  believe the cull is necessary to avert disastrous consequences for the spotted owls.

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But the coalition argues the effort is too expensive, unworkable and inhumane. They're urging the Trump administration to cancel it and lawmakers could pursue a reversal through special congressional action.

Last month, The Times has found, federal officials canceled three owl-related grants to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife totaling roughly $1.1 million, including one study that would remove barred owls from over 192,000 acres in Mendocino and Sonoma counties.

A female barred owl sits on a branch in the wooded hills, Dec. 13, 2017, outside Philomath, Ore. (Don Ryan / Associated Press)

Two were nixed before federal funding was allocated and never got off the ground, Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the state wildlife agency, said. Another, a collaboration with University of Maryland biologists to better understand barred owl dispersal patterns in western forests, was nearly complete when terminated.

"Under President Donald J. Trumps leadership, we are eliminating wasteful programs, cutting unnecessary costs and ensuring every dollar serves a clear purpose," a spokesperson for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement when asked whether the grants had been terminated.

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Another lever would be for Congress to overturn the owl-kill plan altogether using the Congressional Review Act.

The Government Accountability Office concluded in a late-May decision that the plan is subject to that act, sometimes used by new presidential administrations to reverse rules issued by federal agencies in the final months of prior administrations. Both chambers of Congress would need to pass a joint resolution to undo it.

In the months leading up to the GAO determination, bipartisan groups of U.S. House members wrote two letters to the secretary of the Interior laying out reasons why the owl-cull plan should not move forward. In total, 19 Republicans and 18 Democrats signed the letters, including seven lawmakers from California  David Valadao (R-Hanford), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles), Gil Cisneros (D-Covina), Josh Harder (D-Tracy), Linda T. Sanchez (D-Whittier), Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Adam Gray (D-Merced).

Rep. Troy E. Nehls (R-Texas), an ardent Trump supporter, signed the initial letter, and is "currently exploring other options to end this unnecessary plan, which prioritizes one species of owls over another, and wastes Americans' hard-earned tax dollars," communications director Emily Matthews said.

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Kamlager-Dove said also said earlier this year that she objected to killing one species to preserve another. "And as an animal lover, I cannot support the widespread slaughter of these beautiful creatures," she said.

If a resolution is introduced, passed and signed by President Trump, the plan will be over. The Fish and Wildlife Service would not be allowed to bring forward a similar rule, unless explicitly authorized by Congress.

Tom Wheeler, executive director of the Environmental Protection Information Center, which supports reducing the barred owl population, called the specter of the Congressional Review Act "very scary."

Its "an intrusion by Congress into areas where we're relying on high agency expertise and scientific understanding," he said. It's vibes versus science.

A California spotted owl is shown inside the Tahoe National Forest in California on July 12, 2004. (Debra Reid / Associated Press)

Wheeler said he believed it was more likely the program would be deprioritized amid budget cuts than eliminated through the Act.

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"If we don't move forward with barred owl removal, it will mean the extinction of the northern spotted owl, and it will likely mean the extinction of the California spotted owl as well," he said.

Science is on its side, he said. A long-term field experiment showed that where barred owls were killed, the population of spotted owls stabilized.

For animal welfare activist Wayne Pacelle, who has galvanized opposition to the owl-cull plan, its a hopeful turn of events.

"Even if they had full funding for this, we don't think it could possibly succeed," said Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy. The land area where the barred owls need to be controlled is just too vast, he said. And barred owls from elsewhere, he said, will simply fly in and replace those that are felled.

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As few as 3,000 northern spotted owls are left on federal lands. The brown raptors with white spots are listed as threatened under both the California and federal Endangered Species Act.

California spotted owls are also in decline, and federal wildlife officials have proposed endangered species protections for two populations.

The two sides of the fierce debate agree that barred and spotted owls compete for nesting sites and food  such as woodrats and northern flying squirrels.

Barred owls and spotted owls are similar in appearance and can even interbreed. But barred owls are more aggressive and slightly larger, in addition to being more generalist when it comes to what theyll eat and where theyll live, allowing them to muscle out their fellow raptors.

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Read more: Spotted owls are disappearing fast, and federal cuts could mean no one's left to count them

Federal wildlife officials and some conservationists consider barred owls invasive.

As Europeans settled the Great Plains, they suppressed fire and planted trees, allowing barred owls to expand westward from their origin in eastern North America, biologists believe.

"I would call this an invasion, and I would call these non-native species," Wheeler said.

On the flip side, some see the owl arrival along the West Coast as natural range expansion.

There are also conflicting views of the cost of exterminating so many owls.

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Opponents estimate it will cost about $1.35 billion, extrapolated from a $4.5-million contract awarded to a Northern California Native American tribe last year to hunt about 1,500 barred owls over four years.

A 2024 research paper, however, concluded that barred owl removal in the range of the northern spotted owl would cost from $4.5 million to $12 million per year in its initial stages, and would likely decrease over time. At $12 million a year, the 30-year plan would run $360 million.

Pacelles Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy have also sued the Fish and Wildlife Service in U.S. District Court in Washington state over the plan. Friends of Animals, another animal welfare group, filed suit in Oregon .

Wheelers Environmental Protection Information Center has intervened in the suits in defense of the plan, and those cases continue to advance.



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jul. 18With the end of a temporary court order allowing Planned Parenthood to once again treat Medicaid patients looming, the provider is trying to see as many patients in New Mexico as possible before the Monday deadline, officials said.

Though officials are optimistic the injunction will be extended by a federal judge, the future for a third of their patients in New Mexico is up in the air.

Before the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, barring Planned Parenthood from billing Medicaid, 34% of patients at the provider were covered by the federal assistance program in New Mexico. Statewide, 38.5% of New Mexicans were enrolled in Medicaid as of May.

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President Trump, who in 1999 described himself as "very pro-choice" in an interview, ran in 2020 on a platform of defunding Planned Parenthood while shying away from calling for a nationwide abortion ban. In his first term, Trump said he supported Planned Parenthood's other services, but tried to pressure the group to stop providing abortions. They have not obliged and in the law, their federal funding was stripped.

In the week after the bill's passage, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains had to cancel nearly 1,000 appointments made by Medicaid patients in New Mexico and Colorado, PPRM CEO Adrienne Mansanares said in an interview Friday.

Judge Indira Talwani granted an injunction July 7 after Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit in federal District Court in Massachusetts alleging that the new law was unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Because of the window of opportunity the injunction created, Planned Parenthood is contacting Medicaid patients with cancelled or later appointments and encouraging them to reschedule for as soon as possible. PPRM is also recommending patients request any services they might need for the foreseeable future during their appointments, whether that's a monthslong supply of birth control pills, IUD insertion or a preventative cancer screening.

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"We want to make sure everyone gets the health care that they deserve, especially if this is just temporary," Mansanares said.

Due to a slew of cancellations forced by the new law, providers' typically packed schedules are now riddled with holes, allowing patients to be seen more quickly, officials said. PPRM got the go ahead from state Medicaid officials Wednesday and are now scheduling patients. If the court doesn't extend the injunction, many more appointments may be canceled.

According to Mansanares, this new law is just the latest effort in a long history of attempts to outlaw abortion, discourage sexual health services and stop gender-affirming care.

For nearly 50 years, it has been illegal to use federal money to pay for abortion services, thanks to the Hyde Amendment. There are few exceptions to the rule, including conception due to rape or incest or mortal danger to the woman.

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Now, a provision of the Big Beautiful Bill has also cut off access to a panoply of sexual health services through Planned Parenthood, including testing and treatment for STIs, pregnancy tests, and contraception.

In a January executive order, the White House said that American taxpayers were "forced to pay" for abortion services, despite the amendment, through other federal funding sources funneled into sexual health clinics like Planned Parenthood.

"It's very clear that it's illegal to use federal dollars for abortion care, and we follow the law," Mansanares said. "...This is really about defunding Planned Parenthood. I mean, this has been attempted over and over again for decades, and these out of touch Republicans in Congress have won, and they have a president who signed it."

In 2024, Planned Parenthood received $792.2 million in federal funding, including grants and reimbursements, amounting to 39% of its budget, according to a fiscal report.

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Though Planned Parenthood performs abortions, the procedure amounts to a markedly small percent of their provided services at 4%. More than half of patients at Planned Parenthood are there to receive STI testing and treatment, according to an annual national report. Nearly a quarter of patients turn to Planned Parenthood for contraception and 10% of patients are there for miscellaneous services such as primary care appointments or adoption referrals.

"Planned Parenthood plays a very critical role in the ecosystem of reproductive and sexual health care  but we're not alone," Mansanares said. "The need is too great, and the work is very complex."

Outside of federal funds, a mesh of state money and mutual aid cover the most vulnerable in New Mexico.

Since 1999, New Mexico has been one of 17 states that uses state funds to pay for abortions for Medicaid enrollees, covering a gap left by the Hyde Amendment. Still, a local sexual health advocacy group said the state government isn't doing enough in the light of federal cuts.

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Indigenous Women Rising is a mutual aid and advocacy group based out of Albuquerque that runs an abortion fund for Native Americans. In New Mexico, 60% of Native people are covered by Medicaid, according to New Mexico Health Care Authority.

Indigenous people face higher barriers and costs in pursuing sexual health treatment, said spokesperson Marcus Trujillo. The Indian Health Service does not perform abortions and many clinics on reservations don't always provide the sexual health services people need, Trujillo said, causing patients to travel, at times, hundreds of miles for care.

"We remind (the state) that this is about making sure that our Native communities and marginalized communities as a whole are not left out or forced to rely on patchwork care," Trujillo said. "Mutual aid continues to show up for our communities, regardless of what our courts decide."

Gillian Barkhurst is a reporter for the Albuquerque Journal. She can be reached at gbarkhurst@abqjournal.com or on Twitter @G_Barkhurst.
Plans for a proposed independent school in a village on the outskirts of a city have specified it would be for the children of families part of a church's congregation.

OneSchool Global has lodged an application with South Norfolk Council for a new campus in Bawburgh, near Norwich, which is set to replace its existing school in Swaffham.

The school would enrol up to 130 pupils aged five to 18 from across Norfolk and Waveney, Suffolk, and would be built near Costessey Park and Ride.

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The school network was founded by members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, an evangelical Christian movement, with its schools attended by church families.

Initial designs for the new facility include a gym, play area, classrooms, a library, kitchen and a 60-space car park.

The Long Lane site spans nearly eight acres (3.25 hectares) and is currently a pig farm, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

OneSchool Global said its 110-student campus at Turbine Way in Swaffham, which includes two adapted portacabins, was "nearing the end of its serviceable life".

The school would continue its arrangement of all students arriving and leaving by a dedicated minibus service, the application stated.

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"Subject to approval, the new school campus will provide outstanding professional opportunities for educators within the OneSchool Global network, while also supporting high-quality local jobs through the construction and development phase," said Sarah Bennett, a regional principal at OneSchool Global UK.

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The Polish Ministry of Defence has reported that it scrambled aircraft in response to a combined Russian attack on Ukraine.

Source: Polish Ministry of Defence in a statement

Quote: "As per standard procedures, Operational Command of the Armed Forces mobilised all the available forces and assets, scrambled fighter jets and placed ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance systems on the highest level of combat readiness."

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Details: The statement added that the measures taken were aimed at ensuring security in areas bordering zones that are under threat of attack.

Background: A week ago, Poland also scrambled fighter jets amid a large-scale Russian missile attack on Ukraine.

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Portuguese police said they were not treating the deaths of two British men at a hotel swimming pool as suspicious, as a sister claimed her brother died while "trying to save" his best friend's life.

King Edonmi, 29, and Mo Liasu, 27, died less than 24 hours after arriving on holiday in Albufeira. The men, from Ipswich, are believed to have drowned on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the Policia Judiciaria, Portugal's criminal investigation police, said inquiries so far had shown "no evidence of criminal activity".

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Mr Edonmi's sister, Kemi, paid tribute to the pair online and dispelled local reports that the men had been drinking.

Heartfelt messages were left among the tributes to the two friends in Ipswich [Jon Wright/BBC]

In a statement, police in Portugal said: "The inspection of the scene revealed no evidence of criminal activity.

"Witnesses to the events were interviewed, confirming the investigation's belief that it was an accident."

The Foreign Office said it had been supporting the families involved and coordinating with Portuguese authorities.

Kemi Edonmi wrote online: "My best friend is really gone. Rest in peace to my big brother and his best friend Mo, we love you and will never forget you both.

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"The whole family is comforted by the fact that King died in Christ.

"From Jesus - For Jesus - Back to Jesus. We shall all meet again."

She added that "my brother died trying to save his friend's life".

Ms Edonmi criticised speculation that the men had been drinking, writing: "My brother and Mo do not drink and were not intoxicated at the time of the incident.

"Articles with false information and insensitive comments don't know the pain they're causing the people closest to King and Mo."

In the UK, candles, flowers and tealights spelling out the men's names have been laid near flats on Ipswich Waterfront.

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A fundraising page set up to help pay for the repatriation of their bodies has been closed after it passed 25,000.

A joint statement from the families of both men said: "We would like to extend our deepest and most sincere thanks to every single person who donated, shared and supported us during this heart-breaking time.

"Because of your incredible generosity, preparations have now been made to bring our beloved King and Mo home, so they may be laid to rest with the love, dignity and peace they so deeply deserve."

Thanking people for their support, the statement continues: "The parents of King and Mo have been profoundly moved by the outpouring of love and support from the community."

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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Judge Steven Hippler has lifted the gag order banning police and prosecutors from discussing their investigations into Bryan Kohberger, who has pleaded guilty to the brutal 2022 murders of four college students at the University of Idaho.

Moscow Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger said that bringing justice to the victims has been his teams focus and that their mission was accomplished.

Our hope is that not only the families, but the friends, even the Moscow community and all the communities that were affected by this, can start to heal and bring some sort of closure to this horrendous act, Dahlinger told ABC News.

The Steptoe Village apartments at Washington State University, where Bryan Kohberger lived. / Young Kwak/Reuters

However, the police chief could not identify a clear motive for the murders, which shocked the nation and devastated the state of Idaho.

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Earlier this month, Kohberger, 30, entered into a plea deal and admitted killing four University of Idaho students. The four roommatesMadison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodlewere stabbed to death by Kohberger in the early hours of Nov. 13, 2022, in their off-campus home in the town of Moscow, Latah County.

The former PhD student at Washington State University is not thought to have known the victims. The plea deal was described by Kaylees father, Steve Goncalves, as a deal with the devil.

Judge Steven Hippler has lifted the gag order banning police and prosecutors from discussing their investigations into Bryan Kohberger, who has pleaded guilty to the brutal 2022 murders of four college students at the University of Idaho. / Idaho Statesman / TNS

Speaking to ABC News, Washington State University police chief Gary Jenkins said that he knew Kohlberger, having interviewed him for an intern position in 2022, just months before the killings.

The hair on the back of my neck stood up, Jenkins said, when he heard that Bryan Kohberger was being linked with the case.

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His name definitely rang a bell with me. And I told them that I had interviewed Bryan Kohberger I had his resume and cover letter for the intern position.

Bryan Kohberger remained calm and quiet as he pleaded guilty. Those in the courtroom noted that he did not appear to show any emotion. / Kyle Green / via REUTERS

The former Pullman, Washington police chief said he did not select Kohberger for the intern position, owing to his perceived lack of personability.

He didnt have a real conversational manner about him, Jenkins said. I just didnt think he would be able to develop that trust and rapport.

According to Jenkins, criminal justice professors overseeing the Ph.D. program at WSU feel responsible for not having intervened prior to the murders.

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Im a law enforcement professional. I interviewed him, and I couldnt tell you what was to come, and I dont know how they could either.

Kohbergers attorneys have said they will maintain their silence until sentencing, which is expected on July 23.

Idaho is one of the 27 U.S. states that uses capital punishment, although there have been no executions in the state since 2012.
The Congress on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over "compromising" the country's "honour" regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he had stop the India-Pakistan conflict. Congress, in a post on X, said, "Trump said, Five jets were shot down in the war between India and Pakistan. Along with this, he said for the 24th time that I stopped the India-Pakistan war by threatening trade." "Trump is constantly repeating this, and Narendra Modi is silent. Why did Narendra Modi compromise the country's honour for trade?" the post further reads. https://x.com/INCIndia/status/1946393121576853850 This came after US President Donald Trump on Saturday again claimed to have played a role in stopping the India-Pakistan conflict. Trump stated that he halted the escalation with the assistance of a trade deal. "We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that was going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that," he said. "But India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade. We said, you guys want to make a trade deal. We're not making a trade deal if you're going to be throwing around weapons and maybe nuclear weapons, both very powerful nuclear states," Trump added. Earlier on Monday, Trump reiterated his claim that he stopped the escalation of the recent India-Pakistan conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump made these remarks during his meeting with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte. "We have been very successful in settling wars, India, Pakistan... India, by the way, Pakistan would have been a nuclear war within another week, the way that was going. It was going very badly," Trump stated. He pointed to his strategy of using trade as leverage, stating, "We did that through trade. I said, we are not going to talk to you about trade unless you get this thing settled, and they did." In June, Trump told reporters on Air Force One, "You know, I did something that people don't talk about, and I don't talk about very much, but we solved a big problem, a nuclear problem potentially with India and with Pakistan." (ANI)
DENVER (KDVR)  The Denver Police Department said charges will not be filed after an 11-year-old fell six stories from a window at The Tamarac Family Shelter in Denver.

On Friday, FOX31 received information from the Denver Police Department that the district attorneys office will not be filing charges following the incident.

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On July 7 at about 2:15 p.m., a report was made of a child falling from the hotel-turned-shelter on East Hampden Avenue. Multiple agencies responded and the child was transported to Childrens Hospital.

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The Denver Fire Department reported that the child was awake and responsive but had multiple injuries.

The Salvation Army, which manages the building, previously told FOX31 in a statement that it had met all requirements to ensure that the windows were secured and guests in the building were informed the windows should stay closed.

The city of Denver also previously provided FOX31 with a statement, which concluded with: Safety will always be our top priority, however, at this time we have no reason to believe this is anything more than a terrible and unfortunate accident.

Denvers mayor also said that when the city purchased the hotel to make it a shelter, changes were made to the windows, as there were once balconies installed.

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We had some folks who broke off the locks on those systems and opened the doors even against our guidance, Mayor Mike Johnston said. And so that was how the tragedy that happened yesterday with the child that fell out, was that that was a room where they had broken off the lock that we had put in.

Johnston said on July 9 that the city is installing a new brand of lock that is not manipulable.

Theyre not being removed by any amount of amateur effort, Johnston said. And so I think Im really grateful for their both thoughtful approach up front and then quick response to adding extra protections despite folks tampering with those locks that we obviously saw why we dont want them opened.

The city told FOX31 via email that while trying to improve ventilation in the rooms, rivets were being installed to make the design more difficult to tamper with. The city said the work began before the fall on July 7, and said the current design is safe as long as it is not tampered with.

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FOX31s Heather Willard contributed to this report.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus police are searching for an unknown driver who hit and killed a man in a wheelchair overnight.

Police said an adult male in a wheelchair was traveling on Gender Road north of Refugee Road late Friday or early Saturday when an unknown vehicle killed him and fled the scene. The identity of the victim is not yet known.

Police said an unknown vehicle was traveling northbound on Gender Road and struck the victim before fleeing the scene. Police said the driver did not call emergency services or check on the mans well-being. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene once medical personnel responded to the crash at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday.

Police are asking for public help identifying the vehicle and victim. Anyone with information is asked to call 614-645-47-67, or report information anonymously at 614-461-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.




NEED TO KNOW

Greg Fleniken was found dead in a locked hotel room in 2010

His body showed no bruising or external signs of trauma  but an autopsy revealed catastrophic internal damage

Detectives revisiting the case found a tiny hole in the wall  a subsequent second look at autopsy photos helped them procure an arrest in Fleniken's long-cold case





Greg Fleniken liked his routines. The 55-year-old landman from Lafayette, La., worked hard, traveled often, and ended his nights the same way each time he checked into the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont, Texas: with a candy bar, some microwave popcorn, a cigarette and the quiet of cable television.

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On the night of September 15, 2010, Greg called his wife Susie, as he always did. Then he got into bed and turned on the TV.

By morning, he was dead.

Coworkers found him on the floor near the bed, face-down, still in his pajamas, a cigarette still gripped between his fingers. The hotel door had been locked from the inside, per reporting by Vanity Fair.

Nothing appeared disturbed. His wallet was untouched. Police saw no blood, no immediate signs of injury. They chalked it up to a sudden heart attack.

The local coroner, Dr. Tommy Brown, did a routine autopsy  but what he found was anything but routine.

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Gregs ribs were broken. His sternum was fractured. His heart and liver were lacerated. Most puzzling of all was a dark purple wound on his scrotum, swollen and torn as if from a crushing blow.

Yet there were no signs of bruising anywhere else. No defensive wounds. No abrasions on the chest. No evidence of blunt force trauma to the torso.

Dr. Brown initially assumed the damage had been caused by CPR. But Greg had been dead for hours before anyone found him, and no one had attempted resuscitation. That ruled CPR out  and made the injuries all the more confounding.



MCM Elegante Hotel Beaumont

The injuries were more typical of what hed expect to see in someone whod been in a serious car crash or crushed under a heavy object  not a man found lying face-down on the floor of a hotel room with no external wounds. There were no bruises or abrasions to explain the broken bones and internal lacerations. It didnt make sense. Something violent had happened to Greg  but it had left almost no trace on the surface of his body.

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What the coroner didnt realize at the time was that the scrotal wound was actually a bullet entry point  but the skin had sealed itself after death.

In rare cases, loose or pliable skin  like that of the scrotum  can settle or "knit" back together post-mortem, especially if the opening is small and no autopsy incision disturbs it. The result? A deep internal pathway of destruction, but with no obvious external bullet hole to flag it.

Dr. Brown ruled the death a homicide  cause unknown. It would be nearly two years before anyone figured out what really happened.

Susie Fleniken, unconvinced by the shifting explanations and desperate for answers, hired private investigator Ken Brennan. Brennan, a former DEA agent with a knack for reading between the lines, teamed up with local Detective Scott Apple.

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Together, they reconstructed Gregs final hours  and found a clue everyone else had missed: the electricians next door.

Three union workers from Wisconsin had been staying in Room 349, just across the wall from Greg. On the night of his death, theyd been drinking and watching sports. When police interviewed them, they claimed they hadnt heard or seen anything unusual.

But Brennan wasnt so sure. He had Apple re-interview them. And when the two men returned to Room 348 to walk the scene, Brennan noticed something: a tiny hole in the wall, just big enough to be missed in a first sweep  and just big enough for a bullet.

They returned to Room 349. On the opposite side of the same wall, someone had plugged a matching hole with dried toothpaste.

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From there, detectives began to piece the story together  slowly connecting the internal injuries to a possible gunshot, and narrowing their focus to the men who had been drinking next door that night.

Detectives brought the electricians in for questioning. Using a mix of subtle pressure and direct threat  warning them they could be charged for making false statements  Brennan and Apple got one of them, Tim Steinmetz, to talk.

According to Steinmetz, after the electrical work was done and the drinks had been poured, one of their coworkers, Lance Mueller, pulled out a 9mm Ruger handgun to show off. Mueller, clearly drunk, was playing around  trying to quick draw like in an old western movie. He pointed the gun at Steinmetz, then at another man in the room.

The weapon discharged.

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No one screamed. No one next door called out. They saw the hole in the wall, panicked, and patched it with toothpaste. No one reported the shot. No one checked next door. They assumed no one was hurt.

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.

But in Room 348, the bullet had entered Gregs scrotum, tearing upward into his body, lacerating his organs and breaking bones before lodging deep in his chest. It was a slow, silent death. He may have remained conscious for minutes.

Tim Steinmetz cooperated. Another coworker, Trent Pasano, backed up the story. Detectives arrested Lance Mueller, who later pleaded no contest to manslaughter. He was sentenced in October 2012 to 10 years in prison.

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"You would never have come forward with the truth. . . . You murdered him," Fleniken's widow said to Mueller in court. "No, you didn't intentionally seek him out to murder him, but you murdered him, with every lie you told, with every intentional selfish deception, with every cover-up, over and over again.... You saw his body taken out of the room in a body bag the next day. You knew you killed him."

"You have met your match," she said, per Vanity Fair. "I would have spent the rest of my life tracking you down. And I found you. Greg's murderer. I brought you to justice."

Read the original article on People
We know the bad news well enough: Violence targeting elected officials is on the rise. The attack on lawmakers in Minnesota last month that left two dead and two injured is but the most recent example. There is increasing political violence initiated by the federal government, arising from its efforts to deport millions of people and suppress dissent.

But this is only part of the story. Research by our group and others has repeatedly found that there is also room for hope and clear guidance for actions all of us can take to prevent political violence from spiraling out of control.

Our group at UC Davis has conducted a survey of the American publics views on political violence each year since 2022, gathering data from the same people over time to allow for accurate monitoring of trends. Participants are members of the Ipsos KnowledgePanel, recruited through an address-based, equal-probability sampling system such that  with statistical weighting  they accurately represent the adult population of the United States.

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The survey is conducted online (panel members who do not have Internet access are given the necessary equipment and service, free of charge). Ours has been an unusually large survey, with nearly 13,000 participants in 2022 and response rates of at least 84% each year thereafter.

In 2022, two-thirds of our respondents rejected political violence altogether, though we gave them more than a dozen opportunities to endorse it. This proportion rose to 75% in 2023, and, contrary to our expectations, did not fall in 2024  an election year, when concern for violence was high. In 2022, an are-you-kidding-me 14% of our respondents  one adult in seven  strongly or very strongly agreed that in the next few years, there will be civil war in the United States. But agreement fell to 6% in 2023 and stayed there in 2024.

Whats more, of the minority of our respondents who endorse political violence in principle, the vast majority (roughly 80%) are unwilling to engage in such violence themselves. We explored this more deeply in 2024 and got more good news: Of the small percentage (about 4%) of respondents who thought it very likely they would engage in combat if civil war broke out, a remarkable 45% said they would change their minds if urged to do so by their families; 20% to 30% were open to persuasion by friends, respected religious and community leaders and the media.

We can work with this. The vast majority of us who reject violence must make our positions loud and clear to our families and friends and to the public at large.

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There are clearly identified groups at high risk for committing political violence, and engaging directly with these individuals deserves extra effort. In our surveys, these groups have included young men; MAGA Republicans; endorsers of many forms of fear, hatred and enmity toward others (racism, hostile sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia and antisemitism); and people who approve of violent extremist organizations and movements such as the Proud Boys, Christian nationalism and the militia movement.

Our actions will produce some awkward conversations, and not all of them will be successful. But even when we dont affect individual behavior, our collective efforts will help create a climate of intolerance for violence in our social networks and in our society. Preventing the normalization of violence can, by itself, reduce the risk that violence will occur.

But that reduction wont be to zero. Our second responsibility is, If you see something, say something. In most cases, those who are planning violence tip their hands, and any one of us could be that person who prevents a tragedy by calling 9-1-1 and relaying key information to those in a position to do something about it.

Violence initiated by the government is a special case, and were likely to get much more experience with it in the near future. Our third responsibility is not to oppose violence with violence.

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In this country, at this time, violent opposition will almost certainly accelerate a downward slide into authoritarianism. Our model must be the civil rights movement, not the American Revolution. Those who confront violence with nonviolence hold the moral high ground, and their example mobilizes others to join them.

There is no room on the sidelines this time. For the United States to survive  let alone to thrive  we must remain a nation that does not resolve its differences through violence. Each one of us now faces this question: What will I do to make that happen?

Dr. Garen Wintemute, MD, MPH, is an emergency physician and director of the Centers for Violence Prevention at UC Davis.
Germans reject a ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) by a majority of 52% to 27% in favour, according to a new representative survey published by the Allensbach Institute polling organization on Saturday.

The proportion opposed to a ban rises to 65% in the east of the country, according to the poll published by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung daily newspaper, while it falls to 49% in the western states. The AfD enjoys widespread support in the formerly communist eastern states.

The pollsters found a range of reasons for rejecting a ban on the party, which is monitored as a far-right extremist organization by the domestic intelligence agencies.

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The main reason was that respondents were familiar with AfD supporters, with 67% of west Germans and 88% of east Germans having AfD supporters in their circle of acquaintances. These acquaintances were seen in a much more sympathetic light than the party itself.

Another prominent reason for rejecting a ban is that many respondents believe that parties backing a ban merely want to be rid of a difficult competitor in the political landscape.

Calls for ban proceedings to be launched rose after the federal domestic intelligence agency rated the party "confirmed far-right extremist" allowing the agency greater leeway in monitoring the AfD.

The rating has been suspended while the AfD challenges the decision in the courts. Germany's Constitutional Court is the ultimate arbiter in any ban. An application for a ban has to be made by the federal government or either house of parliament.

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The AfD, known for its anti-immigration, anti-Muslim, eurosceptic and nationalist rhetoric, has been a flashpoint in German politics for more than a decade.

In recent years, the party has gained ground by capitalizing on economic discontent and growing public unease over immigration. It is now Germany's largest opposition party.
ST. LOUIS  Social media lit up Thursday with the police raid on Exotic Smokes 2on Hampton with posts like OMGGGGG THEY SHUT DOWN im finna cry.

According to a search warrant of inventory taken in the raid, investigators seized everything from THC edibles to vape pens, paper rolls and a handgun.

It looked a little bit sketchy, citizen J.T. said while walking by. He said he noticed it was not listed as a dispensary and didnt seem to follow the same rules as most THC shops.

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This was pretty much walk in the front door, go to a counter and get what you want, J.T. added.

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FOX 2 tried calling the owner listed in business records. Repeated calls would not go through.

A sign on the door says, Sorry, weve been temporarily closed by the city. Were working tirelessly to get back open!!

FOX 2 has learned Exotic Smokes 2 is not licensed by the Missouri division of cannabis regulation.

If you drive 14 miles north, you cannot miss the second Exotic Smokes location, which FOX 2 also confirmed is not licensed. Yet, youll see the ads for THC when you drive by on St. Charles Rock Road.

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Theyre not only open, but theyre available 24/7 with a drive-through.

If all of this wasnt bold enough, how about the fact its right next to the Breckenridge Hills Police Department?

Its gutsy, Captain Randy Van Cloedt said. I set up some different buys with an informant and I did two separate purchases.

The Captain says both samples tested positive for THC. He says hes also concerned about his findings in a third operation checking on drug-related tools, using a minor.

I did a buy with the consent of their parent and sent a 17-year-old to purchase paraphernalia. We just want to make sure everyone is following the law and doing it right, Van Cloedt said.

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His department is seeking to revoke Exotic Smokes business license at the next city council meeting, as his officers continue looking into possible criminal action.

Back at the closed location in South City, St. Louis Police told us their officers are awaiting lab results on what they seized before looking into the next steps.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
DENVER (KDVR)  A resident reported finding what appeared to be a possible human bone along a trail in a Westminster open space on Friday.

According to the Westminster Police Department, the agency responded to the open space near 122nd Avenue and Park Centre Drive, which is near the Big Dry Creek Park and The Ranch Open Space and is situated between several neighborhoods.

The discovery was made at about 2:30 p.m. The agency did not clarify what kind of human bone may have been found, but said that the age of the remains is unknown.

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A Boulder County Sheriffs Office cadaver dog was brought to the area to assist with the search. As of Friday evening, no further remains had been found.

The Westminster Police Department responded to an open space on Friday, July 18, after a resident found what is possibly a human bone. (Courtesy the Westminster Police Department) The Westminster Police Department responded to an open space on Friday, July 18, after a resident found what is possibly a human bone. (Courtesy the Westminster Police Department) The Westminster Police Department responded to an open space on Friday, July 18, after a resident found what is possibly a human bone. (Courtesy the Westminster Police Department)

Law enforcement are still investigating the incident, and the police department said that more information will be released as it 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 FOX31 Denver.
Cops want to question a U.S. Postal Service worker who they believe sent threatening texts to an NYPD police officer who had given him a summons for carrying an overly large can of pepper spray on a Bronx subway train, the Daily News has learned.

Three officers were in plainclothes, patrolling a northbound No. 6 train heading into the Parkchester station at the Hugh J. Grant Circle around 4:45 a.m. on Friday when they spotted the oversized  and thus illegal  canister of pepper spray sticking out of the 21-year-old, off-duty postal employees pocket.

They pulled the man off the train, gave him a summons for possessing a noxious substance, and ejected him from the system, officials said.

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About an hour later, one of the cops who gave the postal worker the summons received a phone call from a blocked number on his personal cellphone, a police source with knowledge of the case said.

After ignoring five calls from the number, the cop finally answered. The officer recognized the voice of the postal worker, who claimed he knew where he cop lived.

I told you Im not fing around, the caller said, menacingly, according to police sources. Im going to get you.

The postal worker called an additional 19 times, but the officer did not answer any of the calls, according to police sources. A short time later, the postal worker began texting the cop photos of a handgun, the sources said.

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This is what a real fing gun look like, dhead, he texted along with the picture. I will see you guys real soon, quick and easy.

As of Saturday, the postal worker, who police have identified, remained at large, officials said.

His name is not being released by this paper because he has not been charged.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  An Alabama family is asking the community for prayers as their daughter, son and father battle a rare and serious blood disorder.

Right now, the familys 9-year-old daughter is in the Childrens Hospital of Alabama.

They say the last few months have been an overwhelming time. But even so, there have been moments where they feel some prayers have been answered.

9-year-old Libby Barrett is learning to play the guitar. Shes doing so from a hospital bed at the Childrens Hospital of Alabama. Her mother, Jennifer, says she was diagnosed with telomere biology disorder, a rare and serious blood disorder, in May.

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They discovered that she had something called a TERT gene mutation, Barrett said. That is what caused her bone marrow failure, and that also what will potentially cause issues in other organs.

The disorder is passed down, so both of Libbys parents were tested. Just recently, the family found out that both Libbys father and brother have the same gene mutation that causes the disorder.

Its very overwhelming because theres still more questions than answers, even for the medical professionals, Barrett said.

Barrett doesnt hide the fact that the diagnoses have been overwhelming. Shes honest and says there have been low moments. But the entire Prattville community, the nurses and doctors at Childrens and thousands across the state and country have been a guiding light for the family.

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It does my heart a lot of good. It does my husbands heart a lot of good because any parent could understand watching your daughter go through an unknown and scary situation can be very overwhelming. And seeing that shes been able to do it with such grace and faith and confidence just makes us feel like, hey, if she can do it, then we need to do it that way, said Barrett.

Right now, Libby, Will and Caleb are receiving treatment in Birmingham. They say the best way to support them is to pray for the family.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has dipped in most polls as he faces national backlash again this week, with protests erupting across the country over his immigration agenda and his controversial legislative reforms.

On July 17, more than 1,600 demonstrations took place nationwide as part of the Good Trouble Lives On protests the fourth wave of mass mobilizations during Trumps second term. In Arizona, demonstrators decried the presidents aggressive deportation tactics and criticized what they see as executive overreach through his multiple executive orders aimed at reshaping the federal government. Protesters also voiced opposition to Trumps recently passed Big Beautiful Bill, which included deep cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs.

At the same time, millions of student loan borrowers are bracing for financial strain. As the Trump administration moves to restructure the Department of Education, about 8 million borrowers are expected to resume paying interest after a year-long pause. Public Service Loan Forgiveness recipients  those who work in government and nonprofit sectors  could also see significant changes to their repayment plans under new federal guidance.

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Trumps immigration policies are also facing growing public disapproval. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted July 1516 found that just 41% of Americans approve of his immigration actions, while 51% disapprove  the lowest approval rating for the president on immigration since the start of his second term. The poll followed the deployment of National Guard troops to protest zones in Los Angeles, and a series of ICE raids that have reached schools, worksites, churches and community spaces.

Here's a breakdown of Trump's approval rating amid recent events, including how they are decided and how Trump's ratings compare with his first term and past presidents.

What is Donald Trump's approval rating?

Here are the latest approval ratings released about Trump's administration:

A Reuters/Ipsos poll reported that, as of July 16, 41% of those surveyed gave him a favorable approval rating of his performance in office.

The Economist shows that 41% of people are favorable of Trump and 55% are unfavorable of him, according to the latest update from July 18.

A Rasmussen Reports poll from July 18 showed 50% approval and 48% disapproval of Trump.

A Morning Consult poll updated July 14 showed 47% approve and 50% disapprove.

The American Research Group poll from June 17-20 showed 37% approve and 59% disapprove.

How does Trump's approval rating compare with his 1st term?

Trump had a final approval rating of 34% when he left office in 2021. His approval average during his first term was 41%.

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National politics: Arizona sues Trump over changes to Affordable Care Act

How does Trump's approval rating compare with past presidents?

Joe Biden - 40%

Donald Trump (first term) - 34%

Barack Obama - 59%

George W. Bush - 34%

Bill Clinton - 66%

George H.W. Bush - 56%

Ronald Reagan - 63%

Jimmy Carter - 34%

Gerald Ford - 53%

Richard Nixon - 24%

Are presidential approval ratings accurate?

Data agency Gallup notes that these approval ratings are a "simple measure, yet a very powerful one that has played a key role in politics for over 70 years."

A presidents approval rating reflects the percentage of Americans polled who approve of the presidents performance. Anything can impact a president's rating, such as legislation passed, actions and elections.

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According to ABC News, an approval rating doesn't just represent how well the administration is doing for the general public, but could determine the outcome of an upcoming election for a politician or how much they get done during their time in office.

While these ratings are easy to understand, Quorum says some analysts believe they are not as useful as they once were due to extreme partisanship and the polarized political climate.

Presidential approval ratings have always been partisan, with members of the presidents party offering more positive assessments than those in the opposing party, according to the Pew Research Center. But the differences between Republicans and Democrats on views of the president have grown substantially in recent decades.

USA TODAY Network reporter Maria Francis contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Donald Trump's approval rating: See the latest polls
In the heart of Majuli, the world's largest inhabited river island, Mridul Barua is leading a quiet yet powerful cultural revolution--by keeping alive the ancient art of manuscript painting, a 600-year-old tradition that traces its roots to the great saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardeva. Sankardeva introduced manuscript writing as a means to spread the Neo-Vaishnavite movement, using vivid illustrations and script to convey religious teachings. Around the same time, the Ahom kings also adopted this technique to document royal chronicles. These manuscripts, painted on the bark of the Agarwood tree (locally known as Sanshi), used natural colors like hengul (vermillion) and haital (yellow arsenic), avoiding any synthetic or chemical substances--a tradition that Mridul Barua continues to this day. Speaking to ANI, Barua said, "This is a very old art form of Assam, which first began in 1467 during the time of the Ahom reign. Srimanta Shankar Deva, the great saint of Assam, transformed this art into a religious medium. He used this art form to depict holy texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Shastras." "When Shankar Deva was 19 years old, he travelled across many parts of India and learned about the Vaishnavite religion. Upon returning to Assam, people often asked him what deities looked like. To explain, he created a dramatic performance called Sihna Yatra, where he used scroll paintings to visually represent the divine figures," he said. "In these paintings, he used natural colors like Hengul and Haital, whose scientific names are Mercury Oxide and Arsenic Sulfide, respectively. Before this, there were paintings in Assam, but they were not permanent. It was Srimanta Shankar Deva who introduced the concept of permanent painting, even creating long-lasting ink for text," he added. "I am a palaeographer, and through studying ancient scripts, I have discovered that these old manuscript paintings also contain knowledge of medical science, astrology, and more. I am the third generation in my family to carry forward this legacy. My father passed away when I was just five years old, and since then, I have continued practising this traditional art form," he explained. Barua, a cultural torchbearer of this dying art form, has stayed true to the traditional process. The bark is dried naturally, treated carefully, and then painted with organic pigments. "First, we peel the bark of the Agaroo tree. Then we dry it in the sun. After that, we soak the bark in water for one day. Once soaked, we smooth the rough side using a cutter. Next, we paint it and let it dry for two days. After drying, we further smooth the surface using a stone and a shankh (conch shell). Then, we prepare a paste made from sticky rice and rohar dal, and apply a thin layer of it on the bark." "After applying the paste, we let it dry completely. Finally, we paint on it using Hengul and Haital--traditional natural pigments. No chemical colours are used in the process." Mridul's dedication to authenticity has earned manuscript painting a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and brought him numerous awards and recognitions, both at home and abroad. "We exhibit this traditional form of painting all over India. We also teach many people, including students from various institutions, as well as both domestic and foreign tourists. Through NABARD, we applied for a GI Tag, and we were successful in obtaining it. After receiving the GI Tag, more visitors started coming here. Yes, we have received several awards from the state government and have also been felicitated by many institutions," said Mridul. "This art form is our livelihood. Though it does not provide much income, my family is managing well. The most important thing is that this 600-year-old art form must survive. My forefathers never practised this craft for recognition. But times have changed now. I continue this work and teach the younger generation so that this legendary manuscript painting tradition lives on," he added. But Mridul's mission goes beyond personal acclaim. His work has travelled across the country, with exhibitions and sales in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Notably, his manuscript paintings have even found a place in the newly constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a proud moment for him and the people of Majuli. Tourists--both domestic and international--often stop by his humble workshop to learn, observe, and purchase these exquisite pieces. The revenue from these sales supports Mridul's family and the students involved, providing a rare blend of cultural preservation and economic empowerment. "I am a recognised Guru of manuscript painting. We are continuing the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-disciple tradition). "The young generation that comes here is not addicted to mobile phones or the internet. They focus on learning this art form and will carry forward the legacy of these legendary manuscript paintings. They are also gaining a source of income through this craft. Many of them create manuscript paintings, traditional dolls, and other handicrafts that are in great demand in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and others," he said. "We sell the products made by them, and in return, they receive financial support. The students who come here learn the art sincerely and stay away from bad influences. Currently, around 200 students are actively learning here, and over 1,000 more have registered," he added. "Our time will end one day, but the youngsters who are learning now will carry this legacy forward. I want to appeal to the younger generation--come and learn these traditional art forms. Let us all work together to preserve our ancient culture and rich heritage," said Mridul. Mridul passionately teaches the art form to the younger generation in Majuli, including more than 200 children. While younger kids begin their training using acrylics and paper, those who reach their fourth or fifth year of practice are gradually introduced to the authentic manuscript techniques. Another teacher, Julee Baruah, who teaches this art form, said, "There are around 200 students here who are learning the art of manuscript painting. We truly enjoy teaching them. For the younger students, we do not use the real manuscripts, as the traditional process is long and complicated. Instead, we teach them using acrylic paints and paper. For students in their 3rd or 4th year, we begin teaching them the authentic, traditional process of manuscript painting." "This can become a profession, and one can earn a livelihood from it. My family and I are also engaged in this work. So, I believe these children can also make it their profession in the future," she added. More than just an artist, Mridul Barua is a mentor and a guardian of Assam's artistic heritage. He hopes that his descendants and students will carry the torch forward, ensuring that this sacred tradition not only survives but thrives in the years to come. Apart from this, a student of manuscript painting named Alphool Saikia shared his experience, saying, "I have been doing this since I was in 2nd standard. Now, I am in class 7. I enjoy this painting very much." "In this school, I am in the 3rd grade. Simply speaking, I like all art forms, but these manuscript paintings are the most precious to me. I believe every generation should learn and enjoy these beautiful paintings," he added. (ANI)
The push to unmask ICE agents is catching fire, as backlash grows to President Donald Trumps policy of mass deportation.

It comes across as kidnappings. At some point, where do we end up with vigilantes? Or where does this lead to a vigilante-type system with immigration or vigilante posses, or at what point do they end up hiring mercenary-type paramilitary? Weve talked for years about making sure police are that theres full transparency, New York state Sen. Patricia Fahy told Salon. Theyre not even identifying themselves or producing the appropriate warrants that are mandated.

Fahy is sponsoring the MELT Act, a bill that would require ICE agents operating in New York to unmask and identify themselves. She said the bill is about holding ICE to the same standards as other law enforcement.

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Fahy explained that allowing ICE to continue to operate as it has been also allows criminals to exploit peoples fear of ICE. We are seeing incidents, some pretty horrific ones of impersonating officers, he said, and weve already had issues with paramilitary organizations in some areas and vigilantism, and I worry that it is going to fuel that.

For example, a Minnesota man disguised as law enforcement assassinated former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in June. Alleged ICE impersonators also conducted a roadside armed robbery in Delaware. In North Carolina, another man was arrested and accused of posing as ICE and sexually assaulting a woman, threatening to deport her if she did not comply.

The New York legislation is modeled after similar efforts in California.

When I saw Senator Scott Weiner introduce his bill, SB 627 in California, I knew this was the model. I think that states must step up to defend their residents from unmarked, masked agents and vigilantes, New York Assemblymember Tony Simone told Salon.I would not be surprised if we see similar legislation introduced very soon in places like Connecticut, New Hampshire and all over the country, he added, citing conversations with lawmakers in those states.

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Since the early days of Trumps second term, masked federal agents have been abducting and detaining people across the United States, including American citizens. Many of those picked up in immigration enforcement sweeps have been disappeared to countries like El Salvador or South Sudan; some have not been heard from since, and others have reported being tortured.

As ICE agents have swept across the country, congressional Republicans and members of the Trump administration have expressed concern over efforts to ensure that these agents are operating within the confines of the law and can be held accountable for their actions.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem just last week complained on Fox News Sunday about a ruling from a federal judge that prevented agents from targeting people based on their race and required the department to grant detainees access to legal counsel.

Weve seen this across the country over and over and over again, where judges are getting political. Its not their job, Noem said.

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State lawmakers are not, however, the only ones pushing to force ICE to unmask. A group of 21 attorneys general has also signed on to the project, sending a letter to Congress calling for legislation that would prohibit federal immigration agents from wearing masks that conceal their identity and require them to show their identification and agency-identifying insignia.

The images of masked, armed men and women, dressed in plainclothes and traveling in unmarked vehicles, snatching people from streets, homes. Workplaces and courthouses has become common in recent weeks and are now emblazoned in the public consciousness, the attorneys general wrote. We have watched these detentions with alarm, as the imagery evokes comparisons to repressive tactics that have no place in a free country.

Even as state lawmakers have pushed to unmask ICE, some Democrats have worried that it might overstep state lawmakers authority. California Gov. Gavin Newsom questioned whether the state had the power to regulate the behavior of ICE agents.

We have a bill  were looking at the constitutionality of it, Newsom said in an interview with the Tennessee Holler. It appears we dont have the legal authority for federal agents, but we do for other law enforcement authorities. Theres some amendments being made in the bill and our legal teams looking at it.

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In light of questions concerning whether states can require ICE agents to unmask, Senate Democrats have introduced a bill that would prevent agents from concealing their identity while conducting immigration enforcement raids. The bill, like the state-level bills, includes some exceptions for instances when officers might use a gas mask or are engaged in non-public operations.

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Members of the public often have no way to confirm whether they are interacting with legitimate government officials, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif, said in a statement. This lack of transparency endangers public safety by causing confusion, fear and mistrust, especially in communities already subjected to heightened immigration scrutiny. It also increases risks for law enforcement personnel by creating uncertainty in high-stress situations, particularly when individuals cannot distinguish real officers from impersonators.

In a statement to Salon attributed to a senior official, the Department of Homeland Security dismissed the legislative efforts to unmask ICE as repulsive messaging bills that stoke dangerous anti-ICE rhetoric for cheap political points and fundraising emails. The official accused Democrats of trying to outlaw officers wearing masks to protect themselves from being doxed and targeted.

The post Pressure grows to unmask ICE appeared first on Salon.com.
Simon Jacobson and Vicki Johnson of Billings, Montana, smile at one another after Jacobson completed a year-long web development and coding program offer by The Last Mile, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, at the North Dakota State Penitentiary on July 18, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Even though he may never get the opportunity to use his new web development and coding skills outside of the prison walls, one North Dakota inmate says he is grateful for the opportunity to learn and perhaps inspire others.

Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world, Simon Jacobson said, quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela during his remarks to the other participants in a prison coding program. I send my deepest respect, regards and gratitude to The Last Mile team as a whole for the life-changing impact that they are doing throughout our country.

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On Friday, Jacobson was one of 10 prisoners who received coding and web development certificates during a ceremony at the North Dakota State Penitentiary.

Jacobson, currently serving a life sentence at the North Dakota State Penitentiary after pleading guilty to murder, kidnapping and robbery charges in 2014, was the teachers assistant for the program.

Im making sure I take a firm stance on doing the right thing and showing these men, doing the right thing is what a man does, he said.

Simon Jacobson, left, an incarcerated individual at the North Dakota State Penitentiary, speaks during a web development and coding graduation ceremony at the facility on July 18, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

The program participants completed one of two six-month programs in web development fundamentals or server and data technology training through The Last Mile, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for justice-impacted individuals through education and technology training.

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Eric Rick, program facilitator for The Last Mile, said the recidivism rate for graduates of the program is under 5% and 75% of the program graduates are employed within six months of their releases. The recidivism rate for all inmates in the state prison system is about 37%, according to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The Last Mile exists to unlock potential and break the cycle of incarceration, Rick said. It is changing lives through technical education and reentry support.

Rick said the participants take 30 hours of training per week with much of their instruction coming through textbooks, video modules and remote instructors who graduated from the program as former inmates themselves.

Im just so proud, he said. Im sad to see them go, but we start another class in August, so we just keep this ball rolling.

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The Last Mile program is operating in 19 prison facilities across eight states, he said. In North Dakota, up to 12 participants are chosen each year from dozens of applications.

Rick said he is hopeful they can expand on some opportunities for program graduates in coming years to get them using their skills through other work programs before they are released.

Eric Rick, left, program facilitator for The Last Mile, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, speaks during a web development and coding graduation ceremony at the North Dakota State Penitentiary on July 18, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Davion Burris, another graduate of the program, will be eligible for parole in 2027 and said being able to take this class gives him hope for his future. He said the support network they built among the program participants was essential for them having success.

We go at our own pace, but depending where the next person is at, they can help you with where you are at, Burris said. Certain people remember certain things better and in that aspect we all feel like a group of family.

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He said he hopes to continue his multimedia training in the future and learn more about audio and video production.

Jacobson said he wants to stay involved in the program to help others because it can be overwhelming at times.

The amount of lines of code you have to go through starts off at 50 to 100 lines of code, he said. And then pretty soon your projects are thousands of lines of code, dozens of folders you have to pick through and debug every time you build something, so its definitely a tough process.

Vicki Johnson, Jacobsons friend for more than 15 years, traveled from Billings to watch him receive his certificate.

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He was trying to make me cry and it almost worked, Johnson said. Hes fantastic and just a people person. Very charismatic, loving and kind, and hes changed his life so very, very much.

Support from people outside of prison is important because it helps the program participants push through the difficult moments of prison life and helps hold them accountable for the improvements they are trying to make, Jacobson said.

Eric Rick, left, program facilitator for The Last Mile, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, speaks during a web development and coding graduation ceremony at the North Dakota State Penitentiary on July 18, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

I got people counting on me. I got people supporting me and feeding into my dream and vision that I want to build for myself, he said. Its critical to me.

The Last Mile program is funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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Its been such an honor to walk alongside you during this part of our journey, Jacobson said as he concluded his remarks to the other participants. Go forth and ignite the world. Hallelujah. Education has taught me that the greatest investment we can make is in personal relationships and the development of the folks around us  rise, shine, grind and repeat.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso Fire Department has completed its investigation into the Sun Metro fire and explosion that killed two people and injured six others on Feb. 11 at the transit agencys Operations Center, a City spokesperson said.

The Fire Departments investigation into the incident at 10151 Montana Ave. was completed on May 13, a City spokesperson said.

The City is also continuing with debris removal and that is expected to be completed in August.

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The site has also been turned back over to Sun Metro.

While the Fire Departments portion of the investigation concluded in mid-May, additional reviews by City staff and other involved parties continued during that time, the City spokesperson said in a written statement.

Phase 1 of debris removal began on April 14, on the south side of the facility and was paused in May to allow Fire Department and third-party investigations to be completed, the City spokesperson said.

In the meantime, staff finalized the plan for Phase 2 (the north side of the facility) on June 24. This phase required additional structural shoring, which was completed on July 10.

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The temporary scaffolding that was installed immediately after the incident to stabilize the structure is currently being removed. That process is expected to be completed later this month.

Full debris removal is scheduled to resume at the end of July and is projected to be completed in August, barring any unforeseen delays, the City spokesperson said.

To date, no lawsuits have been filed against the City in connection with this incident, the spokesperson said.

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The man accused of killing a New River pastor  part of what authorities allege was a broader plot to target multiple Christian leaders  has been extradited to Maricopa County following a grand jury indictment.

Adam Sheafe, 51, faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the death of Pastor William Schonemann, 76, of New River Bible Chapel, according to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office. Schonemanns body was discovered April 28 by two members of his congregation, his arms outstretched as if he were crucified, the county attorney's office said.

Sheafe was extradited July 18 from Coconino County to Maricopa County where he was booked and had a court appearance, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

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According to the county attorney's office, Sheafe planned to kill 14 other Christian leaders nationwide. The county attorney's office listed seven other felony counts and one misdemeanor that Sheafe was reportedly indicted on by a grand jury:

Criminal investigations: Everything we know about pending case against Emilie Kiser's husband

three counts of attempt to commit first-degree murder, a Class 2 felony

one count of second-degree burglary, a Class 3 felony

one count of first-degree burglary, a Class 2 felony

one count of kidnapping, a Class 2 felony

one count of theft of means of transportation, a Class 3 felony

one count of second-degree criminal trespass, a Class 2 misdemeanor

Sheafe was caught breaking into a Sedona home, according to the county attorney's office. During an investigation into a separate Sedona burglary, police recovered a stolen truck seen in surveillance footage, which also captured Sheafe, the office said. The vehicle had been taken during a break-in at a Cave Creek home two days before the pastors suspected murder.

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Evidence collected from Schonemanns home, the Cave Creek burglary, Sheafes backpack, and the stolen truck linked him to the pastors death, according to the county attorneys office.

Known affectionately as Pastor Bill, Schonemann was fondly remembered by residents of the small, unincorporated community about 35 miles north of Phoenix. A husband and father, he was known for his love of trucks and his decades of service to others. He led the New River Bible Chapel for nearly 25 years and was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War, friends said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man accused in murder of New River pastor faces felony charges
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  On Thursday, approximately 300 people lined up along North 12 St. next to Lincoln Park for the Good Trouble Lives On protest from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wide photo of protesters lining N 12 St. for the Good Trouble Lives On protest on Thursday (Photo Courtesy of WesternSlopeNow).

Waving signs, American flags, and chanting, local protesters joined alongside over 1500 Good Trouble events across the nation. The movement honored the legacy of civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis and responded to recent policies from the Trump Administration. Alongside the demonstration, booths from various organizations, including Mesa County Democrats, Western Colorado Alliance, Immigrant Protection Teams, and others, offered resources and information to attendees.

The protest has taken place annually for years across the nation; however, it was the first year that the demonstration took place in Grand Junction.

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We came out here along with millions of people across the country today, to celebrate the legacy of John Lewis, who died five years ago today, and to speak out and to make sure that were continuing his legacy of protecting civil rights and causing good trouble to make sure that our democratic norms are in place, which are absolutely under attack right now, said Michelle Jonjak, an Indivisible Grand Junction volunteer.

Protester holding signs at the Good Trouble protest on Thursday (Photo Courtesy of WesternSlopeNow).

Indivisible Grand Junction, which also organized the No Kings protest in Grand Junction on June 14 and is a subgroup of the Indivisible National Organization, was the organizer of the local demonstration.

Today was kind of a smaller event, and [since its a] Thursday afternoon, its hard for people to get out, but were very pleased at the turnout and were very excited that everybodys here, said Jonjak. Were a small grassroots organization, very, very small, but look at all of the people here in the Grand Valley that come out and wed love to see you the next time that we organize.

There were no counterprotesters present at the event.

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More information about Indivisible Grand Junction can be found on its website at indivisiblegrandjunction.org.

Photo Courtesy of WesternSlopeNow. Photo Courtesy of WesternSlopeNow. Photo Courtesy of WesternSlopeNow. Photo Courtesy of WesternSlopeNow. Photo Courtesy of WesternSlopeNow.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rocco Vitale has been sewing, stitching, dry cleaning and tailoring since leaving Italy in 1958.

Now, the longtime owner of Vitales Clothing and Tailoring in Providence has decided its time to retire.

The 85-year-olds career began when he worked for Barrys Clothing more than 65 years ago.

Vitale said a tailor there took a liking to him, and the rest was history.

He says to me, Do you like this business?' Vitale recalled. I said, Hey, I do. He said, Well, Im going to teach you everything I know.'

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It became my love, he continued. Its really is not that difficult when you know what youre doing.

Vitale decided to open his own shop off Chalkstone Avenue back in 1972. Since then, hes had thousands of customers, including 12 News Chief Meteorologist Tony Petrarca and The Boston Globes Dan McGowan.

Vitale believes he wouldnt have been in business for so long if it werent for the connections he made with his customers along the way.

They become friends, so naturally, you miss them, he said. I didnt treat them as customers.

Vitale told 12 News hes grateful for the memories hes made over the last seven decades.

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I could actually write a book if I knew how to write in English, Vitale said.

Vitale said he plans on traveling throughout his retirement because he could never do it before.

I became a slave of the business, he said, adding that its time for him to start enjoying his life.

If Vitale doesnt sell his store by next Friday, he plans to host a liquidation sale before closing its doors for good.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Republican Majority House has passed a bill cutting $9 billion dollars in spendingfunds that had already been approved by Congress.

It includes over $1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS. The house passed the measure just a day after the Senate passed it Thursday night.

KVPR and Valley PBS are the two public broadcasting stations that serve Bakersfield and are at risk as well.

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Were working on plans to deal with that eventuality, that includes reductions in programming, reductions to our local coverage and other services and operations here at the stations, said Joe Moore, the General Manager for Kern Valley Public Radio.

According to Moore, they are seeing a loss of $175,000 a year or 7% of their total budget due to the bill. Public radio in the central valley reaches about 80,000 listeners a week.

These reductions would be felt immediately in the 7 county region in central California, said Moore.

This could also affect some of the biggest and most iconic childhood shows on PBS, like Sesame Street.

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We talk to so many of our viewers and our members and ask them what does PBS mean to you? Almost 99 out of 100 people are gonna tell you Mr. Rodgers, Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, thats really what people remember, said Robert Mollison, the CEO and President of Valley PBS.

Oildale man arrested after allegedly shooting into home

Mollison says that the educational programming PBS provides to children through shows is going to be greatly affected. Valley PBS serves nine counties, and the situation is dire. 25% of their budget relies on this funding which totals to $900,000 a year.

Were gonna do everything we can to continue to provide those shows. But new episodes and new seasons and the variety of shows were gonna be able to provide thats gonna be impacted moving forward, said Mollison.

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Many shows produced in the Central Valley by PBS are going to take hits.

There are some really tough decisions that we have to make as a station and that could be from staffing, it could be on so many things, said Mollison.



Both KVPR and PBS are prohibited from running commercials on their station by the federal government. The federal funding was used as a way to subsidize these stations and keep them operating, now they have to make up the shortfall through individual donations.

If you would like to support Kern Valley Public Radio, click here.

Click here to support Valley PBS, or call 800-801-6500.

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Leonard Hopkins and his fellow Black military veterans were regulars at a Miami McDonalds every morning except Christmas. They laughed, traded war stories and discussed current events over cups of coffee and orange juice.

One of Hopkins sons said that even though he was a quiet leader, his presence spoke volumes.

He would say, when you walk in the room, people want to know who you are, said son Stephen Hopkins, 65. When you leave the room they will want to know who you were.

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Leonard Hopkins, 92, died of prostate cancer on Sunday, July 13 at Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The Brownsville resident was born at his familys Coconut Grove home on June 17, 1933. His father built the home in which Leonard and his nine siblings grew up. From a young age, Leonard used to go to his Bahamian grandfathers bicycle shop on Charles Avenue.

He had a thing about mechanics since he was very little, said Donald Hopkins, 83., one of Leonards brothers. With a passion for mechanics, Leonard Hopkins went to Lindsey Hopkins Technical School days after he graduated from high school to study aviation. Because of racism, however, Hopkins was turned away and instead joined the U.S. Air Force.

That decision ended up changing his life.

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Hopkins served in the Korean War aboard a B-36 airplane that he said had enough fuel to travel around the world in a single trip. The racism Leonard experienced in the United States only made him want to excel more in the Air Force.

Miami was segregated and there was discrimination when [we] grew up, Donald Hopkins said. It was irritating, but it was also motivating. That was strong motivation for a lot of Black folks in the days when U.S. society was even more discriminatory than now.

Donald Hopkins remembers the day about 10 years ago when he and Lelo  his nickname for his brother  talked about the nuts and bolts of the airplane.

I just remember hearing from time to time, That was the plane I flew when I was in the Air Force,  he said. I was in my mid-70s then. I was just learning this because he had never talked about it before. I then arranged and shipped to him a model of the B-36.

Air Force veteran Leonard Hopkins, 90, shares a photo of himself, and his cousin, a fellow Tuskegee airman pictured on a calendar, as Black military veterans gathered daily to share memories, stories, and fellowship at a local McDonalds on Thursday, March 28, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

After Donald sent Leonard the model airplane, Leonard Hopkins visited the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Hopkins knew the B-36 on display so well that he corrected a tour guide and ended up telling other visitors about the plane.

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When he finished his Air Force service, Hopkins returned to Miami and worked as a mechanic at Greyhound for more than 30 years. Hopkins never seemed to complain about anything. But as a military veteran, one subject made him unhappy.

One of my sisters said to me that I dont recall seeing Lelo complain about anything other than the political situation in the U.S. right now, Donald Hopkins said.

Leonard Hopkins passion for airplanes came only second to his passion for family life. If he wasnt at work or with his family, he was nearby at a friends house. When dinner was ready, Stephen would go down the street to let his dad know.

Thats the thing that stands out with me as a father and a husband, Stephen Hopkins said. If Im not at work, Im at home every night. The furthest he would be was at a best friends house three houses down. They would sit around and talk about different things like war stories. He was truly a family man.

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Leonard Hopkins is survived by three sons and their wives, 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Range Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Funeral services will be July 23 at the South Florida National Cemetery in western Lake Worth in Palm Beach County.
BAY COUNTY, Fla.  A fatal disease is here in Bay County  but this story isnt really about that  like a lot of stories about American healthcare, its about money.

In May, a rabies alert was issued for 60 days in Bay County after two foxes were found with the virus in the North Bayou George area. Around this time, the Bay County Animal Control also began reporting an increase in the number of rabies reports.

Then, on Wednesday , we reported a deceased, unvaccinated dog had been found with rabies in Bay County, this time in the 1200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

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The Bay County Department of Health issued another rabies alert for the next 60 days in the area surrounded by Baldwin on the north side, Business 98 on the south side, East Avenue on the east side and Frankford Avenue to the west.

Its unclear at this time whether the first alert will remain in effect. We left a message and attempted to speak with the press contact for the Bay County Department of Health at his office but were turned away.

According to the CDC, while rabies is controlled in the U.S., over four million Americans report animal bites each year, with 800,000 seeking medical attention.

The good news is, if caught early, the treatment for rabies is highly effective; and less than 10 people die every year from rabies in the United States  usually because they didnt get medical help soon enough after being scratched or bitten.

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The bad news is, the treatment for rabies can be lengthy and expensive. Rabies treatment usually involves a series of five shots: one dose of rabies immunoglobulin and four shots of the rabies vaccine given over two weeks.

According to the Bay County Department of Healths website, it can cost $322-$361 per shot, plus a $25 administration fee per visit.

And thats on the low end.

According to data from GoodRX, the cost of treatment can range from $4,868.35 to $5,930.83, and this doesnt even include the cost of administration. Studies over the years have found that hospitals can easily bill patients for twice the cost of a drug  or sometimes 10 times the cost.

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Still, its important to seek treatment if you come into contact with a strange animal; without it, after the virus infects the nervous system and clinical symptoms appear, rabies is fatal in 100% of cases.

Its also worth noting that sometimes, abrasions arent obvious, especially with bat bites, which can be easy to ignore because they dont always leave obvious marks.

Here are some steps you and your family should take to avoid rabies exposure.

Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarians recommended schedule.

Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Bay County Animal Control at 850-767-3333 or if in Lynn Haven, the Lynn Haven Police Department at 850-265-4111.

Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Bay by calling 850-872-4455.

Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Bay County Animal Control at 850-767-3333 or if in Lynn Haven, the Lynn Haven Police Department at 850-265-4111.

Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  There is new leadership in charge at Raleigh General Hospital.

Although new to the position, David Brash is anything but new to the area. Both Brash and his daughter were born at Raleigh General Hospital.

Brash grew up in Oak Hill, where he started his career in healthcare. He then went on to work in hospitals in Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky before returning to the Mountain State.

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A cooling blanket is the summer hack you absolutely need

Brashs background gave him a deep understanding of the needs of the community and a strong resolve to serve his people. Brash speaks more on his plans for the hospital.

I want to make sure that this hospital is the place where employees want to work, physicians want to practice, and where people want to receive their healthcare, so [it is] very important to me that it is the best it can be [and] that we are delivering great healthcare [to] the community.

Brash says that he considers Raleigh General to be his hospital and has a passion for making the facility the best it can be. He is very proud to make the full circle back home.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday criticised the central government over the arrest of Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's son, Chaitanya Baghel, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accusing the move of being a "tactic" to suppress the voice of the people and "oppress" the opposition. Priyanka, the Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad, in a post on X, claimed that the government has dedicated all the forests of Chhattisgarh to Gautam Adani, the Chairman of the Adani Group. She alleged that the ED raided Bhupesh Baghel's house and arrested his son to stop the former from raising this issue in the state assembly. "The BJP government has dedicated all the forests of Chhattisgarh to Adani ji. The forests are being destroyed, blatantly violating the PESA law and NGT directives. Former Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel ji was about to raise this issue in the assembly. To stop him, the ED raided his house early in the morning and arrested his son," the Congress leader said. Lashing out at the central government, Priyanka said, "Over the past 11 years, the country has clearly understood that these are tactics to suppress the voice of the people and oppress the opposition. But it is impossible to suppress the truth or intimidate the opposition with such tactics. Every single Congress worker stands firmly with Baghel ji." https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1946410032922292236 Earlier on Friday, the Enforcement Directorate arrested Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state, officials confirmed. The action comes a few hours after the agency carried out raids at Chaitanya's residence in Chhattisgarh. The searches were part of the agency's broader crackdown on suspected money laundering and irregularities linked to the multi-crore scam. Following the raids, Bhupesh Baghel's office posted on X that the ED has arrived. Today is the last day of the Assembly session. The issue of trees being cut in Tamnar for Adani was supposed to be raised today. "Saheb" has sent the ED to the Bhilai residence." This comes months after the agency in March this year seized Rs 30 lakh recovered from the residence of Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya. The amount was recovered during a day-long search operation conducted at a total of 14 locations across Chhattisgarh in the case pertains to alleged irregularities in the liquor trade in Chhattisgarh, involving suspected illegal commissions and money laundering. ED has gathered that Chaitanya Baghel is also a "recipient of proceeds of crime generated from the liquor scam wherein the total proceeds of crime are around Rs 2,161 crore syphoned off through various schemes. Reacting to the raid, Bhupesh Baghel's office posted on 'X', saying, "When the false case going on for seven years was dismissed in the court, today the guests of ED entered the Bhilai residence of former Chief Minister and Congress General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel this morning. If someone is trying to stop Congress in Punjab through this conspiracy, then it is a misunderstanding." The ED has alleged that a cartel of government officials, politicians, and liquor businessmen ran a scheme that illegally collected around Rs 2,161 crore from the sale of liquor in the state between 2019 and 2022. The alleged scam involved manipulation of the liquor supply chain, where a cartel controlled the sale and distribution of alcohol through government-run shops. A portion of liquor sold was not accounted for in official records, and bribes were allegedly collected from suppliers to allow its sale outside the legal system. The investigation is based on an earlier Income Tax Department report, which flagged irregularities in the liquor trade. Earlier, the ED had arrested several key accused, including IAS officer Anil Tuteja and liquor businessman Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur's mayor. The agency had earlier conducted multiple raids, including on politicians and bureaucrats linked to the previous Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh. (ANI)
NEW YORK - Three rare orange lobsters were rescued from seafood tanks in New York and Connecticut during the past month and returned to the ocean, according to the animal advocacy group Humane Long Island.

The organization said the unusual shellfish arrived in shipments of the traditional brown lobsters around the Fourth of July and was alerted to their presence by social media users.

"The genetic anomaly that results in a striking orange complexion is extremely rare, only 1-in-30-million, but it is hereditary, so when one is spotted in a local store, other members of their family often appear at other locations," John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist and executive director of Humane Long Island, said in a statement.

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The lobsters were nicknamed "Peaches," "Sebastian" and "Clawdia" before being released back into the Long Island Sound around mid-month.

Nearly 300 Queen Conchs Found After Illegal Harvest In Florida Keys

"While the chance of finding an orange lobster is 1 in 30 million, rarer still is for one of them to be returned to the sea. Over 300 million lobsters are trapped and killed annually," Leonardo stated. "Like all aquatic animals, lobsters want to live free rather than be confined to a cramped aquarium or a boiling pot, and Humane Long Island reminds the public that they can save two hundred animals like Sebastian, Clawdia, and Peaches annually by simply leaving animals off their plate."

The group says anytime a person sees an unusually colored lobster that has been captured or transported to a store, they should immediately reach out to their local animal advocacy group.

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According to NOAA Fisheries, about 121 million pounds of American lobsters were captured and sold back on shore in 2023.

Maine and Massachusetts are annually the leading producers, accounting for 93% of the shellfish harvest.

Typically, lobsters weigh only a few pounds, with the record being around 45 pounds, caught off Canadas Nova Scotia province in 1977.

Biologists Rescue Endangered Sawfish In Florida Keys As Race To Save Species Underway

Orange-colored lobsters are not the only type of rarities - blue lobsters, yellow lobsters and even white lobsters have been found, with odds ranging from 1-in-2-million to 1-in-100-million.

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The mutations are not harmful and are the result of pigment and protein interactions, marine specialists say.

It is also not illegal to catch or sell one of the brightly colored lobsters, but most fishing boats tend to throw the catch back into the water due to their rarity.

As for Peaches, Sebastian and Clawdia, they were last observed foraging in their new environment off the coast of New York.





Original article source: Rare orange lobsters rescued from supermarket tanks in New York, Connecticut
For decades, the annual queen pageant at the Madison County 4-H Fair has served as the opening act of one of the countys marquee summertime events.

Though most of the festivities remain the same this year, the event is being referenced differently. Fair officials, in an effort to both align with the Indiana State Fair Queen Program and revive flagging interest, have rebranded the pageant as the Madison County Fair Queen Program.

When we really look at the overall expectations and responsibilities of the queen and her court, it goes way beyond just the day of the pageant, said Tiffany Van Natta, director of the Madison County Fair Queen Program. She is an ambassador for the 4-H program in the Madison County 4-H Fair throughout the year, and she is promoting 4-H and involved in a lot of events throughout the year.

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Sunday evening, Emma Kelich was crowned queen and will preside over a host of activities throughout fair week.

Lisa Rinker, another director of the queen program, is also a former queen. She said she is impressed by what she has seen from Kelich and her fellow queen candidates.

This years participants, we have three 10-year 4-H members, Rinker said. Their applications are outstanding. Our applicants are usually very outstanding, but this year they are just very well-rounded. They have been involved in school activities, very involved in 4-H, which obviously is important if you are going to be an ambassador for the 4-H program.

This years finalists, according to the judges, stood out in part because of their well-balanced applications and the collective experience they brought to the competition.

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Kelich, a resident of Elwood, said time management and responsibility are two things she has learned while being a 4-H member. Kelich said she wants to inspire other girls to be in the queen program.

Growing up, as a livestock girl especially, I never thought we could truly have a crown or dress up during fair week, Kelich said. We always had to fit into the lifestyle of a livestock girl. This year, I decided that, not only for me, but for all the other girls that felt the same way, that I should start setting an example that we can be queen and we deserve it because we love what we do.

Kelich plans to study biology at Ball State University and participate in the Honors College. She hopes to be accepted into a veterinary program and work as an equine veterinarian.

Kyndal Clevenger, an Anderson resident, said she has learned about responsibility, leadership and accountability while being in 4-H. Clevenger said she wanted to be in the queen program to expand her comfort zone.

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I wanted to compete because I have always watched the past queens and it is a really cool experience to just put myself out there, Clevenger said. I am more kept to myself, so it was a good opportunity for me to be more active in my community.

During her time in the queen program, Clevenger said she hopes to learn more leadership and public speaking skills.

Clevenger plans to attend Ivy Tech and major in nursing. Once becoming a registered nurse, she plans to become a licensed injector nurse to administer Botox. According to her application, Clevenger said there was a time where she struggled with her looks and wants to help others who feel the same way.

Kay Ann Amos, a resident of Summitville, said that by being in the queen program, she hopes to get more 4-H members involved in their own clubs. Amos said she wants to show people that being a leader has its ups and downs.

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I wanted to be more involved and I also wanted to show other girls that sometimes leadership does not always look perfect, Amos said. I can say my journey as president of my club has definitely showcased that. I just really want to show kids that it is not about having it all together. It is really just about showing up and putting forth an effort.

Amos said her 4-H experience has included a few rough patches, and she has learned about humility, gaining resilience because of it.

Amos plans to become a veterinarian, specializing in either horses or large animals. She also hopes to breed Quarter Horses and keep cattle. Amos said she has always wanted to raise bucking stock for rodeos.
Saturday is the one year anniversary of Trumps historic third nomination as the Republican presidential candidate and the gripping nomination speech where he told a rapt audience about his brush with death not long before.

The chairman of the Republican Party remembers it this way: Just days after surviving an assassination attempt, President Trump accepted his third nomination for President, showcasing his unwavering commitment to our nation and to the American people, said Michael Whatley. President Trump campaigned on a bold vision for America: creating a strong economy, a strong border, and a strong America. One year later, President Trump has delivered  cementing his record of promises made, promises kept.

I was at the convention near the rafters when Trump gave his speech, and I remember things differently. I remember being grabbed by the opening lines.

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Friends, delegates and fellow citizens. I stand before you this evening with a message of confidence, strength and hope. Four months from now, we will have an incredible victory, and we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country, the soon to be president began, Together, we will launch a new era of safety, prosperity and freedom for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed.

Then this: The discord and division in our society must be healed. We must heal it quickly. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart, Trump said.

Chairman Whatley remembers promises kept. I remember a message of hope that said a near-death experience had changed Trump. I remember a promise to heal our nation because we share a single fate and a common destiny. I remember a promise made and broken within minutes.

I am trying to recall any images of these past six months that bring to mind hope or healing or even a perfunctory attempt to bring people together.

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On Sunday, Trump will have been in office for half a year and I recall:

Marines on the streets of San Francisco.

Masked ICE agents pulling U.S. citizens off the street

A person legally in the United States being thrown into a camp for writing an opinion column.

The Trump administration ignoring federal court orders.

A Congress passing laws on the barest of partisan majorities.

A Cabinet of half-wits and nut jobs who couldnt get bipartisan support if their lives depended on it.

Broken promises to end war in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Bragging about a prison camp patrolled by alligators.

Tax cuts, defunding Big Bird and Planned Parenthood, an open door to oil and gas drilling, massive deregulation and all the rest dont make up for it. Trump, that night last July, promised more than partisan victories to warm my heart.

No, I didnt believe Trumps promise of hope and healing long enough for him to finish his speech, but for some reason, Trump felt the need to make that promise. For some reason, he felt the need to echo presidents past and their calls to the better angels of our nature.

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I dont know why. Maybe it was to give those who planned to vote for him plausible deniability for the division that, in their hearts, they knew would come. Maybe he fools himself into thinking that his misnamed Make America Great Again cause will somehow heal more than it harms.

What I do know is that, six months in, a fracas over a dead sexual predator and the lies and conspiracies Trump has peddled about Jeffrey Epstein has shredded the unity of even his MAGA adherents. Before this latest division, Republicans were already divided between the rump of the Reagan faithful and the new nationalist vanguard. There is no one and nothing into which Trump cannot drive a wedge.

Six months in, Trump was right that we remain bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny, but it does not seem like were rising together as Republicans, conservatives or as Americans.

Even the chairman of the Republican Party remembers that Trump promised a strong America. To me, America does not seem destined for renewed strength if, for the next three and a half years, Trump is going to drive us all even further apart.

David Mastio is a national columnist for McClatchy and the Kansas City Star.
Right up there with paying your taxes, an inevitable part of many peoples lives is renewing their drivers license.

Because the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles no longer offers permanent driver's licenses, drivers are required to renew their licenses every eight years or so.

And, as we inch closer to fall, drivers can also expect a series of changes concerning license fees.

Heres what First State drivers need to know.

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Related: Drivers, beware: Delaware law bars driving in the left lane

When to renew your Delaware drivers license?

You can renew your drivers license at any time during the six-month period before it expires.

A renewal reminder is typically sent to drivers 60 days before the expiration date, which falls on the drivers birthday.

You will need to turn in your previously issued license, fill out an application and pass an eye-screening test.

How much does it cost to renew a driver's licence in Delaware?

The current drivers license renewal fee is set at $40. If your renewal occurs after the expiration date, expect to pay a $10 late fee.

How do you renew your Delaware driver's license?

You can renew your license in person at DMV facilities near Wilmington, near Delaware City, in Dover and in Georgetown.

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Before you go, you can check wait times online.

Drivers can also renew their license online or at kiosks at the DMV, but you cannot renew this way for two consecutive times. After renewing online, you will need to renew in person the next time to ensure you have an up-to-date photo.

Traffic  both people and vehicles  fills Dewey Beach on Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 2025.

How long does a Delaware driver's license last?

Once your new drivers license has been issued, you wont have to renew it again for another eight years.

In other news: While these Delaware riders depend on Paratransit, the service still lags post-pandemic

How to get a Delaware driver's license if you are under 18?

The rules are different for new drivers and drivers under the age of 18.

If you are at least 16 years old but are still under the age of 18, you are eligible for the DMV Graduated Driver License program.

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To apply for the programs Level One Learners Permit, you will need to present a blue or white Delaware Driver Education Certificate and provide documentation as proof of identity and legal presence, a Social Security number if applicable and two proofs of Delaware residency. All program applications must be signed by a sponsor, such as a parent or legal guardian.

You must also pay a $40 license fee and pass an eye-screening exam during the application.

All new licenses will also last for eight years.

Any permit holder who is at least 17 years old but still less than 18 years old may obtain a license when the individual has held a Level One permit for at least a year and driving privileges have not been suspended or revoked, among other qualifications.

How soon do you have to get a Delaware driver's license when moving to the state?

Drivers who moved to Delaware from another state and are over the age of 18 must apply for a state license within 60 days after officially becoming a resident. You need to bring proof of your Delaware address.

Is the cost of a Delaware license going up?

Yes. Gov. Matt Meyer recently signed a House bill that would establish or modify several fees that would then be collected by the DMV.

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These fees include:

Raising the drivers license issuance and license renewal fees from $40 to $50.

Raising the commercial drivers license issuance and license renewal fees from $48 to $55.

Raising the replacement ID card fee from $5 to $10.

Raising charges for drivers license and ID card name changes from $1.15 to $10.

Establishing the fee for a duplicate ID card for a lost or destroyed card at $20.

These changes are slated to go into effect on Oct. 1.

Delaware drivers should also expect to see some toll increases starting Aug. 15.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to renew your driver's license in Delaware
A Cayucos landmark thats been inaccessible to the public for the past decade is gearing up to reopen its doors to the public later this year  and its returning better than ever.

The Cayucos Veterans Memorial Hall, also known as Cayucos Landing, has been fully closed since 2016, but more than $11 million later, its nearly ready to host events again  including Cayucos 150th birthday bash.

Tracing its origins back to around 1875, when it opened as the Cass Warehouse at Cayucos Landing, the building has worn plenty of hats across its 150-year history, with the state of California purchasing the property in 1920, according to the venues website.

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The main part of the building closed in May 2016 due to unsafe conditions and structural issues discovered during routine maintenance and was fully closed in 2022 for repairs.

New stretches of pier were added to Cayucos Landing as part of a $5 million renovation, pictured here Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Cayucos Landing will reopen to the public for the first time Sept. 19-21 for Cayucos 150th birthday.

Originally slated to reopen in late 2024, difficulties with construction pushed its opening date back by around a year.

Now, with just a handful of months of construction work left to go, Cayucos Landing is getting ready to serve its community full-time, San Luis Obispo County Department of Parks and Recreation director Tanya Richardson said.

We are very excited about this project and having it coming to fruition after a long pause, Richardson said.

San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Works director Tanya Richardson stands in the renovated Cayucos Landing event space on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Cayucos Landing will reopen to the public for the first time Sept. 19-21 for Cayucos 150th birthday.

Needed upgrades open up more event spaces

While the old Veterans Hall was still a serviceable structure for hosting groups such as the Lions Club or shared senior meals, it lacked many accessibility features and additional spaces that could honor Cayucos history, according to Richardson.

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Now, the Veterans Hall is overflowing with new meeting spaces for the community to share, including new dedicated spaces for exhibits from the Cayucos Historical Society and local artists, rooms that can be individually locked off to host multiple events concurrently and a fully new kitchen, Richardson said.

On the outside, new accessible ramps have been added to the building, including a new boardwalk connecting the Cayucos Pier to the beach via a northern accessible entrance.

New sliding doors and weatherproof windows were added to Cayucos Landing as part of a $5 million renovation, pictured here Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Cayucos Landing will reopen to the public for the first time Sept. 19-21 for Cayucos 150th birthday.

Behind the building, an open patio featuring a communal barbecue pit was constructed, along with a new accessible bathroom.

Richardson said these upgrades will make it possible for Cayucos Landing to host more events for the community than ever, with each room  be that the main event hall, galleries or smaller dining room  able to be locked off from the rest so that multiple events can run at the same time.

A new room lock installed at Cayucos Landing allows rooms to be locked off from each other, allowing the event space to host multiple events concurrently, pictured here Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Cayucos Landing will reopen to the public for the first time Sept. 19-21 for Cayucos 150th birthday.

Part of the idea of this is, as you know, we have a bond payment that we have to make, and so thats maximizing the capacity of rental spaces as well as working with the community to give them spaces as well, Richardson said.

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Events at the new Cayucos Landing arent expected to get underway until later this year, but fees for renting some or all of the hall will be published on the county Department of Parks and Recreations website, Richardson said.

The main event space of Cayucos Landing was reinforced with new steel beams, windows and weather sealing, pictured here Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Cayucos Landing will reopen to the public for the first time Sept. 19-21 for Cayucos 150th birthday.

Cayucos Advisory Council president Carol Kramer said the upgraded kitchen is one of the parts of the renovations that shes looking forward to seeing most.

Kramer added that while its been a long decade since the community had access to Cayucos Landing, the upgrades will be worth it for the Cayucos groups who need quality event spaces.

The kitchen is fabulous, Kramer said. Were going to be able to have really nice community events, and thats whats important to this community.

A new barbecue pit was installed behind Cayucos Landing as part of around $5 million in renovations, pictured here Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Cayucos Landing will reopen to the public for the first time Sept. 19-21 for Cayucos 150th birthday.

Richardson said in the coming months, Cayucos Landing will start hosting some community events to test the new facilitys capacities before its soft opening in September.

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Cayucos Chamber of Commerce public relations manager Alicia Van Fleet said a celebration of the 150th anniversary of Cayucos founding will be held Sept. 19-21 as the communitys first opportunity to see inside the new space for themselves.

The new kitchen at Cayucos Landing fully replaced the existing kitchen facilities, pictured here Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Cayucos Landing will reopen to the public for the first time Sept. 19-21 for Cayucos 150th birthday.

A ribbon-cutting event will also be held in August, Richardson said.

Richardson said Cayucos Landing should be fully up and running in October, depending on how long final construction elements take.

Recent architectural inspections by San Luis Obispo County have found that portions of the Cayucos Veterans Memorial Hall are structurally unsound, and its use has been severely restricted.

Cayucos Lions Club president John McGee said he was glad to see the buildings historical look preserved in the renovation, along with needed upgrades.

This is just something that you know, it had to happen, McGee said. The alternative would be wed lose this landmark building.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, from Pinellas County, leads the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets. She was appointed as chair earlier this year.

The task force is meant to provide oversight to ensure federal agencies are releasing information of public interest, as it relates to assassinations of political figures and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump sues Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch over reporting on Epstein ties

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For whatever reason, it felt like sometimes I was the only one screaming about this on the Hill, Luna said.

Rep. Luna said back in February, a whistle blower claimed Epstein documents had been destroyed by a federal employee. This is currently under investigation.

Although I cant share information about the individual that has been implicated in this, I will tell you that part of my job is ensuring that there is no government corruption, Luna said.

After that, Luna introduced The Shred Act to prevent intelligence agencies from destroying documents for personal or political reasons.

To address destruction. I dont care which administration it is but to ensure that some of these agents, and also, too, these intelligence agencies, were not able to do that, Luna said.

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At the same time, Luna was pushing for the release of documents involving Epstein.

Look, I was calling out my own people because I felt they werent taking this seriously, but I do now have an open line of communication. Luna said.

That includes speaking with her fellow Tampa Bay resident, Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Ive been able to actually talk with her. I was very happy to see that she is going to be moving forward with asking for those grand jury testimonies to be unsealed, Luna said.

That request came after the direction of President Trump, who the congresswoman doesnt suspect is named in any criminal activity.

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I believe that the president was not engaged in crimes of trafficking in regards to Jeffrey Epstein, Luna said.

The Pinellas County Republican said if President Trump was involved, then he wouldve likely been charged already.

As voices have grown alongside Luna demanding more transparency, while also protecting sex trafficking victims, the congresswoman has advice for the federal agencies involved with releasing details.

The best way to handle this is the same way the DOJ handled the release of the JFK files, and they will be handling the release of the MLK files, which are not fully out yet, Luna said.

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Luna said any of the declassified documents released, the task force will ensure theyre uploaded onto the National Archives website so that taxpayers can read the information.

As for Ghislaine Maxwell, who was found guilty of heinous crimes helping Epstein, Luna said Maxwell should remain locked away. Recently, she offered to testify before Congress on the sex trafficking case. Luna said she believes thats a push for a pardon.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Texas Republicans are considering another round of redistricting for the states congressional map which could tip the balance in a number of districts in favor of Republicans. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) joins Alex Witt to discuss how Democrats should counter these efforts, President Trumps struggles with the Epstein saga, and more.
House Republicans who were at odds all week over the Trump administrations handling of Jeffrey Epstein disclosures are holding their breaths to see if the tsunami of criticism from their base over the matter is finally subsiding.

GOP members on the House Rules Committee voted in favor of a resolution directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to release more materials relating to the late wealthy and connected sex offender. President Trump relented and directed Bondi to request grand jury testimony from the Epstein case be unsealed. And Republicans are banding together to dismiss and criticize the Wall Street Journals report about a bawdy birthday letter Trump sent more than two decades ago.

But none of those developments have the weight to fully put the Epstein matter to rest.

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The Rules Committee resolution, for starters, does not have any legal weight to force the Trump administration to release any materials. Instead, it calls for the disclosure of some information while giving Bondi the ability to withhold some portions.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), one of the Rules panel members who voted to advance the resolution, dismissed that criticism  arguing that a binding bill would go nowhere in the Senate and do little to force release of materials even if Trump did sign it. It is better, he said, to have at least a unified statement from Republicans, and set the stage for other potential oversight.

If they dont release the Epstein materials, Roy said, then we have the powers [in] Congress to then do whatever Congress can do, which is what  hold hearings, have people come testify, have oversight, power of the purse. Those are our actual powers.

But it is unclear if Republicans will even make that unified statement. House GOP leaders have not committed to bring hold a floor vote on the resolution and refusing to do so could spark outcry from GOP lawmakers who are most incensed by the Epstein saga and are pushing to see the information.

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Well determine what happens with all that, Johnson said when asked by The Hill if he will put the resolution on the floor. Theres a lot developing. The president made his statements this afternoon, hes asked the attorney general to release the information, Im certain that she will, and everybody can make their own decisions about that.

Pressed on the matter, he similarly demurred, saying: We will see how all this develops.

Were in line with the White House, theres no daylight between us, he added. We want transparency, and I think that will be delivered for the people.

Its possible, then, that the resolution serves as little else but political cover for the Republican members of the Rules Committee, who were lambasted for days after voting down a Democratic amendment in support of releasing more Epstein material earlier in the week. The panels members delayed final passage on the first Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid as they negotiated a committee vote on the GOP Epstein resolution.

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Another Epstein-release effort threatens to keep the issue alive in Congress, though.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have promised to file a discharge petition to try to circumvent GOP leadership and force a vote on their Epstein disclosures bill. They would need to reach 218 signatures  and already have 14 other cosponsors on the measure, including 10 other Republicans.

The petition can open as soon as next week, but there is a waiting period before it could force floor action  meaning the matter that has sharply split Trumps base could still be a live issue weeks from now, when Congress returns from the upcoming August recess.

While the discharge petition lingers, some who have called for more disclosures are praising Trumps move to direct Bondi to request that courts unseal testimony from the Epstein case.

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This is the right course of action. Thank you @AGPamBondi and @realDonaldTrump, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) wrote on X in response to Trumps announcement.

But others note that testimony transcripts are just a fraction of the materials that could give new insights into other rich and powerful people accused of participating in the abuse of young girls, as Epstein did.

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), a former federal prosecutor, made that case on X late Thursday night, shortly after Trumps announcement, telling Bondi: Nice try.

What about videos, photographs and other recordings? What about FBI 302s (witness interviews)? What about texts and emails? Thats where the evidence about Trump and others will be, Goldman wrote. Grand jury testimony will only relate to Epstein and Maxwell.

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But as the Epstein outrage saga dragged on, Trump got a boost  albeit a counterintuitive one  with the release of a Wall Street Journal article outlining his past connections to Epstein, complete with a description of a bawdy 50th birthday letter that had a doodle of a naked woman.

Enigmas never age, Trumps birthday message to Epstein reportedly said, ending: May every day be another wonderful secret.

The report clearly infuriated the president, who vigorously denied the report and asserted he never wrote a picture in my life. He threatened to sue the Wall Street Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch.

But the report also had the effect of unifying Republicans in bashing the report  even those who had broken with Trump over releasing more Epstein material.

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Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) called the report nonsense.

If President Trump had committed real crimes, Democrats wouldnt have needed to make up stuff for their lawfare schemes. If this were true, it would have been used, Davison posted on X Thursday night.

Even Elon Musk  who helped turbocharge the Epstein saga last month when he said Trump was mentioned in the files  came to the presidents defense, declaring that the letter sounds bogus.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said that with the weeks developments, the public outrage will eventually die down.

But I dont think totally, Burchett added.

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The deep cuts Republicans made to federal nutrition programs this summer are poised to devastate independent grocery stores that are central to many low-income communities, including those that voted for President Donald Trump.

Food aid recipients often make up the majority of small grocers' customer base in remote areas and food deserts  places that have limited options for fresh, healthy food.

But a central part of paying for the GOP policy megabill Trump signed on July 4 relied on slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the nations largest anti-hunger initiative.

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Even though some provisions in the new law wont go into effect for another three years, others, like expanded work requirements for SNAP participants, could kick some families out of the program and hit the bottom lines of small grocery stores within months. Its a chain reaction set off in Washington thats likely to reshape how people access food in more isolated communities even if they dont use federal assistance.

I lean pretty heavily right most of the time, but one of the things that I do lean to the left on is we're a pretty wealthy country, we can help people out, said St. Johns, Arizona, Mayor Spence Udall, whose town overwhelmingly supported Trump in 2024.

The businesses that will be affected most by this are the businesses that are most disadvantaged, that are struggling, and you're going to find that in the rural markets, he added.

Udalls community, which sits halfway between  but still far from  Phoenix and Albuquerque, has one grocery store and one local food bank serving over 3,500 people. If the store shutters due to the food aid cuts, the next closest option for groceries is roughly 30 miles away.

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Republicans' overhaul of the anti-hunger program will lead to thousands of job losses and a drop in revenue across the agriculture, retail grocery and food processing industries, according to a study from the Commonwealth Fund.

Independent grocers said in interviews that they are considering cutting staff or pivoting to e-commerce and delivery services to stave off some of the anticipated profit loss.

Id just as soon cut a leg off than have my customers out in the poorest county of the United States go without food. That just isn't an option in my mind, said RF Buche, the owner of the only grocery store for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It is as essential as anything that is in that area.

Between 60 percent and 80 percent of Buches customers rely on SNAP, accounting for nearly half of his revenue. Buche said hes weighing layoffs in order to keep his doors open.

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Republican lawmakers, many of whom represent districts with substantial numbers of food aid recipients, defended their megabill, saying the cuts will ultimately help low-income families and their local communities.

Grocers are good people, hard-working families, and they only make a 1 to 2 percent margin, said House Agriculture Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.), a top negotiator in the plan to slash SNAP. A significant number of people who currently are on SNAP through unemployment will now be climbing a ladder of opportunity, which [means] they'll be able to have more resources to buy more food. So our grocers are going to do well with this.

Thompson said grocers have been the victim of fear mongering by the Democrats and the benefits restrictions will be a boon to their industry.

Democrats like Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) disagree and are exploring ways to mitigate the SNAP cuts through upcoming legislation and negotiations.

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We'll use every tool at our disposal, said Brown, deputy ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. I know there's been some conversation around a skinny farm bill, and I don't know, candidly, what that will look like. But if there's any opportunity to reverse course or to supplement funds, I will certainly do that.

Several Republican and Democratic state officials have already warned that it will be difficult to backfill the loss of federal dollars. They will need to consider redirecting funds from existing programs, cutting benefits, raising taxes or finding some alternative method to protect their budgets.

I don't think any state is going to cut [SNAP benefits], Thompson said. If they do, the governors and state legislators that do the cuts are not going to be governors and state legislators for very long.

Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) said that his state is bracing for tens of thousands of people losing access to SNAP.

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The key here is that if we keep enough folks buying at local rural grocery stores, those local rural grocery stores have a higher chance to survive, Vasquez said. We have to make sure folks either have money in their pocket and that states can make up the shortfall in SNAP cuts to preserve that access, or for other folks, provide alternate means to be able to feed them.

Tom Charley owns Charley Family Shop N Save in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, a town about an hour outside of Thompsons district. Like Buche, Charley is considering reducing his workforce as he braces for the megabill cuts to slice into his stores already razor-thin profit margin.

When you're talking about cutting out that substantial size of funding that goes directly to these customers, it means that there's going to be less people working in our stores because of it, just from the pure fact that we have to make sure that our budgets are extremely tight because all of the competition, Charley said.

If a community loses a grocery store, especially a rural community, the economic impact is often broader than the individual stores revenue loss, said Stephanie Johnson, vice president of government relations for the National Grocers Association.

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In many areas, small grocery stores double as community hubs, hardware stores and stock products from local producers. Each SNAP dollar spent in a rural area generates $1.50 in local economic activity during recessions, per USDA data.

NGA is helping grocers seek clarity on how the SNAP cuts will be implemented in their states, according to Johnson.

The grocery store employs 15 people, maybe more, and if we lose the grocery store, what do those people do? said Udall, the St. Johns, Arizona, mayor. It's not just about people shopping at the grocery store. It has a ripple effect.

Samuel Benson contributed to this report.
Poke House, a new restaurant offering poke bowls and other Japanese cuisine, opened its doors this week in Bluffton.

Connected to IZU Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Poke House offers carry-out and mobile ordering options for diners.

Located within Plantation Park, at 30 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 207, this new poke restaurant offers appetizers, soups and poke bowl options. Poke House is nestled between IZU and Dominos within the complex.

Some of their menu items include:

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Gyoza

Crab Rangoon

Classic rainbow poke bowl

Land and sea poke bowl

Spicy ahi tuna bowl

Guests can also build their own poke bowls.

Poke House is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

They are also open on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

To learn more about their menu options, you can visit their website here.
Days before the monsoon session of Parliament, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "friendship and huglomacy" with US president Donald Trump while demanding clarification regarding the "five jets shot down" claims made by the latter in his latest speech. "The sensational new revelation by President Trump this time around is that five jets may have been downed. The Prime Minister, who has had years of friendship and huglomacy with President Trump going back to Howdy Modi in Sept 2019 and Namaste Trump in Feb 2020, has to now himself make a clear and categorical statement in Parliament on what President Trump has been claiming over the past 70 days," the Congress Rajya Sabha MP posted on X. Reacting to the claims made by Trump regarding the recently concluded tensions between India and Pakistan, Ramesh said that the US president remains fixated on his intervention to stop the war between the two nuclear nations and emphasised the threat of "no trade deal" if the war continued. "Just two days before the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, the Trump missile gets fired for the 24th time with the same two messages: 1. The US stopped the war between India and Pakistan, two countries that have nuclear weapons. 2. No trade deal if the war continued. So if India and Pakistan want a trade agreement with the US, they have to agree to an immediate ceasefire," he added. Earlier on Saturday, Trump once again claimed to stop the India-Pakistan conflict. Trump stated that he halted the escalation with the assistance of a trade deal. "We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that were going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that," he said. "But India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade. We said, you guys want to make a trade deal. We're not making a trade deal if you're going to be throwing around weapons, and maybe nuclear weapons, both very powerful nuclear states," Trump added. Earlier on Monday, Trump reiterated his claim that he stopped the escalation of the recent India-Pakistan conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump made these remarks during his meeting with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte. "We have been very successful in settling wars, India, Pakistan... India, by the way, Pakistan would have been a nuclear war within another week, the way that was going. It was going very badly," Trump stated. (ANI)
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  A retired Air Force Colonel is calling out the federal government over what he believes is a disservice to retired military members, and requesting a change to security protocol at American airports.

After drivers licenses and other state-issued forms of ID were required to meet REAL ID standards to fly in May, reports emerged of American military retirees facing additional screening at airports.

William Coleman, a retired colonel for the United States Air Force and service member for more than three decades, sent letters to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem over emerging reports of military retirees facing additional questioning at TSA checkpoints.

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After using official retired military IDs, which lack expiration dates and are labeled indefinite, retiree ID cards are reportedly interpreted as expired by TSA computers, because they are not recognized as a REAL ID.

Im asking you for your help in righting an egregious wrong, Coleman wrote last Friday.

Colemans long-list of career achievements include responsibility for the security of Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews and abroad.

You stay up late at night when you have a resource like that in your backyard that youre responsible for, he told DC News Now Friday.

Coleman hopes what he wrote in black and white can turn the page on what he believes is an avoidable hindrance.

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His concerns sent to the Pentagon from his Alexandria home, mere miles away, are documented by military retirees nationwide.

Jury: Georgetown Law professor guilty of assaulting wife in front of their children

Jeffery Spencer, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, told DC News Nows sister station KFOR in Oklahoma City in March, that he faced questions at the airport with his Department of Defense-issued ID.

It does not have an expiration date, and when the TSA went to check it on their computer and their software, it shows that its expired, and all the IDs that you use have to be valid, he said.

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Spencer added, I dont recall them [federal officials] sharing any information about it. So, its like we have this big unknown that a lot of us over 65 retirees maybe dont know about.

While the Department of Homeland Securitys website insists retired military IDs will continue to be accepted at TSA checkpoints, its unknown if every TSA agent recognizes them as officialmeaning an opportunity for additional questioning.

Since REAL ID, I havent even gone to an airport, and dont intend to, Coleman said.

REAL ID enforcement begins: What travelers need to know

While retirees could alternatively present a REAL ID drivers license, Coieman believes they should not have to in order to avoid the possibility of additional screening Its a dignity thing, he said.

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A 2024 forecast published by Statista suggested there are 2.3 million military retirees in the US. There is no telling how many may have been asked to provide alternate ID or undergone additional questioning at airports since REAL ID rolled out.

DC News Now asked the Department of Homeland Security if they have plans to update ID scanning systems so retired military IDs are recognized by computers, and dont need to be additionally verified.

We are still awaiting a response at the time of publication.

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Some retired senior military officials living in Florida on alert for potential terror threat

Some retired senior military officials living in Florida are on alert after the military notified them that they could be a target of a possible terrorist threat.

The Duty to Warn Notification was sent Thursday from United States Army Special Operations Command. The memo asks active personnel to warn retired special operations officials who served in Syria and Iraq.

9 Investigates obtained a copy of the notification that was confirmed by an Army Special Operations Command official.

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Military sources tell 9 Investigates the notification was meant for internal communication, not the public. However, we found copies of the alert on several social media platforms.

This was a credible report to which we notified our internal audiences, and we notified those concerned, said Lt. Colonel Allie Scott, spokesperson for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. We send these types of notifications often within our command.

However, several former military members say an alert in this way is rare.

The alert doesnt say what terrorist group or groups are the threat but says senior military who served in Iraq and Syria need to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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It could be emanating from a group thats affiliated with ISIS or ISIS itself, or some group that was involved in the insurgency in Iraq, said former senior Secret Service agent Donald Mihalek.

The notification says the focus of the threat is Florida. Tampa is the headquarters for special operations command.

And that was the hub of both Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria combat actions and where the leadership sort of vetted the plans to attack or to address both Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, Mihalek said.

How concerned should Floridians be given this alert?, Channel 9 asked.

Well, it sounds like the alert is directed towards a very specific group of people. If I was part of that group of people, I might be a little concerned, but I think that is where this threat is targeted and thats where the intelligence is focused at, Mihalek said.

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Mihalek says special ops officials are encouraged to take basic personal protection including locking doors, robust communication, alarm system on their house.

Senator Rick Scott released a statement to 9 Investigates saying he is closely monitoring this situation and is in contact with the Army.

My office has been in contact with the Army and we are monitoring this closely. Floridas military community should know that any threat to them is being taken seriously by our law enforcement and the administration, Sen. Scott said in a statement. The United States will not be intimidated, especially not on our own soil. I have no doubt that the administration and federal, state, and local law enforcement are working together to keep these brave heroes who served our country safe.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Fans were so eager to get their hands on the McDonalds chicken Snack Wrap, which was returned to the menu this month after being retired in 2016, they briefly caused a lettuce shortage for the chain.

In a communication about a week ago to U.S. franchisees, the Golden Arches told locations impacted by the shortage to hold off on adding shredded lettuce to other items such as McChicken sandwiches to preserve the supply, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The company said the dip in supplies was only temporary, driven by an exceptional response to the July 10 return of the popular menu item.

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Weve been blown away by the response, from packed restaurants with lines out the door to nonstop social buzz, a McDonalds spokesperson told NBC News, adding that customers showed up in full force.

Over the years, fans continued to press McDonalds to bring back the Snack Wrap, launching a petition with over 18,000 signatures, and barraging company inboxes with messages.

The McDonalds Snack Wrap returned on July 10, driving a surge in sales and causing some restaurants to reportedly run out of lettuce (Getty/McDonald's)

The McDonalds Snack Wrap returned on July 10, driving a surge in sales and causing some restaurants to reportedly run out of lettuce (Getty/McDonald's)

In the run-up to the Snack Wrap re-release, the company even published a WikiLeaks-style trove of Snack Wrap emails called the Snack Wrap Files.

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Please, I am begging you, one March email to the company reads, along with the subject line BRING BACK THE SNACKWRAP.

What will it take to bring back the Snack Wrap? the messenger added.

Lettuce issues aside, the spike in interest in the $2.99 wrap was good news for McDonalds, which suffered a 3.6 percent year-over-year drop in sales last quarter, its worst since the early days of the pandemic.

The company has faced particular issues with low and middle income diners pulling back spending amid increased food prices in the wider economy.

Internally, the company has also reportedly warned that foreign locations may be impacted by an increase in anti-American sentiment, in what may be a reflection of shifting consumer attitudes as the U.S. has pursued a confrontational strategy of tariffs against major trading partners under the Trump administration.

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McDonalds also faced calls for a consumer boycott last month from the activist group Peoples Union USA, which accused the chain of price gouging, unfair labor practices, and avoiding taxes.

This is about more than burgers and fries, this is about power, The Peoples Union USA said in a statement on Instagram at the time. When we unite and hit corporations in their wallets, they listen.
The Australian government announced on Saturday 19 July that it had delivered M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a support package worth A$245 million (US$160 million) to assist the country in defending itself against Russia.

Source: Reuters

Details: Australia, one of Kyiv's largest non-NATO partners, has been supplying assistance, ammunition and defence equipment since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles said Ukraine has received most of the 49 tanks pledged by Australia and the remainder will be delivered in the coming months.

Quote from Marles: "The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion."

Details: The tanks are part of the A$1.5 billion (US$980 million) in assistance that Canberra has provided to Kyiv.

Australia has also banned the export of alumina and aluminium ores, including bauxite, to Russia and has imposed sanctions on about 1,000 Russian individuals and entities.

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For reference: This year, the Australian government, led by the centrist Labor Party, has labelled Russia the aggressor in the war against Ukraine and called for it to be resolved on Kyiv's terms.

Background: In October 2024, it was reported that Australia would send 49 soon-to-be-retired Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a military assistance package worth A$245 million.

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A rezoning request has some residents concerned for what it means for their community near Gladeville.

First Industrial Realty Trust requested to rezone and amend the Land Use Plan for 1113 Couchville Pike and 3461 Underwood Road to change them from Low-Density/Low-Intensity Residential to Med-High Density/Med-High Intensity Commercial.

The initial request was presented to the Wilson County Planning Commission on Friday, May 16, and was forwarded to the County Commission with no recommendation.

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The reason listed by First Industrial Realty Trust for requesting the rezoning is for the construction of a warehouse distribution facility. This is part of the First Park 840 development proposal. The site is located approximately one mile from Interstate-840.

The July 21 County Commission agenda lists a public hearing for zoning purposes. The meeting will be held at the Wilson County Courthouse, located at 228 E. Main St. in Lebanon.

Residents of Gladeville started an online movement in opposition to the rezoning. A website, www.ProtectGladeville.com, was started in a similar manner to one created opposing the Tuckers Crossroads development late last year.

According to the website, supporters of the rezoning proposal made claims the project will solve flooding in the south Gladeville area, suggesting that private investment of retention ponds and drainage infrastructure will resolve flooding issues.

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Kelly Davis, a resident of Gladeville, posted to the Hip Mt. Juliet Facebook group to promote the Protect Gladeville movement and encouraged residents to attend Mondays commission meeting.

I received [a] letter in the mail about the application to rezone 10 properties directly next to my home for the proposed First Park 840 development, which would bring three massive warehouses and hundreds of trucks into our quiet Gladeville community, Davis said. Both the Wilson County planner and the county engineer raised serious concerns that the development over the sinkholes present could worsen flooding in the area. Despite the developers PR messaging that this project would fix flooding, county officials have expressed serious concern about this development making flooding worse for surrounding properties. Most supporters of the plan are the property owners who have agreed to sell out to the developer and would leave the area.

Davis was paraphrasing Wilson County Planning Director Christopher Lawless.

The Protect Gladeville website claims the property owners are requesting the rezoning to increase the potential sale value of the land, despite the damage it would cause to the rural character for this area.

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Another resident replied to the tread on Hip Mt. Juliet.

So last year, those of us in Lebanon that were against the industrial park really pushed the commissioners to vote against it. There was a lady I spoke with about it. She works at the feed mill in Lebanon, she had stated that there are 24 or 27 (if Im remembering correctly) VACANT warehouses in Wilson county. Why on earth do they need to build more?

The Lebanon Democrats attempts to contact First Industrial Realty Trust were unsuccessful as of press time Friday.
Raquel Celina Rodriguez watches her step as she walks across the Vega de Tilopozo in Chile's Atacama salt flats.

It's a wetland, known for its groundwater springs, but the plain is now dry and cracked with holes she explains were once pools.

"Before, the Vega was all green," she says. "You couldn't see the animals through the grass. Now everything is dry." She gestures to some grazing llamas.

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For generations, her family raised sheep here. As the climate changed, and rain stopped falling, less grass made that much harder.

But it worsened when "they" started taking the water, she explains.

Raquel's family raised sheep in Chile's Atacama salt flats for generations but now everything is dry, she says [Ben Derico/BBC]

"They" are lithium companies. Beneath the salt flats of the Atacama Desert lie the world's largest reserves of lithium, a soft, silvery-white metal that is an essential component of the batteries that power electric cars, laptops and solar energy storage.

As the world transitions to more renewable energy sources, the demand for it has soared.

In 2021, about 95,000 tonnes of lithium was consumed globally - by 2024 it had more than doubled to 205,000 tonnes, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

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By 2040 it's predicted to rise to more than 900,000 tonnes.

Most of the increase will be driven by demand for electric car batteries, the IEA says.

Locals say environmental costs to them have risen too.

So, this soaring demand has raised the question: is the world's race to decarbonise unintentionally stoking another environmental problem?

Flora, flamingos and shrinking lagoons

Chile is the second-largest producer of lithium globally after Australia. In 2023, the government launched a National Lithium Strategy to ramp up production through partly nationalising the industry and encouraging private investment.

Its finance minister previously said the increase in production could be by up to 70% by 2030, although the mining ministry says no target has been set.

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This year, a major milestone to that is set to be reached.

A planned joint enterprise between SQM and Chile's state mining company Codelco has just secured regulatory approval for a quota to extract at least 2.5 million metric tonnes of lithium metal equivalent per year and boost production until 2060.

Chile's government has framed the plans as part of the global fight against climate change and a source of state income.

Mining companies predominantly extract lithium by pumping brine from beneath Chile's salt flats to evaporation pools on the surface.

The process extracts vast amounts of water in this already drought-prone region.

Biologist Faviola Gonzalez monitors environmental changes in the Los Flamencos National Reserve, which is home to salt flats, marshes and lagoons [Ben Derico/BBC]

Faviola Gonzalez is a biologist from the local indigenous community working in the Los Flamencos National Reserve, in the middle of the Atacama Desert, home to vast salt flats, marshes and lagoons and some 185 species of birds. She has monitored how the local environment is changing.

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"The lagoons here are smaller now," she says. "We've seen a decrease in the reproduction of flamingos."

She said lithium mining impacts microorganisms that birds feed on in these waters, so the whole food chain is affected.

She points to a spot where, for the first time in 14 years, flamingo chicks hatched this year. She attributes the "small reproductive success" to a slight reduction in water extraction in 2021, but says, "It's small."

"Before there were many. Now, only a few."

The underground water from the Andes, rich in minerals, is "very old" and replenishes slowly.

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"If we are extracting a lot of water and little is entering, there is little to recharge the Salar de Atacama," she explains.

'The lagoons here are smaller now. We've seen a decrease in the reproduction of flamingos' [Lucas Aguayo Araos/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images]

Damage to flora has also been found in some areas. On property in the salt flats, mined by the Chilean company SQM, almost one-third of the native "algarrobo" (or carob) trees had started dying as early as 2013 due to the impacts of mining, according to a report published in 2022 by the US-based National Resources Defense Council.

But the issue extends beyond Chile too. In a report for the US-based National Resources Defense Council in 2022, James J. A. Blair, an assistant professor at California State Polytechnic University, wrote that lithium mining is "contributing to conditions of ecological exhaustion", and "may decrease freshwater availability for flora and fauna as well as humans".

He did, however, say that it is difficult to find "definitive" evidence on this topic.

Mitigating the damage

Environmental damage is of course inevitable when it comes to mining. "It's hard to imagine any kind of mining that does not have a negative impact," says Karen Smith Stegen, a political science professor in Germany, who studies the impacts of lithium mining across the world.

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The issue is that mining companies can take steps to mitigate that damage. "What [mining companies] should have done from the very beginning was to involve these communities," she says.

For example, before pumping lithium from underground, companies could carry out "social impact assessments" - reviews which take into account the broad impact their work will have on water, wildlife, and communities.

Extracting lithium involves pumping brine from beneath Chile's salt flats to evaporation pools on the surface [Getty Images]

For their part, mining companies now say they are listening. The Chilean firm SQM is one of the main players.

At one of their plants in Antofagasta, Valentin Barrera, Deputy Manager of Sustainability at SQM Lithium, says the firm is working closely with communities to "understand their concerns" and carrying out environmental impact assessments.

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He feels strongly that in Chile and globally "we need more lithium for the energy transition."

He adds that the firm is piloting new technologies. If successful, the idea is to roll these out in their Salar de Atacama plants.

These include both extracting lithium directly from brine, without evaporation pools, and technologies to capture evaporated water and re-inject it into the land.

"We are doing several pilots to understand which one works better in order to increase production but reduce at least 50% of the current brine extraction," he said.

Valentin Barrera says Chilean firm SQM understands concerns and is working with communities [Ben Derico/BBC]

He says the pilot in Antofagasta has recovered "more than one million cubic metres" of water. "Starting in 2031, we are going to start this transition."

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But the locals I spoke to are sceptical. "We believe the Salar de Atacama is like an experiment," Faviola argues.

She says it's unknown how the salt flats could "resist" this new technology and the reinjection of water and fears they are being used as a "natural laboratory."

Sara Plaza, whose family also raised animals in the same community as Raquel, is anxious about the changes she has seen in her lifetime.

She remembers water levels dropping from as early as 2005 but says "the mining companies never stopped extracting."

Sara becomes tearful when she speaks about the future.

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"The salt flats produce lithium, but one day it will end. Mining will end. And what are the people here going to do? Without water, without agriculture. What are they going to live on?"

"Maybe I won't see it because of my age, but our children, our grandchildren will."

She believes mining companies have extracted too much water from an ecosystem already struggling from climate change.

"It's very painful," she adds. "The companies give the community a little money, but I'd prefer no money.

"I'd prefer to live off nature and have water to live."

The impact of water shortages

Sergio Cubillos is head of the association for the Peine community, where Sara and Raquel live.

He says Peine has been forced to change "our entire drinking water system, electrical system, water treatment system" because of water shortages.

"There is the issue of climate change, that it doesn't rain anymore, but the main impact has been caused by extractive mining," he says.

He says since it started in the 1980s, companies have extracted millions of cubic metres of water and brine  hundreds of litres per second.

"Decisions are made in Santiago, in the capital, very far from here," he says.

Chile is the world's second-largest lithium producer, after Australia [Lucas Aguayo Araos/Anadolu via Getty Images]

He believes that if the President wants to fight climate change, like he said when he ran for office, he needs to involve "the indigenous people who have existed for millennia in these landscapes."

Sergio understands that lithium is very important for transitioning to renewable energy but says his community should not be the "bargaining chip" in these developments.

His community has secured some economic benefits and oversight with companies but is worried about plans to ramp up production.

He says while seeking technologies to reduce the impact on water is welcome that "can't be done sitting at a desk in Santiago, but rather here in the territory."

Sergio Cubillos says his community should not be a "bargaining chip" [Ben Derico/BBC]

Chile's government stresses there has been "ongoing dialogue with indigenous communities" and they have been consulted over the new Codelco-SQM joint venture's contracts to address concerns around water issues, new technologies and contributions to the communities.

It says increasing production capacity will be based on incorporating new technologies to minimise the environmental and social impact and that the high "value" of lithium due to its role in the global energy transition could provide "opportunities" for the country's economic development.

Sergio though worries about their area being a "pilot project" and says if the impact of new technology is negative, "We will put all our strength into stopping the activity that could end with Peine being forgotten."

A small part of a global dilemma

The Salar de Atacama is a case study for a global dilemma. Climate change is causing droughts and weather changes. But one of the world's current solutions is  according to locals  exacerbating this.

There is a common argument from people who support lithium mining: that even if it damages the environment, it brings huge benefits via jobs and cash.

Daniel Jimenez, from lithium consultancy iLiMarkets, in Santiago, takes this argument a step further.

He claims that environmental damage has been exaggerated by communities who want a pay-out.

What's happening in the Salar de Atacama is a case study for a global dilemma - and debate [Lucas Aguayo Araos/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images]

"This is about money," he argues. "Companies have poured a lot of money into improving roads, schools  but the claims of communities really go back to the fact they want money."

But Prof Stegen is unconvinced. "Mining companies always like to say, 'There are more jobs, you're going to get more money'," she says.

"Well, that's not particularly what a lot of indigenous communities want. It actually can be disruptive if it changes the structure of their own traditional economy [and] it affects their housing costs.

"The jobs are not the be all and end all for what these communities want."

In Chile, those I spoke to didn't talk about wanting more money. Nor are they opposed to measures to tackle climate change. Their main question is why they are paying the price.

"I think for the cities maybe lithium is good," Raquel says. "But it also harms us. We don't live the life we used to live here."

Faviola does not think electrifying alone is the solution to climate change.

"We all must reduce our emissions," she says. "In developed countries like the US and Europe the energy expenditure of people is much greater than here in South America, among us indigenous people."

"Who are the electric cars going to be for? Europeans, Americans, not us. Our carbon footprint is much smaller."

"But it's our water that's being taken. Our sacred birds that are disappearing."

Top image credit: Getty Images

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The Brief

A group of men has been violently robbing intoxicated people in Chicagos River North during the early mornings, with at least four incidents since June.

Victim Tori Ledzema, who wasn't intoxicated, was attacked at 5:30 a.m., held at gunpoint and robbed of her phone, ID, and bag.

Police recovered Ledzema's bag and fingerprints from the suspects vehicle but no arrests have been made; tips can be submitted to Area Three Detectives.

CHICAGO - A string of violent robberies in Chicagos River North neighborhood has police urging caution, especially for anyone out early in the morning.

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The attackers are targeting people who appear to be intoxicated, and the consequences have turned brutal. Tori Ledezma, who wasn't intoxicated and was just heading to a Pilates class, was one of the people targeted.

What we know

Ledzema said she was thrown to the ground by four people wearing ski masks, as she was heading to Pilates at 5:30 a.m. One of the individuals had a gun pointed at her head.

According to police, the crew of Black male offenders, ages 20 to 40, befriend intoxicated citizens before robbing and beating them in the early morning hours.

In Ledzema's case, she says the suspects took her phone, which had her ID card and credit card. They also took her yoga bag.

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RELATED STORY: Police warn of robberies targeting intoxicated victims in River North

"He threw me to the ground. Later found out I sprained my neck from this impact. But the four of them pulled me back up, and they held the gun to my head," Ledzema said. "There were three guns. They held one to me and then one in either direction of traffic. Not that there really was traffic, and then the driver stayed in the car. But they held the gun to my head and asked me for my password, and then I later found out that this group was looking for people's cash app. Which is one of the other things they asked me for."

Chicago police were able to track down the car the suspects used and recover fingerprints. Ledzema's bag was left in the car.

The backstory

In at least four separate incidents, police say at least four males approached people that appeared to be intoxicated, then violently attacked and robbed them, using fists and hands to beat them and take their belongings.

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The incidents started in June, continuing into July with the latest incident happening on July 6 in the 400 block of North State Street at 2 a.m.

No one is in custody. Chicago police are continuing to search for the suspects.

What you can do

Anyone with information should contact Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit a tip at CPDTIP.com using reference #P25-3-033.

The Source

The information in this article was obtained from Chicago police and victim Tori Ledezma.
Editors note: This story was updated at 7:25 a.m. July 19, 2025. Brenda Cropper, 66, died Friday at 4:43 p.m. from injuries suffered in the blaze, according to a Saturday morning statement from Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. Cropper had been hospitalized in critical condition, bringing the total number of deaths to 10.

For weeks at a time, assisted living residents in wheelchairs on the top level of Gabriel House couldnt leave their floor, trapped by a broken elevator that management wasnt in any hurry to fix.

Because they couldnt make it downstairs to the communal dining room, meals were brought up to them. Medical appointments were often missed because there wasnt any means of egress.

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And because they couldnt go outdoors, residents in wheelchairs who smoked cigarettes or cannabis often did so in their studio-style rooms.

In the aftermath of the July 13 fire that ripped through the Gabriel House in Fall River and killed 10 residents, MassLive interviewed multiple people  residents, family members, current and former employees  who detailed the third-floor confinement at the assisted living facility during prolonged elevator outages.

Read more: Gabriel House fire claims tenth victim as woman taken off life support

Its one example of unsettling conditions at the former motel-turned-assisted living facility in the blue-collar citys Kennedy Park area.

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They also described sanitary and safety issues that trace back years, including rodents, cockroaches and a perceived absence of emergency planning, corroborated by state and city records.

Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon has said fire drills were conducted at the assisted living facility for staff members, but current and former residents and employees said they havent participated in an emergency drill in at least four years.

No fire drills, we didnt do anything ... no practices, Debra Johnson, a certified nursing assistant and employee for the past four years, told reporters the day after the fire.

Read more: Fall River funeral home offers free services for Gabriel House fire victims

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The son of Alvaro Vieira, a 64-year-old resident injured in the fire, said his father recalls one fire drill about five years ago, but none since.

His father has been having problems the last couple years ... its really obviously one of the cheaper nursing homes, Chris Vieira, 33, of New Bedford, said.

A former employee who agreed to speak with MassLive under the condition of anonymity said there werent any drills at the facility. She said residents deserved better care and that the building was like a matchbox.

Weve always said its in that spot  ready to go up. That if somebody starts a fire, theres going to be an issue," the former employee said.

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Despite the reported conditions, residents and staff members described the community at Gabriel House as one where people looked out for and cared for one another. One employee wrote in a Facebook post that, If you were lost and had nowhere to go, you had Gabriel House.

Anthony Hout lived there from 2017 to 2022. He said the caring staff members loved us to death, but any time something was reported to the higher-ups, it just got blown off. They ignored everything we said to them.

Messages left for Gabriel House owner Dennis Etzkorn have not been returned. One person who answered the phone said, Not available, and quickly hung up when a reporter identified themselves.

Etzkorn faced legal troubles more than a decade ago with a different company, unrelated to safety concerns, including criminal charges in 2012 for a suspected Medicare kickback scheme involving his company, Gabriel Care.

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The case was dropped after the court ruled prosecutors had illegally obtained evidence, and key evidence, such as caregiver testimony, was deemed inadmissible. Etzkorn reached a $950,000 settlement with the Attorney Generals Office in 2015 in exchange for the charges being dismissed.

Kerry Lecke, 58, cries outside the Timao Center on July 14, the day after a fire killed nine people and injured 30 at The Gabriel House in Fall River.

The Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River on July 14, the day after a fire killed 10 residents and injured 30.

Donna Murphy, a five-year resident of the Gabriel House in Fall River, speaks to reporters on July 14, one day after a fire killed 10 people and injured 30 at the assisted living facility.

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A woman lays flowers outside the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River on July 14, the day after a fire killed 10 residents and injured 30.

Debra Johnson, an employee at the Gabriel House in Fall River, on July 14. Johnson spoke to reporters about conditions at the assisted living facility the day after 10 people were killed and 30 were injured in a fire.

Judith Croteau, 82, embraces a friend outside the Timao Center on July 14, the day after a fire killed 10 people and injured 30 at The Gabriel House in Fall River.

Lorraine Ferrara, 71, in tears outside the Timao Center on July 14, the day after a fire killed 10 people and injured 30 at The Gabriel House in Fall River.

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The Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River on July 14, the day after a fire killed 10 residents and injured 30.

Aid arriving for people at the Timao Center who were brought from the Gabriel House in Fall River, after a fatal fire ripped through the assisted living facility on July 13.

Elevator outages would last months

Multiple people told MassLive the buildings elevator would consistently break down and not be repaired by management for weeks to months at a time  most recently, for more than six months.

While people on the second floor could access the ground level via a ramp, residents with limited mobility on the third floor were effectively stuck.

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Those who couldnt take the stairs would miss doctors appointments, the former employee said.

That elevator, it was every year. There was a problem with that elevator every single year. It was really bad, said Chris Vieira.

Read more: Deadly Fall River fire exposes long-simmering dispute over department staffing

Terry Leuvelink, whose 86-year-old mother, Eleanor Willett, died in the fire, recalled the elevator being down for eight months at one point. Living in walking distance, she visited often, sometimes sleeping on Willetts floor on a blowup mattress.

Third-floor residents with mobility challenges were unable to come down to the dining room, Leuvelink said, so staff would bring meals to their rooms.

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They couldnt go outside to smoke their cigarettes, so thats why people were smoking in their rooms, she said.

Under Massachusetts law, buildings open to the public and multi-family residences, such as the Gabriel House, must have elevators inspected annually. Building owners can be fined if they fail to comply with the regulations.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, elevators can be afforded temporary and isolated disruptions, but building owners are expected to repair them promptly.

Details remain unclear about the Gabriel House elevators inspection history and response to recent outages. A Seekonk-based company, believed to have serviced the elevator, did not return requests for comment.

MassLive has requested state inspection records from the Board of Elevator Regulations but has not yet received them.

Sanitary and care management concerns

Many who lived at the Gabriel House didnt have close family members and required a lot of assistance with mobility and medical needs, the former employee told MassLive.

At a typical assisted living facility, residents receive multiple meals a day with limited medical and home care provided. Generally, people residing in assisted living have a level of independence and dont require the significant 24/7 medical attention provided by nursing homes.

At Gabriel House, the lines were blurred.

Paul Lanzikos, co-founder of the Dignity Alliance of Massachusetts and a former state secretary of elder affairs under Gov. Michael Dukakis, said it appeared that many of the people residing at Gabriel House could not self-evacuate, meaning they likely required higher levels of care than what is provided in assisted living.

Read more: Body cameras show rescues as fire tore through Fall River assisted living facility

Body camera footage released by the city from the night of the fire showed police officers and firefighters carrying numerous people using wheelchairs, scooters and walkers down multiple flights of outside stairs or ladders, signaling that they resided on the upper floors.

The sanitary conditions at the facility were also concerning, multiple people told MassLive.

Many studio units were in disrepair, with some featuring stained rugs and others electrical wires hanging from gaping holes in bathroom ceilings.

It was cockroach-infested. Bed bugs, mice. The rooms were filthy, Johnson said.

Records provided to MassLive by the Fall River Department of Health and Human Services include several invoices from 2024, 2020, 2015 and 2014 for treatment of bed bugs and extermination of mice, rats and cockroaches by local pest control companies.

The records also include complaints made to the city. In February 2020, one Gabriel House resident complained of bed bugs moving from one room to another.

Another complaint, sent to the city in September 2014, cited bed bugs, undercooked food and a filthy dining room.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan told MassLive that the city didnt receive a noticeable number of complaints from Gabriel House compared to all the complaints they receive across the city. He was unaware of the conditions being reported after the fire.

No one is more feeling guilty for these people than me, for what happened to them and from the descriptions of what went on in there, but I didnt know a thing, Coogan said.

Leuvelink, the daughter of Eleanor Willett, said their first tour of the Gabriel House was scary and not impressive at all. But it was affordable compared to other assisted living facilities theyd visited, and Willett was just happy to have a roof over her head close to family members, she said.

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Massachusetts ranges from $3,655 to $8,036, according to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. At Gabriel House, residents were charged between $1,850 and $2,400 a month.

Leuvelink recalled the building smelling like urine. She cited old rugs and a ripped couch in the main sitting room. Before her mother moved in last July, her studio unit was renovated, which pleased the family.

But then Willett began to see the mice and cockroaches.

She couldnt sleep, Leuvelink said. And she was scared to death. She thought they were going to climb in her bed with her.

Leuvelink bought some BugMD spray and put out cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in her mothers room. The Gabriel House also installed sticky mouse traps.

One day they put a sticky trap right near my moms bathroom, near where my mom kept her personal things, Leuvelink recounted. So my mom went to go to the bathroom and the bottom of her pants got stuck on one of the sticky things and she couldnt get it off. She had to cut the pants just to get the sticky thing off.

Alvaro Vieiras initial admission to the Gabriel House happened in a matter of days  a sign that something was off, Chris Vieira said, as the family had been on waiting lists for months.

His father was still on several waiting lists when the Gabriel House fire broke out, the son added.

When he got there, we knew it was already going to be a little problem, because he got in so easy ... they just took him in. I was like, Yeah, that doesnt sound right, Chris Vieira said.

From the start, Chris said the staff didnt properly care for his fathers medical needs.

Alvaro Vieira had a stroke in his 40s that left half of his body paralyzed, and he required specific medication when he was admitted to the Gabriel House, which was to be administered under supervision.

But several weeks after his admission, Chris Vieiras sister found stockpiles of medication in their fathers room  which showed he wasnt taking the medication under proper supervision and was hiding it himself.

This was a big deal and a serious issue, Chris Vieira said, and though it was solved after the family spoke with facility management, the incident left them worried.

In 2023, Gabriel House and its owner, Etzkorn, were subjects of a state compliance report by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The report identified a number of violations by the facility, especially when it came to proper and updated documentation of resident care.

Many residents records lacked necessary reassessments and reviews, and documentation for the Evidence Informed Falls Prevention program was missing for all reviewed years, raising concerns about resident safety.

There were also missing documents for eye drop medications and improperly stored medications, and inconsistencies in the Gabriel Houses correspondence log, which helps ensure reliable, continued resident care.

Additionally, the report included 26 incident reports for resident emergencies that were filed beyond the required 24-hour reporting window, and three employees health records were missing.

Over the past year, the Vieira family fought hard for the stained, smelly carpet in Alvaro Vieiras room to be replaced with wood flooring, his son said. It had only been replaced just before the fire.

The daughter of an 82-year-old resident who escaped the fire, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect her familys privacy, said the carpeting inside Gabriel House was disgusting. The building was run down and old, she said, but her mother settled in and made friends during the two months she lived there, several of whom died in the fire.

Alvaro Vieira, who was rescued from his bathroom window and carried from the burning building, was hospitalized but is doing well, his son said. He is refusing to go back to the Gabriel House under any circumstances.

Donna Murphy, a five-year resident, said the facilitys owner didnt care about peoples lives. She wasnt at the Gabriel House the night of the fire  shed gone to visit family, the only night shed been away in her entire time living there.

Murphy listed several issues she had at the facility, including exposed electrical wiring in her bathroom, which made her feel unsafe.

I hated taking a shower, she said. All the wires were exposed. It was dangerous ... theyre slum lords, she said of the owner.

Is it time for new assisted living regulations, both state and federal?

Nearly 18,000 people reside in assisted living settings in Massachusetts, according to the states annual census for 2025. The facilities arent regulated like nursing homes, which are subject to both federal and state-specific standards.

Assisted living facilities exist in a gray area that allows for varying interpretations state by state, and ultimately, facility by facility.

Assisted living is not regulated by the federal government at all, even though there is a fair amount of money going into assisted living at this point from Medicaid, said Toby Edelman, senior policy attorney at the Center for Medicare Advocacy. All of the regulation is at the state level. So whatever the states do is what they do.

Edelman believes its time for the federal government to step in, given the rise of the assisted living industry as a growing model of desired care over the last 25-plus years.

Were spending a lot of Medicaid money and have no Medicaid regulations (for assisted living), she said. That makes no sense to me. There should be some federal standards to get the money.

At Gabriel House, approximately 75% of residents were on MassHealth, the states Medicaid program.

In Massachusetts, unlike nursing homes, there are no specific staffing requirements for assisted living facilities, according to the standards outlined in state law.

Facilities must develop and implement their own process to determine staff levels, and must have sufficient staffing at all times for resident needs as deemed by the facility owners assessments on a 24-hour per day basis.

Johnson, the current employee at Gabriel House, said it was typical for two workers to be on duty during night shifts  and sometimes, there was only one at the facility. Others corroborated that.

They would say, we just need a body, Johnson said, and emphasized a body.

Massachusetts law does address the need for emergency plans at assisted living facilities, but it doesnt include many specifics.

An emergency preparedness plan is critical, said Alice Bonner, senior advisor for aging at the Institute for Health Care Improvement and former state secretary of elder affairs from 2015 to 2019. If there is no other take-home message, I would say its just really important people in the public know that.

Educating people who live and work in these environments because they should know that emergencies can happen and how they would respond, she said.

Staffing levels and emergency preparedness plans at assisted living facilities are subject to multiple annual reviews by the Executive Office of Aging and Independence.

Lanzikos, of the Dignity Alliance, is laser-focused on turning the Gabriel House tragedy into meaningful reform at the state level. And hes not alone  a chorus of state officials and senior care advocates have echoed similar sentiments over the last week.

In the days since the fire, the Dignity Alliance has already sent a letter to Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell about the development of comprehensive assisted living regulations that bring us into the 21st century. It also released a policy reform framework outlining the failures exposed by the fire and key recommendations.

On Friday, Gov. Maura Healey announced the state was taking immediate action in light of the Gabriel House fire. Starting next week, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence will launch a statewide fire and life safety initiative to ensure all 273 assisted living residences in Massachusetts are prepared to protect residents during emergencies.

Facilities will be required to submit disaster and emergency preparedness plans for state review within 30 calendar days, as well as issue a letter to residents and families outlining the plans within five business days.

We need to make sure that the buildings, the staffing, the training and the overall administration of assisted living residences are appropriate to meet the needs of the folks who are inhabiting them today, Lanzikos said.

Deadly Gabriel House fire

Read the original article on MassLive.
The Brief

A Kensington neighborhood is reeling after two drivers allegedly got into a shootout feet away from their homes.

Philadelphia police are investigating, searching for a motive and say one woman is now in critical condition at the hospital.

Families who heard the gunshots are disturbed that it happened so close to home Friday morning.

KENSINGTON - Police believe a violent road rage shootout between two drivers in Kensington resulted in an innocent bystander getting shot and leaving her in critical condition.

What we know

Surveillance video captured gunfire exchanged between two drivers on East Indiana Avenue near McPherson Square in Kensington around 10 a.m. Friday morning, leaving residents startled and concerned. Neighbors initially thought the sound was fireworks.

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The Philadelphia Police Department responded swiftly to the scene, where a gray Nissan Altima was found with a bullet hole in the passenger side window.

A woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach was located on B Street and transported to Temple University Hospital.

Additionally, police secured a black Honda Civic on West Tusculum Street, which had two bullet holes in its rear.

What they're saying

Isabel Lopez, a Kensington resident, initially thought the sounds were firecrackers. "But when I heard boom, boom, boom, boom three times, I looked out the window. I didnt see anything. When I came downstairs, I saw this car here with bullet shots," she recounted.

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Another resident, Jovan Jordan, noted, "Cause today sounded way different. It sounded like two people shooting at each other, is what it sounded like."

Aurea Ocasio discovered her minivan had been hit, with the back window shattered. "When I came down, I was checking what was going on. Thats when I saw my car, the bullets still in there," she said, relieved that no one was in the vehicle at the time.

Jose Negron expressed gratitude that families and children were not outside during the incident, stating, "Thank goodness, thank God none of them were outside at that moment."

Theresa Grone shared her fear, saying, "And its just scary because bullets have no names," while Isabel Lopez admitted, "Right now Im still nervous."

Local perspective

The shooting has left the Kensington community on edge, highlighting concerns about safety in the neighborhood. Residents are relieved that no children were harmed, but the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of gun violence in the area.

What's next

The PPD's Shooting Investigation Group is actively working on the case. Both drivers involved are in police custody. The driver of the Nissan remained at the scene after the shooting. Police say that driver has a permit to carry.

As the investigation continues, residents hope for increased safety measures and a resolution to the violence that has disrupted their community.
Andrew Cuomo poses for a portrait outside the 72nd St. Q Station on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Manhattan, New York City. Credit - Barry WilliamsGetty Images

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to re-enter the race for New York City Mayor after his decisive defeat in the Democratic primary in June has prompted plenty of discussion.

Cuomo, who conceded the race to progressive newcomer Zohran Mamdani of the Democratic Party, announced his return via a video statement on July 14, during which he shared he will now run as an Independent.

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I am in it to win it, Cuomo said. Only 13% of New Yorkers voted in the June primary. The general election is in November, and I am in it to win it. My opponent, Mr. Mamdani, offers slick slogans, but no real solutions.

Mamdani responded to Cuomos video by commenting directly underneath it with a link to donate money to his own campaign. As of Saturday morning, Mamdanis X response has over 180,000 likes, while Cuomos original post has just 5.5k.

Experts have queried if Cuomo has learned from the mistakes of his Democratic primary campaign and whether he can overcome the roadblocks facing him in order to stand a solid chance in the November election.

If Cuomo is to have a fighting chance, Boris Heersink, a political science professor at Fordham University, says hell have to find a new narrative for his campaign, decide the key issues upon which he wants to build his platform, and somehow fight back against the campaigns of Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and current Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an Independent. Its a delicate balancing act.

Zohran Mamdani attends an endorsement event from the union DC 37 on July 15, 2025, in New York City. Spencer PlattGetty Images

Its actually going to be a pretty tough thing for him to figure out how to present an aggressive Cuomo, that's also a gentler Cuomo, and a more policy-focused Cuomo, all in one package, says Heersink.

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Furthermore, some of the high-profile billionaires who previously showed support to Cuomo have since decided to back current Mayor Adams in the general election, including hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman. Now, Cuomo will need to garner new support.

Here is what experts say Cuomos major roadblocks will be as he attempts to run a successful mayoral campaign.

Campaigning amid the backdrop of previous sexual harassment allegations

Cuomo re-entering this race comes four years after he resigned as Governor of New York after a report from the state Attorney General accused Cuomo of sexually harassing at least 11 women, most of whom had worked for him. The allegations ranged from groping and kissing to remarks about the women's appearances and sex lives.

Cuomo denied the allegations. He then went on to acknowledge that he "acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable." He said it was "unintentional" and that he "truly and deeply apologised" over it. "I feel awful about it and, frankly, I am embarrassed by it," he said in a video statement, before doubling down on his statement that he "never touched anyone inappropriately."

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On Friday, July 19, the state of New York agreed to pay $450,000 to settle a lawsuit from Brittany Commisso, an ex-aide of Cuomo's who alleged he had sexually harassed and groped her while he was in office.

In a statement, Commisso's lawyers referred to the settlement as a complete vindication of her claims and said that Commisso is "glad to be able to move forward with her life." In response, lawyers for Cuomo said: The settlement is not a vindication, it is capitulation to avoid the truth," and once again referred to the allegations as "false."

Heersink says that Cuomo has not addressed the allegations in his newly-relaunched mayoral campaign.

"It's clearly not going to go away. If he's actually going to be actively out there campaigning, it's actually going to come up quite a lot in setups that he can't control, Heersink says. It's a reason for a lot of people to never vote for Cuomo, [and] there's a decent number of people that I think are at least uncomfortable with it.

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Cuomo has also come under fire over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during his time as New York Governor and the testimony he gave in regards to the high number of deaths reported in nursing homes during that time.

Cuomo cant have tunnel vision. He must not only defeat Mamdani, but Adams and Sliwa too

If Cuomo, Adams, and Sliwa split the non-Mamdani vote, Mamdani will certainly win, Heersink says, arguing that Cuomo needs to convince all those who say they are supporting Adams or Sliwa to transfer their support to him, so that he can prevent Mamdani from winning the election.

In order to do that, Heersink says Cuomo will need to posit Mamdani as a real threat, but this could admittedly descend into a negative campaign, something he may be keen to avoid.

In an interview with New York Magazine, published earlier this week, Cuomo appeared to be on board, at least partly, with a renewed approach, admitting that this time around he needs to be aggressive across the board.

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For Laura Tamman, a professor of political science at Pace University, the issue is that Mamdani has often done better with someone to villainize against. So Cuomos efforts on that front could end up backfiring.

Cuomo is a good person for Mamdani to excite people against, she says. It's helpful for fundraising. It's helpful for galvanizing volunteers.

(Cuomo's Super Pac battled hard against Mamdani in the primary, yet he didn't defeat him.)

Mayor Eric Adams is pictured during a Bloomberg Podcast interview in New York City on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Victor J. BlueBloomberg

Tamman echoes Heersinks argument that Cuomo will need to consolidate all of the non-Democrat voters, as well as a healthy number of people who are registered as Democrats, in order to claim victory in November.

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Its because of this that Brian Arbour, associate professor of political science at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, argues that partisanship will be Cuomos enemy.

Its a partisan election, and you somehow have to get Democrats not to vote for the Democrat, he says.

Cuomo cant undervalue the importance of likeability

Cuomo does not have the winner vibe around him right now, experts tell TIME, so he will need to find a positive reason for people to rally behind him, rather than just a negative reason to not vote for the other candidates.

Cuomo, in his latest campaign video and interviews, is seemingly trying to come across as more approachable, experts argue, with Heersink saying it perhaps shows that he has learned something from the Democratic primary upset.

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The approach that he [Cuomo] took in the Democratic primary was, essentially, I'm gonna win this thing so I don't actually have to talk to you,' says Heersink. In the primary, he barely campaignedhe was a candidate, but most of the actual campaigning on his behalf was being done by his Super PAC.

Cuomo could be seen shaking the hands of New Yorkers on the street, visiting subway stations, and engaging in more community-driven activities as he announced his re-entry to the race.

But Camille Rivera, a political campaign strategist at New Deals Strategies, remains unconvinced this approach will resonate with voters after the primary.

She argues that not being available for people or press doesnt work in New York City and that it could feel disingenuous and offensive to voters to start now.

Curtis Sliwa attends the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17, 2025, in New York City. Slaven VlasicGetty Images

Finding an issue to galvanize voters around

Mamdanis success, in part, stems from his centering of the issue of affordability, and the popularity of his calls to freeze the rent, make buses free, and provide free childcare in the city. Heersink says that Cuomo will need to find an equally compelling issue of his own to galvanize voters around.

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I think if you were to ask people what are the policies that Cuomo ran on in the Democratic primary, they would have a tough time summarizing that, he says. To be fair, I think that's a criticism you can make of lots of candidates in the Democratic primary.

Yet, Mamdani differentiated himself in this sense, making sure that his policies stood out.

When discussing his re-entry to the race, Cuomo told New York Magazine that combatting crime will be a core focus of his platform.

We either stop the crime, stop the exodus, or we pivot now and start to bring the city back, he said. But I believe its A or B. You continue the decline and we have real trouble. Or we take a different path to start to make some changes. And I think Mamdani takes us in exactly the wrong direction.

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Yet, with Adams in the race, Arbour says that it will be harder for Cuomo to "differentiate himself on this issue, as its a core principle of Adams platform, too.

"It's certainly the issue that Adams wants to talk about [also], and it fits with his background, Arbour says, highlighting Adams focus on combatting crime since his election in 2021.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
According to the police, the CIK unit is carrying out the searches in connection with a terror-crime investigation case of terrorist sleeper cells and a recruitment module being handled by terrorist commander Abdullah Ghazi of Jaish-e-Mohammed from across the border.

The raids are being carried out at a single location in Pulwama, six locations in Ganderbal, one location in Srinagar, and two locations in Budgam.

Over a week ago, in a significant step towards dismantling terror financing networks, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir conducted simultaneous search operations at three suspected locations in Jammu, Doda, and Handwara.

These meticulously executed searches aimed to secure critical evidence to unravel a complex conspiracy involving cross-border funding through cryptocurrency, designed to fuel terrorism and destabilise peace in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The search operations also targeted efforts to identify individuals inciting youth against the Union of India, thereby threatening national security.

The searches are part of an ongoing investigation under sections 18, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with Sections 120B, 121, and 121A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), registered at Police Station CI-SIA Kashmir.

The search operations yielded vital evidence, marking a breakthrough in exposing the clandestine financial networks that keep the pot of terrorism boiling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Recovered articles and electronic devices are expected to aid the State Investigation Agency Kashmir in identifying and apprehending co-conspirators and accomplices orchestrating these anti-national activities. (ANI)
The Utah Department of Transportation will cover part of a rock wall abutting a key Ogden Valley highway with heavy wire mesh to guard against the possibility of a rockfall onto the roadway.

The planned operation starts next Monday, July 21, and comes more than six years after a boulder fell from the rock wall onto a passing pickup truck, crashing through the vehicles windshield and seriously injuring a man inside.

That 2018 incident along state Route 158 east of the Pineview Dam spillway on the north side of Pineview Reservoir spurred debate about the safety of the roadway, leading to the looming plans, expected to require the full closure of the roadway for up to three weeks.

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Utah has many roads that go through canyons and abut steep rock walls, and UDOT spokesman Mitch Shaw said rockfalls like the 2018 incident on a section of S.R. 158 south of Eden arent common. What I can tell you, though, is that whenever we have an area that is higher risk, we look at potential mitigation efforts. Sometimes its not possible to do anything, just because of the sheer inaccessibility of a particular landscape. Its also difficult to predict exactly where its going to happen, he said.

Prior incidents along S.R. 158, and a study indicating a mitigation project would help, spurred UDOT officials to pursue the $3 million project.

Weve looked at further realigning the road near the spillway, but its virtually impossible with the landscape there  the dam and the mountain. UDOT looked at other options several years ago, and wed really need a bridge across the dam, but thats not really a feasible option from a cost perspective, an environmental perspective or a public impact perspective, Shaw said.

A Utah Department of Transportation project calls for the addition of a section of heavy wire mesh on a rock wall abutting state Route 158 in Weber County to guard against falling rocks. | Utah Department of Transportation

Staging of the work area starts on Monday, July 21, with single lane closures on S.R. 158 in the area, necessitating flagging operations to guide motorists through the zone. The roadway is to be fully closed to traffic starting July 28 and lasting up to three weeks to allow the project to proceed, requiring motorists to detour.

A crane and helicopter will help mount the wire mesh fence along the rock wall adjacent to the westbound lane of S.R. 158, according to UDOT. The work is to be done by late August.
BROCKPORT, N.Y. (WROC)  Excitement is growing west of Rochester as folks in the community welcome the opportunities a new row house will bring to the Village of Brockport.

Construction of the row house began back in March. Now, the organization Brockport Community Rowing is placing finishing touches on the building, bringing in boats and ores for interested rowers to utilize. The organization is currently contracted with the Village of Brockport to oversee operations at the row house

Last Friday, village leaders served Brockport Community Rowing a 45-day notice to vacate the property, leaving organization leaders perplexed and concerned for the row houses future.

A letter from the Village of Brockport, issued by Mayor Benjamin Reed to the row house permittee, Brockport Community Rowing. (Village of Brockport)

Brockport Mayor Benjamin Reed has since explained the motivation behind issuing said letter.

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The (current) village board wasnt satisfied with the current contract that the rowing club had with the village, so we sent the notice as a way to open it back up, to negotiate a new contract, Reed said.

Reed went on to explain that the goal of the village board is to ensure that all residents have equal access to the facility. Multiple board members of Brockport Community Rowing say that under the current contract, the row house would still be open to everyone but would be managed by their organization.

Brockport Community Rowing Board Member Cathy Houston-Wilson is hoping an agreement can be reached.

Rowing is for everyone, Houston-Wilson said. (the board) feels like weve come this far and we really want to follow through on what weve all started. We want to be given a chance to at least see what we can do for the Brockport community, specifically what we can do to bring people to town.

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Mayor Reed agrees, emphasizing the importance of reaching an agreement satisfactory to both parties involved. With that, hes excited to see what the future of the row house holds.

I hope it has a prosperous future, especially since its an investment that we made into the village. Im hoping its well utilized, Reed said.

Although an official agreement between the village and Brockport Community Rowing has not yet been met, the organization does have multiple events planned for the coming weeks as the row house nears completion. More details about these events can be found here.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced late Friday that the visas of Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, his allies on the court and immediate family members have been revoked over the ongoing political witch hunt against Brazils former President Jair Bolsonaro.

[President Trump] made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States, Rubio, who is also President Trumps national security adviser, wrote in a post on social platform X.

He continued, Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraess political witch hunt against Jair Bolsonaro created a persecution and censorship complex so sweeping that it not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazils shores to target Americans.

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I have therefore ordered visa revocations for Moraes and his allies on the court, as well as their immediate family members effective immediately, the secretary of state added.

The announcement came just hours after Brazils top court released restraining orders and search warrants against Bolsonaro  preventing him from getting in touch with foreign officials. Authorities placed an ankle monitor on the embattled former leader and his home was raided by police.

Moraes, in a Friday court decision, blocked Bolsonaro  who was charged last year for trying to overturn the nations 2022 presidential election  from using social media. The judge cited the possibility of him trying to flee the country, which the ex-president denied.

Last week, Trump upped the pressure on Brazil, threatening to slap a 50 percent tariff on the South American country on all items over the ongoing prosecution of Bolsonaro over election fraud claims.

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I feel supreme humiliation, the former leader said in a recent interview with Reuters. I am 70 years old, I was president of the republic for four years.

Bolsonaro and some of his allies, who argue the case is politically charged, were indicted in February for an alleged coup, and efforts to stay in power after the 2022 election, which he lost to now-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

He has also been barred from seeking office until 2030.

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The Russians are reported to have attacked Ukraine with 379 aerial weapons on the night of 18-19 July. Ukrainian air defences have destroyed 208 of them, while another 136 have disappeared from radar.

Source: Ukraines Air Force

Details: Russia attacked with 344 drones, 12 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 8 Iskander-K cruise missiles and 15 Kh-101 cruise missiles.

Ukraine's Air Force reported that air defence forces had shot down 208 aerial assets: 185 Shahed-type loitering munitions, seven Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, seven Iskander-K cruise missiles and nine Kh-101 cruise missiles.

The hits of five missiles and 30 attack UAVs were recorded in 12 locations, and downed aerial weapons hits in 7 locations.

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Russia has abruptly cancelled its annual arms expo  a defence industry showcase used by the Kremlin to project military strength  citing no reason for the decision.

The Army-2025 forum, scheduled for August 1114 in the Patriot military park outside Moscow, has been postponed to an unspecified later date, state news agency TASS reported on Saturday, citing event organizers.

The cancellation includes the forum's trademark arms exhibition, which was set to feature military hardware and new technologies such as drones.

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More than 1,500 participants were expected at this year's event, according to the forum's website, with over 28,000 items set to be displayed. In 2024, delegations from more than 100 countries were invited.

Since its launch in 2015, the forum has been regarded as the Russian Defence Ministry's most important platform for promoting military exports and partnerships.

The announcement comes amid growing security concerns in the Moscow region, where Ukrainian drones are being shot down almost daily, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Air traffic restrictions have become increasingly frequent due to the persistent drone threat.

However, it remains unclear whether safety fears prompted the postponement.

Russia is also heavily occupied by its war against Ukraine, now in its third year. Despite the ongoing conflict, President Vladimir Putin has insisted that the Russian arms industry must continue to meet its export commitments to foreign clients.
Russia, in the face of President Trumps recent sanctions threat, attacked Ukraine with over 300 drones overnight, hammering the port city of Odesa.

The attacks targeted about 10 regions in the war-torn nation late Friday, with Russia launching 344 drones, of which around 200 were Shahed drones and 45 missiles, according to Ukraines Air Force. Ukraine intercepted about 185 drones and 23 missiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an online update Saturday morning that six people were injured, including a child in the strike on Odesa, a port city on the Black Sea. One person was killed in the attack.

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In Sumy, a city located in the northeast, critical infrastructure was damaged in the overnight attack that left several thousand families without electricity.

My condolences to their family and loved ones. Missiles and drones also struck Pavlohrad, damaging a residential building and vital infrastructure, Zelensky wrote on social platform X. All relevant services are now on the ground wherever needed, restoring affected areas and assisting people after the attack.

Russia has been bombarding Ukraine in recent weeks with drone attacks, firing as many as 700 in a single night. On Wednesday, the Kremlins military launched another large-scale attack, with Ukraine able to shoot down nearly 200 drones.

The latest attack comes less than a week after Trump threatened to impose severe sanctions on Moscow if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not end the military offensive against Ukraine within a certain timeframe.

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Were very, very unhappy with [Russia], and were going to be doing very severe tariffs if we dont have a deal in about 50 days, Trump said on Monday during a meeting at the White House with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. We are very unhappy  I am  with Russia.

During Ruttes visit to Washington, Trump also announced that more weapons would be supplied to Ukraine, but that the U.S. would not bear the brunt of the cost. As part of the deal, weapons would be sourced from various NATO allies in Europe.

Trump, who campaigned on ending the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II, has recently taken a tougher stance against Russia, criticizing its leader after the two spoke over the phone earlier this month. Following that conversation, he signaled Putin was not prepared to end the more than three-year-long war and conceded that they had made no progress on peace talks.

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Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine overnight into Saturday with hundreds of drones, killing at least one person, part of a stepped-up bombing campaign that has dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than 3-year-old war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X that Russia fired over 300 drones, along with more than 30 cruise missiles.

One person died in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, which was hit with more than 20 drones and a missile, Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov wrote on Telegram, while five people were rescued when a fire broke out in a residential high-rise building.

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According to Zelenskyy, six other people were wounded in the attack on Odesa, including a child, and critical infrastructure was damaged in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region.

The Ukrainian president also thanked international leaders who understand how important it is to promptly implement our agreements aimed at boosting Ukraines defense capabilities, including joint weapons production, drone manufacturing and the supply of air defense systems.

Russia has been intensifying its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. It now often batters Ukraine with more drones in a single night than it did during some entire months in 2024, and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate. On July 8, Russia unleashed more than 700 drones  a record.

Russias Defense Ministry said it shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that 13 drones were shot down as they approached the Russian capital.

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In other developments, Ukraines foreign minister accused Russia on Saturday of deporting Ukrainian citizens into Georgia and leaving them stranded without proper identification.

Andrii Sybiha said Moscow has escalated the practice of expelling Ukrainians  many of whom are former prisoners  across its southern border with Georgia, instead of returning them directly to Ukraine.

Dozens of people, many of whom lack proper documentation, have been stuck in the transit zone, he wrote on X. There was no immediate response from Moscow.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Russian officials on Friday clapped back at a recently announced Nato deterrence plan that looks to unite the alliances ground response capabilities, and has Moscow particularly worried about the vulnerabilities posed by its highly militarized exclave  Kaliningrad.

Warnings rang out from the halls of the Kremlin as one official warned that a deterrence strategy announced this week by U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander, Gen. Christopher Donahue, amounted to "a plan to unleash World War III with a subsequent global standoff [and] no winners."

"An attack on the Kaliningrad region will mean an attack on Russia, with all due retaliatory measures stipulated, among other things, by its nuclear doctrine," chairman of the Russian Parliamentary Committee on International Affairs, Leonid Slutsky told the East 2 West media outlet.

Commanding General, US Army Europe and Africa General Christopher Donahue delivers a speech to the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) conference, at Church House, Westminster on Wednesday June 18, 2025.

Russia Threatens West With Preemptive Strikes As Nato Looks To Deliver Patriots 'As Quickly As Possible'

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Slutsky further claimed that NATO poses a "threat to global security and stability" after Donahue, in explaining the new capabilities being rolled out by the U.S. and NATO militaries, said the alliance has the ability to "take down" Kaliningrad using ground-based operations "in a timeframe that is unheard of and faster than weve ever been able to do."

The strategy, dubbed the "Eastern Flank Deterrence Line" and announced by the U.S. general on Wednesday at the Association of the U.S. Armys inaugural LandEuro conference in Wiesbaden, Germany, illustrates how NATO is rethinking its defensive strategy against the regions chief threat  Russia.

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The plan looks to enhance ground-based capabilities and utilize military-industrial interoperability, specifically in the Baltic region, to effectively counter and eliminate the threat posed by Russia based on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.

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While Donahue was not directly threatening Kaliningrad, his comments highlight the vulnerability that the territory  which is situated between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea and completely cut off from mainland Russia  poses to Moscow.

"Theres absolutely no reason why that A2AD bubble, to deter Russia, we cannot take that down from the ground," Donahue said in an appearance on Fox News Channel's "Special Report" Friday night, adding that it could be done "in a timeframe that is unheard of and faster then weve been able to do."

Participants of a high-intensity training session, seen at the end of the exercise at the Nowa Deba training ground on May 06, 2023 in Nowa Deba, Poland.

Putin Mum On Trump's 50-Day Ultimatum, Kremlin Officials Claim Russia 'Didn't Care'

Renewed focus has been brought to a sparsely populated strip of land known as the Suwalki Corridor, also known as the Suwalki Gap, which runs less than 60 miles in length and marks the Lithuania-Polish border.

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But the strip of land is also the only possible direct route between the Russian territory of Kaliningrad and that of ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarus.

"It's Putin's gap. It's our corridor," Russia expert and adjunct senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Peter Doran, told Fox News Digital. "Putin wants to close it. We must keep it open.

"All eyes in the Baltic States are focused on a potential military threat in the next few years, whereby Russia would reconnect the land corridor to Kaliningrad," Doran highlighted. "That's what has got a lot of people paying attention to Russia's military force posture in the Baltic region."

Donahues comments regarding NATOs increased capabilities in the Baltic region not only didn't go unnoticed by Russian leadership, but they highlighted the significant focus there is on the small Russian territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ((L) looks on a map with new ferry route that will allow trains to travel between the Kaliningrad exclave and the rest of Russia without traversing other countries, as they must when traveling by land, Russia RUSSIA - Sept. 10, 2006

"Kaliningrad is Russian territory, and such threats are essentially a declaration of war," Sergei Muratov, who serves on the Russian parliamentary committee on defense and security, told the East 2 West outlet.

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Muratov said a full-scale war with NATO would be a very "different conversation" to the current war in Ukraine.

"None of them are ready for this," he added.

Fox News Digital could not immediately reach U.S. European Command for comment.





Original article source: Russia says NATO threatens WWIII in latest deterrence plan that could take down Kaliningrad faster than ever
(Reuters) -Russian air defences intercepted drones heading for Moscow in a series of attacks, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said.

Sobyanin, writing on Telegram, made no mention of casualties or damage in his accounts of air defence activity, but said 13 drones had been downed or destroyed after midnight. He said specialists were examining fragments where they had landed.

A tally of his posts showed 10 more drones were intercepted or destroyed in the previous 11 hours.

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Russia's Defence Ministry, in a separate post, said its air defence units had downed 87 Ukrainian drones in different areas across central, western and southern Russia in a period of nearly five hours. Forty-eight of the drones were downed in Bryansk region, on the Ukrainian border.

The acting governor of Rostov region, on Ukraine's eastern border, said Ukrainian drones had triggered fires or knocked down power lines in a number of districts.

Ukraine has for some time launched drones against long-distance Russian targets, many associated with energy. In one attack last month, dubbed "Operation Spiders Web," Russian long-range military aircraft were targeted at several air bases.

Russia's military has in recent weeks intensified its attacks by swarms of drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Russian strikes killed at least seven people and injured 31 others in multiple regions over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian regional authorities said on July 19.

Ukraine's Air Force said it shot down 185 drones and 23 missiles overnight after Russia launched a wave of 344 attack and decoy drones, 12 ballistic missiles, and 23 cruise missiles, primarily targeting front-line regions. One hundred and twenty-nine drones and seven missiles were jammed or lost, while five cruise missiles and 30 drones appeared to reach their targets.

The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said that Poland had scrambled fighter jets to guard its border regions as a result of Russia's attack on Ukraine.

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In Donetsk Oblast, five people were killed in the Pokrovsk region and nine more wounded over the past day, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

In Odesa Oblast, a residential building caught fire following a drone attack, killing a woman and injuring at least six others, including a child, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"The enemy launched a massive attack on Odesa with strike drones. Despite the active work of our air defense forces, there is damage to civilian infrastructure," Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper first said at approximately 1:01 a.m. local time in a Telegram post.

In Kherson Oblast, one person was killed and 12 others injured in widespread drone and artillery attacks across dozens of settlements, including Kherson city, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Russian forces damaged a high-rise building, nine private houses, a local fire department building, a garage, and private cars.

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In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 64-year-old man was killed in drone and artillery attacks across 18 settlements, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. The government received reports of damage to apartments, private houses, garages, cars and infrastructure facilities.

In Sumy Oblast, three civilians were injured in an attack using missiles, glide bombs, and drones, the local authorities reported. Several thousand families were left without electricity, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on Telegram on the morning of July 19 following the attacks.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 57-year-old man was injured in a drone and missile attack on Nikipol, while fires broke out in Pavlohrad after the city came under severe missile attack, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

Separately, a 51-year-old man who was injured earlier in the week in an attack on July 14 died of his injuries, Lysak added.

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"A hellish night and morning for Pavlograd," Lysak wrote. "The most massive attack on the city. Explosion after explosion. Russian terrorists struck with missiles and drones."

No casualties were reported in Kharkiv Oblast, though damage was reported to in several regions, including to homes, railway infrastructure, a pipeline, and the power grid, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

The above casualty figures may be higher as reporting casualties is difficult and in many cases impossible in areas that are under Russian occupation or close to the front lines.

Read also: A US general just threatened Russias Kaliningrad  this is why thats so significant

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Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Saturday criticised the war of words between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey amid the ongoing language row and expressed that one must come out of such a mindset. Insisting that leaders make constructive statements, she asserted that the politics of hooliganism don't work anywhere, and talks about "beating up" and taking the law into one's own hands doesn't suit anyone. "What is this 'Patak patak ke maarna', 'Duba duba ke maarna'? Rise out of this mindset and tell us your vision plan for Maharashtra. What do you want to do for Maharashtra? This politics of hooliganism does not work anywhere. Today, we have to understand that we are heading towards a Viksit Maharashtra, Viksit Bharat. Make constructive statements over that. This 'maarna, peetna, kanoon ko apne haath mein lena' does not suit anyone," Shaina NC told ANI. Earlier on Friday, Thackeray hit back at Nishikant Dubey's controversial "patak-patak ke maarenge" remarks and said, "A BJP MP said, 'Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge'... You come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge." Reacting to Dubey's remarks, the MNS chief asserted that he will not compromise on matters related to the Marathi language and the people of Maharashtra. He further said that those who live in Maharashtra should "learn Marathi as soon as possible." "I will not make any compromises over Marathi and the people of Maharashtra. Those who live in Maharashtra, to them I would like to say 'learn Marathi as soon as possible, wherever you go, speak Marathi'. In Karnataka, they fight for their language. Even a rickshaw puller knows that the government is standing behind him over language. Similarly, you be like a pillar and speak in Marathi only. This is what I have come to request all of you," Thackeray said while addressing a gathering in Mumbai. This came after Dubey on Friday lambasted incidents of violence against Hindi speakers in Maharashtra after the Mahayuti government's move on three-language policy, which was later withdrawn. When asked about his controversial "patak, patak ke maarenge" remarks, he said, "I am proud that my mother tongue is Hindi. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are not big laat sahabs. I am an MP, do not take law in my hands. Whenever they go out, whichever state they go, people of that place will beat them." The Maharashtra Government had revoked the government resolutions (GRs) on the three-language policy, introducing Hindi as the third language in primary schools. The government has decided to set up a committee to take a relook into the three-language policy. Fadnavis announced that the government resolutions (GRs) issued in April regarding the three-language policy in primary schools have been cancelled. The first GR had made Hindi a compulsory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5, and the second GR made it optional. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray had held a joint 'victory rally' to celebrate the state government withdrawing its move. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut later clarified that their party is not against the Hindi language, but opposes making it mandatory in primary schooling. Raut, in his Saamana article on July 13, stated that the Thackeray brothers, who joined hands on the Marathi issue, must also come together politically to fight the "commercial Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)". He asserted that the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray was "necessary" for Maharashtra to get a new direction. "The current rulers of Delhi and Maharashtra are shaken by the way the storm of Marathi unity has been created in Maharashtra. They will try to prevent this alliance from happening," the article read. (ANI)
Russian forces struck the Vasylkiv hromada in the Synelnykove district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with a missile on the morning of 19 July, killing two people and injuring four others. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town along with their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration on Telegram; Ukraines State Emergency Service on Telegram

Details: The authorities reported that an outpatient clinic, a school and a cultural institution were damaged.

Aftermath of the Russian attack.

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Photo: State Emergency Service

In addition, houses were damaged and cars were set ablaze by the impact.

Update: Initially, two people were reported killed. Later, Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, said that in addition to the reported fatalities, four people were injured in the Vasylkiv hromada in the Synelnykove district. They have been hospitalised.

The fire caused by the strike has been extinguished. A chapel, a shop and a power line were damaged in the strike.

Lysak also said that according to the latest information, a 68-year-old man was killed in Pavlohrad as a result of the large-scale attack. Another man, aged 24, was injured and will be treated on an outpatient basis.

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A 73-year-old man was injured and hospitalised in the Nikopol district. Damage was caused to two businesses, social and medical institutions, a transport stop, three houses, four farm buildings, a greenhouse and a tractor. Several fires broke out.

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Russian strikes killed three people across Ukraine on Saturday, authorities said, while Moscow had to briefly suspend trains in its southern Rostov region after an overnight drone attack by Kyiv.

Russia has escalated long-range aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities as well as frontline assaults and shelling over recent months, defying US President Donald Trump's warning that Moscow could face massive new sanctions if no peace deal is struck.

Two people died after a Russian missile hit Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region, an important industrial hub, which Russia's forces have recently advanced into.

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According to the regional governor Sergiy Lysak, the strike destroyed "an outpatient clinic, a school and a cultural institution" in the Vasylkivska township, with some private houses and cars damaged as well.

Russia, meanwhile, had to suspend trains for about four hours overnight in the southern Rostov region when it came under a Ukrainian drone attack which injured one railway worker.

Many passengers remained stranded, and the suspension caused mass delays of trains in the region, which borders Ukraine and over which air traffic has been halted since the beginning of the war three years ago.

Separately, the Russian military said it had intercepted six aerial bombs and 349 drones on Saturday.

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An earlier Russian salvo of 20 drones on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa killed at least one person overnight, its mayor said.

"Civilian infrastructure was damaged as a result of the attack. A residential high-rise building is on fire" and rescuers were pulling people out, mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov wrote on Telegram.

The Black Sea port, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city known for picturesque streets and 19th-century buildings, has been regularly targeted by Russian strikes.

The European Union on Friday agreed an 18th package of sanctions on Moscow that targets Russian banks and lowers a price cap on oil exports, in a bid to curb its ability to fund the war.

bur-sco-asy/rmb
(FOX40.COM)  A victim of assault who was found unconscious died Friday night, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

 Video Above: Most commonly reported crimes in the U.S.

Around 9:45 p.m., SPD responded to reports of an assault. When emergency crews arrived at the scene, they found an unconscious man. SPD said crews attempted life-saving measures. However, the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cliff jumper dies at Northern California lake after hitting water face-first

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No arrests have been made and the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with relevant information can call SPD at 916-808-5471.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun responded to the announcement that 14th and Chestnut Community Center is facing a possible closure in September due to the loss of a $372,000 federal grant by pledging to explore options on creating a local nonprofit grant program.

On a Facebook post, he wrote:

The news that Terre Hautes 14th & Chestnut Community Center is facing financial uncertainty due to federal grant freezes is deeply concerning. These cuts occurred in Washington, DC. They risk harming kids and families across west central Indiana. Several other non-profit organizations have shared similar stories.

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I understand the need to address fraud, waste, and abuse with government funds. However, overarching cuts like this one are creating economic uncertainty for too many organizations and for neighbors in our community.

Ive directed my team to assess the impact of recent federal and state decisions on area nonprofits and explore options to create limited local grant programs that can help fill the gap. While we cant reverse state or federal decisions, we will do what we can to protect the services our community relies on.

I will be requesting funds from the Terre Haute City Council through gaming revenue for a nonprofit based grant program in 2026. This will not happen overnight and will take some time to develop.

In the meantime, I urge our faith-based partners, private sector leaders, and philanthropic individuals to step forward. Together, we can stand in the gap and ensure these vital programs continue for the families who depend on them.{/div}{/div}
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A San Diego man has been sentenced to two decades in prison for his role in supplying fentanyl that killed a Carlsbad woman in 2023, the Department of Justice said.

The DOJ announced Friday that Bryan Kim Bullard, 44, of San Diego, was sentenced for supplying fentanyl that killed Danielle Good, 25, of Carlsbad, and for failing to seek help for her for over an hour while she was overdosing.

According to the court, Bullard requested Narcan on September 9, 2023, at 11:17 p.m. after Good experienced signs of an overdose/medical emergency, but did not call 911 until 12:22 a.m. on Sept. 10, and fled the scene before help arrived for Good.

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During that delay, the court reports Bullard took part in multiple Facebook video chats and sent disturbing messages, including a video showing the unconscious victim in the bathtub. The court also reports that Bullard later referenced the incident casually in unrelated conversations, showing no remorse.

Two charged with distributing fentanyl that killed Carlsbad woman

According to the court, the 911 call came nearly 40 minutes after Bullard told a friend he was in the middle of saving someones life, and 14 minutes after he sent the video.

During the 911 call, Bullard stated to the dispatcher overdose, overdose, and that he was calling from her phone but ended the call while the dispatcher was walking him through life-saving measures for Good.

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Bullard was not at the scene when San Diego Police officers arrived at the Mission Valley apartment complex at 12:23 a.m., according to the court.

The court also reports Bullard confirmed he had fentanyl for distribution to another customer on Facebook that same day, and that he continued to be involved in the sale of controlled substances in the following days and months.

Bullard is one of two people facing federal charges for distributing fentanyl that killed Good, with the other being Cameron William Fulston, 29. A court on September 23, 2024, determined Cameron William Fulston was not competent to stand trial.

This tragic case highlights not only the defendants role in a young womans death, but also his chilling lack of humanity during her final moments, said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. Those who knowingly and repeatedly risk the lives of others by distributing fentanyl will face severe consequences.

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Im shocked and astounded you continued to deal after causing the death of Danielle, U.S. Chief District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant told the defendant during the sentencing. Nothing deters you from criminal conductI dont know what else to do to protect the public.

At the hearing, Danielles mother, Cheryl Good, took the podium holding an urn containing her daughters ashes, describing the familys devastation from their loss, her daughters nurturing spirit, always caring for others, and urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence for the man who did nothing to save my daughters life.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The kickoff to San Diego Pride weekend continues in Hillcrest, following the Spirit of Stonewall Rally.

While many of the attendees say theyre excited for the celebrations over the weekend, they also mentioned the importance of remembering where the Pride movement began.

Hundreds of San Diegans showed up to Hillcrest for the 50th Spirit of Stonewall Rally ready to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

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Were still in that point in life where we still have to be out there, said Cesar Reyes, the winner of the community service award. We have to show up and showcase ourselves.

Hillcrest businesses beef up security ahead of Pride weekend

While attendees got the Pride weekend party started, Benjamin Nicholls with the Hillcrest business association says the gathering has a deeper meaning for the LGBTQ+ community.

Its great to have a party and were gonna have a party, but weve got to remember what pride is really all about, Nicholls said.

The kickoff event calls back to the Stonewall Riots which took place in New York in 1969, becoming the catalyst for the gay rights movement.

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Pride did start as an uprising, but it was an uprising against folks who were trying to limit our joy, said Kristin Flickinger, the interim director of San Diego Pride.

Thats why Flickinger says theyre trying to keep the movement alive.

Everything that weve fought for can go away in a minute, Reyes said.

San Diego Pride says they named this years theme Unbreakable Pride and Unshakeable Power to strengthen the community in spite of challenges.

That almost activist mentality is really infused in the event this year, Nicholls said.

San Diego Pride says theyve donated $3.5 million, raised through ticket and drink sales, to support organizations dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

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Its a coming together. Its a uniting at really challenging times, Flickinger said.

San Diego Pride honored several activists and organizations, including Bears San Diego for their work to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ community members.

Its hard to go into a place when youre new to the community, said Donnie Vella, a spokesperson for Bears San Diego said.

Vella says the organization began their work 30 years ago, and now, hes honored to be recognized by the Stonewall service award.

We look for people that are vulnerable in the community that maybe dont have a mentor or someone to talk to, and we try to be that welcoming committee, Vella said.

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Many people like Vella say theres no better place to welcome in Pride weekend than in Hillcrest the home of the LGBTQ+ community.

As much as we have the gloom and doom of the political climate, its also a time to celebrate, Reyes said.

The San Diego Pride celebrations arent over yet.

The parade kicks off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the festival which begins at noon.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Authorities investigating the deadly blast at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department training facility are looking into connections to some explosives collected in Santa Monica.

Three deputies were killed Friday in an explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Biscailuz Center Training Academy in East L.A. while handling explosive materials.

No cause for the blast has been determined. But the probe brought investigators Friday to an apartment complex in the 800 block of Bay Street in Santa Monica in connection with the explosion, according to department spokesperson Nicole Nishida. The three deputies killed in the blast responded to a call to assist the Santa Monica Police Department at the complex on Thursday.

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Read more: 'Best of the best': What we know about the 3 L.A. County sheriff's detectives killed in explosion

A grenade was recovered at the Santa Monica apartment complex Thursday, a city police officer told The Times. Sources who were not authorized to speak publicly told The Times that investigators are trying to determine if the explosives were the ones that caused the blast.

Michael Kellman, who lives in the building, told The Times that a fellow tenant called the police Thursday after discovering a bag of grenades tucked away in her storage unit.

She has been living in the building for several years and believes the bag was left behind by the former occupant, he said. Authorities returned to her unit Friday to scour the apartment for any remaining explosives.

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The Santa Monica Police Department evacuated residents from the Bay Street apartment building Friday afternoon, while authorities continue to search the location for any additional explosive material, Nishida said. The FBI and Los Angeles Police Departments bomb squad are assisting with the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is expected to lead a federal probe into the cause of the explosion.

Read more: 3 L.A. County sheriffs deputies killed in explosion ID'd; investigators search Santa Monica apartment

Nancy, who lives on Bay Street and chose not to provide a last name for privacy reasons, said officers knocked on her door late Friday afternoon and informed her that there was an active investigation and she must evacuate. Nancy asked an officer whether her nanny would be able to move their car, which was in front of her home. No one is allowed, the officer told her.

Friday morning, employees told The Times they heard a massive boom around 7:30 a.m. coming from the parking lot where the sheriffs bomb squad keeps its vehicles. They heard glass shattering and screaming.

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Rich Pippin, president of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, called it the worst day in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

You never get up in the morning expecting this kind of news, never, and sadly, as often as we deal with this, it does not get easier, he said. It never gets easier. It hurts.

The deputies were identified Friday evening as Dets. Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus and William Osborn. They had served 19, 22 and 33 years with the department, respectively, authorities said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Saskatchewan First Nation leaders were among those in Gatineau, Que., this week for a summit with Prime Minister Mark Carney designed to allay concerns about Bill C-5, which is aimed at fast-tracking national infrastructure projects. The bill already passed before the summit.

Grand Chief Brain Hardlotte from the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) was in attendance. He described it as an interesting day, but said he left even more confused about what the bill means for PAGC communities.

"Without discussions, I wouldn't really call this a consultation," Hardlotte said. "Consultation happens before anything, any development, or in this case legislation."

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Harlotte compared the bill to the Natural Resource Transfer Agreements (NRTA) signed between Canada and the Prairie provinces in 1930, without First Nations consultation. He called the NRTA, "a direct threat to Indigenous sovereignty, our treaty rights and longstanding responsibilities under international law."

He used Uranium City, in Saskatchewan's far north, as an example of what can happen when governments and corporations act without Indigenous oversight. Hardlotte said mining companies extracted everything, then left a mess of abandoned mine sites and polluted lakes.

"Our people are hunters, fishers, and trappers and these are treaty rights," Hardlotte said. "Because of the NRTA our rights have been eroded, and violated, and all the injustices that have been done to our people are because of this legislation."

Chief Marcel Head from Shoal Lake Cree Nation was also present for Thursday's summit in Ottawa. He said his community needs to benefit from the natural resources and minerals that are extracted from it.

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"We never gave up our land, we never gave up our resources when we signed the treaty," he said.

"It is time that Shoal Lake stand up, along with Red Earth Cree Nation, to take back what is rightfully ours, and start benefiting from the resources that have been historically extracted out of our traditional territory."

Prime Minister Mark Carney poses with Chief Marcel Head from Shoal Lake Cree Nation during the summit. (PAGC/Facebook)

Head noted that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 5, and said the spirit and intent of the treaty was not only to share the land, but also the resources.

"Do we see that today among both levels of government? No," Head said.

Contention and distrust

John Desjarlais is the executive director of Indigenous Resource Network, an organization that advocates for workers, business owners and communities who support Indigenous inclusion in the natural resources sector. He said Bill C-5 prioritizes Indigenous participation in major projects.

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"[The bill] is a strong signal. It's certainly a statement of platitude. I think it's on the government to take action and build further trust with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities," Desjarlais said.

He said First Nations across Canada have had a variety of experiences with government through the years, many of them bad.

"There is a lot of contention, there's a lot of distrust," he said.

At the same time, he said there are good examples of how the country can move together in good faith.

"We've seen a lot of recent project developments," he said. "I think we can learn more in terms of achieving consent, achieving equitable involvement where Indigenous people are much more meaningfully involved, and in some cases co-governing and co- managing infrastructure projects."

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He said First Nations deserve to benefit from development and that Bill C-5 could help with that.

"It's economic reconciliation," said Desjarlais. "Indigenous communities are tired of burying the environmental risk  and should be involved in the management of that risk and of course the reward."
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  Rock the Country features at day of music at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The lineup includes Them Dirty Roses at 2:30 p.m., Deana Carter at 3:10 p.m., Mark Chestnut at 4:05 p.m., Gavin Adcock at 5:25 p.m., Travis Tritt at 7:35 p.m. and headliner Nickelback at 9:35 p.m.

The Levitt at the Falls concert series in downtown Sioux Falls features the headliner Shamarr Allen. The free music starts at 7 p.m. with opening act Seyi Oyinloye.

Shop for bargains during Summer Crazy Days. Youll find steep discounts at shops in downtown Sioux Falls, the Bridges at 57th Street, Lake Lorraine and The Empire Mall.

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Purchase fresh produce along with other home-grown and home-made items at the Falls Park Farmers Market. Its open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October.

The Marv Skie-Lincoln County Airport in Tea, SD is hosting a Pancake Breakfast. Serving time is 8 to 10 a.m. Your $10 donation will help fund youth aviation programs, including Young Eagles. Youre also invited to check out the aircraft on display.

Also in Tea, Saturday in the Park features live music, bounce houses and a farmers market. Its taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Tea City Park.

Enjoy free fishing at Family Park, courtesy of the Outdoor Campus, South Dakota Game Fish & Parks and Sioux Falls Parks & Rec. The fishing goes from 9 to 11 a.m. All gear will be provided.

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The Granite Threshing Bee features farm machinery demonstrations in Granite, IA. Activities also include a kids tractor drive at 10 a.m., a vintage parade at 1 p.m. and a vintage tractor pull at 6:30 p.m.

The Black Hills Corvette Classic in Spearfish includes breakfast at 8 a.m. MT at the Holiday Inn, a Poker Run at 3 p.m., an awards banquet at 5:30 p.m. and a farewell party at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks. There are also self-guided tours of the Black Hills throughout the day.

Summer festivals in South Dakota include Pioneer Days in White, Community Fun Fest in Waubay, Badlands Astronomy Festival at Interior, Town and Country Days in Lake Preston, Danish Days in Viborg, Gold Discovery Days in Custer and Depot Days in Canton.

Celebrate World Snake Week at the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls. Youre invited to take part in a outdoor walk along the trails to look for snake species from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

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Shop Dog Boutique in Sioux Falls is hosting an Ice Cream Social and Meet & Greet. Receive a free ice cream treat for yourself and your pet and learn about the non-profit Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Spotlight Theatre Company presents Legally Blonde: the Musical. The performances are at 2 and 7 p.m. in the Orpheum Theater Center in downtown Sioux Falls. Tickets are $23.

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe is hosting a Wacipi at the powwow grounds in Flandreau. Activities are taking place all day with a flag raising at 9 a.m. and grand entries scheduled for 1 and 7 p.m.

Bring your kids to Sioux Falls largest playground. Jacobson Plaza, located downtown, is open from 5 a.m. to midnight. The splash pad is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Lodge Bar & Grill is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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The city of Sioux Falls outdoor pools and aquatic centers are located at Drake Springs, Frank Olson, Kuehn, Laurel Oak and Terrace parks. Open swimming will go from 1 to 5 in the afternoons and 6:30 to 8 in the evenings. Splash pads at Hayward and Pioneer parks are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Or, you can beat the summer heat with a visit to Wild Water West. The water park west of Sioux Falls features a tornado alley, water slides and a lazy river. The hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Movies playing at the historic State Theater in downtown Sioux Falls include The Little Mermaid, rated G, plus Strangers on a Train, rated PG and The Phoenician Scheme, rated PG-13.

The Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium features T-Rex, Mars: The Ultimate Voyage, 3-2-1 Liftoff and Wings Over Water.

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New movie releases playing at a theater near you include Smurfs, rated PG plus Eddington and I Know What You Did Last Summer, both rated R.

The Palace Theatre in Luverne, MN is featuring the film F1, rated PG-13. Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children.

Its the Silver Dollar Nationals at Husets Speedway in Brandon, $75-thousand to win. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Hot laps are at 6:30 p.m. The races start at 7:30 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Some freed hostages, as well as family members of captives, attended a horse rally at Kibbutz Nir Oz to honor those still in Gaza.

Kibbutz Nir Oz held an equestrian rally on Friday in honor of the hostages still in Gaza, as well as for Nir Oz resident Eliyahu Margalit, known as "Churchill," who was killed at his home on October 7. His body remains in Gaza.

Margalit was a cow breeder and was known to love horses. Nili Margalit, his daughter, was released in the November 2023 deal, just a day before her father was pronounced dead.

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Dad, the thought that you are a hostage hurts me a thousand times more than my own captivity, Nili said, according to a press release from the kibbutz.You are a man of freedom: no one could control you. You are a man of fields and wide spaces, and thats also why you fell in love with the Western Negev, an open, flat area full of space and freedom, a lot of freedom.

No one should be in captivity. Not children, not women, not the elderly, not men, not civilians, not soldiers, not the living, not the dead. No one should be in captivity, she said, adding that she had not had full closure with her fathers passing yet.

Protesters ride horses in a rally to release the hostages at Kibbutz Nir Oz on July 18, 2025. (credit: KIBBUTZ NIR OZ)

When will they come home?

Dad, its already been 651 days that Ive been waiting for the moment when I can say goodbye to you on your final journey to the land of Nir Oz. 651 days that my thoughts give me no rest. And I keep asking, when, when, when will that day come?

Former hostage Gadi Moses also participated in the rally.

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Former hostage Gadi Moses, 81, attends the rally at Kibbutz Nir Oz in memory of Eliyahu Margalit and calling for the return of the remaining hostages (Credit: Nir Oz Spokesperson).

This tough, hard, and cold government that manages our lives doesnt understand what it means for parents, siblings, and families waiting for their loved ones. It sets priorities that are unacceptable. At least from my perspective  illogical and emotionless, Moses said.

They [the government] have no patience until they finish with Iran, until they finish with the draft-dodging laws, finish with the judicial reform, finish everything, and then maybe they will think about a few more hostages who are either alive or have already died. So, we are all in a desperate call to those who decide  enough already!

Yechiel Yehoud, father of former hostage Arbel Yehuod, added that his daughter "now sits in front of the decision-makers at the political and military levels, showing them what it means to be a captive in Gaza.

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"The terror they experience when the war rages around them, as the army approaches and the terrorists point a rifle at their heads."

He ended with an impassioned plea to end the war in Gaza and bring all of the remaining hostages home.

"This war, the longest of Israels wars, can and should be ended. We can save the next family from the worst, and protect the dreams of young people.

"We can return all the hostages. We can, we must, and its required.

The rally comes as Israel reportedly made significant strides to achieve a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas.

US President Donald Trump noted that he hoped to have a deal to bring back 10 living hostages "finished quickly."
Lenovo just introduced a new Chromebook Plus 14 priced at $649, offering integrated AI tools and lightweight hardware aimed at hybrid workers, students, and general productivity users.

The device, launched Monday, features Google's Gemini AI assistant and on-device processing powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, capable of 50 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). The Chromebook includes AI-enabled writing assistance, image editing, and tab organization features, positioning it as part of Google's broader push to make AI functionality standard across its hardware ecosystem.

"The adoption of remote and hybrid workplace coupled with the ability to be productive regardless of location has really highlighted the benefits of having a truly portable, capable yet affordable laptop," said Benny Zhang, Director and General Manager of Chromebooks, in a statement.

The Chromebook Plus 14 includes a 14-inch OLED display (1920 x 1200 resolution), up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, Dolby Atmos audio, Wi-Fi 7, a fingerprint reader, and a dedicated AI key for quick access to Gemini. However, despite its OLED screen, brightness reaches only a maximum of 400 nits, which is lower than most premium laptops. Nevertheless, the device runs ChromeOS and qualifies for a year of the Google One AI Premium plan, which includes Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage.

The release comes as Google and manufacturers such as Lenovo look to bring AI features to a broader segment of consumers, beyond high-end workstations and flagship phones. Like other companies, including Microsoft, that incorporate AI into their operating systems and hardware, the Chromebook Plus initiative represents a broader industry shift toward integrating AI capabilities into personal computing devices.

While Lenovo's Chromebook integrates features like document simplification and image background removal, some tools rely on an internet connection or Google's cloud services, which may limit functionality for users with inconsistent access.

Originally published on Tech Times
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US President Donald Trump's "five jets shot down" remark, Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Saturday said that the opting to remain silent over these claims cannot become an official response of the government. In a post on X, Tagore questioned as to what is stopping the government from "issuing clarifications" over the matter and whether it is "afraid of telling the truth" on how cessation of hostilities took place between India and Pakistan. "President Donald Trump (again): "We stopped a lot of wars... India-Pakistan was serious. I think 5 jets were shot down.This is the 25th time he's claimed he stopped a war...Trump boasts about preventing a nuclear conflict using "trade pressure." Pakistan applauds him. They've even proposed a Nobel Prize. So what really happened? And why is Modi in Maun Viraat mode?" Tagore posted on X. "If 5 fighter jets were really shot down, as Trump says, the nation deserves to know: Who authorised retaliation? What role did the US play? Did India cave to foreign pressure? Silence cannot be the official response. Trump is building his re-election pitch on this claim. But Modi, the self-styled Loh Purush, won't even clarify? Isn't this foreign interference in our strategic affairs? Why is the Govt so afraid of telling the truth?" he added. Earlier on Saturday, Trump once again claimed to have halted the escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict. "We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that were going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that," he said. India has repeatedly said that the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan following the success of Operation Sindoor did not come about due to any mediation, and it happened after Pakistan's DGMO called his Indian counterpart. (ANI)
Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fl.) talks with Rachel Maddow about his visit to inspect Donald Trump's immigrant internment camp in the Florida Everglades. He recounted the importance of his trip as one of the few visitors, not apart of the staff, to investigate the facilitys conditions. I dont need anyones permission to pull up to an immigration detention center and do my job, says Frost.
A South Carolina family was the victim of cyber harassment after an employee affiliated with Delta Airlines used their daughters lost iPad to upload pornographic videos to the familys iCloud account, according to a lawsuit.

The lawsuit filed in Charleston federal court on Wednesday accuses Delta Airlines and Unifi, which provides aviation and baggage handing services, of negligence, infliction of emotional distress, sexual assault and harassment.

While the lawsuit describes the individual who made the videos as a Delta employee, an airline representative said in a statement that the accused individual is not a Delta employee but one of a vendor company. Delta declined to comment further on the pending litigation.

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The family was subjected to vile and disturbing pornographic material as a result of their choice to be ticketed passengers on one of the Defendants flights, wrote the familys attorneys with the Motley Rice law firm.

The State has reached out to Unifi for comment.

On July 19, 2023, the Brewer family were going on vacation to London. Parents Tory and Brooke Brewer were flying with their children from Charleston to the capital of the United Kingdom via a stop at New York Citys John F. Kennedy International Airport.

On the roughly two-hour flight from Charleston to JFK, one of their children played with an iPad in a pink Peppa the Pig case. But as the family exited the plane in New York, the iPad was left in a seat pocket. When the family landed in London after a seven- hour flight, a random text messages pertaining to the device alerted Brooke Brewer that the iPad had been lost, according to the lawsuit.

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Concerned, Brooke Brewer used the Find My app to locate the device in Jamaica, Queens, a neighborhood near JFK airport. Whoever had the device began taking selfies while wearing a Delta uniform and Delta badge, according to the lawsuit.

The Brewers filed a lost-and-found report with Delta, but heard nothing back.

If they had done anything, maybe all of this could have been avoided, said Mary Schiavo an attorney with the law firm Motley Rice, who is representing the Brewer family.

On Aug. 27, videos of the same individual masturbating while wearing a Delta uniform and name badge began appearing on the familys iCloud account, according to the lawsuit. The iCloud account allows files, including pictures and videos, to be shared across multiple devices.

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That day, the Brewers filed a second lost-and-found complaint with Delta. All they received in response were generalized no-reply emails, wrote the Brewers attorneys.

Another pornographic video was posted to the familys iCloud account on Sept. 3, according to the lawsuit. Partially redacted pictures attached to the lawsuit show a man wearing a lanyard with a red Delta tag and Delta badge performing a solo sex act while looking at a phone.

It was just shocking, said Schiavo, adding that if you found a pink Peppa the Pig iPad, you have to know its a kids.

One of the children also discovered that whoever had the iPad created their own profile on the familys Amazon account, which they named Gay, according to the lawsuit. They also created their own profile on the familys iTunes account.

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The lawsuits five causes of action allege that Delta and Unifis failure to protect the family led to severe mental and emotional distress. The Brewers are seeking damages as well as reimbursement for bills and expenses.

Unifi did not confirm whether the individual was one of their employees, who was not named in the lawsuit. There was no information about whether the individual was charged or fired following the incidents.

The individual had to go to great lengths to change some of the information on the accounts, Schiavo said. I dont know this could have happened by accident.

The family has not recovered the iPad, Schiavo said.

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The timing of the lawsuit is notable, as plaintiffs have two years from the date of the incident to sue in federal court.

Motley Rice, the law firm representing the family, is a preeminent South Carolina-based firm that specializes in complex litigation around personal injury cases, including asbestos and tobacco.

In addition to Schiavo, the Brewers are represented by Olutola Familoni and James Braucle.
Credit: @sophievouzelaud_off/Instagram

A Belgian man travelled nearly 500 miles to meet a French beauty queen who he thought was his future wife  only to find out that he had been the victim of a romance scam.

The man, who called himself Michel, turned up at the home of Sophie Vouzelaud, in Saint-Julien, and announced: I am the future husband of Sophie Vouzelaud.

Her husband, Fabien, came out and said to Michel: Well, Im the current one.

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Ms Vouzelaud is a former Miss Limousin and Miss France 2007 runner-up. She has nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram and posts frequently about her life on social media.

Michel, 76, believed that he had been speaking on WhatsApp to the French model for weeks and had even sent 25,000  which he thought was going to be paid back.

Sophie and her husband Fabien, who recognised that Michel had been duped by a fake account - Facebook

I think she played a dirty trick on me, Michel said.

In desperation, Michel showed the husband his phone, and the string of messages exchanged between himself and the person he believed to be Ms Vouzelaud.

My wife, no, its the fake accounts, Fabien replied. You have to be very careful.

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Soon, Michel realised that he had been swindled, and told the couple: I am an imbecile.

Part of the exchange was captured on video and posted on social media by Fabien. In an accompanying message, he warned people of the dangers of romance scams, where someone is conned into sending money to a criminal who convinces them they are in a genuine relationship.

Ms Vouzelaud is a former Miss France 2007 runner-up

Ms Vouzeland on her wedding day

I feel so sorry for this man. Watch out for fake accounts, Im sharing this video to show you its real and to be vigilant! Take care of yourself.

The Belgian man is believed to be a widower of four years and looking to find love again.

Ms Vouzelaud, 38, urged him to go to the police to file a complaint. It is not clear whether or not he has.

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Ms Vouzelaud said the incident hurts my heart.

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Schiffs Marketplace in North Scranton remains closed after an electrical fire in a freezer door Sunday night caused smoke damage throughout the store at 3410 N. Main Ave., a spokesman said Friday.

Employees are still clearing out and cleaning up after the fire incident, and its unclear when restocking can start and the store might reopen, Schiffs spokesman Dave Bellso said.

The Schiffs Marketplace website also states the Scranton store will be closed until further notice, but the Forty Fort location of Schiffs remains open.

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The incident occurred Sunday night around the 6 p.m. closing time, when a night crew on duty discovered an electrical filament in the door of a freezer caught fire, Bellso said.

It didnt cause a lot of damage, it was restricted in the shipping dock area, but the smoke and the soot (from the fire) got passed throughout the store, Bellso said. Thank God our night crew was there.

All perishables exposed to the smoke had to be disposed, while canned goods are salvageable but must be cleaned, he said.

Youve got to disinfect everything and throw out anything that was exposed. Its a bad situation, Bellso said. Weve been working 24 hours around the clock to clean everything.

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The store is not able yet to restock meats and also will have to pass inspections before it can reopen, he said.

Schiffs also serves restaurants in the area, and the Schiffs in Forty Fort is helping ensure those deliveries are made, he said. Employees at the Scranton location also have been contributing much time and effort to getting that store reopened, Bellso noted. And a steady stream of customers unaware of the closure in Scranton have continued to show up daily, only to have to be turned away, he added.

Its a truly local business and a family business, Bellso said. The hardest part is there are so many people who keep going to the store.

According to a history of the corporation posted on the Schiffs website:

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Morris Schiff founded the business in 1945 as a small store on Penn Avenue, and it operated for 24 years servicing local hotels and restaurants with wholesale food and meat.

In 1969, when confronted with new federal regulations in the industry, Schiff decided to close the business, which at that time had four employees  a manager, bookkeeper, meat cutter and driver.

Alyn Scheatzle, a young meat cutter from Duryea, bought the company from Schiff and it became known as Schiffs Restaurant Services Inc. Under Scheatzle, the Schiffs name became a household word in the Scranton area, as well as in the restaurant industry.

In response to growth, Schiffs relocated for more space to 3410 N. Main Ave., which previously was the Kleinberger Pickle Factory. In 1974, Schiffs opened the first wholesale cash-and-carry under federal U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection. Here the public could shop shoulder-to-shoulder with the wholesale food customers, the website says.

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New departments were added over the next several years, including deli, bakery, smokehouse, and fresh fish and produce; but HRI (hotel, restaurant and institutional) remains the backbone of the business. Employment grew to 110 full-time employees, 20 supervisory personnel and 25 part-time workers.

Schiffs in Scranton on Friday, July 18, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)Schiffs in Scranton on Friday, July 18, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)

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Schiffs Marketplace logo (IMAGE PROVIDED / COURTESY OF DAVE BELLSO)

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Schiffs Marketplace logo (IMAGE PROVIDED / COURTESY OF DAVE BELLSO)

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Scientists tracking the loss of glaciers in the Swiss Alps have uncovered an alarming development regarding their disappearance, and it could have devastating implications for the future.

What's happening?

Most discussions about the loss of glaciers tend to focus on the polar ice caps, but Switzerland is rightly regarded as the undisputed European capital of glaciers. There are around 1,400 glaciers in the landlocked European nation that provide drinking water and irrigation for millions. As global temperatures rise, they're disappearing at an unsustainable rate. The Associated Press reported that 1,000 smaller glaciers have been lost, and things don't look better for the larger ones.

Scientists tracking the glaciers are drilling holes to gain further insights, and they have uncovered an alarming detail. Typically, a glacier melts from the top, but as glaciologist Matthias Huss of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich explained, they're also disappearing from the bottom.

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"In recent years we realized at several sites that there is a substantive melt from the bottom," he said. "If there are some channels in the ice through which air is circulating, this can excavate big holes under the ice."

Why is glacier loss so significant?

Losing glaciers is bad enough, but the nature of the melt means there's another danger, and it has already occurred. In May, ancient ice from the Birch Glacier gave way, and Blatten, a tiny mountainside village, was destroyed in an instant. Fortunately, residents were evacuated ahead of time, but a village that had existed for 800 years is no more. Without action, many more homes could be lost forever.

Up to two-thirds of the world's glaciers could be lost by the end of the century as the planet heats up from the use of dirty energy. Extreme weather events will become ever more common and destructive as a result.

What's being done to protect glaciers?

In the short term, the researchers are employing giant sheets to cover the glaciers and slow down the melt. In the long term, it's vital to bring down planet-heating pollution. Switzerland has made progress in this regard; the International Energy Agency reports the country has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions 24% since 2000, but more aggressive adoption of clean energy is needed worldwide.

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As Huss noted, Blatten's fate serves as a crucial warning of the dangers ahead and the importance of staying informed on the issues.

"I think this is the main lesson to be learned, that we need to be prepared," he said.

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Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

Many known hominin fossils defy species classification, with the most famous example being the ever-enigmatic Denisovans.

A study by anthropologists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Hawaii suggests that many of these anthropological mysteries might in fact be members of a new species: Homo juluensis.

This potential breakthrough occurred when the researchers were devising a new organizational system for fossils and discovered similarities among certain cranial and dental fossilsall with distinct differences from other hominin species.

Although only one species of hominin (a tribe of the subfamily Homininae) exists on the planet todaygood ole Homo sapiensthe human family, throughout more geologically-recent Earth history, was comprised of a complex tableaux of members. And over the years, scientists have tried to get a clearer picture of that prehistoric story by excavating ancient human sites around the world.

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Now, anthropologists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Hawaii are illustrating a previously unknownor, rather, uncategorizedchapter of that story with the introduction of a new human species, H. juluensis. The researchers published the details of this new species in the journals Nature Communications and PaleoAnthropology.

H. juluensisthe name for which means big headthrived in eastern Asia from 300,000 years ago to around 50,000 years ago, when the species died out. According to the researchers, this group likely hunted wild horses, fashioned stoned tools, and even processed animal hides to survive frigid winters. University of Hawaiis Christopher J. Bae said the breakthrough for discovering this possibly new species came when he and his team were devising a new system for organizing fossil evidence.

Although we started this project several years ago, we did not expect being able to propose a new hominin (human ancestor) species and then to be able to organize the hominin fossils from Asia into different groups, Bae said in a press statement. This study clarifies a hominin fossil record that has tended to include anything that cannot easily be assigned to Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis or Homo sapiens.

One possible member of the new species H. juluensis isnt a newcomer to science by any stretch. Denisovansfirst identified in 2010 via DNA extracted from a young girls fingerbone found in Siberiahave never been given a species classification, but Bae believes that they could belong to this new species.

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H. juluensis also potentially solves another mystery of the Xujiayao hominin fossils, which have long perplexed researchers, as the remains display a mix of H. erectus and H. sapiens features. According to a study by the scientists in the journal PaleoAnthropology, these remains have been confused for a variety of taxonomic representations, but note that differences in the cranium (spoiler: its big), the teeth and jaws, and a few other features denote a new species represented in fossil remains including Penghu 1 (jawbone), Xiahe (mandible), Xuchang (partial crania), and a variety of Denisova fossils.

Although this is a convincing argument that these particular specimens belong to a previously unknown human species, more research will be needed before anthropologists bust out the Welcome to the Family banners. But because these fossils still defy species classification, its likely only a matter of time before the hominin tribe increases by one (or more).



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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  South Dakotas largest public broadcasting network is facing a difficult few months ahead. Early Friday morning the U.S. House approved $9 billion in cuts, which includes funding for PBS.

South Dakota Public Broadcastings executive director, Julie Overgaard says the clock is now ticking to find a solution.

Rollover crash at I-29 and 26th/Louise in Sioux Falls

If we cant either raise $2.2 million in less than three months, or there isnt a remedy found were going to have to look at about a 20% to 25% reduction in force, Overgaard said. Just devastated and really sad.

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Overgaard has worked at SDPB for nearly four decades and says this is the largest cut shes ever seen.

It puts everything on the table. It puts all of our coverage of high school activities on the table. It puts our coverage of the legislative session on the table, Overgaard said.

Friends of SDPB CEO, Ryan Howlett says the way the bill is written would cut 100% of its federal funding, which makes up over 20% of its overall budget.

Its going to be really difficultI dont look forward to it, Howlett said. For the federal government to walk away from a commitment that theyve held for 60 years in 75 days is really a shame.

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And for viewers, it could mean fewer stories being told.

Part of what we do is tell South Dakotas story and keep history alive and some of that is potentially now going to be lost. Thats what hurts a lot, Howlett said.

Our intent is to keep up the fight till the bitter end. To hopefully convince our delegation, along with other people just like me around the country doing the same work, Overgaard said.

Officials with SDPB are hopeful some of that funding will be restored in next years budget plan.

The federal cut comes after SDPB fought for state funding earlier this year after former Governor Kristi Noem proposed to take away $3.6 million from its budget.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Seattles U District will once again transform into a boba-lovers dream as Seattle Boba Fest returns for its fourth annual celebration.

The festival will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on July 19.

Twenty-three cafes will be participating, with each business offering one-day-only boba-inspired drinks or desserts.

Guests can also expect tea swag!

The U District is proud to be the capital of bubble tea in Seattle, says Don Blakeney, Executive Director of the U District Partnership. Seattle Boba Fest is exciting because it is an annual celebration that showcases the creativity of our small businesses and the diversity of our neighborhood not to mention the delight that bubble tea brings to so many people.

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The U District is home to the highest concentration of bubble tea cafes in the region. As boba continues to rise in popularity, Seattle Boba Fest offers a unique opportunity for Seattleites to experience the full range of flavors, textures, and cultural inspiration that define this globally loved drink.

Festival-goers can pick up a free printed guide and exclusive Seattle Boba Fest merchandise at the events welcome tent near the U District Station on NE 43rd Street. The U District Partnership will also be sharing surprise giveaways and secret specials via social media in the days leading up to the event. You can find those @udistrictpartnership.

Other events happening during the festival:

 12:00 p.m.  Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dancing Association

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 1:00 p.m.  K-Pop dance crews B-ond, Bae Blades, and Claudia of VS perform

 1:30 p.m.  K-Pop Takeover featuring DJ Moobek, DJ Accia, and DJ Hwarang, presented in partnership with C89.5

 4:00 p.m.  Cosplay Contest presented in partnership with Sakura-Con and Seattle Boba Fest
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A second man is behind bars in connection with a shootout in downtown Sioux Falls.

18-year-old Juliane Kubara is charged with aggravated assault and aggravated riot.

Mexican man sentenced for reentry after deportation

Early in the morning on June 22nd, court documents say he was part of a group of people wearing masks who are accused of firing guns in this parking lot. A man on the opposite side of the lot is accused of shooting toward the group and hitting Kubara in the groin.

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21-year-old Zachariah Ruffner was booked into jail Thursday.

Hes charged with Aggravated Assault. Both men are being held on $100,000 bond.

Court documents say there were a lot of people around at the time when gunfire broke out. They were walking in the area and on the patio of a nearby business.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.




NEED TO KNOW

Fifty-six years after Chappaquiddick, the son of investigative reporter Leo Damore reveals he found secret tapes about what happened that night

After Leo Damore died by suicide, many of his belongings went missing, including the audiotapes of his investigation into Chappaquiddick

His son, Nick Damore, tells PEOPLE how he located the tapes and what he's learning about the many mysteries surrounding his father





For years, Nick Damore has been searching for the audiotapes made by his father, investigative journalist Leo Damore, about what really happened at Chappaquiddick.

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Leo was the author of 1988 blockbuster book Senatorial Privilege, an exhaustive investigation into the events of July 18, 1969, when Ted Kennedy's car plunged into the waters off of Martha's Vineyard and his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, was left to die. The senator waited 10 hours to alert the authorities, a delay that  even 56 years later  remains at the center of the Chappaquiddick mystery.

Leos book, which took eight years of research and encompassed more than 200 interviews, sold more than 1 million copies. But after the author died by suicide in 1995, he left behind a mystery of his own  one that his youngest son is trying to unravel.

Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Mary Jo Kopechne in 1962.

Nick, a middle school English teacher in Connecticut, was 10 years old when his father died. Piecing together the last years of his fathers life, he long wondered what happened to the audio tapes of Leo's most notable Chappaquiddick interviews, including the many conversations he had with Ted Kennedys cousin, Joe Gargan. Tapes that went missing after Leos death.

I never thought Id find the Gargan tapes, says Nick, now 39, referring to his fathers key interview subject. I thought theyd been thrown away or maybe somebody got there first.

But in 2021, he got a call from his estate attorney that a long-forgotten briefcase had been found at the home of one his fathers lawyers, Harold Fields. Theyd been cleaning out his house," he says, "and they found a briefcase under a bed that said Leo Damore vs. Ted Kennedy and that had all the tapes.

Nick Damore Leo Damore and son Nick in an undated photo. Leo Damore and son Nick in an undated photo.

Inside were nine bundles of tapes, wrapped in twine, that contained interviews with attorneys, investigators and other significant figures. "Its fascinating to hear Leo in his element," says Nick. "Its like youre watching a master at work."

Nick Damore The Chappaquiddick tapes found by Nick Damore. The Chappaquiddick tapes found by Nick Damore.





Gargan, who died in 2017, was one of 12 guests at the reunion party on the night of July 18, 1969, on Chappaquiddick Island, many of whom had worked for Bobby Kennedys presidential campaign.

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Gargan, along with Ted Kennedy and attorney Paul Markham, claimed theyd gone to the Dyke bridge after the senators car crashed that night into the water below, to try and save Mary Jo Kopechne, who was 28. But years later, Gargan told Leo that Ted had asked him to lie about what happened and say that Mary Jo was driving the car the night it went over the bridge. He refused.

It was a huge deal for Leo to get this interview, explains Nick. No one had talked.

In one exchange about Ted and the events of that evening, Gargan tells Leo: "They were interested in protecting the senator, there's no question about that. And they let us fend for ourselves. As well as everybody else."

Still, theres much more to the tapes that never made it into print, says Nick, who's been painstakingly listening to them. Its a behind the scenes look: who knew what. It seems like Gargan was coming to terms with the idea of coming clean, and breaking with the official version.

Courtesy of Nick Damore Leo Damore and son Nick in undated photos.

When youre trying to ask about something thats uncomfortable, youre not necessarily going to be getting the full truth, which is a lot of what Ive heard with the Gargan tapes, he explains. A lot of tip- toeing.

As mysterious as it all remains, it's not the only puzzle his father left behind.

At the time of Leos death, he was working on a book about President John F. Kennedy's mistress Mary Pinchot Meyer, who was killed in Georgetown on October 12, 1964. The case was never solved.

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That manuscript, which he called Burden of Guilt, also went missing after his death. Im not convinced that what happened to him [his death] is not connected to the fact he was working on such a high level story about Mary Pinchot Meyer, reflects Nick. This time he was not on the outside, People knew who he was. He had clout.

As Nick told PEOPLE in 2020, "Leo was getting too close."

"At one point," Nick said, "he claimed to have gotten the diary that outlined the relationship between Mary and JFK. He also thought he'd found out who had killed her."

But at the same time, Leo was under immense pressure and starting to unravel. "There were lawsuits, he thought he was being followed," Nick remembers. "Part of Leo's story is that he experienced such a clear attempt to stop him from pursuing stories about the Kennedys. I think Leo kept pushing it a little bit. It consumed him."

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.

Leo's friend Jimmy Smith  a former assistant DA in Dukes County, Massachusetts, who had connected Leo with Joe Gargan  told PEOPLE in 2018 that toward the end of his life, Leo was "like a man being chased ... very much afraid" before his suicide.

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The core of what Im doing is to find out whats true and whats not true, says Nick, who in 2023 made a documentary about his father, For Nick, From Dad. That's how his father labeled the cassette tape he left for his son on the kitchen counter of his Connecticut apartment before he killed himself. His final message.

That documentary also became the springboard for a book he's now working on.

Knowing how long Leo was on the trail makes me feel okay about taking a long time, he says. Its like Rashomon, where everybody has a different retelling of what happened.

My goal when I started this was to understand my father better, find out what was driving him," he explains. "I had been avoiding it my entire life. Over time, its evolved because I want people to know who Leo was. People who interested in his story and in American history. Thats one of the reasons he wanted to preserve the Gargan tapes because he viewed it as an important artifact of American political history.

Now that hes found that piece of the puzzle, he says, Theres this idea of closure, but the problem is you open the door and it leads to a room with four more doors. It kind of makes me wonder what else is out there.

Im just scratching the surface.

For more on Chappaquiddick and Leo Damore, check out PEOPLE's 2018 podcast Cover-Up.



Read the original article on People
As part of the KNOW BJP initiative of the BJP, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Department of BJP, welcomed a multi-party youth delegation from Sri Lanka at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. The Sri Lankan youth delegation, comprising 24 young leaders including Members of Parliament and youth representatives from various political parties, interacted with the BJYM office bearers during their visit on Friday. The engagement was aimed at fostering deeper people-to-people ties and sharing insights on political organization and youth empowerment. Tejasvi Surya, National President of BJYM, delivered the welcome address and shared valuable insights into the BJP's robust organisational structure and its wide-ranging youth engagement initiatives. Highlighting the shared heritage between the two nations, he said, "India and Sri Lanka share the 3 T's - Tradition, Trade, and Technology - which continue to shape our bilateral relationship. From the Sri Lankan side, Member of Parliament Chitral Fernando, in his remarks, noted, "Wherever we go in India, we hear the echoes and see the results of development work being done towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. As India's neighbours, we draw inspiration from this vision and shall strive for a Viksit Sri Lanka. The interaction included a discussion on key themes such as youth leadership, peace, democracy, technology, and sustainable development. It served as a platform for mutual learning and building lasting friendships across borders. The session was moderated by Abhinav Prakash, National Vice President of BJYM. Ashwin Johar and Nakul Bharadwaj from Foreign Affairs department of the BJP were also present. The event was attended by National Office Bearers and many State Presidents of BJYM. This engagement reflects the BJP's continued efforts to build international goodwill and foster stronger ties with the youth of friendly nations through dialogue, collaboration, and shared democratic values. (ANI)
BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  ARDOT says the scene has been cleared.

BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A semi truck fire blocks traffic on Highway 412 near Siloam Springs on July 18.

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the incident happened around 4:11 p.m. and affects all westbound lanes.

ARDOT says there are no injuries.

Updates on the accident and other traffic updates can be found on iDrive Arkansas.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

Minnesota lawmaker Nicole Mitchell was found guilty Friday of two counts of burglary in connection with a 2024 incident at her stepmother's Detroit Lakes home.

She was charged after trying to gather belongings of her late father.

Mitchell's attorney, Dane DeKrey, spoke to reporters after Friday's verdict.

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) - The attorney for Nicole Mitchell spoke Friday afternoon, after the Minnesota lawmaker was found guilty of two counts of burglary in a 2024 incident at her stepmothers home in Detroit Lakes.

Nicole Mitchell found guilty

What we know

Mitchell, a first-term DFL senator from Woodbury, was found guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. She was charged with breaking into the home to take belongings of her late father.

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Other Minnesota lawmakers called for her resignation if she was found guilty.

Mitchell told state lawmakers before the trial if she were found guilty, she would resign from her Minnesota Senate seat.

Her attorney, Dane DeKrey, spoke after the verdict. Mitchell is not in custody leading up to her sentencing.

What they're saying

"We just processed this. It was a tough conversation to have right after a verdict. Were going to look at our options, Im very pleased that she got to stay out of jail," DeKrey said.

Will Nicole Mitchell appeal?

Why you should care

DeKrey was asked if they would appeal Fridays verdict. She will be sentenced in the weeks ahead, and guidelines call for up to six months in jail.

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"Were going to keep all of our options open right now," DeKrey said.

Nicole Mitchell on the stand

Dig deeper

Mitchell took the stand in her own defense on Thursday, attempting to explain why she was in the home when she was.

The backstory

Prosecutors allege Nicole Mitchell, dressed in all black, parked down the road from the home, brought a flashlight, and broke into the home. Jurors were also shown images of a crowbar discovered outside the home and a backpack lodged inside a window. During opening statements, prosecutors called it a well-planned, thought-out criminal act.

Mitchell's defense team painted her as a concerned stepdaughter trying to help a loved one. Mitchell has said she was trying to retrieve her father's ashes and clothing that her stepmom refused to give her after his recent death. She was seen on camera telling a police officer, "Clearly I'm not good at this."

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Her attorney addressed the decision to put Mitchell on the stand.

"You dont have any chance to win a case unless you put your client on the stand to explain that," DeKrey said. "If anyone believes differently, youre not in tune with reality."
The Brief

Minnesota Republicans and Democrats are calling for Sen. Nicole Mitchell to resign from her Senate seat after she was found guilty following a week-long trial.

Sen. Mitchell was found guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools after breaking into her stepmother's home in 2024.

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota Republicans and Democrats expect Sen. Nicole Mitchell to resign following her guilty verdict in her burglary trial.

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Sen. Mitchell was found guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary after she broke into her stepmother's home in Detroit Lakes in 2024.

READ MORE: Sen. Mitchell found guilty of burglary, possession of burglary tools

Democrats react to Sen. Mitchell guilty verdict

What they're saying

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said that Mitchell would resign if she was found guilty, and she expects Sen. Mitchell to follow through.

"Senator Mitchell has been afforded due process, a trial by a jury of her peers, and that jury has delivered a verdict. I am relieved to see the end of Senator Mitchells trial. The cases resolution brings clarity to the situation. Senator Mitchell has told colleagues that she intended to resign if found guilty of this crime, and I expect her to follow through on that pledge. Our caucus remains focused on the issues that matter to Minnesotan families and communities," Sen. Murphy said in a statement.

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The Chairman of the DFL party, Richard Carlbom, released the following statement after the guilty verdict:

"With todays guilty jury verdict on two felony counts, the courts have spoken, and due process was given to Nicole Mitchell. I urge all to respect the verdict and the legal process.

As to Mitchells position in the senate, I hope that she will hold to her promise and resign immediately. The governor will have more information on a special election shortly."

Republicans react

The other side

Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson says he expects an "immediate" resignation from Sen. Mitchell, with Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth posting on social media that she agrees with him.

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"I applaud the jury and the prosecution for their diligent work to deliver justice in this case. The verdict only confirms the fact that Sen. Mitchells actions on the night of April 22, 2024, failed to meet the level of ethical behavior we expect from elected officials, and her continued participation in the Minnesota Senate leaves the body with a stain on its record for every time her vote was the deciding vote in passing legislation. Senate Republicans have been clear since day one that this conduct is unbecoming of a Senator, and we expect her immediate resignation from the Senate. If she is unwilling to resign, she must be expelled as soon as possible to protect the integrity of the Senate," Sen. Johnson said in a statement.

Sen. Mitchell resignation?

What's next

If Sen. Mitchell was to resign, Gov. Tim Walz would need to call a special election to fill her senate seat in her district of Woodbury.
By Marcela Ayres

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called a U.S. decision to impose visa bans on officials involved in former President Jair Bolsonaro's trial "arbitrary" and "baseless," and said foreign interference in the judiciary was "unacceptable."

In a statement on Saturday, the leftist leader said the action violated fundamental principles of respect and sovereignty between nations.

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In an escalation of tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and the government of Latin America's largest economy, Washington imposed visa restrictions on Friday on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, his family and other unnamed court officials.

The visa bans were a response to the Supreme Court's decision to issue search warrants and restraining orders targeting Trump ally Bolsonaro, who is accused of plotting a coup to overturn the results of a 2022 election he lost.

"I am certain that no form of intimidation or threat, from anyone, will compromise the most important mission of Brazil's powers and institutions, which is to permanently defend and uphold the democratic rule of law," said Lula.

Solicitor general Jorge Messias, the top judicial official for Lula's executive branch, said in a statement posted on X late Friday that Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet was also targeted by the ban.

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Messias said no "improper maneuver" or "sordid conspiratorial act" would intimidate the judiciary in carrying out its duties with independence, as he condemned what he also described as arbitrary U.S. visa revocations targeting Brazilian officials for fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.

In addition to Moraes, seven other justices from Brazil's 11-member Supreme Court were also hit by the U.S. visa restrictions, Government Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann said on Friday.

They include justices Luis Roberto Barroso, Dias Toffoli, Cristiano Zanin, Flavio Dino, Carmen Lucia, Edson Fachin, and Gilmar Mendes.

The Prosecutor General's Office and the Supreme Court did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Trump has criticised the proceedings against Bolsonaro as a "witch hunt", a term he has used to describe his own treatment by political opponents, and has called for the charges to be dropped. In a letter last week, he announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting August 1, opening the message with criticism of the trial.

Bolsonaro is on trial before Brazil's Supreme Court on charges of plotting a coup to stop Lula from taking office in January 2023.

The right-wing firebrand has denied that he led an attempt to overthrow the government but has acknowledged taking part in meetings aimed at reversing the election's outcome.

(Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Editing by Joe Bavier and Diane Craft)
A serial predator will most likely never walk free again after receiving what amounts to an effective life sentence this week for sexually assaulting and strangling an 81-year-old woman in her Manhattan apartment two years ago, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

Repeat offender Avon Long, 79, was slapped with 32 years to life after being found guilty of kidnapping, attempted rape, sexual abuse, strangulation and other charges by a New York State Supreme Court jury in May for his heinous attack on the elderly victim in early October 2023.

Long pushed his way into the victims apartment in an older adult center in Midtown, slapped her repeatedly and ordered her to undress and lie down on the bed, then climbed on top of her and sexually assaulted her for over an hour while covering her mouth with his hand to stifle her screams, according to court documents.

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After sexually abusing and assaulting her, Long tied her wrists with a phone charger cord and warned her not to call the police or try to escape until he had time to get away. He left the apartment briefly but returned and strangled her until she passed out, prosecutors said at trial.

When the woman woke up, she disregarded Longs warning and immediately called the police, who arrested Long later that day. The victim was hospitalized for two weeks but ultimately made a full recovery, according to the D.A.

This defendant horrifically abused a defenseless, 81-year-old woman, which was proven through the survivors honest and unwavering testimony at trial, Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg said in a statement. I commend her bravery and hope this significant prison sentence can allow her to move forward. I also want to thank our prosecutors for conducting a thorough investigation and putting a comprehensive case in front of the jury to ensure this defendant will face accountability, Bragg said.

Long has spent much of his adult life in prison for similar crimes.

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He committed his first sexual assault more than 50 years ago, pleading guilty to rape and robbery in 1967, when he was 21, according to court documents.

After spending nearly a decade in prison he was set free and was on probation for less than three years before committing two more violent sexual assaults, again pleading guilty to two counts of rape in 1979.

Long was released on parole in 2015 after spending more than 35 years in prison.

After sexually assaulting his latest victim, Long opted for a jury trial. With his age and the minimum sentence of more than three decades, he will most likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Serious flooding reported in Marshall after 5 inches of rain originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Early reports of street and house flooding are filtering in from Marshall, southwest Minnesota, after more than five inches of rain fell in a short period Friday.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning on Friday evening, which was later extended to 2:15 a.m. Saturday, with residents warned to stay off the roads.

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"We have received reports of at least 5 inches of rain that has fallen across the southern part of Marshall, Minnesota," the NWS Sioux Falls wrote. "Please stay off the roads if you live in and around the city of Marshall."

The City of Marshall echoed the advice, telling locals to "avoid unnecessary travel until water recedes."

Marshall tops the rain totals from Friday's storm with 5.45 inches recorded on the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRAHS).

More details on the full extent of the flooding is expected to be known later on Saturday once it has been assessed by the city's emergency management team, but some pictures are being shared showing deep street flooding in parts of the city.

Residents are also being asked to limit their water use through Saturday evening in order to decrease the strain on the city's wastewater systems.

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"Please try to avoid activities that utilize a lot of water, such as washing clothes, taking large baths, or any activity that disharges a lot of water into the sanitary sewer system," it said.

"Our wastewater treatment plant is receiving a lot of extra water flow due to the heavy rain infiltrating the sanitary sewer system. Doing your part in reducing water usage helps the system from becoming overloaded and possibly backing up into basements."

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.

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This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
BROOMFIELD, Colo. (KDVR)  Four people are facing felony charges under Colorados Organized Crime Control Act in connection with a coordinated smash-and-grab theft ring that targeted liquor stores across the metro area.

Prosecutors say the group stole more than $150,000 worth of alcohol and merchandise and caused more than $50,000 in property damage during a series of break-ins spanning at least 10 cities. Investigators have dubbed the case Operation Tequila Sunset.

Possible human bone found in Westminster open space Friday afternoon

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Surveillance video from multiple stores shows suspects using stolen vehicles to force entry and carry out fast-paced thefts in locations including Arvada, Brighton, Westminster, Superior, and Broomfield.

Brian Yauk, owner of Arista Wine and Spirits in Broomfield, says he watched one of the break-ins unfold on security cameras in real time.

Im watching them in and out of the store, taking me and my sons livelihood, Yauk said. It was the longest four minutes of my life.

Among the items stolen were high-end bottles of liquor, including rare collectibles worth as much as $2,500 each. One of those bottles was later found empty at a suspects home, according to prosecutors.

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Police: Charges will not be filed for child falling 6 floors from shelter window

20th Judicial District Attorney Michael Dougherty said the case represents a strong example of coordinated law enforcement and a commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable.

To the small businesses out therewe will always fight to uphold the rule of law, Dougherty said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say more charges could be filed as the case moves forward in 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 FOX31 Denver.
Around 11 million Americans are under flood alerts Saturday evening as a "ring of fire" weather pattern continues to impact the eastern two-thirds of the country through the weekend.

A flash flood emergency was issued near the Washington, D.C., area, including suburban Maryland, such as Chevy Chase and Silver Spring until 9 p.m. ET.

The National Weather Service called it a "particularly dangerous situation" and said flash flooding was already occurring.

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Between 3 to 5 inches of rain has already fallen, but additional rainfall amounts between 1 to 2 inches were possible.

Meanwhile, a flood watch was issued for Washington, D.C., until 10 p.m. ET.

Overall, locally heavy downpours associated with showers and thunderstorms will continue to raise concerns in regard to flash flooding.

ABC News - PHOTO: severe storms map

Plenty of atmospheric moisture and already saturated grounds will only increase the likelihood of flooding and will exacerbate flooding that is ongoing.

Flood watches also remain in effect across portions of Iowa, western Illinois, and northeastern Missouri through Sunday, and for portions of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina through Saturday night.

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Areas under a flood watch could see between 2 to 4 inches of rain.

WJHL - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, flooding is shown in Dante, Virginia, on July 18 2025.

A number of Flash Flood Warnings are also in effect across portions of southern Illinois, southern Indiana and northern Kentucky, where heavy rain from thunderstorms moved through.

Much of the heavy rainfall and flooding will be localized -- not everywhere will be impacted. However, the potential for heavy rainfall stretches across a good portion of the eastern U.S., which remains under a slight risk for excessive rainfall through tonight.

WJHL - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, flooding is shown in Dante, Virginia, on July 18 2025.

Between 1 to 3 inches are possible depending on where storms track, but locally higher amounts are possible in some spots.

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Portions of western and central Kentucky, southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois have been elevated to a moderate risk -- level 3 of 4 -- for excessive rainfall through Saturday evening. Rainfall totals between 3 to 5 inches are possible, with rainfall rates potentially reaching 2 to 3 inches per hour.

'Ring of fire' weather pattern brings storm risk

Though not a formal meteorological term, a "ring of fire" is an area of high pressure, which typically is a heat dome. Around the periphery of the heat dome, thunderstorms can develop, which is where the name comes from.

High pressure centered over the Southeast will keep dangerously hot and humid conditions in that region, but strong to severe storms along the perimeter of the high will remain possible across portions of the Plains, Midwest and even across portions of the East Coast.

ABC News - PHOTO: flash flood threat map

Severe thunderstorm watches remain in effect for portions of southern Maryland, northeastern North Carolina and Virginia until 10 p.m. ET Saturday.

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The primary threats include damaging winds, with gusts up to 65 mph possible, and isolated large hail up to an inch in diameter.

To the west, portions of Nebraska remain under a tornado watch until 11 p.m. CT Saturday.

ABC News - PHOTO: Severe weather outlook Sunday

ABC News - PHOTO: severe weather outlook saturday

A severe thunderstorm watch is also in effect for portions of eastern Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and far northeastern Wyoming until 12 a.m. MT. Damaging winds, with gusts up to 70 mph are possible, along with the potential for very large hail measuring as much as 2.5 inches in diameter.

Over 13 million across 13 states are under a slight risk -- level 2 of 5 -- for severe weather through the night.

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Damaging winds and the potential for flash flooding remains a threat for all areas, but powerful storms that develop over parts of the Plains and Midwest could generate large to very large hail and even a few tornadoes.

While parts of the Dakotas are under a slight risk for severe weather on Sunday, parts of Northeast could also encounter strong to severe storms as well. This includes big cities like New York City, Boston and Albany -- which are all under a slight risk, mainly for damaging winds and the potential for hail.
The government is preparing a "water revolution" that will halve the number of times sewage is discharged into waterways in England and Wales by 2030, the environment secretary has said.

Steve Reed told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the water sector was "broken" and the regulator, Ofwat, was "clearly failing".

The "reset" would include tougher treatment of water company bosses if their companies were not meeting the required standards, including possible prison sentences.

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However, he did not confirm if Ofwat would be scrapped, a policy recommendation that could be included in a landmark review of the industry, due to be published on Monday.

Reed said he had been given the review's report but had not yet had time to read it thoroughly.

But he ruled out taking water back into public ownership, which would "take years" and be too expensive, he added.

"Nationalisation would cost upwards of 100bn that we'd have to take away from the National Health Service and schools to give to the owners of the companies that are polluting," said Reed.

His vow on sewage discharge marks the first time ministers have set a clear target on the number of pollution spills, following public outcry over the state of the UK's waterways.

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Reed said families had "watched their local rivers, coastlines and lakes suffer from record levels of pollution" - but the Conservatives claimed Labour had "done nothing to stop water bill rises" despite "big promises" to reform the system.

"I've been up and down this country and spoken to wild swimmers, parents, everybody furious about the state of our water," Reed said.

"So clearly, regulation must change."

He told the programme he would be held accountable if there had not been improvements in water quality by the next election.

"Politicians come and say we're going to do things. Of course our job should be on the line if we don't," he said.

[PA Media]

The pledge forms part of wider government plans to improve the water sector, ahead of the Water Commission review of the industry being published on Monday.

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James Wallace, chief executive of charity River Action UK, said the target seemed "admirable" but that ultimately it was a "political pledge" and not legally binding.

The plans announced on Sunday will also include a commitment to work with devolved governments across the UK to ban wet wipes containing plastic, among other measures.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, told Laura Kuenssberg that the water industry was a "hell of a mess", in part due to growth in the UK's population. It should be put into joint public-private ownership, he argued.

The state needed to get "some degree of control over vital national assets", he said, but did not put a figure on its cost.

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Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey told the programme the regulator should be replaced, with public benefit corporations taking the place of private companies.

"A tough regulator by itself isn't sufficient," he said. A completely new structure would allow the country to "start afresh with the investment we need without costing bill and taxpayers", he added.

There has been widespread scrutiny of water companies over the increasing number of sewage discharges into UK waterways amid rising bills - all while the firms have paid out millions to executives and shareholders.

The Environment Agency said water companies recorded 2,801 pollution incidents in 2024, up from 2,174 in 2023.

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Of those, 75 were considered to pose "serious or persistent" harm to fisheries, drinking water and human health - up from 47 last year.

At the same time, water bosses in England were paid 7.6m in bonuses, according to the government. In June, it barred them from being paid out at six firms that had fallen foul of environmental and consumer standards.

Reed told Laura Kuenssberg extra pay awarded to the boss of Southern Water, which would almost double his income, was "outrageous".

He urged Southern's boss to "think how this looks to their customers" and turn down the pay rise.

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The Water Commission's chair will lay out his recommendations on how to improve the environmental and financial performance of the sector. The government will respond in Parliament.

England has a combined sewage system, which means both rainfall and sewage are processed through the same system. Last year, rainfall levels were up, which could have overwhelmed some water company infrastructure.

However, despite variations in rainfall, discharges that result in serious pollution are a breach of their permits and legal obligations.

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Many incidents are reported to the Environment Agency by the companies themselves, but of 4,000 inspections carried out last year by the regulator, nearly a quarter of sites were in breach of their permits.

A record 104bn is due to be invested into the water sector over the next five years to improve its infrastructure.

As a result, consumer bills are expected to rise on average by 123 annually - though for Southern Water customers this could be as much as 224.

The Environment Agency has also received 189m to support hundreds of enforcement offices to inspect and prosecute water companies, with the fines retroactively paying for this.

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Conservative shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins said the government "must be transparent about where the 104bn investment is coming from as some will come through customer bill rises".

She said plans "must also include credible proposals to improve the water system's resilience to droughts, without placing an additional burden on bill payers and taxpayers".
Artists impression of the RAF Tempest, due to come into service by 2035

The first thing to know about Britains flagship new fighter jet is that its big.

This becomes immediately clear when you see the full-scale mock-up that dominates a warehouse at the Warton factory near Preston, Lancashire, which is run by British defence giant BAE Systems.

And here, size matters. Because it tells you a lot about what the UK, Italy and Japan are planning for the supersonic stealth jet they are building together.

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The three countries are aiming to bring the aircraft  which has been christened Tempest in the UK  into service by 2035 under an agreement known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

This wont be the final shape and size but, in terms of scale, its about the same, says Jonny Moreton, of BAE, during a visit by The Telegraph. Whatever GCAP as a core platform is going to be ... she is going to be big.

A bigger jet means bigger fuel tanks. That means more range and bigger payloads of explosive warheads.

But the size also means weapons can be stored internally  ensuring a smooth exterior that makes the aircraft harder to detect with radar.

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At the same time, Tempest will be packed with technology allowing it to link up with other aircraft, drones, ground forces and satellites.

CGI impression: Tempest is being designed for long-range flights and to carry large payloads and tech - BAE Systems

All this suggests Tempest is being designed for long-haul missions deep into enemy territory, where communicating with home base may be impossible.

If Nato ever ended up at war against Putins Russia, experts say this means the aircraft would take off from a British airfield, fly to Russia undetected, destroy hostile air defences and then fly all the way back again.

Not only that, but such a long range would allow Japanese pilots to strike deep into the Chinese mainland in any future Pacific conflict.

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Moreton, who is also an ex-commodore of the Royal Air Force, remains tight-lipped about whether these propositions are correct.

But with modern warfare happening at ever-larger distances, he concedes that any deterrent to Russian and Chinese aggression must be able to operate at ranges that previously weve been unable to do.

You need to be able to get there safely, undetected and return home, he adds.

So critical is the need for range that project leaders have suggested the jet will be capable of crossing the Atlantic without mid-air refuelling  something no Royal Air Force fighter has ever been able to do.

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A Typhoon jet, the backbone of the RAFs existing fleet, has a combat radius of about 860 miles on a single tank of fuel.

Meanwhile, the American-made F-35A stealth jet, which air force chiefs recently said they were planning to acquire, has a combat radius of about 680 miles. That is less than half the distance between London and Moscow, which is roughly 1,550 miles.

It means Tempest will be in a league of its own when it comes to British fighters, says Francis Tusa, an independent defence analyst.

As the requirements have changed over the years, so have the models, he says. You can make your aircraft as stealthy as you like but if it has to be refuelled by a tanker then ultimately your adversary just needs to track down and destroy the tanker.

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So you need enough internal fuel to go a very, very long way  and stay out there.

1707 Combat rangers

Tempest in combat

Imagine Nato and Russia did go to war in future  what does this mean for Tempests role in the fight? Tusa says in week one of the conflict, Tempest would probably have to go into Russia and attack surface-to-air missile defences and air bases.

Then in week two, when there is no threat from air defences, the jet can either be an air superiority fighter that loiters in the sky and takes out enemy fighters or continues in a ground support role.

To fulfil that role, it is expected to be able to unleash massive arsenals of explosive weapons on its targets  potentially twice as much as an F-35 can deploy.

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Based on reports, Tusa says Tempests maximum takeoff weight could be north of 30 tonnes compared to Typhoons 23 tonnes. That is more than the Lancaster bombers used in the Second World War.

It is going to be in a completely different league to anything we have ever built, Tusa says.

The technology being built into Tempest will also ensure the jet can act as an airborne communications hub, even if contact with bases back in Britain has been disrupted.

1707 Scaling up

This means it can act as a central contact point for nearby friendly drones and missiles, as well as forces on the ground and satellites in space.

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We need to be able to operate at range, where our communications might be disrupted, explains BAEs Moreton.

Therefore we need to make sure we have a core platform thats crewed, thats in a position that it can be the heart of the network if were unable to communicate back to home base for operations.

It needs to be able to operate in an isolated environment.

Automation push

BAE is part of Team Tempest, a partnership between the Ministry of Defence and industry that also includes Rolls-Royce, missile maker MBDA and Italys Leonardo .

Since 2023, however, the effort has been amalgamated with GCAP, with the UK, Italy and Japan combining research and development into a single programme.

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The British team, led by BAE, is working on a demonstrator jet that will road-test a key piece of equipment  a vent system that will feed air to Tempests engines using an S-bend that wends its way through the aircrafts insides.

This is vital to reducing the jets radar signature.

A trial has been scheduled for some time in 2027 and remains on schedule, according to BAE.

At Warton, the company is trialling new production processes that will be used to fabricate the aircrafts wings and tail fins in the coming months.

These include additive manufacturing, a form of 3D printing where material is added instead of removed, the production of large, carbon-based panels and more extensive use of robots.

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For example, reconfigurable robot arms are being used instead of specialist jigs that were previously needed on the production lines of older aircraft such as the Typhoon.

Jigs are tools that hold components in place or guide cutting tools during manufacturing and are often tailor-made for a certain stage of the process.

Using robots instead will slash the cost of making the jigs  which often runs to tens of millions of pounds  and could shave up to three years off the run-up to full-rate production.

It also means the factory floor is more easily reconfigurable, saving money for BAE at its facilities and letting the company easily switch to the production of a different product when required.

All this will help to keep vital domestic skills alive as the company prepares to transition away from making Typhoon to producing Tempest in the next decade.

That is still some way away, BAE stresses, with workers likely to be kept busy for at least the next 10 years by orders anticipated from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

But the development of Tempest will help to preserve Britains sovereign capability to make its own aircraft, says Richard Hamilton, the managing director for Europe and International at BAEs air business.

Were one of a small number of nations that have the whole aircraft capability, he says.

Richard Hamilton says UK has the rare capacity to design, make, launch and deliver aircraft - Phil Noble/Reuters

That means we can design an aircraft, we can make it and we can actually fly it from the site as well to our customers.

Not many other countries still have that capability, so its a freedom of action that our Government has at the moment.

This is one reason why other countries are also queuing up to join the GCAP consortium.

Saudi Arabia is understood to be one of the countries in discussions with the three existing national partners, although it is not clear yet what level of involvement the Gulf nation could have.

Riyadh is currently a buyer of the Typhoon jet but defence sources say the kingdom is looking for a potentially weightier role in GCAP that would give it more influence over capabilities and a greater role in manufacturing as well.

But Herman Claesen, the head of future combat air at BAE, says the window for new joiners is narrowing, particularly given the brisk pace the founding countries want to maintain.

To be part of the core programme today in the same way as Japan, Italy and the UK, because of the pace weve achieved and where we are today, becomes quite challenging and will have an impact which the three governments will have to either reject or accept, Claesen says.

Its never impossible ... we can make anything happen. But I see the likelihood as diminishing all the time, considering the pace we have on the programme.

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The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on Friday initiated legal action through a formal notice to The Wall Street Journal and Reuters over their recent reports on the AI-171 crash that occurred on June 12. The FIP has also sought an official apology. Confirming the action, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) CS Randhawa told ANI that FIP has initiated legal action through the law and served a notice to WSJ & Reuters over their reports, seeking an apology. In an email to Reuters and The Wall Street Journal, the FIP stated, "It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting. Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing." "While the accident of this dimension has drawn public attention and shock, however, it needs to be appreciated that this is not the time to create public anxiety or angst towards the safety of the Indian Aviation Industry, particularly on the basis of unfounded fact," they added. Referring to the ongoing investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the email states, "Desist from publishing or circulating any content that speculates on the cause of the crash or attributes fault to any individuals, especially deceased pilots, in the absence of official confirmation and final report." The FIP further wrote, "We are instructed to place on record that the publication of such speculative content is highly irresponsible, and has caused grave and irreparable harm to the reputation of the deceased pilots, who are unable to defend themselves. In doing so, Reuters has also inflicted unnecessary distress on the bereaved families, and diminished the morale of the pilot fraternity, which operates under immense pressure and public responsibility." The FIP has strongly urged the media outlets to refrain from further speculation, "In view of the above, and pending the release of conclusive findings from the official investigation, we are instructed to caution Reuters and all affiliated platforms against further dissemination or amplification of unverified, speculative, or unofficial theories relating to the crash and pilots operating the plane." The legal notice specifically calls upon Reuters to cease and desist from publishing or circulating any further content that speculates on the cause of the crash or attributes fault to any individuals, especially deceased pilots, in the absence of official confirmation and final report; Promptly review and amend the article dated July 17, 2025, to include an appropriate disclaimer and remove any content that could be construed as attributing blame; FIP have also asked them to issue a clarification acknowledging that no final conclusions have been released by the authorities and that the article was based on secondary reports. The notice further cautions, "Please note that failure to act in accordance with this notice may compel Our Client to pursue all legal remedies available under applicable law for defamation, mental anguish, and reputational harm." Speaking to ANI on the NTSB statement, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots, Captain CS Randhawa, said: "We are happy with the statement of NTSB board. This will put a stop to the reports in the western media. They are in their own world and think they can publish and get away. The Indian report is very clear, we have to wait for the final report to come." The US federal agency, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), responsible for the investigation of aviation accidents and significant transportation events in the country, on Friday (local time) issued a strong rebuke of recent media coverage made over the preliminary investigative report on the aftermath of the ill-fated Air India 171 crash that claimed 260 lives in Gujarat's Ahmedabad last month. In the statement, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said, "Recent media reports on the Air India 171 crash are premature and speculative. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau just released its preliminary report. Investigations of this magnitude take time. We fully support the AAlB's public appeal, which was released Thursday, and will continue to support its ongoing investigation. All investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB," (ANI)




NEED TO KNOW

Shanda Sharer, 12, was abducted and brutally murdered in 1992 by four teenage girls in Jefferson County, Indiana

Prosecutors say jealousy over Shanda's relationship with another girl led to hours of torture before she was burned alive

All four perpetrators were tried as adults, sentenced to prison and have since been released





Shanda Sharer was 12 years old when she was abducted, beaten, stabbed and burned alive. Indiana prosecutors said the four teenage girls who carried out the killing  aged 15 to 17  were motivated by jealousy over Shana's relationship with a girl they knew through school.



On the night of Jan. 10, 1992, Shanda was staying at her fathers home when two teenagers 15-year-olds Toni Lawrence and Hope Rippey  arrived at the front door and said they were taking her to see Amanda Heavrin, an older girl Shanda was dating.

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According to The Indianapolis Star, the girls instead drove her to a car where 16-year-old Melinda Loveless was hiding in the backseat with a knife. Loveless, who was also dating Amanda, had reportedly been threatening Shanda in the weeks prior. Seventeen-year-old Laurie Tackett was behind the wheel.

Instead of taking Shanda to see Amanda, the group drove to an abandoned property near Utica, Ind., known as the Witchs Castle."

According to The Los Angeles Times, Shanda was bound with rope, taunted, and threatened with the knife. She was eventually forced into the trunk of the car.

The group believed she had died during the assault, but when they later heard her crying from the trunk, Tackett and Loveless attacked her again.

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In the early morning hours of Jan. 11, prosecutors said the girls drove Shanda to a remote location near Madison, Ind. There, according to the Star, they wrapped her in a blanket, poured gasoline over her body and set her on fire. A forensic pathologist later determined she was still alive when the fire was lit.



Later that morning, two hunters discovered her remains in a field off a gravel road. Police were unable to immediately identify her due to the severity of the burns. Her mother, Jacque Vaught, had reported her missing that morning when Shanda failed to return home  and dental records later confirmed the body was Shandas.

That same night, Lawrence and Rippey, accompanied by their parents, went to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department and gave full statements. Within 48 hours, all four teens were in custody. According to the Star, each was charged as an adult.



All four eventually accepted plea agreements to avoid the death penalty. Loveless and Tackett pleaded guilty to murder, criminal confinement, and arson, and each received 60-year sentences. Rippey, who prosecutors said played a lesser role, received 60 years with 10 years suspended; her sentence was later reduced on appeal. Lawrence, who left before Shanda was set on fire and cooperated early with police, was sentenced to 20 years for criminal confinement.



All four have since been released. Lawrence was paroled in 2000. Rippey was released in 2006. Tackett served more than 25 years before her release in 2018. Loveless was released in 2019, after serving over 26 years. These release dates were confirmed in reporting by the Star, The Advocate, and WTHR.

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During sentencing, the court heard testimony about the defendants backgrounds. According to the L.A. Times, Tackett had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and had experienced hallucinations from a young age. Loveless testified that she had allegedly been sexually abused by her father, a claim also referenced in police and court records.

In the years after the murder, Shandas mother established a scholarship fund in her daughters name and participated in several interviews with local outlets. In 2012, WAVE 3 News reported that Jacque had donated a puppy to the Indiana Canine Assistance Network in Shandas memory. The dog was to be trained in a prison program that included Melinda Loveless among its participants.

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The killing has since been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, as well as dramatizations in episodes of Law & Order: SVU and Cold Case. The case remains one of the most widely reported juvenile crimes in Indianas history and has been used in academic discussions about adolescent violence and group dynamics.

More than three decades later, the details of the case continue to be cited in conversations around juvenile justice, sentencing, and the long-term effects of trauma  both for victims families and perpetrators.

Read the original article on People
Units in Singapore's military have been called in to help combat a cyberattack against critical infrastructure, the country's defence minister said Saturday -- a hack attempt attributed to an espionage group experts have linked to China.

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said these select units will work with the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) in a united government response to the threat, local media reported.

Chan described the cyberattack as "one example of the emerging threats" that the military has to handle, the reports said.

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There have been no reported breaches so far.

Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam first disclosed the attack late Friday, describing it as a type of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) that poses a serious danger to the city-state.

An APT refers to a cyberattack in which an intruder establishes and maintains unauthorised access to a target, remaining undetected for a sustained period of time.

"I can say that it is serious and it is ongoing. And it has been identified to be UNC3886," Shanmugam said, referring to the alleged attackers.

Shanmugam, who is also home affairs minister, did not elaborate in his speech on the group's sponsors or the origin of the attack.

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But Google-owned cybersecurity firm Mandiant described UNC3886 as a "highly adept China-nexus cyber espionage group".

APT actors typically steal sensitive information and disrupt essential services, such as healthcare, telecoms, water, transport and power, Shanmugam said.

"If it succeeds, it can conduct espionage and it can cause major disruption to Singapore and Singaporeans," he added.

- 'Stealthy opponents' -

A successful breach of Singapore's power system, for example, could wreak havoc with the electricity supply, with knock-on effects on essential services, such as healthcare and transport.

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"There are also economic implications. Our banks, airports and industries would not be able to operate. Our economy can be substantially affected," Shanmugam said.

Between 2021 and 2024, suspected APTs against Singapore increased more than fourfold.

A cyber breach of a public healthcare cluster in 2018 accessed the medication records of about 160,000 patients, including then prime minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Beijing's embassy in Singapore on Saturday expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with media reports linking UNC3886 to China.

In a statement, the embassy said it "firmly opposes any unwarranted smearing of China" and that "in fact, China is one of the main victims of cyberattacks".

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The statement added: "China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with the law. China does not encourage, support, or condone hacking activities."

Asked by reporters Saturday about the link between UNC3886 and China, The Straits Times newspaper quoted Shanmugam as saying: "As far as the Singapore government is concerned, we can say we are confident that it is this particular organisation. Who they are linked to, and how they operate, is not something I want to go into."

Information Minister Josephine Teo said in a Facebook post Saturday that the alleged attacker was publicly named because it was "important for Singaporeans to know where the attack is coming from and what the potential consequences will be".

The attack on Singapore's critical infrastructure "highlights the extraordinary challenges posed by APT actors," said Satnam Narang, senior staff research engineer at US-based cybersecurity firm Tenable.

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"Combating such stealthy opponents is becoming increasingly demanding as the scale and complexity of IT infrastructure that organisations and nations must defend continues to grow," he said.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The infamous Skelesaurus monster truck made an appearance Friday afternoon at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

The monster truck was parked outside of the Hilltop branch location where customers were able to pose with the truck. The Skelesaurus tuck was there to promote the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks live shows at Nationwide Arena happening this weekend.

With tickets still available for the shows, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is giving the Columbus Metropolitan Library free tickets to give away through its social media channels. By using promo code CML25 guests can also receive 25% off ticket purchases.

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The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live shows are at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. All shows are at Nationwide Arena.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Need to catch some shut-eye in your car? Avoid the beaches.

In Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island, it is illegal to sleep overnight in your car. Bethany is the only beach town that allows a daytime siesta, as the town's car sleeping ban applies from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Inland in Sussex County, you can find similar restrictions. Georgetown does not allow sleeping in your car. In Milton, the law says you can't even pretend to sleep. You could face a $50 to $200 fine for this kind of snoozing.

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If you're stopped at the Biden Welcome Center on I-95 near Newark, no rules prevent parking there and sleeping as long as you want. At the Smyrna rest stop on Route 1, you're allowed to stay up to six hours in a car and up to 10 hours in a truck or recreational vehicle. There is no statewide law against sleeping in your car.

In New Castle County, you are good to sleep in your car. Also, there are no laws against it in Dover or Kent County.

Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware beach towns have bans on sleeping in your car
By Yurii Kovalenko, Anastasiia Malenko and Vladyslav Smilianets

KYIV (Reuters) -Several nights a week, Daria Slavytska packs a yoga mat, blankets and food into a stroller and descends with her two-year-old Emil into the Kyiv subway. While air raid sirens wail above, the 27-year-old tries to snatch a few hours' sleep safely below ground.

For the past two months, Russia has unleashed nighttime drone and missile assaults on Kyiv in a summer offensive that is straining the city's air defences, and has its 3.7 million residents exhausted and on edge.

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Other towns and villages have seen far worse since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022 - especially those close to the frontline far to the east and south.

Many have been damaged or occupied as Russia advances, and thousands of people have fled to the capital, considered the best-defended city in the country.

But recent heavy attacks are beginning to change the mood. At night, residents rush to metro stations deep underground in scenes reminiscent of the German "Blitz" bombings of London during World War Two.

Slavytska has started nervously checking Telegram channels at home even before the city's alarms sound, after she found herself in early July running into the street to reach the metro with explosions already booming in the sky.

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The number of people like Slavytska taking refuge in the cavernous Soviet-era ticket halls and drafty platforms of Kyiv's 46 underground stations soared after large-scale bombardments slammed the city five times in June.

Previously, the loud air raid alert on her phone sent Emil into bouts of shaking and he would cry "Corridor, corridor, mum. I'm scared. Corridor, mum," Slavytska said. Now, accustomed to the attacks, he says more calmly "Mum, we should go".

"We used to come here less often, about once a month," Slavytska said, sheltering in Akademmistechko station in western Kyiv. "That was six months ago. Now we come two or three times a week." She spent the night curled up on her pink mat with Emil by a column lining the subway tracks.

The subway system recorded 165,000 visits during June nights, more than double the 65,000 visits in May and nearly five times the number in June last year, its press service told Reuters.

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More people were heading to the shelter because of "the scale and lethality" of attacks, the head of Kyiv's military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, told Reuters. He said strikes killed 78 Kyiv residents and injured more than 400 in the first half of the year.

U.S. President Donald Trump cited Russia's strikes on Ukrainian cities when announcing his decision on Monday to offer Kyiv more weapons, including Patriot missiles to boost its air defences.

"It's incredible that (people) stay, knowing that a missile could be hitting your apartment," Trump said.

Russia launched more than 30 missiles and 300 drones during an overnight assault on Saturday that affected 10 regions of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, including a mass drone attack on the Black Sea port city of Odesa.

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EXHAUSTION AND TERROR

In April, a strike in Kyiv destroyed a residential building a couple of kilometres from Slavytska's apartment block.

"It was so, so loud. Even my son woke up and I held him in my arms in the corridor," she said. "It was really scary."

With the threat of losing her home suddenly more tangible, she now takes her identity documents with her underground.

After seeing how stressed Emil became after the air alerts, Slavytska sought help from a paediatrician, who recommended she turn off her phone's loud notifications and prescribed a calming medication. Slavytska tells Emil the loud sound during attacks is thunder.

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Scientists and psychologists say that the lack of sleep is taking its toll on a population worn down by more than three years of war.

Kateryna Holtsberh, a family psychologist who practices in Kyiv, said sleep deprivation caused by the attacks was causing mood swings, extreme stress and apathy, leading to declined cognitive functions in both kids and adults.

"Many people say that if you sleep poorly, your life will turn into hell and your health will suffer," said Kateryna Storozhuk, another Kyiv region resident. "I didn't understand this until it happened to me."

Anton Kurapov, post-doctoral scholar at the University of Salzburg's Laboratory for Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Research, said it was hard to convey to outsiders what it felt like to be under attack.

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"Imagine a situation where you go out into the street and a person is shot in front of you ... and what fear you experience, your heart sinks," he said. "People experience this every day, this feeling."

Kurapov warned that the impact of such stress could result in lifetime consequences, including chronic illnesses.

A study he led that was published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology in August 2024 showed that 88% of Ukrainians surveyed reported bad or very bad sleep quality.

Lack of sleep can significantly impact economic performance and soldiers' ability to fight, said Wendy Troxel, senior behavioural scientist at RAND Corporation, a U.S. think-tank.

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RAND research in 2016 which Troxel co-authored showed that lack of sleep among the U.S. working population was costing the economy up to $411 billion a year.

As she tries to squeeze out more hours of sleep in the subway, Slavytska is looking into buying a mattress to bring underground that would be more comfortable than her mat. Danish retailer JYSK says the air strikes prompted a 25% jump in sales of inflatable mattresses, camp beds and sleep mats in Kyiv in three weeks of June.

Others are taking more extreme measures. Small business owner Storozhuk, who had no shelter within three km of her home, invested over $2,000 earlier this year in a Ukrainian-made "Capsule of Life" reinforced steel box, capable of withstanding falling concrete slabs.

She climbs in nightly, with her Chihuahua, Zozulia.

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"I developed a lot of anxiety and fear," Storozhuk said. "I realized that in order to be able to sleep peacefully in Ukraine, I needed some kind of safe shelter."

(Reporting by Yurii Kovalenko, Anastasiia Malenko and Vladyslav Smilianets; Additional reporting by Dan Peleshchuk; Editing by Peter Graff, Frank Jack Daniel, Mike Collett-White and Daniel Flynn)
Slovenian lawmakers became the first Eastern European country to legalize a law on Friday to allow medically-assisted suicide for terminally-ill adults, in a shift in regional end-of-life policy.

The country's lawmakers passed the bill following a closely watched parliamentary vote with 50 votes in favor, 34 against and three abstaining. The vote also focused on a national referendum demanding expanded end-of-life rights.

The legislation comes after a consultative referendum last year in which 55% of voters supported the right to end-of-life autonomy. While the move is being praised as historic, the laws implementation will not be immediate as the procedures and oversight mechanisms are still being developed.

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The law applies to terminally ill adults who are experiencing unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement. In order for candidates to qualify, they must be mentally competent and have already exhausted their available treatment options. Individuals suffering solely from mental illness will be excluded from eligibility. The patient has to provide informed, voluntary, and repeated consent. It is believed that the process may require evaluation by multiple medical professionals.

Delaware's Assisted Suicide Bill Signed Into Law, Making It The 11Th State With Such A Statute

Although it is being hailed as a landmark move, it will not be immediately implemented as the detailed procedures and oversight mechanisms are still being finalized.

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"This is a victory for compassion and dignity," said one lawmaker in support of the bill. A civil rights group opposed to the law referendum to overturn the measure.

A civil rights group opposing the new law pledged on Friday to seek public backing for a potential attempt to force a referendum on the measure.

New York Assembly Passes Bill To Legalize Assisted Suicide For The Terminally Ill

Several other countries, including Canada, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia and Colombia, have legalized the so-called death with dignity.

Last month, Britain's parliament voted to legalize assisted dying, although the bill must still clear the upper chamber of parliament.

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In the U.S., 11 states allow medical aid in dying: Delaware, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Lawmakers in some other states are considering similar legislation.

Washington, D.C., also permits physician-assisted suicide.

Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: Slovenia approves law to legalize assisted dying for terminally-ill adults
DENVER (KDVR)  The pilot of a small plane died in a crash on July 12 in the Pawnee National Grasslands, according to a preliminary crash investigation report released by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The preliminary report shared details from the pilots son, who told investigators his fathers airplane departed the Rexburg-Madison Airport in Idaho in the early morning of July 12 and landed at Central Wyoming Regional Airport to refuel. The plane, a two-seat kit airplane, departed the Wyoming airport and was en route to Goodland, Kansas, where he reportedly planned to spend the night.

Big Boy, the 1.2M pound locomotive, stops in Colorado this weekend

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The crash reportedly happened at about 12:50 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, in the Pawnee National Grasslands, located about 24 nautical miles northeast of the Greeley-Weld County Airport.

According to flight tracking data, the plane was primarily heading southeast when it turned south and began a descent during the last 90 seconds of recorded data, the NTSB reported. A witness at the crash site said the airplane descended in a wings level and nose low attitude, and the engine was running at what sounded like a full throttle setting.

The NTSB report also said the witness said the airplanes pitch did not change as it approached the ground, and the nose of the airplane remained in a nose low attitude pointed toward the ground.

The witness told the NTSB that the plane struck the ground, bounced twice and stopped in an upright position.

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The report delved into the condition of the planes wreckage at the site, but did not point out any obvious mechanical failures. The aircraft was retained by NTSB investigators for further examination.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Take a sneak peek at Green Street, the new downtown community space set to open in Lees Summit next month.

It will be home to concerts, picnics, events and even an indoor farmers market.

Two new restaurants coming to City Market in Kansas City

Heres a look at the new space:

Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August Sneak peek: Green Street set to open in downtown Lees Summit in August

The city will be celebrating Green Streets grand opening the weekend of Aug. 15 from Friday through Sunday.

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The following local food truck vendors will be serving up food opening weekend:

Friday night, Aug. 15, will feature a block party, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks and live music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, enjoy Family Fun Day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The day includes a farmers market, food trucks, live music, street performers, as well as activities for the kids.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, take advantage of Wellness Day.

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Yoga and Zumba on the lawn

Personal training fitness classes

Fitness fair

Family stroller walk

Cooking classes

For more information about Green Street, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
MIDDLEBURG  Snyder County Chief Public Defender Jasmin Smith always intended to live in a quiet area as she pursued a career near her hometown of Philadelphia, never considering shed work in one of the states more rural areas.

Smith was drawn to criminal law as a teen and obtained a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Temple University.

Law was always interesting to me. I cant sing, I cant draw and I cant write creatively, she said. I was very good at loudly making my point.

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She graduated from Drexel University with a law degree in 2016 and became a licensed attorney in 2017. After clerking for a judge in New Jersey  who still calls her every year on her birthday  Smith returned to Pennsylvania to work at a law firm specializing in workers comp while living with a boyfriend in an upscale high-rise apartment.

It wasnt the place for me, she said of the job. I wanted to be a criminal defense attorney.

Raised by a single mother with a fraternal twin sister, Joslynn, and two older siblings, Sharee and Darnell, Smith didnt learn to drive until her late 20s. It broadened my horizons, she said.

With a drivers license, Smith was able to expand the job search. In late 2018, she accepted an assistant public defender position in Northumberland County.

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Im bad at geography, she quipped of her ignorance on the countys location in the state. Smith figured if the move didnt work out its not like Philly is going to close its door to me. I like quiet and never intended to live in the city, but I thought I would be closer.

She settled in and found her calling as a public defender. Northumberland County is where I learned to practice law, she said.

Smith also made close connections with colleagues, like assistant public defender Rachael Glasoe who left the job in Northumberland County in 2019 to take a similar position in Snyder County.

A year later, when Glasoe was appointed chief public defender in Snyder County, she recommended Smith join her.

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Shes a very thorough thinker, and you dont see that with a lot of new lawyers. It usually comes with a lot of experience, but she just came with it. She has the ability to see so many sides. Not just legal, but all facets, Glasoe said. She sees the consequences of small actions and she doesnt let her ego get in the way.

The pair worked together for less than a year before Glasoe left to take a job in her hometown of Erie. Thats when Smith was tapped to take the reins as Snyder County chief public defender, a position she has held since 2020.

I always felt kind of bad, because she was so new, Glasoe said. I knew she would be a great chief public defender, I just didnt know she would step into it so quickly.

Smith shakes her head with a smile at the memory.

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The biggest transition was Northumberland to Snyder. It was a bigger culture shock than moving from Philadelphia to Northumberland. They have livestock sales every week, she said of the Middleburg Livestock Auction on Route 522.

Outside of work, Smith often travels to Philadelphia to spend time with family and enjoys a yearly cruise.

She shares a home with her cat, Mini, and black lab/golden retriever mix, Arya, whose framed photo she keeps on a shelf in her office filled with folders, markers, pads and computer keyboard in various shades of pink, Smiths favorite color.

Despite the responsibility of her chosen profession, Smith said she sometimes still feels like the awkward, loud obnoxious kid who was teased in grade school.

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Assimilation was not an option, she said. So, Smith embraced the awkwardness and learned not to worry about the opinions of others.

Her colleagues often refer to her humor and confidence.

Despite the inherent adversarial roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys, Smith and Snyder County District Attorney Heath Brosius have a good rapport, which is evident in the way they jostle one another outside the courtroom.

She keeps me on my toes and fights for the rights of her clients, but she does it without tricks, Brosius said.

Smith is currently seeking an assistant public defender and part-time clerical assistant but has a longtime administrative assistant, Michelle Kreitzer, who has worked in the office since 1993 with seven other chief public defenders.

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Kreitzer said Smith is devoted to the work.

She really takes the time to talk with clients, Kreitzer said of the time Smith puts into each case.

Taking time to explain to clients the legal process and answer questions is important to Smith.

I love the work and enjoy what I do. Its everything I thought it could be, she said. I didnt want to feel like a cog in a wheel.
WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  One woman who witnessed the West Jordan house fire that killed 3 people and sent another to the hospital described the moment that her boyfriend ran to rescue the only survivor of the fire, a child. She said that the child was burned head to toe, but that her boyfriend doesnt consider himself a hero.

That rescue was caught on video, as her boyfriend, Asher, makes the decision to jump out of his vehicle and run toward the home engulfed in flames to help what appears to be a child in the backyard trying to get out.

Lucy Hunt is the other person in that video who continued recording after he left the car and jumped over the fence into the backyard. She spoke to ABC4.com, describing the scene and Ashers actions.

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While police have not confirmed, Hunt stated that the child was the fourth individual who was life flighted to the hospital in critical condition.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 3 killed, 1 airlifted after fire engulfs West Jordan home, investigation treated as a crime scene

Lucy said that they were in the car before they saw the fire. Asher was driving to work, and he was planning to drop her off on the way, when he noticed the smoke billowing from the fire.

He asked Lucy if they should turn around, and she said yes.

And so we turned around, and it was like, so much worse than we thought it was, and it was already getting darker and darker and larger, she described, referring to the smoke.

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Asher didnt hesitate, Lucy said. He just ran and jumped the fence because he saw He saw a little kid come out the side of the house.

Lucy said she stayed in the car because she didnt have shoes on, but she could see the child in the backyard.

You could just see her reaching for the gate, she couldnt get it open, and a neighbor broke down the fence so she could get out of there.

Lucy described the childs injuries. From where I could see, like you could tell that In [Ashers] own words, he said that she was burned from head to toe.

(Images courtesy Bayan Wang and Brandon Toale)

She added that the childs injuries didnt feel real to her, and they looked like something out of a movie.

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She was screaming. She was probably in so much pain, Lucy stated. She also said that the child was talking, but they couldnt understand what she was saying.

Once it was over, Asher and Lucy went back to their house, but on the way, they saw a dog who apparently came from the house that caught on fire.

At first we thought it was like, you know those grey dogs that have really long hair? We thought it was one of those, but we pull up and we roll down the window, you could smell the smoke on this dog. From so far away, you could smell it.

She said that the neighbor who broke down the fence also ran into the house and pulled the dog out, but it got spooked and ran. That neighbor ran into the house multiple times, she added, and he took his shirt off for the child to have something to wear.

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Asher declined to speak to the media, and Lucy said that he doesnt want to talk about it.

I think the reason that he didnt want to talk to anyone is because he didnt consider himself a hero, she said. I dont think he likes it when people keep saying that to him, because she got herself out, you know? She got out by herself. Shes the reason shes alive. He only really guided her.

Even though Asher may not want to be called a hero, Lucy described his courage.

I think he is so brave, Lucy said. You dont know that many people who would just jump into that, cause we were across the street. We could feel how hot it was, like so hot, I cant even imagine how it was over there.

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Asher was taken to the ER to be treated, but Lucy said that he is back home and doing well. She said that he also doesnt want to talk about what happened because he doesnt want to think about it.

Thats something you never want to see, she said. Thats like someones worst nightmare, and so, honestly, I think hes just trying not to think about it, and I cant imagine how it is for [the child] when she recovers.

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A second-year BDS student from a private university in Greater Noida allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room on Friday, said police. Two university staff members were taken into custody in connection with the case, based on a written complaint filed by the student's family. On information, police from Knowledge Park station arrived at the scene, conducted preliminary investigations, and sent the body for post-mortem after completing the necessary inquest formalities. Forensic experts and senior police officials also inspected the scene. Sharing the details on the incident, Greater Noida ADCP Sudhir Kumar said, "On 18th July, Knowledge Park Police station received information that a girl student died by suicide by hanging herself at a hostel of Sharda University. Police reached the spot and did the 'panchayatnama'. Relatives have reached the spot. As per their complaint, an FIR has been registered under relevant sections. Two accused have been taken into custody for questioning." The incident sparked outrage among the victim's family and university students, who protested against the Sharda University administration. However, police officials intervened and pacified the situation through dialogue. Law and order have been restored at the site. "Students were agitated over Sharda University's administration. They were pacified. The situation is under control. Further action is being undertaken," said ADCP Sudhir Kumar. Apart from this, seeking justice for the victim, a family member who is protesting outside the university campus said, "I want justice for my daughter, whether you call PM or CM. I have been sitting here since last night, and I am not going to leave until justice is served. Further levelling serious allegations on local police, she added, "Police conducted lathi charge on all our family members" Meanwhile, another family member who introduced himself as the victim's brother alleged that her sister was harassed by the faculty members, which led her to take the extreme step. "A week ago, a teacher blamed my sister for doing fake signatures of professors on her assignments. After which my father came to the university and talked to the administration, where he (father) was assured that his daughter would not be targeted. But despite that tomorrow the teacher mocked her by saying that 'she is an expert in doing signatures' and also threatened her with failing her in exams," (ANI)
A woman who was shot by the "Son of Sam" killer almost 60 years ago had to revisit her terrifying experience this week when she was confronted by one of David Berkowitz's friends.

On Wednesday, Wendy Savino was at the Valley Cottage Library in Rockland County, New York, when she was confronted by Frank DeGennaro, a friend of Berkowitz's who insisted the Son of Sam killer did not shoot her.

Savino, 88, told the New York Post that when she left the library, she saw a man standing outside staring at her.

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So I try to walk around him and he says, Youre Wendy Savino, arent you? Well, I just want you to know David is very upset about what happened to you. David wants to talk to you," she said, quoting DeGennaro. "'David wants you to know he didn't do it.'"

Savino was injured in 1976 when Berkowitz, now 72, shot her while she was sitting in her car in the Bronx. She said she tried to play dead after she realized the gunman was still outside her car, but Berkowitz fired twice more into her back.

David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam killer. Wendy Savino, a woman who Berkowitz shot several time in 1976, said she was confronted by one of his friends outside a local library in July 2025, and said the man insisted that Berkowitz did not shoot her (Getty)

David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam killer. Wendy Savino, a woman who Berkowitz shot several time in 1976, said she was confronted by one of his friends outside a local library in July 2025, and said the man insisted that Berkowitz did not shoot her (Getty)

She managed to crawl down a street to a restaurant where the staff called for help.

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Last year, NYPD investigators announced that her shooting was the first victim of the Son of Sam, who went on to kill six victims and wound two others between 1976 and 1977.

Berkowitz never faced charges for the shooting because the statute of limitations had expired.

After DeGennaro told Savino that he was friends with Berkowitz, she asked him to write down his name. She then gave the name to her son, Jason, and they called the Clarkstown Police Department to report the encounter.

He had me backed into a corner, she said. Hes just talking and talking about the same thing. Davids a really good person.'

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DeGennaro told the New York Post that he received a call from the police, but wasn't charged as he had committed no crime. He insisted he wasn't trying to scare Savino.

He told the paper that he became friends with Berkowitz 30 years ago after writing him a letter from prison. He said the two men bonded over their shared Christian faith.

DeGennaro said that he also happens to live in Clarkstown and visits the same library as Savino. He said he was surprised to run into her and added that he had not told her Berkowitz wanted to talk.

I realize now that it was probably the wrong thing to do, to even talk to her, he told the paper. This is getting blown out of proportion.

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While the encounter was likely terrifying for Savino and perhaps sobering for DeGennaro, it's a great bit of unintentional marketing for Netflix, which is releasing a documentary about Berkowitz on July 30 titled "Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes."

The documentary focuses on recently discovered recorded interviews with Berkowitz.

The Son of Sam killer confessed to his crimes in 1978, pleading guilty to six counts of second-degree murder and seven counts of attempted second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for each murder, and has been denied parole 12 times.

Savino said the encounter left her "very nervous."

I was always afraid someone would come to me and say Ill finish you off for David.'
LITTLE EAGLE, SD (KELO)  A Little Eagle, South Dakota man is going to prison for killing his brother.

A federal judge has sentenced 35 year-old Evan John Bobtail Bear to five years behind bars after he had pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in February.

Prosecutors say Bobtail Bear got into an argument with his brother in May of 2024 and punched him in the head.

His brother went down from the punch and struck his head on a concrete driveway, leaving him unconscious.

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The brother died in a North Dakota hospital the following month.

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SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's jailed ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted on additional charges on Saturday as a special prosecutor continues investigating him for his short-lived declaration of martial law in December.

The new charges include obstruction of the exercise of others' rights by abuse of authority, ordering the deletion of records and blocking the execution of arrest warrants, the prosecutor's office said in a briefing.

Yoon has been on trial on charges of insurrection, which is punishable by death or life imprisonment, facing additional charges since the special prosecutor was appointed in June to take over the cases against him.

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Yoon has denied all wrongdoing. His lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new charges.

The impeached and deposed former leader has been jailed at Seoul Detention Center since earlier this month, and a court earlier this week rejected his request to be freed from detention.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee and Jack Kim)
South Korea's deposed president Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted with charges of abuse of authority by a special counsel team, the Yonhap News Agency reported on Saturday.

The indictment is the third following previous indictments in January and March related to his declaration of martial law at the beginning of December.

The agency reported that Yoon had been accused of violating cabinet members' rights, retroactively drafting the martial law declaration, ordering the deletion of records from encrypted phones and other offences.

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Yoon is accused of treason, for which he could be jailed for life if found guilty.

Last week, a Seoul court renewed a custody order, with prosecutors stating that he could destroy evidence if released from prison. He will have to remain in prison until judgement is passed.

The former president has denied all charges. He surprised the country by declaring martial law on December 3, plunging South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades.

He has justified the move by saying that the left-wing opposition has been infiltrated by communist forces hostile to the state, without providing evidence for these allegations.

Left-wing politician Lee Jae Myung is currently serving as president after winning snap elections in early June following Yoon's dismissal in April.
Disgraced South Korean ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted for abuse of power Saturday over his declaration of martial law last year, as investigators widened an insurrection probe.

Yoon plunged South Korea into a political crisis when he sought to subvert civilian rule on December 3, sending troops to parliament in a bid to prevent lawmakers voting down his declaration of martial law.

He became the first sitting president in the country to be taken into custody when he was detained in January after resisting arrest for weeks, using his presidential security detail to thwart investigators.

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He was released on procedural grounds in March, even as his trial on insurrection charges continued.

Last week he was detained again after an arrest warrant was issued over concerns he might destroy evidence in the case.

The prosecution "indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges including abuse of power and obstruction of special official duties", prosecutor Park Ji-young told reporters Saturday.

Park said Yoon also did not follow the required procedure to declare martial law, including holding a meeting with all cabinet members of the government.

Yoon was also charged with "drafting and discarding a false document" that stated the prime minister and defence minister had endorsed martial law.

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Yoon has refused to attend questioning since he was detained, but appeared in court on Friday at a hearing to argue for his warrant to be cancelled.

The ex-president's legal team told reporters that Yoon defended himself for over 30 minutes, and mentioned his "limited physical mobility and the challenges he was facing".

The court denied the request.

Yoon is being held in solitary in a cell which has a fan but no air-conditioning, as a heat wave grips South Korea.

hs/fox
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Koreas ousted conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted Saturday on additional criminal charges related to his ill-fated imposition of martial law, about three months after he was formally thrown out of office.

Yoons additional indictments mean he will remain in jail for up to six months as he faces a trial at the Seoul Central District Court on his Dec. 3 martial law declaration that plunged South Korea into huge political turmoil. Yoon was sent back to prison last week after the Seoul court approved his arrest warrant requested by a team of investigators headed by independent counsel Cho Eun-suk.

Chos team indicted Yoon on abuse of power that obstructed the rights of some of his Cabinet members. The charge was imposed because Yoon summoned only select Cabinet members to approve his emergency martial law when South Korean law requires approval of all Cabinet members for such a measure, Park Ji-young, a senior investigator at Chos team, told a briefing.

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Park said Yoon was also charged with fabricating an official document in an attempt to satisfy a formal requirement for a martial law declaration before he eventually destroyed it.

State prosecutors have already indicted Yoon on other criminal charges including masterminding a rebellion, a grave charge whose conviction carries only two sentences  capital punishment or life imprisonment.

After declaring martial law, Yoon sent troops and police officers to the opposition-controlled National Assembly, but enough lawmakers managed to enter an assembly chamber and voted down his decree, forcing his Cabinet to lift it. Yoon was later impeached by the assembly, with some of his ruling party lawmakers also voting to suspend his presidential powers.

Yoon has argued his decree was a desperate attempt to draw public support of his fight against the wickedness of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which had obstructed his agenda, impeached top officials and slashed the governments budget bill. He earlier called the National Assembly a den of criminals and anti-state forces.

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In January, Yoon was arrested by state prosecutors. But in March, he was released from prison after a judge at the Seoul district court canceled his arrest to allow him to stand trial without being held in custody.

In April, the Constitutional Court formally dismissed Yoon as president, prompting a snap election to choose his successor. After winning that election, new President Lee Jae Myung, a former Democratic Party leader, approved legislation to launch independent investigations to uncover fuller details of Yoon's martial law stunt and delve into other criminal allegations involving his wife and administration. Lee named Cho an independent counsel to lead an investigation on Yoon's martial law decree.

In May, state prosecutors indicted Yoon on charges of abusing power and forcing soldiers and police officers to try to seal the assembly and election offices, acts that are not part of their duties.
The Brief

A man was found shot at a complex on Brookglade Circle Thursday night.

Witnesses said they heard multiple gunshots in the area before finding the victim.

Anyone with information can call HPD Homicide (713-308-3600) or Crime Stoppers (713-222-8477).

HOUSTON - A man died Thursday night after he was found shot at an Alief-area apartment complex, and police are calling on the public for any information.

Houston Alief shooting: Brookglade Circle

What we know

At about 8:45 p.m. Thursday, police say they were called to a shooting at an apartment complex on Brookglade Circle, near Bissonett Street and Dairy Ashford Road.

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When officers arrived, they reportedly found a man in the common area with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, but was later pronounced deceased.

Witnesses allegedly said they heard multiple gunshots before finding the victim.

No arrests have been made at this time.

What we don't know

The victim will not be named to the public until his loved ones have been notified. Police say he was 45 years old.

No suspect description is available at this time.

What you can do

Anyone with information on this case can call one of the following agencies:

HPD Homicide Division: 713-308-3600

Crime Stoppers: 713-222-TIPS (8477)

The Source

Houston Police Department
A dinnertime rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, is slated to lift off on Monday evening.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will potentially deploy the Boeing-built ninth and 10th O3B mPOWER satellites into medium-Earth orbit, SES reported.

Rockets here launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and people around Brevard County can usually see this phenomenon.

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Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast could be visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach and as far south as Vero Beach or West Palm Beach (see videos and photo gallery with this story).

When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos  the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo.

Below is more information on rocket launches in Florida and suggestions on where to watch them from the Space Coast.

Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral

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For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

When is the next SpaceX rocket launch in Florida? No earlier than Monday, July 21: SpaceX O3B mPOWER 9 and 10

Mission: SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket and deploy the Boeing-built ninth and 10th O3B mPOWER satellites into medium-Earth orbit, SES reported.

Launch window: 5 p.m. to 8:13 p.m. ET

Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Trajectory: Due east.

Sonic booms: No.

Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Live weather radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today? Will weather cancel a rocket launch?

Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast, Brevard County, Orlando and other parts of Florida. The current date and time show up on the bottom right of this radar embed; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache.

Where to watch SpaceX rocket launch from Space Coast of Florida

Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch  in certain areas, you can get an amazing view of SpaceX rocket boosters returning to the pads. The best view to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches.

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If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river.

If you are farther south along the Indian River, look northeast.

Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the pad from some spots).

Some hotspots to check out:

Jetty Park Beach and Pier , 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Note, there's a charge to park.

Playalinda Beach , 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn't always granted depending on capacity and time of day.

Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park , 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge.

Space View Park , 8 Broad St., Titusville

Sand Point Park , 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville

Rotary Riverfront Park , 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville

Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village , 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa (just before State Road 520 Causeway)

Cocoa Village , near the parks and shops or near the docks

Various parks on Merritt Island

Rotary Park , 1899 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island

Kiwanis Park on Kiwanis Island Park Road on Merritt Island

Port Canaveral , with ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean at port

Alan Shepard Park , 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.

Cocoa Beach Pier , 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies.

Lori Wilson Park , 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way.

Sidney Fischer Park , 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.

Downtown Cocoa Beach , along Minutemen Causeway

Tables Beach , 197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach

The Tides on SR A1A in Satellite Beach

Various parks, including the Pelican Beach Clubhouse, in Satellite Beach

Pineda Causeway

Eau Gallie Causeway

Front Street Park near Melbourne (U.S. 192) Causeway and U.S. 1 in Melbourne

Indialantic boardwalk at Melbourne Causeway and SR A1A

Paradise Beach Park , aka Howard Futch Park, 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne (this is a beachside park)

Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX rocket launch from Florida: How to watch Monday night's launch
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The special election for the Iowa Senate District 1 seat is now less than six weeks away.

The race is to fill the seat that late state senator Rocky DeWitt held. The 66-year-old died back on June 25 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

The election will take place on August 26.

Everything you need to know about voting in the upcoming special election

The Woodbury County GOP chose Christopher Prosch as their republican candidate, while the Woodbury County Democratic Party picked Catelin Drey as their nominee.

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Earlier this week, Prosch spoke at the County Board of Supervisors. He said residents in Sioux City and Lawton are being taken advantage of, from an economic perspective.

I also believe that the path to long-term prosperity starts with putting more money back in the hands of our citizens and our job creators. Thats why I support eliminating the state income tax and the state corporate tax. Working Iowans deserve to keep more of their paycheck, and our small businesses shouldnt be punished for growing and hiring. Eliminating these taxes will make Iowa, and more importantly, Sioux City and the surrounding area, a magnet for investment, entrepreneurship, and families looking for economic freedom, Prosch said.

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Drey said shes running for the people in Sioux City and Senate District 1.

She told KCAU 9 during Thursdays United We Stand Rally March that the public services in Iowa need to support the public good.

When we talk about Medicaid privatization, when we talk about diverting public dollars from public schools into an unreasonable and untraceable private school system, people are frustrated by that. And so, anything that we can do to really support those people who are good taxpaying citizens, who are doing the right things, and they just need a little bit of extra help to get on their feet, Drey said.

People can request an absentee ballot by mail from now through August 11. Early voting takes place from August 6 through the 25. On August 26, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
AUSTIN, Texas (KETK)  In this edition of East Texas In Focus, KETKs Tyler Henderson previewed the upcoming special session of the 89th Texas Legislature and the bills some East Texas lawmakers have already started filing.

Gov. Greg Abbott called the special session on July 9, outlining 18 agenda items that he says must be addressed. A significant portion of the agenda focuses on the recent catastrophic floods in the Texas Hill Country, including proposals for improved flood warning systems, disaster relief funding, and enhanced measures for natural disaster preparedness and recovery.

LIST: What to know about every Texas DPS alert

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Other key priorities include redistricting, support for human trafficking victims, incentives for water infrastructure projects and regulation of products containing THC.

KETK News has compiled a list of East Texas representatives bills filed.

Rep. Brent Money, House District 2, represents Hunt, Hopkins and Van Zandt counties.

Filed 7/18

Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.

If passed HB 127 would ban political subdivisions like counties, municipalities, special districts, school districts, junior college districts and housing authorities from using public money to hire lobbyists to influence members of the state legislature.

It would also ban those subdivisions from paying nonprofit state associations that primarily represent political subdivisions and hire or contract lobbyists.

Rep. Daniel Alders, House District 6, representing various towns in Smith County.

Filed 7/16

Relating to the date and requirements regarding an election to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds or other debt obligations payable from ad valorem taxes or to approve an increase in an ad valorem tax rate.

If passed HB 96 would amend the Texas election code to require that general obligation bond elections, like school bond or city bond elections, be held on the uniform election date in November of every year.

The bill would also require these bonds to have the support of three fifths of the voters to be approved rather than the current 51%. This supermajority of voters requirement for bond elections wont go into effect unless voters pass an amendment to the Texas Constitution.

Filed 7/15

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require a supermajority vote to authorize a political subdivision to issue general obligation bonds or other debt obligations payable from ad valorem taxes.

This resolution proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would ask voters if they would like bond elections to require a three fifths majority of voters to be approved.

Rep. Jay Dean, House District 7, representing Gregg, Harrison and Marion counties.

Filed 7/17

Relating to the repeal of or limitations on certain state and local taxes, including school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes, the enactment of state and local value-added taxes, related school finance reform, and directing the comptroller to identify alternatives to local ad valorem taxes; imposing taxes.

This bill would ban school districts from imposing the maintenance and operations (M&O) ad valorem tax that currently fund them and allow them to start levying a new 6.72% value-added tax (VAT) that would take effect on Jan. 1 2030.

This would only go into law if a constitutional amendment is passed to ban school districts from collecting M&O ad valorem taxes.

Filed 7/17

Relating to the use of certain federal funds received by the state to provide property tax refunds to Texas homestead owners.

Filed 7/17

Relating to requiring voter approval for certain local tax rate increases adopted pursuant to a disaster declaration.

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In a Facebook post, Dean said he would file four bills for the special session.

Filed: 7/14

Relating to a statewide order issued by the commissioner of state health services authorizing a pharmacist to dispense ivermectin.

As of now, no East Texas state senators have filed any bills. To watch this weeks full episode of East Texas In Focus, check out the video at the top of this page. Click here for the full list of House bills filled in the special session.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
The Army has new CCTV camera to monitor any anti-national activity in the wake of the Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra that will get underway in Poonch sector from July 28. The CCTV cameras have been set up along a 15-kilometre stretch leading to the shrine in Mandi, Poonch. These devotees for the yatra will come from different parts of India under the banner of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. A residents named Rashid expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and mentioned that these cameras were necessary, "I would like to thank the Indian Army for installing these cameras, and now everything about the yatra can be tracked." Adding further, Rashid said, "Now the yatra will be successful and we will be able to keep a track of people and their wrongdoings. Lastly, I would like to thank the security for taking this initiative." Abdul, another resident from Mandi, said, "We want this year's yatra to be better than before. This is also a symbol of brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims. I am extremely happy about the CCTV camera installation. Now, yatra will be safe and secure, and no wrong person can enter. If a person tried to run or hide somewhere, they would easily be caught because of these cameras." Swami Budha Amarnath Ji mandir is situated between the main belt of Pir Panchal Range at Rajpura Mandi, which is 25 km to the northeast of Poonch city. This sacred place is located on the confluence of two gushing streams, namely Nallah Gagri and Pulsta Nadi. There are four doors in the Mandir, and there is a natural Shivlinga inside the Mandir. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country visit Baba Budha Amarnath Ji temple during the annual yatra before Raksha Bandhan. A big Annual festival known as Budha Amarnath Ji Mela is held at the temple. Meanwhile, the 16th batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, consisting of 7908 pilgrims, departed from Jammu on July 18 amid tight security. Due to heavy rainfall in the region, the yatra had been suspended temporarily. But the pilgrimage was permitted to continue once the conditions improved. Pilgrims have been visiting the Shrine from all parts of the country and abroad since the beginning of the Yatra and have expressed great enthusiasm in undertaking this journey of faith, apart from appreciating the services and efficient management in the conduct of the Yatra. Since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage on July 3, as many as 2.51 lakh pilgrims have already performed darshan at the holy Amarnath cave shrine in the first fifteen days, the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) informed. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about a record turnout for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, noting the concerns about turnout following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which had shaken the nation. (ANI)
Jul. 18The federal government released two people remaining in jail Friday afternoon charged with crimes following a mass protest against federal immigration authorities, but the release didn't come without a fight from prosecutors.

Mikki Hatfield, 34, and Bobbi Silva, 38, are two of nine people who were indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this month and charged with crimes of violence against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a chaotic Spokane protest last month. The first seven people charged with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers were released Tuesday pending trial, while Hatfield and Silva remained in jail based on their additional charges of assault against a law enforcement official.

Everything sparked June 11 when two asylum-seekers were detained by ICE at a routine immigration check-in. Former City Council President Ben Stuckart, one of the immigrant's sponsors in the U.S., had posted a call to action on social media urging people to show up. Stuckart was also one of the nine people arrested and later released by federal authorities this week.

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The government alleges the nine defendants used "force and threats" against federal agents to "impede" the transport of federal detainees to their immigration hearings in Tacoma and to "coerce the release" of the detainees.

According to the grand jury indictment, Silva is accused of striking a federal officer from behind as the officer tried to clear the path for transport vehicles to leave ICE's local Spokane operations building at 411 W. Cataldo Ave. Hatfield is accused of throwing a "deployed incendiary device" at Spokane police officers and Spokane County Sheriff's Office deputies.

Both appeared in court Friday morning so a judge could determine if they should be released or remain in jail pending trial.

The government, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Cartier-Giroux, objected to Hatfield's release Friday. Although Hatfield has no criminal history, the government said Hatfield is a "danger to the community" and their "conduct was relentless" during the nine-hour protest. She noted Hatfield could face up to 20 years in prison.

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The government also said Hatfield made a threat against ICE agents on social media in which they posted the statement, "I like my ice crushed." Cartier-Giroux called the statement an open declaration against ICE and asked the judge to consider that behavior when deciding whether to release Hatfield.

Hatfield's attorney, David Partovi, found the comment humorous.

"The concept that he likes his ice crushed ... That's funny!" Partovi said in open court, prompting laughter from the audience and even some U.S. Marshals standing by. "That's a political joke. It's pervasive and protected political speech. To call it a threat, well, in fact, everything about this case is political speech."

Hatfield's mother agreed to move them to Boise, where they could be better taken care of pending further court proceedings. Hatfield is couch-surfing, Partovi said, but there's little indication they would flee or avoid responsibility. Partovi also cited Hatfield's efforts to stop using marijuana since June as a reason for release.

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Silva was also released Friday morning, according to court records. The initial petition to continue to detain her was based on "intent to cause another felony" and "physical contact" with police, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office news release.

Cartier-Giroux pressed for Silva to remain in detention, noting two phone calls Silva made to a friend and son while in jail. During the conversations, Silva asked for some boxes to be removed from her house. Cartier-Giroux said her friend agreed to do it and so did her son. It led the government to probe Silva's friend as an unindicted, alleged co-conspirator, prosecutors said in the hearing Friday, but no charges against Silva's friend have been filed.

Silva's defense attorney, Karen Lindholdt, said a man named Carlos, presumably Silva's partner or family member living in the home, was detained by ICE.

Silva was worried about the boxes because there was no one living in the home at the time and her stuff had been taken or stolen before, her attorney said.

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Each defendant faces their own release conditions based on their circumstances, but they are required to appear at all court dates, report to their respective probation officers, surrender a passport, have no drugs, guns or weapons and no additional criminal charges.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected online to state that Silva's mother is not involved.

Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  A 38-year-old Springfield man is going to spend the next 17 years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.

Jessie Bates was sentenced on July 17 to 17 years in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised released for the meth charge. At a sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Bates sold over 50 grams of meth to an individual and uncover agent.

Danville man found not guilty on first degree murder charges stemming from 2023 incident

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When law enforcement tried to arrest Bates, he fled at a high rate of speed, proceeding the wrong way down a busy one-way road. He then fled to the state of Georgia where he was ultimately arrested.

The government also presented evidence that Bates committed the offense while out on bond for a Sangamon County case involving aggravated discharge of a firearm.

At the hearing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless found that Bates was a career offender and eligible for an obstruction of justice enhancement for recklessly creating substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person in the course of fleeing from law enforcement.

The only thing to be gained from a career as a drug dealer is a prison sentence, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger. I appreciate the work of the ATF agents who came to Central Illinois and went into the field to ensure this was a successful operation. Their work has made our community safer.

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UPDATE: I-74 lanes reopen following crash that sent 4 to hospital

Bates initially pleaded guilty in March 2025 and remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, where he has been since his arrest in January 2024.

Additionally, the statutory penalties for distribution of meth are at least 10 years and up to a life term of imprisonment, at least five years and up to a life term of supervised release and up to a $10 million fine.

This case was a direct result of our Violent Crime Initiative and our strong partnership with the Springfield Police Department, said ATF Chicago Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. Through our targeted and collaborative enforcement efforts, and with the unwavering support of retired Chief of Police Ken Scarlette, a violent drug trafficker is now off the streets and behind bars.

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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case with help from the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriffs Office and the United States Marshals Service. The Illinois State Police provided assistance at the sentencing and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
We are reaching the scorched earth stage. Labour senses that it will lose the next election. The EU senses it, too. So both sides have decided to lock the UK into its subordinate status, to sign Farage-proof agreements that future governments will struggle to unpick.

The Telegraph has seen the texts on agriculture and energy policy that Sir Keir Starmer agreed in May. No wonder the PM was reluctant to get into specifics. Britain has accepted permanent and unilateral EU control of its food and energy regulations. Worse, it is agreeing to pay for the privilege of being slapped about.

The ins and outs of the deals, unlike Starmers soft-soap salesmanship at the time, are brutal. We are to become the EUs helots.

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Neither agreement should give the United Kingdom the right to participate in the Unions decision-making, the text proclaims, without diplomatic niceties.

Yet, at the same time: The United Kingdom should contribute financially to supporting the relevant costs associated with the Unions work in these policy areas. This includes financial contribution to inter alia the functioning of the relevant Union agencies, systems and databases.

To see how abusive the relationship is, try to picture it the other way around. Imagine a British Government insisting that trade with the EU is contingent on Brussels making financial transfers to the Treasury; that disputes will be arbitrated by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom; that Brussels must label its goods to avoid leakage into Northern Ireland; that British fishermen should have access to EU waters; that the EU might be allowed to defend British interests militarily, but only if it pays for the privilege; that any change in future British regulations will automatically be shadowed on the Continent.

Such things are, of course, unimaginable. British Euro-fanatics maintain that this asymmetry simply reflects the difference in the size of our economies, but that is nonsense. We are the sixth-largest economy in the world, for Heavens sake, and we are accepting terms that far smaller EU trading partners would not countenance.

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Indeed, nowhere else in the world are trade deals dependent on the deliberate subjection of one of the contracting parties. Australia and New Zealand have perhaps the most comprehensive trade agreement on the planet, but it would not occur to either side that the Kiwis should make budgetary transfers or hand over their fishing grounds as a participation fee.

Talking of which, New Zealand has a mutual recognition deal on agrifoods with the EU of a kind not uncommon among developed economies. Each side agrees to trust the others regulators. If a consignment of Danish bacon is approved by local inspectors, that is good enough for the Kiwis, and vice versa.

There was no reason for the EU not to have a similar deal with Britain, whose food standards were not simply compatible with its own, but identical. But Eurocrats were feeling vindictive. They wanted to punish us for the referendum. More than this, they fretted that, if Britain was allowed to opt out of the more unscientific and onerous Brussels regulations, it might import food from the rest of the world. It might, for example, go back to buying its beef from Australia and Canada rather than Ireland and France.

So Eurocrats demanded dynamic alignment (an odd phrase, few things being less dynamic than the EU). They insisted that the UK should not simply meet EU standards when selling to the EU, but should impose them domestically. And they insisted that the deal should be open-ended, so that future changes in those regulations would be automatically applied in Britain.

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The last Government was having none of it. It was well aware of the statistics. EU food exports to the UK were worth around two to three as much as the reverse. And many British exports were in categories where safety checks did not apply: Scotch whisky, for example.

It was Brussels that was, in diplomatic parlance, the demandeur here. The UK buys around 40 billion of EU food each year  a quarter of everything Europe exports. We take substantially more than the US and China. If Brussels wanted a New Zealand-style mutual recognition deal, said the Conservative Government, great; but the idea that Britain would invite foreign officials to regulate its domestic food standards was a non-starter.

Then came Starmer and everything changed. The hapless Labour leader was not interested in cost-benefit analyses. Rather, he approached the EU in the spirit of a mediaeval penitent, a man who wanted the sin of Brexit to be scourged from him. Deep down, he shared the European view that his country deserved to pay a price.

So he reversed the previous Governments position and invited Brussels to tell him what to do. More than this, he agreed to pay for it. As the text spells out: The United Kingdom should bear appropriate costs for participation in the common sanitary and phytosanitary area and for the implementation of the agreement to link the United Kingdom and the Unions greenhouse emissions trading systems.

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In exchange for what? Insults, chiefly. Again, try to imagine it the other way around. Imagine that, at every summit with a European leader, the British began by saying how wrong the other country was to allow its laws to be set abroad. I deplore Germanys decision to hand over its democracy to unelected Brussels functionaries, but I accept the decision of the German electorate.

You cant, can you? Yet we barely notice any more when European leaders say, as the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz did at his summit with Starmer this week: The UK, and I personally deplore this deeply, decided to leave the European Union. The reason he gets away with it, of course, is that Starmer agrees. So, indeed, does the Cabinet.

The Europhile think-tank, UK in a Changing Europe, writes quarterly reports monitoring the extent of divergence between Britain and the EU. Its latest, published last week, finds an unprecedented degree of alignment across 21 areas including energy policy, fisheries, trade and competition. The few areas in which Britain had been diverging  the freedom to grow precision crops, for example  are being brought into line.

Leftists often have a false idea of what conservatives believe, and Labour came to office genuinely convinced that the Tories were rejecting collaboration with the EU out of xenophobia. As a Number 10 spokesman told this newspaper last week: The Tory method was making bad choices because they were stuck in the ideological treacle of the past. Were not going to continue that.

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The truth  that Britain had pushed for close economic relations and had baulked only at the Carthaginian terms demanded by the other side  never entered Labour heads. Thinking that they were putting pragmatism above ideology, Labour accepted the EUs terms, to the incredulity of Brussels functionaries, who are now rushing to lock the deal in permanently.

Britains paltry asks  easier access for touring artists, equivalence for our financial services companies  were dropped during the talks. The sole claimed victory  the use of e-gates for British passport holders, something the EU could have done at any time, as Britain does for EU passports  turned out not to have been agreed.

On the other hand, Brussels got absolutely everything it wanted, from guarantees against British competition and a UK defence commitment down to a British agreement to perhaps subsidise the university fees of EU students, something that matters enormously to the children of Eurocrats (Eurobrats, as it were). It was an EU clean sweep. So long, and thanks for all the fish.

I suppose there is one silver lining. When, as seems inevitable, Labours fiscal incontinence brings a full-scale financial crisis, not even the #FBPE halfwits will be able to blame Brexit. As far as the economics goes, Brexit never happened.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  This week at the State House in Boston, the House dominated headlines between bills passed and a prominent arrest.

Local lawmakers advocate for community input on water bills

The House passed an updated version of the Shield Act, protecting patients and providers engaged in reproductive and gender affirming care.

Top Democrats say the bill sends a message to the Trump administration.

Whatever they throw up, well be ready to stand up against. The nice piece is they usually telegraph their stuff beforehand, how cruel they want to be, said Representative Michael Day.

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On Monday, lawmakers heard testimony on another priority issue: the state is considering implementing a generational nicotine and tobacco ban, prohibiting those born in or after 2006 from ever buying these products.

Some testifiers called this proposal hypocritical. You cant champion bodily autonomy and harm reduction on one side, and turn around and criminalize nicotine. Its inconsistent, its ideological, and it sends a mixed message, said Alexander Chouvelon of Rowley.

Also this week, a Watertown Representative was arrested and charged with drunken driving and leaving the scene of the crash. Representative John Lawn admitted to the facts of the case in court on Thursday. He faces fines, alcohol treatment and education, and a 45-day license suspension.

He fully accepts responsibility, Judge. He just asks, like any other person that comes before the court, to be given the mercy of the court, said Lawns attorney, Tim Flaherty, in court.

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Faced with shifting federal funding, the House of Representatives announced a hiring freeze this week, preparing for a difficult fiscal year.

Looking ahead to next week, we can expect to see lawmakers reacting to federal government policy changes and potentially reshaping their budget plan.

Local News Headlines

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Several agencies searched for a pilot of a hang glider after the small aircraft reportedly crashed off Plum Island Saturday morning.

Massachusetts State Police received several reports of a small, fixed-wing object crashing in the marshland near Newburys Plum Island around 8:30 a.m., an MSP spokesperson told Boston 25 News.

However, state police were unable to locate the crash site and called off the search around 11:00 a.m. after determining that the callers might have misseen the aircrafts descent.

Search called off now for reports of hang-glider who appeared to crash in the marshland near Plum Island. Newbury Fire Chief says they received multiple calls from ppl nearby who appeared to see out-of-control aircraft. No signs of problem after hours scouring area.@boston25 pic.twitter.com/WN5zqendpQ  April Baker (@AprilBakertv) July 19, 2025

The United States Coast Guard and Newbury Fire Department were also notified and assisted in the search.

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Cody Scott, a Logansport Police Department Officer who is facing two level 6 felony charges of neglect of a dependent, and his wife Kylie, who faces the same charges, appeared in Cass County Circuit Court on Thursday for what was initially scheduled to be their final conference before trial.

Instead of a quick confirmation that they were ready for trial, attorneys representing both the State of Indiana and the defendants scheduled a status hearing on Sept. 3, weeks before the jury trial currently scheduled for Sept. 22.

Attorneys for both parties also requested a modification to the cases no contact order, opting to give discretion to the Department of Child Services. Judge Stephen Kitts II, who oversees Cass County Circuit Court, said he would sign off on the request.

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According to court documents, there were two alleged incidents that led to the charges, which were filed in March.

The first charge accuses the defendants of forcing the victim, who is a dependent, to stand outside in inclement weather/freezing temperatures for long periods of time on Jan. 19.

The second charge accuses the defendants of forcing the dependent to wear or hold demanding signs at school and in public that were so offensive in nature that it put in danger her physical and mental health between Aug. 1, 2024, and Jan. 19.

The officer has been on administrative leave since late January, when multiple calls were made to Cass Central Dispatch and a post criticizing Scott spread across Facebook. An Indiana State Police investigation started shortly after, and the findings were handed over to the Cass County Prosecutors Office.

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Logansport Police Departments Lt. Brad Miller was also instructed to conduct an internal investigation. Miller is the internal affairs officer for the Logansport Police Department.

The internal investigation will be addressed after Scotts criminal trial comes to an end.

The Facebook post criticizing Scott allegedly shows a child being forced to stand outside and holding a sign that stated, I want to stab and kill my brother, I even take an antipsychotic. If you need to give pity, then give it to the victims.

Rebecca Gibbs, who took the original photo that was posted to social media, explained in a January phone call with the Pharos-Tribune that she was headed toward dinner at her in-laws home when she spotted the child in the cold.

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Seeing the sign, she decided to ask the child what was going on.

Gibbs said that the child was crying and seemed afraid to answer questions. Their cheeks and nose were red, she added, and they were shivering uncontrollably.

Gibbs said she called the police and asked for an officer that wasnt the childs father. Scott was the first officer to show up, though, Gibbs said, and another officer arrived roughly 10 minutes later.

The officers didnt let Gibbs file a report, Gibbs alleged, so she filed a report with the Cass County DCS and, after talking the situation over with her in-laws, decided to post a photo of the girl to social media.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City metro will be under an Extreme Heat Warning from noon Saturday until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Heat index values up to 105 to 110 are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4

With the extremely high temperatures, finding ways to stay cool will be crucial.

The heat and humidity will make this week extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for those who do not pay attention to some key signs of heat illness.

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Doctors are reminding people to be aware of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke.

If someone is showing symptoms call 911 or get them to an ER.

Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

Headache

Dizziness

Nausea

High body temperature

The city of Independence will have the Roger T. Sermon Center open as a cooling location Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.

Along with the cooling center in Independence, here are some other centers in Kansas City:

Kansas City Public Library (Central Library)

Garrison Community Center

Garrison Square Spray Park

Hope Faith  Cooling Site

Guadalupe Center

Gregg/Klice Community Center

Tony Aguirre Community Center

Kansas City Public Library (Ruiz Biblioteca De Las Americas)

Parade Park Spray Park

Spring Valley Spray Park

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To find a full list of cooling centers in the Kansas City metro visit the United Way of Greater Kansas Citys website.

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Heres a list at some of the cooling centers in Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County:

West Wyandotte Library

Eisenhower Spray Park

Providence YMCA/Ball Family Center

Turner Community Library

Pierson Spray Park

F.L. Schlagle Library

Kensington Community Center

South Branch Library

Parkwood Pool

Main Library

Armourdale Community Center

Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Library

Bonner Springs Family YMCA

To find a full list of cooling centers in Wyandotte County see here.

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For cooling centers in Johnson County, Kansas see here.

You can find more information on staying healthy in the heat on ready.org.

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GLADEWATER, Texas (KETK)  Gladewater Mayor Brandy J. Flanagan recently took to social media to call on residents to step up as the city faces issues with litter and vandalism.

LIST: What to know about every Texas DPS alert

Photo of Brandy J. Flanagan, courtesy of the City of Gladewater.

When I was a 20-year-old single mother living in what most would call a small two-bedroom shack, I worked as a nail technician while putting myself through college to support my daughter and me, Flanagan said. We were in the poverty category, no question. Yet I still took pride in my home and community. I never threw trash on the ground, and I kept that small house as clean and presentable as possible for us and our neighbors. Taking pride and responsibility has little to do with income level or age.

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According to Flanagans post, the citys parks have been consistently littered and vandalized in recent months. The city is also facing illegal dumping, neglected yards, and trash piling up on roads.

Flanagan explained that the trash piling up and the numerous code violations occurring throughout Gladewater have become too much for city staff to handle.

As Mayor, it is my responsibility to communicate the needs of our community clearly, and right now, this is a big one, Flanagan said. Our city staff simply cannot keep up with the amount of trash and code violations happening throughout our town. We need to step up as a community and take responsibility for the places we live, work and gather.

The mayor gave the following tips on how Gladewater residents can help keep the city clean:

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Pick up trash when we see it even if its not ours.

Keep our yards and businesses well-maintained.

Dispose of waste properly no exceptions.

When we notice an issue, start by talking with our neighbor, a park-goer, or the business owner and offer to help. Thats the neighborly way to handle it. If its not addressed, then report it.

Report violations to the non-emergency police line at (903) 845-2166 or through the Discover Gladewater App.

When we hold each other accountable and work together, we set a higher standard for our entire community, Flanagan said. Lets show what it means to take pride in Gladewater together.

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The Brief

A surprise plea hearing for Stephan Sterns is scheduled for Monday, days before his murder trial was set to begin.

Sterns is charged with killing 13-year-old Madeline Soto, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

He also faces 60 counts of sexual abuse, with a separate trial set for next week.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Days before Stephan Sterns was set to go to trial in one of two cases connected to the disappearance and death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, an unanticipated plea hearing has been scheduled for early next week.

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Late Friday afternoon, a "plea hearing" was scheduled for Monday afternoon, July 21, 2025, in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

FOX 35 plans to stream that court hearing live in the FOX Local app, on FOX35Orlando.com, and on YouTube. Click here to download the FOX Local app.

What we know

The one-page document  a "Notice of Hearing"  simply lists the date, time, and courtroom for the upcoming hearing. It also references "Plea."

The document was filed at 4:46 p.m. on Friday in the docket connected to Sterns' first-degree murder case. No other details were listed in the document.

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It was not immediately clear if a plea agreement had been reached or not. FOX 35 has reached out to the State Attorney's Office and attorneys for Sterns for comment.

Stephan Sterns has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Soto. Prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek the death penalty in that case.

Sterns also faces 60 counts of sexual abuse and other charges after explicit photos of him and Soto were allegedly found on his phone. That trial is scheduled to begin next week.

Soto was reported missing in late February 2024, days after her 13th birthday. Her body was found in a shallow grave five days later in Osceola County.

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Sterns was the live-in boyfriend of Soto's mom, Jennifer Soto.

What we don't know

It remains unclear what plea Sterns intends to enter, and whether it would apply to one or both criminal cases. It's also unknown whether prosecutors are formally offering a plea deal, or what terms it might include  such as life imprisonment in exchange for avoiding trial and the death penalty.

Timeline

After nearly 18 months of legal preparation, Sterns defense attorneys abruptly filed for a plea hearing late Friday. His trial for sexual battery was scheduled to begin Tuesday, with a separate murder trial expected later. Now, both cases could be resolved in a single hearing on Monday.

Big picture view

The case has drawn national media attention and prompted policy changes within Orange County Public Schools, particularly regarding how schools track and report student absences. The long-delayed trials have left both the legal system and the community seeking resolution.

What they're saying

Defense attorney Geoffrey Golub, who isnt part of this case, says the timing is intentional.

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"Once they start one trial, theyre not going to give him the deal in either case," Golub said.

Sterns remains the only person ever criminally charged with Maddies murder.

"They would probably have a deal for life, and the reason for the deal would be to avoid the death penalty," Golub explained. "It is anticlimactic, but its really good for the family. They dont want to go through that. They dont want to hear that."

The Source

A motion for the plea hearing was filed late on Friday, July 18 with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.
Editors note: The attached video is from an older report.

ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis judge took down a local law that required drivers to store firearms in lockboxes or other secured containers while leaving them unattended in vehicles.

The July 15 ruling states that a 2017 ordinance conflicts with a Missouri law that takes away local governments ability to regulate firearms.

Circuit Judge Joseph P. Whyte ruled that since the measure conflicts with state gun laws, it violates the Missouri Constitutions preemption clause, which prohibits local governments from enacting gun regulations that go beyond state law.

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The preemption states:

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The general assembly hereby occupies and preempts the entire field of legislation touching in any way firearms, components, ammunition and supplies to the complete exclusion of any order, ordinance or regulation by any political subdivision of this state.

The ordinance, introduced by former Alderwoman Lyda Krewson and approved unanimously by the Board of Aldermen, aimed to curb gun thefts from vehicles, which city officials say have surged in recent years and often lead to firearms being used in violent crimes.

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Requiring reasonable measures to secure firearms left in unattended vehicles will reduce gun thefts, protect the property of the Citys law-abiding citizens, and prevent stolen guns from falling into the hands of criminals, aldermen said in the ordinance.

Under the law, gun owners who left firearms unsecured in vehicles could face fines of up to $500 and incarcerations of up to 90 days.

Longtime Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright takes mound for Savannah Bananas

But Attorney General Bailey framed the ordinance as an unconstitutional infringement on Missourians Second Amendment rights.

In a gun-related lawsuit in February 2023, Bailey said, I have long held that the Constitution was meant to be a floor, not a ceiling, and the Second Amendment is the amendment that makes all of the others possible.

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The judges ruling leans heavily on Missouri Revised Statutes Section 21.750, which expressly prohibits cities and counties from adopting any ordinance or regulation related to the possession, transfer or storage of firearms beyond what state law allows.

Supporters of the ordinance had argued that the measure was tailored not to restrict gun ownership and pointed to data from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department showing more than 1200 guns stolen from vehicles in 2023, a 27% increase over the previous year.

It is still uncertain whether the city plans to appeal the ruling.

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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their heartfelt wishes. In a post on social media X, the CM wrote that she was deeply grateful for the gracious wishes and ever-inspiring guidance which has been a constant source of strength and motivation in her journey of public service. https://x.com/gupta_rekha/status/1946424008422912167 "Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, I am deeply grateful for your gracious wishes, blessings, and your ever-inspiring guidance which is a constant source of strength and motivation in my journey of public service," the post read. The CM applauded Modi for his unwavering commitment to India's resurgence and inclusive development, which continued to inspire everyone as he shaped Delhi into a vibrant, self-reliant, and citizen-centric capital. "Your unwavering commitment to India's resurgence and inclusive development continues to inspire us as we shape Delhi into a vibrant, self-reliant, and citizen-centric capital. As Chief Minister, I remain resolutely committed to translating your vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" into meaningful outcomes that positively impact every resident of the city. Humbled by your kind words, and honoured to serve under your visionary leadership," the post read. The CM also thanked Union Minister Amit Shah for the wishes and wrote in a post that his life was a living symbol of nationalism, organisational strength and visionary leadership. https://x.com/gupta_rekha/status/1946425173470544168 "Honourable Home and Cooperation Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, Heartfelt gratitude for your warm wishes and inspiring words. Your life is a living symbol of nationalism, organisational strength, and visionary leadership. The values of organisational discipline, ideological clarity, and dedication to work that I have received from you have provided vision, direction, and patience to my public life. Under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister ji, I am fully committed and dedicated to making Delhi one of the world's finest capitals. The inspiration to connect governance in Delhi with the spirit of public organisation, to bring clarity and firmness in policy decisions, and to live service as a form of devotion is constantly drawn from your work style and guidance," the post read. Further in her post, the CM wrote that Amit Shah's presence was a constant source of inspiration for her. "Your presence is a constant source of inspiration for me. I pray that this path-guiding role continues to pave the way in the future," the post read. The CM also thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for the thoughtful wishes and wrote in her post that Singh's unwavering dedication and principled public life continued to inspire countless karyakartas. https://x.com/gupta_rekha/status/1946429053038125125 "Hon'ble Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh ji, I am grateful for your warm wishes and kind words. Your unwavering dedication to the nation and principled public life continues to inspire countless karyakartas like me. Your thoughtful message further strengthens my resolve to serve Delhi with greater commitment and humility. Humbled by your generosity and deeply thankful for your encouraging words," the post read. Meanwhile, Rekha Gupta began her political journey in 1992 at Daulat Ram College. There, she took an active interest in solving the problems of her fellow students, where she emerged as a powerful voice for her dynamic efforts. From 2003 to 2004, she held the post of Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha in Delhi and later rose to become the National Secretary. Gupta worked as the Chairperson of the Women Welfare and Child Development Committee from 2007 to 2009. In 2010, she was honoured with the responsibility of being a member of the BJP's National Executive. (ANI)
Top photo: Unify UNO vice presidential candidate Aditi Rai, left to right, joins presidential candidate Drew Leisy and chief of staff candidate Gio Gomez. Bottom photo: The Torch chief of staff candidate Amir Elrefaie, from left to right, joins presidential candidate Carlos Irizarry Gumbs. (Courtesy of Sam Eckler/UNO Gateway)

OMAHA  The student commission in charge of elections at the University of Nebraska at Omaha invalidated this years winning ticket and disregarded the will of UNOs student voters  an act almost inconceivable in U.S. elections but far more common on college campuses.

The short version: The candidates making up The Torch ticket defeated the opposing Unify UNO ticket by 33 votes, in a spring election with near-record turnout of 1,580 students. However, prior to the vote counts release, Unify UNO requested that the student-run Election Commission disqualify 50 votes for The Torch.

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UNOs five-member student Election Commission went a step further and eliminated every vote The Torch received. That means Unify UNO assumed the mantle of student leadership at UNO  and the prominent advisory spot that the university has on the NU board of Regents  despite losing the popular vote.

Why votes were tossed

Why was the student bodys vote thrown out? The commission decided that private messages between students shared by The Torch created a false, libelous image of their opponents, causing students to believe Unify UNO candidates were puppets of the UNO administration and working to defund student organizations.

Although The Torch appealed, calling the messages an expression of concern, not actionable libel, the commission didnt budge, anointing Unify UNO.

After the unusual election result, some students say they are wary of the new leadership. One student called the election egregious. Another called Unify UNOs actions not truly democratic. The former chief of staff of the student body resigned in protest amid the fallout.

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To top it off, the UNO Office of Student Life has opened an investigation to see if the final vote count was leaked to either ticket before the public release of the tally following what some described as an eerily specific request to throw out 50 student votes.

Its happened before

However odd, student election shake-ups arent unique to UNO, having occurred on other campuses nationally. At Florida Atlantic University this spring, an election commissioner threw out every vote received by a group that won in a landslide because they handed out 50 T-shirts promoting the campaign on student union grounds.

Similarly, 10 years ago at the University of Kansas, student election results were overturned because one group gave out free Chipotle to prospective voters. The incident is cemented in KU history as burrito-gate.

UNO itself has faced close, controversial elections in the past, undergoing a near-identical turnout and down-to-the-wire vote in 2018. That year, one ticket was accused and later admitted to forging student signatures to reach the ballot.

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Despite the forgery, the election commission refused to throw out the student bodys vote and declared the offending party the winners. One election commissioner at the time described the request to throw out student votes pretty dang petty.

Student reaction

UNO political science student Elaine Arko followed this springs election closely, saying she was upset about the decision to invalidate The Torch. Although Arko said the group broke some rules, she said she feels the Election Commission is ignoring the student body.

I did think The Torch violate[d] what was in the rules for the election, Arko said. But is it fair for the Election Commission to basically decide the election because of that? Imagine if, in this past presidential election, some other body just decided that Kamala Harris won when it was clear that Donald Trump had won. People would be so upset over that.

So why are we expected to go with it?

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Arko relayed the gravity of such decisions to the democratic process, saying student government elections may not carry the same consequences as local or national elections, but theyre still important.

Randy Adkins, a UNO political scientist who studies political campaigns and elections, said the effect on the perception of whether democracy has been upheld depends on whether all parts of the process are followed.

The administration of elections is something that those who do the job take very seriously, Adkins said. Sometimes, however, things happen, and when that does, we can make changes to the law that will prevent issues from happening in future elections.

Push for changes

Nate Ostdiek, who served as UNOs chief of staff, said such changes are urgently needed at UNO. Ostdiek said he resigned amid concerns over then-student body president Ishani Adidams refusal to disclose information to this years election commission that he believed could have impacted the commissions decision.

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Appointed by student government leaders, the five election commissioners underwent a lengthy interview process to reach their positions. The process focused on communication, organization and integrity, said Camden Carmichael, who served on the UNO Election Commission this spring.

Carmichael said the group places a heavy emphasis on conducting fair, unbiased elections, with checks and balances to ensure a level playing field.

However, Ostdiek said he believed the Election Commission lacked a measure of consistency in its decision. He called for UNOs Election Commission to set standards of evidence for allegations to be proven  and to require that complainants reach a higher threshold before invalidating a ticket or a vote.

Election Commission members declined to tell The UNO Gateway more about their decision beyond the reasons they laid out in writing: that they believed The Torch deliberately attempted to destroy Unify UNOs reputation through false narratives.

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Ostdiek said the decision left the student body lacking answers  another student government election ending with questions.

In my opinion, I dont think that election by invalidation is a proper way [to end an election], Ostdiek said. I dont really think it was fair.

A version of this article first appeared in The Gateway, the University of Nebraska at Omahas independent student newspaper.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A driver of a reportedly stolen vehicle was arrested after attempting to flee from authorities in Aurora, according to police.

The Aurora Police Department said that early Friday morning, officers located a vehicle that was reported as stolen 20 minutes prior and attempted to make a traffic stop near Colfax Avenue and Yosemite Street.

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Police said the driver fled and tried to turn off Colfax and onto Geneva Street. Due to the drivers speed, police said she crashed through the front window of an unoccupied building at 10305 E. Colfax Ave.

The police department said narcotics and a firearm were recovered from the vehicle.

A driver of a reportedly stolen vehicle was arrested after attempting to flee from authorities in Aurora and crashing into a building, according to police. A driver of a reportedly stolen vehicle was arrested after attempting to flee from authorities in Aurora and crashing into a building, according to police.

The driver was arrested and identified as Tracy Colon, 35.

The APD said Colon has been arrested by Aurora police multiple times in the past.

Police said she was arrested on charges of reckless driving, third-degree motor vehicle theft and possession of a controlled substance. Formal charges are expected to be filed by the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office.

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Educators from around North Dakota traveled to the Capitol for the 2025 Indian Education Summit on Thursday and Friday. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

How do you get students to remember what they learn? According to Gladys Hawk, a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, you tell them a story.

Hawk is one of dozens of tribal elders featured on the North Dakota Department of Public Instructions Teachings of Our Elders website, which now boasts more than 350 videos.

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In an interview played for educators at the Department of Public Instructions annual Indian Education Summit in Bismarck on Friday, Hawk spoke of the bedtime stories her grandmother would tell her in Lakota growing up.

Hawk said at the end of each tale, her grandmother would tie in an important life lesson.

She would say, And thats why I want you to be good  dont be like this one in the story, said Hawk. We have to listen to what our elders have to say, because usually theyre teaching us something important.

Sharla Steever and Scott Simpson, who worked on the videos for North Dakotas Native American Essential Understandings project, shared Hawks interview as one example of how attendees can integrate Native culture and history into the classroom.

You can pull those stories in any time you want, if you want to focus in on a concept or a theme or something historical that the elder is speaking about, Steever said of the Teaching of Our Elders videos.

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Steever said in her experience, storytelling helps to create a sense of community in the classroom. Kids tend to retain information if they have a personal anecdote to connect it to, she said.

Under a law adopted by the state Legislature in 2021, K-12 schools in North Dakota are required to teach Native history. The website is one of a number of resources the Department of Public Instructions Office of Indian and Multicultural Education has developed that can support schools in this area, Steever said.

She said the Department of Public Instruction is still doing interviews with elders from time to time. However, it can be difficult to arrange.

While the agency likes to give elders who participate a stipend, theres not a ton of funding available, Steever said.

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Theres never really been a budget for that, she said. The department also has to squeeze in time for the interviews around its other work, she added.

Haiden Person, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and a recent graduate of Bismarck High School, delivers a youth address during the Indian Education Summit at the North Dakota Capitol in Bismarck. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

Steever said shes working on an additional set of video interviews with Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate elders.

Haiden Person, a recent graduate from Bismarck High School and the conferences youth speaker, said Friday that teaching more Native American culture and history in schools is key to combatting anti-Indigenous racism.

They dont know its wrong, youve just got to teach them, said Person, a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Person recently graduated from Bismarck High School and plans to attend United Tribes Technical College in the fall. Person said mental health is an issue close to his heart, and that he plans to become a psychiatrist.

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The summit also welcomed Daniel Kish, an expert in human echolocation  using sound to locate objects  and president of World Access for the Blind, for a keynote address.

Kish has been blind since he was a year old. He said he gained the ability to echolocate because his parents wanted him to be self-sufficient despite his disability. He now helps teach the skill to other blind people.

Its an ability that provides you with awareness of the environment thats way out beyond the length of your cane, he said.

He said a broader goal of his is studying how people develop a sense of personal identity and agency. Kish said he appreciated hearing Person talk about mental health and the importance of leaning on others in your community.

Haiden had it right, dont be afraid to ask for help, Kish said.

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Refugees havent been welcome in the United States since the first day of President Donald Trumps second term, when he signed an executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 90 days. Despite a February 2025 federal court order to resume refugee resettlement, the administration has said that wont be happening any time soon because the countrys refugee system has been so thoroughly dismantled.

Trumps Jan. 20, 2025, executive order discontinued regular refugee processing and halted all federal funding for refugee resettlement. It ended the State Departments 2023 Welcome Corps program, which allowed U.S. citizens to privately sponsor refugees, as well as a program that resettled children from Central America and certain family members. Trump also suspended the follow-to-join visas that reunited refugee families.

Together, these programs make up the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Created in 1980, the program resettles refugees nationwide through partnerships between the government and U.S.-based resettlement agencies. It had made the U.S. the global leader in refugee resettlement.

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As a scholar of refugees and displacement, I expect refugee admissions to remain close to zero for the rest of Trumps term. Thousands of refugees, both at home and abroad, will suffer as a result. So will the many Americans who work within the countrys sprawling refugee resettlement network.

Brief history of US refugee policies

Under U.S. and international law, refugees are people fleeing persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, membership in a particular social group, political opinion, religion or national origin.

While refugees have come to the U.S. since its founding, the Displaced Persons Act of 1948 was the countrys first official refugee law. The act, which expired in 1952, allowed more than 350,000 European refugees displaced by World War II to enter the U.S. within the constraints of an existing quota system that defined how many refugees the country would admit each year, and from which countries.

Between 1952 and 1980, numerous international refugee crises spurred Congress to pass a series of laws welcoming certain groups into the country.

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Political calculations played a major role in these decisions. For instance, as part of Americas Cold War anti-Communist strategy, Congress passed laws in 1962 and 1966 giving tens of thousands of Cubans fleeing Fidel Castros regime sanctuary in the U.S.

In the 1970s and 1980s, following its loss to communist North Vietnam in the Vietnam War, the U.S. welcomed approximately 1.4 million refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

In 1980, Congress passed the Refugee Act, which amended existing law to raise the annual ceiling for refugees and created a formal process for refugee resettlement.

Every year, through presidential determination, the president in consultation with Congress establishes refugee admissions levels. This decision takes into account U.S. national interests and international humanitarian crises. The caps are announced in the fall.

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On average, since 1980, the annual presidential determination number has exceeded 95,000 people. Since 2000, Presidential determinations have ranged from a low of 27,131  after the 9/11 attacks  to last years ceiling of 125,000 refugees per year.

How to get refugee status

To vet potential refugees and assist qualifying refugees in the resettlement process, several U.S. government agencies coordinate closely: The State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services.

To qualify for consideration, refugees must be living overseas. The resettlement process begins with registration with the U.N. Refugee Agency. U.N. officials collect documentation and perform an initial screening, then refer qualifying individuals to one of seven U.S. State Department resettlement support centers worldwide.

State Department officials interview applicants and submit them to a rigorous screening that includes an FBI background check. Highly trained immigration officers posted overseas then try to confirm whether applicants meet the legal standards of a refugee. They conduct face-to-face interviews to verify who they are and what forced them to flee. Testimonies are evaluated for consistency with country conditions.

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The process takes 18 to 36 months or longer.

Once refugees are accepted into the U.S., 10 national refugee resettlement agencies in coordination with local nonprofit partners support them during their first 90 days in the country.

Previous suspensions

Critics of resettlement, including Trump, have argued that refugees threaten U.S. national security, are unvetted and do not assimilate into the U.S. economy and society.

However, research show that refugees contribute both economically and socially through taxes and entrepreneurship. They also revitalize towns with declining populations.

Between 2005 and 2019, refugees yielded a net positive fiscal impact of US$123.8 billion, at both federal and state levels, and generated an estimated $581 billion for governments at all levels. A 2023 American Immigration Council report found that the spending power of refugees in just one state, California, totaled more than $20.7 billion.

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There is no link between refugees and crime, nor is there any notable link to terrorism.

Although the 9/11 attacks were not committed by refugees, President George W. Bush in 2001 suspended refugee admissions for several months, leaving 23,000 refugees already approved for resettlement in limbo, mainly in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Many had sold their belongings and homes in anticipation of moving to the U.S.

In 2017, Trump in his first term in office issued executive order 13769. The directive suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days and barred entry of people from seven Muslim-majority countries  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  for 90 days. It also indefinitely banned Syrian refugees.

Trump also lowered the annual refugee admissions cap, from 110,000 in 2017 to 45,000 in 2018, and continued dropping it each year. By 2021, his administration had set the lowest refugee cap in U.S. history, at 15,000.

What happens when refugee resettlement pauses

The second suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program drastically affected refugees waiting abroad for resettlement and those already in the U.S.

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Arabic-speaking refugees in particular struggled with discrimination and psychosocial challenges such as stress and other medical issues, leading to poorer social integration.

During Trumps first term, a ban on refugees from Muslim-majority countries created chaos at U.S. airports. David McNew/Getty Images

The U.S. economy suffered, too. One researcher estimated that Trumps 2017 suspension of refugee resettlement deprived the country of $9.1 billion in economic activity per year and sapped public coffers at all levels of government of over $2 billion a year. More than 300 Americans who worked in refugee resettlement were laid off in 2017 alone.

Trumps Muslim ban created an enormous backlog of immigration cases. In 2021, for instance, the incoming Biden administration inherited petitions for 25,994 unprocessed refugee family reunification cases.

Many other vetted refugees were not allowed entry, including U.S.-affiliated Iraqis and Afghans who remained trapped in violent contexts.

Immediate impact of Trumps order on refugee resettlement

Similar repercussions are already seen today.

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As of Jan. 22, 2025, the Trump administration had canceled the flights of 10,000 vetted refugees into the U.S. Most of them were coming from the 10 countries that the U.S. had accepted refugees from in recent years, including Venezuela, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Sudan and Iraq.

These refugees are now at acute risk of persecution and violence.

Recently arrived refugees, who would normally receive assistance for their first 90 days, are likewise losing support for basic essentials such as warm clothing, food and housing assistance.

Resettlement agencies nationwide are also feeling the pain of Trump cutting federal funding for refugee resettlement.

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Several nonprofits have lost millions in government contracts allocated to assist new arrivals. They were forced to fire dozens or in some cases hundreds of staffers.

Three refugee resettlement agencies have sued the federal government for withholding congressionally appropriated funding for refugee processing and services. On Feb. 25, 2025, a federal judge in Seattle agreed with the plaintiffs in Pacito v. Trump that Trump likely exceeded his authority and temporarily blocked the refugee programs suspension.

The legal battle over Americas refugee system has just begun. History suggests everyone involved with the program and the U.S. economy will suffer for years to come.

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: Tazreena Sajjad, American University School of International Service

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Tazreena Sajjad does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris on Saturday pledged to rebuild Khartoum on his first visit to the capital, ravaged by more than two years of war, since assuming office in May.

Touring the city's destroyed airport, bridges and water stations, the new premier outlined mass repair projects in anticipation of the return of at least some of the millions who have fled the violence.

"Khartoum will return as a proud national capital," Idris said, according to Sudan's state news agency.

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The war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in the heart of the capital in April 2023, quickly tearing the city apart.

Tens of thousands are estimated to have been killed in the once-bustling capital which 3.5 million people have fled, according to the United Nations.

According to Khartoum state's media office, Idris on Saturday visited the army headquarters and the city's airport, two national symbols whose recapture along with the presidential palace earlier this year cemented the army's victory in the capital.

But reconstruction is expected to be a herculean feat, with the government putting the cost at $700 billion nationwide, around half of which in Khartoum alone.

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The army-aligned government, which moved to Port Sudan on the Red Sea early in the war and still operates from there, has begun to plan the return of ministries to Khartoum even as fighting rages on in other parts of the country.

Authorities have begun operations in the capital to properly bury corpses, clear thousands of unexploded ordnances and resume bureaucratic services.

On a visit to Sudan's largest oil refinery, the Al-Jaili plant just north of Khartoum, Idris promised that "national institutions will come back even better than they were before".

The refinery -- now a blackened husk -- was recaptured in January, but the facility which once processed 100,000 barrels a day will take years and at least $1.3 billion to rebuild, officials told AFP.

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Idris is a career diplomat and former UN official who was appointed in May by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan's de facto leader, to form an administration dubbed a "government of hope".

The war has created the world's largest hunger and displacement crises, with nearly 25 million people suffering dire food insecurity and over 10 million internally displaced across the country.

A further four million people have fled across borders.

In Sudan's southern Kordofan and western Darfur regions, the fighting shows no signs of abating, with the paramilitaries accused of killing hundreds in recent days in attempts to capture territory.

bur-bha/ami
Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris on Saturday pledged to rebuild Khartoum, ravaged by more than two years of war, as he made his first visit to the capital since assuming office in May.

Touring Khartoum's destroyed infrastructure earlier, the new premier outlined mass repair projects in anticipation of the return of at least some of the over 3.5 million people who fled the violence.

"Khartoum will return as a proud national capital," Idris said, according to Sudan's state news agency.

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Sudan's army chief and de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who appointed Idris, landed Saturday at Khartoum's airport, recaptured by the army in March after nearly two years of occupation by their rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in the heart of the capital in April 2023, quickly tearing the city apart.

Tens of thousands are estimated to have been killed in the once-bustling capital, and reconstruction is expected to be a herculean feat, with the government putting the cost at $700 billion nationwide, with Khartoum alone accounting for around half of that.

The army-aligned government, which moved to Port Sudan on the Red Sea early in the war and still operates from there, has begun to plan the return of ministries to Khartoum even as fighting rages on in other parts of the country.

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Authorities have begun operations to properly bury the bodies still missing around the city, clear thousands of unexploded ordinance and resume bureaucratic services.

On a visit to Sudan's largest oil refinery, the Al-Jaili plant just north of Khartoum, Idris promised that "national institutions will come back even better than they were before".

The refinery -- now a blackened husk -- was recaptured in January, but the facility which once processed 100,000 barrels a day will take years and at least $1.3 billion to rebuild, officials told AFP.

- Cabinet stumbles -

The UN expects some two million people will return to Khartoum this year, but those coming back have found an unrecognisable city.

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The scale of looting is unprecedented, aid workers say, with evidence of paramilitary fighters ripping copper wire out of power lines before they left.

Vast areas of the city remain without power, and the damage to water infrastructure has caused a devastating cholera outbreak. Health authorities recorded up to 1,500 cases a day last month, according to the UN.

"Water is the primary concern and obstacle delaying the return of citizens to their homes," Idris said on Saturday.

A career diplomat and former UN official, Idris is building a government that critics warn could put up a veneer of civilian rule, in addition to facing challenges within its own camp.

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In 2020, during a short-lived transition to civilian rule, the government in Khartoum signed a peace agreement with Sudanese armed groups, allocating a share of cabinet posts to signatories.

All but three cabinet posts are now filled, and armed groups currently fighting alongside the army have retained their representation in Idris's government.

But reports that Idris had sought to appoint technocrats in their place have created tensions.

Some of the armed groups, known together as the Joint Forces, have been integral in defending North Darfur state capital El-Fasher, which has been besieged by the paramilitaries since May of last year.

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If the RSF succeeds in taking El-Fasher, it will control all of the vast western region of Darfur, cementing the fragmentation of the country.

Despite the army securing the capital, as well as the country's north and east, war still rages in Sudan's west and south, where the RSF is accused of killing hundreds of civilians in recent days.

Sudan is suffering the world's largest hunger and displacement crises, with nearly 25 million people in dire food insecurity and over 10 million internally displaced across the country.

A further four million people have fled across borders.

bur-bha/ami/gv
The Brief

Three cars were burning in the City Walk Parking Garage early Saturday, July 12.

A person of interest was seen on serveillence footage with a face covering, all black clothes, and a backpack.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 281-342-8477.

SUGAR LAND, Texas - Sugar Land authorities are looking for a person of interest in a case of suspected arson in a parking garage.

Sugar Land parking lot fire: Person of interest

What we know

According to city officials, the fire happened Saturday, July 12, at about 4 a.m. in the City Walk Parking Garage near Highways 59 and 6.

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Officials say three cars were found burning on the third floor of the garage.

Surveillance footage has been released of a person of interest. The person was seen dressed in all black with a face covering and a black backpack.

(Photo courtesy: City of Sugar Land)

What we don't know

No other information is available at this time.

What you can do

Anyone with any information on this incident can call the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-8477.

The Source

City of Sugar Land
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The early aughts were the worst possible kind of golden age. Tans were inescapableon Britney Spearss midriff, on the flexing biceps outside of Abercrombie & Fitch stores. The Jersey Shore ethos of gym, tan, laundry infamously encapsulated an era in which tanning salons were after-school hangouts, and tanning stencils in the shape of the Playboy bunny were considered stylish. Self-tanning lotions, spray tans, and bronzers proliferated, but people still sought the real thing.

By the end of the decade, tannings appeal had faded. Americans became more aware of the health risks, and the recession shrank their indoor-tanning budgets. But now America glows once again. The president and many of his acolytes verge on orange, and parties thrown by the MAGA youth are blurs of bronze. Celebrity tans are approaching early-aughts amber, and if dermatologists observations and social media are any indication, teens are flocking to the beach in pursuit of scorching burns.

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Tanning is back. Only this time, its not just about looking goodits about embracing an entire ideology.

Another apparent fan of tanning is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Americas perpetually bronzed health secretary, who was spotted visiting a tanning salon last month. What tanning methods he might employ are unknown, but the secretarys glow is undeniable. (The Department of Health and Human Services didnt respond to a request for comment about the administrations views on tanning or Kennedys own habits.)

On its face, the idea that any health secretary would embrace tanning is odd. The Obama administration levied an excise tax on tanning beds and squashed ads that marketed tanning as healthy. The Biden administration, by contrast, made sunscreen use and reducing sun exposure central to its Cancer Moonshot plan. The stated mission of Kennedys Make America Healthy Again movement is to end chronic diseases, such as cancer, by addressing their root causes. Yet the Trump administrations MAHA report, released in May, doesnt once mention skin cancer, which is the most common type as well as the most easily preventable. It mentions the sun only to note its connection with circadian rhythm: Morning sun synchronizes the bodys internal clock, boosting mood and metabolism.

In fact, theres good reason to suspect that Kennedy and others in his orbit will encourage Americans to get even more sun. Last October, in a post on X, Kennedy warned that the FDAs aggressive suppression of sunlight, among other supposedly healthy interventions, was about to end. Casey Means, a doctor and wellness influencer whom President Donald Trump has nominated for surgeon general, is also a sun apologist. In her best-selling book, Good Energy (which she published with her brother, Calley Means, an adviser to Kennedy), she argues that Americas many ailments are symptoms of a larger spiritual crisis caused by separation from basic biological needs, including sunlight. Shockingly, we rarely ever hear about how getting direct sunlight into our eyes at the right times is profoundly important for metabolic and overall health, she writes. An earlier version of Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill tried to repeal the excise tax on tanning beds. (The provision was cut in the final version.)

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The alternative-health circles that tend to attract the MAHA crowd are likewise skeptical of sun avoidance. They dont want you to know this. But your body was made for the sun, says a somatic energy healer with 600,000 followers who promotes staring directly into the sun to boost mood and regulate the bodys circadian rhythm. (Please, dont do this.) On social media, some influencers tout the suns supposedly uncelebrated power to increase serotonin and vitamin D, the latter of which some erroneously view as a cure-all. Some promote tanning-bed use as a way to relieve stress; others, such as the alternative-health influencer Carnivore Aurelius, promote genital tanning to boost testosterone. Another popular conspiracy theory is that sunscreen causes cancer and is promoted by Big Pharma to keep people sick; a 2024 survey found that 14 percent of young adults think using sunscreen every day is worse for the skin than going without it.

These claims range from partly true to patently false. The sun can boost serotonin and vitamin D, plus regulate circadian rhythmbut these facts have long been a part of public-health messaging, and theres no evidence that these benefits require eschewing sunscreen or staring directly at our star. Tanning beds emit little of the UVB necessary to produce vitamin D. Some research suggests that the chemicals in sunscreen can enter the bloodstream, but only if its applied to most of the body multiple times a day; plus, the effects of those chemicals in the body havent been established to be harmful, whereas skin cancer has. And, if I really have to say it: No solid research supports testicle tanning. Nor does any of this negate the suns less salutary effects: premature aging, eye damage, and greatly increased risk of skin cancer, including potentially fatal melanomas.

The specific questions raised in alternative-health spaces matter less than the conspiracist spirit in which they are asked: What havent the American people been told about the sun? What lies have we been fed? Their inherent skepticism aligns with Kennedys reflexive mistrust of the health establishment. In the MAHA world, milk is better when its raw, beef fat is healthier than processed oils, and the immune system is strongest when unvaccinated. This philosophy, however flawed, appeals to the many Americans who feel that theyve been failed by the institutions meant to protect them. It offers the possibility that regaining ones health can be as simple as rejecting science and returning to nature. And what is more natural than the sun?

[Read: Youre not allowed to have the best sunscreens in the world]

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Now is an apt moment for American politics to become more sun-friendly. Tanning is making a comeback across pop culture, even as anti-aging skin care and cosmetic procedures boom. Young people are lying outside when the sun is at its peaknew apps such as Sunglow and Rayz AI Tanning tell them when UV rays are strongestto achieve social-media-ready tan lines. Last year, Kim Kardashian showed off a tanning bed in her office (in response to backlash, she claimed that it treated her psoriasis). Deep tans are glorified in ads for luxury goods, and makeup is used in fashion shows to mimic painful-looking burns. Off the runway, sunburned makeup, inspired by the perpetually red-cheeked pop star Sabrina Carpenter, is trending.

Veena Vanchinathan, a board-certified dermatologist in the Bay Area, told me that shes noticed more patients seeking out self-tanning products and tanning, whether in beds or outdoors. Angela Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist who practices on New Yorks well-to-do Upper West Side, told me her patients are curious about tanning too. Its actually quite scary, she said. A recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology found that a quarter of Americans, and an even greater proportion of adults ages 18 to 26, are unaware of the risks of tanning, and many believe in tanning myths, such as the idea that a base tan protects against a burn, or that tanning with protection is safe. (There is no such thing as a safe tan, Deborah S. Sarnoff, the president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, told me.)

Recently, some experts have called for a more moderate approach to sun safety, one that takes into account the benefits of some sun exposure and the harms of too much shade. I actually think we do ourselves a bit of a disservice and open ourselves up to criticism if the advice of someone for skin-cancer prevention is Dont go outside, Jerod Stapleton, a professor at the University of Kentucky who studies tanning behaviors, told me. But the popular rejection of sun safety goes much further. Advances in skin-cancer treatment, for example, may have lulled some Americans into thinking that melanoma just isnt that serious, Carolyn Heckman, a medical professor at Rutgers Universitys Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, told me. Skin-cancer treatment and mortality rates have indeed improved, but melanomas that metastasize widely are still fatal most of the time.

[From the June 2024 issue: Against sunscreen absolutism]

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In previous decades, tans were popular because they conveyed youth, vitality, and wealth. They still do. (At least among the fairer-skinned; their connotations among people of color can be less positive.) But the difference now is that tanning persists in spite of the known consequences. Lamb likened tanning to smoking: At this point, most people who take it up are actively looking past the well-established risks. (Indeed, smoking is also making a pop-culture comeback.) A tan has become a symbol of defianceof health guidance, of the scientific establishment, of aging itself.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
The case of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein dominated headlines once again this week as President Trump has struggled to manage the fallout over an FBI and Department of Justice memo that pushed back on several conspiracy theories about the convicted sex offender. This is likely to be the focus of much of this weeks Sunday shows.

Under Trumps direction, the DOJ has asked to unseal grand jury transcripts pertaining to Epsteins 2019 criminal case in New York, which was dropped after Epstein was found dead in his cell awaiting trial. The memo last week concluded that the death was a suicide, consistent with previous findings.

Conspiracy theorists and some supporters of the president, however, have entertained the idea that Epstein could have been murdered in order to cover up some vast global scheme involving child sex trafficking. Trumps move has so far gathered mixed reactions.

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A new Wall Street Journal report claimed Trump wrote Epstein a bawdy 50th birthday card in 2003, apparently including a drawing of a naked woman. Trump has denied the report and sued the Journal for libel.

On Capitol Hill, the House muscled through several new cryptocurrency bills, while the Senate agonized over a $9 billion rescissions package for foreign aid and public media before ultimately sending it to Trump for a signature.

White House crypto czar David Sacks could take a victory lap on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures following the signing of stablecoin legislation into law. He will be joined by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who was instrumental in pushing recissions through before a hard Friday deadline.

Also on Fox, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard could double down on her threats of prosecution of officials from the Obama administration over allegations that they manipulated intelligence regarding conclusions that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election.

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is making two Sunday show appearances this week, more than a month after anti-ICE protests roiled pockets of the LA region. Trumps aggressive deportation push has sparked fear and prompted a judge last week to block ICE from using indiscriminate immigration stops.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons will appear alongside Bass on CBSs Face the Nation.

Trump also escalated pressure against Jerome Powell this week, with reports circulating that he was mulling firing the Federal Reserve chair. The president cannot fire Powell without cause, and a chair has not been ousted in the modern age.

Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, could take up the topic on CBS. His interview at the Hill Nation Summit will also re-air on NewsNations The Hill Sunday.

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Democratic Party electoral politics will also likely crop up on several Sunday shows. Former Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), who is vying in a crowded Senate primary, and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D), who is running for governor, will both appear on NBCs The Weekend.

On CNNs State of the Union, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) could also address the partys split over Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City Mayor. Torres endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in the primary and has not yet pledged his support to Mamdani but has increasingly warmed up to the ascendant Democratic socialist in recent weeks.

NewsNations The Hill Sunday: Rep. Eric Sorenson (D-Ill.); Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Jim Himes (D-Conn.) from the Hill Nation Summit.

ABCs This Week: Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn); Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

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CNNs State of the Union: Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.); former Trump campaign adviser Bryan Lanza; political commentator Karen Finney; former Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.).

NBCs The Weekend: Former Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas); Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D).

CBS Face the Nation: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; acting ICE Director Todd Lyons; Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.); Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Fox News Sunday: Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.); Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)

Fox News Sunday Morning Futures: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard; Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.); White House crypto czar David Sacks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Birmingham police have arrested a suspect in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred in the Ensley neighborhood early Thursday morning.

According to the BPD, a passerby discovered a man with an apparent gunshot wound slumped over in an alleyway on 17th Street Ensley Thursday at around 3 a.m. The victim, identified as Corey Lavel Tremble, 38, of Birmingham, died at the scene.

BPD homicide detectives identified the suspect as Julius Earl Johnson, 57, of Birmingham.

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Detectives presented case information to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, and Johnson was issued with a Murder Warrant and a Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm Warrant.

Johnson was taken into custody by BPDs Crime Reduction Team Friday in the 2200 block of 47th Street Ensley. He is in custody at the Jefferson County Jail.

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Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" over U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he stopped the conflict between India and Pakistan. Ramesh, General Secretary in charge of Communications for the Congress Party, stated that the entire Opposition will demand a special discussion on the issue in the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, which is set to begin on July 21. "Since May 10 till today, US President Donald Trump has repeated two things 24 times: first, he stopped the war between India and Pakistan; second, he says that the war should stop if India and Pakistan want trade with the US. Now he has claimed something new: that five fighter jets went down," the Congress Rajya Sabha MP told ANI. "The Parliament is about to begin, and the PM should break his silence. Any other leader will not do. The Congress and the entire Opposition will demand a special discussion, and the PM must answer. We don't want a substitute batsman. Only the PM must answer," he added. Further reacting to the all-party meeting ahead of the Parliament session, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, "It is just a formality. Rajnath Singh will come, smile, and greet everyone. We will sit, and everyone will present their opinions for two hours. And then nothing will happen... This happens before every session. JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and two to three others also come... It goes on for two hours. The lunch is also skipped. It will begin at 11 am and continue till 1 pm. It is just a formality. It has no meaning... Half an hour before the Parliament session, the PM will give a speech and demand cooperation... After that, whatever they wish will happen in the Parliament... There should be a 2-3 day discussion on Pahalgam, Trump, Operation Sindoor, China's role and the new challenges..." Earlier, US President Donald Trump again claimed to have played a role in stopping the India-Pakistan conflict. Trump stated that he halted the escalation with the assistance of a trade deal. "But India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade. We said, you guys want to make a trade deal. We're not making a trade deal if you're going to be throwing around weapons and maybe nuclear weapons, both very powerful nuclear states," Trump added. (ANI)
The Brief

Isaac Biais has been arrested and charged with the death of Emiliano Quirino.

The shooting happened early Saturday, July 12, in a parking lot on South Gessner Road.

Police say the shooting happened during a "disturbance" between the victim and suspect.

HOUSTON - A 21-year-old has been arrested for another 21-year-old's shooting death in west Houston, according to police.

Houston Gessner parking lot shooting: Suspect arrested

What we know

Police say Isaac Biais has been arrested and charged with murder for the death of Emiliano Quirino.

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The shooting was reported on Saturday, July 12, at about 1:30 a.m. at a shopping center on South Gessner Road.

When officers got to the scene, they say they found Quirino unresponsive in the parking lot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Biais was later identified as the suspect, and he was reportedly arrested on Thursday.

Police say Biais shot Quirino during a "disturbance" between the two, then drove away from the scene.

What we don't know

No other details have been provided at this time.

The Source

Houston Police Department and previous FOX 26 reporting.
The Brief

The shooting happened during a disturbance call late Thursday night.

Police shot the suspect after he allegedly pointed at officers with a hand that was covered by a shirt.

Texas Rangers and the Galveston County District Attorney's Office are investigating the shooting.

TEXAS CITY, Texas - A suspect was taken to a hospital after he was shot by Texas City Police late Thursday night, according to the department.

Texas City officer-involved shooting

What we know

At about 10:15 p.m. on Thursday, police say there were calls about a disturbance that possibly involved weapons.

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Officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Tarpey Avenue, between 29th and 31st Streets.

According to police, 35-year-old James Hill came out of a home with his left hand covered by a shirt. They say officers yelled at Hill to "show me your hands" and "drop the shirt," but the suspect didn't comply.

Allegedly, Hill walked toward officers and pointed the covered hand at them "in a threatening manner."

Police say Hill suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Texas City fire officials reportedly aided Hill before he was taken to a hospital. His condition is said to be critical, but not worsening.

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Officials say Hill is being detained on outstanding warrants for two charges, and there is no bond for either charge.

What we don't know

There is no information on the alleged disturbance that had officers called to the scene.

The officers involved have not been identified.

Shooting under investigation

What's next

The Texas Rangers and the Galveston County District Attorney's Office are reportedly investigating the shooting.

The Source

Texas City Police Department
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Sweet Like Honey founder Robyn Lieber spoke with KCAU 9s Travis Chinn.

Sweet Like Honey will be hosting a fundraising event on Saturday, July 26, in Jackson, Nebraska. The event will be to raise money so the nonprofit can move from Liebers home to a permanent location.

To hear more about Sweet Like Honey and what the upcoming event will look like, watch the full interview at the top of this article!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Syrias security forces have begun deploying in the restive southern province of Suwayda, a Ministry of Interior spokesperson has said, where heavy fighting between Druze and Bedouin armed groups and government forces has left hundreds dead, compounded by Israeli military intervention.

The deployment on Saturday came hours after the United States announced that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, an as yet uncertain truce amidst overnight fighting.

Syrias government announced the ceasefire early on Saturday, saying in a statement it is being enacted to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people.

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The countrys president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in a televised address, stated that he received international calls to intervene in what is happening in Suwayda and restore security to the country.

Israeli intervention has reignited tensions in the city, with fighting there a dangerous turning point, he said, also thanking the US for its support.





Earlier, Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba had said in a statement on Telegram that internal security forces have begun deploying in Suwayda province  with the aim of protecting civilians and putting an end to the chaos.

Ethnically charged clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups and government forces have reportedly left hundreds dead in recent days.

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On Wednesday, Israel launched heavy air attacks on Syrias Ministry of Defence in the heart of Damascus, and also hit Syrian government forces in the Suwayda region, claiming it had done so to protect the Druze, who it calls its brothers.

Communities in Suwayda are noble people

Al-Sharaa said that national unity was a priority for his government and that part of the role of the government was to be a neutral referee between all parties, said Al Jazeeras Mohamed Vall, reporting from the capital Damascus.

He praised the people of Suwayda, other than the few elements that wanted to sow trouble, saying that both Druze and Arab communities in the city were noble people.

It was unclear whether Syrian troops reached Suwayda city as of Saturday morning or were still on the citys outskirts, Vall said.

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Bedouin tribal fighters had been waiting to hear more from the government about the ceasefire, while Druze leaders have varying attitudes on it  some welcoming it, and others pledging to continue fighting, he added.

Bedouin fighters in Damascus on Saturday were preparing to travel to the Druze-majority city to support Bedouin fighters there.

Taher al-Ahmad, one of the fighters, told Al Jazeera that their quarrel was with the forces loyal to Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, due to Israels support for the Druze faction.

Our plan is not to enter Suwayda to destroy or attack locals. Our issue is with those who support the Druze leader who is aligned with the Israeli occupation, he said.





Fighting has been going on throughout the night, but the deployment of Syrias internal security forces was welcome news to many in the city, Vall said.

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On Friday, an Israeli official, who declined to be named, told reporters that in light of the ongoing instability in southwest Syria, Israel had agreed to allow the limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Suwayda district for the next 48 hours.

According to Syrias Health Ministry, the death toll from fighting in the Druze-majority city is now at least 260. An estimated 80,000 people have fled the area, according to the International Organization for Migration.

A lot of extrajudicial killings [are] being reported, said Vall. People are suffering, even those who have been killed or forced to flee, they dont have electricity, they dont have water, because most of those services have been badly affected by the fighting.

On Friday night, the Israeli army, in cooperation with a border guard unit, dispersed a violent gathering of dozens of Druze holding Israeli citizenship near the border fence with Syria in the Majdal Shams area of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The Golan Heights are part of Syria, as recognised by the United Nations..

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The army said in a statement that a number of the demonstrators crossed the security fence into Syrian territory, with Israel now working to return them.

Zero-sum formula of territorial expansion and concurrent wars

The Reuters news agency on Saturday reported that Syrias government misread how Israel would respond to its troops deploying to the countrys south this week, encouraged by US messaging that Syria should be governed as a centralised state.

Damascus believed it had a green light from both the US and Israel to dispatch its forces south to Suwayda, despite months of Israeli warnings not to do so, Reuters reported, quoting several sources, including Syrian political and military officials, two diplomats, and regional security sources.

That understanding was based on public and private comments from US special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, as well as security talks with Israel, the sources said.

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Analysts say Israels attacks have less to do with the minority Druze community and more with a strategic Israeli objective to create a new reality, said Al Jazeeras Nour Odeh.

Its part of Israel trying to show that it is the hegemonic power in the Middle East.

She added: Its a zero-sum formula of territorial expansion and concurrent wars. Endless war on Gaza, relentless attacks on Lebanon, strikes on Yemen, threats of resumed hostilities with Iran and in Syria, territorial expansion, [and] direct military intervention.

This contradicts the Trump administrations declared policy of seeking to expand normalisation deals with Israel in the region, which the new government in Syria had welcomed and entertained before this crisis, said Odeh.




Fighting in Syria's Sweida "halted" on Sunday, the government said, after the southern city was recaptured by Druze fighters and state forces redeployed to the region where more than 900 people have been killed in sectarian violence.

Druze fighters had pushed out rival armed factions from the city on Saturday, a monitor said, after the government ordered a ceasefire following a US-brokered deal to avert further Israeli military intervention.

Sweida was "evacuated of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the city's neighbourhoods were halted", Syria's interior ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba said in a post on Telegram.

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Israel had bombed government forces in both Sweida and Damascus earlier this week to force their withdrawal after they were accused of summary executions and other abuses against Druze civilians during their brief deployment in the southern province.

More than 900 people have been killed in Sweida since last Sunday as sectarian clashes between the Druze and Bedouin drew in the Islamist-led government, Israel and armed tribes from other parts of Syria.

Earlier Saturday, an AFP correspondent saw dozens of torched homes and vehicles and armed men setting fire to shops after looting them.

But in the evening, Bassem Fakhr, spokesman for the Men of Dignity, one of the two largest Druze armed groups, told AFP there was "no Bedouin presence in the city".

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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor also said "tribal fighters withdrew from Sweida city on Saturday evening" after Druze fighters launched a large-scale attack.

Fighting nonetheless persisted in other parts of Sweida province, even as the Druze regained control of their city following days of fierce battle with armed Bedouin supported by tribal gunmen from other parts of Syria.

- Israel sceptical -

The deal between the Islamist-government and Israel had been announced by Washington early Saturday.

US pointman on Syria Tom Barrack said interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "have agreed to a ceasefire" negotiated by the United States.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later called on the Syrian government's security forces to prevent jihadists from entering and "carrying out massacres", in a post on X.

He also urged the Syrian government to "hold accountable and bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities including those in their own ranks".

Barrack, who is the US ambassador to Ankara, said the deal had the backing of Turkey, a key supporter of Sharaa, as well as neighbouring Jordan.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," he wrote on X.

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Barrack later held a meeting in Amman with the Syrian and Jordanian top diplomats, during which they "agreed on practical steps to support Syria in implementing the agreement", the US envoy said in a later post on X.

The US administration, which alongside Turkey and Saudi Arabia has forged ties with the Islamist president despite his past links with Al-Qaeda, was critical of its Israeli ally's recent air strikes on Syria and had sought a way out for Sharaa's government.

Sharaa followed up on the US announcement with a televised speech in which he announced an immediate ceasefire in Sweida and renewed his pledge to protect Syria's ethnic and religious minorities.

"The Syrian state is committed to protecting all minorities and communities in the country... We condemn all crimes committed" in Sweida, he said.

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The president paid tribute to the "important role played by the United States, which again showed its support for Syria in these difficult circumstances and its concern for the country's stability".

But Israel expressed deep scepticism about Sharaa's renewed pledge to protect minorities, pointing to deadly violence against Alawites as well as Druze since he led the overthrow of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad in December.

In Sharaa's Syria "it is very dangerous to be a member of a minority -- Kurd, Druze, Alawite or Christian", Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted on X.

- Humanitarian corridors -

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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said at least 940 people had been killed in the violence since Sunday.

They included 326 Druze fighters and 262 Druze civilians, 165 of whom were summarily executed, according to the Observatory.

They also included 312 government security personnel and 21 Sunni Bedouin, three of them civilians who were "summarily executed by Druze fighters".

Another 15 government troops were killed in Israeli strikes, the Observatory said.

Syria's Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa on Saturday evening said that after the first phase of the ceasefire, which began on Saturday and involved the deployment of security forces to the province, a second phase would see the opening of humanitarian corridors.

According to the United Nations, the fighting has displaced least 87,000 people.

burs-kir/lg/jsa/tc/mtp
The U.S. envoy to Syria announced on Friday that the country and Israel reached a ceasefire deal.

We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors, Tom Barrack posted on the social media platform X.

Barrack said the deal was supported by the U.S., Turkey, Jordan and other neighbors.

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The ceasefire comes after Israel struck southern Syria in the Suwayda province and the capital Damascus earlier this week in defense of the Druze, a religious Arab minority, who are against the current Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Israeli strikes targeted multiple public buildings, including the Syrian Ministry of Defense in the center of Damascus.

A series of clashes began on June 13 between Druze militias and the Bedouin tribes, who are pro-government. Syrian officials sent armed forces to quell the fighting, but instead, government forces sided with the Bedouins.

In response, Israel defended the Druze as they are loyal to the state and often participate in the Israeli armed forces.

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The latest clashes have led to at least 100 deaths.

Syrian officials and leaders from the Druze religious minority announced their own ceasefire on July 17. However, the night of, clashes erupted again. The Syrian president said the government would send a specialized force to break up clashes and resolve the conflict on the ground.

The U.S. has been involved diplomatically to try to resolve the conflict.

We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight. This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made, and this is what we fully expect them to do, Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in a Wednesday X post.

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On Friday, Rubio called Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, CNN reported.

The government has been trying to ease tensions between religious factions since Syrias former president Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December.

We affirm that protecting your rights and freedoms is among our top priorities, said al-Sharaa, specifically addressing Druze people in Syria. We reject any attempt  foreign or domestic  to sow division within our ranks. We are all partners in this land, and we will not allow any group to distort the beautiful image that Syria and its diversity represent.

Since the beginning of the clashes, the U.N. has reported that nearly 80,000 people have been displaced. Moreover, water systems and electricity have collapsed.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Syrias security forces have begun deploying in the restive southern province of Suwayda, a Ministry of Interior spokesperson has said, where heavy fighting between Druze and Bedouin armed groups and government forces has left hundreds dead.

The Syrian presidency announced on Saturday an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. In light of the critical circumstances the country is going through, and out of concern to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people, and in response to national and humanitarian responsibility, the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic announces a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire, a statement said.

The Presidency urges everyone to allow space for the Syrian state, its institutions, and forces to implement this ceasefire responsibly, in a manner that ensures the consolidation of stability and the cessation of bloodshed, it added.

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The developments were preceded hours earlier by the United States envoy announcing that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire, after days of bloodshed in the predominantly Druze area.

US ambassador to Turkiye Tom Barracks announcement was aimed at drawing an uneasy truce between the neighbours after days of air attacks and sectarian bloodshed in the Suwayda region.

Barrack said in a post on X early on Saturday that the ceasefire between Syria and Israel was supported by Washington and embraced by Turkiye, Jordan and Syrias neighbours.

In his post announcing the ceasefire, Barrack said the US called upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunni to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours.

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There has been no comment yet from Syrian or Israeli officials.

An Israeli official, who declined to be named, told reporters on Friday that in light of the ongoing instability in southwest Syria, Israel had agreed to allow the limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Suwayda district for the next 48 hours.

On Wednesday, Israel launched heavy air attacks on Syrias Ministry of Defence in the heart of Damascus, and also hit Syrian government forces in the countrys Suwayda region.

Israel claims it launched its attacks to protect Syrias Druze minority in Suwayda, where ethnically charged clashes have been ongoing.





Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the Druze, who number about one million in Syria  mostly concentrated in Suwayda  and about 150,000 in Israel, as brothers.

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A ceasefire agreement mediated by the US, Turkiye and Arab countries was reached between Druze leaders and the Syrian government on Wednesday. Israel, however, launched air raids on Syria the same day, killing at least three people and wounding 34.

Following the Israeli attacks, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said in a televised speech early on Thursday that protecting the countrys Druze citizens and their rights was a priority, and though Syria would prefer to avoid a conflict with Israel, it was not afraid of war.

Al-Sharaa added that Syria would overcome attempts by Israel to tear the country apart through its aggression.

Heavy fighting again flared up between the Druze and Bedouin tribes in Suwayda on Friday, and Damascus has redeployed a dedicated force to restore calm in the Druze-majority governorate.
Syria should not be allowed back into the international community unless it is able to uphold protections for the Druze and its other minority groups, Israel has said.

An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire was announced between the two countries on Saturday.

But Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, claimed Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian president, was continuing to support Bedouin tribes against the Druze minority.

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Mr Saar wrote on X that in Syria it is very dangerous to be a member of a minority  Kurd, Druze, Alawite, or Christian.

He added: This has been proven time and again over the past six months.

The international community has a duty to ensure the security and rights of the minorities in Syria, and to condition Syrias renewed acceptance into the family of nations on their protection.

Mr Sharaa has vowed many times to protect all minorities in Syria since taking power in December, after leading the rebel coalition that toppled Bashar al-Assad, the countrys long-time dictator.

But doubts have persisted over his ability to unify the diverse nation, and rebuild it after the ravages of more than a decade of civil war.

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A recent week-long spate of deadly clashes in Sweida, in southern Syria, between two minority groups  the Druze, a religious sect, and the Bedouins, a nomadic tribe  now pose the biggest challenge to Mr Sharaas ability to re-establish peace and to unify all Syrians.

Smoke rises over Sweida city, which has been plunged into chaos by fighting which has lasted for almost a week - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images

Earlier this week, after Syrian government forces were sent to Sweida to restore order, Israel launched attacks on Syria prompted by concerns of a military build-up near its territory.

Israel also said it was acting to defend the Druze, which has a community of around 143,000 in Israel, where it is considered a loyal minority sect.

The strikes included an attack on the defence ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Credit: @AJEnglish/X

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The Syria-Israel truce was announced on Saturday by Tom Barrack, the US special envoy to Syria.

Thankful to all sides for their break from chaos and confusion as we attempt to navigate all parties to a more durable and peaceful solution in Syria, Mr Barrack posted on X.

The Syrian presidency confirmed there would be an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire within its borders, saying a halt in fighting was needed to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people, and in response to national and humanitarian responsibility.

But whether Mr Sharaa will succeed at this crucial moment  one that could define the tone of his leadership  remains to be seen.

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I dont see him as our president. I respect him for freeing us from the regime, from Assad, said Tamara, a Syrian Druze who declined to give her full name.

But [the government] is not representative of anyone; the people did not choose al-Sharaa; he chose himself for us.

Syrians suffered a long time under repression, and they need a leader willing to guide the country to a more secure, bright future; not jihadi extremist conflict, and non-stop violence, she added.

The Syrian government has said that a special unit is being deployed to Sweida, the heartland of the countrys Druze, in hopes of restoring calm as swiftly as possible.

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The death toll from violence there has risen to 940 since last weekend.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the dead included 326 Druze fighters and 262 Druze civilians, 182 of whom were summarily executed by defence and interior ministry personnel.

They also included 312 government security personnel and 21 Sunni Bedouin, three of them civilians who were summarily executed by Druze fighters. Another 15 government troops were killed in Israeli strikes, the Observatory said.

Bedouin fighters pose for a photograph in Damascus as they prepare to reinforce their strength in Sweida province on Saturday - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images

The violence in Sweida erupted last Sunday, after a Druze vegetable seller was attacked and robbed. Violence and tensions have spread to other parts of the country, including the capital, Damascus.

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A peaceful protest of about 20 people on Friday night calling for an end to bloodshed, held near the parliament building, was dispersed by people wielding guns and knives  as well as at least one large sword.

University students have also posted videos online calling for the expulsion of students from minority groups  a sign that restoring peace will be an uphill battle.

Back in Sweida, the situation remains dire and chaotic.

Tamara has only managed small snatches of conversation with her family in Sweida because of disrupted communications, including a five-minute call with her mother on Saturday morning during which she learned a friend and her entire family had died.

Its a complete disaster zone

Everyone is panicking; people dont know whats going to happen even in the house next to them. Its a complete disaster zone, she said.

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Her family fled their home on the first day of fighting, and is now sheltering with others. Soon, Tamara fears, they will run out of food.

New checkpoints have cropped up across the country, in particular in Damascus and on the main road linking to Sweida.

Syrians report being asked by government security personnel manning those checkpoints where they are from, and to which group they belong  a question that underscores just how divided the nation remains.

Such checkpoints and road closures are slowing the movement of people, as well as humanitarian aid deliveries at a time when hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured and water is in short supply.

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It is very difficult for us to operate thereat the moment our capacity to deliver aid is very limited, said William Spindler, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. We are calling on all parties to allow humanitarian access.

The latest violence comes after bloody battles in March, during which an estimated 1,500 Alawites were killed. Alawites are another minority sect, of which former leader Assad was a member.

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Syrian security forces are deploying in the restive province of Suwayda after days of communal fighting in which hundreds of people have been killed, the countrys interior ministry says.

Clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes have continued in Suwayda since last week, threatening the stability of the government in Damascus as it tries to exert control over Syrias complex and volatile sectarian landscape.

The violence prompted Israel to carry out strikes against Syrian government forces, which it said were to protect the Druze, who are a significant minority in both countries. Israel has also expressed alarm about the new Islamist-led government in Syria despite contacts between the two on ensuring security.

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Both Bedouin and Druze groups issued statements indicating they were prepared to accept the ceasefire, but one Druze faction then demanded that Bedouin leave Suwayda

Geolocated video showed continuing clashes in western parts of Suwayda city. Security forces were present in rural areas to the west, but not in the city itself, the scene of the heaviest clashes.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Dean Baba said that Following the bloody events caused by outlaw groups Internal Security Forces have begun deploying in Suwayda province as part of a national mission with the primary goal of protecting civilians and restoring order.

Black smoke rises above buildings in southern Syria's city of Suwayda on Saturday. - Shadi al-Dubaisi/AFP/Getty Images

A short while later, Syrias presidency declared what it called an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the province, calling on everyone to allow the state to implement this ceasefire responsibly, ensuring stability and halting the bloodshed.

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In a televised statement Saturday, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that events in Suwayda had marked a dangerous turning point in Syrias security and political landscape.

Al-Sharaa also referred to the Israeli airstrikes in Suwayda and Damascus last week, which he said had reignited tensions, pushing the country into a critical phase that now threatens its stability.

Referring to Israeli support for some Druze groups in Suwayda, al-Sharaa said that some figures, emboldened by foreign support, have shown separatist ambitions and led armed groups that committed acts of killing and abuse.

He again pledged to protect the Druze, who have been wary of his government, and called for national unity.

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Syria is not a playground for separatism or sectarian incitement. Now more than ever, it is essential to return to the path of reason and come together on a unified national foundation, al Sharaa said.

After US mediation aimed at ending the violence and halting Israeli airstrikes, al-Sharaa thanked the Trump administration for its commitment to the countrys stability.

Al-Sharaas statement followed the announcement late Friday by the US envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, that Syria and Israel had agreed to a new ceasefire in Suwayda.

Geolocated video from the city of Suwayda early Saturday showed columns of dark smoke rising and the sound of sporadic gunfire. But Druze and Bedouin groups indicated they would accept the ceasefire once government forces were deployed.

Beduin tribal fighters gather in the northern part of the city of Suwayda in southern Syria's Druze majority province. - Bakr Alkasem/AFP/Getty Images

Bedouin groups represented by the Southern Tribes Gathering said they were declaring an immediate and comprehensive cessation of all military actions, and called for channels for dialogue and coordination to ensure that what happened does not recur.

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One Druze group heavily involved in the clashes said Saturday that it was ready to accept a ceasefire. The Spiritual Leadership faction, led by Hikmat al-Hijri, said it was renewing a call to return to our shared humanity.

But al-Hijri, who had rejected a previous ceasefire, later demanded that Syrian security forces should only be deployed at the border of the province, and called for Bedouin to leave the province altogether.

The Israeli government has insisted that Suwayda should be a demilitarized zone out of bounds to government forces.

But amid the ongoing violence Israel said Friday that it would allow a limited presence of internal security forces to restore order in Suwayda.

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On Friday, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said it had documented the deaths of at least 321 people in Suwayda since last Sunday, when clashes began. It said there had been extrajudicial killings, mutual shelling, as well as airstrikes carried out by Israeli occupation forces.

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Defense Minister Israel Katz said southern Syria would remain a demilitarized zone despite Israel allegedly allowing Syrian forces a limited presence in Sweida.

Israels Defense Minister Israel Katz told US Senator Ted Cruz on Thursday that he did not trustSyrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, claiming that the allegedly reformed Islamist would use jihadist groups against Israel in the future.

He made the comments to Cruz during a meeting as part of his ongoing visit to Washington.

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He also thanked Cruz for his unwavering support for Israel.

Katz said that while Sharaa is operating the jihadist groups against minorities, like SyriasDruze community, now, those same groups would eventually turn their attention to the Golan Heights.

From the moment we realized that the Syrian regime was behind the attacks and complicit in the massacre of the Druze, we acted with full force against it," he told Cruz.

While the US has sought to encourage warm relations between Damascus and Jerusalem, Israeli officials have applied a cautious approach toSyria, given the abuse of Druze.

"We only trust God and the IDF to protect the State of Israel, Katz said. I did not trust Assad the father, nor Assad the son, and certainly do not trust a leader like Sharaa, who relies on jihadist groups that he operates against minorities in Syria, such as the Druze now, and tomorrow he could use them against Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights.

Agreement between Jerusalem and Damascus

Despite Katz insisting on the continuation of IDF presence on Mount Hermon and southern Syria being demilitarized, an Israeli official confirmed on Friday that Israel had agreed to allow Syrian forces limited access to the Sweida area for the next two days.

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Sweida province has been engulfed by nearly a week of violence, which began with clashes between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions before government security forces were sent in.

In a statement on Saturday, the Syrian presidency announced an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and urged all parties to end hostilities immediately. The interior ministry said internal security forces had begun deploying in Sweida.

Sharaa called for calm and said Syria would not be a "testing ground for partition, secession, or sectarian incitement."

"The Israeli intervention pushed the country into a dangerous phase that threatened its stability," he said in a televised speech.
The accused, who arrived from Doha, was intercepted at Bengaluru International Airport in the early hours of Friday, according to a release from Ministry of Finance.

Upon careful examination of his baggage, it was observed that the passenger was carrying two superhero comics/magazines, which were unusually heavy. The officers carefully recovered white powder concealed in the covers of the magazines, the release stated.

The powder tested positive for cocaine. The recovered cocaine weighing 4,006 grams (over 4 kg) and having an international market value of around Rs 40 crore was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act.

The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 and was remanded to judicial custody on Friday.

In a similar incident in March, DRI intercepted a passenger carrying foreign-origin gold bars valued at Rs 12.56 crore at the Bengaluru airport.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an Indian female passenger aged around 33 years who had arrived from Dubai to Bengaluru via Emirates flight on March 3, 2025. Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on the person.

The contraband, valued at Rs. 12.56 Crore, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Following the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her residential premises located at Lavelle Road, Bengaluru where she resides with her husband. The search resulted in the seizure of gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 Crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 Crore. (ANI)
By Laila Bassam

DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Sectarian clashes escalated in Syria's predominantly Druze region of Sweida on Saturday, with machinegun fire and mortar shelling ringing out after days of bloodshed as the Islamist-led government struggled to implement a ceasefire.

Reuters reporters heard gunfire from inside the city of Sweida and saw shells land in nearby villages. There were no immediate, confirmed reports of casualties.

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The government had said security forces were deploying in the southern region to try to keep peace, and urged all parties to stop fighting after nearly a week of factional bloodshed in which hundreds have been killed.

Late on Saturday, the interior ministry said clashes in Sweida city had been halted and the area cleared of Bedouin tribal fighters following the deployment.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said clashes since last week around Sweida had killed at least 940 people. Reuters could not independently verify the toll.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said "Arab and American" mediation had helped restore calm, before the clashes escalated. He criticised Israel for airstrikes during the week.

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VIOLENCE IN DRUZE REGION CHALLENGES DAMASCUS

The fighting is the latest challenge to the control of Sharaa's Islamist-dominated government, which took over after rebels toppled autocratic president Bashar al-Assad in December.

It started last week as clashes between the Druze - a religious minority native to southern Syria, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and parts of Lebanon and Jordan - and Syrian Bedouin tribes.

Government forces then arrived to try to quell tensions, clashing with Druze gunmen and attacking the Druze community.

Saturday's violence once again pitted Druze against Bedouin, witnesses said.

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The fighting has drawn in neighbouring Israel, which carried out airstrikes in southern Syria and on the defence ministry in Damascus this week while government forces were fighting with the Druze. Israel says it is protecting the Druze, who also form a significant minority in Israel.

But Israel and Washington differ over Syria. The U.S. supports a centralised Syria under Sharaa's government, which has pledged to rule for all citizens, while Israel says the government is dominated by jihadists and a danger to minorities.

In March, Syria's military was involved in mass killings of members of the Alawite minority, to which much of Assad's elite belonged.

ISRAEL-SYRIA TENSIONS

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In a statement on Saturday, the Syrian presidency announced an immediate ceasefire and urged an immediate end to hostilities. Sharaa said Syria would not be a "testing ground for partition, secession, or sectarian incitement".

"The Israeli intervention pushed the country into a dangerous phase that threatened its stability," he said in a televised speech.

Sharaa appeared to blame Druze gunmen for the latest clashes, accusing them of revenge attacks against Bedouins.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Sharaa was siding with the perpetrators.

"In al-Sharas Syria, it is very dangerous to be a member of a minority  Kurd, Druze, Alawite, or Christian," he posted on X.

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U.S. envoy Tom Barrack announced on Friday that Syria and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire.

Barrack, who is both U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Washington's Syria envoy, urged Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis, together with other minorities, to "build a new and united Syrian identity".

Israel has attacked Syrian military facilities in the seven months since Assad fell, and says it wants areas of southern Syria near its border to remain demilitarised.

On Friday, an Israeli official said Israel had agreed to allow Syrian forces limited access to Sweida for two days.

SWEIDA HOSPITAL FILLS WITH CASUALTIES

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Mansour Namour, a resident of a village near Sweida city, said mortar shells were still landing near his home on Saturday afternoon, and that at least 22 people had been wounded.

A doctor in Sweida said a local hospital was full of bodies and wounded people from days of violence.

"All the injuries are from bombs, some people with their chests wounded. There are also injuries to limbs from shrapnel," said Omar Obeid, director of the hospital.

(Reporting by Maya Gebaily, Laila Bassam and Khalil Ashawi; Additional reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din, Muhammad Al-Gebaly and Enas Alashray; Writing by Tom Perry and John Davison; Editing by Barbara Lewis, Aidan Lewis, Kevin Liffey and Daniel Wallis)
Sectarian clashes have continued in southern Syria despite an "immediate ceasefire" announced by the country's president.

Reports say that Druze fighters on Saturday pushed out Bedouin gunmen from the city of Suweida - but fighting continued in other parts of the province. This has not been verified by the BBC.

Government forces deployed earlier this week by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa were blamed for joining in attacks on the Druze. More than 900 people are reported to have been killed in the past week. All sides are accused of atrocities.

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The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, demanded an end to "the rape and slaughter of innocent people" in Syria, in a post on X on Saturday.

Rubio wrote: "If authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a unified, inclusive and peaceful Syria free of ISIS [Islamic State] and of Iranian control they must help end this calamity by using their security forces to prevent ISIS and any other violent jihadists from entering the area and carrying out massacres.

"And they must hold accountable and bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities including those in their own ranks," the top US diplomat added.

Bedouin fighters have reportedly been pushed out of the city of Suweida [Reuters]

On Saturday evening, the Syrian interior ministry said clashes in Suweida had been halted after the intervention of its forces in the city.

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Reuters news agency reported that fighting persisted in other parts of Suweida province.

Earlier this week, Israel declared support for the Druze and intervened, hitting government forces and the defence ministry in the capital Damascus.

Sharaa announced a ceasefire on Saturday as Syrian security forces were deployed to Suweida to end the clashes. The deal included a halt to Israeli military strikes and was approved by Israel as part of a US-brokered pact, as long as the Druze citizens were protected.

Government troops have been setting up checkpoints to try to prevent more people joining the fighting. But gunfire was reported inside Suweida earlier on Saturday.

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A correspondent for AFP news agency said they had seen armed men looting shops and setting fire to them.

[BBC]

Also on Saturday, Israel's foreign minister cast doubt on the renewed pledge by the president to protect minorities and all Syrians.

Suweida's Druze community follows a secretive, unique faith derived from Shia Islam, and distrusts the current government in Damascus. They are a minority in Syria, as well as in neighbouring Israel and Lebanon.

In a social media post, Gideon Saar said it was "very dangerous" to be part of a minority in Syria, and "this has been proven time and again over the past six months".

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to prevent harm to the Druze in Syria because of their ties to those living in Israel.

Watch: How a day of bombing unfolded in Damascus

Long-running tensions between Druze and Bedouin tribes in Suweida erupted into deadly sectarian clashes last Sunday, following the abduction of a Druze merchant on the highway to Damascus.

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights (SOHR), 940 people have been killed since then.

The ceasefire between Israel and Syria on Friday was announced by US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack on Friday.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," he said.

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The BBC's Middle East correspondent Lina Sinjab, reporting from Syria, said violence towards the Druze has been spreading across the country.

Earlier this week, UN human rights chief Volker Turk said his office had received credible reports indicating widespread violations and abuses during clashes, including summary executions and arbitrary killings in Suweida.

Among the alleged perpetrators were members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim government, as well as local Druze and Bedouin armed elements, Turk said in a statement.

"This bloodshed and the violence must stop," he warned, adding that "those responsible must be held to account".

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In his comments on Saturday morning, the Syrian leader said that his government "is committed to protecting all minorities and sects in the country and is proceeding to hold all violators accountable from any party. No-one will escape accountability."

Additional reporting by Jack Burgess
July 19 (UPI) -- One day after reaching a ceasefire with Israel, Syrian military forces began moving into the country's Suwayda Governorate, where dozens of people have been killed in recent days amid fighting between warring tribes.

"Internal Security Forces have begun deploying in Suwayda province as part of a national mission with the primary goal of protecting civilians and restoring order," Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Dean Baba told CNN in a statement, adding the move came "following the bloody events caused by outlaw groups."

This past week has seen continued fighting in southern Syria between several of the country's minority groups, including the Arab Druze and Bedouins.

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At least 30 people were killed and over 100 injured during clashes between armed groups on Monday in the Suwayda Governorate capital city of As-Suwayda.

That fighting continued Saturday, with further violence between Bedouin and Druze factions. Witnesses reported sporadic gunfire and columns of smoke in the city, which has a population of around 138,000 people in its metropolitan area.

"Syria is not a playground for separatism or sectarian incitement. Now more than ever, it is essential to return to the path of reason and come together on a unified national foundation," Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said in a speech Saturday on state TV, translated to English by CNN.

He added the continued fighting was a "dangerous turning point in Syria's security and political landscape."

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On Friday, al-Sharaa said his country had reached a ceasefire with Israel, after the Israel Defense Forces intervened in Syria.

Israeli warplanes bombed parts of Syria, including the capital of Damascus. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move was meant to protect the Druze minorities, which are also prevalent in Israel.

At the time, al-Sharaa accused Israel of "trying to drag us into war."
Dozens of Syrians from minority communities rallied on Saturday in London and Paris, calling for action to protect the Druze in their Sweida heartland, where sectarian violence has killed hundreds.

In central London, around 80 protesters chanted "God protect Druze" and "Stop supporting Jolani", referring to Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's nom de guerre, which he had abandoned after his Islamist group seized Damascus late last year.

Demonstrators in the British capital held up placards calling for an end to the deadly violence in Sweida and for a humanitarian corridor to be opened up via the Jordanian border.

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More than 900 people have been killed in the Druze-majority province since Sunday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor.

The sectarian clashes between the Druze and Bedouin tribes, who are Sunni Muslim, have drawn in the Islamist-led government as well as Israel and armed tribes from other parts of Syria.

In London, protest organiser Emad al Eismy told AFP atrocities were still going on in Sweida.

"Shootings, beheadings, raping, killing children, (torching) shops, homes. It's a barbarian movement going on in Sweida," he said at the protest outside BBC headquarters.

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-'Like ethnic cleansing' -

AFP correspondents in Sweida reported clashes on Saturday, despite a ceasefire ordered by the government following a US-brokered deal to avert further Israeli military intervention.

The Observatory, a Britain-based war monitor, said armed volunteers had been deployed with the support of the Islamist-led government.

Druze fighters said those who had arrived to support the Bedouin were mostly Islamists.

Protester Maan Radwan, who has family in Sweida, fought back tears as he said some of his relatives had died in a massacre at their guesthouse.

He reproached British Foreign Secretary David Lammy for his visit to Syria earlier this month, when he met al-Sharaa.

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The United Nations has called for an end to the bloodshed and demanded an independent investigation of the violence.

William Salha, like most of the protesters, also has family members still living in Sweida.

He said they were "helpless", shut in their homes, attempting to keep themselves safe.

"It's like ethnic cleansing. They want the city without its people," he said, accusing the Syrian government of complicity.

A teenager from south London at the protest with his mother said multiple members of his father's family had been gunned down and killed, with the news filtering out through an aunt.

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"The armed groups came to them, they tried to resist and they shot them," he said.

- 'Where is France?' -

At the Paris protest, Aida Haladi wore black and clutched a picture of her 52-year-old brother whom she said was killed in front of his home Thursday morning in Sweida city.

She said he had stepped out to grab some blood pressure medication he had forgotten.

"He was an honest man. He never tried to hurt a soul," she said.

"Where is France?" Haladi said, accusing Syria's interim president of complicity and angry at France's leader Emmanuel Macron for having hosted him in Paris in May.

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Hours later, France urged all sides to "strictly adhere" to the ceasefire.

Eva Radwan, a 41-year-old PhD student, held up a picture of her 34-year-old cousin and his two nephews, aged 13 and 16, who she said had been shot dead inside their home.

She said her parents had been forced to move houses after their neighbourhood was bombarded earlier this week.

"Jolani get out, Syria is not yours," she shouted into a megaphone in front of the Eiffel Tower, leading around 20 other protesters.

She also called for Jordan to open its border to let in aid.

The Observatory said at least 940 people had been killed since Sunday, including 326 Druze fighters and 262 Druze civilians, 165 of whom were summarily executed.

har-ah/jj
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday pledged protection for minorities in the country shortly after his administration announced a "comprehensive and immediate" ceasefire in the embattled province of Sweida following days of deadly sectarian violence there.

Sweida in southern Syria has been gripped by fighting between Druze factions and Sunni Muslim Bedouins amid reports of atrocities against civilians.

In a televised address, al-Sharaa vowed to bring all violators to justice.

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"We disavow all crimes and transgressions that have occurred, whether inside or outside Sweida. We emphasize the importance of achieving justice and enforcing the law," he said.

The fighting in Sweida, which erupted a week ago, left hundreds dead, and resulted in a dire humanitarian situation and a mass exodus of civilians from the province, according to activists.

The Druze are a religious minority that emerged from Shiite Islam and live mainly in Syria, but also in Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan. Suweida is their stronghold.

Israel said it has a duty to protect the Druze. Many of them serve in the Israeli military.

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Earlier this week, Israel unleashed airstrikes in Sweida and against government institutions in Damascus.

Al-Sharaa Saturday said Israeli intervention had pushed Syria into a "dangerous phase," putting the country's stability at risk.

Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack has said.

Earlier Saturday, government forces began deploying in Sweida to end the fighting between the warring sides.

"Security forces will use all their capabilities with the aim of halting attacks, fighting and restoring stability to the province," Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba said.

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The Syrian presidency confirmed that members of the security forces have begun deployment in several areas in Sweida to secure the implementation of a "comprehensive and immediate" ceasefire.

"The presidency calls on everyone to clear the way for the Syrian state and its institutions to implement this cessation [of fighting] responsibly in a way guaranteeing firming up stability and a halt to bloodshed," it said in a statement.

Syria's state news agency SANA reported that security forces had begun deploying in the areas of the clashes, and were working to prevent the passage of individuals and convoys heading towards flashpoint Sweida.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said a cautious calm was prevailing in Sweida after fierce fighting between Druze factions and Bedouin fighters that continued until the early hours of the day.

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At least 718 people have been killed since July 13 as a result of fighting in Sweida, summary executions and Israeli strikes, said the UK-based Observatory that relies on a network of reporters inside Syria.

The monitor accused government forces of summarily executing 165 people, and Druze fighters of executing three Bedouins.
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa urged Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes Saturday to fully commit to a ceasefire aimed at ending clashes with Druze-linked militias that left hundreds dead and threatened to unravel the countrys postwar transition.

Despite the call, clashes continued in the southern province of Sweida.

Government forces that were initially sent to restore order but effectively sided with the Bedouins against the Druze were redeployed to halt renewed fighting that erupted Thursday in the southern province of Sweida. The violence also drew airstrikes against Syrian forces by neighboring Israel before a truce was reached.

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In his second televised address since the fighting started, al-Sharaa blamed armed groups from Sweida for reigniting the conflict by launching retaliatory attacks against the Bedouins and their families. He also said Israeli intervention pushed the country into a dangerous phase."

Israel had launched dozens of airstrikes on convoys of government fighters and even struck the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters in central Damascus, saying it was in support of the Druze, who form a substantial community in Israel and are seen as a loyal minority, often serving in the Israeli military.

Reports had surfaced of Syrian government-affiliated fighters executing Druze civilians and looting and burning homes over the four-day violence.

Ceasefire agreed to early Saturday

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The U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire early Saturday. Al-Sharaa made no direct reference to the agreement in his speech, but said American and Arab mediations stepped in to restore calm.

Addressing the Bedouins, al-Sharaa said they cannot replace the role of the state in handling the countrys affairs and restoring security. He also said: We thank the Bedouins for their heroic stances but demand they fully commit to the ceasefire and comply with the states orders."

Meanwhile, a prominent Druze leader, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, who opposes the current government and has distanced himself from the two ceasefires announced on Tuesday and Wednesday, said that an agreement brokered under the sponsorship of guarantor states contained several measures aimed at de-escalating tensions in Sweida.

They include the deployment of checkpoints outside the provinces administrative borders to contain clashes and prevent infiltration, a 48-hour ban on entry by any party into border villages, and safe, guaranteed passage for remaining members of the Bedouin tribes still inside the province.

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Sharaa reiterated that Sweida remains an integral part of the Syrian state, and the Druze constitute a fundamental pillar of the Syrian national fabric," vowing to protect all minorities in Syria.

He also thanked the United States for its significant role in affirming its support for Syria during these difficult times, as well as Arab countries and Turkey, which mediated Wednesday's truce.

More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981.

Entire communities have fled the fighting

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The U.N. estimates more than 87,000 people have been displaced in Sweida province since July 12 due to heavy shelling, sniper fire and abductions.

Entire communities have fled on foot, with many now crammed into overcrowded schools, churches and public buildings under dire conditions, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report. Infrastructure damage has cut electricity, water and telecommunications in much of the area, it said. The main hospital in Sweida was operating at just 15% capacity due to staff shortages and a lack of fuel.

The security situation is also endangering humanitarian workers. The White Helmets, also known as the Syrian Civil Defense, reported that one of its emergency team leaders went missing on July 16 while responding to a call for help from a U.N. team, OCHA said.

Shoring up the ceasefire agreement

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Meanwhile, Jordan, Syria, and the U.S. agreed on a set of practical steps to bolster the ceasefire, including the deployment of Syrian security forces and the release of detainees from all sides, Jordans Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. The announcement came after a meeting between Barrack, Syrias Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi.

For his part, Syrias Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mostafa on Saturday said the first phase of the ceasefire, expected to take 48 hours, involves deploying internal security forces to key areas to prevent clashes. He acknowledged ongoing fighting in Sweida and said every ceasefire begins fragile.

Subsequent phases will open humanitarian crossings and gradually restore state institutions and security to ensure a return to normalcy, al-Mostafa said in a press conference in Damascus.

Al-Mostafa acknowledged that some security personnel committed violations after deploying in Sweida. He rejected reports that the violence in Sweida was premeditated operation by the Syrian government.

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The armed groups present in Sweida insisted on a provocative approach, rejecting any solutions and relying on a closed-off model that disregards Syrias unity, Al-Mostafa said.

He accused Al-Hijri and his supporters of being armed with Israeli support and blamed them for steering the situation toward its current state, despite previous government attempts to reach an agreement.

Al-Mostafa also denied that Syria and Israel are in direct peace talks. All discussions that are happening with Israel are fixated on one issue related to the urgent Israeli withdrawal from the areas that it occupied and advanced in after Dec. 8 and its commitment to the 1974 agreement of disengagement, he said.

Signs of unrest in Damascus

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But even as officials called for calm, signs of unrest spread to the capital. On Friday, men armed with sticks stormed a peaceful protest outside Syrias parliament in Damascus, beating demonstrators and tearing up a banner that read, Syrian blood should not be shed by Syrians, according to one of the organizers.

The protest was held in response to the deadly clashes in Sweida, which journalist and filmmaker Zein Khuzam described as a grim echo of the 2011 Syrian civil war.

We felt like we needed to do something, Khuzam told The Associated Press. We started receiving help messages from our friends in Sweida, that they are trapped there.

The demonstration began Thursday as a spontaneous act by Khuzam and two others, who stood in front of parliament holding signs, including slogans rejecting Israeli interference. Photos of the protest circulated online, drawing a larger crowd the next day.

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Khuzam said the group noticed a man acting suspiciously on Friday. After making a phone call, he left, and shortly afterward, the attackers arrived in cars, some with women inside who cheered them on, she said.

She added that guards outside the parliament stood by as someone fired shotgun rounds to disperse the crowd.

People are still carrying the traumas of Assads actions during such peaceful protests, she said. In that moment, it felt like history was repeating itself. It is very, very sad.

___

Abou AlJoud reported from Beirut. Associated Press journalist Omar Sanadiki in Damascus contributed to this report.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Table Mesa King Soopers in Boulder was evacuated Saturday morning over a threat, police said.

The Boulder Police Department said just after 9:00 a.m. Saturday that it evacuated and searched the King Soopers after receiving a report of a threat at the store on Table Mesa Drive.

Boulder to activate automated speed enforcement corridors within city limits

BPD said the search was done of an abundance of caution, and that the threat was determined to not be credible. Police did not reveal what the nature of the threat was.

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The Table Mesa King Soopers is notably the site of a March 2021 mass shooting, during which a gunman killed 10 people, including a Boulder police officer. The store was shuttered for nearly a year after the shooting, before reopening in February 2022, following renovations.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Meteorologists are expecting a heat wave in Kansas City this weekend and into next week, just days after heavy rains and flooding hit the area.

Heat Indexes are forecasted to reach up to 110 degrees.

See the latest forecast, maps and radar for Kansas City

For seniors, temperatures like that can be dangerous. Anne Miller, the senior center director at the Don Bosco Center in Kansas City says they provide as much help as they can.

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We tell people [to use] fans, stay hydrated. A lot of people want to drink soda or coffee or iced tea, and its like youve got to drink water, she said. Checking on your neighbors is the main thing.

She recommended buying fans for relatives or elderly neighbors, as she sees many who wont use their air conditioning, or who cant afford to run it.

This generation often doesnt run the AC like they should, she said. But when we can reassure people theres help to pay that bill, turn it on and run it!

Concerns about extreme heat as KC prepares for World Cup

Miller specifically mentioned two programs that anyone can apply to for help on their electric bill. Evergys Economic Relief Pilot Program and the Missouri Department of Social Services Energy Crisis Intervention Program. Both have applications that can be filled out online.

The National Weather Service already issued an extreme heat warning for the Kansas City metro. They recommend wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, keeping outdoor activity limited to the morning and evening, as well as checking up on relatives and neighbors.

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Staying safe in extreme heat: Where to find cooling centers in Kansas City area

Miller said the Don Bosco Center will be open to use as a cooling center.

Dont feel too proud whether you come to Don Bosco, wherever you are, she said. Accept the help, because thats what people want to do is show their concern and kindness.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAMPA  The Clearwater entrepreneur indicted for embezzling $100 million from medical trust funds will remain in jail until his trial, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Judge Virginia Covington upheld a magistrate judges June 26 decision to deny bail to Leo Govoni, an unusual step for a non-violent crime.

Govoni was arrested June 23 on 15 charges including mail and wire fraud, money laundering and bank fraud after an FBI investigation into the siphoning of money from almost 2,000 trust funds set up for the disabled and injured. He plead not guilty in an arraignment hearing in federal court Thursday.

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Former federal prosecutor Michael Gordon successfully argued for Govonis detention saying that the former financial adviser had demonstrated a repeated pattern of trying to obstruct justice and to hide assets during bankruptcy proceedings for the St. Petersburg nonprofit that held the trusts.

Govonis attorney, Paul Sisco, appealed the decision, arguing that his client was not a flight risk nor a danger to the community, criteria that typically must be met to keep a suspect detained.

On Thursday in federal court, Sisco indicated he will not continue to represent Govoni, who has instead requested a public defender.

In her order, Covington said that Govonis conduct during the bankruptcy proceedings was clear evidence that Govoni had no regard for court orders. He continued to sell properties bought with stolen money even after he knew that he was under investigation by the FBI, according to Gordon.

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He transferred roughly $1 million from joint accounts he had with his wife to accounts in her name. He also ignored subpoenas and injunctions issued by a bankruptcy court to stop operating his many companies, leading to him being found in civil contempt of court and fined $300,000.

There is a danger that Mr. Govoni would obstruct justice by destroying evidence or further dissipating assets if released, Covington wrote in her order. This presents a danger, albeit not a physical danger, to the alleged victims of Mr. Govoni who desperately need to recover their stolen funds.

She also wrote that since any bail he was to allowed to post could be subject to forfeiture, it would not act as an disincentive to flee. The indictment states that prosecutors will be seeking to seize many of Govonis assets including the Feather Sound home he shares with his wife, Jane Govoni.

Gordon, the former prosecutor, was fired by U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi one day after Govonis detention hearing ostensibly for his work prosecuting Jan. 6 rioters.

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He said Friday he was gratified that Covingtons opinion largely relied on the evidence he presented at the hearing.

The fact that I was fired despite doing my job well raises serious questions about what is driving decisions at the Department of Justice, he said in a statement provided to the Tampa Bay Times.

Some families whose trust funds were raided expressed concern that the dismissal of an experienced prosecutor would weaken the case against Govoni.

Im deeply disappointed that I wont be able to see this case through. I still care deeply about it and the victims, Gordon said. The families impacted by this staggering theft deserve full accountability, and I hope they get it.

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Govonis accountant, John Leo Witeck, who was indicted on 12 charges, was released on a bond of $500,000 on June 23.

Between 2009 and this year, Govoni, Witeck and others conspired to defraud hundreds, if not thousands of disabled and injured people who had placed payouts they won from lawsuits into trust funds overseen by Govoni and his employees at his nonprofit, the indictment states.

The nonprofit siphoned trust fund money and transferred it to Govonis Boston Finance Group. He used some of the money to pay debts, to travel via private jet, to fund Big Storm Brewing and also made deposits in his personal bank accounts, the indictment states.

Staff writer Dan Sullivan contributed to this report.
A tanker truck crashed into a creek on Washingtons Olympic Peninsula on Friday, spilling fuel into a tributary of a river where salmon runs were recently restored after a decades-long fight to remove its dams.

A spokesperson for Gov. Bob Ferguson's office said the petroleum spill in Indian Creek was the result of an accident on U.S. 101. It was not immediately clear what caused it.

The truck is capable of holding 6,000 gallons of diesel and 4,000 gallons of gasoline, although the exact amount that had entered the river was not known, according to the governors office.

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The truck is actively leaking and crews are working to contain the spill, the governors office statement Friday evening said.

Photos shared by the Washington State Department of Transportation on Facebook show the tanker truck upside down in the creek, while emergency vehicles surround the scene.

This spill is nothing short of heartbreaking for local tribes and other Washingtonians who rely on clean, healthy rivers and streams for their food and livelihoods, Ferguson said in a statement.

He said he is closely monitoring the situation, including its effect on salmon, and plans to visit within the next few days.

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Two dams on the Elwha River, which flows out of Olympic National Park into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, were removed more than a decade ago after a long fought battle by the the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Removing the dams, which were constructed in the early 1900s, opened about 70 miles (113 kilometers) of habitat for salmon and steelhead.

Biologists have said it will take at least a generation for the river to recover, but within months of the dams being taken down, salmon already started recolonizing sections of the waterway long closed off to them.

The Elwha River is also the main potable water source for Port Angeles. The city announced Friday afternoon that it was temporarily shutting down its water treatment processing operations and asked residents and businesses to limit their use of water.

The Citys reservoirs currently have sufficient water supply for the next 18 to 24 hours without interruption to normal service, the citys statement said.

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The spill and collision closed part of U.S. 101 on Friday, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. It said it couldn't give an estimate on when it would reopen.

We expect this to be an extended closure, the department wrote in a post on Facebook.
As Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray challenged BJP MP Nishikant Dubey to visit Mumbai warning he would be drowned and beaten in the sea amid the ongoing language row, BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar on Saturday said that people of the country respect the Constitution and police will be there to prevent any such attempts. "Koi kisi ko samundar mein duba ke maar nahi sakta (No one can drown and beat someone in the sea). In this country, we respect the Constitution. To safeguard the Constitution, there is no dearth of people like Tukaram Omble. If someone goes to drown someone, there would be several police personnel who would stop you," Mungantiwar told ANI. Thackeray and Nishikant Dubey are engaged in a war of words over the language row in Maharashtra. Thackeray on Friday hit back at Nishikant Dubey's controversial "patak-patak ke maarenge" remarks and said, "A BJP MP said, 'Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge'... You come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge." Reacting to Dubey's remarks, the MNS chief asserted that he will not compromise on matters related to the Marathi language and the people of Maharashtra. He further said that those who live in Maharashtra should "learn Marathi as soon as possible." "I will not make any compromises over Marathi and the people of Maharashtra. Those who live in Maharashtra, to them I would like to say, 'learn Marathi as soon as possible, wherever you go, speak Marathi'. In Karnataka, they fight for their language. Even a rickshaw puller knows that the government is standing behind him over language. Similarly, you be like a pillar and speak in Marathi only. This is what I have come to request all of you," Thackeray said while addressing a gathering in Mumbai. This came after Dubey on Friday lambasted incidents of violence against Hindi speakers in Maharashtra after the Maharashtra government's move on the three-language policy, which was later withdrawn. When asked about his controversial "patak, patak ke maarenge" remarks, he said, "I am proud that my mother tongue is Hindi. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are not big laat sahab. I am an MP, do not take the law into my hands. Whenever they go out, whichever state they go to, people of that place will beat them." The Maharashtra Government had revoked the government resolutions (GRs) on the three-language policy, introducing Hindi as the third language in primary schools. The government has decided to set up a committee to take a relook into the three-language policy. Fadnavis announced that the government resolutions (GRs) issued in April regarding the three-language policy in primary schools have been cancelled. The first GR had made Hindi a compulsory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5, and the second GR made it optional. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray had held a joint 'victory rally' to celebrate the state government withdrawing its move. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut later clarified that their party is not against the Hindi language, but opposes making it mandatory in primary schooling. Raut, in his Saamana article on July 13, stated that the Thackeray brothers, who joined hands on the Marathi issue, must also come together politically to fight the "commercial Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)". He asserted that the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray was "necessary" for Maharashtra to get a new direction. "The current rulers of Delhi and Maharashtra are shaken by the way the storm of Marathi unity has been created in Maharashtra. They will try to prevent this alliance from happening," the article read. (ANI)
The Brief

A tanker truck crashed off Highway 101, leaking fuel into Indian Creek, a tributary of the Elwha River.

Port Angeles and Dry Creek face water restrictions due to the spill.

Highway 101 remained closed to local traffic heading into early Saturday morning, finally reopening at 9 a.m.

CLALLAM COUNTY, Wash. - A tanker truck went off the highway in Clallam County, crashing into Indian Creek and leaking fuel into the river.

What we know

The crash happened on Highway 101 near the Elwha River Bridge around 10 a.m. Friday, where the tanker went down an embankment and overturned into the creek.

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As of Saturday at 7:10 a.m., the roadway was still shut down. While crews had emptied and removed the tanker from the embankment, they were still waiting for a tow truck to come and clear the scene. Just after 9 a.m., WSDOT crews determined the area to be safe and reopened US 101.

UPDATE 7:10 am: US 101 is still closed just west of Port Angeles as crews continue cleanup efforts. The tanker truck has been removed from Indian Creek but were still waiting on a tow truck to clear the scene. https://t.co/AmaQ7mCmeLpic.twitter.com/9mwGLtiWxU  WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) July 19, 2025

#ClallamCounty: A tanker truck went off the roadway and into Indian Creek at US 101 at MP 238. The vehicle is currently leaking petroleum. Dept. of Ecology has been notified.



Please use caution in the area as traffic is alternating. pic.twitter.com/FdYymoN9Ox  Trooper Katherine Weatherwax (@wspd8pio) July 18, 2025

Fuel from the tanker truck is leaking into Indian Creek, which is a tributary to the Elwha River. The Washington State Department of Ecology is coordinating a hazmat spill response.

Those downstream from the fuel spill are advised to avoid entering or fishing in the river near the boomed zone or in sheening areas.

The City of Port Angeles and Dry Creek are currently under water restrictions due to fuel leak, which caused a closure of municipal water sources. The city is working with the Department of Ecology, and residents are advised to monitor the city's website for updates.

For the updates use this website. The roadway will most likely be closed until the morning.https://t.co/dLwC2jmYsR  Trooper Katherine Weatherwax (@wspd8pio) July 19, 2025

Highway 101 is currently closed to local traffic only between the Highway 112 junction and East Beach Road in Maple Grove. There is no ETA for when the roadway will reopen.

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Washington State Patrol is handling the crash investigation.

Governor Bob Ferguson issued the following statement regarding the tanker spill on Friday:

"This is a devastating accident for Indian Creek and the Elwha River. This spill is nothing short of heartbreaking for local tribes and other Washingtonians who rely on clean, healthy rivers and streams for their food and livelihoods. I am closely monitoring the situation with responding agencies  including its impact on local salmon populations and will visit the site in the next few days."

The Source

Information in this story came from the Clallam County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Patrol.

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CHICAGO  The 41st annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue gets underway next week.

This years event will feature Local food favorites, live music and more.

The event is taking place on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 in the 2500 block of North Lincoln Avenue.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Chef Saul Ramos from Sapori Trattoria joined WGN News on Saturday morning to offer a look at what he plans to serve up next weekend.

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Visit the Taste of Lincoln Avenue website for more information on the event.

Visit the Sapori Trattoria website for a full look at the menu.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI)  St. Marys Church, which is in need of significant repairs and has gone unused since November 2023, will close its doors for good, according to the Diocese of Fall River.

Bishop Edgar da Cunha announced the churchs impending closure in a letter to parishioners earlier this week.

After careful assessment, it is clear that the significant structural repairs and safety upgrades needed for St. Marys Church far exceed what is financially feasible, da Cunha wrote, adding that the upgrades would cost more than $10 million.

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St. Marys parishioners have been worshipping at St. Anthonys Church and St. Jude the Apostle Parish since the historic building shuttered three years ago due to safety concerns.

da Cunha explained that the decision was not made lightly and was done so after extensive consultation, prayer and consideration for the parishioners.

For many of us, the church is not just a place of worship, it is a spiritual home filled with memories, milestones and deep connections, he said. While the building may close, the spirit of the parish will live on at St. Anthony and St. Jude.

da Cunha said the Diocese of Fall River has been exploring potential buyers interested in preserving and maintaining the historic Roman Catholic Church, which dates back to the 1830s.

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Our hope is to find a path forward that honors the historical value of the church, even if it can no longer serve as our place of worship, da Cunha said.

da Cunha said a special event to celebrate and honor the legacy of St. Marys parish is in the works.

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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.
A 75-year-old real estate professional who went missing earlier this week was found dead in a Mojave Desert cave and authorities have charged an IT expert for the slaying after initially seeking his help in the investigation.

The bizarre case resulted in the arrest Wednesday of 21-year-old Audrik Matevosian from Clovis in the murder of Robert "Bob" Boyajian. Matevosian was charged Thursday with first-degree murder with special circumstances and grand theft, according to the Madera County Sherriff's Office.

21-year-old Audrik Matevosian from Clovis. Booking photograph (Madera County Sheriff's Office)

He is currently being held without bail.

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The case began when an employee of Boyajian grew concerned after he failed to show up to a meeting Monday morning. After numerous attempts to reach him via phone, the employee called 911 asking for a welfare check at his Bass Lake home.

Boyajian was nowhere to be found.

Deputies searched the home, finding no trace of foul play. Boyajian's car was parked in the garage, a briefcase and the Apple Watch he reportedly always wore were located inside the home. His phone and wallet were missing.

Robert "Bob" Boyajian. Madera County Sheriff's Office (Victoria Rodriguez)

The bedding from Boyajians mattress was removed, according to deputies.

After securing a warrant, investigators found a $1,000 ATM withdrawal made a day before the 911 call around 8:30 p.m. at a bank in Clovis, about 47 miles from Bass Lake. ATM surveillance footage showed a young man making the initial withdrawal, and two additional failed attempts.

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The young man was identified as Matevosian. Deputies had earlier approached Matevosian to access home security footage at Boyajian's home because it was Matevosian who performed the IT work at the house.

Sheriff Tyson Pogue said Matevosian showed initial-responding deputies a screenshot indicating the system was offline. He directed authorities to a specific location inside a closet to locate the digital video recorder, or DVR hard drive that was used to convert signals from an analog camera. But the hard drive was missing.

He showed them what apps to download, passwords, but deputies were still unable to access the footage, Pougue said in a news conference Thursday.

Before releasing the ATM photos to the public, investigators received two tips alleging Matevosian was involved in Boyajians disappearance.

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Read more: Hit men on motorbikes, wearing clown masks: Armenian gang war roils San Fernando Valley

After a search warrant was approved, investigators recovered two firearms from Matevosian's bedroom, a 9-millimeter handgun previously reported stolen by Boyajian in March and a 10-millimeter handgun registered under Boyajians name. He was taken into custody Wednesday.

Matevosian initially told investigators that Boyajian committed suicide, according to deputies. He later said Boyajian asked him to help him end his life. Matevosian finally confessed to the killing, saying Boyajian allegedly spoke disparagingly about his family, Pouge said.

A financial gain incentivized the slaying, Pouge added.

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According to investigators, Matevosian purchased a body bag from Amazon a week before the killing. He allegedly rented a vehicle in Fresno on Monday and drove up to Boyajians home Saturday. Matevosian spent the night after finishing an IT task and murdered Boyajian around midnight, according to Pouge. Authorities did not say how Boyajian was killed.

Pouge said Matevosian wrapped Boyajians body in the bedding and placed him inside the body bag, which he later buried in a Mojave Desert cave. Upon his return to Fresno, Matevosian took out $1,000 using Boyajians information.

Authorities say Matevosian wrapped Boyajian's body in the bedding and placed him inside the body bag, where he later buried in a Mojave Desert cave. (Madera County Sheriff's Office)

Deputies found Boyajians body in the cave. The San Bernardino Coroner's Office will determine his cause of death.

Boyajians phone was tossed at a local park, and his wallet was stashed inside Matevosians gym locker, Pouge said. The $1,000 and home security system hard drive were inside Matevosian's car, deputies added.

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The shovel allegedly used to bury Boyajian was also recovered.

Matevosian told authorities he visited the burial site with Boyajian on an off-road trip.

Read more: A daughter finds her mother dead in an L.A. homeless encampment. Was it an overdose or homicide?

Pouge said Boyajian treated Matevosian and his brother like grandchildren. Matevosians brother introduced the two after he was hired as a bookkeeper at Boyajians real estate business in Fresno.

It wasnt uncommon for them to take trips or stay the night at his house, Pouge said.

Boyajian worked in real estate for almost five decades, according to a KTLA 5 report .

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This was a calculated and callous act against a respected member of our community, Pogue said. Our detectives worked tirelessly and methodically to bring justice to Mr. Boyajian and his loved ones. Were grateful for the collaboration with our partner agencies and the observant community members who helped move this case forward.

Pouge said Matevosian had no criminal record prior to the killing. He will be tried at Madera County Superior Court, according to the sheriff's office.

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.
Teens alleged bomb threat leaves him grounded in Florida jail

A Missouri teenager accused of making a bomb threat on a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Kansas City earlier this week will remain in custody in South Florida.

The 16-year-old was arrested on charges of criminal mischief and making a false report of a bomb or explosive after a passenger reportedly felt unsafe upon overhearing the threat.

The teenager is scheduled to appear in court in Missouri next month, where the charges will be addressed.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
PAGELAND, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Late Saturday, investigators working the murder of a 17-year-old boy at the Pageland Watermelon Festival arrested another 17-year-old Chesterfield County boy and charged him with murder.

Chesterfield County court officials confirm Jayden Jeremiah Jefferies is charged with murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and an additional enhancement involving a concealed weapon. Jefferies was booked into the county jail Saturday where his bond was denied.

The bond denial is standard practice because of the severity of the felony offenses charged, bond cannot be set by a county magistrate. Jefferies will be held without bond until he faces a circuit court judge during the next term of general sessions court in Chesterfield County.

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We asked Chesterfield County Sheriff Cambo Streater for Jefferies mugshot, but as of this report the sheriff had not yet responded to our request for that public record.

Despite his age, court officials confirmed Jefferies is charged as an adult. Under South Carolina law, 17-year-olds charged with certain felonies that carry 15 or more years in prison are automatically charged as adults, Chesterfield County Chief Magistrate John Davis confirmed to QCN when contacted late Saturday.

QCN was also able to confirm the identity of the victim late Saturday afternoon after the Chesterfield County Coroners Office would not give the name, although the victims family was formally notified of the death more than a half a day earlier.

Central High School head football coach, Jonathan Eason, confirmed to QCN the victim is Sean Davis, 17. The schools track team and football team also posted Davis death. The teen was a member of both the track and football at Central High.

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The track team was scheduled to run in the Watermelon Festivals 5K set for Saturday morning and Davis was supposed to participate.

A crowd of teenagers were standing on the corner of McGregor and South Pearl Street in the heart of the Watermelon Festival when gunshots overran the sounds of carnival rides, vendor booths, food trucks, and the hustle and bustle of Pagelands largest annual gathering shortly before the festivals opening day came to a close.

A witness reported seeing dozens of people running away from the intersection. By the time the chaos settled, a 17-year-old boy was hit and lay dying near the intersection.

7-year-old seriously hurt in Pageland drive-by shooting

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The shooting happened within feet of the Pageland Police Departments tent and within yards of multiple Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office deputies working security.

SLED agents work to collect evidence following a shooting at the 2025 Pageland Watermelon Festival, where a shooting took the life of a 17-year-old boy at the corner of S. Pearl and McGregor Street. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

Dispatch records show the call and initial dispatch happened around 10:41 p.m. Friday.

First responders initially asked Chesterfield County dispatchers to summon a helicopter to the Pageland airport to airlift the victim. In the seconds that followed, officials decided the fastest way to get the victim treated was to load him into an ambulance and take him to a trauma center near Charlotte.

The boy never stood a chance.

Sources told Queen City News he never made it to the hospital alive. The Chesterfield County coroners office pronounced the victims death around midnight Friday.

The Pageland Police Department issued this statement following the shooting at the Watermelon Festival, identifying the vicitm as a 17-year-old juvenile. The victims identity has not officially been released as of this report. (Source: Pageland Police Department)

Grieving Pageland family seeks answers one year after 13-year-olds tragic death

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A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division crime scene technician arrived on scene within an hour or so of the shooting. The technician and at least one SLED agent were on scene well into the early morning hours Saturday as Chesterfield County sheriffs deputies left the scene. By the time Queen City News left the scene around 2:30 a.m., the Pageland Police Department officers who were milling around the crime scene had also left.

A SLED agent photographs evidence following the shooting death of a 17-year-old Pageland boy on July 18, 2025. The shooting happened on the opening night of the Watermelon Festival. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

Some of the PPD officers were back out patrolling the town as the SLED agents worked to document and collect evidence where the shooter stood and where the victim fell to the ground.

By the time we left town around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, investigators did not have a shooter named publicly. The Pageland Police Department issued a short press release, which only confirmed that a shooting had happened and the victims age. The release did not contain any other facts related to the shooting or whether a risk to the general public existed.

EXCLUSIVE: Secret recording reveals sheriff promised defendant to help derail attempted murder case

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Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young individual whose life was tragically lost, the PPD quoted Chief Dean Short as saying, This is a heartbreaking event that deeply impacts our entire community.

Law enforcement officers from the Pageland Police Department and the Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office search for damage in buildings near the shooting scene after a deadling shooting at the 2025 Pageland Watermelon Festival. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

PPD handed the investigation over to SLED and handed off any further release of information to the public over to SLED.

QCN Chief Investigative Reporter Jody Barr learned while on scene Friday night that investigators discovered a second trail of blood near the shooting scene that led away from where the shooting happened. Barrs sources believed the second blood trail indicates a second person may have suffered a gunshot wound.

Fourth Circuit Solicitor Mike Burch (center, khaki pants), Senior Assistant Solicitor Kernard Redmond (left), an unidentified Pageland Police Officer, and Pageland Police Chief Dean Short (right) meet inside the crime scene after a 17-year-old boy was killed on the opening day of the 2025 Pageland Watermelon Festival. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

Its likely law enforcement contacted hospitals in the area to be on the lookout for someone seeking treatment for a gunshot wound, which is typical in shooting investigations. Hospitals also typically notify law enforcement when a patient arrives with gunshot or stab wounds.

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After initially putting out a public press release that the festival would continue as planned following the shooting, the town announced Saturday morning that the 2025 Watermelon Festival would not go on:

Out of respect for the victim and their family, we believe this is the most appropriate course of action. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence, a message posted on the towns Facebook page stated. We thank our community for their understanding, and we ask everyone to continue supporting one another during this difficult time.

Jefferies general sessions bond hearing on the multiple felonies has not yet been scheduled. As soon as law enforcement provides new information related to the circumstances surrounding the shooting, we will update 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 Queen City News.
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Editors Note: Washington Week With The Atlantic is a partnership between NewsHour Productions, WETA, and The Atlantic airing every Friday on PBS stations nationwide. Check your local listings, watch full episodes here, or listen to the weekly podcast here.



This week, Congress passed Donald Trumps request to claw back $9 billion in approved federal spending, including funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting. Panelists on Washington Week With The Atlantic joined last night to discuss the presidents rescissions requestand what its approval may signal about future appropriations.

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What I think will be remembered of this vote is it was a test case in whether Republicans in Congress could change the way the government appropriates money, Michael Scherer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, said last night.

Historically, Scherer explained, even when one party controls both chambers of Congress, 60 votes are still required to pass a budget through the Senate. That means you need a bipartisan process, he continued. But this differs from a rescissions request, which can pass with only 51 votes. The Trump administrations goal, Scherer argued, is to break away from a bipartisan budgeting process by making it a purely partisan one. This, Scherer said, could change dramatically the whole way the federal governments been budgeted for years.

Joining the editor in chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, to discuss this and more: Leigh Ann Caldwell, the chief Washington correspondent at Puck; Stephen Hayes, the editor of The Dispatch, Meridith McGraw, a White House reporter at The Wall Street Journal; and Michael Scherer, a staff writer at The Atlantic.

Watch the full episode here.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
The Brief

Recovery efforts in Kerr County are still underway after devastating flooding

In Kerr County, at least 107 people are dead

KERR COUNTY, Texas - There is still a long way to go two weeks after the devastating floods in Central Texas.

In Kerr County, officials confirmed 107 deaths, including 70 adults and 37 children.

More than 1,000 first responders from across the country are helping with search efforts to bring loved ones home to their families.

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Kerrville has taken in more than 350 animals since July 4.

Latest from Kerr County

Flood informational meetings

An informational meeting for Kerr County residents affected by the flood is planned for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at Ingram Tom Moore High School Auditorium.

If you would like to attend online, it will be streamed here.

Volunteers

There are now limited work opportunities for volunteers.

The Volunteer Drive-Thru at Tivy Stadium in Kerrville will only be registering and assigning volunteers until available work orders are filled. Operating hours will be dependent on available work orders.

Volunteers are asked to register here.

Family assistance center

The Family Assistance Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for families with injured, missing, or loved ones who have died.

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The center is located at BT Wilson Sixth Grade School, at 605 Tivy Street, in Kerrville.

FEMA: Be aware of fraud

FEMA has issued a public alert regarding possible scams associated with disaster recovery efforts. If you are asked for the following, it is a scam:

Claiming to be from FEMA but lacking a photo ID

Asking for payment in exchange for disaster aid

Requesting banking or personal info

If you receive a letter or visit from FEMA but didnt apply for aid, contact the FEMA Fraud Branch at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Walk-in assistance is available at the Disaster Recovery Center located at the First Baptist Church in Kerrville. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To learn more and find ways to help, visit KerrTogether.com

The Source

Information from Kerr County officials
The Brief

Texas lawmakers are convening for a special session to address 18 items, including the regulation of THC products and flood response.

Governor Abbott vetoed a ban on most hemp products, instead seeking stricter regulations and age restrictions for THC sales.

The session will also tackle congressional redistricting, abortion pill legislation, and DNA collection from some border crossers.

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas lawmakers will return to the Capitol on Monday for a special session called to work on the regulation of THC and 17 other items from Gov. Greg Abbott.

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Abbott initially called for the session after vetoing a ban on most hemp products.

THC is the psychoactive compound found in hemp and marijuana.

Other topics on the special session agenda include flood response, natural disaster preparedness and redrawing the state's congressional districts.

Lawmakers will also consider legislation that would ban abortion pills and allow for collection of DNA samples from some people crossing the border.

THC ban

When the regular legislative session ended in June, one of the bills sent to Abbott's desk was a ban on THC, Senate Bill 3.

The bill banned consumable THC products like vapes, gummies and drinks.

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That bill was vetoed by Abbott in a move that stunned Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who had pushed for the bill to pass all session.

In his veto, Abbott called the bill "well-intentioned" but noted it would face legal challenges.

Abbott has called for stricter regulations of products and to prevent the sale of products to minors.

Patrick called the veto and subsequent special session a move to legalize recreational marijuana.

A poll from the University of Texas and Texas Politics Project shows that more than 50 percent of Texans do not approve of the ban.

The Texas hemp industry now supports an estimated 50,000 jobs and generates $8 billion in annual tax revenue.

Flood warning systems, emergency communications, relief funding

Four items relate to flood response and natural disaster preparedness, marking the severity of the recent flash flooding that claimed over 100 lives in the Texas Hill Country on the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

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In the midst of search and rescue efforts, many critics have questioned the alert systems in place to warn residents before disasters of this nature occur. The special session appears to be weighted towards strengthening those systems and funding areas in need of improvement.

Those four items are:

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMS: Legislation to improve early warning systems and other preparedness infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas.

FLOOD EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: Legislation to strengthen emergency communications and other response infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas.

RELIEF FUNDING FOR HILL COUNTRY FLOODS: Legislation to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from the storms which began in early July 2025, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA public assistance.

NATURAL DISASTER PREPARATION & RECOVERY: Legislation to evaluate and streamline rules and regulations to speed preparedness for and recovery from natural disasters.

The Texas House and Senate have each appointed a nine-person committee ahead of the special session. The committees will work together and hold a meeting at the Capitol on July 23 and another meeting in Kerr County the next week.

Congressional redistricting

Abbott has called for lawmakers to take up redistricting as part of the legislative session.

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The U.S. Department of Justice sent a letter to Abbott saying four congressional districts in Texas show signs of racial gerrymandering that is unconstitutional.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said he wanted to gain five Republican seats in the U.S. House through the state's redistricting efforts.

The move sparked anger from Democrats, who could consider filibusters and possibly breaking quorum to prevent it from happening.

Abortion pills, DNA testing and other special session topics

Lawmakers have already filed several bills for the special session.

Among the bills, some look to block the sale of abortion-inducing drugs in the state and create penalties for transporting a minor across state lines for an abortion.

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Another would require people to use the bathroom, locker room and other similar public spaces that match their biological gender.

A bill filed by Rep. Terri Leo Wilson would allow for DNA collection and testing of certain people crossing the Texas-Mexico border for use by the Department of Homeland Security.

What is a special session?

According to the Texas Constitution, the governor can call a special session "at any time and for any reason."

The reasons for calling the special session must be laid out, and only topics listed by the governor's proclamation can be taken up during the session.

Special sessions are limited to a maximum of 30 days, but are not required to be that long.

The Source

Information in this article comes from bills filed in the Texas legislature and previous FOX 7 coverage.
Thousands of Afghans whose personal details were leaked but who were not evacuated to Britain are not expected to receive any compensation.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will "robustly defend against any legal action or compensation", a spokesperson told the BBC, adding that these were "hypothetical claims".

The MoD will also not proactively give small payouts to people whose lives were put in danger after the February 2022 leak, the Times reported.

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The names and details of more than 19,000 people were leaked, with many Afghans now saying they fear retribution from the Taliban.

The spokesperson added that an independent review, known as the Rimmer review, commissioned by the Defence Secretary John Healey found: "It is highly unlikely that merely being on the spreadsheet would be grounds for an individual to be targeted."

This week, Healey announced the lifting of a super-injunction that made it illegal to both publicise the leak and refer to the existence of the court order.

That came after the completion of the Rimmer review, which concluded: "There is little evidence of intent by the Taliban to conduct a campaign of retribution against former officials."

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The largest lawsuit is being prepared by Barings Law, a firm that has more than 1,000 Afghan clients, according to The Times.

It is unclear how many of those clients are currently in Afghanistan.

The leak occurred when an unnamed official emailed the spreadsheet outside of the government team processing Afghan relocation applications and it made its way into the public domain.

Knowledge of the leak only emerged in August 2023, when the names of nine people who had applied to move to the UK appeared on Facebook.

The Taliban leadership continues to face international isolation due to its human rights abuses, especially those targeting women. Russia is the only country that recognises the current Afghan government, and the British embassy to Kabul has remained close since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

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An Afghan man who had been turned down for relocation was responsible for sharing the names on Facebook, and was offered an expedited review of his application in return for taking it down, the BBC reported last week.

More than 100 British officials, including members of the special forces and MI6, were compromised in the same data breach.

Since the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan, more than 36,000 Afghans have moved to the UK. Of those, more than 16,000 individuals were deemed to have been at risk from the leak, the MoD confirmed to the BBC.

The government has so far spent 400m on the scheme to relocate Afghans.

But the total cost of relocating all Afghans is expected to rise to around 5.5-6bn, according to the government.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday alleged conspiracy to defame the Bihar government and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar amid the concerns raised by the opposition parties over the law and order situation in the state. He said that criminals were given protection earlier, but they are now being caught. He said that those involved in the Paras hospital shooting will be arrested soon. "There were settlements with the criminals before. They were given protection. However, it cannot be said today that the government, including the Chief Minister and Deputy CMs, is protecting criminals. Criminals are being caught. Those involved in the Paras hospital shooting will also be caught. However, I want to ask why these criminals are from a particular community? I allege a conspiracy to defame the Bihar government," the Union Minister Singh told ANI. He further criticised the opposition in Bihar for not acknowledging the efforts made by the Chief Minister to generate employment opportunities in the state. He stated that the state government has already created 10 lakh jobs. "The opposition can't speak about employment. The Chief Minister has announced plans to create one crore new employment opportunities. His government has already given 10 lakh jobs. The dropout rate of girls in schools has reduced. Women are getting employment," Singh added. His remarks come in response to the opposition pointing out that PM Modi didn't address the law and order situation in Bihar during his speech yesterday. Earlier on Friday, PM Modi lambasted the INDIA bloc partners, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, for halting development in Bihar and appealed to voters to "protect" the State from their "malicious" intentions ahead of Assembly polls due later this year. Addressing a public rally in Motihari after dedicating projects worth Rs 72,00 crore for Bihar, Prime Minister accused Congress and the RJD of doing politics in the name of the poor, Dalits, backwards classes, and tribals, but they never ensure equal rights to them. "Congress and RJD have been doing politics in the name of the poor, Dalits, backwards classes, and tribals. However, far from ensuring equal rights, they often fail to show respect to people outside their immediate families. The arrogance of these people is being witnessed by the entire Bihar today. We must protect Bihar from their malicious intentions," the Prime Minister said. Further sharpening the attack, PM Modi stated that it was impossible for the poor to obtain such pucca houses during the rule of the RJD and Congress in Bihar. "During the rule of the RJD and Congress, it was impossible for the poor to get such Pucca houses. In the regime of those people, folks didn't even dare to paint their homes, fearing that if they did, who knows, the landlord might just have them evicted," he added. (ANI)
Thousands of people demonstrated in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities on Saturday in favour of the release of all hostages still being held by the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

"Six months ago, I saw the sun again after 471 days in Hamas tunnels and I took a first breath that was not just fear," said former hostage Doron Steinbrecher, speaking at the central rally in Tel Aviv, according to a report in the Times of Israel newspaper.

"Now, six months later, I still can't breathe without fear," she added. "This takes time. And the first step is for everyone to come back."

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On Saturday evening, the crowd marched from the so-called Hostage Square in the centre of Tel Aviv to the US embassy branch on Hajarkon Street.

In chants, the rally participants called on US President Donald Trump to put pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring the indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas to a successful conclusion.

The negotiations in the Qatari capital Doha have been dragging on for weeks.

Diplomats from Qatar, Egypt and the USA are acting as mediators. The day before, Trump had announced in Washington that 10 hostages would be released very soon.

However, it was not immediately clear what his optimism was based on.
Thousands of Pro-Palestinian protesters have marched through Edinburgh as part of a demonstration against the war in Gaza.

Activists gathered outside a UK government building for speeches demanding an end to what they described as a "genocide".

A large group gathered outside St Giles' Cathedral in the early afternoon before marching down the Royal Mile, chanting while waving flags and banners.

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Other demonstrations took place in cities across the UK, including Bristol, Manchester, London and Truro - calling for the ban on Palestine Action to be reversed.

No arrests were made in relation to the march in Edinburgh.

Protesters stopped in front of the UK government headquarters at Queen Elizabeth House, where speeches were given outside the building, before heading on to Bute House - the first minister's official residence.

Mick Napier, founding member of the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, said there was a large turnout in the Scottish capital because of outrage over Israel's plan for a "humanitarian city" in Rafah.

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Speaking as the march set off down the Royal Mile, he told the PA news agency: "It's large, it's bigger than we've had for a very long time and it's entirely due to the building of the Israeli concentration camp in Rafah.

"They've called it a humanitarian city but people are utterly horrified, cumulatively, by what's happened during 22 months of genocide."

Protesters marched from St Giles' Cathedral, down the Royal Mile and on to Bute House [BBC]

Earlier this week, three women were arrested under the Terrorism Act after a van was driven into the external fence of the Leonardo UK factory in Edinburgh.

The group Shut Down Leonardo claimed it was making components for F-35 fighter jets but the defence company said it did not directly supply equipment to Israel.

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Former MP Tommy Sheppard spoke to the crowd outside Queen Elizabeth house, saying: "Today in the Middle East a genocide is being prosecuted in real time and we are watching it on television play by play."

The UK government and Israeli governments have been approached for a response. Downing Street has previously said it supports Israel's right to defend itself.
Three people were killed Friday in an explosion at the arson and explosives unit at Biscailuz Center, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments main training academy in East L.A., authorities said. One other person was injured.

Few details have been released about what caused the blast, which occurred during a training-related operation. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said it is cooperating with investigators, and no foul play is currently suspected.

The explosion is the latest in a series of deadly incidents tied to LASD training sites across the county. At least 15 people have died during department training activities since 2016, according to records reviewed by the Los Angeles Times. The incidents include medical emergencies, tactical mishaps, and another explosion in 2020 at the departments mobile range facility in Castaic, which seriously injured a bomb technician.

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Some of the deaths occurred during physically demanding drills. In one case, a recruit suffered a heart attack after a long training run. In others, causes were not made public, and family members have said they received little information from the department.

The sheriffs department operates more than two dozen specialized facilities for firearms, bomb squads, K-9 units, and emergency driving. Oversight and reporting standards vary, and many of the incidents have not been widely disclosed.

In the wake of Fridays explosion, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has called for a full review of training site safety and transparency. Officials have not yet released the names of those killed.

The post Three killed in deadly blast at LA sheriff training center appeared first on Salon.com.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A grand jury indicted three men on Thursday for their involvement in a fatal shooting on Polaris Parkway.

The state has charged and indicted a previously known suspect and two additional men in the murder of Joseph Suiter, 26, on July 9. Suiter was shot to death at an apartment complex near the Target parking lot on the 1400 block of Polaris Parkway. See previous coverage in the video player above.

At the time of the shooting, police arrested 19-year-old Elijah Roberts, who was charged with aggravated murder after surrendering voluntarily. The state also charged Ali Mustaf Mohamed, 19, of one count each of aggravated robbery and murder, and Michael Bernard Chaney of one count of obstructing justice.

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Three seriously injured in southeast Columbus fire

Court documents allege Roberts and Mohamed of attempting to rob Suiter before Roberts shot him. Roberts is facing two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, one count of aggravated robbery and one count of tampering with evidence.

According to Delaware County Jail records, Roberts has been held in jail since July 10. Mohamed was also jailed in Delaware County on July 17, and Chaney is not yet listed on the jails active inmate roster.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Three people were seriously injured and a dog was killed after a structure fire broke out at a home in southeast Columbus.

Truro Township Fire Chief Chase Bryan said a structure fire broke out at a house on the 5200 block of Parkline Drive early Saturday. Bryan said three residents were transported to an area hospital in serious condition due to smoke inhalation.

Truro Township Fire confirmed a family dog also died in the fire. They did not have any updates on the three victims conditions after transporting them.

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Bryan said the Truro Township Fire Department contained the fire overnight. The department is still investigating the cause of the fire.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
If Thrifty Ice Cream had a flavor this month, it would undoubtedly be Rocky Road.

While the original Rocky Road promised an unforgettable adventure of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy California almonds, the current journey feels more like a pothole-filled scoop of uncertainty.

By now, youve likely heard about the demise of Rite Aid and the swirling questions surrounding Thriftys future. Reports suggest that the owners of Monster Energy Drinks have acquired the rights to Thrifty Ice Cream.

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Change is already underwaybut what it means for this iconic brand remains unclear.

For weeks, KTLA has reached out to Thriftys media team with questions about the future of the beloved ice cream, including:

How many Thrifty ice cream counters will remainand where?

What other retail locations will continue to carry Thrifty?

Are there any plans for expansion?

Those questions have gone unanswered. In fact, the entire Thrifty press email has now been dismantled. While previous messages were delivered, our latest attempt bounced back as undeliverable.

The Thrifty website remains online, as do its social media pagesthough theyve been dormant for months. That is, until Wednesday, when a flicker of activity appeared: a post reading, We know weve been quiet and were sorry some sweet news is coming soon. The post also mentioned that DMs are open and hinted at making new memories.

Thrifty Ice Cream social media post. July 16, 2025.

We called the 1-800 number still listed for Thrifty Ice Creamand someone answered. A kind representative confirmed that media contacts were no longer available due to the sale. When asked about the future of Thrifty, she said the ice cream is still being sold in various supermarkets and named a few. Beyond that, there was no one else to speak with.

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It was CNBCs Fast Money that first reported the co-CEOs of Monster Beverage Corporation had scooped up Thriftys assets for approximately $19.2 million.

So, we reached out to Monster Beverage Corporation. We were directed to a generic info email address.

Our message read:

Hoping to set up time to speak with the duo behind Monster Beverage Corp to discuss the future of Thrifty. If they arent available, could we get some info regarding future plans for Thrifty?

Is ice cream still being sold in markets?

Any plans for more standalone shops?

Any changes for the factoryjob gains or losses?

Wed love to tell the Thrifty story and this next chapter.

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So far, silence.

Except for those cryptic social media posts, it seems Thrifty is quietly working behind the scenes.

The iconic cylinder scoop is in their hands now. Were waiting for answersand hoping to tell the next chapter of this legendary ice cream brand.

Well update with the scoop as soon as we get more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Possible showers and thunderstorms are to be expected on July 19 and 20 as severe weather rolls into the Greater Cincinnati area, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

The agency is reporting a severe weather outlook for southeastern parts of Indiana, Northern Kentucky and Ohio.

These include Dearborn, Ohio and Switzerland counties in Indiana; Carroll, Gallatin, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Owen, Grant and Pendleton counties in Kentucky; and Darke, Miami, Clark, Preble, Montgomery, Greene, Butler, Warren, Clinton, Ross, Hamilton, Clermont, Brown and Highland counties in Ohio.

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Severe weather is possible both days this weekend, with damaging winds as the primary threat. There is also the threat of heavy rain which could lead to flash flooding in some areas, the weather service reports.

We will see an increasing chance of storms developing late this afternoon. A few could become severe with damaging winds. Localized flooding is also possible. pic.twitter.com/BiPgs293Wd  NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) July 19, 2025

Detailed weekend weather forecast for July 19 and 20

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2 and 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89 degrees. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73 degrees. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 a.m. High near 89 degrees. West wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

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Sunday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 71 degrees. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati weather: Thunderstorms, severe weather possible Saturday
Nick Offerman has called out President Donald Trump after his big, beautiful bill  which he signed into law earlier this month  slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to Americas national parks.

Let me get this straight, Mr. President. You cut $267 million to get back $90 million. Now, Im no mathematician but I believe thats called shitting the bed, said Offerman in an appearance on Tuesdays episode of The Daily Show.

But then again, I didnt go to Wharton Business College.

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The Parks & Recreation star  who portrayed libertarian official Ron Swanson  turned to several news reports detailing how Americas pastoral gifts are under attack as staffing levels have seen a notable dip across the National Park System since January, per the National Parks Conservation Association.

One clip noted that park scientists, in some cases, have been forced to help clean toilets due to staffing shortages.

Offerman  who quipped that the situation is like Good Will Hunting but in reverse  stressed that the cuts are a huge mistake.

No scientist has the strength to clean the skid marks of a man whos been eating beans and campfire hot dogs for the past three days! Theyre weak, he joked.

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He went on to refer to Trump shaking down foreigners after he issued an executive order earlier this month that calls for foreign tourists to face higher park entry fees, a move that the administration expects to generate more than $90 million annually.

After highlighting how national parks contributed a record $55.6 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 415,000 jobs just two years ago, Offerman explained why the parks are a true miracle.

It is an affordable vacation that everyone can take inside our own borders, whether youre traveling with your family or abandoning your constituents during a crisis, quipped the actor as a photo of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) amid his Cancun controversy appeared on screen.

Offerman, who recently revealed why Ron Swanson wouldve despised Trump, then mocked the president for speaking so fondly of national parks in years past.

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He turned to a 2020 clip of Trump who, when referencing sequoia trees at Yosemite National Park, appeared to pronounce the parks name as yo-semites.

Its Yosemite, Offerman remarked. Yo, Semites, is what a bad undercover cop might say to a group of Hasidic Jews.

Related...
U.S. Rep Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, Tenn., has demanded "an immediate compliance review of Belmont University" to determine whether the private Christian school in Nashville truly slashed its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.

Ogles told U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a July 16 letter that the university rebranded its DEI programs, rather than fully complying with President Donald Trump's "Combating Racial Ideologies in Higher Education" executive order.

A group of potential Belmont University students and their parents are walking away from the historic Belmont Mansion during a tour of the campus on Nov. 16, 2007.

Belmont shifted its DEI initiatives to its HUB, or Hope, Unity, and Belonging program, he said. School officials denied that they violated the law. According to Belmont University's website, The HUB was established in 2022.

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We are aware of comments from government officials and maintain that the university is in compliance with federal laws, a Belmont University spokesperson said.

Ogles called upon the Department of Education to review whether Belmont complied with the Trump Administrations order. He asked the agency to clarify whether cosmetic name changes constitute non-compliance and lose federal funds as a result.

Belmont University claims to be a Christian institution grounded in Biblical principles  but its administration is injecting anti-gospel DEI ideology into its curriculum, Ogles said in a press release.

Ogles cited an undercover video obtained by conservative news website Townhall which appears to show a university employee discussing the schools Office of Hope, Unity, and Belonging.

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He said university officials made an "intentional effort to deceive federal authorities and continue promoting discriminatory programming under a new name."

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, gives his victory speech after defeating Democrat Maryam Abolfazli. The watch party was at Stan's Restaurant in Columbia, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

In the video, the employee claims that HUB operates essentially as a DEI program. However, Belmont University officials said staff members were not authorized to make those comments.

The Tennessean has not been able to independently verify the legitimacy of the video.

Ogles comments come as the Trump Administration has signed executive orders in an attempt to eliminate DEI programs, in addition to revoking the student visas of international students at universities throughout the country.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Rep. Andy Ogles asks feds to investigate Belmont University
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Tennessee senator says a Memphis group is blocking driveways and neighborhoods during protests.

A group, Indivisible Memphis, has been hosting Banner Brigades, they say, to peacefully protest President Donald Trumps deportations of illegal immigrants.

The group said in a statement that weeks ago, Senator Brent Taylor put a post on Facebook that had violent, conspiratorial language targeting progressive activists.

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Protestors rally outside TN House members office against presidents tax bill

They said Senator Taylor falsely accused groups like Indivisible Memphis of encouraging political violence and invoked harmful stereotypes, leading them to file a formal ethics complaint with the Tennessee legislature.

State Sen. Brent Taylor

Those complaints have resulted in an upcoming ethics hearing, said Indivisible Group on Facebook.

On Monday, Senator Taylor responded on Facebook, saying he received calls from people who live near where protests are being held.

He said those people are being blocked from their driveways and neighborhoods while the hippies wave their flags.

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Unfortunately for Indivisible Memphis, their protests may not be legally permitted. These types of demonstrations require a city-issued permit, said Senator Taylor. My office is checking to see if Indivisible Memphis has ever gotten a permit for their previous demonstrations. Regardless, theyre not allowed to hang banners from state property, and theyre certainly not allowed to block roadways.

In response to Senator Taylor, Indivisible Memphis said the following:

Banner Brigade is a lawful protest. Our participants stand on public sidewalks, do not block traffic or driveways, and peacefully exercise our First Amendment rights. No permit is required for sidewalk protests under current city regulations.

We have never incited violence, and we categorically reject efforts to portray us as anything other than peaceful community advocates.

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Senator Taylors latest actions reflect a deeply troubling pattern: using his office to retaliate against constituents who challenge him, spread fear about political opponents, and attempt to chill protected speech. That is not just unethical, its dangerous.

Thousands gather for No Kings Day protest throughout the Mid-South

The group also stated that in Memphis, protesting is not a threat, but a tradition, and they will not be silenced.

On Friday, Senator Taylor made a Facebook post saying he could not care less about the weathered purple-haired Banner Brigade protestors.

He included pictures of people holding signs, one of which said, Our lungs, our lives not for sale, especially not to Brent Taylor.

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At the request of my more sane constituents, I am asking Highway Patrol to enforce state law against hanging banners from interstate bridges and to keep driveways and roadways from being blocked, said Senator Taylor.

The group hosts a protest every Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Shady Grove Road and I-240 overpass.

In a social media post, the group advises protesters not to display banners or signs on the overpass, block traffic, driveways, or pedestrian flow; cross into the roadway; post photos or videos identifying protesters; or provide false identification to law enforcement.

They also advised protestors to stand only on the public sidewalk, hold banners or signs by hand only, stay off overpass railings or structure, remain peaceful and respectful, to stay 25 feet away from officers if approached, leave at least three feet of space between their vehicle or driveway and be parked no more than 12 inches from the curb.

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Actress Lee Si-young has announced that she is pregnant with her second child after undergoing an embryo transplant without her ex-husband's consent. This has sparked a significant public and legal debate in South Korea.

According to South Korea's Bioethics and Safety Act, creating embryos through in vitro fertilization requires written consent from both partners.

However, the law does not clearly require consent from both parties for implanting embryos that were created earlier.

Legal experts say that while Lee's actions may not break current laws, the situation reveals a serious gap in reproductive and family law.

"She made the decision alone without the consent of her ex-husband," said attorney Lee Ji-hoon during a broadcast on the YouTube legal commentary channel Knowing Lawyer.

"Legally, she may not be liable, but ethically and emotionally, this involves more than one person."

He added, "From a father's perspective, this isn't just about financial child support  it's about emotional responsibility and consent. She can only take responsibility for a third of this situation. The biological father and the child also have stakes in this."

Ex-Husband Breaks Silence

Lee Si-young's ex-husband, Cho Seung-hyun, 52, acknowledged through Dispatch that he opposed the second pregnancy due to their divorce.

"It's true that I was against it," he said. "But now that there is a second child, I will try to fulfill my responsibilities as a father."

The couple married in 2017 and had their first child, a son, in early 2018. Lee announced their divorce in March 2025, describing the process as amicable.

She stated that her choice to proceed with the embryo transfer stemmed from an emotional struggle over discarding the embryos and a deep desire to have another child.

"In the end, I could not throw away something so precious," Lee wrote in her now-deleted post. "This child is a miracle to me, and I will fully bear the weight of my decision."

Parental Rights in Question: Could Consent Laws Be Redefined by Lee Si-young's Case?

Despite Cho's willingness to co-parent, some legal professionals argue that without formal consent for the pregnancy, he may not be required to provide financial support or recognize the child legally.

"This case challenges how we view parental rights and obligations in assisted reproduction," said attorney Lee. "It may force lawmakers to revisit current legislation to ensure ethical and legal clarity."

As discussions about reproductive autonomy, parental consent, and legal definitions of family continue to change, Lee Si-young's pregnancy could become a key case in shaping future discussions and reforms in South Korea.

Read More: Lee Si Young Got So Ripped, Her Body Thought She Was a Man
A senior manager with a private bank allegedly died by suicide late Thursday night by hanging himself inside the bank's premises on Bhigwan Road in Baramati, said a police official on Friday. According to the Police, the deceased has been identified as Shivshankar Mitra, a native of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, who had been working with the bank for several years. According to initial reports, Mitra has been under immense stress for the past few weeks. He had even discussed his mental state with his family and had submitted an application for voluntary retirement just five to six days ago. However, on Thursday night, between 10 PM and midnight, Mitra allegedly ended his life after leaving behind a detailed suicide note. In the note, he squarely blamed the excessive work pressure as the reason for his drastic step, a CCTV of the whole incident was also recorded, which has been seized for probe by the police. Baramati city Police Inspector Vilas Nale, while confirming the incident, stated, "Shivshankar Mitra, the Chief Manager at the Baramati City branch of Bank of Baroda, hanged himself between 10 PM and 12 midnight, last night. His wife alerted us after he failed to return home. When she contacted the bank, the staff checked inside and found him hanging." "The body has been sent for postmortem, and further investigation has begun. A suicide note was found in his trouser pocket, where he wrote that he was ending his life due to pressure related to bank work. We are thoroughly investigating the exact circumstances that led to this extreme step," he added. The Baramati police have launched a formal inquiry into the matter. (ANI)
xenophobe. n. a person contemptuous of people from different countries.

factitious. adj. lacking authenticity or genuineness; sham.

As in: On July 8, Trump administration xenophobes announced a factitious assessment of the effects of Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland.

See: The National Farm Security Action Plan.

One-tenth of 1%  0.1%. If every acre of Chinese-owned crop land in the United States were planted with wheat, it would yield only one-tenth of 1% of the Wheat States harvest this year. If the farmers  virtually all Americans  who farm that land planted it with soybeans, it would amount to just 16-hundredths of 1%  0.16%  of the 230.46 million bushels of the Missouri bean harvest.

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U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins claims Chinese ownership of American farmland expose(s) us to risks of shortages and threatens American abundance.

The crops harvested from that land is minuscule. And its not secreted away. American workers process it in U.S. mills and crushers, and feed it in U.S. feed lots. Some probably even makes its way to China, thanks to American rail and dock workers  exports that American farm state politicians ceaselessly champion. Most Chinese-owned farmland in this country is dedicated to renewable energy, generating electricity for American farms, factories and cities.

Kansas farmers earn more than $4 billion annually selling to China. It must have jarred them when their Sen. Roger Marshall, standing next to Rollins as she announced the plan, chastised one of their best customers: China, get the hell out of American agriculture.

Shortages, American abundance threatened? Thats hyperbole built on misleading assertions and untruths. Its a threat, a danger and in line with the Trump administrations so-called America first philosophy. Maybe thats the point.

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Rollins said the administration is taking executive action to ban the purchase of American farmland by Chinese nationals. Its not.

Trump budget dropped USDA reforms

The plan merely tweaks a more than four-decades-old record keeping system the USDA maintains, tracking all foreign purchases of U.S. cropland. The tweak allows online reporting of such transactions  recordkeeping, meet internet. The administration didnt push for reforms to the system Congress proposed in its farm bill. They were dropped from the budget bill the president signed.

Chinese investors own just two-hundredths of 1%, 0.02%, of all American farmland. Missouri ranks third, at 42,000 acres. Ninety-nine percent of that is held by one owner, the company that bought Smithfield Farms acquired the acreage in the transaction. Chinese interests own only one acre of Kansas farmland  one.

Surely the secretary knows the share of U.S. cropland in Chinese hands is paltry, and that since peaking in 2021, Chinese ownership has dropped 27%.

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And she must know also that her recommendations are contradicted by her own actions? The plan says the USDA will fund avian flu research. The administration fired 25% of those scientists. Biosecurity is one its priorities, yet Rollins cut at least 28 of the researchers at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at Kansas State University.

If Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland were really a dire threat to national security, does the administration intend to prosecute American citizens who abetted that threat when they sold land to Chinese investors?

In an administration of inconsistencies and policymaking chaos  continually threatening and then changing tariff rates, for example  there is one constant: An across-the-board assault on the other, everyone and anything outside Western American northern European orthodoxy.

The National Farm Security Action Plan is another front. Its built on rhetoric from Trumps first term, his frequent referrals to the pandemic as the China virus and kung flu, which sparked an explosion of anti-Asian hate. It resurrects the vitriol of nobody-can-out-anti-China-me ads that polluted the Missouri Republican primary campaigns last year.

Total substitution of lies for factual truth

Even the National Park Service was enlisted to root out what the administration considers out of touch with its ideology, surveying visitors if they find any signs or information un-American or offensive. Not to be outdone, Rollins established a snitch line for anonymous tips if Chinese buyers are sniffing around the neighborhood looking for a farm.

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Its a scare tactic, like unmarked vans full of masked, armed men marching through public parks, selling Alligator Alcatraz merchandise, banning immigrants from several Muslim countries, racially profiling day laborers at Home Depot then shipping them away, threatening news outlets with prosecution if they carry stories that make the administration uncomfortable, and the Republican National Convention crowd cheering a sea of Mass Deportation Now placards. Its dangerously close to the pre-Chinese Exclusion Acts hysteria.

And it depends on obliterating the distinction between fact and truth and deception and untruths, defiling the cultivation of republican ideals the Rollins plan purports to protect.

As Hannah Arendt wrote in On Lying and Politics, her two important essays on democracy: The result of a consistent and total substitution of lies for factual truth is not that the lies will now be accepted as truth, and the truth be defamed as lies, but that the sense by which we take our bearings in the real world  and the category of truth vs. falsehood is among the mental means to this end  is being destroyed.

Greg Frazier is a former chief agriculture negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is a Kansas native and lives in Kansas City.
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner blasted Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as not competent, moments before she dropped a report alleging that the Obama administration stoked election interference claims in a treasonous conspiracy.

Warner, the Democratic vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, was at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado discussing the nations acuity for intelligence gathering under President Donald Trump when he gave his scathing assessment of Gabbard, The Hill reported.

Tulsi Gabbard is not competent to be the director of national intelligence, Warner reportedly told moderator Peter Baker at the event on Friday. I believe she is trying to politicize the workforce and work product, and that makes America less safe.

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In promulgating her Friday report, Gabbard claimed that the Obama administration promoted claims that Russia interfered with the 2016 election, despite evidence proving otherwise, to undermine Trumps victory.

Their goal was to subvert the will of the American people and enact what was essentially a years-long coup with the objective of trying to usurp the President from fulfilling the mandate bestowed upon him by the American people, Gabbard said, writing on X that she is turning over her report to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.

Yet amid intensifying calls for the Trump administration to make public all the files it has on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Gabbards big Obama conspiracy report was written off in some online MAGA circles as a dud, and a distraction from Epstein.

Wasnt this proven in the muller investigation and made public years ago ? Love the distraction though, commented @GeorgeTrump on X under Gabbards post.

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Similarly, Warner criticized the hoopla Gabbard made about her alleged findings, saying in a statement that a Senate Intelligence Committee investigation had reaffirmed that the Russian government directed extensive activity against U.S. election infrastructure.

He added, This conclusion was supported on a unanimous basis by every single Democrat and Republican on the committee.

Political commentator Keith Olbermann also waded into the conversation in a post on X roasting Gabbard as skunk hair.

Dear Skunk Hair, @Russian and criminal actors did not impact recent US election results by conducting malicious cyber activities against (election) infrastructure, he wrote. No shit! Nobody accused of them of altering vote totals or machines. It was their campaign of email jacking to feed your lord and master Trump that constituted his Collusion with Russia.

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Olbermann added, Youre right - you are not an asset, just an ass.

Dear Skunk Hair,@Russian and criminal actors did not impact recent US election results by conducting malicious cyber activities against (election) infrastructure.



No shit!



Nobody accused of them of altering vote totals or machines. It was their campaign of email jacking to  Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) July 18, 2025

Catching wind of Warners comments, Gabbards deputy chief of staff, Alexa Henning, shot back, calling him a loser.

Since hes dumb enough to fall for politicized intelligence like the debunked Russia Hoax, I think were good not taking advice from him, she wrote on X.

Warner is such a loser.



The only time he gets any coverage is when hes filming weird, unhinged rants from his car or taking swipes at the DNI.



Since hes dumb enough to fall for politicized intelligence like the debunked Russia Hoax, I think were good not taking advice from https://t.co/r43FUxT0Ep  Alexa Henning (@alexahenning) July 18, 2025

During his conversation at the Aspen Security Forum, Warner also discussed the Trump administrations decision to fire the director of the National Security Agency, and the big Signalgate group chat text chain, of which Gabbard was a part, The Hill reported.

You have efforts on politicized product, Warner said to moderator Baker at the event, referring to the strike discussions on Signal. Last time that happened, we had a war in Iraq.

Gabbard has claimed that no classified information was discussed in the chat.
Jul. 19SANTA FE  Tucked deep in the hotly debated Big Beautiful Bill that President Donald Trump signed this month is a provision establishing $1,000-per-child investment accounts for babies born during Trump's second term.

The White House said the accounts will "chart the path to prosperity for a generation of American kids," while citing support from several business leaders from around the nation.

But some top New Mexico Democrats who pushed for "baby bonds," or child-focused investment accounts, during this year's 60-day legislative session, say they're not on board with the design of the Trump accounts.

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"I like baby bonds  I don't like MAGA bonds," state Treasurer Laura Montoya said this week.

"These are definitely not baby bond accounts whatsoever," she added, saying the provision in the federal bill does not accomplish her goal of bridging the wealth gap for low-income residents.

Once implemented, the "Trump accounts" will provide tax-deferred $1,000 investment accounts for all children born in the United States from 2025 through 2028. Additional contributions of up to $5,000 per year from family members, friends or employers can be added to the accounts.

Matt Lira, a White House official during Trump's first term who now leads a group that advocates for taxpayer-funded investment accounts for newborns, said the idea behind the accounts has been espoused by policymakers on both sides of the political spectrum.

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He said the reason the Trump accounts will be available to all families with new children, regardless of income levels, is to avoid having any stigma attached to the accounts. Such an approach was also used in other government programs like Social Security and allows the new accounts to be discussed in classroom settings, he added.

"You completely destigmatize the program if it's universal," said Lira, executive director of the nonprofit Invest America Coalition.

However, New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, called the federal baby bond initiative a "Trump scam" that will benefit wealthier families.

"It's a big farce," Martinez said in a Friday interview, while also alluding to federal changes to safety net programs like Medicaid and food assistance in the budget bill. Those changes could lead to more than 90,000 New Mexico residents losing their health insurance coverage, state officials have testified.

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"While you might be giving kids $1,000 in one-time money, you're taking away their families' ability to feed and clothe them," Martinez added.

NM's baby bonds debate

In New Mexico, an Albuquerque nonprofit group recently launched a baby bonds pilot program that involves $6,000 accounts funded by private donations that were established for 15 selected families with young children.

That program, along with others like it from around the nation, prompted attempts to expand the program on a statewide level.

But New Mexico Democrats have disagreed over the proper approach to baby bonds. Dueling bills were proposed during this year's 60-day session, with neither measure being ultimately approved.

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In addition, a separate paid family leave bill that included $9,000 baby rebates for working parents stalled in a Senate committee in the final days of this year's session amid solvency concerns.

Montoya, a Democrat who is in her first term as state treasurer, told the Journal she plans to push for a state-level baby bond program  likely during next year's 30-day legislative session  that would involve $7,000 investment accounts per child.

As with the Trump accounts, the money would be invested during a baby's childhood and could then be used for certain expenses, such as higher education costs, buying a new home or entrepreneurship once the child turns 18.

"You need to make sure you have the financial parameters in place to set people up for success," Montoya said.

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As for the plan signed by the president, Montoya said she believes the "Trump accounts" will benefit wealthier families, who will benefit from the tax perks and will more likely be able to make additional contributions to the accounts.

"If they're already rich, why do they need $1,000?" asked Montoya, who said baby bonds should be based on income levels, with lower-income residents getting larger initial deposits.

Looking ahead

House Speaker Martinez said it's unclear whether baby bonds might be on the agenda of the 30-day session that starts in January, as the issue would likely have to be approved for consideration by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

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While he said lawmakers are still studying the federal bill to gauge how much budgetary backfilling might be necessary, he said he still supports a broader state-level baby bonds program.

"It doesn't change our strategy, it doesn't change the need for baby bonds in New Mexico," he said.

However, Lira said the federal program that is set to start in the summer of 2026 could eventually allow state and local governments to add their own programs on top of the federally created accounts.

"Even with relatively small amounts of money invested in these accounts, the benefits are significant and long-lasting," he said.

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Lira also said the fact the baby bond provision was largely overshadowed by other, more controversial components of the Big Beautiful Bill might have worked in backers' favor.

But he said the idea had been thoroughly studied, citing pilot projects that have been undertaken around the country.

"It felt like an idea whose time had arrived," Lira said.
Rep. Robert Garcia (Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, urged lawmakers to keep pushing for the release of the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files as the White House has attempted to tamp down on the issue.

Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. We know that, Garcia asserted on MSNBC Friday. Its time for the whole truth to come out.

Garcia previously pledged to launch a probe into Attorney General Pam Bondi and other top Trump officials, although he cannot force the Oversight Committee to take any action without the support of at least some of its Republican members.

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President Trump on Friday instructed the Justice Department to seek the release of grand jury testimony. The department filed motions in federal court later in the day to unseal the transcripts.

I have asked the Justice Department to release all Grand Jury testimony with respect to Jeffrey Epstein, subject only to Court Approval, Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday. With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request.

It will always be more, more, more, he continued. MAGA!

Garcia, in his Friday appearance, highlighted a discharge petition in the House circulated by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to force a vote on releasing information related to Epstein, the now-deceased financier and convicted sex offender.

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The resolution now has at least 10 Republican cosponsors, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.) alongside progressives like Khanna and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).

Garcia is not yet an official cosponsor, but he has called on the Trump administration to release files related to the Epstein case.

If it garners majority support, the discharge petition would bypass the Houses usual committee process and force a floor vote. That could happen as soon as the chamber returns from the August recess, Garcia said on Saturday.

Well see how serious the MAGA base and the MAGA Republicans actually are about releasing the files, he said.

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On Friday, Garcia also attacked Fox News for editing an interview with Trump last summer in a way that he views changed Trumps answer to a question about the release of the Epstein files.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, is pushing back on the Trump administrations decision to allow technology company Nvidia to sell certain artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China once again.

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday, the congressman raised concerns about the reversal on Nvidias H20 chips, suggesting it could boost Chinas AI capabilities.

The H20, which is a cost-effective and powerful AI inference chip, far surpasses Chinas indigenous capability and would therefore provide a substantial increase to Chinas AI development, Moolenaar wrote.

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Nvidia announced Monday that the chipmaker is filing out applications to sell its H20 chips again after receiving assurances from the Trump administration that its licenses would be granted.

The chipmaker revealed earlier this year that the U.S. government was implementing new licensing requirements that would limit its ability to sell the chips in China. The reversal came shortly after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with President Trump.

Lutnick suggested the Trump administration opted to ease the restrictions as part of a broader rare earth deal with China, underscoring that Beijing is only getting Nvidias fourth best chip.

However, Moolenaar argued the key issue is how the H20 chip compares to those being developed in China and proposed the Commerce Department peg its export controls to a slight technical improvement on Chinas current capabilities.

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As the Trump administration has repeatedly stated, the U.S. must ensure that American rather than Chinese tech companies build the global AI infrastructure, he added. At the same time, however, we must also ensure that the world does not adopt Chinese AI models trained on U.S. technology.

Approving the sale of large volumes of H20s could give China the computer power it needs to develop powerful AI models that are open to users free of charge as DeepSeek has done with R1, Moolenaar continued. As China has done in so many other industries, this is a deliberate strategy to capture market share and become the global standard.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Top White House officials privately met with Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa this week encouraging her to run for reelection in an effort to preserve the GOP majority.

The Tuesday meeting was held at the White House and included President Donald Trumps chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff James Blair, according to two White House officials granted anonymity to discuss details of the meeting.

The two implored Ernst to run for a third term, telling her the White House would love to have her in the Senate, though she has not definitively reached a decision yet, according to one of the officials.

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The meeting comes as Senate Republicans have braced for Ernst, 55, to retire. Despite saying last year she intended to run for reelection, she has faced recent setbacks: losing her bid for the No. 3 spot in Senate GOP leadership and facing scrutiny from MAGA allies for voicing early concerns about Trumps pick for Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. She also earned a spate of harsh media coverage when she responded to town hall attendees angry about Medicaid cuts by saying, Well, we all are going to die.

Bryan Kraber, her campaign manager, said Ernst has no plans to tap the brakes.

Senator Ernst has been proud to partner with President Trump, he said. She will continue to work with him to deliver for Iowans. With over $3.4 million cash on hand and the strong support in every corner of the state, Joni isnt slowing down anytime soon.

Iowa would not be an easy win for Democrats  Trump carried the state by 13 points in 2024  regardless of Ernsts decision and the Trump administration is confident they will keep the seat.

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If she chooses not to run then we'll be fine, " said one of the White House officials. Well cross that bridge when we get to it.

Ernst would be the fourth Senate Republican to call it quits ahead of 2026, joining Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who is running for governor.
(WETM)  Over $414,000 was raised for Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) following a Tops Friendly Markets campaign that was held, Tops Friendly Markets announced in a release.

People who shopped at Tops were able to help sick kids by donating to the companys annual Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) campaign, with the final day to give being Saturday, July 5. If shoppers decided to participate in the campaign, they were able to buy a $1 CMNH balloon or round up their change at checkout when they purchased their groceries at participating Tops Friendly Markets.

The funds collected through the campaign go towards helping women and childrens CMN hospitals in the communities that Tops serves, including hospitals in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, according to the release. Arnot Ogden Medical Center is one of the ten places amongst the above-listed three states to benefit from these proceeds, the release explained.

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Previous story: How you can support the Tops Markets Childrens Miracle Hospitals campaign

We are truly humbled by the outpouring of generosity from our customers, associates, and vendor partners in support of this vital campaign for Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. Surpassing our goal this year and raising over $414,000 is a testament to the strength and compassion of the communities we serve, said president of Tops Markets, Ron Ferri. Every dollar raised directly impacts the lives of children and families across our region, and we couldnt be more grateful for everyone who made this possible. Thank you for standing with us to make miracles happen, he exclaimed.

More specifically the proceeds from the campaign will support life-saving treatments for children, health care services, research and pediatric medical equipment, the release stated. The funds will also help with services that assist families during difficult hospital stays, as well as provide financial assistance for those who are unable to afford health services, the release explained.

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A severe weather front rolled across Iowa early Saturday morning.

The system brought heavy rainfall, lightning and thunder to parts of the state as well as a few tornado warnings.

A radar indicated tornado warning was issued for Story County, specifically Ames and Huxley, at 5:52 a.m. while another was issued for parts of Polk County, including Des Moines, at 6:22 a.m. Sirens went off in Ames around 6 a.m. and near the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines around 6:30 a.m. No tornadoes were confimred to have actually touched down, although the National Weather Service in Des Moines is investigating reports of possible weak tornadoes in Gilbert and northeast of Polk City.

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More: Madison petition for special election gets signatures, but county mistakes could derail it

Strong wind gusts downed tree limbs in the Nevada and Pilot Mound areas but there are no reports of significant damage, according to the National Weather Service. Pea sized hail was reported in Madrid, according to Boone County Emergency Management.

Tornado Warning including Des Moines IA, Ankeny IA and Altoona IA until 6:45 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/Mig1pJ7aX9  NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) July 19, 2025

How much rain fell in central Iowa?

Des Moines saw 0.66 inches of rain Saturday morning, according to reports from the National Weather Service. significantly higher rainfall, with Bode topping the charts. The cities with the most rain were:

Bode: 4.85 inches

Garner: 2.86 inches

Pilot Mound: 2.5 inches

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More: A movement for college kids to ditch their smartphones is coming to an Iowa college

Swaledale: 2.12 inches

Eagle Grove: 2.07 inches

Ames: 1.64 inches

Boxholm: 1.5 inches

Is more severe weather headed for Des Moines?

Lingering storms are expected to dissipate by midday Saturday, with the possibility of a return in the evening.

A severe weather outlook from the National Weather Service predicts a slight risk for severe weather in central and southeastern parts of the state. The NWS warns residents to be on the lookout for damaging winds, and notes that brief tornadoes are possible. Excessive rain is expected as well.

More: RAGBRAI Day 1: A look at what's ahead on the journey from Orange City to Milford

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Thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rainfall across the state throughout the weekend. Three to five inches of rainfall could be expected into Sunday. The NWS forecasts at least a half inch to an inch of rain, especially south of U.S. 20.

Flash flood watch issued for Polk County, several central Iowa counties

A flood watch was issued for Polk County and nine other central Iowa counties at 2:52 p.m. on Saturday. Strong thunderstorms are expected to drop heavy rainfall, according to the National Weather Service, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding. The watch extends across portions of central, northeast, south central, southeast, southwest and west central Iowa. The flood watch goes into effect at 7 p.m. and will remain active until 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 20.

More: Attorney General Brenna Bird drops lawsuit against Winneshiek County sheriff

The National Weather Service said rain is supposed to sweep through central Iowa starting at 7 p.m. with a chance for strong storms developing after 10 p.m. Damaging winds, up to 70 mph, are likely along with a chance for large hail. The storm will move southeast across the state at 25 mph.

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The National Weather Service predicts rainfall up to two to five inches, with the potential to exceed five inches in some areas. The NWS said a tornado or two is possible. The highest chances for flash flooding is for communities between U.S. Highway 20 and U.S. Highway 34.

Storms are expected to develop this evening becoming more widespread into the overnight hours. All hazards are possible through late evening with the damaging wind & heavy rain threats continuing into the overnight. Have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially if sleeping! pic.twitter.com/EaZU553f1o  NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) July 19, 2025

More storms expected Sunday

The threat of severe weather continues through Sunday, July 20 across much of Iowa. The National Weather Service expects scattered severe storms to develop in the early morning hours, producing damaging winds and heavy rain. More storms are expected to roll through in the late afternoon and early evening. The storms will move across the state to the east at 30 mph.

(This story was updated to add new information, a video and a photo gallery.)

Norah Judson is a reporter for the Register. Reach her at njudson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How much rain fell in Des Moines? More storms are on the way Saturday
The supply of electricity has been cut across the Russian-occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Source: Yevgeny Balitsky, Russian-imposed "governor" of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, announcing a complete blackout at 12:27

Details: Balitsky provided no specific details on the cause of the power outage but stated that work is underway to restore the electricity supply.

Background:

On 17 July, Balitsky accused Ukraine of striking high-voltage equipment, which he claimed led to blackouts in some occupied cities.

The Russians damaged a power line connecting the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with Ukraines unified power system, resulting in a blackout at the plant.

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A tourist boat ferrying families around Vietnam's Ha Long Bay capsized in a storm on Saturday afternoon, leaving at least 34 people dead, according to state media reports, as rescuers scrambled to locate the missing.

The vessel was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members when it capsized in the UNESCO World Heritage site because of sudden heavy rain, the VNExpress news site said.

Most of those on board were families visiting from the capital Hanoi, with more than 20 children among the passengers, it said.

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"Border guards rescued 11 people and recovered 34 bodies," it added.

Rescue efforts were set to continue into the night to find the eight still missing.

Ha Long Bay office worker Tran Trong Hung told AFP the storm started in the afternoon.

"The sky turned dark at around 2 pm (0700 GMT)," he said.

There were "hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning", he said.

One of the rescued, a 10-year-old boy, told state media outlet VietnamNet: "I took a deep breath, swam through a gap, dived, then swam up. I even shouted for help, then I was pulled up by a boat with soldiers."

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent his condolences to the families of the deceased and called on the defense and public security ministries to conduct urgent search and rescue.

Authorities would "investigate and clarify the cause of the incident and strictly handle violations", a statement on the government website said.

Torrential rain also lashed northern Hanoi, Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh provinces on Saturday.

In the capital about 175 kilometres (110 miles) away, several trees were knocked down by strong winds.

The storm followed three days of intense heat, with the mercury hitting 37 degrees Celsius in some areas.

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Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, was quoted in VNExpress as saying that the thunderstorms in northern Vietnam were not caused by the influence of Tropical Storm Wipha in the South China Sea.

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, with millions of people visiting its blue-green waters and rainforest-topped limestone islands each year.

Last year, 30 vessels sank at boat lock areas in coastal Quang Ninh province along Ha Long Bay after Typhoon Yagi brought strong wind and waves.

tmh-sjc/lb
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson CR Kesavan on Saturday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for backing brother-in-law Robert Vadra amid the Enforcement Directorate's probe. "Does Rahul Gandhi expect the government to give no legal answerability and accountability entitlement to Robert Vadra?... The law of the land is taking its course... Why is Rahul Gandhi rattled? Why is he panicking if Robert Vadra has nothing to hide?. They should use this as an opportunity to prove their integrity. Rahul Gandhi seems to be so worried that it is raising very strong suspicions..." Paswan told ANI. He further stated that Rahul Gandhi should realise that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi everybody was equal before the law and there existed no tolerance against corruption. "Rahul Gandhi should realise and come to terms that this is PM Modi's new India where everybody is equal before the law and there is zero tolerance against corruption... " he further added. This comes in after Rahul Gandhi defended his brother-in-law Robert Vadra and stated that he had been "hounded by this government for the last ten years" following the Enforcement Directorate's attachment of 43 properties worth Rs 37.64 crore linked to Vadra. Gandhi called the action a continuation of a "witch hunt" by the government and said he stands with Robert, Priyanka Gandhi, and their children against what he called "malicious, politically motivated harassment." He expressed confidence that the truth will eventually come out. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "My brother-in-law has been hounded by this government for the last ten years. This latest chargesheet is a continuation of that witch hunt" "I stand with Robert, Priyanka and their children as they face yet another onslaught of malicious, politically motivated slander and harassment. I know that they are all brave enough to withstand any kind of persecution and they will continue to do so with dignity. The truth will eventually prevail," the post reads. A day earlier, ED attached 43 immovable properties worth Rs 37.64 crore linked to Vadra and his entities, as well as filed a prosecution complaint or chargesheet against him and 10 others. The properties belong to Vadra and his entities, including Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd, officials privy to the development, told ANI. The provisional attachment order was issued on July 16, 2025, as part of an ongoing probe based on an FIR registered by Gurugram Police on September 1, 2018. The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent purchase of 3.53 acres of land in Shikohpur village, Sector 83, Gurugram, by Vadra's firm from Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd on February 12, 2008. (ANI)
Plans to introduce a tourist tax in Southwark, which could raise millions for the area, have moved a step closer after the local council agreed to go ahead.

Southwark is home to some of London's most visited attractions and areas including London Bridge, the Shard, the Globe theatre and the Tate Modern art gallery.

There are 6,000 hotel and hostel bedrooms in the borough, and at average occupancy rates a levy could raise over 2 million.

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The revenue could be put towards community safety measures and general upkeep and maintenance of the area.

The impact of visitors to areas such as the Bermondsey Beer Mile could be eased by a tourist tax contribution towards cleaning up so costs are not entirely shouldered by council tax payers.

The Liberal Democrats on the council had originally proposed a voluntary, 2-a-night fee, which is already used in Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

This was amended to the motion both the Lib Dem and Labour groups on the council agreed.

The move comes after Brent Council passed a similar motion in July which could see a mandatory visitor levy on hotel and short-stay accommodation.

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Nearly 3 million UK and international visitors attended events at Wembley Stadium. Brent Council said the number of visitors brings "very real challenges" and it wanted to make sure visitors "contribute fairly" to the area's upkeep.

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

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At least 37 people have died after a boat transporting tourists around Vietnams Ha Long Bay capsized.

The Wonder Seas was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members when it capsized at the Unesco world heritage site because of a sudden heavy rainstorm, it has been reported.

Most of those on board were families visiting from Hanoi, with more than 20 children among the passengers, according to the VNExpress news site.

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Eight people are still missing, with rescue efforts continuing into the night. The report said that border guards rescued 12 people and recovered 18 bodies.

Border guards reportedly rescued 12 people and recovered 18 bodies - QDND via AP

Pham Minh Chinh, the Vietnamese prime minister, sent his condolences to the families of the dead and called on the countrys defence and public security ministries to conduct urgent search and rescue.

Authorities said they would investigate and clarify the cause of the incident and strictly handle violations.

Tran Trong Hung, a resident in the Ha Long Bay area, told AFP: The sky turned dark at around 2pm.

He said there were hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning as torrential rain also hit northern Hanoi, Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh provinces on Saturday. Several trees in the capital were knocked down by strong winds.

Vietnamese authorities rescued people stranded on the capsized boat - QDND via AP

Authorities said they would investigate and clarify the cause of the incident - QDND via AP

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnams most popular tourist destinations, with millions of people visiting the site each year.

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In 2024, 30 vessels sank in boat-lock areas in the coastal Quang Ninh province, near Ha Long Bay, after a typhoon.

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July 19 (UPI) -- More than 30 people are dead after a tourist boat capsized in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay on Saturday after running into a storm, officials confirmed.

The 39-foot boat was carrying 48 passengers and five crew when it rolled in stormy weather, local news outlet VNExpress International reported.

Officials have confirmed 34 bodies have been pulled from the water, with 11 people rescued.

Witnesses reported heavy rain, thunderstorms and even hail at the time of the boat's capsize.

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Ha Long Bay is a popular tourist destination located in Vietnam's northern coastal province of Quang Ninh.

A 10-year-old boy was among those pulled alive from the capsized vessel, VietnamNet reported, adding everyone aboard the boat was Vietnamese.

Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha was overseeing rescue efforts at the scene, after the boat rolled at around 3:30 p.m. IT Saturday.

Over two-dozen boats were responding to the incident, including those driven by other tour operators, local police, the Vietnamese Coast Guard and Vietnam People's Navy.

"Water levels are currently low, which aids access to the wreck," told VietnamNet in an interview.

"However, the salvage operation must be calculated carefully to ensure the safety of rescuers."
Carbon emissions in Reading have fallen by more than half over an 18-year period, new government figures show.

The Berkshire town has seen the 12th biggest reduction in emissions out of the UK's 384 local authorities between 2005 and 2023, according to the data.

Reading Borough Council said it was currently working on "major projects" to reduce its own carbon footprint and "create a net zero borough".

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John Ennis, the authority's climate lead, said the government figures showed "Reading's commitment to taking positive climate action".

"It is only through organisations, businesses, communities and residents working together that Reading has achieved a 57% drop in emissions and maintained its position as 12th in the country for carbon reduction," he said.

Mr Ennis said the council was "leading by example", including the work to upgrade the Hexagon theatre.

The major construction project, which started this week, includes plans to install ground and air source heat pumps across the building, replacing gas boilers.

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The council said it has cut its own emissions by almost 75% since 2009, adding that it only accounts for roughly 2% of the town's overall emissions.

The Reading Climate Change Partnership, of which the council is a key member, is also currently asking people for their thoughts on how the town can achieve net zero.

"We all need to keep up the momentum in the face of rising temperatures, wetter winters and extreme weather conditions occurring more frequently," Mr Ennis said.

You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

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On a warm June afternoon just over a year ago, the partially clothed body of a man bobbed to the surface of the Hudson River at a shuttered Manhattan marina, a macabre yet occasional springtime occurrence.

The body was 5-foot-8-inches tall and 130 pounds, but the New York City Medical Examiners autopsy report said the actual weight and age cannot be discerned due to advanced decomposition. Authorities had no idea who he was or how he had died; presumably another life on the margins tragically ended in a polluted New York City waterway.

The cause and manner of death were undetermined, according to the autopsy report. How he ended up in the river remains a mystery.

Naivy Perez and Rewell Altunaga, after the artist began living on the streets of New York City. - Courtesy Naivy Perez

Months would pass before the body was identified, in November 2024, as Rewell Altunaga, 47, a Cuban artist and curator considered a pioneer of video game art in his country. He came to the US with his partner at the time, Naivy Perez, also an artist, about a decade earlier  with the promise of a scholarship at a masters of fine arts program he soon decided to not pursue. Their son, now 13, remained in Cuba with his maternal grandparents.

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This is utterly tragic, Neil Leonard, a jazz saxophonist who is artistic director of the Interdisciplinary Arts Institute at Berklee College of Music in Boston, said of Altunagas death. I didnt see this coming in any way whatsoever. If you had asked me years before he passed, Who are the artists you think would be at risk? I would never think Rewell.

Part of Altunagas unraveling could have involved a community project to distribute survival kits to homeless people he met on the street. The idea was hatched after he spent time with unhoused men near the Manhattan apartment he briefly shared with his ex, according to Perez. The spiral intensified when the homeless men introduced him to K2  a cheap, synthetic marijuana made from a potent mix of herbs and chemicals, she said.

With many American cities struggling against a record wave of homelessness, a once-beloved art professor back in Cuba who exhibited and curated abroad and at Havanas famed art biennial soon became a fixture among the homeless of Harlem. He battled addiction and mental health issues, according to those who knew him. A New York tabloid dubbed him the squirrel man after Altunaga allegedly attacked a reporter and photographer doing a story about him sleeping in a tree near the Hudson in 2022.

Altunaga, before leaving Cuba for the US. - Courtesy Naivy Perez

Those who knew him took exception with such a characterization.

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Hes one of the most important Cuban artists in my opinion, but hes completely unknown because he didnt strive to make his work known like other artists have, who in my opinion arent as good as him, said a longtime friend, Julio Llopiz-Casal, a 41-year-old Cuban artist who now lives in Spain.

Altunaga would have turned 48 last Tuesday.

Instead, his ashes rest in a plain wooden box in the living room of a friends apartment, which overlooks the bustling streets of the northernmost section of West Harlem near City College of New York  where he lived  and the river where his body washed ashore on June 17, 2024.

The year he died, homelessness in America soared to the highest level on record, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development reported. More than 770,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023.

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This gentlemans journey is not unique, said Mary Brosnahan, who for three decades led the Coalition for the Homeless, an advocacy and service organization. He obviously is very unique in his talents. But what a tragic ending for someone who had so much promise.

Rewell, more than anything, lived for art

Altunaga, with his son, just before leaving Cuba for the US. - Courtesy Naivy Perez

Rewell Altunaga was born on July 15, 1977, in the central Cuban city and province of Camaguey. His father served in the military and later worked as an electrician. His mother for many years made floral wreaths for a funeral home. He was the middle of five children.

After studying painting, ceramics and photography at the Academy of Fine Arts in the town of Trinidad, Altunaga was a professor and later an assistant director at the Academy of Visual Arts in the city of Ciego de Avila  where he met Perez in the early 2000s. He was 25; she was 17.

I was his student. Thats how we met and how I fell in love. He spent about a year or so courting me until he finally convinced me, Perez recalled.

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Rewell, more than anything, lived for art. It was what moved him 100 percent and he was always studying, making exhibitions, inventing projects.

For nearly a decade, Altunaga became part of a legion of artists around the world who drew inspiration from video game elements, incorporating those elements into their artwork. He produced works based on such popular titles as Delta Force: Black Hawk Down  Team Sabre, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Kane & Lynch: Dead Men and Arma 2.

As a kid, unaware or uninterested about the small and big dramas that were occupying the minds of the so-called grown-ups, I spent my time playing video games with my peers, Altunaga  a year before arriving in the US  told GameScenes, which chronicles the intersection of contemporary art and video games. An entire generation of Cubans grew up in the small worlds of Mario, Contra, Duke, Doom, Quake and other games.

Video games in Cuba  like the slow and state-controlled internet  are not available to everyone. Cubans, including white-collar professionals, doctors and teachers, make the equivalent of roughly $15 a month in Cuban pesos. Months before Altunaga moved to the US, the price of an hour of internet use on the island was more than $5.

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Altunaga first played video games on an illegally rented Nintendo that a neighbor had brought from the US (in 1980s Cuba, video games were considered a mode of capitalist alienation), Rachel Price, an associate professor at Princeton University, wrote in her book, Planet/Cuba: Art, Culture, and the Future of the Island.

He is part of the first, global generation of players, and is not the only Cuban artist making mods (modifications) and repurposed video games. He has, however, worked most consistently in the genre, she wrote.

Price met Altunaga in Havana while she was researching her book, which published in 2015. He often lamented the limited scale of internet art on the island, she said.

He was critical of the stagnation of certain aspects of Cuban aesthetic innovation, she told CNN. He felt like Cuba had long been a leader in avant-garde innovations, and it was not doing much with the digital world and art. And he felt like that was sort of a failure.

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In 2013, Altunaga and Liz Munsell, now curator of contemporary art at The Jewish Museum in New York, curated an exhibition at the Tufts University Art Galleries. The exhibit, Cuban Virtualities, explored how limited access to digital technology and the internet on the island necessitated an array of creative solutions from a generation of artists born largely during the 1970s and 1980s, according to a university website.

I remember him as incredibly vibrant and whip-smart and motivated and generous, Munsell told CNN. Nothing that I knew about him would have ever prepared me for understanding what has happened to him.

Im not going to paint

Oscar Duandy Gomez Otazo, a childhood friend and writer in Cabaiguan, in central Cuba, remembered a younger Altunaga spending hours playing video games.

He once told me, Im not going to paint. Im not going to be one of those artists who spend hours and hours in front of a canvas to create an image. The artist has to think with his head, his friend told CNN. That always stuck with me about him.

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Llopiz-Casal told CNN from his home in Madrid that he last saw Altunaga in Cuba shortly before his departure for the United States in 2014. Over drinks, they spent a long night talking in the predawn about art and his upcoming trip to study in America.

I suspected he was not very comfortable about leaving, Llopiz-Casal said. That last time we met he talked about destiny, that it was something he had to do, that for him there was uncertainty but that he was going to do it.

Llopiz-Casal knew Altunaga a long time and he worried about how his friends self-destructive ways  he drank and partied hard  would play out abroad, especially in a country where illicit drugs are easily accessible compared to Cuba.

We talked often about the need to learn English and that bothered him on some level, Llopiz-Casal recalled. And over time he also seemed to go from being very enthusiastic about the masters program to resisting it. I think he knew that living in the US would put him in danger because of the alcohol and drugs.

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Gomez Otazo called Altunaga an expressive person but at times he would fall into periods of introspection.

He knew he had to completely change a way of life, customs and habits, Gomez Otazo said. He might have come to recognize that he was not ready for the change.

Altunaga spent nearly a decade in New York, mostly on the streets. - Courtesy Naivy Perez

A fixture on the streets of Harlem

In 2014, after a brief stay in Miami, Altunaga and Perez moved to New York, living for about six months in the midtown Manhattan apartment of a friend. She worked for a time as a nanny before taking a job at a restaurant, according to Perez.

Altunaga was supposed to be learning English. Instead, he began spending time on the street and smoking K2 with a group of men in the neighborhood, she said. He came up with a plan to use art to raise funds to distribute survival kits for homeless people, with information on food pantries as well as medical and legal services.

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Perez said she left Altunaga after he put something in her food or drink one day. She didnt know what it was but believed she had been drugged. I had a bad trip and when I came out of that state, I literally wanted to kill him, she recalled. Perez moved uptown with another friend.

Altunaga continued spending time on the street, consuming drugs and eventually getting kicked out of his friends apartment. He spent a few months with relatives in Miami before returning to New York. Then Perez let him stay with her for several months, she said, until the day he pulled a knife and threatened her. He broke furniture and slashed walls. I had never seen him become so violent, she said.

From that day on, Perez added, he was completely out on the street. It was early 2017.

The former artist became a regular on the streets of Harlem. He relied on occasional handouts of food, clothing and money from friends and workers at a local restaurant. He would be seen pawing through trash bins for containers with 5-cent deposits, pulling out cans and bottles and dropping them into clear plastic bags. Other times, while bingeing on K2 and other drugs, he would become abruptly and deeply paranoid, rambling incoherently about nameless people coming after him.

Sometimes friends let him use their phones to make calls. Perez got him a cell phone which he had for a time.

I started to see he was in crisis, said Gomez Otazo, who saved numerous emails his friend sent from the streets of New York. There were long periods of paranoia, of persecution he said he suffered.

In nearly a decade spent mostly on the streets, Altunaga was treated for his mental health issues only once to her knowledge, according to Perez. Through a mutual friend, a research scientist, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Manhattan for about eight weeks. With medication, his conditioned improved. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to Perez and the psychiatric research scientist who helped get him admitted.

The two women put money together and rented him an apartment in the Bronx. Without regular treatment, however, Altunagas small window of peace soon closed and he returned to the streets.

Altunaga had lost all interest in art and, at one point, smashed hard drives containing his lifes work on a snow-covered street. Everything he had done in his career, he threw away, Perez said. She took the damaged devices to a hardware technician who managed to recover most of the data. He began to blame his troubles on art.

He was arrested nearly 20 times since 2017, mostly on criminal mischief charges involving the breaking of store windows and other property damage, according to a law enforcement source. Most of the cases remain sealed.

In January 2019, he was arrested on criminal mischief charges after hurling a cinder block through the window of a Harlem sex shop and dragging out a Barack Obama mannequin clad in a Santa suit, according to media reports at the time. A witness told CNN affiliate WPIX Altunaga said he didnt like what the mannequin of the former president was saying to him.

On the lowest rung of the ladder

In 2022, Altunaga was dubbed the homeless squirrel man by the New York Post after assaulting a reporter and photographer working on a story about him sleeping on a tree near Riverbank State Park in Harlem. Charged with assault and criminal mischief, Altunaga was freed on supervised release at the request of a prosecutor, the newspaper reported.

Single homeless men are considered the lowest on the sort of ladder of those who need or deserve help, said Brosnahan, the homeless advocate. If youre a single male, you are afforded the least amount of support and help.

Perez took issue with the characterization of Altunaga as the squirrel man.

New York City is no better now. Rewells suffering became part of the media cycle, but his life did not improve, and neither did the conditions for others like him, she said.

Altunaga with his son, who doesn't remember meeting his father. - Courtesy Naivy Perez

Last summer, after returning from a monthlong visit to see her family and their son in Cuba, Perez started looking for Altunaga to tell him about her trip. I walked for blocks and asked everyone and no one had seen him, she said. In August, she filed a missing persons report. She spent much of the following month walking up and down Broadway showing people photos of Altunaga.

She then turned to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS), a clearinghouse of databases with information on thousands of missing persons used by medical examiners, law enforcement and relatives of the missing. At first, she searched without success for people ranging in age from 30 to 60. She later expanded the search to up to 70 years old. She comes across the case of the body of a male found in the Hudson in June 2024. The description of the weight and hair matched, as did the two-inch-long graying beard. So did the two shirts the man was wearing.

At that moment I get this unexplainable feeling in my chest, Perez said. I said, This is Rewell.

Perez then contacted the New York City Medical Examiners Office. She told them about the match on NamUS and said that in 2014 she had taken Altunaga to a city hospital. He was suffering from asthma symptoms and doctors ran a slew of medical tests on him.

On November 12, Perez received a call from the medical examiners office.

It was him, she said.

The family found the information on the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) and then contacted OCME, and we worked with them to use the information they provided to make the positive identification, said an email from the medical examiners office. OCME routinely posts unidentified and unclaimed persons on NamUs in efforts to identify all persons in our care. The NamUs resource has led to many positive identifications.

A toxicology report detected cocaethylene, a compound created when the liver metabolizes cocaine in the presence of ethanol, which was also found in postmortem samples, according to the autopsy report. There were no signs of injuries or head trauma.

In December, Perez returned to Cuba to break the news to their son and Altunagas parents.

I feel sad. I never got to meet him, their son told her.

On New Years Day, Perez wrote on social media: With immense pain today I can share with you that Rewell Altunaga has left the world we know There are so many things Id like to say and do in his memory but I simply havent had the courage to dig deep into our memories. Just peeking in makes my pain flare up again. I have a feeling itll never go away. Ill just get used to it.

CNNs Mark Morales contributed to this report.

Ray Sanchez is a New York City-based CNN reporter who frequently encountered the subject of this story on the streets of his West Harlem neighborhood.

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I work with a lot of people whose dream it is to argue at the Supreme Court, Chase Strangio says early in the new documentary Heightened Scrutiny. And it is just not my dream. It isnt. Maybe in some ways, my nightmare.

Yet, in December 2024, Strangio, a transgender civil rights lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union, stepped to the lectern of the U.S. Supreme Court to argue the most consequential case of his career.

The court had granted review in United States v. Skrmetti, the Biden administrations challenge to Tennessees law banning gender-affirming care for minors. What followed was not a dream fulfilled, but a duty assumed and a deeply personal act of resistance carried out on the nations most impersonal stage.

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The moment was historic. Strangio became the first out transgender person to argue before the court. But Heightened Scrutiny, directed by Sam Feder and released this summer, makes clear that the argument was never about firsts. It was about fighting for the last remaining space of protection in a country increasingly committed to erasing trans lives from law, medicine, and public imagination.

The attorney has been training for years to be the advocate he is now. Ive spent the last 13 years learning to become a litigator with, I think, the best constitutional and civil rights litigators in the country, he said. It felt like such an unbelievable gift to have that mentorship.

Strangio played key roles in Obergefell v. Hodges and Bostock v. Clayton County, but had never argued before the Supreme Court himself. There was a strong desire to have a trans person argue the [Bostock] case, he recalled. I personally was not thinking that I would be that trans person, but I saw the need for that. I really did.

That sense of responsibility deepened as anti-trans legislation exploded nationwide. I started to really push myself to argue cases in the lower courts, because of how important it was to have a trans person there as a disruption of what was happening.

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When Skrmetti reached the Supreme Court, Strangio had already argued the case in lower courts. I could cede this argument to a Supreme Court advocate expert, or I could push myself and say, this is a moment for the community to see itself, he said. Even though I think in my mind I just diminished the idea of the significance of being a trans person there, when it came down to it, many trans lawyers told me that when they heard me start speaking in the court, they started to cry.

He hasnt seen he film on the big screen, only on his laptop. I have a very hard time with seeing myself on screen, having that experience over and over of being a figure that there are narratives about, and then I'm trying to relate to those narratives," he said.

Heightened Scrutiny premiered to acclaim at Sundance and is now opening to broader audiences. The film begins its theatrical run in New York City at DCTV on Friday and in Los Angeles at the Laemmle NoHo 7 on July 26, where it will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers that evening.

Chase Strangio Documentary Heightened Scrutiny

Heightened Scrutiny Courtesy Fourth Act Film

A courtroom and a country

Feder did not set out to make a courtroom drama. When they began the project in early 2024, the film was envisioned as a media critique, exploring how journalism shapes public opinion and how those narratives ultimately influence law.

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I was researching how and when journalism started pivoting away from even a semblance of support to skepticism and harm, Feder told The Advocate. I interviewed dozens of reporters. The goal was to show how bad coverage builds bad law.

Then, in July 2024, everything changed. The Supreme Court granted certiorari in Skrmetti. The ACLU named Strangio lead counsel. The films center shifted.

It wasnt until then that [Chase] knew he was going to be arguing this, Feder said. So that was a real pivot at that point, but it was a perfect fit because everything that the journalists were talking about completely related to this case coming to fruition.

Feders central argument is that media coverage, especially from centrist or liberal paper of record institutions like the New York Times, has laid the foundation for legal attacks on trans people.

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This isnt just bad coverage, Feder said. Its malpractice. Studies debunked years ago are being cited as fact. Major publications ignore corrections or give equal weight to bigotry. And all of it gets cited by judges.

Strangio has spent much of his career warning about this phenomenon. Ive seen how headlines become briefs, he told The Advocate. How quote-unquote legitimate coverage creates a record of doubt. And that record becomes the justification for these laws.

Strangio said part of the danger in todays media climate is the false assumption that were living in a normal political moment. We are not in a normal time, he said, adding that Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson may be the only justice whos very aware of that and is calling it out. He criticized the pretense of neutrality in mainstream journalism, especially in the selection and framing of stories about trans people. The suggestion that people are just doing objective journalism is itself in the service of eclipsing the ideology behind it, he said.

Strangio argued that so-called objectivity is selectively applied, excluding trans journalists for being ideologically positioned, while treating white, rich, straight, cis men as default neutral voices. What I would like people to do is to really question, well, why did we select this story and are we providing the full context? he said. Coverage of gender-affirming care, he noted, often omits the fact that the population affected is tiny, tiny, tiny, while critiques leveraged against trans care would apply to many other forms of treatment that dont receive the same scrutiny.

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We are misinforming our readers both based on volume and entry point to this coverage, he warned. In a time when you have hundreds of millions of dollars being waged to demonize a group of people... media coverage under the auspices of neutrality legitimizing that demonization, we have a serious, serious problem.

Chase Strangio Documentary Heightened Scrutiny

Heightened Scrutiny Courtesy Fourth Act Film

In a 2024 joint analysis by GLAAD and Media Matters, two-thirds of Times articles about transgender people failed to quote even one trans source. Legal briefs filed in support of criminalizing gender-affirming care now regularly cite Times stories as evidence. Whats new and dangerous, Strangio says in the film, is not just that bad journalism exists. Its that its being laundered into law.

As GLAAD has documented, The New York Times has ignored repeated calls from over 100 LGBTQ+ organizations to meet with transgender leaders, correct factual errors, and stop platforming anti-trans disinformation under the guise of neutrality. Instead, the paper has doubled down, publishing and promoting narratives that erase trans voices while fueling courtroom arguments designed to erase trans rights, according to GLAAD.

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I just wanted to connect the dots for people in an obvious way between the coverage and the law, Feder explained. And also to show that this is not isolated to just trans people. This happens in the media to all marginalized people.

The film weaves together audio of the high courts oral arguments and scenes from Strangios life.

Since video recording is prohibited at the Supreme Court, the film brings viewers into a different federal courtroom. In a striking sequence, Heightened Scrutiny shows Strangio arguing before the Ninth Circuit in a related case, a moment captured with rare video access.

We knew we wouldnt be able to film inside SCOTUS, Feder said, so we wanted the viewers to have a sense of the courtroom and Chase being in a courtroom. After repeated follow-ups, they received a surprise green light. It turned out that the person in charge was a trans woman and she was like, Whatever you want, Im here for it.

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At the Supreme Court in December, Strangio and his team argued that Tennessees Senate Bill 1 violated the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Constitution. The law banned puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries for trans youth, while permitting comparable treatments for cisgender minors. By singling out care needed only by trans youth, the law explicitly discriminated on the basis of sex and gender identity.

It was not, by clinical or constitutional standards, a close call. But on June 18, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled 63 to uphold Tennessees law, applying only the lowest level of constitutional reviewrational basis. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts declared that SB1 regulated procedures, not identities, and therefore passed muster.

The Equal Protection Clause does not resolve these disagreements, Roberts wrote.

In a scathing dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor accused the majority of abandoning its role as constitutional backstop. Joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, she wrote: By refusing to apply heightened scrutiny, the majority renders transgender Americans doubly vulnerable to state-sanctioned discrimination. The ruling, she warned, did irrevocable damage to Equal Protection jurisprudence.

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Strangio called the decision devastating but not surprising. I think that this is a court, as weve seen, especially this term, that is very invested in maintaining the status quo of power, and consolidation of power, and that is something that I think you can look to Justice Jacksons decision, Strangio said. And when it comes to the outcome of Skrmetti, it is in line with that. It maintains the ability of states to ban this medical care. And so in that sense, it is a disappointing material and legal doctrinal outcome. And still, it is far narrower than it might have been doctrinally.

The stakes and the legacy

The film follows Strangio through courtroom prep, private reflection, and moments of emotional vulnerability. In one of its most moving scenes, shot shortly after the 2024 election, he breaks down. The reality sinks in: Donald Trump has won a second term.

This was a massive, massive outpouring of support for Trump, he says. Even in the face of everything we know about him.

Chase Strangio Documentary Heightened Scrutiny

Heightened Scrutiny Courtesy Fourth Act Film

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Gathering himself, he continues speaking to the camera. I had moments of like, I cant do this again, he admits. But then I wake up this morning and I think, fuck it. We fight.

His voice cracks again. I feel like that might look really a lot more scary. I havent really fully comprehended all of those things, he says, adding, For now, the best I can do for the entire community, I believe, is to do the best job I can to try to secure this last constitutional stop on these government attacks on our community.

Heightened Scrutiny is not about a legal loss. Its about what it costs to keep fighting. Its about choosing visibility when the world is organized around your erasure. Its about trans kids and grieving parents, frightened attorneys and righteous rage, and the hope that survival can still be its form of victory.

I want trans viewers to feel like theyre the most important people in the room for at least 90 minutes, Feder said. I want them to know we tried. We didnt leave them out to dry.

Strangio is clear-eyed about what the ruling means and what it enables. Legal scholar and former Supreme Court clerk Leah Litman called Skrmetti a gateway decision, one that legitimizes discrimination through semantic gymnastics. In her view, the courts conservative majority has become a willing participant in a partisan project targeting transgender people, abandoning precedent and legal consistency for what she calls legal-ish reasoning dressed in constitutional garb. Theyre not even engaging with counterarguments or with the factual record in any serious way, Litman told The Advocate in June.

2022 SCOTUS justices formal portrait

Formal portrait of United States Supreme Court Justices Fred Schilling/Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States

Barretts concurrence went further than the majority opinion, rejecting the very idea that transgender people could qualify as a suspect or quasi-suspect class under the Constitution. Thats just inviting states to do more harm, Litman said, warning that the ruling could pave the way for bans on adult care as well.

I agree with Leah that one of the analytical fears here, one of the doctrinal fears, is that their reasoning is not so cleanly cabined to minors, Strangio said.

He noted that the courts reasoning in Skrmetti could just as easily justify restrictions on adult care, even though the ruling emphasized minors. While no state has enacted a total ban on gender-affirming care for adults, litigation is ongoing over Medicaid and state funding exclusions, which could test those limits. I think trans people are rightly concerned, and they should be, Strangio said. I think a lot of people should be concerned.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Transgender attorney who argued before Supreme Court explains why it was my nightmare

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The Brief

A tree fell on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross during strong storms, hitting two vehicles but causing no injuries.

The incident blocked three left lanes in both directions shortly after 6 p.m., but the roadway has since reopened.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for northeastern Gwinnett County and surrounding areas, with potential damage from 60 mph wind gusts and nickel-sized hail.

NORCROSS, Ga. - Strong storms moving through parts of metro Atlanta Friday evening brought down a tree along a busy stretch of Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross, striking two vehicles. Authorities said no injuries were reported.

What we know

Heavy rain and wind moved into the region during the evening rush, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Warning just northeast of the area.

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According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the tree came down shortly after 6 p.m., blocking three left lanes in both directions.

The roadway has since reopened.

Gwinnett County Fire confirmed the tree hit two cars, but no one was hurt.

Dig deeper

The fallen tree came just outside an area placed under a severe thunderstorm warning minutes later by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. At 7:04 p.m., forecasters issued a warning for northeastern Gwinnett County and several surrounding areas, including Barrow and Walton counties.

FOX 5 Live VIPIR indicated a severe thunderstorm near Dacula, moving north at 15 mph, with 60 mph wind gusts and nickel-sized hail. The warning noted potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

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That warning has since been allowed to expire.

The Source

The Georgia Department of Transportation and the National Weather Service contributed to this report. This story has been updated with new details from the Gwinnett County Fire Department.
The Brief

The trial for Naresh Bhatt will not begin until October 2026.

Bhatt is accused of killing and concealing the body of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt.

He was arrested in August 2024 after his wife went missing, and evidence revealed blood in their Manassas Park home.

MANASSAS, Va. - The trial for a Manassas Park man accused of murdering his wife and concealing her body will be delayed for more than a year.

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Naresh Bhatt's trial will now start in October 2026.

What they're saying

The family of Bhatts wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, say they are disappointed by the delay. The defense reportedly requested this delay in court Friday morning and the Commonwealth Attorneys office agreed to it.

That means Naresh Bhatts jury trial will not proceed until October 2026.

Virginia case search records indicate a pre-trial date for Sept. 10, 2026. Three jury trial dates are set for Oct. 5-7, 2026.

Bhatt is charged with murder, concealing a dead body and physically defiling a dead body in connection to his wife Mamta Kafle Bhatts disappearance. Her body remains missing.

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READ MORE: Mamta Kafle Bhatt investigation: Manassas Park Police Chief speaks exclusively with FOX 5

The backstory

Bhatt, 37, was arrested in August 2024 in connection to the disappearance of his wife Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, who was last seen in late July 2024.

READ MORE: Husband charged in disappearance of Manassas Park mom Mamta Kafle will ask for bond

The investigation began on Aug. 2 when one of Kafles co-workers requested a welfare check after she failed to show up for her shift at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center.

Upon arrival, police were informed by her husband that she was not missing. At that time, Naresh declined to report his wife missing, claiming she was visiting family in Texas or New York. However, the prosecutor noted that Mamta had no family in those states, as they all reside in Nepal.

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Then, on Aug. 6, investigators say Naresh contacted the police to report his wife missing, stating she had been visiting family and was last seen in the early hours of July 31. He later changed his story, saying he last saw her in the early hours of Aug. 1.

READ MORE: Mamta Kafle Bhatts husband accused of murdering her, dragging body from home: court documents

When asked why he delayed reporting her missing, Bhatt told FOX 5 that he believed he was following police instructions from their conversation on Friday and reported her missing once his efforts to locate her were exhausted.

Mamta was married to Naresh for just over three years, and the pair have a young daughter.

What's next

According to a close family friend of Mamta Kafle, they are planning a silent protest outside the Prince William County courthouse in Manassas on Sunday morning, where they plan to pray and hold posters in support of Mamta.

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"Theres a lot of evidence thats been turned over from the prosecutors to the public defender. By last count it was over 4,000 pieces of evidence and thats the main reason why this piece is pushed back. When you have something this serious and significant like murder, you want to make sure you get it right," said defense attorney Donte Mills, who is unrelated to the case.

FOX 5 reached out to the Commonwealth Attorneys office about Friday's developments. We are awaiting their response.

The silent protest in support of Mamta will take place in front of the Prince William County courthouse beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Demonstrators are being asked to wear red.

Organizers are asking the community to join them in solidarity to "express their disappointment in this decision."
Temperatures cooled down in Chicago this week, but there was plenty of heat at City Hall. Mayor Brandon Johnsons granny flat ordinance was stalled by opponents, efforts to override the mayors veto of a teen curfew rule failed and City Council members began jockeying to be the next Zoning Committee chair as Ald. Walter Burnett vacates the position at the end of the month.

The midterm election may seem far away, but many races are well underway. U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for Sen. Dick Durbins soon-to-be-empty seat, is already airing ads. The Cook County Democratic Party began issuing endorsements (or in some cases, no endorsements) this week. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza appears to be eyeing a second mayoral bid after announcing her decision to not to run for reelection as the states top fiscal officer. And in the very crowded primary for Illinois 9th Congressional District, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss earned the support of fellow progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

On Thursday, hundreds of people took to the streets in Chicago and in cities across the nation to protest President Donald Trump and his policies. Meanwhile, the president  still facing criticism over his handling of records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case  asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to unseal grand jury transcripts, and the House scrambled to put forward a resolution calling for transparency regarding the Epstein files.

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It wasnt a great week for national media. Congress approved $1.1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which will affect NPR, PBS and hundreds of other locally operated television and radio stations across the country. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert was also canceled by CBS, with the host announcing Thursday that the final episode will air in May 2026.

Plus, it was a week full of All-Stars. The MLBs Midsummer Classic was Tuesday, and Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong made his All-Star debut alongside a slew of other youngsters and rookies on the winning National League team. And in the midst of collective bargaining negotiations with players, the WNBA is hosting their All-Star festivities.

If youre looking for something to do this weekend, take your crew out for a slice of the citys newest delicacy: the Chicago Dog Deep Dish pizza, a collaboration between Lou Malnatis and Portillos.

Well thats it for this week! Now for the fun stuff. Heres the Tribunes Quotes of the Week quiz for July 13 to 19. Missed last week? You can find it here or check out our past editions of Quotes of the Week.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  The nonprofit founded in 1968 has announced after 57 years, theyve been forced to close.

Its truly heartbreaking, in so many, many ways, said Executive Director Kathleen Ernce.

The Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta recently got the news on a conference call that valuable funding for programs at the agency would be cut.

Funds came from the Community for National and Community Services for AmeriCorps Seniorsa program giving foster grandparents the chance to make an impact on the youth.

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They wanted to do something rather than sit home and sit in a rocking chair and twiddle their thumbs. They were trained to serve low-income, struggling students who attend Title 1 schools, said Ernce.

That impact stretching across multiple counties and countless students.

Literally thousandswe serve Richmond County, Columbia County, Jefferson County, and Burke County, she added.

Ernce has reached out to lawmakers at the local and state levels, including Senator Jon Ossoff and Congressman Rick Allen.

The liaison for Senator Ossoffs office is on speed dial with me, and we have talked numerous times. Hes working to help us, but at this point in time I dont hold out much hope for the funds to be released, Ernce said.

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A spokesperson for Congressman Allens office tells NewsChannel 6: We are aware of the ongoing situation, and coordinating with the White House for more information.

Comfort Keepers has used facilities at the Senior Citizens Council for the last year.

Representatives say its devastating.

Being in the senior care space, its definitely upsetting and sad. The Augusta area is going to be losing a huge resource, said Scotty Boyd.

I know its a valued asset and to those that she and this center have helped through the years. We hate to see it close, Linda Weare said.

The agencys director says this will have a devastating impact on her staff and community.

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The volunteers received a tax-free stipendit wasnt much, but it helped them to make ends meet throughout the month to buy medication, gas, food, to pay for insurance, to pay for housing. They used that money in the community, and that money helped for the bottom linenow that funding will no longer be there, said Ernce.

Theyve started the process of packing boxes and shutting down operations.

Ernce says unless the agency can collect $500,000, theyll be closed for good on July 31st.

Its going to take that amount getting to our agency so we can start the program from scratch again, and build it back up, she added.

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While shes devastated with the events, she says its more upsetting to her for the kids they will no longer be able to help.

My heart breaks for the child struggling to learn how to write their name, to spell their name, do simple math problems. To the volunteer who wants to give back to the community that has to say Johnny, Mary and Suzzie are looking for me to help them become better citizens. And now, all of that is gone, said Ernce.

With more questions than answers about the future, the director says shes turning to her faith to help during this troubling time.

Were selling furniture, supplies, down to the bare walls and looking for other adventures. I always say that when God closes doors, he opens windows. So now, Im looking for that window, said Ernce.

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For more information on the Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta, 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 WJBF.
Lashing out at Additional Director General (ADG) of Police Kundan Krishan's statement made on rising crimes committed by the farming community, Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday said that the statement was "pointless", further stating that speaking this way about the providers of food was wrong. Speaking to ANI, Paswan stated that instead of putting the blame on farmers, the administration must take responsibility and fulfil their duties rather than washing their hands clean. "Such statements are pointless. This kind of comment seems like an attempt to sweep things under the rug. Speaking like this about the providers of food (farmers) is wrong. The administration must take responsibility and fulfil its duties. You can't wash your hands clean by simply saying, Farmers are committing crimes, If crime is happening, that's worrying. It demands your attention and accountability," Paswan told ANI. Paswan said that even if a single incident of crime happens it was the responsibility of the state government. "When the Prime Minister is bringing gifts, his priorities are different. He is working with the vision of making Bihar a developed state. As far as law and order is concerned, everyone knows that it is a state government matter ... In such a case, it is not fair to say that the Prime Minister is not concerned. Given the way criminal incidents have increased in recent times, the way a murder took place by entering Paras Hospital, it cannot be justified. The reality is that if even a single incident happens, the administration will have to take responsibility. The state government will have to ensure that a sense of security is instilled in the people of Bihar," he said. This comes after ADG Kundan Krishnan, in a statement, said that murder cases in Bihar increased typically during the months of April, May and June, as many farmers were not engaged in agricultural work. Paswan also spoke on the arrest of Chhattisgarh former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's son, and stated that investigation was the "need of the hour", further stating that if no wrong deeds had been committed, there was nothing to worry about. "This is a matter for investigation--if something is wrong, it will come to light. And if they believe they have done nothing wrong, then there is no cause for concern. But I assert that if such action has been taken, there must be some information to back it," Paswan said. This comes after the Enforcement Directorate arrested Chaitanya Baghel , in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state, officials confirmed. (ANI)
A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

The 47th president is in many ways a different man than the 45th president, even though they are both Donald J. Trump.

Hes unafraid to swear in public or on social media and hes more emboldened, willing to directly challenge the Constitution and the courts and capable of demanding more loyalty from Republicans.

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But Trump 2.0 is also in direct competition with his former self in several important ways, starting with the fact that he cant seem to remember appointing people he now loathes.

Opposing his own appointees

Trumps aides are looking at ways to oust Jay Powell, the Fed chairman Trump nominated to the role during his first term. Trump told House Republicans he had drafted a letter to take the unprecedented step of firing the chairman of the Federal Reserve. Markets beware.

At the White House Wednesday, Trump seemed to forget that he had nominated Powell.

I was surprised he was appointed, Trump said. I was surprised, frankly, that Biden put him in and extended him, but they did. Biden renominated Powell. Either Trump cant remember or he is willing himself to forget his role in the process.

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If Trump ultimately tests the Feds independence and tries to fire Powell, hell point to a building renovation that got underway during Trumps own first term.

Before Trump took office for the second time, the FBI director appointed during his first term, Christopher Wray, quit early rather than wait to be fired.

On the Supreme Court, CNN has reported on Trumps gripes behind closed doors about his nominee Justice Amy Coney Barrett, in particular.

Undoing his own trade deal

When Trump today threatens burdensome tariffs on Canada and Mexico, who he accuses of taking advantage of previous US presidents, hes also talking about his prior self.

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Trumps first-term administration negotiated the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement  a reboot of NAFTA. Back then, it was hailed as the major accomplishment of his trade policy.

Evolutions on crypto and social media

He has also evolved on issues including bitcoin and cryptocurrency, although that could have something to do with his familys business interests.

And Trump used to support banning TikTok in the US, but now, after making inroads with young men in the last election, he very much wants a US-based company to step up and buy the platform.

Hes undoing himself with a vengeance, the CNN presidential historian Tim Naftali told me.

The relatively moderate mainstream policy hands who marked the first Trump term are on the outs. Outsiders and MAGA figureheads are in.

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Donald Trump clearly is angry about what his advisers forced him to do in the first term, Naftali said, pointing specifically to trade policy.

His approach to Canada and Mexico is inexplicable given his first term, unless you realize that he wasnt happy with what he ended up doing in the first term, he said.

Vaccines are another Trump 2.0 correction

Naftali said Trump deserves credit for Operation Warp Speed, the effort to quickly develop a Covid-19 vaccine at a time when the country was largely shut down by the pandemic.

But rather than build on that legacy, Trump selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his Health and Human Services director, elevating a vaccine skeptic to a top policy role.

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Kennedy fired all the members of a CDC vaccine advisory panel and brought in vaccine skeptics to review the vaccine schedule.

I put the idea of Trump 2.0 correcting Trump 1.0 to a number of CNN reporters and anchors who pay close attention to foreign affairs, the economy and the environment.

On world affairs, hes more erratic and is taking less advice

CNNs Jim Sciutto, who wrote a book, The Madman Theory, about Trumps first-term foreign policy, notes that Trump is more aggressive this time, and appears to be more inclined to listen to his own gut.

On trade, hes contradicting himself

Allison Morrow, who writes the Nightcap newsletter for CNN Business, agrees theres a difference to this president, but he remains the same in one very important way.

Cutting Medicaid rather than repealing Obamacare

Trump and his aides also clearly learned from his first term. Instead of trying repeatedly to repeal Obamacare, they cut future spending from Medicaid, which will have a similar effect by pushing millions of lower-income Americans off their health insurance in the years to come.

Turning words into actions

CNNs Chief Media Analyst Brian Stelter noted that in this term, Trump is acting more forcefully against news outlets.

This is what four years of prep looks like

CNNs Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes isnt sure Trump is undoing his first term as much as he is better prepared this time.

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Holmes point carries over to immigration, Trumps signature issue. He is more effectively carrying through with mass deportations than he did in his first term. With a more pliant Congress, he has money for his border wall, the go-ahead to turn ICE into the nations largest and best-funded police force, and the help of Republican governors to create new detention centers to hold undocumented immigrants  not just violent criminals  he wants to deport. When he leaves office, the country will look a lot different after his second term than it did after his first.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Donald Trump acknowledged Saturday morning that his administrations move to make public grand jury records from the prosecution of disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein may not satisfy everyone.

I have asked the Justice Department to release all Grand Jury testimony with respect to Jeffrey Epstein, subject only to Court Approval, Trump wrote on TruthSocial. With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request. It will always be more, more, more. MAGA!

Trumps acknowledgment that the release may not satisfy everyone is a notable admission after the DOJ told courts Friday that it would not only make redactions of victim information, but other personal identifying information as well.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who submitted the requests, did not elaborate on what other information they would shield.

The Justice Departments move came amid pressure not just from the left, but from some Republicans who in recent days have pushed for the release of the records. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) joined Democrats, signing on as co-sponsors to legislation to force a vote on releasing the records.

It came after a Wall Street Journal report that described evidence that Trump, a then-real estate tycoon in New York, sent a racy letter to Epstein in 2003. It said the letter was part of a book of messages organized by Epsteins friend, Ghislaine Maxwell, for his 50th birthday.

POLITICO has not independently verified the authenticity of the letter, which Trump claims is fake. On Friday, Trump sued the newspaper, as well as its parent company, News Corp., for defamation, seeking at least $20 billion.
More than 250 Venezuelan men deported by the United States to a notorious prison in El Salvador could be headed back to the United States for immigration proceedings under a three-country diplomatic arrangement revealed Friday by the Trump administration.

Under a prisoner swap between El Salvador and Venezuela, brokered in part by the United States, Venezuela has agreed to permit the 252 men to return to the United States if ordered by a court, a senior homeland security official revealed in legal papers filed to a federal judge.

Mellissa Harper, the acting assistant director of enforcement and removal operations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the Trump administration obtained assurances from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros government that it would permit its citizens to return to the United States for legal proceedings, if required by a court.

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The Maduro regime will not impose obstacles to the individuals travel, Harper said in a sworn declaration Friday to U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, a Maryland-based Trump appointee.

That arrangement for the Venezuelan men, many of whom were deported under President Donald Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, will also allow the return of 10 Americans detained in Venezuela.

The Department of Homeland Security and Department of State did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

If the agreement is carried out, it appears poised to end a legal standoff in which judges have weighed ordering the return of Venezuelan men deported to El Salvador in March with little to no due process. That includes proceedings pending before Washington, D.C.s chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who had pushed the Trump administration to find ways to return the deportees in order to provide them a chance to challenge the claim they were gang members.

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Boasbergs initial effort to block the rushed March 15 deportations  and the administrations decision to deplane the deportees in El Salvador despite the judges order  provoked an extraordinary legal clash in which Trump called for Boasbergs impeachment and Boasberg threatened to hold administration officials in contempt.

Gallagher in April ordered the return of one of those men, Daniel Lozano Camargo, finding that he had been deported to El Salvador despite being shielded from removal by a year-old legal settlement. On Friday, the Trump administration said Lozano  identified in court papers by the alias Cristian  would be free to return to the United States to continue his immigration proceedings should he wish to return.

The legal brawl over the Trump administrations summary deportation of more than 130 Venezuelan men in March  after Trump invoked little-used war powers and labeled them members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua  had at times consumed the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda. It drew attention to what courts described as the Trump administrations flagrant abuses of due process, which may have ensnared innocent people among the larger group of deportees.

Several cases related to those men and others fearful they may face a similar fate had been advancing through the courts and led to a slew of legal rebukes, as well as a brushback from the Supreme Court, which found the men had not been provided with a meaningful chance to contest their deportation.
A federal judge has ruled that Catholic priests in Washington state cannot be required to report child abuse or neglect they learn about through confession after the Trump administration intervened in their favor.

Three Roman Catholic bishops had sued the state government over a new law  SB 5375  that would extend mandatory abuse reporting rules to the sacrament of confession despite the Church's absolute ban on revealing such secrets.

Last month the U.S. Department of Justice backed them up, arguing the law "deprives Catholic priests of their fundamental right to freely exercise their religious beliefs, as guaranteed under the First Amendment".

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On Friday U.S. district judge David G. Estudillo ruled the priests were "likely to succeed" in their lawsuit and issued a preliminary injunction blocking that part of the law.

"There is no question that SB 5375 burdens plaintiffs free exercise of religion," Estudillo wrote. "In situations where Plaintiffs hear confessions related to child abuse or neglect, SB 5375 places them in the position of either complying with the requirements of their faith or violating the law...

"As [the plaintiff] stated, any priest who directly violates the sacramental seal incurs automatic excommunication, and thereby risks eternal damnation...

"Ultimately, Washingtons failure to demonstrate why it has an interest of the highest order in denying an exemption to clergy while making such exemptions available to other professionals who work with underserved children is likely fatal."

President Donald Trump stands with foreign leaders and monarchs as he attends the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican City on April 26, 2025 (Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images))

President Donald Trump stands with foreign leaders and monarchs as he attends the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican City on April 26, 2025 (Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images))

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It comes after the Trump administration cut funding for investigating child sexual abuse, and refused to release promised documents about the crimes and associates of Jeffrey Epstein, as it seeks to define transgender rights and healthcare for under-18s as a form of "child abuse".

SB 5375 was signed into law in May by Washington's Democratic governor Bob Ferguson, and will take effect on July 27. Ferguson told reporters he had no hesitation about signing it. Ferguson is Catholic and has been to confession.

As state attorney general, Ferguson had accused the Catholic Church of refusing to cooperate with an investigation into whether it unlawfully used charitable funds to cover up sexual abuse by priests.

The new law adds religious leaders and priests to a list of professions that can be criminally charged if they do not report suspected abuse or neglect, alongside teachers, doctors, nurses, childcare providers, and many others.

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Previously, priests were only required to report if the suspected perpetrator was someone they had authority over, and were exempted from doing so if they learned about it through a "privileged communication" such as confession.

Washington's Catholic leadership objected, saying the Church's prohibition on breaking the "seal of confession" is absolute and threatens to excommunicate any Catholic priests who follow the law.

"All Catholics must know and be assured that their confessions remain sacred, secure, confidential, and protected by the law of the Church," said Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, citing a Bible passage in which St Peter says: "We must obey God rather than men."

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, at the time the state's attorney general, speaking at a pro-choice rally in Seattle in May 2022 (Jason Redmond / AFP via Getty Images)

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, at the time the state's attorney general, speaking at a pro-choice rally in Seattle in May 2022 (Jason Redmond / AFP via Getty Images)

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The priests' lawsuit argued that SB 5375 infringed upon their first amendment rights and treated them differently than other professions. They cited a separate bill that exempts some lawyers and their employees if the information was obtained through confidential dealings with clients.

Estudillo's judgement zeroed in on that contrast, writing: "The government interest at issue in both statutes  protecting children from abuse and neglect  is the same. Nevertheless, one law eliminates the privilege for clergy while the other expands the privileges available to secular professionals."

Trump's Justice Department weighed in too, calling the law "anti-Catholic" and saying "a more direct burden on the exercise of religion would be difficult to imagine".

The judge did not block any other part of the law, which means clergy will still be required to report abuse they learn about outside confession, even if they have no authority over the suspected perpetrator.

The case is ongoing and the final outcome could still change. Washington's Eastern Orthodox Christian leaders have also filed a similar lawsuit.
President Donald Trump holds up the "big, beautiful bill" that was signed into law as during a Fourth of July military family picnic on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Alex Brandon/Getty Images-Pool)

A key office charged by Congress with coordinating the federal governments work against human trafficking was gutted July 11, the latest in a string of cuts across different agencies to the governments work on an issue that Republicans have long hailed as a top priority.

The cuts at the State Departments Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) decimated a team that worked to combat labor and sex trafficking abroad and helped coordinate domestic efforts across other agencies, including the departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Labor.

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The so-called reduction-in-force at the State Department came amid a maelstrom surrounding the Trump administration over its handling of federal investigations into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019. Officials have said he died by suicide, but his death sparked new conspiracy theories that were fueled by President Donald Trump, who at one point maintained a friendship with Epstein. When this month the Justice Department said there was no Epstein client list, after previously promising to release it, many who had supported Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi were angered, in part because they believed the client list would reveal new truths about Epstein.

Republicans have for years made human trafficking a key issue, pushing for legislation to boost law enforcement and support for victims and telling voters that combating trafficking was a major priority.

This report was originally published by The 19th. The Illuminator is a founding member of The 19th News Network.

For Secretary of State Marco Rubio, anti-trafficking work has been a centerpiece of his policy agenda. Rubio cosponsored bipartisan legislation to help domestic trafficking survivors during his time in the Senate and as recently as May discussed his concerns about a rise in human trafficking in an unstable Haiti. He criticized former President Joe Bidens immigration policy by saying it empowered child trafficking into the United States.

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Bondi, too, has long been an advocate of local and federal efforts to combat human trafficking, making it a key focus of her tenure as Floridas attorney general. She went on to lobby on behalf of a Christian anti-human-trafficking advocacy group and the Qatari government on anti-human-trafficking efforts.

People working on human trafficking issues in the federal government and for advocacy groups on the front lines of that work in the United States and abroad have been surprised at the pullback. The administrations attention to the issue during Trumps first term and the ascent of high-profile advocates to the Cabinet gave them the impression that their work would be shielded from the kinds of cuts they were seeing elsewhere.

Instead, funding and staffing for human trafficking work has taken sizable hits.

We really thought that the broad, bipartisan nature of the issue of trafficking was going to provide some protection for our office. All Americans are against trafficking  Republicans, Democrats, everybody, said Cindy Dyer, the former ambassador-at-large under Biden to monitor and combat trafficking in persons at the State Department. The office she oversaw had close to 90 full-time staffers. It lost about a dozen to the Trump administrations voluntary resignation program earlier in the year, and, last Friday, about half were dismissed. The remaining were demoted, Dyer said.

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The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The offices work spanned a broad range of human trafficking issues, including sex trafficking, which disproportionately affects women, girls and LGBTQ+ people, and forced domestic labor, which also disproportionately affects women and girls. Dyer is now the chief program officer at the McCain Institute at Arizona State University, which promotes democracy and human rights across the world.

We really thought that broad bipartisan support we have had for 25 years  ever since the Trafficking Victims Protection Act passed in 2000  would provide us some protection, and it did not. And I think people are really both surprised and disappointed, said Dyer, who also worked in the Justice Department in the George W. Bush administration.

The most recent reauthorization of the law was approved in 2017, during the first Trump administration. The law charged the TIP office with producing an annual report that was due to Congress on June 30; this years report has been delayed without explanation. Last weeks cuts severely impacted the team working on that report, which is widely considered a critical global assessment of human trafficking prevention work.

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Before those staffing cuts, the office had also paused the disbursement of grants for nongovernmental organizations working on human trafficking. The 19th could not confirm the current status of those grants.

Varina Winder, who worked as the chief of staff in the Office of Global Womens Issues at the State Department during the Biden administration, said she was dismayed by the pullback on work to uphold global human rights, including stopping trafficking at TIP.

If you cant empower the office that is literally ending human slavery, what does that say about your larger ambitions about the value proposition of humans in this administration? she said.

Martina Vandenberg of the Human Trafficking Legal Center said federal work to combat human trafficking falls into four buckets: the State Departments global work, prosecution at the Justice Department, federal funding for outside groups and immigration policy. Every area has taken a hit since the start of the administration, Vandenberg said.

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We have grave concerns, said Vandenberg, whose anti-trafficking advocacy group connects trafficking survivors with pro bono representation. It is distressing to see U.S. anti-trafficking programs decimated by an administration that rode to victory, at least in part, on claims that it would combat human trafficking.

The Human Trafficking Legal Center published an analysis of federal data this week showing that visas for victims of human trafficking who cooperate with law enforcement to arrest and prosecute traffickers are being issued at record-low levels, despite a growing backlog.

At the Labor Department, the Trump administration in March put an end to close to 70 programs and more than $500 million in grant funding that the agency was using to combat child labor and human trafficking in countries that have trade agreements with the United States. The funding helped ensure foreign governments were fighting human trafficking while also protecting U.S. jobs, The Washington Post reported at the time. The office that managed the funding was also tasked with producing a congressionally mandated report that, in part, outlined goods produced with child labor.

To have this administration cut funding so significantly has just been a huge blow to the progress that has been made over the last several decades, said a federal government employee familiar with this work who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of fear of retaliation.

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Within the anti-trafficking movement and in the government, we were hoping that we would be protected in some way since during Trumps first administration, there was more funding for anti-trafficking then than there had been in previous administrations even. And Ivanka Trump took a really strong interest in the issue, the employee said. In his first term, the presidents oldest daughter made the issue central to her portfolio and hosted a summit at the White House.

Weve just seen a huge shift in this administration, and honestly, its sent shock waves through the community, the employee said.

On Thursday night, Trump said he would authorize Bondi to request from a federal court the grand jury testimony from Epsteins trial. It was a reversal from her previous position on what she would release, though it is still unclear what transcripts the courts could approve to be made public.

Reps. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, and Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, have been trying to force a floor vote on releasing the complete Epstein files. Several far-right Republicans have signed on to the discharge petition effort so far, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Eli Crane, Lauren Boebert and Max Miller.

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Discharge petitions are a procedural maneuver that circumvents House leadership and the powerful Rules Committee to force a floor vote. Theyve rarely been successful because they require a majority of House members signatures to kick off. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, managed to kill the last one raised in April, which would have let new parents vote by proxy while away from the Capitol.

But Khanna said hes confident that the petition will move forward: We have the votes.

Moms being allowed to vote in the House is important, he said of the failed discharge petition effort, then added: But the release of the Epstein files to the MAGA base matters 100 times more to them. I think its a totally different situation in terms of the intensity of scrutiny.  The base cares so deeply about this.

Next week, a group of high-profile Republicans are expected to gather at the Capitol for the annual International Summit Against Human Trafficking put on by the Conservative Political Action Conference, the group behind the annual gathering of right-wing activists and politicians.

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This pivotal event upholds CPACs steadfast dedication to eradicating modern-day slavery by uniting survivors, legislators, advocates, and law enforcement from both domestic and international communities to drive bold solutions, the announcement for the event reads. The group said earlier this month that Trumps investments in immigration enforcement in the one big beautiful bill will hit traffickers where it hurts by taking away the shadows they exploit.

Just days later, Freedom Network USA, one of the leading anti-trafficking groups in the country, is planning to hold a webinar on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to break down how the Trump administrations heinous attacks have impacted human trafficking survivors.

This story was originally reported by Mel Leonor Barclay, Marissa Martinez and Jennifer Gerson of The 19th. Meet Mel , Marissa and Jennifer and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy.

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United States President Donald Trump has said up to five fighter jets were shot down during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, which erupted after an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to the cusp of their fifth all-out war, before a ceasefire in May.

Trump, who made his remarks at a dinner with a number of Republican US lawmakers at the White House on Friday, did not specify which sides jets he was referring to.

In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually, Trump said while talking about the India-Pakistan hostilities, without elaborating or providing further detail.

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Pakistan has claimed it downed five Indian planes in air-to-air combat.

Indias highest-ranking general said in late May that India switched tactics after suffering losses in the air on the first day of hostilities and established an advantage before a ceasefire was announced three days later.

India also claimed it downed a few planes of Pakistan. Islamabad denied suffering any losses of planes but acknowledged its airbases suffered hits.





Truce deal

Trump has repeatedly claimed credit, and complained he has not been feted for it, for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan that he announced on social media on May 10 after Washington held talks with both sides.

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India has contradicted Trumps claims that the ceasefire resulted from his intervention and his threats to sever trade talks.

New Delhis stated position has been that it reached an agreement bilaterally with Pakistan, and that they must solve their problems directly and with no outside involvement.

India is an increasingly important US partner in Washingtons effort to counter Chinas influence in Asia, while Pakistan is a US ally, finding a new lease of diplomatic favour in the Trump administration.

The White House on Thursday said, however, that no Trump visit was scheduled to Pakistan at this time after widespread local reports of a trip.

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The April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 people and led to heavy fighting between the two sides in the latest escalation of a decades-old rivalry.

New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan, which denied responsibility, while calling for a neutral investigation.

Washington condemned the attack but did not directly blame Islamabad.

On May 7, Indian jets bombed sites across the border that New Delhi described as terrorist infrastructure, setting off an exchange of attacks between the two countries by fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery that killed dozens until the ceasefire was reached.




A voter casts an early ballot at a polling station in Milwaukee in 2023. Wisconsin is among at least nine states that have received requests from the U.S. Department of Justice for voter information, raising concerns among election officials about how the Trump administration will use the data. (Morry Gash/The Associated Press)

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the voter registration lists of several states  representing data on millions of Americans  and other election information ahead of the 2026 midterms, raising fears about how the Trump administration plans to use the information.

The DOJ is also demanding Colorado turn over all records related to the 2024 election, a massive trove of documents that could include ballots and even voting equipment. The Colorado inquiry, the most sweeping publicly known request, underscores the extent of the administrations attention on state election activities.

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At least nine states have received requests for information over the past three months, according to letters from the DOJ obtained by Stateline. Some states also received emails from a DOJ official last week asking for meetings to discuss information-sharing agreements.

The departments focus on elections comes after President Donald Trump directed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in March to seek information about suspected election crimes from state election officials and empowered her to potentially withhold grants and other funds from uncooperative states.

For years, Trump has advanced false claims about elections, including the idea that the 2020 election that he lost was stolen. Now back in power, his administration is taking a new level of interest in how states  and even local authorities  administer elections.

Last week, a political operative approached several Republican county clerks in Colorado to enlist them in election integrity efforts in light of Trumps sweeping March executive order overhauling elections administration. One clerk told Stateline the operative claimed to represent the White House.

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Whatever the Trump administration tries to pull is very unlikely to be successful, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, said in an interview, calling Colorado elections very secure. With that said, do I think they are trying to undermine our elections at large in this country? Absolutely.

DOJ has sent letters to Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, in addition to the request to Colorado.

The letters have typically asked election officials to describe how they register voters and work to identify duplicate registrations and individuals not eligible to vote, such as people with felony convictions and those who have died. The Washington Post earlier Wednesday reported on the letters; Votebeat and NPR previously reported on some of the letters as well.

Most letters also ask about each states process for flagging noncitizen applicants. Noncitizen voting is against federal law and incredibly rare, but Trump and his allies have promoted false claims about its prevalence. The Trump administration is also conducting a general crackdown on illegal immigration.

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The letters call on election officials to turn over voter registration lists, which in some instances contain data on millions of residents in their states. This request has raised the most concerns, with some experts saying its unclear exactly why the DOJ wants the information.

They dont make much sense as law enforcement investigations. That makes me think that theres some other purpose, said Justin Levitt, who served as senior policy adviser for democracy and voting rights in the Biden White House and is now a law professor at Loyola Marymount University.

While many states make their voter registration lists available to the public, Levitt emphasized the data could still be largely off-limits to the federal government. Federal privacy law sometimes restricts how the government can use data thats publicly obtainable. The DOJ may need voter information in some individual circumstances, but thats not blanket permission to go vacuuming up data.

The DOJ didnt respond to questions for this story.

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Federal laws restrict the federal governments ability to centralize information on Americans, said David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research. Even if states provide voter registration information to the public, they often redact sensitive information.

In Orange County, California, the DOJ sued local election officials in June, seeking unredacted voter registration information, such as Social Security numbers and drivers licenses, as part of an investigation into noncitizen voting.

More than 350 election officials from some 33 states participated in a conference call about federal actions on Monday hosted by Becker, who was previously an attorney in the DOJ Voting Rights Section during the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He said the interest in the call shows the level of uncertainty and anxiety over the current federal imposition on election administrators.

The DOJ seems dead set on acquiring personal information on voters, including drivers license numbers, Social Security numbers and dates of birth  records that are highly protected under federal law and under state law and which state election officials are sworn to protect, Becker said.

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Sweeping Colorado requests

In Colorado, the amount of data the DOJ wants is enormous. On May 12, Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant U.S. attorney general in the DOJs Civil Rights Division, sent a letter to Griswold, the secretary of state, asking for access to all records related to the 2024 election.

Federal law requires state election officials to preserve records related to elections for 22 months. Typically, the rule ensures records are preserved in case any lawsuits are filed over an election. In the letter, Dhillon referred to a complaint against Griswolds office alleging noncompliance with records retention laws, but provided no details.

Experts on election administration who spoke to Stateline expressed shock at the scope of the demand to Colorado. The request encompasses a vast trove of material, potentially including ballots.

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The amount of records being requested from a place like Colorado  its really, really significant in terms of the volume of materials that are required to be retained, said Neal Ubriani, a former voting rights litigator at the DOJ during the Obama and first Trump administrations and the current policy and research director at the nonpartisan Institute for Responsive Government.

Colorado elections have previously drawn Trumps attention. Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, a staunch Trump supporter, is serving a nine-year prison sentence after a conviction in state court for allowing unauthorized access to voting equipment in 2021.

On May 5 of this year  a week before the Dhillon letter to Griswold  Trump posted on social media that Peters should be released, calling her a political prisoner. Griswold noted the timing.

I think the bigger picture is Donald Trump is continuing to try and rewrite the 2020 election and destabilize the 26 and 28 elections, Griswold told Stateline.

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The Colorado Secretary of States Office responded to the DOJ by providing copies of the states master voter file and voter history file. All of the information provided is also available to the public.

Some Colorado Republican county clerks in recent days have also been approached by Jeff Small, a political operative who worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior during the first Trump administration. Stateline and Colorado Newsline spoke to three GOP clerks who said they had spoken to Small last week.

Steve Schleiker, clerk of El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs and is the most populous county in the state, said that on July 9 he received a text and call from Small, who introduced himself in a voicemail as someone who works for the White House.

Schleiker said that when he called back, Small said he wanted to build relationships with clerks because the Trump administration was unhappy with progress on the presidents elections executive order. He later connected Schleiker with a Homeland Security official who wanted to test the security of El Paso Countys election systems, said Schleiker, who added that he opposed the request.

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Weld County Clerk Carly Koppes said she also heard from Small, but that Small told her he wasnt under contract or being paid for the calls. Small indicated he was making the calls on behalf of former colleagues, Koppes said.

Small, a former Capitol Hill chief of staff who now works for a Colorado-based government affairs firm, didnt return a call to his office on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the agency works with local partners to ensure elections remain safe.

We dont disclose every single conversation we have with them, an unidentified DHS spokesperson wrote in an email.

Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said he was aware of 10 clerks approached by Small. He noted that every clerk approached by Small hails from a county that uses Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems.

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While Dominion is widely used in Colorado, its also been the subject of election conspiracy theories. A former candidate for county sheriff in southwest Colorado was arrested in June, accused of firebombing a clerks office. Colorado Public Radio reported the suspect, according to law enforcement, had spoken publicly about trying to get rid of the countys Dominion machines.

I think the really important thing to say here is that it was Republican clerks who stood up to a Republican administration and said, No, were going to follow the law, Crane said.

The intent of the efforts by Small and the federal government has been muddied up it seems, Montrose County Clerk Tressa Guynes said. Based on her conversations with other clerks, she said, it appeared Small represented one thing to other clerks and then represented maybe a watered-down version by the time it got to me.

Guynes said Small wanted to discuss Trumps elections executive order. She said Small asked whether she would be willing to support a federal task forces efforts in an advisory role.

I said absolutely I will advise, Guynes said. I said Im frankly glad that theyre finally reaching out to the boots on the ground, the people who actually conduct the elections, instead of listening to those who have never conducted a Colorado election.

Letters to other states

As Colorado grapples with the most far-reaching request, other states are choosing how to respond. In Wisconsin, the state election commission responded to a DOJ request for the voter registration list with instructions on how to request public voter data.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, responded on June 2  after DOJ in a May 20 letter told the state to ensure voter registration applicants provided a drivers license number, if they have one, instead of a partial Social Security number. The DOJ also wanted Arizona to check voters against a state database to look for noncitizens.

Fontes replied that Arizona complies with federal law and conducts checks using a state motor vehicle division database.

We are focused on dealing with DOJ in a good faith manner while ensuring we are following the letter of federal and state laws, Fontes spokesperson JP Martin wrote in an email to Stateline.

More recently, Arizona received a letter July 10 from DOJ about implementation of Trumps elections executive order. Rhode Island Democratic Secretary of State Gregg Amore also received an email about the order the same day, according to a copy provided to the Rhode Island Current.

In the email, Scott Laragy, principal deputy director in the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, asks for a call to discuss a possible information-sharing agreement to provide DOJ with information on individuals who have registered to vote or have voted despite being ineligible, or those who have committed other forms of election fraud.

The email echoes the language in Trumps elections executive order, which calls for DOJ to reach information-sharing agreements with states. While much of the order, which focused on proof of citizenship in elections, has been struck down in federal court, provisions related to information sharing remain.

The executive order directs Bondi, the U.S. attorney general, to prioritize enforcement of federal election integrity laws in uncooperative states. It also requires her to review grants and other DOJ funds that could be withheld from states that resist.

Some states have already struck deals with the Trump administration. Indiana Republican Secretary of State Diego Morales announced an agreement last week with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allowing the state to access a database to verify the citizenship of registered voters. Alabama Republican Secretary of State Wes Allen has signed a similar agreement.

With your cooperation, we plan to use this information to enforce Federal election laws and protect the integrity of Federal elections, Laragy wrote to Rhode Island.

Janine Weisman of the Rhode Island Current and Lindsey Toomer of Colorado Newsline contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at jshorman@stateline.org.
The Trump administration is asking for voter lists and other election information from at least nine states, including Arizona. (Photo by Jim Small/Arizona Mirror)

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the voter registration lists of several states  representing data on millions of Americans  and other election information ahead of the 2026 midterms, raising fears about how the Trump administration plans to use the information.

The DOJ is also demanding Colorado turn over all records related to the 2024 election, a massive trove of documents that could include ballots and even voting equipment. The Colorado inquiry, the most sweeping publicly known request, underscores the extent of the administrations attention on state election activities.

Advertisement Advertisement

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At least nine states have received requests for information over the past three months, according to letters from the DOJ obtained by Stateline. Some states also received emails from a DOJ official last week asking for meetings to discuss information-sharing agreements.

The departments focus on elections comes after President Donald Trump directed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in March to seek information about suspected election crimes from state election officials and empowered her to potentially withhold grants and other funds from uncooperative states.

For years, Trump has advanced false claims about elections, including the idea that the 2020 election that he lost was stolen. Now back in power, his administration is taking a new level of interest in how states  and even local authorities  administer elections.

Last week, a political operative approached several Republican county clerks in Colorado to enlist them in election integrity efforts in light of Trumps sweeping March executive order overhauling elections administration. One clerk told Stateline the operative claimed to represent the White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Whatever the Trump administration tries to pull is very unlikely to be successful, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, said in an interview, calling Colorado elections very secure. With that said, do I think they are trying to undermine our elections at large in this country? Absolutely.

DOJ has sent letters to Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, in addition to the request to Colorado.

The letters have typically asked election officials to describe how they register voters and work to identify duplicate registrations and individuals not eligible to vote, such as people with felony convictions and those who have died. The Washington Post earlier Wednesday reported on the letters; Votebeat and NPR previously reported on some of the letters as well.

Most letters also ask about each states process for flagging noncitizen applicants. Noncitizen voting is against federal law and incredibly rare, but Trump and his allies have promoted false claims about its prevalence. The Trump administration is also conducting a general crackdown on illegal immigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The letters call on election officials to turn over voter registration lists, which in some instances contain data on millions of residents in their states. This request has raised the most concerns, with some experts saying its unclear exactly why the DOJ wants the information.

They dont make much sense as law enforcement investigations. That makes me think that theres some other purpose, said Justin Levitt, who served as senior policy adviser for democracy and voting rights in the Biden White House and is now a law professor at Loyola Marymount University.

While many states make their voter registration lists available to the public, Levitt emphasized the data could still be largely off-limits to the federal government. Federal privacy law sometimes restricts how the government can use data thats publicly obtainable. The DOJ may need voter information in some individual circumstances, but thats not blanket permission to go vacuuming up data.

The DOJ didnt respond to questions for this story.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal laws restrict the federal governments ability to centralize information on Americans, said David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research. Even if states provide voter registration information to the public, they often redact sensitive information.

In Orange County, California, the DOJ sued local election officials in June, seeking unredacted voter registration information, such as Social Security numbers and drivers licenses, as part of an investigation into noncitizen voting.

More than 350 election officials from some 33 states participated in a conference call about federal actions on Monday hosted by Becker, who was previously an attorney in the DOJ Voting Rights Section during the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He said the interest in the call shows the level of uncertainty and anxiety over the current federal imposition on election administrators.

The DOJ seems dead set on acquiring personal information on voters, including drivers license numbers, Social Security numbers and dates of birth  records that are highly protected under federal law and under state law and which state election officials are sworn to protect, Becker said.

Sweeping Colorado requests

In Colorado, the amount of data the DOJ wants is enormous. On May 12, Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant U.S. attorney general in the DOJs Civil Rights Division, sent a letter to Griswold, the secretary of state, asking for access to all records related to the 2024 election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal law requires state election officials to preserve records related to elections for 22 months. Typically, the rule ensures records are preserved in case any lawsuits are filed over an election. In the letter, Dhillon referred to a complaint against Griswolds office alleging noncompliance with records retention laws, but provided no details.

The DOJ seems dead set on acquiring personal information on voters, including drivers license numbers, Social Security numbers and dates of birth  records that are highly protected under federal law and under state law and which state election officials are sworn to protect.

 David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research

Experts on election administration who spoke to Stateline expressed shock at the scope of the demand to Colorado. The request encompasses a vast trove of material, potentially including ballots.

The amount of records being requested from a place like Colorado  its really, really significant in terms of the volume of materials that are required to be retained, said Neal Ubriani, a former voting rights litigator at the DOJ during the Obama and first Trump administrations and the current policy and research director at the nonpartisan Institute for Responsive Government.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Colorado elections have previously drawn Trumps attention. Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, a staunch Trump supporter, is serving a nine-year prison sentence after a conviction in state court for allowing unauthorized access to voting equipment in 2021.

On May 5 of this year  a week before the Dhillon letter to Griswold  Trump posted on social media that Peters should be released, calling her a political prisoner. Griswold noted the timing.

I think the bigger picture is Donald Trump is continuing to try and rewrite the 2020 election and destabilize the 26 and 28 elections, Griswold told Stateline.

The Colorado Secretary of States Office responded to the DOJ by providing copies of the states master voter file and voter history file. All of the information provided is also available to the public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some Colorado Republican county clerks in recent days have also been approached by Jeff Small, a political operative who worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior during the first Trump administration. Stateline and Colorado Newsline spoke to three GOP clerks who said they had spoken to Small last week.

Steve Schleiker, clerk of El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs and is the most populous county in the state, said that on July 9 he received a text and call from Small, who introduced himself in a voicemail as someone who works for the White House.

Schleiker said that when he called back, Small said he wanted to build relationships with clerks because the Trump administration was unhappy with progress on the presidents elections executive order. He later connected Schleiker with a Homeland Security official who wanted to test the security of El Paso Countys election systems, said Schleiker, who added that he opposed the request.

Weld County Clerk Carly Koppes said she also heard from Small, but that Small told her he wasnt under contract or being paid for the calls. Small indicated he was making the calls on behalf of former colleagues, Koppes said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Small, a former Capitol Hill chief of staff who now works for a Colorado-based government affairs firm, didnt return a call to his office on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the agency works with local partners to ensure elections remain safe.

We dont disclose every single conversation we have with them, an unidentified DHS spokesperson wrote in an email.

Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said he was aware of 10 clerks approached by Small. He noted that every clerk approached by Small hails from a county that uses Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems.

While Dominion is widely used in Colorado, its also been the subject of election conspiracy theories. A former candidate for county sheriff in southwest Colorado was arrested in June, accused of firebombing a clerks office. Colorado Public Radio reported the suspect, according to law enforcement, had spoken publicly about trying to get rid of the countys Dominion machines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think the really important thing to say here is that it was Republican clerks who stood up to a Republican administration and said, No, were going to follow the law, Crane said.

The intent of the efforts by Small and the federal government has been muddied up it seems, Montrose County Clerk Tressa Guynes said. Based on her conversations with other clerks, she said, it appeared Small represented one thing to other clerks and then represented maybe a watered-down version by the time it got to me.

Guynes said Small wanted to discuss Trumps elections executive order. She said Small asked whether she would be willing to support a federal task forces efforts in an advisory role.

I said absolutely I will advise, Guynes said. I said Im frankly glad that theyre finally reaching out to the boots on the ground, the people who actually conduct the elections, instead of listening to those who have never conducted a Colorado election.

Letters to other states

As Colorado grapples with the most far-reaching request, other states are choosing how to respond. In Wisconsin, the state election commission responded to a DOJ request for the voter registration list with instructions on how to request public voter data.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, responded on June 2  after DOJ in a May 20 letter told the state to ensure voter registration applicants provided a drivers license number, if they have one, instead of a partial Social Security number. The DOJ also wanted Arizona to check voters against a state database to look for noncitizens.

Fontes replied that Arizona complies with federal law and conducts checks using a state motor vehicle division database.

We are focused on dealing with DOJ in a good faith manner while ensuring we are following the letter of federal and state laws, Fontes spokesperson JP Martin wrote in an email to Stateline.

More recently, Arizona received a letter July 10 from DOJ about implementation of Trumps elections executive order. Rhode Island Democratic Secretary of State Gregg Amore also received an email about the order the same day, according to a copy provided to the Rhode Island Current.

In the email, Scott Laragy, principal deputy director in the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, asks for a call to discuss a possible information-sharing agreement to provide DOJ with information on individuals who have registered to vote or have voted despite being ineligible, or those who have committed other forms of election fraud.

The email echoes the language in Trumps elections executive order, which calls for DOJ to reach information-sharing agreements with states. While much of the order, which focused on proof of citizenship in elections, has been struck down in federal court, provisions related to information sharing remain.

The executive order directs Bondi, the U.S. attorney general, to prioritize enforcement of federal election integrity laws in uncooperative states. It also requires her to review grants and other DOJ funds that could be withheld from states that resist.

Some states have already struck deals with the Trump administration. Indiana Republican Secretary of State Diego Morales announced an agreement last week with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allowing the state to access a database to verify the citizenship of registered voters. Alabama Republican Secretary of State Wes Allen has signed a similar agreement.

With your cooperation, we plan to use this information to enforce Federal election laws and protect the integrity of Federal elections, Laragy wrote to Rhode Island.

Janine Weisman of the Rhode Island Current and Lindsey Toomer of Colorado Newsline contributed to this report.

Like Arizona Mirror, 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.



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A federal judge has dismissed President Donald Trumps civil suit against journalist Bob Woodward over his audiobook.

The president sued Woodward, publisher Simon and Schuster, and its former owner Paramount Global in January 2023, claiming he was a joint author and had a copyright interest in the interviews that were used for Woodwards 2022 audiobook The Trump Tapes.

Judge Paul G. Gardephe granted Woodwards motion to dismiss the presidents lawsuit on Friday.

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Trumps second amended complaint, filed in April 2023, does not plausibly allege that the parties fully intended to be co-authors of a joint work, the judge wrote.

The president had argued his interviews with Woodward were not provided in the scope of President Trumps employment by the federal government but were prepared at President Trumps own volition and outside of his official duties.

A federal judge granted journalist Bob Woodwards motion to dismiss Trumps $50 million lawsuit (AFP via Getty Images)

A federal judge granted journalist Bob Woodwards motion to dismiss Trumps $50 million lawsuit (AFP via Getty Images)

All the interviews were conducted when Trump was in office, the defendants countered, noting Trump sat for 19 interviews between December 2019 and August 2020.

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They added the Copyright Act bars government officials like President Trump from asserting any copyright in an interview conducted as part of their official duties, meaning he fails to state an authorship claim.

No president before Donald Trump ever claimed to own a copyright in presidential interviews or demanded royalties for their republication, the defendants claimed. They pointed out that Woodward has written books about 10 presidents.

Woodward was the sole architect and true author, the journalist's lawyers wrote in a filing.

Woodward, a longtime investigative journalist, who uncovered the Watergate scandal at The Washington Post, had conducted several interviews and audio recordings with Trump during the final year of his first term.

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Trumps team argued that when he agreed to the interviews, he was agreeing to be recorded for the sole purpose of Woodward being able to write a single book. The president was referring to the book Rage, which was published in September 2020.

In addition to the audio book, Woodward has penned a trilogy of the Trump presidency with his books Rage, Fear and Peril. About 20 percent of Rage stemmed from interviews with the president, Woodwards legal team argued.

Woodward wrote Fear about the first presidency of Donald Trump. The book was released on September 11, 2018 (Getty Images)

Woodward wrote Fear about the first presidency of Donald Trump. The book was released on September 11, 2018 (Getty Images)

Woodwards recordings were the foundation of his book Rage his second book in a trilogy on Trumps presidency, and published in September 2020 (Getty Images)

Woodwards recordings were the foundation of his book Rage his second book in a trilogy on Trumps presidency, and published in September 2020 (Getty Images)

Peril was written about the outgoing Trump Administration, the presidential transition and early presidency of Joe Biden. The book was published in September 2021 (AFP via Getty Images)

Peril was written about the outgoing Trump Administration, the presidential transition and early presidency of Joe Biden. The book was published in September 2021 (AFP via Getty Images)

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The judge left the door slightly ajar for Trump, giving him a chance to amend his complaint and refile it by August 18.

While it appears unlikely that Plaintiff can adequately plead a plausible copyright interest in The Trump Tapes or any non-preempted state law claim, this Court cannot find at this stage that any amendment would be futile. Accordingly, leave to move to amend is granted, Gardephe wrote.

Trump was seeking nearly $50 million.

A spokesperson for Trumps legal team told Reuters in a statement: In another biased action by a New York Court, this wrongful decision was issued without even affording President Trump the basic due process of a hearing. We will continue to ensure that those who commit wrongdoing against President Trump and all Americans are held accountable.

Woodward was the sole architect and true author, the journalist's lawyers wrote in a filing (AFP via Getty Images)

Woodward was the sole architect and true author, the journalist's lawyers wrote in a filing (AFP via Getty Images)

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The presidents legal defeat comes as he launches a fresh lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. The paper published a story on Thursday alleging Trump sent disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein a bawdy birthday card for his 50th birthday.

Trump vehemently denied the claims. This is not me. This is a fake thing. Its a fake Wall Street Journal story, he told the outlet. I never wrote a picture in my life. I dont draw pictures of women.

He is suing The WSJ and its owners for defamation and is seeking $10 billion.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) President, Captain CS Randhawa on Saturday called out Wall Street Journal and Reuters, accusing them of not basing their reports on factual content while highlighting Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report on AI-171 plane crash in which more than 250 people were killed. Captain CS Randhawa's strong remark followed the FIP's initiation of legal action through a formal notice to The Wall Street Journal and Reuters. They have also sought an official apology. Strongly criticising the WSJ and Reuters, Randhawa blamed them for "misleading" the public, alleging that their reports are "not based on factual content." "I would totally blame the Wall Street Journal for misleading the public, they come out with their own conclusions. Are they the investigative body? They're talking all this crap around the world. They are not the investigative body, and the reports are not based on any factual content, which is mentioned in the preliminary report. So, how can they jump to conclusions and give press statements around the world?" he told ANI. Captain Randhawa said that FIP has issued a legal notice asking them to issue a statement in the press, giving an explanation of their reportage of the AAIB preliminary reports. "We strongly condemn it, and we've also issued legal notices to the Wall Street Journal and Reuters. We have clearly said that how can you jump to these conclusions which are not part of the preliminary report of the AAIB? How can you blame the pilots? So we have asked for an explanation and have asked that you give a statement to the press." he said. "And if they don't do it, then we'll see further action," he added. Captain Randhawa also appreciated National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) statement, which rebuked recent media coverage made over the preliminary investigative report. FIP President said NTSB statement will put all speculations and blaming of Indian pilots by Western Media to rest. "We are happy that this report has come out from the NTSB chairman, as NTSB is also a part of the investigative committee in the AIIB. It is very, very heartening to know that they have issued this statement which will put all the Western media to rest, to carry out speculations and blaming Indian pilots," he said. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, in a statement, urged the public and media to await official findings by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is leading the probe into the crash incident, before drawing a conclusion based on the preliminary investigative report. "Recent media reports on the Air India 171 crash are premature and speculative. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau just released its preliminary report. Investigations of this magnitude take time. We fully support the AAIB's public appeal, which was released Thursday, and will continue to support its ongoing investigation. All investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB," Homendy stated. (ANI)
A federal judge on Friday dismissed President Trumps lawsuit against famed Watergate journalist Bob Woodward for publishing audio tapes of interviews he conducted with Trump for a 2020 book.

U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephes ruling comes a year and a half after Woodward and his publisher asked the judge to dismiss the suit. Trumps attorneys had long complained about the lack of progress, repeatedly urging Gardephe to rule.

An appointee of former President George W. Bush, Gardephe rejected Trumps arguments that he is a joint author of the tapes and ruled that even if he wasnt, the interview responses are protected copyright.

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There is almost no support in the case law for the notion that an interviewee has a copyright interest in his responses to interview questions, and such a conclusion would run counter to animating principles of the Copyright Act, the judge pushed back.

The judge also dismissed Trumps state law claims, ruling those were preempted by federal copyright law.

In another biased action by a New York Court, this wrongful decision was issued without even affording President Trump the basic due process of a hearing. We will continue to ensure that those who commit wrongdoing against President Trump and all Americans are held accountable, a spokesman for Trumps legal team said in a statement.

Trump sued Woodward in January 2023 after giving him 19 interviews for his book, Rage.

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The lawsuit conceded Trump gave the interviews and permitted Woodward to record them, but the complaint claimed the journalist and his publisher were not authorized to sell the audio recordings themselves.

The $49 million lawsuit named Woodward, Simon & Schuster and its then-parent company, Paramount Global, as defendants. Paramount later sold the publishing giant to a private investment firm.

The Hill has reached out to Paramount for comment.

Were very pleased the Court agreed with us and dismissed the case, Simon & Schuster said in a statement.

Trumps attorney had repeatedly expressed frustration with the judge for mulling the dismissal motion for months without taking action.

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Following Trumps election, his attorneys kept pressing the judge to move ahead, but in December, the judge said he was at work on it and declined to expedite it further.

Updated at 8:54 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.
President Donald Trump is getting serious about the Russian threat. After pledging new arms shipments to Ukraine and threatening crippling secondary tariffs if Russia does not sue for peace in fifty days, Trump blasted Russian President Vladimir Putins peace entreaties as all talk and no action. Despite these castigations, Trump maintained hope that Putin might make moves towards peace in Ukraine before the fifty-day mark.



This optimism does not reflect the current mood in the Kremlin. Trumps major announcement was greeted with relief rather than alarm in Moscow. The Moscow Stock Exchange increased by 2.7 per cent and the Russian rouble rose 0.8 per cent against the Chinese yuan. Russian officials feared sweeping new sanctions and were pleased to see that Trump was only willing to impose largely unenforceable tariffs against the BRICS countries.



The rhetoric emanating from Putins coterie of hardliners was as confrontational as ever. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev threatened to strike Western countries if they escalated the Ukraine War. Rossiya-1 defence commentator Igor Korotchenko implored Russia to intensify its strikes on Ukrainian critical infrastructure and expressed hope that these attacks would force Ukraines capitulation within fifty days.



The Russian military is converting this bellicose rhetoric into aggressive actions. On July 16, Russia fired over 400 missiles and drones on Ukraines energy infrastructure. Russia has amassed 160,000 forces around Kupiansk in Kharkiv and the Donetsk battlegrounds of Pokrovsk and Kostiatynivka. A large-scale Russian summer offensive in eastern Ukraine is expected to commence within days.

These warning signals indicate that Trump is not responding forcefully enough against Russia. A genuine maximum pressure approach is needed to compel Putin to accept a peace agreement in Ukraine. This maximum pressure strategy should consist of three interrelated components.



The first is the removal of loopholes in the sanctions regime that provide Russia with the resources it needs to prosecute further aggression. Although Rosatom is involved in the occupation of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and has assisted Irans civilian nuclear energy programme, the US has refrained from sanctioning it. This exemption has helped Rosatom leverage its labyrinthine corporate structure and allegedly finance Russias defence industry.



Instead of imposing secondary tariffs on importers from Russia, the US should impose targeted sanctions on refineries that produce Russian oil. Vaibhav Raghunanda, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, estimates that these sanctions would deprive the Kremlin of $750 million in annual tax revenues.



Shadow fleet sanctions also need to intensify until the estimated 600 tankers that Russia uses are designated. The US needs to coordinate with the EU on curbing Russian sanctions evasion loopholes in their formative stages. The sanctions regime is fundamentally reactive in nature, and this allows Russia to hone its circumvention tactics before Western powers can respond.



The second is the broadening of the array of weapons that reach Ukraine. Trumps Nato ally-funded arms package will most likely include a Patriot Air Defence battery and ATACM long-range missiles. While $10 billion in arms supplies sounds like a lot, it is important to emphasise that Patriot batteries cost $1 billion to build, their interceptor missiles cost $3.7 million each and ATACMs cost $1 million per missile.



Given these structural costs, the current scale of Trumps arms package is unlikely to deter Russia. As Ukraine expends 2 million artillery shells a year and is facing a Russian military armed with vast quantities of North Korean artillery shells, the US needs to step up its artillery exports to Ukraine. While Trump ultimately refrained from exporting Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine that can strike Moscow, the transfer of these weapons should be reconsidered if Putin chooses to escalate over the fifty-day window.



The third is supporting Ukraines highly innovative domestic defence sector. In recent months, the Ukrainian military has devised low-cost interceptor drones to counter Russias UAV swarms and has unveiled 1,000km radius Neptune anti-ship missiles. Due to the scale of indigenous innovation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered Trump a breakthrough deal that involves providing the US with Ukrainian drone technologies in exchange for American weapons. Trump should seriously consider this deal as it would guarantee Ukraines long-term staying power and bolster the security of the entire Nato alliance.



In his quest to defang Irans nuclear program, Trump has effectively synthesised pressure tactics with calculated risks. Trump must replicate elements of that formula to coerce Putin to peace.

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Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

In todays edition, Scott Bland breaks down new poll numbers that show the worlds views shifting on China and the economy. Plus, Sahil Kapur examines how Republican members of Congress are hate-voting for certain pieces of legislation.

Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

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 Adam Wollner

As Trump pursues his trade agenda, other countries views shift on ties with China

Analysis by Scott Bland

President Donald Trumps first year back in the White House has coincided with some sharp changes in allied countries assessments of the importance of Chinese economic ties.

Thats according to new data from surveys conducted in 25 countries by the Pew Research Center. Pew notes that the changing attitudes also reflect a rebound from low points in the immediate aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, which began in China.

But the data also demonstrates how Trumps presidency and his trade agenda have sharply shifted public opinion in other nations  shifts that could have far-reaching effects for years.

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In particular, Pew asked whether it was more important for each country surveyed to have close economic ties with the U.S. or China. Generally, the share of respondents choosing China has grown in recent years, while the United States share has shrunk. But two nations in particular stand out.

Theres Australia, which this week is hosting military exercises meant to signal strength against China. This year, Australian respondents said 53%-42% that having closer economic ties with China is more important. Four years ago, that was reversed  52%-39% toward the U.S.

And then theres Mexico, one of the biggest U.S. trading partners. Mexican survey respondents have long recognized the importance of the trade relationship with the U.S., but amid the back-and-forth on tariffs this year, they split on whether ties with the U.S. or China were more important.

These opinions have shifted over time, and theres no telling where theyll go in the future. But as the U.S. tries to shift its trade policy and tries to counter China geopolitically, these surveys offer some early evidence of backlash in one realm that could affect the other.

Republicans keep voting for bills they say they dont like

By Sahil Kapur

Theres a new trend in Congress that has emerged in President Donald Trumps second term: Republican lawmakers across the ideological spectrum keep voting for bills they have publicly criticized.

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In some cases, GOP members of Congress have explicitly threatened to vote no on bills they say are deeply flawed before eventually folding and voting yes. In others, they warn bills they have voted for will require fixing down the road.

A few notable examples:

Medicaid: Two weeks after voting to pass a sweeping domestic policy bill that cuts Medicaid by about $1 trillion, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced a bill to repeal some of those cuts.

Now is the time to prevent any future cuts to Medicaid from going into effect, Hawley said in a statement.

Hawley said he feared the partys megabill would cause long-term harm if the Medicaid cuts are fully implemented, but still voted for it because it will deliver more hospital money for Missouri in the first four years.

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You cant get everything you want in one piece of legislation. I like a lot of what we did. I dont like some of it, he told reporters after unveiling his own measure on Tuesday.

National debt: Nowhere has this dynamic been more pronounced than with the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, whose members have repeatedly threatened to oppose bills before acquiescing under pressure from Trump. With Trumps megabill, they complained about red ink: Its expected to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

What the Senate did is unconscionable, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said in a Rules Committee meeting, vowing that Ill vote against it here and Ill vote against it on the floor. He ultimately voted for that bill, unamended, after conservatives were told Congress would consider future bills to lower the debt.

Rescissions: And in the run-up to the votes on a package to cancel $9 billion in previously approved funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, several Republicans expressed serious concerns with its substance, its deference to the executive branch and the damage it could do to bipartisan dealmaking on government funding in the future.

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I suspect were going to find out there are some things that were going to regret. Some second- and third-order effects. And I suspect that when we do, well have to come back and fix it, said Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, before voting in favor of the bill.

Bottom line: It isnt unusual for lawmakers to back legislation they call imperfect. But this year, that contrast has become more stark. It comes as Trump has solidified his grasp over the GOP base, resulting in lawmakers growing increasingly leery of crossing him and risking their political futures.

Read more from Sahil 

 Mailbag: Could Democrats undo the big, beautiful bill?

Thanks to everyone who emailed us! This weeks reader question is on the future of the megabill President Donald Trump signed into law.

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If the Democrats gain control of both chambers of Congress how much of the Republicans bill can they change?

In theory, Democrats could change much, if not all, of whats in the new tax cut and spending law if they were in power in Washington, using the same party-line budget reconciliation process Republicans just utilized. But they wont be in that position for a while  and they may not want to completely do away with the sweeping package.

Lets start with the first point. Given Republicans tiny majority in the chamber and the usual headwinds the party in power faces during a midterm, Democrats have a good shot at winning the control of the House next year. But the Senate is a different story. As weve written, Democrats face an uphill climb to the majority in 2026, and the 2028 map doesnt look much more favorable, with the number of states splitting their presidential and Senate tickets dwindling.

Then of course, even if Democrats manage to take control of both chambers of Congress, they wont have an opportunity at the White House until 2028.

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As for the second point, there are a lot of aspects of the big, beautiful bill Democrats would like to reverse, most notably the cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. But there are others, such as no tax on tips, that have garnered support from Democrats.

And while Democrats support increasing the current tax rates on the top earners, they wouldnt want the 2017 tax cuts that the law extends to completely expire. That would mean tax hikes on middle- and lower-income Americans, too.

 Today's other top stories

 Epstein fallout: Trump took legal action less than 24 hours after The Wall Street Journal published an article saying Trump sent a letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 that included a drawing of a naked woman. The Justice Department also filed a motion to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwells criminal case in Manhattan federal court.

 Stations in limbo: After Congress approved a package to cut funding for PBS and NPR, media advocates fear that local public broadcasters will be forced to downsize or shutter, which could have an outsize impact on rural areas. Read more 

 Health care hikes: People who get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act could soon see their monthly premiums sharply increase as subsidies expire and insurers propose a major premium hike for 2026. Read more 

 Crypto crunch: Trump signed the GENIUS Act, the first piece of federal legislation regulating stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency, into law after it passed through Congress with bipartisan support. Read more 

 Texas two-step: Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin was set to travel to Houston today to meet with Texas Democrats to discuss how to fight back against Republican efforts to redraw the states congressional maps. Read more 

 Palmetto State dispatch: In conversations with more than a dozen Democrats across the South Carolina, a key presidential primary state, two themes emerged: They want someone ready to fight, but they also want someone who can appeal across party lines. Read more 

 End of an era: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will broadcast its final show in May, CBS said, adding that its not continuing the franchise. Read more 

Follow live politics updates 

Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner and Dylan Ebs.

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If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President Donald Trump raged against the MAGA troublemakers and radical left lunatics demanding further disclosure on the Epstein files Saturday.

The seething president, who has spent the last week batting away questions about his connections with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, redoubled his pledge to release grand jury testimony in the Epstein case but added that nothing will be good enough for the skeptics who dare question him.

I have asked the Justice Department to release all Grand Jury testimony with respect to Jeffrey Epstein, subject only to Court Approval, he wrote on Truth Social. With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request. It will always be more, more, more. MAGA!

President Donald Trump has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release grand jury testimony in the Jeffrey Epstein case, which requires court approval. / Davidoff Studios Photography / Davidoff Studios Photography/Getty Images

Trumps fan base has splintered after the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation contradicted conspiracies about Epstein, concluding on July 6 that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial in prison and that no client list of powerful associates existed. MAGA members were shocked at the presidents about-face after he promised to release files relating to Epstein while campaigning last year, and Attorney General Pam Bondi said in February that the client list was sitting on my desk right now awaiting review.

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The FBI and DOJs findings have sent MAGA into a tailspin and fueled allegations of a cover-up. Even Trumps former first buddy Elon Musk has waded into the fray, writing that the administration is complicit in a cover up (obviously) and that so many powerful people want that list suppressed.

Trump called his skeptical fanbase

Trumps anger has mounted as his own loyalists demand more information. On Wednesday, he wrote a blistering Truth Social post slamming the weaklings who dared question him on the Epstein files and decried the whole thing as a hoax and bulls--t. I dont want their support anymore, he said of supporters who have continued to press on Epstein.

President Trumpwe are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts," Bondi wrote on X Friday. It was unclear whether she was referring to Epsteins 2006 prosecution in Florida, which ended in a plea deal, or his 2019 prosecution in New York.

Critics have called the supposed surrender nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

Bondi posted on social media Friday: President Trumpwe are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts.

On Friday, Trump sued The Wall Street Journal and News Corp.s Rupert Murdoch after the paper dropped a bombshell report about a birthday message Trump allegedly sent to Epstein in 2003. In the birthday card, Trump drew a nude woman and ended the message with: Happy Birthdayand may every day be another wonderful secret.

He has denied ever writing the letter.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump has publicly denied that he draws, but numerous examples of his sketches have been sold at auction over the years, many dating from his time as a New York real estate developer, the New York Times said on Friday.

Drawings attributed to Trump, typically simple cityscapes or landmarks rendered in black marker and signed with his name, were donated to various charities in the early 2000s and have fetched thousands of dollars in later sales, the paper added.

"I don't draw pictures," Trump wrote on Truth Social this week, disputing a Wall Street Journal report about a 2003 birthday greeting for late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that bore Trump's name and featured a sexually suggestive drawing.

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On Friday, Trump sued the Journal and its owners, including Rupert Murdoch, seeking at least $10 billion in damages over the report.

In his 2008 book "Trump Never Give Up: How I Turned My Biggest Challenges Into Success", however, Trump acknowledged his artistic contributions.

"It takes me a few minutes to draw something, in my case, it's usually a building or a cityscape of skyscrapers, and then sign my name, but it raises thousands of dollars to help the hungry in New York," he wrote.

On Friday, White House spokesman Steven Cheung dismissed the report and any suggestion that Trump's drawings resembled the one described by the Journal.

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"As the president has said, the Wall Street Journal printed fake news and he doesn't draw things like the outlet described," Cheung said in a statement.

"The New York Times is engaged in false and defamatory claims, and to make this false equivalation proves they are the enemy of the people."

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
President Trump on Saturday said even if his administration releases all of the grand jury testimony in the case related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, it will not be enough to satisfy the troublemakers and radical left lunatics.

I have asked the Justice Department to release all Grand Jury testimony with respect to Jeffrey Epstein, subject only to Court Approval. With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request, Trump wrote on Truth Social. It will always be more, more, more. MAGA!

The Justice Department (DOJ) filed two nearly identical motions to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Friday, asking the federal court to unseal the grand jury transcripts in the Epstein case.

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It is uncommon for a grand jury transcript to be made public over sensitive information, but it can be achieved. DOJ said in the motions, which were filed by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, that it would strike the names of potential victims and other personal identifying information before the release of the transcript.

The pair of motions came a day after Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release pertinent grand jury testimony.

Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval, he wrote Thursday online. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now.

The administration has faced increased pressure from the presidents MAGA base to produce more documents related to the case, particularly after an unnamed joint FBI and DOJ memo published last week concluded that Epstein  who ran in high-powered circles  died by suicide in 2019 and that he did not keep a so-called client list.

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The findings unnerved some, who claim they contradict comments Bondi made earlier this year, including vowing transparency in the case.

The latest move to unseal the testimony came after The Wall Street Journal reported on an alleged letter Trump sent to Epstein for the financiers 50th birthday. The letter, a copy of which was not published in the article, contains text framed by the outline of a naked woman and has the words Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret.

The president has denied that he sent the letter and sued the newspaper on Friday for defamation in federal court.

Defendants concocted this story to malign President Trumps character and integrity and deceptively portray him in a false light, his legal team said.

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Trump has in recent days criticized Republicans for being fixated on the issue and urged his allies to move on, to no avail. Hes also questioned why Democrats did not bring up the files when they had control of the Senate and White House.

BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!! he wrote 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 The Hill.
"We got most of the hostages back. We're going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly," Trump said.

Another 10 hostages will be released from Gaza shortly, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, without providing additional details.

Trump made the comment during a dinner with lawmakers at the White House, lauding the efforts of his special envoy Steve Witkoff. Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been taking part in the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha since July 6, discussing a US-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire.

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"We got most of the hostages back. We're going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly," Trump said.

Trump has made repeated comments over the past several weeks suggesting that a new hostage deal would soon be agreed upon.

Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson said on Friday the group would not agree to an interim truce in the future if a ceasefire agreement was not reached during ongoing negotiations and accused Israel of intransigence.

Demonstrators take part in a protest to demand the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza since Hamas's October 7, 2023 massacre, near the US Consulate in Tel Aviv, July 7, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ammar Awad TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

"We are closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations and hope they will result in an agreement that guarantees the cessation of the war against our people, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and the relief of our people," Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida said in a video statement.

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Former secretary of state Antony Blinken claimed on Wednesday that the United States and its partners in the Middle East were "85% of the way" to being done before the Trump administration took over. Despite this, the early days of the new Trump administration saw a breakthrough in a hostage deal after months of stalled talks.

Hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip

Hamas abducted over 250 people during its October 7, 2023, rampage, where the terror group invaded southern Israel and massacred more than 1,200 people.

There are currently 50 hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip, 20 of whom are understood to still be alive.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Another 10 hostages will be released from Gaza shortly, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday, without providing additional details.

Trump made the comment during a dinner with lawmakers at the White House, lauding the efforts of his special envoy Steve Witkoff. Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been taking part in the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha since July 6, discussing a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire.

"We got most of the hostages back. We're going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly," Trump said.

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Trump has been predicting for weeks that a ceasefire and hostage-release deal was imminent, but agreement has proven elusive.

A spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, on Friday said the group favors reaching an interim truce in the Gaza war, but could revert to insisting on a full package deal if such an agreement is not reached in current negotiations.

The truce proposal calls for 10 hostages held in Gaza to be returned along with the bodies of 18 others, spread out over 60 days. In exchange, Israel would release a number of detained Palestinians.

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 58,600 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

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Almost 1,650 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed as a result of the conflict, including 1,200 killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Leslie Adler and Himani Sarkar)
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday up to five jets were shot down during recent India-Pakistan hostilities that began after an April Islamist militant attack in India-administered Kashmir, with the situation calming after a ceasefire in May.

Trump, who made his remarks at a dinner with some Republican U.S. lawmakers at the White House, did not specify which side's jets he was referring to.

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"In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually," Trump said while talking about the India-Pakistan hostilities, without elaborating or providing further detail.

Pakistan claimed it downed five Indian planes in air-to-air combat. India's highest-ranking general said in late May that India switched tactics after suffering losses in the air on the first day of hostilities and established an advantage before a ceasefire was announced three days later.

India also claimed it downed "a few planes" of Pakistan. Islamabad denied suffering any losses of planes but acknowledged its air bases suffered hits.

Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan that he announced on social media on May 10 after Washington held talks with both sides. India has differed with Trump's claims that it resulted from his intervention and his threats to sever trade talks.

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India's position has been that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their problems directly and with no outside involvement.

India is an increasingly important U.S. partner in Washington's effort to counter China's influence in Asia, while Pakistan is a U.S. ally.

The April attack in India-administered Kashmir killed 26 men and sparked heavy fighting between the nuclear-armed Asian neighbors in the latest escalation of a decades-old rivalry.

New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan, which denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation.

Washington condemned the attack but did not directly blame Islamabad.

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On May 7, Indian jets bombed sites across the border that New Delhi described as "terrorist infrastructure," setting off an exchange of attacks between the two countries by fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery that killed dozens until the ceasefire was reached.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Donald Trumps administration is planning to redistribute weapons supplies to allies, prioritising those countries that are willing to provide Ukraine with weapons from their own stockpiles, particularly Patriot systems.

Source: The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The administration has moved Germany to the top of the queue for receiving Patriot air defence systems, which will allow Berlin to transfer two systems it already has to Ukraine.

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The WSJ reports that the US promise to quickly replace the German Patriot systems is the first time the Pentagon has facilitated arms deliveries to Ukraine since Trump announced earlier this month that he supports additional military supplies.

Meanwhile, this move also highlighted the complexity of supplying Patriots and other weapons to Kyiv, as defence production lines in the West are struggling to cope with Ukraine's requests for help in protecting its cities and frontline forces from Russian aggression.

The attempt to speed up the delivery of Patriots to Ukraine by replenishing Germany's arsenal with systems from US production is in line with Trump's pledge to make NATO allies cover part of the cost of additional weapons for Ukraine.

The initial agreement is similar to a decision made in 2024 by the administration of former President Joe Biden which moved Ukraine to the top of the queue for air defence equipment directly from the US.

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As more countries agree to supply Patriots from their arsenals to Ukraine, the Trump administration will continue to review plans for future deliveries, giving priority to these allies, a senior US official said.

More agreements between the US and its allies on the provision of additional weapons are likely to be concluded next week, the WSJ notes.

On Monday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will hold an online meeting with other NATO defence ministers to discuss aid to Kyiv.

A separate meeting involving countries that possess Patriot systems will take place on Wednesday, chaired by Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

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A senior US official said that the Trump administration is seeking to conclude individual agreements with NATO members on the purchase of weapons for Ukraine. The Pentagon will oversee this process.

The WSJ adds that these agreements will go beyond the supply of Patriot systems and will include offensive and defensive weapons that NATO countries will provide to Kyiv and then repurchase from the United States.

A NATO official said Germany, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Canada and Finland have pledged to support this initiative. According to several European officials, other European countries may join in helping Kyiv once the details of the plan have been agreed upon.

Meanwhile, US and European officials warn that the critical issue is how long it will take to deliver additional weapons to Ukraine.

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European capitals are waiting for Washington to clarify the types of ammunition and weapons that will be supplied to Ukraine, the delivery schedule and whether the US or other countries will impose restrictions on the targets against which Western ammunition can be used in Russia.

Background:

This week, Trump promised more weapons for Ukraine and threatened 100% "secondary tariffs" for Russia if its leader, Vladimir Putin, does not agree to a ceasefire within 50 days.

Trump said that NATO member countries will pay for the weapons that will be sent to Ukraine. Each Patriot battery costs more than US$1 billion, and the system's missiles cost about US$4 million each.

At least some of the US's European allies were caught off guard by Trump's announcement of a plan for Europeans to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, and uncertainty remains as to who exactly will supply the Patriot systems.

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A Mohali court on Saturday extended the judicial custody of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) party leader Bikram Majithia till August 2 in an alleged money laundering case. Majithia was produced in court after the completion of his 14-day remand. On July 6, the former Punjab minister was taken into judicial custody till July 19. On July 8, Bikram Singh Majithia was granted three weeks by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to amend his petition challenging his arrest. During the hearing of his bail application on Tuesday, Majithia's counsel requested the court for additional time to revise the petition. The High Court accepted the plea and granted three weeks for the amendment. The case will now be heard on July 29. Majithia was recently arrested in a case related to disproportionate assets. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau took the former Punjab minister into custody on June 25, in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, after conducting searches at his house in Amritsar. He was brought to Mohali the next day, and the court sent him to seven-day custody under the Vigilance Bureau. The remand was then extended by four days. Majithia was sent to judicial custody till July 19 by the Mohali court in an alleged money laundering case linked to drugs. Majithia was brought to court and presented before the duty magistrate amidst heavy police deployment. Special Public Prosecutor Ferry Sofat said, "The state applied for judicial remand, and the Court has now sent Bikram Singh Majithia to judicial remand up to 19 July. He will be kept in the New Nabha Jail. The next date of hearing is July 19." As July 8 was reported as the date for the hearing of the bail plea, the prosecutor stated that the bail application submitted contained certain errors, following which the court directed that the application be filed again. Meanwhile, SAD leader Daljit S Cheema criticised security measures implemented by the Punjab government following Majithia's arrest and compared it to the Emergency. He further alleged vendetta politics by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in the State." This government wants to defame the Akali Dal leadership by spreading lies and false propaganda. This is vendetta politics," he said. (ANI)
Donald Trump may be livid at Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal for exposing Trump's weird birthday greeting to notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but Trump's personal pet Murdoch property, Fox News, is trying its hardest to upsetting Trump with too much (or any) discussion of Epstein and his relationship with Trump.
It looks like a lot of people on social media are excited that Donald Trumpfiled a lawsuit against reporters at the Wall Street Journal and the papers owner, Rupert Murdoch.

But the reasons for their excitement will not make the president happy one bit.

Trump, who filed the federal suit in Miami, is accusing the paper and its owner of libel related to an article published Thursday that alleges the president wrote a bawdy message to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 for the disgraced financiers birthday.

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The president said in a subsequent Truth Social post that he looked forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his pile of garbage newspaper, the WSJ.

However, many of the social media users looking forward to the suit moving forward pointed out that the truth is a defense in libel and defamation cases, so all the Journal has to do is prove its reporting true.

And it seems a good bet that the Journals lawyers went through the story about Trump and Epstein with a fine-toothed comb before it was published.

Also, Trump has previously threatened lawsuits and not followed through, presumably because the discovery process would force him to answer potentially embarrassing questions under oath.

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Back in 2023, during a deposition in the E. Jean Carroll case, the president mistakenly identified his accuser as his ex-wife Marla Maples, according to court transcripts.

It didnt help his case, since he tried to suggest he had not raped Carroll because she was not my type.

People on social media were salivating at the thought that Trumps lawsuit might not work out as he intended.

Nobody tell Donald Trump that his new lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal will trigger the Streisand effect and hand them the power of the court to expose Trump's role in covering up the Jeffrey Epstein list.



CAN'T WAIT! pic.twitter.com/do9jZOHap4  Grant Stern (@grantstern) July 18, 2025

If Trump sues WSJ, he will have to give a deposition, which he would never want to do again. He might sue and then claim immunity or drop the suit right before he has to testify. Last time Trump had to give a deposition, he confused his sexual assault victim for his wife  Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) July 18, 2025

I have a hard time believing the WSJ would publish trumps birthday card to epstein, knowing how huge this scandal is and the implications if it wasn't authentic. I hope trump does sue. I want to see this opened wide open. He's really put himself in a corner. If he doesn't sue, he  Boston Smalls (@smalls2672) July 18, 2025

This would be like bringing a hotel bellhop to argue against the entire Wall Street Journal legal team. If this is the plan, its not a lawsuitits a press release in legal for Trump couldnt represent himself to a train conductor. Let alone be his own attorney. pic.twitter.com/BWlehRg198   (@wardthreedc) July 18, 2025

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BLUFF



The lawsuit will never be filed. Trump would have to testify under oath during discovery.  Rebel Party  (@Sjacobs2020) July 18, 2025

POWERHOUSE LAWSUIT sounds like something youd buy from a late-night infomercial. Now with 30% more defamation claims!  StockMarket.News (@_Investinq) July 18, 2025

However, some people saw the lawsuit as Trumps attempt to get a settlement like the $16 million he received from Paramount after he sued the company for alleged election interference by the CBS News program 60 Minutes.

Although many experts thought Trumps suit had no merit, Paramount agreed to the payout as its proposed merger with Skydance Media awaits approval by the Trump administration.

One X user, @LorraineEvanoff, suspected that Trump might really be suing the Journal and Murdoch as a staged distraction with an extra added bonus of funneling a huge pay-off to Trump by way of settlement!!!!!

Now Trump is suing Murdoch and the @WSJ for libel for reporting on the birthday card to Epstein.



If its a legitimate lawsuit and Murdoch legitimately fights it in court, it would expose Trump to tons of salacious communications and evidence in discovery.



HOWEVER! It just  Lorraine Evanoff (@LorraineEvanoff) July 18, 2025

Related...
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed a major TSA change that will eventually take place at all airports throughout the country that will make travel a lot easier for families.

Homeland Security confirmed with a recent announcement that the new Families on the Fly rule will be applied to all airports throughout the country, giving families with children a dedicated lane to breeze through airport security with as little stress as possible.

The program was tested as a pilot program in Orlando International Airport in Florida, given its proximity to Disney World and Universal Studios  two vacation hot spots for families in the United States.

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However, after a successful trial run in Orlando, the program will be rolled out throughout the country.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her excitement about the plan in some recent comments.

There will be expanded areas that will give them the benefit of recognizing that they have children with them and will help make sure that we have the ability to take care of them and their families as they go through this expedited process with their kiddos, Noem said of the change, according to the US Sun.

Additionally, families that sign up for TSAs PreCheck program will also receive a $15 discount.

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This is not the only change the TSA has announced recently that will take some stress away from travelers.

Earlier this month, the TSA announced the end of the rule requiring passengers to remove their shoes when they go through a security checkpoint.

Ever since the rule went in place back in 2006, only TSA PreCheck customers were permitted to go through airport security with their shoes on. Everyone else had to remove their shoes and place them in a bin to be scanned through the X-ray machine.

Families should take advantage of these changes next time they travel.

TSA Confirms Major Change for Families first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 18, 2025
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic lawmaker who has since turned MAGA, is helping her boss President Donald Trump try to rewrite the history of 2016 to match his preferred talking points.

On Friday, Gabbard called for the Obama administration to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, alleging a conspiracy by which officials manufactured intelligence to claim that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to boost Trumps presidential campaign.

Multiple investigations over the past eight years have found that Russia tried to undermine Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and bolster Trump, by leaking documents from the Democratic National Committee. The 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment, published during Trumps first term, found that Russia meddled in the election specifically to boost Trumps campaign. These findings have helped foster Trumps grudge against the intel community and the deep state. Trump has long called Russiagate a hoax.

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Gabbard, her press release claims, declassified documents that revealed overwhelming evidence allegedly showing Obama and national security officials manufactured and politicized intelligence to lay the groundwork for what was essentially a years-long coup against President Trump. Its an ironic claim given that Trump supporters actually did attempt a coup on Jan. 6, and he pardoned them.

The Obama administrations goal was to usurp President Trump and subvert the will of the American people, Gabbard posted on X. No matter how powerful, every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The integrity of our democratic republic depends on it.

She added that the documents will be turned over to the Department of Justice for criminal referral.

These allegations arrive while Trump is in the spotlight over his ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement that an investigation already found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.

The Senate Intel Committee unanimously concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, he said in a post on X. If there had been some Obama conspiracy, we would have found it. This latest lie is another sad, dangerous example of Tulsi Gabbard trying to rewrite history and erode trust in the [intelligence community].

CNN reported earlier this month that the FBI is investigating former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey, both of whom are named in the documents.

Lawmakers questioned Gabbard, who was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait as part of her service in the Army National Guard and has defended Russias 2020 invasion of Ukraine, over her possible sympathies with Russia during her confirmation hearings.

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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused Barack Obama of taking part in a treasonous conspiracy Saturday on Fox & Friends, accusing the former president and other officials of manufacturing intelligence to suggest Russia attempted to influence the results of the 2016 election.

Special prosecutor Robert Muellers landmark 2019 report found no evidence the Trump campaign colluded with Russia at the time, but did determine that it made efforts to interfere in the election.

More from TheWrap

Tulsi Gabbard is now threatening to press charges on former President Obama for what she calls a "coup" and "treasonous conspiracy"



This is what Trump's America has become. Pathetic! pic.twitter.com/UOGpJSJd9l  Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) July 19, 2025

All of a sudden, in the early days of December, there was a presidents daily brief that was drafted, Gabbard said. This is put together by the different elements of the intelligence community that reflected that same assessment: Russia did not try to hack the election in essence.

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That  that document was pulled hours before it was supposed to be published for the president to see that following morning, she continued. That document was never published until we released it yesterday. One day later, President Obama calls a meeting of his National Security Council, his top officials, to be held on what they called a sensitive topic.

And the results of that meeting, which we released yesterday in these over 100 documents that talk about in detail how President Obama and his team, he directed a manufactured piece of intelligence that detailed not if, but how Russia tried to influence the outcome of the United States election that President Trump won in November of 2016. This document was then used as the foundation for everything that came next.

The administration, she continued, then waged essentially a years-long coup against Donald Trump.

When asked if Obama could be, or would be, charged in connection with this so-called conspiracy, Gabbard dodged offering a real answer. Im not a lawyer. Were referring all of this to the Department of Justice. I know that Attorney General Pam Bondi is committed to bringing about justice to those who have broken the law, she said.

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Gabbard has also named former director of national intelligence James Clapper as well as then-secretary of state John Kerry and then-national security advisor Susan Rice as having participated in the scheme she presented to Fox & Friends.

The accusations against Obama come as the Trump administration is facing mounting calls to come clean about the current presidents relationship with Jeffrey Epstein  calls that are coming from within the MAGA house, who have demanded the administration release files.

Trump has alternately claimed such files are non-existent, or that they were created by the Obama administration. The presidents decision to nominate Gabbard to director of national intelligence was one of his most controversial, largely due to her lack of intelligence experience, as well as her demonstrated record of having offered comments in support of Vladmir Putin.

Watch the interview with Gabbard in the video above.

The post Tulsi Gabbard Levels Treasonous Conspiracy Accusations at Obama Administration Over Russia Probe | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
TUPELO  Attorney Brian Neely has long been a practitioner of the law. Since 2012, hes served as assistant district attorney for the First Judicial District of Mississippi.

Its clear he has a love for the law.

But sit with him a while and just listen. Before too many moments have passed, Neelys true passion will bubble to the surface. The man is a walking, talking book of history, and with a degree in history from Boston University, historical facts and figures roll off Neelys tongue with the grace of a seasoned orator. Thats no surprise: His resume lists motivational speaker as one of Neelys abilities. And he is, after all, a lawyer.

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If Neely was asked to list five historical periods or events which most capture his fervor, theyd likely all revolve around the same: the Black troops  in blue and gray  who fought and died at Brice's Cross Roads on June 10, 1864. He has for years been captivated by the role of African-Americans in the Civil War and disheartened by the lack of information to be found on the subject.

Even at Boston University studying history, I would think about it, Neely said. Black people must have done something during the war; they didnt just sit around twiddling their thumbs.

Neely and David Wilson, both board members of Mississippi Final Stands Interpretive Center and Museum, felt there should be some tangible recognition of the Black troops courageous efforts. A monument on the battlefield was unveiled a year ago on June 10, the anniversary of the Battle of Brices Cross Roads. It was a start, but Neely wanted to do more.

I felt there needed to be something more substantial to commemorate the African-American troops, Neely said.

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Not one to let an idea fade away without action, Neely began looking into possibilities. The concept of a bronze sculpture interested him until he learned the price tag for such an undertaking.

Then serendipity, divinity or a bit of both intervened, and a good plan  and new friendship was forged over a biscuit at 7 a.m. at Hardees one Saturday. That was when Neely met with Tupelo artist and retired vice president and general manager of WTVA, Jerry W. Jones.

On that early morning on October 19, 2024, Jones listened as Neely shared his vision.

Brian at first mentioned a mural, which terrified me, Jones said. But I did like the idea of working on something relating to the Civil War. I thought it would be challenging and fun.

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The work Neely commissioned Jones to paint is now complete and hanging in the Neely home. The first print was unveiled last month on June 10 at the Mississippi Final Stands Interpretive Center in Baldwyn.

Today, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., there will be a Lunch & Learn at the interpretive center, 607 Grisham Street. Jones will also be on hand to sign purchased copies of prints of the painting Within Handshaking Distance.

Dravidi Pasha, a re-enactor and descendant of enlisted fighters within the 59th US Colored Infantry Companies D, G and E at the Battle of Brices Cross Roads and Tupelo/Harrisburg, will speak. The Baldwyn Chamber of Commerce will host a hamburger cookout, and 15% from the sale of the prints at the interpretive center will go to the center.

The process

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The path to the paintings completion was neither quick nor without great thought given to details. Jones has no problem letting folks know the painting results from a meaningful collaboration between an attorney and an artist.

It was a project that kept both up at night.

For Jerry, thered be no painting before hed researched thoroughly, Neely said. And he indulged me every step of the way when I wanted something changed that just wasnt what I envisioned. Some artistic license was taken.

For example, at one of their many meetings for Neely to see Jones progress on the painting, Jones had made the scene dark, as it had been fought at 7 on a hot summer evening.

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Brian saw it and said he wanted more blue in the sky and more light, Jones said. He didnt want it to be dark. He wanted people to be able to see what a desperate struggle it was.

In truth, the battlefield was likely covered in thick brush and blackjack oaks, but in the painting, the men are fighting on a clear and open battlefield.

Brian wanted the attention to be on the soldiers, Jones said. I told him in reality there were likely black-eyed Susans all over the field, but he said, Nope, just want the battle."

Jones paintings, done in watercolor or oil, are most often of wildlife, landscapes, beach scenes  things done from just watching and observing life.

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But you cant paint a Civil War battle from observing, he said Thats why the research was so important."

In the early stages of the process, Jones completed lots of sketches in pencil or charcoal. Gesture drawing, Jones calls them.

It captures movement, like the cavalry charging down a hill, he said. Its a study to give a sense of whats going on.

For these studies, Jones got a few friends to dress as re-enactors, with muskets, swords and pistols and allow him to sketch them in different poses.

"That also helped Jerry get the accuracy of weapon placement," Neely added.

In his research, Jones found a book in the library, I Cant Wait to Make You My Wife. It is a book of letters from slave to slave, freed man to slave, escaped slaves up north writing home.

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Just reading these short letters helped me understand the human tragedy of the broken nature of man, Jones said. When I was a little boy and everyone else had gone to sleep, Id sketch Civil War battles. But not until this project did I really understand the nature of it all.

The completed painting, a 24-by-30 oil on canvas, honors the United States Colored Troops of Boutons 3rd Brigade; the 55th and 59th Infantry regiments and Battery F, 2nd Light Artillery Regiment (USCT), who fought and died at Brice's Cross Roads on June 10, 1864.

The painstaking planning and painting of the commissioned piece powerfully depicts the final few seconds of the advance of the Union soldiers of African descent (most ex-slaves from Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama).

The paintings title, Within Handshaking Distance, comes from a quote by Capt. John W. Morton, CSA, the commander of Nathan Bedford Forrests artillery. Morton was describing actual events  the men of the USCT were out of ammunition and fought with bayonets and gun butts. Within Handshaking Distance would mark the brutal end of a desperate charge and the deepest they would advance into the Confederate lines. At the end of the day, Boutons 3rd Brigade lost more than 400 soldiers.

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It is finished

Neelys word of choice to describe his commissioned painting is brilliant. It has evoked some powerful emotional responses from others when they see it.

And look at the grass, Neely said, with joyful laughter.

The grass, though certainly not the centerpiece of the painting, draws attention to its photographic appearance.

Offering valued input on the project from day one was Neelys wife, Shari.

It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this, she said. It was just so important to Brian to shine a light on the fact these soldiers were there, were an important part of the war.

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With high hopes of remedying the dearth of information available on the role of African-Americans in the Civil War, Neely is writing a book by hand on yellow legal pads.

The painting Neely commissioned Jones to do will be the books cover.

The finished painting may now hang in the Neely home, but the friendship formed between Neely and Jones will continue. So, too, might the artistic collaboration. There are two more pivotal battles Neely would love to have painted. Jones is already on board.

God willing, there will be a next one, Jones said. We just needed a break. This was a bigger project than expected. I usually complete a painting in two to three weeks, sometimes two to three hours. From October to the end of May is a lot of time. But Im definitely up for working with Brian again. His enthusiasm, stories, dreams and visions were such an inspiration to me."
ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call that the conflict in Syria needs to end immediately, a Turkish foreign ministry source said on Saturday.

Fidan said that he supports the constructive role the United States is playing in Syria and Turkey is ready to work with it to achieve a lasting end to the conflict, the source said.

"Fidan said that Israel's interventions in Syrian territory further exacerbate the problem, and that any attack on Syria's territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty also undermines regional peace efforts," the source said.

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On Friday, the U.S. envoy to Turkey said Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire after days of bloodshed in the predominantly Druze area that has killed over 300 people.

(Reporting by Daren Butler; Editing by Barbara Lewis)
CHINATOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  Two people are dead after a driver crashed into them at the intersection of Canal Street and Bowery in Chinatown on Saturday morning, according to authorities.

A driver in a blue Chevrolet Malibu was driving under the Manhattan Bridge when the person slammed into a bicyclist and a pedestrian on the sidewalk just before 7:30 a.m., police said.

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The vehicle then flew into an unoccupied police vehicle near Canal Street, officials reported. CitizenApp video of the scene shows the aftermath, including the police vehicle with heavy damage to its rear and the blue Malibu with a damaged bumper.

(Credit: CitizenApp)

The bicyclist and pedestrian were both pronounced dead at the scene, authorities tell PIX11 News.

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The Chevy driver and one other person were taken into custody as police continue to investigate what led up to the incident.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jul. 19JAMESTOWN  Two people were sentenced recently on felony charges in Southeast District Court in Jamestown.

Anita June Tybo, 39, Streeter, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to simple assault and contact by bodily fluids or excrement, Class C felonies, and preventing arrest or discharge of other duties, a Class A misdemeanor.

Tybo was accused of causing bodily injury to a peace officer, causing bodily fluids to come into contact with a peace officer and creating a substantial risk of bodily injury to a public servant or employing means justifying or requiring substantial force to overcome resistance to affecting an arrest or discharge of duty on June 25.

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Judge Troy LeFevre sentenced Tybo to 15 days in the Stutsman County Correctional Center with credit for 15 days served. LeFevre placed Tybo on 12 months supervised probation and ordered her to pay a $400 criminal administration fee, $100 defense/facility administration fee, $35 indigent defense application fee, $300 indigent recoupment and a $25 victim-witness fee.

A Class C felony is punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by 360 days in prison and a $3,000 fine.

Jessica Dawn Folden-Miller, 42, Jamestown, pleaded guilty to prohibited acts A/controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia, Class C felonies.

Folden-Miller was accused of possessing methamphetamine with previous convictions in 2014 and 2024 and possessing one or more syringes used with methamphetamine on March 11.

LeFevre sentenced Folden-Miller to 18 months in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with 18 months suspended. LeFevre placed Folden-Miller on 12 months supervised probation and ordered her to pay a $400 criminal administration fee, $100 defense/facility administration fee and a $25 victim-witness fee.
DENVER (KDVR)  There were a pair of shootings and a stabbing overnight Friday in the Denver metro area, police said.

The Denver Police Department said at around 10:40 p.m. Friday night that it was investigating a shooting in the area of East 44th Avenue and Milwaukee Street. DPD later said at 4:00 a.m. that it was investigating a separate shooting in the 10700 block of East Dartmouth Avenue.

Teen arrested in connection with deadly house party shooting

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An adult man sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the Friday night shooting, while an adult woman sustained undisclosed injuries in the shooting early Saturday morning, but is expected to survive, according to police.

DPD also said just before 9:30 p.m. Friday night that it was investigating a stabbing in the area of Buckley Road and East 56th Avenue. An adult male victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, police said.

In an update just before 1:00 p.m, DPD said a 25-year-old man was taken into custody for the Saturday morning shooting and is being held for investigation of attempted first degree murder.

Investigations into all of the incidents are ongoing, according to police. No suspect information for the Friday night shooting or stabbing has been released at this time.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Three illegal Bangladeshi immigrants who were involved in begging and other criminal activities in the national capital were apprehended from the Mukherjee Nagar area during the intervening night of July 14-15, police said. Acting on credible intelligence that some Bangladeshi nationals were observed moving suspiciously in the Mukherjee Nagar area during late-night hours, the foreigner cell of North-West District, Delhi Police, promptly launched a covert operation. Police said that after apprehending the suspects, a detailed verification process was carried out. Their documents were scrutinised, and to confirm their nationality, identity details were obtained via their mobile phones from Bangladesh. Three IDs and three smartphones installed with the banned IMO app were recovered. This process conclusively established that all three were Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India. During interrogation, it was further revealed that they were engaged in rag-picking and petty theft activities in various parts of the North-West District, police said. Legal proceedings for their deportation are being initiated in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Further investigation is underway. Earlier, the Delhi Police had detained five Bangladeshi nationals, including three men and two women, who had been staying illegally in Delhi and had recently come to the Palam area of the national capital after working in a brick kiln in Haryana. The team of the Operations Cell, South West District, apprehended the five Bangladeshi nationals. They have been identified as Akash (26), Chamili Khatun (26), Mohd. Nahim (27), Halima Begum (40), and Mohd. Usman (13). Police said they received information on July 13 that some illegal Bangladeshi migrants are roaming in the Palam Village area. Acting swiftly on the secret information, the police staff approached the suspected persons, asked for their identification documents, and conducted a thorough enquiry. The individuals failed to produce valid documents and admitted to being illegal Bangladeshi migrants who had entered India in 2017 by illegal means, police said. (ANI)
July 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. visa of the Brazilian judge overseeing the criminal case against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was revoked Friday, four days after President Donald Trump called the South American nation's treatment of the former leader a "witch hunt."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on Friday.

"President Trump made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States," Rubio said in a statement. "Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes's political witch hunt against Jair Bolsonaro created a persecution and censorship complex so sweeping that it not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazil's shores to target Americans.

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"I have therefore ordered visa revocations for Moraes and his allies on the court, as well as their immediate family members effective immediately."

The visa restriction policy is pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the secretary of state to not allow anyone whose entry into the United States "would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences."

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at a joint press conference in the Rose Garden of the White House on March 19, 2019. File photo by Pat Benic/UPI

Rubio, in a cable to diplomatic and consular posts on Thursday, said public comments on foreign elections "should be brief, focused on congratulating the winning candidate and, when appropriate, noted shared policy interests," according to The New York Times, which obtained the memo.

De Moraes doesn't travel often to the United States, The Washington Post reported.

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Friday, de Moraes accused Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo, of conspiring to incite U.S. hostilities against Brazil, ordering the former president to wear an ankle bracelet. Bolsonaro was also barred from contacting foreign governments, and blocked from using social media.

The judge also is investigating online misinformation, and has ordered the takedown of social media accounts that violate Brazil's freedom of speech. In 2024, Elon Musk's X restored service in the country after paying a $5 million fine and appointed a new legal representative there.

Trump's social media company, The Trump Media & Technology Group, sued de Moraes in February, accusing him of censoring conservative voices on social media.

The judge is on the judicial panel to preside over Bolsonaro's trial before Brazil's Supreme Court, who was indicted in February after the alleged coup.

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Bolsonaro has been accused of attempting to violently to retain power after his 2022 election loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Lula, in a speech Thursday night, condemned Bolsonaro's supporters, whom he accused of siding with Trump about the "witch hunt."

"They're the true traitors of the homeland," he said. "They don't care about the economy of the country or the damage caused to our people."

On Monday, Trump wrote a letter to Lula threatening a 50% tariff on imported goods, because of how Bolsonaro "has been treated" and an "unfair trade relationship." Unless there is an agreement, the new rate takes effect on Aug. 1, he wrote.

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Trump said that "the way 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. The trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY."

Trump also noted "Brazil's insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the Fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans."

Then on Thursday, he posted on Truth Social a letter sent to Bolsonaro about his "terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you," demanding an immediate trial.

"It is my sincere hope that the Government of Brazil changes course, stops attacking political opponents, and ends their ridiculous censorship regime. I will be watching closely."
An Uber driver was shot multiple times after picking up two passengers in Ohio on Thursday night.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. in Akron.

When officers arrived, they found a 39-year-old woman with six gunshot wounds, according to CBS affiliate WOIO TV in Cleveland.

TRENDING STORIES:

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During the ride, one of the passengers shot the woman in her arm and abdomen.

Both men ran from the scene.

We are shocked and sickened by this violence. Our thoughts are with the driver, and we are reaching out to them to check in, an Uber spokesperson said. Weve banned the rider from the Uber platform and are continuing to investigate the incident.

Medics transported the woman to the hospital. Her condition is currently unknown, WOIO says.

No arrests have been made.

Uber says its team has been in contact with Akron Police and added that they will fully support their efforts to bring those responsible for this horrific act to justice.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Months before Przemyslaw Jeziorski, a marketing professor from the University of California, Berkeley, was killed in Greece, he filed a request for a restraining order against his ex-wife, saying he was fearful for his life due to alleged previous instances of blackmail, financial abuse and physical assault by his ex-wife's boyfriend, according to court documents obtained by ABC News.

The request was denied by a California court.

Jeziorski, a 43-year-old associate marketing professor at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, was allegedly shot and killed in Athens on July 4 near the home where his two children -- Zoe and Angelo -- live, his younger brother said in a statement. The children, who are 10-year-old twins, had been living with the Jeziorski's ex-wife in Athens since 2020, according to court documents.

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In a press release shared on Thursday, police said an attacker "approached the victim and shot him in the chest and back, resulting in his fatal injury, and then fled."

Courtesy Chemtai Mungo - PHOTO: Przemyslaw Jeziorski, a marketing professor at the University of California, Berkeley, was shot and killed while visiting his children in Greece, his family said.

Five people have been arrested in connection to the killing, including the professor's ex-wife, her boyfriend and three other men who were allegedly accomplices in the murder, according to Greek police sources. All five suspects appeared in court in Athens on Thursday.

Prior to the killing, Przemyslaw Jeziorski, known as "PJ" to his friends, filed a domestic violence restraining order request against his ex-wife, Konstantina Michelidaki -- who is referred to as Nadia Michelidaki by family and Greek media -- on May 9, nearly two months before his death, according to court documents filed in Alameda County Superior Court in California.

In the declaration accompanying the restraining order request, Jeziorski claimed that his ex-wife had used "coercive control" to keep the children away from him in Greece, financially abused their Airbnb rental property business and threatened to hurt his reputation. He also accused her partner, who is only referred to as "Christos" in the documents, of assaulting him.

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MORE: Ex-wife, 4 others arrested in murder of UC Berkeley professor in Greece, sources say

Jeziorski and Michelidaki were married in March 2014 and were separated beginning on March 2021. A "bifucation of marital status was granted" by a court on Sept. 26, 2024, according to the documents.

"I am fearful of what she is doing now and what she will attempt to do next as we move forward in this divorce," the professor wrote in his declaration.

Allegations of physical assault by ex-wife's boyfriend

In the declaration, Jeziorski detailed an alleged incident on May 15, 2024, when he visited the children in Greece and was "twice attacked and physically assaulted" by Christos.

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During that trip to Greece, the professor said he had dropped off his children at Michelidaki's house and said he was uncomfortable with Christos being there with the children -- which is when the boyfriend became "verbally aggressive," according to the documents.

Courtesy Chemtai Mungo - PHOTO: Przemyslaw Jeziorski, a marketing professor at the University of California, Berkeley, was shot and killed while visiting his children in Greece, his family said.

"[He] charged at me on the street, pushed me and kicked me. I screamed for help. The security guard of the German embassy came out, and Christos stopped kicking me," he alleged in the declaration.

The professor had discussed his discomfort with Christos to his ex-wife previously, to which she would accuse him of lying and say that his "lawyer had instructed" him to say those things, the documents said.

"She made me afraid of my life by having her partner, who is hostile and aggressive towards me, during the visitation exchange, despite my asking her not do to so," he wrote in the documents.

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Police in Greece were contacted regarding this attack and criminal charges were previously filed against Christos, the professor wrote in the restraining order.

ABC News has not verified whether charges were filed in Greece regarding the alleged assault

Claims of financial abuse, blackmail by ex-wife

In the restraining order request, the professor also accused Michelidaki of blackmailing him and threatening to end his career.

"Her goal was to humiliate me socially in order to control me and the finances. She did this to get me to drop the indictment against her partner regarding his physical abuse," Jeziorski said in the declaration.

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He claimed she had accused him of "failing to give her co-authorship of my research papers" and "threatened to contact my colleagues and the dean of my department if I did not pay her money."

University of California, Berkeley - PHOTO: Przemyslaw Jeziorski, an associate marketing professor at the University of California, Berkeley, was shot and killed in Greece on July 4, according to this family.

"Her allegations are baseless; however, this is a serious and sensitive topic for my academic reputation," he wrote in the restraining order.

He alleged his ex-wife also attempted to transfer money from their business accounts to her private bank accounts -- meaning she "pocketed" the income from their Airbnb business that was "meant to pay for the carrying cost of the rental properties," which resulted in a "bounced mortgage payment," he wrote in the declaration.

In the restraining order request, the professor requested that his ex-wife be ordered to stop contacting him (except with "reasonable communication regarding the children"), stop making defamatory statements against him, stop contacting anyone in the academic field related to him and that the court prohibit her control over any of the bank accounts related to their rental properties. He requested she be ordered to remain at least 100 yards away from him with an exception for "peaceful contact to exchange our children for custody purposes."

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The court denied Jeziorski's restraining order request because "the facts given in the request do not show reasonable proof of a past act or acts of abuse" and that the "facts given in the request do not give enough detail about the most recent incidents of abuse," according to a checklist in the documents.

Now after his murder, Jeziorski's two children -- who are U.S. and Polish citizens -- are "under care in accordance with Greek child custody procedures," his brother said in a statement to ABC News on Thursday.

The five suspects in his killing will have another court appearance on Monday, according to Greek police sources.

ABC News' Daphne Tolis contributed to this report.
LONDON (Reuters) -Fifty-five people were arrested at a rally for the banned Palestine Action group outside Britain's parliament on Saturday, London's Metropolitan Police said.

The crowd in Parliament Square had been waving placards supporting the group that was banned this month under anti-terrorism legislation, the force said in a post on X.

People from the rally, some wearing black and white Palestinian scarves, were taken away in police vans.

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British lawmakers proscribed the group earlier this month after some of its members broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged planes in protest against Britain's support for Israel.

Membership of Palestine Action now carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

The group has called the decision "authoritarian", and a challenge to the ban will be heard at London's High Court on Monday.

Palestine Action is among groups that have regularly targeted defence firms and other companies in Britain linked to Israel since the start of the conflict in Gaza.

Police have arrested scores of the group's supporters at rallies across Britain since the ban came in

(Reporting by Suban Abdulla; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted Moscow overnight on July 19, marking the third night in a row the Russian capital has come under fire.

Russian air defense units intercepted 13 drones flying towards Moscow in under two hours, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported at around 1:46 a.m. local time. No information has been reported regarding casualties or damage.

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According to Russian Telegram news channels, eyewitnesses said some of the drones were shot down near Zelenograd, a satellite city 37 kilometers (23 miles) northwest of central Moscow.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these reports.

The alleged attack comes after two nights of reported drone strikes on Moscow. A wave of drone attacks hit Russia overnight on July 17, with strikes reported in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Belgorod, Voronezh, and other regions.

Drones again targeted Moscow on July 18, with blasts heard near Zvenigorod, Istra, and Zelenograd, according to Sobyanin.

Kyiv rarely comments on reports of drone strikes in Russia, though Ukraine regularly launches attacks against military and industrial facilities on Russian territory.

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The reported strikes on Moscow come after U.S. President Donald Trump offered the Kremlin 50 days to make a peace deal or face "severe tariffs" from Washington. Before the announcement, Trump reportedly asked President Volodymyr Zelensky during a June phone call if Ukraine was capable of attacking Moscow.

Zelensky allegedly replied that such an attack would be possible if the U.S. supplied the necessary weapons.

After the Financial Times (FT) reported the comments, Trump told the press that Zelensky should not target Moscow and that the U.S. was not planning to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: EU agrees on one of its strongest Russia sanctions packages after Slovakia lifts veto

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says hes calling for a meeting with Russia next week to push forward ceasefire talks.

Ukraines Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, has already proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week, Zelensky said during his daily address on Saturday.

The dynamics of the negotiations must improve. We need to do everything possible to achieve a ceasefire. The Russian side must stop avoiding decisions regarding prisoner exchanges, the return of children, and the cessation of killings, Zelensky said.

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A meeting at the leadership level is essential to genuinely secure peace. Ukraine is ready for such a meeting, he added.

Meanwhile, Russian state media outlet TASS reported that a source close to Russias negotiating team confirmed that they had received Kyivs proposal for a meeting.

The last round of ceasefire talks in Istanbul ended swiftly in early June, with Russian and Ukrainian delegates meeting for barely over an hour before calling it quits. According to Russian state media, Russia put forward maximalist territorial demands as part of their preconditions for a ceasefire. Ukraine has previously refused to consider any territorial concessions in exchange for peace.

Zelenskys call for talks arrives just after US President Donald Trump offered Russian President Vladimir Putin a 50-day window to achieve a ceasefire before the US implements high tariffs on Russian goods, alongside secondary tariffs on goods from countries that purchase Russian oil.

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Were going to be doing very severe tariffs if we dont have a deal in 50 days, Trump said during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office earlier this week.

I use trade for a lot of things, Trump added. But its great for settling wars.

Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks, even complaining that Putins assurances about ceasefire progress are bullshit.

Yet Western analysts and Ukrainian officials say that the presidents 50-day-window is unlikely to deter Putin from accelerating Russias summer offensive in the coming weeks. Moreover, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed Trumps threatened tariffs as mere bluster.

Fifty days  it used to be 24 hours, Lavrov said. It used to be 100 days; weve been through all of this.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine has proposed holding ceasefire negotiations with Russia next week.

Zelensky said Rustem Umerov, the head of the National Security and Defence Council, had made the offer to Moscow, although no specific date was given.

Speaking in his nightly video message, Zelensky added that Ukraine was ready for talks at the "leadership level."

"Ukraine is ready for such a meeting," he said.

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He said he has instructed Umerov to accelerate the pace of dialogue. "Everything must be done to achieve a ceasefire," Zelensky said.

Russia has repeatedly expressed willingness to resume negotiations.

The Kremlin has urged Kiev almost daily to return to the dialogue that began in Istanbul earlier this year. Moscow had initially expected another round of talks in the second half of June, but they never took place.

This week, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg visited Kiev and is also believed to have pressed for renewed talks with Moscow.

Ukraine and Russia resumed direct negotiations in Istanbul in May  their first since 2022  focusing mainly on humanitarian issues such as prisoner swaps and the repatriation of fallen soldiers. However, Ukraines demand for a full and unconditional ceasefire has yet to gain traction.

Russia holds firm on sweeping demands

Russia continues to insist on sweeping conditions for ending its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These include Kiev's renunciation of NATO membership and recognition of the territories annexed by Moscow  demands Ukraine has categorically rejected.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump increased pressure on Russia, calling for a ceasefire within 50 days. He threatened new sanctions and punitive tariffs, including measures targeting Moscows trading partners.
Kyiv has proposed to Moscow a new round of peace talks next week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday, hours after Russian strikes across Ukraine claimed more lives.

Two rounds of talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv have failed to result in any progress towards a ceasefire, instead yielding large-scale prisoner exchanges and deals to return the bodies of killed soldiers.

"Security Council Secretary Umerov... reported that he had proposed the next meeting with the Russian side for next week," Zelensky said in his evening address. "The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up," he added.

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Zelensky reiterated his readiness to have a face-to-face sitdown with Putin. "A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace  lasting peace," he said.

At talks last month, Russia outlined a list of hardline demands, including calls for Ukraine to cede more territory and to reject all forms of Western military support.

Kyiv dismissed them as unacceptable and at the time questioned the point of further negotiations if Moscow was not willing to make concessions.

The Kremlin said earlier this month it was ready to continue talks with Ukraine after US President Donald Trump gave Russia 50 days to strike a peace deal or face sanctions.

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Trump also pledged to supply Kyiv with new military aid, sponsored by NATO allies, as its cities suffer ever-increasing Russian aerial attacks.

- Russian strikes kill three -

Russia has escalated long-range aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities as well as frontline assaults and shelling over recent months, defying Trump's warning.

Most lately on Saturday, it had fired missile and drone strikes that killed three people across Ukraine.

Two people died after a Russian missile hit Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region, an important industrial hub, into which Russia's forces have recently advanced.

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An earlier Russian salvo of 20 drones on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa killed at least one person overnight.

Russia had to suspend trains for about four hours overnight, causing extensive delays in the southern Rostov region, when it came under a Ukrainian drone attack that wounded one railway worker.

Moscow and Kyiv are menacing each other with swarms of cheap drones to overwhelm each others air defence, as the warring sides said on Saturday they had intercepted hundreds of drones, now launched in large amounts almost daily.

As part of the Istanbul agreements, Kyiv received 1,000 soldiers' bodies on Thursday, while Russia said it had received 19 from Ukraine.

The European Union on Friday agreed an 18th package of sanctions on Moscow that targets Russian banks and lowers a price cap on oil exports, in a bid to curb its ability to fund the war.

bur-asy/jj
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 19 that Ukraine has proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia for next week.

In his nightly address, Zelensky said that Rustem Umerov  recently appointed National Security and Defense Council Secretary  offered the Russian side a meeting, emphasizing that Ukraine is prepared for talks at the leadership level.

"Dialogue with the Russian side on prisoner exchanges is ongoing  we are continuing to implement the agreements reached during the earlier meeting in Istanbul," Zelensky said. "Our team is currently working on another exchange."

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Zelensky also stressed the need to increase the pace of negotiations, calling for urgent steps to achieve a ceasefire.

"Prisoner exchanges. Return of children. End to the killings. And a meeting at the level of leaders is needed to truly ensure peace  a really lasting one." Zelensky said. "Ukraine is ready for such a meeting."

Zelensky's announcement comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Erdogan reportedly discussed resuming Ukraine-Russian peace talks in Istanbul.

Ukraine and Russia held two rounds of bilateral peace talks earlier this year in Istanbul, first on May 16 and again on June 2  after more than three years without direct negotiations. The meetings resulted in significant prisoner exchanges, but no significant steps toward a ceasefire.

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Read also: Erdogan, Putin discuss resuming Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul

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Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has announced that the state intends to actively introduce Ukrainian names for foreign toponyms into official use.

Source: Sybiha on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sybiha recounted that he recently received a note from a foreign country addressing Ukraine on a specific issue. "I started reading until I got to the word Kiev. I didnt read any further. I gave the following instruction: Return this without consideration and accept no further communications. Study the spelling of the names of Ukrainian cities first, and only then renew the assurance of your deep respect," he said.

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The minister stressed that the names of Ukrainian cities should follow Ukrainian transliteration: Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Chornobyl.

Sybiha noted that Ukraine has made significant strides in promoting the correct spelling of its place names globally, with leading international media, governments and organisations contributing to this effort.

He added that the next major step is to go back to using traditional Ukrainian names for foreign cities: Berestia instead of Brest, Bilhorod instead of Belgorod, Dobrochyn instead of Debrecen and so on.

Sybiha noted that this right is enshrined in the law on the functioning of Ukrainian as the state language. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to start professional, public and interdepartmental discussions in order to systematise the use of Ukrainian names for foreign toponyms.

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Quote from Sybiha: "As with correcting the incorrect use of the names of our cities by foreigners, so in the case of switching to Ukrainian names for foreign toponyms, this is primarily about respect. More precisely, our self-respect as a state. Others will only respect us if we respect ourselves."

Background:

The spelling "Kiew", which stems from the Russian name, has become generally accepted in German, although Duden, the authoritative German language handbook, adopted the transliteration from Ukrainian, Kyjiw, in 2019.

In 2018, Ukraine launched the #KyivNotKiev campaign in the English-speaking world, leading nearly all major English-language media outlets to adopt the correct spelling.

In February 2024, Germanys Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it was switching from "Kiew" to "Kyjiw".

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A 19-year-old girl was hacked to death in broad daylight at a village in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district, police said. The incident occurred on Friday at Samgong village, near Williamnagar, in the East Garo Hills district. Stephen A. Rynjah, Superintendent of Police of East Garo Hills district, told ANI that the victim is 19 years old and a resident of Dawa Matchakolgre, Williamnagar, East Garo Hills district. A manhunt is underway to trace the accused. "The accused person James R Sangma was supposedly in a relationship with the victim, but investigation is on to ascertain the same. On July 18, he contacted her and asked her to meet him, but instead ambushed her in Samgong area of Williamnagar and hacked her with an axe leading to her death," East Garo Hills district SP Stephen A Rynjah said. He further said that a Special Team under the command of the Additional SP, Williamnagar, assisted by the DSP (HQ & Crime) and various other officers, has been constituted to track and nab the accused person at the earliest. In a separate incident from Andhra Pradesh a man named Giri allegedly murdered his wife and two daughters and then attempted to take his own life. According to police reports, Giri and his wife, Hemalatha, had two daughters. In a heinous act, Giri reportedly pushed his wife and daughters into a well. A family member stated that he received a call informing him that Giri had thrown his wife and children into a well. When locals rushed to the spot, they found that Giri had tried to slit his own throat in an apparent suicide attempt. The bodies of Hemalatha and the younger daughter were recovered from the well. A search operation is underway to locate the elder daughter. Pakala Inspector Sudharshan Prasad confirmed that Giri killed his wife and daughters by pushing them into a well. He said, "Giri, who is now undergoing treatment at a private hospital, is out of danger. A case has been registered, and further investigation is ongoing." (ANI)
Ukraine has proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, in a move aimed at restarting negotiations that halted last month.

Senior security official Rustem Umerov has offered to meet the Russian side next week, Zelensky said in his evening address, adding that everything had to be done to get a ceasefire.

Zelenksy also repeated his readiness to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin face-to-face. "A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace," he said.

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The proposal came hours after Ukraine was hit with another widespread air bombardment by Russia, which killed three people.

Ten regions of Ukraine, including several cities, were hit in the night between Friday and Saturday, Zelensky said earlier on Saturday.

Ukraine's military said more than 340 explosive and dummy drones and 35 cruise and ballistic missiles had been used, but many were downed.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said the US would send "top-of-the-line weapons" to Ukraine via Nato countries, while also threatening Russia with severe tariffs if a deal to end the war is not reached within 50 days.

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Trump also warned that the US would impose 100% secondary tariffs targeting Russia's remaining trade partners if a peace deal with Ukraine was not reached by his deadline.

Two rounds of talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv have so far failed to result in any progress towards a ceasefire, but large-scale prisoner exchanges and deals to return the bodies of killed soldiers were agreed.

After the last round, which ended in early June, Ukrainian negotiators said Russia had again rejected an "unconditional ceasefire" - a key demand by Kyiv and its allies in Europe and the US .

Russia also outlined a list of demands, including calls for Ukraine to cede more territory and to reject all forms of Western military support.

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At the time, Zelensky accused Moscow of "doing everything it can to ensure the next possible meeting is fruitless".

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's territory, including the southern Crimea peninsula Moscow annexed in 2014.
Soldiers from the Freedom of Russia Legion, a unit of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), have successfully ambushed and killed three fighters from the Akhmat Russian Guard unit in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Source: DIU

Details: On 17 July, the Legion soldiers stealthily travelled more than 30 km deep into temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, destroyed a target near the village of Velyka Bilozerka, and returned from the mission without losses.

A vehicle exploded during the operation, killing three Akhmat soldiers. The operation also provided information on Russian logistics, equipment and control points.

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Ukraines Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal has met with First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to discuss scaling up technologies that support the front line and air defence.

Source: Shmyhal on Facebook

Quote from Shmyhal: "The focus is on scaling technologies that have proved their effectiveness on the battlefield, particularly interceptor drones. This technology has made an incredible breakthrough and the number of successful shootdowns of Shahed drones is growing rapidly every month.

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It is important to find and scale up anti-drone solutions quickly. This is the task that the president has set. We also discussed the production of weapons and the launch of new solutions capable of changing the situation at the front. We are working to streamline the procedures for transferring and decommissioning drones, so that the military can receive the necessary equipment without excessive bureaucracy."

Background: On 13 July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that interceptor drones are performing "particularly well" in action.

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The Embassy of Ukraine in Poland has debunked fake news claiming that Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar delivered an "extremely short" speech at an event honouring the victims of the Volyn tragedy.

Source: Embassy of Ukraine in Poland on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Details: A 16-second video of Bodnars speech began circulating online, with X (formerly Twitter) users labelling it a "record for diplomatic minimalism" and sharing a clip from Telewizja Republika, a Polish TV channel. In the video, the diplomat says: "Thank you very much. Glory to the memory of the victims of the Volyn crime and thank you for your attention. Goodbye."

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The Embassy clarified that this is merely a piece and that the full speech was significantly longer. Bodnar thanked the hosts, described the ceremony as "sad but important" and stressed the need to build the future on truth. He advocated for open discussion of complex history, acknowledging crimes, offering apologies and honouring victims on both sides of the border.

The embassy referenced fact-checking by the Polish portal Konkret24, which confirmed the video on X was taken out of context. Bodnar himself responded, calling the claim untrue.

Quote from Bodnar: "We would like to emphasise that in the case of such important and sensitive topics, the use of verified and reliable information is of particular importance."

Reference: The Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy was a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy a genocide of Poles.

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Background:

Warsaw said that the resolution of historical disputes would be a prerequisite for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

In recent months, Ukraine and Poland agreed to resume exhumations of Polish victims of the Volyn tragedy in Ukraine for the first time after several years.

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Ukraines Ministry of Energy has stated that the connection lines between Ukrainian-controlled territory and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) are operating normally.

Source: a statement from the Ministry of Energy

Quote from the statement: "The power lines connecting the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukraine's power grid are operating stably, providing a reliable external power supply to the plant to ensure radiation safety."

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On 19 July, photographs of smoke on the territory of the ZNPP appeared on some Telegram channels. Earlier that day, Yevhen Balytskyi, the so-called head of the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, had reported a total blackout in the occupied territory.

The Ministry of Energy noted, citing information from the IAEA, that the smoke was caused by a forest fire in an area a safe distance away from the plant.

Previously: On the evening of 12 July, hundreds of shots were fired from small arms at the ZNPP.

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KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Russia launched over 30 missiles and 300 drones in an overnight attack.

The attack damaged critical infrastructure in Sumy, where several thousand families suffered power cuts, he added in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.

(Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Pavlohrad, a city in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast that has become a key humanitarian aid hub for those evacuating the front lines, suffered one of its most severe attacks of the war, Governor Serhii Lysak said on July 19.

"A hellish night and morning for Pavlograd," Lysak wrote on Telegram. "The most massive attack on the city. Explosion after explosion. Russian terrorists struck with missiles and drones."

Lysak reported fires following the strikes as well as damage to nine high-rise buildings, a house, and an educational institution, and that police and aid workers were on the scene. No casualties have been reported yet.

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As Russian efforts to capture the nearby city of Pokrovsk have intensified, Pavlohrad has increasingly been a new evacuation hub for those fleeing the ongoing fighting.

Prior to the war, Pavlohrad was home to 100,000 people. Today it is filled with refugees moving westward for safer regions, and volunteers who arrive to aid those displaced by the fighting.

The city is located around 76 kilometers (42 miles) from the front lines. For several months, Russian troops have been attempting to enter the central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

The attack on Pavlohrad was part of a series of overnight attacks that targeted several regions of Ukraine using missiles, drones, and artillery, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 30 across the country.

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Russia has significantly stepped up its nightly aerial attacks across Ukraine since the start of the year.

Last month, civilian casualties reached a three-year high, with 232 killed and 1,343 injured in June, according to a public statement from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. A key reason for the rise is Russias increased use of missiles and drones in urban areas.

Compared with June of last year, Russia launched ten times more missiles and loitering munitions, the UN wrote, and "virtually no region of Ukraine was spared, regardless of its distance from the front line."

Read also: As Russians inch closer to Pokrovsk, civilians in the area are left with a choice  stay under fire or leave life behind

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A twin-engine variant of a drone capable of carrying a payload of over 12 kilograms, produced by the company "Darts," is now being provided to Ukraine's army in small quantities, a company representative told media at a drone demonstration event on July 18.

The "Darts" twin-engine strike drone is capable of traveling over 40 kilometers (25 miles) and carries a payload of 12-14 kilograms as opposed to the company's pre-existing single engine drone which can handle a maximum of 8 kilograms.

Ukraine relies on drones to meet its defense needs, as materiel supplies fall short of providing necessary weapons and air defense amid Russia's war. Kyiv has employed drone and robotic technologies on the battlefield in an effort to minimize troop losses and adapt to evolving threats.

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"In general, this is one of the most massive aircraft currently on the front. Today we are presenting its twin-engine version. That is, currently its single-engine version is being delivered to the troops, and now we are already starting to deliver the twin-engine version in small series," a representative from "Darts" told media.

Drone warfare has defined Russia's war against Ukraine, with both sides increasingly relying on unmanned systems for reconnaissance and strikes on the battlefield.

Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted Moscow on June 19, as the Russian capital encountered drones for the third night in a row.

Ukraine has significantly increased its own drone production. In June, Ex-Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Ukrainian companies have the capacity to manufacture up to 4 million drones annually.

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Meanwhile, the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) were responsible for every third Russian target hit in June, Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on July 9.

"Thus, in June, every third enemy target  out of all those hit by the Defense Forces of Ukraine  was on the account of the USF," he said.

Ukraine for the first time captured Russian troops without the use of infantry, relying solely on drones and ground-based robotic systems, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade said on July 9.

"For the first time in history: Russian soldiers surrendered to the 3rd Assault Brigade's ground drones," the brigade's statement said.

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As Ukraine fights back with its drones, Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities with its own drone and missile attacks.

Russian attacks killed at least seven people and injured another 25 in Ukraine, regional authorities reported early on July 18.

At least one was killed and three injured in a Russian drone attack on Odesa overnight on July 19.

Russia has in recent weeks stepped up attacks on Ukrainian draft offices to disrupt mobilization, launching five strikes on enlistment offices in the cities of Kryvyi Rih, Poltava, Kremenchuk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.



Read also: With Trump-Zelensky mega-deal, Ukraines drone makers hope to flood the US

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Ukrainian soldiers are fending off attempts by Russian infantry groups to break through Ukraine's defenses in the front-line city of Pokrosk, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on July 18.

Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast remains one of the most heavily contested battlegrounds of Russia's offensive in eastern Ukraine. In June, Syrskyi said it was "the hottest spot along the entire 1,200-kilometer front line."

Syrskyi said he briefed President Volodymyr Zelensky about front-line operations on July 18, with particular focus on Pokrovsk.

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"The enemy continues to use small infantry groups, but they are powerless in their attempts to capture Pokrovsk," Syrskyi reported.

"Today, an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group tried to break through to the city, but was exposed and destroyed by Ukrainian defenders. Our Pokrovsk continues to hold its defenses steadfastly."

The army is requesting additional weapons and military equipment, particularly long-range weapons, Syrskyi said.

Syrskyi's report comes as Russian troops threaten to cut off logistics routes from the city of Dobropillia to the north of Pokrovsk, after gaining ground in eastern Pokrovsk during the spring.

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Russia has been escalating assaults in the Pokrovsk sector in recent weeks as it attempts to break through to neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Syrskyi reported in June that Russia had amassed 111,000 troops near the city.

Ukraine has been largely on the defensive in the east, with Russia steadily pushing forward as its summer offensive grinds on.

Ukrainian and Western military experts believe Russia will have the opportunity to scale up its offensive operations during the 50 days U.S. President Donald Trump gave Moscow to come to a ceasefire settlement. Russia could realistically advance closer to both Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in eastern Donetsk Oblast in the coming weeks.

Thanks for reading this article and staying informed. The Kyiv Independent operates without a wealthy owner or a paywall, relying solely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Consider joining our community today.

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Read also: As Russia closes in on Pokrovsk, battle for key city enters its final act

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The Times has reported that Ivan Voronych, a Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) colonel shot dead in Kyiv on 10 July, was the mastermind behind the 2015 murder of separatist and Ghost Brigade leader Aleksey Mozgovoi and participated in sea drone attacks against the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Source: The Times citing sources

Details: The Times reported that Voronych, who was 50 when he died, was a career intelligence officer from the Carpathian region who joined the SSU in 1998 and relocated to Kyiv for counterintelligence work following Russias hybrid invasion in 2014. A former close colleague portrayed him as "a calm, very quiet person who kept himself in excellent physical shape".

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Voronych frequently volunteered for high-risk missions. Despite his age, he joined the SSUs elite Special Group Alpha and took part in operations behind enemy lines in Russias Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian intelligence sources note.

One source claims that he orchestrated the ambush and assassination of Aleksey Mozgovoi, leader of the Russian-backed Ghost Brigade, in occupied Luhansk in 2015. Sources also allege Voronych deployed sea drones against the Russian Black Sea Fleet and served as a deputy under Colonel Roman Chervinskyi.

Ukrainian intelligence officers note that Voronychs murder on 10 July was Russias first successful strike against a senior Ukrainian officer since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Sources in Ukrainian intelligence said the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) recruited two assassins from Azerbaijan via an organised crime syndicate in spring 2025. One, a woman, entered Ukraine from Moldova in May, while her partner was initially denied entry due to prior convictions but later managed to cross the border, prompting an SSU investigation into how he was able to enter the country.

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CCTV captured the colonels killer fleeing after shooting his target from close range. Hundreds of SSU and police officers were mobilised to interview witnesses, review footage and trace suspicious mobile signals.

The SSU reported that the suspects attempted to hide in a village near Kyiv but were located within 72 hours and killed in a shootout after resisting arrest.

Update: The SSU press service has told Ukrainska Pravda that the information published in The Times, provided by anonymous sources, is not true.

Quote from the SSU: "In particular, the murdered SSU colonel Ivan Voronych had no connection to the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, nor did the Ukrainian security services as a whole.

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Nor was Colonel Voronych involved in any SSU special operations involving the use of marine drones against the Russian Black Sea Fleet or special operations in the enemy rear in Russias Kursk Oblast."

Background:

Colonel Ivan Voronych was shot dead in Kyivs Holosiivskyi district on 10 July. An Ukrainska Pravda source stated that at around 09:00, a man approached Voronych and fired five targeted shots from a pistol, then fled the scene of the crime.

The New York Times reported that Voronych 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.

On 13 July, the SSU carried out a special operation to eliminate the Russian agents who killed Colonel Ivan Voronych in Kyiv.

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Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday extended greetings to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on her 51st birthday and applauded the CM for changing the course of Delhi's politics under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further stated that under the leadership of CM Gupta, Delhi would touch new heights of development. "Delhi's popular CM changed the course of Delhi politics under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, National President JP Nadda and Union Minister Amit Shah. Today is her birthday and I welcome and thank her... Delhi will touch new heights of development under her leadership..." Saini told the media. Meanwhile, Saini along with other leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the CM to her residence in Haryana's Julana. Earlier in the day, the Delhi CM thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their wishes. In a post on social media X, the CM wrote that she was deeply grateful for the gracious wishes and ever-inspiring guidance which has been a constant source of strength and motivation in her journey of public service. "Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, I am deeply grateful for your gracious wishes, blessings, and your ever-inspiring guidance which is a constant source of strength and motivation in my journey of public service," the post read. The CM applauded Modi for his unwavering commitment to India's resurgence and inclusive development, which continued to inspire everyone as he shaped Delhi into a vibrant, self-reliant, and citizen-centric capital. "Your unwavering commitment to India's resurgence and inclusive development continues to inspire us as we shape Delhi into a vibrant, self-reliant, and citizen-centric capital.As Chief Minister, I remain resolutely committed to translating your vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" into meaningful outcomes that positively impact every resident of the city. Humbled by your kind words, and honoured to serve under your visionary leadership," the post read. The CM also thanked Union Minister Amit Shah for the wishes and wrote in a post that his life was a living symbol of nationalism, organisational strength and visionary leadership. "Honourable Home and Cooperation Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, Heartfelt gratitude for your warm wishes and inspiring words. Your life is a living symbol of nationalism, organisational strength, and visionary leadership. The values of organisational discipline, ideological clarity, and dedication to work that I have received from you have provided vision, direction, and patience to my public life. Under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister ji, I am fully committed and dedicated to making Delhi one of the world's finest capitals. The inspiration to connect governance in Delhi with the spirit of public organisation, to bring clarity and firmness in policy decisions, and to live service as a form of devotion is constantly drawn from your work style and guidance," the post read. (ANI)
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Experts at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) said the rising cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the state are a reminder for parents to vaccinate their children against the disease.

According to UMMC, pertussis is a preventable respiratory illness that can be life-threatening to infants. Spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact, pertussis has early symptoms that resemble a common cold but can progress to severe coughing fits.

MSDH issues health alert as pertussis cases increase

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As of July 10, 80 pertussis cases had been reported to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) from all nine public health districts compared to 18 cases reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for roughly the same period in 2024 and 49 cases in the state for all of 2024.

The increase in cases prompted MSDH to issue a statewide health alert this week. Although no deaths from pertussis have been reported in Mississippi this year, doctors at UMMC and Childrens of Mississippi said the disease can be life-threatening.

Pertussis can be especially dangerous for infants, who are most at risk of severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures or even death, said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics at UMMC. Vaccinations are the best line of defense against whooping cough and other diseases. These diseases are preventable through vaccination, so we advise parents to ensure their children are up to date with their immunizations. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends immunizations as the safest and most cost-effective way of preventing disease, disability and death. Mississippi had a 97.4% immunization rate in the 2023-2024 school year, a drop from 98.9% in 2020-21.

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MSDH offers vaccinations to children and uninsured adults at county health departments. To make an appointment, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/pertussis or call (855) 767-0170.

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Katjas view

Germany recently spent $4.2 million building a high-security courtroom for a suspected terrorist. The defendant is Daniela Klette, 66, with long grey hair and a penchant for oversized knitwear. Police officers found a machine gun, an anti-tank weapon, and other firearms in her flat last year. And Germanys fear of the type of terrorism she stands accused of runs deep.

Klette is on trial for her association with the Red Army Faction (RAF), or , a far-left militant group active in West Germany between 1970 and 1998 and held responsible for dozens of murders. In its most radical phase in the late 1970s, it conducted murders, bombings, abductions and other serious crimes in order to bring down a system it considered fascist. While now defunct, with only a couple more aging ex-members on the run, the shadow of the RAF looms large.

The right-wing extremism of the Nazis remains the main reference point for expressions of concern or outrage about threats to Western democracies and freedoms. But in many ways, the left-wing terror of the seventies is as instructive for our times. It doesnt feature as prominently in collective memory because it never had mainstream backing, and it ultimately failed and fizzled out. At the time, the threat was real and terrifying.

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In the 1970s, many Western democracies faced their first substantial challenges to the postwar order. This was particularly evident in West Germany, where the so-called economic miracle, or , had lifted the country into a new age of affluence in the 1950s and 1960s, initially leading to a broad political consensus that seemed rock-solid. In the 1957 elections, Chancellor Konrad Adenauers conservative party achieved an absolute majority, a unique and spectacular victory in Germanys multi-party electoral system. The government appeared to guarantee prosperity for all (or at least most), and the class struggle was deemed a thing of the past.

Just a decade later, a visceral new anger drove broad discontent among parts of the younger generation. In Germany, the RAF sprang from the ideological residue of the global student movements of 1968-69. Following Marxist doctrine, members believed in violence as the only path to change. Ulrike Meinhof, co-founder of the RAF, wrote in 1968: Throwing one stone is a criminal offense. Throwing a thousand stones is political action.

But it isnt their stone-throwing that sends shivers down many German spines to this day. In all, 34 murders are commonly ascribed to the RAF. Among them were high-profile figures like industrialist Hanns Martin Schleyer. Other victims were merely in the line of fire. The terrorist group coldly accepted casualties as sacrifices that had to be made for the greater good. Drivers, bodyguards and bystanders were fair game.

Klettes alleged association with the RAF falls into the time of one such callous killing. The victim was a 20-year-old American soldier stationed in West Germany, Edward Pimental, for whom the group set a murderous honeytrap. A German woman flirted with him at a nightclub in Wiesbaden in August 1985, and he left the bar with her. He was shot in the head in a nearby forest, and the RAF used his ID to enter his airbase the next day. There, they planted a car bomb that killed two more Americans and injured 20 people. One suspects lawyer argued the attack was a legitimate means of resistance against American imperialism.

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Something about the of the seventies sparked such outbursts of political violence in a younger generation, which, unlike Germans in the 1920s and 30s, had not experienced the devastation of total war and its civilian aftermath. Economic crises, such as those caused by the 1973 oil shock, were devastating, but they never reached the scale of the Great Depression in the wake of the 1929 Wall Street crash. Yet the period produced many radical far-left groups across the West.

There was the Weather Underground Organization in the US, which issued a Declaration of a State of War against the government in 1970. It conducted riots and bombing raids to bring down a system it considered imperialist. The Irish Republican Army wanted to end British rule in Northern Ireland using guerrilla tactics that killed an estimated 1,700, including more than 500 civilians. The far-left Basque Homeland and Liberty, or ETA, in Spain conducted bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings, killing over 800 people between 1968 and 2010.

They all had different motives, from the RAFs rage against the refusal of their morally complacent parents generation to confront their Nazi past to the IRAs and ETAs nationalism. But the common strand in their brutal methodology was the Marxist conviction that violence is a necessary and justified catalyst of change.

Unlike the rise of the Nazis in the 1920s and 30s, the extremists of the seventies never achieved majority backing because they couldnt tap into widespread destitution. RAF members primarily came from middle-class backgrounds, and the WUO originated from American university campuses.

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These dynamics perhaps resonate even more strongly in our times than those of the trauma-torn interwar era. We appear to live in an age where political violence and illegal action are once again condoned by a significant minority. This year, the Glastonbury Festival made headlines when a performer led a chant of Death to the IDF, and the BBC continued to livestream the performance. In Germany, the leader of the Green Partys youth wing posted pictures of herself wearing an anti-police ACAB sweater associated with anarchism. Environmental activists vandalize paintings, property, and infrastructure to force change by non-lawful means, property crimes that echo the wave of property-damaging bombs set by US radicals like Weather.

None of this compares to the murderous terror of the 1970s, but that too didnt start as violence. There were protest movements in the mid- and late 1960s, often on university campuses, which became smaller and more radical over time. As they did, the silent majority condemned them, but a significant minority argued that they had a point. To this day, the RAF has retained a romanticized Robin Hood image among people who argue that the West German state brought terror upon itself with its excessive violence against legitimate protest in the 1960s  for instance, when student Benno Ohnesorg was shot dead by police in 1967 at a protest against the visit of the Shah of Iran.

This line of thinking, that political ends can justify violent means, appears to see a resurgence. Demonstrations in our cities freely express allegiance with Hamas. In Germany, the so-called Hammer Gang, or Hammerbande, garners sympathy on the moderate left. A network of far-left extremists, it targets people it deems neo-Nazis with extreme violence, including with the eponymous hammers. A 24-year-old German who is currently on trial in Hungary for alleged participation in violent assaults there has now been visited in prison by mainstream politicians like Bundestag Vice President Katrin Goring-Eckardt from the Green Party.

These dynamics apply to right-wing violence, too. When anti-immigration riots broke out in Northern Ireland last month after two Romanian-speaking teenagers were charged with attempted rape of a teenage girl, segments of the British media argued that if politicians dealt with uncontrolled mass immigration, they wouldnt have to deal with riots. In the US, the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol in 2021 was directly incited by President Donald Trump in order to overturn what he called a stolen election.

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The belief that violence is a legitimate way of doing politics by other means is back among a sizable minority across Western societies, whether on the left or the right. These societies are not traumatized by world wars or poverty on the scale of the Great Depression; they are deeply polarized political landscapes in which significant minorities radicalize themselves with the tacit backing of others.

As a German historian, I get asked a lot whether were experiencing a re-run of the 1930s. Im inclined to think the 1970s deserve just as much attention.

Room for Disagreement

Many US analysts see the main violent threat coming from the right. Militant, nationalistic, white supremacist violent extremism has increased in the United States the number of far-right attacks continues to outpace all other types of terrorism and domestic violent extremism, a National Institutes of Justice report found in 2024.

Since 1990, far-right extremists have committed far more ideologically motivated homicides than far-left or radical Islamist extremists, including 227 events that took more than 520 lives. In this same period, far-left extremists committed 42 ideologically motivated attacks that took 78 lives.

Notable
Drone attacks in Iraq have become more frequent in recent months, though this is the first attack near Sulaymaniyah in months, sources said.

An unidentified drone attack killed a member of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and injured another near Iraq's Sulaymaniyah on Saturday, security sources and local officials said, the first attack of its kind in months.

This is a developing story.
The formation of the United Church of Christs new Keystone Conference is designed to bring faithful together in a stronger way.

At the churchs 35th General Synod, which was held July 11-15 in Kansas City, Missouri, the request by the Penn West, Penn Central, Pennsylvania Southeast and Penn Northeast conferences was approved for the new conference.

The merger will take effect Jan. 1.

The Rev. David Ackerman, conference minister for the Penn West Conference, which includes Cambria and Somerset counties, said conversations about the merger started in 2022.

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We developed a working group with the four conference ministers and we spent a long time working together with leaders from the four conferences meeting monthly over the course of several years, Ackerman said. We came up with a host of documents, case statements, staffing models and budgets. We took votes at all four of our conference meetings in November last year and there was an average of 92.5% approval to advance the motion to Synod. Synod did take the vote to affirm the merger by a 98.7% margin.

He said while the merger is a big change, its an exciting change.

We think we will be able to resource our congregations better, and were hopeful that it will be a benefit to our churches, to our associations and to our work, Ackerman said.

The Keystone Conference board will meet Aug. 1 with the goal of having transitional staff in place by the new year.

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When Jan. 1 comes well be able to hit the ground running as best as we can, Ackerman said. The merger of four conferences will take some effort, but were looking forward to getting that work underway.

He said the Keystone Conference will be the second largest conference in the United Church of Christ behind the Southern New England Conference.

I hope with our increased numbers we will be able to add more resources, share more resources and work more collaboratively together across the state, Ackerman said.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Higher education continues to navigate a changing environment trying to find ways to differentiate themselves. Many are leaning into online learning courses.

Davenport University recently launched a new campaign, Online: On Your Time, which the university said is aimed at breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions.

We really see that more and more students are looking for the flexibility that online courses can offer, Davenport Universitys Director of Marketing Kate Barch told News 8.

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The university launched a campaign with a release, stating: Davenport prioritizes the student experience. Whether youre earning a degree in-seat or online, from a classroom in Michigan or a beach in Mexico, youll receive the same personalized support, career-focused curriculum and the flexibility that define the Davenport experience.

What started as a hurdle during the pandemic has now turned into an opportunity, as more and more students take advantage of online courses because it offers them a chance to pursue higher education, no matter their circumstances.

Matthew Gaydos graduated from Davenport in April and took almost his entire education through online classes. He told News 8 that it was the best option for his needs.

I was out of East Lansing and starting all the way back from high school, I still wanted to be living at home, he said. Being able to take classes online versus commuting to Grand Rapids was much more convenient but also gave me a lot more flexibility.

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Gaydos wanted to stay at home and save money but still get a degree. He said online classes helped him do that.

I didnt have to commute; I wasnt paying for gas. I also did not have to deal with housing or dorms, he said. They can be at nighttime at 8 p.m. or later and even at those times you can work around your own schedule.

I had an internship pretty much all the way through college that I was able to hold because of the flexibility that was offered, Gaydos said. If I was spending my time commuting or I had to live in an apartment or on campus I would have, my work space and situation would be much more difficult to handle and deal with.

Offering the flexibility for students of all demographics and circumstances. Gaydos liked that he could create his own path and pursue the classes at his own speed.

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You get that ability to kind of go at your own pace for a lot of things, he said. You feel like you dont do well in a normal environment or in person, you take a class with a friend and kind of talk the whole timewith online classes you can be more focused.

Davenport has been offering online classes for nearly 20 years, so the pandemic world was not new to them. Recently however, they felt like they needed to shift the narrative around the benefits of virtual learning.

We wanted to break down the stereotypes that are associated with online learning, there are misperceptions that online learning is easier or its for students that arent really engaged in school, that the degrees are easier, Barch said. We wanted to show that Davenport really takes a unique approach to online learning.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

Timothy Eng, a massage therapist, was arrested for child molestation and sexual battery, with allegations involving a 13-year-old girl during an in-home massage session.

Eng was not licensed by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy, as confirmed by the Georgia Secretary of States Office.

The Coweta County Sheriffs Office is urging potential victims or anyone who interacted with Eng to come forward and contact investigators.

NEWNAN, Ga. - The Coweta County Sheriffs Office is asking anyone who may have received massage therapy services from 57-year-old Timothy Eng to come forward, following his arrest on charges of child molestation and sexual battery.

What we know

Deputies took Eng into custody during a traffic stop in Newnan, serving warrants tied to allegations that he sexually assaulted two victims  one of them a 13-year-old girl  during an in-home massage appointment.

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"Investigators discovered that these events occurred at home when Mr. Eng was hired as a massage therapist for the family," said Sgt. Chris Ricketson with the Coweta County Sheriffs Office.

Authorities said the victims statements were found to be "highly credible," and the assaults allegedly occurred during what was supposed to be a professional massage session inside the victims home.

Dig deeper

The Georgia Secretary of States Office, which oversees licensing for massage therapy through the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy, confirmed that no state massage license has been issued to anyone named Timothy Eng.

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Body camera footage of the arrest shows Eng wearing a T-shirt that read, "I didnt mean to offend you, that was a bonus."

What you can do

The sheriffs office is encouraging anyone who may have interacted with Eng  or suspects they or someone they know may have been victimized  to contact investigators.

The Source

The Coweta County Sheriff's Office provided the details for this article. Additional details come from the Georgia Secretary of States Office.
Jul. 18TIJERAS  A nearly completed watershed project and bridge were put to the test last weekend when a flash flood swept through the streets of the village and Tijeras Creek rose to a peak of 9 feet in 15 minutes.

Thursday morning, Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas, whose district includes Uptown and the East Mountains, and experts gathered outside Los Vecinos Community Center, just feet from a pedestrian bridge damaged by floodwaters on Saturday.

"The National Weather Service is calling this a 200-500 year flood event," Olivas said. "I think it's important to note that this is an event that is increasingly likely in the face of a changing climate, and we are dealing with those climate impacts right here in the East Mountains, right here in our community, and we have to step up and confront those impacts and fight climate change at the same time."

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Saturday's storm in the East Mountains caused "unprecedented flooding," Olivas said. No people were injured from the flooding, but the bridge has been closed.

The village of Tijeras saw 3 inches of rain and hail in 30 minutes. The storm caused significant damage to Los Vecinos Community Center Bridge  a key connection for residents traveling between the community center and nearby A. Montoya Elementary and Roosevelt Middle schools.

Officials said Tijeras will provide a shuttle for students going to school or to summer programs until the bridge can be repaired.

"Our main concern here is that we know that this is a centralized hub for the residents of the East Mountains, and we need folks to understand that you cannot drop your kids off and just expect them to cross the creek," said Andre Dickson, director of BernCo Parks, Recreation and Open Space.

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Work to repair the bridge is not expected to begin until spring of 2026, said Brian Lopez, BernCo Public Works technical services director. Though it is not certain until damages have been assessed, Lopez said it is likely the entire bridge will have to be rebuilt.

"Our biggest obstacle in getting this bridge reconstructed is that our wait times for the construction material needed are quite long," Lopez said. "Most manufacturers are estimating wait times of about a year. Simply put, we cannot start rebuilding this bridge until we can acquire those materials."

While the damage was substantial, Kali Bronson, stormwater program compliance lead, said it could have been worse if not for the nearly completed Tijeras Creek Watershed Restoration Project.

"Our project was about 80-90% complete when the floodwaters from this weekend's storm inundated the site," Bronson said. "Although our project wasn't complete, we did see that the restoration work that we have done still generally functioned exactly the way we were hoping they would."

The project, which began in 2023, would reconnect Tijeras Creek with its historic floodplain, reestablish the natural stream course and reduce overall flood risk. The project cost $1,550,000 and was funded by the New Mexico River Stewards Grant with additional funding provided by Bernalillo County.
The inaugural Kansas City Invitational Black Rodeo on July 26 at Hale Arena will revive a local tradition dating back more than 50 years.

Put on by Black Rodeo USA, the sold-out Kansas City Invitational is part of a recent resurgence of Black rodeos and the first major one locally in more than a decade. Black Rodeo USA is a newcomer to the movement that celebrates an occupation and lifestyle that is largely ignored in history books.

Black cowboys have plied their trade since the beginning of the U.S. cattle industry and were especially prevalent during the great cattle drives north from Texas to Kansas in the post-Civil War era. In fact, some historians estimate that a fourth of all cowboys were Black.

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Although some became rodeo stars in the late 19th century, including the legendary Bill Pickett and Nat Love, many rodeos were restricted to white people, helping to spawn Black rodeos. Early ones were primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, but they became something of a national craze in the early 1970s.

Black rodeos took hold in Kansas City in the 1980s, with one at the American Royal Arena in 1980 and annual events at Benjamin Stables/Benjamin Ranch into the 1990s. Those were part of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo circuit, which dates to 1984 and is still going strong.

Benjamin Ranch also was home to Black rodeos put on by the Hilltop Saddle Club, of Kansas City, Kansas, until the facility shut down its arena in 2008 to make way for the Cerner Corp. office development.

Mia Barnes competed in barrel racing at the Black Rodeo USA event earlier this month in Jacksonville, Florida. The circuit will come to Kansas City on July 26.

We now appear to be entering a second golden age of Black rodeos.

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The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo circuit, which calls itself The Greatest Show on Dirt, stages events in Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Atlanta and elsewhere.

Billing itself as The Hottest Show on Dirt, Black Rodeo USA went national in 2020 after operating the Arizona Black Rodeo since 2011. It had events earlier this year in Oklahoma, Tennessee and Georgia, with upcoming rodeos in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Las Vegas. It also partners with the Okmulgee (Oklahoma) Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, the nations oldest Black rodeo, dating to 1956.

There are at least two other major Black rodeo promoters: the Cowboys of Color Rodeos in Texas and 8 Seconds Rodeo founded by Kansas City, Kansas, native Ivan McClellan in Portland, Oregon, and Philadelphia.

Kansas City Invitational Black Rodeo

When: Sessions at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26

Where: Hale Arena at American Royal Center, 1701 American Royal Court, in the West Bottoms.

Tickets: Both sessions are sold out.

More information: blackrodeousa.com/tickets
The U.S. Department of Transportation on Saturday threatened to dissolve Delta Air Lines joint venture with Aeromexico and restrict Mexican flights in response to alleged anti-competitive behavior by Mexicos government, including the forced relocation of all-cargo carriers in 2023 to a secondary airport.

It also put European countries on notice that similar measures could be taken against them if U.S. airlines are restricted from their airports in ways that disrupt the competitive balance established under air transport agreements in an effort to limit noise levels in city centers.

The Department of Transportation said the Mexican government has impaired the operating rights of U.S. airlines under the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.

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Mexico banned freighter operators from the countrys main international airport in Mexico City ostensibly to relieve chronic congestion and allow expansion projects. The government also rescinded some take off and landing slots allotted to passenger carriers.

Cargo airlines were forced to switch to Felipe Angeles International Airport, a former military airfield about 31 miles away. The relocation, which involved airlines from all countries, not just the United States, added operational costs and complexity for cargo operators, especially hybrid carriers that continued to move shipments in passenger planes serving Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and now have dual facility and delivery systems to manage. Felipe Angeles also was not fully developed and ready to efficiently handle the cargo aircraft, leading airlines to invest in more equipment and facilities.

The slot restrictions and mandate that all-cargo operations move out of MEX disrupted the market, cost American companies millions of dollars and represent a blatant disregard of the air transport agreement, according to the Department of Transportation.

Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement, said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in the announcement. That ends today. Let these actions serve as a warning to any country who thinks it can take advantage of the U.S., our carriers, and our market. America First means fighting for the fundamental principle of fairness.

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The slot seizures impacted American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as Mexican carriers. The Mexican airlines with confiscated slots have since been able to restore certain services to the United States.

The DOT said in an enforcement notice that Mexico has yet to provide any analysis that MEX is oversaturated, assurance that U.S. carriers can recover their slots when construction is completed and that any construction projects have been initiated.

The department has initiated a three-pronged initiative to pressure Mexico into changing its policy.

The DOT said it will require Mexican airlines to file schedules with the department for all their U.S. operations by July 29 so it can review whether any services violate the law or affect the public interest. Filings must include the type of aircraft used, flight frequency, origin-and-destination airports and arrival/departure times.

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A second order prohibits Mexican airlines from operating large aircraft for passenger or cargo charter flights to or from the United States without prior DOT approval. The charter restrictions, the DOT said, are a response to U.S. cargo airlines being prevented from repositioning aircraft within Mexico on non-revenue flights or making multiple stops in Mexico to pick up or drop off international traffic without carrying domestic shipments, as allowed under the transport agreement.

The DOT also proposed to withdraw the approval of antitrust immunity for the joint venture operated by Delta and Aeromexico. The U.S. government extended the approval beyond a 2020 deadline to allow for further review, but the Trump administration now says the conditions for immunity no longer exist and that the joint venture no longer serves the public interest.

A final order terminating approval of the joint venture would not become effective until Oct. 25, at the earliest.

If antitrust immunity is revoked, Delta and Ameromexico would be required to discontinue cooperation on pricing, capacity management, and revenue sharing. They would, however, be allowed to continue their partnership through arms-length activities such as codesharing, marketing and frequent flyer cooperation. Delta will also be able to retain its equity stake in Aeromexico and maintain all existing flying in the U.S-Mexico market unimpeded.

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The Department also said it reserves the right to disapprove flight requests from Mexico should the country fail to take corrective action.

Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.

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Uprooted cargo airlines relocate to secondary airport near Mexico City

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned what she described as a "divisive agenda" being pursued by the BJP in Assam, accusing the ruling party of persecuting Bengali-speaking citizens for asserting their linguistic identity. In a sharply worded statement on X, Mamata said, "The second most spoken language in the country, Bangla, is also the second most spoken language of Assam. To threaten citizens who want to coexist peacefully, respecting all languages and religions, with persecution for upholding their own mother tongue is discriminatory and unconstitutional. This divisive agenda of the BJP in Assam has crossed all limits, and people of Assam will fight back." She added her support for those standing up for their linguistic and cultural identity. "I stand with every fearless citizen who is fighting for the dignity of their language and identity, and their democratic rights," she said. Earlier, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) affiliated workers' union, the Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress (INTTUC), staged a protest march against the National Register of Citizens(NRC) in Siliguri, condemning the alleged harassment and pushback of migrant Bengali-speaking individuals from several BJP-ruled states. The union has said that the Bengali-speaking migrants have been incorrectly labelled as "Bangladeshis." Party workers held placards and shouted slogans against what they called a systematic targeting of Bengali migrants under the guise of identifying illegal immigrants, according to a statement from the union. INTTUC leader Nirjal Dey said, "Bengalis have made the biggest sacrifices for the country. Today, this is a question of the existence of Bengalis. Today, Bengali-speaking individuals are being sent to detention camps. We are residents of Bengal and speak Bengali. We are proud of it. In Bengal, members of all sections of society live in harmony...But in Odisha, 400 Bengalis have been sent to detention camps. Their nationality is being questioned. Their only crime is that they speak Bengali; they are being branded as foreigners. This is the biggest issue...Arrest Rohingyas, but why will you arrest Bengali-speaking Indians? That is our question..." On July 16, Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP and the various state governments led by the party for discriminating against Bengali-speaking citizens. In a fiery speech, she alleged that people were being harassed based on language, identity, and political bias. She recalled the recent incidents and alleged that people from Bengal were being harassed in states like Maharashtra and Assam. (ANI)
I am grateful for the July 15 article, Latino pastors serve anxious Latino congregations.

However, references in the article to the history of the El Salvador Civil War and murder of Archbishop Oscar Romero were regrettably vague. A more precise history tells us much about today.

What happened in El Salvador in the 1980s, better put, was a United States-funded war waged by a military-led government and paramilitaries against a leftist insurgency. The vast majority of the 75,000 lives lost were peasants and Catholic clergy killed by government-supported forces. One such victim of the government was Romero, shot in the chest in March, 1980, by a paramilitary agent while celebrating Mass.

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Why does this history matter now?

Almost half a million Salvadorans fled to the US over the 1980s, where they were deemed illegal by the Reagan administration. Many Americans, including church members, defied immigration law to offer these refugees sanctuary.

Many young Salvadoran migrants in California joined gangs, then were deported back to an El Salvador saturated with weaponry left over from the war. The resulting international gangs, along with persistent poverty, created the lethal conditions that spurred more migration to the U.S. in the last two decades.

Bert Kreitlow, Waukesha

Opinion: UW Health Nurses determined to win seat at bargaining table. People want unions.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: El Salvador's history explains what prompted migration to US | Letters
Washington will restrict travel visas for Brazilian judicial officials and their immediate family members, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced, over what he called a political witch-hunt against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Announcing the move on Friday, Rubio accused Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes of creating a sweeping persecution and censorship complex that not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazils shores to target Americans.

I have therefore ordered visa revocations for Moraes and his allies on the court, as well as their immediate family members, effective immediately, he said, without providing further details on who would be subject to the measures.

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Current Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sharply criticized the US move on Saturday, calling it arbitrary and baseless, adding that the action violated fundamental principles of respect and sovereignty between nations.

I am certain that no form of intimidation or threat, from anyone, will compromise the most important mission of Brazils powers and institutions, which is to permanently defend and uphold the democratic rule of law, he said in a statement.

Brazilian newspaper O Globo also reported on Friday, without citing its source, that the US has revoked visas from seven more justices of Brazils Supreme Court. If accurate, the only Supreme Court judges not impacted would be Bolsonaro-appointed justices Andre Mendonca and Nunes Marques, and Judge Luiz Fux.

The move by the US comes after Brazils Supreme Court issued search warrants and restraining orders against Bolsonaro on Friday, banning him from contacting foreign officials amid allegations he courted US President Donald Trumps interference in court cases against him.

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Explaining his decision, Moraes accused Bolsonaro  who was president from 2019 to 2023  of attacking Brazils sovereignty by encouraging the interference of the head of state of a foreign nation in its courts.





Bolsonaros ongoing trial relates to charges he attempted to carry out a coup and overturn current Lulas election victory in January 2023. The coup charges carry a 12-year sentence, and if convicted on other counts, Bolsonaro could spend decades behind bars.

Bolsonaro is now banned from contacting foreign officials, using social media or approaching embassies. He was also prohibited from contacting key allies, including his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian congressman working to drum up support for his father in Washington.

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Federal police also raided Bolsonaros home and headquarters, with authorities ordering him to wear an ankle monitor following Moraess ruling that there is a concrete possibility he will attempt to flee the country.

Bolsonaro: Trump of the Tropics

Speaking to the Reuters news agency at his partys headquarters on Friday, Bolsonaro called Moraes a dictator and described the court orders as acts of cowardice.

I feel supreme humiliation, he said when asked about wearing the ankle monitor. I am 70 years old. I was president of the republic for four years, he added.

On Friday afternoon, a five-judge panel of Supreme Court judges reviewed and upheld Moraess decision.

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Bolsonaro also said he believed the court orders were a reaction to Trumps criticism of his trial, in the latest indication that Washingtons interventions may be harming rather than helping the former president.

While Bolsonaro denied he planned to leave the country, he also said he would meet with Trump if his passport, seized by police last year, was returned.

When asked about Bolsonaros latest comments, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the former Brazilian leader and his supporters are under attack from a weaponised court system.

Trump has maintained friendly ties with ideological ally Bolsonaro  known as the Trump of the Tropics  since the US leaders first term from 2017 to 2021.

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On Thursday, Trump shared a letter on Truth Social he had sent to Bolsonaro lamenting the embattled former presidents terrible treatment at the hands of an unjust system turned against you.

Earlier this month, Trump also threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods starting August 1, as he called for Lulas government to drop the charges against Bolsonaro.

Lula promised to reciprocate, saying any measure to increase tariffs unilaterally will be responded to in light of Brazils Law of Economic Reciprocity.

In Fridays court decision, Moraes also said Trumps threatened tariffs were an attempt to interfere in the countrys judicial system by creating a serious economic crisis in Brazil.

The tariffs  which would hurt key Brazilian sectors like coffee farming, cattle ranching and aviation  have rallied public support behind Lulas defiant leftist government.




The United States will send its next Patriot air defense system to Germany rather than Switzerland, in order to speed up Berlin's promised delivery of two Patriot batteries to Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on July 18, citing three U.S. officials.

The reports come a day after the Swiss Defense Ministry announced that expected deliveries of U.S. Patriots would be delayed due to the U.S. State Department's decision to prioritize Ukraine.

Washington will instead deliver the next Patriot system off the production line to Germany, to replace two Patriots from its own arsenal that Berlin will ship to Kyiv, the WSJ reported.

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The move marks the first time the Pentagon has facilitated weapons deliveries to Ukraine since U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 7 that he supported additional military aid. Trump later unveiled a plan to funnel weapons to Ukraine via a NATO- and EU-backed scheme in which alliance members purchase U.S.-made arms for Kyiv.

When announcing the plan on July 14, Trump said some Patriot systems and missiles could arrive in Ukraine "within days."

Read also: Patriot missiles  what they are and why everyone wants them

The Trump administration plans to negotiate individual deals with NATO members on weapons purchases for Ukraine, one senior U.S. official told the WSJ. These deals will include offensive and defensive weapons that countries will provide to Ukraine and then repurchase from Washington.

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Germany, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, the U.K., Canada and Finland have already committed to supporting the initiative, a NATO official said.

Trump previously told reporters on July 16 that Patriot air defense missiles and other weapons were already en route to Ukraine from Germany, though Germany's Defense Ministry said it had no knowledge of any such shipment.

The WSJ did not report an expected date of delivery for the German-provided Patriot systems bound for Ukraine.

Ukraine's need for U.S.-made Patriot batteries and ammunition has gone from urgent to desperate in recent months as Russia has dramatically escalated its campaign of aerial terror against cities across the country. Civilian casualties have mounted as large-scale drone and missile attacks overwhelm Ukraine's air defenses night after night.

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U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said on July 17 that Washington is "moving with haste" to facilitate weapons shipments to Ukraine under Trump's new plan.

The U.S. has previously delivered three Patriot batteries to Ukraine, while Germany has provided three more. A European coalition has contributed one additional battery, though not all are currently operational due to routine maintenance.

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Read also: Ukraine war latest: EU agrees on one of its strongest Russia sanctions packages after Slovakia lifts veto

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RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) -U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called on Saturday for the perpetrators of an attack on a Palestinian church in the occupied West Bank blamed on Israeli settlers to be prosecuted, calling it an "act of terror".

Huckabee said he had visited the Christian town of Taybeh, where clerics said Israeli settlers had started a fire near a cemetery and a 5th-century church on July 8.

"It is an act of terror, and it is a crime," Huckabee said in a statement, "Those who carry out acts of terror and violence in Taybeh  or anywhere  (should) be found and be prosecuted. Not just reprimanded, thats not enough."

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Israel's government has not commented on the incident, but has previously denounced such acts.

On Tuesday, Huckabee said he had asked Israel to "aggressively investigate" the killing of a Palestinian American beaten by settlers in the West Bank, similarly describing it as a "criminal and terrorist act".

Huckabee is a staunch supporter of Israeli settlements and his comments are a rare and pointed public intervention by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump in January rescinded sanctions imposed by the former Biden administration on Israeli settler groups and individuals accused of being involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

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Settler attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian attacks on Israelis in the West Bank have risen since the start of Israel's war on the Hamas militant group in Gaza in October 2023, though violence has long simmered there.

The United Nations' highest court said last year that Israel's settlements in territories it captured in the 1967 Middle East war, including the West Bank, were illegal.

Israel disputes this, citing biblical and historical ties to the land as well as security needs.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta; Writing by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa urged Bedouin tribes to "fully commit" to a ceasefire aimed at ending clashes with Druze militias.

The ceasefire was agreed on by Syria and Israel, and was announced earlier on Saturday by US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack.

It comes after Israeli forces carried out several attacks against Syria, including in the capital, Damascus, in what it called military interventions to protect the Druze minority.

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It also comes on the heels of renewed clashes between Druze armed groups and Bedouin clans, in what Syrias President Ahmed al-Sharaa warned hell send troops back in to quell the fighting that has so far displaced tens of thousands of people.

Barrack announced the truce in a post on X, formerly Twitter, noting that the US-led peace initiative is supported by multiple countries in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa supported by the USA, [State Secretary Marco] Rubio have agreed to a ceasefire embraced by Turkiye, Jordan and its neighbours, wrote Barrack.

Though he did no disclose any details of the arrangement, Barrack called on all parties to disengage and seek peace.

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We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours.

Clashes began on Sunday between Druze militias and local Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes in Syrias southern Sweida province. Government forces intervened, nominally to restore order, but ended up taking the Bedouins side against the Druze.

Israel intervened in defence of the Druze, launching dozens of airstrikes on convoys of government fighters and even striking the Syrian Defence Ministry headquarters in central Damascus.

The Syrian Defense Ministry building sits heavily damaged after alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - Ghaith Alsayed/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.

The Druze form a substantial community in Israel, where they are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the Israeli military.

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The week-long fighting has killed hundreds of people. Some locals speaking to media outlets say Syrian government-affiliated fighters executed Druze civilians, looted their homes and burned them down in the wake of the clashes.

On Wednesday, al-Sharaas government reached a truce with Druze groups, mediate by Washington, Turkey and other Arab countries, and began withdrawing their troops from the Sweida province.

Druze groups were tasked, according to the details of the deal revealed by the Syrian interim president on Thursday, to oversee internal security as government forces pulled out.

Bedouin fighters stand in front a burned shop at Mazraa village on the outskirts of Sweida, during clashes between the Bedouin clans and Druze militias, Syria, July 18, 2025 - Ghaith Alsayed/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved.

By late Thursday however, clashes were flaring up again between Bedouin and Druze groups. State media reported that Druze militias had carried out revenge attacks against Bedouin communities, leading to a new wave of displacements.

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The governor of the neighbouring Daraa province said in a statement that more than 1,000 families were displaced to his province as a result of attacks on Bedouin tribes by outlaw groups.

Al-Sharaa said special forces will be deployed to Sweida to break up clashes and resolve the conflict on the ground.

The UN estimated that some 80,000 people were displaced since clashes erupted on Sunday. It also added that essential services, including water and electricity had collapsed in Sweida, as well as major disruptions to telecom and health facilities.
By David Shepardson and Kylie Madry

WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -The Trump administration said on Saturday it will take action against Mexico after the Mexican government cut flight slots and forced cargo carriers to relocate operations in Mexico City, affecting U.S. airlines.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement the department could disapprove flight requests from Mexico if the government fails to address U.S. concerns over decisions made in 2022 and 2023.

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The Department of Transportation is also proposing to withdraw antitrust immunity from Delta Air Lines' joint venture with Aeromexico to address competitive issues.

Mexico is the most popular international destination for U.S. airline travelers.

Delta said if the DOT withdraws approval, it "would cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition."

Aeromexico said it was preparing a joint response to the order, which it plans to issue in the coming days.

MEXICO CITY SHAKE-UP

The DOT alleges Mexico has violated a bilateral air agreement by slashing slots for passenger flights and forcing all-cargo carriers to relocate operations.

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Then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended the decisions, arguing that the capital's main airport was too crowded and that the new, farther-away Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) could handle the extra traffic.

Officials are rushing to renovate the aging Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) ahead of next year's World Cup, for which Mexico is a host country.

"By restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of MEX, Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market, and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs," the DOT said.

The AIFA is already at full capacity for cargo handling and needs to be expanded. For passenger flights, it lags far behind MEX as transportation to and from the city remains spotty.

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"The move not only disrupted critical air cargo operations and set a dangerous precedent for how all-cargo carriers may be treated in global markets, it also created uncertainty about how potential safety emergencies could be handled," said the Cargo Airline Association, which represents major U.S cargo carriers.

Mexico's Transportation Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

THE MEASURES

The DOT issued orders requiring Mexican airlines to file schedules with the department for all their U.S. operations by a late-July deadline while requiring prior U.S. approval for large charter flights to or from the United States.

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Airlines set to be affected by the measures, including Volaris and Viva Aerobus, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

If the U.S. rescinds antitrust approval for Delta and Aeromexico, they would be required to end their cooperation on pricing, capacity, and revenue sharing. Delta would be able to retain its equity stake in Aeromexico and continue other aspects of its partnership.

The DOT also said it could take action against European countries over limitations at airports.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Kylie Madry in Mexico City; editing by Diane Craft and Rod Nickel)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said Friday it had fired dozens of foreign contract workers from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

The cuts of about 70 workers followed a national security review for U.S. food safety.

A USDA spokesperson said the contract workers came from "countries of concern" and will "no longer be able to work on USDA projects."

The workers had been with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the research arm of the USDA, Thomas Henderson, who represents the union for some of the research workers, told Reuters.

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Trump Administration Moves Decisively To Block China From 'Weaponizing' American Farmland

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday it had fired dozens of foreign contract workers from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

ARS does research on areas of importance to American farmers, such as pests, food safety and climate change.

Read On The Fox News App

Most of the contract workers were vetted Chinese post-doctoral researchers, with some even arriving to work this week to find out their badges no longer worked.

Earlier this month, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced in a new plan to keep U.S. farmland safe that contracts with any workers from China, North Korea, Iran and Russia should be canceled, and nationals from those countries wouldnt be allowed to buy farmland in the U.S.

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All ARS project publications are also expected to be reanalyzed and those co-authored with researchers from the four countries will be denied, Ethan Roberts, an ARS employee who is also the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3247 union, told Reuters.

A banner showing an image of President Donald Trump hangs on the side of a Department of Agriculture building in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2025.

Brooke Rollins: Farm Security Is National Security

The workers wont be able to be replaced until the Oct. 15 federal hiring freeze is lifted.

That will force some research projects to be halted, Henderson said, citing a project to develop a vaccine for a deadly toxin that occurs in undercooked beef.

"We don't have the talent now to progress on these research projects. It's setting us back by years, if not decades," he told Reuters.

An agronomist with farmers stands in a large agricultural field.

The agency is down about 1,200 workers through downsizing efforts this year.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the USDA for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: USDA fires foreign workers from adversarial countries, including China, in national security protection move
MECCA TWP., Ohio (WKBN)  A big award was given Thursday night for a Trumbull County high school graduate.

Griffin Boyd was recognized by the military. He won an award that is presented to just one enlisted member from each of the Armed Services branches. Its for distinguishing himself through an act of bravery and selflessness, which results in saving a life or preventing serious injury.

Boyd is a 2018 Maplewood graduate and has been in the Navy for seven years. He protects Americans. On Halloween, he saved a life.

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I couldnt have done it by myself. I definitely feel like God had a hand in it. I was just the hand that He guided on that day, Boyd said.

Boyd works as an aviation machinist in Mayport, Florida, and has risen to the rank of petty officer first class. He was going home after work and saw a crash. He got out to help and saw that one woman wasnt doing well.

By that time, everyone was banging on the window, banging on the window, and she was out. Completely out, completely unresponsive in the car, Boyd said.

A police officer broke the window, and Boyd helped pull the woman out. A retired chief petty officer was there along with his wife, who was a nurse. They couldnt get the needed 2 inches for chest compressions, which were needed for CPR on the woman.



I kinda tapped the nurse and said, take care of the head, let me get in here. Ill do the compressions, Boyd explained.



Boyd says he did nine rounds of CPR with the woman before she started to respond. Hes CPR certified, a Navy requirement for his position. EMTs shocked the womans heart, and she was talking before getting into an ambulance.



But after that, I kinda walked away, well, todays over. The retired chief petty officer walked by and high-fived me, and said, Just like they taught us,'

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Griffin Boyd did not know the retired chief petty officer who recognized Boyds hat and suggested to the command that Boyd be nominated for the Vanguard Award. Boyd received it on Thursday, on his 7th anniversary of being in the Navy.



Boyd is married to Alyssa Vossler, also a 2018 Maplewood graduate, and the couple has two girls.



Thursday nights ceremony was virtual. Boyd will receive the award in the mail. He does not know how the woman he helped save is doing today. He wishes he also knew the other people who helped in saving her.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Vatican has expressed doubts about Israeli statements saying an attack on a Catholic church in the Gaza Strip was a mistake, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said on Italian television channel Rai.

The Cardinal secretary of state, second only to the pope in the Vatican, demanded full clarification from Israel regarding the shelling of the church, which resulted in the deaths of three people on Thursday.

The attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City also left nine people injured including the Italian priest of the parish. About 600 displaced people were housed in the church, according to Palestinian sources.

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Parolin said one could "rightfully doubt" that it was indeed a military error.

His comments followed a phone call between Pope Leo XIV and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who earlier expressed "deep regret."

Parolin emphasized that the Vatican is not satisfied with the explanations provided so far.

Regarding Israel, Parolin said, "We should give them the time necessary to tell us what actually happened: whether it was really a mistake, which can be rightfully doubted, or whether it was the intention to target a Christian church, knowing how much Christians are an element of moderation in the Middle East."

Around 1,000 Christians live in the Gaza Strip, home to some 2 million people. There are three churches in Gaza, with the Church of the Holy Family being the only Catholic place of worship.
A man was dragged from his car by enraged bystanders and shot after he plowed a vehicle into a crowd in Los Angeles, leaving seven people critically injured and at least 23 others hurt outside a nightclub early Saturday morning, police said.

Cameras in the area are still being canvassed, but the incident appears to have been intentional, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Two law enforcement sources familiar with the situation said the suspect was kicked out of the venue for being intoxicated and disruptive.

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Police said they arrested the driver, Fernando Ramirez, 29, who was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently hospitalized and has not been booked into jail, the LAPD said. His condition was not immediately known.

Patrol officers with the LAPD responded to a call of an assault with a deadly weapon in East Hollywood near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard around 2 a.m.

"When officers arrived, they found the driver being assaulted by bystanders and determined he had sustained a gunshot wound," the LAPD said in an update.

LAPD Sgt. Travis Ward said the driver was shot after the collision, transported to the hospital and taken into surgery. For this reason, he said, the LAPD was unable to determine whether the driver was intoxicated.

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The LAPD described the person who shot the driver as "a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, bald, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver." The man fled the scene on foot and was last seen going westbound from Vermont Avenue, the LAPD said.

Police are asking anyone with information on the shooter to get in touch.

Officials did not share the name of the nightclub where the incident occurred, but The Vermont Hollywood released a statement sharing that it happened outside of the venue following an event.

"We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the person responsible for this horrific act is held fully accountable," the statement read.

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The Vermont Hollywood describes itself as a "state of the art, live performance and special event venue" on its official Instagram profile. Photos and videos in the account show a range of events, from concerts and wrestling matches to a 2024 Grammys after-party hosted by SZA.

An vehicle is being taken away after it drove into a crowd on July 19 in Los Angeles. (Robyn Beck / AFP - Getty Images)

Pictures from the scene showed a bashed-up gray vehicle straddling the sidewalk with debris strewn across the ground. At least a dozen firefighters can be seen alongside a number of people sitting on the ground on blankets.

In another picture, firefighters appear to be helping to lift someone off the ground by the car.

Videos showed the moments after the car rammed into the busy street. Multiple people could be seen bloodied and on the ground, some screaming. Others could be seen running away from the scene. A woman who had blood running down one of her legs said she couldnt feel either of them.

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In another video, a group of bystanders could be seen removing an individual who appeared to be the driver from the vehicle before they assaulted him. One video showed the man lying on the ground on his stomach with his hands secured behind his back while one bystander kicked him in the head and another threw what appeared to be a condiment at him.

Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center told NBC News that it received patients injured in the incident, and that all of them "were brought in with minor injuries and are currently in stable condition." The medical center did not clarify how many patients it received.

"This is a heartbreaking tragedy," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement Saturday. "The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning  a full investigation into what happened is underway."

A man who was inside the nightclub told NBC News that he heard a loud bang and that a crowd of people ducked believing theyd heard gunshots.

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We look out the club, and its a car into the hole right there, he said. And then its crazy, because people everywhere, laying down, unconscious people, bleeding out and stuff.

Capt. Adam VanGerpen, a public information officer for the Los Angeles Fire Department, told NBC News that the vehicle hit a taco cart before running into a large number of people outside a nightclub. He said the fire department was dispatched at 2 a.m. local time.

Seven people are in critical condition and six are in serious condition, the LAFD said in a separate statement, with 10 others being treated for injuries. Seven others declined help at the scene. It said 124 fire personnel assisted at the scene.

A preliminary victim count listed 18 females and 12 males injured, ranging in age from their mid-20s and to their early 30s, according to the LAPD.

The investigation is ongoing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
As the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced its withdrawal from the INDIA bloc, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Saturday said that it remains necessary for the opposition alliance to be strong in order to save the nation from "religious polarisation". He also said that the INDIA bloc will meet today to discuss various issues of national interest and will ensure that the country is not sold to benefit a few capitalists. "To save this country from religious polarisation and falling into the hands of a few capitalists, it is essential for the INDIA alliance to be strong to defeat the NDA alliance. I don't know who is under what pressure or allegations - true or false - are being made, or what someone's compulsions are, but I do know that today there will be a meeting of the INDIA alliance on several issues of national interest. We will firmly ensure that attempts to sell India to a few capitalists don't happen," Tiwari told ANI. "We will fight until our last breath to save the country, and if someone wants to back out weakly, we will say nothing," he added. His remarks come after AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday stated that his party is no longer part of the INDIA alliance following the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections. AAP and Congress had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Delhi as part of the INDIA alliance. However, both parties contested separately in the Haryana and Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. Speaking to ANI, Singh stated, "We have clarified our position that the INDIA alliance was there till the Lok Sabha elections. As far as the Parliament is concerned, we have always opposed all the wrong policies of the government. Currently, the issue for us is the way the homes and shops of people of Bihar, UP and Purvanchal are being bulldozed and destroyed. This is the issue we will raise in Parliament in the context of Delhi." "We said that officially, the Aam Aadmi Party is not with the INDIA alliance as of today. Our alliance was for the Lok Sabha elections," he added. (ANI)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus police have identified the victim of a Friday morning homicide as RaQuawan Kilgore.

Columbus Police officers arrived at the 300 block of S. Guilford Avenue just before 6 a.m. Friday to find Kilgore, 29, suffering from a gunshot wound. Police said Kilgore was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries just after 5 p.m. Friday.

Buckeye Lake area hit with flooding after heavy rain

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Police said they have arrested an adult female in connection with the shooting, who identified herself as the shooter at the scene. Police said they are not identifying the suspect at this time because she claimed self-defense.

Police said the preliminary investigation found domestic violence is a possible motive, and said the woman told them she shot Kilgore after he threatened her. Police said she is cooperating with detectives.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbus police at 614-645-4730 or 614-645-2040. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 (TIPS).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TIPTON COUNTY, Tenn.  A Brighton, Tennessee homeowner is upset after watching surveillance video of two people and their child stealing from his flooded-damaged home.

Dalton Grubbs said that on June 19, they received rain up to seven inches in over an hour.

We had to evacuate. Fast forward a couple of days, getting into the weekend, we had to gut the entire house, move things out, let things dry, said Grubbs.

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The Grubbs were in the process of salvaging what they could from the rain and were unable to stay in their home.

Photo by WREG Photo by WREG Photo by WREG Photo by WREG

It was while they were away, security cameras captured the thieves stealing their property.

Video taken on July 12, investigators declined to release reportedly showed Dustin Coley, 45, stealing items from this shed, and later Coley and a woman identified as Mitizi Johnson, 48, were seen stealing from the shed and from the Grubbs home.

The pair also brought a juvenile along.

L to R: Dustin Coley and Mitzi Johnson Courtesy of Tipton County Sheriff

Grubbs was upset by what the juvenile appeared to be saying on the video.

Questioning whether they were doing something wrong, and then somebody kind of justifying oh its just trash, theyre just throwing that stuff away as theyre breaking into the shed, said Grubbs.

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Thats not teaching them home values in my opinion, said Grubbs.

Within days, Johnson was arrested about four miles away in Munford, and Dustin Coley fled from this house on Jefferson Cove but was later captured.

Both were charged with criminal trespass, theft, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Im just thankful that were all still safe and going forward, hopefully, people will be discouraged to just go on peoples property, said Grubbs.

Dustin Coley is also charged with evading arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia. Coley is being held on a $25,000 bond, and Mitzi Johnson is out on a $15,000 bond.

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If anyone has information on this incident, call the Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-3300 or the Central Dispatch after hours at 901-475-4300.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HANOI (Reuters) -At least 27 people died after a tourist boat capsized in stormy weather in Vietnam's Halong Bay on Saturday, state media reported.

The boat, carrying 53 people, tipped over at around 2 p.m. local time (0700 GMT), as Storm Wipha approached the country across the South China Sea. Strong winds, heavy rainfall and lightning were reported in the area.

Most of the tourists were from the capital, Hanoi, local newspaper VnExpress reported. There was no official announcement on the nationality of the tourists as emergency crews kept looking for survivors.

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Rescue teams found 11 survivors and recovered 27 bodies, eight of them children, the state-run Vietnam News Agency said, citing local authorities.

Halong Bay, about 200 km (125 miles) northeast of Hanoi, attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Boat tours are hugely popular.

Storm Wipha, the third typhoon to hit the South China Sea this year, is projected to make landfall along Vietnam's northern coast early next week.

Weather linked to the storm also disrupted air travel. Noi Bai Airport said nine arriving flights were diverted to other airports, and three departing flights were temporarily grounded on Saturday.

(Reporting by Phuong Nguyen; editing by Barbara Lewis and Andrew Heavens)
Not every story needs a full editorial, but some moments deserve recognition  good or bad. From local wins to national missteps, heres our roundup of recent headlines that stood out, for better or worse.

Thumbs up to Ottumwas Little League all-stars. Both the 9-year-old and 12-year-old teams earned state tournament berths this week, with strong wins over the Je-Wa-Ke All-Stars. The 12-year-olds head to Oskaloosa for a matchup with North Scott on Friday night, while the 9-year-olds will represent Ottumwa in Des Moines. Also heading to state: Appanoose Countys 10-year-olds, after a 3-1 win over Monroe County. Well be cheering them all on.

Thumbs down to the Trump administrations decision to revoke work visas covering the nations of Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. About 200 employees of Ottumwas JBS facility were affected, according to Mayor Rick Johnson. By holding valid work visas, these individuals were here legally and doing things the right way, only to have the rug pulled out from under them and their families. Deporting them under the guise of crackdowns harms families, local businesses and the social fabric of Ottumwa. Immigration policy should be smart and fair, not cruel and chaotic.

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Thumbs up to the community of Albia for rallying together in the wake of tragedy. Firefighters  mostly volunteer  spent more than two days battling the fire that destroyed a historic building on the town square, where human remains were later recovered. Emergency responders from six surrounding communities joined the effort. Residents and businesses brought food, water, supplies and support to those on the front lines. In a moment of loss, small-town Iowans once again showed what resilience and compassion look like.

Thumbs down to Congress for passing $9 billion in spending cuts in the middle of the night, slashing funds for public broadcasting and foreign aid. The vote came just after 1 a.m. local time, with little transparency and even less concern for the impact. These arent wasteful programs, theyre low-cost, high-impact investments in education, diplomacy and community health.

Thumbs up to Wapello Countys new EMS Advisory Council. The group, composed of experienced professionals from across the county, has taken its first steps toward securing a sustainable emergency medical service for all residents. Their work is essential, especially in rural Iowa, where ambulance access can mean the difference between life and death.

Thumbs down to President Trumps response to the Jeffrey Epstein records fallout. Instead of calling for accountability, he is attacking his own supporters and dismissing the issue as a hoax. No one, regardless of party or power, should be shielded from justice in cases involving crimes against children. Iowas congressional delegation should support efforts to release the documents in a way that protects the victims identities while ensuring those involved are held fully accountable.
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

The need to reform the UN

Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt, July 12

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the UN, commemorated against a backdrop of escalating global turmoil: a large-scale military conflict between Russia and the West in Ukraine, the near-total collapse of US-Russia relations, and a complete freeze in arms control negotiations. Simultaneously, tensions between the US, its Western allies, and China have evolved beyond mere competition over trade and technology, transforming into a full-fledged strategic confrontation.

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Violence continues to engulf the Middle East  from Libya and Sudan to Yemen and Syria  alongside the ongoing, inhumane Israeli massacre in Gaza. Israel has also struck targets inside Iran, intensifying an already volatile regional conflict, while the US has further inflamed tensions by launching a precision military strike on at least three Iranian nuclear facilities.

The UN, established to prevent a third world war and the recurrence of catastrophic human losses, was envisioned as the primary forum for resolving such crises. Yet the unrestrained use of force by nations, particularly by the Security Councils permanent members and their close allies, has rendered the institution alarmingly impotent.

A glaring example came when the US vetoed a resolution calling for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the removal of humanitarian restrictions. Such actions erode the credibility of the UNs political organs, most notably the Security Council, which increasingly appears to act only when it serves the interests of the two dominant global powers.

IN MANY ways, in Gaza the Oct. 7 events echoed the seismic effect of 9/11. Pictured: First responders salute a US flag at the Pentagon, marking the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, in Washington. (credit: KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)

As the UN General Assembly convenes in the fall of 2025, President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a scathing address, accusing the organization of rampant inefficiency, corruption, and bureaucratic excess, and reiterating his demand for sweeping reforms. Yet despite its shortcomings, I remain a committed supporter of the UN, which, however flawed, remains the worlds most viable platform for multilateral diplomacy. With 193 member states  and the possibility of Palestine becoming the 194th  the UN continues to represent a crucial space for international cooperation.

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It is evident that most countries prefer to resolve global disputes within the institutional framework of the UN rather than through unilateral or ad hoc arrangements. Nevertheless, frustration with the organizations performance is mounting, and serious calls for reform are growing louder, aimed not at dismantling the UN but at reactivating and strengthening it.

Three core demands form the foundation of this reform agenda across the UN system, its specialized agencies, and the Bretton Woods institutions. First, expanding the size of critical bodies like the Security Council to 24 or 25 members, including at least two permanent seats for Africa. Second, establishing checks on the misuse of veto power and curbing the General Assemblys potential overreach. And third, democratizing decision-making by reducing the disproportionate voting influence of wealthier nations, particularly within global financial institutions.

Critics may dismiss such reforms as unrealistic, particularly given Washingtons historical resistance to limiting great-power prerogatives. Yet this overlooks key historical precedents  most notably the US-sponsored Resolution 377, Uniting for Peace, adopted in 1950 to circumvent Soviet obstruction of Security Council action during the Korean War. That resolution affirmed the General Assemblys right to convene in emergency special sessions when the Security Council fails to uphold its responsibilities.

Across the UNs eight-decade history, the Security Council has repeatedly faltered when permanent members or their allies were directly implicated, creating stalemates that ultimately harm both permanent and non-permanent members alike. For this reason, advancing the three aforementioned reform proposals is not merely desirable; it is essential.

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Initiatives like UN80, launched in March 2025, alongside the Charter for the Future and the broader UN 2.0 vision, aim to revitalize the organization by modernizing its operations, updating its priorities, and addressing financial challenges. These include relocating some agencies from high-cost New York to more affordable cities like Nairobi.

To push these reforms forward, intermediate states, nonpermanent UN members from all regions, must form a broad coalition committed to comprehensive political, economic, and administrative reform of intergovernmental organizations. This effort must be principled, impartial, and grounded in the belief that only a revitalized multilateral order can maintain the credibility of global governance.

The UNs 80th anniversary presents a historic opportunity to enact these long-overdue reforms. If we fail to act, we risk allowing this milestone to become a tragic marker of decline when the worlds foremost international institution slid into irrelevance, and future generations looked back on this moment as the beginning of its end.  Nabil Fahmy

SHOPPING AT a souk in Lebanons southern city of Tyre, July 3. (credit: AZIZ TAHER/REUTERS)

The Arab Levant teetering between dreams and deals

Asharq Al-Awsat, London, July 13

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In recent days, a swirl of speculation has emerged around a new Middle Eastern concoction, reportedly involving Syria relinquishing the Golan Heights to Israel in exchange for compensation on the Lebanese coast.

Public reactions from Lebanese factions have, unsurprisingly, been loud and condemnatory. Yet anyone attuned to regional power dynamics, and the extent of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahus grip on Washingtons Middle East agenda, should regard this development with the seriousness it demands. The release of this politically cooked news coincides not only with Israel tightening its control over Iranian airspace and escalating its strikes inside Iranian territory, but also with the deepening convergence of quiet strategic understandings among Washington, Tel Aviv, and Ankara.

This realignment is taking shape amid a series of unresolved crises in the region, from the Kurdish question to the remnants of the Palestinian issue. Some observers now believe that the Washington-Tel Aviv axis has recalibrated its approach to the sectarian complexities of the Arab Levant. This shift, at least for now, emerged after the transition from the Obama and Biden administrations to that of Donald Trump.

The irony, of course, lies in the fact that it was the right-wing factions, the US Republican Party and Israels Likud, that initially championed political Shiism in the region before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Back then, Americas neoconservative movement, intimately connected to the Israeli Right, was at the helm, steering US foreign policy through key advisers in the White House and civilian operatives within the Pentagon under president George W. Bush.

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It was a time when the US was grappling with the trauma of the September 11 attacks, a moment the neoconservatives seized upon to justify the occupation of Iraq, eventually delivering it into Irans orbit. US civil administrator Paul Bremer even proudly proclaimed that his administration had ended a thousand years of Sunni rule in Iraq.

From 2003 to the present, much has changed. Initially, despite their rhetorical support for the Arab Spring, Democrats, along with the Israeli establishment, refused to back the Syrian uprising against Bashar al-Assad. They later remained largely silent as Iran intervened militarily to shore up the Assad regime.

Meanwhile, Democratic leadership placed its hopes in the Iran nuclear agreement, reached after secret negotiations in Muscat. This deal, and the Obama and Biden administrations posture toward Tehran, emboldened Iran to expand its regional influence unchecked. In contrast, Netanyahu and the Likud maintained a long-standing discomfort with Irans encroachment into the Arab world, a discomfort rooted more in strategic calculation than ideology.

The truth is that Israel has benefited more than any other country from Irans expanded role in the region. Tehrans shadow served as a convenient pretext for Arab governments to rush toward normalization with Israel, seeking protection from the very menace that bolstered Netanyahus own geopolitical standing. Israel, for its part, never took seriously the loud rhetoric of resistance regimes and their affiliated parties, so long as the borders remained calm, and the potential for territorial expansion remained open.

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In many ways, the events of Oct. 7, 2023, in Gaza echoed the seismic effect of 9/11. That day triggered a fundamental shift in how regional alliances were approached and reordered the strategic priorities of key actors. While the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is undeniable, the more ominous signal may have been Netanyahus explicit vow to change the Middle East. In Donald Trump, he found a willing partner, an ideal collaborator to redraw the regional map on the rubble of political entities theyve long viewed as irrelevant, and at the expense of populations that have never figured meaningfully into their calculations.

The palestinian future, bleak as it has often been, has not appeared this hopeless since 1948. As for Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq  nations whose borders were carved out by Sykes-Picot and cemented by the Balfour Declaration  they now face the possibility of a new chapter in which Turkey emerges as the regions second most dominant power, behind Israel.

Within Lebanon, extremist non-Sunni sectarian factions would, by all indications, be willing to forfeit more than half of the countrys Sunni population if it meant securing border and governmental guarantees for Christians and Shiites from Washington and Tel Aviv. A sizable number of Lebanese Christians have already abandoned the concept of Greater Lebanon, which was formalized in 1920 and incorporated many of these northern Sunni areas. Similarly, Shiite hardliners may well welcome a new demographic balance that diminishes the Sunni presence and tips the scales in their favor.

As for Syria, the possibility now exists for a reconfigured national makeup, one that bolsters the Sunni majority while addressing the longstanding grievances of Alawite, Christian, Druze, and Kurdish minorities, perhaps through a US-Turkish arrangement. In parallel, developments in the Kurdish sphere, spanning the Syrian-Iraqi border, suggest that major deals and radical shifts are already underway. But do the dream scenarios align with the actual details of these high-stakes negotiations? Or are we simply wandering once more through the familiar maze of trial and error?  Eyad Abu Shakra

Collapse to resilience: Lebanons last chance for development

An-Nahar, Lebanon, July 12

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Lebanon stands at a perilous crossroads. After six years of relentless crisis that has eviscerated its currency, hollowed out its institutions, and shattered public confidence, the countrys social and economic foundations are not merely crumbling  they lie in ruins. With over 80% of the population living in multidimensional poverty, public services on life support, and an informal economy spiraling beyond control, the path to recovery is not just arduous; it is almost impossible.

Yet even amid this bleak landscape, a sliver of hope remains. If Lebanon is to escape the trap of fragility and stagnation, it must commit to a bold new development model, one rooted in inclusion, resilience, and reimagined governance. This is not a plea for incremental reform. It is a demand for structural transformation.

The convergence of a catastrophic financial collapse, the reverberations of the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastation of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and a persistent political vacuum have dragged Lebanons GDP from $52 billion in 2019 to under $18 billion by 2023. Public revenues, which once constituted 21% of GDP, have plunged to 6.3%, leaving the state incapable of delivering even the most basic services. Meanwhile, the informal sector has surged, now accounting for over 62% of total employment.

Workers in this shadow economy  construction laborers, domestic workers, freelance teachers, shopkeepers, and microbusiness owners  endure precarious conditions, with no health coverage, job security, or social protections. Many earn less than $200 a month. More than half lack formal contracts. Women, refugees, and migrant workers bear the brunt, left most vulnerable to poverty, violence, and exploitation.

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This explosion of informal work is not merely a social crisis; it is an economic ticking time bomb. Lebanon forfeits an estimated 4.8% of its GDP each year in lost tax revenues from the informal sector, a shortfall that deepens fiscal collapse and further erodes citizen trust. Worse still, informal work entrenches inequality, stifles productivity, and paralyzes the countrys capacity to withstand future shocks.

The 2023 UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Development Challenges report presents an equally grim portrait. Lebanon ranks among the worst in the region across three critical dimensions: human development, environmental sustainability, and governance. It now sits in the bottom quartile of ESCWAs newly developed Economic Resilience Index, which gauges industrial sophistication, financial stability, and capacity for recovery.

On debt sustainability, Lebanon ranks 121st out of 122 countries surveyed  an indictment of its broken political economy and sovereign default. Yet perhaps most alarming is the sharp rise in inequality. Between 2010 and 2021, Lebanons development inequality index deteriorated more rapidly than in nearly any other Arab country. This is not a statistical anomaly  it reflects a society riven by widening income gaps, regional disparities, and inequitable access to healthcare, education, and opportunity. The crisis is made even more severe by the states inadequate and often delayed response. While social safety nets have been expanded on paper, they remain drastically underfunded.

Programs such as the Emergency Social Safety Net and the National Poverty Targeting Program have reached only a fraction of those in need and suffer from bureaucratic delays, missing data, and institutional fragility. Worse, the governments crisis response has been marred by mistrust, exclusion, and opacity. Instead of engaging local communities, trade unions, or informal sector actors, the state has doubled down on ad hoc cash transfers, inefficient subsidies, and murky disbursements of foreign aid, exacerbating frustration rather than building resilience.

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Lebanon's road to recovery must begin with a paradigm shift: recognizing the informal sector not as a temporary coping strategy but as a permanent, vital component of the economy. Formalization is not about squeezing more taxes out of the vulnerable; it is about offering pathways to dignity, stability, and shared prosperity.

Policy solutions are not a mystery. Simplified business registration, one-stop administrative centers, digital identity and payment systems, and targeted tax incentives have proven effective in countries from Indonesia to Mexico. Lebanon must adapt and implement these tools, especially for micro and small enterprises, which make up 96% of the business landscape.

Simultaneously, the country must build a national social registry  a data-driven platform for delivering transparent, targeted, and responsive support to the most vulnerable.

Without such an infrastructure, any attempt at recovery will be doomed from the outset. The cornerstone of reform must be governance. This means restoring judicial independence, empowering anticorruption bodies, and insulating the public administration from political meddling. It also means reorienting economic policy away from rent-seeking and toward value creation.

Lebanon still has assets: human capital, entrepreneurial energy, and a dynamic diaspora willing to help. But time is running out. Every delay worsens inequality, pushes more young people to emigrate, and expands the space for black markets and illicit networks.

The longer Lebanon waits, the greater the likelihood it slides into full state failure along the Mediterranean. Recovery begins by confronting a painful truth: Lebanon cannot return to the old normal. A new social contract must emerge, one that places the dignity of labor, the universality of social protection, and the integrity of public institutions at its core. This is not utopia. It is the bare minimum for survival.  Diane Samer Al-Labban

The erosion of justice in Iraq

Al Mada, Iraq, July 15

We are living through an election season that feels more like a war, with over 8,000 candidates battling for seats in the House of Representatives. At the same time, activists are arrested simply for demanding the most basic ideals of a functioning state  social justice, public services, and human dignity.

But these are not things citizens are supposed to ask for; what is expected of them is to offer endless praise to politicians and to thank God for the privilege of their presence in our lives. Amid this theater, news broke of the demolition of the grave of Safaa Al Sarai, one of the most iconic figures of the October protests, whose skull was shattered by a so-called government tear gas canister.

Rather than consoling his family, the ruling parties emerged with grotesque accusations, branding him a foreign agent and a saboteur. Days ago, a preacher opened his sermon by cursing October and those who dared to participate in it. He openly wished for the destruction of the graves of all Octobers martyrs, and it began with Safaa Al Sarai.

There are clearly those who take pleasure in haunting the dead, persecuting martyrs even after burial. Political parties, in coordination with state institutions, deployed every form of violence  from live bullets to tear gas  because the youth of October dared to run a red light on Iraqs sham road to democracy. Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi could not even tolerate criticism, declaring openly that the demonstrators want destruction.

But the most dangerous development Iraq has witnessed in the past 22 years is the erosion of the very notion of justice. Millions of Iraqis live in poverty, while a privileged few gorge on power and wealth. When photos of Safais vandalized grave circulated on social media, not a single member of parliament, not even those who climbed to power on the backs of the Tishreen movement, voiced outrage or condemnation. No one flinched.

Worse still, we seem to have developed a collective deafness to such disgraceful acts. We are a people whose conscience is numb, whose emotions have been stripped of compassion. We have accepted the role of spectators. Some of us are even fully immersed in the sectarian spectacle, while newspapers and satellite channels distract us with the empty dramas of counterfeit politicians.

I have written from this very place about governments that honor their people and cherish the value of life. Never did I imagine that there were political forces so depraved they would desecrate graves. Yet here we are, all complicit through silence, through apathy, through our willingness to shrug off injustice as someone elses problem. As long as the crime is not at our doorstep, we feel safe. But what happened to Safaa Al Sarais grave should fill every one of us with shame. We stood by and watched our collective tragedy unfold, refusing to speak even the smallest word in protest, despite knowing that speech is, at times, the last defense against evil.

 Ali Hussein

Translated by Asaf Zilberfarb. All assertions, opinions, facts, and information presented in these articles are the sole responsibility of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of The Media Line, which assumes no responsibility for their content.
Its begun.

West Richland is overhauling Highway 224  aka West Van Giesen Street  into a proper gateway into a fast-growing city.

The $33.7 million project, funded by gas taxes, will modernize a 3.5-mile stretch of highway with five roundabouts, pedestrian and bicycle amenities and bus turnouts.

Highway 224/West Van Giesen Street carries traffic through the heart of the city, past its fast-growing neighborhoods and to the Interstate 82 interchange in Benton City.

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Officials say the overhaul will improve connections, tame traffic and attract the commercial development it needs to beef up its property tax base.

It really is a big deal for West Richland. Its been a long time coming, said Roscoe Slade III, West Richlands public works director.

Apollo Inc., the contractor, is already at work. City and state officials will gather for a kick off celebration at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 24, at the police station, 7920 W. Van Giesen St.

Work is expected to take about 18 months.

An earlier project extended utilities to vacant lots along the way.

The $2 million investment from the Benton County Rural Capital fund means future developers wont have to rip up the new roadway to access utilities.

Housing off Paradise Way near Van Giesen Street in West Richland with Red Mountain in the background

Interchange dreams dashed

Officially known as the Red Mountain Vicinity Improvements Project, the corridor project began as a very different plan.

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West Richland initially wanted its own interchange at Interstate 82 and Red Mountain.

State officials concurred and the $30 million project was included in a list of transportation projects funded by lawmakers in 2015.

Tthe intersection of West Van Giesen Street and Belmont Boulevard in West Ricland. is one of five along the road, also known as Highway 224, scheduled for a traffic roundabout installation.

The interchange plan collapsed in 2019 when federal highway officials said there wasnt enough traffic on I-82 in Benton County to warrant a new interchange. Economic development interests dont factor into exit-making decisions.

The city pivoted, transferring its focus to improving Highway 224.

The intersection of West Van Giesen Street and Paradise Way in West Richland is one of five along the road, also known as Highway 224, scheduled for a traffic roundabout installation.

The state signed off in 2020, but progress slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Slade said the roundabout project will deliver similar economic development benefits to West Richland that the exit promised: Modernizing the highway/West Van Giesen will enable denser development and improve mobility.

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But, he noted, the Red Mountain interchange could happen in the future. The project was shelved, not killed.

If or when highway officials become more amenable, West Richland will be ready.

Well take another run at it, he said.

11.9-cent fuel tax

The corridor work is primarily funded by the Connecting Washington, the 16-year, $16 billion transportation package approved by lawmakers in 2015.

Tri-Cities lawmakers were mixed on the mechanism to fund it all  raising gas taxes by 11.9 cents a gallon, starting in 2016.

West Van Giesen Street in West Richland also known as Highway 224, with Flat Top hill at right.

Then Reps. Brad Klippert and Larry Haler voted against it. Then-Sen. Sharon Brown voted in favor, saying it was necessary to ensure Tri-Cities projects made the cut.

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West Richland is receiving the largest local award from Connecting Washington to date  $32.2 million for the roundabout project.

The balance is coming from the federal government ($960,000), the city ($450,000) and Benton County ($91,500).

Connecting Washington dollars paid for Benton Citys $4.5 million roundabout built in 2016.

The same gas tax plan also covered $20 million of Richlands $35.7 million Duportail Bridge across the Yakima River, $24.4 million of Pascos Lewis Street Overpass across the rail yard, and $15 million of Kennewicks Ridgeline Underpass at Highway 395.

Road sign on Highway 224 near the intersection on Belmont Boulevard in West Richland.

Small but growing

West Richland, population 18,430, is home to a small but growing share of the Tri-Cities population.

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It represents 5.7% of the 322,000 residents of Benton and Franklin counties, a two-tenths boost in just two years.

Some of the regions largest residential developments are happening along Highway 224.

Road sign on Highway 224 near the intersection on Keene Road indicates the West Richland city boundary.

The Heights at Red Mountain Ranch, now 75% developed, includes 558 homes and 226 apartments near Ruppert Road.

The city recently gave plat approval to the Bluffs, a 104-acre property that will feature 406 homes near The Heights.

Both pale in comparison to the 7,600-acre Lewis & Clark Ranch, owned by Frank Tiegs LLC.

The ranch accounts for half the citys land area and could add up to 100,000 residents as it develops over the next 20 to 100 years.

The city will settle on the best option by the end of the year.

West Richland will post updates about traffic and other impacts on its website and social media channels. Follow it on Facebook.
In the weeks following the Trump administrations announcement that the U.S. would impose tariffs on imports from Canada, along with comments referring to the country as the possible 51st state, the number of people traveling between the two countries fell sharply.

While the full impacts remain to be seen, Washington and British Columbia have longstanding economic ties. In the past, around a quarter of the provinces international visitors have come from the Evergreen State, according to tourism promotion agency Destination British Columbia. In Whatcom County, nearly 12% of taxable retail purchases in a given year are made by Canadians, according to previous reporting in The Herald.

Whatcom County stands to lose millions as U.S.-Canada trade war intensifies

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But has cross-border travel recovered after the initial shock of the tariffs wore off, or has it worsened as the trade war continues to escalate?

Heres what the most recent numbers say.

WA-BC border crossings remain low

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics maintains an online dashboard of cross-border travel statistics.

According to the dashboard, which is updated through May of 2025, 354,133 car passengers entered the U.S. in May through Blaines two border crossings, the busiest in Washington.

Thats roughly on par with the totals from February, March and April, each of which fell between 329,000 and 375,000.

But Mays total still represents a 35% drop-off from the 544,628 passengers who crossed the border in Blaine across the same month last year. According to BTS data, the gap between Blaine border crossings in 2024 and in 2025 has widened each month, from 14.1% in February to 31.3% in March and 33.5% in April.

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Canada, we miss you. Bellingham leaders invite favorite cousin for a visit

The feeling was of friendship: Blaine border rallies meant to ease U.S.-Canada tensions

Canadas border crossing data dashboard, which is updated through April of 2025, indicates the bulk of that is from a drop-off in the number of Canadians visiting the U.S.

In April, 261,529 U.S. residents crossed the border into British Columbia by land, along with 294,978 Canadians returning from the U.S. The previous April, those numbers stood at 265,977 and 575,783, respectively. That suggests theres been a 1.7% drop in Americans visiting British Columbia, compared to a 49.8% fall in Canadians making the trip the other way.

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Like U.S. data, Canadas border statistics suggest the year-to-year drop-off has grown with each month. March saw a 41% reduction in Canadians crossing back over the border into British Columbia, but just a 5.3% drop in travelers from the U.S. In February, those numbers stood at 29.7% and 4.3%.

Most recent U.S.-Canada border crossing data

The Whatcom Council of Governments maintains a dashboard of border crossing data  supplied by the Cascade Gateway Border Data Warehouse  that runs through June. It indicates that the number of cars entering the U.S. through the Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden and Sumas crossings increased in June for the second month in a row.

The drop-off from the previous year, which stood at 31% in June, had also shrunk for two straight months from a peak of 36% in April.

However, theres some indication that trend has started to reverse.

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While the Canada Border Services Agency declined to provide regional data for July, it sent The Herald its national border-crossing numbers through the week ending July 12. According to CBSA, 34.7% fewer Canadians crossed into the U.S. by land the week ending July 12, compared to the same time last year. A week earlier, that number stood at 35.8%.

In June, meanwhile, that figure was between 27.8% and 32.9% each week.

Border crossings the other way remain relatively steady. The number of U.S. citizens crossing into Canada by land was down 4.1% year-to-year the week ending July 12 and 12.1% the week ending July 5.

Across June, each week saw between 6.9% and 11.1% fewer U.S. residents crossing into Canada than the corresponding week last year.
The Wall Street Journal signaled it wont flinch in reaction to Donald Trumps libel lawsuit over the papers bombshell reporting on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, vowing in a statement Friday to vigorously defend itself in court.

We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit, the Rupert Murdoch-owned Journal said in a statement.

More from TheWrap

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On Thursday WSJ reported on previously unrevealed details about Trumps long-documented friendship with Epstein, publishing the content of a note the president wrote for Epsteins 50th birthday in 2003. Consisting of several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, which appears to be hand-drawn with a heavy marker, Trumps message included an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein, which according to WSJ was as follows

One section of the note, according to the WSJ, included the following lines:

Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.

Jeffrey: Yes, we do, come to think of it.

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Donald: Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?

The message ended with, may every day be another wonderful secret.

Trump filed his $10 billion lawsuit on Friday.

Trump and Epstein were friends for at least 15 years, at one point telling New York magazine in 2002, Ive known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy. 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. No doubt about it  Jeffrey enjoys his social life.

The Wall Street Journals statement comes in stark contrast to other major media outlets of late. Disney paid Trump $15 million in late 2024 to settle a lawsuit over ABCs George Stephanopoulos saying the president was liable for rape in the lawsuit filed bu E. Jean Carroll. Technically, Trump was found liable for sexual abuse, which carries a different definition in New York, where the E. Jean Carroll trial took place. Nevertheless, experts by and large assert Trumps lawsuit would have failed.

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And just 2 weeks ago, Paramount announced a $16 million settlement with Trump to settle his lawsuit against the company, based on the baseless claim that a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris had been deceptively edited.

The post Wall Street Journal Asserts Full Confidence in Trump-Epstein Report, Vows to Vigorously Fight Libel Lawsuit appeared first on TheWrap.
From closed-door conferences in Paris to policy summits in Madrid and Warsaw, US-style nationalism, championed by Donald Trumps allies, is gaining ground in Europe  raising urgent questions about the future of democracy on both sides of the Atlantic.

On 26 May, the Heritage Foundation, the influential United States conservative think tank, chose Paris as its platform to speak to Europe.

Kevin Roberts, the foundations president, delivered a keynote address at a closed-door gathering of European nationalists and conservatives, stressing unity against "globalist institutions" and a desire for sovereign cooperation over centralised governance.

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One day later, the US State Department's Substack channel published an article by Samuel D. Samson, "Senior Advisor for the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor", entitled The Need for Civilizational Allies in Europe.

The article argues that the USEurope alliance must be rooted in shared Western values such as natural law and national sovereignty. It warns that "rising censorship and political repression" in Europe risk "eroding democracy," thus weakening this vital partnership.

For those tracking transatlantic conservative networks, this was just the latest sign of a deepening alliance.

In February, in Madrid, key members of the European Parliament's far-right Patriots for Europe coalition, including Spains Vox party, the Netherlands PVV, Frances National Rally, and Hungarys ruling Fidesz party, met to consolidate their agenda.

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Viktor Orban, Hungarys prime minister, took centre stage, urging true Europeans to reject the Brussels elite in favour of a new, sovereign-focused Union.

National Rally host far-right leaders at 'Patriots for Europe' event

Behind the scenes of these gatherings lie two quietly influential institutions: the Ordi Iuris Institute for Legal Culture in Poland, and the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) in Budapest.

Both are close collaborators of the Heritage Foundation, sharing strategy, ideology and, according to critics, a vision for dismantling liberal democratic safeguards in favour of nationalist governance.

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These institutions are strongly inspired by Heritages "Presidential Transition Project 2025, a Mandate for Leadership  a comprehensive blueprint for a second Trump presidency.

Can Europe withstand the ripple effect of the MAGA political wave?

The European outlets followed their own policy manifestos aimed at reshaping the European Union. They argue not for reform, but for a structural reinvention of the EU, one that re-empowers nation-states and neuters the authority of central bodies such as the European Commission.

"We diagnosed the European Union as a failed organisation," said Zbigniew Przybylowski, development director at Ordo Iuris.

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"It has promised to deliver number one status in economics ... and it failed. This is not by accident, it is because of how the European Union functions, and we want to fix it," he told RFI.

That fix takes the form of a sweeping plan: eliminate the Commission, empower the European Council, and reframe Europe as a consortium of sovereign, competitive states  "a new beginning according to Rodrigo Ballester of the MCC.

You may say we want to create a tabula rasa, he says. Weve presented this report in Washington, Madrid, Budapest and Brussels. And it hit a nerve, because its the first coherent alternative to the European consensus since Maastricht.

But critics see more than just policy realignments.

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US Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, argues that Trumps ideological ties to European strongmen reveal a deeper ambition: to emulate Orbans quasi-autocratic model at home.

Its an open secret that Trumps political infrastructure has been working with Viktor Orbans political infrastructure and other enemies of democracy in and around Europe, Murphy warned. Hes copying what they have done.

US - Europe partnership must remain strong, says visiting US Senator

And that influence goes both ways. According to Kenneth Haar, a campaigner with Corporate Europe Observatory: The Heritage Foundation spearheaded Project 2025 to prepare the first 100 days of a Trump presidency. What were seeing in Europe now  joint reports, lobbying efforts in Brussels, an anti-centralisation crusade  you can trace it back to the same playbook.

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Indeed, Ordo Iuris organised a major international summit in Warsaw last autumn, bringing together conservative figures from across Europe and the United States. Heritage took a prominent seat.

They have a choice of calling us Putin agents or Trump agents, Przybylowski says. But these carry no meaning. What we want is a discussion about our countries falling... We want to restore healthy competition and dismantle technocratic over-reach.

While the goals may seem rooted in ideology, the tactics reveal a pragmatic, coalitionist approach.

MCC and Ordo Iuris both emphasise their preference for national sovereignty, democratic mandates, and bottom-up governance  and their hostility to what Przybylowski of Ordo Iuris describes as a Soviet Union II, referring to what they perceive as EU centralisation.

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Trump says EU, Mexico to face 30 percent tariff from 1 August

Great Reset

In 2024, MCC and Ordo Iuris jointly published "The Great Reset", a 41-page report calling for sweeping EU reforms to restore national sovereignty and curb Brussels power.

Alarmed by 267 proposed treaty amendments, the report advocates limiting EU competences, reinstating unanimity voting, elevating national leaders over supranational bodies and allowing member states greater autonomy through a la carte integration".

It proposes either a major institutional rebalancing or, failing that, the replacement of the EU with a looser alliance of nations. Critics argue the plan threatens democracy, minority rights and the stability of European integration.

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This overlapping of American and European radical-right networks raises concerns. They are active players in everyday politics," Haar told RFI. "They push anti-LGBT and anti-abortion sentiment not only in their own countries, but at the European level too."

He added that Ordo Iuris was instrumental in limiting the right to abortion in Poland a few years ago. "They do that through work in the courts and they do that through political connections," he said.

Critics such as Haar fear that for these organisations, democracy is a means to power, not necessarily a principle.

As Murphy puts it: Trump doesnt want American democracy to persevere. He wants to transition America ... and he's learned from people like Viktor Orban and Erdogan who have engaged in that transition.

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Polands border clampdown highlights EU tensions as leaders gather in London

Yet MCC's Ballester counters that his project is neither anti-European nor anti-democratic, but rather corrective. He sees Brussels as dominated by a dogmatic culture, resistant to criticism.

Too many see the EU as a cult, he said. Any criticism is treated like blasphemy.

Whether one views these initiatives as a long-overdue radical rethink or as a Trojan horse for democratic backsliding, it is clear that the MAGA movement's nationalist template is being eagerly adopted and adapted across Europe.

The result could be a continent less interested in integration and more committed to divergence  one where the language of sovereignty increasingly trumps solidarity.
New York Citys leading mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, is raising eyebrows once again for appearing to suggest prisons are not important in a recently resurfaced video.

Mamdani, a New York state assemblyman and the Democratic nominee for mayor, made the comments in a 2020 interview while running for state office.

Asked whether he thought prisons were obsolete, Mamdani responded, "I think that frankly  I mean  what purpose do they serve? I think that we have to ask ourselves that."

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Mamdani Sparks Firestorm With Resurfaced Comment On Abolishing Private Property: 'He's A Communist'

The Democratic mayoral candidate added, "I think a lot of people who defend the carceral state, they defend the idea of it and the way it makes them feel. Theyre not defending the reality of it and the practices that are part and parcel of it.

"Because if you actually break it down and ask people how many people come out of the prison system better than they went into the prison system, how much harm is actually being prevented versus created, I think when you ask these kinds of questions, people dont always have clear answers."

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Mamdani added that, when discussing the prison system, "What they always want to pivot to is, What are you going to do about murderers? What are you going to do about rapists?'

Democrats Hit Rock Bottom As Party Plummets To All-time Low: Poll

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani attends the 2025 New York City Pride March June 29, 2025, in New York City.

"Sometimes you have to ask them, What are you doing about them right now?" he added. "We need a system of justice that will repair the harm that has been caused and address it in a serious way because right now we dont have it, and it makes everyone more unsafe."

Mamdani also claimed "the power of the executive is almost limitless here in New York State" and criticized then-New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo for refusing to "let people out and letting people go home."

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Mamdani, who has promised to overhaul New York City and launch massive new government programs, has been endorsed by progressive politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

New York Leaders Reportedly Hesitant To Endorse Zohran Mamdani For Mayor

New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.

As the Democratic nominee in heavily blue New York City, Mamdani is the likely frontrunner to unseat the current mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, who is running for re-election as an independent. Mamdani is also facing off against Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and activist Curtis Sliwa, who is the Republican Party nominee.

Mamdani is seen by many as a controversial candidate, partially due to his socialist policy proposals and heavy criticism of the state of Israel. He has declined to say whether Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state and initially refused to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." However, he recently began distancing himself from the phrase.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the Mamdani campaign but did not receive a response.





Original article source: WATCH: Socialist NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani on abolishing prisons: What purpose do they serve?
Uttar Pradesh Police arrested a school van driver for allegedly sexually assaulting a four year old girl student. The accused has been identified as Mohd Arif. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) East Shashank Singh stated that two teams had been formed to investigate the matter. "On 17th July 2025, a complainant informed the Police Station that her 4-year-old daughter studies in a school and the driver of the van in which she goes to school, Mohd Arif, did this to her. Taking cognisance of this, an FIR was registered and two teams were formed to investigate the matter. Mohd Arif has been arrested. The complainant also says that she complained to the school manager too but nothing was done. These angles are being investigated and further action is being taken," DCP Singh told ANI. The mother of the child alleged that the school had not taken any action despite she having registered a complaint with the school principal. "The school had provided me with the van... My child complained of pain in her private parts... On examination, I found that she had suffered an injury. I complained to the principal, who said she would talk about it. When I took the child to the doctor, the doctor said that whatever the child had said was done to her and something was inserted in her private parts. The school said that complaining would ruin the child's future and the school's reputation, after which they suggested of collectively complaining about the driver... I waited for two days but no action was taken by the school and the driver called again to pick the child for school. When we confronted him, he harassed us in front of the school and made casteist remarks. We were threatened with abduction, even the school also asked us not to complain. I have all the proof. Police has registered an FIR and a medical test of my child was conducted," she said. In another incident, Uttar Pradesh Police on July 15 arrested an accused in a shooting incident in Jagdish Pura, Agra, after an encounter. The accused was injured in the retaliatory fire of the police team and sent to treatment, the police said. The accused was identified as Tushar. When the police team went to arrest him in Bichpuri Pathwari canal link road in the early morning after getting a tip off, he and his accomplice fired on the team. In the retaliatory fire of the police, Tushar got injured in his leg. Two of his accomplices, however, fled from the spot, said the police. "Information was received that the prime accused of a shooting incident, Tushar, was present near the Bichpuri Pathwari canal link road... On reaching the spot, the accused fired on the police team, and he got injured when the police fired in self-defence," Syed Areeb Ahmed, Agra ACP, told ANI. "Two of his accomplices fled from the spot, and the accused was sent to the hospital for treatment. Necessary legal action is being taken," he added. (ANI)
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)- The Rockbridge County Courthouse will remain closed to the public until further notice due damage caused by a water leak.

Courthouse staff will be available through telephone and email communication, according to a public notice from county administrator Spencer Suter.

The courts will operate in alternative locations:

Circuit Court will be held in the Buena Vista Courthouse, 2039 Sycamore Ave, Buena Vista

General District Court will be held in the Rockbridge County Administration building, in the first-floor Board meeting room, 150 S Main Street, Lexington

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Count  Location to be determined and announced

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Flooding prompted evacuations in Dante area of Russell Co.

The water damage occurred July 12, when a sprinkler head activated on the third floor, wrote Suter. The Lexington Fire Department responded, determined there was no fire, and deactivated the water flow. However, the event caused significant damage to all three floors- mainly to the public areas of the courthouse.

Contractors were brought in to to begin the remediation process, using fans and dehumidifiers.

Remediation and reconstruction from this point forward will be conducted in stages, with the first goal of bringing the building back into pseudo-normal public use by utilizing the courtrooms and providing public access to staff and records, wrote Suter.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
CHICAGO  Public radio and television stations will lose some of their funding after Congress passed President Donald Trumps request to cut $1.1 billion in public broadcasting spending.

Congress already committed the funding to public TV and radio stations over the course of the next two years. The Trump administration is employing a rarely used tool that allows the president to request the cancellation of previously approved funding.

The Senate approved the vast majority of Trumps request in the early morning hours Thursday, 5148. The House followed suit early Friday, 216213. The measure now goes to the president to be signed into law.

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The decision to cut back on federal assistance for public broadcasting is going to be a reduction in opportunities to have more information, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) said. Now the question is: what is the future?

Sen. Durbin spoke out against the cuts at WBEZs Navy Pier office.

As difficult as this period has been, we are not going to waver in our mission, which is to deliver independent, local journalism that we think is really important for our democracy, Cynthia Photos Abbott, Chief Legal Officer of Chicago Public Media, said.

WBEZ says it will lose 6% of its funding. When logging onto its website, a message currently pops up asking listeners to help make up the $3 million shortfall.

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Heather Norman, president of the Illinois Public Broadcasting Council, runs a public radio station in rural Macomb, Illinois, which will lose 17% of its budget.

How are we going to adjust for that 17% loss? Our population base cannot necessarily pick it up. Thats a heavy lift, Norman said.

Other Illinois stations will lose even more  up to 50%. Norman says those communities will likely see more consolidation and less local coverage as a result.

This is a huge disruption. And the public media that you knew yesterday will not be the public media that you know tomorrow, she said.

Tim Franklin, director of the Local News Initiative at Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism, cites estimates that between 40 and 80 local public radio stations across the country could shut down.

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Theres research that shows that in what we call news desert communities, the impacts are huge, Franklin said. Theres a loss of civic participation. Turnout in local elections goes down. The number of candidates running for local office goes down. Government spending goes up.

To justify the spending cuts, the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers say public media is politically biased and an unnecessary expense.

This is legislation that is going to result in cuts in small rural communities, many of them Republican-controlled and Republican-dominated, Franklin 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 WGN-TV.
A community had to make adjustments during a block party on Saturday as strong storms moved through the area.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Dozens of people lined the streets of Tipp City for a block party honoring Monroe Federal Banks 150th anniversary.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The Downtown Tipp City Partnership (DTCP) worked with the bank to host the celebration.

Were proud to celebrate this milestone with Monroe Federal and bring people together for a full day of fun, DTCP Executive Director Tasha Weaver said. Its more than a partyits a thank-you to the community for supporting both Monroe Federal and downtown Tipp City all these years.

The party had several family-friendly activities, including live performances, inflatables, music bingo, and more.

However, storms moving through the area caused some of the live band performances to be delayed.

Kids who attended the block party told News Center 7s Malik Patterson that they had fun with all the activities.

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Zipline was more fun. Like, once you hit the end, you just, like, jolted, like, all the way up, one kid said.

The block party will continue until 8 p.m. Saturday.

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Even with his years of experience and the technology at his disposal, meteorologist Don Big Weather Schwenneker says it can be challenging to accurately forecast severe weather. But when a storm or hurricane hits North Carolina, bringing major flooding or damaging winds, a certain number of his ABC11 viewers will react in a way thats become entirely predictable.

This is unnatural, theyll say. Or, No way this isnt man-made.

They arent talking about the long-term effects of mans use of fossil fuels or other activities scientists say have warmed the Earth and changed its weather patterns over the past two centuries.

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Theyre conspiracy theories, Schwenneker says, pointing to notions typically shared through social media by those who believe malevolent forces are working inside  or along with  government to weaponize the weather, creating or steering dangerous systems for nefarious purposes.

Theories circulating now hold that those agents have used cloud-seeding, chem-trails, high-resolution weather radar or radio frequency emissions to cause the July 4 floods blamed for at least 135 deaths in the Texas Hill Country; the above-average rainfall parts of North Carolina have seen in July, including the downpours from Tropical Storm Chantal on July 6 that caused severe flooding and at least six deaths; and flooding and landslides that killed at least 108 people in the N.C. mountains following torrential rains from the remnants of Hurricane Helene last September.

Some experts say the claims, which travel fast and can become entrenched, are far from harmless; they undermine faith in government and have inspired one group to try to destroy weather radar systems.

Workers discard thousands of dollars worth of flooded pet food and supplies at a Petco in Eastgate Crossing in Chapel Hill on Monday, July 7, 2025, after floodwaters caused by Tropical Storm Chantal surged about 5 feet inside businesses at the shopping center.

Can cloud-seeding cause floods?

Like many conspiracy theories, scientists say those around the weather may start with a real event or technology whose purpose or capability then gets embellished or misconstrued.

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Experiments with cloud-seeding began in the 1940s with researchers from General Electric trying to identify the process through which ice forms on airplane wings, according to the Desert Research Institute. The process uses airplanes, drones or ground-based systems to introduce small particles of silver iodide or other material into existing clouds to create droplets heavy enough to fall as rain or snow.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office prepared a report for Congress in December 2024 on current and emerging technologies for cloud-seeding. Some states have banned the practice.

After nearly 80 years of sporadic work, those still working in the field say cloud-seeding works only under a strict set of conditions and can increase precipitation over only a very small geographic area and by just a few percentage points over what would normally fall. That could be enough to help in cases of severe local drought, scientists say  or to clear away the clouds over the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing  but not enough to turn a passing storm into a deluge like Chantal, which dropped more than 7 inches of rain in Orange County.

The fact that a cloud-seeding operation was undertaken in Texas days before the Hill Country flooding sparked widespread claims about a connection between the two, but meteorologists and researchers who have done similar work say its not possible. The effects of the catalysts last hours, not days, they say, and the area where they would be effective is much too small.

Meteorologists at the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say the extreme rain and flooding were the result of the convergence of a tropical system that had made landfall days earlier and a second system stalled over the Gulf.

A laundromat patron wades through fast moving water that flooded Pittsboro Elementary School Road, engulfing the Laundry Land laundromat and the Leveled Up barbershop as Tropical Storm Chantal moved across the Triangle on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Numbers dont lie

Schwenneker, a meteorologist for more than 30 years, said it sometimes seems he spends half his time trying to combat conspiracy theories. He sticks to his forecasts and graphics during newscasts, but answers questions about supposed plots that come to him online. He occasionally refutes obvious falsehoods, he said, such as videos shared recently on X that claimed to show flooding in Greensboro but that werent even from North Carolina.

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NOAA tries to debunk the claims as well.

And yet, many states have passed legislation banning manipulation of the weather.

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, proposed legislation last week that would make weather modification a felony. In North Carolina, House Bill 362 introduced in March would ban intentional weather manipulation by cloud-seeding or the use of electromagnetic radio frequencies.

When people tell him cloud-seeding causes catastrophic flooding or that some human mechanism can create or steer hurricanes, Shwenneker said, I try to address these things with the numbers, because the numbers dont lie.

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It all comes down to power, he said, and not the kind that might be used to direct a disaster against political rivals or to create a national distraction.

For instance, I dont think people realize how much power is in a storm or a hurricane, he said. Its enough to power New York City for, I dont know, a couple of weeks or something. It takes about 9 power plants to power New York City for a day. As humans, we cannot generate enough power to go against the power Mother Nature can generate.

Similarly, Schwenneker said, Cloud-seeding a gigantic area would be like me jumping in the ocean and the ocean level going up. There is just so much moisture up there, we have never had the power to generate large enough amounts of precipitation to have any significant effect on it.

If theyre false, why do conspiracy theories persist?

Humans love a good story, said John Llewellyn, an associate professor at Wake Forest Universitys Department of Communication. An expert on urban legends, he was asked to testify in a 1997 Texas lawsuit in which Procter & Gamble sued Amway distributors for claiming the P&G logo was a satanic symbol.

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It was not.

But that rumor took on a life of its own, as so many others have, in part because it was so outlandish.

On the internet, where a constant firehouse of ideas compete for attention, The more bizarre the claim, the more attractive it is, in the sense of being news, Llewellyn said. Hey, I didnt know so-and-so was the spawn of Satan. And whether that is true or real or not gets lost in the cheap thrill of the counter-normal claim.

Conspiracy theories are especially alluring, Llewellyn said, if they explain something the listener is curious about and doesnt understand. Weather is complicated; even with orbiting satellites, radar, computer modeling and human expertise, the National Weather Service often admits it has low confidence in its forecasts about where summer thunderstorms will pop up in central and Eastern North Carolina and how strong they will be.

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Were dealing with the modern social-media version of searching for an answer that is consistent with my world view and my cast of heroes and villains, Llewellyn said.

What harm do conspiracy theories do?

Democracy depends in part on balancing individual rights with the greater good, and Llewellyn said conspiracy theories undermine peoples faith that their government is working for the common good.

Its the ways in which disbelief and distrust have been fomented and fed to people that should be deeply concerning, he said. Its not that the government doesnt make mistakes. It does. But the notion of a malicious government  thats a very serious matter and about as un-little-d-democratic as you can get.

I mean, if we dont at some level have the willingness and capacity to trust one another, that makes going forward a very dicey proposition.

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In May, the Washington Post reported that NOAA had warned its employees that an anti-government group was making threats against weather equipment its followers believed was being used as a weapon by the military. The group, Veterans on Patrol, also took credit earlier this month for vandalizing weather radar equipment at Oklahoma television station KWTV, the Arizona Republic reported.

There is some good that can come from believing that a force  human or otherwise  is harnessing the raw power to move oceans and beaches, to reroute rivers and dissolve mountains, Schwenneker said.

ABC11 Meteorologist Don Big Weather Schwenneker

If theyre really worried about weather manipulation, hopefully they are taking the precautions they should take: making emergency kits, figuring out evacuation routes and how they will access to power. These are things they should be doing anyway.

Whatevers causing it, its coming, and you still need to be prepared.

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NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com

This story was produced with financial support from the Hartfield Foundation and Green South Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. If you would like to help support local journalism, please consider signing up for a digital subscription, which you can do here.
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  A new spa from Bright Soul Wellness Center is opening in downtown Brazil.

Their goal is to encourage community members to refresh and reset. Their services include iv hydration therapy, wellness injections, weight loss programs, hormone therapy, facial treatments, therapeutic massage, and sauna & red-light therapy.

Owner of Bright Soul Wellness Center, Maranda McKinney, said she wants to help people be the best version of themselves.

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A mini escape if you will and kinda get away from the day-to-day stressors of life and so we wanted to provide a space right here community so you dont have to travel outside of this area to find these services we can offer them right here in our own town, said McKinney.

The Bright Soul Wellness Center Med Spa is set to open August 1st. Their sauna and massage area will open at a later date.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, has suggested that the United States and European Union countries may have no more than 18 months to prepare for a possible large-scale military conflict with China and Russia, according to the German tabloid Bild.

Source: Grynkewich during his keynote address to a meeting with representatives of military command and the defence industry in Wiesbaden, as reported by Bild and Interfax-Ukraine

Details: Grynkewich said there is a real risk of coordinated aggression by China and Russia which could lead to a simultaneous attack on Taiwan and NATO countries.

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Bild reported that he spoke about the risks posed if the dictators of China, Xi Jinping, and Russia, Vladimir Putin, are already preparing for a coordinated attack that could provoke a global conflict.

Details: Grynkewich noted that Xi Jinping may launch an offensive on Taiwan in coordination with Russian ruler Putin. Such a double strike, he believes, poses a serious challenge to the West.

Quote from Grynkewich: "The thing Xis probably going to do before he decides to go across the Taiwan Strait is give his friend Putin a call and ask him to help. That to me means both of these things could happen together. Were going to need every bit of kit and equipment and munitions that we can in order to beat that."

Details: Bild also noted that concern is growing in the German government about a potential Russian attack on one of the smaller NATO countries as early as 2027.

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A guest house in the shape of a plane would stand out anywhere in the world, but in the occupied West Bank devoid of airports, Minwer Harsha's creation helps aviation dreams take flight.

"So many kids want to come," said 27-year-old Harsha, who built the guest house in the hills of the northern West Bank, within view of the separation barrier between Israel and the Palestinian territory.

"And that's the goal: since we don't have planes or airports, people come here instead," he told AFP.

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Harsha said he designed the concrete plane himself, with a master bedroom in the cockpit and a children's bedroom in the tail.

The price tag, between 1,000 and 2,000 shekels (about $300-$600) per night, is out of reach for most Palestinians, particularly as unemployment soars due to the war in Gaza.

He has nonetheless been pleased with the reactions to his chalet, having initially faced scepticism.

"I wanted to bring something unique, something new to the area and to Palestine," Harsha said of the unit, which opened a month ago.

Since its launch, his red and white concrete plane has become a local landmark, featuring in local media and on social networks.

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Harsha said he originally wanted to place a Palestinian flag on his chalet and call it the "Palestinian Queen", but avoided such signs out of caution.

The guest house is located in the West Bank's Area C, which covers more than 60 percent of the territory and is under full Israeli control.

"I just made it look like a plane. I avoided politics entirely because of the hardships our people are going through," he said.

"We're a people who are constantly losing things -- our land, our rights, our lives."

- Using the land -

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and frequently demolishes homes it says are built without permission in the mostly rural Area C.

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Though no airport currently services the Palestinian territories, both the West Bank and Gaza once had their own terminals, in east Jerusalem and the southern Gaza city of Rafah, respectively.

Both were closed during the Second Intifada, the Palestinian uprising of the early 2000s, and what remains of east Jerusalem's airport is now isolated from the rest of the West Bank by Israel's separation barrier.

Despite difficulties and threats of demolition, Harsha believes that Palestinians can find freedom and fulfilment in projects like his.

"I encourage everyone who has land to work on it and invest in it -- with creativity and ambition," he said, flanked by his two brothers who helped him build the unit.

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Harsha himself has more plans for his land.

"After this aeroplane, we'll build a ship next year," he said.

"It will be something unique and beautiful," he said, pointing out that while many West Bank Palestinians have seen planes flying overhead, a large number of people from the landlocked territory have never seen a real ship at all.

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FAIRMONT  The West Virginia Division of Highways will shut down a residential access road in Monongah daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through July 27.

WVDOH workers will be busy trying to repair a slip on County Route 19/76, Jackson Street. The damage is related to last months Fathers Day Flood. The edge of the roadway, shoulder and supporting embankments failed as a result of heavy rains in the area. One lane of the roadway had to be closed until the repairs could be made.

The Contractors will be placing geostabilization materials to the embankment to secure it and support the road system, Earl Gaskins, District 4 Manager, said. The process will include drilling steel rods into the adjacent bedrock and securing it with concrete and steel grid. This will not only repair the damaged areas but should prevent any further movement of the affected soils in the future.

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Gaskins said the road generally has residential traffic on it, with an average daily traffic count of 30. Its the only access local residents have to their homes. Gaskins said its why they are placing an emphasis on expediting the repairs. There will be protocols in place to allow local access and accommodate emergency services during the duration of the work.

Work to repair flood damage continues in other areas.

The WVDOH have a number of projects actively working in the immediate area, Gaskins said. Our main priority is to address the major traffic related problems such as other slips caused by the Fathers Day Flooding event. There are a number of other projects not related to the flood damaged areas that can be found on our website.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  Ashley Bean Thornton is a Wacoan who has been going to a local Whataburger restaurant just about every day for over a decade. Now the fast food chain decided to give back to her.

The Whataburger public relations team decided to plan a fun surprise for Ashleys birthday on Friday. She has a legendary love for the Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit which was celebrated on this day.

Ashleys Whataburger restaurant of choice is the location at 928 S 7th Street in Waco  on the side of Interstate 35 and across from Baylor University. The PR team decorated this location with Whataburger-themed birthday decorations and donated some gifts.

But there was also one very special gift  a custom-made hyper-realistic Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit purse. Ashley now owns the only one ever made.

In addition, Ashleys friends and family  both local and from out of town  made the trip over to be a part of Friday mornings festivities!

FOX 44 News previously interviewed Ashley about what it was like to be such an avid supporter of Whataburger for such a long time. You can read our web story here.

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We at FOX 44 would like to join Ashleys friends and family, as well as local and corporate Whataburger staff, by wishing her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the latter's remarks that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was indulging in a divisive agenda, and said that the fight was against "unchecked" Muslim infiltration from across the border and not with the citizens. "We are not fighting our own people. We are fearlessly resisting the ongoing, unchecked Muslim infiltration from across the border, which has already caused an alarming demographic shift. In several districts, Hindus are now on the verge of becoming a minority in their own land," Sarma posted on X. "This is not a political narrative--it's a reality. Even the Supreme Court of India has termed such infiltration as external aggression. And yet, when we rise to defend our land, culture, and identity, you choose to politicise it," he added. Rejecting allegations of the BJP indulging in a "divisive agenda", Sarma said that all languages and communities coexist in Assam. Still, it was essential to protect the borders and cultural foundation. "We do not divide people by language or religion. Assamese, Bangla, Bodo, Hindi--all languages and communities have coexisted here. But no civilisation can survive if it refuses to protect its borders and its cultural foundation," he added. Intensifying his attack against the West Bengal CM, Sarma accused Banerjee of compromising with Bengal's future by encouraging illegal encroachment by a particular community and appeasing them for the votebank. "While we are acting decisively to preserve Assam's identity, you, Didi, have compromised Bengal's future--encouraging illegal encroachment by a particular community, appeasing one religious community for vote banks, and remaining silent as border infiltration eats away at national integrity--all just to stay in power," the Assam CM said. "Assam will continue to fight to preserve its heritage, its dignity, and its people--with courage and constitutional clarity," he added. Earlier in the day, Banerjee condemned what she described as a "divisive agenda" being pursued by the BJP in Assam, accusing the ruling party of persecuting Bengali-speaking citizens for asserting their linguistic identity. In a sharply worded statement on X, Mamata said, "The second most spoken language in the country, Bangla, is also the second most spoken language of Assam. To threaten citizens who want to coexist peacefully, respecting all languages and religions, with persecution for upholding their own mother tongue is discriminatory and unconstitutional. This divisive agenda of the BJP in Assam has crossed all limits, and people of Assam will fight back." She added her support for those standing up for their linguistic and cultural identity. "I stand with every fearless citizen who is fighting for the dignity of their language and identity, and their democratic rights," she said. This came after the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) affiliated workers' union, the Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress (INTTUC), staged a protest march against the National Register of Citizens(NRC) in Siliguri, condemning the alleged harassment and pushback of migrant Bengali-speaking individuals from several BJP-ruled states. (ANI)
These are preventable deaths. But the first step towards stopping them is accepting the possibility. pigphoto via Getty Images

Every summer, there are news stories about the deaths of children left behind in hot cars. In 2019, Juan Rodriguez, a New York social worker, dropped his 4-year-old at day care and went to work at a hospital, leaving his year-old twins behind in the back of the car. They died from heatstroke.

I blanked out, Rodriguez later told the police about what had happened to his twins. I killed my babies. He told authorities he thought he had dropped the twins off at day care, prosecutors said.

When you read these nightmarish cases of parents who accidentally forget their children in cars, you may think, But I wouldnt forget them. But the hard reality is that each of us is susceptible to memory lapses that can become fatal distractions.

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Between 1998 and 2025, at least 1,025 children in the U.S. died due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke, according to meteorologist Jan Null, who founded noheatstroke.org and compiles annual datasets cited by the National Safety Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Just this July, a 5-year-old boy died after being found in a hot car in San Antonio, Texas. As of this July, 15 children in the U.S. had been reported dead by pediatric vehicular heatstroke this year, Null reports. In 2024, there were 39.

Heatstroke can set in when your body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), and thats when your bodys cooling system shuts down. Inside a car, a regular summer day can turn lethal. Were looking at temperatures, after an hour, in excess of 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature, Null said.

Children are especially vulnerable. Especially infants and small children, their bodies heat up three to five times faster than yours or mine would, he told HuffPost. That couple degrees for us might be six-plus for a small infant or child.

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Although some children are knowingly left behind in cars, Null has found that in the majority of deaths for these circumstances, the caregiver forgot the child in the car. While it might be easy for some to dismiss these parents as negligent, there is actual psychological research showing that under stress, our brains can forget the people who matter most to us. HuffPost spoke with two researchers to explain how easily our brains can forget and how to prevent yourself from doing the same.

Recognize That These Memory Failures Happen To Anyone

David Diamond is a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida who for the past 15 years has studied the psychology of why kids are unintentionally and unknowingly left in cars. He has talked with many parents who have left behind children in cars, including Rodriguez, the New York father of twins.

He explained how, in events like this, theres a power struggle between our conscious memory and our subconscious taking place.

What we have is this autopilot system in our brain that permits us to multitask, it permits us to do things automatically, almost subconsciously, which means we can get to point A to point B, out of habit, Diamond said. And in the process of triggering this autopilot system, we lose awareness of a competing memory system, which is our conscious memory system.



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Diamond said Rodriguezs case  dropping off one child at day care but not the others  is not a unique story. The typical pattern in these cases is that a parent has consistently driven that older child to day care, maybe for years. Its become a habit, Null said, and a new baby or babies breaks that old pattern. Taking the younger children to day care is now in competition with the older habit.



The habit system gets engaged, so that after youve taken the first child to day care, the old habit gets engaged, and you go straight to work. And you lose awareness that you have a second child, twins, to take to a second location, Diamond said.



Once youre at work, no alarm bells go off, because your brain goes into a different routine. Every time you get to work, youve never had your child in a car. ... Therefore your brain says, Youre now alone. Theres no child in the car, Diamond said. So the parent now has this artificially created memory that says, Now you move on with your day.



Compounding this problem is the typical stress of being a caretaker of young children.

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Its a very stressful time in life and its a sleep-deprived time, Diamond said. Those two components make it much more likely that someone will do something out of habit and their conscious memory system then is impaired.

The Best Prevention Is To Not Deny That It Could Happen To You

Diamonds top tip for caregivers is to accept that forgetting a child could happen to anyone.

If we go in the store, we take a list of things we dont want to forget, we write it down. If we have an appointment and we know we have to see the doctor in the afternoon, we will put that on the calendar, because we know that we could forget it, Diamond said. People are in denial, they will not make an effort to remind themselves that the child is in the car because thats admitting that they could forget their child.

When we become complacent, thats when were vulnerable to making the catastrophic memory error of losing awareness of a child in a car, Diamond said.



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Some parents may believe that talking with your kids should be enough to remind you of their presence, but Diamond points out they wouldnt be talking to a sleeping child. If youve got a 3-month infant that is sleeping and facing the rear, so you dont see it, you dont hear it, you dont smell it, youre not going to talk to a 3-month old infant as you take them to day care, he said.

There Are Outside Technology And Reminders Available

There are, of course, reminders you can use to make sure this doesnt happen to you. You should set up a system with your day care to contact you if your child is not dropped off on time, Diamond said.

There is also technology. Some car models have built-in reminders that can alert the driver to check the back seat.

In 2025, all new cars will need to have audio and visual reminders that will alert drivers to check the back seat if the engine is turned off, as part of a provision President Biden signed into law in 2021.

Make A Habit Of Using A Visual Reminder Only When Kids Are In The Car

The easiest no-tech solution to remind yourself children are in the back of a car is to put an object in view to jog your memory. Diamond suggested using a cue, whether its visual or auditory that triggers our conscious memory system, and that way, the autopilot system cant suppress our conscious memory system.

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He recommends always having a unique object, like a diaper bag or stuffed animal or toy in view to remind you of your childs presence. Make it unique to that drive. You dont always have that toy in the car. Youve always got that object there only when the child is there in the car seat.



Choose Understanding Over Judgment

Above all, experts recommend choosing compassion and understanding over demonizing parents who unknowingly leave their children behind. I have a list of all the different people that it has happened to, Null said. It can happen to anybody.



This really is a time for compassion and empathy to try to understand how this has happened to hundreds of really good, wonderful and attentive parents, and theyre suffering because of this, Diamond said. Its easy to judge, much tougher but important to understand how it happens.

This story was updated to reflect 2025 statistics and the latest national legislation on hot cars.

Related Coverage




NEED TO KNOW

Florida private investigator Taylor Wright went missing in September 2017

Her friend, former crime scene investigator Ashley McArthur, was the last person to see her alive

McArthur was convicted of first-degree murder in 2019 after police alleged that she killed Wright and stole thousands of dollars from her





When Taylor Wright went missing on Sept. 8, 2017, Ashley McArthur told the Pensacola Police Department that she didnt believe she had been harmed.

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But minutes after she left the interrogation room, detectives found human remains on a rural farm McArthur and Wright had visited that day, per Oxygen. Among them was a necklace with a distinct bullet charm that Wright was known to wear.

Prosecutors later alleged that McArthur, a former crime scene investigator, had planned to kill Wright after spending tens of thousands of dollars that she had asked her to hold. In 2019, McArthur was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

"Family, friends and myself are grieving the loss of Taylor," Wright's girlfriend, Cassandra Waller, told WEAR-TV in a written statement in October 2017. "Taylor was outgoing and kind to anyone she met and knew. We pray that justice will be served."

NBC's Dateline covered Wright's disappearance and murder in a 2021 episode titled "The Necklace,

which re-aired on July 18, 2025.

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Heres everything to know about where Ashley McArthur is now.

Who was Taylor Wright?

Facebook Taylor Wright. Taylor Wright.

Wright was a former police officer turned private investigator living in Pensacola, Fla., who went missing on Sept. 8, 2017.

At the time of her disappearance, the 33-year-old mother was in the process of moving in with Waller. She had gone out to run errands with her friend, McArthur, but never returned, even missing a planned birthday dinner for Waller, according to Oxygen.

Wright, who was described by loved ones as tough and competitive, was also embroiled in a legal battle with her ex-husband, Jeff Wright, over money and the custody of their son, Drake. Though she eventually gave him full custody, she was still fighting to keep a $100,000 settlement shed received from a car accident before their marriage.

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A judge had frozen the assets, but Wright managed to withdraw the money and was ordered to produce $25,000 in an upcoming court hearing.

Six weeks after she vanished, Wrights remains were found on a farm property she and McArthur had visited the day she disappeared. Investigators concluded she had been shot in the back of the head. Among her remains was a necklace she was known to wear  a single bullet on a chain.

Who is Ashley McArthur?

Courtesy of Dateline Ashley McArthur and Taylor Wright. Ashley McArthur and Taylor Wright.

McArthur was a former crime scene investigator and an alleged close friend of Wright.

On the day Wright vanished, McArthur told police the two had gone horseback riding in Milton, Fla., per Oxygen. She claimed that Wright left around 4:30 p.m. to grab a beer downtown and had called an Uber. But investigators found no evidence that a rideshare or taxi had been called to the farm that day.

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Later that night, both McArthur and Waller received texts from Wrights phone saying she needed to think and wanted a few days to herself.

Police eventually ruled out Waller, Wrights ex-husband and any job-related threats. Suspicion soon turned to McArthur, who was the last person to see Wright alive. When questioned, she insisted Wright hadnt been harmed, telling police, Taylors doing what Taylor does.

But cell phone records painted a different picture. Instead of being in Milton, McArthur had traveled to a rural farm in Cantonment, Fla., owned by her family. Six weeks after Wright went missing, police searched the property as well as McArthurs home and business.

While McArthur was being interviewed by investigators, search teams made a grim discovery: a portion of a human skull was found sticking out of the ground, encased in concrete and potting soil. Among the remains was Wrights bullet necklace.

What was Ashley McArthur accused of?

Facebook Taylor Wright. Taylor Wright.

Investigators accused McArthur of killing Wright after misusing $34,000 from the legal settlement Wright had entrusted her to hold, according to Oxygen. Instead, prosecutors alleged that McArthur began using it on gifts for a man she was having an affair with.

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When Wright needed the funds for an upcoming court hearing, prosecutors claimed, McArthur panicked and killed her.

At trial, surveillance footage showed McArthur purchasing concrete and potting soil the day after Wright went missing. Prosecutors also presented testimony from three of McArthurs friends, who said she had talked about killing Wright by spiking her beer with cocaine to make it look like an overdose.

They said the plan failed when Wright noticed the taste and spat it out, leading McArthur to shoot her instead.

In a separate case, McArthur also faced charges of fraud, racketeering and arson tied to her familys jukebox and pool table rental business. Prosecutors alleged she skimmed thousands of dollars from local bar owners and even set fire to one of the businesses to destroy financial records.

What was Ashley McArthurs sentence?

Courtesy of Dateline Ashley McArthur and Taylor Wright. Ashley McArthur and Taylor Wright.

In August 2019, McArthur was convicted of first-degree murder, per the Pensacola News Journal. She was sentenced to life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 25 years.

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During the week-long trial, McArthurs attorneys argued there was no physical evidence linking her to the crime and claimed she had no reason to kill Wright for money, attesting that she had a history of generosity toward friends. But Assistant State Attorney Bridgette Jensen pushed back, telling the jury that while the case was circumstantial, the evidence was overwhelming.

Ladies and gentlemen, Ashley McArthur had a motive, Ashley McArthur had the opportunity, Ashley McArthur murdered Taylor Wright and then she tried to cover it up with lies, concrete and potting soil," Jensen said in court.

Earlier that year, McArthur was also convicted of fraud and racketeering charges related to her familys jukebox and gaming machine business and was sentenced to seven years in state prison, per the Pensacola News Journal. She was acquitted of the related arson charge, which prosecutors said was primarily based on circumstantial evidence.

While McArthurs legal team claimed that 22 people wrote letters vouching for her character, one bar owner she had allegedly scammed saw things differently.

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"This is a very dangerous individual," Larry B. Johnson told the court. "I believe there are other people who have been harmed and haven't come forward. ... She's a world-class con artist. She conned me, and I believe she deserves a significant prison sentence."

Where is Ashley McArthur now?

Florida Department of Corrections Ashley McArthur's mugshot. Ashley McArthur's mugshot.

McArthur has been serving both of her sentences at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, Fla., since September 2019. She appealed her conviction, but in April 2021, the Florida First District Court of Appeal upheld her original sentence.

NorthEscambia.com reported that she had sought a new trial on the grounds of prejudice, claiming the judge should have declared a mistrial after a photo of her holding a shotgun was inadvertently shown to the jury.

A photo of McArthur crouching in hunting gear and pointing a shotgun (not the murder weapon) accidentally flashed on the screen during trial and was before the jury for a second or two, the appeals justices said. After an objection, the court addressed the issue quickly by giving a cautionary instruction that was requested by the defense."

The appeal justices also noted that other trial testimony included evidence that McArthur owned firearms.



Read the original article on People
The Epstein Files are causing so much trouble for President Donald Trump, and a Democratic senator just made a revelation thats sure to cause even more of a headache for the president.

According to The Hill, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has made claims that the Trump administration has access to the late Jeffrey Epsteins financial records and it is not making the files available to Congress and the public. Wyden used his social media platform to inform the public that there are 4,725 wire transfers that total almost $1.1 billion. And that is just in ONE of Epsteins bank accounts.

Big news from my investigators on Epsteins sex trafficking operation: the Trump administration has an Epstein file detailing 4,725 wire transfers and almost $1.1 billion flowing through just one of his banks. Hundreds of millions more through others.

Wyden: Here is what it says: Treasury's Epstein file details 4,725 wire transfers. Let me repeat that. 4,725 wire transfers adding up to nearly $1.1 billion flowing in and out of just one of Mr. Epstein's bank accounts.



If you ask me, that is more than 4,000 potential lines pic.twitter.com/qf19lfbEjB  Acyn (@Acyn) July 17, 2025

Wyden: Here is what it says: Treasurys Epstein file details 4,725 wire transfers. Let me repeat that. 4,725 wire transfers adding up to nearly $1.1 billion flowing in and out of just one of Mr. Epsteins bank accounts. If you ask me, that is more than 4,000 potential lines pic.twitter.com/qf19lfbEjB  Acyn (@Acyn) July 17, 2025

He also stated that the evidence shows that Epstein used Russian banks to process hundreds of millions in payments. This is the perceived Russian connection that may be attributed to Trump, which may be why his administration is refusing to investigate.

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After the FBI and the Department of Justice claimed that there were no Epstein files, Trump initially agreed with the assessment until turning back around and not really admitting that there was a list, but intimated that there is one, but it is a fake, contrived by former FBI Director James Comey, President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden.

Of course, Black folks are questioning the evidence after Wyden made the claims.

The madness could only last so long! Theres always a thread to be pulled   JeromeD (@JeromeD23) July 18, 2025

Thats A LOT of money for SEX https://t.co/forlsBnAOv pic.twitter.com/WvzAbis9ng  Resist Republicans in Florida (@FLWillRegret22) July 17, 2025

Every day seems as if Pandoras Box is spewing out more!
Donald Trump, his now wife Melania, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell pose for a photo in February 2000 [Getty Images]

When Jack Posobiec walked into the Department of Justice in Washington, DC last February, he thought he would finally get some answers about Jeffrey Epstein.

But when he and other MAGA supporters were given essentially just rehashed, already-public material - and when the government put a damper on the release of any new information this July - they balked.

"We were all told more was coming. That answers were out there and would be provided. Incredible how utterly mismanaged this Epstein mess has been. And it didn't have to be," Posobiec posted on social media on 7 July.

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Now, Donald Trump is finding it hard to shake loose the conspiracy theories that have animated his base since he first broke through into Republican politics a decade ago.

Jack Posobiec is a vocal MAGA commentator with millions of followers [Getty Images]

Posobiec, who emerged from the fringes of the internet in 2016 when he spread false rumours about a child abuse ring based in a Washington DC restaurant - a conspiracy theory that became known as Pizzagate - is just one of many MAGA die-hards who believes officials are hiding key truths about Epstein's life and death.

The disgraced financier and convicted sex offender died by suicide in a New York prison cell in 2019 while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

On a recent podcast hosted by Breitbart News editor Alex Marlow, Posobiec said the MAGA base see this case as shorthand for the thorough rot of the so-called "deep state".

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"It's not that they care about Epstein personally," he said. "It's that they care that there's this optic that Epstein was somehow involved with a shadowy system that actually has control over our government, control over our institutions, control of our lives, and really is a ruling power over us."

Over the years, some have claimed that government officials possess files on Epstein that reveal sordid details, including that a "client list" exists with notable names on it who may have participated in some of Epstein's alleged crimes.

Trump has, in the past, played to that crowd. During last year's election campaign, he said he would have "no problem" releasing Epstein case files, and after the election directly answered a question about whether he would "declassify" the files by saying: "Yeah, yeah, I would."

Conspiratorial thinking has been a part of President Trump's movement from the outset. His entry into the once-crowded world of Republican Party politics a decade ago came as he amplified the false theory that Barack Obama wasn't born in the United States.

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Now, however, the world of conspiracy is biting back.

Epstein's crimes are real and horrific, and there remains the possibility that further information could emerge about them.

But they have also become subsumed by grander narratives  Pizzagate, and later QAnon, the sprawling interactive conspiracy theory that swamped the internet during Trump's first term, pushing the idea that the highest echelons of society were controlled by a child-abusing elite cabal. The conspiracy theory spread through cryptic messages posted by a pseudonymous character called Q.

Mike Rothschild, author of several books on Trump-era conspiracies, including The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, Cult and Conspiracy of Everything, said Epstein was mentioned in several such messages dating back to late 2017.

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"Epstein is seen as one of the major players in a global 'paedo elite' that's been trafficking children for centuries, and that Q and Trump were supposed to put an end to once and for all," he told the BBC.

But after the justice department meeting in February, administration officials, including FBI director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino - who both stoked Epstein rumours for years - started to dampen talk of any major revelations.

Then, on 8 July, the Department of Justice and FBI said in a memo that Epstein's cause of death was suicide and there was no evidence he had a "client list".

The president seemed eager to move on, calling the Epstein case "sordid, but it's boring" while also blaming Democrats for continuing to make it an issue.

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Many Trump supporters are happy to follow the president's lead. But a subset of extremely online MAGA supporters are still deeply passionate about the Epstein case.

Several MAGA voices, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have alleged that Epstein was employed by the Israeli security services. And among more extreme elements of the movement, the conspiracy theories around Epstein sometimes veer into the antisemitic.

But Rothschild said most of the people in MAGA world are simply itching for more information  if it indeed exists  about the financier's connections with Bill Clinton and other Democrats and Trump opponents. Epstein cultivated powerful people from both major US political parties.

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The long history of MAGA's Epstein obsession mean Trump is now finding it difficult to satisfy the conspiratorial elements in his base.

The story took another twist late on Thursday as The Wall Street Journal reported Trump had sent Epstein a "bawdy" birthday greeting in 2003. The pair's one-time friendship is well-known, but Trump says he cut ties with Epstein long ago and filed a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal's parent company, its owner and two reporters following the report.

Meanwhile, Trump seemed more willing to indulge the conspiracy theorists, posting on Truth Social: "Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval."

There is no doubt that conspiracy theories clearly have the power to motivate some of the president's base. QAnon supporters were among some of the most visible participants at the January 2021 riot at the US Capitol.

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In a survey conducted just before last November's election, the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) think tank found that nearly a fifth of Americans agree with QAnon-linked statements, including most pointedly: "The government, media, and financial worlds in the US are controlled by a group of Satan-worshipping paedophiles who run a global child sex trafficking operation."

Many see the Epstein case as a confirmation of those views, and the QAnon-believing population is heavily pro-Trump, the PRRI found, with 80% backing the president.

And with that support has come influence. Posobiec, the Pizzagate and Epstein conspiracy theorist who was at the DOJ meeting in February, reportedly accompanied Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on a recent trip to Europe.

He also has been photographed meeting with neo-Nazis, although he denies being a white nationalist himself.

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He did not respond to the BBC's request for comment.

He is adamant that Epstein's case is connected to the wider conspiracy world.

"It ties to Covid, it ties to lockdowns, it ties to vaccines," Posobiec said, on the Alex Marlow podcast, which was recorded at a conference last week where multiple speakers brought up Epstein and demanded further revelations.

"It ties to so many different buckets of the anger people are feeling."

Rich Logis, a former longtime Trump supporter who broke ranks and started an organisation called Leaving MAGA, said that these outlandish theories serve "as ties that bind many within the MAGA community", even amongst those who doubt them.

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Logis says Trump's dismissal this week of their concerns this left some supporters "feeling confused and stunned".

"They expected Trump to keep his promise and reveal those who allegedly aided and abetted Epstein," he said.

If the Epstein case presents a political quagmire for Trump, there is also a problem for his supporters, particularly the vocal influencer class, in figuring out where to funnel their rage. Targeting the president could backfire when it comes to their own followers.

"Many of the major influencers are furious," Rothschild said, "and while they might not take it out on Trump, they might take it out on the GOP (Republican Party) in general."

Trump has so far stood by Pam Bondi, his attorney general. But she, Patel and Bongino may increasingly feel the pressure if MAGA's conspiracy wing continues to demand more files - whether or not they actually exist.
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A diver in the Northern Bahamas Banks examines an upside down tiger shark that is in a trance-like state known as tonic immobility. . | Credit: Rodrigo Friscione via Getty Images

Sharks can be formidable predators, but when they're flipped upside down, many species enter a trance-like state, known as tonic immobility, and are as helpless as a beetle on its back.

Tonic immobility is "as close to hypnotising a shark as you can get!" Joel Gayford , a doctoral candidate of marine ecology at James Cook University in Australia, told Live Science in an email. "The animal completely stops swimming, and the only movement it's making is slow rhythmic breathing."

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But what happens when a shark enters this state? And why do sharks freeze when turned belly-up?

During tonic immobility, a shark experiences a decrease in sensory responsiveness, cardiac rate and blood pressure, as well as analgesia, meaning a decrease in its sensitivity to pain, Abraham Miranda-Paez , a researcher at the Mexican nonprofit Pelagios Kakunja that aims to conserve sharks and manta rays, told Live Science in an email.

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For the shark species that go into tonic immobility  including great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) and gray nurse sharks (also known as a sand tiger shark, or Carcharias taurus)  this freeze response "can be induced when the shark is flipped over or by stimulating the snout (home to lots of electroreceptors called the ampullae of Lorenzini), Jillian Morris , founder of Sharks4Kids, a Florida-based nonprofit, told Live Science in an email.

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By putting sharks into this snoozing state, scientists can conduct research safely while reducing stress for the animal.

"We can make a small incision and insert an acoustic tag safely and humanely, without the need for special equipment," Morris said. "It's always done very quickly, and then the shark is flipped back over."

Related: Can turtles really breathe through their butts?

How tonic immobility helps sharks survive

But sharks didn't evolve this trait to help scientists take samples, so what's going on?

There are a few leading theories. According to a 2023 study in the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes , tonic immobility could be for self-defense, courtship or protection from sensory overload. "The consensus among the scientific community is that tonic immobility is a passive defensive response," said Miranda-Paez, co-author of the study.

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In other species, playing dead can be helpful. Dice snakes and fire ants pretend they've popped their clogs when predators attack, while female dragonflies and European common frogs fake their own death to avoid sex.

But not everyone is convinced that paralysis would be effective protection for sharks. "This explanation doesn't work very well for sharks," Gayford said. "Most shark predators would not be deterred by a motionless target."

In some instances, it's a clear disadvantage  orcas have worked out that they can incapacitate sharks to overpower them and gobble down their nutrient-rich livers.

Sharks go into this state during sex, said Morris, who has observed nurse sharks mating. "The male flips the female over, and she enters tonic immobility before copulation." However, males are affected too, "so mating does not fully explain why this phenomenon occurs," she added.

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A 2025 study in the journal Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries suggests that tonic immobility has no purpose and is just an evolutionary hangover. "We actually found that tonic immobility has been lost independently several times throughout the evolutionary history of sharks and rays," said Gayford, a co-author of the study.

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Many of the species that don't have this response probably lost it for a reason, Gayford said. Typically, small coral-dwelling sharks spend lots of time looking for food in tight spots, where they could get stuck. "If these species were to go into tonic in this situation, it could have deadly consequences," Gayford said.

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For now, scientists don't have enough data to conclusively say what purpose tonic immobility serves. "There are many theories, none of which are fully understood or thoroughly supported," Morris said.

Shark quiz: How much do you know about these iconic ocean superstars?
Over $7.5 million in federal grants were not distributed to Oklahoma CareerTech at the beginning of the fiscal year to fund adult education programs, the agencys director said.

The Trump administration froze the funding amid concerns that it was going toward educating undocumented immigrants, Brent Haken, director of Oklahoma CareerTech, said during a meeting Thursday.

The freeze affects Adult Education and Family Literacy programs offered by 30 providers at 119 sites across Oklahoma. These programs help adults earn their high school diploma equivalency, among other services. CareerTech had previously taken steps to make sure those utilizing the grant money are not undocumented, he said. He hopes the funding will be unfrozen.

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These programs serve as a lifeline for thousands of Oklahomans who are seeking to improve their education and employment opportunities, Haken said in a statement Friday. Without access to these funds, we risk leaving our most vulnerable learners behind and weakening the states workforce pipeline. We urge federal officials to act swiftly to release these funds and protect educational opportunities for adult learners across Oklahoma.

Over 500 teachers, employed outside the agency, would be impacted by a loss of the funding.

More: Dozens show up at OKC Good Trouble protest to honor civil rights leader, protest Trump

A sign for an Oklahoma CareerTech office in Stillwater is pictured on Dec. 6, 2024.

While most of the programs have paused operation until funding is worked out, some have continued to serve Oklahomans despite the freeze, according to a statement.

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Oklahoma doesnt pay for high school equivalency education in any other ways, the director said. Around 300,000 adults in the state dont have a high school diploma and these programs, paid for by federal grants, are the only way to get them caught up, Haken said Thursday.

Haken said hes communicated with the state Legislature about the funding issue.

More: Oklahoma Senate's 2026 priorities revealed in list of interim studies

More definite answers about whether funding will be restored should come by Aug. 9, Haken told his board Thursday.

Oklahoma CareerTech also receives $18.4 million in federal funding through the Carl D. Perkins grant, which is awarded annually to states for career and technical education programs. This funding is not affected by the freeze, according to a statement.

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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: Trump administration freezes $7.5M in funding for OK CareerTech
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Texas Ranch Round-up is hosting its 44th annual event this weekend at the Kay Yeager Coliseum.

It consisted of bucking broncos, rounding up cattle, and milking wild cows for Fridays event.

CEO of North Texas Rehab Center Sandra Ross said it took dozens of hours and hard work to make the event happen, as the show honors western culture while raising money for charity.

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Over the last 44 years, weve raised over $4 million, said Ross. It takes a lot of time and talent, at the staff at the rehab center are part of my team, and then we have a whole program of volunteers. So it really takes an army to put an event on like this.

Ross said the rodeo is one of the biggest events in Wichita Falls, dating back to its first ranch round-up rodeo in 1981.

To be able to see all of the stuff that goes the work that goes into the rodeo is incredible. The community, everyone in Wichita Falls knows about the rodeo, said Ross. Weve done it for 44 years. We sold out a lot of the hotels and restaurants. Theres a buzz of activity all around town, so its really hard not to know were having a rodeo.

All proceeds of this weekends show go to benefit North Texas Rehab Center, West Texas Rehab Center, and West Texas Boys Ranch.

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The rodeo will continue throughout the weekend with plenty of things on the agenda.

On Saturday, the Kay Yeager Coliseum will host a ranch horse competition, a west fork cattle dog challenge and the Texas ranch round up arena events and rewards. There will be more activities at Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall and Grounds, hosting a festival and tradeshow as well.

To wrap the festivities up, there will be a cowboy church service on Sunday morning at the Texas cowboy church.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The mayor of Wichita Falls is calling upon the community for help. On Saturday morning, starting bright and early, Mayor Tim Short and other volunteers will do some much-needed clean-up work at East Lawn Cemetery.

Mayor Short said the cemetery often gets forgotten, leading to the overgrowth of grass throughout most of it.

He adds that some volunteers have already shown up, but he could use all the help he can get to pay respect to the loved ones buried there.

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Bring your weed eater, bring your mower, ride mower, push mower, whatever youve got. Weed eaters are very helpful getting around some of these headstones. You know, theres some areas here where you wouldnt want to ride a lawn mower, because were not sure what you might run over. Just about every time were out here, we discover headstones, Short said.

Mayor Short said theres no sign-up sheet or registration. All you have to do is show up Saturday, July 19, at 8 a.m. at East Lawn Cemetery, at the corner of FM 369 and Bacon Switch Road.

He said the cleanup should only take a few hours and could be done even faster with more volunteers helping.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MONTROSE, Colo.  The South Rim Fire burning inside Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has destroyed several structures and areas throughout the park, officials announced on Friday.

The wildfire, which is 0% contained and has burned over 4,200 acres, has scorched the South Rim Campground, many bathrooms and overlooks, pieces of heavy equipment and buildings, the National Park Service said.

Park officials have canceled all reservations for the South Rim Campground and Wilderness Permits, and said the park remains closed with no estimated reopening date.

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Black Canyon initially closed on July 10, the day lightning strikes sparked wildfires on both the South Rim and North Rim of the canyon. The fires led to the evacuation of park visitors and staff.

Officials noted that more than 450 firefighters are battling the wildfire at Black Canyon.

In the eight days since the initial closure of the park, the South Rim Fire has spread due to dangerous fire weather conditions. High temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds, combined with dry vegetation in the area serving as fuel, led to the fire spreading.

How To Watch Fox Weather

As the wildfire is being managed, some NPS staff have been temporarily relocated to the Public Lands Center in Montrose, Colorado, officials said. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the visitor center is open and can provide the Black Canyon passport stamp.

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The South Rim Fire at Black Canyon burns as another wildfire at another national park canyon burns in another western state.

The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, has been burning since July 4 and currently stands at over 11,700 acres and 0% containment.





Original article source: Wildfire destroys campground, buildings in Colorado national park
Generations of visitors to Grand Canyon National Park's quieter, more alpine North Rim have been greeted by elk, bison, mule deer and the possibility of encounters with more secretive species like mountain lions, the Kaibab squirrel and the California condor. It's part of what makes the experience at the lesser-known entry point to one of America's favorite national parks so wild and magical.

But as the Dragon Bravo Fire burns on, now at nearly 12,000 acres and still 0% contained along the North Rim, according to Inciweb on July 18, it remains unclear how these occupants of the region might be affected, or when park visitors might see their return.

The likely, lasting impacts to humans are already apparent: the loss of a beloved, historic lodge; park employee housing burned; campers and business owners evacuated from the vicinity; more than 600 firefighting personnel working to contain the destruction. Vacation plans for thousands of tourists were also affected by the decision to close the park's northern entrance for the rest of 2025 while the damage is assessed and plans to restore services like water, fuel, food and lodging access are sketched out.

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The immediate or lasting consequences for wildlife in the area have received less attention.

On July 16, Grand Canyon National Park's Facebook page posted an update that "while fire activity continues on parts of the North Rim, the bison herds' migratory patterns have allowed them to remain mostly unimpacted, and crews are working hard to ensure it stays that way."

Fire reporting: As the Grand Canyon's North Rim burns, South Rim visitors carry on

'We do still have babies out there right now'

Experts in Arizona who spoke with The Arizona Republic agreed that, for the most part, animals will probably be able to move out of the way of Dragon Bravo's encroaching flames, especially since the North Rim region has relatively little development or highway crossings to get in their way.

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In contrast, one outcome of the fires that destroyed areas of Los Angeles in January was that deer, mules and mountain lions were seen running panicked along roads or stranded in neighborhoods, pinched into urban spaces by human infrastructure and the advancing fires.

Exceptions might be animals that have active nests.

We do still have babies out there right now, so thats kind of the scary part," said Jan Miller, a veterinary technician who works with injured and displaced wildlife at the Phoenix area's Liberty Wildlife rehabilitation facility. "A lot of the birds can fly away, but a lot of the chicks cant yet. Condors are amazing parents, so they'll try to stay with their nest as long as possible."

Rob Nelson, who oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department's wildlife and endangered species programs, also flagged the critically endangered California condor as a species of concern in both the Dragon Bravo Fire and the larger White Sage Fire burning near the Arizona-Utah border, though he also said there's some evidence that condor chicks can survive wildfires destroying habitat all around them.

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The species may be partially protected by their tendency to nest on cliff ledges or in tree snags that are the result of past burns and therefore less likely to burn again.

And while it will be weeks or months before wildlife biologists can get into the area to assess the status of other species, Nelson said they may have more information about how condors fared sooner, since most of the existing adults are tagged and tracked with GPS devices.

"There are 82 birds currently in the Arizona-Utah flock, in which 69 of these birds have a GPS tracker on them," he said, after consulting with AZGFD's condor biologist. "The early data is showing no condors roosting in the active fire area and many birds in this flock spending their time in Utah, although there are some birds still active on the Kaibab Plateau right now. Overall, there have been minimal impacts to the condor population so far, but that could always change due to the dynamic fire situation that is affecting the Kaibab Plateau."

California Condor #70 (tag), an 8-year-old male, soars near Navajo Bridge.

Nelson is more worried about how other birds, mammals and "many unnamed species" could be affected by wildfire smoke and a loss of access to food, water and shelter  either immediately due to the fires or as the result of common post-fire impacts such as erosion and flooding.

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Could Arizona manage the Grand Canyon? Trump plan for states to oversee national parks could lead to more Grand Canyon damage

Miller specified concern about bears who may struggle to ferry cubs away from the fires and birds that may be singed while trying to escape. She also mentioned the Kaibab squirrel, a species with a distinct black belly that only lives in the ponderosa pine forests between Jacob Lake, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon's North Rim.

Bears that manage to get out, their feet are usually burned and thats kind of the issue with a lot of the larger and smaller mammals, even the little squirrels," she said. "We do oftentimes also see birds that have been involved with a forest fire where their feathers are burned because they had to fly through flames, and you have to wait about a year for their feathers to regrow, because this time of year is when a lot of the birds are molting.

Miller recommended that anyone who finds an animal in the Arizona Strip region that appears to have been displaced from the fires and in distress to not intervene directly, but rather call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator like Liberty Wildlife, which specializes in birds (480-998-5550), or the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, which does more work with larger mammals (480-471-9109).

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I just think people need to be understanding of what these animals are going through and try to give them a chance to regroup and figure out what theyre going to do with themselves," Miller said. "If the animal appears injured or orphaned and theres nothing around, thats a good time to call for help."

A tassel-eared Kaibab squirrel snacks at the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The squirrel's habitat is confined entirely to the ponderosa pine forests of the North Rim and the northern section of Kaibab National Forest around the town of Jacob Lake.

Long-term impacts to wildlife will depend on wildfire severity

Most of what can be done to heal or prevent harm to wildlife from fires must wait until the flames have passed. At that point, Nelson said his team of biologists will work with federal partners at the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service to assess the habitat damage and aid wildlife's journey back with little resource boosts, like "drinkers."

Somewhat similar to water tanks for cattle, drinkers are used both as a post-fire response and as a general wildlife management intervention to help offset the ways drought, development and warming temperatures make life more difficult for many wild species by improving access to water. His team will also look at replacing existing drinkers that were affected by the fire, as was the case with the 2020 Mangum Fire, which burned across some of the same landscapes and damaged about 60 drinkers in place then.

"Bottom line, more water equals more wildlife in Arizona," Nelson said. "It's a whole mosaic of reasons why. But with climate change and drier ecosystems, there's just less of a buffer, and these fire events are becoming more and more common. As managers on the ground, we are always working for solutions to this newer dynamic."

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While wildlife biologists will use all of the tools and funding available to them to restore the nonhuman parts of the North Rim landscape, both Nelson and Miller agreed that the extent to which these animals may ultimately return will depend on the severity of these fires and the habitat damage they leave in their wake.

Statewide wildfire preparedness: Are Arizona cities prepared to evade urban wildfires? If not, will they build back better?

As fire-adapted ecosystems, the plant and animal communities in the North Rim region are resilient to some frequency of burning. But restoration efforts have been complicated in recent decades by rising average temperatures, more extreme drought and past fire suppression (often to protect human structures), all of which cause wildfires to now burn hotter, faster and farther. Cuts to staff and funding for federal agencies, firefighting, scientists and climate adaptation under the Trump administration also limit what is possible.

If the burn is very severe, it could take years for the wildlife to come back," Miller said. "And it may change the wildlife that is up there. I just hope a lot of those trees arent being completely damaged.

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The "best-case scenario," she said, would be if the fire left corridors and pockets of shelter unburned. This was the case with the 2020 Mangum Fire, which burned 71,000 acres in a similar area of northern Arizona and was considered a huge event at the time. Active wildfire maps of the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire show a similar total acreage affected north of the Grand Canyon as of July 18, but little detail on how the fires are moving. If the actual burn pattern is in patches, hopping between tree stands while leaving other clusters untouched, that would better facilitate wildlife's return.

Bison roaming along the House Rock Wildlife Area on the Kaibab National Forest's North Kaibab Ranger District in Arizona.

Don Falk, a professor of natural resources at the University of Arizona who runs a laboratory focused on fire ecology and restoration, said older wildfires that occurred on either side of the Dragon Bravo Fire may also prove a silver lining now by slowing down fire behavior and limiting damage more than what current acreage estimates forebode.

Despite opinions swirling around in the news and social media right now, he thinks the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Reclamation have actually been "very, very attentive in trying to maintain safe forest conditions on the Kaibab plateau, which is a very big area."

"We have to remember that 99% of controlled wildfires go perfectly according to plan," he said. "And you can't necessarily judge a fire's severity or its ecological consequences just from the way a house burned, or the Grand Canyon Lodge burned. As you get away from human structures, fire behavior and fire effects are much more variable, because ecosystems are adapted to fire in ways that buildings are not."

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Ecological adaptations common among tree species that evolved in fire-prone regions like the Arizona Strip include thicker bark and higher branches that are less likely to get caught up in fires burning through the undergrowth.

For these reasons, though the fire severity and extent of the damage from the Dragon Bravo and White Sage burns are not yet known  and these fires are likely burning hotter and faster than they would under natural, pre-warmed circumstances  there are reasons to hope that more may be left for wildlife in the aftermath than for the humans grieving beloved North Rim habitats, like the lodge left in ruins. Plants, after all, often grow back all on their own.

When trees are killed, you end up with snags, the branches fall off, you can actually end up with an increase in habitat for a lot of species," Falk said. "And then you get those early successional plant communities (including aspen), which can have a totally different flora and fauna of animals than you would see in a closed forest. Broadly speaking, this is probably not irrecoverable damage to the ecosystem."

Giving assistance: How to help Arizonans displaced, impacted by Dragon Bravo Fire on Grand Canyon's North Rim

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Joan Meiners is the climate news and storytelling reporter at The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Her award-winning work has also appeared in Discover Magazine, National Geographic, ProPublica and the Washington Post Magazine. Before becoming a journalist, she completed a doctorate in ecology with a focus on native bees. Follow Joan on Twitter at @beecycles, on Bluesky @joanmeiners.bsky.social or email her at joan.meiners@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Grand Canyon fires in AZ imperil wildlife, but species are resilient
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian inaugurated Skill Development Centre and a Girls Hostel under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme at Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala on July 17. Ministry of Minority Affairs said that this centre will provide world-class training infrastructure for job-oriented education in minority-concentration areas. Skill Development Centre has been constructed at a cost of Rs 7.92 crore Skill Development Centre while Rs 9.97 crore were spent on the Girls Hostel. "Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian inaugurated a Rs 7.92 Cr Skill Development Centre and a Rs 9.97 Cr Girls Hostel under the #PMJVK scheme at Nilambur, Malappuram, Kerala today. This centre will provide world-class training infrastructure for job-oriented education in minority-concentration areas," Ministry of Minority Affairs wrote on X. Meanwhile, Ministry of Minority Affairs Secretary Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar held a review meeting with Kerala officials in Kottayam on July 17 where discussions were focused on data uploading status regarding Waqf-related properties on the UMEED portal as well as the implementation of the several central schemes in the state.Ministry of Minority Affairs also said that discussions were held on Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS). "Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar held a review meeting with Kerala officials in Kottayam, Kerala on 17th July 2025. Discussions focused on PMJVK, PMVIKAS, Waqf development, and data upload status on the UMEED Portal under the Unified Waqf Management Efficiency, Empowerment and Development Act, 1995," Ministry of Minority Affairs wrote on X. The UMEED Central Portal, short for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 serves as a centralized digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.The portal is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in how Waqf assets are administered across India by introducing greater transparency, accountability, and public participation, ministry said earlier.In June, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju launched the UMEED Central Portal on Friday, a centralised digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of properties Waqf properties. Speaking on the occasion, Rijiju asserted that the portal will bring transparency in managing the properties Waqf properties."The UMEED Portal will add a new chapter in the history of Waqf property management and administration in India. It will not only bring transparency but will also help the common Muslims, particularly women and children," Kiren Rijiju said. (ANI)
British Columbia winemakers faced their roughest growing season yet, according to Canada's National Observer.

What's happening?

Between wildfires, heat waves, and below-freezing weather, BC winemakers are facing serious pressure. Last year's cold snap was a nail in the coffin.

Leandro Nosal, winemaker for Tinhorn Creek, told Canada's National Observer that January 2024's frigid weather killed 98% of the Okanagan Valley's grape harvest, along with other fruit orchards.

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Nosal's crop is still chugging on, but increasingly unpredictable weather has set him and other winemakers on edge. He told the Observer, "The first word that comes to mind is 'anxiety.'"

Why do the ruined BC vineyards matter?

It's happening all across the globe. According to a Stanford University study summarized on Phys.org, key grains like wheat, barley, and maize have been severely impacted by unseasonably hot weather, leading to more crop failures.

Take the U.K., for example. After a prolonged rainy season followed by severe drought, farmers saw their crops wither up and die  right alongside their profits.

Extreme weather doesn't discriminate. Ruined crops result in tough economic losses, which shoot up grocery prices. The New York Times reported that 2023's expensive groceries were due mainly to that year's extreme weather. In fact, experts warned the Times that the planet was entering a multi-year period of oddly high temperatures, driven by pollution.

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That was two years ago. Since then, crop losses have only worsened.

What's being done about it?

Nosal and other BC winemakers were forced to source their grapes from outside vineyards. While large companies were able to survive, experts told the Observer that smaller ones may have to sell out.

If you'd like to help on an individual level, consider the cause of such extreme weather. Signing up for community solar, for instance, is a great way to reduce your own personal pollution output. To create change on a large scale, consider voting for pro-climate candidates.

How concerned are you about the plastic waste in our oceans? Extremely I'm pretty concerned A little Not much Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. - Credit: Rick Friedman/Corbis/Getty Images

Donald Trump is sick of fielding questions about Jeffrey Epstein. But his efforts to quash lingering interest in the case of the late sex offender by downplaying it as some kind of hoax perpetrated by political enemies including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have failed to satisfy MAGA diehards who want the White House to release bombshell materials implicating powerful elites in Epsteins crimes, or evidence that he was killed in his jail cell in 2019 to protect those same people.

Its a crisis of the administrations own making. While Trump had been fairly noncommittal on the campaign trail when asked whether he would declassify files related to Epstein, he then appointed conspiracists Kash Patel and Dan Bongino to lead the FBI, empowering them to investigate their wildest theories. Attorney General Pam Bondi, meanwhile, hyped a drop of Epstein documents in February, and had them distributed in binders to various right-wing influencers  but it turned out these pages were already public. The backlash was intense, though nothing compared to the furor that followed a memo from the FBI and Justice Department earlier this month, which stated that investigators had found no trace of an Epstein client list and concluded, once again, that he had died by suicide.

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These claims were unacceptable to Trump supporters grown frenzied on years of baseless speculation about the circumstances of Epsteins death and promises to expose his associates. Suddenly, the president was saying that the financier  his former friend  was old news and irrelevant. And while his loyalists are usually forgiving of his indifference to their expectations, it appears that this time, theyre not willing to be brushed off. It certainly hasnt helped that Trumps frustrations led him to directly attack his base for caring about bullshit, saying that some stupid Republicans are stubbornly keeping the story alive. Those insults have fueled further outrage from the biggest names demanding transparency around Epstein and questioning why Trump has tried to move on.

Nick Fuentes

The white nationalist troll did not hold back after Trump wrote on Truth Social that he didnt want the support of weaklings convinced that the government is withholding information on Epstein and those linked to him. Fuck you, Fuentes said on a livestream this week, calling Trump fat, stupid, and a joke. He said he had never been this critical of the president before. This entire thing has been a scam, he declared. Were gonna look back at MAGA movement as the biggest scam in American history.

Matt Walsh

Far-right podcaster Matt Walsh was among those commentators specifically calling for Bondi to lose her job over her botched handling of Epstein disclosures  and expressing frustration that Trump had defended her. So the Epstein Files are a dumb hoax and yet the Attorney General who deliberately peddled this dumb hoax is doing a great job, wont be fired, and we should stop criticizing her? he complained on X. Someone make sense of this for me.

Candace Owens

Owens, a conservative influencer, called Trumps attempt to spin the Epstein files as something fabricated by Obama and other Democrats outright embarrassing in a post on X. She called the scandal terminal cancer for the MAGA movement during an episode of her podcast, accusing Trump of gaslighting the public and regarding his base as stupid. Owens also vowed not to let go of the issue. I will be the very last person that will stop talking about Jeffrey Epstein, she said.

Laura Loomer

At times a close confidante of the president, the far-right activist has repeatedly attacked Bondi throughout the fracas over Epstein while seeming to defend Trump. On Wednesday, she cautioned in an interview that the fallout could consume his presidency. Loomer has noted that Trumps posts about Epstein are only drawing more attention to the subject, which she said on X is not going away. She is advocating for the appointment of a special counsel to deal with this distraction.

Glenn Beck

Like Loomer, longtime conservative commentator Glenn Beck appeared to reserve most of his ire for Bondi. Pam Bondi should resign  not because of a cover-up, but for incompetence, he wrote on X, arguing that the Justice Department had screwed up by releasing security footage from a Manhattan jail that showed Epstein being escorted to his cell that did not provide a view of the cell itself. This isnt about whether Epstein killed himself or not, he continued. What matters more is REAL transparency and justice.

Scott Adams

The Dilbert cartoonist and Trump supporter was, like many others, unpersuaded when the president tried to deflect blame for uproar at the DOJ memo to Obama, Clinton, and others. The new ass-covering story is the Epstein files were made up by Democrats, he wrote on X. I expect better bullshit from my president.

Elon Musk

Trumps biggest megadonor in the 2024 election cycle publicly accused Trump of burying the Epstein files to protect himself after their relationship blew up in spectacular fashion, with Musk then announcing he would launch a new political party. The billionaire later deleted and apologized for those posts but has continued to hammer the administration for failing to prosecute anyone connected to Epstein besides Ghislaine Maxwell. Wow I cant believe Epstein killed himself before realizing it was all a hoax, he posted sarcastically on X on Thursday.

Benny Johnson

Despite his large body of work as a MAGA sycophant, YouTuber Benny Johnson couldnt swallow Trumps logically torturous explanations of why his backers should just forget about Epstein. In a clip where he struggled to parse a Trump post on Truth Social, he fretted over the narrative the president was weaving. By admitting that the Epstein Files are real, and that youve read them, and you dont like their contents, and they were written by your enemies, it doesnt make the most compelling case as far as Im concerned, he said. Holy moly.

Charlie Kirk

Kirk was one of several right-wing pundits to indicate that he might back off of the Epstein story, having reportedly fielded a call from Trump himself on the matter. Only a day later, however, he devoted a podcast episode to questions around Epstein, arguing that the administration had to disclose more details of the case if it wanted to move on.

Tim Pool

The beanie-wearing podcaster who, along with Benny Johnson, was revealed last year to have accepted money from a company fronting for a Russian influence campaign, did not appreciate Trumps dismissal of Epstein truthers. Donald Trump says the people that are interested in the Jeffrey Epstein inquiry are bad people, Pool said on his show. He said only bad people and the fake news are interested in the Jeffrey Epstein inquiry. I guess that puts me in the category of bad people.'

Mike Johnson

Trump has even been taking hits from his allies in congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. We should put everything out there and let the people decide, he said in an interview, insisting that he is for transparency. Yet when Democrats in the House forced a procedural vote on an a legislative amendment that would have permitted congress to vote on whether to compel the Justice Department to unseal documents related to Epstein, he and other Republicans blocked it.

Tim Burchett

The GOP representative from Tennessee echoed some of the more extreme rhetoric heard from conspiracy theorists talking about the potential prosecutions of Epsteins supposed clients. Find them guilty and hang them, publicly, he said in a televised interview. He followed up by confirming that he doesnt believe what the Justice Department has said about the case. I dont trust them, he said. Burchett further called on the House Committe on Oversight and Reform to hear public testimony from Ghislaine Maxwell.

Lauren Boebert

Of course we want answers, the Colorado representative said in an interview about Epstein. No one is satisfied with what has been received, or lack thereof. She called for a special investigation into the handling of the relevant materials, suggesting that former congressman Matt Gaetz could be appointed as special counsel. The idea seemed a somewhat trollish in the context of questions about a notorious pedophile: before his exit from congress and the withdrawal of his nomination to serve as attorney general, a House Ethics Committee probe found that Gaetz had violated a statutory rape law when he paid a 17-year-old for sex in 2017.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

The Georgia representative, well known for amplifying right-wing conspiracy theories, announced Wednesday that she would co-sponsor a discharge petition on a House vote about releasing the Epstein files from libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie, who has regularly broken with Trump. I will never protect pedophiles or the elites and their circles, she posted on X when she shared Massies resolution.

Keith and Kevin Hodge

Better known as the Hodgetwins, this conservative comedy and commentary duo registered their disgust at the administrations closing of the Epstein inquiry in a blunt X post. Telling people to just get over the Epstein files = protecting pedophiles, they wrote. There is no other way to put it.

George / @BehizyTweets

The right-wing content creator indicated that a failure to disclose more information on Epsteins dealings could come with electoral consequences for the GOP. I honestly have no interest in voting in the 2026 midterms if Republicans have no interest in revealing the truth about Jeffrey Epstein, he warned the party on X.

Catturd

The pseudonymous MAGA shitposter didnt go as far as attacking his beloved president, though he did join the ranks of those calling on Bondi to fix the Epstein mess. Its amazing to me that Pam Bondi still hasnt done a news conference over her decisions on Epstein, he fumed on X on Monday. Its her responsibility to explain her decisions and answer questions, not surrogates. He also called her delusional for trying to duck the topic.

Jack Posobiec

The one-time Pizzagate promoter, who was a participant in Bondis binder debacle in February, took a page out of Trumps playbook in seeking to paint one of the presidents enemies as somehow involved in an Epstein coverup. Referring to an initial FBI investigation into the financier that ended without federal prosecution and Epstein pleading guilty to state prostitution charges in Florida, Posobiec in an X post alleged, After Epstein gave information to the FBI, federal charges were dropped. He went on to ask and answer: Who was head of the FBI then? Robert Mueller. Release the info. There is no evidence Mueller weighed in on the investigation of Epstein, and his plea deal was handled by Alexander Acosta, then U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, whom Trump appointed as Secretary of Labor in his first term. Acosta was forced to resign from the cabinet in 2019, after Epsteins re-arrest brought his role in the deal to light.

Alex Jones

Americas conspiracy kingpin made it clear that he roundly rejected the memo from the FBI and DOJ when he shared a video of himself crying in a car and saying he was going to vomit from his feelings of betrayal. Soon enough he was sharing an image of the White House altered to resemble a building on Epsteins private island and a picture of the U.S. Capitol captioned I am telling my children this is Epstein Island. On his Infowars broadcast Wednesday, he criticized the administration and its supporters for trying to suppress dissent. When somebody starts saying Dont question things or you cant be in our club, yeah, thats a cult, and Im not a cult joiner, never have been, he said.

Michael Flynn

Valorized by the QAnon movement and pardoned by Trump in 2020 for making false statements to the FBI, the former U.S. national security adviser pleaded with the president not to discredit the Epstein saga as a hoax in a lengthy post on X. The roll out of this was terrible, no way around that, he wrote, exhorting the administration to find a way to move past this while holding individuals responsible for their crimes against children. It is NOT about Epstein or the left, he insisted, challenging Trumps invocation of a shadowy plot by Democrats.

Nancy Mace

The South Carolina representative joined many of her colleagues in demanding answers on Epstein, and arrests, asking on X, If 1,000 kids were trafficked, how is there only one accomplice? But she took the unusual step of speculating that Democrats were suppressing the truth. Did the Biden Administration destroy any evidence? she wrote. I stand with women, children, the truth and TRUMP. Of course, Trump would probably view it as more helpful to his cause if she stopped talking about Epstein altogether.

Chad Prather

The right-wing comedian and YouTuber is another of the influencers who was duped by Bondis binders in February, and after the FBI and DOJ memo came out this month, it sounded like Prather was still holding a grudge. One of the several videos hes released on Epstein since then is titled, in part: WE WONT STOP TALKING ABOUT THIS. Another flat-out alleges that Bondi lied to the American public. I have a lot of issues with all of this, he said of the memos conclusions.

Rogan OHandley

Better known by his social media handle @DC_Draino, OHandley is another influencer who was embarrassed in Bindergate. Now he is consistently posting that more Epstein documents need to see the light of day. Today is a great day to start releasing the Epstein Files, he wrote on X on Wednesday. Time to restore trust in the DOJ. Previously, he had warned, This isnt going away. Its only going to get worse. MAGA wants those Epstein files released.

Wayne Allen Root

The conservative TV and radio host appears to believe that Trump, otherwise outperforming all expectations, could easily dispense with the Epstein drama if he wants to. Epstein is not going away, he posted on X last weekend. Best [six] months for any president in history. Everything hes doing is fantastic. Why risk it all on this stupid file? Just release it. He also could not conceal his dismay over the controversial memo. I must admit this Epstein file announcement is biggest [and] most ludicrous mistake ever by Trump, he posted. Its a disaster. Everyone knows its pure fraud. So the question is WHY do something so foolish?

Liz Wheeler

Known as a superspreader of medical misinformation, the podcaster was another recipient of the Bondi binder and has lately taken aim at the attorney generals lies around the Epstein case. She has also heavily indulged in the unproven conspiracy theory that Epstein worked for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. On Wednesday, Wheeler touted one (accurate) statistic, noting a poll that showed almost 70 percent of Americans believe the Trump administration is withholding information on Epstein.

David Freiheit

The Canadian streamer, who goes by the handle Viva Frei, said the ultimate responsibility for the Epstein fallout lay with Trump himself. I think Trumps handling of the Epstein situation is wrong, he wrote on X. To his own detriment. And unnecessarily so. Amid a torrent of posts and videos on the Epstein files in recent days, he again expressed his view that the presidents comments on Epstein represented a huge strategic blunder, writing, I say this with sincere love and respect: Does Trump not understand the damage hes doing right now?

Roseanne Barr

The comedian and former sitcom actress, an early and vocal Hollywood supporter of Trump, was none too pleased when he wanted to drop the Epstein issue as soon as the DOJ and FBI memo came out. Mr. President  Yes, we still care about Epstein, she wrote on X. Is there a time to not care about child sex trafficking? Read the damn room. In the past months, she has replied to posts from Bondi to ask when the Epstein files will be released.

Mike Cernovich

The right-wing conspiracy theorist was aghast at Trumps decision to try to pin blame for the Epstein fiasco on Democrats. Why hes doing this is anyones guess, he wrote on X. I truly am speechless. Cernovich fretted that Trump was not listening to his base, was now stuck playing defense, and lashed out at unnamed Trump allies he said had jeopardized the administration. Whoever told Trump to shut up about Epstein fucked him over big time, he posted.

Tucker Carlson

Last but certainly not least, the former Fox News host has used his considerable platform to go after Bondi and the Justice Department for covering up Jeffrey Epsteins crimes and murder and amplified the conspiracy theory that Epstein was a Mossad asset. He continues to devote hours of streaming content to speculative interviews about the case.

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The Brief

A Wisconsin man is accused of killing a woman and leaving the state with her body.

The 23-year-old was arrested in Nebraska after a police chase and crash.

The victim's body was found inside the vehicle.

IOWA COUNTY, Wis. - A Wisconsin man, arrested after a Nebraska police chase this week, is now charged with killing a woman who was found dead inside the vehicle.

In Court

Court records show prosecutors charged 23-year-old Gavin Thompson with first-degree intentional homicide, burglary, hiding a corpse, and taking and driving a vehicle without the owner's consent. He is currently jailed in Nebraksa.

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What they're saying

Prosecutors accuse Thompson of killing 67-year-old Dorinda Segebrecht of Dodgeville. According to a report from WMTV-TV, he entered her unlocked home and demanded her car keys. Evidence showed there was a struggle.

Thompson allegedly admitted to stabbing Segebrecht, according to the report. Investigators said he tried to clean up the home before he put her body in her SUV and driving away.

Dorinda Segebrecht

Investigators later discovered that Segebrecht's vehicle may have been in Nebraska, and information about the investigation was relayed to Nebraska State Patrol. A trooper there spotted the SUV on I-80 early Wednesday morning.

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After a police chase and crash, the report said Thompson was arrested and allegedly admitted he needed money and a car because he recently lost his job. Segebrecht's body was found in the back of the vehicle.

As of right now, officials are not aware of any connection between Thompson and Segebrecht.

The Source

FOX6 News referenced information from WMTV-TV, including a criminal complaint filed by the Iowa County District Attorney's Office and public Wisconsin Circuit Court records.
GRISWOLD, Conn. (WTNH)  Make-A-Wish Connecticut celebrated its 39th birthday Friday, the day before the 22nd annual Sunflowers for Wishes fundraiser begins at Buttonwood Farm in Griswold.

New Haven kicks off new park clean-up initiative

Sunflowers for Wishes, which has raised over $2 million for children with critical illnesses over 22 years, runs from 10 a.m. to dusk July 19-27. Make-A-Wish said in a statement that is the equivalent of 200 wishes granted.

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Buttonwood Farm, located at 473 Shetucket Turnpike, expects more than 300,000 sunflowers to bloom over the 14 acres of farmland this year, and will be available for purchase while supplies last. It costs $3 per person to enter the cutting field, and another $3 for each flower cut. All proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Connecticut.

Sunflowers for Wishes is the only time of the year sunflowers are available for purchase at Buttonwood Farm. The farm also features over 50 flavors of homemade ice cream, which will include a sunflower flavor during the festival.

In a celebration Friday, Make-A-Wish kids Selena and Chloe each wished to visit Disney, which Chloe called the biggest playground. Charlie wished to travel to London and meet actress Emma Watson.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

LOGAN, Utah (ABC4)  A South Ogden woman has been charged with assault on an officer for reckless driving that injured three Logan City Police officers overnight, requiring one to go to the hospital by ambulance.

Kindy Ann Viator, 37, has been charged with six counts of assault against a peace officer with a dangerous weapon, one count of failure to respond to an officers signal to stop  resulting in injury, one count of failure to stop at an injury accident, one count of reckless driving, and one count of failure to stop or yield.

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According to documents, just after midnight on July 18, three Logan City Police officers in two vehicles were dispatched to a woman acting erratically near a vehicle parked in the middle of the roadway. As officers approached the vehicle, the woman  later identified as Viator  sped away through the parking lot.

The officers followed Viator in their vehicles and saw her vehicle pull into an apartment complex a couple of blocks away. The first officer followed Viator into the lot and activated their emergency lights. Viator was in a dead end, and began rapidly maneuvering back and forth between the dead end and the officers vehicle.

READ NEXT: Former Washington Co. Sheriffs deputy charged with allegedly creating CSAM of children

In order to escape the dead end, Viator collided with the police vehicle and a second vehicle that was parked. The other police vehicle on scene began chasing Viator, and additional police vehicles became involved in the pursuit. While fleeing, documents say she traveled around 70  80 miles per hour in a residential zone and violated multiple traffic laws.

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When Viator was cornered, she allegedly struck the second police vehicle front-to-front to escape. Both police vehicles that had been struck managed to corner her a third time in another dead-end parking lot.

She crashed into the two police vehicles again, and the two officers in the first vehicle sustained injuries. One officer had a wrist injury, and the other received a laceration to the head.

Finally, Viator was stopped in a fourth parking lot and struck the second police vehicle again. This crash caused both vehicles to become disabled, and the officer driving that vehicle sustained serious injuries and had to be transported to the hospital via ambulance.

Viator surrendered and was arrested. She was booked into the Cache County Jail and is currently being held without bail.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
CHICAGO  A woman is in custody on Saturday morning and a homicide investigation is underway after officers say she allegedly drowned a baby in the lake on Friday night.

According to police, officers first responded to the scene around 9:45 p.m. following a service call about a 31-year-old woman who had been found in Lake Michigan in the 7000 Block of S. South Shore Drive, near South Shore Beach.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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After arriving on the scene, further investigation indicated that the woman had allegedly drowned a 1-year-old boy in the lake.

Following the discovery, officers took the woman into custody and transported her to the hospital.

Shortly after the woman was arrested, the CFD Marine Unit recovered the body of the child. The child was taken to Comer Childrens Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A law enforcement source told WGN-TV the woman was related to the baby boy.

It remains unclear what led to the incident, and an investigation is now underway.

Authorities have not announced charges against the woman, but said the case has been classified as a homicide.

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The more I heard, the more tragic it got, the sadder it got, Street Pastor Donovan Price said.

Price went to the hospital Friday night after learning the boy drowned in Lake Michigan.

It speaks to the need for peoplethe need for mental health services, Price said.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Price will be leading his Monday community prayer group with prayers for the boy and for all involved in this tragic incident.

He encourages families to reach out to loved ones who are struggling.

Try to, you know, stay with them. Let them know that theyre not alone in this, and just maybe if one by one we can do that, then we can help the situation as a whole, Price said.

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Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The 80th anniversary of the Trinity Site test of the worlds first atomic bomb was marked this past week.

The test at Trinity Site  now in the northern part of White Sands Missile Range  took place on July 16, 1945 at 5:29 a.m. Mountain War Time.

When the test was done back in 1945, a brilliant flash of light was seen in El Paso, as reported by newspapers back in the day. Windows rattled as far away as 120 miles.

Photos from Trinity Site open house in April 2019. Photos by Dave Burge/KTSM

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White Sands Missile Range actually marked the anniversary on July 9.

The Trinity Test was the first of its kind in human history. It was the culmination of work

by hundreds of Americans and allied scientists working at sites across the country. Named

the Manhattan Project and led by Maj. Gen. Leslie R. Groves and Dr. J. Robert

Oppenheimer, this was a scientific and engineering effort on a scale never seen before. The

projects headquarters was at Los Alamos, N.M., but had other facilities to include Oak

Ridge, Tenn., and Hanford, Wash., White Sands Missile Range stated in a news release marking the anniversary.

The 51,500-acre Trinity Site area was declared a national historic landmark in 1975. The

landmark includes base camp, where the scientists and support group lived; ground zero,

site of the tower; and the Schmidt/McDonald ranch house.

When the movie Oppenheimer came out in 2023, that brought renewed attention to the race in World War II to see which side would develop the first atomic bomb and tip the balance of power.

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Years after the test at Trinity, Oppenheimer said the following in an interview: We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed, a few people cried. Most people were silent. I remembered the line from the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu is trying to persuade the prince that he should do his duty, and to impress him, takes on his multi-armed form and says, Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds. I suppose we all thought that one way or another.

At the time, the Army said that a munitions storage area had accidently exploded at what was then called the Alamogordo Bombing Range.

The Trinity Site is about 35 miles southeast of Socorro, New Mexico, on the northern part of the sprawling White Sands Missile Range.

The New Mexico Department of Transporation marked the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test by dedicating a new roadside sign honoring the Trinity Downwinders affected by the blast.

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A public dedication was held July 16 at the intersection of U.S. Highway 380 and New Mexico 525 to unveil the sign and mark the anniversary of the first atomic blast.

The sign is intended to recognize the residents of the Tularosa Basin who were affected. These individuals, sometimes referred to as Downwinders, lived near the blast site and experienced health and environmental impacts that continue to resonate today, NMDOT said.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., released the following statement on the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test:

For far too many New Mexicans, including Navajo uranium miners and families, todays anniversary of the Trinity Test is a day marked by suffering, pain, and injustice. It serves as a solemn reminder of our governments failure, for eight long decades, to recognize and support the families who lived downwind of that first nuclear explosion and who have borne its devastating consequences every day since.

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For my entire time in Congress, Ive been honored to fight alongside Trinity Downwinders and uranium workers to finally include all the New Mexicans exposed to radiation from the bombs detonation in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. This year, we delivered long-overdue justice by expanding this legislation to cover downwinders across the entire state of New Mexico, increase benefits, and finally expand eligibility for uranium workers to include core drillers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHEYENNE  The Wyoming Department of Transportation is nearly done with creation of its 25-year Long Range Transportation Plan, which takes public feedback to outline its top priorities for the next quarter-century.

As the organization continues to take public feedback, it is also informing the public of potential funding challenges and asking for input on how to use its funding to best meet the needs of Wyoming residents, as well as potential avenues to increase its revenue.

Between increasing fuel efficiency, increasing construction costs and a stagnant gas tax revenue, WYDOT estimates an annual funding gap of $200 million.

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Over the last decade, WYDOTs construction costs have increased 42%, and its primary revenue sources have remained relatively flat.

Wyoming has not increased its state fuel tax since 2014, when it went from 14 cents to 24 cents per gallon. The number of vehicles registered in the state has decreased over time, and there is a cap on how much the agency can receive from mineral royalties and severance tax.

However, WYDOT is expected to receive additional funds beginning in October 2026 after House Bill 33 was passed by the Wyoming Legislature earlier this year. It provides around $70 million in additional transportation revenue due to the transfer of sales and use tax on vehicles and trailers to the highway fund.

This year, WYDOT is expected to receive $818.2 million from its revenue sources; 57.4%, or $469.4 million, of that goes toward the highway improvement program, which utilizes 70% federal dollars and the remaining 30% from the state.

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The other biggest expenditures include 15.4%, or $129.9 million, for maintenance and operations, and 6.6%, or $53.7 million, allocated for law enforcement expenses.

As part of this long-range plan, WYDOT is asking the public and industry stakeholders how they should balance budget challenges with Wyomings priorities.

There is an online survey available until Aug. 9 at wydotlrtp.com/meeting2, and feedback is accepted by email, mail or phone calls, as well. The email address is connect@WYDOTLRTP.com, and the U.S. mail address is WYDOT Headquarters, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340.

The survey asks participants to rank their preference on where the transportation agency should invest, including things like maintaining pavement, replacing bridges, public transit and new roads.

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It also asks in what ways Wyoming residents would consider contributing to fill the funding gap, including options like increasing the fuel tax rate, increasing the vehicle registration fee or implementing a mileage-based user fee.

It's meant to gather ideas and just strategize in a new way, said Jordan Young, WYDOTs deputy public affairs officer. I don't want folks to think that these are all things that we're definitely going to be doing. It's just kind of getting ideas, taking the temperature on what the public is feeling.

She said this stage of the plan is very high level, and not determining any specific projects. That decision falls under the State Transportation Improvement Plan, which takes public feedback on specific projects when WYDOT is determining what to prioritize. This step of the process only focuses on where to strategically allocate funding to work toward common goals and how to potentially acquire more funding.

As the public comment period for this plan is still open, Young said it is too early to say which priorities are the frontrunners so far, but that will be outlined in the final plan, expected to be finalized sometime this fall.

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I think there is a big push from the agency to try to get out of this preservation-only mode. You know, we've been really focusing on maintaining what we have, which is great. We want to make sure we have a really great driving surface for everybody, she said. ... And I think we also want to look at some of those capacity improvements, dividing more highways, adding more turn lanes, and those quality-of-life things that people appreciate and learn to really look for in different towns as they're growing.

Though Young didn't say if WYDOT anticipates approaching the Wyoming Legislature for additional funding anytime soon, she said the data collected from this public comment period  both quantitative and qualitative  could be useful information to have going forward if they decide to pursue any extra funding.

On the survey website, there are several testimonials provided, including one from Dan Benford, executive director of Associated General Contractors of Wyoming.

The highway system is our number two asset in Wyoming  only behind the people of Wyoming. I believe it is absolutely vital to the economy, he wrote.

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Another testimonial comes from Jim Magagna, executive vice president of Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

He wrote, WYDOT is a true partner in the enterprise of running livestock in Wyoming with highways all over the state.

connect@WYDOTLRTP.com
CHEYENNE  A Laramie County District Court judge on Tuesday ordered an indefinite halt to the states new school voucher program, which would award $7,000 for each child to Wyoming families sending children to private schools or homeschool programs, regardless of family income.

The order comes as part of a lawsuit filed in June by the Wyoming Education Association, calling the program unconstitutional.

Judge Peter Froelichers order for a preliminary injunction indicates he finds the program would have caused irreparable harm to the defendants if the vouchers proceeded during the litigation process.

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However, this preliminary injunction doesnt mean the new voucher program will not happen. It is simply a pause of the program to maintain the status quo while judgment is passed to determine whether the program violates the Wyoming Constitution, he wrote.

At the end of June, Froelicher approved a temporary preliminary injunction to consider whether to grant the WEAs full motion for a preliminary injunction. The move Tuesday means the status quo will be maintained until the court has fully litigated the case.

In WEAs initial complaint, it offered three ways in which it would suffer irreparable harm.

First, it claimed the $30 million appropriated for the voucher program, called the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act and Education Savings Account Program (ESA), could be used to fund public education, which the same judge held to be unconstitutionally underfunded in Wyoming in February, including failing to properly fund teacher salaries.

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At the time of the decision Tuesday, there were already 3,965 applications for the voucher, for a total of more than $27 million.

The second assertion from WEA is that public school funding would be reduced due to the loss of average daily membership at the school districts that lose students who opt into the program.

Finally, WEA contended that there would be irreparable injury if public funding is paid to certified education service providers, via the students vouchers, and must be recovered by the state if the act is later determined to be unconstitutional.

The defendants, which include Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and three Wyoming parent intervener defendants, argued that WEA, and the nine parents who joined the case as plaintiffs, had not established any individual student, parental or teacher harm or injury.

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In his order granting the preliminary injunction, Froelicher wrote that Degenfelder and the intervenors ignore the well-established doctrine that the fundamental right to an education exists to benefit not just students, but all Wyoming citizens through education of their youth.

According to the judges order, the voucher program allows public funding of private schools that have discriminatory admission policies. Two of the parents who joined the WEA as plaintiffs have a child who is nonbinary, and the child would not be permitted equal access to the program because the act permits public funding of private schools that have discriminatory admission policies.

Appropriating $30 million for private schooling of Wyoming students is inconsistent with the undisputed doctrine that its paramount priority is to support an opportunity for a complete, proper, quality education and any competing priorities that are not of constitutional magnitude are secondary, Froelicher wrote.

In response to this order, Degenfelder issued a statement Tuesday evening saying she is already working with the state Attorney Generals office on options to challenge the injunction.

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I am disheartened at the courts written order granting the WEAs injunction. As one of nearly 4,000 Wyoming families, you have had your lives unnecessarily upended through no fault of your own. This constitutional dispute could have been handled in a different way to not cause such harm to you, she wrote. ... We will continue to keep you apprised of the situation, and I will continue to fight for school choice in Wyoming.

The Partnership for Educational Choice, a joint project of EdChoice and the Institute for Justice, said in a statement it will move to stay the injunction to allow parents to continue to use the voucher program while the lawsuit continues.

The courts decision to limit educational opportunity for Wyoming families is contrary to the Wyoming Constitution, said Thomas M. Fisher, executive vice president and director of litigation at EdChoice Legal Advocates, EdChoices legal arm, in a statement. We will seek to stay the injunction and appeal it as soon as possible.

In Froelichers order, the defendants are allowed to continue to expend the $880,000 allocated for administrative expenses to carry out the ESA program.

The ESA program was passed by the Wyoming Legislature earlier this year. It is an expansion of an existing income-based voucher program that awards $6,000 per child to qualifying families. That program was passed by the states elected officials last year.
A Cluster Level Quiz Competition 2025, organised by Army Public School (APS) Bhopal, was held at the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) campus in Bhopal on Friday (July 18) bringing together students from six Army Public Schools across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The event was hosted by the Quizzers' Club MANIT, with participating teams representing Army Public School (APS) Bhopal, Jhansi, Sagar, Babina, Gwalior, and Kamptee. Students from the Quizzers' Club curated the quiz content, designed interactive rounds, and took on the role of quizmasters, adding a vibrant, collegiate atmosphere to the competition. The quiz featured rounds covering a wide range of topics, including the Indian Army, current affairs, science, literature, sports, and prominent Indian personalities. Colonel AK Sugandhi, officiating chairman of Army Public School Bhopal, attended the event as the chief guest and praised the professionalism of the organising team. He also appreciated the enthusiastic involvement of MANIT students in making the event a success. In a tightly contested finale, APS Bhopal clinched the first position, while APS Sagar secured the runner-up title. The event concluded on a high note, celebrating knowledge, teamwork, and spirited competition among young learners. The Quizzers' Club of Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (QCM) is the official quizzing club of NIT Bhopal. It is a location where students from all walks of life assemble to exhibit their wit, wisdom, and fervour for learning. This club serves as a beacon of light, encouraging young minds to delve deeper and learn in a world where knowledge is power and curiosity is the fuel that propels progress. Its irrepressible enthusiasm and thriving community, which have spread to numerous other institutions, including IITs and IIMs, are what truly set QCM apart. (ANI)
Noah Hiles, of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette joins Xtra Points to discuss the teams trade for Cam Devanney and preview Pittsburghs second half.

Can Devanney is a name that you can write on the lineup card for August and September. You traded nothing and you acquired nothing. What you acquired is essentially the equivalent of a $1 scratch-off ticket. And sometimes if you play those enough, you get 50 bucks out of it, he said. If they can get a $50 scratch-off ticket for an Adam Frazier, then thats a win.

How to watch WTAJ News for free with the WTAJ+ streaming app

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Xtra Points airs weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4 on WTAJ+

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Key Points

A hydrothermal explosion has created a 13-foot blue water feature in Yellowstone National Park.

The explosion appears to have happened between December 2024 and May 2025.

While rare, hydrothermal explosions can result in injuries or death to humans and animals.





A brand-new discovery in a popular national park has explosive beginnings.



Geologists in Yellowstone National Park recently discovered a new thermal pool, likely formed by a hydrothermal explosion, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The stunning crater, which has pale blue water and is surrounded by rocks covered in light-gray sandy mud, was discovered during routine maintenance of temperature logging stations in the area.

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Scientists said the new feature appeared to have formed over the course of multiple small explosions and likely started to develop on Christmas Day 2024 with "further activity" continuing in mid-to-late January and early February. The pool sits at about 13 feet across with the water measured at a steamy 109 degrees Fahrenheit.

USGS A new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. A new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park.

The latest new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basinperhaps the most dynamic area in Yellowstone National Parkdemonstrates the spectrum of ways in which hydrothermal features evolve," according to the USGS. "Some form during brief and violent episodes of change. Others may take shape far more gradually, like the new feature... that seems to have begun taking shape on Christmas 2024."

High-resolution satellite images show the development of the new thermal pool starting in December 2024 before growing into a small depression by early January and then finally revealing itself as fully-formed by Feb. 13.

The rocks and white material (silica mud) surrounding the pool were probably ejected as the feature formed, the report revealed.



Hydrothermal explosions are somewhat common throughout Yellowstone National Park, the USGS noted. In fact, the Biscuit Basin trail head is still closed following an explosion that occurred there in July 2024. The area sits near the popular tourist destination, Old Faithful.



This most recent hydrothermal explosion resulted in a new natural wonder, but in some cases, the explosions can be deadly. In El Salvador, an explosion in 1990 resulted in more than 20 combined deaths and injuries, according to a report from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.



More than 4.74 million people visited Yellowstone National Park in 2024, according to the National Park Service, a 44% increase compared to the total number of visitors in 2022. There's no one good time to visit the park, but travelers who go in the warmer months (typically from mid-April to the end of October) will find amazing camping and hiking with most of the parks roads open. Travelers who head to the park in the winter will find fewer crowds and plenty of snowy adventures, including the chance to traverse the park on skis, snowshoes, or by snowmobile.



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
(FOX40.COM)  The Yolo County Board of Supervisors has reached out to California Attorney General Rob Bontas office via a letter on Friday to join Cal Fire in taking the lead on the investigation related to the deadly Oakdale fire in Esparto.

Yolo County officials stated that this incident happened in the unincorporated area of the county outside of the Esparto community on July 1, with a fire that tragically took the lives of seven people.

Border Patrol and ICE: Understanding their roles in immigration enforcement

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Dr. Mary Vixie Sandy, who is the Chair of YCBS, said in a press release that the property where the fire and explosions happened is owned by YCSO Lieutenant and another administrative employee, and was requested due to strong public perception of conflicts within the YCSO that could undermine the integrity of the ongoing investigations.

While we do not question the ability and integrity of the District Attorney to support the CAL FIRE and CAL OSHA investigations, ensuring the publics confidence in the investigation and outcomes is of critical importance to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and our community, Vixie Sandy said. It is our strong belief that the public perception and integrity of the investigation elements currently being carried out at the local level would be best served by the direct involvement of the Department of Justice.

Bontas office has not released any information in terms of this request at this time.

Vixie Sandy also stated that the following people are in support of this request. The Yolo County District Attorney, Jeff Reisig and Sheriff Tom Lopez.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Russian forces launched more than 300 drone and more than 30 missile and cruise missile attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on Telegram on Saturday.

Zelensky published photos showing damage caused to a residential block in Odessa on the Black Sea, where one person was killed and six others injured, according to official reports.

The Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions were hit, according to Zelensky. Important infrastructure was destroyed in Sumy, where thousands of households were now without electricity.

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"There are still drones in the sky," Zelensky said. He added that Ukraine's air defences were destroying them and that emergency services were in operation.

Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk had been badly hit, with a residential block and important infrastructure damaged Zelensky said.

Regional military governor Serhiy Lysak spoke of a "hellish night" and said it was the worst attack to date on the city, which lies due east of Dnipro. "One explosion after another. Russian terrorists attacked with missiles and drones," he posted on Telegram.

The number of attacks was considerably higher than in recent days, with Moscow apparently unimpressed by a fresh round of European Union sanctions passed on Friday.

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Zelensky repeated his call to Ukraine's allies for increased air defences. Ukraine needed facilities for joint arms production, investment in drone production and for air defence systems to be provided, he said.

"All of this will save lives and is needed by Ukraine especially now," he posted.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Russian forces launched more than 300 drone and more than 30 missile and cruise missile attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on Telegram on Saturday.

Zelensky published photos showing damage caused to a residential block in Odessa on the Black Sea, where one person was killed and six others injured, according to officials.

Two people were killed in a Russian missile strike in the Synelnykove district, the military governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak, said. A school and a cultural institution were destroyed; private buildings were also damaged, and cars were burned out, he said.

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The Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions were also hit, according to Zelensky. Important infrastructure was destroyed in Sumy, where thousands of households were now without electricity.

"There are still drones in the sky," Zelensky said. He added that Ukraine's air defences were destroying them and that emergency services were in operation.

Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk had been badly hit, with a residential block and important infrastructure damaged Zelensky said.

Regional military governor Serhiy Lysak spoke of a "hellish night" and said it was the worst attack to date on the city, which lies due east of Dnipro. "One explosion after another. Russian terrorists attacked with missiles and drones," he posted on Telegram.

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The number of attacks was considerably higher than in recent days, with Moscow apparently unimpressed by a fresh round of European Union sanctions passed on Friday.

Zelensky repeated his call to Ukraine's allies for increased air defences. Ukraine needed facilities for joint arms production, investment in drone production and for air defence systems to be provided, he said.

"All of this will save lives and is needed by Ukraine especially now," he posted.

Ukrainian drones hit Moscow airports, Russian border regions

Russian air defences downed more than 80 drones overnight as Ukrainian forces attacked Moscow and regions near the border, the Defence Ministry in Moscow reported on Saturday.

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Moscow residents reported large explosions as more than a dozen drones were downed. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has recently been reporting daily drone attacks.

Flights at Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo, the Russian capital's two main airports, were disrupted in the middle of the summer holiday season.

Rail traffic was disrupted in the Rostov region directly to the east of Ukraine after fragments from downed drones fell onto rail infrastructure, affecting 50 long-distance trains and local traffic, authorities reported.

Private homes in Kamensk caught alight after drone fragments fell on them, Rostov regional governor Yury Slyusar reported. A woman was injured.

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The Bryansk region to the direct north of Ukraine was also hit. Details of damage were not reported.

Ukraine is seeking to disrupt military supplies through its attacks on Russian border regions. It says that Russian civilian damage is much less than that inflicted by Russia on Ukrainian civilians.

Ukrainian rail head Oleksandr Pertsovskyi posted on Facebook that there were increasing Russian attacks on civilian trains not transporting military goods. Coal trains were being hit in particular, he said.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years. Kiev's attacks seek to bring the war back to the aggressor's country, though the damage it causes is in no proportion to the death and devastation visited on Ukraine by Russian drone and missile attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) Secretary Rustem Umierov has proposed a meeting with the Russian side next week. Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is ready for a leader-level meeting.

Source: Zelenskyys evening address

Quote: "Dialogue with the Russian side on prisoner exchanges is ongoing  we are continuing to implement the agreements reached during the earlier meeting in Istanbul. Our team is currently working on another exchange.

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NSDC Secretary Umierov also reported that he has proposed another meeting with the Russian side for next week. The pace of negotiations must be increased. Everything must be done to achieve a ceasefire. And the Russian side must stop hiding from decisions.

Prisoner exchanges. The return of children. An end to the killings. And a meeting at the leader level is needed to truly ensure peace  a really lasting peace. Ukraine is ready for such a meeting."

Background:

On Friday 18 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed former defence minister Rustem Umierov as secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine.

Speaking about Umierov's tasks in his new role, Zelenskyy also said that "negotiation efforts" with Russia must be stepped up."The implementation of the agreements reached at the second meeting in Istanbul is currently underway. We need more momentum in this process," the president said.

Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is in favour of "adding momentum" to the negotiation process with Ukraine.

Meetings between delegations from Russia and Ukraine took place on 16 May and 2 June in Istanbul.

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Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while accusing him of building "a mountain of lies". Expressing concern over the law and order situation in Bihar, Jha questioned the Prime Minister's silence on crime incidents occurring in the state. He said that there have been 37 incidents of murder in Bihar in the last 15 days. The RJD leader said that PM Modi sends a fact-finding team to West Bengal and Telangana, but "puts cello tap" when it comes to Bihar. "PM Modi, you have built a mountain of lies. You won't see Manipur and Bihar. In 15 days, 37 incidents of murder occurred in Bihar. What happened to Muzaffarpur's daughter? You didn't send a fact-finding team like you did to West Bengal and Telangana. The Prime Minister must dispatch fact-finding teams to areas where there are issues of law and order. Whenever something happens in Bihar, you put up cello tape and the teleprompter goes blank," Jha told ANI. His remarks come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed anger over atrocities against women in West Bengal, citing the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder incident, where he claimed that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal was shielding the culprits. PM Modi emphasised that hospitals are not safe for women under the current government, regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor whose body was found on August 9, 2024, in the hospital's seminar room. Lashing out at the TMC government for "failing" to protect the women in the state, the Prime Minister said that the injustice is happening under the rule of the party that preaches the values of "Maa, Mati, and Manush." Addressing a public gathering in Durgapur, PM Modi said, "The injustice happening with the daughters in West Bengal under the rule of the party that preaches the values of Maa, Mati, and Manush deeply pains and angers me. It is disheartening to witness such actions occurring on the very land of Kadambini Ganguly, India's first female western-trained medical doctor. Yet today, even hospitals are not safe for young women." Citing the recent South Calcutta Law College alleged rape case, the Prime Minister alleged that the accused has a connection with the TMC. (ANI)
Mary Ellen Klas is a politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. A former capital bureau chief for the Miami Herald, she has covered politics and government for more than three decades.
In a shocking incident, Dr Tapeshwar Prasad, a retired official from the Health Department, was shot and seriously injured by unidentified assailants in Bihar on Saturday morning, said police. The incident took place while he was returning from his agricultural field when three criminals riding an Apache motorcycle ambushed and opened fire on him. According to initial reports, Dr Prasad sustained a gunshot wound to his jaw. After receiving emergency treatment at a local facility, he was referred to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College in Gaya for further care. His condition remains critical. The victim's son, speaking to ANI, said, "Today at around 8 AM, when he was returning from his fields, three unidentified people on a bike stopped him and fired a shot, which left him injured. Currently, he is critical." Dr Tapeshwar Prasad also owns a private hospital in Sherghati and is a well-known figure in the region. Authorities suspect that the attack may be linked to an ongoing personal dispute, as he was reportedly at odds with certain individuals for some time. Local police have launched an investigation and are working to identify and apprehend the culprits. Notably, in the past few days, Bihar has witnessed a disturbing spike in violent crimes, raising serious concerns over the state's law and order situation. One of the most chilling incidents occurred in a Patna hospital where five armed assailants stormed the ICU and shot dead Chandan Mishra, an act captured on CCTV. Chandan Mishra, was out on parole on the grounds of required medical attention and was admitted to Paras Hospital for treatment, when unidentified assailants barged into the hospital and shot him, Patna SSP Kartikay Sharma said. Chandan Mishra was a known criminal with dozens of murder cases registered against him. The Police believe that the rival gang has carried out the shooting. Today, the Bihar Police has also detained three people from New Town, Kolkata, for questioning in the same incident. Bihar ADG Kundan Krishnan said that three people have been detained for questioning in relation to the firing on prisoner Chandan Mishra. (ANI)
The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) will come into effect from October 1, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Saturday. "All countries have now ratified. Lodged their document with the repository, which was Norway, and from first October, EFTA will come into effect," Union Commerce and Industry Minister said while addressing the session 'Creating Global Impact Towards Viksit Bharat', organised by ASSOCHAM in Mumbai.

On 10 March 2024, Member States of the European Free Trade Association - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, and India signed a comprehensive Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). EFTA-India FTA sets out the framework for the trade relations between the EFTA States and India by reflecting common principles, such as their commitment to sustainable development, good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

EFTA is an intergovernmental organisation set up in 1960 for the promotion of free trade and economic integration for the benefit of its four Member States.EFTA has committed to promoting investments to increase the stock of foreign direct investments by USD 100 billion in India in the next 15 years, and to facilitate the generation of 1 million direct employment in India, through such investments. The investments do not cover foreign portfolio investment.

The agreement incorporates and builds on the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation and includes provisions that are in line with relevant international standards and agreements. Among EFTA countries, Switzerland is the largest trading partner of India, followed by Norway.

Going further, speaking at the event, Goyal again reiterated the government's stand on trade deals, stating that India will enter into international trade agreements only if they serve the country's interests.
RSMSSB Agriculture Supervisor Recruitment 2025: The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) has issued a notification for the recruitment of 1,100 Agriculture Supervisor posts. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in applying can visit the official website of RSMSSB at rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in to complete the application process.

According to the official notice, out of the total 1,100 vacancies, 944 posts have been reserved for candidates applying from Non-Scheduled Areas, while the remaining 156 posts are allocated for candidates from Scheduled Areas. Aspirants are advised to carefully read the notification for details regarding eligibility, age limit, important dates, and the selection process before submitting their applications.

RSMSSB Agriculture Supervisor Vacancies 2025: Eligibility criteria

Educational Qualification:

Candidates applying for the Agriculture Supervisor posts must hold a B.Sc. degree in Agriculture or Agri-Horticulture. Those who have completed Class 12 with Agriculture or Science (with Agriculture as a subject) are also eligible. In addition, applicants should have basic knowledge of Rajasthani culture and the ability to write in Hindi using the Devanagari script.

Age Limit:

The minimum age requirement for applicants is 18 years, while the upper age limit is 40 years. However, candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, and OBC are eligible for relaxation in the upper age limit as per government norms.

RSMSSB Agriculture Supervisor Posts 2025: Steps to apply here

Step 1: Visit the official RSSB website at rssb.rajasthan.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the Recruitment Portal under the Citizen App (G2C) section and complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process.

Step 3: During the OTR process, enter your basic details such as name, fathers name, date of birth, gender, Class 10 information, and upload a valid ID proof like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.

Step 4: After completing OTR, log in to the portal, go to the Recruitment section under G2C, enter your OTR number, and fill out the online application form.

RSMSSB Agriculture Supervisor Posts 2025: Application fees

The application fee is Rs 600 for General category candidates, as well as OBC and EWS candidates belonging to the creamy layer. For candidates from Rajasthan who belong to the non-creamy layer of OBC and EWS categories, as well as SC and ST categories, the application fee is Rs 400.

The selection process for the Agriculture Supervisor posts will be carried out through a written examination. Candidates who qualify in the written test will then be called for document verification. The final selection will be based on a merit list prepared from the exam results. Selected candidates will receive a salary as per Pay Matrix Level 5, which is considered a decent and respectable pay scale.

The role of an Agriculture Supervisor is a prestigious opportunity offered by RSMSSB. Selected individuals will be responsible for overseeing and managing agricultural activities across various regions of Rajasthan. Their duties include planning and executing agricultural programs, conducting research, introducing innovative farming techniques, and offering technical support and guidance to farmers to improve productivity.
New Delhi: Disney has officially released the new trailer for TRON: Ares, the eagerly awaited third installment in the groundbreaking TRON franchise. Set to arrive in Indian cinemas on October 10, 2025, the film will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, marking a major global rollout for the next chapter in the iconic sci-fi saga.

Directed by Joachim Rnning, TRON: Ares follows the journey of Ares, a highly advanced Program sent from the digital world into the real world on a high-stakes mission. The film explores humanitys first direct confrontation with artificial intelligence, promising a gripping blend of cutting-edge visuals and provocative themes.

Watch The Trailer Here:

The trailer also debuts the original track As Alive As You Need Me To Be by Grammy Award-winning band Nine Inch Nails, adding to the films dark, immersive tone. Visual effects are helmed by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), teasing a sleek and stylised cinematic experience.

The star-studded cast includes Jared Leto in the lead role, alongside Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, and Cameron Monaghan, with veteran actors Gillian Anderson and Jeff Bridges also appearing.

Produced by Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook, and Steven Lisberger (creator of the original TRON), the film has Russell Allen onboard as executive producer.

In keeping with Disneys commitment to global audiences, the films Indian release will span multiple languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, ensuring fans across regions can experience the spectacle in their native tongue.

With its rich mythology, cutting-edge visuals, and philosophical undertones, TRON: Ares promises to be more than just a sci-fi action film. It positions itself as a timely exploration of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the moral implications of digital evolution.
A 20-year-old son of a policeman allegedly struck and killed two individuals with his speeding SUV in Gujarat's Bhavnagar earlier this week. Several others were also reportedly injured in the incident. According to reports, the accused was car racing with his friends when he lost control and mowed down the two victims.

The tragic incident was captured on CCTV footage showed a speeding white car hit two pedestrians and a nearby scooter.

The car was allegedly being driven by Harshraj, the son of Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) at the Crime Branch, Aniruddha Singh Vajubha Gohil. According to a report by NDTV, the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle and rammed into the bystanders, killing two and injuring two others.

The accused is reportedly a driving enthusiast and occasionally races with his friends.

Police Officers Son Involved in Fatal Bhavnagar Street Race



A tragic accident unfolded in Bhavnagars Kaliyabid area when a reckless car race between two youths turned fatal. One of the vehicles, reportedly driven by the son of a police officer, lost control and plowed into pic.twitter.com/w55Npx9YvQ  Our Vadodara (@ourvadodara) July 18, 2025

2 Killed In SUV Speeding Incident

The report also informed that the pedestrians who lost their lives on the spot were identified as Bhargav Bhatt (30) and Champaben Vachani (65). Meanwhile, the injured were taken to the nearby Sir T Hospital.

Cop Father Hands Him To Police

The NDTV report also stated that the father of the accused reached the spot and beat him. Later, he handed over his son to the Nilambag police station. Subsequently, the he 20-year-old accused was taken into custody.

At the time of this report, Harshraj was not yet officially arrested by the police.

Delhi's 'Drunk' Driver

The news agency ANI reported that the driver of a speeding car that ran over five persons sleeping on a footpath in the Vasant Vihar area of Delhi was allegedly under the influence of liquor, and was arrested.

ANI on July 13 reported that the incident took place when an Audi car on its way from Noida crushed people sleeping on the footpath near the Indian Oil Petrol Pump, in front of Shiva Camp, Vasant Vihar.
A terror recruitment and financing module operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Abdullah Ghazi, alias Shaukat Ali, from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has been busted. Ten individuals have been detained for questioning.

The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) traced suspicious technical signatures through a specific encrypted messaging application widely used by terrorists and their handlers for coordinating, financing, and executing terror activities during today's raids. The investigation revealed that Ghazi was in continuous contact with local Kashmiri youth, attempting to radicalise them for recruitment into JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Raids were conducted at 10 locations with a focus on disrupting a terrorist sleeper cell and recruitment module. Sleeper cells consist of individuals who blend into society, often without the knowledge of family or friends and engage in covert activities such as target killings, grenade attacks, or distributing terrorist propaganda.

During the raids, several documents and digital devices, including mobile phones, were seized, providing critical evidence to unravel the terror network. Ten suspects were detained for allegedly using encrypted apps to coordinate with handlers across the border.

The operation highlighted a shift in terror strategy toward Cyber Jihad, where Pakistan-based operatives use encrypted apps, proxy numbers (including Indian ones), and virtual identities to radicalize youth. The process involves identifying vulnerable individuals on public platforms, then shifting to encrypted apps for mission assignments such as surveillance, arms transport, target selection and luring them with promises of financial rewards and religious justification.

This is the fifth major digital terror module dismantled by CIK, following similar operations against Pakistan-based terrorist handlers. With declining local recruitment, Pakistan-based terror groups like JeM and LeT have increasingly relied on digital platforms for radicalising and recruiting Kashmiri youth into terror organisations.
Demanding an apology, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party leader Sheelam Nadiya on Saturday lashed out at Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA Gali Bhanu Prakash for making "derogatory comments" against Former Andhra Pradesh Minister Roja Selvamani, and said that such remarks reflect a lack of basic decency. "It is extremely unfortunate that Gali Bhanu Prakash, the current MLA of Nagari, has made such derogatory comments against former minister and ex-MLA Roja. He claimed that Roja would do anything for Rs 2,000 and described her more as a vamp than a heroine. Let me remind him -- it was the same Roja whom your father lost to twice in elections. What should we call you then? More of a broker than a joker?" Nadiya told ANI. Intensifying her attack against the ruling TDP MLA, she said that Prakash's comments were not just disgraceful, but also reflect a lack of basic decency. "We can speak too. We have a voice. But we are guided by values and culture. Unfortunately, it seems like you have neither shame nor culture. The comments you've made are not just disgraceful but reflect a lack of basic decency. Before you speak about a woman, don't you remember that there are women in your own family too?" Nadiya said. Highlighting the contributions of women in leadership roles, the YSRCP leader said that a woman holds the highest constitutional post in India. "From the Indian freedom struggle to the Telangana movement, women have played crucial leadership roles. Let me also remind you that the highest constitutional post in India -- the President -- has been held by a woman," Nadiya stated. She further said that the comments made by the TDP MLA were reflective of a "perverse mindset". Flagging the issue of crime against women in Telangana, Nadiya said that incidents of rapes were on the rise and the coalition government has turned a blind eye to the same. "To say that a woman would do anything for money is not only a cheap thought but reflects your perverse mindset. While such misogynistic views are being expressed, the state is already unsafe for women. Crimes against women and even children -- including rapes -- are on the rise. And this coalition government has turned a blind eye to it," she added. The YSRCP leader demanded that Prakash issue an apology to former minister Roja Selvamani and urged Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to take action against him. "We demand that Bhanu Prakash issue an unconditional public apology to Roja immediately. Otherwise, the women of this state will be forced to take to the streets in protest. We urge Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and Home Minister Anitha to respond immediately and take strict action against Bhanu Prakash. We demand a public apology without delay," Nadiya said. Earlier, Selvamani demanded legal action against TDP MLA Gali Bhanu Prakash for allegedly subjecting her to "filthy and abusive language". "There is no dignity left for women in Andhra Pradesh today. I was subjected to filthy and abusive language by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA Gali Bhanu Prakash simply for raising my voice. This is not just an insult to me. It is an attack on every woman who dares to question those in power," Selvamani posted on X. She criticised the Andhra Pradesh police for their inaction against the ruling party's MLA. (ANI)
As a part of the crackdown on terror infrastructure and sympathizers continues in Jammu Kashmir, Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) raided 10 locations of four districts in Kashmir in a terror sleeper cell and their recruitment module case. Searches were conducted in connection with a terror-crime investigation of a case of terrorist sleeper cells and a recruitment module.

What Locations Were Raided By CIK?

The raids were conducted at a single location in Pulwama, six locations in Ganderbal, one location in Srinagar, and two locations in Budgam.

The CIK raids targeted a terror-crime case involving a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sleeper cell and recruitment module operated by terrorists' handlers across the Pakistan border.

These raids were conducted under sections 13, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections 120B (Criminal Conspiracy) and 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, as part of FIR No. 07/2023 registered at the CIK Srinagar police station.

CIK Probes Focus

The investigation is focused on dismantling networks linked to cross-border terrorism, specifically targeting sleeper cellsindividuals who blend into society and carry out terror acts like target killings, grenade attacks, or distributing terrorist literature. Mostly active terrorists use a hybrid terrorist in those attacks and activities.

CIK Raids

Earlier, CIK conducted raids in May this year across Shopian, Kulgam, Awantipora, Kupwara, and Srinagar on suspects using encrypted apps for terror coordination and sharing security movements and locations across the border.

The CIKs July raids are part of ongoing efforts to counter JeMs attempts to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through local recruitment and sleeper cells.

Meanwhile, according to ANI, the search operations yielded important evidence that marked a breakthrough in exposing the financial networks that keep terrorism funded in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, recovered articles and electronic devices are expected to help the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir in identifying and arresting the co-conspirators and accomplices in these anti-national activities.
A 4-year-old girl was allegedly digitally raped by her school van driver in Lucknow's Indiranagar area, police said on Saturday.

What is digital rape?

Digital rape refers to the non-consensual penetration of a persons private parts with fingers or toes. In this context, digital means the digits of the hand or foot, rather than having any connection to technology.

Police Action

The accused, identified as Mohd Arif, has been arrested, ANI reported, quoting DCP (East) Shashank Singh.

The incident reportedly took place on July 14. According to the FIR, Arif also threatened the childs family with death if they approached authorities.

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | A 4-year-old girl was digital raped allegedly by her school van driver in Lucknow. DCP (East) Shashank Singh says that FIR has been registered and accused driver, Mohd Arif has been arrested.



Picture of the accused, Mohd Arif released by the Police. pic.twitter.com/UzWi6crYqj  ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2025

School manager Sandeep Kumar has also been named as an accused, and sections of the BNS, POCSO Act, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been invoked.

The FIR also states that the driver threatened the child's family with death if they approached the Police.

Mothers Account of the Incident

According to the child's mother, she discovered the crime after her daughter complained of pain.

"The school had provided me with the van... My child complained of pain in her private parts... On examination, I found that she had suffered an injury," the mother of the child said.

The child's mother alleged that the school administration initially tried to downplay the incident and discouraged complaints, claiming it would harm the child's future and the school's reputation.

"I complained to the principal, who said she would talk about it. When I took the child to the doctor, the doctor said that whatever the child had said was done to her and something was inserted in her private parts. The school said that complaining would ruin the child's future and the school's reputation, after which they suggested of collectively complaining about the driver," ANI quoted the child's mother as saying.

#WATCH | Lucknow | On 4-year-old girl digital raped by school van driver, mother of the victim says, "The school had provided me with the van... My child complained of pain in her private parts... On examination, I found that she had suffered an injury. I complained to the pic.twitter.com/C8Vl99R2A6  ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2025

The child's mother alleged that her family was threatened with abduction and subjected to caste-based abuse when they confronted the driver.

"I waited for two days but no action was taken by the school and the driver called again to pick the child for school. When we confronted him, he harassed us in front of the school and made casteist remarks. We were threatened with abduction, even the school also asked us not to complain. I have all the proof," the mother of the child said.

The victim's mother said that the police have registered an FIR and conducted a medical examination of her child. She added that the case will be heard in the High Court today.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused the BJP-led Assam government of harassing Bengali-speaking residents in the state, calling the alleged targeting of a linguistic community discriminatory and unconstitutional.

In a statement posted on her official X handle, Mamata wrote, The second most spoken language in the country, Bangla, is also the second most spoken language of Assam. To threaten citizens, who want to coexist peacefully, respecting all languages and religions, with persecution for upholding their own mother tongue is discriminatory and unconstitutional.

She said the BJPs divisive agenda in Assam had crossed all limits, and expressed confidence that the people of Assam would resist such measures.

This divisive agenda of the BJP in Assam has crossed all limits and people of Assam will fight back. I stand with every fearless citizen who is fighting for the dignity of their language and identity, and their democratic rights, Mamata added.

Responding sharply, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rejected Mamatas charges, saying the states actions were not against its own people but against unchecked illegal infiltration from across the border.

In Assam, we are not fighting our own people. We are fearlessly resisting the ongoing, unchecked Muslim infiltration from across the border, which has already caused an alarming demographic shift. In several districts, Hindus are now on the verge of becoming a minority in their own land, Sarma replied to Mamata on X.

Citing a Supreme Court observation that termed such infiltration external aggression, Sarma said, While we are acting decisively to preserve Assams identity, you, Didi, have compromised Bengals future -- encouraging illegal encroachment by a particular community, appeasing one religious community for vote banks, and remaining silent as border infiltration eats away at national integrity -- all just to stay in power.

He said Assam will continue to fight to preserve its heritage, its dignity, and its people -- with courage and constitutional clarity.

The exchange on X came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Durgapur, West Bengal, accused the Trinamool Congress government of making the lives of original Bengalis miserable by allegedly encouraging illegal infiltration from Bangladesh.

The illegal infiltrators are being provided with fake Indian identity documents. An entire ecosystem has been developed in West Bengal to facilitate infiltration. These infiltrators are a threat to national security and Bengali culture, the Prime Minister had said, accusing the state government of putting the states honour at stake for narrow political gains.
Police have arrested five people from West Bengal in connection with the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra.

According to media reports, police made the arrests on Friday and are currently interrogating the accused at the location where they were apprehended.

Paras Hospital Murder

The murder took place on Thursday morning, when five armed assailants entered Paras Hospital, one of Patnas largest private hospitals, and shot Chandan Mishra, a prisoner from Buxar undergoing treatment on parole. CCTV footage shows five attackers, four of them wearing caps, entering ward number 209, where Mishra was admitted. Each was armed with a pistol, and they carried out the murder swiftly upon entering.

While the attack was underway, the hospital lobby outside the ward remained silent, with no police personnel or private security visible in the vicinity.

Witnesses from adjacent wards came out upon hearing the gunshots but, terrified by the scene, retreated immediately.

After committing the crime, the assailants managed to escape easily.

The incident has raised serious questions about the security arrangements for prisoners admitted for treatment in private hospitals.

Chandan Mishra, who was a notorious criminal and an inmate of Beur Jail, was under treatment at Paras Hospital on parole.

Where were the police personnel deployed for the security of Chandan Mishra, and why were security arrangements so lax despite the risk of a gang war? is a question now being raised across Patna.

Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma has stated that police are actively pursuing the case and the criminals will be arrested soon, adding that the incident has been taken very seriously.

The attack carried out in broad daylight inside a high-profile hospital has put the Patna Police under intense scrutiny and has raised concerns about law and order in Bihars capital.

(With IANS Inputs)
New Delhi: A political clash has erupted in India following US President Donald Trump's ambiguous remarks about five jets being downed during Operation Sindoor, Indias military response to the April Pahalgam terror attack. The comment has prompted Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to demand an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the BJP has accused him of harboring a "traitor's mentality."

Trump, speaking at a private dinner on Friday, claimed that five fighter jets were shot down during the operation but did not specify whether the aircraft belonged to India or Pakistan.

"Planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually," Trump said.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India to strike terror infrastructure across nine locations in Pakistan. These included key sites like the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taibas base in Muridke. In the aftermath, Pakistan claimed it had shot down multiple Indian jets  including three Rafale fighters, which are among the most advanced aircraft in the Indian Air Force.

India acknowledged some losses during the operation but has not disclosed a specific figure. Instead, it emphasized the strategic lessons learned from the mission.

"What is important is that, not the jet being down, but why they were being down," said Indias Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, while firmly denying Pakistans assertion that six Indian jets were shot down.

He added, "The good part is that we are able to understand the tactical mistake which we made, remedy it, rectify it, and then implement it again after two days and fly all our jets again, targeting at long range."

Following Trumps comments, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter (X) on Saturday, sharing the video and demanding answers from the Prime Minister.

"Modi ji, what is the truth behind the five jets? The country has a right to know," he wrote in Hindi.

Responding sharply, BJP leader Amit Malviya pointed out that Trump had not specified the nationality of the jets and accused Rahul Gandhi of aligning with Pakistan's narrative.

"Rahul Gandhi's mentality is that of a traitor. In his statement, Trump neither took the name of India nor said that those five planes belonged to India. Then why did the prince of Congress accept him as belonging to India? Why did he not accept him as belonging to Pakistan? Does he sympathise more with Pakistan than his own country?" Malviya wrote in a post on X in Hindi.

He continued, "The truth is that Pakistan has not yet recovered from Operation Sindoor... but Rahul Gandhi is in pain! Whenever the country's army teaches a lesson to the enemy, Congress gets irritated. Anti-India sentiment is no longer a habit of Congress; it has become its identity. Rahul Gandhi should make it clear - is he an Indian or a spokesperson of Pakistan?"
New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's recent comments on the "Thackeray brand" and the Election Commission have reignited political tensions in Maharashtra. The MahaYuti alliance has hit back, accusing Thackeray of undermining the very legacy he now claims to uphold.

In a sharp interview published in Shiv Senas official mouthpiece on Saturday, Thackeray aimed at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the MahaYuti government. Thackeray is not just a brand; it represents the identity of Maharashtra, he asserted. Those who lack substance rely on the Thackeray name to stay relevant.

Thackeray also criticized the Election Commission, saying, The EC may have handed over the Shiv Senas election symbol, but it had no authority to give away the partys name.

The comments sparked a swift backlash from Mahayuti leaders, who called Thackeray's outburst a result of political "irrelevance" and "betrayal" of the late Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, speaking to IANS, dismissed the interview as a "scripted monologue."

"In the interview, only frustration is visible. If Uddhav truly wants to speak, he should give an interview to someone outside Saamana. Sanjay Raut's questions are not journalism -- they're therapy sessions," she said.

"If he speaks freely, the truth will emerge -- about the lack of work, abandoned vision, and why his cadres rebelled and joined Eknath Shinde, winning 60 out of 80 seats," she added.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam accused Uddhav of "sitting in Rahul Gandhi's lap" and allowing Sharad Pawar to "remote control" him.

"By abandoning Balasaheb's Hindutva ideology, Uddhav erased his legacy. That's why real Shiv Sainiks stood with Shinde, not him," Kadam said.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and said, "Uddhav is acting like a defeated man. In his frustration, he's targeting the Election Commission. He has become politically irrelevant."

The Shiv Sena (UBT) strongly defended Thackeray's statements, accusing the Election Commission of working at the Centre's behest.

Party spokesperson Anand Dubey told IANS, "Uddhav Thackeray rightly said the EC is acting like a puppet of the central government. Who gave the EC the right to decide whose party it is? Shiv Sena was founded by Balasaheb and carried forward by Uddhav -- how can they give it to Shinde?"

Calling the decision unjust, Dubey said, "The real party is with the workers, not the defectors. Workers who built Shiv Sena with blood and sweat are still with Uddhav Thackeray."

"Shiv Sena means Thackeray; Thackeray means Shiv Sena. We want the case to be heard in court on August 20. We are confident of winning. The EC should behave like an independent body, not someone's slave," he said.

(With Inputs from IANS)
New Delhi: Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan was reportedly rushed to the United States after suffering injuries while shooting an intense action sequence for his upcoming film King at Mumbais Golden Tobacco Studio.

He was flown to the US for urgent medical treatment and has been advised to take rest.

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Shah Rukh sustained a muscular injury.

Shah Rukh Khan Injured on King Set: Report

A source quoted in the report said, While exact details of the injury have been kept under wraps, Shah Rukh, along with his team, has travelled to the US for urgent medical attention. Its nothing serious, but more of a muscular injury, as Shah Rukh, over the years, has injured multiple muscles in his body while performing stunts.

The source further revealed that the actor has been advised to take a one-month break to recover.

As per the report, the shooting of King will now resume in September or October.

The report also mentioned that all shoot bookings for King which were scheduled between July and August at Film City, Golden Tobacco Studio, and YRF Studioshave been cancelled until further notice.

About 'King'

King is one of the most anticipated movies of Shah Rukh Khan. According to reports, the film is expected to hit the big screens on Gandhi Jayanti next year, although no official release date has been confirmed yet.

Apart from Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan, the film also stars Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, and Jackie Shroff.

The ambitious project is being helmed by Siddharth Anand.
New Delhi: Telugu actor Fish Venkat passed away on Friday at the age of 53. He had been suffering from kidney disease and breathed his last at a hospital in Hyderabad.

Venkat had been admitted to the ICU following kidney failure and was awaiting a transplant. He had been in critical condition for the past few days.

Earlier, actor Prabhas team had reportedly offered financial assistance for his treatment.

Just days ago, Venkat's daughter Sravanthi had shared that her father's treatment would cost around 50 lakh, and Prabhas team had extended their support.

She stated, Daddy isnt well at all. He is very serious and in the ICU. He needs a kidney transplant. It will cost us at least 50 lakh. Prabhas assistant called us and offered financial assistance. They asked us to inform them when the transplant happens so they can cover the cost."

Who Was Fish Venkat?

The actors real name was Venkat Raj. Fish Venkat began his acting journey in the early 2000s with a small role in Kushi. Over time, he became a beloved figure in Telugu cinema, with notable appearances in films like Bunny, Adhurs, Dhee, Gabbar Singh, Mirapakay, and DJ Tillu.

Known for his strong Telangana dialect and his ability to seamlessly shift between comic and villainous roles, Venkat earned the nickname Fish, giving him a distinct identity in Tollywood.

Born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, he began his career with the 2000 release Sammakka Sarakka. With a career spanning over two decades, Fish Venkat carved a niche for himself through his comic timing and memorable screen presence.
BJPs approach is not loud. It is slow, targeted and focussed. It is not trying to claim all Muslims. Just the ones who have always felt invisible.
Haryana HSSC CET Admit Card 2025: Additionally, the Haryana Transport Department is providing free bus service for candidates appearing in the CET 2025 exam, scroll down for more details.
Calling for a ground-level change needed to make India move beyond the assembly line to become a true manufacturing power, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stated that India in the name of "Make in India" is merely assembling products and not truly manufacturing them. Gandhi, in a post on X, stated that 80 per cent of the components of most TVs made in India come from China. He further pointed out that a lack of policy and support, along with heavy taxes and the monopoly of corporations, are stopping small entrepreneurs who want to manufacture. https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1946487932711252184 "Do you know that 80% of the components of most TVs made in India come from China? In the name of 'Make in India', we are merely assembling, not truly manufacturing. From iPhones to TVs - the parts come from abroad; we just put them together," the former Congress President said. "Small entrepreneurs want to manufacture, but there's neither policy nor support. On the contrary, heavy taxes and the monopoly of select corporates - which have gripped the country's industry," he added. Gandhi further emphasised that until India becomes self-reliant in production, talks of jobs, growth, and "Make in India" will remain mere speeches. "Until India becomes self-reliant in production, talks of jobs, growth, and 'Make in India' will remain mere speeches. Ground-level change is needed so that India moves beyond the assembly line to become a true manufacturing power and can compete with China on equal footing," the Congress leader said. Gandhi had earlier, during the winter session in the Parliament, alleged that the Modi government's 'Make In India' initiative has failed to revive its share of manufacturing in GDP, which has come down from 15.3 per cent of GDP in 2014 to 12.6 per cent, which is the lowest in the past 60 years. He had said that China has been working on batteries, robots, motors, and optics for the last ten years, and it has at least a ten-year lead on India in this space. "As the world stands on the brink of a technological and economic revolution, India needs a new vision for growth, production, and participation--one that directly addresses our two biggest challenges: the job crisis and the lack of opportunity for 90 per cent of Indians," Gandhi posted on X later. "Jobs come from production, which Make In India has failed to revive. But we have an opportunity with the revolution in energy and mobility - with renewable energy, batteries, electric motors and optics, and AI to bring these together. India must master a central role in this revolution, and boost production to give our youth hope for the future," he said. "Although China is 10 years ahead, we can catch up - with the right vision. An INDIA government would realign education, enlist experts, widely spread finance, and align our trade and foreign policies. Production is also the foundation of our national security. In a world where wars are not fought between armies but between industrial systems, our dependence on Chinese imports like motors and batteries puts us at risk," he added. (ANI)
Google And Meta Case: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to tech giants Google and Meta as part of its ongoing investigation into online betting app cases. Both companies have been summoned for questioning later this month on July 21. This development marks a major escalation in the probe, which has already brought several celebrities and influencers under scrutiny for endorsing suspected illegal gambling platforms.

The central agency has accused Sundar Pichai-led Google and Mark Zuckerberg-led Meta of actively enabling the promotion of betting apps currently under investigation for serious financial offences, including money laundering and hawala transactions. Officials further alleged that both tech giants provided prime advertising slots and allowed websites linked to these online betting platforms to gain visibility on their platforms, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of these illegal operations.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is closely investigating a vast network of online betting apps. Many of these apps promote illicit gambling while falsely presenting themselves as 'skill-based games'. These platforms are believed to have generated illicit funds worth crores of rupees, often routed through hawala channels to evade detection.

Last week, the ED booked 29 celebrities from the Telugu states for endorsing betting apps. The central agency filed an ECIR against 29 actors, influencers, and YouTubers for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms in violation of the Public Gambling Act, 1867.

The investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), is based on five FIRs filed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Film actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhhi Agerwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, and Ananya Nagalla are among those named by the ED.

The list also includes television actors, hosts, and social media influencers such as Sreemukhi, Shyamala, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Harsha Sai, and Bayya Sunny Yadav. The ED suspects that platforms like Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, Lotus365, and others used celebrity endorsements to launder large sums of money through paid promotions.

In March, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and others were also booked by Cyberabad police for allegedly promoting betting apps. However, they have since clarified that they were not endorsing any illegal platforms. (With IANS Inputs)
Syrian and Israeli leaders have reached a ceasefire agreement under the auspices of the United States after deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria prompted Israeli intervention with massive strikes recently.

US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced the truce early on Saturday, saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, under the sponsorship of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

The deal is also backed by regional players, including Turkey, Jordan, and Syria's other neighbours.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and, together with other minorities, build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," Barrack said in a post on social media.

The ceasefire deal followed six days of fierce sectarian clashes in the southern province of Sweida, which left hundreds dead and triggered fears of a broader, regional escalation.

Under the truce deal, Syrian government security and military institutions will be allowed to re-enter all parts of Sweida, according to sources cited by local TV reports.

The deal stipulates the dissolution of all local factions, the handover of heavy weapons, and the integration of former fighters into state security structures.

The spiritual leadership of the Druze community issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire, expressing readiness to end the ongoing hostilities and calling for a return to "wisdom and reason."

The agreement came amid mounting humanitarian concerns in Sweida, where United Nations convoys were recently blocked from entering conflict zones, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Syrian authorities have yet to comment on the ceasefire deal.

A sudden eruption of violence in Syria's southern province of Sweida had triggered a complex and escalating crisis, exposing the deep fragility of Syria's stability just six months after the collapse of the previous government and sending shockwaves across the region.

Over the past week, Sweida had witnessed some of the deadliest intra-Syrian clashes in years. The fighting, initially sparked by a local dispute between the Druze community and Bedouin tribesmen, quickly escalated into a full-blown urban conflict involving Syrian government forces.

By Thursday, nearly 600 people were reported killed, including dozens of civilians and hundreds of fighters from all sides, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
New Delhi: A tragic incident unfolded in East Hollywood on Saturday when a vehicle drove into a crowd along Santa Monica Boulevard, leaving more than 20 people injured, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, five individuals are in critical condition, while 8 to 10 others sustained serious injuries. An additional 10 to 15 people were treated for injuries described as fair.

In a statement, the Fire Department confirmed, A vehicle has driven into a crowd of people in East Hollywood, injuring more than 20.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. The condition of several victims remains critical, and authorities are actively investigating the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.

(More Details awaited)
China has condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam following the United States designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and called for greater regional cooperation to combat terrorism and ensure stability.

"China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22. China calls on regional countries to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and jointly maintain regional security and stability," China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said.

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian also commended the efforts of the US in combating terrorist activities.

When questioned about the US State Department's move to designate The Resistance Front (TRF)a proxy group of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taibaas a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization, Lin stated that China denounces all forms of terrorism.

The US on Thursday designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the group behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocent civilians were killed, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

"Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT)," the US State Department said in a statement on Thursday.

Notably, the US has described the Pahalgam incident as the 'deadliest attack' on India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks perpetrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba.

"TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024," the US state department added in the statement.

Pahalgam Terror Attack And India's Revenge

On April 22, Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.

In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces on May 7 launched precision strikes on nine terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, killing over 100 dreaded terrorists and avenging the loss of lives in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The isolated beaches of Little St. James, Jeffrey Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands, remain at the center of international attention, notoriously referred to as "Epstein Island," "Devil's Island," and "The Island of Sins." The resort where the ultra-wealthy financier once maintained a luxurious retreat has solidified its dark reputation as the probable operational base of an international network of sex trafficking involving children.

Acquired and redeveloped by Epstein, Little St. James, just two miles off St. Thomas, became infamous for its purported activities and acquired the chilling nicknames "Pedophile Island" and "Orgy Island." Satellite views show an elaborate compound with a mansion, guest houses, pools, and even a giant sundial, all linked by palm-lined driveways.

Mysterious Architecture And Dark Allegations

At the heart of the island's intrigue is a vivid blue-and-white striped structure topped by a gold dome, familiarly known as "The Temple." Initially introduced as a "music pavilion," its unexpected design, covered with statues looking like mythological characters such as Poseidon and harpy-eagles, has bred widespread rumors regarding its intended use, some conspiracy theories positing occult rituals or secret tunnels.

Based on lengthy court files, victim accounts, and investigative reports, Little St. James was much more than an extravagant getaway. Described as the epicenter where Epstein reportedly flew underage girls, some as young as 12, frequently through his notorious "Lolita Express," private jet and helicopters,. These vulnerable girls, said to have been recruited through a network that included Ghislaine Maxwell and others, were said to have been groomed and exploited on the island and elsewhere. The island itself was likened to a "prison," with a 15-year-old said to have made a desperate swim for liberty only to be caught again by Epstein's security.

Elite Connections And Sustained Scrutiny

Epstein's notorious "black book" and flight logs have unveiled an impressive roster of A-list individuals who vacationed on his compounds. These stars comprise politicians, stars, scientists, and tycoons, and released documents include names like Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Stephen Hawking, former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and Prince Andrew, among others. Though most of these men have strongly denied any criminal activity or misconduct, their presence around Epstein continues to attract fierce public attention and scrutiny.

A Veil of Secrecy And Unanswered Questions

The island had a strict cover of secrecy. Employees, placed at some 70, were said to be under tight confidentiality agreements and told not to be seen by the guests, never stepping into Epstein's private areas. The local authorities had great difficulties in observing and investigating Epstein's activities because he was very rich and the island was private.

In spite of earlier charges and growing suspicion, Epstein had managed to hide the extent of his crimes for years. His arrest in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges ended in his death in a New York jail cell, which was officially declared a suicide. Yet the conditions of his death are disputed, with many, including his own brother, claiming he was murdered to silence influential players who were named in his illegal schemes.

The strange architectural features and endemic mystery surrounding Little St. James keep sustaining a broad range of conspiracy theories on popular culture and the internet, many of which connect the island to mysterious rituals and secret societies.

Jeffrey Epstein's Little St. James is a stark reminder of the ways in which extravagant privilege can protect outright exploitation from prosecution. Although tangible proof verifies the island's usage in the exploitation of children, the continued quest for openness still struggles with the deep legal, political, and cultural implications of the secrets that remain attached to "The Devil's Island."
Former Chhattisgarh CM and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel accused the BJP of targeting Congress leaders to defame them, particularly the Gandhi family. He alleged that the BJP, unable to achieve much themselves, is attempting to weaken others, including through the arrest of his son. Baghel asserted that he will neither be scared nor suppressed by such tactics. "It is the policy of the BJP to defame Congress leaders. Congress party has always fought for the interest of the nation. So, entire Gandhi family was targeted in order to defame them. But the entire nation and country know that this is a family which makes sacrifices for the nation...They themselves cannot do anything, so they want to weaken others. So, they arrested my son. They are trying to suppress me but I will neither get scared nor suppressed." Earlier on Friday, the Enforcement Directorate on Friday arrested former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's son Chaitanya Baghel in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state. The action comes a few hours after the agency carried out raids at Chaitanya's residence in Chhattisgarh. The searches were part of the agency's broader crackdown on suspected money laundering and irregularities linked to the multi-crore scam. Following the raids, Bhupesh Baghel's office posted on X,"ED has arrived. Today is the last day of the Assembly session. The issue of trees being cut in Tamnar for Adani was supposed to be raised today. "Saheb" has sent the ED to the Bhilai residence." The move comes months after the agency in March this year seized Rs 30 lakh recovered from the residence of Bhupesh Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya. The amount was recovered during day-long search operation conducted at a total of 14 locations across Chhattisgarh in the case pertains to alleged irregularities in the liquor trade in Chhattisgarh, involving suspected illegal commissions and money laundering. ED has gathered that Chaitanya Baghel is also "recipient of proceeds of crime generated from the liquor scam wherein total proceeds of crime is around Rs 2,161 crore siphoned off through various schemes." Meanwhile, Baghel also alleged that the BJP is conspiring to hand over the state's power plants, cement plants, and mines to Adani. He announced a statewide 'chakka jam' protest on July 22 to oppose this move and the attempts to suppress the Congress party. "All power plants, cement plants, mines are going to Adani. So, there will be a chakka jam across the state on 22nd July against the conspiracy to handover Chhattisgarh to Adani and suppress us," he said. (ANI)
AI technology will make the working style of MLAs more transparent, and the world's most advanced cameras will be installed in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The Assembly will now come under the surveillance of state-of-the-art AI cameras. It will start as a pilot project in this monsoon session and will be fully implemented from the upcoming winter session. Through this technology, not only security but also the presence, activities and performance of the MLAs will be analysed. These AI-based cameras will have facial recognition technology, which will be able to identify the names and faces registered in the list of MLAs. Also, a detailed profile of every MLA will be fed into the system, which will include name, party, constituency, gender, date of birth, photo and other personal details. With the help of AI technology, it will be recorded which MLA came to the assembly, for how long he stayed, on how many topics he spoke and which topics he covered in the speech. Not only this, AI will also do topic-based content analysis. Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Satish Mahana, has described this entire system as a positive initiative. He said, "This is not a step of monitoring, but to increase transparency and accountability. MLAs are anyway under the surveillance of the public, so no one should have any objection." He added further, "This smart system being implemented in the assembly will have audio-body movement analysis along with recording. So that any kind of unexpected activity can be taken cognisance of immediately." Talking about how AI could benefit legislators too, he added, "Now, see this new technology is coming every day. If we go back a decade from today, then this revolution in the digitalisation of a decade ago and its technology would not have been seen. Now, every day, a person will have to engage with the latest technology. And at the time when AI is being talked about all over the world. Along with AI, there are many positive things. When we talk about the legislature, if legislators need any information related to any Act related to law, then they can get it from AI." (ANI)
The Uttar Pradesh Police, under Mission Asmita, have arrested 10 individuals across six states in a crackdown on an unlawful religious conversion syndicate. The UP Police held a press conference to provide information about the syndicate. The operation, led by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF), uncovered foreign funding from Canada, the US, London, and Dubai, with links to radicalisation and terror groups, including alleged ties to PFI, SDPI, and Pakistani terror organisations. Key accused Mohammad Umar Gautam, Mufti Jahangir Alam Qasmi, and Chhangur Baba alias Jamaluddin were apprehended for orchestrating conversions through enticement and "love jihad," targeting young girls. The syndicate's methods mirror ISIS tactics, with investigations ongoing to probe international "jihadi" funding aimed at threatening national security. During the press conference, Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna stated, "UP Police had launched Mission Asmita, where a few accused of the unlawful religious conversion syndicate were arrested. The ATS arrested Mohammad Umar Gautam and Mufti Jahangir Alam Qasmi. In this connection, the unlawful religious conversion syndicate of Chhangur Baba alias Jamaluddin alias Jamaluddin was busted. The ATS and STF investigations are underway. Few shocking things have come to light - international 'jihadi' funding for 'jihad' was received, radicalisation and unlawful religious conversion to hamper national security..." He further added, "In this connection, 10 people across 6 states have been arrested. They especially influenced young girls through enticement, love jihad and other methods for religious conversion. This modus operandi of unlawful religious conversion is the signature of ISIS. So far, in preliminary investigation, there are indications of this group having ties with PFI, SDPI and Pakistani terror organisations...So far, evidence has been gathered about funding from Canada, America, London and Dubai and involvement of people residing there. Further action is being taken." In a related case, Agra Police arrested 10 individuals following a missing persons report of two sisters, Ameena (33) and Zoya (18), in March 2025. The case, registered under BNS sections and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, revealed a network promoting radicalisation and conversions through foreign funds. Agra SSP Deepak Kumar said, "In March this year, a missing report of Ameena and Zoya - two sisters aged 33 and 18, was registered at Thana Sadar Bazar PS. Going by the seriousness of the matter, the case was registered under sections of the BNS and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. Then the case was transferred to our Cyber PS. The complete information was shared with DGP (L&O) and ADG..." Agra SSP Deepak Kumar confirmed that non-bailable warrants were issued, and teams were dispatched to 11 locations across Bengal, Goa, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to apprehend the accused. Evidence points to the use of "love jihad" and radicalisation tactics, with the syndicate's operations reflecting ISIS's signature style. (ANI)
After a second-year BDS student at a private university in Greater Noida allegedly died by suicide, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said such incidents are discouraging for girls across the country. Greater Noida ADCP Sudhir Kumar said that the student's body was found in the hostel on Friday, and two university staff members were taken into custody in connection with the case. In a post on X, the Wayanad MP said, "Earlier, a female student in Odisha was forced to take her own life, and now a similar tragic incident has come to light at Sharda University in Greater Noida. A female student took her own life, alleging harassment by teachers. Are our educational institutions not safe for our children? How will they dream of a better life in a place where life itself is not secure? Girls face twice the struggle at every stage of life to move forward. Such incidents are discouraging for girls across the country." She further said the central government should take cognizance of these cases, ensure strict action, and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents. https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1946508296321646900 Sharing the details on the incident, Greater Noida ADCP Sudhir Kumar said, "On 18th July, Knowledge Park Police station received information that a girl student died by suicide by hanging herself at a hostel of Sharda University. Police reached the spot and did the 'panchayatnama'. Relatives have reached the spot. As per their complaint, an FIR has been registered under relevant sections. Two accused have been taken into custody for questioning." The incident sparked outrage among the victim's family and university students, who protested against the Sharda University administration. However, police officials intervened and law and order have been restored at the site. "Students were agitated over Sharda University's administration. They were pacified. The situation is under control. Further action is being undertaken," said ADCP Kumar. Apart from this, seeking justice for the victim, a family member who is protesting outside the university campus said, "I want justice for my daughter, whether you call PM or CM. I have been sitting here since last night, and I am not going to leave until justice is served." (ANI)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas on Saturday hit back at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for equating the CPI(M) to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and said that Congress' vacillations have empowered the RSS. Speaking to ANI, Brittas said that the CPI(M) is steadfast in its mission to fight the RSS. He said, "Rahul Gandhi's statement equating CPI(M) with RSS is unfortunate. Any sensible political being of this country would condemn such a statement. We have been steadfast in our mission to fight RSS tooth and nail. And Rahul Gandhi's cause should be to take on RSS." Attacking Congress for the demolition of Babri Masjid, he said, "He shouldn't compel us to say about the vacillations done by the Congress party, who opened the gates of Babri Masjid, who facilitated the demolition of Babri Masjid, who tried to take the credit of the demolition. The vacillations of Congress's party have resulted in empowering, enriching RSS, and we don't want to have a sermon from Rahul Gandhi as to how to take on RSS." He urged Rahul Gandhi not to be "misguided" by Kerala Congress members and make such "reckless and irresponsible" remarks. "Since we need to be together in the Parliament because the Monsoon Session is beginning, I don't want to say more about it. But I would at least expect the Congress leader to see the larger picture. He shouldn't be misguided by his colleagues in the Kerala Congress. He should see the larger picture of national politics before making such reckless, irresponsible statements," Brittas told ANI. When asked about a rift in the INDIA bloc, he added that such remarks affect the unity of the alliance. "Naturally, it will have an effect on the unity of the secular forces. We have been exhorting Congress to ensure that all parties opposing the BJP should be brought together. In Kerala, of course, we will fight against Congress," he said. Citing the left parties' support to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said that Rahul Gandhi should understand that the Left supported Congress to tackle their ideological opponent RSS. The CPI(M) MP said, "He should at least think that in 2004, the left parties supported Manmohan Singh to keep the BJP away from power. What was the cause of the left parties to support the Congress party? All our MPs had come, defeating the Congress candidates, but we didn't even think twice. When we were estimating our support to the Congress party, our mission was to redeem this country from the RSS clutches, but we feel that Rahul Gandhi and his team are not at all focused on their fight." The row began as earlier on Friday, addressing a public meeting in Kottayam, LoP Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said, "I fight the RSS and Communist Party of India (Marxist) ideologically and I fight them in the realm of ideas. My biggest complaint with them is that they don't have feelings for people. You can give whatever speeches, if you don't feel for people, you are not ready to connect and hug people, you will not be a leader." (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Saturday that terrorism and Naxalism no longer dare to raise their heads in the country, crediting the nation's leadership for creating a secure environment that supports economic growth and investment. Speaking at the 'Uttarakhand Investment Festival', Dhami described the event as a historic moment for the state's development. "...Today, terrorism and Naxalism in the country dare not raise their heads. Today, the country has also set new benchmarks in the field of cooperation...Today's occasion has been marked as an important chapter in Uttarakhand's development journey. We are holding the third....ceremony of the Uttarakhand Global Investment Summit..." he said while addressing investors and dignitaries. He added that the event had become an important chapter in Uttarakhand's development journey, highlighting the government's commitment to transforming the state into a thriving investment destination. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple government projects worth Rs 1,271 crore by pressing the digital remote button, alongside Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur. The Home Minister was also felicitated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister, who joined him for the inauguration and laying of the foundation stone for various schemes under the Uttarakhand government. Shah took a strong swipe at the Congress party, accusing them of "torturing agitators" when the people of Uttarakhand were fighting for the demand of a state. Speaking at the event, Shah said, "When the people of Uttarakhand were fighting for the demand of a state, the Congress party tortured the agitators of Uttarakhand." He credited the BJP and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the creation of the state, saying, "The work of creating Uttarakhand was done by the leader of the BJP and our then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, later, experts on state development began discussing whether the idea of small states would be successful or not. Today I want to tell everyone, Atal ji had created three states - Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. These three states started moving forward by standing on their own feet." Shah also highlighted the government's ongoing development push in the region. "Today, five inaugurations and 14 foundation stones were laid here worth Rs 1,271 crore." (ANI)
Communist Party of India (CPI) Rajya Sabha MP from Kerala, P Sandosh Kumar, on Saturday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the Dharmasthala burials case. He alleged that despite mass protests and years of appeals, the Karnataka government has failed to constitute a credible Special Investigation Team (SIT). The so-called 'Acquittal Review Committee' was never operationalised meaningfully, he said. On July 4, Dharmasthala police in Dakshina Kannada district registered a case, a day after a former temple sanitation worker complained that he was forced to bury many bodies in the jurisdiction of Dharmasthala village more than a decade ago. "Most chilling is the recent confession made on 3 July 2025 by a former temple sanitation worker, now under witness protection, who alleges that between 1995 and 2014, he was forced under threat to dispose of over 500 human bodies, many of them women and minors who had been sexually assaulted," Kumar said in his letter. "He describes mass burials, acid disfigurement, and targeted killings, and has expressed willingness to lead investigators to the burial sites. His confession is detailed, specific, and supported by physical evidence," the CPI MP added. Kumar said that these were not isolated aberrations. Taken together, they reveal signs of an organised criminal enterprise-one that has flourished under administrative silence. "Just as disturbing is the pattern of intimidation and suppression that surrounds every attempt to seek justice. Activists, KTI petitioners, journalists, and grieving families have faced threats, fabricated cases, online abuse, and in some cases, even physical harm," Kumar said. He stated that the local police, who are often implicated by their inaction and at times alleged complicity, cannot be expected to ensure a fair and transparent process. "It is for this reason that I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to immediately hand over the entire investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Only an agency with full authority and a clear mandate can unravel the extent of this alleged criminal network, identify those responsible, and restore faith in the justice system," he said. "Let me emphasise that this appeal is made in the firm belief that the spiritual sanctity of Dharmasthala must be protected, not just in ritual or appearance, but in truth, justice, and transparency. A sacred town revered by devotees across India cannot remain clouded by fear, suspicion, and buried truths," he added in the letter. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday mounted a sharp attack on the Congress leadership over its response to a corruption case in Chhattisgarh against Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, accusing the party's top brass of defending corruption for political motives. Addressing a press conference, the BJP national spokesperson questioned the Congress's urgency in defending the alleged irregularities, calling it an "unprecedented" show of support from the party's highest echelons. Trivedi said, "The way the Congress's first family aggressively defended this particular case in Chhattisgarh is unprecedented. We have never seen such an example before. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had spoken up in defense of his brother-in-law--that was a family matter. But this is a political issue." He demanded an explanation from the Congress for what he described as a "brazen instance of corruption." "That is why we want to ask: what special interest does the Congress's top leadership have in this Chhattisgarh corruption case that they rushed to defend such a brazen instance of corruption in this manner? We demand an answer from the Congress Party," he said. Raising suspicion over the scale and reach of the alleged scam, Trivedi said, "It creates suspicion whether this entire incident was solely about Bhupesh Baghel and his family or whether its links extended all the way to Delhi." Extending his criticism to other Congress-ruled states, Trivedi alleged that the party has a pattern of facing corruption charges. "Today, we want to ask the Congress Party how many of their governments have not faced allegations of corruption. In Karnataka, there have been multiple cases where direct accusations of corruption were made. In Telangana too, the government faced numerous corruption allegations. Several Congress-led governments have been accused of corruption," Trivedi said. Earlier on Friday, the Enforcement Directorate on Friday arrested former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's son Chaitanya Baghel in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state. The action came a few hours after the agency carried out raids at Chaitanya's residence in Chhattisgarh. The searches were part of the agency's broader crackdown on suspected money laundering and irregularities linked to the multi-crore scam. The move comes months after the agency in March this year seized Rs 30 lakh recovered from the residence of Bhupesh Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya. The amount was recovered during day-long search operation conducted at a total of 14 locations across Chhattisgarh in the case pertains to alleged irregularities in the liquor trade in Chhattisgarh, involving suspected illegal commissions and money laundering. (ANI)
The cousin of the minor girl who was set on fire by miscreants in Odisha's Puri has demanded the death penalty for the culprits of the case. The cousin of the victim said that an FIR has been filed into the matter. He said that the doctors have said that the victim has suffered 70 per cent burns and her condition is critical. A minor was set on fire by some miscreants in Odisha's Puri, following which she was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. "We filed a Police complaint, investigation is underway. We demand the death penalty for the culprits...We don't know who the accused are. She saw them, she would be able to speak better. Doctors have said that she suffered 70% burns. They have told us that she is critical but we should be patient", the cousin said. The minor girl went out with her friends, but she was abducted midway and taken to the riverside, where she was set on fire, according to her cousin. The victim reached someone's house from the incident spot, after which she was taken to the hospital by her cousin. Later, the victim was referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is undergoing treatment. "Around 8.30 am, she was going to her friends. She was abducted midway, taken to a riverside and set on fire. She returned from there somehow and reached someone's house. They clothed her and called us up. I reached there, received her and took her to hospital, they referred her to AIIMS," the family member said. The incident took place under the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri. Puri District Magistrate Chanchal Rana assured that the administration will provide financial assistance for the treatment. He added that police will take necessary actions against perpetrators. "Police and District Administration have taken this matter very seriously. Senior officials have been sent to the spot. All kinds of financial assistance that would be required will be borne by the District Administration and the Government. We hope and pray that she recovers soon. Police will take all necessary actions," Chanchal Rana said. The incident has come into light a few days after the self-immolation case of a female student at Balasore's FM (Auto) college. The victim had attempted self-immolation on July 12 on the college campus, sustaining over 90 per cent burn injuries, and succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14. (ANI)
In a joint late-night operation, Delhi Police apprehended two notorious members of the Irani gang after a brief exchange of fire near Indraprastha Park. The accused, Murtaza Ali alias Damar (38) and Siraj Ali (40), both residents of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were intercepted by a coordinated team from Hazrat Nizamuddin Police Station and the Special Task Force (STF) of South-East Delhi on the intervening night of July 18 and 19. The police recovered two sophisticated pistols of .32 bore, six live cartridges, and a stolen Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle from their possession. The duo had reportedly travelled to Delhi with the intent to commit robberies in the national capital and adjoining NCR regions, officials said. Speaking to ANI Adl DCP South East, Aishwarya Sharma said, "The operation commenced after Ct. Rajender of PS Hazrat Nizamuddin received crucial secret information detailing the movement of the armed and desperate criminals. These individuals intended to commit further crimes in the South-East District, specifically planning to pass through the area opposite Indraprastha Park near the Meerut Expressway T-point." Acting on specific intelligence received by Constable Rajender from PS Hazrat Nizamuddin regarding the movement of armed suspects planning crimes in the South-East District, a trap was laid near the Meerut Expressway T-point, opposite Indraprastha Park. Around 12:30 AM, the duo was stopped while riding a motorcycle. Upon being challenged by police, the suspects opened fire, discharging four rounds, one of which hit the bulletproof jacket of Constable Rajender. In retaliation, the police team fired three rounds, injuring both accused in their left legs. They were immediately shifted to the Safdarjung Trauma Centre for medical treatment. A total of seven rounds were exchanged during the encounter. During this operation, a total of 07 rounds were fired, 04 rounds by both the accused and 03 rounds by the police team. A total of 07 empty shells were also recovered from the spot. A thorough inspection of the crime scene was conducted by the Crime Team and FSL, leading to the registration of a case at PS Sunlight Colony under relevant sections of the law. On interrogation, both the accused disclosed that they had travelled to Delhi specifically to commit robberies with other gang members in Delhi and Delhi NCR. Further investigation is underway to apprehend the remaining members of this Irani gang. Accused Murtaza Ali has studied up to the 10th class. He initially worked in property dealing in Bhopal. In 2015, he entered the world of crime. He was previously involved in 46 cases of robbery, dacoity and theft in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. He was released from jail one year ago. Accused Siraj Ali is educated up to the 8th class. He sells belts and perfumes in Bhopal. He was previously involved in one case of the Arms Act in Bhopal. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has recently granted two-week interim bail to Praveen Dabas, an accused in the murder case of minor wrestler Sagar Dhankhar in 2021. He has been granted interim bail on Medical grounds. In this case, olympian wrestler Sushil Kumar is also an accused. This case pertains to a First Information Report registered at the Model Town Police Station in 2021. Justice Sanjeev Narula granted interim bail to Praveen Dabas after considering his medical records, hearing submissions of counsel for the accused and rival contention of the Delhi police "Accordingly, the Applicant is directed to be released on interim bail for a period of two weeks from the date of his release, upon furnishing a bail bond for a sum of INR 25,000 with two sureties of the like amount," Justice Narula ordered on July 17. While granting interim bail, the high court considered the report of June 18, filed by the Jail Superintendent, which indicated that the Applicant is suffering from chronic kidney disease along with other associated ailments, and is undergoing treatment as per advice of a nephrologist at Safdarjung Hospital. It was also stated that he has also been suffering from asthma (post Anti Tubercular Treatment) for several years, with persistent breathing difficulties and shortness of breath, for which he is on prescribed medication. The Chief Medical Officer-in-Charge has stated in the report that despite regular follow-up and treatment, the Applicant's symptoms continue to persist, and his deteriorating condition is adversely affecting his ability to carry out day-to-day activities, the High Court noted in the order. On June 2, 2024, the Delhi High Court had directed the Jail authorities to ensure regular treatment to Praveen Dabas. The High Court took on record the medical report dated May 31 and also issued directions to the authorities to ensure the MRI scan of the accused. Dabas moved an application through advocate Sumeet Shokeen and sought an interim bail for a period of eight weeks to ensure that all his medical ailments that he is suffering from, even those which are severe in nature, can be taken care of in private hospitals once he is released on interim bail. The High Court had directed the Jail Superintendent, as well as the Medical Superintendent of Central Jail-10, working in the Jail Hospitals, to ensure that the applicant receives timely and regular treatment at any time of the day they require. The High Court has also directed the authorities to ensure that the treatment be given to the applicant from the Orthopaedic Department of Dr. BSA Hospital as well as the Neurology Department at G B Pant Hospital with all earnestness and regularly, without failure. It was submitted by advocate Sumeet Singh Shokeen counsel for Dabas, that though the medical report discloses that the applicant is undergoing treatment from the orthopaedic department of Dr. BSA Hospital and the neurology Department at GB Pant Hospital, proper and correct treatment as required by the applicant is not being administered. He had also submitted that despite their best efforts, the Jail Authorities are incapable of providing the kind of medical treatment that is required, including surgery, if advised and as such, he requests that the applicant be considered for release on interim bail on medical grounds. The application was opposed by the State as well as by Joshini Tuli, who represented the deceased father, on the ground that the Applicant's ailments can be managed within the custody, this Court is of the opinion that, having regard to the report received from the Chief Medical Officer-in-Charge, it is appropriate to release the Applicant on interim bail,purely on humanitarian and medical grounds, to enable him to receive treatment outside the jail. (ANI)
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday hailed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, stating that he raised the issue of caste census, following which the Union Government are conducting it. He mentioned that India cannot become a world leader until untouchability is removed from society. The Congress leader held a meeting of the Congress OBC Cell on Saturday at the State Congress Office (PCC) in Jaipur. Along with Ashok Gehlot, the National Chairman of the OBC Department of the Congress, Anil Jaihind, and the State President, Harshaya Yadav, were present at the meeting. "Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of caste census and now the government has to do it. Untouchability still exists in the country, how can India become a world leader until there is equality in the society?", Ashok Gehlot said. Gehlot stated that everyone should understand the "essence" of Rahul Gandhi and asserted that social justice should be the basic thinking of every citizen of the country. "The beauty of India in the world is its diversity. Flowers of every colour are the pride of this country. Everyone has to understand the essence of Rahul Gandhi. Social justice should be the basic thinking of every citizen. We started social justice in Rajasthan, we took many steps like giving pension to the employees of Delhi", Gehlot said. The Central government had announced that the Population Census-2027 will be conducted in two phases, and will also include enumeration of castes. Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement in a statement mentioning that the census will follow different reference dates depending on the region, in accordance with logistical and climatic factors. "It has been decided to conduct Population Census-2027 in two phases along with enumeration of castes," the statement said. According to the MHA statement, the reference date for the "Population Census-2027 will be 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, for most parts of the country." (ANI)
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will visit India "very soon", the country's Ambassador Shankar Prasad Sharma said on Saturday, as both countries work on finalising agreements in key areas. The ambassador's remarks come two days after Prime Minister Oli confirmed that a visit to India is on the cards. Speaking to ANI, Ambassador Sharma said that while no dates have been finalised yet, the visit is expected soon. "I think he will come to India very soon," he said. When asked about the focus of the visit, Sharma said both sides are preparing multiple agreements. "We have a number of agreements in different areas--whether we talk about digital infrastructure or physical infrastructure. We are preparing those agreements and MoUs. Once they are finalised, the Prime Minister's visit will happen," he added. He emphasised the deep-rooted ties between India and Nepal, saying, "We are two friends. We cannot be apart." Highlighting strong people-to-people ties, Sharma pointed to the open border between the two countries. "Anyone from India can go to Nepal, and anyone from Nepal can come to India without a visa or passport. That shows our relationship is not only cultural, but also economic in nature. We are interdependent," he said. Oli, who assumed office in July last year for the fourth time, has not yet made an official visit to India. He chose China for his maiden foreign visit, breaking the traditional practice of visiting India first after taking office. In April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Oli on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction over progress in areas such as energy, connectivity, and people-to-people linkages. In an interview with a Nepalese YouTube channel, Dishanirdesh TV, late, the Nepal Prime Minister talks about strong ties between the two countries and confirms his upcoming visit. "I will probably embark on a visit to India. My visit to India will take place after the two sides have done the necessary groundwork," he said. (ANI)
Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra on Saturday alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held the 'Sadhana Samavesha' rally in Mysuru in order to threaten the Congress high command. "Whenever the Chief Minister's chair feels shaky, whenever instability sets in, he (Siddaramaiah) holds rallies," Vijayendra told reporters here. "Siddaramaiah puts Ahinda (a Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) communities forward in order to maintain his political existence," he added. The BJP state chief criticised Siddaramaiah for "exploiting" certain communities for political gain and using manipulative tactics to pressure the Congress high command. He claimed that Siddaramaiah's two-and-a-half-year tenure as Chief Minister has been devoid of any significant achievements. "Had Siddaramaiah performed effectively as Chief Minister, AICC state in-charge Surjewala would not have needed to repeatedly visit Bengaluru to address discontent among MLAs. Surjewala's frequent visits indicate an effort to gauge the MLAs' dissatisfaction and assess their stance in case of a leadership change," Vijayendra said. He alleged that Siddaramaiah is pressuring the high command by organising such meetings, exploiting the uncertainty surrounding the Chief Minister's position. "A fierce competition for the Chief Minister's post has erupted within the Congress, with accusations of horse-trading already underway," he said. He criticised the government for failing to deliver any notable development or achievements. "Siddaramaiah, during his visit to Delhi, directly challenged the Congress high command by asserting his five-year tenure as Chief Minister. However, Rahul Gandhi did not even grant him a meeting--an indication of internal discord within the party. Meanwhile, Congress MLAs are divided, with some supporting Siddaramaiah and others backing DK Shivakumar," he said. Responding to questions about the state government issuing tax notices to small traders, he stated that party leaders had discussed the matter. He accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of failing to secure funds for its guarantee schemes and instead intimidating street vendors with tax demands. "While it is true that GST revenue goes to the central government, no other state in the country has resorted to such measures. Instead of allocating funds for development, the Karnataka government is allegedly harassing small traders and street vendors under the Chief Minister's orders," he said. (ANI) When asked about MLA Bairati Basavaraju being named as an accused in a murder case involving a rowdy sheeter, he accused the ruling Congress party of systematically targeting BJP MLAs over the past two years. He cited examples such as the FIR against BJP MLA Harish Poonja in Dakshina Kannada and the attempted arrest that was thwarted, followed by another FIR against Bharat Shetty. He claimed these actions were deliberate attempts to intimidate opposition MLAs. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday raised sharp questions at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an explanation about the US President Donald Trump's "five jets shot down" claims made in his speech. In a post on X, Gandhi said, "Modi ji, what is the truth about the 5 ships? The country has the right to know!" https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1946528443476144131 This comes after Donald Trump once again claimed to have halted the escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict on Saturday. Joining the attack, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram questioned the government's silence and credibility. "After President Trump's latest statement, what does the government of India have to say? Silence is no answer," he wrote in a post on X. https://x.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1946559786549473474?s=08 He further added, "I would like to believe the government of India, but if the government does not state the truth -- actually does not say anything at all on the outcomes of the 5-day war -- what do we believe?" Earlier in the day, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "friendship and hugomacy" with US President while demanding clarification regarding the "five jets shot down" claims made by the latter in his latest speech. "The sensational new revelation by President Trump this time around is that five jets may have been downed. The Prime Minister, who has had years of friendship and huglomacy with President Trump going back to Howdy Modi in Sept 2019 and Namaste Trump in Feb 2020, has to now himself make a clear and categorical statement in Parliament on what President Trump has been claiming over the past 70 days," the Congress Rajya Sabha MP posted on X. Ramesh said that the US President remains fixated on his intervention to stop the war between the two nuclear nations and emphasised the threat of "no trade deal" if the war continued. Earlier on Saturday, Trump once again claimed to have halted the escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict. "We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that were going on. Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their nuclear capability, totally knocked out that," he said. India has repeatedly said that the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan following the success of Operation Sindoor did not come about due to any mediation, and it happened after Pakistan's DGMO called his Indian counterpart. (ANI)
Bihar's Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Kundan Krishnan, issued a public apology on Saturday after his earlier remarks linking the rise in murders to the lack of farm work before the monsoon. In a fresh statement, Krishnan clarified that his comments were misinterpreted and not aimed at disrespecting farmers. The controversy erupted following his recent press briefing in which he claimed that the surge in murders in Bihar could be attributed to idleness caused by the gap in agricultural work before the monsoon. Addressing the issue, Krishnan said, "In the earlier press conference...a part of the speech given by me was presented in detail. There has been a controversy over this." "The speech given by me did not mean that the farmers of our country, our forefathers, had anything to do with any criminal incidents. In fact, they have always been and will always be worthy of our respect," he added. Krishnan also shared his personal connection to farming, saying, "My forefathers were also farmers, and I have a deep connection with my village and the agricultural society. Behind every criminal incident, there are only criminals and they have no caste or religion." He later added, "I have a lot of respect for the farmers, but still, if my speech has hurt anyone, then I am sorry for that and I apologise for that." Earlier in the day, lashing out at ADG's statement, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said that the statement was "pointless", further stating that speaking this way about the providers of food was wrong. Speaking to ANI, Paswan stated that instead of blaming farmers, the administration must take responsibility and fulfil its duties rather than washing its hands clean. "Such statements are pointless. This kind of comment seems like an attempt to sweep things under the rug. Speaking in this manner about the providers of food (farmers) is incorrect. The administration must take responsibility and fulfil its duties. You can't wash your hands clean by simply saying, Farmers are committing crimes, If crime is happening, that's worrying. It demands your attention and accountability," Paswan told ANI. Paswan said that even if a single incident of crime happens, it was the responsibility of the state government. (ANI)
Hailing the state of Kerala and its cultural history, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor said that it is not "merely a line on the map" but a "western coast of India." Shashi Tharoor was speaking at the Council for Community Co-operation programme on Peace, Harmony and National Development in Kochi. The Congress MP emphasised that the Kerala's history is built on the peaceful coexistence and cultural exchange. Tharoor noted that Kerala's past is "etched" in conversations between cultures, creeds, strangers which later became neighbours. "Kerala is not merely a line on the map. It is a poem carved into the western coast of India, where the mountains rise like silent sieges of the Arabian Sea, whispering the stories of a thousand arrivals. It is here in this slender strip of land we live in that the idea of peaceful coexistence was not only imagined, it was lived and it's been passed down like a sacred inheritance unlike many lands where histories were written in blood and borders, Kerala's past is etched in conversations between cultures, creeds, strangers who became neighbours", Shashi Tharoor said while speaking at an event in Kochi on Saturday. Earlier, on July 8, the Kerala government decided to implement a gender-inclusive policy that will welcome entrants coming to the state. Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said the state government will go ahead with its action plan to support newcomers, especially women, to the tourism sector, aligning with the vision of inclusive and sustainable development of tourism. "It is vital to extend support to the newcomers to the tourism sector, especially women, to ensure that they flourish in the competitive ecosystem," Riyas said. "Initially, around 17,631 women had joined the project with diverse enterprises and services. These included exclusive women tour units, homestays, souvenir units and services like community tour leaders and tour operators. After imparting training to them, tourism activities are being conducted in a coordinated manner," he said. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday laid the foundation for major projects worth 408.95 crore being undertaken by Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) and KPTCL in Mysuru district. At his government's two-year achievement event held at Maharaja's College Grounds in Mysuru, CM Siddaramaiah, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Energy Minister KJ George, flagged off four major CESC projects. A key part of the initiative involves replacing 11 kV overhead power lines with underground cables and low-tension (LT) overhead lines with aerial bunch cables across four assembly constituencies in Mysuru city. These projects are being implemented at an estimated cost of 118.97 crore in Krishnaraja, 125.51 crore in Chamaraja, 103.74 crore in Narasimharaja, and 60.73 crore in Chamundeshwari assembly constituencies. On the same occasion, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid the foundation for two projects worth 38.73 crore being undertaken by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) in Hunsur taluk. The projects include the construction of a 66/11 kV, 2x20 MVA substation at Manuganahalli (20.41 crore) and another 66/11 kV, 2x20 MVA substation at Kattemalalavadi (18.32 crore), both located in Hunsur taluk. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the state government has allocated Rs 50 crore for each MLA's constituency as part of its ongoing push to enhance development across the state. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Shivakumar said, "We had made this decision in the budget. About Rs 8000 crores of funds were allocated for this. We will give this fund to the ruling and opposition MLAs. The funds have been given for public works, rural development, and the discretion of the MLAs." However, the opposition BJP has raised objections, alleging that the Congress-led government has allocated Rs 50 crore exclusively to its own party MLAs. (ANI)
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said that the state government will airlift the minor girl, who was set on fire by miscreants in Puri, to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care as per the advice of the doctors. The victim is currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 70 per cent burns. "We are reviewing the situation. The state government is prepared to shift her to Delhi AIIMS for advanced treatment if needed. Although the victim has suffered up to 70% burns, she is still able to speak. I have spoken to the hospital director....she will be airlifted to Delhi AIIMS as per the advice of the doctors," CM Majhi said. He further said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident. "Whoever is responsible will be caught. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident and to determine whether any conspiracy was involved. The government will ensure strict punishment under the law," he added. Meanwhile, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Chief Naveen Patnaik has severely criticised the ruling BJP government in the state, saying that such incidents against women are now being reported almost daily across Odisha. In a post on X, Patnaik said, "Deeply anguished to know that a young girl was set on fire in Balanga area of Puri District. This attempt to kill her happened in broad daylight. I strongly condemn this horrible act. It has happened just within a week of the terrible incident of a young girl setting herself ablaze in FM College after she was denied justice--even after knocking on every door, and a month after the horrific incident in Gopalpur. Such unthinkable incidents against women are now being reported almost daily across Odisha." The minor girl went out with her friends, but she was abducted midway and taken to the riverside, where she was set on fire, according to her cousin. The victim reached someone's house from the incident spot, after which she was taken to the hospital by her cousin. The incident took place under the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri. The victim had attempted self-immolation on July 12 on the college campus, sustaining over 90 per cent burn injuries, and succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday accused the BJP and the RSS of wanting to rewrite the Constitution. He, however, said that no matter how hard they try, the Constitution cannot be destroyed. Kharge also slammed the Centre for "selling off" public sector enterprises. "The BJP is selling off Nehru-era public sector enterprises--factories that employed lakhs of workers--to Adani and Ambani. Now, the RSS and BJP even talk of rewriting the Constitution. Let me be clear: No matter how hard they try, the Constitution cannot be destroyed," Kharge said while addressing a mega convention organised by the Karnataka government here. "Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is the architect of our Constitution--not Modi, not the RSS. If the Constitution is weakened, you (the BJP) will be finished. The Congress has always upheld economic strength and social justice, working tirelessly from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, Assam to Gujarat," he added. He alleged that under PM Modi, BJP Chief Ministers have no voice. "In contrast, our leaders--CMs, Deputy CMs, MLAs--all engage with the people. Our party workers are on the ground, delivering guarantees and real progress," he said. "We fulfil our guarantees--unlike the BJP, whose promises have failed in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal. Even Modi's visits don't change that. Where is Karnataka's GST money? The Centre returns only 4% of what we deserve," he added. He claimed that Congress delivers development, justice, and accountability, while the BJP only talks, sells public assets, and neglects suffering states like Manipur. He said that institutions like BHL and HMT were established during Nehru's era, laying the foundation for public sector growth. "But what has Modi or his followers contributed to Mysuru or Karnataka? They are only visible on TV from morning to night. In the past, prime ministers were not constantly on screen, making empty speeches," he said. (ANI)
The opposition parties outlined key issues they intend to take up during the session including Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, US President Donald Trump's remarks on ceasefire and SIR in Bihar.

Briefing reporters on the meeting, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the INDIA group parties are also keen on discussion on India's foreign policy in the light of international developments.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should respond to concerns of members about Pahalgam terror attack and their queries concerning Operation Sindoor.

He also referred to repeated remarks of US President about brokering ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

"The meeting discussed issues related to people of the country that we will raise during the monsoon session. With everyone's consent, eight main issues have come up in the meeting - Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, Trump's statement on ceasefire and trade, SIR (Special Intensive Revision) in Bihar, foreign policy, delimitation and issue of atrocities on Dalits, STs, women," Tiwari said.

"Apart from all this, we will also seek answers on many other important issues including Ahmedabad plane accident," he added.

He said the online meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and a physical meeting of the INDIA group will also be held shortly.

Tiwari said opposition parties want the Parliament to work smoothly and the government should answer their concerns.

India had launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK early on May 7 in response to Pahalgam terror attack. India subsequently repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases.

India and Pakistan agreed to cessation of hostilities after Pakistan DGMO called his Indian counterpart. (ANI)
According to a release, the official handover ceremony took place in the presence of M N Harendhira Prasad, IAS, District Collector & Magistrate of Visakhapatnam, who distributed the motorcycles to the police force. These vehicles are expected to greatly enhance patrolling capabilities and ensure quicker response times across the city.

The motorcycles, Honda Shine 125 CC models, are specially equipped for police operations. Key features include rear warning lights, flashing red/blue police beacon with speaker, siren, 2indscreen and First aid kits

This initiative is part of a broader modernisation effort being spearheaded by City Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, IPS, who has been implementing transformative changes in policing throughout the city.

It is notable that this is not the first contribution by ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel to Visakhapatnam's law enforcement. In 2024, the company similarly donated 32 motorcycles to the department. The continued support reflects a strong partnership between industry and law enforcement in advancing public safety.

Commissioner Bagchi extended heartfelt thanks to ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel for their continued support and emphasised the positive impact such collaborations have on effective policing. (ANI)
China introduces measures to encourage reinvestment by foreign-funded companies

Xinhua) 13:11, July 19, 2025

BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- China has rolled out new measures to encourage reinvestment by foreign-funded enterprises, according to a circular jointly released by seven government bodies, including the National Development and Reform Commission.

According to the circular, the measures cover a wide range of areas, including stronger project support services, streamlined procedures for setting up new reinvested entities, and innovative financial products and services.

These efforts aim to help foreign-funded companies deepen their presence and achieve long-term development in the Chinese market, according to the commission.

The circular clarifies the applicable scope of the incentive measures and outlines requirements such as launching pilot programs on investment information reporting by foreign-funded companies, enhancing information sharing among authorities, and improving evaluation methods for promoting foreign investment.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed an independent scientific panel of 21 experts to examine the physical and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following such an event
Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev on Saturday praised the massive success of Uttarakhand Nivesh Utsav, calling the Rs 1 lakh crore investment a "foundation stone for the state's golden future." Speaking at the investment summit held in Rudrapur, Ramdev said that Uttarakhand had emerged as a global hub for wellness, spirituality, education, and health, and that the investment push would only boost its stature further. "This festival, which gathered an investment of more than one lakh crore rupees, will lay a new foundation stone for its golden future," he told mediapersons. He later added, "An investment of more than one lakh crore rupees is a huge achievement... Today, Uttarakhand has become a huge destination for health, education, religion and spirituality worldwide." Ramdev also highlighted the changing image of the hill state, saying, "People from all over the world visit Uttarakhand as a wedding destination, as a wellness destination... Uttarakhand is not only India's but the world's biggest spiritual capital." Speaking at the event, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that terrorism and Naxalism no longer dare to raise their heads in the country, crediting the nation's leadership for creating a secure environment that supports economic growth and investment. Dhami described the event as a historic moment for the state's development. "...Today, terrorism and Naxalism in the country dare not raise their heads. Today, the country has also set new benchmarks in the field of cooperation...Today's occasion has been marked as an important chapter in Uttarakhand's development journey. We are holding the third....ceremony of the Uttarakhand Global Investment Summit..." he said while addressing investors and dignitaries. He added that the event had become an important chapter in Uttarakhand's development journey, highlighting the government's commitment to transforming the state into a thriving investment destination. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple government projects worth Rs 1,271 crore by pressing the digital remote button, alongside Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur. The Home Minister was also felicitated by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, who joined him for the inauguration and laying of the foundation stone for various schemes under the Uttarakhand government. Shah took a strong swipe at the Congress party, accusing them of "torturing agitators" when the people of Uttarakhand were fighting for the demand of a state. (ANI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, while addressing the issues related to party high command, stated that sometimes it is necessary to cooperate with other parties in the interest of national security. Tharoor while speaking during an event in Kochi, was answering a student's query related to his relations with the Congress party leadership. The Congress MP emphasised that, for him, national security will always come first. According to him, the main perspective of any political party is to make a better India. "Politics is unfortunately or otherwise in any democracy is about competition. As a result when people like me say it that we respect our parties we have certain values and convictions which keep us in our parties. But we need to cooperate with other parties in the interest of national security the question you asked. Sometimes the parties feel that is disloyal to them and that becomes a big problem which is your first loyalty? To my mind the nation comes first", he said. "Parties are a means of making the nation better. So to my mind whichever party you belong to the objective of that party is to create a better India in it's own way. The parties have the right to disagree about the best way of doing that, the best way of making a better India", Tharoor said during the event. Tharoor stressed that his commitment is towards a better and safe India whose borders are secure. "Some of us may say, let's say, more capitalism. Some may say more socialism. Some may be in favour of certain kinds of regulatory controls. Some may be against too much regulation. So you have different points of view. That's fine. But ultimately, we must all be committed to a better India, a safer India, an India whose borders are protected, whose territory is safe, whose people's well-being can be nurtured. And that is my commitment", he said. The Congress MP further urged all the political parties to stay united when the nation is "imperiled". He quoted former India PM Jawaharlal Nehru famous quote, "Who lives if India dies? And that's a question to which there is no answer. India must come first, and then only can we all live." "I'm saying it to all parties. Put your differences aside when the nation is imperiled. Because if there is no India, there's a very famous line of Nehru's, which I am very fond of quoting. Who lives if India dies? And that's a question to which there is no answer. India must come first, and then only can we all live," he said. (ANI)
The suspicious death of a 36-year-old man in Delhi's Uttam Nagar has turned into a murder investigation, leading to the arrest of the victim's wife and cousin brother. The deceased, Karan, was initially reported to have died of electrocution on July 13. He was brought dead to Mata Rooprani Magadh Hospital, and his family members claimed it was an accident, even requesting the police to waive the postmortem. DCP Dwarka, Ankit Kumar Singh, told ANI that due to the unnatural circumstances of the death, a postmortem was conducted despite the family's request. "On 13th July, information was received from Mata Rooprani Magadh Hospital that a person was brought in dead and his family members were saying that he died due to electrocution... His family members wanted to waive off the postmortem. But because it was an unnatural death, police got the postmortem done," said Ankit Kumar Singh. "Within two days, the victim's brother, Karan Dev, got some information which led to the suspicion that he was murdered by electrocution... A case was registered... There was a chat between the deceased's wife, Sushmita, and his uncle's son, in which electrocution and sleeping pills were being talked about... We registered a case of criminal conspiracy," he added. The police official said that Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the crime teams visited the spot, and further investigation is underway. According to police, a PCR call was received from Mata Rooprani Maggo Hospital on July 13, reporting the death of Karan Dev, a resident of Uttam Nagar. The patient was declared 'brought dead' due to electrocution, as per the medico-legal certificate (MLC), informed the police. The police official also added that at the time of the incident, no allegations were raised by the family members, and they reportedly expressed their desire to waive post-mortem examination. However, due to the young age of the deceased and the need to rule out any unnatural causes, the police went ahead with a post-mortem at Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital. The case took a turn on July 16, when the deceased's brother, Kunal, approached police with suspicion regarding the death of his brother. The police further added that acting on the complaint, a preliminary inquiry was initiated into the matter and on the basis of the enquiry and the material available during the proceedings, a case under the appropriate sections was registered. The family of the deceased has made serious allegations, pointing to a possible conspiracy involving Karan's wife, Sushmita, and a man name Rahul, who is cousin of the deceased. Speaking to ANI, Karan's mother Neeru said she learned of the alleged relationship between Sushmita and Rahul only after the cremation when Kunal, yonger brother of the deceased person found WhatsApp chats on Rahul's phone. In the chats, Sushmita told Rahul that she had given Karan drug-laced food, but he wasn't dying. She kept updating Rahul and also mentioned electric shocks, Neeru added. She further said that Karan lived with his wife in a flat and around 9 am on Sunday, daughter-in-law Sushmita came and said Karan was electrocuted. The family then rushed to the flat and took him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. At that point, everyone assumed it was an accident, the mother said. Karan's friend Gaurav told ANI that the day after the cremation, the family confronted Sushmita, where she confessed in front of all that she killed Karan because Rahul was blackmailing her. He added that Rahul was also questioned separately and admitted to the murder. According to the family, the WhatsApp chats recovered from Rahul's phone suggest that Sushmita was constantly informing him about Karan's condition on the night of the incident and neighbours have also reported seeing Rahul near the couple's flat that morning," they said. (ANI)
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) handle posted on X, "Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri @myogiadityanath, met Prime Minister @narendramodi."

Sharing an X post about the meeting, CM Yogi wrote, "I had the honour of meeting the world's most popular leader, the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, in New Delhi today and received his warm guidance. Heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister ji for granting me his valuable time!"

Sharing visuals of his meeting with Union Minister Amit Shah at his residence, CM Yogi wrote, "Today, I had a courtesy meeting with the Honourable Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah ji in New Delhi. Heartfelt gratitude for providing your valuable time!"

Earlier on Saturday, CM Yogi also met the BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda during his visit to Delhi.

"Today, in New Delhi, I had the honour of a courtesy meeting with the esteemed National President of @BJP4India and Union Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda ji. Heartfelt gratitude for granting your invaluable time," CM Yogi wrote on X.

The UP Chief Minister paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Mizoram, General (Retd.) Vijay Kumar Singh.

"Paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Governor of Mizoram, General (Retd.) Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh Ji, today in New Delhi," the Chief Minister shared on X.

Meanwhile, on Friday, CM Yogi Adityanath participated in the inaugural program of a two-day national seminar based on 'Dharti Aba', Lord Birsa Munda, at Vasant Women's College in Varanasi.

Sharing the visuals from the event, CM Yogi wrote on social media, "The tribal community is the 'original community' of India, a community deeply rooted in India's traditions, which has always provided new strength to the eternal tradition. Today, I participated in the inaugural program of a two-day national seminar based on 'Dharti Aba', Lord Birsa Munda, at Vasant Women's College in Varanasi district. My best wishes for the successful organisation of the program!" (ANI)
Dr Tapeshwar Prasad, a retired Health Department official, who was shot at by unidentified assailants, is stable and being referred to Patna for further treatment, Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College Superintendent Dr Kishore Kumar Sinha said. "A superannuated doctor had a firearm injury over the jaw. The wound showcasing exit (of the possible bullet injury) is not there, apparently. A CT Scan and X-ray were done. He is doing well and stable," Dr Sinha told ANI. He added that Dr Prasad is being referred to in Patna upon the family's request. He said, "He and his family insist on treatment in Patna and for the same reason, we are referring him to Patna." The incident took place on Saturday morning while Dr Prasad was returning from his agricultural field when three criminals riding an Apache motorcycle ambushed and opened fire on him. According to initial reports, Dr Prasad sustained a gunshot wound to his jaw. After receiving emergency treatment at a local facility, he was referred to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College in Gaya for further care. The victim's son, speaking to ANI, said, "Today at around 8 AM, when he was returning from his fields, three unidentified people on a bike stopped him and fired a shot, which left him injured. Currently, he is critical." Dr Tapeshwar Prasad also owns a private hospital in Sherghati and is a well-known figure in the region. Authorities suspect that the attack may be linked to an ongoing personal dispute, as he was reportedly at odds with certain individuals for some time. Local police have launched an investigation and are working to identify and apprehend the culprits. (ANI)
A delegation of milk producers affiliated with the Kamdhenu Hitkari Society met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday. During this meeting, the delegation expressed their appreciation for the recent enhancement of the freight subsidy, which was increased from Rs. 1.50 per litre to Rs 3 per litre for registered milk societies. The delegation informed the Chief Minister that nearly 6,000 families associated with the Kaamdhenu Hitkari Society will be benefitted from this enhancement, an official release said. They said that Himachal is the first state in the country to provide freight subsidy to the milk producers and they are grateful to the Chief Minister for this empathetic gesture and his approach to resolve the problems of the farmers. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has undertaken many initiatives to strengthen the rural economy to provide more money in the hands of farmers. "Himachal is the first State to offer highest minimum support prices for milk. He said that cow milk is being procured at the rate of Rs. 51 per liter, whereas buffalo milk at the rate of Rs. 61 per liter from the cattle rearers," he said. Besides this, the state government is also providing MSP for the naturally produced wheat, maize, barley and raw turmeric at the rate of Rs. 60, Rs. 40, Rs. 60 and Rs. 90 per kg respectively. He asked the farmers to avail these benefits to boost their household income and enhance their livelihoods. He assured the delegation that he will join a function being organized by Kaamdhenu Milk Society in the first week of September this year. MLA Sanjay Awasthy also thanked the Chief Minister for such initiative and said that he understands the problems of farmers, daily wage workers and other underprivileged sections of the society and is always committed to resolve these issues. He said that bolstering the rural economy remains the priority for the Chief Minister and welfare schemes are being executed in this direction, which are yielding positive outcomes. (ANI)
The YSR Congress Party has condemned the arrest of Lok Sabha Member of Parliament and Party floor leader PV Midhun Reddy, characterising it as a blatant example of political vendetta orchestrated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. In a press statement, former ministers Botsa Satyanarayana, Perni Venkatramaiah (Nani), Ambati Rambabu, Merugu Nagarjuna, and party general secretary G. Srikanth Reddy expressed serious concerns over the misuse of power to target opposition leaders. The statement said that the arrest made after a full day of interrogation in the so-called liquor scam case demonstrates how far CM Chandrababu is willing to go to suppress dissent. The leaders noted that such actions will not endure for long and that public support for YSRCP is stronger than ever. They warned that the ruling party cannot silence YSRCP through fabricated cases or forced arrests, according to the statement. According to the statement, the leaders said that the liquor scam is entirely based on fabricated evidence and forced confessions. The press statement said that between 2014 and 2019, it was Chandrababu Naidu's government that committed several irregularities in liquor sales. Now, to divert attention from those cases, a false narrative has been built, and arrests are being made based solely on statements taken under pressure, the press release stated. The party further clarified that during the YSRCP government, the liquor policy was transparent and handled directly by the state. The number of liquor shops was reduced, and belt shops and permit rooms were removed, according to the press release. In the press statement, the party vowed to continue standing with the people and fighting against such political conspiracies with courage and determination. (ANI)
The Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, on Saturday wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to hand over the investigation into the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The stampede on 4th June led to the death of 11 people, while 56 were injured as people thronged to participate in the Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) team's IPL victory celebrations. "This case is a 'black spot' in the history of Karnataka sports. There has been an accusation-counter-accusation between the police and the state government on this issue," Ashoka shared in a letter on X. "It is reported in the media that the stampede happened because of the failure of the police to control the crowd. But the government has washed its hands by suspending the police officers. In this regard, the Hon'ble Central Administrative Tribunal, in the hearing on the petition filed regarding the suspension of an officer, opined that it is inappropriate to blame only the police officers for this," he added. LoP said that the question still remains as to who is the real culprit behind this case, which has resulted in the loss of the lives of innocent people. "So, what I request is that, without any political involvement in this case, this case should be investigated by the CBI, the real culprits should be identified, and justice should be given to the innocent lives lost," he said. Earlier on Thursday, the Karnataka government submitted a status report on the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede to the Karnataka High Court. The report has highlighted serious lapses and mismanagement within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise. According to the state government, no formal permission was taken from the event organiser (DNA), merely informing the police about the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory parade on June 3 without seeking formal approval as mandated by the 2009 city order. Consequently, the police denied permission. Despite police denial, RCB proceeded to publicly promote the event. On June 4, they shared open invitations on social media, including a video appeal by Virat Kohli, encouraging fans to attend the free-entry celebration, as per the report. (ANI)
Sharing an X post, Indian Navy wrote, "Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, addressed students and faculty at Thakur Ranmat Singh College, Rewa, on 19 July 25, sharing insights from his four-decade naval journey. Speaking of the critical role of youth in building Viksit Bharat 2047, through leadership, courage & teamwork, CNS inspired the young leaders to dream big & strive for excellence, embracing failure as a stepping stone towards success."

He asked the students to read, reflect and write in order to grow.

"Emphasising the role of the students as the architects of tomorrow, Viksit Bharat 2047, CNS urged students to read, reflect, write, and lead with purpose," the X post read.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi mentioned the Indian Navy's role and responsibility in ensuring maritime security.

"Highlighting India's rich maritime legacy and maritime strength - from ancient ports of Lothal to modern naval operations - CNS emphasised that India's future lies across the oceans and highlighted the crucial role, and responsibilities the Indian Navy has towards safeguarding the national interests by ensuring Maritime Security and Safety," the Indian Navy wrote.

Earlier on Wednesday, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, delivered a keynote address focused on Science and Technology's transformative role in building a Viksit Bharat at a seminar titled "Next Generation Combat - Shaping Tomorrow's Military Today".

According to an official statement by Western Command, Indian Army, in his opening address, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Sapta Shakti Command, emphasised the urgent need for the Indian Army to adapt and innovate in response to the multifaceted challenges of modern and future conflicts.

He delved into the complexities of grey zone warfare and stressed upon the importance of developing sophisticated capabilities to counter hybrid threats that blur the lines between peace and war.

He highlighted how advanced systems, precision munitions, enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, including the effective employment of drones, were instrumental in the success of Operation Sindoor, the press note said. (ANI)
As protests continue outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar over the incident in which a 15-year-old girl was set ablaze by miscreants in Puri district, BJP leader Babu Singh on Saturday cautioned against politicising the issue and emphasised that the next 72 hours are medically crucial for the patient. Singh expressed concern that the gathering of political workers outside the hospital ward is not right. "The next 72 hours are very important for the patient. There are other patients also admitted in the ward. Holding protests and raising slogans outside the ward is not right. Workers of the BJD and Congress are sitting outside the ward, and they are not allowing anyone to enter," Babu Singh told ANI. He added, "This is not right. I think the politicisation of the issue is not right. CM has said that if necessary, the patient will be airlifted to Delhi AIIMS as well." Meanwhile, on Saturday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the state government will airlift the minor girl, who was set on fire by miscreants in Puri, to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care as per the advice of the doctors. The victim is currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 70 per cent burns."We are reviewing the situation. The state government is prepared to shift her to Delhi AIIMS for advanced treatment if needed. Although the victim has suffered up to 70% burns, she is still able to speak. I have spoken to the hospital director....she will be airlifted to Delhi AIIMS as per the advice of the doctors," CM Majhi said. He further said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident."Whoever is responsible will be caught. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident and to determine whether any conspiracy was involved. The government will ensure strict punishment under the law," he added. Tension prevailed outside the AIIMS Bhubaneswar campus as workers from the BJD and Congress staged a protest, demanding swift action and improved medical care for the victim. BJP workers were also present at the site. BJD leader Pradeep Kumar Majhi expressed grave concern over the girl's critical condition and accused the BJP of obstructing their peaceful demonstration. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Maihi said, "The condition of this girl is critical. As the victim of the Balasore incident lost her life in this hospital, there is a big possibility that the victim of the Puri incident will also lose her life. We demand that she be airlifted and transferred to AIIMS Delhi tonight...The BJP goons, workers and their MLA came here and disrupted our protest. They disturbed the law and order situation here..." BJD chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government, condemning the repeated incidents of violence against women in Odisha. In a post on X, Patnaik said, "Deeply anguished to know that a young girl was set on fire in Balanga area of Puri District. This attempt to kill her happened in broad daylight. I strongly condemn this horrible act. It has happened just within a week of the terrible incident of a young girl setting herself ablaze in FM College after she was denied justice--even after knocking on every door, and a month after the horrific incident in Gopalpur. Such unthinkable incidents against women are now being reported almost daily across Odisha." "These are not stray cases of violence. These incidents, occurring with shocking regularity, point to a deep-seated systemic failure of governance. It suggests that criminals have become emboldened under the current government and are no longer concerned about being punished. It shows how Odisha is becoming highly unsafe for women due to government inaction and political patronage. Will the Odisha Government wake up from this deep slumber and take speedy action so that the criminals are arrested? And more importantly, will the government respond so that such incidents are not repeated? The girls and women of #Odisha await a response," the post added. The Congress party has also criticised the state government, stating that it lacks sensitivity to such incidents. Congress leader Srikant Jena said, "Incidents are happening one after the other. The girl is a plus 2 student. I heard that she was returning from her tuition classes when 2-4 boys poured kerosene on her and set her ablaze. Doctors are making all efforts to save her and I think she will be safe. But be it the CM or the Administration, they do not have any sensitivity. Incidents are happening in the state every day. We strongly condemn this. I hope that the government will bring a law so that fear is instilled among such elements. Only then will these cases stop, otherwise, they won't stop..." The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri district. According to her cousin, the 15-year-old girl, who had gone out with friends, was abducted and taken to the riverside, where she was set on fire by unidentified miscreants. Severely burnt, she managed to reach a nearby house from where she was rushed to the hospital. (ANI)
New York, US (PANA) - The General Assembly on Friday adopted by consensus a resolution on the SecretaryGenerals UN80 Initiative to strengthen and streamline the United Nations system
During the auspicious month of Shravan, a spiritual Satsang program was organised by the BAPS Kolkata Swaminarayan Mandir at the conference hall of BCDI in Agartala. The event was graced by the presence of Satsang leader Sadhu Amrit Charit Das and drew participation from devotees and followers across the region. Extending warm greetings to the people of Tripura on behalf of the BAPS Swaminarayan community, Sadhu Amrit Charit Das emphasised the spiritual heritage and cultural ties between Tripura and the Swaminarayan tradition. He highlighted that the magnificent Akshardham temples in Delhi, Gujarat, and Abu Dhabi were built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, showcasing the community's global footprint in promoting spirituality and service. In his address, Sadhu Amrit Charit Das recounted the life and journey of Lord Swaminarayan, who was born in 1781 and undertook a spiritual pilgrimage across India from the young age of 11. His path led him through various parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal, and is believed to have brought him to Navlakha Parvat, a sacred site where nine lakh monks once meditated. Based on religious and cultural beliefs, it is now thought that this revered site is none other than Unakoti in Tripura. "Lord Swaminarayan is believed to have visited Unakoti approximately 225 years ago, making it a historically and spiritually significant place for all of us," said Sadhu Amrit Charit Das. He added that even today, Unakoti remains a mystical land in the hearts of devotees, believed to be where Lord Swaminarayan had visions of nine lakh yogis. The core message of the program was rooted in spiritual peace and devotion. Quoting from the Bhagavad Gita, "Ashantasya kutah sukham" (One who is not at peace cannot find happiness), the BAPS leader stressed that inner peace can only be attained through true devotion to God. "Our Guru teaches that God is the ultimate source of joy. When our hearts and minds are aligned with God and the Guru, reverence grows naturally. That is why we travel across Tripura, to share this message of faith, peace, and spiritual upliftment," he said. He further noted the enduring devotion of the people of Tripura and praised the preservation of Sanatan culture in the region. "It is heartening to see that the same level of devotion and faith that existed in the past is still alive today. Our mission is to ensure that the life and teachings of Lord Swaminarayan reach every village in Tripura," he concluded. BAPS representatives reaffirmed their commitment to continue visiting Tripura in the future, to strengthen the spiritual bond and spread the message of Lord Swaminarayan across the state. (ANI)
Bhubaneswar Police imposed Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Section 163 outside AIIMS after protests over a 16-year-old girl being set on fire in Puri disrupted hospital services, said an official. According to a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena, half the protesters dispersed, while the rest were detained. "Different groups held protests outside the burn unit. The resultant chaos caused numerous issues for the patients admitted here and their attendants. AIIMS even issued a notice saying protest was not allowed in the premises and that chaos is causing problems for patients and doctors in the hospital," DCP Meena told ANI. He added, "Our zonal ACP, who is also the Executive Magistrate, declared BNSS Section 163, after which 50% people left. The remaining were detained. We will ensure that further protests do not take place and that people do not face any inconvenience here. One platoon of force will remain deployed here so that the situation can be monitored." Meanwhile, BJP leader Babu Singh cautioned against politicising the issue and emphasised that the next 72 hours are medically crucial for the patient. Singh expressed concern that the gathering of political workers outside the hospital ward is not right. "The next 72 hours are very important for the patient. There are other patients also admitted in the ward. Holding protests and raising slogans outside the ward is not right. Workers of the BJD and Congress are sitting outside the ward, and they are not allowing anyone to enter," Babu Singh told ANI. He added, "This is not right. I think the politicisation of the issue is not right. CM has said that if necessary, the patient will be airlifted to Delhi AIIMS as well." On Saturday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the state government will airlift the minor girl, who was set on fire by miscreants in Puri, to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care as per the advice of the doctors. The victim is currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar with 70 per cent burns."We are reviewing the situation. The state government is prepared to shift her to Delhi AIIMS for advanced treatment if needed. Although the victim has suffered up to 70% burns, she is still able to speak. I have spoken to the hospital director....she will be airlifted to Delhi AIIMS as per the advice of the doctors," CM Majhi said. He further said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident."Whoever is responsible will be caught. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident and to determine whether any conspiracy was involved. The government will ensure strict punishment under the law," he added. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri district. According to her cousin, the 16-year-old girl, who had gone out with friends, was abducted and taken to the riverside, where she was set on fire by unidentified miscreants. Severely burnt, she managed to reach a nearby house from where she was rushed to the hospital. (ANI)
The Trump administration completed a large-scale prisoner swap with Venezuela on Friday (local time), sending about 250 Venezuelans who had been deported and imprisoned in El Salvador back to their home country in exchange for 10 US nationals, officials said, as per CNN. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Venezuelan President Nayib Bukele for helping secure an agreement for the release of all of our American detainees. In a post on X, he said, "Thanks to US President Donald Trump's leadership, ten Americans who were detained in Venezuela are on their way to freedom. I want to thank my team at the Department of State and especially President Nayib Bukele for helping secure an agreement for the release of all of our American detainees, plus the release of Venezuelan political prisoners." https://x.com/SecRubio/status/1946299325803352323 https://x.com/nayibbukele/status/1946296384035918284 The US External Office for Venezuela (VAU) said in a post on X, "Nothing says freedom like the American flag. Ten Americans freed from Venezuelan prisons today are coming home because of US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Venezuelan President Nayib Bukele. America First in action." https://x.com/usembassyve/status/1946299817199653366 https://x.com/SenateForeign/status/1946327979799302338 https://x.com/StateSPEHA/status/1946324213674934683 Among the Americans released were Jorge Marcelo Vargas, Lucas Hunter and Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, CNN reported. In March, the Trump administration used a sweeping wartime authority to swiftly deport more than 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador, where they were detained in a notorious mega-prison, known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT. The deportations caught immigration attorneys and family members by surprise and prompted fierce public backlash. While the federal government hasn't provided a public accounting of the people on the March flights, attorneys and relatives have confirmed some of those who were transferred to El Salvador. The United States had classified the deportees as gang members in court, though immigration attorneys, advocates and family members have pushed back on that, claiming in many cases that the detainees had no criminal record. It was not immediately clear if these Venezuelans would be held as prisoners when they return to their home country, CNN reported. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Saturday filed a libel lawsuit against the publisher of the Wall Street Journal and reporters who wrote a story about a collection of letters gifted to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003, including a note bearing Trump's name and an outline of a naked woman. The lawsuit seeks at least USD 20 billion, and Trump has denied writing the note, CNN reported. In a post on Truth Social, he said, "BREAKING NEWS: We have just filed a POWERHOUSE Lawsuit against everyone involved in publishing the false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS 'article' in the useless 'rag' that is, The Wall Street Journal. This historic legal action is being brought against the so-called authors of this defamation, the now fully disgraced WSJ, as well as its corporate owners and affiliates, with Rupert Murdoch and Robert Thomson (whatever his role is!) at the top of the list. We have proudly held to account ABC and George Slopadopoulos, CBS and 60 Minutes, The Fake Pulitzer Prizes, and many others who deal in, and push, disgusting LIES, and even FRAUD, to the American People." "This lawsuit is filed not only on behalf of your favorite President, ME, but also in order to continue standing up for ALL Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media. I hope Rupert and his "friends" are looking forward to the many hours of depositions and testimonies they will have to provide in this case. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" he added. In the 18-page filing, Trump's legal team accuses the Journal's parent company of engaging in "glaring failures in journalistic ethics and standards of accurate reporting." The filing notes that the Journal, in its story, did not publish the drawing or the letter that its reporters allege Trump authored. "The reason for those failures is because no authentic letter or drawing exists," Trump's lawyer wrote in the lawsuit, which was filed in a federal court in Miami. Trump had threatened to sue almost immediately after the story, which was written by Journal reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo, was published late Thursday afternoon. Both reporters are named as defendants in the lawsuit, as per CNN. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence has stated that it detected 18 sorties of Chinese aircraft, eight Chinese naval vessels and one official ship around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Saturday. Of the 18 sorties, 15 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone). "18 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 out of 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the Taiwanese MND stated in a post on X. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1946374430759739496 Earlier on Friday, the MND detected 11 Chinese aircraft, 10 Chinese naval vessels and one official ship around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time). Of the 11 sorties, seven crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone). "11 PLA aircraft, 10 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 out of 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,' the MND stated in a post on X. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1946012048611328225 Meanwhile, on the same day, Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim reaffirmed its government's firm commitment to national security and regional stability amid rising Chinese threats and escalating geopolitical tensions, as reported by Focus Taiwan. Speaking at a high-profile gathering of foreign correspondents and de facto embassy representatives in Taipei, Hsiao emphasised that Taiwan continues to navigate one of the world's most contested geopolitical environments. "Taiwan doesn't live in a vacuum," she said. "We operate at the centre of one of the world's most dynamic and contested geopolitical environments," Focus Taiwan quoted her as saying. Hsiao noted that China's pressure on Taiwan, through military escalations, grey-zone operations, and economic coercion, has intensified since President Lai Ching-te assumed office in May 2024. She described Beijing's tactics as aggressive and counterproductive, warning that efforts to infiltrate and divide Taiwanese society undermine the very status quo China claims to oppose. (ANI)
The US Department of Defence (DoD) will be conducting a two-week review of its digital infrastructure after Microsoft announced it would no longer use "China-based engineering teams" to provide technical support for DoD cloud services. The decision follows an investigative report alleging that Microsoft had been relying on engineers in China to help maintain the Department of Defence's computer systems. The investigative report, published by ProPublica, revealed that the tech giant had been using Chinese engineers to help maintain the Department's computer systems with minimal oversight from American personnel, potentially exposing some of the nation's most sensitive data to cyberattacks from one of its primary adversaries. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, in a video statement on Friday (local time), announced the review after Microsoft's Chief Communications Officer, Frank Shaw, confirmed the tech company's decision to halt the use of China-based engineers for DoD's technical support. Shaw, in a statement on X, further reiterated Microsoft's commitment to providing secure services and working with national security partners to strengthen protocols. "In response to concerns raised earlier this week about US-supervised foreign engineers, Microsoft has made changes to our support for US Government customers to assure that no China-based engineering teams are providing technical assistance for DoD Government cloud and related services. We remain committed to providing the most secure services possible to the US government, including working with our national security partners to evaluate and adjust our security protocols as needed," the Chief Communications Officer stated. Following this, Hegseth, in the video statement, revealed that the DoD was alerted to a potential security issue earlier this week, referring to the report by ProPublica and also to a letter sent by the Republican Senator Tom Cotton on the report, which stemmed from the use of China-based engineers by tech companies to support DoD cloud services. Hegseth claimed that the digital infrastructure was a "legacy system' which was created during the Obama administration. "Earlier this week, we were alerted to a potential vulnerability in our DoD computer systems, and we've been checking into it ever since. It turns out that some tech companies have been using cheap Chinese labour to assist with DoD cloud services. This is obviously unacceptable, especially in today's digital threat environment. Now, this was a legacy system created over a decade ago during the Obama administration," Hegseth said. "But we have to ensure the digital systems that we use here at the Defence Department are ironclad and impenetrable. And that's why today I'm announcing that China will no longer have any involvement whatsoever in our cloud services, effective immediately. And at my direction, the Department will also initiate, as fast as we can, a two-week review or faster to make sure that what we uncovered isn't happening anywhere else across the DOD. We will continue to monitor and counter all threats to our military infrastructure and online networks. And I want to thank all those Americans out there in the media and elsewhere who raised this issue to our attention so we could address it. And that's why we're talking to you today. As the president would say, thank you for your attention to this matter, and God bless our war fighters. I'm going to sign that memo right now, initiating that review," the US Secretary of Defence added. (ANI)
The third-largest political party in Bangladesh, Jatiyo Party, has expressed serious concern over the country's deteriorating political climate following a violent incident in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's hometown, Gopalganj. The party claims that there is no level playing field for the upcoming general elections, and no visible preparations are underway for the polls scheduled in February. "The situation is very tense, obviously. It's not stable at all, very volatile and unpredictable. I think if the country is going for an election in February, I don't see any symptoms that the machinery of government and the political parties are genuinely preparing themselves for the election. Instead, what they are propagating at some point in time, I think it's violence," said Shameem Haider Patwary, Secretary General of the Jatiyo Party, in an interview with ANI on Friday. Founded by former military ruler General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, the Jatiyo Party had previously formed a "Grand Alliance" with Sheikh Hasina's Awami League. Patwary believes tensions escalated when the National Citizens Party (NCP), a group that led a movement to oust Hasina, entered the Awami League stronghold of Gopalganj. "It is axiomatic. If NCP goes to Gopalgonj and they shout slogans against Sheikh Hasina or Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it will agitate the people. Initially, it was for their July movement, but for Gopalgonj, it was renamed "March Gopalgonj". There was a theory that the feelings on that day, at the graveyard of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, could have been demolished. So that created an assumption of protection measures among the locals," he explained. Patwary added that certain regions in Bangladesh are strongholds of specific political parties and should be approached with political wisdom. "I think there are certain pockets in Bangladesh where certain parties are extremely popular, like Bogura, where BNP is popular; Rangpur, where Jatiyo Party is popular; and Gopalgonj, where Awami League is very popular. It is not wise to go there and create anarchy. I think it was a politically unwise decision to go to Gopalgonj at this point. It was unnecessary, excessive, and disproportionate. Earlier, many state leaders avoided visiting or meeting in Gopalgonj to avoid the bloodshed," he added. "At least six to seven people died; some say more than that because of the visit. So I think when the election is knocking at the door, everybody should prepare for peaceful coexistence; at this moment, this struggle and civil war-type situation are very dangerous for democracy and inclusive voting," he warned. He also alleged that properties of the Jatiyo Party have been targeted. "Yes, our party office had been burnt down; the central office and some of the local offices had also been demolished. Not only that, our Chairman's personal residence in Rangpur has been set on fire. These factors indicate that there is currently no level playing field. So fairness is quite utopian at the moment, and also if you think inclusively by a temporary order until the court verdict," he said. Patwary pointed out that the Awami League's activities have been temporarily banned and its registration as a political party has been suspended while court proceedings are ongoing. "Till the court case is ongoing. Awami League (activities) is banned primarily and temporarily, and also Awami League registration as a political party is suspended. So the government is heading towards the election without the Awami League. All parties are heading towards an environment that is congenial for some and completely uncongenial for others. So, there is no level playing field at all," the Jatio Party leader said. He further alleged bias in the administration's conduct. "The administration is led by certain ruling parties. Additionally, when you see the NCP people moving, they receive full government support, local administration support, and everything else. If the government favours one party, the government automatically disfavours the other parties, creating an uneven field for the election. Obviously, it will create political enmity among the parties and erode the government's trust. Many parties soon will start believing that a fair election is not possible with this government," said Patwary, a barrister by profession. Regarding Sheikh Hasina's stay in India, Patwary said, "As an asylum or as a refugee to save life, anyone can stay in any country. I don't see any illegality in that." The Jatiyo Party leader emphasised the importance of people-to-people relations with India. "Obviously, India is our only neighbour, practically. Myanmar is a civil war state. But the only neighbour we have at this moment is India. We have thousands of kilometres of borders with India. More than a million people go to India for low-cost, high-quality medical treatment. It is not easily possible to create a substitute for these patients. We have a dependency on India for essential commodities. India also has some dependencies. If Bangladesh is unstable, it will automatically create tensions among the seven sisters," he stated. He cautioned that instability in Bangladesh could affect India's northeastern region, known as the Seven Sisters. "After the fall of Sheikh Hasina, a group of people started shouting against India and started misquoting India. They create a new map sometimes. Sometimes, they said the seven sisters will be disturbed. These unnecessary comments from the government level of Bangladesh or this government have created tensions between India and Bangladesh. Patwary also noted that Indian leaders have acknowledged the political shift in Bangladesh. "Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, at a certain point, said yes, the government changed. Sometimes it changed metrically; we have to accept it. Vikram Misri, the Indian Foreign Secretary, met with the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh during his visit. Later, there was a meeting between Narendra Modi and our Chief Adviser. We have to accept that we are neighbours. We have to work together. No country has the right to comment on matters that affect another country's sovereignty or security. Regional security is a big concern at the moment. The Jatiyo Party wants dignified relations with India and a dignified friendship. In 1971, India provided us with significant assistance. We have to remember that. Relations should have been people-to-people, not only government-to-government. Earlier, for some reason, it was only government-to-government. Now, steps should be taken for people-to-people relations. We do not have enough alternatives. India also lacks sufficient alternatives. We are surrounded by India. These vice versa dependencies we have to acknowledge from both sides," he noted. On allegations of minority oppression in Bangladesh, Patwary admitted, "Some of them might be true. However, whenever a power shift in this country or a transition occurs, it is always the minority who feel apprehensive and scared. Because we do not have enough institutional protections for them. The institutional structure that can protect minorities from any atrocities, civil war situations or any riot. The police are not currently functioning. If anything wrong happens to them, who will protect them? That protection machinery at the moment is missing." (ANI)
The US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, on Friday (local time), called for a trial of the Obama administration over claims of Russian influence in Trump's US Presidential win in 2016, alleging a "treasonous conspiracy" to undermine the election outcome through politicised intelligence. Gabbard, in a statement, accused former US President Barack Obama and senior officials in his office, including former DNI James Clapper, CIA Director John Brennan, FBI Director James Comey, and others, of manufacturing intelligence to falsely implicate Russia in influencing the 2016 election in favour of Donald Trump. "Americans will finally learn the truth about how in 2016, intelligence was politicised and weaponised by the most powerful people in the Obama Administration to lay the groundwork for what was essentially a years-long coup against President Donald Trump, subverting the will of the American people and undermining our democratic republic," Gabbard claimed in a statement posted on X. The Office of the DNI (ODNI) released a 114-page document detailing evidence that, prior to the November 2016 election, the Intelligence Community (IC) consistently assessed that Russia was "probably not trying ... to influence the election by using cyber means." It further noted that on December 8, 2016, a draft of the President's Daily Brief (PDB) stated that Russia "did not impact recent US election results" by conducting malicious cyber activities against US election infrastructure. However, this assessment was abruptly withdrawn "based on new guidance" and never published. As per Gabbard's findings, on December 9, 2016, a National Security Council meeting convened by Obama, involving Clapper, Brennan, and other high-level officials, allegedly directed the IC to produce a new assessment claiming Russian interference, despite contradicting prior findings. "The next day (December 9, 2016), top national security officials, including FBI Director James Comey, CIA Director John Brennan and DNI James Clapper, gathered at the Obama White House to discuss Russia. Obama directed the IC to create a new intelligence assessment that detailed Russian election meddling, even though it would contradict multiple intelligence assessments released over the previous several months," Gabbard said in her statement. The report further noted that an email from Clapper's Executive Assistant tasked the CIA, FBI, NSA, and DHS with creating this new narrative "per the President's request". Gabbard further alleged that Obama officials leaked false claims to media outlets, including The Washington Post, asserting Russia's interference through cyberattacks. "Obama officials immediately leaned on their allies in the media to advance their falsehoods. Anonymous IC sources leaked classified information to the Washington Post and others that Russia had intervened to hack the election in Trump's favour," her statement read. As per Gabbard, on January 6, 2017, Clapper released an Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) that she claims relied on the discredited Steele Dossier, laying the foundation for the Mueller investigation, congressional impeachments, and heightened US-Russia tensions. "On January 6, 2017, a new Intelligence Community Assessment was released that directly contradicted the IC assessments that were made throughout the previous six months. After months of investigation into this matter, the facts reveal this new assessment was based on information that was known by those involved to be manufactured i.e. the Steele Dossier or deemed as not credible. This was politicised intelligence that was used as the basis for countless smears seeking to delegitimise President Trump's victory, the years-long Mueller investigation, two Congressional impeachments, high-level officials being investigated, arrested, and thrown in jail, heightened US-Russia tensions, and more," the ODNI statement read. Gabbard concluded by calling for an investigation and prosecution under the US Department of Justice (DOJ) of those involved, stating, "No matter how powerful, every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to ensure nothing like this ever happens again," as quoted by the ODNI. She announced that all related documents have been sent to the DOJ for criminal referral. "The American people's faith and trust in our democratic republic and therefore the future of our nation depends on it. As such, I am providing all documents to the Department of Justice to deliver the accountability that President Trump, his family, and the American people deserve," she stated. (ANI)
The Government of Bangladesh has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to establish a mission in the country aimed at supporting the promotion and protection of human rights, Chief Adviser's Press Wing said in a statement on Saturday. The mission's purpose is to provide training and technical assistance to government institutions and civil society organisations. Its objective is to help Bangladesh fulfil its national and international human rights obligations through capacity-building, legal support, and institutional strengthening, the statement said. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to reform and accountability, particularly in response to serious human rights violations that occurred during July and August 2024, it added. "We acknowledge that some groups in Bangladesh have expressed concerns about the perceived ideological orientation of UN human rights bodies. Bangladesh is a society grounded in strong cultural and religious traditions. We have received feedback from citizens who have said that any international partnership should be respectful of these values. Therefore, the OHCHR mission will focus on addressing and preventing serious human rights abuses, such as those perpetrated by the previous government, and ensuring accountability for violations. It will not serve to promote any social agenda that falls outside the country's established legal, social and cultural framework," the statement said. "We expect that the mission will always demonstrate transparency and maintain close cooperation with local stakeholders. The UN has committed to operating in full respect of Bangladesh's cultural and religious reality," it added. "The government retains the sovereign authority to withdraw from the agreement, should it determine that the partnership no longer aligns with national interests. It is worth noting that if such an office had existed during previous administrations when extrajudicial killings and public massacres occurred with impunity, many of those crimes might have been properly investigated, documented, and prosecuted. Our commitment to human rights today must be rooted in justice, not ideology," the statement further emphasised. "The Government considers this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen our institutions and enhance protections for our citizens, guided by our values, shaped by our laws, and accountable to our people," the statement concluded. (ANI)
According to the Dawn, the relentless monsoon downpours have also left 462 injured and caused widespread urban flooding, severely impacting residential areas, with 10 people losing their lives on Friday alone.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of further heavy rains starting July 20, while a PDMA alert cautions of a potential high-level flood in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma in the next 24 hours, prompting authorities to initiate emergency preparedness measures.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, during a briefing, stated that over 1,000 people had been safely evacuated from flood-hit regions in Pothohar, including 398 in Jhelum, 209 in Chakwal, and 450 in Rawalpindi, Dawn reported.

According to Rescue 1122, Friday's casualties included three deaths each in Lahore and Chiniot, two in Okara, and one each in Chakwal and Sargodha.

According to Dawn, in Chakwal, which has witnessed some of the heaviest rainfall in recent days, two bodies swept away in flash floods were recovered on Friday. Another victim died after a roof collapse caused by a falling rock due to rain.

Power outages have also persisted in numerous villages across Chakwal, with electricity yet to be restored three days after the initial flooding.

Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) reported that 99 high-tension and 48 low-tension poles, along with 65 transformers, were damaged.

IESCO Superintendent Engineer Waheed Ahmed Abbasi stated that full restoration of power would take at least 48 hours, Dawn reported.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is expected to visit the affected areas in Chakwal today to oversee relief efforts. (ANI)
A school bus crash in southwest England resulted in the death of one student and left two others seriously injured.

The incident took place on Thursday, when the bus, which was carrying middle school students, ran off the road and overturned. Authorities said that three medical helicopters and 20 ambulances were sent to the area of the incident and that 21 people were brought to the hospital.

School Bus Crash in Southwest England

Law enforcement said that the school bus that crashed was carrying 60 to 70 passengers and was on its way back to Minehead Middle School in Somerset after a day trip. Chief of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Gavin Ellis, said the vehicle went down a 20-foot embankment after it overturned.

The incident comes as the school that employs the bus, which teaches children aged nine to 14, was already in its final days before summer break, according to ABC News.

In a statement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences to the family of the killed student and said that his thoughts were with the friends and family of the others who were involved in the crash.

Starmer said in a post on X that there were no words he could say to acknowledge the death of a child. He also thanked emergency workers who were quick to respond to the incident and kept more people from being gravely injured.

Read more: Minneapolis Woman Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Fatal Crash That Killed Teenage Girl

At the time of the incident, there was an off-duty firefighter who was driving his car behind the school bus. When they saw the incident, they quickly started to free passengers while dozens of other firefighters and ambulance crews were dispatched to the scene.

Ellis said that their crews carried out several extrications and rescues amid extremely difficult circumstances while also supporting colleagues with casualty treatment, the St. Albert Gazette reported.

Student Killed

There was a similar incident that took place in April when a 13-year-old boy died after a school bus crashed on a South Carolina highway. At the time, authorities said that the vehicle was transporting kids from the Lexington County School District Two.

The bus was reportedly traveling along Interstate 77 when it overturned after coming back from a field trip. South Carolina Highway Patrol's Sgt. Tyler Tidwell said that the bus was carrying 38 people when it traveled off the road, struck a guardrail, and overturned.

The sole fatality in the incident was later identified as a Pine Ridge Middle School student, and there were others who were injured and taken to local hospitals to be treated, as per USA Today.
The European Union's recent sanctions on Russian oil, energy, banking and defence industries are aimed at degrading Moscow's "war economy" while preserving global oil market stability, said Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to India Herve Delphin on Saturday. Delphin, in a post on X, outlined the EU's sanctions policy against Russia, which also targeted a refinery in India, emphasising that it does not prevent countries from purchasing Russian oil and thus avoiding disruptions to global supply. The refinery in India is under Rosneft, a leader in the Russian refining industry, as one of its main shareholders. As per the EU Envoy, the 18th sanctions package reduces the price cap on Russian oil from USD 60 to USD 47.6 per barrel and seeks to further curb revenues fuelling Russia's military efforts in Ukraine. "On EU sanctions policy on Russian oil: Doesn't prevent anyone from buying oil from Russia --> so as not to disrupt the global oil market supply. Capping on Russian oil export prices --> a way of reducing the amount of revenues that feed/ are channeled into the Russian war economy. 18th package reduces the capping from USD 60 barrel to USD 47.6 barrel --> to reduce even further revenues Russia draws from oil export sales," Delphin stated. The EU Envoys' clarification on the sanctions followed India's response to the decision, in which New Delhi stated that it does not subscribe to any unilateral sanctions measures while emphasising the importance of avoiding double standards, especially in the domain of energy trade. As per Delphin, the new cap, adjustable based on market reference prices, imposes a discount on Russian oil, benefiting buyers with stronger bargaining positions. The EU has also banned third-country operators from exporting refined oil products made from Russian crude to the European market, closing a loophole that indirectly boosted Russian revenues. The EU Envoy also noted that European citizens support this measure, despite potential higher import costs from alternative suppliers. "The capping can fluctuate according to oil market reference price --> preserves elasticity of oil market for buyers. The capping amounts to imposing a discount on Russian oil --> benefit for the buyer who has a better bargaining position. Ban on export by third country operators to Europe of refined oil products made from Russian crude oil --> closing loophole to avoid European companies buy such products and indirectly add to Russian oil revenues. European citizens want this, even if it may result in higher import cost by buying from other suppliers," the post added. Additionally, the EU has sanctioned 450 shadow fleet oil tanker ships, targeting Russia's attempts to circumvent sanctions through illicit transport networks, while highlighting the impact that the previously imposed sanctions have had in depriving Russia of EUR 450 billion, resources that would have otherwise supported its military efforts in Ukraine. "Sanctions on shadow fleet oil tanker ships (port call and provision of services) --> closing a loophole that Russia uses to circumvent this sanction. 450 sanctioned shadow fleet ships by the EU. EU conducts its sanctions policy diligently & responsibly," he noted in his post. With oil constituting one-third of Russia's revenues and 40 per cent of its public spending allocated to military efforts--equivalent to 6 per cent to 7 per cent of its GDP--the EU has reduced its dependency on Russian oil by 90 per cent, Delphin affirmed, while noting that the EU member states aim to eliminate all Russian energy imports by 2026-2027 to further starve Russia's "war economy". "Sanctions aim at degrading the Russian war economy: 40% of Russian public spending allocated to finance the military effort -- equivalent to 6 to 7% of the Russian GDP. Impact of imposed sanctions --> took away from Russia 450 billion euros which otherwise it would have had its disposal for the war. Oil represents 1/3 of total Russian revenues --> EU has already reduced its own dependency on Russian oil by 90%. EU Member States will cut off all Russian energy import completely by 2026 & 2027 to stop feeding revenues in Russian war economy," the post read. Addressing Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Delphin condemned it as "illegal" and a "direct security threat" to the EU, its citizens, and territory. "Deliberate Russian aggression on Ukraine is illegal. It causes massive suffering by targeting civilians," he stated, reiterating the EU's stance: "Mr Putin must stop this war; stop the carnage and engage in earnest in peace talks." (ANI)
Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) confirmed on Wednesday that it had dispatched a patrol vessel to expel two Chinese coast guard ships that illegally entered Taiwan-controlled waters near Dongsha Island in the South China Sea, Focus Taiwan reported. According to the CGA Dongsha-Nansha Branch, Chinese coast guard vessel 3105 was detected at approximately 12:50 am on Wednesday, operating about 25 nautical miles south of Dongsha Island, which is administered by Taiwan. In response, Taiwan dispatched its patrol ship Hsun Hu No. 8 to monitor the situation and assert sovereignty. As Hsun Hu No. 8 approached 3105 around 1:17 am, a second Chinese coast guard vessel, 3103, was also identified 22 nautical miles southwest of the island. Both vessels were warned and closely tracked by Taiwanese personnel, the CGA stated, according to Focus Taiwan. The two Chinese ships exited the area around 11:35 am, with the Taiwanese patrol ship monitoring them throughout their presence in the area. The CGA highlighted that neither of the Chinese vessels had activated their automatic identification systems (AIS), a deliberate move to obscure their movements and avoid detection, a tactic increasingly used by China in contested maritime regions, Focus Taiwan reported. The CGA did not rule out the possibility that the incursion was a strategic manoeuvre by Beijing, designed to probe Taiwan's maritime defence capacity and stretch its resources, particularly during the nation's ongoing Han Kuang military exercises. Focus Taiwan noted that Chinese coast guard intrusions have become more frequent in recent years, especially around Dongsha and Kinmen. The CGA described these incursions as part of China's broader campaign to destabilise the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region, undermining international cooperation and trust-building efforts. To counter such threats, the CGA said it will continue deploying large patrol ships to the Dongsha area to uphold Taiwan's sovereignty and safeguard maritime rights. The administration also urged democratic allies to stand together in defending peace, freedom, and stability in the Taiwan Strait and broader Indo-Pacific region, Focus Taiwan reported. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], July 19 (ANI/WAM): The United Arab Emirates has condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the targeting of the Holy Family Church in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli army, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. The UAE denounced the attack as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and warned against the ongoing Israeli aggression and military escalation which threaten to further exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reaffirmed the UAE's firm rejection of the targeting of civilians, holy sites, and civilian institutions. The Ministry stressed the urgent need to respect the sanctity of these sites and ensure their protection during times of conflict. (ANI/WAM)
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), in collaboration with the European Union, hosted a national roundtable on July 17 to address growing concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression and the shrinking space for digital freedoms in Pakistan. The HRCP stated in a press release. According to the HRCP, the roundtable brought together prominent academics, civil society leaders, journalists, lawyers, and digital rights advocates to scrutinise the government's use of laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Act, particularly the 2025 Amendment, which they said is being used to curb dissent and silence critical voices. Digital rights activist Farieha Aziz, who moderated the discussion, outlined how Section 37 of the PECA Amendment gives sweeping powers to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to block online content without judicial oversight. Journalists Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor shared examples of YouTube channels being taken down without prior notice or legal justification, the HRCP reported. Anchorperson Absa Komal and Dawn editor Amir Wasim noted a shift from overt arrests to economic and institutional intimidation, which they warned is leading to widespread self-censorship. HRCP co-chair Munizae Jahangir emphasised the need for unity among civil society actors and journalists, warning that state authorities exploit internal divisions to weaken collective resistance. Legal experts, including Advocate Talha Sarfraz Khan and Barrister Rida Hosain, criticised the misuse of defamation laws to protect state institutions rather than citizens. Advocate Usman Warraich warned that the country is slipping into "digital martial law", marked by unchecked surveillance and online suppression. Journalists from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlighted the risks of reporting from remote regions, saying that censorship and repression have now extended into major urban centres. There was widespread consensus on repealing or amending the PECA 2016 law and its 2025 extension. Former senator and HRCP council member Farhatullah Babar called on the Senate's Information Committee to publish FIA data on PECA-related cases and proposed an independent commission to investigate the law's misuse in blasphemy-related cases. HRCP Secretary-General Harris Khalique concluded the roundtable by stating, "Without freedom of expression, no civil, economic, or social right can be defended." He urged the state to target hate speech and incitement to violence, not dissent or political criticism. (ANI)
Thousands of people across Mohmand, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan took to the streets on Friday in large-scale peace rallies, rejecting any fresh military operations and warning against further displacement of local communities, Dawn News reported. In Mohmand district's Mian Mandi Bazaar (Halimzai tehsil), a massive rally brought together tribal elders, political leaders, and civil society members under one voice. Leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP), and Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) joined hands to declare that the state had failed to deliver peace in the tribal belt, Dawn News reported. "We pay taxes and abide by the law. All we ask for is peace in our homeland," said local JI leader Firdous Safi. The killing of Maulana Khan Zeb, a respected voice for tribal rights and peace, was widely condemned. In North Waziristan, the Utmanzai Jirga Aman Pasoon held a demonstration in Miramshah, reiterating their opposition to any new military campaign. Spokesperson Mufti Baitullah stated that past operations like Zarb-i-Azb had not resolved the region's issues. "We won't allow another military operation," he said. The jirga demanded the release of elder Malik Akbar Khan, imprisoned for eight months, calling it essential for rebuilding trust with the government, Dawn News noted. Baitullah also announced the next protest would be held in Dattakhel, where residents have endured an 11-day curfew, severely restricting movement and livelihoods. Meanwhile, in Lower South Waziristan, an eight-day sit-in at Wana Bypass Chowk ended after successful negotiations between protest leaders and government officials. According to Dawn News, the district administration agreed to reopen the Angoor Adda border crossing, address law and order concerns, and affirm tribal ownership of local mineral resources. South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce president Saifur Rehman Wazir said the prolonged closure of Angoor Adda had devastated trade. "Markets have collapsed, and traders suffered losses worth billions," he stated. As Dawn News highlighted, these peaceful yet defiant demonstrations underscore widespread frustration and demand for peace, rights, and dignity across the tribal districts. (ANI)
Pakistani authorities have intensified efforts to suppress the demonstration by barring families from reaching the protest site and sealing off roads leading to the Islamabad Press Club, on the fourth consecutive day of a sit-in protest by families of forcibly disappeared persons and detained leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), the BYC reported. Since the protest began, the demonstrators, including women, children, and elderly family members, have been denied the right to set up tents or a proper camp. Despite facing harsh weather conditions ranging from heavy rain to intense heat, they have steadfastly continued their peaceful protest barefoot and without shelter, according to the BYC. The latest move by Pakistani authorities to block access to the protest area reflects a clear attempt to silence the voices of the Baloch community demanding justice for the forcibly disappeared and detained individuals, the committee stated. The BYC condemned the ongoing restrictions on the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and called out the illegal detention of their leaders, describing these actions as part of a systematic campaign by the Pakistani state to suppress Baloch political expression and human rights advocacy. "The sealing off of roads leading to the Islamabad Press Club is a deliberate effort to crush our peaceful protest and intimidate families seeking answers about their missing loved ones," the BYC said in a statement. The protest is part of a broader movement highlighting the plight of thousands of Baloch who have reportedly been subjected to enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings in Pakistan, as documented by various human rights organisations. The BYC reaffirmed its commitment to continue the sit-in until all detained leaders are released and demands for truth and accountability are met, urging international observers and human rights groups to take note of Pakistan's ongoing violations against the Baloch people. (ANI)
Taiwan's Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo has praised the armed forces for their exceptional performance during the Han Kuang military exercises, the longest-ever live-fire drills held in the country's history, according to Taipei Times. In a teleconference with troops on Thursday, Koo officially marked the conclusion of the 10-day, nine-night Han Kuang exercises, which began last Wednesday. Unlike previous iterations, which lasted just five days and four nights, this year's drills doubled in duration, showcasing intensified readiness and combat capabilities, Taipei Times reported. According to the Ministry of National Defense, Koo commended the efforts of participating troops, particularly those in central and southern Taiwan, who simultaneously provided disaster relief to communities affected by Typhoon Danas. The dual role played by the military was held up as a model for military-civilian cooperation, Taipei Times said. The 2025 exercises featured the first-time deployment of several advanced systems, including U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), TOW 2B anti-tank missiles, newly acquired uncrewed aerial vehicles, and a domestically developed land-based version of the Sky Sword II missile system. The 206th Reserve Brigade was also mobilised during the exercises, Taipei Times noted. A record 22,000 reservists participated, testing their ability to function at brigade level, providing more robust support to Taiwan's regular forces. However, the live nature of the drills also led to unintended consequences. The ministry acknowledged at least seven minor traffic incidents involving military vehicles, resulting in injuries to five soldiers. Koo has ordered a full investigation to prevent future occurrences, Taipei Times reported. The first phase of the drills focused on countering Chinese "gray zone" tactics. Later phases simulated full-scale warfare, including anti-landing operations, beachhead defenses, urban warfare, and defense-in-depth tactics. On the final day, urban resilience drills were conducted across eastern Taiwan and the outlying islands, including Hualien, Taitung, Penghu, Kinmen, and Lienchiang. Meanwhile, on Friday, Taiwan detected 11 Chinese PLA aircraft and 11 vessels in the Taiwan Strait, with seven aircraft crossing the median line. The armed forces remain on high alert, Taipei Times reported. (ANI)
Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, is currently witnessing one of the most critical water crises in its history, with millions facing acute shortages, Tolo News reported. Water levels in several central and western parts of the city have dropped significantly, disrupting daily life for residents and raising alarm among humanitarian agencies. "Everything depends on water. Without it, life becomes extremely difficult. If these petrol stations stop giving water, people will die of hunger and thirst," said Mohammad Agha, a Kabul resident. Another resident, Najibullah, highlighted the desperation among women and children in the area. "Children and women wander day and night with buckets, but there's no water. A woman came and said she hadn't performed ablution today because there's not even enough water for that," he told Tolo News. According to a report by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), nearly six million people in Kabul are now at risk due to the sharp decline in water availability. The agency described the situation as "unprecedented" and stressed the need for large-scale investment, improved coordination, and greater public awareness around water use and management. As the crisis deepens, many residents have appealed to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to act swiftly by expanding water supply infrastructure and digging deeper wells. "If these petrol stations don't give us water, no one else will. Our children go to the neighbors, but they get beaten and told they won't be given water. We ask the Islamic Emirate to drill wells for us so we can have our own water and access it day and night," said Mohammad Naseem, a resident, speaking to Tolo News. Despite growing appeals, officials of the Islamic Emirate have so far failed to take concrete steps. While repeated assurances have been made to address the crisis, residents told Tolo News that little has changed on the ground. (ANI)
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa have agreed to a ceasefire, US Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said on Saturday. "BREAKTHROUGH ---- Israeli Prime Minister @Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa @SyPresidency supported by the U.S.A. @SecRubio have agreed to a ceasefire embraced by Turkiye, Jordan and its neighbors, Tom Barrack, who is also Special Envoy for Syria, said in a post on X. https://x.com/USAMBTurkiye/status/1946333767918080341 The announcement also included a call for unity among Syria's diverse communities to support the peace initiative. "We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors," Barrack added. The ceasefire follows Israeli airstrikes on Syria on Wednesday, which Israel said were carried out to protect the Druze, a minority Arab religious group. Clashes between pro-government forces and Druze factions have left dozens dead since the ouster of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, CNN reported. Syria's security forces have begun deployment in the southern province of Suwayda, following days of deadly fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups and government forces, compounded by Israeli military intervention, Al Jazeera reported. The deployment began on Saturday, hours after the United States announced that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire. However, overnight clashes have cast uncertainty over the truce. Syria's government said the ceasefire was enacted "to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people." In a televised address, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that he "received international calls to intervene in what is happening in Suwayda and restore security to the country." Al-Sharaa also said Israeli intervention has "reignited tensions" in the city, calling the fighting "a dangerous turning point," while thanking the US for its support. Earlier, Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba announced on Telegram that "internal security forces have begun deploying in Suwayda province ... with the aim of protecting civilians and putting an end to the chaos." According to Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall, reporting from Damascus, it remained unclear whether Syrian troops had entered Suwayda city or were still on its outskirts as of Saturday morning. He added that Bedouin tribal fighters were awaiting clarity from the government regarding the ceasefire, while Druze leaders were split -- some welcoming the truce and others vowing to continue fighting. "Al-Sharaa said that national unity was a priority for his government and that part of the role of the government was to be a neutral referee between all parties," Vall reported. "He praised the people of Suwayda, other than the few elements that wanted to sow trouble, saying that both Druze and Arab communities in the city were noble people." Fighting in Suwayda had "been going on throughout the night," Al Jazeera reported, but the deployment of Syrian internal security forces was described as "welcome news" by many residents.On Friday, an Israeli official told reporters, on condition of anonymity, that due to "ongoing instability in southwest Syria," Israel had agreed to allow the "limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Suwayda district for the next 48 hours." The Syrian Health Ministry has reported at least 260 deaths in the Druze-majority city, with the International Organization for Migration estimating that around 80,000 people have fled the area."A lot of extrajudicial killings [are] being reported," said Vall. "People are suffering, even those who have been killed or forced to flee, they don't have electricity, they don't have water, because most of those services have been badly affected by the fighting." Al Jazeera further reported that on Friday night, Israeli forces dispersed a "violent" gathering of Druze citizens near the border fence in the Majdal Shams area of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The army stated that several demonstrators crossed into Syrian territory and that efforts were underway to return them. According to Al Jazeera, Damascus believed it had received a green light from both the US and Israel to send forces to Suwayda, based on remarks by US special envoy Thomas Barrack and security discussions with Israeli officials. This perception reportedly came despite earlier Israeli warnings against such deployment. (ANI)
The United Nations has raised alarm over the deportation of over 1.9 million Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan in the past seven months, urging an immediate halt to forced and unsafe returns, Khaama Press reported. Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated on Friday, July 18, that more than 1.5 million people were returned from Iran, while over 300,000 were expelled from Pakistan. He warned that "many of those being deported face serious risks of abuse, torture, or arbitrary detention in Afghanistan and should not be forcibly returned," according to Khaama Press. The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of adhering to international legal standards in all return processes. "Returns must be voluntary, safe, dignified, and in line with international law," Turk said. Khaama Press reported that Turk described the situation in Afghanistan as a severe humanitarian and human rights crisis. He highlighted that returnees--whether forced or voluntary--face "discrimination, violence, economic hardship, and lack of employment opportunities." He further stressed that certain groups are at heightened risk. "Women, girls, journalists, and former government employees are particularly vulnerable and under serious threat in Afghanistan," Turk stated. These warnings come amid a growing number of deportations, with human rights organizations expressing concern over the deteriorating safety and legality of such actions. Khaama Press noted that the pace of forced returns has increased in recent months, compounding fears over the well-being of returnees. In a separate case reported by Khaama Press, Germany recently deported 81 Afghan refugees, citing criminal records. This incident has added to international concern about the implications of such deportations under current conditions in Afghanistan. The UN has reiterated its call for all countries to respect asylum rights and prioritize protection. "The current deportation trend, if continued, may deepen Afghanistan's ongoing crisis and put thousands more lives at risk," Turk warned, as quoted by Khaama Press. (ANI)
The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) launches advocacy campaign on behalf of Francis, whose chart-topping ballads once ruled the airwaves  and now trend across TikTok by the billions.

CLEVELAND, July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation remembers Connie Francis, one question, amplified by disbelief, grows louder: Where the girls are? Everywhere but the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it seems.

Connie Francis, the voice of a generation, is conspicuously absent from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland, Ohio. The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is rallying public support and calling for the Rock Hall to #LetHerIn. (Photo credit: Joecho-16)

"The Rock Hall has faced ongoing criticism for under-representing early female pop vocalists and girl groups  many of whom, like Connie Francis, laid the foundation for pop and rock in the 1950s and '60s," said COPOMIAO President Basil Russo. "There's a strong case to be made that she deserves induction for her cultural influence and pioneering success as one of the first female pop superstars. Madonna  a successor to Francis in both Italian American heritage and chart dominance  was inducted in 2008. Francis's exclusion today appears indefensible."

Consider her legacy:

200+ million records sold worldwide

First woman to top the Billboard Hot 100

Top-selling female artist of the 1960s

27 billion TikTok views featuring her music (and counting)

53 Billboard Hot 100 chart hits

The voice of a generation, Francis broke through at a time when women were expected to sing, not lead. Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, N.J., to Italian immigrant parents, she grew up speaking Italian and performing at local events by age 4. After years of grinding out talent contests and TV appearances, she exploded onto the scene in 1958 with "Who's Sorry Now?"

COPOMIAO is rallying the public to contact the Rock Hall and advocate for the recognition Connie Francis deserves.

From there, she became a trailblazer: the first woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," and the first to headline major tours across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

She recorded in over a dozen languages, starred in Hollywood musicals, and even opened for the Queen of England. By the mid-1960s, Francis had become not only a household name but also a symbol of Italian American pride.

ABOUT COPOMIAO

Formed in NYC in 1975, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is a national coalition of 74 cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups that advocate for the Italian American culture. Contact Us

SOURCE The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations
Pakistan's business community remains divided over a planned nationwide shutter-down strike as chambers in Karachi and Lahore have announced closure, while the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has decided to stay away from the protest, ARY News reported. The strike, called in opposition to the enhanced powers of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and new taxation measures, has split major trade associations. While some have endorsed the protest, others have opted for dialogue with the government, ARY News said. Addressing a press conference, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javed Balwani announced that all business centers across Karachi will remain closed on Saturday. "The chamber may extend the strike to one or two additional days next week, with a potential full-week shutdown if demands are unmet," he said, adding that the strike will remain peaceful. He further stated that protests will be expanded if the government fails to address the concerns of the business community and that written assurances from authorities are still awaited. "No written commitments have been received despite government talks," Balwani said, according to ARY News. Meanwhile, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the All Pakistan Restaurants Association have also expressed support for the strike, aligning themselves with Karachi traders in protest against the controversial finance-related provisions. Traders have taken strong exception to Sections 37A and 37B of the Finance Act, which, they argue, give the FBR "arbitrary" powers of arrest. They also oppose Section 21(S), which imposes steep penalties on cash transactions exceeding PKR 200,000, mandatory digital invoicing under SRO 709, and the enforcement of E-Bilty under Section 40, ARY News reported. Despite these widespread concerns, the FPCCI has decided to abstain from the strike, indicating the lack of consensus within the business community. Some trade leaders have called for continued negotiations with the government, ARY News noted. As tensions persist, the business community awaits the outcome of upcoming meetings, which may determine whether the current strike plan escalates into a larger nationwide movement. (ANI)
As of Wednesday, nearly 90 per cent of Chinese spouses married to Taiwanese have complied with the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) directive to renounce their household registration in China, underscoring Taiwan's defense against Beijing's influence, The Taipei Times reported. According to The Taipei Times, MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chie revealed that out of 12,156 tracked Chinese spouses, only 10 opted to relinquish their Taiwanese household registration--a stark reminder of China's lingering appeal. The minuscule 0.0008 per cent figure highlights Beijing's waning soft power in the face of Taipei's commitment to sovereignty. Most compliant spouses complied swiftly: 6,569 submitted verifiable proof of deregistering in China. Another 4,287, unable to complete the process due to serious illness or injury, submitted affidavits claiming exemption or deferral, Liang told The Taipei Times. This mass cooperation reflects growing wariness among cross-strait families about Beijing's long arm. The MAC's April-issued directive mandated that Chinese spouses prove deregistration within three months; failure to do so risks loss of Taiwanese household registration and, by extension, citizenship. Taiwan is asserting its independence by enforcing the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, The Taipei Times noted. The small group of 10 who chose to forfeit their Taiwanese registration made that choice for reasons like inheriting property in China, access to social welfare, or following the death of a Taiwanese spouse, The Taipei Times said. Their rare decision contrasts sharply with growing concern over China's expanding influence. Another 1,290 spouses remain uncontacted or non-responsive, many possibly residing in mainland China, yet Taipei has assured that no Taiwanese registration will be revoked until they have been duly notified, according to The Taipei Times. The move reflects Taiwan's resolve, not coercion. MAC officials predict compliance will rise as the review continues, reinforcing that Taiwan will not tolerate dual allegiances. The crackdown serves as a warning to China: infiltration through marriage and dual residency will no longer go unchecked. Taiwan's message is clear: citizenship and loyalty cannot be split between free Taiwanese democracy and authoritarian Beijing control. Taiwan stands firm and will not be China's fading backyard. (ANI)
Russia's air defense systems intercepted more than 150 incoming aerial threats, including at least 13 drones headed toward Moscow overnight, according to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin and Russia's Ministry of Defense, RT reported. Sobyanin confirmed that "at least 13 of those drones were intercepted en route to Moscow," adding there were no casualties or damage. Emergency crews were deployed to respond to crash sites, RT said. The Russian Defense Ministry said that a total of 158 hostile aerial targets were downed since 6:15 pm Friday across multiple regions, including Bryansk, Oryol, Kaluga, Rostov, Tula, Kursk, Smolensk, Voronezh, and Moscow. The large-scale drone raid is one of the most extensive in recent weeks, RT noted. Kiev has intensified its UAV attacks deep into Russian territory over the past week, with many targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure. "The Russian government has decried the strikes as 'terrorist attacks' which deliberately target civilians," according to RT. Sobyanin, who has been providing daily updates since Wednesday, said Moscow's air defense forces have been increasingly active in recent nights due to the surge in drone assaults. Last month, Sobyanin told reporters that "the city's air defense system operates at the 'highest level,' intercepting 99.9% of targets." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also highlighted that Russia uses layered air defense systems to minimize the threat posed by such drone attacks. In this context of heightened defense readiness, Russia remains open to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict but awaits signals from Kiev to resume direct negotiations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to a report by RT. Addressing a routine press briefing, he noted the ground situation is evolving rapidly amid Ukraine's hesitation to commit to a third round of talks. "We should wait for some signals from the Kiev regime, who should say whether they want to hold a third round of direct talks or not," Peskov said, as quoted by RT. "We have repeatedly said that we would prefer achieving our goals through peaceful political-diplomatic means." Peskov also warned that "as long as this outcome is impossible, the special military operation continues, and realities on the ground are changing every day," RT reported. Two rounds of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine were held earlier this year in Istanbul -- in mid-May and early June -- but a third round has yet to be scheduled, RT added. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday said that his visit to Dubai and Spain is nearing its conclusion, highlighting the tour's focus on exploring opportunities for the state's progress and promoting employment, industries, and tourism. Speaking from Barcelona, Yadav said, "We have reached the last leg of our Dubai and Spain visit. As we had set the objective of our tour, we were to explore all the areas for the progress of our state with our Indians connected to Madhya Pradesh, especially everything that provides employment. We also went to the industries and restaurants to promote tourism. Wherever there are Indian restaurants, we visited them." He further noted the growing global presence and reputation of India and its citizens under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We have seen that in our changing times, under the leadership of our Prime Minister, the way India and its citizens have gone abroad and made their reputation. In today's turbulent times, people are looking at India on a large scale for business opportunities, looking at Indian products," Yadav added. Reinforcing this outreach, the Chief Minister also addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Spain as part of the 'Madhya Pradesh Global Dialogue 2025' held on Friday (local time), underlining the state's commitment to building global partnerships and strengthening diaspora ties. Yadav said that he was proud of the fact that Madhya Pradesh is the first choice of investors, thus aiding in the country's progress. In a post on X, he said, "Today, the heartfelt dialogue with our Indian diaspora brothers and sisters settled in Spain, under the 'Madhya Pradesh Global Dialogue 2025,' will always remain vivid in my memories. We are proud that Madhya Pradesh, which has become the first choice of investors, is playing a leading role in the nation's progress. Together, with a team spirit, we will take this saga of pride to new heights." Yadav also held a roundtable meeting under the 'Madhya Pradesh Global Dialogue-2025' with leading European textile machinery manufacturers and experts. Yadav said the meeting yielded positive discussions on textile machinery manufacturing under the 'Make in India' and 'Make in Madhya Pradesh' initiatives. In a post on X, he said, "Under the 'Madhya Pradesh Global Dialogue-2025', a roundtable meeting was held today in Barcelona, Spain, with leading European textile machinery manufacturers and experts. The discussion focused extensively on the possibilities of establishing advanced production units in Madhya Pradesh. On this occasion, positive discussions were held on developing the state as a global hub for textile machinery manufacturing under the 'Make in India' and 'Make in Madhya Pradesh' initiatives." The objective of the meeting was to establish Madhya Pradesh as a textile machinery manufacturing hub and promote partnerships with European technology providers. Yadav gave information about the state's investor-friendly policies, special textile parks, SEZs, and incentive schemes. CM Yadav expressed his commitment to promoting technology transfer and sustainable production. European companies were invited to establish production units in Madhya Pradesh, according to an official statement. Key representatives from leading textile machinery companies in the US, Italy, and Spain attended the meeting. Leading textile companies in Madhya Pradesh, including Best Corp, Pratibha Syntex, Shreeji Polymers, and DB Group, also participated in the meeting, the statement read. (ANI)
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the government will not renew Proof of Registration (POR) cards issued to Afghan refugees and that deported individuals will be blacklisted from re-entering the country, Khaama Press reported. Naqvi made the remarks on Friday during an informal interaction with journalists in Islamabad, signalling a clear and firm policy shift in Pakistan's immigration framework, according to Khaama Press. The interior minister stated that "the government will not extend the Proof of Registration (POR) cards issued to Afghan refugees" and added that "deported individuals will be placed on a blacklist, barring their re-entry into Pakistan." According to Khaama Press, the move is part of broader changes in immigration policy aimed at tightening border and residency controls. Pakistani authorities began expelling Afghan refugees last year, and the process has continued in waves, affecting thousands of Afghan families. Human rights groups and international observers have raised concerns over the humanitarian impact of the policy, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children. Khaama Press noted that critics argue the deportations are being carried out abruptly and without adequate consideration for individual security or humanitarian needs. The Pakistani government, however, maintains that the measures are essential for national security and the enforcement of lawful migration, Khaama Press reported. Despite the criticism, officials have shown no indication of revisiting or halting the ongoing deportations. Khaama Press added that with regional instability continuing, the international community is under increasing pressure to help forge sustainable and humane solutions to the ongoing refugee crisis. Diplomats and aid agencies have called for renewed engagement to address the root causes of displacement and ensure legal protections for those at risk. The new policy direction, as outlined by Naqvi, is expected to significantly impact the lives of thousands of Afghan nationals currently residing in Pakistan under refugee status, with long-term implications for regional humanitarian and security dynamics. (ANI)
Syria has started deploying its security forces in the troubled southern province of Suwayda, following intense clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups that have left hundreds dead, compounded by Israeli military intervention, Al Jazeera reported. The deployment came shortly after the United States announced an agreement between Israel and Syria to enforce a ceasefire, though the truce remains uncertain amid ongoing fighting, Al Jazeera said. Syria's government confirmed the ceasefire, stating it aims "to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people." President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in a televised address, noted that he had "received international calls to intervene in what is happening in Suwayda and restore security to the country." He described Israeli intervention as having "reignited tensions" and called the fighting "a dangerous turning point," while thanking the US for its support, according to Al Jazeera. Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba announced on Telegram that "internal security forces have begun deploying in Suwayda province ... with the aim of protecting civilians and putting an end to the chaos," Al Jazeera reported. Despite this, it remains unclear whether Syrian troops have entered Suwayda city or are still on the outskirts, Al Jazeera added. The ethnic clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups and government forces have reportedly caused at least 260 deaths, with an estimated 80,000 people displaced, according to Syria's Health Ministry and the International Organisation for Migration, Al Jazeera noted. Al Jazeera's correspondent Mohamed Vall reported that "a lot of extrajudicial killings [are] being reported," and many civilians suffer from a lack of basic services due to the conflict. Al Jazeera also highlighted that some Druze leaders welcome the ceasefire while others pledge to continue fighting. Meanwhile, Bedouin fighters are preparing to travel to Suwayda to support their counterparts, with one fighter telling Al Jazeera their conflict is with forces loyal to Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, whom they accuse of aligning with Israeli interests. An Israeli official told reporters that Israel had agreed to allow "the limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Suwayda district for the next 48 hours," amid the ongoing instability, Al Jazeera reported. Al Jazeera's analysts say Israel's attacks in the region serve "less to do with the minority Druze community and more with a strategic Israeli objective to create a new reality," describing it as part of Israel's attempt to assert itself as the dominant power in the Middle East through territorial expansion and ongoing conflicts across the region. The conflict and military actions in Suwayda contradict earlier efforts by the Trump administration to expand normalisation deals with Israel in the region, a policy that the Syrian government had initially welcomed before the crisis, Al Jazeera concluded. (ANI)
Afghanistan is set to launch a new nationwide polio vaccination campaign on July 20, targeting children under the age of five to protect them from the debilitating virus, according to the Afghanistan Polio-Free Organization, Khaama Press reported. The campaign will be carried out across several provinces and districts and includes the administration of Vitamin A supplements alongside the oral polio vaccine to help strengthen children's immune systems. Khaama Press said this combined effort aims to boost resistance against other diseases and improve overall child health. "The campaign aims to protect children under the age of five from the debilitating effects of polio," the organization stated, urging families to ensure that no child is left out of the initiative. According to Khaama Press, the organization emphasized the role of parents and guardians, calling on them to collaborate with health teams and ensure full community participation. It added that people can contact the free helpline at 141 for more details about the campaign. Polio, a highly infectious virus primarily affecting children, spreads through contaminated water and can cause fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, and limb pain. In about one in 200 cases, the disease results in irreversible paralysis. Afghanistan and Pakistan are currently the only two countries in the world where polio remains endemic, Khaama Press noted. Ongoing eradication efforts are seen as critical to protecting Afghan children from lifelong disability. "Polio vaccination is one of the most effective ways to ensure a healthier, brighter future for Afghan children," the organization reiterated, according to Khaama Press. "These vaccination campaigns represent a significant step toward a polio-free future for the country," it added, stressing that continued public cooperation is essential to the success of the initiative. In support of these efforts, 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. (ANI)
The business community in Karachi observed a partial strike on Saturday in protest against enhanced taxation powers granted to Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) under the Finance Act FY26, Dawn reported. The strike call was issued last week by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), with backing from petroleum dealers, transporters, industrial associations, chain store operators, and various trade bodies. According to Dawn, the move is in response to what the KCCI and its allies describe as "anti-business measures" and proposed provincial labour policies. "A partial strike was observed in Karachi on the call of industrialists and supported by traders of markets against enhancing FBR's powers to conduct raids and arrests of businessmen," All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairman Atiq Mir told Dawn.com. The organisation represents markets and shopkeepers in the city. Mir added that while markets at Gul Plaza, Teen Talwar in Clifton, and Nursery remained open, "the majority of traders have supported the strike, though some of the traders have reservations over the nature of demands." He further stated that "the demands of small traders were not included, particularly regarding the raids on shops and closure of shops on the pretext of being in poor condition," according to Dawn. Sharjeel Goplani, a leader of traders from Old City areas, also told Dawn.com that a partial strike was observed in those localities as well. "Lea Market, Urdu Bazaar as well as Timber and Furniture markets remained open," he said. Dawn noted that the new enforcement powers granted to the FBR under the Finance Act FY26 include authority to block high-value financial transactions by non-filers -- such as property and vehicle purchases, investments in securities and mutual funds, and opening high-end bank accounts. FBR officials have also been empowered to seal unregistered business premises, confiscate goods, and recover taxes from both private and public sector firms. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry also announced its support for the strike, condemning the government's decision to expand FBR's powers without consulting the private sector, Dawn reported. However, Dawn said that a day before the strike, there were signs of division within the business community. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice-President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon told Dawn that trade associations and chambers had agreed to defer the strike after meeting with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries, Haroon Akhtar Khan. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has said that another 10 hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released "very shortly," amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Doha between Israeli and Hamas delegations, The Jerusalem Post reported. "We got most of the hostages back. We're going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly," Trump said during a dinner with lawmakers at the White House on Friday (local time), according to The Jerusalem Post. The president also praised the work of his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, for his role in the ongoing talks. According to The Jerusalem Post, Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been taking part in the latest round of ceasefire talks in Doha since July 6, discussing a US-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire. Trump has made repeated comments over the past several weeks suggesting that a new hostage deal would soon be agreed upon. A senior Hamas spokesperson issued a warning on Friday, cautioning that the group would not consider future interim truces unless a deal is achieved in the current round of negotiations. "We are closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations and hope they will result in an agreement that guarantees the cessation of the war against our people, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and the relief of our people," said Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Ubaida in a video statement, as cited by The Jerusalem Post. Former secretary of state Antony Blinken claimed on Wednesday that the United States and its partners in the Middle East were "85% of the way" to being done before the Trump administration took over. Despite this, the early days of the new Trump administration saw a breakthrough in a hostage deal after months of stalled talks.Hamas abducted over 250 people during its October 7, 2023, rampage, where the terror group invaded southern Israel and massacred more than 1,200 people. As of now, The Jerusalem Post reports that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. The Jerusalem Post added that the ongoing diplomatic efforts are part of a broader push to bring an end to the hostilities and secure the safe return of the remaining hostages. (ANI)
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday announced PKR 5 million in compensation for families of those killed in recent rain and flood-related incidents across the province, ARY News reported. According to Rescue 1122 data cited by ARY News, at least 109 people have lost their lives and 745 others have been injured in Punjab since June 25 due to record-breaking rainfall that triggered widespread flooding and destruction. During her visit to flood-hit Chakwal, CM Maryam conducted an aerial survey by helicopter to assess the damage. She inspected submerged homes, collapsed roads, and damaged bridges, and issued immediate instructions for rehabilitation and reconstruction work. The Chief Minister also reviewed the damaged Dhuman Bridge on the Jhelum-Sohawa Road--an important link between Chakwal and Jhelum--and directed authorities to expedite repair work. She ordered the bridge to be reopened for light traffic within two days by installing a temporary steel structure, ARY News reported. Speaking at the Chakwal Deputy Commissioner's Office, CM Maryam confirmed, "Families of individuals who died due to roof collapses and landslides will receive PKR 5 million in compensation." She added that four families in Chakwal affected by landslides would receive PKR 1 million each. To ensure the timely delivery of aid, CM Maryam tasked local lawmakers and the deputy commissioner with personally handing over compensation cheques to the victims' families, ARY News noted. In view of upcoming monsoon rains, the Chief Minister ordered the reactivation of the Civil Defense Force across Punjab and instructed that volunteers receive enhanced emergency response training. She also directed the evacuation of residents from vulnerable mud houses, calling for their relocation to relief camps or government facilities. "Natural disasters are beyond human control--life and death are in the hands of Allah," CM Maryam said. According to ARY News, she commended the response of government institutions, saying that no deaths in Punjab had occurred due to administrative negligence. She acknowledged the causes of fatalities, which included drowning, structural collapse, and electrocution. Looking ahead, CM Maryam called for long-term disaster planning based on the lessons of the current monsoon season and directed authorities to compile detailed reports on damage to buildings and crops. (ANI)
SAN FRANCESCO, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elegoo, a rapidly developing brand in global smart manufacturing, joins Open Sauce today, one of the world's biggest gatherings of makers, creators, and tech innovators - at Booth A15 and A16, the San Mateo County Event Center. During the 3-day event from July 18 to July 20 in San Francisco, Elegoo is unveiling a lineup of 3D printed creations built around STEM ideas and co-created with creators worldwide.

Elegoo showcases eye-catching creations alongside the Centauri Carbon and other 3D printers at Open Sauce in San Francisco on July 18.

"We're here at Open Sauce because it celebrates the maker spirit we believe in," said Coco Lee, Brand Director at Elegoo. "This isn't just a place to show off tech - it's where people come to make it their own. We're here to co-create, spark ideas, explore collaborations, and most of all, deliver the fun and wonder of 3D printing."

Elegoo for the first time presents some of the coolest creations including:

Open-source AI robot fleet of nine: 3D printed by Elegoo's passionate engineers, these robots run on the ESP32-S3 chip and draw inspiration from the Otto robot and the open-source XiaoZhi AI project. Elegoo expanded on this idea by 3D printing custom shells, while redesigning the control board and rewriting the firmware to create their own version.

The robots can listen, speak, display expressions, take photos, perform movements as instructed, and interpret user intent through AI with the help of sensors. This open-source foundation blends 3D printing, AI, and robotics into one accessible platform, inspiring developers around the world.

Animatronic Wings: Co-created with Willow Creative in just four weeks, this project turns heads and shows the power of 3D printing. Most parts, including feathers, hinges, connectors, and backpack frame, are 3D printed with the OrangeStorm Giga and Centauri Carbon. Each feather is made of transparent PETG to work with addressable 3mm LED strips, allowing for dynamic light effects.

Tipsy: Totally Intelligent Pouring System (Tipsy) is an AI-powered drink pouring machine created by Concept Bytes, with support from Elegoo for 3D printers and materials. Its entire outer casing is 3D printed. The machine connects up to 12 drink sources via tubing and uses small pumps to precisely dispense single or double shots. A digital control panel displays ChatGPT-generated drink images, adding a fun and customizable touch. Tipsy is fully open-source and was made using the Centauri Carbon.

GlowGear: A futuristic cosplay sword created in collaboration with Little Jem. It features smoke effects and sound, and was printed on the Centauri Carbon with 120 hours of print time.

Besides exciting projects, visitors can experience Elegoo's latest 3D printers, including the Centauri Carbon and Jupiter 2, and enjoy interactive games and giveaways at the booth. For more information, please follow Elegoo's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, Discord, and Reddit.

Event Details:

Date: July 18-20, 2025

Location: San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Dr, San Mateo, CA, US

Booth: A15, 16

About Elegoo

Founded in 2015, Elegoo is a rapidly developing brand in the global smart manufacturing industry, specializing in R&D, manufacturing, and sales of consumer-grade 3D printers, laser engravers, STEM kits, and other smart technology products. Located in Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley of China, the company has sold millions of products across more than 100 countries and regions. In 2024, the company's total sales revenue surpassed 220 million USD, with more than 1000 employees and nearly 30,000 square meters of office and manufacturing area. With a focus on programming and 3D printing technology, Elegoo provides unique and smart creation spaces for diverse consumers to enhance personalized experiences.

SOURCE ELEGOO
The arrival of five deportees from the United States to Eswatini has sparked public outrage and concern across Africa, with critics accusing the US of using the small southern African nation as a "dumping ground," CNN reported. According to CNN, the Eswatini government confirmed that five foreign nationals deported from the US are being held in solitary confinement in undisclosed prisons. Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli stated on Friday that the men pose "no threat to the country or its citizens" and that "critical engagements between stakeholders are still ongoing." The deportation is the result of "months of robust high-level engagements" between Eswatini and the US, Mdluli said. However, she did not specify how long the individuals would remain in the country or when they would be repatriated, noting that "there are no timelines at present." CNN reported that the five men are nationals of Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, Yemen, and Vietnam, and were convicted of serious crimes including child rape, murder, and robbery. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin described them as "depraved monsters" whose home countries refused to take them back. Human rights groups and opposition leaders in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, have expressed alarm. PUDEMO, an opposition party, warned that accepting foreign deportees "poses a serious risk to our already vulnerable communities" that are battling high crime rates. The Swaziland Solidarity Network also criticised the move as an example of "clear racism" and said Swazi prisons are already overcrowded. CNN noted that Eswatini, a landlocked monarchy with a population of just over one million, is already struggling with poverty, unemployment, and deteriorating human rights. More than half its population lives on less than $4 a day, according to the World Bank. Eswatini's trade relations with the US have also been strained. In April, the country was included in a list of US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, with Eswatini exports facing a 10% rate starting August 1. CNN cited sources who believe the deportation deal could be politically motivated. Government spokesperson Mdluli told CNN that Eswatini is working with the US and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the eventual transit of the deportees to their countries of origin, though the terms of the agreement remain classified. According to CNN, neighbouring South Africa, which refused a US request to accept third-country deportees, fears the convicts may attempt to cross porous borders into its territory. Another South African government source told CNN that this seems to be an attempt "to destabilise South Africa," given its porous borders and Eswatini's struggling economy. One diplomatic source said the move by Washington "was a provocation" and a direct security threat to the region. Ken Opalo, a professor at Georgetown University, told CNN that African nations are under pressure from Washington to accept ambiguous deals, warning it is "foolhardy" to expect credible commitments from the Trump administration. The uproar over the deportations reflects broader concerns about sovereignty, security, and transparency in US-Africa relations, especially in smaller nations like Eswatini, already grappling with internal challenges. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed optimism on his visit to Spain. CM Yadav stated that, under the Madhya Pradesh Global Dialogue-2025, he signed MoUs and held productive talks with investors to promote the state's potential growth. In a post on X on Saturday, CM Yadav said, "Under the Madhya Pradesh Global Dialogue-2025, during the Spain visit, I engaged in discussions with entrepreneurs, investors, and businesspersons, signed MoUs, observed global agri-models like Mercabarna, and also met with the Indian diaspora. This visit will strengthen the vision of a developed Madhya Pradesh on the global stage." https://x.com/DrMohanYadav51/status/1946601718055354780 CM Yadav on Saturday said that his visit to Dubai and Spain is nearing its conclusion, highlighting the tour's focus on exploring opportunities for the state's progress and promoting employment, industries, and tourism. Speaking from Barcelona, CM Yadav said, "We have reached the last leg of our Dubai and Spain visit. As we had set the objective of our tour, we were to explore all the areas for the progress of our state with our Indians connected to Madhya Pradesh, especially everything that provides employment. We also went to the industries and restaurants to promote tourism. Wherever there are Indian restaurants, we visited them." He further noted the growing global presence and reputation of India and its citizens under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We have seen that in our changing times, under the leadership of our Prime Minister, the way India and its citizens have gone abroad and made their reputation. In today's turbulent times, people are looking at India on a large scale for business opportunities, looking at Indian products," CM Yadav added. Reinforcing this outreach, the Chief Minister also addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Spain as part of the 'Madhya Pradesh Global Dialogue 2025' held on Friday (local time), underlining the state's commitment to building global partnerships and strengthening diaspora ties. (ANI)
More than 100 people gathered at Miller Park in Lynchburg on Thursday for a march to protest the policies of the Trump administration and honor the legacy of the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis.

The Good Trouble Lives On day of action in Lynchburg and across the country coincided with the fifth anniversary of Lewis death. The Hill City events were organized by Indivisible Lynchburg, a national progressive group that was founded after President Donald Trump won election to his first term in 2016.

In December 2019, Lewis coined the term good trouble at the opening of an exhibition at the Library of Congress about civil rights icon Rosa Parks. She inspired us to  get in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble, he said at the event.

In Lynchburg, the Good Trouble Lives On day began with about 20 people standing on the sidewalk at the traffic circle on 5th Street in downtown during the morning rush hour holding signs that read good trouble and other messages.

Later in the day, after a thunderstorm with heavy downpours had passed through Lynchburg, about 125 people convened at Miller Park, the starting point for a march that passed by E.C. Glass High School on its way back to the park.

Marchers held signs in honor of Lewis, and in protest of the Trump administrations massive cuts to certain federal agencies and drastic increases in the budgets of law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

One participant in the march held a sign that read $160 billion for ICE but no Dept. of Education. WTF!

The spending bill passed by Congress and signed into law by Trump two weeks ago includes more than $160 billion for Trumps immigration enforcement and deportation operations.

Lynchburg resident Missy Raines told The News & Advance she could speak for hours as to why she participated in Thursdays march.

I am very concerned about our democracy. It is clearly falling apart, she said. Its serving the wealthy and its not serving the average person. And I care about people. I care that people have a place to live and have food.

Desmond Mosby, a local activist and president of the Lynchburg Voters League, gave a short speech in Miller Park, after the skies had cleared, as a send-off to the marchers.

My name is Desmond Mosby, and I am Lynchburgs newest good troublemaker, he said. Good trouble is on whether or not it is raining or theres sun outside. Because evil does not back down from thunder, and injustice does not fear lightning and whats going on in the world today.

Today, we gather not just to remember history but to make it, he said. In a world where chaos seems to reign, where truth is under attack, where our rights are chipped away by the hour, where division is peddled like cheap propaganda, we dare to rise.

According to Mosby, Lewis said it best when he made the statement: Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America.

Lewis made that statement on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 1, 2020, commemorating the 55th anniversary of what became known as Bloody Sunday, a confrontation where Lewis and other civil rights activists were hospitalized after getting beaten badly by police on the bridge.

Several protests have been held in Lynchburg since Trump began his second term in office in January. Last month, demonstrators crowded onto Church Street in downtown for a No Kings rally where they protested the presidents policies.

In April, a Hands Off demonstration in front of City Hall attracted hundreds who protested the administrations cutting of social programs, mass firings of federal workers and implementation of harsh immigration policies.

On Thursday, Mosby told the participants they are not simply walking but are marching in the footsteps of giants.

From the Edmund Pettus Bridge to 5th Street in Lynchburg, Virginia, from Selma to right here on this very soil, we are the bridge between the dream and the deliverance, he said. Lets get loud, lets get organized, lets get into good trouble.

In his remarks, the Rev. Kahlial Smith, a student at the University of Lynchburg who has served as preacher for nearly 10 years, urged the crowd to fight for human rights, civil rights and health care.

James Coleman, senior pastor of Providence Transformation Church International in Lynchburg and president of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, joined Smith in asking the marchers not to grow weary.

This march is the beginning, he said. We are going to make a difference. We are not afraid of the issues.

Coleman noted E.C. Glass was the place where Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech on his visit to the city in March 1962, an event that many Lynchburg residents opposed due to their opposition to Kings calls for the use of civil disobedience in the quest for civil rights.
Nelson County officials recently discussed a matrix of allowable uses by right and through a special use permit and performance standards for specific land uses during its most recent work session on updating, modernizing and restructuring the county zoning and subdivision ordinances.

The county has partnered with the Berkley Group, a local government consulting firm based in Bridgewater, on the ordinance updates to provide streamlined and user-friendly regulations, incorporate best planning practices, address goals and strategies in the county comprehensive plan for growth and development, and consider citizen needs and issues identified through the public engagement process.

Revisions noted in Article 6 of the proposed zoning ordinance update included consolidating three classes of automobile junkyard/salvage yards into one use to better align with state code provisions, and roadside farm stands, now a by-right accessory use in several zoning districts, possibly being limited in new proposed corridor overlay districts for U.S. 29 and Virginia 151.

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors and the county planning commission agreed during the recent work session not to limit roadside farm stands in the corridor overlays. Supervisor Jesse Rutherford said those stands are a good option for operators to generate secondary income.

Ill be honest, I miss em, Rutherford said. We dont really have near as many as we used to. I would hate to limit them from not being able to utilize [U.S.] 29, at least.

A new rural use discussed was residential agriculture, which refers to residents having some livestock in a residential area such as limited poultry and beekeeping.

During review of proposed residential use standards, Rutherford said he personally is fine with duplexes being by-right in R-3, high-density residential.

I dont want to limit someones ability if its meant to have some density, he said.

Commissioner Richard Averitt also addressed density in residential development.

My thinking is if we want to encourage density in certain areas, then we dont want to allow development of those things in a non-dense way because then we dont have anywhere left to put the density, Averitt said. So, we sort of get stuck.

Manufactured homes and mobile homes and where to allow them also drew much discussion. Rutherford said manufactured homes in his view currently far exceed any expectations of the pre-2000s reputation in the building industry and he would put them up against stick-built homes any day.

Theyre affordable, they look good and, by golly, its one of the few options that some people have for a pathway to home ownership, Rutherford said. They also do multi-family HUD [U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development] manufactured homes. That product is out and about; they are designing so it can be two-story.

Rutherford said such housing should be allowed by right in R-1 and R-2 zoning, or low and medium-density residential districts.

I dont want us to limit a person procuring an affordable home option, Rutherford said.

Multi-family dwellings standards suggested are minimal and county officials should consider if they want more measures with those developments such as street, pedestrian access, connectivity, amenities or maintenance requirements, according to the presentation.

Both bodies also discussed regulations under consideration for home occupations. Rutherford said he doesnt want zoning hurdles to discourage an average plumbers ability to do business in the county, especially younger ones starting out who cant afford expensive commercial properties. Hes not impacting anything. Its not any different than having a very handy neighbor to come over and fix your toilet.

In residential agriculture, a drafted suggestion is allowing two to 10 birds per 20,000 square feet of space, no roosters and a maximum of five beehives with setbacks for each use. The idea with no roosters is for areas such as Lovingston where homes are close to each other and no one wants to be woken up at 6 a.m.

In agritourism events, a suggested measure is events drawing more than 250 vehicle trips per day and more than 500 attendees at any time should require a special use permit.

Charging stations for electric vehicles also were suggested as a by-right use in all zoning districts, according to the meeting packet attached with the consultants presentation.

Commissioner Philippa Proulx said she knows a person who is hesitant to take a long-distance job because of a lack of electric vehicle charging stations. She said she is not sure she is in favor of requiring businesses to have them but noted the need for some residents economic situation.

When it becomes economically feasible and the demand is there, theyll come, Supervisor Jessica Ligon said. Those charging stations cost a significant amount of money and that in a sense is limiting entrepreneurship in small business.

The two boards also agreed veterinarian hospitals or clinics should be allowed in the A-1, agricultural district  the suggested draft put them by right in two business districts, a service enterprise district and through special use permit in a village overlay district. Ligon said 50% of veterinarian hospitals in Virginia are in A-1 areas and not having it in Nelsons would be ridiculous.

Event venues, particularly for weddings, also were heavily discussed. A suggested definition is a business where the primary use is to host temporary events such as weddings, receptions, luncheons and dinners, various celebrations, galas, reunions, ordinations, fundraisers, corporate meetings, conferences, trade shows, speaker series, auctions, museum exhibits, music festivals, carnivals and fairs and similar events.

Event uses may be accessory or ancillary uses to others such as hotels or restaurants and they shall not include government and military services, according to the suggested definition. In the packet, they were suggested as being allowed by special use permit in A-1, the two business districts and the service enterprise district.

If you really look at this county, we have issues with our short-term rentals and its contentious and its a lot to decide there, Averitt said. The No. 1 next thing is how much growth do we want in agritourism and events and tourists coming through  how much do we want to promote, and how much do we want to hold back? Thats the conversation going in the community, I think, all the time.

Averitt spoke of how he and his wife years ago pursing a special use permit to build a boutique resort on 100 acres in the Nellysford area and they may pursue some version of that in the future.

Where does that fit? asked Averitt, who represents an area where Virginia 151 generates much economic activity and business. If we want to restrict development along Virginia 151, we probably want to encourage it along U.S. 29 for some of these same culturally fun things that people are doing over here so much.

Rutherford said other areas of the county have been fitting in wedding venues and that source of income has benefited many residents and preserved some very beautiful housing stock what would have no other economic mechanism. He said he would like more of them on or near the James River, which he said is a beautiful asset for the county.

I want to preserve the economic ability of residents, he said.

But you do want to be careful of, I think, that you dont want to create some of the same problems. And events are some of the biggest sources of the problems primarily because of the traffic, Proulx said.

Proulx said she doesnt feel an applicant getting a special use permit for events of a certain scale is real onerous.

It can be when youre starting a business  absolutely, Rutherford said of the steps involved in the special use permit that require more zoning review scrutiny and public hearings.

Averitt said event venues are a big part of the Nelson's future whether county officials like it or not.

This area is a destination for weddings, Averitt said. We need to think proactively about how do we want to fit our community into that in a way that provides the maximum opportunity and preserves the lifestyle that we love here.

Rutherford said he prefers a zoning regulatory system where locals can infiltrate the event venue business model.

I want to see locals be able to thrive in this, Rutherford said. Locals deserve to be making money where all these outside entities have been making lots of money.

Data centers, a hot-button issue throughout Virginia, are suggested to be allowed through a special use permit process only in the M-2, heavy industrial, district.

The next joint work session is set for 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Nelson County Courthouse. An open house meeting where residents can give feedback on the draft so far is planned in November and the commission and board of supervisors are set to hold public hearings and reviews within the first two months of 2026, according to the zoning updates timeline.

For more information visit https://www.nelson2042.com/.
TOKYO, Jul 19 (News On Japan) - A male high school student was arrested for attacking two women with a hammer in the womens restroom at JR Chiba Station.

The 18-year-old student from Ichihara City in Chiba Prefecture was caught in the act and taken into custody on suspicion of assault after he struck two women with a hammer at around 6 p.m. on July 17th.

Neither of the women was injured.

The student reportedly told police, "I wanted to hurt women who were weaker than me."

Source: FNN
SAN DIEGO, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit seeking to represent purchasers of Organon & Co. (NYSE: OGN) publicly traded securities between November 3, 2022 and April 30, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Captioned Lerner v. Organon & Co., No. 25-cv-12983 (D.N.J.), the Organon class action lawsuit charges Organon as well as certain of Organon's top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A previously filed complaint is captioned Hauser v. Organon & Co., No. 25-cv-05322 (D.N.J.).

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Organon class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-organon-co-class-action-lawsuit-ogn.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Lead plaintiff motions for the Organon class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than this Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Organon develops and delivers health solutions through prescription therapies and medical devices.

The Organon class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Organon faced a higher risk of loss of exclusivity and price erosion as to Nexplanon than implied by its Class Period statements; (ii) as a result, Organon's long-term Nexplanon sales growth was not as strong as defendants' portended during the Class Period, and would not reach $1 billion by the end of fiscal year 2025 (much less upwards of $1.5 billion after that), and that Organon was likely not on track to achieve the $1 billion milestone payment from Merck & Co. on its Nexplanon sales thereafter; (iii) thus, Organon was not on track to achieve, much less maintain, the $1 billion in free cash flow required to sustain its outsized dividend; (iv) consequently, Organon was also not on track to maintain 4.0x debt leverage; (v) as such, Organon might not be able to maintain its corporate debt ratings at their then-current Class Period levels; and (vi) as a result, Organon lacked a reasonable basis to report its Class Period business metrics and financial projections.

The Organon class action lawsuit further alleges that on May 1, 2025, in connection with announcing its first quarter 2025 financial results for the interim period ended March 31, 2025, Organon slashed its dividend by 90%, down from 28 per share per quarter ($1.16 per share annually) down to just 2 per share per quarter (or 8 per share annually). According to a quote attributed to Organon's CEO, defendant Kevin Ali, in the press release Organon issued that day, it had "reset [its] capital allocation priorities to accelerate progress towards deleveraging, enabling a path to achieve a net leverage ratio of below 4.0x by year-end," emphasizing that Organon's "primary capital allocation priority" was now "maintaining lower leverage." On this news, the price of Organon stock fell more than 27%.

The plaintiff is represented by Robbins Geller, which has extensive experience in prosecuting investor class actions including actions involving financial fraud. You can view a copy of the complaint by clicking here.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased Organon publicly traded securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Organon class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Organon class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Organon class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Organon class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

[email protected]

SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
Lackluster, anticlimactic, predictable. Ginger could have and should have won on her own without the production riggory. Her win is tainted imo



The lipsync songs were mostly meh, I liked Shakira's and the finale song, that's it.



I thought Aja won her battle, Jorgeous doesn't know how to emote with her face for these types of songs. However, Jorgeous was great in the Shakira song. The finale battle was so obviously cutting big moments from Jorgeous' performance lol



Also, all I could look at during Bosco's performances were her boobs and the shoes that didn't match her outfit lol



Anyways, I immediately went to youtube for a palate cleanser afterwards:







Edited at 2025-07-19 07:28 am (UTC)

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Horacio vs Lexxa will remain one of the most iconic lipsyncs in herstory.

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Production has truly dropped the ball with All Stars this new format was actually going really well until Bracket 3 started. It became so clear who was taking home the crown and its sad because so many deserving queens didnt get the real chance they came back for.

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I like Ginger and am happy she got a crown. Should have been AS6 (I don't see Kylie as a winner). I thought Bosco had an upward trajectory, but then I remembered that she's surprisingly mid as a lip syncer. Maybe I'm crazy, but Lydia beat Jorgeous and Kerri beat Ginger. Lowkey Daya beat Bosco too. I'm mostly pissed we didn't get to see Aja at her full power tonight. Pissed. Give the woman Guess from last week or 360/365.



Edited at 2025-07-19 07:45 am (UTC)

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Yeah, no this was not it. The season started out so strong but it ended like a wet fart.



Kerri and Aja definitely won those lip syncs. Toss up between Daya and Bosco. We could have had an Aja vs Bosco final lip syncs.



For the next all stars could we please not have two or more time returning queens? Because they clearly wont be early outs even though they should have been.



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Actually, what yall didnt know is that we filmed Gingers crowning first, Jorgeous genuinely didnt know that there would be another ending filmed. When we walked backstage, she started crying - like breaking down and it broke my heart. I went up to her, and I was like Neice, https://t.co/7RhTg1WWZR  Aja iyake-ugler (@ajaoxum) July 18, 2025

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I still hate that they do this because most of the time there is nothing genuine about the reactions.

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Ginger literally lost all three of those lipsyncs,.. Lost to Kerri, Bosco and Jorgeous. The way the riggory was so obvious made this such an utterly unpleasant watch. The way I inadvertently rolled my eyes every single time Ginger came on the screen this entire season matched every single time during her lipsyncs that she relied on serving a constipated crossed eye look while delusionally believing rubbing her muffin cooter would entice anyone!

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Her lip syncing is so stale and predictable: doing cross eyed Google eyes, clutching her fists to her chest and worst of all pointing to the other queen and making a face-its so disrespectful imo.

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pic.twitter.com/vdMcpHrfjk  KANDY MUSE (@TheKandyMuse) July 18, 2025



All the producer riggory over the last few years has really killed my enjoyment of the show. The shenanigans aren't needed as many of the queens are fully talented enough to win on their own.



It doesn't feel good as a viewer, to know with absolute certainty, that the show is a vehicle for 1 specific queen to win. All Winners had an even playing field, but Jinkx's Snatch Game sealed the win, imo. She is supremely talented, so the shenanigans (like that last lip sync vs Monet) isn't needed. But Jimbo winning AS8 felt rigged, too. Alyssa's win in Global All Stars was the final nail in the coffin for me.



I think fans have to start treating the All Stars winners as queens who needed the win more than anyone else. If I think about AS8, yes, Jimbo may have won, but Jessica Wild's Taco Tuesday meme did loads for her exposure. Many of the Logo-era girls are often unknown by the today's audience, so the appearances do them a world of good. Newer fans are discovering the joy of NPBFAG. Kandy Muse is about to embark on an international tour with the Haus of Aja. Our faves will be fine.



Edited at 2025-07-19 11:27 am (UTC) All the producer riggory over the last few years has really killed my enjoyment of the show. The shenanigans aren't needed as many of the queens are fully talented enough to win on their own.It doesn't feel good as a viewer, to know with absolute certainty, that the show is a vehicle for 1 specific queen to win. All Winners had an even playing field, but Jinkx's Snatch Game sealed the win, imo. She is supremely talented, so the shenanigans (like that last lip sync vs Monet) isn't needed. But Jimbo winning AS8 felt rigged, too. Alyssa's win in Global All Stars was the final nail in the coffin for me.I think fans have to start treating the All Stars winners as queens who needed the win more than anyone else. If I think about AS8, yes, Jimbo may have won, but Jessica Wild's Taco Tuesday meme did loads for her exposure. Many of the Logo-era girls are often unknown by the today's audience, so the appearances do them a world of good. Newer fans are discovering the joy of NPBFAG. Kandy Muse is about to embark on an international tour with the Haus of Aja. Our faves will be fine.

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After tuning in all season, I stopped watching the finale after the second lip sync. There's no way Ginger beat out Kerri with that middling performance. We've seen a lot of meh LSFYL this season, but that one took the cake. Once Ru chose Lydia after Irene clearly bested her in their lip sync, I was out. I had a feeling this finale was gonna suck when I saw the song list, but they really bent over backwards to fuck over the rest of the girls to give Ginger a win she deserved years ago. What a waste of time.

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I'm sorry but Ginger never deserved a win on any of her seasons. Not more so or less so than the actual winners. Why Ru/Wow insisted on bringing her back and giving her the crown will forever perplex me. Fans certainly weren't picketing over it so what gives?

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I do think Ginger did better than Kerri. Kerri just gave sex and nothing else in her performance.

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Ru chose Lydia because Irene fell down and lost 

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Yeah, I had to replay it to make sure it wasn't a death drop, but no she genuinely slipped and fell.

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I'm done with drag race spin offs. Officially. I've never seen a bigger scripted mess since the New Testament, because the shit truly jumped the shark. The way eliminated queens didn't even bother feigning surprise or excitement was very telling. I sincerely hope Ru and WOW get serious backlash over this season that will finally force them to overhaul this absolute joke of a franchise because this is not a fun watch anymore.

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The whole MIB situation has sparked a lot of negative comments. At least The Pit Stop Tiktok is full of complaints and rightfully so.

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I hate the lipsync for the crown bullshit. Just have Ru pick the winner based on their track record because it just highlights the riggory when the winner they wanted is trash at lipsyncing.



Edited at 2025-07-19 01:37 pm (UTC)

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This show is literally telling us not to believe our eyes with these lip syncs.

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I enjoy Ginger Minj, but is she really that popular in the drag universe that they needed to rig it for her? Alyssa Edwards is an icon, there was no way she was going to lose; they brought her in just to hand her the crown. Compare that to a season like Sasha Colbys: everyone knew she was the favorite, but she dominated from start to finish, so the win felt earned. Its okay to have a frontrunner, but dont make it so blatantly rigged. Let the talent speak for itself.

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She's popular but nowhere near the level of Alaska, Bob, Alyssa, Jinx, Katya etc. My take is that WOW wanted to catapult her into that stratosphere with the all star crown so she can be that spokesperson for the DR brand they desperately need since all the heavyweights are either turning against them or turning them down. They had to rig this season because they damn well knew Ginger would not be able to win on talent alone. The way they even rigged the lip sync songs for her to pick was so fucking obvious.

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Thanks for the post, I won't even bother with this episode.

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OMG your icon. I had to look at it a couple of times to see if I was seeing was correct lol.

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Im not mad at Ginger winning.



I'm just mad at how rushed the final round was. 10 seasons in and i still hate how cheap All Star finales are compared to the OG.



Still happy that Mistress was eliminated and didnt make it back.

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OPEC's approach is also aimed at restoring group cohesion among its members and capitalizes on the resilience of oil demand, even as some forecasts suggest a peak in consumption.

The rise in oil prices is influenced by geopolitical developments, such as U.S.-Chinese trade talks and sanctions against Russia, as well as a decline in new non-OPEC oil discoveries.

There is no peak in oil demand on the horizon, the head of OPEC, Haitham al Ghais, said last month in Canada. Demand will continue to increase as global population grows, he added. And OPEC will be there to respond with what supply is necessary. OPEC is now playing the long game.

Fast-forward a month and Reuters is reporting on signs of strong demand more than offset the impact of a higher-than-expected OPEC+ output hike for August, not to mention now chronic worry about Trumps tariffs. In fact, after OPEC+ announced the bigger than expected supply boost, prices rose, not least because not everyone boosting supply was boosting it fast enough.

When OPEC+ first said they were going to start unwinding their production cuts, agreed back in 2022, reactions were varied. Some argued it was all about trying to kill U.S. shale again. Others said the Saudis, the biggest cutter, simply had no other choice any longer after the cuts failed to produce significantly higher prices. Yet others claimed OPEC in general and Saudi Arabia specifically are trying to please Trumpby hurting some of his biggest donors. OPEC itself has not endorsed any of these versions of events.

The fact remains that OPEC is reversing the cuts, boosting oil supplybut prices are not tanking as so many prominent energy analysts said they would, and are still saying they would, later this year. Of course, this is because of factors unrelated to OPEC, namely geopolitical developments such as U.S.-Chinese trade talks and Canadian wildfires, as well as yet more EU sanctions against Russia. But OPEC certainly wouldnt mind these factors supporting prices, if not more U.S. rig additions.

OPEC is playing for market share. This is one of the most popular explanations for the groups latest moves among analysts. After curbing production for a couple of years and surrendering market share in the process, now some of the worlds biggest producers want this market share back. This is going to take a while. Bank of Americas head of commodities research, Francisco Blanch called it a long and shallow price war.

Its not a price war that is going to be short and steep; rather its going to be a price war that is long and shallow, Blanch told Bloomberg a month ago. He went on to say the target, especially for the Saudis, is U.S. shale, which has become more resilient in recent years but is still vulnerable to lower oil prices because of its higher costs.

There is also another aspect to the change in OPEC approach, as detailed by Kplers Amena Bakr. Its about group cohesion, Bakr wrote in an analysis for The National. With so much non-compliance with the cuts, those that were compliant needed to have their concerns addressed, too. To restore a sense of fairness, an orderly plan to return the barrels gradually was needed to avoid a free-for-all situation that would drown the market in supply, Bakr explained.

OPEC doesnt even need to try very hard this time, because geopolitics is working in its favor. Last month, prices climbed immediately on the suggestion that the U.S.-Iran talks could escalate into missile action, after the Iranian defense minister threatened strikes on U.S. bases in the Middle East should the two fail to reach a deal on Irans nuclear program.

U.S. Congress work on fresh sanctions against Russia, targeting specifically its energy industry also served as a driver for higher prices, undeterred by EU plans to try and stop importing even petroleum products made with Russian crude, possibly in light of the EUs track record of success with the anti-Russian sanctions.

Yet there is another factor helping OPEC stay on top: non-OPEC supply. The Financial Times reported in mid-June that the international supermajors have not made many new discoveries lately. Since 2020, new non-shale discoveries have averaged 2.5 billion barrels a year, the FT noted, citing a Goldman Sachs report. This is just 25% of the average annual in new discoveries for the three years prior to 2020. In other words, all the talk about non-OPEC swamping OPEC and taking the upper hand on international oil markets may have been a little prematureas may be the case of IEA demand projections.

The IEA has been notoriously bearish on oil demand, repeatedly citing rising EV sales, even though these sales in the U.S. are set for a serious decline. In Europe, EV sales are on the rise thanks to the return of subsidies but how long these are going to last is anyones guess. China is always the country everyone points to when it comes to EVs, and yet Chinas oil demand is still growingalthough peak talk is intensifying there as well, including from its own state oil majors.

In this situation, OPEC essentially does not need to do anything but sit and wait. Price-sensitive U.S. shale will slow down, lack of new discoveries will crimp the growth potential of the supermajors, and prices will rise, because peak demand does not mean a sharp drop afterwards. In fact, even if we have reached peak oil demand, the most likely next stage in demand evolution is a plateau at a level that would need to be maintained. OPEC would no doubt be happy to help do that.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
British oil giants BP and Shell last week signed a range of agreements with Libyas National Oil Company (NOC) aimed at boosting the countrys oil and gas output recovery. Very few people outside the oil and gas industry appreciate the much broader and deeper strategic significance that often lies behind the announcement of new exploration and development deals or how that significance can be manifested on the ground.

At the core of this is the international legal position surrounding such developments, which at its most basic level means that companies engaging in these can do whatever they want to protect these investments, provided they have the blessing of the indigenous government. These protective measures can include stationing as many personnel as the company wants on the site  including not just those directly attached to the exploration and drilling but also, crucially, security personnel  all of which can come from the same country as the company developing the site. Additionally, international law allows for these companies to build out extensive infrastructure developments to support the main operations on the sites, again provided these have the approval of the indigenous government. In many ways, these vast oil and gas exploration and development projects can be viewed as a projection of the power of the country from which these foreign firms come and enjoying much of the protected status as embassies do. The template for this nexus of business and geopolitical ambition was the British East India Company which did precisely the same thing from 1600 to its dissolution in 1874. It was founded to open new trade routes, which it then secured with vast numbers of its own security personnel. Indeed, at its height, the company had enormous economic and political influence over much of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, and ran an in-house security force of around 260,000 men.

A little-known staunch admirer of the East India Companys strategic vision and implementational tactics is Chinas President Xi Jinping, according to several security sources exclusively spoken to over the years by OilPrice.com. The wide-ranging long-running cooperation deals he has arranged in Iran and Iraq mirror the sort of agreements the East India Company used to make and his implementation of these on the ground also reflect its operations, said one of the sources again last week. Indeed, the Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, as first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order included not just first refusal for Chinese firms on new oil and gas field agreements, but also the stationing of vast numbers of Chinese security personnel to guard the developments. It additionally featured the right to build out communication and transport links (including dual use  civilian and military  airports and seaports, and railway networks) across the country. In Iraqs case, China covered the same bases in the foundation stone Oil for Reconstruction and Investment agreement signed by Baghdad and Beijing in September 2019, which allowed Chinese firms to invest in infrastructure projects in Iraq in exchange for oil. This later became broadened and deepened in the all-encompassing Iraq-China Framework Agreement of 2021. China has replicated the same type of deals  which also follow the East India Company template  to build its power base in key hubs along its multi-generational power-grab project The Belt and Road Initiative, as also detailed in full in my latest book.

Both BP and Shell have been at the vanguard of Great Britains push to secure new oil and gas supplies to substitute for those lost due to sanctions on Russia after it invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. This, in turn, has formed part of a Western alliance of firms that seek to minimise such Russian supplies in order to deny it financing to continue its war in Ukraine and then to further enhance its military capabilities for further attacks on NATOs eastern flanks in the next five years, as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned of again recently. A key focus of these Allied efforts in recent times has been Egypt, which was one of the very few Middle East oil and gas players  with multiple broader strategic advantages attached  that China and Russia had not sewn up through various short- and long-term deals in the run-up to the 2022 Ukraine invasion, as also analysed thoroughly in my latest book. The U.S.s Chevron was a major early leader in establishing a solid presence in Egypt after 2022, and recently it and Shell

were awarded the countrys North Samian offshore block and Northwest Atoll offshore block. Shell also recently announced plans to begin the development of the tenth phase of Egypts Nile Delta offshore West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) concession in the Mediterranean Sea. In the meantime, BP has said that it will invest US$3.5 billion in the exploration and development of Egypts gas fields in the coming three years, with the amount subject to a doubling in size if the exploration activity yields new discoveries. Italys Eni also operates Blocks 2, 3, 8, and 9 in Egypt and has active interests in Blocks 7 and 11 operated by TotalEnergies. For its part, the French supermajors CEO, Patrick Pouyanne, recently discussed with Badawi the firms progress on the Cronos field and strategies to link its production to Egypts facilities. This sort of on-the-ground expansion of Western oil and gas  and geopolitical interests  is also set to take place in Syria following the U.S.-U.K.-led removal of longstanding President Bashar al-Assad last December, according to one of the security sources spoken to by OilPrice.com in the last two weeks.

Western firms had also managed to hold their ground in Libya, despite the chaos that ensued after its heavily sponsored removal of Muammar Gaddafi as leader in 2011. Before this, the country had easily been able to produce around 1.65 million bpd of predominantly high-quality light, sweet crude oil. Additionally, positive back then was that production had been on a rising trend, up from about 1.4 million bpd in 2000. Further increases were on the horizon to push output close to the circa-3 million bpd achieved in the late 1960s, with the National Oil Corporation (NOC) planning to roll out enhanced oil recovery techniques at maturing oil fields to that effect. At the beginning of this year, oil minister Khalifa Abdulsadek stated that the country still required US$3-4 billion to reach the 2026/27 1.6 million bpd production target. Towards this end, early March saw Libya announce plans to launch its first oil exploration bidding round in over 17 years, with 22 areas up for grabs across the country, which still has 48 billion barrels of proved crude oil reserves in place -- the largest in Africa. These include major sites in the Sirte, Murzuq, and Ghadamis basins as well as in the offshore Mediterranean region. According to an update from the Oil Ministry in the middle of last month, the bidding had already attracted more than 40 applicants, including U.S. supermajor ConocoPhillips, which voiced its interest in expanding its operations in Libya beyond its current running of the Waha concession. From Europe, interest may well include Italys Eni, Spains Repsol, and Austrias OMV. Each of these firms was quick to resume exploration activities in Libya following blockades last August that halted around 700,000 bpd of oil production, despite a 10-year hiatus in their activities beforehand.

The same is true of BP, which said on 8 July that it had signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate options for redeveloping the giant Sarir and Messla onshore fields in the Sirte basin, and to assess potential unconventional oil and gas development. The firms executive vice president for gas and low carbon, William Lin, stated that the agreement, reflects our strong interest in deepening our partnership with NOC and supporting the future of Libyas energy sector. Of wider interest here to oil market and geopolitical aficionados is that it is BP that also recently signed a similar deal to boost the recovery rates of five key fields in the semi-autonomous northern region of Kirkuk in Iraq, as analysed in full by OilPrice.com recently. In the meantime, Shell  which has been more focused in southern Iraq through its partnership with the Basra Gas Company  signed an agreement on 7 July, to evaluate hydrocarbon prospects and conduct a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study to develop the al-Atshan field and other fields fully owned by the NOC.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global leading vaping brand VAPORESSO launched its 10th anniversary celebrations under the theme of "Innovation X" with a high-octane spectacle on July 18th in Jakarta, Indonesia, as a fleet of top-tier hypercars roared through the streets to mark the start of the brand's world tour campaign, "The Roar On Rush  VAPORESSO 10th Anniversary World Hyper-Tour."

VAPORESSO Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Groundbreaking Event in Jakarta, Kicking Off Global Celebration VAPORESSO Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Groundbreaking Event in Jakarta, Kicking Off Global Celebration

Founded in 2015, VAPORESSO has been at the forefront of innovation in the vaping industry, consistently delivering cutting-edge technology and designs that redefine user experience. To commemorate its milestone year, the brand is going beyond the conventional  with a celebration that reflects its bold spirit and forward-thinking vision.

Hyper-Tour Hit the Streets of Jakarta

VAPORESSO's bold "supercar delivery" stunt, featuring a convoy delivering special edition products to retail stores, has set a new precedent in Jakarta. This groundbreaking event has generated significant impact, earning widespread positive reflections and solidifying VAPORESSO's position as an industry trailblazer.

The roaring engines and gleaming cars captivated the city, with passersby stopping to take photos and admire the spectacle.

At the event site, crowds experienced the thrill of the supercars alongside VAPORESSO's distinctive brand spirit and the cutting-edge allure of the XROS 5. This eye-catching activation set an exciting tone for the brand's anniversary tour, building anticipation for the tenth-anniversary celebrations.

A Global Celebration in Motion

After its debut in Jakarta, the Hyper-Tour will continue to Paris and London on August 18th, followed by Las Vegas on August 22nd. Each stop will carry VAPORESSO's bold message of innovation to Asia, Europe, and North America, uniting global audiences under the brand's vision of pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities.

As the global forces of innovation surge, this tour serves as a celebration of creativity and progress, inspiring a future that resembles a grand blueprint, brimming with infinite potential. By connecting diverse cultures and showcasing cutting-edge products, the Hyper-Tour embodies the spirit of exploration and ingenuity, leaving a lasting impression at every stop.

In addition, VAPORESSO is launching a suite of anniversary-themed activations

The CMF design concept of the XROS 5 INNO SPEED VERSION draws inspiration from the world of supercars, embodying speed, passion, and innovation. Equipped with the industry's first 3A super charging technology, the XROS 5 delivers instant powermuch like a supercar's explosive accelerationreaching an 80% charge in just 20 minutes. This dramatically reduces downtime and ensures a consistently smooth vaping experience.

Exterior Design : Sleek, bold, and precision-crafted to reflect the elegance of supercars.

: Sleek, bold, and precision-crafted to reflect the elegance of supercars. Dynamic UI Display: A high-tech interface mirroring the competitive spirit of racing.

This exclusive release showcases VAPORESSO's relentless pursuit of excellence, blending luxury and innovation into a stunning masterpiece.

Exciting Online Activities Launching This August

This August, VAPORESSO invites fans and users to engage in three exciting online events designed to celebrate innovation and creativity:

Official Website Event : Discover VAPORESSO's decade of innovation through an interactive digital showcase that highlights their technological and creative milestones.

Community Event : Collaborate with users worldwide to design a cutting-edge vape device that embodies the future of vaping.

: Collaborate with users worldwide to design a cutting-edge vape device that embodies the future of vaping. E-Commerce Event: Enjoy an exclusive shopping experience with limited-edition products, special deals, and surprises waiting to be uncovered.

These events offer fans an opportunity to connect, create, and celebrate with VAPORESSO in bold and innovative ways.

A Decade of Excellence and Innovation

As a premium brand under SMOORE, VAPORESSO has consistently delivered industry-leading technology rom its innovative COREX and AXON chips to advanced anti-leakage solutions and design collaborations that blend vaping with personal expression. Renowned for performance, reliability, and style, its products are supported by top-tier international certifications.

Driven by its mission of "Making Life Better Through Vaping," VAPORESSO blends user-centric design with cutting-edge research to shape the future of the vaping experience. The 10th anniversary marks a moment of reflectionand a bold leap into the next era of innovation. For more about VAPORESSO, please visit: https://www.vaporesso.com/

SOURCE VAPORESSO
The world is going to need a whole lot of lithium to power a more sustainable future. The critical mineral is an essential ingredient in a wide range of clean energy technologies and is particularly essential in batteries for electric vehicles and energy storagetwo rapidly expanding global sectors. But there are a lot of problems associated with extracting and sourcing lithium, from environmental degradation and public health hazards to market uncertainty and heightened geopolitical vulnerabilities. However, a brand new technological breakthrough might have provided a way to get around nearly all of those pitfalls.

A team of researchers from the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago has found a way of mining without a mine by extracting lithium from one of the planets most infinitely renewable resources: seawater. The method uses a membrane made of vermiculite, an abundant, cost-effective, and naturally occurring form of clay. This membrane filters lithium ions with remarkable efficiency, offering a potential domestic alternative to traditional mining, according to Interesting Engineering.

While extracting lithium from brine is not a new idea, current technologies are inefficient and extremely water-intensive. Because of this, the sector has a high exposure to risks associated with climate change, as 50% of mines are located in very high and arid areas like South Americas Atacama Desert. But reports indicate that this new vermiculite membrane method is more refined. Filtering by both ion size and charge, our membrane can pull lithium out of water with much greater efficiency, said the studys first author Yining Liu, a Ph.D. candidate at UChicago.

Avoiding traditional mining techniques solves a myriad of problems facing traditional lithium extraction. Any form of mining is associated with a heavy environmental cost, and lithium mining is no exception. Usually, richer countries outsource those environmental risks to poorer nations with rich lithium deposits. But with this new technology, any country with a coast can source lithium in a cost-effective and relatively environmentally friendly manner.

Demand for lithium has skyrocketed over the past few years, largely driven by the clean technology sector. Global lithium demand rose 63% between 2021 and 2023, from 101,000 tons to 165,000 tons, and is on track to increase another 222% to reach 531,000 tons by 2030. However, despite this runaway growth rate, lithium prices have remained volatile and even experienced paradoxical slumps thanks to gross overproduction from China.

Chinas chokehold over global lithium supply chains is one of the primary challenges facing the sustainability and security of the critical mineral. Chinese companies control 25% of the worlds lithium mining capacity and 60% of the worlds refining capacity for EV-battery-grade lithium. By next year, China will overtake Australia to become the single largest lithium miner in the world.

The International Energy Agency ranks lithiums geopolitical risk as a 3 out of 5, noting that 85% of global lithium production comes from just three countries  Australia, Chile, and China. And China has signalled that it is not afraid to flex its geopolitical might to disrupt global supply chains to further its own political interests. This weak spot in global lithium supply chains has only been exacerbated by Trump-era tariffs and a growing global trend toward nationalism and protectionism.

The ability to cost-effectively and safely extract lithium from seawater would reconfigure much more equitable and resilient global lithium supply chains. Such a membrane could reduce our dependence on foreign suppliers and open the door to new lithium reserves in places we never considered, said researcher Liu.

Furthermore, this method could have potential for extracting other critical minerals as well, including nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements. The membrane could even be utilized to remove harmful contaminants from drinking water, potentially counteracting the lithium sectors long history of water contamination.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Norway launched a $200 million initiative in July, aimed at transforming Ukraines war-damaged energy sector and supporting the development of the countrys renewable energy capacity. The new initiative will focus on both immediate crisis response and long-term modernisation in line with national priorities.

The UNDP announced the strategic partnership during the July Ukraine Recovery Conference, held in Rome. The initiative is part of the UNDPs Green Energy Recovery Programme in Ukraine  a multi-year, multi-donor initiative. The project has so far received financing from the governments of Japan, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Republic of Korea, Belgium, Germany, and Iceland.

Norway has supported Ukraines green energy recovery throughout its ongoing war with Russia, having contributed over $115.3 million through the UNDP to roll out high-capacity cogeneration units and solar power systems across the country. This has enhanced access to energy throughout the conflict, particularly in regions where infrastructure was damaged.

The Norwegian Minister of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Cecilie Myrseth, stated, Our $200 million contribution, facilitated through this framework agreement with UNDP, underscores Norways commitment to not only addressing immediate energy needs but also investing in Ukraine's long-term energy security and a sustainable, green future This is a vital step towards ensuring resilience and stability for the Ukrainian people.

In terms of immediate relief, the initiative aims to restore heating and water supply for millions of people. It will also provide hospitals and water utilities with solar and backup battery systems.

When it comes to long-term energy security, the initiative supports strategic initiatives aimed at a green recovery and accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels to clean alternatives. There are plans to scale solar energy for critical social infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and kindergartens; enhance energy efficiency in water supply and sewage; and implement advanced energy storage solutions. The initiative also aims to strengthen sustainable and transparent regulatory frameworks and support women-led green energy projects.

The UNDPs Acting Administrator, Haoliang Xu, stressed the significance of the collaboration in supporting the people of Ukraine through sustainable energy development. UNDP deeply appreciates the support that Norway has provided to UNDPs Green Energy Recovery Programme, stated Xu. It is providing Ukraine with critical energy solutions they need now, while laying the foundation for its green transition. With Norways commitment today, we can significantly scale up our support to the Government of Ukraine and help ensure reliable access to energy, he added.

According to the World Banks Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, Ukraines energy sector has sustained $20.51 billion in direct war damage. Over half of Ukraines generation capacity has been destroyed since the war commenced in February 2022, leaving people in several regions of the country without access to energy.

In July, the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group reaffirmed its support for Ukraine in the war against Russia, as well as for the reconstruction of its energy sector. The Canadian government stated its unwavering commitment to supporting emergency repairs, fast-tracking deployment of distributed generation, physical protection and scaling-up of renewable energy.

The groups efforts align with the European Union Clean Energy Package, Ukraines National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), and other initiatives, which aim to advance broader energy transition principles aimed at achieving net-zero by 2050, in line with Ukraines EU accession path. Since 2022, the G7+ group has raised over $7 billion in energy assistance for Ukraine.

Considering the extent of the attacks on Ukraines energy facilities in recent years, it has been able to recover somewhat rapidly due to good planning and support from multiple donors. Ukraine mitigated much of the damage to its energy infrastructure by building concrete structures, which shielded much of its power transmission substations from attacks.

In the first half of 2024, the countrys energy companies set to work repairing many of Ukraines damaged facilities, including roughly 4 GW of thermal and hydropower plants. This has helped to prevent long-lasting, large-scale rolling blackouts. In addition, around 1 GW of gas-fired and solar power capacity has been installed, including off-grid facilities. Ukraines domestic gas production rose by 2.2 percent between 2023 and 2024, despite the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine has also imported electricity to help meet the national demand, supported by favourable EU policies. In December, the EU increased the maximum permitted electricity import capacity from 1.7 to 2.1 GW. However, investments in the countrys energy sector and the increased reliance on imports have led to a rise in electricity prices, with 2024 prices increasing by over 30 percent for industrial customers and 63 percent for households.

The financial support from multiple donor countries and institutions has helped Ukraine to rapidly rebuild much of its energy infrastructure, as well as import electricity to meet its needs. In addition, several mitigation methods have helped Ukraine to salvage much of its existing infrastructure and avoid widespread power cuts throughout the war. However, it will likely take several years and billions in investment to help Ukraines energy industry fully recover.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Last year at this time, Fred Meyer employees went on strike and seriously hurt 28 locations  including the Portland Gateway Fred Meyers.

Also since last year, Portland went on a property tax increase binge as well as enacted a 10-cent gas tax hike. Just months ago, Portland pushed through a billion dollar property tax hike for schools. Just weeks ago, Portland City Hall jacked up parking fees and doubled the Uber tax.

A full year of non-stop financial blows both from within by workers and from the outside by politicians hurt the Gateway Fred Meyers too much.

Now those union workers dont have a job.

Also, Kotek signed a bill giving strikers jobless pay  so now strikers risk being paid to destroy their employer and eliminate their own jobs.

Dont forget that Wal-Mart closed all Portland stores. And the Portland-raised progressive Green Zebra grocery chain also closed all stores in Portland.

 Was this helpful? If so, contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).
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:

Canada has counted some 3,000 wildfires in 2025.

Canada's wildfires have burned more than 13.6 million acres (5.5 million hectares) this year, an area roughly the size of Croatia, officials said Friday as the country endures one of its most destructive fire seasons.

In 2023, Canada's worst-ever fire season, 42.9 million acres of land were scorched, an extraordinary scale of damage that focused international attention on the growing threat of wildfires boosted by human-induced climate change.

Canada has counted some 3,000 wildfires in 2025, with 561 burning as of Friday, according to official figures.

"This is one of the highest cumulative areas burned for this time of year, behind the record setting fire season of 2023," an official with Canada's natural resources ministry, Michael Norton, told reporters.

But, he added, "unlike 2023, when fire activity didn't level off, what we're seeing this year is a more normal pattern of burning."

According to figures dating back to 1983, Canada's second most destructive fire season was 1995, when 17.5 million acres burned, a mark that may be passed this year.

Elevated temperatures and dry conditions led to a difficult spring this year, particularly in the central provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

While the intensity of fire activity diminished in June, officials warned the coming two months tend to be the most active nationally, with conditions favorable for burning expected in several areas, including the western province of British Columbia.

Indigenous Canadians have been disproportionately impacted, with 39,000 First Nation residents displaced so far this year.

In recent years, Canada has experienced warming at least twice as fast as the rest of the globe.

Linked to climate change, rising temperatures lead to reduced snow, shorter and milder winters, and earlier summer conditions that are conducive to fires, experts say.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: u h from Pexels

The Dead Sea is a confluence of extraordinary conditions: the lowest point on Earth's surface, with one of the world's highest salinities. The high concentration of salt gives it a correspondingly high density, and the water body's status as the deepest hypersaline lake gives rise to interesting and often temperature-related phenomena below the water's surface that researchers are still uncovering.

One of the most intriguing features of the Dead Sea continues to be revealed: salt giants, large-scale salt deposits.

"These large deposits in Earth's crust can be many, many kilometers horizontally, and they can be more than a kilometer thick in the vertical direction," said UC Santa Barbara mechanical engineering professor Eckart Meiburg, lead author of a paper published in the Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics. "How were they generated? The Dead Sea is really the only place in the world where we can study the mechanism of these things today."

Indeed, while there are other bodies of water in the world with massive salt formations, such as the Mediterranean and Red seas, only in the Dead Sea can one find them in the making, which allows researchers to tackle the physical processes behind their evolution, and in particular, the spatial and temporal variations in their thickness.

Evaporation, precipitation, saturation

In their paper, Meiburg and fellow author Nadav Lensky of the Geological Survey of Israel cover the fluid dynamical and associated sediment transport processes currently governing the Dead Sea. These processes are influenced by several factors, including the Dead Sea's status as a saltwater terminal lakea lake with no outflowleaving evaporation as the primary way water leaves the lake, which has been shrinking for millennia and leaving salt deposits as it does so. More recently, damming of the Jordan River, which feeds into the lake, has accelerated lake level decline, estimated at roughly 1 meter (3 feet) per year.

Temperatures along the water column also play a role in the dynamics behind salt giants and other formations such as salt domes and chimneys. A once "meromictic" (stably stratified) lakethe Dead Sea was layered such that less dense warmer water at the surface overlaid a more saline, cooler layer at depth throughout the entire year.

"It used to be such that even in the winter when things cooled off, the top layer was still less dense than the bottom layer," Meiburg explained. "And so as a result, there was a stratification in the salt."

That changed in the early 1980s thanks to the partial diversion of the Jordan River, which resulted in evaporation outpacing the rate of freshwater inflow. At that time, the surface salinity reached the levels found at depth, enabling mixing between the two layers and transitioning the lake from meromictic to holomictic (a lake that experiences annual overturns in the water column). The Dead Sea continues to stratify, but only for eight of the warmer months of the year.

In 2019, Meiburg et al identified a rather unique process occurring in the lake during the summer: halite crystal precipitation or "snow" that was more typical in the cooler season. Halite ("rock salt") precipitates when the concentration of salt exceeds the amount that the water can dissolve, hence the deeper, colder, denser conditions of the bottom layer are where it is most likely to happen, and in the cooler months. However, they observed that during the summer, while evaporation was increasing the salinity of the upper layer, salts were nonetheless continuing to dissolve in that layer due to its warmer temperature. This leads to a condition called "double diffusion" at the interface between the two layers, in which sections of the saltier warmer water of the top layer cool down and sink, while portions of the lower, cooler, relatively less dense water warm up and rise. As the upper, denser layer cools down, salts precipitate out, creating the "salt snow" effect.

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The combination of evaporation, temperature fluctuations and density changes throughout the water column, in addition to other factors including internal currents and surface waves, conspire to create salt deposits of various shapes and sizes, assert the authors. In contrast to shallower hypersaline bodies in which precipitation and deposition occur during the dry season, in the Dead Sea, these processes were found to be most intense during the winter months. This year-round "snow" season at depth explains the emergence of the salt giants, found in other saline bodies such as the Mediterranean Sea, which once dried up during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, about 5.96 to 5.33 million years ago.

"There was always some inflow from the North Atlantic into the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar," Meiburg said. "But when tectonic motion closed off the Strait of Gibraltar, there couldn't be any water inflow from the North Atlantic." The sea level dropped 3-5 km (2-3 miles) due to evaporation, creating the same conditions currently found in the Dead Sea and leaving behind the thickest of this salt crust that can still be found buried below the deep sections of the Mediterranean, he explained. "But then a few million years later the Strait of Gibraltar opened up again, and so you had inflow coming in from the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean filled up again."

Meanwhile, salinity fluxes and the presence of springs on the sea floor contribute to the formation of other interesting salt structures, such as salt domes and salt chimneys, according to the researchers.

In addition to gaining a fundamental understanding of some of the idiosyncratic processes that can occur in evaporating, hypersaline lakes, research into the associated sediment transport processes occurring on the emerging beaches may also yield insight on the stability and erosion of arid coastlines under sea level change, as well as the potential for resource extraction, the authors state.

More information: Eckart Meiburg et al, Fluid Mechanics of the Dead Sea, Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics (2024). DOI: 10.1146/annurev-fluid-031424-101119
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About one in four employees has a diagnosable mental health condition, and up to 65% say mental health concerns interfere with their ability to work.

The economic toll is staggering. In the United States alone, mental health concerns cost over $280 billion annually. Worldwide, that figure reaches an estimated US$1 trillion annually.

Mental health is increasingly being recognized as critical to workplace functioning. Organizations invest substantial resources in wellness programs, mental health training and employee assistance programs. Some even offer on-site therapy sessions at no cost to their employees.

Yet despite these efforts, many employees remain hesitant to seek help or disclose their mental health conditions. This reluctance can leave employees under-supported and contribute to increased absenteeism and turnover. Those who choose not to disclose often miss out on access to workplace accommodations and support, which can exacerbate their conditions and even increase the risk of job loss.

Disclosure can be a gateway to vital support, but questions remain about how to facilitate such disclosures. Our research, recently published as an open-access article, shows the decision to disclose a mental health condition isn't purely personal and can depend on the broader workplace environment.

Supportive workplaces lead to better mental health

Across two samples, we surveyed 1,232 employees from Canada and the U.S. We recruited participants from Qualtrics, an online panel provider, and a large financial institution in Canada that operates across multiple locations. We asked employeesboth with and without mental health concernsto indicate the extent to which they perceived their organization as supportive of disclosing mental health concerns.

Employees with mental health concerns shared whether they had disclosed their condition to their employer, how willing they were to disclose in the future, their levels of anxiety and depression, and a range of work-related attitudes and behaviors.

We found that a work environment that was safe and supported the disclosure of mental health concerns was extremely beneficial for both employees and organizations.

First, employees working in highly supportive environments were 55% more likely to disclose their mental health concerns. These environments were also linked to greater willingness to disclose current or potential mental health concerns.

Second, supportive environments were associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, both of which are important indicators of mental health. This suggests that organizations can contribute to employee mental health by fostering supportive environments.

Third, employees who felt their organization supported disclosure reported higher job satisfaction, greater work engagement, and more organizational citizenship behaviors, such as helping co-workers or going above and beyond their job duties. These kinds of behaviors help create healthy, high-performing workplaces.

In one of our samples, we matched employee responses with their organizational records of absenteeism. We found that when employees rated their organizational environment as supportive of mental health disclosure, they were less likely to miss work due to illness.

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Supporting mental health disclosure

Our study identified three elements of a workplace that support mental health disclosure. The first is the absence of stigma and anticipated discrimination. Many employees choose to conceal their concerns because they are fearful of being stigmatized, facing unfair treatment or being passed over for promotions.

Employees often pick up on subtle cues in their environmentconsciously or notto estimate the risk of stigma. If they observe colleagues with disclosed mental health conditions being treated negatively, this signals low organizational support and makes disclosure appear risky.

The second element is the availability of organizational resources. Disclosing one's mental health concerns should unlock access to organizational supports, such as time off or counseling programs. These supports need to be tangible and go beyond mere mentions in the employee handbook. Employees form perceptions about how seriously their organization takes mental health based on whether these resources are present and accessible.

The third element is the presence of social support. Our research found that social support was an important indicator of informal culture around mental health concerns. Such support may include emotional support from peers or supervisors, and the ability to openly discuss mental health.

Employees notice whether, and how, mental health is discussed at work. When employees are encouraged to talk openly about it, the workplace appears more conducive to disclosure. In contrast, when concerns are dismissed or met with unhelpful advice such as "stay positive" or "toughen up," the environment is unlikely to be seen as supportive.

How organizations can support disclosure

Our research points to four main strategies organizations can use to foster an environment that signals support for disclosing mental health concerns.

1. Identify areas for improvement.

Our research provides a list of survey items that organizations can use to track employee perceptions and identify priority areas for improvement. For example, employees might be asked whether they feel safe disclosing a mental health concern, or whether they believe the organization responds supportively when others do. These items can be included in annual employee surveys, with anonymity ensured to encourage honest responses.

2. Combat stigma by role modeling.

Workplace leaders are well-positioned to make positive change and role model appropriate behaviors. Employees often look to leaders and model their behavior. Providing leaders with training about implicit biases, and equipping them with tools to provide support to employees with mental health concerns, can help start the cycle of positive change. Leaders who receive mental health training tend to be more supportive, more likely to encourage disclosure and are better able to guide employees toward appropriate help.

3. Make resources visible and easily accessible.

Even when organizations have resources available, employees may not know about them or may find them difficult to access. Organizations and managers need to frequently communicate about the availability of mental health resources and ensure they are easy to access. Red tape and bureaucracy can deter employees from accessing organizational supports.

4. Talk openly about mental health.

Talking about mental health can help normalize it and encourage employees to share their concerns. This can include intentionally creating opportunities for such discussions, such as mental health days. In addition, when senior leaders share their experiences with mental health concerns, it can help normalize such discussions.

Ultimately, a disclosure-supportive environment benefits employee mental health and encourages positive work behaviors. In other words, when employees feel safe enough to speak up, both employees and organizations benefit from it.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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

This week in science news: Researchers from the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid, Spain, digitally reconstructed the ribcages of four prehistoric Homo sapiens and theorize that climate influences ribcage evolution. A century after it was predicted, physicists have reported the first observation of the transverse Thompson effect, which causes volumetric heating or cooling when an electric current and a temperature gradient flow in the same direction through a conductor. And researchers found neotropical bats in Mexico far beyond their known range.

Additionally, researchers enhanced immunotherapeutic cancer treatment with an mRNA vaccine; researchers quantified dogs' interest in watching TV; and researchers in England debunked a venerable old nursery rhyme.

mRNA vaccine sensitizes tumors to immunotherapy

Researchers at the University of Florida report that an experimental mRNA vaccine in conjunction with immune checkpoint inhibitors boosted the immune systems of mice to attack tumor cells. The results of their study strongly suggest that a universal vaccine for cancer could be on the horizon.

Most current immunotherapy research seeks either to identify a common target expressed in people with cancer or to create custom vaccines tailored to specific targets in an individual's cancer. But the new study suggests a novel approach: The vaccine itself doesn't target any specific protein expressed in cancer cells. Instead, it makes tumors more sensitive to immunotherapy by stimulating the expression of a tumor protein called PD-L1, priming the immune system itself to respond as though it were fighting a virus.

Senior author Elias Sayour says, "This paper describes a very unexpected and exciting observation: that even a vaccine not specific to any particular tumor or virusso long as it is an mRNA vaccinecould lead to tumor-specific effects."

Dogs like TV, study finds

So my personal anecdotal evidence for dogs' interest in TV is that during a Christmas holiday gathering, my family was watching "Scrooged" at my sisters house, and during the flashback scene where Bill Murray walks onscreen wearing a giant dog costume, my sister's two golden retrievers absolutely lost their freakin' minds, jumping around and yelling at the TV. In accordance with scientific practice, we were able to replicate those results by replaying the scene.

Notably, these two goldens were low-anxiety, high-excitability guyslike pretty much every golden retriever I've ever metand a new survey study about "trends in dogs' TV viewing habits" published in Scientific Reports finds that high-excitability dogs are more likely to respond to onscreen animals while high-anxiety dogs are more alert to doorbells and cars on TV. The authors note that the participants were pet owners whose dogs regularly watched TV, so the study may not be representative of all dogs.

Wednesday's child just fine, actually

There's a mid-19th-century poem that attempts to predict outcomes for neonatal subjects based on temporal factors:

Monday's child is fair of face,

Tuesday's child is full of grace.

Wednesday's child is full of woe,

Thursday's child has far to go.

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Friday's child is loving and giving,

Saturday's child works hard for a living.

But the child that is born on Sabbath day,

Is bonny and blithe, good and gay.

A new study by researchers at the University of York debunks all of the poem's contentions, finding that plenty of churlish kids are born on Tuesday and children with reasonable commutes are also born on Thursday. The researchers analyzed data from a large study of over 1,000 families with twins, which tracked the children from ages five to 18. They tested the rhyme's predictive utility by looking for self-fulfilling prophecy effects, confirmation bias and parental influence.

The study found no connection between the day of week when the child was born and their outcomes. The family's socioeconomic background, the child's sex and their birth weight were much more predictive. But the point wasn't really to refute the poem, but rather to encourage parents to talk about messages their children encounter and offer reassurance.

Written for you by our author Chris Packham, 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.

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GLENS FALLS  Hundreds gathered around the monument at the intersection of Bay and Glen streets Thursday to join in the national Good Trouble Lives On, demonstration.

The phrase Good Trouble, comes from former Rep. John Lewis, D-GA, a paragon of the civil rights movement, who encouraged his constituents to get into good trouble.

[It] means that if youre defending a cause and people are trying to stop you, especially if theyre trying to stop you with illegal means, that you stand up and you show them that your principals are more important than staying out of jail, explained Paul Murray, a former professor at Siena College, who said he had attended several events where Lewis spoke and even met the man. Hes a hero of mine.

Lewis was an advocate for non-violent protests. In the 60s he was beaten and arrested while participating in the Freedom Rides. He was also one of the organizers of the Selma March, where he gained national attention after again being beaten, but appearing on television during an interview before going to the hospital. That event, which became known as Bloody Sunday, was a flashpoint which directly contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, in 1965. Lewis was elected to Congress in 1987, where he continued to use his platform to defend all civil rights, until his death on July 17, 2020.

John Lewis stood for all of the programs that Trump is trying to dismantle, Murray said. He demonstrated in his own life, just a regard for people who are without any rights. It wasnt just African American people; it was gay people, it was immigrants.

Thursdays demonstration not only served to commemorate the passing of John Lewis, but to honor his legacy. The protest echoed others throughout the country decrying the actions taken by President Donald Trump, which participants say violate civil rights particularly in the realm of immigration. However, there was at least one attendee who, while not a fan of Donald Trump himself, argued that the steps his administration are taking on immigration are necessary.

The things that Trump is doing are messed up, but its necessary, said the gentleman who asked only to be referred to as Rod.

Rod said he views the millions of migrants who have been allowed to remain in the country while awaiting documentation during the Biden administration as a fundamental failure to protect the nation from potential bad actors. He sees the aggressive deportation movements enacted by the Department of Homeland Security as a needed treatment, albeit a less than ideal one.

Were now in a crisis point that was created by the previous president, he said. Lets say you get sick because you didnt live a healthy lifestyle that treatment is going to be rough, but you need it.

Rod conceded that he would prefer a more targeted approach to Trumps paramount mass deportation policy, such as considerations for the amount of time a person has been in the country and any criminal record they may have. But he drew a stark distinction between those who have entered the country through sanctioned means and those who have arrived en masse through border crossings.

There are different kinds of illegals. Lets say you came in on a student visa and you never went back, at one point you were vetted, they said it was okay for you to come as a student, Rod explained. You come across the border, we dont know who you are.

The discussion with Rod shows that there is room for debate on both sides of the argument in which the country finds itself. And the message left behind by John Lewis provides a potential roadmap for navigating those discussions.

He was beaten up so many times and never had hate, said Bernice Mennis, another protest attendee. He had such an incredible integrity.

There are good troublemakers, thats the best kind, Murray added.
Ashland Vice Mayor John Hodges has stepped down from his position on the town council as he faces an ongoing battle with cancer.

In his resignation letter to the town, Hodges said that his illness meant he could no longer serve at the level he thinks the town deserves.

It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve the people of the Town over the past 8 years (August 2017 to July 2025), Hodges wrote. The support I have received from fellow Council Members and the staff has been outstanding and beyond expectations. I know I am leaving the Town in good hands and hope for nothing but the best for everyone in our wonderful community.

His resignation was effective as of June 15.

Hodges was first appointed to the town council on an interim basis in 2017 to fill the seat vacated by current Hanover supervisor Faye Prichard. He won election to the town council after his appointed term in May 2018, and served until last month.

Hodges retired from Hanover County in 2017 after 30 years working in the planning department. He retired as a deputy county administrator and planning director. All the while, he was an Ashland resident.

While on council, he represented the town on key regional bodies such as PlanRVA, a commission that helps local governments across the region work together. He also served as the Ashland representative for the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, which coordinates roads and infrastructure throughout the Richmond area.

The town said in a statement that he had a considerable background in planning and brought considerable expertise to bear on behalf of Ashland, offering thoughtful insights and sound judgment on growth, development and regional coordination.

Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett said Hodges has always worked with the idea of the people coming first and never became bureaucratized by working in government.

Before getting elected to council in 2012, Trivett ran unsuccessfully in 2000. He decided afterward that he wanted to become more educated and involved with land use and zoning. He took a citizen academy course that Hanover offered and was run by Hodges.

Right from the beginning, he was an encourager, not a discourager, Trivett said. He treated me like somebody hed known all his life. And Ill give him credit for passing that class.

From there, Trivett ended up serving on the towns planning commission and board of zoning appeals before getting elected to council.

Hodges served his entire tenure on the council next to Trivett.

Its been my pleasure to have him right by my side to help talk things over, to make sure that were taking a full look at every angled approach to things, Trivett said. It breaks my heart to have him step away.

As a town council member, Trivett said that Hodges was instrumental in decisions over several large projects.

He helped fight against the DC2RVA high-speed rail project, which would have demolished part of the town to build a third railway line through its center. He was also a leader in the towns decision to bring in the Lauradell neighborhood, one of the towns first large neighborhoods.

Trivett said his wisdom was also useful in the approval of Ashlands first data center project, dubbed the Iron Horse Business Park, half of which lies in the town and the other half in Hanover. The Hanover portion was denied though the developer may come back with a revised proposal.

On the CVTA, he was a proponent of the Fall Line Trail from Ashland to Petersburg. The Hanover and Ashland portion is expected to hold a ribbon cutting launch ceremony in September.

Vice Mayor Hodges has given so much of himself to this community, said Town Manager John Farrar. His legacy will guide our work for years to come. Were grateful for his services and well continue moving forward with the same spirit of integrity and care he exemplified.

The town council has appointed Kathy Abbott to Hodges vacated seat. Abbott has represented Ashland on regional boards and commissions, similar to the bodies that Hodges formerly served on.

That seat is up for election later this year. Ashland said in a statement that it deliberately appointed Abbott on an interim basis because she will not run for the seat in November.

A formal vote is scheduled for Aug. 5. Abbott is expected to be sworn in and take over the seat at the Aug. 15 meeting.
With the June debut of the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, many Richmonders wondered how the new music venue would impact surrounding areas.

For Belle Isle visitors, they are feeling that impact in the form of fewer available parking spots.

The city of Richmond entered into a paid, month-to-month trial lease agreement with Allianz Amphitheater and venue operator Live Nation that lends control of 60 free Belle Isle parking spaces to the amphitheater.

Its already pretty bad getting here anyways, said Ansa Kanwal, who pulled into the last available spot in the Belle Isle lot Friday. Theres barely any parking as is, so it will probably get worse.

Located at the corner of Browns Island Way and Tredegar Street, the Belle Isle parking lot will be closed to the public on concert days to support event operations and to ensure public safety and crowd control.

On certain days, the lot will be closed all day, while on other days, the lot will close beginning in the afternoon. Since last Saturday, the lot had parking restrictions on six of the past eight days.

Venture Richmond, which co-owns the lot with the city, also approved the lease agreement.

The parking lot closure follows a similar model used during Riverrock and the Richmond Folk Festival, according to the city.

We appreciate your flexibility as we deliver this new amenity for the benefit of Richmonders and the broader region, the city said in a statement.

With the lot closing on concert days, a larger number of people will have to find alternative parking in order to visit Belle Isle and other recreational spots.

Some people dont want to go to the concert, Darryl Husband said. Some people come here to run, workout and do what they need to do. And for the concerts and the events going on over there, its kind of congested for everybody to be in one little area.

Husband and Areil Robinson were visiting Belle Isle on Friday, but had to walk up the hilly Browns Island Way plus another mile to get back to their free parking space.

Robinson said she wants to see the lot continue to be first come, first serve for the community during concerts.

You built the theater, but why not assist by making more free parking available as well? Robinson said. At the end of the day, youre going to get your money with that concert, especially with the alcohol people are going to buy.

Through the end of the month, the Belle Isle lot will be unavailable for the Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit concert Saturday, the Lamb of God concert Thursday and the Whiskey Myers concert July 26. For each one, the lot will be closed from 1 p.m.-midnight. The amphitheater has 10 shows scheduled in August.

Browns Island Way, which runs from South 2nd Street to Tredegar Street, closes to vehicular traffic on concert days. Tredegar Street between South 5th Street and Browns Island Way also closes to traffic.

Neighborhood effects

Belle Isle visitors arent the only people affected by the amphitheater. Residents of the Oregon Hill neighborhood have seen increased vehicle traffic in the area as concertgoers look for places to park.

Oregon Hill becomes a thoroughfare, just cars circling and circling and circling, said Bill Draper, who lives near the Oregon Hill Overlook. Its just a plethora of traffic in the neighborhood.

While Draper lives in a new townhouse with a garage, many of his neighbors rely on street parking in front of their homes.

The people that live there, theyve lost their parking, Draper said. If you come home with your groceries and youve got to park four or five blocks away to go home, thats pretty sad.

Draper said the insulation at his newer home helps block out most of the concert noise, but spoke with neighbors on Pine Street and nearby areas who experienced higher noise levels.

Its like the amphitheater is in their house, he said.

Draper said that while big events like Riverrock and the Folk Festival bring additional traffic to Oregon Hill, its never been to the level of the amphitheater traffic.

Ive never seen the blatant disregard for parking too close to the corner, parking in front of fire hydrants, Draper said. Its desperation parking, and I guess their assumption is that so many cars are so overwhelming that nobodys going to do anything about it.
Virginias unemployment rate rose in June for the six consecutive month, as the state continues to feel the effects of cuts in federal employment and government contracts under President Donald Trump.

The state unemployment rate rose by 0.1%, as it has every month this year, to 3.5%. The rate has risen 0.7% in 12 months, but remains below the national unemployment rate of 4.1%.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday that Virginia was the only state in the country in which unemployment rose by a statistically significant amount from May to June, but Virginia Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater noted a table that showed six other states with increased rates.

Bureau spokesperson Stacey Bradish said the agency lists unemployment rates for all states in attached tables, but she added, when discussing changes in unemployment rates in the text of the release, only states with statistically significant changes at the 90-percent confidence level are mentioned.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin relied on a different set of labor statistics on Friday to show that while state employment declined in June, based on a household survey, it had been rising for a year in terms of full-time payroll employees, according to a business survey.

The announced federal and contractor work reductions resulted in the months decline of 8,400 (people employed), while the full year saw growth of more than 35,000, Youngkin said. As I have said previously, we expect there will be federal job reductions and that the growth in non-federal jobs over the course of the year ... will provide opportunities for those who have experienced job dislocations.

The latest unemployment rate increase drew the attention of elected Democrats who have escalated their criticism of the Trump administrations cuts to the federal workforce and contracts they say are critical to the states economy, as well as the Republican governors support of those policies.

Virginias unemployment rate is clearly rising in a sustained way, and it is a certainty that this increase is being driven by the Trump Administrations policies, Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, the ranking Democrat on the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, said in a statement on Friday. Trumps mass firings and cuts are draining Virginias economy, while also hurting the services Virginians depend on, and many of those cuts are not even showing up in the data yet.

Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-7th, slammed the Trump administration for its proposal to eliminate 45,000 civilian jobs in the Department of Defense as part of the National Defense Authorization Act that the Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved on Friday for the budget year that will begin on Oct. 1. All five Democrats in Virginias congressional delegation voted against the bill and all five Republicans voted yes, with one seat vacant after the death of Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-11th.

Across the Seventh District and our Commonwealth, I meet hard working families who are trying their best to make ends meet, Vindman said in a prepared statement. But when rubber-stamp Republicans in Washington and Virginia drag us down with their failed economic policies, we get six straight months of rising unemployment.

Earlier this week, Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay issued a joint statement decrying what they called an unemployment crisis in the county of more than 1.1 million people. They pointed to a 34.7% increase in unemployment in Fairfax in May from a year earlier and blamed Trumps attack on the federal workforce, which helps drive the county and regional economies.

The Youngkin administration has acknowledged layoffs of federal employees and contractors, but said this week it has only seen about 6,000 unconfirmed claims for unemployment benefits1,246 filed by laid-off federal employees and 4,024 by former workers at the 500 largest federal contractors operating in Virginia.

The administration notes that Virginias unemployment rate, at 3.5%, is still well below the 4% mark that it says traditionally has represented full employment. The administration said it has expanded state efforts to help affected employees find new jobs.

If you go from an A-minus to a B-minus, thats not failing, Slater, the state labor secretary, said Friday.
Intoxicated man reported for disturbing the peace found with outstanding weapons offence warrant

Tulum, Q.R.  A man taken into police custody for disturbing the peace in Tulum was found with an outstanding warrant. The man, identified as 33 year old Vicente Garcia Caamal, has an outstanding arrest warrant for a weapons offence.

According to the SSC of Tulum, Vicente Garcia Caamal was arrested Thursday evening on Tulum Avenue for allegedly assaulting two people. A woman and her son who were walking near the corner of Satelite Avenue called police on allegations of assault.

When police arrived, the man appeared to be intoxicated. He was taken into custody and his identification ran through the Plataforma Mexico system at which time a warrant came back for weapons charges.

Tulum police reported that the 33 year old man from Tabasco remains in custody.

This Thursday, July 17, at 7:55 p.m., the Community Police responded to a report of a man disturbing the peace on Tulum Avenue and the corner of Satelite.

The individual, showing obvious signs of intoxication, had allegedly assaulted a woman and her son, for which he was arrested by officers from this Secretariat. At the official premises, he identified himself as Vicente Garcia Caamal, 33, originally from Tabasco.

After a protocol check on Plataforma Mexico, an outstanding arrest warrant was detected in the state of Tabasco for carrying prohibited weapons.

The detainee was formally handed over to the Public Prosecutors Office through the Tulum Investigation Agency, the SSC of Tulum reported.
Police investigating: Bodies of three taxi drivers found off Playa del Carmen highway

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Playa del Carmen police are investigating the deaths of three taxi drivers found Friday. A citizen report Friday afternoon lead police to an area off the federal highway where the three bodies were found.

The three men are reported to be taxi drivers from the Lazaro Cardenas del Rio union of Playa del Carmen. Their bodies were located around 4:00 p.m. off the highway on the border of Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos.

According to early information, all three were shot and found lying next to a message attributed to a criminal organization. Personnel from National Guard and the Mexican Army assisted in cordoning off the area with Municipal Police while evidence was gathered and the bodies removed.

Authorities are investigating a possible dispute between criminal groups. Sources say two of the men were reported missing July 16. The narco-banner placed at the scene alleges retaliation against several union officials.
By Nikunj Ohri

(Reuters) -India's financial crime fighting agency has summoned executives of tech giants Google and Meta to its headquarters on Monday as it investigates accusations of money laundering on online betting apps, two government sources said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating whether the platforms eased the way for promotion and wider reach of betting apps through advertisements, the first source said.

A date of July 21 has been set for the appearances at the agency's headquarters in the capital, New Delhi, the source added.

A second government source accused Google and Meta of using their platforms to promote illegal activities, despite a government advisory against the advertisement of any form of betting.

The agency will investigate Google and Meta over the funds they received from betting apps, the second source added, as well as checking if they were advertising or promoting any other betting platforms.

Both sources sought anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to media.

Google and Meta did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Betting and gambling pose "significant financial and socio-economic risks for consumers, especially youth and children," India's information and broadcasting ministry told television channels and digital media in an advisory in 2022.

Promotion of offline or online betting and gambling through advertisements was not advised in the larger public interest, the ministry added.

Domestic news agency ANI first reported the news.

(Reporting by Nikunj Ohri, Surbhi Misra; Editing by William Mallard and Clarence Fernandez)
LE MARS, Iowa  When it was chartered in 1985, the Optimist Club of Le Mars had 30 members and no funds for its youth-oriented programs.

"We were doing anything we could think of to make some money," member Gary Ellensohn said.

Through his involvement with the Plymouth County Fair, Ellensohn knew other service groups and organizations raised money at fair food stands. He suggested the Optimists do the same.

"We've been out there for almost 35 years now," Ellensohn said. "This is our one and only fundraiser. All the money goes back in the community."

When the Plymouth County Fair opens for "The Best 5 Days of Summer" on Wednesday in Le Mars, volunteers staffing 16 food stands will give fairgoers no excuse to leave hungry or thirsty.

And the money taken in by those stands will remain in Plymouth County. Each of them is run by a local nonprofit group or organization. Even the Godfather's pizza stand is staffed by volunteers, and the proceeds go to support nonprofits.

"It helps a lot of these nonprofits, this is their one big fundraiser of the year. We're kind of unique that way," said fair board member Scott Thoms, who coordinates the food stands, all but one of which are owned by the fair and made available to groups at no cost, though a percentage of the profits are paid to the fair board.

It's a lot of work for the organizations and their volunteers, but worth it when the year's fundraising can be finished in five days.

"We're very fortunate that we can have a stand at the fair and get it all done at one time," said Michelle Rolfes, of the National TTT Society, which has two Le Mars chapters that fund fourth-grade girls' trips to summer camp and college scholarships.

It's the second biggest fundraiser for the Plymouth County Historical Museum, which operates the Country Store.

"This is one of the major events on the museum's schedule, and we will always be there," said Harry Dunstan, the museum's executive director with his wife, Kay Krekow. "It's a long-standing tradition, and it's one of the highlights of the museum's year."

Some would say the best part of a fair is the food, and the Plymouth County Fair provides a long menu of options.

In a spirit of cooperation, few of the stands duplicate their food offerings, enabling each to corner the market on a signature item.

Walk through the fairgrounds and you'll find stands specializing in pork chops in a glove, shaved ice, sub sandwiches, smoothies, fresh doughnuts, ice cream novelties, grilled cheese sandwiches and shakes, homemade pies and much more.

The Optimists will again serve their signature grilled ribeye sandwiches and bratwurst and kettle corn. The museum's Country Store specializes in fresh produce, homemade baked goods and old-fashioned candies. New this year are Lotus energy drinks and flavored lemonades. The stand has the added draw of air conditioning.

The TTT stand's menu has fair staples such as hot dogs, tacos in a bag, nachos, chips and drinks, but it's known for sub sandwiches.

"We think it's a good draw because a lot of fair food is fried, and some people are looking for a healthier option," Rolfes said.

A few booths down, the Ice House, run by the Life Skills Training Center, will once again serve up 10 flavors of shaved ice (blue raspberry is the most popular) and bottles of water. They've tried adding other frozen treats over the years, but none matched the popularity of the flavored ice cones.

"This is our bread and butter. This is what everybody comes here for. Don't mess with it if it's not broken," said Shelly Thomson, director of marketing and public relations at Life Skills, which assists adults with disabilities.

When food stand profits are added to Life Skills' other fair fundraisers -- a quilt auction and cow chip bingo -- it's the organization's second largest fundraiser of the year.

"It's a very important five days of the summer," Thomson said.

For a lot of fairgoers, it's the number one stop on the food stand circuit. A week ago, Thomson said, a man was at the stand doing maintenance work on the ice shaving machine.

"He said, 'This is the first place I always go to when I come to the fair,'" Thomson said.

Rolfes said TTT also sees many of the same customers year after year at its stand, which dates back to 1945. But with so many food options, fairgoers are able to satisfy their cravings at a different food stand every day.

"They're all known for something, and people just make the rounds," Rolfes said.

And the money they spend there? It will make the rounds back into the county, allowing those who benefit from the organizations' work to enjoy five good days, and many more, year round.
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On a recent episode of Outward, host Bryan Lowder spoke with Michael Roberson, a theologian, public health practitioner, activist, artist, and most recently, author of the landmark new book Ballroom: A History, A Movement, A Celebration. The book has the feel of a high-end coffee-table retrospective, packed to the brim with glossy photos of iconic performers and competitions from the ballroom (as in voguing and legendary houses, not foxtrot) scene. But it also contains a rich mix of historical insights and cultural criticism that expands our understanding of ballroom culture beyond fierce performance and stunning looks to the realms of political action, art collective, and even theology.

In this excerpt from their conversation, Lowder and Roberson discuss what ballroom culture has to say to our moment of widespread anti-LGBTQ+ backlash, the scenes focus on joy, and how to tell when your movement is going in the right direction. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Bryan Lowder: You were a consultant on the television series Pose, which I think of as this sort of high point in queer representation right before the anti-LGBTQ political and cultural backlash that were living through now in the United States, one that only seems to be getting worse week by week at this point. What do you think your book, and ballroom culture in general, has to offer its community, and maybe even people outside of it, in the context of all of this cruelty and fear? What should we be looking to ballroom for in this moment?

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Michael Roberson: I believe that ballroom has something to say, something to teach the world about what it means to be human and the struggle for freedom in the face of catastrophe. It continues to move forward in spite of. One of the reasons it does that is because it organizes around joy. Most political organizing initiatives are responding to crisis. A crisis happens, and we organize to address the crisis. But what happens to the human, to the body, is that the body cant take crisis after crisis after crisis after crisis. Its going to break down, which then means the movement is going to break down. But ballrooms intenta balls intent is to be joyous.

So having a ball and then having two convenings afterwards or two convenings before it to organize people around issues [like public health] is organizing around joy. That community can then spread itself, globalize itself around that notion of joy.

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Another thing: I think that how we can always tell were going the right way is when obstacles pop up. When a community who has been historically marginalized gains greater access to power and visibility, the blowback happens. Ill just go far back as Lyndon B. Johnson and the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the blowback to that progress was Richard Nixon. Later, Jimmy Carters presidency represented poor people and Black folk having access to power, and the blowback is Ronald Reagan and George Bush. With Clinton, though he was problematic around the crime bill, his relationship to Black folk and marginalized communities was strong, and the blowback was George Bush II. And then Barack Obama, even though a lot of his legislation, one can see, was neoliberal to some degree, his representation as a Black man was powerful, and the blowback was Donald Trump. So you can always tell from that pattern.

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I think ballroom has something to teach because theres not a community thats not represented in a ballroom. Ballroom, through the lineage of the drag ball going back to the Harlem Renaissance, then morphing through the ethos of Black trans women 100 years later, now exists in Vietnam, it exists in Putins Russia. Go figure. It exists in Uganda and Ghana, right? Go figure. It exists in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in Paris, in Toronto, in Vancouver and Montreal. It exists in Mexico City. I mean, go figure. The globalization of it is powerful. Thats why I say that it has something to teach the world over. We have been here before and we will always find a way out of no way. We will always make a way out of no way.

Listen to more of this conversation on Outward, Slates LGBTQ podcast:
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/houthis-say-attacked-israels-ben-gurion-airport-using-hypersonic-missile-1122458423.html

Houthis Say Attacked Israel's Ben Gurion Airport Using Hypersonic Missile

Houthis Say Attacked Israel's Ben Gurion Airport Using Hypersonic Missile

Sputnik International

DOHA (Sputnik) - Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, has claimed that it has carried out another hypersonic missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.

2025-07-19T09:21+0000

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The spokesman added in his post on Telegram that the Houthis were going to continue attacks, unless Israel stopped military action in the Gaza Strip and lifted the blockade. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Telegram on Friday evening that a missile launched by the Houthis from Yemen had been intercepted. A Sputnik correspondent reported that air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250701/1122376057.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/india-advances-in-tech-with-first-domestic-semiconductor-1122459707.html

India Advances in Tech With First Domestic Semiconductor

India Advances in Tech With First Domestic Semiconductor

Sputnik International

India will produce and release its first domestically designed and manufactured semiconductor this year, Indian Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday.

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Some of the most complex types of chips are being developed in the cities of Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Gurgaon and Chennai, the minister added. In May, Vaishnaw said that India would present indigenous 28-90 nanometer chips that could be used in the automotive, telecommunications, energy and rail industries.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250422/chinese-scientists-create-shapeshifting-micro-robotic-1121911112.html

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In pics: Green Agriculture Chain area at China's supply chain expo

Xinhua) 13:20, July 19, 2025

A visitor looks at the seeds displayed at the Green Agriculture Chain area during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2025. Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the 2025 CISCE runs from July 16 to 20. One highlight is the Green Agricultural Chain area, which displays world food products and the agricultural industrial chain with a focus on information-driven and intelligent farming. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

A visitor looks at an agricultural product from Thailand at the Green Agriculture Chain area during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2025. Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the 2025 CISCE runs from July 16 to 20. One highlight is the Green Agricultural Chain area, which displays world food products and the agricultural industrial chain with a focus on information-driven and intelligent farming. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

A visitor learns about a chili sauce product exported to the United States at the Green Agriculture Chain area during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2025. Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the 2025 CISCE runs from July 16 to 20. One highlight is the Green Agricultural Chain area, which displays world food products and the agricultural industrial chain with a focus on information-driven and intelligent farming. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

A staff member displays a frozen Musang King durian product from Malaysia during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2025. Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the 2025 CISCE runs from July 16 to 20. One highlight is the Green Agricultural Chain area, which displays world food products and the agricultural industrial chain with a focus on information-driven and intelligent farming. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

A staff member (1st R) introduces chocolates from Colombia to visitors during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2025. Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the 2025 CISCE runs from July 16 to 20. One highlight is the Green Agricultural Chain area, which displays world food products and the agricultural industrial chain with a focus on information-driven and intelligent farming. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

A staff member (R) serves beer to visitors at the Green Agriculture Chain area during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2025. Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the 2025 CISCE runs from July 16 to 20. One highlight is the Green Agricultural Chain area, which displays world food products and the agricultural industrial chain with a focus on information-driven and intelligent farming. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/latvia-delivers-patria-apcs-to-ukrainian-nazi-regiment-1122458841.html

Latvia Delivers Patria APCs to Ukrainian Nazi Regiment

Latvia Delivers Patria APCs to Ukrainian Nazi Regiment

Sputnik International

Latvia has given a batch of Finnish Patria armored personnel carriers to the 3rd Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, mostly made up of former fighters of Ukraines Azov regiment*, Andrei Marochko, a retired army officer of the Lugansk People's Republic and a military expert, told Sputnik on Saturday.

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On July 15, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina said that she had arrived in Kiev. In November 2024, Finland's Patria company said that the Latvian defense ministry had signed a deal on purchase of 56 Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers within the framework of the Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program. The contract was worth a total of 60 million euros ($69.6 million).The Kremlin repeatedly stressed that pumping Ukraine with weapons from the West simply fuel the conflict.*designated as terrorist and banned in Russia

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/moldovan-authorities-effectively-legalize-opportunity-to-falsify-elections---victory-bloc-1122458705.html

Moldovan Authorities Effectively Legalize Opportunity to Falsify Elections - Victory Bloc

Moldovan Authorities Effectively Legalize Opportunity to Falsify Elections - Victory Bloc

Sputnik International

Moldovas ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) has effectively legalized the opportunity for election fraud via postal voting, a member of the opposition Victory (Pobeda) bloc, Vadim Fotescu, said on Friday.

2025-07-19T09:32+0000

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During last years presidential election, Moldovan citizens living in the United States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland were for the first time allowed to vote by mail. On Thursday, the parliament approved the expansion of this list to include Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand. Moldovans residing in Russia and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, where hundreds of thousands of Moldovan citizens live, do not have access to postal voting, the lawmaker said, arguing that these voters are largely opposed to PAS. Parliamentary elections in Moldova are scheduled for September 28. Recently, the Moldovan authorities have used repressive measures against people who oppose the official course of Chisinau. Opposition lawmakers have been detained at the airport for visiting Russia, and criminal cases are piling up against critics. The ruling party is also pushing to ban protests around elections and expand the powers of Moldovas security services to supposedly tackle "electoral corruption."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250714/nato-actively-prepares-to-draw-moldova-into-potential-armed-conflict-with-russia---russian-intel-1122436425.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/papers-relating-to-fabricated-case-of-russias-2016-election-meddling-sent-to-doj---gabbard-1122458069.html

Papers Relating to Fabricated Case of Russia's 2016 Election Meddling Sent to DOJ - DNI Gabbard

Papers Relating to Fabricated Case of Russia's 2016 Election Meddling Sent to DOJ - DNI Gabbard

Sputnik International

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said she was sending documents to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), relating to former US President Barack Obamas falsification of information regarding Russias alleged 2016 election interference.

2025-07-19T04:47+0000

2025-07-19T04:47+0000

2025-07-19T04:48+0000

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"I'm referring all these documents that we have, that we have found and uncovered, referring them to the Department of Justice for further investigation, accountability and action, not just investigation, but action accountability that can take place," Gabbard told Fox News. The Office of the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) revealed on Friday that the Obama administration fabricated the case of Russia's alleged 2016 election interference, despite consecutive intelligence reports indicating otherwise. Gabbard revealed "overwhelming evidence" that demonstrates how, after US President Donald Trump won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton, Obama and his national security cabinet members "manufactured and politicized intelligence," the office said in a Friday statement. The DNI discovered that an Intelligence Community (IC) Assessment on Russia's election interference, released on January 6, 2017, directly contradicted the assessments made by the IC in the six months preceding it, including those made before the election itself. The statement also indicated that the Obama administration decided to pursue the Russia meddling case after a National Security Council meeting on December 9, 2016. An email was sent by DNI James Clappers Executive Assistant to IC leaders tasking them with creating a new IC assessment "per the Presidents request." Following the meeting, Obama officials leaked misleading statements to media outlets, including The Washington Post, asserting that "Russia has attempted through cyber means to interfere in, if not actively influence, the outcome of an election," the Friday statement said. The DNI concluded in the statement that the new IC assessment from January 2017 was based on false information, including the Steele Dossier, as part of a smear campaign against Trump. This led to politicized investigations, arrests, and heightened tensions between the US and Russia. Last week, Fox News reported that ex-CIA Director John Brennan and Maurene Comey's father, James, were under criminal investigation for possible wrongdoing related to Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election, including allegedly making false statements to Congress. After that, the US president said that Brennan and Comey are "crooked as hell" and may have to face punishment for making false claims about the allies Trump-Russia ties. After the 2016 presidential election, the US authorities, relying on a dossier of former UK intelligence officer Christopher Steele, conducted an investigation into the claims of alleged "collusion" between Trump and Russia but ultimately were unable to prove it. Russia has repeatedly denied US accusations of interference, including in US elections. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has called the allegations "absolutely unsubstantiated." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that there was no credible information to support the allegations of Russian interference in elections in different countries.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/russia-hits-ukraines-defense-industry-facilities-linked-to-missile-production-1122459361.html

Russia Hits Ukraine's Defense Industry Facilities Linked to Missile Production

Russia Hits Ukraine's Defense Industry Facilities Linked to Missile Production

Sputnik International

The Russian armed forces conducted a grouped strike on Ukraine's defense industry facilities that produced components for missiles and strike drones, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

2025-07-19T11:35+0000

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"Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a grouped strike using long-range air-, ground-, and sea-based precision weapons, strike UAVs at enterprises of the Ukrainian defense industry that produce components of missiles and strike drones. All the assigned targets were engaged," the ministry said in a statement. The Russian armed forces also struck a military airfield and an aircraft repair facility, aircraft repair enterprise, as well as UAV launch sites and temporary deployment areas of the Ukrainian troops in a total of 132 areas, the statement read. The Russian armed forces started striking Ukrainian infrastructure on October 10, 2022, two days after a bomb attack on the Crimean Bridge, which Russian authorities believe had been carried out by Ukrainian security services. The strikes target energy, defense, military administration and communications facilities across the country.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250718/russias-weekly-military-gains-precision-strikes-and-ten-liberated-settlements-1122455709.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/russia-ranked-fifth-in-global-industry-to-gdp-ratio-1122459183.html

Russia Ranked Fifth in Global Industry-to-GDP Ratio

Russia Ranked Fifth in Global Industry-to-GDP Ratio

Sputnik International

Russia last year became fifth among all countries of the world by the industrial sector's contribution to the economy, according to Sputnik's analysis of World Bank data.

2025-07-19T10:23+0000

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2025-07-19T10:23+0000

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China holds the first position in the ranking, where the sector's contribution to GDP increased by almost two percent in nominal terms and amounted to $6.8 trillion. The United States took second place with a three percent growth to $5.1 trillion.Germany closed the top three, becoming one of the few major economies where the indicator fell by 2.5% to $1.2 trillion. Fourth place went to India, which increased output in the manufacturing sector by four percent to $957 billion.Russian industry showed the highest growth among the top ten economies: its contribution to the GDP increased by six percent to $668 billion.Sixth place was taken by the United Kingdom, where the indicator grew to $610 billion, increasing by 3.5%. Next was Mexico, whose production reached $586 billion.In the last three countries of the top ten, industry's contribution to the economy declined. In France, it decreased by two percent ($554.9 billion), in Saudi Arabia by four percent ($554.8 billion), and in Indonesia by 0.4% ($549 billion).Overall, industry last year added $28.9 trillion to the global economy - compared to $28.5 trillion the year before.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250717/defying-wests-sanctions-russia-stands-tall-as-worlds-no-4-economic-powerhouse-1122448447.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/sy-hersh-reveals-zelenskyys-imminent-replacement-by-ukrainian-general-1122458547.html

SY Hersh Reveals Zelenskyy's Imminent Replacement by Ukrainian General

SY Hersh Reveals Zelenskyy's Imminent Replacement by Ukrainian General

Sputnik International

US journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Seymour Hersh asserts in a new article that Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK and former top general Valerii Zaluzhny could potentially replace President Volodymyr Zelensky if US President Donald Trump decides to make that move.

2025-07-19T09:27+0000

2025-07-19T09:27+0000

2025-07-19T09:57+0000

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Should Zelensky refuse to leave willfully, "hes going to go by force," a US official told Hersh. Furthermore, Hersh mentioned that Zelensky is aware of "what is coming" and, according to the US official and in light of the recent changes in the Ukrainian cabinet, "is starting to recognize the warning signs." The official believes that Zelensky will likely leave the presidency "feet first," as Trump administration officials discuss whether to intervene in Ukraine's internal situation to expedite the removal of the increasingly unpopular leader or just let the Ukrainians sort the situation out themselves. On a separate note, the official remarked that the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine has been a "total bust," as Ukrainian pilots have only managed to learn how to take off, not how to land. In February, US President Donald Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago that Zelensky's public approval rating was "down to 4%" and called him a dictator who refuses to hold elections. Zelensky's presidential term expired on May 20, 2024. The presidential election in Ukraine was canceled due to martial law and general mobilization.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240308/from-worst-to-first-ukraines-former-top-general-zaluzhny-appointed-envoy-to-uk--1117201694.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/ukraine-proposes-new-round-of-talks-with-russia-for-next-week-1122460125.html

Ukraine Proposes New Round of Talks With Russia for Next Week

Ukraine Proposes New Round of Talks With Russia for Next Week

Sputnik International

A source in the Russian negotiation team confirmed to Sputnik on Saturday that Ukraine had proposed to hold another round of ceasefire negotiations next week.

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Earlier in the day, Volodymyr Zelenskeyy said that Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov had passed to Russia a proposal to hold another meeting of negotiation teams next week. The source confirmed the information, adding that Russia had been ready for another meeting for a long time. "The signals from Kiev make it possible for us to hope that a specific date will appear soon," the source added.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/ukrainian-military-fires-2-missiles-at-residential-area-in-donetsk---dpr-authorities-1122459606.html

Ukrainian Military Fires 2 Missiles at Residential Area in Donetsk - DPR Authorities

Ukrainian Military Fires 2 Missiles at Residential Area in Donetsk - DPR Authorities

Sputnik International

The Ukrainian armed forces have fired two missiles at the Kievs district of the city of Donetsk, the Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) government's department for documenting Kiev's war crimes said on Saturday.

2025-07-19T14:18+0000

2025-07-19T14:18+0000

2025-07-19T14:18+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

ukrainian crisis

high mobility artillery rocket system (himars)

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The strikes hit Universitetskaya Street in a densely populated neighborhood, a Sputnik correspondent reported from Donetsk. An apartment building and the shops located in it were significantly damaged. Judging by the shrapnel found at the site, the Ukrainian armed forces used the US-made HIMARS missile system to attack the city.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250708/ukraines-terror-deaths-of-russian-journalists-western-media-mute-1122413392.html

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Lightly raced four-year-old Forty Gs stretched his win streak to seven in a $7,534 conditioned trot on Friday, July 18 at Vernon Downs.

Trained and driven by Roman Lopez, Forty Gs took command mid-mile and won by two lengths over Yankees Beast (Steeven Genois) and Sevenatchi (John MacDonald) in 1:56.1 as the overwhelming favourite coming off back-to-back career-best 1:55 victories.

Forty G's seven-race win streak stretches back to last September and includes five victories this year. Unraced as a two-year-old, he boasts a near-perfect career record of 10 wins and one second-place finish from 11 starts with $34,945 in purse earnings.

Bred by Coyote Wynd Farms of Vancouver, B.C., the son of Muscle Hill and Sheer Glide is owned by Lopez and partners Mitchell Frair of Vernon, New York and Donna Duer of Bell, Florida.

Crazy Crown and driver John MacDonald won the Friday night feature, an $8,904 conditioned trot, by a length over the oncoming favourite What A Mission (Michael Miller) and pocket-pursuer Jesmach On Target in 1:56.2 for the mild 6-1 upset. Jessica Okusko trains the four-year-old Crazy Wow-Con Air Crown gelding, who is owned by the Purple Haze Stables of Fairport, New York.

Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, July 19, with a post time of 5:05 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs; photo of Crazy Crown winning on July 18)
On Monday, July 21, the premier division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) rolls into Monticello with three-year-old pacing colts taking centre stage at the Mighty M.

When Race Secretary Eric Warner opened the box, he had enough entries to go with two dashes of NYSS worth at least $58,800 USD and four $20,000 USD races for the Excelsior class. The 11-race card gets underway at 12:10 p.m.

The first NYSS event heads postward in the second race with five starters facing the starting gate. Fast Choice (PP3, Jason Bartlett, 5-2) is the morning line favourite. The son of Courtly Choice, still seeking his first seasonal win, has tangled with the big boys competing in both the Messenger and North America Cup for trainer Jared Bako. Oogleville (PP1, Jordan Stratton, 7-2) is making his eighth start at eight different tracks on Monday. In 10 seasonal starts, he is 3-3-1 for trainer Per Engblom. Thirsty Thursday (PP5, Tyler Buter, 3-1) has one NYSS win on his resume this year, and last year he finished second in the $304,054 NYSS Final.

The second division, carded as the eighth race, is a six-horse field and features the top two leading divisional point earners. The leading point earner is Courtly Choice son Courts On Fire (PP4, Brett Beckwith, 3-1) with two Sire Stakes wins to his credit this season for trainer Blake MacIntosh at Saratoga and Vernon Downs. Dune Buggy (PP3, Greg Merton, 7-2) is ranked second; he scored in a NYSS event earlier this season at Buffalo Raceway and is a three-time winner this year. The son of Huntsville is trained by Nick Devita. Dandy Deal (PP2, Bartlett, 5-2) has banked $104,583 thus far this season, and he took his lifetime mark of 1:48.2 in his last start at Pocono Downs. The son of American Ideal is trained by Hunter Oakes.

The four Excelsior races are carded as Races 4, 7, 9 and 10.

(with files from Monticello)
July 19, 2025: India was an enthusiastic user of their newly acquired S-400 Air Defense Missile System/ADMS. In a recent May 7-10 confrontation with neighboring Pakistan, the S-400s proved to be a disappointment. Several other systems performed poorly. The brief fighting between India and Pakistan left India the net loser. Pakistan fought using 42 jets versus about 70 for India. Pakistan used several Chinese J-10C fighters which cost India three French Rafale jets and two Russian models, a MiG-29 and a SU-30MKI. Two S-400 missile launchers were damaged. This came after successful Indian airstrikes on over half a dozen Islamic terrorist targets on Pakistani territory in Kashmir as well as Pakistan air bases. India and Pakistan have been fighting over who should own all of Kashmir since 1947.

The biggest surprise was the successful combat test of the Chinese J-10 jet. Since 1988 China has tried to get an original modern Chinese fighter design operational. The J-10 was the aircraft that succeeded. The J-10C version uses more composites in the airframe and has improved electronics. This includes a new AESA radar. J10s are the most widely used modern Chinese-designed jet fighter, and it is still in production.

The J10 looks something like the American F-16 and weighs about the same at 19 tons. Like the F-16, the J10 has only one engine and the aircraft is longer than the F-16 to accommodate the larger Russian/Chinese engines. It's no accident that the J10 resembles the F-16 because Israel sold China the technology for their Lavi jet fighter, a super-F-16 design that Israel abandoned in 1987 because it was too expensive. China always insisted the J10 was an original Chinese design but after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 a lot of Russian engineers and scientists who assisted China in developing the J10 revealed details about how the Chinese had access to the Lavi design data and used it extensively. Israel wont comment because the U.S. cracked down on Israeli sales of military technology to China during the 1990s.

China used the J10 to advertise its new aircraft development capabilities. Chinese-developed electronics include a glass cockpit, helmets with built-in Head-Up Display/HUD), look and shoot capabilities and AESA radar. J10s got the first Chinese fire control systems that handled satellite or laser-guided smart bombs. The J10 was the first to receive targeting pods, ECM Electronic Countermeasures/ECM pods and improved fly-by-wire systems. The J10 was also the first Chinese jet fighter to switch to Chinese-made engines rather than ones bought from Russia. Until 2019 the J10 still depended on the more reliable Russian made AL-31 engines. That has now changed with the WS10 standard on all newly built J-10s and for those in need of an engine replacement.

Another casualty of this brief conflict was Russias most modern air defense system, the S-400. In the recent conflict, Indian S-400s were unable to detect or bring down any Pakistani aircraft. The Pakistani I-10s used Chinese PL-15 air-to-ground missiles to damage Indian S-400 sites.

The current version of the S-400 uses a radar that can detect targets up to 400 kilometers away and launch S-400 missiles at targets up to 75 kilometers distant. Unfortunately, most modern jet combat aircraft carry an array of countermeasures to defeat missiles fired at them from the ground or other aircraft. In addition to missiles fired from the ground, warplanes also must worry about missiles fired from jet fighters. These are often more effective. At the same time, Russia has found that their S-400 missiles are more effective against ground targets, which can be hit at distances of up to 350 kilometers. Russia developed a S-400 system called the 48/6DM that is effective against air targets but can also accurately hit ground targets up to 230 kilometers away. The warhead weighs 180 kg and contains enough explosives to be effective against ground targets that are usually major Ukrainian cities. These places are often defended by American Patriot, which often succeed in intercepting Russian air defense missiles used against ground targets.
Be Perfect BG made good on her name on Friday night, July 18 at The Meadowlands, remaining unbeaten in four lifetime starts after taking the lone filly pace when seven $34,247 divisions of the second leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes (NJSS) for two-year-olds were contested for horses of each sex and gait.

Trained by Anthony Beaton and owned by Ecurie CSL of Sorel-Tracy, Que., the daughter of Perfect Sting-JK Mardi Says impressed winning last week after leaving from post 11, and driver Dexter Dunn said it was more of the same this time around.

She felt just as good [as last week], said Dunn. The trip was a little better for her tonight [leaving from post five]. She seems to be learning all the time and she was really good tonight.

Sitting just behind leader Perfect Thought (Scott Zeron) through an opening quarter of :27.1 and half of :56.1, Dunn opted to pop out of the pocket at the five-eighths, made steady progress on the leader while still less than a length behind at three-quarters, which went in 1:25.2, and roared to the point at the head of the stretch before going on to a convincing 2-1/2-length win in a snappy lifetime-best of 1:51.4. Perfect Thought held second with Beautiful Memory (Andy McCarthy) third.

She was on the front last week and was good off the helmet tonight, said Dunn. She came off [her cover] and sprinted home. For sure, at this stage, there are a lot of positive signs [that point to her having a big year].

Be Perfect BG, who has gone off as the favourite in each of her career outings, returned $2.60 to her backers after going off at odds of 1-5.

The lone colt and gelding pace division was won by John Cancelliere's homebred Sonofanutcracker (Nutcracker Sweet-Rob Them Blind) in a 1:52.3 maiden-breaking mile with Andy McCarthy driving the 6-1 shot and Tom Cancelliere handling the training duties.

Dunn picked up another stakes win with trotting colt Apex (Walner-Mission Brief) in 1:54.3 after the 1-5 favoured Marcus Melander trainee missed by just a nose in his career debut in the opening leg.

McCarthy also doubled up in the evening's Sire Stakes with the Noel Daley-trained trotting filly Emmas Mystery CCL (Muscle Hill-Mistery Woman) winning at first asking in 1:55.2 as the 3-1 third choice.

The other colt and gelding trot was won by the debuting Kingmen (Walner-Pats Inspiration) in a 19-1 upset, defeating the popular first-leg winner Maga Hill by a head in 1:56 for trainer/driver Trond Smedshammer.

First-time winners took the two other filly trots, with Days Away (Muscle Hill-Danae) and driver Jason Bartlett scoring over popular opening-round winner Sugar Packet by half a length in 1:54.4 at 10-1 odds for trainer Per Engblom and Royal Patti (Walner-Serenity Joy) successful in 1:56 as the 7-5 favourite improving off a runner-up finish in her debut in round one for trainer/driver Jeff Gregory.

Karen Fossli was on target once again in the 2025 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest, taking first place for a second time this year, again walking away with the top nightly prize of $500 USD. A 20-cent Pick-5 hit of $477 set Fossli up well, as she finished the night with a bankroll of $722.26, so not only did Fossli take home the top cash prize, but also  as per contest rules  took home her profits of $622.26 as well.

Finishing second with a bankroll of $604.50 was Nick Montemurro, who took down the $250 USD second prize. For Montemurro, it was his third top-two finish this year, so he will have three entries (at least) for the end-of-the-year, invitation-only contest on Dec. 13, which offers prize money totalling $10,000 USD. Fossli and Gary Scogna will have two entries (as of now) apiece in the big-money test, which will be limited to 22 entries.

The next edition of the contest takes place on Aug. 30.

All-source handle on the 14-race card totalled $2,687,812 USD.

Racing resumes on Saturday at 6:20 p.m.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)
Brett Beckwith has been one of the hottest young drivers in North America for the last three years and is coming off a career season in 2024 with 608 races won and $8,594,768 in purse money. Those accomplishments earned him the Dan Patch National Rising Star Award from the United States Harness Writers Association.

This year, he is on pace to surpass all those numbers and currently sits fourth in wins among all drivers in North America with 364. But the one win he would like to have above all the rest would be in the race named for his grandfather. That is the $75,000 USD Bert Beckwith Memorial Invitational Pace that will be held at Plainridge Park on Sunday, July 20 as part of the Spirit of Massachusetts day of racing.

Beckwith drives regularly at Plainridge and gets somewhat emotional when talks about the race that bears his family name.

I think its a great thing to have this race at Plainridge named for my grandfather because he was a prominent horseman in Massachusetts and all of New England. And to get the opportunity to race in it is exciting for me. I drove in it twice before but so far havent won it, said Beckwith.

If I were able to win the race it would certainly be a huge thrill for me. My whole family comes up and I think its probably one of a few races I could win and get pretty emotional about.

Beckwith sat behind Vel Mr Nice Guy in 2022 and finished seventh, and then drove Fourever Boy last year and finished fourth in a race that set a track record. Fourever Boy was race timed in 1:49.3, finishing closely behind Big Skewy N who won in 1:49.1.

Beckwith will drive Fourever Boy again this year. The horse is trained by his mother, Melissa Beckwith, and has done very well at Plainridge since coming here last year. He is the lone millionaire in the race ($1,226,628) and the only horse to win a sub-49 mile (1:48.2) in his career.

Fourever Boy has been really good this year, especially after we changed up his routine a little bit. He usually jogs alone, about 25 minutes a day, but recently hes been swimming every day. He seems to like that a lot and hes been racing better since weve started that. His legs look good and hell be all systems go on Sunday. Hes been super this week leading up to this race, Beckwith explained.

I also think hes one of a few horses in that race that is very versatile. If I need to leave with him I can leave and if I need to race off the pace, he can do that too. And I feel this is going to be a mixed up and action-packed race. We have Lifes A Puzzle right outside of me, and hes very speed oriented and Heiniken Bythebay on the inside of me, and he can leave out of there too. Im actually very happy with where I drew because its a good spot to either leave or sit, so all my options are open.

Fourever Boy is having another solid year with four wins already, one of them in 1:49.3 right at Plainridge.

If Beckwith were able to get Fourever Boy home first, it would be the second time Melissa Beckwith won the race as a trainer after her 2022 victory with Patrikthepiranha A in 1:51.2.

Besides the Beckwith, Brett also has a full card of action including the top two events of the afternoon. Hes driving Jeff Culiphers Talk Curdy To Me in the $100,000 USD Clara Barton Distaff Pace and Ari Ferrari J in the main event, $250,000 USD Spirit of Massachusetts Trot, for Tony Alagna and has been driving regularly in the Open at the Meadowlands.

Talk Curdy To Me is a sweetheart. I drove her once here and she [won] in 1:50.3. Theres not much to her, shes pretty simple. Shes very nice to drive but shes obviously in super tough because that group will have their hands full trying to beat Twin B Joe Fresh, said Beckwith.

And Ari Ferrari J is a super horse and I really think hell love this track because hes a speed horse thats built real strong. Hes got a great big stride to him, he likes to go fast and he can take some air. So I think hell be able to mix it up a little bit in there.

The Bert Beckwith Memorial Invitational originated at Foxboro Park in in 1994 to honour the legendary New England horseman and in the second year of its running, produced the fasted pacing mile in the 50-year history of the track when Riyadh and Jim Morrill Jr. simply destroyed the field in a 1:51.3 clocking. When Foxboro closed in 1997, Plainridge Racecourse revived the race and held it for several more years. When Plainridge Park started the new era of harness racing in Massachusetts, they were proud to bring it back in 2021 and have made it a centrepiece of Spirit Sunday ever since.

The Bert Beckwith Memorial Invitational is carded as race eight with an estimated post time of 4:20 p.m. Post time for the first race is 2 p.m.

(with files from Plainridge Park)
The Platte Valley Dirt Riders Arena Cross will come roaring back to this years Scotts Bluff County Fair on Thursday, July 31. This is the events third annual appearance at the fair. Organizer Scott Hayward says that the competition regularly draws in skilled racers of every age, both local and far-flung.

We will have individuals out there as young as 4 years old racing. Weve had people at some of our races that were 70 years old, Hayward said. Ive got confirmations from people coming down from South Dakota, Wyoming, as far south as Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Ive got somebody that actually called me just the other day from over in Iowa thats coming.

The event features 20 divisions worth of high-speed races on a dirt track, an action-packed event that has been thrilling audiences from the moment it began.

The actual Arena Cross started three years ago, with me and three other individuals, Hayward said. We got together, and the Fair Board came and asked us if we would be interested in putting on a race, and we said wed give it a shot. Its just kind of taken off from there.

The county fairs Arena Cross is known for its extreme variety of competition divisions, providing a wide range of opportunities for riders to show off their skills.

We have divisions for every bike size, including four-wheelers, from 50 CCs all the way up to the 450 CC bikes, Hayward said. We have classes for people over 30, faster people, slower people. Its made for everybody. We want everybody to participate. We want everybody in the stands to have fun.

As the event grows, its only fitting that new divisions are added to accommodate the events growing competitor base.

This year, Im trying a new class thats never been at the Arena Cross or to any of the races on our local circuit, Hayward said. Its called the Warrior Class, and its for active duty and veteran military only. Im pretty excited about that class.

As always, Hayward said, competitors are allowed to register for as many divisions as they qualify for.

They can participate in as many classes as they want to, Hayward said. For instance, if an individual shows up on a 250 CC or a bigger motorcycle, they can participate in two, three, four or five classes.

With this competition format, Hayward said, its possible for one competitor to win multiple prizes, given to the top rider of each division.

We have custom-made belt buckles for every class, Hayward said. With a little help from the Scotts Bluff County Fair and all our local sponsors and such, we were able to afford the belt buckles for all 20 divisions this year.

Hayward said organizing an event that caters to so many different people is a labor of love each year, requiring quick work navigating around other fair events.

It takes a lot of manpower and a lot of hours, Hayward said. We cant even start building this track until Wednesday night after the truck and tractor pulls are done, and then we have to have it completely flattened out before Friday morning, so they can get their stage set up for the concert.

Despite the haste Hayward and other organizers have to employ in the tracks construction, he said that safety in the high-speed sport is always his top priority. Those involved are time-tested professionals.

I have a wonderful crew that Ive been working with for a number of years, not just with the Arena Cross for the past three years, but even long before that, working on the track outside of Mitchell, Hayward said. We pride ourselves on building a very fun, very safe track for all age ranges and all skill levels.

Hayward said that he and the other organizers are only involved for the love of the sport, and use the proceeds from the event to give back to the community it serves.

Were not doing it for the money or anything, we just do it for the pure enjoyment, Hayward said. We like giving all the money back to the community in one way or another. Last year, we took all the profits and we went to the 4-H auction and spent it all. We donate all the money back in one way or another.

This year, Hayward said, profits from the race will go toward Scottsbluff Girls Softball and this years 4-H auction.

We keep doing it for the community and the pure enjoyment of it, Hayward said. Its kind of an adrenaline rush watching, and just seeing the smiles on their faces makes it even more worth it.
July 19, 2025: Although China claims it has halted exports of drones and drone components to both Russia and Ukraine, Russia continues getting supplies from China. When confronted about this, China insisted it was only sending Russia non-military items. This ignored the fact that the Chinese were supplying Russia with nearly all the components needed to assemble drones in Russia.

China goes through the motions of honoring Western economic sanctions on Russia, and blames any drone components getting through Russia as the work of Chinese smugglers. These smugglers boast of their access to Chinese drone components and Communist government corruption. China simply denies all this and continues sending Russia drone components.

China believes the world cannot do without Chinese exports. China is the largest exporter in the world, but many foreign manufacturers operating in China are moving out. As large as the Chinese economy is, it is vulnerable and the Chinese know it.

China has been declared the new technology threat to the United States and the West. American politicians claim that Chinese science is far ahead and the U.S. has to spend a lot more money to catch up. This plea ignores the problems China is having with its research and development as well as the education of scientific and technical personnel. These claims fall apart when you get into the details.

It has also been noted that China openly boasts in unclassified military publications that the most effective way to overcome the American military advantage is by obtaining, stealing if need be, American technology, mastering it and improving on it. This effort is multi-pronged and advancing in over a dozen areas. Here are some of the most important ones.

Operations Research, also known as OR, is the analytical application of mathematical solutions for many problems. OR first appeared in the 1930s and became crucial during World War II. OR is used for developing more effective ways to use new technology. This became particularly useful in anti-submarine warfare but eventually led to improvements in just about all aspects of naval warfare. This increased the capabilities of the US navy, playing a major role in making the USN the most powerful navy in history. OR continues to perform largely unheralded miracles by identifying elusive solutions and detecting well concealed flaws. China is trying to catch up but has a long way to go. The U.S. Navy and various intelligence agencies monitor Chinese progress and find that there isnt much.

Then there is naval technology like the gyroscopic compass. The earliest versions of this were developed by ancient Chinese navigators. The problem was that until the 20th century Chinese ships rarely left coastal waters. The gyroscopic compass was an early 20th century invention that had a far reaching impact on naval warfare. Initially it made navigation more efficient for all ships. But the gyroscope technology led to vast improvements in fire control and, eventually, inertial navigation systems. This made possible all manner of anti-ship missiles. So, if you're wondering why all the guns went away, this is the main reason why. Even the development of satellite navigation didnt completely replace gyroscopic navigation. Gyroscopic systems cant be jammed and still serve as a less accurate backup system for GPS guided weapons. Four decades ago, Chinese firms began to manufacture gyroscopic compass equipment for recreational and commercial shipping. China sought to offer the cheapest gyroscopic compass and grab as much of the market as they could.

Gas turbines are a western technology seen most commonly in military and commercial aircraft. A decade or so after jet aircraft began to replace piston powered warplanes on aircraft, the first hydrofoil ships began to use gas turbine power plants. By the late 1960s, the huge TF39 jet engine developed for the C-5 aircraft was being reworked as a LM2500 maritime power plant. Over three decades later this gas turbine ship engine is common not only in merchant ships but warships as well. The LM2500 is efficient, reliable, and capable of providing quick bursts of speed not possible with older steam or diesel power plants. Just as the revolutionary small tube steam plants went unnoticed early in the 20th century, the LM2500 also dramatically changed what a warship could expect from its power plant. Only in the last few years have the Chinese been able to build reliable gas turbine marine engines. Before that their main source of these engines was Ukraine. This was because during the Soviet period the Ukraine region was where most gas turbines were built. When Russia turned hostile in 2014, Ukraine cut off its supply of gas turbines. Russia had to design and build its own, which took about a decade to accomplish. Russia built gas turbine engines for warplanes and their commercial aircraft, but not to world standards. China is making more progress than Russia and will soon surpass Russian gas turbine tech. China still has a way to go if they want to match or surpass Western gas turbines, but at least they are making progress. Russia is not. Ukraine still manufactures this equipment in the form of helicopter and ship engines.

Battery technology made major strides in the latter third of the 20th century. This heavily influenced the design of naval weapons and equipment. Weapons like missiles, in particular, became smaller, more reliable, and deadlier because of smaller, more powerful, and longer lasting batteries. Try and run today's fleet with 1960s era battery technology and you'll find that you can't. A major aspect of this was the use of lithium based batteries and the search continues for even more efficient and safer battery materials. This is one area where China excelled as the major designer and manufacturer of lithium batteries. Currently, most of these batteries are produced in China, which has large local lithium deposits.

Servron, or Service Squadron, supply techniques were developed out of necessity during World War II because of a lack of sufficient forward bases in the vast Pacific. These service squadrons became a permanent fixture in the U.S. Navy. Ships now normally stay at sea for up to six months at a time, being resupplied at sea by a Servron. New technologies were developed to support the effective use of the seagoing supply service. Few other navies have been able to match this capability, mainly because of the expense of the Servron ships and the training required to do at sea replenishment. What made Western naval experts pay attention to the Chinese Navy expansion was the appearance of Servron type ships in the later 1990s. That trend has accelerated because China wants to eventually challenge the U.S. Navy throughout the Pacific and needs efficient Servrons to do it.

Merchant ship automation is another Chinese goal. Throughout the 20th century merchant ships have become less labor intensive. This has been due largely to market pressures. Warships have been resistant to this trend, largely because of tradition, the availability of many sailors, and damage control concerns. Lower manning will become more of a factor in the 21st century but the trend is a 20th century one. China was slow to adopt this technology because until the 1980s they did not have much of a merchant shipping fleet. Now China is the major manufacturer of merchant shipping and is seeking to become dominant in ship automation as well.

Oceanography is the study of how oceans operate and how that knowledge can help or hinder navies and commercial shipping. Navies have always taken the lead in charting the details of coastal areas, where ships operate most frequently and are in most danger from uncharted objects. But the 20th century saw an enormous growth in the study of the high seas and what lay beneath. Much of this was in support of submarine operations and anti-submarine warfare. Greater understanding of the oceans has made naval operations more effective in many ways that often go unnoticed but never unappreciated. By the end of the 20th century cheap, robotic, survey devices appeared, revolutionizing oceanography by providing more data and in a timelier manner. China is a late comer to oceanography and is trying to catch up by training more oceanography specialists and custom equipped ships for them to operate from.

Worldwide weather forecasting was never a Chinese objective until their commercial and naval ships began to operate around the globe. For millennia unpredictable weather was the greatest danger to fleets at sea. Dramatic improvements in weather forecasting, especially weather satellites, have greatly reduced the risk of weather-related damage for fleets and made operations more effective. China has put several generations of weather satellites into orbit and invested heavily in weather forecasting technology and automation.

Personnel screening is something China has been interested in since the 1980s. The Chinese approach is more 1984 and Big Brother than just trying to be helpful. These practices did not help the Chinese navy to more effectively recruit sailors and officers. As warships have become more complex, so have the number and complexity of the jobs sailors have to do. The ancient practice of signing any warm body and later deciding who was trainable for complex tasks crumpled under the pressure to get the right sailor for the right job before you sent people aboard a ship full of complex and expensive gear. As navies became more of a high tech enterprise, personnel selection routines borrowed heavily from those developed in the commercial sector to solve similar problems. Without this shift in personnel policies, the modern U.S. Navy would not be possible.

Unmanned vehicles, otherwise known as drones, are a work in progress for the Chinese. Unlike aircraft, which were a new vehicle, aerial, naval and underwater drones are radically new technologies. There are already examples of all three in service. There will be more and they will change everything by incorporating more powerful artificial intelligence or AI and new weapons. That said, drones were first developed in the 19th century as the torpedo and the 20th century as guided missiles. But these two weapons were not flexible enough to change as many aspects of naval warfare as unmanned vehicles will be doing. While China is the major manufacturer of quad-copter drones, they have not made a lot of progress in military applications. For this they are carefully observing what the Ukrainians are doing with drones. So are the Russians.

Super sensors like sonar which used sound detection to detect objects underwater appeared during World War I, while radar, using radio signals to detect objects in the air, was developed during the 1930s and widely used during World War II. More powerful computers and transmitting technology have since produced several generations of cheaper, more reliable, and more powerful sensors. This is continuing and the power of new sensors will make it much more difficult to hide. Stealth is still important for spoiling the aim of long-range guided weapons, but super sensors make it much more difficult to achieve surprise by coming out of nowhere. China builds a lot of the sonars used by recreational and commercial fishermen but is still catching up in military sonar and radar technology.

Artificial Intelligence or AI is a 20th century development that is expected to become pervasive in the 21st. Current examples include AI assistants built into a lot of software. For aircraft designers a long-sought goal was to be an AI assistant for pilots. Thus the computer's memory contains the experiences of numerous more experienced pilots as well as instant information on the rapidly changing situation. You can ask your electronic assistant what the options are and which one has the best chance of success. The pilot can then make decisions more quickly and accurately. When enemy aircraft are sighted the electronic assistant can suggest which of the many maneuvers available are likely to work. If the aircraft is damaged, the electronic co-pilot can rapidly report what the new options are. One becomes quite fond of computers once they have saved your bacon a few times. Many of these capabilities are being installed piecemeal, as part of electronic countermeasures or radar systems. And bit by bit, these thinking systems are being merged, producing an electronic co-pilot. Systems that completely replace pilots are in development as well. This is not radical but part of a trend. By the early 21st century many commercial and military aircraft were more effective because they used so much AI. The same applies to ground vehicles. China is making some surprising progress in laboratory demonstrations but has yet to put a lot of useful AI tech on the market.

All-electric ships have been a goal for warship builders. Commercial ship builders are more concerned with less expensive and more efficient power plants. Coal-powered ships appeared in the 19th century and oil-powered ones came early in the 20th, along with nuclear power for a few experimental vessels. The big revolution now is maximizing the amount of electrical power a ship can generate. That means an all-electric ship where the engines produce just electricity and all ship equipment is electric powered. Such a ship makes possible more powerful sensors and electrically powered weapons like lasers and electromagnetic rail guns. An all-electric ship also means more efficient use of power and lower fuel costs. There's no mystery in this technology, as commercial ships began using it in the 1980s. But for warships this will be a 21st century innovation. China is already developing commercial applications for their merchant ships and, like other navies, is trying to install this tech in warships.

Stealth is what sensor technology tries to nullify. No matter how much better sensor technology becomes, there is always an advantage to having ships that are a bit harder to detect. In the last few decades stealth technology has developed faster than sensor capabilities. The big limitation with stealth capabilities is that they tend to get very expensive. But if you can afford it, you get an edge in combat. China is not on the leading edge in this area but is waiting for someone to make a breakthrough worth copying.

Composites are what happened when materials science went on a roll in the late 20th century, and more new, non-metallic materials able to replace steel and other metals are in the works. Composites began showing up in warships in the last few decades but as the use of these materials spreads to all parts of a vessel it will increase protection, fuel efficiency, and stealth.

Networking is already underway but is becoming faster, more reliable, and increasingly includes more distant ships and shore stations. This kind of communications can give the side with faster and more completely networked forces a major edge. China seeks to become the leader in this category.

Space-based services became crucial in the late 20th century as navies began using space satellites for weather forecasting, communications, and reconnaissance. It was good, and the sailors wanted more, a lot more. To get it your space satellites will have to play defense against efforts to shoot them down. The U.S. Navy is seeking to equip its ballistic missile subs with warheads containing mini-sats to replace those shot down. American warships already have missile systems that can knock down low orbit recon satellites. China is competitive in the satellite destruction department.

Nanotech is all about ultra-tiny carbon structures that are revolutionizing everything from batteries to computers and just about every aspect of warship construction and operation. Nanotech might still turn out to be perpetually just around the corner, but so far it is a strong contender as the source of big changes. China is trying to take the lead and keep it.

Laser weapons seem ideal for warships, especially those with all-electric drive. While showing much promise, laser weapons may also perpetually be just around the corner. That's where they've been for several decades now. China is stuck in just around-the-corner land like everyone else.

Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles or ASM is a concept that existed in theory since the late 20th century. Since 2005 China has had an anti-ship ballistic missile, the DF-21D, in development. As far as anyone knows the complete system was only recently tested with interesting results. Everyone agreed it would happen once the components were available and integrated with many other technologies into a workable weapon. That means something that could attack American aircraft carriers. It's an expensive way to hit a carrier, since each of these missiles costs over $20 million. But if you have to get it done that's a reasonable price. In the future the price will come down a bit and anti-missile systems available to warships will be better at dealing with them. Guided warheads could also be launched from space satellites. You can see where this is going and there will be a lot more of it this century because so far the Chinese have been making detectable progress.
An EV charging station at the parking garage in downtown Marion would likely encourage some drivers along Interstate 81 and U.S. 11 to stop in the community and spend time and money.

Thats just one way Marion is considering bolstering clean energy. To advance the assessment that is now underway, officials hope residents will take time to complete a 14-question, five-minute online survey  one of those questions is adding your email address if desired.

For folks who prefer face-to-face communication and paper, Tarah Kesterson, Virginia Clean Cities Clean Communities and Economic Development Director for Southwest Virginia, will have a booth at this weekends Hungry Mother Festival to talk with area residents about clean energy, especially transportation.

Kesterson previously worked for Virginias Department of Energy, but on Feb. 1 joined Virginia Clean Cities as the organization expanded its service area to include Southwest Virginia. Little work was taking place in the region, she said, but VCC wanted someone dedicated to it to change that fact.

VCC, which was launched under President George H.W. Bush, works in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and James Madison University to advance air quality improvement, economic opportunity and energy security through the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, education programs, and other petroleum reduction activities.

Because of transportations significant impact on air quality, Kesterson said it is a key focus of VCCs work.

Kesterson is learning a great deal. I didnt know you could fuel a truck off of propane  or dairy manure, she said.

Now shes sharing opportunities for alternative fuels with others. Kesterson noted that vehicles that are designated for flex fuel can use E85, which is a blend of about 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol.

Businesses and organizations that manage fleets of vehicles may be interested in biodiesel or natural gas, Kesterson said. While the upfront costs are higher, she said the fuels run cleaner and benefit everyone.

For those who drive electric vehicles, Kesterson said, charging stations are few and far between in Southwest Virginia.

In Smyth County, one charging station exists in Saltville and several are at Atkins Comfort Inn.

The charging station that Marion may be in line for is a Level 2, which takes four to six hours to provide a full charge. For those units, Kesterson said VCC likes to put them in places where people can get out to shop, eat a meal and perhaps spend the night. The parking garage is behind the Lincoln Theatre and General Francis Marion Hotel.

The need and demand for charging stations is growing. Kesterson noted that recent figures show 40% growth in EV purchases.

She also pointed to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study that found that installing a charging station boosted annual spending at nearby establishments by an average of 1.4 percent in 2019 and 0.8 percent from January 2021 to June 2023. While that might sound like a small amount per business, it amounts to thousands of dollars in overall consumer spending increases. Specifically, those percentages translate to almost $23,000 in cumulative spending increases in 2019 and about $3,400 per year from 2021 through June 2023.

Following the online survey, which can be found on the towns website  https://www.marionva.org/home/news/marion-clean-transportation-needs-feedback-form, Kesterson said that listening sessions will be scheduled.

Marion, she said, is one of the first area communities seriously looking at a charging station through the Rural Reimagined program that is designed to build an EV system specifically for Appalachia.

On Thursday, VCC celebrated the opening of Nortons first charging stations, which are at a local hotel but are open to the public.

The opportunities provided through Rural Reimagined, innovative collaboration and forward thinking leadership are contributing to growing the electric vehicle charging infrastructure network here in Southwest Virginia, said Kesterson in an announcement about the opening. We are seeing more communities and businesses see the benefits of adding EV charging as the number of people purchasing these vehicles continues to climb.

She also noted that Appalachian Power provides incentives for its customers who buy an EV, including a $100 rebate for people who buy an Energy Star Level 2 charger for their home and a lower rate for those charging their EVs at home during off-peak hours, which are 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the weekdays and all day on the weekends.

According to the utility, On average it costs about half as much to travel the same distance in an Electric Vehicle compared to a similar vehicle that runs on gasoline.

Marions overall assessment is expected to take about a year. Kesterson said shes also talked with Smyth County officials.

She directed people to vacleancities.org to learn more about the organizations work.
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

Microsoft said Friday it is making sure that personnel based in China are not providing technical support for US Defense Department systems, after investigative news site ProPublica revealed the practice earlier this week.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed that work on Defense Department cloud services had been outsourced to people in China, insisting that the country will not have "any involvement whatsoever" with the department's systems going forward.

"Microsoft has made changes to our support for US Government customers to assure that no China-based engineering teams are providing technical assistance for DoD Government cloud and related services," the company's chief communications officer, Frank Shaw, said in a post on X.

ProPublica reported Tuesday that the tech giant was using engineers based in ChinaWashington's primary military rivalto maintain Pentagon computer systems, with only limited supervision by US personnel who often lacked the necessary expertise to do the job effectively.

US Senator Tom Cotton asked Hegseth to look into the matter in a letter dated Thursday, and the Pentagon chief responded that he would do so.

Hegseth then posted a video on X Friday evening in which he said "it turns out that some tech companies have been using cheap Chinese labor to assist with DoD cloud services. This is obviously unacceptable, especially in today's digital threat environment."

"At my direction, the department will... initiateas fast as we cana two-week review, or faster, to make sure that what we uncovered isn't happening anywhere else across the DoD," he said.

"We will continue to monitor and counter all threats to our military infrastructure and online networks," he added, thanking "all those Americans out there in the media and elsewhere who raised this issue to our attention so we could address it."

 2025 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Jeda Hutchison from Pexels

Singapore announced it was battling a "serious" cyberattack against its critical infrastructure, attributing the hack to an espionage group that experts have linked to China.

The attack, a kind of advanced persistent threat (APT), poses a serious danger to the city-state, Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam said in a speech late Friday.

An APT refers to a cyberattack where an intruder establishes and maintains unauthorized access to a target, remaining undetected for a sustained period of time.

"I can say that it is serious and it is ongoing. And it has been identified to be UNC3886," he said.

Shanmugam, who is also home affairs minister, did not elaborate on the group's sponsors or the origin of the attack.

But Google-owned cybersecurity firm Mandiant described UNC3886 as a "highly adept China-nexus cyber espionage group."

APT actors typically steal sensitive information and disrupt essential services, such as health care, telecoms, water, transport and power, Minister Shanmugam said.

"If it succeeds, it can conduct espionage and it can cause major disruption to Singapore and Singaporeans," he added.

A successful breach of Singapore's power system, for example, could wreak havoc with the electricity supply, with knock-on effects on essential services, such as health care and transport.

"There are also economic implications. Our banks, airports and industries would not be able to operate. Our economy can be substantially affected," he said.

Between 2021 and 2024, suspected APTs against Singapore increased more than fourfold.

A cyber breach on a public health care cluster in 2018 accessed the medication records of about 160,000 patients, including then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

On Saturday, China's embassy in Singapore expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with media reports linking UNC3886 to China.

In a statement, the embassy said it "firmly opposes any unwarranted smearing of China" and that "in fact, China is one of the main victims of cyberattacks."

The statement added, "China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with the law. China does not encourage, support, or condone hacking activities."

The attack on Singapore's critical infrastructure "highlights the extraordinary challenges posed by APT actors," said Satnam Narang, senior staff research engineer at US-based cybersecurity firm Tenable.

"Combating such stealthy opponents is becoming increasingly demanding as the scale and complexity of IT infrastructure that organizations and nations must defend continues to grow," he said.

 2025 AFP
The Larry Bollin murder trial moved closer to its conclusion Friday but the 12-person jury will have to wait until Monday to deliberate the sentence after Bollin was convicted Thursday of the 2021 murder of Timothy Smith.

On Friday, both the state and the defense called witnesses before resting their cases in the afternoon.

The state called two witnesses, Sgt. Juan Tovar and Smiths widow, Skyla Smith, to the stand.

Skyla Smith gave emotional testimony, saying how she and Tim met and eventually got married. She told the jury of their efforts to conceive and that both wanted a daughter. Two weeks before the shooting she found out she was pregnant and they learned it was a girl. Skyla said Tim was so excited he told all of his coworkers about it.

Smith also testified that she would make extra tacos and salsa for Tim to take to work to give to Bollin. Emotions were high in the courtroom when Smith described what the pregnancy was like without her husband by her side and what it has been like for her to raise her daughter alone.

The first few days after [April 8] were living hell, Smith said. My first doctors appointment was the day before Tims [funeral] viewing. I wanted to see my baby but Tim never even got to see her. The appointment shattered me. I struggled with depression during the pregnancy, but my daughter kept me going. A little piece of Tim was growing inside of me.

Smith told the jury she had given her daughter the middle name Jackson, which was Tims middle name. Her daughter asks her often about her father and asks to hear stories about him.

I wanted her to have something of him. She has no memory of him and she will say Mommy show me a picture of daddy and tell me a story, Smith said. She asks questions about him. Shes too young to be going through this. A girl needs her daddy. She sees me cry and she asks Are you crying for daddy?

Tovar, who lost an eye when shot by Bollin in Iola during an attempted arrest, testified that he was born in Minnesota and adopted at the age of 9, never knowing his biological father. He didnt go to college and joined the Texas Department of Public Safety where he was stationed in Madisonville. The injuries sustained on April 8, 2021, led to Tovar being transferred to the recruitment and training department, but he still has to maintain his firearm proficiency, driving skills and physical fitness to remain an active duty trooper.

I want to watch out for my son so when we walk I have him stand on my right side but he wants to walk on my left side so he can watch out for me, Tovar said. My son wants to become a state trooper but I want him to become an Air Force pilot and go to college. I tell him he needs to learn as much as he can because I wont always be around.

The defense called Dr. John Fabian to the stand and he spent nearly two hours up there as he was queried by both sides.

Fabian, a neuropsychologist and forensic psychologist, also testified for about 40 minutes without the jury in attendance. Fabian has conducted sessions with Bollin on three different occasions since November 2021 and testified that Bollin was not insane but did have mental problems stemming from his upbringing.

It was my opinion [Bollin] had a delusional disorder or paranoia, Fabian said. His [prison] conversation with his parents was reciprocal. He shared the same beliefs as them and they were delusional beliefs.

Fabian also testified as to how the state has tried to help Bollins mental state over the last few years and that it might benefit Bollin to stay away from his family.

After Fabians testimony, the state called a rebuttal witness in Karlee Anderson of the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments. Anderson testified about what her organization does and that she has not had any personal interaction with Bollin.

Anderson also testified that the psychological offerings in prison and in parole programs are very similar to those in the general community and that they can be tailored to the needs of the individual.

The defense called Bollins mother, Dixie, back to the stand to begin the punishment phase. In an hour of testimony, Dixie Bollin testified on how she and Larrys father met while working for the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville in 1985 and married later that year. She explained why they had later taken Larry out of public school after just two years to homeschool him, saying they didnt like how much testing students had to do in public schools and the curriculum was misguided.

We got tired of de-programming our kids every evening and they were taking too many tests in the schools, Bollin said. In our opinion, they rewrote history and in the later grades even teach the wrong history. We saw how things were changing from when my husband Dwight and I had gone to school.

Judge Kyle Hawthorne had to step in two or three times during Dixie Bollins testimony to keep things on track. Bollin testified that she didnt believe it was her son who committed the murder and that she had told Larry he should fire his attorney, Craig Greaves, during the time leading up to the trial and hire his father to be his representative.

I told Larry to fire [Greaves] in April 2023, Dixie Bollin said. Larry wanted his father, Dwight, to be his attorney and it should be Dwight and Larrys choice. You dont need an attorney. You can represent yourself. Its in the Constitution.

Dixie Bollin also said Greaves failed to bring exculpatory evidence that she believed would prove Tim Smith is still alive and that her son couldnt have been the one to shoot Smith or Trooper Tovar.

The case will reconvene at 9 a.m. Monday with jury instructions and deliberations.
Nairobi  President William Ruto has invited His Highness the Aga Khan to Kenya for the signing of an agreement recognizing the Ismaili Imamat and to receive the country's highest civilian honour -- the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.).

The President made the announcement after meeting the Aga Khan's envoy, H.E. Sultan Ali Allana, at State House, Nairobi.

Ruto praised the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for its contributions to Kenya's health and education sectors.

The upcoming visit is expected to further strengthen the partnership between Kenya and the Ismaili community, which has been instrumental in various socio-economic initiatives across the country.
Call it Mother Nature. Call it an act of God.

When a city receives 7.52 inches of rain within 12 hours, theres very little man can do to stop it  or the flooding that comes with it.

We know that were not going to handle that kind of rain, said Keith Kurz, Grand Islands Public Works director. That, statistically, is very hard to plan for.

But its just what Grand Island got  6.41 inches of rain on June 25 and another 1.11 inches on June 26.

We were probably between a 100- and a 200-year event, Kurz said.

Its a pretty fair statement, said Aaron Mangels, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hastings.

A 100-year event would require a little more than 6 inches of rain within 12 hours.

We were right in that ballpark, Mangels said.

A storm developed along a frontal boundary and stalled there, he said.

It was a really moist air mass, Mangels said. It didnt move.

The results were flooded underpasses, parking lots that looked like lakes and impassable streets.

We were using our streets as mini detention cells, Kurz said. The water had nowhere else to go. Gutters, storm sewers and the citys many actual detention cells were already full.

If it rains an inch an hour, I can handle that, he said. But Junes storm rained 2.4 inches an hour on average.

The northwest part of town was especially hard hit with flooding, but just why isnt easy to answer.

Its always kind of been that way, said Kurz, who has lived in the area most of his life.

Probably several reasons contribute to that, Kurz said, but another local official offered at least one.

Were just so flat here, said Jesse Mintken, assistant manager for the Central Platte Natural Resources District.

Grand Islands propensity for flooding  especially in the northwest area  was why the Central Platte NRD spearheaded the Upper Prairie Silver Moores Flood Risk Reduction Project.

The City of Grand Island, Nebraska Natural Resources Commission and Hall County also participated in the $24.5 million project, called PSM for short. It brought 600 properties out of the 100-year floodplain.

Completed in 2019, the PSM prevented $47 million in damage from a storm in March of that same year, according to the NRD.

The PSM includes 600 acres of detention cells at the former Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant west of Grand Island, as well as a series of dry dams further up the system, Mintken said.

They dont reduce the amount of water, but they retime it, he said of the features included in the PSM.

And they worked on June 25 and 26, Mintken said, as did the Wood River Flood Risk Reduction Project, which runs through the south part of Grand Island.

They are both designed to keep that water from the west from inundating anything in town, he said.

Mintken said Silver Creek runs along Airport Road. Where Airport Road crosses Engleman, theres a hump in the road.

Thats part of the levy that was put in as part of that project, he said, referring to the PSM. It hasnt overtopped that levy.

Mintken pointed out that, on June 25 and 26, it rained 7 inches west of town, too.

That would have been coming through Grand Island, he said. The PSM kept that water from adding to northwest Grand Islands woes.

But it couldnt do anything to stop the 7.52 inches of rain falling directly on northwest Grand Island.

A city like Grand Island directs rainwater through structures such as storm sewers, ditches and detention cells.

All of those things help that water get through town, Kurz said.

Storm sewers are designed for a 5- to 10-year event, he said, not a 100-year one. In newer developments, detention cells are designed to handle a 10-year storm.

This event was a little different in the sheer amount of water, Kurz said.

One way to measure the impact of the June storm is to look at the flow rate at Grand Islands wastewater treatment plant, which is measured in GPD, or gallons per day.

Rainwater shouldnt go into the sanitary sewer, which takes household waste to the treatment plant. But in a heavy rain, it can find its way into the sanitary sewer.

Kurz said it might get into a cleanout pipe with a broken cap in someones front yard, from a misdirected downspout shooting water into a basement window or through the pick holes in manhole covers.

A typical GPD at the wastewater treatment plant is 12 million to 13 million, Kurz said. On the day after the June storm, it was 44 million.

Detention cells, which typically drain within 24 hours, took 48 hours to drain. The Sycamore Street underpass was pumped out by June 26, Kurz said.

Eddy took a little longer, he said. That underpass was still closed when he headed home from work that day.

Streets that were still impassable on June 26 were all open again on June 27, Kurz said.

In theory, we should be able to mitigate some of those problems, he said.

Its just maintenance, Kurz said. Were doing more of that than evers been done.

He said its been a 10-year process of cleaning inlets and culverts, mowing ditches and clearing storm sewers.

We have the ability to vac things out of the pipes or flush things out, he said.

Running street sweepers regularly also helps.

That will prevent stuff from getting in there, Kurz said. Thats another part of the program.

All of those steps help, but a system couldnt be designed that would protect northwest Grand Island from the kind of storm the city experienced in June, Kurz said. The northwest area would be nothing but detention cells.

Youre talking act-of-God quantities of water, Kurz said. I just cant design for some of that stuff.

What were doing is about what you can do.
Southeast Asia IPO performance in Jan-June

By Deloitte analysts Sat, July 19, 2025 | 11:41 am GMT+7

The first half of 2025 saw a measured rebound in Southeast Asias capital markets, underpinned by stabilizing macroeconomic conditions and renewed momentum in larger IPOs, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia, write Deloitte analysts.

Illustration courtesy of InCorp.

The Southeast Asia IPO capital market saw 53 IPOs in the first half of 2025, with over $1.4 billion in IPO proceeds raised and an IPO market capitalization of $7.7 billion.

H1/2024 saw 67 IPOs, just under $1.4 billion in IPO proceeds and IPO market capitalization of $5.8 billion.

The H1/2025 figure represents a 3% increase in IPO amount raised and a rise of 33% in IPO market capitalization, despite a 21% decrease in the number of IPOs across Southeast Asia, compared to H1/2024.

The Southeast Asia IPO capital market remained resilient in H1/2025, registering three blockbuster IPOs in the period - each with an IPO market capitalization exceeding $1 billion - which collectively raised approximately $495 million:

- Eco-Shop Marketing Berhad

- PT Bangun Kosambi Sukses Tbk

- PT Yupi Indo Jelly Gum Tbk

In contrast, H1/2024 saw only one IPO of similar scale, Thai Credit Bank Public Company Limited with IPO market capitalization of $1 billion and raised $208 million.

June 2025 saw a notable increase in sizeable Main Board IPO prospectus lodgements on Southeast Asia bourses, including what is expectedto be the largest Singapore IPO in a decade. This signals positive market sentiments and position the region for a more vibrant second-half performance.

Top performing countries

Malaysia and Indonesia are the top two countries showing strong signs of recovery:

 Malaysia recorded approximately 48% increase in the number of listings, with IPO amount raised increasing by approximately 109%, along with a corresponding uptick in total IPO market capitalization by approximately165%.

 Indonesia rebounded from post-election uncertainty, nearly doubling both IPO proceeds and market capitalization, despite a decline in the number of listings.

Sector analysis

The consumer sector remained the leading industry in the region, accounting for 43% ($613 million) of the total IPO proceeds raised in H1/2025.

Real estate ranked second, raising approximately $284 million, with three out of four listings - two from Indonesia, one from Malaysia, and one from Thailand - featured among the regions Top 10 IPOs.

H2/2025 pipeline

This notable uptick reflects renewed investor confidence and a gradual reopening of capital markets for larger issuers. If sustained, the current momentum could indicate a more robust pipeline in the second half of the year, underpinned by one registration and three lodgements on SGX (one Mainboard REIT, one Mainboard company and two Catalist IPOs) and two lodgements on Bursa Malaysias Main Market.

According to Tay Hwee Ling, an expert on Southeast Asia and Singapore at Deloitte, H1/2025 saw a measured rebound in Southeast Asias capital markets, underpinned by stabilizing macroeconomic conditions and renewed momentum in larger IPOs, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia.

"Despite cautious sentiment, issuer interest is gradually returning - especially in markets that offer regulatory certainty, sufficient investor depth, and regional expansion appeal," she wrote.

"Private equity and venture capital activity remains a key source of capital, but the strategic focus has shifted toward exit readiness. As market conditions improve, IPO pipelines - currently on pause due to valuation concerns and market timing - could reactivate, with firms capitalizing on pent-up demand for liquidity events," Tay Hwee Ling added.

Vietnam

Vietnam recorded no new IPOs in H1/2025. However, market development remained active with four companies moving from the secondary board, UPCoM (unlisted public companies market) to Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE or HSX) and Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), and two unlisted PIEs (portfolio investment entities) listing on these two main boards.

Especially, on May 13, 2025, over 1.79 billion shares of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company were officially listed on the HoSE, with a total par value exceeding VND17.933 trillion, approximate $689 million.

Vietnam officially launched KRX trading system on May 5, 2025, shortens settlement cycle and enhances trading capacity.

Combined with regulatory initiatives, such as increased foreign ownership limits, these efforts improve Vietnams prospects for a market upgrade by FTSE Russell.

A successful reclassification to secondary emerging market could unlock capital inflows of up to $6 billion, boosting market depth and IPO appetite.

Malaysia

The Malaysia IPO capital market continued its impressive momentum from last year, leading the Southeast Asia bourses in all three key metrics of total IPO funds raised, market capitalization and number of IPOs.

Malaysia has seen an increased in IPO activities in H1/2025 as compared to H1/2024, achieving 32 listings (H1/2024: 21 listings) which raised $940 million in total IPO funds (H1/2024 H1: $450 million) with market capitalization of $4 billion in H1/2025 (H1/2024: $1.5 billion).

The industrial products and consumer sector continues to lead the way, with Malaysian household brands Eco-Shop Marketing Berhad and Oriental Kopi Holdings Berhad both debuting with encouraging first day performance of 6.19% and 98.86%, respectively, from their listing price.

We also saw the listing of Cuckoo International(MAL) Berhad, a subsidiary of Cuckoo Holdings Co Ltd which is listed on the Korea Exchange.

Positive changes in Malaysia capital market ecosystem that spurred the 2025 IPO performance:

- Expedited three-month approval period for IPO on both the Main and ACE Market since 1 March 2024.

- Accelerated transfer process from ACE to Main Market effective from 1 January 2024.

- Tax deductions of up to RM1.5 million, effective from the year of assessment 2023 to 2025 for technology-based companies.

- Widening the definition of sophisticated investors for the LEAP Market effective from February 5, 2024

Launch of Bursa Research Incentive Scheme Plus (Bursa RISE+) by Bursa Malaysia

On April 30, 2025, Bursa Malaysia Berhad launches Bursa RISE+ that extends its research coverage to private companies with growth potential, enhancing their visibility and accessibility to wider investorbase. The initiative also supports pre-IPO firms en route to listing on Bursa Malaysia, as well as help investors make informed investment decisions and promote better price recovery

Wong Kar Choon, an expert on Malaysia at Deloitte, commented that despite broader regional challenges, Malaysias IPO market continued its positive momentum in H1/2025.

"We anticipate that the consumer industry with well-established brand names will continue to be the cornerstone of Malaysia economic landscape and are poised to leverage their strong market presence to tap on the IPO capital market opportunities,: he wrote.

"The IPO outlook in Malaysia remains optimistic for the remainder of 2025, with 32 listings recorded as of June 30, 2025, putting Bursa Malaysia on track toward its full year target of 60 listings."

However, the recent U.S. trade tariffs and geopolitical tension have introduced uncertainty. There could be an impact to the IPO market. This situation may lead to cautious investor sentiments as investors may adopt a more cautious approach and favor less risky assets during these uncertain period. Additionally, companies may delay their IPO plans, especially for export-driven companies that is affected by supply chain disruptions and costpressures, according to Wong Kar Choon.

Indonesia

After a year marked by political uncertainty, Indonesias IPO market is showing signs of recovery in H1/2025.

While the number of IPOs on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) declined by 44% - from 25 listings in H1/2024 to just 14 in H1/2025 - the overall market value and capital raised have increased.

IPO market capitalization rose 2.8 times, from $1.2 billion in H1/2024 to $3.5billion in H1/2025. Total funds raised also grew by 1.7 times, from $247 million to $427 million over the same period.

The average deal size tripled, rising from $10 million to $30 million, signaling the return of a few larger and more established - many of which had previously adopted a wait-and-see approach amid the political transitions of 2024.

The consumer sector led in terms of funds raised, driven by the listing of PT Yupi Indo Jelly Gum Tbk. This was followed by the real estate sector, supported by the IPO of PTBangun Kosambi Sukses Tbk, a company affiliated with the Agung Sedayu Group - one of the countrys largest integrated property developers.

The energy and resources sector ranked third, with IPO activity spanning companies involved in oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining support services.

ESG reporting module for listed companies

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has launched its ESG Reporting module through SPE-IDXnet (Form E020), a reporting module for sustainability and annual reporting forlisted companies. Aligned with ASEAN Exchanges Common ESG Metrics and OJK regulations, this initiative aims to enhance ESG transparency, governance, and investor decision-making.

With the launch of ESG reporting module, IDX aims to advance a sustainability-driven capital market in Indonesia, strengthen the integration of ASEAN Exchanges Common ESG Metrics, and enhance ASEANs collective visibility as an assetclass - positioning the region as an attractive investment destination for both regional and global investors.

Ongoing Review of Minimum Listing Requirements by IDXIDX is currently reviewing its stock listing regulations, particularly focusing on refining minimum listing standards - most notably the free float requirement both at IPO andpost-listing. This initiative is designed to enhance market liquidity and make the stocks more appealing to investors.

According to Jasmin Maranan, an expert on Indonesia at at Deloitte, with the 2024 presidential elections in the rear-view mirror, the IPO market in H1/2025 showed renewed optimism with decent-sized deals that pushed average funds raised from $10 million in 2024 to $30 million.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) is targeting five large-scale (defined as those with asset value of circa $15 million) IPOs this year, with three already listed - "YUPI, "CBDK", and "RATU". Consumer Products and Energy continue to be among the more favored sectors.

"Indonesias IPO market outlook for the rest of the year is now highly dependent on greater clarity on government policies, continued infrastructure development, a stable local currency, a favorable low-interest-rate environment, and high-quality issuers (i.e.,companies with strong fundamentals, capital discipline and compelling equity narratives)," she added.

Thailand

The Thai market hit the bottom in the last 25 years. Only five companies across various industries including Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Consumer, and Real Estate were successfully fundraising in Thailand for H1/2025, having collectively raised a total of $30 million on the MAI.

In particular, Pro Inside Public Company Limited, which provides comprehensive information technology system design, development, installation, and maintenance services - referred to as ICT solutions - has reported continuous growth in ROA, ROE, and Net Profit Ratio.

In June 2025, the Stock Exchange of Thailand has initiated the JUMP+ project, which focuses on enhancing the corporate value of listed companies. This is a key mechanism to drive and strengthen the competitiveness of the Thai capital market. Participating companies in the project will receive benefits such as tax exemptions or additionalprofits based on set targets

Wilasinee Krishnamra, an expert on Thailand at Deloitte, wrote that the fundraising situation in H1/2025 in Thailand has declined compared to H1/2024, due to ongoing uncertainties from trade wars, international conflicts, and Thailand political issues.

Some industries still show potential for growth, as evidenced by the profits of listed companies in Thailand for H1/2025, which remain strong. Notable sectors include banking, energy and utilities, and healthcare.

In H2, government economic stimulus policies and the inflow of foreign investment into Thailand are also expected to support the market.

The Philippines

Top Line Business Development Corp, a fuel retail company based in Cebu, successfully listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in March 2025.

The IPO raised approximately $12 million. The listing reflects improving investor sentiment in the downstream energy sector, especially among regional mid-sized enterprises.

The Energy and Resources sector continues to be a resilient pillar for the Philippines capital market. A key development is the anticipated listing of Maynilad Water Services.

Morgan Stanley and UBS are mandated as joint bookrunners for a potential $500 million IPO, with an expected valuation of about $3 billion. If completed, this would be one of the largest domestic IPOs in recent years.

The Philippine Stock Exchange is in the process of launching GPDRs - a new capital market instrument designed to provide Filipino investors with peso-denominated exposure to foreign-listed securities.

This initiative aims to broaden portfolio diversification for both retail and institutional investors by enabling access to offshore assets through the local exchange. While the PSE had targeted a rollout in 2025, the final regulatory approvals and back-endsystem enhancements remain in progress.

Once implemented, GPDRs are expected to deepen market participation and reduce capital flight by offering global investment opportunities without the need to convert into foreign currency.

Singapore

Vin's Holdings Ltd was the sole listing on the Singapore Exchange in the first half of 2025, raising S$6 million. The company operates as an integrated automotive solutions provider, offering services such as vehicle sales, financing, after-sales support, and leasing.

Meanwhile, YLF Group Marketing, a confectionery company, withdrew its IPO application amid unfavourable market conditions.

Despite the subdued listing activity, momentum appears to be building in the second half of the year. Info-Tech Systems Ltd successfully registered its Mainboard prospectus with MAS on June 27, 2025, aiming to raise funds for product development and regional expansion into Hong Kong and India.

Lum Chang Creations Limited, an urban revitalization specialist focused on heritage building restoration, submitted its CatalistOffer Document on June 23, 2025.

On June 27, 2025, NTT DC REIT filed a preliminary prospectus with MAS for its data-centre REIT, which could be one of the largest listings on SGX in recent years. Shortly thereafter, on June 30, 2025, Dezign Format Group, an interior-fit-out and design firm, lodged a Catalist listing.

Looking ahead, investor interest is expected to be supported by a growing pipeline of upcoming REITs, Business Trust IPOs, and potential cross-border listings, including other Southeast Asia companies eyeing a Singapore listing.

Subsequent to the recommendations put forth by the Equities Market Review Group, both the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Singapore Exchange (SGX) issued consultation papers in May 2025, outlining proposed reforms aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of Singapores IPO capital markets.

The proposed reforms for a shift to a more disclosure-based regime adopts apro-enterprise regulatory stance which places stronger emphasis on the timeliness, consistency, and materiality of information disclosed.

This empowers investors to make better informed decisions while requiring issuers to present clear, accurate, and comprehensive disclosures for investors to make informed decisions.

By recalibrating listing criteria and reducing regulatory friction, these reforms could open the door to a wider pool of quality issuers and deepen the vibrancy of Singapores capital markets.

"In Singapore, signs of recovery in the IPO market are emerging, following recent regulatory proposed reforms stemming from the MAS Equities Market Review Groups recommendations," wrote Tay Hwee Ling, an expert on Singapore.

"Notable examples are the newly registered Mainboard IPO by Info-tech Systems Ltd and the Mainboard lodgement by NTT DC REIT seeking to raise approximately $864 million, signalling renewed interest from global issuers and reinforcing Singapores position as a compelling hub for cross-border capital raising," she added.
editorial

The events that unfolded in Lilongwe this week were not just disturbing--they were a national disgrace. Peaceful Malawians, led by the Citizens for Credible Elections, were exercising their constitutional right to assemble. What they received instead were pangas, chaos, and fear. And while machete-wielding thugs roamed freely, the Malawi Police Service and Malawi Defence Force stood by--silent, motionless, complicit.

Let us be blunt: this was not a policing failure. It was a deliberate act of suppression. It was a violent message sent to every citizen who dares to speak, organize, or dissent.

The Malawi Law Society has said what every honest Malawian is thinking: Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching'oma and Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu must be fired--immediately. They have lost public trust. They have failed in their duty. And they have endangered the very democracy we claim to protect.

We applaud the courage of the Malawi Law Society for putting principle above political convenience. Inaction now would not just be cowardice; it would be complicity.

President Lazarus Chakwera campaigned on a promise of servant leadership, justice, and constitutionalism. This is the moment to live that promise. Keeping Yolamu and Ching'oma in office after such a blatant abuse of democratic space is not leadership--it is betrayal.

Some may argue that dismissals are drastic. We say: not acting is dangerous. When the rule of law becomes optional, when the police become spectators in violence, when ministers shrug off accountability--we are no longer in a democracy, we are in decay.

The right to protest is not a privilege granted by government. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. When that right is attacked and the state watches, the highest office in the land must respond--not with caution, not with committees, but with courage.

Malawians are watching. The world is watching. And history will remember what you did--or failed to do--at this defining moment.

Fire them, Mr. President. The soul of this republic demands it.
Bulgarians cooperate to contain the virus, but still believe in COVID plots.

Have you heard that COVID-19 has been designed by Americans to hurt China? Or by China to hurt America? Or how about sinister forces rebooting the world economy and politics? Surely you have heard this story: There is no virus at all, and we are part of a grand experiment.

I bet you have heard all that. Conspiracy theorists never sleep.

In that respect, the Balkans never fail to meet expectations. My long experience with war and peace has taught me that Southeastern Europeans trounce others with the juiciest conspiracies one could imagine. How about bombers airdropping poisonous snakes, small enough to invade through water pipes? Or a machine, installed on a mountain peak to change the weather? Press the button and rain starts falling.

It was easy to predict that a global pandemic would spark a conspiracy renaissance. In the first week of April, Bulgarian polling agencies Trend and BBSS Gallup International decided to measure it. Their findings were similar: Bulgarians tend to subscribe to coronavirus conspiracies.

According to Trend, 53 percent of Bulgarians believe COVID-19 is a biological weapon; 46 percent see it as artificially created for Big Pharma to profit; and 39 percent think a vaccine exists but is hidden in order to maximize the profit.

BBSS Gallup International (a separate entity from Gallup Inc.) compared the Bulgarian polling data with those of 27 other countries. It turns out Bulgarians are among those who think the virus threat is overestimated  72 percent versus an international average of 49 percent. And Bulgaria leads the countries that think somebody is behind the outbreak, followed by Armenia and North Macedonia. On the other pole are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Germany, the UK, and the U.S., where big majorities consider the coronavirus simply a natural process.

What makes the Bulgarian case particularly interesting is that perhaps due to an early lockdown and proper measures, the country has ranked relatively well vis-a-vis the pandemic: 825 confirmed cases and 40 fatalities as of 16 April, while neighboring and similarly populated Serbia had 5,318 and 103 respectively.

The same polls show a high approval of the anti-epidemic measures, close to the European average. Military surgeon Ventsislav Mutafchiysky, head of Bulgarias emergency effort against the coronavirus, leads the personal ratings by a big margin. A vast majority (Mutafchiysky put it, perhaps optimistically, at 99.9 percent) complied with the measures, at least in the first month of the emergency.

Admittedly, the measures have not been too strict: For example, Bulgarians can move about relatively freely in cities, provided they do not stay in groups or enter parks; obligatory wearing of masks was introduced only on 12 April. Serbias measures, though imposed a bit later, are much more stringent: for example, 60 hours of full embargo on movement over the weekend.

Gallup Internationals Bulgarian director, Parvan Simeonov, isnt concerned about the discrepancy between a high conspiracy grade and wide support for the measures: This is the healthy skepticism of the Balkan person. According to Simeonov, society is mobilized, perhaps by the adrenaline of threat. More noteworthy, he says, is that Bulgarians are taming the outbreak so far, which contradicts their traditional pessimism about themselves.

Perhaps he has a point. Bulgarians  like others in the Balkans  have experienced recent crises. They might be better prepared than Westerners, who have almost no living memory of hard times.

As for conspiracy theories, there might be another explanation. Bulgarians could be falling victim to their anti-COVID success. Preventing a larger outbreak, they may think that there is no corona at all, just a mean plot to make them worse off. How else would a Bulgarian achievement be possible?

They do not believe in the virus because do not believe in themselves. When that is the case one can believe anything  even a conspiratorial fairy tale.

Boyko Vassilev is a moderator and producer of the weekly Panorama news talk show on Bulgarian National Television.
Justin Farley sits across the table at Metro Coffee Shop in downtown Casper. The head of Advance Casper, Farley represents one of several groups involved in bringing Radiant Nuclear to Natrona County.

As a third party involved with Radiant Nuclears plans, where does Advance Casper fall in the whole equation.

We didn't choose them, Farley said. They chose us, well, they chose our area to locate and they were looking at 14 other states prior to that. And they're looking at other communities within Wyoming, Gillette and Cheyenne. And then we kind of, you know, we interjected in that conversation to ask them to consider Casper.

Radiant Nuclear declined to disclose which other locations beside Bar Nunn and Gillette were considered.

Farley said Advance Casper toured Casper College and Pathways Innovation Center, as well as Pepper Tank, Mesa Solutions and High Tow manufacturing facilities, noting the tours played a pivotal role in demonstrating that Natrona County had a skilled manufacturing workforce with businesses and an education program to support Radiant's facilities.

Advance Casper, was founded in the 1980s as the Casper Area Economic Development Alliance or CAEDA. After being gifted some property near the backside of Eastridge Mall, CAEDA erected a building on the lot, leasing it to Boise Cascade to establish a call center. More recently, Advance Casper helped create the McMurry Training Center and provided loans to businesses in the Casper area for expansion.

We compete with all those other states to try and lure business or attract business here, Farley said.

Advance Casper describes the group as a public-private organization, but it has a private membership component called Forward Casper. To join the Advance Casper board of directors, Forward Casper members can be elected or become an Investment Level member. To be eligible for a board seat, investment members or their business must donate $10,000 to Advance Casper, according to the Advance Casper website.

Advance Casper applied for a loan through the Business Council on behalf of Radiant. If approved, the loan would add $25 million to be used to expand infrastructure, such as water lines through Bar Nunn out to Radiants facility. According to Radiant, this decision sits with the Economic Development Joint Powers Board, which contracts with Advance Casper.

Farley said he believes that if Radiant chooses to come to Natrona County, it would have a positive impact on the economy.

Anytime you put nuclear in front of any title, there's a significant pay raise or pay increase, I would say, and it's essentially advanced manufacturing, Farley said.

Residents at the Radiant townhall shared their approval for increased manufacturing jobs, but many still harbored concerns about nuclear waste being stored so close to town.

After seeing a presentation the Department of Energy did for the Bar Nunn town council, Farley said he feels confident in the safety of Radiants technology. Radiant is still choosing which type of dry caste storage container to use for waste storage, he added.

I would also just challenge everybody to look at the risk profile of this community, Farley said. We have a refinery, we have thousands of barrels of oil stored in mills at any time, pipelines. We have undisclosed nuclear warheads, not very far from here. So it's like what, what kind of risk are we really talking about?

Some Bar Nunn residents still arent convinced. Radiant's townhall left attendees with many questions, resulting in confusion and frustration about the project.

Rightfully so, you got to have some concern and be curious as to what you're signing up for but you also have to be willing to hear that information and accept it, right? or not, Farley said.

Farley also personally supports the Radiant project. He said he strongly believes that diversifying the energy sector is a great way to use Wyomings abundant natural resources and potentially diversify the state's economy.

Farley also hopes it will limit Wyomings brain drain or the phenomenon of people who grew up in Wyoming leaving the state to pursue jobs elsewhere.

Wyoming also has challenges with bringing in more people, since many jobs that require higher education arent as prevalent in the state as other places.

Farley said he believes the potential jobs created by Radiant could mitigate those problems.

I see it as a generational opportunity, Farley said. I would like to have my son and my sons children have an opportunity to work in that industry."

"And I think its the future.
US-based soca artiste Rae has found a new way to share and receive lovethrough the power of a good fete.

Born Rachell Purcell in the quiet town of Santa Flora, South Trinidad, Rae released her latest single, Love Language, this week. The track puts forward a simple but striking idea: feteing is its own form of love.

Love languages can be anything that someone is truly passionate about or something that puts you in a happy state of being, she explained thoughtfully. For me, feteing is one of my love languages. Before I was an artiste, I was a hardcore feter, and that sense of joy, freedom, and connection to othersits irreplaceable. Along with feteing, my love languages also include food, soca, and Carnival.
CHAIRMAN Emeritus of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society George Laquis has called on stakeholders to focus on the well-being of the nations children, whether through healthier lifestyles, education or security.

Laquis expressed concern for many of the countrys young people, and yesterday said everything must be done to ensure their future.
The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has issued a blistering statement demanding the immediate dismissal of Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching'oma and Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu, following the violent disruption of peaceful demonstrations in Lilongwe by machete-wielding thugs in full view of state security forces.

The legal body is not mincing words. In a strongly-worded statement signed by MLS President Davis Njobvu and Honorary Secretary Francis M'mame, the Society accuses both Ching'oma and Yolamu of gross dereliction of duty and complicity in what it describes as a "calculated suppression" of Malawians' constitutional rights.

"This level of lawlessness, witnessed openly while police and Malawi Defence Force officers stood idle, amounts to a betrayal of public trust," the statement reads. "The Minister has failed to ensure that the police operate within the confines of the Constitution, while the Inspector General has shown incompetence and compromised impartiality."

The calls for accountability come just hours after thugs armed with pangas violently disrupted a protest organized by Citizens for Credible Elections (CCE), a civic group demanding the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Anabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi.

Several protesters were injured in the melee, including CCE lead organizer Sylvester Namiwa, while vehicles were torched in broad daylight.

According to the Law Society, the incident represents more than a failure of policing--it is a deliberate assault on the Constitution.

"The refusal or failure of State security agencies to act in the face of such brutality is not negligence--it is a message. A message that the right to peaceful assembly is no longer guaranteed in today's Malawi," the MLS warns.

The Society is now calling on the police to immediately arrest and prosecute all those involved in what it termed "barbaric acts," and for President Lazarus Chakwera to show decisive leadership by firing the Minister and IG.

"Anything short of that," the statement concludes, "would mean the President is endorsing impunity at the highest level."

This latest development is expected to further inflame tensions ahead of the crucial September 16 General Elections, as civil society and the public grow increasingly alarmed at shrinking democratic space and rising state intolerance.
A HIGH Court lawsuit challenging the termination of contracts for a Laventille-based general contracting company and over 300 other Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) contractors faces a decisive moment next month.

High Court Justice Margaret Mohammed is set to rule on a preliminary application that, if successful, could effectively bring the entire High Court action to an immediate end.
WE have clearly reached the tipping point in this socially decaying society that I have warned about for the last ten years in my Express columns, unheeded by the Rowley administrations.

Our present plight is lucidly reflected in the words of the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar who after having the present state of emergency (SoE) declared by the President, spoke with resolve.
A 44-year-old pedestrian was killed early Friday morning when struck by a vehicle while he tried to cross Fort Lowell Road, Tucson police said.

Eugene Anthony Nieto was crossing the street outside a crosswalk in the 300 block of East Fort Lowell Road around 1 a.m. when he was struck by an eastbound Hyundai Elantra, the Tucson Police Department said in a news release.

The Elantra, driven by a 41-year-old man, struck and killed him. Police said the driver immediately contacted authorities and was not under the influence.

Witness interviews and road evidence indicated Nieto was attempting to cross Fort Lowell approximately 150 feet east of a High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal, which would have given him the right-of-way to cross the street had he used it, police said.

Mid-block crossing by Nieto was identified as the primary factor in the crash, TPD said. The investigation continues.
In a room filled with the Top 30 economic development leaders from metropolitan areas across the nation, a simple question revealed a stark reality about American business growth today.

Over the last year, how many of you have had a company relocate to your area, bringing 1,000 or more jobs with them?

Not a single hand went up.

When the timeframe expanded to two years, only one hand rose from the group  a telling sign that the traditional model of economic development through corporate relocations was fundamentally broken.

The great flip

The culprit behind this seismic shift? A complete reversal of the job market dynamics that had defined American employment for decades.

In the 1980s, when an employer posted a job opening, 12 potential candidates competed for that single position. Today, that ratio has flipped entirely in favor of employees.

Companies now face the daunting challenge of competing for scarce talent in a market where workers hold unprecedented leverage.

This transformation posed a critical question: Why would any company shoulder the enormous expense of relocating when theyd immediately face the near-impossible task of filling hundreds or thousands of positions in an already competitive talent pool?

A leaders epiphany

Joe Snell, former President and CEO of Sun Corridor, Inc. and current President and CEO of the newly formed The Chamber of Southern Arizona, saw the writing on the wall before attending that fateful meeting of economic development leaders.

Rather than accepting defeat, Snell and his team dove deep into research, seeking innovative approaches to address the changing economic development landscape.

Their findings confirmed what many suspected: Current Tucson employers were struggling to find qualified workers, and they were growing frustrated with the parade of business groups constantly seeking their attention and funding.

The solution became clear  Tucson and Southern Arizona needed to create an ecosystem that solved the fundamental people problem. Fix that, and existing employers could grow while attracting new companies drawn to the regions talent pipeline.

Merger changes everything

Snell approached Michael Guymon, then CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber, with a bold proposition: merge their organizations to create a unified force capable of addressing the regions workforce challenges.

In their early discussions, both leaders recognized they possessed complementary strengths that, when combined, could tackle the talent shortage head-on. Sun Corridor, Inc. brought decades of economic development expertise, while the Chamber offered unparalleled advocacy experience with local, city, county, and state legislators  essential for creating business-friendly policies that enhance competitiveness.

Going forward, its all about the people, both leaders emphasized, recognizing that successful economic development in the modern era requires a people-first approach.

Building the blueprint

The combined teams spent three intensive days in off-site sessions, collaboratively developing a strategy built on three foundational economic pillars:

1. Economic development focused on existing regional strengths rather than chasing every opportunity

2. Advocacy at all levels, leveraging the support of over 1,500 member companies

3. Increased focus on programs and resources for small business growth

This approach recognized a fundamental truth: economic ecosystems thrive on the symbiotic relationship between large and small businesses. Large companies provide the economic foundation through jobs, demand for business services, and the personal and family services their employees require. Small businesses fill every gap, providing support services through multi-tiered supplier relationships and delivering the endless array of products and services that individuals and families consume.

5 elements for future success

The Chambers economic blueprint centers on five strategic elements designed to strengthen both current and future talent pools:

1. High-skilled/high-wage jobs that attract and retain top talent

2. Educational excellence to develop skilled workers

3. Urban renaissance focused on revitalizing Downtown Tucson

4. Livable communities with robust infrastructure, healthcare, and safety

5. Collaborative governance & stewardship to ensure coordinated regional development

Mobilizing existing strengths

When The Chamber of Southern Arizona launched in early May, it brought unified leadership to business development and advocacy, while helping coordinate an already impressive infrastructure of independent programs and organizations:

Emerging Leaders provides mentoring and education programs that help companies develop future business and community leaders.

The University of Arizona delivers highly sought-after graduates in 4-year degree programs, across a wide spectrum of industries and bodies of knowledge.

Pima Community College delivers workforce-based education across numerous in-demand industries, preparing students for todays employment needs while anticipating tomorrows workforce demands.

The Joint Technical Education District serves as a gateway to careers and high-paying jobs, offering 62 different programs across diverse industries.

The Rio Nuevo District is a state agency dedicated to promoting downtown Tucson, including the Sunshine Mile on East Broadway.

Startup Tucson provides entrepreneurs with the feedback, ideas, and resources needed to transform fledgling companies into successful businesses.

Targeting strategic industries

The Chamber has identified five key sectors for focused business development efforts:

1. Data Centers  Project Blue, announced earlier this year, represents a $3.6 billion investment that will create over 3,000 construction jobs.

2. Defense Companies & Aerospace  Building on existing regional strengths in these sectors.

3. Logistics  Targeting companies that serve Southern California but prefer to operate outside that market.

4. Bio-Technology  Developing this emerging sector with significant growth potential.

5. Mining  Leveraging the regions natural resources and expertise.

The New Model

The transformation of Southern Arizonas economic development strategy represents more than an organizational merger  its a fundamental reimagining of how regions can compete in the modern economy.

By recognizing that successful business development requires innovative, impactful and bold approaches. Snell, Guymon, and the unified voice of business in The Chamber of Southern Arizona have created a competitive advantage rooted in solving the most pressing challenge facing American businesses today.

In a world where talent is the ultimate differentiator, theyve chosen to lead with people  and early results suggest that this people-first approach may be the key to thriving in the new economic reality.
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with multiple felonies after an investigation into explosive devices discovered in the Rancho Sahuarito subdivision last month, Sahuarita Police said.

Additional arrests are anticipated, police said in a news release.

After a search warrant was executed on the 15-year-old suspects home, he was charged with three counts of felony weapons misconduct, three counts of misconduct with simulated explosives, and one count of felony destruction of a protected plant, Sahuarita Police said.

The devices were found on June 13 and June 20 at multiple locations, and appeared to be explosive or simulated explosive homemade devices. The Pima Regional Bomb Squad responded to each incident.
PHOENIX  State water officials on Friday approved the first-ever legal transfer of water from rural Arizona into one of the states active management areas that have restrictions on growth.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources will allow Buckeye to withdraw up to 5,926 acre-feet of water a year from the Harquahala basin in western Arizona for up to 110 years. That is enough to serve more than 17,000 homes.

In the same order, the agency said Queen Creek can take up to 5,000 acre-feet a year, sufficient to build about 15,000 homes.

All this comes two years after ADWR refused to issue any permits for new subdivisions in some areas of both communities after concluding they lacked the legally required 100-year supply of water. That resulted in a lawsuit by the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, which said the agencys modeling is flawed.

None of what occurred Friday is likely to end the legal disputes over how the state implements its historic 1980 Groundwater Act, which ties development to available water. But it could take off some of the pressure from developers who have argued that the inability to build in the far suburbs of Phoenix has barred them from building on some of the last affordable land which, in turn, has driven up the price of housing in Arizona.

It also is unlikely to provide help to residents of the states other active management areas as they start running into problems maintaining the necessary supply of water for sustained growth.

Thats because the law the agency used to provide the permission to Buckeye and Queen Creek spells out that there are only three places outside active management areas where transfer of water is allowed. Harquahala is the largest of them.

But there are concerns that this approval, touted in a news release Friday from Gov. Katie Hobbs, amounts to just an interim fix to a much larger problem.

Underlying all of this is the need for developers to show a 100-year supply of water to begin construction.

Thats not an issue for municipal and private water companies that can show they have sufficient water, including through contracts to obtain supply from the Colorado River.

They are presumed to have their own assured supply. So anyone the utility agrees to serve who is seeking to build homes within that service territory is presumed to have the amount of water required and can start construction without further approval.

Queen Creek and Buckeye, however, dont have such assurances. State water chief Tom Buschatzke concluded in 2023 that modeling shows the communities cannot guarantee there will be enough groundwater beneath them to support proposed new development for the required 100 years.

But Buschatzke said construction can take place if developers find sources beyond whats under their land. And what occurred Friday paves the way for some of that.

This approval form the Arizona Department of Water Resources unlocks another water supply that Arizona can use to support our communities, economy, and way of life, Hobbs said of the announcement.

Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan acknowledged that what ADWR did is legal and in accordance with decades-old laws setting aside water beneath the Harquahala Valley to be available to others who can buy it up from landowners and pay to have it piped where needed. But the Tucson Democrat said she remains skeptical of this as a real solution.

I dont think it solves anyones problems really on a permanent basis, Sundareshan said. Beyond that, she said the whole concept of denoting one area of the state as a place that other areas can raid for water is philosophically wrong.

The question of effects is also on the Sarah Porters mind. Shes the director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University.

The total amount of water that Buckeye and Queen Creek can withdraw over 110 years is a great deal of water, amounting to more than a million acre-feet, she said. This is an area where less than 2% of the rain that falls results in recharge.

So is the transfer good news?

Its good news for Buckeye and Queen Creek, Porter said. These are two of the communities that are more challenged to have continued development unless they bring in new water supplies.

But Porter, like Sundareshan, said this inter-basin transfer isnt a total answer to ensuring Arizona has enough water to continue to grow  especially with shortages of Colorado River water and the chances that the drought-caused shortages mean the amount the state can withdraw will shrink.

Increasingly theres a recognition that we need to find some other water supplies, Porter said, both for the Phoenix and Tucson areas.

Its going to be incremental, she said. And this is one of those incremental opportunities.

She said some other options already are advancing.

One is the newly approved ag-to-urban legislation that allows developers to acquire water rights from farmers who are retiring their land from agriculture.

Sundareshan said that is preferable to taking water from the Harquahala Valley, mainly because it ensures that one area of the state is not robbing the supply from another area. In fact, the new law not only limits where this new development can occur  within a mile of the retired farmland  but also caps the amount of water that can be withdrawn.

Also likely to be a source is advanced water purification, essentially processing wastewater to the point it can be put back into the drinking water supply. While some communities are beginning to move that direction, there has been some pushback.

And theres something else that will prevent new construction from starting in those affected far edges of the Phoenix area.

Simply getting permission to transfer the water is just the first step. State water officials said the cities will need to show they actually have a method of getting the water delivered, which they said could take years and millions of dollars, before any building permits that rely on that water are issued.

Despite that, officials of both cities said they were pleased by Fridays development.

This has been years in the making and will help diversify the towns water portfolio with a more sustainable source of water that has been set aside for growth in the state, said Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley.

Buckeye Mayor Eric Osborn called it a significant development ... to ensure our current and future residents continue enjoying a great quality of life.

Theres also a benefit to Harquahala Valley landowners who will gain financially as they get out of the farming business.






Re: Remembering Hiroshima

I agree with John Warnock that creating World War II analogies do not fit todays high-risk nuclear situation. Warnocks timeline of his fathers World War II Okinawa ordeals and the decision-making about the Hiroshima bombing move us because those August 1945 events resonate with us. President Trumans administrations actions show not one of their decisions was inevitable. What men decided surrounding Japans surrender on September 2nd, 1945, is important to note in context, but does not and should not determine our future.

Today is fundamentally different, because we are in a nuclear escalation with no exit ramp. As Warnock says, our current nuclear arms race has made it possible that millions will die worldwide and possibly even lead to human extinction. Like Warnocks father, many people suffered in past wars, but the faulty use of peoples personal experiences when there were no nuclear weapons to justify current and future military actions, where there are nuclear weapons, is senseless for our decisions today.

Gloria McMillan

Midtown

Trumps gift to Putin

I see that Trump has issued an ultimatum to Putin that the latter must end the war in Ukraine within 50 days or face serious consequences. Im sure this tough guy approach is playing well with Trumps MAGA base, who lack the critical thinking skills to realize that this is, in fact, a gift to Putin. It allows Putin more than seven weeks to step up offensive operations in Ukraine and take advantage of summer weather conditions, which tend to be conducive to offensive operations. Moreover, Putin is well aware, as we all are, that Trump is notorious for issuing ultimatums and then regularly backing down. Trump continues to project weakness, not strength, in the international arena, and Putin continues to play Trump. Trumps promise to end the war in Ukraine on day one was laughable. Unfortunately for Ukraine and the United States, Trumps manifest incompetence will have disastrous consequences going forward.

James Dolian

SaddleBrooke

A very important clarification

Regarding USAID, I have little doubt that funds misappropriation existed, as I suspect it does in virtually any massive operation. I must also state, however, that I would never want Jeffrey McConnell to define for me what prioritizes American interests, any more than I would trust the egregious liar currently in the presidency to do so. Most importantly, Mr. McConnells letter of July 17 states, No children have died as a result (of USAID cuts). As they say, the day is young. A recent study in The Lancet projects that various crucial USAID cuts could lead to over 4.5 million child deaths by 2030, with an estimated additional 700,000 child deaths per year. The cuts are projected to halt or reverse two decades of progress in health among vulnerable populations, disproportionately falling on children. The studys findings are corroborated by other reports/analyses that show a direct link between funding cuts and increased mortality rates, primarily among children.

S. Ross Emmanuel

Southeast side

A house of cards

Federal legislators  the Representatives and Senators that voters elect to represent their states  are usually elected based upon their claims to stand up for the benefit of their constituents. In the case of the recent so-called Big Beautiful Bill, constituents with low incomes were tossed aside by most Republicans, who would rather cozy up to President Trump than stand up for their own voters.

In Arizona, more than a quarter of our 7.6 million residents are enrolled in the states Medicaid program and will have to work more and pay more for their medical care, unless of course they are physically unable to do so. In which case, many may end up in hospitals that are now facing severe financial shortfalls and potential closure: specifically those in Nogales, Bisbee, Globe, Winslow and Page.

This is a house of cards falling at the feet of Republicans, whose loyalty is to Trump and to rewarding the rich, while ignoring the rest of us.

Melody Sears

North side

Do you see what Trump really is?

To all the people who voted for Trump, is this really what you wanted? Have you figured out that all that bluster about not touching Medicare and about releasing the Epstein files was just that  bluster? He stood there and said, I love the uneducated, and you cheered. He said, I dont care about you. I just want your vote. You cheered. Now he said that you are stupid and foolish, and he doesnt need your support. When are you going to realize that this man, who really should be behind bars, is unfit to be sitting in the Oval Office? Every day that he is in office brings some fresh hell to our country in the form of more lies and bad policy. Isnt it time you start pushing back?

Mary Zimmerman

SaddleBrooke

Secret Project Blue water

This quasi-secret project claims to be net water positive. What kind of political mumbo-jumbo is that? The proposed facility is going to use a lot of water, lots of water, whether clean or reclaimed. It is not going to manufacture water. All the water credits, searching for new sources, etc., is not going to produce any more water. Water is a finite thing. There are no more new sources. The Colorado River is not going to magically save Arizona.

William Long

Foothills

Arizona is running out of water

Arizona will not run out of water in the future  it is happening right now. By 2035, ADWR predicts a shortage of 800,000 acre-feet per year. Sharp declines in Colorado River flows, supplying Pima County via the Central Arizona Project, have the seven basin states disputing how to allocate cuts. New home construction has been stopped in Buckeye and a suburb of Scottsdale. Residents cannot deepen wells fast enough to keep up with falling water tables in areas of Pinal, Mohave, La Paz, Yuma, and Cochise counties.

Under these conditions, reclaimed water becomes as precious as potable water. The three data centers proposed for Pima County would consume about 2,865 acre-feet per year, enough to sustain over 10,000 homes.

If our local elected officials approve these data centers, history will judge them in the same light as former Tucson city council member Sam Hughes, who diverted and mortally wounded the Santa Cruz River in 1888.

Brooks Keenan

Oro Valley

Derangement?

Lets not confuse Loyal Johnson with Samuel Johnson, a legitimate lexicographer. Sir, your bogus definition of Trump Derangement Syndrome is upside down & backward, more OCD than OED. In fact, your own LTEs are most often perfect examples of the malady, replete with outright falsehoods & ludicrous assertions untethered to reality, all in service to a world-class liar, Mr. Trump. Thats TDS.

Gary Susko

Midtown

Immigration reform important to all

It is an important issue (to all of us), but our lawmakers refuse to update our laws to address our concerns, so we let ourselves be ruled by fear. And, because he wont encourage lawful reform, we let Trump rule us all.

Our government, such as it is, refuses to inform us of who, why and where immigrants (and often non-immigrants) are being denied basic human rights by ICE. Our government is encouraging imprisonment of suspects in the most heinous and barbaric conditions.

Regardless of your political leanings, I urge you to not let our glorious country become a Fascist dictatorship because we cant get together and get real immigration reform into law.

I believe that former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinemas proposal would to be a very good starting point for reform.

Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, liberals, religious and non-religious need to work together to make it happen. Think of how proud you would be to be able to tell anyone and everyone that you helped make it happen.

Vincent Allen

Northwest side

Ambassadorship to (fill in the blank)

Reply to McConnells LTE of July 17: Your letter is more a plea for Trump views than for Conservative views. How did you ever survive BT (Before Trump)? Your letters attention to our nations misguided programs involving transgender clinics, reassignment surgeries, & LGBTQ advocacy (to name a few) in countries like India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Serbia, and Nepal must have caused much consternation & countless sleepless nights all these years, yes? These misguided programs stated as part of USAID are much more complex and consequential than described in your letter. Surely you could list some ways these initiatives/programs have benefited both our country and global development.

Likewise, youve likely been suffering greatly since 2003 with the enactment of Bushs PEPFAR initiative, yes? May I suggest 2 things: First, read the July 17 opinion piece We must rediscover American values by Rick Rappaport. If that doesnt do it, consider applying for ambassadorship to one of the countries listed above.

Ernest Saccani

Foothills

Federal funding

As a retired senior, I am in a bit of a quandary. I depend on Social Security and Medicare for my basic needs and have little money for charitable or political donations. As federal funding is destroyed, I want to financially support diversity in our country, public media and education, valuable community non-profits and food security for our most vulnerable. I also want to support politicians that will represent the best interests of their constituents, not give political wins to a cruel and unethical president with no regard for the rule of law. But I cant afford to meaningfully support them all so, how do I prioritize? How can I decide which of these issues is most important when its only together they form the very fabric of what makes us a great nation?

The GOP and MAGA use a slogan Make America Great Again but without federal support for all people of this nation, not just the wealthy, they are just empty words.

Gail Slentz
As global markets remain volatile and unpredictable, Vietnamese enterprises are placing high expectations on trade promotions and export strategies to help them navigate ongoing challenges.

The newly issued directive of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, called Directive 18, on solution to promote trade lays out a strategic framework aimed at invigorating domestic and foreign trade promotion in 2025, signalling a robust governmental commitment to economic recovery and sustainable development.

Directive 18, issued on June 18, 2025, focuses on a transition from broad-based trade promotion to a more focused, in-depth approach. Its objective is to increase the market share of Vietnamese goods in both traditional markets and those with free trade agreements (FTAs).

Domestically, the emphasis is placed on strengthening the internal market as a key pillar of economic resilience.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has also issued a decision to make a detailed action plan to implement Directive 18.

The plan underscores the importance of promoting diverse, high-impact trade initiatives tailored to key international markets like the EU, the US, China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations.

One of the ministrys priorities is to strengthen the implementation of trade promotion programmes for Vietnamese products in both established and emerging markets.

In addition to targeting regions with established FTAs, the plan includes strategic expansion into niche and high-potential markets such as the halal segment -- Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE. Key industries targeted for promotion include high-tech sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automation, machinery, and renewable energy.

These efforts are aimed at positioning Viet Nam not just as a manufacturing hub but also as a key player in advanced technology supply chains.

Meanwhile, the Trade Promotion Agency is tasked with coordinating cross-sectoral efforts and organising national-scale events like Vietnam International Sourcing 2025, a flagship initiative designed to connect Vietnamese firms with international buyers, retailers and distributors.

The MoITs Import-Export Department has been directed to provide enterprises with timely updates on trade policies, consumer trends and technical regulations in FTA markets.

Seminars and training will be organised to help businesses fully exploit tariff incentives and comply with international standard, particularly in terms of traceability, environmental compliance and labour regulations.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has also stressed the need to assess bilateral trade balances with major partners such as the US, the EU and China, and to identify opportunities for expanding exports of high value-added goods.

The MoITs Department of Foreign Market Development will play a crucial role in building a dynamic export market database. It will coordinate with trade offices abroad and international trade bodies to monitor and analyse developments in tariffs, quality standards and sustainability requirements across markets in the EU, North America, Asia and beyond.

Domestically, the ministrys Department of Domestic Market Management and Development will focus on campaigns, such as 'Vietnamese giving priority to Vietnamese goods', integrating them with broader promotional schemes to boost domestic consumption.

Local trade fairs and promotional events will bring Vietnamese products to remote, rural, and economically disadvantaged areas. The strategy aims at enhancing the visibility and accessibility of local brands across the country.

Digital commerce is another critical pillar of the action plan. The Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy will spearhead collaborations with major e-commerce platforms to boost Vietnamese products online.

Through cross-border e-commerce and regional integration, these programmes aim to accelerate the digital transformation of Vietnamese enterprises and improve their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Enterprise opinions

Business leaders have largely welcomed Directive 18 as a timely and strategic intervention.

Ly Kim Chi, chairwoman of the HCM City Food and Foodstuff Association, said that the directive provided necessary guidance in protecting the authenticity of Vietnamese goods, combating counterfeiting and leveraging digital transformation.

"However, enterprises need a detailed action plan announced at the beginning of the year  what products, which markets, the type of support available and the financial terms, she said.

This would enable businesses to plan proactively instead of reacting passively due to information gaps, she added.

Chi also noted the importance of aligning import policies with export strategies. Without a well-thought-out sourcing strategy for raw materials and components, Vietnamese exports could lose competitiveness in global markets.

Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through financial policies and structured guidance is essential for trade promotion efforts to be truly effective, she said.

Nguyen Van Muoi, deputy general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that despite progress in trade promotion by the MoIT and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, budget limitations had restricted participation.

Our association can only join two trade promotion programmes a year, which is insufficient for the number of member businesses we represent, Muoi said.

The volatility in China  a market that once consumed 64 per cent of Viet Nams fruit and vegetable exports  underscored the urgency of diversification. Durian exports, for instance, had seen a sharp decline due to stricter quality control.

So, trade promotion alone is not enough. Quality is key, he said, citing a dramatic market share loss in China to competitors like Thailand.

In the textile industry, Pham Van Viet, vice chairman of the HCM City Textile, Embroidery and Knitting Association, highlighted the importance of building domestic supply chains.

To build strong national brands, we must first be proactive in raw material sourcing, Viet said.

He stressed that while many businesses were trying to explore new markets like Australia and Canada, the process was slow and would require strategic, long-term support from the Government.

He also called for more structured financial and technical support to help enterprises comply with FTA requirements and boost their competitiveness.

The effectiveness of this directive will depend on seamless coordination between central agencies, trade offices abroad, local departments and the business communities.

With full implementation, Directive 18 could be a turning point in helping Vietnamese enterprises overcome global challenges and build long-term economic resilience in 2025 and beyond. VNS
Amid global economic uncertainties and tightening trade policies, Viet Nams wood industry is navigating through significant headwinds.

While long considered a strong export sector, local enterprises are now re-evaluating their strategies to not only sustain growth but also reposition Vietnamese wood products on the global trade map.

According to Nguyen Liem, chairman of the Binh Duong Furniture Association, major shifts in trade policies among importing countries have been felt since early this year.

Although Vietnamese wood products have been sold to over 160 countries and territories, the US remains the largest market, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of the industry's export value.

This means that any fluctuation in the US regulations creates a ripple effect across the entire industry.

Recently, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated anti-dumping and countervailing investigations into plywood imported from Viet Nam.

The action has placed more than 130 Vietnamese timber processing and exporting companies under scrutiny, casting uncertainty over one of Viet Nams most valuable export categories.

Despite this, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) has set an ambitious export goal for the wood sector in 2025  US$18 billion.

In the first six months of the year, the export value of timber and forest products was estimated at over $8.2 billion, up 8.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Yet, global geopolitical tensions and trade policy shifts continue to threaten the feasibility of this target.

Besides the US, the European Union has also implemented new technical and legal requirements.

Regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are demanding more rigorous environmental and traceability standards.

In Japan, meanwhile, policy changes are affecting wood pellet exports. Requirements for transparent, certified sourcing and fluctuations in electricity pricing are influencing both production costs and export competitiveness.

In addition to trade barriers, the domestic wood industry is contending with challenges in raw material supply.

Huynh Quang Thanh, director of Hiep Long Co Ltd, said that the price of imported wood had increased due to global supply restrictions. We are facing mounting pressure on production costs, he said.

Moreover, Viet Nams wood exporters are in fierce competition with major global players such as China, Malaysia and Indonesia  countries that boast advanced processing technologies, lower costs, and longstanding supply chains.

Strategic response

In response to the ongoing investigations, the Viet Nam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFOREST) has said it is preparing to participate in the US hearings.

The aim is to clarify that Viet Nams plywood industry merely complements, rather than harms, the US domestic sector.

Meanwhile, the MAE is actively coordinating with US governmental bodies to resolve the issues through dialogue and technical clarification.

Experts have urged Vietnamese wood businesses to expand into new markets to reduce overreliance on traditional buyers.

In particular, such regions as the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe have emerged for their growing demand for furniture, construction timber, and value-added products.

Exploring new markets

Among these, the Middle East offers promising opportunities. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar have demonstrated strong demand for luxury interior and exterior wooden furniture, especially for high-end hotels and resorts.

Vietnamese enterprises are encouraged to participate in trade fairs such as Index Dubai, build partnerships with regional distributors, and obtain international certifications including FSC and PEFC to enhance market credibility.

India, too, is becoming an attractive destination for Vietnamese wood products.

Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes, and a preference for compact, modern furniture have made online platforms like Amazon India and Flipkart particularly lucrative.

Vietnamese exporters report strong sales growth in lightweight, space-saving products suitable for Indian apartments and offices.

The ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Viet Nam and India are also expected to reduce import tariffs from 10 per cent to 5 per cent, further boosting competitiveness.

If signed, the FTA could lay the groundwork for deeper economic integration and longer-term stability in bilateral trade.

Sustainability, technology upgrades

In the face of these pressures, the Vietnamese wood industry is aiming to elevate its standards.

A central part of the strategy is ensuring that all wood used  both domestically and for export  comes from legal, verifiable sources.

There is a growing push to certify supply chains with international standards and improve environmental transparency.

The MAE has also called for at least 80 per cent of wood processing and storage facilities nationwide to meet advanced technological benchmarks.

This transition would allow Vietnamese firms to meet the increasingly complex technical and environmental demands of foreign customers.

At the same time, the global shift in supply chains  including companies looking to diversify away from Chinese sourcing  offers Vietnamese firms an opening.

By investing in compliance, certification, and efficient logistics, they can become a trusted alternative in the global wood product market.

According to VIFOREST, with proper orientation and coordinated efforts between the State and enterprises, the wood industry can not only overcome current challenges but also strengthen its global standing.

We must move beyond survival strategies and enter a phase of strategic transformation, the association said.

With global demand patterns changing and traditional markets becoming more unpredictable, diversification is no longer optional  it is vital.

Whether through entering emerging markets, upgrading processing technology, or enhancing legal compliance, Viet Nams wood industry is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and competitive future.

As one of the countrys top export earners, the industrys ability to adapt will determine not only its own trajectory but also Viet Nams broader reputation in sustainable and value-added manufacturing. VNS
HCM CITY  HCM Citys tourism sector cannot achieve comprehensive growth without close coordination among government authorities, businesses, related sectors and stronger regional linkages, officials said at a conference held in HCM City on July 18.

The Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City (ITPC) in coordination with the Department of Tourism, held the dialogue conference between tourism enterprises and city authorities to address challenges and gather proposals from the business community.

Speaking at the event, ITPC Director Tran Phu Lu stressed that the merger of HCM City with former provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau on July 1 opens up opportunities for the citys tourism sector.

The integration is expected to expand development space, diversify tourism offerings, enhance regional connectivity, and help build a modern, synchronised tourism ecosystem aligned with sustainable growth objectives.

However, Lu acknowledged that the tourism sector also faces significant challenges in this new phase, requiring improved governance capacity and greater adaptability.

He underscored that close coordination between authorities and businesses is essential to mobilise resources and drive long-term, sustainable tourism development.

Echoing this view, Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the Department of Tourism, said that tourism development demands a cohesive strategy between public and private stakeholders.

The tourism sector cannot grow comprehensively without cross-sector and regional linkages, and the active engagement of all relevant parties, she said.

According to the department, the city welcomed more than five million international visitors and approximately 30 million domestic travelers in the first half of 2025, generating over VN130 trillion (approximately US$5 billion) in revenue.

While this reflects a strong post-pandemic recovery, it accounts for just 47 per cent of the years target, which aims for a 30 per cent increase over 2024.

To fully unlock its potential, HCM City needs to reposition itself as an attractive, smart, and sustainable tourism destination, Hieu noted.

This includes leveraging the citys multi-centre, multi-product advantages from MICE and cultural tourism to suburban retreats, eco-tourism, and smart agriculture.

She added that the department will continue pushing for administrative reforms, assist businesses in lowering operational costs, and promote digital transformation in areas such as marketing, management, and data reporting.

At the conference, the department responded to more than 35 questions and received a wide range of recommendations from businesses.

Key proposals included tax relief measures, support for promotional campaigns such as famtrips and presstrips, adjustments to land-use planning for coastal tourism development, and the creation of rest stops along expressways to improve regional tourism connectivity.

One notable suggestion was the call to invest in Halal-compliant tourism infrastructure to better serve Muslim travelers.

A representative from Nha Linh Co., Ltd. noted that Muslim tourists, particularly from Malaysia, have been visiting Con ao for over a decade.

However, the lack of essential religious amenities such as prayer rooms and Halal-certified accommodations has limited the potential to develop tailored tour packages for this segment.

Con ao is now eyeing the Middle Eastern market, known for high-spending visitors, but its infrastructure has yet to meet required religious standards.

Businesses have proposed the department to support the upgrading of facilities and services to better cater to this niche market.

In response, Hieu said the city will organise famtrip delegations to reassess tourism resources and strengthen linkages between central HCM City and the former provinces of Binh Duong and Ba RiaVung Tau.

The department has also proactively incorporated Muslim-friendly service requirements into promotional activities and professional event criteria, while continuing efforts to expand Halal-compliant service offerings.

Looking ahead, the city will propose additional policies to attract MICE tourists, including those from the Middle East, and expand promotional activities across the newly merged localities to better pool and leverage available resources.

Many enterprises also called for stronger cooperation between the Department of Tourism and educational institutions to develop high-quality human resources, which they consider a vital factor in ensuring the sectors long-term growth.  VNS
HCM CITY  The US Agricultural Discovery programme, co-hosted by the US Department of Agriculture and the US Consulate General in HCM City, kicked off in the southern hub on July 19 as part of activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (19952025).

The programme brought together 30 entities, including 15 US trade associations and 15 Vietnamese businesses, showcasing a wide variety of agricultural products such as grains, fruits, meat, eggs, and processed foods made of US-imported ingredients.

Carolee A. Williamson, acting US Consul General in HCM City, stated that in 2025, the US diplomatic mission in Viet Nam and her agency have been organising a series of events highlighting key achievements over the past three decades since Viet Nam and the US established diplomatic relations.

As the first of its kind in Viet Nam, the event is expected to offer engaging experiences for visitors, while fostering cultural and culinary exchange between the two countries, she said.

According to Carolee, both Vietnamese and American consumers place great importance on safe and healthy products, therefore, every US product exported to Viet Nam reflects the USs commitment to quality standards.

Besides agricultural products, the two-day event offers a chance for visitors to explore US unique products, such as cotton-based fashion items and products for pets.

ang Thi ong Phuong, representing the associations of poultry and eggs, potato, dairy and California raisin of the US in Viet Nam, noted that while the US and Viet Nam boast diverse agricultural products, each has its own unique characteristics that complement and support one another well. She added that in addition to fresh produce, the US is also major supplier of agricultural raw materials for Viet Nams processing industry, including corn and soybeans.

US agricultural associations hope to widely promote their highest quality and freshest products to Vietnamese consumers, Phuong said, expressing her wish that culinary and cultural exchange activities will help boost trade, contributing to building a balanced and sustainable partnership between the two countries.  VNA/VNS
MOSCOW  The Viet Nam Culture Festival will be held in Moscow for the first time from July 25 to August 3, according to the official website of the Moscow City Administration.

The event, to be jointly organised by the administration of Moscow and the Embassy of Viet Nam in Russia, will take place at Manezhnaya Square, an iconic location adjacent to the Red Square, known for hosting major cultural events and attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. The event is timed to coincide with the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, said Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

Festival-goers will be treated to performances of Vietnamese water puppetry, enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and take part in creative cooking workshops. There will be a special art programme which features performances by artists from both countries, showcasing the sounds of traditional Vietnamese instruments.

Among the highlights are culinary lessons where foreign chefs will guide participants in preparing Vietnamese dishes such as banh com (green rice cake) and pho bo (beef noodle soup), which have garnered international acclaim for their unique flavours and cultural significance.

Visitors will also have the chance to experience hands-on Vietnamese folk culture through activities such as making to he (toy figurines made from rice powder), learning about ong Ho folk paintings, trying out Vietnamese folk dances, and exploring the intricate art of Vietnamese lacquerware.  VNA/VNS




[Photo/Agencies]

Global Times-Recently, some in the EU have been making frequent accusations against China of using exports to offload its so-called "overcapacity," thereby flooding European and global markets. They insist that China's industrial strength stems from large-scale government subsidies which create unfair competition, and have declared their intention to launch more anti-subsidy investigations into foreign-invested companies. Some European media have echoed this narrative, claiming that China's engagement with Europe is solely aimed at making money off it, while some have fueled the notion that Europe is "losing out" in cooperation with China.

As China and the EU commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, it's possible that these remarks are part of a strategy to raise bargaining chips early. At the same time, they raise a deeper question: are some using the so-called "losses" in trade with China as a pretext to justify protectionist policies that cannot be openly defended?

According to data, as of June 2025, the EU has launched more than 260 original trade remedy investigations against China. Since the EU's Foreign Subsidies Regulation came into effect in 2023, nearly all in-depth reviews and investigations by the European Commission have involved Chinese enterprises. The EU's assertion that these actions are not targeting China only highlights their awareness of the nature of these moves - they are precisely the kind of protectionism Europe itself opposes and suffers from.

When it comes to production capacity, by the EU's logic - judging solely by output, export volume and market share - many of Europe's own core industries are already "overcapacity." For instance, 80 percent of German-made cars are exported, and Airbus holds more than 50 percent of the Chinese market. However, China has never accused Europe of "dumping."

According to the International Energy Agency, global demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) will reach 45 million units by 2030. Last year, China produced over 13 million NEVs - more than 70 percent of global output - but 90 percent were sold domestically, and only around 10 percent were exported, with a market share of just about 5 percent in Europe. Clearly, China's NEV production is nowhere near saturating European or global demand.

From the perspective of global green transition and long-term needs, China's new energy production capacity is not "over" but rather "insufficient" - and more importantly, it is "high-quality" capacity. China's green products actively support Europe's economic transformation and offer tangible benefits to consumers.



As for subsidies, China's industrial support policies adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, compliance and non-discrimination. They apply equally to both Chinese and foreign enterprises - including European firms operating in China - and conform to international norms. China's subsidies mainly target R&D and the consumer end, are not tied to exports, and do not fall under the prohibited subsidies defined by the WTO. By contrast, the EU is a true subsidy powerhouse. The WTO has repeatedly ruled that the EU's subsidies in areas like aviation and agriculture are illegal. For example, a 2018 ruling on EU subsidies to Airbus involved a record sum of $22 billion.

In recent years, the EU has continually expanded and upgraded its subsidy tools. Statistics show that between 2021 and 2030, the EU will allocate over 1.44 trillion euros in subsidies under various strategic plans. Crucially, the EU's subsidy policies include numerous discriminatory provisions - for example, explicitly advocating the preferential purchase of EU-made products, introducing exclusion clauses based on high "carbon footprints", and imposing high entry barriers for Chinese enterprises seeking to invest and do business in Europe. Such practices by the EU are a textbook example of double standards.

These accusations against China are less about Europe genuinely feeling that it has suffered losses than about the anxiety stemming from its own declining competitiveness. In September last year, former European Central Bank president and former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, commissioned by the European Commission, led a report on the future of EU competitiveness, which clearly outlined the EU's concerns stemming from slowing economic growth. The report identified four main challenges facing EU competitiveness: innovation gap, market fragmentation, high energy costs and geopolitical risks.

None of these challenges originate from China. While China has built an efficient and complete industrial chain, fostered a fully competitive market, and pursued relentless innovation and quality upgrades, the EU has chosen to respond not with cooperation and mutual benefit, but by throwing up obstacles through tariffs, penalties and market access restrictions.

This is nothing short of "drinking poison to quench one's thirst" - it won't achieve the goal of "de-risking", but will instead drag Europe's economy deeper into difficulty.



China sincerely views the EU as a partner for mutual growth. Despite misunderstandings and missteps on the EU's part, China continues to extend goodwill and inject constructive energy into advancing bilateral relations. But progress also depends on Europe moving in the same direction. Excessive anxiety will not solve competitiveness issues. Only an open mindset and equal dialogue can help find the right partners and a real way out of today's economic challenges.
TEL AVIV  The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is hosting a photo exhibition titled Echoes of a People at its headquarters in Tel Aviv, showcasing 32 black-and-white and colour photographs by three photographers from Viet Nam and Israel.

Running from July 11 to 24, the event is part of activities marking the 32nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Israel (July 12, 1993  2025) and the 80th anniversary of the Vietnamese diplomatic sector (August 28, 1945  2025).

Among the featured artists is Professor Benjamin Peretz of Tel Aviv University, a veteran photographer with over 60 years of experience. His works are rich in storytelling, offering subtle and emotional insights into human life and society.

The exhibition also presents photographs by journalist Le Vu Hoi, former head of the Vietnam News Agencys bureau in Israel, who captured authentic moments of daily life across Israeli cities during his assignments. Complementing these are images by Le Thai Hoa, Trade Counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy, reflecting Israels everyday life and landscapes, taken during his personal travels.

At the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly uc Trung said the exhibition celebrates the diversity and beauty of life in Israel as seen through the lenses of photographers from both countries. He described it as a meaningful cultural bridge that enhances mutual understanding, trust, empathy, and friendship between the Vietnamese and Israeli peoples.

The event drew representatives from Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs, scholars, international friends, members of the IsraelViet Nam Friendship Association, the Vietnamese community in Israel, and many photography enthusiasts.

On this occasion, Ambassador Ly uc Trung presented a certificate to Daphne, an Israeli tourist who won second prize in the Live fully in Viet Nam mobile photography contest, and gifted national flags to Israeli children who collect world flags.

The exhibition stands as a significant cultural exchange, contributing to deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in a year of important milestones. Guests rounded off the event by enjoying Vietnamese coffee, cuisine, and lychees grown in Israel from Vietnamese varieties.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang on July 18 sent a letter of congratulations to VietnameseFrench professors Tran Thanh Van and Le Kim Ngoc, who were recently promoted to the rank of Officer in the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the French President.

Extending her warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to the two professors, Hang stated that this prestigious promotion is not only a welldeserved recognition of their tireless dedication to science and younger generations, but also a source of pride for the Vietnamese community abroad and the homeland.

Hang stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue working closely with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to support the professors in their ongoing journey to advance science and education in Viet Nam, thus contributing to the country's path toward development and integration in the era of its rise.

The Deputy FM extended her best wishes to the professors and their families for good health and happiness. She expressed her hope that they will achieve even greater success, thus making more contributions to the international scientific community and the homeland, and to the enduring friendship between Viet Nam and France.

For decades, the two professors have not only established a prestigious position in the international scientific community, but have also remained deeply committed to advancing science and education in Viet Nam through organising international scientific conferences, founding the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), and initiating many programmes to support students and children with disadvantaged backgrounds.

Those who have attended Odon Vallet Scholarship award ceremonies organised by the professors were deeply moved by their generosity and heartfelt dedication to Viet Nams younger generations  the future of the nation. The opportunities created through the scholarship fund have inspired thousands of students across the country.

Prof. Tran Thanh Van was born in Quang Binh province (now Quang Tri province). He is a worldrenowned theoretical physicist. He is the founder of several prominent international scientific and physics conference series, including Rencontres de Moriond, one of the most widely anticipated annual physics conferences throughout the world; Rencontres de Blois; and most notably, the Rencontres du Vietnam (Meeting Vietnam), which has been held regularly for the past 32 years.

Previously, he was awarded the Legion of Honour, rank of Knight, in 2000. In 2012, he was one of three Asians awarded the Tate Medal of the American Physical Society, an honour recognising physicists who have made exceptional contributions to the promotion of international scientific collaboration, particularly in the field of physics.

Meanwhile, Prof. Le Kim Ngoc, originally from Vinh Long Province, is an accomplished female scientist. She was the first in the world to introduce the concept of cell slicing in plant biotechnology. In 2016, she was personally awarded the Legion of Honour, rank of Knight, by President Francois Hollande during his visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

Since 2008, the professors have returned to Viet Nam to initiate the ICISE project in Quy Nhon City in Binh inh Province (now Gia Lai province). After more than a decade, ICISE has welcomed over 16,500 scientists from more than 60 countries, including 18 Nobel Laureates, becoming a symbol of intellectual exchange and the humanistic values of science.

In addition to ICISE, the VietnameseFrench professor spouses are also reflected in initiatives such as the Rencontres du Vietnam series, the Vallet Scholarship Fund, support for SOS Childrens Villages, and their ongoing efforts to promote education for younger generations.  VNS
HA NOI  Ambassador o Hung Viet, head of the Vietnamese Permanent Mission to the UN, handed over the Vietnamese translation of the Pact for the Future to President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang at the Multilingualism in Action high-level event held in New York on July 18.

The "Pact for the Future", adopted by world leaders at the Summit of the Future on September 22, 2024 in New York, outlines a shared vision and directions for cooperation across key areas to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforce the multilateral system, and enhance the role and effectiveness of the UN  the worlds largest multilateral organisation.

In his remarks, Yang affirmed that promoting multilingualism in the UNs activities is one of the key priorities of the 79th General Assembly. He commended member states that have provided translations of the document into 33 languages beyond the UNs six official languages, including Vietnamese.

These translations allow more than 3.5 billion people worldwide to access and contribute to the implementation of this important document, he stressed.

The Vietnamese translation, along with other language versions of the "Pact for the Future", is available on the official UN website: https://www.un.org/pga/79/multilingualism-in-action-translations-of-the-pact-for-the-future-in-global-languages-2/.

Previously, from July 4 to 17, alongside multilateral activities at the UN, Viet had meetings with senior UN officials, including Deputy SecretaryGeneral Amina J. Mohammed; UnderSecretaryGeneral for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Catherine Pollard; UnderSecretaryGeneral for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel Elinor Hammarskjold; and UnderSecretaryGeneral and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana.

The Vietnamese diplomat reiterated Viet Nam's strong commitment to multilateralism and the UN agenda, particularly initiatives and processes promoting peace, sustainable development, and more effective responses to global challenges.  VNA/VNS
GIA LAI  Police in Gia Lai Province launched an intensive crime crackdown campaign on July 18, deploying joint armed patrol teams from five specialised units to ensure security for major upcoming political and social events.

The two-month campaign, running from July 18 to September 18, takes place as the province prepares for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), the Traditional Day of Viet Nam Peoples Public Security Force and Party Congresses at all levels ahead of the 14th National Party Congress.

Pham Anh Tuan, chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said that the launch reflects a strong commitment to public security and lays a solid foundation for the provinces sustainable development.

During the campaign, the provincial police are mobilising maximum personnel and resources, applying coordinated measures to strongly suppress organised crime, smuggling, fraud and drug-related offences, as well as violations of environmental and food safety regulations.

Police forces will closely monitor communities and respond promptly to any emerging issues.

The provincial police are also raising public awareness to promote self-defence, property protection and legal compliance.

In addition, Task Force 151 has been established, comprising officers from criminal, drug, mobile, traffic and 113 police forces, conducting both armed and plainclothes patrols across key areas.  VNS
HA NOI  The sixth Global Forum for Young Vietnamese Intellectuals officially opened in Ha Noi on July 19, drawing 201 official delegates and over 300 observers and guests from cuttingedge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, nuclear physics, green economy, and digital transformation.

Held under the theme Global young Vietnamese intellectuals contribute to the nations advancement into a new era, the forum connects participants in person and online from over 20 countries and territories, marking a significant step in uniting Vietnamese intellectuals worldwide.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Tuong Lam, secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee and president of the Viet Nam Youth Federation, stressed that the forum is a practical step in implementing the Politburos Resolution 57. It aims to harness the talent, intellect, and creativity of young Vietnamese intellectuals in driving national development. From this forum, new ideas will emerge, connections will be forged, and values will be created, for a strong and prosperous Viet Nam by 2045, he said.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. ao Viet Hang, head of the Global Vietnamese Young Intellectuals Network, affirmed that the forum serves as a platform for young Vietnamese intellectuals at home and abroad to exchange views on their vision, mission, and role in national development. Beyond academic dialogue, it also acts as an annual channel for young experts to contribute practical solutions and policy recommendations to the Governments national development agenda. The forum also lays the groundwork for stronger engagement mechanisms, fostering solidarity and empowering young intellectuals to help build a resilient and prosperous Viet Nam.

This years forum adopts a hybrid model, combining inperson sessions with virtual participation via the Airmeet platform, connecting hundreds of young intellectuals globally. The 2025 edition focuses on practical outcomes, promoting the application of science, technology, and innovation to address sustainable development challenges. Young experts from MIT, Cambridge, Google, Microsoft, and domestic institutions are among the participants, not only sharing knowledge but also helping shape policies and strategies for young intellectual development for the 202530 period, with a vision to 2045.

Since its inception in 2018, the Global Forum for Young Vietnamese Intellectuals has been organised annually by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee. Over five editions, more than 1,000 young Vietnamese intellectuals at home and abroad have contributed to youth talent development programmes and policies. The forum has also led to the establishment of a global network of over 2,000 young Vietnamese intellectuals, with regular exchanges and collaboration.  VNS
QUANG NINH  Authorities in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh are mounting urgent, largescale search and rescue operations after a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay on July 19, leaving multiple casualties and missing persons.

By 8:45pm, authorities had recovered 27 bodies, including eight children, and rescued 11 people. The boat was carrying 53 people (including 48 Vietnamese tourists and five crewmembers) at the time of the incident.

The boat, identified as Vinh Xanh 58 (registration QN7105), overturned at about 1.45pm near au Go Cave while carrying visitors in the worldfamous bay. According to official reports, a sudden thunderstorm (unrelated to the incoming Typhoon Wipha) swept through the area, causing the vessel to sink.

Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Quang Ninh Province Peoples Committee Pham uc An, along with other provincial leaders and representatives from relevant departments and agencies, was present at the scene to oversee rescue work. The top priority, officials stressed, is ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew members.

Rescue forces, including local authorities and nearby fishermen, were immediately mobilised. Teams worked through the afternoon and into the night, using all available personnel and equipment.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued an official dispatch, directing immediate action. The dispatch, sent to the National Civil Defence Steering Committee; the Ministers of National Defence, Public Security, and Construction; and the Chairman of the Quang Ninh Province Peoples Committee, conveyed his deepest sympathies to the victims and condolences to the bereaved families.

The Prime Minister ordered Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to be present at the site to coordinate and supervise search and rescue efforts. He instructed the Ministry of National Defence to lead operations in close cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security and relevant agencies, mobilising all available resources and vessels in the area to accelerate rescue work. Authorities are required to provide prompt care and support to victims families.

An investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the incident, with instructions to strictly handle any violations and urgently review maritime safety procedures to prevent similar tragedies.

The National Civil Defence Steering Committee is tasked with closely monitoring the ongoing operation, coordinating additional resources when needed, and reporting promptly on any issues beyond its remit. Quang Ninh authorities have been directed to notify fishing boats and vessels operating nearby to remain vigilant and assist rescue teams.

The Ministry of Construction has been assigned to provide personnel, equipment, and facilities to support search and rescue teams as requested by the competent authorities.

As of late evening on July 19, rescue forces continued to work against the clock in Ha Long Bay, with efforts focused on accounting for all those aboard the illfated vessel.  VNS
QUANG NINH  Search and rescue operations continued through Saturday night in Ha Long Bay as authorities and emergency services raced against time to locate the remaining missing persons after a tourist boat with 53 Vietnamese people on board capsized during a sudden storm earlier in the afternoon.

The situation remains critical, with Quang Ninh authorities and relevant agencies deploying maximum efforts.

As of 11:30pm on July 19, authorities had recovered 28 bodies, with one additional person pronounced dead at the hospital. During the search, four more bodies were found near Ti Top Island and Tuan Chau Island, though their identities have not yet been confirmed. It remains unclear whether they were passengers aboard the ill-fated Vinh Xanh 58 however.

Ten people on the boat have been rescued.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Quang Ninh Party Secretary Vu ai Thang were present at the site to oversee and direct the rescue operations. Deputy PM Ha offered encouragement to the search and rescue forces and stressed the need for utmost safety during the ongoing efforts. Ensuring safety must remain the top priority, he said. The search must be completed tonight. Prepare to raise the vessel as soon as possible, expand the search area, and deploy professional divers.

Deputy PM Ha called for seamless coordination among all agencies involved, urging that search efforts be intensified overnight before changes in tides and currents occur. The highest goal, he said, is to locate survivors swiftly and recover all the victims.

Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, Deputy PM Ha described the incident as a regrettable and unforeseen accident and praised the rapid and resolute response from the local authorities and rescue forces.

Nguyen Van Cong, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Peoples Committee, confirmed that the province had mobilised all available forces, including the border guard, coast guard, fisheries surveillance and specialised rescue vessels. "About 30 divers have been deployed, and navy special forces are conducting thorough searches and swift assessments to locate all victims overnight," he said.

Colonel Pham Quang Huy, Deputy Director of the Traffic Police Department, said two units  the Waterway Patrol Guidance Department and Riverine Unit No.1  were also dispatched, with officers and boats divided into teams to search through the night.

Search operations have been hampered by rough seas, strong winds and rain. Fisheries surveillance vessels are already on-site, working to prepare the capsized tourist boat for recovery. A second crane barge has also been brought in to support the operation.

According to initial reports, the Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat, licence plate QN-7105, was carrying 48 Vietnamese passengers and five crew members on sightseeing Route 2 of the bay (Sung Sot Cave  Ti Top Island) when it encountered sudden storm at around 3:30pm on July 19. Earlier reports stated the storm struck at 1:30pm, with the vessel losing GPS signal by 2:05pm, before capsizing shortly after.

Vu Van Dien, Standing Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial Peoples Committee, on Saturday night visited Quang Ninh General Hospital to check on and offer encouragement to the survivors with injuries in the incident.

Dien expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, calling it a regrettable accident. He affirmed that Quang Ninh Province would provide full support and create the best possible conditions for both the injured and the families of the victims during their time in Quang Ninh.

Dr Nguyen Ba Viet, Level II Specialist and Director of Quang Ninh General Hospital, said that the injured were admitted in a timely manner and promptly received comprehensive first aid and wound care. As a result, their health has improved. The patients are now in stable condition and under continued observation. Medical staff remain on standby to respond to any developments.

Initially, Quang Ninh Province provided support of VN25 million (nearly $1000) per deceased victim and VN8 million ($300) per injured victim. The authorities also arranged accommodation and covered all living expenses for the victims families during their stay in Quang Ninh.  VNS
By Chau La Viet

a Nang City in the final days of June was more vibrant than usual with fireworks lighting up the night sky and, particularly, the Third a Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III), which provided a captivating cinematic experience for tourists from across the nation throughout the entire week.

"DANAFF III is a testament to the citys commitment to becoming a new centre for cultural creativity and film industry in Viet Nam and the region," said Le Trung Chinh, chairman of the a Nang People's Committee [Administration].

a Nang recognises that cinema is not just an art form, but also a driving force for economic development, a means to promote the citys image and a bridge connecting people, nurturing and spreading the values of truth, goodness and beauty, he said.

Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO director-general, highlighted the significance of the third edition of DANAFF, showcasing the international communitys recognition of cinema in Viet Nam and across the broader region  from China to Kyrgyzstan, Japan, India, and South Korea.

She said that Viet Nam, and a Nang in particular, was becoming a vibrant convergence point for innovative ideas and creativity.

Here, culture begets culture, and youthful innovation harmonises with the timeless craftsmanship and knowledge passed down through generations, a testament to the global recognition of Vietnamese cinema.

A new wave of Viet Nam in cinema is emerging, destined to leave a powerful mark. The international community is embracing this fresh wave of Vietnamese talent, said Azoulay.

According to Ngo Phuong Lan, chairwoman of the Viet Nam Film Promotion Association and director of DANAFF, this years festival has accomplished significant achievements.

"First and foremost, it honours and promotes the invaluable heritage of cinema through two key programmes  'Half a Century of Vietnamese War Films since National Reunification' and 'Focus on [South] Korean Cinema'," Lan said.

DANAFF III featured 11 films enjoying their international premieres. Among the 14 Asian films in competition, four are global premieres.

This is a number we dreamed of just two years ago, and now it has come to fruition, she said.

The event also organised DANAFF Talents with a series of activities - the third season of the Talent Incubator workshop, a project incubation space including a project market for Asian art films and a project market for Vietnamese genre films.

The project incubation space, Lan said, marked a strategic development step, reflecting DANAFF's vision to nurture promising talents, encourage creative storytelling and build sustainable connections between young filmmakers and the international film community.

"I, along with many journalists, artists, producers and renowned filmmakers from South Korea, attended nearly all the film screenings, audience interactions and experience-sharing sessions at the festival," Lan said.

"These events showcased the finest artistic expressions, allowing everyone to gain additional knowledge and deepen their emotions. Particularly, we had the opportunity to enjoy the rich offerings of South Korean cinema, Vietnamese cinema and films from many other countries."

There were highlight programmes such as the Panorama of Asian Cinema, Half a Century of Vietnamese War Films and workshops like The Impact of Vietnamese War Films Since National Reunification and South Korean Cinema: Lessons in International Success and Film Industry Development.

Additionally, the programme Vietnamese Cinema Today showcased 18 new Vietnamese films along with Focus on South Korean Cinema that featured outstanding films from South Korea.

Im known for being emotional at every festival, attending almost all film events; however, I have never seen a festival as grand as this one," said celebrated actor Tat Binh, former director of Film Studio I.

"During the artists and audience meeting gala, I heard about the deep affection they have for films, from students, teachers and veterans, regarding the content of the movies, and the days when artists worked in complex conditions to create their works."

The emotions of filmmakers, even after so many years, remain incredibly strong, just as the public's love for cinema and war films is profound.

DANAFF this year impressed with a record number of films during its one-week run from June 29 to July 5, featuring over 100 films in the Asian Film Competition, Vietnamese Film Competition, Panorama of Asian Cinema, and Focus on Korean Cinema. This is the highest number of films screened in the last three editions of the festival.

Alongside the Vietnamese stars, there were also dazzling international film stars including South Korean actors Moon So Ri and Park Sungwoong, Philippine television star Richard R. Faulkerson Jr, Indian heartthrob Shantanu Maheshwari, and South Korean group Idol Nation.

All of them walked the vibrant red carpet of the festival, as the ground that night sparkled with fireworks, reminiscent of the brilliant displays lighting up the skies of a Nang during the firework festival.

The coastal city has truly become a new cinematic rendezvous in Asia. VNS
Yen Tu, a renowned mountain and spiritual site in Quang Ninh Province, captivates visitors with its historical significance and breathtaking landscapes, particularly its majestic pagodas and the profound teachings of the Truc Lam Zen sect.

This serene destination, embraced by stunning mountainous scenery and a refreshing climate, has become a sought-after spiritual retreat for travellers seeking tranquility.

The Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son and Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes is a UNESCO-recognised World Cultural Heritage site, celebrated for its rich tapestry of monuments and scenic locations. This remarkable site encompasses 12 monuments selected from hundreds of relics across six special national heritage sites in Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Hai Phong. Stretching approximately 270km, the complex lies within the enchanting ong Trieu Arc, showcasing the harmonious blend of mountains, rivers and plains.

Birthplace of Truc Lam Zen

Yen Tu is revered as the cradle of the Truc Lam Zen sect, a uniquely Vietnamese school of Zen Buddhism founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308) after his abdication. On this sacred mountain, he dedicated himself to the practice and propagation of Buddhism, establishing a legacy that has profoundly enriched Viet Nams cultural and spiritual heritage. The teachings of Truc Lam Buddhism embody tolerance and altruism, offering timeless values to humanity.

As you wander through Yen Tu, youll encounter a treasure trove of history in the temples, heritages, towers and thousands of ancient artefacts that reflect the spiritual essence of the Truc Lam Zen sect and the illustrious culture of the Tran Dynasty.

Not only is Yen Tu a significant Buddhist centre, but it also plays a crucial role in the nations history and defence. The ancient relics, moss-covered towers and the arduous pilgrimage path adorned with thousands of stone steps leading to the ong Pagoda  known as the 'sacred roof of the northeast'  make Yen Tu an essential destination for seekers of spiritual roots and cultural identity.

Conveniently located just 15km from Uong Bi and approximately 50km from Ha Long, Yen Tu is easily accessible for travellers from Ha Noi and neighbouring provinces, with a typical travel time of about three hours.

Sacred pilgrimage begins

Your journey to conquer the sacred Yen Tu mountain begins at the Yen Tu Cultural and Festival Centre, a vibrant space that preserves and showcases unique Buddhist culture. Here, youll gain insight into the life and spiritual path of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, enriched by impressive architecture and informative displays that deepen your understanding of this sacred land.

Next, visit the Giai Oan (Vindication) Pagoda, a historic temple steeped in spiritual significance. Nestled at the foot of Mount Ngoc, this serene site, with the gentle Giai Oan stream flowing nearby, is said to be where the Buddhist King conducted ceremonies to absolve the spirits of those who drowned. The tranquil ambiance, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water and resonating temple bells, invites visitors to reflect and find inner peace.

Continuing your pilgrimage, you will arrive at the Hue Quang Tower, one of Yen Tu's most revered spiritual sites, built to house the relics of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. Surrounded by smaller towers that serve as the final resting places for Zen masters and monks, this majestic complex is a testament to the sacred traditions that thrive within the Yen Tu forest.

Not far from the Hue Quang Tower lies the Hoa Yen Pagoda, the largest pagoda and a vital Buddhist centre in the Yen Tu complex. Perched over 500m above sea level, it seems to float among the clouds, enveloped by ancient trees and the serene essence of Zen. Originally named Van Yen, it was renamed by King Le Thanh Tong, who was captivated by the ethereal beauty of its surroundings.

This sacred space is where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong preached and nurtured the spirit of the Truc Lam Zen sect, heralding a golden era of Vietnamese Buddhism. Standing in the pagoda courtyard, visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Yen Tu mountains, finding a deeply peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

As you continue along the ancient stone path, you will discover temples tucked away in the clouds. The Mot Mai Pagoda, with its distinctive single-roof architecture, clings to the mountainside, while the Bao Sai Pagoda marks the place where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong passed his teachings to his disciples.

The ong Pagoda, perched at an altitude of 1,068m, is the final destination and among the most sacred sites on this pilgrimage. Here, heaven and earth converge, creating a sanctuary that embodies the pure spirit of the Truc Lam Zen sect. Crafted entirely from solid bronze and shaped like a blooming lotus, the ong Pagoda symbolises the purity and nobility of Buddhism. Despite its modest size, it exudes immense spiritual power, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors annually seeking peace and blessings.

From the ong Pagoda, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the majestic northeast landscapes, often shrouded in mist. Each dawn and sunset transforms this area into a serene, sacred realm, akin to a fairyland. The sense of achievement felt upon reaching this pinnacle, combined with the cool breeze and profound spiritual ambiance, is a well-deserved reward for those who brave the trek to Yen Tu.

Natures enchantment

Beyond its spiritual allure, Yen Tu is a natural wonder, boasting a rich ecosystem within its pristine forests. The Yen Tu National Forest is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including ancient heritage trees like the Xich Tung, ai and Mai Vang.

Yen Tu is not only a pivotal spiritual destination for Vietnamese Buddhism, but also a sanctuary for those seeking peace and inner tranquility. The journey to Yen Tu is one of self-discovery amid majestic nature and the echoes of a thousand years of history. If you are in search of a destination that is both sacred and deeply intertwined with the cultural essence of Viet Nam, then Yen Tu is an unmissable gem.

How to get there

Travelling from Ha Noi to the Yen Tu tourist area in Quang Ninh is approximately 140km. To begin your journey, start from the centre of Ha Noi and take the Chuong Duong Bridge. After crossing the bridge, continue through Nguyen Van Cu, heading towards National Highway 18, which will lead you to Bac Ninh Province.

Once you reach Bac Ninh, continue straight and turn left at Trinh Pagoda. From there, it is just about 10km until you arrive at the beautiful Yen Tu area. This scenic route makes it convenient for travellers to reach this spiritual haven.  VNS
NEW DELHI  The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday cautioned against double standards following NATO chief Mark Ruttes remarks on potential secondary sanctions for countries trading with Russia.

In response to Ruttes warning that India, China, and Brazil could face 100 percent secondary sanctions for buying Russian oil, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that securing Indias energy needs is an overriding priority.

India prioritizes securing energy for its people, guided by market availability and global circumstances.

Cautioning against double standards, Jaiswal said, We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate and I have said this in the past as well that securing the energy needs of our people is, understandably, an overriding priority for us. In this endeavor, we are guided by what is available in the markets, as well as by the prevailing global circumstances.

We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter, the MEA Spokesperson further said.

On the issue of diversified oil imports, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri has noted earlier that India has broadened its oil import network from 27 to 40 countries.

As regards NATOs warning and US stance, the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed US President Donald Trumps position on imposing severe tariffs on countries trading with Russia. US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal also pushed for the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which could impose penalties up to 500 percent.

Meanwhile, India and the EU are progressing with Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, with the next round scheduled in New Delhi in September. THE STATESMAN/ANN
In this environment, play is not just fun, but a key part of brain development, helping childrens natural curiosity and independence grow from the very beginning. The early years of a childs life are crucial, as they shape how they learn and interact in the future. That's why every part of the ISHCMC Early Years programme is carefully planned to inspire, support, and challenge young learners.

Nurturing confidence and independence

From their first day, young learners at ISHCMC are intentionally encouraged to develop confidence and independence. Children are empowered to make choices, explore their interests, and build a strong sense of self. Niamh, an ISHCMC teacher, highlights, "Early Explorers provides children with a nurturing, trusting environment where open-ended play inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and encourages them to take risks, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning." Whether its choosing a play station, initiating a collaborative project with peers, or confidently expressing their ideas, every opportunity is a step towards building resilience and self-reliance. Educators provide gentle encouragement, allowing children to take developmentally appropriate risks and discover their capabilities in a safe and supportive space.

The power of play-based learning

Play is recognised as the most effective and natural way for young children to learn. It's through engaged, imaginative play that children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a natural curiosity about the world around them. Teachers facilitate this play by observing, questioning, and subtly guiding children towards deeper insights and understandings. For instance, a simple block-building session might evolve into an exploration of engineering principles, while imaginative role-play could teach social dynamics and empathy. This isn't just free play, it's intentional, inquiry-driven play that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a joyful approach to discovery.

Environments that inspire learning

Learning environments at ISHCMC integrate Reggio-inspired principles with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. This powerful combination creates beautiful, stimulating spaces that act as a "third teacher", inviting exploration and fostering independence. Classrooms are designed for movement, exploration, and creativity, featuring natural light, open-ended materials, and flexible areas that adapt to children's interests. Here, teachers serve as responsive partners, carefully observing, listening deeply to childrens ideas, and then providing provocations that extend learning. As Leanne Le, ISHCMC PYP coordinator, affirms, "At ISHCMC, we dont just offer an Early Years programme, we offer a foundation for life. Our approach is guided by global research, a deep respect for childhood, and decades of experience nurturing capable, compassionate learners. This approach is profoundly empowering, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning journey rather than simply instructing, enabling agency to blossom from the earliest years.

New spaces for enhanced exploration

The upcoming new Early Explorers learning spaces, opening in 2025, are set to further enhance the commitment to world-class early childhood education. These purpose-built environments designed with the latest research in mind, will further enhance and offer even more opportunities for multisensory engagement, collaborative play, and connection with nature. These new facilities will embody calmness, natural elements, and thoughtful design, reflecting dedication to creating an optimal setting for early development. "We chose ISHCMC because we were deeply drawn to its educational philosophy, one that respects each child's natural curiosity and fosters a love of lifelong learning," shares Jiwoon Yoon, an ISHCMC parent, echoing the sentiments of many families who value this unique approach.

Graduates equipped for lifelong discovery

Ultimately, ISHCMC students leave early years as confident, curious, and compassionate learners. They enter primary school not only with foundational academic skills but also with strong social-emotional intelligence, a deep love for learning, and the ability to question, explore, and create.

As Kate, ISHCMC Primary principal states, "The school believes children are capable, curious, and full of potential, deserving to be heard, valued, and challenged. Our mission is to nurture their natural curiosity and inspire deep understanding through meaningful, hands-on learning. We dont just teach children, we believe in them." Early years graduates are prepared not just for the next stage of schooling, but for a lifetime of inquiry, innovation, and global citizenship, carrying with them the joy and wonder instilled during their crucial early years.

To learn more about ISHCMCs Early Years programme, we warmly invite parents to join our upcoming Open Days, taking place from 8:30 to 10:00 AM on the 14th, 21st, and 29th of August. This is a great opportunity to connect with our educators and leadership team, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into what makes our programme unique. We look forward to welcoming you! Please register to attend the event at: link Contact us: Phone: (028) 3898 9100 Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn

ISHCMC celebrates 30-year legacy International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) held its 30th Anniversary Gala Event on December 2, a momentous occasion commemorating three decades of educational excellence and innovation.

Discovering educational excellence at upcoming IB PYP Math with ISHCMC Students event International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) was the first international school in Ho Chi Minh City, and the first IB World School in Vietnam.
A confluence of events in Washington, Austin and around Texas led Gov. Greg Abbott to place redistricting on the agenda for the first special session of the Texas Legislature, convening Monday.

President Donald Trump has called for Texas to redraw districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, according to media reports, with an eye to picking up as many as five Republican seats. Redistricting refers to a process of redrawing the boundaries of legislative districts according to population growth and demographic shifts, usually once every 10 years after the national census.

Democrats across Texas and even as far away as California have cried foul. Some Texas Republicans like Rep. Pat Curry of Waco think the last districts were drawn competitively and are concerned that diluting GOP voters could lead to districts flipping the other way. Others like Kathaleen Kat Wall, a local statehouse candidate from Leon County, think the last boundaries in 2021 were drawn too safely with too-large GOP majorities.

In the special session beginning next week, Texas leaders are considering redrawing at least four congressional districts which were flagged in a letter from the U.S. Justice Department to Abbott earlier this month.

Among Republicans who spoke to the Tribune-Herald, none believed state legislative districts would be redrawn.

Optimizing maps

There is some discontent among Republican legislators and activists over the way Texas congressional maps were drawn in 2021.

McLennan County GOP Chairman Chris DeCluitt said the last redistricting didnt actually optimize for Republicans vs. Democrats.

Some in the party were expecting to win three or four new districts we actually won two, DeCluitt said. Some would see this mid-decade redistricting as an opportunity to rectify what should have been done after the last census.

But to get five more GOP districts and five fewer Democratic districts would require a very significant redraw, he said.

Curry said many of Texas Republican districts are tightly held and diluting GOP voters could lead to losing those seats.

Curry also said that if the Legislature focused during its special session on nonpolitical priorities like flood relief, disaster preparedness and regulating THC in hemp products, then not enough time would be spent on drawing the districts. Even worse, he said, would be if redrawing boundaries consumes too much the time and effort, and disaster preparedness gets short shrift.

Having enough demographic data to draw districts properly was not a concern for Curry.

They keep demographic data on a real-time basis, Curry said. The Legislative Council can access property records and they have all the detailed data from recent elections about where votes went which way.

Curry also said that some areas along the border with Mexico, where people traditionally have voted Democrat, went for Trump in the 2024 general election. If GOP voters are diluted too much in an effort to win a Democratic district, a Republican district could be lost, he said.

The push from the White House is aimed at strengthening a Republican majority and insulating it against midterm gains usually seen by the party that doesnt hold the presidency. Republicans have a 220-212 majority in the House, with three vacancies in Democrat-leaning districts.

Im pleased the Trump administration understands the need to move with boldness, DeCluitt said. We need to keep both the House and Senate.

Wall, a party activist who is running against Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, in the House District 13 GOP primary in March, wants to rectify what was done after the last census.

Wall said that more districts need to be drawn competitively, with narrower GOP majorities, to take districts away from the Democratic Party.

The problem is the districts that were drawn super safe, Wall said by phone Wednesday. We need more conservative voices. Our ideas are the right ideas.

Race-blind

A long-running federal lawsuit over Texas 2021 redistricting brought by advocacy groups remains active. In that case, attorneys for the state of Texas have consistently argued districts were drawn to be race-blind, with the only relevant colors red and blue  not Black, white or any shade of brown.

However in a letter sent to Abbott earlier this month, Trumps Justice Department challenged four of Texas districts, saying they are unconstitutionally racially gerrymandered. That letter came about a week before the governor announced his agenda for the special session, including redistricting.

Wall did not refute the July letter from the DOJ citing racial concerns, but said she trusts GOP leaders.

I trust President Trump, I trust Gov. Abbott, I trust the Justice Department and I trust Harmeet Dhillon, Wall said. Dhillon is the assistant attorney general for civil rights who wrote the letter objecting to the four districts.

Walls opponent in the March Republican primary, House District 13 incumbent Angelia Orr, did not respond this week to Tribune-Herald requests for comment.

Rep. Pete Sessions of Wacos 17th Congressional District said this week that he would not comment on redistricting until after maps had been introduced in the Texas Legislature.

Democratic views

Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said would like to counter Texas redistricting by redrawing five Republican districts in his state to have Democratic majorities.

But Newsom and Democrats, who control both chambers of the California State Legislature, would be barred from doing that because the state has an independent commission to redraw congressional districts.

Back in Texas, the current vice chair of the Redistricting Committee in the Texas House is a mechanical engineer from the Houston area, Democrat Jon Rosenthal. The committee did not meet during this years regular session, Rosenthal said by phone Thursday.

I did not hear any conversation about redistricting among my colleagues during the regular session, Rosenthal said. Those conversations may have happened in other rooms, in places other than where I was. I dont know whether they happened or not. I just know that I didnt hear them.

Rosenthal is in his fourth term and was a member of the Texas House during the last redistricting process in 2021.

The goal in that session for redistricting, and it took several months with hearings in many cities, the goal was to preserve incumbency, Rosenthal said. In both congressional districts and state districts, the goal was to preserve incumbents. To avoid the whole conversation about race and communities of common interest it was done to preserve incumbency.

Rosenthal said that the district where he lives in northwestern Houston became much more densely Democratic.

In the redistricting call for the special session that starts Monday, he said that it wouldnt necessarily be limited to the 30 days of one special session.

If the Legislature doesnt finish all the governors priorities, he calls another special session, how many were there last time? Three? Four? Rosenthal said.

Rosenthal said the motivation of Texas Republicans in attempting redistricting now is to dismantle districts that give representation to Black and brown constituents.

He called it cheating driven by race and partisanship.

They know theyre going to lose seats in the midterm election and this is a way to help them shore up their majority, Rosenthal said.

He said that he thinks a nonpartisan commission which would redraw congressional districts according to the law and relevant Supreme Court decisions, without regard to race or political party, should be the way Texas handles changing legislative boundaries.

Local perspectives

Closer to Waco, McLennan County Democratic Party Chair Mark Hays said it would be cheating to redraw the four Democratic districts cited in the DOJ letter because those districts have more racial minorities than white residents of voting age.

This is a process that normally takes months. No, I dont think it can be done properly in a single session, Hays said. Their purpose here is political. To do this would run roughshod over the process. They may be able to do it. They should not.

Redistricting should be every 10 years, about changes in population and apolitical, Hays said.

They have important things to do during this special session: flood relief, flood alerting, doing away with the STAAR test and replacing it with something better, Hays said. They have important things to do and they can do it better without spending time on redistricting.

Former Democratic statehouse candidate Erin Shank of Waco, who ran against Curry in 2024 for House District 56, said that gerrymandering is the reason she ran twice for the Legislature.

Im appalled by gerrymandering. Im very, very against it and now theyre about to do it again, Shank said.

That federal lawsuit in El Paso over the 2021 districts, thats because 4 million people moved to Texas and 95% of them were from communities of color, and when the Legislature redrew the districts, we ended up with two more white representatives in Congress.

With all the minorities who moved to this state, she said the added districts should have been minority districts.

This next redistricting theyre targeting minority districts: three in Houston and one in Fort Worth, Shank said. All of those theyre trying to attack because theyre worried, as they should be, about the midterms.
LOS ANGELES  For the true-crime-loving public, the Innocence Project and Scott Peterson occupy opposite ends of the moral spectrum.

The project helps free the wrongly convicted, while Peterson is a philandering Modesto, California, fertilizer salesman convicted two decades ago of murdering his pregnant wife and the child she carried at Christmastime.

Which is why one could almost sense the heads of criminal justice aficionados spinning a year and a half ago when an affiliate of the Innocence Project based at Cal State Los Angeles agreed to represent Peterson.

That disconnect has only deepened in recent months. The organization asserted in court filings this spring that it had turned up proof of Petersons innocence, including a bombshell analysis by a Harvard Medical School professor.

This new evidence undermines the prosecutions entire circumstantial case against [Peterson] and shows that the jury relied on false evidence, including false scientific evidence, to convict him, a lawyer for the Los Angeles Innocence Project wrote in an April habeas corpus petition seeking to vacate his conviction.

The efforts by the small nonprofit, founded three years ago and currently employing a single full-time attorney, have cracked open a story that seems an artifact of the pre-smartphone era when societys attention was not yet fractured and the search for a pretty young woman could captivate the nation. From 2002, when Laci Peterson vanished from her home, to 2004, when a jury sentenced her husband to death, news outlets from the National Enquirer to Good Morning America breathlessly covered every twist and turn.

At least part of the storys mass appeal was the almost comically damning circumstantial evidence pointing to Scott Peterson. The bodies of mother and child, a boy to be named Conner, washed up separately about four months after her disappearance on the shores of the San Francisco Bay, a location 90 miles from the couples home, but within eyeshot of the waters where Peterson made an impromptu Christmas Eve fishing trip.

There was also his affair with a Fresno massage therapist named Amber Frey. He told her two weeks before Laci went missing that he had lost his wife and was preparing for his first holiday alone.

And as police searched for Laci, Peterson took steps suggesting he knew she was not coming back  trading in her Land Rover for a pickup truck, planning the sale of their home and furnishings, remaking the nursery as a storage area and adding sexually explicit channels to their cable lineup.

The evidence of his guilt was compelling and undeniable, prosecutors wrote in a filing last year opposing an L.A. Innocence Project request for additional DNA testing.

To fend off Petersons ongoing attempts at freedom, the Stanislaus County district attorneys office has called two of the original prosecutors out of retirement. Lacis mother, a steadfast presence in the front row of the 2004 trial, also has returned to the courtroom. At a hearing in San Mateo Superior Court last summer, Sharon Rocha bemoaned her son-in-laws continued legal maneuvers, asking the judge, When will this end?

The California Supreme Court examined Petersons case in 2020 in an initial appeal of his conviction. Though there were no eyewitnesses to the murders and no sign of the victims blood in Petersons fishing boat or family home, the high court found considerable circumstantial evidence to support his conviction.

The justices reversed his death sentence because of the manner in which the trial judge dismissed potential jurors who said on a questionnaire that they opposed capital punishment. The court ruled that the judge should have pressed them on whether they could set aside their views rather than removing them automatically. Prosecutors opted not to retry the penalty phase, saying they wanted to spare the victims relatives more protracted proceedings. Peterson was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in 2021.

A lawyer who had worked on a previous Peterson appeal approached the L.A. Innocence Project for help in 2023, the year after it opened its doors. The founding director, Paula Mitchell, a veteran of Loyola Law Schools well-respected innocence program, had access to federal grant money for DNA testing in potential wrongful conviction cases, and the appellate lawyer was looking for a way to cover the analysis of a potential piece of evidence  a mattress pulled from a van torched in a Modesto alley the day after Laci was reported missing.

Prosecutors had long maintained the vehicle was unrelated to the murders, and previous testing of the mattress fabric detected only male DNA. But Mitchell agreed to look into the case. Before long, she had thrown her young organization into a wholesale reexamination of the Peterson saga. With assistance from several other lawyers then working for the project, she rented an Airbnb in Modesto, reviewed 40,000 pages of case records and interviewed more than 100 witnesses in what she wrote in a court filing was an effort to learn the truth about what happened to Laci and Conner.

From his cell at Mule Creek State Prison, Peterson, now 52, praised the work of the Innocence Project, telling The Times, They are selfless and take on what others will not to try to make things right for everyone in our society.

Peterson appears to be an active participant in his defense. In a 126-page declaration filed by the L.A. Innocence Project this spring, he gave an almost moment-by-moment account of how he became convinced Modesto police were railroading him. He also apologized for his affair.

I do not have an acceptable explanation for my infidelity or the lies I told to Amber Frey, he wrote, adding that he would live with the shame for the rest of his life. All of that being said, I was in no way responsible for Lacis disappearance or her death or that of our son, Conner.

***

Taking on a well-known client such as Peterson in a prosecution obsessively scrutinized by the national media departs from the typical work of the national Innocence Project. Founded in New York in 1992 by attorneys Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld  later part of the O.J. Simpson defense team  the organization set out to reexamine cases where the then-new tool of DNA testing might clear or implicate a suspect.

Its success spawned the Innocence Network, a coalition of about 70 nonprofits across the nation and in other countries. Members such as the L.A. Innocence Project (LAIP) must get approval to belong, but they run their own affairs and choose cases independently.

The demand for their work vastly outstrips the supply. In California, for example, thousands of prisoners every year seek representation from a handful of nonprofits and a circle of private lawyers who do exoneration cases for free.

Peoples families call us. Inmates write to us. We get text messages, phone calls, emails, letters, said one of the private attorneys, Deirdre OConnor, who has a policy of making potential clients take polygraph examinations. Ive had people who have been after me for years, trying to get me to look at their case.

Most trying to establish their innocence are Black, brown gang members from Los Angeles or some other city, said Ellen Eggers, a retired state public defender who has helped free eight men from prison since 2011. You come from a poor neighborhood. You have no resources. You had a public defender or a court-appointed attorney.

Few seeking help enjoyed Petersons advantages in the courtroom. His La Jolla family hired Mark Geragos, one of the countrys most prominent criminal lawyers, to lead a defense team that cost, according to Geragos, a seven-figure sum, at least. Cliff Gardner, a renowned California post-conviction lawyer, handled his appeal.

For some dedicated to exoneration work, LAIPs decision to take Petersons case was baffling.

Its not anything that I would ever do, Eggers said of representing Peterson. She said she did not know the facts of the case, but was reluctant to prioritize the people that are white and wealthy and have had lots and lots of bites at the apple with the most expensive attorneys that money can buy.

The public backlash against LAIP representing Peterson was so pronounced that other Innocence Network organizations with no involvement in the case received angry messages.

One donor who I really trust really was concerned about this being problematic for the movement as a whole, said Jasmin Harris, the director of development and policy at The Innocence Center in San Diego. She said she understood the worry, but if an innocence organization believes in someones innocence enough to agree to take the case, that is all that should matter.

Mitchell, LAIPs only full-time attorney, declined to be interviewed. The groups board chair, nonprofit executive John Sonego, acknowledged in an interview that there are thousands of cases that need representation, but he insisted Petersons case was worthy.

Were advocates for truth and justice. It doesnt matter who the defendant is or how controversial the case, he said, adding that Petersons profile might end up helping more typical defendants by putting a spotlight on problems common to other cases.

His lawyers argue that the district attorneys office in Modesto and the local police rushed to judgment and disregarded or destroyed evidence implicating other suspects. Theyve pointed to another case in which two Peterson prosecutors, Birgit Fladager and David Harris, were accused of framing a local lawyer and others for murder. A jury acquitted the lawyer, and in April, Stanislaus County agreed to settle a malicious prosecution lawsuit for $22.5 million.

Fladager and Harris declined to be interviewed. The district attorneys office has rejected criticism of the Peterson investigation, saying the evidence against him was overwhelming.

The L.A. Innocence Project, which had an annual budget of about $700,000 in 2023, represents four other clients, but none of their cases are currently in court. Peterson is one of the primary focuses of the organizations resources, Sonego said. Federal DNA testing grants cover some of the work, though the LAIP declined to say how much it has put toward Peterson. Other funding has come from members of the public with a particular interest in Peterson.

There has been some great support that has been given to us because of this case specifically, he said, adding that those donations pale in comparison with philanthropic grants and other types of contributions.

One revenue stream the organization has opted not to pursue is a behind-the-scenes documentary, though not for a lack of interest. Producers have inundated LAIP with requests, but Sonego said Mitchell and the board have declined them all.

***

Laci Peterson, 27 and about eight months pregnant, was last seen on the evening of Dec. 23, 2002, when she and Peterson, then 30, visited the hair salon where her sister worked. The following evening, according to trial testimony, he phoned her mother and said that he had returned home to find her missing.

The truth, prosecutors told the jury, was that Peterson had killed her that morning or the previous night. They said he put her body in a recently purchased boat, drove an hour and a half to the Berkeley Marina, motored into the bay and dumped her body in the frigid waters.

The motive, they said, was his extramarital relationship with Frey, a single mother who thought Peterson was single and looking for a committed relationship. Within a few weeks of embarking on the affair, Peterson was online researching currents in the bay and searching for boats to buy.

To re-investigate the case, the L.A. Innocence Projects lawyers pored over evidence collected 22 years ago. Prosecutors told the jury Peterson secretly bought a 14-foot Gamefisher for the express purpose of disposing of his wifes body.

LAIP zeroed in on notes found in the Petersons home that seemed to document calls to two marine supply companies to price anchors. The group asked a handwriting analyst to compare the notes to shopping lists recovered from Lacis purse. The analyst concluded that Laci probably wrote the notes about anchors while Peterson probably did not, according to the April filing seeking a new trial.

This new evidence shows that Laci knew about the boat; it shows the falsity of the prosecutions narrative, Mitchell added.

Prosecutors have not yet responded in court to LAIPs assertions about the boat and did not answer a question submitted by The Times.

The most significant development by far in LAIPs re-investigation came from a phone call to a Harvard radiology professor named Peter Doubilet. A fetal biometrics expert who normally spends his days interpreting obstetrical ultrasounds, he had not followed the Peterson case closely.

He had a high regard for the Innocence Project, though, and after talking to Mitchell, he agreed to review the scientific evidence about the timing of Conners death.

His remains were found on the bayshore a day before Lacis. Autopsies on their badly decomposed bodies indicated that she had died while still pregnant and that Conners body had remained in her womb for some time. A prosecution expert had testified at trial that, based on the length of his femur, he likely died inside her on Dec. 23  the last day Laci was seen alive.

Doubilet did the calculations using data sets compiled in the intervening years and concluded that Conner had died five to 13 days later  between Dec. 28 and Jan. 5. To Petersons defense, the radiologists finding was exonerating, as Mitchell wrote in the April filing, because Peterson was under law enforcement surveillance in that period and not in a position to have murdered his pregnant wife.

Doubilet did not charge LAIP for his work, explaining to The Times, If he happens to be inappropriately convicted  I have no idea if he is or not, I focused on one question  but if he is, I shouldnt become richer.

Its unclear if or how prosecutors might challenge Doubilets finding. They have not yet responded in court to the radiologists analysis and did not answer a question about it from The Times.

While Doubilets conclusion about the date of death is clear, the alternative scenario it sets up for Laci and Conners deaths is less so: A perpetrator or perpetrators abducted a pregnant woman, held her captive for between five days and almost two weeks, a period in which people across the country were looking for her, then killed her and disposed of her body in a place rescue crews were already searching.

Petersons current lawyers, like his previous attorneys, have theorized in filings that individuals connected to the burglary of a home across the street from the couples residence kidnapped her after she interrupted their crime and then put her body in the bay to frame Peterson.

The LAIP in a filing this year suggested the possible involvement of a gang called the Modesto Hardcore Skinheads. The project cited an interview with a prisoner, identified only by his initials, who recalled a conversation three years ago in which an imprisoned shot-caller bragged that his homeboys did it and said Peterson was innocent.

Hundreds of pages of LAIP filings do not specify a motive for holding Laci in prolonged captivity before murdering her or the means by which her existence remained secret. The filings imply that people who know the truth are too afraid to reveal it.

There have been a number of occasions where Ms. Mitchell and I made arrangements to meet a witness in-person and the witness apparently got cold feet and did not show up, and then stopped responding to us completely, wrote Danielle Leaf, LAIPs DNA case coordinator, in a declaration this year. She said one person went to the length of deleting their email account after not showing up for our scheduled in-person meeting.

Prosecutors have scoffed at the notion that numerous people were aware of a headline-making crime and stayed silent. Theyve noted that, at the time unidentified assailants were supposedly imprisoning Laci Peterson, a $500,000 reward for her safe return went unclaimed. In comparison, the prosecutors wrote in a filing last year, a reward of just $1,000 for information about the burglary was enough to entice a tipster to turn in the perpetrators.

Asked whether the new analysis of Conners time of death would have changed his guilty vote, Mike Belmessieri, a juror in the 2004 trial, replied, No, not at all. He said that given the small size and decomposing state of the remains the difference between Dec. 23 and Dec. 28 struck him as splitting hairs.

If we weigh all the other evidence, he added, It still goes back to Scott.

***

The L.A. Innocence Project has met with only modest success in court thus far. Last year, before the Harvard radiologists report, Mitchell asked a San Mateo Superior Court judge to order DNA testing on 14 items that LAIP said were material to the issue of the identity of the perpetrator(s) of the crimes for which Scott Peterson was convicted.

The requests included items connected to the burglary, debris found on or near the victims remains, and fabric from the mattress found in a van torched the day after Laci went missing.

Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Hill denied 13 of LAIPs 14 requests. The one item she permitted to be tested was a 15-inch piece of duct tape adhered to the maternity pants Laci was wearing when her body washed ashore. The results are under seal, but they do not appear to be earth-shattering, as LAIP didnt mention DNA on the duct tape in Petersons April petition.

That petition was dismissed by an appellate court with direction that it be refiled with Hill in San Mateo court. LAIP is expected to do that later this summer.

The process that follows  another round of the prosecution filings insisting on Petersons guilt and defense filings protesting his innocence  will likely push proceedings in a case that once seemed a relic of the past into next year.

The man at its center expressed confidence in his lawyers work.

Ill let the evidence in the filings stand on its own; it cannot be refuted, Peterson told The Times.
Chester Zoo welcomes rare African unicorn calf

The birth of a rare okapi calf, one of Africas most elusive mammals, has been captured on hidden CCTV cameras at Chester Zoo.

The calf was born in the early hours of 6 May to mum Ada and dad Stomp, following a 14-month pregnancy.

The footage shows the newborn falling dramatically to the ground before clambering to its feet minutes later and taking its first wobbly steps  a moment witnessed by very few in the world.

Zookeepers have confirmed the calf is male and named him Miloli, meaning Joy in the Bantu language spoken in central Africa.

After spending the first few weeks in a quiet nest, the shy youngster has gained confidence and recently ventured outdoors for his first time.

His distinctive black and white striped legs, resembling socks, provide camouflage as he explores alongside his mother.

Okapis are native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and were unknown to western science until 1901, earning them the nickname African unicorn.

They are the national symbol of the DRC but have suffered a population decline of over 50% in the last 20 years due to illegal hunting, habitat loss, and civil conflict.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the okapi as Endangered on its Red List of Threatened Species.

Fiona Howe, Lead Keeper at Chester Zoo, said: The birth of an okapi is always a very special occasion and cause for celebration.

To watch mum Ada calmly welcome Miloli into the world and gently encourage him to his feet was nothing short of magical.

It offers a rare insight into one of natures most secretive species.

She added: Miloli has spent the first weeks bonding with his mum in a quiet nest, with Ada foraging nearby and periodically returning to feed him.

Now, he is following the stripes on his mums hind legs and venturing outdoors to explore their habitat together.

Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo, highlighted the zoos ongoing conservation work: Our scientists have supported okapi reproduction for over 15 years.

By analysing hormones from faecal samples, we confirm behavioural changes and learn more about their biology.

These findings support the international breeding programme aimed at preventing okapi extinction.

The zoo also works with partners in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to monitor and protect wild okapi populations, including supporting the Okapi Conservation Project in the Ituri Forest.
Full justice devolution not on the agenda, indicates UK minister

A UK minister appeared to row back on a commitment to devolve powers over probation and youth justice to Wales, with Westminster set to retain responsibility.

In 2019, an independent commission  led by Lord Thomas, the former head of the judiciary  recommended that justice policy should be determined and delivered in Wales.

But, nearly six years on, devolution has stalled, with Welsh and UK ministers suggesting a phased and piecemeal approach to transferring powers as happened in Greater Manchester.

In November, a report set out three options for devolution: transfer of executive powers, full law-making and executive responsibilities, or an agreement on commissioning services.

And, giving evidence to the Senedd equality and social justice committee today, ministers implied the Welsh and UK Governments will pursue the co-commissioning model.

Sticking plasters

Lord Timpson, the UK prisons and probation minister, intimated that devolution would not be a priority amid massive pressures on the justice system.

Mick Antoniw, the former counsel general or chief legal adviser to the Welsh Government, pointed to volumes of evidence that devolution of probation needs to happen and quickly.

Lord Timpson, who lives over the border but near HMP Berwyn, one of the UKs biggest prisons, said colleagues have had a meeting on local delivery options for youth justice.

He told the committee UK ministers would look at the Greater Manchester model but he cautioned of huge pressures and a need for stability.

If we lurch from problem to problem, we are just going to put sticking plasters all over everything, he said, advocating sensible, sustainable and evidence-led policy instead.

Decade of delay

Lord Timpson stated he was more concerned about challenges in probation than prisons  warning the service is unstable, with probation officers having an average caseload of 35.

Mr Antoniw pressed his Labour colleague about the need to transfer powers over probation, given that many of the levers for keeping people out of prison are devolved.

It seems to me theres no logical response to that other than weve had a decade of delay on actually looking at the enormous accumulation of evidence, he said.

What you seem to be suggesting is that were going to go through that process of just continually looking at the evidence without ever really coming to a proper conclusion.

Lord Timpson  who was chief executive of Timpson, the retailer founded by his father Sir John, until 2024  warned probation remained bruised from previous reforms.

Not ruling anything in or out

We need to be in a much more stable position before we can start talking about further changes, he said, referring to the Conservatives transforming rehabilitation programme.

Pressed by Adam Price, the former MP and ex-Plaid Cymru leader, Lord Timpson suggested devolution will not be a priority until massive pressures stabilise.

Mr Price pointed out that powers over budgets and making laws would remain at Westminster under a co-commissioning model similar to Manchesters.

He asked: Are you saying that the full devolution of executive and legislative powers, thats not something that is on your agenda?

Lord Timpson reiterated his focus on making prison and probation services sustainable. Pinned down on the point, the politician replied: Im not ruling anything out, Im not ruling anything in. What Im focused on is trying to sort out the crisis in our justice system.

98% full

Labours Jenny Rathbone questioned why more than 25% of the 5,000 Welsh prisoners are held in English jails when Wales has nearly 6,000 prison places of its own.

Lord Timpson pointed to capacity pressures with prisons 98.2% full, security in terms of organised crime, and the lack of a category A (high risk) or womens prison in Wales.

He told the committee: We need to use the estate really efficiently and that means, unfortunately, some Welsh prisoners are not in prisons in Wales.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, expressed concerns about research showing Wales has the highest imprisonment rate in western Europe.

Lord Timpson replied: 80% of offending is reoffending and, clearly, something has been going wrong for a long time. Our prisons are growing and were going to have more people in prison by the time of the next election than at any other time in our history.

Jagged edge

In 2019, a Cardiff University report warned of the jagged edge of justice, with intersecting responsibilities and Wales often overlooked by Westminster.

Ms Rathbone, who chairs the committee, warned: Im concerned about stabilising a broken system because its costing a fortune to the taxpayer and the individuals caught up in it.

She called for an explanation of no progress on matters that have been discussed endlessly for decades, citing the example of a womens residential centre in Swansea.

Lord Timpson said: I think we need to look at the options, we need to look at the costs, adding that the key is how to divert women from the justice system in the first place.

Altaf Hussain, a Conservative Senedd member, expressed concerns about deaths at HMP Parc amid a serious decline in standards at the prison in Bridgend.

Drone-proof

Lord Timpson, whose younger brother was a Tory MP, replied: Theyve obviously had a terrible number of self-inflicted deaths at the prison but I think things feel far more stable.

He said the governor told him 98% of problems are down to drugs, with drone-proof windows set to be installed by August 2026. That will make a significant difference, he said.

Ms Dodds raised wider problems: The prison inspectorate reported theres not enough food to eat, prisoners are stuck in their cells 21 hours a day [and] self harm has gone up by 60%.

Lord Timpson stressed the Labour UK Government inherited a system in crisis. Ive never known it so bad, he said, pointing to big strides over the past 12 months.

He left the scrutiny session more than 20 minutes early to vote in the House of Lords.

Cold water

Following the meeting on July 14, the Senedds equality and justice committee criticised the deeply disappointing evidence from Lord Timpson.

Ms Rathbone said We are very disappointed to hear Lord Timpson say that the UK Government could row back its promises on the devolution of youth justice and probation.

These policies were supported by several significant constitutional reports and endorsed by the independent commission on the constitutional future of Wales.

The report from Gordon Browns commission on the UKs future said new powers over youth justice and the probation service should be made available

The Welsh Government has already started the groundwork to prepare because it believed there was a realistic prospect that these aspects could be devolved soon.

This is in stark contrast to Lord Timpsons evidence before the committee today which seemed to pour cold water on the prospect.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
The U.S. Northern Command has activated two C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS), one from the Nevada Air National Guards 152nd Airlift Wing based in Reno and another from the 146th Airlift Wing in California.

The aircraft and associated personnel are operating out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Base and are expected to support firefighting missions through mid-August.

The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group raised the National Wildfire Preparedness Level to 4 out of 5 on July 12, indicating heightened wildfire activity across multiple regions.

As of now, 36 large fires are burning in several western states, with more than 37,000 wildfires having scorched an estimated 2.5 million acres across the country this year.

The Nevada unit, known as the High Rollers, was previously activated for firefighting efforts in the greater Los Angeles area earlier this year and during last years fire season, from July 18 to August 30. During that time, the unit flew 74 sorties, completed 77 retardant drops, and delivered more than 207,000 gallons of fire retardant.

The 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, is honored to once again answer the call in defense of our fellow Americans, said Col. Catherine Grush, the Commander of the 152nd Airlift Wing. Fighting wildfires from the air is demanding and dangerous work, but our Airmen take immense pride in serving alongside our civilian partners to protect homes, communities, and the people of Nevada. This mission hits close to homeand were all in.

MAFFS aircraft are used to support ground-based firefighting operations by dropping up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant in under 10 seconds, covering approximately a quarter-mile.

The retardant slows the spread of wildfires and helps build containment lines.

The MAFFS program is a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Defense. The Forest Service owns the MAFFS equipment and supplies the retardant, while the DoD provides the aircraft, flight crews, and support staff. The equipment is installed in the rear of C-130 H and J model aircraft and disperses retardant through a nozzle on the planes left side.

There are four MAFFS units nationwide: the 152nd Airlift Wing in Nevada, the 146th Airlift Wing in California, the Air Force Reserves 302nd Airlift Wing in Colorado, and the Air National Guards 153rd Airlift Wing in Wyoming.

Aircraft are activated through the U.S. Transportation Command by way of Air Mobility Command to support USNORTHCOM.

For more information about the MAFFS program, visit fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/planes/maffs.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Top church leaders visited Gaza on Friday after its only Catholic church was struck by an Israeli shell the day before, an attack that killed three people and wounded 10, including a priest who had developed a close friendship with the late Pope Francis.

The strike drew condemnation from the pope and U.S. President Donald Trump, and prompted statements of regret from Israel, which said it was an accident. Since ending a ceasefire in March, Israel has regularly launched far deadlier strikes across Gaza against what it says are Hamas militants, frequently killing women and children. Strikes killed 18 people overnight, health officials said Friday.

Pope Leo XIV, meanwhile, renewed his call for negotiations to bring an end to the 21-month war in a phone call Friday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who offered condolences to the victims.

Church leaders organize aid, evacuations

The religious delegation to Gaza included two Patriarchs from Jerusalem  Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III. The rare visit aimed to express the shared pastoral solicitude of the Churches of the Holy Land, a statement said.

Israel has heavily restricted access to Gaza since the start of the war, though church leaders have entered on previous occasions, usually to mark major holidays.

They visited the Holy Family Catholic Church, whose compound was damaged in the shelling. They were also organizing convoys carrying hundreds of tons of food, medical supplies and other equipment to the territory  which experts say has been pushed to the brink of famine by Israel's war and military offensive  and the evacuation of those wounded in the church strike.

In his call with Netanyahu, Leo expressed again his concern over the dramatic humanitarian situation for the population in Gaza, with children, the elderly and the sick paying the most heartbreaking price, the Vatican said in a statement.

Netanyahu expressed Israels regret for the tragic incident in which stray ammunition accidentally struck The Holy Family Church in Gaza," the prime minister's office said in a statement. The Israeli military has said it is investigating the incident.

In an earlier statement, the pope had repeated his intentions to do everything possible to stop the useless slaughter of innocent people," and condemned the unjustifiable attack" on the church.

The Vatican said the pope had also received an update on the condition of Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the resident priest at the church, who was lightly wounded. The priest had regularly spoken by phone with Pope Francis, who died in April, telling the pontiff about the struggles faced by civilians in Gaza.

We are unable to get them out, even in small pieces

Israel has repeatedly struck schools, shelters, hospitals and other civilian buildings, accusing Hamas militants of sheltering inside and blaming them for civilian deaths. Palestinians say nowhere has felt safe since Israel launched its offensive in response to Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Israeli strikes killed at least 18 Palestinians overnight and into Friday, including a strike on a home in the southern city of Khan Younis that killed four members of the same family, according to morgue records at Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies.

Associated Press footage of the aftermath of the strike showed people digging through the rubble in search of remains.

They are still under the rubble," said Belal Abu Sahloul, a relative of those killed. Until now we are unable to get them out, even in small pieces.

At the hospital, a mother could be seen holding the hand of her daughter, who had been killed in one of the other strikes and placed in a body bag. Nearly 18,000 Palestinian children have been killed since the start of the war, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Israels military said it was operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities and that it takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm.

Three more killed seeking aid, according to health officials

Nasser Hospital said another three people were killed while heading toward an aid site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor. A spokesperson for the foundation said there was no violence at its sites overnight and that crowds were docile.

Since the groups operations began in late May, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in shootings by Israeli soldiers while on roads heading to the sites, according to witnesses and health officials. GHFs four sites are all in military-controlled zones, and the Israeli military has said its troops have only fired warning shots to control crowds. There was no comment from the military on the latest deaths.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 people, most of whom have since been released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Fifty hostages are still being held, less than half of them believed to be alive

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed over 58,600 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which has said women and children make up more than half of the dead. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its tally.

The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government but is led by medical professionals. The United Nations and other international organizations consider its figures to be the most reliable count of war casualties.

Frankel reported from Tel Aviv, Israel, and Khaled from Cairo. AP Correspondent Colleen Barry reported from Vatican City.

This story has been corrected to show that the pope's full name is Pope Leo XIV, not Pope Leo XVI.
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine overnight into Saturday with hundreds of drones, killing at least one person, part of a stepped-up bombing campaign that has dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than 3-year-old war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X that Russia fired over 300 drones, along with more than 30 cruise missiles.

One person died in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, which was hit with more than 20 drones and a missile, Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov wrote on Telegram, while five people were rescued when a fire broke out in a residential high-rise building.

According to Zelenskyy, six other people were wounded in the attack on Odesa, including a child, and critical infrastructure was damaged in Ukraines northeastern Sumy region.

The Ukrainian president also thanked international leaders who understand how important it is to promptly implement our agreements aimed at boosting Ukraines defense capabilities, including joint weapons production, drone manufacturing and the supply of air defense systems.

Russia has been intensifying its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. It now often batters Ukraine with more drones in a single night than it did during some entire months in 2024, and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate. On July 8, Russia unleashed more than 700 drones  a record.

Russias Defense Ministry said it shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that 13 drones were shot down as they approached the Russian capital.

In other developments, Ukraines foreign minister accused Russia on Saturday of deporting Ukrainian citizens into Georgia and leaving them stranded without proper identification.

Andrii Sybiha said Moscow has escalated the practice of expelling Ukrainians  many of whom are former prisoners  across its southern border with Georgia, instead of returning them directly to Ukraine.

Dozens of people, many of whom lack proper documentation, have been stuck in the transit zone, he wrote on X. There was no immediate response from Moscow.

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
13 1 / 13 Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo 2025

Did yall get beat up today? Thats an understatement.

Variations on the exchange could be heard repeatedly throughout Friday afternoon, as Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo volunteers welcomed boats to the docks at the weigh station on Dauphin Island. The words, and their suitability for print, varied -- but the takeaway was always the same: The tropical depression that wasnt, that might have blanketed the Alabama coast with monsoon conditions but didnt, still made things spicy out there on opening day.

Scattered storms had passed through the area Friday morning, and while rain hadnt been a big problem, the accompanying winds had made for choppy seas offshore. That prospect likely daunted many crews, but others embraced it. In the latter cohort were Glenn Wilson and Zackary Jernigan, who weighed in two sizeable jack crevalle theyd caught south of Fort Morgan.

RELATED: Alabama fishing rodeo that produced back-to-back shark records returns

Yes, it was rough out there, said Wilson. And because they were in a 17-foot flats boat, he said, we got every bit of it.

Still, they hit the dock with a mission-oriented mindset: Weigh these, go back, catch some more.

John Rollins described a nasty chop with plenty of four-foot waves and a few six-footers mixed in.

If youre scared, you can stay on the couch, said Hunter Greene, who hit the weigh station with fishing partners Lance and Blake Stringer, and a trio of impressive tripletail. It was wind, waves, rain, sunburn all in one.

Action at the weigh station was unusually slow until about 4 p.m. even for opening day. By that point, though, the sun had been out for hours and the threat of incoming weather had faded away. The boats were lining up.

Seven-year-old Corbin Kirkland hauls a bucket of white trout to the weigh station on the opening day of the 2025 Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

By then it was becoming clear, as always, that the Rodeo isnt just for tough-talking grownups. Youngsters were lining up at the display case where some of the fish brought in are kept on ice for observers to examine and touch. Others were weighing in fish of their own. Seven-year-old Corbin Kirkland toted a bucket of white trout along the dock for a crew that included his dad and sister, Nathan and Kadynce Kirkland, and another adult, Peter Breland.

Matt Glass, a former Rodeo president now serving as chairman of the board and a member of the rules committee, said the signs pointed to a successful year despite the slow start.

The previous weekends Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament had set records with about 1,200 tickets sold. Glass said a preliminary count showed at least 3,400 had been sold for this years ADSFR, meaning it might surpass the more than 3,600 sold in 2024.

He wasnt surprised to see light turnout on Friday, considering how ominous some forecasts had been. He said he thought many participants, including most shark fishers, were using today as a day to prepare to fish. (An hour after the weigh station closed, the online leaderboard showed only one tiger shark and one bull shark had been weighed in.)

A chance of heavy rains remained in forecasts, though there was reason to hope things would settle down as the weekend progressed.

Sunday, if it holds off like this, its going to be slammed, Glass said. Its going to be crazy.

The ADSFR continues through 5 p.m. Sunday. For full Rodeo information, including a live leaderboard, visit www.adsfr.com. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/ADSFR.
Law enforcement agents are on track to arrest twice as many immigrants without legal status in Alabama as last year.

An AL.com analysis of federal data shows that Alabama is arresting more immigrants in an effort to meet President Donald Trumps mass deportation promises. The numbers reflect new ways local law enforcement are partnering with federal agents to make arrests.

Under the new administration, theres just simply been more resources allocated towards the overall immigration program, said Huey Hoss Mack, head of the Alabama Sheriffs Association.

According to data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,

1,947 immigrants were apprehended in 2025, as of June 26, and

1,823 in 2024.

The Trump administration says it is targeting immigrants without legal status who have criminal records. The majority of people arrested in Alabama have some kind of criminal charge or conviction, according to federal data. But in recent months, a growing share have been picked up on non-criminal charges both in Alabama and nationwide.

Of those detained in Alabama since Trump took office in 2025, 1,095 people have pending criminal charges and 596 are convicted criminals. The majority of people detained are men.

One reason for the growing numbers of arrests is the expansion of partnerships, called 287G agreements, between local law enforcement and the federal government. Such efforts in Alabama reflect a national trend. In May, Trump set an aggressive goal for detaining more immigrants, with a 3,000 daily arrest quota.

We want to make one of your deputies, and maybe more of them, mini-immigration officers, Chris Cannon, an assistant field officer in ICEs New Orleans office, told officers at a sheriffs conference in Orange Beach earlier this month.

He said that ICE has a small presence in Alabama, with just four offices and 25 employees, and more local officers are needed to help the effort.

Earlier this week, federal agents raided multiple Alabama businesses in six counties and arrested 40 people thought to be undocumented as a part of an operation tied to an alleged money laundering and human smuggling operation.

Freddy Rubio, an immigration attorney in Birmingham, thinks the current federal approach will not solve a more systemic issue, employers who hire workers who are not here legally.

If they wanted to get even bigger numbers, go to north Alabama to the chicken processing plants, and in one day, they could round up more than 1,700 undocumented workers, he said.

In 2025, immigrants detained in Alabama were citizens of many countries. Mexican immigrants made up the majority of those arrested, at 853, followed by Guatemalans, but the list of countries of origin is long, including locations like Romania, Venezuela, Jamaica, Laos and India.

As arrests increase, authorities in Alabama are also removing more people from the country, either through deportations or through exclusion proceedings. Exclusions include undocumented immigrants, parolees, or people who otherwise were not admitted to the country legally. Federal data classifies deportations as people who entered the country legally but have since lost status and have been ordered to leave.

So far this year, 1,430 removals, including 352 deportations, have been carried out. Of those, 87 were voluntary departures from Alabama.

Mack said most immigrants without legal status arrested, in his experience, are felony offenders. They may have committed robberies or other nonviolent felonies, or they may have reentered the country after being deported, which is a felony offense.

They may not have a criminal history as what you would normally think of, but they have an immigration criminal history because, once again, entering the country in and of itself without proper documentation and going through the process is a crime, he said of people who return after prior deportations.

Rubio questioned the agencys claim that most immigrants arrested were serious criminals, noting that a traffic violation is technically a crime.

Immigrants facing deportation in Alabama are less likely than other states to have access to a lawyer. Of Alabama residents in immigration court, only 24% have an attorney, according to a Syracuse University analysis of active cases across the state.

Among those arrested this year, about 30 immigrants were sent to countries other than their country of citizenship, mostly Venezuelans, who were sent to Guatemala or Mexico, according to the federal data. Earlier this year, Trump revoked protected status for Venezuelans, put in place by President Joe Biden in 2023, because of dangerous conditions there.

Law enforcement in the Mobile area have made the largest number of arrests this year, but agencies across the state have picked up efforts, with 13 Alabama counties and one municipality, Level Plains in Dale County, now in the federal 287G partnership program.

Going forward, the Trump administration plans to add 10,000 more federal agents, and the annual budget of Immigration and Customs Enforcement will increase from $8 billion to about $28 billion.

The story that the numbers tell is that the administration is overwhelmed, said Rubio, who added there are not enough detention beds to deport many more immigrants. He doesnt expect staffing shortages to go away with Trumps new hires either. To deport people, you need agents.
Birmingham police investigate a deadly shooting in the 700 block of 17th Street in Ensley.

A suspect has been charged in the shooting death of a man found in an Ensley alley.

Julius Earl Johnson, 57, is charged with murder in the Thursday slaying of 38-year-old Corey Lavel Tremble.

The Birmingham Police Departments Crime Reduction Team took Johnson into custody Friday in the 2200 block of 47th Street in Ensley.

Johnson is also charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm.

A passerby found Tremble unresponsive in the 700 block of 17th Street shortly before 3 a.m. Thursday.

Police and firefighters responded to the alley, where Tremble was pronounced dead at 3:37 a.m.

A motive has not been disclosed.

Johnson remains jailed without bond.
The Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area ranked in the top five cities for recent college graduates in a new study by ADP, a payroll services provider.

The study, reported by The Wall Street Journal, ranked 55 metro areas with populations of at least 1 million.

The rankings are based on hiring activity, salaries, and cost-of-living.

Birmingham ranked fifth behind Raleigh, Milwaukee, Baltimore, and Austin.

The article said UAB and UAB Hospital and and other large employers in healthcare, finance, and technology boosted Birminghams favorability.

ADP compiled median salaries for workers ages 20 to 29 in jobs requiring considerable preparation, such as a bachelors degree.

The ADP study measured hiring activity by comparing the number of people ages 20 to 29 employed in considerable preparation jobs and the number of new hires over the last year in that category to establish a growth rate for employment in those jobs.

The affordability ranking for cities is based on the the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, which measures a metro areas consumer price index by against the national cost index.
Move over Washington, Chicago and Atlanta. Birmingham is now a burgeoning destination for recent college graduates, according to a new study from payroll services provider ADP.

Details of the study were reported by the Wall Street Journal Friday.

ADP ranked Birmingham along with Austin, Raleigh, Milwaukee and Baltimore among the best second tier cities for young professionals. The company looked at cost of living data for more than 5 million workers in their 20s in 55 metro areas. They ranked the cities according to affordability, salaries and hiring.

Birmingham met the criteria to make the top five.

WSJ said that the top-ranking cities tend to have a higher-than-usual concentration of technology, health and financial firms. Like Birmingham, they are home to research and healthcare institutions that do a lot of hiring themselves, the article said.

Birmingham is also winning over young professionals. Companies in healthcare, finance and technology are big employers, as is the University of Alabama at Birmingham and its medical center, Wall Street Journal reporters Ray A. Smith and Haley Zimmerman wrote.

Raleigh led the list of choicest cities, according to the study. Birmingham rose in its salaries and hiring while falling just a tad in affordability, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The article includes comments 22-year-old Aaron Gill, a May graduate from Samford University, who is native to Atlanta. Gill had planned to return to Atlanta before landing a job at Birminghams Vulcan Materials. Gill noted Birminghams slower pace than Atlanta, but said that, on the other hand, he appreciates the lack of congestion in the Magic City.

Gill also noted that young professionals seem to be moving to the city from around the country, judging by the out-of-state license plates he sees in Vulcan Materials parking lot.

More and more I can see myself living in Birmingham, Gill said in the article.
What messages did Nvidia CEO deliver in Beijing?

Xinhua) 14:24, July 19, 2025

BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- During his third visit to China this year, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang faced a flurry of questions from eager journalists.

Inquiries extended far beyond the U.S. tech giant's market cap, which recently exceeded 4 trillion U.S. dollars. The press wanted to know how Nvidia was navigating the complex China-U.S. tech terrain and what its future development path entails.

Markets and industry players alike have been closely monitoring the insights Huang shared amid his busy schedule: a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the third China International Supply Chain Expo, a meeting with head of the expo's organizer, several group interviews, and a "fireside chat" with a Chinese tech firm executive.

Huang's key messages were unambiguous: the Chinese market is essential, China's AI ascent is admirable, China-U.S. cooperation in the field must outpace rivalry, and tomorrow's global supply chains must be collaborative webs, not chokepoints.

MARKET "LARGE" AND "DYNAMIC"

Huang made it clear that China is already the world's second-largest technology market and continues to grow rapidly, making it "a very important market" in Nvidia's global strategy.

"There are a lot of very dynamic, innovative customers," Huang said. "If you want to be a great company and a great supplier, you need not only excellent products but also excellent customers," and China has those kinds of customers.

"Here in China, people are so advanced. The technology adoption is so fast," he observed, citing the widespread shift toward cashless transactions as an example of how China's innovative applications are setting global trends -- with companies worldwide learning from its practices.

Huang has reiterated his long-term commitment to the country in interviews. Describing the Chinese market as "large," "dynamic," and "a very innovative system," he said, "it's really important that American companies are able to compete and serve the market here in China. And it's a great springboard for all the other markets as well."

Despite a significant decline in Nvidia's market share in the Chinese chip market due to U.S. restrictions, China still accounted for 12.53 percent of Nvidia's total revenue during the last fiscal quarter.

The company will resume the sales of its H20 AI chips to China, Huang announced during the Beijing visit. Following this announcement, Nvidia's shares surged 4.04 percent.

AI DEVELOPMENT THRIVING

Huang's second message was that China's AI industry is "moving very fast," highlighting its robust ecosystem of startups, major cloud service providers and a strong talent pool.

He highlighted the broad application of AI in China, mentioning that "AI is being applied to everything from consumer applications, internet shopping, grocery delivery to self-driving cars and all these incredible applications."

"If you want to maintain, you have to invest," he said. "The market is moving so fast and it's so competitive -- we have to continue to advance ourselves," Huang said, noting what he called a "great future" in the Chinese market.

He referred to Chinese AI models such as DeepSeek as "world-class," and hailed China's open-source AI as "a catalyst for global progress," giving every country and industry the chance to join the AI revolution.

China is home to 50 percent of the world's AI researchers, he noted, praising the country's robust education in science and mathematics.

Huang welcomed the rise of Chinese competitors, saying that the technologies they've created are impressive.

CHINA-U.S. COOPERATION: "THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR TWO"

Commenting on the tech rivalry between China and the U.S., Huang said, "there's always room in any house for at least two people." He reminded everyone that technological advancement has historically increased the global pie and can benefit all parties involved.

"The world's GDP will continue to grow... I have every optimism and every belief that the U.S. will continue to be very vibrant. China will be incredibly dynamic and continue to grow," he said.

"Competitors are bringing many challenges of different types...but they're not my enemies, they're my competitors...and we can make each other better, we can make the market better, we can make the industry better," he said.

While striking a positive note on technological cooperation, Huang stated that he hopes to get more advanced chips into China than H20. "The technology is always moving on. And I think it's sensible that whatever we are allowed to sell in China will continue to get better over time as well," he told reporters.

SUPPLY CHAIN A "MIRACLE"

Huang's final message sheds light on China's supply chain, which he described as a "miracle" and its integral place in the interconnected world of manufacturing and technology.

"The supply chain here in China is very advanced, especially for high-volume, consumer-oriented, delicate manufacturing," he said, mentioning products like batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles, which are "increasingly difficult to manufacture outside China."

The world's supply chain is fundamentally interconnected, "it is inevitable today that no region can build anything wholly by themselves," he said during a meeting with Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, organizer of the expo.

For Nvidia, this interconnectedness is tangible -- it takes 200 different technology companies from every single corner of the world to build one of the company's AI computers, he explained.

"We have incredibly complicated supply chains and we depend on technology providers all over the world," Huang said, highlighting the global supply chain's role in reducing cost and increasing efficiency.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Birmingham remains a decent place to find an apartment, but the citys ranking is sliding, according to a recent survey.

Birmingham ranks 80th among the best cities in the nation for renters in 2025, according to The RentCafe Blog. Thats a slide down from 68th place last year.

While Birmingham made the overall list, it did not round out the top 50 of Southern cities. On the other hand, its Alabama rival Huntsville can boast being a regional leader ranking No. 5 on the Southern list of cities.

The Rocket City stands out in both cost of living, housing and its local economy, making it an excellent option for renters, seeking a balance between affordability and career stability, according to RentCafe.

Here are the details for the Magic City:

Renters in Birmingham have more upscale apartments to choose from: In 2025, half of all units will boast high-end amenities, up 1.4% since last year.

Newly built units make up 12.8% of the housing stock, an increase of 1.5%. Also, the average apartment size here is 971 sq. ft., which is 4 sq. ft. larger than in 2024.

Birmingham has an unemployment rate of 6.10%. And though that is significantly above the current national average of 4.3%, in fact it dropped by 1.4% compared to last year.

Compared to the previous five-year estimate, the renter growth rate has decreased by 5.3 percentage points. It is currently 28.1%, a significant drop from last years estimated growth of 33.4%.

Birmingham experienced flat job growth, in contrast to 1.5% growth last year.

The cost of living in Birmingham remained low at 8.3% below average.

Rent Cafe uses several sources to conduct its analysis, including information from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other databases.
Gregory Bratcher was killed by an Odenville police officer during a 2023 domestic situation. (Contributed)

The mother of a 45-year-old man who was fatally shot by police in Odenville two years ago has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the deadly shooting.

Gregory Don Bratcher, a decorated veteran with a documented history of PTSD, was killed July 15, 2023, when Odenville police responded to what was described as a possible domestic hostage situation at a home at 15705 Highway 411.

The federal lawsuit was filed in Birmingham this week by attorneys James Michael Perry and Martin Weinberg on behalf of Bratchers mother, Virigina Bratcher.

The suit names as defendants Officer Jeffrey Eugene Linard II, Police Chief Glenn Walton, and the City of Odenville, and claims police had prior knowledge and experience with Bratchers mental health issues.

Gregorys death was preventable and unnecessary, the suit states.

This case concerns misinformation and miscommunication, an officers own internal biases resulting in excessive deadly force, and police departments failure to provide a lawfully required mental health service toa man threatening suicide on his own property, the suit reads.

As a result, Gregorys life was terminated without reasonable excuse or justification.

Odenville city officials did not immediately return a request seeking comment.

Police were called to the home about 7:16 p.m. that Saturday night.

The police chief said at the time when they arrived, they secured the home and learned Bratcher had entered a wooded area at behind the house.

Walton said officers encountered the suspect and victim and immediately attempted to deescalate the situation.

Police officers from Odenville, Moody, Springville, Argo, Margaret and Leeds, as well as the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office all responded to the scene.

According to the lawsuit, Bratcher and his wife, Alma, were inside their apartment on his parents property when they began arguing.

Bratcher left the apartment and went to a mobile home on the same property where his son and his wifes daughter lived. His wife followed him there.

While in the mobile home, Bratcher got a gun and walked toward an open field in the rear of the property, threatening to kill himself.

One family member called 911, while others followed Bratcher and pleaded with him to not harm himself.

Bratchers wifes daughter told the dispatcher that the family had notified the VA Caregiver Assistance Program about Bratchers mental health problems.

A dispatcher notified police that a caller had reported a man had her mother at gunpoint, the suit states.

The first officer who arrived on the scene located Bratcher and his wife in the field. Minutes later, Linard arrived.

Body camera footage showed Bratcher with a gun in his right hand, held across his chest, pointed upward and over his should toward the sky. His wife was pleading with him not to harm himself.

The suit said Linard got out of his patrol vehicle with a military-style assault rifle equipped with a scope.

After exiting his patrol car, Linard flipped his hat backwards to make it easier to peer down his scope and aim his rifle, lawyers say in the court documents.

Officers made verbal commands that could be heard over police scanners.

Within seconds of the first officers command to drop the weapon, the suit alleges, Linard aimed his rifle at Bratcher and fired a fatal shot.

Bratcher, lawyers contend, never aimed his weapon at anyone or himself, and never appeared to be holding his wife hostage.

The suit says Linard was communicating with dispatchers while responding to the scene and confused Bratcher with another Odenville resident who police had previously arrested.

Linard erred in confusing these two individuals, according to the lawsuit.

He made no effort to confirm Gregorys identity, and he failed to use any de-escalation techniques. Linard predetermined to resolve the situation immediately through deadly force.

The suit states that previous encounters between Bratcher and Odenville police always ended peacefully.

According to Bratchers obituary, he served 17 years in the Alabama Army National Guard and was a sergeant when he was discharged.

His selflessness and unwavering dedication to his comrades and the mission served as a shining example of military excellence, and his presence will be sincerely missed, his obituary read.
An Alabama teacher is accused of having sexual relationship with an underage student.

Sarah Huggins Logan, 35, is charged with school employee engaging in a sex act, Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit officials announced Friday.

Sheriffs office investigators on Wednesday received a report from the parents of a student at North River Christian Academy, said Capt. Jack Kennedy.

The parents reported they had discovered their juvenile daughter had been involved in a sexual relationship with a teacher. The school teaches students in grades pre-K through 12th.

TCVUs Sexual Assault Section assumed the investigation.

After conducting interviews and recovering evidence, they obtained warrants for Logan. She was taken into custody Friday.

Kennedy said the school has cooperated in the investigation, and Logan is no longer employed at the school.

The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are expected.

There is a possibility of other victims, Kennedy said, and anyone who was a victim or has further information is asked to call the investigators at 205-464-8690.
So, now we know why all the fury the last few days over Jeffrey Epstein and his missing or never-existing files. Somebody had leaked the contents of a 50th birthday album of letters his girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, assembled for Epstein. They first needed to fan the flames inside the media to trumpet what they had, in order to make a big splash. It turns out that what they had was not much. A very odd letter from Trump typed up over a female silhouette and signed, Donald.

I agree with JD Vance -- the wording doesnt sound like Trump. If DJT were going to send his swinging best buddy a birthday greeting, it would be in all caps and have a bunch of expletives. It sounds more like some middle-aged, oh-so-naughty Brit who thinks she is a character in a Jackie Collins novel. In other words, Ghislaine Maxwell, the woman who put the album together. Possibly, she asked Trump for a greeting, and he forgot, or said something like you just write him something, and that was it.

People have been trying to mess with Trump for years over his Epstein connection. Of course, back in those days, Mr. Trump was a Democrat, like Bill Clinton or Eric Swalwell, so sex scandals were no big deal.

Right before last years election, Michael Wolff released tapes he had for a never-completed Epstein bio, with Epstein alleging some rotten sexual pranks he and Trump used to play. No one noticed. That was 30 years ago. Trump split from Epstein over his hitting on teenage girls at Mar-a-Lago, or maybe over a Palm Beach real estate deal. Keep that in mind, Epstein was quite bitter with Trump when they parted company.

Epstein, though he really doesnt figure into anything President Trump is doing now, is the epitome of our modern celebrity/ruling class. Sleazy people whose connections on Wall Street, Hollywood, and D.C. allow them to thrive while producing nothing of value. Its no coincidence that Bill and Hillary were good friends for years as they concocted the Clinton Foundation and became filthy rich.

Epstein himself built his career, not as a spy or blackmailer, but as some kind of money launderer for very wealthy people around the world. He never finished college but got his first job at the exclusive Dalton School, where he was fired for inappropriate activity with the students. This got him the connections, though, to the legendary head of Bear Stearns, Ace Greenberg.

Greenberg loved to make unconventional hires, especially high-IQ Jewish guys without fancy credentials, like himself. Epstein proved to be a tremendous salesman, rounding up all kinds of rich investors. He also broke SEC rules and was fired, though Greenberg kept the door open for deal-making on the side. This led to bespoke services for people like Adnan Khashoggi, the Saudi arms dealer, and the usual jet-set suspects from Ghislaines father, Robert Maxwell, publishing tycoon and possible double agent for the Soviets and Israelis, to several royal families in Europe and the Middle East.

Interestingly, Trump bought Khashoggis famous yacht back in the 1980s, but had to sell it when his casinos went bust.

Epsteins most important patron was Les Wexner, the retail billionaire. No one is quite sure what services he provided, but he had the run of Wexners empire. Even after his first arrest, Epstein attracted important investors, such as Leon Black, who gave him $150 million to work with. Charles Gasparino says this was legitimate -- Epstein was an idiot savant on the tax code, even though he was a college dropout. This Chicago law professor says it was all due to Grantor Trusts, GRATS.

I dont buy any of this. I am a tax lawyer, and theres nothing special about GRATS, except that you would hire a white shoe law firm to do this. Not some sleazeball who was blacklisted by the SEC, if it is on the up-and-up.

I suspect Epstein was just hiding money overseas for decades. This connected him to all kinds of wealthy, powerful people, maybe foreign intel services, on occasion. Having Ghislaine constantly bring around young party girls to socialize with clients also kept things humming.

Alan Dershowitz may well be right -- there are no blackmail files, and Epsteins connections with spy agencies were limited. Theres less than meets the eye here, other than probably decades of tax evasion, which no one can prove. Right now, there are recycled reports about JP Morgan, Suspicious Activity Reports, and Epstein's billions. It is doubtful that so much money was needed just to pay off young girls. It is just more Epstein money laundering, and none of his clients have ever been charged.

Pres. Trump did well in his first term, and he may be historically great in his second term. That leaves his opponents desperate to say something, so we may never hear the end of Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. Even if it all amounts to very little.

Frank Friday is an attorney in Louisville, KY.

Image: Ralph Alswang, White House
When Hillary Clinton lost the election to Donald Trump in 2016, it was not only a slap in the face to an imperious woman who believed she was a shoo-in for the presidency, but also a repudiation of everything Barack Obama had done to destroy America since he officially entered politics in 2004. The 2016 plan was for Obama to pass the baton to Clinton, who would administer the deathblow to a nation the left has attempted to fundamentally transform for decades.

Trump was elected because he promised to reverse Obamas socialist Marxist legacy, and thin-skinned, conceited Obama couldnt allow that. The pain of Trumps victory hit so hard that we are now finding out that it was Obama who decided that the American people, stupid plebs that we are, needed to be overruled. Whether or not he believed Trumps victory was valid or not, either way, Obama wanted Trump demeaned, and the voters who put him in office humiliated for picking someone so critical of his leftist policies.

Thus, Obama was determined to delegitimize Trump. One way to accomplish that goal was to exploit his testosterone-fueled Russian nemesis  the guy Skinny Legs wouldnt let use the gym at the 2013 G8 Summit in Northern Ireland.

The problem with the former presidents strategy was that the vengeful narcissists own Department of Intelligence consistently found that Russia was probably not trying to ... influence [the election] by using cyber means. Based on newly released information, on December 7, 2016, just one month after Trump won the election, the thendirector of National Intelligence James Clapper stated clearly that foreign adversaries did not use cyber-attacks on election infrastructure to alter the US presidential election outcome.

A declassified copy of a December 8, 2016 presidential daily brief was recently released by Tulsi Gabbard, Trumps director of National Intelligence. The brief, prepared for Obama by the Department of Homeland Security, with reporting from the CIA, Defense Intelligence Agency, FBI, National Security Agency, DHS, State Department, and open sources, stated,

We assess that Russian and criminal actors did not impact recent US election results by conducting malicious cyber activities against election infrastructure. Russian Government-affiliated actors most likely compromised an Illinois voter registration database and unsuccessfully attempted the same in other states.

It was Obamas people who found that although cyber-criminals tried to steal data and to interrupt election processes by targeting election infrastructure ... these actions did not achieve a notable disruptive effect. At the time, it was also found that criminal activity also failed to reach the scale and sophistication necessary to change election outcomes ... [and] probably were intended to cause psychological effects, such as undermining the credibility of the election process and candidates.

Now it is revealed that because the truth didnt fit into Obamas plan to blame Russia, console Hillary, disqualify Trump, and remediate his legacy, the FBI opposed the original presidential daily brief, saying that the findings should not go forward until it was able to share its concerns. Obama couldnt blame Russia for colluding on Trumps behalf. And so, based on some new guidance likely coming directly from the Guider-in-Chief, a decision was made not to publish the conclusions.

The day after finding out that the Russians did not impact the election, a Summary of Conclusions for PS Meeting on a Sensitive Topic meeting was called in the White House Situation Room. Those in attendance included thenCIA director John Brennan, thennational security adviser Susan Rice, thensecretary of State John Kerry, thenattorney general Loretta Lynch, and thendeputy FBI director Andrew McCabe, among other co-conspirators. The topic to discuss: Russia.

A more fitting title for the coven should have read, There Is no Credible Evidence to Conclude Russias Influence in Last Months Election  So Lets Get Together and Conjure Up Some False Accusations.

According to the current Office of the Director of National Intelligence, after that meeting, Clappers executive assistant sent an email to Trump-hating Intelligence Community leaders instructing them to generate a new assessment, per the presidents request. The new communique detailed the tools Moscow used and actions it took to influence the 2016 election. According to the declassified records, the plan was for the ODNI to lead this effort with participation from the CIA, FBI, NSA, and DHS.

In other words, although it was found that it was highly unlikely that the effort by the Russians would have changed the official vote result in the 2016 election, Obama requested that his Cabinet find a new assessment involving actions taken on the part of Russia to elect Trump. Under Obamas direction, a Russian ruse was fabricated based on nonexistent Russian interference.

Then, in 2017, when Trump was set to take office, a new I.C. assessment was released that, according to the current Office of the Director of National Intelligence, directly contradicted the IC assessments that were made throughout the previous six months. True to his Alinsky roots, Obama disregarded the findings and approved the release of false statements to media outlets claiming that Russia [had] attempted through cyber means to interfere in, if not actively influence, the outcome of an election.

President Obama and his villains fabricated a probe into election collusion that they all knew didnt exist but was fostered to undermine the credibility and validity of a presidency and to make the U.S. electorate question their ability to trust the man they elected. Thus, the obvious question here isnt really whether Putin is or was capable of undermining an American election. The question is Why did Obama refuse to embrace the truth? Then again, lets remember, Obama is a guy with a birth certificate signed by Dr. Ukelele and in possession of college transcripts that are permanently sealed.

Under Obamas direction, his administration claimed there was no assessment on the impact of Russian meddling in the U.S. election, when in fact the Intelligence Community did assess for impact. From the get-go, Barack just didnt like the result. In his mind, much like the U.S. Constitution, the report was fatally flawed. Because Obama didnt like what it said, he set about to ensure that fundamental change would impact the results of the investigation. Obamas newer, more acceptable evaluation was based on information that was known by those involved to be manufactured, i.e., the Steele Dossier, or deemed as not credible.

Barack Obama has proven time and again that deception is one of his fortes, and the Russia hoax is no exception to that rule. According to Tulsi Gabbard, false accusations were purposely used to smear and delegitimize Trumps victory, feed the Mueller investigation, fuel two congressional impeachments, and send top Trump officials to jail, a punishment Obama likely felt was well deserved for the sin of supporting Trump.

In hopes of overthrowing an election, deceitfully blaming a foreign government for interference seems treasonous at best. Tulsi Gabbard calls it a treasonous conspiracy. Yet isnt it ironic that the person perpetually lamenting the state of American democracy is the one who attempted to circumvent the will of free people by trying to undermine a democratic election with lies and fabricated allegations? The question now is how many other traitorous offenses Barack Obama has committed.

Jeannie hosts a blog at www.jeannieology.us.

Image: Ari Levinson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped).
The inclusion of a modified version of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) as part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill that was signed into law on July 4 will expand K-12 education freedom to children across all 50 states. Indeed, these landmark provisions effectively fulfill President Trumps vision of universal access to school choice for all but the wealthy.

These new federal school choice provisions will financially empower parents to access the highest quality and most suitable K-12 education for their children that will prepare them for college and career, while respecting their values and input. It would do so by generating charitable donations to not-for-profit scholarship granting organizations to fund scholarships -- donations which will be offset by a 100 percent credit against federal individual income taxes for up to $1,700 annually.

In several ways, this new law codifies President Trumps executive order earlier this year to improve educational outcomes by empowering parents and communities, with no involvement by the U.S. Education Department.

Five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nationwide learning loss for millions of children, confirmed by the alarming results from the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), must be reversed. This terrible educational legacy of COVID remains as the result of prolonged closures of public schools throughout the nation at the behest of the teachers union leadership and charlatan public health officials.

In response, many families, at great financial sacrifice, enrolled their children in alternative private schools, created micro-schools, or homeschooled their children. By contrast, the typical response to these poor academic outcomes from the public education establishment that opposes choice is to demand more taxpayer money.

During COVID, Congress added $190 billion in K-12 education spending above the funding baseline, yet the two sets of NAEP results since then sadly showed continued stagnation and decline in reading and mathematics for students in elementary and middle school.

Expanding parental choice in education is the better path that has proven to be effective.

Since the COVID pandemic started, more than two dozen states have created or expanded school choice opportunities. During this 2025 school year, 1.25 million students are benefiting from school choice laws. The new federal school choice provisions are expected to significantly increase this number and strengthen the positive competitive impact on K-12 education.

Modeled after several state laws, the new provisions consist of income tax credits to generate charitable private donations to fund scholarships for students in K-12 education for tuition, tutoring, special needs, and other education expenses.

School choice has long been documented to improve student academic results in private and public schools, increase parent satisfaction, and strengthen racial and ethnic integration, among other benefits. Of the more than 200 empirical studies on school choice in the last three decades, 86 percent showed better outcomes, while only 7 percent showed a negative impact.

These facts never penetrate the shopworn, sky-is-falling canards from opponents of school choice. Weve come to expect as much. Thankfully, President Trump and Congress rightly put the needs of children and parents first and summarily dismissed this cacophony from the same bureaucrats and bosses who kept public schools closed and harmed millions of children in the process.

For others who question federal involvement in education, they should comprehend this federal school choice for what it is: a tax incentive that will encourage the private sector to invest in childrens education. These new provisions would not conduct education policy or regulate participating schools from Washington; rather, privately funded -- not government -- scholarships will give parents more control of their childrens schooling. This means the government at any level has no avenue to control a participating school or infringe on its religious liberty, as affirmed by U.S. Supreme Court case law.

Moreover, governors of each state are given the discretion to decide if their states children can benefit by them having to annually authorize scholarship granting organizations to receive tax-credited donations, the so-called opt-in provision. For any governor who puts childrens needs first -- in public, charter, private or religious schools -- the choice to opt-in is obvious.

President Trump and Congress were right to expand parental choice in K-12 by passing the federal scholarship tax credit as part of their One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which will expand not just educational opportunity, but strengthen equality and justice for millions of children in all 50 states. As with civil rights enacted two generations ago, expanding education freedom will leave a positive legacy by benefitting children for this and generations to come.

Peter Murphy is Senior Advisor to the Invest in Education Coalition.

Image: Pixnio
On Friday, director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard released overwhelming evidence that former president Barack Obama and other top Cabinet and Intelligence Community (I.C.) members conspired to subvert the will of the American people after President Trump won the 2016 election. The newly declassified Russiagate documents show that Obama and other high-level officials allegedly did everything they could to delegitimize President Trumps victory with false claims and countless smears.

According to Gabbard, the newly released documents further prove a conspiracy that would perpetrate a years-long coup against President Trump. She also stated that those involved reportedly hoped to destroy the mandate and legacy bestowed upon him by the American people. It may well be one of the biggest political crimes in U.S. history.

Gabbards release decisively obliterates the longstanding claim that Moscow swung the 2016 election for Donald Trump. It also marks the first time a senior Trump administration official has directly implicated former president Barack Obama as an active participant in the alleged conspiracy.

Gabbards disclosure follows two earlier Trumpera document dumps: a May release detailing Nellie Ohrs sworn testimony misrepresentations about Crossfire Hurricane, and an early July declassification of the December 2016 intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 contest.

The newest release includes a Russia Hoax Memo & Timeline and a 35-page evidentiary package entitled Declassified Evidence of Obama Administration Conspiracy to Subvert President Trumps 2016 Victory and Presidency.

Together they make three things unmistakably clear:

The Intelligence Community (I.C.) repeatedly concluded  before and after Election Day  that Russia lacked both the intent and capability to alter U.S. vote totals. A September 12, 2016 I.C. assessment found that foreign adversaries do not have and will probably not obtain the capabilities to successfully execute widespread and undetected cyberattacks on election infrastructure. Those conclusions were suppressed or overwritten at the direction of senior Obama officials and probably Obama himself after Trump won. Talking points drafted for DNI James Clapper on December 7, 2016 stated flatly, Foreign adversaries did not use cyberattacks on election infrastructure to alter the U.S. Presidential election outcome, yet the presidents daily brief containing those conclusions was killed hours later.

Below is an example of one of the emails provided, suggesting that the I.C. knew that Russia was not and will not try to influence the election via cyber means.

A hastily ordered Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), released January 6, 2017, relied in part on the sincediscredited Steele dossier and became the cornerstone of yearslong investigations and impeachment efforts  despite internal dissent warning it was politicized intelligence.

A Timeline of Manipulation and Deceit

Included in the timeline released by Gabbard on July 18 are the following findings:

31 Aug 2016  DHS tells thenDNI Clapper there is no indication of a Russian plan to manipulate vote counts.

2 Sept 2016  FBI asks that a forthcoming preelection assessment be softened because bureau analysts are uncomfortable implying Russia intends to disrupt the election.

12 Sept 2016  I.C. publishes the cyberthreat ICA concluding adversaries cannot covertly overturn the vote.

7 Oct 2016  ODNI/DHS press release blames Russia for DNC hacks but omits that FBI and NSA had low confidence in that attribution.

7 Dec 2016  Draft PDB reiterates that Russia did not tamper with election infrastructure; FBI abruptly withdraws, and a senior official quashes the product.

8 Dec 2016  I.C. officials plan to publish the PDB the next day due to high administration interest, knowing Russian actors did not impact recent U.S. election results. Hours later, the FBI withdraws, announces it will draft a dissent, and a senior PDB editor cancels the brief based on new guidance.

9 Dec 2016  Obama convenes National Security Council principals  including John Brennan, Susan Rice, Loretta Lynch, and Andrew McCabe  and orders a new ICA. That same day, two blatantly false leaks reach The Washington Post, alleging that Russia hacked the vote and that the CIA concluded that Moscow had intervened to elect Trump.

14 Dec 2016 through late Dec 2016  Leaks continue claiming Vladimir Putin was personally involved. Obama continued to push the narrative that Russia could be involved. Asks Putin to knock it off. An ODNI whistleblower who challenges the narrative is sidelined and pressured to accept the finding that Russia preferred Trump, a position he writes he could not concur with in good conscience.

6 Jan 2017  The unclassified ICA is released, asserting that Putin ordered an influence campaign to help Trump  contradicting months of I.C. reporting and relying in part on the Steele dossier.

Two years later, in September 2019, while assisting with a FOIA request on the Obamaera ICA, the same ODNI whistleblower was asked to locate records tied to the Steele dossier because, the whistleblower was told, the dossier played a role in that assessment. The request stunned the whistleblower who had long been told that DNI Clapper considered the dossier unreliable, and no one on the National Intelligence Council had ever suggested that it was a credible document.

Gabbards press release show that Obama administration officials knowingly manufactured the Steele Dossier and allegedly misrepresented Russias role in influencing the election. She added that the newly released assessment exposes the fact that this was politicized intelligence that was used as a basis for countless smears seeking to delegitimize President Trumps victory.

Because of the Russia Hoax, she notes that Trump suffered two ill conceived congressional impeachments, and tensions were heightened with Russia. Former national security adviser to President Trump Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn had to resign and then endured years of costly litigation and reputational harm. Many others connected with the Trump administration suffered mightily because of the conspiracy.

Notably, in both her press release and her July 18 X post, Gabbard alludes to her commitment to fully investigate, prosecute, and deliver accountability to the fullest extent of the law to the American people and to President Trump and his family.

Image: Tulsi Gabbard. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
The recent NATO Summit in the Hague saw many successes. President Trump convinced the alliance to raise its overall defense spending to five percent by 2035, an amount higher than that at the height of the Cold War.

One of the most noteworthy political performances came from Germanys right-of-center chancellor, Friederich Merz. After a rocky start failing to win the first round of his parliamentary confirmation vote, Merz has hit the ground running and built significant momentum both at home and internationally. He is on the short list of leaders who successfully navigated a White House visit back in June, and that good luck seemed to hold through the Hague Summit.

Merz has transitioned away from his campaign promises of keeping the budget sound, regardless of the implications for the defense budget. Now he is willing to change the Constitution to raise German defense spending from 10 billion Euros to 60 billion Euros. In todays terms, 5 percent is 250 billion dollars, an amount to make even the most jaded of Pentagon planners take notice.

More interesting is the statement by Merz and his Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, that Germany intended to have the strongest conventional army in Europe by 2031. This means increasing troop strength as well as purchasing and activating aircraft, tanks, and drones, including buying from the U.S.

Why does it matter so much what the German leader does or does not do? Germany is the largest population center and the biggest economy in Europe. It is the dominant member of the European Union, and is potentially the single voice for Europe that Donald Trump wants to be able to call to get things done. In addition to all of these things, Germany has, within the memories of some still living, a history of militarist expansion, culminating in the horrors of the second World War. Both internally and amongst its neighbors, German rearmament is a subject of intense debate, and the German people had come to see rearmament as a threat to their democracy.

Germany stayed politically pacifist during the Cold War, even while providing a large army to NATO for defense against the Soviet Union. Since 1991, Germanys military has almost disappeared, even as its economy expanded. Germans came to see defense spending as unnecessary and expensive, an impediment to growth. This situation lasted through the chancellorship of Angela Merkel and only began to end with Russias illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

That invasion prompted the then-chancellor Olaf Scholz to pledge 100 billion Euros for rearmament in a turning point for German policy. Small beans compared to the U.S. Defense budget and as a percentage of the German economy, but a start for a country that had been trained not to trust itself as a military power for almost eight decades.

However, changing a mentality, especially one that is tied to economics, is not easy. Little of this money was spent by the time of the economic crisis, which ended the Scholz government in November 2024 and forced the elections that brought Merz to power in February 2025.

President Trump has pulled back from some of his harsher anti-NATO rhetoric amidst rising evidence both that Russias Vladimir Putin has no wish for peace, and that the Peoples Republic of China has a vested interest in Russia not losing its war in Ukraine. Nevertheless, the U.S. wants Europe to take the lead on defending itself. This was a major friction point between Trump and the Merkel administration, but has become a point of significant agreement between Trump and Merz.

Taking on a greater part of the defense burden is not cheap, but it must be done. Those who would lead and gain the benefits of leading must, in the end, show their leadership, rather than talk about it. Merz seems to get this and to understand that, rather than being a threat to democracy, sometimes strong armed forces are necessary both to secure and defend it.

Dr. John Callahan is a professor at the Institute of World Politics and New England College.

Image: Michael Lucan, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
Eleven men were initially charged with the September 2020 gang-rape of a 15-year-old German girl.

Four of the men dragged the girl into a bush and raped her.

One of the rapists then stole her phone and wallet. Two other men then joined in, also raping the victim.

The brutal gang rape lasted nearly three hours. A German court recently delivered its verdict. What was it, you ask?

Of the eleven men initially charged in relation to the gang-rape of the minor, two were acquitted and nine were found guilty. O.K., you say? Eight of the guilty got probation, and that not to exceed two years. Only one is headed to prison for a short stay.

This has, of course, prompted criticism of the judgement  which, in turn, has prompted officials to condemn those critical of said judgment, and to smear them as "anti-migrant.

Among the expert witnesses in the trial was psychiatrist Nahlah Saimeh, who intimated that the gang rape may have simply been a means to let off some of the "frustration" that supposedly comes with "migration experiences and socio-cultural homelessness."

What the eff? What the effing eff?!!!!!!!

Psycho-Saimeh said rapists "who live on the margins of society, completely uprooted culturally, linguistically and socially" might face a "mix of emotions of anger, sadness, powerlessness, depression, fantasies of grandeur as a compensation attempt to cope with one's own misery, and drug use."

Thats funny, many of us experience many of the same emotions when watching our mayors and governors side with illegal aliens over long-time citizens.

Saimeh further stated: "Disordered, unprepared migration experiences and socio-cultural homelessness increase the risk of addiction and psychosis. She added that sex could serve as a "means of releasing frustration and anger, and also suggested that gang rape fosters identity and strengthens group feeling.

Yay, immigrants! We all need to release our frustration and anger. And perhaps we all should foster our identities and strengthen our group ties by gang-raping others, especially under-age girls! I already feel such a warm bond of inclusiveness.

That said, I have a great deal of migration frustration of my own.

And I am a resident of Minnesota.

Five days a week I am forced to navigate through streets and highways closed, constricted, and throttled by ubiquitous construction. It is not enough that I have to work 10 hours a day, but now my relatively short trip steals another hour-and-a-half a day from me. Whats more, much more, I experience socio-cultural homelessness in the building in which I work, as the majority of tenants are now Muslim. And in our public library. And in the DMV. And sometimes in the local Walmart. Very often, the local sidewalks are dominated by large Somali women, strolling along in their abayas.

And yet, I have never participated in the gang-rape of a young girl.

And I dont even feel exceptional.

And now, a rant:

For God's sake, Germans, fight back! I know you are still traumatized by World War II and the Nazis, but that was 80 frigging years ago! Didn't you learn from it that the moral thing, the right thing, is to fight back against evil, It is high time you regain your sense of dignity, if not superiority. Letting migrants rape your women is not the same as repenting for Hitler. In fact, is is, once again, aiding and abetting evil, includin antisemitism, passively looking on and doing nothing. Snap out of your stupor! Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Image: Public Domain Pictures // CCO public domain
Like his sugardaddy, Vladimir Putin, Venezuela's dictator, Nicolas Maduro, likes to take American hostages for use as bargaining chips. He's got a lot of them in his many dungeons.

So surprise, surprise, he's traded a lot of them:

Today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country, accused of being part of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TDA). Many of them face multiple charges of murder, robbery, rape, and other serious crimes.



As was offered to the Venezuelan pic.twitter.com/teuIT4GiRT  Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) July 18, 2025

Thanks to @POTUSs leadership, ten Americans who were detained in Venezuela are on their way to freedom.



I want to thank my team at the @StateDept & especially President @nayibbukele for helping secure an agreement for the release of all of our American detainees, plus the  Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 18, 2025

According to ABC News:

The more than 200 Venezuelan migrants who were deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador's mega-prison in March have left El Salvador to be sent to Venezuela as part of a prisoner swap that included Americans being held in Venezuela, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced on X. The deal included the release of 10 Americans held in Venezuela, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the result was that "every wrongfully detained American in Venezuela is now free and back in our homeland." In addition, the deal included the release of some "Venezuelan political prisoners and detainees" being held by the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. said. Regarding the return of Venezuelan migrants being held in the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador, Bukele said in the post on X: "Today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country, accused of being part of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. As was offered to the Venezuelan regime back in April, we carried out this exchange in return for a considerable number of Venezuelan political prisoners, people that regime had kept in its prisons for years, as well as all the American citizens it was holding as hostages."

Based on this dirtbag parade, there's little doubt these people were dyed-in-the-wool criminals, despite the claims in the media that they had "no criminal records" -- look how proud they are of their gang signals on the way out:

Dentro del grupo de liberados y enviados a Venezuela desde el CECOT, estaria Yonel Toro Noguera, ex CICPC buscado por el asesinato de CANSERBERO.https://t.co/oXqZBnuqY1 pic.twitter.com/lVD7WxXAgl  Melanio Escobar (@MelanioBar) July 18, 2025

What's more, they were treated better than they should have been, given the kinds of crimes their gang committed in the U.S. -- murders, apartment takeovers, shots fired at police:

Two things to note:



1. None of those prisoners look mistreated, underfed or tortured in any manner.



2. El Salvador sees its role as a global player continue to rise with this very high impact diplomacy. https://t.co/A8rjvZeMTi  Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) July 18, 2025

Being criminals, they faked sick, the better to serve the political aims of the Maduro administration, whose prisons are often torture chambers. If the returning Venezuelan thugs could claim they too were tortured, and watch as gullible NGOs believed them and thus, then they would be off the hook, as "everyone does it."

Funny how the perfectly healthy Tren de Aragua detainees suddenly fall ill the moment they set foot in Venezuela.



Same script, every time. pic.twitter.com/P6U1EeLLyF  Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) July 19, 2025

More to the point, the deal really went through and Maduro emptied his prisons of his prized American hostages as well as a reported large number of Venezuelan political prisoners, who were put there to keep them from challenging the Venezuelan regime.

What kind of a dictator does that? Normally, dictators love to empty their prisons of their criminals and riff-raff, the better to take them off their hands and make gringo pay the price of their plague-on-humanity crimes. Even Maduro's patron and role model, the Castro Cuban regime did that in 1980 with the Mariel boatlift, refusing to take the contents of those emptied prisons back.

Why did Maduro want his prisoners and criminals back so badly that he would give up his precious American hostages and Venezuelan political prisoners? That's right, because they were valuable to him -- as drug dealers who pay the regime kickbacks, as enforcers who shoot into crowds protesting the regime and acting as death squads on behalf of the government, and other nefarious purposes. It strongly suggests that Maduro dispatched them to the states as agents to wreak mayhem on the hated gringos, and when that didn't work, he wanted his operatives back.

No dictator wants to take back criminals unless they are of some use to him. These guys apparently were.

And that tells us President Trump was right all along to invoke the Alien Enemies Act in getting them out of the country as soon as possible. The media, including ABC News, cited above, and various judicial satrapies have tried to declare the invocation of the act as baseless and legally invalid, but it's obvious these people were agents -- valuable agents, valuable enough to Maduro to make him want to give up his most prized prisoners.

He wouldn't release these people otherwise.

Trump was right all along to try to keep these people out of our country as an invading foreign force.

Image: Screen shot from President of El Salvador video, posted on X
On June 23, 2022, the Supreme Court handed down its Bruen decision. The third of its Second Amendment decisions, it clarified Heller and McDonald and mandated strict scrutiny review for future Second Amendment cases. It is often mentioned in the continuing gun debate, but virtually no one has read it. Perhaps its time to help with that.

The case was provoked by New Yorks may issue law, which allowed the state to issue concealed carry licenses only to favored celebrities, the wealthy and those with political pull. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the majority:

After reviewing the Anglo-American history of public carry, the Court concludes that respondents have not met their burden to identify an American tradition justifying New Yorks proper-cause requirement. Apart from a few late-19th-century outlier jurisdictions, American governments simply have not broadly prohibited the public carry of commonly used firearms for personal defense. Nor have they generally required law-abiding, responsible citizens to demonstrate a special need for self-protection distinguishable from that of the general community to carry arms in public.

Anti-liberty gun cracktivists did not want anyone reviewing the real history of the issue. The majority made clear past analytical approaches were lacking:

Despite the popularity of this two-step approach, it is one step too many. Step one of the predominant framework is broadly consistent with Heller, which demands a test rooted in the Second Amendments text, as informed by history. But Heller and McDonald do not support applying means-end scrutiny in the Second Amendment context. Instead, the government must affirmatively prove that its firearms regulation is part of the historical tradition that delimits the outer bounds of the right to keep and bear arms.

New York, and other states, also attempted to ban guns by labeling every place a sensitive area where guns might be banned:

But expanding the category of sensitive places simply to all places of public congregation that are not isolated from law enforcement defines the category of sensitive places far too broadly. Respondents argument would in effect exempt cities from the Second Amendment and would eviscerate the general right to publicly carry arms for self-defense that we discuss in detail below.

This is the money quote:

The constitutional right to bear arms in public for self-defense is not a second-class right, subject to an entirely different body of rules than the other Bill of Rights guarantees. We know of no other constitutional right that an individual may exercise only after demonstrating to government officers some special need. That is not how the First Amendment works when it comes to unpopular speech or the free exercise of religion.

Justices Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan dissented:

The question before us concerns the extent to which the Second Amendment prevents democratically elected officials from enacting laws to address the serious problem of gun violence. And yet the Court today purports to answer that question without discussing the nature or severity of that problem.

In other words, democratically elected officials should have the power to ignore the Constitution because gun violence is such a serious problem. Its not the Supreme Courts job to discuss the nature or severity of that problem. Its their job to determine if a law is constitutional. Thats the fundamental difference between the textualists and leftists on the court. The leftists adhere to whatever standard of analysis will allow them to impose Democrat policy.

NY Governor Kathy Hochul was exercised:

Graphic: Twitter post

And so was California Governor Gavin Newsom, who out of the right side of his mouth now tells us he supports the Second Amendment while out of the left side wants to ban AR-15s, high-capacity magazines, and other arms:

Graphic: Twitter post

Joe Bidens Handlers were likewise upset:

Graphic: Twitter post

The Court handed down its Dobbs decision a day later, provoking equal outrage:

Graphic: Twitter post

The only weirdness attaches to people like Katyal who seemingly cant understand the Second Amendment is a fundamental, unalienable, express right while abortion is not mentioned in the Constitution or its amendments. Roe was made up out of thin air by a prior Supreme Court who found that right in the emanations and penumbras gauzily floating about the Supreme Court building.

The Courts three Second Amendment decisions have not ended the controversy and socialist/communist states continue to write unconstitutional laws restricting the right to keep and bear arms. They know these laws are unconstitutional. They know it will cost millions of taxpayer dollars to defend them, and they know that money will be thrown away when they inevitably lose, but virtue signaling and depriving Normal Americans who are no danger to anyone of their Second Amendment rights is who and what they are.

Still, for now, the Supreme Court majority largely decides cases on the Constitution rather than leftist ideology. For that, and Bruen, we can be thankful.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
On Saturday, The Washington Post published an Editorial Board Editorial lamenting the collapse of government credibility. It was 840 words long but only 73 really matter. Here they are:

In 2020, a group of 51 former intelligence officials shredded their credibility by signing a public letter insisting the release of Hunter Bidens emails has all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation. The laptop that contained them was authentic. Joe Bidens campaign knew that when it pressured social media companies to suppress stories about its damaging contents. These same operatives also covered up Bidens decline in hopes of winning in 2024.

Ive been saying it for years, and it bears repeating: the only government that meaningfully interfered in the 2016 and 2020 American elections was Americas.

And now, finally, thanks to DNI Tulsi Gabbard, we have nail-in-the-coffin documentary proof:

"BLOCKBUSTER SCANDAL FROM DOCUMENTS RELEASED BY @DNIGabbard TODAY."



"The Obama Administration allegedly manufactured and politicized intelligence to create the narrative that Russia was attempting to influence the 2016 presidential election." pic.twitter.com/0YeJpS9Cc3  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 18, 2025

I think we can just go ahead and remove the word allegedly now.

And as regards the 2020 Hunter laptop shenanigans, we can just go right ahead and insert Biden where Obama was in the above sentence, and it still reads accurately.

The Obama Biden Administration allegedly manufactured and politicized intelligence to create the narrative that Russia was attempting to influence the [2020] presidential election.

Again, allegedly need not be used. Especially when even The Washington Post is so unambiguous and declarative about it:

The laptop that contained them was authentic. Joe Bidens campaign knew that when it pressured social media companies to suppress stories about its damaging contents. (Emphasis added.)

They just had to try to squeeze a bit more Russia Russia Russia out of the black envelope for one more go, didnt they?

These are high crimes and should absolutely be prosecuted as such. If the DOJ can indict Trump on complete bulls**t, both Obama and Biden can be indicted for leading a coup in 2016.

It simply must be done.

The entire country was convulsed for years over this Russia nonsense. Right up until the 2020 election, when they trotted it out yet again for the Hunter laptop. Was Biden compos mentis? Did he know this was being done on his behalf? The answer is: indict him anyway. Indicting him is one way to find out  and as a side benefit, revealing him to be non compos mentis would unravel most if not all of the autopen use, which fairly shouts illegality.

Indeed, Biden is implicated in both conspiracies: 2016 and 2020. He should be indicted for the same reason he said he pardoned his family: legal fees. Bankrupt the s.o.b. Its all ill-gotten gains anyway. Make him spend it the way he made dozens upon dozens of people lose everything in Merrick Garlands Trump (and J6) witch hunts.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has not shown herself to be particularly aggressive thus far. And thus far, even as it specifically includes the Epstein debacle, Trump says Bondis handled things wellwhich, for a guy known for youre fired, is inexplicable, but here we are. We have what we have. One wonders if this, the matter about which Trump was most personally, brutally affected, will change his mind if  if she does not act.

It simply must be done. Or we cannot proceed as a free people.

Over to you, Blondie.

Image from Tulsi Gabbards X account.
Barcelona are pushing to complete the signing of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, the PA news agency understands.

The 27-year-old has not played for his boyhood club since being hauled off in a Europa League match away to Viktoria Plzen on December 12 and ended the season on loan at Aston Villa.

Rashford has trained away from Ruben Amorims first-team since pre-season began and appears to be edging closer to a dream switch to Barcelona.

PA understands talks are progressing on a deal to take the United outcast to the LaLiga outfit, with a season-long loan including an option to buy being worked on.

Marcus Rashford ended last season on loan at Aston Villa (Nick Potts/PA)

Rashford is among five players to have informed United they wish to explore a future away from Old Trafford, where he came through the academy and scored 138 goals in 426 first-team appearances.

The England international admitted he was ready for a new challenge in December and last month revealed he would like to play alongside Barcelonas teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona sporting director Deco in May told Catalan radio station RAC1 that the club like Rashford, who does not have a squad number having lost the 10 shirt to Matheus Cunha.

The Brazil international and left-back Diego Leon have arrived at United this summer, with forward Bryan Mbeumo set to join them at Old Trafford.

The Cameroon international is in the process of completing his move after United finally struck a deal with Brentford worth 65million plus up to 6million in add-ons.
Boris Johnson made the comments as he met Ukrainian veterans at the Ukrainian embassy in London - Jeff Gilbert for The Telegraph

Boris Johnson has said he is quite sad about a lack of British interest in Ukraine, adding that speaking up for it was his number one priority.

At an event for Ukrainian veterans at the countrys London embassy this week, the former prime minister told The Telegraph: The interest in Ukraine and the appetite is so low nowadays. I find it quite sad.

I mean, it sort of comes and goes, but its number one for me. Number one.

Asked about how he evaluated his successors as Tory leader and prime minister on Ukraine, Mr Johnson said: Britain continues to be very important in this. But if you talk to some of my Ukrainian friends, theyll say that perhaps were not in quite the leadership, the thought leadership, role that we were.

There are a lot of domestic issues that are very difficult right now, and you can see why theyre distracted, but I think this is a big opportunity for Britain.

On a potential return to frontline politics, Mr Johnson added: I dont see any immediate way I can be particularly useful in British politics right now. But I think I can continue to talk about Ukraine.

Boris Johnson said: If you talk to some of my Ukrainian friends, theyll say that perhaps were not in quite the leadership, the thought leadership, role that we were - Jeff Gilbert

Mr Johnson met Ukrainian veterans at the embassy event, organised by DTEK, the largest private investor in Ukraines energy sector. He was greeted with applause by the group, some of whom had been tortured after capture.

Asking about the soldiers itinerary on their visit to Britain he said: I invited you to my pub in Somerset, but understandably that was too far.

One of the trips organisers told him there is also a cultural programme for the soldiers to learn about Britain, to which the former PM responded thats the pub, provoking laughter from the crowd.

He is calling for European governments to seize the $300bn (224bn) of Russian assets frozen in Europe and send them to Ukraine, describing this as a down payment from Russia to Ukraine on the reparations that Russia will inevitably have to pay one day for what it has done.

Mr Johnson claimed Donald Trump, the US president, was in favour of such a move, despite concerns that it could spook international investors. This is an idea that is attractive to Donald Trump. He would like to do it, but the Europeans need to step up, he added.

It comes after Mr Johnson had said the best way for the Tories to counter Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, was to ignore him.

He repeated that call on Friday, saying: If youve got a problem with a political doppelganger, dont talk about them. Thats my strong advice.

What voters want to hear is what were doing, what we Tories are offering for them, whether theyre 16 or 102. They want to know what the Tory plans are.

The most recent survey of voting intention by YouGov put Reform on 26 per cent, Labour on 24 per cent, and the Conservatives on 17.

Speaking days after Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to give the vote to 16-year-olds, Mr Johnson said there was no reason why they shouldnt be persuaded to vote Tory at all.

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has said she would focus on rebuilding the trust of voters before developing a comprehensive set of policies for the partys next election manifesto.

Earlier this year she launched the Policy Renewal Programme and ditched the Conservatives previous commitment to Net Zero by 2050  a key pledge of Mr Johnsons Government.

On the news this week of the Afghanistan data leak under the Conservatives, Mr Johnson said it was absolutely right to protect Afghans at risk of repercussions from the Taliban.

I knew nothing about this, he said of the leak and subsequent super-injunction. I think it is, in principle, absolutely right to protect those who have helped our country, at great risk to their own lives and the lives of their families. I think its absolutely right to try to do that.



Of the unprecedented super-injunction, which prevented journalists from reporting on the story or acknowledging the existence of the gagging order itself, Mr Johnson added: My first instinct would have been to use the D-notice process, but I dont know what the legal advice was.
Stuart Field was forced to collect his daughter from school over her inappropriate dress - Stuart Field/PA

It was a small and sorry tale that went big. On Friday July 11, as the sun shone down in Warwickshire, Courtney Wright, a Year 7 pupil at the village school in Bilton, Rugby, ought to have had a lovely day. It was the schools culture day, and so Courtney donned a cute sequinned Union Flag number and a hat to match. It had shades of the famous dress worn by Geri Halliwell of the Spice Girls in 1997, back when Britannia was briefly considered cool.

But a few hours later, Courtneys day had turned into an Orwellian nightmare. She found herself sitting outside the school waiting for her father to collect her, having been castigated and expelled. Her crime was wearing British garb, and with it, the suggestion that on a day of cultural celebration for the school community in Warwickshire she was somehow  what? Asserting white supremacy? Racist nationalism? Expressing disgust for the diverse members of the school? This sweet 12-year-old girl was treated as if shed come dressed as a member of the Ku Klux Klan, or a skinhead from the National Front.

Never for a moment dropping the imbecilic woke jargon that led them into this perverse position in the first place, the school issued a sort of bureaucratic apology, which reminded me of the Labour partys apologies for repeated outbreaks of anti-Semitism. Clearly missing the point, it droned that it was learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage.

One felt a queasy guffaw rise in the throat as the statement went on. As a school, we are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect and understanding for all.

No, you buffoons. This isnt about reviewing policies or values of inclusion. Its about a culture that is so embarrassed and actually hostile to itself that it cant even countenance its own flag worn in sequins and good spirit by a 12-year-old girl.

Its about the disastrous policies that have led to a moment in which terrorists are painstakingly afforded all the protections of British and European human rights, and pro-Palestine obsessives can drape themselves in keffiyehs and Palestinian flags, but a girl is humiliated, ostracised and sent home by teachers for celebrating, in the most light-hearted of ways, her British heritage.

Its about the catastrophic melange of bad ideas leading to the blind worship of multiculturalism. Careful observers have always known that this term was a mess; it has killed off any understanding of the importance of having a flexible but dominant home culture. One that is critically engaged with its history and heritage, but also insistent upon the Western values that are the fruits of that history and heritage. One that could not only handle, but enjoy, a dress like the one Courtney wore.

We all know that Bilton Schools aims are not for a moment about actual diversity, whether it is conscious of this fact or not. They are about brainwashing. And what happened to Courtney Wright is a microcosm of what has been happening, at greater intensity, in Britains wider culture for years. Indeed, Bilton Schools notion of heritage as something thats first and foremost inclusive, and thus worth celebrating so long as its not British, will feel very familiar to many. For example, the students at university or pupils at school who, for years, have dared not say anything about the British empire lest they end up conveying something other than scathing hostility.

Britain faces a massive crisis of identity, and the events in Rugby have shone a direct light on it. The anti-Britishness of Britain is leading directly to policies, like those of the police and the security services, that harm British children. The grooming gangs werent stopped, in part, because of a fear of Islamophobia. The security services didnt chase up a lead that might have stopped Salman Abedi from bombing the Manchester Arena; there is no reason to think this blind-eye-turning wasnt, at least in part, caused by the same fear.

At the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings in London, the great and the good hung their heads in respect of the victims, but few named what caused the carnage: Islamist terror. Fear of inflaming community tensions  the same reason Jews were told not to hang missing posters of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7  no doubt explain that reticence.

Im as averse to chest-thumping jingoism as the next cosmopolitan, rootless Jew whose patriotic grandparents had to flee their nations  their national loyalty counting for less than zero. Nationalism has long been associated with violence, racism, anti-Semitism and loutishness, to say nothing of Nazism, the most terrifying empire the world has ever seen. But Britain isnt plagued with Nazism, or the murderous racism of the Ku Klux Klan. Not even close. We are, in fact, dealing with a country on its knees, suffering from a lethal lack of confidence.

As ever, Europe both experiences and responds to such tensions in volatile technicolour. In Germany, the far-Right, nationalist, anti-immigrant AfD has closer links, for obvious reasons, to the dangerous rhetoric of Germanys recent past. Indeed, celebrating Germannness is, in my view, something that should only be done with the utmost caveating for quite some time to come.

At any rate, the AfDs Thuringia chapter is considered its most extreme Right-wing and is on German state watch lists. Its leader, Bjorn Hocke, has many views ranging from dubious to repellent. He has said that the big problem is that one presents Hitler as absolutely evil, wants less Holocaust education and a return to the natural gender order, whatever that is.

But in his book, Never Twice in the Same River, Hocke, a former school teacher, stumbles on a kernel of truth. He tells how one summer, students at the school started wearing T-shirts with the names of countries printed on them, including Turkey, Russia and Italy, but of course not Germany.

And then a girl showed up wearing a Germany shirt. The Turkish and African boys were beside themselves, writes Hocke. These otherwise divided Turks and Africans spontaneously agreed in their aggressive rejection of Germanness. Hocke then turned up in a Germany shirt the next day, and he was elated when some students followed suit.

The point is not that poor old Germany deserves to forget the Holocaust and rehabilitate Hitler; that would be monstrous. Its that societies founder without a clear sense of where theyve been, where they are and where they are going. Germany and the rest of Europe do not need to embrace far-Right politics to do this.

No, they have only, at least in the first place, to refuse to let worries about offending minorities, or being seen to do so, get in the way of asserting the rule of law. And for the rest of us, the job is to assert the customs and values of the land without fear. Without that clarity of mission and identity, we will continue to see travesties from the small to the cosmic.

Thankfully, Britain is not Germany. We have a history without the atrocities of the Nazi era. Our cultural inheritance is so rich, and has so many brilliancies alongside the less good things, that we have a feast of opportunity to work on, if only we were able.

Seeing things this way would not only be more interesting and educative for children, it would also save lives.
The British and Irish Lions have sight of a series victory after overpowering Australia 27-19 in a one-sided opener that only became competitive in the second half.

Billed as strong favourites to win the first Test at Suncorp Stadium, they surpassed expectations by taking the Wallabies apart in a first half that exposed the gulf in class between the rivals.

Flankers Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne were at the heart of their dominance up front with prop Ellis Genge and hooker Dan Sheehan delivering strong supporting roles, while Finn Russell cast a spell over the home defence.

Up and running in the Test Series #Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/nRoe8mW4Tw  British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 19, 2025

Russell had serious firepower to unleash in the form of centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, the classy number 12 touching down with the omnipresent Curry and Sheehan also crossing.

For all the fireworks from the Lions, who had built an unassailable 24-5 lead just seconds after the interval, their play became far more ragged in the final half-hour with Australias bench having greater impact.

It was perhaps a reflection of the effort they had put in during a phase of the match when it looked like men against boys, but the Wallabies fighting spirit was also evident.

Australia finished the stronger side in a development that bodes well for the Tests to come in Melbourne and Sydney and it is hoped bulldozing forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini will return from their calf injuries imminently to take part.

Finn Russell (centre) cast a spell over the home defence (David Davies/PA)

With the power of Skelton and Valetini missing, the Wallabies were given little hope and their worst fears came to pass inside the opening 10 minutes as the Lions raced clear with Russell dictating play beautifully.

A penalty that rewarded the intent shown by Curry and Beirne at the first breakdown was followed by two sublime passes as part of a move that ended with Tuipulotu strolling over.

Curry and Beirne were terrorising the Wallabies in contact and at the breakdown, justifying their selection in the ferociously-competitive flanker positions, while Tuipulotu and Jones were beginning to find their stride.

Sione Tuipulotu scored the Lions opening try (David Davies/PA)

Jones had a try disallowed for not releasing and having just shown steel in defence, the Lions were burgled when Max Jorgensen stripped Hugo Keenan after the full-back had caught the ball before escaping to touch down.

Leading 10-5, the tourists needed more points to reflect their dominance after James Lowe and Joe McCarthy went close and their pack duly delivered with Curry producing the last in a series of pick and goes.

The second half was just 78 seconds old when the Lions moved out of sight with Curry and Jones instrumental in a try for Sheehan.

OVER IN THE CORNER  Watch every game live on @SkySports.#Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/TV6UTery6U  British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 19, 2025

Australia showed signs of revival with their forwards at the heart of their best passage of play so far that saw Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Harry Potter almost pierce the red wall.

The Lions bench was not having the expected impact and instead it was the Wallabies reinforcements who were making their mark, with a dominant spell ending when Carlo Tizzano barrelled over.

The try was richly deserved and in a nod to Australias growing challenge, Marcus Smith drilled over a penalty to create a 15-point lead before Tate McDermott claimed a late consolation try.
Charlie Dobson shocked Matt Hudson-Smith as he edged victory in the mens 400 metres in front of a sell-out crowd at the Novuna London Athletics Meet.

Dobson won the Diamond League final last year and while all eyes were on Olympic silver medallist Hudson-Smith, it was Dobson who swooped through to claim the win in a new personal best time of 44.14 seconds.

He said: I really enjoyed that one. I kind of set the race up slightly different to how Id done previously. I got to 200 a couple of tenths faster than I would normally, I hope, obviously I havent seen the splits yet.

I just got to the last straight and I felt really good. I thought Id give it everything. I thought Id catch a few of them, I didnt think Id catch all of them.

CHARLIE DOBSON!!!!  He comes out of nowhere to win the #LondonDL 400m with a PB (44.14), beating fellow Brit Matt Hudson-Smith who finishes 2nd  WHAT A RACE #DiamondLeague @_Novuna @charliedobson99 pic.twitter.com/igvsc2Cwt0  British Athletics (@BritAthletics) July 19, 2025

Asked if Hudson-Smith had any words at the finish, Dobson added: He just laughed at me. I couldnt really say much either, to be honest. I was surprised. Ill chat to him after. Hes an amazing competitor.

I love being able to race against him and Ill be honest, I love beating him.

Josh Kerr was another expected to be among the winners but, although he ran a seasons best of 3.29.37, Kenyas Phanuel Koech had the measure of the reigning world champion.

Georgia Hunter-Bell produced a decisive finishing kick in the womens 800m, running a seasons best of 1.56.74 to beat Americas Addison Wiley, while Jemma Reekie (sixth) and Laura Muir (10th) were down the field.

Morgan Lake claimed victory in the womens high jump with a leap of 1.96m but there was disappointment for Molly Caudery in the womens pole vault as the 2024 world indoor champion cleared 4.60m, some way short of even her seasons best of 4.85m, to place fifth.

Double trouble  It's second and third for @dinaashersmith and @amyghunt in the 200m  And a brilliant personal best of 22.31s for Hunt #LondonDL #DiamondLeague @_Novuna pic.twitter.com/VhyWuvRoYl  British Athletics (@BritAthletics) July 19, 2025

Dina Asher-Smith posted her best time this year in the womens 200m, running 22.25 behind Julien Alfred, with team-mate Amy Hunt third in a new PB of 22.31.

The first British quartet of Asher-Smith, Hunt, Desiree Henry and Daryll Neita came out on top in their womens 4x100m relay, running 41.69 seconds to beat second-placed Jamaica, with the second GB entry coming home sixth.

The first mens GB team of Jeremiah Azu, Louie Hinchcliffe, Romell Glave and Zharnel Hughes ran 38.08 to finish second to a dominant Jamaican team in the mens 4x100m relay, with the second British quartet taking third.

National 400m finals yielded victories for Lewis Davey (44.91) and Victoria Ohuruogu (51.22), with Seamus Derbyshire (48.82) winning a domestic mens 400m hurdle final.

Oblique Seville (right) beat Noah Lyles (centre) in the mens 100m (Adam Davy/PA)

Lawrence Okoye had to settle for third in the mens discus with a throw of 67.24m behind Mykolas Aleknas meeting record of 71.70m, while the Netherlands Femke Bol delivered a comprehensive victory in the womens 400m hurdles, as Britains Lina Nielsen finished sixth.

Noah Lyles was defeated in first 100m since winning gold in Paris last year, running 10 seconds flat as Jamicas Oblique Seville powered home in a time of 9.86.

Kenyas Emmanuel Wanyonyi set a new meeting record of 1.42 in the mens 800m, with Britains Max Burgin taking third with a new personal best of 1.42.36 in a race that had been billed as a world-record attempt.
The M23 rebel group has been accused of war crimes in its assault on eastern Congo - AFP/Alexis Huguet

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group signed a ceasefire deal on Saturday to end fighting that has devastated the countrys mineral-rich east.

The two sides signed a declaration of principles, the terms of which include a permanent ceasefire, after three months of talks in Qatar.

It followed a separate peace deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments, signed in Washington last month.

Rich in natural resources, especially lucrative minerals, eastern DRC has been wracked by conflict for more than three decades, creating a humanitarian crisis and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes.

More than 7,000 were killed in a lightning offensive by M23 in January and February, in which the group seized swathes of territory including Goma and Bukavu, key provincial capitals.

In the agreement the warring parties agreed to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire, including refraining from hate propaganda and any attempt to seize by force new positions.

The deal includes a roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern DRC, and an agreement for the two sides to open direct negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement.

Sumbu Sita Mambu, a Congolese presidential envoy, and Benjamin Mbonimpa, the M23 permanent secretary, shook hands after signing the deal at a ceremony in Doha.

M23 had insisted on seeking its own ceasefire deal with Kinshasa, saying the DRC-Rwanda deal signed in Washington in June left out various problems that still needed to be addressed.

The two sides said the new deal aligned with the Washington agreement, which Donald Trump, the US president, said at the time was the start of a new chapter of hope and opportunity for the region.

Eastern Congo is rich in minerals and has been wracked by conflict for more than three decades - Reuters/Gradel Muyisa Mumbere

Patrick Muyaya, a Congolese government spokesman, said the deal took account of the DRCs red lines, including the non-negotiable withdrawal of the M23 from occupied areas followed by the deployment of our institutions, including the armed forces.

The two sides agreed to implement the deals terms by July 29 at the latest, and to start negotiations toward the comprehensive agreement by Aug 8.

Paul Kagame, the Rwandan president, and Felix Tshisekedi, the Congolese president, are due to meet in the coming months to solidify the Washington peace deal, whose terms have not yet been implemented.

Questions remain over an expected side-deal on economic issues, after Mr Trump boasted of securing mineral wealth in the vast central African nation.

In April, Mr Tshisekedi said he had discussed a deal for access to the DRCs mineral wealth with Massad Boulos, the US special envoy.

Mr Boulos, who was at the signing ceremony in Doha, called the restoration of the Congolese governments control over its eastern territory one of the most important clauses in the new deal, but told a news conference that we know that there are no magic solutions to end the conflict, especially regarding the timeline.

Previous ceasefire agreements for eastern DRC have collapsed.

Neighbouring Rwanda denies providing military backing to M23, but UN experts say the Rwandan army played a critical role in the groups offensive, including combat operations.

The front line has stabilised since February, but fighting was still breaking out regularly between opposing forces.

The African Union hailed the new agreement as a significant development, saying: This marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
The Trump administration is under pressure from Maga supporters to reveal what it knows about Epstein - GETTY IMAGES

Jeffrey Epsteins brother is demanding the release of hours of unseen interviews with the paedophile financier as the clamour grows in Washington to find out whether he was protecting a circle of powerful figures.

The controversy has roiled the administration of Donald Trump after he promised to release all the files from the Epstein investigation and subsequently has not.

This week, the row hit a boiling point as it was claimed the President sent a lewd birthday letter to Epstein.

Mr Trump has furiously denied sending the message and a drawing of a naked woman and is suing the Wall Street Journal and its owners including Rupert Murdoch for at least $10 billion (7.4 billion).

He has also ordered the justice department to release the grand jury transcripts in the 2019 case against Epstein.

Now attention has turned to Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to the president.

He spent hours with Epstein in the summer of 2019 in what is thought to have been his final interview before his arrest.

Steve Bannon, who Epsteins brother said worked with the disgraced financier shortly before he died - GETTY IMAGES

Let me see the videotapes, said Mark Epstein, who said he now had doubts about the official story that his brother died by suicide. Hes my brother.

Epstein died in August 2019.

His death in a jail cell triggered a wave of conspiracy theories, suggesting he had been murdered in order to ensure he could not implicate anyone in his circle of wealthy friends.

Mr Trump promised to publish what became known as the Epstein files but his Department of Justice this month announced that its review of the evidence confirmed he had died by suicide and there were no grounds for further investigation of his contacts.

The story was catapulted back into the headlines at the end of the week. Mr Trump was accused of sending a message and a drawing of a naked woman to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003.

Epsteins brother said the financier worked with Mr Bannon, a huge star in the Maga media world, after the Miami Herald in 2018 revealed the stories of women who said they had been abused.

He told me he has like 15 or 16 hours of videotape of Jeff. He was trying to help Jeff rehabilitate his reputation, he told NBC News.

They spent a lot of time together.

Mr Bannon declined to comment but he is not accused of any wrongdoing.

A trailer obtained by the New York Post for a documentary entitled The Monsters: Epsteins Life Among the Global Elite shows Mr Bannon with Epstein, who claims to be a supporter of the #TimesUp movement.

I made my living from old thinking but the future is for the way women think, he says.

The way women think? asks Mr Bannon. Is that not a sop because of all of the depravity youve done against young women?

Epstein grins.

No  Ive always believed that women would be, in fact, be able to take over, he replies. Im a firm believer and supporter of Times Up.

Epstein was convicted in 2008 by a Florida state court of procuring a child for prostitution and of soliciting a prostitute as part of a controversial plea deal that meant he only served 13 months in custody.

He was arrested again in July 2019, after a string of other women came forward to say they had been abused as minors.

During the interview, he even foreshadows his own death.

The greatest threat to people put in solitary confinement is they try to kill themselves, he says.

Mark Epstein said he has doubts about the official explanation of his brothers death.My concern is that my brother was killed, he said, adding, More and more, I believe he was murdered, and everyone who looks at all the information thats out there on facts comes to the same conclusion, correct?

Donald Trumps friendship with Epstein has come under fresh scrutiny - GETTY IMAGES

At the end of the week, Mr Trump asked for the release of grand jury testimony connected to Epstein. The decision rests with a New York federal judge.

With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request, Mr Trump said on Saturday via his Truth Social website. It will always be more, more, more.

At the same time, his friendship with Epstein has been under fresh scrutiny since The Wall Street Journal reported details of what it said was a birthday message he had sent to the financier.

It allegedly includes a sketch, depicting a womans breasts and a Donald signature in the place of pubic hair, and concludes with the line: Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret.

The two both lived in Palm Beach and moved in some of the same circles, but they had a falling out before Epsteins first arrest.

Mr Trump denied he had sent it and quickly launched a defamation suit against the newspaper, two reporters and Rupert Murdoch, its proprietor.
N8V Grown, a Native American-owned and operated recreational marijuana dispensary, opened its first Billings-area storefront Friday, bringing the companys signature high-potency products to Montanas largest city.

The shop  located at 7342 Eggebrecht Lane  is the sixth N8V Grown location statewide and the first near an urban center. Recreational cannabis shops are legal in Yellowstone County but banned within city limits.

Founded in 2018 by father and son Kenneth and Charles Swan, the business began in Box Elder, on Rocky Boys Reservation, where Charles Swan said he hoped to serve his own community by launching what was then a medical dispensary.

There wasn't really any medical shops there at the time, Swan said.

With their marijuana plants and product sales thriving in Box Elder, Swan said he and his father opened a second location in Cut Bank after recreational cannabis was legalized in Montana in 2021. Known for its Montana-grown flower with THC levels topping 30%, N8V Grown sets itself apart by offering a more potent experience than many competitors, Swan said.

I feel like we have some of the best stuff in the state, Swan said. Im not going to say number one, because there is a lot of good growers out there. But I do feel like our percentages speak for themselves.

N8V Growns products typically sell out within two to three weeks, prompting the Swans to scale up production and expand to more locations. Before opening the new shop outside Billings, the company operated five dispensaries across northern Montana, all near the states eight Indian reservations.

We ended up (having) people stop in through the powwows and stuff like that, and they'd be like, Man, you need to come up to our reservation, too, Swan said. I wanted to supply Native Americans, if I could, some good weed for cheaper prices.

As a result, 70 of N8V Growns 74 employees are Native American. While Swan emphasized that jobs are open to people of all backgrounds, hes proud to be creating employment opportunities in reservation communities.

I know that employment is needed all over the place, especially up around reservations, Swan said. A lot of the people I hire are younger, and I feel like they deserve opportunities. Because a lot of them don't get that opportunity to work.

In addition to young tribal citizens, Swan said hes made it a priority from the start to hire individuals with criminal records  offering them a chance at stability, purpose and a fresh start.

I did hire a few felons. As long as they could get their badge, I didn't discriminate against them, Swan said. They're coming out of jail and a lot of those guys don't get the opportunity either. So I did, at the beginning, focus a lot on hiring some of them, as long as it was okay with their parole officer.

Earlier this year, Swan said the company faced a major setback after nearly all its plants were wiped out by Hop Latent Viroid  a pathogen known to cause Dudding Disease in cannabis. The loss forced N8V Grown to start over from scratch.

All the new stuff we have is all from brand new genetics that we pop from seeds, Swan said. Weve been fortunate to get what we got. We ended up with some really good stuff, some high percentage again. And when it comes to the customers, that's all they want is a high percentage.

Ben Growner, finance manager and consultant for N8V Grown, said that the company considered a few locations in the Billings area before ultimately deciding on the location just west of city limits.

The reason we picked this spot is because its off King Ave., everyones driving through. Theres good expansion coming out this way, Growner said. Also, we have room to grow so people who are buying here can get local product.

Although its the first time for N8V to be near a city the size of Billings, Growner said he doesnt think there will be substantial changes to how the new shop will run.

Our philosophy has been that no matter where we go we have the best flower in the state, Growner said. Once people get their hands on it and try it, they tend to return.

Now that its farms are thriving again, Swan said N8V Grown plans to open three more locations across Montana, bringing the total to nine statewide.

Were opening three additional locations in Sydney, Plenty Wood, and Glendive, Growner said. Were waiting for inspection but within the next month well be open.
Bedouin tribes have clashed with Druze fighters in the Druze-majority province of Sweida, southern Syria. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Seven months on from Bashar al-Assads fall, Syria is descending into yet another wave of bloody sectarian violence.

A local dispute between a Bedouin tribesman and a member of the Druze minority sparked clashes that drew in Syrian government forces and triggered Israeli airstrikes  leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.

Related: Shot in the head, as if executed: four days of violence end with hundreds dead in southern Syria

The scenes were reminiscent of the coastal massacres of March, when 1,500 mostly Alawite civilians were slaughtered in revenge for a failed assault by fighters loyal to Assad, who came from the sect.

The killings have halted the enthusiasm that abounds over the new Syrian state and are a grim reminder of the momentous challenges it faces in unifying the country after nearly 14 years of brutal civil war.

The Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa  whose Sunni Islamist group led the offensive that ousted Assad  has won the hearts of most of the western world, his success in international diplomacy rivalled only by his stunning battlefield victories. Donald Trump has called him an attractive, tough guy, while the EU was swift to bring Sharaas Syria out of international isolation.

At home however, progress has been halting. Syria is still deeply divided, and negotiations to integrate the one-third of the country controlled by Kurdish forces has stalled. Talks to fully integrate the Druze-majority province of Sweida, where the current violence is unfolding, have been slow moving.

Sharaa has vowed to protect the countrys minorities and has said repeatedly it is the ethnic and religious diversity of Syria which makes the country so special. In a speech on Thursday, he promised to hold accountable anyone who committed abuses against Druze, emphasising that Syrias laws guarantee the rights of all.

It will take more than a speech, however, to overcome the deep divides that have been carved into Syria over the more than a decade of war.

This week, those divisions were thrown back into the open. The campaign on the ground, which pitted mostly Sunni government forces and allied Bedouin tribes against Druze fighters, was accompanied by brutal hate speech.

In Telegram groups, men traded pictures of Syrian Druze women and joked about sexually assaulting them as tribal forces advanced into the Druze province. Fistfights broke out between Druze and Muslim students in Aleppo, hundreds of miles from the clashes, despite administrators protests.

In Sweida, any faith in the Damascus government that had been built up over the last months evaporated as local people emerged to find their loved ones dead, many killed brutally. One local man said he would rather die with dignity than join the new Syrian state, after his uncle was killed.

As soon as Syrian government forces withdrew on Thursday, Druze militias launched revenge attacks against Bedouin families, once again reigniting fighting between the two groups.

The ability of the new Syrian state to mend the countrys social fabric is in question. The countrys new army, a patchwork of militias, seems to run wild whenever deployed. During the coastal massacres in March and this weeks violence in Sweida, government-affiliated forces filmed themselves as they abused civilians.

In the face of violence, some of the Druze leadership in Sweida refused to lay down their weapons and suggested that force would not bring them into the fold of the new Syrian state.

Complicating things is the involvement of Israel, which has styled itself as the protector of Syrians Druze, seemingly without asking them first. In the past, Israel relied on Russia to help maintain a buffer zone from its border with Syria, the threat then being Iranian-backed forces. It had little problem with Assad himself, affectionately referred to by Israeli analysts as the devil we know.

Related: Israeli airstrike hits Sweida city in Syria as Bedouin tribes clash with Druze

Now, Israel finds itself without a trusted partner in Syria. It has seized on the Syrian Druze as a pretext for renewed military intervention and its continued presence in southern Syria. Since Assads fall, Israel has occupied wide swathes of Syrian territory. This week, it resumed airstrikes, hitting the Syrian defence ministry in Damascus and dozens of Syrian military targets in the south.

Many Druze resent Israels suggestion of patronage, fearful it will further isolate them in a country where Israel is despised.



It also unclear how the Israeli military intervention will affect the ties between Tel Aviv and Damascus which, with US prodding, had been warming over recent months. Syrias president had even suggested eventually normalising relations with Israel  something that now seems far off.

The US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, said in an interview with the New York Times in early July that progress on democratisation and inclusivity were not part of the US criteria for its relations with Damascus. He further condemned past US attempts at nation building and meddling in the internal affairs of countries in the Middle East.

Everyone in this neighbourhood only respects power, and President Trump has established Americas power as a precursor to peace in spades, Barrack said.

Experts, however, have stressed that it is only dialogue, not power, that will bring peace to Syria.

On Friday, 57 Syrian civil society organisations signed a letter calling on Syrias new authorities to redouble their efforts to achieve transitional justice and ensure accountability for the sectarian violence in Sweida and elsewhere.

The letter noted that the government had still not released the results of an investigation meant to ensure accountability for the coastal massacres in March, which was due in early July.

In Sweida, clashes continued, as Bedouin tribes mobilised to invade the Druze province, burning houses as they went. Calls for an end to the fighting were ignored, dragging Syria deeper into the cycle of violence.

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Osama Al Ashi was a producer on Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, broadcast on July 2 - Instagram

A producer of a controversial documentary on Gaza called a terrorist who shot dead seven Israeli civilians on Holocaust Memorial Day a martyr, The Telegraph can reveal.

The Channel 4 film Gaza: Doctors Under Attack was billed as a forensic investigation into claims the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) were deliberately targeting Palestinian medics in a systematic campaign to cripple Gazas hospitals.

But one of the two Gazan producers, Osama Al Ashi, had previously described Palestinian terrorists as martyrs and has been accused of posting celebratory footage of the Oct 7 2023 attacks on social media.

The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (Camera UK), a pro-Israel monitoring organisation, said it raised questions about the producers objectivity and the documentarys impartiality.

A Camera UK spokesman told The Telegraph: A producer who celebrates the deaths of Israeli civilians on what he sees as the other side, and who appears unable to distinguish them from legitimate military targets, cannot be considered an impartial observer.

The film Osama Al Ashi helped to produce was broadcast on July 2 - Facebook

After being contacted by The Telegraph, Ashi deleted several social media posts in which he had described terrorists as martyrs.

The documentary, made by Basement Films, an independent production company, proved controversial even before it was broadcast.

It was originally commissioned by the BBC, but the broadcaster decided it risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC.

Earlier, in February, the corporation had been forced to remove a Gaza documentary by a different production company from iPlayer. It had emerged that the child narrator of Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone was the son of a Hamas government minister.

In light of this, the BBC reviewed Gaza: Doctors Under Attack and decided to axe it.

Channel 4 acquired the film, stating it had carried out thorough fact checking and verification to ensure it met its editorial standards and the Ofcom broadcasting code. The film aired on July 2.

But it is now known that, in an Instagram post on Jan 27 2023, Ashi, a producer from Gaza, described Khairi Alqam, a 21-year-old terrorist from East Jerusalem, as a martyr.

Khairi Alqam killed seven Israelis outside a synagogue - Instagram

Earlier that day  Holocaust Memorial Day  Alqam drove to a synagogue in the Israeli settlement of Neve Yaakov, took out a handgun, and opened fire on worshippers leaving the building. This settlement is recognised as being illegal under international law.

The attack, the deadliest by a Palestinian gunman in the region since 2008, left seven civilians dead. The youngest was a 14-year-old child.

Alqam was shot dead by police as he fled on foot.

Ashi responded to the attack by posting a commemorative video showing photos of the terrorist, captioned the martyr Khairi Alqam  may God have mercy on him and forgive him, a common Arabic condolence message.

The clip is a slideshow of photos of the gunman in various settings, including wearing a bow tie and three-piece suit, and posing in sunglasses beside a car on a mountain road, set to melancholic music.

After being contacted by The Telegraph, Ashi deleted the post about Alqam.

A still from an Instagram slideshow posted by Ashi and showing Khairi Alqam, the gunman who killed seven Israelis in a synagogue. The Arabic caption reads: The martyr Khairi Alqam - Instagram

Alqam has not been formally linked to any terror group and could have been motivated by personal trauma and a desire for revenge.

His grandfather, also his namesake, was stabbed to death in 1998 by Chaim Pearlman, a Jewish extremist from the Kach movement. Pearlman was legally represented by Itamar Ben-Gvir, now Israels Minister of National Security.

Nine months after Alqams synagogue attack, on Oct 7 2023, as Hamas launched its attacks on Israel, Ashi posted videos on his social media.

On Instagram, he shared footage of Hamas terrorists flying into Israel by paraglider as dawn broke over the Gaza Strip, set to an uplifting Islamic song encouraging fighting against oppressors.

The clip contains the footage of the attack overlaid with the Arabic lyrics: Fill the earth with Takbir [the praise of God]  to shake the oppressors.

A still from a video posted by Ashi showing the Oct 7 2023 attacks on Israel - TikTok

The post is captioned: These are the videos that settlers are now circulating of the resistance storming and infiltrating the occupied territories in the Gaza Strip.

A Camera UK spokesman commented on the clip, saying: The video Mr Ashi posted on Oct 7 combined with rallying against oppressors is celebratory of terror atrocities that were carried out against Israelis.

On TikTok, Ashi posted another video on Oct 7, this time showing Hamas rockets being fired into Israel, accompanied by an excitable childs voice saying: Go, go!

The video is captioned keep going, oh Mahdi, keep going! followed by two fire emojis and a laughing-crying emoji.

Camera UK also said Ashi had made several social media posts during the intensification of hostilities between Israel and Gaza in 2016, including one calling a Hamas member involved in the shooting of three civilians a wounded hero.

We are presenting an impartial view

Announcing the decision to air the documentary, Louisa Compton, Channel 4s head of news and current affairs, said: We are showing this programme because we believe that, following thorough fact-checking and verification, we are presenting a duly impartial view of a subject that both divides opinion and frequently provokes dispute about what constitutes a fact.

Earlier this week, Deborah Turness, the BBCs head of news, revealed it was concerns over the social media activity of a journalist involved in Gaza: Doctors Under Attack that prompted them to pause production.

She said the decision to drop the film came after its reporter, Ramita Navai, said during a BBC radio interview that Israel was a rogue state thats committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing and mass-murdering Palestinians.

The revelations about the producers social media activity have now prompted calls, including from a former head of BBC Television, for the media regulator Ofcom to investigate.

Danny Cohen, who oversaw the BBCs television networks from 2013 to 2015, said: Ofcom should launch an investigation immediately.

He added: Channel 4 has serious questions to answer on why they saw fit to broadcast this documentary. They have broadcast a programme in collaboration with those who appear to revel in the violent death of Jews and presented it as journalism.

It is shameful. Channel 4 should be deeply embarrassed.

Lord Austin, a non-affiliated peer and former Labour MP, said: The hateful social media posts by the producer on this film are really shocking.

Ofcom should launch an investigation into why Channel 4 saw fit to broadcast this film made by someone who appears to glory in the murder of Jews.

Wounded hero

Earlier posts from Ashi include one, dated June 8 2016, in which the producer, then aged 20, called Khalid Al-Muhamra, a Hamas member, a wounded hero and described his cousin Muhammad as a martyr.

The two men had opened fire that evening on diners at the Max Brenner Cafe in Tel Avivs Sarona Market, killing three civilians, with a fourth later dying of a heart attack. Both were arrested alive.

A month later, on July 1 2016, Ashi posted an apparent reference to the fatal shooting of Rabbi Michael Mark, a 48-year-old father of ten, who had just been killed by a Palestinian gunman while driving with his wife and two children through the South Hebron Hills.

Citing a news report of the attack, Ashi appeared to praise the terrorists aim, writing either hit like this or not at all alongside a smiley face emoji.

A spokesman for the Jewish Leadership Council, which represents the largest Jewish organisations in the UK, including synagogues, care organisations, and education charities, told The Telegraph that Ashis involvement in the film was a betrayal of basic journalistic standards.

That this documentary was produced by someone with such a horrific track record of glorifying terror is not just a betrayal of basic journalistic standards; it fuels the anti-Israel bias which has been linked to anti-Semitism in the UK.

My posts have nothing to do with Hamas

Osama Al Ashi said: My posts have absolutely nothing to do with Hamas. And I only cover and repost the news and updates. I only fear that these allegations will worry my family and friends and that the situation will develop into a direct threat.

You know how the army deals with us here in Gaza. I hope that this article will not be highlighted in the responses and its content will be explored in depth in the media.

When Oct 7 happened, there was a rush to post videos, and I shared them because there was extensive coverage of the events, and I did not add the audio. They were simply reposts done quickly as part of event coverage. I did not have time to analyse them.

A spokesman for Basement Films said: Osama has not posted anything himself about Oct 7 but shared news and other posts on social media as it was breaking, and The Telegraph interpretations of these tweets are misleading.

This story puts his life at risk. A record 230 journalists have been killed doing their jobs in Gaza.

It is shocking to us that Danny Cohen and Camera should seek to justify the killing of medics including Dr Khaled Hamoudas wife and 7-year-old daughter, because of some social media posts.

By doing so they appear to be supporting every aspect of Israels assault on Gaza, including the killing of at least 17,000 children.

Rigorous fact-checking

A Channel 4 spokesman said: Gaza: Doctors Under Attack is an important piece of public service journalism that has been through rigorous fact-checking and extensive compliance processes from Channel 4.

We stand by this forensically researched film and are satisfied it is duly impartial, accurate and compliant with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

Foreign journalists are banned from reporting inside Gaza. In line with other media organisations, the producers of Gaza: Doctors Under Attack used Palestinian journalists.

According to the UN more than 200 journalists in Gaza have been killed during this conflict.
Fighting between Bedouin Arabs and armed Druze factions continued on Friday - GETTY IMAGES

Israel and Syria have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire after clashes this week between Syrian government forces, Bedouin tribes and the Druze minority.

Tom Barrack, the United States envoy to Damascus, said the truce was agreed on Friday night and was supported by Turkey, Jordan and other neighbouring countries.

Mr Barrack did not share any details on the agreement but in a post on X he called for Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours.

It comes following renewed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin clans in Syrias southern Sweida province, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced in a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Government forces had withdrawn from Sweida following a separate ceasefire agreed upon with Druze groups on Wednesday after Israel launched dozens of airstrikes on convoys of government fighters and even struck the Syrian Defence Ministrys headquarters in the capital.

Credit: @AJEnglish/X

Israel said it was acting to defend the Druze, who form a substantial community in Israel and are seen as a loyal minority there, often serving in the Israeli military.

Earlier on Friday, Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa had announced that the government would send a specialised force to break up clashes and resolve the conflict on the ground in Sweida.

Officials had negotiated with Druze factions on an agreement to re-enter the area to impose stability and protect state institutions, according to two Syrian officials cited by the Associated Press.

The United Nations has been unable to bring in much-needed humanitarian and medical aid because of ongoing clashes.

Fighting began on Sunday between Druze militias and local Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes.

Government forces intervened, nominally to restore order, but ended up taking the Bedouins side against the Druze.

The fighting killed hundreds of people over four days, with allegations that government-affiliated fighters executed Druze civilians and looted and burned homes.

A truce mediated by the US, Turkey and Arab countries was announced on Wednesday. Under the accord, Druze factions and clerics were to maintain the internal security in Sweida as government forces pulled out, al-Sharaa said.

By late Thursday clashes were flaring again between the Druze and Bedouin groups in parts of Sweida province. State media reported that Druze militias carried out revenge attacks against Bedouin communities, leading to a new wave of displacement.

The United Nations migration agency said on Friday that nearly 80,000 people had been displaced altogether since clashes started on Sunday.

It also noted that essential services, including water and electricity, have collapsed in Sweida, telecommunications systems are widely disrupted, and health facilities in Sweida and Daraa are under severe strain.

Meanwhile there are severe disruptions to supply routes, with insecurity and road closures blocking aid deliveries, Adam Abdelmoula, UN Resident and Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator in Syria, said on Friday.

The World Health Organisation was able to send trauma care supplies to Daraa province, but Sweida remains inaccessible, he said.

Once conditions allow, we are planning to send a mission to assess needs and provide critical aid, in full coordination with authorities, Mr Abdelmoula said.
Karam and Lulu al-Ghussain were their familys designated water carriers because it seemed less dangerous than searching for food. Photograph: Supplied

In Gaza, being a helpful, loving child can be a death sentence. Heba al-Ghussains nine-year-old son, Karam, was killed by an Israeli airstrike because he went to fetch water for the family, and her 10-year-old daughter, Lulu, was killed because she went to give Karam a hand.

The siblings were waiting beside a water distribution station, holding jerry cans and buckets, when it was bombed last Sunday, killing six children and four adults and injuring 19 others, mostly children.

Both Lulu and Karam died instantly, torn apart by the force of the blast and so disfigured that their father prevented Heba from seeing their bodies.

They didnt allow me to say goodbye or even look at them one last time, she said. One of my brothers hugged me, trying to block the scene from me as he cried and tried to comfort me. After that, I dont remember anything. I lost touch with reality.

Lulus real name was Lana but her parents rarely used it because her nickname, which means pearl, captured the gentle shine she brought to family life. She had such a joyful personality, and a heart full of kindness, Heba said.

Karam was smart, always top of his class until Israeli attacks shut down Gazas schools, generous and mature beyond his years. His dad, Ashraf al-Ghussain, called him abu sharik or my partner, because he seemed like a man in spirit.

But he was also enough of a child to be obsessed by a remote-controlled car that he begged his mother to buy. She regrets telling him they needed to save money for food. I wish I had spent everything I had to buy it for him so he could have played with it before he died.

Both children also dreamed of the day Israel would lift its blockade of Gaza, so they could taste chocolate, instant noodles and their mums best dishes. For Lulu that was the Palestinian chicken dish musakhan, for Karam, shawarma. They had all kinds of food plans for me to prepare, Heba said.

Israel imposed a total siege for 11 weeks starting in March that brought Gaza to the brink of famine, and the very limited food, fuel and medical supplies allowed in since May have not relieved extreme hunger.

Unprecedented malnutrition is killing children, and preventing injured people recovering, a British doctor working there said this week.

Trying to get food has been a deadly gamble for months, with more than 800 people killed since late May in near daily attacks by Israeli soldiers using weapons including tank shells and navy cannon to target desperate crowds near food distribution points.

Trying to get clean water is also a struggle. Nearly two years of Israeli attacks have destroyed water treatment plants and pipe networks. In June Unicef warned that Gaza faces a human-made drought and that without fuel to operate remaining stations children could start dying of thirst.

But until Sunday, there had not been any mass killings of people trying to collect water. The al-Ghussains sent their children to collect supplies for the family because they thought it was less dangerous than searching for food.

Aid groups brought water in trucks to fill tanks at a water distribution station just a few streets away from the school where the family sought shelter after their own home was bombed. Karam would wait there in the sweltering heat for his turn at taps that often ran dry.

I had no choice but to send them, Heba said. Many times, my son would go and wait for his turn, sometimes for an hour, only to end up with nothing because the water would run out before it reached everyone.

When he did get water, it was only 20 litres, very little for a family of seven but a heavy weight for a young boy. Karam was only nine years old and braver than dozens of men. He carried it without tiring or complaining.

The long queues meant that Heba was not too worried when she heard the water station was hit. Her son left home not long before the bombing, so she assumed he would still have been at the back of a waiting crowd, some distance from the blast.

As it turned out the queue was relatively small when he arrived, a stroke of fatally bad luck that probably delighted Karam in his last few minutes. It meant that when the bomb hit, he and his sister were right beside water station.

When Lulu woke up, I told her to go help her brother carry the water containers. It was as if the missile was waiting for her to arrive to strike that place, Heba said.

Ali Abu Zaid, 36, was one of the first on the scene, rushing to help survivors. As the dust and smoke cleared they revealed a horrific tableau.

Each child was holding a water bucket, lying dead in place, covered in their own blood. The shrapnel had torn through their small bodies and disfigured their faces. The smell of gunpowder filled the area, he said.

People started loading the dead and injured on to donkey carts, as medical teams were slow to arrive, but there was nothing doctors could do for most of the victims.

Even if the ambulances had got there sooner, it wouldnt have made a difference. There was no saving anyone, these were lifeless bodies, completely shattered.

Ashraf raced to look for his children as soon as he heard the blast, but arrived after their bodies had been taken away to find only blood-stained water containers scattered on the street, and a terrifying silence.

So he headed to hospital to continue the search, where he found their battered bodies laid out on the floor, and collapsed over them in grief. He married in his 30s, late for Gaza, and when his children arrived they became his world. Karam and Lulus brutal deaths have shattered him.

When I saw them like that, I felt as if my heart was being stabbed with knives, he said. Im still in shock. Ive become constantly afraid of losing the rest of my family and being left alone. I feel as if Im going to lose my mind.

Heba also went to look for Lulu and Karam at the water station but then headed back to the shelter, hoping to find them waiting with their dad. Perhaps she had learned a kind of grim optimism from previous brushes with death.

The siblings had been rescued from the rubble of their home when an airstrike brought it down on top of them earlier in the war, and survived injuries after another bomb hit nearby. That streak would not last. They survived twice, but not the third time, Heba said.

Word of the childrens fate had reached the school, but even in Gaza, where no family has escaped tragedy, the scale of Hebas loss was shocking.

The news of their martyrdom was already spreading, but no one told me, she said. No one dared to deliver such terrible news. Instead they encouraged her to go look for them among the injured in al-Awda hospital.

There she found her husband, and the shattered bodies of their beloved son and daughter, so full of life just a couple of hours earlier.

Israels military blamed the strike on a malfunction that caused a bomb targeting a militant to fall short and hit the children, and said it was examining the incident.

Ashraf questioned this. They have the most advanced technology and know exactly where the missile will fall and who the target is. How could this be a mistake? A mistake that killed both of my children!

The family couldnt afford a burial plot for the children, so they interred them beside Hebas father. They worry they may have to reopen the grave again for the youngest of their three surviving children if aid to civilians does not increase. At 18 months, Ghina is malnourished and has skin rashes because the family cannot afford nappies and dont have enough water to wash her.

We sleep hungry and wake up hungry, and thirsty, too, with the desalination stations barely operating, Heba said. The entire world sees everything, yet they close their eyes as if they dont.
More than 22,500 migrants have reached the UK in small boats so far this year - Gareth Fuller/PA

A Labour-led council has been accused of downplaying the small boat crisis after one of its lawyers referred to a motion describing record-breaking arrivals as inflammatory.

The motion was submitted by opposition councillors on Swindon borough council who were objecting to lucrative tenancy deals being offered to private landlords to house asylum seekers.

Under the Home Office scheme to house asylum seekers, landlords are guaranteed five years of rent payments, funded by taxpayers, to accommodate the growing number of new arrivals to the UK.

Local Conservatives had sought to pass a motion that would require asylum seekers making use of the scheme to prove a local connection to the area.

But in documents seen by The Telegraph, a claim referring to a record-breaking surge in small boat arrivals was described by the councils top legal officer as inflammatory. It was requested that the wording of the motion be reviewed.

It is understood that this was advice, and it was at the discretion of the Labour mayor of the borough as to whether or not the motion was allowed in its current state.

Kevin Hollinrake MP, the shadow levelling up, housing and communities secretary, said: Saying there has been a record-breaking surge of small boats in the Channel is a factual statement. The last thing any responsible Labour council should be doing is downplaying this crisis or covering for Starmers failures.

This isnt just about politics  its a serious national security issue that demands urgent action, not denial.

The council denied that the officer was calling the wording of the motion inflammatory and instead said the advice had been misunderstood when it was relayed to councillors as the intention was to ask that the sentence was fact-checked.

A spokesman added: This story does not represent the full picture. Our chief legal officer provides confidential advice to political assistants and councillors via our committee services team when they submit any motions to full council to ensure they are fair, accurate and based on fact.

For the record, our chief legal officer does not consider the motion to be inflammatory in any way. This is why the wording relating to small boat crossings has been published as part of the agenda for next weeks meeting.

Local Conservative sources confirmed that they intended to proceed with the motion in its current state ahead of next weeks meeting.

The Telegraph understands that the councils chief legal officer had advised the mayor of the borough to not allow the motion to be moved at the next meeting of the council, which Swindon Conservatives said was subverting the democratic process.

More than 22,500 migrants have reached the UK in small boats so far this year, up 50 per cent on the same period last year and the highest number in the first six months since the first dinghies arrived in 2018.

Swindon declared itself a city of sanctuary shortly after Labour took control of the council in 2023. At the time, it said the status meant it would talk with the community about the positive impact of migration and advocate for why being a welcoming and inclusive town is beneficial to us all.

A Conservative source called the description of Swindon as a sanctuary city council-sponsored gaslighting.

Swindon has seen the largest rise in immigration in the West of England, up 30 per cent in the past 20 years. One in five of its residents were born outside the UK. The motion stated that Swindon housed 539 asylum seekers as of this June, compared to 376 residents in similar temporary accommodation.
Metropolitan police officers remove a protester from an event in Parliament Square in central London Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images

More than 100 people have been arrested across the UK at events related to Palestine Action, in the third week of demonstrations since the group was banned as a terrorist organisation.

Demonstrations were held in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Truro on Saturday as part of a campaign coordinated by Defend Our Juries.

In Londons Parliament Square, beside the Mahatma Gandhi statue, police officers surrounded people at an event at which signs were held that read I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.

Officers confiscated the placards and searched the bags of those arrested. Some people were carried away while others were led away in handcuffs.

The Metropolitan police said 55 people had been arrested in Parliament Square under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action.

The force added a further nine people were arrested for supporting Palestine Action within a separate large-scale march to Whitehall by the Palestine Coalition.

Defend Our Juries said on X: The UK government is complicit in Israels genocide against Palestinians. They are attempting to silence those who expose this complicity.

A woman who was detained in Parliament Square said: We demand that Palestine Action is de-proscribed.

Our government is not only arming a genocide, they are using terrorism laws to silence people who speak out.

Palestine Action are campaigning for peace. They are dismantling weapons factories.

Greater Manchester police said they arrested 16 people, who remained in custody for questioning. Avon and Somerset police said 17 people were arrested during a protest in Bristol.

At Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, eight people were arrested after protesters gathered outside to show support for Palestine Action.

Devon and Cornwall police said in a statement that about 30 protesters were involved in a peaceful Defend Our Juries demonstration.

A number of placards which were contrary to the law remained on display despite police advice, the force said. Eight people, two men and six women, were arrested on suspicion of offences under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They remain in police custody.

At a high court hearing on Monday, the co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, will ask for permission to challenge the home secretarys decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism laws.

UN experts, civil liberties groups, cultural figures and hundreds of lawyers have condemned the ban as draconian and said it sets a dangerous precedent by conflating protest with terrorism.

More than 70 people were arrested last week at demonstrations across the UK where references to Palestine Action were allegedly made.

Police Scotland arrested a man in Glasgow on Friday for displaying a sign expressing support for a proscribed organisation.

The sign read Genocide in Palestine, time to take action with the words Palestine and action larger than the others. Another man wearing a T-shirt with the same slogan was charged with a similar offence last weekend at the TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow.

The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced plans to ban Palestine Action last month, days after activists from the group broke into RAF Brize Norton and defaced two military aircraft with spray paint.

The ban means Palestine Action has become the first direct action protest group to be banned under the Terrorism Act, placing it in the same category as Islamic State, al-Qaida and the far-right group National Action.

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

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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.
The distribution of mosquito nets and other control methods in Zimbabwe has been disrupted by US funding cuts, leaving hundreds of thousands of people exposed to mosquito bites. Photograph: AP

Zimbabwes efforts to control malaria have been dealt a huge blow as experts say the disease has returned with a vengeance after US aid cuts, with 115 outbreaks recorded in 2025 compared with only one last year.

The sharp rise in cases comes six months after Donald Trump halted critical funding for US research and national response programmes.

The cuts in January, which included funding for tuberculosis, HIV/Aids and malaria programmes, crippled the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Programme in Malaria (Zento) at Africa University in Mutare, which provides the countrys National Malaria Control Programme with scientific research to combat the disease.

Cumulative malaria cases increased by 180% in the first four months of 2025, according to the health ministry, while the number of malaria-related deaths increased by 218%, from 45 in the same period in 2024 to 143 in 2025. As of 26 June, the number of malaria cases had risen to 119,648, with 334 deaths, according to the Zimbabwean health ministry.

The distribution of essential control methods, such as mosquito nets, was also disrupted, leaving hundreds of thousands of people exposed to mosquito bites across the country. The health ministry said in May that 1,615,000 insecticide-treated nets were being distributed but that there was a shortfall of 600,000 due to the withdrawal of US funding.

Itai Rusike, director of Zimbabwes Community Working Group on Health, said funding shortfalls were jeopardising the countrys significant gains against malaria over the past 20 years.

Sustained domestic funding is critical to keep prevention and treatment efforts on track, he said.

If mosquito nets and preventive medicines for pregnant women are unavailable, lives will be lost. When the supply of test kits and first-line treatments is disrupted, malaria cases and deaths will spiral.

Children under the age of five account for 14% of total malaria cases.

Zimbabwe has set out to eliminate malaria by 2030, in line with the ambitious goal set by the African Union, using various strategies such as raising community awareness, preventing mosquito bites with insecticide-treated nets and spraying, as well as improving surveillance systems.

Dr Henry Madzorera, a former health minister, said Zimbabwe should mobilise its own resources to bridge the funding gap.

We have a lot of taxes earmarked for the health sector  let us use them wisely for health promotion and disease prevention, he said. People must be treated early for malaria.

The country should not rely on donors to do malaria-elimination activities, Madzorera added.

In 2024, USAID disbursed $270m for health and agriculture programmes in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwes deputy health minister, Sleiman Kwidini, admitted the funding gap left by the US cuts had disrupted the provision of mosquito nets.

We are now taking over the procurement of those nets after the US withdrew funding. We have just been disturbed, but our vision is to eliminate malaria by 2030, he said.

Prof Sungano Mharakurwa, director of Africa Universitys Malaria Institute, said it would take time to recover lost ground but added: If we get funding, we can hit the ground running and promptly return to scoring successes again, until we beat this deadly scourge that is malaria.

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He said that since the Zento mosquito surveillance programme began in Manicaland province, there had been a marked reduction in malaria cases and it was about to be extended when the US cuts came.

Working with the National Malaria Control Programme, it had just been expanded, Mharakurwa said. It was poised to run for five years with national coverage when it was abruptly terminated.

Africa University data shows that Manicaland recorded 145,775 malaria cases in 2020 but just 28,387 after Zento was introduced in 2021. Malaria cases in the province had been further reduced to 8,035 by 2024 before more than trebling to 27,212 the following year, when US funding was cut.

Mharakurwa said: The malaria was back with a vengeance straight after, and [numbers of] cases that were waning rebounded in 2025, surpassing levels that had ever been seen since the beginning of the project.

Above-normal rains this year, which aided malaria transmission, had worsened the situation, he added.
Riverdance creator Michael Flatley has not ruled out seeking a nomination to become Irelands next president.

An election for the largely ceremonial role is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before outgoing President Michael D Higginss term ends on November 11.

Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, said he had not made a final decision on the matter but is consulting with a team of advisers.

Speaking to RTE Radio One about newspaper speculation on a potential bid, the Irish-American said he is stopped on the street everywhere he goes and asked if he will run.

However, he said that speculation was the result of his last appearance on the show with host Brendan OConnor.

The choreographer and dancer said: I take it seriously but no I have not made a decision.

Pressed on the matter, Flatley said: I have a huge business to run, I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living.

I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with.

If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and  maybe more importantly  if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people

He added: Right now, I dont think they have a voice  not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.

Flatley said he hears they concerns of average person on the street and they are not happy right now, adding: Somebody has to speak for the Irish people.

He said he was not sure the role needed another politician, adding that he had spent three decades promoting Ireland and Irish culture.

He said he had not been approached by any political party, but had been contacted by some people in the know.

Its certainly not something that Ive made any decision on, but it does get frustrating when you see the hardworking Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things.

Asked if he was leaning more in favour of running, he replied: Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older.

They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities.

Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves.

So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race.

Mairead McGuinness, who was a TV presenter and farming journalist before becoming an MEP and EU commissioner, is the nominee to become Fine Gaels presidential candidate.

Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West, has received the backing of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, as well as independent TDs and Senators.

Fianna Fail, the party with the most TDs in the Dail, has not clarified if it will run a candidate and is to make a decision in the early autumn.

Sinn Fein has also not indicated a final decision on the race.
Aleppo, Syria - OZAN KOSE/AFP

Father Tony Boutros is a Catholic priest in Sweida, southern Syria. He is no stranger to ethnic unrest; in 2015, he was kidnapped during a spate of abductions of Christians in the country.

The clergyman survived that brush with death. But he may not be so fortunate next time. This week, he recorded a message begging the international community for help.

We ask the US, Europe, the Vatican, and the whole world for international protection for this region of Sweida, all of it, for us and for our Druze brothers, my dear ones, he said. Look at the massacres that happened to us in Sweida.

As he spoke, hundreds of Druze civilians, including women and children, were being kidnapped, tortured, executed and mutilated, with Christians suffering at their side. They fought back but there were fears of genocide.

The Syrian Bedouin, who had started the onslaught, were soon backed by forces from Damascus, who joined the violence despite being ostensibly sent to quell it.

Before long, Sweida was a magnet for every Sunni tribe in the region, with thousands of militiamen brandishing Kalashnikovs and knives streaming south on motorcycles, in cars and in buses.

Your fight isnt just with Syrians, its with the entire Muslim world, one masked jihadi said in a chilling video. Well hunt you down wherever you are, just like the Jews.

The world ignored the priests desperate pleas. Apart from Jerusalem. This week, Israel Defense Forces jets pushed the murderous mob back for the sake of its own security  Sweida is 45 miles from Israel  as well as that of the Druze. It also provided large quantities of humanitarian aid.

This stemmed the tide, though appallingly not for long. The violence continues. Israel, you say? Israel? So it was that the UN secretary-general demanded an immediate cessation of all violations of Syrias sovereignty, while the EU urged Jerusalem to immediately cease its strikes. God knows what Father Boutros made of that.

This was just the latest round of ethnic bloodshed to have ravaged Syria since Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the former Islamic State and al-Qaeda terrorist, toppled Assad in December with support from Turkey.

He has been bafflingly feted by the West. There was inexplicable appearance on Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbells podcast The Rest is Politics, not to mention visits from world leaders and sanctions relief.

Under Jolanis rule, Alawites and Christians have been massacred in sadistic scenes that have often been captured on social media. One video showed the corpse of a vintner being trampled face-down in his own wine by the soldiers of Allah in March.

Was the old jihadi powerless to stop his men? Or had he little desire to do so? This time it was the turn of the Druze. Numbering up to a million, they adhere to a mystical faith that believes both in the God of Abraham and reincarnation. About 150,000 reside in Israel and are counted among its most doughty soldiers. Others live across the Levant. That such an obscure people roused little global sympathy is predictable. After all, they were not being menaced by the Israelis, so who cares?

From a Jewish perspective, however, and perhaps a Muslim one, it is hard to understand the lack of concern in the Christian West for Christians in the Middle East.

A century ago, they comprised 20 per cent of the population of the region. After decades of bloody persecution, that number stands at under three per cent. Not a single placard has been raised. For a country embarrassed by its religious heritage, all of this is a bit awkward for us, I suppose. Anyway, back to Gaza.
Shalini Khemka's mission is to develop the largest and most active entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UK.

Shalini Khemka puts her people person skills down to moving schools every six months in her early years, with her fathers locum work as an orthopaedic consultant. I enjoy being with people because I had to keep mixing with new people, says Khemka.

Her 30-year career has taken in a raft of business and advisory roles, from co-founding the worlds first online "bank to bank" trade finance company to launching E2E, an entrepreneurs networking platform.

E2E was founded by Khemka in 2011 largely due, she freely admits, to the mistakes she encountered in her first co-venture and the need to share with other entrepreneurs. Networking and people skills to the fore.

Read More: 'Future is the USA' for Pasta Evangelists, the 40m British made success story

It was also never intended to be the business it is today, with over 24,000 members and 80% based in the UK, it holds around 50 events annually.

It's been a massive privilege, she says. My currency is the people I get to know, currency isn't the money I make. It's actually the life experiences.

I've got some people I can phone, but I also wonder when people are not part of this kind of community, who do they phone? How do they solve it? That's the problem we're trying to solve for our members.

The then Prince of Wales talks to Shalini Khemka and James Cann before a dinner for the British Asian Trust. (John Stillwell - PA Images via Getty Images)

The premise is for the community of entrepreneurs, investors and non-execs to make connections for founders, raising capital and securing talent. It is geared towards founders with a 1m plus turnover with its sweet spot in the 10m to 100m range.

If they're looking to fundraise, they're a decent founder and we believe in their credibility of the business and where they're trying to take it, we will support them, adds Khemka.

Born in India, Khemka graduated with an economics degree from University of Essex and worked for Coopers & Lybrand before writing a business plan for the world's first trade finance platform while at Deutsche Bank (DBK.DE).

When its global head of trade finance left and started a company, in 1999, with three other co-founders, Khemka became the fourth using the business plan that she had concocted to trade letters of credit online.

Read More: 'In our workplace, we look for passionate, slightly unhinged mountain climbers'

It was only when she joined the private equity arm at Lloyds (LLOY.L) TSB five years later that she realised shortcomings with her first company and the first seeds were sown at E2E.

Her learnings were three-fold  raise money on time, don't exit too early and have the right advisors around you.

I had met some amazing entrepreneurs and I realised that I wasn't so amazing and that Id done some really poor things, she says. So I thought, why don't I help other people not make the mistakes I had?

In 2021, Khemka and E2E were commended at the House of Lords for its work on the capital gains tax deliberations.

Initially, Khemka had sought to help other founders through her employment with Lloyds Development Capital (LDC), who were then backing Richard Branson and the Virgin Racing team. This is where luck plays an important part in life, she adds.

I got an opportunity to ask Richard to be the president, initially he said no three times, but on the fourth attempt he said yes, and that helped me open the doors to the business it is today.

With membership starting from 750, E2Es current community consists of 24,000 SMEs who contribute 230bn in turnover to the UK economy and employ over 1m people.

Its tech platform links founders with entrepreneurs based on profile and interests, with expertise ranging from tax issues, boardroom challenges and mental health issues.

Its very common for entrepreneurs to go through so much stress and they can't talk to their immediate family," says Khemka. It's actually better sometimes to talk to a CEO equivalent and how they have coped with it.

Read More: Meet Britain's 'king of billboards' who sold his business for 1bn

In 2023, Khemka launched the E2E 100, which showcases the top British companies that are excelling and recognise scale-up entrepreneurship.

We have to celebrate entrepreneurship a lot more in the UK, she adds. And this is one way of celebrating the people who have made the biggest impact.

"But I'm also doing it to understand what's working well for them, what's not working well, to share with the broader community and be able to then go to government. One of the things that we need to do is make access to funding a lot easier here.

Shalini Khemka was awarded a CBE for services to entrepreneurship and to the economy in 2022. (Jonathan Brady, PA Images)

Khemka said last autumn's budget revealed Labour as "not the government for business" following the tax adjustments which would affect both small and large businesses and stymie investment.

The big thing I'd like to try and achieve is to keep building this ecosystem, keep making the UK the place to start and scale rather than to start and then go elsewhere," she says.

I want to be solutions-based rather than problem-based and the solution for that is to open the doors for institutional investors to find the UK more attractive through the VC funds.

It is little wonder that the people person come passionate campaigner for entrepreneurs is venturing towards 25,000 members.

My dream is that this business becomes the go-to organisation if you're a founder, she adds.

Read more:

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Androi
No greater sage grouse were found in North Dakota during surveys this past spring, which wildlife officials say is a first in decades of counting and a consequence of a disrupted landscape.

The sage grouse is a chicken-sized bird known for an elaborate courtship ritual in which males dance -- strut around, puff out air sacs on their chest and fan their tails -- to attract females to mating grounds known as leks. Wildlife officials check leks every spring for males as a means of gauging the bird's population size in the state. This year no males were found, said Jesse Kolar, upland game management supervisor for the state Game and Fish Department.

The bird never had a huge footprint in North Dakota. The first 30-40 miles in the state's southwest corner was about as far east as the bird's habitat got, Kolar said -- much of the sage grouse habitat stretches across the western United States.

North Dakota's sage grouse numbers were at nearly 550 in the mid-20th century but declined in the decades since, Game and Fish data show. West Nile virus entered the population in the early 2000s and in just a few years decimated it. Hunting, which had dated to the mid-1960s, was shut down in 2008.

Game and Fish not finding any sage grouse this year does not come as much of a shock because numbers had been dipping for so long, but it is another sign of the area's native prairie ecosystem "disappearing pretty rapidly," Kolar said.

"The fact that they've blipped out is an indication that sagebrush is, too," he added.

Human activities in the area have broken up the bird's habitat. Sage grouse seek out areas with vast sagebrush cover and are sensitive to landscape changes, Kolar said.

"Sagebrush is just not a valued plant. It's seen as a competitor to grass (for ranchers) and a weed to farmers," he said.

John Bradley, executive director at the North Dakota Wildlife Federation, also pointed to industry impacts.

"The more we dissect those core areas with roads, utility transmission lines, conversions to cropland, oil and gas development, it kind of creates that perfect storm," he said.

A decline in sagebrush is having an impact on a variety of other animals such as mule deer and pronghorn, Bradley said.

The lack of sagebrush also opens up the door for invasive grasses and trees to take its place, Kolar said. Sagebrush, as a native plant, has a deep root system which can lessen the impact of droughts that are common to the area.

Some sage grouse may still be found traveling into North Dakota from neighboring populations in eastern Montana, northeastern Wyoming and northwestern South Dakota, though bird counts in those areas are trending lower, too, Kolar said. But the return of any sizable sage grouse population in North Dakota is unlikely anytime soon.

In 2017, Game and Fish began transplanting the bird from central Wyoming into North Dakota during a multiyear effort to grow the population in the state.

Relocations did slow declines for a while, Kolar said, but it was expensive and eventually numbers began to dwindle again.

"It was not a feasible means of maintaining the population," he said.

What could help bolster the population in North Dakota and nearby states is the restoration of sagebrush, Bradley said.

There have been efforts to restore habitat, remove invasive species and encourage conservation measures, though this can be a challenge with how much land in the area is privately owned. Shifts in commodity prices can incentivize landowners to remove sagebrush in order to plant crops, allow more livestock grazing or sign leases for energy development.

Environmental protections on federal lands have also taken a backseat to development from President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress. Federal agencies that deal with the environment and public lands are seeing staff downsizing, while spending cuts -- though smaller than what Trump originally proposed -- loom in the 2026 federal budget.

Bradley said some federal rules and regulations that could have helped the sage grouse are also being undone. One, known as the Public Lands Rule, was finalized last spring and would have allowed federal land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management to be leased for conservation purposes similar to how natural resource companies and agriculture producers can lease it for production.

Sage grouse, which have long been more numerous elsewhere, are faring better in some other parts of the country, though population counts continue to decline nationwide. Central Wyoming, where the sagebrush steppe remains more intact, is a stronghold for the birds, but they face risks there, too, Bradley said.

"I'd look at North Dakota as a cautionary tale," he said.
Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, wants teachers to avoid encouraging pupils to self-diagnose - Chris Furlong/Getty Images

Children will be taught that worrying and feeling down are not mental-health conditions in a bid to curb Britains spiralling worklessness crisis.

Teachers have been told they must avoid encouraging pupils to self-diagnose normal feelings as problems such as anxiety and depression.

The radical change, in new guidance issued to schools, comes amid escalating concern over the number of young people being signed off sick.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, told The Telegraph: For too many children today, their understanding of how to manage their mood and regulate their emotions is coming from social media, rather than their parents, teachers or trained professionals.

Our new RSHE [relationships, sex and health education] curriculum will equip children to develop grit and resilience from the get-go, helping them understand that feeling a little down or anxious for a while is normal and nothing to worry about.

With mental health, just like physical health, prevention is better than cure  which is why we are also making sure there is access to mental health support in every school and reducing child poverty with more free school meals, delivering on our Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life.

The number of 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training (Neet) has surged to a near-decade high of a million.

Last week, a report warned that a sharp rise in teenagers and young adults on sickness benefits for mental health problems was behind the trend.

It has prompted concerns that teaching children about mental health has led to the every day ups and downs of life becoming over-medicalised.

Schools have now been issued with new instructions to make sure their lessons differentiate between genuine conditions and ordinary feelings.

The guidance says pupils should be taught that worrying and feeling down are normal, can affect everyone at different times and are not in themselves a sign of a mental-health condition.

It adds that teachers should tell students how managing those feelings can be helped by seeing them as normal rather than a symptom of illness.

Schools are told they should teach youngsters the characteristics of common types of mental ill health, including anxiety and depression.

They should also include carefully presented factual information about the prevalence and characteristics of more serious mental-health conditions.

But the guidance stresses: This should not be discussed in a way that encourages normal feelings to be labelled as mental-health conditions.

The changes come in new instructions on how to teach RHSE, which were issued to schools last week.

Some of the instructions on mental health had been contained in a previous draft of the guidance, which was drawn up by the last Tory government.

But Ms Phillipson toughened them up over growing concern about worklessness amongst the young.

In particular she added in the requirement that schools must not teach about mental health in a way that leads to pupils self-diagnosing with conditions.

The change to the guidance comes after Ms Phillipson pledged that young people would be taught the value of grit to help them deal with lifes ups and downs.

Concern over scale of mental-health claims

Earlier this year a report by the Government found that mental-health problems are a key driver of worklessness among those aged under 35.

The research found that young people diagnosed with conditions such as anxiety are nearly five times more likely to be jobless than their age peers.

Ms Phillipsons changes to the schools guidance are the latest evidence of concern within Downing Street over the scale of mental-health claims.

Labour attacked the Tories when it was still in opposition for suggesting that too many people were being signed off with milder conditions

Mel Stride, the former work and pensions secretary, warned last year of a risk that the normal anxieties of life were being over-diagnosed.

In an interview with The Telegraph he said people could get a sick note from their GP if they went in saying they were feeling rather down and bluesy.

Liz Kendall responded by branding his comments ignorant and insisting: You are not written off long-term sick because youre feeling a bit bluesy.

1010 Mental health-related disability benefit claims have surged

But since entering power Labour has itself attempted to launch a crackdown on sickness benefits for mental health to get people back into work.

No 10 has argued that there is a progressive and moral case for restricting handouts for those who are diagnosed with milder mental health conditions.

Rachel Reeves was only forced to back down over making 5 billion cuts to disability payments in the face of a huge rebellion from backbench MPs.
Josie Stewart, who was sacked for whistleblowing, said the data leak was the type of scenario that she had been trying to prevent - Aaron Chown/PA

The Afghan data leak was bound to happen after ministers ignored warnings about the UKs chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, a Foreign Office whistleblower has said.

Three years ago, in July 2022 Josie Stewart, 44, a career diplomat, lost her job after giving an anonymous interview to BBC Newsnight, raising the alarm over the governments handling of the crisis.

But speaking to The Telegraph after one of the most damaging leaks in British history, she said the scenario was precisely one she had been trying to prevent.

Ms Stewart, who was one of only two civil servants to go public with their concerns in 2021, said: To some extent it is an endorsement of the fact that we were right  the governments chaotic handling of the Afghanistan evacuation was risking lives.

But it also brings the realisation that we did all of this in terms of speaking out  in different ways, we both lost our careers because of it  and it didnt change anything. The chaotic management continued, and the suppressed facts continued  and got worse. So much for accountability.

Ms Stewart said that chaotic handling of the Afghanistan evacuation was risking lives - MoD/Getty Images

The other civil servant, Raphael Marshall, resigned after a week working on the Afghan Special Cases team, which was helping eligible Afghans at risk because of their UK ties to get evacuated from Kabul following the Taliban takeover.

He claimed desperate emails went unread, junior staff with no regional expertise were assigned to complex cases, and the prime minister prioritised animals over people at the direct expense of humans.

Ms Stewart, who had volunteered to work on the UKs Afghan crisis response following the fall of Kabul, said she felt morally compelled to speak out. She knew that, as a senior official with 15 years of experience in the Foreign Office, she could corroborate Mr Marshalls account.

Speaking about the Afghan data leak, Ms Stewart said: The biggest thing for me is just, how was it possible that data like this was still [...] being dumped into random spreadsheets and emailed around without proper controls?.

And I do know how, because it was a continuation of what I had witnessed first-hand in August and September. And the fact that, despite all the attention, nobody took seriously the need to fix it by February. And then  surprise, surprise  of course this happened.

Raphael Marshall resigned from the Afghan Special Cases team claiming that handling of the evacuation was chaotic

In December 2021, she gave an anonymous interview to Newsnight supporting Mr Marshalls testimony. But her identity was exposed when a BBC reporter tweeted a photo of a leaked email addressed to Ms Stewart, which had been shared with the reporter for background only. Her security clearance was revoked and she was dismissed.

In a landmark tribunal ruling in February, three judges unanimously found the Foreign Office had unfairly sacked her after she leaked information in the public interest.

Speaking about her reaction to the story this week, she said: I thought, This is what happens in such chaos when you fail to take seriously the responsibility of managing vast amounts of the most sensitive personal data there could be. Its exactly what we were saying was bound to happen, and it did.

The next reaction I had, later that evening, was absolute fury. Raphael [...] had gone to the [Foreign Affairs] select committee in September 2021, which was published in December and hit the news. This data leak happened the following February.

So even though thered been so much public and political focus by that point on the chaos, the damage and the risk, nothing was done for at least another two months to put proper systems in place that would have stopped this happening. The hubris of it just blows my mind.

In the evidence she gave to the select committee in March 2022, Ms Stewart said: I feel a strong sense of moral injury for having been part of something so badly managed, and so focused on managing reputational risk and political fallout rather than the actual crisis and associated human tragedy.

She told The Telegraph she was surprised that more commentators have not drawn a link between the whistleblowers warnings and this weeks revelations that the Government imposed an unprecedented two-year contra mundum super-injunction to suppress details of the breach.

Im surprised that so few people within commentary this week have made this link, Ms Stewart said. Its a tricky one, because the risk element is real, I can see the line that this super-injunction was necessary in order to mitigate damage or risk. But its also very convenient.

This is just my own personal view, I wouldnt be confident calling it either way, but in terms of what motivations were from the governments perspective, there are strong parallels. It could have been very convenient for them to have this in place.

Ms Stewart said that she has heard from Afghans who made it to the UK that others they know, who are for sure eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme, remain stuck abroad.

Ms Stewart said that Afghans, who are for sure eligible under the Arap scheme, remain stuck abroad - Wakil Kohsar/AFP

I know Afghans who have not been able to get any kind of response in relation to their applications, theyve not even been able to get an acknowledgement in 14 months.

I know of numerous Afghans who are for sure Arap-eligible, but have spent the last three years in Islamabad trying to get responses from the British government. They just havent got a decision yet on their Arap application, and so theyre still there.

When asked why the system was still failing, Ms Stewart blamed indifference at the top of Government.

The first thing is that nobody cares enough, and so nobodys doing anything about it. The fact that you cant get an answer or even an update on an Arap application in 14 months, and you need to get an MP involved to get one after 14 months. I think theres no resource, theres no political pressure, nobody cares. Its last years news.

An MoD spokesman said: This data incident in February 2022 under the previous government was an unacceptable error.

Since the election, this Government has put a huge emphasis on improving data security across the department through improved software, training and data experts.

We are working as quickly as possible to bring eligible Afghans to the UK, whilst also ensuring the security of all those involved and undertaking robust assessment and national security checks.

The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.
Lord Hermer is in charge of the three departments that notched up a combined spend of more than 1m on working from home in the past three years - Leon Neal/Getty Images

Government departments headed by Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, have spent more than 1m on equipment to enable their staff to work from home, figures reveal.

The information, released by the Attorney Generals Office in response to parliamentary questions tabled by a former Tory cabinet minister, show that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Government Legal Department (GLD), and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) spent at least 1.24m over the past three years on remote-working equipment.

As a whole, government agencies linked to seven Whitehall departments have spent around 3m on monitors, desks and other equipment, despite a ministerial push for public sector workers to return to the office.

Other big spenders included the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)  a public body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions  which spent 955,099 since 2022/23.

Lord Hermer has been in charge of the legal departments since being appointed when Labour took power last July, and the figures also cover the previous two years of Tory government.

Sir Stephen Timms, the social security minister, claimed the high cost of remote-working equipment mainly relates to provision of equipment for new starters, and HSE has increased its staff numbers in this period mainly due to becoming the building safety regulator.

Shimeon Lee, a policy analyst at the TaxPayers Alliance, told The Telegraph: Taxpayers will be dismayed to know that we are still investing in a work from home culture. Remote working has become the norm in the public sector, with little regard for productivity, accountability or value for money.

While families grapple with squeezed services and sky-high taxes, officials are kitting out home offices at their expense. Ministers must get a grip and put the public back at the heart of public service.

The figures were revealed in a series of written parliamentary questions tabled by Sir John Hayes, a former Tory Cabinet minister.

Sir John Hayes, the former minister who tabled the questions, told The Telegraph: Productivity has dipped in recent times and never recovered to its pre-Covid levels. Its probably the greatest macroeconomic challenge facing this Government. Unless it improves, it will stymie economic performance.

The assumption that if you spend more and put more people into systems, you will get better outputs, ignores how productive they are. Remote working will further limit productivity and may make things worse.

People work best when they are with others. The interactions between individuals inspire creativity and productivity. To deny that is to deny the fundamentals of effective working.

Whitehalls 60pc office attendance minimum

Last year, Whitehall chiefs agreed that 60 per cent office attendance  three days a week  was the minimum expected of staff. Many public bodies, including the CPS and Ofgem, only have a 40 per cent, or two days a week, requirement to work from an official building.

Meanwhile, Ofgem, the UKs independent energy regulator, spent 396,486.26 on equipment to help staff work from home.

Last year, The Telegraph revealed that the regulator was paying 3.5m a year for its luxury Canary Wharf offices despite seven out of eight of its employees working from home on a typical day.

Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy minister, said the total spent on working from home equipment for government departments reflected an increased headcount to deliver additional remit for key government priorities, and steps to reduce its London office footprint to save money.

A Government spokesman said: This data is for a period under the previous government, and we have maintained the requirement for all civil servants to spend at least 60 per cent of their working time in the office.

Like any employer, we have a legal duty to follow employment legislation, and that includes providing chairs and other workplace equipment for workplace adjustments that support employees physical health.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said: The CPS provides a 24-hour service with staff working shift patterns to advise police on more than 80,000 out of hours cases a year.

Our role in criminal case work can be carried out in different locations including courts and police stations and we must ensure our staff are appropriately equipped wherever they are located. Costing is competitive for equipment, and within our budget.
Algal blooms, caused by animal waste or fertiliser residues running into rivers, are to to be tackled by the measures. Photograph: Michael Kemp/Alamy

Ministers will take action to tackle all forms of water pollution in England and Wales, the government has promised, as the sector awaits the findings of a report on the water industry on Monday.

The commitment by Steve Reed, the environment secretary, aims to highlight that, while sewage spills into waterways are a significant source of public concern, runoff from farms and roads also makes up a critical part of the pollutants going into rivers and other bodies of water.

A report on the water industry in England and Wales, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, is due to be published on Monday morning, and is expected to recommend the abolition of Ofwat, the water industry regulator.

Reed is expected to take on the Sunday morning broadcast round for the government, with ministers under increasing pressure to act after data on Friday showed serious pollution incidents involving water companies rose by 60% in 2024 compared with the previous year.

According to the Environment Agencys statistics, of the 75 serious incidents more than 80% were due to three companies: Thames Water, Southern Water and Yorkshire Water. All three said they were taking action to improve their performances.

After Mondays report, ministers are expected to roll out new measures to tackle other significant causes of water pollution. They plan to tackle agricultural runoffs, which are mainly connected to animal waste or fertiliser residues running into rivers and can often cause high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in rivers, cresting toxic algal blooms.

This year, the environment secretary announced plans to loosen regulation for chicken farms and came in for heavy criticism from green groups, who said the changes could worsen water pollution.

According to an analysis by the Independent Water Commission for its interim report, published last month, 45% of water bodies in England are affected by pollutants from agriculture  slightly more than the 44% affected by runoff from the water industry.

The same study said nearly 20% of water bodies saw pollutants from roads and transport, including oil, chemicals and the residues from tyre and brake wear, a problem made worse by heavy rain.

A more minor contributor, but one that can last a long time, is the effect of chemicals in metals mines contaminating groundwater, even many years after they have closed.

While the number of Environment Agency inspections of farms has increased, ministers are planning more action, including new measures to limit the impact from mining.

Reed said: Pollution from sewage, agriculture and vehicles is poisoning our rivers. We are cracking down on sewage pollution from water companies, but we need to tackle all sources of pollution, including from farming. Thats the only way to clean up our countrys rivers, lakes and seas.

The political pressure over waterways pollution, particularly connected to sewage spills, is intense, with polls showing consistent support for re-nationalising the industry, which the government has ruled out, and for jailing water bosses responsible for pollution.

The Liberal Democrats have campaigned particularly hard on pollution in rivers, streams and coastal areas, with the subject forming a key element of the partys election campaign last year.

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Sandie Peggie claims the Royal College of Nursing failed to support her after her suspension - Iain Masterton/Alamy

A nurse who complained about a transgender doctor using a female changing room is reported to be taking legal action against her trade union.

Sandie Peggie was suspended from her job last year after she complained about having to share a changing room with Dr Beth Upton, a transgender medic.

Ms Peggie was later placed on special leave after a complaint of bullying and harassment by Dr Upton, but was cleared by an NHS Fife investigation last week.

The suspension led to an employment tribunal this year, at which Ms Peggie launched a claim against Dr Upton and NHS Fife, citing the Equality Act 2010, including sexual harassment, harassment related to a protected belief, indirect discrimination and victimisation.

Dr Beth Upton claims she is biologically female but was born a man - Iain Masterton/Alamy

On Saturday, The Herald reported that Ms Peggie had taken legal action against the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), claiming it failed to support her after her suspension, which the union denies.

The RCNs failure to act like a trade union ought to has contributed to Sandie Peggies mistreatment, Margaret Gribbon, Ms Peggies lawyer, said in a statement.

They have repeatedly failed to exercise their industrial muscle to advocate for female members distressed because they are being deprived of genuine single-sex spaces to dress and undress at work.

Had the RCN fulfilled the conventional role of a trade union, it is less likely that Sandie would have faced the ordeal of an 18-month disciplinary process and having to raise legal proceedings against Fife Health Board.

The Herald reported that Ms Peggie would be taking action for unlawful discrimination. An RCN spokesman told it: We have responded to the claim, and we deny all the allegations from Ms Peggie.

The row centres on an encounter between Ms Peggie and Dr Upton on Dec 24, 2023. The nurse experienced a sudden and heavy period and feared that it had bled through to her scrubs.

She entered the female hospital changing room to find Dr Upton, and challenged the medics presence. Within hours, a bullying complaint was lodged by Dr Upton.

Ms Peggie was placed on special leave, and then suspended, after Dr Upton made the allegation of bullying and harassment and cited concerns about patient care.

Cleared of gross misconduct

In May last year, she submitted a formal claim to the employment tribunal against NHS Fife and Dr Upton for sexual harassment, belief discrimination and victimisation.

The nurse complained of being required to share a single-sex space with someone she believed to be male and being victimised for holding a gender-critical belief that biological sex is immutable.

It was not possible for the doctor to have held a gender recognition certificate in December 2023, meaning the medic was legally male. However, Dr Upton claimed during the first part of the tribunal, in February, to be biologically female.

It emerged on Wednesday this week, hours before the tribunal resumed, that Ms Peggie had been cleared of gross misconduct by an NHS Fife disciplinary hearing. However, the health board has so far ignored calls to stop contesting the tribunal.

In a statement, the health board previously said: NHS Fife did not initiate the tribunal proceedings and is instead one of two respondents being sued.

NHS Fife cannot unilaterally stop proceedings  only the claimant can choose to withdraw the case. The claimant has said in a recent statement from her legal representatives that she is determined to continue with her legal claim, as she is entitled to do.

Managers should step down

Russell Findlay, the Scottish Tory leader, has said senior managers at NHS Fife should step down over the boards handling of the tribunal.

Mr Findlay has called for Carol Potter, the chief executive, to resign along with the authoritys board. If they refused, the Scottish Government should step in and sack them, he said.

This ongoing slow-motion car crash from NHS Fife confirms that Carol Potter and her entire board can no longer remain in post, he said.In their zeal to embrace the SNPs bonkers belief in gender ideology, they were willing to destroy the career of a nurse and waste huge sums of taxpayers money.

Mr Findlay said the board was smearing Sandie Peggie and the campaigners who have stood with her.

JK Rowling, the Harry Potter author, has blamed Nicola Sturgeon for the SNPs handling of the case and claimed the Scottish Governments defence of the hapless, unprofessional, ideologically captured health board was the former First Ministers legacy.

First Minister John Swinney and Health Secretary Neil Gray have said they have confidence in NHS Fife despite the criticism.

Ms Rowling said: Nicola Sturgeons legacy: a government that publicly backs the hapless, unprofessional, ideologically captured health board thats persecuting a nurse for asserting her legal right to a single-sex changing room.

A spokesman for NHS Fife said: As this is an active legal case, it would be inappropriate to respond to these comments.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: It would be inappropriate to comment further while judicial proceedings in an employment tribunal are ongoing.
Gordon Dimmack said he walked into a West Midlands Police building to hand himself in, only for officers to take his details and let him leave

An activist walked into a police station with a signed statement saying he supported Palestine Action  but was not arrested.

Gordon Dimmack said he went into a West Midlands Police building on July 15 and handed myself in, expecting to be detained. Instead, officers took his personal details and the declaration before letting him walk out.

At the start of this month, Palestine Action was proscribed by the Government under the Terrorism Act, meaning membership or support of the group is a criminal offence. Currently, anyone convicted of membership or inviting support faces up to 14 years in prison.

Police forces have arrested dozens of people across the country under the terror laws at demonstrations over the past three weeks, many of whom were holding signs that said: We support Palestine Action.

Writing in a blog, Mr Dimmack described what happened. He said: On Monday July 15, I walked into a police station and handed myself in.

I did it calmly, peacefully, and with absolute clarity. I told them who I was. I told them I support Palestine Action. I told them Ive encouraged others to do the same.

I handed them a printed declaration confirming all of it  and I made clear that I understood the legal risk, including the Terrorism Acts potential 14-year sentence for encouragement.

They took my ID. They took my declaration. They took my phone number. And then they let me go. No caution. No arrest. No interview under caution. Nothing.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: The mans details were taken at the time. The investigation is continuing.

Mr Dimmack said he expected that he may be arrested next week after a hearing at the High Court on July 21, when lawyers for Palestine Action will apply for a judicial review to quash the ban.

But he said: I still support Palestine Action. I still oppose genocide. And no law, no police force, and no delay tactic will ever convince me that doing so is wrong.

This is what conscience looks like. This is what resistance looks like. But if they try, youll know it wasnt about terrorism. It was about fear.

Mr Dimmack called for others to follow his lead in an attempt to overwhelm police custody suites.

He said: [What happens] If police stations are swamped with others handing themselves in for terrorist offences? What happens is the law folds. You cant arrest whats everywhere.

Asked why he had carried out the protest, Mr Dimmack told The Telegraph: The United Nations was created after the Second World War to prevent genocide.

In the past few months, its repeatedly called on the UK to stop fuelling one  to shut down weapons factories, to end diplomatic cover for Israel, to criminalise arms profiteering. And how has the UK responded? By branding the people trying to do exactly that terrorists.

Now the police are being asked to enforce a law so draconian even Government lawyers admit it. Thats why its difficult for them. Not because the laws unclear  because the law is indefensible.

Currently, anyone convicted of membership or inviting support of Palestine Action faces up to 14 years in prison - Vuk Valcic/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

In a post on social media on Friday, Huda Ammori, Palestine Actions co-founder, said: Counter-terror powers are being used to control the population, not to protect it.

There are signs that police forces across the country are interpreting and enforcing the ban in different ways. A protester in Canterbury was threatened with arrest by Kent Police officers this week after she held up signs saying free Gaza and Israel is committing a genocide.

In a video of the incident, the officers suggested that expressing support for Palestinians could be tantamount to expressing support for Palestine Action. The force initially appeared to back up that assertion before later backtracking and saying that no offences had been committed.

Last weekend, more than 70 people were arrested at protests in England and Wales against Palestine Action being proscribed.

The weekend before, 29 people, including an 83-year-old retired priest and an emergency worker, were arrested in London under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act.
More than 100 protesters were arrested across the UK on Saturday as some pro-Palestinian activists chanted f--- your Jewish state.

Protesters gathered across the country to call for the ban on Palestine Action to be reversed, amid police warnings that those showing support for the proscribed group faced arrest.

Demonstrations were held in Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Truro and London as part of a campaign coordinated by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, which has already seen dozens arrested.

Greater Manchester Police said it had arrested 16 people on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation, adding that they remained in custody for questioning. Avon and Somerset Police said 17 people were arrested in Bristol.

Eight people holding signs saying I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action were arrested on the steps of Truro Cathedral, in Cornwall. Defend Our Juries said one of those arrested was Deborah Hinton, an 81-year-old former magistrate.

In the capital, the Metropolitan Police said 55 people had been arrested in Parliament Square for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action. The force said they were arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

It later added that by 4pm a further 10 people had been arrested within the main Palestine Coalition march, bringing the total to 65 in London. Eight of the 10 were for seemingly supporting Palestine Action, while one was for a racially aggravated public order offence and one for breaching Public Order Act conditions.

Counter-protesters from campaign group Our Fight showed their support for Israel in London on Saturday - Yui Mok/PA

Pro-Israel counter-protesters chanted there is no genocide at thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, with one activist shouting: You use genocide as an excuse for your hatred for the Jewish state.

They held signs that read There is no genocide  but there are 50 hostages still captive, and were met with shouts of fascist and f--- your Jewish state by some pro-Palestinian protesters.

Lord Walney, the former government extremism adviser, said: These appalling chants underline the vile anti-Semitism infecting the Gaza marches. For too many, the underlying driver is ugly hatred of the worlds only Jewish state, not justice for the Palestinian people.

The unchecked permissive attitude from march organisers and police is normalising dark anti-Jewish prejudice on British streets.

Protesters gathered across the country to call for the ban on Palestine Action to be reversed - Carlos Jasso/AFP

A spokesman for the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said: These chants just show how thin the veneer is and why they fixate on Israel. The fact is that they hate the idea of a Jewish state existing because they cannot stand the idea of Jews having self-determination.

Palestine Action has always been an extreme and hateful organisation and, rather than arresting and releasing their supporters, they must now face the full force of the law.

As the march reached Parliament Square, a group of protesters holding blank signs gathered near the statue of Gandhi, before writing on them in marker pen I support Palestine Action, seemingly in defiance of the ban.

Officers arrested a number of Palestine Action supporters, who adopted the tactic of going limp, confiscating signs reading I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action and searching bags.

As he was carried away by police, one man said: Freedom of speech is dead in this country  shame on the Metropolitan Police.

Protesters holding signs in support of Palestine Action in Parliament Square on Saturday - Yui Mok/PA

Outside Downing Street, speeches were made by pro-Palestinian supporters, who told demonstrators: Starmers project of fear has failed. Zoe Garbett, a Green Party member of the London Assembly, said: The Labour Government is aiding and abetting this genocide in Gaza.

Dept Asst Commissioner Ade Adelekan, leading Saturdays policing operation in London, said officers would be on alert over chants similar to the death to the IDF slogan chanted by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury.

He said: At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter-protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area, and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point.

Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality, they will intervene and take appropriate action.

He said those expressing support for Palestine Action will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested, adding: I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications  from travel, to employment, to finances  that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered under Hungerford Bridge ahead of the march in central London - Leon Neal/Getty Images

The Met said more than 70 people had been arrested at similar demonstrations in Parliament Square over the past two weekends, while Defend Our Juries said a total of 120 had so far been detained across the UK.

It comes ahead of a High Court hearing on Monday at which Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, will ask for the green light to challenge the Home Secretarys decision to ban the group under anti-terror laws.

The ban means that membership of, or support for, the direct action group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act 2000.
John Torode pictured with Gregg Wallace in 2008 - Anthony Devlin

In the summer of 2016, the cover of Hello! magazine bore a MasterChef wedding exclusive. On the left was Gregg Wallace, grinning in a blue suit with a white rose in his buttonhole, holding the hand of his new bride, Anne-Marie. Next to her, Lisa Faulkner, the actress and former Celebrity MasterChef winner who had gone on to marry his co-star, John Torode. Next to Faulkner, with a matching flower in his buttonhole, was Wallaces best man, Torode.

Wallace and Torode had been MasterChefs odd couple ever since they became hosts in 2005. They had first met in the 1990s on the London restaurant scene, when Torode was working at Quaglinos and Wallace was his veg supplier. By the time of the Hello! cover, both were circling 50: Wallace was on his fourth marriage and Torode on his second. Slightly improbably, given where they had started, they had become two of the biggest names on British television. In the photograph, they look like a pair of old boys quietly revelling in having got very, very lucky in life.

In the summer of 2016, the cover of Hello! Magazine was a Masterchef wedding exclusive featuring Gregg Wallace and John Torode - Hello! Magazine

Surprising, then, that a year later, in 2017, Torode told a newspaper that in fact he and Wallace werent close. Its funny, weve never been friends, he told The Mirror. Weve not been to each others houses Hes so OCD, he wouldnt know what to do. Hed build it up in his mind for three days, and probably make himself quite sick, then hed have an argument with his wife and not turn up. If I went to his house, he would feel like he wasnt in control.

Torode admitted they wouldnt even spend time together if they were filming abroad. If we go away to somewhere like South Africa, we do things separately. If we do go out for a drink, Ill invariably be at one end of a big old table and hell be at the other.

Once, we had a bit too much to drink and filming got called off. We ended up having a massive fight about one of the contestants, and he got really stubborn  it was ridiculous. Weve had a couple of stand-offs over the years, about contestants, and Ive just had to walk away from him.

Despite being his best man in 2016, Torode (pictured in 2015) was open about not being good mates with Gregg Wallace - Ian West/PA

Best men or remote colleagues  its not clear which is the real story. Torode was sacked this week by Banijay, the production company that makes MasterChef, amid allegations he had made a racist remark. Until then, it had seemed that Wallace, who has had more than half of the 83 allegations levied against him upheld, was being cast as the wrong un; Torode was the innocent bystander.

But while there is no suggestion that Torode has been accused of the same kind of allegations as Wallace, this latest chaotic chapter in the great unravelling of the BBCs flagship show, has muddied the waters for the Australian presenter.

Torode, 59, is now facing claims he used the n-word at an after-show drinks in 2018, with the alleged incident reportedly coming to light during Banijays own investigation into Wallace. The Sun also reported Torode had repeated lyrics from rapper Kanye Wests song Gold Digger, which contains a racial slur.

The BBC said Torode had used an extremely offensive racist term, adding: We will not tolerate racist language of any kind.

The Telegraph understands that Torode was the subject of multiple allegations, although only one was substantiated.

On Monday, the celebrity chef said he had absolutely no recollection of that alleged incident. I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that Ive always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I am shocked and saddened by the allegation, as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.

On Monday, Torode said he had absolutely no recollection of the alleged incident (pictured in 2022) - Jeff Spicer

The question remains, then, was Torode just another powerful man in the public eye whose bad behaviour went unchecked? Or is he, as some fear, collateral damage of a PR disaster?

While Torode does, it now appears, have his critics within the MasterChef camp, some believe he has been mistreated, telling The Telegraph they were heartbroken about the manner of his dismissal, as well as the doubts it has cast over the future of the show.

People who have worked with him for a long time are feeling heartbroken about the way he has been treated, says one insider. They are very upset that hes no longer on the show.

One source close to the show was shocked by the allegations which they said seemed very unlikely.

Hes a very well-spoken man. Those arent words that sit on his lips.

The source suggested Torode was collateral damage after the MasterChef fiasco, which saw Wallace accused of sexual misconduct, and left the BBC facing questions over its knowledge of his behaviour. It seems to me that this is the BBC getting tough on a soft target, the source said, adding the presenter may have been a victim of over-sensitivity within the corporation in the wake of other recent scandals, like the broadcasting of anti-Semitic chants at Glastonbury.

Who would have thought that John Torode would be a casualty of Israel-Palestine, which is basically whats happened.

In December, The Telegraph revealed BBC bosses were alerted to complaints about Wallace on at least four different shows over the course of a decade. Mondays report revealed that alongside the allegations made against Wallace over 19 years, there were also 10 made against other people, two of which were substantiated.

On Tuesday afternoon, Torode released a statement confirming that one of the substantiated claims related to him. Wallace said this week he was deeply sorry for any distress he caused. He has previously defended himself, saying he has recently been diagnosed with autism, but TV bosses had failed to investigate my disability, or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment.

Some say Torode is being tarred with the same brush as his co-star. Up until this moment, Ive never heard anything bad about John, said one industry insider. While inappropriate behaviour by Wallace was claimed to be common knowledge, there has never, the source said, been chatter about Torode. I think Gregg was one of those poorly-kept secrets, whereas John hasnt been [associated with inappropriate behaviour].

Torode must at the very least have been witness to some of what one source described as the toxic culture at MasterChef. The set might have had a glamorous veneer, the source said, but the reality was very different. Everyone was too frightened to call out bad behaviour, even though everyone knew it was going on.

ITV is standing by Torode and will continue to broadcast John and Lisas Weekend Kitchen, which he presents alongside his wife, Lisa Faulkner

Aasmah Mir, the BBC presenter and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant, said that when Wallace made an inappropriate remark to her during filming  telling her to tell a BBC colleague she was a sexy b---h  Torode failed to step in. What I know is Gregg Wallace used an incredibly inappropriate term, and John Torode didnt do anything, she told ITVs Good Morning Britain. There was no emotion.

It was an uncomfortable experience. I remember feeling destabilised, my cheeks were burning. I remember thinking I dont know what happened there. No one said anything. And both Gregg Wallace and John Torode just looked completely blank, like nothing had happened.

One source close to the show told The Telegraph, Torode could be quite sharp... He was very good at managing up, knowing how to behave in the company of important people.

Another described him as a typical Aussie  a bit of a sledger when it came to jokes, and he could be very blunt in the way he addressed people.

Thats the environment he grew up in, the source said. The idea that Gregg was the only one whose comments could offend people is not right.

A fellow Australian who encountered Torode at an event organised by the Australian Embassy, put it even more bluntly, saying he was a total flog  Australian slang for a pretentious, conceited person.

Meanwhile, a source who worked with both Wallace and Torode, said that despite the way the pair have been portrayed, Torode was less popular than Wallace. Gregg, for all his faults, was a warm character and many people on MasterChef felt generously towards him even if they could see that some of his comments were inappropriate. There was less love and generosity felt towards John, definitely.

The Telegraph understands the pair have not spoken since Wallace was forced to step down in November. They had a really good on-screen partnership, but it stopped there, says one source. They were never mates, the source adds, casting new light on the Hello! photoshoot, which begins to look like more of a publicity stunt.

Nevertheless, a friend of Wallace insisted that he took no pleasure in Torodes dismissal. He has said to me he was really upset that John has gone. He didnt want to see this happen to anybody else. There is no solace for him in John going.

Some industry insiders feel the show will ride this latest wave. Its a colossus, and you have to remember Britain is just one territory where its shown. Its inconceivable that it would be scrapped. Its a very big deal, a key part of the schedule. Id say its pretty indestructible.

Others say the loss of Torode presents a crucial opportunity to breathe fresh air into a tired format, including, perhaps, with female presenters. The BBC were too slow to realise the show badly needed a reboot, says one source. They needed to change it up five years ago. If they had, they wouldnt be in this position.

There has long been a question about whether Gregg and John were the right people to lead it anyway. Now, theyre in a position where theyre going to have to bring it back from the brink and completely rebrand it. They need two new people to draw a line under the Gregg and John situation. And they have to get that choice right, with hosts who have real food knowledge, or itll be over for the show.

What happens next for Torode remains to be seen. ITV is standing by him and will continue to broadcast the Saturday morning show, John and Lisas Weekend Kitchen. In a statement on Instagram this week, Torode said he hadnt heard from the BBC or Banijay. I am seeing and reading that I have been sacked from MasterChef, and I repeat that I have no recollection of what Im accused of.

Signing off, he seemed to recast his MasterChef exit, saying it was simply time to pass the cutlery to someone else... For whoever takes over, love it as I have. Whatever happens next for the show, you would imagine both the BBC and Banijay will be searching for replacements who dont bear any resemblance to MasterChefs odd couple.
Sir Keir Starmer speaks to workers during a visit to Hinkley Point nuclear power station in Somerset in June - Ben Birchall/PA Wire

In 1942, the Mallinckrodt Chemical Works in Missouri, US, was processing uranium for the first atomic bomb.

It ran out of space for its radioactive waste and moved it to an open air storage site near Coldwater Creek, north of St Louis.

More than 80 years later, Harvard University has found that communities living near the creek, a tributary of the Missouri River, have an elevated risk of cancer.

The findings, released this week, showed a dose-response effect, with those nearest the water having a far higher chance of developing most cancers than those living farther away.

The Sellafield Nuclear Site, just south of Workington in Cumbria - Stuart Nicol

Researchers say it highlights the dangers of exposure to even small amounts of radiation over time. They say governments must be cautious when building new nuclear sites near towns and villages.

Our research indicates that the communities around North St Louis appear to have had excess cancer from exposure to the contaminated Coldwater Creek, said Prof Marc Weisskopf, an expert in environmental epidemiology and physiology.

These findings may have broader implications  as countries think about increasing nuclear power and developing more nuclear weapons, the waste from these entities could have huge impacts on peoples health, even at these lower levels of exposure.

Golden age of clean energy

The comes at a time when the Government is seeking to increase nuclear power in Britain, announcing 14.2bn for a new nuclear plant at Sizewell in Suffolk, and 2.5bn for a small nuclear reactor programme.

Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, said nuclear power was crucial to deliver a golden age of clean energy abundance.

For decades, there have been fears that radiation from power stations can cause cancer, with some evidence showing clusters of leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma near Sellafield in Cumbria, and Dounreay, on the north coast of Scotland.

Nuclear plants have also been linked to increased cancer incidence in the US and Germany.

Climate Secretary Ed Miliband speaks during a visit to the National Nuclear Laboratory in Preston on February 6, 2025 - OLI SCARFF/GETTY

The public was first alerted to the possibility that nuclear plants could be causing cancer when an ITV documentary in 1983 revealed a high number of childhood leukaemia cases between 1955 and 1983 in the village of Seascale, near Sellafield.

While less than one case should have been expected in such a small community, researchers found seven youngsters suffering from the condition.

Residents feared that radioactive discharges may be to blame and the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (Comare) was set up to investigate.

Investigations by Comare did show that rates of two types of childhood leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, were significantly higher than expected, and researchers found a similar cluster at Thurso near Dounreay.

However, researchers did not find raised rates in other villages near Sellafield and Dounreay, leading them to think that something else was causing the rise, potentially local infections which are known to trigger cancer in some cases.

The investigators theorised that an influx of workers moving to Seascale and Thurso to work in the nuclear industry might have exposed local residents to new infections, sparking a rise in childhood cancer rates.

Viruses such as Epstein-Barr are thought to be linked to cancers such as non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

This week, Imperial College and the University of Bristol published new research showing no increased risk for youngsters living within 15 miles of a British nuclear plant.

Researchers analysed cancer incidence data for nearly 50,000 cases of childhood leukaemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, central nervous system tumours, and other solid tumours in children aged up to 14 years between 1995 and 2016.

They cross-referenced it against data for communities living near nuclear plants, including Sellafield and Dounreay but found no increase in cases compared to the national average.

Dr Bethan Davies, from Imperials School of Public Health, said: For many years there have been public concerns about the potential health impacts of living near nuclear installations.

Our analysis suggests that children living near these sites today are not at increased risk.

As the UK government announces a multibillion-pound investment for new nuclear energy infrastructure, our findings should provide reassurance that the historical clusters of childhood cancers reported near sites such as Sellafield and Dounreay are no longer evident.

But the Coldwater Creek case shows the danger that can come from supposedly safe radioactive storage facilities. In Missouri, wind, rain and flooding are thought to have allowed radioactive material to leach into groundwater.

A clean up operation is not expected to be complete until 2038 and the US government has just expanded the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (Reca), so that those affected can claim medical expenses.

A photo taken in 1960 of deteriorating steel drums containing radioactive residues near Coldwater Creek, Missouri - Kay Drey Mallinckrodt Collection/ State Historical Society of Missouri

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change also warns that there are health risks associated with living near and working in a nuclear plant, citing German research showing young children living within a few miles of a site are particularly vulnerable.

Any proposed development of nuclear power as a source of energy must take into account potential risks to human health, the alliance said in a position statement last month.

Imperial College warned it was important to continue to monitor health data at nuclear plants, but said its latest findings should reassure communities living close to reactors.

Prof Mireille Toledano, who holds the Mohn Chair in population child health at Imperials School of Public Health, said: These findings are both timely and important.

As the UK and other countries expand their nuclear energy capacity, its vital that public health remains a central consideration.

Its reassuring that our study found that the historic case clusters have resolved, but it remains important we continue to monitor public health data around such sites across the UK for any emerging trends of concern.
Measles vaccine uptake is low in some parts of England, including Liverpool, where a child has died from the disease. Photograph: Alek Zotoff/Getty Images

Parents and experts have voiced alarm over rising measles cases, with nurseries bringing in Covid-style isolation protocols to clamp down on outbreaks.

There have been more than 500 confirmed cases in England in 2025, the majority in young children. A child died at Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool on Sunday after contracting the infectious disease.

With cases increasing and vaccine uptake in some parts of the country worryingly low, nurseries are bringing back infection control measures last used during the pandemic to keep children safe and ease parents fears.

Adam Rowles two-year-old daughter attends a nursery in south-east London that recently had four cases of measles. Although his daughter is fully vaccinated, his six-month-old son is due to start attending the nursery before his first birthday, when he would be eligible for his first measles jab.

Rowles said: Its alarming, isnt it? Because its something that you think has been eradicated, and we dont have to worry about any more, but then all of a sudden here we are. Its just baffling.

He has asked about postponing his sons nursery place until he is vaccinated but was told that would cost him his place. The nursery said it had implemented strict protocols, such as dividing up walking and nonwalking babies to reduce the spread of infection and had brought back Covid levels of cleaning.

We felt slightly more at ease, but still not fully at ease, said Rowles. It made what seemed really bad and quite scary, still scary but less so. Were basically just going to have to hope for the best for five months. And we have grandparents on hand to help if we have to take him out of there, if it comes to that.

Melanie Pilcher of the Early Years Alliance, which represents providers, said nurseries were equipped to deal with outbreaks after the Covid pandemic and were starting to bring back similar infection control procedures. Theyre using all those good hygiene practices, staff have got PPE, theyve got aprons, gloves, some settings still keep masks, she said. Theyre doing everything they can, while obviously not scaring the children either.

Thanks to Covid, we got very savvy at knowing what we needed to do in the case of a very serious illness occurring like this. It is a very real and present danger.

Pilcher said many nurseries were asking whether they could turn away unvaccinated children: They cant, and it wouldnt be right to turn children away because it is a parental choice at the end of the day, and we have to respect that.

Experts said measles vaccine uptake had decreased in part because of misinformation online, missed appointments in the pandemic and limited access to GP appointments

Helen Bedford, a professor of childrens health at UCL, said inequality driven by poverty was the key underlying issue. People talk about vaccine hesitancy and true, people do have questions, they have concerns. But the biggest problem really is about access. Under-immunisation goes hand in hand with poverty, she said.

Parents being unable to take time off work to get their child to a vaccination appointment, or unable to afford the transport to get there, were regularly cited as reasons why children had not had both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella jab.

Prof Matt Ashton, the director of public health for Liverpool, where measles vaccine uptake is 73% compared with 84% across England, said: Measles is a disease people are used to not seeing. And people have complex, difficult lives, aligned to poverty and deprivation.

They are time-poor, often working really hard just to put food on the table. So that means they dont prioritise a health intervention for a disease they dont think is an issue.

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Dr Chris Bird, a paediatric emergency medicine consultant at Birmingham childrens hospital, has treated a number of measles patients, particularly during an outbreak of about 450 cases last year.

Thats a huge number, and a lot of my colleagues had never seen measles before. We had almost elimination status in the UK just before Covid, he said. Its also quite difficult to spot because the symptoms are very non-specific until the rash appears at day four.

Measles is 10 times more infectious than flu or Covid, so you only have to have a child sitting in a busy waiting room for 15 minutes and then youve got a potential spread.

He said he was increasingly speaking to families who had not had their children vaccinated, often for personal reasons.

Dr Qasim Malik, a paediatric registrar and member of the British Islamic Medical Association (Bima), said a more targeted approach toward different communities was needed to boost vaccine uptake. Were often talking about people who probably have been traditionally excluded from accessing healthcare, he said. For instance, the marginalisation of asylum seekers and refugees means theyre more reluctant to seek out healthcare for their children.

At Bima, we use inclusive language sensitive to the Muslim community, such as considering if there is gelatine in the vaccine, for instance, whether that is affecting uptake and what alternatives are available. We need less demonisation and a kinder approach when looking at these issues by building relationships and looking at vaccine hesitancy alongside other issues such as lack of access to food and adequate housing.
Book Reviews, China and Inner Asia Volume 91  No. 1

Princeton; Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2015. xii, 318 pp. US$29.95, cloth. ISBN 978-0-691-16645-2.

A genre-bending combination of Western and Confucian political philosophy, analysis of contemporary and historical China, and comparison across political systems, The China Model has already been widely reviewed in terms both glowing and disparaging. Written by a Canadian-born scholar well-travelled in Asia and North America, now a professor at Tsinghua University and the dean of the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University, the book has rightly been described as thought provoking, insightful, illuminating, and infuriating.

Bell is a gadfly in the best sense of the word: here probing, preening, and promoting the concept of meritocracy in a way that certainly hits a nerve with liberals inside and outside China who have an unshakeable faith in the superiority of electoral democracy. Based on reviews of the Chinese translation, it has also hit a nerve in official China.

At the heart of the book is a sophisticated analysis of some enduring and fundamental political questions central to the Western experience since Plato: what makes for good leadership, how should leaders be selected, and how should inept ones be replaced?

Bells main focus is meritocracy as both an ideal and a reality in the Chinese political system, past and present. He starts from the premise (a) that China is doing some things very right in large part because of how it selects its leaders; and (b) that China can and should improve its system of selection and promotion that nevertheless has a clear advantage over electoral democracies that leave the whole thing up to the whims of the people unconstrained by lessons of philosophy, history, and social science (108).

While both admiring and intrigued by the Chinese philosophy and practices of merit, he does not shy away from problems in the Chinese political system including abuse of power, rising inequality and reduced social mobility, factional in-fighting, and harsh treatment of the CCPs domestic critics and minority groups. Most importantly, he underlines the growing threat to its legitimacy that will require more participation, more democracy, freer speech, and more independent social organizations. Without this, it is difficult for defenders of political meritocracy to counter the criticism that coercion lies at the heart of its political system (197).

Rather than seeing these flaws as fatal to regime survival or prescribing a one-person, one-vote system, he makes the case for political reform involving more democracy at the bottom, experimentation in the middle, and strengthened meritocracy at the top. Teaser: he recommends that the Chinese Communist Party rename itself The Union of Democratic Meritocrats, (Minzhu xianneng lianmeng) (198), one of the ideas removed from the Chinese-language edition.

It is not necessary to agree with his analysis or sensibilities to appreciate a lucid discussion of the defects of both electoral democracy and the current Chinese system, his effort to find in Chinese traditions and philosophy a durable playbook for domestic rule, and an informed account of the practice and philosophy of such devices as the examination system.

As several critics have emphasized, the book moves back and forth between political philosophy and history, on the one hand, and political science on the other. As Andrew Nathan and others have pointed out, it is perplexing whether the book is about the myth, aspiration, and ideal of the Chinese systeman imaginary Chinaor its very different reality.

Looking beyond China, Bell identifies a crisis of governance in Western political systems that has undermined blind faith in electoral democracy and opened the normative space for political alternatives (3). It is worth noting that he wrote this even before the political rise of Donald Trump. This crisis may be worse in American-style presidential systems than Westminster-style parliamentary systems (the Canadian Senate and House of Lords are appointed, not elected). Singapore is high on his list of effective alternatives.

Whatever the durability and strengths of the distinctive blend of animating forces and specific practices of the Chinese system, it is very unlikely to serve as a model outside of Chinas immediate neighbourhood even for a generation of millennials in Europe, North America, and elsewhere disillusioned by the performance of their own regimes.

Rather, Bells book is a sophisticated and sincerely empathetic corrective to the absolutism and triumphalism of an unquestioned faith in American-style electoral democracy. And in the Trump era it may even suggest some useful insights on how and why inept leaders can be replaced as well as a reminder of the damage they can do. We used to ask, Would the world be a better place if China acted more like the United States? For at least the moment, the answer is empathetically more negative.
Despite a 46 per cent rise in defence spending over the past decade, it has not translated to the peoples desire to join the military - Claudia Greco/Reuters

Only 16 per cent of Italians would be willing to fight for their country, a survey shows.

The Centre for Social Investment Studies (CENSIS) found that almost a third of Italians believe the country will be directly involved in a war within five years, but fewer than one in six of those of fighting age would be willing to take up arms.

After years of escalating geopolitical tensions and two ongoing wars nearby, in Ukraine and the Middle East, Italy has joined other Nato nations in pledging to ramp up national defence spending.

But that has not translated to a fresh desire to join the military.

Some 39 per cent of Italians aged between 18 and 45 would declare themselves as pacifist conscientious objectors in the event of war, while 19 per cent would try to evade conscription another way, and 26 per cent would prefer Italy to hire foreign mercenaries.

Despite a 46 per cent rise in defence spending over the past decade, Italy is one of Natos lowest military spenders, targeting only 1.49 per cent of its gross domestic product for its military last year.

Italy has also refused to participate in Donald Trumps plan to send US-made weapons to Ukraine.

Governments across Europe are pondering whether to take part in the $10bn initiative, which will involve Ukraines allies on the continent, along with Canada, buying top of the range weapons  including Patriot air defence systems  from Washington before giving them to Kyiv.

The Italian government has stated that it will not purchase weapons but may assist with the logistics of transporting them to Ukraine, according to Italian media reports.

Here, there has never been talk of buying American weapons, the source quoted by the La Stampa newspaper said.

To ensure Italys security, 49 per cent of all Italians are in favour of strengthening Nato, while 58 per cent would like to see an integrated European Union defence system, with a single army, under a unified command and joint weapons procurement.

Last month, Italy said it would count the 11 billion cost of a bridge to Sicily as defence spending to meet Natos 5 per cent of GDP military expenditure target.

Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, is in the process of rebadging the ailing project to build a crossing over the Strait of Messina as a strategic decision vital for the Western alliances presence in the Mediterranean.

She has argued that the bridge would strengthen Europes defences by facilitating easier troop movements to the four military bases in Sicily.

By listing the crossing as a military asset, it can be counted towards the new Nato goal, which demands fresh expenditure on defence-related infrastructure.

The move mirrors efforts by Sir Keir Starmer to boost Britains defence spending by reclassifying swathes of infrastructure projects as vital to national security.

The Prime Minister will use any Government expenditure on rural broadband and the expansion of Heathrow airport to meet Natos goal of spending 1.5 per cent of GDP on defence-related infrastructure.
A supporter of Palestine Action in Parliament Square - Leon Neal/Getty Images Europe

Palestine Actions campaign against Israel recalls the famed elevator scene from Mad Men. Sore at being sidelined in a pitch meeting, ambitious and impatient advertising executive Michael Ginsberg confronts his boss, Don Draper, and pouts: I feel bad for you. Draper, icier than the rocks in his Old Fashioned, replies: I dont think about you at all.

Its doubtful if Israel will think at all about crowds taking to Britains streets to demand the unbanning of proscribed terror organisation Palestine Action. Reports of some protesters chanting f*** your Jewish state are unlikely to give anyone in Jerusalem much pause. Such scenes will be regarded as a matter of private grief not to be intruded on.

For all that Palestine Actions criminal campaign of thuggery and intimidation is directed at the state of Israel, and specifically its ability to defend itself, its not Israel that needs to worry about Saturdays events. Israel can take care of itself, but can the UK?

Because these protests portend nothing good for Britain. Recall that Palestine Action is not merely anti-Israel. This is an organisation that openly, proudly targets British companies for vandalism and destruction. That uses criminal conduct to terrorise British business owners into changing their commercial relationships. An organisation whose activists have breached a British military base and damaged RAF planes.

And not insignificant numbers of Britons have assembled in UK cities in solidarity with that organisation. This is not a well country. The last time we found ourselves in this level of economic decline and political dysfunction, in the 1970s, we were called the Sick Man of Europe. But this is a different kind of sickness. Its a spiritual sickness, a new British disease.

Chants of f*** your Jewish state will have been alarming for British Jews, who have been forced to watch in horror as their country, including and perhaps especially its educated middle classes, have been radicalised by events in the Middle East since October 7, 2023.

From Parliament to the press, churches to the universities, the BBC to the NGOs, Britain has become fixated on the war in Gaza, to the exclusion of other, deadlier conflicts. And in a way that is detached from all reason, so that even the sketchiest Hamas propaganda is accepted at face value. It is not simply that Britons are troubled by the human suffering in Gaza  a very real and very grave situation  but that the public square has become thoroughly Palestinianised in a short space of time. All other foreign conflicts, and even some domestic matters, have been pushed aside. Gaza is the new unifying issue of British politics.

That reflects trends that have been in train for some time now. The UK political class is so thoroughly in sway to the political culture of American progressivism that, after Black Lives Matter and trans women are women, it was inevitable that they would embrace the historically illiterate Civil Rights frame for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The mass immigration of foreign-born Muslims is also making obsessive hatred of Jews and Israel a fact of mainstream political discourse in Britain.

Given the decline of the UK and the modish self-loathing promoted in classrooms, lecture halls, on television and in museums, it should not surprise us that there is some level of sympathy out there for an organisation that vandalises RAF planes, those symbols and guarantors of British self-determination and sovereignty. Its not just Israels defensive capability that is under attack.

Nothing Palestine Action or its acolytes do will change reality on the ground in Gaza or alter the strategic aims of the Israeli government. Israel draws strength not only from its military but from the national self-confidence of its people. In Britain, they take to the streets in the name of foreign nations and imported hatreds.
Riot police vans at Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena, which along with adjoining streets was the main flashpoint of the violence. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA

Since Ballymena erupted in three nights of anti-migrant riots last month, tranquility has returned to the County Antrim town. The rioters, after all, got what they wanted. They won.

Dozens of Romanian and Bulgarian Roma families that fled have not returned and those that remain keep a low profile  they do not linger on the streets and are scarcely visible.

The mobs who smashed windows, burned houses and battled police in order to expel Roma  and some other foreigners  from this corner of Northern Ireland see it as a victory.

Thats them away back home. Everybody is relieved, said Leanne Williamson, 42, who witnessed, and endorsed, the unrest. It was madness but it was long overdue. The Romanians were ignorant and cheeky. Everyone now is at peace.

In the main flashpoint  Clonavon Terrace and adjoining streets  houses that were torched remain gutted and boarded up. Of the Roma families who inhabited them there is no sign. There are no official figures but one informed source with ties to the community estimated that of the approximate pre-riot population of 1,200, two-thirds are gone  or, to use a loaded term, ethnically cleansed.

The place is empty, a lot have left, said Kirsty, 35, a Clonavon Road resident who withheld her surname. She did not miss her former neighbours, or what she said had been a transient flux. You didnt know who was coming and going. Now its a lot calmer. You can let your weans [children] out on the street a bit further. Did the riots achieve their goal? Yes.

Another local person, who did not want his name published and did not endorse the riots, said the aftermath was striking. Ballymena was like a whole new town, there was an amazing atmosphere. It was like something out of a movie where the bad gang has been kicked out and people come out to celebrate.

The sentiment this week felt closer to quiet satisfaction, not jubilation, but it was still a counterpoint to the condemnation last month  from Keir Starmer and politicians across Northern Ireland  of mayhem that left dozens of police officers injured. The Police Federation likened the outbreak to an attempted pogrom. Violence abated as quickly as it started and apart from reports of prosecutions the story disappeared from headlines.

Plenty in Ballymena, a largely working-class Protestant town 25 miles north of Belfast, feel shame at what happened. They were wrecking places and causing harm to people, said Padraig, a teenager. It was racist, said his friend Robert. I dont think it was the right thing to do.

Their reluctance to be fully identified reflected the fact that for others in Ballymena, it was mission accomplished.

Filipinos and people from central and eastern Europe, drawn by factory work, have increased in number in the past decade, mostly without incident, but the Roma people were singled out for allegations of antisocial behaviour and criminality. An alleged sexual assault on a teenage girl by two 14-year-old boys, who appeared in court with a Romanian interpreter, triggered the riots. A third suspect fled to Romania.

Where are the foreigners? the mob shouted during a free-for-all against anyone deemed non-local  a scene that echoed anti-immigrant riots in Belfast and England last summer, and fuelled warnings that the UK is a powder keg of social tension.

However, rioters and sympathisers later apologised to non-Roma families who were accidentally targeted. Posters that declared Filipino lives here, and loyalist bunting, sprouted on doors and windows to deflect attack.

In a sign of reduced tension the stickers have gone and Filipinos said they felt safe. We are staying, we are OK. Our dreams will not stop with the trauma, said Karen Estrella, 35, a care home worker. Posters that declare Locals live here have also dwindled.

Fero, a 45-year-old from Slovakia, said he liked Ballymena and blamed the riots on misbehaviour by Roma and Bulgarians. Im happy with what happened. Now theyre gone.

Authorities are unable to say how many people fled or have since returned, and appear reluctant to comment on the riots aftermath. Ballymenas mayor, deputy mayor, constituency MP and several other public representatives declined or did not respond to interview requests.

The Department for Communities referred questions about the vanished Roma to the Housing Executive, which said it did not hold such information but that 74 households  not necessarily Roma  sought assistance during the disorder. Of these households, 21 were placed in temporary accommodation and others made their own arrangements, said a spokesperson.

Critics have accused unionist parties of turning a blind eye to racism  such as a loyalist bonfire in County Tyrone that burned an effigy of migrants  to avoid losing votes. In Ballymena reticence extends to some civic society organisations that declined to be interviewed or quoted.

A paradox underpins the vigilantism. Some local people accuse the Roma of peddling cannabis and vapes, and credit paramilitaries with leading the expulsions, yet they acknowledge that paramilitaries sell drugs. Aye, said one, with a shrug. Thats it.

During the Guardians visit this week, the only visible Roma presence was a family at a fast-food restaurant. It was raining yet they sat at an outside bench, getting wet, rather than inside.
Putin's spies have infiltrated every section of British society

The Foreign Offices exposure and sanctioning of Russian individuals and organisations working against the UK demonstrates that we are a prime focus for Putins political warfare, which is the use of all means other than armed conflict to achieve the states objectives. Russias targets are worldwide, but it is obvious that Britain is a priority given our leading role in supporting Ukraine. Indeed, some have suggested that the UK is the number one target behind Ukraine, even above the US, as Putin still hopes to lure Trump away from giving his full backing to Kyiv.

Russian objectives include directly disrupting military aid to Ukraine as well as sowing division at home and inflicting greater costs on us through sabotage and cyber warfare. There have been repeated attacks in Britain and across Europe against infrastructure and transport hubs involved in shipping aid to Ukraine. A warehouse fire in London and an incendiary attack against a DHL hub in Birmingham are both likely to be the work of agents of the GRU, the Russian military intelligence service.

Cyber attacks have targeted media outlets, telecoms providers, political institutions, government bodies and energy infrastructure in the UK. The Ministry of Defence has repelled 90,000 cyber attacks from hostile states in the last two years. Many originated in Russia, usually via proxies. Espionage and disinformation are also critical elements of Russian political warfare. Earlier this year a group of six Bulgarians living in the UK was convicted of spying across Europe on behalf of Russia, and Moscow devotes immense resources into bot farms attempting to inject its anti-Ukraine narrative into social media sites.

Beyond sabotage, cyberwar and disinformation, Moscows political warfare operations include direct threats to life. Since Putin came to power there have been at least six assassinations or attempted assassinations in the UK that were likely the work of the GRU. Three of the GRU units the Foreign Office has sanctioned have been implicated in the failed murder of Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in 2018.

The cyber components of two of these units were involved in targeting Skripal and then sought to disrupt UK and international investigations into the events. The third unit, known as 26165, was directly responsible for the attempt on Skripals life. The same unit, in March 2022, conducted online reconnaissance on civilian shelters in Mariupol and Kharkiv, lining up artillery strikes which killed non-combatants sheltering there.

Despite its current emphasis on undermining Ukraine and its allies, Russias political warfare campaign goes much further, encompassing all areas of its national interests, including economic development, fostering allies and destabilising the West. A few years ago the head of Nato confirmed Russia had infiltrated environmental movements in Europe to maintain dependence on imported Russian gas. Since the start of the Gaza conflict in 2023, Russia has used armies of fake social media profiles to disproportionately amplify Pro-Palestinian voices in the UK to promote public discord and influence government decision-making.

The Kremlin should be in no doubt, according to David Lammy, we see what they are trying to do in the shadows and we wont tolerate it. Thats why were taking decisive action with sanctions against Russian spies. He is right to impose these sanctions, but even assuming many of our allies follow suit, they will have little impact. Nor will the detailed exposure of Moscows political warfare apparatus and some of its key players deter them. On the contrary, their activity will increase and become more sophisticated, especially with the development of artificial intelligence.

In this situation, we need to constantly improve our defences, both in cyber security and intelligence. There are opportunity costs to that though. A few months ago the head of MI5, Ken McCallum, admitted he had been forced to pare back on counterterrorism to deal with the growing threat posed by Russia and other hostile states. And dont for one moment think that Putin is not exploiting the waves of small boat Channel crossings that are filling our country with people we know nothing about.

But defence is not enough: we must also fight fire with fire. The GRU, as well as the other Kremlin organs involved in attacking us have to be made to pay a price well beyond this sanctions regime. That means our own offensive political warfare campaign against Russia. Here, the Foreign Office sounds a hopeful note, claiming to be countering Russian attacks both publicly and behind the scenes. But do we have the capability, the legal freedom and the political will to inflict the damage that is required?
Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems fire at Russian missiles and drones heading for Pavlohrad during a six-hour bombardment early on Saturday. Photograph: Alessio Mamo/The Guardian

Russia launched its biggest ever attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Pavlohrad early on Saturday, as part of a large wave of strikes across the country involving hundreds of kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles.

The six-hour bombardment was the worst in the citys history. The head of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Sergey Lysak, said a factory had been damaged, a fire station destroyed and a five-storey residential building hit.

A hellish night and morning for Pavlohrad. The most intense attack on the city. Explosion after explosion. Russian terrorists targeted it with missiles and drones, he said.

Drones could be heard flying over Pavlohrad in the early hours of Saturday. There were cacophonous booms and orange explosions lighting up the night sky. The streets echoed with machine-gun fire as anti-aircraft units tried to shoot them down.

In the morning, thick black smoke hung above the city. There were several fires. One exhausted resident, Oleh, said it had been the worst night he had known. Nobody slept. We were all in shelters. There was a thunderstorm as well. We had explosions and rain together, he said.

The attack came soon after Gen Keith Kellogg, Trumps special envoy to Ukraine, flew back to Washington after a six-day visit to Kyiv. The White House announced a large-scale arms package to Ukraine this week, including additional Patriot anti-aircraft systems, to be paid for by European allies.

The Kremlin refrained from carrying out a large-scale bombardment while Kellogg was in the country. Social media was awash with memes depicting Kellogg as a cat protecting the capital, since Keith sounds similar to kit, or cat in Ukrainian.

Russias former president Dmitry Medvedev promised on Friday that Moscow would escalate its aerial attacks in response to the EUs latest sanctions package, which was agreed after the pro-Kremlin government in Slovakia dropped its objections.

Pavlohrad is a strategic hub for the Dnipropetrovsk oblast. Russian troops are close to capturing territory in the region, which borders Donetsk province, for the first time since Vladimir Putins 2022 invasion. They have captured several neighbouring villages in recent days.

Russian forces also targeted the Black Sea port of Odesa early on Saturday, setting fire to a nine-storey apartment building, the citys mayor said. Five people were rescued from the top floor, and one woman subsequently died.

Odesas mayor, Hennady Trukhanov, wrote on Telegram that at least 20 drones had converged on the city, a frequent target of Russian strikes. Civilian structure has been damaged as a result of the attack, he said. A high-rise apartment block is on fire. Rescuers are taking people out from the flames.

Ukraines new prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, said Moscow had launched another brutal attack on Odesa and other Ukrainian cities. One person killed, several more wounded, families destroyed. This is the cost of hesitation. Without bold response, the strikes will come again, she said.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, the two leaders of the biggest hostile states, both pose a threat to the UK

It has taken six months and the deaths of thousands of Ukrainians but now, at last, Donald Trump may have grasped the truth about Vladimir Putin.

As he threatens new sanctions and denounces Putin as crazy, the president is finally working out that Russias leader is implacably determined to conquer Ukraine and rebuild an empire, at whatever cost in blood.

But Trump is not alone in having lessons to learn: so, in all honesty, does the Foreign Office.

Ever since Putin launched his full-scale invasion in February 2022, our diplomats have been at the forefront of backing Ukraine and maximising the pressure on Russia.

They saw the onslaught coming and their response has won immense goodwill for Britain among Ukraines government and people.

On Friday, the Foreign Office named and sanctioned 18 Russian spies accused of covert bombings or acts of sabotage in Britain and elsewhere, designed to prevent support for Ukraine.

Yet before 2022, the truth is that British diplomacy was not always so clear and resolute about countering Putins aggression.

Now that we are re-engaging with China  by far the most powerful of our adversaries  it has never been more urgent to understand the dangers of dealing with hostile states.

David Blair with then foreign secretary Boris Johnson in New York, 2017, meeting President Museveni of Uganda

I spent nearly eight years in the Foreign Office and Downing Street writing speeches for three foreign secretaries and one prime minister. For much of that time my desk was in the Private Office, outside the great oak door of the foreign secretarys magnificently gilded room overlooking St Jamess Park.

This was where all the papers arrived, the high officials gathered and everything that the boss needed to see or do was filtered and prepared. Anyone who works in the controlled bedlam of this extraordinary room has a privileged window into the soul of British diplomacy.

I found that our diplomats profoundly believe that engagement is almost always the answer to any international problem. Engagement is what they do and they are convinced that it serves our national interest and makes the world a better place.

For countries that are more or less friendly  thankfully the huge majority  the diplomats are right.

But what about hostile states that strive to do us harm and will not abandon their threatening ambitions? As a minor cog in the engine room of British diplomacy, I saw how dealing with them involves cost, risk and moral compromise.

And here is the problem: some of our diplomats, particularly at senior level, instinctively underestimate or overlook the price of engagement with hostile powers and this may, unwittingly, make the world even more dangerous.

What exactly are the hazards? Dealing with hostile states can demean you, distort your analysis and lead you to constrain your own options. At worst, you may end up emboldening the adversary to go further and inflict more harm than he would have done anyway.

Blair spent nearly eight years in the Foreign Office and Downing Street (pictured here with Johnson) - David Blair

The easiest and perhaps most demeaning compromise is self-censorship in the cause of maintaining engagement.

One evening in late 2016, as darkness settled over the trees of St Jamess Park outside my window in Private Office, I finished drafting a newspaper comment piece about Russia for the foreign secretary, then Boris Johnson.

Before submitting my work to him, I had to send it for clearance by some of our most senior diplomats.

Back came the answer: all fine, just one thing, please delete the phrase Russian aggression. I asked why? Putin had grabbed Crimea and invaded eastern Ukraine two years earlier; he was, at that moment, waging a war on Ukrainian soil which had already claimed 8,000 lives and driven two million people from their homes. For good measure, his air force was carpet-bombing Aleppo in Syria.

Didnt all of that justify the phrase Russian aggression. Of course, I was told. But our boss met Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, in New York a few months ago and were looking for more engagement. So best not to use that phrase.

Just the prospect of dealing with Lavrov  apparently as an end in itself  was enough to produce a minor but demeaning act of self-censorship.

British diplomats like to believe their opposite numbers want serious engagement  even if thats Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister - Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP

As it happens, I had been in that meeting in New York and Lavrovs bristling mendacity had been so obvious as to be almost comical. Given that nothing he said could be relied upon, it wasnt clear to me why Lavrov was worth the foreign secretarys time at all, let alone if there was a moral price to be paid.

How could experienced diplomats, who were surely not naive or credulous, see Lavrov differently?

The answer is that if you start with a sincere belief in the power of engagement, then you more or less have to regard the person you will engage with as a worthy interlocutor, even when its Lavrov.

The same impulse may cause diplomats to go further and misread not just individuals but regimes.

The Foreign Offices Russia department was generally composed of people with a grimly realistic view of Putin: most had no illusions about what we were facing. I sometimes thought we would be better off if they were in charge.

But as late as 2019, I remember one of our leading Russia experts describing Putins annexation of Crimea as not an imperialist but a defensive project.

The irony was that Putin himself begged to differ. He was very clear about why he was dismembering Ukraine. He told anyone who would listen that he grabbed Crimea for the obviously imperial motive of restoring the territory annexed by Catherine the Great in the 18th century to the Russian motherland.

Credit: Kremlin.ru

Soon after achieving this in 2014, Putin made a triumphal progress through his new province, hailing the return of Crimea to the native land and describing this as a tribute to historical truth and the memory of our ancestors. He did not trouble to pretend that his motives were defensive.

How could a Civil Service expert suggest otherwise? The only plausible explanation is that this person genuinely believed in the necessity of engaging with Russia. If Putins motives really were implacably imperialist and expansionist, then there would be nothing to talk about. So those must not be his motives.

If your starting point is that engagement is the answer, then it becomes tempting to define the problem to suit the solution, rather than vice versa.

The danger is that you trap yourself in a giant circular argument with the following stages.

Engagement is the answer. But the leader of the hostile state says that hes determined to rebuild his empire, invade his neighbours and overturn the entire global security order. Yes its very worrying but he may not mean it, and even if he does we can still dissuade him. How and why? With engagement, because that is always the answer.

Diplomats caught up in this way of thinking may be the last to realise the truth about a hostile dictator, even if he is proclaiming it to the world. They will want to believe that his future course is still an open question and engagement might yet divert him from the path of bloodshed and folly.

They will struggle to see when the dictators mind is made up and all that remains is to oppose him and ensure that he fails.

The West has the collective power to thwart any expansionist regime, provided that it uses its leverage hard and early.

But some of our diplomats will always prefer to advise against this. They will caution that if we do get tough, then the hostile state will cancel our engagement, which we must of course seek to preserve.

They will warn about jeopardising the next meeting and empowering the hardliners and marginalising the moderates (an unfalsifiable and formulaic argument).

They will say that the regime is not monolithic, that not everyone around the dictator agrees with him, that somehow the moderates could still prevail, and we should look for the cracks and widen them, rather than give the hostile government something to unite against.

This might sound like a sophisticated analysis, but the problem is that our adversaries know exactly how our diplomats think because this approach goes back many years.

So they play along and create the impression that they want nothing more than serious engagement. They will agree to dialogue and say conciliatory words simply to tie us down and lead us to constrain our own options, delaying the moment when the penny finally drops and we use our leverage.

For hostile states, the purpose of engagement is seldom to reach an agreement, but rather to stop us from actually doing something against their interests. That is exactly how Putin has handled Donald Trump for the past six months. Iran has been doing the same for years, often successfully until the recent 12-day war.

Some of our diplomats are vulnerable to this tactic because their belief in keeping channels open really can lead them to recommend staying our hand and limiting our options.

In March 2018 Russian intelligence tried to murder a former spy, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter, Yulia, at their adopted home in Salisbury using novichok nerve agent, which later killed an innocent British mother, Dawn Sturgess.

The Foreign Office disclosed on Friday that two Russian spies had been hacking Yulia Skripals mobile phone as early as 2013.

Russian spies were hacking Yulia Skripals phone as far back as 2013

Britain responded to the Salisbury poisoning by expelling 23 Russian diplomats and urging our allies to follow suit, mounting a highly effective campaign which caused the removal of another 130 Russian officials by 29 countries and international organisations.

At the time, this was the biggest coordinated expulsion of Russian diplomats in history. Our officials were genuinely outraged by the recklessness of what the Russians had done and the danger of mass civilian casualties.

They raised the ceiling on the counter-measures they were prepared to recommend against Russia by several feet. But I noticed how they remained careful to draw limits.

This became clear to me when I asked whether we should arm Ukraine? It seems incredible now but after Russias first invasion in 2014, Britain and most of our allies decided not to supply Ukraine with weapons, imposing a de-facto arms embargo on the target of aggression which lasted right up until Putin was massing his forces for the second onslaught in 2022.

And in 2018, with Theresa May as prime minister, I was briskly told that arming Ukraine was out of the question. Why? Because we would be on our own and there was no telling how Russia might react. Any weapons we might supply would make little difference anyway.

Besides  and this was the decisive point  we still needed to keep our channels with the Russians open and such a drastic step would risk closing them, perhaps literally in the case of our embassy in Moscow.

The irony is that less than four years later, once the full-scale invasion loomed, there was enough political will to override these objections and turn arming Ukraine into a central priority of British foreign policy.

In January 2022, barely a month before the second invasion, Boris Johnson as prime minister dispatched 2,000 anti-tank missiles which were soon vital in the defence of Kyiv and Kharkiv, littering the streets and boulevards with the blackened carcasses of Russian armour.

That consignment, delivered when no other state was publicly sending weapons, established Britain as Ukraines strongest supporter and generated goodwill and influence which persist to this day.

But suppose we had been arming Ukraine not for four weeks before the onslaught, but four years? Wouldnt Ukraine have been able to resist even more strongly and save lives by holding back the Russian advance? Wouldnt Britain have amassed yet more goodwill and diplomatic access?

And what exactly was achieved by keeping our channels to the Russians open after the Salisbury poisonings? What did we gain by not supplying weapons to Ukraine?

If that was the price of preserving engagement, it was surely not worth paying.

Sergey Lavrov (right) with then foreign secretary David Miliband in Moscow, 2009 - AFP

I came to the conclusion that if engagement with hostile states leads to self-censorship, wishful thinking and self-imposed constraints, then it may be worse than pointless.

The danger is that our adversary might be emboldened to cause even more damage.

Remember that the cumulative effect of all the Wests engagement with Putin was that he concluded that he could get away with destroying Europes biggest country.

In fairness, Britain was probably least culpable for this outcome. Our prime ministers and foreign secretaries had far less contact with Putin than some of their European counterparts.

Angela Merkel, who clocked up 101 meetings or phone calls with Putin during her time as German Chancellor, must carry the greatest share of blame. After she left office, Emmanuel Macron became the European leader in most frequent contact with Putin, once hosting him at the French Presidents summer residence by the Mediterranean.

Even before 2022, our diplomats were towards the hawkish end of Europes spectrum on Russia. Whatever mistakes they made were committed on a greater scale by their colleagues from other European countries and by the US under President Obamas administration.

Lavrov (right) with then British foreign secretary Jack Straw in Moscow, 2004 - Maxim Marmur

But there is no avoiding the tragic reality that the Wests collective effort to engage with Russia and keep channels open ended in Europes bloodiest war for 80 years.

Surely it would have been better if we had all worried a lot less about engagement and got on with arming Ukraine straight after the first invasion in 2014? The results could hardly have been worse.

Primary responsibility must of course rest with the politicians who were in charge and whose decisions the diplomats merely enacted. David Cameron and William Hague, the prime minister and foreign secretary respectively during the first invasion, must answer for Britains response.

But the politicians inevitably depend on expert advice from the professionals, particularly at moments of history when hostile states are amassing their power and becoming steadily more dangerous.

Now, as we engage with China, we should learn from the searing experience of dealing with Putins Russia. The main lesson is: never allow engagement to come at a price.

If China poses a threat to Britain, then say so. If President Xi Jinpings rhetoric hardens and he escalates the pressure on Taiwan, then resist any temptation to refrain from drawing the obvious conclusion.

If there is a list of Chinese companies that deserve to be sanctioned for supplying the invasion of Ukraine, go ahead and sanction them even if that might jeopardise the next dialogue with China.

Xi Jinping and former prime minister David Cameron share a pint in 2015 - British Prime Ministry/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

But I can already spot warning signs. Turn to page 28 of this years Defence Review and you will see Russia described as an immediate and pressing threat, while China is a sophisticated and persistent challenge. The same passage describes Chinese technology as a leading challenge for the UK.

Why challenge? Back in Private Office, I would try to keep that word out of the foreign secretarys speeches for the simple reason that challenge is usually a euphemism for either problem or threat.

Like other hostile states, China is anxious to police the language in which they are described.

Have Xis officials privately warned our diplomats against describing China as a threat? Have they said that doing so would risk engagement and make it harder to improve bilateral relations?

I dont know the answer. But it would be entirely in character for Chinese diplomats to threaten us about the consequences of calling them a threat.

If so, we should reply that they have no right to try to dictate what we say in public, particularly as China self-evidently does pose a threat.

Every Russian drone and ballistic missile that smashes into Kyiv is stuffed with Chinese systems and components, revealing how Putins campaign to destroy Ukraine has always been underwritten by China. Those killer drones all have Chinese-made engines.

In fact, just about every advanced conventional weapon in Putins arsenal depends at some level on Chinese technology and industrial prowess. Russias war machine is, in good measure, a creation of China.

If Russia poses a threat to Britain, then China must too. Our ministers and officials should not allow their wish to engage to inhibit them from stating the obvious.

In fairness, David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, described China as a sophisticated and persistent threat in the Commons in June. But why did the Defence Review settle for the euphemism challenge?

None of this rules out engagement with hostile states. If there is a clear objective, backed by collective leverage, then we should go ahead.

But we must do it without repeating the old mistakes. And self-censorship is where the error begins.
Credit: @sophievouzelaud_off/Instagram

A Belgian man travelled nearly 500 miles to meet a French beauty queen who he thought was his future wife  only to find out that he had been the victim of a romance scam.

The man, who called himself Michel, turned up at the home of Sophie Vouzelaud, in Saint-Julien, and announced: I am the future husband of Sophie Vouzelaud.

Her husband, Fabien, came out and said to Michel: Well, Im the current one.

Ms Vouzelaud is a former Miss Limousin and Miss France 2007 runner-up. She has nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram and posts frequently about her life on social media.

Michel, 76, believed that he had been speaking on WhatsApp to the French model for weeks and had even sent 25,000  which he thought was going to be paid back.

Sophie and her husband Fabien, who recognised that Michel had been duped by a fake account - Facebook

I think she played a dirty trick on me, Michel said.

In desperation, Michel showed the husband his phone, and the string of messages exchanged between himself and the person he believed to be Ms Vouzelaud.

My wife, no, its the fake accounts, Fabien replied. You have to be very careful.

Soon, Michel realised that he had been swindled, and told the couple: I am an imbecile.

Part of the exchange was captured on video and posted on social media by Fabien. In an accompanying message, he warned people of the dangers of romance scams, where someone is conned into sending money to a criminal who convinces them they are in a genuine relationship.

Ms Vouzelaud is a former Miss France 2007 runner-up

Ms Vouzeland on her wedding day

I feel so sorry for this man. Watch out for fake accounts, Im sharing this video to show you its real and to be vigilant! Take care of yourself.

The Belgian man is believed to be a widower of four years and looking to find love again.

Ms Vouzelaud, 38, urged him to go to the police to file a complaint. It is not clear whether or not he has.

Ms Vouzelaud said the incident hurts my heart.
Malak Hani received a full scholarship to the University of Cambridge but months later she remains trapped in the rubble of Gaza

Malak Hani graduated from school in Gaza with the second highest grade of any student in the Palestinian territories. Then the war broke out.

The education system in the enclave collapsed under Israels bombardment, and the right to learn became one of the first casualties of the conflict.

The now 19-year-old turned her hopes abroad and received a full scholarship to the University of Cambridge this year. But months later, she remains trapped in the rubble of Gaza and tangled inside a web of British bureaucracy.

This is the fate of at least 40 Palestinian students, some of Gazas brightest young minds, who have been offered scholarships to top UK universities  but have no feasible route to get there due to Home Office visa requirements.

Eight of the stranded students even hold coveted Chevening scholarships, awards offered to exceptional foreign students by the Government.

I may lose my life before I can take up my scholarship

As it stands, UK visa protocol requires international students to provide biometrics. But the visa office in Gaza has been shut since the war began and due to border closures, they cannot travel to centres in neighbouring countries.

I am stuck, Malak, who lives in the west of the devastated enclave, told The Telegraph. On top of the daily horrors of living under regular aerial bombardment, she said, losing another year without education would be very hard on me.

She already despairs about the studying time she has lost as Israels 21-month war against Hamas rages and ceasefire talks grind slowly on.

As she waits for help from the UK, Malak teaches English, Arabic, maths, and storytelling to displaced children in makeshift classrooms.

Like the other gifted students, she fears she will lose her scholarship if she doesnt reach the UK by September. But more pressingly, she harbours a darker fear. I may lose my life first.

France, Ireland and Italy have all already successfully evacuated incoming university students from Gaza.

I have every reason to believe the UK will help us, I truly believe the doors will open soon, Malak said, her voice brimming with hope.

No response from Lammy

The Gazan students  who are supported by a group of academics from across top UK universities  are urging the Government to step in and help secure their safe exit from Gaza.

In May, they sent an open letter to David Lammy imploring the Foreign Secretary to help, but did not receive a response.

The Telegraph understands that the Government has insisted on the use of biometrics to confirm identities in order to assess whether they pose a risk to public safety.

The concerns come amid Donald Trumps crackdown on international student protestors who took part in pro-Palestine rallies that paralysed top US university campuses.

In March, the Trump administration arrested and moved to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian scholar  and legal US resident  who helped lead the Gaza war protests at Columbia University.

The US president has repeatedly alleged that pro-Palestinian activists, including Mr Khalil, support Hamas  an accusation protestors strongly deny. The 30-year-old was released from detention in June after a judge overruled the deportation order.

Mahmoud Khalil, who helped lead the Gaza war protests at Columbia University, was released from detention in June - Selcuk Acar/Anadolu

Unless there is direct action from the Government, there is no possibility the students will be able to travel, said Dr Nora Parr, a researcher at Birmingham University who has been volunteering on behalf of the students.

Here we have extraordinarily intelligent students who could benefit our own campuses and their own communities in Gaza. This is an opportunity that should not be missed, she said.

Responding to Malaks plight, Prof Graham Virgo, the head of Downing College, where she should be studying in the Autumn, said: We urge the Government to assist in supporting her with safe passage to travel out of Gaza.

Israel accused of scholasticide as it strikes universities

Shaymaa Abulebda, an influential writer and scholar from Gaza, should soon be starting a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Instead, she lives in a tent in al-Mawasi displacement camp in the ruins of southern Gaza.

My acceptance affirmed that my research mattered and was being recognised, the 32-year-old said, before adding that it was quickly overshadowed by the harsh reality that she cannot leave Gaza without the UKs help.

Shaymaa Abulebda, who should be starting a PhD at the University of Edinburgh, is stranded in a Gaza displacement camp - Shaymaa Abulebda

Shaymaa had been teaching at the Islamic University of Gaza, where she once attended, until it was bombed in the first days of the war.

It was heart-breaking. Even now, its hard to process that the campuses are completely destroyed, she said. The attack on the university is a direct attack on knowledge, imagination, and the right to learn.

A United Nations report in June found that more than 90 per cent of Gazas schools have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks. The territorys last remaining university was destroyed in January 2024.

The Islamic University of Gaza was destroyed at the start of the war - Anadolu/Getty Images

The inquiry accused Israels military of deliberately targeting education facilities, which it denies. The UN has used the term scholalisticide to describe it.

Shaymaa told The Telegraph: The situation in Gaza is unimaginably difficult. The cost of living is so high while the opportunities are none. Its totally stifling, every day is a struggle.

Her PhD, if it goes ahead, will focus on Palestinian fiction. As a scholar from Gaza, I feel both a personal and intellectual responsibility to preserve and amplify our literature, she said.

Colm Harmon, vice-principal for students at the University of Edinburgh, said that the work Shaymaa intends to pursue will have global impact.

Education is key to how Gaza emerges from conflict, and scholars like Shaymaa are the future foundations of that. We are proud to support her and her peers, as part of a strong effort from UK higher education, he said.

Shaymaa added: I know how much the UK values education, so I feel that they will certainly find a way to help before its too late.

My acceptance affirmed that my research mattered and was being recognised, Shaymaa Abulebda said

The doctor risking his life just to access Wi-Fi

Dr Bahzad al-Akhras is displaced in the same sprawling camp, where he has lived in a tent with his parents and siblings for almost two years.

After studying a masters in Britain, the 33-year-old returned to Gaza before the war to work as a childrens mental health practitioner.

Throughout the conflict, he has been carrying out advanced trauma response work with children, many who have faced being pulled from the rubble of their homes and often orphaned.

Bahzad is waiting to take up PhD at the University of Manchester, where he received a full-scholarship to specialise in child mental health during conflict.

Like many of Gazas two-million-strong population, he has lost loved ones, friends and colleagues to the war that officials in the Hamas-run Strip say has killed more than 58,000.

Life is difficult in all means, he said, sombrely. Applying for his studies involved miles of travel, risking his life to access Wi-Fi.

Mohammed Afzal Khan, the Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, has been pushing the Government to help Bahzad. We need to have a fair and accessible immigration process, and the Government must do more to make that possible, he said.

Dr Rubina Jasani and Dr Sabah Boufkhed, senior lecturers at Manchester, said: Having Bahzad at the University of Manchester will not only help the academic field to re-think mental health needs and assessments, but could also improve mental health care in conflict and for diverse communities everywhere.

We, as supervisors, researchers and members of the public, need to learn from his unique experience as a mental health doctor in Gaza and support the development of research that can change the world and improve peoples lives.

Bahzad, who already delivers lectures and trains his colleagues on child trauma, sees his studies not as a personal opportunity, but a collective one.

Bazhad said Gazans who leave will return to rebuild the strips educational institutions

Communities are built by shared knowledge. Gazas educational and health institutions have been hugely degraded, those of us that leave to study, will return to rebuild them.

He added: The UK has always shown support for Palestinian people in times of crisis. I will keep hoping they will show it now.

The Foreign Office would not comment on individual cases. A Government spokesperson said: We are aware of the students and are considering the request for support. Clearly the situation on the ground in Gaza makes this challenging.

* Some of the interviewees names have been altered
Fighters take cover during clashes this week on the streets in Wolgha, in Sweida province - Xinhua/Shutterstock

Syria should not be allowed back into the international community unless it is able to uphold protections for the Druze and its other minority groups, Israel has said.

An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire was announced between the two countries on Saturday.

But Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, claimed Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian president, was continuing to support Bedouin tribes against the Druze minority.

Mr Saar wrote on X that in Syria it is very dangerous to be a member of a minority  Kurd, Druze, Alawite, or Christian.

He added: This has been proven time and again over the past six months.

The international community has a duty to ensure the security and rights of the minorities in Syria, and to condition Syrias renewed acceptance into the family of nations on their protection.

Mr Sharaa has vowed many times to protect all minorities in Syria since taking power in December, after leading the rebel coalition that toppled Bashar al-Assad, the countrys long-time dictator.

But doubts have persisted over his ability to unify the diverse nation, and rebuild it after the ravages of more than a decade of civil war.

A recent week-long spate of deadly clashes in Sweida, in southern Syria, between two minority groups  the Druze, a religious sect, and the Bedouins, a nomadic tribe  now pose the biggest challenge to Mr Sharaas ability to re-establish peace and to unify all Syrians.

Smoke rises over Sweida city, which has been plunged into chaos by fighting which has lasted for almost a week - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images

Earlier this week, after Syrian government forces were sent to Sweida to restore order, Israel launched attacks on Syria prompted by concerns of a military build-up near its territory.

Israel also said it was acting to defend the Druze, which has a community of around 143,000 in Israel, where it is considered a loyal minority sect.

The strikes included an attack on the defence ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Credit: @AJEnglish/X

The Syria-Israel truce was announced on Saturday by Tom Barrack, the US special envoy to Syria.

Thankful to all sides for their break from chaos and confusion as we attempt to navigate all parties to a more durable and peaceful solution in Syria, Mr Barrack posted on X.

The Syrian presidency confirmed there would be an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire within its borders, saying a halt in fighting was needed to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people, and in response to national and humanitarian responsibility.

But whether Mr Sharaa will succeed at this crucial moment  one that could define the tone of his leadership  remains to be seen.

I dont see him as our president. I respect him for freeing us from the regime, from Assad, said Tamara, a Syrian Druze who declined to give her full name.

But [the government] is not representative of anyone; the people did not choose al-Sharaa; he chose himself for us.

Syrians suffered a long time under repression, and they need a leader willing to guide the country to a more secure, bright future; not jihadi extremist conflict, and non-stop violence, she added.

The Syrian government has said that a special unit is being deployed to Sweida, the heartland of the countrys Druze, in hopes of restoring calm as swiftly as possible.

The death toll from violence there has risen to 940 since last weekend.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the dead included 326 Druze fighters and 262 Druze civilians, 182 of whom were summarily executed by defence and interior ministry personnel.

They also included 312 government security personnel and 21 Sunni Bedouin, three of them civilians who were summarily executed by Druze fighters. Another 15 government troops were killed in Israeli strikes, the Observatory said.

Bedouin fighters pose for a photograph in Damascus as they prepare to reinforce their strength in Sweida province on Saturday - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images

The violence in Sweida erupted last Sunday, after a Druze vegetable seller was attacked and robbed. Violence and tensions have spread to other parts of the country, including the capital, Damascus.

A peaceful protest of about 20 people on Friday night calling for an end to bloodshed, held near the parliament building, was dispersed by people wielding guns and knives  as well as at least one large sword.

University students have also posted videos online calling for the expulsion of students from minority groups  a sign that restoring peace will be an uphill battle.

Back in Sweida, the situation remains dire and chaotic.

Tamara has only managed small snatches of conversation with her family in Sweida because of disrupted communications, including a five-minute call with her mother on Saturday morning during which she learned a friend and her entire family had died.

Its a complete disaster zone

Everyone is panicking; people dont know whats going to happen even in the house next to them. Its a complete disaster zone, she said.

Her family fled their home on the first day of fighting, and is now sheltering with others. Soon, Tamara fears, they will run out of food.

New checkpoints have cropped up across the country, in particular in Damascus and on the main road linking to Sweida.

Syrians report being asked by government security personnel manning those checkpoints where they are from, and to which group they belong  a question that underscores just how divided the nation remains.

Such checkpoints and road closures are slowing the movement of people, as well as humanitarian aid deliveries at a time when hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured and water is in short supply.

It is very difficult for us to operate thereat the moment our capacity to deliver aid is very limited, said William Spindler, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. We are calling on all parties to allow humanitarian access.

The latest violence comes after bloody battles in March, during which an estimated 1,500 Alawites were killed. Alawites are another minority sect, of which former leader Assad was a member.
Trump at a dinner for Republican senators in the State Dining Room of the White House on Friday evening. Photograph: Annabelle Gordon/Reuters

Ten more hostages will be released from Gaza very shortly, Donald Trump said at the White House Friday. The news comes as the president continues to push for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

We got most of the hostages back. Were going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly, Trump said during a dinner with Republican senators. He also praised his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff as fantastic.

The current Israel-Hamas ceasefire proposal includes terms calling for the return of 10 hostages, and the remains of 18 others. In exchange, Israel would be required to release an unspecified number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Earlier on Friday, Axios reported that the director of the Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, visited Washington this week in hope that the United States would support its efforts to ask other countries to take in the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still living in Gaza. Mossad chief David Barnea told Witkoff that Israel has discussed relocating Palestinians to Ethiopia, Indonesia and Libya.

Trump has boasted that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas would be fothcoming since posting on his social media platform on 1 July that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.

Last week, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House, where he presented Trump with a copy of a letter he had sent to the Nobel committee nominating the president for a Nobel peace prize.

That same week, Qatari officials mediated indirect talks between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire.

A spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas told Reuters on Friday that the group favors reaching an interim truce in the Gaza war, but could revert to insisting on a full package deal if such an agreement is not reached in current negotiations.
I read Chapter 2529 of the book The Good Earth.

1) (A) Cp. 25. When the elder son was gone, Wang Lung decided that he would early take the second lad out of school and he would apprentice him to a trade. Therefore he said to Cuckoo one day, Now go and tell the father of my eldest sons betrothed that I have something to say to him. Cuckoo went and came back saying, He will see you when you wish.

Wang Lung put on his silk coat. He went to the Street of Bridges, a woman took him into a room. A stout elderly man entered. Then they seated themselves. Wang Lung said,  If you have a need for a servant in your great market, there is my second son. Then the merchant said, If he reads and writes. And Wang Lung answered proudly, My sons are both good scholars. That is Well, said Liu. And Wang Lung laughed and said, Have you no son for my second daughter? Then the merchant laughed and said, I have a second son of ten.

After he had gone away, and he looked at his young daughter when he came home, he saw the marks of tears on her cheeks, and he said, Now, why have you wept? Then she said, Because my mother binds a cloth about my feet. I have not heard you weep, he said wondering. My mother said you are too weak for pain and you might leave me as I am, and then my husband would not love me as you do not love her.

He slept uneasily beside Lotus that night. He thought of what the child said, and he was sad, because O-lan had seen the truth in him.

In the near days after this he sent his second son away into the town and he signed the papers for the second girls betrothal. Then he said to his heart,  The youngest boy I will keep for land.

He was proud. He was content. Then there came into his mind the thought of the woman who had borne them for him. He looked at her with some strange remorse, and he saw that she grown thin. And he remembered that in the morning sometime he heard her groaning.

He could not be rid of this unease toward her,he found a shop, and he went to it. There the doctor sat. He was an old man. When Wang Lung told him what his wifes symptoms were, he said, I will come now.

When they came to O-lans bed she had fallen into a light sleep and the old doctor shook his head to see it. He put forward a hand and he felt for her pulse, he saying, The spleen is enlarged and the liver diseased. The old doctor spoke again,  If you wish complete recovery guaranteed, then five hundred pieces of silver. When O-lan heard the words, she said weakly, No, my life is not worth so much. Then Wang Lung answered fiercely, I can pay the silver. Now the old doctor said, Nay, as I look at the color of the whites of her eyes, Five thousand pieces of silver must I have if I guarantee full recovery. Then Wang Lung in sad understanding that the doctor said, The woman will die. He went out with the doctor, and when he was gone, he wept.

(B) Cp.26 All through the long months of winter O-lan lay dying and upon her bed, and for the first time Wang Lung and his children knew how she made comfort for them all. Wang Lung could not make the old man understand what had happened that O-lan no longer came in bring him tea, Wang Lung led him in to the O-lans room, he wept because he saw dimly that something was wrong.

All during the winter Wang Lung sat often beside O-lans bed . Because he knew she must be die he went to a coffin-makers shop, and he chose a good black one. Then the carpenter said cunningly, It you take two, the price is a third off for the two. He thought of his own father and he said, I will take the two.

There were times when O-lan woke to herself and once she called for Cuckoo, and she said plainly enough, You were accounted beautiful, but I have been a mans wife, and you are still a slave.

One day before the New Year broke, she was suddenly better, and when Wang Lung came she said,  I have thought of a thing, I would have you send for my daughter-in-law. I have not seen her yet. The maiden came quickly in a sedan chair. And she went into O-lans room and tended her, and O-lan was very content.

Then O-lan thought of another thing and she said to Wang Lung, Now I want my son to come home, and I want him to wed this maid. On the night of the day before his marriage, Wang Lungs eldest son came home. Wang Lungs heart burst with pride to see his son, and he led him to his mother. O-lan said, I will see you wed and then I must die.

Then Wang Lung and his uncle and his father and the guests waited in the middle room and the maid came in supported by her own slave. After this Wang Lungs eldest son came in. Now the old man said, Marriage is children again!

Then the young man and the maid together bowed to the old man, and they went into the room where O-lan lay and bowed to her and she patted the bed and said, This will be your bed of marriage since I am soon be finished with it and carried away.

Then it was over and the guests were gone and night came. O-lan grew weary and her eyes closed, Well, and if I am ugly, still I have borne a son. She said. Wang Lung sat beside her and looked at her. Suddenly her head dropped off the pillow and she was dead.

The old man, Wang Lungs father, who had been distraught ever since he saw them putting the stiff dead body of O-lan into the coffin, lay down on his bed one night for sleeping, he died. Then Wang Lung washed the old man himself and he laid him gently in the coffin.

Wang Lung had chosen a good place in his fields upon a hill to set the graves. Then on the appointed day, Wang Lung dressed himself in a robe of white sackcloth and he gave a robe like it to his uncle, and to his own sons. Then mourning and weeping loudly they went to the graves.

But when the earth was covered over and the graves smoothed, Wang Lung turned away silently and he walked home alone with himself. One clear thought and it was a pain to him that he wished he had not taken the two pearls from O-lan when she was washing his clothes at the pool. He said to himself, It is as though half of me were buried there, and now it is a different life in my house.

(C) Cp. 27One day Ching came to Wang Lung and he said, It looks as though there would be such a flood this year as never was. Wang Lung went out on his land and he saw it was as Ching said. Then Wang Lung saw that a famine such as he had never seen was upon the land.

The river to the north burst its dykes and when men saw what had happened, they hurried to collect money to mend it. The money they entrusted to the magistrate in the district. The magistrate had not seen so much money in his lifetime before, the money he had spent in his own house.

The river burst yet another dyke and another. One by one the villages were made into islands. There were no harvests of any kind that year and everywhere people starved and were angry at what had befallen them.

Wang Lung allowed nothing to be bought and sold after the winter came , and he husbanded carefully all that they had. Wang Lung was not so poor, for he had good silver hidden away in the walls.

He knew that there were many who hated him well, and so he kept his gates barred. Well did Wang Lung know that if it had not been for his uncles power he would have been robbed. So he was courteous to his uncle.

Wang Lungs eldest son guarded his wife jealously from the gaze of his cousin. He said,  We had better set up our house elsewhere. Wang Lung told him plainly,  I hate the three. But your uncle is lord of a horde of wild robbers, and if I feed him we can safe. If there were a way that we could keep them here but make them harmless, but there is no such magic. Then the young man cried out, Let us buy them opium to enjoy. But Wang Lung would not at once consent.

The son of Wang Lungs uncle cast his eyes upon the second daughter of Wang Lung. Now the second daughter was an exceedingly pretty girl. Her cousin laid hold of her roughly and she screamed out, and Wang Lung ran out and beat the man. Wang Lung told his son what had happened, the young man said, We must send the maid to the home of her betrothed.

So Wang Lung did. He went into the town and to the house of the merchant. He said,  I would not have the care of this maid upon me, because her mother is dead. Then the merchant replied, Well, let the maid come, she can be safe here with her mother-in-law.

Wang Lung was well content, and he went away. Wang Lung passed a shop where tobacco and opium are sold and the clerk had it on the scales, he said to the man, How much is your opium, I will take six ounces of it.

(D) Cp.28. Wang Lung said to his uncle one day,  Here is a little better tobacco for you. It is only a little I bought once for my father when he could not sleep. His uncle took it and smelled of it and he said, I like it well enough. The silver for this Wang Lung did not begrudge because it bought him peace.

One day his eldest son said to him proudly, There will soon be another mouth in the house and it will be the mouth of your grandson. And Wang Lung laughed and went to find Ching to buy fish and good food and sent to his sons wife.

As the spring grew into summer, the people who had gone away from the floods came back again, and many came to Wang Lung to borrow money, and he loaned it at high interest. Some sold part of their fields, and Wang Lung bought land. There were some who sold their daughters. And Wang Lung bought five slaves. One day a man came bearing a small delicate maid of seven years, waiting to sell her, Lotus fancied her, Wang Lung bought the child for twenty pieces of silver.

When the waters receded and the land was to be planted, Wang Lung walked and looked at every piece. And he took with him his youngest son that the lad might learn.

It seemed as though Wang Lungs eldest son could never give over his hatred of his cousin. Wang Lung saw clearly when he shouted,  What would you have me do? The young man answered,  I wish we could leave this house and that we could go into the town and live. Wang Lung laughed bitterly. This is my house, he said stoutly, if it were not for the land we shall all starve. The eldest son was not ready to give over. He saying,  Well, and there is the old great house of the Hwangs. The front part is filled with common people, but the inner courts are locked and silent and we could rent them and live there peacefully.

Never had Wang Lung forgotten that once he had gone crawling into that great house, and this had remained a memory of shame to him all his life and he hated it. He dreamed that he could live in the House of Hwang.

One day when Wang Lung went into the town to see his second son at the grain market he asked him,  What say you of the thing your elder brother desires, to we move into the town to the great house? The second son answered smoothly, It is an excellent thing, for then I could wed and we would all be under one roof.

Now Wang Lung had done nothing toward the wedding of this son, he said in some shame, The thing shall be done. The second son said then, Well. But do not get me a wife from a house in town, such as my brother has, for she will make me spend money. Wang Lung heard this with astonishment, he said, What sort of a maid would you have, then? Then the young man answered, I desire a maid from a village, of good landed family, neither plain nor fair to look upon. Now Wang Lung admired the wisdom of the young man and he said laughing, Well, and I shall seek such a maid.

He went away and he went down the street of the great house. He went in and the front courts were as he remembered. And the place reeked with the smell of common people who swarm into the courts of the great when the great are gone.

Wang Lung in the old days when the great family were there would have felt himself one of these common people and against the great and half hating, half fearful of them. But now that he had land and that he had silver and gold, he despised these people, and was against them as though he himself belonged to the great house.

He went on and at the back he found a gate locked into a court and beside it an old woman drowsing, and he saw that this was the wife of the man who had been gateman. For first time Wang Lung felt his age creeping upon him.

Then he said to the old woman,  Wake and let me into the gate.

He went in after her. He followed her into the great hall itself, and his mind went back when he stood there waiting to wed a slave. And moved by some strange impulse he said suddenly, This house I will have.

(E) Cp. 29. Wang Lung told his elder son what he had decided and on a day when they were ready, they moved. First Lotus and Cuckoo and their slaves, and then Wang Lungs eldest son and his wife and their servants. There was left in the house, then, none but the uncle and his wife and son and Ching and the laboring men, besides Wang Lung and his youngest son and the fool.

Wang Lung bid Ching find a maid for his second son to wed. Now Ching grew old. He went to the village and he looked at many maidens and at last he came back and he said, There is a maid, a good, buxom, careful maid, and her father is willing, and he has land. Wang Lung gave his promise, and he said, I am glad.

It would be well to rent some of his farthest fields to others in the village. This Wang Lung did.

And then, Wang Lung went sometimes into the town and slept in the court, but when day came he was back upon his land. He smelled the fresh smell of the fields and he rejoiced in it.

The uncles son heard of a war to the north and he said to Wang Lung, I will go and join it for something to do and to see.

Then at last there was peace. And in the house in the town the hour grew near for the birth of Wang Lungs grandson.

Now Wang Lung stayed more and more in the house in the town and he walked about the courts, that here in these courts where the great family of Hwang had once lived now he lived with his wife and his sons and their wives and now a child was to be born. And Wang Lung eat dainty foods, he once had been well satisfied with good wheaten bread wrapped about a stick of garlic, now he tasted winter bamboo and shrimps roe and pigeons eggs and all those things which rich men use. Cuckoo laughed and said, It is like the old days when I was in there courts. Wang Lung was pleased that she had compared him to the Old Lord.

One morning his eldest son met him and said, The hour is come. Wang Lung went to the temple in the town where the goddess of mercy dwells saying, If it is a grandson I will pay for a new red robe for the goddess, but nothing will I do if it is a girl. Then he went back to the courts. Lotus came in, and she said loudly, Well, and there is a son, and both mother and son are alive.

And he sat silent and musing and he remembered within himself that day and how alone O-lan had borne him sons and daughters and she bore them silently, and how she had come to the fields and worked beside him again. And here was the this one who had all the slaves running in the house.

One came running from the harvest fields to tell Wang Lung that Ching lay dying suddenly and had asked if Wang Lung would come to see him die. Wang Lung went at once to the room where Ching had been laid and he called out loudly, How did all this come about? They answered,  There was a laborer who is newly hired... He could not hold the flail rightly and Ching would show him.... And Wang Lung sat down beside Ching and took his hand, and it was as light and dry as a withered oak leaf. Ching lay there panting and dying and so he died. Wang Lung buried Ching at the entrance to the wall.

Wang Lung rented out all his land that he could. But he would never talk of selling a foot of any piece. Thus he felt it all his own. He appointed one of his laborers to live in the country house and to care for the two old opium dreamers. Wang Lung took his youngest son and his fool with him and thereafter he came scarcely at all for a long time to the house on his land.

2) I think: (A) O-lan and Ching are diligent and kind, but their lives are extremely poor. The deaths of O-lan, his father and Ching brought great grief to Wang Lung. In that era, many people in China were struggling on the verge of death.

In the 1950s and 1960s, China witnessed a series of political movements. Many people were persecuted and many were killed by persecution. One of my middle school teachers and three university teachers were persecuted to death. I remember my teacher.

(B) When Wang Lung went to the great house of the Hwangs to marry O-lan, he felt that he was a lowly person and held the rich man's family in great awe. When he moved into the inner courts of the great house , dressed well, ate well and bought many slaves to serve him, he looked down upon the ordinary people living in the front court.

Before Mao and Communist Party came to power, he advocated democracy and freedom and opposed one-party dictatorship. After taking power, Mao lived in the Huairen Hall in Zhongnanhai, where he had special chef to prepare delicious food, a private swimming pool, and many women to accompany him. His status has risen and he suppressed and attacked people with different opinions and promoted personality cult.
According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that as many as 12,500 patients in Gaza require medical evacuation. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

The UK government is facing a legal challenge over its decision not to medically evacuate critically ill children from Gaza in the way they have done for young people caught up in other conflicts.

The legal action, being taken against the Foreign Office and Home Office on behalf of three critically ill children in Gaza, argues that UK ministers have failed to take into account the lack of treatment options for children in the territory before denying medical evacuations.

It also says the position not to medically evacuate children from Gaza stands in stark contrast to Britains historical record in such circumstances, which has evacuated children during the conflict in Bosnia and, most recently, Ukraine.

The UK government has explained its failure to facilitate medical evacuations from Gaza on the basis that it supports treatment options in Gaza and the surrounding region and that there are visas available for privately funded medical treatment in the UK. However, these mechanisms are profoundly inadequate to meet the urgent needs of children in Gaza, said Carolin Ott from the law firm Leigh Day, who is leading the action and is being supported by the charity Children Not Numbers.

The families of the three children, aged two and five, have said an urgent evacuation is needed for critical medication and treatment they are unable to access in Gaza. To date, the UK has yet to offer itself as a receiving state for medical evacuations from Gaza, and campaigners have been pushing for a separate immigration route.

The two-year-old, referred to as Child Y, has an arteriovenous malformation in his cheek which causes daily bleeding and has left him in critical condition.

The other children, two siblings referred to as Child S, have been diagnosed with cystinosis nephropathy, a chronic condition also known as leaky kidney. They have already developed kidney failure and may need transplants. One of the siblings is no longer able to move.

The action comes as Israels war on Gaza passed 650 days. Since 7 October, more than 17,000 of the 58,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the territory were children, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that as many as 12,500 patients in Gaza require medical evacuation. As of 10 April, 7,229 patients have been evacuated to Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the EU and the US. Of these patients, 4,984 have been children.

However, organisations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres, which has evacuated 22 patients, have called on more nations to help, as the limited destinations remain a challenge, said Dr Hani Isleem, MSF project coordinator for medical evacuations from Gaza.

Some countries are reluctant to take in patients, fearing they might be perceived as facilitating forced migration or as taking on the burden of the patients extended stay, he said.

A government spokesperson said that since the start of the conflict the UK has provided healthcare to more than 500,000 people in the Palestinian territories through supporting field hospitals and medical supplies. In May, the UK announced a 7.5m package of support for medical care in Gaza and the region.

We have helped several children with complex paediatric conditions access privately funded medical care in the UK, supporting an initiative by Project Pure Hope, the spokesperson said.

In May, two children arrived in the UK for medical care with the assistance of Project Pure Hope. It was the first time the UK let in a child from Gaza for medical care, which was privately funded, and is the only existing route for those in need of critical care. According to legal documents, the charity had requested a Gaza-UK pathway at the governments expense and was refused.

We have been clear the situation in Gaza is intolerable and that there must be an immediate ceasefire. We urge Israel to let vital humanitarian aid in and allow Gazans to receive urgent healthcare, including allowing the sick and wounded to temporarily leave the Gaza Strip to receive treatment, the government spokesperson said.

The prime minister has also been urged to engage by Scotlands first minister, John Swinney, who wrote to Keir Starmer this month saying they stand ready to receive injured children from Gaza to be treated in the NHS.

We cant do so without the support of the Labour government to get the children through the UK visa system and into Scotland, said Swinney, who has not yet received a response from Starmer.

The government has until 28 July to respond to the pre-action letter.
Soldiers stand in front of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems in Mecklenburg, Germany - Jens Buttner/AFP via Getty

The Trump administration has started freeing up Patriot air defence systems to send to Ukraine, days after the US president vowed to send more weapons to Kyiv.

The Pentagon has moved Germany ahead of Switzerland to receive the next Patriots, which will allow Berlin to send Ukraine the two weapons it already has, US officials told The Wall Street Journal.

Switzerland had purchased five Patriot systems which were scheduled to be delivered between 2026 and 2028.

It comes days after Donald Trump announced his decision reversal on supplying weapons to Ukraine, proposing a pipeline plan to sell weapons to Nato allies in Europe, who could in turn provide them to Kyiv.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a visit in June 2024 to the military base in Mecklenburg, where Ukrainian soldiers are trained on Patriots - Jens Buttner/AFP via Getty

Mr Trump gave Vladimir Putin a deadline of 50 days to negotiate a peace deal or face very significant tariffs and sanctions, including on its trading partners.

The costly Patriot systems  in high demand among US allies  have proven effective at destroying Russian ballistic missiles aimed at Ukraines cities.

Were sending weapons to Nato, and Nato is paying for those weapons, 100 per cent, Mr Trump said in an interview with NBC News last week.

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 last week the weapons were already being shipped, adding: Theyre coming in from Germany and then replaced by Germany, and in all cases, the United States gets paid back in full.

German chancellor Friedrich Merz has made a deal with the US to procure Patriots - Jaimi Joy/EPA/Shutterstock

Germany was believed to be the nation most invested in the scheme. Friedrich Merz, its chancellor, proposed buying Patriot air defence batteries for Ukraine in a deal with the US.

Some European allies had so far refrained from committing to the $10 billion (7.5 billion)initiative, which involves countries giving up their prized systems, including the Patriot missile batteries that Kyiv has been desperately seeking.

The Trump administration will manoeuvre plans for its future deliveries to prioritise the countries who sign on to send Patriots to Ukraine, a US official told the WSJ.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, is scheduled to meet his Nato counterparts on Monday to discuss the issue.

A separate meeting Wednesday involving countries that own Patriots will be chaired by Gen Alexus Grynkewich, chief of European Command.

The Swiss government said the US had decided to reprioritise the delivery of Patriot ground-based air defence systems as part of its effort to support Ukraine. It is now not clear when the country will receive the equipment.

Kyiv has six fully operational Patriot batteries  two from the US, two from Germany, one from Romania and one jointly given by Germany and the Netherlands, according to the arms monitoring group Action on Armed Violence.

During his Oval Office meeting with Mr Trump last week, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte mentioned six Nato countries  Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Canada  that were willing to participate in the weapons-purchasing scheme.

Some had been hesitant to make a decision on whether to join the scheme without the release of key details.

France had told allies it will not join the initiative, according to officials briefed on the discussions.

The Italian government said it would not purchase weapons but could help with the logistics of transporting them to Ukraine, Italian media reported.
Ksenija Stosic Photography |@ksenijastosicphotography; Courtesy of Ryan Shinkle Ryan Shinkle and his family





NEED TO KNOW

Ryan Shinkle first noticed something was off with his tongue more than 20 years ago, at just 25 years old

At the time, a small white patch had appeared on the left side of his tongue. A biopsy later confirmed it was precancerous leukoplakia

Years later, Shinkle was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Now, 41, he's opening up on TikTok about his journey







Ryan Shinkles entire life revolves around speech.

He built a successful career in sales and rose into leadership roles, currently serving as the head of sales for The Baldwin Group, a publicly traded insurance brokerage firm  where clear, confident communication is everything. So when doctors recently told the father of two that he might lose his ability to speak, the news was devastating.

The Tampa, Fla., native first noticed something was off more than 20 years ago, at just 25. A small white patch had appeared on the left side of his tongue. A biopsy later confirmed it was precancerous leukoplakia. After relocating to Houston for work, Ryan  encouraged by his mother  began regular checkups at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the countrys leading cancer institutions.

As life moved forward, Ryan met his now-wife, Ashley, and in 2014, they learned they were expecting their first child. But that year also brought heartbreaking news.

Id been monitoring the leukoplakia closely, and that time, a biopsy came back positive for cancer cells, Ryan, now 41, tells PEOPLE exclusively over Zoom.

He underwent his first partial glossectomy, a surgery to remove part of his tongue. For a time, things were stable. But in 2019, shortly after their second child was born, the cancer returned. Ryan endured a second partial glossectomy, hopeful it would be the final chapter in his cancer journey.

Then, in January 2025, Ryan began feeling a familiar pain in his tongue. Ashley encouraged him to return to MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he had remained a patient even after moving back to Florida.

Soon after, he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of this cancer include persistent sores, pain, difficulty swallowing or chewing and changes in speech. Tobacco is the single largest risk factor for tongue cancer.

The tumor was classified as T-1 and located on the left side of his tongue. Surgery followed by radiation was the standard treatment plan.

The team suggested I was a good candidate for an immunotherapy treatment that had shown success in shrinking other types of tumors and was in trial status for squamous cell carcinoma, Ryan explains.

Courtesy of Ryan Shinkle Ryan Shinkle with his wife

The trial involved a six-week course of two immunotherapy drugs administered via IV. At first, the tumor appeared stable, maybe even slightly smaller. But during the second half of the trial, Ryan noticed rapid growth.

"I noticed the tumor explode it doubled in size, he says. I alerted the team, but surgery was already scheduled, so there wasnt much to do in the two weeks until then."

By the time he and Ashley returned to Houston for pre-op scans, the tumors growth had accelerated significantly.

His surgeon warned that Ryan might now require a total glossectomy, the complete removal of his tongue. The procedure could mean he might never speak again and could need a feeding tube for the rest of his life.

"I had a meltdown. In six weeks, we went from a small tumor in an ideal position to the likely loss of my entire tongue," the dad of two, ages 10 and 6, says. "The concept of not being able to talk to my children shook me to my core."

"His whole personality is built around how he talks, Ashley continues. He's funny, witty and quick... your typical sales guy. So the thought of maybe not speaking again or being on a feeding tube was shocking."

Courtesy of Ryan Shinkle Ryan Shinkle in the hospital

Leading up to surgery, Ashley, knowing how much Ryan loved public speaking and MCing at company events, also suggested something unexpected: Why not document the journey?

Inspired by his wife, Ryan decided to create his own TikTok account, @dadgotyourtongue, and post his first video:

"Preparing to have my tongue cut out and reconstructed with my forearm as if that's totally normal for a 41-year-old who's never touched tobacco," he wrote, filming himself walking into the hospital.

Shortly after that post, Ryan underwent a complex 12-hour operation in Houston, where approximately two-thirds of his tongue was removed and reconstructed using a flap from his thigh.

The procedure also included a complete neck dissection. The first half of the surgery involved removing the tumor and ensuring clear margins; the second half, performed by the plastic surgery team, focused on rebuilding what had been lost.

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Courtesy of Ryan Shinkle Ryan Shinkle after surgery

At first, recovery appeared to be going well. Nurses monitored the blood flow to the new flap every hour using a Doppler machine, which functions much like an ultrasound. But about 36 hours after the operation, something went wrong.

The flap had failed due to a blood clot. Ryan was rushed into emergency surgery, where doctors reconstructed his tongue again, this time using tissue from his left forearm. The original thigh flap was salvaged and used as a skin graft.

"It was like a scene from ER," he says. "I was lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling as the lights went by, trying not to panic. I couldnt talk, but I managed to write I love you to my wife on a whiteboard."

Courtesy of Ryan Shinkle Ryan Shinkle writes on whiteboard

But Ryans recovery wasnt without complications. Just seven days after surgery  and shortly after passing a swallow test and being discharged  he developed kidney stones and had to be readmitted to the hospital. Once stabilized, he turned his focus back to healing.

As he regained strength, he began the slow, often frustrating process of relearning how to eat. Each small step forward felt like a victory. From mashed potatoes and pudding to scrambled eggs and soft pasta, every bite was progress. He also began simple tongue exercises to help retrain the muscles that remained functional.

"I still have the base of the tongue and kind of the side, Ryan adds. So this just has to compensate for everything over here that doesn't do anything. After surgery, obviously, there's tremendous swelling and as the swelling went down, my speech got better."

Ksenija Stosic Photography |@ksenijastosicphotography Ryan Shinkle and his family

Then came a breakthrough  the first word Ryan was able to speak.

It was a few days after surgery. Although the tracheostomy was still in place, doctors had fitted him with a small vocal cap, which redirected airflow to help him attempt speech. In that moment, Ryan turned to Ashley and said her name.

"After a few days of preparing herself to never hear me talk again, I was able to say Ashley, and she broke down in tears," he says. "I then said, I love you. Thank you for taking care of me. Days later, I told her, Im going to win, Im going to get my speech back. "



But as Ryan continued to make progress, another challenge emerged: radiation.

The treatment brought a new wave of difficulties  extreme fatigue, painful sores in his mouth, and a return to nutrient-packed smoothies just to maintain weight.

Even as Ryans physical voice faced new tests, his digital voice continued to grow stronger.

He kept posting regularly on TikTok  sharing recovery tips, answering questions, and speaking candidly about both setbacks and victories. Through social media, he not only processed his own experience but helped others navigate theirs.

Its been helpful for me to know other people are fighting the same battle. Its less lonely, and Im hopeful Ive provided some measure of the same sort of comfort.

That sense of connection  both online and at home  has shaped how Ryan sees the road ahead. As he looks to the future, hes thinking not just about recovery, but how to turn this experience into something greater.

Hes begun work on a book focused on overcoming adversity and achieving goals, and he hopes to build a platform that empowers others to improve their health or transform their lives in meaningful ways.

Fortunately, Ryans latest scans show no signs of cancer. It hadnt spread, and now hell simply return for checkups every five years  a milestone that brings deep relief and renewed focus.

"I'm more resilient than I ever thought I was," Ryan says. "In a way, more mentally tough and more mentally weak than I knew, and in finding peace with that. Ive learned that I can survive anything and that surviving is worth it."



Read the original article on People
Beloved Action Star Takes on Yosemites Dark Side in His Most Ambitious Role Yet (Exclusive) originally appeared on Parade.

Eric Bana has played many intense roles in his decades-long career, but in Untamed, a six-part mystery thriller now streaming on Netflix, hes stepping into wild new territory  literally!

Bana stars as Kyle Turner, a special agent for the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (the FBI of the park, as he described it), whos called in to investigate a brutal death inside Yosemite.

The real mystery, however, isnt just the crime. Its the dark tangle of secrets buried deep within both the park and Turner himself.

My character is what they call an investigative services branch officer, he explained to Parade. When a very serious crime is committed, they come in and conduct the investigation, or, you know, sit above the ranges.

Needless to say, the real-world work of park rangers left a strong impression on him.

I managed to speak to some people about about the role, but a lot of our most informative piece of information and relevant was just the way that [the writers] had written the script and the journey of Kyle as a person, and as an agent.

The setting isnt just scenic. For Bana, filming in the mountains was more than a professional challenge. It was personal bliss.

Thats my favorite place to be, he said. I much prefer shooting outside than in a studio.

He added of the landscape: You only get one chance to preserve [the parks], he said. Theyre not something any developer can build, noting that seeing what the rangers deal with every day was really interesting and obviously really important for the preservation and respect of these places.

Though Untamed dives into heavy themes like regret, inner demons, and the unforgiving wild, behind the scenes, things stayed surprisingly upbeat.

When youre working on something really serious, behind the scenes it actually can be quite light, Bana explained. Having Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) around was always great. Hes a great storyteller and has a great sense of humor.

And despite the rugged environment, Bana said the cast adjusted well to life in the wilderness  mostly.

Young Lilyhad never ridden a horse before. I think she had two lessons before she was on camera, he revealed, referring to co-star Lily Santiago, who plays a former L.A. cop turned rookie ranger. She just kind of allowed herself to learn on camera and play up the level of low comfortable to high comfortable towards the end.

Bana himself grew to appreciate the depth of his character, even as elements of Turners past trauma surfaced.

Sometimes youre not even aware of [the connections], he explained of the parallels between his own life and the characters. Then during filming, something might reveal itself, and youre like, I now understand why I connect to this person.

Untamed is now streaming on Netflix.

Beloved Action Star Takes on Yosemites Dark Side in His Most Ambitious Role Yet (Exclusive) first appeared on Parade on Jul 19, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Big food companies are facing big questions about their futures.

Between a potential breakup at Kraft Heinz (KHC), a multibillion-dollar deal between Ferrero and WK Kellogg (KLG), and PepsiCo's (PEP) acquisition of soda brand Poppi, big food brands are taking a hard look at their US portfolios as consumer tastes shift, growth stalls, and regulatory pressure over products continues.

"The self-reflection is building," Mizuho analyst John Baumgartner told Yahoo Finance last week, "there's a lot of flux in the industry right now."

"This has typically been a pretty sleepy sector, and to be hit with all of these headwinds or uncertainties and have it happen all at the same time... does really cause reason for pause and reflection on the business ... [and] what the trends are going forward," Baumgartner added.

Just this week, PepsiCo posted a 2% volume decline in its North America beverage business in the second quarter, a drop that follows 1% and 3% declines in the prior two quarters, respectively.

The same day, Coca-Cola (KO) faced a new political hurdle when President Trump posted to social media that the company would begin using real cane sugar in its US sodas. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump's enthusiasm for the brand. Coca-Cola will report quarterly earnings on Tuesday morning.

A Mexican Coke beverage is displayed in an ice-cooler at a park on July 17, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) (Brandon Bell via Getty Images)

'Their core businesses are not performing'

In many industries facing uncertain growth trajectories, the options for executives can become simple: buy or sell.

This year, PepsiCo announced a $1.95 billion deal for soda brand Poppi and a $1.2 billion deal for Siete Foods. Hershey (HSY) acquired popcorn brand Lesser Evil.

"It's a bit reactive," Bank of America analyst Peter Galbo said. "These companies are observing that their core businesses are not performing the way that they thought they would."

And in Galbo's view, this year's actions show companies saying to themselves that if the core business won't work, "I have to buy something that is going to augment the core."

Connor Rattigan, an analyst at Consumer Edge Research, said most of these deals are for "higher growth smaller brands that tend to be indexed to ... thematic trends in the industry," whether that's health, flavor, or packaging.

On the flip side, other big companies have seen this environment as offering an opportunity to break up a large enterprise.

Nearly two years after Kellogg split into two companies, WK Kellogg and Kellanova (K), both have been scooped up by private players.

Kellanova, which houses snack brands like Pop-Tarts and Cheez-Its, is set to be acquired by Mars Candy for close to $36 billion, pending European Union regulatory approval. Last week, Ferrero said it would buy WK Kellogg, the company behind Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, for $3.1 billion.

"There has been pressure from activist investors, or just larger investors, that are maybe growing tired of a stagnant share price and are looking for opportunities to drum up appreciation in that regard," Morningstar analyst Erin Lash said.

TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow wrote in a recent note that investors have realized a roughly 40% gain since Kellogg broke up. Consumer Staples (XLP) stocks have dropped about 6% over that same period.

And Kraft Heinz could reportedly be next in line for a breakup.

Bank of America's Galbo sees the split putting Kraft Heinz's Taste Elevation platform, mostly condiments like Heinz ketchup and Philadelphia cream cheese, in one company, with its grocery brands like Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Lunchables, and Capri-Sun in another business.

Since H.J. Heinz Company and Kraft merged 10 years ago, shares of the combined company have gone down more than 65%.

Kraft Mac & Cheese products are seen on a shelf at a Target store on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images)

Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com.

Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks

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Border Pa-troll.

Customs and Border Protection mocked an illegal migrant with a criminal history after he was nabbed in upstate New York while wearing an American flag T-shirt.

Nice shirt! But it doesnt erase the fact that you entered the country illegally, the federal law enforcement agency wrote in a Friday post on X.

The unidentified migrant, who has multiple DUIs and a prior arrest for assault, was busted at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, according to Border Patrol.

The unidentified accused illegal migrant was wearing the classic Americana garb

when apprehended by CBP agents in Buffalo, NY. X/@CBP

The federal law enforcement agency posted a photo to X showing the man donning the apparently patriotic garb when he was taken into custody.

Criminal illegal aliens have no place in the U.S., the post concluded.

The Old Glory gloating comes as acting ICE director Tom Homan, a New York native, is calling for his agents to dramatically hike the amount of criminal illegal alien apprehensions up to 7,000 migrants per day  more than double the current numbers.

As the Trump administration executes its illegal immigration crackdown, it is also streamlining a visa program for migrant workers to address concerns of farmers and hotel owners.

Nice shirt! But it doesn't erase the fact that you entered the country illegally.

CBP officers encountered this individual at the Peace Bridge in NY, he has multiple DUIs and a misdemeanor assault charge. Criminal illegal aliens have no place in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/Ldq8ElPG4W  CBP (@CBP) July 18, 2025

This is not amnesty. Its not amnesty lite, a senior Trump administration official told Axios. No one who is illegally here is being given a pathway to citizenship or residency.

Last week, an ICE raid at a cannabis farm in California turned up 361 illegal migrants.
Brad Barket/Getty Christine Hunsicker in 2019





NEED TO KNOW

Christine Hunsicker allegedly ran a fraud scheme that raked in over $300 million for her now-bankrupt fashion tech startup

The CaaStle founder and CEO was charged with wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a financial institution and aggravated identity theft

Hunsicker pleaded not guilty to all charges





Christine Hunsicker, the founder and CEO of fashion tech startup CaaStle, has been indicted on fraud-related charges after she allegedly defrauded investors out of more than $300 million.

In an indictment unsealed on Friday, July 18, more details tied to Hunsicker's alleged fraud scheme, which raised money for both CaaStle, a clothing-rental company, and another venture, P180, were revealed, according to the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Through the alleged scheme, Hunsicker, 48, defrauded CaaStle and P180 investors out of more than $300 million through false statements, misleading claims, and fabricated documents, according to the attorneys office.

The newly unsealed indictment charges the New Jersey native and Princeton University alum with wire fraud and securities fraud, as well as money laundering, making false statements to a financial institution and aggravated identity theft.

Hunsicker self-surrendered on July 18. Later that same day, she pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to the Associated Press.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Christine Hunsicker in 2018

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the entrepreneur's lawyers, Michael Levy and Anna Skotko, said, "There is much more to this story.

"Although Ms. Hunsicker has been fully cooperative and transparent with both the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of NY and the SEC, they nonetheless have chosen to present to the public an incomplete and very distorted picture in today's indictment, they continued.

There is much more to this story, and we look forward to telling it," the lawyers statement added.

While CaaStle  which filed for bankruptcy in June  was in financial distress with limited cash and significant expenses, Hunsicker allegedly grossly overstated its financial situation, instead promoting the venture as a rapidly growing business valued at more than $1.4 billion, according to the attorneys office. She used falsified statements, bank records and other documents to do so, the indictment alleges.

One fake bank account screenshot, which Hunsicker allegedly provided to an investor, showed that CaaStle had nearly $200 million in available cash, the attorneys office said. At the time, the real figure was less than $200,000.

Hunsicker kept up the scheme even after she was confronted over providing an investor with a fake audit in October 2023, claiming it was a one-time error, the attorneys office alleges. She had actually provided two fake audits to the investor, the office claims, and later repaid them to prevent the public disclosure of her fraud.

Roy Rochlin/Getty Christine Hunsicker in 2016

The scheme included not only false bank statements and audits, but also falsified signatures, the attorneys office claims. In 2024, the entrepreneur allegedly forged a board director signature to raise more than $20 million for CaaStle.

Around the same time, Hunsicker formed P180 to infuse CaaStle with cash before her fraud scheme came to life, and used false information about CaaStles success to raise approximately $30 million for the new venture, per the attorneys office. She also allegedly provided false information to obtain a personal bank loan of $20 million.

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In total, Hunsicker raked in more than $275 million in investments through her fraudulent behavior  which continued even after CaaStle prohibited her from soliciting investments and after law enforcement agents seized her electronic devices earlier this year, according to the attorneys office.

Hunsicker faces one count of wire fraud, one count of money laundering and two counts of securities fraud, which carry maximum prison sentences of 20 years a piece.

Making false statements to a financial institution, for which she faces one count, carries an even longer maximum sentence of 30 years. Aggravated identity theft, meanwhile, carries a mandatory prison sentence of two years.



Read the original article on People
FILE - M23 rebels stand with their weapons in Kibumba, in the eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, File)

DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decadeslong fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement that would include the restoration of state authorities in key eastern cities controlled by the insurgents.

Congo and the M23 rebels committed to building trust through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar's minister of state, said at a briefing.

It was not immediately clear if the declaration involves M23's withdrawal from cities it controls, as the two parties seemed to interpret the agreement differently.

Bertrand Bisimwa, an M23 leader, said on X that the declaration is not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations. M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka told The Associated Press in a telephone call: We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out.

However, Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account the non-negotiable withdrawal of the rebels, followed by the deployment of government forces and institutions.

Backed by neighboring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congos mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the U.N. has called the conflict in eastern Congo one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.

Saturday's signing is the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. A final peace deal is to be signed no later than Aug. 18, and it shall align with the Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda, facilitated by the U.S. in June, according to a copy of the declaration seen by AP.

M23 had been pushing for the release of its members held by Congos military, many of them facing the death sentence. Congo had requested the withdrawal of the rebels from seized territories.

The Declaration of Principles signed today paves the way for direct negotiations towards a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict, the Qatari minister said.

Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Ministry called it a significant step forward" in ending the conflict. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that America remains committed to supporting a peace that results in the restoration of (Congolese) authority and inclusive governance in the region.

In Goma, the city at the center of the conflict, locals received the news of the signing with mixed feelings, with most expressing doubts over the possibility of a lasting peace without a provision for victims of the decadeslong conflict.

We cannot build peace without justice and reparation, said Amani Muisa, a resident of Goma.

The document touches on most of the highlights of the peace deal Congo and Rwanda signed on June 27, including the protection and safe return of millions who fled the conflict.

Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump who attended the Doha-led talks, said on Saturday: It is time to find a final solution to the conflict, reiterating that the most important article of the agreement is the affirmation of state control in rebel-held territories.

The issue requires dialogue, and following up on this dialogue and requires persistence, Boulos said.

Another key issue the two sides will have to face is whether Rwanda will stop supporting the rebels, including the thousands of troops that the United Nations experts said are in eastern Congo.

When Rwanda and Congo signed the peace deal in Washington, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda agreed to lift its defensive measures  suggesting a reference to its troops in eastern Congo  once Congo neutralizes an armed group whose members Kigali accuses of carrying out the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

Analysts have said it is going to be difficult for the M23 rebels to withdraw from the eastern Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu and that it would depend on concessions the Congolese authorities agree to make. There have also been doubts about long-lasting peace if justice for the victims of the war is not addressed.

___

Associated Press journalists Ahmed Hatem in Cairo, Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo and Justin Kabumba in Goma, Congo contributed to this report.
By Dawn Chmielewski and Krystal Hu

(Reuters) -Private equity giant Blackstone has withdrawn from a consortium seeking to invest in TikToks U.S. operations, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The latest change came as uncertainty has mounted and there have been several delays in the TikTok deal now at the center of U.S.-China trade talks.

Blackstone had planned to take a minority stake in the TikTok U.S. business in a deal orchestrated by President Donald Trump. The consortium is led by Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic, current investors in TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance. The group had emerged as the front-runner to secure TikToks U.S. business in a deal under which U.S. investors would own 80% of TikTok, while ByteDance would retain a minority stake.

Blackstone declined to comment. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The deadline for ByteDance to divest the popular social media app in the U.S. has been repeatedly postponed, creating uncertainty for investors.

Last month, Trump signed a third executive order extending the deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, moving the cutoff to September 17. In April 2024, Congress passed a law mandating a sale or shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025.

Extensions to the deadline have drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who argue the Trump administration is flouting the law and ignoring national security concerns related to Chinese control over TikTok.

ByteDance is exploring various options to address these concerns, including selling or restructuring its U.S. operations. The Chinese social media giant, which raked in $43 billion in the first three months of this year, recently surpassed Meta in quarterly revenue, sources told Reuters.

The U.S. consortium, favored by the administration in any TikTok deal, also includes KKR, as well as new investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Reuters previously reported. Oracle is also likely to take a stake. It is unclear whether other bidders in the consortium are still involved.

A deal had been in the works this spring to spin off TikToks U.S. operations into a new U.S.-based firm. Talks were put on hold after China indicated it would not approve the transaction, following Trumps announcement of steep tariffs on Chinese goods.

If a sale is finalized, the new U.S. app is expected to be owned by a joint venture formed by an American investor consortium and ByteDance, which would maintain a minority stake. TikTok is already working on a U.S.-specific app, sources told Reuters.

Blackstones exit highlights the complexities and uncertainties involved in the deal, as the ongoing talks over TikToks fate have now become part of Trumps broader trade negotiations with China, and Trump said he would speak to President Xi Jinping about it.

(Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles and Krystal Hu in New York; Editing by David Gregorio)
Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., in 1997. (Davidoff Studios / Getty Images file)

WASHINGTON  Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., pressed Justice Department leadership about their handling of files related to the federal investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein, including reports that FBI personnel were instructed to "flag" any records that mentioned President Donald Trump.

In a series of oversight letters written to Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, Durbin questioned Bondi about "contradictions" in her public statements on the case, Patel about reports that he was "pressured" by Bondi to place 1,000 personnel on 24-hour shifts to mine roughly 100,000 Epstein-related records and Bongino about reported disputes among Trump officials about the lack of transparency in their handling of the high-profile case.

In the letters sent Friday, Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, asked each of the Trump administration officials to respond to information received by his office that suggested FBI personnel were specifically instructed to "flag" any records mentioning Trump.

"My office was told that these personnel were instructed to 'flag' any records in which President Trump was mentioned. ... Why were personnel told to flag records in which President Trump was mentioned," Durbin asked Bondi, Patel and Bongino in separate letters. "What happened to the records mentioning President Trump once they were flagged?"

A Durbin aide told NBC News that the senator's office received that information from a protected FBI whistleblower disclosure.

The FBI declined NBC News' request for comment on Durbin's letters.

Follow live politics coverage here.

The letters mark the latest attempt by Democrats to keep attention on Epstein more than a week after the Justice Department released a memo outlining a decision to cease additional disclosures related to the investigation. The memo roiled Trump's MAGA base, creating a rare rift among Trump and the far-right base that thrusted him into power  a rift that Democratic lawmakers have aimed to widen.

In the aftermath of the Justice Department memo, Bondi has faced blowback in part because of previous public statements she made pointing to the existence of thousands of pages of additional documents related to Epstein, including a purported "client list."

Durbin, like many of Trump's supporters over the past week, asked the attorney general to reconcile her earlier public declarations with her department's finding that "no further disclosures" are warranted in the case and that a review of records "revealed no incriminating client list."

"Why did you publicly claim on February 21 that the client list was 'sitting on my desk right now to review?'" Durbin asked Bondi. "If it was not a client list, what was 'sitting on your desk' at that moment?"

Bongino and Patel have also faced backlash online. Both of them previously promoted conspiracy theories that suggested the Epstein case was part of a government cover-up to protect powerful political players involved in a child abuse ring.

Patel, in the only post he's made to his personal social media account since the Justice Department memo was released, said "the conspiracy theories just aren't true" and "never have been." Durbin, aiming to call attention to Patel's past suggestions of a cover-up, asked the FBI director to detail the conspiracy theories he was referring to in his post.

"What are the conspiracy theories you are referring to in your July 12 tweet that 'were never true?' If there are more than one, please explain each in detail," the senator wrote to Patel.

NBC News previously reported that Bongino was "out of control furious," skipped a day of work and considered resigning from his post due to the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files, a topic Durbin questioned the former political commentator about.

"What was the nature of the dispute between you and White House and DOJ officials after the release of the July 7 memorandum," Durbin asked Bongino. "Is this dispute between you and White House and DOJ officials the reason behind your July 11 absence from work?"

Durbin also questioned the Trump officials about reporting from The Wall Street Journal that alleged Trump wrote a letter to Epstein in 2003, accompanied by a drawing of a naked woman, that was included in a leather-bound birthday album gifted to Epstein for his 50th birthday, according to documents reviewed by the Journal.

Trump has denied that he wrote the letter and he filed a lawsuit against the newspaper for publishing the story. NBC News has not independently confirmed the Journal's reporting.

A spokesperson for Dow Jones, the newspapers publisher, said in a statement, We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.

"Did personnel review any correspondence between President Trump and Mr. Epstein, including a letter in the reported 'leather-bound album' as part of this year's review [of Epstein records]?" Durbin asked.

Hours after the Journal's reporting, Trump on Thursday directed Bondi to "produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony" related to Epstein, "subject to Court approval." Bondi on Friday filed a motion requesting the unsealing of grand jury transcripts related to the Epstein case.

Given the public interest in the investigative work conducted by the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation into Epstein, the Department of Justice moves the Court to unseal the underlying grand jury transcripts in United States v. Epstein, subject to appropriate redactions of victim-related and other personal identifying information, the document said.
Theresa Kaiser was working as an assistant dean for the University of Michigan Law School when she pulled up stakes and moved to Tulsa, Okla., lured by a $10,000 relocation grant from the city.

I love working remotely, Kaiser, 61, told Yahoo Finance. Im not trying to climb the ladder anymore. Im not trying to make a name for myself. So a lot of that pressure's gone for me.

Tulsa is among a handful of cities and states targeting remote workers to relocate from more expensive areas, even as many companies tighten remote working arrangements. For those workers who can land and hold onto a fully remote gig, the perks can be considerable.

With its Ascend WV program, West Virginia offers $12,000 to remote workers who move to the state. The money is paid out over a two-year period. Applicants must work full-time remote jobs or own businesses outside of West Virginia that can be managed remotely.

Other cities and regions with incentive programs for remote workers looking to relocate include: Texarkana, Texas and Arkansas, Columbus, Ga., Noblesville, Ind., and eastern Kentucky.

"We're incredibly excited about the momentum and the quality of individuals and families who have chosen to relocate to Texarkana through this initiative," Rob Sitterley, president and CEO of the REDI...Set...Move program in Texarkana. "At this point, we have received well over 8,100 applicants, and interest continues to grow."

Tulsa rolled out its Tulsa Remote initiative in 2018 to lure new residents by offering them $10,000 grants for a year to work from there remotely. To date, 3,600 workers have taken them up on that offer.

Some caveats: You have to have a full-time remote job to be eligible for the program. You also have to have lived outside of the state of Oklahoma for at least a year and be eligible to work in the United States.

Tulsa Remote provides co-working space for the year, and offers monthly meetups and workshops to develop skills and strategies for working remotely effectively.

Backed by the Tulsa-based nonprofit George Kaiser Family Foundation, the goal is to bring in people wholl stick around, get involved in the community, and strengthen the local economy.

It was really an experiment to diversify the talent workforce here in Tulsa, Justin Harlan, managing director of the program, told Yahoo Finance.

Tulsa is a city that's often reliant on oil and gas as an industry, which can be a royal rollercoaster even in the best of times, he said. And so our hope was that if we could bring knowledge workers to the city, that we would build up an economy that was more resilient for the future.

"I love working remotely, Theresa Kaiser, 61, told Yahoo Finance. Im not trying to climb the ladder anymore. Im not trying to make a name for myself. So a lot of that pressure's gone for me." (Photo courtesy of Theresa Kaiser)

For remote workers, its a personal choice.

I like to find balance in what goes on outside of my work and how I work, Kaiser said. All those things become a lot more important than what's my salary and what's the next step up for me and what's the next title.

Have a question about retirement? Personal finances? Anything career-related? Click here to drop Kerry Hannon a note.

Its the community that has made remote work so appealing to remote workers ranging from their mid-20s to 70-plus, according to Harlan. Remote working is often an isolating experience, and the fact that we really have intentionality around not only getting people here, but then really helping them integrate into the city in strategic ways.

About 40% of the Tulsa remote program workers are in technology fields, and the rest of the group is spread out in fields including marketing, education, and finance, per Harlan.

If you can do your job from anywhere, we'd love for you to do it from Tulsa, he said.

Kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a career and retirement strategist and the author of 14 books, including the forthcoming "Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future," "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work," and "Never Too Old to Get Rich." Follow her on Bluesky.

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Former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker; Michael McClain, a long time Madigan confidante; former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore; and Jay Doherty, a lobbyist and consultant who once served as chief of the City Club of Chicago.

(The Center Square)  Sentencing is scheduled Monday for former ComEd Chief Executive Officer Anne Pramaggiore, who was convicted of corruption in a scheme to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

In May of 2023, a federal jury convicted Pramaggiore and three others of conspiracy, bribery and falsifying records. Last Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Manish Shah sentenced the first of the ComEd Four defendants, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, to 1.5 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay a $500,000 fine.

Prosecutors said Pramaggiore should serve 70 months, or nearly six years in prison and pay a fine of $1.75 million.

University of Illinois Chicago professor emeritus Dick Simpson said he doesnt expect any of the defendants to get less than Hookers 18 months.

I think what is most important is that they be sentenced and that they be fully shown as they were in the trial to have been corrupt and to indicate to other companies that they shouldnt engage in these kinds of practices with politicians in Illinois, Simpson told The Center Square.

Simpson testified during the Madigan trial, but Judge Harry Leinenweber did not allow prosecutors to call Simpson as a witness in the ComEd Four case. Leinenweber ruled that a detailed history of the corruption of the Chicago political machine could prejudice the jury.

Simpson said judges account for the fact that more than 2,200 public officials in Illinois have gone to federal prison since 1976.

Theyre going to make sure that they give a sentence, whatever the length is, that tries to signal to others not to do the same thing, Simpson explained.

Pramaggiore served as president and CEO of ComEd from 2012-2018, when she was promoted to senior executive vice president and CEO of ComEds parent company, Exelon Utilities. She resigned in 2019, when news broke of the federal investigation involving Madigan, lobbyists and ComEd. Soon after, Pramaggiore stepped down from her post as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

St. Xavier University professor David Parker said Pramaggiores position may call for enhanced sentencing.

She was the CEO. Now you might try to claim plausible deniability on corporate structure and say, I was too far removed. In fact, thats what they tried with the subcontractors, to build layers between themselves. At the trial, they said, No, you were guilty of conspiracy and bribery, willingly falsifying books and records. The jury just didnt believe that they didnt know what was going on, Parker told The Center Square.

ComEd agreed to pay $200 million in 2020 to resolve a criminal investigation into the years-long bribery scheme. As part of a deferred prosecution agreement, ComEd admitted it arranged $1.3 million in jobs, vendor subcontracts and payments to influence Madigan.

On Feb. 12, a jury convicted the former speaker on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and use of a facility to promote unlawful activity. On June 13, Judge John Robert Blakey sentenced Madigan to 7.5 years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of $2.5 million. The longtime speaker and Democratic Party of Illinois chairman is scheduled to report to prison Oct. 13, although his attorneys have asked that he be allowed to remain free pending an appeal.

Madigans former associate, former state representative and ex-lobbyist Michael McClain, D-Quincy, was not convicted in the former speakers trial but faces sentencing on Thursday, July 24 in the ComEd Four case.

Sentencing for the final ComEd four defendant, former contract lobbyist Jay Doherty, is set for Aug. 5.

Pramaggiores sentencing is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.

Brett Rowland contributed to this story.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard speaks during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump on Wednesday April 30, 2025 at the White House in Washington, DC. - Yuri Gripas for The Washington Post/Getty Images

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Friday threatened to refer Obama administration officials to the Justice Department for prosecution over the intelligence assessment of Russias 2016 election interference, in the latest example of officials going after perceived enemies of President Donald Trump.

Gabbard declassified documents Friday that she claimed were evidence the Obama administrations intelligence officials manufactured and politicized intelligence to lay the groundwork for the FBIs Russia investigation into Trump.

In a post, Gabbard said she was turning over all documents to the DOJ for criminal referral, though she didnt specify whether she was referring any specific officials. A criminal referral does not necessarily mean the Justice Department will investigate or prosecute.

Earlier this month, however, CNN reported that the FBI is investigating former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey for possible false statements to Congress following a referral from the current CIA Director John Ratcliffe, which was also related to the intelligence assessment on Russias election interference.

Both Gabbard and Ratcliffe declassified documents this month as part of an effort to undermine the intelligence communitys 2017 assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 US election and tried to help Trump defeat Hillary Clinton  a conclusion that contributed to Trumps longstanding distrust of the intelligence community.

Other reviews did not discover such issues, however, including a bipartisan 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee report that supported the intelligence communitys assessment of Russias interference in the 2016 election.

Democrats criticized Gabbards release Friday as an attempt to rewrite history.

The Senate Intelligence Committee conducted a bipartisan investigation reviewing hundreds of thousands of documents and interviewing witnesses over several years. The unanimous, bipartisan conclusion was that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Donald Trump, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the committee, said in a statement. This is just another example of the DNI trying to cook the books, rewrite history, and erode trust in the intelligence agencies shes supposed to be leading.

Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement, Every legitimate investigation, including the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee investigation, found no evidence of politicization and endorsed the findings of the 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment.

The FBIs criminal investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia began in 2016 and stretched into the first Trump administration. It then became the subject of investigations by the Justice Departments inspector general and by special counsel John Durham, who was appointed by Attorney General Bill Barr to also examine the handling of intelligence that led to the Trump-Russia probe.

The Durham probe ended with no finding of wrongdoing in the handling of the intelligence, but it did end with the indictment of three people, including a former FBI lawyer who pleaded guilty to falsifying information in a surveillance warrant request targeting a Trump campaign aide.

CNNs Shania Shelton contributed to this report.

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Risks of flooding rain are in place Friday for many portions of the US. - CNN Weather

Floodwaters overtook some areas of western Virginia Friday evening as more than 15 million people were at risk of dangerous flash floods in pockets of nearly every region of the contiguous United States as the nations summer of flooding continues.

As summer heat starts to peak, July has seen the exact conditions needed for flooding rain. An abundance of incredibly moist, humid air fueled the majority of Fridays flood risk, giving storms the potential to dump very heavy, overwhelming rain in a short period of time.

Heres what were seeing in the main areas at risk.

Heavy rain floods western Virginia

A Level 3 of 4 flooding rain threat was in place for parts of northern and southeast Virginia and northeastern West Virginia, with Level 2 of 4 risks covering portions of the mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley and Midwest, according to the Weather Prediction Center.

The mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley have been hit by round after round of soaking rain this summer, leaving the soil less able to absorb additional rain and area waterways swollen. And a stalled storm front draped across more than half a dozen states dumped multiple rounds of rain in the Midwest throughout the day.

Portions of western Virginia were already seeing significant effects. Two people were recovered and taken to the hospital after being swept away by floodwaters in Dickenson County, after heavy rain hit the area, according to Sheriff Jeremy Fleming.

There has been structural damage to homes, cars and roadways but there are no reports of fatalities at this time, he said.

The situation is pretty dire in neighboring Russell County, sheriffs office Capt. William Puckett told CNN. They have seen significant flooding, numerous mudslides and trees down in the area, he said.

Weve got several swift water rescue teams, the majority of our deputies, state police and other resources en route, he said.

Rescue teams are going door to door to check in on all the residents in Dante, where a significant amount of the flooding happened, but so far theyve only reported four minor injuries, Virginia State Police Public Relations Director Robin Lawson said.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin appealed to Virginians to stay alert as storms swept across the state Friday night, noting, Many areas are already soaked and prone to flood.

First responders and the Virginia Department of Transportation are clearing fallen trees from roads, and residents are urged to avoid driving through water, Youngkin added.

The West Virginia-Virginia border area has been hit particularly hard this summer, which was exacerbated Friday evening with heavily saturated soil, which prevents the rain from absorbing.

Petersburg, Virginia  just south of Richmond  has also been dealing with severe flooding in recent days and was under threat for more soaking rain Friday. Floodwaters rose quickly Monday night, when the city was under a flash flood emergency, the most severe flood warning.

Slow-moving, heavy storms passed through the Midwest Friday afternoon, and some continued overnight. Multiple flash flood warnings were in effect in eastern Kentucky Friday evening after heavy, slow-moving storms developed.

Heavy rain broke daily rainfall records in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas and Missouri on Thursday. Drenching storms dumped up to 9 inches of rain and prompted early morning flash flooding along the Kansas-Missouri border, including the Kansas City metro area, Thursday.

Vehicles were submerged in floodwater after heavy rain in the earliest hours of Thursday morning in the greater Kansas City metro. - Capt. Joe Folsom/Johnson County MED-ACT

A separate round of storms late Thursday night in Arkansas flooded roads and triggered multiple water rescues.

Overwhelming rainfall is becoming more prevalent due to climate change, as rising global temperatures drive weather toward extremes. Hourly rainfall rates have grown heavier in nearly 90% of large US cities since 1970, according to a study from the nonprofit research group Climate Central.

Flood-prone town in Southwest under threat again

Heavy storms could trigger flash flooding across parts of the Southwest, Rockies and Nevada, especially over wildfire burn scars and flood-prone canyon or valley areas.

The Chiricahua Mountains in Arizona and the flood-weary town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, are among the areas under a Level 2 of 4 risk of flooding rain.

Ruidoso was the site of deadly flooding last week that killed three people, including two children. The town dealt with another round of dangerous flooding on Thursday after nearly an inch of rain fell during afternoon thunderstorms.

Authorities conducted three swift water rescues Thursday: One of the people rescued was trapped in a trailer near Ruidoso, while another was taken to safety from nearby Ruidoso Downs, according to CNN affiliate KOAT. All three were unharmed. No deaths have been reported as of early Friday, CNN affiliate KFOX said.

Any quick burst of rain can almost instantly cause issues for the area given the recent rainfall and how damaged the ground still is after its 2024 wildfires. Burned ground cannot properly absorb water, which creates immediate runoff.

CNNs Taylor Romine and Hanna Park contributed to this report.

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At Attorney General Pam Bondis direction, the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday formally moved to unseal long-secret grand jury transcripts from the Jeffrey Epstein case, citing what it called intense public interest in the notorious sex trafficking investigation.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche submitted the motion in Manhattan federal court, urging a judge to release the transcripts from Epsteins 2019 grand jury proceedings and those from the prosecution of Epsteins convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, as part of a new transparency push by the department.

Earlier this month, the DOJ and FBI issued a memorandum describing an "exhaustive review" of their Epstein investigative files. That internal review sought to determine if any evidence could justify charging additional individuals, but it concluded that "no such evidence was uncovered" against any uncharged third parties.

Since the memos July 6 release, officials say, public interest in its conclusions has remained high.

Doj Rejects Ghislaine Maxwells Appeal In Scotus Response

In this 2005 photo, infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein poses with his arm around longtime confidante and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.

While the department maintains it stands by the memos findings, the filing emphasizes that "transparency to the American public is of the utmost importance to this Administration." Given the intense public interest, the DOJ told the court it is moving to unseal the underlying grand jury transcripts to shed light on its investigative work in the Epstein matter.

Read On The Fox News App

The DOJ said it will work with prosecutors to redact all victim names and personal identifying information from the transcripts before any release.

"Transparency in this process will not be at the expense of our obligation under the law to protect victims," the motion assured.

Epstein, 66, was indicted by a New York grand jury July 2, 2019, on sex trafficking charges. Just over a month later, on Aug. 10, 2019, he died by suicide in his jail cell while awaiting trial, and the case was dismissed.



Legal Pathway Clearly Exists For Trump's Request To Make Epstein Grand Jury Testimony Public

The DOJ's filing claims it will protect the privacy of Epstein's victims while unsealing grand jury evidence.

Epsteins longtime confidant, Ghislaine Maxwell, was indicted by a grand jury in 2020 on multiple counts related to trafficking and coercing minors.

She was convicted in December 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Maxwells convictions were upheld on appeal in 2024, and she is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to review her case.

Grand jury proceedings are ordinarily secret by law, or as the motion says, "a tradition of law that proceedings before a grand jury shall generally remain secret." But the filing notes this tradition "is not absolute."

Federal courts have recognized "certain special circumstances" where releasing grand jury records is appropriate even outside the usual exceptions, like when a case holds significant public or historical importance.

The DOJ argues Epsteins case is exactly such a special circumstance given its unparalleled notoriety.

"Public officials, lawmakers, pundits, and ordinary citizens remain deeply interested and concerned about the Epstein matter," the motion notes.

The motion points out that a Florida judge last year ordered the release of some Epstein grand jury records after concluding the financier was "the most infamous pedophile in American history" and that the facts of Epsteins case "tell a tale of national disgrace."

By the DOJs account, the sealed grand jury transcripts are "critical pieces of an important moment in our nations history," and "[t]he time for the public to guess what they contain should end."

The motion stresses that Epsteins death means any privacy interests on his side are now "substantially diminished." And even though Maxwell is still fighting her conviction, prosecutors said the extraordinary public scrutiny around the Epstein saga justifies pressing ahead with unsealing now.

For these reasons, the DOJ is urging the court to conclude that the Epstein and Maxwell cases qualify as matters of public interest and to grant the unsealing of the grand jury transcripts while lifting any protective orders.

The unsealing would shine unprecedented light on one of Americas most notorious criminal cases, a move the department says is legally justified and necessary in the name of public accountability.

The DOJ did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Fox News' Mike Ruiz contributed to this report.





Original article source: Justice Department moves to unseal Epstein, Maxwell grand jury transcripts amid calls for transparency
Kaylee Goncalves/Instagram; Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Kaylee Goncalves; Bryan Kohberger





NEED TO KNOW

Investigators allegedly found evidence to suggest the Idaho murders were "sexually motivated," the father of Kaylee Goncalves alleges in a new interview

He cited information he claims to have received from investigators about Bryan Kohberger's "weird, weird porn fetishes," which allegedly included "drunk passed out girls and gagging girls"

Latah County Prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson said at a July 2 plea hearing "there is no evidence there was any sexual component or sexual assault on any of the victims"





Did Bryan Kohberger kill four University of Idaho students because of his "weird porn fetishes?"

That is what Kaylee Goncalves's father believes, he said during an appearance on NewsNations Banfield.

Steve Goncalves claimed that individuals involved in the investigation had informed him of this suspicion, which seems to directly contradict what Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson said during the July 2 plea hearing during which Kohberger confessed to the four murders.

"People got so angry at what was happening in that courtroom that they would literally pick up their phone and call us and say, This is what's on Bryan's phone. This is what he was searching. This was sexually motivated,'" Goncalves claimed during his appearance on the show.

He then added: "I don't care what Thompson said."

Newsnation

Kohberger's motive remains the biggest mystery in the case, and one that Thompson said his office had been unable to determine after a nearly-three-year-long investigation.

At the same time, when Thompson finally got the chance to detail what happened on the night of the murders at that plea hearing, he made a point to stop in the middle of his remarks and emphatically say: "I will state for the record that there is no evidence there was any sexual component or sexual assault on any of the victims. I want to make that clear so there's no speculation."

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.

Goncalves made it clear that he firmly disagrees with the manner in which Thompson framed that comment, and for the first time since his daughter's murder was able to explain in detail why he disagreed  thanks to the removal of a gag order in the case just hours before his appearance.

He cited information he allegedly received from those investigating the case about Kohberger's "weird, weird porn fetishes," which allegedly included "drunk passed out girls and gagging girls" according to Goncalves.

"[T]hose are two things that were part of that crime scene, so for Thompson to say that there was no sexual assault..." Goncalves said.

He then commented: "Of course, there wasn't [evidence of sexual assault]. He didn't have enough time. Somebody came up there."

That someone could have been Xana Kernodle, whom Thompson said at the plea hearing had not been an intended victim but had possibly encountered Kohberger on the stairs between her room on the second floor and the room where Goncalves and best friend Madison Mogen were murdered on the third floor.

instagram(2) Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle; Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen

Goncalves had already voiced his disgust with Thompson for agreeing to a plea deal with Kohberger, and during his appearance said that it seemed as though the prosecutor cared more about protecting the image of his daughter's killer than getting justice for his daughter.

'[W]hy are you defending somebody who just killed four people, you know?" Goncalves said. "I mean, it's an upside down world."

At the same time, he said that he had come to terms with the fact that he and the families of the other victims will never get the closure he believes they deserve.

Goncalves previously said that this is why he chose to step outside the courtroom during the July 2 plea hearing despite making the trip to Boise, and has already said he will not be present when Kohberger is sentenced next week.

"We're just glad to be done with it," Goncalves said. "We're glad to move on."

PEOPLE reached out to both Thompson and Moscow Police Chief Captain Anthony Dahlinger for comment, but neither responded.

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
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

For those not fully up to speed on the royal family's drama, let's have a quick recap: back in January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would be 'stepping down' from their roles as senior working members of the royal family, amid cruel stories about Meghan from the tabloids. Later, they headed off to start anew in California with their son, Archie, later joined by daughter Lilibet, explaining they wanted to live a less public-facing life.

Following on from this, the couple embarked on a range of solo endeavors, from Prince Harry's tell-all book Spare (which was sadly less than complimentary about his family, notably his brother Prince William) to Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever.

One key issue at the heart of the rift has been Harry's push to have his high-level security reinstated, something he lost access to after stepping down from his royal working life (and which he argued was unfair, as his personal risk as a public figure had not decreased, but which the courts ultimately did not support). This, Harry has explained on multiple occasions, is part of what stops him and Meghan from visiting the UK on a regular basis.

Now, an unexpected royal has spoken up in defense of Meghan and Harryand their security predicamentwith Princess Delphine of Belgium airing her sympathies on the It's Reigning Men podcast, which discusses all-things royal.

Speaking to host Daniel Rosney, Princess Delphine said, I think there is this thing about security. I think it's to do with what happened to his mother. I understand the guy. He's just traumatized.

She added, I understand, so he's doing these things, and everybody's bullying him, but not thinking about his trauma and I just find it terrible because he's just been kind of left.

The Princess also fondly recalled Prince Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, who she said was a part of my life when I was in England.

She had these children and everything, and then this death was just horrible, Delphine, who is an artist and known for her fashion flair, expanded. Especially seeing these two children left by a very, I thought, natural, nice, normal motherly woman.

Geert Vanden Wijngaert

They lost such an important figure, and I feel very sorry for Harry because I think that was traumatic for him. William didn't have a choice. I think Harry suffered so much, and I think he was traumatized and it's coming out now.

Far from having an ordinary life herself, Delphine has also had a difficult experience with the press; growing up, she was seen as an illegitimate child of King Albert II, who had an affair with her mother. It took her two decades of fighting to be recognized by a DNA test, in order to prove her paternity.

As you might imagine, after her story broke, the press intrusion was intensemuch like it has been for Meghan and Harry.

Elsewhere, it's said that King Charles' personal team had a productive conversation and with a member of staff for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, so perhaps there's a proper reconciliation to be had after all.

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TheStewartofNY - Getty Images



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Just like Belly Conklin will always have summer, the fashion world will always have denim on denim. And Lola Tung, who plays the teen heroine in The Summer I Turned Pretty, gave the beloved combo a chic upgrade while out in New York City this week.

Heading into 30 Rockefeller Center for a TODAY show appearance, Tung was spotted in a vintage 2005 Stella McCartney set. Her ensemble channeled a sharp, city-chic vibe with just the right touch of nostalgia.

Raymond Hall - Getty Images

It featured a structured military-style jacket with a high neck, puffed sleeves, and silver double-breasted buttons.

As for the matching pencil skirt, it hit just above the knees, which gave way to a timeless silhouette with just the right amount of edge.

However, it is her accessories that really took the NYC girl-on-the-go look into full Carrie Bradshaw territory.

Raymond Hall - Getty Images

Rather than settle on just one bag, she opted to have twice as much fun with two Kate Spade pieces. She carried the Liv Downtown Shoulder Bag in leopard print and the sleek black Duo Crossbody. I mean, why settle for just one fun purse anyway?

Recently spotted wearing the silk scarf as a belt trend, it is no secret that Tung is deeply invested in styling her pieces. And her latest double-bag two-up might just inspire another trend for fashion lovers to enjoy.

She topped off her look with pointed-toe leopard slingback heels from Aldo, which brought the animal print full circle through her curated lineup of accessories.

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Shares of NationGate Holdings, Nvidias only manufacturing partner in Southeast Asia, took a beating this week after the company disclosed a raid into one of its subsidiaries by Malaysian authorities.

On Tuesday, Nationgate admitted that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raided the premises of NationGate Solution, a wholly-owned subsidiary, as part of an ongoing investigation into scrap metal smuggling.

Nationgates shares fell 14% on Tuesday to reach 1.45 Malaysian ringgit ($0.34). Shares pared back losses over the rest of the week, but are still down over 10% from Tuesday.

On Thursday, NationGate stated that the raids did not involve any specific board members or senior management, and that the company didnt expect a significant hit to its finances or operations.

In a response to Fortune, a spokesperson from NationGate Holdings said that it is an electronic manufacturing services company and that scrap metal trading has never been part of the companys business.

The spokesperson added that the MACC visit to NationGate Holdings subsidiary is part of an industry wide investigation, and that as a responsible corporate citizen, NationGate is giving full assistance to the MACC investigation.

Malaysias state news agency Bernama reported on Tuesday that the MACC launched a crackdown on scrap metal smuggling syndicates operating in five states that have resulted in an estimated tax revenue loss of 950 million Malaysian ringgit ($223.9 million). The report added that preliminary investigations revealed these syndicates exported scrap metal to India, China and other countries but reported them as machinery or other metals not subject to the 15% export tax imposed by the government.

NationGate, ranked No. 243 on the Southeast Asia 500, was the fastest-growing company on Fortunes ranking of the regions largest companies by revneue. 2024 sales surged 720% to reach 5.3 billion Malaysian ringgit ($1.6 billion), largely thanks to surging growth in its data computing segment.

NationGate is the only company in Southeast Asia that assembles Nvidias highly sought-after graphic processing units (GPUs) into AI servers. Nvidias GPUs are the most used in high-performance AI applications.

But the AI boom and the link to Nvidia are also a risk for NationGate. In early March, Malaysia and neighboring Singapore faced U.S. allegations of being channels for controlled chips to make their way to China. U.S. officials were reportedly interested in whether DeepSeek, the scrappy Chinese AI startup, got its hands on Nvidia processors it wasnt supposed to have.

Singapores Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said in March that servers containing chips subject to U.S. export controls appeared to have been sent to Malaysia. Malaysias Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz then said officials were investigating and vowed to take necessary action.

Separately, Singapore has also charged three men with fraud for allegedly misrepresenting the end-user of computer servers that may contain Nvidia chips.

On Monday, Malaysia announced that all exports of high-performance U.S. AI chips will now require permits for exports, and that individuals and companies must notify the government at least 30 days prior to shipping such hardware.

NationGate has distanced itself from the subject and has clarified that its not involved in any investigations. Yet investors are still spooked. NationGates shares are down over 40% year-to-date.

Update July 19, 2025. This article has been updated with a statement from NationGate Holdings.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Memo on protesters cautioned that authority used to strip visas would face scrutiny

Action memos on pro-Palestinian protesters sent by government officials to Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the authority he used to strip their visas had never before been used and would likely face scrutiny, a government official testified in court Friday.

Rubio used what the government says is his authority to find someone deportable "if the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe that the alien's presence or activities in the United States would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States," citing the Immigration and Nationality Act.

A section of a government memo that was read in court noted "it is likely that courts will closely scrutinize this determination" because the basis of it could be considered "protected speech."

MORE: DHS investigated over 5,000 student protesters listed on doxxing website: Official

The contents of the memo were revealed during an ongoing bench trial in which the Trump administration is accused of instituting a constitutionally illegal ideological deportation policy against pro-Palestinian protesters, including Columbia University's Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi and Tufts University's Rumeysa Ozturk.

The lawsuit was filed by the American Association of University Professors and the Middle East Studies Association, which represents hundreds of professors and students across the country. An action memo sent by government officials to the secretary of state proposing Rubio strip Khalil and Yunseo Chung of their visas was cleared by 10 people and departments within 24 hours before it was sent to Rubio, John Armstrong, the senior bureau official in the bureau of consular affairs at the State Department, testified Friday.

The White House, Department of Homeland Security, State Department and Department of Defense had over 20 conversations about student protester visa revocations, most of which took place in March, Armstrong testified.

Armstrong also testified that he had conversations with people on the Homeland Security Council over the visa revocations, naming Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller and his deputy.

Brian Van Der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images - PHOTO: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators hold a student- faculty rally at Dickson Plaza at an encampment on the UCLA campus, April 29, 2024, in Los Angeles.

In a two-page memo from earlier this year outlining why Khalil should be deported, Rubio cited Khalil's alleged role in "antisemitic protests and disruptive activities, which fosters a hostile environment for Jewish students in the United States."

Asked about how officials identify what constitutes antisemitism, Armstrong testified Friday that he can't remember receiving "any concrete guidance" as to what can be treated as antisemitic, and also testified that he doesn't know of any of his deputies having received formalized training on what antisemitism is.

It's my understanding that "antisemites will try to hide their views and say they are not against Jews, they are just against Israel" -- but "it's a dodge" to hide their antisemitism, Armstrong said.

Support for a foreign terrorist organization or terrorist activity is grounds for a visa revocation, Armstrong testified, saying, "Support for Hamas will get your visa revoked."

Asked by plaintiffs attorneys, Armstrong also testified that criticizing Zionism, criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, saying that the actions of the Israeli government are "worse than Hitler," saying "from the river to the sea," calling Israel an apartheid state and calling for an arms embargo could all be considered cause for removal under the executive order combatting antisemitism.

MORE: Mahmoud Khalil case: Ordered to show evidence, government asserts Rubio's authority

Armstrong, who personally authorized the decision to strip Ozturk of her visa, testified that he based the decision on her actions protesting Tufts' relationship with Israel and her "activities and association" with groups that are "creating a hostile environment for Jewish students."

That alleged association was based on an op-ed she co-authored with someone who is part of a student group that supported the call for Tufts to divest and cut ties with Israel -- a proposal that was made by Tufts Students for Justice in Palestine, a group which is now banned from campus.

DHS and Homeland Security Investigations found that Ozturk was not part of the activities that resulted in Tufts SJP's ban from Tufts, according to documents read aloud in court by attorneys. Nonetheless, Armstrong maintained that Ozturk had ties to Tufts SJP.

Ozturk's visa was revoked under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows the government to revoke a visa for any reason, Armstrong testified.

On Thursday, Andre Watson, the assistant director for the national security division at Homeland Security, testified that he has made 10 to 15 referrals of student protesters to the Department of State for possible visa revocation since the establishment of the Tiger Team task force looking into student protesters.

Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images - PHOTO: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators march in solidarity with two Columbia University student groups which were recently banned from campus for their support of Palestine, Nov. 15, 2023, outside of the gates of Columbia University in New York.

He said he referred every individual on whom the Homeland Security Investigations task force has filed a report, including Khalil, Ozturk and Mahdawi.

After the conclusion of testimony on Thursday, U.S. District Judge William Young informed the parties of definitions he will be relying on while making a decision after the conclusion of the bench trial.

"Criticisms of the state of Israel are not antisemitism. They are political speech, protected speech," Young said.

Commentary on "conduct of the state of Israel, if it involves war crimes, involves genocide ... is protected speech with respect to our constitution," Young said.

While condemning antisemitism and saying the government should discourage antisemitism and hate against any group of people, he said, "Antisemitism ... is not illegal. It is protected under the First Amendment." MORE: Trial challenging administration's deportation of pro-Palestinian scholars gets underway

On the pivotal question of whether visa holders and lawful permanent residents have the same First Amendment rights as U.S. citizens, the judge said, "Probably they do."

Young also said criticizing the state of Israel "does not constitute pro-Hamas support."

After new evidence is entered on Monday, closing arguments will begin in the trial.
An Indianapolis mother is facing child sex trafficking charges for allegedly telling a stranger online that he could sexually assault her 7-month-old daughter for $400, multiple outlets reported, citing a probable cause affidavit.

Morgan Stapp, 32, was arrested on July 8 and charged with attempt to commit child sex trafficking, Indiana court and Marion County inmate records reviewed by USA TODAY show. She was released from jail after posting a $100,000 bond, according to court records.

USA TODAY contacted the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Indianapolis Metro Police on Saturday, July 19, but has not received a response from either agency.

Why did authorities begin investigating Morgan Stapp?

Stapp's arrest comes after an FBI investigation that began in November 2024 once Snapchat reported attempted sex trafficking on their app, a probable cause affidavit obtained by CBS 4 and People says. The mother of seven children, whose username was "morgan-stapp on Snapchat, is accused of sending another user on the app three photos of her 7-month-old daughter, the court document reads, per the outlets.

U can (expletive) her for 400$, one message read. Half now rest after. Ill send my address. I do live alone, and her dad is not in the picture.

FBI agents spoke with Stapp on Nov. 11, 2024, and asked her about the messages, at which the mother told them that her Snapchat had recently been "hacked" and that she no longer had access to her "morgan-stapp" account, according to the affidavit.

Stapp also told the agents that she'd recently received an email saying her Snapchat account was permanently banned due to "online commercial sex transactions," the court document continued, per the outlets. The mother expressed concern over losing photos of her kids that she had saved to her now-banned Snapchat account, according to the affidavit.

When interviewed again later that month by the Indiana Department of Child Services, Stapp admitted to lying to FBI agents about being hacked out of her Snapchat account, the outlets reported, citing the affidavit.

I wanted the FBI to leave, she said, per the court document.

Search warrant connects Snapchat messages to Stapp, affidavit says

The FBI contacted Indianapolis Metro police officers in December to help with their investigation. When a police detective got a search warrant for Stapp's account, he found selfies of her saved to Snapchat days after her FBI interview, which is when she claimed to have been hacked, according to the affidavit.

Upon further investigation, detectives also discovered that Stapp's account sent over 7,000 messages on Snapchat during three days in November. Included in the messages was Snapp asking 81 times if other users would be "interested in buying my nudes so I can get baby diapers?

According to the affidavit, police said that IP address records from the "morgan-stapp" account indicated that all the Snapchat messages had been sent from an area near her home address in Indianapolis.

Stapp's next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15, Indiana state records show. On Saturday, July 19, USA TODAY contacted the Indiana Public Defender's office, which is representing Stapp after she successfully filed for indigent status, but has not received a response.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mom accused of using Snapchat to traffic child for $400, reports say
Motortion / istockphoto

Reviewed by Katelyn Hagerty, FNP.





Whether youve been diagnosed with depression, an anxiety disorder or simply want to talk to a professional about the issues that are bothering you, therapy can be a valuable tool for gaining control over your mental health and improving your life.





According to the American Psychological Association, it may require anywhere from 15 to 30 or more sessions for many people to experience noticeable benefits from therapy.

Because taking part in therapy is usually a long-term commitment, the total cost of treatment is a common concern.





The cost of therapy can vary based on a number of factors, from your location to your insurance coverage and the type of mental health professionals you choose to work with.





Below, weve explained how much therapy costs, as well as the numerous factors that affect the price of therapy. Weve also shared some methods that you can use to make accessing therapy more affordable.

How Much Does Therapy Cost?

Since therapists and other mental health providers are free to set their own pricing, there isnt a precise cost of therapy throughout the country.





In general, pricing for therapy can vary pretty wildly  from under $100 per hour to literally hundreds of dollars per hour  for their services.





In large cities such as New York City or Los Angeles, its far from uncommon to pay more than $200 per session for a therapists time and expertise.

Several factors affect the cost of therapy, including:

The therapists training and background. Becoming an experienced therapist is a costly, demanding process. Like other professionals, highly trained therapists charge significant fees due to the amount of time and effort theyve invested into developing their skills.

Demand for the therapist. Well-known, in-demand therapists may need to charge more for their services.

Specialized skills and qualifications. Therapists who specialize in certain mental health conditions or types of therapy may be more expensive.



Your location. As we mentioned above, its common to pay more for a therapy session in NYC and other large cities. These areas tend to have high costs of living, meaning its often more expensive to run a private therapy practice.

An easy way to get a general feel for local therapy pricing is to contact several therapists in your area, then compare their per-session fees.

Does Insurance Cover Therapy?

Many health insurance companies provide mental health coverage for some services, including therapy.





In fact, under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace are required to give coverage for mental and behavioral health services such as psychotherapy and counseling.





If you have employer-sponsored health insurance, you can find out about your plans coverage for mental health services by contacting your companys human resources (HR) office.





Your insurance provider may pay for the entire cost of therapy or require a copay for each visit you make to a therapist.





Most health insurance providers have certain requirements that youll need to follow in order to use your coverage.





For example, you may receive a mental health diagnosis before youre able to access coverage for therapy, or have a referral from a healthcare provider.





You may also need to visit a therapist within your health insurance providers network of mental health providers (referred to as an in-network provider).





If you have health insurance, you can contact your insurance company directly to find out more about your level of coverage and any specific requirements youll need to follow to access your plan benefits.

How to Make Therapy More Affordable

If you dont have insurance that covers therapy, there are still several things that you can do to make accessing therapy more affordable.

Visit a Sliding Scale Therapist

Some therapists offer sliding scale pricing -- a pricing system that adjusts the cost of therapy based on your income.





If you have a limited income, visiting a sliding scale therapist can make accessing therapy a far more affordable option.





You can find sliding scale therapists locally by searching for sliding scale therapy followed by the name of your city or region.





In order to qualify for sliding scale fees, you may need to show proof that you have a limited income, financial responsibilities or dependents.





Some therapists may request a W-2 form, tax return or other document showing your income.





Sliding scale pricing can vary from one therapist to another, making it best to check with several therapists to make sure youre eligible for an acceptable rate.

Use Your Employee Benefits

Some employers offer Employee Assistance Programs that include therapy and other services to help you maintain your mental health.





If you have a mental health issue or other problem thats affecting your workplace performance, your employer may provide therapy or counseling.





You can find out more about these benefits by contacting your companys HR department.





Contact Your State or City Health Services

Many state and municipal governments offer free or low-cost mental health services for people in need.





These services are often provided by student psychologists and other mental health providers, usually in a community clinic setting. They may also be provided by hospitals, medical centers and other facilities.





While you may still need to pay for this type of therapy, its usually less expensive than talking to a private practice therapist.





You can find local mental health services by contacting your city or states health department, or by contacting your local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organization.

Contact Your College or University

If youre a college or university student, you may be able to access free or low-cost therapy via your campuss health center.





Many campuses provide one-on-one access to therapists, counselors and other mental health providers, as well as support groups and other mental health services. You can find out about these services by contacting your campuss health services center.

Try Group Therapy

Group therapy (or online group therapy) involves meeting with a therapist as part of a group, usually of between five and 15 people.





Taking part in therapy as part of a group can feel unusual at first, but it can also provide unique benefits that arent always available with other forms of therapy.





For example, you may find that discussing things as part of a group helps you to put your unique issues in perspective.





Since group therapy involves one therapist and a group of people, its generally more affordable than individual therapy.

Talk to a Licensed Therapist Online

Finally, one of the easiest, most convenient ways to access therapy at a lower price is to take part in online therapy.





Online therapy gives you the same access to a therapist as in-person treatment, only it takes place online via chat or video.





Instead of traveling to see your therapist, you can talk from the comfort of your living room, bedroom or any other private, comfortable space.





This type of therapy can be particularly cost effective if you live in a large, expensive city such as NYC or LA.





Paying For Therapy

Therapy ranges in price from $75 to $200 or more for each session, with factors such as your location and choice of therapist affecting the total amount youll need to pay.





If you have health insurance, your provider may offer coverage for therapy that helps to lower your cost per session.





If you dont have health insurance, you may be able to reduce the cost of therapy by working with a sliding scale therapist, consulting your campuss mental health services, taking part in group therapy, or by taking part in therapy online.





You can also use tools such as our online mental health resources and content to start taking control over your mental health and making progress on your own.

Like MediaFeeds content? Be sure to follow us.





This article originally appeared on Forhers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.


By Sonia Rolley

(Reuters) -Congo and the M23 rebel group have agreed to a declaration of principles to end fighting in eastern Congo, a sign of progress after months of talks mediated by Qatar, though key details still need to be negotiated, four sources said on Friday.

The declaration, expected to be signed on Saturday in Doha, comes amid heavy U.S. pressure to finalise deals that would bring peace to eastern Congo. This could potentially attract billions of dollars of Western investment to a region rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium and other minerals.

M23, in the latest of a string of uprisings supported by Rwanda, seized Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, in January and went on to make gains across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

The fighting has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year while escalating the risk of a full-blown regional war. Several of Congo's neighbours already have troops deployed in the volatile region.

In March Qatar brokered a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame during which they called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire.

That led to direct talks, also in Doha, between Congo and M23. Congo had previously rejected the idea of holding talks with M23, branding it a terrorist group.

In April, both sides pledged to work towards a ceasefire. But sources in both delegations have expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations and the lack of progress on confidence-building measures including the release of M23 members held by Congo and the re-opening of banks in rebel-held territory.

It was unclear on Friday how many of those issues have been resolved. There are also bigger questions on possible Rwandan and M23 withdrawals from eastern Congo.

An official familiar with the discussions said the declaration of principles, reached after face-to-face meetings as well as shuttle diplomacy by the Qataris, would include an immediate ceasefire and outline "a commitment to begin formal negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement in the near future."

The official said there was also consensus on a mechanism for a permanent ceasefire and a roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern Congo once a peace agreement is signed.

An M23 source said the document does not mention any kind of troop withdrawal.

"The American pressure is very strong," a Congolese source said on Friday, noting the presence in Doha of Massad Boulos, Trump's senior adviser for Africa.

"But there are still many points unresolved. This is only one step in the discussions."

TALKS IN WASHINGTON

Washington has also hosted talks between Congo and Rwanda. On June 27 the two countries' foreign ministers signed a peace deal and met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump warned of "very severe penalties, financial and otherwise" if the deal is violated.

Trump also invited Tshisekedi and Kagame to Washington to sign a package of deals that Boulos dubbed the "Washington Accord".

Speaking to reporters on July 2, Boulos said the Trump administration would "love" to hold that meeting at the end of July. But he also said U.S. officials hope to have a deal in Doha finalised by then.

Congo, the United Nations and Western powers say Rwanda is supporting M23 by sending troops and arms. A report by a group of United Nations experts obtained by Reuters this month said Kigali exercised command and control over the rebels during their advance.

Rwanda has long denied helping M23 and says its forces are acting in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

(Reporting by Sonia Rolley and Stanis Bujakera; Additional reporting by Ange Adihe Kasongo in Kinshasa and Andrew Mills in Paris; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by David Gregorio and Daniel Wallis)
At least 38 people died after a tourist boat capsized in Vietnam as rescue workers raced to find survivors ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Wipha.

The vessel with 48 passengers and five crew members capsized in a sudden thunderstorm during a tour of Ha Long Bay on Saturday evening, in one of the worst accidents in the popular tourist area in recent years.

At least 38 of those on board have been confirmed dead and 10 rescued, the Vietnamese government said in a statement.

A 14-year-old boy was among the survivors. He was rescued four hours after being trapped in the overturned hull.

I took a deep breath, dived, then swam up. I even shouted for help, then I was pulled up by a boat, the body, who had been travelling with his parents, told VietnamNet.

Survivors sit on the capsized vessel as rescue workers arrive (AP)

Survivors sit on the capsized vessel as rescue workers arrive (AP)

Most of the passengers, including about 20 children, were tourists from the Southeast Asian countrys capital city, Hanoi, local media reported.

Nearly 300 rescuers, including border guards, navy personnel, police, and professional divers, were deployed to the scene. Although the sea had calmed by the time rescuers arrived, weather conditions limited visibility, making their work difficult.

The rescuers managed to retrieve the sunken boat, the government said.

A witness told AFP news agency that the sky darkened at around 2pm local time on Saturday and there were hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning.

A picture showed two people sitting on top of the capsized vessel in choppy waters as rescue workers arrived to help them.

People are rescued from the capsized boat (AP)

People are rescued from the capsized boat (AP)

The government ordered a thorough review of all maritime safety procedures and asked officials to ensure the highest level of safety for vessels operating in the area.

Halong Bay, about 200km northeast of Hanoi, attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. In 2011, the sinking of a tour boat in Halong Bay killed 12 people, including foreign tourists.

Last week, at least 10 people went missing after a boat capsized during bad weather off the Mentawai Islands in Indonesias West Sumatra province. The other eight people on board were rescued after the vessel sank at around 11am local time on Monday, the national search and rescue agency said.

The doomed vessel had left Sikakap, a small town in the Mentawai Islands, for the town of Tuapejat. At least 10 government officials were among the 18 people on board, according to local reports.
Medicines that are legal in the UK can be restricted or even banned in other countries (Getty Images)

As summer holidays begin, many travellers are packing more than just swimsuits and sunscreen  for millions, medicines are essential.

But taking them abroad isnt always simple. From legal pitfalls to temperature-sensitive drugs, heres how to travel safely and legally with your medication.

Know the law

Medicines that are legal in the UK can be restricted or even banned in other countries. Having a valid prescription doesnt guarantee you can take a medicine into another country.

For example, Nurofen Plus, which contains codeine (an opioid painkiller), is prohibited in countries like Egypt, Indonesia and the UAE.

Even common cold remedies containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine can land you in trouble in places like Japan and South Korea. This is because pseudoephedrine can be used to make methamphetamine (speed). Likewise, many stimulant ADHD drugs are also banned from these countries.

Some countries have restrictions on the amount of medication that you are allowed to bring into the country, usually a maximum of a three-month supply.

Nurofen Plus is prohibited in countries like Egypt, Indonesia and the UAE (AP)

Nurofen Plus is prohibited in countries like Egypt, Indonesia and the UAE (AP)

Travellers often overlook how strict customs regulations can be regarding medications. Even if prescribed for a valid medical reason, carrying a prohibited drug can lead to confiscation (leaving you without essential treatment), fines (especially in countries with tough drug laws) and detention or arrest in rare but serious cases.

If youre travelling with certain controlled drugs  such as opioids, stimulants or psychotropic substances  you may need to apply for an export licence from the UK Home Office. This is typically required when carrying a supply of three months or more. Examples of controlled drugs include diazepam (for anxiety and muscle spasms), codeine and morphine (for pain), amphetamines (for ADHD) and temazepam (for insomnia).

Before you travel, check whether your medicine is affected by any of these restrictions. Use the countrys embassy website or the UK governments travel advice to check the rules of your destination country.

This should provide guidance on whether you simply need a copy of your prescription, a doctors letter or a special import certificate (some countries require official documentation even for personal use).

The UK government advises carrying controlled drugs or any drugs that might be restricted in your hand luggage. You should take along a prescription or a signed letter from your doctor detailing your medication, dosage and travel dates.

Ensure you take sufficient supplies for the duration of your trip and include extras for unexpected delays, damage or loss.

Store your medication properly

It might be tempting to save space by transferring pills or liquids into smaller containers or pill organisers. While this can be convenient, its not always advisable. Customs officials may not recognise unlabelled containers, increasing the chance of delays or confiscation.

Some medications are sensitive to light, air or temperature, and must remain in their original packaging to stay effective. For example, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) sprays like Lenzetto must not be decanted.

These products rely on precise metered dosing and specialised packaging to deliver the correct amount of hormone. Transferring them to another container could result in incorrect dosing or loss of potency.

Similarly, GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) tablets, used to treat angina, should always be stored in their original glass bottle. The active ingredient can evaporate if exposed to air, reducing the tablets effectiveness.

You might be worried about the 100ml liquid in hand luggage restriction  with a doctors letter certifying the need for this medicine, you should be able to take larger amounts of liquid medicine through security.

A doctors letter certifying the need for a medicine should allow you to take larger amounts through security (Getty Images)

A doctors letter certifying the need for a medicine should allow you to take larger amounts through security (Getty Images)

Medicines should always be kept in their original packaging with labels intact. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist whether your medication can be safely repackaged for travel.

Its also important to split your supply of medicines between bags (if more than one is used) in case one is lost. Tablets and capsules can sometimes be placed in a pill organiser for daily use, but always carry the original box or prescription label as backup.

Some medicines require refrigeration  like Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) injections for weight loss or insulin.

Usually, unopened Wegovy pens and insulin preparations should be stored between 2C and 8C in a fridge. Once out of the fridge, they can be kept at room temperature (up to 25C) for up to 28 days, but must be protected from heat and sunlight. High temperatures, such as in direct sunlight or a hot car, can damage insulin.

Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy should be stored between 2C and 8C in a fridge (PA)

Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy should be stored between 2C and 8C in a fridge (PA)

When travelling, use an insulated travel case or cool pack, but avoid placing pens or other medicines directly next to ice packs to prevent freezing.

Airlines generally do not provide refrigeration or freezer storage for passenger items, including medicines, due to space and liability concerns, but its worth contacting them to see if they can help with arrangements for storage. Inspect insulin for crystals after flying  if any are present, it should be discarded.

You can bring needles and injectable medicines like EpiPens (for allergies), insulin or Wegovy in your hand luggage. But its important to carry a doctors note stating your medical condition and the necessity of the medication, and a copy of your prescription.

You should also declare them at airport security. Security officers may inspect these items separately, so allow for extra time going through security.

Contact your airline for any specific rules on needles and injectable medicines. Always carry such medicines and medical devices in your hand luggage  checked bags can be lost or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Dont skip doses

Tempting as it may be to leave your medication behind for a short trip, doing so can be risky. Stopping treatment  even temporarily  can lead to relapse or worsening of symptoms (especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension or depression).

For medicines like antidepressants or opioids, people may start feeling withdrawal effects. Youre also at risk of reduced effectiveness if you miss doses of medicines that require consistent levels in your bloodstream.

If youre considering a break from your medication, consult your doctor first. They can advise whether a short pause is safe or help you plan a travel-friendly regimen.

Take the right documents

While showing your NHS app to border officials may help demonstrate that a medicine is prescribed to you, its not always sufficient, especially when travelling with restricted or controlled drugs and injectable medicines.

Most countries require a copy of your prescription and a doctors letter confirming the medication is for personal use. Your doctor is not legally obliged to issue this letter, but most will do so upon request.

Its best to ask at least one to two weeks in advance, as some practices may charge a fee or require time to prepare the documentation.

Travelling with medication doesnt have to be stressful, but it does require planning. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your holiday without compromising your health or running afoul of foreign laws.

Dipa Kamdar is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Connecting the world: Museum in Tartu, Estonia (Julian Eccles)

Holidaymakers in Corfu have been hit with bills for roaming charges of up to 300 after their phones latched on to Albanian mobile phone masts. At their closest, the Greek island and the Balkan nation are barely one mile apart.

The Mail reports that holidaymaker Maria Pratt wrote on Facebook: We got caught out 298 pound bill when we got home x.

This issue is not limited to Corfu/Albania confusion. Most British travellers have some sort of deal for low roaming charges within the European Union, and often the wider Schengen area (including Switzerland, Iceland and Norway). Costs are kept down to perhaps a few pounds per day.

But in border areas with non-EU nations, or on ships connected to maritime satellite networks, travellers can inadvertently lock onto networks where charges are extremely high.

These are the key questions and answers.

I fly to an EU country. I switch on my phone. What could possibly go wrong?

So long as you are staying well away from any borders with non-EU nations, and coastlines where you could connect inadvertently with a maritime network, not much.

Typical roaming arrangements allow you a reasonable deal for Schengen area nations plus Ireland, the Isle of Man, Channel Islands, San Marino and Vatican City. Because a number of remote islands and territories are part of France, the plan often includes some far-flung destinations, including Guyane, Guadeloupe, St-Martin and Reunion.

Notably, though, plans usually exclude some key Balkan, Mediterranean and Pyrenean nations:

Albania

Andorra

Bosnia

Kosovo

Moldova

Montenegro

North Macedonia

Serbia

Turkey

These territories are priced at high rates. Maritime tariffs  as applied on some ferries and cruise ships  are even more expensive.

What are the possible roaming risks?

The main problem is connecting to a network in another destination without meaning to. Phones are constantly probing to detect the optimum mast, and that may lay on the other side of an international border  or even on a vessel at seas.

Where are the most likely problems?

Holidaymakers on some Greek islands are prone to locking on to other countries providers. Besides the Corfu-Albania example, the northern tip of Kos is only three miles from Turkey, while part of Lesbos is six miles from the Turkish mainland. Little-visited Chios is four miles from Turkey.

In Cyprus, close to the Green Line, phones may select a network from the self-styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

In Croatia, the main problems concern the narrow coastal strip in the south, where Bosnia is never far away.

Some of the most enticing locations in northeast Romania, including elaborately painted monasteries, are close to the Moldovan frontier.

In the Suwalki Gap  where Poland and Lithuania meet, pinched between Belarus and Russian exclave Kaliningrad  you may lock on to a network that will either not work or cost you a fortune. The same applies in northeast Estonia, at the spectacular city of Narva, overlooking Russia.

Melissa Riggs spends time in Tarifa, the southernmost town in mainland Spain. She says: If we go for a walk, I switch off automatic network selection as it often selects Morocco!

Even in the UK, at some locations on the coast of southeast Kent, your phone may find a network in France more appealing.

Travellers to French locations in the Caribbean might find potential issues, too. St-Martin (French) and the Dutch outpost of Sint Maarten share an island; the French part has cheap roaming, the Dutch part does not.

How can I avoid inadvertent roaming?

You could turn off roaming altogether. On Android phones such as the Samsung Galaxy, go to settings, connections, mobile networks then select roaming off. On an iPhone, from settings, go into mobile service then mobile data options. Select roaming off. Then rely on local free wifi.

If you want to roam without unpleasant surprises, start with roaming off. On arrival in the destination, for an Android, from mobile networks select network mode, then network operators and disable select automatically. On an iPhone, go to settings and network selection; disable automatic. Choose a local provider; your phone should not opt for anyone else.

Then switch on roaming.

I am going to a country where roaming costs a fortune

Get a local sim or an esim that will allow you to make and receive calls, and use data, at a low price  which you can top up as necessary as you go.

Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue  and what it means for you.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call that the conflict in Syria needs to end immediately, a Turkish foreign ministry source said on Saturday.

Fidan said that he supports the constructive role the United States is playing in Syria and Turkey is ready to work with it to achieve a lasting end to the conflict, the source said.

"Fidan said that Israel's interventions in Syrian territory further exacerbate the problem, and that any attack on Syria's territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty also undermines regional peace efforts," the source said.

On Friday, the U.S. envoy to Turkey said Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire after days of bloodshed in the predominantly Druze area that has killed over 300 people.

(Reporting by Daren Butler; Editing by Barbara Lewis)
By David Shepardson and Kylie Madry

WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -The Trump administration said on Saturday it will take action against Mexico after the Mexican government cut flight slots and forced cargo carriers to relocate operations in Mexico City, affecting U.S. airlines.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement the department could disapprove flight requests from Mexico if the government fails to address U.S. concerns over decisions made in 2022 and 2023.

The Department of Transportation is also proposing to withdraw antitrust immunity from Delta Air Lines' joint venture with Aeromexico to address competitive issues.

Mexico is the most popular international destination for U.S. airline travelers.

Delta said if the DOT withdraws approval, it "would cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition."

Aeromexico said it was preparing a joint response to the order, which it plans to issue in the coming days.

MEXICO CITY SHAKE-UP

The DOT alleges Mexico has violated a bilateral air agreement by slashing slots for passenger flights and forcing all-cargo carriers to relocate operations.

Then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended the decisions, arguing that the capital's main airport was too crowded and that the new, farther-away Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) could handle the extra traffic.

Officials are rushing to renovate the aging Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) ahead of next year's World Cup, for which Mexico is a host country.

"By restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of MEX, Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market, and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs," the DOT said.

The AIFA is already at full capacity for cargo handling and needs to be expanded. For passenger flights, it lags far behind MEX as transportation to and from the city remains spotty.

"The move not only disrupted critical air cargo operations and set a dangerous precedent for how all-cargo carriers may be treated in global markets, it also created uncertainty about how potential safety emergencies could be handled," said the Cargo Airline Association, which represents major U.S cargo carriers.

Mexico's Transportation Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

THE MEASURES

The DOT issued orders requiring Mexican airlines to file schedules with the department for all their U.S. operations by a late-July deadline while requiring prior U.S. approval for large charter flights to or from the United States.

Airlines set to be affected by the measures, including Volaris and Viva Aerobus, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

If the U.S. rescinds antitrust approval for Delta and Aeromexico, they would be required to end their cooperation on pricing, capacity, and revenue sharing. Delta would be able to retain its equity stake in Aeromexico and continue other aspects of its partnership.

The DOT also said it could take action against European countries over limitations at airports.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Kylie Madry in Mexico City; editing by Diane Craft and Rod Nickel)
For decades, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations  known as ASEAN  has been treated in Washington and other capitals as a bedrock of regional stability. It has been a model of consensus-driven diplomacy and a potential counterweight to Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific.

But in 2025, that image is becoming dangerously outdated. ASEAN is no longer a coherent political bloc. Fragmented by internal crises, paralyzed in the face of regional threats, and unable to coordinate a meaningful response to the great power rivalry unfolding around it, ASEAN is collapsing  slowly, quietly, but unmistakably.

The crisis is perhaps most vivid in Myanmar, where the military junta that seized power in 2021 is now fighting for its survival. The country is in open civil war. Resistance groups have taken control of large parts of the borderlands, while the regime continues to commit war crimes and ignore every diplomatic overture. ASEANs so-called Five-Point Consensus  once touted as a pathway to peace  has become a dead letter.

The bloc has refused to suspend Myanmars membership, despite growing international pressure. Its only action has been to exclude the junta from high-level summits, a symbolic gesture that does nothing to halt the violence or alleviate the suffering of civilians.

Myanmar is not the only fracture. Thailand, one of ASEANs founding members and once seen as a stabilizing force in the region, is now consumed by its own political drama. After the 2023 general election, the progressive Move Forward Party won the most seats, only to be blocked from forming a government by the military-appointed Senate. In a stunning reversal, the Pheu Thai Party  once the main opposition to military rule  formed a coalition with those same military-aligned forces. The deal returned the old guard to power, sowing deep distrust among voters.

Now, that uneasy alliance is unravelling. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of exiled former prime minister Thaksin and a prominent Pheu Thai figure, has been suspended from parliament amid an escalating scandal involving a leaked phone call with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen. The call, widely interpreted as backchannel political coordination, has triggered an uproar in Bangkok, deepened factional rifts within the ruling coalition, and prompted speculation that another military coup  Thailands third in two decades  may be on the horizon.

Cambodia, for its part, is not even pretending to operate as a democracy. The 2023 handover of power from Hun Sen to his son, Hun Manet, was engineered with minimal transparency and no serious opposition. Phnom Penh remains one of Beijings most loyal allies in the region, frequently undermining ASEAN unity on issues involving China  especially in the South China Sea. Laos is similarly aligned with China and effectively absent from ASEAN diplomacy.

These trends are not isolated. They expose a deeper structural failure: ASEANs model of consensus, non-interference and formal equality among states is no longer fit for purpose. It worked  barely  during the Cold War and its aftermath, when the region could afford strategic ambiguity. But todays geopolitical climate is different.

Today, the region is a front line in U.S.-China competition, and ASEANs diplomatic architecture is proving inadequate. It lacks a unified voice on security, democracy, trade or technology  the defining issues of our time.

The blocs inability to act has real consequences. As tensions rise in the South China Sea, with Chinese maritime aggression accelerating around the Philippines and Vietnam, ASEAN has failed to issue even a joint statement of condemnation. As the U.S. and its allies try to build resilient supply chains and technology partnerships, ASEAN members are signing competing deals  often with China  and undercutting each others positions.

Even on trade, where ASEAN was once considered relatively cohesive, real influence has shifted elsewhere. China is now the largest trading partner for nearly every ASEAN state, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has further institutionalized Beijings role at the center of regional commerce.

Behind closed doors, ASEAN officials increasingly acknowledge the dysfunction. Some are frustrated by the charade of unity. But the blocs institutional design  a rotating chairmanship, no enforcement powers, and a culture of diplomatic avoidance  makes real change nearly impossible. The result is performative multilateralism: summits that produce boilerplate communiques, working groups that avoid hard issues and a growing gap between ASEANs image and its actual influence.

This matters for U.S. strategy. Washington has long relied on ASEAN centrality as a foundation for its Indo-Pacific engagement. But if ASEAN cannot function as a reliable partner, U.S. policymakers will need to shift course. That may mean building more flexible mini-lateral coalitions with individual countries like the Philippines, Vietnam or Indonesia. It may also require confronting the uncomfortable truth that ASEANs decline helps Beijing, which has long exploited the blocs divisions to blunt regional resistance to Chinese assertiveness.

Southeast Asia remains one of the worlds most dynamic regions  economically vibrant, demographically young and strategically pivotal. But its central political institution is in retreat. ASEAN is not dead, but it has become hollow. Until its member states and their international partners are willing to admit that reality, the region will remain vulnerable  not just to external pressure, but to its own slow unravelling.

Joseph Black is an American expat currently pursuing a masters in international affairs at Kings College London and a Ph.D. in gender studies at Chiang Mai University. He also serves as a research officer at the University of New South Wales.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Pope Leo XIV declared the 2007 recovery of an ailing premature baby at a Rhode Island hospital a miracle, crediting a physicians prayer with saving the babys life, the Vatican announced.

Little Tyquan Hall, who was born via emergency cesarean section, suffered from oxygen deprivation, was pale, cyanotic, and barely had a pulse  and doctors did not expect him to survive, according to the Diocese of Almeria.

In a desperate plea, attending physician Dr. Juan Sanchez, a native of Huercal-Overa, Spain, prayed for the miraculous intercession of the regions patron, 19th century Father Valera Parra, WJAR reported.

Pope Leo XIV. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

A few minutes after the faithful prayer the childs heart began to beat normally without medical intervention.

Despite the scientifically inexplicable recovery, Tyquan was expected to have serious neurological damage due to the severe lack of oxygen in his first hours of his life.

Tyquan, however, grew up strong and hit all of his developmental milestones  including speaking at 18 months and walking at 2 years, according to WJAR.

The miracle intercession declared by Pope Leo indicates that Father Valera Parra could be on the path to sainthood.

Reverend Timothy Reilly of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, celebrated the official declaration.

We are thrilled that this recognition will move the cause of beatification and canonization forward for Venerable Servant of God Salvador Valera Parra, Reilly said in a statement reported by WJAR.

Despite having hardly a pulse and being deprived of oxygen for the first hours of his life, little Tyquan Hall grew up to be a healthy baby boy. Seventyfour  stock.adobe.com

The cool thing is, the more you think about the miracle itself, Father Valera lives in the 19th century. He never came to the U.S. We have no knowledge of him coming here. Never came to Rhode Island, Reilly said.

And yet, because the doctor called out and called upon his name for help in the situation back in 07 on behalf of that little baby, he decided to intervene and ask God for a miracle, the reverend concluded, according to the outlet.

Valera Parra lived in Spain from 1816 to 1889. He was a humble diocesan priest who has had no miracles or great acts attributed to him during his lifetime.

The first American pope has also pushed forward the cause of the first Millennial saint  Carlos Acutis, a charitable British 15-year-old who died in 2007 of leukemia and whose body is on display in a glass tomb in Assisi, Italy.


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The season of polka dots is upon usfrom the chic polka-dot dresses that took over the stands during Royal Ascot and Wimbledon to Hailey Biebers polka-dot capri pants and the cutesy polka-dot micro shorts Olivia Rodrigo recently stepped out inthe playful print has only snowballed in popularity this summer. Now, Queen Letizia is jumping on the trend while giving it her own sophisticated spin.

On Thursday, the queen of Spain emerged in Madrid wearing a breezy white sundress covered in a graphic navy print. At first glance, the pattern looked like all-over polka dots, but upon closer inspection, it revealed itself to be little deep-blue scribbly blocks.

Carlos Alvarez - Getty Images

The airy midi dress had a high, pleather neckline, long sleeves, and a flowy pleated skirt that went down to Letizias shins. The piece was cinched at the waist with a thin leather belt in royal-blue leather, adorned with a golden buckle.

Europa Press Entertainment - Getty Images

With the help of her longtime stylist, Eva Fernandez, the royal paired the sundress with pointy leather kitten heels in a deep blue to match her dresss print. She continued the color scheme with her jewelry, which included dangly earrings with rectangular sapphires.

She finished off the look with her signature maroon smoky eye and glossy lip.

Carlos Alvarez - Getty Images

Letizia wore the fresh look to attend the annual meeting with the Princess of Asturias Foundation board members at the El Pardo Palace, alongside husband King Felipe VI.

Carlos Alvarez - Getty Images

Letizia has long favored a belted midi dress. Just last month, the monarch attended an event while in a textured white mock-neck dress courtesy of Massimo Dutti. The sleeveless midi had a dreamy, cloud-like appearance, and the royal cinched it at the waist with a thick black leather belt.

The royal also wore a belted white day dress back in Maythis one with a dainty black floral print, from Spanish brand Yolanda Guillen.

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In the wake of deadly floods in Texas Hill Country, first responders and good Samaritans have banded together to help reunite residents with their cherished possessions. (Carter Johnston and Lexi Parra for NBC News)

Matthew Rafferty was scouring the flooded riverbanks of Texas Hill Country last weekend when he stumbled on a mud-soaked baby quilt. Rafferty, a Virginia firefighter who was deployed to hard-hit Kerr County to help with search and recovery efforts, folded it up and took it back to his hotel. He rinsed it off in the bathtub. He worried the drain might clog because of all the filth, tree roots and rocks that came out.

But the tub survived and, after a trip to the laundromat, the quilt was virtually good as new. He posted a photo of the blanket on a Facebook group where people across central Texas are keeping track of things theyve recovered from the devastation: waterlogged clothes, stuffed animals, Barbie dolls, marriage licenses, family photo albums. Rafferty eventually connected with the quilts owner and hand-delivered it to her.

Matthew Rafferty and members of his swift-water rescue team returned a baby quilt to the blanket's owner.

Im a father of 3-year-old twin boys. I know if Id gone through something like these quilts, Id want it back, said Rafferty, 34.

Rafferty is part of a loose network of first responders, volunteers and good Samaritans who have fanned out across the region to help reunite Texans with the cherished belongings, family heirlooms and everyday household knickknacks that were swept away when floods ripped through Kerr County over Fourth of July weekend, killing more than 130 people and leaving at least 100 missing.

This week, NBC News spoke with people in the region about the objects that have turned up in the floods aftermath  and why they matter. In some cases, seemingly trivial items have taken on far greater emotional significance in the wake of the deadly floods. These are some of their stories.

The jewelry

Patty Hyatt was inside her mobile home with her 8-year-old grandson and her new beagle puppy early July 4 when her son called. The floodwaters were rising fast and they needed to get to higher ground as soon as possible, he told her. Hyatt, a 67-year-old retired teacher, loaded everyone into her Toyota Tacoma and headed to her sons house, leaving most of her things behind.

When she returned to the Old River Road RV Resort the following morning, her 42-foot Forest River home was gone, washed away by the floods. She was heartbroken. I just lost stuff, not loved ones, she said  but most objects in her home were associated with special memories and she was sorry to see them go.

Patty Hyatt with some of the jewelry that was found roughly 10 miles from Kerrville, Texas. (Carter Johnston for NBC News)

Thats where Dondi Persyn stepped in.

Persyn, 54, posted a photo of some of Hyatts jewelry on FOUND on the Guadalupe River, a Facebook page she created that she runs with the help of friends. The jewelry had turned up in Center Point, roughly 10 miles from Kerrville.

Persyn, who used to own a vintage store, spent a night untangling and cleaning Hyatts necklaces and bracelets by hand, restoring some of their luster.

It turned out that during the flash flooding, Hyatts orange clamshell necklace and other pieces had been fortuitously held together by a pink string  a bracelet that a student had made for Hyatt more than a decade ago. In that, Hyatt saw rich symbolism. The children have always held me together, Hyatt said. Theyre still holding me together.

The totem pole

Ten years ago, Shelby Johnson bought something on a lark from a merchant in San Antonio: a hand-carved and painted totem pole. She named it Oonka Oonka. The totem pole was a highlight of her annual spring break parties, and it stood proudly on the back porch of her boyfriends house, located on a secluded stretch between Center Point and the town of Comfort.

Flash-forward to the chaos of July Fourth: Johnson, 53, and her boyfriend, J.R. Haas, fled to higher ground in their trucks before the floods deluged his house. When they returned, they discovered most of their possessions were destroyed, the house reduced to a disgusting, muddy mess. They found the remains of one of her three cats, a kitten named Fancy, and realized Johnsons Volkswagen Jetta had floated down the road.

Apparently, so had Oonka Oonka.

Shelby Johnson with "Oonka Oonka," a hand-carved totem pole she bought about 10 years ago. (Carter Johnston for NBC News)

The totem pole was found off a riverbank in Comfort by Cory Nicholson, a 40-year-old volunteer searcher and roofing contractor who posted his discovery on the Facebook page. The wooden sculpture had emerged intact and mostly unscathed.

It was in close to perfect condition, Nicholson said.

Oonka Oonka has been returned to Johnson, who sees her 10-year-old purchase in a different light. Hes turned into a symbol of survival now, she said.

The camp sign

Brandon Hamrick and his wife, Shanndel, volunteered to help search for bodies just a day after raging waters tore through the region. They were combing through a riverbed near their home in Center Point on July 5 when they found a 2-by-2-foot wooden sign in the shape of a heart.

It was a remnant of Heart O the Hills, a summer camp for girls in the flood-battered community of Hunt.

Hamrick, 47, wiped mud off the face of the sign. The white paint was torn and chipped in some spots, but he could make out inscriptions from campers  including one apparently dated 1992.

Brandon Hamrick and his wife, Shanndel, with the Heart O' the Hills camp sign they found in Center Point, Texas. (Carter Johnston for NBC News)

I could see the names of all these girls on there. I felt joyous, in a way, because I knew I could bring it back to them, Hamrick said.

He believed returning the sign to Heart O the Hills could bring a small measure of solace to a community mourning the loss of Jane Ragsdale, the camps co-owner and director, who died in the floods. (The camp was not in session during the disaster.)

Brandon and Shanndel, who build custom pickup trucks for a living, found childrens toys along the riverbed, too  a tiny doll with long blond hair, a Paw Patrol stuffed animal. They gathered up as much as they could.

The Hamricks plan to drive out to the camp to hand-deliver the sign to the surviving owners.

The memorial bench

Four years ago this month Patricia Jernigans daughter Shannon died from breast cancer. She was 50. The two women lived together in Texas Hill Country. They enjoyed their lives in the area; Shannon was a material program manager for the supply chain at A7 Defense & Aerospace and in her spare time admired Kerr Countys population of white-tailed deer.

In honor of Shannons life, Patricia installed a commemorative bench at Lehmann-Monroe Park, a 27-acre patch of land west of the Guadalupe River.

The park was thrashed during the floods, and the bench was apparently swept away to nearby Louise Hays Park. Thats where it was discovered by Orlando Orly Ayala, a 38-year-old volunteer searcher. Ayala was digging through piles of debris when he spotted the bench at the base of a cypress tree on the night of July 10.

From left, a photo of Shannon Jernigan, who died in 2021; Patricia Jernigan, at her home in Galveston County, Texas; and Orlando "Orly" Ayala, who found Shannon's memorial bench. (Lexi Parra and Carter Johnston for NBC News)

I cleaned it off and I realized, Wow, this is really something, said Ayala.

Patricia, 77, said she wants the bench to be reinstalled in Kerrville after the area is cleaned up. The plaque that had been affixed to the bench has gone missing, but she hopes it is found. That way, passersby and animal watchers can read the poem under Shannons name  five rhyming lines Patricia wrote in her daughters memory:

When it comes to Gods critters big or small

she wanted to feed them one and all

But when it came to deer, such gentle souls

she loved to feed them with hands and bowls

Forever we will love the heart of this baby girl.
We just got 26 new reasons to pack our bags. UNESCO recently unveiled its latest additions to the World Heritage List, bringing the total to 1,248 extraordinary locations that represent "cultural and natural properties of outstanding universal value." From fairytale castles to ancient tombs, underwater ruins to pristine archipelagos, these newly designated sites are some of our planet's most remarkable treasures, making you wonder: What took so long? Here are some highlights  and the whole 2025 list.

Al Carrera via Getty Images

The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Germany

Sorry, Disneyland, the original fantasy kingdom is calling. These four palatial complexes, including the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, were built by Bavaria's eccentric "Mad King" between 1864 and 1886. UNESCO describes them as "records in stone of the ideal fantasy world which the king built as a refuge from reality." With their romantic spires and Alpine backdrops, these palaces offer visitors a chance to step into Ludwig's elaborate dreams made manifest.

ilbusca via Getty Images

The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal, Jamaica

Once known as the "wickedest city on Earth," Port Royal was a bustling hub of pirates, merchants, and enslaved people in the 17th century. A devastating 1692 earthquake pushed much of this notorious English port city underwater, creating what's essentially an underwater time capsule. Today, visitors can explore the remains of this legendary Caribbean trading center, where tales of treasure and treachery come alive through archaeological discoveries.

Purplexsu via Getty Images

Xixia Imperial Tombs, China

Hidden in China's Ningxia region lies one of the country's most intact archaeological treasures  a vast necropolis featuring nine imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, and 32 flood control structures. This site showcases the powerful Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227), which served as a crucial Silk Road distribution center before being destroyed by Genghis Khan's Mongol forces. The tombs offer rare insight into a lesser-known but influential Chinese empire.

EyeEm Mobile GmbH via Getty Images

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

Nature lovers, this one's for you. The Bijagos Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau's coast is a biodiversity hotspot that's home to endangered Green and Leatherback turtles, manatees, dolphins, and over 870,000 migratory shorebirds. This pristine marine ecosystem offers visitors a chance to witness untouched African coastal wilderness, where traditional fishing communities coexist with remarkable wildlife in crystal-clear waters.

Ashley Cooper via Getty Images

Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape, Malawi

Rising dramatically from Malawi's landscape, Mount Mulanje is revered as a sacred mountain by local communities. This cultural landscape combines stunning natural beauty with deep spiritual significance, featuring unique montane ecosystems and traditional practices that have been preserved for generations. Hikers and cultural enthusiasts can explore ancient pathways while learning about the mountain's role in local mythology and daily life.

emicristea via Getty Images

Minoan Palatial Centres, Greece

Step back 4,000 years to Europe's first advanced civilization. These Minoan sites showcase the sophisticated Bronze Age culture that flourished on Crete before the rise of classical Greece. Visitors can explore elaborate palace complexes  like the Palace of Knossos  with their distinctive red columns, advanced drainage systems (they had plumbing!), and vibrant frescoes depicting dolphins, bulls, and elegant court life. These archaeological treasures offer insights into Europe's earliest literate society.

carstenbrandt via Getty Images

Mns Klint, Denmark

Denmark's chalk cliffs rise 400 feet above the Baltic Sea, creating one of Northern Europe's most striking natural monuments. These pristine white cliffs, backed by ancient beech forests, offer visitors dramatic coastal views and fossil-hunting opportunities. The site combines geological wonder with cultural significance, as these cliffs have inspired Danish artists and writers for centuries while serving as important breeding grounds for seabirds.

The rest of UNESCO's new 2025 sites

Beyond the highlighted destinations above, UNESCO also recognized these remarkable locations:

Cultural Sites:

Cambodian Memorial Sites : Former Khmer Rouge prisons and execution sites transformed into places of peace and reflection

Cultural Heritage Sites of Ancient Khuttal, Tajikistan : Archaeological remains from this historic Central Asian region

Peruacu River Canyon, Brazil : spectacular limestone caves, waterfalls, and unique ecosystems that support rare species

Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains, Cameroon : Traditional terraced landscapes in the Mandara highlands

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia  The domus de janas, Italy : Ancient underground burial chambers carved into rock

Maratha Military Landscapes of India : Historic fortifications and military architecture from the Maratha Empire

Megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan, France : Prehistoric stone monuments along the Brittany coast

Bangucheon Stream Petroglyphs, South Korea : Prehistoric rock carvings that offer glimpses into early Korean civilization

Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley, Iran : Archaeological evidence of early human settlement

Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave, Russia : Ancient cave art in the Ural Mountains

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe, Turkey : Ancient capital of Lydia and royal burial mounds

The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panama : Historic trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific

Wixarika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta, Mexico : Sacred pilgrimage path of the Huichol people

Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex, Vietnam: Buddhist monuments and landscapes

Natural Sites:

Faya Palaeolandscape, United Arab Emirates : Fossil-rich desert landscape revealing ancient ecosystems

Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor : Tropical rainforest research and conservation area

Gola-Tiwai Complex, Sierra Leone : Pristine rainforest ecosystem

Mount Kumgang  Diamond Mountain from the Sea, North Korea : Scenic mountain landscape with cultural significance

Murujuga Cultural Landscape, Australia: Ancient Aboriginal rock art site in Western Australia

Planning your UNESCO adventure? Remember that World Heritage status comes with a commitment to preservation  these sites are protected for future generations, so travel responsibly and respect local guidelines. With 26 new additions, 2025 promises to be an extraordinary year for heritage tourism.
An unsuspecting delivery driver was nearly struck by lightning outside a home in Wayne, New Jersey, on Monday, July 14, as thunderstorms moved through the region.

A delivery driver in New Jersey narrowly avoided contact with a whopping dose of nature's electricity.

The man, who appears to work for a food delivery service, was almost struck by a lightning bolt while he was delivering food to a home in Wayne, a township in Passaic County, on July 14.

We ordered food, and when the delivery driver came to the door, lightning struck, Lisa Lowe, the homeowner who caught the moment on video, told Storyful.

Watch delivery driver almost get struck by lightning in New Jersey

The death-defying experience, captured through a doorbell cam, shows the driver making his way up the driveway and ringing the doorbell a couple of times before the bolt hits, only a few inches from his frame. He is heard letting out a yelp and seen crouching down moments before the homeowners get to the door.

"I thought that was ... I thought that was going to hit me," the driver can be heard telling the couple. The delivery driver did not show signs of an injury, telling the couple he was OK before walking back to his vehicle.

What are the odds of being struck by lightning?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are less than one in a million, and almost 90% of all lightning strike victims survive.

Participating in outdoor recreational activities or working outside are some factors that can put you at greater risk of being struck. Regional and seasonal differences can also affect your risk of being struck by lightning, the CDC said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch delivery driver almost get struck by lightning in New Jersey
Kennedy News and Media Halle Hizer says her ear was full of "poison" after getting bitten on vacation.





NEED TO KNOW

Halle Hizer, 20, and her grandmother were on a weeklong beach vacation in Rhodes, a Greek Island, when she woke up with a swollen ear

She assumed it was a mosquito bite, and when she sought medical care on vacation, she was given antibiotics, which proved ineffective

The college student developed an abscess and required surgery when she got home, which is when doctors realized she'd been bitten by something else entirely





A woman who thought she had a mosquito bite on her ear developed an abscess and needed surgery  but it was something else entirely.

Halle Hizer, 20, and her grandmother were two days into a weeklong vacation in Rhodes, a Greek island known for its beaches, in early June, when she woke with a swollen ear. But Hizer, who hails from the English town of Enfleld, said she dismissed it as irritation from wearing her earbuds.

But the next day, it kept getting bigger and bigger and pus started coming out of it, the college student said, according to Daily Mail. She thought it was a mosquito bite and sought help from a local pharmacist, who gave her an antibiotic cream.

Kennedy News and Media Halle Hizer needed to undergo surgery when she returned home from vacation.

Her ear doubled in size, swelling like a cauliflower. But at the insistence of her grandmother, Hizer sought medical care, and says the doctor just took one look over and said You've got a bad infection in your ear, and that's it. He gave me antibiotics and I was taking them  but my ear wasn't getting any better. It was getting worse.

After flying home on June 6, she began to experience a stabbing pain and shared that she was scared she might lose her ear. Hizer went straight to the hospital, where she says doctors told her the antibiotics shed been prescribed were strange because, "we haven't used this antibiotic for years in medicine because it's been proven it doesn't work anymore."

Because I wasn't given the right antibiotics, my ear ended up getting so infected to the point pus was coming out that was basically poison, Hizer said. Every five minutes my ear would be leaking. The doctors told me I would need surgery to remove the abscess.

It was during surgery that doctors realized what had caused the infection: It was a venomous spider. You could see from the back the bite marks, she said. The most likely culprit: the Mediterranean recluse spider  also known as a violin spider  which is well known for their ability to cause skin necrosis, per the National Library of Medicine.

Kennedy News and Media Halle Hizer says doctors saw the bite marks when she underwent surgery.

While she says her ear has gone back to normal and it's not huge anymore, Hizer says I have a new fear of spiders.

She also plans on thoroughly researching her hotel before her next vacation  and advises others to make sure you have repellent with you and make sure the hotel is clean.

We went for a week just to relax, she says, and it ended up becoming a horror show.

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.





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Orchestra Lumos invites nominations and applications for the position of President and CEO, available in the Fall of 2025. Russell Jones, who has served in the role since 2017, has announced that he will step down at the end of the year. A Search Committee has been formed to identify the next President and CEO and has engaged the Catherine French Group to assist them in recruiting a strong chief executive who will partner with Music Director Michael Stern to lead the continued growth and development of Orchestra Lumos.

The Orchestra

www.orchestralumos.org

Orchestra Lumos brings live symphonic music to nearly 15,000 residents annually across Fairfield County, Connecticut, the most populous county in the state. Formed in 1919 and established as a not-for-profit organization in 1967, the Stamford Symphony was rebranded as Orchestra Lumos in 2022. This change marked the launch of an ambitious plan for growth and a renewed sense of purpose to increase its reach and impact by bringing music to audiences and the many diverse communities of Fairfield County. Uniting the passion of the regions most talented musicians to create exhilarating artistic experiences, Orchestra Lumos aims to inspire, connect, and strengthen the communities it serves throughout the County.

Orchestra Lumos performs at the 1500-seat Palace Theatre in Stamford and in the 2025-26 Season will also appear at the Quick Center on the campus of Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT. The Small Space Series presents musicians in intimate venues throughout the County. Family Fun offers movie, Broadway, and holiday programming for audiences of all ages. Orchestra Lumos partners with a number of Fairfield County community and education organizations to bring music and musical experiences to people in schools, libraries, community centers, hospitals, and rehab facilities. The 2025-26 Season is inspired by the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States; all artists and repertoires are connected to America and will celebrate Americas national treasures.

The Orchestra operates under a collective bargaining agreement with AFM Local 802, the New York Local that also represents Fairfield County. Talented professional musicians from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut come to perform with Orchestra Lumos and to work with Music Director Michael Stern, who has led the orchestra to critical acclaim for the past five years. Solo artists of the highest international stature appear with Orchestra Lumos on a regular basis.

Orchestra Lumos is governed by a Board of 19 community leaders and has a core team of five full-time staff who are supported by five independent consultants with specific concert-related responsibilities. The operating budget for the 2025-2026 season is $2.5 million, of which more than $2 million is supported by philanthropy.

The Opportunity

The next President and CEO will build on the significant work that has so effectively transformed Orchestra Lumos over the past five years. The President will take a leadership role with an Orchestra that is known for its innovative programming and is uniquely positioned to attract the finest musicians in the tri-state area. Working in partnership with a dynamic Music Director, the President will have the opportunity to expand the Orchestras reach into Fairfield County and to deepen connections between Orchestra Lumos and audiences from diverse communities throughout Fairfield County.

The President will join an organization that has strong reserves and a track record for attracting philanthropic support. The Board, Music Director, musicians, and staff are aligned in pursuing the Orchestras artistic, community engagement, and educational goals. The next President and CEO will provide the strategic leadership that will see continued growth while ensuring financial sustainability and the full participation of key external stakeholders.

The Position

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO provides leadership and vision to ensure that Orchestra Lumos fulfills its mission and achieves its goals for artistic, financial, and organizational success. The President is responsible and accountable for all aspects of the Orchestras operations, including: planning; budgeting and financial management; fundraising; audience development; marketing, communications, and public relations; artistic administration and concert production; orchestra relations and collective bargaining negotiations; electronic media; human resource management; education; community engagement; and public advocacy.

The President and CEO is the chief fundraiser for the Orchestra and takes a leadership role in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual and institutional donors to the annual fund, endowment, projects, and special fundraising campaigns. The President provides impetus and support to the fundraising efforts of the Board, and ensures that Orchestra Lumos meets and exceeds its goals for fundraising from all sources. The President assists the Board Chair and Governance Committee in identifying and recruiting prospective Board members throughout the County.

With the Director of Finance, the President oversees the financial management of Orchestra Lumos, including budgeting, financial planning, and cash flow management. The President ensures that the Orchestra achieves its annual and long-term budget goals. The President maintains transparency in financial reporting to internal and external audiences. The President ensures that the Board and its Committees have the timely and accurate information needed to inform their decision making.

The President and CEO is a partner with the Music Director in maintaining an environment that attracts the finest area musicians to Orchestra Lumos and allows them to do their best work. The President recruits, engages, and motivates a high-performing administrative staff who share a commitment to the highest standards of excellence in all aspects their work on behalf of Orchestra Lumos.

The President and CEO oversees the design and implementation of robust audience development, marketing, and communications strategies that build audiences for programs and activities of Orchestra Lumos throughout Fairfield County. The President is the chief spokesperson with local, regional, and national media. The President is the visible representative, spokesperson, and advocate for Orchestra Lumos throughout Fairfield County and the State of Connecticut.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior executive with a deep love of music, a passion for connecting audiences with orchestras, and a track record of success in orchestra management. The candidate will have a thorough knowledge of symphonic music and strong experience working with solo and creative artists across musical genres at a high professional level. The successful candidate will have the demonstrated ability to be an effective partner with the Music Director, musicians, Board, and staff as they realize a collective vision for Orchestra Lumos.

The successful candidate will be a willing and enthusiastic fundraiser with a track record for achieving and exceeding contributed income goals from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government. The candidate will have the demonstrated ability to design and lead annual fund, endowment, capital, and special project fundraising campaigns.

The successful candidate will be an effective manager of people and projects and will have strong budgeting and financial management skills. The candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire and motivate both professionals and volunteers to meet and exceed expectations.

The candidate will have a strong working knowledge of the business of music, including recording, electronic media, and commissioning. The candidate will have experience negotiating and working within a collective bargaining environment and a reputation for fairness and transparency.

The successful candidate will have the ability to oversee the design and implementation of effective marketing campaigns and audience development efforts across multiple communities and venues. The candidate will be an engaged listener and an effective communicator who is able to speak and write persuasively about the value and importance of Orchestra Lumos to Fairfield County. The candidate will have the demonstrated ability to develop, nurture, and sustain positive relationships with patrons, donors, and a diverse range of stakeholders throughout the County.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker who is creative, energetic, innovative, and curious. The candidate will be a person with integrity and high ethical standards. The candidate will be persistent and persuasive and will have the ability to align differing points of view to achieve a shared goal.

The successful candidate will be able to accept a work schedule that regularly includes concerts and events on nights and weekends. The candidate will live within commuting distance of offices in Stamford, CT, and will work on site no fewer than three days a week.

Compensation

Orchestra Lumos offers a competitive and equitable compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $160,000 annually, plus a generous benefits package that includes paid time off and holiday pay; health insurance; life insurance; and a voluntary 401K retirement plan with an employer match of two percent. The Orchestra will also provide assistance with relocation if needed.

Applications

Orchestra Lumos is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes recommendations, nominations, and applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, marital status, or any other basis protected by law. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to complete an I-9 form to verify their identity and employment eligibility.

Please submit a cover letter that describes your specific interest in the mission and work of Orchestra Lumos and your qualifications for the position as described in the candidate profile. Please send this letter with a resume. On a separate sheet include the names and contact information for several professional references. All applications will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without the applicants knowledge and agreement.

Electronic submissions are requested. Send to:

Orchestra Lumos  President and CEO

c/o Catherine French Group

2500 Q Street, NW, Suite 623

Washington, DC. 20007

applications@catherinefrenchgroup.com

(Adobe Acrobat PDF attachments only, please)

The position will remain open until filled. The Search Committee will begin to review credentials in early August.

MORE
Ive been unpardonably remiss about this (having been uncharacteristically off-blog for two months). But I must belatedly add my voice to the encomiums heaped upon the late Leonard Lauder, who died on June 14, which was both Flag Day and the day before Fathers Daya fitting time to celebrate the the legacy of an extraordinary museum patron who helped the Whitney Museum acquire Three Flags, Jasper Johns magnum opus, and later served as the museums chairman emeritus, for whom its Renzo Pianodesigned building in NYCs downtown Meatpacking District was named.

In a NY Times interview with veteran art-market reporter Carol Vogel, Lauder had declared that his quest for coveted artworks keeps me alive. I dont want to stop. Six months after that article was published, he was gone at age 92.

The Whitneys 2016 announcement of the naming of its new downtown building had credited Lauder with helping the museum to acquire 948 works of art, 760 of which he gifted personally; an additional 188 were brought in with the assistance of acquisition committees and other generous collectors. His 2002 donation of 125 works transformed the collection with iconic works by Abstract Expressionist, Pop, and Minimalist artists. These gifts have included major works by artists such as Jasper Johns, Agnes Martin, Louise Nevelson, Claes Oldenburg, Ad Reinhardt, Mark Rothko, Ed Ruscha, Kiki Smith, Frank Stella, and Andy Warhol [in alphabetical order]. Mr. Lauders vision and largesse has helped the Whitney become the preeminent museum of modern and contemporary American art.

Lauder was much more than a mere museum patron. For both the Whitney Museum and the Metropolitan Museum, he was a patron saint.

Leonard Lauder speaking to a Met audience about his then promised (now consummated) gift of Cubist paintings to that museum

Photo by Lee Rosenbaum

At the Met, he bestowed what then director Tom Campbell called (with no hyperbole) a truly transformational giftthe pledge by of 78 works, including 33 by Picasso, 17 by Braque, 14 by Gris, and 14 by Leger. The gift was to be accompanied by the establishment of a new Leonard A. Lauder Research Center for Modern Art, bankrolled with a $22-million endowment, contributed by Lauder and other Met trustees and patrons.

Heres my copy of the 381-page catalogue from 2014, published in conjunction with the Mets inaugural show of Lauders benefactions:

With contributions from major modern-art scholars, the catalogue had two editors: Emily Braun, Lauders longtime personal curator

and Rebecca Rabinow, then the Mets Leonard Lauder Curator of modern art and curator in charge of the Mets Leonard Lauder Research Center for Modern Art:

Rebecca Rabinow

I may have been the first journalist to learn (in an oblique way) about Lauders intention to give the Met his Cubist trove. In my CultureGrrl putdown of what I called, The Mets So-So Picasso Showa lackluster 2010 agglomeration of the museums Picasso holdings, I had mentioned that the Mets trove cant hold a candle to what can be seen in the permanent-collection galleries of a certain modern art museum situated a mile downtown. At the press preview for the Mets misfire, Tom Campbell, the museums then director, had asked me what I thought of that show.

Heres part of what I wrote in my CultureGrrl post about that conversation:

When Campbell greeted me at the press preview, I mentioned the near-dearth of great Analytic Cubist paintings. Youre right, he agreed. Were working on it. See us in 15 years time.

At first, I was dumbfounded. Then I thought of the one collector who probably possessed a collection that could make things right:

LEONARD LAUDER! I exclaimed.

Toms stony silence when I suggested who could make up for the Mets gaping Picasso deficit told me all that I needed to know: I had likely guessed right.

Below is where you need to go to see the offspring that resulted from that long courtship:

Photo by Lee Rosebaum

I recently made pilgrimage to those galleries, directly after attending a recent preview of the Mets newly installed Michael Rockefeller Wing.

Below are just a few highlights from the Lauder trove (photos by Lee Rosenbaum):

Picasso, Seated Female Nude, Winter 1908

Purchase, Leonard Lauder Gift in celebrations of the Mets 150th Anniversary, 2018

Picasso, Nude in an Armchair, Horta de Ebro. Summer 1909

Leger, The Village, 1914

Purchase, Leonard Lauder Gift

Reflecting the enormity of Lauders contributions, the Met published in the NY Times classified obituaries what was perhaps the most effusive post-mortem tribute to a museum patron that Ive ever seen.

An excerpt:
Today's news: Dozens more Palestinians die in Israeli attacks this morning in Gaza. Torrential rains hit South Korea for the fourth consecutive day, displacing 3,000 people. Indonesian police dismantle an international baby trafficking ring. Some 19,000 Afghan victims of a data leak will not receive compensation from the UK.

SYRIA - ISRAEL - GAZA

The United States announced that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, following days of bloodshed in the predominantly Druze area of Suwayda, where at least 600 people have been killed. On Wednesday, Israel launched airstrikes on Damascus, hitting government forces in the south as well, its declared goal, protect Syrian Druze. The ceasefire was reportedly welcomed by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighbours. The Syrian presidency announced that it will deploy new forces to stop sectarian clashes in the south. Meanwhile, following the attack on the Holy Family Parish in Gaza that killed three people, another 41 Palestinians died today alone, including near aid distribution points.

SOUTH KOREA

The torrential rains that are falling on South Korea for the fourth consecutive day have prevented nearly 3,000 people from returning to their homes; meanwhile, the death toll has risen to four, with two missing, authorities report. The rains are expected to continue until Monday. A total of over 7,000 people have been evacuated. Rainfall since Wednesday has reached a record of over 500 mm in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, south of the capital Seoul.

INDONESIA  SINGAPORE

Indonesian police have dismantled an international baby trafficking ring that allegedly sold at least 25 babies in Singapore since 2023. They made 13 trafficking-related arrests in the Indonesian cities of Pontianak and Tangerang this week, and rescued six newborns before they were trafficked. According to police, the organisation's alleged modus operandi was to target parents or expectant mothers who did not want to raise their children.

AFGHANISTAN  UNITED KINGDOM

Thousands of Afghans whose personal data were leaked, but who were not evacuated to the United Kingdom, will not receive any compensation. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) also refuses to proactively provide small compensation to those whose lives were put in danger after a data leak in February 2022, in which the names and details of more than 19,000 people with international ties were made public. Many Afghans now say they fear retaliation from the Taliban.

INDIA  PAKISTAN

US President Donald Trump claimed that five jets were shot down three months ago during hostilities between India and Pakistan, which were halted by a ceasefire in May. He referred to the military confrontation that followed a terror attack in the Kashmir region during a meeting with Republican lawmakers at the White House. Pakistan had immediately claimed to have shot down five Indian jets, a claim that India denied.

UKRAINE

The Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, approved the appointment of Yulia Svyrydenko as prime minister of Ukraine, the second woman to hold this post since independence, the first in 15 years. She won with a large majority of 262 votes, with more than 200 from Zelensky's "Servant of the People" (SN) party. This marks the beginning of a new political era in the country ahead of possible presidential elections at the end of the war.

ARMENIA  GREECE

The Armenian government has approved a draft agreement with Greece for the protection of cultural heritage, against illegal digs and unauthorised transportation of artefacts, objects, and works of art, as well as for their restitution to their country of origin, through the exchange of information and the collaboration of qualified specialists in the field, in defence of the treasures of all humanity.
by Steve Suwannarat

Four million people from Myanmar are in the neighbouring country, half without proper documentation. Human Rights Watch reports that since the 2021 coup that plunged Myanmar into civil war, Thailands treats Myanmar nationals differently from Cambodians and Laotians. Thai authorities should take steps in line with international standards, HRW says.

Rome (AsiaNews)  A recent report by Human Rights Watch highlights the difficult conditions faced by many Myanmar nationals forced to flee to Thailand since February 2021 seeking refuge from a brutal war that has destabilised the country since the military's takeover.

Released last Monday, the 54-page report, titled Ill Never Feel Secure Undocumented and Exploited: Myanmar Nationals in Thailand, confirms some of the ways Thailand treats people persecuted in their homeland. This is facilitated by the fact that Thailand is not a signatory to any treaty or convention protecting foreigners who are not regular migrant workers.

It is noteworthy that HRW refers to Myanmar nationals, especially in border areas like the city of Mae Sot, as walking ATMs.

After fleeing conflict, persecution, and deprivation, Myanmar nationals need protection in Thailand, said Nadia Hardman, HRW refugee and migrant rights researcher. Instead, Thailand denies them secure legal status, and its authorities use that vulnerability to exploit and extort them.

It is estimated that some four million Myanmar nationals live in Thailand, half undocumented, out of necessity for safety and some kind of livelihood, HRW explains.

Although primarily driven by a desire to survive and provide for their families, Myanmar nationals in Thailand are without rights, victims of oppression by those who should be ensuring their safety.

This includes a system of extortion involving the sale of police cards to Myanmar nationals looking for a way to documentation or even just to avoid arrest.

Those who are unwilling or unable to get such cards have the alternative of self-imposed house arrest or imprisonment to avoid forced repatriation.

Even then, payment does not prevent deportation, such as the mass expulsion of thousands of people, many of them children, without warning after several days in detention.

Given the legislative vacuum and specific international obligations regarding irregular migration, the Thai government introduced a new screening mechanism in 2023 for people seeking protection in the country. However, this does not apply to citizens of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

In turn, for many Myanmar nationals already working in Thailand under difficult conditions, the renewal of work permits is not guaranteed, and is often conditioned by various forms of pressure and oppression, like forged employment and residency documents or hiring by individuals or groups who are merely a front for scams targeting migrants.

Faced with this situation, Thai authorities should take steps in line with international standards to provide effective protection for people fleeing Myanmar, said Hardman. The Thai government should end the exploitation and suffering of several million undocumented Myanmar nationals, she added.

For the HRW report, this means introducing a temporary protection regime.
Str8Curious: Can I Be Religious If I'm Gay?

Can I Love Men & Also Be Religious? Our Gay Columnist Explores the Issue

Str8Curious is a monthly AskMen column where out and proud lifestyle expert Joey Skladany answers burning questions from heterosexual men about sex, dating, and the LGBTQ+ community. No topic is off limits as he candidly lends advice, debunks stereotypes, and gives it to you straight  err  gay. Should you be interested in submitting a question for editorial consideration (and we will respect anonymity), feel free to ping Joey directly on Instagram or email him at [email protected]).

The Question

I grew up a devout Catholic and still consider myself very religious. I am also gay. While I have learned to accept myself, I am finding it difficult to share this part of my life with other members of the community. Many gay men seem to be very judgmental when it comes to religion. And while I can completely understand their reasoning because it kept me closeted for so long, do you think I can still maintain a relationship with Christ without external judgment? Or maybe even find like-minded gay men? - Jacob, Rock Hill, S.C.

The Answer

Peace be with you, Jacob! This is a tricky one and I completely empathize with your situation.

The sad reality is that Christianity and its many denominations have now been lumped under the general umbrella of evangelicalism, which believes in the literal truth of the Bible instead of interpreting it as metaphor.

As a result, these followers have (and often through hypocrisy and contradiction) rallied together to take firm stances against the LGBTQ+ community, stripping us of legal protections and using cherry-picked verses to defend and embolden discrimination and vitriol.

This obviously isnt fair for Christians who have taken Jesuss most basic and fundamental teachings of acceptance and loving thy neighbor.

The good news is that youre certainly not alone. Many gay men grew up in loving homes where religion had a generally positive impact. Many gay men also grew up in households that used religion to weaponize their identity.

While some have shunned the church and its people, there are plenty of others who continue to value their relationship with God and have found places of worship where they are not only accepted but celebrated.

My first bit of advice is to do a simple online search and research faith-based organizations that welcome members from all walks of life. This may be more difficult in a small, conservative town but even venturing an hour or two outside of your city will be a fulfilling experience, if only for one day a week.

Id also recommend using dating apps like Hinge where you can adjust the Virtues tab to reflect your religious beliefs. This will allow you to identify others who practice the same religion and vice versa, making it an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded queer neighbors for dates, friendships, or even text conversations to discuss shared experiences.

Unfortunately, Christianity is in desperate need of some Samantha Jones-style PR. Parishioner numbers are declining rapidly due to religions influence on current politics and its handful of outspoken church leaders who spread horrifying rhetoric around marginalized groups of people. As a result, there are going to be gay men who will not date you or even be friends with you by association.

Turn this into a glass half-full outlook by acknowledging that theyve done the hard work for you: Youre saving yourself the time and effort you may have invested in someone who would be quick to dismiss you.

That said, please also show these men some grace and compassion. This rejection of religion and apparent close-mindedness may stem from years of trauma and unresolved issues. Many gay men cope by eliminating any and all ties to the establishment that caused this pain and suffering.

While it may seem extreme and even unfair for them to paint broad strokes and assume that every Christian is evil or wrong (or both), dont take it personally  their judgment is not a reflection of who you are as an individual.

At the end of the day, you can and should be anything you want to be. Love Jesus, whether its Christ or the hot Mexican guy you met at the park. Life is short and unpredictable.

As long as youre not on a crusade to strip others of their rights and freedoms, nobody should judge you for harmless beliefs. And if they do, thats on them. Your tribe is out there and theyre ready to embrace you with open arms.

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Sayram Lake in China's Xinjiang sees tourism boom

Xinhua) 14:38, July 19, 2025

Tourists take an electric sailing boat at Sayram Lake scenic area in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

This photo shows a low-carbon campsite at Sayram Lake scenic area in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 16, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

A drone photo shows the parking lot for shuttle buses at Sayram Lake scenic area in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Photo by Yin Tianjie/Xinhua)

Staff members of State Grid Bortala Electric Power Supply Company patrol at Sayram Lake scenic area to ensure power supply in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 16, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Staff members of State Grid Bortala Electric Power Supply Company communicate with a campsite worker at Sayram Lake scenic area in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 16, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

A drone photo shows electric sailing boats at Sayram Lake scenic area in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)

A drone photo shows staff members of State Grid Bortala Electric Power Supply Company patrolling at Sayram Lake scenic area to ensure power supply in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 16, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)

An electric paraglider is seen at Sayram Lake scenic area in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

A drone photo shows staff members of State Grid Bortala Electric Power Supply Company patrolling near Sayram Lake scenic area to ensure power supply in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake -- Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine lake -- has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism after achieving full renewable-powered operations in July 2022. The pristine lake, a key ecological and cultural asset, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily ever since.

From January to June this year, the scenic area's tourist arrivals hit 2.86 million, up 14.3 percent compared to the same period last year. (Photo by Yin Tianjie/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
19 July 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On July 18, President Ilham Aliyev made a landmark visit to several key areas of the liberated Garabagh region, including Aghdam and Khojaly. His trip, centered on inaugurations, inspections, and meetings with resettled citizens, was more than ceremonial - it reflected a calculated and accelerating state-driven agenda of reconstruction, economic revival, and demographic return. It also underscored the political significance of state-building in the post-conflict territories as part of Azerbaijans long-term vision.

Azerbaijan continues to methodically restore economic and social life in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation during the 2020 Second Garabagh War and the 2023 anti-terrorist operations. These efforts are strategically anchored in the Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development, particularly through the "Great Return" program - a cornerstone initiative aiming to reestablish civilian life, infrastructure, and economy across Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur.

Aghdam: From ghost city to economic powerhouse

Aghdam, once symbolizing the devastation of war, is now rapidly evolving into an industrial and socio-economic hub. The inauguration of a tobacco manufacturing facility by Tabaterra LLC at the Aghdam Industrial Park reflects the governments dual strategy: attracting investment and fostering employment.

Established under President Aliyevs decree in 2021, the Aghdam Industrial Park is a linchpin in Azerbaijans regional industrialization. Covering 190 hectares, it has attracted AZN 270 million in investments so far and houses 30 resident enterprises. These developments signify more than economic growth - they represent a reintegration of Aghdam into Azerbaijans national economic grid.

The presence of global tobacco brands via licensing agreements (British American Tobacco, JTI, Imperial Brands) positions the region as a node in international value chains. Tabaterras integration of modern technologies and emphasis on export markets illustrate a vision that moves beyond local recovery to global competitiveness.

Equally notable is Tabaterras commitment to social stability: providing free housing to employees through apartment purchases in the Aghdam Residence complex sets a precedent in corporate contribution to demographic return and housing sustainability.

The inauguration of Aghdam city secondary school No. 1, with its capacity for 960 students and state-of-the-art laboratories, represents more than infrastructure development. It reflects a strategic investment in human capital. By including STEAM education, the government is aligning the regions educational system with global academic standards and preparing youth for the digital and innovation-driven economy.

The parallel opening of nursery-kindergarten No. 1 reinforces this education-first approach. In a region where multiple generations were deprived of stable education, the focus on early childhood development highlights the governments long-term approach to resettlement and societal rebuilding.

President Aliyevs visit to the restored Giyasly mosque, a monument heavily damaged during the Armenian occupation, was deeply symbolic. Beyond architectural reconstruction, this initiative - led by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation - is part of a broader policy to reclaim cultural identity and collective memory in the liberated territories.

The restoration followed rigorous archival research to preserve authenticity, and it serves as both a place of worship and a cultural-political statement of revival. It illustrates Azerbaijans multidimensional approach: not just reconstructing what was lost, but reinstating historical continuity.

Khojaly: From tragedy to reconstruction

In Khojaly, the Presidents engagements spanned both the symbolic and the strategic. Visits to the Tazabina and Khanyurdu villages, along with the Khojaly brick factory inauguration, showcase efforts to balance rural development with industrial revitalization.

The Khojaly brick factory, with its AZN 8.5 million investment and use of modern European technologies, is expected to double its workforce in the coming years. Its annual production capacity of over 16 million bricks will directly contribute to the reconstruction efforts across Garabagh, ensuring that local resources fuel local development.

Residential restoration in Tazabina and Khanyurdu includes more than 400 homes by 2026, modern water and energy infrastructure, telecommunications, medical centers, educational facilities, and recreational parks. This integrated development model is a case study in how post-conflict reconstruction can be operationalized through synchronized efforts in housing, utilities, health, and education.

President Aliyevs visit sends a clear message both domestically and internationally: Azerbaijan is not merely reclaiming land - it is reconstructing life. His meetings with resettled families humanize the process and validate the governments narrative of peaceful return and coexistence.

The extensive state support - from tax and customs exemptions to infrastructure subsidies - reveals an understanding of economic incentives as a peacebuilding tool. These policies are not only attracting private investors but also reestablishing a productive demographic presence in regions that were depopulated for nearly three decades.

President Ilham Aliyevs July 18 visit is emblematic of Azerbaijans multi-tiered strategy in Garabagh: restore, resettle, and revitalize. The integration of industrial, educational, cultural, and infrastructural projects into a unified policy framework presents a potential model for post-conflict recovery in other regions of the world.

While challenges remain - particularly around mine clearance, environmental concerns, and full-scale population return - the states actions indicate a decisive move toward irreversible normalization in the liberated areas.

As Azerbaijan positions Garabagh as a contributor to national GDP, not just a recipient of aid, it shifts the narrative from war recovery to strategic advancement.
19 July 2025 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

The likelihood of renewed military clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan is currently low, according to a recent report by international credit rating agency Fitch Ratings, Azernews reports.

In its latest country risk assessment, Fitch highlights that although the final peace agreement has not yet been signed, both countries made significant progress by agreeing on the draft text of a peace treaty in March 2025. However, the report notes that the content of the agreement and the exact timeline for its signing remain uncertain.

The probability of a return to armed conflict is considered quite low at this stage, Fitch stated in the report.

This assessment aligns with recent diplomatic developments. On July 10, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met in Abu Dhabi for high-level talks. The meeting was described as constructive and focused on key elements of the peace agenda, including border delimitation, the opening and development of the Zangazur Corridor, and the formalization of the peace treaty.

The two sides reportedly reached mutual understanding on continuing negotiations through various working groups and at more senior diplomatic levels.

The ongoing dialogue and engagement between the parties, combined with international support for a lasting resolution, are contributing factors behind Fitchs positive assessment of regional stability.
19 July 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued a firm and detailed response to the resolution passed by the Belgian House of Representatives on July 17, criticizing the move as biased, politically motivated, and lacking factual basis, Azernews reports.

In a statement released Friday, Azerbaijani lawmakers condemned the resolution, which accuses Azerbaijan of human rights violations and war crimes, calling the allegations "unilateral and prejudiced" and "unequivocally rejected" by the country.

"The authors of this resolution, relying on unverified and one-sided information, have disregarded recent political, legal, and humanitarian developments in the South Caucasus," the statement reads. "Such actions undermine the principles of fairness, impartiality, and international law that should guide any parliamentary decision."

The Azerbaijani Parliament defended the country's September 2023 anti-terror operation in the Garabagh region, stating that it was aimed solely at illegal armed formations and did not harm civilians or damage cultural or religious monuments.

According to the statement, the resolution fails to acknowledge the "30-year occupation" of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian forces and the suffering of hundreds of thousands of displaced Azerbaijanis. Lawmakers pointed out that the Belgian resolution overlooks documented war crimes committed during that period, including acts of genocide and the destruction of cultural heritage.

In addressing concerns raised in the resolution about the arrest of individuals of Armenian ethnicity, Azerbaijani officials emphasized that these individuals are under investigation for serious crimes, including war crimes and terrorism. The Parliament stressed that their legal rights are being upheld and that the judicial proceedings are transparent.

The statement also criticized the Belgian resolution's interpretation of the Western Azerbaijan concept, calling it a mischaracterization. Officials clarified that the term reflects the right of Azerbaijanis, displaced from Armenia, to peacefully return to their ancestral homesa stance Azerbaijan insists is consistent with international law.

The Parliament concluded by urging Belgian lawmakers to "cease adopting documents devoid of objective analysis" and to respect the principles of international law and the sovereignty of states in the region.

"Rather than promoting peace, such resolutions risk inflaming tensions and undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts," the statement warned, noting that elements of the Armenian diaspora in various European legislatures are contributing to regional instability through politically charged narratives.
19 July 2025 10:11 (UTC+04:00)

"President Ilham Aliyevs meeting with residents in the village of Khanyurdu, Khojaly (18.07.2025)"

Footage of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyevs meeting with residents of the village of Khanyurdu has been published on his social media pages, Azernews reports.

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19 July 2025 11:49 (UTC+04:00)

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG), in collaboration with international researchers, has released a comprehensive new study titled New Caledonia: Colonial Legacy, the Struggle for Self-Determination, and the 2024 Crisis. The report delves into the causes, consequences, and broader implications of the violent unrest that erupted in New Caledonia in May 2024.

Azernews reports that the research, conducted between March and June 2025, provides a detailed chronology of the events, examining the roots of the conflict, the scope of violence and destruction, and the heavy-handed response by French law enforcement. The report also documents the international reactions  including those from regional actors and the United Nations  as well as the ongoing resistance led by the indigenous Kanak people.

The study identifies colonial governance and systemic repression as the core factors behind the unrest. It offers a critical analysis of the fundamental human rights deficiencies facing colonized peoples and underscores the urgency of addressing long-standing grievances.

Key findings highlight that the 2024 crisis marked a turning point in Frances approach to its overseas territories. The use of force, imposition of a state of emergency, and mass arrests revealed an unwillingness by the French state to engage in genuine dialogue or respect the Kanak people's right to self-determination.

The crisis in New Caledonia demonstrated that attempts to preserve control through administrative pressure and repression, while ignoring indigenous rights, only deepen conflict, the report concludes.

Importantly, the research argues that New Caledonias political status cannot be viewed merely as a domestic issue for France. From the standpoint of international law, the situation requires a just and equitable resolution  one that includes the recognition of the Kanak peoples right to determine their own future.

The study's conclusions were echoed in real-world developments on July 12, when France and New Caledonia signed a new agreement acknowledging the need for a phased transition toward full independence. The agreement confirmed one of the reports central predictions: that the final decision on the islands status must rest with the Kanak people.
19 July 2025 13:23 (UTC+04:00)

Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts to strengthen the close and brotherly ties between the two nations. They also highlighted productive collaboration on multilateral platforms, particularly within the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

During the call, the two officials discussed bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a phone conversation with Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Azernews reports, citing Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs via social media platform X.

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!
Business / Local

by Agencies

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe recently held a business breakfast - Beyond Borders Breakfast  which marked a defining moment for Zimbabwean enterprises eyeing regional and international expansion.The high-level engagement brought together financial experts from across Mauritius, Uganda, and Angola to unpack opportunities and navigate the intricacies of cross-border banking, offshore investment, and market entry strategies. The event served as a strategic knowledge exchange platform empowering business leaders with the tools, partnerships, and financial insights to scale beyond Zimbabwe's borders."Today's gathering serves as a powerful reminder of the role Standard Bank Group plays in unlocking value across our economies," said Patson Mahatchi, Head of Business and Commercial Banking. "At Stanbic Bank, we see ourselves not just as financiers, but as growth partners."The Beyond Borders proposition offers clients a powerful suite of services including access to sector specialists, strategic advisory services, cross-border trade financing, and offshore investment support. Designed as more than just a product offering, the offering positions Stanbic Bank as a growth partner for businesses looking to enter new markets or consolidate their regional footprint.Backed by the Standard Bank Group, Africa's largest banking group by assets with a presence in 21 countries across the continent and key global financial centres, Stanbic Bank is uniquely positioned to help Zimbabwean enterprises access new frontiers with confidence.Stanbic Bank Chief Executive (CE) Solomon Nyanhongo emphasized, "Stanbic Bank is here to walk alongside you, whether you're a small business or a large enterprise. Africa is our home; we drive her growth. Through Beyond Borders, we're living that commitment."The extension of the Beyond Borders proposition comes at a time when Zimbabwean businesses are seeking resilient and scalable models to navigate the complexities of local and global trade. With economic shifts and growing opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the ability to operate across borders has never been more critical.Standard Bank Group's Carolina Remisio, Head of Commercial Banking Africa Regions and Offshore, highlighted the depth of the bank's experience and its commitment to client success."We've operated in Africa for 163 years. Our presence across the continent and beyond allows us to make your expansion easier, whether in Botswana, Mauritius, Zambia or further afield, Confidence in banking is something we share and implement daily with our clients" said Remisio.
19 July 2025 16:50 (UTC+04:00)

Odessa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov met with Azerbaijani diaspora activists to discuss plans for a new park reflecting Azerbaijani cultural elements, Azernews reports.

According to the mayors social media post, the proposed Azerbaijan park will be located near the 4th station of Bolshoy Fontan and will cover more than 2 hectares of green space, serving as a modern public area.

We discussed the parks concept, implementation stages, and financing sources together with representatives of the Azerbaijani community, Trukhanov stated.

Jalil Astanov, acting chairman of the Azerbaijani organization Birlik, speaking on behalf of the diaspora, expressed that the Azerbaijan park will be a wonderful gift to the residents of Odessa.

Following the meeting, Mayor Trukhanov and diaspora activists visited the future park site. This is a true example of cooperation between community, business, and government. It further confirms Odessas identity as a multinational city of unity and victory, the mayor added.
19 July 2025 14:20 (UTC+04:00)

Foreign participants arriving for the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum were welcomed in Azerbaijans Fuzuli district as their plane landed at Fuzuli International Airport, Azernews reports, citing Trend.

According to information, the forumset to take place from July 19 to 21will gather nearly 140 international guests from 52 countries. These include representatives from over 30 news agencies, 7 international organizations, nearly 80 media outlets, and various institutions related to the field.

This years forum is themed "Digital Transformation: Enhancing the Sustainability of Information and Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence", highlighting the growing importance of media resilience and innovation amid rapid technological change. The event serves as a key platform for global dialogue on digital media, AI, and press development in the modern era.
19 July 2025 15:22 (UTC+04:00)

A total of 197 individual houses will be completed in the village of Tazabina, Khojaly region, by the end of 2025. Additionally, the repair and construction of 159 more houses is expected to be finished next year. On July 14, 2025, 28 families, totaling 125 people, returned to live in the village.

Azernews reports that Afat Telmangizi, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service, said work is underway to build modern social infrastructure in Tazabina and nearby areas including Khankendi and Aghdara.

Key infrastructure projects include:

Repair and restoration of a 15.5 km, 10 kV power line, with metering now underway

Installation of an 11.4 km natural gas line and restoration of a 1.2 km existing gas line

Repair of a 300-cubic-meter water reservoir and drinking water network

Laying of a 16 km communication line providing landline, internet, and IPTV services

Asphalt paving of 3.1 km of village roads

Preparations to renovate preschool and general education buildings

Overhaul of a building designated for an outpatient center and marketplace

Creation of a one-hectare modern recreation park for residents leisure

Tazabina village, part of Khojalys administrative district, was occupied by Armenian forces in 1992 and liberated by Azerbaijani anti-terrorist operations in September 2023.

President Ilham Aliyev visited the village on July 18 to review progress in restoring individual homes and vital infrastructure.
19 July 2025 17:50 (UTC+04:00)

The Shusha Media Forum has already become traditional. So, I hope that this tradition will continue. As the time passes by, we have more guests, more geographical coverage, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Azernews reports.

The head of state noted, This once again shows that there is a big need for open discussions in a friendly atmosphere on the most important topics including not only the agenda of media communities, but the issues of global agenda.
19 July 2025 18:10 (UTC+04:00)

If Armenia continues to block the process related to the opening of the Zangezur corridor, its chances of ever becoming a transit country will approach zero, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum.

Unfortunately, no work related to the Zangezur corridor has been carried out on the Armenian side over the past five years. This issue is deliberately being removed from the agenda. In that case, Armenias chances of ever becoming a transit country are nearing zero. If they continue to obstruct this process, I believe they will find themselves not only in the transport isolation they are already experiencing, but also, to some extent, in political isolation, the head of state emphasized.
19 July 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

The Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Danish State Loan Fund announced on Thursday that they are investing in the worlds most powerful quantum computer, with the goal of revolutionizing fields such as drug development and materials science,Azernews reports.

Quantum computing has the potential to perform calculations that would take traditional computers millions of years to complete, opening the door to breakthroughs in medicine, chemistry, and many other areas where the vast number of molecular combinations overwhelms classical systems.

In addition, Microsoft is launching a new venture in Denmark that will host the largest quantum laboratory, where the company will develop its software and build the quantum computer, dubbed "Magne." The name is inspired by Scandinavian mythology: Magne, the son of the Norse god Thor, was known for his immense strength. Construction of the quantum lab is set to begin this fall, with the computer expected to be operational by the end of next year.

Jason Zander, vice president of Microsoft, shared with Reuters that the quantum computer will operate with 50 logical qubits. A qubit is the fundamental unit of information in a quantum computer, and a logical qubit is a virtual unit composed of multiple physical qubits, ensuring reliable quantum information processing.

Last November, Microsoft and Atom Computing set a milestone by creating a record 24 logical qubits. Once the system reaches 100 logical qubits, it will be capable of tackling complex scientific problems that were previously out of reach.

Quantum computers are considered the pinnacle of future technology, poised to perform extraordinarily complex operations with ease. In addition to their potential in drug discovery and materials science, quantum computing could dramatically accelerate advancements in artificial intelligence, climate modeling, and cryptography, forever changing industries and our understanding of the world.

In the future, researchers expect quantum computers to be able to simulate the behavior of molecules at an atomic level, something that could unlock entirely new classes of materials and drugs. For instance, these computers could quickly simulate protein folding, speeding up the development of new medications and therapies that today would take years or even decades to discover.
19 July 2025 11:21 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Armenia and Azerbaijan are on the verge of finalizing a historic peace agreement, according to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Azernews reports that speaking to reporters, Trump highlighted recent progress in negotiations between the two South Caucasus nations.

Armenia, Azerbaijan  weve created something remarkable there. A peace agreement is now within reach, he stated.

This development follows a high-level meeting held on July 10 in Abu Dhabi between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. According to diplomatic sources, the talks took place in a constructive atmosphere and marked a significant step toward regional stability.

During the meeting, the two leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions on key issues central to the peace process. These included the delimitation of borders, the opening and development of the Zangezur Corridor, and the framework for the peace treaty.

Both sides reportedly reached a mutual understanding on continuing negotiations through working groups and at higher diplomatic levels in the near future.

The progress marks one of the most serious efforts in years to resolve long-standing tensions between the two countries, following decades of conflict centered on the Garabagh region.
19 July 2025 20:21 (UTC+04:00)

Iran has warned that it will take appropriate measures if the UK, France, and Germany trigger the United Nations "Snapback" mechanism to reimpose sanctions, Azernews reports, citing Iranian media.

Ebrahim Rezayi, spokesperson for Irans Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy, criticized European countries for lacking independence after the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He noted that Europes proposed financial mechanism, INSTEX, failed to deliver practical results, showing alignment with U.S. sanctions against Iran.

"Experience shows that negotiations with Europe are of limited value. In practice, European countries have fully complied with U.S. sanctions," Rezayi stated.

He added that activating the "Snapback" mechanism would not significantly change Irans current situation, as the country is already operating under severe international sanctions.

Rezayi warned that if pressure continues, Iran may consider exiting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), enriching uranium beyond 60%, producing and exporting advanced centrifuges, and expanding its nuclear cooperation.

The JCPOA, signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (U.S., UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany), began implementation in January 2016. The U.S. withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran later that year. In 2020, Iran declared it no longer considered itself bound by the JCPOAs restrictions.

Under Articles 36 and 37 of the JCPOA, any party can initiate a dispute resolution mechanism. If unresolved, the matter can be brought to the UN Security Council, potentially leading to the reactivation of international sanctions  and even authorization of military measures.
19 July 2025 21:22 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Kazakhstan is continuing negotiations with Russia over the financing of three thermal power plants (TPPs) to be built in the northern part of the country, according to the Ministry of Energy, Azernews reports, citing TASS.

The agreement on the construction of the power plants  located in Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk  was signed in 2024. The ratification process is currently underway in the Kazakh Parliament.

The ministry stated that the agreement includes the provision of a concessional (subsidized) export loan from Russia to Kazakhstan. However, discussions on the financial terms are still ongoing. Despite the pending financial arrangements, Kazakhstan has already independently begun construction on the Kokshetau TPP, due to the project's strategic importance.

In case Russia does not provide a definitive response on financing, the ministry will explore alternative funding options to implement the projects independently, prioritizing the countrys national interests, the statement added.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Police have announced the arrest of a third suspect linked to the high-profile $4 million bank robbery that took place in Bulawayo last October, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.The suspect, 39-year-old Bhekani Mlilo, was apprehended by Botswana authorities on July 14, 2025, while attempting to enter Botswana from South Africa, confirmed National Police Spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Friday."The due processes of the law are now taking effect for the suspect's extradition to Zimbabwe," Commissioner Nyathi said.This arrest follows the earlier capture of brothers Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu in South Africa last week. The siblings are accused of orchestrating the armed raid on October 3, 2024, at the Ecobank branch in Bulawayo city centre.During the robbery, six armed men in a white Ford Ranger ambushed Safeguard security personnel who were loading boxes of cash into their van. The robbers swiftly disarmed the guards, loaded the cash boxes into their vehicle, and fled the scene in under four minutes.Police investigations suggest the robbers operated with inside information. Safeguard Security revealed that Ecobank had provided incorrect details regarding the cash amount being transported, which contributed to the compromised security measures during the cash pickup.Further developments saw the arrest of a Safeguard security guard last week, initially charged with assisting the robbers. However, police later dropped charges related to the Ecobank robbery and instead charged the guard with money laundering.The Ecobank heist remains Zimbabwe's largest cash robbery to date, and authorities continue to pursue all leads to ensure justice is served.
Congress is probing the Biden mental fitness and autopen scandals and subpoenaing former White House officials to testify on what they knew. Some of them have tried to duck subpoenas. Annie Tomasini, the former Deputy Chief of Staff to Joe Biden, has just become the third Biden White House official to "plead the fifth", refusing to answer any questions on the grounds that doing so would incriminate herself.

So what were the crimes that these White House officials were committing during the Biden presidency that now have them running scared of criminal indictment? The autopen and how it was used is one that immediately comes to mind. One Biden official who did testify has admitted that the rash of last minute pardons were approved by the Chief of Staff instead of Biden himself. How many more documents were signed with the autopen that Biden did not personally approve?

https://thefederalist.com/2025/07/18/3-biden-aides-and-counting-plead-the-fifth-to-avoid-truth-about-puppet-presidency-1/
Diarmuid Gavin: The sustainable Kerry farm that has become a shining example of small-scale floriculture

Annette Daltons one-woman enterprise supplies the best of seasonal blooms to lucky customers in the southwest

Annette Dalton of Nettie's Flowers

Diarmuid Gavin Yesterday at 08:00

When Annette Dalton left her senior horticultural role at the National Trust in the UK, some imagined she might take a breather, maybe a quiet retirement filled with roses and tea.
Up to 30mm of rain could fall in some places. Stock photo.

A weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued for parts of Northern Ireland.

The yellow alert from the Met Office is in place for this afternoon and affects three counties.

Up to 30mm of rain could fall in some places, it said.

Forecasters said scattered thunderstorms could bring some travel disruption.

Up to 30mm of rain could fall in some places. Stock photo.

Fans explore The Shop at The Open for official merchandise

The Met Office said: Scattered showers will turn heavier during the morning with the chance of a few thunderstorms.

These could bring 15-20mm within an hour in places, with perhaps as much 30mm in a few hours, more likely in the west of the warning area.

These showers are expected to ease towards evening.

The warning is in place from noon until 6pm today.

It affects counties Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone.
The blaze at the property in the Clon Elagh area was reported early this morning. Stock photo.

A fire at a flat in Londonderry is being treated as arson, police have said.

The blaze at the property in the Clon Elagh area was reported shortly after 5.15am this morning.

Police attended, along with other emergency services.

The blaze at the property in the Clon Elagh area was reported early this morning. Stock photo.

Fans explore The Shop at The Open for official merchandise

Damage was caused to the inside and outside of the flat. Minor damage was also caused to a second flat. No-one was in either property at the time.

The PSNI said: This is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life and anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything, or who may have CCTV or other video footage, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 273 of 19/7/25.
The scene on Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, Co Armagh, where police are investigating an overnight arson attack on a property. (Pic: PressEye)

The scene on Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, Co Armagh, where police are investigating an overnight arson attack on a property. (Pic: PressEye)

The scene on Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, Co Armagh, where police are investigating an overnight arson attack on a property. (Pic: PressEye)

A prominent building in Co Armagh has been badly damaged by an overnight arson attack.

The incident happened at Windsor Avenue in Lurgan.

The blaze started shortly before 1am in a building close to the New Haven cafe. Police said it suffered significant damage.

Nearby residents were evacuated during the emergency operation.

Images shared online show the property well ablaze, with flames and smoke billowing into the sky.

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The PSNI said they were treating the fire as deliberate.

Detective Sergeant Lewis said: Shortly after 1am, we received a report that a house was on fire in the Windsor Avenue area of the town.

Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and the fire was extinguished, however significant damage was caused to the property.

A number of residents, who were evacuated while emergency services tackled the blaze, have been allowed to return to their homes.

This is being treated as arson and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or to anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 74 19/07/25.

The scene on Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, Co Armagh, where police are investigating an overnight arson attack on a property. (Pic: PressEye)

According to the NI Fire and Rescue Service, the blaze happened at a derelict three-storey, detached property, and the operation lasted until 4.15am.

Local MP Carla Lockhart said it was a major blaze.

"A significant fire has occurred in the building next to New Haven Cafe on Windsor Avenue, she said.

Everyone will know this well-known and historic building in the town centre. Emergency services, including the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, PSNI and paramedics, responded promptly and remain on site managing the situation.

The scene on Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, Co Armagh, where police are investigating an overnight arson attack on a property. (Pic: PressEye)

She added: I would highly commend the emergency services, particularly the fire service, police and paramedics for their rapid response. They put their own lives at risk to save others.

This event marks a loss for the local built environment, and we know it will be noted by many across the community.
Jamie Dornan cried for Rory McIlroy after Masters win

Actor enjoys The Open in Portrush as BBC apologise after radio presenter swore before his interview clip

Jamie Dornan at The Open in Portrush on Saturday. Picture: BBC

David O'Dornan Yesterday at 19:41







Jamie Dornan has told how he fell to his knees and cried like his pal Rory McIlroy when the fellow Holywood man won the Masters to complete the Grand Slam.
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Deweys Public House, a local bar and grill located on Depot St. in Dalton, announced through a Facebook post on Monday that it will be closing. After ten unforgettable years, were writing today with a mix of gratitude and heavy hearts to let you know that Deweys Public House will be closing its doors, Deweys Public House wrote.
News / National

by Staff reporter

High Court judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda has dismissed an application for discharge filed by businessman Moses Mpofu, who is accused of defrauding the Zimbabwean government of US$7 million through a botched presidential goats pass-on scheme.Mpofu is jointly charged with Zanu PF Central Committee member Mike Chimombe, who is also seeking discharge. The case stems from allegations that their company, Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd, submitted fraudulent documents to secure the lucrative government tender, which ultimately failed to deliver.Through his lawyer, Advocate Tapson Dzvetero, Mpofu argued that he should not be personally charged because it was Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd - not him as an individual - that was involved in the tender process. He maintained that only the company should answer to the allegations.However, Justice Kwenda rejected the application, ruling that Mpofu has a case to answer in his personal capacity. Delivering his ruling, the judge said the law is clear on the criminal liability of individuals behind companies, especially where fraud or misrepresentation is alleged."Liability in criminal law is very different," said Justice Kwenda. "A person, whether natural or fictional, may not be charged with an offence unless that person committed a crime or was a party to the commission of a crime. If a director commits a crime, he can be charged. A fictional person (company) can only be charged if it was involved."The judge added that the State's case clearly links Mpofu to the alleged offence, pointing out that it is Mpofu, and not merely Blackdeck, who is accused of submitting the fraudulent documents to the government."The State says he is the one who did it. It is saying he was the person behind this entity, hence he is accountable. As such, the accused must take the witness stand and explain," Justice Kwenda ruled. "The State is saying this entity submitted documents which were fake and you are the person who submitted these documents behind this company."Justice Kwenda further noted that a defence outline is not evidence but merely a roadmap of the accused's case, and at this stage, the court is satisfied that the prosecution has established a prima facie case."In the circumstances, we are satisfied that the State has established a prima facie case against the accused. We will put him to his defence," he concluded.The trial will resume next week as Mpofu is now expected to present his defence before the court.
Editor's note, this is the first of a two-part column.

Over several years, this column repeatedly noted: you are not too smart to be scammed. Emotions can cloud common sense and reason, and behavior can lead to victimization, creating a fertile environment for social engineering (manipulation that causes you to act against your own best interests).

Fraud criminals work to utilize current events in targeting attacks. We see this today in relation to natural disasters. When Vermont towns were inundated by flood waters, numerous scams from fake charities to fraudulent recovery and repair contractors emerged. As flood waters in the Texas Hill Country recede, they are replaced by criminals seeking to take advantage of victims as well as compassionate Good Samaritans.

Before making a charitable donation, research the organization you plan to donate to. Many organizations provide unbiased reviews and ratings of charities, including: Better Business Bureau  www.give.org, Charity Navigator  www.charitynavigator.org, Charity Watch  www.charitywatch.org, and GuideStar  www.guidestar.org. If you're focused on getting the most bang for the buck, consider directly reaching out to the most severely impacted counties (Kerr and Guadalupe) or communities.

In addition to being news hounds, scammers are adept at following political events. Here are two examples of scams that come straight out of the headlines.

The availability of Federal government services has diminished this year due to layoffs, firings, and resignations. Access to agencies, departments and services in some critical areas has diminished. Impacted departments include the IRS, Social Security, Health and Human Services (Medicare, Medicaid), Department of Agriculture (S.N.A.P.), and even the National Weather Service. Using text messages, phone calls and emails, criminals work hard to steal your money and personal information.

The reduced services result in fertile ground for scam impersonators. Follow these basic tips to avoid victimization:

1. Government agencies will not contact you personally out of the blue using email, text message, or phone call; they use the U.S. Postal Service to send personal notifications. If you receive a notice from a local, state, or federal office, verify its legitimacy. Do not immediately use the contact information provided in the message to reply. Rather, locate a publicly available contact and use that first. Note: general web searches (Googling) may be unreliable as the results of a search can be manipulated. Dont let emotional behavior lead you into a trap.

2. Government agencies will not threaten or demand immediate action (no, the police will not arrest you if you dont pay the fine immediately).

3. Do not provide personal information, including account numbers, passwords, Social Security, Medicare/Insurance account numbers, to ANYONE whose identity cannot be verified independently. Even seemingly innocent information such as leisure-time preferences can be used in profiling (note: this advice does not apply if you originate the contact to a reliable person or office).

4. Government agencies do not accept gift cards as a form of payment. Think about it  do you pay taxes with a Home Depot or Apple gift card?

Be well; be safe. Questions/Comments? Email egreenblott@aarp.org
GREAT BARRINGTON  The newly opened Robbies Community Market at 278 Main St. has been assured its liquor license will be approved at the next Select Board meeting on Monday. The former tenant, Gorham & Norton, has likewise been informed that one way or another  whether it's sold, transferred, surrendered or revoked  it will lose its license for the same address at that same meeting.

That's the result of a Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission regulation that only allows one license per physical address and therefore prevents the two businesses  one new and anxious to sell drinks, the other no longer doing business and trying to sell its existing license  from both holding licenses.

Gorham & Norton, a grocery store that closed in December, had received 180 days worth of extensions for its liquor license. At a Select Board meeting on June 23, the board approved a license for Robbie's, and also voted 4-1 to approve what was agreed would be a final 90-day extension for Gorham & Norton, giving co-owner John Tracy until Sept. 30 to complete the sale.

But at the July 14 meeting, the Select Board learned that in order for Robbies to sell alcohol, Gorham & Norton's existing license must either be officially transferred, surrendered, or revoked.

At that meeting, Tracy said he is close to a sale and requested more time to try to get that through, or to see if its possible to get the address of his license changed.

And as the Select Board debated what to do, Robbie's owner Robert Robles jumped in.

So Im just a sitting duck, he said from his seat.

Robles joined the conversation by saying he understands Tracys predicament, but he has customers asking for beer and wine with their meals and he is frustrated that his business is affected.

With only four Select Board members present, two motions failed with tied votes  one to revoke Tracys license so Robles could be approved and one to grant Tracy one more week. Rather than try a third vote, the board agreed to place the question on Monday's agenda.

Those who had been supporting Tracys extensions assured Robles that he would get his license at the Monday meeting, meaning they would be revoking Tracys if he is unable to close a deal in the six days between meetings.

At the June 23 meeting, after a brief debate about how many extensions is too many while also respecting Gorham & Nortons 100-year history, Vice Chair Eric Gabriel cast the sole opposing vote in a 4-1 decision to give Tracy more time. He argued the board has to stand by deadlines, especially when extensions had already been provided.

Before the vote, Select Board member Garfield Reed asked Tracy to make it clear to the potential buyer that he is on a deadline. Echoing Reed's point, Chair Stephen Bannon said this extension would likely be his limit.

This is not a store thats here for six months or three years. I think its important to give them the opportunity to sell this license, Bannon said. I think there is a point, I agree, that it becomes too long and I think another 90 days will be that point.

At that same meeting, the board unanimously voted to approve the liquor license for Robbie's Market, which Robles opened in May at the old Gorham & Norton location.

What are The Well's new owners planning? 'Keep it simple and keep it tasty and keep it fun' The Well Restaurant and Bar reopened last weekend under new management, but with some of the same staff, just weeks after four friends banded together to buy the beloved Main Street haunt.

At the July 14 meeting, the board also unanimously approved a transfer of license and change of manager for an all-alcoholic license for The Well and an outdoor all-alcohol service area license for the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.
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Dalton Delan can be reached at berkshireeaglereels@gmail.com and @UnspinRoom on X. His Eagle Reels conversations can be found on YouTube.
Concerns are growing over further delays to the opening of the National Childrens Hospital, as Childrens Health Ireland has yet to be granted early access to the building.

CHI had planned to begin preparations this summer, but says it is still waiting despite being ready to go since July 1st.

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The 2.24 billion hospital is now due to be completed by the end of September, but key areas still have not met the required snag-free standard.

The hospital has already missed 14 previous deadlines.

Speaking on Newstalk, Sinn Fein's health spokesperson, David Cullinane, said it is disappointing.

"It's just one of the most frustrating public infrastructure projects that I have ever seen.

"It just has been riddled with controversy after controversy and, while we all want to get to a point where the hospital is open and is treating patients, I just find it incredible that only a number of months ago we were told that this commissioning process would happen earlier, that there would be access at this point.
Constance Markievicz, also known as Countess Markievicz, has been solidified as an extremely important figure in Irish history.

An Irish revolutionary nationalist politician, suffragist, and socialist, Markievicz was the first woman elected to the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

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She was a founding member of Fianna Eireann, Cumann na mBan, and the Irish Citizen Army. She also took part in the Easter Rising in 1916, and sexism worked in her favour as she was spared execution just for being a woman.

She is well-known to most Irish people, and is seen as a leading figure in the fight for Irish independence and social reform.

Constance's younger sister Eva Gore-Booth is not half as well-known as her. But her achievements are impressive too.

The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum said Gore-Booth is "an icon of suffrage, trade unionism, nationalism and LGBTQ+ defiance".

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So, who was Eva Gore-Booth?

Compared to Constance, who is reported to have been wiley, strong-willed and vocal, Eva was quieter, graceful, and empathetic.

According to their governess, Eva was always so delicate and often let her older sister overshadow her.

EPIC said Gore-Booth was by no means a passive person, despite not minding blending quietly into the background.

"She was deeply passionate, a fact that is probably most evident in her poetry and she was a fierce campaigner for womens rights, workers rights and animal rights throughout her life."

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Gore-Booth is said to have fell in love with folk-telling and Irish lore, and became a poet when Constance left for France to study art.

"Eva herself travelled, although her home was still in Sligo," EPIC said.

"That was until she met English suffragist and social justice campaigner Esther Roper. Whilst travelling in 1896, Gore-Booth fell ill and moved to Bordighera in Italy to recover.

"It was here that she met Esther Roper, who was also recovering from an illness. The two fell hopelessly in love."

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This is where Gore-Booth's status as an icon of LGBTQ+ defiance starts.

In a time where being gay was a punishable crime, Eva Gore-Booth and Esther Roper defied societal norms by being openly devoted to each other.

"Gore-Booth returned to Sligo and Roper to Manchester in 1897. They were barely apart for a few months when Gore-Booth uprooted her aristocratic life to live in Manchester with Roper," EPIC said.

The museum said Gore-Booth's queer relationship had no effect on her relationship with Constance.

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"Constance was very fond of Roper too, writing that 'Esther is wonderful, and the more one knowns her, the more one loves her'.

"Roper and Gore-Booth came from completely different worlds. Ropers parents were working-class Irish immigrants, her father was a factory hand who moved to England during the industrial revolution.

"Roper was a highly intelligent child and became the first woman to graduate from the University of Manchester.

"Her compassion for working class women and her activism for the causes of suffrage and labour rights further inspired Gore-Booth to become involved in those social causes herself."

Womens suffrage, Irish independence, and death

During her brief return to Sligo, Eva Gore-Booth called the first womens suffrage meeting in a local hall in December 1896.

Though the meeting was scoffed at by new outlets at the time, EPIC said Eva was far from deterred from supporting the cause of suffrage.

An article in Vanity Fair stated how the three pretty daughters of Sir Henry Gore-Booth are creating a little excitement supported by a few devoted yokels, never anticipating how the Gore-Booth sisters would create much more than a little excitement in society.

"Esther Roper lit the fire in Eva Gore-Booth that ignited a life-long devotion to social causes. Evas poetry is often politically charged, poems like The Anti-Suffragist being a short but particularly scathing commentary on those who turn a blind-eye to injustice," EPIC said.

"Though Eva was living abroad, she never forgot her ties to the Ireland, being outspoken in favour of Irish Independence.

"When Constance Markeivicz was captured in 1916, Gore-Booth and Roper smuggled themselves into a Dublin on lock-down to visit her in Kilmainham Gaol.

"Following her release from Aylesbury Prison, the couple met her and brought her back to their London home at 33 Fitzroy Square, which became known as a hub of Irish Nationalism in London."

In the 1920s, it was found that Eva Gore-Booth had terminal colon cancer. She begged Roper to keep it from Constance and it was Ropers brother and Roper herself that cared for Eva in her final days.

"She passed in 1926, the news coming as a shock to Constance, who was too bereft to attend the funeral," EPIC said.

"She herself died a year later in 1927, arguably of a broken heart, though not before writing in a letter to a friend that she was 'so glad that Eva and [Esther] were together. So thankful that her love was with Eva until the end'.

"Esther Roper died in 1938 and is buried with Eva Gore-Booth in London. The inscription on their headstone is 'Life with Love is God'."
News / National

by Staff reporter

The trial of former Agriculture Deputy Minister Douglas Karoro took a dramatic turn on Friday after the investigating officer openly contradicted key aspects of the State's case during testimony before Harare Regional Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.Karoro stands accused of fraud involving 700 bags of fertiliser earmarked for beneficiaries in Mbire under the Presidential Input Scheme, which were allegedly taken from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Mushumbi depot. However, Karoro has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he is a victim of political persecution and stating he never visited the Mushumbi depot nor conspired with anyone in connection to the fertiliser.During Friday's proceedings, Chief Inspector Violet Chikuni, who led the investigation, admitted under cross-examination that no misrepresentation occurred at GMB Mushumbi as previously alleged by the State. Instead, she said the alleged fraudulent activity took place at GMB Aspindale, where she claimed fake Compound D fertiliser was swapped for Ammonium Nitrate, which was then sent to Mushumbi.Her testimony directly contradicted the State's original narrative that Karoro had orchestrated a scam targeting GMB Mushumbi, resulting in the unlawful release of 700 bags of fertiliser.Under questioning from Karoro's lawyer, Admire Rubaya, Chikuni acknowledged that the charge sheet made no mention of GMB Aspindale or any swap involving fake fertiliser. "There was no misrepresentation at Mushumbi. Misrepresentation happened at GMB Aspindale where fake fertilisers were swapped for AN," she admitted.Pressed further, Chikuni claimed Karoro benefited personally, allegedly pocketing US$10,000 from the fertiliser sales. However, she conceded there was no evidence linking Karoro to the alleged buyer, no records of communication, and no proof of any financial transaction taking place. She admitted she had failed to obtain call records or triangulation data to substantiate her claims.Chikuni alleged Karoro instructed GMB Aspindale officials by phone to release the fertiliser, but again, she was unable to provide call logs to support this assertion.The defence argued that the lack of evidence demonstrated that Chikuni was being manipulated by Karoro's political enemies, specifically Now Gumbo and Takesure Chikwamba, who were both identified in court. Rubaya accused the pair, who hold influential Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee positions, of fabricating the charges against Karoro and contaminating evidence through their own parallel investigations. Both men were present in court as these allegations were levelled.Chikuni admitted that her investigation had been triggered by information from an unnamed informer she refused to identify, saying she would rather lose the case than reveal their identity. She claimed the informer worked at GMB Mushumbi. This led the defence to argue that Chikuni's entire investigation was compromised from the outset by relying on "poisoned" information supplied by individuals with a political agenda.The court heard that Chikwamba had previously admitted to initiating the police report against Karoro, further fuelling claims that the case was politically motivated.The trial is set to continue on August 5.
An online fundraising campaign launched by the family of Dublin firefighter Terence Crosbie, who is accused of raping an American woman in a Boston hotel room in March last year, has been shut down.

The 38-year-olds court hearing last month, which ended in a mistrial, heard that the Dublin native was in the American city with work colleagues as part of the St Patricks Day celebrations on March 14th, last year.

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His trial, in which he pleaded not guilty, began in the Suffolk County Courthouse in Boston, Massachusetts on June 9th, before presiding judge Sarah Weyland Ellis.

Mr Crosbies next trial is due to take place on October 14th. After declaring the mistrial, Judge Ellis increased his bail from $10,000 to $50,000, declaring him a flight risk.

It is alleged that on March 14th last year Crosbie raped the now 29-year-old woman at the Omni Parker House, a hotel in downtown Boston. Crosbie had flown to Boston from Ireland on the same day of the alleged incident with colleagues and that he was scheduled to leave the following Tuesday, March 18th.

Mr Crosbie was sharing a hotel room with a fellow firefighter, whom the alleged victim said she had consensual sex with after meeting earlier in the Black Rose pub. They subsequently fell asleep in separate beds.

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The victim alleged that she woke in the early hours of the following day to another man sexually assaulting her, and identifying him to police as the defendant.

The fundraiser, Family, Friends & Colleagues for Terence Crosbie on gofundme.com claimed on Friday, that without immediate support, he may lose the very legal team that knows his case best and has worked tirelessly to defend him.

That would not only delay his case further, prolonging his unjust confinement, but would risk the fairness of the proceedings altogether.

The organisers outlined:Since March 2024, Terence (Terry) Crosbie has been incarcerated in Suffolk County Jail, thousands of miles from home and separated from his beloved wife and two young daughters.

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"He is facing serious legal proceedings in the United States, a foreign country where the legal system is unfamiliar and the costs are staggering.

They added that from the very beginning, Mr Crosbie has fully cooperated with law enforcement and steadfastly maintained his innocence.

In a statement on the fundraising site, organisers continued: In order to defend himself and clear his name, he and his family sought out highly respected legal counselattorneys who believe in him and have built a strong defense.

Terrys legal team fought hard for him in his first trial. But despite their efforts, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. That means a second trial is now requiredand the fight continues.

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The emotional and financial toll of defending oneself abroad is more than any one family can bear alone. Terrys loved ones have poured everything they have into supporting him, but the continuing legal costsattorneys fees, expert witnesses, trial preparationare simply too great.

The fundraiser reveals that the firefighters family misses him so deeply.

Terry is a devoted husband, a loving father, and a kind and loyal friend. His wife and daughters are counting down the days until they can hold him again. Your generosity, your prayers, and your willingness to share this page with othersthey all mean more than words can say.

However, the fundraiser on gofundme.com is no longer online and no reason has been provided for it being removed either by the campaign organisers or by the company which runs the website. More than 10,000 had been raised by donations prior to the online campaign being removed.

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In the court hearing defense counsel contend that Mr Crosbie did not rape the woman and that his DNA was not found on her.

The Dublin mans defense team repeatedly asked the woman about her account of events focusing on aspects of her story they claim changed at last months trial.

Crosbie has been detained at Nashua Street jail in Boston since his arrest last year.
Police in Northern Ireland are investigating two incidents of arson in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after a report of a fire at flat in Derry shortly after 5:15am.

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Emergency services attended the Clon Elagh area where damage was caused to the inside and outside of the flat.

A second flat also sustained minor damage, police said, adding: Thankfully, there was no-one in either property at the time.

The incident is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life and investigators are asking witnesses to contact them using reference 273 of 19/7/25.

Detectives are also investigating a separate incident in Lurgan.

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They are appealing for information after a report of a fire at a property in Windsor Avenue shortly after 1am.

Detective Sergeant Lewis said: Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and the fire was extinguished, however significant damage was caused to the property.

A number of residents, who were evacuated while emergency services tackled the blaze, have been allowed to return to their homes.

This is being treated as arson and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed anyone suspicious in the area, or to anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 74 19/07/25.
Sir Keir Starmer stressed the importance of consensus in handling the legacy of the Troubles as he spoke to Taoiseach Micheal Martin on Friday.

In a phone call with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, the UK prime minister had what Downing Street described as a constructive discussion on dealing with the legacy of the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland.

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A Number 10 spokesperson said the two men had underscored the importance of a way forward that built consensus, before turning to economic issues and the UK-EU relationship.

Mr Martin himself echoed Downing Streets comments, tweeting that he had had a constructive discussion with British PM Keir Starmer today on a framework for dealing with legacy.

The call came as Mr Starmer faces pressure from some of his own backbenchers over plans to repeal and replace legislation passed by the previous government that halted investigations into all but the most serious allegations involving Troubles-related cases.

Downing Street and the Taoiseach described the conversation as constructive (Peter Byrne/PA)

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act has been criticised by human rights campaigners for granting conditional immunity to suspects.

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That provision was ruled incompatible with human rights laws by the Northern Irish courts, prompting Labour to commit to replacing legislation it described as flawed and failed.

But that proposal has brought condemnation from former British soldiers who fear it will open the way to vexatious prosecutions and civil claims.

Opponents are also reported to include some Labour MPs, including veterans minister Al Carns.

A former Royal Marine and special forces officer, Mr Carns was reported by The Times to be considering resigning over plans to repeal the Legacy Act.

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But earlier in the week, Downing Street said the UK government was working in lockstep on the issue.

A UK Ministry of Defence source also played down the prospect of Mr Carns quitting, but told the PA news agency it was a tricky issue and when you are making policy there is always going to be debate internally.
Several nights a week, Daria Slavytska packs a yoga mat, blankets and food into a stroller and descends with her two-year-old Emil into the Kyiv subway.

While air raid sirens wail above, the 27-year-old tries to snatch a few hours' sleep safely below ground. For the past two months, Russia has unleashed nighttime drone and missile assaults on Kyiv in a summer offensive that is straining the city's air defences, and has its 3.7 million residents exhausted and on edge.

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Other towns and villages have seen far worse since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022 - especially those close to the frontline far to the east and south.

Many have been damaged or occupied as Russia advances, and thousands of people have fled to the capital, considered the best-defended city in the country.

But recent heavy attacks are beginning to change the mood. At night, residents rush to metro stations deep underground in scenes reminiscent of the German "Blitz" bombings of London during World War Two.

Slavytska has started nervously checking Telegram channels at home even before the city's alarms sound, after she found herself in early July running into the street to reach the metro with explosions already booming in the sky.

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The number of people like Slavytska taking refuge in the cavernous Soviet-era ticket halls and drafty platforms of Kyiv's 46 underground stations soared after large-scale bombardments slammed the city five times in June.

Mum, we should go.

Previously, the loud air raid alert on her phone sent Emil into bouts of shaking and he would cry "Corridor, corridor, mum. I'm scared. Corridor, mum," Slavytska said. Now, accustomed to the attacks, he says more calmly "Mum, we should go".

"We used to come here less often, about once a month," Slavytska said, sheltering in Akademmistechko station in western Kyiv. "That was six months ago. Now we come two or three times a week."

She spent the night curled up on her pink mat with Emil by a column lining the subway tracks.

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The subway system recorded 165,000 visits during June nights, more than double the 65,000 visits in May and nearly five times the number in June last year, its press service told Reuters.

More people were heading to the shelter because of "the scale and lethality" of attacks, the head of Kyiv's military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, told Reuters. He said strikes killed 78 Kyiv residents and injured more than 400 in the first half of the year.

US president Donald Trump cited Russia's strikes on Ukrainian cities when announcing his decision on Monday to offer Kyiv more weapons, including Patriot missiles to boost its air defences.

"It's incredible that (people) stay, knowing that a missile could be hitting your apartment," Mr Trump said.

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Exhaustion and terror

In April, a strike destroyed a residential building a couple of kilometres from Slavytska's apartment block.

"It was so, so loud. Even my son woke up and I held him in my arms in the corridor," she said. "It was really scary."

With the threat of losing her home suddenly more tangible, she now takes her identity documents with her underground.

After seeing how stressed Emil became after the air alerts, Slavytska sought help from a paediatrician, who recommended she turn off her phone's loud notifications and prescribed a calming medication. Slavytska tells Emil the loud sound during attacks is thunder.

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Scientists and psychologists say that the lack of sleep is taking its toll on a population worn down by more than three years of war.

Kateryna Holtsberh, a family psychologist who practices in Kyiv, said sleep deprivation caused by the attacks was causing mood swings, extreme stress and apathy, leading to declined cognitive functions in both kids and adults.

Poor sleep

"Many people say that if you sleep poorly, your life will turn into hell and your health will suffer," said Kateryna Storozhuk, another Kyiv region resident. "I didn't understand this until it happened to me."

Anton Kurapov, post-doctoral scholar at the University of Salzburg's Laboratory for Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Research, said it was hard to convey to outsiders what it felt like to be under attack.

"Imagine a situation where you go out into the street and a person is shot in front of you ... and what fear you experience, your heart sinks," he said. "People experience this every day, this feeling."

Kurapov warned that the impact of such stress could result in lifetime consequences, including chronic illnesses. A study he led that was published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology in August 2024 showed that 88 per cent of Ukrainians surveyed reported bad or very bad sleep quality.

Lack of sleep can significantly impact economic performance and soldiers' ability to fight, said Wendy Troxel, senior behavioural scientist at RAND Corporation, a US think-tank. RAND research in 2016 which Troxel co-authored showed that lack of sleep among the US working population was costing the economy up to $411 billion a year.

As she tries to squeeze out more hours of sleep in the subway, Slavytska is looking into buying a mattress to bring underground that would be more comfortable than her mat. Danish retailer JYSK says the air strikes prompted a 25 per cent jump in sales of inflatable mattresses, camp beds and sleep mats in Kyiv in three weeks of June.

Others are taking more extreme measures. Small business owner Storozhuk, who had no shelter within 3km of her home, invested over $2,000 earlier this year in a Ukrainian-made "Capsule of Life" reinforced steel box, capable of withstanding falling concrete slabs.

She climbs in nightly, with her Chihuahua, Zozulia.

"I developed a lot of anxiety and fear," Storozhuk said. "I realized that in order to be able to sleep peacefully in Ukraine, I needed some kind of safe shelter."
US president Donald Trump has publicly denied that he draws, but numerous examples of his sketches have been sold at auction over the years, many dating from his time as a New York real estate developer, The New York Times said on Friday.

Drawings attributed to Mr Trump, typically simple cityscapes or landmarks rendered in black marker and signed with his name, were donated to various charities in the early 2000s and have fetched thousands of dollars in later sales, the paper added.

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"I don't draw pictures," Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social this week, disputing a Wall Street Journal report about a 2003 birthday greeting for late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that bore Mr Trump's name and featured a sexually suggestive drawing.

On Friday, Mr Trump sued the Journal and its owners, including Rupert Murdoch, seeking at least $10 billion (8 billion) in damages over the report.

In his 2008 book "Trump Never Give Up: How I Turned My Biggest Challenges Into Success", however, Mr Trump acknowledged his artistic contributions.

"It takes me a few minutes to draw something, in my case, it's usually a building or a cityscape of skyscrapers, and then sign my name, but it raises thousands of dollars to help the hungry in New York," he wrote.

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On Friday, White House spokesman Steven Cheung dismissed the report and any suggestion that Mr Trump's drawings resembled the one described by the Journal.

"As the president has said, the Wall Street Journal printed fake news and he doesn't draw things like the outlet described," Mr Cheung said in a statement.

"The New York Times is engaged in false and defamatory claims, and to make this false equivalation proves they are the enemy of the people."
President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit on Friday against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, a day after the newspaper published a story reporting on ties to wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami. It seeks at least 10 billion dollars (7.4 billion) in damages.

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Mr Trump promised a lawsuit after the newspaper described a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Mr Trumps name and was included in a 2003 album for Epsteins 50th birthday.

The president denied writing the letter, calling the story false, malicious, and defamatory.



Jeffrey Epstein in 2017 (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP)

The letter was reportedly collected by disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell as part of a birthday album for Epstein years before he was first arrested in 2006 and subsequently had a falling-out with Mr Trump.

The letter bearing Mr Trumps name includes text framed by the outline of what appears to be a hand-drawn naked woman and ends with, Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret, according to the newspaper.

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The outlet described the contents of the letter but did not publish a photo showing it entirely or provide details on how it came to learn about it.

It comes after the US Justice Department asked a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epsteins case at the direction of Mr Trump amid a firestorm over the administrations handling of records related to the case.

Deputy attorney general Todd Blanche filed motions urging the court to unseal the Epstein transcripts as well as those in the case against Maxwell, who was convicted of luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein.

Epstein killed himself in 2019 shortly after his arrest while awaiting trial.

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The Justice Departments announcement that it would not be making public any more Epstein files enraged parts of Mr Trumps base, in part because members of his own administration had hyped the expected release and stoked conspiracies around the well-connected financier.



Activists put up a poster showing President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein near the US Embassy in London (AP/Thomas Krych)

The Justice Department said in the court filings that it will work with prosecutors in New York to make appropriate redactions of victim-related information and other personally identifying information before transcripts are released.

Transparency in this process will not be at the expense of our obligation under the law to protect victims, Mr Blanche wrote.

But despite the new push to release the grand jury transcripts, the administration has not announced plans to reverse course and release other evidence in its possession.

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Attorney general Pam Bondi had hyped the release of additional materials after the initial Epstein files disclosure in February sparked outrage because it contained no new revelations.

A judge would have to approve the release of the grand jury transcripts, and it is likely to be a lengthy process to decide what can become public and to make redactions to protect sensitive witness and victim information.

The records would show testimony from witnesses and other evidence presented by the prosecution during the secret grand jury proceedings, when a panel decides whether there is enough evidence to bring an indictment, or a formal criminal charge.
Gennaro Autore, founder of global luxury retail advisory Graaf Group. Credit: Oscar Colman While the ultrarich  think the [top] 1 per cent  remain largely insulated, those middle-income aspirational shoppers, once the engine of growth to the luxury category, are tightening their wallets, Rigby said. Mainstream luxury heritage brands are suffering from creative stagnation. The rise of quiet luxury has also shifted spending away from ostentatious labels and towards more subtle displays of wealth as customers become more careful about where and how they splash their cash. Its not like you need a big logo or brand, said luxury retail adviser and Graaf Group founder Gennaro Autore. A lot of people are moving from that direction to quiet luxury, simple things where quality and style overtake the approach of wanting to appear. This is happening in Europe, its happening worldwide.

Chanels Australian sales fell 16 per cent to $499.7 million and its profits slumped 87 per cent to $6.7 million in the 2024 calendar year, financial reports filed to ASIC show. The iconic French luxury fashion house, founded in 1910, has underperformed competitors since aggressive price rises in recent years backfired amid perceptions of declining quality, Rigby said. We recognise that the luxury sector is experiencing fluctuations, a Chanel spokesperson said, and the macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility is unquestionably challenging for business. A model walks the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 23, 2024 in Paris, France. Credit: Getty Images Our philosophy has always been to act and grow with a long-term view, and we will continue to invest significantly in the future.

New York-headquartered jewellery giant Tiffany & Cos revenue in Australia fell 6.2 per cent, with profits nearly halving to $3.6 million. Tiffany has generally struggled to attract younger customers, who are increasingly opting for less expensive brands or alternative jewellery styles, Rigby said. Tiffany went really hard after younger customers a few years ago, but it really backfired as people said it was trying too hard. Chanel, Tiffany & Co and Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani  which is now unprofitable in Australia, having swung to a $33,600 loss after profits of $682,000 a year earlier  have been slow to bring their digital channels up to speed and are struggling to connect with younger consumers as a result, the retail consultant said. Sales for the Paris-headquartered Hermes grew 21 per cent, but this did not translate into higher profits. Prada, which also owns the brand Miu Miu, drove a 6.9 per cent lift in sales and a 22.2 per cent rise in profits to $3.7 million.

The stronger performances from Hermes and Prada have arisen for different reasons; Pradas numbers have been driven by Miu Miu, which Rigby described as a real leader in the luxury space for its appeal to Gen Z. Gigi Hadid in Miu Miu at the Met Gala this year. Credit: Getty Images While Miu Mius product may not play into the exclusivity of wealthier clientele, they cater to younger consumers through experimentation, stylistic innovation and boldness  some of their runway looks and shows are pretty provocative, Rigby said. It focuses less on past icons; rather, they innovate for the future. Meanwhile, Hermes  maker of the elusive Birkin bag, which costs from $13,000 into the millions, with hopeful buyers required to establish a purchase history before they are considered  has turned exclusivity into a whole other level. Its positioned itself extremely well to that higher-end customer, Rigby said.

Scarcity of supply has helped drive some of the luxury markets highest resale values and the retention of highprofit margins, which Rigby estimates for Hermes is double that of Pradas. The Himalaya Niloticus crocodile diamond Birkin 30, with 18k white gold and diamond hardware, fetched a record price at a Sothebys auction: 352,800 euros ($631,540) in Paris. Credit: Christies For most luxury brands, the customer is trained and aspires to buying one item. The trend with Hermes is [that] you aspire to buy the whole wardrobe. Evolution of luxury Consumers are embracing a broader definition of luxury, outside the traditional categories of jewellery, watches and bags. They now consider premium beauty, which has helped local retailers such as Mecca; homewares and furniture; fragrances; and travel accessories, with luggage brands such as July experiencing significant growth.

Gen Z consumers are also entering the luxury category in ways that deviate from their older counterparts, with a particular preference for thrifting from secondhand sellers and online marketplaces. The pre-owned luxury market has boomed as it combines the demand for vintage and collectors items with the growing preference for more sustainable ways of consumption. Treetacha Treepechsamakoon, who has collected nearly a dozen high-end handbags, prefers buying vintage items from resellers than newly released stock. The new ones, Im not impressed [by] because I feel like they have, lately, bad quality, she said. Treetacha Treepechsamakoon visits Glebe Markets twice a month to check out what vintage designer gems she can find. Credit: Dean Sewell [Customers] want to find the best value ... You dont have to care about the [brand] name sometimes, maybe it can be hidden somewhere, but you can feel the quality. Vestiaire Collective, Vinted and Resellify are three online platforms with higher turnover thanks to the demand for pre-loved goods, said Graaf Groups Autore. Companies such as Cettire have also undercut luxury giants through relationships with European distributors and retailers looking to offload excess stock that Cettire then sells directly to customers.

Theres a bit of bitterness in terms of finding an item that [customers] have purchased the day before, offered on one of these platforms at as much as half of that price that they paid, Autore said. Loading Younger consumers enthusiasm for dupes are also challenging luxurys claim on exclusivity, Rigby said. From our research, they prefer edgier, social-media native labels over traditional heritage icons, he said. Theyre really embracing lipstick moment splurges at the moment. Its currently all about small luxuries, even outside of the beauty category; look at Labubus, Yo-Chi, concerts, et cetera.
More than 4 million people who live in rented accommodation have been missing out on the renewable revolution  until now.

Some of the countrys biggest electricity companies have signalled plans for free household batteries that could slash power bills.

Any support  would be very gratefully received: Eastwood apartment owners Caroline and Graeme Edwards. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers

Federal government rebates that wipe 30 per cent off the cost of buying and installing home batteries have been wildly popular since they started in July, driving a 400 per cent spike in sales.

But there is little incentive for renters to spend $10,000 or more to install a battery, coupled with solar panels, on a home they do not own, or for landlords to pay for the device to subsidise power bills they do not pay.
In Albaneses talks with Chinas president, he did not shrink from the difficult topics. He chided Xi for failing to give Canberra any notice of Chinas naval exercises and live-fire drill off the Australian coast earlier this year. He urged Xi to allow more Australian investment. He asked for the release of the detained Australian writer and onetime Chinese diplomat Yang Hengjun, under a suspended death sentence. Loading On Xis part, he showered Albanese with every favour. The Chinese Communist Party has an elaborate system for managing foreigners, waishi, designed to achieve Mao Zedongs aim to make the foreign serve China. Nothing is left to chance. Its increasingly clear that Chinese President Xi Jinpings preferred Western leader is Anthony Albanese, the ABCs Bang Xiao concluded. The evidence? A six-day trip across China. A private lunch with Xi. The decision to prioritise Albanese over the foreign ministers of India and Russia, and more than four minutes of prime-time coverage of his visit on the 7pm CCTV News.

Further, Xi was punctiliously polite and calculatedly warm. From what we know, he chose to sidestep Beijings gripes against Australia. For example, most Australian media outlets whipped themselves up into a lather anticipating that Xi would scold Albanese for daring to force the Port of Darwin out of Chinese ownership. The Chinese leader didnt mention it once. Much of the Aussie media wanted a drama. Xi had decided to give them only a romance. It was to be a happy visit for the Australian leader. Why was Xi so determined to hand Albanese a diplomatic bouquet? Three reasons. First, on the specifics of the Darwin Port, its trivial in Chinas formulations. Beijing is manoeuvring to cement state shareholding in a portfolio of some 50 ports worldwide, all currently owned by CK Hutchison. This would give Chinas state-owned Cosco a stake in ports from London to Germany, from South Korea to Jakarta, from Mexico to Malaysia, and dozens more including ports in Sydney and Brisbane. Why make a fuss about Darwin? The second reason, and by far the most important, is that Xi and Albanese were acutely conscious that they were playing their parts in a pregnant moment: the reordering of global power.

Xi has long said that the East is rising, and the West is declining. But Donald Trump is accelerating the Wests decline at a rate Xi could not have dreamt in his wildest fantasies. Xi is portraying China today in studied counterpoint to Trumps America. Where Trump is alienating allies, Xi is extending the hand of friendship. Where Trump is imposing tariffs, China is offering new deals. Where Trump is madly erratic, Xi is projecting calm stability. Loading One striking indicator of how Xis China is offering benefits to other countries in contrast to the brickbats from Trumps America: The Griffith Asia Institute reports that Xis Belt and Road initiative has entered into $US124 billion in new deals with other countries in the first six months of 2025. That is its fastest pace yet. Xi is determined to capitalise on the opportunity that Trump presents. Xis lovemaking to Albanese this week was intended as a showcase moment for the rest of the world. And it worked for Albanese politically. With Trump refusing to meet him, hes demonstrating that Australia has other options, that Australia will continue to deal with the world without reference to the US.

Besides, Australia has had a deal on the table in Washington for over three months now. Among other things, its an offer to give the US guaranteed security of the supply chain of Australian critical minerals. The Trump administration hasnt bothered to respond. With no interest from Washington, Albanese proceeded to Beijing where a different deal, and potentially an enormous one, was on offer. Its the potential for Australian and Chinese companies to partner in the production of green iron. Australias biggest existing export  iron ore  is facing a serious squeeze. Andrew Forrests Fortescue is leading a push to create new trade: to process the ore into green iron in Australia, for export to China. Albanese promoted the plan this week; Beijing is interested. If it proceeds, it could be two to three more times as valuable to Australia as its current rock-based export trade. Economist Ross Garnaut advised Bob Hawke in how Australia could take advantage of Chinas nascent boom in the 1980s. This week, Garnaut told me that Albaneses trip is as important as Bob Hawkes trip to China in 1984 that set up the iron ore trade. Its the future of the Australian economy. China and Australia are practising mutual geopolitical pressure, and mutual economic release.

In 2014, I wrote a paper for the Lowy Institute titled The Adolescent Country. It argued that Australias foreign policy was parochial, US-dependent and immature. Albanese is showing evidence that its maturing. Hes not kowtowing to Beijing nor fearing Washington. Loading Its an improvement. But much more remains to be done. How would Australian foreign policy experts encapsulate the countrys international stance today in a book title? I asked the heads of four research centres. The US Studies Centres Mike Green, referencing Geoffrey Blaineys famous Tyranny of Distance, proposed The Tyranny of Disinterest. Why? He suggested that Albanese lacks interest in the China threat and that Trump lacks interest in the liberal world order. The Australian Strategic Policy Institutes Justin Bassi came up with Letting Others Decide. Why? Avoiding hard conversations with Trump, he elaborates. Avoiding criticism of Beijing. Avoiding investing in defence that would actually give us some leverage. That means were drifting, neither to safety nor nowhere but into rocky trouble.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is considering reintroducing Press desks in courts to facilitate the work of journalists, recognising the media as a key stakeholder in the justice delivery system.JSC secretary Walter Chikwanha made the announcement during a media engagement in Beitbridge on Thursday, where he underscored the importance of the Press in promoting transparency and public confidence in the judiciary."The media is an important part of the court. You are one of the major stakeholders, and we will consider reintroducing Press desks for reporters," Chikwanha said.His remarks come as the JSC continues its nationwide awareness campaign for the roll-out of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces. The system has already been implemented in Matabeleland North and Mashonaland Central, with full adoption expected in the remaining provinces by October 1 this year.Chikwanha said the new digital platform is designed to enhance efficiency, accessibility and transparency in the handling of legal cases. He also revealed that the JSC is exploring the future integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with transcription and interpretation services in the courts."We expect people to embrace this system. We will interrogate the use of AI in transcription and interpretation," Chikwanha said.Addressing court officials and stakeholders earlier in the day, Chikwanha urged members of the JSC to familiarise themselves with the benefits of the new system and to help educate the public on how it will improve access to justice.As part of the reforms, the JSC plans to establish Electronic Hubs (E-Hubs) at courts, police stations, and traditional leaders' homes to ensure that even remote communities can access the new digital services with ease.The IECMS will offer a range of services including electronic filing of cases, automatic allocation of cases, digital tracking of case progress, and virtual hearings. These reforms are expected to significantly reduce delays and enhance accountability within Zimbabwe's justice system.Chikwanha's visit to Beitbridge is part of the JSC's broader efforts to modernise the country's courts, strengthen public trust, and ensure that the judiciary keeps pace with global trends in digital justice delivery.
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 Karwan and Sara watch as smugglers hoist Mohammed, their six-year-old son, and Alina, their four-year-old daughter, onto their shoulders, wade out to sea, and bundle them onto an overloaded dinghy. Behind them, a crowd of 200 or so migrants are herded like cattle, waist-deep in the water, waiting their turn. The people smugglers shout and shove them into position. More than 70 passengers are eventually squeezed on board the barely seaworthy vessel, their feet dangling over the side, ready to motor towards Dover. A French police patrol boat lazily circles the inflatable dinghy, watching the chaos unfold. It is 6am on Gravelines beach, and all in a days work for the smugglers who increasingly control this sweeping stretch of coastline. All they have to do now is wade through the surf and head back unhindered towards the dunes 300 metres away to regroup and plan tomorrows crossings. The scenes are painfully familiar to any of the 1200 gendarmes deployed along Frances northern beaches. Some told Londons Telegraph they are outmanoeuvred and outnumbered by the smugglers, who adapt their tactics at pace. We are helpless ... there is a French expression donner de la tete, we are overwhelmed and dont know where to start, we dont know where to go, there are so many boats leaving, says Marc Musiol, a French border police officer in Pas-de-Calais.

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One well-placed international policing source labelled the situation a failure. Since the beginning of this year, there have been 22,360 arrivals via small boats into the UK  an almost 60 per cent increase on last year. Families try to make their way to a small boat just off the shore in Gravelines this month. They were unsuccessful and made their way back to the beach to try another day. Credit: Getty Images The numbers are rising as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promises to smash the gangs and hails a new deal with French President Emmanuel Macron to stem the tide. But authorities here suggest the one-in, one-out pledge is not worth the paper it is written on. Some also pour scorn on Macron for talking tough without following through with concrete changes. The scene on the beaches of Gravelines this week is one replicated along the coast of northern France day in, day out, when the weather permits. In the early hours, police patrol cars scour the 200 kilometres of coastline between the border of Belgium and the Bay de Somme estuary. Police use drones fitted with night-vision technology to scan the dunes where the migrants, mostly young adult men, will camp for the night before they attempt to cross the Channel.

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But the distances make it easy for smugglers and migrants to hide from stretched authorities. Gendarmes drive beige 4x4s in teams of three, moving down the shoreline and surveying the waters for inflatable dinghies. Gravelines  the distances make it easy for smugglers and migrants to hide from stretched authorities. Credit: Getty Images We are here every night, it is always the same, it never changes, one officer said as he patrolled a beach car park. The migrants are everywhere. The London Telegraph encountered six patrols in the space of two hours during a 3am drive from Calais towards Wimereux, a seaside commune south of Boulogne and another known hotspot for Channel crossings. Interceptions remain scarce. Smugglers launch simultaneous crossings from up to 10 beaches to divide police attention and resources. Pre-inflated dinghies are launched from waterways and canals dozens of kilometres from the pick-up point and sail down the coast. The smugglers use weather apps, such as Windy, on their phones to help them plan their crossings. The apps provide up-to-the-second information on wind speed, direction and the swell.

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Sentries linked to the smuggling gangs are posted in the dunes and near the camps to watch for the boats. They alert over the phone that the dinghy is arriving and that it is time for its passengers to get on board. A dinghy that was intended to be used by migrants lies in the mud after being abandoned in a canal following a problem with the outboard motor in Gravelines this month. Credit: Getty Images Musiol, the border police officer, said: There are always small groups of smugglers who know our beaches very, very well. Often carrying nothing other than orange life jackets around their necks, the migrants sprint across the beach, hoping to do so before the police have time to react. Sometimes officers do, and fire a salvo of tear gas from grenade launchers. But this is often not enough. You have smugglers and their friends who throw stones at the police officers to distract them and to get the migrants onto the boat as quickly as possible, one officer said. He estimated there are only three to six police for every 50 migrants trying to enter the sea. We have a lack of officers and you have a huge, huge amount of the coast to monitor, he said. It is not possible with the number of personnel the border police have, the gendarmerie, to monitor this entire stretch of coastline and beach. The camps where migrants live are even more lawless. Inside the main camp at Loon Plage, 12 kilometres south-west of Dunkirk, shootings and stabbings between warring gangs for control of the best beaches are commonplace. On July 8, a 44-year-old Kurd from Iraq was shot five times in the legs at the camp.

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Migrants wash themselves at makeshift water taps in the Grande-Synthe migrant camp in Dunkirk. Credit: Bloomberg About two dozen armed police were deployed that day to quell the violence. The month before, two migrants were shot dead and another five injured. Balkan crime groups have established themselves as the dominant players in orchestrating the operations, but police sources say East African gangs out of Eritrea, especially, are rivalling them. One police source with knowledge of the people-smuggling gangs said efforts to stop the migrants were futile without a strategy to break up the wider smuggling networks. If you are dealing with it in Calais, you have failed, you are never going to succeed, they said. You have got to look at it earlier on and deal with the cause of all of these problems. They are going to keep trying. A week later, they are going to give it another go. What else are they going to do, camp in Calais for the rest of their life? Its just not realistic. Locals along the coast, meanwhile, are fed up with seeing their coastline dominated by years of crisis and inaction.

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Eva Osborne

Constance Markievicz, also known as Countess Markievicz, has been solidified as an extremely important figure in Irish history.

An Irish revolutionary nationalist politician, suffragist, and socialist, Markievicz was the first woman elected to the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

She was a founding member of Fianna Eireann, Cumann na mBan, and the Irish Citizen Army. She also took part in the Easter Rising in 1916, and sexism worked in her favour as she was spared execution just for being a woman.

She is well-known to most Irish people, and is seen as a leading figure in the fight for Irish independence and social reform.

Constance's younger sister Eva Gore-Booth is not half as well-known as her. But her achievements are impressive too.

The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum said Gore-Booth is "an icon of suffrage, trade unionism, nationalism and LGBTQ+ defiance".

So, who was Eva Gore-Booth?

Compared to Constance, who is reported to have been wiley, strong-willed and vocal, Eva was quieter, graceful, and empathetic.

According to their governess, Eva was always so delicate and often let her older sister overshadow her.

EPIC said Gore-Booth was by no means a passive person, despite not minding blending quietly into the background.

"She was deeply passionate, a fact that is probably most evident in her poetry and she was a fierce campaigner for womens rights, workers rights and animal rights throughout her life."

Gore-Booth is said to have fell in love with folk-telling and Irish lore, and became a poet when Constance left for France to study art.

"Eva herself travelled, although her home was still in Sligo," EPIC said.

"That was until she met English suffragist and social justice campaigner Esther Roper. Whilst travelling in 1896, Gore-Booth fell ill and moved to Bordighera in Italy to recover.

"It was here that she met Esther Roper, who was also recovering from an illness. The two fell hopelessly in love."

This is where Gore-Booth's status as an icon of LGBTQ+ defiance starts.

In a time where being gay was a punishable crime, Eva Gore-Booth and Esther Roper defied societal norms by being openly devoted to each other.

"Gore-Booth returned to Sligo and Roper to Manchester in 1897. They were barely apart for a few months when Gore-Booth uprooted her aristocratic life to live in Manchester with Roper," EPIC said.

The museum said Gore-Booth's queer relationship had no effect on her relationship with Constance.

Eva and Constance. Photo: Lissadell House

"Constance was very fond of Roper too, writing that 'Esther is wonderful, and the more one knowns her, the more one loves her'.

"Roper and Gore-Booth came from completely different worlds. Ropers parents were working-class Irish immigrants, her father was a factory hand who moved to England during the industrial revolution.

"Roper was a highly intelligent child and became the first woman to graduate from the University of Manchester.

"Her compassion for working class women and her activism for the causes of suffrage and labour rights further inspired Gore-Booth to become involved in those social causes herself."

Womens suffrage, Irish independence, and death

During her brief return to Sligo, Eva Gore-Booth called the first womens suffrage meeting in a local hall in December 1896.

Though the meeting was scoffed at by new outlets at the time, EPIC said Eva was far from deterred from supporting the cause of suffrage.

An article in Vanity Fair stated how the three pretty daughters of Sir Henry Gore-Booth are creating a little excitement supported by a few devoted yokels, never anticipating how the Gore-Booth sisters would create much more than a little excitement in society.

"Esther Roper lit the fire in Eva Gore-Booth that ignited a life-long devotion to social causes. Evas poetry is often politically charged, poems like The Anti-Suffragist being a short but particularly scathing commentary on those who turn a blind-eye to injustice," EPIC said.

"Though Eva was living abroad, she never forgot her ties to the Ireland, being outspoken in favour of Irish Independence.

"When Constance Markeivicz was captured in 1916, Gore-Booth and Roper smuggled themselves into a Dublin on lock-down to visit her in Kilmainham Gaol.

"Following her release from Aylesbury Prison, the couple met her and brought her back to their London home at 33 Fitzroy Square, which became known as a hub of Irish Nationalism in London."

In the 1920s, it was found that Eva Gore-Booth had terminal colon cancer. She begged Roper to keep it from Constance and it was Ropers brother and Roper herself that cared for Eva in her final days.

"She passed in 1926, the news coming as a shock to Constance, who was too bereft to attend the funeral," EPIC said.

"She herself died a year later in 1927, arguably of a broken heart, though not before writing in a letter to a friend that she was 'so glad that Eva and [Esther] were together. So thankful that her love was with Eva until the end'.

"Esther Roper died in 1938 and is buried with Eva Gore-Booth in London. The inscription on their headstone is 'Life with Love is God'."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has approved building plans worth over US$3 million for May 2025, reflecting a slight decrease in construction activity compared to the previous month. This is according to the council's latest building control statistical report compiled by the housing and community services director, Dictor Khumalo.The report reveals that the council's building control section processed a total of 1 422 building plans in May. Of these, 142 building plans with a combined value of US$3 086 990 were approved, while 87 were referred back for corrections. The report notes that there was a 19.32 percent decrease in approved plans compared to April 2025.A total of 212 building plans valued at US$4 863 683 were submitted to council during May, representing a 36.53 percent drop from the previous month's figures. From these submissions, council raised approximately US$48 636,83 in revenue through plan submission fees.The council's inspections department carried out 1 497 inspections during the period under review, reflecting a 9.76 percent decrease from the previous month. These inspections confirmed the completion of 42 buildings, identified 16 dilapidated structures, and assessed two public buildings. The council generated about US$10 500 from these inspections and related building control activities.However, operational challenges persist within the building control department, particularly due to a shortage of functional council vehicles which have been out of service for over two months. This has affected the efficiency of inspections and other fieldwork activities.Bulawayo has experienced an increase in the number of diasporans acquiring residential stands and funding the construction of their homes. In contrast, many local residents continue to struggle with financing their building projects, leading to cases where council repossesses undeveloped land.The city has also seen a rise in private land developers who are contracted to create housing schemes for prospective homeowners. However, there are growing concerns over the high costs associated with these developments, with many locals finding them unaffordable.Despite the decrease in building plan approvals and submissions, Bulawayo's construction sector remains active, driven largely by diaspora investments, even as operational and economic challenges persist.
By Christopher McKeon, PA Political Correspondent

Sir Keir Starmer stressed the importance of consensus in handling the legacy of the Troubles as he spoke to Taoiseach Micheal Martin on Friday.

In a phone call with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, the UK prime minister had what Downing Street described as a constructive discussion on dealing with the legacy of the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland.

A Number 10 spokesperson said the two men had underscored the importance of a way forward that built consensus, before turning to economic issues and the UK-EU relationship.

Mr Martin himself echoed Downing Streets comments, tweeting that he had had a constructive discussion with British PM Keir Starmer today on a framework for dealing with legacy.

The call came as Mr Starmer faces pressure from some of his own backbenchers over plans to repeal and replace legislation passed by the previous government that halted investigations into all but the most serious allegations involving Troubles-related cases.

Downing Street and the Taoiseach described the conversation as constructive (Peter Byrne/PA)

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act has been criticised by human rights campaigners for granting conditional immunity to suspects.

That provision was ruled incompatible with human rights laws by the Northern Irish courts, prompting Labour to commit to replacing legislation it described as flawed and failed.

But that proposal has brought condemnation from former British soldiers who fear it will open the way to vexatious prosecutions and civil claims.

Opponents are also reported to include some Labour MPs, including veterans minister Al Carns.

A former Royal Marine and special forces officer, Mr Carns was reported by The Times to be considering resigning over plans to repeal the Legacy Act.

But earlier in the week, Downing Street said the UK government was working in lockstep on the issue.

A UK Ministry of Defence source also played down the prospect of Mr Carns quitting, but told the PA news agency it was a tricky issue and when you are making policy there is always going to be debate internally.
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The U.S. government has passed a bill eliminating over $1 billion in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This financial blow hits PBS and NPR the hardest, posing a particular threat to PBS Kids, a key player in educational animation. The cuts could force widespread layoffs, halt new content, and shift young viewers toward commercial platforms.

The Big Picture:

Congress has approved cutting $1.1 billion in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), effectively defunding PBS and NPR for the first time in decades. This move could significantly disrupt the U.S. animation industry, particularly in childrens educational programming.

Why it matters:

PBS Kids has been a major incubator for non-commercial, educational animation platforms and series like Sesame Street, Arthur, The Magic School Bus, and countless others. With federal funding eliminated, programs like these face production cuts or cancellations, potentially altering how millions of children consume media. Additionally, PBS Kids content is often free-to-air, especially vital for rural and low-income families.

Driving the news:

The cuts were passed in July 2025, with House approval (216213) and Senate approval (5148).

President Trump called the move a fiscal victory, having previously accused NPR and PBS of spreading radical, woke propaganda disguised as news,' when he signed an executive order to cut all funding back in May.

The funding cuts take effect on October 1, 2025.

Local PBS stations anticipate widespread layoffs, closures, and reduced programming.

Potential risks to the animation industry include:

Production halts on current animated series and specials.

Fewer grant-funded projects for small and mid-sized independent animation studios.

Increased consolidation of educational brands under commercial streamers like Netflix (where Sesame Street recently secured a distribution deal).

By the numbers:

Approximately 15% of PBSs total budget is derived from federal CPB funding.

Approximately $1.40 to $ 1.60 per taxpayer annually funds public broadcasting.

PBS Kids had already furloughed 25% of staff in early 2025 before the cuts.

Impacted Shows:

While a list of shows that will be affected by the cuts isnt available, the following series have received funding from CPB in the last several years. These totals dont represent the shows budgets, but rather the amount received from CPB:

What theyre saying:

In a statement, PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger said:

The Senate approval ultimately goes against the will of the American people, the vast majority of whom trust PBS and believe it provides excellent value to their communities. These cuts will significantly impact all of our stations, but will be especially devastating to smaller stations and those serving large rural areas. Many of our stations that provide access to free and unique local programming and emergency alerts will now be forced to make hard decisions in the weeks and months ahead.

Paul Siefken, CEO and president of Fred Rogers Productions, which produces animated series like Daniel Tigers Neighborhood and Almas Way, told Kidscreen when Trump first attempted to cut CPB funding:

Federal funding for PBS KIDS is irreplaceable and essential for the critical educational resources that tens of millions of children rely on all over the country. We support PBS and have chosen to work with them for the last 57 years because no other childrens media provider has public televisions local infrastructure, which helps our youngest learners where they live and learn.

The bottom line:

Animation producers relying on public funds are bracing for a contraction. Without intervention, the next generation of childrens programming may be shaped more by engagement metrics than educational standards.
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News / National

by Staff reporter

A man was fatally struck by a train at Chinhoyi Railway Station on Thursday afternoon, becoming the fourth person killed in separate train accidents across Zimbabwe within a month, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has confirmed.The incident occurred around 4:06PM, with NRZ officials reporting that the man, who was not carrying any form of identification, died on the spot. Police have since launched investigations to establish his identity.Eyewitnesses said the victim was wearing headphones at the time of the tragedy and may not have heard the approaching train."We appeal to members of the public to be vigilant while walking close to railway tracks to avoid such incidents," NRZ said in a statement.The Chinhoyi death comes just days after three similar fatalities in Bulawayo, Mutare, and Zvishavane.On July 1, a Bulawayo man was also struck by a train near the city's main railway station. He was reportedly listening to music through earphones and failed to notice the oncoming locomotive. That same day, a train crew reported hitting a man lying unresponsive on the tracks at Odzi Siding near Mutare.In another incident, Peter Vengesayi of Zeederburg Village 1, Zvishavane, was killed on June 20 after being run over while lying on the railway tracks.The NRZ has raised concern over the increasing number of deaths involving pedestrians and trains, warning that negligence and complacency are contributing factors. The rail company also warned motorists against failing to give way at level crossings, highlighting a recent rise in vehicle-train collisions.In some urban areas, especially high-density suburbs, residents frequently use railway tracks as shortcuts or exercise routes, often ignoring the obvious dangers."We are working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to intensify rail safety awareness campaigns and curb these preventable tragedies," NRZ said.The parastatal urged the public to treat railway lines as high-risk zones, avoid distractions like headphones near tracks, and obey all rail crossing signals to avoid further loss of life.
A large crowd gathered from across Hamilton County to celebrate a milestone years in the makingthe grand opening of The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence, East Hamilton. The new memory care community completes the full-service senior living campus, now offering both assisted living and memory care services in side-by-side buildings.Officials said, "Local, county and state leaders joined Morning Pointe Senior Living in marking the momentous occasion, celebrating not only the economic impact for Hamilton County but also the expanded care options now available for families facing the challenges of Alzheimer's and dementia."Kim Lepard, a retired RN and Morning Pointe family member, shared a deeply personal story about her father's journey and how she thought she could do it all, but after two years of caring for her Dad with his memory care needs, she realized she needed help."I've been able to go visit my children and grandchildren who live out of state. The period that my Dad was living with us, I was unable to do that, and now I'm able to be the daughter, a grandmother and mom again, so it's been freedom for us that we can enjoy other things and know that he's well taken care of.""Other speakers echoed the importance of this specialized memory care expansion, including Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, Hamilton County Commission Chair Lee Helton (District 7), Bill Hullander, Hamilton County Trustee, Ben Cairns with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, and Amy French with the Tennessee Department of Health Office of Healthy Aging," officials said.Morning Pointe Co-Founder Greg A. Vital also shared heartfelt remarks, "This community represents more than just bricks and mortarit's a promise to families that their loved ones can receive compassionate, specialized care right in the neighborhoods they call home. As East Hamilton continues to grow, Morning Pointe is proud to grow with it, providing services that honor aging with dignity and purpose.""Special thanks to the Silverdale Baptist PrimeTimers Choir, American Legion Post 95 Color Guard and the Scouting America Troops 82 & 1147 from Harrison United Methodist Church for helping make the grand opening ceremony memorable," officials said.The Lantern, located at 1775 Generations Way, 9700 Block E. Brainerd Road, includes 60 apartments and offers two levels of memory care: the Lamplight is a large open area for residents with early-to-moderate stage memory loss; the Lantern wing for individuals needing more advanced memory support.
When folks who know a little bit about historic musicians hear the name Oscar Peterson, they think of the Canadian jazz composer and pianist. But there is a lesser-known Oscar Peterson who was the recipient of an award that is far more distinguished than any musician might receive.







Oscar Verner Peterson was born in the small town of Prentice, Wisconsin, at the turn of the last century. He enlisted in the Navy in December 1920, following World War I, at the age of 21.After his initial training, he spent the next two decades on sea duty on various ships.





Watertenders were stationed in the fire rooms of major vessels, where they ensured the ships boilers had the correct amount of feed water to generate steam and maintained the safe and efficient operation of the boilers. As a Watertender, Peterson was also responsible for the ships feed and freshwater storage system and piping network.





In World War II, he was a Chief Watertender, equivalent to todays rank of Petty Officer First Class. He was assigned to the USS Neosho, a fleet oiler ship tasked with resupplying fuel and other materiel to larger Pacific Theater battle group ships.





On 7 May 1942, five months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Neosho had just resupplied the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier during the Battle of the Coral Sea. That battle, and the U.S. victory at Midway the following month, marked the turning point of the war in the Pacific Theater.





More than 70 Japanese dive bombers and other aircraft attacked the Neosho and a nearby destroyer, the USS Sims. The Neosho suffered heavy damage in the attack, which lasted almost 20 minutes  an eternity when you are on the receiving end. Peterson and several members of a repair party he was leading were severely wounded in the attack. But that did not deter him from assisting in the closing of critical valves to keep the ship afloat and attending to the wounded, despite his own third-degree burns.





By shutting the bulkhead stop valves, Peterson isolated the steam to the engine room, which helped keep the ship operational and afloat. The Sims was sunk in the attack, and only 15 survivors made it to the Neosho, joining its 123 survivors. After being adrift for four days, thanks in large measure to Petersons actions, all the survivors were rescued by the USS Henley, and they scuttled the Neosho to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.





Oscar Peterson died of his burn injuries two days after the rescue on 13 May and was ceremonially buried at sea. For his actions that day, he would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor.





His MoH citation notes: For extraordinary courage and conspicuous heroism above and beyond the call of duty while in charge of a repair party during an attack on the USS Neosho by enemy Japanese aerial forces on 7 May 1942. Lacking assistance because of injuries to the other members of his repair party and severely wounded himself, Peterson, with no concern for his own life, closed the bulkhead stop valves and in so doing received additional burns which resulted in his death. His spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty, characteristic of a fine seaman, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.





Moreover, as is universally true of Medal of Honor recipients killed in combat, he gave his life for his brothers in arms.





Though awarded the Medal of Honor in 1942, because we were deep in World War II, there was no ceremony at the time for his wife and family. However, in 1943, the U.S. Navy Edsall-class destroyer escort USS Peterson was commissioned in his honor. The ship was decommissioned in 1965.





After Oscars death, his wife, Lola, and their two sons, Fred and Donald, moved from California to Richfield, Idaho. Lola died in 1991, and his son Donald in 2008. But on 3 April 2010, 68 years after the Battle of the Coral Sea, thanks to petitions by friends, the Department of Defense arranged a Medal of Honor presentation ceremony for Oscars remaining descendants. RDML James Symonds presented Oscars Medal and a 48-star U.S. flag (from the era of Petersons service) to their surviving son, Fred. A MoH Headstone was placed in the Richfield cemetery.





At the belated ceremony attended by more than 800 people, Symonds observed: The aftermath for Lola must have been devastating. I believe she would have benefitted greatly by a presentation with more ceremony, with more importance, than receiving her husbands medal in the mail. She sacrificed much for her country, in a different way, but in no less a terrible way than her husband. And thats why its important for us to be here today.





Symonds added: Certainly the first reaction of the family must be, Why my husband? Why my dad? Maybe later with time and a perspective fed by other stories, they become, Wow, that was my dad.





Of the ceremony, Fred Peterson said: The thing that got me, Id put everything back past it. Then it all came back up again. It kind of hurts, kind of like opening up a wound again.  I guess I should be big enough to accept it.





On 27 June 2025, SecDef Pete Hegseth officially announced that the John Lewis-class replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk will be appropriately renamed for Oscar V. Peterson.





CWT Oscar Peterson: Your example of valor  a humble American Patriot defending Liberty for all above and beyond the call of duty and in disregard for the peril to your own life  is eternal.





"Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends." (John 15:13)





Live your life worthy of his sacrifice.





Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis

Pro Deo et Libertate -- 1776





Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform  Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- standing in harms way in defense of American Liberty, and for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

* * *

Note to our Chattanooga friends: Don't miss the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, the annual gathering of all living recipients hosted by the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in our hometown. This is a week-long convention beginning September 30th featuring public and private events to celebrate American Patriots whose heroic acts of valor have forever shaped our nations story. The Patriot Awards Gala is the capstone dinner on Saturday, Oct. 4. To Learn more about corporate, foundation and individual sponsorship opportunities for this high-profile event before they close, visit: www.MOHHC.org/Celebration




U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, a Biden appointee, issued an order barring what the left calls roving immigration arrests by ICE. As per the 6/27/25 SCOTUS directive (Trump v CASA) that order only applied to the district of that LA federal judge.



Outside a Sacramento Home Depot, an ICE/Border Patrol strike team conducted a raid. FOX News went along. Agents, wearing uniforms with the word police clearly visible, took 11 men into custody. Several of the men had criminal histories and prior deportations. One had been arrested in CA 67 times since 1986.



FOX reporter, Bill Melugin, who is fluent in Spanish, explained to viewers Judge Frimpongs ruling didnt apply here. Border Patrol had done surveillance for three days on the Home Depot lot running license scanners and facial recognitions which matched people previously deported from the U.S. giving agents probable cause. Once they exited their Border Patrol vans, men who had been standing around began scattering. A man claiming to be a U.S. citizen was also taken into custody for slashing a Border Patrol vehicles tire as he attempted to obstruct the operation.



What was obvious from this raid: sanctuary folly has been protecting illegals over recent years, deportations were useless with Biden; Judge Frimpongs jurisdiction didnt extend up to Sacramento and actually never did; thorough and efficient surveillance by agents led to arrests; agents in vests labeled POLICE sent illegals running contrary to Democrats claims about law enforcement and no one should attempt to obstruct or interfere with agents as they carry out legal operations.

Theres a new sheriff in town.



Ralph Miller










Practically all citizens agree that the federal judiciary is critically important to our democracy. For citizens to have confidence in and respect for the judiciary, it must be above suspicion. To retain the publics confidence and respect, the judiciary must not only deliver justice, but also be perceived as doing so. The perception that justice is being done is as important to the publics confidence in the courts as is the actual occurrence of justice.

RANDOM ASSIGNMENTS

One important way for courts to maintain the confidence of the public is by randomly assigning cases to judges. All federal district courts, with the exception of the District of Guam, are now made up of multiple district judges. To avoid the possibility of judges picking cases over which to preside, or of lawyers picking judges to hear their cases, courts assign cases to judges randomly.

Initially, the assignment system depended on a physical deck of 3-by-5 cards each labeled with the name of a judge. The deck was shuffled so that the judges names appeared randomly multiple times in the deck. When a new case was filed, the Clerk of Court would pull the top card from the deck and assign the case to the judge whose name appeared on that card. Because the cards were in random order, it was unpredictable who the next judge assigned to a case would be. The same judge could be selected for multiple cases in a row. Nowadays, the random assignments are made by computer programs and the actual, physical decks are no longer used.

DANGER OF LAWYERS PICKING JUDGES

Public perception of justice is endangered if the public has reason to believe that lawyers are steering their cases to judges who may rule in their favor for personal reasons, ideological reasons, or other reasons not related to the law and facts. Lawyers naturally would love to have their cases heard by a judge they think is sympathetic to their clients. Yet, one can imagine how the other side would feel if they knew that their opponent had secured their preferred judge to hear a case. They would feel that the entire proceeding was unfair, and before long, the public at large would come to feel the same way. A lawyer strategically seeking to have a case heard by a sympathetic judge is sometimes referred to as judge shopping. It invites the appearance that some are using the courts not to seek justice, but to secure a preordained result based on who the judge is rather than the merits of the case.

DANGER OF JUDGES PICKING CASES

A corollary to the danger of allowing lawyers to pick particular judges is the danger of allowing judges to pick particular cases they want to hear. Such selections would lead the public to think a judge had an outsized interest in a case that might conflict with the judges duty to ensure justice is done. Others might conclude that the judges interest in presiding over that case would indicate a bias for or against one of the parties. In either scenario, the publics perception of an impartial and fair federal judiciary would be endangered. Random assignment of cases alleviates that concern.

SINGLE-JUDGE DIVISIONS

Although virtually all districts have multiple judges, some districts are split into geographical divisions that might have only one judge each, making random assignment of cases more challenging. The Judicial Conference of the United States- the policy-making body for the federal judiciary -encourages district courts to minimize this concern by engaging in random case assignment across entire districts for certain civil cases with the potential for state-wide or national effects.

RANDOM ASSIGNMENT OF CASES PRESERVES TRUST IN THE JUDICIARY

The Constitution gives federal judges lifetime tenure. It does so for a reasonso judges are not beholden to politics, parties, outside interests, or public pressure. If the public comes to believe that lawyers or interest groups are able to steer their cases before sympathetic judges, the perception of fairness is in danger.

Thats why random case assignment is so essential. When cases are assigned randomly it removes the ability to pick and choose a judge or for a judge to pick and choose a case. Accordingly, it preserves public trust in the process and reinforces the ideal that the law, not a litigants strategy, determines the outcome.

In any courtroom, the principle is clear: justice must be blind. Random assignment of cases helps to ensure that it is.

Curtis L. Collier

United States District Judge

Chair, Eastern District of Tennessee Civics and Outreach Committee

Carrie Brown Stefaniak

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier

Katherine E. Philyaw

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier

Katharine M. Gardner

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier
Nathan Griffith has been moved to a medium security prison for the remainder of his sentence. He could be back on the streets as early as July 2026.

Nathan Griffith is back on with his wife, May Oyola, but itll be some time before the duo are back in the same space again. While Oyola was busy on Instagram defending her man and her complicated marriage, Nathan Griffith was being transferred to a medium security prison where he will serve out his prison term. We have all the details on his transfer and expected release date. The former Teen Mom 2 guest star could spend years in prison.

Nathan Griffith has been moved to a medium security prison

Nathan Griffiths time at the Clark County Detention Center is over for now. Griffith was remanded to the detention center back in late April. He was sentenced to at least 14 months behind bars in May. Now, hes on to his next home. Griffith was transferred to Southern Desert Correctional Center, a medium-security prison, for the rest of his term. The center is located within the Las Vegas city limits, which should make visits easy for Oyola.

According to official court records, Griffiths official release date is listed as May 2027, but his term could be shorter. Technically, he could be released as soon as July 2026, provided he exhibits good behavior. Upon release, Griffith will be expected to adhere to a series of strict requirements. The Nevada resident has had difficulty following court orders in the past. Probation violations are pretty common for the veteran. Griffith was on probation after strangling his sister in a July 2023 attack when he was arrested for attacking Anastasia Biddle. He was prohibited from drinking alcohol as a condition of that probation, but he was drunk when police approached him.

Griffiths prison sentence likely means hell remain out of touch with his children for the foreseeable future. From the sounds of it, thats not much different from previous years. Both Griffith and Jenelle Evans have revealed that Griffith was not in regular contact with their shared child at the time of his arrest. The lack of contact stymied Teen Mom fans, considering that Griffith contacted Evans on the evening of the incident that led to his arrest.

Nathan Griffith talks to Jenelle Evans | MTV/YouTube

Despite Griffith being incarcerated at the moment, his current wife has assumed a parental role in his absence, it seems. She recently appeared to watch both Kaiser Griffith and Ensley Eason while Evans was out of town. Its unclear how much time she spends with her stepson and his half-sister, though.

Griffith has an older child, a daughter named Emery, from a past relationship. It is unclear if Griffith has contact with the teen. She remains out of the public eye, as does her mother.
Holy Family Church in Gaza City, where three people sheltering were killed by Israeli tank strike. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Channel 4 News

The Israeli military is conducting an investigation into reports that a tank strike on the only Catholic church in Gaza, the Holy Family Church, resulted in the deaths of three people and injured several others.

In a statement released Thursday, the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem condemned the strike at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which has been sheltering hundreds of people since the conflict began.

The churchs parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who is also a confidant of the late Pope Francis, was among those injured. Online videos show the priest sitting with his leg bandaged, and photos depict damage to the church's roof, with a large chunk missing near a stone cross.

Those killed in the attack have been identified as Najwa Abu Daoud, Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, and Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, told Vatican News, 'What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF says by mistake, but we are not sure about this, they hit the Church directly, the Church of the Holy Family, the Latin Church.' He added, 'There are four people seriously wounded, among these four, two are in very dramatic conditions and their lives are in serious danger.'

The Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the damage [to the church] and over any civilian casualty. They also stated, The IDF is examining this incident, the circumstances of which are still unclear, and the results of the investigation will be published transparently. Israel never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians.

The Israel Defense Forces issued a statement Thursday saying they make every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them.

In a social media post, Pope Leo XIV expressed his "deeply saddened" reaction to the loss of life and injury caused by the attack on the church. He wrote, I assure the parish community of my spiritual closeness, and added, I commend the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and pray for their families and the injured. I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. Only dialogue and reconciliation can ensure enduring peace!

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, who has supported Israel but has also recently been critical of its military offensive in Gaza, called the strike on the church unacceptable. She stated, No military action can justify such behavior.

The military offensive in Gaza by Israel began in October 2023 after Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, killed over 1,200 people, most of them civilians, during an attack in southern Israel on October 7 of that year.

Israels stated goal for the operation is to eradicate Hamas from the territory and to secure the release of around 250 people who were taken hostage during that attack. Israel has long accused Hamas of hiding behind Gaza's civilian population, which has led to fighting in densely populated urban centers.
Dr. Bambang Budijanto, General Secretary of the Asia Evangelical Alliance, gives the opening speech at the Asia Evangelical Leadership Forum in Seoul on June 11. | Photo Credit: Christian Daily International

The Asia Evangelical Leadership Forum (AELF) officially opened Wednesday in Seoul, South Korea, with a powerful call to renew commitment to discipleship amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Organized by the Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA), the three-day event gathered approximately 100 Evangelical leaders from more than 20 Asian countries for prayer, strategic planning, and collaboration under the theme: Disciple or Die 2.0.

Held at the Antioch Center from June 11 to 13, AELF is a part of what organizers describe as a discipleship journey that began in 2019. The forums main aim is to develop actionable strategies to accelerate the Great Commissions fulfillment across Asia by deepening discipleship commitments.

Dr. Bambang Budijanto, General Secretary of the AEA, delivered the opening address, tracing the evolution of AEAs emphasis on discipleship, which gained momentum during preparations for the 2019 World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) General Assembly. During that time, Asian leaders were asked to shape the agenda and seek Gods guidance through prayer.

What emerged was the conviction that the Holy Spirit was calling us back to the final words of Jesus: Make disciples of all nations. That moment launched a commitment we called the Decade of Discipleship, beginning in 2020, said Budijanto.

In 2020, the AEA hosted its first online General Assembly amid the pandemic, focusing on Church in the New Landscape. Leaders recognized that COVID-19 had accelerated shifts in how churches and missions operate.

Quoting Isaiah 43:19  See, I am doing a new thing  Budijanto emphasized that there was a need for new models and mindsets to match the changing realities. The way we did church and missions last century cannot carry us into this century, he stated.

As a result of this reflection, seven task forces were established in preparation for AEAs 40th anniversary in 2023, with each one focused on discerning God's work in Asia today. However, during the 2024 General Assembly in Mongolia, the number of these strategic task forces was reduced from seven to four.

The ultimate goal of AELF 2025 is to unify leaders around a ten-year vision for invigorating discipleship movements across the region.

Budijanto acknowledged that Christian mission movements, like the modern era initiated by William Carey, may be entering a new phase. Every season God creates new movements, he said. But we cant see whats ahead if we keep looking behind. The challenge is to stop feeding the old model and begin discerning what God is birthing now.

Budijanto wrapped up his speech by urging unity and anticipation: Let us approach this not as a routine event but as a sacred moment. God wants to do more than we can imagine  but we must come with open hands, open hearts, and the willingness to walk together.

The forum concluded on June 13 with a commitment ceremony and a final prayer session titled Show us Your life.
Home News Mark Driscoll rebukes Chip Gaines for featuring gay couple on Back to the Frontier

Calling it a betrayal of Christ and his core Evangelical audience, outspoken megachurch preacher Mark Driscoll offered a strong rebuke to Christian producer and reality TV star Chip Gaines for defending the inclusion of a gay couple on his new television series "Back to the Frontier."

"I'm assuming the Gaines' are a little perplexed at the backlash that they deserve," said Driscoll, founding pastor of Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the now-defunct Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, in a video response to Gaines on Monday.

"So, the way it works is this. If you profess Christ, you need to be loyal to Christ," he continued. "And if you profess Christ, those who profess Christ, they have a measure of trust that they give you, not because you've earned it, but because they love Christ. So when you see something like the massive, very wealthy platform that has been built, it is built with a core base audience of people who probably love Christ or at least hold to conservative traditional values that are somewhat based on biblical teaching. And so for the Gaines' to deviate from that is to betray their entire core audience."

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Driscoll also called the couple "remarkably tone deaf," claiming the American people recently rejected the liberal shift in American values with the election of President Donald Trump to a second term.

"We just had an election. I don't know if you guys saw that. It seemed like a resounding national referendum to stop this spread of trying to sexualize children and normalize perverse behavior," he said.

The new series, executive-produced by Chip and Joanna Gaines, premiered a week ago on the couple's Magnolia Network. It features gay couple Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs as one of three couples living without access to running water or electricity as homesteaders did in the 1800s. The couple appeared on the series with their two children, Realtor.com noted.

Even though he doesn't know the couple, Driscoll said he and his wife, like many Evangelical families, have long enjoyed the Gaines' television productions. The Gaineses are known to attend Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas, which promotes a traditional biblical view on sexuality.

On Sunday, however, in response to social media backlash from conservatives, Chip Gaines suggested that his critics were being too judgmental and engaged in an extended defense of their presence on the show.

"Talk, ask [questions,] listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never. It's a sad [Sunday] when 'nonbelievers' have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian," Gaines wrote in a post on X.

Among the critics were Franklin Graham, conservative Christian blogger Matt Walsh and Joel Berry, managing editor of the satirical website The Babylon Bee.

Driscoll said that until the 1970s, homosexuality was classified as a mental health disorder and claims it is now on a "slippery slope" towards being normalized in the Christian community.

"This behavior was listed as a mental illness during my lifetime. And it has gone from a mental illness to a civil right. And it has gone from those who don't love Christ advocating it to those who do claim to love Christ tolerating it," he argued.

"One generation tolerates a sin, the next generation celebrates that sin and then the generation after that no longer knows that it's a sin. This is the slippery slope. This is using a platform that was given to you by using the name of Christ and by exercising some commitment to traditional values. And this is a betrayal of Christ and your core base," Driscoll said in his open rebuke of Gaines.

"If you're online defending yourself and shooting people and you're being judgmental and accusing other leaders of criticizing you, well, shame on you," he added. "You're the one who farted in your own elevator. So, you got to smell it. You have no one to blame but yourself."

Driscoll also briefly rebuked Baylor University, which is also in Waco, Texas, where the Gaines are located, for what he calls betraying traditional Christian principles by embracing diversity, equity and inclusion ideology. He then called on Chip Gaines to "lead with courage."

"Chip, you're a husband and a father. You're a Christian and you're a man. And you have a responsibility in the sight of God to lead with courage and with authority and with clarity," Driscoll said. "If you fail to do so, you're just another guy who failed and failed miserably and failed publicly. That doesn't make you a victim. That makes you a fool."
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday concluded a five-day working visit to Japan aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties, strengthening Zimbabwe's investment appeal, and positioning the country as a prime destination for trade and tourism.During the visit, President Mnangagwa led Zimbabwe's participation in World Expo 2025 where he presided over Zimbabwe's National Day celebrations, using the occasion to promote Zimbabwe's cultural heritage, tourism potential, and economic opportunities through modern technologies including 3D displays and virtual reality experiences.At the heart of the visit was the inaugural Zimbabwe-Japan Business Forum, which saw the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering key sectors: tourism, mining, and manufacturing.Addressing Japanese investors, President Mnangagwa reiterated his government's open-door policy on investment:"Zimbabwe is open for business; open to investment; open to trade; open to innovation; open to tourism and partnerships which are Beyond Limits."President Mnangagwa held several strategic engagements, including talks with the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) on expanding cooperation in sustainable agriculture and infrastructure development. Discussions focused on improving agricultural productivity, export growth, and ongoing infrastructure projects such as road construction.A significant meeting was also held with Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which expressed plans to expand its footprint in Zimbabwe through the supply of public transport vehicles and fully equipped ambulances. Zimbabwe encouraged further investment, highlighting recent reforms aimed at creating a more business-friendly environment.Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, who accompanied the President, said these engagements were key to boosting Zimbabwe's investment profile."We want to expand Toyota's footprint into Zimbabwe through initiatives like assembling semi-knockdown kits to create jobs. Conversations with investors have been constructive and promising," said Prof Ncube.The engagements also served as preparatory groundwork for Zimbabwe's participation at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), a major summit on Africa's development scheduled for next month.Zimbabwe's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka drew large crowds, with visitors captivated by the blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology. The pavilion featured interactive exhibits, including virtual reality tours of Zimbabwe's tourist destinations and displays of local art and curios.Prof Ncube said Zimbabwe's presentation at the Expo exceeded expectations and set a new benchmark for how the country should market itself internationally:"We really feel that our stand was among the best, with queues of people eager to experience our technology-driven exhibits. This visibility strengthens our tourism and investment prospects."President Mnangagwa also met Governor Ichimi Katsuyuki of Mie Prefecture, a key Japanese region with trade links to Zimbabwe through imports of petalite, a mineral critical in ceramics and battery manufacturing. Discussions explored value-addition opportunities, including processing petalite into lithium sulphate for battery-grade products.Reflecting on the visit, Prof Ncube said Zimbabwe's engagements with Japan were not only about immediate investment but about forging lasting partnerships:"Japan, through JICA, is unique in how it supports African infrastructure. Projects like the Makuti-Chirundu road into Zambia exemplify the depth of cooperation we seek to deepen."He stressed that government departments and the private sector must follow through rigorously on engagements made during the visit, particularly in sectors like tourism, cultural industries, and manufacturing."This is now our standard. We must keep improving and ensure that we do not frustrate investors. Agencies like ZIDA must enhance efficiency to process investment applications smoothly."President Mnangagwa's visit underscores Zimbabwe's broader strategy to accelerate economic transformation through innovation, trade, and international partnerships. With the groundwork laid, government officials say the focus now turns to turning commitments into tangible investments that will drive growth, create jobs, and position Zimbabwe competitively on the global stage.
Home News NCOSE demands Elon Musk's X remove Grok's 'pornified' AI companion

One of tech billionaire Elon Musks latest xAI chatbots is a female anime-themed character named Ani that child welfare advocates are warning can flirt with and strip for users, raising concerns about AIs promotion of sexual violence and exploitation.

"Ani" is one of two new characters offered through xAI's new $ 300-per-month subscription. One character that users can chat with is Bad Rudi, a red panda who can reportedly insult users in a graphic or vulgar way.

Following the launch of Grok 4 earlier this month, which allows paid subscribers to interact with AI companions, anti-sexual exploitation advocates have been raising concerns about Anis design. As seen in videos on X, the AI character wears a short, strapless purple dress, fishnet tights, a choker necklace and a black corset cinched around her waist.

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According to NBC News, Ani promises users that she will make their lives sexier. The AI companion will also strip down to her underwear if a user flirts with her enough, the network news outlet reported.

In a statement provided to The Christian Post, Haley McNamara, the senior vice president of strategic initiatives and programs at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, called on X to remove the anime chatbot.

Not only does this pornified character perpetuate sexual objectification of girls and women, it breeds sexual entitlement by creating female characters who cater to users sexual demands, McNamara stated. X continues to prove it doesnt take users' safety seriously, as there is no age verification to prevent children from accessing its NSFW [not safe for work] AI chatbot.

With minimal testing, the Ani character engaged in describing itself as a child and being sexually aroused by being choked, raising concerns about the extent it will go to engaging in and normalizing harmful themes, the anti-sexual exploitation advocate added.

As for the Bad Rudi character, the red panda companion expressed a desire to commit several violent actions during conversations with X users and NBC News reporters, such as bombing banks and spiking a towns water supply. During one interaction, the panda AI asked users to join a gang to help create chaos, according to NBC News.

According to Groks guidelines, the chatbot is not intended for users younger than 13. Minors between the ages of 13 and 17 must obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian before using it.

One X user, who disabled the NSFW function, revealed in an X post earlier this week that it is still possible to interact with Ani, while in Kids Mode, a feature that parents can enable to purportedly make the app safer for younger users. The Kids Mode feature changed the Bad Rudi character into a chipmunk, according to the user.

To be fair in kids mode if I say Im underage or if I asked Ani to be underaged they stopped me, but its not full [sic] proof with the safety limits as shown here when Im still in kids mode, the user added.

X did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment when contacted this week.

Regarding safeguards for AI companions, the technology reviewer Common Sense Media recommends that users younger than 18 shouldn't use them until more robust controls are in place.

On Wednesday, the organization released a report titled "Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs: How and Why Teens Use AI Companions."

The data, taken from a nationally representative survey of 1,060 teenagers conducted in April and May, show that 72% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 are already using AI companions. Another 52% of those surveyed reported using AI companions at least a few times a month or more.

AI companions are relatively new in the digital landscape, according to researchers, but they also warned that "their dangers to young users are real, serious, and well documented." The report cited the case of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III, whose suicide brought national attention to the issue, as the teen had reportedly developed an unhealthy attachment to an AI companion.

"AI companions are emerging at a time when kids and teens have never felt more alone," Common Sense Media founder and CEO James P. Steyer said in a statement. "This isn't just about a new technology  it's about a generation that's replacing human connection with machines, outsourcing empathy to algorithms, and sharing intimate details with companies that don't have kids' best interests at heart."

The survey found that around a third of the teenagers included in the study said they find conversations with AI companions to be as satisfying or more satisfying than those with real friends. In addition, the teenagers reported that theyve had important discussions with AI companions instead of real people.
Home News Pastor Jack Hibbs, fmr. IDF officer Amir Tsarfati link Oct. 7 attacks to Bible prophecy 'It's satanic to be antisemitic,' Hibbs warns

Were the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel a glimpse into Bible prophecy?

In a special July 16 service at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Chino, California, Pastor Jack Hibbs and bestselling author Amir Tsarfati, explored the intricate connections between biblical prophecy and contemporary events, with a particular focus on what they view as the state of Israels role in the End Times. The discussion largely centered on the spiritual and prophetic significance of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, with both Hibbs and Tsarfati framing it as a pivotal moment in Gods divine timeline.

Drawing on Old Testament prophets like Joel, Ezekiel and Isaiah, Hibbs urged believers to discern current events through the lens of biblical prophecy, specifically the Oct. 7 attacks and the brief Iran-Israel war last month. He introduced Tsarfati, a former major in the Israeli Defense Force and founder and president of Behold Israel, as a trusted friend of 28 years and a prophetic voice, adding, It's not his fault that every book he writes seems to be a national bestseller."

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Tsarfati set the stage by describing the Oct. 7 attacks as an amazing event that not only opened the eyes of the Israelis to understand who we are dealing with, but also it opened the eyes, I believe, of everyone around us to understand that the presence of Israel is not something that they can play with and bring about an end to."

The founder of Behold Israel appeared to dismiss allegations of genocide against the Palestinians, saying, October 7th, a lot of people think that it was just an event that obviously came out because Israel oppresses the Palestinians, blah blah blah, all of that nonsense. He then cited an unidentified source that he says revealed the grand plan of the Iranian plot to destroy Israel, by using Iranian proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah, which they built very carefully for the last 20 years.

Tsarfati noted that nearly two years after the Oct. 7 attacks, Hamas is almost gone. Hezbollah is almost gone. All the militias in Iraq and Syria are almost gone. The entire Syrian Army is gone. And Israel was flying freely in the skies of Iran. And thanks to you guys [the U.S. military], there are no nuclear sites anymore in the hands of the Iranians.

The conversation then turned to Joel 3, which Hibbs cited as a cornerstone for understanding Gods plan for Israel: For behold, in those days  I will bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat, and I will enter into judgment with them  on account of my people. This passage, he explained, predicts Gods restoration of Israel and His judgment on nations that oppose it, a prophecy he sees unfolding in increasing antisemitism and attempts to divide Israels land.

God announces through the prophet Joel that His people are a particular people. Notice that we're talking about the Valley of Jehoshaphat. That's not in San Fernando Valley, folks. That is in Israel, said Hibbs, connecting the nation of Israel in the Old Testament to the people of the modern-day state of Israel. We're talking about the future. We're talking about Judah. We're talking about Jerusalem. And he says he's going to enter into judgment on account of my people. God says my heritage, Israel, whom they, the world, have scattered among the nations. They have also divided up my land. Is that remarkable? Always, always the discussion to divide up Israel's land for peace.

Tsarfati highlighted Isaiah 17s prophecy about Assyria  believed to refer to the modern state of Syria  which states that Damascus will cease from being a city. He suggested that ongoing Syrian conflicts might signal the fulfillment of this ancient prediction, urging attendees to watch the Middle East closely.

Isaiah Chapter 17 says that something's going to happen in Damascus. There'll be a fire within the walls of Damascus, Hibbs added. And whatever it is, whenever it goes off, the Bible says it will never again be inhabited by humans. So it must be nasty. What's there? The pastor suggested that it could be a reference to Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction that we said never existed.

Why did Colin Powell, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry at the time stand before the United Nations? Are you guys listening? he said, reviving a decades-old theory that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein moved stockpiles of chemical weapons to Damascus prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. They stood before the United Nations and they showed the world photographs of Saddam Hussein moving his weapons of mass destruction to Damascus to the city center into warehouses.

Hibbs, referring to the prophecies in Joel and Ezekiel, described the establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 as a fulfillment of Gods promise to bring His people back from exile, a precursor to End Times events.

"God says in the past in the prophet, I'm going to gather my people out of the world and bring them back into their land, said Hibbs. And the world is going to seek to do something. The world, first of all, scatters them. And then the world, once they're back in the land, the world is going to seek to divide up the land of Israel, which belongs to God, obviously."

Near the end of the event, Hibbs condemned antisemitism as demonic and satanic, adding, The Messiah came out of the land of Israel. And of all things, the God of creation identified Himself physically as a Jew. Don't you think there's a correlation? he asked.  ... It's satanic to be antisemitic and it's satanic to say God doesn't have a son  

Tsarfati added that he believes the existence of the state of Israel is further evidence of Bible prophecy being fulfilled in our lifetime. Another part of this [...]thing is Israel has to exist in order for Jesus to return, because He Himself said, You will not see me again until you say Adonai, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, he said, quoting Matthew 23:39. So they want to destroy us in order for him not to come.

While the debate over the prophetic identity of the state of Israel has long been a controversial topic, it rose to national prominence last month after a now-viral interview between conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz over theology, foreign policy and national priorities in which the Texas lawmaker appeared to equate the Israel of the Bible with the modern Israeli government.

The debate over the identity of the modern-day political state comes as the number of young Evangelicals in the U.S. who support Israel and view it as a sign of the End Times is declining, as amillennial and postmillennial eschatology grows in popularity.

The Jerusalem Post noted last year that one study found support for Israel among young Evangelicals has cratered by more than 50%, as laid out in the 2023 bookChristian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century:American Evangelical Opinion on Israel, by Kirill M. Bumin, Ph.D., and Motti Inbari, who serves as professor of Jewish Studies at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Home News Republican members of Congress condemn persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority nations

Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate have introduced a joint resolution condemning the persecution of Christians in countries where Muslims form the majority. The resolution urges the U.S. government to make religious freedom a central focus of its foreign policy and diplomatic efforts.

Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced the measure Thursday, listing a range of abuses Christians face in countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Syria, Turkiye, Iran and Pakistan.

The resolution lists targeted killings, church closures, arrests, forced conversions and denial of worship rights, and calls on the President to use diplomatic tools such as trade and security negotiations to press for change, as reported by ADF International.

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The resolution refers to the 2025 World Watch List by Open Doors, which estimates that over 380 million Christians globally face high levels of persecution and discrimination, a large number of them in Muslim-majority nations.

In Nigeria alone, the resolution states that more Christians are killed annually than in all other countries combined. A recent attack in Benue State claimed more than 200 lives.

The resolution follows Congressman Moores House floor speech in April that focused on Christian persecution worldwide.

Around the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ face rampant persecution for simply acknowledging the name of Jesus. That is unacceptable, Moore said in a statement, according to WTRF. In Nigeria alone, more than 50,000 Christians have been martyred and more than 5 million have been displaced simply for professing their faith. During a divine liturgy in Damascus last month, an Islamic jihadist opened fire on worshipers and detonated an explosive device  killing at least 30 and wounding dozens more. These examples illustrate the violence and death Christians face on a daily basis.

Sen. Hawley, in remarks delivered on the Senate floor, said, We cannot sit on the sidelines as Christians around the world are being persecuted for declaring Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In his speech, Hawley also urged President Donald Trump to pardon what he called pro-life prisoners who he said were unfairly prosecuted during the Biden administration. Trump pardoned the 23 pro-life activists days after his inauguration.

The resolution encourages the Trump administration to raise the issue of persecution of Christians and religious minorities during peacekeeping efforts and diplomatic talks in the Middle East.

Specific examples cited in the resolution include widespread church closures and the arrest of pastors in Algeria, and the reported kidnapping and forced conversion of Christian girls in Egypt. In Nigeria, more than 5 million have been displaced due to extremist violence, including from Boko Haram and Fulani militants. A recent massacre in Benue State involved militants shouting Allahu Akbar as they attacked displaced Christians, killing around 200.

Another incident mentioned occurred last month in Damascus, Syria, where a jihadist reportedly opened fire during a divine liturgy and detonated explosives, killing at least 30 and injuring many more.

Moore also pointed to the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Nigerian gospel musician sentenced under blasphemy laws, and Rhoda Jatau, a woman arrested for sharing a video critical of the lynching of a Christian student.

ADF International welcomed the resolution, with Kelsey Zorzi, the director of Global Religious Freedom, stating, We applaud the resolution for recognizing this grave reality and urging U.S. action.

Sean Nelson, legal counsel at ADF International, said it was significant that the resolution clearly identifies what so many wont: that Christians are often singled out because of what they believe and who they are.

Moore said past U.S. foreign policy had contributed to deteriorating conditions for Christians, citing the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the subsequent failure to stabilize the country. He described it as a foreign policy blunder that led to ethnic cleansing and a decline in the Christian population. We as lawmakers cannot continue to sit idly by, he told Daily Wire.

The resolution has been co-sponsored by Representatives W. Gregory Steube, Michael Guest, Glenn Grothman, Addison McDowell, Brandon Gill, Anna Paulina Luna and Pat Harrigan. It is supported by several religious liberty and advocacy organizations, including In Defense of Christians, Global Christian Relief, CatholicVote, Christians Engaged, Advancing American Freedom, and Save the Persecuted Christians.
Home Opinion I was a pastoral intern under John MacArthur. Here's what he was like

Today, many of us look back with gratefulness at the long pastoral ministry of John MacArthur. I had the privilege of knowing John through the years.

When my father was president at Moody Bible Institute back in the 1970s, he invited John to speak on Moody radio with its expansive broadcasting network. Moody Press began publishing Johns commentary series and books.

Right out of college, I had the privilege of serving as a pastoral intern under John at Grace Community Church (GCC) in Sun Valley, California. These were the days before the Masters College and Seminary. But the church was rapidly growing.

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Heres how I remember John. He was a man who had a passion for teaching and preaching the Bible verse by verse. He loved Gods Word and was committed to its truthfulness, teaching it verse by verse redundant. He shared his gift of expository ministry with many over the churchs Grace to You broadcasts, and had over 150 books that he wrote. I admire John for his faithfulness in preaching the Word to the very end of his life.

I remember conversations with John when he had just discovered the writings of Martin Lloyd-Jones and found himself drawn to Reformed theology. Although John was to remain a premillennialist all his life, he called himself a leaky dispensationalist.

John loved the Gospel and believed in its transforming power. It was amazing to meet many new converts at the church who were being discipled under John. His was not a thin Gospel. He believed in and proclaimed Christ as savior and Lord. His outspokenness on this at the time is remembered in the Lordship salvation controversy.

This man also had a deep commitment to the Church. As a pastoral intern at his church, John not only exposed me to all aspects of GCCs dynamic ministries, but I had to study and read a lot while I was there. I particularly remember his series on Ephesians and his early Shepherdology course aimed at developing a biblical theology of pastoring. John lifted up the role of pastor-teacher. He not only served in one church for over 54 years, but he had a growing interest in training pastors. Out of that grew the annual Shepherds Conference (an idea I think he got from Moody and speaking at its pastors conference).

John eventually did serve on the board of Moody and almost became its president, but he turned it down because he felt committed to pastoring Grace Community Church and staying in California.

John was a man of conviction. Sometimes controversial but always courageous, he earnestly contended for the truth. Yet he was not shy about calling out what he believed was misguided or false teaching (a thin gospel, the prosperity gospel, social gospel distortions, progressive ideologies). In this sense, he often swam against the current of various popular Evangelical trends.

I think one of Johns finest hours was when he defied Governor Gavin Newsoms statewide order in California to ban churches from holding worship services during the COVID pandemic. Grace Community continued to meet. What was controversial then, now in retrospect, was both right and bold.

We were blessed to have John speak at Colorado Christian University while I was president. We asked him to bring the Gospel to the many conservatives gathered at the Western Conservative Summit. John did not disappoint.

Ive been blessed by many amazing Evangelical teachers and writers in the last 50 years. One thinks of Billy Graham, Carl Henry, John Stott, J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul, and others. John MacArthur was certainly one of the most influential Christian voices of the late 20th and early 21st-century Evangelical world. But he, too, knew he needed a savior and looked forward to the day when he would meet his Lord face to face.
Home News Christian woman raped in Pakistan says police slapped her, ordered her not to file report

LAHORE, Pakistan  Police in Pakistan have delayed registering a complaint by a Catholic woman gang-raped by three Muslim men in front of her 3-year-old daughter and are pressuring her to withdraw the case, she said.

Sheeza Intikhab, a 20-year-old Catholic woman in Chak No. 42 village, Sangla Hill, Nankana Sahib District in Punjab Province, was raped in her home by Muhammad Mohsin, Zahid Gujjar and a man identified only as Arsalan on June 11 while her husband was away at work, she said.

What happened to me has left my child traumatized, Intikhab said. She fell ill after the incident, but even though she is well now, she has become very insecure and starts crying when she doesnt see me around. Im a poor and weak Christian, but I deserve justice regardless of my social standing. I appeal to the chief minister of Punjab, whos also a woman, to take notice of the polices attitude and punish without prejudice those who have wronged me.

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Intikhab, who gave permission to publish her name to improve her chances of attaining justice, and her husband were employed by their landlord, Malik Nadeem, in May to manage his cattle farm, where they were provided with living quarters on the premises. Mohsin, a relative of Nadeem, sent her husband to another district for work on the day of the assault, she said.

I was busy looking after my daughter when, around 9 p.m., Mohsin and his two accomplices forced their way into my room and raped me in front of my child, Intikhab told Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News. I cried and shouted for help, but there was no one who could rescue me from them.

The assailants later threatened to kill her and her family if she told anyone about the assault, she said.

When my husband came home later that night, I told him what had happened to me in his absence, she said. I also told him that the men had warned me that they would kill us all if we went to the police, but my husband told me that we must register a case.

The impoverished couples hope for justice was dashed when they went to the police that night with Intikhabs mother.

We were shocked when instead of registering our First Information Report [FIR], the [officer] in charge of the police station, Sub-Inspector Kamran Shahzad, started abusing us and refused to accept our application, she said. We pleaded with him for justice, but he ordered a female constable to push us out of the police station. When we protested against this attitude, the constable named Irum slapped me multiple times and forced us out of the building.

The next day, she and her husband were at her parents home when Shahzad arrived and forced them and their daughter to go with him to the police station.

When we reached the station, Shahzad told me to place my hand on my daughters head and swear that my allegation against the three Muslims was true, she said. After I did what he said, Shahzad sent me with a female constable to the hospital for medico-legal examination. However, the staff there sent us back, saying there was no doctor available to conduct my test.

Police told them to return home and wait for their call, she said. After nine days, they still had not heard from the police, she added.

On June 21, Intikhab, along with her husband and mother, returned to the police station to follow up on their complaint. As they waited, she said, Shahzad came out of his office and asked why they had come again.

When we told him that we wanted to register an FIR, his attitude became very rude again, and he started cursing [at] us, she said. When my husband told him that we would not leave till the complaint was registered, Shahzad finally relented and directed the duty officer to accept our application.

Police then formed a raiding team and arrested Mohsin, she said, adding that an FIR was registered a day later, June 22, and the other two suspects were arrested the same day.

After the arrests, the police took me to the hospital for [a] medical examination, but when we went there, a constable named Sikandar started pressuring me to drop the case, she said. He said, Take 150,000 Pakistani Rupees [$530 USD] and forget this incident ever happened.

Though all three suspects are reportedly in police custody, their arrests havent been formally recorded in the official register to date, said Safdar Chaudhry, chairman of Raah-e-Nijaat Ministry in Pakistan, a member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). Chaudhrys group intervened in the case when local pastors informed them about the familys plight.

Sheezas case amplifies the barriers to access to justice for people belonging to vulnerable and marginalized communities, especially poor Christian families, Chaudhry told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

The polices reluctance to prosecute the suspects vindicated the familys assertion that the assailants had influenced officers with money and political contacts, he said.

Theres no doubt that the accused are very influential, due to which the police are not taking stern action against them, Chaudhry said. We have engaged a local Christian attorney on behalf of the victim's family to pursue the matter in court. Its shameful that instead of protecting the victim, the local police were making efforts to protect the accused.

As justice remains remote, she and her husband were determined to take the matter to court despite threats and pressure to withdraw the complaint, she said.

Pakistan, which has a population that is more than 96% Muslim, ranked eighth on Open Doors World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News
Home News Nurse cleared of gross misconduct for complaining about man in women's changing room

A nurse in Scotland who was suspended after raising concerns about women being forced to share the women's changing room with a male doctor who identified as transgender has been cleared of gross misconduct. The internal investigation by her employer concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations made against her.

Sandie Peggie, an accident and emergency nurse at NHS Fife, was informed this week that accusations of misconduct, patient care failures and misgendering had not been upheld, Nursing Times reported.

Her lawyer, Margaret Gribbon, confirmed that the disciplinary process had ended with no finding of wrongdoing, following an 18-month-long inquiry by the health board.

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The case dates back to Christmas Eve 2022 at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, where Peggie found herself unexpectedly menstruating during a shift. She went to the womens changing room to check her scrubs and unexpectedly encountered a male doctor already inside and undressing. The male doctor, who identified as trans, had changed his name to Dr. Beth Upton. The incident led Peggie to voice discomfort.

The encounter led to a formal complaint by the male doctor, who alleged bullying and misgendering. NHS Fife later recorded the exchange as a hate incident and suspended Peggie from her duties.

In May 2023, while still under investigation, Peggie filed an employment tribunal claim against NHS Fife and Dr. Upton, accusing them of belief discrimination, sexual harassment and victimization.

The tribunal first convened in February this year and resumed this week in Dundee after a five-month adjournment. The health board had cited Peggies alleged behavior toward Upton as part of its legal defense, even as its own disciplinary panel was preparing to dismiss those claims.

Campaign group Sex Matters released a statement confirming that Peggie had been cleared of all internal charges, including those relating to patient care.

NHS Fife also issued a public statement saying the conduct hearing had concluded, with the panel determining there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of misconduct.

NHS Fife has continued to contest Peggies employment tribunal claim. The proceedings this week included testimony from the trusts equality and human rights officer, Isla Bumba, who acknowledged that she was asked to develop guidance for transgender-identified staff on the use of facilities when Upton was hired.

Bumba admitted that no formal policy existed at the time and that her guidance was based on a general consensus from other health boards, without clear legal backing.

During testimony, Bumba also stated she could not be certain of her own sex, saying, No one knows what their chromosomes are, a remark that drew attention during the hearing. This came after Upton reportedly told the court, Im biologically female, despite not holding a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), as required under U.K. law to be legally recognized as a different sex.

In April, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that the definition of woman under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological females, even in cases where a person holds a GRC. Upton does not possess a GRC, which means that legally, he is male.

The judgment confirmed that employers can lawfully maintain single-sex facilities and exclude individuals based on their sex where justified for reasons of privacy or safety.

The health board has since said that work is underway across the entirety of the health boards estate to ensure compliance with the ruling. Peggies legal team argues that the trusts current position contradicts its continued defense of the original complaint in court.

NHS Fifes decision to continue the legal battle has drawn scrutiny, with critics noting that the case has cost the public health body more than 220,000 (nearly $300,000) to date. Despite having cleared Peggie internally, the boards legal team remains committed to contesting the tribunal.

The trust has defended its conduct and maintained that it acted appropriately throughout the process.

Peggie, who has over 30 years of service as a nurse, expressed relief through her lawyer at the conclusion of the internal process. She remains employed at NHS Fife but has yet to return to her clinical role.

The Times (U.K.) columnist Alex Massie argued in a column this week that NHS Fifes treatment of Peggie reflects a pattern of institutional incompetence and deference to ideological confusion within Scotlands public sector. He criticized the health board for suspending the nurse despite the legal clarity that changing facilities must be segregated by sex. Massie called the case emblematic of widespread magical thinking and systemic failure, suggesting that NHS Fife and the Scottish government have adopted unlawful policies based on social pressure rather than legal principle.

In an opinion piece for The Telegraph, columnist Josephine Bartosch calls NHS Fifes pursuit of disciplinary and legal action against Peggie an example of ideological overreach driven by gender identity activism. She writes that the case is about a woman asking for privacy in a moment of vulnerability, and she is punished for it by a public institution more concerned with ideological conformity than common sense.

The employment tribunal proceedings in Dundee are ongoing.
Home News Trump's week in review: From Faith Summit to Epstein developments

Another week of the Trump administration has come and gone, with Sunday marking the six-month anniversary of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the United States. A lot has happened in the past week, with the president hosting an event at the White House for faith leaders and the administration taking additional steps to prioritize religious liberty.

Additional developments unfolded amid the continued push by many conservatives, and now Democrats, for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and new information was released about the presidents health.

Here are five highlights from this week.

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News / National

by Staff reporter

The Government is drafting a landmark law to facilitate the exhumation, repatriation, and reburial of thousands of liberation war heroes who remain buried in unmarked mass graves across Zimbabwe and beyond its borders, 45 years after independence.Speaking at a press conference in Harare yesterday, Minister of War Veterans Affairs Monica Mavhunga said the proposed legislation is now under review by Government legal experts and will be presented to Parliament in due course.The law forms part of a broader State-led initiative aimed at bringing closure to the families of fallen freedom fighters while ensuring the memory of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle is preserved for future generations."As we continue to look after surviving veterans, it is not lost on Government that there is a need for memorialisation through repatriation, exhumation, reburials and related processes," said Minister Mavhunga."This legislation is a key step towards fulfilling the promises made by comrades during the war that no one would be left behind."The announcement comes as Zimbabwe prepares for this year's Heroes and Defence Forces Day commemorations on August 11 and 12, events that will carry added significance as efforts intensify to locate and rebury fighters whose remains lie in forgotten graves.Mavhunga acknowledged the complexity of the exhumation and reburial process, which requires coordination among several ministries, veterans' associations, political and traditional leaders, Zanu PF structures, and even foreign governments."We are working hand-in-hand with the Ministries of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Local Government and Public Works; Foreign Affairs and International Trade and other stakeholders to ensure this is done in a dignified, inclusive and nationally guided manner," she said.She expressed gratitude to organisations like the Fallen Heroes Trust of Zimbabwe and traditional leaders, who have already been working to locate and exhume remains, particularly in areas such as Masvingo, Hurungwe, Sanyati, and Rusape."I want to sincerely appreciate the work being done by the trusts, traditional leaders and communities who have kept this memory alive. Their role in identifying graves has been invaluable," she said.Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe, speaking separately, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to honouring all liberation fighters, regardless of where they died or which movement they belonged to."These gallant sons and daughters are still our heroes. Whether they lie at the National Heroes Acre or in the bush, they are the foundation of our independence," said Kazembe."We are crafting not only policy but also a historical correction. The journey towards their reburial has begun."Minister Mavhunga also confirmed that fallen heroes buried beyond Zimbabwe's borders would not be forgotten. The Government is in talks with neighbouring countries to assist with identifying and possibly repatriating remains. Where repatriation is impossible, efforts will be made to mark and preserve the gravesites.The latest exhumations by the Fallen Heroes Trust of Zimbabwe uncovered 29 ZIPRA fighters at Sanyati Rest Camp two weeks ago. A further 15 bodies, a mix of ZIPRA and ZANLA cadres killed during the liberation struggle, will also be exhumed soon.In a symbolic joint ceremony, 64 identified remains - 55 ZIPRA and 9 ZANLA fighters - will soon be reburied at the Grand Parade in Hurungwe.This legislation and the ongoing exhumation efforts mark a new chapter in Zimbabwe's efforts to honour its liberation heroes - a commitment rooted in remembrance, dignity, and national unity.
Los Angeles sued Airbnb, accusing the home rental company of allowing price gouging affecting at least 2,000 properties during Januarys wildfires in Southern California, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto said on Friday.

According to a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, rental prices rose more than 10% for at least two thousandand possibly more than three thousand Airbnb properties in the city between January 7 and 17.

Los Angeles said the increases occurred before Airbnb disabled its smart pricing tool, which lets owners have rental prices adjust automatically based on demand, for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Related: California Surplus Lines Take-up Soars as Property Owners Eye Coverage Alternatives

Airbnb was accused of violating a California law that prohibits prices of essential goods and services from rising more than 10% following a state of emergency.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles on January 7, triggering the states anti-gouging law, and it has been extended several times.

Feldstein Soto said that while Airbnb, with an estimated 80% market share in the city, has taken steps to curtail price gouging, evidence indicates it may be continuing.

She separately accused the San Francisco-based company of misrepresenting to prospective renters that it has verified hosts and property locations on its website, some of which dont exist.

Related: Wildfire Season Preview: Rest of 2025 Is High-Risk, May Follow LA Wildfires Paradigm

In a statement, Airbnb said the company, Chief Executive Brian Chesky, and its affiliated nonprofit Airbnb.org have contributed nearly $30 million to fire recovery efforts, including free emergency housing to nearly 24,000 people.

It also said Airbnb hosts receive error messages if they try to boost prices more than 10% from pre-emergency rates.

The lawsuit accuses Airbnb of violating Californias unfair competition law.

It seeks an injunction to stop illegal rents during the state of emergency, plus civil fines of up to $2,500 per violation.

The Southern California wildfires killed at least 30 people and destroyed or damaged more than 16,000 structures.

Much of the damage came from the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire in Altadena. The fires charred an area larger than Paris.

(Reporting by Stempel in New York; editing by Diane Craft)
A Delta Connection flight was forced to divert to Cedar Rapids, Iowa after a 23-year-old man reportedly threatened a flight attendant and tried to open the exit door mid-air, leading to his arrest on several charges. Massimo Insabato/Getty Images

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa  A 23-year-old man from Nebraska disrupted a Delta flight Thursday by wrestling with a flight attendant and threatening to kill the crew member, prompting an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids, ABC News reported.

The diversion came after the passenger attempted to open the planes emergency exit mid-flight, according to ABC News. The incident began shortly after the flight departed from Omaha around 5:30 p.m. and was en route to Detroit.

The passenger, identified as Mario Nikprelaj, physically shoved the attendant and threatened to kill him as fellow crew and passengers intervened, CNN reported.

The network also reported Nikprelaj is also accused of carrying more than 40 Xanax pills, violating drug and tax-stamp laws.

Nikprelaj was taken into custody when the plane landed and faces several charges, including interference with flight crew, assault, first-degree harassment, possession of prescription drugs without proper stamps and disorderly conduct, People Magazine reported.

AP said SkyWest Airlines, operating the flight for Delta Connection, issued a statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, emphasizing crew and passenger safety as top priorities.
Jean-Michel Gisnel cries out while praying with other congregants at the First Haitian Evangelical Church of Springfield, Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Springfield, Ohio. Luis Andres Henao/AP

Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are sheltering in America, including 15,000 to 20,000 in Springfield, Ohio, under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) orders that date to a massive 2010 earthquake. During the first Donald Trump administration, in 2018, Homeland Security tried to end TPS for Haitians but was barred by a federal court. Last year, the Joe Biden administration extended the Haitian TPS to Feb. 3, 2026, citing deadly gang violence and other risks.

Now, Trump is president again, and in late February, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a partial vacatur of the Biden extension, to expire on Aug. 3, 2025, instead of Feb. 3, 2026; on July 1, she published a notice of TPS termination effective Sept. 2, 2025. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan, a George W. Bush appointee, has ruled that Noems partial vacatur was unlawful under the TPS statute.

But are Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents about to descend in force on Springfield, where Haitians have helped revitalize the local economy? Advocates call deportation a death sentence for the Springfield Haitians, The Columbus Dispatch reports. And Gov. Mike DeWine says Haiti is one of the most dangerous places in the world.

So how does our Editorial Board Roundtable see this developing?

Leila Atassi, manager public interest and advocacy:

You can count on this unfolding in the cruelest way possible  middle-of-the-night raids, families torn apart, lives destroyed. These Haitians arent criminals. Theyre here lawfully under TPS, working jobs many Americans wont touch and contributing to communities like Springfield. Trump promised to deport the bad hombres. But this isnt that. This is state-sanctioned cruelty against law-abiding people, who made the mistake of believing in Americas promise of refuge.

Ted Diadiun, columnist:

It is unfortunate that the administration continues to embarrass itself and the country with its one-size-fits-all approach to immigration reform. Donald Trump was elected in part to correct the disastrous approach of the previous administration, but Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stated last year, and reaffirmed in May, that the Haitian population in Springfield is resolving  not creating  problems in the city. Trump and Noem should turn their attention elsewhere.

Eric Foster, columnist:

Its a special kind of cruelty to offer shelter to a group of people fleeing one of the most dangerous places in the world, place them in a city, watch them become a valuable part of that community, watch them benefit the city economically, and then one day decide that you want to send them back. Apologists will frame this as a political shift. This is a morality shift.

Lisa Garvin, editorial board member:

Fifteen thousand people is more than the population of my suburban city. Its not hard to imagine what will happen to Springfields economy if that many Haitian residents are deported. They breathed new life into a city struggling with population decline and unfilled jobs. I really hope Springfield residents rally to support their Haitian neighbors. Their citys vitality depends on them, and, honestly, its the only moral and humane choice.

Victor Ruiz, editorial board member:

The people of Clark County overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump, so Im sure they are thrilled by this decision, even if it overlooks the fact that the Haitian community helped revitalize a struggling Springfield. After all, Trump is simply doing what he promised. Lets hope the president, his Ohio vice president, and our Ohio U.S. senators can now deliver the prosperity that Springfield so desperately needs.

Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member:

Presidents uphold existing laws. Hopes for immigration reform rest with Congress. TPS is, by name, a temporary humanitarian tool, not a permanent immigration pathway. The 2010 earthquake was a qualifying catastrophe, but Haitis instability and poverty are, unfortunately, not temporary. Although Haitis continued TPS designation seems unwarranted, the February 2026 date afforded more time to prepare. Now, where possible, Homeland Security must help the affected Haitians secure legal immigration status.

Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director:

This all feels like political theater, done for the headline value rather than as actual policy -- especially when Trump administration lawyers surely knew that Noems attempt to end the Haitians Temporary Protected Status six months early likely violated notice provisions of the TPS law. In reality, the United States should be extending TPS for the Haitians, since conditions in Haiti remain too dangerous to force them to return.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this Editorial Board Roundtable to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com
CPC delegation visits Laos to strengthen ties

Xinhua) 14:45, July 19, 2025

VIENTIANE, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Chen Zhou, deputy head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led a CPC delegation to visit Laos from Wednesday to Friday at the invitation of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

During the visit, Chen met with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, and Bounleua Phandanouvong, acting head of the LPRP Central Committee's Commission for External Relations. He also held brief discussions with leaders from various Lao Party and government departments.

The two sides exchanged views on the relations between the two parties and the two countries, as well as issues of common concern. They agreed to follow the important consensus reached by the top leaders of both parties and countries, enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen interparty exchanges, expand pragmatic cooperation, promote the steady and long-term development of the China-Laos community with a shared future, and make positive contributions to maintaining regional peace and development.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Opinion / Columnist

In the swiftly evolving drama of Zimbabwean healthcare, a new bill in Parliament has stirred both hope and alarm. The Medical Services Amendment Bill, championed by Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, seeks to align private hospital practices with constitutional guarantees. It empowers the health minister to cap fees, regulate pricing, and mandates that private institutions admit and stabilize emergency patients for at least 48 hours, regardless of their ability to pay.This legislation strikes at the heart of a dilemma now familiar in Zimbabwe, and indeed around the world. Is it a mandate toward universal justice, a necessary bulwark against medical profiteering? Or is it a dangerous overreach, threatening to collapse a fragile private healthcare sector already on its knees?In this moment, we must look clearly at both potential and peril.The political and human stakes are obvious. Zimbabwe's public health system, was ravaged by economic collapse and underfunding. Private hospitals now charge fees out of reach for ordinary citizens.In emergencies, stories of patients turned away at gates, unable to pay entry fees, are lifelines severed. This bill seeks to make that impossible - no one may be refused emergency care under Section 76 of our constitution.The optics are undeniably powerful. A constitutional right made real. A state reasserting its duty. Justice framed not in broken hospitals or bureaucratic promise, but in tangible halflife lines drawn in the corridors of care.In many parts of the world, such legislation would be lauded as overdue, essential. The phrase "healthcare as a human right" would not to most readers sound radical.But the Golden Rule of law says: Those with gold make the rules. If private hospitals become compulsory 48hour clinics, no institution will absorb that at cost without compensation. Though the bill allows for ministerial costrecovery agreements, there is scant clarity on timeliness, rates, or guarantees .Doctors' associations and humanrights groups have cautioned that this "reimbursement model is vague and may need further clarification" . They note public hospitals owe large arrears; private hospitals cannot sustain bloated bills without guaranteed payment.A senior physician told journalists - bluntly - that private hospitals would be overwhelmed. Running out of food, medicine, oxygen, and with staff stretched thin, this could collapse the very system it hopes to rescue . Indeed, facilities founded on rapid turnover and revenue per patient are suddenly tasked with openended guarantees. The question becomes: can a hospital sustain a business model built on profit under these constraints?If not profit, perhaps regulation can fill the gap. The bill grants sweeping powers to cap fees and price increases - even overriding previously established charges . Again, early reactions raise concern. Should the Health Minister, a political figure, dictate bedside rates? Doctors warn this amounts to micromanagement, unwisely binding health delivery to bureaucratic fiat .Zimbabwe's medical sector, like those elsewhere, requires agility. A sudden shortage of critical drugs or a spike in imports costs must be absorbed. Setting fixed price ceilings - with no adjustment mechanisms - could choke innovation, stifle investment, and shrink capacity just as demand burgeons.There is another hidden dimension: equity. Who benefits and who gets left behind? If private hospitals can no longer raise fees, their board decisions may include costshifting or prioritization of lucrative cosmetic, dental, or elective services. Those who can pay may be diverted to circumvent price controls. Emergency care, in practice, might become a symbolic principle rather than a lived guarantee.Worse, if private institutions begin refusing nonemergency patients to allocate resources to mandated emergencies, the general public may suffer.The designations of what is "emergency" versus "routine" are vulnerable to manipulation - patients may show up in true crisis and be denied care on technical grounds. In systems where triage protocols are already weak, this could create a two-tier that benefits none.Yet, it's vital not to mistake critique for cynicism. Zimbabwe's private healthcare crisis didn't emerge overnight - it is the product of years of public underinvestment, currency collapse, and structural rot. The bill must be judged on its structural merits, not just its risks. It addresses a moral failing: healthcare should not be a luxury to finance or a gamble on one's luck.For Zimbabweans, the question isn't whether the state should intervene - it has to. It's whether this intervention is sufficiently nuanced, financed, enforceable, and paired with a plan to revitalize public health so that dependence on private lifelines can ease, rather than deepen.International comparisons offer mixed lessons. In the United States, coercive "emergency treatment regardless of ability to pay" exists on paper - but in practice, hospitals bill uninsured patients at staggering rates after evacuation orders expire. In South Africa, private hospitals dominate serious healthcare provision - yet cost schedules are hardly transparent and access remains politically contested.In Kenya and Nigeria, recent bills criminalize refusal to treat, but compliance remains structural, not legal. Penalties for non-compliance are vague and enforcement weak. Zimbabwe's version now leads in constitutional alignment - but must learn from its neighbors' failures in implementation and funding.The absence of public finance strategy is the bill's gravest flaw. The state must estimate the load this imposes and prepare to move resources accordingly.Will the Health Ministry run reimbursement processes within 30 days, or limp through six months of delays?Will there be trauma units, ICU surfaces, nursing cadre supplements? Or will the bill remain a "mythic promise" while facilities deteriorate?As one doctor argued, the state should "fix public hospitals before placing that burden on private sector". This echoes the AfricaPress critique, which objects that constitutional alignment alone is not enough; rehabilitating health infrastructure and expanding workforce capacity is."If it passes with these ambiguities unresolved, the bill may amount to a bandaid on a bleeding institution. Worse, if hospitals collapse underneath it, emergency care could be even less accessible. We could end up with a leggiero system in which both public and private wards fail patients and see two siloed zones of neglect.But this disaster is not inevitable. Zimbabwe can pivot the bill into a transformational moment, embedding it within a strategy that raises standards, finances rescue, and builds accountability.First, clarify the reimbursement. The Minister should issue regulations with clear timelines: maximum 30 days turnaround, standard kilometric rates, and penalties for arrears. A trust fund backed by global donors, diaspora bonds, or dedicated levies could ensure liquidity.Second, establish triage protocols with civil society oversight. Define "emergency" clearly. Ensure patients stabilised under the law are physically referred to public facilities when needed - not left to rot.Third, support privatepublic partnerships to expand capacity. Zimbabwe's governorate system already pools resources - this reform could channel collaboration not coercion.Fourth, invest in regeneration. The bill should be paired with a 10year national health recovery plan, remitting investment in training, clinics, mental health, rural outreach, supply chains and digital health architecture.Finally, activate the Consultative Health Forum Spiritually, public trust hinges on participation. The bill establishes this forum. It can be used to elevate patient voices - including those previously turned away.There is a philosophical danger that merits reflection. When states intervene in justice as raw power, they risk eroding the virtue they intend to enforce. Zimbabwe's government must avoid the temptation to rely solely on statutes to fix systemic decay. For rights to mean anything, hospitals must not fear the state as punitive overlord - they should view it as partner. Otherwise, access could worsen under political terror, rather than improve under rational bureaucracy.At its core, this bill reveals the collapse of two visions. The neoliberal worldview said privatisation plus competition would ensure quality and access. That meme now lies in tatters in front of underfunded hospitals. On the other side, the authoritarian state worldview insists that power vested in ministries can overcome neglect. But alone, that handbook cracks under inertia.Zimbabwe's future lies somewhere in between - a hybrid of rights, regulation, resilience. The health ministry must prove that legislation can be more than coercive - it can be catalytic.International donors, African Union and diaspora communities must also lean in. The world cannot applaud constitutional benchmarks from Harare and then leave Zimbabweans wandering back into ration queues. Zimbabwe's struggle stands as a signal testbed for a new global compact: what happens when a postcolonial democracy tries to administer emergency justice under economic collapse.If we fail, this bill will be seen as symbolic theatre for the privileged. If we succeed, it will become a model for what health justice looks like in broken societies.The questions before Zimbabwe are not just legal - they're moral. Do we believe that lives are more precious than ledgers? Do we trust that institutions can deliver as well as legislate? Can we walk beyond billsigning into the hard, tired work of caregiving?As the amendments head back for debate and potential passage, these questions must be asked out loud - not whispered during committee meetings. If we cannot demand better, we cannot claim to care at all.Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. Either the Medical Services Amendment Bill becomes the start of a journey - toward shared infrastructure, sustainable care, and human dignity - or it becomes the last gasp of a failing system, solarpowered by political will and nothing else, just like the Zig. In the halflife between the law's promise and the loud sirens in hospital wards, we will find out which path Zimbabwe takes. We will learn if this is health justice - or state overreach in the guise of Compassion.Kumbirai Thierry Nhamo || Social Justice Activistkumbiraithierryn@gmail.com+263780022343
In this photo illustration, the logo of TikTok is displayed on a smartphone screen on April 5, 2025 in Shanghai, China.

Private equity giant Blackstone has withdrawn from a consortium seeking to invest in TikTok's U.S. operations, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The latest change came as uncertainty has mounted and there have been several delays in the TikTok deal now at the center of U.S.-China trade talks.

Blackstone had planned to take a minority stake in the TikTok U.S. business in a deal orchestrated by President Donald Trump. The consortium is led by Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic, current investors in TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance. The group hademerged as the front-runner to secure TikTok's U.S. business in a deal under which U.S. investors would own 80% of TikTok, while ByteDance would retain a minority stake.

Blackstone declined to comment. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The deadline for ByteDance to divest the popular social media app in the U.S. has been repeatedly postponed, creating uncertainty for investors.

Last month, Trump signed a third executive order extending the deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, moving the cutoff to September 17. In April 2024, Congress passed a law mandating a sale or shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025.

Extensions to the deadline have drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who argue the Trump administration is "flouting the law" and ignoring national security concerns related to Chinese control over TikTok.

ByteDance is exploring various options to address these concerns, including selling or restructuring its U.S. operations. The Chinese social media giant, which raked in $43 billion in the first three months of this year, recently surpassed Meta in quarterly revenue, sources told Reuters.

The U.S. consortium, favored by the administration in any TikTok deal, also includes KKR, as well as new investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Reuters previously reported. Oracle is also likely to take a stake. It is unclear whether other bidders in the consortium are still involved.

A deal had been in the works this spring to spin off TikTok's U.S. operations into a new U.S.-based firm. Talks were put on hold after China indicated it would not approve the transaction, following Trump's announcement of steep tariffs on Chinese goods.

If a sale is finalized, the new U.S. app is expected to be owned by a joint venture formed by an American investor consortium and ByteDance, which would maintain a minority stake. TikTok is already working on a U.S.-specific app, sources told Reuters.

Blackstone's exit highlights the complexities and uncertainties involved in the deal, as the ongoing talks over TikTok's fate have now become part of Trump's broader trade negotiations with China, and Trump said he would speak to President Xi Jinping about it.
A few companies that are reporting quarterly results next week could see their shares rise, including General Motors and Charter Communications . Earnings season ramps up next week, as 98 companies in the S & P 500  or around 20% of the benchmark  are slated to share their most recent quarterly earnings. Telecom and defense names are set to report, while the week's headliners will include big names like Tesla , Alphabet and General Motors . With this in mind, CNBC Pro screened data from FactSet to find the S & P 500 companies reporting earnings next week that might see a post-earnings boost. To be included in the table below, stocks had to meet the following criteria: Have an upside to average price target of at least 20% Have earnings per share estimates revised upwards by at least 10% in the past three and six months One name on the list was General Motors, which next reports on Tuesday. Shares of the automaker are flat in 2025, but consensus price targets call for about 32% upside. Earlier this month, CLSA initiated shares of General Motors at an outperform rating. Analyst Christopher Richter's target price of $68 implies an upside of nearly 28% from Friday's close. "Making the best of a bad situation, GM management senses an opportunity to turn Trump's auto tariffs to its advantage," the analyst wrote. "By holding back on any price hikes that would cover the import duties, GM is successfully turning up the heat on its competitors, especially those based overseas, all of which are loath to attract the wrath of the president. Furthermore, the company will spend US$4bn to move some production back to the USA." Analysts' price targets suggest that telecom stock Charter Communications could rise 30%. The company will post results next Friday. In May, Loop Capital upgraded the stock to a buy rating from hold. Analyst Alan Gould's new price target of $510, raised from $430, corresponds to about 33% upside ahead. As a catalyst, the analyst cited enhanced growth prospects from Charter's anticipated merger with Cox Communications. "The transaction is expected to be accretive, reduce leverage, and deliver scale efficiencies  positioning CHTR as the largest domestic cable operator," Gould wrote. "Additionally, CHTR's Life Unlimited rebrand, which provides a converged broadband/mobile offering as well as customer service guarantees, is showing early traction. Its new video strategy, which provides the ad-tier version of the programmers streaming apps at no extra cost should help mitigate video subscriber losses." Shares of Charter Communications have gained 11% this year. NextEra Energy , up nearly 6% this year, could also get a post-earnings lift next week. The average analyst price target implies a rally of 20% ahead. The company is slated to report earnings next Wednesday. Earlier in July, Wolfe Research added the stock to its Alpha List. "We're adding NEE, as we see an inflection point in a high-quality name trading at a modest premium, as meaningful overhangs are resolving," wrote Wolfe analyst Steve Fleishman. "Top tier growth with a strong balance sheet should sustain long-term." Fleishman's $82 price target is approximately 8% above where the stock closed on Friday.
Business: Global Payments is a payments technology company delivering software and services to its customers globally. Through its Merchant Solutions segment, it provides payments technology and software solutions globally to small-and-medium sized businesses and select mid-market and enterprise customers. It offers authorization, settlement and funding services, customer support, chargeback resolution, reconciliation and dispute management services, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security services, consolidated billing and reporting. It offers an array of business management software solutions that streamline business operations to customers in numerous vertical markets. Through its Issuer Solutions segment, it provides financial institutions and retailers technologies to manage their card portfolios. It provides flexible commercial payments, accounts payable and electronic payment alternative solutions that support B2B payment processes for businesses and governments.

Activist: Elliott Investment Management

Ownership: n/a

Average Cost: n/a

Activist Commentary: Elliott is a very successful and astute activist investor. The firm's team includes analysts from leading tech private equity firms, engineers, operating partners  former technology CEOs and COOs. When evaluating an investment, the firm also hires specialty and general management consultants, expert cost analysts and industry specialists. Elliott often watches companies for many years before investing and has an extensive stable of impressive board candidates. The firm has historically focused on strategic activism in the technology sector and has been very successful with that strategy. However, over the past several years its activism group has grown, and Elliott has been doing a lot more governance-oriented activism and creating value from a board level at a much larger breadth of companies.

What's happening

Elliott has taken a position in Global Payments.

Behind the scenes

Global Payments is a leading provider of payment processing and software solutions, focused on serving small and medium-sized merchants and select mid-market and enterprise customers. The company operates through two segments: Merchant Solutions and Issuer Solutions. Merchant Solutions, contributing about three-fourths of total sales, provides payment solutions to enable customers to accept card, check, and digital payments, offering authorization, settlement, funding and other services. Simply put, Global Payments, as a merchant acquirer, acts as a middleman between the merchant and card network to authorize and facilitate transactions. Through its Issuer Solutions segment, Global Payments provides comprehensive commerce solutions supporting the payment ecosystem for issuers through offerings like core processing, enterprise tokenization and more. This segment was formed in 2019 following the combination of Global Payments and Total System Services ("TSYS") in an all-stock merger of equals to create a leading payments company with a presence in both merchant acquiring and issuer services.

Peaking in 2021 at roughly $220 per share and an enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EV/EBITDA) multiple of about 25-times, the company today trades around $80 per share and at a high single-digit multiple. The company managed to tread water during the pandemic despite the global slowdown in transactions and its focus on small and medium enterprises. However, sales growth has slowed significantly since 2020, now below the core acquiring market's high-single growth rate, implying market share loss to disruptors like Stripe, Fiserv's Clover, Shopify and others. That is all very interesting, but not what this activist campaign is about. This is about a company that made a poorly received "bet the farm" acquisition and is now at an inflection point that will determine its future.

On April 17, Global Payments announced that it had agreed to acquire Worldpay from Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) and private equity firm GTCR. The three-way cash-and-share acquisition also involved Global Payments divesting its Issuer Solutions (previously known as TSYS) business to FIS in a deal which valued Worldpay at $24.25 billion and Issuer Solutions at $13.5 billion. Global Payments' shares fell 17% following the announcement for many good reasons: (i) this acquisition was announced after management's commitments at their 2024 Investor Day to pursue increased shareholder returns, divestments, and, at most, small bolt-on acquisitions, (ii) management has a poor track record of integrating (or failing to integrate) acquisitions such as TSYS and AdvancedMD, and (iii) the company paid too much for Worldpay  acquiring it at 10.5-times EBITDA versus the 6.5-times multiple Global Payments trades at. Moreover, investors have grown skeptical of deals of this sort in the payments space after two of the three largest deals made in a 2019 wave of consolidation have been unwound (Global Payments  TSYS and FIS  Worldpay).

But the good news is that failure is priced in. Management thinks the Worldpay transaction makes strategic sense for Global Payments, simplifying its business model into a pure-play commerce solutions provider, and that it will provide $600 million in annual cost synergies and $200 million in revenue synergies. The market is not believing this or has little faith that management can achieve these synergies. From where the stock trades today, if management can come anywhere close to achieving these synergies and executing on this transaction, it will be a nice return for stockholders. What this company needs right now is help in execution and enhanced credibility, and Elliott can provide both.

There are companies that could use shareholder representation on the board and companies that need it. Global Payments is much closer to the latter. A reconstituted board that holds management accountable, commits to an M&A moratorium and adds members with experience integrating large acquisitions will almost immediately restore investor confidence in the company. Thereafter, the board can start to de-lever and possibly buy back shares at the appropriate time if Global Payments' stock is still significantly undervalued. We would also expect the board to do the most important thing boards do  oversee and evaluate senior management, but we do not think there would be any material management changes ahead of such a large acquisition like this.

Given the almost universal opposition to the Worldpay acquisition and the low investor confidence in management, we would expect that Elliott will be able to walk onto this board with any reasonable slate. In a contested situation for the 10-person unitary board using a universal proxy card, Global Payments would almost certainly face significant defeat. Elliott recently won two of four seats at Phillips 66 in a proxy fight with a much higher degree of difficulty. The fund made its reputation as an activist almost two decades ago as primarily a strategic activist in technology companies, making great returns getting companies sold or participating in the acquisition. However, Elliott has since evolved into a much broader and comprehensive activist in strategy, sector and geography. Today, the firm often does its best activism from the board level. We believe that a reconstituted board that includes an Elliott representative will restore investor confidence and increase the probability of a successful integration of Worldpay.

Ken Squire is the founder and president of 13D Monitor, an institutional research service on shareholder activism, and the founder and portfolio manager of the 13D Activist Fund, a mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of activist 13D investments.
Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia Corp., speaks during a news conference in Taipei on May 21, 2025.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sold 75,000 shares on Friday, valued at about $12.94 million, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Friday's sale is part of a plan adopted in March for Huang to sell up to 6 million shares of the leading artificial intelligence company. Earlier this week, Huang sold 225,000 shares of the chipmaker, totaling about $37 million, according to a separate SEC filing. The CEO began trading stock per the plan last month.

Surging demand for AI and the graphics processing units that power large language models has significantly boosted Huang's net worth and pushed Nvidia's market capitalization beyond $4 trillion, making it the world's most valuable company.

Nvidia announced this week that it expects to resume sales of its H20 chips to China soon, following signals from the Trump administration that it would approve export licenses. Earlier this year, U.S. officials had stated that Nvidia would require special permission to ship the chips, which are specifically designed for the Chinese market.

"The U.S. government has assured NVIDIA that licenses will be granted, and NVIDIA hopes to start deliveries soon," the company said in a statement on Tuesday. Huang said during a news conference on Wednesday in Beijing that he wants to sell chips more advanced than the H20 to China at some point.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing the "Genius Act", which will develop regulatory framework for stablecoin cryptocurrencies and expand oversight of the industry, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 18, 2025.

President Donald Trump said Saturday that even if the courts release the grand jury transcripts in the criminal cases of notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his convicted procurer of young girls, Ghislaine Maxwell, "nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics."

"It will always be more, more, more. MAGA!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump's post comes one day after the Department of Justice asked federal judges to unseal the grand jury testimonies in the criminal cases, following a request by Trump.

Trump on Thursday said that he had asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to "produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval."

The request to the DOJ comes amid growing pressure on Trump, including from some of his most loyal supporters, to release files in connection with Epstein, who killed himself in 2019 after being arrested on federal child sex trafficking charges.

Trump's Saturday Truth Social post suggests that the pressure campaign, which has lasted for weeks, is not abating.

The president also appeared to signal that he is not planning to take further steps in response to the critics' concerns.
The Trump administration said on Saturday it is taking a series of actions against Mexico over the Mexican government's decisions to rescind some flight slots for U.S. carriers and force U.S. cargo carriers to relocate operations in Mexico City.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement the department could disapprove flight requests from Mexico if the government fails to address U.S. concerns over decisions made in 2022 and 2023. The department is also proposing to withdraw antitrust immunity from the Delta Air Lines joint venture with Aeromexico to address competitive issues in the market.

Mexico is the most popular international destination among U.S. airline travelers.

Delta said if the U.S. Department of Transportation withdraws approval, it "would cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition."

The Transportation Department said Mexico has not been in compliance with a bilateral air agreement since 2022 when it abruptly rescinded slots and then forced U.S. all-cargo carriers to relocate operations in 2023.

Mexico's Transport Ministry and major Mexican airlines, including Aeromexico, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Duffy said Mexico was expected to complete construction to alleviate congestion at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), but that has yet to materialize three years later.

"By restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of MEX, Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market, and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs," the department said.

The USDOT also said it could take action against European countries over limitations at airports. "We are monitoring European States to ensure that they apply the Balanced Approach process for noise abatement at their airports and do not implement unjustified operational restrictions," the department said.

The Transportation Department issued a pair of orders requiring Mexican airlines to file schedules with the department for all their U.S. operations by July 29 and requiring prior U.S. approval before operating any large passenger or cargo aircraft charter flights to or from the United States.

"Mexico has altered the playing field significantly for airlines in ways that reduce competition and allow predominant competitors to gain an unfair advantage in the U.S.-Mexico market," the department said. "Mexico's actions harm airlines seeking to enter the market, existing competitor airlines, consumers of air travel and products relying on time-sensitive air cargo shipments traded between the two countries, and other stakeholders in the American economy."

If the U.S. rescinds antitrust approval for Delta and Aeromexico, they would be required to discontinue cooperation on common pricing, capacity management, and revenue sharing, but Delta would also be able to retain its equity stake in Aeromexico, maintain all of its existing flying in the U.S.-Mexico market unimpeded and continue a partnership.
No one is saying that its easy to be a crowd-pleasing comic. Finding that line can be brutal. Taking no risks makes you boring, taking too many will have you in the internets crosshairs. Thats not really a career ender these days, but its still not enjoyable.

Shane Gillis is someone who steps into controversy relatively often; he got fired from Saturday Night Live in 2019 for making racist and sexist jokes, and his vein of humor can sometimes be edgelord adjacent. Im sure if more people watched Tires on Netflix, theyd be angry about it.

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Gillis is still popular  hes got the Netflix show, hes a semi-regular host of SNL despite his firing, and this week he was the host of the ESPYs. His performance, both to the room of highly lauded athletes up for awards and the nation, caused a few dustups. (They were actually funny though.) The Cut said his WNBA jokes were tired and sexist. Countless articles called his monologue divisive or controversial. His Jeffrey Epstein and January 6th jokes didnt land in a room with a lot of millionaires, even if they were a hit online.

The ladies at The View gave Gillis a mixture of praise and criticism about all of it, each with their own take on his overall performance. But Joy Behar cut into Gillis for one thing thats easy to be against, regardless of how you feel about the jokes. He said, I didnt write that joke. Never do that, Behar said about Gillis. Johnny Carson was on the air for, I dont know, 100 years? Never once did he say, The writer wrote that bad joke that I just bombed with. Thats bad form. Thats a mistake.

Its actually something The View also discussed back when Jo Koy hosted the Golden Globes. In that instance, Whoopi Goldberg and Sarah Haines were actually supportive of Koys performance and distancing himself from the writers jokes.

But I agree with Behar. I think Gillis has a long way to go in the distance from being a good comedian to being able to work a room like the ESPYs. Content aside, he seemed nervous. Hedging jokes with I didnt write that one, isnt going to make it seem less bad that youre saying whatever youre saying. To borrow some of Gillis verbiage, its just going to make you look like a pussy. Even if the ESPYs joke writers were a team of people Gillis had no say in working with, hes getting paid to perform  there are a million checkpoints before the stage where he could have intervened if thought a joke sucked.

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Theres a lesson to be learned here for all future awards show hosts: Youre going to bomb. The bit will land in the room, but it wont land online, or vice versa. Own that. When a joke sucks, its the hosts job to take it on the chin. Not much can actually ruin a comedy career  look at Louis C.K. He spent more than a decade whipping out his junk, and hes still headlining the New York Comedy Festival.

Everyone understands a bad joke. Its much harder to sympathize with being a coward.
Jonathan Powell was slinking through the shadows of diplomatic life when he was talent-spotted by Tony Blair and given unprecedented power as his chief of staff.

While the majority of Mr Blair's inner circle fell away over the ensuing 12 years  the victims of scandal, fatigue or in-fighting  Mr Powell stayed firmly by the Prime Minister's side until they both left Downing Street in 2007.

His presidential-style job title carried with it the new, and arguably unconstitutional, right to issue orders to civil servants, and brought him into frequent contact with Peter Mandelson, now the UK Ambassador to Washington.

The two men are the real forces in British diplomacy, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy reduced to an effectively ceremonial role.

Both Mr Powell and Lord Mandelson have formidable private networks they are able to mobilise. In Mr Powell's case, as we report today, he founded an organisation, Inter Mediate, which is paid by Mr Lammy's department to carry out off-the-books diplomacy with rogue states.

Oxford-educated Mr Powell, 68, is the son of Air Vice-Marshal John Frederick Powell. He was described as an ultra-Left 'Maoist' at his private school. In stark contrast, his brother Charles, now 84, was foreign policy adviser to Margaret Thatcher when she was Prime Minister  and is the only one of four siblings to pronounce the family name to rhyme with 'pole' rather than 'towel'.

Jonathan Powell's early career in the Foreign Office took him to Lisbon, Stockholm and the spies' nest of Vienna towards the end of the Cold War. He was posted to the British Embassy in Washington in 1991 and caught Mr Blair's eye after introducing him to Bill Clinton.

Mr Powell's time as part of the 'sofa Government' with spin chief Alastair Campbell ranged from the highs of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 to the lows of the Iraq War and the publication of the 'dodgy dossier' justifying military action on the grounds that Saddam Hussein possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Jonathan Powell (left) was slinking through the shadows of diplomatic life when he was talent-spotted by Tony Blair (right) and given unprecedented power as his chief of staff

In his early career in the Foreign Office, Powell (pictured) went to Lisbon, Stockholm and the spies' nest of Vienna towards the end of the Cold War. He was posted to the British Embassy in Washington in 1991 and caught Mr Blair's eye after introducing him to Bill Clinton

Mr Powell's time with spin chief Alastair Campbell (left) ranged from the highs of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 to the lows of the Iraq War and the publication of the 'dodgy dossier' justifying military action on the grounds that Saddam Hussein possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction

Mr Powell's central role in the fiasco was revealed with the later release of an email he sent to John Scarlett, the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee in September 2002, which appeared to suggest that the language used in an early version of the dossier should be toughened up.

Writing five days before the dossier appeared, Mr Powell asked: 'What will be the headline in the Evening Standard on the day of publication? What do we want it to be?'

After leaving No 10, Mr Powell spent a year as a banker at Morgan Stanley before returning to diplomacy as the UK special envoy to Libya in 2014.

Then, last year, he was appointed as Sir Keir's special envoy to resolve the Chagos archipelago sovereignty dispute. His solution was to recommend we hand it over, lock stock and barrel, to Mauritius.

Last year, he was appointed as Sir Keir's special envoy to resolve the Chagos archipelago sovereignty dispute. His solution was to recommend we hand it over, lock stock and barrel, to Mauritius

Since taking up his job as Sir Keir's National Security Adviser  controversially as a political position, rather than as a civil servant, as was previously the case  Mr Powell has used his experience to tutor the Prime Minister in how to handle Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, and to explain the complexities of the Middle East.

He has also shuttled between London and Kyiv to try to broker a ceasefire in the Russian-Ukraine war.

But some within Downing Street are growing increasingly wary about the influence of these smooth Blairites. In addition to Lord Mandelson and Mr Powell, there is Liz Lloyd, Mr Powell's deputy in No 10 during the Blair era, who is Sir Keir's director of policy delivery.

At what point, they wonder, does 'experience' and 'guidance' become 'control'?
If you want to know why the Ukrainians are fated to win their great war for independence, there is only one thing you need to do: talk to them.

Talk, above all, to the heroes who are doing the actual fighting, and you will understand that nothing and no one can tame their longing to be free.

Over the past three years, I have met hundreds of these soldiers, men and women whose terrible injuries are made to seem irrelevant by the indomitable spirit that blazes from their eyes.

I have stood by hospital beds and listened to their boundless confidence in eventual victory, their eagerness to be back on the battlefield  and every time I have felt humbled and amazed.

Yesterday in London I had the privilege of meeting a group of about 25 such veterans, many of whom had fought during the appalling siege of the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, in the first half of 2022. These guys endured week after week of an inhuman Russian bombardment, cut off from the rest of the Ukrainian forces.

When they could finally fight no more, they were taken into captivity. Many of the men I met yesterday had not only been badly injured in the fighting, they had also been brutally tortured, before being eventually swapped back to Ukraine.

Think of the sacrifice made by those young Ukrainians, mainly in their 20s and 30s; think of the horror and grief of their families, who must have assumed they were dead.

So, I asked them the question I always ask of the veterans. As someone who passionately supports Ukraine, and Ukrainian resistance to aggression, it is a question that, morally, I feel I have to ask. The question is: Was it worth it? All this suffering, all this pain. Is it worth it?

Think of the sacrifice made by those young Ukrainians, mainly in their 20s and 30s; think of the horror and grief of their families, who must have assumed they were dead, writes Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson at the Ukrainian Embassy in London where he met veterans of the war in Ukraine

The answer yesterday was as passionate as I have ever heard, and it was the same as ever.

Yes, it was worth it, so that Ukraine could be free  a thousand times worth it. As one of them said: 'If I had my time again, I'd do exactly the same thing.'

Putin may theoretically have the numbers (though his advantage here is probably overstated). He may be willing to flout the laws of war and commit atrocities on an industrial scale.

He may have the power to strike at civilian Ukrainian targets in a way the Ukrainians cannot  at present  match.

And yet, for all his North Korean bashi-bazouks (irregular or mercenary soldiers, originally of the Ottoman army), for all his Iranian-designed drones, for all his Chinese chums, I believe the clock is now ticking on Putin's shameful and misbegotten Ukrainian invasion, and that it will indeed end in failure  either this year or next.

That is partly because the Ukrainians are not only braver and more ingenious than the Russians, but also because  for the first time in months  it feels as though the West is united behind Ukraine. Those heroes I met yesterday are again beginning to dream of eventual victory.

After all the misery and uncertainty that followed the dreadful February White House meeting between Trump and Zelensky, they are daring to hope what I have always believed: that one way or another Trump 47 would live up to the record of Trump 45.

Of all Western leaders, Trump was the first to give the Ukrainians significant lethal weaponry, in the form of the Javelin anti-tank weapons; and that is why I have always hoped and believed he had it in him to come decisively to the aid of freedom and democracy in Ukraine.

Over the past few weeks, my optimism has deepened because something has unquestionably changed. There has been a real hardening in his language about Putin, a real sympathy for the plight of the Ukrainians.

After a bizarre glitch in the Pentagon, when some MAGA official seems unilaterally to have paused the flow of some weapons, the kit is flowing again. The Ukrainians are getting more of the Patriot missile defence systems they so badly need, as well as other crucial technology, such as ATACMs.

The total package of American assistance is worth another $10 billion and, though the bill is being footed by the Europeans, that seems only fair because, so far in this war, the US taxpayer has paid more for military support per capita than their European counterparts; and, as Trump has reasonably observed, Ukraine is in Europe, not America.

At the same time, Trump is starting to threaten some pretty punitive sanctions. There is every chance that Congress will pass Lindsey Graham's bill for secondary sanctions on any country trading with Russia  imposing a swingeing 500 per cent tariff.

But even before that Bill comes into effect, Trump has partly anticipated the measure  threatening 100 per cent tariffs on Brazil, India, China and any other country still buying energy from Russia by September 2. That is not long away. Above all, we have seen the change in the President's attitude, the change in tone. In one recent conversation with Zelensky, Trump actually seemed to canvass the idea of Ukraine striking at Moscow itself  just as Russia can strike at Kyiv. And though the White House rapidly back-pedalled, it was striking that Trump was even prepared to entertain the thought.

So, what has changed? What is happening? Some US senators mention the influence of Melania, Trump's Slovenian-born wife. 'Every time he has a phone call with Putin, Melania tells him, 'Putin's a liar'.'

Some say Trump has been personally disgusted by Putin's continuing willingness to slaughter civilians, especially children.

Perhaps there is truth in both suggestions, but I think it is simpler than that.

If you want to know what Trump is going to do, look at what he says he is going to do.

Long before the US election, Trump made clear that he would offer both sides a deal. If the Ukrainians refused, he would stop supporting them and stop the flow of weapons. If the Russians refused, he would double down on supporting Ukraine.

That is more or less what is now happening. The deal Trump offered the Ukrainians was in many ways harsh. They had to agree to allow America access to their mineral deposits. They had to accept that Nato membership was off the table, at least for the time being.

Most painful of all, they had to accept they would not be able to recover all their land, at least in the immediate future. Zelensky had the wisdom to accept a ceasefire on those terms.

Putin has turned it down  again and again. It looks as though Trump has finally had enough.

Russia will struggle to make much progress this summer, in a battlefield where it is broadly easier to defend than to attack.

Standing behind them, the Ukrainians now have the advantage of a united Nato, led by a US president who cannot afford  morally or politically  to allow himself to be bested by Putin, and who plainly has the guts to bring the war to an end.

And Trump has the inestimable advantage that he is backing Ukrainians like the veterans I met yesterday  men and women who will not rest until their country is free, sovereign and secure for the long term.
It goes without saying that the Governments move to hand the vote to 16-year-olds is intellectually and morally bankrupt. You can determine the legal speed limit. But you arent actually deemed mature enough to get behind the wheel yourself. You can endorse sending British troops off to fight in a foreign war. But youre not perceived to have sufficient discipline or self-control to join them. You cant be trusted to buy alcohol, get married or own a credit card. But you can help determine the political direction of Britain for half a decade.

To be fair, nobody ever seriously pretended there was some great civic imperative behind the change. Angela Rayner made a half-decent fist of it when she claimed: For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline. We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy.

But as everyone knows, the decision to lower the age of the franchise has nothing to do with future-proofing our democracy  as the Governments consultation paper ostentatiously asserts  and is instead just a naked attempt to gerrymander it. And again to be fair to Starmer, Rayner and their colleagues, all parties chance their arm.

With the Tories it was the introduction of voter ID. When the Lib Dems enjoyed their brief whiff of power, they tried to cement themselves into government by dismantling the electoral system and replacing it with the Alternative Vote.

So this naked attempt to subvert supposed democratic norms isnt actually the issue. The real problem is that votes for 16-year-olds will end up the same way as just about everything else subject to the Prime Ministers uniquely destructive Medusa touch  in complete, almost tragi-comic failure. And in the process, it will further underline how little Keir Starmer understands about the country he claims to be governing.

There is a touching naivety to the basic logic underpinning Labours manifesto pledge to give children their say over Trident renewal, fiscal policy or welfare reform.

Young people vote Labour. The more young people in the electorate, the better it will be for us, right?

How about a commitment to votes for ten-year-olds? A little much. One step at a time.

The Britain that reluctantly ushered Sir Keir Starmer into office is not the same country it was in 2019, writes Dan Hodges. And by 2028 or 2029 it will be almost politically unrecognisable

Chants of Oh, Jeremy Corbyn could regularly be heard echoing across the nations pop arenas

Though when the policy was first drafted, it was at least underpinned by some rudimentary psephological analysis. In the preceding General Election, a staggering 62 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds supported Labour. Only 19 per cent backed the Tories, with a further 19 per cent lending their support to the Lib Dems and other parties. And it was no anomaly. The same number of young voters backed Labour in 2017, with only 11 per cent voting Lib Dem, or for others.

But that was during the high-water mark of Corbynism. Chants of Oh, Jeremy Corbyn could regularly be heard echoing across the nations pop arenas. The 75 per cent of young people who voted Remain were still mounting a backlash against the decision to leave. The Brexit Party was widely seen as a single-issue relevance. And memories of Red Ed Milibands turbo-environmentalism still had youthful resonance.

The Britain that reluctantly ushered Keir Starmer into office is not the same country it was in 2019. And by 2028 or 2029 it will be almost politically unrecognisable.

Even last year, Labours grip on the youth vote was starting to fracture. Despite his landslide, Starmers support among 18 to 24-year-olds plunged by 21 points. The Greens surged to 19 per cent, the Lib Dems to 16 per cent, and with Corbyn mania usurped by Farage mania, a majority of young voters turned their back on the Westminster duopoly. And that was before the Government plunged new depths of incompetence and unpopularity. Antipathy which does not appear destined to be reversed by votes at 16.

JUST before the General Election, YouGov polled people over their views of the partys significant manifesto pledges. Bottom of Labours promises was lowering the franchise to 16. Only 31 per cent of those questioned supported it, while 60 per cent opposed.

Even a vast number of those 16-year-olds who could potentially benefit from the change recognise its flaws. A separate poll conducted last week by Merlin Strategy found 49 per cent of those questioned opposed having the vote. And only 18 per cent said they would definitely bother to use it if given the chance.

If Keir Starmer honestly thinks Britains 16-year-olds are set to come riding to the rescue of his party, he is even more delusional than many people feared. Because what self-respecting teenager is going to go out and cast a ballot for this Labour government?

The Young are not the monolithic block they are widely perceived to be. But there are still discernible trends over what drives first-time voters.

At the last election, younger voters were asked what issues concerned them most. There were three which placed them apart from every other age group. The environment. Housing. Gaza.

Keir Starmer is not opening the door to a surge in support for Labour. He is instead putting youthful rocket boosters under Jeremy Corbyns new party, and the Greens. And with his ludicrously simplistic and patronising young people are Labour voters assumption, under Nigel Farage and Reform.

Look at the global rise of Right-wing populism. In Germany, France, Austria and Spain, a counter-cultural, anti-establishment message, coupled with slick social media marketing, is attracting significant swathes of the youth vote.

As it is destined to here. On Thursday a poll for Newsnight showed Corbyns new party, the Greens, Lib Dems and Reform capturing 63 per cent of potential Gen Z electors. Entirely predictably.

Any young person who wants to provoke real change. Who really wants to disrupt the status quo. Who genuinely fancies indulging in a little bit of teenage rebellion. Who are they going to turn to? Keir Starmer? The man who encapsulates all the radicalism and latent insurgency of a bored double-glazing salesman from Milton Keynes. What do we want? A New Border Security Command!!! When do we want it? As soon as we have stabilised the economy and resources allow!!!

Keir Starmer told us a vote for Labour would ensure the grown-ups were put back in charge. Now after just a year in office hes appealing to the children to come and save him and his government.

Ed Milibands doomed electoral strategy was once caricatured as Vote Labour, win a toaster. Sir Keirs strategy of Vote Labour, win a PlayStation is set to suffer the same fate.
Here, FEMAIL explores how ketamine is on the rise among younger generations

After generally turning away from drugs, refusing rebellious nights out and preferring to spend their younger years indoors, it's no surprise that Gen Z has become known as 'Generation Sensible'.

But it appears that the age group has one remaining vice, with many turning to the Class B drug ketamine in the belief it will achieve a 'less dangerous' high.

In England, the number of under-18s entering drug treatment for ketamine problems rose from 335 to 917 between 2020 and 2023, according to the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System.

Among 16 to 24-year-olds, use has increased by 231 per cent since March 2013 and is now at its highest level since 2006, when records began.

Known colloquially as 'Ket', 'K', 'Special K', 'regretamine' or 'Calvin Klein' (a cocktail of ketamine and cocaine), its popularity has soared due to its low price and easy availability. The horse tranquiliser and anaesthetic made up more than a quarter of drugs confiscated at festivals in 2023 in the UK.

Though the debilitating impact of ketamine has long been underestimated, after being associated with a number of recent and high-profile deaths, including RuPaul Drag Race star The Vivienne and Friends star Matthew Perry, it's once again come into the spotlight.

On TikTok, Generation Z have set up inspiring recovery pages as they document their journeys getting clean, raising awareness for the long-term consequences of use, and just how easily it can be to become addicted.

One 22-year-old man told FEMAIL that he began using ketamine regularly while at university, as it was so 'cheap and easy to get'.

A devastating ketamine epidemic is exploding among young people. Pictured: Abby, who raises awareness for addiction recovery on TikTok, shares what she looked like while using the drug

Abby is one of several who have dedicated platforms to raising awareness and sharing their inspiring stories

He recalled: 'I went into my friend's room and there was just a pile of it on the table.'

Speaking anonymously, he said that he believes the explosion of use of the drug is because 'people just assume it's safe'.

He continued: 'You don't usually die from it, and it feels like being sort of drunk, but different. I mean, you don't feel awful the next day, I mean, unlike most other drugs.

'Naturally, people just assume it's safe. It's not like, Nos, or anything. You don't really hear people dropping dead that often. So I think, yeah, when we're all young and stupid, I think it's the right answer. At that time it was acceptable.

'You don't feel anything. There's no worries, there's no anything you're sort of out.'

While other drugs were also readily available, aside from cannabis, he said K was the most prolific, with people even engaging in 'ket-only nights'.

The young man, who has since started work, said he would spend night with his girlfriend 'doing ketamine and staring at the ceiling'.

While he described himself as a more casual user, he said his girlfriend was eventually sectioned due to her drug use, leaving him 'heartbroken'.

Referring to the addiction, he admitted it was partly why they'd broken up - but many people would never expect it to have such insidious effects, partly due to it being classified as a Class B drug.

Lauren Anderson, 23, described how the drug had destroyed her life and left her a 'shell' of her former self

The Class B narcotic, sometimes administered in the NHS for pain management and depression, was developed in the 1960s and used as a battlefield anaesthetic in the Vietnam War and as an animal tranquilliser.

It was in the 1970s that it first became widespread at parties. But its use has become so commonplace that the Government recently announced that it was considering reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug alongside heroin. This would mean that anyone caught supplying it would be handed a life sentence.

On TikTok, many young people are working to battle the ongoing assumption that ketamine is 'less addictive' than other abused substances.

Abby, from Bristol, posts on TikTok to raise awareness of ketamine addiction on her account @tranquilnottranquilised, which is focused on her journey to recovery.

She said that she initially began using it was that she was told it was safe.

'Everyone's experiences are different, but the reality is that this drug destroys lives,' she said. 'It IS (scarily) addictive. It IS (terrifyingly) damaging.'

Referring to the recent news articles about the rise in ketamine being used, she said: 'This is an epidemic of ketamine use in the UK. I'm currently in a group chat of ketamine addicts, and there are 350 of us in that chat and the majority of us are 16 to mid 30s.

Speaking to the BBC , Casey Innalls, from Portsmouth, who has her own TikTo k account which details her experiences of withdrawing from the drug in a bid to help others

'Every man and his dog seems to be on K and the issue is it is an extremely harmful substance. All drugs are dangerous and none come without their harms, but for me, K didn't seem to have any immediate harmful effects. I didn't have any comedown, I didn't have any hangover. It's something that I personally felt safe on. How wrong was I.'

However, Abby was quick to share the reality of a life addicted to ketamine, sharing shocking before and after pictures of her ketamine use.

While she was lucky to be told that scans showed her organs were still in a healthy condition, she said she'd been living in 'chronic pain' while using the drug.

She said tests had showed her liver enzymes were coming back as increasingly elevated. At her worst, she said she was going to the toilet every 10 or 20 minutes, which made her feel 'embarassed and ashamed'.

Her consistent drug use made her become weak, and lose two stone of weight, at some points becoming 'obsessed' with what she was eating as she worried she would set the pain off.

Abby also experienced a phenomenon known as 'k cramps', a severe pain in the upper right abdomen that can feel debilitating.

And it wasn't just physical symptoms, as ketamine also affected her sleep and relationships, to the extent she wasn't leaving the house.

'If I carried on, I was going to kill myself,' she confessed.

'The thing about K is how quickly it does harm, it is rapid. We describe it as an insidious drug. It rots away at multiple organs and it does this really quickly as well.

'With K, you're seeing life destroying devastating, debilitating effects and even death within a couple of years of use and it honestly doens't even take that much'

'It's very easy to abuse, it's short lasting so that means people often go quite a long time being able to function in their day to day lives before they realise they have an addiction.'

She says she knows young people who are bedridden due to it, and those who have been put in induced comas and generally left extremely ill.

'People are dying and you think it won't happen to you, you think you can use it on a weekend, but you will never know,' she said.

'This drug has destroyed my life, it has made me unrecognisable as a person.'

Elsewhere on the social media app, Lauren Anderson, 23, from Scotland, said she is over 40 days clean from ketamine after battling a severe addiction.

Once a keen powerlifter with a good social life, and 'popular, outgoing and fun', Lauren said her ketamine use had left her a 'shell of herself'.

In a powerful statement on TikTok, she emphasised that 'addiction doesn't discriminate'.

She said she had begun taking ketamine when she was around 17 to 18 years old, when she was out with friends.

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As she was still able to live a 'normal life' and go to work, she didn't initially think anything was wrong.

But things began to get worse as she started spending all her wages on fuelling her drug habit, even taking money from her mother to spend on her addiction.

Soon, friends started to distance themselves, and ketamine even destroyed her relationship with her boyfriend.

She realised: 'I've lost touch with every part of myself. I am a shell of the girl I once was. I was popular, outgoing and fun, and someone with so much love to give. If I don't make changes in my life, I am going to end up dead.'

Previously, a woman who started taking ketamine while partying at weekends has revealed how the drug took over her life - and saw her so addicted that she even sniffed it from her hospital bed while being treated for its debilitating side effects.

Speaking to the BBC, Casey Innalls, from Portsmouth, who has her own TikTok account which details her experiences of withdrawing from the drug in a bid to help others, says the death of her father when she was 18 saw her ketamine use begin to spiral.

Innalls says her addiction to ketamine went from being something she might take at a festival to a regular weekend habit to a 14 gram-a-day habit that 'ruined my life'.

Her first video on her account @kcskaddiction was shared in July last year and has since been followed up with often graphic images of how her body was affected by using it - including bloody mucus she's urinated because of the impact on her bladder.

Casey Innalls, from Portsmouth, shares her recovery from a ketamine addiction that took over her life on her TikTok page, @kcskaddiction

What is ketamine? Ketamine, also known as K, is a powerful general anesthetic that is used to stop humans and animals experiencing pain during operations. It started being used as a party drug in the late 2000s, with people taking it before raves for a more intense experience. What are the side effects? Ketamine causes a loss of feeling and paralysis of the muscles. It can also lead to people experiencing hallucinations and a distortion of reality, which many call entering the 'k-hole'. Ketamine may also cause people to feel incapable of moving, or lead to panic attacks, confusion and memory loss. Regular users can seriously damage their bladders, which may need to be surgically removed. Other risks include a raised heart rate and blood pressure. Paralysis of the muscles can leave people vulnerable to hurting themselves, while not feeling pain properly can cause them to underestimate any damage. How is it taken and what is the law around it? For medical use ketamine is liquid but the 'street' drug is normally a grainy, white powder. Ketamine is currently a Class B substance and the maximum penalty for supplying and producing it is up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. The punishment for possession of the drug is up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both The government is seeking expert advice on reclassifying ketamine to become a Class A substance, after illegal use of the drug reached their highest ever levels. Advertisement

Innalls captioned them: 'These are some gruesome photos as to what I've p***** out of me while doing ketamine due to my bladder being damaged and so inflamed.'

Now in recovery, the young woman says by the time she was 20, she was in the full throes of her addiction.

Describing the first time she took it as a 16-year-old at a house party, Casey says she felt like she was 'walking on the moon' and says ketamine offers a 'totally different feeling to a lot of other drugs'.

In one TikTok posted by Casey, she's frank about how hard it is to withdraw, saying no-one still talks about the hardest parts of recovery, particularly the impact on mental health, saying: 'Everyone always thinks it's sunshine and rainbows. It's not.

'This is where my brain takes me, to the darkest depths of my locked away thoughts.'

Last week, it was revealed that RuPaul's Drag Race star The Vivienne had died from a cardiac arrest after taking ketamine.

The Vivienne, 32, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was found dead in the bathroom of their home, in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, on January 5 this year, an inquest in February heard.

Their manager Simon Jones said he and the family hoped to 'raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine uses and what it can do to your body'.

Describing what it feels like to take the drug, Casey said it often left her feeling like she was 'walking on the moon'

He added in the statement: 'Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don't think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.'

He added they hope to work with mental health and addiction service Adferiad to 'raise vital awareness and give information on how to get help if you are struggling with ketamine usage'.

Indeed, use of ketamine among young people has seen a worrying spike in recent years.

With one gram costing 10 to 30  and around 30 to 75mg providing a single dose or 'bump'  users can get high for less than 2.

Usually consumed as a white powder, it is considerably cheaper than cocaine and MDMA, and less expensive even than vaping.

And it has long had a reputation among its users for being safe.

But the truth is that its use can lead to incontinence, kidney failure and bladder shrinkage  which can require major reconstructive surgery  plus memory loss, lack of muscle control, psychosis and depression.

In some cases, it can be lethal, particularly when mixed with alcohol and other drugs.

The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, during a photo call for Dancing On Ice 2023. The Drag Race star died in January 2025 from a cardiac arrest caused by a ketamine overdose

Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Crime, said earlier this month: 'Ketamine is an extremely dangerous substance and the recent rise in its use is deeply concerning.'

Her comments came after a coroner wrote to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in November calling for action over the drug's classification following a man's death.

James Boland, 38, from Manchester, died of sepsis caused by a kidney infection which was 'a complication of long-term use of ketamine'.

Mr Boland - founder and owner of Ancoats Coffee Co in Manchester - had switched from cocaine because he thought ketamine was 'less harmful'.

He was a 'chronic user' of the drug and also suffered serious urological issues as a result of abusing it.

Coroner Alison Mutch OBE warned people in Britain are under a 'false impression' that the drug - which killed Friends star Matthew Perry - is less dangerous than other substances like cocaine.

In November, a devastated mother begged ministers to classify ketamine as Class A, after the death of her 20-year-old daughter who suffered a two-year addiction to the substance.

Sophie Russell, from Lincolnshire, died in September after using the drug daily, which had caused her agonising abdominal pains and incontinence.

Her mother Tracy Marelli said the drug 'destroyed her.'

And In April, midwife Clare Rogers, 47, called for ketamine to be upgraded to Class A after her award-winning 26-year-old student son, Rian Rogers, was killed by the drug.

Ketamine, which is currently a Class B drug, could be upgraded to Class A - the same as heroin, crack and cocaine, as use surged to record levels.

Raising it to Class A would increase those penalties to life for dealing for those dealing the potentially deadly drug and seven years for possession.

The drug was upgraded from Class C to Class B just a decade ago, but now ministers believe even tougher measures may be needed to discourage its use.

In October 2023, Friends star Perry, 54, was found dead in his hot tub at his home in Los Angeles.

It emerged the Chandler Bing actor died from the acute effects of ketamine, having been using it to treat depression.

Dealing ketamine currently carries up to 14 years' imprisonment, while possession carries up to five years.

Private clinics that specialise in ketamine addiction have seen a surge young people seeking treatment, while NHS services have reported similar rises.

Ketamine - referred to jokingly as 'regretamine' - can lead to incontinence, kidney failure and bladder shrinkage, as well as memory loss, lack of muscle control, psychosis, depression and multiple cardiovascular effects (stock image)

Owen Bowden-Jones, a consultant psychiatrist and founder of the pioneering Club Drug clinic, fears some are now using the drug to ease mental health problems.

He suggests that the rise in addiction could be a result of people struggling to access NHS psychiatric services for other issues, such as trauma.

Professor Bowden-Jones told The Guardian that in his experience young people who have 'experienced trauma' are using the drug as an 'emotional anesthetic'.

He added: 'My sense is the vast majority are using it to self-medicate for emotional distress.

'That would suggest to me they found a pharmacological short cut to managing their mental health.'

This is despite the fact that Gen Z are increasingly shunning other types of drug including cannabis, cocaine and MDMA, also known as ecstasy.

The drug increases levels of a glutamate in the brain, a neurotransmitter crucial to mood regulation, learning, memory, and information processing.

Ketamine therapy works by taking an extremely low dose of the drug, to provoke its glutamate boosting effects, and then working through issues with a trained psychotherapist.

By taking the drug, a patient opens up emotionally and becomes more receptive to therapy, advocates claim.

The treatment has attracted high-profile endorsements from the likes of celebrities like of Sharon Osborne, Chrissy Teigen and Elon Musk.
An expert has revealed the difference between lying and gaslighting - as well as defining both the activities.

Gaslighting has become somewhat of a buzzword both online and in real-life conversations, with people regularly accusing others of the nefarious behaviour.

But often, what people describe as gaslighting is actually just lying - so what's the difference?

Dr Sohom Das is a forensic psychiatrist, from London, who also runs an eponymous YouTube channel.

He shares content about crime, mental health conditions, and psychology, among other topics.

His previous video topics include how having ADHD can affect your love life, why women are more likely to binge watch true crime than men, and six reasons why female prison officers have sex with inmates.

In one of his videos, which is titled The difference between gaslighting and lying, he explained how people can differentiate between the two.

Speaking in the clip, he said: 'Do you know why gaslighting is more than simply lying? Don't worry, I'll explain it to you, and I'll also give you three specific scenarios to outline the differences.'

Forensic psychiatrist and content creator Dr Sohom Das (pictured) has described how to differentiate between lying and gaslighting in a video on YouTube

Dr Das added that both gaslighting and lying involve distortion of the truth, however, they differ in both intent and impact.

'Lying typically involves a conscious and deliberate attempt to deceive somebody about a specific fact or event,' said the psychiatrist.

'Gaslighting, on the other hand, is a more insidious form of manipulation that aims to erode the victim's sense of reality and self worth.'

First, he explained how the intent between the two behaviours diverges.

Dr Das said: 'With lying, the primary intent is to conceal information, to avoid consequences or to gain an advantage.

'With gaslighting, the primary intent is to control the victim, undermine their confidence and make them question their own sanity.

'It's utilized to distort the victim's entire perception of reality, including their memories, feelings and judgments.'

The expert then went on to describe three scenarios, explaining how each could be a sign of either lying or gaslighting.

Dr Das (pictured) said that while both gaslighting and lying involve distortion of the truth, they differ in both intent and impact

GASLIGHTING IN RELATIONSHIPS Gaslighting is a term that refers to trying to convince someone they're wrong about something even when they aren't. Most commonly, it takes the form of frequently disagreeing with someone or refusing to listen to their point of view. Many of us might be guilty of some mild form of gaslighting from time to time  refusing to hear what our partner has to say even if they're in the right or persistently disagreeing over some minor quibble, even when you aren't sure of your position. It can be a real form of abuse. When it's done repeatedly, over a long period of time, it can have the effect of making someone doubt their own ideas about things  or even question their sanity. Source: Relate Advertisement

Dr Das said: 'Number one, a partner tells their spouse that they were working late when they were actually at a bar with friends.

'So they are lying to conceal their actions, to avoid an argument and to avoid the silent treatment for the next four days.'

However, he noted, 'if the same man does this, but also accuses their spouse of being overly sensitive or of imagining things, even when the spouse expresses valid concerns, [that is] gaslighting'.

The intent in this scenario, the psychiatrist explained, is 'to undermine the spouse's confidence and control their behaviour'.

Describing another hypothetical scenario, he said an unpleasant older brother may spread a lie about their younger sibling having an STD in order to cause embarrassment, and to stop someone from wanting to date them.

'That is a lie, plain and simple,' said Dr Das.

He continued: 'However, once he's been caught, [if] that same nasty older brother dismisses your concerns, telling you that you are overreacting or making things up that is gaslighting.'

The psychiatrist's third scenario related to a hypothetical situation in the workplace.

He explained: 'Your boss says that he didn't receive your quarterly finance report simply because he's too lazy to analyse it in time for the board meeting. That, again, is a basic lie.'

But, he said, if your boss constantly criticises your work - even when the quality is good - then 'the intent there is to manipulate you as an employee and to maintain that kind of power dynamic'.

Closing the video, Dr Das said: 'In conclusion, while both lying and gaslighting involve deception, gaslighting is a more harmful and insidious form of manipulation that can have devastating impact on the victim's mental and emotional well being.'

The term 'gaslighting' originates from a 1938 play that explored psychological torment - Gas Light, by British playwright Patrick Hamilton, which is set in Victorian London.

The story centres on a husband, Jack Manningham, who convinces his wife Bella she is going insane. While he searches their attic for hidden jewels belonging to a woman he murdered, he repeatedly dims the gas lights in the house.

When Bella notices and questions the change in lighting, her husband insists she's imagining it. This sinister act of manipulation, along with his other lies and dismissals, chip away at her grip on reality.

The play was later adapted into the 1944 Hollywood film Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman, which solidified the concept in the cultural imagination.

But it wasn't until the 1960s and 70s that it began to appear in psychological literature. Mental health professionals used 'gaslighting' to describe a specific form of emotional abuse, often in intimate relationships, where one partner systematically undermines the other's confidence and perception of reality.
The latest unfiltered slating of Johnny Depp's newest project is proof that life after domestic violence allegations is tough for even the rich and famous.

Critics have slammed the star's latest directorial effort, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness - a biographical drama based on the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani - as an 'abomination' and 'filth'.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star, 62, who dated Kate Moss in the 90s, was on the verge of cancellation in 2018 when rumors of him physically abusing his then-wife Amber Heard sensationally flooded airwaves.

It sparked a tumultuous legal battle between the acrimonious duo, resulting in Depp suing the Aquaman actress in 2019 for defamation. She countersued in 2020 and the trial officially began in April 2022. Two months later, the jury's verdict was in favor of Depp.

Perhaps decades ago that might have been the end of it, but in the era of 'flops' and being 'cancelled' - popularized by millenials and Gen Zs - A-listers' behavior is scrutinized more than ever - and the chance to attain the sort of fame they enjoyed before their misstep is more often than not wiped out.

Whether proven right or wrong, false or factual, sometimes stars endure a public smearing that is hard to come back from - which is the case for the one-time mega movie star.

The world anticipated his second coming post the legal battles when movie Jeanne du Barry dropped in 2023; but it fell flat, and so has every other project he's put his name to since then.

According to British publicity extraordinaire Natalie Trice, the Johnny Depp we once revered is long 'gone' and any attempt at salvaging his ailing career won't work - at least for the foreseeable future.

Johnny Depp has been booked and busy since winning a defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022 - but critics have questioned the quality of his latest projects and whether he'll ever truly have a career 'comeback' (Pictured: The ex-couple pose together in New York in 2014)

The world anticipated Johnny Depp's second coming when movie Jeanne du Barry dropped in 2023; but it fell flat, with critics branding it 'stale' (Pictured: The actor as King Louis XV of France in Jeanne Du Barry)

Depp's directorial effort, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness - a biographical drama based on the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani and starring Al Pacino - also received scathing reviews

Simply put, calling the current state of his career a 'comeback' is a stretch.

The expert said: 'Let's be honest, this once untouchable, mysterious figure that women wanted, and men wanted to be, is gone.

'That version of Depp had an almost supernatural cool factor, an enigmatic quality that made him seem like he existed on a different planet from the rest of us.

'The problem is people have long memories, and once you've seen someone's dirty laundry aired in court for weeks, the text messages, the recordings, and the details of a toxic, abusive relationship are shared across the news and social media you can't unsee it.

'The mystique has been shattered and his relationship with Amber Heard is as career defining and legacy leaving as roles like Pirates of the Caribbean'.

Hopes of Johnny Depp reemerging as the comeback kid began with his appearance in the independent French-language movie Jeanne du Barry.

The plot centers around the true life story of Jeanne Becu, the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress born in 1743, who went on to become French king Louis XV's (played by Johnny Depp) last official mistress.

One look at critics reviews and it's hard to tell if the flick's main actor is a multi Academy Award star who once dazzled in Edward Scissorhands and Donnie Brasco.

Depp was on the verge of cancellation in 2018 when rumors of him physically abusing his then-wife Amber Heard sensationally flooded airwaves (Amber Heard takes the stand during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial in Fairfax County, Virginia in 2022)

Ever since the jury ruled in favor of Depp the actor has forged a 'comeback' which has been subjected to debates and ridicule (Depp gestures to spectators in court after closing arguments at the Depp vs Heard trial in 2022)

British publicity extraordinaire Natalie Trice told FEMAIL that the Johnny Depp we once revered is long 'gone' and any attempt at salvaging his ailing career won't work (Pictured: Johnny at the height of his fame and before the legal drama in France in 1995)

When the going was good: Critics are uncertain if Johnny Depp can repeat the success of blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean

The Telegraph's chief film critic Robbie Collin called Jeanne du Barry a 'stale and draughty period romance' with Depp 'ill suited' to play the king.

He further said Depp's regal gravitas was 'nonexistent' in the film, and told fans that it wasn't the 'glorious' comeback they anticipated.

The review's further two out of five stars sharpened the blow to his acting chops, but perhaps not as much as The Guardian's razor summary.

Writer Peter Bradshaw proclaimed it to be a 'preposterous confection' and accused Depps performance of overshadowing Jean du Barry's story.

But while some social media users at the time purported it to be a flop, even sharing screenshots of empty movie theaters to prove their point, it has reportedly grossed around $15 million across the world.

Considering a decade earlier mobster movie Black Mass pulled in $100 million and the classic Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides a fiery $1 billion, one struggles to brand Jean Du Barry an achievement, but neither does it satisfy the criteria of a flop.

PR expert Natalie says Depp's latest work has descended into a lower 'tier' of stardom.

'Depp keeps insisting he never left, and technically he's right as he kept working through the chaos, but his career trajectory, reputation and legacy are different.

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp pictured in London in 2015

'The industry didn't cancel him outright, but they've definitely moved him to a different tier. He's gone from being Johnny Depp the phenomenon to Johnny Depp the working actor who comes with baggage and a reputation thats somewhat "savage".

'I think the new reality is he is less icon and more human. I dont think Depp's brand will ever recover its old power because we've seen too much; the court footage, the personal struggles, the very human messiness of it all - he's still incredibly wealthy but he's no longer mythical'.

Around the same time Dazed sensationally questioned if Depp could ever be 'cancelled' following abuse allegations stated by Amber Heard - and if he was, whether it had been a 'good' thing for his brand.

Citing back to back movie projects, a seven-figure deal with Dior and at the time JusticeForJohnnyDepp hashtags amassing 15 billion TikTok views compared to 8 million for Amber, the publication said Depp's career was 'thriving'.

Fans have equally straddled the line between calling his rebirth attempt a comeback or cancellation, with many stating it hard to call.

Writing on a Reddit forum about the Dazed article, one person said his 'level' of celebrity might be to blame: 'For someone with Jonah [Hill]/Depp level celebrity to be truly "cancelled", the allegations against have to be overwhelming, with mountains of physical evidence, video footage etc, and a criminal trial that proves their guilt. And even then you'll find some people continue to defend them'.

One fan said Depp's career will never entirely 'disappear', but suggested it would coast over the next few years.

'Depp isn't going to disappear. He's too much a part of the Hollywood ecosystem for that and too ingratiated into pop culture. But I don't think his career is going to be anything like it was before.

His upcoming movie Day Drinker could mark Depp's biggest-yet attempt to revive his silver screen career (Pictured: The actor on set of Day Drinker, set for release in 2026)

Jeanne Du Barry centers around the true life story of Jeanne Becu, the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress born in 1743, who went on to become French king Louis XV's (played by Johnny Depp) last official mistress

Depp made a name for himself with 90s and 2000s Hollywood Blockbusters like Edward Scissorhands

'I think the last two years are a good indication of what the rest of his career/life is going to be like. He'll occasionally star in some European film that no one will see, someone he worked with years ago will post a picture with him on Instagram every now and then, he might even have the odd supporting role in a Hollywood film to remind people he's still alive'.

Some people have disagreed with Dazed claims, including one user who joked: 'I think thriving is hidden in one of Depps tooth cavities, it might come out one day when he visits a dentist with a background in archeology'.

Another added: 'Is Depp's career actually thriving? He doesn't seem to be doing much, and what he's doing seems to be relatively small projects'.

Others spoke on his upcoming Hollywood comeback 'again' with movie Day Drinker, though they say it will tank like others before it.

Dedicating an entire Reddit thread to the flick, one person wrote: 'Johnny Depp's comeback film again, it's got to be a running joke'. Another commenter predicted it would be a flop.

Some critics and fans say Day Drinker could mark Depp's biggest-yet attempt to revive his silver screen career amid the Amber Heard scandal.

Heard was found to have defamed Depp with references to 'sexual violence' and 'domestic abuse' in a 2018 Washington Post column and ordered to pay her ex-husband $10million in damages.

The televised trial in 2022 turned into a circus with Heard decried by some as a conniving liar and Depp the saintly victim, while her supporters argued it was a dark day for the #MeToo movement and that it would put off other women from reporting domestic violence.

The actor was once a pin-up star that dated former supermodel Kate Moss

However even his most ardent fans could hardly claim that the debacle painted a wholly flattering picture of Depp. The court heard messages he'd sent to his friend Paul Bettany about Heard, including: 'I will f**k her burnt corpse', as well as a recording of Depp smashing up the kitchen while drunk.

This verdict also came less than two years after Depp unsuccessfully sued The Sun for calling him a 'wife beater' when a judge found the 'majority' of his alleged assaults against Heard had been 'proved'.

But despite the drinking, drug use and toxicity laid bare in court, the actor remained the face of Dior Sauvage and rather than being cancelled, he is making a Hollywood comeback in the action thriller blockbuster Day Drinker next year.

According to IMDb, the film, set for release in 2026, is about 'an enigmatic stranger who forms an unlikely bond with a grieving bartender who lost her lover as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways'.

His newest look hasn't escaped the rebrand as the actor underwent a complete transformation for the movie, including sporting silver hair, a bushy full grey beard, and piercing blue contacts.

Fans raved about his 'silver fox' look and numerous noted the actor looked a far cry from his usual self.

Only time will tell if the movie is doomed like the ill-fated flicks before it. But if his recent calendar is anything to go by, he will surely dust it off and try again.

'The question isn't whether he can work again, he's proving that he can' said Natalie.

'He's [Depp is] proving that - but its whether audiences can accept Johnny Depp as a flawed rather untouchable icon'.

Despite the drinking, drug use and toxicity laid bare in court, Depp remained the face of Dior Sauvage and rather than being cancelled, he is making a Hollywood comeback

Digital PR strategist Stacey Wong says the actor has gotten it all wrong and shouldn't have hastily returned to the big screen.

Speaking to FEMAIL, she added: 'Right now, the focus should be on credibility and clarity. He doesnt need to win everyone over, he just needs to show stability.

'The next project, whether as an actor or director, will be important. If its well-received, he could begin to rebuild his image'.

It's too late as reviews for the Depp-directed Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness have come in thick and fast.

The plot- released in British cinemas last week, is described as, 'a 72 hour whirlwind through the streets of WWI Paris,' following Italian bohemian artist Modigliani (Riccardo Scamarcio).

The film follows the artist as he, 'attempts to out maneuver bombs, policemen, girlfriends and critics in an increasingly desperate search of a home for his art'. It reunites Depp and Al Pacino for the first time since their 1997 mobster smash Donnie Brasco.

According to The Telegraph, Depp's attempt at a career comeback is hard to decipher under the 'great pile of steaming filth' of a 'mangy biopic'.

Meanwhile The Times branded the whole affair an 'abomination' and thought it 'a plotless and formless offering with a shamefully inept screenplay'.

Rotten Tomatoes is yet to aggregate a final score for the movie but a succession of two out of five scores is sadly telling.

'A string of gruelling cliches' is what one user called it, while another called it 'bland'.

'Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness is, despite the floridity of its title and the bad behavior shown onscreen, a curiously bland package' it read in full.

Stacey says the project shouldn't have happened in the first place.

'Hes won the legal battle which helped his public image, but the industry hasnt fully welcomed him back. Directing Modigliani: Three Days on the Wing of Madness shows hes pushing forward, but early reviews have been really harsh.

'Choosing to direct a biopic about a chaotic, tortured artist feels symbolic, but passion projects dont always translate into strong public comebacks. Critics are calling the film messy and unfocused, which makes it harder for audiences to re-engage with his work'.

At the moment Depp's career 'comeback' is as bleak as the foggiest winter morning and it appears to be coasting into oblivion.

But Natalie sees hope at the end of the tunnel for the troubled star even though she says he'll have to put in a lot of work to restore his sparkle.

'His second act depends entirely on his willingness to be more grounded, maybe humbler, with accountability taken for what happened, which many will never forgive or forget either side' continued the expert.

'Fundamentally what made him famous in the first place, be that the good, bad or downright ugly, has changed and he has to work with that and find a way ahead'.
Tom Kerridge has weighed in on who could take over MasterChef from Gregg Wallace and John Torode.

The celebrity chef, 51, who has appeared as a guest on the show, said his 'phone hasn't rung' since the pair were let go.

Gregg Wallace was this week banned from working at the BBC after executives ruled they did not 'have the confidence that you can change what seems to be learned behaviour' after a series of complaints.

Days later reports claimed the BBC sacked John Torode after he allegedly 'used the N-word twice while singing along to a Kanye West song'.

The host, 59, was reportedly singing the rapper's hit Gold Digger when he was allegedly 'caught using the racist term during after work drinks six or seven years ago'.

Rumours have since been swirling around who could take over from Torode and Wallace to present the popular competition show, which first aired in July 1990.

The upcoming series' - which have already been filmed - features former I'm A Celeb star and restaurant critic Grace Dent, who replaced Wallace to co-host with Torode.

One possible contender was Great British Menu favourite Tom Kerridge - but he told MailOnline that 'nobody's made a phone call' to him yet.

Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has weighed in on who he thinks could take over MasterChef from Gregg Wallace and John Torode - but he doesn't think it'll be him

Torode and Wallace will not be returning to MasterChef

Kerridge said: 'There hasn't been a single thing. I'm only reading the same things in the paper as you, but I doubt it will be me.'

The chef said his nine weeks on the Great British Menu makes him a difficult choice for the role, similarly to fellow chef-turned-presenter Andi Oliver.

He told MailOnline: 'I'm on Great British Menu for nine weeks of the year, same as Andi Oliver. I know her odds are really short as well.

'I mean she hasn't let me know - in fact I haven't had a text off her today so who knows?'

Kerridge admitted there is somewhat of an awkward silence between the UK's celebrity chefs while the void left by Torode and Wallace is filled.

'I have no idea who it's going to be, but I'm sure they'll make a great decision,' he said.

'MasterChef is a phenomenal show. It's amazing.'

He added that whoever does take on the job will have a 'magical kind of experience coming their way' - but reiterated that he 'knows nothing' about the show's future.

The BBC and production company Banijay plan to air both the amateur and celebrity editions 'once the dust has settled'

Speculation about the future of MasterChef comes after it was claimed that Torode was fired from the programme for saying the 'worst racial slur there is'.

The TV host, 59, was reportedly singing Kanye West's hit Gold Digger when he was allegedly 'caught using the racist term during after work drinks six or seven years ago'.

The Sun claims Torode used the word again whilst chatting to a friend on the MasterChef's production team, who didn't take offence.

The Australian-born chef has insisted he had absolutely no recollection of using a racist term while drinking with colleagues seven years ago.

The person who raised the complaint is understood to have 'overheard the conversation'.

The BBC has said the hosts contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an extremely offensive racist term during drinks after filming the show.

But the corporation has refused to say what the slur was - as has Torode - leading to feverish speculation online that it could be the N-word.

Tom Kerridge at Pub In The Park

The Australian chef was dramatically axed from MasterChef - hours after the BBC's director general refused to back him over an allegation of using racist language. The complaint against John was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour

It was yesterday described as the 'worst racial slur there is' by Richard Osman. The Beeb and production company Banijay believe the allegation is 'watertight' and will stand up in court if he tried to sue, he said.

Another insider told MailOnline that there was 'relief' at MasterChef HQ that Torode is gone, saying he was 'horrible' to work with at times. A third source claimed they had found him to be a 'very rude and patronising man'.

Torode has taken the stance that said he had absolutely no recollection of using a racial slur and did not believe that it happened.

This is despite a witness claiming he had apologised immediately, was mortified and didnt use the term as a slur during drinks following a day filming MasterChef in 2018.

The upcoming series' - which have already been filmed - features former I'm A Celeb star and restaurant critic Grace Dent, who replaced Wallace to co-host with Torode

Torode said this week, after his sacking, in a lengthy statement posted to Instagram: 'Although I havent heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay  I am seeing and reading that Ive been "sacked" from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what Im accused of'.

It was also claimed the BBC and Banijay had asked Torode to leave MasterChef citing mental health problems.

The BBC yesterday declined to comment on the claims.

But an insider said: 'The BBC and Banijay spoke to his reps before the announcement on Tuesday.

'The BBC never suggested he resign nor raised mental health'.
Disney announced changes to the reservation system at the start of summer

Annual Disney World passholders are set for a major change to the reservation system, which will limit access to the Magic Kingdom.

The famous Orlando theme park has begun sending out warnings regarding upcoming restrictions for its most dedicated guests, starting July 20.

Previously, Annual Passholders were allowed to visit the parks without having a reservation on a good-to-go day or on any day after 2 pm.

But starting July 20, they will need a valid reservation if they want to visit the Magic Kingdom at any time.

The changes have reportedly been made due to the high demand of the new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade, which debuts on July 20.

As per Inside The Magic, notifications have been added to the Walt Disney World Resort website as well as the My Disney Experience app, reminding passholders that they'll soon need to make a theme park reservation if they want to enter the Magic Kingdom.

Guests will still be able to visit Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios after 2 pm without making a reservation.

The website reads: 'For dates starting July 20th, for a limited time, Annual Passholders will need to make park pass reservations for Magic Kingdom no matter the day of the week OR the time of day.'

Annual Disney World passholders are set for a major change to the reservation system, which will limit access to the Magic Kingdom

As per the Disney World website, prices range from $469 to $1,549 per year for annual passes, depending on the package.

The Disney Pixie Dust Pass, Disney Pirate Pass, and Disney Sorcerer Pass are only available to Florida residents, while the most expensive option, the Disney Incredi-Pass, is available to anyone.

The tier of membership chosen affects how many park reservation they can make per visit and what blockout dates (pass type is not valid for park admission) affect them.

In April, Walt Disney World released its 2026 tickets, any eagle-eyed observers noticed the costs have increased.

Prices for one-day tickets to Disney World in Florida have increased by roughly $10 for January to October 2026, depending on which package visitors choose.

For example, the maximum price for a one-day ticket to Disney's Animal Kingdom rose from $169 in 2025 to $179 in 2026.

Similarly a one-day visit to EPCOT will soon cost $194, up from $184 for tickets for January to October this year.

Disney's Hollywood Studios currently costs up to $184 but will rise to $199 next year - the highest increase of any ticket so far. A one-day ticket to Magic Kingdom remained constant at $199.

Previously, Passholders were allowed to visit the parks without having a reservationafter 2 pm. But starting July 20, they will need a valid reservation if they want to visit the Magic Kingdom

Passholders will continue to be able to enter EPCOT, Disneys Hollywood Studios and Disneys Animal Kingdom theme park after 2 pm without a theme park reservation. Pictured is EPCOT

Earlier this year, a new Comprehensive Plan 2045 from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District showed potential plans for Disney to build a fifth sprawling theme park

Earlier this year, Disney fans could hardly contain their excitement after a new Comprehensive Plan 2045 from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District showed potential plans for Disney to build a fifth sprawling theme park.

The plans detailed a reserved development capacity for another 'major theme park' and two 'minor theme parks' that could be built over the next few decades.

The expansion at the Orlando resort could be expansive - mirroring the scale of other popular parks such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The documents allotted 400 to 500 acres for the new park which would be Disney's first all-new gate in over 25 years.

It is thought that the two smaller parks will be water parks, spanning an estimated 147 acres each.

Disney fans have been eager for a new park since the last grand opening was Animal Kingdom way back in 1998.

Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed a fifth Florida theme park - but DailyMail.com has reached out for comment.
Netflix and former Bachelor star Nick Viall are being slammed by viewers over a 'gross' dating series about age-gap relationships.

Age of Attraction, which was announced by the streaming giant this week, promises to match singles with their soulmates, regardless of age.

It will be hosted by Viall, 44, and his wife Natalie Joy, 26, who is 18 years his junior.

'Age is thrown out the window when singles search for their soulmates. Is love truly ageless, or will the years come between them?' Netflix said in a brief statement.

While little else is known about the series, the participants range from age 22 to 59.

The eight-episode first season was already filmed in Canada, but it won't air until next year.

A lot of viewers have already expressed their displeasure with the controversial series.

Netflix is launching a new age-gap dating series hosted by Nick Viall, 44, and his wife Natalie Joy, 26, who is 18 years his junior

'They cant seriously have thought this would be a good idea,' commented one.

'Nick Viall creating a dating show centered around age gap relationships this man is not right in the head,'wrote another.

A third commented, 'We got "looks dont matter" with love is blind. Now were getting "age doesnt matter". Whats next?'

Age of Attraction also received a negative reaction on Reddit, with one user writing, 'I love that the youngest age is 22, older than Natalie was when they started dating.'

A second said, 'I hate this. But I wonder if they will show older women with younger men, or just continue to promote lecherous older men.'

Despite now being married with a child, Nick and Natalie's relationship has been criticized by fans for years due to their almost two-decade age gap.

It's unclear exactly how old Natalie was when they started dating, with various estimates putting her age at anywhere from 19 to 21.

Despite now being married with a child, Nick and Natalie's relationship has been criticized by fans due for years due to their almost two-decade age gap

A lot of viewers have already expressed their displeasure with the controversial series

During an appearance on The Squeeze podcast in 2023, Nick said that he turned Natalie down 'many times' before they got together due to her age.

'The age for me was something I was self conscious about,' he admitted.

Natalie also said that she's been trolled online relentlessly due to the age disparity.

'It's definitely weird to have so many people give you their opinions,' she said.

'DMs of mean comments about [how] I'm a "child bride". Just terrible, terrible things people would call me,' she continued.

'I was like, I am going to spend the rest of my life with this man, and I knew it and he didn't, so I was like, I'm gonna hang on because he'll come around.'

It's unclear exactly how old Natalie was when they started dating, with various estimates putting her age at anywhere from 19 to 21

Nick and Natalie married on April 27, 2024, after dating for four years.

They started dating in July 2020, after she slid into her direct messages on Instagram.

'I think DMs are a great place to meet people. My current girlfriend slid in my DMs. Real clever, it said, "You're unreal." I guess it was funny. I was more curious why I was unreal,' he told E! News in 2022.

The couple went Instagram official in January 2021, with the lovebirds making the red carpet debut four months later.

The duo got engaged in January 2023 and announced she was pregnant with their first child in August 2023.

Their daughter River Rose was born on February 2, 2024.
A woman who forked over $16,000 to attend the Tomorrowland festival was brutally roasted online after she broke down in tears over the news that a fire had burned down the main stage.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that a huge blaze had engulfed the main performance area at one of Europe's largest music festivals days before it was set to begin.

Dramatic footage showed the moment the stage exploded into a fireball, before a gigantic plume of smoke filled the air and emergency services stormed the area.

Afterwards, a woman named Emily, from New York, who is set to jet off to Antwerp, Belgium, to attend the multi-day EDM concert, shared her heartbreak over the news.

She sobbed as she confessed that she had spent $16,000 to go to the beloved festival.

'I leave on Monday and have been looking forward to this trip for 13 years and have $16,000 already spent and invested and now the main stage is burnt down,' she wrote in a text overlay as footage showed her crying and covering her face in devastation.

Viewers were divided over her admission in the comment section, with some coming to her defense and others slamming her for spending that much on a music festival.

'$16k I'm HOWLING,' wrote one user.

A woman who forked over $16,000 to attend the Tomorrowland festival was brutally roasted online after she broke down in tears over the news that a fire had burned down the main stage

Earlier this week, it was revealed that a huge blaze had engulfed the main performance area at one of Europe's largest music festivals days before it was set to begin

'Spending that amount of money is insane girl,' someone else quipped.

But Emily fired back, 'Not when I work hard for it and spend it on something Ive been waiting over a decade for. The price is what I spent for an entire 10 day trip overseas.'

'I have no idea what Tomorrowland is but all the people coming for you for spending money on a trip you've wanted to do your whole life can kick rocks,' a defender added.

'This isn't a spur of the moment weekend trip. I hope it all works out and you still have fun.'

'If you spent $16k for a concert you need to get your priorities figured out,' another person commented.

'Whoever spends $16k on a concert deserves to lose it. Absolute waste of money,' scathed a different user.

In a previous video, Emily explained that she had been 'dreaming' of going to the festival since she was 12 years old.

That's why when she and a pal decided to go this year, she said they wanted to go all out; so they booked an expensive package that took care of everything for them.

Afterwards, a woman named Emily, from New York, who is set to jet off to Antwerp, Belgium, to attend the multi-day EDM concert, shared her heartbreak over the news

She sobbed as she confessed that she had spent $16,000 to go to the beloved festival, and viewers were divided over her admission in the comment section

'There are cheaper ways to go about this but the way that we booked it, everything is booked for us. This price includes everything,' she explained.

The package cpmes with a two-night stay at the Martin's Patershof in Mechelen in the days leading up to the festival, a stay at the festival's 'DreamVille' in an exclusive Cabana during the festival, a VIP ticket to the festival, transportation to and from the festival, access to a pre-party, and one night at the Cardo Hotel Brussels after the festival. It does not include flights.

'The first two days are completely planned by Tomorrowland but we do not get to find out what we're doing until we arrive,' Emily added.

'When we land they will give us our packet that tells us everything we're doing. All the activities are booked by Tomorrowland.

'From what I am reading online and videos I'm watching on YouTube, it includes excursions around Belgium - beer tastings, food tastings, fun experiences.'

She explained that the total for that came to about $6,900 each. She paid another $4,200 on her and her friends' round-trip flights from New York to Brussels.

About 1,000 staff members were working at the site at the time of the fire, although the festival has confirmed no one was injured.

The cause of the blaze is unknown, but witnesses reported hearing fireworks going off as the fire started.

Organizers of the popular festival said that they worked tirelessly through the night to reach a solution. Incredibly, a replacement stage was constructed

In a statement given by the festival, the organizers said that their 'beloved Mainstage,' which they called Orbyz, had been left 'severely damaged' as a result of a 'serious incident.'

The statement added: 'This wasn't just a stage. It was a living, breathing world.

'From the very first sketch on a blank page, to countless hours of conceptual design, artistic collaboration, engineering, crafting, building, every single piece of Orbyz carried part of our soul.

'But, we hold on to the magic Orbyz gave us. To the dreams it carried. To the team who gave their all.'

Organizers of the popular festival said that they worked tirelessly through the night to reach a solution, with the event successfully going ahead the next day due to other parts of the festival remaining unaffected. The local fire department also declared the site safe.

Incredibly, a replacement stage was constructed, reportedly using pieces of stage from Metallica's recent world tour.

Some 100,000 participants are expected to attend the Tomorrowland festival across two weekends.

Weekend one kicked off on Friday, and included performances from top DJs and electronic music stars like David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Lost Frequencies, Armin Van Buuren, and Charlotte de Witte.

Weekend two will take place next week from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27.
Millions of Americans take Benadryl every year to relieve allergies, but doctors have uncovered a shocking link between the medication and a devastating disease.

Benadryl's active drug diphenhydramine blocks receptors for histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by the immune system that can trigger symptoms like a runny nose and itchy skin.

But doctors say the 15-cent tablets can also cross the blood-brain barrier and block receptors for a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, that is crucial for attention, memory and learning.

One study found that Benadryl's active drug and similar medications raised the risk of dementia by 54 percent and Alzheimer's by 63 percent among those who take the drug regularly compared to those who do not use the medication.

Other studies have linked the drug to a higher risk of drowsiness, falls and car accidents, with people in Europe advised not to drive after taking the substance.

'There have been several studies over the past decade that show an association between Benadryl and dementia, particularly in older patients,' Dr Joao Lopes, a pediatrician at Case Western University, told the Daily Mail.

'It is not our first option and it has not been for a long while, given the existence of safer and more effective medications.'

Still, Dr Anna Wolfson, an allergist at Massachusetts General Hospital, said, 'If you're on a deserted island and Benadryl is the only allergy drug available, you should take it. But, in almost every other case, there are safer, better options.'

Doctors raised the alarm over anti-allergy medication Benadryl and a potential link to dementia (stock photo)

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A spokeswoman for Kenvue, which makes Benadryl, said in a statement, 'We are not aware of any studies that show a causal link between labeled use of diphenhydramine and an increased risk of developing dementia. Diphenhydramine is an ingredient which is generally recognized as safe and effective by health authorities in the US.

'Safety is always our top priority, and we recommend that consumers carefully read and follow the label when using any medication.'

In a major study into Benadryl's potential links with the cognitive disorder published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers tracked 3,400 people over 65 years old in Seattle, Washington, including 2,200 individuals (64 percent) who took antihistamines like diphenhydramine.

Patients were recruited in 1996 or in the years between 2000 and 2003, and were tracked for more than a decade. None had dementia at the start of the study.

Over the 10-year period, there were nearly 800 cases of dementia recorded (23 percent of all the participants).

Researchers found those taking at least two doses per week of an anticholinergic medication - like Benadryl or an antidepressant - had a 54 percent higher risk of dementia compared to those who were not taking the drug.

Benadryl is sold for as little as 15 cents a tablet, but there are concerns that its active ingredient can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect brain cells

The study was observational, and could not definitively prove that there was a link between dementia and Benadryl, although it was part of a growing body of literature suggesting a possible connection between the two.

Doctors said that taking the medication occasionally was safe, but warned those who take the drug more regularly or around two to three times per week should consider speaking to their healthcare provider.

In place of Benadryl, physicians recommended newer antihistamines like cetirizine, often sold under the brand name Zyrtec, or fexofenadine, sold widely as Allegra.

Dr Wolfson, told The New York Times, 'Occasional use [of Benadryl] is fine and nobody needs to run home and throw out their stash.'

Dr Olalekan Otulana, a physician in the UK, said, 'The risk appears to be more significant when these types of drugs are used frequently and over many months or years, and particularly in older adults.

'Occasional use (say for a short bout of hay fever or trouble sleeping) is unlikely to carry the same level of concern.'

He added that 'People should not panic if they have taken it in the past. But they should have an informed conversation with their doctor if they are using it regularly.'

Benadryl has been available in the US since the 1940s, with many taking the drug simply because they did during childhood.

Benadryl has been available in the US since the 1940s, and many still take the drug because it is familiar (stock photo)

In some European countries, like the UK, Benadryl does not contain diphenhydramine, instead swapping it got newer and safer antihistamines like acrivastine or cetirizine.

In Germany, Sweden and some other European countries, access to first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine has been restricted.

It was not clear why Benadryl maker Kenvue uses different ingredients in the US compared to elsewhere in the world.

About 1.5 million prescriptions for diphenhydramine are written in the US every year, with millions more given out over-the-counter.

Many doctors have previously called for people to use alternatives to Benadryl for years.

In a paper published in February this year in the World Allergy Organization Journal, doctors wrote, 'Diphenhydramine, once a pioneering antihistamine, is now overshadowed by second-generation antihistamines with similar efficacy and fewer adverse effects.

'Based on a comprehensive evaluation of practice patterns and the prevalence and incidence of adverse clinical events, we believe that diphenhydramine has reached the end of its life cycle, and in its class of therapies it is a relatively greater public health hazard.

'We recommend it should no longer be widely prescribed or continue to be readily available over the counter.'
A British woman nearly died after contracting an infection that strikes at least 15 million American women annually, leaving her a quadruple amputee.

Kim Smith is now a quadruple amputee, having lost both her hands at the wrists and her legs above the knee after a urinary tract infection went untreated for too long, morphing into life-threatening sepsis.

UTIs are exceedingly common. Around 15 million American women get one every year and more than half of women and about 12 percent of men will experience at least one episode in their lifetime.

Smith has had bladder issues for years, she said, and UTIs were not uncommon for her. They are the result of bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and beginning to spread in the bladder.

Poor hygiene, sexual activity, or even just the anatomy of the urinary tract can give bacteria an easy entry point. Once inside, these microbes attach to the bladder lining, triggering inflammation and the familiar symptoms, including a relentless urge to urinate, burning discomfort, and sometimes cloudy or bloody urine.

Left unchecked, the infection can climb toward the kidneys, turning a mild to moderate pain into a serious health threat.

Smith noticed pain in her lower back while on vacation with her husband. She suspected a UTI was coming, but tried to enjoy her vacation until she woke up one night in agonizing pain.

At the hospital, Smith was placed in a medically-induced coma as a runaway immune response to a standard UTI spiraled into catastrophic damage.

Kim Smith is now a quadruple amputee after a urinary tract infection went untreated for too long and she developed sepsis

Smith and her husband had sought medical care in early 2018 before her body devolved into septic shock. According to Smith, they were turned away by the doctors but given a prescription for antibiotics that the local pharmacy was not able to fill.

The following night, she awoke in pain and struggled to breathe. Her speech was slurred, and she was out of sorts.

As inflammatory chemicals flood the bloodstream, they damage the delicate blood vessels in the lungs, causing fluid to leak into the air sacs, which causes a condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

This drowns the lungs from within, stiffening them like waterlogged sponges.

At the same time, plummeting blood pressure (septic shock) starves tissues of oxygen, while muscle weakness from acidosis and organ failure makes the physical act of breathing more difficult.

Sepsis also plunges the brain into a state of chaos, causing confusion and speech difficulties.

A storm of inflammatory chemicals can disrupt signaling between brain cells, while liver or kidney failure allows toxins like ammonia to build up, further clouding cognition.

Even when oxygen reaches cells, toxins and mitochondrial dysfunction prevent them from using it. As tissues suffocate, organs fail in a domino effect, starting with the kidneys, then the lungs, which fill with fluid, and then the limbs, which can turn black from gangrene.

When Smith was airlifted back to the UK, her limbs had turned black from the lack of oxygenated blood, forcing doctors to amputate

Without immediate medical attention, widespread oxygen deprivation leads to irreversible damage. Nearly half of septic shock patients progress to multi-organ failure, where survival odds plummet.

When Smith was airlifted back to the UK, her limbs had turned black from the lack of oxygenated blood, forcing doctors to amputate.

How I survived, I do not know. Its a miracle, but I think its so that I can warn you and save your life, she said.

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More than one million patients are hospitalized for sepsis each year, surpassing even heart attack and stroke combined in hospitalization rates.

Those with chronic illnesses, including cancer, kidney disease, or neurological disorders, face especially high risks.

Between one in eight and one in four patients with sepsis will die during hospitalization.

Im here to warn you that if youve got any infection at all, dont think it wont happen to you because I was fit and healthy and it happened to me. And it could be you. Watch out for symptoms of sepsis, Smith said.
Doctors have issued an urgent warning over a growing trend  driven by social media  for self-injecting the anti-wrinkle treatment Botox.

Sounding the alarm, experts say that the practice risks serious allergic reactions, paralysis, long-lasting swelling and could even prove fatal.

Thousands of videos have been posted on TikTok in recent months, with women sharing tips on how to perform so-called backyard Botox. In one, a British woman gives a tutorial to her 15,000 followers explaining how she self injects  as well as where she purchases the prescription-only drug.

She said: I have hooded eyes and I hate them, this lifts them, and thats what I love about Botox.

The video then goes on to show her injecting multiple times around her face, as she explains she used to get it done by a professional but now does it herself.

Botox is the most recognised brand of the botulinum toxin, used to paralyse facial muscles with the aim of reducing wrinkles. But it is derived from one of the most poisonous biological substances on Earth  a toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which also causes the deadly botulism food poisoning.

DIY kits to self-inject Botox can cost as little as 50 online compared to about 400 for treatment with a specialist.

However, Dr Nikita Desai, a cosmetic specialist at the Harley Street Skin Clinic, says: People are taking ridiculous risks when they self-inject.

Thousands of videos have been posted on TikTok in recent months, with women sharing tips on how to perform so-called backyard Botox

DIY kits to self-inject Botox can cost as little as 50 online compared to about 400 for treatment with a specialist

There are multiple ways this can go wrong. Firstly, if you purchase these products online, you do not know what you are injecting  and this is a potentially deadly toxin.

The margin of error when you are injecting is millimetres, and there can be serious problems if you place it in the wrong place.

She says side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of vision and life-threatening reactions.

Mr Mo Akhavani, co-founder of The Plastic Surgery Group, says: There is a serious risk of an allergic reaction, which would cause an anaphylactic shock, and when this happens at home you will not have the response kit needed which means it could be deadly.

You also risk causing yourself permanent nerve damage and constant pain if you inject into the wrong place. Then there are the cosmetic risks  overdoing it can cause a puffy appearance that can take months to resolve itself, or it can lead the face to look droopy, as if you have had a stroke.

Botox was originally developed as a chemical weapon  exposure to even tiny amounts can cause paralysis and death within minutes. Its use was explored by both sides during the Second World War, though it was never deployed.

In the 1960s, an eye surgeon began experimenting with it as a non-surgical treatment for strabismus, a muscle disorder that causes crossed eyes.

Injected in minuscule doses, the toxin paralysed the targeted muscles, correcting the eye problem, without affecting the rest of the body  but patients also noticed that their wrinkles faded.

Decades later it was reborn as a cosmetic treatment: Botox.

Experts say that the practice risks serious allergic reactions, paralysis, long-lasting swelling and could even prove fatal

Mr Akhavani says: The key thing to remember is that this is a prescription drug.

These are medicines that should be administered by a professional in a safe clinical setting, not your living room.

It is estimated that more than 900,000 Botox injections are carried out by professionals in the UK every year.

But analysis of side effect reports recorded by the UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, has revealed the number of complications using these injections is now four times higher than it was before the pandemic.

The most common side effects recorded include loss of vision, allergic reactions and paralysis.

We have seen a massive rise in do it yourself cosmetics since the pandemic, says Dr Desai. And it is putting people in harms way.

One of those who is buying Botox online and documenting her journey on TikTok, contributing to the trend, is Zoe Shilton. The 48-year-old says that she became addicted after she started injecting herself with Botox two years ago.

Now she injects herself twice a year  under her eyes, on her forehead and the sides of her mouth.

I am obsessed with the results and how it has made me feel, says Zoe from Kent. I know there are risks but it is like anything risky, such as going down a water-slide  you just do it and there is a thrill.

Nearly a decade ago Zoe did go on a course to learn how to administer the injections, but experts still warn that this is not safe.

She adds: I may have had training but I know loads of women doing this, and without training you would have to be crazy.
Swoon by Bea Martinez-Gatell (Biteback 22, 368pp)

During one performance on Taylor Swifts Eras tour in 2023, fans dancing in a Seattle stadium generated seismic activity to the equivalent of a 2.3 magnitude earthquake. On hearing of the death of Hollywood heartthrob Rudolph Valentino, a pair of Japanese schoolgirls dived into a fiery volcano. And while doggedly pursuing the mad, bad and dangerous-to-know Lord Byron, Lady Caroline Lamb sent the poet a lock of her own pubic hair complete with the blood from slightly too close a cut.

Byronmania paved the way for Beatlemania

Bea Martinez-Gatells Swoon, a raucous prehistory of the fangirl, proves that rather than vacuous and foolish, fangirls have always been the central engine of pop culture.

She begins with Byron, as he is arguably the mould from which all modern celebrities are cast. His public and private personas, his affair with Caroline Lamb, his failed marriage to her cousin Annabella, his supposed incestuous affair with his half-sister, and the cult-like devotion his poetry garnered would slot him perfectly into todays media culture.

Women adored the Byronic Hero depicted in his poetry, but to the men in society Byron was a rakish, corrupting force from whom no woman was safe. Replicas of this Hero are found throughout literature  most famously Emily Brontes Heathcliff.

After Byronmania came Lisztomania. According to Martinez-Gatell, 19th century composer Franz Liszt was the first proper pop star. A beautiful young protege, he stole the hearts of Europes elites. Hans Christian Andersen described how when he entered the room it was as if a ray of sunshine passed on every face, but when Liszt sat down at the piano, he was a demon nailed fast to the instrument. There was something about the way he played that took emotional hold of women.

Swoon is available now from the Mail Bookshop

The turn of the century brought with it Rudolph Valentino, a southern Italian who rose to peak swooniness in 1921s The Sheik. His dark good looks captured the hearts of women all over the world and struck fear into the hearts of many husbands. He was the physical embodiment of desire. As the American film magazine Photoplay put it, after the premiere of The Sheik, never in the history of the screen has the public fallen so prostrate before an idol as they have before Rudolph Valentino.

Swiftly following on from Valentino were two of the swooniest crooners of all time  Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. One night, at New Yorks Paramount Theatre, a girl was so overcome when Ol Blue Eyes walked on stage that she fainted. As for Elvis, his gyrating hips made him a cultural lightning rod.

Then came four boys from Liverpool, who aligned themselves perfectly with the sexually charged winds of change that were sweeping the country. The Beatles lyrics brought the realisation that sex, emotion and desire were shared experiences and their special brand of vulnerability took over the world. Nor was their popularity limited to teenage girls. At a party at the British Embassy in Washington, one older man slipped behind Ringo and snipped off a lock of his hair. Caroline Lamb would be proud...
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Remember when Gillette first launched Venus razors in 2000, encouraging us to reveal our inner goddess? Everyone went wild with excitement because until then womens razors had been scratchy, inefficient little things that inevitably left you with a few nicks and cuts after every leg shave. But now Ive had my next wow moment in shaving  in the form of the Estrid razor, which has firmly cemented its place on my bathroom shelf.

Estrid was born in Stockholm in 2019, the brainchild of one of its three founders, photographer Amanda Westerbom. She was at a dinner party with girlfriends when talk turned to shaving. Amanda revealed that she preferred mens razors  and, bafflingly, so did all her friends. And they werent alone. Research at the time showed over a third of women used mens razors, believing they performed better. Estrid set out to appeal to everyone with its unisex razors, sold by the likes of Boots, Sainsburys, Tesco and Superdrug.

How does it shave?

With its ergonomic handle and flexible design, the razor glides easily  even around my knees! The five-blade heads deliver a close shave (most womens razors, including the standard Venus, only have three blades) and their vegan hydration strips protect skin. Its also low on post-shave irritation (I havent experienced the post-shave red, blotchy legs that I have with other razors).

Packaging and design

Billions of plastic razors end up in landfill each year. Estrids have a reusable steel handle, much sturdier than its plastic counterparts and designed with longevity in mind (you just replace the razor heads, which unfortunately are not yet recyclable). Everything comes in easy-to-recycle packaging. The pretty shades are also Instagram catnip  because yes, #bathscaping (posting aesthetically pleasing pictures of your bath set-up) is actually a thing these days.

How does the subscription work?

The starter kit contains a handle, two razor heads and a wall holder. With a subscription, four new heads arrive at your door every two, three or four months for 9.95 a time (for comparison, a three-pack of Venus five-blade heads costs 13.20 from Boots). You can cancel any time and theres a money-back guarantee within 30 days if youre not happy (even on unsealed products).
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Its a folly fantasy land, says Jonathan Adler of the two-storey, two-bedroom home in Palm Beach, Florida, he shares with his husband of 17 years, former Barneys New York creative director turned author Simon Doonan, and their rescue dog, Foxylady. With palm trees, a Slim Aarons-style pool and a sandy beach close by, its a far cry from the former city pad in New York they shared before moving to Florida in 2021.

The pool area was added by Jonathan and Simon, taking its cue from the iconic 1946 Kaufmann House in Palm Springs. For a range of vibrant parasols try businessandpleasureco.com.

The pair came upon the property  which was designed by Swiss architect Maurice Fatio in 1940  while visiting a friend on holiday, and were magnetically drawn to it. It was like a dolls house from the outside, recalls Adler. Theatrical and petite at the same time, with sash windows and white pilasters.

The dolls house facade of Jonathans home was designed by renowned Swiss architect Maurice Fatio. The stepping stones add a fun 60s touch.

The place went on the market soon after and the pair bought it the same day. It was serendipitous, Adler recalls. It had also been recently restored, which allowed the duo to focus on their favourite part: the decorating. There were white walls everywhere, says Adler. It needed to be perked up.

Jonathan (right) and Simon in the dining room. The words on the artworks behind them are Yiddish for clothing and decorative items  fields that the couple are known for.

They painted the walls and woodwork in a kaleidoscope of colours, from lemon sorbet to toothpaste mint, Parma violet and cobalt. Pure Palm Beach, says Adler. The vibrancy was tempered by white-painted floorboards and tongue-and-groove cypress-wood ceilings original to the space.

The eye-catching chrome bed in the guest room is a collectible by the innovative mid-century designer Paul Evans. Beside it, on the floor, is a papier-mache bust of Prince from a window display at Barneys. The bed linen is by Jonathan Adler.

Many know Adler as a potter  he has been making pots since the age of 12. But chances are youll have also come across the statement sofas, lamps and rugs, designs from his eponymous interiors label, which has ten stores across the US and UK including a London flagship in Pelham Street, South Kensington. Peppered with Adlers creations, the Palm Beach residence is a melting pot of genres and pop-culture references from the 1950s to the 80s: a brass chair in the shape of a hand, starburst mirrors and a large purple decorative snail.

Walls painted Tiffany blue in the den evoke the Floridian Atlantic. The Hand chair was designed by Pedro Friedeberg, the Mexican painter and sculptor, and it has travelled with the couple over the years.

My philosophy is that ones decor should always imply that they are far more interesting and glamorous than they actually are, he says with a smile.

But dont let the slogan cushions and trippy artwork fool you. Every item in the household carries meaning and has a story to tell, from the Hermes crest hung above the doorway in the main bedroom, and the bust of musician Prince (both former Barneys display props), to the large 70s ceramic statue in the bathroom, which evokes Adlers love of pottery. I like to surround myself with items that trigger an emotion or reaction, he says.

A work by Canadian graphic artist Geoff McFetridge is one of Jonathans favourites: You have no idea what she is actually revealing.

Vintage tea towels, reflective of Doonans time in London in the 60s, hang on the kitchen wall in a show of red, white and blue (we dubbed it Carnaby Corner). In the sun room are glam rock-inspired beaded portraits of the couple as well as lampshades custom-splattered with paint by Doonan. The vibe is sentimental, not serious. If our home were a character, it would be Fran Fine from US sitcom The Nanny, says Adler. Colourful, ebullient, over-the-top, yet refined.

Despite the grand facade, the inside isnt cavernous; the ground floor contains the living room, dining room-cum-library and sun room, with open-plan kitchen and breakfast area; upstairs are the main bedroom, guest bedroom and en suite.

Vintage rattan stools create a bar area in the kitchen and dining room, below pendant lights designed by Jonathan. The cypress-wood ceiling is original to the space.

Adler landscaped the grounds (large structured plants, a pool) flooding them with yellow: sun loungers, dining chairs, banana trees and a statement parasol. The nickname for the space? Lemon Alley. It is like sorbet for the soul, he says.

You can shop the new collection pieces at uk.jonathanadler.com

JUST LIKE JONATHAN

The one thing I will never apologise for

Excess.

My favourite design era

The future.

If I were a piece of furniture, Id be

A dinky fireside chair.

If I had to live with just one colour it would be

Blue. There are so many hues to choose from.

Every home needs

A fluffy dog. Or a ceramic one.
The NHS was once the envy of the world. No longer. Health Secretary Wes Streeting openly admits it is in crisis, with more than six million people on waiting lists and chaos predicted if hospital doctors walk out this week.

However, plans are afoot to deliver change, with more choice for patients, better use of technology and investment in tip-top GP surgeries to offer everything from biopsies to help with depression.

As the Government works on the small print, canny firms are already stepping in to offer solutions  and creating opportunities for investors to reap long-term rewards. Here are three that are giving the NHS a boost  and could do the same for your portfolio.

One Health Group

One Health Group was founded in 2004 by Derek Bickerstaff, an orthopaedic consultant who reckoned there must be a way to tackle waiting lists while continuing to provide patients with the free service offered by the NHS.

His hunch was correct, and today One Health treats more than 17,000 people a year, providing consultations, operations and post-operative care for conditions ranging from dodgy hips to hernias.

The company operates 40 community clinics across the Midlands and the North, and works with 130 NHS surgeons and anaesthetists. Patients wait two to four weeks for an initial consultation and undergo surgery, if needed, a few weeks later.

Opportunity: Patients can choose where to get treatment

Satisfaction levels are extremely high, and One Health is registered as a qualified alternative provider of care so the treatment is entirely free, just like the NHS.

Bickerstaff's strategy is simple. He rents space in GP surgeries for his community clinics and space from private hospitals with spare capacity for operations.

Agreements are also set up with surgeons and anaesthetists outside of their NHS obligations. Contracts are long-term and benefits are wide-ranging. GPs, hospitals and doctors receive extra income, patients are seen faster and NHS trusts can breathe easier.

The business steers clear of affluent areas, where independent hospitals and NHS doctors can earn huge sums. Instead, it focuses on poorer parts of the country.

Processes are smoother and more efficient because One Health does not deal with emergencies, is not involved in cancer or other complex conditions and has spent years developing its technology to the benefit of patients, doctors and suppliers.

One Health joined the AQSE growth market in 2022 and moved up to Aim in March, raising cash along the way to fund its first surgical hub  a standalone site in Scunthorpe with an operating theatre and 12 beds.

This should give a significant uplift to One Health profits.

Today, the group gives about 70 per cent of gross revenues to hospitals in return for their space, facilities and nursing staff. The surgical hub will generate far higher profits at no cost to patients, and discussions are already under way for a second hub.

NHS patients have a statutory right to choose their treatment provider, and increasing numbers are choosing One Health, which saw a 28 per cent increase in patients last year, generating a

23 per cent rise in revenues to 28.4 million with profits of 1.9 million and a dividend of 6.2p.

One Health shares have had a strong run since joining Aim, and are now trading at 2.88.

But brokers are optimistic about the business, suggesting shares could hit 3 or more over the next year or two.

Buy and hold.

Traded on: Aim Ticker: OHGR Contact: onehealth.co.uk

Optima Health

The UK loses about 220 billion every year because people are taking days off sick or believe that they are too ill to work at all.

Poor health is an epidemic, and the consequences spread far and wide. Hospitals are overstretched, depression is rife and economic growth is anaemic.

Optima Health is the largest occupational health business in the country, working with some 2,000 employers, from NHS trusts, the police and HM Prisons to

Bentley Motors, Ikea, investment banks and train operators.

These organisations collectively employ five million people, almost 15 per cent of the nation's workforce, and Optima's job is to ensure they are fit and healthy so they can be fully productive.

Police undergo fitness tests to check they are physically and mentally capable for the job.

Factory workers are routinely assessed if they operate in noisy conditions or use vibrating tools.

Even lollipop men and women have regular ear and eye tests to ensure they are capable of helping children cross the road.

Under chief executive Jonathan Thomas, Optima also works with staff who are either on sick leave or think they may need to take time off.

Aches and pains, such as back ache or dodgy knees, and mental health issues, such as stress or depression, are the biggest source of ill health. Optima employs more than 800 clinicians, including doctors, physiotherapists and mental health advisers, who identify ailments and help employees feel better and return to work.

Thomas is expanding into new fields too, winning a seven-year, 210 million contract from the Armed Forces to conduct medical assessments on potential recruits for the Navy, the Army and the Air Force. Applicants will undergo rigorous checks to ensure they are physically and mentally fit to defend their country  from testing whether they can crawl through small spaces to seeing how they respond in high-stress situations.

Optima has also spent ten years perfecting an online triage tool for bodily aches and pains, taking users through an eight-minute questionnaire to diagnose the next stage of treatment.

Already in use by businesses across the country, the tool has now been taken up by the Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust, which runs hospitals and clinics across the North West.

Discussions are under way with other NHS Trusts and further contracts are expected, as the tool can be used night and day, delivers more accurate results than face-to-face triage and cuts waiting lists dramatically, while ensuring people secure the right treatment.

Results for the year to March included profits of 2.6 million. They are expected to more than double this year.

Occupational health is a fragmented industry with thousands of small players. This presents plenty of opportunities for Optima.

The workforce is changing too, growing older, larger and less healthy, which should bode well for Optima, making the shares a long-term buy at 1.94.

Traded on: Aim Ticker: OPT Contact: optimahealth.co.uk

Assura/PHP

Crunch time is approaching for shareholders in GP-surgeries-to- private-hospital owner Assura.

The company has been at the centre of a bidding war between UK-listed healthcare specialist PHP and US private equity giant, KKR, bidding through a company called Sana Bidco. Assura's board has recommended the PHP offer. Now shareholders must decide whether to follow their advice. They should, as the PHP deal is likely to deliver far greater long-term benefits.

PHP owns about 500 healthcare centres offering everyday GP appointments as well as services from physiotherapy and weight management to biopsies and post-cancer care. A tie-up with Assura would create a group with more than 1,000 sites, easing the pressure on hospitals.

A trading update from PHP showed it is forging ahead  a larger group would almost certainly do even better. PHP has a 29-year record of dividend growth, too, and boss Mark Davies has said the merged business should bolster shareholder payouts. Assura investors should back this offer.

Traded on: Main market Ticker: PHP Contact: php.co.uk
TEMIT, the country's oldest emerging markets investment trust, is in fine form. Although its manager says there are 'negatives' out there on the horizon, he sees no reason why the asset class can't deliver long-term annual returns in the high single-digits.

Acronym TEMIT stands for Templeton Emerging Markets Trust, a fund launched in 1979 with Mark Mobius (aka 'Mr Emerging Markets') at the helm.

Today, the 1.9 billion UK-listed fund is run by Chetan Sehgal out of Singapore and Andrew Ness, from Edinburgh.

'We're a team,' says Sehgal, in London for the trust's annual general meeting. 'Every investment idea for the trust is discussed.'

The pair are supported by analysts across the globe  from China and India in Asia to Dubai in the Middle East and Argentina in South America.

The performance numbers are good. When measured against similar trusts investing in emerging markets across the world, it is best in class over the past one and three years.

So over the past year a 19 per cent return compares to the respective 15 and 9.9 per cent gains registered by Fidelity Emerging Markets and JPMorgan Emerging Markets. Over three years, the respective gains are 41.8, 35.4 and 14.5 per cent.

Over the past five years, its 36.4 per cent return is beaten by both Utilico Emerging Markets and Mobius Investment Trust (also set up by Mark Mobius).

Sehgal says the emerging markets investment story remains powerful, fuelled by the 'sustainable earnings power' of many leading companies.

He also believes the improvement in corporate governance has been a positive.

The trust's portfolio, comprising 87 stocks, has some corporate names among its biggest positions. They include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), its largest holding at just under 13 per cent. Also, Indian banks ICICI and HDFC.

Sehgal describes TSMC as having 'tremendous' earnings growth potential while he says banking (in countries such as India and also Brazil) is a powerful 'penetration story' on the back of growing urbanisation and the need for consumers to have a bank account.

Another key holding, thriving on the back of India's expanding urbanisation, is food delivery company Eternal, owner of the popular app Zomato.

'India doesn't have a convenience store network,' says Sehgal. 'So Eternal has done really well in the big cities where everyone wants something in a jiffy  whether it's flowers delivered to

a loved one, a gold coin gift on a festival day or just a need for some essential groceries.'

Tariffs on exports to the US remain an issue for emerging markets  as do geopolitical issues, especially between Taiwan and China. 'It's a big headwind,' says Sehgal of the ongoing tension between neighbours separated by the Taiwan Strait. 'But there is no guarantee that it will end in military conflict  the current status quo is a possible solution.'

He says many Taiwanese companies, including TSMC, are also responding by setting up manufacturing operations elsewhere in the world.

Although the trust invests in Chinese companies  top-ten holdings include tech giants Alibaba and Tencent  Sehgal says that it will remain underweight for the time being.

The fund's stock market code is BKPG0S0 and ticker TEM.

Total annual charges are reasonable at 0.96 per cent and the trust pays a dividend equivalent to an annual yield of 2.7 per cent.
Virginia's Republican candidate for lieutenant governor says the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into the University of Virginia, which prompted the resignation of its president, was completely justified.

I love UVa, I grew up coming here," John Reid, a former Richmond radio host, told The Daily Progress during a Tuesday campaign stop at First Free Coffee Bar just outside Charlottesville. "Going to the Grounds and the Lawn and seeing the Rotunda has been part of my childhood, into my adulthood. I have reverence for UVa  UVa needs some reform."

Reid attended Baylor University in Texas.

Reid repeated DOJ claims that UVa President Jim Ryan slow-walked the removal of diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the school and misrepresented the progress that was made dismantling that DEI apparatus after the university's governing Board of Visitors and President Donald Trump explicitly instructed him to do so.

I dont think the administration of the school was up front and honest with the faculty  with the faculty, with the students," Reid said.

He said administrators at Virginia's public colleges must listen to taxpayers, who made their stance on higher education known when they elected Trump ally Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Youngkin, now in the last year of his term, has appointed every member of the UVa board.

I get the impression that Jim Ryan didn't care what Youngkin had to say, and didn't care what the board had to say. He was going to do what he wanted, Reid said. I think a lot of people have gotten away with that, and it's just not going to continue. It's not going to continue under Republican leadership statewide, and Donald Trump has upped the ante and said, You will answer these questions, and if you refuse to, there will be consequences.

'Just and fair'

The UVa Board of Visitors unanimously voted in March to dismantle the school's DEI office as well as all DEI programs, policies, scholarships and practices.

Between April and June, the Trump administration DOJ made repeated requests for evidence showing "the dissolution and dismantling of DEI at UVa, at all 12 of its schools, its hospital system and its multiple partner nonprofit groups. But Ryan requested the DOJ extend its deadline and the DOJ claims Ryan failed to respond to multiple inquiries on the matter.

I think that is just and fair, and it's different, and it's probably shocking to the leadership of the school, but I don't think it's out of line, and no, it's not illegal, Reid said Tuesday. What are you supposed to do when you're basically getting the middle finger from the leadership of one of the major schools in Virginia? ... They refuse to engage  you got to go after them."

Ryan resigned last month after the New York Times reported that DOJ officials were explicitly calling for his resignation. DOJ officials have pushed back on that claim, saying they only emphasized to Ryan and the Board of Visitors that roughly $1 billion in federal funding was on the line if he did not act. According to Virginia officials, UVa has already had $400 million in federal funding stripped for unrelated reasons as the Trump administration cracks down on federal spending.

"I think a lesson was learned by everybody, by what the DOJ did, and I hope they'll take that seriously, Reid said.

The Trump administration intends to continue cracking down on Virginia colleges, moving from the state's flagship public university to its largest public university.

The U.S. Department of Education last week opened an investigation into George Mason University for possible discrimination on top of an already ongoing investigation into the Fairfax County school over claims that it created a hostile environment for Jewish students since the onset of Israel's war in Gaza.

A group of GMU professors filed a complaint with the federal government saying the university leadership illegally uses race as a factor in hiring and promotions.

Reid did say that DEI probably began with Democrats who were sincere in trying to right wrongs."

Proponents of DEI in higher education have said it is meant to redress centuries of prejudice which has limited the resources and opportunities of minorities.

But Reid, and DEI's opponents, say DEI ultimately engendered another form of discrimination, prioritizing minority status over merit.

If you want DEI to be the way things are run, then go run a private school. The state of Virginia and the citizens of Virginia made it very clear, because this was a part of the conversation when Glenn Youngkin was running: That's not what they wanted. And I do believe that they will make the same determination in this upcoming election, he said.
A fierce row has broken out between media giant WPP and one of its former rising stars after he launched an extraordinary attack on the business, accusing it of 'making it up as it goes along'.

Ajaz Ahmed, who set up ad agency AKQA as a student in 1994, told The Mail on Sunday that London-based WPP had lost its way and was 'more focused on winning awards' than winning the clients needed to compete on the world stage.

It came as one of Britain's most senior media bosses said WPP had 'lost a lot of business' and was failing to convince prospective clients of its strengths.

But insiders at WPP have hit back, saying Ahmed has 'an axe to grind'.

WPP has been beset by falling profits and the rise of artificial intelligence that threatens to make ad agencies extinct.

The firm lost its crown as the world's biggest advertising group to France's Publicis last year and its share price has fallen 44 per cent in the past 12 months. It issued a profit warning this month, citing 'continued macro uncertainty' as clients cut back on ad spending due to turmoil in the global economy.

Ad man: Ajaz Ahmed says WPP has lost its way, as its shares fall

But Ahmed said the firm's problems ran deeper, saying WPP had 'failed to deliver meaningful growth' with 'little evidence of a compelling long-term vision'.

He said: 'Its UK-centric structure feels parochial in a landscape where global growth is driven by US-based companies.' Ahmed also said WPP's attempt to get workers back into the office four days a week had 'demotivated staff and damaged trust'.

But a well-placed source at the firm said Ahmed had 'left a mess' at AKQA and this was an attempt to 'settle a score', adding: 'Lots of board members had wanted to fire him but he was protected by some senior management.'

Another insider wished Ajaz 'would move on', accusing him of making 'very generalist claims'. 'A lot of people who leave WPP have a habit of commenting on it,' the insider added, a reference to its former boss Sir Martin Sorrell, who left in 2018.

Taking charge: Cindy Rose is joining WPP

AKQA shot to fame due to its focus on the growing influence of the then-new internet advertising market. Its clients have included video streaming giant Netflix, payment firm Visa and taxi app Uber.

In 2012, WPP took control of AKQA in a deal valuing it at nearly 350 million. After more than a decade under WPP, Ahmed quit as head of AKQA in October last year and has re-emerged as the head of a new agency called Studio.One.

He is not alone in his assessment of WPP. One of the UK's most senior media executives told The Mail on Sunday the ad giant had 'lost a lot of business' to Publicis.

The source also said potential clients were confused by WPP's efforts to use AI to create cheaper and faster marketing campaigns, saying: 'It says it is investing millions. But what does that mean?'

This month, WPP said Microsoft executive Cindy Rose would replace Mark Read as chief executive at the end of the year.

A WPP spokesman said: 'Ahmed is now competing with his former employer. After two years of underperformance, AKQA is back winning business.

'WPP's AI strategy has been well received, by existing and prospective clients as demonstrated in significant extensions and wins in the past 12 months such as Amazon, Johnson & Johnson and Unilever.'
Britain should become a shareholder democracy, or so Rachel Reeves has decreed. The Chancellor wants to change the 'negative' narrative around investing in the stock market so that more of the nation's 360 billion stash of cash Isa savings is invested in shares.

She has a point. The stock market accounts for just 8 per cent of Britons' wealth. Among Americans, it's 33 per cent.

At last week's Mansion House speech in the City, Reeves said: 'For too long, we have presented investment in too negative a light, quick to warn people of the risks, without giving proper weight to the benefits.'

One of those often overlooked 'benefits' is the right of share owners to hold the boards of companies they own to account.

And the forum to do that is the annual general meeting (AGM).

Before Covid, AGMs generally were done in person, often over a cup of tea, a few curly sandwiches and a Rich Tea biscuit.

Shut out: Members cannot quiz Debbie Crosbie face-to-face over 7 million pay

Turnout might have been low, and board directors may have had to smile through gritted teeth as they answered seemingly innocuous or irrelevant questions, but it was a small price to pay to maintain a fundamental principle.

Since the pandemic, most firms have adopted a hybrid model, giving investors the choice of either watching AGMs online or physically turning up as they used to do.

But in recent years, some firms have effectively barred their owners from attending in person by making meetings virtual only. This robs shareholders of a chance to engage with directors face-to-face and gives companies more scope to control proceedings.

Drug giant AstraZeneca, defence contractor BAE Systems and toothpaste-maker Haleon have all moved AGMs to what amounts to a digital-only format. The National Grid banned journalists from dialling in to observe the online action.

Last month, the entire board of Informa even decamped to the sun-drenched French Riviera for its AGM, meaning UK-based share owners of the events organiser would have had to shell out the best part of 1,000 to attend. Campaigners say firms are doing this to suppress scrutiny, debate and dissent, in a blow to shareholder democracy. And it is not just companies whose shares are listed on the London stock market moving their AGMs to digital-only.

Nationwide, Britain's biggest financial mutual, is also under fire for not allowing any of the 16 million members who own the building society to attend this coming Friday's AGM in person, leading to charges that bosses are not being held to account.

And there is much to discuss.

Members will be asked to approve a controversial plan to hand chief executive Debbie Crosbie a pay package of up to 7 million. It comes as Nationwide is still swallowing Virgin Money after a 2.9 billion deal  the biggest in banking since the financial crisis  which the mutual's members did not get to vote on.

Small wonder critics say Nationwide is becoming more like the shareholder-owned High Street banks it parodies in ads fronted by actor Dominic West.

For its part, Nationwide says it has seen 'a significant increase' in attendance and engagement since moving to an online format in 2023, reversing a previous decline.

But campaigners such as James Sherwin-Smith, who tried to stand for election to the society's board, remain unconvinced. He said: 'Nationwide is the only building society to go virtual-only. It's not a great look for a supposed 'beacon for mutual good'.' He also notes that attendance at Nationwide's online-only AGM last year fell.

The move to virtual-only meetings is shrouded in uncertainty and may even be illegal, according to the Financial Reporting Council, a governance watchdog.

Ministers are under pressure to clarify the law over the physical location of AGMs to halt the shift online. A review is expected soon.

Catherine Howarth of the ShareAction group said: 'It's vital the Government and FRC take steps to stop this pattern in its tracks.'
HSBC has opened its first UK wealth club for HSBC Premier and Private customers

Big banks have started a fierce battle for wealthier customers in the past year.

Lloyds Bank has recently launched an account targeting those with salaries beyond 100,000, joining Barclays and HSBC, who are already established players for monied customers.

HSBC is now offering a 500 gift card for those who switch to its Premier account - which offers worldwide travel insurance, health appointments and loyalty rates - as it fights back.

Banks want to entice wealthier customers as they're more likely to have money to invest, alongside cross-selling other 'premium' products.

Now, HSBC has another weapon in its arsenal. The banking giant has splashed out 3.7million on a new super secret branch it dubs a 'wealth centre' in London for Premier and Private customers - a contrast to major banks culling regular branches in the past decade at furious speed.

It opened in June and is across the road from fine art galleries Messums and Saatchi Yates in the heart of St James's.

The banking giant has launched its first wealth hub in Europe at the historic Smithson Tower - The Economist Tower - as it was originally known.

Exclusive: HSBC has opened a new wealth club in the heart of London for its Premier and Private customers

You would be forgiven for not noticing a private club is housed in the fifteen-floor brutalist tower designed by husband and wife architect duo, Alison and Peter Smithson, in 1959.

That's because not just anyone can saunter in and this, says HSBC's head of Premier wealth Xian Chan, is exactly the under-the-radar status HSBC is trying to cultivate.

'We didn't want to draw any kind of attention to the fact that this is an exclusive HSBC premise,' says Xian, who joined the team as head of Premier wealth 18 months ago.

HSBC customers will not pass through security gates or swipe a Premier bank card to get in. Like the building itself, accessing the wealth club is a bit more understated than that.

As access is strictly 'invite only' or by request, customers will be on a list when they arrive and are shown up to the wealth centre on the eighth floor.

Champagne on arrival and Greyson Perry art

Stepping out of the lift, I'm greeted by HSBC's wealth centre receptionist, Carmelita Armstrong, and offered a drink.

No counter to cash cheques or do day-to-day banking tasks, but instead a countertop bar where customers order refreshments - including champagne if they wish.

Spread over two floors and 7,000 square feet, the wealth centre boasts impressive views of London's skyline from Westminster Abbey to the Shard.

On the walls, HSBC's has curated its own art gallery of sorts, by its in-house art curator, featuring the works of contemporary British artists including Greyson Perry.

The wealth centre is HSBC's latest tactic in the skirmish for ultra-wealthy customers, an ambition it is not shy about.

It is seeking to double the assets it oversees for well-heeled customers in the UK to 100billion by 2028.

As well as the Selfridges sweetener, it has cut financial advice fees to 1 per cent from 2.75 per cent for Premier customers to tempt them to park their investments with HSBC.

The wealth club in London is building on similar efforts in Asia, where HSBC has wealth clubs in China and Hong Kong.

'Some of the more flexible features have made this a real success in Asia, for example converting part of the wealth centre into exercise rooms,' Xian says.

The London wealth club's answer to this is hosting a Wimbledon festival in its open-plan event space on the seventh floor most recently.

The idea is customers can pop to nearby Selfridges for a shopping trip and then come in to speak to their adviser or wealth manager.

It is also within proximity of links to Heathrow, where international customers jet in and out of, though most of those who will use the wealth club are based in central London.

'Having premises here in this vicinity and location allows us to do just that,' says Xian.

How 1m customers are now 'Premier'

HSBC has 1million Premier customers and 9,000 private banking customers.

Premier customers must have an income or investments worth 100,000 annually while HSBC Private banking customers must have investments worth at least 1.5million.

The wealth club does not have ATMs and a bank counter like a traditional bank branch.

HSBC said most of the customers coming to the wealth centre are seeking advice on and managing their investments.

They might also be speaking to HSBC advisers about succession and legacy planning as well as protection and insurance.

Customers do not have to pay a fee to come to the wealth hub or use its meeting rooms and spaces, which is an extra perk of being a Premier customer.

The hub has 12 meeting rooms and multi-purpose spaces, including a family room, and an event space which can host 50 people for presentations and talks.

The wealth club has a bar and lounge area, 12 free-to-use meeting rooms and spaces and an event room which can hold up to 50 people

There is no minimum or average balance that a HSBC Premier or a Private banking customer needs to meet to be allowed into the wealth club, apart from the minimum required to be a Premier or Private customer.

HSBC is on a recruitment drive, aiming to recruit 200 staff to build up its Premier offering in the UK.

Carmelita is part of a five-strong team of staff who are on hand to help run the wealth centre.

Her background is in financial services having previously worked for Goldman Sachs as a contractor.

She says: 'We're a new team but we love working here.

'It's great to be part of the positive work the HSBC wealth centre is doing for customers.'

The wealth club comes after the Government scrapped a regime for non-doms, which meant those who were non-UK domiciled for tax purposes did not have to pay UK tax on money made outside of the UK.

It has sparked fears of an exodus of millionaires from the UK.

But HSBC is bullish on the UK as an attractive place for wealth and remains confident it will continue to be so.

One in three wealthy HSBC investors invest outside of their home market, with the UK being in the top three locations for asset allocation HSBC found.

Why do they want to park their wealth here? 'There are things here that are really attractive to our clientele, including the stability of the rule of law in the UK which can't be taken for granted,' says Xian.

HSBC is planning to launch another wealth club in the UK with the location for a second site currently under consideration.

It is currently working on establishing 50 Premier lounges for Premier customers in HSBC branches.

Muswell Hill in London, Leeds Park Row, and Leicester have already had their sites updated with more planned by the end of the year.

These will aim to replicate the look and feel of the London wealth club in its branch network.
Experts say real estate agents getting rich on the nation's housing crisis is a painful 'kick in the guts' for struggling Aussies - as calls are renewed for the industry to be subject to stricter regulations.

According to property comparison site, bRight Agent, a Perth home worth $1million in 2020 would be worth roughly $1.7million today.

This means a real estate agent charging a two per cent commission would today earn $35,200 compared to $20,000 five years ago.

While Perth's property market is an outlier, all major Australian cities have seen significant growth in the past five years.

Aaron Scott, who co-founded the comparison service, said homeowners shouldn't be expected to pay agents so much more for the same amount of work.

He told Daily Mail Australia that while agents deserved to be well-paid, the flashy wealth of the top earners is a 'kick in the guts' amid a worsening housing crisis.

'Let's face it - the extravagance often seen in the real estate industry, whether it be designer clothes, cars, or partying on yachts, is done on the backs of Australian families who are trying to keep up with their repayments and keep a roof over their heads,' he said.

'We don't think that Aussies should be forking out an extra $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 in costs to sell their home, just because the property value has increased.

Real estate agents are charging more for the same amount of work, experts say (an aerial shot of Rozelle, in Sydney's inner west is pictured)

'Aussies work really hard for the equity that they put into their homes over the years, so it really doesn't make sense that selling costs increase at the same rate.'

Mr Scott said it was worth asking whether commissions should be regulated at an industry level, in the same way the states restrict the movement of rent and bills.

'If we're good enough to regulate the rate of increase of rents... shouldn't we be good enough to regulate the increase of selling costs?'

State and territory governments have previously capped the commission an agent could charge for residential property transactions.

Queensland was the last state to deregulate, having only done away with its cap of 2.5 per cent of the purchase price in 2014.

While it is difficult to calculate the impact of deregulation on commissions, the Real Estate Institute of Australia insists it has allowed agents to lower their fees.

'Commission rates in Australia have been deregulated for many years, and this has created strong competition in the industry, which has helped bring fees down rather than push them up,' a REIA spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'Agents now work in a highly competitive environment where many charge well under 2 per cent, and in some metro markets, even below 1 per cent.

Simon Murphy (pictured) is a former Melbourne real estate agent

'While some regional areas still see rates around 3 per cent, those cases are the exception rather than the norm.'

But others tell a different story, including former agent Neil Jenman who claims commissions soared as agents were left to negotiate their own fees.

'When real estate commissions were fixed in the early 90s, the real estate industry convinced governments across Australia to deregulate the commissions on the basis that they would fall,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Of course they all giggled when the governments fell for it, because real estate commissions soared.'

Mr Jenman claimed commissions in certain parts of western Sydney had surged by roughly ten times since he practised there about 30 years ago.

'When I was an agent, my average fee per sale was $3,500 (in 1995). Today, in the same area, the average fee is $35,000,' he said.

The spoils are not evenly spread among real estate agents, with the millions raked in by top earners well outpacing the average salary of between $75,000 to $95,000.

Neither is it clear whether increasing saturation in the job market has reduced the number of sales agents are securing, as suggested by a CoreLogic spokesperson.

Perth homes soared in value in the past five years, sending commissions skyrocketing

But many, like Mr Jenman, think the fees charged by agents should be more closely tied to the work they put in, rather than simply the value of the sale.

'Some agents in Australia who are selling one house a month (a pitiful performance - less than eight hours 'work') are earning a million dollars a year,' he said.

'There's an agent in the eastern suburbs who boasts that he doesn't get out of bed for less than $100,000 commission per house.

'There is more money in real estate than in drug dealing.'

Simon Murphy, a former real estate agent and founder of Melbourne Property Advocate, agreed, saying the commission system is 'broken'.

'The problem's not just how much agents charge. It's what they actually do for that money,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Agents throw the property online, run a couple of open homes, pass on some feedback, and somehow walk away with twenty grand or more.

'They're not really selling. They're just listing. That's not strategy. That's admin in a suit.'

Mr Murphy acknowledged negotiating is a valuable skill but said too often agents were refusing to do the heavy lifting, relying on Australia's strong housing market.

'Most (agents) are just middlemen cashing in on a system that hasn't changed in years,' he said.
Fed up with being vilified, undermined and used as political punching bags, some police officers are leaving blue states for Republican-led parts of the country - even if it means worse pay and benefits.

From New York to California, cops are reportedly handing in their badges and moving to states like Florida, Texas and South Carolina, where experts say they feel appreciated, respected and empowered to do their jobs.

While there's no official database on police migration, and experts say other factors are also at play, anecdotal evidence suggests a quiet but powerful revolt among rank-and-file law enforcement fleeing what they see as anti-cop culture in liberal cities.

The perceived shift began during the nationwide George Floyd protests of 2020, 'defund the police' policies touted by Democratic politicians and what many officers saw as negative coverage of their work in the media.

By contrast, Republican-run states rolled out the red carpet, including Florida, which implemented bonuses for new recruits.

Still, police officers who wave goodbye to Democrat-run administrations aren't getting everything they might be hoping for.

Officers in red states largely receive worse pay and benefits than their counterparts in blue states - a difference that isn't always offset by lower living costs.

'There's plenty of anecdotal evidence showing officers quitting blue states for red states after the George Floyd protests, but no hard data to back it up,' former California police chief Bob Harrison told the Daily Mail.

Police officers are said to be moving to Houston, a Democrat-run city in a red state, where some cops say they get more respect

Officers in LA say they're undervalued by the public, the city's Democratic leaders and even their own top brass

Harrison, now a senior researcher at the think tank RAND Corporation, said police forces in Minnesota, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle and other liberal bastions are still languishing with staffing below 2019 levels.

'Like everyone else, police officers move for a range of reasons,' he said.

'Whether they get respect at work is one of them, but so is pay, pensions, benefits, the cost of living and healthcare. What we see from the growth of forces in Florida and Texas is that politics plays into it.'

The issue has been spotlighted by Zohran Mamdani, a formerly 'defund the police' socialist who won the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City, and raised fears among some cops of soft-on-crime policies ahead.

Joe Gamaldi, national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and a lieutenant with the Houston Police Department, says Mamdani and other leftist politicians scare cops away from their jobs.

'What we've seen is really a mass exodus of police officers leaving far-left cities for basically greener pastures,' Gamaldi claimed on Fox News.

'Because, ultimately, people want to feel appreciated for what they do, and when you have a boss - in this case, mayors or city councils - who regularly call you a piece of cr*p to the public, why would anyone stay?'

Florida is an example of a Republican-led state claiming to have benefited from the mass departures.

In April 2022, Gov Ron DeSantis launched the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program with $5,000 payouts for new recruits.

'Come to a state where you're respected,' the Republican said at a recruitment event at the time. 'Where your uniform is a badge of honor, not a target.'

According to a 2024 statement from former Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, the state welcomed 5,000 law enforcement recruits between 2022 and 2023. They included more than 1,200 from out of state, and a combined 400 from California, Illinois and New York.

The Daily Mail was unable to obtain recruit numbers from prior years for comparison.

'Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because we back our blue,' Moody said at the time.

'Defund the police' fears have been revived by democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani's candidacy for New York City mayor

Anger toward police has lingered even after some cities felt a crime wave as officers came off the street

New recruits 'have answered the call, leaving behind places where their service was not as appreciated as it is here,' she added.

Gamaldi says officers get more than respect when they leave blue states, and points to the payoff from Florida or such Texas cities as Houston and Dallas, which he says have upped cops' wages.

Still, the World Population Review shows that officers are much better off in blue states, with average annual salaries of more than $100,000 in California, Washington and Illinois, compared to $45,600 in the worst-paid state, Mississippi.

In May, personal finance website WalletHub.com reported that California, Connecticut and Illinois were the best states to be a cop, overall. Nevada, Hawaii and Alaska were at the bottom of the ranking.

WalletHub said it compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 30 indicators of police friendliness. The data included median income, police deaths per 1,000 officers and state and local police protection expenses per capita.

'The best states for police officers offer competitive compensation, supplemented by solid training that helps minimize the chances of deadly violence between officers and civilians,' WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said.

Recruitment boards, social media groups and private messaging channels for police show lively discussions about relocating, with officers swapping tips on red-state agencies that are hiring, housing prices, school systems and the political climate.

LA police were caught in the crosshairs between angry protestors and President Donald Trump's immigration raids in June

Cops started quitting during the nationwide George Floyd protests of 2020 and 'defund the police' policies touted by Democratic politicians

A common analysis is that officers are sick of liberal-leaning cities, where Democratic politicians and senior officers don't have their backs, and liberal prosecutors put lawbreakers back out on the street to offend again.

At the same time, they complain about Republican-led legislatures in red states trimming their wages and pensions to cut costs.

Some warn the trend could leave Democrat-run cities with hollowed-out departments, longer response times and an even deeper disconnect between police and the communities they serve.

As America continues to divide along political lines, the thin blue line appears to be moving, too - from blue states to red ones and progressive cities to conservative heartlands.
It is the height of summer, but one of America's most iconic beaches is practically deserted once again.

Tourists visiting San Diego normally can't wait to visit La Jolla Cove, a stunning coastline known for its gorgeous sunsets and sandstone cliffs.

However, the picturesque shore is also home to hundreds of sea lions and seals, along with thousands of pelicans and other birds which visitors say are producing an unbearable stench.

In fact the odor has become so unbearable, tourists are saying they've decided to stay home.

Barbara Cohen, a first-time visitor to La Jolla, told Fox 5 San Diego that the smell caught her off guard.

'This is my first time in La Jolla and its beautiful, its everything I thought it would be,' Cohen said. 'But the first thing I noticed was the smell. And the second thing I noticed, these rocks are very, very white.'

Margaret Elizabeth-Lacobazzi, a lead server at nearby Blue Ocean / Harumama told the local outlet that despite the smell getting worse, it hasn't affected her restaurant's business yet.

According to her, that's likely because the Asian fusion restaurant has plenty of indoor seating that allows customers to get spectacular views of the cove.

'The locations stunning view of the La Jolla Cove really draws people in,' she said. 'Sometimes the smell is a bit potent, so people will just go inside and eat.'

La Jolla Cove, a popular tourist attraction in San Diego, is being abandoned for a disgusting reason

People are now reporting that the stench from sea lion and bird waste is so unbearable that they're deciding not to visit

The city has addressed the foul smell at La Jolla Cove before.

The problem got so bad in 2016 that the city solicited solutions from anyone and everyone who had ideas, reported La Jolla Village News.

Proposals included power washing the cliffs, to installing spikes or leaving tarps on them to stop wildlife from roosting. Someone even proposed letting trained falcons loose to scare gulls away.

The city ultimately chose Blue Eagle, a San Rafael-based firm, to release its mix of bacillus bacteria on the cliffs to consume the bird and seal droppings.

This option was chosen because bacillus is a naturally occurring ocean bacteria and is known for their ability to break down waste in an environmentally-friendly manner.

'The city has long worked to address persistent odor concerns at the La Jolla bluffs, which are caused by natural accumulations of seabird and marine mammal waste,' Benny Cartwright, supervising city spokesperson, told Daily Mail.

'In previous years, the city applied an organic, enzyme-based treatment derived from naturally occurring ocean bacteria to targeted areas as part of a successful odor mitigation strategy,' Cartwright added.

'The treatment uses beneficial microbes to accelerate the natural breakdown of bird and marine mammal waste, effectively reducing odors while posing no known risk to wildlife or water quality.'

Nine years later, the smell from sea lion and bird dropping has returned, largely because the city stopped using the bacterial spray in 2023

That's because the Regional Water Quality Control Board requested more data on how the use of the bacterial spray was affecting the environment (Pictured: A pelican flies over La Jolla Cove)

Pictured: Tourists on kayaks row by a group of pelicans sitting on the La Jolla cliffs

Nine years later, the smell has returned, largely because in 2023 the city stopped using the bacteria.

This is because the Regional Water Quality Control Board requested more data on how the use of the bacterial spray was affecting the environment.

'The city continues to pursue the additional internal review and approvals to resume spraying in the future,' Cartwright said.

'Any future application would continue to be guided by established best management practices, including avoidance of application during or near the presence of marine mammals using on-site biological monitoring, and implementation only under appropriate weather and tide conditions,' he added.

Megan Heine, the owner of Brockton Villa Restaurant in La Jolla, said the city should get back to spraying.

'The odors, caused primarily by bird guano on the rocks, remain as their population has increased. Some days are better than others. At Brockton Villa, we use "scent air" fans to mitigate any odor so people dont complain once theyre in our restaurant,' she said.

La Jolla is home to around 250 to 250 sea lions alone, according to the Sierra Club Seal Society. The beach also typically welcomes around seven million visitors annually.
A mother whose daughter was found dead a month after she mysteriously disappeared while camping is convinced she was murdered after she hired a private investigator to look into her death.

Jessica Paige Kemp, 32, was last seen alive on May 5 while camping alone near Lake Ashbaugh in Arkansas.

Kemp, who was described as an avid camper by her family, called the Greene County Sheriff's Office that evening after she became concerned someone was underneath her vehicle.

Deputies responded but left her, after they determined there was nothing under or in her vehicle.

There was no sign of Kemp for over a month until June 10, when her fiance Paden Raburn and her family encountered a strong smell while out searching for her.

Raburn said their search had been drawn towards a field after some of Kemp's belongings were found scattered nearby.

Skeletal remains were eventually found two-and-a-half miles from her campsite by deputies. They were formally identified as Kemp shortly after by authorities.

Believing there was more to the story, her mother Sandy Kemp hired a private investigator and is now convinced she was murdered.

Jessica Paige Kemp, 32, was described as an avid camper by her family

She last seen alive missing on May 5 while camping alone near Lake Ashbaugh in Arkansas, seen here

She told WREG: 'She didn't get lost, my daughter didn't get lost. I think my daughter was murdered. Actually I know she was.'

Remembering her daughter, she added: 'She was smart, kind, very giving, she'd give away her last dollar.

'She was one of a kind, absolutely beautiful soul, absolutely beautiful.' The Daily Mail has attempted to contact Sandy for further comment on her claims.

Sandy said that her daughter had read a text from her on May 5, which she then followed up with again the following day, it went unanswered.

'She stopped using her debit card, no responses from her to anybody, and we've always been a very, very close family, so we knew something was wrong', she added.

Search teams looking for Kemp found her car abandoned, her purse was still inside and items were scattered around the vehicle.

Officials say they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, but Sandy has been critical of the approach.

The Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder responded to her concerns in a post to Facebook before the body of Kemp was found.

Jessica, right, is seen here with her mom Sandy who believes her daughter was murdered

Search teams looking for Kemp found her car abandoned, her purse was still inside and items were scattered around the vehicle

In his post, dated May 30, the sheriff said that Kemp had stopped taking medication for her mental health.

He also disclosed that she has a known drug addiction and that it was not uncommon for her to go without speaking to her family for months at a time.

The office also suggested that there was no body cam footage from officers who initially met with Kemp before she disappeared.

Snyder also said that Kemp wasn't reported missing until May 14 after her disappearance was initially reported to another department.

It added: 'When she was reported missing, she was reported missing to the Jonesboro Police Department.

'When our department learned of the missing persons report, we responded to the campsite to begin investigating.

'Between my patrol deputies and criminal investigators, my department has well over 200 man hours invested in attempting to locate Ms. Kemp.'

Snyder also said there was no signs of foul play at the scene.

Officials say they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death

Her fiance Paden Raburn is seen here clutching an urn containing her remains that was shared to social media

An obituary described Kemp as being 'a creative and crafty spirit', who had a love for the outdoors.

It said: 'Paige had a knack for turning the ordinary into something special. She loved painting, crafting, and bringing color and life to the world around her.

'Animals held a special place in her heartespecially turtlesand her gentle spirit made her a beloved presence in every life she touched.

'Paige's sweet soul, love of nature, and genuine heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.' A memorial service was held last weekend to remember her.

The Daily Mail has approached Green County Sheriff's Department for comment.
A CNN panel descended into chaos when a liberal pundit cast doubt on whether President Donald Trump was shot during the July 2024 assassination attempt.

Toure stunned his co-panelists with a comment that prompted gasps and immediate demands for an on-air correction during a segment about the president's health.

'He supposedly got shot in the ear,' the podcaster said, referencing the incident in Butler, Pennsylvania last year.

'We never heard from his doctors about that.'

The remark triggered an explosive exchange as CNN NewsNight anchor Abby Phillip struggled to maintain order.

Toure got an instant rebuke from conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings, who sounded off in disbelief.

'Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Did you say supposedly?' Jennings snapped, turning to Phillip looking for her to intervene. 'Abby, Abby'

Phillip, who had already been attempting to corral a loud round of crosstalk between guests, tried to bring the panel under control.

CNN anchor Abby Phillip struggled to maintain control during a panel discussion on Thursday

Adrienne Elrod, a former campaign spokesperson for former Vice President Kamala Harris, accused the White House of having not always been forthcoming about Trump's health

'If y'all stop screaming at the table, maybe I can actually respond,' she said firmly.

But by the then on-air brawl was in full flow.

'Supposedly. That's where we're at now,' added conservative radio host Ben Ferguson, shaking his head. 'Toure, he was shot in the ear.'

As voices clashed across the table, Jennings pushed back: 'He had blood on his face! Where did it come from?' he demanded. 'I went to the Republican National Commission - he had a bandage on his ear.'

But Toure doubled down challenging the panel and White House for not providing more transparency.

'But did we hear from the doctors?' he pressed. 'Wouldn't we always hear from his doctors when he gets shot?'

Phillip interjected again, trying to steer the segment back to its original focus on Trump's visible hand injuries and his doctor's recent note.

'This is not really what we're talking about,' she said. 'He is fine. It's just a function, frankly, of being an older person.'

Podcaster Toure, right, said Trump 'supposedly got shot in the ear' setting off a chaotic panel. Scott Jennings, left, snapped back and pleaded with Philip to regain control of the panel

Toure's use of the word 'supposedly' was all the more jarring, coming in the same week of first anniversary of the assassination attempt

The discussion had initially been about Trump's hand and the news he had been diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'

Phillip eventually cut through the noise. 'He was shot in the ear,' she said, firmly. 'We saw the blood. We saw the bandage.'

Toure's eyebrow-raising comments came just over a year since 20-year-old Michael Thomas Crooks fired eight shots from a rooftop at Trump during a campaign stop in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing a rally-goer, injuring two others, and grazing Trump's right ear in what law enforcement later admitted was a catastrophic breakdown in security.

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), a former White House physician, said Trump's wound came 'less than a quarter of an inch from entering his head,' and that it resulted in 'significant bleeding and marked swelling.'

Photos of the aftermath showed the then-former president's bloodied face and bandaged ear, images that instantly became symbolic of what his supporters call his political resilience - and what his critics feared would reshape the race.

Jennings took issue with Toure's skepticism that Trump was shot at all last July

Photos of the aftermath showed the then-former president's bloodied face

The Secret Service response, however, was widely condemned, and multiple federal investigations later confirmed there were glaring lapses in planning, communication, and threat assessment.

Investigations found that the rooftop from which Crooks fired, just 135 meters from the rally stage, was known to pose a risk.

But plans to obstruct the view with farm equipment were never executed, and no agents were posted to the vantage point.

Worse still, local law enforcement and Secret Service personnel were operating from two separate command posts, with communication described as a 'chaotic mixture' of text messages, phone calls, radio chatter, and emails.

Despite repeated requests for additional manpower in the days leading up to the rally, the Secret Service was stretched thin.

The images instantly became symbolic of what Trump's supporters call his political resilience

Trump's bloodied ear is visible as he is urgently hauled away following an attempt on his life

A Senate report released this month declared: 'There were multiple, unacceptable failures in the planning and execution of the July 13 Butler rally.'

Crooks was ultimately killed by a Secret Service countersniper moments after his rampage began.

He left behind no manifesto and little trace of motive, and authorities believe he acted alone.

The attack nevertheless prompted the swift resignation of Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle and spurred urgent reforms.

That context made Toure's use of the word 'supposedly' all the more jarring - not just to his co-panelists, but to viewers still reeling from a shooting that nearly changed the course of US history.
Llanelli in west Wales, just ten miles from Swansea, was once a bustling market town.

Steeped in history, it was built in part by the money made from the Stepney clan, a distinguished local family who invented the tyres fitted on all London taxis just a century ago.

But the Llanelli of today couldn't be more different.

Rather than a buzzing town with crowds of shoppers and cafes and restaurants bursting with visitors, empty units and betting shops line the streets while rubbish piles up in doorways.

Some locals now even confess they're too scared to look around the few remaining stores because of drug addicts dropping needles and shouting at passers-by.

Ed Davies, 31, a former business owner told MailOnline: 'Why would you come here? I'm embarrassed to say I'm from Llanelli.'

Llanelli in west Wales, just ten miles from Swansea, was once a bustling market town but now is full of empty shops

Rather than a buzzing town with crowds of shoppers and cafes and restaurants bursting with visitors, the area appears more 'like something out of Soviet Russia', as one resident put it

Empty units, betting shops, burnt out premises and charity shops lines Stepney Street, the town's main shopping area

Frustrated with the lack of improvements from the local Labour-run council, Llanelli residents have decided to turn to Nigel Farage 's Reform Party.

Earlier this month Labour admitted Reform is a 'serious threat' in Wales after a poll found the party on track to win elections next year and nowhere is the swing more obvious than Llanelli.

More In Common research for Sky News put support for Farage on 28 per cent, ahead of Plaid Cymru on 26 per cent.

Labour was in third on 23 per cent, while the Tories and Lib Dems were trailing on 10 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.

In the 2024 general election Reform lost out by just 1,500 votes and have now come back with a vengeance to win over the local council.

Residents told MailOnline they hoped that Reform could offer the change and rejuvenation Llanelli needs and hoped that Nigel Farage's policies could rid the town of its drug problem and improve the rundown centre.

Locals explained that with the crumbling shop parades, the community spirit has all but gone and drug addicts have made it such an unwelcome place they're too scared to venture in to the shopping centre.

One retired nurse and grandmother, who wished to remain anonymous, said her granddaughter is so scared to come in to town she has to be accompanied.

The 73-year-old added that the drug problem in the centre is so bad that she and her family worry about getting high off the smoke.

Arwyn Owens, 75, (pictured) said the town is a shadow of its former self and he's become disillusioned with the Lbaour government for not improving it and will now vote Reform

Residents hope Reform could offer the change and rejuvenation Llanelli needs and hoped that Nigel Farage's policies could rid the town of its drug problem and improve the rundown centre

One grandmother said her granddaughter is too scared to walk near the shopping centre because of drug addicts shouting and swearing outside (pictured)

She said: 'My granddaughter won't walk through on her own anymore, she says you can get high of the drugs being smoked. I have to bring her in if she wants to get her nails done or anything.

'The druggies hang around in the centre and it's horrible. It's really bad.'

The worried former nurse added that she knows the council are trying with new business spaces but unfortunately it's not enough to turn the tide.

She added: 'Compared to what it was - they're trying and building new flats with business spaces underneath but there's no footfall. It's a sad state of affairs.'

And her thoughts were echoed by retiree Arwyn Owens, 75, who explained that the increase in drug use and the run down centre had led him to turn his back on Labour.

He said: 'I've lived here all my life and it used to be thriving but now all we've got are charity shops. We've got no big shops anymore just banks and empty shops and betting shops.

'Right next to the Boots it's just drug addicts wandering around and people are afraid to go in to town now.

'I don't know what needs to be done but something. I've voted Labour all my life but never again. The council used to be run by Labour, we had Labour for 20 years but they've done nothing.

A burnt out shop - police have not provided an official explanation as to the cause but locals said it was part of a wider pattern of cannabis farms being burnt to the ground

An art deco-style theatre which opened in 1938 as Waless first multiplex was bought off the council in 2014 but has been empty for more than a decade

Stepney Street, named after the prosperous Stepney family who provided tyres for all of London's taxis just a century ago now houses the town's job centre

Aled Williams, 34, (pictured) said the only places still busy are the banks or the Specsavers where he works and he understands why no one wants to come to the town

A sign in the shopping centre reads 'Exciting new shop coming soon' but the units upstairs have been empty for some time with shops around them also closing their doors

The covered market appeared like a ghost tow with empty shops int he entrance and few customers inside

'I think we need someone new who's for the community rather than voting for the council, we need to be prioritised.'

Gary James, 42, was in agreement and said the entire town had 'gone downhill'.

He told MailOnline that he remembered when Llanelli very busy but now there were no new businesses which had left the town drained of community spirit.

Stepney Street, Llanelli's main shopping artery named after the once rich and powerful local Stepney family was full of boarded up shops punctuated by for sale signs.

On the corner, right next to the street sign lauding a family which had once brought such prosperity to the area was the local job centre which had streams of addicts walking in and out in a daze.

The local post office was boarded up and even the charity shops were closing their doors.

Rows of empty retail units looked long abandoned and walking in to the market felt like walking back into a ghost town.

Big brands like Tesco, Marks & Spencers, Argos and Iceland have all moved out and residents say they understand why no one wants to visit.

Aled Williams, 34, said the only places still busy are the banks or the Specsavers where he works.

He said: 'It's not what it was. There used to be a Woolworths, and M&S, a big tesco and there was a slow decline but then it became quite drastic and I understand why people don't want to come here.'

And while the lack of businesses was dispiriting, some had not lost hope in rejuvenation and Mr James said that he believed Reform could make a real difference.

Daniel Philitonga, 16, and his mother Gina (pictured) said there was nothing to do in the town and Ms Philitonga confessed she wouldn't like her young daughter to walk around by herself

Another empty shop to let along Stepney street in a town more full of banks and betting shops than thriving businesses

Locals said that by 4pm the town becomes a ghost town as people quickly nip in and out to do their shopping and no longer spend time browsing or sitting in a cafe

One of the side streets off Llanelli town centre showing closed shops and pavements littered with rubbish

The indoor market was almost empty with signs advertising units available to let among butchers and long-established cafes

The YMCA hosts pop-up shops but locals complain they don't last long and aren't helping to revive the town centre

'I think Reform will change things,' he said, 'The Labour council just don't care about you.

'I want things to go back to the way they were before.'

Former chocolate shop owner Mr Davies, put the town's changing political opinion down to failing business and drug addicts and said Llanelli had been getting more dilapidated for years.

He said: 'I think it got worse when I was growing up but it's been 20 years of nothingness.

'There's no footfall here, there's just empty units which looks so much worse.'

Daniel Philitonga, 16, and his mother Gina agreed with Mr Davies.

The college student, who moved to the town with his family in 2014 said there was simply nothing to do which lead people to just 'hang around'.

Daniel said: 'There's nothing for us to do - I never come in to town and my friends don't either.'

Ms Philitonga added that she wouldn't let her 12-year-old daughter out in town on her own and would be worried about her safety.

Even some of the charity shops are closing down and residents say the streets used to be full of busy shoppers but now the town is lucky to be busy more than three times a year

A closed post office in Llanelli, boarded up with the cash machine blocked off

Along the high street are empty shops, vandalised and burnt down, next to chains advertising sales

A shut up shop with obscured windows and a space where the sign used to be

Shadows of Llanelli's thriving past can be found all over but remain sad reminders about how far it has fallen in to disrepair.

An art deco-style theatre which opened in 1938 as Waless first multiplex and is one of just 14 of the original Odeon cinemas left in existence in Britain.

But crumbling, with weeds sprouting from the gutters and boarded up windows, the historic building seems unlikely to open up again despite having been bought in 2014 by William Ratti, a former international records boss for 130,000.

Even the local shopping centre was so empty the upstairs floor had been shut off and signs read 'Exciting new shop coming soon' but the dusty shut up interior told a different story.

Mr Davies added that drug addiction was also a serious problem in the town.

He said: 'The addicts make a mess too and there loads of them and drugs and stuff. It's horrible. There's a real problem with cannabis being grown in empty shops.

'Why would you come here to visit - I'm embarrassed to say I'm from Llanelli.'

In fact Llanelli has such as problem with drugs that earlier this year the town was part of a wider sting operation in west Wales.

Some residents said they were shasmehd to admit they were from Llanelli because it was so rundown and there weren't any proper shops in the centre anymore

Grandmother Erma, 81, (pictured) remembers leaving her children outside to play while she shopped in the indoor market but couldn't imagine doing that now because it's not safe

Another shop up for auction next door to Shoezone and just down from a burnt-out unit

Most of the benches in the town centre have been removed in an effort to tackle drug users 'hanging around' and frightening locals

In May Pllumb Krosi, 34, was arrested after police found a 'large-scale cannabis farm' across three floors of a disused retail space in Llanelli town centre, according to Carmarthenshire News.

While in February 150 cannabis plants totalling 113,000 were found in a property in the town. Local Fabian Cela was charged with production of cannabis but pleaded not guilty.

The concern around drug use was a fear many of the locals had with Shauna Towend, 27, describing seeing broken needles in the local parks.

There's broken glass, needles, swearing,' she said, 'all while the kids are around, it's all the addicts.

'We can't even go to the park or walk though because of all the shouting and swearing, it's just a horrible atmosphere.'

A local Llanelli resident, who gave her name as Andrea, 61, said that the Labour council weren't tackling the problem of drug users in the right way and said instead of dealing with the issues, they'd just removed benches which had previously acted as a meeting point.

She told MailOnline: 'They've taken away the benches because of the druggies so now there's nowhere to sit down. You can't avoid them now, they're everywhere.'

The mother-of-one added that it's turning people away and now instead of people coming in to enjoy an afternoon of shopping, locals keep their visits short.

Toby Jeffries, a 16-year-old college student (pictured) said he didn't think Farage's new party was the answer although he conceded Llanelli was far from an ideal place to grow up

A former bank in an impressive Victorian building to let but with some serious work needed it doesn't appear to be an attractive investment property

A row of boarded up and blocked-off shops in the empty town centre

Another boarded up uni with weeds growing where the sign sued to hang and a vandalised entryway

'People just come come in for 5-10 minutes instead of shopping for hours because there's nowhere to shop and nowhere to sit, it's all so run down and the shops are burnt out from fires.

One such example was a former Bright House shop which had been burnt through and was boarded up and fenced off.

Police have not provided an official explanation as to the cause but locals said it was part of a wider pattern of cannabis farms being burnt to the ground and it wasn't the first to have happened.

Andrea added the only things in the town centre are 'banks, charity shops and vape shops or betting places', but added that even 'they're all closing down because the rents are too expensive'.

One former bank, previously housed in an impressive Victorian building was up for rent but with weeds growing out of the historic stonework it didn't appear to be an attractive prospect.

Grandmother Erma, 81, added that she remembers being able to leave her children outside to play while she shopped in the indoor market but couldn't imagine doing that now.

She explained: 'It used to be bustling and the traffic was two way. There was a butchers and big shops and you could leave the children outside but now it's only busy three times a year for events and there's no shopping.

'I'm ashamed to say where we live - it's full of drug addicts, they've taken over.'

The pair said they weren't convinced anything would change soon but agreed that Labour had let them down.

But not everyone was convinced by Reform and Toby Jeffries, a 16-year-old college student said he didn't think Farage's new party was the answer although he conceded Llanelli was far from an ideal place to grow up.

He said: 'It used to be more thriving with the Sunday markets but now it's like something out of Soviet Russia. People don't shop here anymore they just go to Trostre (Retail Park).

'The town is full of rubbish, there's nothing to do and it's really anti-social.'

Despite all the frustrations there are reportedly plans to develop the almost-empty shopping centre in a luxury cinema, restaurant, music venue and function room worth 2million but residents are sceptical and will 'believe it when we see it'.
Yachting is facing a crew safety crisis, with 'toxic' behaviour and sexual abuse 'normalised' across the industry and women paying the price, Below Deck star Hugo Ortega has warned.

The superyacht captain and newest bosun on the hit reality show has spoken out to warn of the dangers faced by female crew after the death of stewardess Paige Bell on board a luxury motor yacht in the Bahamas.

'The recent tragedy involving Paige is not an isolated incident - it's a symptom of something much deeper,' Hugo told MailOnline.

'Behind the glossy image of the yachting industry lies a serious and ongoing crisis in crew safety, particularly around harassment, abuse, and toxic working conditions.

'These are cases of rape, physical violence, and psychological abuse happening in workplaces with no independent HR, no external oversight, and often no consequence for perpetrators,' he said.

'Victims are removed from boats, sent to hotels, and offered hush money tied to NDAs. Meanwhile, abusers continue working, moving from yacht to yacht, protected by silence and hierarchy.'

Some 65 per cent of yacht workers including captains and crew have witnessed or been aware of sexual harassment, be that physical or verbal, according to a 2018 survey by the Professional Yachting Association (PYA).

Shockingly, almost 40 per cent of respondents said they had personally been subjected to unwanted physical touching working on board, while 50 per cent said they had received unwanted sexual or sexist comments.

Hugo, who has been in the industry for more than a decade, said he has 'worked under dozens of male captains and been on boats with male deck crew who talk about stewardesses like they're toys.'

Attention is on the issue of women's safety after the harrowing events of the last month, Hugo says, but far too often incidents are brushed under the rug

Paige Bell, 20, from South Africa , was found dead in the engine room of the luxury motor boat Far From It last Thursday

Paige had been working as a crewmember on Far From It, a 100,000-a-week motorboat docked in the Bahamas. She was found unresponsive near Munoz, who had injuries on his arm from what police described as an attempted suicide, in the yacht's engine room

He recalled the 'countless' times he had personally seen women fall victim to inappropriate behaviour from crew members at every level.

'The 'creepy' engineer that always touches their hips when he passes by her in the crew mess,' he said. 'Deck crew that give relentless verbal sexual harassment with no punishment because 'that's how it is at sea.''

He added that even captains, who are ultimately responsible for the conduct and safety of the entire crew, cross the line, describing how even married men are known to 'invite the chief stew for drinks or to their home far too many times for comfort.'

Recalling one of many shocking cases he has witnessed in his decade-long career, Hugo told how one chief stew he worked with was 'sexually intimidated' by a yacht owner and decided to report what had happened.

'She went through the right channels - told management. They dismissed it,' he said.

'Then when the owner caught wind of it, they handed her a $50,000 settlement and forced her resignation. That's how problems get 'handled' in this industry - money over accountability.'

'Almost all' super-rich yacht owners have NDAs written into their workers' contracts, he said.

'While they're supposedly there to protect the privacy of the owner and guests, in reality they're used to silence victims.

'Crew are scared to speak out because they're told if they break the NDA, they'll be sued, fired, or blacklisted.'

Hugo, who works as a Bosun on the superyacht St David, is seen on the show with co-star Barbara Kulaif

When new crew start on a yacht, he said, they don't know who they'll be working and living with, or even sharing a cabin with, for long periods at sea.

While cabin assignments are typically same-gender, Hugo says, there are occasions when there isn't enough living space for crew and male and female staff have to share.

In an ongoing case this year, a British stewardess sued the owners of 40-metre motor yacht EALU, alleging she was sexually assaulted by a male crewmember while asleep in a shared cabin.

The woman alleged that the yachts operator knowingly housed her with a male chef despite clear risks, creating an unsafe living environment.

Hugo, a crew trainer, said he always warns women about how close the living quarters can be with their male colleagues and tells them not to 'build trust slowly'.

The qualified superyacht captain has been in the industry for ten years working on multiple boats

'If you're stepping onto a yacht with all-male crew or you're the only one onboard besides the captain? That's a red flag until proven otherwise.

'I'm not saying it's always dangerous, but it's a setup where stuff can go wrong fast, and too often it does.'

Yachting's reputation of heavy boozing and partying among staff is close to the truth on some boats, he added.

'Young and green' crew members, often living far from home for the first time, can find themselves flung into a 'work hard, play hard vibe', where 'drinks are flowing, lines are being crossed, and no one really watching.'

Inexperienced youngsters 'might not clock the warning signs' early enough, he said, advising that those entering the industry 'don't rush to let loose.'

'A uniform and a crew title doesn't make someone safe. Familiarity just makes it easier to ignore red flags. And on yachts, where privacy is limited and reputations are everything, that's the perfect storm.

'What I've seen is, when a predator gets comfortable, they get bolder. Suddenly it's, "Oops, I walked into the wrong cabin," or "come watch a movie in my room," and somehow they're undressed.'

While Hugo made no reference to the show he stars on, instances of misconduct on board have been caught on camera by the series.

When bosun Luke Jones stripped naked and tried to get into bed with a stewardess who was sleeping after drinking too much, the boat's chief stewardess intervened

Captain Jason fired Luke the next day. On his way out, Luke told Jason that he 'was sorry' and was 'so disappointed' in himself for the way he'd acted

One episode of Below Deck Down Under in particular left viewers shocked, and highlighted the importance of crew members watching out for each other's welfare.

When bosun Luke Jones stripped naked and tried to get into bed with a stewardess who was sleeping after drinking too much, the boat's chief stewardess intervened and notified the captain.

Jones was sacked, along with another crew member who tried to excuse his behaviour as a 'joke'.

Commenting on the industry as a whole rather than the specific incident, Hugo said that familiarity and close proximity on board often allows men to take advantage.

'I've seen all the excuses. It's the slow creep of boundary pushing - disguised as casual or friendly. And because everyone is "mates," people are less likely to report. No one wants to make it awkward. No one wants to be that crew member.'

He said the onus is on captains to 'set the tone' on board and foster a professional culture.

HUGO ORTEGA: Steps the yachting industry must take NOW to tackle sexism and abuse Shift the culture: stop blaming and start believing victims

Zero-tolerance policies with real enforcement

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'As a captain now, I'm constantly reminding the guys onboard: this is a workplace, not a brothel. Just because we live together doesn't mean the rules of professionalism vanish.

'New crew - especially women - need to feel safe. And that starts with setting the tone from the top. Zero tolerance can't just be a policy. It has to be a practice.'

Hugo said he would 'never forget' the landmark rape case in 2018, which saw a stewardess awarded $70.6million in damages after she was sexually assaulted by a deck hand.

'I was a deckhand at the time, and I heard guys joking about it. Saying they'd 'gladly get raped for that kind of payout.'

'Like the trauma of a woman getting violently assaulted could somehow be turned into a payday fantasy. It was disgusting.'

Shockingly, there are no obligations for yacht management firms or private owners to screen new staff, meaning offenders can get jobs as crew members without disclosing possible criminal backgrounds.

In one high-profile case, a boat captain was hired to helm luxury yachts despite being on a five-year probation for a felony battery charge and having a previous criminal conviction.

Jessie Frost, who worked for a decade on yachts and is now director of UK recruitment firm Crewfolio, believes background checks are needed to stop offenders entering or re-entering the industry.

'If you're questioning the need for background checks in an industry where assault, harassment and even murder have occurred, then I'd respectfully ask: what exactly are you defending? This shouldn't be controversial,' she told Dockwalk magazine.

She started a petition two years ago calling for criminal background checks to be made a legal requirement for all seafarers, with her petition gaining momentum following the news of Paige Bell's death.

Some 65 per cent of yacht workers including captains and crew have witnessed or been aware of sexual harassment, research shows

While calls for improved candidate screening have been backed across the industry, Hugo and many others argue that these sort of checks alone simply aren't enough.

'A background check won't reveal someone who's assaulted three stewardesses but was never reported because of NDAs or fear of retaliation. It's a surface-level fix to a deep-rooted issue,' he said.

The biggest problem facing yachting, he believes, is the lack of safe complaint procedures on superyachts, which are often privately owned or run by management companies protecting wealthy clients.

'Yachting is still an old boys' club, dominated by white, wealthy men in nearly every decision-making role - captains, brokers, fleet managers.'

Hugo said that senior male crew and captains who have been in the industry for years and whose behaviour has never been challenged develop 'god complexes where no one says no to them.'

'You combine that with a rigid hierarchy, closed-door decision-making, and a crew too scared to speak up, and yeah its the perfect storm for abuse.

Hugo said yachting has a 'work hard, play harder' culture but that the reality is that it's hard graft

He said that from his experience, when abuse is reported it is very rare that the perpetrators face any consequences, with victims far more likely to be jeopardising their careers by coming forward.

'Victims are removed quietly, offered hush money, and warned not to go public. Meanwhile, the guy who assaulted them keeps working - same job, different boat.

'if anything happens at all, its usually a quiet talking to behind closed doors. The guy stays on. The behavior shifts for a week. And then we move on.'

He said because of this culture of silence and NDAs on board most ships, this behaviour never comes to the surface.

'Theres no registry. No blacklist. No centralized way for future employers to know. So the cycle just resets. And until we put real weight behind consequences, this will keep happening.'

Hugo said the onus is on captains to 'set the tone' on board and foster a professional culture

While he says he has seen some 'positive shifts' in the industry in recent years, 'it's not nearly enough'.

The glimmer of hope comes in the fact that more crew are now speaking out in what has long been a closed-door industry, Hugo says.

But outside these whisper networks and the important work done by maritime helplines, there is 'almost nothing' in place to protect people.

Attention is on the issue of women's safety after the harrowing events of the last month, Hugo says, but far too often incidents are brushed under the rug.

'The needles moving - but slowly,' Hugo says. 'The real test will be what happens next.'

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed, the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network's YachtCrewHelp is free, confidential, multilingual, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provides emotional, wellbeing and practical support to yacht crew and their families of any nationality: www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp
A former prisoner who shared a jailhouse dorm with Ghislaine Maxwell has revealed how Jeffrey Epstein's former madam would spend her days behind bars.

Jessica Watkins, 42, a transgender Army veteran and former Oath Keeper was imprisoned alongside the 63-year-old inside FCI Tallahassee for her involvement in the Capitol riot.

Maxwell is serving 20 years behind bars on child sex trafficking charges for her role helping Epstein exploit and abuse multiple minors over the course of a decade.

Epstein's victims alleged they were procured by Maxwell and passed around his billionaire friends and associates who regularly visited his homes, which included his private island. He was eventually found dead in his cell from an apparent suicide while awaiting trial.

Speaking with the Daily Mail this week, Watkins said Maxwell mostly kept to herself inside the prison, a low security facility in the Florida capital, where she has rebranded herself as a teacher to other inmates.

It comes after Watkins said she wanted to get 'ahead of potential narratives' about Maxwell, insisting that 'she isn't suicidal in the least'.

Recalling the first time she clocked the disgraced socialite inside, Watkins said she had to do a double take to make sure it was her.

She said: 'It's an open dorm, it's a big bay full of bunk beds, there is no cells. I walked by and I seen her there.

'I did a double take because I recognized her face immediately from the news. I was like "is that who I think it is?"'

A former prisoner who shared a jailhouse dorm with Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured) has revealed how Jeffrey Epstein's former madam would spend her days behind bars

Maxwell is currently incarcerated inside FCI Tallahassee, an aerial shot of the facility is seen here

'My friend who was with me was like "I don't know who is it?", I caught her up on the situation. Started asking around and it was definitely her.'

Watkins, who had her sentenced commuted in January, said her and Maxwell would go on to speak several times a week, typically while exercising around the yard.

She said that Maxwell brought up her own case a few times and only made one mention of Epstein, her former lover and boss, that she could remember.

'We don't talk about cases as inmates because people will think you're a snitch, it's an unspoken rule among inmates. You don't ask,' she explained.

'[Maxwell] did bring it up a couple times but it was very very hush hush. She didn't talk a lot about it.

'She did say that the DOJ had no interest in her until after, her exact words were until after Jeffrey, and then she paused for a second and said died. That was the only time he ever came up.'

According to Watkins Maxwell came across as being at ease inside prison, adding that she 'didn't seem unduly worried'.

She added: 'The open dorm situation is very good, there's like 40 or 50 people around so if anybody tried anything, there's witnesses. She seemed very at ease, very calm and approachable.'

Watkins, seen here, said Maxwell mostly kept to herself inside the prison, a low security facility in the Florida capital. She had her sentenced commuted earlier this year

Watkins, a former member of the Oath Keepers militia group, is seen here outside the US Capitol on January 6, 2020

Epstein is seen here alongside Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019

Watkins said that anybody involved in child or sex cases is somewhat protected by the authorities.

'If someone is to retaliate against her they catch an entire indictment and can get like 10 years or something.

'I don't think she feared anything from the other inmates, she was also very helpful. She worked in the law library', she added.

In the US correctional facilities offer inmates the resources to access the courts and further understand their legal rights and options with in house law libraries.

Watkins said that Maxwell worked inside the one in Tallahassee and provided fellow inmates with the right legal forms and offered advice, even running her own classes.

'She was very concerned about peoples medical well-being and so she did have that kind side to her.'

Despite this, Watkins added that Maxwell did make her uneasy, due to her being aware of the nature of her case.

She added: '[Maxwell] made me nervous, anytime she came around she made me nervous but she was very nice.'

Maxwell is said to have kept to herself, and had one close friend who Watkins identified only as Lisa

This March 28, 2017, file photo, provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein.

Maxwell, seen here kissing Epstein, worked inside the law library at FCI Tallahassee, according to Watkins

Watkins said that outside of helping others with legal cases, Maxwell spent her time working out and reading books constantly. She revealed the madam has a taste for classic literature.

She never recalled seeing Maxwell with a tablet inside or ever spending time inside the TV room, deciding to work on her case or read instead.

Watkins also took aim at the food available to inmates as being 'not fit for human consumption' while saying that she recalled Maxwell eating kosher meals.

Maxwell is said to have kept to herself, and had one close friend who Watkins identified only as Lisa. Lisa told others she was a doctor before her prison stint.

According to Watkins the facility had problems with drug use amongst inmates, particularly the prescription opioid Suboxone and crystal meth.

Due to this, she said her and Maxwell bonded over not being hooked on the substances.

'We avoided most of the inmates cause they were high all the time and we didn't want to be around that. She would gravitate towards people who were also sober,' Watkins said.

'We walked the track one day and we were trying to calculate how many people were sober in the prison, I think we came up with 12', she added.

Maxwell is seen here exercising around the yard at the prison, something she would do frequently according to Watkins

The only other details of her private life Maxwell gave out was that her father had worked in the media, according to Watkins.

Epstein and Maxwell were previously pictured alongside President Donald Trump in the past, Maxwell only made mention mention of Trump inside once, Watkins added.

She said: 'There was something in the news about Trump having Jeffrey Epstein at Mar-a-Lago or something.

'I guess she had done some interview and the media had asked her about President Trump, and she came back and said "well like why are you interested in Trump and not the Clintons?".

'I guess they were far closer, I don't know. It was a passing statement, she never really elaborated on that.'

Watkins said that Maxwell was not suicidal, suggesting her former bunkmate could meet the same fate as Epstein who was found dead in a New York City jail cell in 2019.

At the time of Epstein's death, which was ruled a suicide, he had pleaded not guilty to the charges held against him.

His suicide fueled public speculation that he was assassinated as part of a cover-up to protect other high-profile individuals who were potentially complicit in his crimes.

From that, a theory that the well-connected financier maintained a list of clients to whom underage girls were trafficked emerged.

President Trump and First Lady Melania are seen here alongside Epstein and Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in February of 2000

The Trump administration backed that notion, with the president himself saying on the campaign trail last year that he would make sure the list was released.

An all out MAGA civil war has ensued after Trump's Department of Justice said in a memo earlier this month that, despite fueling theories for years, there is no list.

Attorney General Pam Bondi made promises that raised the expectations of conservatives, maintaining this year that the list 'was on her desk'.

To some fanfare, right-wing influencers were welcomed to the White House in February and provided with binders marked 'The Epstein Files: Phase 1'.

It later emerged that the information contained in the dossiers handed over was already publicly available.

The DOJ also released videos from inside the New York City facility where Epstein died, saying it proved he committed suicide.

Critics have pointed to the fact that there is a crucial minute missing from the footage that also does not show the door or, indeed, the inside of Epstein's jail cell.

It is a challenging crisis for Trump to maneuver, as he spent the last few years stoking theories and embracing propaganda that he is the chosen one to demolish the 'deep state'.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, seen here alongside Trump, made promises that raised the expectations of conservatives, maintaining this year that the list 'was on her desk'

Now that he's back in charge of the government, his supporters who viciously support him have turned on him, demanding answers.

He spoke with reporters on Tuesday, saying: 'I don't understand what the interest or what the fascination is.'

Asked whether Bondi had told him his name was in the Epstein files, Trump said no. He then praised her handling of the case.

He went on to suggest, without citing evidence, that the documents were 'made up' by former FBI Director James Comey and former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Maxwell indicated this week that she is willing to testify before Congress about the so-called Epstein list.

A source told the Daily Mail: 'Despite the rumors, Ghislaine was never offered any kind of plea deal.

'She would be more than happy to sit before Congress and tell her story. No-one from the government has ever asked her to share what she knows.

'She remains the only person to be jailed in connection to Epstein and she would welcome the chance to tell the American public the truth.'

Her family have frequently claimed she 'did not receive a fair trial', but legal appeals against her sex trafficking convictions have been rejected by the courts

Ghislaine Maxwell's family (pictured) broke their silence this week to insist she is innocent and was subjected to 'government misconduct'

Her family have frequently claimed she 'did not receive a fair trial', but legal appeals against her sex trafficking convictions have been rejected by the courts.

In a statement this week her family said: 'If necessary, in due course they will also file a writ of habeas corpus in the US district court, SDNY.

'This allows her to challenge her imprisonment on the basis of new evidence such as government misconduct that would have likely changed the trial's outcome.'

That new challenge would be 'on the basis of new evidence such as government misconduct that would have likely changed the trial's outcome'.

The family argue that Maxwell should have been protected under an agreement Epstein entered with the Department of Justice in 2007, in which they vowed not to prosecute any of his co-conspirators after he 'paid fines, paid 'victims' millions of dollars and served 13 months in prison.'

The family wants Maxwell's sentence to be vacated and for her to be referred for resentencing, accusing the court of also 'applying an incorrect guideline range and offense level.'.
She was once at the helm of a haircare empire so successful it featured on QVC and counted comedy icon Joan Rivers among her friends.

But former California tycoon Jeannie Maxon, 69, suffered a stunning fall from grace after allegedly leaving 106 Persian cats inside a roasting U-Haul truck.

Maxon - who looked beautiful, happy, and relaxed while hobnobbing with Rivers on an opulent QVC set in 1994 - found herself in the far less salubrious confines of Merced County Jail over the incident.

The Long Beach local was booked on 93 animal abuse charges after allegedly leaving the pedigree cats inside a van parked in a Taco Bell lot in Santa Nella, near San Jose, on June 29. Twenty eight of the animals died before they could be freed.

Temperatures soared to 93 degrees Fahrenheit that day, with a disturbing photo showing the tormented kitties pressed up against the U-Haul's window.

The incident marks a sad and disturbing new chapter in a life that once epitomized Hollywood glamor and self-made success.

In recent years, Maxon had pivoted away from her shampoo business to become the owner of a Persian and Himalayan cattery before she was finally placed in shackles.

But 90s shopping TV fans may well remember her dazzling earlier career, which reached a pinnacle when Joan Rivers invited her on the show to promote her Hair Fitness range.

Jeannie Maxon, 69, of Long Beach, was once a shampoo tycoon. But she has since had a fall from grace and been accused of 93 counts of animal abuse

Maxon was booked into the Merced County Jail after a sheriff's deputy found 106 Persian cats baking inside a U-Haul in a Taco Bell parking lot in Santa Nella, near San Jose, on June 29 (pictured: Her on Rivers show in 1994)

In a 2019 Facebook photo, Maxon still had the long, flowing blonde tresses, but it lacked the shine it had when she appeared on The Joan Rivers Show

A clip of the show that is still available on YouTube shows Maxon push her hair growth supplement, shampoo and conditioner.

The high regard in which Rivers, who died in 2014 aged 81, was clear to see.

'I've known her for years,' Rivers said while introducing Maxon. 'Her hair is always fabulous.'

The two shared a tight hug before Rivers launched into a string of compliments about her hair, whose three-foot-long tresses glowed with astonishing health and vibrancy.

Maxon's interest in follicular health began when she accidentally burned her locks off with bleach while a schoolgirl, forcing her to accept her high school diploma in a wig.

Her product line was initially so successful Maxon was even able to hire 90s modeling icon Fabio to pose with her to promote her products, with his famously long hair almost as lustrous as hers.

The line also appeared in Muscle & Fitness and Shape magazines, she claimed on Facebook.

It remains unclear how or when Hair Fitness shut up shop, but Maxon's life has clearly taken a turn for the worse since.,

'For 27 years, I was [the] founder, president, and spokesmodel for Hair Fitness products,' Maxon wrote on her website, recalling her glory days. 'Long hair has always been my passion.'

In a 2019 Facebook photo, Maxon still had the long, flowing blonde tresses, but it lacked the shine it had when she appeared on The Joan Rivers Show in the 90s.

At least 20 of the beautiful, long-haired white cats were observed baking in the sunlight through the windshield in June, with dozens more inside the van, including 28 deceased

Her love of hair even bled into her passion for Persian cats, famed for their pristine white coats.

The cats are typically adopted for anywhere between $500 and $5,000. It is unclear how much Maxon made off breeding.

'My Persians also have long, flowing, silky fur,' she wrote on her website.

But Maxon now stands accused of failing to let her stunning kitties look their best - and even placing their lives in mortal danger.

During the Taco Bell parking lot incident in June, at least 20 of the beautiful, long-haired white cats were observed baking in the sunlight through the windshield.

Dozens more were inside the van, including the 28 that were deceased.

The cats range in age from one week old to eight years old.

The animals were taken to the Merced County Animal Shelter in critical condition for urgent medical attention.

'The cats had issues ranging from severe upper respiratory infections and matting that has restricted some of the cats from being able to move their legs,' Alexandra Britton, the deputy sheriff and coroner, told Daily Mail.

'Also, the cats were severely emaciated.'

Exclusive photos obtained by Daily Mail show some of the cats have been shaved, and some appeared haggard and distraught

In an exclusive photo, a small looked worse for wear after him being patched up be medical teams. The cats range in age from one week old to eight years old

In an exclusive photo, a cat was huddled in the back corner of his living space in the shelter. Many of the cats were in critical condition when they were found

Exclusive photos obtained by Daily Mail show some of the cats have been shaved, and some appeared haggard and distraught.

Although the cat have surpassed their 14-day hold, they still have not been cleared by a vet for adoption, Britton said.

As they become healthy enough to go to forever homes, they will appear on the shelter's page for adoption.

The shelter is also open to out-of-state adoptions, Britton told Daily Mail.

'They said that that shouldnt be an issue!' she said. 'I would recommend just keeping an eye out on their webpage or social media to see which cats are available for adoption.'

The shelter and sheriff's office have started a GoFundMe to help pay for the kitties' care. It has raised more than $2,000 so far.

Persian cats are an expensive breed and it is unclear how much the adoption fee through the shelter will be.

The breed is known for their big eyes, soft fur, and their gentle demeanor, making them very popular.

Her product line was so success the cat lady even had Fabio posing with her for sexy shots on her product containers. The line also appeared in Muscle & Fitness and Shape magazines

'The cats had issues ranging from severe upper respiratory infections and matting that has restricted some of the cats from being able to move their legs,' Alexandra Britton, the deputy sheriff and coroner, told Daily Mail (pictured: the cats in the U-Haul)

Although the cat have surpassed their 14-day hold, they still have not been cleared by a vet for adoption, Britton told Daily Mail. They will be posted on the shelter's website when they are and out-of-state adoptions will be allowed

The Merced County Sheriff's Office reminded the public not to leave animals in cars during the summer months as it's 'very dangerous.'

'On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can soar to extreme levels in just a few minutes, even with the windows open.

'This can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and even death of the animal left inside.'

Photos inside the van showed kennels and cardboard boxes where cats were sleeping on, their fur appeared to be slick with sweat.

Daily Mail has reached out to Maxon for comment.
On the surface, she looks like any ordinary middle-aged mum.

Living on a quiet cul-de-sac with her childhood sweetheart and two dogs, 55-year-old Jacqueline Fletcher is not who comes to mind when you picture your typical conniving fraudster.

The mother-of-two was born and bred in the rural village of Brinsworth, Rotherham, and raised her daughters from the very same semi-detached dwelling she and her husband still reside in now.

And despite living on the quiet street for over three decades - where the 'only thing you hear is a car door slamming' - neighbours say she 'kept to herself' and never struck them as having led a particularly luxurious lifestyle.

So it came as an utter surprise to residents when it transpired that Fletcher had all along been running a 100k raid under their noses - with even her police neighbour being ignorant to her elaborate scheme.

And to make matters even more shocking, the brazen criminal carried out her theft in plain sight at a police station.

Despite being jailed for more than two years for the crime, the mother-of-two now faces more jail time if she does not cough up more than 100,000 in three months.

Fletcher had been a South Yorkshire Police employee at the time and had stolen 98,500 while working at Attercliffe Police Station in Sheffield.

In 2013, a large quantity of cash was seized as part of a police investigation and placed into the station's property store.

Fletcher had been working as a team leader at the store and as part of her role was responsible for managing cash.

Jacqueline Fletcher was jailed to two years and eight months in 2018 after being found guilty of four counts of theft. She had stolen nearly 100,000 of seized money from the police while working as a South Yorkshire Police employee

Pictured: Fletcher's semi-detached house in the village of Brinsworth, Rotherham. A flower vase can be spotted in the window. The 55-year-old now has to pay up 108,000 for her crimes or risks facing another 12-month jail sentence

She informed the officer in charge of the investigation that she had counted and banked the seized money in the force's account, but never did.

Instead, she only put 1,500 into the force account and banked a staggering 98,500 into her own bank account.

She then continued to work at the station with her crime going unnoticed, and subsequently left the force in 2015.

It was only in 2017, when a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) investigation connected to the seized money was requested, that it was noticed the cash was missing.

An investigation was launched and in 2018 the mother-of-two was sentenced to two years and eight months after admitting to four counts of theft.

She was also handed a confiscation order instructing her to pay back 47,000 under the POCA.

But now, following a reconsideration of the original 2018 order by the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Crime Unit (YHROCU), Fletcher has been ordered to pay back an additional 108,256.86.

It comes after the YHROCU's Asset Confiscation Enforcement team reviewed and identified new assets and pursued outstanding orders.

The unassuming mum now faces a 12-month prison sentence if she does not pay the additional order in three months.

MailOnline visited the sleepy street where the woman lives.

One neighbour said: 'She has two daughters. They are grown up.

'You just see her sometimes get into her car.

'Since she came back [from prison], she keeps herself to herself.

'They have got two dogs. I have seen her husband walking the dogs, but you never see her out walking.

'Her husband went to school with my son. I think her and her husband were going out together from school so they have always been together.

'It is very quiet around here. They have lived here a lot of years so we could not believe it - fancy robbing from the police.'

A view of the quiet cul-de-sac where locals told of their shock when they found out the unassuming woman had stolen the large amount of money

The couple are understood to have two adult daughters who both live away from home.

A vase of flowers sits in the front window of Fletcher's modest dwelling on the cul-de-sac.

In the driveway is parked a 2018 model Mazda and 2016 Toyota hatchback.

Neighbours say she has kept a low profile since her arrest.

Another resident added: 'We have been here 32 years and had to wait for the builders to finish the house so they have lived here for many years.

'I think she was born and bred around here. It is not a big place. This street is a quiet place all the time. The only thing you ever heard is a car door slamming.

'You never see her and no one really talks about what happened.

'Her husband is really quiet. My partner give him a lift one and he never spoke all the way back. He doesnt talk to anyone.'

Detective Superintendent James Axe, head of our Professional Standards Department, said: 'We expect all of our employees to behave professionally, honestly and with integrity. Fletcher showed none of these traits, behaving disgracefully and abusing the trust placed in her.

'The vital work carried out the YHROCU's ACE team has ensured that more of the money Fletcher stole will be recovered. The money secured through confiscation order helps fund community grant schemes and officer training allowing us to give back to our communities, as well as ensuring Fletcher does not continue to benefit from her offending.'

Ramona Senior, head of operations at the YHROCU said: 'Our dedicated ACE team proactively reviews opportunities to revisit confiscation orders made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

'We will relentlessly pursue outstanding unpaid orders and identify where new assets have been acquired that can be subject to confiscation, no matter who has acquired them. We also look at increasing the amount available for recovery if a criminals circumstances have changed since the original confiscation order.

'The ACE team has recovered more than 10.3 million in criminal assets on behalf of our regions four police forces over the past two years.'
A mother who fell to her death from a city centre apartment block was embroiled in a bitter legal fight with her celebrity antiques dealer fiance over their 2.7million London home.

Rachel O'Hare, 49, was suing her exlover Owen Pacey, 60, for ownership of the fivestorey Georgian mansion, in the trendy area of Spitalfields, before she died.

According to court documents seen by the Mail, she claims she paid for the property and it was rightfully hers.

Ms O'Hare alleged that Mr Pacey, a former squatter and selfmade antique fireplace expert who counts Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Kate Winslet and Orlando Bloom among his clients, had locked her out of the luxury home.

She says he stopped her from collecting her belongings, refused to pay any bills and threatened to 'trash' the interior, which is packed with beautiful artwork, ornate Italian chandeliers and expensive designer furniture.

The couple, who split acrimoniously in May last year, were due to go head to head over the property at a High Court trial in the next few months.

But just four days after the most recent hearing in the case, at Leeds Combined Court, on June 26, Ms O'Hare was found dead.

The exact details of what happened during the costs and case management hearing are unknown, but on June 30 her body was discovered on the pavement next to an apartment complex, in Manchester city centre, where she was living.

Police said there are no suspicious circumstances and an inquest into her death is due to open next week.

Rachel O'Hare (pictured), 49, fell to her death from a city centre apartment block. She was found dead on June 26

Ms O'Hare, 49, had been suing her antiques dealer fiance Owen Pacey (pictured), 60, over their 2.7million London home

The fivestorey Georgian mansion is located in the trendy area of Spitalfields, London

The interior of the house is packed with beautiful artwork, ornate Italian chandeliers and expensive designer furniture

The fivestorey Georgian mansion in west London that was the centre of Ms O'Hare and Mr Pacey's court battle

In a statement to the court, Ms O'Hare claimed Mr Pacey persuaded her to buy the elegant 18th Century house, in Wilkes Street, east London, in their joint names, in June 2021.

She took out a loan and also used the proceeds of her divorce settlement from exhusband, Steve O'Hare, 50, a Cheshirebased millionaire investment manager, with whom she had three teenage children, to pay for it.

At that time, she and Mr Pacey had been together for less than a year following a whirlwind romance after meeting at his highend fireplace showroom, Renaissance, which is based in a former Victorian pub, in Shoreditch, east London.

Legal papers seen by MailOnline show that when the former couple bought the house together in 2021, they both signed an agreement specifying that if one of them were to die, ownership of the house would pass to the surviving partner

The documents, drawn up by the solicitors who had handled the purchase of the historic Spitalfields house, had offered Mr Pacey and Ms OHare two options: they could either each own a specified proportion of the whole property or they could jointly own the whole with full ownership reverting to the surviving partner if the other predeceased them.

Because they chose the latter option, the documents signed on 1st August 2021 mean Owen Pacey became the sole owner of the 2.7 million 18th Century property in London following Rachel OHares sudden death.

In a newspaper interview while they were still a couple, Mr Pacey claimed it was love at first sight when they first met.

'She bought a table,' he said. 'That was it, as soon as I saw her.'

Ms O'Hare said Mr Pacey, who was brought up in a council flat in gritty Bethnal Green and left school at 14 with no qualifications, promised to pay her his share of the fourbedroomed property within two years, once he had sold the 1.2million maisonette above the shop that he owned.

'The first defendant (Mr Pacey) said he had no money to contribute when the property was purchased but would be able to pay the claimant for his share in due course,' legal documents said.

To give her peace of mind, Ms O'Hare said Mr Pacey also agreed to put half of his fireplace business, worth around 5million, in her name until he secured the monies.

She also claimed they agreed to share the cost of renovating the house  they spent 14,000 on radiator valves alone  and, if he didn't pay his share or they split, it would revert back to her ownership.

Mr Pacey gave her paperwork to sign, which persuaded her he was arranging the legal formalities, and also sent her reassuring texts, saying: 'You are on the title deed either of the flat or shop,' she said.

Rachel O'Hare, 49, was killed falling from a block of flats in Manchester on June 30 in a tragedy described by police as 'nonsuspicious'

Steve O'Hare (left) is comanaging partner of Equistone Partners Europe. Tributes have poured in for Rachel (right) who cofounded a charity for victims of domestic violence

Police at the scene in Manchester where Ms O'Hare's body was discovered on the pavement next to an apartment complex, where she was living

The scene around the Leonardo Hotel and Victoria House apartments was cordoned off following the grim discovery

Shortly before Christmas, in 2022, the couple got engaged and Mr Pacey did 'gift' Ms O'Hare a 50 per cent share in the threebedroomed maisonette.

He moved into the newly renovated Wilkes Street property and told a journalist: 'I used to dream about living in Spitalfields. To actually live there now  I've never been so happy.'

But Ms O'Hare remained in Mere, Cheshire, with her three schoolage children and 10 months later, in October 2023, the couple's 'turbulent' relationship started hitting the rocks.

Ms O'Hare discovered Mr Pacey had never formalised her 50 per cent stake in his business and they began arguing regularly over money.

She claimed she had ended up paying the lion's share of the house refurbishment when he failed to pay builders' fees.

She also alleged Mr Pacey was 'controlling' and instructed lawyers to begin legal action against him.

'The relationship between the claimant (Ms O'Hare) and the first defendant (Mr Pacey) was turbulent,' Ms O'Hare's claim said. 'Incidents led to temporary separations and there was a final and unequivocal parting in May 2024.

'The claimant contends that the cause of the breakdowns was the first defendant's controlling and abusive behaviour, which led to the involvement of the police.'

Owen Pacey (pictured above) said it was 'love at first sight' when he met Rachel O'Hare and has denied being controlling

Mr Pacey was alleged to have promised to put half of his business in Ms O'Hare's name  only to never have done so

Jamie Oliver and Owen Pacey on Pacey's Shoreditch terrace

The secluded terrace of O'Hare's 3million house in Spitalfields

The interior of the home also boast an elegant tiled floor and grand marbled fire place

One of the bedrooms in the flat decorated with lavish furniture and a modern chandelier

In a defence statement also submitted to the court, Mr Pacey denied persuading Ms O'Hare, a respected fundraiser who set up a domestic abuse charity providing toiletries for women living in refuges, to buy the house in their joint names.

He said she did so because they were 'in love' and there was no discussion or agreement about him eventually paying for half of the house or transferring over 50 per cent of his business.

'The parties (Ms O'Hare and Mr Pacey) were going to get married and there was just no discussion about who owned what,' his defence document said.

Mr Pacey, who once described being made homeless and forced to live in a squat in King's Cross after having his first flat repossessed in the 1980s as the 'most traumatic thing I've ever been through,' also denied being controlling.

He said they had only argued seriously twice  both times when Ms O'Hare had been drunk, in Rye, Kent, in the summer of 2023 and the night before they were departing to New York in May 2024.

He also denied not allowing Ms O'Hare access to the property, now estimated to be worth in excess of 3.2m, or not paying bills or threatening to trash it.

He claimed he paid 70,000 towards the house renovation and provided most of the furniture from his shop.

He had also installed six Italian marble fireplaces, worth 350,000, and claimed Ms O'Hare had organised glossy magazine features to show off and promote the 2,700sq ft house, which they planned to rent out for use in 1,000aday photo shoots.

According to his statement, dated February this year, he wanted to get the maisonette and the Georgian home valued, so that he could buy her out of both properties.

When approached by the Mail, Mr Pacey refused to discuss his legal dispute with his former fiancee except to say: 'I worshipped the ground Rachel walked on.'

He added that Ms O'Hare had been suffering from poor mental health in the weeks leading up to her death and had recently been treated in hospital.

Mr Pacey said: 'I'm suffering with my own mental health. I don't want to be here without her.'
A fed up shopkeeper says he's had enough of sitting back while criminals help themselves to his stock - and has taken matters into his own hands to protect his business.

Andrew Board, 39, has become a local have-a-go hero - chasing down thieves, physically dragging them back into the shop, and banning dozens from ever stepping foot through the door again.

After six years of running the store in Durham, Mr Board had reached the end of his tether at being 'robbed blind' while courts dish out slap on the wrist punishments to shoplifters.

His struggles are indicative of a larger shoplifting crisis which has engulfed the nation in recent years, one which policing critics have claimed makes stealing now 'legal.'

In April this year, the number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales passed half a million for the first time with an astonishing 516,971 offences logged by forces last year alone.

This was up 20 per cent from 429,873 in 2023 making it the highest figure since current police records began 22 years ago in 2003

Speaking to the MailOnline, Andrew revealed he wasn't surprised as his business is on the front line.

He revealed: 'It's just got worse and worse because there's no deterrent. Crime pays at the moment.

Shopkeeper Andrew Board says he's had enough of sitting back while criminals help themselves to his stock

The have-a-go hero has made a name for himself by chasing down thieves and physically dragging them back into the shop

PICTURED: A shoplifter attempts to steal butter from Andrew's shop

Andrew and a member of his staff then stepped in to prevent her leaving the premises

PICTURED: A member of Andrew's staff gives chase after a shoplifter leaves the store

'The police have bent it over backwards to try and get all these criminals put before the courts, and they're as frustrated as we are, that they're basically just letting them off the hook.

'They might get a caution or a rehabilitation order, but there's very little to stop them just going out and doing it again.'

Andrew has chased suspects around the estate and recently dragged a man who swiped a crate of Fosters back into the shop.

After his brave citizen's arrest, police arrested the thief - only to spare him prosecution and hand out a community resolution instead.

Andrew said: 'The outcome was that he would just pay for the beer and it would be forgotten about. Despite him being on an electronic tag at the time.

'How is that justice? What kind of message does that send if the worst-case scenario is they just have to give the stuff back?'

CCTV footage shared with Mail Online shows thieves being caught in the act - including a woman sliding tubs of Lurpak inside her coat.

Other clips show Andrew and his staff grappling with shoplifters and hauling them back into the shop to await arrest.

Shoplifting at the store has become so rampant that some products have been pulled entirely.

Lurpak, Nescafe, tubs of fabric softener and even Spam have been removed after being targeted by drug addicts keen to pay off their debts.

Andrew said: 'We had one prolific thief who was in constantly, shoving Lurpak down her coat.

'She wears a lined coats, like a pro. She's been in court over and over again, but not once has been gone to prison.'

The store's banned list has grown to over 40 names. Andrew knows many having grown up and lived in the area all his life. He has chased thieves through back lanes, over fences, around the blocks.

Others are released from the nearby prisons and head straight for his shop

PICTURED: Andrew forcing a shoplifter back inside his store so they can be picked up by the police

PICTURED: A man swipes an entire crate of beer from Andrew's shop in broad daylight

Shoplifting across the country is costing an estimated 4.2billion (Pictured is a thief in action at another shop)

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Andrew said: 'There's no stereotypical shoplifter, I've had eight-year-olds stealing. Middle-aged people stealing to pay drug debts. Pensioners in their eighties stuffing things down their coat.

'There's no set sort of character of what makes a shoplifter now.'

Andrew credits the police for trying but says officers are shackled by rules and red tape. He's in a WhatsApp group with other retailers who track offenders and warn each other when someone's on the move.

But police officers are not allowed to use WhatsApp. So while the group moves in real time, officers can be left catching up.

The scourge of shoplifting has taken a toll on his staff, none of whom signed up face down criminals.

Andrew said: 'I've got some tools of the trade on me. I don't give them a chance to react. I work on shock tactics.

'I do have some restraint where it's needed. I would only retaliate if someone was volatile with me. I'm forceful in the immediate stage, but then if someone was going to pull a scrap with me, then I would hold my own.

'I tell the staff to challenge but only if they feel safe. Often they'll ring me because I only live a minute away.

'My wife knows that I can handle myself and I do have a sensible head on my shoulders. But she's always going to worry in case anything does happen.'

Nationally, half a million shoplifting offences in England and Wales were recorded by police last year, up 20 per cent from 2023.

Andrew says shoplifting is having a major impact on small business struggling with ever-shrinking profit margins.

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A masked thief - dressed all in black - loading stolen vapes in to a large bag in a Tesco store this year

He said: 'These people are stealing out of my pocket because this is my business and I won't have it anymore.

'Small businesses now, they're closing left, right and centre, because all the extra expenses we're now subject to, all the extra regulations we're now being bound by that we've got to fork out our own pockets for.

'Wages and overheads are all going up. National insurance payments have gone up.

'So we're being hammered left, right and centre. And now all these thieves are just coming in like it's a free-for-all.

'People think acquisitive crime is harmless but if I go under, then the post office in the shop goes too. The community loses out and that's not fair.

'Shoplifting will not go down until something in the legal system changes.'

In a Facebook post in April, the store warned: 'We aren't one of those large corporate stores making millions and can absorb losses due to theft. We're a small, local, family run business that does its best to cater for the community.

'All thefts are a theft direct from our pocket and jeopardise our ability to trade and serve our community. Because of this, we absolutely WILL protect and defend ourselves against thieves and anyone caught will be dealt with accordingly.'

A Durham Police spokeswoman said: 'Shoplifting is a significant issue nationwide, and County Durham and Darlington is no different.

'We take this type of offending extremely seriously and work hard to tackle the issue across our force area.

'A large proportion of shoplifting offences are opportunistic and committed by people with drug or alcohol addictions.

'That's why, as a force, we must look at the bigger picture and find out why individuals offend in the first place and seek to address the underlying reasons for their offending.'
EastEnders legend Martine McCutcheon has been declared bankrupt  just months after the break up of her marriage, MailOnline can reveal.

The 49 year old actress - who also appeared in Love Actually - filed a petition for her insolvency over a debt to a finance company, official public records reveal.

McCutcheon's financial woes follow soon after the very public split from husband Jack McManus, with whom she shares a ten-year-old son.

The couple, who had married in a lavish event at Lake Como in Italy in 2012, announced their split late last year.

And her bankruptcy was issued just two months after McCutcheon and musician McManus, 42, sold the family home they had shared, a five bedroom detached home in Surrey for 1,355,000, as they went their separate ways.

The bankruptcy order was made in her married name  Martine McManus - despite her being formally single by the then.

It was issued in March at the County Court in Guildford, Surrey following a petition filed by a company called LDF Finance to whom she owed an unspecified sum of money.

But that wasn't the only financial blow to strike her soon after the marriage split: her company Raven Music Ltd was also wound up just last month at the request of HMRC due to unpaid tax bills, MailOnline has learned.

Martine McCutcheon and Jack McManus got married 2012 but announced their split late last year (Pictured after renewing their vows in 2022)

The couple's five bedroom 3000sq ft detached home was put on the market on May 31 and the asking price has been slashed by 250,000, from its original listing of 1.5million

The most recent accounts for the company reveal that it owed more than 175,000 to the taxman, payable in the 12month period after February 2022.

McCutcheon's total personal tax bill has not been revealed, and it is not known if the Official Receiver will apply for a public examination of her bankruptcy which would disclose her financial affairs to the world.

As Martine's finances were unravelling, the actress continued to put on a brave face in public: that same month that her music company was hitting the buffers, for example, she posted on social media about a day out with her son Rafferty and their dog.

She wrote: 'I love being by the water  The Uk has SO many beautiful places and in the sunshine, it really does take some beating doesn't it?  This is us on Hampton court river. We booked a boat, and took a little picnic and it was gorgeous!! '

This is actually the second time that the actress - whose net worth was once estimated as being over 2 million - has been declared bankrupt, having previously endured the distressing legal process in 2013.

That earlier bankruptcy came after she reportedly racked up 187,000 of debts,which included 150,000 owed to HMRC.

But McCutcheon is believed to have been discharged from that previous bankruptcy in 2014, allowing her to get back on her feet financially.

She and her husband were certainly solvent enough to be able to splash out 1.3m on buying their dream detached home in Surrey in June 2022.

But the move to a dream home didn't save the relationship of the couple who revealed last August that they were splitting up last August after 18 years together.

And McCutcheon revealed last year that her husband had ended their relationship.

Sources close to the star indicated she desperately tried to save her marriage but eventually accepted her husband's decision to move on.

In her split statement, which she posted on Instagram, McCutcheon wrote: 'After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it's best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.'

She later added: 'I continue to send Jack, all the love, luck and happiness for the next chapter of his life.'

It later emerged that they had put their home on the market three months earlier in May last year with an asking price of 1.5m.

The decision to slash the price comes just a week after Martine appeared to take a swipe at her ex in a series of cryptic Instagram posts

They later reduced the price to 1.25m  meaning they faced making a loss on the property  before securing a sale in January this year for 1,355,000, according to Land Registry records.

The actress has now downsized and is believed to live in a rented three bedroom Victorian terraced home in a nearby town in Surrey.

McCutcheon shot to fame in 1995 at the age of 18 when she played Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders and stayed in the BBC1 show until 1998 when her character was killed off.

She went on to launch a pop career, and had a number one hit in 1999 with her song Perfect Moment.

McCutcheon went on to have a number of TV roles and won a Laurence Olivier Award in 2002 for playing Eliza Doolittle in the National Theatre's stage production of My Fair Lady.

She also starred with Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Colin Firth in the 2003 hit film Love Actually, and went to America in the wake of its success, but a Hollywood career did not materialise.

Her novel The Mistress became a top ten bestseller in 2009 and she went on to be the face of Dantone's UK advertising campaign for its Activa yogurt.

She was said to be earning just 1.50 an hour in Knicker Box before her EastEnders role which set her on the path to amassing a reported fortune of 1.5million.

McCutcheon has previously admitted she is 'materialistic' and has a love for the finer things in life.

She once said: 'I love nice things  I consider Ralph Lauren sheets to be a necessity, not a luxury  but I've known what it's like to be poor.

'I'm a Taurean, so I'm very passionate and determined and materialistic. Down the years I've spent a lot of money and saved a bit of money and had a lot of fun.

'And yes, if it all ended tomorrow and I could never afford another Gucci bag, then I think it's safe to say that I've got enough to be going on with.'

A source told MailOnline: 'Martine's had an incredibly tough few years, not just in her personal life, but her businesses too.

'Unfortunately the bankruptcy was unavoidable, but she's seeing it as a fresh start and will look to bounce back. She's done it before and she'll do it again.'

In an interview with BBC4's Woman's Hour, she admitted that she turned into a recluse when her marriage first came under strain.

She said: 'I didn't want to answer my phone. I didn't want to answer the front door, go outside and I would panic out of nowhere and have to pull over when I was driving because I felt this huge fear and couldn't breathe.'

The actress added: 'I genuinely felt I was losing my mind. I didn't know if I really was or if it was something that was perimenopausal.

'It would just come on out of nowhere and when I spoke to my specialist about it she said, 'You know this is sadly the case for many women.'

McCutcheon's health was also deeply impacted by the shock death in 2022 of her brother LJ (Lawrence John) who had a mild form of special needs and passed away with 'no medical explanation'.

The website designer had been due to get married a month before his death and McCutcheon was going to be a bridesmaid.

Following his death, McCutcheon who was already living with ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) admitted she had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

Speaking on the A Gentle Star: The Showercast podcast, she admitted she had been in denial about having the condition.

She said: 'At first I went into I went into denial, completely into denial, because my brother had passed away.

'I've been diagnosed with ME, and I just thought, I can't take this diagnosis on and whatever it means. I need to just keep going at life the way that I am. And in a way, I was kind of right.

'And then when I did finally look at it, I cried, I cried, cried and cried, I grieved, and it was just for if only I'd known how different things could have been, how much more with ease I would have been able to have done things.'

Martine revealed in August that her husband Jack had left her after 18 years together - days after she wrote a heartfelt birthday tribute for him

The couple, who married in a romantic ceremony at Italy's Lake Como in 2012, had been together for five years before tying the knot and share a ten-year-old son

McCutcheon added: 'I always felt there were certain things that I looked at differently, different things I struggled with compared to other people, but different things I found so easy, and I realised, when I got my ADD diagnosis, that I had spent so much time trying to be a square in a round circle, and it was exhausting.

'It was so draining. It was just so hard. And in a way, I feel like I wasn't meant to find out, as sad as it was, because I did lose a lot of things in my life.

'I did struggle with a lot of things that I don't think I would have done necessarily. I think that if I'd have known before those four years ago that I had ADD, I don't know if I would have been able to have coped with it the way that I do now.'

McCutcheon set up her company Raven Music Ltd in February 2017, according to Companies House records.

Its last accounts filed in February 2023 showed it had assets of 272,977 including more than 211,000 in cash in the bank in February 2022.

But at the same time, it had debts falling due for payment in the future for 255,693, including 110,000 in Corporation Tax and 64,790 in other HMRC payments

The company faced a notice for compulsory strike off in February last year, but it was suspended two weeks later before being wound up at the request of the HMRC.

Mailonline has approached McCutcheon's representatives for comment.
Former Labor leader Mark Latham joked with an ex-lover that tech billionaire Richard White owed her 'big money' and that she should seek compensation.

Latham made the remarks to his former partner Nathalie Matthews in a series of text exchanges reported by The Australian on Friday.

The NSW Upper House member also joked Ms Matthews should perform oral sex on the 70-year-old founder of Wisetech Global to 'celebrate', after four board members left the firm and he was appointed executive chairman in February.

Latham sent Ms Matthews a news article about the latest development and joked she was owed 'big money' by Mr White and that she should 'get that compo DNA!!!!'

Ms Matthews' past as an OnlyFans content creator was revealed by Daily Mail Australia on Friday, where she posted graphic images and videos of herself under the suggestive name Bondi C** Sl** from 2019 to 2023.

Ms Matthews replied that there were 'not really grounds' to support such a claim.

'I could kill my professional career. Remember, I don't have a secure job,' she said.

But Latham persisted, saying the company 'will pay big time'.

Richard White (left) is pictured alongside Nathalie Matthews (centre) and Mark Latham (right)

Mark Latham is pictured with his former partner Nathalie Matthews

The revelations come after Mr White was dragged into a messy row between the former partners, after Latham's lawyer Zali Burrows served a subpoena on both the Wisetech founder and Ms Matthews.

The subpoena requested emails, text messages, and OnlyFans direct messages between Mr White and Ms Matthews, who connected on LinkedIn in 2023.

Mr White is not accused of any wrongdoing and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr White and Ms Matthews engaged in a sexual relationship, only that Latham joked about her performing a sex act on the tech billionaire.

Mr White resigned as chief executive of Wisetech last October but was appointed executive chairman in February, after four board members stepped down.

On February 24, Mr Latham sent Ms Matthews a news article about the latest development at the billionaire's company.

'He will want you to suck his c*** to celebrate,' Mr Latham wrote.

'What an honour!' he added, along with an emoji of a shocked expression.

He later suggested Mr White would soon be 'back as CEO', adding it would 'increase share price'.

Billionaire WiseTech founder Richard White (pictured) has been dragged into the messy row between Mr Latham and Ms Matthews, having been subpoenaed by Mr Latham's lawyers

Ms Matthews (pictured) is seeking an AVO against Latham

'So buy 30k at 2pm today,' he urged Ms Matthews.

Ms Matthews then jokingly asked whether this was 'insider trading' to which Latham replied: 'Insider f***-ing.'

The former OnlyFans creator is seeking an apprehended violence order against Mr Latham, claiming he inflicted 'a sustained pattern' of psychological, financial and emotional abuse against her for almost three years.

She alleged vile acts 'including defecating on me before sex and refusing to let me wash'.

Ms Matthews has further alleged his behaviour involved 'pressuring me to engage in sexual acts with others, demanding I call him "master", telling me I was his property, and repeatedly telling me that my only value to him was for sex to demean and control me'.

Latham noted the AVO case against him was being brought privately after NSW Police chose not to pursue the allegations.

The MP has categorically denied he 'abuses women' and insisted all his dealings with Ms Matthews were entirely consensual.

It is not suggested the claims of abusive behaviour are substantiated, only that the allegations have been made.

Mr Latham joked Ms Matthews may be owed 'big money' by Mr White

Ms Matthews runs an e-commerce global logistics firm based in Dubai, Perth and Sydney.

Ms Matthews now runs an e-commerce global logistics firm based in Dubai, Perth and Sydney.

A spokesperson for Ms Matthews told Daily Mail Australia her client had 'no comment to make at this point in time.'

'Domestic violence is a serious issue in our society,' they said.

'Any individual in genuine fear should have the right to seek protection without vilification.'

Mr Latham and Mr White were contacted by Daily Mail Australia.
Investigators are continuing to probe a suspected serial killer in connection with the disappearance of news anchor Jodi Huisentruit, as they work to establish whether a compelling lead is a vital clue or just an incredible coincidence.

Huisentruit, 27, was running late to her shift at KIMT-TV in Mason City, Iowa, on June 27, 1995, when she was abducted from the parking lot of her apartment complex sometime after 4am.

Where Huisentruit was taken next - and by whom - remains a mystery three decades on. She was declared legally dead in 2001, but no arrests have ever been made and her body has never been found.

For years, police closely guarded evidence and leads, leaving her loved ones in the dark - fearful her disappearance would never be solved.

However, a new documentary, Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit, has pulled back the curtain on the case for the first time, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the investigation and revealing never-before-heard evidence.

One potential suspect profiled in the documentary is Christopher Revak, an accused killer first linked to the case in 2009.

Revak took his own life in jail the same year while awaiting trial for the 2007 abduction and murder of Rene Marie Williams, 36, in Missouri. He was also suspected of murdering Deidre Harm in 2006 after meeting her at a bar in Wisconsin.

In the years since, investigators have probed whether Revak could be tied to other deaths across the Midwest. To date, hes been tentatively linked to five homicides spanning 14 years, including Huisentruit.

Jodi Huisentruit, 27, was a rising star at KIMT when she vanished in 1995

MCPD's Terrance Prochaska (pictured) revealed never-before-shared evidence for the first time in a new documentary, Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit

Christopher Revak, who killed himself in a jail cell in 2009 after being booked on homicide charges, is being re-examined by cops

In December last year, Mason City Sergeant Terrance Prochaska traveled to Wisconsin to meet with investigators overseeing the Harm case and compare notes on Revak - a meeting captured in Her Last Broadcast.

The most compelling thread tying Revak to Huisentruit is the fact that Revaks first wife - identified only as Jennifer - was living in Mason City in 1995, when the news anchor disappeared.

Stranger still is the fact that Jennifer lived in the same duplex as Huisentruits close friend, John Vansice, who is believed to have been the last known person to see her alive and is a leading person of interest.

This is one of the biggest coincidences in this case, Prochaska said in the documentary.

According to Prochaska, Jennifer moved to Mason City from Wisconsin Dells after breaking up with Revak, who stayed behind in Wisconsin.

Jennifer moved out of Vansice's building three months before Huisentruit disappeared. She told police that Revak, then 23, never visited her while she was living there.

However, law enforcements working theory is that Revak may have traveled to Mason City to come looking for Jennifer and began surveilling the address, unaware shed moved out.

The night before Huisentruit disappeared, Vansice claimed she came to his apartment to watch a recording of a surprise party hed thrown her weeks earlier.

If Revak was looking for [Jennifer] or found her and was stalking her to see if she was living here, the chances of him running into Jodi are very high...it gives me chills, said Prochaska.

She lived at the same duplex (above) as a close friend of Jodi Huisentruit's

Revak took his own life in jail in 2009 awaiting trial for the murder of Rene Marie Williams (left), 36, in Missouri. He was also suspected of murdering Deidre Harm (right) in 2006

Like Jodi, the remains of Revaks only confirmed victim, Rene Williams, were never found - but traces of her blood discovered in his car pointed to his guilt.

In the documentary, investigators say Revaks method was to target women he'd just met, often approaching them late at night in parking lots, in Midwest towns where he had connections - akin to how Huisentruit was abducted.

Douglas County Sheriff Chris Degase, who investigated Williams murder, said the coincidence of Revak's ex living next to Vancise is too great to overlook.

Ive been in law enforcement for 32 years, and I do not believe in coincidences, said Degase.

I believe in my gut that he killed Jodi. What are the chances of his girlfriend living next door?

Prochaska is trying to put Revak in Mason City on or around June 27, 1995 - the day Huisentruits trail went cold.

Records place Revak in Wisconsin on June 17 and on July 9, 1995, but his whereabouts between those two dates are unknown.

The investigation into Revak remains ongoing.

In a statement to FindJodi.com last year, Wisconsin Rapids Lt. Scott Goldberg said his department and MCPD wouldnt be doing Jodi justice without reexamining Revak.

Jodi Huisentruit, 27, was running late to her shift at KIMT-TV in Mason City, Iowa, on June 27, 1995, when she was abducted from the parking lot of her apartment complex

John Vansice is also extensively investigated in Her Last Broadcast.

Vansice, Huisentruits closest male friend in Mason City, was more than 20 years her senior. He had a boat he often took Huisentruit out on, which he'd christened 'The Jodi' in tribute to her.

He quickly became a person of interest after turning up outside her apartment, telling police he was likely the last known person to have seen her.

According to Vansice, then 49, she stopped by his home on the evening of June 26 to watch a video of a surprise birthday party he'd thrown for her weeks before.

The last person to speak with Huisentruit was her producer at KIMT-TV, Amy Kuns, who called her at 4am the following morning to let her know shed overslept for work.

Husientruit apologized and said shed be at the station within 15 minutes. She was due on air at 6am.

However, Huisentruit never showed. Somewhere between leaving her apartment and trying to get into her car, she was attacked by an unknown assailant.

In the documentary, its revealed that Vansice called KIMT-TV early on the morning of Huisentruits disappearance, and asked her producer, Amy Kuns: Hi, is Jodi there? Its John.

Jodi is pictured with friends at her birthday party. Standing above her is John Vansice, the last person known to have seen her alive

John Vansice denied any involvement in Jodi's disappearance

Kuns, who was about to go on air in Huisentruits place, said she informed him she wasnt, to which Vansice responded: Well, where is she? Why isnt she at work?

According to Kuns, that call came in before she was aware that anything grave had happened to Huisentruit, and before police came to KIMT to report her abduction.

That stood out in my memory as very odd, Kuns said, because I dont remember him calling on any other day.

Later that morning, Vansice drove to Huisentruits apartment with two others to speak with police.

One of those two people appeared in the documentary anonymously and claimed Vansices first words that morning were Jodis gone - before the news had broken about her suspected abduction.

Sergeant Prochaska said that in the immediate aftermath, Vansice made himself almost too available to investigators. He was incredibly forthcoming but suddenly stopped cooperating when certain, unspecified details stopped adding up, Prochaska said.

Fellow anchor Amy Johnson, who worked for KGAN-TV at the time, claimed that Vansice would call her station religiously asking for the latest scoop on the investigation.

He did all the things the perpetrator of a crime would do, said Johnson.

Vansice also allegedly called KIMT after undergoing a polygraph test to tell them hed passed and would be popping champagne in celebration, which those who knew Huisentruit found odd.

Prochaska declined to comment on whether or not Vansice passed his polygraph, adding only that hes never been ruled out conclusively.

Vansice died in December last year from Alzheimer's

Vansice quickly left Mason City for Arizona, where he died in December 2024 from Alzheimer's. He maintained his innocence until his death.

Her Last Broadcast reveals that MCPD is taking a close look at another person of interest, Brad Millerbernd, the ex-husband of one of Huisentruits closest friends, Patty Niemeyer.

In the series, Niemeyer describes how, after watching an ABC 20/20 special on the case three years ago, she got a gut feeling that her ex-husband may have been involved.

Niemeyer claimed Millerbernd always had an odd preoccupation with Huisentruit.

Millerbernd has not been accused of any crimes related to Huisentruit and has denied any wrongdoing in his conversations with law enforcement. He declined to speak in the latest ABC documentary, and the Daily Mail's attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.

At the time Huisentruit vanished, Millerbernd was living three hours from Mason City in Winstead, Minnesota, property records show.

He often commuted to Iowa for work, driving a white Ford Ecoline van.

Millerbernd's van stood out to Mason City detectives.

Brad Millerbernd (seen left and right), always had an odd preoccupation with Huisentruit, his ex-wife has alleged

Millerbernd drove a Ford Econoline van at the time, which matched the description of one spotted outside of Huisentruit's apartment the night she vanished

Millerbernd has not been accused of any crimes related to Huisentruit and has denied any wrongdoing

Several witnesses reported seeing a mysterious white Ford van parked outside Huisentruits apartment moments before she was abducted.

Identifying the owner of that vehicle has long been seen as the key to cracking the case.

According to Prochaska, Millerbernd also matches the description of a man who was spotted lurking around Huisentruits apartment building two days before she disappeared.

In 2022, Prochaska quizzed Millerbernd over the phone about his memories and interactions with Huisentruit. According to the detective, Millerbernd admitted to taking Huisentruit out to dinner in the fall of 1994, picking her up in his white van.

Niemeyer also claimed Huisentruit reached out to her on June 5, 1995, to inform her that Millerbernd had tried to contact her.

Millerbernd was interviewed by Prochaska again in October 2024.

He agreed to submit DNA voluntarily and undergo a polygraph, but the results of those tests have not yet been released.

Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit, is available to watch on Hulu now.
Locals at one of Britain's most popular seaside towns are furious at being slapped with an 'insane' and 'patronising' crackdown on swearing after a series of violent incidents.

Broadstairs in Kent has become a 'warzone' after a string of brawls have impacted the reputation of the 'beautiful' town.

Visitor numbers have plummeted and business is down this summer, according to locals and businesses.

In response, Thanet District Council is looking at bringing in a 'bizarre' scheme which sees those that use foul language get fined 100 in an effort to curb anti-social behaviour which has seen an Italian restaurant attacked and a huge beach fight.

The Thanet council ban would not just affect Broadstairs but also the neighbouring towns of Ramsgate and Margate which have also suffered from anti-social behaviour this year.

But furious residents and tourists believe they are being unfairly blamed for the rise in violence and antisocial behaviour.

The most shocking examples of violence include a huge fight on the beach last month which saw hundreds of youths brawl in the open air.

Terrifying footage shows the group surround two males who were throwing punches and slaps at each other on a walkaway behind a row of beach huts.

The sunny seaside town of Broadstairs on Kent's Isle of Thanet has announced it wants to introduce 100 swearing fines

Thanet Council claim the new powers would help to curb rampant anti-social behaviour (Pictured: A massive beach brawl that occured in the town last month)

However, hardy Thanet locals are not convinced (Pictured: A teenager using a chair as a weapon while attacking a Broadstairs restaurant last month)

The brawl then spilled out onto sand where a baying mob screamed and seemed to urged the pair to carry on fighting. Horrified children and families ran for cover.

Another serious incident that has paralysed the close knit community this summer saw a gang of 30 youths surround and target a family-run Italian restaurant in the town.

They stormed towards staff at Sardinia, who had helped protect a youth who had been the victim of an assault outside the restaurant.

The gang throw a series of chairs at the building before a staff member chases one youth off.

In response, the council is looking to introduce fines for those caught swearing.

Avdi Kotarja, 39, manager of the restaurant, told Mail Online: 'It was awful. I was there that night, it was horrific. We were helping a guy who was getting attacked and stopped him from more pain and more beatings.

'That's how it all happened. They then came for us. It was terrifying.

'Some of the youths there that night who were involved walk around town as if nothing happened.

'Our customers are brilliant and we love Broadstairs. But there is certainly an issue here.

'I don't see how banning swearing will have any impact. It's bigger than that.'.

Patrick Deane, 76, has lived in the town all his life, and said he is worried about going out at night.

The retired builder said: 'It's a warzone. I don't feel safe. We don't see police but do have plenty of these private security people. The town has an edge to it as if it could kick off at any moment. I'm scared at night here.

'A lot of my friends feel the same. What is banning swearing going to do? That will end up targeting the wrong people? The people carrying out this violence are serious. They need a proper punishment.

'Not a fine for swearing. The plan is frankly insulting to those people who live and work here or those that have gone through this.'

Last month a terrifying incident occurred in the town as a group of yobs attacked an Italian restaurant

The yobs appeared to be storming an Italian restaurant, Sardinia, which is popular in the town

In response to the disruption and violence, council security now prowl the promenade

82-year old Caroline Miners said she was desperate to see more police on the streets

Fellow residents John Corbett, 71, and Caroline Miners, 82, said the town had become 'lost to the gangs' and 'plagued by yobs.'

Mr Corbett, who has lived there for 20 years, said: 'It's so sad. I want Broadstairs to go back to what it was. A beautiful and pleasant place where people could relax and people played on the beach. Now people are scared.

'We get these private security people wandering around. You don't see many police. People are scared.

'It's all fueled by alcohol which is drank on the streets and drugs. The locals are great. We just want a nice time. It's caused by youths, some who live here and some from London.

'They think it's just a big play area to them.'

Caroline added: 'I've lived here 50 years and it's as bad as it has ever been. The authorities do not do anything worthwhile.

'Banning swearing is a joke. I genuinely thought people were having a laugh. We're talking about youths terrorising restaurants, family businesses, having huge organised fights and intimidating people.

'It's all fuelled by drinking. They've ruined beach huts which were beautiful. They're just destroying the area. People are staying away.

'This is further down the line and more serious than just some swearing. The people who suggested that are very naive.'

Despite the presence of council security who MailOnline saw prowling the promenade, Carole wanted to see more police. She said: 'They arrive to react. But we don't see them on patrol. That's what we need.'

Shop keeper Adrian Poulter, 56, said he had experienced 'numerous' problems with youths in recent months.

He said: 'Shoplifting this year has become a big issue. It never has before. I've had to ban groups in my shop. They just flood in and steal a lot of items and run off. It's terrible.

'I've had more shoplifting this year than in the last 10 years of being here. I don't think they're all local. They often film it and no doubt put it on social media.

'There is absolutely no respect. Bans on swearing will not work, they'll just laugh. It's an insane plan. The town is lost. I know businesses which have closed and people who have moved and won't come back. It's very sad.'

Broadstair visitor numbers have plummeted and business is down this summer, locals claim

Liz and Graham Sage claim that the town is noticeably on edge these days

Liz and Graham Sage were visiting Broadstairs on Friday lunchtime from nearby Whitstable.

They visited the town the evening after the violence erupted at Sardinia.

Graham, 76, said: 'There was absolutely at atmosphere that evening we visited. Everyone was on an edge and that has not gone away. If anything, it has increased.

'It's youths from the town and those from outside. We have visited today in the day, I'm not sure we would want to come at night.'

Liz added: 'It's a huge shame. People work so hard around here. It's a beautiful area. I don't know what they will do to stop it.

'But some sort of swearing ban won't work. That would just become a huge joke. It's patronising. You've got private security people.

'But everyone wants more police.'

Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Community said: 'Antisocial behaviour can have a damaging effect on our local community. We've sadly seen situations in our public spaces recently which have escalated and we know that local people, visitors and businesses want more to be done to tackle this.

'The proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aims to reduce antisocial behaviour and provide the vital tools which are needed to intervene. Without this, the ability of the police to respond to crime and disorder is impacted and crime, in the form of antisocial behaviour, increases.

'The specific behaviours referred to within the orders  including the reference to foul and abusive language  are all similar to the district's previous PSPO which was in place between 2018 and 2024. They mirror the same restrictions in place across many other districts and boroughs, including in other parts of Kent and the south east.

'To be clear, the restriction around language is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing. Specifically the PSPO relates to 'using foul or abusive language within the hearing or sight of another person who is likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress by this'. This particular restriction is being proposed to address a significant issue in the areas covered by the PSPO. Evidence to support this has been provided by police, Ward Councillors and residents as well as business owners.

'The enforcement of this measure is not subjective. It involves an objective test and any antisocial behaviour will be judged against the impact on the reasonable person.

'We sought to implement a PSPO in similar terms to the one that it is currently proposed, in the summer of last year. Following a threat of legal challenge to that process, we decided to gather further evidence which indicates that the introduction of a restriction to address this issue is proportionate. We have also carried out a comprehensive consultation. The public and stakeholder response has again indicated overwhelming support for all of the proposed restrictions.

'As a result we will consider the proposed order when the Cabinet meets on Thursday 24 July to carefully consider the results of consultation and take a view. Subject to approval, we will seek to implement this as soon as possible.'

Superintendent Dan Carter of Kent Police, said: 'The decision to continue the dispersal orders in Thanet has been made to ensure that our coastline remains a safe place, and they are one of the several tools we're using to deal swiftly with antisocial behaviour as we move further into summer

'Orders remain in constant review and will be utilised as needed. I am continually grateful to residents and businesses for their support and feedback. By working closely with the community to identify their concerns, it means we can tackle those issues head on.

'I would also urge parents to speak to their children about the impact that antisocial behaviour can have on others. Antisocial behaviour can have serious consequences not only for victims, but for young people themselves, who may face police action or prosecution.'
Taliban warlords are on a vengeful killing spree against hundreds of Afghans after the British Government lost a top secret database.

One man was shot by a gunman who stepped from an alley on Monday and fired four bullets at close range into his chest  one of three assassinations in the past seven days.

Panic has been spreading since Tuesday when Afghans were officially informed their personal details had been lost in the UK's worst ever data blunder, putting 100,000 'at risk of death'.

Thousands received 'notifications' from His Majesty's Government saying sorry, and adding: 'We understand this news may be concerning.'

It is not known if the Taliban actually has the database, which includes names of Afghans who helped the UK, as well as members of the British intelligence community, it is understood.

But one Afghan soldier, who fled to Britain for fear of retribution, believes his brother was gunned down in the street this week because the militant group was aware of his affiliation to the UK.

He said: 'If or when the Taliban have this list, then killings will increase  and it will be Britain's fault. There will be many more executions like the one on Monday.'

The Mail has seen a dossier of more than 300 murders that include those who worked with the UK and some who had applied for the UK scheme, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).

A man who once translated for former Prime Minister Gordon Brown (pictured) told the Mail that news of the lost database had struck the 'fear of God' into former interpreters like him

The brother of the former interpreter (above) was beaten by the Taliban demanding to know where his brother was hiding and if he had worked for the UK

The murdered include Colonel Shafiq Ahmad Khan, a senior Afghan intelligence officer who had worked alongside British forces. The 61-year-old grandfather was lured into a trap and shot twice in the heart on his doorstep in May 2022.

Others include commando Ahjmadzai, who applied for sanctuary in the UK, and soldier Qassim, both killed in April 2023.

News of the killings comes after the media, public and MPs were kept in the dark while ministers launched evacuation mission Operation Rubific.

The Mail discovered the data breach in August 2023. Since then, 18,500 Afghans have been airlifted to Britain in secret, with 23,900 expected overall.

Yet some 75,000 Afghans will be left to fend for themselves  and were instead offered 'advice' on how to stay safe when the UK informed them it had lost their details.

Afghans now know that the missing dossier contains their names, phone numbers, their family's details and other facts which could help Taliban revenge squads hunt them down.

The Mail's revelations about the data leak and the unprecedented super-injunction to cover it up  which we spent two years fighting in secret courts  has triggered political and security storms.

So far, three parliamentary probes have been launched, with MPs expressing outrage that the Government kept them in the dark for so long. Last October ministers agreed to spend 7billion without any parliamentary debate.

Colonel Shafiq Ahmad Khan (above) was lured into a trap and shot twice in the heart on his doorstep in May 2022

Ahjmadzai (above, left), who applied for sanctuary in the UK, and Qassim (above, right), who was a soldier, were both murdered in April 2023

The missing database contains the names of 18,800 people who had applied to the ARAP scheme for loyal Afghans who had worked alongside British forces. Military interpreters saved countless British lives by being their 'eyes and ears' on the frontline.

In May 2024, when the High Court initially tried to lift the super-injunction, Mr Justice Chamberlain said: 'The one thing that can be said with confidence is that affected persons would be better off learning of the data breach by notification from the UK Government than from a knock on the door by the Taliban.'

There has been fury this week as the deadly implications of the 'double betrayal' by Britain sunk in, with one angry former interpreter telling the Mail: 'We risked our lives for the UK standing beside them day after day. Now they are risking our lives again.'

While the methods may change, Monday's assassination on a quiet dust-caked street in the capital Kabul has now become a weekly occurrence. The victim's brother was a soldier with the Afghan special forces known as the Triples who was given sanctuary in Britain.

Within an hour, news of the murder had reached the brother in Britain, who is convinced his sibling was executed because the Taliban, having been unable to kill the Triple himself, sought revenge on his family instead.

Elsewhere in the city, a day later, Taliban fighters dragged a woman from her home, beating her on the street and dumping her for neighbours to take to hospital.

A former British military interpreter who witnessed it told the Mail: 'The woman's husband worked for the West and it was punishment for that work. He is hiding in Iran and they told her it was because he worked with "infidels".'

The murder of the soldier's brother and the beating of the woman took place in the hours before the lifting of the super-injunction, and it is unknown if any of the victims featured on the lost list.

The Taliban boasted this week that they had obtained the leaked data, although this could not be verified.

Mohammed, a former interpreter who once translated for former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, is now in Britain. He said news of the lost database had spread like wildfire since Tuesday, striking the 'fear of god' into former interpreters like him.

Mohammed, 38, who was pictured with Mr Brown in Afghanistan, said: 'This has changed everything. In the past the Taliban did not often have confirmation that an Afghan worked for the UK, or what his role was, but now we know it is on the dataset together with our family members. It is a gift that leads to death.'

Last night the MoD referred the Mail to a statement made by Defence Secretary John Healy in the Commons on Tuesday.

He said: 'My first concern has been to notify as many people as possible who are affected by the data incident and to provide them with further advice.

'The MoD has done that this morning. Anyone who may be concerned can head to our new dedicated gov.uk website, where they will find more information about the data loss, further security advice, a self-checker tool, which will inform them whether their application has been affected, and contact steps for the detailed information services centre that the MoD has established.
For more than four hours the supremely self-assured governor of California held court, waxing lyrical about his policies, beliefs and vision.

Then came the simple yes or no question which stumped him. Should eight-year-old children be given medical treatments to change their biological sex?

'Now that I have a nine-year-old, just became nine, come on man...' said Gavin Newsom, squirming slightly as he spoke. Podcaster Shawn Ryan let Newsom continue.

'I get it,' insisted Newsom, leaving unspoken what the 'it' was that he 'got.'

'So those are legit You know, it's interesting, the issue of age, I haven't' He then switched to laughing about his clumsy efforts to use a person's preferred pronouns and spoke about how he was mocked by his Hispanic staff for trying to use the woke word 'Latinx.'

Newsom's discomfort on the issue was palpable and no doubt came as a surprise to those familiar with his earlier proclamations on the subject.

But Monday's podcast episode is just the latest, though perhaps most egregious, shape-shifting move by the mercurial governor, who has made little secret of his presidential ambitions.

For more than four hours the supremely self-assured governor of California held court, waxing lyrical about his policies, beliefs and vision. Then came the simple yes or no question which stumped him.

Newsom's discomfort on the issue was palpable and no doubt came as a surprise to those familiar with his earlier proclamations on the subject. (Pictured: Newsom at the 2019 Pride Parade in San Francisco)

In October 2021, he 'proudly' signed into law the 'profoundly important' AB 1184, which allows children as young as 12 to be treated with cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers without parental consent. Only sexual reassignment surgery is restricted.

In September 2022 he declared California a 'sanctuary state' for trans kids, ensuring they can receive hormone therapy and puberty blockers which are forbidden in their home states, and shielding them and their families from prosecution.

And in July last year he signed AB 1955 into law, legally preventing teachers from 'outing' trans children to their parents. Elon Musk, whose estranged daughter Vivian, 21, is trans, called the bill 'the final straw' in his decision to relocate SpaceX's headquarters from California to Texas.

What a difference looming unemployment makes. Come November 2026, as his second gubernatorial term ends, Newsom will be out of a job.

He has feigned surprise at being asked about his 2028 presidential ambitions. 'I'm not thinking about running, but it's a path that I could see unfold,' he told The Wall Street Journal last month.

But his glad-handing tour of early primary state South Carolina's churches and community centers last week, on top of a flurry of podcast appearances, leaves little doubt as to his aspirations.

And, in his apparent bid to become the face of the Democratic Party, the formerly woke Newsom has swung significantly to the right.

Ryan, on whose podcast Newsom appeared this week for a four-hour sit down, is a conservative former Blackwater contractor and Navy SEAL, who the Newsom of old would have shunned.

Similarly, in March, when Newsom launched his own podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, his first three guests were pro-Trump figures he would once have held in disdain: activist Charlie Kirk, radio host Michael Savage, and former White House strategist Steve Bannon.

Instead, the governor used his conversation with Kirk to announce that he no longer supports trans women participating in female sporting competitions  enraging many progressives within his own party.

A gladhanding tour of early primary state South Carolina's churches and community centers last week, on top of a flurry of podcast appearances, leaves little doubt as to Newsom's leadership aspirations.

Newsom faced criticism for inviting Trump ally Charlie Kirk onto his new podcast show.

Steve Bannon was among the Trump supporters Newsom would once have disdained who was invited on the eponymous podcast.

He doubled down on his new stance this week, declaring to Ryan: 'I went on a journey on this, and now I think it's firm - it's not fair.'

Not content with changing course on trans issues Newsom also used his time in Ryan's uber-masculine den to send a mixed message on gun control and flip flop on immigration.

In June 2023, Newsom said that current gun laws were 'an existential crisis that we are experiencing every single day,' and announced a proposal to amend the US Constitution with a 28th amendment.

Among other things, it would raise the federal age to buy a gun from 18 to 21, ban so-called assault weapons and mandate universal background checks and a waiting period between the purchase of a gun and its delivery.

Yet when Ryan presented Newsom with a pistol - a SIG Sauer P365 X-Macro  the governor enthusiastically replied with a bro-like: 'Cool!'

He added: 'The last thing people would expect is that I respect this gift. I'm not anti-gun at all'  and then went on to discuss his love of bow hunting and reveal how 'great' he was at skeet shooting.

Turning to the thorny topic of immigration he told Ryan that he privately confronted Joe Biden's team about the chaos at the US-Mexico border.

'I was trying to manage the politics, trying to have the back of the president, but very, very critical saying: 'You guys wake up! The hell is going on down here?'

It was all very different from what he said publicly during the Biden administration when he was full of praise for the former president's approach and insisted that the fault lay solely with Republicans.

Visiting the border in December 2022 Newsom stated, 'Instead of working on real reform, the response from Republicans has been to exploit the situation at our border for political gain.'

Little wonder that, for some, the governor's series of pivots is nothing short of a 'WTF?' moment.

Anthony Rendon, who was speaker of the assembly when Newsom was elected, said California Democrats he knew were baffled by his slide away from the progressive policies he previously championed.

'They're mystified,' he told Cal Matters. 'WTF?' is the most common text message I get.'

Johanna Maska, a California resident who spent eight years in the Obama White House said, 'I'm a huge believer in talking to conservatives, but not changing who you are.'

She told the Daily Mail she was dismayed at how Newsom 'licked Charlie Kirk's boots', and accused him of, 'pretty blatant electioneering.'

Monday's podcast episode is just the latest, though perhaps most egregious, shape-shifting move by the mercurial governor, who has made little secret of his presidential ambitions.

Newsom also used his time in Ryan's uber-masculine den to send a mixed message on gun control and flip flop on immigration.

Ludovic Blain, executive director of the progressive donor network California Donor Table, told the site that Newsom was 'capitulating to authoritarians,' adding: 'He's turning the Democratic Party into one that stands for nothing. We do expect Gavin to be better.'

Voters seem equally bemused.

Paul Mitchell, a voter data expert, asked 1,000 Californians for their opinion of Newsom before and after the Kirk episode, and found that almost half said their view was less favorable after it.

'In the short-term, wow, Republicans are not convinced, and Democrats are not pleased,' said Mitchell, telling Cal Matters that the conservatives he surveyed were suspicious of Newsom's intentions, while the liberals felt betrayed.

'If he's trying to get away from the Gavin Newsom caricature, then that might be something he's doing.'

For his part, Newsom insists his pivots are genuine.

Back in March, after CNN's Erin Burnett ran a segment titled, 'What in God's name is going on with Gavin Newsom?', the governor insisted his revised thinking was not naked electioneering, but rather thoughtful policy evolution.

'I'm open to argument,' he told The Los Angeles Times. 'I'm interested in evidence. I have very strong values. I'm a progressive but I'm a pragmatic one, and that's something that anyone who has followed me knows, and people that don't, they're learning a little bit about that now.'

His former chief of staff, Steve Kawa, also told the publication that he was sincere.

'Maybe he's moderate on this issue, maybe he's progressive on this issue. I don't think he looks at it in terms of under what column is this solution to make life better for the public and I can only be in this column.'

Jonathan Keller, CEO of the California Council, was less sure.

'While we appreciate any acknowledgment that California's radical gender ideology policies have gone too far, we remain skeptical of Governor Newsom's apparent shift,' he told the Daily Mail.

'For years, his administration has championed dangerous policies that undermine parental rights, threaten the safety of women and girls, and impose harmful ideologies on our children.

'True leadership requires consistent principled positions rooted in biological reality and respect for parental authority, not politically convenient pivots when national ambitions are at stake.'

He added: 'We'll judge Governor Newsom by his actions, not his election-season rhetoric. Any genuine reconsideration of these destructive policies would be welcome.

'But Californians have learned to be wary of this governor's shifting positions when political winds change.'
The imposing gates of the Federal Correctional Institute in Florida that houses Ghislaine Maxwell  convicted sex trafficker and former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein  are normally a hive of activity.

Prison guards sign on and off their shifts, people arrive from all over the country to visit incarcerated friends and relatives and deliveries of what everyone says is 'atrocious' prison food arrive in vans.

But the ramshackle 1930s detention centre in Tallahassee is currently on lockdown, for reasons unknown, and Maxwell, 63, is one of hundreds of inmates stuck in their cells for extended periods, sometimes up to 23 hours a day.

She won't yet know, therefore, that the scandal which led to her being jailed for 20 years, and ruined Prince Andrew, is roaring back to life again, this time with Donald Trump in its sights.

A highly embarrassing article appeared in yesterday's Wall Street Journal, reporting that President Trump contributed a tawdry drawing of a naked woman to a birthday album put together for convicted paedophile Epstein on his 50th birthday in 2003. It was accompanied by a letter that said: 'May every day be another wonderful secret', according to the report.

If they are the President's words  and Trump was quick to say they most definitely weren't  the phrasing, and timing, couldn't be more apposite. Could they have anything to do with the apparent scuppering of Maxwell's latest attempt to clear her name and overturn her prison sentence, imposed in 2022, for conspiring with Epstein to recruit, groom and sexually abuse underage girls?

Speaking exclusively to the Mail yesterday, her brother Ian Maxwell, 68, insists they are not. He has no idea 'who put it out there'.

'It's a salacious and interesting story, but it has nothing to do with my sister's case,' Ian says. 'I don't see any reference in this so-called birthday book to minors and abuse.

Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell together at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in 2000

Ghislaine was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 after being found guilty of sex-trafficking

Ian Maxwell says 'what happened to Ghislaine is fundamentally wrong and unfair and she should never have gone on trial, let alone been banged up in prison'

'Obviously, I haven't had the chance to discuss it with Ghislaine yet, but I've never heard of this book's existence before now.'

His sister, he assures us, remains focused on securing her freedom, and staying positive, despite a sizeable setback this week. US Solicitor-General D John Sauer has urged the country's Supreme Court to reject a pending review of Maxwell's conviction which was brought on the grounds that she was protected by a non-prosecution agreement Epstein struck with prosecutors in Florida in 2008.

When Jeffrey Epstein first faced charges of procuring underage girls for prostitution, and got eight months in jail, there was a document submitted by the Department of Justice which said if he pleaded guilty, neither he nor anyone who would be considered a co-conspirator or accomplice would be charged.

Maxwell, her defence team argues, should have been covered by that and should not have been charged.

Ian Maxwell, however, sees the court's intransigence as a positive  and most definitely not politically motivated.

'It's not really surprising that the [US] government has indicated that they wish to oppose it  it signals that they are in trouble and that Ghislaine's case is legitimate,' the British businessman says.

'The government is guilty of serious misconduct, withholding exculpatory material and not honouring the non-prosecution agreement. What happened to Ghislaine is fundamentally wrong and unfair and she should never have gone on trial, let alone been banged up in prison.'

Of the regular video and telephone calls he and his siblings share with their sister, Ian says: 'If she's downhearted, she hides it well. She's energised, her spirit is undimmed and she is pursuing her appeal with vigour.

Ghislaine and Epstein pictured together at the Queen's log cabin in Balmoral. Epstein was close friends with Prince Andrew

The Maxwell family pictured in 1954. Ghislaine's father was media tycoon Robert Maxwell

'She called a few days ago but it was midnight and I missed the call. I emailed her to apologise and she said she understood but had queued for three hours to make the call.'

All this, of course, is unlikely to cut much ice with the dozens of girls and young women who were victims of the sex-trafficking ring orchestrated by multi-millionaire Epstein.

The most prominent was Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein and Maxwell of trafficking her, aged 16, under the guise of being a massage therapist, and later being paid to have sex with Prince Andrew  something he has vehemently denied.

Giuffre, who reached an out-of-court settlement with the prince in 2022, committed suicide in Australia in April, amid allegations of domestic abuse.

Ian remains convinced her lies brought down his sister. 'Hers was a life book-ended by lies. Early on when she was 17 or 18, she accused two young men of rape and it went to trial and the jury didn't believe her. That was an early example of Virginia Giuffre lying about events.

'Virginia Giuffre was the best known and most vociferous accuser of my sister, but she wasn't put forward as a witness at Ghislaine's trial. Had prosecutors believed her, they would surely have put her on the stand and they didn't, because they knew full well that the defence would have cut her to pieces.'

Clearly a supporter of Andrew, Ian says he believes the royal's assertion of not recollecting meeting Virginia or having sexual relations with her.

'Had it been left to him, he would have pushed it all the way right up to court and Virginia Giuffre would have backed down. He didn't because the late Queen, in her jubilee year, basically told him to fold his tent  or senior courtiers did. He was a loyal son and the prince did the right thing at great personal expense because he has been well and truly cancelled.'

In the years that followed, there has been speculation of the existence of a client list  a black book of the rich and powerful who were somehow compromised by Epstein.

What  and most importantly, who  is in it, who controls it and if it will ever be released, remains a sword of Damacles hanging over the Trump administration.

Trump and Epstein spent time together in the 1990s and early 2000s, and were photographed at social events, including with Maxwell and Melania Trump. The President maintains their friendship ended well before Epstein was jailed, and registered as a sex offender, in 2008.

Referring to the 'black book', Ian says: 'It's always been my sister's position that no such thing exists. Nobody's going to write down a list of people he's blackmailing.

'Epstein's life was highly compartmentalised and Ghislaine often didn't know where he was or what he was doing.

'There were times when Ghislaine was hoping they'd do something together at the weekend and he'd just disappear. That led her to the conclusion that there was never going to be any kind of significant relationship between the two of them and they moved on to a professional relationship where she would help with domestic matters like looking after his houses.'

Ian says he met Epstein briefly and 'didn't warm to him'.

'He was highly intelligent but he had a dark kind of charisma,' he recalls. 'He was an aggressive listener but I felt that he was seeking only to extract information that could be helpful to him.

'I felt this was someone Ghislaine should stay away from. Ghislaine has often said she wishes she had never met Epstein.'

And his thoughts on Elon Musk who is among those who believe the client lists exist?

'He's just a gadfly who encourages this wild goose chase.

'The dynamic between Musk and Trump is a complex one. They're the kind of men who don't throw pebbles, they throw rocks.' The US Department of Justice and the FBI have concluded that Epstein committed suicide in his jail cell in 2019, but Ian has his own startling theory as to how he met his death.

'I think the jury is legitimately out on this one,' he says. 'The government's immediate investigation of Epstein's death was cursory and frankly sloppy.

'Ghislaine believes he was murdered and certainly there were murderers on the wing of the prison where Epstein was held.

'I've always been interested in the strange object [found in Epstein's cell] that was wire flex from a CPAC machine [that helps a person breathe]. That seems to be an obvious ligature and at least two unconnected and non-partisan forensic pathologists have supported the opinion of the Epstein family's forensic pathologist that the injuries to Epstein were more consistent with homicide rather than strangulation.'

Ian believes the financier could have paid someone to kill him  murder by commission: 'It's a theory that can't be discounted.'

Amid mounting suspicions that there has been a cover-up in the Epstein case, infuriating some of Trump's MAGA supporters who say it shows that the elite are always protected, there have been suggestions from at least two Republican senators that Maxwell might be called upon to testify before Congress.

Ian dismisses the suggestion, at least for now. 'Ghislaine is concentrating on her legal case and has no plans to do so,' he says. 'I don't believe there has been any formal request about that.'

Protective of his little sister, he admits he worries about her daily.

'There's such overcrowding in Tallahassee that higher-category prisoners are being placed there and its becoming a facility that is more dangerous  we've got to get her out of there.

'Normally she spends a lot of time in the prison library helping other prisoners with things like form filling but she has to go from A to B and isn't always surrounded by guards.

'It's a possibility someone might get to her. I don't want to be dramatic but you can't discount it. Look what happened to Epstein.'

Ian knows the chances of the Supreme Court hearing his sister's case is slight. 'It's not a done deal,' he says. 'About 10,000 petitions are lodged each year and they only hear 200 to 250 cases.

'But if they don't hear Ghislaine's case... we will go another route and file a writ of habeas corpus which allows a prisoner to challenge their imprisonment on the basis of new evidence, such as government misconduct.'

He believes his sister was made a scapegoat and harshly punished to satisfy public outrage about Epstein avoiding justice.

'I fully believe my sister is innocent and that she will be released some day in the future.'

What happens after that is something only Ghislaine Maxwell knows.
The Trump administration is scrambling to save face in the wake of the botched Epstein files release.

President Donald Trump's latest idea to make up ground with his base was to direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to get the grand jury testimony from the case unsealed by the Southern District of New York.

But legal experts were quick to point out issues in the strategy.

The first being that the testimony is unlikely to be unsealed. The second being that even if it is released it's unlikely to yield any new or bombshell information from the Jeffrey Epstein case.

'Frankly, I think this is a ploy to find a judge they can blame for preventing disclosure,' Ty Cobb, who served under Trump in his first term, told the Daily Mail, adding that 'the grand jury materials will just be skeletal.'

Asked what would come from the revelations, Cobb said it would not be anything that 'MAGA is interested in.'

'MAGA wants the identities, documents, videos, photographs, flight logs and financial records. MAGA wants the list Bondi said was on her desk,' he explained, suggesting that anything found in the documents would not be that.

Trump on Thursday night posted to Truth Social his instructions for Bondi to 'produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.'

President Donald Trump s latest idea to make up ground with his base was to direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to get the grand jury testimony from the Jeffrey Epstein case unsealed by the Southern District of New York

The president admitted that the move was in response to the 'ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein' and his desiree to end the 'scam.'

Bondi started that process on Friday by filing with the SDNY to unseal the highly-secretive grand jury court documents.

It comes as the AG was taking most of the heat for the failures of the DOJ to produce the so-called 'client list.'

Trump repeatedly defended Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino as supporters directed their anger at his top federal law enforcement officials.

The president pleaded for his base to move on from what he now calls the 'Jeffrey Epstein hoax,' and claimed conspiracies over the case were stoked by Democrats in a bid to cause a civil war in the Republican Party.

Although the filing for more information is submitted, that doesn't mean the materials will see the light of day anytime soon.

The grand jury information is only a piece of a large puzzle of evidence that makes up the so-called Epstein files.

Trump's order to Bondi on Thursday suggests his AG was not already authorized to ask the court to unseal the grand jury materials. If done from the jump, the process could have been in motion months ago rather than just starting.

What it really means is that Americans may have to wait months or even years to get more answers  if they get them at all.

Legal experts warn that the request for unsealing the materials could be denied and, if approved, would likely not yield any bombshell information from the case

Unsealing grand jury testimony is particularly challenging, as strict secrecy rules make courts reluctant to release this type of information.

'No idea why they went with this fig leaf, but I suspect it was to buy time,' Cobb explained to the Daily Mail. 'Heavy lift to get a federal judge to release grand jury materials ... Still there is some precedent that might support release but it is by no means certain.'

There must be a good legal argument for the release of additional documents in an already closed court case. And Trump's very public acknowledgement that the request is in response to media and political pressure might not bode well for the DOJ's filing.

'This move seems to me to be 'delay and divert' merely to take some heat off the moment,' he said.
The Colorado dentist on trial for fatally poisoning his wife had been confronted by her about his infidelity in the months before the mother-of-six's March 2023 murder, jurors heard on Friday.

Aurora Police Detective Molly Harris read out texts between Dr James Craig and his wife, Angela, 43, from just before Christmas in 2022  three months before prosecutors allege he fatally poisoned her.

'You had a month's worth of chances to save your marriage, but what you wanted with her was more important to you than us,' Angela texted her husband in December 2022, Harris testified. 'I hope she was worth it.'

Angela told her husband she was just trying to 'get through Christmas with the kids' but 'I don't have anything left to give you after that.'

Craig protested: It was not worth it, it absolutely wasnt worth it  I used her to build up my own ego. I wasnt emotionally attached or physically involved.

I already feel very validated by and loved by you. It makes no sense. I often found myself wondering what on earth I was doing because it didnt fill any particularly void or anything. I was so happy with you.

The exchanges made clear the couple had dealt with Craig's' infidelity before, however. Angela said she feared her husband 'could have emails, phones, Venmo accounts, bank accounts and a whole life I know nothing about.'

Harris read out groveling texts from Craig sent in early January in which he claimed he 'did this to myself' and 'I'm praying with everything I have ... that I can show up better for you.'

Colorado dentist James Craig, right, is on trial for the March 2023 murder of his wife, Angela

Craig, 47, was arrested the dsy after his wife"s March 18, 2023 death; prosecutors allege he poisoned amid financial troubles and to pave the way for a new romance

'I have been so dumb time and time again,' the dentist wrote on January 4, 2023 - adding five days later: 'I want you to know that I'm absolutely committed to this relationship.'

Craig said he was setting boundaries, reading psychology books and looking for a therapist - and the couple had returned to affectionate and everyday chit-chat via text when Angela fell in on March 6 with mystery symptoms.

Craig was arrested the day after Angela's March 18 death and charged with first-degree murder.

Prosecutors allege he considered Angela a 'problem' and killed her to pursue his latest romance with a Texas orthodontist and to ease his financial strain - poisoning her with lethal substances including cyanide and a chemical commonly found in eyedrops.

He has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges stemming from plots prosecutors say he tried hatching from behind bars - including ordering a hit on a detective and trying to get his teen daughter to fake evidence.

In the immediate days before Angela became sick, texts she exchanged with her husband that read out in court indicated they were working through issues and he'd shared deeply personal struggles.

Angela had just returned from a genealogy conference in Utah, and he'd just returned from a dental conference in Vegas - where prosecutors say he first struck up the new affair.

On March 1, Angela asked her husband if there was anything else youre not telling me or youve been keeping from me.

I honestly dont want to ask, but Im honestly scared not to, she texted.

Craig answered: I really was in Las Vegas by myself, and I dont want to sleep with anyone else but you.

When asked if he was still in communication with any other women, Craig said not any of the girls off of that site.

Harris read out texts between the couple from during her illness - in which Craig repeatedly expressed his love.

The dentist was spotted crying during opening arguments and during emotional testimony from his oldest daughter, 21, who spoke about her close relationship with her late mother

While she was in the hospital on March 11 - five days after she began showing symptoms after drinking a shake he'd prepared - Craig texted: 'I just woke up dreaming about making love you.

'I love you and I want you.'

Other texts Harris read out from the period where Angela was hospitalized also showed Craig urging her to leave in an IV after her discharge so he could administer fluids and drugs to her at home. He also repeatedly suggested bringing her liquids to her bedside.

The jury was also on Friday shown emails from Craigs personal address  jimandwaffles@gmail.com - detailing orders for oleander and arsenic.

He started searching poisons within days of beginning an affair with a Texas orthodontist, prosecutors alleged.

A new amazon account created with the aforementioned gmail address also ordered arsenic in late February, after Craig had returned from meeting his latest paramour at a dental conference in Las Vegas, the court heard.

He and the orthodontist exchanged 4000 text messages and 80 declarations of love in the weeks after their meeting, prosecutors allege.

The Aurora detective on Friday also told the court about searches discovered on a computer in an exam room at the dentist's practice - where his office manager later spotted him working after hours in the dark instead of using his own laptop or office desktop.

A digital forensics examination revealed searches beginning February 27 that included: 'How to make poison from oleanders,' 'Is arsenic detectable,' 'how many grams of purse arsenic will kill a human,' 'how to make murder look like a heart attack,' 'dosage of tetrahydrozoline that is fatal' and 'how long does it take to die from arsenic poisoning.'

While searches for poisons were being done on a computer at his dental practice, searches on Angela's phone were routine and everyday, the detective testified - until March 6.

That's the first day the 43-year-old began exhibiting symptoms that would kill her in less than two weeks.

'Pre-workout supplement made me dizzy and eyes are blurry an hour later,' she searched on her phone that morning, Davis testified.

Searches continued throughout the day: 'Side effects of high blood pressure.' 'Dizziness slow focus tired head pressure hearing distortion.' 'Menieres disease.' 'Mini seizures.'

The next morning, she was searching urgent cares, then 'signs of type 1 diabetes' and 'high blood sugar symptoms on skin.'

Craig's defense lawyers, including Ashley Witham, pictured, have painted a picture of Angela as 'manipulative' and 'suicidal' - and Craig himself asked his daughter in a letter smuggled out of jail to make a deep-fake video of her mother asking him to buy poisons

By March 8, she was looking for an app to monitor her blood pressure and heart rate - and an app she could share with a loved one.

On the day before her final hospital visit, she searched: 'Internal shivers causes.' 'Deep snore internal tremors.' 'Obstructive sleep apnea.' 'Internal tremors and chills.'

Her final search on March 15 - the day she'd be declared brain dead - was for an emergency room.

Jurors also heard on Friday how Craig, in the days before his wife's death, had urgently texted his dental assistant to check if a package had been delivered to the office for him.

The court heard testimony earlier in the week about how Craigs office manager found potassium cyanide in a personal package hed ordered to his workplace  and told her not to open it.

On Friday, dental assistant Angel Amerine testified that, while his wife lay in the hospital, Craig kept texting her to see if a package had been delivered to the practice.

He'd never texted her about packages before, and she didn't normally deal with deliveries, Amerine testified.

Craig also texted Amerine and other staff members about needing out-of-hours access to his office because he didn't have his key, she added.
The Cabrach and Glenfiddich Estates cover almost 50,000 scenic acres of Morayshire at the north-eastern end of the Grampian Mountains.

Owned by Christopher Moran, a colourful Tory donor who made his fortune in the City of London, they take in grouse moors, a salmon river, a pheasant shoot and some of the finest stalking ground in all of Scotland.

There are also some 18 tenanted farms, endless estate cottages, and a grand 17-bedroom lodge, which once belonged to the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon and boasts a ping-pong room decorated with oil paintings by Thomas Gainsborough.

Moran, who is 77, acquired this pile via two transactions, in 1979 and 1982.

A keen shot, he describes his hobbies in Whos Who as architecture, opera, art, politics and country pursuits, and once told an interviewer that Cabrach and Glenfiddich gave him sanity, saying: In London I can work 24 hours a day. But here, I unwind.

Lately, the wealthy lairds perks have been more than just sporting. For recent events have turned his picturesque Highland seat into one of rural Britains most prolific cash machines.

Historically, this was one of the finest unspoiled views in Scotland. But today, the skyline is broken by 59 gargantuan steel turbines of the Dorenell Wind Farm.

Each of them stands 126 metres tall and sits on land that has been leased by Moran to the French energy giant EDF.

The Cabrach and Glenfiddich Estates are owned by Christopher Moran, a colourful Tory donor who made his fortune in the City of London. Pictured: Dr. Christopher Moran congratulates Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation

The skyline at the Dorenell Windfarm (pictured) in Scotland is these days broken by 59 gargantuan steel turbines

There is something that makes Dorenell not just remarkable, but very newsworthy. And it involves the thorny topic of money

They were installed in 2019, and  assuming the wind is blowing  can feed 177 megawatts of clean, green electricity (enough to power 106,000 homes) into Britains National Grid.

Given the stunning location, its construction was highly controversial. Locals filed around 600 complaints, saying it would despoil the landscape, hurt tourism and provide little tangible economic benefit.

EDF argued it would play an essential role in helping Britain meet net zero targets. In an effort to silence critics, they offered to set up a Community Benefit Fund that would distribute some of the profits to charities that help residents.

Although an initial planning application was opposed by Moray Council, development was approved on appeal by the Scottish government.

That, broadly, is the history of the place. And theres nothing so very unusual about it. Thanks to our deepening political love affair with wind turbines  Energy Secretary Ed Miliband recently unveiled plans to double our onshore wind capacity by 2030  similar schemes are being rolled out, against local opposition, across the land.

Yet there is something that makes Dorenell not just remarkable, but very newsworthy indeed. And it involves the thorny topic of money.

First, though, a brief lesson in wind farm economics. In common with all British facilities, Dorenell generates insufficient power to make back the cost of its construction by simply selling electricity on the open market.

What few bill-payers properly understand is where the mountain of cash they shell out each month is ending up. Pictured: View of a wind farm used to produce electricity

Instead, its owners receive generous subsidies, paid for by consumers via levies on energy bills, which are supposed to help them to turn a small profit.

Supporting the UKs wind, solar and other renewable power in this manner costs the grand total of 25billion a year, according to the Renewable Energy Foundation (REF) charity.

Thats more than 850 for every household and equates to around 40 per cent of the electricity costs you are currently paying every month.

So far, so eco-friendly. But what few bill-payers properly understand is where the mountain of cash they shell out each month is ending up.

For while Mr Milibands subsidy system is supposed to help developers wash their face, its increasingly enriching a class of wind farm vultures, who are exploiting the rules to cream off profits at the British publics expense.

Energy firms have for years kept bill-payers in the dark about this mounting scandal, filing accounts that (perhaps deliberately) keep the finances of individual projects opaque, and hiding behind NDAs and other confidentiality agreements to conceal how much cash is being diverted to already wealthy landowners via lease payments.

All of which leads us back to Dorenell. Because its finances were last week laid bare, in scandalous detail, during a remarkable case at the Court of Session in Edinburgh. The proceedings, which revolved around a contractual dispute, provided an insight into what is going on under the bonnet of Britains cash-soaked wind farm industry.

While Ed Milibands (pictured) subsidy system is supposed to help developers wash their face, its increasingly enriching a class of wind farm vultures

Take the question of profits. At one point, it emerged that Dorenell Windfarm Limited, the company that operates the whole thing, now makes almost as much money (in some years a whacking 40million) from switching its turbines off as it does from generating green energy.

Later, it became clear that the firm makes millions more during these periods of downtime, via a loophole in the subsidy system that allows it to trade the electricity its not actually producing  more on which later.

Take also the question of cash that Christopher Moran, who is already worth 658million, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, is creaming off from all this. Court papers revealed that hes being paid in the region of 10million a year in rent by Dorenall.

Thats the equivalent of around 170,000 per turbine, per year. Whats more, its ten times more than locals were led to believe hed earn from the scheme.

To quote one disgruntled campaigner, it makes the 2million funnelled to the Community Benefit Fund since 2020 to compensate locals for despoiling their landscape look like chicken feed.

Some of the other dizzying numbers cited in the litigation show how the green subsidy regime every Briton is financing has created a perverse property bubble.

In effect, Christopher Morans remote hilltops, which have for centuries only been useful for farming sheep and shooting, have been turned into some of the most valuable pieces of real estate in the country.

Some dizzying numbers have shown how the green subsidy regime every Briton is financing has created a perverse property bubble (file image)

Details of how the publics cash is splurged have been laid bare in an by Lord Sandison, one of Scotlands most senior judges, on July 10 (file image)

People sometimes wonder why a landowner would want to host a wind farm. The answer, as this court case shows, is they are being offered rents that would tempt a saint, is how Dr John Constable, director of the REF charity, puts it.

As a result, the green subsidies that make these high returns possible are now at an unsustainable level.

Constable points out that what happens at Dorenell is likely to be happening across Britain. For this particular wind farm accounts for little more than 1 per cent of the UKs entire onshore capacity.

Details of how the publics cash is being splurged are laid bare in an opinion on the litigation that was published by Lord Sandison, one of Scotlands most senior judges, on July 10.

It reveals that Morans company Glenfiddich Wind Limited, which runs his estates wind farming operations, is suing EDFs operating firm Dorenell Windfarm Limited for sums allegedly underpaid under the terms of its lease.

The claim covers a three-year period from 2022 to 2024. During that time, the contract between the two stipulated that Morans firm would be paid either a gross income rent based on a proportion of revenues generated by the turbines, or a minimum annual rent of 6million, depending on which was higher.

In 2022, he received 8,496,981. The following year, the figure was 9,480,725, and in 2024 it reached 10,406,641.

Upwards of 300million a year is now being spent under a constraint scheme - designed to compensate wind farms - which has now cost bill-payers the grand total of 1.8billion (file image)

To put things another way, Moran made more than 28million by doing very little aside from owning a remote bit of moorland.

But at some point, he decided the figure was around 6,196,518 less than it ought to have been under the terms of the contract, and took EDF to court.

At the heart of the dispute is an argument over so-called constraint payments. This term describes cash that is paid to wind farms to compensate them for either switching off their turbines, or reducing capacity, when the grid has become too full to take on more electricity.

The system is designed to cope with power surges during times of high wind speeds. Initially, it was rarely used.

In 2010, the first year of its existence, constraint fees cost consumers 174,000. But as more wind farms have been built in remote areas bottlenecks in the grid have become more commonplace.

As a result, upwards of 300million a year is now being spent under the constraint scheme, which has now cost bill-payers the grand total of 1.8billion, according to the REF.

Whats more, critics believe wind farm operators can sometimes make more, under the rules, by switching off their turbines than from making electricity.

This has created a perverse incentive to build new facilities in isolated regions such as Moray, where the strained infrastructure means constraint payments are likely to be more common.

Christopher Moran took the EDF to court when he realised money he had made from his venture was less than it should have been (file image)

Dorenell is a case in point. For according to court papers, in 2023 it received 37million in constraint payments, equating to half its gross income of 74million. The following year, the figure was 40million.

These sums were then included in figures used to calculate Morans rent but Dorenell Windfarm Limited was also making extra cash from shutting down its turbines by exploiting a loophole in the subsidy system via which farms receiving constraint payments are provided with credited energy they can then sell on the open market.

A highly-complex trading arrangement then allowed them to make millions in extra profits by selling the credited energy that theyd never actually generated when prices were high.

Moran thought that a portion of this extra income ought to have then found its way into his rent payments.

EDF disagreed, sparking a contract dispute. In his opinion Lord Sandison appears to have largely sided with Moran, and both sides in the dispute are now considering their next steps.

The exposure of such scale of financial returns and infighting, all whilst this wind farm development has one of the most derisory community benefit packages in the country, should be subject to the highest level of scrutiny by the Scottish government, is how Jonathan Christie, the Chief Executive of The Cabrach Trust, a local charity dedicated to regeneration, puts it.

Colin Mackenzie, a whisky historian who has holiday lets near the Cabrach and Glenfiddich Estates, describes the roll out of wind turbines across the Highlands as a national scandal saying: The figures in the court case are astonishing and make the 2million awarded to local projects since the Community Benefit Fund opened look like chicken feed.

Moran isnt the only one to have smelled a rat about Dorenells constraint payments. Last year, Ofgem forced the operator to pay 5million into a redress fund after finding that it had charged excessive amounts to switch off turbines under the scheme.

To critics, the grubby affair only serves to highlight how energy subsidies represent one of the most regressive wealth transfers in history, funnelling cash from poor people to some of the wealthiest in society.

Christopher Moran is perhaps the very last person who might be in need of extra cash. A grammar schoolboy from a modest background, he joined Lloyds of London in the 1960s as a 17-year-old insurance brokers assistant and within five years had acquired his first million.

By the 1990s he had a car collection that extended to three Rolls-Royces and a Lagonda, plus one of largest homes in London: Crosby Hall, a medieval pile in Chelsea that was once home to King Richard III.

There was also a beauty queen wife, named Helen, with whom he had two sons before divorcing in the late 1990s, a vast collection of antiques and Old Master paintings, and a contacts book that would see him host everyone from Tony Blair, Boris Johnson and David Cameron, to Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth, and an array of celebrities at his palatial residence next to the Thames.

Life has not been without the occasional scandal. His City career suffered a setback in 1982 when he became the first Lloyds broker to be expelled in 300 years for discreditable conduct.

A few years later, he was censured by the Stock Exchange Council and fined $2million in the US for alleged insider dealing.

And in the 2000s, Moran was reported to be one of several individuals the Tories had returned donations to so as to prevent their identities from becoming public under new disclosure rules.

In 2018, a newspaper probe found that one of his properties, a serviced apartment block named Chelsea Cloisters, was home to more than 100 prostitutes, earning the building the nickname ten floors of whores (Moran denied having any knowledge of their presence).

And in 2023, it emerged that hed fathered a daughter named Iva via his girlfriend Emily Rae.

Not that Moran is running away from controversy. To the horror of locals, hes announced plans to build 22 new wind turbines on his estate via a joint venture with a Canadian company.

Given recent revelations at the Court of Sessions, we can assume they will earn lots of money from being switched off.

And so the Laird of Cabrach and Glenfiddich will get even richer, Scotlands Highlands will become less beautiful, and you and I will be forced to pay for it.
The parents of a British-born Israeli soldier who was killed while fighting in Gaza have spoken of their grief.

Avi Rosenfeld, 60, and his English teacher wife Sam Rosenfeld, 50, told the Daily Mail their son died saving the lives of other Israel Defence Force soldiers, in their first interview with a British media outlet since his death in June.

Natan Rosenfeld, 20, who served in the combat engineering battalion after being conscripted, was killed in an explosion while clearing out an empty house in Kfar Jabalia in northern Gaza.

The exact details of his death are still classified. But snippets shared by his parents prove that Natan died how he lived: a hero.

'It could have been ten times worse, but [Natan] took the force of it,' Mr Rosenfeld said. 'The blast [that killed him] was so harsh that his two friends, who were standing next to him, were blown aside from the shockwaves. He saved them.

'My son took the fall for it but saved a lot of other people.'

He continued: 'The biggest miracle of all is that the blast didn't in any way break his body.'

'So at the funeral we got to see him one last time. And unfortunately, many parents don't.'

The parents of British-born Israeli soldier Natan Rosenfeld, who was killed while fighting in Gaza, have spoken of their grief for the first time

Avi Rosenfeld, 60, and his English teacher wife Sam Rosenfeld, 50, paid tribute to their son, who they described as a 'hero'

Natan was killed while fighting in Gaza in June. Pictured: Smoke billows during an Israeli strike on the Gaza Strip earlier this week

Mrs Rosenfeld said: 'They kept telling us he's whole. He's whole. And we didn't initially understand what they meant. When we finally got to see him and kiss him, he was bruised and battered and so cold. But clearly it was our boy.'

At this point, the heartbroken parents  who were speaking over FaceTime from their home in Ra'anana, a small city ten miles north of Tel Aviv  began to sob quietly, gripping each other for comfort.

Originally from Hendon, north-west London, the close-knit Rosenfeld family made aliyah  when a Jewish person moves to Israel  13 years ago, when Natan was seven.

Mrs Rosenfeld said it was an ordinary Sunday morning when a woman and two men in army uniform knocked on her door to inform the family of his death.

When she opened the door, her daughter Eliora, 22, saw the visitors and started screaming.

Eliora's boyfriend, staff sergeant Hallel Saadon, had been shot dead on October 7, so she knew why the soldiers were there.

Mrs Rosenfeld said: 'When they told me [Natan] had died I didn't think it was real. I kept asking them, 'Are you sure it's him?'

The soldiers told her she should not tell her husband, who wasn't at home, over the phone.

Natan, pictured as a child, was from Hendon, north-west London before moving to Israel

The family moved to Ra'anana, a small city ten miles north of Tel Aviv, 13 years ago

Mr Rosenfeld said of his son: 'Natan's kindness was overpowering. He was always smiling. And I am so intensely proud of him'

Natan was killed in an explosion while clearing out an empty house in Kfar Jabalia in Gaza

Mr Rosenfeld said: 'She was super calm and just told me I needed to come home  at the time I had no idea why.

'But when I walked in the house and saw my wife and the kids red-eyed and the three people standing there in military uniform I knew immediately.

'I just started shouting: 'I can't believe it!' I kept saying it over and over. One of the uniformed men walked over to me and he hugged me. They were like angels.'

Asked if they regretted moving to Israel, Mrs Rosenfeld said: 'We moved to Israel because we wanted a better life for our kids. Of course you never imagine your son is going to be killed in the army. But we don't regret our decision for a moment.'

Her husband said: 'There is only one Jewish land in the entire world. My parents grew up in eastern Europe, they went through the Holocaust.

'We've seen again and again what history has in mind for the Jewish people. This is a beautiful country. The people are good people.

'But we have sadly had to pay a very heavy debt to be able to live in this country.'

Describing his son, he said: 'Natan's kindness was overpowering. He was always smiling. And I am so intensely proud of him.'

Looking back towards their country of birth  the UK  the Rosenfelds are horrified by growing 'intolerance' towards Jewish people.

Mr Rosenfeld said: 'I love England and the people of Britain are good people. But the country has an enormous problem at the moment.'
A New York man has died after being sucked into an MRI machine while wearing a necklace, critically injuring him.

The 61-year-old died from his injuries on Thursday following the freak accident at Nassau County Open MRI in Westbury, New York, on Wednesday.

Nassau County Police Department said the man was pulled into the medical imaging machine while wearing a 'large metal chain'.

He had walked into the MRI room while a scan was in progress and was pulled into the machine.

The as yet unidentified man suffered serious injuries in what police described as a medical episode.

Officials have said that the victim was not a patient and was there with someone else at the time.

One witness told CBS News that the man had defied orders to stay out of the room after he heard his relative screaming from inside and got concerned.

An investigation is ongoing into the circumstances, but police have said there is no criminality involved and it appears to have been an accident.

The 61-year-old died from his injuries on Thursday following the freak accident at Nassau County Open MRI in Westbury, New York , on Wednesday

Nassau County Police Department said the man was pulled into the medical imaging machine while wearing a 'large metal chain'

An official cause of death has yet to be released in the incident, one staff doctor at North Shore University Hospital speculated on a potential cause.

Dr. Payal Sud told CBS: 'If this was a chain that was wrapped around the neck, I could imagine any kind of strangulation injuries that could happen. Asphyxiation, cervical spine injuries.'

When undergoing an MRI procedure, patients are generally asked to remove all jewelry and piercings to remain safe.

The machine generates strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed internal images of the human body.

The magnetic pull is so strong that it is capable of throwing a wheelchair across a room, according to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.

When undergoing an MRI procedure, patients are generally asked to remove all jewelry and piercings to remain safe.

Injuries and deaths from MRI machines, while rare, have happened in the past.

In 2001, a six-year-old boy was killed at Westchester Medical Center in New York when an metal oxygen tank was pulled into the machine while he was being scanned.

And in 2018, a man died in India when he entered an MRI room holding an oxygen tank.
Politicians, businessmen, academics, showbusiness stars... Jeffrey Epstein loved collecting prominent men as friends and revelling in their approval.

So when it came to his 50th birthday in 2003, his long-time friend and sidekick Ghislaine Maxwell knew that nothing would please him more as a present than a tribute to these connections  to remind the multi-millionaire son of a park groundsman from working-class Coney Island just how far he'd come.

Maxwell, an Oxford-educated socialite, asked dozens of Epstein's friends and associates to contribute letters and notes about him to go into a leather-bound album.

And they were only too happy to oblige. This, after all, was still three years before his arrest for sexually abusing underage girls in his Palm Beach mansion and the truth about his sordid criminality was yet to emerge.

This book, whose existence has previously never been disclosed  even though it is reportedly in the hands of the US Department of Justice  has now been seen by the Wall Street Journal.

And according to the newspaper, it contains one particular entry that has sent shockwaves across the US and prompted furious threats of a lawsuit from the Oval Office. A letter bearing Donald Trump's name was included in the tome. Like others, it was 'bawdy', the Journal said.

This letter, which the newspaper did not publish but only described, was said to contain 'several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, which appears to be hand-drawn with a heavy marker'.

According to the WSJ: 'A pair of small arcs denotes the woman's breasts, and the future president's signature is a squiggly "Donald" below her waist, mimicking pubic hair.'

President Donald Trump (right) has been accused of sending Jeffrey Epstein (left) a 'bawdy' letter containing 'several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, which appears to be hand-drawn with a heavy marker'

Ghislaine Maxwell (above) had asked dozens of Epstein's friends and associates to contribute letters and notes about him to go into a leather-bound album for his 50th birthday

Pressure has ramped up in recent weeks calling for the release of the so-called 'Epstein files' (Pictured: people holding up signs in Texas on July 17)

The letter  which ends 'Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret'  is an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein. It's a strange, very cryptic exchange which, given the storm it's caused, is worth reporting in full

It begins: 'Voice Over: There must be more to life than having everything.

Donald: Yes, there is, but I won't tell you what it is.

Jeffrey: Nor will I, since I also know what it is.

Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.

Jeffrey: Yes, we do, come to think of it.

Donald: Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?

Jeffrey: As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.

Donald: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret.'

Trump has denied writing the birthday letter or drawing the picture and has said he will sue the Journal for ignoring his demands not to publish the story, which he described as 'false, malicious, and defamatory'.

He told the newspaper: 'This is not me. This is a fake thing. It's a fake Wall Street Journal story.

'I never wrote a picture in my life. I don't draw pictures of women. It's not my language. It's not my words.'

Yesterday, the President upped the ante in characteristic style, stating on social media that he planned to sue Rupert Murdoch, owner of the Journal.

Yesterday, the President (right) upped the ante in characteristic style, stating on social media that he planned to sue Rupert Murdoch (left), owner of the Wall Street Journal

'I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his "pile of garbage" newspaper,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. 'That will be an interesting experience!!!'

The President's claim that he doesn't draw was disputed yesterday by those who supplied sketches he'd done of skyscrapers and recalled him writing of his 'new talent' of drawing in his 2008 book, How I Turned My Biggest Challenges Into Success.

He must be hoping that the scepticism ends there.

Meanwhile, the lewd birthday greeting and the suggestion that the two men shared a 'secret', couldn't have surfaced at a worse moment for the US President, who has spent recent days fighting off accusations from his own supporters that his government is involved in a huge cover-up over the Epstein scandal.

Trump has called them 'stupid' and accused them of being dupes of a Democrat-spun 'hoax' to undermine him.

But he and some of his cronies  including, ironically, two who are now running the FBI  have only themselves to blame for this MAGA backlash as they have themselves long encouraged speculation about a conspiracy to protect the identities of powerful men who were supplied with girls by Epstein.

Trump pledged in his 2024 election campaign to declassify Epstein files, including a much-anticipated 'list' of clients of the financier's sex-trafficking ring.

However, the Trump administration has now claimed that no such evidence exists.

'I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his "pile of garbage" newspaper,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform (Picture: Murdoch embracing Trump in 2017)

Trump (above) pledged in his 2024 election campaign to declassify the Epstein files, including a much-anticipated 'list' of clients of the financier's sex-trafficking ring

Trump has long attempted to play down the extent of his association with Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting a sex-trafficking trial (Pictured: Trump and Epstein together in the early 2000s)

The Department of Justice and FBI released a joint review on Thursday concluding that Epstein had 'no incriminating client list' that could implicate high-profile associates.

Although the Wall Street Journal reported that it was unclear whether his 50th birthday album was among the Epstein evidence recently reviewed by the Justice Department and FBI, some will inevitably be speculating that if anyone's been covering up over Epstein, it's the current President.

Trump has now backtracked and said he had asked Pam Bondi, his attorney-general, to release the grand jury testimony on Epstein.

Whatever this might disclose, the alleged birthday note has shifted the focus back on the Trump-Epstein relationship little more than a month after Elon Musk astonishingly claimed that his former close friend and ally was 'in the Epstein files', stating that was 'the real reason they have not been made public'.

Trump has long attempted to play down the extent of his association with Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting a sex-trafficking trial.

However, it's no secret they were friends when they moved in the same moneyed social circles in Palm Beach, Florida, from the late 1980s until 2004 (just a year after the birthday greetings message) when they reportedly fell out over a property they both wanted to buy.

They attended numerous parties together and it's claimed that in 1992, Trump arranged for a 'calendar girl' competition for 'VIP guests' to be held at his Palm Beach home, Mar-a-Lago, where he and Epstein were the only two men watching the 28 glamorous contestants.

Trump's name appeared seven times in the passenger logs of Epstein's private jets. In fact, Epstein was recorded boasting to biographer Michael Wolff that the first time Trump slept with his future wife Melania 'was on my plane'.

Trump has said he had asked Pam Bondi (right), his attorney-general, to release the grand jury testimony on Epstein

Wolff also claimed that Trump and Epstein challenged each other as to who could be the first to sleep with Princess Diana.

Last month, the author said he'd seen photos of Trump and Epstein in the company of topless girls.

It's a matter of record that Trump was sufficiently acquainted with Epstein to know about his preference for 'younger' women. In 2002, he was quoted in a magazine article about the mysterious financier as saying: 'I've known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy.

'He's a lot of fun to be with. It is even said he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.'

Nowadays, Trump remembers Epstein as a 'creep' of whom 'I wasn't a fan', but he's hardly the only one who has spent the years since Epstein's death doing his level best to distance himself from the paedophile predator.

Who else might be embarrassed by the full contents of Epstein's 50th birthday album being made public? Apart from mentioning an unnamed but now deceased Harvard University economist, the Wall Street Journal names only two others who submitted letters: billionaire fashion retailer Les Wexner and lawyer Alan Dershowitz. Both have been connected to Epstein for years.

Wexner, the former chief executive of lingerie company Victoria's Secret, hired Epstein to manage his money for 20 years until 2007. They had a close but puzzling relationship in which Epstein obtained his mansion home in New York, a private plane and a property in Ohio  altogether worth $100 million  from Wexner.

Wexner has since claimed he 'severed all ties with Epstein in 2007 and never spoke with him again'. However, according to the Journal, just four years earlier, Wexner wrote a short birthday message to Epstein: 'I wanted to get you what you want so here it is' After the text was a line drawing of what appeared to be a woman's breasts. Wexner declined to comment to the newspaper.

Biographer Michael Wolff claims that Trump and Epstein challenged each other as to who could be the first to sleep with Princess Diana (above)

The Wall Street Journal named only two others who submitted letters to Epstein: billionaire fashion retailer Les Wexner (left) and lawyer Alan Dershowitz (right)

Dershowitz, a celebrated Harvard legal expert, was one of Epstein's highly paid defence lawyers and was also part of the team that defended Trump from 2020 impeachment charges. He was involved in a long-running legal battle with Virginia Giuffre, an accuser of both Epstein and Prince Andrew, over allegations he engaged in sexual misconduct. Ms Giuffre later said she had misidentified the lawyer.

Dershowitz's contribution to the birthday album was a mock-up page of a magazine titled 'Vanity Unfair' containing headlines such as 'Who was Jack the Ripper? Was it Jeffrey Epstein?'. Dershowitz 'joked that he had convinced the magazine to change the focus of an article from Epstein to Bill Clinton', the Journal said. He told the newspaper: 'It's been a long time and I don't recall the content of what I may have written.'

Other contributors to the birthday album sent poems, photos and 'greetings', and the senders included 'businesspeople, academics, Epstein's former girlfriends and childhood pals', it's claimed.

Given that many of Epstein's friends  including Prince Andrew  continued to associate with him even after he was convicted of procuring a child for prostitution in 2009, the possibilities of who might have sent birthday greetings before he was ever engulfed in scandal are almost endless.

Many of the women who accused Epstein of abusing them have since testified how he used the respectability of many of his contacts to lure them into his web.

The most famous among his friends included Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, filmmaker Woody Allen and music superstar Michael Jackson. Joanna Sjoberg, one of Prince Andrew's accusers, testified that Epstein had told her Clinton 'likes them young, referring to girls'.

Many of the women who accused Epstein of abusing them have since testified how he used the respectability of many of his contacts to lure them into his web

However, Epstein  a former maths teacher who insiders say considered himself an intellectual  didn't just court celebrities but also scientists and academics whose research he often financed.

'As some collect butterflies, he collects beautiful minds,' gushed a US magazine profile of Epstein in 2002.

He even knew Professor Stephen Hawking, the illustrious British physicist, who was almost completely paralysed for more than 40 years by motor neurone disease.

Prof Hawking died in 2018 but others who had far closer associations with Epstein are very much still alive.

When sweet-talking Ghislaine Maxwell came looking for gushing tributes to dear Jeffrey at the height of his power and influence in 2003, who could possibly have refused?

Donald Trump cannot be the only one now anxiously hoping that curious Americans will move on again from the Epstein scandal.
A woman whose remains were found in a ditch along Wyoming's Interstate 90 more than 30 years ago has been identified as 21-year-old Cindi Arleen Estrada, thanks to advances in DNA technology, state authorities revealed Thursday.

Estrada's body was discovered on April 13, 1992, about 15 miles north of Sheridan and for decades, she was known only as 'I-90 Jane Doe.'

The initial autopsy, performed over three decades ago, revealed that she had been brutally murdered, showing signs of blunt force trauma and strangulation.

Additionally, she was two and a half months pregnant at the time of her death - and had likely given birth before, the Cowboy State Daily reported.

The breakthrough in her identification came when the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) matched DNA from her remains to that of her biological mother.

Investigators now believe Estrada was born in Torrance, California, and may have also lived in Long Beach.

Her case has since been officially linked to Clark Perry Baldwin, a former long-haul trucker and suspected serial killer.

A woman whose remains were found in a ditch along Wyoming 's Interstate 90 more than 30 years ago has been identified as 21-year-old Cindi Arleen Estrada. Pictured: A reconstruction of Sheridan County Jane Doe, now identified as Cindi Arleen Estrada

Estrada's body was discovered on April 13, 1992, about 15 miles north of Sheridan and for decades, she was known only as 'I-90 Jane Doe.' Pictured: Highway 90 north outside Sheridan, Wyoming

Her case has since been officially linked to Clark Perry Baldwin (pictured), a former long-haul trucker and suspected serial killer

Baldwin was arrested in 2020 and has since been convicted in Tennessee for the 1991 murder of Pamela McCall - whom he killed in Tennessee around the same time another woman narrowly escaped his commercial truck.

He is expected to be extradited to Wyoming to face charges in the deaths of Estrada and Irene Vasquez - another woman murdered in the state just one month earlier, according to the Cowboy State Daily.

Vasquez, long referred to as 'Bitter Creek Betty,' was found nude and frozen off I-80 east of Rock Springs on March 1, 1992.

She, too, had been strangled. However, her identity wasn't confirmed until several years later, in 2022, through genetic genealogy and family tree DNA.

A key development in 2012 connected the two Wyoming cases as investigators matched a male DNA profile found on both victims, confirming the same suspect was responsible. That profile was later linked in 2019 to the McCall homicide in Tennessee, with public DNA databases and forensic genealogy eventually leading investigators to Baldwin.

Baldwin was arrested on May 6, 2020, in Waterloo, Iowa, after FBI agents retrieved DNA from his shopping cart and home garbage, where his DNA shockingly matched samples taken from all three homicide scenes.

'Subsequent investigations, including the use of publicly accessible DNA databases and investigative genetic genealogy, provided leads that ultimately identified Clark Perry Baldwin as the unknown DNA contributor,' a statement from the DCI reads.

Baldwin was arrested in 2020 and has since been convicted in Tennessee for the 1991 murder of Pamela McCall. He is expected to be extradited to Wyoming to face charges in the deaths of Estrada and Irene Vasquez - another woman murdered in the state

The FBI's reconstruction models of Sheridan County Jane Doe, now identified as Cindi Arleen Estrada

At the time of her death, Estrada was wearing jeans, a midriff-bearing blouse, and a gold belt buckle, with her shoes and socks missing. Pictured: Shirt worn by victim Cindi Arleen Estrada

Baldwin, who once worked as an over-the-road trucker, is also accused of abducting and raping a woman in 1991 who later testified against him at his Tennessee trial.

At the time of her death, Estrada was wearing jeans, a midriff-bearing blouse, and a gold belt buckle, with her shoes and socks missing.

Investigators recovered semen from her body, but early 1990s forensic technology couldn't identify a suspect, and so the case remained 'cold' for years.

According to DCI, the identification of Estrada and the connection to Baldwin mark a 'significant breakthrough' in a multi-state serial murder investigation that has spanned more than three decades.

Baldwin is currently serving a life sentence and now awaits extradition to Wyoming to face murder charges in the deaths of Estrada and Vasquez, according to Oil City News.
The Colorado dentist accused of fatally poisoning his wife was told hed need to take a drastic pay cut in the months before her murder, jurors heard on Friday.

Dr Ryan Redfearn, a dental school friend of defendant James Craig, told the court how in 2022 hed invited the father of six to join Fit to Smile, the umbrella dental services group Redfearn runs with his brother.

Craig would have the opportunity to become a partner while the operation would provide management services to run his practice, Redfearn testified at Arapahoe County District Court.

After making the invitation, Redfearn testified that he learned Craig had in recent years declared bankruptcy, blaming it on coronavirus troubles.

The arrangement with Fit to Smile meant the operation would pay $18,000 a month to service Craigs debts, Redfearn told the court.

By January 2023, however, Redfearn testified that the partnership was not going well.

After a Monday night meeting with other partners, Redfearn drove to Craigs house, told him hed need to cancel upcoming trips, work more days and reduce his salary from a 35 per cent to 28 per cent cut.

During the conversation, in admissions that came out of nowhere, Redfearn said Craig broke down and told him that his marriage was in a bad place.

James Craig, 47, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the March 2023 fatal poisoning of his wife, Angela, the 43-year-old mother of his six children

A dental school friend with whom Craig had gone into business told the court on Friday that he'd told the dentist, pictured in happier times with his wife, that Craig would need to take a 'drastic' pay cut in the months before Angela's death

He didnt elaborate, and I didnt feel the need to ask; it was more of just, things werent good between him and Angie, Redfearn testified.

He cried.

Redfearn added that Craigs practice had numerous problems, including excessive spending.

Craig took the pay cut portion of the conversation better than he expected, Redfearn testified.

Two months later, however, Angela fell ill.

Redfearn was pulling into the hospital complex on March 15, the day she was declared brain dead, when he was told by employees that Craig had received a delivery of potassium cyanide to the office earlier that week.

Testifying that he was shocked, Redfearn told jurors he joined Craig in the ICU waiting room and looked up symptoms of potassium cyanide poisoning on his phone.

He pulled aside a nurse at the hospital to share his concerns, Redfearn testified.

'I even think I said to him ... "I'm not accusing anyone of anything, I don't know what's going on here, but I just received some information that she might have been poisoned,"' Redfearn told the court.

Craig has pleaded not guilty to murdering his mother-of-six wife Angela. He's accused of poisoning her to get out of his marriage

Craig was arrested the day after his wife's March 18, 2023 death. Family friend and business associate Dr Ryan Redfearn testified on Friday that Craig's practice had multiple problems, including 'excessive spending' - with the dentist told to cancel trips and work more days

He said he didn't know at the time 'if there was any way to save her' or if a 'reversal agent' existed but he knew that 'time was of the essence, probably.'

Redfearn was later brought to speak to a forensic nurse, he said, and after that left the hospital with his wife - but told Angela's brother and the family's bishop, who'd also been in the waiting room, about his concerns.

He 'felt it was important to tell somebody, and we went to our car,' Redfearn testified.

That's when Craig called.

'He said that he'd heard some disturbing news about me talking to somebody at the hospital, and I acknowledged that I had talked to a nurse,' Redfearn testified.

Redfearn then confronted Craig about the package delivery, he said.

'I said, "Jim, what was in the package?" And he ... kind of blew it off, [like] it's not that big of a deal,' Redfearn testified.

Upon further pressing, Redfearn told the court, Craig 'said it was a ring for Angie to surprise her.

"And I said, "It wasn't a ring, Jim" - and he said, "Well, it wasn't opened." And I said, "It was."

Craig, occasionally seen crying at the defense table during the first week of testimony in his murder trial, was confronted by Redfearn about having potassium cyanide delivered the workplace, Redfearn testified - and initially denied it, saying it was a ring for his wife

'And I said, "Why do you need potassium cyanide?"

'His first response was: "Ryan, what have you done?" Redfearn said. 'He said that a couple of times, and I continued to ask him: "Why do you need potassium cyanide? That is not something that we need in dentistry or that we practice with."'

Craig told him 'it was a game of chicken with Angie.'

'What do you mean by that?' Redfearn testified he asked Craig.

'And he said that she was suicidal and he bought it for her because she couldn't buy it herself, that you needed special credentials.'

The following day, Redfearn testified, Craig sent a 'pretty lengthy text.'

Redfearn told the court he 'basically didn't want me to talk to anybody about what we talked about' and requested that Redfearn ask other employees not to speak with investigators, either.

Angela had been declared brain dead on March 15, the day Redfearn alerted nurses. She was taken off life support on March 18, and Craig was arrested the following day.

The trial continues on Monday.
Its not every day that George Mason University lands on the front page of the Washington Post, in an op-ed by Virginias U.S. senators and in a joint investigation by the Chronicle of Higher Education and ProPublica. In 2006, when George Mason stunned the nation as the Cinderella team in the NCAA Final Four, the attention was exhilarating.

Today, the spotlight feels far more threatening.

Since July 1, George Mason has been notified of two federal civil rights investigations by the U.S. Department of Education  one concerning allegations of antisemitism and the other focused on diversity-related hiring practices. Public response has been quick and widespread, including a letter from former Gov. Doug Wilder and a piece I co-authored in Virginia Business. Yet amid all the noise, one sentence continues to resonate in my mind.

In a recent Richmond Times-Dispatch column, Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Michael Paul Williams quoted Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell as saying:

George Mason needs to fight these allegations and show their own compliance, and if the Attorney General is unwilling to defend them because he is politically incapable, then he should authorize outside counsel [to] represent them.

I had to read it twice. The top Democrat in the Virginia Senate is publicly questioning whether the commonwealths top legal officer is too politically biased to defend one of its public universities. Thats when it hit me: This is no longer just a legal issue. Its a political crisis.

For more than half a century, Virginias public universities have been represented legally by the Office of the Attorney General. The Code of Virginia leaves little room for doubt: All legal service in civil matters  shall be rendered and performed by the Attorney General. Only the attorney general can authorize outside counsel  only when it is impractical or uneconomical for the state to provide the service itself.

In the 1990s, universities like George Mason didnt have on-site legal counsel appointed by the AG. Everything  contracts, lawsuits, regulatory filings  was routed through Richmond. That changed when a more collaborative model emerged: universities funded embedded attorneys who were appointed as assistant attorneys general. This hybrid structure provided institutions with timely, informed legal guidance while maintaining the AGs oversight authority.

That model worked  until it didnt.

On Jan. 15, 2022, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares assumed office. By the end of the day, university counsels at both UVa and George Mason had been dismissed abruptly. No previous attorney general had ever taken such action on their first day. The political intent was unmistakable.

At George Mason, the long-serving university counsel was replaced by a deputy  an alumna of George Masons Scalia Law School, former Federalist Society chapter president and classmate of former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. Her husband, a conservative political operative, has held senior roles at Koch Industries, helped fund both the governors and AGs campaigns, and served on a Youngkin Inaugural Host Committee.

These are not incidental facts. They paint a picture of a legal structure at Virginias public universities increasingly shaped by ideological loyalty, not institutional independence.

And now, as George Mason faces two high-stakes federal investigations, its ability to defend itself may depend on whether the attorney general  who already has politicized the universitys legal office  will authorize outside counsel. As Majority Leader Surovell has rightly asked: What happens if the AG refuses?

We now know the answer  sort of.

Rather than authorize outside counsel with a track record of defending public universities in federal investigations, the George Mason University Board of Visitors has turned to Torridon Law, a boutique firm packed with former senior officials from the Trump administration, including William Barr, Pat Cipollone and Mike Pompeo. The attorney named as George Masons representative is Mike Fragoso, the former chief counsel to Mitch McConnell and chief counsel for nominations and constitutional law for the Senate Judiciary Committee under Ranking Member Chuck Grassley and Chairman Lindsey Graham.

This is not a neutral legal defense. This is politics wrapped in a law firm.

It raises a deeply troubling question: Was this firm hired to vigorously defend George Mason Universitys academic integrity and institutional autonomy  or was it brought in to negotiate a quiet settlement that leads to the removal of GMU President Gregory Washington?

If the latter, then the attorney generals refusal to defend the university is not merely dereliction  its design. This is how political operatives take down university leaders without ever getting their hands dirty. They outsource the job.

The stakes go far beyond George Mason. If Virginias attorney general is allowed to replace professional legal defense with partisan lawfare, then no public university president in the commonwealth is safe  not the one who speaks out, not the one who complies, not the one who simply tries to lead.

This is not just about one university or one leader. It is about the future of public higher education in Virginia.

If we allow political actors to control our universities through back channels and outside counsel, then we lose not only our leaders  we lose our principles.

And if Virginians dont speak out now, they may one day look up and find that the institutions they once trusted no longer belong to them.
A 16-month-old corgi spotted pacing up and down a filthy apartment balcony for hours on end is one step closer to finding his forever home.

Video taken from a high-rise building in Melbourne's CBD earlier this month showed Harry, formerly known as Trump, trapped in dire living conditions.

In the footage, the dog was seen racing back-and-forth on the narrow balcony, which had only a small kennel with no bedding.

The glass sides of the balcony were smeared with filth and the owner seemingly only cleaned the dog faeces once a large amount had accumulated.

On July 11, Acting Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell told Daily Mail Australia the owner had surrendered the dog to council that morning.

Harry was then taken to The Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne, where he underwent medical checks for one week.

On Friday, the home announced Harry was officially up for adoption but would continue to need behavioural rehabilitation to 'heal' from his ordeal.

'After being left alone for months on a balcony in filthy, lonely conditions with minimal human contact, Harry came into care frightened, confused, and unsure how to be a dog,' the home wrote, alongside a slideshow of images of the dog.

The 16-month old corgi Harry (pictured), formerly called Trump, has been put up for adoption after living in dire conditions on a narrow balcony in Melbourne's CBD

Neighbour Helia Abdollahi shared video of the little corgi running in circles while trapped on an apartment balcony in the city's CBD last week (pictured)

The balcony Harry lived on was described as filthy and lonely, with minimal human contact

'He's looking for the special person or family who can help him continue his journey toward a happy, secure life.'

The home said Harry, who now weighs 14kg, has an enthusiasm for play and people, but he finds it hard to settle at times.

As a result, he might urine-mark indoors and outdoors when anxious as a 'way of coping with stress', which will take time, patience and guidance to improve.

'It's important to understand Harry will need ongoing behavioural rehabilitation, and his new family must be prepared for the challenges - and the rewards - of helping him heal,' they said.

'He deserves a home that sees his potential and is willing to work with him every step of the way.'

Aussies left a slew of comments celebrating Harry's recovery.

'So glad he is safe now and hopefully in a loving home soon. A shame we have such inadequate animal welfare laws,' a user said.

'I'm so happy Harry is free from that tiny space and lack of love. I hope he finds his forever home.'

Harry (pictured) still gets anxious and will need behaviour rehabilitation from his new owner

Harry's poor living conditions in his former home were first brought to public attention by Melbourne woman Helia Abdollahi.

She made several reports to authorities, which amounted to no action, and decided to share the distressing video online in a last-ditch effort.

Ms Abdollahi previously told Daily Mail Australia that she spent three months recording the lonely canine living in the block of units across from her.

'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,' she said.

'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.
Kristin Cabot appears to have a taste for powerful men, with DailyMail.com confirming that the HR chief is currently married to another CEO  despite being caught canoodling with her boss.

Cabot was caught in a moment of intimacy during a Coldplay concert in Boston with Astronomer CEO Andy Byron.

The 52-year-old is the Head of People at the company, and the pair tried to hide when the kiss-cam panned to them at Boston's Gillette Stadium on Tuesday night.

Speculation has been rife as to whether the couple were in fact desperate to hide from their spouses.

The band's frontman Chris Martin did them no favors, joking to the packed stadium of fans: 'They're either having an affair... or are very shy.'

But DailyMail.com can confirm that Cabot in fact is currently married, and picture her with her CEO husband for the first time.

Massachusetts property documents dated in January confirmed that Cabot is currently married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker.

Kristin Cabot, Chief of HR at Astronomer, was caught in a moment of intimacy during a Coldplay concert in Boston with the company's CEO Andy Byron

DailyMail.com can confirm that Cabot (pictured) in fact is currently married

It is unclear exactly when the pair tied the knot, but the documents confirm that Kristin, whose maiden name is Stanek, was married at the time of selling a $1.8m property in Watertown, Mass, earlier this year.

Privateer Rums website lists Andrew Cabot as its CEO and COO of the company, and public documents show that he has been married at least twice before, in 1993 and 2014.

He shares two children with his first wife Maud, who shared a picture of her ex-husband with Kristin looking loved up at his daughters 25th birthday party on social media in April of last year.

Kristin even posed with his son Henry, 30, in the snaps, and was seen wearing a wedding ring at the event - which was missing during her cozy Coldplay date with Byron.

The couple are also referred to as husband and wife in New Hampshire property records, buying a $2.2million two-story, four-bedroom New Englander-style house in Rye, in February.

They sold another four-bedroom property nearby for $1.05m in February, after purchasing it in April of last year.

Kristins now-deleted LinkedIn account showed that she has served as an advisory board member at Privateer Rum since September 2020.

Massachusetts property documents dated in January confirmed that Cabot is currently married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker. Pictured: Kristin Cabot pictured with her husband, Andrew Cabot, and his two kids

Kristin even posed with his son Henry, 30, in the snaps, and was seen wearing a wedding ring at the event - which was missing during her cozy Coldplay date with Byron

Cabot filed for divorce from his second wife Julie in 2018, after marrying in 2014, citing irreconcilable differences. Both he and his first wife Maud filed for divorce jointly in 2013, after separating in 2011.

Kristin has been married once before, filing for divorce from Ken Thornby in 2018, which was finalized in 2020.

Byron is also married, with his wife Megan Byron, removing his last name from her social media accounts shortly after the exchange with Chris Martin went viral.

Kristin, Cabot and Byron have not responded immediately to a request for comment by DAilyMail.com.

It comes after AI-tech start-up Astronomer said they have launched a formal investigation into the moment of intimacy.

'Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, they said in a statement.

'The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.'

It remains unclear how much - if anything - Astronomer knew of their closeness. The company has not clarified whether the pair still have jobs, or if they'll be placed on leave.

Byron's firm is valued at over $1 billion, with the company experiencing rapid growth since he became CEO in 2023.

Privateer Rums website lists Andrew Cabot (pictured) as its CEO and COO of the company, and public documents show that he has been married at least twice before, in 1993 and 2014

Kristins now-deleted LinkedIn account showed that she has served as an advisory board member at Privateer Rum since September 2020. Pictured: Andrew Cabot (center) at a ribbon cutting celebrating Privateer Rum joining the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

That year, Astronomer reported a 292% growth in revenue for its 'Astro' platform.

Just a week before his unfortunate viral fame, Byron appeared on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) TV to celebrate the company after it raised $93 million in its Series D round of financing.

A beaming Byron described the investment as 'a huge opportunity' and 'very exciting' for the firm.

When Cabot joined the firm as HR boss in November 2024, Byron heaped praise on her, saying she would be a 'perfect fit' at his company.

'Kristins exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory,' he said in a press release at the time.

'She is a proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies and her passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces makes her a perfect fit for Astronomer.'
This is the terrifying moment a yob pulled out a handgun before 'assassinating' a 15-year-old boy during a 'family fun day' in west London.

Rene Graham was gunned down while surrounded by parents and children at Emslie Horniman's Pleasance open space - also known as 'Teletubbies Park' - in Ladbroke Grove last July.

The shooting took place at an annual pre-Notting Hill Carnival event and allegedly came amid a violent postcode war between rival gangs.

Chilling new CCTV footage released by police on Saturday shows a balaclava-clad suspect walking calmly towards the busy park.

He can be seen taking a handgun out of his pocket before he entered Teletubbies Park via the children's play area and shot Rene in the chest.

Further images show that after killing Rene, the shooter chased down a second victim in the middle of a busy street.

The suspect can be seen pointing the gun at the young man as he flees around a corner and dives behind a white BMW.

Police investigating the shooting say they believe the answers lie within a 'small pocket of the community' - as they offered a 20,000 reward for information.

This is the terrifying moment a yob pulled out a handgun before 'assassinating' a 15-year-old boy in daylight during a 'family fun day' in west London

Rene Graham, aged 15, (pictured) was gunned down in Ladbroke Grove last July in an 'assassination'

Further images show that after killing Rene, the shooter chased down a second victim in the middle of a busy street

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation said: 'Rene was tragically shot dead during a busy music festival.

'Since the launch of the investigation, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and taken numerous statements from witnesses.

'Rene's family have continued to be supported throughout these enquiries, and they remain understandably devastated about his death.

'Recently, a man in his 20s was interviewed under caution in relation to Rene's murder and we continue to investigate all lines of enquiry.'

Teletubbies Park lies within the W10 postcode but is close to the border with the W9 zone.

In the aftermath of the shooting, residents told MailOnline there had been raised 'tensions' between gangs of youths operating in the two areas.

DCI Foxwell added: 'The person responsible for Rene's murder opened fire in a busy park where dozens of people, including very young children, were enjoying themselves.

'Officers have appealed to the local community on multiple occasions  we believe there are people sitting on the name of the person responsible.

The suspect can be seen taking a handgun out of his trouser pocket before he entered Teletubbies Park via the children's play area and shot Rene in the chest

Police tape cordoning off the area near Emslie Horniman's Pleasance park in London

Teletubbies Park lies within the W10 postcode but is close to the border with the W9 zone

'This person, who was willing to take the life of Rene and risk the lives of others, remains in your community.

'Now is the time to get in touch with us to give Rene's family the peace they deserve. Our thoughts, remain as ever, with them.'

Locals claim that two gangs operating near the area have been involved in a long running 'war' with each other - the Ladbroke Grove Boys (LGB), who are based on the Kensal New Town Estate, and the Harrow Road Boys (HRB) from the Mozart Estate.

Beverley Campbell who was at the Park Lime event told MailOnline: 'Everybody around here knows about the war between the LGB and HRB.

'This is quite a rough area and gang members attacking each other is not a new thing.'

She revealed that soon after the shooting, Rene's distraught mother arrived at the scene but was not allowed to see his body as police had sealed off the area. She was then joined by his father and other relatives.

Kelvin, 38, a local resident of the Kensal New Town Estate told MailOnline: 'It may sound a bit crazy to outsiders, but this rivalry is not a new thing.

'It's been going on for years and all of us refer to each other as from being 'over the water.'

The shooting took place in Hazlewood Crescent, close to the boundary between the W10 and W9 postcodes

The suspect pulled out his gun and shot at the second victim from behind the car

Rene died at the scene following the shooting at 'Park Lime', which is an annual pre-Notting Hill Carnival event organised by the Caribbean Music Association featuring DJs and stalls

'We don't like them, and they don't like us. But the gangs have taken it to another level and things have got a lot worse.

'They're constantly attacking each other and most of these don't even get reported to the police. If a gang member or any young person is found in the wrong territory, then it always causes problems.'

Olaseni Soyinka, 37, another local resident who was also at the Park Lime event added: 'Everybody was having a great time. People were dancing and there was loud music.

'Then we heard these bangs, and I wasn't sure what it was but then people started running.

'There are constant problems around here, our youngsters are out of control.

'When they're not fighting each other, they're causing a lot of anti-social nuisance by robbing local shops, letting of fireworks and damaging our cars.

'We don't bother calling the police because they don't do anything.'

The Mozart estate was completed in 1974 and is made up of 737 houses and flats in 25 medium-rise blocks.

The yob can be seen pulling out his gun in the park in west London and shooting Rene

Police guard a cordon near Emslie Horniman's Pleasance in Ladbroke Grove last July

The balaclava-clad suspect can be seen sprinting down a busy street with the handgun

Since then, it has acquired a reputation as one of the capital's 'sink estates' and is blighted by poor housing conditions, crime and drug dealing.

The Kensal New Town estate was completed in the 1970s and is made up of around 700 flats and homes that are also affected by a variety of social issues.

Both are just stone's throw from multi-million-pound homes and flats in Notting Hill that are home to A listers and are among the most expensive properties in the country.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to 20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for Rene's murder.

Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: 'Rene, was very sadly murdered last year in broad daylight with over two hundred people present.

'The significant and lasting impact on his family, friends, and the local community, cannot be underestimated and our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones.

'We believe someone who either witnessed the incident or knows of someone who was there on the day, will have information.

'No matter how insignificant they think it could be, it could help bring those responsible to justice.

Police tape cordoning off the area near Emslie Horniman's Pleasance park in London

Police officers guard the crime scene in Ladbroke Grove, West London, last July

'You can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously  we won't ask for your name and are unable to identify your telephone number or IP address if you are reporting online.

'We don't record calls, so once you have contacted our Charity there is no further involvement.

'Your information is passed anonymously on to the Police with no questions asked.

'Please do the right thing to find justice for Rene, who was only 15 years-old at the time of his death.

'Your information could make a real difference, and you may be eligible for a reward.'
Embattled independent MP Mark Latham has described a blazing argument that signified the end of his relationship with former OnlyFans creator and businesswoman Nathalie Matthews as 'something from World War Z'.

The former Labor leader addressed his unfolding sex scandal directly for the first time on Saturday, having generally limited his comments to posts on X or 2SM radio.

Latham read his defence against the allegations levelled by Ms Matthews from a four-page document in Camden, southwest Sydney, on Saturday morning.

Ms Matthews claims the MP has inflicted 'a sustained pattern' of psychological, financial and emotional abuse against her for almost three years.

She is seeking an apprehended violence order against the one-time federal opposition leader, alleging vile acts 'including defecating on me before sex and refusing to let me wash'.

Latham told the crowd his relationship with Ms Matthews fell apart during an argument on the night of the Rosehill Racecourse sale vote. He claimed Ms Matthews was covered in mud when she allegedly confronted him.

'This was like something from World War Z,' he said.

'(But) one thing's abundantly clear - what we had for over two years was a sexed-up, consensual, open arrangement between adults with a fair bit of other contacts, such as fun days of the races, thrown in. I didn't make any moral judgment about her.'

Independent NSW politician Mark Latham (pictured) gave a fiery press conference strongly denying allegations made against him by his ex-partner, claiming she is not 'thinking clearly'

Latham went on to say the pair shared a consensual relationship, adding that 'probably 95 per cent of the things she's complaining about, she initiated'.

'So the media disease here... is to take this stuff which is not rational, not true, from someone who... is obviously not thinking clearly about anything and exploit her for these salacious smutty stories that you run about someone's sex life,' he said.

He didn't deny accusations that he had had sex with Ms Matthews in his parliamentary office, saying that people could 'write whatever they like'.

'Members of parliament are allowed to run their own office,' Latham said.

'These are not matters of public interest but the truth is, members of parliament have privilege for whatever happens in their office, it is their own domain.'

During questions from gathered reporters, a female journalist pushed Latham on whether it was appropriate to have sex in a workplace.

'I'm not dealing in your salacious, voyeuristic exercise,' he said.

When she followed up on another allegation later in the press conference, Latham launched his own attack, telling the journalist she was 'shaking'.

Nathalie Matthews (pictured, right) has claimed independent MP Mark Latham (left) inflicted 'a sustained pattern' of psychological, financial and emotional abuse against her

'You must be worried about (being a) voyeur. Oh, shaky fake media, fake news,' he mocked. The journalist pointed out she had been filming with her phone camera for a least 15 minutes prior.

When another journalist pointed out that sex in a workplace would be a 'sackable offence in the private sector or anywhere else', Latham responded: 'Well, it's not in the NSW Parliament, ok'.

Latham said the subpoenas served by his lawyer, that requested the communications between Billionaire WiseTech boss CEO Richard White and Ms Matthews, had not been intended to intimidate her, like she alleged.

Instead, he insisted they were to test Ms Matthews' allegations in court that he had made her have sex with other men.

'She's falsely claimed in her private application to the court that I made her have sex with other people, so this allows us to interrogate the people that, unprompted by me,  she's had sex with, and there are many,' Latham alleged.

'So the (subpoenas are) directed in part to get information that's relevant to her application so it can be tested in the court, which, is the process of justices.'

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting the abuse claims against Latham are substantiated, only that they have been levelled against him by Ms Matthews.

The latest twist in the legal saga came on Friday when the politician's lawyer Zali Burrows served WiseTech global billionaire Richard White and Ms Matthews with a subpoena on Friday.

Ms Matthews (pictured) alleged Latham 'pressured her to engage in sexual acts with others'

The subpoena requested emails, text messages, and OnlyFans direct messages between Mr White and Ms Matthews, who connected on LinkedIn in 2023.

Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed Ms Matthews' past as an OnlyFans content creator earlier this week. She posted graphic images and videos of herself under the suggestive name Bondi C** Sl** from 2019 to 2023.

Mr White is not accused of any wrongdoing and this publication is not suggesting Mr White and Ms Matthews engaged in a sexual relationship, only that Latham joked about her performing a sex act on the tech billionaire.

Only hours later, a series of text exchanges were revealed by The Australian in which he joked Ms Matthews should perform oral sex on Mr White to 'celebrate', after four board members left the firm and he was appointed executive chairman in February.

Latham joked Ms Matthews was owed 'big money' by the 70-year-old businessman and should 'get that compo DNA!!!!'

Ms Matthews replied that there were 'not really grounds' to support such a claim.

'I could kill my professional career. Remember, I don't have a secure job,' she said.

Lewd WhatsApp messages between Latham and Ms Matthews were published this week

Some of these texts were reportedly sent by Latham (pictured) from the parliamentary floor

It is not the first time text exchanges between the ex-lovers have been published, with sexually explicit WhatsApp messages between the pair made public this week by The Daily Telegraph.

Latham told Daily Mail Australia the outlet's reproduction of the messages was 'not accurate'.

These messages included a series of lewd exchanges on February 20, 2025 during parliamentary sitting hours.

'Very hard thinking about you,' he wrote to Ms Matthews shortly after 11am, before following up with a series of suggestive emojis.

'Need badly to taste you,' he wrote that afternoon, alongside an emoji of a tongue.

'Made it back for first vote after dinner,' he said at 8.38pm.

Latham has claimed the communications did not impact his work.

Ms Matthews declined to comment on her OnlyFans past but her lawyer told Daily Mail Australia that her client 'has been subjected to character assassination, reputational damage and trial by media'.
A Minnesota state senator was convicted of burglary after she was caught breaking into the home of her estranged stepmother.

Democratic lawmaker Nicole Mitchell, 51, was found guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools in court on Friday.

Mitchell was caught in the act while dressed in all black while at her stepmother's home in the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes in April of last year.

She told police that she went there to search for her father's ashes and other mementos, but tried to back away from that story on the witness stand.

Footage of her arrest, shown earlier this week, showed her telling police, 'Clearly, I'm not good at this,' and 'I know I did something bad.'

The former broadcast meteorologist and now-retired Air National Guard officer was convicted of one count of first-degree burglary of an occupied dwelling, a felony that carries a mandatory minimum of six months in jail if there's an intent to steal.

Mitchell's father Roderick died in 2023 at the age of 72. He had been married to Mitchell's stepmother, Carol Mitchell, for nearly 40 years.

She testified on Thursday that, despite what she told the cops, she didn't intend to take anything.

Mitchell was caught in the act dressed in all black while at her stepmother's home in the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes in April of last year

Mitchell testified on Thursday that, despite what she told the cops, she didn't intend to take anything, she is seen here in court on Friday

She testified her stepmother was afraid of being put in a nursing home. Mitchell said she thought her stepmom would be less upset to hear she wanted some of her father's items than to have her competency questioned.

Mitchell said she had become increasingly concerned about her stepmother's worsening memory problems and paranoia, and wanted to check on her well-being.

She was also convicted on a count of possessing burglary tools, a lesser felony without a mandatory minimum.

The prosecution, led by Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald urged jurors Friday to focus on 'the many lies of Nicole Mitchell'.

He told the jury to evaluate her testimony with reason and common sense. And he urged them to review the video showing what she told police after her arrest.

He said: 'I submit to you she was telling the truth on April 22nd, 2024. And if you believe that she was telling the truth to the officers, then you know she had the intent to steal. She told you. She told the officers.'

Defense attorney Bruce Ringstrom Jr. told the jury that Mitchell did not steal anything and did not intend to.

He conceded that she used poor judgment. He said everybody has told 'white lies,' and that Mitchell's goal was to avoid aggravating her stepmothers distrust even further.

Police bodycam footage of a Minnesota senator Nicole Mitchell (pictured) allegedly burglarizing her stepmother's home was played in court this week

'We all know the difference between a white lie and a meaningful, damaging one,' Ringstrom said.

'The problem is that this happened in the context of something that was a terrible mess, a mess that Nicole made. But it was a mess.'

Police entered the home of her stepmother after she made a 911 call reporting, 'Somebody's broken into my house.'

Upon arrival at the house, a seemingly terrified Carol directed them to the location of the intruder in the basement  where her stepdaughter was then discovered and handcuffed.

Following Mitchell's arrest upon discovery, the senator called out to her stepmom, 'It's Nicole. I was just trying to get some of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore.'

When the police officer asked Carol how she knew the intruder, she replied, 'She's my stepdaughter. She's also a Minnesota senator.'

Officers reportedly found a crowbar and a backpack containing two laptops on the scene.

Mitchell listens to her attorney Bruce Ringstrom Jr.'s closing arguments during the fifth day of her felony burglary trial on Friday

Police entered the home of her stepmother, seen here after she made a 911 call reporting, 'Somebody's broken into my house'

Mitchell's father died without a will and a probate court awarded Carol 100 percent of his estate.

This decision led to a familial dispute over the finances, with Carol accusing Mitchell of 'trying to get money.'

In her testimony, Carol said she felt 'extremely violated' when her home was broken into. 'It was frightening,' she said. 'I didn't dare to stay there. I moved out.'

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy was quick to issue a statement saying that Mitchell has told colleagues that she planned to resign if convicted.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson reiterated the GOP's long-standing demand for immediate resignation or face expulsion.

Gov. Tim Walz's office said he expects her to resign. But one of Mitchell's attorneys, Dane DeKrey, said in text messages to the Associated Press that he didn't know if she would heed the calls. He said they're exploring their options for an appeal.

If she resigns, the governor would schedule a special election. His office said it would provide more information soon.

Mitchell's district mostly votes Democratic. The Harris-Walz ticket carried it with 61% of the vote last year.
A proposed memorial statue of former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott in his adopted home city of Hull has been rejected.

Councillors were torn over the idea, with their votes tied 26-26, but the Lord Mayor, Cheryl Payne, defeated the motion with her casting vote.

Council leader Mike Ross voted against the idea and said the statue would likely cost at least 150,000.

He questioned whether the people of Hull would think it was acceptable to spend that much of taxpayers' money on the statue.

However, Cllr Ross added: 'That's not to say John Prescott should not be commemorated. The question is how.'

A proposed memorial statue of former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott (pictured) in his adopted home city of Hull has been rejected

A former boxer, Lord Prescott was also remembered by many for punching a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001

Councillor Julia Conner, who raised the motion proposing the statue, argued it would be a mark of respect for 'a working class lad who made his way to the top of politics, and who made his mark on the city and the world'.

Referencing Lord Prescott hitting a protester who threw an egg at him during the 2001 general election campaign, she added: 'He was a character. John's presence and style certainly packed a punch'

Labour stalwart Lord Prescott, who died in November aged 86, was MP for Hull East from 1970 to 2010 - a span of 40 years.

Lord Prescott acted as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown

He was deputy leader of the Labour party from 1994 to 2007 and deputy Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. He died in November aged 86.

Lord Prescott was Tony Blair's political bruiser and battering ram - the pugnacious bridge between New and old Labour who could down a pint in five seconds and was always up for a fight.

The son of a railwayman and a servant from north Wales, Lord Prescott was a fine boxer as a boy after moving to Yorkshire.

Later in life, he became used to the finer things in life, enjoying croquet on the lawn of his country house at a time when he was in charge of the country.
A 'disturbing' number of child-like sex dolls have been imported into New South Wales over the last year, with a string of middle-aged men arrested.

Australian Border Force (ABF) raided properties in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley area and arrested four people over the span of about a year.

The crackdown was sparked by a 'disturbing rise in attempted importations'.

Trevor Richard Jones, 63, was arrested at his home near Newcastle and charged with one count of intentionally importing prohibited Tier 2 goods without approval.

He pleaded guilty in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, the Daily Telegraph reported. His matter was adjourned to Toronto in August.

In April 2025, officers intercepted a sex doll delivered in an air cargo package which had been declared as a 'silicone doll'.

The discovery prompted the arrest of Paul Adams, 49, on a rural property near Scone, about two hours north of Newcastle, in May.

He was charged with the importation count as well as a series of other charges including four counts of possessing etc child abuse data  using a carriage service, and one count of possessing bestiality material.

Trevor Richard Jones, 63, was arrested at his home near Newcastle and charged with one count of intentionally importing prohibited Tier 2 goods without approval.

Paul Adams, 49, was arrested on a rural property near Scone in May (pictured)

Adams remains in custody on remand and has not applied for bail or entered a plea.

Two months later, another suspected child-like sex doll was intercepted on its way to a home in Whitebridge, Newcastle.

Anthony Blakewell, 55, was arrested and charged at his home in northern NSW.

He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in court on August 6.

The maximum penalty for those convicted of importing Tier 2 Goods, namely child-like sex dolls, is a fine of up to $782,500 or imprisonment for 10 years, or both.

On each arrest, officers also seized a number of mobile phones and electronic devices allegedly found to contain references to child abuse material.

ABF said illicit drugs were also found and seized at one of the homes.

Inspector Michael Mahony said the force was 'resolute in its commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child abuse material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted'.

Anthony Blakewell, 55, was arrested and charged at his home in northern NSW (pictured)

'Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community,' he said.

'These are just a few examples of recent actions taken by the ABF in relation to child-like sex dolls.

'Our officers utilise intelligence-led screening and risk-based targeting to disrupt illicit goods like these child-like sex dolls from being imported into our country.'
The tech CEO caught on a kiss-cam canoodling with the HR chief of the AI firm he runs has been placed on leave amid fallout over the embarrassing episode.

Andy Byron, of the tech company Astronomer, and his Head of People Kristin Cabot were caught on camera at a Coldplay concert in Boston on Tuesday night.

After the clip of the two went viral, the firm said in a statement on Friday night that Byron has been placed on leave as they investigate the incident.

A statement said: 'Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave. We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days.'

In the viral moment, the two were seen enjoying the show when the camera operator working the jumbotron panned to them.

Byron had his arms wrapped around Cabot and the pair swayed in unison as the British band played.

The intimate moment descended into chaos as panic set in, Byron seemingly fell to his knees while Cabot put her head in her hands as the crowd laughed.

Prior to the announcement that Byron was on leave, the company had announced that a formal investigation into the clip was underway.

Andy Byron, of the tech company Astronomer, has been placed on leave after a clip of him and the Head of HR at the firm went viral

The two were seen enjoying the show when the camera operator working the jumbotron panned to them

The company said: 'Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.

'The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.'

The Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Cabot, despite being caught in the clip, is married to another CEO.

Massachusetts property documents dated in January confirmed that Cabot is currently married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker.

It is unclear exactly when the pair tied the knot, but the documents confirm that Kristin, whose maiden name is Stanek, was married at the time of selling a $1.8m property in Watertown, Mass, earlier this year.

Byron is also married, with his wife Megan Byron, removing his last name from her social media accounts shortly after the exchange with Chris Martin went viral.

It remains unclear how much - if anything - Astronomer knew of their closeness.

Byron's firm is valued at over $1 billion, with the company experiencing rapid growth since he became CEO in 2023.

The couple were seen covering their faces, with Byron, the head of the AI startup Astronomer, diving out of view and Cabot turning away from the camera

Cabot is currently married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker. Pictured: Kristin Cabot pictured with her husband, Andrew, and his two kids

Just a week before his viral fame, Byron appeared on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) TV to celebrate the company after it raised $93 million in its Series D round of financing.

A beaming Byron described the investment as 'a huge opportunity' and 'very exciting' for the firm.

When Cabot joined the firm as HR boss in November 2024, Byron heaped praise on her, saying she would be a 'perfect fit' at his company.

'Kristins exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory,' he said in a press release at the time.

'She is a proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies and her passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces makes her a perfect fit for Astronomer.'

The fan who captured the moment has since been identified as New Jersey native Grace Springer, she told the US Sun she had no idea who the pair were.

She said the moment became the talk of the show due to their 'interesting reaction', and admitted that 'a part of me feels bad for turning these people's lives upside down.'

But she added in a cheeky swipe: 'Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.'

Springer said there was 'a lot of talk' about the kiss cam at the show, but 'no one knew who they were'.
The father of one of the University of Idaho murder victims revealed that Bryan Kohberger's 'weird porn fetishes' may provide insight into the motive behind the 2022 killings.

Steve Goncalves, whose daughter Kaylee was among the four students murdered, voiced his frustration over the lack of public disclosure about Kohberger, a criminology graduate student at Washington State University.

Kohberger's motive remains the biggest mystery in the case, and one that prosecutors had been unable to determine after a nearly-three-year-long investigation.

But Goncalves made the explosive claim on Thursday, revealing that sources close to the investigation had shared disturbing details about Kohberger's online activity.

'People were so outraged by what was happening in that courtroom, they'd call us and say, "This is what's on Bryan's phone. This is what he was searching. This was sexually motivated,"' Steve Goncalves told NewsNation's Ashleigh Banfield.

Goncalves' comments came after Kohberger's plea hearing on July 2, where he admitted to the murders as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.

During the hearing, Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson dismissed a sexual motive for the brutal slayings of the three girls and one male student.

'I will state for the record that there is no evidence there was any sexual component or sexual assault on any of the victims,' Thompson said. 'I want to make that clear so there's no speculation.'

But Goncalves, now speaking publicly after a gag order was lifted, says he doesn't believe that.

'I don't care what Thompson said,' he stated.

Steve Goncalves (pictured), whose daughter Kaylee was among the four students murdered, voiced his frustration over the lack of publicly available information since Kohberger, a criminology graduate student at Washington State University, was arrested in late 2022

Bryan Kohberger, 30, plead guilty earlier this month to the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students at a rental home near campus in 2022

The grieving father claimed Kohberger had a disturbing digital history, which he dubbed 'weird porn fetishes,' that included searches for 'drunk passed out girls and gagging girls.'

Kaylee Goncalves, 21, was among the four students murdered

'Those are two things that were part of that crime scene,' Goncalves said.

'So for Thompson to say that there was no sexual assault Of course, there wasn't. He didn't have enough time. Somebody came up there,' the distressed dad alleged.

That 'somebody,' Thompson previously suggested, may have been Xana Kernodle -who possibly encountered Kohberger while moving between floors in the Moscow house before she was killed alongside her boyfriend Ethan Chapin.

Goncalves also revealed that Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt told him Kaylee had injuries around her mouth, indicating someone tried to silence her.

'There was some damage around her mouth,' he said during the on-air interview, using his hand to demonstrate. 'Like somebody had pressed in and tried to keep her quiet.'

University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves (second from left, bottom) and Madison Mogen (second from left, top), Ethan Chapin (center) and Xana Kernodle (second from right) were stabbed to death in their beds as they slept, in their off-campus home, on November 13, 2022

Goncalves believes this lack of transparency has robbed them of the chance to deliver fully informed victim impact statements ahead of Kohberger's sentencing

Kohberger (pictured) will be sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday under the terms of the plea agreement

Despite the lifting of the gag order, Goncalves says families still don't have a full picture of what happened.

He believes this lack of transparency has robbed them of the chance to deliver fully informed victim impact statements ahead of Kohberger's sentencing.

'You only got one time to be able to be a victim's advocate and say what you need to say and to address the courtroom and everyone in Idaho, and they're not going to let us know exactly what happened,' he said. 'It's just terrible.'

Kohberger, 30, will be sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday under the terms of the plea agreement.

Goncalves, who has been vocal in his opposition to the deal, said he will not be attending.

'Why are you defending somebody who just killed four people, you know?' he said. 'We're just glad to be done with it. We're glad to move on.'
Three Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies were killed Friday morning in a devastating explosion at a department training facility.

The blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time at the LASD's Biscailuz Center Training Academy as authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fiery explosion.

The fallen deputies have been identified as Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn - all members of the department's elite Special Enforcement Bureau Arson Explosives Detail, a unit that reportedly responds to more than 1,000 calls each year.

The three men were veteran law enforcement officers, having served with the department for 19, 22, and 33 years, respectively, according to a Facebook post from the grieving department.

'There are no words to express the pain and sorrow we feel,' Sheriff Robert Luna said late Friday.

'These heroes represented the best of our Department, exemplifying courage, integrity, and selfless service. This is not only a heartbreaking loss for their families, but for all of us.'

At an earlier press briefing, Luna described them as 'fantastic experts,' adding, 'unfortunately, I lost three of them today.'

The fallen deputies have been identified as Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn - all members of the department's elite Special Enforcement Bureau Arson Explosives Detail, a unit that reportedly responds to more than 1,000 calls each year

The three men were veteran law enforcement officers, having served with the department for 19, 22, and 33 years, respectively, according to a Facebook post from the grieving department

Aerial footage captured in the aftermath showed an LASD vehicle with a shattered rear windshield, and a backpack lying on the ground nearby.

The blast occurred at a site that hosts the department's special enforcement bureau and the arson explosive detail, which includes bomb squads. Sources told the LA Times that a bomb squad was moving explosives when the blast occurred.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said that while the exact cause of the blast is unclear, 'all roads lead back to it (being an accident).'

The area has since been evacuated, and a large tarp could be seen covering the site.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said through his office on X that he has been briefed on the situation and is offering 'full state assistance.'

Attorney General Pam Bondi said on social media: 'I just spoke to [U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli] about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles.

'Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more. Please pray for the families of the sheriff's deputies killed.'

Bondi said in a follow-up statement that she had spoken with the L.A. County Sheriff, and said she had deployed FBI and ATF agents to the scene.

'Please pray for the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department,' Bondi said.

At least three Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies were killed in an explosion at a training center on Friday morning

Aerial footage showed an LASD vehicle with a shattered rear windshield, and a backpack could be seen nearby

Police sources said that a bomb squad was moving explosives when the blast occurred. The area has been evacuated, and a large tarp could be seen covering the scene

An employee at the training center reportedly said that they initially believed the explosion was an earthquake due to its force.

Barger said in a statement: 'I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today at an L.A. County Sheriff's Department facility.

'I am closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff's Department during this difficult time.

'We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead.'

L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis also said in a statement that she was 'deeply saddened' by the tragic incident.

'My heart goes out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the three individuals who lost their lives in what appears to have been a devastating explosion,' Solis said.

'I am in contact with Sheriff Robert Luna and closely monitoring the situation as we await further details. My thoughts are with all those grieving and the first responders who are on the scene.'

According to the somber Friday Facebook post, Detective Kelley-Eklund became an Arson and Explosive Investigator with the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2022.

A sheriffs deputy monitors a street closure near the site of an explosion at the L.A. County Sheriff's Special Operations Bureau on Friday

An employee at the training center reportedly said that they initially believed the explosion was an earthquake due to its force. A sheriff's deputy is pictured at the scene on Friday

Sheriff's deputies are seen evacuating the surrounding roads after the explosion on Friday

Ahead of the prestigious appointment, Kelley-Eklund worked as a Detective in the Narcotics Bureau as well as in various local correctional facilities.

'He is is survived by his loving wife, Jessica Eklund and their 7 children,' the post reads.

Detective Victor Lemus joined Kelly-Eklund in the elite unit last year after he worked as a Senior Training Officer and Detective before being transferred to the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2017 where he was assigned as a K-9 Handler.

He is survived by his wife, Sheriffs Department Detective Nancy Lemus and three daughters.

He has three sisters who are also on the department, according to the post.

Detective William Osborn however was the first of the three killed in the explosion to join the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2019.

He was described as 'one of tenured bomb technicians regularly relied upon when faced with a new challenge. He has broad range of experience and could be relied upon to provide relevant insight on broad range of subjects,' the post reads.

He is survived by his wife, Detective Shannon Rincon, four sons, and two daughters.
Chinese AI model Kimi K2 marks "another DeepSeek moment": Nature

Xinhua) 15:12, July 19, 2025

LONDON, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The prestigious scientific journal Nature has hailed China's latest artificial intelligence (AI) model, Kimi K2, as "another DeepSeek moment" for the global AI community.

An article published this week by Nature said that following the significant impact of DeepSeek's R1 launch in January, researchers around the world are now increasingly enthusiastic about the emergence of China's second high-performance AI model.

On July 11, Beijing-based Moonshot AI unveiled Kimi K2, with the company claiming its performance equals or surpasses that of Western rivals, as well as some DeepSeek models, across various benchmarks.

The article highlights that Kimi K2 particularly excels at coding, achieving high scores in tests such as LiveCodeBench, a method for evaluating AIs that challenges models on code-related tasks.

The model also ranks first on the Creative Writing v3 benchmark, which assesses narrative authenticity and originality, and leads the EQ-Bench 3 leaderboard, designed to measure emotional intelligence through complex role-playing scenarios.

According to official data, Kimi K2 has a total parameter count at the trillion scale (1T). However, it employs a "mixture-of-experts" (MoE) architecture, activating only 32 billion parameters at a time.

This design "allows it to use only the relevant parts of the model for each task," Nature explains, thereby reducing the amount of computing power required.

Similar to DeepSeek models, Kimi K2 is open-weight, meaning it can be freely downloaded and modified by researchers. Additionally, it is accessible via an application programming interface (API) at a fraction of the cost of proprietary models such as Claude 4 from Anthropic.

Founded in March 2023, Moonshot AI was relatively unknown in the West. However, by November 2024, its earlier Kimi chatbot had become the third most widely used in China, according to Hong Kong-based market research firm Counterpoint.

The article suggests that the launch of a second high-performance model within six months indicates that China's recent AI breakthroughs are part of a sustained trend rather than isolated successes.

Mario Krenn, head of the Artificial Scientist Lab at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light in Erlangen, Germany, told Nature: "I wouldn't be surprised if more will come [from China] in the next months."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The captain of an Air India plane that crashed last month killing 260 people had promised he would return home hours before jetting off on the doomed flight.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, was the senior pilot onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that plummeted into a residential area in Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 people on board and 19 people on the ground.

The veteran aviator, who had more than 8,200 hours in the cockpit, is being looked into by investigators over suggestions he turned off the plane's fuel switches, causing it to lose power.

The plane had set off to London at 1:38pm and remained airborne for about 30 seconds before losing power and falling to the ground. Upon impact, it was engulfed by a huge fireball, claiming the lives of all but one person on board.

A preliminary report into the tragedy revealed that before the crash, two fuel switches - which are used to start or shut down the engines and are typically left on during flight - were moved from 'Run' to 'Cutoff', depriving the engines of fuel.

The report also revealed there had been confusion in the cabin when Sabharwal and his co-pilot Clive Kunder, 28, realised the fault, before desperate attempts were made to flick them back.

Sources close to the investigation believe recordings of the conversation from the Boeing's black box support the view that the captain cut the flow of fuel to the plane's engines.

But, Sabharwal's final words to a security guard at his apartment complex, where his elderly father also lived, would suggest otherwise. 'Please, take care of papa. I will be back soon,' he reportedly said just hours before the crash.

Investigations into the Air India plane crash are reportedly examining Captain Sumeet Sabharwal's (pictured) medical records

Seconds after taking off on June 12, two fuel switches in the cockpit of Air India Flight 171 were turned off, a preliminary report revealed

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

Friends and colleagues also reject the idea Sabharwal was responsible, claiming he was a 'gentle soul' and an 'ace pilot' who had never been involved in any major incident prior to the crash.

Neil Pais, 61, a former colleague of Sabharwal, told The Telegraph he was 'one of the nicest people you could ever hope to fly with'.

'He had absolutely no airs about himself, so humble, so respectful. Always a smile when he spoke to you,' he added.

'I never once saw him raise his voice or lose his temper. And yet he never compromised on work or safety. If there was an issue, he'd point it out, but always in the nicest possible way.'

Another colleague and close friend, Captain Kapil Kohal, said Sabharwal was a 'hero' with a 'gentle soul'.

Despite his nickname of Sad Sack, given because of his 'melancholic eyes', Sabharwal was 'deeply charismatic and always ready to help,' he added.

But the sadness noticed by his peers was resultant of a deeper tragedy.

Sabharwal had struggled to come to terms with the death of his mother in 2022 and in the wake of her passing had separated from his wife and moved from Delhi to Mumbai, to be closer to his elderly father, Pushkaraj.

The back of Air India flight 171 is pictured at the site after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025

Investigations into the tragic crash (pictured) have begun to analyse the behaviour of the pilot

Investigations into the tragic crash have reportedly begun to analyse Sabharwal's behaviour after 'several' Air India pilots allegedly confirmed he suffered from poor mental health.

He is understood to have taken bereavement leave after his mother's death. Although it is believed that he had been 'medically cleared' by Air India prior to the fatal crash.

Friends also revealed Sabharwal had considered retiring as a pilot to help care for his 90-year-old father full time.

According to Sunil Lokhande, the security guard at his apartment complex in Mumbai, Sabharwal would often visit his father 'for two or three days' and take him for evening walks.

The pilot would also buy vegetables and fruits, which he would share with Lokhande and would also give him money to buy meals.

Such details bring further questions as to why the pilot might have decided to cutoff the fuel switches only seconds after takeoff, a move described by aviation experts as 'absolutely bizarre.'

While there was no cockpit video recording definitively showing which pilot flipped the switches, early assessments by U.S. officials claim the weight of evidence from the conversation points to the captain being responsible .

Citing U.S. pilots familiar with the AAIB report, the Wall Street Journal reported this week that 'as the pilot actively flying, [First Officer] Kunder likely would have had his hands full pulling back on the Dreamliner's controls at that stage of the flight'.

Pictures show the devastation after the plane crashed into a residential building. In Powai, Mumbai, one of Captain Sabharwal's former colleagues told the Daily Telegraph that he was a 'thorough gentlemen'

On Sunday, a preliminary report released by the Indian authorities led to questions about why the pilot would have manually turned the switches off - and whether it was a deliberate act or a catastrophic mistake.

The report said: '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.'

Pilots will turn the fuel switches on and off at the correct times in every flight, but this time the fuel was cut off straight after takeoff and the landing gear was not raised.

The co-pilot was flying the aircraft at the time of takeoff while the captain was monitoring.

The report added that the switches were flipped back to 'run' seconds afterwards, which started the process of relighting the engines.

One of the engines had relit but had not gained power while the other was in the process of regaining power.

At the crash site, but switches were found in the 'run' position.

Before the flight, both pilots had an adequate rest period and were found 'fit to operate' following a breath analyser test, the report said.

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state. Before the flight, both pilots had an adequate rest period and were found 'fit to operate' following a breath analyser test, the report said

A graphic displaying how the lever on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner works

After losing altitude, it came into contact with Building A at 293ft at the angle illustrated above

There were no dangerous goods on the plane and the weight was 'within allowable limits'.

Fuel samples taken from the tanks were tested and found to be 'satisfactory' and there was 'no significant bird activity' observed in and around the flight path of the aircraft.

But Mr Ranganthan previously suggested it may have been deliberate.

Each lever has to be pulled upwards to be unlocked, before it can be flipped and they also have further protective guard brackets to safeguard against any bumps and nudges.

Explaining that he believed it 'had to be done manually', Mr Ranganathan told NDTV of the fuel levers: 'The fuel selectors they aren't the sliding type they are always in a slot.

'They are to pull them out or move them up or down, so the question of them moving inadvertently out of off position doesn't happen. It's a case of deliberate manual selection.'

He later said 'nothing else' would explain why both switches were moved into the off position just after take off, alleging: 'It had to be deliberately done.'

When questioned if he was suggesting one of the pilots 'deliberately' switched off the fuel lever, while fully aware of the possibility of a crash, he answered: 'Absolutely', before asserting they were looking at a potential 'pilot-induced crash'.

CCTV footage (pictured) from the airport shows the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) being deployed as the aircraft lifts off. Ameen Siddiqui, 28, whose brother-in-law, Akeel Nanabawa, died alongside his wife and their four-year-old daughter said: 'This report is wrong. We don't accept it'

Firefighters work at the site of the crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

But relatives of some of the victims of the crash have accused the airline and the Indian government of trying to blame the pilots for the crash.

Ameen Siddiqui, 28, whose brother-in-law, Akeel Nanabawa, died alongside his wife and their four-year-old daughter said: 'This report is wrong. We don't accept it.'

'It's a cover-up to protect Air India and the government,' Mr Siddiqui told The Telegraph from Surat, south of Ahmedabad, where the plane crashed.

'They want to blame dead pilots who can't defend themselves. How can the fuel switches end up turning off at a critical moment, either through pilot error or a mechanical fault?

CCTV footage from the airport showed that the ram air turbine, known as the RAT, was deployed shortly after takeoff.

The RAT acts as a backup power source during emergencies and will deploy in cases of complete power failure.

The report said two minutes after takeoff, one of the pilots transmitted: 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday'.

In December 2018 the US air regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned airlines that fuel switches had been installed in some Boeing 737s 'with the locking feature disengaged'.

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. An Air India spokesperson previously said: 'Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident'

'If the locking feature is disengaged, the switch can be moved between the two positions without lifting the switch during transition, and the switch would be exposed to the potential of inadvertent operation,' the FAA warned in a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin.

'Inadvertent operation of the switch could result in an unintended consequence, such as an in-flight engine shutdown.'

It recommended airlines inspect the switches, including 'whether the fuel control switch can be moved between the two positions without lifting up the switch'.

The airworthiness concern was not considered an unsafe condition that would warrant a legally enforceable regulation to correct unsafe conditions.

Air India has suggested such inspections were not carried out because the FAA's bulletin was 'advisory and not mandatory'.

An Air India spokesperson previously 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.'
Former Masterchef host John Torode was sacked from the show for allegedly using the N-word on set and directing it towards a member of staff.

The Australian-born chef, 59, lost his job at MasterChef after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of.

The BBC said on Tuesday that Torode's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' following a complaint from a member of staff.

It has been previously reported that the presenter, who also hosts a cookery show with his wife Lisa Faulkner on ITV, used the N-word while singing along to a Kanye West song during a wrap party in 2019.

But BBC News has since reported this was not the incident which led to the complaint upheld by the report.

This instead related to another incident a year earlier, when he allegedly used the same word on set after filming an episode of Masterchef and it was directed at a member of staff.

The news site added that the upheld allegation of racist language was one of nine complaints made against Torode in the report, which also related to allegations of abusive language towards junior production staff and sexual language, and which were not upheld.

Former Masterchef host John Torode (pictured) was sacked from the show for allegedly using the N-word on set and directing it towards a member of staff

John and Gregg (pictured together) appear to have endured a tumultuous friendship behind the scenes of their 19-year tenure of the show

Torode and Wallace (pictured together) were sacked following an invastigation into the show

These allegations were not upheld as they were unsubstantiated due to a lack of evidence or witnesses.

The complaint against Torode was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg Wallace's inappropriate behaviour. Wallace, 60, was sacked after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld.

The report also included one further complaint which was upheld relating to a third unnamed person, supposedly a MasterChef senior executive who was accused of swearing, according to BBC News.

The news site said it has contacted that executive but has not heard back.

Meanwhile, a Banijay spokesperson said the allegation is being handled 'appropriately internally'.

Further revelations from the BBC News investigation also claim that Wallace and Torode were 'never friends' and their relationship had broken down.

'Clearly they had a good chemistry when the cameras were rolling. But you rarely saw them interact when the cameras were off,' a former MasterChef worker said.

'And when Gregg was saying inappropriate things like that, John held his counsel. I never saw him step in,' they added.

The complaint against Torode (left) was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg Wallace's (right) inappropriate behaviour

Another person who also worked on the cookery show told BBC News the dynamic between Torode and Wallace always 'seemed off', but could never figure out why.

Torode would also never call out his co-host's behaviour and would just roll his eyes whenever he said something inappropriate, they added.

It is not the first time their relationship has been questioned, as Torode himself told the Mirror in 2017: 'It's funny, we've never been friends. We've not been to each other's houses...'

John also admitted to having booze-fuelled spats with his co-host, adding: 'We've had a couple of standoffs over the years, about contestants, and I've just had to walk away from him.'

This abrasive behaviour has now reportedly spilled over into the scandal engulfing both presenters, as insiders have claimed Wallace was briefing against Torode.

Such a move would explain the reasoning behind a now deleted post on Wallace's social media which seemingly pointed the finger at his co-host's behaviour following the backlash against him last week.

'What really concerns me about the short summary is others who have been found guilty of serious allegations have been erased from the published version of events. I, and I'm sure the public, would like to know why?'

It is also notable that Torode has never defended his MasterChef colleague when allegations against him first emerged in December last year.

The MasterChef hosts (pictured) had their contracts with the BBC terminated after an investigation in Wallace's behaviour

In a statement at the time the Australian chef said the claims were 'truly upsetting' and the 'thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear'.

Wallace was said to be 'furious' with his former co-star and unfollowed him and his wife Lisa on Instagram.

Torode was dramatically axed from MasterChef on Tuesday - hours after the BBC's director general refused to back him over an allegation of using racist language.

'This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin,' the BBC said in a statement at the time.

'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.'

Hours before the announcement, BBC director general Tim Davie had refused to back him and said he expected 'action to be taken' over the allegation.

He delivered the remarks as the BBC released its annual report - an occasion overshadowed by controversies for the second year in a row.

Last year's was published amid the fallout over news presenter Huw Edwards who pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children.

Wallace, 60, was fired from BBC MasterChef following a nine-month sexual misconduct investigation

Asked about the Torode racism row, Tim Davie said: 'The BBC in some ways are quite simple on this - if someone is found to not live up to our values we expect the independent company, Banijay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done.

'These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.'

Mr Davie added: 'I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals.

'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make ing drinks sure we're in the right place in ness terms of the culture of the show.'

It had been alleged by a source close to John that he had used an inappropriate racial term during drinks after filming. The witness claimed he had apologised immediately and 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'.

No one complained at the time but the incident was brought up during the inquiry into Wallace, they said.

On Monday, Torode said he had 'absolutely no recollection' of the incident and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. 'I would never wish to cause anyone offence,' he added.

Responding to his sacking, Torode said: 'I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in the last few says seem to have prevented that.'

He said he 'had loved every minute' working on the show but it was 'time to pass the cutlery to someone else'.

'Life is everchanging and ever moving and sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere,' he added.

The BBC did not comment on the BBC News article.
A search is underway for two children, an infant and a woman who were last seen on the Gold Coast, with police and family concerned for their welfare.

The 10-year-old girl and six-year-old boy were last seen near Mirambeena Drive in Pimpama, a northern suburb of the Gold Coast, about 8.50am on Friday.

Police believe the pair were travelling with a woman and baby known to them in a white Nissan X-Trail with Queensland registration plates 992XPS.

The vehicle may be in the Tenterfield area - just south of the Queensland border in New South Wales's Northern Tablelands, police said on Saturday afternoon.

Family and police are concerned for their welfare due to their young age.

Police released an image of the boy and girl along with their appeal for information and physical descriptions of all four.

The girl is described as caucasian with short brown hair and brown eyes.

The boy is also caucasian with brown hair and brown eyes.

Pictured are the missing children, last seen on the Gold Coast about 8.50am on Friday

Police said the Nissan X-Trail may be in the Tenterfield area in New South Wales

The baby is described as caucasian.

The woman is caucasian with dark brown hair and eyes.

Anyone who may have sighted them or the vehicle is urged to contact police.
She once wore a 6,000 couture gown to one of the world's most glamorous debutante balls, rubbing shoulders with royals and Hollywood royalty.

But now, Georgie Robertson, the daughter of a bestselling author and a celebrity human rights barrister, is making headlines of a very different kind.

The 32-year-old former Labour aide has emerged as a backer of Palestine Action's fight against the controversial organisation being proscribed by the Government under the Terrorism Act.

The same woman who dazzled Paris society at the exclusive Crillon Ball in 2009 - an event Tatler calls 'the world's most glamorous debutante ball' - is now helping to coordinate press coverage for the radical movement whose members have been arrested for staging civil disobedience across the UK.

Georgie is the daughter of outspoken author Kathy Lette and eminent KC Geoffrey Robertson.

In her youth, she was photographed posing for Tatler and mingling with the international elite, including Lady Kitty Spencer, Clint Eastwood's daughter, and even Indian royalty.

Writing about her experience at the Crillon Ball, Robertson once described a weekend of 'an endless flurry of hot hair rollers, make-up, trying on diamonds, couture fittings and fashion shoots.'

Georgie Robertson once wore a 6,000 couture gown to one of the world's most glamorous debutante balls, rubbing shoulders with royals and Hollywood royalty (pictured in 2009)

The 32-year-old former Labour aide has emerged as a key figure behind the scenes at Palestine Action. Pictured with Kylie Minogue at the O2 Arena in May

She called the event a 'fairytale' where 'the aristocracy rub sequinned shoulder pads with the celebritocracy.'

She added she had 'shared giggles and gossip' with fellow debutantes, including Angelica Hicks, the great-granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten.

Other glamorous outings followed. Robertson attended the Elle Style Awards and the premiere of Blue Jasmine, starring Cate Blanchett, in 2013.

Privately educated at Queen's College in central London, she later veered sharply leftwards, becoming involved in Labour politics during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

She even stood for the position of Women's Officer for the London Young Labour committee, pledging to 'organise against patriarchy and all other forms of oppression.'

Georgie worked in Corbyn's team when he was Leader of the Opposition and was later elected as a Labour councillor in Camden, north London.

However, following Corbyn's departure, she was caught up in a legal row with Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party over an alleged leak of an internal antisemitism report. The case was dropped last year.

Her high-society connections remain intact with her social media showing her at the Cannes Film Festival and pictured with celebrities including Tim Minchin and Kylie Minogue.

But it is her latest role that is causing a stir.

Privately educated at Queen's College in central London, she later veered sharply leftwards, becoming involved in Labour politics during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership

Georgie with her mother on the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival in May this year

In her youth, she was photographed posing for Tatler and mingling with the international elite, including Lady Kitty Spencer , Clint Eastwood 's daughter, and even Indian royalty

Earlier this month, as Palestine Action fought its proscription in court, Robertson appeared to breach legal rules by posting a photograph from inside the Royal Courts of Justice.

The image, which shows Mr Justice Chamberlain presiding over the case, was captioned: 'Nearly 9 hours so far, waiting with baited breath.' Taking photos inside a courtroom is a criminal offence.

Yet just 24 hours later, she was back briefing journalists, this time on behalf of Defend Our Juries (DOJ), a new left-wing pressure group backing Palestine Action.

The campaign, which Robertson described as an 'Orwellian nightmare,' encourages civil disobedience in defiance of the Government's ban.

Her mother, Kathy Lette, once joked about her daughter's dramatic transformation, quipping that Georgie had gone 'from one extreme to the other, from Marxism to Marie Antoinette.'

The Home Office's decision to outlaw Palestine Action last Saturday has already led to a wave of arrests.

More than 70 protesters have now been detained during two weekends of coordinated demonstrations.

Some 41 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police for showing support for a proscribed organisation while one person was arrested for common assault. Pictured: A protester is arrested and carried away at last Saturday's protests in London

Meanwhile, officers also arrested 29 people under the Terrorism Act 2000 across similar DOJ events in Manchester (pictured) and Cardiff last weekend

All were eventually detained after an hour and a half, taken away into the series of police vans that surrounded Parliament Square. Pictured: A protester is arrested and carried away at last Saturday's demonstration in London

In London alone, 41 people were held for showing support for a proscribed group, with some carrying cardboard signs reading: 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.'

At a DOJ protest in Central London last weekend, supporters once again gathered with handmade signs, despite warnings from police.

Similar events took place in Manchester and Cardiff. Greater Manchester Police arrested 16 people, while South Wales Police detained 13 protesters in Cardiff city centre.

The Met said arrests were made for breaches of the Terrorism Act, including 'supporting proscribed groups through chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos.'

Despite the escalating crackdown, Palestine Action's founder Huda Ammori has called on activists to continue with 'organised civil disobedience.'

The movement shows no signs of slowing down  and with Georgie Robertson now a central figure in the public campaign, it seems the girl who once sparkled in Parisian ballrooms has found a very different kind of spotlight.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been mocked by cartoon Family Guy with the show comparing their marriage to Hitler and the Crusades.

In an episode from the newest series of the animated satire, main characters Stewie and Brian Griffin go back in time and speak to Mark Twain, author of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

The characters discuss how history 'pretty much sucks' before listing several instances including Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, the medieval wars in the Middle East and the former royal's marriage.

The scene then cuts away to Prince Harry, sat at home on the sofa who moans 'Again?' before telling the camera that the audience's wives are no better.

This is not the first time the Sussexes have fallen victim to Seth McFarlane's cartoon satire and in 2023 were savaged as work-shy grifters being paid by Netflix for 'no-one knows what.'

In the latest clip, which aired this week, Stewie and Brian Griffin travel back in time and meet author Mark Twain who asks them to proofread his manuscript.

Twain asks the pair for ideas for his novel 'The Adventures of Hankenberry Flan' to which Brian replies, 'Don't you mean Huckleberry Finn?'.

With the suggestion Twain is overjoyed and tells the pair 'that's already better' before running off to get his manuscript.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been mocked by cartoon Family Guy again with the show comparing their marriage to Hitler and the Crusades

The takedown is the latest in a long list of satirical savaging with the couple first being mocked in an episode of South Park two years ago 9the couple pictured at the 2024 ESPY Awards)

Stewie then turns to his canine companion and says: 'Brian this is a terrible idea, we could change the course of history!'.

But Brian is not put off and tells Stewie not to worry because history is terrible anyway.

He says: 'You always say that but doesn't history pretty much suck? I mean the Crusades, Hitler?'

Stewie jumps in and adds: 'Prince Harry marrying Meghan Markle?'.

The scene then cuts away to the prince sat on a sofa watching the episode of Family Guy.

He exclaims: 'Oh, again?' before turning to the camera with his hands on his hips and a frown.

He adds: 'Oh like all your wives are so much better?'

The takedown is the latest in a long list of satirical savaging with the couple, who stepped down as working members of the British Royal Family in 2020, first being mocked in an episode of South Park two years ago.

The characters discuss how history 'pretty much sucks' before listing several instances including the Nazi dictator, the medieval wars in the Middle East and the former royal's marriage

The satirical cartoon launched a series of attacks against the couple in an episode of the show, which was entitled The Worldwide Privacy Tour and depicted the couple embarking on a publicity blitz to promote the Prince's new book, Waaagh.

After the show aired, reports surfaced suggesting that 41-year-old Meghan had been left 'upset and overwhelmed' by the couple's less-than-flattering portrayal - while one royal commentator claimed that the Sussexes' lawyers were 'casting an eye' over the animated series.

The episode depicted the 'Prince and Princess of Canada' - a young royal couple who loudly beg for privacy while drawing attention to themselves.

The red-headed prince and his wife, who wears the same pink outfit that Meghan wore for Trooping the Colour in 2018, are seen promoting the prince's book - Waaagh - the cover of which strongly resembles Harry's memoir Spare.

The episode is filled with swipes at the Sussexes, with main character Stan branding their cartoon equivalents the 'dumb prince and his stupid wife', while Kyle complains about the private jet parked outside their home.

Meghan is cuttingly referred to in the show as a 'sorority girl, actress, influencer, and victim'.

The same year Family Guy took aim at the pair with main character Peter Griffin compares himself to the royal couple.

Sitting in a bar with his friends as he thinks of ways to retrieve money he is owed, Peter Griffin says he'll 'go it alone'  just like the Sussexes.

In 2023 the former royals were skewered in an episode entitled The Worldwide Privacy Tour which depicted the couple embarking on a publicity blitz to promote the Prince's new book, Waaagh

The scene then cuts away to the the Sussexes enjoying fizzy drinks by their pool, while a quintessentially British-looking butler hands them a pay cheque.

He tells the Duke: 'Sir, your millions from Netflix for... no-one knows what.'

The cartoon Harry flippantly replies: 'Put it with the rest of them' in a British accent reminiscent of Dick Van Dyke's cockney character in Mary Poppins.

As the butler scuttles off, Meghan's phone buzzes with a notification. She tells Harry: 'Babe, time to do our daily $250,000 sponsored Instagram post for Del Taco.'

A despondent Harry, staring off into the distance, replies: 'I shouldn't have left the made-up nonsense' - in an apparent dig at the British monarchy.
A 12-year-old girl who was allegedly raped and impregnated by a 39-year-old man has given birth to her alleged abusers baby.

Police will allege Iosefo Lui raped the 12-year-old girl in Townsville, in north-east Queensland, in 2023.

She allegedly carried the baby to term before giving birth in September last year.

He was extradited from Sydney to Townsville on Thursday after allegedly fleeing across the border.

His extradition was approved in Mount Druitt Magistrate's Court, in Sydney's west, on Thursday.

Lui was taken into custody by NSW Police after Queensland Police issued a warrant for his arrest following investigations.

He was charged with three counts of rape and one count of indecent treatment against a minor.

He was seen in Sydney Airport, handcuffed and flanked by Australian Federal Police officers on Thursday night, the Courier Mail reported.

Lui was extradited to Townsville following investigations by Queensland Police (stock)

Police will allege the rape took place in Townsville in 2023

His case was mentioned in Townsville Magistrate Court on Friday (pictured)

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie told the newspaper the allegations were 'deplorable'.

'Our children are our most precious gifts and they need to be protected,' he said.

Lui's case was mentioned in Townsville Magistrates Court on Friday where no bail application was made.

Magistrate Steven Mosch ordered the charges be adjourned for a committal mention to September 9.

Lui will not be required to attend.
A transgender doctor complained that she felt threatened by a 'much smaller' nurse in the female-only changing rooms at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, a tribunal has heard.

A senior medic in the ongoing legal action between transgender medic Dr Beth Upton and nurse Sandie Peggie, said that it was 'plausible' that Dr Upton could have felt threatened.

Dr Elspeth Pitt, a consultant in emergency medicine at NHS Fife, told the tribunal that Dr Upton was 'sobbing' following a confrontation with Ms Peggie.

She added that her fellow doctor, who was born male but identifies as female, 'was really upset, she felt very fearful, and, at that time, had felt cornered'.

Following the incident, Dr Pitt chaperoned Dr Upton to her car in case there was another encounter with the nurse and described the medic as feeling 'quite threatened'.

The row between Ms Peggie and Dr Upton centres around the trans medic using a female-only changing room which led to the nurse accusing Fife Health Board of breaching the Equality Act.

In the tribunal, in response to the suggestion Dr Upton felt threatened by her much smaller colleague, Charlotte Elves, Ms Peggie's junior counsel, said Dr Upton was a 'biological male in his 20s' who was around 6ft tall.

In contrast, she described Ms Peggie as 'a woman in her 50s, far smaller' and countered Dr Pitt's suggestion that Dr Upton was made to feel unsafe by Sandie Peggie, calling it 'completely implausible'.

Transgender medic Dr Beth Upton (pictured) complained that she felt threatened by a 'much smaller' nurse in the female-only changing rooms at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife

Ms Sandie Peggie pictured) was described as 'a woman in her 50s, far smaller' and her defense called the characterisation of her as threatening as 'completely implausible'

Dr Pitt insisted it 'did not sound implausible to me' but clarified that the trans medic was not 'physically threatened' but 'frightened' by Ms Peggie's 'verbal attack'.

The tribunal also heard from charge nurse Louise Curran, Ms Peggie's line manager, that Dr Upton had considered reporting the encounter to the police as a 'hate crime', The Telegraph reported.

The row between Ms Peggie and Dr Upton centres on an incident on Christmas Eve 2023 where the nurse experienced a sudden and heavy period and feared that it had bled through to her scrubs.

The nurse entered the female changing room and was surprised to find Dr Upton there.

It was the last of three occasions Ms Peggie had encountered the doctor within the changing room at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, an employment tribunal in Dundee heard earlier this year.

She challenged the doctor over her presence in the space that was labelled as a women's changing room, and just hours later a bullying complaint had been lodged by her.

Ms Peggie was suspended from work at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on January 3 2024, after Dr Upton made an allegation of bullying and harassment, the tribunal heard earlier this year.

Counter to the complaint, the nurse submitted a formal claim to the employment tribunal in May last year against NHS Fife and Dr Upton for sexual harassment, belief discrimination, and victimisation.

Dr Elspeth Pitt (pictured), a consultant in emergency medicine at NHS Fife, told the tribunal that Dr Upton was 'sobbing' following a confrontation with Ms Peggie

Ms Peggie complained of being forced to share a single-sex space with someone she believed to be male.

She also complained of being victimised for holding a gender-critical belief that biological sex is unchangeable.

At the time of the complaint, Dr Upton was unable to hold a gender recognition certificate, meaning that technically the medic was legally male.

Dr Pitt told the tribunal she found Dr Upton in a state of 'visible distress' in a corridor at around midnight, shortly after the 'unpleasant and painful' changing room confrontation.

Dr Pitt said the medic had confided that she felt cornered and unable to escape Ms Peggie.

She told the tribunal: 'She [Dr Upton] said she felt as if she had been cornered and that the end of a shift was not a good time to have this conversation, but it escalated and she felt she couldn't get away. She just felt very upset by what had been said to her.'

Dr Pitt said that Ms Peggie had complained that the trans medic 'should not been in the changing room' and had made parallels with a 'convicted rapist', referring to trans rapist Isla Bryson who attacked two women in 2016 and 2019 but now identifies as a woman.

Dr Pitt described Dr Upton as 'sobbing' after the encounter and then told the tribunal that she believed it was completely plausible that the trans medic had been made to feel unsafe by Ms Peggie.

Earlier this week in a stunning development Ms Peggie was cleared of gross misconduct by an NHS Fife disciplinary hearing as part of separate proceedings brought against her (Pictured: Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy Fife)

She said: 'There's no question to me, having met Dr Upton in that corridor, that she felt very threatened.

'And just to be clear, it was a verbal attack. It wasn't that she felt physically threatened. She just felt frightened because of things that had been said to her.'

After walking her to her car, Dr Pitt sent an email to the medic's line manager, Dr Kate Searle, and Ms Peggie's line manager, asking to speak the following week.

Ms Elves highlighted an email sent by Dr Searle on Dec 29 2023 to around 20 senior consultants in which she said she had spoken to Dr Upton.

Dr Searle said that she had ensured that Dr Upton 'knows we all support her, and that we condemn the actions of Sandie'.

Ms Elves asked Dr Pitt whether she engaged with three email chains about the incident 'as they were becoming increasingly partisan, condemnatory of Sandie Peggie, and you knew that was not appropriate.'

Dr Pitt said: 'I don't use email as a form of conversation.'

In a statement, the health board said: 'NHS Fife did not initiate the tribunal proceedings and is instead one of two 'respondents' being sued.

'NHS Fife cannot unilaterally stop proceedings  only the claimant can choose to withdraw the case. The claimant has said in a recent statement from her legal representatives that she is determined to continue with her legal claim, as she is entitled to do.'

Earlier this week in a stunning development Ms Peggie was cleared of gross misconduct by an NHS Fife disciplinary hearing as part of separate proceedings brought against her.

Which comes after Ms Peggie instructed her lawyers to raise proceedings against the nursing union for failing to help in her battle against Fife Health Board in May.

Ms Peggie, claims that when she turned to the RCN for help after 30 years of membership, she was refused support and legal assistance.

in May, Mss Peggie's solicitor confirmed her client had launched the landmark legal action.

The move is set to open the door to a flood of further law suits lodged against unions over their failure to support single-sex spaces and gender critical beliefs - including from groups such as the Darlington nurses.

It comes just after the Mrs Peggie's solicitor wrote to the union to request it intervene in the case.

in a statement, Ms Peggie's lawyer Margaret Gribbon said: 'The RCN's failure to act like a trade union ought to has contributed to Sandie Peggie's mistreatment.

'They have repeatedly failed to exercise their industrial muscle to advocate for female members distressed because they are being deprived of genuine single-sex spaces to dress and undress at work.

'Had the RCN fulfilled the conventional role of a trade union, it is less likely that Sandie would have faced the ordeal of an 18-month disciplinary process and having to raise legal proceedings against Fife Health Board.'

An RCN spokesperson tsaid: 'We have responded to the claim, and we deny all the allegations from Ms Peggie.'

Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at human rights charity Sex Matters said: 'Unions right across the economy have shamelessly abandoned members who've been penalised for asserting their right to single-sex spaces at work.

'They've stood by while women have been fired for simply stating that the two sexes are real and important, and taken the side of employers who are acting unlawfully.

'Sandie Peggie's decision to sue RCN should be a wakeup call for every union representing employees who need single sex facilities for their basic privacy and dignity.'
Ring doorbell users have flooded TikTok with alarming claims that their accounts were hacked, giving strangers access to their cameras.

Videos shared on social media show customers claiming Ring was hit by a 'massive hack,' sparking fears of compromised security.

One user posted a screenshot showing multiple unfamiliar logins to her account, including three iPhones, as well as Safari and Chrome browsers.

She warned others, showing how to manually remove unrecognised devices from the Ring app to block future access.

The user said: 'Ring camera had a mass hack on May 28 2025 and failed to notify other customers or users of their app.

'I was in fact one of those people that were also hacked. I just went to checked it and they have failed to notify or acknowledge the concern of security breach.'

Ring doorbell users have flooded TikTok with alarming claims that their accounts were hacked, giving strangers access to their cameras. Pictured: stock image

Users who watched the video were panicking, thinking their accounts had been hacked

However, Ring has now come forward to clarify what the issue is and to put its customers at ease that no security breach has taken place.

Users who watched the video were panicking and started sharing their experiences.

One user said: 'Yesterday me and another neighbour tried to post about it in the neighbourhood section of the app, it went through and none of the comments appeared. Today both posts were deleted. Sketch!!'

Another said: 'I've had three devices; safari, iPhone and iPad. I don't own an iPad.'

But according to the company and tech experts, it's not a data breach - just a glitch.

According to a tech news website, the issue wasn't the result of a data breach but rather a glitch caused by ab update from Ring, which led to prior login dates being incorrectly shown as May 28, 2025, and device names being displayed as 'Device name not found.'

This update affected every device which has been used to connect to Ring which means even old phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices showed up as new logins.

On its website, the company said: 'We are aware of an issue where information is displaying inaccurately in Control Centre.

'This is the result of a backend update, and we're working to resolve this.

'We have no reason to believe this is the result of unauthorized access to customer accounts. '
A rare strain of mpox, only seen once in Australia, has been detected in an overseas traveller.

A case of the Clade 1 strain of mpox has been confirmed in a patient in Queensland's Metro South Hospital and Health Service region, the state's health body said.

The patient is believed to have acquired mpox overseas before arriving in Australia, state Health Minister Tim Nicholls said.

'Contact tracing has been occurring, and the community can be assured that exposure to members of the community has been very limited, and the public should not be concerned,' he said on Saturday.

The detection is the second incidence of the mpox strain reported in Australia after a returned traveller tested positive for the virus in NSW in May.

Mpox is a viral infection that typically displays mild symptoms of fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue, followed by a skin rash or lesions.

The disease does not easily spread between people and mostly occurs through very close or intimate contact with someone infected.

Groups at higher risk of infection include sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men and their partners.

Clade 1 strain of mpox has been found in a patient in Queensland

A doctor checks on a patient with sores caused by a monkeypox infection in Lima

Health authorities say vaccinations for pre- and post-exposure to the disease are effective and are available for free through sexual health clinics and general practitioners.

The World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024.

The disease was first detected in Australia in 2022, with the number of cases spiking to more than 1400 in 2024, according to Australia's National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.

There have been about 150 confirmed cases of mpox in 2025.

Men make up the majority of reported notifications, accounting for more than 1700 of all confirmed cases.
READ MORE: How real estate agents are cashing in on the housing crisis

Australian workers who rely on award wages would have their rights to penalty rates and overtime pay protected under one of the new federal parliament's first bills.

The legislation would prohibit award-earning employees from accepting penalty rate reductions in exchange for a higher base rate of pay if it would leave them worse off.

New employment minister Amanda Rishworth earmarked the bill in Canberra on Saturday as the first off the rank for the returning Labor government.

If passed, it will amend the Fair Work Act to provide stronger protections for the roughly 2.6million people whose pay is set by an award.

An award is a legally mandated minimum rate of pay for workers within certain industries or occupations.

People covered by awards are more likely to work on a part-time or casual basis and be women or under 35 years of age.

In justifying the legislation, Rishworth said there were cases before the Fair Work Commission she feared could reduce worker's overall pay.

'What's become clear is there is a number of cases on foot which are trying to roll in penalty rates or reduce penalty rates in an unfair way,' she said.

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth (pictured) unveiled the proposal on Saturday

Labor will move to introduce the bill when parliament resumes on Tuesday. Treasurer Jim Chalmers (left) is pictured alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right)

'And so, what's become clear is that we need added legal protection to make sure penalty rates and overtime are protected in our award system.'

She appeared alongside retail workers who said penalty rates were a crucial component of their overall pay packages.

Retail worker Liarne said she earned about $6.35 an hour in penalty rates, about $7,500 over the course of a year.

'That's really important because it helps me pay for rent, groceries, school fees and the care of my animals, which I love dearly,' she said.

'Penalty rates are really important.'

Another retail worker, Daniel, said his penalty rate earnings - about $85 per week - allowed him to foot the bill for necessities and lifestyle expenses.

'Generally, I find living on six to $700 a week is a struggle, whether you've got a partner to rely on or not,' he said.

'Penalty rates honestly makes a huge difference, and without it, I'd have to work more. See my family less, see my dog less, see my friends less.

About 2.6million Aussies, mostly women and younger workers, earn award wages

'Just not go to the movies, not ever have a holiday. It's a myriad of things that would affect me.'

Rishworth said employers in the retail, clerical and banking sectors had applied to the Fair Work Commission to 'trade away' penalty rates of lower-paid workers.

The announcement could add to the grievances likely to be aired by business groups at the productivity summit to be hosted at Parliament House in August.

Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox told the Australian Financial Review there was a 'dark irony' in Labor's attempts to fast-track the bill at a time when productivity talks loomed.

Despite ongoing efforts to negotiate with the government over the proposed reforms, Mr Willox said there was 'obvious concern that it could further reduce workplace flexibility, especially at a time when we are already seeing rising national unemployment and the private sector clearly in job-shedding mode'.

Labor will only need support from the Greens to secure a majority for the bill which it expects to sail through parliament soon after it resumes on Tuesday.

Reforms to cut student debt will be another priority for the new parliament.
A police dog who was involved in Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and once sniffed out 250,000 of cash in a single search has tragically died following a car crash.

PD Bert, a five-year-old springer spaniel, was involved in a collision with a BMW on Stockton Street, Hartlepool at around 9pm on Thursday, July 17.

Belonging to Cleveland Police, Bert had been in a Dog Support Unit vehicle alongside another police dog and an officer when the fatal incident occurred.

While both dogs were immediately rushed to a veterinary clinic for assessment, Bert was later 'humanely put to sleep' due to his severe injuries.

The other canine involved was found to be uninjured, while the officer in the vehicle sustained 'minor injuries'.

Following the collision, a 33-year-old man was arrested and later charged with drunk driving.

He has since been bailed and is set to appear at Teeside Magistrates' Court on August 1, 2025.

Cleveland Police said that enquiries currently remain ongoing as the force 'continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the collision'.

PD Bert (pictured), a five-year-old springer spaniel involved in Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, has tragically died in a car crash. The beloved dog was involved in a collision with a BMW on Stockton Street, Hartlepool at around 9pm on Thursday, July 17

Following the collision, a 33-year-old man was arrested and later charged with drunk driving. He has since been bailed and is set to appear at Teeside Magistrates' Court (pictured) on August 1, 2025. Police enquiries currently remain ongoing

During PD Bert's years in service with Cleveland Police he was deployed to assist in the funeral of the late Queen in September 2022. Pictured: well-wishers line the streets to say farewell to the late Monarch on September 14, 2022

PD Bert, who had been working with Cleveland Police for more than three years prior to the incident, had used his specialist skillset to search for drugs, cash and firearms.

During his years in service, he once located up to 250,000 in cash in just one search alone.

The beloved dog was also deployed to assist in the funeral of the late Queen in September 2022.

Held at London's Westminster Abbey on Wednesday, September 14, the service was attended by nearly every notable world leader, from US President Joe Biden to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Also present were kings and queens of Europe's royal houses, as well as those from further afield.

They were joined by several hundred ordinary Britons selected by Queen Elizabeth II for their contribution to society.

It came 11 days after the late monarch's death on September 8 2022, aged 96.

Huge crowds filled the Mall, Whitehall and Parliament Square to bid farewell to the late Queen as her coffin was carried from the Abbey on a gun carriage dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria.

PD Bert had been in a Dog Support Unit vehicle alongside another police dog and an officer, when the fatal incident occurred. Pictured: The late monarch's coffin being carried from the Abbey on a gun carriage dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria

Held at London's Westminster Abbey on Wednesday, September 14, the service was attended by nearly every notable world leader, from US President Joe Biden to French President Emmanuel Macron

King Charles, Camilla, Queen Consort, Anne, Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex follow behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II with the Imperial State Crown resting on top of it carried by pallbearers as it departs Westminster Abbey

An estimated two million well-wishers then lined the streets to say farewell, with showers of bouquets greeting her hearse as it drove from West London to Berkshire.

The coffin was then driven to Windsor where thousands were waiting to pay their respects as it was carried along the Long Walk to the Castle and St George's Chapel, where she was then buried alongside the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Watched by more than half of Brits at some stage, the BBC said that 32.5million tuned into its coverage of the service AT Westminster Abbey, while 26.2million watched her memorial service on TV in Britain.

PD Bert's death comes as a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and animal cruelty after a police dog died while chasing him into a lake last July.

Officers were called to Watermead Park in Birstall, Leicestershire, following reports a wanted suspect may have been in the area on Wednesday, July 3.

A police dog was also deployed to assist with the search and when the man ran off from officers and entered the water, he was followed by Police Dog Zyla.

Leicestershire Police said the dog then became unresponsive and was taken to a vet where it was confirmed he has sadly died.

The suspect was located elsewhere in the park and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Watched by more than half of Brits at some stage, the BBC said that 32.5million tuned into its coverage of the service AT Westminster Abbey, while 26.2million watched her memorial service on TV in Britain

Last July, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and animal cruelty after police dog Zyla died while chasing him into a lake

PD Zyla died while being deployed to look for a wanted man at Watermead Park in Birstall, Leicestershire. Paying tribute to PD Zyla, Chief Constable Rob Nixon said she 'will always be remembered for her bravery and service'

Paying tribute to PD Zyla, Chief Constable Rob Nixon said she 'will always be remembered for her bravery and service'.

He added: 'Our police dogs are an integral part of Team Leicestershire playing a crucial critical role in some of our most dangerous operations.

'Zyla died in the line of duty and will always be remembered for her bravery, her dedication and her service.

'I know many across force are deeply saddened by the loss of PD Zyla and I share in this sorrow.

'My thoughts remain with Zyla's handler and all those who have been impacted.

'We continue to provide full welfare support to all those in force who have been affected.

'Yesterday's events are a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with policing and I want to extend a massive thank you to all the officers who assisted during the incident.

'Your bravery and professionalism in the face of such an incident are commendable.

'I would also like to thank members of the public for your kind messages which we have received, including the messages of support for PD Zyla's handler.

'This is truly appreciated by us all.'
Overdoses related to the deadly 'don't wake up' drug have skyrocketed among Australians in recent years as some fear financial pressures may be pushing young people towards hard substances.

Gamma hydroxybutyrate, better known as GHB, is being used by an increasingly large number of younger Aussies.

Many believe its low cost, accessibility, and mind-altering effects are making it an increasingly popular alternative to alcohol.

The drug has attracted global attention due to the notoriously small margin of error between the amount used for an average recreational dosage and an overdose.

The effects - relaxation, sociability, euphoria and an increased sex drive - can be felt within 15 minutes. But, even a slight overdose of the drug can prove fatal.

The number of GHB-related ambulance callouts has surged across Australia in recent years according to new research from Monash University and Turning Point.

Victoria is the national capital for GHB-related ambulance attendances, with 65.8 attendances per 100,000 people in 2023.

It represented a 67 per cent increase from the year prior, following a 147 per cent increase across the state between 2012 and 2019.

GHB is notorious for the thin margin of error between overdose and recreational dosages

The drug is increasingly popular across Australia, particularly among young people

Attendances also spiked in Tasmania, increasing by 346 per cent between 2022 and 2023.

Reformed ice dealer Braiden Tonks recently told Daily Mail Australia GHB was on the rise nationwide for its sought-after side-effects.

'It just slows your heart right down, puts you into a completely relaxed state where your heart will just slowly beat and just slowly just stop, that's how you die from it,' he said.

'It's not like an instant bang of being stabbed, I'm dead. It's just slow, just like, go to sleep, don't wake up.'

Young people are more likely both to abuse the drug and to require emergency help following GHB use.

Affordability aside, some believe financial pressures are contributing to an appetite for harder substances.

Canberra emergency consulant Dr David Caldicott told ABC News its promise of 'escape' from reality was more influential than its afforability.

'I think young people are looking for an escape from what really does not appear to be a very attractive future for them,' he said.

GHB-related ambulance callouts are on the rise across Australia

Victoria has the highest rate of GHB-related ambulance callouts in Australia

'I think that's probably a considerably more important element than the cost.'

Uncover Mental Health Counselling founder and psychotherapist Kristie Tse said financial pressures were engendering a 'need for relief'.

'One of the biggest drivers is the desire to escape or cope with stress, which has been exacerbated by rising financial pressures and uncertainty about the future,' she told NewsWire.

'The cost of living plays into this, as financial strain can lead to heightened anxiety and a need for relief, which some may seek through substance use.'

One Touch finance founder Maria Rosey told NewsWire cost-of-living pressures can create circumstances where substance use is seen as more acceptable.

'As money stress becomes more common, so does the acceptance of substances as coping mechanisms,' she said.

'The increase in GHB use during the money crisis shows us that substance use problems cant be solved by focusing only on the substances themselves.

'We need to address the conditions that make people turn to substances in the first place.'
This is the moment armed officers swooped on a drug trafficker just seconds after he picked up 4 million worth of cocaine from a private plane at a remote UK airfield.

Richard David Farmer, 39, was caught red-handed at the edge of the runway at Deenethorpe Airfield in Northamptonshire, where a light aircraft had just landed from Belgium.

A black wheeled suitcase packed with 50kg of cocaine was handed over, but police were already watching.

As Farmer drove away from the scene, his car was stopped by officers from Northamptonshire Police.

When they stopped him and searched the car, inside they found 50 tightly wrapped brown packages of high-purity cocaine, ready to be distributed across the country.

The dramatic takedown was the result of a National Crime Agency probe into an organised crime plot to fly in drugs under the radar.

The plane involved later flew to Ireland, where three men from Sweden and Lithuania were arrested by the Garda and extradited to Sweden, where they were convicted of drug offences linked to the same operation.

Police stop Farmer after he picked up the stash of drugs from a light plane

He was summoned out of the car before armed officers arrested him

After arresting him, officers found 4million worth cocaine

Phone records linked the 39-year-old to long-time associate Blaine Harvey, also 39, who was waiting nearby to collect the stash.

The pair planned to move the drugs across several regions, including Kent, Essex, Bedfordshire, and their home city of Coventry.

Harvey was arrested at his home weeks later.

Both denied involvement but were convicted after an eight-day trial at Northampton Crown Court.

Farmer was jailed for 12 years, while Harvey received 12 years and six months.

NCA Branch Commander Lydia Bloomfield said: 'This is a significant haul of Class A drugs brought in on a private plane in the hopes of avoiding detection.

After an eight day trial at Northampton Crown Court, Farmer was jailed for 12 years

'Farmer and Harvey were working together under an organised crime group to deal them on our streets with little regard for anything but their profit.

'These convictions will disrupt the upstream organised crime group behind this smuggling and we will continue to work to stop those who attempt to bring drugs into the country from overseas.

'With thanks to our policing partners in Northamptonshire, Ireland and Sweden, we have taken a large quantity of dangerous drugs out of circulation.'
The Metropolitan Police have arrested 55 protesters for supporting the newly banned terrorist organisation Palestine Action.

Those taken away by police included charity workers, dentists and teachers and bring the total arrested by the met to 127 over the last three weeks.

Demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the UK including London, Manchester and Cardiff, as part of Palestine Coalition and Palestine Action, holding signs that read 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

Dozens of protesters wrote the message 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action' on white placards and held the signs aloft before being surrounded by police officers in Parliament Square.

Those held were of mixed ages, from their 20s to 60s and many said they had jobs and had been arrested before.

At least one member of Palestine Coalition was arrested 'after being heard to chanting 'words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress', the Met Police said.

A member of Palestine Action who was arrested said: 'This will keep happening. I'm a teacher and I don't care anymore. This government is complicit in genocide.'

Another identified their job as a teacher and one as a charity worker.

Charity workers and teachers are among a wave of people arrested for supporting the proscribed terror group Palestine Action on Saturday in London's parliament Square

Demonstrators took to the streets holding signs that read 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

A man arrested next to a statue of Ghandi outside Manchester Cathedral for showing support for prescribed terrorists group Palestine Action

Palestine Coalition protestors marching through central London on Saturday in support of Palestine Action and calling for an end to the war in Gaza

A woman wearing a plastic raincoat was carried away from Parliament square by police following demonstrations today

A retired dentist said: 'This government is attacking democracy. We live in a dictatorship.'

When asked if they were worried about being arrested, the man, aged in his 60s, said: 'Yes but I'm more worried about genocide.

'I've never been in trouble before. I am standing against war crimes and war criminals.'

A large police presence saw more than twenty officers circle the group and warned that they would be arrested unless they put away their signs and left the area.

Police carried several demonstrators from the area to waiting police vans, with one 38-year-year old protester from Stroud saying she had attended the protest 'to defend our rights to protest' and highlight 'the corruption of the government'.

The activist - who gave their name as Shel and said they worked as a full time non-violence trainer - said: 'We will not comply. We want the UK government to lift the ban on Palestine Action. This is not a terrorist organisation.

'The British state is complicit in making non violent direct action protesters terrorists. They are not. It's the people in government who are the terrorists.'

She said she knew 'it was possible' that she would be arrested for her actions in London today.

Crowds also gathered outside Manchester Cathedral where they sat on the floor and on chairs holding signs showing their support for Palestine Action

An elderly woman shows the palms of her hands which also read 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action' as her sign is removed during her arrest in Manchester Cathedral

A protestor arrested outside Manchester Cathedral for showing support for Palestine Action

Crowds gathered to walk across Westminster Bridge as part of a march in support of the terror group - they wore traditional keffiyehs and carried Palestinian flags

Police were deployed along Westminster Bridge, York Road, Waterloo Bridge and down to Whitehall via the Strand in readiness for protestors from Palestine Coalition

The protester also said that a mass rally in support of Palestine Action would be taking place on August 9, but the location was not disclosed.

Another activist - a woman using a walking stick who refused to state her name to reporters - said being detained by the police was 'a small price to pay' as she was escorted by officers to a police van.

Another activist, Abigail Maxwell, broke into tears when asked by police to put down a sign showing support for Palestine Action.

The activist said: 'I am a Quaker. I'm here to say - stop the killing of children. I thought it was possible I could be arrested - but I am never able to predict the future.'

As one man was carried away by police, he said: 'Freedom of speech is dead in this country, shame on the Metropolitan Police.'

In Devon, eight people were arrested after protesters gathered to show support for Palestine Action near Truro Cathedral.

A protestor being carried away by police in London following a crackdown on demonstrations after Palestine Action was declared a terrorist organisation earlier this month

Protestors outside Down Street in London holding a mock Just Stop Oil banner reading 'Just Stop Killing'

Police officers detaining a protester who was holding a placard with a message supporting Palestine Action group, during the National March for Palestine in London

Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement that around 30 protesters were involved in the 'peaceful' Defend Our Juries demonstration.

The force went on: 'A number of placards which were contrary to the law remained on display despite police advice.

'Eight people, two men and six women, were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They remain in police custody.'

A small number of counter-protesters in central London held up placards which said 'there is no genocide but there are 50 hostages still captive'.

Earlier on Saturday Metropolitan Police officers were deployed across the capital along the route of the march which crossed Westminster Bridge, along York Road, north across Waterloo Bridge and down to Whitehall via the Strand.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries, which is supporting the campaign to de-proscribe Palestine Action, said: 'These protests will see many more ordinary people across the country take a stand, who don't want to be handcuffed and detained in a police cell but refuse to stand by while our country collapses into an Orwellian nightmare where opponents of genocide are criminalised and silenced, and arrested just for holding a sign.

Those held were of mixed ages, from their 20s to 60s and many said they had jobs and had been arrested before

A protestor being escorted away from Manchester cathedral on Saturday as part of arrests made following a day of action in cities across the UK

A protestor being carried by four police officers holding them by their arms and legs and leading them towards a police van following arrest

Jeremy Corbyn pictured with crowds marching along Westminster Bridge in support of Palestinian Action



'Protest groups targeting property, not people, in order to disrupt the flow of arms to Israel's war machine while it commits horrific atrocities - is obviously not terrorism. It aims to stop violence and terrorism being committed against the Palestinian people.

'How long until this unprecedented, authoritarian proscription is used against racial justice, climate, disability rights groups and trade unions, unless we resist the ban now, before it's too late?'.

It comes after the Home Office earlier this month ruled to ban Palestine Action, with the group failing to block its proscription as a terrorist organisation in a late-night legal bid.

Lawyers representing co-founder Huda Ammori, whose father is Palestinian, asked for the decision to be delayed at least until July 21.

The designation as a terror group means that membership of or support for Palestine Action is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

This includes chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos.

Palestine Action argues it is a protest group that has never incited or encouraged violence, but does support civil disobedience.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said: 'Just a few weeks ago, being arrested under the Terrorism Act was the stuff of nightmares. Now it's a badge of honour that people are wearing with pride - the mark of resistance to genocide and standing firm for our democratic freedoms.

A woman arrested and taken out of her seat by police before being placed in a waiting van in Manchester on Saturday

A woman had her bags and placards taken off her and was taken away by police officers following her arrest at the London demonstration on Saturday

People held signs saying 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action' while wearing traditional keffiyehs scarves - they were later arrested

Two elderly women were arrested by police and escorted over to a waiting vehicle after having their placards taken off them

A woman being picked up by police by her arms as she continued to protest in London in the rain on Saturday

A woman using a walking stick refused to state her name to reporters and said being detained by the police was 'a small price to pay' as she was escorted by officers to a police van

Police surround a woman sat on the floor who was protesting in London on Saturday

A woman being arrested by a police officer while protesting in Parliament Square, central London on Saturday

'This is a major cultural shift. For years, the Terrorism laws and the Prevent programme have been used to divide and rule communities, and to marginalise Muslim communities in particular. Thanks to Yvette Cooper's hubris, they are now helping to bring us together.'

Activists protest against the continuing war in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians since October 7 - when 1,200 Israelis were killed by a Hamas incursion into the country.

One of those protesting last week is former government lawyer Tim Crosland. He said: 'There are already 18 Palestine Actionists held in UK prisons without a trial, following lobbying by the Israeli government and Elbit Systems, the leading supplier of the machinery of genocide.

'If we cannot speak freely about the genocide of Palestinians, if we cannot condemn those who enable it and praise those who resist it, then the right to freedom of expression has no meaning, and democracy in this country is dead.'

Scotland Yard said its stance remains that officers will act where criminal offences, including support of proscribed groups or organisations, are committed.

The latest arrests come after at least 42 protesters were detained by police officers last Saturday as activists gathered for a second week in a row beside a statue of Gandhi in London's Parliament Square, holding placards reading: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

Another 16 arrests were made in Manchester and 13 people were also held in Cardiff at other related demonstrations last Saturday.

Those held were of mixed ages, from their 20s to 70s and many said they had jobs and had been arrested before.

Two week sago Reverend Sue Parfitt, 83, (pictured) was arrested for protesting in support of Palestine Action in Westminsterafter the Met said: 'The law doesn't have an age limit'

Protesters gathered in central London on Saturday (pictured) for the third consecutive week to oppose the decision to ban the campaign group

At least 41 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police last week for supporting Palestine Action Pictured: A protester is arrested and carried away at Saturday's protests in London

A protester is arrested and carried away at Saturday's demonstration in London

Officers could then be seen carrying away a number of protesters who were lying down, lifting them off the ground and into waiting police vans parked around the square.

Other standing protesters were also led away from the statues and placed into the vans.

The offences mainly related to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, an officer said.

Previously almost 30 people on suspicion of terrorism offences after protesters gathered in Parliament Square also holding signs supporting Palestine Action, just hours after a ban on the came into effect.

One of those arrested was an 83-year-old priest and the Met said: 'The law doesn't have an age limit'.

Around two dozen people, including a priest, professor and an emergency care worker who is just back from Gaza, sat in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament Square on Saturday expressing support for the group, which is now a proscribed terrorist organisation.

They held signs saying: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

Last week protestors said they didn't care what happened to them and vowed to keep on protesting.

Two protestors sat in the back of a police van after being arrested for supporting Palestine Action after a ban against the organisation earlier this month

Protestors - whose ages ranged from 20s to 70s- were led away from the square outside Parliament in handcuffs last Saturday

Police officers arrest protesters around the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square who were holding placards in support of Palestine Action, which has been banned under anti-terrorism laws

Officers in Parliament Square held by a group of Met Officers next to a statue of Gandhi after they held placards which said: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action'

Police in Manchester arrest a Palestine Action protestor wearing the black-and-white Palestinian keffiyeh

A supporter of banned organisation Palestine Action is dragged away by police officers in St Peter's Square, Manchester

One protester, an architect called Steve, 59, said: 'I'm terrified. But some things in this world are bigger than fear of arrest. I will do whatever it takes to highlight this problem.

'They (the police) can do whatever they want. I don't care.'

one woman, Kate, was holding a sign which said: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

She said: 'It's shocking. I'm terrified. But the greater risk is genocide. That's more important. I don't have a phone. I've never been arrested before.

'I can't work because I've been trouble before connected to these activities.

'I was in social care. I had a good job. Nobody will employ me now. They'll think I'm a terrorist after this as well.'
Criminals wound up working as officers for the New York City Police Department after the commander overseeing recruitment ignored their checkered past, according to court filings.

Up to 31 unfit officers were allowed to serve as cops due to 'unauthorized unilateral actions' by former commanding officer NYPD Inspector Terrell Anderson, the complaint states.

The recruits were allowed in despite failing psychological tests and background checks and in multiple cases, criminal records, according to the document.

One aspiring officer was even found to have three arrests to their name, but was recruited anyway, the filing states.

Offenses included everything from drug use to prostitution, and a number of driving violations, per the New York Post.

However they were allowed to serve after being granted admission by Anderson, according to the filings, which state he did not have the authority to keep them on the force.

And in a stunning twist, many of the officers remain employed and cannot be sacked after the NYPD Police Benevolent Association filed a restraining order to temporarily halt the citys actions, keeping them on the payroll.

'His actions, therefore, were a nullity,' the city said.

Dozens of newly hired NYPD officers were employed by the force unlawfully after they were found to have a history of arrests, according to court filings

NYPD Inspector Terrell Anderson allegedly allowed to serve as cops due to 'unauthorized unilateral actions' he made despite many of them being previously disqualified from the force

Anderson was reassigned following the scandal and is now facing departmental charges, law enforcement sources told the Post.

The court filing singled out one rookie cop who was permitted into the NYPD academy, despite having never been employed in any capacity before.

That cop, who was not named, was found to have an 'extensive history of poor decision-making and recklessness', but was allowed to serve anyway by Anderson, the filings said.

That history with the law included multiple driving convictions for speeding at upwards of 50mph over the speed limit, and an arrest for driving with eight suspensions on his license.

The officer was also found to have struck a pedestrian with his car on another occasion.

A different officer also reported a number of serious driving offenses including involvement in eight car crashes and driving with a suspended license, alongside multiple arrests for marijuana.

That officer slipped through the net because he 'exploited his fathers status as an NYPD detective in order to circumvent personal responsibility', according to his reported disqualification notice.

Another officer who was allowed into the NYPD had 'reported using LSD and marijuana to cope with stress', the filing said.

One of the cops was also found to have allegedly paid a stripper for sexual intercourse in 2017, and then the next year paid a female masseuse to masturbate him, the filings said.

Among the offenses of the dozens of officers included drug use, prostitution, and a number of driving violations

The acceptance of the rogue cops comes as NYPD recruitment numbers have struggled in recent years, with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch (pictured) deciding to relax some qualifications in the academy earlier this year in an attempt to beef up numbers

One female officer failed a psychological examination after she 'openly discussed arguments and conflicts with other people in a boastful manner.'

She reportedly told a psychiatrist that 'what you do to me Im going to do to you twice and I hope you feel worse than the way you made me feel', but was still allowed in per the filing.

Anderson was in charge of screening the candidates as the NYPD's chief of Candidate Assessment Division, but was promptly moved to the housing unit when the scandal was discovered in May.

He alleged that NYPD top brass pushed him to keep non-qualified officers in the academy.

Anderson's defenders have pointed out that NYPD recruitment numbers have struggled in recent years.

Chris Monahan, the president of the Captains Endowment Association, the union representing Inspector Anderson, said the inspector was always 'open and above board' in his role.

The Daily Mail has contacted the NYPD for comment. Efforts to reach Inspector Anderson were unsuccessful.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch previously decided to relax some qualifications in the academy earlier this year in an attempt to beef up numbers.

NYPD Capt. Chris Monahan, president of the Captains Endowment Association, told the New York Post that Anderson was. 'under tremendous pressure to fill NYPD recruit classes.'

'He had a careful review process and didnt place candidates with diagnosed mental health issues in many classes,' he said. 'Inspector Anderson had the authority under previous administrations to hire candidates.'

Despite some of the cops' lengthy rap sheets, the city's move to fire them was halted after the NYPD Police Benevolent Association filed a restraining order to temporarily halt the citys actions

Despite some of the cops' lengthy rap sheets, the city's move to fire them was halted after the NYPD Police Benevolent Association filed a restraining order to temporarily halt the citys actions.

A judge then granted an extension for 60 days.

Explaining the move to defend the officers, NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said: 'These are 31 police officers lives  their livelihood.'

(The judge) understands they have families, bills, rent,' he continued. 'They were just told, Youre not entitled to any process. Youre fired, 24 hours. That is wrong. The entire method  how it was done  is wrong.

'They were deemed qualified New York City police officers. They were called back. They completed what they were asked to complete... These police officers were deemed qualified by the NYPD.'
A former Fox Business associate producer who accused ex-Fox News anchor Ed Henry of sexual assault was arrested on suspicion of battery in Florida.

Jennifer Eckhart, 34, pouted in her mugshot after she was detained in Palm Beach County at 1pm on Wednesday afternoon. She was released on her own recognizance without bail.

According to her arrest affidavit obtained by Daily Mail, Eckhart allegedly attacked her boyfriend, named in the papers as Thomas Beasley, after he told her he was ending their relationship.

Beasley told cops that after he dumped her Eckhart, 'began knocking items over in his office, struck him, screamed, and became combative.'

He showed video of the alleged attack to officers, which the documents said showed her, 'yelling, striking Beasley, grabbing his shirt and ripping it, and demanding he delete the video.'

The arrest comes a month after Eckhart settled a rape lawsuit against Henry, five years after she accused him of sexually assaulting her when they worked at Fox News.

Henry, who denied Eckhart's allegations and said they were in a 'kinky' relationship, was fired weeks before she filed her lawsuit in 2020.

Eckhart alleged in the filings that she was 'violently raped while helpless and restrained in metal handcuffs.'

Jennifer Eckhart, a former Fox News reporter who accused ex-anchor Ed Henry of rape, was arrested on suspicion of battery in Florida

Eckhart, 34, filed a 2020 lawsuit that accused Henry, 53, of handcuffing, beating and raping her in 2017 after a campaign of 'grooming'. She settled the lawsuit a month ago

Former Fox News anchor Ed Henry, 53, was fired after Eckhart's allegations were made public, but he denied the allegations and was never criminally charged, insisting they had a consensual, albeit kinky, affair

In March, a federal judge threw out part of the lawsuit that named Fox News as a defendant, dismissing Eckhart's claims that the network failed to take any action against Henry's alleged rape.

Eckhart also claimed that she was fired from Fox News in retaliation for her complaints about the alleged attack, and accused Henry of sharing explicit 'revenge porn' images of her.

Following her settlement with Henry in June, Eckhart spoke of the mental toll that the case had on her, saying it had been an 'exhaustive, retraumatizing, five-year legal battle with incredible challenges that at times I almost felt was unable to bear'.

Eckhart started her own podcast REINVENTED, where she speaks about 'generational trauma' to 'give a voice to the voiceless' in the wake of the process.

She also runs a non-profit named The Reinvented Project, which helps trauma survivors through animal-assisted therapy, per People.

Henry, who now works at Newsmax after he was fired by Fox News, was never charged criminally over Eckhart's allegations.

She was fired in June 2020, two weeks before she made allegations against Henry through an attorney, claiming his 'improper conduct' began around 2014 and culminated in an alleged rape in February 2017.

Henry was subsequently fired after Eckhart came forward with her allegations, and Fox News announced his departure 'based on investigative findings' about his alleged 'willful sexual misconduct.'

When she settled her lawsuit against Henry in June, Eckhart spoke of the mental toll that the case had on her, saying it had been an 'exhaustive, retraumatizing, five-year legal battle with incredible challenges that at times I almost felt was unable to bear'

In a statement through his attorney after settling the lawsuit, Henry's representative said: 'This matter has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, and the parties are moving on with their lives.'

Eckhart said a civil trail was approaching before the settlement was agreed. The details of the settlement were not reported on at the time.

In her lawsuit against Henry, Eckhart alleged that the anchor handcuffed, beat and raped her.

But Henry insisted that they were in a consensual relationship at the time of the alleged attacks, and said that they were in a kinky affair that involved actions such as handcuffing.

Daily Mail previously revealed the two were engaging in raunchy exchanges.

Eckhart was fired as an executive producer at Fox News in June 2020, two weeks before she made allegations against Henry through an attorney, claiming his 'improper conduct' began around 2014 and culminated in the alleged rape in February 2017

This included text messages just days after Eckhart claimed the rape occurred, in which she told him: 'You wanna f*** me,' 'Come spread them and slide my bikini off', 'F***ing dirty boy. I love it,' and 'Want it. Badly,' according to screenshots of text messages in court filings.

The legal filing said they had sadomasochistic, kinky sex on February 10, 2017, that was prompted by Eckhart's 'highly provocative sexting'.

The physical encounter involved Henry hitting her with a belt, and restraining her with handcuffs.

Although rough, Henry claimed it was all agreed on beforehand, saying she 'sent Ed a photograph of a belt' and told him in a text message that she would 'always obey and make myself available to u', adding 'You NEED my 26-year-old p***y.'

The day before the sexual encounter, Henry texted Eckhart: 'Gentle little wh**e. Gonna get tossed around like a rag doll,' and she replied 'Love that,' according to the WhatsApp screenshots.

Henry has been married to NPR Managing Editor Shirley Henry since 2010.

Henry countered in a legal filing that Eckhart cherry-picked excerpts of their text conversations to cast him as a rapist when he claimed that it was instead a steamy, consensual affair.

When a federal judge threw out Eckhart's claims against Fox News earlier this year, they ruled that there was 'no direct evidence that (the network) was aware of Henrys alleged harassment of Eckhart before (her firing) occurred.'

Just days after she claimed he raped her, Eckhart texted Henry: 'You wanna f*** me,' 'Come spread them and slide my bikini off', according to screenshots in court filings

Text messages that Henry's lawyers said depicted their rough, consensual affair. In these texts, Henry asks Eckhart when she's available so she can get 'slapped around. In response, Eckhart coyly states 'Hmm.. idk', 'I'm really busy'

Henry countered in a legal filing that Eckhart cherry-picked excerpts of their text conversations to cast him as a rapist when he claimed that it was instead a steamy, consensual affair

Henry has been married to NPR Managing Editor Shirley Henry since 2010

Eckhart was an associate producer at Fox News, however her termination came as a result of 'substantial performance deficiencies', the network claimed.

The network said she was fired after being put on a 'performance improvement plan', and her eventual dismissal came before she ever made complaints of her interactions with Henry.

Fox News previously argued that when they fired Eckhart, it was not out of retaliation because she did not come forward with her claims against Henry until after she had been terminated.

The network insisted it had 'legitimate, non-pretextual reasons for terminating her.'
Megyn Kelly has gleefully rejoiced over the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show, as she revealed the 'failed' former MSNBC star he is following in the footsteps of.

The ex-Fox host, 54, excitedly opened the segment of her show with a megawatt smile as she said: 'Stephan Colbert's show has been cancelled! It's great news, is it not?'

CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - just days after the host blasted the network's $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump as a 'big fat bribe.'

Colbert's show, which began in 2015, will now come to an end in May 2026, executives with the network and Paramount, its new parent company, announced on Thursday.

Kelly told viewers that Colbert's downfall was due to his penchant for platforming left wing politicians.

'He wants applause for political hit pieces, which he really loves to do,' Kelly said.

'So great, why don't we just acknowledge that and stop pretending he's a comedian who is in the business of being funny? He isn't.

'He will fit in perfect at MS[NBC]. He desperately wanted to be Keith Olbermann. And guess what? Keith Olbermann is a failure. And now so are you, Stephen Colbert.'

Megyn Kelly was overjoyed to hear Stephen Colbert's late-night show was being cancelled and she claimed he modeled himself on a failure

'It's great news, is it now?' she gloated. CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Thursday

Olbermann hosted his own show on the network from 2003 to 2011 before his $30million contract was abruptly ended after he made several contributions to Democratic campaigns.

He was was a major figure in the network's shift toward more progressive political content.

'Hardworking people, at the end of their night, do not want to be lectured by the likes of a bespectacled Stephen Colbert projecting from his diaphragm,' Daily Mail Columnist and guest Maureen Callahan told Kelly.

'They want some laughs. They want some stuff to go down easy and they want to be lulled to sleep.'

Kelly agreed and shared clips of Colbert's show on hers, saying this was the example of why 'Stephen Colbert is no more'.

They included an opening monologue where Colbert criticized Trump deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles during the anti-ICE protests.

In another clip, Colbert commented on Iran's enriched uranium stores, which the US bombed under Trump's orders last month.

'He will fit in perfect at MS[NBC]...He desperately wanted to be Keith Olbermann. And guess what? Keith Oberman is a failure. And now so are you, Stephen Colbert,' she said. Olbermann, who was fired from the network in 2011, helped pushed the network to be more liberal

'Hardworking people, at the end of their night, do not want to be lectured by the likes of a bespectacled Stephen Colbert projecting from his diaphragm,' Daily Mail Columnist and guest Maureen Callahan told Kelly on the show

'He should take a meeting over at MSNBC and see if he can get Jen Psaki's failing slot,' Callahan said.

Kelly also criticized Colbert's booking choices, instead of spotlighting actors and entertainers, he brought on Kamala Harris and NYC Democrat mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani.

The network explained that the decision to cancel the show is, 'purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night'.

'It is not related in any way to the shows performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,' it added.

Colbert announced the cancellation of his program on his show.

'Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May,' he told audience members, who responded to the news with emphatic 'boos'.

'It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of the Late Show on CBS,' he continued.

'I'm not being replaced, this is all just going away,' Colbert added, telling the audience he was just grateful to be given the opportunity to host the long-running show.

Trump trolled Colbert after the announcement, saying that he 'loved' that Colbert 'got fired'

Trump trolled Colbert after the announcement, saying that he 'loved' that Colbert 'got fired'.

'His talent was even less than his ratings,' he wrote on Truth Social on Friday.

'I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next,' the president continued. 'Has even less talent than Colbert!

'Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show,' Trump added.

The 'moron' in question is Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon.

Among the late-night shows, Colbert had the highest ratings.

He took over the franchise in 2015, which had originally been helmed by David Letterman.

Colbert was already a household name for his Comedy Central show, The Colbert Report, in which he pretended to be a conservative talking head, modeled after pundits like Bill O'Reilly from Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor.

He and The Daily Show's Jon Stewart, who was on right before Colbert's time slot, captured the attention of liberal audiences.

When Colbert took over The Late Show, he dropped his conservative caricature act, allowing his left-leaning politics to show openly.
Tasmania's Liberal premier has claimed an election victory but his party must still gain the support of a crossbench to govern.

Saturday's poll, called after Jeremy Rockliff lost a vote of no-confidence in June, has returned a very similar parliament.

The Liberals had picked up a 3.5 per cent swing with counting continuing late on Saturday night, with Labor losing about three per cent of their vote.

Labor's primary vote of below 26 per cent is on track to be the worst in Tasmania's history.

The Liberals have secured 13 seats and appear on track for 14-15, short of the 18 required for majority but ahead of Labor's eight confirmed seats.

Speaking alongside his family, Mr Rockliff claimed a win, saying a Labor-led motion of no-confidence had backfired on leader Dean Winter.

'A little over six weeks ago, the leader of the opposition forced this unnecessary election on the Tasmanian people by moving a vote of no-confidence,' Mr Rockliff said.

'The people of Tasmania, in return, have said they have no confidence in the Labor Party to form government.

Opposition Leader Dean Winter (pictured) is on track to lead Labor to a historic defeat

'It is our team, the Liberal Party, who will achieve the most seats in this election, with a significantly increased vote.'

Mr Rockliff said intended to visit the governor and ask her to recommission his government.

However, Mr Rockliff faces dealings with a left-leaning crossbench including at least three independents who are opposed to his pet-project new AFL stadium.

Labor could potentially form government with the Greens, who appear set to hold five seats, along with independents.

Mr Winter has previously ruled out doing a deal with the Greens but has kept the door ajar for some sort of minority government agreement.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff urged Mr Winter to pick up the phone and have a conversation about working together.

'We are ready to work collaboratively in the best interest of Tasmanians,' Ms Woodruff said.

Independents Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, who voted no-confidence in Mr Rockliff, have been returned to parliament.

Independent Kristie Johnston (pictured) has been returned to parliament after voting no-confidence in Mr Rockliff

Anti-salmon farming independent Peter George has been successful in getting a state seat after a strong run at the recent federal poll.

Labor upper house MP Sarah Lovell seemed to indicate her party was keeping the door open to forging a path to its own minority government.

'We have seen Jeremy Rockliff... fail to make a minority worker twice now,' she told the ABC.

'We don't want to be back here in 12 months.'

The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have been in minority since 2023 when two MPs quit to the crossbench.

The Liberals entered the campaign with 14 seats and Labor 10.

It could be weeks for the final count to be completed, with the last postal votes not expected to arrive until the end of July.

The no-confidence motion against Mr Rockliff, put forward by Labor and supported by the Greens and three crossbenchers, was critical of budget debt and a bungled ferry delivery.
Joe Rogan took another shot at former buddy Donald Trump as he urged a liberal Texas lawmaker to run for president because, 'we need someone who is actually a good person.'

The podcaster fawned over Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico on his show on Friday, telling the 36-year-old to bring in a new generation of leadership.

Talarico is a former teacher who joined the Texas state legislature in 2018 at just 28. He often receives millions of views on Instagram clips where he shares his speeches and previously argued there are 'six genders'.

He is known as a devoutly religious lawmaker who rails against the rise of 'Christian Nationalism' on the right, a topic that earned Rogan's seal of approval this week.

After being told by Rogan to seek the White House, Talarico brushed off the remark.

'Can I actually push back on that?' he responded.

'We were talking about how politics has become a religion. This is one of the ways it does. People put all their faith in a politician.'

Talarico name checked Trump and former Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders as examples, saying that while he 'likes Bernie... some people treat him as if he's a messianic figure.'

Joe Rogan took another shot at Donald Trump as he urged liberal Texas lawmaker James Talarico to run for president

Rogan, who endorsed Trump for president last year, appeared to insult Trump as he told Talarico to run for the White House telling Talarico (pictured) 'we need someone who is actually a good person'

Rogan's shot at Trump is the latest in a string of breaks from the president following his endorsement of him last year.

This week, he slammed Trump's bungled handling of the 'Epstein files', saying it appeared the White House was lying to the American people because 'they've got videotape and all of a sudden they don't.'

He has also used his massive podcast platform to criticize Trump for some ICE raids on illegal immigrants without criminal records and has described his feud with Canada as 'stupid' in recent episodes.

Talarico - an aspiring preacher who is in seminary school - said on Rogan's show this week that the 'problem' with modern politics comes from voters seeing politicians as deities, and argued that those in office are far from perfect.

After the state rep. cited Bernie Sanders as an example, Rogan countered that he 'is one of the only ones that has been remarkably consistent his entire career.'

'I know, but hes still a flawed human being, right? Just like we all are,' Talarico responded.

'The change is going to come from your listeners, not from me. I can be a part of that.'

The high-profile interview comes as Talarico is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, and is said to be mulling an underdog bid for the US Senate.

The high-profile interview comes as Talarico (pictured recently with his niece) is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, and is said to be mulling an underdog bid for the US Senate

Talarico pushed back on Rogan urging him to run for president, saying: 'We were talking about how politics has become a religion. This is one of the ways it does. People put all their faith in a politician... that's a problem'

Rogan, a former liberal who endorsed Trump in the presidential campaign, asked Talarico why he is a Democrat on the show.

'My mother saw Texas Democrats who fought for the little guy, for working people, people who were forgotten and left behind,' Talarico responded, saying that the party has lost its way in recent times.

'That was the classic Democratic Party.'

After slamming Trump with an apparent insult at how America needs a president who is 'actually a good person', Rogan also hit out at the Republican Party.

He singled out Republicans who have introduced strict abortion policies in recent years, which he described as 'very creepy.'

Talarico has raised eyebrows with some past remarks, including in 2021 when he argued in the Texas statehouse that there are 'six genders.'

'The point is that biologically speaking, scientifically speaking, sex is a spectrum, and oftentimes can be very ambiguous,' he said at the time, per the New York Post.

Talarico has raised eyebrows with some past remarks, including in 2021 when he argued in the Texas statehouse that there are 'six genders'

Immediately following his interview with Rogan, Talarico told Politico that he went on the show of the influential podcaster to turn him back to the liberal side, despite his endorsement of Trump last year.

'He speaks for a lot of people who dont feel like they belong in either political party, and are rightly suspicious of a corrupt political system,' Talarico said.

He said he was surprised to be invited by Rogan onto the show, which came after the podcaster saw one of his viral social media videos where he explained his opposition to posting the Ten Commandments in public schools.

'When we got the email invitation, I originally thought it was a phishing scam,' he said.

'But we called them and realized it was legit, and it was a surprise  just given that Im a state rep.  to get invited on such a big national platform. He said he had seen some of my videos and wanted to talk. So we jumped at the opportunity.'

Asked about Rogan's turn towards conservatism, he added: 'After sitting with him for two and a half hours, I have a clearer understanding of where hes coming from on a lot of this stuff.

'I just got the overwhelming impression that Joe Rogan is not loyal to either political party, and is deeply skeptical of our political system as a whole. I think that skepticism also applies to Donald Trump, just like it did to Joe Biden last year.'
A former New York City city hall worker has sued Bath & Body Works after she claimed a candle exploded in her face, leaving her with severe burns and scars.

Renita Francois, 41, of Valley Stream, Long Island, leaned in to take a whiff of her Sweater Weather candle when it exploded in her face on January 19, 2023, a federal lawsuit filed earlier this month claimed.

Within moments of lighting the $27 three-wick candle, which is manufactured by Premier Candle Corporation, it exploded, sending glass, molten wax, and flames into her face.

The explosion caused her eyelashes and eyebrows to sear off,. Agonizing photos show her her forehead, cheeks, and lips covered in burns and raw blisters.

'Her face was nearly unrecognizable,' the lawsuit said.

Her arms also sustained permanent dark spots where wax landed.

'The wax continued to burn as it hardened, refusing to cool,' the complaint read.

Her husband, McEvans Francois, desperately tried to help the mother-of-two by running her wounds under water to help cool the wax, but the 'damage had already been done,' the filing states.

Renita Francois, 41, of Valley Stream, Long Island, (middle) worked for former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio from 2018 to 2022 and often had a public facing role (pictured: Francois with de Blasio and his wife). She is suing after a Bath & Body Works allegedly exploded in her face

Francois leaned in to take a whiff of her Sweater Weather candle when it exploded in her face on January 19, 2023, a federal lawsuit filed earlier this month claimed

The candle, which was sitting on her dresser, was left charred black, deformed, and with holes in it

The candle, which was sitting on her dresser, was left charred black, deformed, and with holes in it.

The former Mayor Bill de Blasio employee was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with second-degree burns.

The ordeal shook her confidence and left the once 'unshakeable' public servant 'fractured,' the complaint read.

'Renita has always been the life of the party, the connector, the woman who makes things happen,' it read. 'She was the only who brought people together, whether for family celebrations, professional networking events, or impromptu gatherings just for the joy of it.

'Now, she finds herself forced to navigate sympathy, unwanted stares, and intrusive questions about her injuries rather than the work she is there to champion... Now, she hesitates before stepping into social settings.'

Her young children even ask her: 'Mommy, what happened to your face?' and 'Are you going to be okay?'

Her lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, said in the complaint that those questions 'cut deeper than burns ever could.'

Francois argued the tragedy was preventable as the company knew its three-wick candles were dangerous and had 'prior knowledge' that the product 'posed a serious and foreseeable risk of explosion.'

The explosion caused her eyelashes and eyebrows to sear off, burns covered her forehead, cheeks, and lips; and left raw blisters, photos showed

'Her face was nearly unrecognizable,' the lawsuit said

Her arms also sustained permanent dark spots where wax landed. The former Mayor Bill de Blasio employee was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with second-degree burns

Her husband, McEvans Francois, desperately tried to help the mother-of-two by running her wounds under water to help cool the wax, but the 'damage had already been done.' The ordeal shook her confidence and left the once 'unshakeable' public servant 'fractured', according to her filing

The lawsuit claimed the home products company knew they were selling 'defective candles without adequate warnings, proper testing, or necessary product modification to prevent catastrophic failures.'

Premier Candle Corporation, which is headquartered in Canada, does not have to follow US law and didn't have to undergo the 'rigorous standards required' by America, the lawsuit alleged.

'There is no automatic recall process for candles exhibiting hazardous burn behavior,' the lawsuit read. 'The US enforces mandatory recalls and imposes legal penalties for noncompliance.'

She is asking for compensatory and punitive damages, for the candle to be recalled, and for her attorney fees to be covered, among others. She is also requesting a jury trial.

Francois worked as an executive director of de Blasio's Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety from July 2018 to April 2022. She often spoke publicly in the role.

Daily Mail has contacted Bath & Body Works, Premier Candles, Francois and her lawyer for comment.
Police have issued an urgent appeal for information after a woman in her 30s was allegedly sexually assaulted while walking alone in London.

The victim is understood to have been followed by a man as she walked past Hammersmith tube station, located in west London, at around 3.40am on Sunday, May 18.

The man, who is then said to have caught up with the woman, sexually assaulted her before running towards Hammersmith Broadway.

He is described as white with dark hair and in his 20s.

Approximately 5ft 8in to 6ft tall, the suspect was also wearing a black North Face jacket, black trousers and white trainers at the time of the alleged assault.

Having reported the incident to police, an immediate investigation was launched, with the victim currently receiving specialist support.

Using CCTV footage, officers were then able to track the man's movements ahead of the alleged attack.

There, he was seen leaving the popular station before walking along King Street, located in the heart of the west London suburb, briefly walking past another pedestrian.

Police have issued an urgent appeal for information after a woman is understood to have been followed by a man (pictured) as she walked past Hammersmith tube station, located in west London, at around 3.40am on Sunday, May 18

Using CCTV footage, officers were then able to track the man's movements ahead of the alleged attack. There, he was seen leaving the popular station before walking along King Street, located in the heart of the west London suburb, briefly walking past another pedestrian

Detective Superintendent Lucy O'Connor, who is leading the Metropolitan Police's investigation into the alleged attack, said that the force are urgently 'asking the public to help' them find the man in question

Following the reported incident, he was then captured running along Park Road towards Browning Avenue before officers eventually lost sight of him as he headed in the direction of a residential area.

Detective Superintendent Lucy O'Connor, who is leading the Metropolitan Police's investigation into the reported incident, said that the force are urgently 'asking the public to help' them find the man in question.

DSI O'Connor added: 'Women and girls should be safe to walk the streets of London without being attacked.

'That is why we need to identify a man in connection with this incident and are now asking the public to help.

'If you were in the area on the morning of Sunday, 18 May or if you recognise the man in the footage, please contact us as soon as possible.'

Those with relevant information have been asked to contact the Metropolitan Police by calling 101 with the reference 01/7513051/25 or message @MetCC on X.
Tomorrowland has been hit by a fresh tragedy as a woman has died just days after the festival was swept by a massive fire.

The 35-year-old Canadian woman was one of some 100,000 revelers attending the opening night of the annual electronic music festival in the Belgian town of Boom on Friday.

Having reportedly fell unwell at the festival, the woman was then taken to hospital where she was tragically pronounced dead.

The public prosecutor's office in Antwerp said that the cause of her death has not yet been determined, with an investigation launched into the circumstances.

Debby Wilmsen, a spokesperson for the festival, said that the woman 'received first aid' before later being taken to 'the University Hospital of Antwerp', Brussels Morning reported.

Ms Wilmsen added: 'We were informed she passed away there. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.

'The Antwerp prosecutor's office is investigating the cause of death and will update further on this matter.'

It comes just days after an inferno ripped through a stage just days before the festival was due to start, with harrowing footage showing huge smoke clouds engulfing nearby houses as fireworks went off.

Tommorrowland has been hit by a fresh tragedy as a 35-year-old Canadian woman has died, just days after the annual electronic music festival in the Belgian town of Boom was swept by a large festival (Pictured: revelers listen to DJs Odymel and Pegassi performing at the festival on July 18)

Having reportedly fell unwell at the festival, the woman was then taken to hospital where she was tragically pronounced dead. The public prosecutor's office in Antwerp said that the cause of her death has not yet been determined (Pictured: a crowd of festival-goers next to the burnt stage at Tomorrowland on July 18)

It comes just days after an inferno ripped through a stage just days before the festival was due to start, with harrowing footage showing huge smoke clouds engulfing nearby houses as fireworks went off

The large blaze engulfed the Orbyz main stage on Wednesday evening, with dramatic footage showing the moment the site exploded into a fireball, before a gigantic plume of smoke filled the air.

A cloud of dark smoke was seen billowing into the air near a residential area, while fireworks are also seen exploding uncontrollably in different directions into the sky and over houses.

While the fire 'severely damaged' the main, ice-themed stage, no individuals were injured in the incident.

Around 1,000 staff members are understood to have been working at the site at the time of the blaze which occured at around 6pm.

In a statement given by the festival, they said that their 'beloved Mainstage' had been left 'severely damaged' as a result of a 'serious incident'.

The statement added: 'This wasn't just a stage. It was a living, breathing world.

'From the very first sketch on a blank page, to countless hours of conceptual design, artistic collaboration, engineering, crafting, building, every single piece of Orbyz carried part of our soul.

'But, we hold on to the magic Orbyz gave us.To the dreams it carried. To the team who gave their all.'

The large blaze engulfed the Orbyz main stage on Wednesday evening, with dramatic footage showing the moment the site exploded into a fireball, before a gigantic plume of smoke filled the air

A cloud of dark smoke was seen billowing into the air near a residential area, while fireworks are also seen exploding uncontrollably in different directions into the sky and over houses

While the fire 'severely damaged' the main, ice-themed stage, no individuals were injured in the incident

Organisers of the popular festival said that they worked tirelessly through the night to reach a solution, with the event successfully going ahead the next day due to other parts of the festival remaining unaffected. Pictured: a reveler at the first day of Tomorrowland festival on Friday, July 18

Incredibly, a replacement stage (pictured) was constructed, reportedly using pieces of stage from Metallica's recent world tour

Organisers of the popular festival said that they worked tirelessly through the night to reach a solution, with the event successfully going ahead the next day due to other parts of the festival remaining unaffected. The local fire department also declared the site safe.

Incredibly, a replacement stage was constructed, reportedly using pieces of stage from Metallica's recent world tour.

On Friday July 18, the festival was headlined by popular DJ Martin Garrix, alongside featuring performances by Artbat B2B Kolsch, Alok and Axwell.

After it was announced by organisers that Tomorrowland would go ahead despite the destruction to the main stage, Martin Garrix took to Instagram to thank the 'incredible' team for their 'miraculous' work.

Mr Garrix's post read: 'I can not believe I'm actually typing this but my set at Tomorrowland is still happening!

'Massive love and a big shoutout to the incredible Tomorrowland team for pulling off miracles  and to Metallica for coming through with the new stage parts'

The festival's opening performers, DJs Odymel (pictured) and Pegassi, took to the main stage Friday after a last-minute scramble and slight delay, with charred set frames still visible behind them

Around 1,000 staff members are understood to have been working at the site at the time of the blaze which occured at around 6pm. In a statement given by the festival, they said that their 'beloved Mainstage' had been left 'severely damaged' as a result of a 'serious incident'

Frequented by dozens of DJs and other popular electronic music artists , Tomorrowland is widely considered to be one of Europe's largest music festivals

The festival's opening performers, DJs Odymel and Pegassi, took to the main stage Friday after a last-minute scramble and slight delay, with charred set frames still visible behind them.

Australian electronic music group Nervo came next, opening their set by shouting: 'We made it!'

Ms Wilmsen said that the teams 'really tried our best' to ensure that the much-loved festival could still go ahead, adding: 'It is all about unity, and I think with a good vibe and a positive energy that our festival-goers give to each other and the music we offer, I think they will still have a good time.'

Frequented by dozens of DJs and other popular electronic music artists, Tomorrowland is widely considered to be one of Europe's largest music festivals.

Having started in Belgium since 2005, the festival sees thousands of visitors each year. On Friday, up to 38,000 people camped at the festival site, which comprises of 15 stages, all much smaller than the Orbyz structure.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
SNP schools guidance for dealing with problem pupils makes no reference to detention  after fears were raised that the word is too punitive.

In a move critics say is a green light for anarchy, it was also suggested that a time-out for classroom thugs could conflict with a childs right to play.

Traditionally, detentions have been used to remove a disruptive child so that fellow pupils can get on with their work.

But guidance on how to deal with them  published by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth in June  failed to mention the sanction once.

Now, new meeting minutes show that education groups lobbied for the word not to be used, even suggesting that detentions should be scrapped entirely.

Scotlands schools face a rising tide of violence, with figures last year suggesting one teacher is attacked every four minutes.

And last night critics slammed the SNPs soft touch approach.

Christopher McGovern of the Real Campaign for Education said: This is total madness. Most pupils are desperate to see bad behaviour punished.

They know that their education and future depends on peace, order and stability.

Detentions are used to remove a disruptive child so that fellow pupils can get on with their work

Scottish Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth did not use the term 'detention' in her problem pupils action plan, published in June

Banning detention is a green light for anarchy, bullying and a breakdown of order.

Meanwhile, Scottish Tory education spokesman Miles Briggs said: Its little wonder the SNP Government cant get a grip on the epidemic of classroom violence when theyre stressing over how to sugarcoat a minor sanction.

A 49-page guide to fostering a positive, inclusive and safe school environment was published by the Scottish Government last month after coming under mounting pressure over anti-social behaviour in schools.

Teachers were told thugs should be given a quiet space to self-regulate their emotions  and only be kicked out of school as a last resort.

One tip for teachers was to give problem pupils a laminated set of bullet points, for example, to remind and support them to step away, seek help and follow an agreed and rehearsed process.

The guidance also warns staff against discipline which makes pupils feel shame and alienation. At no point was detention mentioned.

Christopher McGovern of the Real Campaign for Education said removing 'detention' was a green light for anarchy

Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs said it was no wonder the SNP could not get a grip on the scourge of violence in Scotland's schools

Minutes from two meetings of the governments Consequences Sub-Group now suggest the sanction of 'detention' was dismissed during the draft stages of the report.

Feedback in February raised concerns that detention may conflict with a childs right to play and existing Education Scotland guidance.

Another session in March saw advisers suggest the Scottish Government avoid punitive language like detention.

A spokeswoman for teachers union the EIS said: We need more than policy documents to make a difference, we need investment and more resources  including more teachers and support staff.

A Scottish Government spokesman last night insisted that a childs right to play does not prevent the use of consequences in relation to behaviour.

He added: This is made clear in the final Scottish Government guidance.

The minutes of the meetings referred to record the wide-ranging comments, reflections and inputs of the sub-group.
An army drill sergeant is under investigation after a video appeared to show him forcing soldiers to do pushups under a MAGA flag.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Mitchell is accused of breaking rules about political neutrality in the army.

Mitchell allegedly posted a now-deleted video which featured a group of training soldiers doing pushups and burpees under a MAGA banner while on a base in Georgia.

The flag read, 'This is Ultra MAGA Country,' in the video uploaded on Friday before it was removed.

A second video was then reportedly re-uploaded with the caption, 'Cry about it.'

The video uploaded to @11chuckduece on TikTok, a now-deleted account, launched an investigation into the sergeant.

The demonstration violates 'multiple military regulations' regarding political activity in uniform on federal property,' Military.com wrote.

'The US Army is an apolitical organization,' Jennifer Gunn, a service spokesperson, said in a statement.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Mitchell allegedly posted the now-deleted video which featured a MAGA flag and a group of training soldiers doing pushups and burpees under the banner

The flag read, 'This is Ultra MAGA Country,' in the video uploaded on Friday before it was removed. A second video was then reportedly re-uploaded with the caption, 'Cry about it'

Mitchell serves as an infantry drill sergeant with B Company, 2-19th Infantry Battalion, 198th Infantry Training Brigade, at Fort Benning, Georgia

'Displaying partisan political materials in government facilities, including training areas, is prohibited under Army regulation.

'We will investigate this matter and address it in accordance with established policies to ensure compliance with standards of conduct and to maintain an environment free from political influence.'

Mitchell serves as an infantry drill sergeant with B Company, 2-19th Infantry Battalion, 198th Infantry Training Brigade, at Fort Benning, Georgia. His current status remains unclear.

Garrison Public Affairs Director Joe Cole told Law & Crime that the investigation into the video would 'take some time.'

The display of political flags or memorabilia inside federal buildings is prohibited according to Defense Department regulations which are 'designed to preserve the military's role as a nonpartisan institution.'

Rules also dictate that troops in positions of authority may not use their position of authority or power to politically influence subordinates.

Daily Mail reached out to the US Army and Sgt. Mitchell for comment.

The incident comes a month after Trump made a speech during the celebration of the Army's 250th birthday.

Troops in the crowd behind the president at Fort Bragg were reportedly carefully selected for the televised event based on their political views and physical appearance.

Garrison Public Affairs Director Joe Cole told Law & Crime that the investigation into the video would 'take some time'

The incident comes a month after Trump made a speech during the celebration of the Army's 250th birthday

Internal 82nd Airborne Division communications obtained by Military.com showed the soldiers were sent messages including 'No fat soldiers.'

Another memo said that 'if soldiers have political views that are in opposition to the current administration and they don't want to be in the audience, then they need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out.'

The end result was a predominantly white, male crowd who booed as Trump hit out at California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the fiery protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations as he vowed to 'liberate' the city.

They were also seen booing former President Joe Biden and the press - and roared with laughter at Trump's remarks berating his successor.

Such actions appear to also be in violation of longstanding Department of Defense protocol, with even the Army's recently-published field manual touting the importance of a politically neutral force.

'Being nonpartisan means not favoring any specific political party or group,' it says, according to NBC News. 'Nonpartisanship assures the public that our Army will always serve the Constitution and our people loyally and responsively.'

It goes on to note that troops can participate in political functions - so long as they are not in uniform.

'As a private citizen, you are encouraged to participate in our democratic process, but as a soldier you must be mindful of how your actions may affect the reputation and perceived trustworthiness of our Army as an institution,' the field guide says.

The display of political flags or memorabilia inside federal buildings is prohibited according to Defense Department regulations which are 'designed to preserve the military's role as a nonpartisan institution'

Such actions appear to also be in violation of longstanding Department of Defense protocol, with even the Army's recently-published field manual touting the importance of a politically neutral force

At least one 82nd Airborne noncommissioned officer now says he does not see how the troops' reactions on Tuesday could be seen as anything other than 'expressing a political view while in uniform.'

He even suggested that none of the soldiers who were booing Newsom and Bass 'even knew the mayor's name or could identify them in a lineup.'

Department of Defense officials, though, have denied that the soldiers were in violation of its rules.

'Believe me, no one needs to be encouraged to boo the media,' Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman replied to Military.com.

'Look no further than this query, which is nothing more than a disgraceful attempt to ruin the lives of young soldiers.'

Even if the soldiers did violate Defense Department rules, multiple Army officials told Military.com they likely would not be held accountable because they were goaded by the commander-in-chief.
A Michelin-starred chef has shut down his restaurant in the finest dining room in London after just six months.

Victor Garvey at the Midland Grand, based out of the St Pancras London hotel near the famous train station of the same name, only opened in February.

But it now appears to have served its last diners, after stopping taking bookings and staff telling The Caterer it closed its doors on July 15.

The eponymous American chef had only just replaced Irish cook Patrick Powell's The Midland Grand Dining Room in the five-star hotel's 65-seater dining room.

It came after he won his Michelin star, the highest culinary gong, in 2021, for his Californian restaurant SOLA in the capital's Soho area, which opened in 2019.

It is as yet unclear why the restaurant appears to have closed without warning, with the website down and guests unable to make bookings.

Mr Garvey, working out of what is widely considered one of London's most opulent dining spaces, charged an eye-watering 139 for a seven-course tasting menu.

There was also an even more lavish 14-course tasting experience, alongside the normal a la carte menu, The Standard reports.

A Michelin-starred chef has shut down his restaurant in the finest dining room in London after just six months. Pictured: The St Pancras London Autograph Collection hotel, which the restaurant is based out of

Victor Garvey at the Midland Grand, based out of the St Pancras London hotel near the famous train station of the same name, only opened in February. Pictured: Chef Victor Garvey

But it now appears to have served its last diners, after stopping taking bookings and staff confirming to The Caterer it suddenly closed its doors on July 15. Pictured: The St Pancras London Autograph Collection hotel

Dishes included red tuna, with white peach, roasted leek and a green almond sorbet - as well as a lobster served out of its shell with its own roe, along with spiced carrot.

The two businesses that have most recently occupied the restaurant space were called after the building's original name - The Midland Grand Hotel.

The Grade I-listed Gothic revival building in central London is one of the most iconic sights in the capital - with a restaurant space equally as impressive.

Upon taking over the historic dining room earlier this year, Mr Garvey said: 'A dining room of this stature deserves a menu that matches its grandeur.'

Calling the space 'one of the best dining rooms in the world', he described the menu as 'honouring the foundations of classical French cuisine while embracing modernity'.

When the restaurant launched, he told The Caterer: 'A chef only gets an opportunity like this, where they are offered a big dining room, once or twice in their life.

'It happened to Joel Robuchon, to Alain Ducasse, all the big guys, and I'm very excited.'

He had explained the menu as a reinvention of traditional French dishes: 'We're making it sexier, were making it lighter.'

The Grade I-listed Gothic revival building in central London is one of the most iconic sights in the capital - with a restaurant space equally as impressive. Pictured: Nearby St Pancras and King's Cross stations

Mr Garvey described being approached by St Pancras London hotelier Harry Handlesman to take over the space.

'He wanted to have a Michelin star here and for it to be one of the best restaurants in the world and one of the best dining rooms in the world', he explained.

'I thought - I'm pretty sure I can do that.'

The restaurant's adjoining Gothic Bar currently remains open.

The apparent closure of Victor Garvey at the Midland Grand will be a shock to food lovers across the capital, after it received glowing reviews from the country's top critics.

Giles Coren said: 'Victor is doing fancy French now, and quite brilliantly, of course.'

The chef's predecessor Mr Powell was behind the room's relaunch in April 2023 but he left just over a year later, in July 2024.

He said at the time: 'The time has come for me to move on and I am hugely excited for the future and my next chapter.'

The Midland Grand Hotel (pictured) was designed by English architect Sir Gilbert Scott - also behind the Albert Memorial in London's Kensington area - and built in 1873

Mr Powell also left his restaurant Allegra, in London's Stratford area, at the same time, which he also worked on with St Pancras London hotelier Harry Handlesman.

The Irish chef is currently working as culinary director at French and New York-inspired restaurant One Club Row in the capital's Shoreditch area.

The building is more than 150 years old, with several hotels having been run out of it over the years.

The Midland Grand Hotel was designed by English architect Sir Gilbert Scott - also behind the Albert Memorial in London's Kensington area - and built in 1873.

But it shut down in 1935 and was nearly demolished in the sixties - before it was reopened as The Renaissance in 2011, after being used as railway offices.

The restaurant was relaunched as The Gilbert Scott and run by British celebrity chef and MasterChef: The Professionals judge Marcus Wareing until the pandemic.

The building is now known as the St Pancras London Autograph Collection hotel and managed by Marriott International.

But the name change came only last month, when Marriott transferred the hotel from its Renaissance brand to its Autograph Collection.

The restaurant was relaunched as The Gilbert Scott and run by British celebrity chef and MasterChef: The Professionals judge Marcus Wareing (pictured) until the pandemic

The dining space appears to have closed only just over a month after this rebrand.

Renaissance hotels aim to give guests 'curious, unique and local experiences', according to the brand's website - while Autograph ones offer a distinctive interior.

As part of the rebrand, the hotel's 254 rooms and suites have been undergoing extensive renovation since January.

Marriott boss Sandra Schulze-Potgieter explained at the time: 'St Pancras London is exactly the kind of property Autograph Collection was created to celebrate - rich in character, rooted in place, and full of story.

'This new chapter brings that story to life in a way that feels both intentional and unforgettable.'

Mr Garvey was born in New York to an American father and French-Spanish mother, moving to Barcelona aged six.

He has worked in restaurants across Spain and in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tokyo and Copenhagen before arriving in London.

MailOnline has approached the restaurant and Marriott International for comment.
JK Rowling has reignited her feud with Nicola Sturgeon - and blamed her for the SNPs handling of the NHS Fife trans row.

The Harry Potter author said the Scottish Governments continued defence of the hapless, unprofessional, ideologically captured health board was the former First Ministers legacy.

First Minister John Swinney and Health Secretary Neil Gray both insist they have confidence in NHS Fife despite criticism over its behaviour during the Sandie Peggie tribunal.

Mrs Peggie, 51, was suspended after she refused to get changed alongside a male-born doctor.

Yesterday, Ms Rowling said: Nicola Sturgeons legacy: a government that publicly backs the hapless, unprofessional, ideologically captured health board thats persecuting a nurse for asserting her legal right to a single-sex changing room.

It is the latest broadside levelled at the former First Minister by the multi-millionaire childrens author, who has a net worth of 945 million.

In 2022, Ms Rowling wore a T-shirt which branded Ms Sturgeon a destroyer of womens rights in protest against the Scottish Governments gender recognition reform laws, which were later blocked by the UK Government.

The move prompted Ms Sturgeon to call for those with strong views to treat each other with respect.

Ms Rowling wore a T-shirt which branded Ms Sturgeon a destroyer of womens rights in 2022

When Ms Sturgeon refused to comment on the Supreme Court gender ruling in April, Ms Rowling hit out again

She said: I have always thought that on this issue, where people have very strong views, we should all try to treat each other with respect and that is what I will continue to do.

The row escalated after a landmark Supreme Court ruling in April, which clarified that a woman is biologically female for the purposes of equalities laws, when Ms Rowling compared Ms Sturgeon to Pontius Pilate, who ordered Jesus crucifixtion.

After Ms Sturgeon refused to comment on the ruling, Ms Rowling mocked her silence by sharing a social media selfie of the Glasgow MSP in the gym on Easter Monday calling her Pontius Pilates.

In the Bible, Pontius Pilate did not believe that Jesus had committed a crime but condemned him to death because the crowd called for it.

And last month, after Ms Sturgeon chaired a discussion about the witch trials in Scotland, Ms Rowling hit out at her adversary again.

She said: If Sturgeon had been around in the 1500s shed have been right there lighting the pyres.

The former First Minister has been at loggerheads with JK Rowling for years over trans issues

Ungodly women like this not only blight the crops and turn the milk, they almost certainly put a spell on my husband which made him pilfer all the tithes.

The author has consistently stuck up for womens rights in recent years - and has even pledged to personally fund gender-critical legal actions.

The fighting fund is helping women who have lost their livelihoods or are facing employment tribunals because of their views on sex-based rights.

The criteria covers those who dont have adequate means to bring actions to court or to defend themselves.

It was publicly announced in May after prisoner Jane Sutherley said she was considering suing the Scottish Prison Service after she was forced to share facilities with transgender women.
A commuter caught brawling with another man at a packed London Tube station had been holding a toddler before dumping the child down a flight of steps as the dispute turned violent, a shocked witness has revealed.

Horrific footage of the melee, which happened at the entrance to Highbury and Islington Station in north London on Thursday afternoon, showed three white men in formal suits appearing to hurl a black man wearing headphones down the stairs, before throwing punches and kicking him.

However amid the chaos, a young child - aged around two according to a witness - was left crying on the ground after being dropped down the steps as the incident became heated, a source told MailOnline.

The mother of the child - who was with two other children - was then seen rushing to the boy's aid, without noticing the pram she had been holding onto had began to roll down the incline close to the stairs.

Thankfully, a bystander was able to intervene and prevent the second child from coming to harm.

The suited man who had been holding the child is understood to have been punched to the head and was seen with a large lump on his forehead, as well as a bloodied left eye following the vicious incident.

British Transport Police are probing mobile phone footage being shared online.

A woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told MailOnline she and her mother had begun walking up the steps towards the station exit when the argument broke out, at around 5.24pm.

Footage circulating online caught a group of men fighting each other during a vicious melee on the steps of Highbury and Islington Tube station on Thursday afternoon

According to a witness, one of the men had been holding a toddler before dumping the crying child down a flight of steps as the dispute turned violent

They man in the grey tracksuit at one point swung his legs in the air to try and kick his attackers

She said: 'At first we heard yelling. That's when we noticed there were two men on the stairs, a black man and a white man in a formal outfit, who were arguing with each other.

'They started pushing each other, still arguing.

'The man in the formal attire was holding a young child aged around two.

'But when things started to get a little more heated, the child was dropped and landed on the ground.

'The black man punched the white man first.

'When the first punch was thrown, two other white men joined in and started fighting against the black man, and that's when they pushed him down and were stomping on him.'

The witness said bystanders attempted to break up the fight but the white men appeared 'very aggravated and drunk'.

She added that there were also two women - one of whom told the witness they were sisters - trying to calm the men down.

The mother of the toddler crying on the ground was seen rushing to the boy's aid, without noticing the pram she had been holding onto had began to roll down an incline

'One of the women in a yellow dress kept saying, "Calm down. You don't want to cause a scene or anything."

'But the white man involved in the fight was not able to be consoled in any way, even by somebody he knew.'

The witness also described how in the first moments of the fight, the formally attired man had dropped a young toddler boy to the ground.

'His mother rushed to pick him up. The child was crying and she was also crying.

'But because the mum was so focused on the child that had been dropped, she did not notice the pram she had been holding onto began to roll, because there's an incline right by the stairs.

'It was actually my mother who went to catch the pram and kept the child safe.'

The fight eventually ended, with the black man fleeing from the station, while the group in formal attire continued onto the platform and boarded a train.

Shaken by the incident, the witness gave a description of the men to a TfL worker, who informed her that that the black man had returned to the station to retrieve his headphones, but left before police arrived on the scene.

British Transport Police are investigating the incident at Highbury and Islington Station (file pic)

'This was actually the first fight I've ever witnessed. My heart was racing.

'Because I was there right in front of it, I was scared that maybe one of them would fall on me or would have fallen down these stairs.

'Everyone was trying to calm down the man that got punched.

'He was shouting: "You're not the one with a black eye. I want to go after him." But everyone was trying to hold him back, saying, "No, leave it, let it be. You don't want to cause any other problems. He's gone."

'I could see there was a really massive bump on his forehead from where he got punched and blood around his eye.'

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said on Friday: 'Officers received a report of a fight at Highbury and Islington Underground station at around 5.30pm yesterday.

'Officers are aware of footage circulating on social media, and the incident is currently being investigated.

'Anyone with information is asked to text 61016 with reference 558 of 17 July.'
The police clampdown on Palestine Action has seen more than 100 people arrested nationwide - as activists in London chanted 'f*** your Jewish state' in shocking scenes.

Rallies were held in London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Truro today after the protest the campaign group outlawed as a terrorist organisation earlier this month.

The network of protests, organised by campaign group Defend Our Juries, saw participants hold placards reading: 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.'

Some 66 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London's Parliament Square for this today, under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

A group of counter-protesters in the square held up placards which said: 'There is no genocide but there are 50 hostages still captive [the number as of June].' One person was arrested at the counter-protest.

The counter-protesters were met with shouts of 'f*** your Jewish state' and 'fascist' by some pro-Palestinian activists, The Telegraph reports.

There were 16 arrests on suspicion of support of a proscribed organisation today by Greater Manchester Police. The people remain in custody for questioning.

For the same reason, 17 people were also arrested in Bristol today - while eight were arrested near Truro Cathedral in Cornwall and remain in custody.

The police clampdown on Palestine Action has seen more than 100 people arrested nationwide, at demonstrations across Bristol, London (pictured) and Manchester

Rallies were also held in Edinburgh and Truro today to protest the proscription of the campaign group as a terrorist organisation earlier this month. Pictured: Protesters hold up signs in support of Palestine Action at the demonstration in London today

The network of protests, organised by campaign group Defend Our Juries, saw participants hold placards reading: 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action'. Pictured: A protester is carried away by police at the demonstration in London today

Palestine Action, which has extensively protested against the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, was proscribed by the government on July 5.

The ban means membership of or support for the direct action group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Under the ban, inviting or expressing support for the organisation - through chanting, clothing or displaying articles like flags, signs or logos - is a criminal offence.

In London, protesters gathered today at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square, where 55 were arrested.

A further eight activists were arrested for supporting a separate large-scale march, organised by the Palestine Coalition, to the capital's Whitehall area today.

One person was arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence at the march and another was arrested for breaching Public Order Act conditions.

In Parliament Square, officers confiscated placards and searched the bags of those arrested.

Some had to be carried away by police after going limp when under arrest while others were led away in handcuffs.

Palestine Action, which has extensively protested against the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, was proscribed by the government on July 5. Pictured: A protester is led away with her sign in London today

The ban means membership of or support for the direct action group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000. Pictured: A protester puts up a peace sign at the demonstration in London today

Under the ban, inviting or expressing support for the organisation - through chanting, clothing or displaying articles like flags, signs or logos - is a criminal offence. Pictured: A protester is arrested and lifted by police officers in London today

Counter-protesters chanted 'there is no genocide' at the pro-Palestinian activists, with one shouting: 'You use genocide as an excuse of your hatred for the Jewish state.'

A spokesman for Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said: 'These chants just show how thin the veneer is and why they fixate on Israel. The fact is that they hate the idea of a Jewish state existing because they cannot stand the idea of Jews having self-determination.

'Palestine Action has always been an extreme and hateful organisation and, rather than arresting and releasing their supporters, they must now face the full force of the law.'

Once gathered in the square, some pro-Palestinian protesters wrote 'I support Palestine Action' on blank signs.

A woman who was detained by police in the square said: 'We demand that Palestine Action is de-proscribed.

'Our government is not only arming a genocide, they are using terrorism laws to silence people who speak out.

'Palestine Action are campaigning for peace. They are dismantling weapons factories.'

Disrupting Israeli weapons manufacturing has historically been the main focus of the campaign group's non-violent protests.

One protester said, as he was carried away by police: 'Freedom of speech is dead in this country, shame on the Metropolitan Police.'

Pro-Palestinian supporters also gathered outside Downing Street today, making speeches saying: 'Starmer's project of fear has failed.'

One protester said, as he was carried away by police: 'Freedom of speech is dead in this country, shame on the Metropolitan Police'. Pictured: A protester at today's demonstration in London

Protesters in Manchester also gathered by a Gandhi statue, near Manchester Cathedral in the city centre this afternoon. Pictured: Protests in London today

Around 30 protesters were involved in the 'peaceful' companion demonstration in the city of Truro in Cornwall. Pictured: Protests in London

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said: 'Just a few weeks ago, being arrested under the Terrorism Act was the stuff of nightmares'. Pictured: Protesters in London

Zoe Garbett, a Green Party member of the London Assembly, which scrutinises the Mayor of London, said: 'The Labour Government is aiding and abetting this genocide in Gaza.'

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who led today's policing operation in London, has previously said officers were watching for chants similar to the 'death to the IDF' shouted by artist Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival last month.

He said: 'At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter-protest has seen the most heated exchanges.

'Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area, and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point.

'Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality, they will intervene and take appropriate action.'

He said those planning to take part in Defend Our Juries' protests 'will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested'.

'I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications  from travel, to employment, to finances  that such an arrest is likely to have for their future', he said.

Protesters in Manchester also gathered by a Gandhi statue, near Manchester Cathedral in the city centre this afternoon.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who led today's policing operation in London, has previously said officers were watching for chants similar to the 'death to the IDF' shouted by artist Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival last month. Pictured: Protests in London on July 5

He said: 'At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter-protest has seen the most heated exchanges'. Pictured: Protests in London today

He said those planning to take part in Defend Our Juries' protests 'will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested'. Pictured: Protests in London today

Greater Manchester Police later said in a statement: 'We have arrested 16 people on suspicion of support of a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

'They remain in custody for questioning at this time.'

Meanwhile, of events in Bristol, Avon and Somerset Police said: 'Officers engaged with protesters on College Green, explaining that the recent proscription of the Palestine Action group by the Government made it a criminal offence to express support for it under the Terrorism Act 2000.

'Seventeen people were arrested under Section 13 of the act and several placards were seized.

'A further three people will be invited to attend a voluntary interview at a future date.

'We will always aim to enable peaceful protest, however where criminal offences are committed, including those related to proscribed groups, we will intervene.'

Around 30 protesters were involved in the 'peaceful' companion demonstration in the city of Truro in Cornwall.

Defend Our Juries said the arrested an 81-year-old former magistrate named Deborah Hinton.

They continued: 'Now it's a badge of honour that people are wearing with pride - the mark of resistance to genocide and standing firm for our democratic freedoms'. Pictured: Protests in London

Those taken away by police this weekend included charity workers, dentists and teachers. Pictured: Protests in London today

The capital has seen a staggering 127 arrests at similar demonstrations over the past three weeks. Pictured: Protests in London today

The protests come ahead of a High Court hearing on Monday in which Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori will ask for the green light to challenge the Home Secretary's decision to ban the group under anti-terror laws. Pictured: Protests in London today

Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: 'A number of placards which were contrary to the law remained on display despite police advice.

'Eight people, two men and six women, were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They remain in police custody.'

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said: 'Just a few weeks ago, being arrested under the Terrorism Act was the stuff of nightmares.

'Now it's a badge of honour that people are wearing with pride - the mark of resistance to genocide and standing firm for our democratic freedoms.'

Those taken away by police this weekend included charity workers, dentists and teachers.

The capital has seen a staggering 127 arrests at similar demonstrations over the past three weeks.

Defend Our Juries has said a total of 120 have been detained to date across the country.

The protests come ahead of a High Court hearing on Monday in which Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori will ask for the green light to challenge the Home Secretary's decision to ban the group under anti-terror laws.

Charity workers and teachers are among a wave of people arrested for supporting the proscribed terror group Palestine Action on Saturday in London's parliament Square

Demonstrators took to the streets holding signs that read 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

A man arrested next to a statue of Ghandi outside Manchester Cathedral for showing support for prescribed terrorists group Palestine Action

Palestine Coalition protestors marching through central London on Saturday in support of Palestine Action and calling for an end to the war in Gaza

A woman wearing a plastic raincoat was carried away from Parliament square by police following demonstrations today

The move to ban the organisation came after two Voyager aircraft were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20.

Palestine Action claimed responsibility for this incident, which caused around 7million worth of damage.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action three days later.

She said the vandalism of the planes was 'disgraceful' and the group had a 'long history of unacceptable criminal damage'.

Those detained this weekend were of mixed ages, from their 20s to 60s and many said they had jobs and had been arrested before.

At least one member of Palestine Coalition was arrested 'after being heard to chanting 'words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress', the Met Police said.

A member of Palestine Action who was arrested said: 'This will keep happening. I'm a teacher and I don't care anymore. This government is complicit in genocide.'

Another identified their job as a teacher and one as a charity worker.

Crowds also gathered outside Manchester Cathedral where they sat on the floor and on chairs holding signs showing their support for Palestine Action

An elderly woman shows the palms of her hands which also read 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action' as her sign is removed during her arrest in Manchester Cathedral

A protestor arrested outside Manchester Cathedral for showing support for Palestine Action

Crowds gathered to walk across Westminster Bridge as part of a march in support of the terror group - they wore traditional keffiyehs and carried Palestinian flags

Police were deployed along Westminster Bridge, York Road, Waterloo Bridge and down to Whitehall via the Strand in readiness for protestors from Palestine Coalition

A retired dentist said: 'This government is attacking democracy. We live in a dictatorship.'

When asked if they were worried about being arrested, the man, aged in his 60s, said: 'Yes but I'm more worried about genocide.

'I've never been in trouble before. I am standing against war crimes and war criminals.'

A large police presence saw more than twenty officers circle the group and warned that they would be arrested unless they put away their signs and left the area.

Police carried several demonstrators from the area to waiting police vans, with one 38-year-year old protester from Stroud saying she had attended the protest 'to defend our rights to protest' and highlight 'the corruption of the government'.

The activist - who gave their name as Shel and said they worked as a full time non-violence trainer - said: 'We will not comply. We want the UK government to lift the ban on Palestine Action. This is not a terrorist organisation.

'The British state is complicit in making non violent direct action protesters terrorists. They are not. It's the people in government who are the terrorists.'

She said she knew 'it was possible' that she would be arrested for her actions in London today.

A protestor being carried away by police in London following a crackdown on demonstrations after Palestine Action was declared a terrorist organisation earlier this month

Protestors outside Down Street in London holding a mock Just Stop Oil banner reading 'Just Stop Killing'

Police officers detaining a protester who was holding a placard with a message supporting Palestine Action group, during the National March for Palestine in London

The protester also said that a mass rally in support of Palestine Action would be taking place on August 9, but the location was not disclosed.

Another activist - a woman using a walking stick who refused to state her name to reporters - said being detained by the police was 'a small price to pay' as she was escorted by officers to a police van.

Another activist, Abigail Maxwell, broke into tears when asked by police to put down a sign showing support for Palestine Action.

The activist said: 'I am a Quaker. I'm here to say - stop the killing of children. I thought it was possible I could be arrested - but I am never able to predict the future.'

As one man was carried away by police, he said: 'Freedom of speech is dead in this country, shame on the Metropolitan Police.'

In Devon, eight people were arrested after protesters gathered to show support for Palestine Action near Truro Cathedral.

Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement that around 30 protesters were involved in the 'peaceful' Defend Our Juries demonstration.

The force went on: 'A number of placards which were contrary to the law remained on display despite police advice.

Those held were of mixed ages, from their 20s to 60s and many said they had jobs and had been arrested before

A protestor being escorted away from Manchester cathedral on Saturday as part of arrests made following a day of action in cities across the UK

A protestor being carried by four police officers holding them by their arms and legs and leading them towards a police van following arrest

Jeremy Corbyn pictured with crowds marching along Westminster Bridge in support of Palestinian Action

'Eight people, two men and six women, were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They remain in police custody.'

A small number of counter-protesters in central London held up placards which said 'there is no genocide but there are 50 hostages still captive'.

Earlier on Saturday Metropolitan Police officers were deployed across the capital along the route of the march which crossed Westminster Bridge, along York Road, north across Waterloo Bridge and down to Whitehall via the Strand.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries, which is supporting the campaign to de-proscribe Palestine Action, said: 'These protests will see many more ordinary people across the country take a stand, who don't want to be handcuffed and detained in a police cell but refuse to stand by while our country collapses into an Orwellian nightmare where opponents of genocide are criminalised and silenced, and arrested just for holding a sign.

'Protest groups targeting property, not people, in order to disrupt the flow of arms to Israel's war machine while it commits horrific atrocities - is obviously not terrorism. It aims to stop violence and terrorism being committed against the Palestinian people.

'How long until this unprecedented, authoritarian proscription is used against racial justice, climate, disability rights groups and trade unions, unless we resist the ban now, before it's too late?'.

It comes after the Home Office earlier this month ruled to ban Palestine Action, with the group failing to block its proscription as a terrorist organisation in a late-night legal bid.

Lawyers representing co-founder Huda Ammori, whose father is Palestinian, asked for the decision to be delayed at least until July 21.

A woman arrested and taken out of her seat by police before being placed in a waiting van in Manchester on Saturday

A woman had her bags and placards taken off her and was taken away by police officers following her arrest at the London demonstration on Saturday

People held signs saying 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action' while wearing traditional keffiyehs scarves - they were later arrested

Two elderly women were arrested by police and escorted over to a waiting vehicle after having their placards taken off them

A woman being picked up by police by her arms as she continued to protest in London in the rain on Saturday

A woman using a walking stick refused to state her name to reporters and said being detained by the police was 'a small price to pay' as she was escorted by officers to a police van

Police surround a woman sat on the floor who was protesting in London on Saturday

A woman being arrested by a police officer while protesting in Parliament Square, central London on Saturday

The designation as a terror group means that membership of or support for Palestine Action is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

This includes chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos.

Palestine Action argues it is a protest group that has never incited or encouraged violence, but does support civil disobedience.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said: 'Just a few weeks ago, being arrested under the Terrorism Act was the stuff of nightmares. Now it's a badge of honour that people are wearing with pride - the mark of resistance to genocide and standing firm for our democratic freedoms.

'This is a major cultural shift. For years, the Terrorism laws and the Prevent programme have been used to divide and rule communities, and to marginalise Muslim communities in particular. Thanks to Yvette Cooper's hubris, they are now helping to bring us together.'

Activists protest against the continuing war in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians since October 7 - when 1,200 Israelis were killed by a Hamas incursion into the country.

One of those protesting last week is former government lawyer Tim Crosland. He said: 'There are already 18 Palestine Actionists held in UK prisons without a trial, following lobbying by the Israeli government and Elbit Systems, the leading supplier of the machinery of genocide.

'If we cannot speak freely about the genocide of Palestinians, if we cannot condemn those who enable it and praise those who resist it, then the right to freedom of expression has no meaning, and democracy in this country is dead.'

Two week sago Reverend Sue Parfitt, 83, (pictured) was arrested for protesting in support of Palestine Action in Westminsterafter the Met said: 'The law doesn't have an age limit'

Protesters gathered in central London on Saturday (pictured) for the third consecutive week to oppose the decision to ban the campaign group

At least 41 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police last week for supporting Palestine Action Pictured: A protester is arrested and carried away at Saturday's protests in London

A protester is arrested and carried away at Saturday's demonstration in London

Scotland Yard said its stance remains that officers will act where criminal offences, including support of proscribed groups or organisations, are committed.

The latest arrests come after at least 42 protesters were detained by police officers last Saturday as activists gathered for a second week in a row beside a statue of Gandhi in London's Parliament Square, holding placards reading: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

Another 16 arrests were made in Manchester and 13 people were also held in Cardiff at other related demonstrations last Saturday.

Those held were of mixed ages, from their 20s to 70s and many said they had jobs and had been arrested before.

Officers could then be seen carrying away a number of protesters who were lying down, lifting them off the ground and into waiting police vans parked around the square.

Other standing protesters were also led away from the statues and placed into the vans.

The offences mainly related to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, an officer said.

Previously almost 30 people on suspicion of terrorism offences after protesters gathered in Parliament Square also holding signs supporting Palestine Action, just hours after a ban on the came into effect.

Two protestors sat in the back of a police van after being arrested for supporting Palestine Action after a ban against the organisation earlier this month

Protestors - whose ages ranged from 20s to 70s- were led away from the square outside Parliament in handcuffs last Saturday

Police officers arrest protesters around the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square who were holding placards in support of Palestine Action, which has been banned under anti-terrorism laws

Police in Manchester arrest a Palestine Action protestor wearing the black-and-white Palestinian keffiyeh

A supporter of banned organisation Palestine Action is dragged away by police officers in St Peter's Square, Manchester

One of those arrested was an 83-year-old priest and the Met said: 'The law doesn't have an age limit'.

Around two dozen people, including a priest, professor and an emergency care worker who is just back from Gaza, sat in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament Square on Saturday expressing support for the group, which is now a proscribed terrorist organisation.

They held signs saying: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

Last week protestors said they didn't care what happened to them and vowed to keep on protesting.

One protester, an architect called Steve, 59, said: 'I'm terrified. But some things in this world are bigger than fear of arrest. I will do whatever it takes to highlight this problem.

'They (the police) can do whatever they want. I don't care.'

One woman, Kate, was holding a sign which said: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

She said: 'It's shocking. I'm terrified. But the greater risk is genocide. That's more important. I don't have a phone. I've never been arrested before.

'I can't work because I've been trouble before connected to these activities.

'I was in social care. I had a good job. Nobody will employ me now. They'll think I'm a terrorist after this as well.'
NATO was forced to scramble war planes over Poland overnight as Vladimir Putin launched a fresh wave of deadly strikes on Ukraine.

Russia staged a five-hour missile and drone onslaught on the strategic city of Pavlohrad - in the worst attack the area has suffered during the three-year war.

A fire station in the city was destroyed, with damage to industrial enterprises and a five-story residential building.

Meanwhile, one woman was killed and three people were wounded after a nine-storey apartment block was struck in Odesa.

Putin, however, saw his capital Moscow targeted by strikes for the third night in a row following Donald Trump's reported advice for Ukraine to pressure the Kremlin.

Videos showed a series of explosion across the city and in Dmitrov, drone debris damaged a high-voltage power line.

Explosions were also heard in the Moscow suburbs of Odintsovo, Solnechnogorsk, Istra and Zelenograd.

One eyewitness was heard saying: 'There it flies! Shoot it down, damn it! Damn it, shoot it down! Yes! ****!' Another said: 'Damn, this is crazy.'

Pictured: A destroyed building in Odesa following a Russian strike overnight

Ukrainian emergency service workers extinguish a fire in a residential building following a strike

One woman was killed and three people were wounded after a nine-storey apartment block was struck in Odesa

In Rostov, Ukrainian strikes caused massive train disruption on the MoscowRostov-on-Don main line, a key military supply route.

In response to the intense strikes on Ukraine, which involved more than 400 drones, NATO fighters were scrambled from military air bases.

'Due to another attack by the Russian Federation targeting targets located in Ukrainian territory, air operations have commenced in our airspace,' it was said in an announcement from the armed forces operation command in Poland.

'Duty fighter pairs have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest level of alert.'

The statement continued: 'The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in areas bordering the threatened areas.'

It came just hours after Putin's crony Dmitry Medvedev warned that strikes on Ukraine would only intensify.

In a post raging against new Western sanctions, the deputy chairman of Russia's security council declared: 'We should also pursue maximum disengagement from the EU and its most odious members.

'These now include not just the pathetic Balts, insolent Finns, Poles, whose partition was somehow left unfinished, and Brits, stewing in their own filth, but also Germany and France, whose leaders clearly aspire to the legacy of the Third Reich and the Vichy regime.'

US-president Trump previously blasted Putin as 'two faced', saying that 'he talks nice, then bombs everybody'

One woman was killed and three people were wounded after a nine-storey apartment block was struck in Odesa

Ukrainian emergency service workers extinguish a fire in a residential building

Last night's attacks follow reports that Trump had quizzed President Zelensky on why he has chosen not to strike to Moscow.

'We can if you give us the weapons,' Zelensky reportedly replied, according to the Washington Post.

Meanwhile, earlier this month Trump announced he would send Patriot air defense system to Ukraine to bolster the country's defence capabilities.

The decision came as the US-president blasted Putin as 'two faced', saying that 'he talks nice, then bombs everybody'.

Trump said: 'We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need, because Putin really surprised a lot of people.

'He talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening. But there's a little bit of a problem there. I don't like it.

'We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment.

'They are going to pay us 100 percent for that, and that's the way we want it.'

Trump's deployment of the missiles marked a U-turn from how he campaigned on an 'America First' platform.
The shocking scale of serious crime committed by migrants living in hotels in communities across Britain can be revealed by The Mail on Sunday today.

An investigation by this newspaper has revealed that at least 312 asylum seekers have been charged with an astonishing 708 alleged criminal offences in just three years  including rape, sexual assault, attacking emergency workers and theft.

The MoS probe exposes how among the thousands of asylum seekers who have arrived in recent years  including those who have crossed the Channel in small boats  are dangerous predators and criminals who have repaid the generosity of British taxpayers by committing serious offences.

Our research, based on an analysis of court records, provides a snapshot of crimes recorded at 70 of the 220 taxpayer-funded hotels being used to house migrants.

The alleged offences committed by asylum seekers who gave their addresses in court as one of those hotels include 18 charges of rape, five of attempted rape, 35 of sexual assault and 51 of theft.

The research also exposes 89 charges of assault  27 of which allegedly targeted police officers or other emergency workers  43 of drug offences, 18 of burglary and 16 of robbery.

The revelations come amid Britain's worsening small-boats crisis and will raise new questions about housing around 32,000 asylum seekers in hotels at a cost of 3billion per year.

The MoS investigation reveals:

A migrant who committed a horrific sex attack on an 'extremely vulnerable' teenage girl in a park in broad daylight was sentenced to 14 months in prison on Friday.

A woman, 20, was dragged into the grounds of a church in Oxford and raped by a migrant housed at a hotel in the city.

More than 90 criminal charges have been brought against migrants staying at just one hotel in central London  including a migrant convicted of an arson attack against the hotel.

In Bournemouth, 116 charges have been brought against 51 asylum seekers living across three hotels near the seafront.

A migrant staying in a hotel in London's affluent Primrose Hill was convicted of vicious assaults on two female police officers and one male officer.

Migrants are pictured arriving at a hotel in Pimlico, central London, on Friday, June 2, 2023

Last night Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'This shocking Mail investigation lays bare the risk posed by these illegal immigrants to the British public. We just need to deport all illegal immigrants immediately upon arrival, with no judicial process, either to Rwanda or elsewhere.'

Our findings come days after it emerged that the Government has been running a secretive operation to smuggle 18,500 Afghan migrants to Britain as part of a scheme projected to cost 7 billion.

A 'super-injunction' was used to keep Parliament and the public in the dark for nearly two years after a British military official inadvertently leaked the data of thousands of Afghans, prompting one of the biggest peacetime evacuation missions in modern British history.

Several of the Afghans on the list previously had their asylum claims rejected for violent or sexual assaults.

The Government does not publish statistics on crimes committed by asylum seekers  and police reports rarely give the immigration status of defendants  meaning the scale of the migrant crime wave has, until now, been unknown.

Last night Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp (above) said: 'This shocking Mail investigation lays bare the risk posed by these illegal immigrants to the British public'

But an MoS probe scoured thousands of magistrate courts records and cross-referenced defendants' addresses with those of 70 taxpayer-funded hotels housing asylum seekers to compile a dossier of the 708 criminal charges.

Our database includes migrants who have been convicted of offences, those who have been acquitted and those involved in ongoing court cases.

Astonishingly, this is likely to be the tip of the iceberg because court records are often incomplete or missing and the number of hotels examined by our audit represent less than one third of the hotels being used to house migrants across the UK.

In one shocking case, an asylum seeker strangled and tried to rape a woman in the female toilets at a nightclub in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Sudanese asylum seeker Ayman Adam, 25, who had been staying at the nearby four-star Cedar Court Hotel, was jailed for seven years last year after he followed the woman into the toilets at Truth and pushed her into the cubicle, pinning her over the toilet while he strangled her.

In Oxford, a university student was sexually assaulted by asylum seeker Khaliz Alshimery late at night in a doorway in November 2023.

The woman escaped but Alshimery, 47, followed her before dragging her into the churchyard at St Clement's Church and raping her.

Ayman Adam (above) was jailed for seven years last year after he followed the woman into the toilets at Truth and pushed her into the cubicle, pinning her over the toilet while he strangled her

Alshimery, who was staying at a migrant hotel in the city, was last year jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault.

In March last year, a migrant named Rabie Knissi, who was staying at the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, Portsmouth, was jailed for ten years after a horrifying sex attack against a woman in her 40s.

After striking up a conversation with the woman, whom he did not know, Knissi pushed her up against a parked car and attempted to rape her.

He refused to attend Portsmouth Crown Court during his trial but was convicted of attempted rape, assault by penetration and actual bodily harm.

Detective Richard Gibson of Hampshire Police said: 'This was a particularly nasty and violent attack. Incidents of this nature have a devastating and lifelong impact on victims.'

Khaliz Alshimery (above) was last year jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault

Meanwhile, in Bournemouth, our figures identified 46 criminal charges against migrants at the Roundhouse Hotel and 45 charges against the Britannia Hotel, which are just 180 yards from each other and close to the resort's seafront.

Another 25 charges were made against those staying at the Chine Hotel, which boasts an indoor swimming pool.

In March, a 25-year-old migrant staying at a hotel in Primrose Hill was found guilty at a magistrates' court of 'assault by beating' three police officers.

He escaped jail and received a community sentence.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick last night demanded that the small-boats crisis 'be treated as a national security emergency'.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick (above) last night demanded that the small-boats crisis 'be treated as a national security emergency'

He added: 'Illegal migrants breaking into our country should have no route to claiming asylum and be held in detention until they are deported, not in hotels on high streets.'

Some 32,345 asylum seekers are living in hotels, while 66,683 are living in houses, flats and bedsits across the country.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed last month that Labour wanted to close every migrant hotel by July 2029.

The Home Office said last night: 'We do not tolerate criminality of any kind and will be thoroughly investigating all the allegations raised in this report.'
A third man has been arrested after violent protests erupted outside an asylum hotel following the arrest of an Ethiopian resident accused of sexually assaulting schoolgirls.

A 33-year-old man from Loughton was arrested tonight on suspicion of violent disorder and criminal damage following the incident in Epping, Essex.

He is currently in custody where he will be questioned.

Hundreds of furious residents gathered outside the Bell Hotel, on Thursday, as it has been operating as an asylum hotel on and off for the last five years.

It began peacefully but later blew into violence after a group of hardcore agitators stopped three Essex Police riot vans from driving past the hotel to support their colleagues in the centre of the town.

Children in balaclavas joined grown men and women to block the road by standing across it, before protesters started attacking the police vehicles, with some seen hurling projectiles at the vans and officers.

It comes after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with a number of sexual offences.

He was arrested by officers on July 8 after reports of a man acting inappropriately towards a number of people.

A third man has been arrested after violent anti-migrant protests erupted outside an asylum hotel in Essex. Above, a man dressed in all black stands on the bonnet of a police van with its windows smashed

A protestor appears to be detained by police

It comes after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with a number of sexual offences against schoolgirls

Kebatu appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 10, and denied all offences.

He was charged with three counts of sexual assault, as well as one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence.

At the protest well-dressed mothers stood side-by-side with retired businessmen and women and dozens of bald tattooed middle-aged men to call for the hotel to stop operating as refugee accommodation.

Police say eight officers were assaulted when crowds surrounded a small counter-demonstration.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: 'The events in Epping on Thursday were shocking and have no place in our neighbourhoods.

'We understand the concerns of the local community and support everyone's right to peaceful protest.

'Unfortunately, across social media we are seeing inflammatory comments which suggest we were supporting and enabling certain protestors.

'This is categorically not true. We police without fear or favour, remaining impartial at all times and have legal responsibilities to ensure peaceful protest is facilitated.

A man was seen being struck by a police van following violent protests outside a migrant hotel in Essex

He is seen being shunted backwards by the police van as it continues down the road

Seconds earlier, a police van leading the convoy was seen hurtling through a plastic barrier

'Our priority during the policing of this incident was the safety of everyone there, we used tried and tested public order tactics to achieve this.

'This included keeping opposing protestors apart to avoid violence. The early protest was peaceful, with people expressing their views.

'We will continue to support people to do this, but we will not tolerate anyone who comes with the intent to commit crime or who resort to crime because others present take a different view to them.

'Officers will act robustly and swiftly towards anyone intent on disrupting the local community's right to have their voices heard.'

Police on patrol also arrested a man on suspicion of affray, following an assault reported close to The Bell Hotel on Sunday evening.

Dean Walters, 65, of Harlow, has been charged and released on bail to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on September 24, with stringent conditions until then.

A second person was arrested on Thursday night for failing to comply with orders given around dispersal and remained in custody.

Dramatic footage also emerged from the protest which appears to show the moment a demonstrator is driven into by one of the police vehicles.

One of the protestors jumps up and down on a police van while wrapped in the St George's flag

Earlier the man could be seen scrambling up the windscreen of the van, with officers trapped inside

Police armed with riot shields form a barrier across the road following a major public order incident in Epping on Thursday

The Essex Police van can be seen knocking over the young man, who stood in Epping High Road, in what appears to be an attempt to stop the vehicle leaving.

Protesters had erected a make-shift barrier made up of pallets and plastic fencing in the road to stop police leaving the scene.

But the first of four Essex Police vans crashed through the barrier, leading to a protester to stand in the road, who was then knocked out of the way by the second van as people screamed: 'Oh my god' and 'what the f***'.

The youth who was mown down by the police van is then seen getting up and brushing himself down as he shouts at the convoy.

Another man, who was standing by the side of the road, also fell to the ground during the chaotic clip.

Speaking of the incident, ACC Hooper said the video had been reported to the force, but said they had seen another video 'which maybe shows it from a different angle'

Essex Police officers, dressed in full riot-gear, can be seen sat in the vehicles - as thugs are seen attacking the vans, kicking and launching missiles at them.

Protestors gathered outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, which has reportedly been used to house migrants for the last five years

Hundreds of furious Essex residents took to the streets to voice their anger following the arrest of a migrant on sex assault charges against school girls

Photos from later in the evening show one of the vans with a smashed windscreen, while one masked man is seen jumping up and down on the roof of another police vehicle.

They had been among up to 100 officers who battled with anti-migrant protesters who had confronted a counter an anti-racism demonstration.

Counter protestors carried placards reading 'Refugees Welcome', but were pelted with bottles, eggs and can and told to 'f*** off out of Epping' by an angry mob.

The agitators also threw fireworks and bottles at police as they sought to protect anti-racism counter-demonstrators.
A former colleague of the Astronomer CEO caught in an 'affair' on a Coldplay concert's kiss cam reveals what he really thinks of his old co-worker as he resigned in disgrace over the scandal.

Ry Walker, the former CEO of Astronomer, had only good things to say of 50-year-old Andy Byron,.

Byron set the internet ablaze after he was caught on camera at the concert cozying up to the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot.

'I've found Andy to be professional, I've only ever been on a call with him once,' Walker posted on X. 'Everyone on the team has praised his leadership to me. So I think this is an unfortunate development that comes as a big surprise.'

Byron and Cabot were caught red-faced as the kiss-cam at a Coldplay concert in Boston panned to Cabot wrapped in her boss's arms on Tuesday.

The pair immediately ducked and turned from the cameras after realizing their faces were on the big screen.

Chris Martin, the band's frontman, cracked a joke rumors over the couple's awkward reaction which only fueled speculation.

'Oh look at these two! Oh what? Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy,' Martin said to the crowd.

The pair were put on leave Friday as Astronomer launched their investigation. Byron's resignation was announced by the company on Saturday.

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, 50, and the company's HR Chief Kristin Cabot were caught getting cozy at a Coldplay concert on the big screen

Ry Walker, the former CEO of Astronomer, had only good things to say of his former colleague Byron amid the scandalous affair that gripped the internet

Walker was CEO for the billion-dollar company from 2015 to 2019, until they 'hit serious traction,' he said.

'At that point I brought in an experienced CEO for the growth stage. That decision turned out very well for the company, and me personally - I don't regret it at all,' Walker added.

Walker, who is now the CEO of Tembo AI, also praised Astronomer for the appointment of Pete DeJoy, the company's co-founder and head of product, as interim CEO.

'[DeJoy] is an amazing co-founder and friend,' Walker said.

Public records suggest both Byron and Cabot are married - but that they live at different addresses to those listed as their spouses.

Speculation of the suspected affair became the talk of the internet, and Daily Mail confirmed that Cabot is in fact currently married to another CEO.

Massachusetts property documents dated in January confirmed that Cabot is currently married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker.

It is unclear exactly when the pair tied the knot, but the documents confirm that Cabot, whose maiden name is Stanek, was married at the time of selling a $1.8m property in Watertown, Mass, earlier this year.

'I've found Andy to be professional, I've only ever been on a call with him once,' Walker said. 'Everyone on the team has praised his leadership to me. So I think this is an unfortunate development that comes as a big surprise'

Chris Martin, Coldplay's frontman, cracked a joke that contributed to the stir of rumors over the couple's awkward reaction

Byron is married, with his wife Megan Byron, removing his last name from her social media accounts shortly after the exchange with Chris Martin went viral

Privateer Rums website lists Andrew Cabot as its CEO and COO of the company, and public documents show that he has been married at least twice before, in 1993 and 2014.

He shares two children with his first wife Maud, who shared a picture of her ex-husband with Cabot looking loved up at his daughters 25th birthday party on social media in April of last year.

Cabot even posed with his son Henry, 30, in the snaps, and was seen wearing a wedding ring at the event - which was missing during her cozy Coldplay date with Byron.

Byron is also married, with his wife Megan Byron, removing his last name from her social media accounts shortly after the exchange with Chris Martin went viral.

It comes after AI-tech start-up Astronomer said they have launched a formal investigation into the moment of intimacy.

'Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, they said in a statement.

'The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.'

When Cabot joined the firm as HR boss in November 2024, Byron heaped praise on her, saying she would be a 'perfect fit' at his company.

When Cabot joined the firm as HR boss in November 2024, Byron heaped praise on her, saying she would be a 'perfect fit' at his company

Speculation of the suspected affair became the talk of the internet, and Daily Mail confirmed that Cabot is in fact currently married to another CEO

'Kristins exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory,' he said in a press release at the time.

'She is a proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies and her passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces makes her a perfect fit for Astronomer.'

Byron's firm is valued at over $1 billion, with the company experiencing rapid growth since he became CEO in 2023.
More than 90 criminal charges have been brought against 41 migrants living in just one taxpayer-funded hotel.

Court records show migrants staying at the Thistle City Barbican in central London have been accused of offences including sexual assault, arson, theft, burglary, carrying knives, assault and drug offences over the past three years.

Residents who live nearby last night told the MoS that the police are regularly called to the three-star hotel, which has also been identified as a hub of illegal working.

Council worker Ufuoma Odoh, 49, said his Volvo XC40 was damaged last month when a television was flung out of a fourth-floor window. The TV smashed the parked car's back window.

Mr Odoh said: 'It was the second time my car had been damaged by the same set of people.'

Bledar Qirjo, who has run a Greek restaurant near the hotel for six months, said his business was suffering because of the behaviour of some of the asylum seekers.

More than 90 criminal charges have been brought against 41 migrants living in just one taxpayer-funded hotel (Stock Image)

Migrants staying at the Thistle City Barbican (pictured) have been accused of offences including sexual assault, arson, theft, burglary, carrying knives, assault and drug offences over the past three years

He added: 'My customers won't come after 9pm because they feel scared.'

Those staying at the hotel who have been convicted of crimes include Alem Amiri, who pleaded guilty to arson in April last year and was jailed for a year.

The MoS understands Amiri launched his arson attack against the very taxpayer-funded hotel that was providing him refuge.

The Home Office refused to discuss his case.

Our revelations raise new questions about a hotel that has already been named as a hub for illegal working.

Last month, pictures emerged of migrants staying at the Thistle City Barbican riding off in Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats jackets with food bags, while electric bikes were seen outside.
Ukraine has proposed a fresh round of peace talks with Russia following weeks of relentless missile strikes, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

In his evening address to the nation, the Ukrainian leader said 'everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire' and that the pace of negotiations should increase.

It comes less than 24 hours after NATO was forced to scramble war planes over Poland in response to a fresh wave of attacks on key strategic cities in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Moscow was also targeted by strikes for the third night in a row - with explosions heard across several of the city's suburbs.

The proposed peace talks would take place next week and come after negotiations stalled in early June, Zelensky announced.

The previous two rounds of discussions in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv failed to make any progress towards the agreement of a ceasefire.

They instead resulted in yielding large-scale prisoner exchanges and deals to return the bodies of killed soldiers.

Speaking in his evening address on Saturday, Zelensky said: 'The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up.

Ukraine has proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia following weeks of relentless missile strikes, President Zelensky has said

Pictured: A residential building in Odesa that was destroyed overnight in a Russian strike

Vladimir Putin is pictured attending a meeting in Moscow on July 18

Zelensky also reiterated his readiness to have a face-to-face sit down with Putin.

'A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace - lasting peace,' he said.

At talks last month, Russia outlined a list of hardline demands, including calls for Ukraine to cede more territory and to reject all forms of Western military support.

Kyiv dismissed them as unacceptable and at the time questioned the point of further negotiations if Moscow was not willing to make concessions.

The Kremlin, however, said it was ready to continue talks with Ukraine after US President Donald Trump gave Russia 50 days to strike a peace deal or face sanctions.

Trump also pledged to supply Kyiv with new military aid, sponsored by NATO allies, as its cities suffer ever-increasing Russian aerial attacks.

Moreover, earlier this month Trump announced he would send Patriot air defense system to Ukraine to bolster the country's defence capabilities.

The decision came as the US-president blasted Putin as 'two faced', saying that 'he talks nice, then bombs everybody'.

Ukrainian emergency service workers extinguish a fire in a residential building following a strike

One woman was killed and three people were wounded after a nine-storey apartment block was struck in Odesa

Trump said: 'We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need, because Putin really surprised a lot of people.

'He talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening. But there's a little bit of a problem there. I don't like it.

'We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment.

'They are going to pay us 100 percent for that, and that's the way we want it.'

Trump's deployment of the missiles marked a U-turn from how he campaigned on an 'America First' platform.

Last night, Russia staged a five-hour missile and drone onslaught on the strategic city of Pavlohrad - in the worst attack the area has suffered during the three-year war.

A fire station in the city was destroyed, with damage to industrial enterprises and a five-story residential building.

Meanwhile, one woman was killed and three people were wounded after a nine-storey apartment block was struck in Odesa.

Donald Trump's administration (pictured alongside Volodymyr Zelensky) previously said it would be pulling out of peace negotiations

Putin, however, saw his capital Moscow targeted by strikes for the third night in a row following Donald Trump's reported advice for Ukraine to pressure the Kremlin.

Videos showed a series of explosion across the city and in Dmitrov, drone debris damaged a high-voltage power line.

Explosions were also heard in the Moscow suburbs of Odintsovo, Solnechnogorsk, Istra and Zelenograd.

One eyewitness was heard saying: 'There it flies! Shoot it down, damn it! Damn it, shoot it down! Yes! ****!' Another said: 'Damn, this is crazy.'

In Rostov, Ukrainian strikes caused massive train disruption on the MoscowRostov-on-Don main line, a key military supply route.

In response to the intense strikes on Ukraine, which involved more than 400 drones, NATO fighters were scrambled from military air bases.

'Due to another attack by the Russian Federation targeting targets located in Ukrainian territory, air operations have commenced in our airspace,' it was said in an announcement from the armed forces operation command in Poland.

'Duty fighter pairs have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest level of alert.'

The statement continued: 'The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in areas bordering the threatened areas.'
A channel migrant has been handed a 14-month prison sentence after he sexually assaulted an 'extremely vulnerable' teenage girl who has learning difficulties in a park in broad daylight.

Aron Hadsh, 27, from Eritrea, who was living at a taxpayer-funded Holiday Inn near Heathrow, attacked the 19-year-old in June last year after she had been sent by her mother to pick up fruit from a food bank.

A court heard on Friday how he pursued her to a park in Fulham, west London, where he pinned her on his lap, grabbed her breasts and touched her crotch for several minutes before she escaped. She said he was laughing as she ran away.

Hadsh, who illegally entered the UK around three years ago after crossing the Channel, was caught five weeks later after the teenager spotted him while out shopping with her mother. Members of the public detained him until the police arrived.

Prosecutor Sam Barker told Isleworth Crown Court the victim has a number of learning difficulties, which means she presents as 'very childlike' and has an 'extreme vulnerability'.

Hadsh was sentenced to 14 months' imprisonment and a five-year restraining order after being convicted of one count of sexual assault and acquitted of one count of kidnapping in May this year.

Shockingly, as he has already spent nearly a year in custody, Hadsh will not spend any more time in prison, despite the judge saying he poses a 'high risk of serious harm to the public'.

Whether he will be released into the public or sent to an immigration detention centre is not known.

Aron Hadsh (above) attacked the 19-year-old in June last year after she had been sent by her mother to pick up fruit from a food bank

In a statement read out in court, the victim said: 'On the day it happened it made me feel very nervous and scared. I felt that my body shut down.'

She added: 'All my life it has been hard to make friends, and this has put me back in my own bubble. I was scared to see him again, in case he would kill me, because he was laughing after he ran off and sexually assaulted me.'

Mr Barker said the victim's mother felt 'frustrated' and 'angry' for sending her daughter to collect fruit from the food bank.

He said: 'The victim's mother finds herself on edge, which has affected her volunteering at the same food bank.'

Wearing a grey T-shirt and a beaded necklace, Hadsh showed no remorse and continued to plead his innocence from the dock during sentencing.

In a statement read out in Isleworth Crown Court (pictured), the victim said: 'On the day it happened it made me feel very nervous and scared. I felt that my body shut down'

Judge Alastair Rolf Hammerton told him: 'I understand your conditions in prison are more challenging because English is not your first language.'

He explained that Hadsh was intoxicated at the time of the offence and said he posed 'a high risk of sexual reoffending', adding: 'Your victim was an extremely vulnerable person. She felt scared and vulnerable.'

He said the court had to proceed on the assumption Hadsh was a man of good character, given there are no criminal records available from before he entered the UK.

Mr Barker said it was impossible to know whether Hadsh, who was granted asylum before the offence, had any convictions before coming to the UK. He added: 'We haven't done the checks, because we can't.'

Hadsh was unrepresented at his sentencing after he sacked his defence counsel during the trial.
Scotland's Auditor General could launch a probe into NHS Fife, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

In an exclusive interview, Stephen Boyle refused to rule out taking a deep-dive into the health boards finances and governance structures.

It comes as Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay last night demanded First Minister John Swinney sack NHS Fifes CEO and board if they did not do the right thing and quit.

Sandie Peggie, 51, was suspended from her role at Victoria Hospital, in Kirkcaldy, last year after she objected to 30-year-old male-born Dr Beth Upton using the female facilities.

She is also suing the Royal College of Nursing union, a fact first revealed by MailOnline in May.

Last night, Mr Boyle - who assesses public bodies value for money as well as their governance structures and accountability - said he would make a decision on whether to probe NHS Fife after his auditors complete their usual reports.

Asked about the use of taxpayer funds to pay for legal costs relating to the tribunal so far, Mr Boyle said he understood why the public might be concerned over the spending.

He said: Without commenting on the specifics of the case... I understand across the piece why the public will want to be satisfied absolutely that public money is spent properly consistent with the roles and responsibility of public bodies who are tasked with implementing government policy.

Auditor General Stephen Boyle said he would wait for his auditors' report before making a decision on launching an investigation

Chief executive of NHS Fife Carol Potter has been urged to resign by Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay

Probed over whether he had concerns NHS Fife might not be complying with the law on single sex spaces - clarified by a Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by her biological sex in April - he said he would await the auditors usual report of the health board.

He said: How I discharge my responsibilities, particularly when it comes to individual public bodies, is through the annual auditors. I appoint auditors for all public bodies, with the exception of local government and theyll conduct an audit of the expenditure.

In public sector context, we dont just look at the numbers, we also look at governance, accountability and value for money, and Ill await the auditors report.

Thats something that they will refer to, and its something that I can then take a decision, as I do in many cases, whether to proceed with a statutory report to the Scottish Parliament on the back of that.

And pushed on whether he will investigate NHS Fifes handling of the case, he said: Its not something I have made a decision on yet. I will await the auditors report.

Mr Boyles comments come after Scottish Tory leader Mr Findlay yesterday said the tribunal was unfolding like an ongoing slow-motion car crash.

Nurse Sandie Peggie was suspended after she objected to trans medic Dr Beth Upton using the female facilities

Furious Russell Findlay has said if NHS Fife bosses do not resign, John Swinney should sack them

He said NHS Fifes chief executive Carol Potter, who earns at least 147,700 a year, and her entire board can no longer remain in post.

And he condemned a media statement released by the health board on Friday evening which took a swipe at human rights organisation Sex Matters, which is supporting Mrs Peggie.

The statement read: Sex Matters have been very active, making statements which it would appear are aimed at steering public opinion in a way that NHS Fife as a public body clearly cannot.

It added: There has been significant and very polarised debate on social media regarding the case and associated issues, throughout. In some cases, however, what began as debate has evolved into much more worrying behaviour, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence, which has required the involvement of Police Scotland.

NHS Fife later tweaked the release, adding: NHS Fife is not seeking to suggest that anyone involved with Sex Matters have contributed to the behaviour or issues mentioned above.

However the move backfired spectacularly, drawing criticism and ridicule in equal measure.

Dr Beth Upton, born a biological man, is a respondent in the landmark employment tribunal

First Minister John Swinney is sticking to his position that he still has confidence in NHS Fife

Last night, Mr Findlay said: In their zeal to embrace the SNPs bonkers belief in gender ideology, they were willing to destroy the career of a nurse and waste huge sums of taxpayers money.

But instead of taking any responsibility for their own conduct, theyve now resorted to smearing Sandie Peggie and the campaigners who have stood with her.

He added: John Swinney, Neil Grey and their SNP colleagues appear to be the only people left in Scotland who think this is okay.

If the NHS Fife board wont do the right thing and quit, then they should be sacked.

NHS Fifes statement also made reference to a freedom of information battled between the health board and The Mail.

However that also caused concern, and sparked a warning from the Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton who said it had cast doubt on its compliance with FOI legislation.

In May, he ordered NHS Fife to review what information it held about its legal bill for the tribunal after it failed to supply the costs to The Mail.

Earlier this month, NHS Fife published data saying the case had cost 220,500 as of the end of May - although that had soared to 258,831 by the end of June.

Mr Hamilton said: The petulant tone of NHS Fifes latest statement is quite remarkable, but it is the contents that concern me most. They have now cast doubt upon the assurances they gave me regarding compliance with my Decision Notice.

If the authority had not complied, he said he may report the matter to the Court of Session as a contempt of court.

According to the health boards communications policy, Press releases are approved by the relevant Executive Director and Chief Executive before release, meaning Mrs Potter was likely aware of the statement.

The tribunal battle between the veteran nurse, the health board and the doctor continues.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: Ministers have been clear they have confidence in the board. It would however be inappropriate to comment further while judicial proceedings in an Employment Tribunal are ongoing.

A spokeswoman for NHS Fife said: To date, NHS Fife has had no contact from the Auditor General on this matter.
The Astronomer CEO caught getting cozy with a coworker at a Coldplay concert on Tuesday has resigned in disgrace amid an investigation into the scandal.

Andy Byron, 50, who was spotted on camera at the concert with his arms wrapped around the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot, stepped down after being placed on leave on Friday.

The billion-dollar company announced the CEO's resignation in a statement on Saturday.

'As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,' the statement said.

'Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.'

Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will stay on as interim CEO.

'While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not. Were continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems.'

Byron and Cabot were caught red-faced as the kiss-cam at a Coldplay concert in Boston panned to the CEO with his arms wrapped his subordinate on Tuesday.

CEO Andy Byron, 50, who was caught on camera at the concert cozying up to the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot is revealed to have resigned from Astronomer

The pair immediately ducked and turned from the cameras after realizing their faces were on the big screen

Astronomer announced the CEO's resignation on Saturday following an internal investigation that put Byron and Cabot on leave on Friday

The pair immediately ducked and turned from the cameras after realizing their faces were on the big screen.

Astronomer acknowledge the awkward situation in the statement announcing Byron's resignation.

'Before this week, we were known as a pioneer in the DataOps space, helping data teams power everything from modern analytics to production AI,' the statement read.

'While awareness of our company may have changed over night our product and our work for our customers have not'.

The couple have gained infamy since the moment went viral.

At the time Coldplay front man Chris Martin, cracked a joke which stirred rumors over the couple's awkward reaction.

'Oh look at these two! Oh what? Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy,' Martin said to the crowd.

Public records suggest both Byron and Cabot are married - but that they live at different addresses to those listed as their spouses.

Both Byron and Cabot (pictured) were placed on leave on Friday as an investigation into the scandal began at Astronomer

Massachusetts property documents dated in January confirmed that Cabot is currently married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker

Speculation of the suspected affair became the talk of the internet, and Daily Mail confirmed that Cabot is in fact currently married to another CEO.

Massachusetts property documents dated in January confirmed that Cabot is currently married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker.

It is unclear exactly when the pair tied the knot, but the documents confirm that Cabot, whose maiden name is Stanek, was married at the time of selling a $1.8m property in Watertown, Mass, earlier this year.

Privateer Rums website lists Andrew Cabot as its CEO and COO of the company, and public documents show that he has been married at least twice before, in 1993 and 2014.

He shares two children with his first wife Maud, who shared a picture of her ex-husband with Cabot looking loved up at his daughters 25th birthday party on social media in April of last year.

Cabot even posed with his son Henry, 30, in the snaps, and was seen wearing a wedding ring at the event - which was missing during her cozy Coldplay date with Byron.

Byron is also married, with his wife Megan Byron, removing his last name from her social media accounts shortly after the exchange with Chris Martin went viral.

It comes after AI-tech start-up Astronomer said they have launched a formal investigation into the moment of intimacy.

Byron is also married, with his wife Megan Byron, removing his last name from her social media accounts shortly after the exchange with Chris Martin went viral

'Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, they said in a statement.

'The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.'

When Cabot joined the firm as HR boss in November 2024, Byron heaped praise on her, saying she would be a 'perfect fit' at his company.

'Kristins exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory,' he said in a press release at the time.

'She is a proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies and her passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces makes her a perfect fit for Astronomer.'

Byron's firm is valued at over $1 billion, with the company experiencing rapid growth since he became CEO in 2023.
A Saudi prince who spent more than two decades in a coma after a car crash in London has died at the age of 36.

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in the horrific accident when he was just 15 years old in 2005.

He was dubbed the 'Sleeping Prince' and was kept on a ventilator in hospital but never regained full consciousness.

Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who announced his death in a heartbreaking post on X today.

He said: 'O reassured soul, Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], And enter among My [righteous] servants, And enter My Paradise.

'With hearts believing in Allah will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away today.'

Prince Al-Waleed was studying at a military college in London when he was involved in the devastating car crash.

After the accident, he was hospitalised at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh where he remained in a coma.

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in the horrific accident when he was just 15 years old in 2005

Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who announced his death in a heartbreaking post on X today

Prince Al-Waleed was studying at a military college in London when he was involved in the devastating car crash

Prince Al-Waleed's father, who is the brother of business tycoon Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, never gave up hope his son would one day make a full recovery.

He remained involved in the prince's care and opposed withdrawing life support.

Clips shared on social media in 2020 showed Prince Al-Waleed lifting his fingers as a woman greets him.

'Hi, Didi hello, hello let me see, hi,' she says as the prince wiggles his fingers in response.

She then asked if the prince could do 'one more, one more, higher, higher' and he could be seen lifting his whole hand off the bed momentarily.

However, despite the signs he could be recovering Prince Al-Waleed remained in a critical condition.

Funeral prayers for the prince will be held tomorrow at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

In a clip shared on social media in 2020, he was seen moving his fingers

Prince Al-Waleed's father, who is the brother of business tycoon Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, never gave up hope his son would one day make a full recovery

Despite showing some signs he could be recovering, Prince Al-Waleed remained in a critical condition
A California politician is slammed after spending tens of thousands of taxpayer money on AI to do his employees' jobs.

San Jose Mayor, Matt Mahan, spent more than $35,000 to purchase 89 ChatGPT licenses - at $400 per account - for city workers to use.

By next year, the city intends to have 1,000, or about 15 percent of its workers, trained to use AI tools for a variety of tasks, including pothole complaint response, bus routing, and using vehicle-tracking surveillance cameras to solve crimes.

Mahan staff even used it to help draft talking points before a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new business, and he used it to help write a $5.6billion budget for the new fiscal year.

Mahan is now pushing a growing number of the nearly 7,000 government workers running Silicon Valley's biggest city to embrace artificial intelligence technology.

'The idea is to try things, be really transparent, look for problems, flag them, share them across different government agencies, and then work with vendors and internal teams to problem solve,' Mahan said in an interview. 'It's always bumpy with new technologies.'

Mahan said adopting AI tools will eliminate drudge work and help the city better serve its roughly 1million residents, but some residents are angry he's spending money on the program when the city is already in a deficit.

He is not the only public or private sector executive directing an AI-or-bust strategy, though in some cases, workers have found that the costly technology can add hassles or mistakes.

San Jose Mayor, Matt Mahan, spent more than $35,000 to purchase 89 ChatGPT licenses - at $400 per account - for city workers to use. By next year, the city intends to have 1,000, or about 15 percent of its workers, trained to use AI tools for a variety of task

Mahan staff even used it to help draft talking points before a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new business, and he used it to help write a $5.6billion budget for the new fiscal year

While some government agencies have been secretive about when they turn to chatbots for help, Mahan is open about his ChatGPT-written background memos that he turns to when making speeches.

'Historically, that would have taken hours of phone calls and reading, and you just never would have been able to get those insights,' he said. 'You can knock out these tasks at a similar or better level of quality in a lot less time.'

However he added that 'you still need a human being in the loop. You can't just kind of press a couple of buttons and trust the output. You still have to do some independent verification. You have to have logic and common sense and ask questions.'

However, not everyone is happy about his purchase.

'Heres a real idea for AI that works: Replace Matt Mahan with AI,' one wrote on X. 'After all, AI has been writing Mahons speeches & possibly X posts & replies! An authentic mayor, indeed.'

'If AI is being used in San Jose government, the results are invisible to the taxpayers footing the bill. Mahans obsession with tech gimmicks is just a distraction from his failure to lead on the issues that matter: public safety, housing, and restoring pride in our neighborhoods,' another wrote.

'San Jose doesnt need more tech talk. It needs results.'

Another complained of the deficient the city is in.

Mahan said adopting AI tools will eliminate drudge work and help the city better serve its roughly 1million residents (pictured: San Jose City Hall)

However, not everyone is happy about his purchase. 'Heres a real idea for AI that works: Replace Matt Mahan with AI,' one wrote

'Matt, pass that good stuff you are smoking. SJC is in a recession, a $43 million SJ budget deficit & all factors blamed r Sanctuary/ DEI related,' they wrote.

One of San Jose's early adopters was Andrea Arjona Amador, who leads electric mobility programs at the city's transportation department. She has already used ChatGPT to secure a $12million grant for electric vehicle chargers.

Arjona Amador set up a customized 'AI agent' to review the correspondence she was receiving about various grant proposals and asked it to help organize the incoming information, including due dates. Then, she had it help draft the 20-page document.

Arjona Amado started using it to help save time.

'The way it used to work, before I started using this, we spent a lot of evenings and weekends trying to get grants to the finish line,' she said. The Trump administration later rescinded the funding, so she pitched a similar proposal to a regional funder not tied to the federal government.

Arjona Amador, who learned Spanish and French before she learned English, also created another customized chatbot to edit the tone and language of her professional writings.

With close relationships to some of the tech industry's biggest players, including San Francisco-based OpenAI and Mountain View-based Google, the mayors of the Bay Area's biggest cities are helping to promote AI adoption.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a plan Monday to give nearly 30,000 city workers, including nurses and social workers, access to Microsoft's Copilot chatbot, which is based on the same technology that powers ChatGPT.

One of San Jose's early adopters was Andrea Arjona Amador, who leads electric mobility programs at the city's transportation department. She has already used ChatGPT to secure a $12million grant for electric vehicle charger

San Francisco's plan says it comes with 'robust privacy and bias safeguards, and clear guidelines to ensure technology enhances - not replaces - human judgment.'

San Jose has similar guidelines and hasn't yet reported any major mishaps with its pilot projects. Such problems have attracted attention elsewhere because of the technology's propensity to spew false information, known as hallucinations.

ChatGPT's digital fingerprints were found on an error-filled document published in May by US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' commission.

In Fresno, California, a school official was forced to resign after saying she was too trusting of an AI chatbot that fabricated information in a document.

Earlier this year, when OpenAI introduced a new pilot product called Operator, it promised a new kind of tool that went beyond a chatbot's capabilities. Instead of just analyzing documents and producing passages of text, it could also access a computer system and schedule calendars or perform tasks on a person's behalf.

Developing and selling such 'AI agents' is now a key focus for the tech industry.

More than an hour's drive east of Silicon Valley, where the Bay Area merges into Central Valley farm country, Jamil Niazi, director of information technology at the city of Stockton, had big visions for what he could do with such an agent.

These include allowing the parks and recreation department to use an AI agent to help residents book amenities or check how busy they are before visiting.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a plan Monday to give nearly 30,000 city workers, including nurses and social workers, access to Microsoft's Copilot chatbot, which is based on the same technology that powers ChatGPT

Six months later, however, after completing a proof-of-concept phase, the city didn't buy a full license for the technology due to the cost.

The market research group Gartner recently predicted that over 40 percent of 'agentic AI' projects will be canceled before the end of 2027, 'due to escalating costs, unclear business value or inadequate risk controls.'

San Jose's mayor remains bullish about the potential for these AI tools to help workers 'in the bowels of bureaucracy' to rapidly speed up their digital paperwork.

'There's just an amazing amount of bureaucracy that large organizations have to have,' Mahan said. 'Whether it's finance, accounting, HR or grant writing, those are the kinds of roles where we think our employees can be 20 [to] 50 percent more productive - quickly.'
Criminal gangs have forced retailer HMV to withdraw Pokemon trading cards worth thousands from its shop floors and online.

Phil Halliday, boss of the high street chain, told The Mail on Sunday that demand for the cards has become so intense that even its delivery vans are being targeted.

Mr Halliday said: 'They're phenomenally sought after. [So there is] a rabid threat of theft.'

The flagship store on London's Oxford Street has seen thieves breaking in to search for rare cards that they can sell to collectors for large profits.

Mr Halliday added: 'We got broken into here at the Oxford Street store  the theory was they went straight to the back of the shop to try and see where these Pokemon cards were.

'We had people chasing a DHL delivery van because they thought there were Pokemon cards in it.'

HMV keeps the packs, pictured, behind the shop counter and limits sales to four per customer.

'We can't keep them anywhere near [the shop floor], they are all behind the counter,' Mr Halliday said.

Criminal gangs have forced retailer HMV to withdraw Pokemon trading cards worth thousands from its shop floors and online. Pictured: Business targeted by Pokemon card thieves in 2023

Phil Halliday, boss of the high street chain, told The Mail on Sunday that demand for the cards (pictured, file photo) has become so intense that even its delivery vans are being targeted

Mr Halliday said: 'They're phenomenally sought after. [So there is] a rabid threat of theft'. Pictured: Business targeted by Pokemon card thieves in 2023

He added: 'They are also very easy to shove down your trousers when you're on the run.'

HMV no longer sells them online because the site is attacked by bots, which are programmed to buy as many as possible as fast as possible.

The company also removed information from its website about stock levels in stores.

Pokemon cards, which depict cartoon monsters that are used by their 'trainers' to battle each other, exploded in popularity in the 1990s and continue to attract new generations of fans.

The characters also inspired a long-running Japanese cartoon series and numerous video games and merchandise.

Rare cards command huge prices on the resale market.

One set, featuring a Charizard dragon character from 1999, is on sale for 25,000 on eBay.

In 2022, American YouTuber Logan Paul set a record when he bought an ultra-rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokemon card for 3.9million.

Pokemon cards (pictured, file photo), which depict cartoon monsters that are used by their 'trainers' to battle each other, exploded in popularity in the 1990s and continue to attract new generations of fans

The characters also inspired a long-running Japanese cartoon series and numerous video games and merchandise. Pictured: File photo

In May a man was arrested in Manchester after police found stolen Pokemon cards worth about 250,000 during a raid on his house.

Last November a man in Polegate, East Sussex, admitted stealing a Pokemon card valued at 30,000.

It was found for sale on Facebook but police returned it to its owner.

And earlier this month, a heist occurred in the American state of Massachusetts, with the thief stealing 84,000 worth of rare cards.

Pokemon cards are not the only childhood toys being targeted.

Lego is attractive to thieves because rare 'collectable' sets command high prices and are difficult to trace.
One of Sir Keir Starmer's most powerful advisers was last night accused of running secret diplomatic back channels to 'terrorists' using his own taxpayer-funded team of 'outsourced spies and spooks'.

Jonathan Powell, the Prime Minister's National Security Adviser, founded the shadowy organisation after he left Tony Blair's Downing Street, where he was chief of staff when the infamous 'dodgy dossier' helped to propel Britain into war with Iraq.

The outfit, Inter Mediate, receives funding from the Foreign Office for making contact with 'non-state armed groups', and is understood to have brokered the UK's deal with Syria which led to the re-establishment of diplomatic relations earlier this month.

Mr Powell, 68, who stood down as the charity's 200,000-a-year chief executive when he returned to No 10 in November, also brokered the hugely controversial deal to surrender UK sovereignty over the strategically important Chagos Islands to Mauritius earlier this year.

The move comes amid claims that the Blairites, led by Mr Powell and Liz Lloyd  his deputy in Tony Blair's administration and now Sir Keir's director of policy delivery  are trying to mount a 'power grab' within Starmer's administration.

Diplomatic sources say that Inter Mediate played a central role in re-establishing relations with the Syrian government, which is led by former Islamists with links to Al Qaeda.

After the deal was brokered earlier this month, Foreign Secretary David Lammy flew to meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, where Inter Mediate is said to operate an office inside the presidential palace.

The interim government has become embroiled in deadly clashes with Druze militias in the southern part of the country, prompting Israel to mount retaliatory raids on Damascus.

Jonathan Powell, the Prime Minister's National Security Adviser, was last night accused of running secret diplomatic back channels to 'terrorists' using his own taxpayer-funded team of 'outsourced spies and spooks'

Last night, a senior Tory called for a Parliamentary investigation into why Mr Powell has been given 'special adviser' status, rather than being a direct ministerial appointment.

That means he does not have to answer to Parliament, despite his role in dealing directly with foreign governments and negotiating the handover of the Chagos.

Alex Burghart, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 'Not being able to question the national security adviser on his role in the Chagos surrender is outrageous enough.

'But it now turns out that he is using his private outfit to run back channels to terrorist groups. Parliament must surely be able to question him about this. If the Government has nothing to hide, it wouldn't be trying so hard to keep Mr Powell away from the cold light of scrutiny.

'Labour must come clean and explain themselves at once.'

Inter Mediate displays Mr Powell prominently on its website, highlighting his role as 'a key architect of the 1999 Good Friday Agreement' in Northern Ireland.

It says that he founded the organisation in order 'to share lessons from the Northern Ireland peace talks and help other leaders navigating similar dilemmas'.

The website also says Mr Powell used his experience to 'play a central role in further successful peace accords', including the end of the Basque conflict in Spain, serving as a 'peace adviser' to President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia and working alongside Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi to end the country's civil war.

Less welcome headlines came over Mr Powell's role in the infamous 2002 dossier into Iraq's non-existent weapons of mass destruction, when it was revealed that he asked a security chief to make changes to a draft version because it posed 'a bit of a problem' for Tony Blair's Downing Street.

The most recent accounts for Inter Mediate, which was founded by Mr Powell in 2011, highlight a 'greater commitment from the FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] through a new partnership agreement with the office of conflict, stabilisation and mediation'.

He is one of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's most powerful advisers

Alex Burghart, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said: 'Not being able to question the national security adviser on his role in the Chagos surrender is outrageous enough

Government spending records show that Inter Mediate is bankrolled by the UK Government to provide back channels to 'non-state armed groups' due to its 'high-level access to political elites'.

The accounts, published in January, put its total income for the year to March 2024 at 2.96 million with the highest paid staff member  presumed to be Mr Powell  earning between 190,000 and 200,000.

A Whitehall source said: 'These are essentially outsourced spies and spooks undertaking 'back channel' discussions with political leaders and armed groups to reach negotiated settlements.'

In a letter to Simon Hoare, chairman of the public administration and constitutional affairs committee, Mr Burghart says Mr Powell should respond to the call to give evidence to Parliament's joint committee on the national security strategy (JCNSS), given that 'every previous national security adviser has appeared before the committee since the position was established in 2010'.

Mr Burghart writes: 'I believe that this raises important constitutional matters that would be worthy of wider scrutiny by Parliament.

'The first duty of Government is defence of the realm: yet the Government does not wish the Prime Minister's principal adviser on national security to be scrutinised.'

A Government spokesman said: 'The Government is committed to having a productive relationship with the JCNSS, and providing the best support and evidence to help it in its important work. In line with longstanding practice, senior civil servants and ministers with national security responsibility will provide evidence to the JCNSS.'

A Government source added that Mr Powell's deputies would appear before the committee.

They added: 'There is an established system in place for the declaration and management of financial interests. As has been the case under successive administrations, interests deemed relevant for publication for special advisers in No 10 and the Cabinet Office are published on an annual basis.

'Inter Mediate is a charity which works to resolve armed conflicts around the world.

'Jonathan severed all links with it when he rejoined Government last year.'
When British special forces mounted a dramatic 'kill' operation against a senior terrorist in Syria last month, intelligence sources boasted how the hit meant the country was now a safer place.

But while military might was neutralising the threats to Westerners in the troubled state, in the shadows of diplomatic back-channels, go-betweens were secretly working on ways the UK could re-establish formal links with Damascus and its new regime, led by Islamists once linked to Al Qaeda.

Those moves are understood to have been significantly influenced by Sir Keir Starmer's National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, using a mix of his powerful position in government and, as The Mail on Sunday reveals today, the organisation he founded.

Inter Mediate is so embedded in the fledgling presidency of Ahmed Al-Sharaa that they are even said to operate an office inside the presidential palace.

Diplomatic sources say their work, combined with security operations such as the killing of Abu Hasan al-Jazrawi  the mastermind behind suicide truck attacks on Western troops who was hit by a Hellfire missile unleashed from a Reaper drone  made Syria safe enough for David Lammy to become the first British minister to set foot on Syrian soil in 14 years.

While in Damascus earlier this month, the Foreign Secretary announced the reinstatement of diplomatic links and spoke of 'renewed hope for the Syrian people' after a decade of conflict.

After the visit, Mr Lammy said: 'As the first UK minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad's brutal regime, I've seen first-hand the remarkable progress Syrians have made in rebuilding their lives and their country.

The UK is re-establishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians.'

Those moves are understood to have been significantly influenced by Sir Keir Starmer 's National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell (pictured last month)

Inter Mediate is so embedded in the fledgling presidency of Ahmed Al-Sharaa (pictured in May) that they are even said to operate an office inside the presidential palace

After a ceasefire failed to put an end to clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze-linked militias, Mr Lammy said he was 'horrified by the violence in Southern Syria'. Pictured: Syrian government security forces at a checkpoint as groups of Bedouin tribal fighters try to reach the city of Sweida on July 19

But yesterday, as Syria was plunged into further sectarian conflict, Mr Lammy was forced to strike a different tone.

After a ceasefire failed to put an end to clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze-linked militias, Mr Lammy said he was 'horrified by the violence in Southern Syria'.

Writing on social media, the Foreign Secretary said: 'A sustainable ceasefire is vital. I spoke to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani yesterday as part of UK efforts to urge a peaceful resolution.

'We want to see the fighting ended, civilians protected and humanitarian access enabled.'

The new regime is scrambling to keep control of the country following the renewed clashes between militias from the minority Druze religious group and the Sunni Muslim Bedouin which have claimed hundreds of lives and left tens of thousands of people displaced.

Fresh violence erupted last Sunday. Government forces intervened, nominally to restore order  but then sided with the Bedouins.

Israel then launched air strikes against Syrian forces in defence of the Druze, which form a substantial community in Israel.

Yesterday Mr Al-Sharaa urged Bedouin tribes to 'fully commit' to ending hostilities.

Government forces had withdrawn from the Sweida province of Southern Syria following a ceasefire announced on Wednesday, but they are now preparing to return as it appears to crumble.
Attorney General Lord Hermer should be sacked in the next Cabinet reshuffle because he has become a liability to the Government, senior No 10 aides believe.

Lord Hermer  parachuted into his plum job as the country's most senior law officer at the insistence of his friend Sir Keir Starmer  has infuriated the Prime Minister's officials with his 'meddling'.

He has attempted to limit the scope of Britain's military involvements in the Middle East and granted himself an effective 'veto' over Government decisions.

Earlier this year he was forced to apologise for comparing calls to quit the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) with the early days of Nazi Germany.

It comes as Sir Keir is planning a 'summer shore-up' operation by restructuring

No 10 and planning for a reshuffle in the autumn after a bruising first year in power.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson are also at risk in the reshuffle.

A source said of Lord Hermer, who was also instrumental in the decision to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius: 'They bloody hate him in here [No 10].

Attorney General Lord Hermer (pictured this week) should be sacked in the next Cabinet reshuffle because he has become a liability to the Government, senior No 10 aides believe

Lord Hermer  parachuted into his plum job as the country's most senior law officer at the insistence of his friend Sir Keir Starmer (pictured)  has infuriated the Prime Minister's officials with his 'meddling'

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy (pictured earlier this year) and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson are also at risk in the reshuffle

'It seems there is no problem which can't be made worse by a human rights barrister whose name ends in 'mer'. The question is whether Keir will protect him.'

Ministers have pleaded with MPs who expect to serve only one term in the Commons to stop rebelling.

At a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party last Monday Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged them not to write off their seats  saying he had shown it is possible to win against the odds.

A source in the room said he told MPs: 'I've heard some Labour MPs saying they're only going to be a one-term MP.

'Take it from me, someone who bucked the trend to win a marginal seat off the Tories in 2015, bucked the trend in 2017, 2019, and then bucked the trend in the other direction in 2024, there's a long way to go.'

Last summer Mr Streeting narrowly managed to hold on to his seat of Ilford North by 528 votes.

New polling has shown Labour's decision to give the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds puts him at risk of wipeout at the next election.

The Health Secretary's pep talk came after another Cabinet minister told the MoS it is 'not on' that Labour MPs are assuming they will only be there for one term, and can therefore do what they like  as they praised 'necessary' action over welfare rebels.

At a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party last Monday Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured this week) urged them not to write off their seats  saying he had shown it is possible to win against the odds

'It's becoming a nightmare for the whips,' the source said.

Another added: 'They can see the polls, and know they only managed to get in last year in a landslide.'

A Labour MP furious with rebel colleagues said: 'We were elected on a Labour banner. We are there for the team, it is not about us.

'If you have issues with the leadership, you deal with them internally. You have to respect party discipline.'

As part of his 'summer shore-up' Sir Keir is said to be planning to create a 'Department for Downing Street', which would see a senior civil servant appointed to a lead role and with other officials drafted in to try to improve the Prime Minister's ability to 'drive through change' in Whitehall.

It has left Sir Keir open to accusations of 'Presidential' delusions.
Two asylum seekers were caught making an OnlyFans sex tape in their taxpayer-funded hotel room, it has been reported.

Astonished staff at the Metropole Hotel in Blackpool allegedly walked in on a Syrian man romping a migrant woman during a room inspection.

It is understood he had a tripod set up at the end of the bed and there were sex toys littered around the room.

A former manager at the hotel told The Sun: '[...] It was pretty obvious what was happening. The couple were running an illegal porn business from the hotel.

'The man was naked with just a towel around him when he answered the door. She was wearing sexy lingerie, lying on the bed.'

'He told us he was filming it to put on OnlyFans,' the former manager added.

The 18th-century Metropole Hotel has been used to house asylum seekers since 2021 and is managed by contractors Serco.

It is located just an eight-minute walk from the famous Tower Ballroom where the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing films an episode every year.

Astonished staff at the Metropole Hotel (pictured) in Blackpool allegedly walked in on a Syrian man romping a migrant woman during a room inspection

Migrants are seen on a small dinghy heading towards the UK (file photo)

Users who make content on OnlyFans can charge others to view their videos and photographs.

According to the Home Office, cases of illegal working while migrants are being house in hotels can lead to their support being cut.

However, according to The Sun's report, the man who was allegedly caught making the video was moved to another site and received no further punishment.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said they were 'urgently investigating' the incident which reportedly took place in summer last year.

They said: 'These are dreadful allegations which we are urgently investigating.

'While most people comply with the rules, our contractors must maintain order and immediately report any issues.

'Cases of illegal working, including online, antisocial behaviour, or safeguarding breaches can lead to support being cut.'

Meanwhile, Serco said it encourages its staff to look for any 'signs of work or wealth' among the asylum seekers.

A spokesperson added: 'Serco is contracted to provide safe and appropriate accommodation for asylum seekers and to report any signs of work or wealth to the Home Office.

'We always report any signs identified, allowing the Home Office to take appropriate action.

'The rules on benefits, healthcare and the right to leave asylum accommodation are set by government and are not part of Serco's contract with the Home Office.'

Secretary of State for the Home Department Yvette Cooper is seen in Downing Street on July 10

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel on July 17 (file photo)

It comes after a shock report in May this year revealed that asylum accommodation - including hotels - will cost the taxpayer 15billion over 10 years.

The overall bill is more than triple the Home Office's original estimate, data from the National Audit Office (NAO) showed.

Contracts were originally forecast to cost 4.5billion over a decade from 2019 but are now expected to run to 15.3billion over same period, after the Channel crisis exploded.

It means that on average the taxpayer will spend 4,191,780 a day on housing asylum seekers over the life of the contracts.

A separate breakdown from the NAO showed overall costs in 2024-25 were 1.67billion.

That amounted to 4,567,123 a day on average, or 3,172 a minute.

Asylum hotels 'may be more profitable' for companies holding the contracts than other types of housing, the government's official auditors said.

The Home Office awarded the contracts to three suppliers  Clearsprings Ready Homes, Mears Group and Serco  which operate two or three UK regions each.

They are responsible for finding a range of self-catering accommodation for asylum seekers who are dispersed across the country, and for sub-contracting hotels for tens of thousands of migrants coming across the Channel by small boat.

Asylum accommodation - including hotels - will cost the taxpayer 15billion over 10 years. Clearsprings is now set to be paid 7.3billion over the 10 years from 2019 to 2029

The report found Clearsprings is now set to be paid 7.3billion over the 10 years from 2019 to 2029, the NAO said, while Serco is expected to get 5.5billion and Mears will receive 2.5billion.

Its study said: 'The total reported profit of suppliers was 383million between September 2019 and August 2024.

'In the first five years of the contract, available data from suppliers show annual profit margins ranging from a loss of 2 per cent to a profit of 17 per cent.

'This is equivalent to an overall 7 per cent profit margin across the whole service.'

The report went on: 'People accommodated in hotels account for 76 per cent of the annual cost of the contracts (1.3billion out of an estimated 1.7billion in 2024-25).

'Data reported by suppliers suggests that hotels may be more profitable than other forms of accommodation.'

It said the Home Office 'originally estimated that the total contract cost would be 4.5billion over 10 years'.

'However, the current estimated total is 15.3billion over the same period.

'The number of people seeking asylum who are accommodated by the Home Office increased from around 47,000 in December 2019 to around 110,000 in December 2024,' it added.
Vice President JD Vance has came out as the apparent favorite to win the 2028 presidential election, according to a prediction market.

The 40-year-old is favorite to become the next commander in chief with a 27 percent chance already, according to Polymarket.

In second place was California Governor Gavin Newsom with a 14 percent chance, which has fallen two percent according to the market.

Democratic firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez closely trails the Golden State leader with a ten percent chance.

Others close by the top three frontrunners included Pete Buttigieg with eight percent, and Marco Rubio, with a six percent chance.

Outsiders included incumbent president Donald Trump, with a three percent chance, even though he cannot run for a third term, and his son Donald Jr., with the same.

Trump has toyed with the idea of running for a third term, despite the Constitution stipulating that presidents are limited to two four-year terms.

In late March he told NBC News: 'I'm not joking, there are methods which you could do it', when asked to elaborate he declined to answer.

The 40-year-old is favorite to become the next commander in chief with a 27 percent chance already, according to Polymarket

Democratic firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez closely trails the Golden State leader with a ten percent chance

Vance started fielding questions in February, after just a few weeks in office as the veep, on a potential run for the White House in 2028.

Speaking with Fox News in early February he gave little away, saying: 'We'll cross that political bridge when we come to it.

'We'll see what happens come 2028. But the way that I think about this is, the best thing for my future is actually the best thing for the American people, which is that we do a really good job over the next three and a half years.'

Newsom has also been questioned on the possibility of running as the Democratic candidate.

Speaking with the Wall Street Journal last month, he told the outlet: 'Im not thinking about running, but its a path that I could see unfold.'

He added that it was too early to make a decision and would wait to see if the moment felt right, the outlet added.

In a Daily Mail poll earlier this year, Trump came out on top against all of his Republican rivals in a hypothetical 2028 primary race.

Republican respondents were told to presume that Trump's Constitutional hurdles of getting on the ballot again had been cleared to see if there was an appetite for a third Trump time.

Newsom has also been questioned on the possibility of running as the Democratic candidate

Others close by the top three frontrunners included Pete Buttigieg with eight percent, and Marco Rubio, seen here, with a six percent chance

A whopping 39 percent said Trump would be their first choice, followed by 19 percent who selected Vice President.

After that, failed 2024 candidates, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley garnered 6 percent and 4 percent support, respectively.

Without Trump in the equation, Vance dominates the 2028 GOP primary, the new polling found.

Forty-eight percent of Republicans chose Vance to be the GOP nominee, followed by just 8 percent who selected DeSantis.

Trump is barred from running again due to the 22nd Amendment in the U.S. Constitution.

Republicans could try and amend the Constitution again to allow presidents to serve more than two terms, as one pro-MAGA congressman has suggested - but there's an extremely high bar to do such a thing.

The amendment would need to be proposed by either two-third of both houses of Congress or by a national convention called by two-third of the states.

And then the proposal would need to be ratified by three-fourths of the states - either by their legislatures or by special conventions.
Vanessa Feltz has revealed a female stranger came to her rescue after a pro-Palestinian protester chased her through the street, abusing her over a loudhailer just because she is Jewish.

The broadcaster said the 'white man' tried to whip up fellow protesters after spotting her heading home from work and screamed 'fascist Zionist scum' at her over his speaker.

Feltz, 63, feared she was set to become the victim of a mob until the stranger intervened and told her to run for the Tube.

She revealed the frightening recent incident for the first time as she discussed Diane Abbott's claims that Jewish people don't suffer the same racism as black people.

The veteran MP was suspended from Labour again last week after defending her previous comments about racism, which had led to a year-long suspension.

She apologised at the time and was readmitted back into the party before the 2024 General Election, but she doubled down on her claim Jewish people experience racism differently to black people in a recent new letter.

Speaking on her LBC show yesterday, Ms Feltz said: 'I'll just tell you what happened to me not long ago. Very often when I arrive here at Global, which is in Leicester Square, my arrival coincides with, as I walk along Piccadilly, one of the pro-Palestinian or pro-Gazan marches.

'But there was no march that week and when I came out of the building at six o'clock when the show was finished, there was a protest going on in Piccadilly.

Vanessa Feltz, 63, has revealed a female stranger came to her rescue after a pro-Palestinian protester chased her through the street, abusing her over a loudhailer just because she is Jewish

Pro-Palestinian supporters marched with placards and umbrellas in the rain in central London on Saturday

Feltz revealed the frightening recent incident for the first time as she discussed Diane Abbott's claims that Jewish people don't suffer the same racism as black people

'I was walking to get to the Tube station when suddenly I heard very, very loudly, 'Vanessa Feltz, Vanessa Feltz, fascist Zionist scum'.

'I wheeled round and there was a guy, he looked like a white guy to me, not that I know what his origin was, and he was chasing me, screaming into a megaphone and chasing me shouting 'fascist, Zionist scum'.

'I'm a grandma, I'm 63 years old, I've never been an athlete, I was wearing wedge shoes and carrying a handbag, and I thought, 'Oh my God, I can't run and if he catches me what will you do to me, is he going to beat me up?'

'And also, 'are other people going to join him, what's going to happen to me?'

She recalled how at that point a woman came to her aid and stood between Ms Feltz and the man, shouting at her to run.

Ms Feltz told listeners: 'She said, 'Go on Vanessa, you run'  not that I can run. But anyway I sort of waddled off in the other direction. I heard from her afterwards on Instagram  she just DM'ed me, 'Are you ok?'

Ms Feltz was speaking to Michael Bankole, politics lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London, whose research looks at racism and political representation.

She added: 'I'm only saying it because that's what I was called in the street.

'So obviously it wasn't because of the colour of my skin but it was because I'm known to be Jewish.'
The heartbroken wife of a Long Island man who was tragically killed after being pulled into an MRI machine is blaming the imaging technician for his death.

Keith McAllister, 61, was critically injured Wednesday afternoon at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury after being violently drawn into the machine by the metal necklace he was wearing.

He later died from his injuries, according to Nassau County police.

His wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, had just completed an MRI on her knee and asked a technician to bring her husband in to help her off the table.

When McAllister entered the room - still wearing the 20-pound metal chain his wife said he 'used for weight training' - the machine's powerful magnetic force suddenly pulled him in.

'I saw him walk toward the table and then the machine just snatched him,' Jones-McAllister recalled to News 12 Long Island.

'He went limp in my arms - and this is still pulsating in my brain.'

She alleged that the technician allowed her husband into the room despite the visible chain, which had been worn on previous visits to the same facility.

'That was not the first time that guy had seen that chain. They'd had a conversation about it before,' she said.

Keith McAllister, 61, was critically injured Wednesday afternoon at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury after being violently drawn into the machine by the metal necklace he was wearing

His wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister (left), had just completed an MRI on her knee and asked a technician to bring her husband in to help her off the table

The 61-year-old died from his injuries on Thursday following the freak accident at Nassau County Open MRI in Westbury (pictured) on Wednesday

After the incident, McAllister suffered multiple heart attacks and later died from his injuries, she said.

McAllister's stepdaughter, Samantha Bodden, echoed her mother's sentiment, blaming the technician for her stepfather's premature death.

'While my mother was laying on the table, the technician left the room to get her husband to help her off the table. He forgot to inform him to take the chain he was wearing from around his neck off when the magnet sucked him in,' Bodden wrote on Facebook Friday.

She also pushed back against claims reported by 'several news stations' that McAllister was not authorized to be in the room.

'Several news stations are saying he wasn't authorized to be in the room, when in fact he was because the technician went and brought him into the room,' she wrote on a GoFundMe page organized to help cover burial expenses.

According to a release from the Nassau County Police Department, McAllister entered the MRI room while a scan was still underway when the machine's strong magnetic force pulled him in by the metallic chain around his neck.

Jones-McAllister told News 12 that she had called out to her husband after asking the technician to get him.

Jones-McAllister alleged that the technician allowed her husband into the room despite the visible chain, which had been worn on previous visits to the same facility

When McAllister entered the room - still wearing the 20-pound metal chain his wife said he 'used for weight training' - the machine's powerful magnetic force suddenly pulled him in

McAllister's stepdaughter, Samantha Bodden, echoed her mother's sentiment, blaming the technician for her stepfather's premature death

She said the technician summoned him into the room, despite his wearing the heavy chain - an item they had even joked about on a previous visit, saying things like: 'Ooooooh, that's a big chain!'

When he got close to her, she said, 'at that instant, the machine switched him around, pulled him in, and he hit the MRI.'

'I said: "Could you turn off the machine, call 911, do something - turn this damn thing off!"' she recalled, as tears ran down her face. 'He went limp in my arms.'

She added that the technician tried to help her pull McAllister off the machine, but it was impossible.

'My mother and the tech tried for several minutes to release him before the police were called. He was attached to the machine for almost an hour before they could release the chain' Bodden added in the somber Facebook entry.
Bill Clinton wrote a 'warm and gushing' letter which was included in Jeffrey Epstein's infamous 50th 'birthday book', The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The former US president was one of hundreds who contributed to a heavy leather-bound, gold-embossed album of letters that Epstein's ex-lover Ghislaine Maxwell took more than a year to compile leading up to the landmark date.

Mr Clinton's letter is one page and is embossed with: 'From the desk of William Jefferson Clinton' at the top.

Donald Trump is now suing The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) for $10billion (7.46billion) for a story published last week alleging his contribution to the book was a 'sexually suggestive' and 'bawdy' letter to Epstein, framed by the outline of a naked woman with Mr Trump's signature mimicking pubic hair.

Mr Trump has branded the letter a 'fake', saying: 'I don't draw pictures of women. It's not my language, it's not my words.'

Mr Trump has said he parted ways with Epstein before allegations against him became public in 2006.

The Mail on Sunday has learned Maxwell, currently serving 20 years in jail on child sex trafficking charges, began asking Epstein's friends for contributions to the birthday book at the end of 2001.

It was presented to Epstein, who was later convicted of being a paedophile, on his 50th birthday, on January 20, 2003.

Bill Clinton wrote a 'warm and gushing' letter which was included in Jeffrey Epstein's infamous 50th 'birthday book', The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Pictured: Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein in 1993 at an event for donors to the White House Historical Association

Donald Trump (pictured this week) is now suing The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) for $10billion (7.46billion) for a story published last week alleging his contribution to the book was a 'sexually suggestive' and 'bawdy' letter to Epstein

Mr Clinton was one of hundreds who contributed to a heavy leather-bound, gold-embossed album of letters that Epstein's ex-lover Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured, with Epstein) took more than a year to compile leading up to the landmark date

Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson  both friends of Epstein at that time  are also believed to have contributed letters to the book alongside Mr Clinton, who regularly flew in Epstein's private jet, dubbed 'the Lolita Express'.

Last night, a source said: 'Ghislaine asked everyone they knew and that included presidents, princes and kings.

'Bill Clinton wrote a warm and gushing letter. It was one page and profuse in its admiration for Jeffrey.'

The MoS has been told Epstein's close friend, Harvard scholar Henry Rosovsky, former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson and computer pioneer Marvin Minsky also all contributed letters.

The WSJ claimed Epstein's lawyer Alan Dershowitz wrote a letter but he has yet to comment about the claim.

The whereabouts of the original book is not known.

It is thought to have been seized during one of the raids on Epstein's homes in Florida and New York, where Maxwell kept 'dozens of albums' filled with pictures of their trips together including holidays to visit Prince Andrew at Balmoral, Buckingham Palace and Windsor.

She would have huge leather-bound albums made up after every trip, often with blue leather covers.

Last night, a source said: 'Ghislaine asked everyone they knew and that included presidents, princes and kings. Bill Clinton wrote a warm and gushing letter'. Pictured: Mr Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in August last year

Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (pictured in 1986)  both friends of Epstein at that time  are also believed to have contributed letters to the book

The letters are believed to have been included in more than 100,000 pages of evidence recently reviewed by 1,000 FBI agents working in 24-hour shifts.

It is believed the letters were copied by investigators and entered into evidence as facsimiles around the time the book was seized.

A source claimed the WSJ's story was based on a 'poor facsimile' copy of the alleged Trump letter and said: 'The book is now sitting in a storage facility somewhere, if it still exists.

'What was in the evidence pile were poor-quality copies of single pages, not a copy of the whole book.'

Mr Trump has found himself embroiled in a row over Epstein with his loyal MAGA base.

He had vowed 'full and complete transparency', saying he would release the Epstein files, but his Attorney General Pam Bondi caused outrage earlier this month when she released a statement claiming there was no 'client list' and that no further information would be released, sparking claims of a cover-up.

On Friday, Ms Bondi backtracked and filed court documents seeking the release of Grand Jury testimony in both the Maxwell and Epstein cases.

Epstein died in jail in 2019 as he awaited trial on child sex trafficking charges.

Epstein (pictured in a photo taken for the sex offender registry in 2017) died in jail in 2019 as he awaited trial on child sex trafficking charges

Virginia Giuffre (centre, with Prince Andrew, left, and Ghislaine Maxwell, right) accused Epstein of trafficking her three times to Andrew for sex, twice when she was just 17 and under age

His death was officially ruled a suicide but Maxwell's brother Ian told the Mail yesterday he believed the billionaire was murdered.

His sister is currently seeking an appeal in the Supreme Court.

Sources say it is unlikely that Prince Andrew will be mentioned in either tranche of documents.

Virginia Giuffre accused Epstein of trafficking her three times to Andrew for sex, twice when she was just 17 and under age.

Andrew vehemently and consistently denied the charges and later settled a 12 million civil suit with no admission of guilt.

The FBI has closed the investigation into Andrew and a source close to the probe said: 'The timelines of the cases are not when Andrew would have been around.'

Mr Clinton was approached for comment.
Defence Secretary John Healey was briefed in April about the likely outcome of the Ministry of Defence's review into the Afghan airlift  three months before the super-injunction was lifted, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The judge has expressed 'concern' over the MoD's sluggish pace in bringing its review to court.

The Mail fought for two years in secret courts to reveal the Government's covert airlift of thousands of Afghans after it put 100,000 'at risk of death' by leaking a database of those who had applied for UK sanctuary.

During the news blackout, last October ministers signed off a 7billion plan while parliamentary scrutiny was 'in the deep freeze'.

After the draconian court order was finally lifted last Tuesday, Mr Healey told the Commons: 'I have felt deeply concerned about the lack of transparency to Parliament and the public.'

He said he had commissioned an internal review by civil servant Paul Rimmer at the beginning of the year, to test whether the threat to Afghans was still as bad. The review was handed to Mr Justice Chamberlain at the end of June.

But The Mail on Sunday understands from informed sources that Mr Rimmer was giving the Defence Secretary regular updates and that, by April, Mr Healey was aware of his report's likely conclusions  that the threat assessment had changed meaning there was no longer any justification for keeping everything a secret.

After he finally got his copy, Mr Justice Chamberlain told the court: 'There are things which will have to be investigated out of the report.

Defence Secretary John Healey (above) was briefed in April about the likely outcome of the Ministry of Defence's review into the Afghan airlift  three months before the super-injunction was lifted, The Mail on Sunday can reveal

Mr Healey said he had commissioned an internal review by civil servant Paul Rimmer at the beginning of the year, to test whether the threat to Afghans was still as bad. The review was handed to Mr Justice Chamberlain (above) at the end of June

'Further steps are going to have to be taken to discover why some of the details contained in that report were not made known before now.'

In his final ruling at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, the judge said Mr Rimmer's assessments were 'very different from those on which the super-injunction was sought and granted'.

Journalists, including from the Mail, warned in private court hearings that Parliament's summer recess was fast approaching, and the judge brought forward the lifting of the injunction.

When he first tried to lift the super-injunction, in May last year, Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled that the 'continued stifling of public debate' was not justified.

The MoD  then run by Grant Shapps  responded by hiring one of Britain's most expensive KCs, Sir James Eadie, to overturn the judge's decision.

In his final ruling at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, the judge said Mr Rimmer's assessments were 'very different from those on which the super-injunction was sought and granted'

After the scandal was made public, Mr Healey was asked on Sky News why everything was kept secret for so long.

He replied: 'The super-injunction was a matter for the court.'

Last week, Downing Street defended Mr Healey. No 10 said his statement to the Commons on Tuesday, in which he said that 'to the best of my knowledge' no serving Armed Forces personnel were put at risk by the breach, was 'accurate'.

But it was reported days later that MI6 spies and members of the SAS were among those named.

The MoD was asked to comment on Mr Healey finding out about the likely conclusions of the report.
She was the late Queen's closest confidante and she likely knew how the monarch really felt about everyone she met.

Lady Elizabeth Anson, a great-niece of the Queen Mother and a goddaughter of King George VI, would speak to the Queen every week on the telephone and details from these chats have recently revealed by journalist and royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith on her Substack Royal Extras.

According to another royal insider, she was more than happy to make her feelings about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle known.

Writing in her royal biography, My Mother And I, Ingrid Seward said that Elizabeth told her cousin that she was happy that Harry had found someone he loved but revealed how the Prince put her in an awkward position.

Seward wrote that the Queen had told Liza, as Lady Anson was known, she was 'pleased that her grandson had found a woman to love who appeared to be able to return his intense passions'.

Elizabeth was still somewhat blindsided when Harry asked for permission to marry Meghan without his father or Prince Philip present.

'Neither Charles nor Prince Philip was present when, in the middle of a windswept Norfolk field, Harry asked his grandmother for permission to marry Meghan,' Seward wrote.

The Queen gave a 'cryptic' reply, saying: '"Well then, I suppose I have to say yes".'

Seward claims that Harry was 'floored' by her answer but soon realised his grandmother had given him permission.

Queen Elizabeth II told Lady Anson she was 'pleased that her grandson had found a woman to love who appeared to be able to return his intense passions'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day. The Queen was allegedly dismayed that Harry had asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the wedding service in St Georges Chapel without first requesting permission from the Dean of Windsor

Harry kisses his grandmother on the cheek. Elizabeth was still somewhat blindsided when he asked for permission to marry Meghan without his father or Prince Philip present

Despite the Queen's somewhat lukewarm response to Harry's request, by all accounts the Queen had liked Meghan upon their first meeting.

However, not everyone was so supportive of the nuptials. According to journalist and royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, writing on her Substack Royal Extras, Liza was not convinced that Meghan was in love with Harry and warned that she 'could turn into nothing but trouble'.

Smith revealed this week that Liza allegedly said just days before Meghan and Harry walked down the aisle: 'We hope but dont quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all.'

She also warned: 'Its worrying that so many people are questioning whether Meghan is right for Harry. The problem, bless his heart, is that Harry is neither bright nor strong, and she is both'.

Meghan is clearly brighter than Harry, but she has to be careful not to overshadow him,' she added.

During Harry and Meghan's wedding, the Queen reportedly made her feelings about Meghan's dress known, according to Ingrid Seward.

The royal biographer wrote: 'The Queen never voiced her true opinions except to her close confidants, such as Lady Elizabeth Anson.

'She told me that the Queen had made only one remark about Meghan and Harry's wedding and that was that Meghan's Givenchy wedding gown was "too white".'

Lady Anson (pictured), a great-niece of the Queen Mother and a goddaughter of King George VI , would speak to the Queen every week on the telephone

The Queen and Meghan on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 2018. By all accounts the Queen had liked Meghan upon their first meeting

Harry and Meghan leaving St George's Chapel as husband and wife. The Queen told Liza that Meghan's dress was 'too white' for a divorcee

'In the monarch's view, it was not appropriate for a divorcee getting remarried in church to look quite so flamboyantly virginal,' Seward added.

Meghan had previously been married to Hollywood film producer Trevor Engelson between 2011 and 2014.

Traditionally, divorcee brides are expected to opt for a colour other than white.

Born in Windsor Castle, Lady Anson was a high-society party planner.

The Queen's cousin, who arranged her 80th birthday party, allegedly said just days before Meghan and Harry's wedding: 'We hope but dont quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all.'

Meghan was apparently 'full of charm' and appeared 'natural, intelligent and thoughtful' after she became engaged to Harry in 2017. But as the wedding approached, Meghan allegedly became increasingly 'bossy' and Liza said the Queen was privately 'very worried'.

Smith wrote: 'When we spoke two weeks before the May 19 wedding, Liza had just heard from the Queen. The Number One Lady - I call her Jemima - says the jury is out on whether she likes Meghan, said Liza. My Jemima is very worried.'

Lady Anson is said to have added: 'Harry is besotted and weak about women'.

Born in Windsor Castle, Lady Anson was a high-society party planner

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a carriage procession after their wedding ceremony

The cracks apparently appeared in February 2018. Lady Anson claimed Harry wrote to her and said that his grandmother was 'content' with the way the wedding plans were coming along.

Smith wrote that Lady Anson had said: 'When I spoke with the Queen, she said she is not at all content'.

Smith wrote: 'According to Liza, the Queen was dismayed that Harry had asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the wedding service in St Georges Chapel without first requesting permission from the Dean of Windsor.

Harry seems to think the Queen can do what she wants, but she cant, said Liza. On the religious side, it is the Dean of Windsors jurisdiction. As a result, Liza said that Harry has blown his relationship with his grandmother. She said she was really upset. I was shocked when the Queen told me this, how she was so saddened. I had no idea about the conversation, that he was rude to her for ten minutes. They had tea with her the day before yesterday. She was trying to find out about the wedding dress, and Meghan wouldnt tell her.'

Lady Anson, at this point, predicted that Meghan could 'turn into nothing but trouble', remarking that the Suits actress 'sees things in a different way'.

Lady Anson, pictured with Queen Elizabeth II, was not convinced that Meghan was in love with Harry and warned that she 'could turn into nothing but trouble'

Following these February rows, towards the end of April Lady Anson claimed that 'the Queen and Harry have patched things up'.

Harry apparently visited her alone to smooth things over and later wrote to her with more wedding details.

Smith wrote: 'Liza also said that Meghans father, Thomas Markle, was frightened of coming to the wedding". I asked her if Meghan was being bossy. So I gather, Liza replied. Very much so."'
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The Princess of Wales is celebrated for her elegant style, and over the years, she's honed a polished look that often blends designer pieces with accessible high street finds.

Favourite brands such as Boden and LK Bennett are among her wardrobe staples - and many are offering impressive summer sales, making it the perfect opportunity to channel Kate's look for less.

From exact matches to Kate-inspired pieces, scroll on to shop the best royal-approved sales now.

John Lewis

The John Lewis sale includes Castaner wedges - Kate's signature summer shoe - in several styles.

You'll also find a selection of beautiful Brora blouses, a brand Kate is known to favour. One standout, featuring delicate lace panelling, would make a timeless addition to any collection. But be quick, the sale ends this Sunday!

Boden

Kate's beloved scallop neck sweater from Boden is currently 45% off. Available in four gorgeous hues - rich emerald, classic camel, strawberry red and warm ivory - there's a shade for every occasion.

I've also picked out the Holly knitted jacket, which oozes designer charm thanks to its contrast trim. It's a versatile piece that is perfect for layering on cooler days.

Reiss

For a sophisticated wardrobe update, Reiss has an eye-catching pink suit reminiscent of Kate's iconic Alexander McQueen tailoring.

Elsewhere, a double-breasted houndstooth blazer resembles one Kate wore for a recent royal engagement.

Monica Vinader

Kate's much-worn pearl necklace from Monica Vinader is discounted for a limited time, offering a rare chance to snap up a royal favourite at a reduced price.

Jigsaw

Jigsaw is offering a classic Breton jumper - another royal style staple - at half price.

It would effortlessly pair with the Delmont Cropped Jeans, which mirror the streamlined silhouette Kate prefers for off-duty outings.

Aspinal of London

Aspinal of London, another royal favourite, is offering up to 30% off a selection of accessories.

I particularly love the ivory boucle Lottie bag - it's a flawless choice for summer occasions and would elevate any outfit.

Whistles

Kate's wardrobe often features elevated basics, similar to Whistles' khaki trousers and classic denim shirt.

Style them together for a daytime look or dress them up with heels and statement jewellery for an easy summer ensemble.

Hobbs

Hobbs is a go-to for occasionwear, and I've fallen for the Claudine floral dress - with its satin fabric and soft pastel blue hue, it's right up Kate's street.

Another sale standout is the Deanery shirt dress, featuring a flattering A-line skirt, belted waist and an eye-catching print that feels very in line with the Princess of Wales' style.

Ghost

Kate frequently opts for black wide-leg trousers, and this pair from Ghost - now reduced to just 60 - channels her timeless style perfectly.

The Sasha skirt also mirrors a shape she favours, with godet inserts that create fluid movement as you walk.
The trial of aristocrat Constance Marten  convicted this week alongside her lover, rapist Mark Gordon, of killing their baby daughter, Victoria  has inevitably inspired painstaking investigation into how a woman born to such privilege could choose to act in such a morally bankrupt manner.

A possible clue to her character has been hiding  if not quite in plain sight  in the pages of Lady In Waiting, the bestselling memoir by Anne Glenconner.

The book contained a vivid and, in retrospect, troubling insight into Constance Martens grandmother, Mary Anna Marten, a friend of the late Queen.

When they were in their mid-70s, Mary Anna  a remarkable and substantial figure  and Lady Anne became frequent travelling companions. She would ring out of the blue and ask if I wanted to go on holiday, wrote Anne, recalling that the strangest trip they ever took was to Russia.

Only when en route did Mary Anna confide she had an ulterior motive. She explained that one of her five daughters had inadvertently married someone who  Mary Anna was convinced  was a Russian spy.

Able to speak a bit of Russian, Mary Anna had arranged to talk to a man in Moscow about getting rid of him. Their rendezvous was to be in a park. When the time came, Anne sat on another bench a little way distant from Mary Anna and a shifty-looking man, wondering whether we would be arrested.

When she came back, I said: Well, what happened? Have you hired a hit man? Mary Anna replied: Actually, I dont think its going to work quite as I hoped. There are one or two difficulties. 

Anne was unbelievably relieved and even more relieved when we left Moscow altogether.

All five of Mary Annas daughters married  Charlotte, the second of them, to Alexander Mosley, the elder of Sir Oswald Mosleys sons by his second wife, Diana Mitford. But Mary Anna, who died in 2010, seemingly gave no clue as to which of her sons-in-law she was so blithely considering sending to an early grave.

The future Elizabeth II and Mary Anna (right)

Gemma's hoping for crazy rich skincare

This is one job Gemma Chan couldnt easily turn down . . .

The Crazy Rich Asians star has become the face of her sister Helen Borns 200-a-bottle skincare range, Sapphire Dust, which uses particles of the gemstone to give a youthful glow. Gemma, 42, pictured far right with Helen, calls the brands skin activator a game-changer.

Made by Dr Dayal Mukherjee, the solution promises Botox-like properties by combining sapphire particles to polish the skin, triggering cell renewal from within.

Gemma Chan (right) and sister Helen Born attend the Sapphire Dust Skincare lunch

Keep it to yourself, but...

A celebrated dame and national treasure is a regular user of ketamine, the destructive narcotic known as Ket.

How star photographer Hugo's Big Day was saved

He was awarded a Royal Warrant after taking the official photographs of King Charless

second wedding in 2005, then Prince William and Catherines six years later.

But Hugo Burnand was not amused by the photos from his own big day.

I was in charge of the photography, getting it organised, and I didnt get it organised, admits Hugo, who married Louisa Hallifax, daughter of the late Admiral Sir David Hallifax.

A very good portrait photographer was asked last minute to come and take some wedding photographs. I dont think hed done many weddings and it was a sort of disaster, to the extent that my wife cried, and not for the right reasons, when we got the pictures.

That was a bit disappointing, he adds on his entertaining new podcast Double Exposure, which he co-hosts with celebrity portrait photographer Cambridge Jones. Old Etonian Hugo says his stepmother, Ursy, saved the day by insisting: Im doing the formal [wedding photos].

Hugo and Louisa, who have four children together, have since separated but remain close friends.

Has Andrew's pal Hofit landed a royal catch?

Prince Andrews friend Hofit Golan is enjoying a secret royal romance.

Asked this week about her relationship status, the Israeli model tells me: Well, who says I dont have a nice gentleman? A certain royal one, too. Hofit, 39, refused to name her suitor at the Knights of Charity Gala, which was sponsored by ULYSSIA at the Chateau de la Croix des Gardes in Cannes.

She explains: Sometimes Press is not the best thing for a relationship. It will last longer.

Hofit Golan dressed to dazzle at the gala in Cannes

Graham's cash snatch

Some 25 years after appearing in the Guy Ritchie classic Snatch, Stephen Graham has really got his hands in the till. Accounts at Companies House disclose that Graham  star and co-writer of Adolescence, Netflixs most watched series of 2025  tucked away a 3.5million profit from his two companies last year, 2.6million of it in Gralf Ltd, and the rest in Matriarch Productions. The 51-year-old, from Kirkby in Merseyside, plays Bruce Springsteens father in Deliver Me from Nowhere and stars in the Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, due out later this year. Kerching!

Bella's super swimwear modelling makes a splash

PHONES4U founder John Caudwell praised his new daughter-in-law, Isabella, for the love, support and happiness she brought to his son, Jacobi, 21, during their lavish wedding this year in Juan-les-Pins, France.

And the new Mrs Caudwell is clearly keen to make a lasting impression beyond her in-laws.

I hear that Bella, as shes known to chums, has been modelling bikinis as part of Super Swim Week at the W hotel in Hollywood.

And shes won the approval of her mother-in-law, Claire Johnson, who was once a model herself.

Adore them, Claire says of the newlyweds.

Isabella Caudwell posing in a bikini on Instagram

A touching moment the other day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea during the funeral of one of the residents. As the coffin was being carried out of the chapel, the uniformed Chelsea pensioners broke into a soft chorus of the Dads Army theme tune, Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr. Hitler?. It was originally performed by Bud Flanagan for the show.

The House of Lords heard that the US Embassy owes a total of 15 million in traffic fines. This led Labours Lord Brennan to propose that President Donald Trumps motorcade should be asked to pay the congestion charge and parking fees when it rolls into London for a state visit in September.

But Conservative peer Lord Callanan dreaded to think what might happen to the poor parking warden having to put a ticket on President Trumps limousine.

Fergie on 'brave' King

Sarah, Duchess of York, has hailed the bravery of King Charles and the Princess of Wales in the way they have dealt with their respective cancer battles.

She was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2024, the same year the King was treated for cancer and Catherine received preventative chemotherapy. Theyve pushed through and deserve an enormous star of courage, she tells me at the Knights of Charity Gala in Cannes. The recognition shouldnt just be for royals, but everyone battling this disease.

Fergie, 65, was also diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2023 and still has a hard time finding suitable outfits after undergoing a single mastectomy.

You have to have the pins in the right place... and I always forget that, she says.

The Duchess of York in France

Zoe Ball, who bought the house next door to ex-husband Norman Cook, is embroiled in a turf war.

Ive got this gang of foxes, cats and squirrels that basically s*** in all the borders, the Radio 2 presenter groans. Zoe, 54, who sold her 2million Sussex country home last year to relocate to a townhouse in Brighton and Hove, tried to outwit them with lemon, thyme and mulch, but this backfired. The squirrels are now digging up their monkey nuts and the bulbs they nicked off me . . . this is warfare. Im going to sit at dawn with a pop gun under a blanket aiming at them.

Theyre bold. They come up to me like a little gang of s****y squirrels. Perhaps Cook, aka DJ Fatboy Slim, has tips for managing unruly party animals?
It is a truly English creation  a meal eaten all over the country, said to 'start the day like no other'.

Commonly consisting of bacon, sausage, eggs and toast, the full English breakfast dates back to the Victorian era.

And there's no doubt it is as iconic a meal in English cuisine as roast beef or fish & chips.

What's more up for debate, however, is the exact combination of components that make the perfect full English.

Now, MailOnline has spoken to scientists to settle the controversy once and for all.

The experts have devised the formula for the perfect fryup  including whether ketchup or brown sauce makes the ideal accompaniment.

In addition, the scientists have revealed the best way to arrange the elements on your plate for optimal enjoyment.

As suggested by Steve Coogan's comic character in 'I'm Alan Partridge', they confirm that sausages can be used as a 'breakwater' between the egg and the beans so that they don't mix.

Originating in the Victoria era as the breakfast of the wealthy, few dishes divide opinion like the full English breakfast (file photo)

Scientists have devised the formula for the perfect fryup  including whether ketchup or brown sauce makes the ideal accompaniment

Dr Nutsuda Sumonsiri, a lecturer in food science and technology at Teesside University, called the full English a 'muchloved tradition'.

'Its enduring appeal lies in its careful balance of taste, texture, and nutritional content,' she told MailOnline.

According to the academic, a perfect full English breakfast balances all five of the basic tastes  sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami.

She claims it needs eggs (which she calls the 'centerpiece') with grilled tomato, mushrooms, toast and a helping of meat  either sausage or bacon, if not both.

'Saltiness comes from the bacon and sausages, sweetness from the beans and tomatoes, sourness from grilled tomatoes or sauces, bitterness from charred or toasted elements, and umami from mushrooms, eggs, and cured meats,' she said.

'This multilayered flavour profile enhances both palatability and satisfaction.'

Meanwhile, additional elements such as black pudding and hash browns are 'discretionary and more regional', she said.

Part of what makes the full English so satisfying is the Maillard reaction  a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs under heat.

Pictured, a 1957 British advertisement for Heinz Baked Beans using a fryup as a sales tactic

An iconic export: An establishment in Majorca, Spain advertises an English breakfast with the essential elements  egg, sausage, bacon, beans, tomato and toast

Ketchup or brown sauce? According to the experts, tomato ketchup is a preferable accompaniment for a fryup than brown sauce. This is partly due to its greater sweetness and the 'vibrancy' of red ketchup being 'more visually appealing,' Professor Spence told MailOnline. Dr Sumonsiri agreed that ketchup is sweeter and more acidic, so works well with eggs and potatoes. However, she added that brown sauce's spices and malt vinegar complement the savoury richness of meats. Advertisement

Dr Sumonsiri said this reaction, which occurs in various different fryup elements, 'creates hundreds of complex flavour and aroma compounds'.

'It is responsible for the rich browning and deep savoury notes in the sausages, bacon, toast, and fried eggs,' she told MailOnline.

Charles Spence, professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University, agrees grilled tomato and mushrooms are essential for that 'double umami hit', along with eggs and bacon  'preferably a bit crispy'.

Professor Spence, who used to cook 36 full English breakfasts every day when working at his parents B&B in Leeds 30 years ago, also recommends two elements that are sadly 'going out of fashion'  fried bread and black pudding.

In terms of condiments, it's bad news for brown sauce fans.

Tomato ketchup is a preferable accompaniment for a fryup than brown sauce, partly due to its greater sweetness and the 'vibrancy' of red ketchup being 'more visually appealing,' Professor Spence told MailOnline.

Dr Sumonsiri said ketchup, being sweeter and more acidic, works well with eggs and potatoes, but brown sauce's spices and malt vinegar complement the savoury richness of meats.

Even if it is consumed with less regularity than at its peak in the 1950s, the Full English is still a highly popular dish (1954 file photo)

In Isabella Beeton's Book of Household Management, a classic Victorian text from 1861, a breakfast of 'fried ham and eggs' is mentioned

Full English Breakfast ingredients, ranked Bacon Meat sausage Toast Beans Fried egg Hash brown Fried mushrooms Fried bread Grilled tomato Grilled mushroom Black pudding Scrambled egg Poached egg Fried tomato Tinned tomatoes Sauteed potatoes Chips Vegetarian sausage Pancakes Boiled egg White pudding Items ranked from most to least important Source: YouGov (2017) Advertisement

Almost as hotlycontested is how the elements of a full English should be positioned on the plate, which if done right can help 'maintain textural integrity'.

Dr Sumonsiri recommends the toast or fried bread to be placed away from moisture-rich components like tomatoes and beans to prevent sogginess, while eggs should be placed on top of the toast on the other side of the plate, so that the bread can 'absorb yolk runoff'.

Although individual components of a 'fryup' have a long history, the full English originated in the Victoria era as the breakfast of the wealthy  although some sources state even earlier.

In Isabella Beeton's Book of Household Management, a classic Victorian text from 1861, a breakfast of 'fried ham and eggs' is mentioned.

Professor Rebecca Earle, a food historian at the University of Warwick, thinks the term 'full English breakfast' started to appear in the 1920s.

'A reference from 1928 refers to a "full English breakfast" of ham or bacon, and eggs, which the British Legion promised would be served to people who went on a tour of WWI battlefield sites that they were organising,' she told MailOnline.

'In 1939, one hotel advertised that guests could "enjoy a full English breakfast at Vane Court  eggs and bacon, marmalade and toast".

'So we don't see any of the "extras"  mushrooms, baked beans, fried bread, a grilled tomato  that we might now consider markers of a full English breakfast.'

In 2017, YouGov asked 1,400 English people: 'Which, if any, of the following food items would you want as part of your ideal 'Full English' breakfast?' Bacon was cited by 89 per cent, more than any other item

'Of course people were eating breakfasts long before 1928  and might have been eating a fried egg with bacon, grilled mushrooms, a sausage, toast, jam  but it was not routinely labelled a "full English breakfast".'

The hearty dish became more and more popular until its peak in the 1950s, at which point roughly half of British people consumed a cooked breakfast.

Despite health concerns regrading several of its ingredients, the fryup is still popular today  but fierce debate remains over what should and shouldn't be included on the plate.

According to 2017 research by YouGov, bacon is considered the most important element of a Full English breakfast, followed by sausage and toast.

When polled, 89 per cent of 1,400 English people said bacon would feature on the plate for their ideal Full English, followed by 82 per cent for sausage and 73 per cent for toast.

Less important elements were fried egg (named by 65 per cent), hash brown (60 per cent), fried mushrooms (48 per cent), fried bread (47 per cent), black pudding (35 per cent) and fried tomato (23 per cent).

Other more controversial additions to the plate were tinned tomatoes (21 per cent), chips (nine per cent), pancakes (six per cent) and boiled egg (six per cent).

Bubble and squeak, meanwhile, did not get a mention.

Speaking to Rick Stein during his BBC series last year, broadcaster and travel writer Stuart Maconie called the hash brown an 'American incursion' into the Full English breakfast, often coming at the expense of bubble and squeak.

The cooked tomato, meanwhile, is often 'a bag of boiling hot water that clings to the roof of your mouth', Maconie added.

He also praised the full Scottish breakfast, which usually includes haggis, square sausage and Tattie scones, made with potatoes, flour and butter.

The other British variation, the full Welsh breakfast, has cockles and laverbread, a traditional delicacy made from seaweed.
Henry Cavill has revealed that the child he and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso welcomed in January 2025, is a girl.

Until now he had chosen not to reveal the baby's gender although her name still remains undisclosed.

The British actor, 42, went on to share some rare comments about fatherhood and his daily life.

Speaking out: Henry Cavill has been talking about his child and family life

He revealed the gender to GQ when he opened up about managing his time and settling into their 'forever home'.

When asked by the publication what was the most important time of his life, he said: 'My daughter being born, and the five of us settling into our forever home.'

'Daily routine is not a luxury that I am afforded, but traveling to far flung places and the opportunity to be storytelling at the level that I am makes up for all of it', he later added.

n June last year, Natalie broke her silence on her pregnancy and said she can't wait to be a mum in a post on social media.

Mom and dad: The British actor and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso have taken to family life

Henry and Natalie announced they were expecting their first child together back in April last year.

Natalie shared a post to her Instagram as she looked forward to the 'next phase of life'.

She wore a denim jacket that said 'mama' in red letters on the back as she looked back at the camera.

She wrote in the caption: 'So very excited for this next phase of life - becoming a mama! I do hope this kid loves horror movies as much as I do, one day. #hellodarkness.'

Henry had earlier asked fans for some parenting 'tips' in a Father's Day post last year.

The actor took to Instagram of Father's Day as he asked for some parenting 'tips' ahead of becoming a dad for the first time.

Henry lay beside a baby cot as he wrote: 'Oh yeah.....and Happy Father's Day ye dads out there.

'Turns out I shall be joining your hallowed ranks soon! Any tips?? And don't worry, pillows won't be in the crib when the wee one arrives, just glue and scalpels so he or she can build Warhammer miniatures. #FathersDay'.

Looking forward: Natalie said in June that she can't wait to be a mum

During April Henry revealed that he was 'very excited' to be expecting his first child with Natalie.

The Man Of Steel actor shared the news at the premiere of The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare in New York City, admitting that he can't wait to become a dad for the first time.

Henry told Access Hollywood: 'I'm very excited about it. Natalie and I are both very excited about it. I'm sure you'll see much more of that.'

After being told that he will make a great father, Henry replied: 'Thank you.'

The Superman actor will be busy in Australia for the next few months working on Voltron.

He signed on to the film that already features Daniel Quinn-Toye, and Rawson Marshall Thurber as the director, who will be working from a screenplay he co-wrote with Ellen Shanman.

Voltron is based on the 1980s animated TV series that followed a team of space explorers who pilot a giant super robot known as Voltron, and was adapted from several Japanese anime TV series by Toei Animation.

The details of the plot are still unclear, as the cast, crew, and Amazon studio have all remained tight-lipped about how the storyline plays out.

According to Deadline, Amazon went into a bidding war with Universal and Warner Bros. in 2022 in order to secure the right to the production.

After winning the bidding war to secure the rights last August, Amazon took about three months to reveal Quinn-Toye had been cast in a lead role in early October.

The premise for Voltron centers on five young pilots in a battalion named the Robot Lions, which are vehicles that join together to form the mega-robot.
Donald Trump's sanctions ultimatum issued to Vladimir Putin earlier this week may only encourage his Russian counterpart to step up his forces' offensive on Ukraine and maximize Moscow's recent gains on the battlefield.

The U.S. President earlier this week said he was 'very unhappy' with his opposite number in the Kremlin and would slap '100 per cent tariffs' on Russia - plus secondary sanctions on its trading partners - if a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine is not reached in 50 days.

But there is little evidence to suggest that Putin and Kremlin insiders will heed Trump's warning.

Offensive: It is thought Trump's sanctions threat could only encourage Putin to step up his forces' offensive. Russian 152 mm self-propelled gun 2S5 'Giatsint-S' fires toward Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location in Ukraine

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov immediately dismissed Trump's declaration on Tuesday, remarking: 'Fifty days... it used to be 24 hours, it used to be 100 days - we've been through all of this.'

Meanwhile, sources in the Kremlin told Reuters this week that Putin intends to simply seize more Ukrainian territory and believes his nation, which has thus far survived the toughest sanctions imposed by the West, can endure further economic hardship.

'Putin thinks no one has seriously engaged with him on the details of peace in Ukraine - including the Americans - so he will continue until he gets what he wants,' one source said.

Russian analysts have said Moscow's forces will aim to bleed Ukraine dry with a strategy of 'a thousand cuts,' using drones and meat grinder assaults to relentlessly pressure many sectors of the front while increasing long-range aerial attacks against key infrastructure.

CNN, citing Ukrainian officials, reported that up to 160,000 Russian troops are massing in preparation to pile into the front, but those numbers have not been verified.

British Army veteran Shaun Pinner, who signed up to fight for Ukraine and was captured by Russian forces on the frontlines in 2023 before being released as part of a prisoner exchange, described the approach as a 'Kremlin Hail Mary'.

50 days: Putin has 50 days to bring about a ceasefire or face sanctions

Punishment: President Donald Trump said he would slap '100 per cent tariffs' on Russia - plus secondary sanctions on its trading partners - if a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine is not reached in 50 days

Since spring, Russian troops have accelerated their land gains, capturing the most territory in eastern Ukraine since the opening stages of Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022.

DeepState Map, a Ukrainian open-source live mapping service, suggests Putin's soldiers have managed to secure 546 square miles of land in the past three months.

Now, they're closing in on the eastern strongholds of Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region, methodically capturing villages near both cities to try to cut key supply routes and envelop their defenders.

Capturing those strongholds would allow Russia to push toward Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, setting the stage for the seizure of the entire Donetsk region.

If Russian troops seize those last strongholds, it would open the way for them to forge westward to the Dnipropetrovsk region. The regional capital of Dnipro, a major industrial hub of nearly one million, is about 90 miles west of Russian positions.

Putin's troops are also already in control of the entire Luhansk region, along with more than 70 per cent of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and small parts of the Kharkiv region, where they are encircling Lyman and Kupiansk.

Russia's battlefield success of late is due in part to Ukraine's manpower and ammunition shortages after more than three years of brutal war, but can also be attributed in part to a refinement of frontline tactics, specifically the use of drones.

Petro, a senior sergeant with the 38th Marine Brigade fighting near Pokrovsk, told the Kyiv Independent that his unit is experiencing a 'huge problem' with Russia's use of drones and glide bombs.

Rather than relying on tanks and armoured vehicles to grind forward as they did earlier in the war, Russian forces are increasingly deploying swarms of first-person view drones to bombard Ukrainian positions and limit the mobility of defenders.

Roman Pohorilyi, co-founder of DeepState Map, added that Shahed-type attack drones are also being used along the contact line, not just to launch attacks on infrastructure.

But groups of unfortunate foot soldiers are nonetheless forced to pile in behind them in a mad dash to overwhelm the defensive lines - a tactic Petro described as 'meat assaults in small groups'.

'Three (Russian soldiers) advance, two are killed, and one reaches the trench.'

Drone: A Ukrainian serviceman prepares a first-person view (FPV) drone to launch it toward Russian troops

Since Trump's return to the White House in January, the US and Russian leaders have shared several personal phone calls.

Trump also dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow for a diplomatic visit, and the U.S. has proposed an unconditional ceasefire - but these actions have yielded no results.

This is because there have not been any detailed discussions of the basis for a lasting peace plan - at least not one that takes into account Russian concerns, Kremlin sources told Reuters.

The Russian President has declared repeatedly that any peace deal should see Ukraine withdraw from the four regions that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022.

He also wants Ukraine to renounce its bid to join NATO and accept strict limits on its armed forces - demands Kyiv and its Western allies have rejected.

Moscow's escalating attacks on Ukraine have tested Trump's patience, and his temper boiled over earlier this week during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office.

'We are very, very unhappy with [Russia], and we're going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100 per cent,' he threatened.

'I'm disappointed in President Putin. I thought we would've had a deal two months ago,' he went on, in reference to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire that Kyiv accepted but was rejected by Moscow.

Perhaps more consequentially, Trump also threatened to levy secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian exports to discourage them from keeping funds flowing into the Kremlin's war chest.

Until now, the U.S. and its European allies have declined to impose measures that would restrict Russia from exporting its oil and gas elsewhere.

Such a move would constitute a dramatic ramping up of Western efforts to back Ukraine as it would likely see Washington and the EU target countries such as China, India and NATO member Turkey, all of whom import huge quantities of Russian energy.

In response, leading Russian propagandist Igor Korotchenko said Moscow must use the 50-day period before sanctions are imposed to win the war by dramatically increasing the intensity of attacks across the border.

Korotchenko, a former colonel-turned-military analyst and editor-in-chief of National Defence magazine, told state-TV: 'Weakening the potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' rear support system will force Ukraine to accept Russia's terms.

'It is necessary to intensify Russian strikes to the maximum extent possible. Scaling up this approach, we can achieve success.'

President: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on during a visit to a military training area to find out about the training of Ukrainian soldiers on Patriot missile systems
Kourtney Kardashian has hit back at a fan who suggested that she might be pregnant again after seeing a photo of her on vacation in Portofino, Italy.

The reality star read the comment and reacted strongly.

'Or breastfeeding, eating gelato, focaccia, pasta, not working out and living my best damn life baby!' said Kourtney.

Not having it: Kourtney Kardashian has hit back at a follower

Back then: Kourtney is seen in 2019 looking fantastic as always

Kourtney was pictured enjoying a sweet treat with her kids in Portofino, and several days ago, she shared photos of the birthday celebration she threw for her daughter Penelope's 13th birthday in Italy.

She also shared a series of snapshots from their trip abroad alongside the caption: 'When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie.'

The look: Kourtney posted a selfie wearing a straw hat, oval-shaped shades and a brown ruffled bikini

Family: She shared a number of photos between snapshots of her and her kids

Fun: Travis Barker was seen wearing a pair of oversize flower-shaped sunglasses

Glorious: She also posted snapshots of stunning views of the town

Kourtney is already back in Los Angeles.

She was seen on Thursday in Southern California with Travis as they stepped out for lunch with their son Rocky.

The pair were supporting Barker's stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya's matcha lemonade drink collaboration.
British tourists heading to Spain spend an average of 913 on a week-long summer holiday, according to recent travel data.

But my five-day solo trip to Amritsar, in northern India, cost less than that - including flights - and gave me luxury accommodation, unforgettable cultural experiences and a personal connection to my heritage that no beach break could rival.

Like many British Asians, I grew up hearing the phrase 'back home' thrown around by older relatives.

But, after spending decades travelling to India, especially with my children in tow, I found India overwhelming.

Amritsar, in particular, felt dusty, disorganised and frankly disappointing. With over a billion people calling the country home, its major cities are often congested and chaotic, especially if you stick to the main tourist routes.

Throw a couple of overtired kids into the mix and it becomes less spiritual awakening, more stress overload.

On one visit, I remember stepping off the plane and being hit by a wall of heat, noise and movement.

From the moment we left the airport, it felt like total sensory overload.

Narinder Kaur (pictured) went on a five-day solo trip to Amritsar, in northern India, for less than the average cost of a holiday to Spain (913), including flights

My trip gave me luxury accommodation, unforgettable cultural experiences and a personal connection to my heritage that no beach break could rival

The roads were packed, rickshaws darting between cars, endless honking and motorbikes carrying entire families with no helmets in sight.

I vividly remember watching a cow meander through the middle of a roundabout while two buses hurtled past on either side, barely missing each other.

The air felt dusty, the pavements were crowded and the power kept cutting out in our hotel.

I was constantly on edge, worrying about crossing the street, where to find clean toilets and it felt like I was in survival mode the whole time.

The hotel was far from everything, the power cut out almost daily and we were constantly warned about scams, pickpockets, or drinking the wrong water.

I couldnt hear myself think and just wanted five minutes of calm.

By the end of it, I wasnt just tired, I was totally put off.

What was supposed to be an enjoyable trip back 'home' felt like stress in 40-degree heat.

When I found myself booking a spontaneous solo trip to Amritsar, I had one aim: to reconnect with my Punjabi roots on my own terms. No expectations

I didnt swear Id never go back, but I definitely didnt plan to. As much as I loved India and being with my family, it did get a sense of dread for the inevitable chaos.

So when I found myself booking a spontaneous solo trip to Amritsar, I had one aim: to reconnect with my Punjabi roots on my own terms.

No expectations. Just me and a direct flight from Gatwick.

I didnt anticipate that five days in northern India without a big itinerary, or blowing the budget, would completely reshape how I saw my heritage.

And I certainly didnt expect it to cost less than a holiday in Spain.

Lets get the long-haul elephant out of the room. Flying to India isnt quick.

But my return flight with Air India from Gatwick to Amritsar cost 560 and was direct, which made all the difference.

The airline is no-frills, but it got the job done and now there are direct options from Birmingham, or you can fly via Delhi or Mumbai if youre hunting for deals.

I didnt anticipate that five days in northern India without a big itinerary, or blowing the budget, would completely reshape how I saw my heritage

This time, I avoided the big hotel chains and booked a boutique guesthouse called Victorian Elegance and the name didnt disappoint

When I was guided to my room, I was amazed. I knew it would be nice, but I didnt expect a stunning suite with a four-poster bed, my own cinema room and a dining area

Once youre there, its another story: the exchange rate works in your favour and youll be amazed how far your money goes.

I didnt once feel like I was scrimping and still came in under that all-important average of 913.

This time, I avoided the big hotel chains and booked a boutique guesthouse called Victorian Elegance and the name didnt disappoint.

For just 41 per night, I arrived to a welcoming committee, who greeted me with a tilak, a mark on the forehead.

When I was guided to my room, I was amazed.

I knew it would be nice, but I didnt expect a stunning suite with a four-poster bed, my own cinema room and a dining area.

Outside, there was a courtyard where breakfast was served each morning.

The decor was regal, the food was fresh and local and the hosts treated me like royalty.

It was a world away from my many decades of trips to India. This time, I wasnt rushed or overwhelmed. I was in control and I loved it

Every morning, they laid out a a traditional Amritsari breakfast banquet in the courtyard, under the rising Punjab sun.

What made it special, though, wasnt just the luxury touches. It was the fact I felt safe.

As a woman travelling solo, I was cautious, but never afraid.

The hosts helped arrange transport, gave recommendations and made sure I had everything I needed. It was like having my own little support team, but without the group tour vibe.

It was a world away from my many decades of trips to India. This time, I wasnt rushed or overwhelmed. I was in control and I loved it.

As a side note, Apps like Uber and Ola (Indias version of Uber) work seamlessly, and most drivers speak a little English, enough to get you on your way.

Hotels and guesthouses are used to catering to solo and foreign travellers, especially in cities like Amritsar.

No trip to Amritsar is complete without visiting the Sri Harmandir Sahib, better known as the Golden Temple.

No trip to Amritsar is complete without visiting the Sri Harmandir Sahib, better known as the Golden Temple

For me, as a devout Sikh, its a spiritual pilgrimage. But you dont need to be religious to be moved.

The gold-plated architecture shimmers under the sun, surrounded by holy water you can bathe in and a community kitchen, the Langar, who make and serve over 100,000 free meals every single day.

The meals are for everyone, with fresh, hand rolled baked bread, dhal cooked in huge pots, which you can help make with them.

I cry every time I go.

And going alone gave me the space to soak in the experience without distraction.

Its dubbed by many as the 'most peaceful place on Earth' and I have to say I agree. Its humbling, healing and powerful.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith, gender or background.

Both men and women are expected to cover their heads, as with any Sikh temple, but they provide clean coverings for you, if you dont have one or if youre unsure. You remove your shoes and wash your feet and hands, before entering. You then walk through the rest of the Temple barefoot, while your shoes are left at the entrance and are cleaned for you.

If you want a crash course in Punjabi culture, head straight to Sadda Pind

The Temple is immaculate, thanks to the dedicated volunteers who work around the clock to maintain and keep it clean.

Visitors are also welcome to chip in and help out. Ive seen many young travellers on TikTok, with brushes and brooms, helping out.

If you want a crash course in Punjabi culture, head straight to Sadda Pind.

Its a recreated village experience that immerses you in the old-world charm of rural Punjab.

For just 850 rupees (about 7), I spent the day making roti on clay ovens, watching folk dancers perform Bhangra and gidda and trying my hand at weaving, pottery and even traditional wedding rituals.

You can meet the village blacksmith, spin thread at the charkha and sip on sweet lassi made the old-fashioned way. Its Instagram gold, but also deeply educational and interactive.

And, unlike the sanitised tourist traps elsewhere, this feels authentic and alive.

When it comes to food, Im a stickler for variety, and Amritsar didnt disappoint.

For just 850 rupees (about 7), I spent the day making roti on clay ovens, watching folk dancers perform Bhangra and gidda and trying my hand at weaving and pottery

Yes, the Punjabi dishes are rich and flavoursome, but youre not stuck eating curry every night (unless you want to, in which case, youre in heaven.)

I find everything from wood-fired pizza for 2 to steaming bowls of momos and Indo-Chinese dishes that cost less than a Pret sandwich.

In local restaurants, a family of four can easily eat a full three-course meal. drinks included, for around 12 total.

Even in the more upmarket spots, dinner rarely costs more than 25 for four with drinks, and thats if youre splashing out.

I know theres often fear-mongering around food hygiene in India, which is understandable because sometimes social media wants to highlight the very worst, but honestly, the restaurants I ate at were spotless.

I stuck to well-reviewed places and drank bottled water, the same way I would anywhere unfamiliar and had zero issues.

If anything, it was the best food Ive had all year, and I didnt even need to queue for a table.

One of the most common questions I get, especially from women is: 'But is it safe?'

One of the most common questions I get, especially from women is: 'But is it safe?' and the truth is, I didnt feel any less safe in Amritsar than I do in London, Paris or Rome

And the truth is, I didnt feel any less safe in Amritsar than I do in London, Paris or Rome.

Of course, as women, were always making little safety calculations, but thats true anywhere.

And, what did make a huge difference was staying at Victorian Elegance, where I had a network of local hosts who genuinely looked out for me.

While Id be out, they would call or text to check in and I knew I could call them at any time if I felt unsure or needed help.

That kind of personal support goes a long way, especially when travelling solo.

Unlike my past visits, where everything felt hectic and family led, this time, I actually saw the city.

I wandered around, exploring street art, browsed sari shops and haggled at local markets. And while its not a beach break, its an incredible city escape.

Its got all the adventure of a far-flung destination with none of the pretense and at a fraction of the price.

I thought I knew what India was. But this time, it showed me something completely different. And honestly? Id pick it over Barcelona any day

If youve ever thought India was 'too much', I get it. Thats how I felt too.

India isnt always easy. It can be loud, it can intense and yes, it can feel chaotic. But go smart, off the beaten path and youll find something truly magical.

I thought I knew what India was. But this time, it showed me something completely different. Amritsar surprised me, soothed me and reminded me that home isnt always where you expect it to be.

And honestly? Id pick it over Barcelona any day.
Narrowly beating Bulgarias Sunny Beach, Marmaris, a popular resort town on Turkeys Mediterranean coast, has been crowned the best value holiday hotspot in this year's annual Post Office Family Holiday Report.

Already a popular choice for British holidaymakers looking to score a bargain break, Marmaris is known for its sandy beaches, charming old town and lively nightlife.

Conducted in collaboration with holiday operator TUI, the report looks at the costs of 16 European resort destinations, comparing the price for a total of 10 tourist items, including an evening meal, suncream and a range of drinks.

For gold-medalling Marmaris, the sum of these items came to 128.99. Visitors to the resort are able to secure a three-course family meal (including wine) for as little as 67.67. Also well-priced are cups of coffee (2.01), and insect repellent (2.61).

In Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, the second most affordable destination listed by the report, the total cost was 129.47  helped by the reasonable prices of bottled beer (2.35) and a cup of coffee (1.88).

Portugal's Algarve came third place for a second year running, making it the cheapest Eurozone destination.

Fourth-place Paphos continues to close the gap though: the Grecian destination was only 1 cheaper, at 144.44.

Once again, Ibiza was rated the most expensive resort of all 16 surveyed, with a total cost of 242.79  almost double that of Marmaris.

Already a popular choice for British holidaymakers looking to score a bargain break, Marmaris is known for its sandy beaches, charming old town and lively nightlife

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, was the second most affordable destination listed on the report. The total cost of the ten tourist items surveyed here was 129.47

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Despite a price increase of 10.3 per cent since July 2024, Turkeys weak lira  which reached a record low against the pound in March 2025 - has undoubtedly contributed to Marmariss popularity.

In fact, the report found that for the top two destinations  both non-Eurozone  prices were 10 per cent lower than their Eurozone competitors.

Head of Travel Money at Post Office, Laura Plunkett, said: The collapse of the lira makes Turkish resorts like Marmaris a natural choice for families.

'However, visitors should be aware that while sterling is worth a third more than last July, local prices have increased dramatically because of the currencys collapse.

Indeed, Post Office Travel Money found that prices had risen in 13 of the 16 destinations, once the prices were converted into sterling.

The biggest price hike was found in Majorca, where the total cost had increased 21.4 per cent, to 201.68.

By contrast, two Greek destinations, Lanzarote and Crete, recorded 2.1 per cent and 7.8 per cent falls respectively.

Ibiza was rated the most expensive resort of all 16 surveyed, with a total cost of 242.79  almost double that of Marmaris

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Research conducted for the Family Holiday Report found that over three-quarters (78 per cent) families are planning trips abroad this year.

However, 74 per cent admitted to busting their budgets by 42 per cent on their last holiday  spending an average of 323 extra than their 766 budgets.

Food and drink were a prevailing cause of this overspending, with over 90 per cent spending an average of 378 on eating out, buying drinks in bars and restaurants, and shop-bought food.

Parents surveyed also admitted that pressure to provide holiday treats for their children had encroached on budgets.

Nine in ten parents spent an average of 39 on ice creams, with other holiday extras, such as theme park visits (60) and beach gear (49) also causing financial strain.
A lone female traveller who says she loves exploring the world solo has revealed the one place that she felt 'genuinely unsafe and uncomfortable'.

Posting on Reddit, the woman in her thirties said she had followed a recommendation to visit the Caribbean island from her pilates teacher, who had told her the destination was safe for women exploring on their own.

She says she also did her own research on safety issues in Jamaica for females travelling solo and was reassured by the lack of negative reports.

Her initial experiences were good too, she revealed, after she checked into a family-run guest house.

However, her time on the popular holiday island started to go downhill when she hired a private driver to take her to tourist spots Martha Brae and Blue Hole.

She tells Reddit, the driver appeared fixated with her sex life and whether she would have children.

She wrote: 'He was really gross and kept asking me about my sex life and kept insisting that I needed to have children ASAP.'

Her interactions with locals only got worse, the woman shared, saying that when she arrived at the Blue Hole, a deep cave located in the country's mountainous inland, she 'couldnt walk one foot without some perv telling me Im hot or whatever.'

A solo traveller in her early 30s says she's travelled to more than 30 different countries but felt unsafe as a lone female in Jamaica (Pictured: the Martha Brae River)

Her guide, she claims, also made 'specific comments about my body'.

And while visiting Jamaica's famous beach, Montego Bay, she said she was followed at one point and suffered numerous cat calls, saying: 'It was so scary to know he was watching and following me. I really dont recommend Jamaica solo.'

The woman also says she witness homophobic language during her trip.

Many agreed in the reaction to the post this month that the island is beautiful to visit but not always a safe environment for women.

One wrote: 'Honestly Jamaica is not female friendly. I would never go back unless escorted by a man, but even then it's not worth the trouble.'

A male contributor shared his own experiences on the forum, saying: 'My wife and I had a personal driver hired by the boutique hotel we stayed at.

'He was a local and knew everyone and basically kept every weirdo away from us, I tipped him extremely well. I would not recommend a single woman travel in that country.'

Another added: 'I went as a group twice. There will not be a third visit. It is sad because it's a beautiful place with killer food. I don't scare easily and I have taken more risks than I should've in my life. But it did not feel safe.'

Many other solo travellers - and male travellers - agreed that parts of Jamaica might not feel safe to women exploring on their own

One woman, a huge fan of the country, said: 'I love Jamaica and have been there 8 to 9 times (resorts, backpacking, the whole 9)... with my husband and I don't think I would ever go alone unless it was an airport shuttle to a resort and back.'

Current FCO advice to the country warns of incidents of sexual assault and rape against tourists and visitors, issuing the warning: Take care when using dating apps in Jamaica, especially those used by the LGBT+ community.

'Criminals have used apps to lure victims to meet in a public place but later assault and rob them.'

The country remains the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and attracts more than 4 million visitors annually thanks to its beautiful beaches, rum production and iconic figures, including Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and James Bond writer Ian Fleming.

Last month, a solo travel content creator shared her honest views on where she feels unsafe as a woman  and one of her picks is a hugely popular European destination.

Savanna Crowell, who runs the @solowithsav Tiktok account, describes herself as your go-to solo travel girlie.

In a recent video that has been viewed almost 500,000 times, the New York-based traveller revealed three places where she didnt feel safe.

Her first red-flagged destination is France  the worlds most visited country, with 102 million international tourists arriving in 2024.

A solo travel content creator on TikTok named Savanna revealed the places in Europe she didn't feel safe in a recent post

She told her 54,000 followers shed had a few uncomfortable situations in the country, facing problems in a number of locations.

On my first solo trip to Paris, I almost got scammed by the petition scammers at the Louvre, she said.

Petition scammers often pose as charity workers or petitioners who might speak to tourists about worthy causes  before putting pressure on them to hand over money.

When I tried to get out of it they became very aggressive thankfully I was able to get out of it because there were a lot of other people around me.

Savanna also had issues in Nice, a beautiful city on the French Riviera.

While she was walking along a street by herself, a man popped out of the bush with a pointy stick in his hand.

Savanna goes on to say he started chasing me down the road, ended up throwing the stick at me and laughing.

Despite the popularity of France, a number of other holidaymakers in the comments section voiced their unhappy experiences in the country.

Facts! A man followed me into the girls restroom in Paris and there is a section of Nice super unsafe for women, wrote Alexandra Priscilla.
EastEnders favourite Nicholas Bailey will make a shock return as Dr. Anthony Trueman to the soap, more than a decade since he was last seen in Walford.

The character  son of Patrick Trueman (played by Rudolph Walker)  will be back on screens in scenes to air in the summer.

Anthony first arrived on the Square in 2000 and quickly made waves, thanks in part to a steamy romance with Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace).

Now, 11 years on from his last stint, the GP is set for a dramatic reunion with his dad this summer as Patrick and Yolande prepare to tie the knot.

Anthony last appeared in Eastenders in 2014 when he rushed to his father's side when Patrick suffered a stroke.

Since then, he has led a life away from Walford but in upcoming scenes viewers will see he is invited to his father's impending nuptials and decides to return for the occasion.

EastEnders favourite Nicholas Bailey will make a shock return as Dr. Anthony Trueman, more than a decade since he was last seen in Walford

The character  son of Patrick Trueman (played by Rudolph Walker pictured left)  will be back on screens in scenes to air in the summer

In a post on the official Eastenders Instagram account, the long running soap teased the visit to Walford comes at a significant moment for Patrick, which means Anthony stays longer than he originally intended.

In a statement, executive producer Ben Wadey said: 'It's great to welcome Nicholas back to the EastEnders family to reunite Patrick with his son.

'But Anthony's plan for a brief return to surprise his father ends up with him staying longer than he expected when he uncovers what has been going on in the Trueman household.'

Nicholas who will reprise the iconic role added: 'It is an unexpected treat to return to EastEnders and I'm full of gratitude to get the opportunity to revisit the character of Anthony.

'It's wonderful to work with Rudolph Walker again - he's such a big part of my journey as an actor and I loved filming my first scenes with him after so long.

'I'm excited to see what the passage of time has done to Anthony and explore his relationship with Patrick at this stage in their lives.'

Fans took to the comment section to share their excitement for the new return and penned: 'Bring him back for longer. He was a good actor and good for the show.'

'Fantastic news. Im loving this new era'

Anthony first arrived on the Square in 2000 and quickly made waves, thanks in part to a steamy romance with Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace )

Now, 11 years on from his last stint, the GP is set for a dramatic reunion with his dad this summer as Patrick and Yolande prepare to tie the knot (pictured Patrick Trueman and Yolande)

Since then, he has led a life away from Walford but in upcoming scenes viewers will see he is invited to his father's impending nuptials and decides to return for the occasion

'OMG!!!!!! I cant wait for this hes aged like fine wine'; 'Wow, this is now getting so good'.

MailOnline has contacted Eastenders representatives for comment

The return of Dr. Trueman comes hot on the heels of other major soap comebacks.

Michelle Ryan recently reprised her role as Zoe Slater after two decades away, and Jake Wood is set to return as Max Branning in explosive future scenes.

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.

The return of Dr. Trueman comes hot on the heels of other major soap comebacks as Jake Wood is set to return as Max Branning in explosive future scenes

Michelle Ryan recently reprised her role as Zoe Slater after two decades away - she is best known for her iconic 'You ain't my mother!' moment

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.

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.

Michelle, 40, best known for her iconic 'You ain't my mother!' moment, made her first appearance in June, after her return was kept under wraps.

On the return the episode hadn't been released on BBC iPlayer at 6am that morning, meaning all viewers had to tune into the evening broadcast, where Zoe's return was unveiled.
Fans of one of the most beloved 90s teen dramas got a treat this week when one of its standout TV moms stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The gorgeous actress, now 71, is best known for playing Gail LeeryDawsons momon Dawsons Creek, and she looked incredible while visiting a hair salon in Beverly Hills.

Rocking a casual yet chic look of a striped oxford and faded blue jeans, her outfit was a far cry from the pageant gowns she once woreback when she was crowned Miss Florida USA and finished as third runner-up at Miss USA in 1975.

She kept a low profile behind dark designer shades, but her beauty was unmistakablejust like in her memorable guest spots on The Dukes of Hazzard and Greys Anatomy.

And longtime fans may already know this heartwarming fact: the stunning star still sends birthday cookies every year to her TV son James Van Der Beek, ever since his real-life mother passed away.

Can you guess who she is?

Fans of one of the most beloved 90s teen dramas got a treat this week when one of its standout TV moms stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The gorgeous actress, now 71, is best known for playing Gail Leery Dawsons momon Dawsons Creek , and she looked incredible while visiting a hair salon in Beverly Hills

If you said Mary-Margaret Humes, youre absolutely right!

In 2024, Van Der Beek celebrated his 47th birthday, and the married father of six spent part of his day waiting for a special package from Humes.

'It's my birthday and I just got a package from Fed Ex, it just arrived today from Mary-Margaret Humes, who played my mom on Dawson's Creek,' he shared in an Instagram post at the time, revealing shes been sending him fresh-baked cookies on his birthday in recent years.

In the caption, Van Der Beek opened up about the touching tradition and the story behind Humes yearly gesture.

'Every year since my mother passed, my TV mom has baked me cookies on my birthday. It doesn't matter that I'm now older than she was when we first worked together, or that I've moved to Texas,' he wrote.

'She bakes them, and finds me, and does it from the bottom of her heart - and it always warms mine.'

Born in Watertown, New York, Mary-Margaret first grabbed national attention in 1975 when she was crowned Miss Florida USA.

She made her film debut in 1981, playing Miriam the Vestal Virgin in Mel Brooks cult comedy History of the World, Part I, and quickly found herself on Hollywoods radar.

Rocking a casual yet chic look of a striped oxford and faded blue jeans, her outfit was a far cry from the pageant gowns she once woreback when she was crowned Miss Florida USA and finished as third runner-up at Miss USA in 1975

If you said Mary-Margaret Humes, youre absolutely right!; (seen in 2022)

Of course, her most iconic role came in 1998 when she began her six-season run as Gail Leery, Dawsons strong and supportive mother on Dawsons Creek; (John Wesley Shipp, James Van Der Beek, Mary-Margaret Humes)

In 2024, Van Der Beek celebrated his 47th birthday, and the married father of six spent part of his day waiting for a special package from Humes

'Every year since my mother passed, my TV mom has baked me cookies on my birthday. It doesn't matter that I'm now older than she was when we first worked together, or that I've moved to Texas,' Van Der Beek said of Humes; (Van Der Beek shared this photo when he announced his mother, Melinda Van Der Beek, had passed away in July 2020 at the age of 70)

Legendary producer Aaron Spelling tapped her to star in the pilot for Velvet, an action-adventure series alongside Leah Ayres, Shari Belafonte, and Sheree J. Wilson.

Throughout the 80s, Humes became a familiar face on primetime TV, landing guest roles on fan-favorite series like The Dukes of Hazzard, Knight Rider, The A-Team, The Love Boat, T.J. Hooker, and The Fall Guy.

In the early 90s, she played the lead characters mom in NBCs quirky cult hit Eerie, Indiana, and appeared in multiple episodes of Matlock as different characters, along with credits in Diagnosis: Murder, Murphy Brown, and In the Heat of the Night.

Of course, her most iconic role came in 1998 when she began her six-season run as Gail Leery, Dawsons strong and supportive mother on Dawsons Creek.

After the show wrapped in 2003, Humes continued acting with guest roles on Greys Anatomy, Criminal Minds, and CSI, and charmed audiences in a string of Hallmark movies.
It was the picture of fatherly affection  the Instagram post in which proud patriarch Eamonn Holmes paid tribute to his four children.

This is my four. Niall, Jack, Rebecca and Declan, wrote the television presenter, alongside the black and white photograph. Proud to have them as my children and I can only hope I make them proud to have me as their dad. #FathersDay, he added.

Four years on and, sadly, things now dont look quite so cosy for the Holmes brood. Theres been much water under the bridge since that picture  most notably, the complete collapse of relations between the GB News anchor and two of his sons.

For I can reveal that Eamonn, 65, has had a terrible fall-out with Niall, the youngest of his three children with first wife Gabrielle. And more devastatingly, Niall has sided with his stepmother Ruth Langsford over his own father, following the couples split.

Ruth and Eamonn announced a year ago that they were to part after 27 years as a couple, and 14 years of marriage, and now it seems this most toxic of divorces is set to get far worse. As one source told me: Its fair to say that things between Eamonn and Ruth are at the pretty ugly stage now.

Before they went their separate ways, Niall, 32, worked for the couple brokering deals for endorsements or personal appearances.

Those who know Eamonn say he and his son had a blazing row and are yet to make up.

One source tells me: Niall and Eamonn had a massive fall-out, there was a huge row following his split from Ruth. Things were said between them that cannot be unsaid. It must be heartbreaking for Eamonn.

Eamonn, 65, has had a terrible fall-out with Niall (far left), the youngest of his three children with first wife Gabrielle. And more devastatingly, Niall has sided with his stepmother Ruth Langsford over his own father, following the couples split

Eamonn accused him of siding with Ruth while Niall hit back about his dads behaviour. This all happened more than a year ago and they havent spoken since. Niall adores Ruth.

It was all very tricky at the beginning of the split. Lots of things were said behind closed doors so Niall knows what really happened, things which are not in the public domain, and he has made a call. Eamonn is, of course, upset and is sharing news of the fall-out with his friends now.

Hes still close to his eldest son Declan  who has two little girls, Emilia and Isabella  and daughter Rebecca, but they have been caught in the cross-fire of his falling out with Niall. The feud doesnt look like it will resolve itself anytime soon.

Its also understood that Jack, 23, the son he and Ruth have together, has sided with his mother. Before announcing the split, Ruth set Jack up in a flat in Salford. A source said: Things remain strained between him and his father.

Other sources say relations are unlikely to thaw while Eamonns new girlfriend Katie Alexander is around. Its thought some of Eamonns family take a dim view of his romance with the marriage counsellor, 22 years his junior.

It has been reported Eamonn and Katie, 43, were first in touch 12 years ago, when its claimed they exchanged flirty messages. Its suggested that, in the year before their split, Ruth learned Eamonn had been showering Katie with gifts. But both Eamonn and Katie, who was also married, insist nothing went on until both their marriages ended. The fact they are still together is said to have gone down like a lead balloon with Eamonns family.

But Katie is said to be one of the only people who can make Eamonn smile of late. His health remains concerning  and hes still said to be bitter about how he was sacked from ITV, where he was a co-presenter of This Morning, along with Ruth. Both issues contributed to his marriage breakdown: his debilitating back condition made him difficult to live with, and an operation in 2022 left him incapacitated for a time. Hes also said to have embarrassed Ruth, 65, when he lambasted ITV bosses for sacking him while she was still working on the channels Loose Women.

Then came the announcement of their split, which was put out as a joint statement, but in fact left Eamonn furious, as he was said to have wanted nothing to do with it. Ruth has been praised for her dignity but has had moments of quiet revenge. For example, although she declined to comment, sources confirmed she removed the stairlift installed at their former marital home, a 3.6 million mansion in Weybridge, Surrey, to help Eamonn get upstairs.

Ruth and Eamonn in 2022. Ruth and Eamonn announced a year ago that they were to part after 27 years as a couple, and 14 years of marriage, and now it seems this most toxic of divorces is set to get far worse

When he next visited to fetch belongings for a trip around Europe with Katie, Ruth made herself scarce  but knew hed struggle with the staircase.

Eamonn and Katie were later pictured in Barcelona, where they boarded a cruise ship to tour the Mediterranean before stopping off at Ibiza. Since then, theres been no love lost between the former couple: Ruth has stayed at the family home while Eamonn moved to a flat in Kingston, Surrey.

Ruth is recently understood to have been granted a severance of joint tenancy on their six-bedroom property, meaning Eamonn would no longer have a claim on her share of the home, which the couple bought together in 2014.

Its all a nightmare, said one source. And these things have an effect on family relations, especially when it comes to Eamonn and his youngest sons. They dont like to see Ruth upset.

The perception Eamonn has hurt Ruth also hasnt done him any favours with the public.

Once a guaranteed seller when magazines put him on the cover, his stock has certainly fallen since. Sacked by ITV in November 2021, a war of words between him and his former bosses swiftly broke out. Eamonn accused them of being sly over his exit and hypocritical about ITVs diversity drive.

In turn, the channel insisted that its research showed he was unpopular with viewers, which led to him and Ruth being replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary.

Eamonn joined GB News in 2022, where hes understood to earn a much bigger salary than his fellow hosts on the breakfast show. But its not all been plain sailing: In April, Eamonn fell off his chair during an interview.

And weeks before that, he went missing 40 minutes before the end of the show.

Some question why he still does the gruelling early morning job.

But his friends say Eamonn does really need the money due to a long-running battle he has had with HMRC  and last year he had to sell his Belfast home.

Its not the easiest to be Eamonn Holmes right now, said a friend of his. But he is just so happy to have Katie in his life.

Its sad, then, that romance appears to have come at some significant cost to Eamonn  in more ways than one.
Kylie Jenner has been trolled over her 'dead eyes' in photos shared to her Instagram page on Friday as she posed up a storm during a high fashion campaign.

The beauty mogul, 27 - who sent fans into a frenzy as she teased a new product for her cosmetics brand - modeled an array of pieces for Miu Miu's Fall 2025 collection.

The reality star could be seen wearing items while surrounded by minimal spaces and plain backgrounds.

However, social media users offered their thoughts on the new pictures over on Reddit - with some labeling the photo shoot one of her 'worst' and others saying Jenner looked 'bored.'

One penned, 'I love Kylie but I'm so sorry, I really don't like this photo shoot and don't think the outfits and pics flatter Kylie. Those shoes look weird and she is doing the dead eyes poses again :(.'

Another wrote, 'This is kind of awful?' while a fan shared, 'So over the dead eyes and bored face.'

Kylie Jenner, 27, has been trolled over her 'dead eyes' in photos shared to her Instagram page on Friday as she posed up a storm during a high fashion campaign

However, social media users offered their thoughts on the new pictures over on Reddit - with some labeling the photo shoot one of her 'worst' and others saying Jenner looked 'bored

One penned, 'I love Kylie but I'm so sorry, I really don't like this photo shoot and don't think the outfits and pics flatter Kylie. Those shoes look weird and she is doing the dead eyes poses again :('

'They did her dirty,' one added, and another Reddit user typed, 'Usually I love kylie's editorials but i think this is her worst shoot by far.'

One also commented, 'Well, I can appreciate her switching up her look for a shoot. It's just a little jarring lol.'

And another shared, 'Glad she is stepping out of the whole overly sexualized look, not the best photoshoot though.'

But some of Kylie's fans had differing opinions, with one typing out, 'I like it. It's different from her usual style and she looks adorable in those big ol' glasses.'

In one image for the latest Miu Miu campaign, the TV personality donned a dark green knit cardigan as well as a matching skirt. She additionally slipped into a pair of bedazzled socks and black loafers.

A brown fuzzy scarf was draped over her right arm as well as a stylish black purse from the brand.

Jenner's dark locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders.

She completed the first look by wearing a white tank top underneath and added a flashy necklace to accessorize the fall outfit.

In one image for the latest Miu Miu campaign, the TV personality donned a dark green knit cardigan as well as a matching skirt

The mom-of-two later sported a black jacket that was seemingly made of a satin material and was partially unfastened around the neckline

The mom-of-two later sported a black jacket that was seemingly made of a satin material and was partially unfastened around the neckline.

A black hat was placed on top of her head and a chunky gold bracelet was placed on her left wrist.

She carried a pastel ink purse in her hand while posing for more pictures on a set that had a plain wooden backdrop.

Jenner also slipped into light gray trousers as well as a black shirt that was layered with a red corset-styled piece on top.

She held a sleek black purse and completed the ensemble by adding a pair of large, circular shades.

The Kardashians star is no stranger to collaborating with the luxurious Italian brand - and notably glammed up for the 2025 Oscars earlier this year in a Miu Miu dress.

She had turned heads in the eye-catching ensemble as she accompanied her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet to the star-studded event in Hollywood.

The sleeveless black gown clung to her frame and had large cutouts on the front that offered a sultry flare. The material contained sparkling embellishments around the bodice and skirt.

Jenner also slipped into light gray trousers as well as a black shirt that was layered with a red corset-styled piece on top

She held a sleek black purse and completed the ensemble by adding a pair of large, circular shades

The Kardashians star is no stranger to collaborating with the luxurious Italian brand - and notably glammed up for the 2025 Oscars earlier this year in a Miu Miu dress

Jenner has been keeping busy and recently promoted her clothing brand Khy's collaboration with Frankies Bikinis.

Kylie helped co-design the collection which 'draws on bombshell silhouettes and vintage intimates to create Cloud Cups-a reimagining of the classic push up bikini,' per a description on the Khy website.

The media personality opened up about the new summer pieces in a statement to DailyMail.com.

'I've always loved Frankies Bikinis, and I'm so excited to partner with them to create this collection  with incredibly flattering silhouettes in super soft material, these are the perfect pieces for summer.'

She added, 'We've incorporated so many fun prints  from polka dots to leopard  and the styles are so comfortable, it feels like they float on your skin while lifting and sculpting.

'One of my favorite pieces is the Heavenly Satin top  the lace detail is so sweet, and it showcases the vintage aesthetic that this collection is all about.'

Francesca Aiello - the founder of Frankies Bikinis - also expressed, 'Designing this collection with Kylie felt so natural, like two girls dreaming up their perfect swim drawer.

'We wanted each piece to lift, shape, and sculpt while wrapping the body in delicate support.'

Jenner has been keeping busy and recently promoted her clothing brand Khy's collaboration with Frankies Bikinis

And earlier this week on Thursday, Jenner teased a new product from her Kylie Cosmetics brand

She flaunted her toned figure in a number of fashionable swimsuits to promote the collection.

One of the looks she showed off included a skimpy, animal-print bikini top with a plunging neckline on the front.

And earlier this week on Thursday, Jenner teased a new product from her Kylie Cosmetics brand.

In a video, the beauty could be seen wearing a leopard print, Dolce & Gabbana baby doll nightie and added, 'Kylie's summer vacation glam - can you spot our newest product ??'

The reality star has also whisked herself away for a lavish getaway and spent time on a spacious yacht in Greece.

Kylie was also joined by her children - including daughter Stormi, seven - and the pair filmed an adorable reel together.

The mother daughter duo sported comfy robes as they danced on the deck of a boat before plopping down on soft cushions. Jenner captioned the clip with, 'built-in-bestie for life.'

The track titled Heaven Must Have Lost and Angel by Tavares played in the background.

Fans have also recently speculated that Jenner's boyfriend Timothee Chalamet had secretly accompanied her to Greece.

Kylie was also joined by her children - including daughter Stormi, seven - and the pair filmed an adorable reel together

In one of the pictures that she shared, Kylie showed her fans a glimpse at the scenic shore - and a man could be seen sprawled out on the sand far in the distance

The couple mainly keep their romance out of the spotlight and off social media. However, some spotted a possible clue that the actor was with her on the trip.

In one of the pictures that she shared, Kylie showed her fans a glimpse at the scenic shore - and a man could be seen sprawled out on the sand far in the distance.

'That guy on the shore is Timothee,' one said over on X, and another added, 'He is secretly with her in Greece, I feel it in my bones.'

The two stars were first romantically linked in 2023 - and were lost spotted together earlier this month in the south of France.
Dina Broadhurst has never been one to shy away from flaunting her slender form on social media.

The Sydney socialite, 48, did just that again this week while on an idyllic getaway in Spain.

Dina took to Instagram on Friday to document her trip to the Spanish 'party island' of Ibiza.

The 'nude artist' left little to the imagination as she snapped some mirror selfies before heading out for a day of fun in the sun.

While she may have wanted to hide her face in the racy pics, the same could not be said for the rest of her genetically blessed frame.

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Dina Broadhurst has never been one to shy away from flaunting her slender form on social media. Pictured

One photo showed a topless Dina standing in her hotel shower with her phone raised to obscure her face.

She also had her arms strategically placed over her naked breasts, with the rest of her trim form clad only in a pair of multi-coloured side-tie bikini bottoms.

A second photo dialled up the incognito factor, with Dina zooming in on her bronzed and toned torso.

With her arm covering her 'assets', Dina also showed off her enviably lithe legs.

The racy pics were coupled with an array of photos that showed Dina trying on a range of outfits, and she captioned the images: 'Island attire.'

The post was met with a flurry of fire and love heart emojis from followers, with many gushing over Dina's beauty.

'Gorgeous,' one swooned, before another questioned, 'How do you do it?'

The racy pics were tame compared to Dina's recent post, which was possibly her raunchiest photo yet.

The 'nude artist' left little to the imagination as she snapped some mirror selfies before heading out for a day of fun in the sun

While many would be content to snap a bathroom selfie in front of a mirror, Dina went one step further  stripping completely nude to pose on a toilet.

The shocking image showed Dina, her face obscured by the bright flash of her phone's camera, sitting on the commode with black lacy underwear pulled down to her thighs.

Dina's thin frame was on full display in the bizarre selfie, as the socialite showed off her trim and toned pins.

She shared a second image, the same as the first, but with a gold effect on the borders.

Captioning the bizarre display, Dina wrote: 'Oui Oui Golden & Oui Oui Fr,' adding toilet and red love heart emojis.
Montana Brown has revealed her bizarre health routine she swears by in an Instagram video on Friday.

The former Love Island star, 29, said she uses a caster oil pack every night before bed to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

Sharing a video of herself removing the pack, Montana flashed her jaw-dropping abs.

Montana captioned the post: 'Why I use a castor oil pack every night before bed?

'aids digestion, keeps my skin hydrated overnight to help with excess skin postpartum, cheap!, supports lymphatic drainage, reduces inflammation'.

Montana is not the first celebrity to use the oil. In March 2021, Dame Helen Mirren told her followers on Instagram: 'Things I like...Castor oil. Not for its laxative properties, but for hair, skin, nails.'

Montana Brown, 29, revealed her bizarre health routine she swears by in an Instagram video on Friday

The former Love Island star said she uses a caster oil pack every night before bed to aid digestion and reduce inflammation

Castor oil is widely known to be an excellent natural remedy for constipation, but can also be used to benefit your hair, skin, and face.

And in September last year, Kelsey Parker claimed that castor oil had changed her life and was her 'new best friend'.

Kelsey, who was married to Tom Parker from The Wanted, before he tragically lost his battle with brain cancer, raved: 'I want to talk about castor oil.

'I have this organic castor oil which has become my new best friend. I was recommended castor oil by The Skin Angel, but basically castor oil has changed my life in such a short period of time.

'I use the castor oil as a moisturiser because I am so dry. At the moment Im looking all nice and shiny because this is what castor oil does.

'It also promotes hair growth, so your eyelashes will grow, you can put it on your eyebrows.

Kelsey added: 'Also, its an anti-inflammatory, its also an antioxidant and its anti-fungal.'

Earlier this year Montana - who is already a mum to Jude one - welcomed her second child, Miley, with her fiance Mark O'Connor via a home birth.

Sharing a video of herself removing the pack, Montana flashed her jaw-dropping abs

Montana is not the first celebrity to use the oil. In March 2021, Dame Helen Mirren raved about the product

Posting a picture to her Instagram she said: 'Things I like...Castor oil. Not for its laxative properties, but for hair, skin, nails'

And in September last year, Kelsey Parker claimed that castor oil had changed her life and was her 'new best friend'

Earlier this year Montana opened up about the challenges of having a home birth when her baby daughter Miley was breech

Montana is already a mum to Jude, one

She opened up about the challenges of having a home birth when her baby daughter Miley was breech.

Montana said she was advised by her NHS midwives to give birth in hospital but she insisted she wanted to follow her head and heart and stay at home.

The reality star enlisted the help of a private doula for her home birth, who assured her both she and her daughter were safe.

Montana shared that her home birth was 'magical' but she had felt really when her waters broke due to Miley being breech, with one of the baby's legs popping out first.

However she thanked her 'rock' Mark, doula Emiliana and midwife Heather for relaxing her before Miley 'flew out' two pushes later.
Jennifer Love Hewitt is opening up about how body criticism in her early career had a lasting effect.

The 46-year-old actress reprised her role as Julie in the new I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel, which hit theaters on Friday.

In a new interview with Vulture, she revealed that she nearly passed on the opportunity to return to the screen due to the excessive scrutiny she faced as a younger actress.

It wasn't until she watched the 2021 New York Times documentary Framing Britney Spears that she understood the ramifications of being picked apart for her appearance.

'When I started watching it, I was like, "Oh, they talked to me like that. Oh." I started crying for her. And then I realized I was crying for me,' she reflected.

Jennifer rose to prominence as a teen when she starred in the family drama Party of Five.

Jennifer Love Hewitt is opening up about how body criticism in her early career had a lasting effect; pictured July 14

Jennifer pictured in 2004

She went on to appear in movies including the original I Know What You Did Last Summer, Heartbreakers, and Can't Hardly Wait.

It wasn't long before she became a household name, making her subject to heightened judgement.

The former child star said she 'really wanted to be a good actor' but the focus was on her figure, which left her 'trying to outact the conversation around my body.'

She described media coverage in the early 2000s as being '"Boob, boob, boob," everywhere.'

When she was photographed wearing a bikini in Hawaii in 2007, it sparked media coverage around her weight.

At the time, Jennifer said that she wasn't 'upset for me, but for all the girls out there that are struggling with their body image.'

'A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be. And being a size 0 doesn't make you beautiful,' she declared. 'To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini - put it on and stay strong.'

Shortly afterward, she found those paparazzi shots plastered on the cover of People magazine with the headline, 'Stop Calling Me Fat!'

Jennifer rose to prominence as a teen when she starred in the family drama Party of Five; pictured in 2000

Jennifer thanked photographer Amanda Demme, who shot her Vulture photo spread, 'for the coolest shoot'

Hewitt turned heads at Monday's I Know What You Did Last Sumer premiere in LA

She told Vulture: 'I don't think I was ever really insecure until that cover. And then when it happened, I don't know that I've ever recovered from it.

'Because there's a part of me that's always like, is this version going to be good enough, or is that going to happen again? Where somebody's going to be like, "Hey, this is her without makeup at the cleaners. She looks 59."'

Hewitt turned heads at Monday's I Know What You Did Last Sumer premiere in LA, where she wore a clinging beaded black dress.

Afterwards, social media users praised her body, calling her a 'real woman' and a 'breath of fresh air.'
YouTube star Kate Albrecht - who is known for the channel Mr. Kate with husband Joey Zehr - ended up in a coma just two weeks after giving birth to her second child.

Kate and Joey are already parents to son Moon, five, and welcomed baby number two - a daughter named Mars - during a home birth at their residence in Hawaii on May 22.

Their first child was born inside a hospital via C-section, but the influencer wanted the 'magical' experience of giving birth naturally and at home, she explained during an interview with People published on Friday.

'This is my second kid, my last pregnancy. Let me challenge myself and go for this,' Albrecht told the outlet.

Kate saw both a midwife and OB-GYN during her second pregnancy and after nearly 24 hours of labor - their baby girl was born.

Afterwards, the mom-of-two went to the hospital for a checkup and to get stitches after suffering a tear amid labor. Kate was told she was 'fine' by doctors - but two weeks later the star had a horrifying health scare that initially had gone undetected: eclampsia.

YouTube star Kate Albrecht - who is known for the channel Mr. Kate with husband Joey Zehr - ended up in a coma just two weeks after giving birth to her second child

She began to suffer different symptoms at the beginning of her postpartum journey, including headaches and pain around her mid-back area.

'I was so tired and so sore. I felt like, "Wait, this is supposed to be easier. I'm supposed to recover from a natural childbirth easier than a surgery," but I was bedridden,' Kate recalled.

Her husband Joey - who also joined in on the interview - explained that she had been seeing an OB but was told '"This is the healing process."'

When she also saw doctors over her stitches, the media influencer opened up about the pain she was feeling but, '[They] just said, "Oh yeah, well, you went through natural childbirth. Oh, you're a migrainer. You have headaches."'

Kate had been at home one day with her newborn baby girl and a family friend when she decided to take a nap due to not feeling well.

The star remembered falling in the hallway and into a wall. Her friend helped her into bed and soon reached out to Joey - who was away with son Moon at a party.

He wasn't too far away and soon arrived home - and noted to the outlet a film crew was shooting a scene nearby on the same street.

Joey emotionally recalled entering their bedroom to find Kate 'unconscious' and 'blood coming out of her mouth.'

'I was so tired and so sore. I felt like, "Wait, this is supposed to be easier. I'm supposed to recover from a natural childbirth easier than a surgery," but I was bedridden,' Kate recalled; seen above with husband Joey

Joey emotionally recalled entering their bedroom to find Kate 'unconscious' and 'blood coming out of her mouth'

After not being able to wake her up, he called 911 and sent the friend outside to see if there was a medic on set of the film - and luckily there was.

The medic arrived to find Kate had begun to have a seizure and after being quickly updated on the situation, the medic speculated she had eclampsia.

According to Mayo Clinic, postpartum preeclampsia is a 'rare condition' that 'sometimes develops up to six weeks or later after childbirth.'

It also 'can cause seizures and other serious complications' if it is left untreated.

She was intubated upon arriving to the hospital and Joey explained, 'At that point, she was then in a medical coma.'

Following tests, Kate did not have any brain bleeds and was transferred to the ICU. Joey left the hospital late that night, but even at home, would call nearly every hour to get any updates.

The next day, she awoke and was able to breathe on her own. Her husband said, 'I was like, "You had eclampsia. Yeah, the babies are fine." You're like, "What's eclampsia? What's that?"'

A blood clot had also been found on one of her kidneys, which had caused the pain she had been experiencing in her back.

She was intubated upon arriving to the hospital and Joey explained, 'At that point, she was then in a medical coma'

The couple explained that they felt like they had been 'prepared' for everything - and never thought she would suffer from the rare medical condition

Last month on June 9, Kate was discharged from the hospital and was happy to return home to see her son and newborn daughter.

The couple explained that they felt like they had been 'prepared' for everything - and never thought she would suffer from the rare medical condition.

She had even done tests that check for preeclampsia during her pregnancy, but those had also turned out 'fine' at the time.

Kate admitted that the situation 'was literally my worst nightmare' but offered a positive update.

'My family is okay. They're thriving. My baby's thriving. She's fine, and I'm good and getting better every day. I'm trying to make this into a positive, trying to find the positive in this horrendous experience.'

Over on Instagram, she also gave a message to their fans and followers on Friday.

Along with sharing photos of herself with baby Mars, Kate penned: 'I know a lot of you have seen the People article and have been worried and sending your love and we are so thankful for you! We are OK!

'We just posted the entire raw and real birth video on our YouTube channel (link in bio). It's the most raw video we've ever made.'

'Mars, Moon and Dada @joeyzehr and I are happy, healthy and healing now! We are working on a second video to tell the rest of the story,' Kate penned

She added, 'Birthing naturally was by far the hardest thing and I really didn't think I could pull it off, but I did!

'Mars, Moon and Dada @joeyzehr and I are happy, healthy and healing now! We are working on a second video to tell the rest of the story.'

The mom-of-two concluded with, 'We are so thankful for all of you. The Creative Weirdo family is literally the best community on the internet! .'

Mr. Kate first began as a blog in 2009 and has since blown up to a successful YouTube channel which currently has 3.79 million followers.
Kate Neilson, the ex-partner of AFL 'bad boy' Wayne Carey, has brutally mocked his viral toilet tryst video.

On Wednesday, footy great Carey confessed that he was the man in the viral footage that featured him and a woman emerging from a bathroom in a trendy Melbourne bar.

Kate, who was in a fractious four-year relationship with Carey, took to Instagram on Saturday to brutally roast her former flame.

She shared a clip that showed her re-enacting the viral video while on holiday in Italy.

The video showed Kate emerging from a public toilet, covering her face.

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Kate Neilson, the ex-partner of AFL 'bad boy' Wayne Carey, has brutally mocked his viral toilet tryst video

The clip was set to the Bloodhound Gang tune The Bad Touch, while Neilson added another not-so-subtle dig at Carey with a duck emoji - the AFL star's nickname.

Neilson said she hoped the video was merely a misunderstanding.

'It's really too hard to tell what went on. I just hope for the sake of everyone involved there is no truth to it,' she said.

Neilson and Carey's relationship came to a head in 2007, when the premiership winner was accused of smashing a glass into her face as the pair were having dinner at a restaurant in Miami.

He was arrested and charged by police and later pleaded guilty to two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and one count of resisting arrest with violence.

Neilson decided not to press charges against him over the incident, and Carey was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service, attend classes to manage his anger and alcohol consumption, and pay money to a police charity.

Carey is now in a relationship with Jessica Paulke, and the couple share two children.

On Wednesday, footy great Carey confessed that he was the man in a viral video that featured him and a woman emerging from a bathroom in the trendy Melbourne bar

Wayne confessed he was the man in the viral video that featured him and a woman emerging from a bathroom.

The North Melbourne premiership winner said he had contacted Victoria Police in an effort to hold those who filmed and distributed the video accountable for their actions.

The footage, which was taken at the Toorak Cellars bar in Armadale in the city's inner south-east, shows Wayne and Kate Aston, 38, a Melbourne marketing and communications executive, walking into view about 20 seconds apart.

A female voice is heard saying 'we've got you on camera' as the woman walks past, before asking 'What's he doing in there?' and remarking, 'She looks embarrassed'.

Wayne and Aston have both lashed out over the video, with the ex-AFL star branding it 's**t shaming' and cyberbullying, and both parties insisting there was no 'tryst' in the toilets.

'Annoyed is the wrong word, I've gone through about 10 different emotions in the last three days,' he said on Sam Newman's You Cannot Be Serious podcast.

'I've gone through disbelief, sadness, anger.

'This woman has been thrown into this just because I could kick a footy.'

The video showed Kate emerging from a public toilet

Neilson said she hoped the video was merely a misunderstanding. 'Its really too hard to tell what went on. I just hope for the sake of everyone involved there is no truth to it,' she said

'And you've got two vile, disturbing, probably p**sed women who want to do this to another woman.

'That's all they were doing, they were s**t-shaming another woman.

'If two men had done that they would be raked over hot coals, it would be the biggest story going around.

'But because it's two women doing it to another woman you don't know what's going on, this other woman has had all sorts of stuff going in her life, I've since found out.

'You talk about vile and disgusting, what they've done and who they have affected by a few sh**s and giggles drinking their chardonnay, sitting up there, doing whatever.

'Once again, I'm not going to name them because that would be as pathetic as what they are. I'll let the law take care of it.'

Meanwhile, Aston has described the dissemination of the clip as 'a deliberate act of bullying'.

She posted a lengthy statement to Instagram Stories on Thursday, revealing she had initially chosen to remain silent to protect her professional reputation and her mental health, but had now come forward to hold those who released the video to account - and to set the record straight.

Neilson and Carey's relationship came to a head in 2007, when the premiership winner was accused of smashing a glass into her face as the pair were having dinner at a restaurant in Miami

'Overnight, from footage of me simply exiting a toilet at a bar, I've had my life turned upside down,' she wrote.

'What has happened to me could happen to anyone, and no one should have to go through what I have been put through  the damage, the speculation, the impact on my livelihood, all from the malicious actions of a small few.'

Aston said she fears the impact the video will have on her future, her career - and even her personal relationships.

'At a time when I am navigating my next career move and visibility matters, the personal and professional toll has been immense,' she said.

'Who would want to employ me, date me, be associated with me? What's left now that this has all happened to me?'

The executive indicated she would be taking legal action over the matter.

'Whilst it's only been a matter of days since this incident unfolded, there has been immeasurable damage to my reputation, and my ability to lead a normal life has been adversely affected,' she said.

'These women and others who've provided hateful commentary have put into jeopardy my reputation, and so I've been left with no choice but to try to protect it.

'Two women not known to me have turned my life upside down and I have to set the record straight.'
Wendy Williams looked sprightly, crisp and energetic as she stepped out for her 61st birthday this week - worlds away from her bedraggled, drunken appearance in a Lifetime documentary last year amid her health struggles and legal drama.

The TV personality has been residing at a luxury assisted living facility in New York after being placed under the guardianship of lawyer Sabrina Morrissey in 2022.

Over the past few months, she has waged a public war against the arrangement, which she claims is so restrictive she feels 'like I am in prison.'

Although her recent sightings have often involved a mobility scooter, she moved without the contraption when she headed to dinner this Thursday.

Williams, who turned 61 on Friday, enjoyed an early birthday dinner Thursday at the iconic Manhattan restaurant Delmonico's accompanied by a group of friends.

Among them were Suzanne Bass and Brendan Higgins, the husband-wife team who served as producers on her long-running daytime talk show, which was canceled in 2022 while the hostess suffered through her highly publicized medical woes.

Wendy Williams looked sprightly, crisp and energetic as she stepped out for her 61st birthday this week with her former talk show producer Suzanne Bass

Her current incarnation was a far cry from her bedraggled, drunken appearance in a Lifetime documentary last year (pictured) amid her health struggles and legal drama

This Thursday, the shock jock beamed and stayed ramrod straight as she walked down the sidewalk to Delmonico's, linking arms with Bass, who is instantly recognizable to regular viewers of The Wendy Williams Show.

Williams cut a stylish figure for her evening out, glamming up in full hair and makeup and wearing a sleek black cocktail dress with a Chanel purse.

She wore a comfortable-looking set of shoes to cope with her lymphedema, which she has previously said left her able to feel only 'maybe 5% of my feet.'

Two of her lawyers joined her at dinner, where she seemed 'better than ever,' according to a Page Six source. 'She was walking fine, with a huge Chanel bag,' a witness observed.

She and her dining companions posed inside the restaurant for a photo that was posted to Instagram by Max Tucci, a third generation partner at Delmonico's and a grandson of the man who bought and revamped the restaurant during Prohibition.

The following day on her birthday itself, Williams was spotted in a more casual aspect, wearing a bright yellow t-shirt and a pair of high-cut Daisy Dukes.

Nevertheless, she appeared cheerful and healthy during her latest outing, despite the fact that she was back aboard her mobility scooter.

Williams previously posted a cryptic message ahead of Mother's Day as she briefly opened up about the 'horrific situation' of her ongoing guardianship.

Williams stayed ramrod straight as she walked down the sidewalk to the restaurant, linking arms with Bass, who is instantly recognizable to regular viewers of The Wendy Williams Show

She and her dining companions posed inside the restaurant for a photo that was posted to Instagram by Max Tucci, a third generation partner at Delmonico's

The following day, on her birthday itself, Williams was spotted in a more casual aspect, wearing a bright yellow t-shirt and a set of Daisy Dukes

Nevertheless, she appeared cheerful and healthy during her latest outing, despite the fact that she was back on her mobility scooter

She wore a comfortable-looking set of shoes to cope with her lymphedema, which she has previously said left her able to feel only 'maybe 5% of my feet'

Williams is mom to son Kevin Jr., 24, whom she shares with ex-husband Kevin Hunter. The pair were married from 1999 until their split in 2019 when he fathered a baby with a mistress. Their divorce was finalized the following year.

It is not known if Wendy herself wrote the post - which notably did not include a shout out to her only child.

'HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TO ALL MOMS. We'd also like to take this time to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you who have gotten behind exposing this horrific situation,' the caption read.

'Every prayer, every like, every comment, every video, every signature on our petitions, WENDY THANKS YOU!!!'

The message concluded with, 'We ask for your continued alliance as we continue to push forward with actions. Updates coming soon!!'

A floral animation was also included in the star's latest post while 'Happy Mother's Day From Wendy' popped up.

Wendy Williams, 60, posted a cryptic message ahead of Mother's Day as she briefly opened up about the 'horrific situation' amid her ongoing guardianship drama; shown in 2024 Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams

'HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TO ALL MOMS. We'd also like to take this time to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you who have gotten behind exposing this horrific situation,' the caption read

Kevin Jr. was previously embroiled in claims that he mishandled his mother's money and took a large amount from her bank account in 2022.

Wendy's funds were later frozen and court filings gave an explanation for the bank taking that step, according to People.

'Wells Fargo has strong reason to believe that [Williams] is the victim of undue influence and financial exploitation.'

The bank also made the decision due to 'reports of the financial advisor, who has recently witnessed telltale signs of exploitation, including [Williams]'s own expressed apprehensions' and 'other independent third parties who know [Williams] well and share these concerns.'

The 24-year-old later denied the allegations in the Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?

A couple of months earlier in March of this year, it was revealed that the former talk show host has forgiven her son following the financial drama.

The message concluded with, 'We ask for your continued alliance as we continue to push forward with actions. Updates coming soon!!'

Kevin Jr. was previously embroiled in claims that he mishandled his mother's money amid allegations that he took a large amount from her bank account in 2022; Williams seen with her son in 2019 in Hollywood

The star's health care advocate, Ginalisa Monterroso, informed People at the time: 'What the misconception is, what people have to understand is that Wendy told the world now that this happened three years ago.

'So that's something that they were able to get through. That will always be her son, unconditional love.

'And that's pretty much, it was big news to everybody. But again, this happened three years ago,' she continued.

It seems the pair have put the past behind them as Williams and Kevin Jr. reunited back in February to celebrate her dad's 94th birthday.

Kevin had uploaded an Instagram photo as he posed alongside his mon Wendy and her father Thomas as they flashed smiles towards the camera.

He had written, 'Happy I could make this happen for you Papa.. I said by any means and I kept my word.'

Beforehand, Williams had expressed her worry that she would not be able to leave the assisted living facility to be with her dad on his birthday.

Monterroso told the outlet, 'He was there. And that's the last part. But I do know that she continued to communicate with him. And that's her honey bunny.'

A few months earlier in March of this year, it was revealed that the former talk show host has forgiven her son following the financial drama; seen in 2020 in NYC

It seems the pair have put the past behind them as Williams and Kevin Jr. reunited back in February to celebrate her dad's 94th birthday

Williams was last spotted out in public on April 11 as she joined pals at Fresco by Scotto in NYC.

In photos taken at the time, the former talk show host held a big grin on her face as she enjoyed dessert with niece Alex Finnie, Baruch Shemtov and Rosanna Scotto.

One day earlier, Wendy had also left her assisted living facility - which she has compared to a 'prison' - to have dinner with Don Lemon in the Big Apple.

She had also been accompanied by niece Alex and the former CNN host's husband Tim Malone.

It came just one day after the star's guardian reportedly denied Williams from having dinner with her niece and new lawyer.

Wendy seems to have a close friendship with Lemon, and notably appeared on his podcast The Don Lemon Show earlier this year.

At the time, she expressed: 'My life is ridiculous. I've been with this guardian person for three years. For three years of my life... I'm isolated. I feel like I'm in prison. I can't go out. All I can do is look at the window.'

Lemon then questioned the star if she was 'incapacitated' and in response, Williams simply said, 'Hell f***ing no.'

Williams was last spotted out in public on April 11 as she joined pals at Fresco by Scotto in NYC (seen above)

Wendy was placed under the guardianship of Sabrina Morrissey in 2022 - and last year in November she claimed that Williams was 'permanently incapacitated' by her dementia battle.

Back in 2023, the TV personality was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

When Lemon brought up her guardian's allegations, Wendy said, 'I don't know how much I can talk without being punished.'

She later added, 'I'm not in a good position. My life is screwed up. You know, this guardian mess is - please, look, I am isolated. I feel like I'm in prison. I feel like, you know, they're trying to control me and everything that I do.'

Also in April, Morrissey reportedly refused to allow Wendy to leave the assisted living facility called Coterie to have dinner with her niece and new attorney Joe Tacopina.

The star hired Tacopina - who recently represented A$AP Rocky - to help secure her freedom from her three-year conservatorship.

A #FreeWendy movement has since begun and in early April, Williams was seen banging on her window from inside the facility as supporters rallied for her below on the street.

However, Morrissey told People that Wendy is refusing to undergo certain medical tests - a MRI brain scan and neuropsychological assessment - as she aims to get out of the guardianship.

Wendy was placed under the guardianship of Sabrina Morrissey in 2022 - and last year in November she claimed that Williams was 'permanently incapacitated' by her dementia battle

Also in April, Morrissey reportedly refused to allow Wendy to leave the assisted living facility called Coterie to have dinner with her niece and new attorney Joe Tacopina; seen in 2023 in L.A.

Sabrina stated, 'Medical testing, including an MRI brain scan and neuropsychological assessment, had been scheduled for Ms. Williams.' The appointment was set for March 21 - but the star did not go.

'The Court directed that the testing be completed in March. Ms. Williams has declined to participate in the testing to date and therefore, the testing was not completed.'

She added, 'The parties are not able to address the concerns that have been expressed to the media without the testing. Once Ms. Williams undergoes the testing and a full evaluation, the results will inform the next steps for Ms. Williams' care.'

However in response, Wendy also told the outlet: 'I don't know anything about that.' She then added 'bulls***' and said, 'I am open to what I am open to and I can't talk about it right now.'

In March, it was revealed that Wendy was obtaining a new legal team in a bold move to break free from the guardianship.

Ginalisa Monterroso, the CEO and founder of Connect Care Advisory Group, also informed to Page Six the importance of Williams obtaining a new legal team in order to get out of the conservatorship.

'She's just stuck in what she calls a luxury prison...There's been no plan put in place for her, no paperwork, no hearings. There was no strategy or help lined up for her at all.'

Ginalisa explained that she talks to the star almost daily and has also sent a letter to Adult Protective Services in New York.

She also told the outlet, 'A doctor in Florida first examined her in 2019 and his diagnosis was alcohol-related dementia.

However, Morrissey told People that Wendy is refusing to undergo certain medical tests - a MRI brain scan and neuropsychological assessment - as she aims to get out of the guardianship

'She's also had serious thyroid issues since her 30s and theres such a thing as thyroid-related dementia. She also has Graves disease which is why her eyes sometimes bulge.'

Monterroso continued, 'Whatever it is, a guardianship is supposed to be for someone who doesnt know to put on a coat in winter or doesnt remember to pay bills or wanders out and doesnt know where they are.

'That's not Wendy. So then why put an alcoholic in a memory care unit and throw away the key?'

In mid-March, her assisted living facility called the NYPD when Wendy left to grab dinner with her niece. Days later, she defiantly stepped out for dinner once again in NYC.

Attorneys for Morrissey had sent a letter to DailyMail.com and stated that the drama surrounding the guardianship is 'untrue, inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading.'

Her attorneys further said in the letter that 'contrary to many media reports, Morrissey, as guardian, did not declare Wendy Williams to be legally incapacitated' - since a guardian does not have the power to do so.

Wendy also called into Good Day New York to explain that she passed a psychiatric evaluation with 'flying colors.'

Wendy also called into Good Day New York to explain that she passed a psychiatric evaluation with 'flying colors'; seen in 2024 Lifetime doc Where Is Wendy Williams

She later gave details about the living facility she is staying at and said, 'And you know, I'm on the fifth floor. It's called the memory unit. This is a floor, you know, you don't remember anything. Like really?

'And as far as me being able to go outside, I'm not allowed. You know, I have to stay in this building,' she continued, and added she needs to be 'permitted' in order to go to the gym that is located on the third floor.'

Wendy then emotionally stated that her money is 'up in the air' before saying, 'This is my life.'

Towards the end of the interview, she shared that leaving her guardianship is 'the number one most important thing.'
Pete Davidson and girlfriend Elsie Hewitt excitedly announced that they are expecting their first child together this week.

And while it has since been claimed that the pregnancy was something the couple 'weren't planning' - the SNL alum, 31, and English model, 29, are beyond 'excited' to become parents.

The comedian - who has previously been linked to high profile celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande - first sparked romance rumors with Hewitt only months earlier ago in March.

A source opened up to Us Weekly about their baby news and stated, 'Pete and Elsie definitely weren't planning on starting a family but are over the moon about it.

'They are so excited. Pete and Elsie have a really playful relationship, and things are going really well.'

Despite dating for a 'short amount of time,' the pregnancy 'has brought them even closer. It's a healthy relationship for Pete.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Davidson and Hewitt's reps for comment.

Pete Davidson, 31, and girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, 29, excitedly announced that they are expecting their first child together this week; seen in May in NYC

A source opened up to Us Weekly about their baby news and stated, 'Pete and Elsie definitely weren't planning on starting a family but are over the moon about it'

The insider explained that fatherhood was something he always wanted for his future and that 'the timing in his life is perfect.'

'He couldn't have done it a few years ago but is in a very different place in life now,' the source further said of Pete - who notably got sober last year.

Davidson and Hewitt have already begun preparing to welcome their little one to the world.

'They live together now and are starting to get things ready, which has been very exciting for them to do together.'

The actor has talked about his dreams of being a dad in the past - such as when he made an appearance on Kevin Hart's show Hart To Heart back in 2022.

'[I'm] definitely a family guy. My favorite thing ever, which I've yet to achieve, is I want to have a kid. That's like my dream,' Pete expressed at the time.

He said that being a father would 'just be so fun' and added he is 'so excited for that chapter, so like that's kinda just what I'm preparing for now.

'Just trying to be like, as good of a dude, and develop and get better so that when that happens it's just easier.'

'They live together now and are starting to get things ready, which has been very exciting for them to do together,' the source added

'[I'm] definitely a family guy. My favorite thing ever, which I've yet to achieve, is I want to have a kid. That's like my dream,' Pete expressed at the time; seen in February in NYC

Earlier this week on Wednesday, Elsie shared an Instagram photo series where she announced the baby news.

She captioned the carousel of snaps to her 1 million followers with, 'welp now everyone knows we had sex.'

In one image, the couple could be seen cozying up together as Davidson rested his hand on her stomach.

Hewitt additionally included an ultrasound of their baby and other pictures showed the lovebirds celebrating the pregnancy.

The model donned a white cropped top as well as matching sweatpants while the comedian sported a white sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.

They paused for pictures outside while each sporting pink and blue boxers underneath their ensembles.

Pete and Elsie could be seen sweetly embracing in one snap and also wore skincare face masks in another while pampering themselves.

The couple are set to welcome their baby this winter and are said to be 'thrilled' to become parents, family sources told TMZ.

Earlier this week on Wednesday, Elsie shared an Instagram photo series where she announced the baby news

She captioned the carousel of snaps to her 1 million followers with, 'welp now everyone knows we had sex'

Hewitt additionally included an ultrasound of their baby and other pictures showed the lovebirds celebrating the pregnancy

The couple are set to welcome their baby this winter and are said to be 'thrilled' to become parents, family sources told TMZ

Davidson has mostly kept his relationship with Hewitt, an English model, out of the spotlight since going public in March 2025.

However, the couple made a rare exception last month as Hewitt shared photos of them celebrating Fourth Of July together.

In May the pair were united at the Endometriosis Foundation of America event in NYC - where Hewitt told DailyMail.com she underwent surgery to treat endometriosis last year.

'I feel so much better it's actually insane,' she said before gushing about how Pete takes 'very good' care of her. 'He has all the heating pads, all the water bottles ready to go, feeds me. It's very sweet.'

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, potentially causing severe pain in the pelvis and making it difficult to conceive.

Davidson's baby joy comes almost 24 years since his father Scott was killed aged 33 in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Pete was seven years old.

Scott worked as a firefighter in New York City and was responding to the less well-known Marriott World Trade Center, a 22-story hotel nestled between the two enormous towers that was also known as World Trade Center 3.

Davidson and Hewitt's Fourth Of July getaway came two month after the couple made the big decision to move in together.

However, the couple made a rare exception last month as Hewitt shared photos of them celebrating Fourth Of July together

'I feel so much better it's actually insane,' she said before gushing about how Pete takes 'very good' care of her; seen in 2023 in West Hollywood

A source claimed that the pair were balancing time between Davidson's home in upstate New York and a Brooklyn brownstone the couple is renting.

News of the fresh romance emerged in March, with insiders describing Hewitt as a 'non-celebrity' and unlike 'anybody else he's ever dated,' per Page Six.

The outlet added that Davidson is 'very happy' and that his new lady 'respects Pete and his desire for privacy.'

Despite his preference to stay out of the limelight, Hewitt went Instagram official with her beau in late March.

Their relationship went public that month when they were spotted at a luxury beachfront hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. They packed on the PDA while swimming and lounging in the sun.

The couple made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 13th Annual Blossom Ball in May.

The couple made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 13th Annual Blossom Ball in May (seen above)

He famously struck up a romance with Kim Kardashian after the two crossed paths when she was a guest star on Saturday Night Live in October 2021; seen in 2022 in NYC

Davidson's relationship with Hewitt comes after his split with Madelyn Cline last year.

His previous high-profile relationships include his whirlwind engagement to Ariana Grande as well as flings with Kate Beckinsale, Margaret Qualley, and Kaia Gerber.

He famously struck up a romance with Kim Kardashian after the two crossed paths when she was a guest star on Saturday Night Live in October 2021. Their time together came to an end in August 2022.

Pete then briefly dated supermodel Emily Ratajkowski and started a relationship with his Bodies Bodies Bodies co-star Chase Sui Wonders in 2023.
Natasha Lyonne took an epic swipe at Hollywood's view of women ageing as she revealed film bosses compared her to her latest character.

The actress, 46, is best known for her roles in But I'm A Cheerleader, American Pie, Orange Is The New Black and is appearing in the new Fantastic Four film.

However, it is Natasha's new voiceover role in the 2025 Smurfs movie that left her questioning Hollywood's viewpoint on women ageing in the industry.

Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she revealed how she jumped at the chance to voice a character in the animation, not knowing who she would play.

Though she thought she would play a character similar to 37-year-old Rihanna's glamorous Smurfette, Natasha admitted the bosses had another idea in store.

Natasha explained: 'So, they said, ''You wanna be a Smurf in a picture?''

Natasha Lyonne took an epic swipe at Hollywood's view of ageing women this week as she revealed film bosses compared her to the one-toothed Smurf she plays in the new film

The actress, pictured in 1990, is best known for her roles in But I'm A Cheerleader, American Pie, Orange Is The New Black and is appearing in the new Fantastic Four film

'It's an email, I say, reply all, ''Sure, who doesn't?'' I mean, it's not Strawberry Shortcake, but I'll take it.'

Natasha revealed she then discovered she had been cast as Mamma Poot, who is much less glamorous than she expected and boasts just one bottom tooth.

Taking a cheeky swipe at Hollywood, Natasha joked: ''I'm a character called Mama Poot. Well, it's okay. I'm older now, and that's what they mean.

'Women, don't age in Hollywood or you'll become Mama Poot. The character they showed me is a hairball with one bottom snaggle tooth, not even a top (tooth).

'They're looking at me like, ''Isn't this charming that you guys seem so similar?'' I said, ''Yeah, no, it's definitely going to help me get dates, I'm sure''.'

Natasha then reminded fans that she has a 'full set of real teeth', quipping: 'I'm really proud of that. Not Mama Poot, though!'

Based on the iconic animated 80s series, the latest Smurf film in the franchise also stars James Corden, John Goodman, Xolo Mariduena, Octavia Spencer and Kurt Russell.

It hit cinemas on Friday and is directed by Chris Miller, the creative mind behind Shrek, Puss in Boots, and Madagascar.

Natasha's new voiceover role in the Smurfs movie left her questioning Hollywood's viewpoint on women ageing in the industry, she revealed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Though she thought she would play a character similar to 37-year-old Rihanna's glamorous Smurfette, Natasha admitted the bosses had another idea in store - Mama Poot (pictured)

Based on the iconic animated 80s series, the latest Smurf film in the franchise also stars James Corden, John Goodman, Xolo Mariduena, Octavia Spencer and Kurt Russell

At the heart of the new story lies a rescue mission with universal consequences and some very tiny heroes.

When the wise and beloved Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is kidnapped by the sinister duo of wizards Razamel and Gargamel, the peaceful Smurf Village is thrown into chaos.

Their only hope is none other than the fearless and fabulous Smurfette, played with dazzling flair by Rihanna.

Elsewhere, earlier this week MailOnline exclusively revealed how Natasha was attempting to lobby the Trump Administration as she tries to outlaw sinister uses of AI in the film industry.

She worked earlier this year to secure signatures for a letter to the White House advocating against policies allowing AI to take over the media.

Nabbing over 400 signatures from icons like Paul McCartney, Ben Stiller and Ron Howard, the memo called on the White House to protect Hollywood's intellectual property from being gobbled up by AI companies without proper compensation.

'We firmly believe that America's global AI leadership must not come at the expense of our essential creative industries,' the March letter stated.

But Natasha is facing a problem she couldn't have anticipated - as no one knows who she is on Capitol Hill, or in the White House, for that matter.

Multiple top aides on Capitol Hill working on AI issues with the White House told the Daily Mail they had not heard of Natasha - or her lobbying efforts.
Brian Nolan has revealed that he was given the all-clear amid his prostate cancer battle just months after his sister's Linda's death from the disease.

Brian, 70, was diagnosed with stage two prostate cancer just three days after his sister Linda Nolan died on January 15, 2025, following a 20-year breast cancer battle.

He became the fifth of the Nolan siblings to battle the disease, and he shared during an appearance on Loose Women that he was given the all-clear in a positive update.

Brian underwent surgery for the cancer, which involved doctors removing his prostate gland, and he gave fans his health update during a live TV appearance on Tuesday.

'There have been developments. I'll start at the beginning. So I had the operation, it's called a RALP, which means it's a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy,' he explained.

'To make a long story short, my cancer was in the prostate gland, so they offered me a radical operation, which drew the whole cancer out.

Brian Nolan has revealed that he was given the all-clear amid his prostate cancer battle just months after his sister's Linda's death from the disease

Brian, 70, was diagnosed with stage two prostate cancer just three days after his sister Linda Nolan (pictured) died on January 15, 2025, following a 20-year breast cancer battle

He became the fifth of the Nolan siblings to battle the disease, and he shared during an appearance on Loose Women alongside Coleen that he was given the all-clear

'I was basically in the hospital for 18 hours and I got the all clear last Tuesday that the cancer is completely gone and my bloods are back to normal.'

His sister Coleen, 60, appeared on the Loose Women panel alongside him as he shared the news and she has now praised his strength for speaking on live TV about his health.

'I'm so proud of him, because, since being diagnosed, he's done so much to raise awareness of the condition,' she wrote in her Mirror column.

'Brian, I'm in awe of you and so impressed that you can go on live telly and talk so calmly and eloquently about this important subject.'

Brian initially went to his doctor after noticing he was needing to use the toilet a lot more, which started affecting his sleep and day-to-day life.

After blood tests he was told his PSA levels had risen, and he was then sent for an MRI scan before being told that they had found something.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), are a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer, with higher levels potentially indicating prostate problems, though not necessarily cancer.

Brian initially kept his diagnosis a secret from his sisters because they were grieving the loss of their sibling Linda.

Brian initially kept his diagnosis a secret from his sisters because they were grieving the loss of their sibling Linda

Bernie Nolan, the second youngest of the family and lead vocalist in the Nolans group, died in 2013 at just 52 years old after battling breast cancer (pictured with Coleen in 2011)

Amid his own struggles, he spent 28 hours sitting by Linda's bedside in her final days.

Appearing on Loose Women in March, Coleen shared: 'He went through all of this, none of us knew, at the same time organising everything for Linda.

'Brian and Annie took control of the whole thing. At not one moment did I think something was up with Brian.'

While Brian added: 'It was a conscious decision, we'd been through too much with Linda and Bernadette.

'We've been through so much with cancer. I left it three or four days and I told you [his siblings] all individually.'

Brian described his diagnosis as 'like being hit by a train' and said he thought the worst when he was first diagnosed.

'I just want cancer to leave us alone,' Brian heartbreakingly told The Mirror.

'You start plunging into the abyss of: ''I'm going to die''.'

Brian's sisters have a history of cancer, with Coleen and Anne both receiving diagnoses as well as Bernie and Linda passing away from the disease.

Brian's sisters have a history of cancer, with Coleen and Anne both receiving diagnoses (all pictured in 1980)

Bernie Nolan, the second youngest of the family and lead vocalist in the Nolans group, tragically died in 2013 at just 52 years old after battling breast cancer.

Linda was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2005 before getting the all-clear in 2006 - but in 2017 she was diagnosed with a form of incurable secondary cancer in her hip, which spread to her liver in 2020.

Three years later, she shared the news that the cancer had spread to her brain, with two tumours discovered on the left side of her brain which left her struggling with her speech and balance.

Linda tragically passed away on January 15, 2025, aged 65 following a 20-year breast cancer battle and suffering from double pneumonia.

Anne, 74, was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and Coleen was told she had skin cancer in 2023.
Rylan Clark gave fans a health update on his mum Linda's condition on Saturday morning after she was rushed to hospital.

The beloved presenter, 36, informed his followers on Friday night that he wouldn't be hosting his BBC Radio 2 show the day after due to the emergency.

'Mummy Linda isn't well sadly so I won't be hosting the show tomorrow. Thank you to the emergency team at Princess Alexandra Hospital,' he shared at the time.

On Saturday, Rylan gave fans an update as he assured fans she was doing better and confirmed that she would be back home for her 73rd birthday on Sunday, July 20.

'Antibiotics have worked. Letting her home on orals. So she's home for her bday,' wrote on his Instagram Stories.

'Cheers everyone for your messages. Means a lot. Off sort wheelie bins x.'

Rylan Clark, 36, gave fans a health update on his mum Linda's condition on Saturday morning after she was rushed to hospital

The beloved presenter informed his followers on Friday night that he won't be hosting his BBC Radio 2 show the day after due to the emergency (pictured last month)

Earlier in the day, Rylan had told fans how his mother was doing better, but didn't disclose why she had been hospitalised.

'She's all good. Hoping she will be at home for her bday,' he shared. 'She's now worried about wheelie bins going out again.'

Linda won the hearts of the nation after her appearance with her son in Celebrity Gogglebox, where she had viewers in fits of laughter with her dry humour.

Rylan previously shared in 2023 his mother suffered a horror fall in Marbella and had to have emergency surgery before they both flew home on a private plane.

Rylan gave fans an update on her mother's health at the time, writing: 'She's doing really well thankfully. All going good. Cheers for all ur messages x'

'She's doing really well. Now chatting away with a lovely lady next to her. On the mend! Cheers for ur messages,' he added.

The mother-son duo have been favourites on Channel 4's Gogglebox since 2019, yet they had to miss the latest series due to Linda's health.

Rylan has also previously opened up about his mother's battle with Crohn's disease.

An hour after, he confirmed on his stories: 'Antibiotics have worked. Letting her home on orals. So she's home for her bday. Cheers everyone for your messages. Means a lot. Off sort wheelie bins x'

Linda has battled with Crohn's since her 30s, a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.

She often has to undergo multiple operations to remove damaged parts of her bowel and takes numerous medicines each day for her condition.

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition, which affects around one in 1,200 people in the UK, causing inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, although it is most commons in the intestines.

It causes symptoms including diarrhoea, intense abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue.

Linda had to endure a six-week hospital stay due to her ongoing battle with Crohn's disease back in 2017.

'She's not in the best health with her other conditions and this has made it more complicated,' Rylan previously said.

In October that year, Rylan revealed that Linda had become well enough to visit his house for the first time in two months amid her health struggles.

Linda also contracted sepsis in 2018, which almost killed her.

Linda won the hearts of the nation after her appearance with her son in Celebrity Gogglebox where she had viewers in fits of laughter with her dry humour (pictured in 2022)

Rylan previously shared in 2023 his mother suffered a horror fall in Marbella and had to have emergency surgery before they both flew home on a private plane

Rylan has previously opened up about his mother's battle with Crohn's disease. Linda has battled with Crohn's since her 30s, a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system

Rylan previously opened up to the Daily Mail about his mum's battle with the illness, which has affected many aspects of her life.

He explained: 'My mum lost her job because of the disease - it totally dictates her life. When she was diagnosed it really hit her hard because it wasn't picked up early enough.

'The earlier you pick it up the easier it is to control. I grew up with the disease as well because she was ill - it is life-threatening. It's scary.

'It could be difficult when I was young because sometimes she couldn't come on school trips and other times she was so embarrassed about her symptoms that I couldn't have my mates to stay over.'
Gwyneth Paltrow put her Oscar winning acting skills to good use when her ex-fiance married another woman.

A new biography about the Shakespeare in Love star, which also examines her relationship with Ben Affleck, claims Paltrow, 52, was mournful when Brad Pitt, 61, tied the knot with Jennifer Aniston in July 2000, but tried to keep it to herself, according to an excerpt published in US Weekly.

In Gwyneth: A Biography, author Amy Odell claims that Paltrow got snappy with a reporter at the Toronto International Film Festival in September of that year when asked about her love life while promoting Duets, the film she starred in, directed by her father, the late Bruce Paltrow.

'The reporter then asked how she felt about Brad Pitt marrying Jennifer Aniston [in July of that year]. "Are you really asking me this question?" Gwyneth replied, her eyes now "daggers." "I cant comment on this kind of thing." In reality, Gwyneth confided to friends that shed felt sad when she learned they were getting married. (She was also fond of telling them that Brad "has terrible taste in women.")'

According to an excerpt shared with People, Paltrow and Pitt met when she auditioned for a role in Legends of the Fall. She didn't get that part, but Pitt reportedly suggested she play his wife in the horror classic Se7en, which began production in 1994.

Paltrow had also been offered a role in the Keanu Reeves project, Feeling Minnesota, and when deciding which role to take a friend reportedly asked, 'Well, who do you want to date, Brad Pitt or Keanu Reeves?'

Gwyneth Paltrow, 52, was 'mournful' after former fiance Brad Pitt, 61, married another woman, according to the upcoming book Gwyneth: A Biography by Amy Odell; Pictured in London in August 1995

According to Odell, 'The two would walk around the set holding hands, and smoked cigarettes together outside their trailers, Gwyneth holding hers like a thirties movie star.'

Daily Mail has reached out to Paltrow's representatives for a statement regarding the allegations in the book.

The two got engaged in 1996, but there were doubts.

After Paltrow received rave reviews for her work in 1996's Emma, she allegedly confided in her friend, makeup artist Kevin Aucoin, that Pitt 'wanted to be with her but seemed to feel threatened by her success and all the attention she received.'

'[Aucoins] advice to Gwyneth was frank, "You really need to end this,"' Odell wrote.

Pitt and Paltrow called it quits in 1997.

When Pitt and Aniston split in 2005, following his affair with future ex-wife Angelina Jolie, Paltrow, who had been signed as the face of Estee Lauder's Pleasures fragrance, couldn't help but make a snide remark at a dinner with executive Aerin Lauder.

According to the US Weekly excerpt, 'At one dinner, the two were talking about Brad Pitt. According to someone familiar with the discussion, Gwyneth allegedly told her, "Hes dumber than a sack of st."'

This seemed to refer to their very different backgrounds.

Pitt married actress Jennifer Aniston, 56, in July 2000, three years after Pitt and Paltrow had broken up; Pictured in Cannes, France in May 2004

Paltrow and Pitt fell in love while working on the 1997 horror film Se7en. ''The two would walk around the set holding hands, and smoked cigarettes together outside their trailers,' according to the book; Pictured in Burbank, CA in October 1995

Pitt and Paltrow got engaged in 1996, but split the next year; Pictured in Los Angeles in March 2002

After the success of 1996's Emma, Paltrow allegedly confided a that Pitt 'wanted to be with her but seemed to feel threatened by her success and all the attention she received'

Gwyneth: A Biography will be released on July 29. Daily Mail has reached out to Paltrow's representatives to for a statement regarding the allegations in the book; Pictured in Beverly Hills in April 2023

Pitt grew up in a very religious family in Springfield, MO, whereas Paltrow was brought up in Manhattan and went to an elite private school.

In a 2023 interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, looking back at her breakup with Pitt, Paltrow said she was 'totally heartbroken' after the split but 'It was the right thing at that time, but it was really hard.'

'There were a number of things that had happened, he was nine years older than me  he knew what he wanted, he was ready to do it and I was kind of all over the place.'

Gwyneth: A Biography will be released on July 29.
Lottie Moss has detailed her nightmare flight after she landed in London Stansted on Saturday evening.

The socialite and half-sister of Kate Moss took to her Instagram to update her followers about the mishap that happened on her way back from St. Tropez in the south of France.

Supermodel Lottie, 27, tagged British Airways in her Story, where she appeared to be complaining about the airline.

She explained how she was feeling worse for wear after going out five nights in a row and was still stressed as her luggage had yet to arrive on time.

Wearing oversized sunglasses in her video, Lottie began: 'I cannot explain to you - please ignore my voice, I've been literally out every night for the past five nights in St Tropez - but, I've had the worst experience with British Airways today, I cannot even tell you.

'My journey starts at 8am and it's literally not even finished yet because the bags haven't arrived. The plane was four hours late.'

Socialite Lottie Moss took to Instagram to detail her nightmare flight back from St Tropez as she landed in London Stansted on Saturday evening

Supermodel Lottie, 27, tagged British Airways in her Story, where she appeared to be complaining about the airline

Lottie went on to share how when the flight landed, passengers had to wait for a further 25 minutes before they were allowed off the flight.

She continued: 'We landed, sat on the tarmac here for like, 25 minutes, and the bags still aren't here. It doesn't say awaiting baggage, it doesn't say baggage completed.'

Visibly agitated, she added: 'I'm gonna lose my f**king mind.'

Daily Mail has contacted British Airways for comment.

Lottie was holidaying in the French Riviera alongside Love Island's Grace Jackson and model Roxy Horner.

She was there on a brand trip for Bydee swimwear, and flashed her sensational physique in a jaw-dropping mirror selfie.

The stylish bikini snaps come after it was reported earlier this month that former Only Fans creator Lottie is using her personal diaries to write a biography about her childhood and turbulent life in the spotlight.

Lottie will not hold back as she reflects on her battles with alcohol and substance abuse issues, according to the Sun.

Lottie was holidaying in the French Riviera alongside Love Island's Grace Jackson and model Roxy Horner

Love Island's Grace Jackson showed off her petite frame in a skimpy bikini whilst on a yacht

Model Roxy Horner stripped down to her two-piece and showed off her incredible body

It's understood that she has kept written and video diaries since she was a teenager and will be using them to reference her colourful past.

An insider said: 'Lottie has always been known as Kate's little sister  but this is her chance to tell her side of the story.

'She has kept written and video diaries since she was a teenager, so will be compiling all her scribbles and memories into the book.

'Lottie is excited to tell the truth about her struggles with body image, addiction and relationships.'
Yellowstone heartthrob Josh Lucas has officially said 'I do'  and in one of the most iconic locations in the world.

The 54-year-old actor recently married meteorologist Brianna Ruffalo in a breathtaking ceremony inside the Vatican.

'Mr. and Mrs. Incredibly blessed to receive this sacrament together inside the heart of the Catholic Church and holy city, Brianna captioned a series of romantic wedding photos she shared Friday on Instagram.

Josh replied in the comments, 'I love you! Easily one of the greatest days of my life. I am so so grateful.'

He also posted a carousel of his own, giving shoutouts to the team who made it all possible: 'A huge thank you to deeply talented @caterinaerrani_photography & to @weddings_italy @paolo_nassi @JinaneKafrouny who helped make the dream of wedding in the #vatican come true many many people to thank for this to come'

The couple, who started dating in 2022, got engaged in June 2024.

Josh Lucas recently married meteorologist Brianna Ruffalo in a breathtaking ceremony inside the Vatican; (seen in 2024)

This is the second marriage for Lucas, who was previously wed to writer Jessica Ciencin Henriquez from 2012 to 2014.

They share a 13-year-old son, Noah.

Josh and Brianna got engaged during an Italian getaway.

The couple traveled extensively across the country, visiting Positano and Naples for a summer holiday.

Lucas reportedly saw this as the ideal moment to pop the question, given Ruffalo's ancestral ties to Italy.

The brunette beauty accepted the offer, and upon their arrival in Los Angeles, the couple joyfully shared the news with their families, who were reportedly thrilled for them.

Their engagement capped off a year and a half of dating, starting with a chance meeting at a restaurant while Lucas was on the set of his new show Palm Royale, according to the insiders.

In real life, Lucas successfully won his girlfriend's heart, but his character in Sweet Home Alabama wasn't as fortunate.

'Mr. and Mrs. Incredibly blessed to receive this sacrament together inside the heart of the Catholic Church and holy city, Brianna captioned a series of romantic wedding photos she shared Friday on Instagram

The couple, who started dating in 2022, got engaged in June 2024; (pictured April)

Lucas gained fame for his role in the 2002 romantic comedy alongside Reese Witherspoon, playing Witherspoon's estranged husband Jake, while Patrick Dempsey portrayed her fiance Andrew.

At a red carpet event in May 2024, Ruffalo admitted that she wasnt cheering for Lucas character in the movie, telling E!, 'Im Team Patrick Dempsey.'

Ruffalo even joked that her opinion posed an 'ongoing problem' in their relationship.

'From day one, [Brianna] was like, "Oh yeah, you were the other guy,"' Lucas chimed in at the time.

'She was like, "I didn't like you because you like, stole her from Patrick."'

Once, despite her character preference, Lucas and Ruffalo attempted to watch Sweet Home Alabama together, according to the star.

'We actually watched part of it once and she fell asleep, like, 10 minutes in and was still like, "Im still Team Patrick,"' he said. 'And that was it.'
Dua Lipa's high-profile fiance is reportedly tipped to be in the lead to take on the role of the next James Bond.

British actor Callum Turner, 35, may be from a very humble background - being raised on an estate in Hammersmith, London, but it seems he could be about to make his big break as the next 007.

According to new odds from Heart Bingo, it's thought that Callum is being lined up as the public's favourite.

And the star seems to be receiving huge praise for being the next in line.

Sarah Caskie, Head of Brand for online website, said: 'With the rumour mill surrounding the next continuing to turn following the announcement Amazon will be taking the reins with the franchise, we've turned to public opinion to find the best fit for the 007 role.

'The masses have spoken on X and we've collated the data to find that Callum Turner is the people's choice to replace Daniel Craig, with 63% of posts concerning his potential role in the next film being positive, while 0% were negative.'

Dua Lipa's high-profile fiance Callum Turner is tipped to be in the lead to take on the role of the next James Bond

The British actor, 35, may be from a very humble background - being raised on an estate in Hammersmith, London - but it seems he could be about to make his big break as the next 007

It comes after James Bond bosses have reportedly narrowed down their shortlist to just three names after a flurry of speculation.

It is believed that Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man's Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson are at the top of Amazon's wish list, according to Variety.

Inside sources reportedly told the publication that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30.

And while Jacob, 28, is Australian, he is still believed to be in the running as fellow Aussie actor George Lazenby has previously played Bond in On Her Majestys Secret Service in 1969.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Amazing, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson for comment.

Amazon declined to comment when contacted by Variety.

The studio recently announced that Denis Villeneuve - best known for directing Warner Bros.' two-part Dune adaptation - has signed on to direct the untitled film, via Amazon press release.

The French-Canadian filmmaker, 57, will also serve as executive producer of the project alongside Tanya Lapointe.

James Bond bosses have reportedly narrowed down their shortlist to just three names, after a flurry of speculation

Theories have rife around which names are in the running to replace Daniel Craig, after he made his last appearance as Bond in the 2021 film No Time To Die

Amazon had previously announced Amy Pascal and David Heyman as the film's producers, after the studio parted ways with longtime 007 caretakers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

The news comes just over three years after Amazon completed its massive $8.5billion acquisition of MGM Studios that included the James Bond franchise.

There hasn't been a Bond film since 2021's No Time to Die, the final instalment with Daniel Craig as the beloved secret agent.

The director said in a statement, 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.'

He added, 'I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, hes sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.'

The filmmaker admitted: 'This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.'

He also went on to thank Bond producers Amy and David, adding they, 'are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust'.

It is believed that Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man's Tom Holland, pictured, and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson are at the top of Amazon's wish list

Inside sources reportedly told the publication that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30 (pictured: Harris Dickinson)

While Jacob, pictured, is Australian, he is still believed to be in the running as fellow Aussie actor George Lazenby has previously played Bond in On Her Majestys Secret Service in 1969

The studio announced Wednesday that Denis Villeneuve - best known for directing Warner Bros.' two-part Dune adaptation - has signed on to direct the untitled film, via Amazon press release

Amy and David added, 'Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy.

'It was always his dream to make this movie, and now its ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.'

After Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, they obtained full creative control of the 007 franchise with a deal they struck with Barbara and Michael, the offspring of original James Bond producer, Albert R. Broccoli.

Barbara and Michael had been overseeing the franchise since 1995, when their father ceded control of his Eon Productions company to them.

Amazon reached an agreement with Barbara and Michael in March 2025, and while financial terms were not disclosed, it was rumored to be upwards of $1 billion.

Villeneuve made his directorial debut in 1998 with August 32nd on Earth, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival that year.

He followed that up with Maelstrom (2000), Polytechnique (2009) and Incendies (2010), the latter of which was nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards.

The filmmaker broke through in Hollywood with 2013's Prisoners, a dark drama starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.

He continued to win acclaim for 2013's Enemy, 2015's Sicario, 2016's Arrival, 2017's Blade Runner 2049 and, most recently, 2021's Dune: Part One and 2024's Dune: Part Two.

Speculation has continued to grow over who will be the next big-screen Bond, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson previously touted as a favourite among industry figures.

The acquisition of the Bond franchise by Amazon earlier this year has also prompted a flurry of guesses as to where they might take the franchise next.

Bond has been spoiled with video game adaptations since the 1980s, with early adaptations taking the form of shooting games or text adventures in which players typed in what they wanted the super-spy to do.

Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027.

Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun.

An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes.

'But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers.

'It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.'

The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.

It was announced earlier this year that Amazon Prime had taken over 'creative control' of the James Bond franchise leaving fans fearing the beloved films could be ruined by endless spin-offs such as Star Wars.

The deal comes after Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 as a part of its media push. The acquisition gave Amazon distribution rights to the 007 franchise but not creative control.

The company is said to be fast-tracking the new movie after spending a reported $1 billion to regain control from Barbara Broccoli.

There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond.

Barbara Broccoli's choice for Bond was thought to be Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was once favourite for the role, but Heyman and Pascal are likely to want to choose their own 007.
One Hollywood A-lister took advantage of being in a foreign country and let loose with the locals, much to their surprise.

This Emmy nominated actress, who just celebrated her 53rd birthday, was spotted shaking her groove thing at a nightclub in Ibiza, Spain in a TikTok video shot by a fan.

Imagine the surprise of the other customers to discover they were dancing with none other than Modern Family star Sofia Vergara.

The America's Got Talent judge was spotted rocking to the beat in a white sundress with a handsome man, who appeared to be businessman Doug Chabbott, dressed in a white shirt and wearing his sunglasses at night.

The two seemed to enjoy playing to the camera in the video uploaded on July 7.

Although many were surprised the Griselda star had ditched the VIP section of the club, one person who was there commented that she 'created her own VIP section having a wall of bodyguards surround her.'

Sofia Vergara turned heads and made fast friends on the dance floor during a wild night out at a nightclub in Ibiza

Her sultry dance moves shocked the crowd

Vergara celebrated some time on the Spanish island as part of a working Mediterranean vacation.

On July 8, she shared some sexy photos of herself wearing one of the one piece bathing suits from her collection at Walmart, tagging the retailer and the island in her post.

The single star shared video of her own, dancing with the same hunk at what appeared to be a different club on social media.

'When in Ibiza,' she wrote next to the clip.

Since then, Vergara and her entourage have traveled to Sardinia, Italy where she celebrated her birthday.

And according to social media, she and her crew have just wrapped up a visit to Paris.

Among those there were her son Manolo, 33, Chabbott and friends Norvina and eye-brow guru Anastasia of Beverly Hills.

Vergara displayed her own version of Parisian chic.

Imagine the surprise of the other customers to discover they were dancing with none other than Modern Family star Sofia Vergara

The actress was there as part of her Mediterranean vacation

The actress, who was celebrating her 53rd birthday, managed to get a little work done, modeling one of the swimsuits from her Walmart collection while on the Spanish island

According to social media, she and her crew have just wrapped up a visit to Paris

Pictures shared show her son Manolo, 33 was with her on the trip

Vergara also tagged Doug Chabbott in a photo from the City of Lights

She posed for photos on her 'last night in Paris' wearing a silky mauve button down blouse with a hit of a lacy bra peeking out with wide leg jeans.

Although she was not there, the actress was honored with a statue of herself in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia on her birthday.

The bronze sculpture was made by renowned artist Yino Marquez, who spent seven months working on it in his workshop and was assisted by six young students and graduates of a local art school

It stands a proud 24' 7' high and weights a whopping 5.5 tons.
Her Instagram feed is never short of stunning content.

And on Saturday, Tasha Ghouri used the social media platform to turn up the heat with a figure-flaunting holiday photoshoot, describing the getaway as 'pure magic'.

The former Love Island star, 26, who is currently thought to be enjoying a romantic break in Tuscany, Italy with her new boyfriend Cam Whitnall, donned a cut out brown maxi dress and exhibited her sun-kissed physique.

With her hair pinned back into a half up do and minimal makeup highlighting her naturally pretty features, the former Strictly contestant put on a sizzling display as she looked candidly from side to side, whilst her holiday photo was taken.

Tasha looked glowing as she held onto a metallic clutch and flaunted her toned midriff and back as she posed in the cut out, floor-length gown.

In other photos, Tasha could be seen against a backdrop of gorgeous mountains as she showcased her bronzed chest and arms in an incredible holiday image.

Tasha Ghouri flashed plenty of skin in a risque cut out summer dress as she continued to shares snaps from her Italian getaway on Saturday amid boyfriend drama

The former Love Island star, 26, who is currently enjoying a break in Tuscany, Italy threw a sultry pose in the holiday pictures, as she donned a cut out brown maxi dress and exhibited her sun-kissed physique

Tasha added a sultry selfies as she worked her best angles and displayed a very glamorous look with a pair of bold, gold earrings.

Later she could be seen smiling as she at at a dinner table, cross armed, looking happy and relaxed.

The stunning Instagram snaps come after MailOnline revealed that her new boyfriend Cam was in a long-term relationship just weeks before going public with the Strictly star.

The CBBC presenter and zoo owner, 30, has reportedly left pals 'shocked' after he was spotted packing on the PDA with the former Love Islander at Fearne Cotton's Happy Place festival at Gunnersbury Park in London over the weekend - before heading off to Tuscany.

Cam was previously dating stunning wildlife photographer Felicity Sutton, 34, for a year and together they shared a love of animals, with pals convinced at the time that 'nothing' could break the pair up.

A source told The Sun: 'It came as a surprise to everyone to see Cam with Tasha. He was so loved up with Felicity before'.

'This time last year, he was with Felicity on his birthday, and it really looked like nothing would break them, but a year on, he's in Tuscany with Tasha for his big day. Everyone is bemused.

'Felicity doesn't have any hard feelings towards him as such, and she will always cherish their time together, it's just a lot to see your ex in the limelight suddenly.'

With her hair pinned back into a half up do and minimal makeup highlighting her naturally pretty features, the former Strictly contestant put on a sizzling display as she looked candidly from side to side, whilst her holiday photo was taken

The stunning Instagram snaps come after MailOnline revealed that her new boyfriend Cam Whitnall was in a long-term relationship just weeks before going public with the Strictly star

Tasha looked glowing as she held onto a metallic clutch and flaunted her toned midriff and back as she posed in the cut out, floor-length gown

Tasha added a sultry selfies as she worked her best angles and displayed a very glamorous look with a pair of bold, gold earrings

Later she could be seen smiling as she at at a dinner table, cross armed, looking happy and relaxed

The blonde bombshell showcased her bronzed chest and arms in the incredible holiday images and appeared to be blocking out her man drama noise

MailOnline have contacted Felicity and Cam's reps for comment.

Cam - who has been dating Tasha since May - still features on his ex's Instagram grid, including snaps from their trip to Kenya last year where they enjoyed a safari.

As the pair both snapped photos of the local wildlife, she wrote: 'When you both love the same things #couplegoals.'

YouTuber Cam stars in CBBC series One Zoo Three and BBC show OZT Goes Wild alongside his brothers Ty and Aaron.

His family run Hertfordshire Zoo and he is the managing director of a non-profit charity, The Big Cat Sanctuary, which rescues wild cats and protects species at risk of extinction.

Meanwhile Tasha's ex, Andrew Le Page, 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' to speak about him.

Soon after, they released a shock joint statement.

Cam was previously dating stunning wildlife photographer Felicity Sutton (pictured) with pals convinced at the time that 'nothing' could break the pair up

In the 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'.

The exes quickly put Andrew's rant aside and came 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. We've 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.

'No one deserves to be torn down, especially when they're already trying to heal. We've both made mistakes, we've both learned, and we've 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 there's 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 I'll always be grateful for.

'I truly just want us both to move on and be happy. Wishing Tasha nothing but the best, and I'll always be proud of her.'

The statements came shortly after he hit back at the star after she claimed in a new interview he 'wasn't supporting her,' before their shock split.

It comes after Tasha's ex Andrew launched into an explosive rant about her being on a dating app during their relationship

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 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.
Khloe Kardashian is facing fresh backlash after sharing new photos  just days after insisting shes no longer 'heavily' altering her images.

The 41-year-old reality star, who found herself at the center of a Photoshop scandal less than three months ago, recently claimed on a podcast that shes scaled back on using filters, but fans weren't buying it.

She also raised eyebrows last month when she got unusually candid on social media about her cosmetic procedures  but noticeably skipped over what many believe is the most obvious tweak: a butt lift.

Still, Khloe didnt shy away from the scrutiny, firing back the next day with a detailed breakdown of everything shes had done  complete with shout-outs to her doctors and clinics.

But the controversy reignited on Friday, when she posted a batch of scenic outdoor photos to Instagram.

While the setting was picturesque, fans were more distracted by her noticeably fuller pout.

Khloe Kardashian is under fire once again after posting new photos

The backlash reignited Friday after she uploaded a series of scenic outdoor snaps to Instagram

'So cute except those duck lips. Have you ever thought about toning them down a bit?' one critic commented.

'I was thinking the same thing. I thought that phase was over. Shes worked so hard on her physique, but those duck lips.' someone else chimed in.

Another asked, 'So the whole not using filters anymore, it was just a lie? Lol.'

'Leave Chloe alone, cant you see she fkd her face?' a fan commented bluntly.

One wrote, 'You are lying if you say you didnt edit your face in these photos!!!!'

Still another added, 'You changed yourself so much I can't recognize you. You were beautiful before, not less than now. Just saying'

Over the years, Khloe has been slammed for using filters, editing applications like FaceApp and getting various plastic surgery.

Back in 2021, she finally confessed to undergoing a nose job after years of speculation from fans about her ever-changing appearance.

Though the backdrop was stunning, it was Khloes noticeably plumper pout that stole the spotlight

Khloe also raised eyebrows last month when she got unusually candid on social media about her cosmetic procedures

A year later, she even took to Instagram to thank her plastic surgeon, Dr. Kanodia, for her 'perfect nose.'

Her plastic surgeon calls himself the 'king of closed scarless rhinoplasty' and is based in Beverly Hills, conveniently close for the Kardashian family who all live nearby.

At the time, Khloe opened up about the procedure saying she 'always wanted' to get a nose job, and 'finally got the courage' to do so.

Speaking to Robin Roberts during an ABC special on The Kardashians, she said: 'My whole life I would say - I've always wanted my nose done, forever.'

Adding: 'But it's in the middle of your face and it's scary to think about. But I finally got the courage, and I did it, and I love it.'
She famously got into a public spat with Sharon Osbourne and took a bitchy side-swipe at Holly Willoughby.

But Amanda Holden insists that women don't fight among themselves  and office catfights are a myth promoted by men.

The Britain's Got Talent judge, 54, said in an interview: 'The notion that women are bitchy to each other in the workplace is just men setting us up against each other... It's never the women.'

She then added: 'I can't think of another woman who's upset me.'

However, her comments in The Times are likely to come as news to Ms Osbourne and Ms Willoughby, with whom Ms Holden has rowed with very publicly in recent years.

Ms Holden and Ms Osbourne began their war of words last year after The X Factor judge, 72, and Louis Walsh  appearing on Celebrity Big Brother  criticised Simon Cowell for his dress sense and claimed he 'didn't know how to keep friends'.

She famously got into a public spat with Sharon Osbourne (pictured together in 2014) and took a bitchy side-swipe at Holly Willoughby

The presenter, who is one of television's highest-paid women, earning around 5 million a year, has also mocked former This Morning host Holly Willoughby. Pictured: Her video appearing to mock Ms Willoughby

When Ms Willoughby, 44, returned to the show (pictured) after Phillip Schofield's much-publicised departure, Ms Holden took a swipe at her first comments to camera

Ms Holden immediately came out in support of Cowell, saying: 'I hated seeing certain people in a reality show dissing Simon.

'He's the person who's given them all the chances, given them a lot of money and a lifestyle they probably wouldn't have had. It's bitter and pathetic.

'It was like Cinderella with her two sisters in the background? Just stabby, stabby, stabby.'

Ms Osbourne then hit back on social media: 'Unlike you, the brand of Sharon Osbourne is known worldwide.

'There are many countries that I could work in if I choose to. However, I don't have the ambition or time to do so and, unlike you, I don't work in radio or pantomime.'

Afterwards Ms Holden described it as a 'storm in a teacup'.

The presenter, who is one of television's highest-paid women, earning around 5 million a year, has also mocked former This Morning host Holly Willoughby.

When Ms Willoughby, 44, returned to the show after Phillip Schofield's much-publicised departure, Ms Holden took a swipe at her first comments to camera.

And in May, Amanda (pictured earlier this year) appeared to take another sly dig at the presenter live on air while she was presenting her Heart FM radio show

'Right, deep breath,' Ms Willoughby said, dressed in white, before asking the viewers at home: 'Firstly, are you OK? I hope so.'

The next day, also dressed in white, Ms Holden appeared in an online video, saying: 'Hello, it is Tuesday, are you OK?'

And in May she appeared to take another sly dig at the presenter live on air while she was presenting her Heart FM radio show.

Responding to co-host Jamie Theakston's queries about whether her Netflix dating series Cheat: Unfinished Business was being renewed for a second run, Ms Holden said she didn't know.

He then teased, 'What are they suggesting  are they getting Holly Willoughby?' to which Holden replied: 'No, they want a proper presenter.'

A spokesman for Holden declined to comment.

Not sure Holly and Sharon would agree! ...and try telling that to the office Queen Bee

By Roger Dobson

There's usually one found in every office: a tough-talking female boss with so-called 'Queen Bee syndrome'.

But their lofty authority and disdain for their female co-workers does them no favours  particularly among other women.

There's usually one found in every office: a tough-talking female boss with so-called 'Queen Bee syndrome'. Pictured: File photo

A study has found women at a lower level  the 'worker bees'  find female bosses arrogant, conceited and manipulative.

While the authors of the study acknowledge this may be an unfair prejudice, they suggest the problem lies with women who are seen to be mimicking powerful men and taking on more masculine roles.

Dubbing their research 'A Battle in the Hive', they say having this power  particularly in a male-dominated office  might lead them to criticise female subordinates more harshly to distance themselves from other women.

But this only creates a negative buzz and sometimes outright hostility.

'We discovered many female subordinates believe their female managers are tough and manipulative, making it difficult to work with them,' the researchers from Istanbul Medipol University wrote in the journal Frontiers in Sociology.

'In workplaces where men predominate, female subordinates may perceive female managers as unsettlingly arrogant and conceited.

'Preference for male leaders, perceived difficulties with female managers (such as emotional reactivity) and the effect of social expectations were primary themes from our research.'
Leonardo DiCaprio showed off his new slimmed-down physique while enjoying a luxury getaway with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti over the weekend.

The Titanic star, 50, was spotted shirtless aboard a yacht while savoring a lavish day at sea in Saint Tropez, France, with the bikini-clad model, 27.

The actor displayed a leaner frame, a notable change from the fuller figure he had developed since his Titanic stardom.

After taking a refreshing dip in the water, DiCaprio  who has reportedly been working to get fit in order to keep up with Vittoria  was seen dripping wet on board the yacht, dressed in a pair of dark swim shorts, before drying off with a towel.

Meanwhile Vittoria sent temperatures soaring as she showed off her enviable figure in a light pink thong bikini.

At one point, the Italian beauty was pictured watching her other half as he swam, before he re-boarded the yacht.

Leonardo DiCaprio, 50, showed off his new slimmed-down physique while enjoying a luxury getaway with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, 27, over the weekend

The Titanic star was spotted shirtless aboard a yacht while savoring a lavish day at sea in Saint Tropez with the bikini-clad model

The actor displayed a leaner frame, a notable change from the fuller figure he had developed since his Titanic stardom

Vittoria covered her dark tresses with a white hat, and later put on a pair of white shorts to keep warm.

They were also joined by a group of close friends including Italian businessman Tommaso Buti.

Earlier this week Leonardo and Vittoria were seen on a date night together as they stepped out in St Tropez.

Vittoria cut a chic figure in a strappy white lace dress as she looked over her shoulder to smile at Leo.

Leo's annual trip to France came just a few days after he was in south London attending Wimbledon.

Vittoria and Leo are said to have met at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where his Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon was premiering.

They were first linked in the August of that year, after a flurry of rumors that had connected Leo to Vittoria's fellow supermodel Gigi Hadid.

Over the course of their time together, Vittoria has been seen on occasion with a ring on her wedding finger, but sources have insisted she and Leo are not engaged.

Vittoria was previously married from 2020 until 2023 to the Italian DJ Matteo Milleri, who is part of the Berlin-based duo Tale of Us.

Vittoria sent temperatures soaring as she showed off her enviable figure in a light pink thong bikini

After taking a refreshing dip in the water, he was seen dripping wet on board the yacht, dressed in a pair of dark swim shorts

A source previously told DailyMail. com that the actor is working on getting healthy and fit 'to keep up with Vittoria'

The actor dried off with a grey towel

Leo flashed a smile after enjoying a swim

The pair laughed it up while soaking up the sun

The once interminable bachelor is said to be serious about Ceretti after years of being teased for his apparent penchant for dumping girlfriends once they turned 25

Vittoria covered her dark tresses with a white hat, and later put on a pair of white shorts to keep warm

They were also joined by a group of close friends including Italian businessman Tommaso Buti

Vittoria was pictured adjusting her bikini

Her barely-there bikini highlighted her incredible physique

Leo was later seen rinsing off

The couple recently attended Jeff Bezos' lavish wedding to Lauren Sanchez

Leo's annual trip to France came just a few days after he was in south London attending Wimbledon

The actor appeared to have a blast during his yacht adventure

The model has accompanied him on a number of tropical vacations, with pictures variously showing the couple frolicking on a yacht off the coast of Sardinia, playing pickleball in the sands of the Caribbean or splashing about in the waters of St. Barts

The couple were pictured looking at something in the water before sharing a laugh with their friends

In March Vittoria made rare comments about her age-gap romance with Leo in an interview with Vogue France

She revealed for the first time that the couple met 'in Milan. But I prefer not to go into details'

And the beauty added that she's a fan of DiCaprio's iconic 1997 film Titanic, which was released the year before she was born

'Who hasn't seen it? Or didn't like it? It's an iconic film...' she noted

Ceretti also said the couple's love for another is strong enough to transcend jealousy: 'It's something you learn: if what you're experiencing is real, if you know you love each other, then there's no reason to be alarmed. Because love protects and gives confidence'

She also revealed she has forged a close bond with DiCaprio's family, particularly his mother Irmelin Indenbirken

It comes after earlier this month Vittoria sparked backlash after she reposted a TikTok supporting Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's lavish Venice wedding.

Vittoria accompanied the Oscar winner to the star-studded nuptials - but has since been slammed by fans over on Reddit.

A TikTok user shared a reel with the caption in the first slide reading, 'Everyone hating on Jeff Bezos' wedding.'

The next image showed a small air conditioner alongside the text, 'But I ordered this AC at 10pm last night and it arrived by 9am. Enjoy your wedding king.'

The TikToker additionally penned, 'why are we hating?? he gave me cold air and a reason to live. enjoy your wedding Jeff,' as the track No Broke Boys by Tinashe and Disco Lines played in the background.

Ceretti - who also joined celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Tom Brady during the three-day festivities - shared the clip to the top of her reposts and 137k followers.

Some social media users took notice of the video, and shared their thoughts over on a Reddit page.

One penned, 'This is such a "let them eat cake." moment,' while another simply added, 'yikesss.'

DiCaprio and his girlfriend whisked themselves away to Venice to join other A-list guests for Jeff and Lauren's wedding, though the actor kept a lowkey profile over the course of the three days.

Following his attendance at the Amazon founder's wedding, he faced backlash and was branded a 'hypocrite' by some fans for previously preaching about saving the planet.

The Los Angeles native jumped in the water for a swim

Vittoria and Leo are said to have met at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where his Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon was premiering

They were first linked in the August of that year, after a flurry of rumors that had connected Leo to Vittoria's fellow supermodel Gigi Hadid

Vittoria was previously married from 2020 until 2023 to the Italian DJ Matteo Milleri, who is part of the Berlin-based duo Tale of Us

The actor later put on a white t-shirt

Over the course of their time together, Vittoria has been seen on occasion with a ring on her wedding finger, but sources have insisted she and Leo are not engaged

Meanwhile, during the celebrations, Vittoria donned a vintage Dolce & Gabbana gown that had previously been worn by his ex Gisele Bundchen in 2003.

In between the wedding and other glitzy parties, Vittoria was seen exploring the romantic city of Venice and also spent time with newly single Orlando Bloom.

The model was first linked to the Titanic actor in 2023 and made rare comments about their relationship during an interview with Vogue France in April.

In regards to dating some as famous as DiCaprio, the beauty expressed that is 'something you learn.'

She added, 'If what you're experiencing is real, if you know you love each other, then there's no reason to be alarmed. Because love protects and gives confidence.'
Rebecca De Mornay knew ex-boyfriend Tom Cruise before he became an international superstar and the actress is thrilled with the success he's achieved more than 40 years after they worked together.

The actor, 63, who has been traveling around Europe with rumored girlfriend Ana de Armas, 37, was an up-and-coming star when he and De Mornay, 65 starred in the bawdy 1983 comedy Risky Business, which launched both their careers.

'Im really proud of him,' De Mornay, 65, explained in an interview with Page Six while promoting her new film, Saint Claire.

In Risky Business, Cruise starred as a college-bound teen who turns his home into a brothel for a weekend while his parents are away after hooking up with De Mornay's sex worker.

As for their career trajectories, the NCIS actress, who dated the Mission Impossible star for three years, compared him to one of his most famous films.

'Hes like, "I am Top Gun," and thats what America really wanted and so hes fulfilled it,' she told the outlet.

Rebecca De Mornay, 65, knew ex-boyfriend Tom Cruise, 63, before he became an international superstar, and is thrilled with the success he's achieved more than 40 years after they worked together; seen in 1983

'He is a brilliant, brilliant interpreter of what the zeitgeist is,' the Jessica Jones star said.

'Im really, really proud of knowing him from when we were in the suburbs of Chicago [filming Risky Business], and knowing what he wanted and where it is now.'

'We started this together and look what he did with it,' she added.

As for her own career, De Mornay told The Independent in 2024, 'I had no real plan for what to do next. I knew I didnt want to be typecast as the sexy woman, but it was all so difficult to navigate.'

She seemed to lose more direction after her mother died three years later. 'I was suddenly kind of orphaned, and everything after that just felt like I was flying by the seat of my pants.'

In Saint Claire, De Mornay plays a former actress and the grandmother of Bella Thorne, a young woman who kills sexual predators.

'Its very rare that I read scripts about a female serial killer whos obsessed with Joan of Arc, which I thought was just brilliant,' she explained to Page Six about why she signed on for the role in the independent film. 'I just wanted to be a support to this project,' she explained.

She went a little further about her admiration for psychological thriller with The Independent. 'It was guerrilla feminist filmmaking! she exclaimed.

'Im really proud of him,' De Mornay, 65, explained in an interview with Page Six. 'He is a brilliant, brilliant interpreter of what the zeitgeist is' she said of her Risky Business co-star

De Mornay, who dated Cruise for three years, compared him to one of his most famous films. 'Hes like, "I am Top Gun," and thats what America really wanted and so hes fulfilled it,' she told the outlet

The actress is currently starring in the psychological thriller Saint Clare as Bella Thorne's grandmother; Pictured in Burbank, CA in February 2024

In Saint Claire, Bella Thorne stars as a young woman who kills sexual predators. 'I just wanted to be a support to this project,' De Mornay said

'Its experimental. Its hallucinatory. And Clares not a victim, you know? I love that message, and I love that they chose me to play this archetype of maternal protection.'

When she first read the script a few years ago, De Mornay said she didn't see any parallels between current events, including the current scandal over who might be on the purported Jeffrey Epstein client list.

'I never even thought of that,' she admitted, adding, 'Its freaky that that would come into itLike, I didnt see that coming when I read it.'

Saint Clare is available for streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Video.
A legendary I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner and iconic TV star who lasted 72 hours in the jungle are reportedly on the brink of an All Stars comeback as the second season heads to South Africa.

And the fan favourites in question are none other than Jungle King Harry Redknapp and Gemma Collins, according to The Sun.

The popular former Spurs boss, 78, is said to be set for another huge pay cheque after reportedly earning 500,000 on 2018's main series.

Meanwhile, Gemma is also on the verge of landing a mega-deal - reputed to be over 150,000 - despite quitting 2014's main show after just three days.

A source told the publication: 'It's going to be a real coup.

'Harry is TV gold and was first on the list of wannabe celebrity contestants.'

Legendary I'm A Celeb winner Harry Redknapp is reportedly on 'the brink of signing up for All Stars'

Gemma Collins, who lasted only 72 hours on the show, is also said to be in talks with the show

MailOnline has contacted Gemma's and Harry's representative and ITV for comment.

All Stars will be filmed this autumn and go out in the New Year.

Harry is said to be the most popular contestant to ever have appeared on the series.

A peak audience of 12.1million viewers tuned in to watch Harry be crowned the King of the Jungle on the finale, capping off weeks of record-breaking numbers for ITV's 16-year-old ratings juggernaut.

Bosses at ITV revealed that the finale gave one of the show its highest peak audience of the series, with average viewing numbers of 10.9million.

Based on seven-day consolidated data, the series averaged 12.2 million viewers, making it the highest rating series in the show's history.

Speaking after his win, Harry said: 'I'm amazed I survived three weeks to be honest with you.

'When I first came in, I looked and I thought, "Oh my God, I'm in trouble here." I looked at the group and I thought, they don't really know or are interested in anything I'm interested in.

Harry is said to be the most popular contestant to ever have appeared on the series

'I thought it's going to be a hard couple of weeks but they just dragged me through it, every one of them.

'They're the most lovely people I've ever met, the whole group. There wasn't one person I could ever say one single bad word about. They were amazing.

'Without them, I would never have survived. They really have helped me. They pulled me up hills, they've dragged me through the water.

'They've been pushing me; "C'mon Harry get up, you can do it".'

Meanwhile, Gemma headed Down Under back in 2014, but only lasted in the jungle for three days before jetting back to the UK.

Following her abrupt exit over a decade ago, Gemma admitted she would be willing to give the jungle another go if given the chance.

Meanwhile, Gemma headed Down Under back in 2014, but only lasted in the jungle for three days before jetting back to the UK (pictured earlier this year)

She told the Sun in 2015: 'Everything would be different a second time. Id be like Lara Croft and Angelina Jolie rolled into one, and Id do the tasks.

'Im not scared of nothing. Hopefully one day the producers may give me another chance.'

And the reality star has previously vowed to stay until the end, telling the Mirror ahead of her jungle adventure: 'I think that I'm going to find it extremely tough; like every time I think about it, I feel sick, actually.

'It's going to be difficult for me, but, you know, no one takes the GC down. Yeah, every time I feel down, I'm just going to take a deep breath, and go, "You can do this. You can do it." That's what I'm going in with, that mindset. Nothing can kill me.'

During her appearance on the show, the GC was seen complaining over the lack of food and far-from plush environment, leading many fans to suggest this was the reason she left.
Frentz & Sons Hardware is closing after more than 90 years of business, becoming the latest victim of the growing retail apocalypse.

Owners of the legendary Michigan store John, Mike, and Chip Frentz, confirmed the heart wrenching news in a Facebook post on July 17.

'While the reasons are personal, we can share that changing economic realities, rising costs, and the challenges of running a small business in today's environment factored into this decision,' the family wrote.

'At the same time, the three of us are now in our retirement years and are looking ahead to the next stage of our lives.'

The hardware store had been a family-owned business since 1932 and a legendary store in the town of Royal Oak.

'We've always prided ourselves on having what you need, especially regarding the unique hardware and knowledge that older homes require,' they wrote.

'But more than that, we've been proud to know so many of you by name, help with your projects big and small, and be a trusted neighbor in the community we love so much.'

The Frentz family did not announce the date the store would shutter, but they said they are in the process of putting the building and property up for sale.

Frentz & Sons Hardware is shuttering after more than 90 years of business

(From L to R) John, Chip and Mike Frentz confirmed the news in a Facebook post on July 17

Facebook users were heartbroken to learn about the beloved store's closure, and couldn't help but look back at the fond memories they had of Frentz & Sons.

'My dad used to shop for our Christmas presents in your toy department. As I began to make and show my sculpture and other art I came to you countless times for tools and hardware and paint supplies,' a commenter wrote.

'1962? I had saved $3 in my piggy bank. Mom and dad took me to Frentz to let me spend my first money on an Etch a Sketch. Vivid memory of the whole day,' a customer responded.

'I remember coming here in the 60s with my dad and meeting all the Frentz! Great store and wonderful people to work with,' another person wrote.

'Thanks for teaching a youngster, like me and I'm sure many others, about tools and how to do a job correctly.'

'I went in the store with my dad often in the 50s and 60s and I think that's why I still enjoy and feel comfortable in hardware stores,' a customer added.

Others gave brief shout outs to Mike and Chip, and revealed they became friends with them after meeting them in the store.

Several other customers admitted to being heartbroken, but wished the Frentz family luck on their upcoming endeavors.

The hardware store opened its doors in Royal Oak in 1932

(From L to R) John, George Sr., and Mike Frentz all spent years working in the hardware business

The Frentz family began their longtime hardware business in 1925, when Mike's father and grandfather opened their own store.

While running the business, they would pass by a building in Royal Oak when traveling by street car to see relatives.

Mike's father and grandfather discovered a building for sale during one of their trips, which would go on to become the hardware store's home.

'My grandfather was in his 80s at that time, so basically my dad took the business over when he moved to Royal Oak,' Mike told Royal Oak Schools, adding that he was only 21 at the time.

While the business was still selling toys, Mike and his siblings would spend time riding tricycles when the business would be closed on Sundays.

'As I got into junior high, I started working a little bit... My dad would pay me out of the pocket for doing odd jobs,' Mike revealed.

'When I got into high school... I kind of started working more solid hours where I was scheduled and had a regular paycheck. I've been there ever since.'

While Mike and his family are unsure of what the future holds, they plan to be around to serve customers with their hardware needs for as long as they can before the sale of the building is finalized.

The store has been operating in the same Royal Oak building since 1932 and used to have a popular toy section

Frentz & Sons is not the only business to say its final goodbyes this year.

The family-owned business Trees n Trends is planning to shutter its stores this year after 30 years.

Trees n Trends has been offering 25 to 50 percent off discounts on products from all six locations and will continue operating until everything is sold.

Joann shuttered all of its stores after filing for bankruptcy protection for the second time in two years earlier this year.

The once-popular craft store was a family-owned business from 1943 until 2011, when it was purchased by Leonard Green & Partners. It went on to suffer financial difficulty for several years before shuttering its final locations in May.

Outside of retail, Hector's Cafe and Diner in New York City served its final customers on July 18.

The diner was a prime restaurant in the meatpacking district frequented by crew members from Law & Order.

Its financial situation and changes in the neighborhood were too much for the business to handle, and its final blow was the city's decision to expand the Whitney Museum and build large offices and a 600-foot residential tower.
In a first-of-its-kind display of judicial solidarity for environmental causes, 20 Judges of the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, joined the Delhi Governments Van Mahotsav 2025, to plant saplings in memory of their mothers under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign at the PBG Ground in Delhi Ridge

Speaking on the occasion, Gavai on Saturday said forests do not belong to us alone but to future generations and stressed the need to strike a balance between development and environmental preservation. The dedicated green space has been formally named as Nyay Vatika  a living testament to the judiciarys commitment to environmental justice and intergenerational responsibility.

While development is important, we must understand the cost at which it comes. Forests, which are a part of humanitys lineage, do not belong to us alone? They belong to future generations too. They play a vital role in reducing Delhis pollution, he added.

Whenever I travel toward Ghaziabad or Hindon Airport, I see the towering garbage mountains. It is commendable that the Delhi Government has set a target to completely eliminate these landfills by 2027, he said. Everyone starts getting worried as soon as October arrives, the chief justice said, alluding to Delhis annual battle with pollution.

In countries like South Korea  especially in Seoul  the Government has done exemplary work in environmental conservation and pollution management. Delhis efforts are equally promising and I hope they too become an example for the world.

Gavai, accompanied by 20 judges of the Supreme Court including Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha, Dipankar Datta, Pankaj Mithal, Sanjay Karol, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, KV Viswanathan, SVN Bhatti, Augustine George Masih, Sandeep Mehta, PB Varale, N Kotiswar Singh, Manmohan, Joymalya Bagchi, NV Anjaria, Vijay Bishnoi and Atul S Chandurkar, participated in the drive alongside Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Several Judges were accompanied by their spouses, adding a personal and emotional touch to the ceremony.

The event was also part of the nationwide Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chief justice highlighted the Supreme Courts consistent emphasis on sustainable development and its landmark advisories on pollution control, urging all stakeholders to recognise their shared responsibility in addressing the capitals environmental crisis.

Sirsa thanked Gavai and the judges for their participation, saying their presence sent a powerful message about the importance of collective action.

As the CJI rightly said, collective responsibility is key to protecting Delhis environment, the environment minister said.

Their participation under the Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam campaign reinforces our commitment to restoring Delhis green cover and reclaiming clean air, he said.

Officials said thousands of saplings were planted during the drive, which aims to mitigate urban heat, improve air quality and enhance Delhis biodiversity.

The event was part of the ongoing Van Mahotsav 2025 - Delhis largest community-led plantation campaign, which aims to plant 70 lakh trees across the city this year.
Shares of PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFSI  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the six brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $121.67.

PFSI has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Piper Sandler cut their price target on PennyMac Financial Services from $128.00 to $125.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 1st. Barclays cut their target price on PennyMac Financial Services from $124.00 to $119.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on PennyMac Financial Services from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on PennyMac Financial Services from $114.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Finally, UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $115.00 price objective (up previously from $110.00) on shares of PennyMac Financial Services in a report on Tuesday.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PFSI

Insider Activity

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PennyMac Financial Services

In other news, CEO David Spector sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.81, for a total value of $504,050.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 135,604 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,670,239.24. This trade represents a 3.56% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, CFO Daniel Stanley Perotti sold 10,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.45, for a total value of $1,044,225.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 234,025 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,273,786.25. The trade was a 4.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 36,500 shares of company stock worth $3,616,005. Corporate insiders own 15.80% of the companys stock.

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PFSI. Orbis Allan Gray Ltd lifted its position in PennyMac Financial Services by 447.5% in the first quarter. Orbis Allan Gray Ltd now owns 926,775 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $92,779,000 after purchasing an additional 757,489 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of PennyMac Financial Services during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $38,004,000. Millennium Management LLC lifted its position in shares of PennyMac Financial Services by 104.5% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 518,574 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $52,967,000 after acquiring an additional 264,956 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of PennyMac Financial Services by 7.4% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,886,580 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $294,835,000 after acquiring an additional 199,667 shares during the period. Finally, Philadelphia Financial Management of San Francisco LLC acquired a new stake in shares of PennyMac Financial Services during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $18,701,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.87% of the companys stock.

PennyMac Financial Services Stock Down 0.1%

PennyMac Financial Services stock opened at $100.80 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.96, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.30. The firm has a market cap of $5.21 billion, a PE ratio of 15.46, a P/E/G ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 1.53. PennyMac Financial Services has a twelve month low of $85.74 and a twelve month high of $119.13. The firms 50 day moving average price is $98.13 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $99.74.

PennyMac Financial Services (NYSE:PFSI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $1.42 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.99 by ($1.57). PennyMac Financial Services had a return on equity of 14.78% and a net margin of 20.27%. The firm had revenue of $430.90 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $520.42 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.74 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that PennyMac Financial Services will post 13.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

PennyMac Financial Services Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 23rd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 14th were paid a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 14th. PennyMac Financial Servicess payout ratio is currently 18.40%.

About PennyMac Financial Services

(Get Free Report

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the mortgage banking and investment management activities in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Production, Servicing, and Investment Management. The Production segment is involved in the origination, acquisition, and sale of loans.

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ETF Store Inc. lessened its holdings in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 6.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,743 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 648 shares during the quarter. ETF Store Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $247,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in PFE. Beckerman Institutional LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 6.6% during the first quarter. Beckerman Institutional LLC now owns 17,635 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $447,000 after acquiring an additional 1,097 shares during the period. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 12.1% during the first quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC now owns 28,170 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $714,000 after buying an additional 3,031 shares during the last quarter. Financial Harvest LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the first quarter worth $57,000. Carnegie Lake Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Pfizer by 2.6% in the first quarter. Carnegie Lake Advisors LLC now owns 63,959 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,621,000 after purchasing an additional 1,595 shares during the period. Finally, Members Advisory Group LLC lifted its stake in Pfizer by 1.1% in the first quarter. Members Advisory Group LLC now owns 206,945 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $5,244,000 after buying an additional 2,212 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock.

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Pfizer Price Performance

Shares of NYSE PFE traded down $0.12 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $24.46. The companys stock had a trading volume of 36,271,002 shares, compared to its average volume of 41,912,175. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $24.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $24.74. Pfizer Inc. has a one year low of $20.92 and a one year high of $31.54. The company has a market cap of $139.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.58.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $13.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 20.33%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.82 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Investors 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 dividend yield of 7.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 25th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 124.64%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on PFE shares. Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price target for the company. Leerink Partners cut their price objective on Pfizer from $28.00 to $26.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. UBS Group upped their price target on Pfizer from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Pfizer from $36.00 to $30.00 in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of Pfizer from $32.00 to $28.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Pfizer has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.55.

Read Our Latest Research Report on PFE

About Pfizer

(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.

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Gore Street Energy Storage Fund (LON:GSF  Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported GBX 1.85 ($0.02) earnings per share for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. Gore Street Energy Storage Fund had a negative net margin of 80.72% and a negative return on equity of 1.04%.

Gore Street Energy Storage Fund Stock Up 2.2%

LON GSF opened at GBX 61.61 ($0.83) on Friday. Gore Street Energy Storage Fund has a 52 week low of GBX 42.40 ($0.57) and a 52 week high of GBX 69 ($0.93). The stock has a market capitalization of 317.54 million, a PE ratio of -53.24 and a beta of 0.31. The firm has a 50 day moving average of GBX 63.33 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 55.65.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on GSF shares. Shore Capital reaffirmed a house stock rating on shares of Gore Street Energy Storage Fund in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an underperform rating and set a GBX 60 ($0.81) target price on shares of Gore Street Energy Storage Fund in a research note on Thursday.

Gore Street Energy Storage Fund Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

About Us: Gore Street Energy Storage Fund plc is Londons first listed energy storage fund, launched in 2018. The Company is the only UK-listed energy storage fund with a diversified portfolio across five grid networks. The Company is one of the principal owners and operators of battery storage facilities in Great Britain and Ireland and owns and operates facilities in Western Mainland Europe and the US.

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Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHSC  Free Report) by 0.3% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 425,377 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,176 shares during the quarter. Private Advisor Group LLCs holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF were worth $15,855,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Marshall & Sterling Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth $43,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth $154,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth $278,000. Iams Wealth Management LLC raised its position in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF by 14.5% in the 1st quarter. Iams Wealth Management LLC now owns 9,447 shares of the companys stock worth $352,000 after purchasing an additional 1,199 shares during the period. Finally, Simplicity Wealth LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF in the 1st quarter worth $463,000.

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John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of NYSEARCA:JHSC opened at $39.97 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $551.59 million, a PE ratio of 15.76 and a beta of 1.12. John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF has a 52 week low of $31.96 and a 52 week high of $44.10. The companys fifty day moving average is $38.74 and its 200 day moving average is $38.43.

About John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF

The John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the John Hancock Dimensional Small Cap index. The fund tracks an index of US small-cap stocks selected by relative price and profitability. Securities are weighted by multiple factors relative to their sector peers.

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Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA decreased its position in Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA  Free Report) by 24.1% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 102,686 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 32,550 shares during the quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA owned about 0.16% of Reinsurance Group of America worth $20,219,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Colonial Trust Co SC increased its position in Reinsurance Group of America by 72.2% during the 4th quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC now owns 136 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management purchased a new position in Reinsurance Group of America in the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Reinsurance Group of America by 164.3% in the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 148 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC boosted its holdings in Reinsurance Group of America by 224.1% in the 1st quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 175 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. Finally, Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. boosted its holdings in Reinsurance Group of America by 78.2% in the 1st quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 310 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $61,000 after acquiring an additional 136 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.11% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $216.00 price objective (down from $250.00) on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a research note on Wednesday, April 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on Reinsurance Group of America from $250.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Reinsurance Group of America from $237.00 to $264.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Reinsurance Group of America from $209.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reissued an overweight rating and set a $249.00 price target (up from $248.00) on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Thursday, July 10th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Reinsurance Group of America presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $245.00.

Reinsurance Group of America Stock Down 1.4%

Shares of RGA stock opened at $194.90 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $199.93 and its 200 day simple moving average is $200.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a current ratio of 0.16. Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated has a twelve month low of $159.25 and a twelve month high of $233.81. The company has a market capitalization of $12.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.45 and a beta of 0.62.

Reinsurance Group of America (NYSE:RGA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The insurance provider reported $5.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.33 by $0.33. Reinsurance Group of America had a return on equity of 13.69% and a net margin of 3.77%. The firm had revenue of $5.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.74 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $6.02 EPS. The companys revenue was down 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated will post 22.9 EPS for the current year.

Reinsurance Group of America Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 27th. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 13th were issued a $0.89 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 13th. This represents a $3.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.83%. Reinsurance Group of Americas dividend payout ratio is presently 30.04%.

About Reinsurance Group of America

(Free Report)

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated engages in reinsurance business. The company offers individual and group life and health insurance products, such as term life, credit life, universal life, whole life, group life and health, joint and last survivor insurance, critical illness, disability, and longevity products; asset-intensive and financial reinsurance products; and other capital motivated solutions.

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SNS Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 10.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,641 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 252 shares during the quarter. SNS Financial Group LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $423,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Perigon Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,087 shares of the companys stock worth $2,236,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. TBH Global Asset Management LLC grew its stake 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 grew its stake 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 buying an additional 64 shares during 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 buying an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Citigroup lifted their price target on Philip Morris International from $188.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 10th. Needham & Company LLC initiated coverage on Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. They issued a buy rating for the company. UBS Group set a $181.00 price target on Philip Morris International and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Philip Morris International from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $182.00 price target (up previously from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $186.73.

Philip Morris International Price Performance

Philip Morris International stock traded down $0.42 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $178.75. The stock had a trading volume of 4,649,814 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,663,371. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $178.83 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $158.57. The firm has a market cap of $278.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.86, a PEG ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.51. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $106.76 and a twelve month high of $186.69.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $9.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 8.43% and a negative return on equity of 122.40%. The businesss revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.50 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Friday, June 27th were issued a dividend of $1.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 27th. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.02%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 111.34%.

Philip Morris International Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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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).

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Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report released on Thursday,Zacks.com reports.

Several other equities research analysts have also commented on WFC. Phillip Securities raised shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, April 14th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $91.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, May 15th. They set a hold rating and a $83.00 target price on the stock. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $80.39.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on WFC

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:WFC opened at $80.64 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $262.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.16. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52 week low of $50.15 and a 52 week high of $83.95. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $77.14 and a 200 day moving average of $74.18.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.13. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.29% and a net margin of 16.82%. The business had revenue of $20.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.83 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.33 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, June 1st. Investors of record on Friday, May 9th were given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 9th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.98%. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is currently 27.40%.

Wells Fargo & Company declared that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Tuesday, April 29th that authorizes the company to buyback $40.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to buy up to 17.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Wells Fargo & Company

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 585.5% during the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 377 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 322 shares during the last quarter. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada purchased a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth $28,000. BNP Paribas purchased a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth $28,000. Accent Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Motco lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 397.6% during the 1st quarter. Motco now owns 408 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 326 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.90% of the companys stock.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

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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.

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